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Youth Softball - Pro Rules

Roster

  • There total number of players on a roster must be at least 9 and a maximum of 14.

  • Rosters should be completed prior to game time and a copy should be made for the opposing team head coach and score table.

 

Equipment

  • Each player will need a bat, helmet and glove.

  • Bat requirements and restrictions

    • Any sized bat that meets standard specifications can be used.  For the safety of all players, coaches from both sides should ensure proper bats are used. 

  • Helmet requirements and restrictions

    • All batting helmets are required to have a facemask attached.

    • Helmets must be approved for play in softball – bicycle helmets or other helmets may not be used.

  • Official 12 inch softballs will be used.

 

General Game Play

  • When 3 outs are made the half inning will be over.

  • There is a maximum of 9 players allowed in the field at any given time.  This includes 4 infielders, 1 pitcher, 3 outfielders and a catcher. 

  • No coaches are allowed in the field of play.

  • For both fielding and batting, coaches may stand outside the dugout to give players instruction as long as the coaches stay against the fence/dugout as much as possible and do not interfere with live plays.  Coaches must stay within the boundaries of the dugout and may not “roam” to different parts of the field.

 

 

Batting

  • Batting orders will be set prior to game play and will be established by each head coach. 

  • Coaches should provide batting lineups to the game official and opposing head coach prior to the start of the game.

  • A player may have unlimited foul balls.

  • Bunting is allowed.

  • Players should not throw bats after a hit is made.  After 1 warning to the team, any player found throwing a bat will be called out.

  • Only players who are active in the lineup will bat.

  • A designated hitter is allowed for the pitcher only.

 

 

Base Running

  • After hitting the ball, the player should put the bat down, not throw it, and run to first base. 

  • Base runners may advance as many bases as they can during a live play. 

  • Base runners may steal.

  • Pinch runners are allowed for active pitchers and catchers to speed up gameplay.

 

Fielding

  • Players are encouraged, but not required to wear a defensive face mask during gameplay.

  • There is a maximum of 9 players allowed in the field at any given time.  This includes 4 infielders, 1 pitcher, 3 outfielders and a catcher. 

  • Defensive shifts are allowed.

 

Pitching

  • Pitchers are encouraged, but not required to wear a defensive face mask during gameplay.

 

Game Length

  • Each game will consist of 7 innings or with a time limit of 90 minutes, whichever comes first.  Any inning that is being played must be finished, regardless of whether or not time has expired, as long as the home team is not leading. 

  • If the home team is leading at the bottom of the 7th inning or in the last inning as time has allowed, the game will be over.

  • New innings may not be started after time has expired.

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