8U Slow Pitch Rules (Updated 2/2024)
All rules not covered herein will revert to current ASA rules. Player’s age is as of January 1st. Players cannot play down in an age bracket.
SECTION 1: GAME
A. GAME LENGTHS: Games are 6 innings. Mercy rule is in effect as follows: There will be a 10- run rule applied after the 5th inning. If at the end of the 5th inning either team is ahead by 10 or more runs or if the home team is ahead by 10 or more after the visiting team completes its turn at bat in the top of the 5th, the game may be stopped. However, the game may be permitted to continue at the discretion of the trailing manager.
B. RUNS PER INNING: When FIVE (5) runs MAXIMUM are scored in the offensive team’s half inning, the offensive team takes the field regardless of the number of outs. The inning will not end until the final play has ended, but a maximum of only 5 runs will count; continuation of runs scored does not apply and the inning will end with a maximum of 5 runs scored. The FIVE (5) run rule DOES NOT apply in the 6th inning. As such, an unlimited number of runs may be scored in the 6th and/or final inning of the game. We recognize that a situation may arise where a team scores numerous runs in the final inning beyond 5 runs, and coaches should exercise a reasonable approach to this and switch the teams batting and fielding so as not to run up the score in an unnecessary manner.
C. TIE GAME: Games may end in a tie at the conclusion of 6 innings; however, both coaches may agree to extend the games beyond the 6 innings so long as time and weather permit. In the event another game is scheduled after the game that ends in a tie, both coaches should recognize this and conclude the game so as not to interfere with the following game’s allotted time slot.
D. LINEUP: A minimum of eight (8) players are required to start and finish a game. In the event that one team does not have the required number of players to start a scheduled game, the coaches from each team may agree to use call-ups in order to be able to play the game. If a team does not have the required eight players to start a game, the game will be considered a forfeit, but the game may be played if the coaches agree, and can swap players between teams so that the game can be played. The same is true if during a game, either team falls below the eight-player requirement. The goal is to allow the girls to play the game, if possible, with the players available that day/evening. Call-ups should play in the outfield for the first two (2) innings of the game and may bat anywhere in the batting order. After two (2) innings, call-ups may play anywhere in the field.
E. WEATHER /FIELD CONDITIONS: Prior to the start of the game, all judgments regarding weather/field conditions are the responsibility of the home team’s coach/organization. In no event shall a game start or continue if there is lightning sighted or thunder heard. If the game is not started or stopped prior to the conclusion of the game, both team’s coaches shall consult regarding continuation of the game that day/evening, or for purposes of rescheduling. Both coaches must agree on a mutually acceptable date/time for any game that may be rescheduled. Rescheduled games must be submitted to and approved by the person in charge of the field where the cancellation occurred.
F. PLAYING FIELD:
a. BASES: Bases will be set at 60 feet. First base will be set at 60 feet from the back of home plate. Second base will be set at 60 feet from first base. Third base will be set at 60 feet from second base. A safety base will be used at first base.
b. PITCHING DISTANCE: The center of the pitcher’s circle will be set at and measured 38 feet from the back of home plate. The center of the pitcher’s circle will be marked by a white chalk line, which shall be 38 feet from the back of home plate. A 16-foot diameter circle will be measured from and drawn around the center of the pitcher’s line. The front of the circle will be 30 feet from the back of home plate
c. RUNNING LANES AND HASH MARKS: A 3 foot running lane will apply to each base path. Hash marks will be placed ¾ (45 feet) between first base and second base, second base and third base, and third base and home plate.
d. 8 FOOT ARC: An 8-foot arc will be chalked from the back of home plate and drawn between the foul lines. Any ball hit between home plate and the chalked line will be a foul ball.
e. Coaches are encouraged to set ground rules at the beginning of each game to optimize player safety.
SECTION 2: FIELDING
A. DEFENSE: Each team may field up to ten (10) players on defense with 4 players in the outfield. Coaches may agree prior to the game, or at any time during the game, to allow more than 4 players to play in the outfield. Outfielders are to be positioned approximately 20’ behind the infielders. Outfielders can catch a fly ball and/or assist in making force outs. Outfielders must throw the ball to an infielder or the pitcher. An outfielder CANNOT make a force out by running the ball to the base and tagging the base, or by running the ball in to the infield and tagging a base runner. Each player will field at least two innings of infield unless a player is sick or injured and unable to play. A player may not play more than 2 innings in the same infield position in any game. Coaches should attempt to give each girl a chance at different positions in the field throughout the season keeping in mind the safety of each player at each position.
B. OVERTHROWS: Play will be stopped, and the ball declared dead, when a throw is made from any position in the field to first or third base and the ball goes beyond the foul line, regardless of where the throw originates (whether from another infielder or an outfielder). Play will also be stopped on an overthrow at home plate. An overthrow at second base is also considered to be a dead ball, and a base runner may not advance.
C. FIELDER'S CHOICE: Runners that are not forced may advance to the next base as the result of a fielder's choice on a ball hit to the infield provided they make the attempt to advance on the throw. It will be at the discretion of the coaches whether the runner made a valid attempt at advancing to the next base. A valid attempt can be defined as the runner being roughly halfway between the bases by the time the ball reaches the base to which it was thrown. A runner that has made an invalid attempt at advancing is at risk of being thrown out, but if they make it safely will be returned to the base they left from.
D. INFIELD FLY RULE: The Infield Fly Rule is NOT in effect for 8U games.
E. DEFENSIVE CONFERENCES: Managers/coaches are permitted Defensive Conferences during an inning to instruct a player or players. Managers are to exercise prudence and limit the time spent on the conference so as not to delay the game.
F. DEFENSIVE COACHES PERMITTED IN THE FIELD: A maximum of TWO coaches from the defensive team are permitted to be in the field of play during their team’s defensive innings. Coaches who are on the field to help instruct shall be positioned behind the outfielders or in foul territory, and shall not interfere with a live ball/play.
G. END OF PLAY/TIMEOUT: Play will be stopped if any of the following occur:
a. The pitcher has at least one foot inside the pitcher’s circle and the ball breaks the plane of the circle surrounding the pitcher’s mound. An infielder/outfielder cannot throw the ball through the circle to stop play without the pitcher being in or near the circle. For example, a fielder cannot field a ball and throw it to the empty pitcher’s circle in an attempt to stop play. There must be some intent to throw to a player in or near the circle. Coaches should use deference and stop play when doing so would be in the interests of fairness.
b. The ball is in control of the pitcher and any part of her body is within the circle.
c. The ball is in control of an infielder and the lead runner has stopped her forward progress. d. An overthrow occurs at first base, third base, or home plate.
SECTION 3:
PITCHING
A. COACH PITCHER: Coaches will pitch to their own team. A pitching arc must happen. No flat pitches. Coaches are encouraged to adjust the height of the arc consistent with the skill level of the player. The coach pitcher must start with both feet in the pitcher’s circle, but may end with one or both feet outside of the circle. The coach pitcher does not need to start the pitch from the middle of the circle, but may adjust the pitching distance to accommodate each player’s individual ability.
B. BATTED BALL HITS COACH PITCHER: If a batted ball hits the coach pitcher, or if the coach pitcher (while pitching) interferes with a fielder, batter, or base runner, the ball is dead and the batter returns to bat. The pitch will be deemed a no-pitch and will not count towards the total pitches given to the batter. Base runners shall return to the base they previously occupied prior to the no-pitch.
C. KID PITCHER: A defensive player must occupy the pitching position. Kid pitchers must have at least one (1) foot inside the 16-foot diameter circle when the pitch is released. Kid pitchers must wear a chest protection device while playing the pitcher’s position.
SECTION 4: BATTER / BASE RUNNER
A. BATTING LINEUP: Each team will bat the bench, meaning every player on the team will take a turn at bat. A continuous batting order will apply. Players arriving after the game has started can be inserted into the last batting position in the lineup. If a player cannot take her turn at bat for any reason, that position in the line-up will be skipped, and it will not count as an out. The player can return to the line-up at any time during the game in the same position in the batting order.
B. BATTER THROWING BAT: Any player that throws the bat during an at-bat will be given a warning, which also be a team warning. Subsequent instances of batters throwing a bat during an at-bat will be called out. The play will be immediately considered dead and base runners will return to the base previously occupied.
C. OFFENSIVE CONFERENCES: Coaches are permitted Offensive Conferences during an inning to instruct a player or players. Managers are to exercise prudence and limit the time spent on the conference so as not to delay the game.
D. COURTESY RUNNER: The manager is permitted to substitute a base runner for an injured base runner at any time regardless of the number of outs. The substituted runner will be the player who recorded the last out. In an effort to speed up transitions between innings, a catcher that is a baserunner may receive a courtesy runner so that the catcher may prepare for their next defensive inning.
E. BALL/STRIKE COUNT: A batter will be allowed up to eight (8) pitches per at-bat. The batter must swing by the eighth pitch. If the batter does not swing at the eighth pitch, or the batter swings and misses at the eighth pitch, the batter will be called out. If the eighth pitch results in a foul ball that is not caught in the air by a fielder, the batter will get another pitch. Subsequent foul balls that are not caught by a fielder will result in another pitch to the batter. A batter gets four (4) strikes per at-bat. There are no walks or awards of first base due to the batter being hit by a pitch. An at bat cannot end on a foul ball, unless caught in the air by a fielder. A catcher may catch a foul ball for an out if the ball was hit/tipped higher than the batter’s helmet.
F. BASE AWARDED TO RUNNERS: Hash marks in the base line, as set forth above, will be used to determine the base runner’s position at the time the play is declared dead. If the runner is beyond the hash mark, the runner will be awarded the next base. If the runner is not beyond the hash mark, the runner will be returned to the base last occupied. Runners will be placed based upon the position of the lead runner. That is, if a runner is forced back to a base and another runner is occupying that base, that runner must also return to the previous base. An exception applies to this rule when all runners are forced to advance. Example: There are runners on first and second bases. The batter hits the ball, and the ball is thrown back to the pitcher before the runner from second crosses the ¾ mark. Because the runner is forced, she must be awarded third base.
G. TAGGING UP: If a fly ball is caught by an outfielder, a base runner(s) is then allowed to tag up and take a chance at advancing to the next base, with the possibility of being put out. If a fly ball is caught by an infielder, a base runner(s) may not advance, but if the base runner does try to advance, the runner can be put out, or she may safely return to the base if she can avoid being put out.
H. RUNNER STEPS OFF BASE: Runners on base cannot leave the base until the ball is hit by the batter. If a runner steps off the base and the ball is not hit (i.e., a swinging strike or no swing), the runner will be given a warning, which is also a team warning. Subsequent violations of this rule by any player of the team that has been warned will result in an automatic out. If an inning ends on an out due to a runner stepping off the base, the batter at the time of the out will be the first batter of the next inning and that batter will start with a new pitch count.
I. LEADING/BASE STEALING: Base runners are not permitted to take a lead off of any base. Base runners are not permitted to steal bases. Runners must stay on the base until the ball is hit.
J. BATTED BALL HITS BASE RUNNER: A batted ball in fair territory that hits a runner who is attempting to advance to the next base will result in the base runner being called out.
K. RUNNER INTERFERENCE: Interference by a base runner with a fielder will result in the base runner being called out. A fielder that interferes with a base runner will result in the base runner safely advancing to the base she is attempting to advance to.
SECTION 5: HELMET RULE “Managers must enforce this rule for the safety of the players!”
A. BATTER/BASERUNNER: Each batter and base runner must wear an approved batting helmet. All helmets must be equipped with a face mask/cage. The helmet must be worn securely while at bat and when the batter becomes a base runner. IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT AND IMPERATIVE THAT ALL PLAYERS WEAR THE HELMET WHILE RUNNING THE BASES.
B. PLAYER OR COACH EJECTION: Refusal to wear a helmet will result in the player being ejected from the game. The player will be declared out. The player shall be removed from the lineup and the batting order shall continue. The ejected player’s batting position will be skipped for the remainder of the game and will count as an out each time that player’s batting position comes up in the lineup. Any player or coach ejected from a game is also suspended from the next played game, a second ejection at any time during the season will result in a suspension to the player or coach for the remainder of the season.
C. HELMET REMOVED BY BASE RUNNER: If, while running the bases, the helmet comes off any base runner’s head, or any base runner removes the helmet prior to leaving the field of play (unless time has been called and the play is declared dead), the offending base runner will be called out, and play will be stopped at the first opportunity to do so. All remaining base runners will be assigned to the nearest base. THE OFFENSIVE TEAM SHALL NOT BENEFIT FROM A LOST HELMET BY A BASE RUNNER.
D. INADVERTENT REMOVAL OF HELMET: If a player’s helmet becomes dislodged during a slide or due to contact with a defensive player, the player will not be called out. Time will be called, and play will be stopped at the first opportunity to do so. All base runners will be awarded the base they were closest to at the time the play is stopped. The intent of this rule is to protect the players from accident or injury from thrown balls. The rule is not intended to penalize a player for premature removal of a batting helmet. NEITHER THE OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE TEAM SHALL NOT UNFAIRLY BENEFIT OR BE UNFAIRLY PENALIZED AS A RESULT OF AN INADVERTANT LOST HELMET BY A BASE RUNNER.
SECTION 6: EQUIPMENT
A. SOFTBALLS:
The home team will be responsible for providing game balls prior to the start of each game. Each game shall start with at least one brand new softball. The second softball shall either be brand new or semi-used (but in good enough condition to warrant its use). Softballs must be 11-inch, .44 COR, 375 lb. compression.
B. BATS: ONLY SOFTBALL BATS CARRYING THE USA LOGO WILL BE PERMITTED. BASEBALL BATS ARE NOT PERMITTED.
C. CATCHERS EQUIPMENT: Catchers must wear a helmet with a facemask and attached throat protector, and a chest protector. Shin guards are optional, but encouraged.
D. EQUIPMENT - ALL Fielders must wear a face mask at all times. Pitchers are required to wear either a chest protector or chest guard undershirt.
E. UNIFORMS: Team players shall wear their league issued uniform for all games. Metal spikes/cleats are prohibited.
F. JEWELRY: Jewelry is not permitted to be worn during the game by any player, including on the players body, clothing, or hat/visor. Taping over piercings is not permitted.
SECTION 7: UMPIRES AND COACHES
A. UMPIRES: Umpires will not be used at the 8U level. Coaches will act as umpires and shall be reasonable, consistent, and in agreement with each other on any close calls or unusual situations.
B. DISPUTES/INQUIRIES: Any disputes, unusual situations, or improper behavior by coaches, players, or fans that occur before, during, and/or after the game are to be reported to the league director for appropriate handling. The league director will have the final decision on the settling of any disputes, unusual situations, and disciplinary matters.
C. COACHES, PARENTS, AND FANS: COACHES ARE ADULTS CHARGED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF SEEING THAT THE GIRLS PLAY THE GAME FAIRLY AND SAFELY. OPPOSING COACHES ARE PARTNERS IN THIS EFFORT, NOT ADVERSARIES. COACHES ARE URGED TO CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN A PROFESSIONAL AND RESPECTFUL MANNER AT ALL TIMES. COACHES MUST PUT THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE GIRLS FIRST AND ENSURE EACH GIRL IS LEARNING THE BASIC SKILLS OF SOFTBALL, HAVING FUN, AND BEING GIVEN A FAIR OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED. COACHES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BEHAVIOR AND CONDUCT OF THEIR TEAMS PLAYERS, OTHER COACHES, PARENTS, AND FANS. PARENTS ARE EXPECTED TO POSITIVELY CHEER ON THE GIRLS AND ARE PROHIBITED FROM MAKING NEGATIVE AND/OR DEROGATORY COMMENTS ABOUT OR TOWARDS ANY COACH OR PLAYER. UNSPORTSMANLIKE BEHAVIOR BY ANYONE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. ANY COACH OR PARENT WHO VIOLATES THESE RULES WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY MEASURES UP TO AND INCLUDING BEING BARRED FROM ATTENDING FUTURE GAMES. WE ARE HERE TO PROVIDE A SAFE, SECURE, HAPPY, AND INSTRUCTIONAL ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL OF THE GIRLS. DO YOUR PART TO MAKE IT AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED.
D. COACHES: ANY COACH THAT REMOVES A TEAM FROM THE FIELD AND REFUSES TO COMPLETE A GAME WILL BE BANNED FROM THE LEAGUE. NO EXCEPTIONS APPLY TO THIS RULE.