Perry Area Recreation Board
Pixie Division
Pixie Division Rules
2004
Mission:
The Perry Area Recreation Softball League provides an opportunity for the young girls of our community to develop the skills necessary to play the game of softball. Through the development of these skills, the girls will have fun and learn friendship, teamwork, cooperation, and achievement through positive adult leadership. The rules stated here have been established to provide fairness to all, and will be the basis for a safe and healthy competition environment. Good sportsmanship must be demonstrated by coaches, players, and parents in order for the program to continue to grow for the betterment of our children and community.
Rules:
1. Field Lay-Out
a. Bases-50'
b. Pitching distance-35'
2. Coach Pitch
a. The batting team’s coach will pitch using an underhand motion. Coaches can adjust their pitching style to the skill level of the athlete. As the season progresses, increased speed should be the objective. Coaches may pitch in front of the pitching plate to help their hitter have success when necessary.
3. Team Personnel
a. Team T-shirts and caps shall be worn by all athletes on the field. Shirts should be tucked into pants and hats worn in the proper position. Tennis shoes or rubber cleats and long pants are recommended. No metal spikes are permitted.
b. There will be no forfeits. If a team is short players they can play and players may also play for the other team to even out the number of players per team as long as both coaches agree.
4. Games
a. All games will start promptly at 6:30 p.m. No inning will start after 8:00 p.m. The visiting team will be entitled to the field from 6:00-6:15 p.m. The home team will occupy the field from 6:15-6:30. If the home team is ahead when the time limit is near, the bottom of the inning does not have to be completed as long as both coaches agree.
b. The game is played with 10 players in the field (pitcher, catcher, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, and 4 outfielders). All outfielders should be positioned in the outfield.
c. All athletes present should be in batting order and must play two consecutive defensive innings and no less than 3 defensive innings total. Coaches need to rotate players to new positions every two innings. This is to ensure that all athletes get experience playing every different position. Coaches are encouraged to make decisions based upon the athlete's safety.
d. All games will last 6 innings in length. A game tied after 6 innings is considered a tie game.
e. All games will be played as scheduled, unless postponed by lightning, wet grounds, etc. The losing team must have batted 4 times for a game to be considered a completed game. Any game played less than the above-mentioned will be rescheduled by the home team through the commissioner.
5. Catching
a. All catchers will be required to use all standard equipment (helmet, mask and throat protector, chest protector, and shin guards).
b. Catchers will catch throws from the pitcher and return the ball to the pitcher. The catcher will also be able to make plays at the plate in appropriate situations.
6. Batting
a. An open batting order will be prepared to include every eligible player at the game.
b. Teams will change positions after 3 outs or 1 time through the roster of the largest team present. (Example – Team A has 10 players. Team B has 13 players. A half inning will consist of 3 outs or 13 batters whichever comes first.)
c. All players must wear a batting helmet when hitting and running the bases.
d. The strike zone will be from the top of the knees to the player’s armpits when the batter is in a natural batting stance.
e. Bunting is permitted.
f. There will be no walks.
g. Batters will have three strikes in which to hit the ball. Coaches must emphasize the strike zone.
h. A ball hitting a coach-pitcher will be played as a live ball.
i. Only one batter will be on deck at a time. Other players must remain on the bench. The on deck batter is responsible for keeping extra bats and equipment out of the playing area.
7. Baserunning
a. All baserunners are required to wear a batting helmet over their softball hat.
b. There will not be a base awarded on an overthrow at first base and at third base. We are encouraging athletes to make the proper throw. We won't penalize if a bad throw is made.
c. Coaches are not allowed to touch, grab, or push a runner.
d. If a ball is in control in the infield, a runner can not advance to the next base if the runner is not more than halfway to the next base. The runner should be sent back by the coaches after the play has ended.
e. Baserunners may run when the ball is hit. No lead-offs!
f. A courtesy runner may be used for an injured player. The courtesy runner should be the athlete who made the last out.
g. Sliding is permitted. However, head first slides are not! Players are encouraged to slide when a play is made on them. Deliberate barreling will result in a called out.
8. Field Rules
a. The team listed first on the schedule is the VISITING team. The home team is responsible for clearing the bases after the game.
b. The home team will have the third base bench.
c. The home team is required to provide a new game ball at the start of each game. The visiting team is required to provide a good used game ball at the start of each game.
d. Both teams are responsible for cleaning up the field and bench area after every game.
e. The bench area may be occupied by managers, coaches, players and scorekeeper. No one else is permitted in this area. Managers are expected to enforce this rule.
f. One defensive coach is permitted in the field to coach the players in the field.
g. Parents need to be at the field by 7:30 to pick up their daughters.
h. Managers are responsible to carry a copy of the rules to each game.
i. Coaches will be given a first aid bag for any injuries that may occur. Coaches also need to have ice on hand for all games.
9. Ground Rules
a. Ground rules will be discussed by the team managers prior to the game.
10. Umpires
a. Pitchers (coaches) will keep track of strikes. Coaches and parents are encouraged to assist in umpiring the bases.
11. Conduct
a. Tobacco (smoke and/or smokeless) and/or alcoholic beverages are not permitted for use during warm-up and the game.
b. Managers, coaches, and players shall display respect and courtesy towards other managers, coaches, players, and umpires.
c. Obscenities, profanity, cursing, or deliberate throwing of equipment will not be tolerated. Managers will take appropriate action to control such behavior.
d. Managers, coaches, and players should promote positive attitudes towards each other and the opposing team. Managers are responsible for controlling their team and spectators.
ALWAYS ENCOURAGE AND MODEL GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP!