Minors (10u) 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 on Tues/Thurs at 6:00 PM & Sat at 12:00 PM 
2. Innings = 6 Innings 
3. Ball Size = 11” 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
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 NOT permitted in the 10U/Minors division.
21. Players may take a lead upon the release of the pitch. If the player leaves early and is safe, the player must return to the base. If the player leaves early and is out, the out stands. 
22. Mercy Rule = 4 runs per inning, except the 6th inning which is unlimited. If, after 3 innings or later, it is decided that the next inning is the last, then it can be unlimited if agreed upon by both managers and the umpire.  
23. Pitching Distance = 35 feet (from back tip of home plate). 
24. Pitchers are limited to 6 pitched innings per calendar week (Monday through Sunday per Babe Ruth). We should be developing several pitchers at this age level.
25. All batters should make an effort to avoid being hit by a pitch. However, if a batter is hit directly (no bounce) or a single bounce pitch, the batter will advance to first regardless of the number of prior walks. The umpire has the right to call the ball dead; a single coach can not overrule or argue the call.
26. A base runner may attempt to steal 1 base at a time (2nd or 3rd). The catcher can attempt to throw that runner out. The runner cannot advance to the next base on an overthrow or error. The runner can advance if the ball is hit. 
27. Advancement on overthrows: A runner may attempt to advance 1 base on an overthrow. If an additional throw is attempted at the new base, and an additional overthrow occurs, the runner can attempt another base. To avoid multiple free bases, players should be taught to get it into the pitcher instead of throwing it around the field. A throwback to the pitcher ends the play.
28. Exception to the rule: NO runner may advance if the overthrow is from the catcher trying to throw out a runner who is stealing 2nd or 3rd.
29. Any runner tagged while off a base at any point is out. Except if the umpire sends them back - they left early.
30. 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. 
31. 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 & out of the game & from position to position freely.  
32. Bunting is allowed. 
33. Only two walks (excluding HBP) are allowed per inning. After the second walk, if a batter receives a fourth ball with a player pitching, the batter will retain the number of strikes, and the offensive coach will pitch from within the circle to the batter for the remainder of the at-bat. The umpire will still call strikes when the coach is pitching, but the batter is not allowed to walk. The girl who was pitching will remain near the pitching circle (within 5 feet) and may field any “IN PLAY” balls that come to this location. The coach is not allowed to make any plays on the field. 
34. For the safety of all players, any pitcher who hits 5 batters in a game must immediately be removed from the pitching position for the rest of the game (she may play any other position). HBP is determined by the umpire (i.e., neither swung at nor called a strike; did not bounce for 10U only). Coaches should review this rule with the umpire before each game. 
35. Umpires will be scheduled for these games. Please remember these umpires are usually kids and are still learning. If you feel a call (not balls or strike) was improper, call a timeout, and the two managers and the umpire can discuss the call - the umpire has the final say. Should an umpire not show, please designate a volunteer to call balls & strikes. If umpire gear is not available or the volunteer is uncomfortable, he/she may call balls/strikes from behind the pitcher's mound. 
36. Courtesy Runner: 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 was the last out. If the injured player is unable to run on their own, they will be removed from the batting order for the remainder of the game. A courtesy runner may also be put into the game for the catcher after the 2nd out of the inning. 
37. 10 Players may be utilized if mutually agreed upon by the managers before the game. The extra player needs to be placed in the outfield. This 10-player rule is to maximize playing time to the extent possible. 
38. At this level, we are expected to teach correct positions and responsibilities. Example: The Second baseman or shortstop should be covering 2nd base on an attempted force out. Outfielders should be a backup on this play. Specific “plays” once in a while are appropriate.
39. The goal is to PLAY each game as scheduled - if a team has only 7 players, a player from the opposing team can fill the open field position, or the team can field 7 – no forfeit. “Do what it takes to play a game” (borrowing players from the opposing team)