Rules (Applies to both Rookie A and AA):

1. A modified softball diamond is used. The distance between bases is 45 feet and the distance between home plate and second base is 60 feet.
2. The number of players in the field at any one time is limited (see specific league rules). No player should sit out for more than 1 inning per game. If a coach needs to have a player sit out each inning, this should be done on a fair rotating basis so that all players will get the same playing time in the field over the course of the season.
3. All outfielders should play at least 25 feet beyond the base paths. All infielders should play within 10 feet of the base paths. The pitcher should play to one side of the coach who is pitching.
4. Pitching is done by the hitting teamís coach ONLY. No player is allowed to pitch.
5. Coaches are allowed in the outfield when their team is fielding to help with instruction.
6. Coaches are allowed at first and third (in foul territory) when their team is batting.
7. The batting order cannot be changed once the game begins except for a player who is late and is inserted into the batting order after the game begins. ALL players bat regardless of whether they played in the field or not.
8. No bunting allowed. A ball that is hit that strikes home plate and remains in fair territory is a fair ball and should be played.
9. Any batted ball that strikes a coach in fair play will be considered live and should be fielded accordingly.
10. If a defensive play is made on the batter or runner and an out is called, the batter/runner who is out returns to their bench.
11. Play stops when a fielder picks up the ball and makes an attempt to throw the ball to another player or when an out is made.
12. Runners are not to advance after play stops. If a runner is between bases when play stops, they must stop at the base they were advancing toward and can be tagged out in the process. No additional bases can be taken on an overthrow.
13. There is no leading off base and no base stealing. A runner may only advance after the ball is hit into fair territory. Baserunners may not tag up.
14. Players should rotate positions after each inning. Players should experience infield (base and non-base positions) and outfield each game.
15. There are no winning or losing teams. Score is not kept. Standings are not recorded. There are no playoffs.
16. All games and practices should start promptly as scheduled. No inning should start later than 7:30 pm (weeknights) or 20 minutes prior to another scheduled game or practice (Saturdays).
17. There are no umpires. All calls will be made by the coach who is pitching. It is the responsibility of the coaches to maintain an atmosphere of fairness and good sportsmanship during the game. Any problems should be addressed with the Rookie League President after the game is over, NOT on the field.
18. SAFETY: Players should be careful not to throw their bat. Players throwing their bat should be warned, then called out, then taken out of the game on subsequent offenses.
19. SAFETY: There are no on-deck hitters. The only player allowed to hold a bat is the one at the plate.

Additional ROOKIE A League Rules:

1. Each team may have a maximum of 12 players in the field consisting of 7 infielders (catcher included) and 5 outfielders.
2. Each team will send the same number of batters to the plate each inning. The number of batters is half the number of players on the larger team. Each player is guaranteed 1 at bat per two innings. There is no limit to the number of outs in an inning. The innings are based on the number of batters only.
3. Each batter gets 4 pitches (good or bad). If the batter hits a foul ball on the last pitch, he/she gets another last pitch. After the last pitch, if the ball is not hit, the batter must hit off a Tee.