8U Age Group Playing Rules

Flashcards covering the official 8U age group playing rules including umpire positioning, defensive alignments, pitching rules, and offensive limits.

Umpire Position ($8\text{U}$)

The required location for the Umpire during $8\text{U}$ games, positioned to the $3\text{rd}$ base side of the batter's box.

Infield Fly Rule ($8\text{U}$)

A standard softball rule that does not apply in $8\text{U}$ play.

Overthrown Ball ($8\text{U}$ Definition)

A situation where a ball is put in play, a throw is attempted to either $1\text{st}$ or $3\text{rd}$ base, the ball is missed, and the ball enters foul territory.

Overthrown Ball Advancement Limit ($8\text{U}$)

The rule stating that base runners may attempt to advance only one base on an overthrown ball to $1\text{st}$ or $3\text{rd}$ base.

Calling Time via Player Pitcher

The stoppage of play triggered when the player pitcher (circle player) has possession of the ball and holds it in the air above her head.

Calling Time via Lead Runner

The stoppage of play triggered when the lead runner is stopped and all runners behind the lead runner have advanced as far as they can go.

Run Ahead Rule ($8\text{U}$)

The rule that terminates a game if a team is ahead by $15$ runs after $3$ innings, $12$ runs after $4$ innings, or $8$ runs after $5$ innings.

Defensive Outfield ($8\text{U}$ Definition)

The grassy area beyond $1\text{st}$, $2\text{nd}$, and $3\text{rd}$ bases where up to two defensive coaches are permitted to stand.

Defensive Bucket Coach Warning Penalty

The penalty enforced on the second warning for a coach on a bucket leaving the area in front of their dugout, requiring them to move to the outfield or stand in the dugout for the rest of the game.

Pitching Circle Dimensions

The designated area around the pitching plate with an $8\text{-foot}$ radius or $16\text{-foot}$ diameter.

Player Pitcher Defensive Positioning

The rule requiring the player in the pitching position to have at least one foot in the pitching circle, positioned to the left or right of the Coach Pitcher at or behind the pitching rubber, remaining inside until the ball is hit.

Pitching Circle Fielded Ball Rule

The requirement that a player fielding a ball with at least one foot touching or inside the pitching circle ($8\text{-foot}$ radius) must attempt a throw to $1\text{st}$ base to make an out, prohibiting running the ball or intentionally rolling it.

Rover Position ($\text{F10}$)

A defensive position that must be located in the grass and cannot be on any part of the infield unless approved by the Board of Directors and Age Group Coordinator.

Coach Pitcher Post-Hit Action

The rule requiring the Coach Pitcher to run outside the $1\text{st}$ or $3\text{rd}$ base lines before instructing base runners after a ball is hit into play.

Batter Pitch and Strike Limits

The standard at-bat limit of $5$ pitches or $3$ strikes (whichever comes first), where a foul on the $5\text{th}$ pitch allows the batter to continue until the ball is put in play or a pitch is not batted.

Homerun Exception ($8\text{U}$)

The rule specifying that if a player hits the ball over the fence for a homerun, all runs count regardless of the inning run limit.