Softball Minors 1 and 2

Brighton Little League House Rules

1

Only players on the official team roster are permitted to play. Insurance regulations prohibit non-registered players from participation. The batting order will be listed and maintained throughout the game. Everyone present in uniform MUST bat in the batting order.

2

Four innings constitutes a game. If a game is suspended because of weather conditions or darkness, it will be considered a complete game if three innings have been completed. A game may end in a tie. No extra inning will be played.

3

The manager or coach of the batting team will pitch UNDERHAND to his/her batter from an area on or near the mound (approximately 35 feet). A player on the fielding team will remain near the mound to field the pitcherís position. No balls or strikes will be called by the umpire, unless the batter refuses to swing at pitched balls. If this occurs the umpire will warn the batter once, and then call subsequent pitches (in the strike zone) as strikes.

4

The offensive inning consists of one half of the batting order (at least four batters per inning) or one half of the larger team fielded. Each team will have the same number of players bat as the opposing team does.

5

In one inning there can be all outs or no outs. A side is retired after one half of the batting order has batted, no matter how many outs are made. Once the last batter of an inning is put out, no runner shall score. If the last batter reaches base safely before the defensive player stops the game, all runs scored before game stoppage will count.

6

Play stops when one of the following events occurs:

A. An outfielder picks up the ball and makes an attempt to throw the ball to the infield.

B. An infielder picks up the ball and makes an attempt to throw the ball to the infield.

C. An out is made.

7

Rotation. Players shall rotate positions after each inning. Players should experience infield, outfield, base and non-base positions during each game.

The chart below describes player and position rotation for a typical game.

Additional Rules:

1

Short fielders must be positioned on the outfield grass (at least 4 feet behind the infield), and MAY NOT be infielders. The purpose behind this league is instructional ‚ only one player for each infield position is allowed so proper positioning is taught.

2

Due to the instructional nature of this league, there are no paid umpires. It is the responsibility of both head coaches to maintain an atmosphere of fairness and good sportsmanship during the game. In the event a play is too close to call or both head coaches cannot agree on the play, the decision for the first such play of the game shall be awarded to the home team. The next decision shall be awarded to the visiting team. Such oscillation of calls shall continue until the game ends.

3

NO stealing is permitted. NO advancement is allowed on wild pitches or passed balls. On an overthrow, play stops. There is no leading off base. A runner may only advance on a hit ball.

4

Defensive players should be encouraged to attempt to make outs on the bases. Once the ball is fielded, an out is made by tagging a runner while between bases or by touching the base in front of the runner while the player touching the base has possession of the ball (on force plays only).

5

Batters must not throw bats after hitting the ball. With a thrown bat, umpires will call the player back and explain that this is not allowed. Coaches should do the same.

6

A double first base will be used consistent with new ASA / Athletic league play. Batters should run in foul territory to and through the extended first base. First base players will field the position using the extension of first base in fair territory. This is injury prevention. Should base runners look to round first, then they may make their turn on the inside corner of the fair-territory section of first base (as they normally would with a single base).

7

Managers and coaches are permitted to coach from both coachesí boxes. In addition, managers may request time out between batters for the purpose of giving instructions provided instructions relate to the previous play. Little League regulations require one approved adult remain in the dugout at ALL TIMES.

8

On Weekend days, no inning may start later than THIRTY (30) MINUTES prior to the start of the next scheduled game. On weeknight games, games begin at 6:30pm, and no inning may begin after 7:45pm by the umpireís watch.

9

All players must wear official uniforms, including shirt, shorts, at all games. Sweaters and jackets may be worn under the shirt, at the discretion of the playerís coach. In very cold weather, or under extenuating circumstances, jackets may be worn over the shirt - subject to the approval of the playerís own coach. Sneakers, plastic or rubber spikes may be worn. Laced shoes must be worn (no sandals, jellies, etc.).

10

Catcher must wear regulation facemask, helmet, chest protector and shin guards. Any mitt may be used for catching. Each player must provide his or her own glove.

11

There will be no on-deck circle or on-deck batter. Only the batter shall have a bat. If another player is holding a bat with an obvious intent to take practice swings a warning shall be given to player. If there is a recurrence the offending player will forfeit his or her turn at bat and be called out. This rule is for obvious safety precautions.

12

There may be games played against other towns. Note that the bulk of these rules align with Little League sanctions, however, there may be some house league (home town) adjustments. Please agree to rules with an opposing town coach in advance of the first pitch and be flexible to making any adjustments required.

13

The BHS school teams take precedence with games or practices on the Brighton High School JV and Varsity fields. If a school game or practice is ongoing, please keep your teams together and watch the practice/game ‚ using this as instruction. Typically, the schools will be finished by Little League game time, however extra innings / rain delays etc. may require us to be flexible.

14

Please enlist parent volunteers to rake/fill-in water spots in poor field conditions.