12U Division Softball Rules 2014 1.0 Field Rules

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12U Division Softball Rules 2014 All MHSAA rules and regulations apply with the following exceptions unless stated in General Rules:

1.0 Field Rules: 1.1 Bases: Bases will be at 60 feet. 1.2 Pitching Rubber: Pitching distance shall be 40 feet. A 12-inch ball will be used. 1.3 Pitcher’s Circle: A 16 foot radius pitching circle is used for the look-back rule. A pitcher is in the 16foot circle when both feet are within or partially within the line.

2.0 Player Equipment / Uniform Rules: 2.1 Uniform: Players must wear uniform provided. 2.2 Catchers: Catchers must wear catcher’s mask with helmet, chest protector, and shin guards. A throat protector is required. 2.3 Pitchers: Pitchers must wear a protective mask.

3.0 Game Rules: 3.1 Length: Regulation game will consist of seven (7) innings. Four (4) complete innings shall constitute an official game, (3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead) for the purpose of games called due to darkness, weather, or time limit. 3.2 Time Limit: No new inning shall be started after 1 hour and 30 minutes. If two (2) games are scheduled, back-to-back, on the same field, no inning of the first game shall begin after 1 hour and 20 minutes as long as the game is official. 3.3 Runs: A maximum of five (5) runs per team in each inning except the last designated inning which is unlimited. 3.4 Mercy Run Rule: The game will be over if one team is ahead by 15 runs after four (4) complete innings (3 ½ innings if home team is ahead), 10 runs after five (5) complete innings (4 ½ innings if home team is ahead), or a (20) run lead at any point during the game.

4.0 Pitching Rules: 4.1 Innings Pitched: A pitcher is limited to four (4) innings or twelve (12) outs per game. The starting pitcher may re-enter the game as a pitcher only if pitching limitations have not been exceeded. 4.2 Warm-ups/Pitching Changes: A pitcher is allowed (5) warm up upon entering the game, (3) between innings. 4.3 Hit Batters: A pitcher will be removed if she hits three (3) batters in a game and not be allowed to reenter the game in that position then. Batters that are declared hit by a pitch by the umpire are awarded first base. If the batter made no attempt to avoid getting hit by a pitch, the umpire will call the pitch a ball and no base will be awarded (umpire judgment). The hit batter will not be counted towards the pitcher. 4.4 Intentional Walk: When a team intends to intentionally walk a batter, they must notify the st umpire and the batter will be granted 1 base. This must be done before the first pitch is thrown.

5.0 Fielding Rules: 5.1 Fielding Positions: Nine (9) players will play at one time on the field, Six (6) infielders and three (3) outfielders. An official game may be played with eight (8) players, if only eight (8) players, an out will be recorded for the 9th batting position. Four (4) Outfielders may be used if both Managers agree to do so. The Umpire must be notified before the start of the game. 5.2 Position Rules: At the time the pitch is delivered. The outfielders shall be standing on the outfield grass. 5.3 Infield Fly Rule: The infield fly rule will be in effect.

6.0 Batting Rules: 6.1 Batters: All players on the roster will bat. 6.2 Batting Order: Before each game the coach/scorekeeper shall give the batting order to the opposing team's coach/scorekeeper. The same batting order is to be followed for the entire game. Players not present at the time the batting order is submitted may be added at the end of the batting order when they arrive. 6.3 Injuries: If a player leaves or is injured during the game and is unable to bat, her position in the batting order will be skipped without penalty as long as eight (8) players remain. 6.4 Bunting: Bunting and slap hitting are allowed. No Fake Bunt Hitting – once batter squares to bunt batter must attempt to bunt or pull back and take the pitch. Umpire will determine if the pitch is a ball or strike. 6.5 Dropped Third Strike: The dropped third strike rule will be in effect. 6.6 Thrown Bats: Players are to drop, not throw, their bats. Each team will receive one warning per game for a thrown bat. Subsequent offences by the same team will result in the batter being called out.

7.0 Base Running Rules: 7.1 Overthrows: Play continues until the pitcher has control of the ball inside the pitcher's circle. 7.2 Stealing: Stealing will be allowed at all bases. 7.3 Leaving Base: Base runners must remain on the base until the pitcher releases the ball (umpire's judgment). If a runner leaves early, she will be called out. 7.4 Sliding: Head first sliding is not allowed into any base. If a player slides head first it will result in an automatic out. A player is allowed to slide head first going back to a base. If a fielder has the ball and is in position to make a play on the runner, the runner must attempt to slide or stop to avoid a collision. If the runner intentionally collides with the fielder, she will be called out (umpire's judgment).