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Game rules for 10U and 12U
Click here for a copy in word format
Gastonia Parks & Recreation Department
Fast Pitch Softball
Playing Rules
Revised 3/12/09
Purpose of the Program
• To promote youth fast pitch softball on an organized basis where sportsmanship, exercise, spirit and development becomes each teams prime objectives.
• To take into consideration at all times the physical and mental health of each participant.
Athletic Supervisor
• The Athletic Supervisor will be responsible for the following:
o Assigning game officials.
o Supervising activities of the league in accordance with the rules and policies of the Recreation Department.
o Settling any major disputes or protests.
o League organization and scheduling.
• The coach of each team is responsible for the conduct of his/her players and parents before, during and after each game. The coach will be responsible for handling all details pertaining to his/her team and will see that the affairs of the league will be carried out in accordance with the approved rules and regulations.
Registration & Eligibility
• Players are eligible to participate as long as they meet the following age requirements and have parental consent.
o A player’s age on December 31, of the previous calendar year determines the age classification in which the player is eligible to participate.
8 & UNDER – NINETH BIRTHDAY
10 & UNDER – ELEVENTH BIRTHDAY
12 & UNDER – THIRTEENTH BIRTHDAY
14 & UNDER – FIFTEENTH BIRTHDAY
16 & UNDER – SEVENTEENTH BIRTHDAY
18 & UNDER – NINETEENTH BIRTHDAY
• Any player can play in a higher age classification (l year of age only) but cannot play in a lower age group.
• Players cannot play in any 2 leagues within the City League at the same time. (EXCEPTION) Summer league. Players may participate on two teams as long as they meet the age requirements. (Coaches please do not expect special scheduling considerations.)
Protest
• Protest Procedure
o The Chief Umpire must be notified at the point of the infraction and before the next pitch. The Chief Umpire will then notify the opposing team and the Official Scorer will note the protest in the scorebook. Game should be played even if it is under protest.
o A written protest must be turned in to the Athletic Supervisor by 5:00PM the next working day. The written protest must be accompanied by a $35.00 protest fee. Protest fee will be refunded if the protest is upheld.
• State Commissioner’s ruling will be final.
o Any protest that deals with ineligible players must be made the day following the game in question for regular season, and before the last pitch of game in question during tournament play. In any case where a player is ruled ineligible, all games in which the player participated will be ruled a forfeit. Make sure to have all official rosters and additions in before deadlines.
o Protests shall not be received or considered if they are based on the judgment of the umpire. A judgment call cannot be protested.
Rained Out Games
• Each team manager is responsible for calling the Recreation Department to see if games are rained out.
• The Athletic Director will not cancel any games before 3:30 p.m.
• An updated recorded message will be on the following number if games are canceled: (704) 869-1019
Rosters and Signing New Players
• Each teams roster shall have a minimum of 12 players, and a maximum of 20 players.
• Coaches must submit a team roster with child participation forms and a copy of each child’s birth certificate on the date set by the athletic supervisor. All league fees must be paid by this date also. Teams will not be allowed to participate until all paper work and fees have been turned in.
• New players may be added and dropped from a team roster until the Mid-Point of Regular Season.
• Coaches must provide participation forms signed by each child’s parent or guardian. Participation forms must be turned in with the team roster before any player is eligible to participate.
• Coaches will be responsible for providing a copy of each player’s birth certificate. Birth certificates must be turned in with team rosters before any player is eligible to participate.
• Players may move from one team to another with the written consent of both coaches. This information must be turned into the Recreation Department before the child may participate. The move must occur before the mid-point of regular season. Movement without proper consent will result in the use of an ineligible player and all games in which the player participated will be forfeited.
• A player’s name that appears on two (2) rosters will be locked into the team that she plays with first.
General Playing Rules
• USSSA Fast Pitch Softball Rules not in conflict with the rules set by the Recreation Department will govern all league play.
• Pitching Distance: 10 & Under – 34 Feet
12, 14 ,18 & Under – 40Feet
• Ball: 8 & 10 Under 11 inch - COR 46.25 +/-0.75 (47 MAX COR) Compression: 330 +/- 45#
12,14, & 18 & Under 12 inch – COR 46.25 +/- 0.75 (47 MAX COR) Compression: 330 +/- 45#
• Game time limit is 1 hour and 30 minutes. If the home team is losing, the complete inning must be played regardless of the game time limit. No game should be called if there is anytime remaining in the game time limit. If there is time left, another inning should be started unless the run rule is in effect.
• There will be a 10 - minute grace period for the first game only.
• After the completion of 7 innings, or when time limits have expired, and the score is tied, the tiebreaker procedure will begin (there will be no exception to this rule). The last batter of the previous inning, whose turn at bat had been completed, assumes a position on 2nd base. A substitute may be inserted. The procedure would be done at the beginning of each half inning, until a winner is declared.
• Courtesy Runner: A team may use a courtesy runner for the pitcher and/or catcher any time after they reach base. The same runner may not be used for both positions in the same inning. Players who have participated in the game in any other capacity are ineligible to serve as a courtesy runner.
• The catcher must wear a facemask with an extended throat protector, protective helmet, chest protector and shin guards during the game and while warming up the pitcher. If a hockey style NOCSAE approved catchers helmet is used, a separate throat protector is not needed. Failure to use protective equipment will require the removal of that catcher from the catching position.
• It is mandatory for the batter/base runner to wear a batting helmet.
• Home team will provide at least one new ball and one good used ball to start the game.
18 & Under Specific Playing Rules
• Games will consist of 7 innings. If a team is ahead of its opponents by 10 at the end of 5 innings it shall be considered a game and stopped by the umpire. If a team is ahead of its opponents by 15 at the end of 4 complete innings it shall be considered a game and stopped by the umpire.
• The batter may advance if the catcher fails to catch the 3rd strike when there are less than 2 outs and 1st base is unoccupied or any time there is 2 outs.
• A team failing to have 8 players to start the game must forfeit. The absent player shall be listed in the ninth (9) batting position and the team will be required to take an automatic out in the ninth position in the batting order. Under no circumstance shall a team be allowed to have less than eight (8) players in the batting order.
• Additional Player: Up to two (2) additional players can be used to increase the batting lineup to 10 or 11 batters. The 10th or 11th player(s) or AP’s may not be added to the batting order once the game has started. The batting order can be dropped from 11 to 10, from 10 to 9 and from 9 to 8 with penalty being an out each time the dropped players slot comes up in the lineup.
• Teams may use a (DH) Designated Hitter.
14 & Under Specific Playing Rules
• Games will consist of 7 innings. If a team is ahead of its opponents by 10 at the end of 5 innings it shall be considered a game and stopped by the umpire. If a team is ahead of its opponents by 15 at the end of 4 complete innings it shall be considered a game and stopped by the umpire.
• The batter may advance if the catcher fails to catch the 3rd strike when there are less than 2 outs and 1st base is unoccupied or any time there is 2 outs.
• A team failing to have 8 players to start the game must forfeit. The absent player shall be listed in the ninth (9) batting position and the team will be required to take an automatic out in the ninth position in the batting order. Under no circumstance shall a team be allowed to have less than eight (8) players in the batting order.
• Additional Player: Up to two (2) additional players can be used to increase the batting lineup to 10 or 11 batters. The 10th or 11th player(s) or AP’s may not be added to the batting order once the game has started. The batting order can be dropped from 11 to 10, from 10 to 9 and from 9 to 8 with penalty being an out each time the dropped players slot comes up in the lineup.
• Teams may use a (DH) Designated Hitter.
• Teams will only be allowed to score a maximum of 7 runs per inning or 3 outs whichever comes first. 7th inning unlimited runs will be allowed.
12 & Under Specific Playing Rules
• Games will consist of 6 innings. If a team is ahead of its opponents by 10 at the end of 4 innings it shall be considered a game and stopped by the umpire. If a team is ahead of its opponents by 15 at the end of 3 innings it shall be considered game and stopped by the umpire.
• The batter may advance if the catcher fails to catch the 3rd strike when there are less than 2 outs and 1st base is unoccupied or any time there is 2 outs.
• A team failing to have 9 players to begin the game must forfeit. The 10th player may be added to the end of the batting lineup once the game has begun.
• Additional Player: Up to two (2) additional players can be used to increase the batting lineup to 11 or 12 batters. The 11th or 12th player(s) or AP’s may not be added to the batting order once the game has started. The batting order can be dropped from 12 to 11, from 11 to 10 and from 10 to 9 with penalty being an out each time the dropped players slot comes up in the lineup.
• Teams will only be allowed to score a maximum of 7 runs per inning or 3 outs which ever comes first. 6th inning unlimited runs will be allowed.
• Teams may use a (DH) Designated Hitter.
10 & Under Specific Playing Rules
• Games will consist of 5 innings. If after 4 innings a team has a 10 run lead, the game shall be called by the umpire. Teams will be allowed to score a maximum of 7 runs per inning or 3 outs which ever comes first.
• 3 complete innings will constitute a game.
• The catcher shall not be required to catch the 3rd strike, except for a foul tip. The batter shall be called out and cannot advance to first base. The ball remains live for the purpose of throwing advancing base runners out.
• A team failing to have 9 players to begin the game must forfeit. The 10th player may be added to the end of the batting lineup once the game has begun.
• Additional Player: Up to two (2) additional players can be used to increase the batting lineup to 11 or 12 batters. The 11th or 12th player(s) or AP’s may not be added to the batting order once the game has started. The batting order can be dropped from 12 to 11, from 11 to 10 and from 10 to 9 with penalty being an out each time the dropped players slot comes up in the lineup.
• All outfielders must be at least ten (10) feet behind the baselines at the point of the ball being released to the batter by the pitcher.
• Starting players must play complete 1st and 2nd innings and remaining players must play complete 3rd and 4th innings. (Substitutions made in the 3rd inning will hit in the 3rd and 4th innings if their batting position comes up in the batting order. Coaches may not allow starters to hit in the 3rd inning, nor may a re-entered starters be allowed to hit in the 4th inning. Re-entries will be made the 5th inning only.) Starters may be re-entered in the 5th or extra innings provided they occupy the same batting order.
• KID PITCH RULES: All innings will begin with a kid pitching. After a pitcher has walked 4 batters during an inning, the offensive team’s coach shall pitch of the remainder of the inning. (A hit batter will count as a walk when a kid is pitching only). A pitcher removed from the mound under this rule may return to the mound in the next inning and may continue to pitch until such time as her coach removes her for circumstances other than what is covered in this rule. All pitches must be underhanded (fast pitch motion).
• A pitcher removed from the pitching position but remains in the game in another defensive position shall be allowed to return to the mound one time during the game.
• The pitcher must play around the mound area when a coach is pitching. (34 feet minimum). Players may not move up for the ball until the ball is hit.
• No bunting will be allowed.
• The infield fly rule will not be in effect.
• BASE RUNNING
o A base runner may take a lead off the base as soon as the ball leaves the pitchers hand.
o A batter receiving a 4th ball cannot advance beyond 1st base.
o Base runners starting at 1st or 2nd base may steal only one base per pitch. Base runners starting at 3rd may not steal home. Runners are liable to be put out if not in contact with a base.
? A base runner attempting to advance beyond the one base she is entitled to advance or steal, may be put out while not in contact with a base.
? If a base runner occupies a base beyond the one she is entitled to advance or steal after all play ends and the ball becomes dead, the base runner will be returned to the correct base without liability to be put out.
? COACH PITCH RULES
o Each batter shall be thrown a maximum of 5 pitches.
o The batter may strike out before the maximum number of pitches are thrown and therefore constitute an out. Balls and strikes will not be called, only the number of pitches and swings.
o If a player fouls off the 5th pitch, additional pitches will be thrown until the batter strikes out or reaches base or is out as in regular ball.
• ADULT PITCHER RULES
o The adult pitcher can instruct the batter as long as the game is not being delayed. The adult pitcher cannot instruct the base runners.
o When the batter hits the ball, the adult pitcher must make every effort to avoid interfering with any ball put into play: If, in the judgment of the umpire, the adult pitcher intentionally interfered with the play, the penalty shall be that the batter is out and the ball is dead. All base runners must return to the last base they legally occupied. If, in the judgment of the umpire, a coach pitcher unintentionally interfered with the play the ball is dead and the pitch replayed.
o Pitches must be underhanded and the adult pitcher must pitch from the 34’ pitching rubber.
o The adult pitcher may wear a glove for protection and balance.
o The ball must be returned to the player playing the pitching position prior to being received by the adult pitcher.
8 & UNDER MACHINE PITCH PLAYING RULES
• Coach must submit a batting order to umpire and scorer before game. All players must be listed in the batting order. All players must bat in numerical order for entire game. In the event a player is injured (umpire will justify), scorer will be notified and said player will be out for remainder of said game with no penalty in batting order. Teams may start with as few 9 players. Additional players may be added to the end of batting order as needed.
• No player shall sit in dugout two straight innings. Ten players are allowed on defense and each player must play at least every other inning in field.
• A maximum of five runs, a maximum of ten batters, or three outs will constitute an offensive inning. Games shall consist of five (5) innings. If after four innings a team has a 10 run lead, the game shall be called by the umpire. The losing team shall have equal number of bats.
• 3 complete innings will constitute a game.
• No intentional bunting is allowed.
• No walks will be allowed.
• Catcher must be in full gear behind the plate.
• An eight (8) foot circle is to be drawn around the pitching plate. Defensive pitcher (player) must be inside circle at time of pitch. Defensive pitcher (player) will be allowed to play on either side of the pitching machine at a distance of 34 ft. The pitching machine will be placed at 20-25 feet until further notice.
• A fair ball hitting the pitching machine shall be declared dead and ruled a single. All base runners will advance one base.
• All outfielders must be positioned at similar radius. A short fielder will be allowed.
• Each batter will be allowed six (6) pitches to hit. A batter may strike out before the 6th pitch as in regular ball. If a player has not hit a fair ball by the 6th pitch, batter will be declared out. No limit on number of fouls on the 6th pitch.
• No infield fly rule.
• No base stealing allowed. A runner leaving the base before the ball reaches home plate will be removed from base and an out will be declared.
• Base runners that miss touching a base will be called out by the umpire upon completion of the play. No appeals on missed bases will be allowed.
• A team may have a courtesy runner for the catcher at any time. The runner used as a courtesy will be the player that made the last out.
• Defensively, only the player with the ball can call timeout (must be verbal) and player must be inside chalked base line and with control of ball.
• Umpires judgment will rule on defensive player being inside base path to call time and whether player may advance or return to last base touched when time was called.
• Teams must have a minimum of 10 players and a maximum of 14 players. No exceptions.
• COACHES – Coaching rules will allow only 4 adult coaches in dugout at any time during the game.
o Offense-one coach at third base, one coach at first base, one coach pitching and one coach in the dugout for player control.
o Defense-one coach may be in outfield for player direction but may not touch player or ball during live ball play – Result-Dead Ball; all players advance one base. (Umpire has the authority to eject coaches for interfering after one warning.)
• PLAYING FIELD
o The distance between all bases shall be 60 feet. The distance from the point of home plate to the front of the pitching plate shall be 40 feet. Chalk line must go to all bases.
o There shall be chalk mark between all bases just as usually from home to first and third to home. Ball must be inside chalked lines to call time.
o There shall be a chalked hash mark ½ the distance between 1st and 2nd base, ½ the distance between 2nd and 3rd, ½ the distance between 3rd base and home plate. This hash mark shall determine whether a player may advance to next base or return to the previous base at the time of dead ball.
PLAYERS, MANAGERS, SPECTATORS AND PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT
• All coaches/managers should inform all parents, spectators and players of the Code Of Conduct.
• Players, managers, spectators should refrain from “Grandstand Coaching”, badgering or harassing any member of their respective team, the opposing team, or referees and showing conduct unbecoming of a lady or gentleman.
• Any infraction of the Code Of Conduct will result in immediate ejection from the playing facility. Any player, manager, spectator or parent ejected from the playing facility has 2 minutes to be out of sight and sound or the game will be considered a forfeit.
• SUSPENSIONS: The degree of flagrancy is in the umpire’s judgment. The umpire will make a written report to the Athletic Director. Suspensions will take place accordingly. Violations can range from a 2 game suspension to suspension for the remainder of the season. If there is a second occurrence or the degree of flagrancy warrants this type of action on the first offense - the player, manager, spectator or parent will be suspended from all recreation property or school property used by the recreation department for one year. (A player, manager, spectator or parent that is suspended may appeal this suspension to the Director of Parks & Recreation.)
• CODE OF CONDUCT
o NO PLAYER, MANAGER, SPECTATOR OR PARENT SHALL: At any time lay a hand upon, push, shove or threaten to strike an official.
o NO PLAYER, MANAGER, SPECTATOR OR PARENT SHALL: Refuse to abide by an official’s decision.
o NO PLAYER MANAGER, SPECTATOR OR PARENT SHALL: Be guilty of objectionable demonstrations of dissent at an official’s decision by throwing balls or equipment.
o NO PLAYER, MANAGER, SPECTATOR OR PARENT SHALL: Be guilty of heaping personal verbal abuse upon any official for any real or imaginary wrong decision or judgment.
o NO PLAYER, MANAGER, SPECTATOR OR PARENT SHALL: Be guilty of physical attack as an aggressor upon any players, officials or spectators.
o NO PLAYER, SPECTATOR OR PARENT SHALL: Discuss with an official in any manner the decision reached by such official except the team captain or manager.
o NO PLAYER SHALL: Be guilty of using unnecessary rough tactics in the play of the game against the body and person of an opposing team.
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Adult League Rules
Click here for the adult league rules
BELMONT PARKS & RECREATION
2008 ADULT SOFTBALL LOCAL LEAGUE RULES
Belmont adult softball rules will be governed by ASA rules not to conflict with the rules listed below.
All rosters are due by 5pm the day of the first game.
League fees : $430.00 per team
The first game is planned for on Wednesday June 4.
Please refrain from using obscene language and gestures while participating in any event with the Belmont Parks & Recreation. Officials and staff will give a warning for any of these infractions and if it persists then an ejection from participation in the leagues or as a spectator will be given.
Local league rules
1. Players must be at least 14 years old.
2. Team(s) are allowed a 10 minute grace period for the first game of the evening only. A game will start if the team has the minimum to play present. (Please be prompt)
3. Each team must begin game with at least (8) players from your own team. A team may pick-up no more than two players unless both coaches agree. (Rule clarification from ASA) If a team plays with (8) players the nine batter is out. If a team has nine players then no out will be given for the tenth batter.
4. No manager, coach, player, or spectator shall arrive at the ballfield(s) with the smell of alcohol or drugs on them. Those involved will receive an immediate suspension.
5. Coaches will receive access to a list of prohibited bats.
6. (2) Umpires per game. A game will be played with one in the event only one shows up.
7. Home teams are on the right side of the schedule.
8. No base stealing allowed.
9. Slaughter rule: 20 runs after 3 innings, 15 after 4 innings, and 10 after 5 innings.
10. No homerun limit per inning. (May change depending on game length)
11. Penalty for use of illegal bat will be ejection from the game. The batter just needs to step in the batters box to be considered out.
12. On a homerun the runners need to only touch one base for the run to count.
13. NO steel cleats
14. .44 COR ball
15. An additional hitter can be used to have a batting lineup of 11 batters maximum.
16. There will be a roster freeze after the 4th game of the season. No one will be allowed to be added to a roster after this time.
17. Ejections: If a player or manager is ejected from any game a minimum one game suspension will be issued. Depending on the infraction a longer suspension may be issued. A second ejection will result in a suspension from the league. Do not put yourself in this situation then there should be no problem. If a spectator is ejected then they will not be allowed to attend any further games for the season. If the spectator does not obey this suspension the team may forfeit the game. Ejected players, managers, or spectators must leave the field.
18. If a game is cancelled before 6pm and the umpires do not show up then the game will be rescheduled. If the umpires are required to be paid then the teams must pay for the game to be made up.
19. If a game is cancelled on the field the umpires get paid for any games that have started regardless of the inning and the game will not be rescheduled unless both teams agree to pay the umpire fees for the rescheduled game.
20. If a game gets through three full innings then cancelled, the results will be recorded toward both teams record. Anything less will not be recorded unless both teams agree to play a makeup game. If the home teams has not had an opportunity to bat then the score will be recorded at the last full inning played.
21. Tie breakers for regular season: If a game is not recorded but two teams end up with the same number of wins the non recorded game will be treated as a loss and the teams will be treated as having a tied record for the season. If two teams have a tied record for the regular season the following will be used as a tie breaker for purpose of seeded in the tournament
Head to head games
Run differential in head to head games
Coin toss
22. Game cancellations will be at the sole discretion of the Belmont Parks and Recreation Dept and/or the umpires hired to officiate the game.
23. If one team wants to make up a game and the opposing team refuses to make up the game then the first team can pay the ump fee and receive the win. This rule will be in place only in a case where a team may try to not make up a game to skew the standings. The money will go toward the awards fund for the end of season awards.
24. If a makeup game is played then it will be a full 7 inning game.
25. Makeup games may be made up as double headers on the regular game nights at 8:30pm.
26. Courtesy Runner: ASA Rule 8 Section 9 Subsection B. and C. with this amendment. Up to two courtesy runners can be used per inning unless a player is injured during play.
27. If a rule is not cover here then the league will reference the ASA Official Rule Book.
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ASA non approved bats for the adult league
Click here for ASA non approved bat list
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Belmont Softball
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