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GAME PLAY:
The game play for U9 has been modified to focus on the aspect of having fun and learning the basics of Softball. Coaches must develop players at all positions including pitchers.

PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES BELOW:

1.0 MISSION STATEMENT

The objective of the participating associations is to engage players in the game of softball in a manner that ensures they have fun.  Interest in the game will be fostered by giving each player the opportunity to participate in all games.  Good sportsmanship must be demonstrated at all times by (and to) the Players, the Coaches, Spectators and Umpires alike.

1.1 There will be score sheets for each game; however we will not be keeping track of wins or losses.

1.2 Playoffs will be a random draw

1.3 Number of players on the field: The field can have up to 10 players, including the Rover. 4 outfielders and 6 infield.

1.4 A minimum of 6 fielders to play a game. (you may borrow players from the opposing team if you do not have enough to field a team.)

1.5 Attire: PANTS, JERSEY, HAT, CLOSED TOE SHOES (NO METAL CLEATS)

1.6 Equipment: Fielders MUST have a glove, catcher must wear all appropriate equipment

1.7 Batters and Pitcher MUST wear a helmet with a full face mask and a chin strap

1.8 Umpires will call the game due to lightning and the convenor will try to reschedule any cancelled games

1.9 Absence of an Umpire: Each team will select one representative to act as an umpire and remain objective for that game

1.10 Parents are NOT ALLOWED ON THE FIELD unless a player is injured and said parent has medical training, or is the players guardian, or is on the coaching staff/filling in for a coach

1.11 Parents are NOT PERMITTED TO SPEAK TO THE UMPIRES REGARDING CALLS, that is the coaches responsibility and may result in ejection from the game if deemed necessary

1.12 Over-aged players cannot play the same position more than once in a game, which includes pitching.

1.13 There are 10 different positions on the field and every player, regardless of their ability, should have an equal opportunity to develop their skills.

2.0 Playing Time: All players are given equal playing time and an opportunity to fully develop by playing all positions

2.1 Time Limit: Games begin at 6:30 p.m.  Forfeit / Default time is 6:45 p.m.  No new inning after 8:10 p.m.  Curfew on games is 8:30 p.m. 

2.2 Walks: No walks. Since the athletes are in the early stages of learning, proper technique rarely results in the ability to throw strikes consistently, so NO WALKS will be issued. If a pitcher gets 3 balls on a batter, an adult (from the batting team) will come in to pitch until the ball is either hit or the batter strikes out. This will eliminate pitchers reverting to improper technique to throw strikes, and fewer giving up in frustration or embarrassment.

Since there will be no advantage to a coach telling the batters to wait for a walk it will encourage more aggressive hitting, resulting in improved hitting ability, confidence and more action defensively. The increased action, defensively, will also result in improved defensive skills.

• Adult pitchers should use windmill arm action so batters get used to seeing it and should attempt to pitch at the speed similar to the pitcher who is pitching so batters learn how to hit that speed.
• Strike count resumes where the pitcher left off.

2.3 Maximum Number of Runs: There will be a maximum of 5 runs allowed per inning. If a team gets down by more than 10 runs after a complete inning, that team will now be permitted 4 outs. If the team gets back to within 10 runs, they will revert back to 3 outs in the next inning. This will help speed up the game in hopes of getting more innings in.

2.4 Number of Outfielders: 4 outfielders. The field is much too large for 3 young players to cover and this modification puts one more player into the action and off the bench.

2.5 Batting: All players bat. This level has the traditional 1, 2, and 3 out innings. Although only 10 players are playing defense, all of them are in the batting order.

2.6 Substitutions: Coaches are allowed unlimited substitutions.

2.7 Pitching: Pitchers are only allowed to pitch 9 outs per game before a pitching change is made. This will encourage a coach to develop several pitchers and avoid burning out an early achiever.

2.8 Coaches: Coaches are allowed on diamond during the game to help direct play and provide an opportunity for feedback to be immediate and private.

2.9 Strike Zone: Larger strike zone. A wider home plate is used (19" instead of 17") and the umpire is instructed to call a slightly larger vertical zone (shoulders to bottom of knees). This will help keep the adult pitcher out of the game a bit more as well as encourage more aggressive hitting. Parents should be informed of this change.

2.10 Infield Fly Rule: This rule does not apply.

2.11 Stealing: Players may steal a base after the ball crosses the plate, except for Home. Players can not score on a pass ball or wild pitch.

2.12 Overthrows: Runners will only receive 1 base on an overthrow, even if the ball is in fair territory. (i.e. a runner advancing to 2B at the time of an overthrow into CF can only go to 3B, not all the way Home).

2.13 Third Strike: The batter will be called out on a dropped 3rd strike

2.14 Thrown Bat: A player will receive one warning for throwing their bat. The next incident will result in the batter being called out.

1.0 MISSION STATEMENT

The objective of the participating associations is to engage players in the game of softball in a manner that ensures they have fun.  Interest in the game will be fostered by giving each player the opportunity to participate in all games.  Good sportsmanship must be demonstrated at all times by (and to) the Players, the Coaches, Spectators and Umpires alike.

2.0 GAME PLAY

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2.1 Length of Game: The maximum number of innings per game is 7 innings.

• Early games begin at 6:30 p.m.  Forfeit / Default time is 6:45 p.m.  No new inning after 8:10 p.m.  Curfew on games is 8:30 p.m. 
• Late games begin at 8:45 p.m.  Forfeit / Default time is 9:00 p.m.  No new inning after 10:25 p.m.  Curfew on late games is 10:45 p.m.

2.2  Unplayable Field Conditions: In the event of inclement weather, The Convenor may cancel any game prior to 5:00 p.m., via TeamSnap, after which point it becomes a game time decision. The Umpire will evaluate the condition of the playing field to decide if the game will be cancelled. The umpire's decision is final.   

2.3 Cancelled Games: The Convenor will attempt to reschedule.

2.4 Lightning: The umpires will call the game any time they see lightning.

2.5  Blood Rule

• Any player, coach or umpire showing evidence of external bleeding for any reason will be removed from the game until such time as the bleeding is stopped. Substitution for a bleeding player will be without penalty. If a substitute player is not available, the Umpire shall allow a reasonable amount of time for the player to resume.
• Any portion of a player's, coach's or umpire's uniform or clothing soiled by blood, must be removed. Sufficient (and reasonable) time will be allowed for this purpose. A replacement sweater does not have to conform to the common sweater uniform rules in this situation.

3.0 PLAYER PARTICIPATION / MINIMUM NUMBER OF PLAYERS

3.1 All players present must be included in the batting order.

3.2 Each team must have a minimum of 8 to start and end the game. They must have 7 from their own team, and can use callovers to a maximum of 9 players. Failure to field a team of 8 players at any point during the game, will result in a forfeit. 

3.3 No player will sit twice, until ALL players have sat out once (defensively).  No player may sit out two consecutive innings (defensively) except for disciplinary reasons.

3.4 Overage Players: he/she may pitch, and participation is dependent on decision by league executives.

3.5 Only registered players are permitted to participate in any game or practice.

3.6 Coaches must rotate players through different positions giving players the opportunity to play both infield and outfield.

4.0 EQUIPMENT

4.1 Pants: Players are not permitted any combination of shorts, pants and/or socks, which do not completely cover the leg.

4.2 Catcher: The catcher must be equipped with a helmet and facemask (with throat protector), chest protector and shin guards.

4.3 Gloves: Trapper glove may only be used by Catcher and First Base.

4.4 Helmets: All batters, base runners, and on-deck batters, must wear a softball approved batting helmet with a full face mask.  Batting helmets must remain on and strapped while on the playing field.  A warning will be given to both teams for the first offence of this rule. The subsequent offence by either team will result in an out.

4.5 Shoes: Shoes must be worn on the field.  Only plastic/rubber cleats/spikes are permitted.  All shoes, including players and coaches, must be fully enclosed; no slip-ons, clogs, sandals, etc.

4.6 Safety bases: Will be used at first base.

4.7 Jerseys: must be tucked in at all times when on the ball diamond.

4.8 Defensive Face Mask: all players are required to wear a face mask while pitching.

5.0 GAMEPLAY

5.1 Infield Fly: Applicable in instances where there are base runners at 1st and 2nd, or 1st, 2nd and 3rd, with less than 2 outs. When a pop-fly is deemed by an umpire to be easily caught by an infielder, infield fly is called by an umpire and the batter is automatically out. The base runners are not forced to advance and do so at their own risk. (U17 division only) 

5.2 Dropped Third Strike: Applicable when 1st base is unoccupied or there are two (2) outs, when third strike is called and the catcher does not catch the ball, the runner may attempt to advance to 1st as the ball becomes live. (U17 division only)

5.3 Overthrows: A live ball that is thrown or knocked out of play will result in all base runners being awarded 2 bases from where they were at the time of the throw.

5.4 Throwing the Bat:  At the discretion of the umpire any batter found throwing the bat can be either given a warning or will be given an automatic out. Repeat offenders, or if deemed intentional, players can be removed from the batting order and be an automatic out for the remainder of  the game.

5.5 Safety Play at Home (U17):  A safety line and a commitment line will be in place for U17 coed play.

• Commitment Line is a line, drawn 20 feet from the back of the plate (point), perpendicular to the third base foul line. No runner can be tagged once passed the commitment line, if so, the runner is safe and the ball is live. If a player passes the commitment line and then attempts to go back to third base they will be called out (excluding tag ups and missed bases.)

• Safe Line is a 10 foot line, drawn in foul territory, from the left front corner of home plate perpendicular to the third base foul line. When the runner touches ground beyond the line prior to the defensive player holding the ball touching home plate, they are considered safe. The runner shall not make contact with home plate, if so, they will be called out and the ball is live.

6.0 PITCHING      

For limits to the number of innings pitched please refer to the table provided.

7.0 WARMING UP THE PITCHER

7.1 CATCHERS, COACHES, and PARENTS must wear a mask while receiving warm-up pitches on the playing field prior to or during the game.  If the person catching refuses to wear a mask, when requested, the players involved and the head coach will be removed from the game.

7.2 A game official (plate or base) will alert the head coach of the request to correct the infraction, giving them the opportunity to correct it. A Convenor or League Executive can issue the request and notify the plate umpire.

8.0 SCORING

8.1 Mercy Rule: A team will bat until 3 outs are recorded or 5 runs have scored (Mercy Rule), whichever occurs first in the first four innings.  In the fifth and subsequent innings a team will bat until 3 outs are recorded or 7 runs have scored (Mercy Rule) whichever occurs first. The last inning will be called by the umpire and be an open inning for U17.

8.2 Score Submission: The winning coach is expected to send the game score to the Division Convenor through TeamSnap within 24 hours of game completion.

9.0 PROTESTS:

9.1 Protests are not allowed during regular season games.

10.0 EJECTIONS AND SUSPENSIONS - Ejections are issued by a member of the Umpire staff which includes any Executive Member 

10.1 Players or team officials ejected during play, or at the conclusion of play, by the    umpire, will leave the playing field, and if so designated by the umpire, the park. (The park is defined as the parking lot designated by the Umpire).  A first ejection carries an immediate suspension of 1 complete game played. A second ejection in the same season, or a first ejection deemed serious will be reviewed by the Discipline Committee, which may suspend the person a minimum of 1 game, and maximum of the remainder of the season. The coach of the team with the ejected player is responsible for communicating the ejection to the divisional convenor.

10.2 Volunteers or spectators ejected must leave the park,  (the park is defined as the parking lot designated by the Umpire) within 5 minutes of ejection; otherwise the coach will be ejected. If the coach does not leave the park within 5 minutes, the team forfeits the game.

10.3 Failure to report an ejection to the convenor prior to the next game will result in a forfeiture of the subsequent game and any additional games until the ejection is reported.

11.0 OTHER IMPORTANT RULES DIFFERENCES

11.1 Safety Base: A runner advancing to 1st base, must use the safety base if there is a play, to run through the base. Similarly, the fielder at 1st, must only use the white base to make a defensive out.

11.2 Defensive Conferences: A coach may have two defensive conferences for each pitcher, in each inning. In the second conference the pitcher must be changed and a new pitcher must be played.

11.3 Offensive Conferences: In the spirit of teaching players how to play the game, we want to encourage coaches to help players in need when in the batter’s box. As the players get older and gain more skill, less of this will occur. At the umpire’s discretion, a warning may be issued to the offensive coach if the umpire feels the game is being delayed for a competitive nature. A second warning may result in an ejection of the coach.