League Rules

2008 RECREATIONAL SEASON

LOCAL LEAGUE PLAYING RULES 3

6U DIVISION PLAYING RULES 10

8U DIVISION PLAYING RULES 12

10U DIVISION PLAYING RULES 15

12U DIVISION PLAYING RULES 17

14U DIVISION PLAYING RULES 19

CHAMPS GUIDELINES 21

PLAYING EQUIPMENT 22

1. Definitions

1.1 The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) is the national governing body for softball. The ASA Official Rules of Softball will apply and are distributed by ASA each year.

1.2 LNGS Local League Playing Rules are modified for the league and apply to all divisions.

1.3 LNGS Divisional Playing Rules are modified for specific age groups.

1.3.1 Fairness Rules for all divisions outline the minimum playing time for all players.

1.4 These rules can be amended, omitted or modified during a Board of Directors meeting through a majority vote of those members in attendance.

1.5 Each coach is responsible for understanding and following the ASA Rules of Softball (provided to each coach) the LNGS Local League Playing Rules, and the Divisional rules.

1.6 Violations of ASA Rules, LNGS Local League Playing Rules, LNGS Divisional Rules, Player Code of Conduct, Coach�s Code of Conduct, League Policy or any coach acting in a manner outside of typical decorum as a leader for his/her team, will be reviewed by the LNGS Board of Directors for appropriate action.

2. Playing Field

2.1 Home and Visitor teams will share field preparation responsibilities. A minimum of 1 representative per team, for each game, should be there to prep your field. Please do not rely on the previous game�s field condition being good enough for yours�.

2.2 Utilize foul territory and grass areas for warm ups. Infield warm ups will not be permitted.

3. Equipment

3.1 Batting helmets must be equipped with an ASA face mask, chin strap and are required during all practices and games in each division. Players on offense must continue to wear helmet until safely back inside of dugout.

3.2 Players are prohibited from wearing any jewelry (including hard hair barrettes) during games. Medical alert bracelets or necklaces are not considered jewelry and must be taped to the body with alert tags clearly visible.

4. Players, Coaches, Substitutes

4.1 A team must field at least (8) players in order to play a game. If a team drops below (8) players, a forfeit (7-0) will be recorded. Coaches must provide a written lineup to the other team.

4.2 Recreational Season - If a team begins a game with (9) or more players and a player must leave the game, there will be no out recorded for the player leaving the game.

4.2.1 MMay Madness Tournament - If a team begins a game with (9) or more players and a player must leave the game; an out will be recorded on their next at bat only.

4.3 Unlimited substitution is allowed. However, a player who starts an inning on the bench must remain there throughout the inning except in the case of an injury on the field or a substitution, which corrects a fairness rule infraction. At no time can a player who starts an inning in the dugout, be brought in to pitch.

4.4 Any players added to the lineup after the start of a game will be added to the bottom of the line-up card.

4.5 Any base coach under 18 years of age must wear a batting helmet equipped with a face mask and chin strap while on the field of play.

4.6 If an infraction of the fairness rule occurs, the opposing coach should notify the umpire. If the umpire confirms the violation, he will correct the infraction. If the coach makes the appropriate change, play will resume. If the coach does not correct the lineup before the umpire calls for play to resume, the umpire can declare a forfeit. If a coach violates the fairness rules, the Board will take appropriate action.

5. The Game

5.1 Home Team Determination

5.1.1 During Recreational Season Play, the team listed first is the visitor, takes the first base dugout and bats first. The team listed second is home, takes the third base dugout and bats last.

5.1.2 During Pool Play, the team listed first takes the first base dugout; the team listed last takes the third base dugout. Home team is determined based upon coin flip.

5.1.3 During Elimination Play, the higher ranking team is the home team, occupies the third base dugout and batting last.

5.1.4 During Closing Day Play, the higher ranking team occupies the third base dugout; home team is determined based upon coin toss.

5.2 Standings

5.2.1 Standings are not kept during Recreational Season Play.

5.2.2 Standings are kept during Pool Play in the May Madness Tournament.

5.2.2.1 In order to determine these standings, the following point totals will be awarded:

� (2) Two points for a win.

� (1) One point for a tie.

� (0) Zero points for a loss.

If teams are tied in the standings at the completion of pool play, the tie-break criteria will be the following:

� Runs allowed (lowest)

� run differential - maximum of 10 runs per game

� coin toss

5.3 Game Winner

5.3.1 Recreational Season Play - Games can end in a tie.

5.3.2 Pool Play - Games can end in a tie upon reaching the end of regulation time. If games are tied at the end of (7) innings and time is remaining on the clock, International Tiebreaker is in effect for each subsequent inning.

5.3.2.1 During Pool Play, if the home team is ahead at the completion of regulation time, and the visiting team has finished their at bat without tying the score or taking the lead, the game is over. If the home team is behind OR they are tied, they should complete the inning.

5.3.3 Elimination games must have a winner. If games are tied at the end of (7) innings or time has expired with a tie score, International Tiebreaker is in effect for each subsequent inning.

5.4 Conferences: The official scorekeeper will record as directed by the umpire.

5.4.1 Offense- 1 offensive conference (time-out) will be granted per inning. Umpires will not grant a second conference in a given inning. (An offensive conference is recorded when the offense requests a suspension of play to allow the coach or other team representative to confer with the batter, another team representative, and/or runner(s).

5.4.2 Defense- 1 defensive conference will be granted per inning. A defensive conference is recorded when the defense requests a suspension of play and the coach or other team representative enters the playing field to confer with any defensive player, or a defensive player approaches the dugout and receives instruction. Any mid-inning substitution of a catcher is recorded as a defensive conference. If 2 defensive conferences occur during one inning, the pitcher must be removed from the mound for the remainder of that inning.

5.4.2.1 A total of 3 defensive conferences will be granted per game. On the fourth and each subsequent conference, the pitcher must be removed from the mound for the remainder of the inning. If she had been removed mid-inning (2) times previously, she would not be eligible to pitch the remainder of the game, including any International Tie Breaker.

5.4.3 In the event of an extra inning game, there will be (1) defensive conference allowed per additional inning. Each subsequent conference will result in the pitcher being removed from the mound for the remainder of the inning. If the pitcher had been removed from the mound mid-inning (2) times previously during the game, the pitcher would not be eligible to pitch the remainder of the game.

5.4.4 If the clock has less than 10 minutes left, any time out will require the stoppage of the clock.

5.5 Dugout conduct

5.5.1 Coaches, Managers, players and spectators may not harass the pitchers, players, coaches or spectators. All �cheers� should encourage players. No derogatory cheers will be tolerated.

5.5.2 Coaches are responsible for the actions of their players and spectators. Unsportsmanlike conduct or abusive language will not be tolerated. Continued unsportsmanlike conduct towards an official, team or spectator shall be grounds for the umpire to declare a forfeit against the offending team.

5.5.3 Other than players, a maximum of 4 additional individuals (Head Coach, 2 Assistant Coaches, and Chaperone) are in the dugout during the game. These individuals shall not be outside the designated dugout area except when the rule allows or justified by the umpire.

6.0 Pitching Regulations

6.1 Two mid-inning pitching changes are allowed during any inning. (See 5.4.2)

6.2 An individual pitcher may only be removed from the mound mid-inning a total of three (3) times in a game including International Tiebreaker. If removed a third time (mid-inning) she may not pitch for the remainder of the game including International Tiebreaker.

6.3 If a pitcher is removed from the mound mid-batter, and an out occurs during that at bat, an out is recorded against both pitchers.

6.4 If a maximum run rule applies during an inning, all remaining outs are recorded against the pitcher on the mound when the 5^th run scores. If the pitcher was changed mid-batter, all remaining outs will be recorded against both pitchers.

6.5 If a game ends mid-inning (time is expired when home team goes ahead), the pitcher on the mound will only get charged for the number of outs already recorded during that half inning.

6.6 Pitching outs during International Tiebreaker play are not recorded towards the 21 out limit.

6.7 In the event of a forfeit, teams will utilize the pitcher�s outs recorded in the previous game to determine available outs for the game following the forfeit.

6.8 Pitchers� outs are reset at the conclusion of Pool Play. All pitchers start with (0) outs pitched for the first game of Elimination Play.

7.0 Batting

7.1 All players will bat round robin during the game.

8.0 Base Running

8.1 Sliding is required at any base with a close play, and if the runner does not slide the umpire may rule the runner out.

8.2 A pinch runner may be used in the case of an injury. The pinch runner must be the last recorded out.

8.3 No automatic courtesy runner for pitcher and catcher unless injured.

9.0 Protest

9.1 There will be no protests allowed during Recreational Season Play.

9.1.1 Any clarification regarding Recreational Season Play should be reviewed with the Divisional Representative.

9.2 During the May Madness Tournament Play, all protests will be finalized on the field by the home plate umpire and the Umpire in Chief or League Representative.

ALL DECISIONS OF THE UMPIRE IN CHIEF ARE FINAL

110.0 Umpires

10.1 ASA Umpire

10.1.1 Payment: LNGS will provide umpire fees to the head coach of each team

10.1.2 Home team is responsible for paying the ASA scheduled umpire.

10.2 Umpire Late or Missing

10.2.1 If the ASA scheduled umpire is not present at game time, arrange for a board member to contact the umpire staffing service.

10.2.2 If the service is unavailable or the service confirms that no umpire is available, then the umpires present will be assigned by priority to the oldest divisions. The youngest division will need to select a mutually agreeable volunteer umpire and start their game as soon as possible

10.3 Volunteer Umpire

10.3.1 The Volunteer Umpire must be an adult.

10.3.2 Protective equipment, stored behind the snack bar, must be worn at all times.

10.3.3 Umpires must work behind the plate if possible, not the pitching mound.

10.3.4 If the volunteer umpire is challenged in any manner, including rules interpretation, the volunteer should immediately seek assistance of any LNGS Board member.

10.4 UIC Report: Report the missing umpire to the UIC, including the game number and field that had a missing umpire.

11.0 Scoring

11.1 Each home team must supply an official scorekeeper to record the game in the team scorebook. Score by inning and pitching records will be kept. At the end of the game, the official scorekeeper will get each coach and the umpire to initial the book.

11.2 In the event of a forfeit, the official score will be recorded as 7-0.

11.3 For the first (4) innings, there will be a maximum run rule of (5) runs per inning per team.

11.4 Beginning with the 5th inning, teams may score an unlimited number of runs.

11.5 A mercy ruling of 10 runs after the 5^th inning will be observed.

11.6 Maximum run differential will be recorded at 10 runs. Once the runs surpass this maximum, the scoreboard will be zeroed out until the differential is less than 10. Scores during �zeroed out� period will still be kept in the official book. All other scoreboard functions will remain active.

1. Definitions

1.1 ASA and LNGS Local League Playing Rules will apply with the following modifications and clarifications.

1.2 The rules of play for the 6U Division are (substantially) modified from the ASA 10 and under rules. ASA does not write rules for 6 and under age group.

1.3 The coach�s prevailing goal is to make sure all players have a fun and positive experience while learning the fundamental skills of the game.

2. Playing Field

2.1 The pitching rubber is set at 30 feet from home plate.

2.2 The bases are set at 45 feet apart.

3. Equipment

3.1 The 6U Division uses a 10-inch RIF (Reduced Injury Factor) softball.

4. Players, Coaches, Substitutes�Fairness Rules

4.1 All players are to be on the field while playing defense.

4.2 Each player will be rotated infield to outfield from inning to inning in order to introduce them to the varying positions on the field.

4.3 Every player must be allowed and should be encouraged to play a position for which she requests, for a minimum of (1) inning during the season.

4.4 No more that 2 coaches may be on the field with the players to guide the defense but they may not touch the ball nor interfere with play.

5. The Game

5.1 Games will be a maximum of 60 minutes each.

6. Pitching Regulations

6.1 There is no player pitching in the 6U Division.

7. Batting

7.1 Up until Spring Break, there will be no pitching; only hitting the ball off of the batting tee. After Spring Break, all players will be encouraged to hit off of coach pitching.

7.2 If a batter is unable to hit after (4) pitches, the batter is allowed to hit the ball off the tee. This is done in order to continue the movement of the game.

7.3 There are no balls, strikes, outs, walks or bunts. Every batter will be encouraged to put the ball into play. All players will bat each inning with the last batter running the entire bases to end the inning.

8. Base Running

8.1 Since no outs are recorded, each batter will reach base as a runner each inning. They should be encouraged to run the bases as a fundamental of the game.

9. Protest

9.1 There will be no protests in the 6U Division.

110. Umpires

10.1 There will be no umpires used in the 6U-Mini Division.

111. Scoring

11.1 Scores are not kept in the 6U-Mini Division.

7U/8U

1. Definitions

1.1 ASA and LNGS Local League Playing Rules will apply with the following modifications and clarifications.

1.2 The rules of play for the 8U Division are modified from the ASA 10 and under rules. ASA does not write rules for 8 and under age groups.

2. Playing Field

2.1 The pitching rubber is set at 30 feet from home plate.

2.2 The bases are set at 60 feet apart.

3. Equipment

3.1 The 7U/ 8U Division uses a 10-inch RIF (Reduced Injury Factor) softball.

4. Players, Coaches, Substitutes, Fairness Rules

4.1 During the regular season until Tournament play begins, one defensive coach will be allowed on the field. The coach must remain on the outfield grass and not interfere with play. When Tournament play begins, there are to be no coaches on the playing field. However, during the entire season (both regular and tournament), (1) additional coach may act as a back-up to the catcher to retrieve passed-balls/wild pitches in order to speed up the game. The catcher�s back-up coach shall be permitted to provide coaching instruction to the defensive team during the regular season, but shall not provide coaching instruction while acting as the catcher�s back-up during tournament play. The catcher�s back-up shall not interfere with play, and if stealing is permitted, shall not field any passed balls/wild pitches until all advancing base runners attempting to steal a base have reached the next base safely.

4.2 Before Spring Break, every player must bat in one of the top (3) positions at least once; before any player has batted in those positions twice.

4.3 A player cannot sit out (2) consecutive innings. No player can sit out (2) innings until every player has sat out (1) inning. No player can sit out 3 innings until every player has sat out 2 innings.

4.4 Each player must play at least (1) of the first (3) innings in the infield per game. If the game proceeds to the fifth inning, each player must play at least two (2) of the five (5) innings in the infield.

4.5 There will be (10) defensive players allowed on the field: pitcher, catcher, (4) infielders and (4) outfielders. All (4) outfielders must be positioned on the outfield grass.

4.6 Every player must be allowed and should be encouraged to play a position for which she requests, for a minimum of (1) inning during the season.

5. The Game

5.1 No new inning may begin after 1 hour, 15 minutes or scoreboard set at (75) minutes. An inning is considered complete when the 3^rd out is recorded during the home teams� turn at bat. The �drop dead� rule (revert back to previous inning) is in effect at the (1) hour and (35) minutes limit (95 minutes).

6. Pitching Regulations

When the 8u division is separated into 7u and 8u: the following applies.

6.1 Pitching 7U

6.1.1 The first two games will be coach pitch only. Starting with the third regular season game, and continuing throughout the season, will be player pitch with coach pitch back-up. A pitcher is limited to (9) outs in any game.

6.1.2 The pitcher starts the count. After the count of four balls, the batting team�s coach steps in and finishes the existing strike count (see table below) to the batter from the pitching rubber. A pitch from the coach only counts as a strike the batter does not swing and the umpire calls the pitch a strike, or if the batter swings at the pitch, however, in no event shall a batter receive more than 5 total pitches from the coach.

Examples:

The count is 4 balls & 0 strikes: coach pitches 3 strikes.

The count is 4 balls & 1 strike: coach pitches 2 strikes.

The count is 4 balls & 2 strikes: coach pitches 1 strike.

6.1.3 The batter will strike out if after receiving the above number of pitches from the coach, she has not put the ball in play. If the batter fouls the 3^rd strike they will be given another pitch.

6.1.4 While the coach is pitching, the pitcher must remain in the circle and may not be any closer to home than the pitching rubber. Any out is recorded to that pitcher.

6.1.5 No walks are allowed. However, if a batter is hit by a pitch other than a coach�s pitch, the batter will be awarded a 4-0 count. The coach pitcher will then come in to pitch in order to complete the at bat.

6.1.6 For pitcher development, the pitcher will start their motion with both feet on the pitcher�s plate and will be encouraged to continue with a fast pitch motion.

6.2 Pitching 8u

6.2.1 The entire season will be player pitch with coach pitch back-up. A pitcher is limited to (9) outs in any game.

6.2.2 The pitcher starts the count. There are no walks for the first four (4) games. After the count of four balls, the batting team�s coach steps in and finishes the existing strike count (see table below) to the batter from the pitching rubber. A pitch from the coach only counts as a strike the batter does not swing and the umpire calls the pitch a strike, or if the batter swings at the pitch, however, in no event shall a batter receive more than 5 total pitches from the coach.

Examples:

The count is 4 balls & 0 strikes: coach pitches 3 pitches.

The count is 4 balls & 1 strike: coach pitches 2 pitches.

The count is 4 balls & 2 strikes: coach pitches 1 pitch.

6.2.3 The batter will strike out if after receiving the above number of pitches from the coach, she has not put the ball in play. If the batter fouls the 3^rd strike they will be given another pitch.

6.2.4 While the coach is pitching, the pitcher must remain in the circle and may not be any closer to home than the pitching rubber. Any out is recorded to that pitcher.

6.2.5 If a batter is hit by a pitch other than a coach�s pitch, the batter will be awarded a 4-0 count. The coach pitcher will then come in to pitch in order to complete the at bat.

6.2.6 For pitcher development, the pitcher will start their motion with both feet on the pitcher�s plate and will be encouraged to continue with a fast pitch motion.

7. Batting

7.1 No bunting is allowed while the coach is pitching.

8. Base Running

8.1 No hesitation rule.

8.2 No drop third strike rule.

8.3 No infield fly rule.

8.4 Home plate is closed.

8.5 No stealing in the 7U Division. Stealing one base per pitched ball will be permitted in the 8U Division. However, appropriate leadoffs are encouraged. Per each hit ball, runners may only advance (1) base due to overthrow(s). The play is dead when the ball has entered the pitching circle, regardless of whether or not the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle. The advancing of runner(s) will be determined by the umpire.

9. Protest

9.1 ASA and LNGS Local League Playing Rules will prevail.

10. Umpires

10.1 ASA and LNGS Local League Playing Rules will prevail.

11. Scoring

11.1 ASA and LNGS Local League Playing Rules will prevail.

10U

1. Definitions

1.1 ASA and LNGS Local League Playing Rules will apply with the following modifications and clarifications.

2. Playing Field

2.1 The pitching rubber is set at 35 feet from home plate.

2.2 The bases are set at 60 feet apart.

3. Equipment

3.1 The 10U Division uses an 11-inch softball.

4. Players, Coaches, Substitutes �Fairness Rules

4.1 Before Spring Break, every player must bat in one of the top (3) positions at least once; before any player has batted in those positions twice.

4.2 A player cannot sit out (2) consecutive innings. No player can sit out (2) innings until every player has sat out (1) inning. No player can sit out 3 innings until every player has sat out 2 innings.

4.3 Each player must play at least (1) of the 1^st (4) innings in the infield per game.

4.4 There will be (10) defensive players allowed on the field: pitcher, catcher, (4) infielders and (4) outfielders. All (4) outfielders must be positioned on the outfield grass.

4.5 Every player must be allowed and should be encouraged to play a position for which she requests, for a minimum of (1) inning during the season.

5. The Game

5.1 No new inning may begin after (1) hour and (30) minutes (90 minutes). An inning is complete when the 3^rd out is recorded during the home teams� at bat. The �drop dead� rule (revert back to previous inning) is in effect at the (1) hour and (40) minutes limit (100 minutes).

6. Pitching Regulations

6.1 To strengthen pitcher and catcher development, there is no coach pitching.

6.2 If a maximum run rule applies during an inning, all remaining outs will be recorded against the current pitcher.

6.3 For pitcher development, the pitcher will start their motion with both feet on the pitcher�s plate and will be encouraged to continue with a fast pitch motion.

6.4 21 out Rule

6.4.1 Recreational Season Play A pitcher is limited to (21) outs in any week. A week begins at 12:01a.m. Sunday and ends at 12:00 midnight on Saturday.

6.4.2 Pool Play / Elimination Play A pitcher is limited to (21) outs in any (2) consecutive games. (Pitcher�s outs are reset to (0) at the end of pool play).

7. Batting

7.1 ASA and LNGS Local League Playing Rules will prevail.

8. Base Running

8.1 ASA hesitation rule applies.

8.2 No drop third strike rule.

8.3 Infield fly rule applies.

8.4 Home plate is open.

8.5 Runners may advance only (1) base per pitch and cannot advance on an overthrow during a stolen base. The play is dead when the pitcher has the ball under control in the pitching circle. The advancing of runner(s) will be determined by the umpire.

9. Protest

9.1 ASA and LNGS Local League Playing Rules will prevail.

10. Umpires

10.1 ASA and LNGS Local League Playing Rules will prevail.

11. Scoring

11.1 ASA and LNGS Local League Playing Rules will prevail.

12U

1. Definitions

1.1 ASA and LNGS Local League Playing Rules will apply with the following modifications and clarifications.

2. Playing Field

2.1 The pitching rubber is set at 40 feet from home plate.

2.2 The bases are set at 60 feet apart.

3. Equipment

3.1 The 12U Division uses a 12-inch softball.

4. Players. Coaches, Substitutes �Fairness Rules

4.1 A player cannot sit out (2) consecutive innings. No player can sit out (2) innings until every player has sat out (1) inning. No player can sit out (3) innings until every player has sat out (2) innings.

5. The Game

5.1 No new inning may begin after (1) hour and (30) minutes or scoreboard set at (90) minutes. An inning is considered complete when the 3^rd out is recorded during the home teams� turn at bat. The �drop dead� rule (revert back to previous inning) is in effect at the (1) hour and (40) minutes limit (100 minutes).

6. Pitching Regulations

6.1 21 out Rule

6.1.1 Recreational Season Play - A pitcher is limited to (21) outs in any week. A week begins at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday and ends at 12:00 midnight on Saturday.

6.1.2 Pool Play / Elimination Play � A pitcher is limited to (21) outs in any (2) consecutive games. (Pitcher�s outs are reset to (0) at the end of pool play).

7. Batting

7.1 ASA and LNGS Local League Playing Rules will prevail.

8. Base Running

8.1 ASA hesitation rule applies.

8.2 Drop third strike rule applies.

8.3 Infield fly rule applies.

9. Protest

9.1 ASA and LNGS Local League Playing Rules will prevail.

10. Umpires

10.1 ASA and LNGS Local League Playing Rules will prevail.

11. Scoring

11.1 ASA and LNGS Local League Playing Rules will prevail.

Uniforms are supplied by the league as follows: jersey, shorts, socks, and visor.

Players may wear long black softball pants, sliding shorts, knee pads, and must wear cleats.

Players should purchase an appropriate size glove and may want their own helmet.