Guidelines for Baseball during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Baseball Ontario has provided guidelines for the Return to Sport Protocols (need to register) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These guidelines HAVE NOT been updated for the 2022 season.  All rules are subject to change, as rules may change over time, any and all rules within the Return to Play Procedures overrules the rules outlined on this page.

The following websites can also serve as a resource to coaches, parents/guardians, umpires, players and other volunteers.

Baseball Ontario Rules (baseballontario.com)

Inter County Baseball Association (ICBA) Rules (leaguelienup.com)

If you require additional information, please feel free to contact a representative within KWHLB. Contact info@kwhlb.ca.  

Participation in baseball during the 2022 season MAY follow additional procedures and protocols as outlined by Baseball Ontario and the Government of Ontario.  A quick summary of the the expectations for coaches and families is summarized below based on information shared last season.  These rules may change depending on public health guidelines.

Summary of Expectations for Coaches 

THESE ARE EXPECTATIONS FROM THE 2021 SEASON; UPDATES FOR 2022 SEASON PENDING.

  • Attendance tracking required (can be done in TeamSnap)
  • Self-screening before games/practices in TeamSnap
  • Only adults allowed to clean/sanitize (unless over 15U)
  • No dugouts/benches to be used unless 2 metres distance can be maintained.  Players encouraged to bring their own chair and sit at least 6 feet apart when not on the field.
  • Avoid congestion going in/out of diamond area after half innings
  • Masks/face coverings while off the field of play for players
  • Masks/face coverings required at all time for coaches while on the bench or within 6 feet of players on the field.
  • Sanitize hands every half inning
  • No pre-post game ceremonies or hand shaking (tip your cap from your baseline is encouraged after the game)
  • No equipment sharing (bats, catchers equipment, etc) unless sanitized between use.  Siblings can share equipment.
  • 1st base player to wear a mask when holding the runner on base (12U-19U only)
  • Home plate umpire will decide before the game if they wish to call balls and strikes from behind the plate or behind the mound. The decision is that of the umpire and will not be disputed by any coaches. No exceptions!

Summary of Expectations for Parents 

THESE ARE EXPECTATIONS FROM THE 2021 SEASON; UPDATES FOR 2022 SEASON PENDING.

  • It is imperative that parents support the coaching team to ensure their child is social distancing, sanitizing their hands and respecting the infection control procedures. 
  • During phase 1 of the reopening plan, only 1 spectator is allowed per child at each practice.
  • Players are to sanitize their hands every half inning.  Hand sanitizer will be provided by the team.
  • No dugouts/benches to be used unless 2 metres distance can be maintained.  Players encouraged to bring their own chair and sit at least 6 feet apart when not on the field.
  • Masks/face coverings while off the field of play for players. 1st base player to wear a mask when holding the runner on base (12U-19U only)
  • No pre-post game ceremonies or hand shaking (tip your cap from your baseline is encouraged after the game)
  • Please ensure you sit 6 feet apart from other spectators.
  • Bats are not to be shared by players unless sanitized between use.  Players without their own bat, will be provided a bat to borrow from the league.