7 & UNDER - 8 &  UNDER RULES

• Pitching distance shall be 40 ft mound and 60 ft bases

• Bunting is allowed

• Pitching restrictions are 6 innings in a day and 8 total for the tournament. 1 pitch is considered an inning. Once a pitcher is removed from mound, he may not return to pitch in that game. NOT IN EFFECT DURING WORLD SERIES PLAY

• No lead-offs. Players cannot leave base until after ball crosses home plate.

• Stealing is allowed. Runners may advance once the ball is passed home plate at their own risk. If a player leaves early and is thrown out, he is out. If he is safe, he must return to previous base. 2nd offense by same player in same inning will result in out. If ball is hit, the defensive team has the option of the result of the play or dead ball and runner returns and hitter hits again.

• Stealing home is not allowed. Home plate is dead. Runner on 3rd must be forced home by a walk, HBP, or advance on a hit ball.

• Once the ball is thrown back to the pitcher by the catcher or any fielder at the conclusion of a play, at the umpire's judgment, all base runners must return to their previous base if they are not at least halfway to next base.

• 7& Under has 6 run max per inning until the last designated inning

• No new inning after 1:30

• Mercy rule: 15 runs after 3 innings, 8 runs after 4 innings.

• Courtesy runners are allowed for pitcher or catcher at any time.

• It is the base runner's responsibility to avoid contact with fielder in possession of the ball.

• To Intentionally walk a batter, no pitches are thrown. Coach or fielder just needs to inform umpire and point to first base.

• No mechanical noise makers are allowed at USSSA tournaments.