Hello 8U/9U Coaches,

Thank you for volunteering to coach softball.  Without you, there would be no softball league for the girls to play.  It is much appreciated.  8u/9u has some special rules that no other age level plays by, so we want to make sure all coaches are clear about the rules.  

An umpire is provided starting at this age group.

Below is a video that outlines all the modified rules.  Please watch and then complete the acknowledgement form so we know that you understand the modified rules.

***One correction to note from the video...when a Coach Pitcher is throwing to a batter, there is a maximum of 2 pitches that can be thrown to the batter.  If the batter fouls off the second pitch, they still can receive another.  Remember, if a Coach Pitcher enters to throw to a batter who already has 2 strikes on them, the batter will only receive 1 pitch.

***Please watch and fill out the Acknowledgement Form before your first game.  Thank you.

 

Rules    The current edition of USA Rules shall apply except as noted in exceptions in each age group.

1. The following exceptions apply to the MODIFIED KID PITCH (8u) AND (9u) DIVISION
2.  Bases shall be 50 feet apart
3.  Pitching shall be 30 feet
4. A time limit of one hour and 15 minues shall apply.
5. Five innings constitute a game except in case of unfavorable field conditions when 3 innings constiture a game.
6. Third called or missed strike is out.
7. The infield fly rule shall not apply.
8. There shall be no base stealing.
9. Pitching exceptions:
   1. NO WALKS SHALL BE ALLOWED.
   2. When a batter reaches a 4-ball count, the offensive coach shall step into the pitching circle and pitch to his batter (who will retain her count) a MAXIMUM of 2 pitches (exception allows additional pitches if the batter hits foul balls) is allowed.  If the batter fails to hit the ball into fair territory from coach/pitcher pitches, the batter is out and retired.  If the batter hits the ball into play, only one base is awarded to the batter as well as any runner that is on base. 
   3. A coach, or someone designated, shall pitch underhand to his or her own players.  Coach pitcher shall pitch from inside the pitching circle.
   4. If the coach/pitcher is struck with a hit ball, the ball is dead.  All runners on base return to their bases.  Replay the pitch.
   5. If, in the judgment of the umpire, the coach/pitcher intentionally interferes with a batted or thrown ball, the baller shall be called out and runners returned to their original bases.
   6. The pitcher (youth player) must play even with or behind the coach/pitcher who will not interfere with defensive play.  The pitcher (youth player) must have both feet within the pitching circle until the ball is hit.
   7. Quick pitches shall not be allowed.  The coach/pitcher shall signify beginning of play by raising the ball with an out-stretched arm before each pitch.  If, in the judgment of the umpire, a quick pitch is made, a “dead ball” shall be called immediately and the play restarted.
   8. If the coach/pitcher hits the batter with a pitched ball, it will be counted as one of the pitches.  If the player/pitcher hits a batter, the batter is awarded 1st base.
   9. Coach-pitchers may communicate with their batters without leaving the pitching circle, however, should keep it at a minimum to avoid delay of the game.
   10. If the batter hits off the coach, then no one, including the batter, can advance more than one base. 
10. A base runner is allowed to lead off after the pitcher releases the ball.  The catcher can throw to the base and attempt to get the runner out after the pitch.  If the catcher throws the ball to the base occupied by the runner, the runner  may advance from first to second base as long as a runner was not on second prior to the pitch being released; or from second to third base as long as a runner is not on third prior to the pitch being released.  The runner is only allowed to advance one base on the play.  No runner may advance to home.
11. For each half inning, the team at bat may only score a maximum of seven (7) runs.  Once the maximum number of runs is reached, the half inning shall be considered complete and teams shall switch sides.  If the team at bat has more than sever (7) runs cross the plate in the last at bat, only seven (7) runs shall be counted for that half inning.
12. Run Rule:  If a team is ahead by 15 runs or more at the end of 2 complete innings, 12 runs or more at the end of 3 complete innings, or 10 runs or more at the end of 4 complete innings, the game shall be terminated and shall consdtitute a legal game whether or not the time limit has expires.
13. There shall be no ties after regular play.  The universal tie-breaker shall be played.  If it remains a tie after one tie breaker, then it shall be a tie in the standings.

 

As the season begins, this is a riminder regarding score reporting procedures.

Both team's coaches or their team representative shall post the game score onto the GSLJC website within 72 hours. If a score is not input, a loss for that game may be recorded for both teams.

Final game scores reporting guide

http://leagueathletics.com/Help/coach-guide/enter_result.shtml