AMHERST GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE
2017 AA DIVISION HOUSE LEAGUE RULES
We will follow the 2017 “Official Softball Rule Book” with the following exceptions:
A. Game Times
1. Games must start on time. A team can start play with six (6) players. If either team has fewer than six (6)
players, a 15-minute grace period will be allowed. Any player coming after the start of the game should be added
at the bottom of the line-up. Borrowing outfielders from the opposing team (Ref. Rule F1) can also be utilized.
Remember this is an instructional league and forfeits are not encouraged.
2. It is the coach’s responsibility to check the web in the case of inclement weather. You may choose to contact your
parents or direct them to the WEB site for inclement weather cancellations. On weekdays the WEB site will be
updated by 5:00pm, on weekends please check for updates approximately one hour prior to game time. If no
message is posted, assume your game is on.
3. The home team will use the field starting 30 minutes before the game start time for 15 minutes for pre-game
warm ups,. The visiting team will use the field for the remaining 15 minutes. If your team arrives late, you may
warm-up outside of your allotted times on the field only with agreement of the opposing team. In no case should
a game start time be delayed to allow for additional warm-up time, even if the 15 minutes allotted time is not
taken. It is recommended that no more than 3 balls be used on the field during warm-ups, and that pitchers wear
helmets during warm-ups.
4. With one exception, no inning in any game can start after 1 hour and 30 minutes. The only exception is a
weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) game that does not have a game following it on the same field – in this case
no inning can start after 2 hours. The umpire and coaches should note game start time and record it in scorebooks.
The time limits do not apply during the playoffs.
5. Darkness and/or weather may stop a game at any point as agreed to by the parent volunteer umpires. Warning:
If there is any sign of lightning, even in the distance, games should stop immediately. Teams should take
shelter under concession stand picnic areas and not resume play unless lightning free for 15 minutes.
6. A game consists of four (4) full innings, except when called due to bad weather, darkness, or lateness. Then, three
(3) complete innings shall constitute an official game. Additional innings may be played if time allows and both
coaches agree. (Reference Rule A4)
B. Uniform and Equipment
1. No one will be allowed to play without a proper uniform.
2. Players are required to wear standard baseball pants during games. All players must be wearing the same
color
3. Each player must wear her individual team jersey to be eligible for play. Call ups wear the jersey of their official
AGSL team.
4. No metal spikes will be allowed. Any player wearing such will be removed from the game.
5. All batters and base runners must wear batting helmets with chin straps fastened.
6. All catchers must wear protective equipment and a catcher’s helmet with face guard at all times, including when
warming up the pitcher. If a player coaches a base, she must wear a helmet.
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AMHERST GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE
2017 AA DIVISION HOUSE LEAGUE RULES
7. Only bats stating “Official Softball” on the barrel of the bat are allowed.
8. The teams will use safety type 11 inch balls provided by the league to make it easier for the girls to field, throw
and catch. The home team supplies both game balls to the umpire.
C. Umpire
1. In the AA (Instructional) Level, coaches will serve as umpires to determine safe or out on the bases and balls
and strikes from behind the pitcher.
2. After June 1, the strike zone includes an extended plate, within the batter’s shoulder and knees. The umpire
will judge the strike zone according to a normal, upright batting stance (not a low crouch) for each batter.
Home plate is widened to the distance of the players bat (usually 30”). A batter crowding the plate, extends
the plate to the outside, and may not receive a first base on an inside pitch that grazes them. A pitched ball that
hits the plate is a ball. A strike is awarded when a batter makes body motions away from a ball that does not
have a chance of hitting them, but could distort the umpire’s decision on a thrown pitch.
When a pitched ball hits a batter, it is the umpire’s judgment as to whether a concerted effort was made to get
out of the way or not. If it is determined that an effort was indeed made, the batter will be awarded first base
(hit by pitch is considered a walk). If no effort was made, a ball or strike will be called according to the pitch’s
relation to the expanded strike zone.
D. Safety
1. Only team members and coaches will be allowed on the bench. When on offense, only base runners, the
batter, and the person on-deck, who must be wearing a batter’s helmet, may be off the bench in the field of
play. It’s recommended that the girl on-deck stand at the end of the bench near either the first or third base
coach.
2. Exposed jewelry must be removed and may not be worn during the game. No jewelry is to be worn during a
game. NOTE: Medical alert bracelets or necklaces are not considered jewelry. If worn, they must be taped
to the body so the medical alert information remains visible.
3. When an injury occurs, the umpire should call time out immediately. Runners (including the batter) who are
between bases may proceed safely to the next base only. First Aid Kits are provided to each Manager at the
beginning of the season. They must be present on the bench. Ice packs are to be used when necessary and
can be replaced at the concession stand. Coaches are responsible for reporting any significant injury to the
league.
4. Any player warming up a pitcher on the sidelines or on the playing field must wear a facemask.
5. It is recommended for pitchers to wear either a helmet or face mask while pitching.
E. Conduct
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AMHERST GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE
2017 AA DIVISION HOUSE LEAGUE RULES
1. Managers are responsible for the conduct of their players, parents and fans at all times on the field and on the
bench. NO heckling of the opposition will be tolerated. Players/Teams must also refrain from statements
(including certain types of cheers) or language demeaning to their opponents. The results of such action shall be
the expulsion of that person from the game. If he/she refuses to leave or such action is continued, that person’s
team will forfeit the game.
2. Smoking or drinking of alcoholic beverages will not be tolerated in the area of play. This includes players,
coaches, and spectators. Forfeiture may be the result.
3. Only the designated coaches can actively run or coach a team during a game. First or third base may be coached
by an assistant coach or another adult. Under no circumstances (except injury) is any spectator allowed onto the
playing field. No one may stand behind the backstop, in line with the pitcher and the catcher.
4. A base runner that attempts to dislodge the ball from the catcher or any other defensive player (in judgment of the
umpire) by running into that player shall automatically be called out. An aggressive action that causes injury to a
player (either offensively or defensively) is grounds for dismissal from the game.
F.
Defense
1. A maximum of 12 fielders can be on the playing field at one time.
- 5 Outfielders: they must be on the grass evenly spread
- 7 Infielders: First base, short second, second base, shortstop, third base, pitcher and a catcher (a parent
can be used behind the catcher to help move the game along but they may not be involved in any play of
the game).
- Each team may have 2 coaches on the field behind the infielders. They may not be involved in the play,
they are merely there to instruct.
2. Every player, present at the game, must play a minimum of 3 innings. Coaches should rotate which players sit
out an inning from game to game, so that it is not the same players always sitting out. All players are required
to play at least 2 innings of infield. The batting order includes every player (present at the game). All players
bat in order, regardless of being in the field in any given inning. Players arriving late should be inserted at the
bottom of the order (to avoid being skipped in the batting order). Please make every effort to give players the
opportunity to try different positions in the field.
3. The infield fly rule is NOT in effect
4. All bases are 60 feet apart. The pitching rubber is 35 feet from the back point of home plate. Note: Most
fields have the pitching rubber at 40 feet. It is the responsibility of the home team to provide the game ball
and set up the diamond (bases and pitching rubber 35 feet) at least one half-hour before game time.
Equipment is available at the concession stand. Playable territory, in which the ball will be considered
“LIVE” is defined as the region within two imaginary lines extending from the ends of the backstop, and
parallel to the first and third base lines. The backstop bounds the playable territory behind home plate.
5. An out is an out. If three (3) outs are made by the fielding team that half of the inning is over. Base runners
thrown out at a base must leave the base and return to the bench. A batter whose ball is caught in the air is
not allowed to run the bases.
6. From the start of the season until May 31, the pitcher will throw three (3) pitches. If the ball is not hit the
coach will come in and throw three (3) more. If the ball is not hit, then a tee will be put down. The coach is
encouraged to call balls and strikes for all pitches. This will assist pitchers and batters to learn the strike zone.
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AMHERST GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE
2017 AA DIVISION HOUSE LEAGUE RULES
Beginning June 1, the players will be responsible for pitching. Balls and strikes will be called by the umpire
(see Section C). No girl may pitch more than 2 (two) innings per game. Upon agreement from the coaches, a
girl that is struggling to pitch from the established distance (35 feet) may be allowed to move to the front edge
of pitching circle (approximately 32 feet). Coaches are urged to exercise caution. No pitcher should ever be
allowed to pitch from the closer distance if their safety would be compromised.
G. Offense
1. Each team will bat its entire order. If fourteen girls are present. All fourteen will bat in order.
2. If 2 batters in a row are walked, the coach will pitch to the 3rd batter. The coach will pitch 3 hittable pitches
to the batter. The coach cannot walk the 3rd batter, if the batter gets 3 strikes she will be considered out. The
intent of this rule is to move the game along and put the pitcher at ease by allowing balls to be put into play,
rather than an inning of mostly walks. Coaches should not strategize to use this rule to their advantage.
3. Dropped third strike rule is NOT in effect. The batter is out on a dropped third strike.
4. A batter will receive a warning the first time a bat is thrown in such a manner as may result in injury. If a bat
is thrown again, By any member of the team, an out will be called, and a no pitch will be the ruling.
5. There are no lead-offs. Base Stealing is not allowed. Players must wear helmets when running the bases,
and if necessary, opposing coaches must share all available helmets for this purpose.
6. Base runners may NOT advance on an overthrow.
7. Sliding is NOT allowed at first base. Sliding is NOT mandatory at this level. If a coach chooses to teach this
skill, it must only be used when a play is being made at that base. Sliding for “the fun of it” creates a
DANGEROUS situation for all involved.
8. Base runners will be called out if they run outside the base paths (approximately 3 feet on either side of a
direct line between bases) to avoid tags, but they are not penalized for trying to avoid a fielder in the base path
who is not in possession of the ball. A runner is out if they run with great force into a fielder securely
possessing the ball in an attempt to jar it loose. The ruling of interference situations between runners and
fielders in the base path depends on whether the fielder involved is in the process of fielding a batted ball. The
fielder has the right of way and any contact by the runner will result in the runner being called out. If the
fielder is not playing the ball, the runner has the right of way and any obstruction by the fielder will result in
the runner being awarded the next base.
9. After a ball has been hit in fair territory, base runners are allowed to attempt one base at a time. If a batted
ball reaches the outfield in the air 2 bases may be taken.
10. Bunting is NOT allowed.
11. Coaches may use a pinch runner for a girl that will start the next inning catching. The girl making the last out
must be the pinch runner.
12. No team may score more than five (5) runs in any one inning, even if the scoring play produces additional
runs. A scorebook must be used to keep record of the games.
H.
Miscellaneous
1. At the completion of each game, the winning coach must update the AGSL Web page.
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AMHERST GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE
2017 AA DIVISION HOUSE LEAGUE RULES
2. The home team must always supply volunteers to the concession stand. Failure to do so will cause the home
team to forfeit the game.
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