MAY’S FAMILY YMCA AT STONE OAK 21654 BLANCO ROAD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78260 P 210 497 7088 F 210 497 7602 W ymcasatx.org

MAYS FAMILY YMCA AT STONE OAK BASEBALL/SOFTBALL COACHES PACKET

PLAYERS PLEDGE WIN OR LOSE, I PLEDGE BEFORE GOD TO PLAY THE GAME AS WELL AS I KNOW HOW, TO OBEY THE RULES, AND TO BE A GOOD SPORT AT ALL TIMES, AND TO

IMPROVE MYSELF IN SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY.

PARENTS PLEDGE I PLEDGE BEFORE GOD, TO ALWAYS SUPPORT MY TEAM, WITH GOOD SPORTS-

MANSHIP AND SOUND JUDGEMENT, AND TO DEVELOP MY CHILDS SELF-RESPECT, AND

SUPPORT THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM.

THE CHILD AND THE SPORT 1. We are building attitudes, character, and leader-

ship through the participation in sports. 2. The child is our most important product. 3. We are not using a sport for recreation’s sake

only. The YMCA program is not only recreation, but also a tool, under the guidance of mature Christian leaders, to help a child become a bet-ter person who: a. Respects others for who and what they are b. Gets along with others c. Has a sense of self-worth d. Has those attitudes embodied within them

which make their life and lives of others more worthwhile

CONTENTS PAGE ITEMS DISCUSSED 1. Players Pledge Parents Pledge The child and the sport 2. YMCA Youth Sports Philosophy 3. YMCA Youth Sports -Team Parent Functions 4. The Role of the Parents The Role of the Coaches Skills and Characteristics of Coaches Leading Team Circle Discussions 5. Coaches Job Description Assistant Coaches Job Description 6,7. Emergency #’s list

COACHES PACKET

GOALS

1. To build self-esteem 2. To teach social skills values, communication, human relations 3. To teach physical skills, fitness, and health 4. To develop responsibility and decision-making skills 5. To enhance leadership skills in youth and adults 6. To build relationships among peers and between parent and child 7. To support and strengthen family life 8. To create a fun experience for children and their families

PHILOSOPHY

The objectives of YMCA Youth Sports are based on certain beliefs about youth sports, a philosophy summarized in their eight concepts: PARTICIPATION Everyone plays! There are no tryouts or cuts. During the season, everyone plays the same amount of time in every game and has equal practice time. Both the most highly skilled and the least highly skilled players are given equal attention by the coach. FUN We play sports to have fun! The overall environment created by the coach and reinforced by the officials is positive, relaxed, and enjoyable. Winning is kept in perspective. A tie is an acceptable outcome. No league standings are kept often no score is kept for the younger players. There are no playoffs or championship games. FITNESS Regular cardiovascular exercise is important for a lifetime! Encouraging fitness and good health means developing the whole person body, mind, and spirit. Healthy lifestyle habits are covered in team discussions and encouraged in family activities. SKILLS Emphasize the fundamentals! Equipment, facilities, and rules of the game are modified according to the ages of the players. Coaches help players measure their skills, set goals, and evaluate their progress against their own standards. During games, officials take the time to explain calls to players. Team discussions enhance other skills, such as decision making and communica-tions. TEAMWORK Focus on cooperation, not competition! Balanced teams are formed by attempting to equalize skills, sizes, and abilities, not by recruiting only the best play-ers. Players have the opportunity to play a variety of positions and are encouraged to help one another with skill development. Team discussions often focus on the importance of teamwork. Player skill level is assessed one-on-one between player and coach and is not announced so that players cannot compare themselves to each other. FAIRPLAY Fair play involves respect! Fair play requires a clear understanding of the rules by everyone involved including; players, coaches, officials, and parents. Fair play is based on: Respect for the rules and the officials who uphold them; respect for one’s team-mates, working to become a team player who unselfishly contributes to the good of the whole team; and respect the other team, considering the other team as an essential partner in competition. FAMILY INVOLVEMENT Youth sports is a family program! Youth sports is not a program for youth only. It involves family members in a variety of ways, beginning with a kick-off event to acquaint everyone with the YMCA Youth Sports philosophy. Special family events are scheduled for mid season and season’s end. VOLUNTEERS Volunteers are the key! The YMCA staff administrator manages the program through volunteers. A volunteer committee assists in coordi-nating the program under the direction of the staff administrator. Volunteer coaches and officials are carefully se-lected on the basis of their knowledge, experience, and support of the YMCA Youth Sports philosophy.

TEAM PARENT FUNCTION

The Team Parent functions described here are actually guidelines and are not necessarily mandatory. How closely they are followed depends on how much responsibility each Team Parent is willing to assume, on how much assis-tance each coaching staff required, and the experience of the Team Parents and Coaches. Some coaches may want to be responsible for more activities than others, therefore, one of the first things a Team Parent should do is contact the Coach and organize a plan. The main function of the Team Parent is to help maximize the amount of time that the Coach has available for planning and conducting practice and games. This time includes non-practice hours for planning practices and team goals, and time during practice and games that is spent working with the children. The Team Parent can be a valuable asset to the team by taking care of some of the other duties associated with running a team. 1. TEAM ROSTER: During the first practice, meet as many of the parents as possible and write their names

down. Include the parent’s names along with the team members and distribute copies to the other parents. This will help everyone to get to know one another and, hopefully, promote camaraderie.

2. PRACTICE AND GAME WATER: Make arrangements for having water at all of the practices and games. The Team Parents, the Coach, or a Parent Volunteer can provide the water and cups. It is best to try to get some-one to be responsible for the water for the entire season so there will be less of a chance of it being forgot-ten.

3. GAME REFRESHMENTS: If the parents want the team to have refreshments after the games have the parents sign to bring either drinks and/or snack for the games. Do this somewhere around the second or third prac-tice if the schedule is available. The Team Parent may want to distribute copies of the refreshment schedule to the other parents. It is recommended that the parents be called a day or two in advance of their scheduled game to remind them that they are to bring the refreshments.

4. TELEPHONING: The coach may need assistance in telephoning the parents to advise them of a change in a game or practice time. The Team Parent may also want to remind the Coach that the parents need to be ad-vised of any changes in case the Coach forgets. This is particularly helpful with the outdoor sports that can be affected by weather activity.

5. TEAM PICTURES: Distribute and collect the picture packets for the team pictures as instructed by the YMCA. This procedure may vary from season to season. Pick up team pictures at the YMCA on delivery date along with the medals for the teams.

6. TEAM AWARDS: The YMCA provides each team member with a participation medal. If the Coach and parents wish, they can provide each team member with a trophy. About three weeks before the last game, the Team Parent should poll the Coach and parents to see if this is desired. Also, check with the parents to see if they wish to give the Coaching staff awards and/or gifts. Some teams give the awards at the end of each party. So, check if a party is wanted. If these things are desired:

a. Get an idea of about how much money each parent is willing to spend. Engraved trophies cost about $5-$10 each. If Coaching awards are given, each parent will then have to spend approximately $10-$15 depending on the type of award and how many Coaches there are on the team. A vendor list is included in the coaching packet. b. Decide who will be responsible for ordering the trophies. c. About two weeks before the awards are to be presented, order the awards. This schedule may vary depending on the vendor, so check on delivery first. d. Collect the money from the parents prior to picking up the trophies. 7. TEAM END OF SEASON PARTY: Included in this coaches packet is a list of vendors list of places the Team Parent may want to hold a party. Make sure you call these places to schedule parties with plenty of time (3-5 weeks ahead of time.)

THE ROLE OF PARENTS Family involvement is a key part of the YMCA Youth Sports philosophy. For it to be successful, parents must understand their role, which includes these components: Being aware of the YMCA Youth Sports philosophy and supporting it by their own behavior (parents need to be especially aware of showing respect for officials, coaches, and the opposing team and modeling the behavior they expect of their children). Attending games, practices, and special events. At least one parent or guardian must be present at all practices and games. Spending time with their child practicing skills and attitudes developed during practice and games. Being supportive of their child by praising the things done well and the improvements made. Spending time with their child listening and talking about his or her accomplishments and feelings. Reading and using the printed materials provided by the YMCA. Volunteering to help the program.

THE ROLE OF THE COACHES

The coach is the single most important adult leader for his or her players. He or she is responsible for making sure that team members develop positive attitudes about fair play and respect for others while learning specific sports skills and having fun. The sports skills themselves are merely tools to help children achieve their full potential.

SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF COACHES

Good coaches realize that they have a unique opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life. Effective YMCA coaches fully support the YMCA Youth Sports philosophy in their attitude and behavior at practices, games, and events. The val-ues of fair play, respect for others, and teamwork are encouraged throughout all encounters with team members. Coaches realize their responsibility in making YMCA Youth Sports a family program and regularly communicate infor-mation to parents, encouraging their involvement through specific activities. Good coaches are people who enjoy work-ing with and relating to children at a particular skill and age level. They are motivators, teachers, and role models for their players.

LEADING TEAM CIRCLE DISCUSSIONS Development of body, mind, and spirit is central to the YMCA’s purpose. One of the ways this is achieved in YMCA Youth Sports is through Team Circle discussions. As practice drills focus on physical skills, Team Circles focus on devel-opment. The YMCA helps players realize that learning physical skills also teaches them about themselves and others. Volunteers are often uncomfortable with the idea of leading discussions on values, so you must teach coaches to view their role as one of coaching values as well as skills. To increase their confidence in and their cooperation with this im-portant aspect of YMCA Youth Sports, give your coaches these tips on leading Team Circle discussions: 1. Begin discussions by reviewing YMCA House Rules: speak for yourself, listen to others, avoid putdowns, take charge

of yourself, and show respect. 2. Ask open-ended questions that require some thought as opposed to “yes/no” questions. Examples: how did you feel

about the game last week? What did you learn today? 3. Be yourself. Children respect an adult who listens to them and who talks honestly. Preaching should not be a part

of Team Circle. 4. Volunteer leaders are role models for their players. Be willing to admit mistakes: it will make players more likely to

be open about themselves. 5. Give players a chance to respond but allow them to pass if they want to. Reinforce their responses with a nod,

smile, or short comment look “thanks,” “okay,” that’s interesting,” or “I understand.” Give the player speaking your undivided attention.

6. After all players have had a chance to speak, briefly summarize the response and add your own comments if you want, but do not lecture.

7. A Team Circle can be a spontaneous event when a “teachable moment” occurs a time when a valuable lesson can be learned by stopping a drill, exercise, or scrimmage to comment on an incident. This should not be done too frequent-ly, but can be effective on occasion to point out a good opportunity for applying a skill or values discussed earlier.

COACHES JOB DESCRIPTION Through volunteering your time to coach a group of children you have put yourself into a position to have a tremendous influence on these children. As a coach for the YMCA your duties include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Preparation, organization and implementation of practices. 2. Starting and ending practices on time. 3. Teach fundamental skills and rules as they pertain to the sport. 4. Provide a safe, fun, and positive learning environment. 5. Serve as a positive roll model for the children. 6. Develop and maintain communication with parents. 7. Maintain communication with the sports coordinator. 8. Attend scheduled coaches meetings. 9. Identify a team coordinator “Team Parent” to organize after game snacks, drinks and telephone calling. 10. Identify assistant coach or coaches and inform them of their duties. 11. Respect other coaches. 12. Follow the philosophy/guidelines set forth by the YMCA. 13. Accept all judgments by the official without incident. 14. Follow all game rules. 15. Have fun.

ASSISTANT COACH JOB DESCRIPTION Through volunteering your time as an assistant coach you have put yourself into a position to have a tremendous influ-ence on children. As an assistant coach for the YMCA your duties include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Assume coaching responsibilities in the absents of the coach. 2. Serve as a Positive roll model. 3. Attend coaches meeting in the absents of the coach. 4. Follow the philosophy/guidelines set forth by the YMCA. 5. Respect fellow coaches. 6. Follow all game rules. 7. Accept all judgments made by the officials without incident. 8. Have Fun. ASSIST THE COACH IN: 1. Preparation, organization and implementation of practices. 2. Provide a safe and fun learning environment for participants as well as parents. 3. Teaching fundamental skills and rules as they pertain to the sport. 4. Maintaining communication with parents and sports coordinator.

COACHES, PARENT, AND PARTICIPANTS

As coaches participants and parents it is your duty to maintain all of the YMCA facilities at all times. You can help by doing the following. 1. Cleaning up after yourself. 2. Bringing only water bottles into gyms. 3. Take time to throw away trash. 4. Give back all borrowed equipment to the YMCA. 5. Do not destroy any YMCA issued equipment. Together we can make the YMCA a nicer place, thank you for your understanding.

Seven Pillars of YMCA Youth Sports 1. Everyone plays. We do not use tryouts to select the best players, nor do we cut kids from

YMCA Youth Sports. Everyone who registers is assigned to a team. During the season everyone re-

ceives equal practice time and plays at least half of every game. 2. Safety first. Although some children may get hurt playing sports, we do all we can to prevent

injuries. We’ve modified each sport to make it safer and more enjoyable to play. We ask you to make

sure the equipment and facilities are safe and to teach the sport as we’ve prescribed, so that the

skills taught are appropriate for children’s developmental level. We ask you to develop your players’

fitness levels gradually so they are conditioned for the sport. And we ask you to constantly supervise

your young players so that you can stop any unsafe activities. 3. Fair play. Fair play is about more than playing by the rules. It’s about you and your players

showing respect for all who are involved in YMCA Youth Sports. It’s about your being a role model of

good sportsmanship and guiding your players to do the same. Remember, we’re more interested in de-

veloping children’s character through sport than in developing a few highly skilled players.

4. Positive competition. We believe competition is a positive process when the pursuit of victory

is kept in the right perspective. The “right perspective” means adults make decisions that put the best

interests of the children above winning the contest. Learning to compete is important for children, and

learning to cooperate in a competitive world is an essential lesson of life. These are the lessons we

want to teach through YMCA Youth Sports. 5. Family involvement. YMCA Super Sports encourages parents to be involved appropriately along

with their child’s participation in our sport programs. In addition to parents being helpful as volunteer

coaches, officials and timekeepers, we encourage them to be at practices and games to support their

child’s participation. 6. Sport for all. YMCA Youth Sports is an inclusive sport program. That means that children who

differ in various characteristics are to be included rather than excluded from participation. We offer

programs to all children regardless of race, gender, religion or ability. We ask our adult leaders to sup-

port and appreciate the diversity of children in our society and to encourage the children and their

parents to do the same. 7. Sport for fun. Sport is naturally fun for most children. They love the challenge of mastering the

skills of the game, of playing with their friends, and of competing with their peers. Sometimes when

adults become involved in children’s sport, they over-organize and dominate the activity to the point

of spoiling children’s enjoyment of the sport. If we take the fun out of sport, we are in danger of our

children taking themselves out of sport. Remember, that these sports are for the kids; let them have fun.

YMCA Disciplinary Policies and Procedures

Y-Sports Honor Code RESPONSIBILITY • I will be responsible for my own conduct during YMCA

Sports Programs. HONESTY • I will do my best to honor all rules set forth by the

YMCA. CARING • I will support all participants, staff and volunteers of

the program. RESPECT • I will respect everyone involved in the YMCA program.

FAITH • I will faithfully commit to the YMCA of Greater San

Antonio Sport’s Philosophy.

Disciplinary Actions

1. One Game Suspension (current game and next game) A verbal warning will first occur for most of these infractions:

• Repeated arguing with YMCA staff, officials, or representative. • Violating participation rules. • Embarrassing, humiliating or belittling any YMCA participant. • Purposely violating game rules.

This action will be enforced by the Referee and Site Director and/or Sports Director. The person being

suspended must leave the game site property. Disciplinary action will be documented and Sports Director will contact the suspended person within 2 business days

of the infraction. 2. Season Ending Suspension

(will not be allowed on YMCA practice or game sites for the remainder of the season)

• Verbal or Physical confrontation. • Repeating infraction from “One Game Suspension”. • Multiple infractions of game rules. • Playing a child that is not on a current YMCA team roster.

This action will be enforced only by the Sports Director and Executive Director of the Branch. Disciplinary action

will be documented and Executive Director will contact the suspended person within 2 business days.

3. Permanent Suspension (will not be allowed on any YMCA property or game

sites) May result in termination of YMCA membership and/or any other YMCA privileges.

• Physical abuse. • Multiple infractions.

This action will only be enforced by the Sports Director, Executive Director of the Branch.

2018 Sports Heat Policy In order to provide a safe experience for outdoor sports programs, the YMCA of Greater San Antonio will implement the following Heat Policy: When the temperature is 98 degrees or higher, there will be a mandatory 2 minute break for every 10 minutes of play during games and practices. Additional accommodations will be water and shade stations. The designated Site Director will be responsible for monitoring the upcoming weather conditions and implementing the above protocol based off of the daily forecast. The designated Site Director is required to use only the WeatherBug app., which is free for all Android and IOS devices. Adequate hydration should be encouraged at all times. Players should feel comfortable to take a fluid break whenever they feel the need to hydrate, in addition to the scheduled breaks.

CONCUSSION FACT SHEET FOR PARENTS

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION? A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION? If your child has experienced a bump or blow to the head during a game or practice, look for any of the following signs of a concussion:

SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY ATHLETE:

• Headache or “pressure” in head • Nausea or vomiting • Balance problems or dizziness • Double or blurry vision • Sensitivity to light • Sensitivity to noise • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy • Concentration or memory problems • Confusion • Just not “feeling right” or is “feeling down”

SIGNS OBSERVED BY PARENTS/ GUARDIANS:

• Appears dazed or stunned • Is confused about assignment or position • Forgets an instruction • Is unsure of game, score, or opponent • Moves clumsily • Answers questions slowly • Loses consciousness (even briefly) • Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes

[ INSERT YOUR LOGO ]

DANGER SIGNS

Be alert for symptoms that worsen over time. Your child or teen should be seen in an emergency department right away if s/he has:

• One pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) larger than the other

• Drowsiness or cannot be awakened • A headache that gets worse and does not go away • Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination • Repeated vomiting or nausea • Slurred speech • Convulsions or seizures • Difficulty recognizing people or places • Increasing confusion, restlessness, or agitation • Unusual behavior • Loss of consciousness (even a brief loss of

consciousness should be taken seriously)

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU THINK YOUR CHILD HAS A CONCUSSION?

1. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION RIGHT AWAY A health care professional will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child to return to regular activities, including sports.

2. KEEP YOUR CHILD OUT OF PLAY. Concussions take time to heal. Don’t let your child return to play the day of the injury and until a health care professional says it’s OK. Children who return to play too soon - while the brain is still healing - risk a greater chance of having a second concussion. Repeat or later concussions can be very serious. They can cause permanent brain damage, affecting your child for a lifetime.

3. TELL YOUR CHILD’S COACH ABOUT ANY PREVIOUS CONCUSSION. Coaches should know if your child had a previous concussion. Your child’s coach may not know about a concussion your child received in another sport or activity unless you tell the coach.

HOW CAN YOU HELP YOUR CHILD PREVENT A CONCUSSION OR OTHER SERIOUS BRAIN INJURY? • Ensure that they follow their coach’s rules for safety

and the rules of the sport. • Encourage them to practice good sportsmanship at

all times. • Make sure they wear the right protective equipment

for their activity. Protective equipment should fit properly and be well maintained.

• Wearing a helmet is a must to reduce the risk of a serious brain injury or skull fracture. • However, helmets are not designed to prevent

concussions. There is no “concussion-proof” helmet. So, even with a helmet, it is important for kids and teens to avoid hits to the head.

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD RETURN TO SCHOOL SAFELY AFTER A CONCUSSION?

Children and teens who return to school after a concussion may need to:

• Take rest breaks as needed • Spend fewer hours at school • Be given more time to take tests or complete

assignments • Receive help with schoolwork • Reduce time spent reading, writing, or on the computer

Talk with your child’s teachers, school nurse, coach, speech-language pathologist, or counselor about your child’s concussion and symptoms. As your child’s symptoms decrease, the extra help or support can be removed gradually.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION www.facebook.com/CDCHeadsUp

TO LEARN MORE GO TO >> WWW.CDC.GOV/CONCUSSION

Content Source: CDC’s Heads Up Program. Created through a grant to the CDC Foundation from the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE).

MAY’S FAMILY YMCA AT STONE OAK 21654 BLANCO ROAD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78260 P 210 497 7088 F 210 497 7602 W ymcasatx.org

TEE AND PITCH & TEE RULES

UPDATED 3/2019

TEAM RULES • Each team will have a minimum of 8 players and a maximum of 10 players • Teams cannot start practicing until after the coaches meeting • Playing time rules:

o Every child plays all innings in the field unless a child becomes sick or injured o Each team shall field full roster of 10 players o Each team shall bat entire team roster (10 players) per inning o If at game time, the team does not have 10 players present, the game will still be played o A different player will play in the pitchers position during each inning. Effort must be

made to give all players the opporunity to play at least one inning in the infield per game

COACHES RULES • Any coach who in any way phsically interferes in a play shall cause the ball shall be dead • A team will only be allowed to have four coaches on the bench • The YMCA will provide the game tee • Offensive coaches are to inform the opposing team when their last batter is up • One defensive coach will be allowed on the field, but shall not be allowed to interfere with

the play • Home team coach will lead the players and parent’s pledge before the game starts

GAME RULES

• The batter must hit the ball 5 feet to be fair. Each batter will be allowed unlimited swings until the ball is hit. No form of bunting is allowed

• In 6U Pitch and Tee – Players will have 6 pitches to put the ball in play. After the 6th pitch, a batting tee will be provided to put the ball in play

• Prior to the batter swinging, all defensive players in the infield must be within 5 feet of the baselines between first base and thrid base. Exception: one player must be inside the pitcher’s circle. Outfields must stay in the outfield until the ball is hit

• Outs will be not be called to encourage game play and participant development. Defensive plays are encouraged to encourage participant development

• After one warning, a coach must be notified that the player will be called out for throwing the bat

• Each game will consist of a 50 minute time limit. No innings may begin after the 40 minute mark

• Innings will be switched out once all offensive players have batted. The last batter will clear the bases

MAYS FAMILY YMCA AT STONE OAK BASEBALL RULES COACH’S PITCH, MACHINE PITCH GAME DURATION

• 50-minute time limit • No new inning will start after the 45-minute mark. • Finish the inning you start • A maximum of six innings (Innings consist of 3 out or five runs

for each team)

EQUIPMENT

• Balls o Coach’s Pitch – Level 5 o Machine Pitch – level 5

• All bats must be USA Baseball approved o Little League Bat – Should be at Child’s waste height

• Each Player must use a glove • All players will wear either running shoes or shoes with rubber

cleats (no steal cleats or spikes) – no open toed shoes • All Players are required to wear the team shirt and cap. Long pants are also required, but

are not provided by the Mays Family YMCA. • All catcher’s equipment will be provided by the Mays YMCA and must be worn during all

practices and games • In Machine Pitch, the machine wil l be set between 30-40 mph at a distance

of 30 feet from the back of the plate.

PLAYERS

• Starting defensive lineups will consist of ten players; all remaining players will start in the batting order. Any player arriving late to the game will be put at the end of the batting order

• No player may sit 2 innings until every other player has sat at least 1 inning • Every player must play one inning per game in the infield (P, C, 1st, 2nd, SS or 3rd) • After one warning (per team, per game) a coach will be notified that any player can be

called out for throwing their bat • After one warning (per team, per game) a coach will be notified that any player can be

called out for leaving the base early

COACHES • Each team can have a maximum of 4 coaches • One defensive coach will be allowed in the outfield area, but is not permitted to touch any

players or the ball. If done, all runners will advance one base. All runs will count in this situation

• The coach pitching will stand in the defensive circle. The defensive player will stand next to the coach during the play. Once the ball is hit, the coach must avoid any interference with the players on the field. In the event that the ball hits the coach, all the runners would be allowed one base only

GAMES

• Pledges will be led by the home team coach prior to the game • A minimum of eight players must be present at game time to start the game. If 8 players

are not present, the game will be declared a forfeit. The opposing coach will then give the team with a shortage of players enough to make 9 players and play the game regardless of forfeit

• Any coach who (in any way) physically interferes or aids one of his team players shall cause the player to be out and the ball shall be dead

• No coach may enter the playing field, except in a case of an injury (or as specifically noted in these rules)

• No leadoffs • No stealing • No bunting • One base on an overthrow • Coaches will pitch to their own team • In Coach’s Pitch & Machine Pitch – a player will

have 6 pitches to put the ball in play, however if the player strikes out, they are out (3 swings without putting the ball). The player must put the ball in play by the 6th

pitch or be OUT. There are

no walks • The infield fly rule will not be in effect • Any player batting or base running must wear a

helmet • Slide rule:

o A runner is out when – a defensive player has the ball and the runner remains on his feet and deliberately, and with great force, crashes into the defensive player. Effect – the runner is out, the ball is dead and each and any other base runner will return to the last base that they touched at the time of the collision.

o Note – if the act is considered flagrant by the ump, the offender will be ejected from the game.

o No head first slide into the base

COACHES BEHAVIOR • Unsportsmanlike conduct of the players, coaches or spectators will not be tolerated • Any player, coach or spectator ejected will be suspended for at least one (1) game and will

be placed on one (1) year probation • If ejected again during the probation, that person will be removed from the program • All violations will be documented and referred to the Youth Sports Committee

TEAM BEHAVIOR

• All players must wear YMCA issued uniforms • Any team not in proper YMCA uniform will forfeit the game. Any individual player not in

proper YMCA uniform will not be permitted to play in the game • Teams will be permitted to practice no more than two times per week. YMCA will only

provide one, one-hour practice per week. If a team chooses to practice twice a week it will be the coach’s responsibility to secure a second practice site

• It will be the discretion of the YMCA to add players to any team with less than the maximum number of allotted players

PLAYERS WEARING CASTS

• In order to protect the safety of all players in the baseball program, any participant wearing a cast will be prohibited from participating in YMCA games or practices. Exceptions will be granted with approval from the Executive Director and documented approval from a Doctor

MAYS FAMILY YMCA AT STONE OAK BASEBALL RULES SINGLE A & DOUBLE A Mays Family YMCA baseball league baseball rules are adopted by the youth sports committee. The Mays Family YMCA Baseball league will follow High School federation and the following amended rules. COACHES

• A team is allowed to have a minimum of 2 coaches and a maximum of 3 coaches present on the field

• No Coaches other than the 1st and 3rd base coach are allowed on the field • Teams are required to have both bases coached by adult coaches • Any coach who touches or in any way aids one of his team players shall cause the

player to be called out and the ball dead. A batted home run is a dead ball and base coaches are allowed to congratulate players when rounding the bases

• No coach should enter the playing field except for injury and on official visits to the mound. The mound meeting shall limited to time at the umpires discretion

TEAM & PLAYERS

• Coaches will need to bring a copy of their official rosters to the field for referencing if needed. Coaches playing an unregistered player will result in immediate forfeit of the game and 1 game suspension pending investigation

• All players batting and base running must wear a helmet

• No throwing the bat rule: one warning (per team, per game) a coach must be notified that any player may be called out for throwing a bat. The warning can be forgone by the official if he feels that it was blatant and was meant to cause injury

• Players warming up pitcher must wear protective catcher’s mask

GAME TIME RULES • The following leagues will use the following rules for game duration:

• Single A-No new inning will start after the one hour and twenty minute mark • Double A- No new inning will start after the one hour and thirty-five minute mark • Triple A- No new inning will start after the one hour and thirty-five minute mark • The official game time is after the conclusion of the parent’s pledge. Innings start

after the third batter of the previous inning is out. • All YMCA teams will bat a continuous lineup. All players present will be placed into a

lineup and the lineup will not change throughout the course of the game with the exception of an injury and a player leaving early

• If a player does leave the game early, due to ejection or voluntarily, their spot in the lineup will be skipped with an out being charged. (Excluding Injury)

• All teams will free substitute in the field with the exception of the pitcher. Once a player has been removed from the pitcher position, they cannot reenter as a pitcher

• Bunting will be allowed. There will be no third strike rule in Single A. Third strike rule will apply in Double A & Triple A

PITCHING RULES

• Any player on the roster can pitch • Players can pitch a maximum of 3 innings per game and 6 innings per week. Any

player that pitches in 3 or less innings is required to have 24 hours rest from game-time to game-time

o For example, if a team’s game starts on Friday at 7:00pm, the pitchers used in that game can’t pitch unless their next game is at 7:00pm on Saturday or later. Any player that pitches 4 innings must rest 72 hours from game-time to game-time. For example, if a team’s game starts on Friday at 7:00pm, the pitchers used in that game can’t pitch unless their next game is at 7:00pm on Monday or later. Monday through Sunday represents a week

• No more than 5 pitchers can be used from a team in a single game. Exception: In the case of an injury to the 5th pitcher

o He withdrawal of an ineligible pitcher, after that pitcher has been entered into the game, but before he has thrown a pitch shall not be a violation of the rules

• If a pitcher hits 3 batters in an inning or 5 in a game, they will be required to be removed from the game

• Balks will be called in AA & AAA. Warnings will be left up to the discretion of the umpire. (There will be progressive enforcement)

• A pitcher’s undershirt cannot be exposed if it is white • The pitcher cannot wear a batting glove underneath their glove • Play is to halt once the pitcher has the ball on the mound (A only). Regular baseball

rules apply otherwise (AA & AAA)

LEAGUE # INNINGS TIME LIMIT RUN LIMIT 10 RUN RULE AFTER… PER INING

A 6 1HR 30M 5 3 ½ OR 4 AA 6 1HR 45M 5 3 ½ OR 4 AAA 7 1HR 45M NONE 4 1/5 OR 5

SCHEDULES • Regular season schedules shall be prepared by the Youth Sports Director

o The schedule should provide no more than 3 games per week per team with the exception of weather related makeups

o No inning shall start after 9:30pm FIELD DECORUM AND SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT

• The use of tobacco and alcoholic beverages is strictly banned from all YMCA events • Teams and spectators are not allowed to cheer against any opposing players. Nothing

negative will be allowed. Offenders can be ejected without warning • Any player, coach or spectator ejected will be suspended automatically from their

next game and placed on one-year probation. They must leave the property or the team will forfeit

• Teams are allowed to play with 8 players. If any new players arrive after the start of the game, they will be added to the bottom of the lineup and start playing at once

o If a player is ejected that spot in the lineup will count as an out o If a player is injured that spot in the order will NOT count as an out

e. The playing field uses the following dimensions

ALL BATS MUST MEET USA BASEBALL STANDARDS Bats may be taped or fitted with a sleeve no more than 16 in. from the small end. No laminated bats shall be used. No softball bats shall be used. Illegal bats shall be removed GAME PELIMINARIES

• The YMCA will provide 3 game balls per game. Teams are responsible for retrieving foul balls. After 3 baseballs coaches are responsible for balls

• The coach shall notify the umpire immediately upon the arrival of a late player. The umpire will then notify the opposing coach and the official scorekeeper

• Both teams will provide one able adult to keep the official scorebook and scoreboard • The Sports Director will be the sole judge of weather cancellation. In the event of a

cancellation if half the game is played we will not make it up • No equipment will be left on the playing fields and should be left in the dugout.

Teams will be issued a warning. Play will stop until equipment is removed • No one with the exception of players, coaches, officials and YMCA staff shall be

allowed on the field during play • Teams shall exchange lineups before the game and give a copy of their lineup to the

official scorekeeper • Lineups shall include numbers, player’s full names and their starting defensive

positions • Games can end in a tie.

SINGLE A DOUBLE A TRIPLE A FROM HOME TO 2ND BASE 84 ft 10 in 99ft 113ft 2in DISTANCE BETWEEN BASES 60ft 70ft 80ft HOME PLATE TO PITCHER’S MOUND 46ft 48ft 54ft BATS SHALL BE NO MORE THAN 33in 33in 34in 2 ¼ diameter 2 5/8 diameter 2 ¾ diameter All bats must be USA Baseball Stamped

BASE RUNNERS • The AA and AAA league is the only league that is allowed to use open

bases. (Lead offs for base runners wil l be allowed for AA and AAA only) • Single A league runners are not allowed to leave the base until the ball crosses the

plate. A team will have one warning per team if the player leaves the base early. After a team warning has been give, the offending team will be called out on the next violation

• Courtesy runner – the last recorded out may pinch run for the catcher whenever the catcher is on base. This is a mandatory substitution when there are two outs

• There is no head first slide allowed. Players will be allowed to dive back to a bag head first, but cannot slide headfirst when advancing to another base

• Runner cannot collide, lower shoulder or shove any player when approaching base. UNIFORMS

• All players must wear YMCA issued uniforms. Any team not in proper YMCA uniform wil l forfeit the game. Any individual player not in proper YMCA uniform wil l not be permitted to play in the game

• All players shall wear numbered uniforms and caps identical in color, trim and style. Players must also wear long pants

• A pitcher’s undershirt cannot be exposed if it is white • The pitcher cannot wear a batting glove underneath their glove • Pitchers cannot use 1st Baseman mitt or glove with white on the exterior leather • Metal spikes are not allowed in any age group • No jewelry or watches are allowed to be worn • Catchers must wear a catcher’s mitt • We require that all pitchers and catchers wear protective cups. We also recommend

that all players wear a protective cup, especially the infielders. FORFEITS

• Forfeits will be called by the umpire in chief if the following occurs:

o A team cannot field 8 players within 10 minutes of the appointed time

o The game will be permitted to continue by borrowing players from the opposing team (with the agreement of both team’s coaches). Games forfeited or played with barrowed players will not be made up.

• A team refuses play • A team fails to obey within reasonable time • An umpires order to remove a player from the game • A team employs tactics to delay or shorten a game • After one warning a team continues to violate any rule of

the game

PRACTICING • Teams will be permitted to practice no more than two times per week. YMCA will only

provide one, one-hour practice per week. If a team chooses to practice twice a week it will be the coach’s responsibility to secure a second practice site

• I understand that the goal of the Mays Family YMCA youth sports program is to help the child grow to his/her fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body: activity helps the body grow; thinking advances the mind; and belief makes our spirit grow. I additionally understand that the key that holds the Mays Family YMCA youth sports program in line is the coaches and parents keeping winning in perspective and focusing on the development of the child

COACHING BEHAVIOR

• Unsportsmanlike conduct of the players, coaches or spectators will not be tolerated. Any player, coach or spectator ejected will be suspended for at least one (1) game and will be placed on one (1) year probation. If ejected again during the probation, that person will be removed from the program. All violations will be documented and referred to the Youth Sports Committee

SAFETY

• Players Wearing Cast: In order to protect the safety of all players in the baseball program, any participant wearing a cast will be prohibited from participating in YMCA games or practices. Exceptions will be granted with approval from the Executive Director and documented approval from a Doctor

• No throwing the bat rule: one warning (per team, per game) a coach must be notified that any player may be called out for throwing a bat. The warning can be forgone by the official if he feels that it was blatant and was meant to cause injury

• Players must allow baserunners access to the base. Blocking a base can only take after the position player has caught the ball and not before ruling is determined by official/umpire

• If an injured or bleeding player is discovered by the official while the ball is dead, the clock is stopped. The player shall be replaced for at least one down, unless the half time or an overtime intermission occurs. This is an official’s time-out

• If the official discovers a player who is bleeding, has an open wound, or has an excessive amount of blood on his uniform, play will be stopped after the play in progress has ended. After play has stopped, Rule 1 applies

OFFICIATING

• The umpire will call balls and strikes from behind the catcher o Unless there is only one umpire. o There will always be one certified umpire on the field. YMCA Staff may step in

to umpire o No Contesting Balls and Strikes o No Challenging called outs on the field

Please remember the Mays Family YMCA philosophy: The Child First, Sport Second

Mays YMCA Girls Softball Rules

The YMCA mission is to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice

through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

1. General softball rules will apply in all games unless specified in these rules or stipulated by the Umpire.

2. The home team will provide a parent to keep the score by the scoreboard. 3. All teams must wear YMCA issued jerseys. 4. Both teams must recite the YMCA players pledge before the game begins and

the parent’s pledge. 5. Each team will have a maximum of twelve (12) players. 6. 10 players are allowed on the field. 7. EVERY PLAYER PRESENT AT GAME TIME MUST PLAY HALF OF THE GAME OR

THREE (3) INNINGS. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY UMPIRE OR PROGRAM DIRECTOR.

8. In 9U players will be given a maximum of 5 pitches to put the ball in play. After 5 pitches the next batter comes up.

9. In 12U players will receive a maximum of 4 balls or 3 strikes. 10. No taunting, distractive yelling, other than support, is allowed by teams while

a batter is at bat. 11. 9U will be coach pitch. 12U will be player pitch. 12. No Windmill pitching, we are only allowing underhand slow pitch. 13. No substitutions will be allowed unless there is an injured player. 14. Leading off will not be allowed. 15. In the event of a dropped or passed ball by the catcher, the runner

may attempt to advance one base as long as the next base is not home plate. When the runner arrives at the next base, the play is dead. Catcher may attempt to throw the runner out.

16. Only players and coaches taking part in the game will be allowed on the playing field. All spectators must remain off the field and out of the team dug-outs. Four (4) coaches are allowed on the playing field area (dug out, coaches box).

17. Coaches box: The offensive team may have one coach over the age of 18 in each of the coaches boxes.

18. A player may be called out for throwing a bat (at the discretion of the Umpire).

19. A minimum of seven (7) players must be present when the game begins or the game will be a forfeit. The game will be permitted to continue by borrowing players from the opposing team (with the agreement of both teams’ coaches). Games forfeited or played with borrowed players will not be made up.

20. All players must attempt to make all practices or contact the coach if not attending practice. Coaches are not allowed to hold players out of a game for not being at practices without consulting with the YMCA Program Director.

21. Any coach who touches or in any way physically interferes or aids any of his players shall cause that player to be called out and the ball shall be dead.

AN INNING WILL EXPIRE WHEN: 1. Five (5) runs are scored. (NOTE: The scorekeeper will notify the umpire

when five runs are scored.). 2. Three outs are made. GAME DURATION: 1. 9U:

Time: 60 minutes. At the end of 60 minutes the game will expire, despite what the score is or what inning we are in. 12U: Time: 75 minutes the game will expires, despite what the score is or what inning we are in. No new inning will begin after the 65 minute mark.

2. Innings: A maximum of six (6) innings. 3. No new inning will begin with less than 10 minutes remaining of the allotted

game time. FIELD: 1. Bases: 55 feet between bases. 2. Pitchers mount: (35) feet. 3. Out of play: Will be at the discretion of the umpire. EQUIPMENT: 1. Each defensive player must use a glove. 2. All players will wear either athletic shoes or baseball shoes with rubber cleats.

(NO metal SPIKES will be allowed.) 3. Catchers are required to wear a helmet, catchers mask, shin guards, chest

protector. They must wear this gear during practice, warm-ups and games. 4. Bats shall be no longer then 33 inches and 2 ¼ in Diameter. 9U 11inch, 12U

12 inch.

Players Wearing Cast: In order to protect the safety of all players in the baseball program, any participant wearing a cast will be prohibited from participating in YMCA games or practices. Exceptions will be granted with approval from the Executive Director and documented approval from a Doctor.

Coaches that are ejected will be suspended for one (1) game and will be subject to review by the YMCA Youth Sports Committee.