(Players must be under 12 at the start of the season)
The idea of the league is to make it more of a smooth transition from T-ball to standard softball, with each batter receiving consistent throws. The game has been speed up by this making it an even more exciting game!
Don’t panic about the rules. The first game is going to be a friendly game so we can go through the rules with everyone.
If your team does not have any softball bats, gloves or catchers gear we can provide these on the day.
Ball will also be provided.
Rules
- 9 Players will be allowed to field or bat per innings, subs can be made at the end of batting or fielding. It does not have to be a completed innings.
- All players must bat on the order that appears on the score sheet.
- There is no bunting.
- There is no stealing of bases.
- Each batter receives a maximum of 5 pitchers. There are no walks.
- All batters must wear helmets. Helmets must stay on as they run around the bases.
- The batting innings is over if 6 runs are scored, or 3 outs are recorded.
- Each batter will receive 3 swinging strikes or face 5 pitchers. Whatever one comes first. If the bater fouls the 5th pitch, the bater will continue to receive pitches until they miss and are out, or they hit the ball into the field of play. They must run on their first hit into the field of play.
- If the batter has three swinging strikes at the ball they are out, the ball does not need to be caught by the catcher.
- If the bater is caught out any base runners must return to their base and either hold the base or tag the base before running to next base.
- Pitching machine will be operated by the offensive coach or a Mid Canterbury Senior Softball player. This person will also umpire the game. The player that plays in the pitching position must have at least 1 foot inside the pitching circle at the time of the pitch. Please see video for examples.
- Base coaches are allowed, if that person is a child they must have a helmet on.
- If they wish the fielding coach is allowed in the outfield to help their team but “must” not get involved in the play. Any coach in the field must wear a high vis vest.
- All pitchers will be made from a Louisville Slugger Pitching machine. Pitching machine hight will not be adjusted between pitchers so some batters may have to swing a little higher than normal. No batter will bat from a Tee.
- If the batters hit, hits the pitching machine or finishes in the pitching circle than that is a dead ball, and the pitch is taken again.
Any batted ball that is a pop fly and is above the machine and is considered to be a safety hazard to the defensive team as deemed by the umpire will be called a FOUL ball. Any batted ball that passes through the circle without obstruction is a live ball.
- Base 1 can be over run, but 2nd and 3rd base must be held by the runner. Runners can slide on these bases.
- No taking of extra base when an over throw to first occurs.
- On an overthrow to any other base a runner may take one additional base.
- Runners must not leave their base before pitch is thrown.
- Game is operated on time (45 minutes) and not innings. At the end of time the Score will be counted from the last completed innings.
- Each team will have a maximum of 2 minutes to get ready between innings, any team causing a delay where the other team has to wait past this point will result in points lost.
- 2 out catcher rule will be applied to help speed up the game. This just means if your catcher is on one of the bases with 2 outs, he comes off to get ready and another runner takes his place.
- Each game will start on the designated start time. Teams are recommended to get to games early. Game start times are 4 pm, 4:50 pm and 5:40 pm.
- Uniforms are not mandatory but the kids would look great if you have them.