12 & Under Rules

General

  • Playoffs will be played in this division.
  • Minimum of 7 players – Teams will help each other out.
  • 10 Players in the field. Maximum of 6 on the infield.
  • Teams will roster bat.
  • Games last 6 innings with no new innings beginning after 1 hour and 45 minutes
  • Games played with a 12” softball
  • One paid umpire will be used at each game. Home team arranges for and pays for umpire (unless field availability requires games to be unfairly split between teams)
  • Five run limit per inning except for the last inning which is unlimited. Umpire will declare last inning.
  • Bunting
  • Drag Bunting is allowed.
  • No Fake/Slash Bunting. If a batters show bunt they may not pull back and swing. It is an automatic out if a player slash bunts.
  • Infield fly rule is in effect.
  • Mercy rule in effect if team leads by more than 12 runs after trailing team’s 5th at bat. If home team goes up 12 runs in 5th / 6th inning game is over.
  • Pitcher must wear a face mask. It is recommended that 1st and 3rd baseman wear face masks.
  • Batters are required to wear helmets with facemasks
  • Chin straps are required for all batting helmets.

Pitching

  • Pitching distance is 40’
  • Pitcher can pitch a maximum of 2 innings consecutively then must rest for 1 full inning.
  • Pitcher can pitch max of 5 innings in an extra inning game.
  • One pitch counts as an inning pitched.
  • No running on dropped 3rd strike.
  • A walk will be issued when batter is hit by a ball that bounces first. It will not count against the pitcher as hit batsmen.
  • Pitcher must be replaced if she hits 3 batters in one inning. She may return in next inning if it does not exceed two consecutive innings.
  • If a pitcher hits two batters in their next inning they must be removed for the rest of the game.

Base Running

  • Runner can leave on the release.
  • One base only per steal attempt. The runner cannot advance on an overthrow. Coaches should encourage the catchers to make the throw.
  • Runners have to slide if there is play, if they do not they will be called out.
  • If up by 8 or more runs, no stealing. If other team closes gap you may steal until the differential is 8 or more runs again.
  • No continuation (stealing after a walk).
  • 1 steal of home per inning

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING RULES AND PROCEDURE

Thunder & lightning necessitates that a game be suspended. The occurrence of thunder and/or lightning is not subject to interpretation or discussion - thunder is thunder, lightning is lightning. (Home coach should have a plan or set up a plan for shelter prior to the start of any game.) When thunder is heard and/or when lightning is seen, the following procedures should be adhered to:

(a.) Suspend play and direct participants to go to a shelter, a building normally occupied by the public, or if building is unavailable, participants should go inside a vehicle with a solid metal top.

(b.) Do not permit players or participants to stand under or near a tree, and have everyone stay away from metal benches, fences, poles, towers and underground watering systems.

(c.) After thunder and/or lightning have left the area, wait approximately 30 minutes after the last boom is heard or strike is seen before resuming play.

JEWELRY

No visible jewelry is allowed in softball below the college level. Religious medals or medical medals must be taped to the body and under the uniform. Soft, pliable barrettes are permissible.