| Rules |
| Rules apply to both slow and fast pitch unless stated otherwise. These are exceptions to USSSA rules. The annual cutoff date is Jan. 1. For example: A U8 girl cannot be 9 on or before Jan. 1 of that current year. Field and Game rules: Time Limits Time limit for U8-U-11 – No new inning shall start after 1:25 minutes. Any inning started will be played to completion Time limit for U12-U18 – No new inning shall start after 1:35 minutes. Any inning started will be played to completion General Rules: A. First Base A double base (safety base) shall be used at all levels. Two standard bases may be attached together if teams do not have one. B. Protective Helmet All players must wear a protective helmet (with face mask in fast pitch) while batting, on base, or while in the on deck circle.{A one size fits all helmet with a chin strap is recommended.} Intentional removing the helmet by the batter/runner will result in the umpire declaring them out. C. Legal Game A legal game is one that is called because of darkness, rain or run rule. The run rule is 12 runs, {Remember the losing team need only bat the specified number.} Example: U8 home team leads by 13 runs, after visiting team finishes their 3rd bat in the top of the 4th inning, the game shall end. When a game ends due to time limit it is a legal game no matter how many innings have been completed. If the game ends in a tie due to time limit, rain, or darkness, and this is a legal game it shall be recorded as a tie. If a game ends due to weather or darkness and it is not a legal game, it shall be continued at the point it was left at. Coaches are responsible for checking all game situations before leaving. D. Continuous batting U8 through U12 – Mandatory U13 - U18. – Optional E. Playing Requirements All players in attendance must play two innings on the field. As a courtesy please give all girls a chance to bat. F. Substitutions There is a free substitution in the field every half inning. The pitcher or an injured player are the only ones that may be replaced at any time. The pitcher may come out and go back in just like any other player. G. Scoring A maximum of 6 runs may be scored in one inning. This applies for all ages. PITCHING A. Hitting Batters Once a pitcher strikes 3 batters in one inning, she must be removed for the remainder of the inning. If a pitcher hits 6 batters total, she cannot pitch the remainder of the game. {Fast Pitch Only}. B. MODIFIED FAST PITCH (U8 and U9) 1. There is no Arc requirement 2. Back swing or “sling shot” pitch is allowed 3. Back foot must stay on the ground BASE RUNNING A. U8 Mod Fast Pitch There is no stealing. The runners may leave the base once the ball reaches the batter. The batter is out on the 3rd strike. B. U9 Modified Fast Pitch, U10 and U11 Fast Pitch The runners must wait until the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand to leave the base. The batter is automatically out on the 3rd strike. They may only steal 1 base per pitch and they cannot steal home. C. U12-U18 Fast pitch The runner must wait until the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand to leave the base. They may advance more than one base per pitch, and they can steal home. The catcher must catch the 3rd strike. D. The penalty for violating base running rules: A, B, or C is dead ball 1 out recorded. If 2 or more runners leave early on a single pitch, the lead runner only shall be called out. The pitcher does not count, as the ball has been declared dead before it crosses the plate. E. Courtesy runner A courtesy runner may be used for the catcher and the pitcher with 2 outs in all ages, both slow and fast pitch. F. Runner Contact (Base Crashing) When a fielder is in possession of the ball, the base runner must avoid contact. She may slide, slow down or run around. Disregard of this is penalized by the runner being called out and possible ejection from the game. This is known as base crashing. It is a judgment call. G. Infield Fly Rule The infield fly rule is only in effect for U12-U18. FORFEITS A. Minimum Number of Players Fast pitch teams may start and finish with 8 players. Any team must notify the umpire in advance that they cannot field a team. If a team starts with less than the normal number of players, all later players must arrive before the team has completed their batting order to be added. TEAM AND COACHES RESPONSIBILITY A. Each team may warm up for 5 minutes prior to the games scheduled to start, {Not if games are running behind}. If an umpire fails to show up, a parent or fan may be selected if both coaches agree. Once they agree it counts as a regular game. If both coaches cannot agree, the game will be rescheduled following rainout procedures. B. Rainout's shall be rescheduled within 2 weeks of the original date. Home coach is responsible for coordinating the date with the visiting team. If a date cannot be reached, the area supervisors will choose a date. If the home team chooses not to play, they are charged with a game not played. The Visiting team will receive a win. C. Each manager is responsible for having a roster and a copy of league rules with them at every game. D. Each manager is responsible for the conduct of their fans and players. Alcohol and smoking are not permitted on the bench or playing field. E. Home team will play the umpire fees and supply a ball. F. The home team is responsible for laying out the field and furnishing the bases. G. The winning team is responsible for reporting the score on the website within 72 hours. H. Anyone {Player, Coach, or Fan}, who has been ejected from a game may not attend the next game. This is the managers responsibility. I. Each area will police their own rosters. No new player can be added after the 2nd week of the regular season has been completed. PROTESTS A. The protest board will consist of at least 3 members of the board who do not have a team involved. |
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| Greater Miami Softball League |