Barron County League Rules 

7th & 8th Grade 

All games will be played according to WIAA rules with the following exceptions. 

1. Games start at 6 pm. Tuesday & Thursday 

2. Pitching distance is 43 feet. It is acceptable to allow girls unable to pitch from 43 feet to pitch at 40 feet 

3. All games played with 12-inch ball.

4. 10 players will be allowed to play defense (in the field) at a time. The 10th player is considered an outfielder and should play, in close proximity to the other outfielders. Rule Interpretation – All outfielders must be clearly playing in the outfield, as judged solely by the umpires if not discussed during the pre-game conference. 

5. Games will be 6 innings in length. There is no time limit. This is not home team or umpires discretion. Games may be shortened with MUTUAL consent prior to the start. BOTH teams must agree in order to set a time limit. There is 1 minute between innings. Please have your pitcher/catcher pre-determined and READY (Use a courtesy runner whenever possible – Usually with 2 outs). If you would like your warm-up pitches between innings and the catcher is not ready, have a coach helping get the catcher ready, and someone else warming up the pitcher. 

6. Time Limits may be set for League Tournament, but will not be less than 80 minutes 

7. 6 runs or 3 outs per inning. A play can be finished but no more than 6 runs can recorded for the inning. The 6th inning can have unlimited runs. Suggestion – Coaches please keep in mind good sporting behavior. If visiting team bats through entire line-up and has an insurmountable lead, we suggest ending that half inning, and letting the home team bat. At this point the home team will have conceded the game. 

8. No infield fly rule 

9. Open substitution allowed for all players in BATTING ORDER. If a team is not batting the entire roster regular substitution rules will apply. No penalty should be assessed for injured players not able to bat their spot, injured players may return to the lineup at any time. (No DP/Flex) Rule interpretation – There is no penalty for an injured player unable to bat her spot. If a player is hurt, and cannot bat her spot, no out will be called. The player may return to her position at any time. 

10. 10 run rule in effect after 5th inning. 

11. Stealing allowed for all bases home. 

12. Base runners may leave their base once the ball clearly leaves the pitcher’s hand. One warning per team per game for leaving base early. Any additional violations will be an out. 

13. One warning per team per game for violation of the look back rule. 

14. Drop 3rd strike rule in effect. Rule Interpretation - Batter is not out until she reaches her dugout. (Has nothing to do with giving up her right by turning to the dugout. Player is allowed to attempt to reach first base until she has given up her attempt by stepping into the dugout.) 

15. There is no sliding requirement; however malicious contact will not be tolerated. Please review rules on Obstruction, Interference, and Malicious. 

16. Teams must start the game with 8 players. Open 9th position is an automatic out. If a team starts with 9 players or more, no out will be recorded for an injured player. The injured player may return to the line- up at any time. A team must have 8 players to continue play. 

17. Helmets and face guards are required, with batting running and catching. If the helmet falls off, there will be no penalty and the helmet will be put on when the play is over. Helmets must be worn until the player is in the dugout. 

18. Metal cleats are not allowed. 

19. Players will only be allowed to play on 1 team within an age level, even if playing up. 

20. Umpire Requirement – Plate Umpire must be at least 18 Years of Age. 1 Umpire may be used, but the Umpire must be WIAA Certified. 2 Umpires are suggested. 

21. Games may end in a tie except for during tournament play. (Coaches should decide PRIOR to the start of the game what time will be set for the “No New Inning Shall Start after __________ time” It is strongly suggested to set a time so the players are not put into jeopardy due to darkness.) 

22. Home team is responsible for weather/field cancellations and calling their opponents. Evaluations of weather/field should be completed by 2pm. 

23. Both teams are responsible for verifying game time and location a minimum of 2 days prior to the scheduled game. The league will do it’s best to keep accurate game dates/times updated on the league website. Due to cancellations, reschedules, and unforeseeable circumstances, it is the responsibility of the communities to verify to ensure accurate schedules. 

Good Sportsmanship starts with the Coaches. Coaches are expected to display good sportsmanship at all times and are expected to hold players and fans accountable for poor sportsmanship. Any individual not displaying good sportsmanship will be asked to leave. If an individual refuses to leave, the game will be forfeited.