Melrose Girls Youth Softball
10U Rules and Policies
Updated March 2018
MYS Mission Statement:
Melrose Youth Softball is dedicated to teaching girls the sport of softball, as well as teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship and self-respect.
Let’s emphasize sportsmanship and respect for teammates, opponents, umpires and coaches. Coaches should be the primary example of this sportsmanlike attitude and expect the best from their team in regards to sportsmanship and positive behavior and demonstrate it to the players at all times. While the spirit of competition may enter the games, and can be part of the fun, it is not the foundation of our league. We are all working together to advance the skills of the players and to encourage good sportsmanship from all involved.
Playing time:
All players must receive roughly equal playing time. EACH PLAYER MUST PLAY AT LEAST THREE (3), PREFERABLY FOUR (4) INNINGS IN A SIX (6) INNING GAME. The only exception would be that a player is scheduled to play in the later innings and the game ends because of rain, darkness, etc. In this situation the player should start the next game.
Different Positions:
Players must be played in all positions throughout the season. Players must play infield and outfield in each game. No player will play the same position for more than two innings in a row.
There are two exceptions:
1. Pitchers are a different situation. Only pitchers who you know are able to get the ball over should pitch.
2. First base. Be careful to select girls that have the ability to catch balls thrown at them. This is for their own safety and for the safety of the league itself. Work with your players and attempt to have all players play First base at least once by the end of the season
The intent of this rule is to allow players to try different positions and not to have players “monopolizing” a position.
Protective Gear:
Helmets with face masks and chin straps must be worn at all times at bat and on the bases. Mouth guards are recommended. Fielder’s masks are something that some players may opt to wear.
Fielder’s mask required for all infield positions.
Throwing the Bat: (clarification)
No player shall throw the bat (intentionally or unintentionally) upon hitting the ball. The first offense by a player in the game is a warning to that player and the umpire will note their number, upon each player’s second offense in the game, that batter is out and no runners advance.
Injury Avoidance:
Coaches must instruct players in the safest way possible to 1) avoid being hit by a pitched ball, 2) being aware that the player they are throwing the ball to is expecting it, 3) how to protect themselves with their glove, and 4) where, when and how to swing a bat.
Out of Play:
Each field has it’s own out of play rules which should be discussed before each game with the umpire.
When Play Ends:
Infield plays:
Ends when the ball is returned to and controlled by the pitcher within the 8 foot circle of the pitcher’s mound.
Overthrows to first, third or home base: (ball remaining in play):
The runners are allowed to advance one base, however it is not automatic. The runner must be aware and take the base before the ball is retrieved and returned to the pitcher, if not more than half (½) way to next base they must return.
Stealing:
Stealing allowed from 2nd to 3rd base only. No advance on an overthrow from the catcher. Encourage your catcher to try to make a play.
Benches:
Home team takes first base side. Away team takes third base side.
Players must stay on bench if not playing and should be encouraged to watch and cheer for their team (see cheering comments). Only players and coaches from that team are allowed in the dugout.
Equipment should be kept in the dugout and out of the playing area.
Cheering:
Only positive cheering or cheers are allowed.
Taunting or negative comments of other players, umpires or teams by any players, coaches, parents or spectators is not allowed and will be grounds for removal by the umpire (coaches must back up and support the umpires).
Scoring:
Score will be kept. Check score between innings. However, it is not meant to be used in taunting the other team. Tied games are allowed.
Innings:
Games are six (6) innings in length, but no new inning will begin after 1 hour 45 minutes. Umpire will note time of first pitch. For example, if the first pitch is thrown at 6:05, then no new inning will start after 7:35. ****If darkness is an issue, then no inning shall be started unless umpire feels that a full inning can be completed by both teams. Coaches will always support umpire’s decision.
When an inning ends:
An inning ends when three (3) outs have been made, six (6) runs have been scored.
Batters:
All players will bat and must bat in continuous order for the duration of the game. Players who come late shall bat at the end of the order.
Fielders:
Each team will play six (6) infielders, (1, 2 , 3, SS, P, C) and up to four (4) outfielder. Outfielders must be on the grass behind the infield. Maximum of 10 players on the field.
Coaches:
Base coaches must be used at first and third base. No outfield coaches are allowed. Only ASA approved coaches are allowed to be on the field or in the dugout, unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Jewelry, Etc.
For safety reasons; No Jewelry, including watches, rings, necklaces, bracelets, choke collars or earrings, etc. can be worn. Umpires and coaches must enforce players to remove all jewelry or they will not be allowed to play.