LCYO Softball 2006 League Rules Division 1A (Girls 8U)

ASA (Amateur Softball Association) rules will apply with the following exceptions:

(1) A complete game will be 5 innings or 1 hour and 15 minutes.  No new inning shall begin after the one hour and fifteen minute time limit.  All play stops at 1 hour and 30 minutes.

(2) All teams may use an “extra” infielder or “rover”.  This player must begin each play behind second base, outside the base paths until the ball is hit.

(3) All players besides the normal infielders and rover will be outfielders.  There will be no players on the bench when their team takes the field.  The outfielders will begin each play “in the grass” and must throw the ball infield for plays.  They cannot run in and tag a runner or make a force play.  If this happens, the runner is safe.

(4) Round robin batting will apply, i.e., all players will bat in their assigned order throughout the game.  If a player must leave before the end of the game, her spot will be skipped with no out recorded.  If a player arrives late and her spot has already batted, she will be placed at the end of the batting order.  If a player misses her spot due to a temporary injury, she may return to that spot without penalty.

(5) Players will pitch to batters each inning. Pitchers may pitch a maximum of two (2) innings per game.  No base-on-balls (walks) will be allowed.  If a pitcher issues four balls to a batter, the batter’s coach or someone the coach chooses will enter the game and pitch up to three pitches to get the ball into play.  The batter will “assume the count” which means she will only be pitched the remaining number of strikes before she is called out.  Foul balls on the last pitch are okay; the batter gets another pitch as long as she keeps fouling them off.  The pitcher must keep one foot in the 8-foot radius circle until the ball is hit when coach pitching occurs.  At the start of the season, the coach can pitch within 5’ of the rubber.  At the halfway point (after daylight savings time starts) the coach must pitch from the rubber.  This includes the playoffs.

(6) Please note the following:

a.       Bunting off a players pitch will be allowed, but not when a coach pitches.

b.       Stealing bases is not allowed. 

c.       No extra base on overthrows. 

d.       The infield fly rule is not in effect.

e.       The dropped third strike rule is not in effect.

f.        Ball becomes dead and play stops when the ball is in the infield (i.e., when the ball hits the dirt or a defender catches the ball). Outfielders must throw the ball into the infield, not run it in.  If the runner has started towards the next base when the ball hits the dirt, they can continue to that base.  If the defense makes a play on that runner, under no circumstances may the runner advance past the base they were running to when the ball hit the dirt or was caught by a defender.

g.       Base runners must not leave their base (to leadoff or run) until the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. 

h.       If a batted ball hits a runner before the fielding team touches it, she will be called “safe” until the halfway point in the season (when daylight savings time starts).  Thereafter, she will be called “out”.  This is to allow coaches to teach their players about this rule. 

i.         This division uses a ball size of 10”; pitching mounds are 30’ from the plate.

(7) A batter hit-by-a-pitch will not necessarily take a base.  If the batter is “injured” or  “uncomfortable” with staying at bat, then let them take a base.  If not, then the batter should stay at bat.  Remember, we are encouraging girls to swing that bat!

(8) A maximum of five (5) runs per inning may be scored.  When the fifth run scores, play stops regardless of the number of outs, and the batting team takes the field.  NOTE:  Score is not kept to determine a winner during the season nor are there “standings”.  This is to encourage the instructional aspect of this division.

(9) For instructional purposes, two coaches may join their team when they take the field in the outfield.  NOTE: At about the halfway point in the season (when daylight savings time starts), the coaches are not allowed in the field.  Coaches in the field are there to assist their players in learning the game of softball.  Please refrain from outfield cheerleading. 

(10) Every player must play an infield position a minimum of one inning per game.  Assume most games will only last three (3) innings.  Rover and catcher are considered infield positions for this purpose. 

(11) Per ASA rules, the 1st & 3rd base coaches should avoid conversation with anyone other than their players.  (For example, if they have concerns regarding fans from the other team, then they should notify their own coach.)  The batter’s coach will call balls and strikes from behind the plate (home plate umpire).  They will also call any play made to a base in the field.  The home plate umpire will be responsible for keeping the number of runs scored and the number of outs recorded.  The home plate umpire should throw the ball back to the pitcher when a pitched ball goes to the backstop and the catcher is not hustling to return the ball to the pitcher.  Consider wearing a glove to catch errant pitches to keep the game moving. 

(12) Coaches should have their team lineup prepared in advance.  Get your catcher ready for the next inning as soon as possible.  The #1 complaint from the parents is that the games move to slowly.   Try to get in four innings each game.  This will give your players a wide variety of positions and keep the game moving. 

(13) During the season call strikes on all close pitches (“shin to chin” strike zone).  The batters need to be encouraged to learn to hit off the pitchers.  Getting your players walked and then teaching them how to hit off of the coach pitching will not help in player development.  To encourage players to hit the ball, a player will be awarded a “Star” by their coach for every hit off of a girl pitcher during a game. 

(14) The HOME team takes the 3^rd base side, not the team that arrives first.  The home team is responsible for dragging and chalking the field, putting out the bases, and furnishing a new game ball.  The visiting team puts the bases away.  Put all unaccounted for gear in the storage box at the field.  Both teams need to pick up dugout and field trash before leaving. 

(15) Parent issues are the coaches responsibility.  Keep them positive.  If you need assistance with any team issues, please contact your division director.  Parents and fans need to stay in the stands or behind the designated sidelines.  Parents and fans are not allowed on the field during the game except for an injury situation.

(16) Coaches should ensure that all players are not left alone after a game or practice, i.e., if a parent is late in picking up a player, then the coach is asked to stay with the player until the parent arrives.