USSSA 8u Coach-Pitch (CP) & Modified Kid-Pitch (MKP) - Tournament Rules - Addendum:

USSSA 8u – Tournament Rules Addendum:

These rules are in addendum to the regular tournament rules that are in use such as time limit, rosters, line-up, etc.
NOTE: Listed below are Coach-Pitch rules. These rules will also be used in our Modified Kid-Pitch events with a couple of modifications.

Link to Coach-Pitch Rules in PDF form: 8u-CP Rules

Classifications for 8u:

• Teams playing the 8u Coach-Pitch (CP) program will be classified either B, C, or Rec.
• Teams that have won 2 events in 8u-CP will be moved to Class B. The remaining teams will be either Class C or Rec.
• Teams playing the Modified Kid-Pitch (MKP) program will be classified either A or B. Teams that have pitching that can consistently throw strikes without the coach coming in to pitch often will be classified as A, or a B team that wins two events will be re-classified to Class A.
• B teams will have pitching that relies on the coach to come in and pitch quite often.

8u Coach-Pitch Rules Addendum:

• Teams may use a maximum of 10 defensive players. Four outfielders must be 10 feet behind the base path.
• Roster batting is mandatory. There is free defensive substitution.
• No bunting, base-stealing, or “slapping”.
• Maximum of 5 runs per inning.
  • • POOL PLAY: If we get to the final inning and the losing team is behind by more than the 5-run cap, they may still complete their turn at bat to attempt to score 5 runs for tie-break/seeding purposes. They may also choose to take the score as-is and end the game.
      BRACKET PLAY: If the losing team is behind by more than the 5-run cap entering the final inning, the game is complete at that point.
• 5 pitches or 3 strikes – Player may continue to bat if they continue to foul off pitches.
• No infield fly rule.
• Defensive players must be 35+ feet from the batter (behind the pitching plate).
• Play is stopped when the progress of the lead runner is stopped.
• The defensive pitcher must have one foot in the pitching circle even with or behind the coach-pitcher.
• It is highly recommended that the pitcher and infielders wear face guards. Face guards with plastic visors must be clear and allow visibility of the player’s eyes. No smoked or reflective visors permitted.
• Game length: 70 minutes or 6 innings (pool play) and 75 minutes or 6 innings (bracket play).
• Base length: 60 feet.
• The pitching plate is set at 35 feet from home plate. The pitching coach must have one foot in contact with the pitching plate when pitching.
• If a thrown ball hits the pitching coach, it is a live ball unless the umpire determines intentional interference. If intentional, it is a dead ball and the play is repeated.
• If the pitching coach is hit with a batted ball, all runners return to their previous base and the batter re-hits (do-over).
• Defensive coaches may take a position in the outfield in foul territory per the USSSA Rule Book to assist with defensive strategy.

Run Rule (Pool & Bracket Play)

• 15 runs after 45 minutes of game time (Ohio USSSA modification). Game ends immediately.
• 12 runs after 3 completed innings.
• 10 runs after 4 completed innings.
• 8 runs after 5 completed innings.

8u Modified Kid-Pitch Rules Addendum for class A/B:

• Normal Ohio USSSA time limits and roster rules apply.
• Coach-Pitch rules apply with the following exceptions:

      Pitching

• Pitching is a combination of player and coach pitch.
• Player pitch continues until 4 balls are thrown or the ball is put in play. After 4 balls by the player-pitcher, the coach takes over and coach-pitches up to 3 pitches – Player may continue to bat if they continue to foul off pitches. Player is out after 3 coach-pitches.
• A player must remain in the pitcher position during coach pitch beside the coach-pitcher.
• A player may strike out on either player or coach pitch.
• Pitchers are limited to three innings per game (one pitch = one inning).
• Pitching restrictions are removed for extra innings.
• Warm-up limits: 5 pitches between innings; 7 pitches for a new pitcher.
• Intentional stalling, as determined by an official or tournament director, may result in forfeiture.

       Base Running

• One base per overthrow. If no additional play is made, the runner must stop at the next base.
• No stealing. Runners may leave the base only after the ball crosses the plate.
• No walks. After four balls, the batter hits off the coach.
• Dropped 3rd strike is NOT in effect.