Effective: April 09
GIRLS SOFTBALL RULES
ARTICLE I – LEAGUE CLASSIFICATION
Section 1
Leagues will be organized according to specific age level. League classifications are:
CLASSIFICATION
1. 14 & under or a current 7th Grader
2. 12 & under or a current 5th or 6th Grader
3. 10 & under or a current 3rd or 4th Grader
TYPE
Recreation
Recreation
Recreation
Note: A players age on May 1st determines that player’s age classification.
Section 2
Divisions of play are as follows: 3rd – 4th Grade Modified Pitch, 5th – 6th Grade Fast Pitch and 7th Grade Fast Pitch.
Section 3
League Formation – If enough teams register, leagues will be divided up into divisions based on ability to allow for
equal competition throughout the season. Coaches are asked to “rank” their teams for proper placement.
ARTICLE II – GENERAL PLAYING RULES
Section 1
Emphasis is on LEARNING THE GAME, PARTICIPATION, SPORTSMANSHIP AND FUN! Home team is
responsible for “scorekeeping.” Winning team must report game score by calling 460-2530 or by email at
[email protected].
Section 2
No new inning after one (1) hour and fifteen (15) minutes of play. Umpire is responsible for official game time. Game
time officially begins at or near game time listed on the schedule.
Section 3
A full regulation game is 6 innings (if played within one (1) hour and thirty (30) minutes.)
Section 4
OFFICIAL GAME: If time or weather does not permit a full game, 3 innings shall constitute a game.
Section 5
“No-Game.” If a game is called before it has become an official game, it will be declared, “No-Game” and will be
replayed in its entirety. If, however, there is a twelve (12) run differential in the last inning completed, the game will be
official.
Section 6
TEN RUN RULE: The game is over if a team is ahead by ten (10) or more runs after four (4) complete innings.
Section 7
Home team is responsible for supplying the game ball. Visiting team supplies the backup ball.
Section 8
City of University Place will supply Umpire(s). In the case of an umpire no-show, each team will appoint a parent
umpire to alternate every 2 innings.
ARTICLE III – PLAYING TIME REQUIREMENTS
Section 1
All players must play in at least two complete innings per game, by the end of the 4th inning. If the game length extends
beyond 4 innings of play, the starting players may be re-entered into the game defensively. All players must play equal
playing time. Penalty: Forfeiture of the game.
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ARTICLE IV – DEFENSIVE PLAY
Section 1 – (10U or 3rd – 4th GRADE LEAGUES ONLY)
Teams will use ten (10) players on the field at a time: catcher, pitcher, 1st baseman, 2nd baseman, 3rd baseman, Short
Stop and four outfielders.
1. A team must have eight(8) players to start a game. The “tenth” position in the lineup will be an “automatic out”
until the position is filled by a legal batter.
Section 2 – (12U – 14U or 5th – 6th and 7th GRADE LEAGUES ONLY)
Teams will use nine (9) players on the field at a time, consisting of Catcher, Pitcher, 1st Baseman, 2nd Baseman, 3rd
Baseman, Short Stop and three outfielders.
1. A team must have eight (8) players to start a game. The “ninth” position in the lineup will be an “automatic out”
until the position is filled by a legal batter.
Section 3
It is the responsibility of the infielder to avoid contact with a base runner. If contact occurs, the base runner will be
awarded the base she was going to. EXCEPTION: If the base runner makes contact with, or in the judgment of the
umpire, interferes with the fielder attempting to field a batted ball or intentionally interferes with a thrown ball, the base
runner will be called “OUT”.
Section 4
Outfielders will not be allowed to stand in or around the infield. They must stand at least ten yards behind the baseline
until the ball is hit.
Section 5 – (10U or 3rd – 4th GRADE LEAGUES ONLY)
Infield fly rule will not be in effect.
Infielders can play on the baseline, but not inside of it.
ARTICLE V – PITCHING
Section 1
3rd – 4th Grade Pitching:
Pitching will be UNDERHAND (modified style) in a manner that will enable the batter to hit the ball. No
full wind up style pitching is allowed.*
A. If a pitcher throws 4 balls the batting teams coach will come out and pitch, batter will inherit the
strikes from original pitcher.
B. Batter will be given 3 pitches max from their own coach, after 3 pitches an “Out” will be recorded.
C. Mutual coach’s discretion if wanting to allow the full wind up by the pitcher.
Section 2
5th-7th Grade Pitching:
Pitching will be regulation fast pitch with FULL wind up OR modified version depending on skill level
and/or ability of pitcher.
Section 3
The pitcher must start with one or both feet on the pitching rubber. One foot must remain in contact with the rubber
until the ball is released from the pitching hand.
Section 4
The pitcher shall not take more than one step, which must be forward, toward the batter.
Section 5
The strike zone is the space over any part of home plate, which is between the batter’s lowest shoulder and the top of
her knees when the batter assumes her natural batting stance.
Section 6
A player can be re-entered as a pitcher unlimited times if she has not been removed from the game/field. If the player has
been removed from the field, she can only be re-entered (1) one time as the pitcher.
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ARTICLE VI – BATTING
Section 1
All team members in uniform must be listed in the official batting order at the beginning of each game and will bat in
that order, until conclusion of the game. Player’s not present at the beginning of the game will be added to the bottom
of the batting order.
1. A batter will be declared out if he/she bats out of order.
2. 3rd-4th & 5-6th GRADE LEAGUES ONLY: A team’s at bat will consist of three outs or five runs scored,
whichever occurs first. (This rule will be waived in the sixth or last inning to be played by both teams.)
3. 3rd-4th & 5-6th GRADE LEAGUES ONLY: In the case of a five run rule, the inning is automatically terminated
when the fifth run is scored.
Section 2
Only the on-deck batter is allowed to take practice swings and must always be supervised by team parent or assistant
coach AT ALL TIMES.
Section 3
One (1) warning will be issued on the first thrown bat. The next thrown bat by the same individual player will
result in an automatic out (included all other at-bat attempts during the game by the same player).
3rd - 4th GRADE ONLY:
Section 1
No bunting allowed. Batter must take full swing attempt to hit the ball in order to get on base. A warning will be issued
on the first offense. All other violations will be called “OUT” (umpire judgment).
Section 2
No Intentional walks allowed!
Section 3
Infield fly rule is not in effect.
Section 4
The batter is “out” on dropped third strike.
5th – 6th & 7th GRADE ONLY:
Section 1
No Intentional walks allowed!
Section 2
Infield fly rule is in effect.
Section 3
Bunting is permitted.
Section 4
The batter may try to advance to first base on a dropped third strike.
ARTICLE VII – BASERUNNING
Section 1
3rd – 4th Grade ONLY: No stealing is allowed. If a runner is off base before the ball is hit, the base runner will be
called “OUT”.
Section 2
5th – 6thGrade ONLY: Stealing is allowed once the ball crosses home plate. Runners must remain on base once the
pitcher receives the ball. Runners not halfway between next bases must return to previous base when pitcher receives
and is in control of the ball. Once the ball passes home plate, runners may advance at their own risk. If a runner is off
base BEFORE the ball passes home plate area, the base runner will be called “OUT”.
7th Grade: The runner may leave the base and advance at their own risk, once the pitcher has released the ball.
Section 3
No head first sliding. Diving back to base is allowed.
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Section 4
Sliding/Collisions: On a close play at any base, the runner must slide or make an attempt to avoid a collision. Nonincidental contact ruled by the umpire will be an “OUT”. If, in the opinion of the umpire, the collision was a clear,
intentional attempt to dislodge the ball, break up a double play, or force contact with the fielder, the base runner is
called “OUT” and ejected (Umpire Judgment).
Section 5
One (1) base will be awarded on an out-of-play overthrow. All other runners on base also advance one (1) base. Out of
play will be determined by umpires and coaches before game time begins.
Section 6
Over-running of first base is allowed. If the batter turns towards second base they may try and advance at their own
risk, if Umpire has not called “TIME”.
Section 7
Two adult coaches may be used for base coaches.
ARTICLE VIII – PLAYING FIELD AND EQUIPMENT
Section 1
Metal cleat shoes are not permitted.
Section 2
11” Incrediball softballs will be used for 3rd – 4th Grade Modified Leagues.
12” Regulation softballs will be used for 5th – 6th & 7th Grade Leagues.
Section 3
3rd – 4th Grade: Pitching distance is 30 ft, Base Distance is 60 ft.
5th – 6th & 7th Grade: Pitching distance is 35 ft, Base Distance is 60 ft.
Section 4
Players are encouraged to use their own softball bats.
Section 5
RECREATION LEAGUES: Teams are allowed to wear custom uniforms in the City of University Place fast
pitch leagues.
ARTICLE IX – RAINOUTS & RESCHEDULES
Section 1
All games will be played according to league schedule unless cancelled by The City of University Place Parks and
Recreation due to weather/field conditions or school district events. No other requests for game changes will be
allowed.
Section 2
The decision to play depending on the weather/field conditions will be made by 4:00pm. The rainout line will be updated
at this time. 253.460.5400 Please have only one team representative call the rainout line after 4:00pm. Rainout
information will also be put on the city’s website at www.cityofup.com. Rescheduled game information will be on
www.teamsideline.com/up as soon as possible after the cancellation.
If the decision is to cancel due to weather, the fields are closed for all scheduled events! (Practices and games) If the
decision is to play, both teams are required to appear at the game site and decide if current field/weather conditions will
allow the game to be played.
Section 3
Every effort should be made to play scheduled games. If a game must be replayed only the Recreation Supervisor will
issue authorized reschedules.
ARTICLE X– TEAM FORMATION
A maximum of 15 players will be assigned to each team.
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ARTICLE XI – GAME CONDUCT
Section 1
Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, assistant coaches, fans and parents. No verbal abuse will be
tolerated at any time towards the opposing team, parent umpires, spectators, or own team players. Any team displaying
poor sportsmanship, misconduct, or behavior not in the spirit of fair play, must be reported. “Concern Forms” are
included in the coaches’ packets and should be sent within 24 hours to the Recreation Supervisor reporting any incident
or problem that occurred during the game.
Section 2
There is no smoking allowed on school property. This applies to everyone, coaches and spectators.
Section 3
Please don’t block driveways, school service roads, or dumpsters. Always lock your vehicle and do not leave valuables
in plain sight! Be aware of children around your vehicle when leaving your parking space.
Section 4
PROTESTS: NO protests will be allowed. This is a recreation league and problems/conflicts must be resolved before
the next legal pitch. If you wish to address specific problems with an umpire, coach etc. a “Concern Form” enclosed in
the coaches packet should be filled out and sent to the Recreation Supervisor within 24 hours.
ARTICLE XII – RULE VIOLATION AND PENALTY GUIDELINES
The following is a list of rule violations and the consequences that will be incurred by the coach (es), player (s), and/or
team (s) involved, based on the severity of the situation.
1. Acts of misconduct by a team or its followers
Minimum: 1 game suspension
Maximum: Suspended from further competition
2. Failure of coaches to be responsible for the actions of their team, team followers and spectators, whether before,
during or after a game.
Minimum: 1 game suspension
Maximum: Suspended from further competition
3. Player or coach is ejected from a game.
Minimum: Automatic 1 game suspension
4. Player or coach ejected twice during the same sport season.
Minimum: 1 game suspension
Maximum: 3 game suspension
5. Player or coach ejected during the last game of the season.
Minimum: 1 game suspension in the next sport season
Maximum: 3 game suspension in the next sport season
6. Player, coach or spectator who bumps or makes contact (other than fighting) with an official or recreation staff
before, during or after a game.
Minimum: 2 game suspension
Maximum: Suspended for 1 year
7. Player, coach or spectator who strikes, punches or physically assaults an official or recreation staff before, during
or after a game.
Minimum: 5 game suspension
Maximum: Banned from further competition in all University Place Parks sports programs.
8. Coach, player, spectator and/or team who causes a game to be forfeited due to their conduct or attitude towards an
official or recreation staff whether during or after a game.
Minimum: Forfeiture of game
Maximum: 3 game suspension
9. Coaches who remove their team from the playing field or gym prior to the completion of a game.
Minimum: Forfeiture of game
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Maximum:
3 game suspension
10. A gross display of poor sportsmanship by coaches or players.
Minimum: Forfeiture of game
Maximum: 3 game suspension
11. Suspended coach or player who participates in any University Place sport program while suspended in any
capacity (player, coach, advisor, etc.)
Minimum: Forfeiture of game and further disciplinary action
ARTICLE XIII – PROCEDURES FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Section 1 - DISCIPLINARY HEARING PROCESS
Any individual or team who has violated one or more of the rules as outlined in Article VIII is indefinitely suspended
until they have contacted the Parks and Recreation office and have scheduled a disciplinary hearing. (Exception:
rule violation # 5 has an automatic penalty of a 1 game suspension.)
Section 2 - SCHEDULING OF A DISCIPLINARY HEARING
1. An individual or team, who has committed a rules violation and has scheduled a disciplinary hearing with the
Parks and Recreation staff, may continue to participate with approval of the UP Parks staff until a disciplinary
hearing is held.
2. A mutually agreed upon time and date of the hearing will be set. The individual will receive verification by
phone and/or mail of the time, date and place of the hearing.
3. Once the hearing date has been set and all parties involved notified, the hearing will not be rescheduled, unless
authorized by the Parks and Recreation staff.
Section 3 - THE HEARING
1. Hearings will be conducted in closed session. The hearing shall include the Parks and Recreation staff, and the
individual or team involved.
2. The parks staff will explain the purpose and the process of the hearing to those involved, and will take informal
notes of all proceedings.
3. After all testimony is presented, the parks staff will provide a written decision to the said party. A verbal decision
may be given at the hearing; however, it will be affirmed in writing.
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