2009 HIGHWAY 20 FAST PITCH SOFTBALL RULES
1. Pixie (8U) Ages 6-8
2. Freshman (10U) Ages 9 and 10
3. Sophomore (12U) Ages 11 and 12
4. Juniors (14U) Ages 13 and 14
5. Seniors (18U) Ages 15 through 18
The cut off date is birthdays before January 1.
MEMBERSHIP
1. All players must be registered with the girls’ softball league and a fee paid. Inability to pay this fee will not restrict membership.
2. A parent or guardian must sign the registration form and a release before play begins.
3. Players may be placed on one roster only.
4. Any player who registers after the last sign-up shall be placed in a player pool and will be assigned to a team that is short or by draw of the hat.
5. A $25.00 registration fee per team (regardless of the number of teams) and $75.00 per town is due at the beginning of the year to the Highway 20 Girls Softball Association.
TEAM
All teams shall have one or two coaches and no less than 8 players.
OUT OF TOWN TEAMS
Play must be fast pitch (not modified slow or any other).
POSTPONED GAMES
All postponed games shall be rescheduled by home team coaches. Weather or weather-related field conditions shall be the only reason for postponement. If a game cannot be made up because of weather then it is considered no game. If no attempt is made by home team to reschedule, they (the home team) forfeit’s the game.
UMPIRES
1. A minimum of two umpires for Sophomore, Juniors and Seniors and one for Pixies and Freshman are required for each game.
2. If at all possible, all plate umpires and base umpires must be 18 years old or older.
ACCIDENT INSURANCE POLICY
Each town should take care of their own.
EQUIPMENT
1. Rubber spikes are permitted in all divisions.
2. Helmet must be worn at bat and around the bases. If it falls off intentionally, the runner is out.
3. The small 11-inch yellow ball will be used at Pixies and Freshman levels. Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors will use the 12-inch yellow ball.
4. Home team chalks the field. All divisions must have an eight foot circle drawn around the pitcher’s mound. (See diagram).
5. Home team is responsible for first-aid kit.
6. Orange and white double base is to be used for first base in all divisions.
GENERAL RULES AND EXCEPTIONS
1. Play shall be governed by OFFICIAL ASA SOFTBALL RULES (FAST PITCH): except as amended herein:
2. If both teams fail to field at least eight players, the game can be rescheduled, or each team will take a loss, or each team can draft a player from a younger league, except Pixies and Freshman who can draft across teams. Original roster members in attendance must take precedence over drafted players.
3. When a team or teams play at least eight players, there is no automatic out. A team may play with seven players, but must take an automatic out and there is no forfeit. When there are less than seven players, then there is an automatic forfeit.
4. Free substitution shall prevail in all divisions.
5. All players on the roster in attendance at the game will bat in turn. This is in all divisions. Only nine players may take the field in Seniors, Juniors, Sophomore, and Freshman divisions.
6. Players in all divisions with the exception of Seniors shall play a minimum of two full innings per game in the field. Failure to do so will result in loss of game by offending team. Players that are late may not enter the game after the fourth inning.
7. Only team members are allowed on the players’ bench in the dugout.
8. In case of a tie after the 6th inning, the last batter of the last inning will be placed on 2nd base. The next batter that is up to bat will be at the plate. See page 75, section 10 code article 209 in rule book.
9. There shall be no smoking or drinking by managers, coaches, umpires or players on the playing field.
10. Official Score shall be that score at the end of the game recorded by the home team. The visitor’s score-keeper should check with the home team score-keeper after every inning. If there is a discrepancy in the score, the plate umpire shall be notified immediately and the game halted until the score books agree.
11. Crashing Rule: If a runner approaches any base and the fielder has the ball or is making a play by said base, the runner must slide or give herself up. If the runner does not slide and crashes into the defensive player, she is automatically out.
12. No negative chatter to opposing team.. Only chatter to support your team.
13. Coaches may discipline players by restricting their playing time during games. Coaches must notify opposing coach and umpire prior to the game starting. Coaches don’t have to let disciplined players bat.
14. Field measurements should be checked prior to the game time. No changes after starting time unless mutually agreed to be both coaches. All measurements will be made by tape measure.
15. The first time the bat is thrown, the umpire will give one warning to the batting team. All following thrown bats will be an out for that team.
16. Any player warming up the pitcher must wear a mask and helmet.
17. Pixie, Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior games consist of 6 innings. Senior games shall consist of 7 innings.
18. Each team should have a representative from their town at the first Highway 20 Softball meeting called by the President. If there is none, we will assume you will not be in the league.
19. There will be a grievance committee to settle issues that arise. This committee will consist of the President, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer of the Highway 20 Softball League.
20. Teams will be notified that one complete inning will be played after one hour in Pixies and one hour 15 minutes in Freshman, Sophomore, Juniors, and Seniors. Any inning in progress will be finished, and then one more complete inning will be played without the seven-run rule in effect. An inning will not be considered in progress until the first pitch is thrown. This rule will be in effect for regular season and tournament play.
21. Seeding for the tournament will be based off of record winning percentage, if a tie then head to head win record, then, if needed, coin toss.
22. No batter can end an at bat with a foul ball.
DISTANCE
PIXIES 60’ BASELINE FRESHMEN 60’ BASELINE
35’ PITCHING 35’ PITCHING
SOPHOMORE 60’ BASELINE JUNIORS 60’ BASELINE SENIORS 60’ BASELINE
40’ PITCHING 40’ PITCHING 40’ PITCHING
SENIORS
1. Will follow Official ASA Rules.
2. General Rules are in effect, and override ASA Rules.
A. All games will last only 1 ½ hours or 7 innings, whichever comes first.
B. Anytime a team is ahead by 15 runs after the 4th inning or 10 runs after the 5th inning, the game shall be officially called.
C. There are unlimited runs per inning.
D. The rule allowing every girl to play at least two innings is not in effect in Seniors. However,
everyone must bat, and there is free substitution.
E. There must be an obvious attempt to run to second base after touching first base before the ball is considered live and the runner be put out. After running through first base, the runner may turn left or right to walk back to the base. See Rule 8, Section 1.
F. After April 23rd, no one may add a new player to their roster. Everyone is asked to bring a copy of their roster to the coaches meeting held at the first of the season.
JUNIORS
1. Will follow Official ASA Rules.
2. General Rules are in effect and override ASA Rules.
A. All games will last only 1 ½ hours or 6 innings, whichever comes first.
B. The seven-run rule will apply to all games. Only seven runes will be allowed for the team at bat in one inning. As soon as the seventh run crosses the plate, the inning shall be over. Except the last inning which teams may score as many runs as possible.
C. If the game is called before the girls play two innings or more, the two inning rule if not in effect.
SOPHOMORE
1. Will follow Official ASA Rules.
2. General Rules are in effect and override ASA Rules.
A. All games will last only 1 ½ hours or 6 innings, whichever comes first.
B. The seven-run rule will apply to all games. Only seven runes will be allowed for the team at bat in one inning. As soon as the seventh run crosses the plate, the inning shall be over. Except the last inning which teams may score as many runs as possible.
C. If the game is called before the girls play two innings or more, the two inning rule if not in effect.
FRESHMEN
1. General Rules are in effect and override ASA Rules.
A. Base runners may steal the next base after the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. Base runners cannot steal home or when the coach in pitching.
B. There is just one base run on an overthrow to a base (missed catch or out of baseline). When the ball reaches the pitcher’s circle and is in control of a player from a fielder’s throw, the ball is dead and the base runner may advance if they are over halfway. This is at the umpire’s discretion.
C. The catcher need not hold the ball on the third strike. The batter is out.
D. The infield fly rule is not in effect.
E. When player pitches ASA Rules apply.
F. There can be no more than three walks in an inning. Once there is the allowed number of walks any additional walk would result in a coach-pitch of three pitches. If the batter does not hit after three pitches from the coach, batter is out. There is no dropped third strike rule. Batter is out on third strike whether the catcher catches the ball or not.
G. When in coach-pitch, the coach or assistant coach of the batting team will be the pitcher but are unable to field the ball. Pitcher position will be filled and the player must be within the pitcher’s circle during the pitch. Coach-pitch must be within the circle. Coaches have to make an effort to get out of the way.
H. The seven-run rule will apply to all games. Only seven runs will be allowed for the team at bat in one inning. As soon as the seventh run crossed the plate, the inning shall be over. Except the last inning, which teams may score as many runs as possible.
I. Games shall last a maximum of 1 ½ hours or 6 inning, whichever comes first.
J. When in coach-pitch, the pitcher shall be in the pitcher’s circle prior to the release of the pitch and must also be positioned behind the pitching rubber.
K. When in coach-pitch, the pitcher is responsible for stopping all live balls, not the coach-pitch. Any team member may get the ball to the 8 ft. circle to indicate play is dead. Pitched balls by the coach-pitch may be thrown back to the coach-pitch by the catcher, as these are dead balls.
L. When in coach-pitch, the coach must leave the field when the ball is hit to the outfield.
M. If the batter is hit by a pitch it is considered a walk, however, the three walks per inning rule still applies.
PIXIES
1. General rules are in effect and override ASA Rules.
A. NO STEALING. Base runners must hold their base until the ball is hit or the runner is forced to advance by means of the batter becoming a base runner.
B. There is just a one base run on an overthrow to a base (missed catch or out of baseline). When the ball reaches the pitcher’s circle and is in control of a player from a fielder’s throw, the ball is dead and the base runner may advance if they are over halfway. This is at the umpire’s discretion.
C. The catcher need not hold the ball on the third strike. The batter is out and the runner may not advance.
D. The infield fly run is not in effect.
E. The coach or assistant coach of the batting team will be the pitcher but are unable to field the ball. Pitcher position will be filled and the player must be within the pitcher’s circle during the pitch. Coach-pitch must be within the circle during the pitch. Coaches have to make an effort to get out of the way.
F. Maximum of eight pitches with a warning on the fifth pitch if the batter has made no attempt to hit the ball. If the 8th pitch is a foul ball, batter is not out and receives another pitch. This rule must be discussed prior to each game.
G. The seven-run rule will apply to all games. Only seven runs will be allowed for the team at bat in one inning. As soon as the seventh run crossed the plate, there are automatically three outs for the team at bat, except the last inning.
H. If batted ball hits coach-pitch, play is dead.
I. Games shall last a maximum of 1 hour 15 minutes or 6 innings, whichever comes first.
J. The pitcher shall be in the pitcher’s circle prior to the release of the pitch and must also be positioned behind the pitching rubber.
K. The rover or 10th player shall be positioned anywhere on the playing field as long as it is behind the baseline. There shall be only 5 players, plus the catcher, in the infield when the coach releases the pitch.
L. The pitcher is responsible for stopping all live balls, no the coach-pitch. Any team member may get the ball to the 8 ft. circle to indicate play is dead. Pitched balls by the coach-pitch may be thrown back to the coach-pitch by the catcher, as they are dead balls.
M. The coach in coach-pitch must leave the filed when the ball is hit to the outfield.
1. Pixie (8U) Ages 6-8
2. Freshman (10U) Ages 9 and 10
3. Sophomore (12U) Ages 11 and 12
4. Juniors (14U) Ages 13 and 14
5. Seniors (18U) Ages 15 through 18
The cut off date is birthdays before January 1.
MEMBERSHIP
1. All players must be registered with the girls’ softball league and a fee paid. Inability to pay this fee will not restrict membership.
2. A parent or guardian must sign the registration form and a release before play begins.
3. Players may be placed on one roster only.
4. Any player who registers after the last sign-up shall be placed in a player pool and will be assigned to a team that is short or by draw of the hat.
5. A $25.00 registration fee per team (regardless of the number of teams) and $75.00 per town is due at the beginning of the year to the Highway 20 Girls Softball Association.
TEAM
All teams shall have one or two coaches and no less than 8 players.
OUT OF TOWN TEAMS
Play must be fast pitch (not modified slow or any other).
POSTPONED GAMES
All postponed games shall be rescheduled by home team coaches. Weather or weather-related field conditions shall be the only reason for postponement. If a game cannot be made up because of weather then it is considered no game. If no attempt is made by home team to reschedule, they (the home team) forfeit’s the game.
UMPIRES
1. A minimum of two umpires for Sophomore, Juniors and Seniors and one for Pixies and Freshman are required for each game.
2. If at all possible, all plate umpires and base umpires must be 18 years old or older.
ACCIDENT INSURANCE POLICY
Each town should take care of their own.
EQUIPMENT
1. Rubber spikes are permitted in all divisions.
2. Helmet must be worn at bat and around the bases. If it falls off intentionally, the runner is out.
3. The small 11-inch yellow ball will be used at Pixies and Freshman levels. Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors will use the 12-inch yellow ball.
4. Home team chalks the field. All divisions must have an eight foot circle drawn around the pitcher’s mound. (See diagram).
5. Home team is responsible for first-aid kit.
6. Orange and white double base is to be used for first base in all divisions.
GENERAL RULES AND EXCEPTIONS
1. Play shall be governed by OFFICIAL ASA SOFTBALL RULES (FAST PITCH): except as amended herein:
2. If both teams fail to field at least eight players, the game can be rescheduled, or each team will take a loss, or each team can draft a player from a younger league, except Pixies and Freshman who can draft across teams. Original roster members in attendance must take precedence over drafted players.
3. When a team or teams play at least eight players, there is no automatic out. A team may play with seven players, but must take an automatic out and there is no forfeit. When there are less than seven players, then there is an automatic forfeit.
4. Free substitution shall prevail in all divisions.
5. All players on the roster in attendance at the game will bat in turn. This is in all divisions. Only nine players may take the field in Seniors, Juniors, Sophomore, and Freshman divisions.
6. Players in all divisions with the exception of Seniors shall play a minimum of two full innings per game in the field. Failure to do so will result in loss of game by offending team. Players that are late may not enter the game after the fourth inning.
7. Only team members are allowed on the players’ bench in the dugout.
8. In case of a tie after the 6th inning, the last batter of the last inning will be placed on 2nd base. The next batter that is up to bat will be at the plate. See page 75, section 10 code article 209 in rule book.
9. There shall be no smoking or drinking by managers, coaches, umpires or players on the playing field.
10. Official Score shall be that score at the end of the game recorded by the home team. The visitor’s score-keeper should check with the home team score-keeper after every inning. If there is a discrepancy in the score, the plate umpire shall be notified immediately and the game halted until the score books agree.
11. Crashing Rule: If a runner approaches any base and the fielder has the ball or is making a play by said base, the runner must slide or give herself up. If the runner does not slide and crashes into the defensive player, she is automatically out.
12. No negative chatter to opposing team.. Only chatter to support your team.
13. Coaches may discipline players by restricting their playing time during games. Coaches must notify opposing coach and umpire prior to the game starting. Coaches don’t have to let disciplined players bat.
14. Field measurements should be checked prior to the game time. No changes after starting time unless mutually agreed to be both coaches. All measurements will be made by tape measure.
15. The first time the bat is thrown, the umpire will give one warning to the batting team. All following thrown bats will be an out for that team.
16. Any player warming up the pitcher must wear a mask and helmet.
17. Pixie, Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior games consist of 6 innings. Senior games shall consist of 7 innings.
18. Each team should have a representative from their town at the first Highway 20 Softball meeting called by the President. If there is none, we will assume you will not be in the league.
19. There will be a grievance committee to settle issues that arise. This committee will consist of the President, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer of the Highway 20 Softball League.
20. Teams will be notified that one complete inning will be played after one hour in Pixies and one hour 15 minutes in Freshman, Sophomore, Juniors, and Seniors. Any inning in progress will be finished, and then one more complete inning will be played without the seven-run rule in effect. An inning will not be considered in progress until the first pitch is thrown. This rule will be in effect for regular season and tournament play.
21. Seeding for the tournament will be based off of record winning percentage, if a tie then head to head win record, then, if needed, coin toss.
22. No batter can end an at bat with a foul ball.
DISTANCE
PIXIES 60’ BASELINE FRESHMEN 60’ BASELINE
35’ PITCHING 35’ PITCHING
SOPHOMORE 60’ BASELINE JUNIORS 60’ BASELINE SENIORS 60’ BASELINE
40’ PITCHING 40’ PITCHING 40’ PITCHING
SENIORS
1. Will follow Official ASA Rules.
2. General Rules are in effect, and override ASA Rules.
A. All games will last only 1 ½ hours or 7 innings, whichever comes first.
B. Anytime a team is ahead by 15 runs after the 4th inning or 10 runs after the 5th inning, the game shall be officially called.
C. There are unlimited runs per inning.
D. The rule allowing every girl to play at least two innings is not in effect in Seniors. However,
everyone must bat, and there is free substitution.
E. There must be an obvious attempt to run to second base after touching first base before the ball is considered live and the runner be put out. After running through first base, the runner may turn left or right to walk back to the base. See Rule 8, Section 1.
F. After April 23rd, no one may add a new player to their roster. Everyone is asked to bring a copy of their roster to the coaches meeting held at the first of the season.
JUNIORS
1. Will follow Official ASA Rules.
2. General Rules are in effect and override ASA Rules.
A. All games will last only 1 ½ hours or 6 innings, whichever comes first.
B. The seven-run rule will apply to all games. Only seven runes will be allowed for the team at bat in one inning. As soon as the seventh run crosses the plate, the inning shall be over. Except the last inning which teams may score as many runs as possible.
C. If the game is called before the girls play two innings or more, the two inning rule if not in effect.
SOPHOMORE
1. Will follow Official ASA Rules.
2. General Rules are in effect and override ASA Rules.
A. All games will last only 1 ½ hours or 6 innings, whichever comes first.
B. The seven-run rule will apply to all games. Only seven runes will be allowed for the team at bat in one inning. As soon as the seventh run crosses the plate, the inning shall be over. Except the last inning which teams may score as many runs as possible.
C. If the game is called before the girls play two innings or more, the two inning rule if not in effect.
FRESHMEN
1. General Rules are in effect and override ASA Rules.
A. Base runners may steal the next base after the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. Base runners cannot steal home or when the coach in pitching.
B. There is just one base run on an overthrow to a base (missed catch or out of baseline). When the ball reaches the pitcher’s circle and is in control of a player from a fielder’s throw, the ball is dead and the base runner may advance if they are over halfway. This is at the umpire’s discretion.
C. The catcher need not hold the ball on the third strike. The batter is out.
D. The infield fly rule is not in effect.
E. When player pitches ASA Rules apply.
F. There can be no more than three walks in an inning. Once there is the allowed number of walks any additional walk would result in a coach-pitch of three pitches. If the batter does not hit after three pitches from the coach, batter is out. There is no dropped third strike rule. Batter is out on third strike whether the catcher catches the ball or not.
G. When in coach-pitch, the coach or assistant coach of the batting team will be the pitcher but are unable to field the ball. Pitcher position will be filled and the player must be within the pitcher’s circle during the pitch. Coach-pitch must be within the circle. Coaches have to make an effort to get out of the way.
H. The seven-run rule will apply to all games. Only seven runs will be allowed for the team at bat in one inning. As soon as the seventh run crossed the plate, the inning shall be over. Except the last inning, which teams may score as many runs as possible.
I. Games shall last a maximum of 1 ½ hours or 6 inning, whichever comes first.
J. When in coach-pitch, the pitcher shall be in the pitcher’s circle prior to the release of the pitch and must also be positioned behind the pitching rubber.
K. When in coach-pitch, the pitcher is responsible for stopping all live balls, not the coach-pitch. Any team member may get the ball to the 8 ft. circle to indicate play is dead. Pitched balls by the coach-pitch may be thrown back to the coach-pitch by the catcher, as these are dead balls.
L. When in coach-pitch, the coach must leave the field when the ball is hit to the outfield.
M. If the batter is hit by a pitch it is considered a walk, however, the three walks per inning rule still applies.
PIXIES
1. General rules are in effect and override ASA Rules.
A. NO STEALING. Base runners must hold their base until the ball is hit or the runner is forced to advance by means of the batter becoming a base runner.
B. There is just a one base run on an overthrow to a base (missed catch or out of baseline). When the ball reaches the pitcher’s circle and is in control of a player from a fielder’s throw, the ball is dead and the base runner may advance if they are over halfway. This is at the umpire’s discretion.
C. The catcher need not hold the ball on the third strike. The batter is out and the runner may not advance.
D. The infield fly run is not in effect.
E. The coach or assistant coach of the batting team will be the pitcher but are unable to field the ball. Pitcher position will be filled and the player must be within the pitcher’s circle during the pitch. Coach-pitch must be within the circle during the pitch. Coaches have to make an effort to get out of the way.
F. Maximum of eight pitches with a warning on the fifth pitch if the batter has made no attempt to hit the ball. If the 8th pitch is a foul ball, batter is not out and receives another pitch. This rule must be discussed prior to each game.
G. The seven-run rule will apply to all games. Only seven runs will be allowed for the team at bat in one inning. As soon as the seventh run crossed the plate, there are automatically three outs for the team at bat, except the last inning.
H. If batted ball hits coach-pitch, play is dead.
I. Games shall last a maximum of 1 hour 15 minutes or 6 innings, whichever comes first.
J. The pitcher shall be in the pitcher’s circle prior to the release of the pitch and must also be positioned behind the pitching rubber.
K. The rover or 10th player shall be positioned anywhere on the playing field as long as it is behind the baseline. There shall be only 5 players, plus the catcher, in the infield when the coach releases the pitch.
L. The pitcher is responsible for stopping all live balls, no the coach-pitch. Any team member may get the ball to the 8 ft. circle to indicate play is dead. Pitched balls by the coach-pitch may be thrown back to the coach-pitch by the catcher, as they are dead balls.
M. The coach in coach-pitch must leave the filed when the ball is hit to the outfield.