11. Divisional Rules: 9U

These rules apply in addition to the KTBA House League General Rules.

11.1 Age Group & Game Time

• This division is for boys and girls ages 8–9.
• Games begin at 6:00 pm.

Batters & Base Runners

11.2 Batting Order & Runs

• All players must be listed in the scorebook.
• Each inning ends after 3 outs or 5 runs, whichever comes first.
• The 5‑run mercy rule applies to all innings.
• Batting order must rotate game‑to‑game (see Rule 2.9 Fair Play).

11.3 Pitch Count for Batters

• Each batter receives a maximum of 5 hittable pitches (pitches in the strike zone).
• Pitches over the batter’s head or bouncing in the dirt do not count unless swung at.
• There is no three‑strike rule.
• If the 5th pitch is fouled, the batter receives another pitch.
• No walks are awarded.
• After 5 hittable pitches without a hit or strikeout, a batting tee is placed at home plate:
  • Batter receives one swing off the tee.
  • If they miss or hit the tee, the batter is out.

11.4 Illegal Actions

• No bunting (automatic out).
• No walks.

11.5 Leadoffs & Stealing

• No leadoffs or stealing.
• Runners may leave the base only when the batter makes contact.
• First violation: team warning.
• Subsequent violations: runner is out.

Pitching Rules

11.6 Pitching Machine Setup

• The pitching machine is placed 44 feet from home plate, directly in line with the mound.
• Operated by a KTBA‑approved operator wearing a helmet.
• Machine may be set up by the umpire or operator.

11.7 Pitching Machine Speed

• Speed is set at the start of the game and may only be adjusted between innings if both coaches agree.
• If no speed display exists, the operator decides.
• Standard monthly speeds:
  • May: 35 mph
  • June: 37 mph
  • July: 37 mph

11.8 Safety Circle

• An 8‑foot diameter safety circle is marked around the machine (centered at 44 feet).
• No player may break the plane of the circle.
• Entering the circle = dead ball.

11.9 Overthrows

• Runners may not advance on overthrows.

11.10 Defensive Pitcher Position

• Defensive pitcher(s) must stand:
  • Beside the machine,
  • Outside the safety circle,
  • Behind the release point.
• Lines will be drawn from the release point outward; pitcher must be within 2 feet of the line until the ball is released.
• Only the pitcher may return a live ball to the operator with runners on base.
• If the pitcher enters the safety circle and touches a batted ball:
  • Ball is dead,
  • Batter awarded 1st base,
  • Runners advance if forced.
• Pitcher must wear a helmet with chinstrap.

11.11 Batted Ball Hits Machine or Operator

• If a batted ball hits the machine, operator, or lands inside the safety circle:
  • Ball is dead,
  • Batter awarded 1st base,
  • Runners advance if forced.
• Operator must not interfere with defensive plays.

11.12 Thrown Ball Into Safety Circle

• If a thrown ball enters the safety circle:
  • Umpire calls time,
  • Runners placed according to umpire judgment.
  • If more than halfway, runner may advance unless the next base is occupied by a non‑forced runner.

11.13 Machine Unavailable

• If the machine is unavailable or breaks down:
  • A coach or parent (not a player) will pitch.

11.14 No Passed Balls or Stealing

• No passed balls, wild pitches, or stealing.

Defensive Positions

11.15 Fielding Alignment

• Teams may field up to 7 infielders and 5 outfielders.
• Two pitchers may be used (one on each side of the machine).

11.16 Outfield Depth

• Outfielders must play 10 feet behind the baselines.

11.17 Coaches on Defense

• Defensive coaches may be in the outfield.
• They may not physically assist players or interfere with play.
• Violations treated as spectator interference.

11.18 Player Rotation

• Full rotation must occur so all players participate.
• No player should play more than 3 innings in the outfield if possible.
• No substitutions during an inning except for injury.
• Outfield innings cannot exceed infield innings by more than one.

11.19 Penalties

• Violations of Rules 11‑18 or 2.9 (Fair Play) may result in discipline from:
  • The Division Convener,
  • VP of House League,
  • Or the Disciplinary Committee.

End of Play

11.20 End of Play Definition

Play ends when:

• The defensive pitcher has control of the ball in the pitcher position, or
• An infielder throws the ball to the defensive pitcher (catch not required).

Umpire will place runners based on judgment.
Runners may advance only one base total on any overthrow.

11.21 Infield Fly Rule

• The infield fly rule does not apply in 9U.

11.22 Speeding Up the Game (Catcher Rule)

• With two outs, if the next‑inning catcher reaches base or is already on base:
  • A pinch runner (last out, or next farthest in order) must replace them.

Call‑Ups

11.23 Call‑Up Eligibility

• Only KTBA 9U House League players from other teams or Rep players may be called up.
• There is no limit to the number of call‑ups needed to avoid a forfeit.