15 AND UNDER (15U BANTAM)
ABOUT THIS DIVISION
Born in Year: 2011, 2012
Ages (as of January 1st, 2026): 13-14 (15 for female athletes)
The 15U division is open to all players ages 13-14 as of January 1 of the baseball year you are registering to play.
At the 15U level, “live” pitching is used throughout the game and a regulation hardball is used. To protect from arm injury, pitchers are governed by BC Baseball pitch count rules which limit the number of pitches allowed and the number of days rest required for arm recovery.
At the 15U level, base paths are set at 80 feet and the pitching distance is 54 feet. A regulation game is 7 innings. However, a new inning cannot be started more than 2 hours 15 minutes after first pitch and games may be shortened due to weather or light conditions. Base runners are permitted to lead off, balks are called, and the dropped 3rd strike rule is in effect.
The 15U division is tiered. Players may try out for the "AA" or "AAA" teams which offer a more competitive level of play. These teams will play similar level teams from other associations. Players not selected to the "AA" or "AAA" teams will be selected to one of the "A" teams which offer a more recreational level of play.
SEASON DATES
Refer to each division (15U A, 15U AA, 15U AAA) for detailed information about each division.
DIVISION RULES
- Base paths are set at 80 feet
- Pitching distance is 54 feet
- Games are 7 innings (new inning cannot be started more than 2 hours 15 minutes after first pitch)
- Balks are called
- Base runners are permitted to lead off
- Running to 1st base on a dropped 3rd strike is allowed (only if 1st base is unoccupied)
Resources: BC Minor Rulebook
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
- Batting helmet
- Baseball glove
- Baseball pants
- Baseball bat (optional - team bat is available for use)
- Baseball cleats (plastic or metal is permitted)
- Protective Jock/Jill
- Water bottle (no sharing allowed)
- Bag (to carry equipment)
LEVELS OF PLAY
15U A | 15U AA | 15U AAA | |
Competitiveness | Most recreational/developmental level of play | Intermediate level of competition; generally for more seasoned players | Highest level of competitive play for the most advanced players |
Skill Level | Players have basic to intermediate skills and a fundamental understanding of the game | Players who want to improve but are generally already consistent and experienced players | For competitive, highly-skilled and experienced players |
Season (Commitment) | April - end of June (Players who want to tryout for Summer A Travel Team must attend at least half of games) | April - early/mid August (Longer season - full commitment required for the season) | April - late July/early August (Longer season - full commitment required for the season) |
Practices & Games | 1 practice + 1-2 games per week (expect 2-3 days per week) | 2-3 practices + 2-4 games per week (expect 4-6 days per week) | 2-3 practices + 2-4 games per week (expect 4-6 days per week) |
Travel | Mainly local | Travel is frequent, including out of town games and tournaments in other areas (Coquitlam, Vancouver Island) | Travel is frequent, including out of town games and tournaments in other areas (Okanagan, Vancouver Island) |
Game Play | Standard rules, bat through order | Expect to play"9-man-ball" format through entire season | Wood bat division. Expect to play "9-man-ball" through entire season |
Coaching | Focuses on building the love of the game and building on skills | Focuses on key positions and specific training needs | Focuses on key positions and specific training needs |
Games & Tournaments | 12 - 14 games per season and playoffs | 30+ games and 20+ additional (exhibition, tournaments, playoffs) | 40 games and 25 additional (exhibition, tournaments, playoffs) |
Player Profile | Good for players who prefer a more recreational style of play or are busy with other activites and can't commit to Travel Teams | Good for players who are competitive, want more challenge and willing to commit to an intense schedule | For players who are consistently strong across all aspects of the game and willing to commit to an intense schedule |
Team Selection | Players attend assessment session and assigned to a team by draft to create balanced teams | Players must attend tryout session(s) to be considered for a Travel Team | Players must attend tryout session(s) to be considered for a Travel Team |