Majors (12u) 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 typically scheduled Mon & Wed at 6:00 PM & Sat at 2:00 PM 
2. Innings = 6 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.
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 NOT permitted in the 12U division - only rubber cleats will be permitted. 
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 6th inning and beyond, which is unlimited. If, after 3 innings or later, the next inning is going to be the last, then it can be unlimited if agreed upon by both managers and the umpire. 
23. Pitching Distance = 40 feet (from back tip of home plate) 
24. Pitchers are limited to 9 pitched innings per calendar week (Monday through Sunday per Babe Ruth) Coaches are encouraged to use more than one pitcher per game.
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. Players may be entered or reentered defensively in the game anytime, provided they meet the conditions of mandatory play. 
27. Stealing: A runner may steal as soon as the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. 
28. Bunting is allowed. 
29. The maximum number of players in the field is 9 at any time. 
30. 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; runner may advance from 1st base at their own risk of out if desired. 
31. 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 their own, they will be removed from the batting order for the remainder of the game. 
32. 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.  
33. 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. 
34. 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. 
35. The game must be 4 innings to be considered a complete game (3 ½ innings if the home team is up).
36. Players MUST slide or avoid contact or be called out when the play is at home plate and when a play is being made (e.g., the catcher flips the ball to the pitcher). MUST slide or avoid contact or be called out when the play is at 2nd or 3rd and the fielder is in possession of the ball.