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Rules for 8U
RULE 18. 2011 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 8 th
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:
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7 & 8U:
Distance for center of the machine: thirty-five (35) feet;
Speed: 37 mph.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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If the
batter fouls a bunt attempt with two strikes the batter will be
called out.
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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.
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There
shall be no Base on Balls (walk) awarded.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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There is no look-back rule in machine pitch.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Additional 8U 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.
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Rules for 10U
All USSSA rules apply,
plus:
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No run on the dropped 3rd
strike
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No infield fly rule
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All bases can be stolen including home
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Courtesy runner
can be put in for
pitcher/catcher, if necessary
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