CHESTER MENDHAM LITTLE LEAGUE

SOFTBALL DIVISION RULES

Kinder

Chester / Mendham Little League Softball is happy to offer a new KINDER program for girls Pre-K and K as a first foray into Softball.  This division is aimed at introducing and advancing softball fundamentals in a non-competitive environment.   The cost, time and level of commitment are less than other divisions and include a single weekly session that consists of stations of learning.  As the season progresses there will be games.  Per coach’s discretion, players may hit off tees or have coach pitching.  Barring exceptions, all games will be in-town.

Farm

The Farm Division is for girls from 1^st to 3rd grade.  (Note that new or novice 1^st graders are welcome to play Kinder and advanced and older 3^rd graders can consider Minors).  This division is aimed at advancing softball fundamentals in a non-competitive environment, but with actual games.  Farm uses a “Soft” softball.  Scores are kept, sides change after three outs and umpires are used.  Coach pitching is usually done, but players may hit off tees if needed and players may pitch as the year progresses.  The Farm team will play games in-town and with a limited number of games with teams of nearby towns.

Minors

The Minors softball league is comprised of girls in 3rd to 5th grade (Only older and advanced 3^rd graders should play and 5^th graders born after January 1^st or more novice).  The Minors softball program offers further player development under structured, game conditions. Players pitch regulation 11 inch softballs.  Kids usually pitch, but in some scenarios the coaches pitch after four balls.  Scores for games are kept. Though standings are kept, the primary focus throughout the Minors' regular season is on players' understanding of the game and development toward their own potential.  A short playoff and/or All-Star tournament may follow the regular season. Minors will play games in-town and with other Little League towns.  Pitching distance is 35 feet.

Majors

The Majors softball league is comprised of players in grades 5th to 7th grade.  (Older and advanced 5^rd graders can play.  7^th graders born after January 1^st or more novice can also be included).  Players learn and develop the more advanced techniques and strategies of the game, allowing them to experience inter-town recreation level play and prepare for play at advanced levels if desired.  At this competitive level, a players playing time is up to the coach's discretion, but equal playing time is the recommendation.  A short playoff and/or All Star tournament may follow the regular season.  Players pitch and 12 inch regulation softballs are used.  Pitching distance is 40 feet

Juniors

The Juniors softball league is comprised of players in grades 7th to 9th grade. (Older and advanced 7^rd graders can play.  9^th graders born after January 1^st or more novice can also be included.  If enough 9^th graders born before January 1^st are interested, provisions can be made).   Players learn and develop techniques and strategies to prepare them for high school play.  Play is often part of inter-town recreation programs that have the same level of play.  At this competitive level, a players playing time is up to the coach's discretion.  A short playoff tournament and/or All Star tournament may follow the regular season.  .  Players pitch and 12 inch regulation softballs are used.  Pitching distance is 43 feet