8U | 9U Special Rules
8U Special Rules
Revised January 2020
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The umpire shall call “Time” when, in his or her judgement, no runners are attempting to advance base and/or the ball is controlled on the infield by the defensive team. The intent of this clarification is to aid in stoppage of play when a typical baseball play, played at higher levels, would normally cease.
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Game play shall continue until either of the following has occurred: A)6 innings have been played or the Home team is ahead after 5-½ innings; B)1 hour 15 minutes have been played from the official game start time and both teams have batted an even number of times or the visiting has completed their at bat the home team is ahead; or C)one team is mathematically eliminated (i.e. 15 runs after 4 innings or 8 runs after 5 innings) and both teams have batted an even number of times or the visiting has completed their at bat and the home team is ahead. Remember that no team can score more than seven (7) runs per inning.
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Only two (2) coaches are permitted outside the dugout at any given time, with the exception of a coach pitcher when a coach pitch team is on offense. All defensive coaches must remain in the general area of their respective dugout during live ball play so as not to interfere with play. Offensive coaches must remain in their respective coaching boxes while coaching the bases.
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Hybrid definition: one team elects to use a pitching machine while the other team elects to use a coach pitcher.
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When playing Hybrid, the following rules regarding batted balls shall apply to both teams:
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If a batted ball strikes the pitching machine, while either team is batting, the ball is immediately declared dead, the batter is awarded first base, and all runners shall advance one (1) base.
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If a batted ball strikes a coach pitcher – 1)If, in the umpire’s judgement, the coach pitcher makes no attempt to avoid contact with the ball or deliberately makes contact with the ball, the ball is immediately declared dead, the batter is ruled out, and all runners are returned to their respective bases at the time of the pitch; or 2)if in the umpire’s judgement, the coach pitcher made sufficient attempt to avoid contact with the batted ball, the ball is immediately ruled dead, the batter is awarded first base, and all runners shall advance one (1) base. Any object taken onto the field by the coach pitcher shall, for the purpose of this rule, be judged to be a part of the pitcher’s body and umpire judgement will be applicably applied.
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Regarding bunting:
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Machine Pitch – bunting is permitted per USSSA Rules, maximum 2 times per inning.
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Coach Pitch – NO bunting is permitted.
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Hybrid – NO bunting is permitted by EITHER team.
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The batter shall receive a maximum of six (6) pitches or three (3) swinging strikes unless the 6th pitch is hit foul. The batter may foul off the “last pitch” as many times as he can and will remain at bat until put out or struck out.
9U/10U Special Rules9U –1. All Major League Rules and USSSA Rules/Bylaws apply except for base stealing are in effect.2. Bases will be set at 65 feet3. There will be a 10 foot line placed past 1st, 2nd, and 3rd bases.4. The runner may take a lead but may not cross the 10 foot line until the pitched ball either crosses home plate or is put into play. The runner is not required to be stationary at any time, but he shall not cross the line prior to the pitch crossing the plate or being put into play, and he shall not get a running head start.5. The runner will be allowed to steal after the ball crosses the plate.6. If the runner crosses the 10’ line or gets a RUNNING START in an attempt to steal BEFORE the ball crosses the plate or is put into play it is a delayed dead ball. At the conclusion of the play, time will be called, and the runner will be declared OUT. 7. All other runners may advance at their own risk during the play.8. If the pitcher attempts a pick-off, the runner can may advance at his own risk.NOTE: The purpose of the 9u Modified Stealing rule is to help the young pitcher gain confidence in attempting to hold runners on base9. In 9UAA play, the batter is declared out on all strike three scenarios, whether the pitch is caught or uncaught. i.e. there is not uncaught, or dropped, third strike rule in 9UAA play. The batter is declared out on strike, the ball remains live, and all other runners may advance at their own risk.10U – Pitching — Balk rule is NOW In effect in all Events. Balks will be called in 10U and are no longer instructional. Revised 1/4/2013
