PLAY ROOKIE BALL (U10)

Rookie Ball players play a modified form of baseball where the coach pitches to their own team. There are no strikes or balls and after three unsuccessful pitches the batter can hit the ball off a tee.

In the second half of the season some children will be able to pitch to their own team as preparation for moving to Little League in the following season.

The emphasis is on skill development while introducing baseball concepts such as “Force Play” and “Tag Up”.

A modified ball is used that is softer and slightly smaller than a normal baseball to reduce the risk of injury and build confidence. Team size is aimed at a max of 8 to 9 players to increase participation and skill development with players being rotated through different fielding positions in each innings.

AGE

Baseball uses an Age Matrix to determine which age group applies. Players who have a baseball age of 7, 8, or 9 will play Little League Minors (the matrix makes this easy to determine).

TRAINING

Depends on each club but usually from 4.30-6pm. Training usually will commence in the first week of Term 4.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Junior Gameday shirt, club cap, baseball glove, protective cup, sneakers or moulded cleat shoes.

Contact your club for more information about uniforms.

For any more gear you can contact the Gold Coast's only baseball store at www.base2base.com.au for all your equipment needs.

GAMES

Games are generally played on Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings depending on the club you join.

Matches are played in-house and against other clubs depending on the club. There are no competition points or official scores recorded.

Games are normally 1.00hr long

SEASON

The season starts early October through to mid December then breaks for Christmas returning for term 1 of school through to early March. There are no games or training during school holidays.

TOURNAMENTS

One or two tournaments are held each season for all the teams from every club to get together with multiple games in the day.

VOLUNTEERS

Every club needs coaches, assistant coaches, scorers, team managers, umpires and field setup. Talk to your club about how you can help support your children's team.