Junior Division Softball Rules

Playing Rules

Games are 6 innings long. Extra innings will be played to determine winner, as daylight allows. If game cannot be continued in extra innings due to darkness/weather game is declared a tie. If full inning is not completed, SCORE REVERTS TO SCORE AT END OF LAST COMPLETED INNING.
No inning may begin after one hour and 45 minutes. This time begins when first pitch of game is thrown. (Same rule as used in SSSL games). Clock will STOP for weather delays or extended injury delay.
Each team is limited to FIVE (5) runs per inning for inning’s 1 thru 5, after which the team is out. There is no run limit in the 6th inning/last declared inning or any extra innings. There is NO run-Limit in any inning of a Championship Game.
A Game is considered complete after THREE (3) innings (TWO and 1/2, if the home team is leading).
Teams may start a Regular Season game with 6 players, but will take OUT’s for the 7th and 8th spots If a player(s) show up late they will go into those spot(s) and an out will no longer be charged. For Playoff Games, teams must have 8 Players to start and finish a game.
A full, continuous batting order will be used throughout each game.
In the case of a player arriving late for a game and not in the original line-up, that player may be entered into the end of the line-up and bat in that spot only.
Free substitution is allowed in the field. Coaches should make every effort to expose players to as many different positions as possible.\
Teams will play with 4 Outfielders. All OF’s must take their defensive positions on the OF grass (no extra infielders
No pitcher may pitch more than THREE (3) innings per game. There is no limit per WEEK. The innings do NOT have to be consecutive. If extra innings are necessary, all pitchers may pitch a 4th inning. One pitch thrown in an inning constitutes a full inning thrown for that pitcher. Pitchers can only be removed and re-entered ONCE per game.
Stealing of 2nd and 3rd base only. Runners can only score by being batted or forced in by walk or hit-batter.
No Leading. Base-runners may leave in traditional fast-pitch manner, upon release of the pitch.
“Dropped 3rd Strike” rule is NOT in Effect.
“Infield Fly” rule is NOT in effect.
No Continuous Walks
Batters may not “show bunt, then pull back and swing” (punching). This is safety rule. 1st offense that batter is out, ball is dead and all runners return to their original bases. 2nd offense by same batter in that game, she can be ejected.
Intentional Walks are NOT allowed.
Runners must stop when the ball is controlled in the pitching circle by the pitcher. If a runner has already started to run to the next base – they may continue. If the defensive team makes a throw, or makes a gesture to throw or make a play towards the runner – the ball is live. This means the runner can be thrown out or continue to advance in case of an error.
When a ball is overthrown during a play at any base, runners may advance one (1) base if ball goes out of play. If ball remains in play (Fair or Foul Territory), runners can continue running until ball is controlled on mound.
Batter throwing Bat can be given Warning by umpire for 1st offense, can be called out on 2nd offense, and called out AND can be removed from batting order after 3rd offense.
Each team should keep an accurate scorebook during each game. Coaches are encouraged to compare scores each inning.
Teams may use a replacement runner for their catcher if she is on base with two outs, in order to allow her to put on gear and reduce in between inning delays. Runner must be that team’s last recorded out.
PLAYOFFS ONLY: Team must have EIGHT (8) players by 15:00 past scheduled game time or game will be declared a forfeit. If only 8 players the team will be charged an out for the last (9th) spot in the order whenever that spot is due to hit. If a 9th player shows up late and goes into that spot, no further outs would be charged

EQUIPMENT

Team jerseys should be worn at all times
12’ Yellow, “Raised-Stitch” Softballs will be used. Game balls only, no practice or plastic coated balls.
Batters, base-runners & on-deck batter MUST wear helmet.
Pitching distance. Pitching rubbers on all fields are set at 40 feet. Pitching rubbers should be regulation 24” X 6” and secured into the ground.
Catchers must wear full equipment.
Softball bats only, no baseball bats.
All helmets must have an attached face-guard (cage).
Cleats (no metal) should be worn by all players
All fields must have a double first base installed (white/orange if possible)

General Rules

Unsportsmanlike behavior or language is not allowed.
Harassment of the opposing pitcher is prohibited.
Pitchers should throw no more than 4-5 warm-up pitches between innings in order to keep game moving on schedule
For the purpose of warming up, the designated “Home” team will have use of the ball field before game time until 15 minutes before game time. The designated “Away” team will then be allowed use of the field until game time.
ALL teams qualify for the playoffs
Standings Tie-Breakers : 1 – Head to head record, 2- Score differential in head to head games, 3- record vs higher seeded teams, 4 – coin flip
In case of inclement weather during day of scheduled game, coaches should decide as soon as possible prior to game time if game will be cancelled, so that umpires and players can be notified. Home team manager will make final decision on whether to cancel game. League must also be notified.
Suspended Games: Unofficial games that are suspended before becoming official shall be completed and will be resumed at the exact point of suspension of the original game. (The game situation should be noted in the scorebooks by both teams when the game is suspended.) The lineup and batting order of both teams shall be exactly the same as the lineup and batting order at the moment of suspension. Score, outs, base-runners on base, etc all remain the same. Any base-runner on base when the game was suspended, but not at the continuation will be ran for by the last recorded out. Any player from the original lineup not available for the continuation will be skipped in the lineup with no penalty. Any player not in the original lineup who is available for the continuation should be placed at the bottom of the batting order. Any suspensions or restrictions on pitching shall be applied as if this was a SINGLE game. A pitcher’s innings maximum for a suspended game will still follow the above stated pitching guidelines.
Game results should be reported to the League by both teams, within twenty-four (24) hours of completion of game. E-Mail to barone1077@aol.com. Official Game Schedule, Game Results and Standings will be posted on www.oldsilverlakeleague.com.
Umpires should not have to deal with any spectator/parent problems. If a parent/spectator becomes abusive, coaches will be asked to speak with, or if necessary, remove that person from field area.
No Smoking on the field is allowed
Coaches and Umpires will make every effort to keep in-between-inning time brief, to insure that games progress at a quick pace. Players should hustle on and off field and an assistant coach should warm up pitcher as catcher is putting on equipment.

Junior Softball Rules.pdf