Updated: 3/7/17
PLAYING RULES
The Donegal/Rheems Girls Softball League will follow the Amateur Softball
Association's (ASA) Fast pitch rules and regulations, except for the following League
rules, which will supersede ASA rules.
1 Age Groups - The League will follow ASA Code 501.G, which states that the
player's age on January 1 of the current year determines the age
classification in which the player is eligible to participate. The League will
sponsor League play for the following age groups:
◦
8U (Coach Pitch)
◦
10U – Minor & Major Divisions (Kid Pitch: Minor is geared towards
younger/newer players to 10U and Major is geared towards older
more experience players)
◦
12U – A & B Divisions
◦
14U – A & B Divisions
◦
18U (This division has its own rules and regulations)
a Players may play up one age group above their actual age group (as outlined in
Rule 3.c. below.)
b Any violation of the age limit rule will result in the forfeiture of all games
involving the player which caused the violation. (Associations may complete
a waiver form to roster a player up one age level for the current season)
1 Team registration fees are $150.00 per team and must be paid to the League
Treasurer by the February meeting. The 8U division is not required to pay a
registration fee. (18U registration may be delayed)
a
Proof of insurance is required from each association for all teams. Due at
April's Coaches' Meeting.
2 Team Rosters- the League's standard roster must be submitted to the League
Secretary by the April meeting.
a
Players may not change teams within the same age group once rosters
have been submitted to the League Secretary. Any player must play
for an association or team within the high school district they reside.
Any exception to this rule must be presented to the League for review
and approval of a Waiver.
• INTERPRETATION for Rule 3.a.: Players rostered on an A team may not play
with a B team within the same age group. Players rostered on a B team
may not play with an A team within the same age group.
a
New players may be added to a roster until May 15 of the playing season.
No players may be added to a roster for any reason after this date. The
League Secretary must receive notification in writing of any new
player being added to the roster before that player is eligible to play.
b
Players must be rostered in their age appropriate group within their
Association. The girl’s age determines her primary team. A player
may only be rostered on one Donegal/Rheems team. (Associations
may complete a waiver form to roster a player up one age level for the
current season.) A player may play up to the next age group without
being rostered at the above level. This rule is to supplement the
number of players at each age group to limit the number of forfeits. If
a player plays up and enough girls at the proper age are present, she
only plays the minimum number of innings as outlined in Rules 4.d.1.
and 4.e.1. No player can play up if there are 12 or more of the age
appropriate players at the game. Any deviation of this rule needs
Association and League approval.
• INTERPRETATION for Rule 3.c.: Pick up players must come from a lower age
group. A teams cannot pick up B players from the same age group and
vice versa.
a
Playing of players not properly on a team's roster will result in the
forfeiture of all games involving the improper players which caused
the violation.
b
Rosters containing player names and birth dates for any team will be
available upon request from the League Secretary.
1 Minimum Player Participation (does not apply to 8U):
a
Each team shall field ten players, however, prior to each pitch, no more
than six players may play in the infield, and outfielders must be at
least 10 feet from the baseline. A team may, due to injuries or
shortage of players, play a game with eight players with the ninth
position being an automatic out. If a team cannot play eight players it
will forfeit the game.
b
Coaches shall have the right to bench a player as a disciplinary procedure.
Such a player must be identified to the umpire and the other team's
coach prior to the start of the game.
c
Courtesy Runners- Follow ASA rule 8 section 10-except for parts (B) and
(C) when using a continuous batting order, in which case the courtesy
runner is to be the player who made the last out.
d
8U, 10U, 12U and 14U-B
i
All players on a team's roster who are present at the start of the
game must play at least two innings in the field.
ii
Each team must maintain a continuous batting order of all players
present. Any player arriving after the start of the game is to be
added to the bottom of the batting order. Any player leaving
the game early is to be deleted from the batting order without
penalty.
iii
Free substitution is allowed.
iv
12U and 14U will be split into A/B divisions accordingly to player’s
ability. If there are multiple teams for an association, one must
be an “A” team.
v
Coaches- All head coaches must be eighteen years old or older
before January 1 of the playing season.
e
14U-A:
i
All players on a team's roster who are present at the start of the
game must play at least two innings in the field and bat
once. However, a coach may elect, prior to the start of the game
and upon notification to the umpire and the other team's
coach, to use a continuous batting order of all players
present. (A player arriving after the start of the game is to be
added to the bottom of the batting order, and any player
leaving the game early is to be deleted from the batting order
without penalty.)
ii
Offensive Substitution (for teams not electing a continuous batting
order):All players may be re-entered in the game one time
after being substituted for. A player may only be re-entered in
their original position in the batting order.
iii
Defensive Substitution: Free defensive substitution.
iv
Coaches- All head coaches must be eighteen years old or older
before January 1 of the playing season.
v
14U will be split into A/B divisions accordingly to player’s ability. If
there are multiple teams for an association, one must be an “A”
team.
• Clarification: Both teams do not have to choose the same batting order
method. One can play continuous while one plays standard ASA which
is 9, 10 or 11 players with a DP or Flex added to the 9 in the field.
1 Equipment and Fields
a
The League will furnish each team with 12 size-appropriate balls.
b
Only balls that are identical in make and manufacturer to the balls
provided by the League are acceptable for game use.
c
As of 2003, all 10U, 12U, 14U and 18U will use only ASA approved
bats. 10U may use Tee-ball bats. Tee-ball bats may be no longer than
26 in. and must say "Little League" on them.
d
ASA 2000 stamped bats will be permitted in League play.
e
Fields must be furnished with a double first base.
f
Batting helmets must have mask/guards attached and helmet straps.
g
Metal cleats are not allowed in any division except 14U-A.
2 Games
a
All games will be played as scheduled unless postponed by inclement
weather or unplayable field conditions. Such postponed games will be
rescheduled as set forth in Rules 6.b and 6.c.
b
Within one week following the originally scheduled game, the home team
coach will notify the commissioner of the makeup date, time and
location which was mutually agreed upon by both head coaches. The
commissioner will inform the umpire scheduler of the time and
location of the makeup game. Failure by either team to play the
makeup game as rescheduled will constitute a forfeit.
c
If within one week following the originally scheduled game, the coaches
are unable to mutually reschedule the postponed game, the
commissioner will reschedule a makeup game for the teams. Failure
by either team to play the makeup game as rescheduled will
constitute a forfeit.
d
Practice time prior to the start of games: The visiting team shall be allowed
a minimum of 15 minutes access to the playing field in the 20 minutes
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
preceding the scheduled start of the game (however, late arrival of the
visiting team will not extend this time and games will start at the
scheduled time, regardless if late team has had time to warm up on
the field). In situations where the field is unavailable to either team
prior to the start of the game, each team will receive equal time on the
field (even if such time is zero).
A team which is 15 or more minutes late following the scheduled game
start time, will forfeit the game. The late team will be obligated to pay
the umpire fee(s).
All regularly scheduled games will be 7 innings (6 for 10U, no requirement
for 8U), however, no new inning may be started after 2 hours from the
start of the game. If a game is suspended by the umpire due to
weather or player injury, the game clock will also stop until the
umpire resumes play.
All games will be completed unless forfeiture by the losing coach at the
time of stoppage or at the umpire's discretion. A game called by an
umpire shall be ruled complete if 5 or more complete innings (4 for
10U) have been played, or if the home team is winning after 4-1/2
innings (3-1/2 for 10U), or if the game has been played for 90 minutes
or more. See ASA rules for scoring a game stopped for time or
conditions. (This rule does not apply for 8U. Coaches will decide if
they will call it a game or continue play at an agreed upon time.)
Tied games: ASA tie breaking rules will be in effect for games which are
tied at the end of the 7 regular innings (6 for 10U) if time limit has not
expired. See ASA Rule 5, Section 11 for tie breaker rules. Regular
season games can finish as a tie after time limit or at the umpire’s
discretion. The time limit DOES APPLY to playoff games but the game
CANNOT end in a tie. See rule 10.c. (This rule does not apply for 8U.)
10U will play 6 innings. 12U & 14U will play 7 innings. For 10U, there is a 5
run limit on every inning except for the 6th inning where there are
unlimited runs. For 12U-A&B and 14U-B, there is a 5 run limit every
inning except for the 7th inning where there are unlimited runs. 14UA will have no per inning run rule. If the 6th inning is not reached in
10U or the 7th inning in 12U and 14U-B, then the run limit still
applies. (This rule does not apply to 8U.)
10U, 12U-A&B and 14U-A&B will play a 15 Run Ahead Rule- A game will be
called complete when a team is ahead by 15 runs after 5 innings (4 for
10U), 4-1/2innings if the home team has the lead (3-1/2 for 10U),
provided all players have batted and played at least one inning in the
field. (This rule does not apply to 8U.)
The game score is to be reported to the designated Scorekeeper by the
winning team within 24 hours following completion of the game.
Scores will be reported via the Report a Score option on the website.
Any score unreported after the season deadline, will be posted as
a 7-7 tie for playoff seeding.
The League’s Division champion will be determined by the team with the
best record at the end of the regular season. In the event of a tie, the
winner and final League standings will be determined as follows.
i
Head to head record in regular season.
ii
Least amount of runs allowed by teams tied.
iii
Least amount of runs allowed overall in regular season.
3 Playing Rules
a
8U (Coach Pitch)
i
Pitching Rubber: 35 Feet
ii
Bases: 60 Feet
iii
8U Coaches will pitch to all batters. The ball must be a flat pitch with
no significant arc. Coach should be standing on the 35ft
pitching rubber and pitch only. The coach pitching should
make NO attempt at fielding a batted ball. During coach pitch
the defensive pitcher needs to be standing on either side of the
pitching coach inside the 8’ circle. Coach should be throwing a
straight pitch to best of their ability, with the intent to let the
player swing and hit the ball. It is important for all players to
be aggressive at the plate and swing at pitches.
iv
After 5 pitches (give or take – try not to make any at bat last too
long), the batting T will come into play and should be placed
squarely on home plate. The player will then have an
opportunity to hit off the batting T. If the batter shows the
ability to put the ball in play by fouling off pitches, latitude can
be taken with the 5 pitch rule but the coach should be
cognizant of the time allotted per batter and let the batter
know of the last pitch before the batting T comes into use.
v
Will have a one hour and forty-five minute (1:45) time limit.
vi
No new inning should start at the 1:45 time limit.
vii
At the 1:30 minute time limit, the coaches are to confer and
determine, based upon the time each inning has taken,
whether a new inning can begin.
viii
No Umpires are provided nor are necessary for 8U Coach Pitch. A
coach who is pitching or coaching at 1st or 3rd base should
make determinations on any Safe/Out calls. Try to be fair
remembering that this is an instructional level and that scores
are not kept to determine a winner/loser of each game.
ix
The batting team may score a maximum of 5 runs per inning. Finish
all plays but only 5 runs count but keep in mind no official
score is kept or recorded. If the defensive team is able to
record 3 outs in the field of play then the inning will be over.
x
Coaches can go on the field to instruct, but this should be primarily
to keep the girls engaged and aware of game situations.
b
10U (Kid Pitch)
i
Pitching Rubber: 35 Feet
ii
Bases: 60 Feet
iii
Bunts are permitted only when a player is pitching.
iv
v
vi
vii
viii
No dropped third strike rule.
No infield fly rule.
5 runs per inning except only the 6th inning is unlimited
15 Run Ahead Rule after 4 innings, 3 ½ innings for the home team.
Stealing of 2nd and 3rd base only, no stealing of home plate. Only one
base stolen per pitch is permitted. A runner who is stealing 2nd
or 3rd base can only score when a ball is batted into fair
territory. A runner can score from 3rd base only on a fair batted
ball by pitch or tee or when the bases are loaded and the batter
is hit by a pitch. (No out of play ball can score a runner from
third or stealing third).
ix
NO WALKS.
• An offensive coach will pitch after the player-pitcher pitches 4 called balls.
• The pitcher coach must be at least 18 years old.
• The coach must pitch a legal pitch from the pitcher's plate.
• The strike count is kept when the coach enters to pitch.
• The umpire remains in position to call pitches delivered by the coach.
• After 3 strikes, called or attempted, the batter is out.
• The coach delivers a maximum of three pitches.
• The batter will either successfully hit a fair ball, be called out on strikes, go down
swinging, or be called out if the third pitch delivered by the coach is not hit
into fair territory.
• While the coach is pitching, base runners cannot leave their bases until the bat
contacts the ball.
• There are no steals while the coach is pitching.
• There is no bunting while the coach is pitching.
• There is no hit by pitch while the coach is pitching.
• The coach pitcher is considered a member of the offensive team. Therefore, if
he/she is hit by a batted ball, ASA rules for interference apply. (Offensive
interference results in dead ball, the batter-runner is out.)
• When the coach pitcher comes into pitch, the player pitcher must start with both
feet in the pitcher’s circle but should be positioned to the back and side to
avoid the pitching rubber.
a
12U
i
Pitching Rubber: 40 Feet
ii
Bases: 60 Feet
iii
Infield fly rule does apply for all of 12U both A and B levels.
iv
12U may steal multiple bases plus home and dropped third strike
ASA rules apply.
v
5 runs per inning except only the 7th inning is unlimited.
vi
15 Run Ahead Rule after 5 innings, 4 ½ innings for the home team.
b
14U
i
Pitching Rubber: 43 Feet per PIAA rules.
ii
Bases: 60 Feet
iii
5 runs per inning except the 7th inning is unlimited (14U-A have
no runs per inning rule).
iv
15 Run Ahead Rule after 5 innings.
v
As an exception to rule 4.a., 14U-A will field 9 players instead of 10.
1 Protests- Proper ASA protest rules and guide lines must be followed at and during
the game, then written notice of protest must be filed with the League
President, Vice-President, or Secretary within forty-eight hours following the
game being protested. All properly filed protests will be acted upon in
accordance with the League's By-Laws.
a
Matters that may be protested are governed by ASA rules.
2 Umpires
a
Whenever possible, ASA certified umpires will be used for League
scheduled games, except for 8U.
b
Each League regular season game will be officiated by one umpire, except
that umpires in training may accompany an umpire at no additional
cost to the teams. Playoff games will be officiated, as much as possible,
by two umpires. There shall be two (2)umpires for all 14U-A and 18U
games, if feasible.
c
Umpires who are not ASA certified must be at least 18 years old to umpire
behind the plate and base umpires must be at least 16 years old.When
no ASA certified umpire is available, the person selected shall be
mutually acceptable to both teams prior to the start of the game.
d
The home team is responsible for paying the Umpire fee prior to the start
of the game. (Exception- late teams resulting in a forfeit. See rule 6.e.)
3 Post Season Playoffs
a
All age groups will have post-season playoffs, except 8U.
b
Post-season playoffs will be conducted in accordance with the schedule
arrangement made by the league each year. A- division and B- division
will have separate playoffs.
c
All rules apply to post-season games except for rule 6.h. Post-season
games cannot end in a tie. If the game is tied after 2 hours of play, ASA
tie-breaker rules go into effect. See ASA Rule 5, Sections 11 for tie
breaker rules.
d
Championship games do not have time limits.
e
Championship games will be full games with no limitations. 7 innings will
be played for 14U and 12U (6 1/2 if the home team is winning. 6
innings will be played for 10U (5 1/2 if the home team is winning).
4 Code of conduct
a
All coaches, players, parents, and spectators who attend or participate in
our league's girls softball games are required to follow and honor the
articles, rules and regulations established by the organization or club
that they represent, the Donegal/Rheems Girls Softball League and
ASA (Amateur Softball Association). Misconduct and unsportsmanlike
behavior, including threats of any nature towards opposing coaches,
players, fans, or umpires is unacceptable at any youth sporting event
and will NOT be tolerated in this league. All reports of
unsportsmanlike conduct received by league officers will be seriously
and immediately dealt with. Any disciplinary action will first be
addressed by the organization within the league that the offender
represents. Any further disciplinary action that may be determined by
the league's Board of Directors based on the league's By-laws could
result in a suspension from attending all league activities for an
amount of time to be set by the league.