Overview:

"AA" is considered a developmental division with an increased level of competitive play. In "AA", during the regular season, coaches are strongly encouraged to emphasize player instruction instead of winning, by developing basic skills, teamwork and having fun.  Umpires are used at this level. Game scores and standings are recorded; however, a playoff format is used at the end of the season regardless of regular season records. Trophies are awarded to both the playoff champion and runner up.

Game Rules:

• No minimum number of players is required to play a game.
• Free substitution rules apply.
• Each player must play a minimum of FIVE defensive innings in a six-inning game.
• Pitch counts are kept by both teams.  Each manager is required to input the pitch count totals for each player that pitched during a given game in to the “Pitch Counter” online software
• 9 year olds are required to pitch from 46', unless an agreement is made by the managers to move to 40'. One of the goals at the AA Division is to develop pitchers and have all players pitching at a 46' distance by the end of the regular season. 
• Ten players are assigned to field positions each inning. Four outfielders will be used, and the outfielders must play across (for example, LF, LC, RC, RF).
• A continuous batting order will be implemented, and all roster players bat whether assigned to a field position or not.
• Each player will sit on the bench ONLY one defensive inning. A player that sits on the bench should not be benched again until all other players have taken their turn on the bench.
• Equal playing time in the infield and the outfield shall be offered to all players on the team over the course of the season. All players should have some playing time at all positions at some point in the season.
• The batting order should be shuffled every game. All players should get the opportunity to bat leadoff, cleanup, etc. at some point in the season.
• There is no on-deck circle. The on-deck batter will wear a helmet to be ready but will not have a bat in hand until on the way to the plate. THE ONLY PLAYER ALLOWED TO HAVE A BAT IN HIS/HER HANDS IS THE ONE CURRENTLY AT BAT.
• All players must wear a batting helmet when at bat and when running the bases.
• A pitcher will be removed from the mound after the pitcher hits a batter(s) three times.
• AN INNING WILL END AFTER ALL PLAYERS HAVE BATTED OR A TEAM MAKES 3 OUTS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.
• GAMES are played for 6 innings; however NO NEW INNING CAN START AFTER 90 MINUTES.
• Throwing the bat is not permitted. A batter will receive a warning after the first occurrence. The second occurrence will result in the batter being called out.
• Head first sliding is prohibited.
• Bunting is permitted.
• A team total of 3 successful "steals" will be allowed each inning (starting after Memorial Day and continuing through the end of the season and playoffs). Only one "steal" of home per inning may occur. Note: If after three successful steals any runner is successful, "Time" will be called and the runner(s) will be returned without penalty. If caught stealing, runner is "out".
• Runner(s) may not advance on ANY overthrow by the catcher to any base or back to the pitcher. Note: If any runner(s) does advance safely on an overthrow, "time" will be called and the runner(s) will be returned to their previous base.
• No infield fly rule.
• Player & Parents shall abide by the DALL Codes of Conduct.

SKILL SETS:

• Develop batting skills through proper stance, grip, and swing & pitch selection.
• Develop fielding skills (infield and outfield positions, making the play at the correct base, backing up plays at the plate and in the field).
• Develop the fundamentals of fielding ground balls with emphasis on proper stance, glove and hand position.
• Develop base running savvy (when to run and listening to the 1st and 3rd base coaches).
• Develop proper sliding technique.
• Develop tracking skills for catching fly balls.
• Develop basic pitching mechanics & proper throwing.
• Develop good sportsmanship and respect for umpires.
• Develop confidence.
• Learn basic baseball rules and strategy and how to apply these in offensive and defensive situations.
• Develop a passion & learn to love the game of baseball.