LOVE HATBOX SPORTS COMPLEX

8U COACH PITCH RULES

1. 60 Minute time limit or 5 inning games.

2. A team must have a minimum of 8 players to start play and to continue play. Failure to have 8 players at game time results in a forfeit. A team can finish a game with fewer players than they started with, provided the team continues to field the minimum number of 8 players. Teams are not allowed to play with 7 or fewer players. If a team is batting roster drops below nine (9) players, the team must take an out for the 9th batter. If the roster is below eight (8) players, the team will forfeit the game.

3. Ball Size: 9" regulation baseball.

4. Batters get 5 pitches or 3 swings. (If a ball is fouled off on pitch 5 or swing 3 the batter may keep swinging until a swing and miss has occurred or ball is put into fair territory).

5. No slashing. (Batter shows bunt, pulls back, and swings) Batter will be ruled out and ball is dead.

6. 3 outs or 6 runs whichever comes first.

7. Run Rule is only in effect when the other team cannot catch up because of 6 run per inning rule.

8. Bat 9 or lineup (LHBX)(Must be declared at pre-game meeting)

9. No infield fly rule or dropped 3rd strike.

10. Substitution and re-substitution rules apply.

11. Courtesy runners must be bench players (if only batting 9). If batting lineup courtesy runner must be last recorded out. If a team is batting 9 and only has one bench player then the bench player must be the first used courtesy runner. After he is used for the pitcher or catcher then the last recorded out will be used for opposite player being the pitcher or the catcher. A courtesy runner also has to be a person still eligible to enter the game. A courtesy runner cannot be a player not eligible to enter the game.

EXAMPLE: A player starts the game on the bench. Is later substituted in and then later taken out. This player is no longer allowed to play and cannot courtesy run.

12. Can only play 9 in the field. Must have 3 designated outfielders in the grass behind the baselines.

13. No defensive coaches allowed in the field.

14. Pitcher must throw overhand and make contact with the rubber while delivering pitch to batter.

15. Coach pitching may not talk to ANY player while in fair territory

-1ST offense is a verbal warning -2nd offense is an ejection

16. Play is called dead when the lead runner stops determined by the umpire in his judgment. If the trail runner is trying to advance, they will be awarded the base running to if they are over ½ way to the base. If they are not ½ way to the base, they will be made to go back to the base last touched.

17. Player pitcher must be behind the rubber mound or even with it 3 feet left or right of it. Most umpires will use the "1 foot in the dirt" rule. This is to their discretion. Player pitcher cannot charge ball until contact is made by the batter.

-batter will be rewarded base or result of play whichever the hitting coach elects

18. Base runners cannot advance on pass balls, wild pitches, drop 3rd strike or over throws back to the pitcher. Base Runner must have one foot on base once the ball is alive and cannot leave the base until the batter has contacted the ball with the bat.

19. When ball is in play pitching coach must immediately exit fair territory without interfering with play. This is based upon umpire’s judgment. If umpire deems interference then the batter is out and the ball is dead. If umpire deems accidental interference, the ball is dead and the batter will have another chance to hit.

20. Each team is allowed 4 coaches in the dugout plus 1 scorekeeper. THERE SHOULD NEVER BE MORE THAN 5 PEOPLE IN THE DUGOUT AT ONE TIME. 1 coach allowed on the mound and coach in each coaching box while on offense, all other coaches must remain in the dugout.

21. All interference/obstruction/judgment calls are made by the judgment of the umpire only. If a coach has a question please present the question to the head coach who may approach the umpire professionally to ask the question or present the problem. NO OTHER COACH BESIDES THE HEAD COACH WILL BE GIVEN AN ANSWER. THE UMPIRE WILL SIMPLY REQUEST THE ASSISTANT COACH TO PLEASE GO BACK TO THE DUGOUT OR BACK TO THEIR SPOT.

All Baseball Divisions Love Hatbox Sports Complex Baseball leagues are designed to enhance the enjoyment and learning experience of all participants. As such, we encourage sportsmanship and instructional learning over competition. We will not tolerate poor sportsmanship and/or abusive language. Coaches are also responsible for maintaining a safe environment for the kids. Coaches need to convey this information to the parents as well.

Standard Park Rules

All fans, coaches, player or any other persons(s) admitted into the Love Hatbox Sports Complex must adhere to all posted regulations and applicable city laws and ordnances.

Gate fees are nonrefundable. -Love Hatbox Team Rosters must be filled out and signed prior to your teams first game.

Please be mindful that we will be checking rosters and that once it is submitted, it becomes your official team roster. Keep this in mind so that if you need to carry extra players in case of players not being able to play. You will not be able to just mix and match players once a roster is submitted.

-Coaches are responsible for knowing and Understanding OK KIDS Baseball Rules.

-Coaches are responsible for first aid kits for their team and fans. -Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their fans.

-All warnings will be given to the Head Coach.

Game Ejection Policy

Any player, coach or spectator ejected from a game must immediately leave the facility for the remainder of the game and the following game, failure to comply can result in ejection for the remainder of the event. The ejected person(s) must then meet with the director for re-admittance into the facility.

Rain out Policy

Rain outs will be posted on our Facebook page.

Rain-outs will be played as applicable.