Long Valley Girls Softball Association L.V.G.S.A.
GENERAL RULES
Last Amended – April 4, 2022
Effective Starting 2022 Season
ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES
1. ALL Parents are responsible for making sure their child is healthy and medically safe to play softball. If
at any time a coach has a medical concern about a player, we reserve the right to request a doctor
evaluate and release a player prior to returning to active play.
2. Coaches are encouraged to create a practice plan and take attendance for every practice. Coaches are
responsible for maintaining Covid protocol. We also strongly suggest you reference the skills
benchmarks and drills exhibits supplied by our Player Development Coordinator. For those players
who have missed a practice, a coach must review with that player the skills and techniques covered
from that practice at the very next practice the player attends.
3. First aid kits and ice packs will be stocked in all storage boxes at all fields at the beginning of the
season. First Aid kits and ice packs will also be given to each coach to keep in their possession for
every practice or game. Additional ice packs will be stored in the sheds at Palmer Park and Rock
Springs Park. Please contact the Equipment Coordinator if you need replacement supplies for your
bag or any of the storage boxes.
4. All head and assistant coaches must have completed the concussion protocol and background check
prior to the start of the current season and have the certificate in their possession during all practices
and games. The Course is located on the USA Softball website. The cost will be reimbursed by the LVGSA
treasurer upon completion of the course and submission of the certificate. Coaches that have not
completed the necessary certifications, will not be allowed to coach until they are completed.
5. It is highly recommended for the coaches that the guidelines established by the S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic
program, be adapted for their team. One such guideline – the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) – is of
extreme importance and should be established above all others. (For example, for injured players
that require hospitalization one coach should travel with the player to the hospital while the other
coaches contact the parents of the injured player and attends to rest of his/her team.
L.V.G.S.A. Rules Page 1 4/20/21
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF SPORTS-RELATED CONCUSSIONS AND HEAD INJURIES
The LVGSA feels it is very important for coaches, parents, and members of the LVGSA to be made aware
of the dangers of head injuries. It is the responsibility of the coaches and parents to aid in the
prevention, detection and notification of a head injury. There are no exceptions to this rule. Coaches
must notify (email) their league coordinator in the case of any serious injuries.
Any athlete exhibiting signs or symptoms of a sports-related head injury or concussion shall be
immediately removed from the practice or game and may not return that day. It is the responsibility
of the coach to inform the parent(s) of the injured player.
Symptoms of Concussions (courtesy of www.kidshealth.org)
● “Seeing Stars” and feeling dazed, dizzy or lightheaded
● Memory loss, such as trouble remembering things that happened
● Headaches, nausea, or vomiting
● Blurred vision and sensitivity to light
● Slurred speech or saying things that don’t make sense
● Difficulty concentrating, thinking or making decisions
● Difficulty with coordination or balance (such as being able to catch a ball or other easy tasks)
● Feeling anxious or irritable for no apparent reason
● Feeling sad or more emotional than usual
● Feeling overly tired
● Feeling confused and dazed
● Having trouble falling asleep or sleeping more or less than usual
Every League Coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring a successful season and enjoyable experience
for the participants in the program. League Coordinators are the main point of contact for the coaches
and parents at their division. The coordinators have the following responsibilities:
● Team Formation for Farm (6u) and Rookie (8u) divisions.
● Oversight and management of the draft process for Minors (10u) and Majors (12u+) levels.
● Coach selection and proposal to LVGSA Board.
● Coordinate game and practice schedule changes on a weekly basis. ● Coordinate Field Schedule
with LVGSA Field Scheduler Coordinator.
● Record game results on LVGSA web site for Minors and Majors divisions.
● Manage collection of Player Ratings at season’s end for all divisions.
● Coordinate the schedule of Rookies, Minors and Majors divisions for All-Star and Minors and
Majors for Play-Off games.
● Attend games and/or practices where possible, and
● Has authority and LVGSA board support to resolve issues and questions as they arise.
Divisions:
Farm ages 5 & 6 Assigned player selection # players/team 6-8
Rookies ages 7 & 8 Assigned player selection # players/team 8-10
Minors ages 9 & 10 Draft selection # players/team 10-12
Majors ages 11-14 Draft selection # players/team 10 – 13
REGULAR SEASON & PLAY-OFF GUIDELINES
All rules for play are those as stated in the official ASA rule book for fast- pitch softball except
for those rules amended here for league play. Games and Practices
1. Start times for all games should start at the prescribed time per the LVGSA master schedule. If a
team cannot field a minimum of 8 players by 6:15, the team with lesser players may:
● start play with less than 8 players (the game will be considered official) ● borrow players
from the opposing team.
● Forfeit the game.
2. Accidents that result in bleeding require the player to be temporarily removed from a practice or
game until the bleeding wound has been addressed. Anyone tending to an injured player is strongly
encouraged to use protective gloves (included in first aid kit) when addressing a bleeding wound. Any
clothing that has been bloodied must be removed before the player can return to the practice or
game. Please keep an extra team shirt in your equipment bag.
3. Forfeits are strongly discouraged, and every effort must be made to get all scheduled games
played. However, the following game change/cancellation/exception policy is in effect at all times:
4. Practice Cancellations
This is solely at the discretion of the coach having the field or the coaches as the case may be in the
younger leagues. Consideration MUST be given to the Field Scheduler and other teams that once the
decision is made not to have practice that you contact your league coordinator who could then free up
that field in the schedule for another team’s use.
5. Practice Reschedules
This will work very similar to the “Practice Cancellations” however a reschedule request needs to be
coordinated through your league coordinator who will check for field availability.
6. Game Reschedules
All requests for game reschedules, for reasons other than weather, need to be made at least 72 hours (3
days) before the regularly scheduled playing of that game. Both teams/coaches need to be in
agreement with this change. The request to cancel and change that particular game needs to be made
through the League Coordinator. If the coaches know of a new date, or time, or field they may like to
reschedule, they can present that information at that time or defer to a later time. The League
Coordinator will manage the field schedule changes. The Home Team Coach must communicate to
Umpire Coordinator (Minors, Majors, Travel Games ONLY) to cancel the game.
7. Practice & Game Cancellations due to inclement weather
The Washington Township Parks and Recreation Department (“Township”) governs over the fields from
Monday through Friday until 4:00pm. If for some reason the Township determines that the fields are
unplayable, for any reason, they will post a notice to that effect on the weather closings website
(www.wtmorris.org). Coaches, coordinators, umpires, etc. should take their lead from this site. LVGSA
will also try to send an email from the LVGSA email when possible. After 4:00pm on weekdays and at all
times on weekends, games to be cancelled due to weather are at the discretion of the league, the
coaches, and the umpires, in this order. (umpire consideration pertains to Minor, Major, and Travel
Only). Please spot rake the field after play especially if wet so that puddles can be minimized.
8. Inclement weather during a game in progress
Once a game has begun, both coaches and the umpire may determine that weather conditions are not
in the best interest of safety which warrants suspension of play. ALL LIGHTNING IS UNSAFE AND PLAY
MUST STOP. If less than four innings have been played, the game can be postponed and rescheduled
through the league scheduler. IF FOUR (4) OR MORE INNINGS HAVE BEEN PLAYED, THE SCORE REVERTS
TO THE LAST FULL INNING PLAYED AND IS CONSIDERED FINAL, EXCEPT FOR PLAYOFF GAMES AS
DESCRIBED BELOW.
● LVGSA Rec. games Only: The LVGSA schedule will set aside at least 3 dates in May and June to
accommodate postponed or canceled games. Every effort must be made to reschedule a
postponed/cancelled game on the first Friday following the game cancelled/postponed.
Postponed games will be automatically scheduled for these open slots (typically on Friday) by
the league coordinator on the schedule in the order that they were received.
● Minor, Major, Travel leagues ONLY. Coaches and umpires, in the very least, need to be in
agreement 1 hour prior to the scheduled start time in order for the game to be cancelled and
rescheduled for another time without penalty. Within 1 hour of game time, coaches, players,
and umpires should be prepared to show up at the field at which time a potential cancellation
becomes a game time decision.
9. Minor league games are 6 innings. Major league games are 7 innings. An official game is 4 innings or
3 ½ if the home team is winning. If a game is postponed due to darkness or the game has exceeded
the league time limit (two hours - 2 hours) and 3-1/2 (home team winning) or 4 innings have been
played, the game is considered official and will not have to be rescheduled. For all other leagues,
games are 6 innings and an official game is 3 innings.
10. On weeknights, no new inning may start after 7:45PM and no game may continue past
8:00PM. If an inning continues past 7:45PM, but is not completed by 8:00PM, the score reverts back
to the last full inning of play. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE (FOR SAFETY REASONS).
11. On Saturdays, each game will adhere to the no new inning after 1:45 if the field is scheduled
back-to-back for another team. This means that no new inning may start after 1 hour and 45 minutes
of play and each game has a HARD STOP at 2 hours of play. If the game is not completed after the 2
hours, the score reverts back to the last full inning of play.
12. All playoff games will be played to completion of the 6 innings (Minors) and 7 innings (Majors)
and into extra innings, if necessary, until there is a winner. After the 6th inning for Minors and after
the 7th inning for Majors the International Tie Breaker rule will be invoked. International tie breaker
rule: At the top of the 7th (Minors) or 8th (Majors) inning (when the visiting team is up to bat), and
each half inning after that, the team on offense will start the inning with a runner on second base.
This runner is the batter who is scheduled to bat last in that particular inning. If the game is
suspended before its conclusion, it will resume from the point it was suspended on another
scheduled day. A rostered player must have participated in at least ½ of the regular season games to
be eligible for the playoffs, except in the case of injury, illness or other absence approved by league
president and/or Board of Directors. A team must have completed at least 80% of their regular
season scheduled games to be eligible for playoffs. If a playoff game must be continued on a second
day any player that was not in the lineup the first day may be added to the bottom of the lineup
(treated just like a late arriving player) and may play in the subsequent day(s).
13. All innings of the All-Star and Playoff games should be completed, and the inning run limit
will not be in effect, but the mercy rule still will be in effect. All- Star games will either be 6 (Minors)
or 7 (Majors) innings, depending on the number of teams and players in each league. The decision of
the number of innings and players per team will be decided by the league coordinators. Invoke the
International Tie Breaker rule after the last agreed upon inning has been completed if game is tied
after regulation.
14. A maximum of 10 players may be in the field at any time. Of these, only 4 may be infielders
(excluding the pitcher and catcher) stressing positional play and the outfielders must start off on the
outfield grass.
15. Coaches and/or team members may coach first and third base while their team is at bat.
Players who coach MUST wear a helmet.
10. Players, parents, and coaches may not stand behind the backstop while a team is at bat. The
umpire may suspend play if anyone is behind the backstop.
11. At all Long Valley fields (Palmer Park & Rock Spring Park), swinging of bats outside of the on-deck
cage and field is strictly prohibited. It is all coaches’ responsibility to enforce this rule and ensure
swinging of bats only occurs in the designated on-deck area in the dugout.
12. At all Long Valley fields (Palmer Park & Rock Spring Park), only team players and coaches are
allowed in and around the dugout areas unless a player is sick or injured, then parents can enter
the dugout or field. It is all coaches’ responsibility to enforce this rule for the safety and enjoyment
of everyone involved. All players must stay on the designated bench area during the entire game
except for players batting, playing the field or coaching a base.
13. Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their players, fans, and parents. UNSPORTSMANLIKE
CONDUCT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
14. League games may be scheduled on Sundays. Regular league scheduling procedures have to be
followed and the request must be approved by the schedule coordinator prior to the game taking
place. This includes the notification of the umpire coordinator for the Minors and Majors divisions.
15. Every effort should be made to play each game and to reschedule any games canceled. The home
team coach must notify the League Coordinator who will reschedule the game.
16. In the event of a cancellation, umpires must be notified in a timely manner by
the home team Coach.
17. Ten (10) Run Mercy Rule: If a team is ahead by more than 10 runs after 4 innings (3 ½ if home team
winning) of play, the team ahead by 10 runs is the winner (Mercy Rule). The game may continue if
both coaches agree, using the official time for a league game (no new inning after1:45). However,
the team ahead by 10 runs at this point is declared the winner.
18. Ties are allowed and need not be broken in regular season games.
19. There are no trophies or standings maintained for the Farm and Rookie divisions. The Minors and
Majors divisions do compete in a play-off series and 1st and 2nd place trophies are provided by
LVGSA.
20. If a game starts late due to weather or lack of players, the official start time of the game, set per
the master LVGSA schedule, does not change to when play actually started.
21. Catchers cannot be changed in the middle of an inning unless the catcher has been injured, sick or
has been removed from the game for unsportsmanlike conduct.
22. Jewelry is NOT to be worn during practices or games (including necklaces, bracelets, watches, and
earrings).
23. Players must wear their Rec softball team jersey, not any other teams’ uniforms.
24. Any player removed from a game due to injury that requires medical attention, can return to the
game. If a time at bat comes up while the player is receiving medical attention (or cannot return to
the game), the player’s spot is skipped without penalty.
25. Starting lineups must be recorded in both team’s scorebooks with each players’ name and
number.
26. Players must play a field position a minimum of three (3) innings per game.
27. Bunting is allowed in the Minor and Major leagues only. No fake bunt then swing aka slashing.
28. League rules may be reviewed by league officers during the season and changed if necessary.
However, coaches may not change rules at their own discretion.
29. Coaches must carry a copy of the rules with them to all games. LVGSA will endeavor to have a copy
in each field box (this must be returned to the box at the conclusion of the game).
30. The home field coach must measure the bases and pitcher’s plate and line the field to
becompleted prior to the official start time of the game. The standard field measurements for our
fields are as follows and should be adjusted based on league provisions:
Rock Spring 1 & Palmer 8 – Mound is 35 ft. and bases are 60 ft.
Rock Spring 2 & Palmer 7 – Mound is 40 ft. and bases are 60 ft.
Rock Spring 3 & Palmer 6 – Mound is 43 ft. and bases are 60 ft.
31. At the end of the season, the head coach is responsible for returning all equipment AND
completing a Player Evaluation report of the players on his team. The Player Evaluation report is
to be completed at a date to be determined by the board but is usually in conjunction with the
equipment return date.
EQUIPMENT:
1. The LVGSA is recommending that all participants wear a fielder’s face mask and HEARTGUARD
PROTECTOR, which can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. These are in the best interest of
the girls’ safety. All pitchers in Minors and Majors or all Rookies playing pitcher’s mound must wear
a fielder’s face mask. NO EXCEPTIONS. Batters must wear protective helmets with protective
shields. NO EXCEPTIONS. LVGSA will supply at least one batting helmet and one face mask. Per team
bag.
2. Players must wear a rec softball team shirt.
3. Metal spikes are not allowed.
4. Base runners must wear helmets while on all bases.
PITCHING:
1. ASA rules for fast pitch shall be used.
3. No double windmill or reverse windmill pitching is allowed.
4. The pivot foot need to maintain contact with the ground. No leaping.
5. Since this is fast-pitch league, high arc pitching is not allowed. The trajectory of the ball should be
straight and not exceed 6 feet at any point after the release.
6. Intentional walks are not allowed. If an umpire suspects that a pitcher is intentionally walking a
batter,
each pitch may be declared an illegal pitch and is not counted as either a ball or a strike.
7. Pitchers are limited, by league, to pitch only a certain number of innings per game. Refer to
addendum rules for each league for limitations.
BATTING:
1. All players must be placed in the batting order. Cinderella batting.
2. Players who arrive late must be placed at the end of the batting order.
3. There is a 7-run limit per inning for Majors, and a 5 run limit per inning for Minors. There is no batter
limit per inning in these leagues.
4. In all other levels, there is a 10-batter limit per inning. In this situation, coaches must advise the other
team that the tenth batter is up. On the tenth batter, two outs are assumed, and a tenth batter may
strike out or walk. Any ball put in play by the 10th batter must be played to conclusion.
5. If a batter is “hit by a pitch” they are awarded first base per umpire’s decision. All runners advance, if
forced. If a pitch hits the ground and then hits the batter, they may be awarded first base. This is the
umpire's decision.
6. A batter must attempt to avoid any pitched ball.
Addendum to General Rules for Farm Division
(Ages 5 & 6)
This program has been developed by the player development coordinator and its goal is to better
develop each player’s understanding of the basic skills of softball. The process to be followed will have
each team’s players broken down into specific stations that will focus on 5 key fundamentals that will
continue to be developed during the season and prepare the players for the successive seasons. The
primary goal at this level is to allow all players to have fun, first and foremost. The skills stations will
include a set of fun activities or games to enforce the proper skills. We encourage the coaches to
alternate the skill stations at each session to keep things challenging and fun.
This is a T-ball division. Coach pitch may be introduced, if appropriate after week 6. Both coaches
must agree prior to the game.
Weeks 1– 5:
1. Standard format is for two teams to share the field and time slot equally for practices.
2. Structure: 40-minute practice
3. Station Set-Up: the stations will be organized using the entire playing field and teams can either be
mingled or remain separate. The focus of these stations will be to have fun while learning softball
skills, keep the players focused and moving in 10-15-minute intervals. Water breaks and transitions
from station to station also need to be factored.
a. 40-minute practice stations: no more than 4 stations per practice/game scheduled.
1. Throwing: learn the proper ball grip, arm angle and motion
2. Catching: learn the proper way to catch the ball (e.g. “the glove goes around the
clock”)
3. Batting: learn the correct mechanics of the swing (e.g. Tee work)
4. Fielding: learn the proper way to field ground balls
5. Fielding: learn the proper way to field pop-ups and fly balls
6. Base-running: learn the proper techniques of running and using the running start. b.
40-minute T- ball game
Remainder of season:
1. 20-minute warm-up and practice (Continue to utilize the station set-up approach).
2. Up to a 60-minute T- ball game.
Addendum to General Rules for Farm Division (Cont’d)
(Ages 5 & 6)
T-Ball Game Format:
1. Batting with Tee. (Coach pitch may be introduced after week 6 if deemed appropriate. After 6
pitches Tee must be used.) We want to ensure a positive batting experience.
2. Emphasize the proper techniques taught through the station practice session and introduce
positional play.
3. Maximum of 9 players may be in the field at any time. Of these only 4 may be infielders (excluding
the pitcher) stressing positional play. Positions should be as follows: Pitcher, 1st Base, 2nd Base,
Short Stop, 3rd Base, Left Fielder, Left Centerfielder, Right Centerfielder and Right Fielder. No player
catchers.
4. Play game where outs are counted (remove a baserunner that is out) but continue batting where
each player bats once each inning.
5. The goal is to play a minimum of a 2 or 3 inning game with each player batting the same amount of
times.
6. Base distance is 40 feet.
7. Pitcher position distance is 35 feet. If/when coach pitch can pitch from 30’ if necessary.
8. Coaches are allowed in the field.
9. No scores are to be kept.
10. No game and practice should exceed 90 minutes.
11. Runners cannot advance on overthrows.
12. Balls used are size 11 soft Rag balls or Incrediballs for all practices and games.
13. A Hit ball must travel at least 25’ to be considered a fair ball.
14. Base runners must stay in contact with base until ball crosses plate. After the ball crosses the plate
runners can take a lead. Runner can be tagged out if off the base.
15. Coaches are encouraged to help players from both teams during the games and practices.
L.V.G.S.A. Rules Page 10 4/13/20
Addendum to General Rules for Rookies Division (Ages 7 &
8)
Weeks 1– 4:
1. Structure: 40-60 minute practice
2. Use 11 inch IncrediBalls for practice and games.
3. Station Set-Up: the stations will be organized using the entire playing field and teams can either be
mingled or remain separate. The focus of these stations will be to have fun, keep the players focused
and moving in 10-15-minute intervals. Water breaks and transitions from station to station also need
to be factored.
a. 40-minute practice stations:
1. Throwing: learn the proper ball grip, arm angle and motion
2. Catching: learn the proper way to catch the ball (e.g. “the glove goes around the clock”)
3. Batting: learn the correct mechanics of the swing (e.g. Tee “T” Work. Can introduce soft toss
if appropriate).
4. Fielding: learn the proper way to field ground balls
5. Fielding: learn the proper way to field pop-ups and fly balls
6. Base-running: learn the proper techniques of running and using the running start.
b. 50-minute game. No scores kept. Coaches will be used for all Pitching until a player is ready to pitch
and is consistently throwing in the strike zone.
Remainder of season:
20-minute warm-up and practice (Continue to utilize the station set-up approach).
70-minute game.
1. Base distance is 60 feet.
2. Pitching will be from a coach no blue flame pitching machine is allowed. However, a player positioned
as pitcher must start at 35’ pitching circle.
3. unless a pitcher can throw strikes consistently, player pitcher is preferred but if they cannot throw
consistent strikes a coach will pitch.
4. Play: regulation game with 3 outs per inning. No new inning after 60 min from game start time.
5. The batter gets 6 pitches or 3 swinging strikes, whichever comes first. Ball must be put in play by 6th
pitch or batter is out, unless fouled off, then at-bat continues. (Managers may use batting tee based
on the skill level of the individual player at bat). No walks.
6. Balls count toward the 6-pitch limit. No more than 1 “at bat” per player per inning is allowed.
7. One (1) Coach of the defensive team is allowed in the field.
8. A maximum of 10 players may be in the field at any time. Of these, only 4 may be infielders
(excluding the pitcher and catcher) stressing positional play and the outfielders must start off on the
outfield grass. Positions should be as follows: Pitcher, Catcher, 1st Base, 2nd Base, Short Stop, 3rd
Base, Left Fielder, Left Centerfielder, Right Centerfielder, Right Fielder.
9. Scores may be kept if both managers agree but no standings will be maintained.
10. Base runners must stay in contact with base until ball crosses plate. After the ball crosses the
plate runners can take a lead. Runner can be tagged out if off the base.
11. Runners can advance 1 base on overthrows until ball is returned to the Pitcher in the pitching
circle. If a ball goes beyond the fenced boundaries of the field, then the batter is awarded a ground
rule double and all runners are allowed to advance to the base they were headed to plus 1 base.
Runners standing on a base are awarded only one base.
13. Balls hit to the outfield; the batter may attempt to advance to extra bases. Play stops when ball is
in the possession of an infielder. Balls hit to an infielder, play stops when ball is in the possession of
the pitcher in the 8-foot circle surrounding the pitcher’s plate after an attempt at playing a runner
has been made. At that point the umpire calls time and all runners that are more than ½ way to a
base will be awarded that base and all runners less than ½ way to a base will return to the previous
base.
14. Base Stealing is not allowed.
15. For each game coaches/parents from both teams will be the umpires for the game and will have
final say over all plays. If agreed to before the game by both head coaches, the game CAN be played
with only a single umpire if the second team cannot provide one. The umpires are the
coaches/parents that are coaching both the first and third base paths.
16. Balls used are size 11 soft Incrediballs for all practices and games.
L.V.G.S.A. Rules Page 12 4/13/20
17. Player Pitch Rules (when applicable): Must be agreed upon before start of game. If your team has
players that are in pitching lessons or can pitch strikes consistently, it is encouraged to give them an
opportunity to pitch. The pitching distance can be closer than the 35 ft pitching plate if need be,
however, must be a safe distance from the batter. If deemed that there are no players interested in
pitching on the team, then the coach will be used. Player pitcher is limited to 4 balls or 3 strikes
when the 3rd strike is called looking. In the case of strike three (3) being a swinging strike, the
batter is out, and pitcher can continue to pitch to the next batter. In the case of strike three (3)
being looking, the
Coach should be used to pitch to the batter while maintaining the strike count of the batter. No walks
are allowed.
a) Player pitcher throws 4 balls and 0 strikes = coach used until batter either
swings and misses 3 times or 4 more pitches, whichever comes first.
b) Player pitcher throws 4 balls and 1 strike = coach used until batter either swings
and misses 2 times or 3 more pitches, whichever comes first.
c) Player pitcher throws 4 balls and 2 strikes = coach used until batter either
swings and misses 1 time or 2 more pitches, whichever comes first.
b) After strike 3 (if swinging), it will be up to the coaches to use the Coach if less than 6
pitches were thrown to reach the total of 6 total pitches to the batter. We want to ensure a
positive batting experience for each player, but also need to keep the game moving.
c) At the discretion of the Coach, a player pitcher may be used only if she has the ability or
potential to throw strikes fairly consistently. A player pitcher shall be used for each batter until
the 4th ball is thrown then must be replaced by the Coach to complete that at-bat to keep the
game moving.
d) The Coach running the pitching must not make fielding plays while pitching and do their
best to not interfere with the players in the field. However, the Coach is allowed to give verbal
instruction to the batter during the at-bat and after the ball is hit. No walks are allowed.
Strikeouts are only allowed when 3rd strike is swinging against a player pitcher or the Coach.
18. Coaches are encouraged to help players from both teams during the game.
Addendum to General Rules for MINOR League
(ages 9 & 10)
1. Base distance is 60 feet.
2. Pitching distance is 35 feet.
3. Paid umpire is allowed but not required. Highschool Softball player or other volunteers (coach etc.)
is acceptable to serve as umpire.
4. Extra-inning games are allowed per International Tie Breaker rule. Ties are allowed.
5. Five (5) run limit per team per inning. Ten (10) Run Mercy Rule is in Effect. (See Rule #23).
6. No pitcher may pitch more than 2 consecutive innings of the first 6 innings to encourage more
players to get a chance to learn to pitch. A pitcher may not be used more than once in an inning.
Delivery of a single pitch constitutes having pitched an inning. A total of 3 innings will be allowed
per game per pitcher.
7. A ‘hit by pitch’ is determined at the umpire’s discretion and includes a potentially dangerous pitch.
A warning will be issued to both benches and the pitcher after 2 hit batters per inning or 3 per game
by a potentially dangerous pitch. Upon a third batter being hit by a potentially dangerous pitch, the
pitcher will be removed from pitching, but is eligible for re-entry into any position other than
pitcher. The batter is awarded first base when ‘hit by pitch’ per umpire but must have made an
effort to get out of the way.
8. If batter shows bunt, pulls back and swings, batter is automatically out, runners on base cannot
advance, and the ball is declared dead.” A batter may square to bunt and pull back with no
consequence.
9. Runners can advance one base on overthrows until ball is returned to pitcher. If a ball goes
beyond the fenced boundaries of the field, it becomes a dead ball. Time out is called by the umpire
and the batter is awarded a ground rule double and all runners are allowed to advance to the base
they were headed to plus 1 base. Runners standing on a base are awarded only one base.
10. The batter may not advance on a dropped third strike pitch.
11. There will be no infield fly rule.
L.V.G.S.A. Rules Page 14 4/13/20
Addendum to General Rules for MINOR League (Cont’d)
(ages 9 & 10)
11. Base stealing:
a. Base runners can lead (all bases) once the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. If a runner leaves
early and the pitch is not hit, the runner may be played and subject to being put out. If she is
not put out, she must return to the base. If the pitch is a hit, the pitch doesn’t count, and all
runners must return to the base. If the runner leads off a 2nd time in the game, the runner is
out, and pitch doesn’t count.
b. Base runners can steal 3rd base ONLY.
c. When an overthrow occurs trying to throw out a runner stealing 2nd or 3rd base, the runner
cannot advance.
d. When an overthrow occurs attempting to pick off a base runner leading off a base, runners
cannot advance.
e. Base runners cannot advance on catcher’s overthrow back to the pitcher’s mound.
12. Sliding is permitted, and a player must slide to avoid any contact on an attempted play to any
base.
13. Runners must avoid contact with a defender who is attempting to make a play on a ball. Any
contact considered maliciously intended by the runner will result in that runner being called out.
This determination is made by the umpire. The defensive player, however, must give the runner
access to the base. Defensive players may not stand in the baseline, but either in front of or in
back of the base line prior to the start of the play.
14. End of play occurs when the ball is in the possession of the pitcher in the 8-foot circle
surrounding the pitcher’s plate after an attempt at playing a runner has been made. At that point
the umpire calls time and all runners that are more than ½ way to a base will be awarded that base
and all runners less than ½ way to a base will return to the previous base.
15. For each game there will be one (1) paid umpire and they will have final say over all plays.
16. Scores must be reported to the league coordinator within 48 hours by the winning coach.
17. Balls used are size 11 regular softballs for all practices and games.
18. Prior to the start of a game the coaches and umpire are required to review the rules as well as
any special situations that pertain to the field they are playing on.
19. Batting helmets with protective masks are provided by the league. A child may wish to use
herown, but a protective mask is required.
20. Ten fielders, four must be on the grass.
Addendum to General Rules for MINOR League (Cont’d)
(ages 9 & 10)
21. All players must bat at least once before second time through the lineup.
22. Ten (10) Run Mercy Rule: If a team is ahead by more than 10 runs after 4 innings (3 ½ if home team
winning) of play, the team ahead by 10 runs is the winner (Mercy Rule). If coaches and umpire
agree, teams can continue to play, but the team ahead by ten runs is declared the winner at that
point.
L.V.G.S.A. Rules Page 16 4/13/20
Addendum to General Rules for MAJOR League (ages 11-14)
1. Base distance is 60 feet.
2. Pitching distance is 40 feet.
3. Extra-inning games are allowed per International Tie Breaker rule. Ties are allowed.
4. Seven (7) run limit per team per inning. Ten (10) Run Mercy Rule is in Effect. (See Rule #23).
5. No pitcher may pitch more than 2 consecutive innings of the first 6 innings to encourage more
players to get a chance to learn to pitch. The pitcher must be replaced after 2 consecutive innings
pitched for a minimum of 1 inning and then may return to pitch a new inning. A pitcher may not be
used more than once in an inning. Delivery of a single pitch constitutes having pitched an inning. A
total of 3 innings will be allowed per game per pitcher.
6. A ‘hit by pitch’ is determined at the umpire’s discretion and includes a potentially dangerous pitch. A
warning will be issued to both benches and the pitcher after 2 hit batters per inning or 3 per game by
a potentially dangerous pitch. Upon a third batter being hit by a potentially dangerous pitch, the
pitcher will be removed from pitching, but is eligible for re- entry into any position other than pitcher.
The batter is awarded first base when ‘hit by pitch’ per umpire but must have made an effort to get
out of the way.
7. If the batter shows bunt, pulls back and swings, the batter is automatically out, runners on base
cannot advance, and the ball is declared dead.” A batter may square to bunt and pull back with no
consequence.
8. Runners can advance on overthrows until ball is returned to pitcher. If a ball goes beyond the
fenced boundaries of the field, it becomes a dead ball. Time out is called by the umpire and the batter
is awarded a ground rule double and all runners are allowed to advance to the base they were
headed to plus (1) one base. Runners standing on a base are awarded only (1) one base.
9. The batter may advance on a dropped third strike pitch.
Addendum to General Rules for MAJOR League (cont’d)
(ages 11-14)
10. Base stealing:
a. Base runners can lead on the pitcher’s release of the ball (all bases). If a runner leaves early
and the pitch is not hit, the runner may be played and subject to being put out. If she is not
put out, she must return to the base. No other runners may advance on the play. If the pitch
is a hit, the pitch doesn’t count, and all runners must return to the base. Each team will be
given 1 warning if they leave the base early. The second time a team violates the rule the
runner is out.
b. Base runners can steal 2nd
and 3rd base but can’t advance on an overthrow.
c. Base runners can lead on the pitcher’s release of the ball.
d. When an overthrow occurs attempting to pick off a base runner leading off a base, runners
can advance.
11. Sliding is permitted, and a player must slide to avoid any contact on an attempted play to any base.
12. Runners must avoid contact with a defender who is attempting to make a play on a ball. Any
contact considered maliciously intended by the runner will result in that runner being called out.
This determination is made by the umpire. The defensive player, however, must give the runner
access to the base. Defensive players may not stand in the baseline, but either in front of or in
back of the base line prior to the start of the play.
13. End of play occurs when the ball is in the possession of the pitcher in the 8-foot circle surrounding
the pitcher’s plate after an attempt at playing a runner has been made. At that point the umpire
calls time and all runners that are more than ½ way to a base will be awarded that base and all
runners less than ½ way to a base will return to the previous base.
14. Scores must be reported to the league coordinator within 48 hours by the winning coach.
15. Balls used are size 12 regular softballs for all practices and games.
16. Prior to the start of a game the coaches and umpire are required to review the rules as well as
any special situations that pertain to the field they are playing on.
17. Batting helmets with protective masks are provided by the league. A child may wish to use her
own helmet, but a protective mask is required.
18. Play with nine (9) fielders, three must be in the grass when the ball is pitched. Option to play with
10 players to allow more game time.
19. All players must bat at least once before second time through the lineup.
Addendum to General Rules for MAJOR League (cont’d)
(ages 11-14)
20. Infield fly rule is in effect.
21. No Continuation Rule. Batter turned runner cannot steal 2nd base on an at-bat that resulted in a
base on balls.
22. Ten (10) Run Mercy Rule: If a team is ahead by more than 10 runs after 4 innings (3 ½ if home team
winning) of play, the team ahead by 10 runs is the winner (Mercy Rule). If coaches and umpire
agree, teams can continue to play, but the team ahead by ten runs is declared the winner at that
point.
