Peach State Diamond Sports

Wheel Pitch

8 & UNDER AND 10 AND UNDER PITCHING MACHINE SOFTBALL RULES

 All rules governing 10 and under and 8 & Under (7 & 8 year olds) will be in effect with exceptions of the following:

 1. All pitching will be done by an electrically powered pitching machine using an underhanded delivery from  (40) feet over the top.

 2. The arch of the pitch shall be adjusted by the umpire in charge to be no lower than six (6) feet and no higher than ten (10) feet.  The judgment of these heights shall be left to the discretion of the umpires with the final authority being the Tournament Director.  If a Jugs Jr. machine is used, ball should be placed in machine from the top.

3. When a batted ball hits a pitching machine, the umpire feeding the machine, or the extension cord off the ground, it is considered a “DEAD BALL SINGLE” and batter/runner will be awarded first base with all runners moving forward if forced.   If a batted ball hits a defensive player then hits the machine, the batter is awarded first base and all other runners move up one base, if forced. Ball is dead when ball hits machine. When a thrown ball hits the pitching machine or the extension cord off the ground, it is considered a “DEAD BALL” and played as if thrown out of bounds.

 4. An 8’ deep by 12’ wide rectangle box centered on the pitching plate in which the player in the pitching position must remain until the pitch is delivered.  Defensive player must have at least one foot inside the box at time of the pitch. 6. Players in pitchers position must be within six (6) feet of the pitching plate but never any closer than forty (40) feet of home plate when the pitch is delivered. A half circle shall be drawn at the pitching machine for the infielder to start prior to a pitch.

 5. No base on balls allowed. Count remains 3 and 2 until ball is hit or a strikeout occurs.

6. Ten (10) defensive players shall be used in accordance with the following positions: one (1) each for catcher, pitcher, first base, second base, third base, and short stop; and four (4) outfielders. 

 

7. A one hour and ten minutes time limit will be used in all games .

 8. When all play has ceased, the umpire will call “time” and all play will be stopped.

FAST PITCH

  1. The use of National Federation and current NFHS rules and regulations for pitching requirements pertaining to only having to have the pivot foot (one foot) in contact with the pitching plate is allowed.

 2. Courtesy Runners

 3. At any time the team at-bat may use courtesy runners for the pitcher and/or the catcher.  The same runner may not be used for both positions. Neither the pitcher nor the catcher will be required to leave the game under such circumstances.

4 The courtesy runner must be the last batted out.

5.  All Fast Pitch Softball will have a 1:15 minute time limit.  The game clock shall start at the first pitch of the game.  Exception – Championship and “if” games.

6. International Tie-breaker:  After the regulation game or time limit has expired the  International tie-breaker will be used.  The last scheduled batter will be placed on second base.  This will continue until a winner is determined. 

7.  The score of a forfeiture game shall be recorded as 7-0.

8. Pitching Distances / Base Path

8U        35 Ft / 60 Ft

9U        35 Ft /60 Ft

10U      35 Ft /60 Ft

11U      40 Ft / 60 Ft

12U      40 Ft/ 60 Ft

13U-18U    43 Ft / 60 Ft

 

9. SHORTHANDED RULE To start a game:        

A. a game may begin or finish with one less than required to start.        

B. The vacant position must be listed last in the batting order.        

C. An out will be recorded when the vacant position in the batting order is scheduled to bat.  

 

 

 

To continue a game once started with a full team listed on the line-up card:

A. If a team begins play with the required number of players as listed, that team may continue a game with one less player than is currently in the batting order whenever a player leaves the game for any reason other than ejection. Under   no circumstances shall a team be permitted to bat one less than 8 in Fast Pitch, two less than 10 in fast pitch when using two EP’s. 

       B.  If playing shorthanded and a substitute arrives, the substitute must be inserted   immediately into the vacant spot. If the substitute refuses to enter for any reason that player becomes ineligible for the remainder of the game.

      C.  If the player leaving the game is a runner or batter, the runner or batter shall be declared out.       

     D.  When the player who has left the game is scheduled to bat, an out shall be declared for each turn at bat. An inning or the game can end with an automatic   out. The player who has left the game cannot return to the line-up.