Game 7 Baseball - Official Baseball Rules 2024

Game 7 Baseball – Official Baseball Rules 2024

Game 7 events will follow the Official Baseball Rules of Game 7 Baseball listed below. National Federation High School (NFHS) rules shall apply for any rules not specifically listed in Game 7 Baseball Official Rules.

Teams should check with your State Director for any rules that may apply specifically to your geographic area.

Please be sure you read and are aware of all rules. Game 7 Baseball reserves the right to amend these rules at anytime.

Tournament/Rainout/Cancellation/Refund Policies: Teams should check with their local tournament director on their specific policies.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

             Rule 1.00 – Team Participation  & Classifications of Play
             Rule 2.00 – Age Divisions, Individual Player & Team Eligibility
             Rule 3.00 – Rosters
             Rule 4.00 – Playing Field & Equipment
             Rule 5.00 – Time Limits, Official Games, Line-Ups
             Rule 6.00 – Pitching / Batting
             Rule 7.00 – Courtesy Runners
             Rule 8.00 – Tie Breakers
             Rule 9.00 – Coaches
             Rule 10.00 – Protests
             Rule 11.00 – Ejections
             Rule 12.00 – Forfeits
             Rule 13.00 – 9U Specific Rules
             Rule 14.00 – 7U/8U Machine Pitch Specific Rules
             Rule 15.00 – 8U Player Pitch Specific Rules
             Rule 16.00 – Coach Pitch Specific Rules
             Rule 17.00 - Sportsmanship

Rule 1.00 – TEAM PARTICIPATION & CLASSIFICATIONS OF PLAY
Rule 1.01 - Team Sanction:  
A $50 (non-refundable) team registration/sanction fee shall be paid each season to participate in Game 7 Baseball events. The Game 7 Baseball tournament season begins on August 1st and ends on July 31st. By sanctioning your team with Game 7 Baseball, you are agreeing to abide by the rules and regulations that we have established.

Rule 1.02 - Team Insurance: 
All teams must have a team liability insurance policy to participate in Game 7 sanctioned events.

Rule 1.03 - Classifications of Play: 
Game 7 offers four (4) classifications of play for tournament teams:
A – Recreational level team
AA – Middle level travel teams, limited travel schedule
AAA – Upper level travel teams
Major – Elite travel team

Game 7 reserves the right to reclassify a team up or down at any time based on tournament finishes, skill level, and/or ability.

*Note: During tournaments, some age divisions/classifications may be combined if there is not a minimum of 4 teams in a division.*

During Fall Tournaments (August 1 - November 30), age divisions/classifications may be combined.

Rule 2.00 – AGE DIVISIONS, INDIVIDUAL PLAYER & TEAM ELIGIBILITY

Rule 2.01 - Age Based with Grade Exceptions Divisions:
6U Division - Players who turn 7 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in Kindergarten. Also, any player turning 8 prior to August 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 6U are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.

7U Division - Players who turn 8 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 1st grade. Also, any player turning 9 prior to August 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 7U are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.

8U Division - Players who turn 9 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 2nd grade. Also, any player turning 10 prior to August 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 8U are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.

9U Division - Players who turn 10 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 3rd grade. Also, any player turning 11 prior to August 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 9U are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.

10U Division - Players who turn 11 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 4th grade. Also, any player turning 12 prior to August 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 10U are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.

11U Division - Players who turn 12 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 5th grade. Also, any player turning 13 prior to August 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 11U are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.

12U Division - Players who turn 13 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 6th grade. Also, any player turning 14 prior to August 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 12U are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.

13U Division – Players who turn 14 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 7th grade. Also, any player turning 15 prior to August 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 13U are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.

14U Division – Players who turn 15 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 8th grade. Also, any player turning 16 prior to August 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 14U are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.

15U Division – Players who turn 16 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 9th grade. Also, any player turning 17 prior to August 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 15U are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.

16U Division – Players who turn 17 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 10th grade. Also, any player turning 18 prior to August 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 16U are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.

17U Division – Players who turn 18 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 11th grade. Also, any player turning 19 prior to August 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 17U are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.

18U Division – Players who turn 19 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible unless they are in the 12th grade. Also, any player turning 20 prior to August 1st will not be eligible. Players who are 18U are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.

*See Age calculator under the “TEAMS” tab on the National website to determine roster age.

*Teams may only have 3 grade level exception players on their roster*

Rule 2.01A – Proof of Eligibility (Age Based):

In divisions 6U – 18U, all players participating in Game 7 Baseball tournament play shall always have copies of their original birth certificate or accepted proof of age in the possession of their team manager. Upon protest, failure to have a copy of the original birth certificate or accepted proof of age immediately available upon demand shall result in a team forfeit and the player being ejected from the tournament.

Rule 2.01B – Proof of Eligibility (Grade Based):

All grade based players must have a copy of their birth certificate and their current report card, or official school ID with the grade, or any official government document stating the grade.

Rule 2.01C – Managers Responsibility/Illegal Players:

It is the Team Managers responsibility to have photocopies of all players birth certificates or accepted proof of age with him at all times. All grade level exception players must have a copy of their birth certificate and their current report card, or official school ID with grade, or an official government document stating their grade. Upon protest, a player that is found to be illegal due to an age or grade violation during a game, shall result in a team forfeit and the player being ejected from the tournament. The offending team will not be eligible for bracket play, will be placed last in the standings and will forfeit all awards and points that would have been awarded in that event. The illegal player shall be removed from the offending team’s Official Online Roster and additional penalties may be applied.

Rule 3.00 – ROSTERS

Rule 3.01 – Online Rosters:

All Teams MUST submit their Official Game 7 Roster online prior to participating in any Game 7 Event.
When adding players to the roster, the team admin or coach must enter each player's full name, birthdate, and uniform number as well as the player's parent or LEGAL guardian's full name and email address. All players must be listed as "APPROVED" to be eligible to participate. If they are not APPROVED, they won't show up on the team's viewable roster on the website. Players are approved when their parent or LEGAL guardian accepts the roster addition and completes the online waiver for their child.
Upon protest, players participating that are not listed on the Game 7 online roster may result in a forfeit. Teams that forfeit will not be eligible for bracket play, will be placed last in the standings and will forfeit all awards and points that would have been awarded in that event.

Rule 3.02 – Rosters Frozen:
Rosters will freeze at 11:59pm the day before the start of each tournament. NO players will be able to be added to the roster after the 11:59pm deadline or anytime during the event. Rosters will then unfreeze on Monday morning following an event.

Rule 3.03 – Roster Limit:
The maximum amount of players that can be listed on the Game 7 Official Roster is 15 players.

Rule 3.04 – Accuracy of Roster:
When listing a player on your Official Online Roster, Team Managers are required to use the player’s first name, last name and date of birth (in proper format – mm/dd/yyyy) EXACTLY as they appear on the player’s original birth certificate. No nicknames, shortened names, slang names, initials, prefixes, suffixes are allowed. Failure to comply with this rule may result in your team being prohibited from participating in Game 7 events.

Rule 3.05 – Multiple Rosters:
Players may be listed on multiple Game 7 rosters. However, players cannot play for multiple teams in the same event on the same weekend. Players violating this rule may result in a forfeit for both teams.

Rule 3.06 – Roster Classifications/Guidelines:

Having a AAA player listed on a AA roster for an event, moves that AA team to AAA/Open status for that particular tournament.
Any team who chooses to play up an age division in an event, must use players in their own age division. If you choose to pick up players in the older age division while playing up, you must sanction a new team with Game 7 in that particular age division.

Rule 4.00 – PLAYING FIELD & EQUIPMENT

Rule 4.01 – Field Dimensions:

Rule 4.02 - Baseballs: 
Game 7 will provide up to 3 baseballs for each game (1 new, 2 slightly used). ALL Teams are responsible for retrieving foul balls. Baseballs must be returned to the home plate umpire during and after each game. Teams MUST have tournament quality baseballs on hand to throw in if the original game balls are lost or not returned to the umpire.

Rule 4.03 – Bat Restrictions:

Ages 7U – 12U:  No restriction on weight/length. Bat must be a baseball bat (small or big barrel) with a BPF 1.15. Wood bats are allowed.
13U Division:  -8 weight/length ratio. Wood bats are allowed.
14U Division:  -5 weight/length ratio. Wood bats are allowed.
Ages 15U and above: MUST use BBCOR. -3 weight/length ratio only.
All -3 bats must be stamped BBCOR.

Illegal Bat (Penalty):  If discovered by the defensive team upon appeal during the at bat, the batter will be declared out. Any subsequent outs made on a play will stand. All other actions caused by the use of the illegal bat shall be nullified. (Runners return to their last legally occupied base at the time of the pitch). The appeal must occur before the next pitch or attempted play. If improperly appealed, bat will be removed from play with no penalty assessed.

Rule 4.04 - Uniforms:

Players:  Teams should be complete with team jerseys of the same color and style with numbers that are non-duplicating. If there are any concerns, it needs to be addressed at ground rules.
Catchers: Catchers should wear all appropriate protective gear including chest protector, shin or leg guards, catcher’s helmet with facemask and throat guard. Catchers 7U – 13U must wear hockey style mask.
Helmets:  All offensive players shall use a double ear flap batting helmet whenever at bat, on deck, on base, or any other time outside of the dugout when the ball is live and in play.
Metal Cleats:  Metal Cleats are not allowed in the 6U – 12U age divisions. They are allowed in the 13U – 18U divisions. NO metal cleats on portable pitching mounds or turf fields.

Rule 5.00 – TIME LIMITS, OFFICIAL GAMES, LINE-UPS, GAME CARDS

Rule 5.01 – Time Limits:  
6U – 8U Coach Pitch = 6 innings or 1 hour 20 minutes, whichever comes first.
7U/8U Machine Pitch = 6 innings or 1 hour 20 minutes, whichever comes first.
8U Player Pitch = 6 innings or 1 hour 30 minutes, whichever comes first.
9U – 10U = 6 innings or 1 hour 30 minutes, whichever comes first.
11U – 12U = 6 innings or 1 hour 40 minutes, whichever comes first.
13U – 18U = 7 innings or 1 hour 40 minutes, whichever comes first.

No new inning may start after the time limit has elapsed. A new inning automatically begins after the 3rd out is recorded in the bottom half of the previous inning.

The official game clock starts at the conclusion of ground rules.

All teams must be prepared to start 15 minutes prior to their scheduled game time.

Championship Game Times (when it's the last game scheduled on that field):
2 hours - (11U-18U)
1 hour 45 minutes - (9U-10U)
1 hour 30 minutes - (7U/8U Machine Pitch)(6U – 8U Coach Pitch)(8U Player Pitch)

*Note: Championship Game Times (when there are more games scheduled on that field)
1 hour 40 minutes - (11U-18U)
1 hour 30 minutes - (9U-10U)
1 hour 20 minutes - (7U/8U Machine Pitch)(6U – 8U Coach Pitch)(8U Player Pitch)

When the time limit has expired with the home team batting and ahead, the game is over regardless of the score and the inning will not be completed. The final score is the score when the time expires.

Game 7 Baseball reserves the right to alter, change or abbreviate tournament formats, when necessary, to complete the tournament.

Rule 5.02 – Official Games:
7 inning game (13U-18U) affected but not limited to the weather, darkness, etc. shall be considered a complete game after 4 complete innings or 3 ½ if the Home team is winning OR if 1 hour 20 minutes has elapsed from the official start time. A game which is stopped after the 4th inning or 1 hour 20 minutes has elapsed, but not in a complete inning, will revert back to the last completed inning, unless the Home team is winning.

6 inning game (6U-12U) affected but not limited to the weather, darkness, etc. shall be considered a complete game after 3 complete innings or 2 ½ if the Home team is winning OR if 1 hour 20 minutes has elapsed from the official start time. A game which is stopped after the 3rd inning or 1 hour 20 minutes has elapsed, but not in a complete inning, will revert back to the last completed inning, unless the Home team is winning.

Rule 5.03 – Run (Mercy) Rules:
12 runs after 3 innings
10 runs after 4 innings
8 runs after 5 innings

Rule 5.04 – Home Team: 

In pool play, the Home Team will be determined by coin toss. The highest seeded team will be the Home Team during Bracket Play and the Championship Game, with the exception being in a Double Elimination Bracket where the undefeated team in the championship game will be the Home Team regardless of seed. A coin toss will be done in the “IF” game in a Double Elimination Bracket to determine the Home Team. The Home Team will keep the official scorebook. The official scorebook must be a scorebook in writing, not on a mobile device.

Rule 5.05 – Line-Ups: 

Each team MUST prepare a written line-up, listing first and last names and numbers of all players/subs that are available prior to each game. Players’ numbers on the line-up card submitted at ground rules MUST match the players’ numbers participating. Team must also choose their line-up option and note it on line-up card. Line-ups must be given to the home plate umpire at ground rules. Note: Once the line-up is submitted at ground rules, no additions/changes can be made.

Rule 5.05A - Batting Order Options: (9U – 18U)

1)  Nine (9) batters
2)  Nine (9) batters with a (DH), batting 9
3)  Ten (10) batters with an (EH), batting 10
4)  Continuous batting order, with free defensive substitution
Note:  When batting a continuous batting order, if a player has to leave the game due to an injury/illness and cannot return to the game, he will not be penalized by taking an out in his spot in the batting order. Once that player leaves the game, the player is not eligible to return to the game in any capacity. If the line-up drops below nine (9) players, teams will take an out for the ninth player each time he is scheduled to bat.
Teams may start and finish a game with eight (8) players but will take an out for the ninth spot in the line-up.
If the line-up drops below 8 players, the game will be considered a forfeit.

Rule 5.05B – Re-Entry Rule:  

Starters may re-enter one time in their original spot in the batting order. Players listed as substitutes removed from the game are ineligible to return to that game.

Rule 5.06 – Official Game Cards:

Team Managers are required to verify games scores and sign the official game card immediately following the completion of each game. Failure or refusal to sign the official game card at the end of the game assumes acceptance of the recorded score.

Rule 6.00 – PITCHING / BATTING

Rule 6.01 – Pitching Limitations:

Coaches will need to turn in a completed pitching chart with signatures after each game. Teams will track their own pitching and will verify/sign the opposing teams pitching chart. Once the pitching chart is signed, it will be considered official.

Rule 6.01A - Pitching Limits 8U – 12U:

One (1) day maximum to pitch the next day = 4 innings. The maximum number of innings a player can legally pitch and be available to pitch the next day.     
One (1) day maximum = 6 innings.  The maximum number of innings a player can legally pitch in one (1) day.
Three (3) day maximum = 8 innings. The maximum number of innings a player can legally pitch in three (3) consecutive days.
*Pitching will be recorded by thirds of an inning*
Once a pitcher throws a warm-up pitch, he becomes the pitcher of record.

NOTE:  If the pitcher of record fails to record an out during an inning, he will still be charged 1/3 of an inning for his appearance.

Rule 6.01B - Days of Rest 8U – 12U:

A player that pitches more than four (4) innings in one (1) day MUST rest the next day.
A player that pitches eight (8) innings in two (2) consecutive days MUST rest the next day.
A player that pitches three (3) consecutive days, regardless of total number of innings pitched, MUST rest the next day.
Once the pitcher is removed from the pitching position, he cannot return to pitch in the same game.

Rule 6.01C - Pitching Limits 13U – 14U:

One (1) day maximum to pitch the next day = 5 innings. The maximum number of innings a player can legally pitch and be available to pitch the next day.
One (1) day maximum = 7 innings.  The maximum number of innings a player can legally pitch in one (1) day.
Three (3) day maximum = 10 innings. The maximum number of innings a player can legally pitch in three (3) consecutive days.
*Pitching will be recorded by thirds of an inning*
Once a pitcher throws a warm-up pitch, he becomes the pitcher of record.

NOTE:  If the pitcher of record fails to record an out during an inning, he will still be charged 1/3 of an inning for his appearance.

Rule 6.01D - Days of Rest 13U – 14U:

A player that pitches more than five (5) innings in one (1) day MUST rest the next day.
A player that pitches ten (10) innings in two (2) consecutive days MUST rest the next day.
A player that pitches three (3) consecutive days, regardless of total number of innings pitched, MUST rest the next day.
Once the pitcher is removed from the pitching position, he cannot return to pitch in the same game.

Rule 6.02 – Pitching Limitations (Penalty):  

The pitching limit rule is in place to protect pitchers. If a coach violates the rule, there will be NO forfeit for the 1st violation.
1st violation: The coach will have to remove the pitcher at that time and the coach will be ejected from the rest of the current game and serve a one (1) game suspension.
2nd violation: Team forfeit, and the coach will be suspended for the remainder of the tournament.
Pitching recorded in a game that ends in a forfeit will count towards a pitcher’s limit.

Rule 6.03 - Mound Visits:  

If a coach makes a 2nd visit, to the same pitcher, in the same inning, he must remove that pitcher from the pitching position.

Rule 6.04 – Intentional Walks:

Any defensive manager/coach or player may instruct the umpire to issue a batter an intentional walk and award the batter first base. This may be done before pitching to the batter or on any ball/strike count. The ball shall be declared dead before making the award.

Rule 6.05 – Balks:

Age Division: 8U Player Pitch – No balks will be called.
Age Division: 9U A/AA – Balks enforced, 1 warning per pitcher.
Age Division: 9U AAA/Major/Open – Balks enforced, No warnings.
Age Divisions: 10U – 18U, Balks enforced, No warnings.

*Note: 3rd to 1st move is a balk*

Rule 6.06 - Fake Bunt/Slash Bunt:

Any attempt to hit a hard ball (full swing or slap hit) after squaring is illegal. 
Penalty: Automatic dead ball, batter is out.

Rule 7.00 – COURTESY RUNNERS
Rule 7.01 – Courtesy Runners (9U – 18U):
Courtesy runners may be used for the pitcher or catcher of record at any time. It is recommended to use the courtesy runner to keep the game moving. The courtesy runner must be a player not presently in the line-up. When using a continuous batting order, the courtesy runner will be the last out. If at any time, a courtesy runner is determined to be ineligible, the proper replacement (if available) shall be used without penalty.

Rule 8.00 – TIE BREAKERS

Rule 8.01 – Pool Play games: 
In Pool Play, if all regulation innings have been played or the imposed time limit has expired and the score is tied, the game will end in a tie.

Rule 8.02 – Bracket/Championship games:
In Championship/Bracket play games, if the score is tied after all regulation innings have been played or time has expired, the game will proceed as follows until there is a winner. The last out will be put on 2nd base to start each inning, with 0 outs.

Rule 8.03 - Pool Play - Tie Breaker Criteria (For Seeding purposes):

   •        Head-to-Head (only when 2 teams are tied)

Note: When 3 or more teams are tied, the tie breaker becomes Runs Allowed, and cannot revert back to the previous criteria of Head-to-Head

•        Runs Allowed

•        Runs Differential (max +/- 7)

•        Game 7 Points

•        Coin Toss

Rule 9.00 – COACHES

Rule 9.01 – Number of Coaches: A maximum of four (4) coaches per team are allowed in the dugouts. Only one (1) coach is permitted to stand outside the dugout in LIVE BALL territory defensively. All interference rules will apply should a coach choose to stand outside the dugout in LIVE BALL territory. The coaches must stay within the vicinity of the dugout entrance.

The Manager/Head Coach should always come to the plate meeting prior to the start of the game. The coach that attends the plate meeting will be the only coach that communicates with the umpire throughout the game concerning rule interpretations and/or protests.

Rule 10.00 – PROTESTS

Rule 10.01 - Protests:  Any PROTEST requires a $200 cash protest fee at the time of the protest. What can be protested and when? Roster Challenges and misinterpretations of the rules. Judgment calls cannot be protested. Games can be protested during the current game being played, anytime from the conclusion of ground rules after line-ups are submitted until the end of the game when the game card is signed. Game cannot be protested after the game cards have been signed and teams have left the field.
At the time of protest, the game will be stopped and a tournament official and/or UIC will be notified to make a decision on the protest. All decisions will be final.
If protest is upheld, the $200 fee will be refunded.

Rule 10.02 - Roster Challenges: Upon protest, teams must provide photocopies of birth certificates or approved identification to determine if a player is eligible. If the Manager can’t provide birth certificates or accepted proof of age or if a player is determined to be an illegal player, that player is ejected from the protested game and becomes ineligible to participate for the remainder of the tournament. The protested game becomes a forfeit, and that team becomes ineligible to participate in Bracket play. 
It is recommended to have the jersey numbers of the players participating match the numbers posted online to avoid any confusion. Online jersey numbers will not be protested.

Rule 11.00 – FORFEITS

Rule 11.01 – Team Forfeits:
Forfeits will be scored 6-0 in a 6 inning game, 7-0 in a 7 inning game.
Any team that records a forfeit will be ineligible to participate in Bracket Play. Team will be placed last in the standings and will forfeit any awards, points, and entry fees.

Rule 12.00 – EJECTIONS

Rule 12.01 – Player Ejections:
All player ejections will be reviewed by the tournament director to determine eligibility for the remainder of the tournament.

Rule 12.02 - Coaches, Parents, or Spectators Ejections:

Coaches, Parents, or Spectators ejected from a game may be suspended for 1 game or for the remainder of the tournament. Any coach, parent or spectator ejected from a game must leave the area and cannot be within 300 feet of your game. It is the sole discretion of the tournament director or UIC.

Rule 13.00 – 9U SPECIFIC RULES

Rule 13.01 - 9U A/AA Rules:
*These 9U rules are when the tournament division is advertised as an A/AA event.
6 innings or 1 hour 30 minute time limit.
Pool play games can end in a tie.
Pitching Distance = 46'
Base Distance = 65'
Stealing – Yes, base runners may steal second and third. 
No Stealing Home - Base Runners may advance Home on any attempt to any base by the defensive team. They cannot advance Home on a wild pitch, passed ball or an overthrow back to the pitcher.
Dropped third strike – No
Infield fly rule – Yes
Balks enforced, 1 warning per pitcher
Maximum runs scored per half inning = 7 runs.  Sixth (6th) inning = unlimited runs. Mercy rule still in effect.
Intentional Walks:  Any defensive manager/coach or player may instruct the umpire to issue a batter an intentional walk and award the batter first base. This may be done before pitching to the batter or on any ball/strike count. The ball shall be declared dead before making the award.
9U A/AA Divisions will play regular baseball rules after June 1st.

Rule 13.02 - 9U AAA/MAJOR/Open Division Rules: 
Will play regular baseball rules.

Rule 14.00 – MACHINE PITCH SPECIFIC RULES

Rule 14.01 - 7U/8U Machine Pitch Rules:

6 innings or 1 hour 20 minute time limit.

Pool play games can end in a tie.

Machine Distance = 42'

Base Distance = 60'

Machine Speed –  7U (37-39 mph) 8U (39-42 mph)

Maximum of 7 runs scored per half inning. Sixth (6th) inning = unlimited runs. Mercy rule still in effect.

Ten (10) defensive players shall play in the field with four (4) outfielders

Outfielders (4) must stay in the outfield until the ball is hit.

Note: Teams may start with 9 players. However, they must play all the infield positions including the pitcher and 3 outfielders.

The batter will get six (6) pitches or three (3) swinging strikes. If the sixth (6th) pitch is a foul ball, the batter shall receive an additional pitch or pitches until the ball is hit fair or the batter’s turn at bat is completed.

No intentional walks allowed.

No Bunting or half-swings at the pitch.

PENALTY: Ball is declared a foul ball and counts as a pitch

Batters may not indicate a “fake bunt” then pull back and swing.

PENALTY: Dead ball, the batter will be declared out.

No infield fly rule

No lead-offs or stealing, runners must hold their base until the ball is hit.

PENALTY: Runner(s) will be called out for leaving the base early. Teams will get 1 warning.

Umpire will operate the pitching machine at all times.

During play, runners can advance on a live ball until the ball is controlled by an infielder on the infield within the base paths. Runners will be sent back to last touched base if the umpire determines the runners were not more than halfway to the next base. This is a judgment call by the umpire.
The defensive player listed as the pitcher shall not leave the pitching circle until the ball is hit.

PENALTY: The play continues and after the play has ended, the offensive team has the option of taking the result of the play or no pitch. Note: The pitcher must have one foot within the circle and positioned in line with or anywhere behind the front of the machine until the ball is hit.

Whenever a batted ball hits any part of the pitching machine or the umpire operating the pitching machine, the ball is dead, the batter is awarded first base (1st) base and all runners shall advance one (1) base.

Batting Order:

Machine Pitch Division will use a Continuous batting order, with free defensive substitution.

Note: If a player has to leave the game due to an injury/illness and cannot return to the game, he will not be penalized by taking an out in his spot in the batting order. Once that player leaves the game, the player is not eligible to return to the game in any capacity.

If only 9 players are available, teams may start and finish a game with nine (9) players, without taking an out for the 10th spot in the line-up.

If the line-up drops below 9 players, the game will be considered a forfeit.

Each team MUST prepare a written line-up, listing first and last names and numbers of all players that are available prior to each game. Line-ups must be given to the home plate umpire at ground rules. Note:  Once the line-up is submitted at ground rules, no additions/changes can be made.

Courtesy Runners: (7U/8U Machine Pitch)

Courtesy runners may be used for the catcher of record at anytime. It is recommended to use the courtesy runner to keep the game moving. The courtesy runner will be the last out. If at any time, a courtesy runner is determined to be ineligible, the proper replacement (if available) shall be used without penalty.

Rule 15.00 – 8U PLAYER PITCH SPECIFIC RULES

Rule 15.01 - 8U Player Pitch Rules:

6 innings or 1 hour 30 minute time limit.

Pool play games can end in a tie.

Pitching Distance = 42'
Base Distance = 60'
Maximum of 5 runs scored per half inning. Sixth (6th) inning = unlimited runs. Mercy rule still in effect.

Nine (9) defensive players shall play in the field
NO infield fly rule, NO dropped third strike

No balks will be called
No lead-offs or stealing, runners must hold their base until the ball is hit. 

PENALTY: Runner(s) will be called out for leaving the base early. Teams will get 1 warning.
During play, runners can advance on a live ball until the ball is controlled by an infielder on the infield within the base paths. Runners will be sent back to last touched base if the umpire determines the runners were not more than halfway to the next base. This is a judgment call by the umpire.

Batting Order Options:

8U Player Pitch Division will use a Continuous batting order, with free defensive substitution
Note: If a player has to leave the game due to an injury/illness and cannot return to the game, he will not be penalized by taking an out in his spot in the batting order. Once that player leaves the game, the player is not eligible to return to the game in any capacity.
If only 8 players are available, teams may start and finish a game with eight (8) players, but will take an out for the ninth spot in the line-up.
If the line-up drops below 8 players, the game will be considered a forfeit.
Each team MUST prepare a written line-up, listing first and last names and numbers of all players that are available prior to each game. Line-ups must be given to the home plate umpire at ground rules. Note:  Once the line-up is submitted at ground rules, no additions/changes can be made.

Courtesy Runners: (8U Player Pitch)

Courtesy runners may be used for the pitcher or catcher of record at anytime. It is recommended to use the courtesy runner to keep the game moving. The courtesy runner will be the last out. If at any time, a courtesy runner is determined to be ineligible, the proper replacement (if available) shall be used without penalty.

Rule 16.00 – COACH PITCH SPECIFIC RULES

Rule 16.01 - 6U/7U/8U Coach Pitch Rules:
6 innings or 1 hour 20 minute time limit.
Pool play games can end in a tie.
Field Dimensions – 42’/60’ (12 ft. circle with center measured at 42 ft. from home plate)
The pitching coach must pitch with one foot inside the circle.
The pitching coach must leave the field immediately when the ball is put in play.
The pitching coach shall not verbally or physically coach while in the pitching position.
The pitching coach shall position himself not to be an obstruction to the defensive team on any possible play once the ball is hit. In the umpire’s judgement, if the coach violates this rule after the ball is pitched, obstruction will be called.
Maximum of 7 runs scored per half inning. Sixth (6th) inning = unlimited runs. Mercy rule still in effect.
Ten (10) defensive players shall play in the field with four (4) outfielders
Outfielders (4) must stay in the outfield until the ball is hit.
Note: Teams may start with 9 players. However, they must play all the infield positions including the pitcher and 3 outfielders.
The batter will get six (6) pitches or three (3) swinging strikes. If the sixth (6th) pitch is a foul ball, the batter shall receive an additional pitch or pitches until the ball is hit fair or the batter’s turn at bat is completed.
No intentional walks allowed.
No Bunting or half-swings at the pitch.
PENALTY: Ball is declared a foul ball and counts as a pitch
Batters may not indicate a “fake bunt” then pull back and swing.
PENALTY: Dead ball, the batter will be declared out.
No infield fly rule
No lead-offs or stealing, runners must hold their base until the ball is hit.
PENALTY: Runner(s) will be called out for leaving the base early. Teams will get 1 warning.
During play, the umpire will call “Time” and declare the ball dead when the ball is controlled by an infielder on the infield within the base paths. Runners will be sent back to last touched base if the umpire determines the runners were not more than halfway to the next base. This is a judgment call by the umpire.
The defensive player listed as the pitcher shall not leave the pitching circle until the ball is hit.
PENALTY: The play continues and after the play has ended, the offensive team has the option of taking the result of the play or no pitch. 
Whenever a batted ball hits the pitching coach, the ball becomes dead and a no-pitch is declared.

Batting Order Options:

Coach Pitch Divisions will use a Continuous batting order, with free defensive substitution.
Note: If a player has to leave the game due to an injury/illness and cannot return to the game, he will not be penalized by taking an out in his spot in the batting order. Once that player leaves the game, the player is not eligible to return to the game in any capacity.
If only 9 players are available, teams may start and finish a game with nine (9) players, without taking an out for the 10th spot in the line-up.
If the line-up drops below 9 players, the game will be considered a forfeit.
Each team MUST prepare a written line-up, listing first and last names and numbers of all players that are available prior to each game. Line-ups must be given to the home plate umpire at ground rules. Note:  Once the line-up is submitted at ground rules, no additions/changes can be made.

Courtesy Runners: (Coach Pitch)

Courtesy runners may be used for the catcher of record at anytime. It is recommended to use the courtesy runner to keep the game moving. The courtesy runner will be the last out. If at any time, a courtesy runner is determined to be ineligible, the proper replacement (if available) shall be used without penalty.

Rule 17.00 – SPORTSMANSHIP

All players, coaches, managers, sponsors, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. Remember, rule interpretations may be disputed. Judgement calls, especially balls and strikes may NOT be disputed. All ejections will result in banishment from that game and may also result in banishment of the tournament. This is youth baseball; bad sportsmanship will not be tolerated.

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