This document contains a description of each level of play offered in Nashua
South, with age guidelines for each level, playing time expectations, competitiveness
and development objectives.
T-BALL
Age range: 5, 6
What to expect: At this age the children are just learning the rules of
baseball. The coaches must be patient and encouraging. Focus is on getting the
players to hold the bat correctly, developing a simple and effective batting
stance and running hard to first base. Children should learn how to throw
correctly. The children should know to pick up a ground ball and throw to
first.
Level of competitiveness: Games are not competitive and no one should be keeping score.
Playing Time: Everyone should play in the field every inning. There are
no set positions.
ROOKIES
Age range: 6,7,8
What to expect: If a child played T-Ball as a 5 year old, s/he may be ready to move up. In Rookies the coaches pitch to the players. Rookies teams should be able to make a few outs each game in the field. Coaches should focus on teaching base runners to get a few steps off the base on a ball in the air. Fielders should learn to cover the base. Fielders should learn how to properly field a ground ball. This is also an important transition year when players (by the end of the season) should learn to catch the ball with their palm facing the player throwing to them. If players need more time to make this adjustment they should stay in rookies rather than move up to minors.
Rules: Three outs does not mean the end of the inning. Lineups should
bat all the way through each inning. Runners who are called out should be
called out and return to the bench. Each hitter should receive 7-10 pitches.
If they're unable to make contact, they should run to first. It's important to
be firm with this rule, as the games can drag on forever if a coach throws 30
pitches to a child hoping for contact. Coaches should also pitch from one knee
to help children see the ball from a more reasonable angle.
Level of competitiveness: Games are not competitive and no one should be keeping score.
Playing Time: All players play in the field at all times. Players should rotate through the infield and outfield. For first base and catcher positions coaches should use discretion to insure the safety of all players.
MINORS
Age range: 7,8,9
What to expect: Minors should consist of mostly 8 year olds. Each year
there are 2-3 exceptional 7 year olds who can play at this level. 9 year olds
who need additional time developing can also play at this level, but typically
we'd expect no more than 5-10 nine-year olds in minors.
Rules: There are umpires, but they are not official "patched" umpires
but rather teenagers who are still learning home to umpire. Three outs per
inning. Runners cannot advance on passed balls. Runners may steal bases on
balls that are caught. Teams may use 4 outfielders.
Level of competitiveness: Games are competitive. Teams keep score. There are playoffs.
Playing Time: The first year of "kid pitch". This is also the first year of "merit-based play." Players who perform better will play infield positions more often. However, every player should play the infield at least 2 innings per game (except in rare cases where a coach feels a child may be at risk of injury). Not every player will pitch or catch unless the coach feels that's appropriate. No player will sit out more than 1 inning per game. Playoffs: During the playoffs, the coach shall be allowed to have a consistent infield and outfield, with no requirement that each player play the infield. Players should sit a maximum of 1 inning per game.
AAA
Age range: 9, 10
AAA should consist of mostly 9 and 10 year olds. Each year there are 1-2
exceptional 8 year olds who can play at this level. Occasionally an
inexperienced 11 year old not quite ready for majors has played at this level.
What to expect: By season's end players should know which base to throw
to in all situations, know how to bunt, slide and execute a run down. Players
should learn about cut-offs and be experts at covering home on a passed ball.
Rules: Three outs per inning. Runners can advance on passed balls and "steal" home. Teams may use 4 outfielders.
Level of competitiveness: Games are competitive. Teams keep score. There are AAA playoffs and the Nashua City Tournament.
Playing Time: Players who perform better will play infield positions
more often. Every player should play the infield at least 1 inning per game.
Not every player will pitch or catch unless the coach feels that's
appropriate. No player will sit out more than 2 innings per game. Coaches
should keep track of basic stats to ensure their batting order is based on
merit. Many players will play two years in AAA, so parents whose children sit
two innings each game or don't play key positions as often as desired should
understand they'll have another year to develop at this level.
Playoffs: During the playoffs, teams are allowed to have a set infield
and outfield, with no requirement that each player play the infield. Players
should sit a maximum of 2 innings per game.
MAJORS
Age range: 10, 11, 12
All 12 year olds are required to play majors.
What to expect: Infield fly rule is called. No balks or leading, but most baseball rules apply. Teams may only use 3 outfielders.
Rules: Three outs per inning. Runners can advance on passed balls and steal home.
Level of competitiveness: Games are very competitive. There are playoffs and the Nashua City Tournament.
Playing Time: Players who perform better will play infield positions more often. All players must play 2 innings in the field and get 1 at bat.
A note about rainouts and scheduling