2022 10U Softball Inter-League Rules

1.       6 innings or 2 hours, whichever comes first. No new inning starts after 1 hour 45 minutes.

2.       4 run limit per inning, except last inning which is unlimited, unless visiting team is up by 12 or more runs, then final at bat for visiting team shall be 4 runs. Visiting team at bat shall end, once lead reaches 16 runs, regardless of number of outs in the inning.

3.       Pitching from 35 feet.

4.       11 inch yellow, raised seam ball. (Dudley SBC-11 or equivalent).

5.       Maximum 3 innings each pitcher per game. The innings do not have to be consecutive. (One pitch thrown constitutes a full inning pitched).

6.       No dropped 3^rd strike.

7.       Continuous batting order (ie everyone in the dugout bats, even if not on the Defensive Field positions) 

8.       10 fielders with free substitutions.  EQUAL infield outfield playing time each game (3 innings infield, 3 innings outfield, or 2/2/2 with 2 innings in the dugout) 

9.       Stealing after the ball passes the plate. Runner may release from base after the ball crosses home plate. 1^st early release, team warning. 2^nd early release (dead ball) runner is called out.  Delayed stealing shall not be permitted. (including: throws back to the pitcher and overthrows of pitcher from catcher.)

10.    Tagging up is allowed.

11.    If up by 8 runs, stealing shall not be permitted.

12.    Run Rule – 15 runs after 4 innings.

13.    No infield fly rule.

14.    Players must slide, avoid contact or give up if the fielder has ball and is waiting to make a tag when going into a base other than 1^st base, otherwise runner will be called OUT. 

15.    Dugout Cheers must be Positive in nature, focused on supporing the players and team they play on.  Cheering must silence prior to Pitcher beginning windup. 

16.    Show of sportsmanship at all times prior to, during and after games.

17.    3 hit by pitches in one inning and the pitcher must be replaced on the mound. The pitcher can come back to pitch in subsequent innings if their inning allotment has not been satisfied. 

18.    Pitching rules per current accepted standards.  These have evolved considerably each of the past 3 years and we will adhere to current standards. 

19.    Continuation on walks is not permitted after being awarded 1^st base via base on balls.

20.    You need 8 players to start the game. If you don’t have 8 players, you can call up from a lower division or the opposing team shall lend defensive players to your team up to a 9^th player. Players borrowed shall be the last 2 players in the batting order for the particular inning. If call ups are used, call ups must play in the outfield and bat last. Call ups and borrowed pitchers shall not pitch in games.

21.    No short center fielder. Outfielders must be in the Outfield, definied as in the Outfield Grass  minimum of 3' feet from ‘skinned’ infield.

22.    Catchers may be run for with any number of outs. Pitchers may be run for at any time. The last batted out player should be the one chosen to pinch run.

23.    ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY – Managers/Coaches are responsible for their own actions and that or their team’s parents. Parents should be at all games to cheer on athletes. I manager/coach cannot control parents, they shall be asked to leave the field or to move a distance away from the field so that they can still watch the game.

24.    Safety base shall be utilized at 1^st base for all games.

25.    Batting helmets shall have safety cages. Face masks for pitchers shall be used and recommended for all infielders.   NO PRACTISE SWINGS until batter is active batter,  NO ON DECK practise swings