8U Tournament Rules

Contact: Phone - 269-358-0788;  Email - director@m60diamonds.com 

Age Divisions: 8U
Ages are based on actual age on April 30 of current year. Players in 8U must be 8 or younger.

Number of Games: 3 games

Awards: Champions - trophies; Runner-up team - medals 

Game balls: each team provides 1 new game ball per game

# of Teams: varies by tournament

Primary Location:  M-60 Diamonds Ball Complex 8380 M-60, Union City, MI 49094

Field Dimensions: 8U: 35 ft (pitching); 60 ft (bases)

Facilities Information: please see separate attachment for private facility rules

Bathrooms: Port-a-johns available on site

Concessions: Full concessions will be available on site, and The Redwood (a family restaurant) is across the road.

*High school rules apply unless otherwise indicated.*

Home Team: Coin flip will determine home team.

Official book: Home team is the official book.

Game Length: 6 inning games

Game Start: First pitch is the official start time. 

Time Limit: 1 hour 10 minutes

Forfeits: Game time is forfeit time, unless the delay is put in place by M-60 Diamonds personnel or caused by the previous game’s completion.

Mercy Run Rule: 12 after 3, 10 after 4, 8 after 5

Run Limits: 5 Run limit, except for 6th inning

Tie Breakers: (1) Head to Head, (2) Runs Allowed, (3) Run Differential, (4) Coin Flip

Courtesy runner: allowed for pitchers and catchers.

Game Play: 

• Teams may play with three (9 defensive players) or four outfielders (10 defensive players).

• Teams will bat everyone, but will not be penalized for an injured player.

• Designated coach will pitch to their own team

• High school bat weight/length differential rule is waived (BBCOR standard is still required)

• During play and between innings, only batter and 1 on deck player may be on field.

8U Modifications:

• Defensive:

  • Teams may use a maximum of 10 defensive players (with 4 outfielders)

  • Defensive player location:

    • Infielders must be 35+ feet from batter (behind pitching plate)

    • Outfielders must be 10 feet behind the base path

  • Catchers must squat behind home plate in full gear

  • Athlete in pitcher position must have one foot in circle, and be even with or behind the pitching coach

  • Defensive coaches may take positions in the outfield in foul territory

• Offensive: 

  • Batters get 5 pitches or 3 strikes, though may continue to bat if they continue to foul off pitches

  • No bunting, slapping, or base stealing

  • Base runners will not leave the base until the pitched ball crosses the plate

• Play: 

  • No infield fly rule

  • Play is stopped when the progress of the lead runner is stopped

• Pitching Coach

  • Pitching coach must have one foot on rubber when pitching

  • If pitching coach is hit by ball leaving the bat, runners return to previous bases and the batter will bat again (full do-over)

  • If a thrown ball hits the pitching coach it is considered a live ball, UNLESS the umpire determines the coach intentionally interfered (in which case it is a do-over).

Weather & Other Impacts:

• Tournament may be played in adverse weather conditions as long as it is deemed safe. 

• The tournament director reserves the right to change the tournament format as he sees fit in order to complete the tournament in the scheduled time period.

• In the event that a game is stopped, the following will apply:

  • If prior to 3 complete innings, it will be declared a suspended game and shall be resumed at the exact point of suspension (time limit, mercy and tiebreaker rules apply).

  • If after 3 complete innings, it shall be ruled a complete game from the last completed inning

  • When it is tied after being declared a complete game, tie breaker rules will apply.

The tournament director shall have the final decision on all tournament questions. The tournament director’s interpretation of the aforementioned rules and regulations shall be final. The tournament director reserves the right to decide all tournament matters.