Diamond Youth Baseball, Softball Rule Changes for 2027

MARSHALL, TEXAS (August 24, 2026) – Diamond Youth Baseball (DYB) and Diamond Youth Softball (DYS), formerly known as Dixie Youth Baseball and Softball, announced their rule changes for the 2027 season.

DYB Rule Changes

Tee Ball Bats – Tee Ball bats will be stamped with the USA Baseball Mark and the language “Only for use with approved tee balls.” Bats stamped for Tee Ball (T-Ball) play can only be used with low compression balls due to the manufacturing standards for these bats. Any bat stamped for Tee Ball (T-ball) play cannot be used in games played using a regular baseball that is pitched to the batter in any division of DYB, including 6U Coach Pitch.

No bats stamped for T-Ball will be used in 6U or 8U tournament play.

One-Way Electronic Devices – A coach may use a one-way electronic device (e.g., earpieces, bands, smart watches) to signal pitches to the catcher only, while on defense, provided:

• Only coaches in the dugout send messages.
• Devices are not used outside the dugout.
• Communication is one-way (no catcher response).
• No use while the team is batting.

Violation of this rule will result in the umpire removing the device for the remainder of the game.

Uniforms – All players and coaches participating in sanctioned DYB Baseball tournaments shall wear the approved “official” DYB patch on the left sleeve of their uniform jersey. Uniforms may use a sublimated patch but must be purchased only from approved DYB providers as listed on the DYB website. The official DYB Baseball insignias may not be screen printed on the uniforms.

Emblem Sublimation on Uniforms – A local league has the option to sublimate or screen print emblems on regular-season uniforms only.

DYS Rule Changes

One-Way Electronic Devices – One-way electronic communication from the dugout to the catcher shall not be used in the 6U and 8U divisions.

Metal Cleats – No metal cleats are allowed in the 6U, 8U, 10U and 12U divisions.

Regular-Season Uniforms – Players may wear any type of clothing in local league play approved by the league. Players regular-season uniforms shall include the “official” DYS emblem on the left shoulder or upper left chest of the jersey. This emblem may be the embroidered “official” emblem furnished by DYS, screen printed or sublimaterd.

Tournament Uniforms – All players and coaches participating in sanctioned DYS Softball tournaments shall wear the approved “Official” DYS Softball patch on the left sleeve or on the upper left chest of the jersey. A sublimated DYS Patch may be used only if purchased through a Licensed DYS Supplier. Sublimated patches obtained from any other source are not permitted and shall be considered non-compliant with this rule.

The penalty is the team manager shall be restricted to the dugout until the team’s uniforms are brought into compliance with this rule.

Diamond Youth Baseball and Diamond Youth Softball is played in 11 states – Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Alabama.