MYSA 8U BOYS BASEBALL RULES

Little League Rules with the following exceptions:

General Rules

1. Games are six innings in length. No new inning can be started more than 1 hour and 15 minutes after the scheduled game start time unless agreed upon by both coaches.Games ending in a tie will be considered complete. Normal start time is 6:30 unless otherwise agreed upon by coaches.
2. Innings 1-5 will end when 5 runs have scored or there are 3 outs. The 6th inning has no cap on runs scored.
3. Mercy Rule: If a team is up by 15 runs after 4 innings or by 10 runs after 5 innings, the game will be ended, unless the coaches agree the game can continue.
4. If a team is unable to field nine players on defense, it can draw substitute players from the offensive team who will be positioned in right field.
5. Regular baseballs will be used. Upon agreement by the coaches, a safety ball can be used during the first two weeks of the season.
6. Base distance shall be 55 feet.
7. No metal spikes are allowed.
8. The home team is identified on the schedule and will occupy the third base dugout.
9. No spectators shall be allowed behind the backstop.
10. Upon completion of the game, each manager is responsible for the cleanliness of their dugout and spectator areas.
11. After the game, the home team is responsible for raking and leveling the areas around home plate and the pitcher's mound, removing the bases, and installing anchor plugs.
12. Coaches are the umpires. The coach closest to the play makes the call. In case of a dispute, coaches are to have a brief conference and come to an agreement.

Defensive Rules

13. Players must be rotated during each game. Managers must maintain a position chart and ensure that all players play at least one inning in the infield each game and that no player plays the same position more than twice in the same game. No player will sit out two consecutive innings.
14. A standard infield alignment will be used.
15. All teams will field a catcher who will wear a face protector, protective cup, and full catcher's gear.
16. A coach from the offensive team will pitch to his players.
17. The child pitcher must be positioned with one foot inside the circle.
18. All infielders (except the pitcher) must play behind the line between the bases (baseline).
19. Infielders are instructed not to position themselves where they will interfere with the base runners.
20. Four outfielders are played at normal depth in the grass area of the outfield. Short fielders are not allowed.
21. Play is stopped when the ball is under the control of an infield position player in the infield. Outfielders standing in the infield do not stop the play.
22. Defensive coaches are permitted on the field, but only in the outfield grass. They are not permitted to touch a live ball or physically assist a player.

Offensive Rules

23. A continuous batting order will be used in each game.
24. Offensive coaches are positioned on the pitching mound and at first and third bases. Coaches are not permitted to touch base runners.
25. On deck batters are not allowed on the field. On deck batters must be positioned behind the screen and not allowed within 10 feet of another player or spectator. On deck batters must wear a batting helmet.
26. Each batter will be allowed 7 pitches maximum. If the ball is not put into play or hit foul on the 7th pitch, the player will be out. There are no walks. A batter will be out when he reaches three strikes. During the first two weeks of game play, reasonable coach discretion can be used to give some players an extra pitch.
27. A batter who throws their bat after swinging will be warned the first time and called out the second time.
28. Base runners must avoid contact and have the option of sliding (feet first only). If a runner slides headfirst or in a manner the umpire determines to be malicious, the runner will be called out. Runners may also be called out if, in the opinion of the umpire, they do not attempt to avoid contact.
29. Stealing is not allowed.
30. A runner who is in between bases when play is stopped goes to the nearest base.
31. No advancement on overthrows for the first two weeks of the season. After that, one base is allowed for an overthrow.
32. The infield fly rule is in effect if coaches deem that a player intentionally drops a routine fly ball to turn a double play.
33. Lead offs are not allowed. Runners may leave the base when the bat contacts the ball.