FAQs
9U Bermuda Triangle Playing Rules
Full Game – 5 Innings
Run Max
4 run max/inning (Regular Season). Final inning will be played regardless of score in regular season.
Start Time
Start time for weekday games is 6:00pm.
Pitching Machine and Safety Circle
A 10 ft. diameter safety circle shall be marked off directly in front of home plate and its centre shall be 44 ft. from home plate. No player is permitted to enter the safety circle which is considered a dead ball area. Enter means that any part of the body enters the safety circle. The pitching machine is placed directly in front of home plate at a distance of 44 feet.
The pitcher (position) must stand beside the pitching machine outside of the safety circle and behind the release point of the pitching machine. Lines shall be drawn from the release point to 4 ft. beyond the circle. The pitcher must have both feet on the line until the ball is released from the machine. Only the pitcher (position) may return a live ball to the operating coach with runners on base. The pitcher must wear a regulation batting helmet with an attached chin strap.
The pitcher (position) must not in any way break the plane of the 10 ft. diameter circle around the machine whether stepping in or reaching in. Play will be called dead and 1 base will be awarded. All other forced runners will move 1 base. This only applies if the pitcher (position) makes contact with the ball.
Machine Speed
Machine speed will be set at 35 MPH. To ensure the smooth running of the game and that most of the players are able to hit the ball, height can be adjusted at any time.
Coach Running Machine
Coach running machine must wear a helmet (Does not have to have double ear flap). If a batted ball hits the pitching machine or any adult in the playing field, then the ball is declared dead and the batter is awarded 1st base with the corresponding move of any runner who may be forced to move. The coach feeding the machine must not interfere with any play being made by the defensive team, otherwise the batter will be called out and the runners will be returned to their bases of origin. If it is the 3rd out, the side is retired.
Balls and Strikes
Each batter shall receive a maximum of 5 strikes as called by the umpire. The batter shall not be called out if the 5th strike is called a foul ball. Note: If a ball crosses the plate over the batter's head or bounces into the dirt, the umpire will call 'no pitch' unless the batter swings at the pitch. Batters cannot walk or bunt. (Bunts are automatic outs.)
Last Inning
No new inning to start after 7:45pm. Hard cap on game time is 2 hours from scheduled start time. Teams play out final inning. If the final inning is not completed before 2-hour time limit, teams will record score from the last completed inning as the final score. Playoffs may use a different format.
No Stealing, No Leading Off, No Running for the Catcher with 2 Outs
Base runners cannot leave the base until the ball crosses the plate. One warning will be issued and any infraction after the warning will be considered an out. No stealing is allowed. No substitute runners are permitted for the Catcher, even if there are 2 outs.
Infield Fly Rule Does Not Apply
Infield Hit
Runner gets 1 base. Cannot advance on an overthrow.
Outfield Hit
Runners must stop when infielder has control of the ball. Umpire's discretion whether to return runners to previous base (Not debatable by coaches).
Mercy Rule
15 after 4 innings. The final score is capped after the mercy if recorded. Coaches may mutually decide to continue playing or finish an inning to maximize diamond and playing time.
Minimum Number of Players
Eight players needed to field a team (15 min grace time given). No automatic out for missing player.
Rainouts
Home coach makes decision on rainouts before the game starts and must notify umpires, visiting team coach, and conveners. Umpires will make the decision to cancel after the game has started. Rainouts to be rescheduled between coaches and conveners. Game is considered complete after 7:00pm in the case of cancellation due to rain or lightning.
Outfielder Rule
Outfielders must be 15 feet beyond the baseline. (4 outfielders at all times when you have 10 fielders).
Players Playing in the Pitcher’s Position
Players playing in the pitcher’s position must wear a helmet with a mask.
Extra Innings
No extra innings. Games can end in a tie.
Golden Rule
These are kids — HAVE FUN!