Grades 1-2 / The Instructional Division
This is the perfect division for first time players as well as those moving up from the fundamentals division.
The Instructional Division is a coach pitch, developmental league for girls in 1st and 2nd grade. Here they will continue to develop their skills of throwing, catching, field, hitting, and base running together, and start to learn the rules of the game. This is a coach pitch program. The batting tee may be used as players transition into coach pitch.
There will be one practice and one game per week. Games are usually on Saturdays. Teams will be randomly selected with 1st and 2nd grade girls of all skill levels on each team.
This is an in-town program with no out of town travel. Program cost will include the game jersey.
Required Equipment:
- Fielder's Mask
- Batting Helmet with Face Guard
- Fielding Glove
- Softball Bat
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Rules:
1. Coaches will pitch to their team. Pitching distance is 30 feet. When necessary, the batting tee can be used for less experienced players as they transition into the coach pitch format.
2. Each batter will be pitched a maximum of 6 pitches by their coach. After the 6th pitch (unless the 6th pitch is a foul ball), the batter will be declared out. A batter can strike out swinging. There are no walks. Same rule apply for players using the batting tee.
3. 4 innings games; 90 minutes time limit. There is 4 run per inning max. Once a team has scored 4 runs, the half inning will be terminated, regardless of the number of outs. This applies to all innings including the final one.
4. Stealing is allowed; only 1 base per steal attempt; no stealing home; runner does not advance on overthrow.
5. No advancing on over throws to any base. No Bunting. No Dropped 3rd Strike. No Infield Fly.
6. When a pitcher has the ball within the Pitcher's circle (8-foot radius around the pitcher’s rubber), the base runner is obligated to proceed in either direction to a base. Play freezes when the pitcher has control of the ball within the circle.
7. 12 Players on Field. Infield positions: Pitcher, Catcher, 1st base, 2nd base, Shortstop, 3rd base. Pitcher will take position on the left or right side the coach pitching. Outfield positions: 2 players in Center Field, 2 players in Left Field, 2 players in Right Fielder. Outfielders must start each pitch on the outfield grass.
8. Each player must play 2 innings in the infield.
9. Each team is allowed to have coaches on the field during the game to provide fielding instruction.
Please note that these game rules have been created to further develop and prepare this age group for the Minors divisions.