Grant County Youth Baseball

Machine Pitch Division Rules (7 and 8 year olds)

The Standings Rules may be altered or amended at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors by a majority vote of members that are present and voting. Unless described below, we follow the rules of chartering organization.

1. The Machine Pitch League teams will be formed following the league draft procedure.
2. The Board must monitor any attempt by managers and parents to manipulate the system and thus create an imbalance in the league. ANY AND ALL PLAYER TRADES MUST BE FOR JUSTIFIABLE REASONS.
3. A time limit of 1 hour 45 minutes will be imposed on all regular season Machine Pitch games. Unless tied, no inning shall start after the 1 hour 45 minute time limit. The next inning starts immediately upon completion of the last out of the previous inning.
4. There will be a maximum of 6 pitches per batter. If the 6^th pitch is fouled, the player will receive another pitch. After 6 pitches, the batter will continue his or her at bat as long as they continue to foul off pitches, hits a ball into play, or strikes out. If a batter “takes” the last pitch, they will be called out. After 3 strikes a batter is out regardless of pitch count.
5. Bunting is allowed.
6. Bases will be set at 60’.
7. The league approved pitching machine will be used.
8. There will be no infield fly rule in Machine Pitch.
9. Each team will bat their entire roster and play ten players on the field.
10. A half inning is complete after three (3) outs have been recorded, or team roster has batted. If one team has more players than the other, the team with the less players will bat their roster to match the team with the more players.
11. A continuous batting order that includes all players on the team will be used. If a child becomes ill, injured, or must leave the game site during the game, the team will skip over him/her time at bat without penalty. If the player is later able to return, then they will be inserted into their original spot in the batting order. If a player arrives after the game has started, the manager, if he chooses to allow the player to participate, must add this player to the bottom of the batting line-up.
12. All games will consist of a maximum of 6 innings or 1 hour and 45 minutes. An inning starts the moment the 3^rd out is made completing the preceding inning. If the inning is completed after 1 hour and 45 minutes, the game is completed.
13. Ten (10) run rule:

1. If after 3 ½ innings, the home team has a lead of 10 or more runs after the visiting team bats, the visiting team will concede the victory to the home team.
2. If after 4 innings, the visiting team has a lead of 10 or more runs after the home team bats, the home team shall concede the victory to the visiting team.      

14. If a batted ball touches a batter or runner before passing through or by an infielder (not including the pitcher or catcher, and hits the batter or runner, that player will be called out. The batter must have at least one foot completely out of the batter’s box to be called out.
15. If a batted ball hits the pitching machine the ball is dead. All base runners advance one base.
16. Base runners may not leave the base until the ball crosses home plate. No leading off is permitted.
17. Base runner:  The base runner is out if more than three (3) feet away from the direct line between the bases to avoid being tagged. Unless such action is to avoid interfering with a fielder or batted ball.
18. A maximum of six (6) infielders will play in the infield (including the catcher). The rest of the players in the field must be positioned in fair territory in the outfield grass (4 outfielders) Max of Ten players and not less than 8 can start the game.
19. If there are two outs, a courtesy runner is allowed for the catcher. (To keep the game moving).
20. Base coaches must stay in the coaches’ box and may not physically assist the base runner while the ball is in play or interference will be called and the runner will be called out.
21. Two adult base coaches are allowed, provided that there is at least one other adult manager, coach, or approved league volunteer in the dugout.
22. The umpire and/or scorekeeper shall not direct the attention of any person as to the presence of an improper batter (batting out of order) in the batters box.
23. Overthrows and missed throws to a base.

      When a defensive player misses a thrown ball in which a play is being made,   

      all runners may advance 1 additional base (only) at risk of getting out. If the    

      runner or runners reach additional base safely, he or she may advance no

      further and the play is dead.

      No stealing of home.  The only way a runner can come home from third base   

      is on a batted ball.

      Time will be called when the defensive team has possession of the ball and the

      play has stopped.

       *  Exception – When a steal is being attempted and catcher throws to the

       base and ball is missed by the defensive player. The runner can advance no

       further.

24. Helmets with face mask must be worn at all times by all batters and runners.
25. No on deck circle, all batters must remain inside the dugout until their turn at bat. No bats allowed inside the dugout. All bats will be placed on bat racks outside the dugout.
26. The players playing the catchers position must wear all proper safety equipment including a cup (male), helmet and face mask with throat protector, chest protector and shin guards. The catcher must use a catcher’s mitt.
27. No bat slinging. A player will be given a warning for the 1^st bat slinging offense. All offenses by the same player after their first offense will be called out.
28. No head first sliding. Runner will be called out. They only exception to this rule is when the player is returning to base.
29. Playing Time – All players are required to play a minimum of  50% of the game.
30. Machine Pitch Settings: The spring loaded machine will be set at (9 – Power level, 4 – Release block, 3 – Micro adjustment). Machine will be set 46’ from the back of home plate.

7. Parents and Spectators Conduct:

1. Criticism – Parents and spectators shall be encouraged to be positive in any criticism of the program and will to volunteer their services to improve the League. Their opinions and criticisms should be presented to officers of the League in a constructive manner.
2. Recognition of Volunteers – Parents and spectators shall be encouraged to demonstrate that they recognize the effort expended by the volunteer personnel of the Grant County Youth Baseball program by refraining form unpartisan like conduct and grandstand managing.
3. Umpire – Parents and spectators shall be encouraged to realize that the Umpire is the closest to the play and that each Umpire calls the play as he or she sees them. (The Umpires assume a difficult but necessary role).
4. Encouragement – Parent and spectators shall be encouraged to recognize that Little Leaguers are children, not professional players and need encouragement, not criticism.
5. Applause – Parent and spectators shall be encouraged to applaud good plays and ignore errors. Parent and spectators should encourage greater effort, initiative and hustle. They should congratulate the winner and encourage the loser. They should enjoy the game for what it is. If it isn’t fun, it isn’t Little League.

Approved By:  Grant County Youth Baseball Board                                    Date: 10/15/09