9U Selects

 

Summary

At the 9U Rookie Selects level, the fundamentals of baseball continue to be the focus. With the focus on getting players ready to move to the next level - 11U. The basics of catching, throwing, fielding, batting, base running, and general baseball knowledge continues to be reinforced.

Details

• Age Group: 8 - 9 years old (in the current calendar year)
• Session Length: 120 Minutes
• Roster Size: Approximately 12-15 players

Equipment

• Required: Glove, Batting Helmet, Bat, Hat (supplied), Jersey (supplied)
• Recommended: Athletic Support (i.e., jock or jill), Long Pants
• Optional: Cleats, Baseball Pants, Batting Gloves

Session Structure

Warm-up (15 Minutes)

There is no official warm-up session, however, players should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their scheduled game time to stretch and have an adequate warm-up catch.

Game (2hrs)

Duration

• Coaches are encouraged to get in 6 innings but due to the 2-hour time slot no new inning will start after 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• Each inning will be 3 outs or 3 runs (whichever comes first).
• There will be no open inning at this level.

Playing Field

• The distance between the bases shall be 60 feet.
• The distance from the point of home plate to the front of the pitching rubber shall be 44 feet.

Rules of Play

• All games shall be played in accordance with official baseball rules except with any other rules contained in this document, Baseball NL and Baseball Canada.
• Games are to be played with nine (9-10) defensive players on the field. The tenth (10th) player must be used as an extra outfielder.
• Coaches must rotate players throughout the defensive line-up to ensure fair play.

NOTE: While it is important for coaches to ensure every player receives a fair opportunity to try all positions, it is also a coach's responsibility to ensure the safety of every child. Some defensive positions have higher risk of injury from a batted or thrown ball. A coach may decide to not let a player take a high-risk position if he/she feels there is an unreasonably high risk of injury to the player.

• Score will be kept by the coaches.
• Catchers & Pitchers MUST wear a protective cup.
• All batters MUST wear helmet when on deck, at bat or on the bases.
• Players must run on and off the field between innings.
• Bunting is NOT permitted in Rookie Selects play.
• There is no infield fly rule used in Rookie Selects play.
• Runners may tag and run to the next base, at their own risk, after a fly ball is caught.
• If the catcher misses the ball on the third strike, the batter will be called out.
• Pitchers may pitch 2 innings per game.
• Lead offs and base stealing is NOT permitted.
• Strike Outs are permitted in Rookie Selects play.
• There will be no 4 pitch walks issued in play. After four (4) balls, the Coach will take position on the mound and deliver up to three (3) additional pitches based on current pitch count. If the batter fails to get on base via hit, the batter shall be called out. There are NO Walks. (ex. Count is at 3-2, coach gets to throw one more strike).
• The batter cannot be called out on a foul ball.
• If the batter is hit by a pitch thrown by a player, the batter shall be awarded first base or continue the at bat if he/she wants to continue.
• If the batter is hit by a pitch thrown by the coach the ball is dead, another pitch will be given.
• The batter can only advance one base on a hit from a pitch delivered by the coach.
• Base runners may only advance one base on a hit from a pitch delivered by the coach.
• In the event that there is only one coach present, the staff/umpire may be called upon to deliver the extra pitches in the case of a walk.
• Batting Lineup: A pre-set batting line up for each team will be created for the entire season. Each game will begin with the "On Deck" player from the last game (ex. Batter 6 Is the last out, Batter 7 begins the next game).

NOTE: This is a slightly modified version of the Baseball Canada Canadian Content Rule. The intent is to provide the opportunity to develop batting skill while maintaining a reasonable pace of play.

Coaches

There will be two or three coaches per team (1 Head Coach, 2 Assistants) if the number of parent volunteers allow. There will also be two staff present to facilitate game play: home plate umpire and base umpire.

Head Coach

• Make batting and fielding line-ups and substitutions each inning.
• Coach a base when hitting.

Assistant Coaches

• Coach a base when hitting.
• Keep kids safe on bench.
• Call out batting order.
• Can assist head coach with hitting and fielding instruction, if comfortable.

Coaches/Parents please remember that the Rookie Selects program is an introduction to 11U. Please encourage kids to have fun while learning the game.