Rules ages 5-8 year olds
ANGELS DIVISION (5-8 YEAR OLDS)
The purpose of this division is to introduce the girls to the basics of the game: fielding, base running, and rules. The highlighted portions represent the changes for 2010. All play will be according to the ASA rules, except for the following:
FIELD
o Pitching Distance will be 35 ft for the stand in player. The adult pitcher pitches from a distance that is appropriate to skill of batters.
o The base distance will be 50 ft.
GAME
o There will be no forfeits. If a team is short players, players from the opposing team are used to complete the line-up.
o The official softball shall be an 11-inch “training softball” as approved by the Midland Girls Softball League.
o An inning is considered complete when the defensive team has acquired three outs or the offensive team has scored five runs.
o All games are six innings regulation. Tie games may go extra innings, time permitting. Extra innings shall be mutually agreed upon by the opposing managers of the two teams. If a game is tied at the time limit, it will be recorded as such.
o The game is called due to time limit after 1 hour 15 minutes from the start of the game. The score will be recorded as the score of the last complete inning. (Ensure the start time of the game is recorded at beginning of play)
o If there is a second game following the first game, it will start 10 minutes after the end of the first game.
o There shall be free substitution of defensive players. Substitutes do not need to be reported to the opposing scorekeeper. All players must play no less than three consecutive innings defensively, time permitting.
o The designated player rule is not used.
o There is no infield fly rule.
o There shall be no smoking, swearing or alcoholic consumption by managers, coaches, parents, fans or players at any time during practices or games.
o All players must wear their team uniform.
o Equipment: Catching gear (helmet, face mask with throat protector, chest protector, and shin guards) is required. Helmets with chinstraps are required for the batter and all base runners. The player is not called out for violation of this rule, but made to put on proper equipment.
PITCHING
o A parent or adult designated by the offensive team will do the pitching for the first 5 games the last 6 games will be using the Pitching Machines.
DEFENSE
o There will be no more than ten defensive players on the field including a stand-in pitcher, when using the Pitching machines they must be outside of the pitching circle.
o Two defensives coaches may be on the field to give directions to the defensive players, if desired.
o A play is considered over when the stand-in pitcher (player, not adult) has control of the ball within the pitching circle. Base runners must return or go to the nearest base at this time.
OFFENSE
o There is no stealing.
o There is no leading off until the ball is either hit or reaches home plate. Penalty for leading off too soon is a warning and the player returns to the base.
o The batting order will consist of all players on the offensive team present at the game.
o Each batter will receive a maximum of five pitches then they will hit off the tee. The batter will either hit the ball or be declared out after three swinging strikes. There will be no walks.