2026 MINOR LEAGUE SOFTBALL RULES

Participation & Sportsmanship Requirements

General Expectations

Trash talking, abusive language, vulgarity and unsportsmanlike conduct are unacceptable at Danny Smith Park. Players, coaches, parents or fans engaging in this conduct may be removed from the Park or subject to other sanction at the discretion of the Board.

One umpire shall be used for each game. At its discretion, the Board may employ two umpires, in which event the home plate umpire shall be the head umpire. Umpires will make all calls. An umpire’s judgment calls are final and not subject to challenge. Challenges or protests concerning application or interpretation of the rules shall be made to the Board.

Player Experience

Focus

This division will focus on the fundamentals of youth softball. Players will get their first experience of competitive softball. The games have umpires and the score will be kept. While we do keep score, we place much more emphasis on learning the game and having fun. In addition, this league will address the fundamentals of throwing, catching, fielding, and hitting like learning to read the ball leaving the pitcher's hand at an early age.

Coaching

Batting Orders

The batting order shall be exchanged between teams prior to the start of the game and must be followed for the entire game. The lineup will include the following: players' first and last names and corresponding uniform numbers.

Coach Assistance

Coaches are not allowed to aid a runner by touching the runner in any manner until time has been called or play has been stopped by the umpire(s). If the coach aids the runner by touching her, a warning will be given by the umpire(s). After one team warning, it will be an automatic out on the next infraction of this rule.

Coaches Boxes

First and third-base coaches must remain in the coaches' boxes while their team is batting. A coach may speak to the player at bat by calling time and receiving confirmation from the umpire.

Equipment

Ball Size

Ball Size - An official 11-inch hard ball, weighing between 5.785 oz - 6.125 oz, will be used in league and tournament play.

Bats

Bats - Must be stamped 1.20 BPF (“Bat Performance Factor”) and 34" max length.

Batting Helmets

NOCSAE-approved double ear flap. Face Guards: Optional.

Chin Straps: Optional.

Catcher's Gear

A catcher’s mask, shin guards, chest protector, and helmet will be provided and shall be worn by the catcher while in the field.

Cleats/Spikes

Metal cleats or spikes are not permitted.

Hats

Defensive players should wear visors on the field.

Field Preparation

Home - Field Lining

The home team is responsible for preparing the field for play before each game. This includes lining the field and placing bases. If it is the last game of the day on that field, the home team

shall be responsible for storing field equipment, turning off lights, and locking equipment buildings.

Home - Pitcher's Mound Lining

Lining the field shall include a 12 (twelve) foot diameter circle around the pitcher’s mound

Home - Score Book

The home team will keep the official scorebook. Scores will be compared at the end of each inning and any discrepancy in the score will be settled by the home plate umpire before the game resumes.

Home & Visitors - Dugouts

Both the visiting team and the home team will be responsible for cleaning up the dugout. This includes water bottles, trash, gum wrappers, etc. There is a large trash can located behind the backstop of each field.

Teams should attempt to vacate the field and dugouts promptly to allow teams in subsequent games to take the field and warm up.

Visitors - Scoreboard

The visiting team will be responsible for picking up the scoreboard from the concession stand, setting up the scoreboard, and running the scoreboard. A parent makes an ideal candidate for this task.

The visiting team is responsible for returning the scoreboard to the concession stand if their game is the last of the evening.

Game Rules

Base Distance

Bases shall be set 60’ apart.

Baserunner Behavior

Baserunners should not “dance” or attempt to bait fielders into throws.

Bench Expectations

No player may sit defensively for more than one inning (three outs in the field) unless every other player on the team has sat defensively for one inning, i.e. all players must sit one inning before any player may sit two innings. Exceptions shall be made for injury or illness.

Game Length - Regular Season

Games shall be a maximum of 5 innings in length, subject to time limits set forth herein.

Tournament Games - Time Limits

Tournament games are not subject to time limits.

Game Start

All games should start at the scheduled start time. In the event of delay, the home plate umpire shall determine the actual start time. The home plate umpire is the official timekeeper.

Helpers - Offense

Not permitted

Helpers - Defense

Up to two (2) defensive coaches are permitted to be on the field in fair territory during play.

These coaches must remain in the outfield during play, but may enter the infield during dead-ball periods to instruct players. If a defensive coach is hit by a batted ball in fair territory, the batter is awarded a ground-rule double and all runners on base at the time of the hit score.

Inclement Weather

In the event of inclement weather, 4 innings constitutes a complete game. If the home team is ahead, 3 and 1Ú2 innings constitute a complete game.

Infield Expectations

Each coach is encouraged to give each player the opportunity to play at least one inning in the infield each game. No player will be made to play in the infield if that is their choice.

We also encourage the coaches to use their primary infield players in the outfield to help the

players develop the skills necessary to play the outfield.

Mercy Rule

The mercy rule is in effect and the game will end if:

a team is leading by 15 runs after three (3) complete innings OR a team is leading by 10 runs after four (4) complete innings.

Positions

Each team is permitted to play five (5) infielders and up to four (4) outfielders. Outfielders must remain on the grass until the ball is hit. Outfielders may play approximately left field, left center, center, right-center, or right field positions.

Ready to Play

Teams shall be ready to play within 5 minutes of the scheduled start time.

Regular Season - Game Length

Games shall be five (5) innings in length (4-½ if the home team is leading), subject to the time limits set forth herein.

Regular Season - Last Inning

Coaches may declare the last inning prior to the 65-minute time requirement but both teams must agree and forfeit any remaining time. No run limit in the 5th (Last) inning.

Regular Season - New Innings

No new inning shall be started more than sixty-five (65) minutes after the actual start time of the game.

Regular Season - Runs / Outs per Inning

Each inning will consist of 3 outs or a 5-run limit per inning.

Regular Season - Time Limits

No new inning shall be started more than sixty-five (65) minutes after the actual start time of the game, as determined by the umpire. All innings that are started shall be played to completion

Regular Season Standing and Tiebreakers

Season Win-Loss-Tie Percentage Head to Head

Season fewest runs allowed. Through the first equal amount of games played.

Regular Season Tie

Regular season games can end in a tie.

Suspended Games

If a game is suspended, the completion of the game will be rescheduled and played to the length of time remaining or completion of the innings, whichever comes first.

Tournament Games - Extra Innings

During tournament play only, ties will be broken with an extra inning. Each team will start the extra inning with one (1) out and a base runner on 2nd base. The base runner is the last at-bat player for the batting team. The first hitter is the next at-bat in the batting order. Should another inning be required, each team starts with two (2) outs and a base runner on 3rd base. This will continue until the tie is broken. Each extra inning is unlimited runs.

Umping

If an umpire is not available, coaches for the offensive team shall umpire that half of the inning, maintain pitch counts, et cetera. The head coach of the home team will declare the actual start time of the game prior to the first pitch being thrown.

Warm Ups

Teams are not guaranteed infield warm-up prior to games. When time permits, infield warm-up time should be shared evenly between the teams.

Game Situations

Bat Throwing

There will be one team warning per game for any player that throws a bat. All players throwing the bat will be called out. When the out is called, it will be considered a dead ball. No runners may advance. No runners may score. This will be a judgment call made by the umpire(s).

Disputes

All game disputes will be resolved on the spot by the umpire(s) and/or league officials.

Game SItuations

Double Base - 1. Fair Play

A batted ball that hits the white section of the double base shall be declared fair. A batted ball that hits the orange section without first touching or bouncing over the white section shall be declared foul.

Double Base - 2. Defense Usage

(b)  Whenever a play is being made on the batter-runner, the defense must use the white section of the double first base.

Double Base - 3. Scenario 1

NOTE 1: A play is being made on the batter-runner when he/she is attempting to reach first base while the defense is attempting to retire him/her at that base.

Double Base - 3. Scenario 2

NOTE: 2: If there is a play on the batter-runner, and the batter-runner touches only the white portion and the defense appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to first base, it is treated the same as missing the base. Therefore, the batter-runner is declared out.

Double Base - 3. Scenario 3

(c)  Whenever a play is being made on the batter-runner, the batter-runner must use the orange section on his/her first attempt to tag first base.

NOTE: On extra-base hits or other balls hit to the outfield when there is no chance for a play to be made at the double first base, the batter-runner may touch either the white or colored (orange or green) section of the base. Should, however, the batter-runner reach and go beyond first base, he/she may only return to the white section of the base.

PENALTY: If there is a play on the batter-runner, and the batter-runner touches only the white portion and the defense appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to first base, it is treated the same as missing the base. If properly appealed, the batter-runner is out.

Double Base - 3. Scenario 4

(d)  When tagging up on a fly ball, the white section of the base must be used by the runner. One foot is permitted to extend behind or on the base into foul territory, as long as the front foot is touching the white section of the base. PENALTY: If properly appealed, the runner is out.

Double Base - 3. Scenario 5

(e)  If the batter-runner collides with the fielder who is only on the white portion of the bag attempting to catch the ball, it is interference. The runner is ruled out.

Double Base - 4. Obstruction

If the fielder is only standing on the orange portion of the bag and there is a collision prior to the fielder catching the ball, it is obstruction. The runner is ruled safe.

Double Base - 5. Incidental Collision

If both players are doing what they are supposed to do and there is a collision, it may be incidental contact and no penalty assessed.

Game Situations

Hit Ball - Base Advancements

All hits are single base advancement. A ball hit to the outfield is a two-base max advancement.

Infield Fly

There is no infield fly rule.

Lead-offs / Stealing

Mentioned in coach pitching

On Deck

Only one player is allowed in the “on deck” area. This is a safety precaution. All other upcoming batters must remain in the dugout area behind the fence.

Overthrow During Live Play

There is a limit of one base on an overthrow to a base. An overthrow is defined as an attempt to throw a ball to a base and the ball gets past the intended target. We do not want to over-penalize players for attempting to make an out.

Overthrow From Catcher to Pitcher

Runners may not advance during an overthrow from the catcher to the pitcher following a pitch. This is not a live ball.

Pitcher Position

The player pitcher must have one foot in the circle while the coach is pitching.

Plays at Home

Any player who interferes with play at home plate shall be automatically called out. No warning will be given.

Runners & Collisions

Base runners MUST slide to avoid a collision during plays at home or other bases. If the base runner does NOT slide and a collision is created, the runner WILL be called out by the umpire.

Runners Advancing

Base runners may advance to the next base at their own risk on any live ball.

Sliding

Base runners must slide feet first at all bases and home plate. A player sliding head-first shall be called out. Diving back to a base on an overrun is permitted.

Runners must slide into home any time there is a play at the plate. A fielder shall not obstruct home plate unless in the act of fielding or receiving the ball or making a tag on the runner.

Runners shall attempt to avoid contact with the fielder at home and shall not attempt to “run over” a fielder to knock the ball loose in a play. If, in the umpire’s judgment, a runner could have avoided contact and failed to do so, or failed to slide with a play at the plate, the runner shall be called out.

Stopping a Play

Time will be called by the umpire(s) and play stopped when the defensive team stops the lead base runner from advancing. For example: when the pitcher or infield player has control of the ball inside the pitcher circle.

Time Outs

Time-out cannot be called by a coach while the ball is in play. There cannot be more than one

(1) timeout per inning.

Game Situations

Double Bases

Double bases were installed to prevent collisions between the batter-runner and the first basemen. Many players at this age are still learning where to stand when covering a specific base in the infield.

Hitting

Batting the Entire Roster

Each team must bat their entire roster.

Bunting

Bunting is not allowed in the minor league.

Helmets

Batters and runners on base will wear batting helmets. This is mandatory.

Pitch Count

Each batter shall receive no more than 5 pitches or 3 strikes (swings), with the exception of “c” below

If the 5th (Last) pitch is a foul ball, the coach will continue to pitch to this batter as long as the batter continues to hit foul balls.

Recommended Equipment

It is “recommended” for girls to have their own batting helmet with facemask, fielder’s facemask, slider shorts and pads. This is NOT required but strongly recommended. All other players on the team that are batting shall remain on the bench in the dugout.

Strikeout with Dropped Third Strike

A batter is out on the third strike or after the 5th pitch and may not advance under any circumstances, including if the ball is dropped by the catcher (i.e. no “dropped third strike” rule).

Pitching

Hit by Pitch

If hit by pitch, the batter does NOT receive 1st base while the coach is pitching.

League Expectations

The Board encourages the development and utilization of younger pitchers

Maximum Allowable Innings / Pitch Count

Youth pitching is not allowed in the minor league. First x games, Coach Only

Last x games, Kid + Coach + Assisted

Pitcher

The following rules will apply when the coach is pitching:

Coaches will pitch from 35 feet.

Each batter shall receive no more than 5 pitches or 3 strikes (swings), with the exception of “c” below

If the 5th (Last) pitch is a foul ball, the coach will continue to pitch to this batter as long as the batter continues to hit foul balls.

Base runners are only allowed to advance when the ball is put into play by a hit. If an overthrow to first base occurs, runners may advance one base.

Bunting will NOT be allowed. Stealing will NOT be allowed.

If the catcher is not ready, a coach from either team may catch to help expedite the game. All action shall stand from the play unless the umpire rules the coach assisted the batter/runner or interfered with the play. This can also be utilized if less than nine (9) players are available for the defensive team.

Pitching Distance

Pitching shall be set at 35 feet. It shall be the responsibility of both head coaches to check the pitching distance prior to the start of the game.

Walks

There are NO WALKS. A pitcher that throws four balls to a batter will be replaced during that at bat by a coach from either team (in the event one team needs help with pitching).

The coach pitcher shall inherit the count of balls and strikes from the kid pitcher (for example: if the count is 3-2, the coach inherits that count).

Team Roster

Additions

Additions to a team’s official roster must be reviewed and approved by the board.

Fill-In Player Batting

A fill-in Player must bat last.

Fill-In Player Criteria

Fill-in players during regular season games must play at Danny Smith or be approved by the Director of Coaches.

Fill-In Player Game Start

Once the game begins and a team is down a player, no fill-in player can be added. The only exception to this rule is when a roster player shows up late to the game. That player will then be allowed to join the game and is added to the end of the batting lineup.

Fill-in Player Positions

A fill-in player may play the outfield only. No infield position or pitching will be allowed for any reason.

Fill-In Player Tournaments

No fill-in players will be allowed in tournament play. Any exceptions to this rule will need to be approved by the Danny Smith Board of Directors as well as division coaches.

Minimum Player Standards

A team MUST field a minimum of 7 players to play a game. Any team fielding less than 7