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USSSA Machine Pitch (7/8U) RULES

The 2009 rain out number for the tournament is
816-439-4495

General Rules

1. A team must have eight players to start a game. If a player is forced to leave the game an out will be recorded for each turn at bat.
2. All batters will wear approved batting helmets.
3. Defensive coaches are not allowed on the field of play and must coach from the dugout.
4. The team that is batting will have their own coach load the pitching machine.
5. A Coach may not verbally instruct (or "coach") from behind the pitching machine.

Field Rules

1. The bases will be 60ft.
2. The pitching machine will be 42 ft from home plate and set at 38mph. Both coaches need to agree on how the pitching machine is throwing pitches prior to the first pitch and from that point forward no changes will be made to the machine.
3. A 10 ft circle will be placed around the pitching machine

Game Rules

1. A game will consist of six innings. No new inning will start after 1 hour and 15 minutes.
2. A maximum of 7 runs per inning or 3 outs. Including the last inning.
3. Spread rule is 15 runs after 3 innings and 8 runs after 4 innings.
4. 10 players will play in the field with 4 outfielders. The 4th outfielder may not be allowed to assume an infield position. All infielders must stay behind the baselines until the ball is hit. The pitcher must remain in the pitching circle until the ball is hit.
5. All players will be placed in the batting lineup. Late arrivals shall be inserted as the last batter. All players on the team roster shall bat before returning to the top of the order. At the beginning of a game both teams will swap batting lineups.
6. A player may not sit for two consecutive innings without playing a position in the field.
7. Free substitution for defensive positions. Batting order must remain the same.
8. When the first bat is thrown both teams will be warned and the next thrown bat will result in the batter being called out.
9. Each batter will receive a maximum of six pitches or three strikes. If the sixth pitch is thrown and the player elects not to swing then the batter will be called out. If the player fouls off the sixth pitch, the at bat will continue. Taking a pitch, swinging at a strike or getting a hit will end the at bat. (Additional foul tips will continue the at bat.)
10. Any coach touching a player while the ball is live will result in the player being called out.
11. Any batted ball that hits the pitching machine is dead and the hitter is awarded first base. All runners will advance one base only if pushed.
12. Play will be declared dead by the umpire when:

1. A player is injured or if a defensive player is hurt due to being hit by a hit ball the batter will be allowed to advance to the next base.
2. A bat is thrown after contact, and both teams have been warned, all runners will return to their previous base and the batter will be called out.
3. All runners have stopped advancing to the next base.
4. When the final out is recorded or the seventh run is scored.

13. Whenever a tag play is evident runners must slide or seek to avoid contact with the fielder. Malicious intent will result in the runner being called out and possible ejection.
14. A base runner is out for leaving the base before the ball is hit or reaches home plate. Stealing is not allowed.
15. No bunts allowed.
16. A player can only be intentionally walked one time per game.
17. Infield fly rules do not apply.
18. Courtesy runner for catcher only. Must be the player that made the last out.
19. Playing rules not specifically covered above shall follow the rules for Major League Baseball.