SPRING 8U RULES

8U spring rules overview

These rules apply specifically to the 8U division and are designed to support skill development, safety, and a positive introduction to the game. All general SGSL and ASA rules also apply.

Field & Setup

  • Base distance: 55 feet
  • A ten (10) foot circle will be drawn around home plate and the pitcher’s mound 

Game Format

  • Games are 1 hour or five (5) innings, whichever comes first
  • If an inning is in progress, it will be completed unless it will not affect the outcome
  • No timeouts may be taken within the final 5 minutes
  • If an injury occurs in the final 5 minutes, the clock will stop
  • Playoff games are five (5) innings or 1 hour 15 minutes

Offensive Play (Coach Pitch)

  • A coach will pitch from a 35-foot rubber up to the 10-foot circle, depending on the batter’s ability
  • The coach must remain within the circle until the ball is released
  • Each batter receives a maximum of five (5) pitches
  • If the batter does not hit the ball in play, the batter is out
  • A batted ball must pass beyond the 10-foot home plate circle to be considered fair

Defensive Play

  • A player pitcher may position on either side of the coach pitcher
  • The pitcher must keep one foot inside the circle until the ball reaches home plate
  • All players play defense
  • A maximum of five (5) players may be positioned in the infield
  • Infielders may not move closer to home plate than the pitcher
  • Two defensive coaches are allowed on the field in foul territory

Base Running

  • A ball thrown into foul territory is immediately dead
  • Runners advancing will be awarded the next base only
  • Play stops when the ball is returned to the pitcher or controlled in the circle

Gameplay Rules

  • All players bat in the same order
  • Late players are added to the bottom of the lineup
  • No infield fly rule
  • Courtesy runner for catcher is required with two outs (last recorded out)

Equipment

  • All batters and base runners must wear helmets
  • Face guards are required on helmets (chin straps optional)
  • T-ball bats and ASA softball bats are allowed

Scoring

  • Maximum of five (5) runs per inning (innings 1–4)
  • Maximum of eight (8) runs in the 5th inning

Team Requirements

  • Teams must start with at least nine (9) players
  • Teams may not start with fewer than nine (9) players
  • A team with eight (8) or fewer players will forfeit

Tiebreaker Rule

If the game is tied at the end of regulation:

  • One (1) inning will be played using the International Tiebreaker (ITB)
  • The last batter from the previous inning will start on second base
  • If still tied after one inning, the game will end in a tie

Dugout & Conduct

  • Only approved coaches and players are allowed in the dugout
  • Maximum of three (3) coaches in the dugout
  • All individuals in the dugout must wear a team shirt

Additional Notes

  • The coach pitcher is considered part of the field; if a batted ball hits the coach, the ball remains live
  • All SGSL General Rules and ASA Rules apply