Softball Division Rules

Girls instructional Division - Ages 4-6

Will Split age groups 4-5(no experience), 5-6(experience) via team assignments and scheduling.

1.  SEASON-- Consists of ten (10) games.

2.  UNIFORMS-- A uniform consisting of a T-shirt and hat will be provided by the League.

3.  EQUIPMENT-- Balls, helmets, batting tees and catcher's helmet will be provided by the League.  The safety softball will be used for this division.

4.  GAME TIME--All games will consist of a maximum of 4 innings or 1 hour 15 minutes, whichever occurs first.  When the time limit expires, the inning in progress will be fully completed.

 If the game is called due to rain, darkness, or other cause which makes further play impossible, a game shall be considered complete provided 3 innings have been played.

5.  PITCHING-- A manager or coach will pitch to his/her team when they are at bat.

6.  BATTING-- The ball will be hit off the tee after four (4) pitches from the coach.  Each player will have at least 2 at-bats per game.  The roster size will determine whether 6 or 7 players will bat in each half inning.  For example:  a 12-player roster will bat 6 players per half inning.  A 13-player roster size will bat 6 in the first half inning and 7 in the second half inning , etc.  A 14-player roster will bat 7 players per half inning.

7.  DEFENSE-- Rotation of defensive positions is mandatory.  Catcher must remain in position, with mask on, behind the hitter when the ball is hit off the tee.  The defensive team shall be allowed to have four (4) coaches on the field with their team.

8.  BASE LENGTH --Minimum 50 feet.

9.  OUTS-- Batters and runners who make an out must return to the dugout.

10.  BASE RUNNING --When the ball is hit into the outfield, the base runner may advance until the ball is returned to the chalked infield area, whether or not the defensive team has control of the ball.  If a base runner is between bases, the runner may only advance to, but not past the next base.  This also applies to the last batter in the inning.  NO runner may advance on an overthrow.  A runner cannot steal and may not leave the base until the ball is hit.  PENALTY:  The runner is sent back.

11.  All players will play in the field during defensive play.  Additional players will be placed in the outfield, while ONLY normal infield positioning will be maintained, ie:, pitcher, catcher, 1st base, 2nd base, short stop and 3rd base.  Outfielders must be in contact with the grass when the ball is hit.

12.  Each player shall play at least one inning on the infield each game.  If game time limit occurs before the 3rd inning, players who did not play an infield defensive position shall play an infield position the 1st inning of the next game.  EXCEPTION:  Written request from a parent to not play infield.

13.  The infield fly rule does not apply.