Special Division Rules for 8U Softball – 2008
CYS will play by these rules when playing teams from Dallas or other CYS teams.
POSITIONS/PLAYERS:
1. In 8U softball, these are the positions:
a. 6 infield positions:1st base, 2nd base, 3td base; shortstop; pitcher; catcher
b. All other players will play in the outfield – which must be played at or behind the grass line. There is no “rover” position.
2. There is no minimum # of players needed to start a game. If a team has less than 8 players, a catcher is not required for that team, and a coach/parent will maintain that position.
3. Games will be played with an 11” softball. Pitching machine will be set-up at 35’. Pitching machine speed will be between 32-35 mph.
LENGTH OF GAMES/TIME LIMITS:
1. Games will consist of 5 innings or a 1.5 hour time limit on school nights. No new inning will start after 7:20pm on school nights.
2. Teams will bat through the line up or 3 outs. In the last inning the team will bat through the line up regardless of outs.
BASE RUNNING:
1. No advancement on any overthrow. The players stop at the base they are heading to once the ball reaches the infield. The ball does not have to be caught; only has to reach the infield dirt. The ball is considered dead when it reaches the infield.
2. No steals, no bunting and no infield fly rule.
DEFENSE:
1. 5 players at the infield positions, with remaining players in the outfield – there is no “rover” position. Outfielders must play on or behind grass line.
2. Catchers must be in full gear.
3. Coaches will rotate players between infield and outfield.
4. All players must play at least 2 positions per game, and no player will play the entire game as an infielder or outfielder. An example would be to play someone at 1st base for 2 innings and then in LF for the remainder of the innings.
5. Players should make an attempt to throw the ballot appropriate base for an out, not run to it.
6. The pitcher is not allowed to run the ball to home plate from the pitching position for an out, (even if the team does not have enough players to have a catcher). In the eent the team does not have enough players to have a catcher, the pitcher must attempt to make an out at another base.
PITCHING/HITTING:
1. The coach whose team is batting will feed the pitching machine. The defensive team will provide a coach/parent to play near the backstop to retrieve passed balls and return them to the pitching coach. (if a ball gets by the catcher from the pitching machine, the coach/parent will retrieve the ball), this will allow the game to progress at an appropriate rate.
2. Players must stay clear of the pitching machine at all times, and long hair must be pulled back and/or put up.
3. Batters get 5 GOOD pitches, (pitchers within the strike zone), from the pitching machine. If the pitch is out of the strike zone and the batter swings, it does not count as one of the 5 pitches. If 5th pitch is fouled off, batter will continue to get pitches until she strikes out or hits the all. No batter should take more than7-8 pitches.
4. Batted balls that hit the pitching machine are declared singles and the ball is dead. Each runner will advance one base.
5. Teams will bat through the line up or 3 outs. In the last inning the team will bat through the line up regardless of outs.
COACHING/UMPIRING:
1. The team at bat will have one coach feeding the pitching machine, along with a first and third base coach. The first base coach will call plays at first base, the coach feeding the machine will call the p lays at 2nd and at home plate, and the third base coach will call plays at third base.
2. The team on defense will provide a coach/parent behind the catcher to retrieve balls, and can have up to two coaches in the outfield area to assist in the instruction of the fielders.
GENERAL RULES:
1. No open toed shoes jewelry, or gum while playing or practicing.
2. Home team is responsible for field prep, including: base placement, dragging/lining of fields, and pitching machine set-up, (pitching machine will bet set-up at 35’)
3. Visiting team will be responsible for putting away the bases and pitching machine, all garbage on the field, dugouts, and bleacher area, taking garbage to big dumpster and replacing liners.
4. Teams must have parent volunteers in concession stand on assign days.
5. No smoking at the complex.
6. Good sportsmanship must be practices on and off the field at the complex by players, coachers and parents.
7. Above all, remember this is a game for the kids. Let’s all have fun and enjoy!
