Rules for 8U (Grade 2-3)

1. 4 Inning game, with goal of one hour, hard stop at 75 minutes from first pitch.  For example: A 5:45 PM  Start time allows a 15 minute warm-up for a 6pm First pitch. Ideally games end at 7:00pm with 7:15pm Hard Final stop.

2. 3 run limit per inning or 3 outs, whichever comes first.

3. Pitching from 30 feet (plus/minus), no raised mounds.  Pitcher shall be permitted 3 pitches per batter, afterwards, offensive coach shall pitch to their own team (and shall be on field of play when team is batting), another offensive team coach shall also be placed behind catcher to field passed balls. Coaches shall not interfere with any ball put in play.

4. 11 inch yellow ball

5. Batter shall be given 3 strikes before making an out. (3 swings as there are no called strikes.) If 3^rd or final strike is a foul tip, batter continues until additional ball hit in play or final swing is a miss.

6. No walks or called strikes.

7.  All players will rotate turns playing infield and outfield.  Defensive coaches shall be in the field with team to help direct play.

8.  Stealing permitted after ball crosses the Plate.  1 base per attempt, no advance on overthrow.  No stealing home.

9. Offensive team shall place a coach behind the catcher to help retrieve passed balls. Coach

shall not interfere with any live ball.

10. Continuous batting order.  Every player bats in their designated order regardless of whether they are in the field for defense.

11. 6 infielders 1 pitcher, catcher, 1B, 2B, SS, 3B; 4 outfielders, must be OUTSIDE of infield ON outfield grass   Do NOT spread players around on Infield  

12. Safety cages required on all batting helmets,  No batter shall bat without a Safety Cage.

13. Absolutely NO practise swings from ANY Batter or player except the immediate Batter approaching the plate, and when standing in Foul Territory.

14.  Batters and Base runners permitted 1 Base on Overthrows.  Once an overthrow is in Foul Territory or in the Pitchers possession, the play comes to a close.  Encourage players to make the throws & attempt plays.

15. You must slide, avoid contact, or give yourself up if fielder has ball and is awaiting to make a

tag when going into the next base other than first base.

16. Cheers must be positive and supportive in nature and focused on their own team.  No cheers while pitcher actively delivers the pitch.

17. You need minimum of 5 players to start the game, pitcher, 1B, 2B, SS, 3B. Teams shall balance out evenly depending on players available.

18. Parents:  In addition to attending, cheering and joining the fun, its EXTREMELY helpful when Parents assist Coaches keep the kids on the bench with their Team (not in the stands) and help us keep the BATs down. 

19. All players interested in Pitching shall demonstrate to their coaches, prior to the game, the ability to underhand pitch a hitable pitch, reaching their catcher without Bouncing the Ball.   Players interested in pitching should be encouraged to attend Pitching Clinics.

***COACHES TIP:  When the Ball is in Play, let the kids play through till the end.  Often, coaches will direct players (often quite loudly) when they are in the process of fielding/throwing/etc.   This is counterproductive as it often creates confusion and anxiety in Players at critical moments during Game Play.  Save Coaching and Directions for in-between plays, and agree on 1 coach to provide On Field Live direction should players absolutely require it.

Lets! Play! Ball!