

My my My my

2019 8u Rules

1. Player Safety  

  1. Helmets are required to be worn by offensive players and batboys/girls outside of the dugout.


  3. Catchers are required to wear a protective cup.


  5. Players must stay in the dugout at all times when not on the field.















  20. The home team’s scorebook will be the official scorebook.


2. Game Details

  1. Field will be set 46/60.

  2. 5:30 and 7:00 start times.

  3. Game length is six (6) innings or one hour and fifteen minutes.

  4. Do not start any inning after one hour and five minutes. Once inning has started it must be completed.



  7. Rainouts will be attempted to be rescheduled.

  8. Two umpires will be used for all games. One behind the machine and one in the field.





3. Offensive Guidelines


  2. Strikes will be called on pitches in the strike zone and on a “swing and a miss.”

  3. There is no base stealing.

  4. Runners may not advance on a passed ball.

  5. There are no lead-offs. Runners can leave their base when contact is made. Leaving early is a warning first and a dead ball is called. Second infraction will result in the runner being called out and a dead ball.


  7. Runners may attempt to advance one base each on an overthrow to any base. (Coaches should be aware of the game situation and use respect in running the bases.)






  13. The ball is considered live until the umpire calls it dead. At that point no runners may advance. The pitcher or umpire do not need to have the ball for the play to be called dead. The umpire shall determine when a play is “over” and call time. He/she may then determine whether or not runners shall return to their previous bases (should they be less than 50% of the way to the next base.)

  14. No fake bunt/swings will be allowed. Batter must attempt to bunt or pull back the bat. A fake bunt/swing shall result in a dead ball strike call.


4.  Defensive Guidelines

  1. Maximum of ten players on the field at any time. Four of these players must begin the play on the grass of the outfield.


  3. Dropped third (3rd) strike is in NOT play.


  5. No fake tag outs.

  6. The infield fly rule is in NOT effect.


6.         Machine Rules

  1. The machine is in play on hit balls.

  2. Speed shall be initially set at 39 MPH and the distance shall be 46 feet from home plate. The speed will be increased as the season progresses. (See MPH chart below*)

  3. Pitches outside of the strike zone shall be called NO PITCH by the umpire. If the batter swings, it will still be considered a strike. Adjustments may be made at any time if the umpire deems it necessary. Managers may request adjustments, however a request does not guarantee an adjustment by the umpire. A pitch called a ball or NO PITCH will require that any base stealers must return to the previous base.

  4. Catchers may receive two practice catches per inning off of the machine.

  5. Pitchers must wear a helmet with a face mask and must stand to either side of the machine, behind the wheel, until the pitch is made.


7.   The Official BPA Book will be used except as noted in these general rules.


*Pitching Machine Speed per week:


Week 1          39

Week 2:         40

Week 3:         40

Week 4:         41

Week 5:         41

Week 6:         42

Week 7:         42

Week 8:         42