2025 CLL Coach Pitch Baseball Rules
- 10 Players play the field with four outfielders. A minimum of 8 players are required for a coach pitch game. If a team only has 8 players then the 9th spot will be an automatic out. Teams must use a continuous batting order.
- 2 Coaches are allowed on field when team is on defense.
- Player pitcher must stay within 3 ft. on either side of coach pitching or in pitching circle.
- Players must play a minimum of 6 outs on defense.
- Continuous batting order; however, an inning is over after 3 outs are collected
- A batter gets 5 pitches or 3 swinging misses (i.e. strikes) then the batter is out. A batter is not out if they foul off the 5th pitch, but the next pitch must be fouled or put in play to continue their at-bat.
- Coaches are required to pitch from a distance of 25 to 35 feet. This helps to allow kids to better track the ball from the pitchers hand to home plate. Coaches must use overhand. A ball hitting the coach is considered a live ball. If the coach catches it, just drop it.
- DO NOT LOB THE BALL. Players develop poor batting mechanics with a lobbed ball and carry those bad habits to the next level.
- No base stealing. The base runner may not lead off or leave the base until the ball is put into play. If he/she does, the runner will be “Out”.
- No bunting is allowed
- No On-Deck circle
- Runner/s only advance on an overthrow IF ball goes out of play (out of fenced in area) and only one base.
- Stopping a play - Play will be declared dead once the pitcher has possession of the baseball with both feet inside the pitching circle.
- Base runners may advance multiple bases as in “real” baseball. Once a play has been declared “dead” the base runner may proceed to the next base if they have passed the half-way line. A runner must return to the last reached base if the play is deemed dead and they have not passed the half-way line.
- No Infield Fly Rule
- Catcher is a required position. The Catcher must wear appropriate catcher’s gear to play the position.
- Mercy Run Rules will be in effect of a 15-run lead at the end of the 3rd inning, 10-run lead at the end of the 4th inning and an 8-run lead at the end of the 5th inning
- 1 hr 15 minute = Time Limit
- 6 run limit per team per inning
- Bats must have USA baseball marking and 2 5’8 MAX (Bat Rules - Little League)
- Reminder – Any adult aiding or interacting with players on the playing field or at practice must have completed a background check NO Exceptions!!!