NAA Girls Softball Division 2 Rules April 2011

2 Code of Behavior The league provides a foundation for girls to build their athletic abilities and play in a team environment. We emphasize “learning,” “teamwork,” having fun,” and “competing.” –We believe that winning is a result of these four factors. At registration, every player and parent signs the code of conduct. The code will be followed by all participants in the league. No exceptions. –Violations will result in suspensions or dismissal from the league. Verbal and/or physical abuse by any participant (player, coach, family member, fan, umpire) towards any other participant is not tolerated. –Violations will result in suspensions or dismissal from the league. Managers/coaches are responsible for maintaining acceptable behavior at all times. Managers/coaches are responsible for maintaining and enforcing acceptable behavior regarding their players, families, and fans.

3 Division 2 Rules General –A regulation game is 6 innings. A 10-run rule is in effect once the game becomes official. A game shortened by weather or darkness must go at least 3½ innings (home team in the lead). –All weeknight games are to start no earlier than 6pm and no later than 6:15. –No new inning can start after two hours of play. The home team keeps the official time and the official scorebook. –In order to get games played, a team is allowed to play with as few as 7 available players. –If a player has to leave during the course of the game, her spot in the batting order is skipped over (no “automatic out”). A player’s departure must be reported to the opposing team. –Each team is required to provide one new ball for play per game. –All scorebooks are league property and must be returned by the end of the season to the NAA. –Each team is required to clean-up after themselves.

4 Division 2 Rules At Bat (Rules above/beyond the obvious) –The batting line-up includes every player attending the game. –Regardless of whether players were in the field or not in a particular inning, the entire line-up bats. –Bunting is allowed and strongly encouraged. –A batter hit by a pitched ball, who has made an effort to avoid the pitch, is awarded first base. –The “10-batter” rule is in effect: –No more than 10 girls can bat in one-half inning. –When the 10 th batter steps to the plate, the coaches must notify the umpire. –The inning doesn’t end until the 10 th batter is “put out” at first base or another base- runner is “put out” or voluntarily stops advancing to the next base. Play will also cease when a ball batted safely (i.e., base hit) is returned to the pitcher. A bases loaded walk on the 10 th batter moves all runners up one base only. –This rule is waived for both teams in the sixth inning in order to not limit a team’s ability to “catch up.” (or if it is determined the last inning is earlier) –Batters can’t advance on a drop third strike – but base-runners can.

5 Division 2 Rules Base-running (Rules above/beyond the obvious) –Helmets with face masks are mandatory. –Stealing is allowed, including double or triple steals. –Runners can only leave the base after the pitched ball has crossed the plate. A runner leaving early will be sent back to the base and given a warning. A second violation by the same runner results in an out. –A base-stealer can only advance one base on a steal attempt, regardless of where the throw goes. –Players are able to steal immediately upon receiving a walk, provided that they do not stop at first base. –A runner can only steal on the pitch but not the throwback to the pitcher. There is no delayed steal against the catcher. –There is no stealing of home, including on a wild pitch. –Avoid collisions! –If a fielder possesses a ball or is in the act of fielding, the runner can’t collide into the fielder. If she does, she’s automatically out. She must slide or avoid the fielder. –Any player throwing a bat or helmet, whether in frustration or accidentally during the course of play, is warned once by the umpire. –A second violation in the game by the same player is an automatic out. –A runner at third can only score on a batted ball or a bases loaded walk.

6 Division 2 Rules In the field (Rules above/beyond the obvious) –In a regulation 6-inning game, no player should “sit” for more than 2 innings during the game (exceptions are made for disciplinary or injury reasons). –10 fielders are in the field of play. –However, games can be played with as few as 7 players available for one team. –You should provide each player with the opportunity to play the infield at least one inning in each game. –Avoid collisions! If a fielder is not in the act of fielding, she can’t impede the runner. If she does, the runner is awarded the base she’s going to. –Instruct your fielders to clear the base when there is no play! –A play has come to conclusion when the ball is returned to the pitcher, is under her control, and within the pitcher’s circle. –Until that moment, runners can advance.

7 Division 2 Rules Pitching (Rules above/beyond the obvious) –Pitchers are to start their pitching motion from the rubber. No exceptions –All pitches are thrown with an underhand motion in a windmill, slingshot, or similar fashion. –Slow pitch, high arc pitching is not allowed. –There are no pitching limitations as to number of walks per inning, hit batters, etc. –Coaches use their judgment when to remove a pitcher. –A pitcher removed from the mound is eligible to return to pitching in the game. –Please attempt to encourage and develop as many pitchers as possible!