10 & Under Fast Pitch Rules
In addition to the current year ASA Girls Fast Pitch Softball Rules and Regulations, 10 & Under Division teams will abide by the following:
1. Teams will bat their entire roster and be allowed free defensive substitutions.
2. An offensive team will be allowed to score a maximum of six (6) runs per inning.
3. Games shall be limited to 75 minutes. No new inning shall start after time has expired. The home team will be allowed to bat and finish the inning, if they are tied with or losing within 6 runs of the visitor. Games that end in a tie will not go into extra innings.
4. Nine (9) defensive players are allowed on the field at one time. Each team is allowed (1) one pitcher, (1) one catcher and (4) four infielders.
5. Teams playing with only (8) eight players shall NOT incur an automatic out when the 9th batting position arises. A team must have at least (8) eight players to start a game.
6. The official ball shall be an 11" fast pitch softball with a .47 core.
7. Bases will be 60' apart and the official pitching rubber will be 35' from home plate.
8. A child pitcher may pitch a maximum of (4) four balls (non-strikes) during a single at bat. After the fourth called ball, an offensive coach will pitch a maximum of (3) three flat pitches (Coach inherits the strike count & every coach pitch counts as a strike). After the 3 rd pitch the batter is out unless she fouls off the 3rd pitch. In this case, the batter will get only one more pitch - no exceptions. There are NO walks. There is NO stealing while a coach is in the game pitching. The coach is to leave the field after contact with the ball is made.
**AFTER the midseason tournament, NO Coach-pitchers will be allowed. ONLY CHILD PITCHERS will be pitching during the entire game. Three (3) strikes or four (4) balls will apply.
9. The coach is considered part of the field. If he is hit with the ball, play continues unless the umpire feels it was intentional by the coach. If ruled intentional, the batter is out and base runners return to their original base.
10. Overthrows, whether into fair or foul territory, will be considered live, unless the ball enters a dugout or any other area deemed out of play, in which case, each runner will automatically receive the base they are going to plus one(1) more: except home plate, runners must stop at 3 rd base. Overthrows remaining in play will be considered live and runners may continue to advance at their own risk of being put out (1 base per overthrow and must stop at 3rd).
11. Once the ball is returned to the pitcher in the pitcher's circle, all base runners must either advance to the next base or return to the base they just came from immediately. Any hesitation or fake moves by the runner and they will be called out by the umpire.
12. Judgment calls made by the umpire are not up for appeal. Please do not argue with the umpires. This only delays the game and presents a bad image to the players and parents. The umpires have been instructed to warn any argumentative coach, player or parent (1) one time. After that the umpire has the authority to remove said person(s) from the park. Umpires will notify a board member of the hosting city of the ejection.
13. Catchers are required to wear full protective headgear, mask, and chest protector and shin guards.
14. Coaches cannot touch a base runner during live ball. Penalty; 1 is a warning, 2nd time is an out.
15. Base runners are allowed to leave the base only after the pitcher has released the ball. Base runners are allowed to steal 2nd and 3rd bases. Base runners are prohibited from stealing if a coach is pitching. Base runners are prohibited from stealing home or attempting to score on a passed ball, wild pitch or overthrow.
16. There is NO dropped third strike provision; the batter is out upon the 3rd strike.
17. A player's intentional contact with an opposing player will result in the immediate ejection of the offending player. Serious infractions may result in suspension from the league. Umpires will notify a board member of the hosting city in the event of any ejection.
18. No jewelry (rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc.) will be allowed during play. Ear studs may be worn if covered with tape or a band-aid.
Guest Players:
Guest players are allowed, under the guidelines below, for purposes of avoiding forfeits and allowing kids to play ball.
The spirit of the guest player rule is intended to allow shorthanded teams the temporary use of other league players rather than forfeit the game. This rule is not, intended to be used as a tool to exclude regular members in favor or a more highly skilled player.
Guidelines:
A coach is authorized to add up to two guest players per game, provided that:
1. The guest players are currently registered in your own association or associations that are partnering for the season. If they are from other associations they must have individual insurance vs. team insurance
2. The guest player has the permission of her parent(s)
3. The guest player must wear her own team's uniform
4. The coach must announce and identify the guest player(s) to the umpires and opposing coach prior to the start of the game
5. Guest players can play up one age division
6. Guest players must play outfield positions only
7. Guest players must bat last in the batting order
8. The guest player can not be on the field if there is a regular roster player present and available to play