Girls 8 & Under COACH-PITCH
Softball Rules & Regulations
1. All games shall be governed by Official Softball Rules of the Amateur Softball Association except as amended herein:
2. All players on each team will be listed on the batting order. Any ten (10) players may play defense. If teams have different number of players, the team with more players may elect to play only the number of players as on the other team. If the same number of players is played on each team, then the remaining players may be substituted for the starting players. A team must have nine players to start a game. The tenth (10) batting slot WILL NOT be an out. If a player arrives late to a game, they will be added to the bottom of the line up and will bat at the proper time.
3. In case of sickness or injury, the game will continue as long as each team has nine players. An out will be recorded when a player cannot take her turn at bat.
4. Each batter will receive up to five (5) pitches. A missed third swing or a fouled fifth pitch will result in an out. The number of pitches thrown will be recorded by the umpire. No WALKS and no bunting (a bunted ball will be handled as a foul ball).
5. A coach will pitch to his own team from a distance of 35 feet and must keep in contact with the pitching rubber when the pitch is released. Failure to do so will result in an illegal pitch and a strike will be called on the batter. If a batted ball hits the pitching coach, the ball is declared dead and the pitch is replayed. If the umpire rules the pitching coach interferes with the batted ball intentionally, the batter is out and no runners can advance. If the pitching coach interferes in a defensive play, the ball becomes dead and the runner being played on will be declared out and all runners must return to the base occupied at the time of the interference.
6. The pitch may be without an arch, but with moderate speed. Pitches of excessive speed will result in a warning to the pitching coach. A second warning of pitches of excessive speed will result in the removal of the pitching coach from the pitching position.
7. The pitching coach may only coach the batter until she reaches first (1st) base or after she leaves third (3rd) base to home. The pitching coach will be replaced after one warning of the violation.
8. The pitching coach must attempt to leave the field and try to pick up the batter’s bat once the batter hits the pitch.
9. The umpire will call time when all play has ceased. Runners will not be allowed to "jockey" between bases; they must continue to the next base or return to the last base touched. Umpire judgement is final and will not be questioned.
10. There will be NO INFIELD FLY RULE. Base stealing will not be allowed.
11.
A game will consist of seven (7) innings or a one hour
(1 hr.) time limit. A run rule of
12. Official approved ASA 11" softballs and ASA approved softball bats must be used.
13. Official base distance will be 60 feet.
14. Infielders must play no closer to the batter than 35 feet with one player in the pitcher's position. All outfielders must be off the infield area (on the grass) when the pitch is released.
15. When the pitch is released, the team pitcher must be within 3 feet to the left or right of the pitching rubber, not in front of the pitching rubber.
16. All safety rules and equipment as listed in the ASA Rule Book are mandatory for all players.
17. Teams must play in the North or South State Tournament in order to play in the Gold or Silver Overall State Tournaments- NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
18. The top 4 teams will advance to the ASA "Gold" Overall State Tournament. Any other teams may advance to the ASA "Silver" Overall State Tournament.