Hanson Girls Softball – 2012
Rules and Guidelines for Coaches and Umpires
Division I, grades 6-8
Division II, grades 3-5
Length of Game- Each game will be 7 innings in length for Div I and 6 innings for Div II, or until dusk (umpires discretion). In order to end a game prior to the last inning, Umpire must give a 1 inning warning (at the top of the inning). A game must go at least 4 innings to be an official game. An inning cannot start after 1 hour and 40 minutes from the start of the game. This should be determined before the last inning.
Rain Cancellations: Once the game has started, all cancellations are at the discretion of the umpire. If a game is shortened by rain, it must go at least 2 innings to be suspended. If the game does not go the full 2 innings it will be replayed from the beginning at a later date. Check with a HGS board member to cancel earlier in the day due to weather conditions.
Warm-Ups: At the beginning of each half inning the pitcher will be allowed no more than 6 warm-up pitches. Catchers should be geared up and ready when there are 2 outs in the inning if possible. If the catcher is on deck, they should have shin guards on.
Innings Pitched: Pitchers will be allowed to pitch a maximum of 4 innings per game. If removed from pitching, the payer may re-enter the game as a pitcher, as long as she has not pitched 4 innings. 1 pitch in an inning constitutes an inning pitched. A pitcher cannot pitch more than 10 innings per week.
The Pitch: Both feet will start in contact with the pitching rubber. One step towards home with the pivot foot remaining in contact with the rubber until the pitch is released will constitute a legal pitch. The windmill pitching form is allowed with no more than one revolution. The pitch should range from a flat plane to a maximum of an 8’ arc. Any pitch over the 8’ arc will be called a ball (umpires judgment) unless swung at by the batter. The pitcher will be removed after hitting three batters in an inning or 6 in a game. They will also be removed if they hit a player above the shoulders twice in a game.
Distance: Division I will pitch from 40’ and Division II will pitch from 35’
Strike zone: The strike zone is an area over home plate between the batters shoulders and knees. Please note the strike zone is where the ball crosses the plate NOT where the catcher receives the ball.
BASE RUNNING
Stealing:
Division I girls will be allowed to steal all bases and home. A runner should not leave (lead or steal) the base until the ball leaves the pitchers hand. A runner will be called out for leaving early.
Division II girls will be able to steal 2nd base only.
-No continuation on walks (Division II only)
Sliding: Players may slide into bases and home plate when there is a play.
It is legal for a base runner to leave the baseline to avoid a collision with a defensive player who is not attempting to make an out.
Division II only: On an overthrow of any base, the runner may advance only one base, unless the fielder attempts to get the runner out. A return of the ball to the pitcher ends the play.
HITTING
Bunting – Bunting will be allowed
Slash Bunting is prohibited
Dropped 3rd Strike Rule – The dropped 3rd strike rule will effect Division I only
The rule states that the batter can attempt to go to 1st base after a 3rd strike is dropped by the catcher only when:
- a runner does not occupy 1st base with 1 out or no outs
- with 2 outs the batter/runner may advance to (1st base) on the dropped 3rd strike whether 1st base is occupied or not.
A team at bat will consist of one of the following:
- 3 outs are made
- 6 runs are scored
- each player may bat once per inning maximum
- b. and c. will be waived in the final inning (no run limit, no limit on batters)
- The umpire and coaches will check with each other between innings as to the current score so there are no questions at the end of the game.
Substitutions will be made between innings except for injuries or sickness. Please have your substitutions in mind ahead of time to keep the game moving.
All players will remain on the bench except the batter and the on-deck batter. Throwing of bats and helmets will not be tolerated. (see code of Conduct Policy)
Division I and II will play with 10 fielders, 4 in the outfield. A game can begin with 8 players (minimum) if at anytime a team can not field at least 8 players, the game will be forfeited.
All girls must play in the Infield one inning per game
Division I & Senior Division: All girls playing an infield position must wear a protective mask. These will be provided by Hanson Girls Softball.
**All other rules refer to the ASA rules
Hanson Softball provides recreational activities for community youth while promoting sportsmanship and the teaching of values through team competition. We also encourage healthy living through exercise.