COACH PITCH SOFTBALL
SPRING 2017 SEASON: LOCAL/DISTRICT SOFTBALL RULES
The Coach Pitch Softball division is about learning the game, improving skills, having fun and providing a positive experience. It is not about winning and losing. At no point should a call or a play be argued.
All play will follow the 2017 Little League Softball Rule Book with these local rules:
Time Limit: 1 hour 30 minutes (begins at first pitch) or 6 innings (whichever occurs first); when time limit is reached, the inning in progress is to be completed and a new inning may not begin (a new inning begins when the last out is made).
10 run rule (4.10e): This rule is not in effect for Coach Pitch Softball.
Ending an inning: an inning ends when the on the 3rd out or when the 5 runs have scored – whichever occurs first; this is in effect for all innings played in game.
Note 1: If the visiting team is ahead by 6 runs or more when the time limit is reached, the home team may bat but are limited to 5 runs
Note 2: If the home team is ahead and batting when the time limit is reached, they will continue to bat until 3 outs are made or 5 runs are scored
Note 3: If the visiting team is batting when the time limit is reached, they will continue to bat until 3 outs are made or 5 runs are scored. If the home team is ahead after the completion of this inning, the game is over.
Batting order: the continuous batting order (rule 4.04) is in effect for all games
Special Pinch Runners (rule 7.14): no special pinch runners with continuous batting order;
Exception: if a player is injured or becomes ill, the player that made the last out will be the pinch runner – it is the leadoff batter runner, the player that batted last in the previous inning will become the substitute runner.
Note: there are no courtesy runners (rule 3.04) for any player including the catcher and pitcher – there is a one minute between innings so a designated player (other than the catcher) may warm up the pitcher
Pool Players: Following Regulation V(c), these players, when called and show up at the game site must play a minimum of 3 innings, may play any position (except pitcher), and may bat in any position in the lineup.
Coach Pitch Basics
• No standings will be kept in this division. The scoreboard will not be on.
• The manager should keep a scorebook to make sure that the batting order is maintained and record statistics.
• A little league approved 11” softball will be used for all games.
• Coaches must deliver pitches from inside the circle.
• Player pitcher remains in the circle until the ball is hit or crosses the plate.
• One additional parent is required in the dugout per little league rules; this “Dugout Parent” will help with items such as changing catcher equipment and keeping batting order straight.
• 1 Manager and 2 official coaches are allowed on the field. Coaches are part of the field; if the ball hits them it is still alive and batters/runners can be put out while running the bases.
• Defense: up to 11 on defense; 6 players in the infield and up to 5 players in the grassy section of the outfield.
• No player sits the bench in consecutive innings unless they are injured.
• Runners: The play is over once the kid pitcher has possession of the ball in the circle. At this point all runners must stop and return to the prior base unless they are more than halfway to the next base.
• One base maximum on overthrown ball – even if ball becomes loose on return throw to pitcher, runners may not advance.
• No stealing of a base or taking a lead is allowed.
• Pitcher wears a safety mask.
