T-BALL GENERAL 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 13 players. 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 bat and all players should bat in the same sequence each inning
If a player arrives late for a game, he/she can be added to the batting order.
3) GAME
A game shall consist of three innings or a maximum time duration of 1 1/2 hours. No new inning may commence after 1 hour 15 minutes of the start of the game.
4) INNING
A half inning will be completed when all players have batted and the last batter has been:
a)put out,
b)hit a home run, or
c)hit a fair ball and the ball has been put in contact with the "T", by the catcher.
5) SUBSTITUTE PLAYERS
Only players registered with a particular team may play with that team.
6) PITCHER
THE PITCHER MUST WEAR A BATTINGHELMET WHEN FIELDING.
The pitcher must be in the pitcher’s mound when a ball is hit and may move out of the pitcher’s mound to field a ballor 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 to be advanced only if forced.
7) CATCHER
The catcher is the only player permitted to place the ball on the tee. The purpose of this is to encourage fielders to throw or roll the ball to the catcher.
8) FIRST BASE
No defensive player other than the one playing first base may tag the batter out running from home to 1st base. The purpose of this is to encourage fielders to throw or roll the ball to 1st base.
9) FAIRTERRITORY
The area beyond an arc marked on the ground at a distance of 9 feet from the rear point of home plate and between the first and third baselines is considered fair territory. A ball hit off the “T” which lands in fair territory is a fair ball.
A batted ball which does not travel the required minimum distance of 9 feet shall be considered a foul ball, with the batter being called out if the ball is caught before it touches the ground. If the ball is not caught, it is a “dead ball” and hitter continues to bat and no base runners may advance.
N.B. A hit ball which is touched (but not caught) inside the 9 foot arc shall be considered as being foul (dead ball).
10) OVERTHROWS
All overthrows (after a hit), which result in the ball ending up out of fair territory, will entitle the runners to continue to advance to the base they are proceeding to and the play becomes “dead” until the next ball is hit from the "T".
11) DEAD BALL
The ball is "dead":
a)should the "T" be knocked down, regardless where the ball lands;
b)anytime the catcher touches the "T" with the ball.
When the ball has been called "dead" no runners may advance, until the next fair hit is made from the "T".
Runners must be at the next base before the ball is touched to the "T" or they are sent back to the previous base.
12) BASE RUNNERS
As there is no pitched ball, there is no stealing of bases.
13) STRIKES
Strikes shall not be counted; the batter will continue to bat until he/she hits a fair ball.
14) BATS
Bats shall be approved for softball and be no more that twenty-eight (28) inches in length.
15) THROWING A BAT
The first time a warning is given.
Onthe second and subsequent times the player shall be called out.
16) POSITIONS
Outfielders must be at least 3' behind the baselines. Infielders should be about 35' (pitcher 25’) away from home plate.
Players are to be moved to different positions each game, so they get experience at all positions.
17) EQUIPMENT
Battersand base runners must wear helmets with chinstraps properly fastened.
Catchers must wear a facemask and helmet.
The “T” should be placed in front of home plate.
18) DISTANCES
Basedistance is 35 ft.
Pitcher’s mound shall be 6 ft in diameter, with the centre being 27 ft from the back of home plate.
19) 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.
20) 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.
21)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.