Tee Ball (Coed - Ages 4-6)

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

PLEASE NOTE:  Our Tee Ball program is run through the baseball side of our league for administrative purposes only.  When registering your child, you will need to go through the baseball registration area.

INTRODUCTION:  In our coed Tee Ball program, players learn to play ball on a small field focusing on learning positions, fielding, throwing and hitting off of a fixed tee at home plate.  All players will learn the standard nine positions defensively.  Parents/players can expect practices for the first few weeks and 1-2 games per week over the course of the regular season which extends from late-April to mid-June. Games are used for instructional purposes.  Coaches will be on the field during play.  Runs and game scores are not counted.  There are no division standings, playoffs or All-star tournament play at the end of the season for Tee Ball.

DETERMINING LITTLE LEAGUE AGE:   Both the baseball and softball program have nearly identical divisions but because there is a difference in determining age as mandated by Little League, there can be some confusion as to which division your player should sign up for.  The age determination cutoff for baseball is September 1st and softball is January 1st.  

AGES & PLAYING UP:  Tee Ball consists of all League Age 4-6 players, however Tri-Town offers the ability for players to ‘play up’ if they have played Tee Ball for at least 1 year, they are currently 6 years old and have demonstrated they are ready to go to the next division.  If players play up, they will be in the 8U division with 7 & 8 year olds.  Read more about our baseball & softball divisions and what to expect in those divisions.  If you would like your child to play up to the 8U division, please email the Tee Ball Director ([email protected]).  

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF 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 by doing drills, such as hitting off the tee, fielding ground balls and pop-ups.
• Players will develop hand-eye coordination and bat swing techniques without the fear of being hit by a 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.

WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM COACHES & VOLUNTEERS?

• All adult volunteers will need to complete a background check.  Background checks are free and simple to complete.  You can select to be a volunteer during player registration.
• Volunteers should participate in the League Safety Meeting and Coach preparation sessions.  Please check the League Calendar.
• Coaches and volunteers will be given practice plans and best practices that will help them learn how to run a good practice with drills.
• Parents on the field of play working with children in any capacity, must have a background check. 
• Coaches and volunteers will be given a roster of players with emergency contact information.  All player information is confidential and not to be given out to anyone or used for any other purpose than to afford team practices and games.

GAME RULES: The Official Little League Rule Book will be used for the 3TLL programs:

• No official games book or scores are kept and there are no league standings.
• Games are usually played at the Hunter Road, Freeport Middle School or Durham Community School fields

TEAMS:    Registration will drive the number of teams.  The Tee Ball Director will divide the census of players into teams of ten to thirteen players.  Coaches and volunteers are then recruited if still needed. If you are interested in coaching or volunteering, please indicate that during player registration or contact the Tee Ball Director.  Additionally, please use the special comments section to note player requests.

SEASON:  The season will start in late-April after the fields open, following Opening Day Ceremonies. Tee Ball players can expect to play at least 6 (often more) games, 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 players all the way to the professional players as a fundamental tool to develop swing mechanics, bat speed and eye-hand coordination.    

EQUIPMENT:  The Coach will be provided a team bag that includes a tee, balls, and will provide one baseball bat and four helmets per team but players may bring their own bat and/or helmet.  Players will be provided a T-shirt jersey and a baseball cap. All other equipment is the responsibility of the parent including, but not limited to, shoes/plastic spikes and glove. We do have a lot of extra gloves that have been donated over the years.  Please let your Coach know if you would like to borrow one.  It is recommended players begin to wear cups. Black pants are optional. 

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.

For further information regarding the Tee Ball program, please contact the Tee Ball Director - [email protected].