Juniors (16u) Rules

Summary

This document serves to clarify some of the more important rules of softball and to emphasize the philosophy and goals of our league. Unless noted in this document, the Babe Ruth will be followed for all games. 

1. Games are played on Sat and/or Sun at 4:00 PM or 6:00 PM. Possibly Fri in June. 
2. Innings = 7 Innings 
3. Ball Size = 12” Ball, Optic Yellow, Raised Seam 
4. Typical Schedule for Weeknight Games / All Divisions
5. 5:30 PM Warm-ups for Home team (they are closest to the field) 
6. 5:45 PM Warm-up for Visitor team 
7. 6:00 PM Review Ground Rules with Managers and Umpire 
8. 6:00 PM Play Ball 
9. 6:15 PM Grace period ends – must have at least 8 players, or the game will be a forfeit.
10. Team managers should exhibit good sportsmanship about the grace period. Before each game, review and discuss ground rules and play times with the umpire and the other team manager.
11. No new inning shall start after 1 hr. and 45 minutes from the start of the game. Per Babe Ruth rules, no game shall last longer than 2 ½ hours. The umpire makes the final determination of when the game ends. On weekends, when there are no field schedule conflicts, the managers of both teams can agree to play past the 1 hour and 45 minute time limit. This must be discussed and agreed to BEFORE THE BEGINNING of the game. Whenever possible, coaches should attempt to play to the natural end of the game.
12. If the score is tied at the end of regulation play, extra innings may be played within the time limits stated above. If the time limit is reached, the game will end in a tie.
13. Lineups shall be exchanged as soon as possible.
14. Home Team provides 2 Game Balls as specified in the age bracket.
15. At all levels, the Pitcher, 1st baseman, and 3rd baseman must wear a fielder’s face shield.
16. Emphasis needs to be on teaching the fielder how to cover the base and players how to slide.
17. All divisions: Avoid contact if play is at the base or runners out if they initiate contact with the fielder.
18. When the inning run limit has been reached, the play continues until its natural end. Don’t have players walk off the field in the middle of the play. Any runs scored after the inning limit do not count.
19. A team may NOT steal once they are up by 10 runs.
20. Metal cleats are permitted in the 16U division.
21. Protests (Major and Senior Only): The team managers and the umpire should make every attempt to resolve any conflict and continue the game. If a resolution can not be reached, the head coach must inform the umpire before leaving the field. The NCMS League Director(s) should be notified ASAP. Protest will follow Babe Ruth Rules. 
22. Mercy Rule = 5 Runs per inning except the 7th inning and beyond, which is unlimited. If, after 4 innings or later, the next inning is going to be the last, it can be unlimited if agreed upon by both managers and the umpire. A game is an official complete game if a team is winning by 15 or more runs after the completion of 3 or 4 innings, or winning by 10 or more runs after 5 innings. At that time, the game is officially over, and the score is frozen. The contest may continue as a scrimmage provided the time limit rule is not met and both teams’ coaches agree.  
23. Pitching Distance = 43 feet (from back tip of home plate) 
24. Pitchers are limited to 9 pitched innings per calendar week (Mon-Sun) or 12 if 3 games in one week.
25. Continuous Batting Order: All players will be placed in the batting lineup and bat in their appropriate slot, whether they are currently playing a defensive position or not. 
26. Mandatory Play: Every player on a team will participate in each game for a minimum of six (6) defensive outs. Coaches may substitute players in and out of the game and from position to position freely as long as they meet the conditions of mandatory play. 
27. Stealing: A runner CAN leave the base to advance as soon as the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. 
28. Dropped 3rd Strike Rule = Batter CAN advance to 1st base after passed/dropped ball on 3rd strike providing (1) first base is not occupied before the pitch, or (2) first base is occupied with two outs; runners may advance from 1st base at their own risk of out if desired. 
29. If a player becomes injured after safely reaching a base, a courtesy runner may be put in to run for the injured player. The courtesy runner MUST be the player who made the last out. If that injured player is unable to run on her own, she will be removed from the batting order for the remainder of the game.  
30. Patched umpires will be scheduled for these games. In the event the umpire does not show up, a parent or league representative, knowledgeable of the rules can umpire the game if agreed upon by both managers
31. If during a game either team is unable to field eight (8) players whether due to injury, ejection, etc. the game will END at that point, and that team will forfeit the game. 
32. If a game is called due to darkness or weather in an incomplete inning, the score will revert to the last full inning of play. 
33. A game must go 5 innings to be considered a complete game (4 ½ if the home team is winning)
34. Players MUST slide if there is a play at 2nd, 3rd, or home plate. The runner is out if she doesn’t slide when the fielder at one of those bases is in possession of the ball.