7U Rules

South Florida Alliance coach pitch

Thunder 7U Rules

A clear family and coach reference for how Thunder 7U games are played, kept in one place for practices, game day, and season preparation.

See the quick rules
Source and season statusOfficial reference · Updated Sept. 1, 2025

This summary is based on the South Florida Alliance Baseball Official League Rules updated September 1, 2025, including the 7U/8U Coach Pitch Supplemental Rules. Current Alliance instructions and the umpire control if a rule changes or conflicts. Items requiring 2026-27 confirmation are listed below.

Rules at a glance

The essentials for every family

5Maximum pitches per batter
7Maximum runs per inning
10Defensive players
6Scheduled innings

Batting

  • Each batter receives up to five pitches or three swinging strikes.
  • A foul ball on the fifth pitch extends the at-bat until the ball is put in play, the batter strikes out, or the batter misses.
  • No bunting and no intentional walks.
  • The entire roster bats before the lineup returns to the first batter.

Base running

  • Runners cannot lead off or steal.
  • A runner may be called out for leaving before the ball is hit or reaches home plate.
  • Runners must slide or avoid contact when a defensive play is being made.
  • Head-first slides at home plate are not allowed.

Defense

  • Ten players take the field, including four true outfielders.
  • Outfielders begin no closer than the edge of the infield.
  • The defensive pitcher stays inside the pitching circle until the ball is hit and must wear a protective face mask.
  • The infield-fly rule is not used, and players cannot sit on defense for two consecutive innings.

Scoring and ending play

  • An inning ends after three outs or seven runs. There is no open inning.
  • The umpire calls time when the lead runner is under control and is not attempting to advance.
  • The supplemental mercy rule is 15 runs after four innings or eight runs after five innings.
  • Regular-season games do not use a tiebreaker.

Equipment and safety

  • Batters and runners wear protective helmets.
  • Catchers must wear a protective cup and either full catcher gear or the permitted standing catcher face-mask setup.
  • Metal cleats are not allowed through 12U.
  • Bats must have an unaltered USA, USSSA, or otherwise permitted stamp.

Conduct

  • Harassment of players, coaches, umpires, or league officials is prohibited.
  • Coaches are responsible for their players, families, spectators, and dugout personnel.
  • An ejected adult serves at least a one-game suspension and may not enter Alliance park grounds during that suspension.
  • No artificial noisemakers. Walk-up music must be lowered or stopped when directed.

Coach reference

Game-day details

These operational rules help coaches prepare lineups, position players, and avoid preventable penalties.

Field and coach-pitch setup
  • Bases are 60 feet apart. Coach-pitch distance is 40 feet. Recommended foul-line and center-field distances are 160 and 185 feet.
  • The pitching circle is 10 feet in diameter with its front edge 35 feet from home plate.
  • The coach pitches overhand while standing, keeps one foot on the 40-foot rubber, stays in the circle, and avoids obstructing defenders.
  • If a batted ball hits a coach who attempted to avoid it, the play is dead and is a no pitch. If the coach did not attempt to avoid it, the batter is out and runners return.
Lineups and participation
  • Teams may start with eight players; the ninth batting position is an out until another player arrives.
  • Teams receive a 15-minute grace period to reach eight players, but the game clock runs from the scheduled start.
  • Players batting in the continuous lineup must play defense every other inning.
  • Lineup cards must include each player’s first name, last name, and number.
Roster administration
  • The maximum 5U-8U roster is 15 players, and rosters lock 30 days after the official season start.
  • Players cannot play on multiple teams in the same age division.
  • Required birth and identity documentation must be supplied through the league verification process.
  • Players generally need participation credit in at least 65 percent of team games to qualify for postseason play.

League confirmation needed

Items we will verify for 2026-27

  • The official 2026-27 age cutoff and player verification instructions.
  • The 7U game time limit, which is not clearly stated in the supplied coach-pitch supplement.
  • The controlling deadline for adding a late player when the 30-minute, completed-lineup, and third-inning language differ.
  • Confirmation that every rule under the 7U/8U heading applies to both divisions despite the introductory paragraph naming only 8U.

Questions about a rule? Contact info@cutlerbaythunder.com