ARKANSAS MACHINE PITCH RULES
1. Bases will be set at 60 feet.
2. The front legs of the pitching machine will be set at 44 feet from home plate.
The speed will be set at 42 MPH.
3. A runner cannot leave the base before the ball has been hit. If he does, the team will receive a “team warning”. If this action persists, the umpire has the right to call the runner out. There will be NO STEALING.
4. Ten players will play in the field with four outfielders. The fourth outfielder is not allowed to assume an infield position. ALL outfielders must stay behind the baseline.
5. Batting order shall consist of every player on the roster that is in attendance of that particular game.
6. Maximum of seven runs per inning or three outs, including the last inning.
7. Defensive player known as the pitcher must stay in the pitcher’s circle until the ball is hit.
8. A batter receives seven pitches or three swings. A foul ball counts as a pitch. Batter is out after seven pitches.
9. Free substitution on defense. Batting order must stay the same.
10. NO BUNTING in seven year old machine pitch. BUNTING will be allowed in eight year old machine pitch. It is the coach’s responsibility to inform the umpire that it is an eight year old team. If they do not, any call made by the umpire concerning bunting will hold as called. During mixed age play – seven and eights, no bunting will be allowed.
11. Any ball that hits the pitching coach or pitching machine will be termed a “dead” ball and the batter is awarded first base. All other runners will be awarded ONE base.
12. In case of rain, COACH PITCH will be substituted for the pitching machine. This will be the tournament director’s call. This is for the safety of the players and the machine.
13. GAME TIME LIMIT is one hour and 15 minutes or six innings. Four complete innings will constitute a game in case of rain.
14. RUN RULES – 15 after 3, 8 after 4.
15. No limit on bases for overthrows in the field. Runners may not advance on a missed “catch” by the catcher from the pitching machine. If the ball goes into the dugout or outside the fence, runners may not advance.
16. Umpires will call “TIME” at the end of each play.
17. It is the Team Managers responsibility to maintain control over their fans. Failure to do this may result in the Manager being asked to leave along with any disruptive fans. Please display GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP.