TEE-BALL ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA PO BOX 328 WEMBLEY WA 6913 ABN 13 684 422 808 Chief Umpire: Greg Mount-Bryson 1/70 Lawley Street Tuart Hill H: 934435853 W: 95817760 M: 0414 06153 e-mail: chiefumpire@tbawa.org.au MEMO To All Clubs Please find attached the first draft of the new Rule Book, it is the intension of the Rules Committee for this draft to inspire debate and suggestions. We encourage clubs and individuals to comment and put forward idea s, all suggestions will be strongly considered and unless they contravene or conflict with our rules will be put to the full council for consideration. From the outset the Rules Committee had three main objectives: To remove as many rules as possible To simplify as many rules as possible To remove references to the Baseball rule book. One and two are self explanatory the third contrary to popular opinion was not an attempt to distance Tee-Ball from Baseball simply an attempt to establish Tee-Ball as another diamond sport such as Baseball, and Softball also Baseball has so many rule that where unnecessary in our code. We urge you to please take some time, study these suggestions and put forward any improvements you feel will make the rule administration and playing of our great game easier. Suggestions on the layout of the book are also most welcome. At this stage we are strongly considering keeping the book the same size and giving an explanation/ interpretation after each rule. Should you have any questions in regards to the suggested changes I will be happy to discuss them with you. PLEASE PUT ALL SUGGESTIONS IN WRITING AND ADDRESS THEM TO THE SECRETARY TBAWA AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS Chief Umpire Greg Mount-Bryson On behalf of the Rules Committee
OFFICIAL RULES Evaluation edition INTRODUCTION: The rules contained herein are the official rules for the sport of Tee-Ball in Western Australia. These rules are administered by The Tee-Ball Association of Western Australia The game should at all times be played in the spirit of the Tee-Ball philosophy ( the "FOUR F's" ) 1. FUN 2. FAIR PLAY 3. FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS 4. FAMILY INVOLVEMENT Umpires must be above petty squabbling and should at all times solve problems in the most diplomatic way, respecting the opinion and interpretations of others.
RESPONSABILITIES AND DUTIES OF THE UMPIRES During a game they are administering, umpires must when dealing with the actions of any person, (be it player, official or supporter), who brings the sport into disrepute: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Act in a responsible and safe manner Act in the best interest of the sport of Teeball. Comply with any relevant rules applying to the situation Explain respectfully, clearly and concisely the request and/or the penalty if any to the person/s involved. Use no physical force what so ever. For the sake of definition this rulebook interprets the words bringing the sport into disrepute as set out below: Any act to intentionally not comply with the rules. Any act designed to exploit gaps in the rules. Any act being of general anti social behaviour. Any act in contravention to the Four F s of Tee-Ball.
1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES 1.1 The main objectives of Tee-Ball are: - (a) To introduce children to a diamond based team sport environment where enjoyment and success can be achieved by simple participation (b) To encourage and promote good health through exercise. (c) To encourage good sportsmanship. (d) To discourage exploitation of gaps in the rules. 1.2 The game is for all to enjoy and have fun in participating. Parents should become involved by coaching, scoring, umpiring, managing or being an equipment officer for a team or club. By being involved we ensure the children play team sport in a healthy family participating environment. 1.3 (a) Umpire's judgement decisions are final. However, an inquiry may be made on decisions based on rule interpretations, but ONLY by the team coach and directed to the plate umpire in a respectful manner. The plate umpire will then consult with the base umpire if it was his/her call. (b) When more than one umpire is in attendance, umpires may consult with, but not overrule, each other. The initial question on a rule interpretation must be directed to the plate umpire 1.4 (a) Correct uniforms, including caps properly aligned, and shirts tucked in must be worn during all games. (b) Shoes must be worn at all times. Screw-in studs, hard plastic and metal cleats are NOT permitted. (c) In games where baseballs are used, all batters, base runners, and catcher MUST wear helmets. (d) Pitchers in all games must wear helmets with facemasks. (e) Exposed jewellery such as wrist watches, bracelets, earrings and neck chains etc must not be worn during a game. The only jewellery permitted will be Medi Alert bracelets or Medi Alert necklaces and these must be taped to the body. A DOCTORS CERTIFICATE must support any request for exemptions. (f) If glasses, (including prescription), are worn it is recommended they be approved sports glasses. (ASTM F803-2003). 1.5 No listed batter will sit out two consecutive fielding innings unless at their request to the umpire. Should the umpire notice this infringement he/she shall give one warning to the coach. On the second occasion the umpire shall remove the coach from the game. 1.6 If any player is injured during a play, an umpire will immediately call "Time" to halt the game. After attending to the injured player, the plate umpire will then, in consultation with the field umpire, use discretion to decide the outcome of that play. 1.7 Any player leaving the diamond, gives up the right to re-enter the diamond or to take any further part in that play. 2. GENERAL PROCEDURES 2.1 Tee Placement: (a) The Tee should be placed, (i) In front of, and not touching the home plate. (ii) Centrally between the batting boxes. (b) The umpire shall be the sole judge of the placement of the tee. (c) The Umpire shall be the only person to handle the tee and at the request of a player/coach adjust the tee height as required. 2.2 Removal of Tee: The Plate Umpire MUST remove the tee after each fair hit, and hold it until "Time" is called. 2.3 Scorers: The scorers must sit together behind the home plate and outside the dead ball lines, and must notify the umpire when: (a) a batter bats or is about to bat out of order. (b) the ninth batter has completed their turn at bat.
2.4 Coaches: (a) When their team is batting, coaches are only allowed in the first and third base coach's boxes or team bench area. Coaches are permitted to assist and instruct a batter but must return to either the bench or Coach's Box before "Play Ball" is called. Coaches at 1 st & 3 rd base must remain inside the marked lines of the coaches box during play. Should the coach move outside the lines of the box and interfere with play the leading runner shall be given out. (b) When their team is fielding, all coaches must remain within the bench area. However, for under nine or lower age teams, one coach may take a position anywhere behind the line of the outfielders to direct play. If a live ball touches any such coach, or he/she physically assists the fielder, the batter shall be awarded a home run. (c) A coach who, whilst in the coach s box, intentionally handles a batted/thrown ball, the umpire will call Time, dead ball. The outcome of that play to be decided in consultation by both the plate and field umpire. 3. SPECIFICATIONS Diamond To Be Redrawn Showing Warm Up Circle 3.1 Diamond: (a) Baselines: 18.29m (60ft) (b) Dead Ball Line: 6.10m (20ft) from Foul Ball Lines 6.10m (20ft) radius from point of home plate (c) Pitchers Plate: 14.02m (46ft) from point of home plate. (d) Batting Boxes: 1.83m (6ft) x 1.22m (4ft) 150mm (6in) from home plate closed across the top of box (e) Coaches Boxes: 1.83m (6ft) from Foul Ball Lines (f) Batters Warm Up Circles: (i) A warm-up circle of 1 metre diameter shall be drawn with the centre point located 1.25metres inside the dead ball line and 3 metres forward of home plate to the left and right of the batting boxes to allow the next batter to warm-up. (ii) Any live ball seen by the umpire to be entering the warm-up circle or the coaches boxes, the umpire will call Time and the outcome of that play to be decided in consultation by both the plate and field umpire. 3.2 Ball: (a) Tee-Ball (practice rubber baseball): under nines and all girls' age groups. (b) Normal Baseball: under 10, under 11 and under 13 mixed. 3.3 Tee: (a) The tee must be of a similar construction to that listed in the back of this rulebook. (b) The dimensions of the tee shall be as per the back of this rulebook. 3.4 Bats: Maximum bat size for Teeball will be: Length 86.4cm (34in), diameter 5.7cm (2¼ in) 3.5 Gloves Each fielder must wear a standard diamond sports glove not more than 32.5cms long from top to bottom and not more than 20cms wide across the palm. 4. CONDUCT 4.1 Violations and Penalties: Players, Coaches, Managers and Spectators, shall not make disparaging or offensive or insulting remarks to or about other players, officials or spectators. Umpires will not tolerate any conduct or allow verbal interference such that in the umpires opinion the sport is brought into disrepute. (a) (b) (c) For a first offence, a coach, manager, spectator or player may, at the umpires discretion be warned, but for the second offence they are removed from the game and from the vicinity of the playing field if felt necessary. Failure to leave the vicinity warrants forfeiture of the game - in such case, the score shall be nine/nil in favour of the opposing team. On all warnings the umpire shall instruct the scorer to enter such, on the scorecard, against the offending members name/team with the type of offence.
5. REGULATION GAME 5.1 Regulation Game: A regulation game shall be of nine innings or one (1) hour, whichever occurs first. (a) No innings shall commence within five minutes of the scheduled finishing time. (An innings is defined as commencing at the moment the bottom of the previous innings is completed.) (b) Once an innings has commenced, it must be played to completion, that is, both sides must bat. (c) Exceptions to Rule 5.1 may occur during Carnivals were time does not allow for full games 6. COMMENCEMENT OF PLAY 6.1 Commencement of Play: When the batter is in the batting box, the umpire calls: "Batter Up" then "Play Ball" for each batter and after every strike, foul, dead ball or when "Time" has been called. 7. BATTING 7.1 Foul Balls: (a) If, in the umpire's opinion, the batter hits more tee than ball when striking at the ball. (b) If, in the umpire's opinion, the batter does not take a normal full forceful swing when striking at the ball. (c) Back foot movement. Refer 7.7 (a) 7.2 Strikes: The batter is out after three strikes. (a) All foul balls are counted as strikes. (b) All full swings that fail to dislodge the ball are counted as strikes. 7.3 Thrown Bat: The batter shall be given out for disposing of the bat in a dangerous manner. (It is considered dangerous when the bat is disposed of in a way that would allow it to make contact with another person). The ball is dead and runners cannot advance. 7.4 Batting Line-up: (a) Though only nine (9) players may field at any one time, up to twelve (12) players may be listed in the batting line-up, with only nine (9) to bat in any one innings. The next innings starts with the next listed batter. (b) If less than three batters are out and nine (9) players have completed their turn at bat, the umpire shall declare "Side Away". (c) (d) A side with less than seven players shall forfeit the game 9-0. If the opposing team has more players, they may lend one or two players to the opposition and such players shall be deemed to be registered players for that team for the duration of the game. If only seven (7) or eight (8) players are available and no loan players come forward, the game shall proceed normally except, when batters 8 and/or 9 are due to bat, they are automatic "outs". Scorers must notify umpire and coaches of automatic outs. 7.5 Batting Out of Order: (a) (i) a player's position in the batting order is fixed when they have completed their turn at bat. (ii) Once all listed players have batted, no names can be added to the line-up. (b) When a batter is found batting out of turn, the umpire shall call time, nullify all play, including outs (unless it is the third out) which took place whilst the improper batter was at bat, by returning all runners to the bases where they were before the ball was hit by the improper batter. The proper batter then to take their turn at bat. (c) (i) The rule shall apply from the call of "Play Ball" for the improper batter to bat, to the call of "Play Ball" for the next batter to bat. (ii) The improper batter becomes a legalised batter when "Play Ball" has been called for the next batter to bat. The next batter is then the batter named after the legalised improper batter. 7.6 Injured Batter: (a) An injured batter who has reached first base can only be substituted at first base after "Time" has been called. (b) Any batter/ runner injured during a play may have a substitute runner at the base safely attained.
In both cases the substitute must be the last batter who scored or was put out. (c) A player with an injury that is bleeding or open MUST be removed from the game and treated. All contaminated clothing and equipment must be replaced or cleansed of blood prior to the player being allowed to resume play. The wound must be covered. If bleeding reoccurs and cannot be controlled, the player takes no further part in the game. (No penalty shall apply, the line up closes up until the player turns to or is removed from the game) 7.7 The Batter: (a) When the umpire calls: "Batter Up", the batter shall take a set stance in the batting box. From the call: "Play Ball", the batter is not permitted to reposition the back foot such that, in the umpire's opinion, the ball will be hit in an appreciably different direction. (Front foot movement is permitted.) The penalty for each back foot movement is "Foul Ball" and one strike is recorded on the batter. (Refer 13.8). NOTE: Pivoting, or dragging the back foot after contact is permitted. (b) If the batter hits before "Play Ball" is called, the ball is dead and no count is recorded on the batter. 7.8 Batting Out of the Box: When hitting the ball, the batter shall be out if, at the time of contact: (i) either foot is completely outside the batting box, (except the line nearest the pitcher) or, (i) any part of the batter's foot touches home plate. In both cases the ball is dead and runners may not advance. Batting out of the box can only occur if contact is made with the ball. No contact shall be counted as a strike. 7.9 Length of Innings: (a) Each team is entitled to bat in the order listed in the batting line-up until the third out is made or the innings is declared. (b) (i) At no time in the duration of the game shall anyone, that is, scorer, umpire, coach, manager, player or spectator make reference, by any verbal instruction or physical indication, to notify ninth batter is approaching. (ii) (iii) If a member of the batting team indicates ninth batter then the batter is out and the side is away. If the indication is made by the fielding team then the batter shall be credited with a home run. Such batter must still touch all bases legally. 7.10 Helmets: After the batter hits the ball, any base runner, who, intentionally removes their helmet and is not put out before the umpire calls Time, will be returned to the base they last crossed before the helmet was removed. 7.11 Second strike on Ball at Tee A batter is out when, after hitting a ball, his bat strikes the ball a second time in fair territory 8. FIELDING 8.1 Fielders: Nine (9) fielders occupy the field and must field in orthodox fielding areas, approximately as shown below, while maintaining relative separation: Fielders should be reasonably set in their positions by the time the ball is hit. Eg: out fielders should not be in full flight when the ball is being hit 8.2 When the Ball is on the Tee: (a) The pitcher must be in contact with the pitching plate, and must be the only infielder inside the diamond when the ball is hit. (b) The catcher must have their whole body to the side opposite the batter, outside, and behind, the back line of the batting box. Only an arm may extend forward of the back line but not into the batting box. (c) No fielder, except the catcher, may be in foul territory. (d) When, in the umpire's opinion, the offending fielder gains an advantage from a violation of (a), (b) or (c), the umpire shall call: "Dead Ball" and return all runners to their bases. On all occasions the umpire shall warn the offending player. (e) Limited movement is permitted within their orthodox fielding positions for all fielders except pitcher and catcher, whilst the batter is coming to a set stance.
8.3 When the Ball is hit: (a) When the ball is hit, play proceeds normally until the ball is held by any player in an infield position and all runners are in close proximity to a base. The umpire shall then call: "Time". (b) Umpires should be aware of any attempt by batter/runner to force errors by suicide running or barging. Any advantage gained by this practice shall be nullified and the runner returned to the base before this occurred. Any out made shall stand. The umpire should at least warn any player they suspect might have committed this offence. In the more severe of cases where injury could occur, the umpire has the right to eject the player. 8.4 Overthrows: Runners will be awarded the next base from where they were when any thrown ball crosses the Dead Ball Line. A base is not considered crossed till it has been touched. 8.5 Helmets: Fielders wearing helmets must not intentionally remove them at any time while the ball is live. Any interference caused by a discarded helmet shall give the affected runner one extra base and any other runner forced to advance shall do so. 8.6 Change of Fielder: Any player who is listed in the batting line-up may substitute for an injured fielder at any time, provided: "Time" has been called. A fielder so replaced may return to the field with the approval of the umpire at any time provided Time has been called and that only nine (9) fielders are on the field whilst play is in progress. 9. SUBSTITUTION 9.1 Replacement of Player: Players may be officially substituted, however, the replaced player may take no further part in the game. The new player must take the substituted player's place at bat. 9.2 Injured Player: (a) If an injury incapacitates a player, a coach may request the umpire's permission to remove that player from the batting line-up without penalty, except when less than 9 players remain, in which case rules 7.4(c) and/or 7.4(d) apply. Such player may not be permitted to re-enter the game. (b) An injured player not incapacitated, (i) With the umpire's approval, WILL be removed from the batting line-up for first aid treatment, and the line-up close up without penalty, except when less than 9 players remain, in which case rules 7.4(c) and/or 7.4(d) apply. (ii) After treatment, with the approval of the umpire AND the person administering first aid, the player may return to the game in the same position in the batting line-up. 10. BASE RUNNING 10.1 Base Contact: (a) The umpire shall not call: "Play Ball" until all runners are in contact with their bases. (b) No runner may leave their base before the ball is hit. When a runner leaves the base before the ball is hit, the umpire shall call: "Dead Ball", return all runners to their bases and warn the runner who left the base early. If the same runner offends again in the same innings, the runner shall be called: "Out". 10.2 Contact By Coach: Batting coaches may not assist runners when in 1 st or 3 rd coach s boxes. Should the umpire consider the touching to be of assistance the runner shall be called out. Congratulation slaps are permitted, however, coaches must remain inside the lines of the coaches box. 11. OBSTRUCTION 11.1 Obstruction: Obstruction is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner. If a fielder obstructs a base runner, the umpire shall invoke such penalty that will nullify the obstruction. NOTE: Base runners must advance at least to the next base. 12. INTERFERENCE 12.1 Interference on Batted Ball: If a runner interferes with a fielder whilst in the act of fielding a batted ball, the runner is out, the ball is dead, and no players may advance unless forced. 12.2 Interference on Thrown Ball: If a runner intentionally interferes with a fielder whilst in the act of fielding a thrown ball, the runner is out, the ball is dead and no players may advance unless forced.
13. FREQUENTLY OCCURRING RULES to be placed in amongst the rules Batter-runners are permitted to run through first base provided they return immediately to the base. Runners are out if they display any intent to move towards second and are tagged while off base. Batters, running to first base, must run the second half outside the diamond. If not and a play is made between home and first base, the batter/ runner will be called out. When running bases, a runner must touch each base in order. If a runner misses a base, the fielder may appeal by holding the ball whilst in contact with the missed base. The appeal will be allowed only if the umpire has seen the runner miss the base and they are identified on the first appeal. Runners are not entitled to return to an occupied base. When retouching bases runners must do so in reverse order. Any runner may be put out on a play by being tagged, whilst off base, by a fielder. The tag consists of touching the runner with the ball or the hand or glove containing the ball. After the tag is made, the fielder must still have control of the ball. A force play is one in which a runner legally loses the right to occupy a base by reason of the batter becoming a runner. Runners are out if they leave the base before a batted ball is caught and they fail to re-touch that base before they or that base are tagged. On any catch, whether a fair hit or a foul hit, whether in fair or foul territory, the ball is live and runners may advance at their own risk. A batted ball should not be declared a foul until it touches the ground. A foul ball is one which: - (a) settles on foul territory between home and first base and home and third base, without having touched a fielder in fair territory. (b) rolls or bounds past first or third base while on or over foul territory. (c) first lands in foul territory beyond first or third base. (d) touches a fielder or umpire standing in foul territory. NOTE: (i) A ball that rolls or bounds over, or touches first or third base is a fair ball. (Ii) At all times, it is the position of the ball (rather than the fielder) which determines a fair or foul ball. A runner is out if, and when, they pass the runner/s in front of them before such runner/s are given out. No runs can be scored on a play where the third out is made - (iii) on the batter-runner before they have touched first base, or (iv) on a force play. A fielder may not deliberately remove any part of their uniform or equipment to stop a batted or thrown ball. If the ball is touched in this way:- (i) The penalty is a home run to the batter. Fair ball: - A batted ball that:: a) settles within the diamond. b) bounds to the outfield. c) touches or bounds over first, second or third base. d) first falls on fair territory in the outfield. e) while over fair territory touches a player or umpire. Note: All foul lines are in fair territory. Catches: - It is a catch if: a) a fielder takes possession in the hand or glove of a ball in flight and securely holds it, a fielder may not intentionally use any part of their uniform to help them gain possession. b) The fielder has made the catch, and drops the ball while in the act of making a second play / action. Unplayable Ball: Any batted ball that contacts a spectator, official or player on another diamond or is deemed to be unplayable by the umpire will be a Dead Ball. The batter and all runners will be awarded two bases, unless they have already exceeded that award at the time of contact, if so they will be awarded the next base. Players must have reached the base to be awarded the next one.