Softball Rules & Regulations

 

BASEBALL & SOFTBALL GENERAL RULES

Updated February 2025

Eligibility & Rosters

  • The age cutoff for league play is April 30 for boys and January 1 for girls, following OTS Manual Article 20.
  • Only newcomers to the parish may be added to a team roster after league play begins.
  • Players must compete within the boundaries of their assigned booster club, as outlined in OTS Manual Article 4.
  • Players may only play in an older age group if there are no available teams in their appropriate age group within their booster club.  Or to Booster Clubs discretion with approval of St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation.
  • Team rosters will be automatically split if they exceed 24 players, per OTS Manual Article 4.

Game & Field Regulations

  • Ground rules for specific fields must be discussed and agreed upon by both coaches and umpires before the game starts.
  • Only coaches, players, and scorekeepers are permitted in dugouts. Coaches must always carry their background screening badge.
  • Coaches may not physically assist baserunners during live play—doing so results in the runner being called out.
  • Players should enter and exit the field efficiently to maximize game time.
  • All players must play at least two full innings.
  • Free defensive substitutions are allowed, though teams must maintain a set batting order.
  • Coaches may withhold a player from participating due to disciplinary reasons or consecutive missed practices.

Sportsmanship & Conduct

  • Coaches are responsible for ensuring proper behavior from their assistant coaches, players, parents, and spectators.
  • Coaches are required to complete the Coaches Code of Ethics prior to the first game.
  • Heckling opposing players is strictly prohibited.
  • Smoking, vaping, and tobacco use (dip/chew) are not allowed on the field, in dugouts, or in the stands.
  • Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at any youth games or practices per OTS Manual Article 32.
  • Loud music in dugouts or the stands before or during games is prohibited and may lead to forfeiture or ejection.

 

 

Game Scheduling & Weather Policy

  • Games will begin on time. A 15-minute grace period is granted only for the first game of the day.
  • Only the Department of Parks and Recreation may postpone or reschedule games.
  • Games will not be rescheduled for vacations or non-SCPRD-affiliated events.
  • Games may be rescheduled only for school functions that prevent a team from fielding the minimum number of players.
  • Weather-related cancellations will be rescheduled if the calendar allows. Playoff games will be rescheduled for the next available playing day.
  • Coaches should check the league website (scpparksandrec.com) for weather-related updates.

Safety & Equipment Regulations

  • Batting helmets are required for all batters and base runners; faceguards are recommended but optional.
  • Softball players on the mound, 3rd base, and 1st base must where softball mask..
  • Fake bunts followed by swings are not allowed violations result in an immediate out, with no warning.
  • Players may not wear metal cleats; only molded or plastic screw-in cleats are permitted.
  • Players with plaster or metal casts are not allowed to participate.
  • Coaches are responsible for maintaining all equipment provided by the St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation.

Disciplinary Actions

  • Ejected coaches, players, or parents must leave the park immediately and will be suspended for the next game.
  • A second ejection will result in a two-year suspension from any SCPRD recreational program.
  • Before returning, coaches must complete an online sportsmanship course via the Coach’s Corner at scpparksandrec.com.
  • Any physical or verbal assault on an official, coach, player, or spectator will result in a one-year ban from SCPRD events.
  • Failure to leave the premises after an ejection may result in law enforcement intervention.

Legal Consequences (Louisiana State Law)

  • Louisiana law (Rev. Stat. Ann. Section 14-34-4) enforces penalties for battery against sports officials, including fines of $1,000–$5,000, mandatory community service, and potential jail time (5–6 months).
  • If serious injury occurs, penalties increase, including longer jail sentences and required anger management counseling.

By participating in the league, all players, coaches, and spectators agree to adhere to these policies. Violations may result in suspensions or removal from the program. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a safe, fair, and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

 

 

 

7-8-Year-Old Girls Coach-Pitch Softball Rules

Updated February 2025

General Information

1. Coaches

  • All coaches must be at least 18 years old and pass a mandatory background check.
  • Each team may have one (1) manager and up to two (2) coaches on the roster.
  • While on defense, all coaches must remain inside the designated dugout area.

2. Game Time

  • Teams should arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled game time to allow for warm-ups and preparation.

3. Postponements & Rescheduling

  • Only the Department of Parks and Recreation can postpone or reschedule games.
  • Games will not be rescheduled for vacations or other non-SCPRD activities.
  • Games may be rescheduled if a school function prevents a team from having enough players.
  • Weather-related cancellations will be rescheduled if possible, depending on league calendar availability.
  • Playoff games that are canceled due to weather will be rescheduled for the next available playing day.

4. Team Size

  • Teams must have a minimum of 8 players to start a game. 
  • A full lineup consists of 10 players, including four outfielders.
  • Late-arriving players may be added to the lineup upon arrival.

5. Tobacco, Vaping, and Alcohol

  • Smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco, dip, and alcohol are strictly prohibited on the field and in dugouts.
  • Violations may result in game forfeiture.

 

 

Equipment

1. Approved Bats

  • Any fastpitch bat with an official USA or USSSA Softball logo is permitted.

Field Dimensions

1. Bases

  • Bases are placed 60 feet apart.

2. Pitching Area

  • The pitching coach must stand inside the designated circle.
  • The pitching mark is set at 35 feet.
  • The pitching circle will be between 30 and 42 feet, with a 10-foot diameter.

3. Fair Ball Arc

  • A 20-foot arc will be marked from the first to third baseline.
  • Any batted ball must pass this arc to be considered fair.

Scoring Rules

1. Run Limits

  • A maximum of four (4) runs may be scored per inning.

 

Game Play Rules

1. Run Rule

  • If a team is ahead by 10 runs after four innings, the game ends.
  • If a team is ahead by 15 runs after three innings, the game ends.

2. Time Limit

  • Games last 1 hour, 15 minutes (Drop Time) or six innings, whichever comes first.
  • No new inning will start after 1 hour, 5 minutes.

3. Safety & Pitching Guidelines

  • Players must stay behind the 35-foot pitcher’s circle until the ball is hit.
  • The pitching coach must keep one foot on or straddle the pitching line.
  • The coach may not provide verbal or physical coaching while pitching.  However, they can between pitches.

4. Catchers

  • The catcher must be positioned properly in the catcher’s box.
  • If a catcher is not receiving pitches properly, a warning will be issued.

5. Defensive Players

  • Ten (10) players will be on the field, with four (4) outfielders.
  • The defensive player at pitcher must remain in the pitching circle until the ball is hit.

6. Defensive Coaching

  • Coaches must remain in the dugout while on defense.

7. Infield Fly Rule

  • The Infield Fly Rule does not apply in this league.

8. Ball is Dead

  • The ball is dead when it is possesd by the pitcher in the pitching circle..

 Batting Rules

1. Batting Order

  • All players present will be included in the batting lineup.
  • Late arrivals will be added to the bottom of the order.

2. Game Start with Fewer Players

  • A team can begin a game with eight (8) players.
  • The 9th and 10th batting positions will count as outs until those players arrive.

3. Substitutions

  • Free defensive substitutions are allowed, but the batting order must stay the same.

4. Bunting

  • Bunting is not allowed.

5. Pitches Allowed

  • Each batter gets six (6) pitches or three (3) strikes.
  • If the sixth pitch is hit foul, the at-bat continues until the ball is put into play.

6. Intentional Walks

  • A batter may only be intentionally walked once per game.

7. Batting Safety

  • If a batter slings their bat, a team warning will be issued.
  • After a warning, any additional bat slings will result in an out.

8. Batting Coach Interference

  • If a batted ball hits the pitching coach:
    • If the coach did not try to avoid it, the batter is out and no runner’s advance.
    • If the coach attempted to avoid it, the batter gets first base, and runners advance one base.

Base Running Rules

1. Stealing & Leading Off

  • Runners cannot steal bases or take a lead.
  • A runner is out if they leave the base early.

2. Courtesy Runner

  • A courtesy runner may be used for the catcher of record from the previous inning.

3. Sliding & Avoiding Contact

  • Sliding is permitted, but runners must avoid contact with fielders.
  • Malicious contact will result in an automatic out at the umpire’s discretion.

4. Scoring Limit

  • A team may score a maximum of five (4) runs per inning.

5. Time-Outs & Dead Ball

  • Umpires will call "Time" once all runners have stopped advancing.

6. Overthrows & Ground Rule Doubles

  • Overthrown balls remain live unless they leave the field of play.
  • If the ball goes out of play, runners advance one (1) base.
  • A fair ball that rolls under or over the fence results in a ground-rule double.

Playoff Rules

1. Umpires

  • The home plate umpire is the head official and will make all final calls.

2. Standings & Tournament Play

  • No regular-season standings will be kept.
  • The end-of-season tournament seeding will be determined by random drawing.

3. Tiebreaker

  • After completion of designated number of innings, or when time limits have expired, and the score is tied, the tiebreaker procedure will begin.  The player, who had the last completed at bat, assumes a position on 2nd base.  A courtesy runner may be used for the catcher.  This procedure would be done at the beginning of each inning until a winner is determined.  If the wrong player is placed on second base, the correct runner should be inserted immediately even if a pitch has been thrown, or the runner has advanced a base.  All play made while the incorrect runner was on base stands.  It is the responsibility of the umpire and opposing team to notify the teams involved as to which player starts the half inning at second base.

4. Regular Season Standings

  • Standings are not kept during the regular season.
  • The end-of-season tournament will be determined by a random draw.

5. Protest Procedure

  • To protest a call during the playoffs:
    • Call timeout during the next dead ball.
    • Inform the umpire and the opposing coach.
    • Submit a written protest to the Recreation Department within 24 hours.

5A. Player Eligibility Protest

  • If a player’s eligibility is questioned:
    • The player must sign their name and birth date in the opposing team’s scorebook.
    • The protest will be reviewed within one working day.
    • The player may continue to play while the protest is under review.

 

 

 

9-10-Year-Old Girls Softball Rules

Updated February 2025

General Information

1. Coaches

  • All coaches must be at least 18 years old and pass a mandatory background check.
  • Each team may have one (1) manager and up to two (2) coaches on the roster.
  • While on defense, all coaches must remain inside the designated dugout area.

2. Game Time

  • Teams should arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled game time to allow for warm-ups and preparation.

3. Postponements & Rescheduling

  • Only the Department of Parks and Recreation can postpone or reschedule games.
  • Games will not be rescheduled for vacations or other non-SCPRD activities.
  • Games may be rescheduled if a school function prevents a team from having enough players.
  • Weather-related cancellations will be rescheduled if possible, depending on league calendar availability.
  • Playoff games that are canceled due to weather will be rescheduled for the next available playing day.

4. Team Size

  • Teams must have a minimum of 8 players to start a game. 
  • A full lineup consists of 10 players, including four outfielders.
  • Late-arriving players may be added to the lineup upon arrival.

5. Tobacco, Vaping, and Alcohol

  • Smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco, dip, and alcohol are strictly prohibited on the field and in dugouts.
  • Violations may result in game forfeiture.

 

 

Equipment

1. Approved Bats

  • Any fastpitch bat with an official USA or USSSA Softball logo is permitted.

2. Batters

  • All batters must wear a batting helmet while on the field, including when in the on-deck circle, at bat, or running the bases.
  • Face masks are optional but recommended for added protection.

3. Catchers

  • Catchers must wear full protective gear, including:
    • Facemask and helmet
    • Chest protector
    • Shin guards
    • Catcher’s mitt (standard fielding gloves are not allowed for catchers).

4. Pitchers & Fielders

  • Pitchers must wear a protective mask while on the mound.
  • Fielders are not required to wear protective masks, but their use is strongly encouraged for safety.

5. Game Balls

  • Each team is responsible for providing an 11-inch game ball for play.

Field Dimensions

1. Bases

  • Bases are placed 60 feet apart.

2. Pitching Area

  • The pitching mound will be positioned 35 feet from home plate.

Game Play Rules

1. Run Rule

  • If a team is ahead by 10 runs after four innings, the game ends.
  • If a team is ahead by 15 runs after three innings, the game ends.

2. Time Limit

  • Games last 1 hour, 15 minutes (Drop Time) or six innings, whichever comes first.
  • No new inning will start after 1 hour, 5 minutes.

3. Defensive Players

  • Ten (10) players will be on the field, with four (4) outfielders.

4. Defensive Coaching

  • Coaches must remain in the dugout while on defense.

5. Infield Fly Rule

  • The Infield Fly Rule does apply in this league.

Batting Rules

1. Batting Order

  • All players present will be included in the batting lineup.
  • Late arrivals will be added to the bottom of the order.

2. Game Start with Fewer Players

  • A team can begin a game with eight (8) players.
  • The 9th and 10th batting positions will count as outs until those players arrive.

3. Substitutions

  • Free defensive substitutions are allowed, but the batting order must stay the same.

4. Bunting

  • Bunting is not allowed.

5. Intentional Walks

  • A batter may only be intentionally walked once per game.

6. Batting Safety

  • If a batter slings their bat, a team warning will be issued.
  • After a warning, any additional bat slings will result in an out.

7. Dropped Third Strike Rule

  • Batters may attempt to reach first base on a dropped third strike if:
    • First base is unoccupied, OR
    • There are two outs with a runner on first.

8. Hit-by-Pitch

  • If a batter is hit by pitch they are awarded first base.

Scoring Rules

1. Run Limits

  • A maximum of four (4) runs may be scored per inning.

Base Running Rules

1. Base Running

  • Runners must remain on the base until the ball leaves the pitchers hand.
  • If one runner violates this rule, all runners will be affected.
  • Leading off is not allowed.

2. Base Running Part II

  • Runners are allowed to steal when:
    • The ball is released.
    • The catcher allows a passed ball or wild pitch.
  • Stealing home is only allowed on passed ball or wild pitch.

3. Sliding & Contact Rules

  • Sliding is permitted, but runners must avoid contact with fielders.
  • Malicious contact will result in an automatic out at the umpire’s discretion.
  • Jumping over a fielder is not allowed—any runner attempting to do so will be called out, regardless of contact.
  • Dead ball appeals may be made directly to the umpire—only one dead ball appeal is permitted per play.

4. Courtesy Runner

  • A courtesy runner may be used for the catcher from the previous inning to help speed up play.
  • The courtesy runner must be the last player to make an out.
  • If no outs have occurred, the last batter not on base will serve as the courtesy runner.
  • In the first inning, if the batting team has not yet played defense, the player being run for must assume the catching position in the next inning (this applies only to the visiting team).

5. Overthrows & Out of Play

  • If a ball is overthrown and goes out of play, runners may advance one base.

Pitching Rules

1. Pitch Count & Responsibility

  • Coaches are responsible for tracking their team’s pitch count throughout the season, including postseason games.
  • Each team must designate a coach or parent to keep an official record of pitch counts.

 

2. Illegal Pitches

  • Illegal pitches will not be penalized, but umpires may issue warnings for violations.

3. Mandatory Rest Days

  • Pitching Limit: A pitcher may not throw more than 10 innings per calendar week (Monday–Sunday).

4. Pitching Mechanics & Fundamentals

A. Pitching Stance & Motion

  • The pitcher’s pivot foot must be in contact with the pitching mound, while the non-pivot foot must be touching or positioned behind the mound.
  • The pitcher must have possession of the ball before taking the pitching position.
  • Simulating a pitch without the ball is not allowed.

B. Preparing for the Pitch

  • Before delivering a pitch, the pitcher must:
    • Hold the ball in their glove or pitching hand, with hands separated.
    • Take (or simulate taking) a signal from the catcher.
    • Bring both hands together in front of the body for no longer than 10 seconds before releasing the ball.
    • Before the pitch starts, the pitcher may step back from the mound or request a timeout.

C. Pitch Execution

  • Once the hands separate, the pitch must be completed.
  • Any step back with the non-pivot foot must occur before the pitch begins.
  • The pitcher may take one forward step while delivering the ball, which must be directed toward home plate.
  • The pivot foot must:
    • Stay in contact with the mound,
    • Push off and drag, or
    • Be airborne before the non-pivot foot lands.
  • A legal pitch must be delivered underhand with the hand passing forward beyond the vertical line of the body.
  • The release must be below the hip, with the wrist not extending further from the body than the elbow.
  • The pitch must not be delivered behind the back or between the legs.
  • A wind-up is allowed, provided it is continuous with no interruptions or reversals.
  • The pitcher cannot use a crow hop or push off from anywhere other than the mound.

D. Equipment & Substances

  • Pitchers may not wear distracting items on their hands, wrists, arms, or thighs.
  • The outer shell of any defensive helmet worn by a pitcher must be non-glare.
  • The use of foreign substances (moisture, sticky materials, chalk, etc.) on the ball or hands is prohibited.
  • Pitchers may use dirt, powdered resin, or an approved drying agent, but must wipe off their hands before touching the ball.
  • Tape on fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, or elbows must be a neutral color.

E. Additional Pitching Restrictions

  • Pitchers cannot intentionally drop, roll, or bounce the ball to deceive the batter.
    • Penalty: First offense = warning; second offense = pitcher restricted to the bench for the game.
  • After receiving the ball and hearing “play” from the umpire, the pitcher must deliver the next pitch within 20 seconds.
    • Penalty: A ball is awarded to the batter.
  • At the start of an inning or after a pitching change, pitchers get one minute for five warm-up pitches.
    • Penalty: Each additional warm-up pitch beyond five results in a ball awarded to the batter.
    • Exception: No penalty if play is delayed by the umpire.
  • A pitcher returning to the mound in the same half-inning is not allowed any warm-up pitches.

F. Pitching Errors

  • If a pitch slips during the backswing or forward motion, a ball is called, but the ball remains live, and runners may advance at their own risk.

5. Pitch Count & Substitution Rules

  • One pitch thrown in an inning counts as an inning pitched.
  • A pitcher may re-enter the game to pitch once after being removed but must remain in the game as a player.

6. Walks & Pitcher Removal

  • If a pitcher issues four walks in an inning, a coach from the batting team will take over pitching for the remainder of the inning.
  • The original pitcher may start the next inning, but if they issue another set of four walks, they will be removed from the pitching position for the rest of the game.

Coach-Pitch Rules After Walks:

  • When a coach takes over pitching:
    • The batter receives five pitches.
    • If the batter fouls off the fifth pitch, they receive one additional pitch.
    • On the sixth pitch, the ball must be put in play; otherwise, the batter is out.

Playoff Rules

1. Time Limits for Playoff Games

  • The championship game will be six innings or a 1-hour-30-minute time limit.
  • No new inning will start after 1 hour and 20 minutes.
  • The final inning must be completed before the game is officially over.

2. Tiebreaker

  • After completion of designated number of innings, or when time limits have expired, and the score is tied, the tiebreaker procedure will begin.  The player, who had the last completed at bat, assumes a position on 2nd base.  A courtesy runner may be used for the catcher.  This procedure would be done at the beginning of each inning until a winner is determined.  If the wrong player is placed on second base, the correct runner should be inserted immediately even if a pitch has been thrown, or the runner has advanced a base.  All play made while the incorrect runner was on base stands.  It is the responsibility of the umpire and opposing team to notify the teams involved as to which player starts the half inning at second base.

3. Regular Season Standings

  • Standings are not kept during the regular season.
  • The end-of-season tournament will be determined by a random draw.

4. Protest Procedure

  • To protest a call during the playoffs:
    • Call timeout during the next dead ball.
    • Inform the umpire and the opposing coach.
    • Submit a written protest to the Recreation Department within 24 hours.

4A. Player Eligibility Protest

  • If a player’s eligibility is questioned:
    • The player must sign their name and birth date in the opposing team’s scorebook.
    • The protest will be reviewed within one working day.
    • The player may continue to play while the protest is under review.

 

 

 

11-13-Year-Old Girls Softball Rules

Updated February 2025

General Information

1. Coaches

  • All coaches must be at least 18 years old and pass a mandatory background check.
  • Each team may have one (1) manager and up to two (2) coaches on the roster.
  • While on defense, all coaches must remain inside the designated dugout area.

2. Game Time

  • Teams should arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled game time to allow for warm-ups and preparation.

3. Postponements & Rescheduling

  • Only the Department of Parks and Recreation can postpone or reschedule games.
  • Games will not be rescheduled for vacations or other non-SCPRD activities.
  • Games may be rescheduled if a school function prevents a team from having enough players.
  • Weather-related cancellations will be rescheduled if possible, depending on league calendar availability.
  • Playoff games that are canceled due to weather will be rescheduled for the next available playing day.

4. Team Size

  • Teams must have a minimum of 8 players to start a game. 
  • A full lineup consists of 10 players, including four outfielders.
  • Late-arriving players may be added to the lineup upon arrival.

5. Tobacco, Vaping, and Alcohol

  • Smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco, dip, and alcohol are strictly prohibited on the field and in dugouts.
  • Violations may result in game forfeiture.

 

 

Equipment

1. Approved Bats

  • Any fastpitch bat with an official USA or USSSA Softball logo is permitted.

2. Batters

  • All batters must wear a batting helmet while on the field, including when in the on-deck circle, at bat, or running the bases.
  • Face masks are optional but recommended for added protection.

3. Catchers

  • Catchers must wear full protective gear, including:
    • Facemask and helmet
    • Chest protector
    • Shin guards
    • Catcher’s mitt (standard fielding gloves are not allowed for catchers).

4. Pitchers & Fielders

  • Pitchers must wear a protective mask while on the mound.
  • Fielders are not required to wear protective masks, but their use is strongly encouraged for safety.

5. Game Balls

  • Each team is responsible for providing a 12-inch game ball for play.

Field Dimensions

1. Bases

  • Bases are placed 60 feet apart.

2. Pitching Area

  • The pitching mound will be positioned 40 feet from home plate.

Game Play Rules

1. Run Rule

  • If a team is ahead by 10 runs after four innings, the game ends.
  • If a team is ahead by 15 runs after three innings, the game ends.

2. Time Limit

  • Games last 1 hour, 15 minutes (Drop Time) or six innings, whichever comes first.
  • No new inning will start after 1 hour, 5 minutes.

3. Defensive Players

  • Ten (10) players will be on the field, with four (3) outfielders.

4. Defensive Coaching

  • Coaches must remain in the dugout while on defense.

5. Infield Fly Rule

  • The Infield Fly Rule does apply in this league.

Batting Rules

1. Batting Order

  • All players present will be included in the batting lineup.
  • Late arrivals will be added to the bottom of the order.

2. Game Start with Fewer Players

  • A team can begin a game with eight (8) players.
  • The 9th and 10th batting positions will count as outs until those players arrive.

3. Substitutions

  • Free defensive substitutions are allowed, but the batting order must stay the same.

4. Bunting

  • Bunting is permitted. However, fake bunting followed by an attempted swing, or a “slash” bunt is not allowed.  Should batter attempt this, the ball will be dead and batter will be out, no runners advance.

5. Intentional Walks

  • A batter may only be intentionally walked once per game.

6. Batting Safety

  • If a batter slings their bat, a team warning will be issued.
  • After a warning, any additional bat slings will result in an out.

7. Dropped Third Strike Rule

  • Batters may attempt to reach first base on a dropped third strike if:
    • First base is unoccupied, OR
    • There are two outs with a runner on first.

 8. Hit-by-Pitch

  • If a batter is hit by a pitch, they are awarded first base.

Scoring Rules

1. Run Limits

  • A maximum of four (4) runs may be scored per inning.

Base Running Rules

1. Base Running

  • Runners must remain on the base until the ball is released by the pitcher.
  • If one runner violates this rule, all runners will be affected.
  • Leading off is not allowed.

2. Base Running Part II

  • Runners are allowed to steal when:
    • The ball is released.
    • The catcher allows a passed ball or wild pitch.
  • Stealing home is only allowed on a passed ball or wild pitch.

3. Sliding & Contact Rules

  • Sliding is permitted, but runners must avoid contact with fielders.
  • Malicious contact will result in an automatic out at the umpire’s discretion.
  • Jumping over a fielder is not allowed—any runner attempting to do so will be called out, regardless of contact.
  • Dead ball appeals may be made directly to the umpire—only one dead ball appeal is permitted per play.

4. Courtesy Runner

  • A courtesy runner may be used for the catcher from the previous inning to help speed up play.
  • The courtesy runner must be the last player to make an out.
  • If no outs have occurred, the last batter not on base will serve as the courtesy runner.
  • In the first inning, if the batting team has not yet played defense, the player being run for must assume the catching position in the next inning (this applies only to the visiting team).

5. Overthrows & Out of Play

  • If a ball is overthrown and goes out of play, runners may advance one base.

Pitching Rules

1. Pitch Count & Responsibility

  • Coaches are responsible for tracking their team’s pitch count throughout the season, including postseason games.
  • Each team must designate a coach or parent to keep an official record of pitch counts.

 

2. Illegal Pitches

  • Illegal pitches will not be penalized, but umpires may issue warnings for violations.

3. Mandatory Rest Days

  • Pitching Limit: A pitcher may not throw more than 10 innings per calendar week (Monday–Sunday).

4. Pitching Mechanics & Fundamentals

A. Pitching Stance & Motion

  • The pitcher’s pivot foot must be in contact with the pitching mound, while the non-pivot foot must be touching or positioned behind the mound.
  • The pitcher must have possession of the ball before taking the pitching position.
  • Simulating a pitch without the ball is not allowed.

B. Preparing for the Pitch

  • Before delivering a pitch, the pitcher must:
    • Hold the ball in their glove or pitching hand, with hands separated.
    • Take (or simulate taking) a signal from the catcher.
    • Bring both hands together in front of the body for no longer than 10 seconds before releasing the ball.
    • Before the pitch starts, the pitcher may step back from the mound or request a timeout.

C. Pitch Execution

  • Once the hands separate, the pitch must be completed.
  • Any step back with the non-pivot foot must occur before the pitch begins.
  • The pitcher may take one forward step while delivering the ball, which must be directed toward home plate.
  • The pivot foot must:
    • Stay in contact with the mound,
    • Push off and drag, or
    • Be airborne before the non-pivot foot lands.
  • A legal pitch must be delivered underhand with the hand passing forward beyond the vertical line of the body.
  • The release must be below the hip, with the wrist not extending further from the body than the elbow.
  • The pitch must not be delivered behind the back or between the legs.
  • A wind-up is allowed, provided it is continuous with no interruptions or reversals.
  • The pitcher cannot use a crow hop or push off from anywhere other than the mound.

D. Equipment & Substances

  • Pitchers may not wear distracting items on their hands, wrists, arms, or thighs.
  • The outer shell of any defensive helmet worn by a pitcher must be non-glare.
  • The use of foreign substances (moisture, sticky materials, chalk, etc.) on the ball or hands is prohibited.
  • Pitchers may use dirt, powdered resin, or an approved drying agent, but must wipe off their hands before touching the ball.
  • Tape on fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, or elbows must be a neutral color.

E. Additional Pitching Restrictions

  • Pitchers cannot intentionally drop, roll, or bounce the ball to deceive the batter.
    • Penalty: First offense = warning; second offense = pitcher restricted to the bench for the game.
  • After receiving the ball and hearing “play” from the umpire, the pitcher must deliver the next pitch within 20 seconds.
    • Penalty: A ball is awarded to the batter.
  • At the start of an inning or after a pitching change, pitchers get one minute for five warm-up pitches.
    • Penalty: Each additional warm-up pitch beyond five results in a ball awarded to the batter.
    • Exception: No penalty if play is delayed by the umpire.
  • A pitcher returning to the mound in the same half-inning is not allowed any warm-up pitches.

F. Pitching Errors

  • If a pitch slips during the backswing or forward motion, a ball is called, but the ball remains live, and runners may advance at their own risk.

5. Pitch Count & Substitution Rules

  • One pitch thrown in an inning counts as an inning pitched.
  • A pitcher may re-enter the game to pitch once after being removed but must remain in the game as a player.

 

 

Playoff Rules

1. Time Limits for Playoff Games

  • The championship game will be six innings or a 1-hour-30-minute time limit.
  • No new inning will start after 1 hour and 20 minutes.
  • The final inning must be completed before the game is officially over.

2. Tiebreaker

  • After completion of designated number of innings, or when time limits have expired, and the score is tied, the tiebreaker procedure will begin.  The player, who had the last completed at bat, assumes a position on 2nd base.  A courtesy runner may be used for the catcher.  This procedure would be done at the beginning of each inning until a winner is determined.  If the wrong player is placed on second base, the correct runner should be inserted immediately even if a pitch has been thrown, or the runner has advanced a base.  All play made while the incorrect runner was on base stands.  It is the responsibility of the umpire and opposing team to notify the teams involved as to which player starts the half inning at second base.

3. Regular Season Standings

  • Standings are not kept during the regular season.
  • The end-of-season tournament will be determined by a random draw.

4. Protest Procedure

  • To protest a call during the playoffs:
    • Call timeout during the next dead ball.
    • Inform the umpire and the opposing coach.
    • Submit a written protest to the Recreation Department within 24 hours.

4A. Player Eligibility Protest

  • If a player’s eligibility is questioned:
    • The player must sign their name and birth date in the opposing team’s scorebook.
    • The protest will be reviewed within one working day.
    • The player may continue to play while the protest is under review.

 
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