Instructional League Rules Tri-Valley Summer League
General Information
Schedules
Coaches Information
Rules & Policies
Umpire Information
The following rules are those established by the Tri-Valley Summer League for Instructional Leagues. Some may or may not be followed when playing instructional league teams from other towns. As a general rule, instructional league teams should follow the rules of the Home team when playing teams from other towns. Coaches should discuss with the opposing team's coach prior to each game. 

Mission 

The Tri-Valley Summer League for Instructional players is designed to be a participation league that will help develop self-esteem and the concept of team sports in each child who participates. Our league philosophy wants to emphasize this goal. A great goal at any level is to provide an environment where the players have FUN! 

At the same time, we should try to provide a very simple foundation of how the game of baseball/softball is played. We are teaching while having a fun summer.

Rules

  • All players are listed in the lineup. An inning ends after the fielding team has made 3 fielding outs. A player who strikes out is not considered an out. If the entire team has batted without 3 fielding outs, the inning is over. 

  • A coach will pitch to his/her own team. The batter will receive 5 swings before their at-bat is completed. The batter should be allowed to take an additional swing if their last pitch is hit foul or foul-tipped. Their at-bat is completed if they are unable to get a hit after 5 swings. 

  • No balls and strikes are called. The only strike is a missed swing and a foul ball or tip. Batters cannot reach base on a walk. 

  • No score is maintained during the game. All our players are winners if they have fun and learn the game of baseball. In fact, we discourage any player or parent who likes to keep the score on the side. There will be many games in the future in which the score will be kept. 

  • No leading off for base runners and no base stealing is allowed. 

  • All runners should be limited to advancing one base on overthrows. 

  • Work to eliminate any batter who throws their bat. This habit becomes more dangerous as they grow older. 

  • When your team is at bat, have each player sit on the bench with the exception of the batter and the on-deck batter. Do not have the on-deck batter on the field or swinging the bat. 

  • Try to create an atmosphere where the players are cheering on their batter. 

  • All players are in the field on defense. Rotate the players so they experience each position. Using a catcher is highly recommended. They gain experience at this position, which will help develop catchers in later years. Try to keep 1-2 coaches in the field to keep the players attentive and to help them understand how to play defense. A parent or coach backing-up the catcher really speeds the game up nicely. 

  • The game is completed after each team has batted five times (5 innings) or no more than 1 ½ hours. 

  • Encourage and praise each player as they accomplish something positive. Players want a coach they can respect. 

  • Have one coach on time always. It looks great when the coach is waiting on the players. 

  • Players should arrive at the game at least 15 minutes prior to game-time.