!!! Only USA Certified bats may be used!!!
1) While the score will be kept, winning and losing should not be emphasized. It is not one of the main purposes of the program.
2) Games last 6 innings, subject to the following.
3) Home team plays the field first They are also responsible for dragging the field after the game.
4) Each team is responsible for picking up litter on their side of the field after the game.
5) Players must wear long pants when playing (shorts are not permitted).
6) The infield fly rule is not used at this level. Dropped third strike rule is not used at this level.
7) The nine regular defensive positions are used.
8) Players will pitch and pitch counts shall be strictly enforced. 8-year-old pitchers are only allowed fifty pitches per game; they are allowed to over this pitch count to finish a batter if they start that batter under the fifty pitch limit. Rest rules are as follows.
Pitch counts should be updated in the league website after each game.
9) Managers are encouraged to let all players have an opportunity to pitch, keeping in mind that player safety is the priority.
10) A pitcher must be removed from the game if he hits 3 batters in one inning or 4 batters in a game
11) No pitcher may wear white long sleeves or any wristbands
12) Once a pitcher has been removed from the mound he may not return as a pitcher that game
13) Any player who has thrown more than 40 pitches cannot play the position of catcher in that game. Any player who has caught 4 innings or more cannot enter the game as a pitcher.
14) All players present bat in the batting order. A player bats when it’s his/her turn even if they did not play in the field that inning.
15) There will be a 5-run limit in each of the first five innings. The 6th inning is uncapped. No mercy rule (this cap rule will be reviewed as the season goes on)
Games 1 through 6, walks will not be issued on Ball 4 with the bases loaded. Coaches will come in to finish the current at-bat at the current count. Pitcher is not removed from the game due to walks. There is no walk limit for pitchers. Pitcher removal is at the coaches discretion. This rule will be revisited for Games 7 - 12 and the Playoffs.
16) Bunting is NOT allowed
17) Leading is not allowed. The runner can’t leave the base until the ball has reached the batter or is hit. Runners may not advance once the ball is in possession of the pitcher within the circle of the mound. NO DELAYED STEALS.
18) STEALING - Stealing is allowed but a runner may not leave the base until the ball crossed the plate. Please police this yourselves if the umpire misses this it is imperative that players learn when they can steal. There are unlimited steals of second and third. Runners cannot advance on an overthrow during a steal attempt. Runners are not allowed to score on a passed ball. They can only score by a ball in play or via walk.
Delayed steals and the wheel play (continuing on to 2nd after a walk without ever stopping at first base) are prohibited at this level.
19) THERE ARE NO ON DECK BATTERS SWINGING BATS!!! The next batter does not pick up the bat until the previous play is completed. No player picks up a bat until they have a batting helmet on. No exceptions.
20) If lightning is seen or thunder is heard, the game stops immediately and the players take cover!!! The game does not
continue until ½ hour has passed free of lightning and/or thunder!
21) All catchers must wear a cup
22) Runners must slide or avoid at any base where a play is being made. Headfirst sliding is not permitted.
23) Managers are required to provide each player with a minimum of three innings (9 defensive outs) during each game.
24) Runners are allowed only 1 base on an overthrow
25) Each manager is asked to create a call up list early in the season, which should contain 3-5 players that have the ability to play up at the next level as a fill in if needed. This list should include only 8 year old players and should be submitted to the league director early in the season.
26) If a team will have less than 9 players the league director should be contacted for a call up. A called-up player is not allowed to pitch or catch and should generally be limited to playing the outfield and batting at the end of the order.
27) All teams make the playoffs. Playoff format will be a double elimination tournament (schedule permitting). Playoff games cannot end in a tie and must go a complete 6 innings, unless:
if game is called due to darkness or weather and is either not official (four innings have been completed; three and a half, if the home team leads) or Tied, the game will resume in the exact spot where it was postponed.
28) Each team is responsible for one day during the year to clean/field maintenance.