The Coach Pitch division of Alpine LL is generally for players league age 6 and 7 who have completed one year of Tee Ball.  Coach Pitch is an instructional division with the emphasis on the continued development of hitting, defensive fielding skills and general game basics. The competitive aspects of the game are minimized, winning and losing will not be emphasized and each child shall have a positive experience during their first years of baseball.  Therefore, scores will not be kept and random positioning of players in the batting order and, within the limits of safety, liberal movement of players to different field positions is encouraged. Reminder that these are very young players just beginning to learn a very complicated game.

GAME LENGTH

Typically teams practice for 30 minutes prior to the start of the game. Teams should try to play 3 complete innings. However, no new inning should start after 1 hour of play.  A new inning starts immediately after the last out of the prior inning. An inning will be over when the last batter in the lineup has hit or the defensive team has earned 3 outs. 

Due to field capacity issues, Alpine LL is not obligated to reschedule games for Coach Pitch.

PLAYER PARTICIPATION

Offense
All players bat each inning even if 3 outs are made.  Each batter or runner that is out should return to their bench. 

Defense
10 players are permitted to play defensive positions.  If 10 players are used, 4 of the fielders must be outfielders positioned in fair territory. A pitcher’s helper must be within 6 feet of the adult pitcher when the pitch is made for safety.

Managers/coaches should equalize playing time in the infield and outfield for all players throughout the season. Players shall be given the opportunity to play a variety of positions.

HOW THE GAME IS PLAYED

Coach Role
A manager/coach will pitch to the batter. It is the coach’s discretion whether they pitch underhand or overhand. Two coaches are allowed in the outfield. Coaches will also handle all umpiring from their respective positions on the field during play.

Defensive coaches are permitted to be on the field in fair territory for instructional purposes. Coaches are not permitted to touch a live ball, but only to instruct players. If a ball accidentally touches a coach, the ball shall remain a live ball. If a coach purposely touches a ball, the ball shall be dead and the runners shall be allowed to take the base they were attempting to make and shall then be allowed to take one additional base.

An At-Bat
Each batter will receive a maximum of 7 pitches, even if some of them are bad throws from a coach.  After 7 pitches, if the player still has not hit the ball, he/she shall hit off of a tee. No exceptions. There are no walks and no strikeouts. The intent is to keep the game moving.

Baserunning
If a game is being played on a non-baseball field, the base distance should be set up as close to 45 feet as possible. 

A baserunner may only advance as many bases as the batter earns from his hit. For example:

• A runner on second base may only advance to third (one base) on a single by the batter;
• A runner on first base may only advance to third (two bases) on a double by the batter; or
• A runner on first base may only advance to second (one base) on a single by the batter.
  
  

All runners must stay on base until the batter hits the ball. When a defensive player overthrows the ball, the base runners are allowed to take one extra base.

There is to be no leadoff or stealing by the base runners. An advance to the next base can only take place when the ball is hit into fair territory.

Defensive Plays
Defensive plays should be rewarded by calling outs. Congratulate the batter or base runner on their effort, but explain that they are out. This will accomplish several goals: teaching the game of baseball, encouraging effort when running the bases, giving the players a goal to achieve, and rewarding a good play. Being on base should be something earned.

TEAM CONDUCT

• Players, managers, and coaches from each team will meet at home plate after each game to shake hands.
• Managers shall notify the Coach Pitch Commissioner of any problems related to players, or parents.
• Players shall participate in making sure the dugouts, fields and bleachers are free of all trash, and belongings following the game.
  
  

SAFETY

• Players must wear batting helmets when batting and running the bases. Catchers must wear a mask, throat protector, shin guards and chest protector.
• Batters throwing the bat are automatically out. This rule is administered by the coaches
• As per Rule 1.08, on deck batters must remain in the dugout. No on deck circle is permitted and there must be no practice swings.
• Coaches should bring an empty bucket to each game and set it up near home plate.  All players shall place their bats into the bucket before the game. Only the player who is at-bat is permitted to have a bat in their hands during the game.