The Beaver Dam Youth baseball program’s mission is to make sure that our players enjoy the game of baseball; nothing more, nothing less. Along the way, we try to teach the fundamentals of baseball, teamwork, and the confidence to succeed.

Girls ages 6-8.  This is an advanced division from Coach Pitch or T-Ball for girls looking to begin playing softball. This division starts to prepare players to bat against live player pitchers. This division uses a RIF-5 (Reduced Injury Factor) softer softball. Some  advanced defenses and team skills are also incorporated into this division to help the players transition into the next softball division. Teams will practice 1-2 times per week at the coach's discretion. This division will have an 8 game schedule beginning in late May and ending in late July. All players signing up will receive a uniform shirt and hat.

*6 yr olds that sign up for this division, should have at least ONE year of playing experience in the T-Ball or Coach Pitch Division. 7yr olds that have NO playing experience should sign up for the T-Ball or Coach Pitch division to gain experience playing in a structured environment.

General Guidelines

1. Please have your team at the ball diamonds 30 minutes prior to the start of your game. Games may start earlier when possible.
2. Once the game starts, all players will remain in the dugout or on the playing field. Players may not sit in the bleachers or go to the concession stand during the game.
3. Players, managers and coaches are the only people allowed in the dugouts. Family, friends, etc. are not allowed in the dugout area during games.
4. Players who are not in complete uniform are not allowed in the dugout unless that player is an injured player from the team in the dugout.
5. One coach must remain in the dugout at all times to supervise players and ensure players are ready to play.
6. The Home team is the official score keeper. The Visitor team must supply the score board operator (preferably an adult). Teams/score keepers should check with each other throughout the course of the game to ensure accuracy. The Home team is responsible for recording the final game result and reporting it to the League Commissioner. Scores will be kept but no standings will be recorded.
7. The Home team will use the dugout on the First Base side.
8. The Home team of the last game of the day is responsible for  turning off the field lights and score board and locking the score box. The Visitor team of the last game of the day is responsible for removing the bases from the field and placing them in the equipment box inside the storage shed. Please make sure all locks are secured when you are done.
9. When a manager or coach is ejected from a game, s/he shall leave the field of play immediately and take no further part in the game. The ejected manager/coach may not sit in the stands and  may not be recalled. A manager, coach or fan ejected from a game must not be present at the game site or park area for the remainder of that game. The ejected manager, coach or fan is also suspended for the team’s next physically played game and may  not be in attendance at the game site or area where the next physically played game is being held.
10. In Little League programs, if the player ejected will not cause a disturbance for the remainder of the game, it is acceptable, and advisable, for the player to remain in the dugout, supervised by a coach or manager, for the remainder of the game.  The player will take no further part in the game, including serving as a base coach or warming up other players. If the ejected player continues to cause a problem or be disruptive, s/he will be asked to leave the field/park area where the game is being played. If a player is ejected from a game, s/he is also suspended from the team’s next physically played game and may not be in attendance at the game site or area where the next physically played game is held.
11. Yelling at the Umpires is not allowed. Umpires will give one warning for the first incident. Subsequent incidents will result in removal from the game and possible forfeit. Managers are responsible for players, assistant coaches and team parents/guardians. If you have a problem with an Umpire’s  decision or call, the Head Coach only may talk with the Plate Umpire between innings.
12. There will be no protests on judgment calls during the game. The Umpires’ decisions are final. Coaches making a game protest must do so with the Plate Umpire before the umpire leaves the  field of play after the game. Protests made after the umpire has left the field of play or on a later date will not be honored.
13. Games will be canceled for bad weather or poor field conditions. Game cancellations will be posted on our website(www.beaverdamll.us), on our Facebook Page (BDYBS), and announced on WBEV/WXRO. An email and text alert will also be sent to affected players/families. Coaches should also contact their players/parents to ensure they know the games are canceled. If you are unsure of a cancellation, please contact your league commissioner.
14. In case of bad weather during game times, games will be cancelled or delayed by the Umpire. BDYBS uses lightning detection equipment. If a storm is detected within 8 miles of our fields, the games will be suspended immediately and players, families and coaches will be asked to take shelter. Coaches, players and spectators should report any lightning they see during a game to the Umpire immediately. Once the threat has passed and if fields are in playable condition, the game will continue. Please follow the Umpires’ directions immediately. Safety is our primary concern.

Equipment & Uniforms

1. The catcher must wear a catcher’s helmet with a mask and  throat guard, a chest protector, and leg guards at all times. Catchers must position themselves far enough back from the plate to avoid being hit by the bat.
2. Players may only wear molded plastic cleats or athletic shoes for games and practice. Metal cleats are not allowed.
3. All players are required to be in full uniform while playing the game. A full uniform consists of a uniform shirt and cleats or athletic shoes. Sandals and jewelry are not allowed.
4. Batting helmets with face mask cages must be worn any time a player is on the field, batting, or running bases. Batting helmets may be inspected at any time by the umpire to ensure player  safety.
5. All in‐fielders must wear fielding masks. Teams will be provided with fielder masks for use during games & practices.
6. Games will use an 11 inch “softie” ball.

Rules during Game Play

1. Games will be 6 innings. The first inning to start after 1 hour  and 15 minutes will be declared the last inning, no exceptions.
2. Teams must field a minimum of 5 players.
3. The Five (5) Run rule will apply each inning. The half inning will end if the team scores 5 runs or 3 outs, whichever comes first.
4. If either team is ahead by at least 10 runs after 5 innings (or 4 ½ if the home team is ahead), the game will be over.
5. If there is a tie after six innings or the time limit has been  reached, the game will end in a tie.
6. There is a one (1) minute time limit allowed between innings. Hustle kids in and out of the game. It is helpful to have someone coordinate your defense or post positions by inning in the dugout so players know where they will be playing each inning.
7. If your catcher reaches base with two outs in the inning, please replace him with a courtesy base runner. The courtesy runner is the player that made the last out. Have your catcher ready to go when it is time to take the field so we can keep the game moving.
8. Infield practice will be allowed during the 1st inning only. After that, infield practice between innings is not allowed.
9. Warming up a pitcher on the side will follow these guidelines: Players will warm up in the gravel area along the diamonds. You must have 3 players – the pitcher warming up (throw towards the outfield fence, away from the dugout), a catcher wearing a catcher’s helmet and chest protector and another player with his/her back to the pitcher warming up (facing the field of play wearing a batting helmet and fielder’s glove).
10. Stealing is not allowed. Players may only leave the base after the ball crosses the plate.
11. Bunting is not allowed.
12. No infield fly rule.
13. Coaches should teach and encourage players to slide feet first during the game when there is a close play.
14. When a runner creates a malicious contact and/or interference with any fielder with or without the ball, in or out of the baseline, the runner is out and any other runners must return to the base touched at the time of the incident.
15. A batted ball hitting the orange half of the bag is foul.
16. A batter/runner must use the orange half of the bag when running through 1st base. She does not need to use the orange bag when rounding 1st base and attempting to run to 2nd base.
17. If the infielder covering first base uses the orange half of the bag (i.e. an errant throw from a fielder or throw from a catcher to first on a dropped third strike where the ball is in foul territory on the first base side of the field), the runner must use the white half of the bag. If she does not, she could be called out for interference.
18. If a batter throws her bat, she and her team will get one  warning. If any other player on that team throws a bat during the game, that player will be called out.
19. If the ball hits the ground and then hits the batter, it is a dead ball and considered a “ball” unless the batter swings.
20. Base runners must stop when the ball is in the infield and under control of a fielder. If the runner is more than halfway to the next base, the runner will be awarded the next base. If the runner is less than halfway, the runner will be directed back to the  previous base. Runners will always have the opportunity to advance at least one base per play (example: a ground ball is hit to the shortstop and fielded when a runner is on 3rd base. The runner on 3rd base may attempt to advance to home even if the ball does not leave the infield).
21. Pitchers will pitch from 35’.
22. Pitchers are allowed five (5) warm up pitches to start the game and three (3) warm up pitches between innings. Substitute pitchers are allowed 5 warm up pitchers. Any player warming up the pitcher must wear a catcher’s helmet.
23. Once a pitcher has thrown 3 strikes (swinging or watching), the batter will be out. IF the pitcher throws 4 balls, the batter will then receive 4 more pitches from the offensive coach to put the  ball in play. If the batter fails to put the ball in play after the 4th pitch from the offensive coach, the batter will be out. If the 4th pitch is fouled off, the batter will receive another pitch. Pitchers will be limited to two innings per game maximum; a single pitch in an inning constitutes a full inning.
24. Teams may field as many as 10 players on defense – four (4) outfielders will be used. Outfielders must be playing in the outfield grass and in normal outfield positions.
25. If your catcher is on base with 2 outs, we ask that you call time and put in a courtesy runner. This runner will be the last player called out. Coaches, have your catcher ready for the start of the inning, and warm up your pitcher yourself until she is ready.
26. Teams on defense may have both coaches on the field (one in the infield and one in the outfield) to direct defensive players. There must be a coach or parent in the dugout at all times. If a batted ball makes contact with a coach while s/he is on the field to pitch to the batter, it is considered a dead ball.