Eastern Lehigh Valley Softball 2014 Official Playing Rules 1
EASTERN LEHIGH VALLEY SOFTBALL LEAGUE 2014 RULES Official rules of play shall be PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) rules, which can be found at www.piaa.org Amendments to PIAA rules are as follows: General Rules 1. Game times a. Weekday game time is 6:00 PM. Saturday game times begin at 11:00 AM. Exceptions are permitted and will be indicated on the schedules. 2. Length of game and minimum playing time of players a. Kindergarten/First Graders 1. Four (4) innings or one hour and fifteen (1:15) to one hour and thirty (1:30) minutes. 2. Each player must play at least two (2) innings in the field. 3. A league warning will result upon the first offense of not playing all players. b. Second/Third Graders 1. Five (5) innings or no new inning after 1:20 minutes, with a minimum of four (4) innings being played. 2. Each player must play at least three (3) innings in a five (5) inning game or two (2) innings in a four inning game in the field. 3. A league warning will result upon the first offense of not playing all players. c. Fourth/Fifth Graders 1. Prior to May 15 th, no inning may start after 7:45, unless fields have lights, then the game can continue until the set forth below. 2. Six (6) innings or a new inning may not begin after two (2) hours for regular season games. 3. If game is tied when two hour time limit is met, the game will continue with the next inning being the sixth (6 th ) inning and the sixth (6 th ) inning rules will apply. Game must be played until winner is declared. Games can only be called for weather or darkness. a. In the event that a game is defined as a continuation game, those games suspended due to weather or darkness, a new two hour time limit is observed. 4. Each player must play at least three (3) innings in the field in each six (6) inning game or a minimum of two (2) innings in any game of less than six (6) innings that is shortened due to darkness or weather. No player should ever sit the first three (3) innings of any game. 5. A league warning will result upon the first offense of not playing all players. d. Sixth/Seventh Graders 1. Prior to May 15 th, no inning may start after 7:45, unless fields have lights, then the game can continue until the set forth below. 2. Seven (7) innings. 3. Each player must play at three (3 Innings in the field in each seven (7) inning game or a minimum of tow (2) innings in any game of less than seven (7) innings that is shortened 2
due to darkness or weather. No player should ever sit for the first three (3) innings of any game. 4. No inning shall start after two hours and 15 minutes (2:15) have been played. 5. A league warning will result upon the first offense of not playing all players. e. Eighth/Ninth Graders 1. Seven (7) innings. 2. American League a. There are no minimum playing requirements for players. 3. National League a. Each player must play at least three (3) innings in the field in seven (7) inning game or a minimum of two (2) innings in any game of less than seven (7) innings that is shortened due to darkness or weather. No player should ever sit for the first three (3) innings of any game. b. A league warning will result upon the first offense of not playing all players. f. Tenth Graders through a player not turning 20 prior to July 1 st 1. Seven (7) innings 2. There are no minimum playing requirements for players. 3. Complete games a. Kindergarten/First Graders 1. In the event of bad weather or darkness, a game will be considered complete at the discretion of the coaches. After two and one half (2½) innings if the home team is winning and three (3) innings if the visiting team is winning. b. Second/Third Graders, Fourth/Fifth Graders, Sixth/Seventh Graders, Eighth/Ninth Graders, Tenth/Higher Graders 1. In the event of bad weather or darkness, a game will be considered complete after: a. Second/Third Graders - Three (3) innings, or two and one half (2½) innings if the home team is leading. b. Fourth/Fifth Graders Four (4) innings, or three and one half (3½) innings if the home team is leading. c. Sixth/Seventh Graders, Eighth/Ninth Graders, Tenth/Higher Five (5) innings, or four and a half (4½) innings if the home team is leading. 2. Mercy Rule: a. Fourth/Fifth Graders In the event that the home team is ahead by twelve (12) runs after 3 and a half (3½) innings, or the visiting team is ahead by twelve (12) runs after the fourth (4 th ) inning, or at the completion of any inning thereafter. b. Sixth/Seventh Graders In the event that the home team is ahead by ten (10) runs after four and a half innings (4½) innings, or the visiting team is ahead by ten (10) runs after the fifth (5 th ) inning, or at the completion of any inning thereafter. c. Eighth/Ninth Graders In the event that the home team is ahead by fifteen (15) runs after four (4) innings, or the visiting team is ahead by fifteen (15) runs after the four (4) innings. Twelve (12) runs shall be applied after five (5) innings and ten (10) runs after six (6) innings. d. Tenth/Higher In the event that the home team is ahead by ten (10) runs after four and half (4½) innings, or the visiting team is ahead by ten (10) runs after the fifth (5 th ) inning, or at the completion of any inning thereafter. 4. Dimensions 3
a. Kindergarten/First Graders 1. Length of bases shall be forty-five (45) or fifty (50) feet. 2. Pitching rubber shall be located thirty (30) feet from the back point of home plate. b. Second/Third Graders 1. Length of bases shall be fifty-five (55) feet. 2. Pitching rubber shall be located thirty-two (32) feet from the back point of home plate. c. Fourth/Fifth Graders 1. Length of bases shall be fifty-five (55) feet. 2. Pitching rubber shall be located thirty-five (35) feet from the back point of home plate. d. Sixth/Seventh Graders 1. Length of bases shall be sixty (60) feet. 2. Pitching rubber shall be located forty (40) feet from the back point of home plate. e. Eighth/Ninth Graders 1. Length of bases shall be sixty (60) feet. 2. Pitching rubber shall be located forty (40) feet from the back point of home plate at the National League level and forty-three (43) feet from the back point of home plate at the American League level. f. Tenth/Higher 1. Length of bases shall be sixty (60) feet. 2. Pitching rubber shall be located forty-three (43) feet from the back point of home plate. 5. Equipment a. Balls 1. The home team shall supply one new ball and one backup ball for each game. a. Kindergarten/First Graders: A nine (9) inch Incredi-Ball shall be used for play. b. Second/Third Graders: An eleven (11) inch Incredi-Ball shall be used for play. c. Fourth/Fifth Graders: An eleven (11) inch ASA.47 approved optic yellow softball shall be used for play. Red-stitching is mandatory.. d. Sixth/Seventh Graders: A twelve (12) inch ASA.47 approved optic yellow softball shall be used for play. Red-stitching is mandatory.. e. Eighth/Ninth Graders: A twelve (12) inch ASA.47 approved optic yellow softball shall be used for play. Red-stitching is mandatory.. f. Tenth/Higher: A twelve (12) inch ASA.47 approved optic yellow softball shall be used for play. Red-stitching is mandatory. b. Bats 1. All bats must be 2004 ASA or BESR certified softball bats. 2. Kindergarten/First Graders and Second/Third Graders are EXEMPT from this rule. c. Helmets 1. Batters and base runners must wear protective helmets with attached facemasks and chin straps. d. Pitching Facemasks 1. Pitching facemasks shall be required in 2014 at the Second/Third Graders, Fourth/Fifth Graders, Sixth/Seventh Graders, and Eighth/Ninth Graders Nationals (B) level. Teams will be required to carry at least one pitching facemask or an alternative batting helmet with a facemask e. First Aid Kits 4
1. All Coaches are required to have a first-aid kit available at all practices and games. A pair of rubber gloves must be available at all games. f. Use of the double first base is required at Second/Third Graders, Fourth/Fifth Graders, and Sixth/Seventh Graders levels. g. Hitsticks may not be used during games. h. Metals cleats may not be worn. 6. Rosters. a. Minimum size 1. Kindergarten/First Graders -Minimum of 8, maximum of 11, unless exception is approved by league board. 2. Second/Third Graders-): Minimum of 12 unless exception is approved by league board. 3. Fourth/Fifth Graders-Minimum of 12, unless exception is approved by league board. 4. Sixth/Seventh Graders -Minimum of 11 unless exception is approved by league board. 5. Eighth/Ninth Graders) and Tenth/Higher- 11 player minimum unless exception is approved by league board. b. Minimum players needed for game is eight (8), at which the team will be assessed an automatic out in the ninth (9 th ) batting position. No automatic out will be charged provided there are nine (9) players in the line-up. If there are less than eight (8) players, the offending team will FORFEIT the game to the opposing team. Does NOT Apply to Kindergarten/First Graders c. Bringing up of players. 1. Second/Third Graders and Fourth/Fifth Graders a. A player must be brought up from one age level below if a team knows they will have only eight (8) players or less for a regular scheduled game. b. A player may be brought up as the ninth (9) or tenth (10) player. If brought up as the tenth (10) player, all ten (10) must play. c. Any player who is brought up is NOT eligible to pitch. d. No player is eligible to be brought up if her regular team has a game scheduled at the same time. 2. Sixth/Seventh Graders a. A player must be brought up from the one age level below if a team knows they will have only eight (8) players or less for a regular scheduled game. b. A player may be brought up as the ninth (9) or tenth (10) player. I brought up as the tenth (10) player, all ten (10) must play. c. Any player who is brought up is NOT eligible to pitch. d. No player is eligible to be brought up if her regular team has a game scheduled at the same time. 3. Eighth/Ninth Graders a. Players may not be double rostered between the American and National leagues. b. National league players may be brought up to the American league on a ninth (9 th ) player per game only basis. c. Sixth/Seventh Grade players may be brought up to the National league on a ninth (9 th ) player per game only basis. d. Sixth/Seventh Grade players may be brought up to the American league only if she is a tournament player or the organization does not field a National league team. Sixth/Seventh Grade tournament pitchers may pitch only in the American league. 5
e. National league and Sixth/Seventh Grade players pitching in the American league will be restricted to three (3) appearances per current season. These appearances shall be permitted only in the event of sickness, injury, or vacation. Additional appearances will be permitted by league approval only. A national league pitcher may be brought up in these instances even if here regularly rostered team has a game. f. National league and Sixth/Seventh Grade players playing in the American league will be restricted to five (5) appearances per current season. Additional appearances will be permitted by league approval only. Should a player make more than five (5) appearances without league approval, all games in which she participated shall be declared a forfeit. g. Non-tournament Sixth/Seventh Grade will be allowed to pitch in the National league on an unlimited basis with her Sixth/Seventh Grade team having first priority. h. National league teams may roster two (2) tournament players if their organization does not have an American league team. These players may not pitch. i. A tournament player is defined as a player who is a member of a team that chooses it members on a basis of tryouts and plays or will be playing in weekend tournaments, such as ASA or USSSA, or weekday exhibition play during the current season. j. All American league coaches will receive copies of each team s American league roster. Names of any player added to the American league roster will be furnished to all coaches by the league statistician. 4. Tenth/Higher a. All players rostered at the Eighth/Ninth Grade level may be brought up to the Tenth/Higherlevel with their Eighth/Ninth Grade team having first priority. b. Players being brought up may not accrue any more playing time per game than the least used regularly rostered player. Playing time is defined as time played in the field. This rule does not apply to pitchers. The definition of the pitching position appears in the PIAA rule book. d. Game rainouts, cancellations & make ups 1. Second/Third Graders, Fourth/Fifth Graders, Sixth/Seventh Graders, and Eighth/Ninth Graders. a. All rainouts and cancellations must be replayed by the first Sunday following the date of the cancellation. In the event of two rainouts/cancellations in the same week, the second game must be made up by the second Sunday following the date of the second cancellation. b. Failure to follow this rule will results in the offending team being charged with a forfeit or being fined $25.00 at the league s discretion, or both for repeat offenders. The league will have the option to reschedule the game. c. Lineup must be exchanged prior to the game and be approved by the umpire. d. If coach moves a game after the umpires have been scheduled, a $5.00 fine will be assessed to the requesting (offending) organization rather than having the league assume this cost. Any show up fees due the umpire shall be paid by the offending organization as well. 2. Tenth/Higher 6
a. All rainouts and cancellations must be replayed by the second Sunday following the date of the cancellation. b. Failure to follow this rule will results in the offending team being charged with a forfeit or being fined $25.00 at the league s discretion, or both for repeat offenders. The league will have the option to reschedule the game. c. If coach moves a game after the umpire have been scheduled, a $5.00 fine will be assessed to the requesting (offending) organization rather than having the league assume this cost. Any show up fees due the umpire shall be paid by the offending organization as well. e. Scorekeeping 1. Kindergarten/First Graders a. No score will be kept. There will be no winners or losers. 2. Second/Third Graders, Fourth/Fifth Graders, Sixth/Seventh Graders, Eighth/Ninth Graders, and Tenth/Higher. a. Scores will be kept by both teams. 1.Scorekeepers from both teams should meet between innings to validate the score, number of steals attempts, pitchers innings, and last player out, to avoid issues with the line-up or rules. b. Each team will hand in line-up to the opposing team that will consist of last name, first initial, and number For Eighth/Ninth Graders and Tenth/Higher, the line-up shall also include position. All players playing up shall be identified with an asterisk (*). Failure to identify players playing up will be considered illegal players and a forfeit will be declared. c. The winning team is responsible for submitting the scores to the statistician. In the case of Fourth/Fifth Graders and Sixth/Seventh Graders the last names of the pitchers and innings pitched also need to be submitted to the statistician. Players playing up shall be submitted for each game as well. Failure to identify the players playing up will be considered illegal players and a forfeit will be declared. d. Failure to send the information to the statistician within twenty-four (24) hours will result in a five dollar ($5.00) fine, payable at the next league meeting. f. Infield fly rule 1. Kindergarten/First Graders, Second/Third Graders, and Fourth/Fifth Graders a. Infield fly rule does NOT apply. 2. Sixth/Seventh Graders, Eighth/Ninth Graders, and Tenth/Higher a. Infield fly rule DOES apply. g. Protest Fee 1. A fee of $25.00 must accompany a written protest within 24 hours of the completion of the game being protested. The protest must be filed with the umpire in compliance with the protest rules. The fee will be returned if the protest is upheld. The league administrator must be notified of any protest within twenty-four (24) hours. h. Tenth/Higher 1. One game must be played each week or five (5) games by the 15 th of June. Pitching 1. Kindergarten/First Graders: A player may play the pitching position, but is NOT allowed to pitch the ball to the batter. 7
2. Second/Third Graders a. A pitcher may pitch a maximum of two (2) innings per game. There are no per week pitching limitations. b. A pitcher will be allowed a maximum of 6 pitches per batter, and then the coach shall resume pitching to the batter. c. No walks allowed, either the ball is put in play or the batter strikes out. d. A pitcher shall be removed from the mound when she hits three (3) batters in the given game, and may not pitch the remainder of the game. Pitched balls hitting the ground prior to hitting a batter will not be considered a hit batter for the purpose of removing the pitcher. This rule applies to all innings pitched in a game, including any extra innings. 3. Fourth/Fifth Graders a. A pitcher may pitch a maximum of three (3) innings per game. There are no per week pitching limitations. b. In the event of a tie game and extra innings are played, a pitcher may pitch more than the maximum of three (3) innings per game and these extra innings are free innings. A pitcher may NOT enter a game for the third (3 rd ) time in extra innings. c. One pitch in an inning shall be counted as a complete inning pitched. d. A pitcher may re-enter the game only one time during the regulation game or extra innings. e. PIAA pitching rules will be used and enforced. Illegal pitching styles shall be corrected with no penalty being assessed to the pitcher. f. Pitcher must be removed after two trips to the mound per inning from either a coach(es) or player(s). g. A maximum of three trips, from either a coach(es) or player(s) are allowed per game. h. A pitcher shall be removed from the mound when she hits three (3) batters in the given game and may not pitch the remainder of the game. Pitched balls hitting the ground prior to hitting a batter will not be considered a hit batter for the purpose of removing the pitcher. This rule applies to all innings pitched in a game, including any extra innings. i. After May 15 th, if a batter is struck by a pitch, directly or indirectly (hit ground first), the batter shall be awarded first base. The batter must make every effort to get out of the way of the pitch. If this is not done, the pitch will be considered a ball and a base will not be awarded. This is at the discretion of the umpire. Prior to May 15 th, a batter stuck by a pitch will be considered a ball. j. A pitched ball that is thrown out of play from the mound wile in the act of pitching to the batter shall be considered a ball k. The pitcher will be allowed a maximum of three (3) warm-up pitches prior to the start of each inning. l. A pitcher MUST be removed after walking six (6) batters in an inning. She may reenter the game after one (1) full inning has elapsed. This rule is applicable after May 15 th. a. Example: A pitcher pitching in the fourth inning and has no outs when the sixth batter is walked, the pitcher, if she is still eligible to pitch, cannot return until the sixth (6 th ) inning. Same would hold true if there were two outs in the fourth inning when the sixth batter is walked, the pitcher cannot return until the sixth inning. 4. Sixth/Seventh Graders a. A pitcher may pitch a maximum of four (4) innings per game. There are no per week pitching limitations. 8
b. In the event of a tie game and extra innings are played, a pitcher may pitch more than the maximum of four (4) innings per game and these extra innings are free innings. A pitcher may NOT enter a game for the third (3 rd ) time in extra innings. c. A pitcher may re-enter the game one time provided her maximum of four (4) innings have not been met. One pitch in an inning shall be counted as a complete inning pitched. d. A pitcher shall be removed from the mound when she hits three (3) betters in a given game. Pitched balls hitting the ground prior to hitting a better will not be considered a hit batter for the purpose of removing the pitcher. This rule applies to all innings pitches in a game, including any extra innings. e. If a batter is struck by a pitch, directly or indirectly (hit ground first), the batter shall be awarded first bases. The batter must make every effort to get out of the way of the pitch. If this is not done, the pitch will be considered a ball and a base will not be awarded. This is at the discretion of the umpire. f. PIAA pitching rules will be used and enforced. g. Pitcher must be removed after two trips to the mound per inning from either a coach(es) or player(s). h. A maximum of three trips, from either a coach(es) or player(s) are allowed per game. i. The pitcher will be allowed a maximum of three (3) warm-up pitches prior to the start of each inning. j. A pitcher MUST be removed after walking six (6) batters in an inning. She may reenter the game after one (1) full inning has elapsed. This rule is applicable after May 15 th. 1. Example: A pitcher pitching in the fourth inning and has no outs when the sixth batter is walked, the pitcher, if she is still eligible to pitch, cannot return until the sixth (6 th ) inning. Same would hold true if there were two outs in the fourth inning when the sixth batter is walked, the pitcher cannot return until the sixth inning 5. Eighth/Ninth Graders & Tenth/Higher a. Pitching rules from PIAA are acceptable. Batting 1. Kindergarten/First Graders a. A running batting order that includes all players present shall be used. b. A player arriving late shall be added to the end of the batting order. c. An inning ends when everyone in the batting order for the team has batted. i. If three (3) outs are obtained, the bases are cleared and batting continues until the end of the batting order. d. The batting T will be used for the entire game during the first half of the season. The coaches will pitch to the batter the entire game during the second half of the season. During the coach pitch part of the season, a batter will be given a maximum of six (6) pitches, after which time, a tee must be used in order to complete the at bat. THIS RULE WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED. e. Batters may not be in the batter s box until the ball is on the tee or the pitcher is on the mound. 2. Second/Third Graders a. A running batting order that includes all players present shall be used. b. A player arriving late shall be added to the end of the batting order. c. An inning shall end when three (3) outs have been or a maximum of nine (9) batters have batted. The pitcher will be given six (6) pitches after which the coach will step in and complete the at bat. There shall be no walks allowed. 9
d. The strike zone shall be from the chin to the knees and shall include the white and black portions of the plate. e. Bunts are permitted with a maximum of one attempt per inning. A given player can only attempt one bunt per game. 3. Fourth/Fifth Graders a. A running batting order that includes all players present shall be used. b. A player arriving late shall be added to the end of the batting order. If players arriving after the line-ups have been exchanged, and the other team is not made aware of the changes prior to the first pitch being thrown, the team will take an out when that batting position comes up. c. The maximum number of batters a team shall have in an inning will be nine (9). The ninth (9 th ) batter shall be announced. The ninth (9 th ) batter rule does not apply in the sixth (6 th ) inning, or any inning thereafter, where three (3) outs are required. d. With the ninth (9 th ) batter, last batter of the inning at the plate, there will not be an automatic two (2) out rule. The play will be considered dead and the inning over only after an attempt has been made for an out and the ball is in the possession of an infielder or an out has been made. Runners will be entitled to advance one base. In the event of a base hit the runners are entitled to advance the same number of bases that the batter has achieved. e. The ninth (9 th ) batter must have one strike thrown to prior to granting a walk. A pitched ball may not be rolled into the plate intentionally. f. The count will not start until the first strike is called. If only one pitch is thrown, the count starts at 0-1 (zero balls and one strike). If more than one pitch thrown to get a strike, the count starts at 1-1 (one ball and one strike). g. In the event a team has eight (8) players at the start of a game, they will be charged with an automatic out at the end of the batting order. A player arriving late shall take the place of the automatic out and shall be able to enter the game immediately. h. If a team can field nine (9) players, there will be no automatic out. i. In the event a player leaves the game early due to illness or injury, no automatic out is applied. Should the ninth (9 th ) player leave the game for any other reason other than injury or illness, that team will be charged with an automatic out in the player s batting position. Should a player leave a game due to injury, she may return at any time and will be put back into her original position in the batting order. j. The strike zone shall be from the chin shoulder to the knees and shall include the white and black portions of the plate. k. Bunts are permitted with a player allowed one attempt bunt per game. An attempted bunt is considered one at bat, not one attempt during the at bat. Once a batter has shown a bunt, she may not withdraw their bat and swing at the ball. The batter shall be declared out should this occur. l. If a batter is struck by a pitch, see pitching section for the rules. m. One (1) warning per game shall be given to each team for throwing the bat. The batter shall be declared out on the second offense. n. No advancement may take place on a drop third strike. 4. Sixth/Seventh Graders a. A running batting order that includes all players present shall be used. b. A player arriving late shall be added to the end of the batting order. If players arriving after the line-ups have been exchanged, and the other team is not made aware of the changes prior to the first pitch being thrown, the team will take an out when that batting position comes up. 10
c. The maximum number of batters a team shall have in an inning will be nine (9). The ninth (9 th ) batter shall be announced. d. The) ninth (9 th ) batter rule does not apply in the seventh (7 th ) inning, or any inning thereafter, where three (3) outs are required. e. In the event a team has eight (8) players at the start of a game, they will be charged with an automatic out at the end of the batting order. A player arriving late shall take the place of the automatic out and shall be able to enter the game immediately. f. If a team can field nine (9) players, there will be no automatic out. g. In the event a player leaves the game early due to illness or injury, no automatic out is applied. Should the night (9 th ) player leave the game for any other reason other than injury or illness, that team will be charged with an automatic out in the player s batting position. Should a player leave a game due to injury, she may return at any time and will be put back into her original position in the batting order. h. The strike zone shall be from the shoulders to the knees and shall include the white and black portions of the plate. i. Unlimited bunting will be permitted. Fake bunts will be prohibited and the batter shall be declared out and the runners are to return to their original bases. j. If a batter is struck by a pitch, directly or indirectly (hit ground first), the batter shall be awarded first base. The batter must make every effort to get out of the way of the pitch. If this is not done, the pitch will be considered a ball and a base will not be awarded. This is at the discretion of the umpire. k. One (1) warning per game shall be given to each team for throwing the bat. The batter shall be declared out on the second offense. l. Advancement may take place on a drop third strike. 5. Eighth/Ninth Graders a. A running batting order that includes all players present shall be used at the National level only: at the American level, it is optional. b. In the event a team has eight players at the start of a game, they will be charged with an automatic out in the ninth (9 th ) batting position. Any player arriving late shall be added to the end of the batting order. If players arriving after the line-ups have been exchanged and the other team is not made aware of the changes prior to the first pitch being thrown, they will take an out when the batting position comes up. c. If a team can field nine (9) players, there will be no automatic out. d. In the event the ninth (9 th ) batter leaves the game for the injury or illness, that team will be charged with an automatic out, however that player may re-enter the game at any time. This rule does not apply is a Designated Hitter (DH) is being used. e. A Designated Hitter (DH) may be used at the American league level. f. The strike zone shall be from the top of the shoulders to the middle of the knees and shall include the white and black portions of the plate. g. The Eighth/Ninth Graders National teams shall be permitted a maximum of ten (10) runs scored in an inning with the exception of the seventh (7) innings. 6. Tenth/Higher a. A running batting order is mandatory. b. In the event a team has eight (8) players at the start of the game, they will be charged with an automatic out at the end of the batting order. A player arriving late shall take place of the automatic out and shall be able to enter the game immediately. 11
c. If a team can field nine (9) players, there will be no automatic out. d. In the event the ninth (9 th ) batter leaves the game for the injury or illness, that team will be charged with an automatic out, however that player may re-enter the game at any time. Base Running 1. Kindergarten/First Graders a. On a batted ball, one (1) base may be taken on an infield hit and two (2) bases if the batted ball goes into the outfield. This rule applies to existing base runners as well. A play may be made on any batter/runner. b. The bases are to be cleared once three (3) outs have been made. A runner shall leave the base when called out. There will be no plays at the plate. c. Stealing is not allowed. All runners must remain in the base until the ball is hit. d. There will be no advances on overthrows. 2. Second/Third Graders a. Play is stopped when the ball is in possession by the infielder in the infield, or when an out is made. See Appendix I for additional description of this rule. i. If a fielder has possession and does not make a play on a runner: 1. Runners who are less than 2/3 of the way to the next base must return to their previous base. 2. If a runner was more than 2/3 of the way to a base at the time of possession, the runner can be awarded the approaching base. The runner may be forced back to previous base if the lead runner is forced back to their base. 3. Each runner s location is independent and subject to the umpire s (Parent/Coach in this role) discretion. a. For example, if a runner is 1/3 way between 1 st and 2 nd base and another runner is more than 2/3 of the way between 3 rd and Home, the runner between 1 st and 2 nd must return to 1 st while the runner between 3 rd and Home scores. 4. Fielders are encouraged to make logical plays on runners, especially lead runner. ii. If a fielder has possession and makes a play on a runner: 1. The ball is dead once the play is made on the runner. No additional attempts are to be made. 2. If the play on the runner results in an overthrow, the ball is dead. No additional advancement. Runners stay on the bag they were at (or advancing to) when the play was being made. 3. Runners who are trailing the play or are in advance of the play are subject to the 2/3 rule. If a runner was less than 2/3 of the way to the next bag at the time of possession, they are to return to the previous bag. This is at the discretion of the umpire. iii. If the runner who the play is being made on: 1. If she is OUT, she is OUT, regardless of whether the runner was 2/3 of the way to the next bag. 2. If she is SAFE and was 2/3 of the way to the bag at time of possession, she is SAFE. 3. If she is SAFE and was NOT 2/3 of the way to the bag at time of possession, she is to return to the previous bag. b. Stealing is not allowed. All runners must remain on the base until the ball is hit. 12
c. Sliding is encouraged, but the runner will not be called out if she does not slide. d. There will be no advancements on overthrows. e. No pick-off attempts. f. Courtesy runner MUST be used when the catcher is on base and there are two outs. The courtesy runner will be the last person to make an out. 3. Fourth/Fifth Graders a. A base runner may leave the base on release of the ball. Runner must return to the base immediately when the ball is returned to the pitcher. If the base runner leaves the base early, the umpire shall issue a warning. There will be three (3) warnings issued per team per game. After the third (3 rd ) warning, the umpire shall declare the runner out. b. Play is stopped when the ball is in possession by the infielder in the infield, or when an out is made. See Appendix I for additional description of this rule. i. If a fielder has possession and does not make a play on a runner: 1. Runners who are less than 2/3 of the way to the next base must return to their previous base. 2. If a runner was more than 2/3 of the way to a base at the time of possession, the runner can be awarded the approaching base. The runner may be forced back to previous base if the runner ahead is force back to their base. 3. Each runner s location is independent and subject to the umpire s (Parent/Coach in this role) discretion. a. For example, if a runner is 1/3 way between 1 st and 2 nd base and another runner is more than 2/3 of the way between 3 rd and Home, the runner between 1 st and 2 nd must return back to 1 st while the runner between 3 rd and Home scores. 4. Fielders are encouraged to make logical plays on runners, especially lead runner. ii. If a fielder has possession and makes a play on a runner: 1. The ball is dead once the play is made on the runner. No additional attempts are to be made. 2. If the play on the runner results in an overthrow, the ball is dead. No additional advancement. Runners stay on the bag they were at (or advancing) to when the play was being made. 3. Runners who are trailing the play or are in advance of the play are subject to the 2/3 rule. If a runner was less than 2/3 of the way to the next bag at the time of possession, they are to return to the previous bag. This is at the discretion of the umpire. iii. If the runner who the play is being made on: 1. If she is OUT, she is OUT, regardless of whether the runner was 2/3 of the way to the next bag. 2. If she is SAFE and was 2/3 of the way to the bag at time of possession, she is SAFE. 3. If she is SAFE and was NOT 2/3 of the way to the bag at time of possession, she is to return to the previous bag. c. A collision rule shall be in effect. A deliberate collision shall result in that player being rejected from the game. A fielder may not block the base unless she is in the possession of the ball. A runner must slide or give herself up if the fielder is blocking the base while in the possession of the ball. (Incidental contact is not considered a collision.) 13
d. If fielder is blocking the base while not in possession of the ball and any contact, incidental or otherwise occurs, an obstruction shall be declared and the runner shall be awarded the base. e. Sliding is strongly encouraged. f. Courtesy runner MUST be used when the catcher is on base and may be used for the pitcher and there are two outs. The courtesy runner will be the last person to make an out. g. Stealing i. Each team will be allowed six (6) attempts stealing, to home plate or to third (3 rd ) base. 1. The scorekeeper/coach shall declare when a given team is out of steals. One warning will be give for an attempted steal after the limit has been obtained by returning the offender to her prior base. Additional attempts will be considered an out. ii. A steal is defined as any advancement on a non-batted ball. iii. The runner on second (2 nd ) or third (3 rd ) may advance on a pitched ball (e.g. caught by the catcher, passed ball or wild pitch). The runner must slide to avoid a collision if the defensive player is in possession of the ball while attempting to make a play at the base. iv. No delayed steals are allowed. A runner may not advance when the catcher throws the ball back to the pitcher for the purpose of resuming play. If the offensive team tries a delayed steal, the runner will be declared out. v. Double steals are permitted and will count as two (2) steals. 1. In the case a team has five (5) steals with runners on second and third where the team attempts to steal home and the trailing runner follows, the play stands with the runner attempting to steal home, however, the runner will need to be returned to second without penalty. vi. No advancement may take place by any runner when the catcher is attempting to throw a runner out who is attempting to steal. No advancement on the overthrow. vii. If a runner is thrown out at home base and the trailing runner has not proceeded directly to third (3 rd ) base, she must return to the second (2 nd ) base. h. Pickoff Plays Unlimited attempts with no advancement on overthrow i. When any advancement on the part of the runner has ceased, the catcher may make the throw back to third base. The runner must immediately return to third (3 rd ) base and may not advance on an overthrow. ii. No advancements may occur on the part of any other base runner. 4. Sixth/Seventh Graders a. A base runner may leave the base when the ball is released by the pitcher. The runner must immediate return to the base when the pitcher is in possession of the ball while standing in the circle. If the base runner leaves the base early the umpire shall issue a warning. The second (2 nd ) occurrence will result in the runner being called out. b. Delayed steals will not be permitted. If the offensive team tries a delayed steal, the runner will be called out. Delayed steal is defined as when the ball is being returned from the catcher or infielder to the pitcher. i. Example: If the catcher makes a poor throw to the pitcher, the runners may advance. This rule applies to an overthrow from any position on the field. A ball that is caught, bobbled, or dropped by the pitcher or any fielder is NOT considered and overthrow. A ball that does not leave the circle is NOT considered and overthrow. ii. Pitcher must receive the ball back from the catcher within the circle, or else the ball is considered live. 14
c. A play is not considered dead when the ball is in secure possession of an infielder. She has to either make a play at a base or return the ball to the pitcher in the circle. Once the pitcher has the ball in the circle, the runner must return to her original base. i. Example: If a runner is one (1) step from second (2 nd ) base when the pitcher gains possession of the ball in the circle, the runner is entitled to 2 nd bases. If the runner is one step past second (2 nd ) base, she has the option to proceed to third (3 rd ) base, and the defense as the option to make a play on her. If the runner stops or hesitates after touching 2 nd base, she must return to 2 nd bases. d. A collision rule shall be in effect. A deliberate collision shall result in that player being rejected from the game. A fielder may not block the base unless she is in the possession of the ball. A runner must slide or give herself up if the fielder is blocking the base while in the possession of the ball. e. If fielder is blocking the base while not in possession of the ball and any contact, incidental or otherwise occurs, an obstruction shall be declared and the runner shall be awarded the base. f. Sliding is strongly encouraged. g. Courtesy runner MUST be used when the catcher is on base and may be used for the pitcher and there are two outs. The courtesy runner will be the last person to make an out. h. Stealing i. Each team will allowed twelve (12) attempt stealing, including home plate, per game from any base. 1. The scorekeeper/coach shall declare when a given team is out of steals. NO warning will be give for an attempted steal after the limit has been obtained as the play will be called dead and the runner called out. ii. A steal is defined as any advancement on a non-batted ball. iii. The base runner may advance on a pitched ball (e.g. caught by the catcher, passed ball or wild pitch). The runner must slide to avoid a collision if the defensive is in possession of the ball at the base. iv. No delayed steals will be allowed. A runner may not advance when the catcher throws the ball back to the pitcher for the purpose of resuming play. If the offensive team tries a delayed steal, the runner will be declared out. v. Double steals are permitted and will count as two (2) steals. 1. In the case a team has eleven (11) steals with two runners on base who both attempt to steal, the play stands with the outcome of the lead runner, however, the trailing runner will then be called out. a. Example, runners on second and third with two outs, where the runners attempt to steal the next base. The girl on third base successfully steals home where the run counts, however, the girl stealing third will be declared out as the third out with the inning then over. vi. No advancement may take place by any runner when the catcher is attempting to throw a runner out who is attempting to steal. No advancement on the overthrow. vii. If a runner is thrown out at third (3 rd ) base and the trailing runner has not proceeded directly to second (2 nd ) base, she must return to the first (1 st ) base. i. Pick-off plays will be permitted. One base will be allowed on an overthrow. Other base runners may advance one (1) base. Pick-off plays will be permitted at all bases. An overthrow shall be defined as a thrown ball that is not caught by the fielder. If a pick-off throw is NOT overthrown, 15
the runner must return to the bases. The runner will be declared out if she attempts to advance to the next bases if the pick-off throw is NOT overthrown. i. Any advancement on a pick-off play is NOT considered an attempted steal and will not count towards the number of maximum steals allowed per game. 5. Eighth/Ninth Graders & Tenth/Higher a. PIAA rules apply. Defense/Fielding 1. Kindergarten/First Graders a. A maximum of nine (9) players may play the field at one time. The positions are the following: Pitcher, First Base, Second Base, Shortstop, Third Base, and four (4) outfielders. The outfielders must be positioned a minimum of fifteen (15) feet behind the baseline. b. An adult must play the position of catcher. c. Outfielders cannot cover a base at any time for a putout. d. Players are to be rotated in their position. No Player may play more than a maximum of three (3) innings at shortstop, first base, or pitching positions combined. e. All players must play a minimum of one (1) inning at an infield position within the first four (4) innings of each game. 2. Second/Third Graders a. A maximum of ten (10) players may play the field at one time. The four (4) outfielders must be positioned a minimum of fifteen (15) feet behind the baseline. b. An adult (coach/parent) must be positioned behind the catcher to retrieve passed balls in order to keep the game moving. Outfielders cannot cover a base at any time for a putout. c. Players are to be rotated in their position. All players must play a minimum of one (1) inning at an infield position within the first four (4) innings of each game. d. At the start of each pitch and until the pitcher releases the ball, each infielder shall be in their assigned playing position, which cannot be more than 5 feet in front of the base bag. Failure to comply will result in a warning, and then the results of the play or the pitch declared a ball at the discretion of the offensive team.. 3. Fourth/Fifth Graders a. A maximum of ten (10) players may play the field at one time. b. The four (4) outfielders must be positioned a minimum of fifteen (15) feet behind the baseline prior of the start of the play. c. Outfielders cannot cover or run to a base for the purpose of making a putout. d. At the start of each pitch and until the pitcher releases the ball, each infielder shall be in their assigned playing position, which cannot be more than 5 feet from the base bag. Failure to comply will result in a warning, and then the results of the play or the pitch begin declared a ball. i. Exception: Infielders may leave their assigned position when a better has committed to bunt. e. Fielders are not permitted to stand in the baseline at the start of each pitch. This rule applies only when runners are on base, or going to the affected bases. f. Catcher s interference will be enforced. The offensive team will have the option to choose between the result of the play or award of first (1 st ) base. An umpire may move the catcher at his/her discretion for safety reasons. g. Catchers must make an effort to accurately throw the ball back to the pitcher. Rolling the ball will not be allowed. 16
h. There will be no infield or outfield warm-up between innings. i. The pitcher will be allowed a maximum of three (3) warm-up pitches prior to the start of each inning. j. Any new pitcher, regardless of then she enters the game, will be allowed a maximum of five (5) warm-up pitches. 4. Sixth/Seventh Graders a. A maximum of nine (9) players may play the field at one time. b. The three (3) outfielders must be positioned a minimum of twenty (20) feet behind the baseline prior of the start of the play. c. Fielders are not permitted to stand in the baseline at the start of each pitch. This rule applies only when runners are on base, or going to the affected bases. d. Catcher s interference will be enforced. The offensive team will have the option to choose between the result of the play or award of first (1 st ) base. An umpire may move the catcher at his/her discretion for safety reasons. e. Catchers must make an effort to accurately throw the ball back to the pitcher. Rolling the ball will not be allowed. f. The pitcher will be allowed a maximum of five (5) warm-up pitches prior to the start of each inning. 5. Eighth/Ninth Graders & Tenth/Higher a. PIAA rules apply. Post Season 1. All playoff games must be played in their entirety. Any game that isn t completed will be completed the following night. In the event there is a game scheduled the following night, the incomplete game will take precedence and shall be completed prior to the start of the regularly scheduled playoff game. 2. Team eligibility a. Second & Third Grades (2 & 3) To be determined b. Fourth & Fifth Grades (4 & 5) & Sixth & Seventh Grades (6 & 7) 1. The top four or five teams from each division will be eligible for the playoffs (see below) a.in the event a balanced schedule has been played and a fifth (5 th ) place team in one division has a better record than the fourth (4 th ) team in the other division, a play-in game between them will be held with the winner qualifying for the playoffs as the fourth (4 th ) seed. \ b.in the event of an unbalanced schedule, a one- half (1/2) game differential in the final standings caused by one team having an additional regularly scheduled game, shall be considered a tie for the standings position in question. a. Example: One team finishes the season with an 8-8 record and a second team has an 8-7 record. c.after the first round of playoffs have been completed, the seeding of the remaining teams will be established as follows: a.season Record b.head-to-head Competition c.divisional Playoff Wining Percentage d.runs Allowed e.coin Toss b. Eighth & Ninth Grades (8 & 9) & Tenth Grade to Age 20 (Seniors) 1.Number of playoff teams will be determined by league composition. 2.In the event a balanced schedule has been played and a fifth (5 th ) place team in one division has a better record than the fourth (4 th ) team in the other division, a play-in game between them will be held with the winner qualifying for the playoffs as the fourth 17
(4 th ) seed. Should the fifth (5 th ) place team in one division have a better record than the fourth (4 th ) place team in the other division, play-in game(s) will be held. 3.In the event of an unbalanced schedule, a one-half (1/2) game differential in the final standings caused by one team having an additional regularly scheduled game, shall be considered a tie for the standings position in question. a.example: One team finishes the season with an 8-8 record and a second team has an 8-7 record. 4.After the first round of playoffs have been completed, the seeding of the remaining teams will be established as follows: a.season Record b.head-to-head Competition c.least Runs Allowed (Head-to-Head) d.run Differential (Head-to-Head) e.least Runs Allowed Season f.most Runs Scored Season g.coin Toss 3. Player Eligibility a. All Age Levels 1.A player must play in at least one-half (1/2) of the regular season games. Game Conduct 1. Cheering a. Kindergarten & First Grades, Second & Third Grades, Fourth & Fifth Grades and Sixth & Seventh Grades 1.Players from the offensive team will be allowed to cheer for the batter and the batter only, until the pitcher steps on the mound and addresses the plate. At this point the offensive team must cease cheering. This rule shall apply to the offensive team s coaches and fans. After one warning has been given, the offending team s head coach will be ejected. 2. Coach and Player Conduct a. All levels 1.Any coach or player ejected from a game is automatically suspended from their next game. The ejected person will not be allowed to participate, coach or attend the game. 2.Assistant coaches will be confined to coaching their own team s players. They MAY NOT address the other team s players, coaches or umpires. Penalty will be expulsion from the game. 3. Parents on the Field a. All levels 1.Any parent who steps on the field of play for reasons other than an injury will be ejected from the game. The coach of the offending team will be warned that any continued fan misconduct will result in their ejection. 4. Persons behind the Backstop a. All levels 1.No one will be permitted behind the backstop. One warning will be issued by the umpire. On the second offense, the offending team will be an assessed an out. Appendix i. General Baserunning Rules and Examples (2 &3 and 4 & 5): 18