2010

Atlantic Babe Ruth Softball League

8u Playing Rules

The intention of this softball league is to adhere as closely as possible to the rules of Babe Ruth, which each team is chartered. Some rules have been modified because of player's ability level or simply to quicken the pace of the game. If a rule is not described below, please refer to the Babe Ruth Softball Rules and Regulations guide for the official description.

Questions or concerns regarding these rules can be forwarded to the 8u Division Coordinator who is listed under the Division Coordinators tab of this website.

Note: To print out a copy of the rules, scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on the "printer friendly" option.

Base Running – A runner may not leave the base until the pitched ball is hit by the batter.

If a batted ball hits a runner before passing an infielder the runner is out. If the runner is hit after the ball passes an infielder play is live and runners may advance at risk.

A base runner cannot run more than three (3) feet from a direct line between the bases to try to avoid a tag. However, a runner may run outside the 3-foot line to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball. A runner going to first base must run in foul territory to avoid interference with the first baseman or a throw from a fielder.

Batting – All players on the roster for each team will be placed on the lineup card (sheet) and will bat once per inning unless three (3) outs, five (5) runs or 10 batters come to the plate, which ever occurs first. In the event of 3 outs, 5 runs or 10 batters coming to the plate, a team must start the next inning with the batter who was due to hit in the previous inning when the inning ended. Playoffs only - All players on the roster for each team will be placed on the lineup card (sheet) and will bat once per inning unless three (3) outs or five (5) runs occur first. In the event of 3 outs or 5 runs, a team must start the next inning with the batter who was due to hit in the previous inning when the inning ended.

Each batter will receive a maximum of six (6) pitches (see note below). The batter is out when 6 pitches have occurred without a ball being hit into the field of play.

A “hitting tee” may be used for the sixth and final pitch. If a batter swings and misses the ball while on the tee or contacts the tee in such a way that does not put the ball into play the batter is out.

Note: In the event of a sixth pitch foul, the batter will receive additional pitches until she is out by league rules.

Batting Order - Teams must follow the lineups submitted to the opposing team prior to the game. Teams that bat out of order will be charged an out (see note below). In this case, if not the final out of the inning, the team will go back to the batter that was scheduled to bat at the time the out of order occurred.

Late arriving players must be placed at the bottom of the batting order.

Note: Batting out of order occurs when a batter who was not scheduled to hit takes a ready position in the batters box and a pitch is thrown.

Bench Rules –

Only players, coaches and one (1) scorekeeper are allowed in the dugout or on the bench. No other persons are allowed in the dugout.

Players are not to leave the bench or playing field unless gaining approval by a coach.

Bunting – There is no bunting allowed in the 8u division. In the event a player tries to bunt a “no pitch” will be called and the count will remain the same prior to the bunt attempt.

Courtesy Runner - The catcher (only) may have a courtesy runner run for them every time they get onto base. Each courtesy runner may only pinch run once per game. The purpose of this rule is to allow the catcher extra time to put their catchers equipment on for the start of the next inning.

Catchers -

At all times while behind the plate catchers are required to wear full protective headgear (mask), chest protector and leg guards.

Catchers are not to intentionally block the plate.

Child Pitcher Location – During play, child-pitchers must be located even to, or behind the pitching rubber with at least one foot in the pitchers circle.

Coach Pitch – In the 8u division, offensive coaches will pitch to their respective teams. Coaches must pitch from a distance of 25 feet to all players. The “floating rubber” is not allowed.

·         The Coach Pitcher cannot coach any player other than the batter. Penalty: A runner being coached by the Coach Pitcher will be called out when the opposing coach questions the action.

·         Coaches must make every attempt to avoid contact with the child-pitcher when a ball is in play. If a batted ball inadvertently strikes the coach pitcher the ball is considered a live ball. If it appears the coach intentionally interfered with a live ball, the child pitcher or other players the batter will be called out, and all base-runners shall return to their previous bases.

·         Different coaches may be used to pitch during the course of a game.

Fielder -

· A fielder may not stand directly in the base line path except when fielding a ball.

· A fielder may not obstruct a runner advancing or returning to a base unless she has the ball in her possession.

Game Postponement (Non Weather)– All games must be played. In the event of an unseen emergency, teams can re-schedule games to an agreed date. In this case, teams must notify the appropriate town commissioner of the change.

Game Duration– Under optimal conditions, games will be three (3) innings in duration or 90 minutes whichever comes first. If at 90 minutes an inning is in progress, it may be completed in its entirety. For any reason, if two complete innings have not been played the game shall be considered a “no game” that must be replayed, from the beginning with a score of 0 - 0, at a later date. Playoffs Only - Games will be three (3) full innings. There is no time limit for playoff games.

Helmets – All batting helmets must have a facemask installed.

Hit-By-Pitch – When a player is struck by a coach pitched ball it is considered to be one of the six pitch count. A player is not awarded a base.

Infield Fly Rule - The infield fly rule does not apply in the 8u division.

Injuries – Time shall be called whenever an injury has occurred to a player.

Batting - During an at bat should a player get injured and cannot continue batting, the at bat is erased and the next batter in the lineup will come to the plate with a full six (6) pitch count. The injured player may re-enter the game at their next scheduled at-bat or when their respective team takes the field. (See note below)

Defensive Play - During defensive play should a player get injured and cannot continue in the field, the player may be substituted for, by another team player. All substitutions must be in accordance with the Player Positions Rule. The injured player may re-enter the game after at least one opposition at bat (1 batter) or on the occurrence of the injured players next scheduled at bat (see note below).

Base-Running - During base running should a player get injured and cannot continue to run, the player may be substituted for by another team player. The player selected may only be used once in a game as a “pinch” runner. The injured player may re-enter the game at their next scheduled at-bat or when the injured players team takes the field (see note below).

Note: A team may continue playing when an injury has forced a player to leave the game causing a team to drop below the minimum player strength of seven (7).

Jewelry– No jewelry (rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc.) will be allowed during play.

Lineups - Lineups shall include players first initial, last name and jersey number. Lineups are to be exchanged between coaches or scorekeepers prior to the start of games.

Maximum Run Rule – Teams can score a maximum of five (5) runs per inning. On the occurrence of the 5^th run the inning shall end. Playoffs only - Teams can score a maximum of five (5) runs per inning except in the last inning, which teams may score unlimited runs. On the occurrence of the 5^th run the inning shall end.

Mercy Rule – There is no mercy rule in the 8u division.

Offensive and Defensive Coaches Position –

Offensive: During offensive play a team may have a maximum of three (3) coaches on the field. One located at 1^st base, one at 3^rd base and one pitching to the girls on their respective team.

Defensive: During defensive play a maximum of three (3) defensive coaches are allowed on the field, provided they remain in foul territory at all times. These defensive coaches will place themselves adjacent to their outfielders. One located in right field, one located in left field and one in front of their teams respective dug-out (see note below).

Under no circumstances are non-players allowed on the field of play.

Coaches cannot touch base runners during live play. Pushing or physically assisting a runner is prohibited. Penalty: first time (1) warning. The second time an out shall be recorded.

Note: Between plays a defensive coach may enter the field of play for injuries, to congratulate a player or to quickly give a player specific instructions.

On-Deck Batter - The on deck batter must remain in the dugout or designated enclosed on deck area until her time to bat.

Outfielder Plays at a Base - Outfielders can make outs at bases. However, prior to the pitch all outfielders must be positioned at least three (3) feet onto the grass from the edge of the infield “dirt” playing area.

Overthrow - Overthrows, whether into fair or foul territory, will be considered live, unless the ball enters a dugout or goes over the fence, in which case each runner will automatically receive two (2) bases from the time of the throw. Overthrows remaining in play will be considered live and runners may continue to advance at their own risk of being put out. Only one (1) base may be taken per batter/per play. Example, if an overthrow to first base occurs and is considered live, the runner going to first may advance to second base. However, if another overthrow to second base is made on the same play, the batter must remain at second base and cannot proceed until the next play. Additional runners must also “hold” their present base. During this “second overthrow” occurrence the pitcher does not have to have control of the ball for play to end.

Player Conduct – Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their team. Excessive screaming or taunting of the other team will not be permitted. Coaches are also asked to control to the best of their abilities any parent who is excessively yelling into the field of play.

Player Changes (During an Inning) – Coaches may change defensive players positions during an inning. However any changes must be in accordance with the rules in the Player Positions Rule.

Play-Offs – At the conclusion of regular season play, a double elimination play-off will occur. Regular season rules are subject to change during playoffs. Each team will be required to have a representative present at the playoff coaches meeting which will take place at the end of the regular season. This meeting will determine the date and times each team will play.

Player Positions – All players on the roster will play at least two defensive innings per game. During a game a particular player cannot play the same position more than twice. Coaches, over the course of the season, should rotate all players through all defensive positions (see note below).

Note: If a coach is concerned for the safety of a particular player, he/she may keep that player in a more “safer” position such as the outfield, for as many innings/games as necessary. However, all portions of the Player Positions rule still apply.

Playing Strength – Teams will use a playing strength of ten (10) players maximum and seven (7) players minimum. The positions are as follows: 1^st Base, 2^nd Base, SS, 3rd Base, Pitcher, Catcher, Left Field, Left Centerfield, Right Centerfield and Right Field.

If a team cannot field at least seven (7) of its own players at the start of a game, a team may ask for a postponement of the game or borrow players from the other team to fill out its roster. In the event of a postponement the appropriate town commissioner must be notified.

Scores – Scores will not be kept in the 8u division. Playoffs only - Scores will be kept during play-off games.

Sliding – Sliding is permitted in the 8u division. A runner however is not required to slide, but should make an attempt to avoid contact with a defensive player. Foot first sliding is encouraged at this level. Headfirst sliding is not allowed. On the first occurrence of a headfirst slide the team shall receive a warning. On subsequent occurrences the player will be ruled out.

Softball – A typical, eleven (11) inch softball with a COR of .47 or under will be used for game play.

Sportsmanship –

Derogatory Cheers - No derogatory cheers will be allowed. No deliberate attempt to distract the opposing team shall be permitted.

Throwing the Bat - Players are prohibited from throwing their bats. Coaches need to ensure their team players do not throw their bats.

Shaking Hands After the Game – After a game, each team shall line up along the baseline in front of their respective dugout and shake hands.

Standings – Standings will not be kept in the 8u division.

Start Time - All games are scheduled to start promptly at the time recorded on the official season schedule (see note below). The home team may take the field to practice one-half hour prior to the start of the game for a total of fifteen (15) minutes. The away team may take the field fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of the game for a total of fifteen (15) minutes.

Note: Prior to the start of the season home teams may choose the start time for games played at their fields. These times must be recorded on the official game schedule prior to the start of the season.

Stealing – There is no stealing allowed in the 8u division. If the runner leaves before the ball is pitched, the runner will be out.

Stoppage of Play – Play will be stopped and no further advancement of batters will occur when: the defensive team has gotten the ball back to the pitcher who is in the pitchers circle (see note below) or when the lead runner is stopped on the base path. If the pitcher receives the ball and a batter is determined to be more than halfway to the next base, she is awarded that base. If the runner was not more than halfway to the next base she must return to the base she just passed.

Note: The pitcher must have both feet in the pitchers circle and have full control of the ball. “ Control” is defined as holding the ball securely in the fielder’s glove or hand. The term pitcher as it applies to this rule can also include any defensive player.

Substitutions – Free substitutions are permitted in the 8u division.

Team Responsibilities -
- The home team will supply the Batting Tee.
- The home team will supply the game ball(s).
- The home team shall setup and return the bases to the equipment room at the completion of the game.
- The home team will use the dugout along the first base line, and the away team will use the dugout along the third base line.
- Players of each team shall clean up cans, bottles, etc. around the ball diamond after each game. This rule is to be enforced by coaches of both teams.

Umpiring – There are no official umpires in the 8u division. Teams must “umpire” themselves. Teams may agree to use a parent/fan over the age of 16 as an umpire. In this case the designee umpires decision is final. Arguing with an umpires call(s) will not be permitted.

Unequal Rosters – If the playing rosters are unequal, each team will continue to follow the "Batting Rule" as listed above. When a team has batted their entire lineup prior to three (3) outs, five (5) runs or 10 batters coming to the plate, that team will continue its at bat with the next batter being the player at the top of the batting order as listed on the official scorebook.

Walks – There are no walks in the 8u division.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Bob Korsak

President of The Atlantic Babe Ruth Softball League.

January 4th, 2010

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