Germantown Baseball League (GBL) Girls Softball Division Rules (2015 Edition)

Transcription

1 Germantown Baseball League (GBL) Girls Softball Division Rules (2015 Edition) Table of Contents Section 1 League Information Section 2 General Rules of Play Section 3 8U (Coach Pitch) Specific Rules Section 4 11U (Modified Pitch) Specific Rules Section 5 18U (Fast Pitch) Specific Rules Section 6 Tournament Rules Germantown Baseball League (GBL) Girls Softball Division Rules 1

2 Section 1 League Information The Germantown Baseball League (GBL) is the provider of recreational baseball and softball for the city of Germantown, TN. The league also serves as an umbrella organization for a number of competitive baseball and softball teams for the Germantown, TN area. The league is open to players from the Germantown, TN area but the majority of the participants are to be from within Germantown. The guiding document for the GBL in its relationship with the city of Germantown is the city s Sports Policies document. The GBL is dedicated to providing a safe, fun environment for players and their families. Players of all skill levels are welcome and will be provided the opportunity to participate in all facets of their sport. Safety, both on and around the field, is of paramount concern to the league. Anyone who observes anything unsafe is encouraged to raise their concern with the appropriate party. In all situations not expressly covered in this document, common courtesy and good sportsmanship are to be guiding principles. The GBL encourages enthusiastic and engaged participation by all, but never at the expense of the city of Germantown, the GBL, and, most importantly, the players and their families. All league problems, disputes, challenges, etc. shall be communicated and handled as outlined in the GBL Issue Management Policy, which is available at Further, it is expected that all players and adults abide by the GBL Code of Ethics. Players, coaches, and parents shall not ride, taunt, heckle, or poke fun at any other member of the GBL. This shall be considered unsportsmanlike conduct and the player(s), coach(es), or parent(s) shall be subject to removal from the game and/or ballpark. This includes, but is not limited to, players or coaches, whether on the field of play or in the dugout, acting in a manner to distract opposing players. The umpires have been instructed to issue a fair warning and then eject any person from the game who violates this rule. Any individual ejected from a game must also leave the surrounding park. They are not permitted to stay by or around the field. The game will not resume until the person involved has left the park. Cheering shall be allowed as long as positive in nature and not intended to distract opposing players. Umpires are empowered to make judgment calls as to intent. No parents, except coaches, are allowed on the field at any time. For T-Ball and Coach Pitch, a maximum of four coaches are allowed inside the confines of the playing field/dugouts. For all other divisions, a maximum of three coaches are allowed. All coaches must be in the dugout or directly in front of and within arm s length of the dugout fence, unless they are in a coaching box on offense. Exceptions to this rule for T-Ball, Coach Pitch, and Modified Pitch are covered in the specific division sections. The Head Coach is responsible for all members of his or her team, including players, coaches, and parents. The umpires and field directors have the authority to warn and/or eject any player, coach, or parent from the field for harassment of other individuals, including umpires. No player, coach, or parent is allowed to harass, yell, argue, or attempt to intimidate the umpires. The umpires judgment is final. This includes items such as strikes, balls, and outs. There are no appeals on ball/strike calls. Other items may be appealed as allowed in the appropriate application of the rules but should be respectful and appropriate at all times. The Head Coach may be ejected after proper warning for failure to ensure proper conduct of his or her players, coaches, and parents. Any player or coach that is ejected for misconduct will serve a minimum one game suspension. This includes any actions that occur after the conclusion of the game where ejection is not feasible. The suspension may be increased by the GBL Board of Directors due to the severity of the infraction or previous conduct. The use of tobacco products or alcohol is prohibited at all times anywhere on the fields, dugouts, bleachers, and common areas between the fields. Use of these items will result in immediate ejection from the area and potential loss of coaching privileges. Germantown Baseball League (GBL) Girls Softball Division Rules 2

3 Section 2 - General Rules of Play Rules for the GBL Softball Division are applied in the following order of precedence: 1) Germantown Baseball League (GBL) Girls Softball Division Rules 2) USSSA Fastpitch Softball Rules ( 3) TSSAA Softball Rules Section 3 Coach Pitch Division (8U) Rules 1) Age Group The ages for GBL Girls Softball Coach Pitch Division (8U) are 7 and 8 years old. Age is determined by the player's age as of December 31 of the preceding year. For example, for the Spring/Summer 2015 season, the age group for a player is determined by her age on December 31, ) Innings per Game A complete game is five (5) innings. 3) Time Limit The time limit per game is eighty (80) minutes. Any inning currently underway when time expires shall be completed unless a team is mathematically eliminated from a tie or victory. 4) Official Game (Innings) and Scorekeeper A game is official after three (3) innings (or two and one-half (2.5) if the home team is ahead) or when time has expired and the last inning completed as necessary. The home team is the official scorekeeper. Home and visiting scorekeepers should confirm records after every half-inning. Differences shall be brought to the home plate umpire's attention immediately for reconciliation. 5) Base Distance The distance between bases is fifty (50) feet. 6) Field Size There is no maximum field size. 7) Run Limit per Inning A maximum of five (5) runs may be scored by a team in each half-inning. 8) Mercy Rule The mercy rule shall be invoked and the game called when a team becomes mathematically eliminated from a tie or victory in the scheduled number of innings. For example, in GBL Girls Softball Coach Pitch Division (8U), a team behind by eleven (11) or more at the end of the third inning is eliminated from a tie or victory, so the game shall be called. A game will be called official at the moment of elimination, whether at the end of or during a halfinning. Germantown Baseball League (GBL) Girls Softball Division Rules 3

4 9) Ties A tie may occur during any regular season game. If the game is tied at the end of regulation innings and there is time remaining, another inning shall be started. This inning will be played using the same rules as the regulation innings. 10) Minimum Number of Players Each team must be able to field seven players to start the game. There is no automatic out for a team playing with only seven or eight players. A team with less than seven players at the start of a game or due to attrition during the game will forfeit the game. Even though the game will be considered a forfeit in terms of season record, all parties are encouraged to adjust teams to allow for a scrimmage to be played. 11) Call-up Players A team is eligible to use a call up player if they have less than nine (9) players who will be eligible to play in a game. The call up player must be a registered, active participant in the GBL and can only be called up from the age group immediately below the team needing the player. The call up player must be of the oldest age in the younger division. For example, a player being called up from GBL Softball T-Ball Division (6U) must be six (6) years old or older. The call up player must play the entire game as a usual player. The call up player is only eligible to play right field or left field and must bat last in the lineup. 12) Maximum Number of Defenders A team may have a maximum of nine (9) defenders on the field at any time. A team may only have a maximum number of six (6) infield defenders, including pitcher and catcher. All outfield players must be placed at least thirty (30) feet behind the base paths. 13) Defensive Substitutions and Positions Once a team has taken the field defensively, no player can be taken off the field during that inning except for injury or illness. Players may be shifted from one defensive position to another during the inning. All players present must play at least every other inning in the field. Failure to comply with this rule will result in an automatic forfeiture. Since this is a recreational league, it is expected that Coaches will rotate players in different defensive positions Examples are allowing players to learn and play both infield/outfield, rotating who sits out each inning, etc. As safety is a paramount concern of the GBL, it is understood that at the older age groups in particular, a minimum skill level will be necessary for players in the pitcher and 3 rd base positions. It is expected that coaches will exercise their responsibility in such a manner as to promote experience and growth of skills for all players. 14) Batting Order The batting order (lineup) shall include all players present for a game and be given to the other team s scorekeeper prior to the start of the game. No player not present at the start of the game shall be listed on the lineup. The lineup will include the name and number of each player in order of plate appearance. This batting order must be maintained once the game has started. Any late arriving player will be eligible to join her team at the end of the next half-inning. At that point, she will be placed at the bottom of her team s batting order and the opposing scorekeeper advised. 15) Offensive Inning A team's offensive inning will continue until either three (3) outs have been made or five (5) runs have been scored. 16) Pitching Rules Each player will be allowed seven (7) balls pitched by the coach. If after seven (7) pitches or three (3) strikes, the player does not get a hit, regardless of where the balls were pitched by the coach, the batter is out. A two (2) strike foul ball will be handled as normal under USSSA Fastpitch Softball rules unless it occurs on the seventh Germantown Baseball League (GBL) Girls Softball Division Rules 4

5 pitch, in which case, the batter is out. A dead ball circle will be provided around the pitching rubber. In the event that a circle is not provided, the umpire will designate an imaginary dead ball area. A coach pitcher must pitch from inside the dead ball circle. His entire body must be inside the circle until the ball is released. Once the ball is hit, the coach pitcher must move into foul territory and out of the way of the play. If this coach pitcher is hit with the ball directly from the bat, the play is dead and base runners must return to their base, while the pitch is replayed. If a pitcher or any coach intentionally interferes or catches a batter ball or intentionally interferes with a defensive player, interference will be ruled and the batter called out. In this case, any runners return to their original bases. 17) Walks 18) Bunting Bunting or otherwise not swinging fully through the ball is not allowed. 19) Infield Fly Rule The Infield Fly Rule is not used. 20) Lead Off on Pitch A player may not leave the base until the bat contacts the ball. 21) Stealing Stealing is not allowed. 22) Courtesy Runner A courtesy runner may be used for any injured player. A courtesy runner may also be used with two (2) outs for the catcher. In any case, the courtesy runner will be the player most recently batted who is not on the field, whether by out, by run scored, or by the previous inning's activities. 23) Dropped 3 rd Strike 24) Advance Limit on Overthrow of 1 st Base A player may only advance to the base they are currently running to plus one additional base on an overthrow of 1 st base. 25) Advance Limit on Overthrow in Play (Other than 1 st Base) A player may advance at her own risk. 26) Advance Limit on Overthrow that is a Dead Ball A player may only advance to the base she is currently running to plus one additional base. 27) Advance Limit on Infield Hit 28) Advance Limit on Outfield Hit Germantown Baseball League (GBL) Girls Softball Division Rules 5

6 29) Immediate Dead Ball in Pitcher's Circle The ball is immediately declared dead when a defensive player has control of the ball in the pitching circle. 30) Advance to Next Base on Dead Ball in Pitcher's Circle When the ball is declared dead, a player may only advance to the next base if they are past the halfway mark between bases. This rule is applied to the runner closest to home first and then all successive runners based on base availability. 31) Look Back Rule 32) Softball Size GBL Girls Softball Coach Pitch Division (8U) will use an eleven (11) inch softball. 33) Batting Helmets A batting helmet is required at all times for any offensive player outside of the dugout at any point there is a live ball. This includes batters, on deck batters, and base-runners. Batting helmet face guards are permitted but not required. As safety is a paramount concern for all involved with the GBL, face guards are heavily encouraged for all players based on skill level. 34) Defensive Player Protective Gear Defensive protective gear, other than catcher, is permitted but not required. As safety is a paramount concern for all involved with the GBL, defensive protective gear is heavily encouraged for all players based on skill and playing position. Particular attention should be given to all players serving as pitcher or 3 rd base. 35) Cleat Style Only rubber cleats are permitted. 36) Catcher's Gear For any player assuming the position of catcher, a catcher's helmet, chest protector, and leg guards are required at all times. 37) Uniform and Cap/Visor Only uniforms and caps/visors provided by the GBL are allowed. 38) Bows and Jewelry Bows are permitted. Only stud earrings are permitted on the field of play, whether on offense or defense. All other jewelry must be removed prior to start of play. 39) Additional Coaching Information Two defensive coaches may be outside of the dugout at any time. They shall remain in foul territory and within one (1) arm's length of the outside/dugout fence at all times but may be placed on both 1 st and 3 rd base sides to facilitate instruction of players. It is the defensive coach's responsibility to remain clear of all live ball activities and they may not touch any player on the field. No fielder may intentionally, or be coached, to roll a ball to a base or other player as this does not aid in the development of fundamental softball skills. Offensive coaches may be in 1 st and 3 rd base coaches' boxes as well as the pitching circle. The pitcher-coach is required to make every effort not to interfere with a live ball. 1 st and 3 rd must operate under USSSA Fastpitch Germantown Baseball League (GBL) Girls Softball Division Rules 6

7 Softball rules. Teams are encouraged to have only the 1 st and 3 rd base coaches instructing their runners in order for the players to grow accustomed to the environment they will experience in older age groups. Section 4 Modified Pitch Division (11U) Rules 1) Age Group The ages for GBL Girls Softball Modified Pitch Division (11U) are 9, 10, and 11 years old. Age is determined by the player's age as of December 31 of the preceding year. For example, for the Spring/Summer 2015 season, the age group for a player is determined by her age on December 31, ) Innings per Game A complete game is five (5) innings. 3) Time Limit The time limit per game is eighty (80) minutes. Any inning currently underway when time expires shall be completed unless a team is mathematically eliminated from a tie or victory. 4) Official Game (Innings) and Scorekeeper A game is official after three (3) innings (or two and one-half (2.5) if the home team is ahead) or when time has expired and the last inning completed as necessary. The home team is the official scorekeeper. Home and visiting scorekeepers should confirm records after every half-inning. Differences shall be brought to the home plate umpire's attention immediately for reconciliation. 5) Base Distance The distance between bases is sixty (60) feet. 6) Field Size There is no maximum field size. 7) Run Limit per Inning A maximum of five (5) runs may be scored by a team in each half-inning. 8) Mercy Rule The mercy rule shall be invoked and the game called when a team becomes mathematically eliminated from a tie or victory in the scheduled number of innings. For example, in GBL Girls Softball Modified Pitch Division (11U), a team behind by eleven (11) or more at the end of the third inning is eliminated from a tie or victory, so the game shall be called. A game will be called official at the moment of elimination, whether at the end of or during a halfinning. 9) Ties A tie may occur during any regular season game. If the game is tied at the end of regulation innings and there is time remaining, another inning shall be started. This inning will be played using the same rules as the regulation innings. 10) Minimum Number of Players Germantown Baseball League (GBL) Girls Softball Division Rules 7

8 Each team must be able to field eight players to start the game. There is no automatic out for a team playing with only eight players. A team with less than eight players at the start of a game or due to attrition during the game will forfeit the game. Even though the game will be considered a forfeit in terms of season record, all parties are encouraged to adjust teams to allow for a scrimmage to be played. 11) Call-up Players A team is eligible to use a call up player if they have less than nine (9) players who will be eligible to play in a game. The call up player must be a registered, active participant in the GBL and can only be called up from the age group immediately below the team needing the player. The call up player must be of the oldest age in the younger division. For example, a player being called up from GBL Girls Softball Coach Pitch (8U) must be eight (8) years old or older. The call up player must play the entire game as a usual player. The call up player is only eligible to play right field or left field and must bat last in the lineup. 12) Maximum Number of Defenders A team may have a maximum of nine (9) defenders on the field at any time. A team may only have a maximum number of six (6) infield defenders, including pitcher and catcher. All outfield players must be placed at least thirty (30) feet behind the base paths. 13) Defensive Substitutions and Positions Once a team has taken the field defensively, no player can be taken off the field during that inning except for injury or illness. The only exception to this rule is for the removal of a pitcher. Players may be shifted from one defensive position to another during the inning. All players present must play at least every other inning in the field. Failure to comply with this rule will result in an automatic forfeiture. Since this is a recreational league, it is expected that Coaches will rotate players in different defensive positions Examples are allowing players to learn and play both infield/outfield, rotating who sits out each inning, etc. As safety is a paramount concern of the GBL, it is understood that at the older age groups in particular, a minimum skill level will be necessary for players in the pitcher and 3 rd base positions. It is expected that coaches will exercise their responsibility in such a manner as to promote experience and growth of skills for all players. 14) Batting Order The batting order (lineup) shall include all players present for a game and be given to the other team s scorekeeper prior to the start of the game. No player not present at the start of the game shall be listed on the lineup. The lineup will include the name and number of each player in order of plate appearance. This batting order must be maintained once the game has started. Any late arriving player will be eligible to join her team at the end of the next half-inning. At that point, she will be placed at the bottom of her team s batting order and the opposing scorekeeper advised. 15) Offensive Inning A team's offensive inning will continue until either three (3) outs have been made or five (5) runs have been scored. 16) Pitching Rules Each player will be allowed seven (7) balls pitched. The first five (5) will be pitched by an opposing player from a distance of thirty-five (35) feet. These pitches will be delivered using USSSA Fastpitch Softball rules. It is understood that at this level pitchers are often developing and, at times, inconsistent. The umpires have this knowledge and have been instructed to take into consideration the intent of the pitcher in terms of compliance with all pitching requirements. If after five (5) pitches, the player has not placed the ball in play or struck out, the batter's coach will enter the field and deliver two (2) pitches. If after these two (2) pitches the player has not placed the ball in play or struck out (strike count carries over from the player-pitcher), the batter is out. A two (2) strike foul ball will be handled as normal under USSSA Fastpitch Softball rules unless it occurs on the second coach pitch, in which case, the batter is out. A dead ball circle will be provided around the pitching rubber. In the event that a circle is not provided, the umpire will designate an imaginary dead ball area. A coach pitcher must Germantown Baseball League (GBL) Girls Softball Division Rules 8

9 pitch from inside the dead ball circle. His entire body must be inside the circle until the ball is released. Once the ball is hit, the coach pitcher must move into foul territory and out of the way of the play. If this coach pitcher is hit with the ball directly from the bat, the play is dead and base runners must return to their base, while the pitch is replayed. If a pitcher or any coach intentionally interferes or catches a batted ball or intentionally interferes with a defensive player, interference will be ruled and the batter called out. In this case, any runners return to their original bases. 17) Walks 18) Bunting Bunting or otherwise not swinging fully through the ball is not allowed. 19) Infield Fly Rule The Infield Fly Rule is not used. 20) Lead Off on Pitch A player may not leave the base until the bat contacts the ball. 21) Stealing Stealing is not allowed. 22) Courtesy Runner A courtesy runner may be used for any injured player. A courtesy runner may also be used with two (2) outs for the catcher. In any case, the courtesy runner will be the player most recently batted who is not on the field, whether by out, by run scored, or by the previous inning's activities. 23) Dropped 3 rd Strike 24) Advance Limit on Overthrow of 1 st Base A player may advance at her own risk. 25) Advance Limit on Overthrow in Play (Other than 1 st Base) A player may advance at her own risk. 26) Advance Limit on Overthrow that is a Dead Ball A player may only advance to the base she is currently running to plus one additional base. 27) Advance Limit on Infield Hit 28) Advance Limit on Outfield Hit 29) Immediate Dead Ball in Pitcher's Circle The ball is immediately declared dead when a defensive player has control of the ball in the pitching circle. Germantown Baseball League (GBL) Girls Softball Division Rules 9

10 30) Advance to Next Base on Dead Ball in Pitcher's Circle When the ball is declared dead, a player may only advance to the next base if they are past the halfway mark between bases. This rule is applied to the runner closest to home first and then all successive runners based on base availability. 31) Look Back Rule 32) Softball Size GBL Softball Modified Pitch Division (11U) uses an eleven (11) inch softball. 33) Batting Helmets on Field (Offense) A batting helmet is required at all times for any offensive player outside of the dugout at any point there is a live ball. This includes batters, on deck batters, and base-runners. Batting helmet face guards are permitted but not required. As safety is a paramount concern for all involved with the GBL, face guards are heavily encouraged for all players based on skill level. 34) Defensive Player Protective Gear Defensive protective gear, other than catcher, is permitted but not required. As safety is a paramount concern for all involved with the GBL, defensive protective gear is heavily encouraged for all players based on skill and playing position. Particular attention should be given to all players serving as pitcher or 3 rd base. 35) Cleat Style Only rubber cleats are permitted. 36) Catcher's Gear For any player assuming the position of catcher, a catcher's helmet, chest protector, and leg guards are required at all times. 37) Uniform and Cap/Visor Only uniforms and caps/visors provided by the GBL are allowed. 38) Bows and Jewelry Bows are permitted. Only stud earrings are permitted on the field of play, whether on offense or defense. All other jewelry must be removed prior to start of play. 39) Additional Coaching Information Two defensive coaches may be outside of the dugout at any time. They shall remain in foul territory and within one (1) arm's length of their own dugout fence at all times. It is the defensive coach's responsibility to remain clear of all live ball activities and they may not touch any player on the field. No fielder may intentionally, or be coached to roll a ball to a base or other player as this does not aid in the development of fundamental softball skills. Offensive coaches may be in 1 st and 3 rd base coaches' boxes and must operate under USSSA Fastpitch Softball rules. Additionally, the pitcher-coach will enter the playing field at the appropriate time and is required to make every effort not to interfere with a live ball. Teams are encouraged to have only the 1 st and 3 rd base coaches instructing their runners in order for the players to grow accustomed to the environment they will experience in older age groups. Germantown Baseball League (GBL) Girls Softball Division Rules 10

11 Section 5 Fast Pitch Division (18U) Rules 1) Age Group The ages for GBL Girls Softball High School Division (18U) are 15, 16, 17, and 18 years old. Age is determined by the player's age as of December 31 of the preceding year. For example, for the Spring/Summer 2015 season, the age group for a player is determined by her age on December 31, ) Innings per Game A complete game is seven (7) innings. 3) Time Limit The time limit per game is one hundred and five (105) minutes. Any inning currently underway when time expires shall be completed unless a team is mathematically eliminated from a tie or victory. 4) Official Game (Innings) and Scorekeeper A game is official after four (4) innings (or three and one-half (3.5) if the home team is ahead) or when time has expired and the last inning completed as necessary. The home team is the official scorekeeper. Home and visiting scorekeepers should confirm records after every half-inning. Differences shall be brought to the home plate umpire's attention immediately for reconciliation. 5) Base Distance The distance between bases is sixty (60) feet. 6) Field Size There is no maximum field size. However, when available, games will be played on a field with an outfield fence distance of one hundred and seventy-five (175) feet. 7) Run Limit per Inning A maximum of five (5) runs may be scored by a team in each half-inning. 8) Mercy Rule The mercy rule shall be invoked and the game called when a team becomes mathematically eliminated from a tie or victory in the scheduled number of innings. For example, in GBL Girls Softball High School Division (18U), a team behind by eleven (16) or more at the end of the fourth inning is eliminated from a tie or victory, so the game shall be called. A game will be called official at the moment of elimination, whether at the end of or during a halfinning. 9) Ties A tie may occur during any regular season game. If the game is tied at the end of regulation innings and there is time remaining, another inning shall be started. This inning will be played using the same rules as the regulation innings. 10) Minimum Number of Players Each team must be able to field eight players to start the game. There is no automatic out for a team playing with only eight players. A team with less than eight players at the start of a game or due to attrition during the game will forfeit the game. Even though the game will be considered a forfeit in terms of season record, all parties are encouraged to adjust teams to allow for a scrimmage to be played. Germantown Baseball League (GBL) Girls Softball Division Rules 11

12 11) Call-up Players A team is eligible to use a call up player if they have less than nine (9) players who will be eligible to play in a game. The call up player must be a registered, active participant in the GBL and can only be called up from the age group immediately below the team needing the player. The call up player must be of the oldest age in the younger division. For example, a player being called up from GBL Girls Softball Middle School Pitch (14U) must be fourteen (14) years old or older. The call up player must play the entire game as a usual player and rotation schedule is observed. The call up player is only eligible to play right field or left field and must bat last in the lineup. 12) Maximum Number of Defenders A team may have a maximum of nine (9) defenders on the field at any time. A team may only have a maximum number of six (6) infield defenders, including pitcher and catcher. Outfield players may be placed as desired in accordance with USSSA Fastpitch Softball rules. 13) Defensive Substitutions and Positions Once a team has taken the field defensively, no player can be taken off the field during that inning except for injury or illness. The only exception to this rule is for the removal of a pitcher. Players may be shifted from one defensive position to another during the inning. All players present must play at least every other inning in the field. Failure to comply with this rule will result in an automatic forfeiture. Since this is a recreational league, it is expected that Coaches will rotate players in different defensive positions Examples are allowing players to learn and play both infield/outfield, rotating who sits out each inning, etc. As safety is a paramount concern of the GBL, it is understood that at the older age groups in particular, a minimum skill level will be necessary for players in the pitcher and 3 rd base positions. It is expected that coaches will exercise their responsibility in such a manner as to promote experience and growth of skills for all players. 14) Batting Order The batting order (lineup) shall include all players present for a game and be given to the other team s scorekeeper prior to the start of the game. No player not present at the start of the game shall be listed on the lineup. The lineup will include the name and number of each player in order of plate appearance. This batting order must be maintained once the game has started. Any late arriving player will be eligible to join her team at the end of the next half-inning. At that point, she will be placed at the bottom of her team s batting order and the opposing scorekeeper advised. 15) Offensive Inning A team's offensive inning will continue until either three (3) outs have been made or five (5) runs have been scored. 16) Pitching Rules All standard USSSA Fastpitch Softball pitching rules will be followed except as noted here. There are no pitch count rules in GBL Girls Softball High School Division (18U). Pitchers may be removed and reinserted into the position in any subsequent inning. Any pitcher who hits three batters and who the home plate umpire deems to be endangering batters due to lack of control will be removed from the position for the duration of the game. 17) Walks Walks, including intentional, are allowed. 18) Bunting Bunting, slapping, and other modified swings are allowed as per USSSA Fastpitch Softball rules. Germantown Baseball League (GBL) Girls Softball Division Rules 12

13 19) Infield Fly Rule The Infield Fly Rule is in effect. 20) Lead Off on Pitch A player may leave the base when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. 21) Stealing Stealing is allowed. 22) Courtesy Runner A courtesy runner may be used for any injured player. A courtesy runner may also be used with two (2) outs for the catcher. In any case, the courtesy runner will be the player most recently batted who is not on the field, whether by out, by run scored, or by the previous inning's activities. 23) Dropped 3 rd Strike The Dropped 3 rd Strike rule is in effect. 24) Advance Limit on Overthrow of 1 st Base A player may advance at her own risk. 25) Advance Limit on Overthrow in Play (Other than 1 st Base) A player may advance at her own risk. 26) Advance Limit on Overthrow that is a Dead Ball A player may only advance to the base she is currently running to plus one additional base. 27) Advance Limit on Infield Hit 28) Advance Limit on Outfield Hit 29) Immediate Dead Ball in Pitcher's Circle 30) Advance to Next Base on Dead Ball in Pitcher's Circle 31) Look Back Rule The Look Back Rule is in effect. 32) Softball Size GBL Girls Softball High School Division (18U) uses a twelve (12) inch softball. 33) Batting Helmets on Field A batting helmet is required at all times for any offensive player outside of the dugout at any point there is a live ball. This includes batters, on deck batters, and base-runners. Batting helmet face guards are permitted but not Germantown Baseball League (GBL) Girls Softball Division Rules 13

14 required. As safety is a paramount concern for all involved with the GBL, face guards are heavily encouraged for all players based on skill level. 34) Defensive Player Protective Gear Defensive protective gear, other than catcher, is permitted but not required. As safety is a paramount concern for all involved with the GBL, defensive protective gear is heavily encouraged for all players based on skill and playing position. Particular attention should be given to all players serving as pitcher or 3 rd base. 35) Cleat Style Only rubber cleats are permitted. 36) Catcher's Gear For any player assuming the position of catcher, a catcher's helmet, chest protector, and leg guards are required at all times. 37) Uniform and Cap/Visor Only uniforms and caps/visors provided by the GBL are allowed. 38) Bows and Jewelry Bows are permitted. Only stud earrings are permitted on the field of play, whether on offense or defense. All other jewelry must be removed prior to start of play. 39) Additional Coaching Information Two defensive coaches may be outside of the dugout at any time. They shall remain in foul territory and within one (1) arm's length of their own dugout fence at all times. It is the defensive coach's responsibility to remain clear of all live ball activities and they may not touch any player on the field. Offensive coaches may be in 1 st and/or 3 rd base coach s box and shall operate under USSSA Fastpitch Softball rules. Section 6 Tournament Rules All rules from each division of GBL Girls Softball will remain in full force and effect except as described here. 1) Ties No game shall end in a tie. If a game is a tie at the end of regulation innings or time, extra innings shall be played using all standard rules except the run limit will be increased to ten (10) runs per half-inning. If, after two extra innings a tie still remains, the following actions will be taken for the third, and any subsequent, innings. The visiting team will be assessed two outs and a runner will be placed at second base. The visiting team will bat until a third out is made at which point the home team will replicate these actions. Play will continue until a winner exists at the conclusion of an inning. The runner at second base will be determined in the same manner as any courtesy runner. Germantown Baseball League (GBL) Girls Softball Division Rules 14