Softball Minors 3 and 4

Brighton Little League House Rules

1

Only players on the official team roster are permitted to play. Insurance regulations prohibit non-registered players /spectators/parents from participation on the field or in the dugout during games or practices.

2

Players will pitch from a distance no closer than 35 feet from home plate. Pitchers are limited to THREE (3) consecutive innings in each game, with a MAXIMUM OF SIX (6) INNINGS PER CALENDAR WEEK (Sunday to Saturday). One pitch in an inning constitutes of an inning pitched. Pitchers once removed from the mound CANNOT re-renter the game as a pitcher. This is the developmental league for pitching. All players should be encouraged to attend the pitching clinics and have opportunity to pitch in game situations.

3

Players will pitch until the ball is hit, the batter strikes out, or three balls are called. There are no walks. A coach (from the batterís team) will come in to pitch after ball 3 until the ball is hit or the player strikes out. The first pitch by the coach will not be called as a strike. Subsequent pitches (from the coach) in the strike zone will be strikes. The player/pitcher remains on the mound to field the position. The same pitcher may return to the mound in the next inning (provided she is within her 3 inning allotment). One calendar day of rest is required before the pitcher can pitch again.

4

The batting order will be listed and maintained throughout the game. Everyone present in uniform must be in the batting order. PLEASE NOTE: Coaches should encourage batters to swing at pitched balls within range and reachable. Coaches encouraging batters to ìwait for a walkî will be excused from the game. Coaching language should be adjusted to support swinging ‚ i.e. ìgo after anything close / make contactî and NOT ìwait for a strike / itís got to be perfectî. The batting team may not direct any non-supportive comments to/about the opposing pitcher at any time.

5

Batters must not throw bats after hitting the ball. Any batter throwing her bat will receive an umpireís warning. If the infraction occurs again, the umpire may call the batter out.

6

FIVE (5) RUNS in any half inning is the maximum that can be scored.

7

NO stealing is permitted. NO advancement is allowed on wild pitches or passed balls. On an overthrow, play stops. Bunts are not permitted. The infield fly rule WILL NOT be enforced.

8

A double first base will be used whenever possible, 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 any portion of the fair-territory section of first base (as they normally would with a single base).

9

Batters, on-deck batters, base coaches, and all base runners must wear helmets. Catchers must wear a mask with throat protector and wear a chest protector on the field during games and in practice. On deck batters must remain helmeted and ready in the "on deck circle", but under no circumstances are practice swings to occur outside of the batterís box. Pitchers will wear a helmet while warming up on the infield while infield practice is going on.

10

Batters, on-deck batters, base coaches, and all base runners must wear helmets. Catchers must wear a mask with throat protector and wear a chest protector on the field during games and in practice. On deck batters must remain helmeted and ready in the "on deck circle", but under no circumstances are practice swings to occur outside of the batterís box. Pitchers will wear a helmet while warming up on the infield while infield practice is going on.

11

Managers and coaches are permitted to coach from both coachesí boxes. The first base coach should have a helmeted player (last batter for the inning) assist in coaching first base ‚ this should be instructional i.e., teaching the theory of coaching their base runners. In addition, managers may request time out between batters for the purpose of giving instructions provided instructions relate to the previous play.

12

Unlimited substitution will be permitted in the field. However, every player MUST PLAY in the field for a MINIMUM OF SIX (6) OUTS in every game. In addition, NO player may play in the infield for more than THREE (3) innings in any game. The pitcher and catcher are also considered infield positions. Infield positions should be rotated every TWO (2) innings at a minimum.

13

Each team may use a fourth outfielder (10th player) if both teams have 10 or more players present (left field, left center field, right center field, right field). The outfielders must play at least 10 feet beyond the infielders.

14

Games can be no longer than SIX (6) INNINGS. Tie games count, and cannot be rescheduled, nor completed at a later date. It is a legal game with the home team ahead after 2 1û2 innings, or the visiting team ahead after three (3) innings. NO protests or protested games are permitted.

15

On Weekend days, no inning may start later than THIRTY (30) MINUTES prior to the start of the next scheduled game. NOTE: The umpire is the official timekeeper. An inning officially begins as soon as the third out is made in the previous inning. No inning on a weeknight game may start after 8 p.m.

16

The visiting team will sit on the third base side of the field and the home team on the first base side, except where both team benches are on the same side. Players and equipment should remain well outside the foul line on the respective sides of the field. Players may not mingle with spectators, or vice-versa. Only sanctioned Little League volunteers are allowed in the dug-out or on the playing field.

17

In the event that paid umpires are not available for the game; two (2) substitute umpires should be selected and agreed upon by both coaches. Preferably a parent representing each team should be selected. It is recommended that one umpire should be positioned behind the pitcher, the other umpiring on the bases. It is further recommended that the umpires exchange positions at regular intervals.

18

In the event that paid umpires are not available for the game; two (2) substitute umpires should be selected and agreed upon by both coaches. Preferably a parent representing each team should be selected. It is recommended that one umpire should be positioned behind the pitcher, the other umpiring on the bases. It is further recommended that the umpires exchange positions at regular intervals.

19

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. When in doubt, home team town rules apply.

20

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.

21

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

22

Any fan/coach arguing with, harassing or complaining about umpires calls will be excused from the field and from the next 3 games. A repeat occurrence will be taken before the Brighton Baseball Board of Directors. It is the coach/assistant coaches responsibility to address disruptive behavior at the time it occurs.