City of Iona

1st/2nd & 3rd/4th - Pitching Machine Rules


  1. A thrown bat will result in one warning and then will be an automatic out. This is for the safety of everyone. After 2 games it will be an automatic out. No more warnings!
  2. Each batter will get the regular 3 strikes, 4 balls.
  3. The “at-bat” for each team will end when three outs are made. If three outs are not made, the team’s “at-bat” will end when 10 batters have batted.
  4. One base will be allowed on an overthrow. A runner cannot advance home on an overthrow.
  5. A team must begin each game with at least 6 players.
  6. No bunting is allowed.
  7. Runners may not lead off the base. On a hit, the runner can advance as far as he can go. The ball will be considered dead when it gets to the pitcher. The area of the pitcher will be at the discretion of the umpire. Please be compliant with the umpire's discretion if you are asked to send a runner back to a base.
  8. No stealing.
  9. Players should play their position. Shortstops or rovers must play deeper than the pitcher, and catchers should field anything short. Basemen should play off the bag two to three feet, not directly over top of it. Outfielders should play at least where the outfield grass starts. All players, especially the pitcher, need to learn to throw to the base they are trying to get an out at, instead of running with the ball. If it makes sense to tag a runner, or easily touch the base on a force with a few steps, do it, but in the past several kids stand around and watch the pitcher run to get all the outs. Please do not encourage your pitchers to field the ball and then beat the runner home (or to any other base). Please teach them to throw the ball.
  10. No coaches on the field in play area, except in between innings. A 1 st and 3rd base coach will be allowed for the team at bat, but they must stay behind the foul lines. When your team is on defense, all coaches must stay on grass area directly outside the dugout for safety reasons.
  11. Games are scheduled for 5 innings or 1 hour 5 minutes. If weather conditions begin to be unfavorable during the course of the game, 3 innings will constitute a complete game.
  12. Please treat umpires with respect and understand there may be some discrepancies as you will not always have the same umpire each game. Please be compliant. We may find another coach for your team, or you may be asked to not coach or attend games if this rule is not followed.
  13. Rain Outs: Please check the City of Iona website or our Facebook page for rain outs. Coaches will then be responsible to contact all team members. Be prepared to play make-up games on Friday of the same week as the rainout. If your team has two rainouts in one week, you will only remake the first rained out game. Make-up games will not be rescheduled if you are unable to attend.