12U/14U East Wright County Fast Pitch
Recreational Girls Fast Pitch League
Rules and Procedures
1. Game Time & Length: Doubleheader games. Games will begin games at 6:15 pm and 7:30 pm and shall have a 60 minute time limit, meaning no inning shall begin after the 60 minute limit.
2. Weather / Field Conditions / Rainouts: It is the responsibility of the home field coach(s) to contact the visiting coach by 4:30 pm in the event of inclement weather or approaching rain, lightning or storms or field conditions which would cancel the games. It shall be the option of both coaches and field availability whether to make up any cancelled games. Cancellation notification will be made to the parents by e-mail or phone calls from the coaches. Home field coaches should also contact Hanover Youth Ball Board memberso notification can be posted on the HYB website and Facebook page.
3. Schedules: Home team will be listed last on the schedule.
4. Playing Field: Games shall be played on fields with a base distance of 60 feet and pitching rubber at 40 feet.
5. Umpires: The home teamwill provide1 umpire per game who is knowledgeable of the game and the league rules. The umpires are not certified umpires. Both team’s coaches should meet with the umpire prior to the game to agree on expectations. Umpires should be given respect and understanding; only the coaches can approach the ump if consistently incorrect calls are made.
6. Equipment:
a) Balls: All games shall be played with a standard 12-inchsoftball. “Home” team will supply a new game ball and one good used ball for back-up for each game;
b) Protective Gear: Players are required to wear helmets while on deck, at bat, and while a base runner. Catchers are required to wear protective headgear, throat guard, chest protector, and shin guards at practice and games. Pitches are required to wear protective face masks.
7. Pitching: Pitching shall be done by a defensive player. Fast pitch or modified pitch style but emphasize flat delivery; limited arch. Average speed so accuracy is a priority. A different pitcher may be brought in at any time, but only between batters. 3 strikes will be an out. Unlimited fouls. Four balls will be a walk. If a batter is hit by a pitched ball and that ball is in the air at the time of contact, the batter takes a walk to 1st base.
8. Base Running: On any batted balls, base runners may continue to run until they are tagged or forced out or the ball is in the possession of the pitcher.The play is considered dead once the ball is within the pitchers circleNo runner may advance when ball is in pitching circle. Base runners in between bases when the ball is secured by the pitcher shall return to the base they last touched. Base runners may advance one base on any overthrow or miss in the infield. Once the baserunners have advanced one base on an overthrow or misplay, the play is dead and the base runners cannot advance even if additional misplays occur.
9. Stealing Bases: Stealing will be from 1st to 2nd and 2nd and 3rd. There will be no stealing home. (This rule may be considered and changed during the season). Players may lead off when the ball is released from the pitcher’s hand. No advancing on an overthrow by the catcher. Base sliding is encouraged for player safety. Umpire may call runners out if no slide and a dangerous play at home.
10. Bunting: Bunting is allowed.
11. Inning Length: An inning shall be over upon 3 outs or after a maximum of 5 runs have been scored that half inning.
12. Miscellaneous Rules:
a)The infield fly rule shall not be called on any play;
b)Any batted ball which is first touched by a base runner shall result in the base runner being called out;
c)The defensive team shall be allowed a maximum of 9 defensive players.
d)Bat the roster;
e)Score willbe kept. Each team will keep their own score book;
f). No player shall sit out of the game for more than two consecutive innings;
g.) The dropped third strike rule will not be enforced;
13. Sportsmanship: This is a RECREATIONAL AND FUN LEAGUE encouraged to teach the development of softball skills to girls. Coaches and parents shall be expected to conduct themselves and their teams with the utmost of good sportsmanship. Coaches, parents, and teams not conducting their behavior in a respectful manner shall be subject to suspension or expulsion from the league upon the majority vote of the coordinators. It is recommended you review these rules with your players as well as parents.