Game Rules: Grade 7-10
To download a printable copy of the 2011 Grade 7-10 Game Rules
click Forms & Handouts.
Grade 7-10 League Rules - 2011 Season
Newton Girls Softball plays by the A.S.A. rulebook with the following notes, exceptions and highlights.
A team will play with a maximum of 9 players in the field (six infielders and three outfielders).
a. A team should play defense with no more than 3 additional fielders than the short-handed team.
b. In any inning that one team is short-handed by 3 or more players than their opponent, the short-handed team will have an automatic out called after the last present person in their batting order completes their at bat.
Each player who is available for five innings must play at least two innings in the infield unless she does not want to play infield.
No team shall be allowed to score more than 6 runs in any half-inning. The six run rule is waived for the sixth inning (even if it appears that a game will last less than 6 innings, the six run rule is in effect until the 6th inning).
A game will be considered an official game regardless of # of players in attendance and if at least one full inning is completed. The score will revert to the last full-inning played should the home team not complete their half of the inning and be behind in the score.
The home team takes the first base-side bench. The home team is responsible for supplying and positioning game bases, pitching rubber and new 12” (44 COR, 375# compression) game ball.
Games should start on time and move along with as little delay as possible between half-innings.
a. Pitchers are limited to 5 warm-up pitches (with or without the catcher) between innings.
b. Catchers should be dressed and ready-to-go before the final out of the preceding half-inning. If they are on base it is requested that a courtesy runner (last batter to make an out) be inserted for them as a base runner or a different catcher is used for the coming inning.
Weekday games will begin at 5:45 p.m. On or before May 15, no new inning shall start after 7:15 PM; after May 15, no new inning shall start after 7:30 p.m.
Weekend games will begin at 5:00 p.m. and no new inning shall start after 6:45 p.m.
The original batting order is followed throughout the game regardless of substitutions made on the field.
A batter who is hit by a pitch outside the strike zone has the option of continuing her at bat or taking first base. If so, the pitch will be counted as a hit batter and a ball in the ball and strike count.
Bunting and slap hitting is allowed. Slashing (showing bunt and then hitting away) is not allowed.
Base runners can leave the base as the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. Base runners leaving a base early shall be ruled out.
The infield fly rule is in effect.
The dropped third strike rule is in effect.
Base runners may steal any base including home.
A pitcher must be removed for the remainder of the inning upon either hitting 3 batters in that inning or the second conference-visit to the mound by a coach. The pitcher may be reinserted in any subsequent inning.
