5 PITCHGENERAL RULES OF PLAY
The rules and regulations of the game of softball as set out in the Softball Canada Official Guide and Rule Book shall be followed except as noted below.
1) DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
Maximum 11 players with unlimited substitution. Positions consist of a pitcher, catcher, 1st, 2nd and 3rd base, 2 shortstops; one between 1st and 2nd base and the other between 2nd and 3rd base and a minimum of 4 outfielders; who are to be placed in the outfield not on the infield.
Each child should play as much of the game as possible. The goal is equal playing time for all players.
2)OFFENSIVE PLAYERS
All players on a team are to be listed in the batting line-up prior to the start of the game and all players must bat in that sequence.
If a player arrives late for a game, his/her name is to be added to the bottom of the batting order and may only bat when their turn comes up in the batting order.
3)GAME
A game shall consist of four innings or a maximum time duration of 1 1/2 hours. No new inning may commence after 1 hour 15 minutes from the start of the game.
4)INNING
A half inning will be completed when:
a)three (3) players have been put out, or
b)seven (7) players have batted and the 7th batter has:
i)received 5 pitches,
ii)been put out,
iii)hit a home run,
iv)hit a fair ball and the ball has been returned to the pitcher,
v)hit a fair ball and the ball has been overthrown from the field of play.
N.B. Failure to hit in 5 pitches does not constitute one of the 3 outs for the inning.
Thecoach-pitcher does not need to be in the pitcher’s mound when delivering the pitch.
5) SUBSTITUTE PLAYERS
Only players registered with a particular team may play with that team.
6) CHILD PITCHER
THE CHILD PITCHER MUST WEAR A BATTING HELMET WHEN FIELDING.
The child pitcher must be in the pitcher’s mound when a ball is hit and may move out of the pitching circle to field a ball or cover bases only after the ball is hit. A violation of this rule on a fair hit will entitle the batter to advance to 1st base. Other runners on base are advanced only if forced.
7) FIRST BASE
No defensive player other than the one playing first base may tag the batter out running from home to 1stbase.
8) FAIRTERRITORY
Fairterritory is the area between the first and third baselines.
9) OVERTHROWS
All overthrows (after a hit), which result in the ball ending up out of fair territory, will entitle runners to continue to advance to the base they are proceeding to and the play becomes “dead” until the next fair hit is made.
10) DEAD BALL
The ball is "dead" when the pitcher (CHILD, NOT COACH) has control of the ball in the pitcher’s mound.
When the ball has been called "dead" by the umpire no runners may advance until the next fair hit is made.
Runners must safely reach the next base before the ball is returned to the pitcher (CHILD, NOT COACH) or they are sent back to the previous base.
11) BASERUNNERS
There is no stealing of bases. Baserunners cannot leave their base until the ball is hit.
12) STRIKES
Strikes shall not be counted; the batter will continue to bat for a maximum of 5 pitches or hits fair.
13) BATS
Bats shall be approved for softball and be no more than thirty (30) inches in length.
14) THROWING BAT
The first time a warning is given.
Onthe second and subsequent times the player shall be called out.
Abat thrown in anger or deliberately into the benches or spectator area will result in player being ejected from the game.
15) POSITION
Only infielders may play the infield and the outfielders must be at least 5' behind the baselines. Infielders must stay about 35' away from home plate.
Players are to be moved to different positions each game, so they get experience at all positions.
16) EQUIPMENT
Battersand base runners in all age groupsmust wear helmets with chinstraps properly fastened.
Catchers must wear a facemask, helmet, chest protector and shin pads.
17) DISTANCES
Basedistance is 40 ft.
Pitchers mound shall be 6 ft in diameter, with the centre being 27 ft from the back of home plate.
18) ATTIRE
No jewelry shall be worn during a game, with the exception of medical alert bracelets. Players must be asked to remove jewelry, and if they fail to do so, will be asked to leave the game.
No shorts shall be worn while playing.
19) SAFETY/SUPERVISION
Adults are encouraged to assist players especially in the field and can be out in the field guiding defensive players and baserunners.
All players not at bat shall stay behind the backstop at all times and should be encouraged to sit together as a team.
20)BEHAVIOUR
The objectives of ROMSA shall take precedence in all matters. Namely:
a)to foster, encourage and improve all organized amateur minor softball;
b)to provide competition for all who desire to participate in minor softball; and
c)to exercise general supervision and direction over the playing interests of its players, coaches, managers and executive with emphasis on the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, courage, good character and citizenship in a spirit of co-operation and team play.
All should bear in mind that stressing exceptional skills or winning games is SECONDARY to the above stated objectives.