Softball Rules and Regulations
Junior Division
10U
All play will be judged according to the rules set down by USA Softball with the following exceptions. Any situation not specifically covered in these local rules will be governed by the current years USA rules. Please find rules on the USA website https://www.usasoftball.com/official-rulebook/
Eligibility
Only those girls properly registered with the towns Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Mokena, andTinley Park (Bulldogs and Bobcats), Homer, Lockport, and Belmontwill be eligible to participate in association activities and game play. All fees must be paid and a completed registration form must be on file. Any team using a player who is not registered with their town or a player that is registered, rostered and plays on a Full Time Travel team will automatically forfeit the game in which the action occurred.
Age
Age determination is based upon the player’s age, as of 2024 age eligibility has changed, see previous page for chart. If a player wishes to play in a division other than their age level, the parent(s) of the player must formally petition the league board which will then notify the SSC President for consideration.
· 10U Juniors/Mustang9-10 year olds
Age determination for the fall season is based upon the division that the player’s age will place them into for the spring season proceeding the fall season. (If a girl played in 8U for the spring season, but will turn 9 before December 31st, she would play in the 11U division for the fall season).
Uniforms
Each player must be in proper uniform to participate. A players’ uniform consist of the standard team uniform shirt, pants,and safety equipment. Uniform shirts should be tucked into the player’s shorts or pants. Sliding pads or softball pants are suggested for players in this age division.
No jewelry or hair combs are allowed to be worn during game play. Medical alert jewelry is permitted and must be discussed with umpire prior to the start of the game.
Equipment
Bats
Only official softball bats will be allowed. Bats made of aluminum, graphite, or ceramic materials must have an official softball insignia or have had it before such an insignia wore off. T-ball, little league, and baseball bats are prohibited.
Balls
Only LEATHER COVERED softballs with the official USA/USSSA/NSA softball insignia are to be used for game play. All game balls are supplied by the home team at the beginning of each game. No synthetic balls are allowed. No softie softballs allowed.
· 10U Juniors/Mustang – 11” hard ball - 1 New, 1 gently used
Batting Helmets
All batters, on-deck batters, and base runners are required to wear protective batting helmets at all times. It is mandatory for all batting helmets to be equipped with a face mask. A player may wear their own batting helmet only
if it is equipped with the mandatory face mask. A player who in the judgment of the umpire intentionally removes a helmet while base running during a live play will be called out.
Mokena Pitchers Equipment
Any player occupying the pitchers position is required to wear a protective pitchers mask. Any pitcher refusing to wear such protective gear will not be allowed to occupy the pitchers position.
Frankfort Pitchers
It is HIGHLY recommended that any player in the position of PITCHER wear a protective mask. It is further recommended that protective masks be worn by all infielders for their safety.
Catcher’s Equipment
Catchers must wear a catcher’s helmet, face mask with integrated or attached throat guard, chest protector, and shin guards.
Players
A minimum of 8 players is required for a team to start a game in this division. A team that cannot field the minimum number of players within 15 minutes after the scheduled start of the game will automatically forfeit and the game will not be rescheduled. The exception to this rule is if both managers are in agreement to extend the 15 minute time period, if a late player arrival is expected.
If a manager has advance notice that their team will be short the minimum number of required players for a game, the manager has the option of calling a player up from a lower age division to act as a substitute player for that game. Players can only be called up from a lower division; no player can participate as a substitute player in the current division in which they are registered. There are no restrictions on positions that the substitute player may play.
A team that loses a player due to an injury that occurred during game play, and as a result no longer has the required minimum number of players to continue the game, may at the managers discretion continue to play with less than the minimum number of players or may ask for and be granted a forfeit.
Coaches Option for 10 Defensive Players
The maximum number of players that can occupy the field on defense is 10. Ten players are allowed on defense only if both teams have at least 10 players and both coaches agree to play 10. This rule is designed to maximize participation and is not intended to inhibit the teaching of proper fundamentals of the game. The positions include pitcher, catcher, 4 infield players and 4 outfielders. The outfielders must be employed as a right fielder, right center fielder, left center fielder, and left fielder. No short fielder is allowed and the extra player can not be utilized as an extra infielder.
Coaches
Coaches must coach their team from the dugout or coaches box. No coach will coach from the outside of the field of play or from behind the backstop of the field.
Manager Only Rule
Only the team manager or the designated acting manager can approach the umpire(s) to discuss an issue. Coaches, players, and spectators are not allowed to approach the umpire (s) to discuss any issues. Coaches are not allowed to add their input in any consequential discussion between umpires and managers. Both team managers should participate in any conferences with the umpire(s).It is the responsibility of team manager or designated acting manager to ensure that only they and the other manager engage in the discussions with the umpires. All discussions should be conducted in a respectful manner. The manager only rule shall also be in effect for pre-game conferences with umpires.
Umpires
Each scheduled game shall be officiated by at least one umpire for all divisions. All plate umpires are required to have the minimum of ASA Certification for the 10U division.
If no umpire arrives within 15 minutes after the scheduled start of the game, the managers may, upon mutual agreement, select an umpire from available coaches and parents. If no agreement can be made, the game shall be considered canceled and will be rescheduled. The Home Team must make every attempt to contact scheduled umpire prior to cancelling game.
It is strictly the responsibility of the umpire to decide issues of the 2- hour Rule, halt the game due to darkness, curfew, minimum number of players, etc. The umpire’s decision on these matters is final.
The umpire will have general responsibility for calling games due to weather conditions. If lightning and/or thunder is observed and the umpire has not elected to call the game, the managers of the teams will be empowered to make a joint decision to remove his/her players from the field. If there is a disagreement as to the merits of this action it must be reported by the disagreeing party to the Grievance Committee within 48 hours.
Umpires retain the authority to eject any offending party from the game and determine what is foul language and unsportsmanlike conduct. Ejected parties must leave the vicinity of the field until the completion of the game and shall not approach or otherwise attempt to communicate with the umpires or opposing team following the completion of the game.
Pre-game Conferences
It is recommended that both managers or the designated acting manager(s) and the umpires have a conference prior to the start of the game to discuss:
The Manager Only Rule
Hit-by-Pitch, Illegal Pitches
Strike Zone
Courtesy runners
Dead Ball rule
Any other issue that is felt to be relevant to game play or the players
Field Dimensions and Gameplay
Base Lengths
The distancesbetweenthe bases is as follows and is measured from theback tip of home plate
· 10U – 60 feet
Pitching Distance
The distance for the placement of the pitching rubber will be the measurement from the back tip of home plate to the front edge of the pitchers plate.
· 10U – 35 feet
Pitching Circle
- 10U – 16 foot diameter from the center of the pitchers plate
Standard Game Length
· 10U – 6 innings maximum play
Official Game Determination
2-hour Rule
No new inning may be started at a point exceeding 1 hour and 45 minutes from the scheduled start time of the game. At the 2 hour limit, the game is official and the results will be counted, including ties.A full 6 inning game may be played IFthe field is available, both managers agree, and the umpire approves.This agreement must be reached prior to the start of the game.If this agreement is not reached prior to the start of the game, then the game will not extend past 2 hours from the start of the game. The score will then revert back to the last completed full inning.
Played Innings-
·10U – after 4 innings have been completed, 3 ½ if the home team is leading
If a game becomes official but does not finish due to darkness or adverse weather conditions, the score that existed at the end of the last completed full inning will be the final score of the game.
If the required minimum number of innings for the division have not been played and the game was called for one of the following reasons 2-hour rule, darkness, or adverse weather conditions and a team was leading by 15 or more runs, the game will be considered complete and official. The score will be recorded and the results included in the division standings. A game that is not official but is suspended due to weather shall be rescheduled and started from the top of the first as if the game had never been played.
Ties
If a game is tied it will continue until the tie is broken at the end of a complete inning, however, if the game is halted due to the 2- hour Rule, darkness, or adverse weather conditions, the official result will be a tie. All playoff games will continue until the tie is broken.
Mercy Rule
The Mercy Rule will be enforced if a team is leading by15 or more runs after:
· 10U – 4 innings, 3 ½ if they are the home team.
If a game ends due to a15 run lead, the game will be considered official and the results will be recorded. The Mercy Rule will be in effect from the above mentioned inning until the end of the game. If a sufficient lead is established that the trailing team can not overtake the leading team, the game will not be halted unless by mutual agreement of both managers.
5 Run Limit
A team may not bat after they have scored the fifth run for any inning, regardless of the number of outs.
A team’s half of an inning ends when the play during which the fifth run is scored is over. Play continues until the ball is dead by rule, however a maximum of five runs are recorded. The umpire(s) are solely responsible for determination of when the ball becomes dead.
Last Inning of Play for Playoff Games ONLY
In the last inning, or the inning that the umpire declares will be the last inning (the umpire must declare this before the first pitch of that inning is thrown), the 5 run limit is suspended. A team may score unlimited runs and the defensive team must obtain 3 outs in order for the half an inning to conclude.
Courtesy Runner
If a player is injured and unable to run the bases to the fullest extent, the manager may request a courtesy runner through the umpire. The most recently retired player will be the designated runner.
A courtesy runner may also be requested for the catcher if there are two outs in an inning. This allowance is to speed game play by allowing the incoming catcher time to put on her gear.
Lead Offs
Leaving from a base is not allowed until the ball has left the pitchers hand.
Stealing
10U – One base per batter may be stolen on any pitch. Stealing home or double steals are not allowed. Only the lead runner may steal. For example, if runners are at first and third bases, the runner on first may not steal since she is not the lead runner. If a runner improperly attempts to steal a base because a base has already been stolen during the current at bat or she is not the lead runner, the runner will be returned to the proper base without risk of being put out. There is no walk continuation or walk into a steal allowed. Violation of this rule will result in the player will be called out.
Sliding
10U - Sliding or other effort must be made to AVOID CONTACT with the defensive player. If contact is made, it will solely be the umpire’s determination if there was an attempt to avoid contact. If no play is being made, the defensive players must give way to the offensive player.
Bunting and Slap Hitting
10U - Bunting is allowed, however, slashing or faking a bunt followed by a swing attempt on the same pitch is not allowed. Slap hitting is also not allowed.
Infield Fly and Dropped 3rd Strike
10U – Infield Fly rule and Dropped 3rd Strike are NOT in effect.
Pickoff Attempts
10U – An important aspect of the 10U game is development of baserunning and catcher throwing skills. For this reason, catchers are allowed to throw behind a runner that is leading off without risk of advancement on an overthrow. Pickoff attempts are limited to one per batter in an attempt to maintain speed of the game (The intent of this rule is to maintain game pace and should not be utilized by the offensive team to gain an unsportsmanlike advantage. Excessively long leadoffs (more than 3-4 strides) following a pickoff attempt will be warned by the umpire.)
Hit-by-Pitch
If a batter is hit by the ball, the play is considered dead and the player is awarded the base. If the home plate umpire rules that the batter did not attempt to avoid the pitch, and does not award the batter first base, then it will not count as a hit batter. The umpire will be solely responsible for this determination which is a non-arguable judgment call.
If a pitcher hits 2 batters in one inning, the pitcher must be replaced for the remainder of that inning.
The pitcher may return to pitch subsequent innings if they have not fulfilled the division pitching inning limit. If a pitcher hits three batters in a game, the pitcher cannot return pitch at any time during the remainder of the game.
Before the game, the managers should discuss with the umpires the hit-by-pitch rule and make it clear that is a safety rule and that it is solely the umpires call. No coach, player or parent will attempt to influence the umpire’s decision.
Strike Zone
The strike zone will be defined as the area over home plate, between the armpit and the bottom of the knees. If any portion of the ball passes over home plate at the specified height, it is a strike. Managers should ask the umpire before the game what they intend to use as the strike zone. This serves to clarify the strike zone for all parties. If a manager feels that the umpire’s strike zone has shifted during game play, the manager has a right to call a conference with the umpire and the other manager to discuss the situation.
Line-ups
Lineups must be submitted to the opposing team manager for each game no later than 5 minutes prior to the start of the game. These lineups will include the full name of the player, her number, and the batting order that will be employed for the duration of the game.
Batting Order
A continuous batting order including all team members must be employed. Late players that arrive after the start of the game must be placed in the bottom of the batting order. Players will bat in the order designated in the line-up regardless of whether they are employed in the field or not. If the late player who is listed in the batting order is not present, the batter will be skipped without penalty and they will bat the next time their turn comes up. The opposing manager should be informed immediately when this situation occurs. Should a player need to leave a game prior to the end of the game the same rule applies as above without penalty. A team may not continue a game with less than eight players in the field.
Player Innings
· 10U – All girls must play a minimum of 4 complete innings defensively in a 6-inning game.
If a player has not played the required minimum number of innings due to a shorted game, the player must start defensive play in the next game. Players must rotate to an infield and outfield position during each game.
Defensive Substitution
Free defensive substitutions are permitted. A pitcher may not leave and re-enter as a pitcher in the same inning.
Dead Ball
The ball will be considered dead once the pitcher has control of the ball and is within the designated pitching circle. Once the ball is dead, no runner may advance if they are not judged greater than halfway to the next base by the umpire.If a runner is not more than halfway to the next base, they must return to the preceding base.
In the event of an obvious injury to a player, the umpire may declare the ball dead and call a time out. The umpire will be responsible for the judgment as to the position of the runners.
Pitching
The pitcher shall take a position with their pivot foot in contact with the pitcher's plate and their non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcher's plate. Both feet must be on the ground withinthe 24-inch length of the pitcher's plate. The shoulders shall be in line with first and third bases. The pitcher must not make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the ball to the batter. Leaping and/or crow-hopping are illegal.
Leaping is defined as the pitcher having both feet off the ground simultaneously. Pushing off and dragging the pivot foot in contact with the ground is required. If a hole has been created, the pivot foot may drag no higher than the level plane of the ground.
A crow hop is defined as the act of a pitcher who steps, hops, or drags off the front of the pitcher's plate, replants the pivot foot, establishing a second impetus(or starting point), pushes off from the newly-established starting point and completes the delivery. Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcher's plate is illegal.
1st offense - Warning
Additional offenses - Pitch will be called a "ball"
Pitcher inning limits
· 10U – A pitcher cannot pitch more than 3 innings in a 6 inning game.
The above inning limits do not have to be consecutive innings. One pitch in an inning counts as a full inning pitched.
There are no intentional walks allowed. Violation of this rule will result in the award of 2 bases to the batter. The umpire is solely responsible for determination of a two base award.
Home Team Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the manager of the designated home team to set up the bases and pitching rubber prior to the start of the game. It is the responsibility of the manager of the designated home team to retrieve the items from the field and place them back in the lockbox after the game. Base peg covers must be replaced on the field and the clean-out tool returned to the lockbox. The area around the pitching circle and batters boxes should be raked and leveled. It is the responsibility of the manager of the designated home team to make sure that the lock on the lockbox is securely locked before they leave a field. Missing or damaged equipment should be reported to the division coordinator immediately after the game.
The home team is responsible for supplying a new game ball at each game. These balls are supplied by your town to the manager at the beginning of the season.
It is the responsibility of the HOME TEAM MANAGER to enter the game score. Game score MUST be entered within 24 hours of the completion of the game. Missing scores after 48 hours of the completion of the game will be inserted as a forfeit score with the visiting team gaining the win. Coaches will be sent a password from the FGS website to enter these scores. If you are unable to enter your score you can send an email to your division coordinator who will then enter the score and correct the issue blocking you from entering the score.
Scores for playoffs will be sent to the master scorekeeper directly following the completion of each playoff game.
Game Cancellation
Games cannot be canceled and rescheduled for any reason except adverse weather conditions or unplayable fields. Only the SSC Scheduler can make this determination prior to the scheduled start time of a game.
The Home Team Towns Softball President or designated field coordinator will make all decisions pertaining to field cancelation due to adverse weather conditions or unplayable fields. Managers can confirm game cancellations through the MBSA Weather Hotline 708-689-4150 or through the Main Website at www.Frankfortgirlssoftball.com. Towns will report field conditions no later than 4:00 weekdays and 7:30 am on the weekends to the SSC President or Scheduler.
If games have not been officially canceled, managers should proceed with the scheduled start time. Managers must arrive at the scheduled field at the time they requested their team to arrive. Games cannot be called beforehand in anticipation of adverse weather conditions or the assumption that the field is unplayable. All reasonable attempts should be made to play scheduled games.
The umpire has the authority to cancel a game before one is started, if adverse weather conditions exist. If both managers agree before the start of the game that adverse weather conditions exist, the game can be cancelled. These games will be rescheduled.
The umpire will have general responsibility for calling games due to weather conditions. If lightning and/or thunder is observed and the umpire has not elected to call the game, the managers of the teams will be empowered to make a joint decision to remove his/her players from the field. If there is a disagreement as to the merits of this action it must be reported by the disagreeing party to the Grievance Committee within 48 hours. If for any reason other than adverse weather, a game cannot be played, it will be forfeited by the team which cannot play.
Any changes to the schedule will be communicated through the advanced communication system build into the website. Changes will be sent via email and text message (if available on your phone). It is the players and coaches responsibility to check their email and text prior to leaving for a scheduled game.
Adverse Weather
If lightning is observed, the game should be halted immediately and the players should be removed from the field. If the field is equipped with lightning detection equipment, all warnings from such equipment are to be strictly and absolutely obeyed, in spite of any observation of weather conditions to the contrary. Safety of all participants and spectators is the priority.
Disciplinary Actions
All players, parents, coaches, and managers must adhere to the Code of Conduct, to which they signed at the beginning of the season. Disputes should first be discussed by managers and umpires with the umpire holding discretion in enforcement. If disputes cannot be settled at the game, complaints must be submitted on an Incident Report form (On MBSA Website) to the division coordinator (Frankfort) who will forward the report to the SSC League President.
Umpires retain the authority to eject any offending party from the game and determine what is foul language and unsportsmanlike conduct. Ejected parties must leave the vicinity of the field until the completion of the game and shall not approach or otherwise attempt to communicate with the umpires or opposing team following the completion of the game.
Bats or any other equipment thrown in anger will result in the batter being declared out and dismissal from the game with the ball being declared dead.
A bat that slips from the batter’s hand will result in a warning to the team for the first occurrence. The second team occurrence will result in the batter being declared out, the ball declared dead, and the runners unable to advance. This ruling is based on the judgment of the umpire, and is a non-arguable judgment call.
Grievances
The Grievance Committee will handle only the following matters:
Protests pertaining to lightning/thunder scenario. All other weather, darkness, curfew, etc. decisions are the sole responsibility of the umpire and will not be reviewed.
Reported incidents of improper conduct by team managers, coaches, players, or spectators that are of a nature that poses a threat to the health and well-being of the players and/or the league.
No other protests are allowed.
Revised 8/15/2020