15U A

DIVISION COORDINATOR

Juli Smith

 

ABOUT THIS DIVISION

Born in Year:  2011, 2012
Ages (as of January 1st, 2026):  13-14 (15 for female athletes)

 

The 15U "A" division is the House/recreation league for Vancouver Community Baseball's 15U Division.  New players are welcome to join, even if you've never played baseball before!

At this level there is a greater focus on participation and increased opportunity to explore a variety of positions.  This program is also perfect for those unable to make a commitment to intensive baseball programming.

VCB's 15U A Spring season division typically consists of 10-12 teams, depending on the number of players registered.  There are 13-15 players per team.

 

GAME FORMAT

At the 15UA 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.

The base paths are set at 80 feet and the pitching distance is 54 feet. A regulation game is 7 innings imposed on all innings except the last where unlimited runs may be scored.  Base runners are permitted to lead off, balks are called, and the dropped 3rd strike rule is in effect.

Near the end of the season, at the end of May, there is an opportunity for interested players to try out for the Summer "A" (All Star) team.  The team will continue playing from end of June until mid-August at a more competitive level competing against teams around the Lower Mainland for a spot to play in the Provincials.

 

SEASON DATES

  • Early April until end of June (playoffs during the last couple of weeks)
  • Assessment dates:  March 7 and 8, 2026 (this is conducted to create balanced teams)

 

GAME AND PRACTICE DAYS

  • One practice per week + 1-2 games per week
  • Schedule will be uploaded into TeamSnap by the end of March
  • Each team will play 12-14 games during the regular season, so most weeks each team will play two games, one on a weeknight and one on a weekend.
  • At the conclusion of the regular season, there is a double-elimination playoff to determine the "A" House champion team.

 

RULES

  • Base paths are set at 80 feet
  • Pitching distance is 54 feet
  • "Bat through order" division
  • Each player must play a minimum of 3 defensive innings
  • No limit to the number of defensive substitutions, except for the pitcher
  • Pitching limitations (# of pitches dictates the # of days rest; maximum # of innings pitched per game
  • After pitcher removed from the mound, they cannot pitch again for the rest of the game
  • 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 LIST

  • Batting helmet
  • Baseball glove
  • Baseball pants (grey)
  • Baseball bat (optional - team bats are available for use)
  • Baseball cleats (plastic or metal is permitted)
  • Protective Jock/Jill
  • Water bottle
  • Bag (to carry equipment)
  • League provides dri-fit jersey and baseball cap to keep

 

PARENT VOLUNTEER DUTIES

As we are a volunteer-run organization, all parents are expected to volunteer to help out with game day duties such as:

  • Set up fields
  • Scorekeep
  • Pitch count
  • Gamechanger

 

SUMMER SEASON

For interested players, there is a second baseball season which follows the spring season.  The summer season is managed by BC Minor Baseball.  Each BC Minor Baseball Association can enter one or more teams into the league (most just enter one team).

The summer season runs from late June until the last week of July.  During that weekend, a provincial tournament is held to determine a Provincial 15U A Champion team.  There are other open tournaments during July that summer teams may enter as well.

In late May, players will be notified of the opportunity to try out for the "A" Summer Team.  In order to be eligible to try out and play on this team, players must have played at least half of the spring season games according to BC Minor Baseball Association rules.  The team roster size has typically been 13-15 players in the past.  As in spring league, we use a continuous batting order (not 9-man ball) and there are minimum play rules which coaches must follow.

Players selected to the summer team will pay an additional registration fee over their spring season registration fee.  They will also be required to submit a commitment letter, signed by both parents, indicating dates/times when the player will be unavailable for baseball during the summer season.

Vancouver Community Baseball teams were the 15U A Provincial Champions in 2004, 2008, 2017, 2022, 2023, 2024.

Vancouver Community Baseball Bantam A House Rules