8U Rules

Application of Softball Rules

These rules apply to the WBSA Softball 8U Recreational league. USSSA Softball rules apply, unless superseded by these General Rules. To maintain the integrity of the league, as well as consistency and fairness for all children, coaches are required to follow all USSSA Softball and WBSA Softball rules. Discipline may result if rules are purposely and/or repeatedly disobeyed.

Players

1. A

   Minimum of 8 players required to take the field.

2. B

   A player may sit up to two non-consecutive innings in the dugout during defense.

3. C

   Outfielders must have feet in the grass when the ball is pitched.

Coaches

1. A

   Only up to 4 coaches with current WBSA background checks are allowed on the field or in the dugout during any game.

2. B

   Offensive Play. Max 3 on the field, 1 in dugout. One coach acts as pitcher.

3. C

   Defensive Play. Max 3 on field, 1 in dugout. Two can be in foul territory behind the coach's box. One can be in front of the dugout. One defensive coach can choose to be behind the catcher to assist.

4. D

   Coach pitcher specs. Must pitch inside the 16-foot circle with at least one foot on or in front of the halfway line.

5. E

   Coach interference. Intentional interference results in a dead ball, batter gets 1st, runners advance 1 base if forced, and an out is charged. Unintentional interference means dead ball, no out, and forced runs score.

6. F

   The coach pitcher can coach or talk to the batter briefly, prior to the pitch, but must not leave the circle before the pitch. Violation: warning, and if it continues, removal of coach pitcher.

Game Play

1. A

   No inning begins after 60 minutes of play. Max 6 innings.

2. B

   Weather complete after 35 minutes if 2 full innings are played.

3. C

   5 runs per half-inning limit.

4. D

   Dropped 3rd strike, infield fly, and look-back rules do not apply.

5. E

   Forfeited games end umpire duties; teams can scrimmage until 30 minutes before the next game.

Batting

1. A

   Ball/strike count kept. Batter gets 5 pitches to hit a fair ball. Fouling the 5th allows a 6th; fouling the 6th allows a 7th. Missing on the 3rd swing is an out.

2. B

   Must use USA or USSSA official softball bats; no tee ball bats.

3. C

   Slap bunting/hitting are not permitted.

Base Runners / Batter-Runner

1. A

   Runners can lead off up to 3 steps after the ball is released. Stealing is not allowed.

2. B

   Runners may advance one base at their own risk on live-ball overthrows or passed balls.

3. C

   Play is dead once the pitcher controls it in the circle or the 1st baseman gains secure possession and control of the ball while touching first base.

   1. a

      If the 1st baseman’s momentum causes them to overrun first base after legally recording the out, the play shall still be considered dead, provided they had established possession and touched first base before leaving the bag.

   2. b

      Once the ball is dead, no runners may advance or be put out. All runners will return to the last base legally occupied at the time the play became dead.

Pitcher — Player

1. A

   Player-pitcher must stand in the back half of the circle until the ball is hit.

2. B

   Play is dead once the pitcher controls it in the circle or the 1st baseman gains secure possession and control of the ball while touching first base.

   1. a

      If the 1st baseman’s momentum causes them to overrun first base after legally recording the out, the play shall still be considered dead, provided they had established possession and touched first base before leaving the bag.

   2. b

      Once the ball is dead, no runners may advance or be put out. All runners will return to the last base legally occupied at the time the play became dead.

   Exception

   If the first baseman does not have possession and control of the ball while touching first base, the ball remains live until the out is recorded or the play otherwise ends under league rules.

3. C

   Pitcher must throw overhand to make plays at bases, and cannot chase players down unless the hit ball takes her near the baseline.

Equipment

1. A

   No wood bats (metal only).

2. B

   11″ ball used.

3. C

   Batting helmets must have USSSA approved face guards.

4. D

   Fielding face masks mandatory for all fielders.

Field Specs

1. A

   Bases set at 60 feet.

2. B

   Pitching rubber set at 35 feet.

Exceptions

1. A

   All items not covered by these rules will be decided by the WBSA Board.

2. B

   The Board’s determinations of fact and interpretation of these rules are final.

3. C

   All complaints must be submitted to the Board in writing via email.

4. D

   The Board reserves the right to make exceptions in special cases for all rules, procedures, and policies.