Tee-ball associations generally allow children between the ages of four and seven to play in their leagues. A tee-ball coach sets the team lineup and fielding positions in the team's
scorebook. The positions that get the most action in tee-ball are
pitcher and
first base, followed by the rest of the
infield positions. In some leagues,
catcher is also a special position due to the added gear that is worn; in other leagues, there is no catcher. In tee-ball, the pitcher is usually used for defensive purposes only, though gently pitched balls may be used with older or more advanced players in place of the fixed tee. The
ball is placed on an adjustable tee atop the
home plate at a suitable height for the
batter to strike. (In some clubs, adult coaches give the batter an opportunity to try and hit a few pitched balls before going to the tee in the hope that this will further develop batting skills.) Most of the other rules are similar or identical to those of baseball, though the game is played on a smaller field, typically one used for
Little League or other youth baseball. In addition, for the youngest tee-ball players, runs and outs are often not recorded, and every player gets to bat each inning. Many parents assist during the game by coaching players in the dugout, in the field, on the bases, and at the plate. They often also perform the task of
umpiring. ==Equipment specifications==