The intent of this league is to teach young players the game of Fastpitch Softball. This is a beginning/intermediate league with modified rules to aid in the training of girls with little or no experience. We want to stress good sportsmanship and fair play. The league will be for learning Let´s teach the girls the game and let them have FUN!
A) Pitching
- Pitching rubber is 35´ away from the plate.
- Pitch is to have no arc. The pitch is to simulate a fastpitch softball pitch and it should have minimal arc. Try to keep the ball no more than 6´ from the ground.
- A BIG strike zone should be used. Shoulders to knees and one ball width on either side of the plate is appropriate. A knee-high fastball is what your pitchers goal should be.
- THE DROP THIRD STRIKE RULE IS IN EFFECT. If the batter strikes out and the catcher drops the ball on the third strike with less than 2 outs, the batter can "steal" first base if it is not occupied by a runner. If there are 2 outs, the batter can "steal" first base even if it is occupied by a runner, who must also advance to the next base.
B) Base Running
- Only one extra base, TOTAL, for an overthrow. No matter how many over throws are made. All runners can only advanced one extra base if an error is made. If they do run to the next base, they are at risk and can be thrown out. If another error is made, then the play is over and no more bases can be taken for any runner.
EXAMPLE: A runner is on first. The batter hits ball and the ball is fielded and thrown to first. An error is made. The batter can only run to second and the runner can only advance to third.
COMMENTS: We don´t want home runs scored on a single. We want the infielder´s to try and make plays. We shouldn´t punish an error by having multiple runs scored. The focus should be on playing positions and making plays.
- Runners may lead off after the ball leaves the pitchers hand and are liable to be put out. If the runner leaves the base early, she is out.
COMMENTS: We want to teach the skill of leading off at the appropriate time.
- If a runner or batter intentionally takes off her helmet while running bases, she is out.
- Runners MUST slide to avoid contact. If the fielder has possession of the ball and there is contact with a runner who is not sliding to avoid contact, the runner is out.
C) Hitting
- A continuous batting order will be used to insure all participants bat. All players attending a game will be put into the batting order and they will hit when their turn comes up whether they played in the outfield or not.
- Bunting is allowed and encouraged.
COMMENT: Teach the kids to play the game and understand different strategies.
- Home plate is fair ball territory. A ball that is hit and makes contact with the plate and bounces fair is a fair hit. If it bounces or rolls foul it is a foul. (ASA Rule)
COMMENT: Teach the kids to run once the ball is hit until it is called foul by the umpire.
- A maximum of seven runs may be scored in an inning per team , provided that the team has not attained three (3) outs. The offensive team coach must notify the defensive team coach that the seventh run has scored. During this event, when the ball is in play, play stops when the seventh run scores or the third out is made.
COMMENT: We want to keep the games close and get as many innings in as possible. The more innings played, the more opportunities the girls have to play different positions and more at bats.
- All batters begin with ONE STRIKE
D) Defense
- All players (including pitchers) may be freely substituted and should play an equal amount of time on defense.
- The defense should consist of 10 players. The outfield will contain 4 players; left, left-center, right-center and right. They are outfielders, NOT an extra infielder or a shallow outfielder. The outfielders must be in the grass.
- The infield fly rule is not in effect.
F) Other
- Games shall have a limit of 1hr 15min. or 5 innings, whichever comes first. No new inning can start after the time limit has expired.
- The pitcher´s circle will be 16´ in diameter.
- 12" softballs will be used in practice and games in this league.
- There will be no penalty for less than nine players on a roster for a game. Coaches should share players when necessary to balance the number of players on the field and in the batting roster.
- Players are NOT to wear jewelry of any kind (including earrings) during the game.
- Cheers and chants for your team are encouraged. These promote teamwork, motivate kids and add to the child´s overall experience. No chants or cheers that taunt, or make fun of the opposing team or individual players are allowed. NO "SWING BATTER" OR PITCHER TAUNTS ARE ALLOWED. THE PENALTY FOR THIS SHALL BE AN AUTOMATIC "OUT" FOR THE DEFENSIVE TEAM BEFORE THEIR NEXT AT BAT. IF THIS OCCURS DURING THE LAST INNING OF A GAME, THE RESULT SHALL BE FORFEITURE OF THE GAME.
- Keep the innings moving.
- Refer to ASA rules for other play situations.
|
