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Softball Rules

Rules for All Age Groups (updated 2/2013)

Rules specified in this document apply to games within our Recreational Softball leagues only. Rules for our Select Softball teams and leagues are specified elsewhere.

General:

FMYSA rules are in addition to current ASA rules. FMYSA rules always take precedence over ASA rules.
If you need league assistance with a matter, please contact your age group director first. If they cannot resolve the matter, contact the V.P. of Recreational Softball.
For 8U and above: If any team forfeits more than 1 game for any reason, that team will not be allowed to participate in the Town Championship tournament.
No player on an FMYSA recreational roster may also be on any select team roster during the scheduled recreational season. FMYSA recreational players are permitted to guest play on a select team, with permission of their recreational coach and the VP of Recreational Softball. If violations are found, the player will be removed from their recreational team with no refund and the team may be required to forfeit games played with the ineligible player.

Conduct & Behavior:

Each FMYSA coach should remember that we are here for the enjoyment of the children. This is a developmental / recreational league, not a competitive league. Please communicate with the players in a positive, supportive manner.
Judgment calls by the umpires may appear unsatisfactory. Please do not argue with the umpires. This only delays the game and presents a bad image to the players and parents. The umpires have been instructed to warn any argumentative coach, player, or parent one time. After that, the umpire has the authority to remove said person from the game and/or park. Umpires will notify the league of all ejections.
Coaches are responsible for the behavior of the players and parents on their team. Umpires may remove a coach if that coach can't control the behavior of their players and parents.
Discipline problems should be handled by removing the child from the activity or drill for an appropriate amount of time. The “time out” principle works well.
If a child is injured during a game and the coach/umpire believes the injury serious enough to stop play, he/she will do so. Coaches should attend to their players immediately. We suggest that every team have a first aid kit available. If the nature of the injury is serious enough, call 911. Contact the Field Director as soon as possible and document the injury.
A player’s intentional collision with an opposing player (other than through sliding) will result in the immediate ejection of the offending player. Serious infractions may result in suspension from the league. Umpires will notify appropriate FMYSA administrative personnel in the event of any ejection.

Equipment:

Only metal, graphite, ceramic, or composite bats, manufactured specifically for softball play, will be allowed for recreational league and post‐season tournament play. Wooden bats are not allowed at any time.
All batters and base runners must wear a batting helmet with a face‐mask and chin‐strap.
Catchers are required to wear full protective headgear, mask, chest protector, and leg guards. Only exception: leg guards are not required in 6U.
No jewelry (rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc.) will be allowed during play. Ear studs may be worn if covered with tape or a Band‐Aid.

Game Play:

All teams will bat the entire roster in league play and in the post‐season Town Championship tournament.
Coaches are entitled to free defensive substitution; the players' spots in the batting order do not change.
For ages 8U and above, no player shall remain on the bench for more than two consecutive defensive innings. Under 8U all defensive players take the field.
Players should be rotated through various positions in the field over the course of the season.
Coaches should refrain from touching base runners during live play. Pushing or physically assisting a runner is prohibited. Penalty: the umpire will issue a warning for the first infraction, and the second infraction will result in the base runner being called out.

Guest Player Rules

Guest Player Rules

FMYSA allows the use of guest players, under the guidelines described below, in order to avoid forfeits and allowing kids to play ball. The spirit of the Guest Player rule is to allow short‐handed teams the temporary use of other league players rather than forfeit the game. This rule is not intended to be used as a tool to exclude regular team members in favor of more highly skilled players. Guest players may only be used to help a team reach the number of players that are allowed in the field when playing defense.

Guidelines:

A coach is authorized to add up to two guest players per game, provided that all of the following criteria are met:
1. The guest players are currently registered in the same or younger FMYSA age group (no select players are permitted to guest play in rec)
2. The guest players play with the permission of their parents and regular coach
3. The coach must announce and identify the guest players to the umpires and opposing coach prior to the start of each game
4. The home team shall record the player’s full name in the official game book
5. The guest players wear their regular uniforms
6. The guest players must bat last in the batting order
7. The guest players play outfield positions only
8. The guest players are not on the field if any regular roster player is present and available to play
9. The only exception to the above criteria is that if the guest players are borrowed from the opposing team then criteria (g) and (h) do not apply. The guest players should then be slotted to play infield & outfield positions the same as any other player on the coach’s regular recreational roster. This is because this game for the guest players is in place of their normal game (instead of in addition to) and they should be afforded similar opportunities to what they would have had if they played with their regular team. This situation should be avoided if at all possible, and should only occur with the knowledge of the assigned Age Group Director or the VP of Recreational Softball.
10. Regular season games involving guest players shall be official games and are not to be considered forfeits. Guest players may be used during tournament play.

Innings and Time Limits

Innings & Time Limits

Age Group	Max Innings	Time Limit (minutes)	Complete Game⁽³⁾	Score Kept?⁽⁴⁾	Base Distance	Pitching Distance	Max Runs Per Inning
6U	6	55⁽¹⁾	30 mins or 2 innings	No	50’	35’⁽⁵⁾	4
8U	6	60⁽²⁾	40 mins or 3 innings	Yes	60’	35’	4
10U	6	75⁽²⁾	45 mins or 3 innings	Yes	60’	35’	5
12U+	6	75⁽²⁾	45 mins or 3 innings	Yes	60’	40’	5
Notes		(1)	Play will immediately cease after time expires unless there is a batter at the plate, in which case the batter will be allowed to complete the at-bat.
		(2)	No inning starts if there are less than 5 minutes left in the game when the previous inning ends. After time expires the HOME team can finish the inning if trailing by 4 runs or less (8U) or 5 runs or less (10U+). If the home team is trailing by more than these guidelines then play will cease immediately unless there is a batter at the plate, in which case the batter will be allowed to complete the at-bat. Games that end in a tie will not go into extra innings; they will be officially recorded as a tie.
		(3)	A game is considered complete if either the time elapsed meets the criteria and/or the number of innings played meets the criteria. A game will only be called early if the umpire deems the playing conditions to be unsafe for the players. Incomplete games will not officially be recorded and are subject to rescheduling by the league.
		(4)	In age groups where score is kept, it is the responsibility of the coaches involved to ensure that the score is officially posted with the league. Results from games are used to determine seeding for the post-season tournament at the end of the spring season.
		(5)	Coaches are allowed to use a floating rubber. This means that you may move as close to your batter as you deem necessary to enable the batter to successfully hit a pitched ball. Remember though, that the child pitcher must remain at least 35’ from home plate.

Age 6U Softball Rules

Age 6U Softball Rules

The official ball of FMYSA 6U division will be an 11” reduced injury ball, similar to the Easton Incrediball.
All players should assume a defensive position on the field. Each team is allowed one pitcher and one catcher. The child pitcher must position herself on either the right or left side of the pitching rubber and be no more than 3’ from the rubber. In addition to the pitcher and catcher, each team is allowed to have up to five infielders. The remainder of the defensive players should be spread throughout the outfield and must remain behind the infield dirt. Infielders must remain at least 45’ from home plate when the ball is pitched.
Each batter may receive up to six pitches in which to hit a fair ball. If the child is unable to hit one of the first four pitches in fair territory, the child has the option to get two swings at the softball on a batting tee. When hitting off of the tee, the ball must travel at least 10 feet to be considered a fair ball. If the child is unable to hit the ball into fair territory after six attempts, a strikeout will be recorded. No continuous foul balls.
There is no bunting.
In addition to the normal way in which a batter/runner may be put out, the following rule will apply with respect to force plays only. A runner will be declared out by the umpire if the runner is being forced to the involved base and:
1. The fielder is in contact with the base, and
2. The ball makes contact with the fielder’s glove or body, prior to the runner touching the base. The ball does not have to be caught by the fielder.
3. Base runners may not leave the base until after the ball has been hit by the batter.
4. Runners will receive no additional base on any overthrow into foul territory, unless the ball enters a dugout, in which case each runner will receive one additional base and the ball is considered dead. Overthrows remaining in fair territory will be considered live and runners may continue to advance at their own risk of being put out. Exception: When the defense overthrows the 1B player, the runner may advance to 2B at their own risk of being put out. The runner cannot advance beyond 2B until the next batted ball.
5. The umpire will declare the play over when:
  1. A defensive player throws the ball to the coach‐pitcher while the coach‐pitcher is within the 8’ radius of the pitching rubber. At that point, the umpire will call “Time Out” and allow any runners to advance to a given base, if and only if, the involved runner(s) were at least half way to the base. Runners who had not yet reached the half‐way point between bases will be returned to the last base touched, or
  2. A defensive player has retrieved the ball and all runners have ceased advancing to the next base.
  3. A maximum of three coaches may be placed behind the outfielders.
  4. Players must play at least one inning in the infield during every regular season game. This requirement must be met in 3 defensive innings.

Age 8U Softball Rules

Age 8U Softball Rules

Ten defensive players are allowed on the field at one time. Each team is allowed one pitcher, one catcher, and four infielders.
1. The child pitcher must wear a helmet with a facemask and chin-strap and remain in the pitcher’s circle and behind or even with the pitching rubber (at least 35’ from home plate) until the ball is hit.
2. Infielders must remain at least 45’ from home plate until the ball is pitched. The remainder of the defensive players should be spread out throughout the outfield and remain 10’ behind the baseline when the ball is pitched.
3. Teams playing with only nine players will not incur an automatic out. A team must have at least 8 players to start the game (including guest players).
4. Pitching Rules: All games will be coach pitch.
  1. The coach pitcher must pitch from the pitching rubber set at 35’.
  2. The coach pitcher is to make every attempt to leave the field after contact with the ball is made. If this is not possible because of where the ball is hit or because it would interfere with base runners, the coach pitcher is to make every attempt not to interfere with game play. If the coach pitcher is hit by a batted ball, or interferes with the child-pitchers effort to field the ball, the ball will be declared dead, the batter is awarded first base, runners will remain at their current base unless required to advance via force.
  3. Each batter may receive up to four pitches in which to hit a fair ball. Umpires will call swinging strikes only and three will be an out. The batter may receive up to 2 last strike foul balls. If the ball is not hit fair by the 6th pitch (including continuous fouls), the batter is out.
  4. The coach pitcher cannot coach any player other than the batter. After the ball is put in play, the batter is now considered to be a runner. Penalty: the runner being coached by the coach pitcher will be called out.
  5. There is no bunting or stealing. If the runner leaves before the ball is pitched, the runner will be called out. If the runner is tagged before returning to their base, the runner will be out.
  6. Overthrows, whether into fair or foul territory, will be considered live, unless the ball enters a dugout or any other area deemed out of play, in which case each runner will automatically receive two bases (from the time of the throw). Overthrows remaining in play will be considered live, and runners may continue to advance at their own risk of being put out.
    1. Exception: When the defense overthrows the 1B player, the runner may advance to 2B at their own risk of being put out. The runner cannot advance beyond 2B until the next batted ball.
    2. The umpire will declare the play over when the pitcher (not the coach pitcher) has possession of the ball within the pitcher's circle. Base runners will advance to the next base if over half way to that base, or return to the previous base touched if half way or less.
    3. The umpire will not call a play dead just because a defensive player returns the ball to the coach pitcher. The intent of this rule is to have coaches instruct players how to properly stop runners from advancing to the next base. If a defensive player gives the ball to the coach pitcher during live play, the play will be called dead and each base runner will be awarded an additional base. Coach pitchers should make every attempt to remove themselves from the play, thereby discouraging the defensive players from throwing the ball to them.
    4. A maximum of two defensive coaches are allowed on the field, provided they remain in foul territory at all times. These defensive coaches will place themselves adjacent to their outfielders and no closer than the infield dirt. Coaches may not position themselves half-way up the baseline at any time.
    5. Players must play at least 1 inning per game in the infield (1B, 2B, 3B, SS, P and C) during every regular season game (does not include Town Championship tournament). This requirement must be met in 3 defensive innings. Rare exceptions may be permitted, with approval from the VP of Recreational Softball.

Age 10U Softball Rules

Age 10U Softball Rules

Nine defensive players are allowed on the field at one time. Each team is allowed one pitcher, one catcher, and four infielders. The child pitcher must remain in the pitcher’s circle and behind or even with the pitching rubber (at least 35’ from home plate) until the ball is hit when a coach pitcher is in the game. Penalty: If the batter puts the ball in play and the pitcher throws the batter out, the batter will be awarded 1B. If the ball is not put in play but the pitcher intentionally distracts the batter, the batter is awarded an additional pitch. Additionally, 1st time warning issued to the coach, the 2nd time removes the pitcher from the position for the rest of the game.
Teams playing with only eight players shall incur an automatic out when the 9th batting position arises. A team must have at least 8 players to start the game (including guest players).
A child‐pitcher may pitch a maximum of three balls (non‐strikes) during a single at‐bat. After the third called ball, an offensive coach will pitch the number of strikes that are left (i.e., if the batter has 2 strikes, then the coach gets 1 pitch). After the final pitch, the batter is out unless she fouls off the last pitch. The batter will continue to receive pitches until she puts the ball in play or does not make contact. There are no walks, bunting, or stealing while the coach is in the game pitching.
The coach pitcher is to make every attempt to leave the field after contact with the ball is made. If this is not possible because of where the ball is hit or because it would interfere with base runners, the coach pitcher is to make every attempt not to interfere with game play. That said, the coach is considered part of the field. If he is hit with the ball, play continues unless the umpire feels it was intentional. If ruled intentional, the batter is out and base runners return to the original base.
The coach/pitcher cannot coach any player other than the batter. After the ball is put in play, the batter is now considered to be a runner. Penalty: the runner being coached by the coach pitcher will be called out.
Overthrows, whether into fair or foul territory, will be considered live, unless the ball enters a dugout or any other area deemed out of play, in which case each runner will automatically receive two bases (from the time of the throw). Overthrows remaining in play will be considered live, and runners may continue to advance at their own risk of being put out.
Once the ball is returned to the pitcher in the pitcher’s circle, all base runners must either advance to the next base or return to the base they just came from immediately. Any hesitation or fake moves and the runner will be called out by the umpire.
Base runners are allowed to leave the base only after the pitcher has released the ball. Base runners are allowed to steal 2^nd and 3^rd base. Base runners are allowed one stolen base per child pitch. Base runners are prohibited from stealing home or attempting to score on a passed ball or wild pitch. Base runners are prohibited from stealing if a coach is pitching but may start advancing to the next base after the ball is released. Penalty: the first time a base runner leaves early the umpire will issue a warning, and the second time will result in the runner being called out.
There is no dropped third strike provision; the batter is out upon the third strike.
Players must play at least 1 inning per game in the infield during every regular season game (does not include Town Championship tournament). This requirement must be met in 3 defensive innings. Rare exceptions may be permitted, with approval from the VP of Recreational Softball.

Age 12U and Older Softball Rules

Age 12U and Older Softball Rules

The official ball shall be a 12" fast pitch softball.
Nine defensive players are allowed on the field at one time. Each team is allowed one pitcher, one catcher, and four infielders.
Teams playing with only eight players shall incur an automatic out when the 9th batting position arises. A team must have at least eight players to start the game. If a guest player is used she must play in the outfield, bat last, and wear the uniform of her own team.
Overthrows, whether into fair or foul territory, will be considered live, unless the ball enters a dugout or any other area deemed out of play, in which case, each runner will automatically receive two bases (from the time of the throw). Overthrows remaining in play will be considered live, and runners may continue to advance at their own risk of being put out.
Once the ball is returned to the pitcher in the pitcher's circle, all base runners must either advance to the next base or return to the base they just came from immediately. Any hesitation or fake moves and the runner will be called out by the umpire.
Base runners are allowed to leave the base only after the pitcher has released the ball. Base runners are allowed to steal any base and may steal home on a wild pitch or passed ball.
There is a dropped third strike provision; the batter may advance to 1st base upon a dropped third strike, provided that either; 1) 1st base is unoccupied and less than 2 outs exist, or 2) whenever 2 outs exist (whether 1st base is occupied or not).
Players in 12U (not required at older age groups) must play at least 1 inning per game in the infield (1B, 2B, 3B, SS, P and C) during every regular season game (does not include Town Championship tournament). This requirement must be met in 3 defensive innings. Rare exceptions may be permitted, with approval from the VP of Recreational Softball.

Additional Information

Softball Video Library

A video library is available for coaches who want to brush up on teaching techniques. Tapes can be checked out for 2 weeks. To check out a tape please contact Mike Barth at (972) 221-0018.

The following subjects are available

Outfield Play
Bunting and Sliding
Agility for Softball
Team Defensive Drills
Team Offensive Drills
Slap Hitting - Offense and Defense
Infield Strategy
Catching
Pitching
Learning the Change, Curveball, and Screwballs
Learning the Drop and Rise
Game Preparation and Management
Developing Strength and Explosiveness for Pitchers
Workbook for Pitchers

Protected Player Roster Form

Protected Player Roster (PDF)
Protected Player Roster (MS Excel)