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Rules ages 9-10

PONYTAIL DIVISION (9 & 10 YEAR OLDS)

The objective of this division is to introduce girls to batting against good pitches, good offensive base running, and good defensive playing skills.  The highlighted portions represent the changes for 2010.  All play will be according to the ASA rules, except for the following:

FIELD

o   The pitching distance will be 35 feet.

o   The base distance will be 60 feet.

GAME

• There will be no forfeits. If a team is short players, players from the opposing team are used to complete the line-up.

• If a team has less than 9 players during tournament play, the team may pick up a maximum of two players.  The picked-up players may not pitch at any time.

• The official softball shall be an 11-inch softball approved by the Midland Girls Softball League or the dimple ball used in the machine pitch league.   The ball used shall be agreed to by both coaches prior to the start of the game.  The ball type can be changed as long as both coaches agree.

• The dropped third strike rule will not apply to this division.  Batters, and runners, may not advance when the catcher drops a called third strike.

• An inning is considered complete when the defensive team has acquired three outs or the offensive team has scored five runs.

• All games are six innings regulation.  Tie games must go extra innings, time permitting.  If a game is tied at the time limit, it will be recorded as such.

• The game is called due to time limit after 1 hour and 15 minutes from the start of the game. The score will be recorded as the score of the last complete inning.

• During tournament play, after 1 hour and 15 minutes has elapsed, the teams shall finish the inning.

• All players will immediately leave the field once the time limit is reached (ensure the start time of the game is recorded at beginning of play).

• 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. 

• The designated player rule is not used.

• There is no infield fly rule.

• There shall be no smoking, swearing or alcoholic consumption by managers, coaches, parents, fans or players at any time during practices or games.

• Players must wear their team uniform.

• 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   Girls will pitch from 35 feet.

o   Each batter will either get a hit, strike out (three strikes) or four balls in the count the coach will pitch to the batter.  When the coach enters the game to pitch to the batter strikes will carry over in the count. The batter at this point either gets a hit or strikes out.

o   There will be no walks.

o   There is no limit to how many innings a pitcher can pitch.

DEFENSE

• There will be no more than ten defensive players on the field.

• A play is considered over when the designated player - pitcher has control of the ball near the pitching circle.  Base runners must return or go to the nearest base at this time.

OFFENSE

• There is no stealing.  Players advancing without the batted ball in play must return to their base.

• Players may not lead off. They may leave the base when contact is made with the ball by the batter.

• The batting order will consist of all players on the offensive team present at the game.

BATTING

• Each team will bat the entire line up so every players gets to bat during the entire game.

• Any player showing up after the game starts shall be inserted into line up after last batter.

• The batter shall wear a helmet with chinstrap and facemask while up to bat and while on deck.