Updated:  January 2021

NKB Machine Pitch Division (7U/8U)
 

Official Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth rules as outlined in the "Official Regulations and Playing Rules" booklet will be observed at all times, except for the following rules adopted by the NKB.  It is important that teams follow these rules to ensure consistency of play throughout this age group.  Coaches are discouraged from agreeing on "special" rules at the beginning of the game.

General

1. A player may “play up” a maximum of one year from his/her league age, which is the players’ age as of May 1^st.  To illustrate, a player with a league age of 7 may play on an 8U team; however, that player is not allowed to play on an 9U team or higher.  Pitching limits will be based on the player’s league age, not actual age.

2. The bases will be set at 60 feet.Distance from Home Plate to 2nd Base is 84 feet 10 inches.

3. Game time limit is 1 hour 45 minutes.No new inning can be started after 1 hour 30 minutes.

4. A team must consist of a minimum of eight (8) players in order to start a game. Teams not having at least eight (8) players at the start of a game will forfeit the game. Forfeit time is fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled start of a game.  A game may NOT begin until both teams have at least eight (8) players present. If a team is not going to have the minimum number of players for a game, then the team is allowed to pick up players to fill in during that game up to a total of 9 available players.  A fill in player cannot be on another team in your same division or any division higher than your team participates.  For example, if you are in the Majors division then your fill in player must come from the Minors division or a younger age division.  If you are in the Minors division then your fill in player must come from a younger age division.  All fill in players MUST be a current NKB registered/paid player. They don't have to be on your roster; however, they must be on a current NKB roster.  If a team uses a fill-in player and does not abide by the established rules, then the team will forfeit that game, and the head coach will be subject to suspension at team’s next game.

5. A game will be considered complete when one of the following conditions has been met:

   • 6 innings have been completed and the score is not tied.

   • 5 ½ innings have been completed and the home team is leading.

   • The game will be called complete before the start of a new inning after one hour and thirty-minutes. Home team records the start time.

   • The game is considered complete after 3 1/2 innings if the home team is winning and after 4 innings if the visiting team is leading in cases of rain or other conditions where play cannot be continued.

   • RUN RULE - If after 4 complete innings of play a team is ahead by 15 or more runs, the game is complete. If after 5 innings of play a team is ahead by 10 or more runs, the game is complete.

6. A half inning will be considered complete when one of the following conditions have been met:

   • Three outs have been made; or

   • Seven runs have been scored.

7. Pitching Machines: The Spring Loaded pitching machines have three required settings:

   • 8U Division - (9-Power Level, 4-Release Block, 3-Micro Adjust)

   • 7U Division - (7-Power Level, 4-Release Block, 3-Micro Adjust)

8. The pitching machine should be set at a distance of 46 feet from the rear point of the plate to the front of the machine.

9. The machines are to be regulated by the coaches to ensure the children having a good experience at the plate. The spring loaded machines require more cooperation between the coaches to ensure proper performance in the games.

10. The machine will be set before the game starts. Coaches may adjust the Micro setting up or down during an at bat to make the pitch hittable.Any other adjustments to the machine must be agreed upon by both coaches.

11. Only one batter is allowed on the field. There will be no on deck batter.

12. A batted ball that hits the machine is considered a dead ball. A batted ball that hits the coach feeding the pitching machine is considered a dead ball. If either of these two situations occurs, the batter is awarded first base and the base runners remain on their base (at the time of the pitch) unless they are forced to advance by the batter/runner.

13. A base runner on third base cannot advance on a passed ball by the catcher. The base runner on third can only advance on a batted ball or an overthrow during a play. If the catcher attempts to pick off the runner at third base, the runner is allowed to score.

14. A batter is considered out after three strikes. Balls and strikes are counted when an umpire is present. No walks are allowed. Six pitch maximum. NOTE:The batter continues to receive pitches as long as contact is made. The sixth pitch must be deemed hittable by the umpire.If not, the batter will receive another pitch.

15. Any batter who throws his bat will be warned, and he must be called out for subsequent offenses.The call can be made by the coach of either team.

16. Play is stopped when ONE of the following occurs:

    • The lead runner stops his forward movement toward the next base;

    • The ball is in the possession of a fielder ahead of the runner and subsequently thrown to pitcher;

    • No defensive play is imminent.

17. A maximum of one manager and three coaches are allowed in the dugout.

18. The coach feeding the machine will be a coach for the team batting. The coach must remain behind the machine and get down and out of the way or they will cause the offensive team to receive an out. The first occurrence is a "warning", while the second requires this coach being removed from the field. The opposing manager is the umpire in this situation and we will not have any controversy on the field. Failure to get down after a ball is hit will result in an out call against the offensive team. This coach may only coach the batter. He cannot coach base runners. If this occurs, the coach is asked to leave the field of play - no arguments. This play is called by the opposing manager.

19. The player occupying the pitchers position in the field must remain beside the machine until the ball is pitched by the machine.

20. Base runners on first or second base may only advance on an over throw from the catcher to the pitcher if they have not already stolen a base.

21. Base runners may only steal second or third base for each batter and only after the batter has one strike.The ball must cross home plate before the runner can leave the bag. If a player leaves early, the runners go back to the base prior to the time of the pitch. The runner may not advance on an over throw by the catcher on the steal attempt.

22. On a steal attempt, if a runner leaves a base early and is thrown out, the out will stand.Otherwise at the conclusion of play, he must go back to the base he occupied at the time of the pitch.

23. Courtesy runners are optional at any time for the catcher. The courtesy runner shall be the last batted out. The catcher for this rule is the catcher of the previous inning. If this situation arises in the first inning and no outs have been recorded, the catcher shall remain on the bases until an out is recorded.

24. Before the game begins, coaches must agree who will call the plays at second base.

25. In the event of an overthrow from a fielder, a runner may advance one base at his own risk.This does not apply to throws from the catcher on stealing attempts.

26. We will play with four outfielders (LF LC RC RF). The fourth outfielder is not a roving outfielder.

27. Outfielders are to stay a minimum of 20 feet behind the bases at the time of the pitch. The intent is to insure that the defensive players are not playing infield positions.

28. Players are not required to rotate positions. The Board feels that this is a safety issue and some children are put at risk. Coaches are encouraged to rotate players to encourage player improvement. All players need to play at least 6 defensive outs and bat.

29. Teams are to use roster batting for every game.Because teams are roster batting, there is free substitution on defense. The batting order must remain the same throughout the game.

30. No bunting is allowed.

31. The infield fly rule is not in effect.

32. CONTACT RULE (ALL DIVISIONS) – If a runner attempting to reach a base intentionally and maliciously runs into a defensive player, the base runner will be called out on the play and ejected from the game. Defensive players are reminded that unless a play is being attempted, the batter/runner has the right to the base path and any attempt to impede the batter/runner or drawing unnecessary contact will be deemed obstruction. Repeated violations by the defense will be deemed unsportsmanlike behavior and the player is subject to ejection. The objective of this rule is to penalize the team crashing into any player. This is a judgment call by the umpire.

33. Bats - Bats shall not be more than thirty-three (33) inches in length and not more than 2 3/4 inches in diameter. Bats must be stamped with either BPF 1.15 or with the USA Bat logo. NKB discourages the use of wooden bats, however, wooden barrel bats that do not exceed 2 3/4 inches in diameter are allowed. Any bats listed on the current year’s USSSA “Withdrawn and/or Non-Compliant Baseball Bat Models” listing are not allowed.
    1. ILLEGAL BAT PENALTY
       1. If the illegal bat is discovered prior to a batter completing his "at bat" the bat is simply removed from play and the "at bat" continues.

       2. A player who uses an illegal bat or non-conforming barrel dimension and hits a fair ball will be ruled out. No advancement on the bases will be allowed, and any outs during the play shall stand. This is an appeal play.

       3. The "at bat" will be considered legal once a pitch is thrown to the next batter.

       4. Any bat discovered prior to the game that does not conform to the above rule shall be directed to be removed immediately and not be allowed for use during the game.

       5. If an illegal bat is discovered during the course of the game, the team shall also receive a warning.If a second illegal bat is discovered on the same team, the player using the bat as well as the head coach of that team will be ejected from the game.

34. Reporting Scores: Coaches are required to submit the final score on line at www.nkbaseball.com.Scores are required to be entered within 48 hours of the end of a game, or two hours prior to the start of the team’s next game.

WEATHER and DARKNESS:

 Relating to weather, the goals of NKB  are:

 *             Safety of all participants and spectators first and foremost

 *             Attempt to “complete” games when possible

With the above goals in mind, the following guidelines should be observed for all games:

1.  Before the game begins, the coaches may discuss and decide if conditions are suitable for the game to commence.  The coach of the home team is responsible for the final decision.  Once the game has begun, the umpire (if applicable) is responsible for all decisions pertaining to suspension, resumption and/or cancellation.  In divisions without an umpire, the coach of the home team is responsible.

2.  At the FIRST incident of lightning OR thunder (REGARDLESS of how far away it seems), all persons will immediately clear the field and seek safe shelter, and the game will be suspended. Scorebooks should note inning, outs, count on batter, and time. The Managers/Coaches and umpire (if applicable) shall decide whether the remainder of the game will be cancelled OR if a 30-minute delay will be observed.  (Safe shelter is a building or vehicle)

3.  The 30 minute waiting period can be observed if it is likely that threatening conditions will dissipate.

4.  The 30 minute clock resets with each occurrence of thunder or lighting.

5.  During the delay players are strictly forbidden from any activity and must remain in safe shelter area.

UMPIRES

 1.  All individuals involved (players, coaches, fans) should show respect for all of our umpires.

 2. Abuse of umpires in any form, verbal or physical, will not be tolerated by NKB. Individuals found to be abusive to the umpires, whether it is coaches, players, or parents, will be asked to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Where the abuse continues, the offending individual will be asked to leave the area surrounding the ball field.