Article IV 8U Rules Coach pitch. USSSA rules apply unless specified below. Section 1 Players AMinimum of 8 players required to take the field. BA player may sit up to two non-consecutive innings in the dugout during defense. CForfeited games end umpire duties; teams can scrimmage until 30 minutes before the next game. DOutfielders must have feet in the grass when the ball is pitched. Section 2 Coaches AMax 4 coaches total. BOffensive Play. Max 3 on the field, 1 in dugout. One coach acts as pitcher. CDefensive Play. Max 3 on field, 1 in dugout. Two can be in foul territory behind the coach’s box. One can be in front of the dugout. One defensive coach can choose to be behind the catcher to assist. DCoach pitcher specs. Must pitch inside the 16-foot circle with at least one foot on or in front of the halfway line. ECoach interference. Intentional interference results in a dead ball, batter gets 1st, runners advance 1 base if forced, and an out is charged. Unintentional interference means dead ball, no out, and forced runs score. FThe coach pitcher can coach or talk to the batter briefly, prior to the pitch, but must not leave the circle before the pitch. Violation: warning, and if it continues, removal of coach pitcher. Section 3 Game Play CNo inning begins after 60 minutes of play. Max 6 innings. EWeather complete after 35 minutes if 2 full innings are played. F5 runs per half-inning limit. GDropped 3rd strike, infield fly, and look-back rules do not apply Section 4 Batting ABall/strike count kept. Batter gets 5 pitches to hit a fair ball. Fouling the 5th allows a 6th; fouling the 6th allows a 7th. Missing on the 3rd swing is an out. BMust use USA or USSSA official softball bats; no tee ball bats. Section 5 Base Runners / Batter-Runner CRunners can lead off up to 3 steps after the ball is released. DRunners may advance one base at peril on live-ball overthrows or passed balls. Ball is delayed dead when controlled by pitcher or 1st baseman. HStealing and slap bunting/hitting are not allowed. Section 6 Pitcher — Player APlayer-pitcher must stand in the back half of the circle until the ball is hit. CPlay is dead once the ball is in possession of the 1st baseman or the pitcher controls it in the circle. DPitcher must throw overhand to make plays at bases; cannot chase players down unless the hit takes her near the baseline. Section 7 Equipment ANo wood bats (metal only). B11″ ball used. CBatting helmets must have USSSA approved face guards. EFielding face masks mandatory for all fielders. Section 8 Field Specs ABases set at 60 feet. BPitching rubber set at 35 feet.