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LEAGUE RULES

*For any rules not shown below, USA Softball 2024 Rules will apply, and League Supervisor gets final say on all calls.

Most important rule is to have fun, and all league rules are meant to maximize the fun for everyone.  In all circumstances we will try to play and avoid forfeits.  If you want to yell at umpires and win at all costs, this isn’t the league for you.

Rosters & Batting Order:

  • Rosters will consist of 12 players minimum (6 guys, 6 girls) and 14 players maximum
  • A separate batting order is made for guys and girls that includes all players.  From there, guys and girls alternate who is at bat.
  • The League hopes to provide subs that can be requested when necessary.  League subs must be used first if they are available.  If not, replacement players may be found if a team doesn’t have 10 players.  That person preferably wouldn’t play for another team in the League, but avoiding a forfeit is top priority.
  • Teams must have at least 8 players to play
  • Teams must rotate players in the field with best efforts made so that everyone gets equal innings in the field.

Games:

  • Games last 55 minutes or 7 innings, whichever comes first
  • After 55 minutes, innings are finished and then the game is over
  • There are no run rules.  If one team gets way ahead it would be hoped they would show sportsmanship, or the umpire is allowed to suggest ways to make the remaining game more fun for everyone.
  • If the game is tied when time is up, there is 1 extra inning.  In that inning, both teams start with a runner at 2nd base (last out), and batters get 2 pitches maximum.  A strike or foul tip is an out.  2 balls is a walk.

Batting:

  • Batters start with 1 strike.  If a batter fouls off the 3rd strike, they receive one extra strike.  Another foul ball results in an out.
  • Batter starts with 1 ball and 4 balls is a walk.  Guys get 2 bases if walked to avoid walking guys to get to girls.  Hitting will be encouraged, nobody came here to walk or watch walks.
  • Pitches must go 6′ to 10′ high and hit the plate or the mat behind it. 
  • 2 over the fence HR’s maximum per team, per game.  Additional home runs are an out.

Bats:

  • Guys must use wood bats (league will provide). Wood baseball bats are ok, but softball bats are encouraged. 
  • The definition of a wood bat is any bat a reasonable person would determine is wood
  • No modified bats may be used
  • No metal baseball bats may be used
  • League reserves the final say on allowed bats, and will rule based on player safety

Baserunning:

  • Sliding is not required on close plays, but all efforts must be made to avoid collisions. 
  • Anybody deemed to have created an unsafe play will be called out.  In the case of an especially unsafe play, a warning or ejection may be given if warranted.
  • When running to first base, runners must touch the orange bag, or if there is no orange bag, must touch the outer part of first base to avoid collisions.
  • If a player runs through first base and turns towards second base, they can be tagged out (must turn towards dugouts to return to first).
  • Players running to home may touch the bag or the black mat to avoid collisions.
  • No leading off.  All baserunners must stay on the base until contact is made with the ball.  Anybody leaving early or leading off will be called out.
  • A pinch runner may be used once an inning (or an ump can allow more in case of injury).  The pinch runner must be last person who got out or scored of the same sex.
  • Umpires will be encouraged to call all close plays as outs to avoid overly aggressive play.

Fielding:

  • 10 players on the field at a time with an even number of girls and guys
  • Infielders must start all plays on the infield, Outfielders must start all plays in the outfield
  • There will be a line in the outfield that all fielders must start behind when girls are batting
  • First basemen must use the inner bag, or make all efforts to use the inside of the base if there is only one base.
  • Fielders should use restraint when making tags or going for the ball.  Again, umpires will be encouraged to call close plays as outs to avoid aggressive play.  overly aggressive play.
  • All fielders must have a glove.  If a fielders glove breaks mid-inning, they may find a replacement.

Alcohol/Dogs:

  • No alcohol.  Please respect that these fields are managed by the Little League so we don’t want to see it.
  • Anybody who is intoxicated or under the influence will be asked to leave.
  • No dogs near the fields.  It’s a Little League rule, and for good reason, even though we love dogs.  Dogs can be up in the parking lot.

Discipline:

  • Players may argue calls once in a respectful manner.  After that, it’s time to move on.
  • The umpire and League Supervisor have the right to kick out any player at any time if they feel it is necessary.
  • League Supervisor has the right to further suspend or expel players, with players having a right to plead their case first.
  • There is no room for yelling at umpires, other teams, or obnoxious behavior.  This isn’t the World Series and you aren’t going pro.  Move on.

 

Music:

  • Music should not be audible on the field during play so that umpires can communicate.
  • Music is allowed before and after games, and between innings, so long as it is respectful.  Umpires and Supervisors have full authority to shut down all music at any time.