Intermediate Division Standards Age Requirement AWS
Intermediate Division Standards Age Requirement:
2nd and 3rdgrade.
This league is intended for girls who have had some experience in the Cole Division. Intermediate Division girls should have some knowledge of the basics described in the Cole Division standards. This is an In-Town league and all games will be played at Nelson Park. This league is designed to be very lowkey with an emphasis on learning instead of competing. Each girl will receive a participation trophy at the end of the season. The 11” softball is used in this division with players pitching to the batters. Each player should play every position (except pitcher, catcher and first base) at least once during the season unless the coach feels that there is a significant safety issue for a child. Players should be rotated between the infield and the outfield on a consistent basis. Our goal is for every player to improve upon these skills throughout the season. In other words, we want each player to end the season a better player than when the year began. We would like players to develop the following skills: (Note: Skills are listed from basic to “advanced”.) Batting:
Correct fastpitch softball swing Know the strike zone – swing at good pitches. Make good contact – drive the ball.
Catching:
Proper glove position when catching ball Move body to catch a thrown ball. Track a batted fly ball.
Fielding:
Proper glove position for fielding a ground ball – bend at knees – feet apart – ball in front Slide feet to field a ground ball near player. Run and field a grounder away from player. Use Back hand and fore hand to field a grounder
Throwing:
Proper form and motion – stepping at the location you want to throw to Throw the ball to teammate’s “chest area”. Throw the ball to teammate’s glove.
Running:
Run through first base on ‘single’ - Wide turn at first on “double”, etc. Leading Timing – ball hit in air, ball hit on ground Sliding
The Game:
Hustle on and off the field Responsibilities of each position Moving to a hit ball “Get the out” Backing up the play Anticipating what to do if ball is hit to player
Anticipating what to do if ball is hit to another player
Intermediate Division Rules General Rules Coaches and parents are looked upon as role models. Coaches and parents are expected to conduct themselves properly and promote good sportsmanship at all times. Profanity or arguing by any coach, parent or player will not be tolerated. Grafton Girls Softball provides uniforms, bats, balls, helmets and catchers gear. Players must provide their own gloves and can use their own bats and helmets. It is strongly recommended that players wear their hat under the helmet. Players may want to purchase their own helmet. Players must wear their uniforms (including visors) correctly at all times (not backwards, sideways or inside-out). Players must be in uniform in order to play in any game. The league will provide a uniform which includes a visor, shirt, socks and pants. Players should not write on or alter uniform during the season. Players may keep the uniform shirts, visor and socks. Pants must be returned at the end of the year. All pitchers must wear a face mask. Each coach will have one mask for their team. Players may want to purchase their own mask. Any player who warms up a pitcher must wear a mask. If a catcher’s mask is not available, a batting helmet or other facial protection is permissible. This rule applies to both games and practices. Jewelry is not allowed during games or practices. Game Rules Note: In developing these rules, we have tried to modify the game to accommodate the skills of the 7-9 year old player. As much as possible we have tried to avoid creating rules that are unique to the Intermediate Division. As players move on to the Junior Division, we want them to build upon what they have learned here and not have to learn a whole new set of rules. We don’t want players to face a situation where “what worked” or “what was right” in Intermediate is now “wrong” or “doesn’t work” at the Junior Division level. The ideal number of players per team is 10. The maximum number is 11. For a given number of players, the positions will be: 11 players – 4 outfielders, 1 player on bench 10 players – 4 outfielders 9 players – 3 outfielders 8 players – 2 outfielders No player may sit out two innings in a row. Free substitution of all players is allowed. All players bat in a continuous batting order. Late arriving players may be added to the field or batting order at any time.
Every player should play every position (except pitcher, first base and catcher) at least once during the season unless there is significant concern for a child’s safety. Players should be rotated between the infield and the outfield on a consistent basis. Batting orders are to change each game so that all players bat at least once in each slot of the batting order over the course of the season. Players should “play the position”. Outfielders should play behind the infield and should not cover 2nd base. Bases will be 60 feet apart. Catchers must be in full gear. Catchers will stand and throw the ball back to the pitcher. Games will be 5 innings with no inning starting after 7:30. A complete final inning must be played. (Home team gets a final at-bat regardless of score.) Each half inning will end after 3 outs or after 10 batters have come to bat. Pitching to be done by players (see Pitching rules). The pitcher’s mound will be thirty-five (35) feet from the back of the plate. Umpires will call Balls and Strikes. Arguing of balls and strikes by coaches and players is not allowed. Dropped 3rd strikes by catchers will be considered outs – no tag of the batter is necessary. No advancing on passed balls. Batters must attempt to get out of the way of errant pitches. It is the umpire’s decision to walk a batter who has been hit by a pitch (a reasonable attempt to evade the pitch must have been made in order to walk). Only the batter and one on-deck hitter (in the on-deck circle) will have bats in their hands. All other players are to be seated on the bench or designated area. This is the area of greatest injury because coaches are pitching and coaching bases at this time and cannot be watching every player. Team parents are encouraged to volunteer their assistance in managing the players on the bench. Bunting is allowed. No stealing. 3 step leads should be taught. Player may take a lead after the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. Base runners can advance one (1) base on an overthrow (at her own risk) going into foul territory. The extra base is not automatic. The base runner must earn the base and can be tagged out. Overthrows remaining in fair territory can be as many bases as possibly earned (not automatic, base runners can be tagged out). Once a ball is overthrown into foul territory, the base runner can only advance one (1) additional base. (Example: Ball is overthrown at 1st base into foul territory and runner attempts to go to 2nd base where ball is also overthrown – the ball is dead and the base runner remains on 2nd base.
Play is dead once the ball is returned to the pitching circle. Sliding is optional. Sliding skills should be taught and player may slide at their own discretion. On a close play at home, runners should slide and not collide with catcher. Infield fly rule is not in effect. Base runners may tag-up on fly balls (fair or foul) and can advance no more than one (1) base. Coaches and assistants are encouraged to be on the field for defense and instruct their team on field positions, field stances, play anticipation and general defensive techniques to achieve outs. Coaches will constantly check the position of fielders for proper position (outfielders have a tendency to creep into the infield) and make sure their attention is focused on the play for safety reasons. When batting, coaches and assistants are encouraged to act as base coaches and instruct their team on baserunning, taking leads and when to advance to the next base. Since this is an instructional league, coaches are encouraged to offer advice, praise and encouragement to opposing players when appropriate. In an effort to speed up the pace of play, particularly in the area of in-between innings, coaches must prepare a line up prior to game time. It is recommended that players be kept in the same position for at least two (2) consecutive innings to familiarize the player with the position. Each team will have 2 games and 1 practice each week. Games and practices will be conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Nelson Park. Game day starts at 5:30PM. A 30 minute practice will be followed by a 5 inning game. In-season practices start at 5:30PM or 6:00PM and last for 90 minutes. Rainouts are left to the discretion of both coaches. Decisions to cancel games should be made by 5pm. Make-up game dates will be decided on by both coaches. (Although encouraged, it is not necessary to make up games.) The league commissioner is to be informed of a cancellation or scheduled make-up game (to make sure that a field is open.) Games may be terminated due to rain or darkness at the discretion of the umpire and, upon discussion and agreement of the Head Coaches. Pitching Rules Note: The league recognizes that pitching is an extremely important position in softball. At the Intermediate level, we are trying to balance the development of young pitchers with the development of the other 9 players on the field and the batter at the plate. It is our belief that the majority of a pitcher’s practice should take place on the sidelines and in the backyard and not on the mound during the course of the game. These rules are designed to introduce player pitching while maintaining a reasonable pace of play. In order to pitch, a player must be trained and proficient: Only players who have attended a pitching clinic are allowed to pitch. AND Players must demonstrate that they can throw 6 strikes out of 10 pitches.
After 2 consecutive walks or 3 walks in an inning, the opposing coach shall come in to finish the inning. The same or different pitcher can pitch again the next inning. A player may not walk when a coach pitches. All pitchers must wear a face mask. (Any player who warms up a pitcher must wear a mask. If a catcher’s mask is not available, a batting helmet or other facial protection is permissible.) The pitcher must have both feet in contact with the pitching plate before starting her delivery. In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher must take one step while releasing the ball. The step must be forward and toward the batter within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate. Raising the foot off the pitching plate and returning it to the plate creates a rocking motion and is illegal. The pitcher must not make two revolutions of the arm on the windmill pitch. The delivery must be an underhanded motion with the hand below the hip. Slingshot pitching is accepted, however not recommended. If a ball slips from the pitcher’s hand during her delivery (prior to her release to the plate) it will be deemed NO PITCH (this would include hitting the hip during the release of the ball).
2nd and 3rdgrade.
This league is intended for girls who have had some experience in the Cole Division. Intermediate Division girls should have some knowledge of the basics described in the Cole Division standards. This is an In-Town league and all games will be played at Nelson Park. This league is designed to be very lowkey with an emphasis on learning instead of competing. Each girl will receive a participation trophy at the end of the season. The 11” softball is used in this division with players pitching to the batters. Each player should play every position (except pitcher, catcher and first base) at least once during the season unless the coach feels that there is a significant safety issue for a child. Players should be rotated between the infield and the outfield on a consistent basis. Our goal is for every player to improve upon these skills throughout the season. In other words, we want each player to end the season a better player than when the year began. We would like players to develop the following skills: (Note: Skills are listed from basic to “advanced”.) Batting:
Correct fastpitch softball swing Know the strike zone – swing at good pitches. Make good contact – drive the ball.
Catching:
Proper glove position when catching ball Move body to catch a thrown ball. Track a batted fly ball.
Fielding:
Proper glove position for fielding a ground ball – bend at knees – feet apart – ball in front Slide feet to field a ground ball near player. Run and field a grounder away from player. Use Back hand and fore hand to field a grounder
Throwing:
Proper form and motion – stepping at the location you want to throw to Throw the ball to teammate’s “chest area”. Throw the ball to teammate’s glove.
Running:
Run through first base on ‘single’ - Wide turn at first on “double”, etc. Leading Timing – ball hit in air, ball hit on ground Sliding
The Game:
Hustle on and off the field Responsibilities of each position Moving to a hit ball “Get the out” Backing up the play Anticipating what to do if ball is hit to player
Anticipating what to do if ball is hit to another player
Intermediate Division Rules General Rules Coaches and parents are looked upon as role models. Coaches and parents are expected to conduct themselves properly and promote good sportsmanship at all times. Profanity or arguing by any coach, parent or player will not be tolerated. Grafton Girls Softball provides uniforms, bats, balls, helmets and catchers gear. Players must provide their own gloves and can use their own bats and helmets. It is strongly recommended that players wear their hat under the helmet. Players may want to purchase their own helmet. Players must wear their uniforms (including visors) correctly at all times (not backwards, sideways or inside-out). Players must be in uniform in order to play in any game. The league will provide a uniform which includes a visor, shirt, socks and pants. Players should not write on or alter uniform during the season. Players may keep the uniform shirts, visor and socks. Pants must be returned at the end of the year. All pitchers must wear a face mask. Each coach will have one mask for their team. Players may want to purchase their own mask. Any player who warms up a pitcher must wear a mask. If a catcher’s mask is not available, a batting helmet or other facial protection is permissible. This rule applies to both games and practices. Jewelry is not allowed during games or practices. Game Rules Note: In developing these rules, we have tried to modify the game to accommodate the skills of the 7-9 year old player. As much as possible we have tried to avoid creating rules that are unique to the Intermediate Division. As players move on to the Junior Division, we want them to build upon what they have learned here and not have to learn a whole new set of rules. We don’t want players to face a situation where “what worked” or “what was right” in Intermediate is now “wrong” or “doesn’t work” at the Junior Division level. The ideal number of players per team is 10. The maximum number is 11. For a given number of players, the positions will be: 11 players – 4 outfielders, 1 player on bench 10 players – 4 outfielders 9 players – 3 outfielders 8 players – 2 outfielders No player may sit out two innings in a row. Free substitution of all players is allowed. All players bat in a continuous batting order. Late arriving players may be added to the field or batting order at any time.
Every player should play every position (except pitcher, first base and catcher) at least once during the season unless there is significant concern for a child’s safety. Players should be rotated between the infield and the outfield on a consistent basis. Batting orders are to change each game so that all players bat at least once in each slot of the batting order over the course of the season. Players should “play the position”. Outfielders should play behind the infield and should not cover 2nd base. Bases will be 60 feet apart. Catchers must be in full gear. Catchers will stand and throw the ball back to the pitcher. Games will be 5 innings with no inning starting after 7:30. A complete final inning must be played. (Home team gets a final at-bat regardless of score.) Each half inning will end after 3 outs or after 10 batters have come to bat. Pitching to be done by players (see Pitching rules). The pitcher’s mound will be thirty-five (35) feet from the back of the plate. Umpires will call Balls and Strikes. Arguing of balls and strikes by coaches and players is not allowed. Dropped 3rd strikes by catchers will be considered outs – no tag of the batter is necessary. No advancing on passed balls. Batters must attempt to get out of the way of errant pitches. It is the umpire’s decision to walk a batter who has been hit by a pitch (a reasonable attempt to evade the pitch must have been made in order to walk). Only the batter and one on-deck hitter (in the on-deck circle) will have bats in their hands. All other players are to be seated on the bench or designated area. This is the area of greatest injury because coaches are pitching and coaching bases at this time and cannot be watching every player. Team parents are encouraged to volunteer their assistance in managing the players on the bench. Bunting is allowed. No stealing. 3 step leads should be taught. Player may take a lead after the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. Base runners can advance one (1) base on an overthrow (at her own risk) going into foul territory. The extra base is not automatic. The base runner must earn the base and can be tagged out. Overthrows remaining in fair territory can be as many bases as possibly earned (not automatic, base runners can be tagged out). Once a ball is overthrown into foul territory, the base runner can only advance one (1) additional base. (Example: Ball is overthrown at 1st base into foul territory and runner attempts to go to 2nd base where ball is also overthrown – the ball is dead and the base runner remains on 2nd base.
Play is dead once the ball is returned to the pitching circle. Sliding is optional. Sliding skills should be taught and player may slide at their own discretion. On a close play at home, runners should slide and not collide with catcher. Infield fly rule is not in effect. Base runners may tag-up on fly balls (fair or foul) and can advance no more than one (1) base. Coaches and assistants are encouraged to be on the field for defense and instruct their team on field positions, field stances, play anticipation and general defensive techniques to achieve outs. Coaches will constantly check the position of fielders for proper position (outfielders have a tendency to creep into the infield) and make sure their attention is focused on the play for safety reasons. When batting, coaches and assistants are encouraged to act as base coaches and instruct their team on baserunning, taking leads and when to advance to the next base. Since this is an instructional league, coaches are encouraged to offer advice, praise and encouragement to opposing players when appropriate. In an effort to speed up the pace of play, particularly in the area of in-between innings, coaches must prepare a line up prior to game time. It is recommended that players be kept in the same position for at least two (2) consecutive innings to familiarize the player with the position. Each team will have 2 games and 1 practice each week. Games and practices will be conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Nelson Park. Game day starts at 5:30PM. A 30 minute practice will be followed by a 5 inning game. In-season practices start at 5:30PM or 6:00PM and last for 90 minutes. Rainouts are left to the discretion of both coaches. Decisions to cancel games should be made by 5pm. Make-up game dates will be decided on by both coaches. (Although encouraged, it is not necessary to make up games.) The league commissioner is to be informed of a cancellation or scheduled make-up game (to make sure that a field is open.) Games may be terminated due to rain or darkness at the discretion of the umpire and, upon discussion and agreement of the Head Coaches. Pitching Rules Note: The league recognizes that pitching is an extremely important position in softball. At the Intermediate level, we are trying to balance the development of young pitchers with the development of the other 9 players on the field and the batter at the plate. It is our belief that the majority of a pitcher’s practice should take place on the sidelines and in the backyard and not on the mound during the course of the game. These rules are designed to introduce player pitching while maintaining a reasonable pace of play. In order to pitch, a player must be trained and proficient: Only players who have attended a pitching clinic are allowed to pitch. AND Players must demonstrate that they can throw 6 strikes out of 10 pitches.
After 2 consecutive walks or 3 walks in an inning, the opposing coach shall come in to finish the inning. The same or different pitcher can pitch again the next inning. A player may not walk when a coach pitches. All pitchers must wear a face mask. (Any player who warms up a pitcher must wear a mask. If a catcher’s mask is not available, a batting helmet or other facial protection is permissible.) The pitcher must have both feet in contact with the pitching plate before starting her delivery. In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher must take one step while releasing the ball. The step must be forward and toward the batter within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate. Raising the foot off the pitching plate and returning it to the plate creates a rocking motion and is illegal. The pitcher must not make two revolutions of the arm on the windmill pitch. The delivery must be an underhanded motion with the hand below the hip. Slingshot pitching is accepted, however not recommended. If a ball slips from the pitcher’s hand during her delivery (prior to her release to the plate) it will be deemed NO PITCH (this would include hitting the hip during the release of the ball).
