·         Helmets – must have a cage, this is a district rule.

·         On-deck batter – none at every level except juniors/seniors

      Illegal Pitch - NEW Rule a ball pitched illegally is recognized as a BALL and any runners on base can advance once base.

·        Dropped 3rd strike – majors and up, must discuss before game with umpire the area that is considered ‘out’ if the batter does not automatically run to first, when the batter becomes a runner on a third strike not caught by the catcher, the batter-runner and the defensive player may use either bag (safety or regular). (Use of the double first base does not change any other rule concerning interference or obstruction at first base).

New Rule Jrs/Srs Illegal pitch - the past rule for an illegal pitch was a ball, the rule now states any runner will advance a base AND it will be called a ball. The hitter still has the option to hit the ball and then play goes on as usual. 

·         Warming up Pitcher – only by another player, wearing a helmet, NO COACHES.

·         Length of Game – Majors 6/Juniors Seniors 7 innings unless league has a time limit, 10 run mercy rule after 4 (for majors) 5 (for juniors). If time limit is used the score reverts to the last full inning of play.

Game Length (Juniors/Seniors ONLY)

Due to light limitations 4 innings is considered a complete game until the end of April for fields that do not have lights. 

Games must be played at the time posted.   If the opposing team is 15 minutes or more late and  the game is not official the opposing team is responsible for payment of the umpire for the makeup game.

·         Rounding 1st base – must make a decision, umpires decision on time, usually 3 seconds, to return or move to the next base

·         Slide or surrender – there is no ‘must slide’ simply stated by LL rules: Any runner is out when ... the runner does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag.

·         Bats – little league approved – if not, the bat is removed from the game. If an appeal is made before the batter bats, bat is removed. If it is during or before the first pitch of the next batter in the lineup the play stands but the opposing team is penalized by removal of a base coach, 2nd offense in a game the manager is removed.

·         Pitching

o   Minors B – 3 walks not consecutive before coach comes in, HBP is not considered a walk

o   Minors B – coach must throw from pitching rubber

o   Minors A & B – 35’;

o   Majors – 40’;

o   Juniors/Seniors – 43’;

·         Batting order

o   Minors – continuous

o   Majors/Juniors/Seniors – coaches decision before game continuous or only 9

·         Majors/Juniors/Seniors - All players must play at least 2 consecutive innings in field and have at least 1 at bat. We would like to see everyone receive equal amount of time to play.

·         No bat boys/girls in dugout

·         Courtesy runner – there no courtesy runner, a special pinch runner can be used.

·         NO Jewelry - exception that alerts medical personnel due to a condition. 

KNOW YOUR RULES, HAVE THE RULE BOOK IN HAND IF YOU WANT TO CHALLENGE A CALL.

ALL TRANSITION, MINORS A/B COACHES MUST HAVE THE RULES IN HAND IF THEY WANT TO CHALLENGE A CALL.

REMINDER THAT coaches that have any questions regarding rules need to go to the DIRECTOR OF SOFTBALL FOR YOUR LEAGUE.  I DON’T WANT TO HEAR FROM ANY COACHES.

If you have any questions or rule clarifications, please contact the District 21 Umpire in Chief 

Good luck to all this season!

All bats legal for softball must have the 1.2BPF seal attached, any below or above this number are not considered usable.

The Major, Junior and Senior Divisions should be using the 2015 Little League Rule book. If you are having problems with an opposing team and can not resolve them please contact your softball coordinator for further direction.