Home team is responsible for making sure the field is chalk and prepped for the game
1. Players cannot play down an age classification. Players in this age group must be eight (8) years old or younger prior to September 1st of the previous year.
2. The pitcher’s mound will be set at 35 feet, and the bases will be set at 60 feet.
3. An 11-inch softball will be used for games.
4. No new inning after 55 minutes.
5. Each team is responsible for keeping score during the game, however, the umpire’s score card will serve as the official score in the event of any discrepancies.
6. Coaches must meet the umpire at home plate prior to game time with a complete line up sheet (Coach name, team name/number player’s name and jersey number.)
7. Offense and defense will trade positions after three (3) outs made by the defense or five (5) runs scored by the offense, whichever happens first. Only over the fence home run can score more than five (5) runs.
8. The infield is defined as the inside the baselines.
9. The ball is considered dead each time it is pitched and not hit by the batter.
10. All players can play offense. Six (6) players are allowed to play infield and must start behind the 35-foot arch line near the pitcher’s circle until after the batter has hit the ball. All remaining players will play outfield. Outfield players must start on the grass until after the batter has hit the ball.
11. A coach will pitch the ball underhand to his/her own team. The pitcher/coach must remain in contact with the pitcher’s mound while pitching.
a. If a pitcher/coach intentionally interferes with a batted ball or play, the batter/runner will be called out, and any runners will return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.
i. The first incident the coach will receive a warning, the second incident the coach must leave the playing field for the remainder of the game.
b. If the ball hits the pitcher/coach while they are attempting to move out of the way the ball is considered live and is playable.
c. The pitcher/coach may only talk to batters or runners between pitches. Talking may happen while the pitcher is waiting for the ball to be thrown back to them from the catcher. NO delays in catching the ball from the catcher to allow for coaching from the mound.
12. One defense coach is allowed on the field (in the outfield) for instructional purposes ONLY. Defensive coaches are encouraged to stay off the field during the second half of the season.
a. Defensive coaches will not be allowed during the end of season tournament.
13. If a defensive coach intentionally touches the ball while it is in play or causes a defensive player to move by physical contact, the batter/runner will be awarded the base they are runner to plus one additional base.
a. The first incident the coach will receive a warning, the second incident the coach must leave the playing field for the remainder of the game.
14. Coaches cannot physically help runners stop or go. Any runners who are contacted in this manner will be called out.
15. Each batter will receive five (5) pitches or three (3) strikes, whichever comes first.
a. If a batter hits a foul ball on the fifth pitch or third strike the batter will receive an additional pitch until the ball is hit, there is a swinging strike, or the batter watches the ball.
16. Stealing is not allowed. Runners may not advance on a wild pitch, passed ball, or throw back to the pitcher. Runners can take lead offs after the ball has left the pitcher’s hand.
17. Runners cannot advance home advance home on any overthrows. Runners may only advance home on a hit ball.
18. When a ball is hit and remains inside the baseline, the batter(s) may only advance one base-unless a thrown ball is misplayed. If a play is made on a batter/runner(s) and the thrown ball is misplayed/overthrown, the runner(s) may advance one additional base at the risk of being put out. If the runner(s) continue to advance, they will do so at their own risk and can be put out. Once the play has stopped, the umpire will return all safe runners (s) to the last base they were entitled to.
19. Runners may advance on any ball hit into the outfield (beyond the baseline). Once the ball crosses the base line into the infield. Once the ball reaches the infield it is a dead ball and runners are stopped at the base they were advancing to. Players who must return to a specific base will do so after time is given.
20. Baseline calls are JUDGMENT calls.
21. There is not a third strike drop rule.
22. Walk and hit-by-pitch are not allowed.
23. Intentional bunting is not allowed.
24. Infield fly rule is not in effect.
25. Players should throw the ball to the defensive player/pitcher and not at the coach pitching. The defensive player will hand the ball to the coach.
26. A softball tee will be provided for any batter who may need it.
a. Batters are only allowed to use the tee if their coach approves or requests the tee.
b. Batters are allowed to use the tee once per game.
c. It is encouraged during the second half of the season that batters do not use the tee. If a player continues to use the tee during the second half of the season they will not be eligible for all-stars.
27. Face masks are not required, but highly encouraged.