Playing Rules | Char-Meck Girls Softball

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Char-Meck Girls Softball General Rules (All Ages)

1) General Rules:

a. Char-Meck follows the general rules of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association(NCHSAA), which has adopted the rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations, www.nfhs.org. Char-Meck uses the rules that apply to fast pitch softball. Exceptions and clarifications are included in the specific Char-Meck rules described herein.

2) Equipment:

a. Softballs: A 12" leather yellow ball will be used as the official ball in the 14U & 16U age groups. The 8U & 10U will use an 11” leather yellow ball (modified Spring 2023). The 6U division will use a 10” reduced compression yellow ball.

b. Bats: Girls can use any Official Softball bat (baseball and T-ball bats are not allowed for any age group). The bat shall meet the 2004 ASA/USA Bat Performance Standard bear either the 2000 or 2004 certification mark or USA softball mark, and not be listed on the ASA non-approved bat list found on www.asasoftball.com. In the event an unapproved bat is found to be in use during a game, the following will occur:

A warning will be given the first time a player is identified to be using an unapproved or altered bat. The following will occur based on the situations below:
- If unapproved/altered bat was found while this player was in the batter's box during an at-bat, the batter will switch out the bat to finish the at-bat
- If the batter was identified to have used an illegal bat after the ball was put into play and time is called, the batter is out and runner(s) move back to the previous base(s) prior to the at-bat

[umpires to inform EB of use of illegal bat warning given per team for tracking]

After an unapproved bat warning has been given (warning is given once pre-season), any subsequent identification of such bats from either team will result in the following:
- batter is out;
- the batter and the respective coach are disqualified from the game (and EB will review for further

c. Face Masks: All batters are required to have a face-mask on their helmet. This rule applies to all age divisions within Char-Meck Softball.

d. Mouth Guards or Face Masks: All infielders are REQUIRED to wear either a mouth guard or a face-mask when playing in the infield. This rule applies to all age divisions within Char-Meck.

e. Metal Cleats: Metal cleats will be allowed in Char-Meck play for 18U age division ONLY.

3) Age Groups

T-Ball/Coach Pitch 6U
Modified/Coach Pitch 8U
Fast Pitch 10U, 14U & 18U

a. Age is determined by their age on December 31 of the year prior to the playing year for the spring season.

b. The League will not allow new or marginal players to play down in any age divisions. If an association allows an player to ‘play up’ from her actual age group and is listed on the older team’s roster, said player may not play down as a substitute ‘borrowed’ player and if they participate in the All Stars, they must do so in the same age bracket as the regular season. Players can only move in one direction (“up”) without approval from the Char-Meck Executive Board. Moreover, once a player moves up in age group for a regular season or All-Stars, she may NOT move back down in any subsequent season. Teams that are found in violation of this rule will forfeit all league games and standings and are immediately suspended from future league or tournament games.

4) Playing Distance:

a. Base paths for all age groups are 60 feet.

b. The pitching circle will be marked as a 8’ radius around the 40’ pitching rubber.

5) Scores:

a. Coaches must provide win/loss record by updating our website after each game (www.charmecksoftball.org). Scores should be entered within 24 hours after the completion of the game.

6) Base Coaches

a. All base coaches should be adults. However, a player or other person may serve as a base coach, but any player or person under 18 years of age doing so must wear a batter’s helmet with face guard. No base coach may have anything in their hands that may distract players on the other team including gloves. Coaches must either be in the dugout or right outside (in front of) the dugout their team occupies when their team is not at bat.

7) Number of Players

a. 8U and 10U teams will field teams with 10 defensive players. In 8U & 10U they will play with 4 outfielders.

b. 14U and 18U/High School will play with 9 fielders.

c. In the 6U division, teams may begin and end with any number of players.

d. In the 8U, 10U, 14U & 18U/High School divisions, games can be started with 8 players and finished with 8 players. If at any point in time during the game a team falls below 8 players for any reason, the game will continue but the team that fell below 8 players will forfeit the game (failure to complete the game by either team will result in the offending Head Coach being suspended for no less than the remainder of the season). If a team begins with 8 players they do not take an out each time the 9th batter was scheduled to bat. However, if the team has nine or more players any time during the game and falls to 8 players for any reason (other than injuries--see rule 11 for clarification), an out is issued each time the 9th player is due to bat. If a team starts with more than 9 players and a girl(s) leaves the game for any reason, no out is taken by that team when that girl’s turn to bat comes around, so long as the team has at least 9 remaining batters

EXCEPTION: If a player is ejected from the game, their team will take an out when the ejected player comes up to bat no matter how many players they have in their lineup. Player shall also be suspended from next playable game. (modified Spring 2023)

8) Continuous Batting, Unlimited Substitution, & Must Play Rules

a. All age groups will play continuous batting (all players bat)--thus unlimited fielding substitution shall be allowed.

b. Each player must bat in the lineup, regardless of how many players the other team has.

c. No player shall sit on the bench defensively for two consecutive innings.

[Each AC(Associations Commissioner) is responsible for monitoring their coaches and insisting that these rules are followed. Note: Umpires will not interpret or rule on this subject. If a coach feels that another coach is not following these rules they should report to their AC. Associations failing to enforce these rules may be subject to dismissal from the Char-Meck league by a 2/3 majority vote of the board. The protest committee will determine if Associations are in violation of the rule.]

9) Player Borrowing (see COVID modification above)

[Coaches are responsible for using good judgment in using players who are capable of playing "up" to prevent injury]

a. A team may pick-up players from other teams within their association to achieve a limit of 9 players for a game for 14U and 18U/High School; 8U and 10U limit is 10 players, as they play with 10 fielders. Teams may borrow players from 1 age group lower. E.g. a 14U team may borrow a 10U player, but not an 8U player. A maximum of two substitutes may be used.

b. Any borrowed player must play outfield and bat last in the line-up. They must play outfield and bat in the bottom two spots in the line-up.

c. All players not on the regular roster must be identified to the opposing coach and their names are noted in the scorebook. They must also wear their uniform from their team regardless of a conflicting number.

d. Borrowed players will be allowed to remain in the game they start even if late players arrive to enter the game.

e. Player borrowing in the EOS is only allowed when the borrowed player is from a lower age group.

f. Players borrowed “UP” from lower age group may pitch (added fall 2022; including EOS tournament)

g. Innings pitched by a borrowed pitcher is not counted against the pitcher's innings pitched limits (added fall 2022)

h. Player pitchers borrowed up may not pitch more than the following innings for the game they are borrowed (8U = 1 innings by a 6U player; 10U = 2 innings by a 8U player; 14U = 3 innings by a 10U player; 18U = no restrictions)

10) Injury Rule:

a. If a player is injured during a game and cannot continue playing, the player and team will not take an out each time the injured player was to bat. Injured players can return to the game at any time provided the player’s coach and parents agree it is safe to do so.

11) Player Arrives Late to Game:

a. Players arriving after the game starts shall be added at the bottom of the batting order (and might not bat due to their late entry).

b. A player arriving late for a game must enter the game no later than the fifth inning in the 14U and 18U/High School divisions. In the 10U division, they must enter no later than the fourth inning. Players can enter the game at any time in 6U & 8U divisions.

c. In the event of a suspended or called game, any players on the roster but not present at the original game may play in the resumed game. They will be placed at the bottom of the lineup. In addition, any player present at the original game but not present at the resumed game will be stricken from the lineup card with no penalty for not batting. (Please refer to rule 9 if you have borrowed players for the game in question).

12) Suspended Players:

a. A player suspended for a game, or games, must not be in uniform if attending a game. The player’s coach must notify the opposing coach that the player has been suspended prior to the beginning of the game.

13) Courtesy Runner

a. A runner for the next inning's catcher may be used when there are 2 outs.

b. Courtesy runners are not permitted, unless for an injured player (ie – no courtesy runner for the pitcher).

c. The runner must be the batter that made the last out.

14) Tie Breaker (extra innings):

REGULAR SEASON PLAY: No extra innings unless time allows. (i.e. ONLY if time is left after regulation innings have been played) Tie scores may be entered during regular season play only.

POST SEASON TOURNAMENT PLAY: Follow the tie breaker rule below until a winner is determined so brackets may be seeded for the next round of games.

a. Char-Meck will ONLY use the International Tie Breaker rule for the in tournaments. If two teams arrive at the end of regulation play (due to either number of innings or time limit) and the score is tied, the following will occur until the tie is broken: The visiting team will put their last out from the previous inning on second base as a base runner to start the “extra” inning. All other rules apply so that each team receives three outs per extra inning. The visiting team will bat and play the remainder of the inning as they would any other inning. The home team will do the same when they come to bat. This will continue until one team is ahead after the home team bats, and such team will be the winner.

15) Pitching (UPDATE SPRING 2021)

We do not follow all of the High School Federation rules for pitching. Here is a summary of our rules:

a. Prior to starting the delivery pitch, the pitcher shall take a position with the pivot foot in contact with the pitcher's plate and the non-pivot foot in contact or behind the pitcher's plate. Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24 inch length of the pitcher's plate.

b. After completing A, prior to pitching, you must present. The pitcher must take a position with shoulders in line with 1st and 3rd base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand with hands separated.

c. After completing B above, the pitcher shall bring both hands together in front of the body for not less than 1 second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball. The hands may be motionless or moving. Once you bring your hands together, your next step must be forward.

d. The pitcher shall not be considered in the pitching position unless the catcher is within the lines of the catcher's box and in position to receive the pitch.

e. The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcher's plate without having possession of the ball.

f. The pitcher may remove herself from the pitching position as follows:

1) before the hands come together, the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcher's plate with both feet;

2) when the hands come together and no part of the windup motion has been made, the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcher's plate with both feet;

3) either foot may be removed first.

g. The pitch starts when the pitcher's hands separate after they have come together while the pivot foot is in contact with the pitcher's plate.

h. Any step back with the non-pivot foot must begin before the pitch has started (the hands separate), the pitcher may not take more than one step which must be forward, toward the batter and simultaneous delivery of the pitch. It is an exception and is allowed when the pitcher removes herself from the pitcher's position.

i. The pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground, as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground and within the 24 inch length. If a hole has been created in front of the pitcher's plate, the pivot foot may be no higher than the level plane of the ground. (removed Spring 2021) Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcher's plate is illegal.

j. Crow hop ~~and the leap~~ (removed Spring 2021) are illegal pitching motions. ~~The pivot foot must drag or remain in contact with the ground during the leap.~~ (removed Spring 2021)

[NOTE: Umpires will not call an illegal pitch unless the pitcher clearly gains an advantage by planting her pivot foot closer to the plate.]

k. The pitcher can’t make more than one revolution of the arm in the windmill pitch. A pitcher may drop the pitching arm to the side and to the rear before starting the windmill motion. The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip.

16) Warnings

a. Any player faking a tag will receive one warning. This warning will be issued to both teams upon the first occurrence. After the only warning, any player faking a tag will be ejected from the game.

b. Any player throwing a bat will receive one warning. This warning will be issued to both teams upon the first occurrence. After teams receive their warning, subsequent violations will result in the batter being called out.

17) Umpires:

a. If there are any problems concerning officiating, a coach should

1) only discuss issues during breaks in play (i.e. – between innings when possible)

2) log the issue into the “Umpire Issues” section of the Char-Meck website

Examples of problems reportable to your AC are no shows, missing equipment, etc. If there is a real problem the Char-Meck Executive Board will review the issue and seek resolution with the umpires.
If an umpire does not appear for a scheduled or make-up game, the home team must log the issue into the “Umpire Issues” section of the Char-Meck website in order to prevent overpayment to the umpire association.
In the event an umpire does not show up, teams should play the game with parents and/or coaches umpiring the game (umpires should be given no more than 10 minutes, at which time parents and/or coaches should umpire the game).

18) Forfeits -

a. A team (excluding 6U) that doesn’t have 8 players after a 10-minute grace period from the scheduled game time will forfeit the game. The opposing coach may NOT waive the forfeit.

b. Coaches that forfeit multiple league or tournament games (forfeits can be over multiple seasons) may be subject to suspension from the league for at least one season, by a majority vote of the executive board.

c. Teams will be expected to play the game with the players present (working together to field a viable team). Failure to play the game will result in a 2 game suspension for the Head Coach that refused to play the game.

d. Any forfeited game will count as missed game which may or may not affect girls eligibility for the End of Season Tournament (75% rule in Spring or 70% rule in Fall).

e. If non-forfeiting team is present and ready to play, the coach will enter the girls as present on the website, but pitchers innings revert back to the last game played. The non-forfeting team pitchers' innings reset. The forfeiting team pitchers' innings continue from the previous game played. A team that forfeits 3 or more games during the regular season will not be eligible to play in the End of Season Tournament.

[Note- Forfeits are scored 7-0 (NFHS rule)]

19) Protest

a. The CharMeck VP will decide if a complaint will be heard as a protest. There will be a $25 protest fee to be heard before the protest committee consisting of commissioners of the associations not involved in the game. If the protest is won the fee is refunded; provided that even though a protest is allowed, the results of a particular game will not be amended or reversed unless the matter protested shall have material effect upon the outcome of the game in the sole determination of the Protest Committee. The material effect and/or decision to replay the game in part or in its entirety shall be in the sole judgment of the protest committee. Failure to follow protest procedures will result in said protest being denied by the CM VP.

20) Inclement Weather:

a. Only an umpire can suspend or call a game that is in progress if the field conditions are hazardous because of inclement weather or due to darkness. If, in the opinion of the umpire, there is lightning in the area all games will be immediately suspended up to 20 minutes. The umpire may also immediately call the game and send players home. [Coaches can offer opinions but the umpire makes the final decision.]

b. If an Association’s fields are unplayable, the home team must call their AC two hours prior to game time.

The home team coach is responsible for notifying the visiting coach if a game is not going to be played.
The home team AC is responsible for notifying the Head Umpire.
If there is any doubt as to the condition of the field, wait and let the umpire decide whether or not the game will be played.

21) Suspended Game Rule

a. Games that are suspended:

in the first 1/3 (based upon minutes) of the game it will be replayed in its entirety.
in the second 1/3 (based upon minutes) will be “frozen” and picked up where left off.
in the final 1/3 (based upon minutes) will be official (score would revert back to the last completed inning).

22) Rescheduling Games - *Modified Spring 2019

a. There is no game re-scheduling or cancellations for any reason other than inclement weather without prior approval of the CM EB. When a game is called due to inclement weather, the CharMeck Game Scheduler with input from the umpires will reschedule the game within 24 hours. Best efforts will be made for the game to be rescheduled within 7 days of the originally scheduled date. If it is not possible to reschedule the game within the 7 days timeframe due to one or both teams scheduled to play other games, field availability, or the lack of umpires, the game will be moved to the next possible date. Once the game has been rescheduled, failure of a team to show up for the game will result in a forfeit.

23) League Post-Season Tournament

a. A league tournament will be held following the regular seasons. Dates and format will be decided at the league meeting before the season begins. All regular season rules will apply except: no 10 minute grace period, and the game must be played until a winner is determined in order to seed the brackets for tournament games.

b. Additionally, if a team does not have enough players to play an EOS game, the team may ONLY borrow from a rostered player from a team in the next lower age group. e.g. 14U team may borrow a 10U rostered player.

c. Players that have been entered on the regular season roster and wish to participate in the tournament must have played a minimum of 75% (9 of 12) for Spring or 70% (7 of 10) for Fall of the regular season games. Coaches must bring their regular season scorebook to the tournament for verifying player participation. Should a coach protest a player, failure to have the appropriate score book may result in the protest being upheld.

d. Players that had been injured and could not fulfill the regular season playing time are exempt and are allowed to play in the tournament pending approval by the player’s AC. CLARIFIED FALL 2019 AC's may only give exemptions for players who miss 3 or more regular season games for INJURIES ONLY. The EB will rule on any “minimum playing time” protests during the tournament. They will review the scorebook and consult with the team’s commissioners and coaches to arrive at their decision. Their decision is final and if a player is found to be illegal for any reason, said player may not play in any more league or tournament games.

24) League Standings

a. League standings will be kept for the regular season. The standings will seed the End of Season Tournament.

25) Summer All-Stars

a. Char-Meck will decide each spring whether or not to offer a series of Summer All-Star Tournaments. Each Association will be made aware of any program offered and the specific rules that will apply to play that summer. All member associations are eligible for Summer All-Star Competition.

b. Rules can be altered from regular season rule and will be provided/published prior to the start of the All-Star tournament.

CharMeck Girls Softball Age Specific Rules/Modifications

6U Special Rules:

1) This age group is meant to be a basic introduction to softball. Teams may play with more than 10 players in the field. No scores or standings are kept. No protests are allowed. Once there are 3 outs recorded or 4 runs cross home plate, sides will be changed. The last inning each team will bat through their entire lineup. Batting order and fielding positions must be rotated each game to allow players to bat and field multiple positions. There must be a pitcher in the position during the entire game. The player must have at least one foot inside the pitching circle. There shall only be five girls allowed in the infield. All other girls must be in the grass of the outfield (or an equivalent distance) on larger dirt infields. Balls hit by the batter must travel outside the 12’ home plate arc to be fair balls. If teams or players advance to the point of coach pitch, the batter bats until they hit the ball outside the 12’ arc. Coaches will be limited to three pitches prior to the ball being placed upon the tee for the player to hit. Runners only advance on a hit ball. Girls will be allowed to run on a ball hit until a fielder touches the ball. Once the ball is touched by a fielder she must stop at the base she was advancing to. Player/runners cannot advance on any overthrows.

2) Innings: There is no inning restriction, but games will normally be three or four innings.

3) Time Limit: 1 Hour

4) Slaughter Rule: There will be no slaughter rule.

5) Stealing: There is no stealing or leading off.

6) Infield Fly Rule: The infield fly rule shall not apply.

7) Defensive Coaches: Teams may have 3 defensive coaches in the field. Coaches should not touch players and should remain a reasonable distance from the infielders.

8) Bunting: There will be no bunting.

9) Umpires: There will be no umpires in 6U. Head coaches will call safe or out. If it is too close of a play, the girl will ALWAYS be called safe.

8U Special Rules:

1) This age group is meant to be instructional; however, coaches need to refrain from excessive instruction during a game. Umpires have the discretion to ask coaches to refrain from excessive or time-consuming instruction. They also have the ability to eject the coach should they continue with the excessive instructions. Teams will play continuous batting at all games.

2) Innings: Six innings if time allows.

3) Time Limit: 1 Hour 15 Minutes, a new inning begins as soon as the 3rd out is registered. No new inning can begin after time has expired. NO TIEBREAKER WILL BE USED IN REGULAR SEASON GAMES. *Clarified Spring 2019

4) Slaughter Rule: There will be no slaughter rule.

5) 4 Run Rule: A team cannot score more than four (4) runs per inning in each of the 1st four innings of a game. If a team scores (4) runs in their half of any of the 1st four innings, play is stopped when the 4th run scores and the teams switch. The only exception to this will be if the batter hits a home run over the fence, then all runners will score. Starting in the 5th inning, there are no limits to the number of runs that a team can score, or the number of batters that may bat in an inning. NOTE: The game is played to the end of an inning if the home team is behind and can ‘reach’ the visiting team. If the game is not in ‘reach’ for the team that is trailing, that team should complete its at bat and then the game will end. If the event that the home team is losing and the game is ‘out of reach’, visiting teams are encouraged to ‘step off’ (e.g. have their base runners step off of a base early to be called out by the umpire and reach 3 outs), in order to allow the home team to complete their at bat. Games that are ‘out of reach’ will ‘drop dead’ once the official game time PLUS 15 minutes has expired OR when the losing team completes their final at bat--whichever comes first.

6) Stealing: There is no stealing or leading off.

7) Dropped Third Strike: A batter can not run to first base on a dropped third strike.

8) Infield Fly Rule: The infield fly rule shall not apply.

9) Defensive Coaches: Teams may have 2 defensive coaches in the field. Coaches must not touch players or the ball and must remain a reasonable distance behind the outfielders.

10) Bunting: There will be no bunting.

11) Defensive Rules: There must be a player in the pitching position and catching position during the entire game. The defensive pitcher may be placed no closer than the coach pitcher (35 feet) and must have one foot inside the pitching circle. Catchers must be in full gear when catching.

12) 12’ Foul Arc: Balls hit by the batter must travel outside the 12’ home plate arc to be considered a fair ball.

13) Stopping play:

a. The defensive team must stop the base runner(s) after a hit by having possession of the ball in front of the lead runner and/or the runner(s) stop due to any play by the defensive team. If the lead runner is stopped by a defensive player, any other base runners must go back to the previous base if not more than half way to the next base. NOTE: The umpire should call time when this occurs. Examples: Runner(s) return to the last base they passed or runner(s) stopping on a base due to any defensive play.

b. Play is also stopped when the pitcher gains possession of the ball inside the pitchers circle. NOTE: The umpire should call time when this occurs. Runner(s) in motion must be more than half way to be allowed to continue to the next base. If they are not more than half way they must return to the last base they passed. [Note: Position of the runners at the time the pitcher gains possession in the circle is a judgement call by the umpire]

14) Overthrows: All runners may advance one base on any balls overthrown in an attempt to register an out or hold a runner. An overthrow is and thrown ball that gets past the defensive player in the air or on the ground. If a fielder knocks the ball down in front of her, it is not considered an overthrow. The defense is encouraged to make the extra throw to make plays at 2nd base, or third base in the case there is a lead runner, where feasible. All runners advancing are at the risk of being put out. If the runners overrun the base, they are still at risk and eligible to be put out until they reach the next base and hold that base. Once the action has stopped, the umpire should call time out and direct runners who have overrun bases back to the base they were running to if they have not been put out and to place the runner who has arrived safely at the extra base she took back on the base she was eligible to advance to.

15) Umpires: One umpire will be provided for 8U games. If an umpire does not show up for the game, coaches should play the game and work together to umpire the contest.

16) Pitching Distance: Players will pitch from 30 feet (modified in spring 2022) and coaches will pitch from 35 feet…only one foot is required to be in contact with the 35-foot rubber.

17) Pitching:

a. Pitchers at 8U may not pitch underhanded in a “bowling” motion. It must be windmill, or in accordance with Rule 17b below. A pitch cannot have an arc of more than 6 feet. This pitch would be called a ball.

b. At 8U, pitchers may either follow rule 17a OR they may pitch from the “T” position.

c. There will be three (3) kid pitch innings.

d. In games where there are three (3) kid pitch innings, batters will begin with a 1-0 count (1 ball) in all three (3) kid pitch innings.

e. Pitchers at 8U may only pitch two (2) innings in consecutive games. In the regular season, teams found in violation of this rule will forfeit the game and the Head Coach will be suspended for one game. If there is a second offense, the team will forfeit the said two consecutive games and the Head Coach will be suspended for two games. If a pitcher makes one pitch during an inning it counts as one inning (warming up before the inning begins is NOT considered to be an inning pitched). NOTE: All coaches are required to sign their opponent’s scorebook immediately after each game; verifying the number of innings pitched by each pitcher. All scorekeepers must note at the bottom of the scorebook the number of innings by pitcher name and number. In addition, coaches must input this information into the specified area of our website for all to view. Coaches found in repeated violation of these reporting procedures may be suspended from league play for one (1) game.

f. Once a kid pitcher registers four (4) balls on a batter, the coach of the batter comes in to deliver three (3) pitches. Balls and strikes do not carry forward from kid pitch to coach pitch. Additionally, during the kid pitch innnings, the player pitcher MUST continue to play the pitcher position during coach pitch. The player pitcher may not be switched with another player for the defensive play and then be put back into the pitcher position after completion of the coach pitch at-bat.

g. Should the pitcher hit a batter the “coach pitcher” immediately comes in to pitch. The batter MUST attempt to evade the pitch or it won’t count as a hit batter (umpire’s discretion).

h. If a pitcher hits two batters in one inning and the umpire rules that the batters tried to avoid the pitch, the pitcher shall be removed from the pitching position for the balance of the game. If the batters did NOT attempt to avoid the pitch the kid pitcher can remain in the game (this is up to the umpire’s discretion) and this player may field the pitching position during the remaining player pitch and coach pitch innings.

i. Coaches can pitch 3 pitches to their batters. Batters can strike out during coach pitch (3 strikes is an out) or hit the ball into fair territory and receive fewer than 3 pitches. A batter may receive more than 3 pitches if the batter continues to hit the ball into foul territory. A batter cannot strike out on a foul ball.

j. Coaches should attempt to deliver a flat pitch. Any pitch in excess of a four-foot arc will count against the batter as one of their 3 pitches.

k. Coaches should attempt to avoid batted ball and avoid impeding the player pitcher from getting to the ball. A batted ball making contact with a coach pitcher is a live ball and will be played as if the ball contacted a player on the field. A batted ball caught by a coach pitcher in defense of him or herself is a dead ball foul and the batter receives another coach pitch. * MODIFIED SPRING 2019

[Note: Pitching consecutive games = games played by the team (not the player)]

18) Fielding: There will be only 6 fielders allowed on the infield. A short fielder (big second) where a girl stands directly on, behind or in front of second base will not be allowed. Outfielders must play in the grass and be equally spaced across the outfield; for example, Left field, Left Center field, Right Center field, and Right field.

10U Special Rules:

1) Innings: Six innings if time allows.

2) Time Limit: 1 Hour 15 Minutes, a new inning begins as soon as the 3rd out is registered. No new inning can begin after time has expired. NO TIEBREAKER WILL BE USED IN REGULAR SEASON GAMES. *Clarified Spring 2019

3) Fake Bunt, Pull Back and Swing Away: Teams may not use this play. Violation of this rule will result in the batter being called out.

4) Slaughter Rule: 15 Runs any time after the both teams have batted 4 times, 10 runs after 5 completed innings, UNLESS the home team is leading after the visiting team has batted 5 times.

6) Stealing: A player may steal after the ball passes the batter. The player may advance a maximum of (1) base even if there is an overthrow. A player may never steal home They can only advance to home as a result of a walk with the bases loaded, a batted ball or a throw that lands in dead ball territory where the umpire may advance runners. (removed spring 2022). Catchers should be encouraged to throw to the bases on every steal.

7) Dropped Third Strike: A batter cannot run to first base on a dropped third strike.

8) Infield Fly Rule: The infield fly rule shall not apply.

9) Pitching Distance: Players will pitch from 35 feet.

10) Pitching:

a. Pitchers at 10U may not pitch underhanded in a “bowling” motion. It must be windmill. A pitch cannot have an arc of more than 6 feet. This pitch would be called a ball.

b. Pitchers at 10U may only pitch five (5) innings per two consecutive games. In the regular season, teams found in violation of this rule will forfeit the game and the Head Coach will be suspended for one game. If there is a second offense, the team will forfeit the said two consecutive games and the Head Coach will be suspended for two games. If a pitcher makes one pitch during an inning it counts as one inning (warming up before the inning begins is NOT considered to be an inning pitched).

[NOTE: All coaches are required to sign their opponent’s scorebook immediately after each game; verifying the number of innings pitched by each pitcher. All scorekeepers must note at the bottom of the scorebook the number of innings by pitcher name and number. In addition, coaches must input this information into the specified are of our website for all to view. Coaches found in repeated violation of these reporting procedures may be suspended from league play for one (1) game.]

[Note: Pitching consecutive games = games played by the team (not the player)]

14U & 18U/High School Special Rules:

1) Innings: Seven innings if time allows.

2) Time Limit: 1 Hour 30 Minutes, a new inning begins as soon as the 3rd out is registered. No new inning can begin after time has expired. NO TIEBREAKER WILL BE USED IN REGULAR SEASON GAMES. *Clarified Spring 2019

3) Fake Bunt, Pull Back and Swing Away: Teams may not use this play at 14U. It IS allowed at 18U/High School, but this is not encouraged. Violation of this rule in 14U will result in the batter being called out.

4) Slaughter Rule: 15 runs any time after 3 innings, 12 runs after 4 innings, and 8 runs after 5 innings.

5) 5 Run Rule: A team cannot score more than (5) runs per inning in each of the 1st four innings of a game. If a team scores (5) runs in their half of any of the 1st four innings, play is stopped when the 5th run scores and the teams switch. The only exception to this will be if the batter hits a home run over the fence, then all runners will score. Starting in the 5th inning, there are no limits to the number of runs that a team can score, or the number of batters that may bat in an inning. NOTE: The game is played to the end of an inning if the home team is behind and can ‘reach’ the visiting team. If the game is not in ‘reach’ for the team that is trailing, that team should complete its at bat and then the game will end. If the event that the home team is losing and the game is ‘out of reach’, visiting teams are encouraged to ‘step off’ (e.g. have their base runners step off of a base early to be called out by the umpire and reach 3 outs), in order to allow the home team to complete their at bat. Games that are ‘out of reach’ will ‘drop dead’ once the official game time PLUS 15 minutes has expired OR when the losing team completes their final at bat--whichever comes first.

6) Pitching Distance: Players will pitch from 40 feet in 14U; 43 feet in 18U.

7) Pitching:

a. There is no inning restriction in 18U.

b. Pitchers at 14U may only pitch seven (7) innings per two consecutive games. In the regular season, teams found in violation of this rule will forfeit the game and the Head Coach will be suspended for one game. If there is a second offense, the team will forfeit the said two consecutive games and the Head Coach will be suspended for two games.

[Note: Pitching consecutive games = games played by the team (not the player)]

c. If a pitcher makes one pitch during an inning it counts as one inning (warming up before the inning begins is NOT considered to be an inning pitched).