1. The Playing Field, Uniforms, and Equipment

1.1 Dugouts

• The home team uses the third‑base dugout.
• The visiting team uses the first‑base dugout.

1.2 The Playing Field

KTBA is responsible for laying out the diamond.
All measurements must be taken using a measuring tape and set according to the table below.

1.2.1 Field Dimensions

Note:

• All distances are measured from the back of home plate.
• First and third base must be fully within the stated dimensions.
• Second base must be centered on the stated measurement.
• The home team is responsible for ensuring bases are placed correctly.

1.3 Bats

1.3.1 Wooden Bats

• All players may use their own wooden bats, subject to the Official Rules of Baseball.

1.3.2 Timbits & Coach Pitch

• Players may use their own aluminum alloy bats.
• Bats must be:
  • Clearly marked as T‑Ball, or
  • Approved by the KTBA Equipment Manager.

1.3.3 9U to High School

Players may use aluminum alloy bats that meet all of the following requirements:

• Marked as a baseball bat
• Approved for use in a North American youth baseball league
• BESR, BBCOR, or BPF 1.15 or less
• Approved by the KTBA Equipment Manager

Softball bats are illegal in all divisions.

1.3.4 Additional Requirements (14U & High School)

• Aluminum alloy bats must display the manufacturer’s original weight‑drop marking (length‑weight differential).
• Weight‑drop must comply with Baseball Ontario rules.

1.3.5 Illegal Bats

• Broken or cracked bats and softball bats are prohibited in all games and practices.

1.4 Batting Helmets

• The on‑deck batter, batter, base runners, and batboy/batgirl must wear a protective helmet with dual ear flaps.
• Chinstraps and C‑Flaps are optional at all ages.
• KTBA does not supply batting helmets.

1.5 Uniforms

• Players must wear the full KTBA‑issued uniform during all games.
• Long pants are required for all games and practices. Players without long pants may not participate.
• Each team will receive an extra shirt and pants for call‑ups.
  • If more than one call‑up is used, additional call‑ups may wear a t‑shirt and pants.

1.6 Cleats

• Metal or hard plastic cleats are not permitted.
• Molded rubber or turf shoes are allowed.
• All players, coaches, and parent volunteers must wear closed‑toe footwear on the field.
• If a player is found wearing illegal shoes, they must change immediately.
  • No further penalty applies.

1.7 Gloves

• Catchers must use a catcher’s glove in 9U and above.
• All other glove rules follow Baseball Ontario and the Official Rules of Baseball.

1.8 Catcher’s Equipment & Safety Rules

1.8(a) Required Equipment

All catchers must wear:

• Mask with throat protector
• Helmet
• Chest protector
• Shin guards
• Protective cup

1.8(b) Warming Up Pitchers

Any team member warming up a pitcher must wear a mask with throat protector.

Penalty:

• First offense: team receives one warning for the entire game.
• Subsequent offenses: immediate ejection of the violating team member.

A team member is considered to be “warming up a pitcher” when:

• The pitcher is on the rubber (field or bullpen), or
• The team member assumes a squatting position to receive a throw, or
• The team member positions themselves behind home plate in any stance.

1.10 Coaches’ Helmets

• Coaches, players, and parent volunteers coaching first or third base do not need to wear helmets unless under age 18.
• Anyone under 18 must wear a NOCSAE‑approved helmet while coaching bases.

1.11 Jewelry

• No visible jewelry may be worn during games or practices, except:
  • Medical alert bracelets
  • Phiten‑style magnetic necklaces/bracelets
  • Stud earrings

1.12 Electronic Devices

• Players may not bring electronic devices onto the field during games or practices.
• Players should not use electronic devices in the dugout during games.