8U Baseball/Softball General Game Rules
1. The first three innings of the game will be Coach Pitch and the last two innings
will be Machine Pitch. Coaches may use the machine as early as the first inning
if they think their team is ready for it but all teams must use the machine at the
beginning of the fourth inning.
2. Each batter will receive 4 pitches. The umpire may rule a “no pitch” if the
machine throws a bad pitch or if the coach pitches a ball. If a player strikes out
his/her first at-bat and their second 2nd at bat then the coach is allowed to pitch
underhand to the batter for their 3rd at bat.
3. All players will bat in the batting order. The batting lineup will remain the same
every game, for example if the 7th batter made the last out of the game then the
8th batter will lead off the next game.
4. Each team may field up to 10 players (4 outfielders).
5. A ball off the pitching machine will be played live as it bounces off.
6. If 3 outs are recorded then the inning switches over. There will be a maximum
of 5 runs per inning.
7. A full game consists of (5) innings. There will be 65 minute time limit. If the
game is not finished by 65 minutes then there will be an extra 15 minutes to
finish he inning. After the extra 15 minutes then the game will be called.
8. In case of rain, a complete game consists of (2) complete innings or the home
team leading after 2 ½ innings of play. Games that do not get 2 innings in will
be rescheduled
9. No one may sit out more than (1) defensive inning in a row. Failure to do so,
except for sickness or injury shall constitute a forfeit. By the end of the season
each player should have played every single position.
10. Must have (8) players to start the game.
11. There is no stealing or leadoffs.
12. Players may take up to 2 bases when running the base paths.
13. Players must hustle on and off the field.
14. The defensive position of the pitcher must be within (3) feet to the right or left
of the machine until the ball crosses the plate. No playing in front or behind the
machine.
Offense
1. All batters, players on deck, and base-runners must wear protective helmets.
2. All players must remain in the dugout unless batting, on-deck, or base-running,
or playing a defensive position in field.
3. No bunting. A player’s swing must appear to be a full swing.
Base Running
1. For safety, all slides must be feet first. A runner sliding headfirst or attempting
to run over the fielder (malicious contact) will be ruled out. (Base runners must
attempt to slide or go around a fielding player). In case of contact, it will be the
umpire’s decision whether it is malicious or not.
2. If a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball or not in the act of fielding a
hit ball, impedes the progress of any runner, the runner will be allowed to
advance without liability to be put out, to the bases the would have reached, in
the umpire’s judgment, if there had been no obstruction.
Coaches
1. 1 Coach is allowed on the playing field at any time.
3. Only (1) base coach will be allowed in each coaching box during play.
4. All coached must remain in the coaching boxes at all times, unless given
permission by the umpire.
5. Absolutely NO tobacco products will be allowed on the playing fields or
dugouts at any time (play or practice).
6. Only 4 coaches will be allowed in the dugout during games