Rules for 8U

RULE 18. Machine Pitch Rules
Play will be governed by USSSA Rule Book, unless specified in this section.

1. Ball: 11-inch USSSA approved ball will be used.
2. Innings: A regulation game shall be seven (7) innings.
   • The Tiebreaker Procedure will be used in the 8th inning or in any inning that begins after time has expired.
3. Time Limits: There will be a 60 minute time limit.
4. Runs per Inning: A maximum of 6 runs can be scored each inning for each team
5. Run Rule: The run rule will be 12 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings, or 8 runs after 5 innings. If either team is behind and cannot catch up or go ahead, the game shall
   be over immediately.
6. Offensive Lineup: The batting lineup may be any number from nine to eleven players. If any position is not filled, it will be an out.
7. Defensive Positions: The defensive team must have a minimum of eight (8) and a maximum of nine (9) players in the field.
   At the start of a pitch, one player shall be in the pitcher’s position on either side of the pitching machine with one foot on the side line of the 6 foot diameter circle. (side to side 6
   foot). The pitcher cannot leave its position until the ball comes out of the machine.
   With eight defensive players, two players shall be in the outfield at the start of the pitch.
   With nine players, three players will be in the outfield at the start of the pitch. The outfield
   is defined as at least 10 feet outside of the base lines in fair territory.
8. No defensive player may reach into or enter into the pitchers circle. If a player reaches into or enters into the pitchers circle a dead ball will be called. Batter-runner will advance to
   first base. All other runners will be awarded one base only if they are forced.
9. Pitching Machine: The pitching machine shall be set as follows:
   1. 7 & 8U: Distance for center of the machine: thirty-five (35) feet; Speed: 37 mph.
   2. Prior to each game, the umpire will have each coach feed at least one pitch and obtain a consensus that the machine is set correctly. The umpire may adjust the pitching machine if he/she believes it is needed. (Only at the top of the inning) UNLESS the machine has been hit and is not set correctly.
   3. A coach can not adjust the pitching machine without umpire approval. First offense will be a warning. The second offense will be automatic removal from the pitching coach position.
   4. A coach shall not feed the machine so the ball goes into the dirt or high to allow their runners to steal. First offense will be a warning... The second offense will result in the runner stealing declared out.
   5. A coach from the offensive team shall feed the pitching machine.
10. Batting: The batter will receive five pitches or three swinging strikes, whichever occurs first.  Each pitch will count even if batter does not swing. If the fifth pitch is hit foul the batter will remain at bat as long as they continue to foul off pitches.
    1. Bunting: Bunting is allowed. A player may square to bunt and pull back. A batter CAN NOT square to bunt pull back and either hit or bunt ball. If the batter does this she will be called out. No runners advance.
    2. If the batter fouls a bunt attempt with two strikes the batter will be called out.
    3. The catcher does not have to catch the third strike. However the ball remains live and runners (not the batter) may advance/steal with liability to be put out.
    4. There shall be no Base on Balls (walk) awarded.
    5. Batters hit by a pitch will not be awarded 1st base.
11. There is no infield fly rule.
12. After a batter hits the ball, the pitching coach shall make an attempt to duck or crouch behind the pitching machine and should stay inside the circle away from the play.
    1. If, under the judgment of the umpire, a coach intentionally violates this rule and is hit by a batted or thrown ball, a dead ball will be called and the runner closest to home will be called out, the batter-runner will be awarded 1st base (unless no runners are on base – then she is the runner closest to home and therefore out), and other runners will advance only if forced.
    2. If, under the judgment of the umpire, a coach did not intentionally violate this rule and is hit by a batted ball, the ball is treated as hitting the machine.
13. A batted ball that hits the pitching machine shall be ruled a dead ball. The batter is awarded first base. All other runners will be awarded one base only if they are forced.
14. A runner may not leave a base until the ball leaves the pitching machine. Penalty for leaving early; runner will be called out, no pitch is called.
15. On a hit ball there is no limit on bases allowed.
16. Stealing: A runner may steal.
    1. A runner on 1st or 2nd can advance/steal only one base per pitch. If they advance more than one, they are liable to be put out. At end of play if the runner is safe and has advanced more than one base, the umpire will return the runner to the correct base.
    2. A runner cannot steal home. If they advance home they are liable to be put out. At end of play if the runner is safe and has advanced the umpire will return the runner to the correct base.
17. Time will be called when a defensive player has possession of the ball in advance of the lead runner or the ball is returned to the player pitcher with at least foot inside the pitcher’s circle.  If a runner is more than half way to the next base when time is called, the runner will be awarded the next base. 
    1. There is no look-back rule in machine pitch.
    2. This rule does not preclude the umpire from calling or granting time in situations such as when a runner has slid into a base, requests time, no other runners are advancing, or there is an injured player.
    3. The ball shall be dead immediately anytime the pitching coach touches a ball thrown to him/her at the end of a play (whether they catch it or not) and all runners will return to the last base touched.
18. Additional Coaches: In addition to base coaches, other coaches are allowed on the field of play.
    1. The coach feeding the machine may only coach the batter prior to feeding the ball.  He/she may not coach the batter-runner or runners at ANY time.
    2. One defensive coach may be outside the dugout. This coach must remain close to the fence between the on-deck batter’s box and 1st base. Should a coach move outside this area, the umpire may restrict him/her to the dugout. If subsequent coaches violate this rule, the umpire may prevent any defensive coaches from being outside the dugout. If a live ball strikes anyone or any equipment out of the dugout, bases will be awarded by the umpire.

10th Edition 51

Additional Notes: These will be regular 11" softballs not dimple, light or safety balls. (Core 47 / Compression 375)  The machines will be electric Juggs or Juggs-type machines  (not flip arm). Runners can lead off the bag when the ball leaves the pitching machine.

Rules for 10U

All USSSA rules apply, plus:

• No run on the dropped 3rd strike

• No infield fly rule

• They can steal all possible bases including home

• Courtesy runner for pitcher/catcher if necessary

 

 

 

Run Rules 

• 10 runs after 3 innings
• 8 runs after 4 innings
• 6 runs after 5 innings