DIMENSIONS AND RULES

• 65 feet between bases, 44 feet to front end of pitching machine.

• Speed of pitching machine is 36 mph in 8u, 40 mph in 9u.

• Official length of game: Four (4) innings (No open innings)

• An inning consists of 3 outs or 5 runs scored.

• No player may play the outfield twice unless all other players have played the outfield once, three times until all other players have played the outfield twice, etc.

• No player may be on the bench twice unless all other players have been on the bench once, three times until all other players have been on the bench twice, etc.

• Coaches are not allowed on the field when their team is fielding (defence)

• Each player must play an infield position and an outfield position for at least one full inning.

• Players cannot play the same position twice.

• All players must be rotated between infield and outfield positions and must be allowed to experience all positions on the field. The only exception to this rule would be in a two inning “called game”

• *8u* On an "overthrow" to any base, the runners or batter must remain at the base they have arrived at. They may not advance and the ball is deemed dead. The umpire does not have to call time.

• *9u* On an “overthrow” to first base, time is called.

• *9u* On an “overthrow” by an infielder, the runners may continue at their peril until either time is called or until the runners have attained their next base where time will then be called.

• *9u* On an “overthrow “by an outfielder, the runners may continue at their peril until time is called.

• *9u* If the ball goes out of play, time is called. If the ball was thrown out of play, the runner who batted the ball is awarded second base if not already attained.

• Pitching Machine Malfunction Rule (In-Game)

a) Coaches will pitch to their own team (overhand, no lobbing) if:

i. Both pitching machines in attendance have a malfunction that cannot be fixed, deemed by the umpire.

ii. The only pitching machine in attendance has a malfunction that cannot be fixed, deemed by the umpire.

b) This rule is a last resort and should be treated as such.

c) The Coach that is pitching must always remain in the pitching circle and must not interfere with a batted ball or the defensive players.

d) A batted ball that strikes the coach will be a dead ball and the umpire will award bases according.

e) Same rule applies regarding five strikes called by the umpire.

• Full list of rules http://www.vaughanvikings.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/991/2020/02/8U-9U-Rookie-Rules.pdf