12. NINE-BATTER RULE. There will be a maximum of nine batters in one inning unless three outs occur first. If on the last out there is runners on base and the ninth batter hit the ball, the play will continue until any defensive player steps on home plate. Does not apply if third out is made at another base. New for 2007- The 9th batter may NOT walk and may NOT reach base by means of hit-by-pitch. He must either hit the ball or strike out.
13. INFIELD FLY RULE. The infield fly will not be in effect at this level.
14. BUNTiNG. No bunting will be allowed at this level.
15. PITCHING LIMITS. A pitcher is allowed to pitch in only three innings per game unless game goes extra innings. One pitch thrown is considered a full inning.
16. COACH’S PITCH. Coaches will pitch the
first three innings in Grasshopper games. While coach is pitching, batter may
not walk but the umpire shall call strikes. It is possible for a player to
strike out when his coach is pitching! REMEMBER: unless mutually agreed
otherwise, COACHES must pitch from the mound with one foot in contact with the
pitcher’s plate and must throw overhand.
17. REMOVING HELMET - THROWING
EQUIPMENT. A player is automatically called out for removing helmet in field of
play (safety rule) and players will be ejected from the game for throwing
equipment (ex. bats, helmets, etc.)
18. Under mutual agreement by both teams, more than 9 players may be placed in the batting order. Also, it is recommended (but not mandatory) that each player play at least one inning in the field each game.
19. COACHES have the option to mutually agree to allow COACHES to PITCH the final three innings as a SAFETY MEASURE if the players pitching are unable to throw with control. The concern is that batters are being hit by pitches due to the lack of control of some pitchers. It is recommended that any pitcher who hits 3 batters be removed from pitching in that game.
20. At the GRASSHOPPER level, the coaches may institute a ‘mercy’ rule at the start of the game. This is to be optional and must be agreed upon by both teams prior to the first pitch and on a game-to-game basis. Possible options include:
• A 5-run per inning rule with the exception of the final inning.
• A rule whereby the game ends if the trailing team is 15 runs behind after four innings (the trailing team has batted four innings).
• Any variation of the above mentioned options.