Tee Ball (Ages 4 (as of 4/1) - 6)

OBJECTIVE: THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE TEE BALL PROGRAM IS FOR THE CHILDREN TO HAVE FUN LEARNING BASEBALL FUNDAMENTALS.

Introduction: In the Tee Ball program, players learn to play baseball on a small field focusing on learning positions, fielding, throwing and hitting off of a fixed tee at home plate.  All players should learn the standard nine positions defensively. Parent/players can expect initial practices early in the season and 1-2 games per week over the course of the regular season which extends from April to June. Games are used for instructional purposes. Coaches will be on the field of play to facilitate game play and ongoing instruction.  Runs and game scores are not recorded.  There are no division standings, playoffs or All-star tournament play at the end of the season for Tee Ball.

Depending on enrollment, there may be opportunities to establish two Tee Ball divisions at AGALL. The Rookies Division is for all League Age 4 (as of 4/1/2023) players and all first year League Age 5 players or any second year League Age 5 player where parents feel that playing another year at this level will benefit their player. 

The standard Tee Ball Division is for all League Age 6 players and any League Age 5 player that has played at least one full spring season of Tee Ball with AGALL or an equivalent league as determined by the AGALL Board.

What is Expected from Tee Ball Players?

• Players will learn the basics of hitting, throwing and fielding.  
• Players will learn how to be coached and to be a member of a team. 
• Players will learn basic baseball skills by doing drills, such as hitting off the tee, fielding ground balls and hand tossed pop-ups.
• Players will develop hand-eye coordination and bat swing techniques without the fear of being hit by a player-pitched ball.
• Players will develop an awareness of all nine fielding positions.
• Players will develop throwing overhand with proper mechanics, building arm strength and accuracy, and how to properly hold the baseball. 

What is Expected from Volunteers and Parent Coaches?

• Volunteer parents/coaches need to complete a background check by Mid-March.  Please check the Volunteer Page and utilize the Volunteer Form.  There is no cost for the background check. All volunteers on the field of play and regularly working with children, must have a background check.
• Coaches – at least one per team, should participate in the League Safety Meeting and Coach preparation sessions.  Please check the League Calendar and watch your email as the season approaches.
• Coaches should learn how to run a good practice with age-appropriate drills.  Resources are available on the AGALL website (Team Central tab). 
• Head Coaches will be given a roster of players with contact information.  
• All player information is confidential and should not to be given out to anyone or used for any other purpose than to facilitate team activities during the season.
  

GAME RULES: The Official Little League Rule Book will be used for the Avon Grove LL programs, unless superseded by one of the following special Avon Grove Little League Rules:

• No official game book or scores are kept for the TBall Division(s) and there are no league standings.

PLAYING UP: AGALL does not allow first year players or players age 4 or 5 to play up to the Coach Pitch division.  All registered players are assigned to the proper league program based upon their age. The important part of playing T-Ball is to develop an appreciation for drills, rules of the game and building skills with drills & repetition.  Games are a reflection of how well the players are learning.  Coaches will use the games for continuous instruction and reinforcement of learning good mechanics, good sportsmanship and work ethic.

TEAMS: Registration will drive the number of teams.  The league will seek to divide the census of players into teams of ten to thirteen players of equivalent ability. Volunteer Managers and Coaches are then recruited if still needed.  If you are interested in Coaching, please indicate as such when you register your child and also register yourself.  Please use the special comments section to note any player requests.

SEASON: Weather depending, practices will start around the middle to end of March with games starting in April. Tee Ball players can expect to play approximately twelve games, again weather permitting. The concentration of Tee Ball is to develop basic fundamentals through practices and games.  Coaching concentrates on developing confidence through repetition and drills.  Tees are used by all baseball players all the way to the professional level as a fundamental tool to develop swing mechanics, bat speed and eye-hand coordination.    

EQUIPMENT: The Manager will be provided a Team Bag with bats, helmets and game balls.  Tees for practices and games are located at the facility. Players will be provided a T-shirt style jersey and a baseball cap. All other equipment is the responsibility of the parent including, but not limited to, shoes/plastic spikes, glove and cup if the parent/player so desires. It is recommended players begin to wear cups as they are mandatory in older divisions. Baseball pants are optional. While the League provides bat(s) and helmet(s), players may bring their own USA Certified bat and/or helmet.  

BATS: Bats need to be approved for Little League play.  Access the approved bat list on the Little League International web page. Bats must include a USA Bat stamp for play in the T-Ball Division.

RECOGNITION: There are no team records, playoffs, championships nor trophies awarded by the League. Coaches should focus on positive reinforcement throughout the season, games and practices. If the individual team managers wish to give the children a small token at the end of the season, they are welcome to do so. There should be no individual MVP or similar type awards.

COACHING: If you are interested in Managing or Coaching a team, please indicate as such when you register your player. AGALL strongly recommends attending coaching and umpiring clinics and informational sessions to learn Division-specific rules and how to hold effective practices.  Coaching at this age level requires patience, clear communications, establishing rules and good discipline.  Additional information is available on the Positive Coaching Alliance website: https://positivecoach.org