U11 Rookie League Rules

The main aim is for the kids to have fun with the rules set below.

  • Each game will play for 1 hour 15 minutes, if at 1 hour 15 minutes you are in the bottom of the inning and the team batting is winning then its game over. If you are in the bottom of the inning and the team batting is losing then the inning is completed. If you are in the top of the inning then complete the inning.
  • Coaches to pitch against own team, this gives consistency of pitch and speeds up the game.
  • Only 9 players are to field per inning, players can be substituted inning by inning and re-entered. If both teams have 10 players each, both coaches can agree to field all 10 by adding an extra outfielder in order to avoid having players on the bench.
  • All players in the line-up hit, the batting order is to remain the same for the entire game
  • Side away after 3 outs, encouraging the kids to play the out.
  • You can get a player out by: Run out (a fielded batted ball reaches the base before the runner does on a force play), Caught out (batted ball caught before it hits the ground), Tag out (runner is tagged by the ball when not on a base), Strike out.
  • A team can only score a maximum of 5 runs per inning, once 5 runs are scored it is side away. 3 swinging strikes, the batter is out *see below for modification to this for the first half of the season
  • No walks
  • No stealing bases

We strongly encourage where possible that you bat in order of M/F/M/F/M/F

*EXTRA LIFE STRIKE - From the start of the season until Xmas time, we want kids to get the feel for hitting the ball and running around the bases. For this purpose, we ask that teams allow an ‘extra life’ strike for the batter. If the batter still swings and misses on the 4th strike, they can run to first base. The catcher needs to hustle and try and throw the ball to first base to beat the runner! Train the catcher to throw to the outside of the base, and the first baseman to take that position allowing the runner a safe path without danger of being hit from behind by the ball.

After the Xmas break, the extra life strike is removed. Strike 3 is officially out, and no running to first base.