Softball Division Rules
Novice Division - Ages 7-8

Highlighted areas indicate changes for 2012.

When feasible, based on the number of teams in the league, it will be split into Gold and Silver divisions.  This will be based on Managers' choice with a review and final decision to be made by the softball committee.

1.  Five innings or 1 hour and 30 minutes shall constitute a complete game. A minimum of three innings must be played.

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

2.  Base lengths will be 60 feet.  Pitching distance will be 30 feet.

3.  Each half inning is complete after three outs or five runs.  Continuous batting lineup will be used.

4.  Player Participation Rules

a.  Each player must play two innings of each game in the field

b.  Free substitution is permitted

c.  No player may play one position more than two innings per game. This rule will be waived during any ITB innings.

d.  Each player shall play at least one inning on the infield within the first 4 innings of each game.  In the event that a game is completed in less than 4 innings, any player who did not get to play infield shall play the first  2 innings of the next game in the field.  Exception:  Written request from a parent to not play the infield must be submitted to the Novice Division Rep prior to the start of the season.  PENALTY:  Forfeiture of game.

5.  The team in the field will consist of ten players.  The tenth player shall be a roving outfielder and shall be stationed outside the infield the same distance from home plate as the other outfielders.  Outfielders must be stationed in the grass until the ball is hit.

6.  Pitching

a.  No player may pitch more than 2 innings in any game.

b.  A player pitching one pitch in any inning constitutes an inning pitched.

c.  A pitcher pulled during an inning and remaining on the playing field may return to the pitching position in that same  inning without being charged an additional inning.

d.  Illegal pitches will be called only if the pitch is released illegally.  Balks and no pitch will not be called.

e. If a game goes to ITB, the remainder of the game will be strictly coach pitch with each batter starting with a zero strike count

7.  Batting

a.  A batter is automatically out after 3 strikes. There is no dropped 3rd strike rule.

b.  No batter may walk unless the batter is hit by the opposing team's pitcher.

c.  A batter may be awarded lst base when hit by a pitch if the batter made an attempt to avoid the pitch or if, in the umpire's opinion, the batter was "frozen" in the box due to fear.  Exception:  If, in the umpire's opinion, the ball is rolling or bounces more than twice, the batter will not be awarded lst base.

d.  After four balls the batter's coach will pitch one to three pitches to the batter.  The number of pitcher is determined by how many strikes the batter has on them when the coach comes out to pitch.  If the last pitched ball by the coach is watched or missed, the batter is out.  If the batter fouls the last pitch off, they continue their turn until they hit, miss or watch a ball.  All playing rules will apply to any hit balls.

e.  The coach must be in contact with the pitching rubber and deliver the ball in a manner that is consistent with that of fast pitch softball.

8.  A base runner may not leave the base until the ball it hit.  PENALTY:  First offense, the team is warned.  Following occurrences the runner is out.

9.  When a batter's ball is fielded by an infielder and a throw is attempted to first base, the batter/runner may not advance past first base if the ball goes into foul territory. The intent of this rule is to encourage throws to first base.  Players playing an outfield position are not considered to be an infielder.

If a base runner other than the batter/runner is determined by the umpire to be between bases when the ball enters foul territory, that runner may proceed at her own risk to, but not past, the next base.  If any runner, other than the batter runner, is subsequently played upon, then all runners including the batter runner may advance at their own risk.

10.  All runners may only advance one base per overthrow at their own risk. (Exception batter runner stipulated in Rule 9)

11. After a ball has been hit in fair territory, any baserunner may advance at their own risk until the ball is in the possesion of the pitcher located on the infield side of the baseline. The pitcher may not move beyond the baseline toward the outfield to gain possession of the ball (Exception stipulated in Rule 9)

12.  The infield fly rule does not apply.

13. Bats may not exceed thirty (30) inches in length.  All bats designated as Tee ball bats are permitted.

14.  Post-season tournament games for winners bracket finals, loser bracket finals and championships shall be played with no time limit and 5 innings.