2018 Softball League Rules – 6U Division

Revised January 25, 2018 by MVOC

Division Requirements

·         All players must wear a full conforming uniform during game play, unless both coaches agree otherwise.

·         The official ball is the 11-inch Incrediball (typically cloth on the outside).

·         All players must play both infield and outfield within the first three (3) innings of a game. If you have special circumstances, they must be approved by a softball commissioner.

·         All players must have equal playing time.

·         Players may not taunt an opponent. Derogatory comments are not allowed. Violation results in ejection from the game.

·         Coaches, players and fans will exhibit good sportsmanship at all times. Profanity is strictly prohibited. Violation results in ejection from the game.

·         These rules cannot be changed or modified unless a majority vote is made by league directors.

·         All coaching staff must sign coach’s code of conduct and all parents must sign the parent’s code of conduct, both to be filed with the league prior to the first game or the game is forfeited.

·         ASA rules will be used where not specified on this document.

Batting

·         Coach pitch will be used for all girls and each girl will receive five (5) pitches. If the girl does not hit the ball on those pitches they will complete their at bat by hitting off the tee.

·         No bunting is allowed

·         Coaches’ pitch will be underhand in order to teach the batter how to hit this type of pitch.

·         All players present for the game shall bat in order, whether playing defensively or not.

·         An inning is over when the entire roster has batted or three (3) outs are made, whichever comes first. The final batter of the inning shall continue running the bases until one of the following occurs: the runner is called out either by force out or tagged, the ball is inside the pitching circle under control of the pitcher’s helper, the runner scores, or is touched by a fielding coach.

·         Batting helmet with face mask and chin strap must be worn while batting and running the bases.

·         When the ball is hit it must travel at least 20 feet, which is shown by an arc drawn from foul line to foul line. A batted ball the does not travel 20 feet is considered a foul ball.

·         If the batter completely misses the ball on their third (3^rd) swing attempt (when hitting off the tee), it is considered a strikeout.

·         If the batter hits part of the ball and part of the rubber batting tee, it is a fair ball.

·         If the batter hits none of the ball and hits the only the rubber batting tee, it is a foul ball.

·         A coach from the batting team is responsible for putting the ball into play prior to each swing. The coach will hold the ball above their head prior to each swing, announce the ball is in play, place the ball on the tee, and step back out of the way.

Base Running

·         Runners may only advance one (1) base on an overthrow to a base in an attempt to get either the batter or the base runner out.

·         Runners may not leave any base until the ball is hit into play.

·         Stealing of bases is not allowed in this age division.

Fielding

·         The entire batting roster will play defense. Team will play five (5) infielders (1^st base, 2^nd base, shortstop, 3^rd base, and pitcher’s helper) and the remaining players will play in the outfield.

·         Outfielders must start in the outfield grass prior to each swing.

·         A catcher will not be used in this age division.

·         Pitcher’s helper must wear a batting helmet with facemask while on the field.

·         Two (2) coaches from the defensive team may be stationed in the outfield grass in order to provide defensive instruction.

·         It is the fielding coaches’ responsibility to make sure that all defensive players are paying attention prior to the ball being hit.

Game Length

·         Regulation game time is one hour (1:00) from the first pitch. No new inning will begin after the time limit has expired. New inning begins immediately following the third out of the previous innings. Tie games can be called in this division.

·         The following will be used for rain out and delay of game. The game is a complete game at the completion of three and one-half innings (3.5), if the home team is ahead, or four (4) innings if the visiting team is ahead. In the event a game is delayed by rain and either of these conditions has been met, the game is over and the score is final. If, however, neither of these two conditions has been met, the game will be suspended and the game will restart with a new time limit of one hour (1:00) of play as soon as possible.