8U SOFTBALL

8U Softball Description:

Players ages 7 & 8. Basic fundamentals of softball utilizing an adult coach to pitch to players. 10 players on the field during regular season and end of season tournament play. All players bat. No leading off or stealing of bases allowed. Mandatory two inning defensive play rule. In addition, each team member must play an infield position at least inning of each game (defined as P, Catcher, 1B, 2B, SS, 3B). Maximum of four coaches in softball are allowed in the dugout at any time. Each coach is background checked and approved by the Softball Committee.

Frequently asked 8U Softball Questions

Please contact Commissioner Bill McLennan if your question has not been answered.
  1. Baseball bats are not allowed. All softball bats used must be ASA approved with the barrel of the bat not to exceed 2 1⁄4”.
  2. Only rubber soled shoes are to be worn by participants. Metal cleated shoes will
    not be allowed.
  3. Helmet with attached face mask is required.
  4. All players fielding the defensive position of pitcher shall be required to wear an
    NOCSAE certified protective face mask and chest gear during active play which will be provided by the league. Failure to wear the face mask and/or chest gear will result in immediate removal of the player from that position.
Regulation games will be a maximum of six (6) innings or 75 minutes (finish the inning), but no regulation inning (one through six) may be started after 65 minutes.Each team is limited to a maximum of five runs per half inning in the Spring and four runs per half inning in the Fall. In the Spring only, the fourth inning is an open inning, and each team may score up to ten runs for that half inning. Should the game be tied after six (6) innings and there is time remaining, an extra five (5) run inning may be played.
Coaches in the league must go through an application process each season and pass an annual background check. Coaching candidates are considered and approved by the Softball Committee before each Spring and Fall season. A coach is allowed to be the Head Coach for only one team per season, but can be an assistant coach on another team if approved. Coaching Clinics are provided to our coaches at no charge.

In Spring, a maximum of four (4) team meetings per calendar week is allowed during the declared pre-season period, and a maximum of four (4) team meetings per calendar week (including games) is allowed during the regular season. Each team will have one weekday games, one field practice, one annex practice, and one weekend game per week. Practice days for each team are determined after each team is formed and coaches draw for practice slots.

In the Fall, a maximum of three (3) team meetings per calendar week is allowed during the declared pre-season period, and a maximum of three (3) team meetings per calendar week (including games) is allowed during the regular season. Each team will have one annex practice, one field practice, and one weekend game per week (usually on Saturday). Practice days for each team are determined after each team is formed and coaches draw for practice slots.

The Home & Visiting Team shall be responsible for pre-game field preparation and post-game cleanup, which shall include assuring that post-game field maintenance is performed, trash is picked up, and the field lights are turned off before leaving the complex.  

In the Fall, most regular season games are played on Saturdays, with an occasional Sunday afternoon game. In the Spring, each team will have one or two weekday games, and one weekend game (usually on Saturday). Games are played at Oak Hill, but because of the limited number of teams in softball, games are scheduled with other leagues in the Austin area (from San Marcos to Georgetown) and are played at the other leagues’ fields too. Weekend travel to other leagues is anticipated and should be expected. We will do our best to minimize travel and create a balanced schedule. In addition, some double headers may be played.

Round Robin and/or tournament weekends during the season are also possible where teams may play multiple games or on Saturday and Sunday during those weekends. The regular season will conclude with a weeklong end of season tournament between Oak Hill teams.

Please download the latest Blue Book for a full overview of rules and polices.