8 & Under Coach Pitch Rules
In addition to current year ASA Girls Fast Pitch Softball Rules and Regulations, 8U teams will abide by the following:
1. The official ball shall be an 11" fast pitch softball with a .47 core.
2. An offensive team will be allowed to score a maximum of five (5) runs per inning.
3. A regulation game will be 60 minutes. No new inning shall start once time has expired. The home team will be allowed to bat and finish the inning. Score will be kept, but the focus should be on skill development.
4. Ten (10) players should assume defensive positions on the field. Each team is allowed one (1) pitcher and (1) one catcher, and (4) four infielders. The child pitcher must be positioned on either the right or left side of the pitching rubber and be no more than 3Â’ from the rubber. Infielders must remain at least 45' from home plate when the ball is pitched.
**Infielders must make an attempt to make the play at a base, rather than outfielders making the initial play. For example, the 1st baseman should not field the ball, then turn around and throw the ball to the Right Fielder who has run to 1st base to make the play.**
5. Teams playing with only nine (9) players shall not incur an automatic out when the 10th batting position arises. The 1st batter will then bat without penalty to the team.
6. Each batter may receive up to six (6) pitches in which to hit a fair ball. The batter may swing at all pitches without penalty. The sixth pitch, unless hit in fair territory, will be an out. Continuous last strike foul balls are not allowed.
7. Bases will be 60' apart and the official pitching rubber will be 35' from home.
8. Coaches must pitch from the 35' rubber. The “floating rubber” is not allowed. Coaches are encouraged to pitch as flat a pitch as possible. The child pitcher must also remain 35' from the home plate.
9. Overthrows, whether into fair or foul territory, will be considered live, unless the ball enters a dugout or any other area deemed out of play, in which case, each base runner will automatically receive (1) one base (not home plate, runner must stop at 3rd base) from the time of the throw and the ball will be considered dead. Overthrows remaining in play will be considered live and runners may continue to advance at their own risk of being put out (1base per overthrow, must stop at 3rd).
10. The umpire will declare the play over when the pitcher has possessionof the ball with in the pitcherÂ’s circle. Base runners will advance to the next base if over half way to that base, or return to the previous base touched if half way or less.
11 . The umpire will not call a play dead just because a defensive player returns the ball to the coach pitcher. The intent of this rule is to have coaches instruct players how to properly stop runners from advancing to the next base. To facilitate this, coach pitchers should move to foul territory near the first or third base line (away from the play) after the ball is batted into fair territory. If a defensive player gives the ball to the coach pitcher during a live play, the play will be called dead and each base runner will be awarded an additional base. Coach pitchers should make every attempt to remove themselves from the area of play, thereby, discouraging the defensive players from throwing the ball to them.
12. Judgment calls made by the umpire are not up for appeal. Please do not argue with the umpires. This only delays the game and presents a bad image to the players and parents. The umpires have been instructed to warn any argumentative coach, player or parent (1) one time. After that the umpire has the authority to remove said person(s) from the park. Umpires will notify a board member of the hosting city of the ejection.
13. Catchers are required to wear protective headgear, mask, a chest protector and shin guards.
14. Coaches cannot touch base runners during live play. Pushing or physically assisting a runner is prohibited. Penalty; one (1) warning, second time is an out.
15. A team must have at least eight (8) players to start a game.
16. Players at 1st base and pitcher can only play 1 inning in each position per game.
17. A maximum of (2) two defensive coaches may be on the field, positioned in the outfield. A defensive coach should stand at the fence behind the catcher to help keep the game moving.
18. When batting, your team is allowed two (2) base coaches and (1) pitcher. The coaches must remain inside the circle or coaching boxes when talking to the batters.
**Coaches cannot go to plate and give instructions to the batter. This causes delays in the game. **
** Please place a defensive coach at the fence behind the catcher to help keep the game moving. **
19. A playerÂ’s intentional contact with an opposing player will result in the immediate ejection of the offending player. Serious infractions may result in suspension from the league. Umpires will notify a board member of the hosting city in the event of any ejection.
20. No jewelry (rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc.) will be allowed during play. Ear studs may be worn if covered with tape or a band-aid.
Guest Players:
Guest players are allowed, under the guidelines below, for purposes of avoiding forfeits and allowing kids to play ball.
The spirit of the guest player rule is intended to allow shorthanded teams the temporary use of other league players rather than forfeit the game. This rule is not, intended to be used as a tool to exclude regular members in favor of a more highly skilled player.
Guidelines:
A coach is authorized to add up to two guest players per game, provided that:
1. The guest players are currently registered in your own association or associations that are partnering for the season. If they are from other associations they must have individual insurance vs. team insurance
2. The guest player has the permission of her parent(s)
3. The guest player must wear her own team's uniform
4. The coach must announce and identify the guest player(s) to the umpires and opposing coach prior to the start of the game
5. Guest players can play up one age division
6. Guest players must play outfield positions only
7. Guest players must bat last in the batting order
8. The guest player cannot be on the field if there is a regular roster player present and available to play