westvillerecleague

                                              Major Girls (12 – 14)

 

1. IHSA Rule Book will govern play with the following exceptions.

The field of play will be required to have coaches boxes on the 1st and 3rd baseline in foul territory.  

Coaches shall remain in dugout when not in coaches boxes, operating the pitching machine or to tend to injury or issues on field. Coaches must request and be granted time out to enter field of play.

No coaching outside of dugouts will be allowed. 

Walk up music shall be allowed with following guidelines. Music must be age/public appropriate, must be played from outfield side of teams dugout, and will stop as soon as the batter enters the batters box. 

 

2.       A standard 12-inch softball will be used.

 

 

3.       A standard game may not exceed 6 innings in length. If a game is called due to inclement weather, 4 innings is considered a complete game. The score at the end of the last full inning will be the final score.  The first game will begin at 6:00pm, the second game at 8:00pm, or 10 minutes after the completion of the first game if it runs over.  No new inning will begin after one hour and forty five minutes of play has elapsed.  At this time the game will be determined as a complete game.  Teams may start a game with a minimum of 8 players.  Teams must finish a game with no less than 8 players.  If starting with 8 players, an out does not have to be taken when the ninth spot comes up in the batting order.  The only way an out shall be taken is when a team starts with 9 players and one is ejected or leaves the game for reasons other than illness or injury.

 

4.       If any game is tied after 6 innings or is tied at the bottom of an inning and the time limit of 1 hour 45 minutes has been reached, the gameplay will as follow: Each team will have a chance to complete ½ inning. Each team will begin their respective at bat with the player on their roster that was the last recorded out on 2^nd base. If then at the end of 1 full inning of play the score is still tied the game will be called complete and a tie will be scored.

 

 

5.       Suspended games will resume at the point it was postponed, and will continue in accordance with the amount of time and innings that are remaining for a standard game.  If you had subs for the suspended game, they do not need to be present at the make-up game.

 

6.       Mercy Rule:  If a team is behind 12 runs in the 3^rd inning, 10 runs in the 4^th inning, or 8 runs in the 5^th inning, the mercy rule goes into effect and the game is over.  If the home team is behind, they must be allowed to bat in the bottom of the inning.

 

7.       Pitching mounds are set at 40 feet, a standard 12 inch ball will be used. The use of a standard turf style pitching mat will be permitted. If during gameplay, the mat becomes a hazard, upon agreement with both coaches the mat may be removed. 

 

8. No pitches are required for intentional walks.

 

9. There is no restriction on innings pitched.

 

10.   Pitchers are required to wear protective face masks.

 

11.   Pitchers who hit 4 batters in a game must be removed from the game as pitcher.  Re-entry in the pitching position is prohibited.

 

12.    In a 6 inning game, each player must play at least six outs (two full innings), and bat at least once.  To aid the coaches, we are allowing you 3 options:

 

a.       Bat your entire roster with free substitution throughout the game.

b.       Use the extra player rule where she is listed in the batting order as your 10^th batter; she can go in and out of the game defensively at will.

c.       Play regular substitution baseball.  With this option, the players will be required to play the minimum playing requirements as stated above.

 

13.   Coaches do not have to agree on which way to play; however, you must inform the home plate umpire which option you have chosen prior to the start of the game.  You cannot switch once the game has started.  You will need to report all defensive subs to the opposing coach

 

14.   Hats, visors, and headbands are an optional part of the uniform.

 

15.    No designated hitter.

 

16.   Runners may steal when the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand.  Runners may advance at their own risk on an overthrow.

 

17.   Both teams will receive the same warning from the umpire for leaving the base too early.  If either team receives a second infraction, the player is out.

 

18.   Dropped 3rd strike is in rule is in effect. This rule applies when 1st base is open at any time, and or occupied when there are 2 outs. If the batter strikes out (Either swinging or looking) and the catcher does not catch the pitch before it hits the ground, the batter shall then become a runner and is safe until a tag is applied or a force out has been completed at 1st base.

 

19.   If a player is not allowed to participate but sits in the dugout dressed to play, then a written explanation must be received by the umpire prior to the start of the game.

 

20.   All players must stay in their respective dugouts when not participating in the field.

 

21.   Steel spikes are not allowed.

 

22.   Every player must wear protective headgear while batting or running the bases.  If a helmet is taken off intentionally, both teams shall be issued a warning on a second infraction the runner can be called out at the umpire’s discretion. Protective headgear must be worn also when a player or legal minor is used to coach the bases.

 

23.   If a team is short players, the coach may call up a limit of 4 players from the Minor Girls (9-11) division in their respective towns.  Called up players may play any position but pitcher.  They must bat after regular rostered players.  A player may not be called up when the time of the game is in conflict with the player’s regularly scheduled games.  Called up players play the minimum playing time unless circumstances permit the need for more playing time.  The consequences of an infraction of this paragraph is forfeiture.  Teams may only call up players of they have less than 10 players at game time.

 

24.   Every player will be in the batting order throughout the game.  If a player becomes ill or injured and is removed from the game, her place in the batting order may be skipped with no penalty.  Once removed for illness or injury, they may not re-enter the game. If a player leaves the lineup for any other reason than illness or injury, when that players spot in the lineup comes to bat the team shall be issued an out.

 

25.   Games will be cancelled due to weather related reasons only.  At any sign of lightening by an umpire, coach, or league administrator, everyone will be pulled off the field for a waiting period of 15 minutes after the last sighting before play can resume.  If the weather is still threatening, the came shall be cancelled.  If weather breaks and the grounds permit, the second game (if there is one) may be played.  Games shall not be cancelled due to the lack of players or upon “coaches’ agreements.”  When rainouts occur, it is the responsibility of the home team’s board to reschedule the games.  Games must be rescheduled within 2 weeks of the rained out game. 

 

26.   If the game has not been rescheduled, it will be ruled as forfeiture by the home team.  If the game is rescheduled and both teams have been informed, any team failing to show will forfeit the game.  A rescheduled game may or may not include the same players.  If original line up is available it is expected to remain the same. In the event that the same lineup is not available free substitution is allowed.

 

 

27.   It is important that if you wish to file a protest that you follow these rules:

1.       The coach must notify the umpire at the time of the infraction that he/she is protesting that rule infraction.

2.       The coach then has 24 hours to submit a written explanation to a Tri-Conference representative, along with a fee of $20.

 

 

28.   As mandated by the National Federation Rule Book (IHSA Rule Book), any player may re-enter the game one time. However, the sub and the starter are locked in the same position in the batting order.  For further information refer to the IHSA Rule book.

 

29.   The courtesy runner may be used for the pitcher or catcher.  The person making the most recent out shall be used as the courtesy runner if she is on base with 2 outs.

 

30.   Face masks are required on every batting helmet.  No player shall be allowed to come to the plate without one. 

 

31.   The fielder’s mask is required to be worn by the pitcher.  It is optional for all other fielders.

 

32.   These rules are intended for the benefit of our young athletes, and timely proceedings of the game.  They are not meant to be manipulated for personal gain.  Any protest will be handled with the intent of the rules.