Avon Little League

Avon Little League Softball

Rules for Minor League 2009 Season

     This league shall be primarily governed by the “Official Rules of Little League Softball” as published by Williamsport, PA. Each year, with the exception of the following modifications to the existing rules, and or additions of the special new rules, which have been generated and Board approved in the interest of safety, fair plat, and more even competition.

I. Pre game and post game rules:

1. Home team duties and responsibilities

1.      Use of the first base dugout.

2.      Furnish a new game ball.

3.      Home team has field to warm up 15 minutes prior to game until game starts.

2. Visiting team duties:

1.      Use of third base dugout.

2.      Furnish a good back up ball.

3.      Visiting team has field to warm up ½ hour prior to game for 15 minutes.

3. Dual Responsibilities

1.      All players and equipment not directly involved in game must remain in       dugout. A manager or coach may excuse a player, if necessary providing it does not delay the game.

2.      Batting orders must be exchanged prior to the start of the game.

3.      All teams after each game must clean up the dugout and surrounding area before leaving the fields.

II. General Rules:

A.     11” yellow softball will be used.

2. The defensive team will play 10 players to include 4 outfielders, which shall play at least 8 feet from any base. An outfielder cannot be used to make the catch and tag from the catcher on an attempt of a stolen base, but can back up the throw.
3. There is no on deck circle. Players cannot practice swing until stepping into the batters box.
4. All players must be in full uniform. (hat, shirt, and pants)
5. No player is able to wear jewelry. Newly pierced ears must be bandaged.
6. All players present will bat in a continuous batting order. If a player shows up late, her name goes to the bottom of the batting order.
7. There is a 3 out or 5 run limit per team per inning.
8. The game shall consist of no more than 6 innings or the time limit of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
9. Any inning started before the time limit is up must be completed in its entirety.
10. If a game is tied at the time limit or the full 6 innings is completed, both teams must play until a winner is determined.
11. After (4) innings of play, if a team is up by more than 15 runs the game is over.
12. The pitching distance will be 35 feet. A pitching circle (8-foot radius) is marked off around the pitching rubber.
13. The starting pitcher and any new pitcher inserted into the pitching position is allowed (5) warm up pitches their first inning. After the first inning the pitchers are allowed (3) warm up pitches.
14. When the ball is in the possession of the pitcher within the pitching circle, play is stopped and the ball is dead. If a base runner has committed to the next base, she may continue to that base at the risk of being thrown out. The ball remains dead until the ball is pitched and crosses home plate.
15. No leading off until the ball has crossed home plate. If a player leaves before the ball crosses home plate the Umpire will call the runner out.
16. Stealing is permitted, upon the ball crossing home plate.
17. A player must slide if a play is a close call at the bases or home plate. It is the responsibility of the runner to avoid collisions or interference with fielders. If the runner does not slide and in the judgment of the umpire causes contact with a fielder that impedes her ability to make a play, the runner will be called out.
18. On a 3^rd strike in which the ball goes by the catcher, the batter is out but other runners can steal a base.
19. The infield fly rule will apply.
20. The offensive team is allowed a 1^st and 3^rd base coach.
21. Each player must be in the game for a minimum of 6 defensive outs.
22. There is no restriction on the speed of the pitch. The pitcher must use a windmill or sling shot motion to deliver the pitch.
23. Pitchers can pitch up to 6 innings in a game, but we encourage you to change them out periodically to further develop more pitchers. Pitchers must have one day of rest between games where they pitch more than one inning. Delivery of a single pitch constitutes an inning. A pitcher remaining in the game, but moving to a different position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once in the same inning she was removed. A pitcher may only pitch 6 innings in a game, when more than 6 innings are required to complete a game a new pitcher must start the 7^th inning.
24. Forfeited games, Little League Rule Book (14.15-14.18) with the exception of the number of players, a Minor game cannot be played with less than (6) players.
25. A “Courtesy Runner” can/will be used when there are (2) outs and the catcher is on base. This will keep the game going.
26. Call ups from the Ponytail league is expected rather than a forfeit.  However, there should be a system in place to allow various girls the opportunity to “play up” rather than having the same girl constantly being called up.

FINAL NOTES:

1.       THIS IS JUST A GAME!  DON’T TAKE IT TOO SERIOUSLY!  HAVE FUN!

2.      It is contemplated that this league will utilize youth umpires for its game.  Many of the umpires will have limited experience at the beginning of the season.  While these umpires will have limited training and education on the rules it is expected that the umpires will make mistakes during the game.  No manager or coach may argue or dispute or attempt to change the call of an umpire regardless of any perceived mistake.  A manager or coach is permitted, between innings to discuss a call or educate an umpire. 

3.      Players may not deliberately throw or abuse helmets, bats or other playing Equipment.

4.      Profanity or abusive language of any kind will not be permitted from any player, manager, coach, parent, etc.  Violators will be banished from the field or ballpark and violating players will be benched and may be suspended if necessary.

5.      At the discretion of the manager and the approval of the VP of Softball, a player, manager, or coach may be suspended for disciplinary reasons for one game.  If this occurs a second time, the Board of Directors shall review the player, manager, or coach, for possible expulsion from the league.  All league officials can recommend disciplinary action to the Board for all off field violations by players, managers, coaches, etc. while on Little League property at any time!