Defensive Play:
In the 14U and 15+ age groups, teams will be comprised of nine (9) players if available. If not, the game may be played with eight (8) players and will be considered a regulation game. If a player(s) leaves the game for any reason other than injury after coming to bat, an automatic out will be taken at her place in the batting order.
ASA approved 12” ball will be used in the 13+ and older age groups.
At any bat when four (4) runs are scored, the half inning is complete regardless of the number of outs. When 60 minutes or four innings of play are complete, whichever comes first, the next inning(s) will be an open inning(s). The open inning(s) will have a run limit of eight (8).
In the event of a tie, the batters making the last two outs of the previous inning will be put on
2nd base and 3rd base respectively. Each inning will start with one (1) out. The game will be
extended a maximum of two (2) innings. If the score is still tied after two additional innings the game will be recorded as a tie.
When a play at home plate occurs, the base runner should make every attempt to avoid a collision with the Catcher.
In all age groups, outfielders must be positioned in the grass prior to the ball being hit.
The Look Back rule is in effect. The rule states that when the pitcher has possession of the ball within the 8' radius circle and is not making a play on a runner, a runner must immediately return to her base or proceed to the next base without hesitation or be liable to be called out by the Umpire. No runner may leave a base when the pitcher has possession of the ball in the circle and is not making a play on a runner. If the circle is not marked, the Umpire will approximate the circle radius when making this judgment call. Exception: when a batter receives a walk, runners on 2nd or 3rd can remain off their bases until the batter-runner reaches 1st base. As soon as the batter-runner reaches 1st base and the pitcher has the ball in the circle, the other runners must return to their base or commit to the next base.
Once the pitched ball leaves the Pitcher’s hand, the runners may attempt to advance. A base runner leaving early may be called out. If the Catcher attempts to throw out an advancing base runner and the ball is overthrown, the runner(s) may continue to advance at their own risk.
The infield fly rule is in effect for 13+ and older play.
The dropped 3rd strike rule is in effect for 13+ and older play.
If there is a safety bag present on the field at first base, the runner shall make every attempt to hit the safety bag. If a runner collides with a first basement, who is not on the safety bag, the runner will be ruled out and no other base runners may advance beyond the base they were on prior to contact with the ball. If a 1st baseman is on the safety bag, interference will be signaled by the umpire, and defensive interference rules will apply.
General Sportsmanship for all ages: If a coach or player harms a coach or player on the opposing team at any time during non-softball plays (meetings, between plays, handshakes, etc.), that player or coach will be ejected from the game and will not be eligible to participate in the next game. Either both coaches, or the umpire, should rule that the offense meets the spirit of this standard.
