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Parent / Coach / VolunteerAdmin⚾ Baseball
Silver (65 ft) and Gold (70 ft) — high-level competition across the Hiawatha Valley League.
12U Baseball has two tiers with meaningfully different rules. Silver plays on 65-foot base paths with no leadoffs — runners may steal but must leave from the base when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. Gold plays on 70-foot base paths with leadoffs allowed, mirroring the experience of 13U and above.
Both tiers play 6 innings with an 8-run-per-inning limit. Bat drop is -10 max at 12U. Gold division teams experience the full balk rule (called after 1 warning) and free-stealing situations. Silver division operates the same way as 11U Silver with no leadoffs and warns on balks.
Pitching development is a major focus — coaches work on arm mechanics, pitch sequencing, and mental game on the mound. This is the division where the gap between developed and underdeveloped pitchers becomes very visible.
| Base path (Silver) | 65 feet — same as 11U Silver |
| Base path (Gold) | 70 feet — full leadoffs allowed |
| Pitching mound | 50 feet (both tiers, SRAA) |
| Innings | 6 innings — 80-minute time limit |
| Run limit | 8 runs per inning maximum (both tiers) |
| Mercy rule | 10 runs after 4 innings; 15 runs after 3 innings |
| Pitch counts | 85 max/day — SRAA rest rules enforced |
| Bat drop | -10 max, barrel 2¾" max. Max length 36". |
| Stealing (Silver) | Allowed when ball leaves pitcher's hand — no leadoffs |
| Stealing (Gold) | Free stealing — leadoffs allowed |
| No stealing if up by 10+ | No steal attempts when leading by 10 or more runs |
| Balks (Silver) | Warned first offense, then called |
| Balks (Gold) | Called after 1 warning — fully enforced |
| Dropped third strike | In effect (both tiers) |
| Infield fly rule | In effect (both tiers) |
| Metal spikes | Not permitted — rubber cleats only through 12U |
Pitch Count / Arm Protection
SRAA limit: 85 pitches per day with mandatory rest requirements. 12U Gold: balks are called after 1 warning. Silver: balks warned.
Coach's Note
"Know your tier. Silver and Gold have different base paths and leadoff rules — confirm which tier your team is in before the season. Track pitch counts every game. At 12U, roster management matters: know pitcher availability, inning limits, and rest days heading into each week. The game rewards preparation — pre-game infield and bunt coverage drills separate prepared teams from unprepared ones."
Players born in 2014 or 2015 are eligible for 12U Baseball (must turn 12 by March 1, 2026). Players who turn 13 after March 1, 2026 may also play 12U.
Bat
29"–31" bat, drop -10 max, max length 36". USA Baseball certified. Barrel max 2¾". BBCOR bats also accepted.
Official USA Baseball approved bat list
Glove
11"–12.5" glove depending on position. Catchers should have a dedicated catcher's mitt.
What to Bring