The intent of this league is to teach young players the game of Fastpitch Softball.
This is a beginning 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. The coach from the team batting
will pitch to his/her players.
- The pitch is to simulate a fastpitch softball pitch and it should have minimal arc.
A maximum of 7 pitches will be pitched to the batter. After the 7th pitch, the batter
is out. NO EXCEPTIONS OR "DO OVERS". Please keep the game moving.
- A BIG strike zone should be used. Shoulders to knees and one ball width on either
side of the plate is appropriate.
- The dropped third strike rule is not in effect. If the batter strikes out and
the catcher does not catch the ball, the batter is out.
COMMENT: This league is for learning and we don’t want to penalize a catcher
who is trying her best.
B) Base Running
- Only one extra base, TOTAL, for an overthrow. No matter how many over throws are
made. All runners can only advance 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 the 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 run 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. If the runner
leaves the base early, she is out.
COMMENTS: We want to teach the skill of leading off at the appropriate
time, but NO STEALING.
- If a runner or batter intentionally takes off her helmet while running bases,
she is out.
- Runners should try to slide or avoid contact. If the runner goes outside the 3
foot base path, she 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. If the batter comes in contact with the bunted ball
while she is running to first AND she is in fair territory, she is out. If
she is in foul territory, the bunt is a foul ball and called a strike. If the
batter bunts a foul ball on the third strike, she is out (ASA Rule).
- 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.
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.
E) 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.
- 11" 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.
- Two defensive coaches may assist players on the field in positioning and
guidance, but they must stay behind the base path.
- Refer to ASA rules for other play situations.
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