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

USSSA 8u – Tournament Rules – Addendum:

These rules are in addendum to 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.

Classifications for 8u:

• Teams playing the 8u Coach-Pitch (CP) program will be classified either B, C, or Rec.
  1. 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 at A or also 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. Note for POOL PLAY only: If we get to the final inning and the losing team is behind by more than the 5 run cap, they do still have the option to complete their turn at bat. This is to give them a chance to get the 5 runs which can affect tie-breaks and seeding. The losing team also has the option to take the score at the time and end the game without their final at-bat. In BRACKET PLAY: If we get to the final inning and the losing team is behind by more than the 5 run cap, the game will be complete at this point.
• 5 pitches or 3 strikes – Player may continue to bat if they continue to foul off pitches.
• No infield fly rule will be in effect.
• 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 able to see the players eyes. No smoked or reflective visors are permitted.
• Game length will be 70 mins or 6 innings in pool play and 75 minutes or 6 innings in bracket play.
• Base length will be 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 considered a live ball, unless the umpire determined the coach intentionally interfered. If the umpire feels it was intentional, it will be a dead ball, and the play is repeated (do-over).
• If the Pitching Coach is hit with a ball leaving the bat, all runners will return to their previous base, and the batter will bat again (do-over).
• Defensive coaches may take a position in the outfield in foul territory in accordance with the USSSA Rule book to strictly help with defensive strategy.
• Run rule that will be in effect for pool games (note that the first one is not the official USSSA rule but a modified Ohio USSSA rule):
• 15 runs after 45 minutes of gametime. The game is over on the spot once the 15th run has been reached.
• 12 runs after 3 completed innings.
• 10 runs after 4 completed innings.
• 8 runs after 5 completed innings.

8u Modified Kid-Pitch Rules Addendum:

• Normal Ohio USSSA time limits and roster rules will apply.
• Coach-Pitch rules will be in effect with the following exceptions in regard to pitching and base-running:
  • Pitching will involve combination of player and coach pitch. Player pitch will be used until 4 balls are pitched. After 4 balls, coach pitch will take over at existing ball/strike count. A player must reside in pitcher position during coach pitch. A player can strike out on player or coach pitch.
  • Pitchers are limited to three innings per game (one pitch in an inning is counted as one inning). For extra innings, pitching restrictions will be removed. 5 warm up pitches will be allowed between innings max, and 7 warm up pitches will be allowed for a new pitcher max. Intentionally stalling, as deemed by an official or tournament director, may result in a forfeiture of the game.
  • One base per overthrow. If a play is not made after the initial overthrow, the runner must stop at the next base. Ex. A runner advancing to 2nd base on an overthrow must stop if the defense does not make another play to 2nd base. They may not advance from 1st to 3rd base.
  • No stealing is allowed. Runners may leave base only after the ball has crossed the plate.
  • No walks. Batter will hit off the coach after four balls are pitched.
  • Dropped 3rd Strike is not in effect (i.e., batter cannot take first base on a dropped 3rd strike).