2022 HUNTSVILLE AMERICAN LEAGUE 

LOCAL PARK SOFTBALL RULES AND PROCEDURES

8U Coach Pitch Rules with modifications

1.       All players will bat in the line-up whether they are playing in the field or not.  There is free defensive substitution.

2.       Each team is responsible for providing one new baseball for each game.

3.       Bunting: No intentional bunting allowed.  A ball in fair play, regardless of distance hit, shall be considered fair if the batter has attempted a full swing.

4.       Baserunning: Runners may not leave base until ball crosses home plate; this is for Rec and All-Stars.  No overthrow rule, baserunners may advance if the ball is overthrown at any base.  Sliding is allowed

5.       Stealing:  No stealing allowed. There is no advancement by a runner on base until the ball is hit.

6.       Infield Fly Rule:  There is no infield fly rule at this level.

7.       Walks:  There are no walks.  A batter hit by a pitch will not be awarded first base.

8.       Thrown bats:  The first time a player “throws” the bat after swinging, a team warning will be issued.  After that, all subsequent batters on that team who throw the bat after swinging will be called out.

9.       On Deck: There will be NO On Deck batters at this level.

10.    Coaches Positions:  Two adult base coaches are allowed.  Defensive players may be coached from two coaches in the outfield in foul territory on the 1st or 3rd base lines, for regular season games.

11.    Defensive Play: Defensive players must be behind the safety line until the ball is in play.  There will be 9 players on the field defensively but can start game with 7.  If 9 players are fielded, three players must begin play 10 feet behind the bases.  There is free substitution of defensive players (i.e., there is no limit on the number of times a player can leave and re-enter the game in defensive positions). The defensive player in the pitcher position must begin play with at least one foot in the 10-foot pitcher’s circle.  For the play to end with runners left on base, the lead runner must be stopped by the defensive team and time called by the umpire.  The catcher must wear full gear; however, the glove may be her own and does not have to be a catcher’s mitt. Defensive player excessive encroachment is not permitted.  Defensive base players shall not encroach more than six feet in front (toward home plate) of the first-to-second and second-to-third base paths.  Coaches should teach players to play in their proper playing positions.

12.    Pitching:  A coach will pitch the ball to her team under the following rules:  The coach pitcher must be in contact with the 10-foot diameter circle that encircles the 35-foot pitching rubber or in front of the rubber. Coaches may pitch from the kneeling position.  The Pitching Coach must make a reasonable attempt to leave the field of play (after the ball is hit) preferably in a direction opposite of the direction of the ball. Failure to comply may result in a dead ball ruling.  If this occurs, the batter shall complete her at bat, the base runners shall return to their bases. The pitch shall count against the batter's pitch count. If this should occur on the 5th pitch, the batter gets an additional pitch.  It is up to the Game's designated umpire to determine when a Pitching Coach has made a reasonable attempt to leave the field.  A ball that inadvertently hits a Pitching Coach during the course of completing a pitch or while she is making a reasonable attempt to leave field of play shall be ruled a dead ball. The batter shall complete her at bat, the base runners shall return to their bases. The pitch shall count against the batter's pitch count. If this should occur on the 5th pitch, the batter gets an additional pitch.

13.    Catcher must squat behind home plate in full gear. A defensive coach can stand behind the catcher to retrieve balls to help speed up game play, but cannot coach from this position.

14.    A teams at bat is complete when three outs are recorded by the defensive team or the team batting gets a total of 7 runs (max per inning). An at bat is complete after the batter: a) hits a ball into play, b) swings and misses three pitches, or c) receives 5 pitches but does not put the ball into play.  If on the fifth pitch the batter fouls the ball, the batter will continue to receive another pitch until she puts the ball into play, swings and misses or does not swing at the next pitch.  A foul tip caught by the catcher on the third strike or on the seventh pitch or beyond is an out.

15.    Game length will be 1 hour 15 minutes or 7 innings.

16.    Base path length will be 60 feet.

17.    The home team shall keep the official score for each game.

18.    All judgment calls made by the umpire will be considered final.  Any rules interpretation may be discussed immediately with the opposing manager and the umpire, but long delays will not be tolerated.

19.    Arguing with umpires, coaches, and league officials will not be tolerated.  Coaches and parents are expected to conduct themselves in such a way as to present a positive role model to the players.

10U/12U Rules with modifications

1.       All players will bat in the line-up whether they are playing in the field or not.  There is free defensive substitution.

2.       Adult coaches may warm up pitchers between innings and in the bullpen. Players may warm up pitchers between innings and in the bullpen with use of a catcher’s mask.

3.       Each team is responsible for providing one new baseball for each game.

4.       Bunting: No intentional bunting allowed.  A ball in fair play, regardless of distance hit, shall be considered fair if the batter has attempted a full swing.

5.       Baserunning: Runners may not leave base until the pitcher releases the ball.  No overthrow rule, baserunners may advance if the ball is overthrown at any base. Sliding is allowed

6.       Stealing:  No stealing allowed. There is no advancement by a runner on base until the ball is hit.

7.       Infield Fly Rule:  There is no infield fly rule at this level.

8.       Dropped 3rd Strike:  The dropped 3rd strike rule is in effect

9.       Thrown bats:  The first time a player “throws” the bat after swinging, a team warning will be issued.  After that, all subsequent batters on that team who throw the bat after swinging will be called out.

10.    Defensive Play: Defensive players must be behind the safety line until the ball is in play.  There will be 9 players on the field defensively but can start game with 7.  If 9 players are fielded, three players must begin play 10 feet behind the bases.  There is free substitution of defensive players (i.e., there is no limit on the number of times a player can leave and re-enter the game in defensive positions). For the play to end with runners left on base, the lead runner must be stopped by the defensive team and time called by the umpire.  The catcher must wear full gear; however, the glove may be her own and does not have to be a catcher’s mitt.

11.    Pitching:  10u pitches from 35 foot.  12u pitches from 40 feet

12.    Game length will be 1 hour 15 minutes or 7 innings.

13.    Base path length will be 60 feet.

14.    The home team shall keep the official score for each game.

15.    All judgment calls made by the umpire will be considered final.  Any rules interpretation may be discussed immediately with the opposing manager and the umpire, but long delays will not be tolerated.

16.    Arguing with umpires, coaches, and league officials will not be tolerated.  Coaches and parents are expected to conduct themselves in such a way as to present a positive role model to the players.