12U and 14U Fast Pitch Rules
In addition to the current year ASA Girls Fast Pitch Softball Rules and Regulations, the divisions of 12U and 14U will abide by the following:
1. Teams will bat their entire roster and will 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 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 eight (8) players shall incur an automatic out when the 9th batting position arises. A team must have at least (8) players to start the game.
6. The official ball shall be a 12” fast pitch softball with a .47 core.
7. Bases will be 60Â’ apart and the official pitching rubber will be 40Â’ from home plate.
8. Overthrows, whether in foul or fair territory, will be considered live, unless the ball enters the dugout and any other area deemed out of play, in which case, each runner will automatically receive two (2) bases (from the time of the throw). Overthrows remaining in play will be considered live, and runners may advance at their own risk of being put out.
9. Once a ball is returned to the pitcher in the pitcherÂ’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.
10. 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 one (1) time. After that the umpire has the authority to remove said person from the park. Umpires will notify a board member of the hosting city of the ejection.
11. Catchers are required to wear full protective headgear, mask, and chest protector and shin guards.
12. Coaches cannot touch a base runner during a live ball. Penalty: 1st is a warning, 2nd is an out.
13. Base runners are allowed to leave the base only after the pitcher has released the ball. Base runners are allowed to steal any base and may steal home on a wild pitch or passed ball.
14. There is a dropped third strike provision. The batter may advance to 1st base upon a dropped third strike, provisional that either a) 1st base is unoccupied and less than 2 outs exist or b) whenever 2 outs exist, whether 1st base is occupied or not.
15. A playerÂ’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.
16. No jewelry (rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc.) will be allowed during play. Ear studs may be worn if covered with tape or a bandaid.
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.
A coach is authorized to add up to two (2) 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 parents.
3. The guest player must wear her own teamÂ’s uniform.
4. The coach must announce and identify the guest players to the umpires and the 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 cannot be on the field if there is a regular roster player present and available to play.