2021 Spring Minors Softball Rules
The following new rules/ modification to the Little League Official Regulations and Playing Rulebook (to be handed out to all managers) will be in place for the 2018 softball season:
· Pitchers will be limited to three (3) innings per game. Pitching a single pitch will constitute pitching an inning.
· A manager/coach may visit the pitching mound two (2) times in an inning to visit with the pitcher. On the third (3rd) visit (in the same inning) the pitcher must be removed as a pitcher. A manager/coach may visit the mound three (3) times in one game . On the 4th visit, the pitcher must be removed as a pitcher. This rule applies to each pitcher who enters the game.
· There will be ONE steal of home per inning (Managers will be expected to keep track of the steals). ONE steal of a base is defined as a successful steal - not a steal attempt.
· There will be ONE steal of 2nd base and unlimited steals of 3rd base. (Managers will be expected to keep track of the steals) ONE steal of a base is defined as a successful steal – not a steal attempt.
· Runners may NOT advance on an overthrow during a steal attempt. However, any other times when the ball is in play will constitute a “live ball” and the runners can advance on an overthrow. Once the pitcher has the ball back and is standing in the pitching circle around the mound runners cannot advance. Note, the pitcher’s mound for the Minors division will be placed (35) feet from home plate.
· If there is a steal of home on a passed ball and the ball gets away from the catcher and/or pitcher any other runner on the bases may advance on an overthrow from the catcher to pitcher or player covering home. Any overthrow from a catcher to any player covering home will be considered a “live ball”.
· Continuous batting order will be in effect. All players must bat at least once per game and play a minimum of 2 full innings in the field (6 defensive outs). Only (9) players will be permitted to be in the field on defense (not 10). Also, you must have at least 8 players present to start a game. If you do not have (8) players available you may play a scrimmage and the game will be recorded as a forfeit.
· If a team knows in advance that they will not have 8 players to start, managers should reach out to the softball director or NLL player agent to secure a substitute player. Substitute players may only play in the outfield and must bat last in the batting order.
· No inning will start after 1 3/4 hours. If an inning is started before the 1 3/4 hour limit then it will be completed. In the event the home team is leading after the away team has batted than the second half of the inning will not be completed.
· For the first half of the season, a player will be sent back to the previous base if they left early – they will not be automatically called out – and the umpire will call a dead ball. This must be discussed with the umpires before the start of games. Beginning with all games scheduled for Saturday, April 30, 2018, a player that leaves the base early will be called out according to the LL Softball rulebook. This will carry over into the playoffs as well.
· All managers will remind umpires prior to the commencement of the game that all runners must slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make a tag. If a player fails to slide or get down than they will be called out.
· All players must play 3 innings if the game goes 6 innings.
· ALL teams will be included in the playoffs.
· An overthrown ball from the catcher to the pitcher should be considered a dead ball (no stealing permitted).
· There is a five (5) run rule maximum per inning.
· If a pitcher hits (3) batters in a game, that pitcher will be removed from the mound and not permitted to pitch the remainder of the game. They may however, still play in other positions during the game. ** NOTE any pitched ball hitting the ground prior to striking the batter: while this WILL constitute a “hit-by-pitch” and the batter will be allotted first base, this WILL NOT count toward one of the three batters.
· A batter that squares for a bunt, then pulls back and swings away will automatically be called out.
· Mercy Rule: If after four (4) innings, 3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead, one team has a lead of eleven (11) runs or more, the manager of the team with the least runs shall concede victory to the opponent. Note: If the visiting team has a lead of eleven (11) runs or more, the home team must bat in its half of the inning. This rule is also in effect if there is a lead of (6) runs or more after (5) innings, 4 ½ innings if the home team is ahead.
· A maximum of (3) coaches will be permitted in the dugout while the team is on defense– (2) to work the bases and (1) in the dugout while the team is on offense. Note, only your approved and authorized coaches or team parent can assist you on the field or in the dugout during games. If you’re short handed a member of the Nanuet Little League Board of Directors can help assist you or you can have your players coach the bases so long as they’re wearing a helmet. An approved adult MUST be in the dugout with players at all times.
· In an effort to keep the games fun for the players, we would like to have all games at Heroes Field announced and the score kept on the scoreboard. The home team will be responsible to assign an adult to work the announcer’s booth and to work the scoreboard (this can be one person or two). Please make sure that the adults are doing this and not the children.
· Both teams are expected to “keep the book”. Any questions regarding score, number of outs, number of steals and batting order can easily be answered if the book is done in an orderly manner. If numerous or repeated discrepancies are found, punitive action may be taken against the infringing manager and/or coaches. Note, the book must be “kept” by a coach.
· The Home Plate Umpire is the chief authority on the field. Showing the players how to interact with the umpires is as important as instructing them on the game itself. The example you set when dealing with the umpires is usually under heavy observation by the players and fans.
· Managers Challenge:
A manager will be given two challenges per game. If there is a play that you feel needs help to determine the correct call. A manager only will have to bring his challenge to the ASA umpire and he will talk it over with the youth umpire and determine the right call. Coaches are not allowed to appeal or demonstrate any action that would influence a call. If a coach is caught appealing a call or influencing a call he/she will be ejected for the remainder of that game and will also not be available to coach the following game.
Thank you for volunteering!! Best of luck for a fun season!!
· Brian Dudek - NLL Softball Director dudek82@yahoo.com
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