 | 7U Local League Rules Created: May 28, 2024 12:39 PM, Updated: May 26, 2025 8:52 PM 2025 7U House League Rules
These rules were established in keeping with the philosophy that the principal aim for 7U House
League baseball is to have fun and teach good sportsmanship, as well as try to further the basic
skills of baseball. All Baseball Ontario (OBA) rules and regulations will be followed, with the
exception as per TMBI.
1. All players are to receive equal defensive playing time. Players should be moved around in
defensive innings to different positions for league games. The goal is to have all players be able
to learn and experience as much about the game of baseball as possible. This in turn leads to
improvement and knowledge for all players, increasing the love of the game and keeping these
kids as players in the future.
2. All players are to be entered in the batting order. If a player shows up late they are to be
added to the bottom of the batting order, no penalty is incurred for doing so.
3. There is unlimited substitution for defense play.
4. Baseball pants are mandatory.
5. Maximum of 11 players on the playing field. A maximum of 7 players are allowed on the
infield including the catcher, if 7 on the infield two must remain at the pitcher position. The
remaining players will play in the outfield at a minimum of 10 feet from the infield (must be on
outfield grass). There can only be four outfielders.
6. An 8ft. diameter safety circle MUST be marked off around the pitching machine if used.
Halfway through the season the machine be brought out to familiarize the players with the
machine. 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 pitchers must stand on the
lines drawn around the circle. The pitcher must have both feet on the white line until the ball is
released from the pitching machine. Once the ball is released from the machine, the pitcher may
move in front of the line, but may not move through the circle. Neither the pitcher nor any other
player may in any way break the plane of the 8-foot diameter circle around the machine whether
stepping on the circle line or reaching into the circle while in an attempt to field a ball. Play will
be called dead by the coaching pitching and 1 base will be awarded to the batter, all other
forced runners will move 1 base.
7. 5 pitches per batter. No walks. When coach is pitching batter will get 4 swings then move to
the T for the fifth swing so the batter can get a hit. Same if using the pitching machine. Try 4
swings then move to the T for the 5th, again for the batter to get a hit.
8. No bunting. Players are to take a full swing.
9. No infield fly rule.
10. 5 runs or 3 outs to complete an inning.
11. NO lead offs. No stealing. Players may leave base once the batter contacts the ball.
12. No overthrows. Play is stopped after an attempted play.
13. A batted ball that hits the pitching machine or coach is declared a single and all forced
runners advance one base.
14. The pitching machines are to be properly setup ad agreed upon by both teams prior to the
start of the game. If during the game the machine needs to be adjusted, it can be done so after
an inning has ended (after bottom of inning) and must be agreed upon by both teams. Once an
inning starts the machine cannot be touched (speed or height) until both teams complete their at
bats, making it equal for both teams. This applies to all league games and tournament games.
15. No new inning to start after 1hr or 7 innings.
16. Players playing the pitchers position must have a helmet with a face mask.
Remember: Games are about development. If a team is short players, there is no forfeit. Play
the game using the kids that are there. All coaches should try to field capable players at the
catcher position. Issues arise if there is not a catcher willing to try and catch the pitched ball.
The pitched ball is then chased all over the diamond causing significant delays between pitches.
This slows the game down, and the next pitch is likely to be quicker and higher, due to the
pitching machine picking up speed while waiting for the next pitch. While coaches are
encouraged to field a capable catcher, it is minor rookie baseball, and this can be a tough
position to fill. Coaches are also encouraged to find a shagger to get the missed balls and allow
play to continue at a quicker pace. A shagger can be another coach, parent, or older sibling of a
player, providing the sibling wears a helmet.
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