Rally Cap 8U Rules

2024 RALLY CAP 8U RULES

1. Each game should take about 1 hour 30 mins – approx. 3 innings.
2. Regardless of the number of outs, all batters will bat every inning. If the defensive team gets the batter out at the base – the batter is OUT and must be returned to the bench. Coaches are to act as umpires, anything close it to be awarded to the base runner.
3. The last batter is not to run ALL the bases. His/her at bat is to be treated no different than as if they had batted at any other place in the batting order.
4. Coaches pitch to their own team and provide an adult catcher. The coach will throw up to 5 pitches. After the 5^th pitch, the player has the option to sit down, or to use the batting tee for one more swing. Please make sure they know IT IS NOT A BAD THING to hit from the tee. Keep it positive. (Foul balls should be counted as pitches – however if the 5^th pitch is fouled off – please give the batter another pitch.)

The coaches can pitch balls underhand if they wish. The coach can adjust the speed of the pitch and angle of the ball to what the batter can handle. It is important to ensure that you are throwing hittable pitches, whether they are overhand or underhand.

A batter will not be called out on a ball hit foul unless it is caught in the air by a player (not a coach).

Coaches may use the spring-loaded pitching machine if it is easier to find the strike zone.

7. Only one base is permitted on an overthrow. If the player successfully gets to the next base without being tagged out, they cannot advance further, and no further advances are permitted on the play from any other base.
8. When a ball is hit to the outfield, the runners may advance if the ball is still in the outfield (past the sand, in the grass). Once the ball is thrown back into the infield (an infielder touches the ball, or the ball hits the ground in the infield) all players less than ½ way to the next base must return to the previous base. All players more than ½ way can advance at their own risk. Coaches need to be alert to the position of the baserunners.
9. Play is dead as soon as any player throws the ball back to the pitcher OR passes through the vertical plane of the pitcher’s mound. Runners less than ½ way to the next base must return to the previous base.
10. No leadoffs or stealing.

 GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!