The rules unique to Upward Baseball and Upward Softball are designed to recognize that Every Child Is A Winner by promoting:

• Character
• Self-Esteem
• Safety for the Players

Upward defines winning as learning and/or teaching lessons in the game of life.

As a parent, you play a very important role in building the self-esteem and character of your child and every child in this league.  Players will look to their parents, coaches, and referees as models for sportsmanship, respect for authority, and positive attitudes.

By being a positive participant in this league, you can provide a lasting effect in these children that will live well beyond the end of the season.

Thank you so much for all you do this season to help recognize that Every Child is a Winner.

• One field and batting practice per week
• Practice devotions that teach character
• Teams learn Bible verses together

Green Star awards are given to every player participating in learning the Bible verse.

At each practice, your child's team will participate in a 5 to 7 minute devotion time.  These devotions are age-appropriate for each division.  This devotion time will promote salvation, character, and self-esteem in your child.  At each practice, your child will receive a Scripture with the Bible verse to be learned for the next practice.  Take time to familiarize yourself with the following scripture verses so you and your child can discuss the weekly Bible verses together.

At each game, volunteers share what God is doing in their lives through a short devotion. 

Following each game, teams and parents gather together as each player is awarded a snap-on star, which is intended to build the player's self-esteem and team spirit.  Parents and family members are encouraged to be a part of these presentations and to cheer for players as the stars are awarded.

The Blue Star represents Best Effort
The Orange Star represents Leadership
The Gold Star represents Best Sportsmanship
The Gray Star represents Best Offense
The Red Star represents Best Defense
The White Star represents Christ likeness

How to Apply the Stars

The stars will stick to your child's helmet.  

A unique element of this league is the game format:

• The Home Team, listed first on the schedule, will lead in prayer before the start of each game.  After the game, we will line up to congratulate the opposing team for a game well played.
• Game length is addressed in the rules for each division.
• Scores are not kept in the T-Ball Division.  Our emphasis is to introduce the sport of baseball to the boys and softball to the girls.  All coaches, assistant coaches, parents and players are discouraged from keeping score.
• Overall standings are not compiled in any Upward league, regardless of age.  Such standings lead to unnecessary pressure and intensity for players, coaches, and umpires.
• Coaches are allowed to be on the field in certain age divisions.  See the division rules for more details.
• All Upward coaches will adhere to the substitution rules provided on the Lineup Form.

This substitution system is designed to provide every player equal opportunity for improvement. The substitution system ensures that:

• Every child will have the opportunity to hit near the top of the batting order.
• Every child will get to play at least half of the game.
• Every child will get the chance to be in the starting lineup.
• Coaches are not open to making unfair substitutions or being accused of doing so.
• Coaches are free from monitoring playing time for each player.
• Playing time for all players is virtually even over the course of the season.