Weymouth Girls Softball - League Athletics
Weymouth Girls Softball Rules of Play This is a fast pitch girls' softball instructional league. These rules are designed for the Major Division This league is managed by Weymouth Girls Softball (WGS). Games will be played with a strict observance for good sportsmanship and safety as defined in the Code of Conduct section of WGS by-laws. The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) rules govern playas modified herein. It is the duty of the coaches and umpires to advise and instruct the players as the game proceeds. If a dangerous situation develops which could jeopardize the safety of a player, the first coach or umpire to see the situation will call time out and correct the situation. Finally, league games have the ultimate goal to allow girls to learn and enjoy themselves, while playing a game with their peers. These games are designed to promote comradeship and develop athletic skills for the benefit of the players. General Rules of Play and Safety 1. Only registered players of Weymouth Girls Softball may participate in any game. 2. Team uniforms must be worn during a game. No shorts should be worn for safety reasons. 3. All batters, base runners and on deck batters must wear helmets. The only person allowed in the on deck circle is the on deck batter. 4. Sneakers or plastic cleats must be worn. Metal cleats are not allowed. 5. No rings or loose jewelry is allowed. Stud earrings are allowed. 6. Coaches will ensure that each girl receives equal playing time and has the opportunity to try various field positions throughout the season. No player can playa fourth inning if other players haven't played three innings, excluding the pitcher. 7. Batting orders will include all players present at any game, regardless of whether they have a fielding position. 8. A maximum of 10 players are on the field in Major Division. A minimum of 8 players are required in to start a game. 9. Game starting times are 6:00 PM 10. If a player is hurt or for any reason cannot finish the game after it has started, the game can continue with only 7 players. No game can continue with less than 7 players and will result in a forfeit. 11. No inning can start after 7:45 in May and 8:00 in June. Darkness is a hazard that cannot be overlooked. This is a guideline and there may be nights that the umpire determines an inning cannot be started safely even before the times listed. DO NOT FORGET THE SAFETY OF THE PLAYERS COMES BEFORE WINNING This rule is waived during the playoffs and is within the discretion of the umpire. 12. If a game is postponed the home team coach is to contact visiting coach to schedule a time that is convenient for both teams. The home team coach is to notify the Division Coordinator to determine field availability and schedule an umpire. 13. A pitcher may not pitch more than four innings in a game. 14. If a pitcher hits two consecutive batters or a total of 3 during a game that pitcher must be replaced for the safety of the players. As a guide only, if a pitcher walks 4 batters in a row, coaches should consider replacing her. 15. At least one coach from each team must be present for a game to be played. In the event that there is a substitute coach for a game or portion of a game, the league coordinator must be notified and that person must have a current COR I.
16. Players are not allowed to coach the bases. 17. The Home team sits on the first base side. 18. Players who are not batting or on deck must be on or behind the bench. Players must stay with their teams. Friends not on the team shouldn't be on the bench - things can get out of control quickly
Major Division The following are adjustments to the ASA rules for this division. 1. Pitchers should be encouraged to pitch in the windmill style but other underhand pitching styles are acceptable. 2. Innings will be 3 outs or 9 batters, whichever occurs first 3. Players may steal any base but home. A team may only steal 3 bases in an inning. A player may not leave a base until the ball leaves the pitchers hand. An attempt to throw out a stealing runner resulting in an overthrow is a live ball and the runners can advance at their own risk. Any additional advancement does not count toward the stolen base limit per inning. This includes overthrows back to the pitcher. Players are allowed to advance home on overthrows. 4. Play stops once the ball is returned to the pitcher and the pitcher is in the circle. If the circle is not defined on the field it is understood to be 8 feet around the pitching plate as determined by the umpire. 5. A maximum of 10 players are on the field and a minimum of 8 players is required 6. On an overthrow resulting in a dead ball, the on base runners may advance one base 7. Bunting is allowed 8. Players will slide to avoid contact or the runner is out. Runners must make a reasonable effort to avoid contact. If there is a collision, the runner is out. If there is a near collision, the umpire may issue a warning. 9. A game will consist of 7 innings 10. Team standings will be based on a point system. Two points for a win and one point for a tie. There are no extra innings during the regular season. 11. Games ending with less than 4 innings completed will be replayed if possible. If any game results in play that ends before the complete 7 innings, the score will be reverted back to the last complete inning. 4 innings will constitute a complete game. If the home team is ahead then the results at the end of the top of the fourth inning will constitute an official game 12. The home team supplies a new game ball. Visiting team should provide a good "used" ball as a backup 13. Umpires will be provided by WGS. 14. All scores must be called/e-mailed into the Division Coordinator after each game. 15. All teams will be in the playoff 16. Pitching distance is 40 feet.
16. Players are not allowed to coach the bases. 17. The Home team sits on the first base side. 18. Players who are not batting or on deck must be on or behind the bench. Players must stay with their teams. Friends not on the team shouldn't be on the bench - things can get out of control quickly
Major Division The following are adjustments to the ASA rules for this division. 1. Pitchers should be encouraged to pitch in the windmill style but other underhand pitching styles are acceptable. 2. Innings will be 3 outs or 9 batters, whichever occurs first 3. Players may steal any base but home. A team may only steal 3 bases in an inning. A player may not leave a base until the ball leaves the pitchers hand. An attempt to throw out a stealing runner resulting in an overthrow is a live ball and the runners can advance at their own risk. Any additional advancement does not count toward the stolen base limit per inning. This includes overthrows back to the pitcher. Players are allowed to advance home on overthrows. 4. Play stops once the ball is returned to the pitcher and the pitcher is in the circle. If the circle is not defined on the field it is understood to be 8 feet around the pitching plate as determined by the umpire. 5. A maximum of 10 players are on the field and a minimum of 8 players is required 6. On an overthrow resulting in a dead ball, the on base runners may advance one base 7. Bunting is allowed 8. Players will slide to avoid contact or the runner is out. Runners must make a reasonable effort to avoid contact. If there is a collision, the runner is out. If there is a near collision, the umpire may issue a warning. 9. A game will consist of 7 innings 10. Team standings will be based on a point system. Two points for a win and one point for a tie. There are no extra innings during the regular season. 11. Games ending with less than 4 innings completed will be replayed if possible. If any game results in play that ends before the complete 7 innings, the score will be reverted back to the last complete inning. 4 innings will constitute a complete game. If the home team is ahead then the results at the end of the top of the fourth inning will constitute an official game 12. The home team supplies a new game ball. Visiting team should provide a good "used" ball as a backup 13. Umpires will be provided by WGS. 14. All scores must be called/e-mailed into the Division Coordinator after each game. 15. All teams will be in the playoff 16. Pitching distance is 40 feet.
