Farm Division Softball Rules

1. Games are Four (4) innings long with a 90 minute time limit.

2. If a game ends before the end of the 90 minute limit, coaches have the option to continue to play

3. There will be no winners or losers. Coaches may keep a book, to track their batting order and their score, but it is not mandatory. Emphasis should be on skill development and having fun. Although the girls will most likely know who is winning or losing, coaches should downplay the importance of score and concentrate on instilling player confidence.

4. There will be three (3) outs per inning. Softball is a defensive game as well as an offensive game. Fielding skills are just as important as batting skills. (However if a team has a small # of players at a game, they can just have all batters bat each inning).

5. Players in the field should be placed in standard softball positions (catcher, pitcher, first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, third baseman. Fielders must line upno closer than the pitching rubber. Any extra players spread across the back of infield or outfield. All players play the field, no limit.

6.  COACHES will pitch to all batters. NO PLAYER PITCHING. A defensive player should stand next to coach in circle to field all balls.

7. BATTING RULES :

• Batters will be given three (3) strikes. The batter must swing and miss, to be charged with a strike (Foul balls do not count and no called strikes). Coaches should use discretion to make sure the batter is swinging at good pitches. Although we do not want to undermine a player’s confidence, they must learn that the game requires you to sit if you do not hit the ball and that it is an accepted part of the game.

• When pitching, Coaches can move up as close as safely possible to insure the batter gets a good pitch.

• Coaches can decide to allow a batter that has just struck out, to put in the T and let her hit off of it instead of going directly back to the bench. Coaches can decide based on the batter…new player not used to pitching…,early in agame or early in season….or just allow all their players to do it. If she is thrown out on the T swing an out will be recorded. If she reaches base on the T swing, she stays on the base, no out recorded.

• NO walks or HBP

• Coaches should help each player find and use a compatible bat for that players’ size & strength

• All batters, on-deck batters and base-runners must wear a helmet WITH CAGE. No exceptions!!

• No Bunting or Fake bunting.  

• Once a team has batted through the order without getting three (3) outs, that team will take the field.

8. Fielders should be taught force-plays, covering their base and “knowing the situation”.

9. Batter hitting a ball in the infield should stop at first (unless called out). Runners should not be advancing to 2b on an over throw at 1B. Balls hit to the OF, coaches should let the batter/runners advance to additional bases, using good judgement. Coaches should not encourage their runners to “run crazy” and force the defense to throw the ball around.

10. Defensive players should be taught to return the ball to the pitcher (coach) in the circle after each play. Although not necessary to kill a play at this level, they will need to learn this for the next level.

11. The only players allowed off the bench are the batter and the player on deck.

12. All other players should be seated on the bench. Coaches are asked to enlist a parent volunteer when their team is batting to monitor the bench area.

13. Catchers must wear full equipment; mask/helmet, chest protector and shin guards. No exceptions! 

14. If a player is hurt, the game will immediately stop and all players will kneel where they are until the game resumes.

15. Each inning a coach or parent volunteer should standbehind the catcher to retrieve and return pitched balls which have passed the catcher, to speed up the pace of play.

16. In the event of thunder and lightning, the game will stop immediately.

17. Coaches will determine when rain will end a game.

18. In the event of inclement weather on game-day, coaches should contact each other to determine if game will be played. It is up to coaches to decide whether game iscancelled or not.

19. Coaches should try to make up all rained out games, possibly during one of the teams’ next practice slots.

20. Both teams should use the field for a brief warm-up before game. Field should also be dragged and lined…baselines and batters boxes…before each game by both teams.

21. At the end of each game the teams will line-up & shake hands.

22. 11’ yellow Softballs will be used.

23. These are guidelines that are flexible and should be used with discretion