GNBL 8U Coach Pitch Rules

-         Teams will field 10 defensive players, four of which will be outfielders playing in the grass.

-         Bases are 60 feet.

-         Games are 7 innings. 

-         Coaches will pitch to own team 35 feet from the back corner of home plate, in a straight line between home plate and second base.  This distance must be marked with a small chalk line, pitching rubber, or sufficient landmark.  No pitching mounds allowed.  Pitching mound would lead to potential danger for the “pitcher” positional player, if a ball were to deflect off of mound, etc.

-         “Pitcher” position (player), must be within reasonable distance of 46’ traditional pitchers mound/rubber.  “Pitcher” position player may not play in front of coach (pitcher).  Player must be behind coach and in a line of view of the hitter.  Explanation:  We understand that the player in this position needs to be able to see the hitter.  He should also be in the near vicinity of the 46’ pitching rubber or where the mound would exist if it were on the field.  This is safe distance from the hitter and generally, where a pitcher “would be” after delivering a pitch to the hitter, if it were kid pitch.  Player may not play as an additional shortstop or 2^nd baseman.  That is an unreasonable distance from traditional 46’ pitching rubber.  Reasonable distance from the 46’ pitching rubber means that he can see the hitter and is safe distance from the hitter.  Therefore, coach will be at 35’ mark, player should be at or near 46’ feet mark, reasonably right or left of coach to be able to see the hitter.

-         Any ball that hits the pitcher (coach) is a dead ball and will be

     replayed. Gross misconduct of coach to interfere with a batted ball purposely will result in an out for the batter. 

-         Batter will be given 5 pitches or three strikes (whichever comes

   first) to hit the ball in play. If the 5^th pitch or 3^rd strike is fouled

   the batter will continue until the ball is hit fairly, swung at and

   missed, or taken.

-         Base runners may not lead off or steal and may not leave the

     base until the ball is hit. (Umpires may call a runner out for

     leaving too early)

-         After a ball is hit, the play remains live until the base runners

      have been stopped by a defensive player in the infield dirt and the umpire has awarded time.  Players may not call time… Time must be called by umpire.  Time may not be called by umpire until ball is in control in the infield dirt and runners have been reasonably stopped. 

-         No bunting.

-         No infield fly rule.

-         No stealing.

-         No dropped 3^rd strike rule.

-         See general rules for GNBL in all other matters.