SENIOR DIVISION SOFTBALL RULES

GRADES 7-8 (Amended Mar. 2013)

  1. ASA rules will be followed, including infield fly rule and dropped third strike. The division rules will supersede ASA rules.
  2. The home team supplies the umpire and two 12 inch balls with a .47 core One ball should be new and the second ball in good condition.
  3. First and third bases will be a distance of 60 feet. The pitching rubber will be a distance of 40 feet. Distances are measured from the rear tip of home plate the front edge of the base/rubber.
  4. Games must start promptly. Evening games start at 6:00pm (unless otherwise scheduled). Day games must start at the scheduled time.
  5. The length of game will be 7 (seven) maximum innings. A new inning cannot be started 1 hour and 45 minutes after the SCHEDULED (not the actual) start time. The final inning will have unlimited runs, there must be 3 outs made by the defensive team.
  6. There is a ten (10) run limit per inning per team, unless it is the final innings with unlimited runs.
  7. The batting order will be continuous with 9 (nine) girls playing on the field. (No short fielder).
  8. Players will be allowed to substitute freely.
  9. Each player must play a minimum of two innings.
  10. Seven players minimum to play a game.
  11. The pitcher must start by having two feet on the pitching rubber, present the ball to the batter, and then take only one step forward as she delivers the pitch. The pitcher is allowed to use the windmill motion while pitching. No travel players are allowed to pitch. They may play other positions.
  12. No limit to the number of innings pitched by a pitcher per week.
  13. If a pitcher should hit three (3) batters in an inning, or five (5) batters in a game, another pitcher will replace her for the remainder of the game.
  14. Helmets are to be worn by all batters, base runners and player base coaches. Chin straps and face masks are league optional. If a base runner intentionally removes her helmet, the umpire will call her out, after one team warning has been issued.
  15. A batter MUST make an attempt to move out of the way of a pitched ball in order to be issued a walk when hit by a pitch. (Umpire’s discretion)
  16. NO on deck batters are allowed to swing a bat. Batter will be allowed a couple of swings outside of the batter’s box prior to batting.
  17. Throwing of the bat by the batter will NOT be allowed. There will be one team warning per game, and then the batter will be declared out. Base runners cannot advance.
  18. Catcher is allowed a courtesy runner, but it is not mandatory.
  19. Courtesy runners will be the last batted out.
  20. Bunting is allowed.
  21. Runners are awarded the base they are going to plus an extra bass when a ball passes into out of play territory. (Umpires discretion.)
  22. Base runners can lead-off and steal on the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. If the runner leaves too early she will be called out. If the pitcher has control of the ball in the pitching circle, the runner cannot take her foot off the base or she will be called out. Runners can steal home.
  23. If the runner is greater than half way to the next base before the ball is in the pitcher’s possession within the circle, (not in the general area of the circle - the goal is to have the pitcher catch and control the ball) the runner advances to the base she is running to at her own risk. Less than halfway, following the above rule, runner returns to the previous base. The rule is at the discretion of the umpire and must be enforced by him/her.
  24. Sliding is expected at all bases, except first base, when there is a play at the base. Runner MUST slide or avoid contact. No head first sliding allowed. The call is at the discretion of the umpire.
  25. Players who elect to wear shorts, must wear sliders
  26. No jewelry allowed. New piercings must be covered with tape or a bandage.
  27. The game should be played in a manner of sportsmanship and it should be fun for all the players on both teams. The coaches should set the example of good sportsmanship with the players, parents and spectators.
  28. Coaches are responsible for their teams’ players, parents and spectators conduct and should address unsportsmanlike conduct immediately.
  29. If a dispute should arise during the game, the two head coaches only and the umpires should gather to the side of the field to resolve any differences.
  30. There will be zero tolerance of disrespect towards umpires. Coaches must remember that umpires are young adults and approach disputes as another coaching opportunity. Coaches must help the umpires with the rules of the game.
  31. Profanity will NOT be permitted from coaches, players, parents or spectators. This type of unsportsmanlike conduct will result in the removal of the coach or player from the game. Parents or spectators who show unsportsmanlike conduct will be asked to leave the field. If the person(s) involved refuse to leave the field, the game will be ended by the umpire and the offending team will forfeit.
  32. Both league boards will address any problems at a game with a coach, player, parent or spectator. In the case of a problem between two teams within the same league, the problem will be addressed at once.
  33. No jewelry allowed. New piercings must be covered with tape or a bandage.
  34. NO SMOKING WITHIN THE VICINITY OF THE FIELD. THIS INCLUDES COACHES, PARENTS AND SPECTATORS!

SeniorsPage 1