8U BASEBALL RULES

1. All players on the roster will be in the batting order.  Players who arrive late must be placed at the end of the order.

2. Ten players will play in the field – six in the infield and four in the outfield.  Players must play at least every other inning in the field.  Outfielders must be on the outfield grass when the ball is pitched

3. Games will be 6 innings.

4. A pitching machine is used for all games.  Pitching machine speeds will be set as follows:  

                All-Time    ------  56 RPM/ 42MPH      

Machine must be at a 45 foot distance measured from the back of home plate to the front leg of the machine.        

*note: machines will vary in speed. It is also important that the ball is placed in the chute properly each

time to increase accuracy.

5. The batter is allowed three strikes.  Pitches outside the strike zone that the batter does not swing at will be called “balls” but there are no walks. This is the judgment of the umpire and should not be argued by coaches or fans.

6. Play stops once the pitcher has control of the ball and two feet inside the pitcher’s (16’ circle).

½ way Hash marks will be used. The runner will advance to the next base if more than ½ of the way to the next base, or return to the previous base.

*If a ball is overthrown trying to make a play on a runner or a batter/runner all runners may advance (at their own risk). This does not include a miss-thrown ball from the catcher to the pitcher when returning the ball to the umpire.

7. Coaches should put a catcher in place that is able to catch and return the ball in a quick manner. If this is not happening, a coach may be placed behind the catcher to return the ball to the umpire to speed up the game.

8. The batter may not advance on a dropped third strike.

9. Pitchers must wear a helmet with a protective face guard.

10. Stealing bases is not permitted.

11. There are no appeal plays on failure to touch a base or tag up on a fly ball.  The umpire will make the call without appeal.

12. There is no infield fly rule.

13. One bunt per team is allowed per inning.  

14. If a player throws his bat the ball will be dead immediately. A strike will be called, and all runners must return to their base before the pitch. If this is the 4th strike the batter is out. The first occurrence of throwing a bat will also serve as a team warning. If any other player on that team throws his bat he will be called out immediately--- one warning per team. This is an umpire judgment call.

15. Game length is six (6) innings or one and a half hours.  Do not start any inning after one hour and 20 minutes.  The umpire or field supervisor may stop a game at any time he/she believes conditions are unsafe for play. Coaches and  parents need to have teams ready to start the game at the scheduled time!

16. There is a five run per inning rule.  As soon as a team scores their fifth run in an inning the umpire will call time and the inning will end. If the game is tied after 6 full innings the game will be considered a tie. There will be no extra inning games.

17. A courtesy runner is recommended for the catcher. Courtesy runner has to be the last out.

18. If a fielder has possession of the ball and is in a position to tag a runner, the runner must slide or attempt to avoid the tag.  If the fielder blocks the base path without the ball the runner is awarded the base.

19. If a batted ball hits the machine play is stopped immediately and the batter is given a single. Any runners on base at the time of the hit advance only one base.

20. Head- first sliding is not allowed into any base. A player is allowed to slide head first going back to a base (as in the case of a runner over-running a base). There will be no head first slides. If a runner does slide head first, the team will receive a warning. If any other players should happen to slide head first during that game, they shall be ruled out.

21. Foul or abusive language and taunting will not be tolerated.  Players, coaches, and others on the team bench who violate this rule will be warned and/or ejected at the discretion of the umpire or the field supervisor.  Repeated or flagrant offenses may result in suspension or removal from GBSRD activities.

22. Players must wear their full team uniform . No jewelry is allowed. Coaches are encouraged to wear the team hat and shirt provided by the league.

23. Baseball Bats= Bring it, Swing it!

24. If necessary, a coach may be asked to help umpire a game.

RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR COACHES

1. Be organized.  Have your line-up ready and your players prepared to play when it is time for the game to begin.  Have your catcher ready each inning when it is time for your team to take the field.  Require your players to hustle on and off the field between innings.  Time that you waste only deprives kids of playing time.

2. Coaches should not smoke on the field or in proximity to the field during games and practice. Smoking is not allowed on the premises.

3. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of themselves, their players, their team parents, and fans.  If there is a problem with a parent or fan you should warn them and/or get assistance from the field supervisor.

4. Two coaches may be on the field.  When your team is batting they should be in the coaching boxes.  When your team is in the field, coaches should be on the outfield grass.  Coaches are encouraged to give instruction during the game as long as there are not frequent and long delays in play.

5. Set the tone.  Make the game fun for everyone involved.  Applaud good plays and good effort by your own players and opponents.  Encourage boys who are discouraged.  Have fun!

6. **** Only coaches and scorekeepers are allowed in the dugout during the game. Coaches must attempt to maintain an orderly and safe dugout environment at all times.