Official Coach Pitch Rules

1. A team will consist of ten defensive players–six (6) infielders and four (4) outfielders.

2. A team must have eight (8) players present to play.

3. Outfielders must be “on the grass” at the time of the pitch. Outfielders are not allowed to make infield outs, meaning they cannot run in and tag a base or base runner in order to make an out. They must throw the ball to an infielder to make this type of out.

4. All players will be placed in the batting order. If players arrive late they will be placed at the bottom of the order. If a player leaves early their spot in the batting order will be skipped. An automatic out will NOT be awarded.

5. If a player cannot complete a plate appearance, then the last out shall complete the appearance.

6. There will be a 2 hour limit for all games, regardless of the score. A tie score will be allowed to stand. No new inning will be allowed to start within 15 minutes of the curfew time.

7. The coach ‘pitcher’ must not pitch any closer than 7 paces (20 feet) from the back of the plate. A line will be marked during the initial setup of the field. The coach pitcher must make every attempt not to interfere with a play being made by the defensive team. This is particularly important on throws from 3rd to 1st. If there is interference, then the ball is dead, the base runners are sent back and the pitch will be considered a foul ball. 

8. The batter will be allowed 4 pitches to put the ball in play. If on the 5 pitch the batter does not put the ball in play, a tee will be brought out and the batter will receive two (2) attempts from the tee before being called out. Balls and strikes will neither be counted nor called. The umpire shall announce ‘last pitch’ after the first attempt from the tee. 

9. A play can be called dead when an infielder calls time while inside the base paths.

10. An inning will consist of 3 outs or once a team has scored 5 runs.

11. Base runners must stay in contact with the base until the batter makes contact with the ball. Steals and lead offs are not allowed.

12. No base will be awarded on overthrows at first base and only 1 base will be awarded on overthrows at 3rd base. A runner at 3rd base cannot advance to home on an overthrow unless he or she is forced to.

13. Bunts are not allowed. The batter must take a full swing to the best of their ability.

14. The infield fly rule is not in effect.

15. Batters must wear protective helmets. Catchers must wear full catcher’s protective equipment. The defensive pitcher must wear a pitchers helmet.

16. Bases shall be 50 feet apart.

17. Players cannot repeat ANY position during the course of the game and coaches are encouraged to rotate players through all positions.