2015 HAAA FastpitchRules Addendum

I.Introduction

The following rules supplement the ASA Official Rules of Softball for youth softball: Any Questions contact Jeremy Varhola Softball Coordinator 724-681-0691

1. SCORES –Each team coach must report game scores ASAP after game completion. Game record shall consist of the following information:

  1. Winning team, team name, coaches name, and score
  2. Losing team, Team Name, coaches name, and score
  3. Name and phone number of person reporting score.
  4. Name of any ejected player or coach and record of any other ejections.

POINT SYSTEM – The following point values will be awarded to determine seeding for the playoffs:

Win – 3 PointsTie – 2 PointsLose – 1 Point

Tiebreakers, if needed will be 1) Head-to Head competition, and 2) Runs Allowed 3) Runs Scored.

All coaches must bring their point total and score book to the seeding meeting before the playoffs.

  1. Courtesy runners are permitted for the pitcher and catcher only. Courtesy runners must be eligible players and must be the player that has made the previous last out. No one player can run for both pitcher and catcher.
  1. Bats must meet ASA standards. All bats must be approved bat models, and must be properly marked OFFICIAL SOFTBALL. Bats MUST bear the approved ASA 2004 certification markings, and also must not be listed on the latest edition of the ASA Banned Bat List. All bats must be legal bats allowed by the ASA. All bats, in the sole opinion and discretion of the umpire, must comply with the ASA bat standards. The umpire has sole discretion to disallow the use of any bat that does not meet these standards.
  1. All catchers are required to wear a catcher’s helmet. All catchers’ helmets must have double earflaps, or full hooded helmets. No skullcaps.
  1. No jewelry. Medical tags only and they must be taped.
  1. Both coaches are responsible to have the umpire sign, initial, or number their scorebook. The umpire shall indicate the final score.
  1. Pre-game conference shall take place five minutes prior to the scheduled start time of each game. Half umpire fee if the umpire shows up full fee once a pitch is thrown.
  1. The home team shall be responsible for maintaining the official scorebook.
  1. All batting helmets shall be equipped with a face mask/guard.
  1. It is highly recommended for all infielders to wear face masks.

2015 HAAA Rule Modification

8-and-Under (age as of 12/31/14)

Rules will be the current year ASA Official Rules of Softball for youth softball: as modified below.

1. No bunting, stealing or leading off bases. Leading off a base will result in one team warning and any subsequent lead-off will result in the offending player being called out. Leading off is leaving the base prior to ball being hit by the batter. This includes leaving the base on missed swing.

2. A continuous batting order will be used with players batting in the same rotation.

3. Teams are allowed 10 players in the field: Catcher (a coach can stand behind the catch for
safety reason and also speed of play), Pitcher, 4 infielders & 4 outfielders, all 4 outfielders must play in the outfield.

4. Games are 6 innings or less after completion of 41/2 innings if subsequent innings are started and the game is called for darkness or weather the final score will revert back to the last full inning.

5. Three outs or 5-runs scored per inning. No runs count after the fifth run. There is no run limit for any inning deemed the last inning.

6. If a ball is touched prior to crossing the fifteen-foot foul arc it is a foul ball.

8. Play stops when the ball crosses the infield baseline on a throw from the outfield and is controlled by an infielder. Control is defined as possession either in hand or glove.

9. If a base runner has passed the halfway line when play is stopped she may advance to the next base, if not she must return to the previous base. Any runner trying to reach extra bases is at risk of being put out until all base runners are on base or the ball is returned to the coach “pitcher”.

10 Each team is allowed 6 infielders (Catcher, first, second, third, shortstop, and pitcher).

11. Coaches will do the pitching.

12. When playing the outfield girls must play 15-feet behind the baselines.

13. Batters will be allowed 3 strikes. There is a maximum of 8 pitches per batter, excluding foul balls on the last pitch.

14. Foul balls are not considered strikes.

15. Coaches cannot be involved in any play.

16. A play must be made for the runner to be out at home either by tagging the runner or the plate if there is a force.

17. Coaches are not allowed on the infield during play (including foul territory);coaching must be done from the bench, coach’s box, or outfield.

18. A runner is out if the ball hits her while running the base paths.

19. No metal spikes or batting donuts.

20. All batters and base-runners must wear batting helmets with face guard

21. Coaches are to instruct player to avoid interference and obstruction; however, neither
I obstruction nor interference will be called. Coaches should obtain a copy of the ASA rules and
read and understand obstruction and interference.

22. If a ball is fielded and overthrown to any base the runner or runners including the batter cannot
advance past the base they were running to at the time the ball was thrown. A ball thrown from
the outfield is not considered an overthrow, but must be possessed by an infield player before
the ball becomes dead.

23. Under no circumstances may runners achieve extra bases on a batted ball that does not pass
beyond the baseline.

24. If a batted ball hits the coach “pitcher”, the ball is dead (no pitch). The coach must make an
attempt to get out of the way.

25. The pitching distance will be 25 feet from the back of home plate. An 8 foot radius circle is to be drawn around the pitch line and the player/pitcher must be no closer then 25 foot and have 1 foot in the circle when the ball is pitched.

2015 HAAA Rule Modification

10-and-Under (age as of 12/31/14)

Rules will be the current year ASA Official Rules of Softball for youth softball: as modified below

  1. Pitching rules will be in accordance with Fast Pitch rules. A fast pitch (i.e. windmill) or modified pitch delivery is allowed. Before starting the delivery (pitch), the pitcher shall comply with the preliminary regulations identified for the method of delivery performed. A pitcher may not change the method of delivery during an at-bat. A change of pitchers may result in a change of the method of delivery.
  1. A Pitcher may pitch a maximum of three (3) innings per game. One extra inning is allowed per pitcher in extra innings
  1. Pitching rules: The pitcher shall take a position with both feet in contact with the pitcher’s plate to start.
  1. Catchers must wear a mask, chest protector, shin guards and helmet.
  1. The batter is entitled to take one base when hit by a pitch when being pitched to by the kid pitcher (regardless of pitching method and number of walks).
  1. Bunting is allowed.
  1. Batter is out on a caught foul tip third strike. The batter is still out on a missed third strike, even if catcher drops the ball.
  1. Batter/runner must keep their helmet on until they are out of the play area or until the umpire calls time out and has control of the ball. Helmet chinstrap mandatory.
  1. Runners starting at first or second base are entitled to advance or steal one base only per pitch with liability to be put out. Runners starting at third base may not steal or advance home but are liable to be put out if they come off the base. Runner advancements and awarding of bases shall be in accordance with ASA rules (refer to current ASA Manual). Base runner cannot leave the base until the batter hits the ball or until the ball crosses home plate on a pitch.
  1. Base on Balls: A batter who receives a base on balls cannot advance past first base. If the batter/runner advances further, once the ball becomes dead return the batter/runner to first base.
  1. Games are 6 innings or less after completion of 41/2 innings if subsequent innings are started and the game is called for darkness or weather the final score will revert back to the last full inning.

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  1. Ten players are permitted on the field (players positioned in the outfield shall be a minimum of 20 feet behind the base lines). No Rover. A team must have a minimum of 8 players to begin the game.
  1. Playing field will consist of 60’ bases. With a 35’ pitching rubber (a 24” long by 6” wide pitching rubber is required).
  2. A team is not permitted to score more than 5 runs in an inning. This rule is waived for both teams in the 6th inning and in extra innings. The 10-run rule is in effect after completion of 4 ½ or 5 innings.
  3. All players must play at least 2 innings in the field.
  1. Free substitutions are permitted in the field.
  1. There will be a continuous batting order of all players that are at the game. In case of injury, the injured player’s spot in the line-up is skipped until the player is able to return. There will not be an out charged when this occurs.
  1. Infield fly rule is not in effect.
  1. A foul ball with two strikes is not an out.
  1. Over throw at bases – ASA rules will apply

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  1. A Live ball will become a Dead ball once the pitcher has possession and control of the ball inside the pitchers circle (an eight foot radius of the pitcher’s plate) and all runners have completed their advancement, at this point the umpire shall call time. Runners must be given ample opportunity to complete their base running responsibilities. Runners may only advance during a live ball. In the umpire’s judgment, if a runner has stopped or hesitated upon completing their base running and the pitcher has possession and control within the pitcher’s circle, then time shall be called and base runners will be returned to their applicable base. An umpire will not call time while any play is in progress, except when a player becomes injured and in the umpire’s judgment needs immediate attention. An 8’ radius circle around the pitching rubber is required and shall be drawn on the playing field.
  1. Any rules not covered, refer to current ASA Manual.
  1. FAST PITCH 10U COACH PITCH RULES.

A pitcher may only be allowed two walks (base on balls) per inning. Subsequent walks would require that a coach from the batting team pitch to the current batter.

While a coach is pitching the following rules will apply:

1. The batter cannot be awarded a base on balls.

2. The batter cannot be awarded a base on a hit batsman.

3. The batter will assume a zero strike count only.

4. All pitches must be flat (no arc); otherwise “no pitch” will be called and the pitch will be lost.

5. Pitcher/Fielder must remain with 1 foot in the 8 foot circle until the ball is batted.

6. Pitcher/Coach struck by a batted ball will be considered “dead ball” and “no pitch” will be called.

7. Coach must leave the field promptly after the ball has been batted avoiding interference with fielders and runners.

8. The batter will have a maximum of 4 pitches or 3 strikes play at bat cannot end on a foul ball.

9. A batter may foul the fourth pitch and subsequent pitches until she is otherwise put out or reaches a base.

10. Base runner may not steal while coach is pitching.

2015 HAAA Rule Modification

12-and-Under (age as of 12/31/14)

Rules will be the current year ASA Official Rules of Softball for youth softball: as modified below

  1. Pitching rules will be in accordance with Fast Pitch rules. A fast pitch (i.e. windmill) or modified pitch delivery is allowed. Before starting the delivery (pitch), the pitcher shall comply with the preliminary regulations identified for the method of delivery performed. A pitcher may not change the method of delivery during an at-bat. A change of pitchers may result in a change of the method of delivery.
  2. Pitching rules: The pitcher shall take a position with both feet in contact with the pitcher’s plate to start.
  3. Catchers must wear a mask, chest protector, shin guards and helmet.
  4. The batter is entitled to take one base when hit by a pitch (regardless of pitching method).
  5. Bunting is allowed.
  6. Batter is out on a caught foul tip third strike. Thethird strike rule is in effect (primarily ASA Rule 8, Section 1, Article B).
  7. Batter/runner must keep their helmet on until they are out of the play area or until the umpire calls time out and has control of the ball. Helmet chinstrap mandatory.
  8. Base runners are entitled toadvancewith the liability of being put out when the ball leaves the pitchers hand on the delivery.
  9. Stealing permitted (no limit).
  10. Games are 7 innings .
  11. Ten players are permitted on the field (players positioned in the outfield shall be a minimum of 20 feet behind the base lines). No Rover. A team must have a minimum of 8 players to begin the game.
  12. Playing field will consist of 60’ bases. With a 40’ pitching rubber (a 24” long by 6” wide pitching rubber required).
  13. A team is not permitted to score more than 5 runs in an inning. This rule is waived for both teams in the 7th inning and in extra innings. The 10-run rule is in effect after completion of 4 ½ or 5 innings.
  14. All players must play at least 2 innings in the field.
  15. Free substitutions are permitted in the field.
  16. There will be a continuous batting order of all players that are at the game. In case of injury, the injured player’s spot in the line-up is skipped until the player is able to return. There will not be an out charged when this occurs.
  17. Infield fly rule is not in effect.
  18. Over throw at bases – ASA rules will apply.
  19. Stealing home permitted.
  20. 8’ radius circle around pitching rubber is required.
  21. Any rules not covered, refer to current ASA Manual.

H.A.A.A. 2015 Softball Rules

(14-and-Under) and (18-and-Under) Fast Pitch (age as of 1/1/15)

I. Introduction

The rules listed below are additions, modifications, or exceptions to the current youth softball rules and regulations for American Softball Association of America (ASA).

c. Age Qualifications – A player’s age as of December 31 determines the age in which the player is eligible to play the following year. A player born after December 31, 1996 is eligible for 18-and-Under and after December 31, 2000 is eligible for 14-and-Under.

d. Players of younger age classification may play in older age classifications, but an older age classification player may not play in the younger age classification.

II. General

a. Playing Field

1. The home team shall furnish player’s benches for both home and visiting teams. Benches will be set a safe distance from the base paths.

2. The home team is responsible for having the field lined and any safety problems (holes, rocks, low spots) corrected before the scheduled start time of the game.

3. Ground rules are to be reviewed prior to the start of each gamed with both coaches and the umpire. The umpire has the authority to change any ground rule that he feels is unsafe or will be detrimental to the game.

1. A covering such as a tarp or canvas is to be placed over the backstop behind home plate at all fields.

b. Equipment

1. Softballs must be in accordance with or equivalent to those approved for play by ASA Rule 3, Section 3. The official 12-inch ball shall be used. The 12-inch ball shall have a ball COR of .470 or under and a ball compression of 375.0 lbs. or less. The ball shall have an optic yellow cover with red-stitch.

2. Game balls are to be supplied by the home team – one new ball and one ball in good condition are required. Both balls shall be the same COR, compression, and color.

3. Bats must be in accordance with ASA rule designations and limitations. All bats must be marked OFFICIAL SOFTBALL. See the Rules Addendum for additional bat requirements.

4. Shoes – NO metal spikes are permitted.

c. Game Postponements

1. Postponements other than for weather reasons are acceptable only due to extreme circumstances or conflicts with school activities.

2. In case of inclement weather, the home team coach is responsible to notify the visiting team coach and the umpire coordinator/assignor (see Softball Rules Addendum) no later than one hour before game time.

3. The decision to cancel the game at the field is that of the umpire. If a game is cancelled at the field after the umpire has arrived or if it is postponed prior to being an official game, the umpire(s) are pad half fee.