Antonia Baseball and
Softball Association (ABSA)

This program is primarily an instructional league with emphasis on fun and learning the skills of playing baseball.

An introductory to baseball in a non competitive environment, kids learn the basics of hitting, pitching and throwing.  Batters mostly hit off of a tee, with an introduction to coach pitch. 

All rules are meant to contribute to the objective of our program.  In the spirit of our purpose, we ask the coaches to rotate the players, so they can familiarize themselves with the various positions on the field.  We realize that some players develop skills faster than others and sometimes positioning has as much to do with personal safety as it does with ability. 

Do your Best and Have Fun!!!

1.  All players must be 4 years old
   1. Age requirement as of January 1st of the current year
   2. Typical age is 4
   3. 5 year old players with little to no experience in organized baseball are also encouraged to join this division if they have not reached the age of 6 by May 1st. 

1. The season consists of 10 games
   
   
2. A game will consist of 3 innings or 1-hour time limit
1. Please have players show up at least 15 minutes before game time for warm ups
   
3. An ABSA field representative will be at the first 2-3 games to help with questions or comments
   
   
4. The bases will be 40 feet, with no specific distance for the pitching mound
   
   
5. There will be no catcher, umpire or final score kept
   
   
6. Coaches will set up the tee, pitch and catch
   
   
7. Home team fields first and bats last.  Home/Away will be decided per the schedule
   
   
8. No official score of the game is kept
   
   
9. A bag with game balls will be provided by the league. 
   

1. Balls will be handed out when they become available

2. Tees will be provided by the league for a $50 deposit.  Checks will not be cashed unless the tees are not returned at the end of the season.

3. Pee Wee League T-Balls provided by the league must be used during games by all teams

4. Practice balls and all other equipment must be provided by the team and/or parents

5. Parents/Guardians must provide a helmet, face cage, bat and glove for each player

1. Fielding team will be allowed up to 5 adults on the field (for each position) to help coach and keep the players in order
   
   
2. No physical contact may be made with any child, such as assisting them in the right direction. 
   
   
3. All players will take turns playing in the infield. 
   1. There are no outfielders
   2. Positions include 1B-2B-P-SS-3B
   3. All players not in fielding position will be lined up behind the position waiting their turn to field. 
      1. Thus, a 10 player team would have 2 players at each position with one player waiting in line to play. 
         
      1. If you have more than 10 players, it is recommended to have more players in line at 1^st base and pitcher (they receive the most chances)
      2. When a batter reaches base, the player that was first in fielding position will switch with the other player (even if they did not field the ball).  The player that was in fielding position will move to the back of the line and wait their turn 
4. Managers will rotate the players when playing defense (each game playing a different position).  All players should be allowed to learn to play all fielding positions. 
   1. Thus, if a player is pitcher during the first game, you are strongly encouraged to play them at a different position the next game

1. Coaches are allowed onto the field at each base (1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, home plate)
   
   
2. Coaches are responsible for keeping the kids away from the batting area until it is their turn to bat
1. It is recommended that a parent volunteer watch the players on the bench during the game
   
3. All Batters are required to wear a helmet with a face “cage” in order to bat.  Parents must provide their child with proper equipment (helmet, face cage, bat, glove).  This should be conveyed by the coaches to the parents before the first game.
   
   
4. Everyone will bat each inning.  There are no outs.
   
   
5. The last batter in the inning will run a homerun and clear the bases.
   
   
6. A tee is used and shall be placed directly in front of home plate; this will teach the child to hit the ball out in front and not be late on swings. 
   1. The batter may not swing at the ball until the pitcher makes a pitching motion from the mound.  This allows all fielders to be ready before the ball is hit. 
   2. The tee is to be moved out of the way by the Tee manager after the ball is hit. 
   3. After 6 swings off of the tee, the player must run to first base, with or without hitting the ball
7. After the first 5 games, a coach is allowed to pitch to their players (but is not required to do so) 
   1. Players are allowed 3 pitches, if a ball is not hit fair, then the Tee must be put into place.
   2. Managers will pitch and catch for their own team.
   3. After 3 additional swings off of the tee, the player will run to first base, with or without hitting the ball fair
8. No bunting, stealing, or leading off.  The batter shall not throw the bat after swinging or hitting the ball
   
   
9. On balls hit to the outfield, the batter must stop at 1st base.  All other runners must stop at the next base.
   
   
10. On a ball in play, the base coaches should not attempt to “stretch an extra base” out of the play after the ball has landed in the infield area. 
    
1. This rule is for the safety of the players and to avoid the disorganization and frustrations that are caused by multiple errors on one play.
11. The manager must keep track of the batting order and let each kid hit the “grand slam” at the end of the inning. 

1. A parent or guardian for each child is required at all practices and games for t-ball and pee wee divisions.
   
   
2. All managers are required to purchase a background check through ABSA
   
   
3. All managers are responsible for communication from the league to their team and scheduling team practices
   
   
4. T-shirts will be provided by the league with a number.  Baseball hats will also be provided.
   1. If you have a sponsor, you may order your own uniforms
      
5. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on Antonia League property
   
   
6. No Pets Allowed
   
   
7. Each team is responsible for picking up all trash on the field they are playing on
   
   
8. No outside food or drinks are permitted into parks with concession stands.  Coaches must convey this to the parents before the first game. 
   1. EXCEPTION:  Managers are allowed a water cooler that is to be kept on the player’s bench

Please remember this is a FUN and INSTRUCTIONAL LEAGUE; therefore a Manager, Coach, Player or Spectator shall not argue.  The spirit of fair play and sportsmanship should be your guide.

PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR CONCESSION STAND.  THE MONIES RAISED ON THE PURCHASES MADE AT THE CONCESSION STAND OFFSET FEES.

1. If it is raining please visit our website or call our League at 636-948-3301 for the rainout message
   1. To sign up for our rainout e-mail please contact: info@antoniabaseballsoftball.com
2. Managers:  
   1. Each team's coach/representative must meet at the concession stand to reschedule game between 6:00 and 6:30 P.M on the day of the game.
   2. Forfeit of game may take place if representatives do not show up for game rescheduling

All managers will be responsible for communication between the league and their teams.  Managers will also be responsible for scheduling of team practices.