T-Ball (Grades K & 1) Division Rules
Rules for Play and Practice:
Iowa City Girls Softball operates with intent to give all girls the opportunity to play all softball positions, to
have equal playing time, to have fun and to do so in a safe environment.
All games are played in accordance with the current edition of the official softball playing rules of the
Amateur Softball Association (ASA) with the following exceptions:
Games are played on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
1) An inning will consist of each team playing through its entire batting order. An inning will not be
shortened because of three outs.
2) T-Ball Division games are one hour and 15 minutes in length. When time expires, the player at bat
may complete her at bat.
3) The home team will be determined per the schedule. No official score will be kept.
4) A continuous batting order of all team members is to be maintained. Any late arriving player will be
placed at the bottom of the batting order.
5) Each team must have a minimum of 5 players to start a game; however, coaches are encouraged
to “share” players in order for both teams to have at least 5 players.
6) All players play a defensive position every inning.
7) Players should rotate through both infield and outfield positions. Every player must be given an
opportunity to play an infield defensive position in every game. After infield positions are filled, all
remaining players will play in the outfield. All outfielders must be positioned in the grass behind the
infield.
8) There is no pitching by players. Players will hit off the tee. No strikes or balls will be called. After
the second week of the season, coaches may throw up to four pitches to their own player before
using the tee. When hitting off the tee, there will be unlimited attempts to put the ball into fair
territory.
9) There is no stealing in the T-Ball Division. If a runner(s) leaves her base before the ball is hit, “no
pitch” is declared and the play is replayed. The runner(s) is not out.
10) For safety reasons, Base runners are encouraged NOT to slide into bases rather they are
instructed to avoid contact with opposing players.
11) For safety reasons, defensive players are asked not to tag base runners at the end of the inning.
12) The “Look Back Rule” is NOT in effect.
13) The infield fly rule does NOT apply
14) There are no official umpires for T-Ball division games; defensive coaches will make rulings as
needed.
15) After a ball has been hit, it is encouraged that a play be attempted on the runner(s) before
returning the ball to the player in the pitcher position, at which time the defensive coach will call
time, stopping play. The runner(s) are entitled to the closest base when time is called. An
overthrown or passed ball halts play. The runner may not advance further.
ICGS_T-Ball_League_Rules
Iowa City Girls Softball
T-Ball (Grades K & 1) Division Rules
16) 2 Coaches are allowed on the field while their team is fielding.
17) Fields are reserved for practices on Friday nights.
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Equipment Policies and Rules:
1)
ASA approved helmets with face masks must be worn during games and practices while in the on-deck
circle, at bat and on the base paths. Chinstraps must be used any time helmets are worn. Shorts or long
pants may be worn. If players elect to wear shorts then for their benefit they are also encouraged to wear
sliding pads and sliding shorts. No metal jewelry (including earrings) and no wristwatches may be worn.
Rubber bracelets are permitted. All participants to be eligible for play must wear team shirts. Sport shoes
(sneakers or softball shoes) must be worn during practices and games. NO METAL SPIKES/CLEATS
may be worn.
2)
A soft 11” softball will be used in the T-Ball Division.
3)
All bats must be ASA approved. No bat may be longer than 30 inches or larger than 2¼” in diameter. All
bats must be taped or have rubber grips.
Other Policies:
1) Two official coaches are permitted per team; the head coach must be NYSCA certified or equivalent.
Parents are encouraged to volunteer to assist the official coaches.
2) Rainouts: For rainout information go to the division website at http://www.icgs.org and click on Rainout
Information link.
3) Players, coaches, parents, and fans may be warned or ejected for foul language and unsportsmanlike
behavior. No person will receive more than one warning during a game without being ejected. All
warnings and ejections will be reported to ICGS officials for action. Teams and coaches will line up after
each game to shake hands and congratulate each other.
ICGS_T-Ball_League_Rules
Iowa City Girls Softball