RBBA Girls Fastpitch Playing Rules

RBBA follows National Federation of State High School Associations Rules for Fastpitch Softball with several following modifications.  The modifications are intended to address the developmental aspects of the younger leagues, ensure the safety of players and facilitate the equitable participation of all players.

Notes 

1.     Pitcher – 10U Division

·         There are NO walks. Once a player pitcher has thrown ball 4, the offensive team's coach steps in and throws a maximum of 5 pitches.  They pick up the strike count where the player pitcher left off.  The batter will either get a hit, strike out, or be called out after the 5th pitch from the coach.  In addition, players on base when a coach is pitching may not steal or advance on a passed ball.

2.     Length of Game – All Divisions

·         The last inning is the inning whose top half begins 90 minutes after the scheduled start time of a game.  All games will have a 120 minute limit.  This time limit is from the scheduled start time of the game.  If a batter is up at the time limit, the batter will get to finish their at bat.

3.     Minimum Playing Time – All Divisions

·         Applies only to players that are present for the entire game.  Also catcher is considered an infield position in the 10U, 13U divisions

4.     Maximum Playing Time – 10U, 13U and HSE divisions

·         Playing time limit does not apply to the catcher in the 10U, 13U divisions.

5.     Batting Lineups – All Divisions

·         Players who arrive after the first pitch of the game will be added to the end of the lineup.  If a player leaves the game and is unable to bat, her place in the lineup is skipped and an automatic out is NOT taken.

6.     Runs allowed per inning – All Divisions

·         Play shall stop after the 5^th run has scored in an inning unless additional runs are scored as a result of the natural progression of a play. Example:  Four runs have scored and the bases are loaded.  The batter hits the ball to the outfield and two base runners cross home plate prior to the end of the play.  In this instance, both runs count.

7.     Umpires – 8U Division

·         The 1^st base coach makes all calls at 1^st base and fair/foul balls on the 1^st base side of the infield.

·         The 3rd base coach makes all calls at 3^rd base and fair/foul balls on the 3^rd base side of the infield. 

·         The Coach Pitcher makes all calls for plays at second base, at the plate, determining the 10 foot rule, strikeouts and determines when play stops on defensive plays.

8.     Overthrows - 10U Division

·         A batter/base runner CAN advance to second base on an overthrow at first base during a defensive play but cannot proceed any further.  This limitation applies only to the runner at first base.  All other runners on base at the time of the overthrow are not limited to one base. If the ball is still in play on an overthrow to first, the defense can attempt to make a play on a runner going to second base after an overthrow without liability of giving up any additional bases to that runner (i.e., runner limited to one base).

·         A base runner on first base CANNOT advance to second base on an overthrow on a pickoff attempt of that base runner by the catcher.  The runner MUST return to first base.

·         A base runner at third base CAN advance home on an overthrow during a defensive play made on a batted ball or on a pickoff attempt of that base runner by the catcher. A base runner stealing third base CANNOT advance past third base on an overthrow by the catcher.

9.     Courtesy Runner – 10U, 13U divisions

·         A courtesy runner may be used for the player who starts the next inning in the catcher or pitcher position and may be inserted at any time after the player has safely reached base.

·         The courtesy runner should be the player who made the last out of the inning.  If there are no outs, then the courtesy runner is the last runner who scored a run. If there are no outs or no runs in the first inning, then the courtesy runner is the last batter in the batting order.

10.  Number of Hit Batters – 10U and 13U Divisions

·         No more than 3 above the knee during the game.  After the 3^rd hit batter, pitcher MUST be removed and cannot pitch the remainder of the game.

11.  10 Foot Rule – 8U Divisions

·         A batted ball must go forward at least 10 feet on the ground in fair territory to be a fair ball.  Defensive players can make plays on all foul pops, including those hit behind the plate, that go over the batter’s head (i.e., if the ball is caught, the batter is out).

Other Important Safety Rules

Suspension of play for Lightning (from OBGC’s Lightning Policy)

·         If at any time lightning is seen or thunder is heard at the field, all play must be stopped immediately and all players, coaches, and fans need evacuate the area and seek shelter. Play cannot continue until there has been a 30-minute waiting period after the last lightning flash is seen. Even if weather conditions appear to have improved within the 30-minute window, you must wait the required time. Lightning can strike from as far as 10 miles away.

·         The onus of removing a team or individual from an athletic site in the event of lightning activity is on the coach supervising the activity. The safety of all team members rests with that coach.

Warming up Pitchers

·         Anyone under the age of 18 who is warming up a pitcher prior to or during a game must wear a catcher’s mask.  This applies to both players and non-players.

Jewelry

·         All jewelry should be removed prior to the game.

Helmets

·         Batting helmets must be worn at all times when the batter/runner is in the field of play.

Batting warm-ups

Batting warm-ups must take place in an area that is out of play and away from spectators.  The on deck batter may warm-up in the batter’s circle but must be alone.  All warm-ups with toss, tees, hitting sticks, bat sleeves or any other equipment other than the player’s bat, must take place in an area out of play and away