6/7 Baseball Rules

New Skills to Teach

NO metal cleats. If non-metal cleats aren't available, tennis shoes should be worn.
Bats requirements
- USSSA bats are now allowed, but USA bats are recommended. No BBCOR bats.
- 7th graders - Max drop of -8
- 6th graders - Max drop of -10
- Note on Bats: Players finishing 8th grade will be playing high school baseball and will be required to use BBCOR bats no lighter than a -3. The smaller the transition gap, the easier it is for players to adjust.
Both ears need to be covered by the helmet when hitting or catching.
When outside the dugout, all batters must have a helmet on.
This division will play with a Rawlings 14U baseball.

Two 4-inning games played (unless home field team specifies one 7-inning game is necessary due to field restrictions like no lights at field)
Play through a tie game until the game is won. Adjust for the second game as necessary.
5-run rule for an inning
Last inning is open to allow more than 5 runs.
10-run rule after 3 innings
Last inning of 2nd game can be finished out by home team if they are ahead by runs and if both teams agree on it. The score does not change, but it allows for more reps for both teams.

Bunting

Bunting is allowed at the 6/7 level. However…
- Slashing is not allowed (where a batter shows bunt drawing in infield, pulls back, and then swings away). Slashing is not safe for players at this level.
- If a batter shows bunt, they must make an attempt to bunt or pull back.
- Both the batter’s feet must be in the box at bunt contact.
If a batter slashes…
- 1st attempt is an automatic STRIKE.
- 2nd attempt is an automatic OUT.

Base-Running

Called steals allowed for runners at 1st and 2nd base.
No more than 3-step lead at any base.
Steal or secondary lead-off allowed ONLY when the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. No movement towards the next base during wind-up or stretch.
Stealing on pass balls allowed. Pass balls could be considered any pitch in the dirt weather blocked on not.
Stealing more than one base is allowed on overthrows.
Stealing home on a pass ball is allowed if the lead team is ahead by 2 runs or less. As soon as the lead team is ahead by 3 runs or more, home is now closed on pass balls for the leading team. Once the score lead goes back to 2 runs or less, home is open once again for stealing on pass balls. *This rule only applies to pass balls. See next rule for exceptions.
Home is closed unless...
- The score difference is 2 runs or less (see previous rule)
- a play is made on the ball (i.e. 1st and 3rd situation and catcher throws to a base)
- The ball is over thrown to the pitcher.
Any play at home requires the runner to slide feet first. If no attempt to slide feet first, batter is automatically out.
Runners MUST attempt to avoid contact with a defensive player at any base or home plate.

Hitting

Every dressed player bats regardless if they are on the bench or in the game defensively.
The batter must make an attempt to avoid the pitch. They cannot just let the ball hit them and be awarded a base. This is even if the ball hits the ground first prior to the batter. Please note that the umpire makes the final call.

Pitching

No more than 4 total innings in a night
A pitcher can return to the mound once after being substituted out (but no more than 4 TOTAL innings).
Pitchers can make a move to any base for pick-offs as long as the back foot moves to step off first.
In the case of a left-handed pitcher throwing to 1st on a pick-off or a right-handed pitcher throwing to 3rd on a pick-off, they do not have to step off with the back foot first. The pitcher’s lead leg can come up, but then move directly to the base they are throwing to. No movement with the lead leg can be made towards home plate if they are throwing to 1st or 3rd for a pick-off. If this occurs, it will be considered a balk.
A pitcher’s 1st balk = warning
A pitcher’s 2nd balk = runners advancing one base.
Fastballs and Change-ups are allowed.
Curveballs are not allowed (kids can work on and practice various pitches during practice time, but a focus on pick-offs and holding runners should be priority).

Dropped 3rd Strike

The dropped third strike rule in baseball is when a hitter strikes out, whether swinging or looking, but the catcher fails to catch the pitch in the air. If the ball hits the ground on a third strike, the hitter is permitted to run to first base. If the catcher can recover the ball and throw it to the first baseman before the hitter arrives, he is out. But if the hitter makes it safely to first base, no out is awarded to the defense.
The rule occurs with less than two outs and nobody occupying 1st base or always with two outs, no matter the situation with baserunners.
If there is a runner at 2nd or 3rd and first base is unoccupied, other runners can also advance. Home would be open on a ball thrown to first.
If a runner gives themself up on a dropped third strike, the batter is out. Meaning if they take two steps or more toward their dugout.

Infield fly rule

There must be less than 2 outs;
There must be runners on first and second OR first, second, and third;
The fly ball cannot be a line drive;
An infielder must be able to catch the ball with ordinary effort (high in-field fly ball).
If the situation meets all of the above criteria, the batter will be called out.

Fielding