Coach Pitch Division
Division Coordinator: Rod Skirvin   

This baseball division is for 7 and 8 year old boys and girls. Emphasis is on skill development. Players learn to hit a pitched ball. Coaches pitch a maximum seven pitches to each batter and then may soft toss three pitches.  No player can sit two consecutive innings but coaches are encouraged to play all players on the field. 

                           Coach Pitch Coaches and parents can click here to check out some drills and tips for coaching your team!!!

2010 Coach Pitch Division Schedules

	Coach Pitch Division
	Astros- CP	Braves- CP	Brewers- CP	DBacks- CP	Dodgers- CP	Marlins- CP
Mets- CP	Phillies- CP	Pirates- CP	Rays- CP	Reds- CP	Red Sox- CP	Yankees- CP

1.      Batting- Each player will receive 7 pitches.  At that point if the player does not hit the ball the player will be called “out” and should return to the dugout. There will not be any “soft toss” after the 7 pitches.

2.      Pitching-Coaches are to pitch to their players from close proximity to the pitching mound rubber.  It is preferred that the pitcher is on one knee while pitching.  The pitching machine can be used when available.  If a batted ball strikes the pitching machine the ball is called dead.  The batter will be placed on first base and any player that was on base at the time shall be advanced one base.

3.      Outs-Teams should call players “out” when appropriate and umpires are not present.  Three outs or 5 runs will end that teams inning.

4.      Player Positions-Players are to be rotated to multiple positions throughout the season and games.  It is not appropriate for players to be kept at the same position because of skill level.  It shall be the managers responsibility to ensure that players are rotated so the skill level for all players improves during the course of the season.  The exception for this rule will be at first base and pitcher if the manager deems that there would be a safety issue.  It is required that both teams have at least 7 players to play a game.  There shall be no more than 6 infielders at any time during the game.  Outfielders are to be kept in the outfield.  Four outfielders are permitted if enough players are present.  If necessary, a coach may be substituted as catcher.  It is highly recommended that all players that are catching wear approved groin protection.  All other protective gear is mandatory.  Pitchers will play to either sided of the coach that is pitching and will wear an approved protective helmet.

5.      Overthrows-When a defensive player makes an arrant throw, the runner should advance no more than one base that play.  If multiple arrant throws are made the player should not be allowed to “run the bases” and turn a single into a home run. 

6.      Game times-Games should always start on time when possible.  Due to field availability and weather, conflicts will periodically occur.  When it is time for your game to start, the first batter should be at the plate.  All warm ups, team meetings, and the pledge should take place prior to start time.  In the event that a game runs late due to weather or other unforeseen events, the next teams to play should be prepared to take the field immediately and to start their game so that the problem is not compounded throughout the day.  New innings should not be started if it will cause the next game to start late.

7.      Scoring-Five runs will end an inning for any team regardless if they have three outs.  Keeping a final score is optional for each team.  Keeping a score book is highly recommended.

8.      Umpiring-Since there are no playoff games based on a teams record, there shall be voluntary umpires for the coach pitch division.  For coaches wishing to start learning to umpire, this is your chance to get involved.  Two umpires per game are allowed.  If there is only one umpire, that umpire will stand directly behind the coach that is pitching OR in foul territory by first base.  If there are two umpires, one shall stand in foul territory by first base and the other shall stand in foul territory by third base.  There will be NO tolerance for coaches, players, or fans arguing with the umpires.  If this occurs, it is the responsibility for the umpires or opposing coaches to contact the division coordinator at his/her earliest convenience. 

9.      Tournament-It is the intention to have an end of year tournament for the Coach Pitch Division.  Each team will play, and game scores will be kept.  All tournament games will have at least one umpire present.  The tournament will be single elimination if possible.  If not, a double elimination format will be used.  Field availability, weather, and other unforeseen events might cause the tournament to be canceled.