The softball handbook contains rules, regulations and modifications for KIDSPORTS T-Ball, Modified Coach Pitch (MCP), Coach-Pitch (CP) and Player-Pitcher (PP) programs. KIDSPORTS Softball Programs are as follows:
Pre-K / Kindergarten: T-Ball
1 st Grade: T-Ball
2 nd Grade: MCP
3 rd Grade: CP
4 th Grade: CP-PP
5 th & 6 th Grade: PP
7 th & 8 th Grade: PP
Our Coach’s Handbook addresses specific coaching policies and philosophies. The Softball Advisory Committee met many times to consider modifications and changes to modify national rules. KIDSPORTS believes that these changes reflect the concerns and input of our community. Our goal is to provide participants with an enjoyable athletic and team experience.
Most program policies dealing with team formation, practices, and general program philosophy can be found in the Coach’s Handbook. KIDSPORTS’ program policies and philosophies are essential in assuring that KIDSPORTS is a positive experience for each participant.
SOFTBALL POLICIES & RULES
SECTION Intro-I: PRACTICES
(a) Practices/Sessions: Any game, meeting, or practice initiated and/or scheduled under the supervision of an adult, is a practice/session. 1 or more players’ meeting with a coach constitutes a practice/session.
(b) Weekend Practices: Other than scheduled games by KIDSPORTS, weekend practices/sessions are discouraged. When practices/sessions are scheduled on holidays or when players are unable to attend for religious reasons, players will not be penalized.
(c) Supervision: KIDSPORTS coaches must be in attendance for the entire practice. If a coach has to leave a practice/session, players shall be under the supervision of a responsible adult. Failure to properly supervise players may result in automatic cancellation of future practice sessions.
(d) Time Limits: Practice sessions must end promptly for:
- K – 4 th Grade: 8:30 pm
- 5 th – 8 th Grade: 9:00 pm
(e) Weekly Limits: The number of sessions shall not exceed:
- K-3 rd Grade: 1 Hr. 3 per week
- 4 th – 8 th Grade: 1.5 Hrs. 4 per week
SECTION Intro-II: GAMES
(a) Game Schedule: A schedule of games for each KIDSPORTS team will be drafted by the KIDSPORTS Scheduler. Once schedules are published, the schedule will not be changed, altered, and/or modified except for situations deemed to be of an extraordinary nature (school related). All schedule changes must be approved by a Sports Manager. If you are coaching more than one team, you must have an assistant coach prepared to take over the other team(s) in the event of a schedule conflict.
(b)Game Times: All KIDSPORTS games will be started and played:
- Weekdays: Starting @ 5:15 pm
- Saturdays: Starting @ 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Sundays: Starting @ 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Unless unusual circumstances occur, games rained-out and/or cancelled, games will be rescheduled on Sunday immediately following the original date scheduled.
(c) Starting Times: Games must begin on the exact starting time according to the official KIDPSORTS schedule. If a team cannot take the field within 15 minutes of the scheduled starting time, the game will be declared a forfeit. If a preceding game extends beyond the scheduled starting time, the game must begin within 20 minutes following completion of the preceding game. If either team is not ready to begin its infield practice at the above scheduled times, they shall have only the time remaining prior to the expiration of the 10-minute period.
SECTION Intro-III: GAME CHANGES
(a) Rainout Games: When poor weather exists, the KIDSPORTS Program Staff has sole authority to cancel games. Decisions regarding cancellations will be determined at:
- Weekdays: @ 4:00 p.m.
- Saturday: @ 8:00 a.m.
- Sundays: @11:00 a.m.
(b) Player Notification: Each head coach is responsible for notifying team players of game cancellations.
SECTION Intro-IV:RE-SCHEDULE / MAKE-UP GAMES
(a) Call In: Information on re-scheduled games will be available the next working day after 12:00 noon. Head coaches are responsible for calling the KIDSPORTS office for dates, times, and locations of make-up games. Failure to call KIDSPORTS for re-scheduled game information may result in forfeit.
(b) Rescheduling: Any league game, which must be replayed or continued at a later date due to weather or darkness, will be rescheduled by the KIDSPORTS staff only.
(c) Make-up Games (Sunday Games): If possible, KIDSPORTS will schedule make-up games on the first Sunday immediately following the original date scheduled.
SECTION Intro-V: PRE-GAME PROCEDURES
(a)Team Arrival @ Game Site: At least one coach from each team or his/her appointed representative must be at the game site at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time as listed on the official KIDSPORTS schedule.
(b) Pre-game Field Preparation: Both teams are responsible for the preparation of the field for game play. Bases must be secured and properly placed no later than 30 minutes prior to the game. The home coach is responsible for putting down the bases. In grades K-3 the visiting coach will provide a second "first base". As a time saver, it is suggested that coaches using the same base distances leave the bases installed for the following game and exchange bases with the next team's coach.
(c) Home Team/Visiting Team: The home team is always the team on the right side of the game schedule. The designated home team will sit on the third base bench. The visiting team is always the team on the left side of the game schedule.
(d) Team Bench: Players and substitutes shall sit on their team bench or in the dugout unless playing in the game. Only eligible players in uniform, coaches, and the scorekeeper shall occupy the bench or dugout during the game. Whenever a batter is retired, he or she must immediately return to the bench.
(e) Infield Practice: The home team begins its 10-minute infield practice 25 minutes prior to game time. The visiting team has 10-minutes for its infield practice starting fifteen minutes before game time.
(f) Official Scorekeeper: The home team is responsible for supplying the official score book and official scorekeeper. Volunteer adults are recommended as scorekeepers. The official scorekeeper is required to record the following actions:
- correct batting order
- player substitutions
- outs
- runs scored
- game start/end time
Scores are not kept for grades K – 2 nd grade. (Scorebooks are still issued at these levels to help train scorekeepers and keep the batting order organized.)
(g) Line-up Card Completion: Prior to each game, each head coach is required to fill out a KIDSPORTS line-up card. The line-up card shall include all players listed on the team roster filed with KIDSPORTS. Players who are not playing shall also be listed along with the reason(s):
- injury/illness
- vacation
- discipline
- quit the team
Continued: (g) Line-up Card Completion:
Each team must deliver 2 copies of their team line-up to the plate umpire 5 minutes before the game. The umpire keeps one copy which he/she will sign and turn into the KIDSPORTS office. The second copy is given to the opposing coach. At this time, both home and visiting coaches will give the umpire a new game ball. The home team should also provide a good used ball as a back-up.
(h) Dual Team Players: If a coach wishes to include a player on their team roster who is currently participating in another program (ASA, other organization) she must be registered by the registration deadline and be approved by a KIDSPORTS Sports Manager. She must also participate in at least 4 games to be eligible for post-season play. ASA participants are only eligible for the highest level of play KIDSPORTS offers in their school area.
SECTION Intro-VI: UNIFORMS / EQUIPMENT:
(a) Uniforms: Only KIDSPORTS issued uniform shirts shall be worn by teams during games and tournament play. Uniform shirts must be tucked in at all times during the game. Uniforms shall not be altered in any way, i.e. printing of business or team names, cutting off sleeves, changing color etc. KIDSPORTS may grant an exception for middle school teams based on the following criteria:
- Teams that want to wear discarded high school uniforms or similar attire.
- There is no corporate name printed on the uniform.
- There are no color conflicts in the league.
- Uniforms meet all KIDSPORTS uniform specifications.
- The team is not sponsored by a KIDSPORTS donor.
The head coach shall ask permission from the KIDSPORTS Equipment Manager to wear non-issued KIDSPORTS uniforms. Permission shall not be granted until the sport season registration deadline.
KIDSPORTS does not require specific attire for coaches.
(b) Illegal Equipment: Pitchers may not wear any items on the hands, wrists or arms that could be distracting to the batter.
(c) Hats/Headwear: All hats must be worn correctly, with the bill facing forward. Bandannas are prohibited.
(d) Batting Helmets: Each team is required to have a minimum of 4 regulation protective battling helmets on their bench prior to starting a game or practice session. Chin straps are provided for each helmet and must be worn at all times.
(e) Gloves/Catcher’s Mask: Players are allowed to use any type of glove or mitt. Catchers are required to use protective headgear.
(f) Shoes: Shoes with metal spikes or polyurethane soles cannot be worn. Players are not required to wear cleats and soft-soled athletic shoes are acceptable.
(g) Bats: Any high school restriction on weight-to-length-of-bat will be disregarded. Both wood and metal bats with safety grips are legal. Bats finished with enamel paint are prohibited. Exception—approved bats with factory enamel finish are legal. Baseball bats are prohibited.
(h) Sunglasses: Sunglasses shall not be worn by the pitcher or the batter. Prescription glasses are allowed. Eye black is preferred.
SECTION Intro-VII: EQUIPMENT VIOLATIONS
(a) Jewelry: Players are prohibited from wearing jewelry during games. This includes, but is not limited to:
- rings
- watches
- necklaces
- earrings (cannot be taped)
- barrettes
- bracelets (including cloth or string types)
- other items deemed unsafe by umpires
The umpire shall issue a warning to both teams on a first violation (by either team). For each subsequent violation, an additional out is charged to the offending team. If the violation occurs when a player is in the field, the penalty (1 out) shall be enforced when the offending team is at bat.
(b) Batting Helmets: The umpire shall issue a warning to both teams on a first violation (by either team) if a player removes her helmet on the playing field during live play. For additional violations:
- K – 3 rd Grade: For each additional violation, 1out will be charged to the offending team.
- 4 th – 8 th Grade: A second violation will result in 1 out charged to the offending team. A third or succeeding offense by a team will result in an ejection of the offending player.
SECTION Intro-VIII: SLIDING/NO CONTACT RULE (All Grades):
When a defensive player is in possession of the ball at a base (except 1st base), the base runner must avoid contact, slide, or give herself up for an out. Failure to avoid contact shall be an out and the player may be ejected from the game. The base runner may not leap over a player to avoid a tag. When a defensive player is in possession of the ball, the base runner is obligated to avoid contact. If there is contact between a base runner and a defensive player, and the defensive player does not have possession of the ball, the defensive player will be called for obstruction and the runner is awarded the base. Until the defensive player has possession of the ball, any defensive player must allow runners to advance to any base (including home plate) without obstructing them in any way.
SECTION Intro-IX: CONDUCT
(a)Chewing tobacco, Smoking, Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages, and Use of Controlled Substances: Chewing tobacco, smoking, consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or the use of controlled substances on or near the playing field by any player, coach, team personnel, or spectators is strictly prohibited. The umpire has the authority to eject individuals found in violation of this policy.
b) Conduct: KIDSPORTS encourages our coaches, players, scorekeepers, and spectators to display appropriate and supportive behavior during games. We also encourage good sportsmanship and respect for umpires, opposing coaches, and players. Inappropriate action(s) and behavior deemed unacceptable by the umpire will result in a verbal warning to the individual (player, coach, parent, or spectator). If the action and/or behavior continues, the umpire shall caution the individual. If the individual does not control their behavior and/or refuses to attempt to control the offending behavior of his players or team spectators, the umpire may eject the individual or call the game.
(c) Disciplinary Action: If a coach or scorekeeper is removed from the game via disciplinary action from the umpire, the ejected individual must leave the field. He/she may not sit on the team bench or in the stands. Ejected players must sit on the team bench or may leave the game site with a parent or guardian.
Any player or coach ejected from a game will be
suspended from the next scheduled game. Further ejections will result infurther suspensions or termination from the KIDSPORTS program.
SECTION Intro-X: UMPIRING
Umpires working KIDSPORTS games are often in their first or second year of officiating. Just like the young players on your team, they are still learning and will make mistakes. Please be patient and understand that each umpire is striving to improve.
(a) Protests: All decisions by umpires are final. KIDSPORTSdoes not recognize protests by coaches.
(b) T-Ball: T-Ball games are umpired by volunteers. The offensive team provides the umpire behind the plate. The defensive team provides the umpire in the field. The two umpires may confer to discuss the call. However, the offensive team’s umpire has the final say on all calls.
(c) K – 3 rd Grade: These games are played under a non-competitive atmosphere where no scores will be kept. Each team is expected to provide a volunteer umpire.
(d) 4 th - 8 th Grade: Umpires for all KIDSPORTS scheduled games are assigned by a commissioner. Umpires will not be provided for practice games scheduled by coaches. Each KIDSPORTS game is assigned an umpire. Unfortunately, situations arise when, due to last minute cancellations and/or unforeseen incidents, an umpire may not be available for your game.
(e) No-Show Umpires: KIDSPORTS will attempt to notify home teams prior to a game if there is knowledge that an umpire may be not be available for a game. Head coaches will be responsible for providing a volunteer or volunteers to umpire. The game will count as a league game. If your game had no umpires, please call the after hours phone line listed on your schedule and notify your Sports Manager on the next working day.
(f)Speed-up Rule – 2 nd through 8 th Grades: As an option, when there are two outs and the catcher is either on base or gets on base, the coach can designate a pinch-runner for that catcher, provided the pinch runner is the player who made the last out.
Kindergarten T-BALL:
MODIFIED PLAYING RULES
KIDSPORTS T-Ball follows National Federation High School Softball rules except as modified below.
SECTION K-I: FIELD DIMENSIONS
(a) Base Distance: Measurements are:
- 60’ baseline
- 84' 10" from home plate to 2nd base
(b) 10’ Arc: The area inscribed within a 10’arc in front of home plate, will be considered foul territory and subject to the same rules as any other foul territory between home plate and the 1 st and 3 rd bases. The arc shall be marked (by coaches if necessary) on the field. Use a 10’ string or cord; attach to an anchor at the rear point of home plate; mark arc only between foul lines.
SECTION K-II: GAME EQUIPMENT
(a) Ball Size/Style: 9” Lite-Flite balls will be used for all game and practice sessions.
(b) Bat Size/Style: KIDSPORTS will provide regulation softball bats.
(c) Batting T: The home team is responsible for having a batting T at the game. It is recommended that the visiting team have their T available in case it’s needed for emergency use. The batting T shall be placed directly on the top of home plate and the umpire may adjust the T to each batter's preferred height. A regulation batter's box will be used during T-Ball games.
(d) Second 1 st Base: The second 1st base (provided by visiting team) is placed next to the regular 1st base on the outside of the foul line. The base in foul territory is the one the batter runs to and fielders use the fair base. If the visiting team cannot provide the base, the game is played with one 1 st base.
SECTION K-III: PLAYER REQUIREMENTS / POSITIONS
(a) Starting Line-up: Games are played with 10 defensive players on the field and alternate players each inning.
(b) Pitching Position: The pitcher is required to stand within a 10’ circle marked on the field. Pitchers are not required to stand on the pitchers rubber.
(c) Catching Position: The catcher must be
positioned behind home plate when the ball is hit.
(d) Other Positions:(d) Other Positions: Outfielders must be a minimum of 15' beyond the baseline. Infielders must be at least 40' feet from home plate until the ball is hit (excluding the pitcher).
(e) Designated Hitter: Designated hitters are
prohibited in KIDSPORTS.
(f) Defensive Player Rotation: The 10 defensive player positions are classified into 2 groups:
Group # I Group # II
Pitcher Catcher
1st Base Left Field
2nd Base Left Center
3rd Base Right Center
Shortstop Right Field
No player may play more than two consecutive innings at a position of either group. Example: A player who plays one inning at pitcher and an inning at first base must play the next two innings at one or more of the Group II positions. At the start of each new inning, any players who did not play defense the previous inning must be entered or substituted into the game unless injured or sick.
SECTION K-IV:THE GAME
(a) Regulation Game: Consists of 6 innings unless shortened because of time limit, curfew or bad weather. There will be no minimum number of innings played to constitute a regulation game. A game will be considered complete if 6 innings have been played or the time limit expires. KIDSPORTS games shall be governed by a time limit in which no new inning may begin after 1 hour has elapsed.
(b) Batting: Each batter will be given 3 attempts to hit the ball into play.
(c) Automatic Outs: Batters will be automatically declared out in these situations when using the T:
- misses or hits a foul ball on the 3 rd swing.
(d) Inning Termination: An inning is terminated after 10 players bat in one inning regardless of defensive outs. If a team starts the game with 9 players or less they will still bat 10 players.
SECTION K-V: BASERUNNING / SCORING
(a) Runners shall not advance until the ball has been
hit. A base runner shall be declared out for leaving the base before the ball is hit.
(b) A base runner may advance to home in a T-Ball game whenever a ball is legally batted. The base runner must touch home plate, not the T to score a run.
(c) No extra bases on an overthrow at 1 st base.
(d) When any player on or within the baseline holds the ball above her head, the play becomes immediately dead. Base runners may only advance to the next base if the runner is on or past the halfway mark when the ball was held up. If a defensive player throws the ball to another player in an attempt to put out an advancing runner and overthrows the base, runners may not advance to the next base.
(e) No infield fly rule in T-Ball games.
SECTION K-VI: SUBSTITUTION RULE
The following player substitution rule is required in all scheduled games:
(a) Starting Players: Each eligible player listed on
the team batting roster must start on defense in every other KIDSPORTS scheduled game that they participate in.
(b) Eligible Batters: All eligible players will be in
the batting order for the entire game. A player arriving after the beginning of a game and prior to a teammate batting twice, may be inserted at the beginning of a half-inning and at the end of the
batting order.
(c) Defensive Substitutions: At the start of any
new inning, players who did not play defense the previous inning must be inserted for that inning, unless injured or sick.
(d) Failure to Make Substitutions: If a coach
violates the substitution rule, the opposing coach
should call "time-out" and ask the coach to make appropriate changes. If the coach refuses, the game is played and the opposing coach should contact her Sports Manager at KIDSPORTS and she/he will take appropriate action.
(e) Cancelled Game Starters: If a game is cancelled or postponed, the players who were scheduled to start the postponed or cancelled game, must start and play the following game listed on the KIDSPORTS schedule.
MODIFIED PLAYING RULES
KIDSPORTS T-Ball follows National Federation High School Softball rules except as modified below.
SECTION 1-I: FIELD DIMENSIONS
(a) Base Distance: Measurements are:
- 60’ baseline
- 84’ 10” from home plate - 2 nd base.
(b) 10’ Foot Arc: The area inscribed within a 10’arc in front of home plate, will be considered foul territory and subject to the same rules as any other foul territory between home plate and the 1 st and 3 rd bases. The arc shall be marked (by coaches if necessary) on the field. Use a 10’ string or cord; attach to an anchor at the rear point of home plate; mark arc only between foul lines.
SECTION 1-II: GAME EQUIPMENT
(a) Ball Size/Style: 9” Safe-Soft softballs will be used for all games and practice sessions.
b) Bat Size/Style: Players will use a regulation softball bat (as specified in SECTION Intro-VI, subsection G, pg. 11).
(c) Batting T: The home team is responsible for having a batting T at the game. It is recommended that the visiting team have their T available in case it’s needed for emergency use. The batting T shall be placed directly on the top of home plate and the umpire may adjust the T to each batter's preferred height. A regulation batter's box will be used during T-Ball games.
(d) Second 1 st Base: The second 1st base (provided by visiting team) is placed next to the regular 1st base on the outside of the foul line. The base in foul territory is the one the batter runs to and fielders use the fair base. If the visiting team cannot provide the base, the game is played with one first base.
SECTION 1-III: PLAYER REQUIREMENTS / POSITIONS
(a) Starting Line-up: All games are played with 10 defensive players on the field. Teams may start and finish with less than 10 players.
(b) Pitching Position: The pitcher is required to stand within a 10’ circle marked on the field. Pitchers are not required to stand on the pitchers rubber.
(c) Catching Position: The catcher must be
positioned behind home plate when the ball is hit.
(d) Other Positions: Same as in regular softball. However, there will be 4 outfielders and these outfielders must be a minimum of 15' beyond the baseline. Infielders must be at least 40' feet from home plate until the ball is hit (excluding the pitcher).
(e) Designated Hitter: Designated hitters are
prohibited in KIDSPORTS.
(f) Defensive Player Rotation: The 10 defensive player positions are classified into 2 groups:
Group # I Group # II
Pitcher Catcher
1st Base Left Field
2nd Base Left Center
3rd Base Right Center
Shortstop Right Field
No player may play more than two consecutive innings at a position of either group. Example: A player who plays one inning at pitcher and an inning at first base must play the next two innings at one or more of the Group II positions. At the start of each new inning, any players who did not play defense the previous inning must be entered or substituted into the game unless injured or sick.
SECTION 1-IV:THE GAME
(a) Regulation Game: Consists of 6 innings unless shortened because of time limit, curfew or bad weather. There will be no minimum number of innings played to constitute a regulation game. A game will be considered complete if 6 innings have been played or the time limit expires. KIDSPORTS games shall be governed by a time limit in which no new inning may begin after 1 hour and 15 minutes has elapsed.
(b) Batting: Each batter will be given 3 attempts to hit the ball into play.
(c) Automatic Outs: Batters will be automatically declared out in these situation when using the T:
- misses or hits a foul ball on the 3 rd swing.
(d) Inning Termination: An inning is terminated after 10 players bat in one inning regardless of defensive outs. If a team starts the game with 9 players or less they will still bat 10 players, rotating through the available players in a consistent order.
SECTION 1-V: BASERUNNING / SCORING
(a) Runners shall not advance until the ball has been
hit. A base runner shall be declared out for leaving the base before the ball is hit.
(b) A base runner may advance to home in a T-Ball game whenever a ball is legally batted. The base runner must touch home plate, not the T to score a run.
(c) No extra bases on an overthrow at 1 st base.
(d) When any player on or within the baseline holds the ball above her head, the play becomes immediately dead. Base runners may only advance to the next base if the runner is on or past the halfway mark when the ball was held up. If a defensive player throws the ball to another player in an attempt to put out an advancing runner and overthrows the base, runners may not advance to the next base.
(e) No infield fly rule in T-Ball games.
SECTION 1-VI: SUBSTITUTION RULE
The following player substitution rule is required in all scheduled games:
(a) Starting Players: Each eligible player listed on
the team batting roster must start on defense in every other KIDSPORTS scheduled game that they participate in.
(b) Eligible Batters: All eligible players will be in
the batting order for the entire game. A player arriving after the beginning of a game and prior to a teammate batting twice, may be inserted at the beginning of a half-inning and at the end of the
batting order.
(c) Defensive Substitutions: At the start of any
new inning, players who did not play defense the previous inning must be inserted for that inning, unless injured or sick.
(d) Failure to Make Substitutions: If a coach
violates the substitution rule, the opposing coach
should call "time-out" and ask the coach to make appropriate changes. If the coach refuses, the game is played and the opposing coach should contact his/her Sports Manager at KIDSPORTS and he/she will take appropriate action.
(e) Cancelled Game Starters: If a game is cancelled or postponed, the players who were scheduled to start the postponed or cancelled games, must start and play the following game listed on the KIDSPORTS schedule.
2 nd Grade Modified Coach Pitch (MCP)
MODIFIED PLAYING RULES
KIDSPORTS T-Ball follows National Federation High School Softball rules except as modified below.
SECTION 2-I: FIELD DIMENSIONS
(a) Base Distance: Measurements are:
- 60’ baseline
- 84’ 10” from home plate - 2 nd base.
(b) Pitching Distance: Minimum distance 15’.
SECTION 2-II: GAME EQUIPMENT
(a) Ball Size/Style: 9” SafeSoft softballs will be used for all games and practice sessions.
(b) Batting T: The home team is responsible for having a batting T at the game. It is recommended that the visiting team have their T available in case it’s needed for emergency use. The batting T shall be placed directly on the top of home plate and the umpire may adjust the T to each batter's preferred height. A regulation batter's box will be used during MCP games.
(c) Second 1 st Base: The second 1st base (provided by visiting team) is placed next to the regular 1st base on the outside of the foul line. The base in foul territory is the one the batter runs to and fielders use the fair base. If the visiting team cannot provide the base, the game is played with one first base.
SECTION 2-III: PLAYER REQUIREMENTS / POSITIONS
(a) Starting Line-up: All games are played with 10 defensive players on the field. Teams may start and finish with less than 10 players.
(b) Catching Position: The catcher must be
positioned behind home plate when the ball is hit.
(c) Other Positions: Same as in regular softball. However, there will be 4 outfielders and these outfielders must be a minimum of 15' beyond the baseline. Infielders must be at least 40' feet from home plate until the ball is hit (excluding the pitcher).
(d) Designated Hitter: Designated hitters are
prohibited in KIDSPORTS.
(e) Defensive Player Rotation: The 10 defensive player positions are classified into 2 groups:
Group # I Group # II
Pitcher Catcher
1st Base Left Field
2nd Base Left Center
3rd Base Right Center
Shortstop Right Field
No player may play more than two consecutive innings at a position of either group. Example: A player who plays one inning at pitcher and an inning at first base must play the next two innings at one or more of the Group II positions. At the start of each new inning, any players who did not play defense the previous inning must be entered or substituted into the game unless injured or sick.
SECTION 2-IV: PITCHING RULES:
Each player will receive 3 pitches from his/her coach. If the player is unable to hit a ball into fair play, she will have 3 attempts to hit off of the T. Bunting is legal on a pitched ball.
SECTION 2-V:THE GAME
(a) Regulation Game: Consists of 6 innings unless shortened because of time limit, curfew or bad weather. There will be no minimum number of innings played to constitute a regulation game. A game will be considered complete if 6 innings have been played or the time limit expires. KIDSPORTS games shall be governed by a time limit in which no new inning may begin after 1 hour and 15 minutes has elapsed.
(b) Batting: Each batter will be given 3 attempts to hit the ball into play.
(c)Bunting: Bunting is legal in MCP games on pitched balls.
(d) Automatic Outs: Batters will be automatically declared out in these situations when using the T:
- misses or hits a foul ball on the third swing.
(e) Inning Termination: An inning is terminated after 10 players bat in one inning regardless of defensive outs. If a team starts the game with 9 players or less, they will still bat 10 players.
SECTION 2-VI: BASERUNNING / SCORING
(a) Runners shall not advance until the ball has been
hit. A base runner shall be declared out for leaving the base before the ball is hit.
(b) A base runner may advance to home in a MCP game whenever a ball is legally batted. The base runner must touch home plate, not the T to score a run.
(c) No extra bases on an overthrow at 1 st base.
(d) When any player on or within the baseline holds the ball above her head, the play becomes immediately dead. Base runners may only advance to the next base if the runner is on or past the halfway mark when the ball was held up. If a defensive player throws the ball to another player in an attempt to put out an advancing runner and overthrows the base, runners may not advance to the next base.
(e) No infield fly rule in MCP games.
SECTION 2-VII: SUBSTITUTION RULE
The following player substitution rule is required in all scheduled games:
(a) Starting Players: Each eligible player listed on the team batting roster must start on defense in every other KIDSPORTS scheduled game that they participate in.
(b) Eligible Batters: All eligible players will be in
the batting order for the entire game.
(c) Late Arrival: A player arriving after the beginning of a game and prior to a teammate batting twice, may be inserted at the beginning of a half-inning and at the end of the batting order.
(d) Defensive Substitutions: At the start of any
new inning, players who did not play defense the previous inning must be inserted for that inning, unless injured or sick.
(e) Failure to Make Substitutions: If a coach
violates the substitution rule, the opposing coach
should call "time-out" and ask the coach to make appropriate changes. If the coach refuses, the game is played and the opposing coach should contact his/her Sports Manager at KIDSPORTS and he/she will take appropriate action.
(f) Cancelled Game Starters: If a game is cancelled o postponed, the players who were scheduled to start the postponed or cancelled game, must start and play the following game listed on the KIDSPORTS schedule.
MODIFIED PLAYING RULES
KIDSPORTS follows National Federation High School Softball rules except as modified below.
SECTION 3-I: FIELD DIMENSIONS
(a) Base Distance: Measurements are:
- 60’ baseline
- 84’ 10” from home plate - 2 nd base.
(b) Pitching Distance: Minimum distance is 25’.
SECTION 3-II: GAME EQUIPMENT
(a) Ball Size/Style: 9” SafeSoft softballs will be used for all game and practice sessions.
SECTION 3-III: PLAYER REQUIREMENTS / POSITIONS
(a) Starting Lineup: All CP games are played with 10 defensive players on the field.
(b) Short Lineups: Teams may start and finish the game with 8 players. Any team reduced to fewer than 8 players due to injury, illness, ejection, etc, will be required to forfeit. A team with 7 players may choose to forfeit the game and then borrow players from the opposing team for a practice game. If a 8 th or 9 th player shows up after the line-up card is turned in, and prior to a teammate batting twice, she must be placed in the 8 th or 9 th spot in the line-up. She can enter the game only at the beginning of a half-inning.
SECTION 3-IV: PITCHING RULES / POSITIONING
(a) Pitching Rules:
1. The coach-pitcher shall pitch from a minimum 25’ distance.
2. Coach-pitchers are not required to stand on the pitchers rubber. Coaches, while pitching from the mound, are allowed to instruct only the batter.
3. Coaches will pitch to their own team and will pitch a maximum of 5 pitches. The batter is not ruled out after 3 swings. If, after 5 pitches, the batter does not hit a fair ball, the batter is ruled out.
4. If the pitching coach in any way touches the batted ball or interferes with a defensive player trying to field a batted ball, the play becomes dead, the pitch is considered a “no pitch”, and all base runners return to their base.
(b) Defensive Pitching Position: The defensive pitcher must stand in thearea behind, and to the left or right of the pitcher-coach.
SECTION 3-V: THE GAME
(a) Regulation Game / Exceptions: Consists of 6 innings unless shortened because of time limit, curfew or bad weather. The game shall be considered a regulation game if 4 innings have been played unless the home team has scored a greater number of runs in three and one half innings. If play has gone beyond 4 full innings, this rule also applies.
(b) Tie Games: If the score is tied at the end of a regulation game, the game will end in a tie. No extra innings will be played.
(c) Called Games: Any game which is started and then terminated by the umpire due to darkness, rain, curfew, time limit, etc. before enough innings have been played to constitute a regulation game, shall be replayed from the beginning on another date.
(d) Forfeited Game: Teams may start and finish a
game with 8 players. Failure to have 8 players at the scheduled starting time will result in a win by forfeit to the team ready to play. If both teams are in violation, the game will be declared "no contest" and each team will be charged with a loss.
(e) Time Limits: KIDSPORTS games shall be governed by a time limit in which no new inning may begin after 1 hour and 30 minutes have elapsed.
(f) 10-Run Rule: Whenever a team leads an
opponent by 10 or more runs at the end of any completed inning (a minimum of 5 innings have been played), the game will be considered a complete game.
(g) Inning Termination: An inning shall be terminated after 10 players bat in 1 inning or 3 outs are
made by the defensive team. Scoring shall stop in an inning when:
- the batter or any base runner makes the 3 rd out or 10 players bat in 1 inning.
- a score will be allowed by a runner advancing from 3 rd to home on a ball hit by the 10 th batter if the ball comes into the possession of a defensive player on or within the baseline, and the player with the ball decides not to make a defensive play on any advancing runner by holding the ball above his/her head. The umpire shall immediately notify the official scorer of the exact runs allowed on a ball hit by the 10 th batter. If a team starts the game with 9 players they will still bat 10 players if they get that far in the batting order.
SECTION 3-VI: BASERUNNING / SCORING
(a) Runners shall not advance until the ball has been
hit. A base runner shall be declared out for leaving the base before the ball is hit.
(b) A base runner may advance to home in a CP game whenever a ball is legally batted.
(c) When any player on or within the baseline holds the ball above her head, the play becomes immediately dead. Base runners may only advance to the next base if the runner is on or past the halfway mark when the ball was held up. If a defensive player throws the ball to another player in an attempt to put out an advancing runner and overthrows the base, runners may advance according to regular softball rules.
(d) No infield fly rule in CP games.
SECTION 3-VII: BUNTING
(a) Bunting: Bunting is legal in CP games.
SECTION 3-VIII: SUBSTITUTION RULE
The following player substitution rule is required in all scheduled games:
(a) Starting Players: Each eligible player listed on
the team batting roster must start on defense in every other KIDSPORTS scheduled game that they participate in.
(b) Eligible Batters: All eligible players will be in
the batting order for the entire game. A player arriving after the beginning of a game and prior to a teammate batting twice, may be inserted at the beginning of a half-inning and at the end of the
batting order.
(c) Defensive Substitutions: At the start of a
new inning, players who did not play defense the previous inning must be inserted for that inning, unless injured or sick.
(d) Substitution Violations: If a coach violates the substitution rule, the opposing coach should call
time-out and ask the coach to make appropriate changes. If the coach refuses, the game is played and the opposing coach should contact his/her Sports Manager at KIDSPORTS and he/she will take appropriate action.
(e) Injured Player: If a player is injured and cannot attempt their turn at-bat, their at-bat will be skipped in the order and no out will be recorded. If a player is injured while on the base paths, the player who recorded the last out will enter into the game for the injured runner. If a player is injured on defense, a substitute may replace the player until he/she is able to return
(f) Cancelled Game Starters: If a game is cancelled or postponed, the players who were scheduled to start the postponed or cancelled game, must start and play the following game listed on the KIDSPORTS schedule.
4 th Grade Softball - Player Pitch/Coach Pitch (PP/CP)
MODIFIED PLAYING RULES
KIDSPORTS follows National Federation High School Softball rules except as modified below.
SECTION 4-I: FIELD DIMENSIONS
(a) Base Distance: Measurements are:
- 60’ baseline
- 84’ 10” from home plate - 2 nd base.
(b) Pitching Distance: 32' pitching rubber – measured
from the front edge of the pitching plate to the rear tip of home plate.
SECTION 4-II: GAME EQUIPMENT
(a) Ball Size/Style: 11” softball will be used for all game and practice sessions. Only softballs furnished by KIDSPORTS can be used in scheduled KIDSPORTS games. Each team should provide at least one new ball as well as a slightly used ball.
SECTION 4-III: PLAYER REQUIREMENTS/LINE-UPS
(a) Starting Line-Up: All CP/PP are played with 9 defensive players on the field.
(b) Short Lineups: Teams may start and finish the game with 7 players. If an 8 th or 9 th player sho