10U Division
The 10U division is a kid-pitch division with the goal of advancing children into the next level of play beyond coach-pitch play. Rules are based on the Dizzy Dean rule book to allow for smooth transition into kid-pitch play.

General rules

• There will be a continuous batting order, all players will bat in the batting order.
• Length of game will be 1 hour and 30 minutes.  Any inning starting before 1 hour and 30 minutes will be completed if the outcome of the game is in doubt.
• Maximum of 6 innings per game and 5 runs per inning.
• Each team at bat is allowed three outs or 5 runs per inning, whichever comes first.
• Mercy rule – Game will be called if a team is ahead by 11 runs after the 4th inning, or 6 runs after the 5th inning. (Coach of losing team may elect to continue playing if time remains)
• Games may be started with 8 players.

Defense

• There will be a normal infield with a 6 infielders and 3 outfielders.
• The outfielders will be required to stand in the outfield grass.
• One coach may stand directly outside the dugout area. No defensive coaches in the outfield are allowed.
• There is no dropped third strike rule.
• There are no pitching limits. Coaches are expected to exercise caution to protect players' arms.
• There are no balks

Offense

• Each team is allowed one warning if a batter throws the bat, after which any batter who throws a bat will be declared out. The defensive team has the choice to take the out or the result of the play.
• Late arriving players must be put at the last spot on the batting order.  If the player does not show up before his turn at bat it will not be considered an out.  If the player is in the middle of the line-up and does not show it will be considered an out.
• Sliding is allowed.  Head first sliding is discouraged.
• Coaches cannot touch base runners while the ball is in play.  If a coach touches a runner, the runner will be out.
• Player running the bases who deliberately removes his headgear is out. 
• Runner may not lead off. Runners may leave their bases once a pitch crosses home plate. First offense will result in a team warning. Subsequent offenses will result in an out. The defensive team has the choice to take the out or the result of the play.

Order of Rules

• Step Up to the Plate park rules and bylaws
• Dizzy Dean rules (PDF file)
  
• Official MLB Baseball rules
• In fall season and for in-park games: Coaches may elect to waive select rules to allow for better instruction. Such declarations must be approved by the Board of Directors and agreed to during the pre-game coaches' meeting with umpires.