All players on the roster bat in the line-up. Any player arriving after the start of the game MUST be placed last in the batting order.
A maximum of 10 players are allowed on the field at one time. All players must play a minimum of 3 innings each game. At least 1 of these innings must be in an infield position. Four girls MUST play on the OUTFIELD GRASS when 10 players take the field. Two coaches are allowed on the field with their defensive players. This is at the Head Coach’s discretion. The coaches are to be on the outfield grass. These coaches are not to make any calls in the field. The offensive coaches are responsible for all base calls. The 1st base1st base Coach is responsible for 1st base and the 3rd base Coach is responsible for 2nd and 3rd bases. The home plate umpire is responsible for home plate.
Up until the last 2 games of the season, there will be no walks. When a pitcher has thrown 4 balls to a batter, the coach will come in and throw 4 more pitches to the batter. Strikes and balls will be called on all the coaches’ pitches. Coaches will be required to throw from the 35’ rubber. On 3rd called strike or after the 4th pitch from the coach, the batter will be considered out. The only exception is the batter will continue to bat only if contact is made (ball hit foul or fair). WindmillingWind milling is not mandatory. A pitcher may pitch a maximum of 3 innings per game. Coaches are encouraged to allow any girl who wishes to try pitching the opportunity to do so. They must pitch from the 35’ pitching rubber.
Starting with the last 2 games of the season, there will be no coaches pitching. Four called balls from a pitcher and the batter will take first. Maximum runs per inning isMaximum runs per inning are 5.
If a pitch hits a batter, she will be awarded first base at the discretion of the umpire.
There is NO stealing. Leading a maximum of 2 steps will be allowed when the ball leaves the pitchers hand. There is no dropped third strike and no infield fly rule. Bunting IS allowed, but should not be considered as an alternative for players who are lacking in fundamentals. Learning to swing a bat is an important part of this game and bunting places a player lacking skill in a precarious situation in front of the pitcher where her helmet provides reduced protection from a wild pitch.
Runner may advance on an overthrow to first base. On overthrows to other bases, the runner may advance only ONE base if the ball goes into foul territory. The runner may advance more than one base if the ball remains in fair territory.
When a ball is called dead, if the runner is not more than half way to the next base, she must return to the previous base. A ball is considered dead when it reaches the pitcher or passes through the circle if she misses the ball. The ball must break the plane of the pitcher’s circle. It is not necessary for the ball to land in the circle. However, for the ball to be dead, the pitcher must be in the circle.
No metal spikes are allowed. The pitcher, batter, runners and on-deck batter must wear helmets.
A game will consist of 5 innings. If a game is shortened for any reason, 2 innings must have been completed for it to be considered a complete game.
A half inning will end with 3 outs, 5 runs or 10 batters, whichever occurs first.
There are NO standings or playoffs in this Division. Statistics should be kept for evaluation purposes only. It should be remembered that this is a teaching Division. Our goal is for the girls to learn the game of softball and have FUN!
All Travel/Tournament players are to participate in the recreation league and must play in a minimum of two-thirds (66.67 %) of played games. The League’s Board of Directors will address eligibility of girls who do not meet this minimum requirement on a case by case basis.
The game will end after 2 hours from the scheduled starting time. The Coordinator will STOP play at the first sign of lightning. The Coordinator will then decide when it is safe to continue the game.
An adult female must be present at each game and practice.