ALLEN SPORTS ASSOCIATION - Fast Pitch Softball Rules - August 9, 2021 - Allen ...
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ALLEN SPORTS ASSOCIATION
Fast Pitch Softball Rules
8U Machine Pitch - 10U Modified Kid Pitch
Revised
August 9, 2021Allen Sports Association (ASA)
Fast Pitch Softball Rules
TABLE of CONTENTS
Article I. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ......................................................... 3
Section 1. AUTHORITY ......................................................................................................... 3
Section 2. PURPOSE ............................................................................................................ 3
Section 3. ADMINISTRATION ............................................................................................... 3
Section 4. ELIGIBILITY .......................................................................................................... 3
Section 5. TEAM AND LEAGUE ORGANIZATION ............................................................... 4
Section 6. PRACTICES AND GAMES ................................................................................... 5
Section 7. CODE OF CONDUCT........................................................................................... 5
Section 8. AWARD GUIDELINES .......................................................................................... 5
Article II. GENERAL RULES (ALL LEAGUES) ................................................. 7
Section 1. USA SOFTBALL ................................................................................................... 7
Section 2. PLAYERS ............................................................................................................. 7
Section 3. COACHES ............................................................................................................ 7
Section 4. GAME ................................................................................................................... 7
Section 5. POST-SEASON TOURNAMENT.......................................................................... 8
Section 6. BATTING .............................................................................................................. 8
Section 7. BASERUNNERS................................................................................................... 8
Section 8. UNIFORMS/EQUIPMENT .................................................................................... 8
Section 9. LEAGUE STANDINGS ......................................................................................... 9
Section 10. MISCELLANEOUS ............................................................................................... 9
Section 11. PROTESTS......................................................................................................... 10
Section 12. EXCEPTIONS ..................................................................................................... 10
Article III. 8U RULES ......................................................................................... 11
Section 1. PLAYERS ........................................................................................................... 11
Section 2. COACHES .......................................................................................................... 11
Section 3. GAME PLAY ....................................................................................................... 11
Section 4. BATTING ............................................................................................................ 11
Section 5. BASE RUNNERS/BATTER-RUNNER ................................................................ 12
Section 6. USA SOFTBALL DISTANCES............................................................................ 13
Article IV. 10U RULES ....................................................................................... 14
Section 1. COACHES .......................................................................................................... 14
Section 2. GAME PLAY ....................................................................................................... 14
Section 3. PITCHING ........................................................................................................... 14
Section 4. BATTING ............................................................................................................ 15
Section 5. BASE RUNNERS/BATTER-RUNNER ................................................................ 15
Section 6. USA SOFTBALL DISTANCES............................................................................ 15Allen Sports Association Fast Pitch Softball
Article I. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Section 1. AUTHORITY
The ASA Softball program is conducted by authority of the Board of Directors of the Allen Sports
Association, Allen, Texas (ASA).
Section 2. PURPOSE
The purpose of ASA Softball is to promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship, fellowship, athleticism
and fair play by providing recreation, fun, and cooperation through voluntary participation. In no manner
is this program intended to hinder school athletic programs, but rather, it is intended to give all eligible
individuals the opportunity to participate in the tradition of softball.
Section 3. ADMINISTRATION
A. Softball Commissioner will act as the presiding officer of the Softball Board, which will have the
responsibility for the administration and conduct of the ASA Softball program within guidelines established
by ASA.
B. The League Director for each playing league will be designated by the Commissioner and will be
responsible for assisting the Commissioner in the direction of their league.
C. The Softball Board is comprised of the Commissioner, League Directors, and other board members as
determined by the Commissioner and ASA.
Section 4. ELIGIBILITY
A. Players:
1. Eligibility is based on USA Softball rules, where applicable, which are based on the birth year of the
player and the calendar year of competition. The following table is provided as a guide.
Competition Year
Birth Year
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2003 14U N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
2004 14U 14U N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
2005 12U 14U 14U N/A N/A N/A N/A
2006 12U 12U 14U 14U N/A N/A N/A
2007 10U 12U 12U 14U 14U N/A N/A
2008 10U 10U 12U 12U 14U 14U N/A
2009 8U 10U 10U 12U 12U 14U 14U
2010 8U 8U 10U 10U 12U 12U 14U
2011 T-Ball 8U 8U 10U 10U 12U 12U
2012 T-Ball T-Ball 8U 8U 10U 10U 12U
2013 T-Ball T-Ball T-Ball 8U 8U 10U 10U
2014 N/A T-Ball T-Ball T-Ball 8U 8U 10U
2015 N/A N/A T-Ball T-Ball T-Ball 8U 8U
2016 N/A N/A N/A T-Ball T-Ball T-Ball 8U
2017 N/A N/A N/A N/A T-Ball T-Ball T-Ball
2018 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A T-Ball T-Ball
2019 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A T-Ball
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2. All players must be registered with ASA Softball prior to the close of the registration period
a) Participation by players not registered with ASA Softball will result in immediate removal of the
player from the game and the league. The player will not be allowed to register until the next open
registration period
b) Participation by players not registered with ASA Softball will result in penalties to the head coach
consistent with Article II, Section 2.7 of the Softball rules, and include, but are not limited to
immediate suspension of the head coach and subject to A&D Hearing with the Executive Director
and the Ethics Committee
3. A player may play on only one ASA Softball team per season.
4. Players may play in a league equivalent to one year above their birth year.
a) There will be no “play up requests” for players beyond the one year referenced in Section 4.3;
players approved to play up prior to the Fall 2018 Season will be considered “grandfathered” and
will be allowed to continue to play in those leagues
B. Coaches:
1. An individual may be denied coaching privileges for any violation of ASA code of ethics, coach’s
contract or conduct code.
2. Eligibility for adults as coaches in the ASA Softball Program is as follows:
a) Coaches must meet any requirements specified by, and be certified by, ASA.
b) Coaches must demonstrate knowledge of Softball rules.
c) The assignment of coaches will be at the discretion of the Softball Board.
C. The Softball Board will be the final judge of fact in all questions of eligibility.
Section 5. TEAM AND LEAGUE ORGANIZATION
A. The Softball Board reserves the right to consolidate or split one or more leagues, if it deems necessary
for the benefit of the program.
B. Teams will be formed in the following manner:
1. Player Assignment:
a) Players not on a “Pre-Formed” Team will be assigned to a new or existing team.
2. Pre-Formed Teams:
a) Coaches may “Bring Their Own Teams” (pre-formed teams) provided the head coach submits a
roster of player’s names to ASA by the deadline. This deadline will precede the draft.
Submission of name roster does not constitute registration of players (see below).
b) Each player must register individually and must have paid their registration fees by the
registration deadline.
c) When registering, parents must request that their child be placed on the head coach’s pre-formed
team.
d) Coaches of pre-formed teams should ensure that each parent registers their child correctly.
e) No roster size minimum or maximum, but if the team does not have enough players, it will be
filled in by the player assignment process, combined with another team, or the players will be
assigned to other teams.
f) Coaches will not be allowed to add to their rosters after the deadline without the approval of the
League Director.
g) Players will not be added to teams once the season has started without the approval of the
League Director and Commissioner.
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h) The League Director and Commissioner reserve the right to assign players to pre-formed teams if
the assignment is in the best interest of the player and the League
Section 6. PRACTICES AND GAMES
A. No player or coach may participate in any team meetings, workouts or games until he or she is officially
registered, assigned to the team, and has completed his or her player/coaches certification.
Section 7. CODE OF CONDUCT
A. The ASA Softball program strives to develop softball skills, teamwork, achievement and good
sportsmanship among all participants. Winning is secondary to these objectives. Coaches and fans are
expected to abide by these principles.
B. All coaches must demonstrate good sportsmanship and fair play at all times to fans, officials, and players.
C. Players, coaches, participants and spectators, are subject to, and must abide by, the ASA Code of
Conduct.
D. Head coaches are responsible for the actions of their team’s players, coaches, and spectators. Coaches
must explain to their parents and players that any negative actions they take before, during or after a
game in relation to the officials, coaches, players, or spectators will have a negative impact on the game
and will potentially result in game penalties against their team as well as the individuals taking the
actions.
E. The Head Coach is responsible for attending the pregame plate meeting and for all interactions with
umpires.
F. Fighting will not be tolerated. Players, coaches or parents who fight, start, or instigate a fight will face
disciplinary action. If a punch is thrown, whether it connects or not, that individual will be suspended from
further league play pending an investigation.
G. All coaches and players should shake hands at the conclusion of their game.
H. Violation of the conduct described in this Section may result in, at minimum, an immediate removal from
the game (if during game play), plus additional suspension, and/or other penalty as determined by the
Softball Board or the Commissioner
Section 8. AWARD GUIDELINES
The following guidelines establishing a method to award players for their effort while participating in Allen
Sports Association Softball. Awards may be given as trophies, shirts, medals, or pins. League play and
tournament play may be given different types of awards.
The following will be used for distributing awards at the end of the regular season or post-season
tournament play. No awards are given for pre-season tournament play.
A. 6U Awards
1. Spring Season - All players will receive participation awards.
2. Fall Season – All Players will receive participation awards.
B. 8U Awards
1. Spring Season - All players will receive either a participation award or a placement award, but not
both. Placement awards, if provided, will be distributed to players of top placing teams, based on the
results of post-season tournament play, in accordance with paragraph D-1 below or participation
awards.
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2. Fall Season – All players will receive either a participation award or a placement award, but not both.
Placement awards, if provided, will be distributed to players of top placing teams, based on regular
season play, in accordance with paragraph D-1 below or participation awards.
C. 10U – 14U Awards
1. Spring Season –Placement awards, if provided, will be distributed to players of top placing teams,
based on the results of post-season tournament play, in accordance with paragraph D-1 below. NO
participation awards are awarded.
2. Fall Season –Placement awards, if provided, will be distributed to players of top placing teams, based
on regular season play, in accordance with paragraph D-1 below. NO participation awards are
awarded.
D. Placement Awards
1. League or Tournament placement awards will be given by the following scenarios:
a) Leagues or divisions with 4 teams or fewer, awards will be given to all players on the 1st place
team.
b) Leagues or divisions with 5 to 10 teams, awards will be given to all players on the 1st place and
2nd place teams.
c) Leagues or divisions with 11 teams or more, awards will be given to all players on the 1st place,
2nd place and 3rd place teams.
Note: If there is a tie for 1st place or 2nd place, all teams involved in the tie may be given awards,
but it may affect awards given in other places.
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Article II. GENERAL RULES (ALL LEAGUES)
Section 1. USA SOFTBALL
A. USA Softball rules apply, unless superseded by these ASA softball rules.
Section 2. PLAYERS
A. Teams may play with up to 10 defensive players at one time, including 4 outfielders. (8U-12U)
B. Teams may play with up to 9 defensive players at one time, including 3 outfielders. (14U)
C. Teams must field at least 6 players for an official game. Less than 6 players will result in a forfeit.
D. In the event a team has less than 9 rostered players at a game, the team may play with up to 3 additional
players (“Pickup Players”) currently registered on another ASA Team in the same division (8U, 10U, 12U,
14U) in order to play with a total of up to 10 players.
1. Pickup Players count toward the minimum number required for an official game.
2. Pickup Players may only play in the outfield and must bat last in the initial batting order.
3. Pickup Players must wear the uniform of their original team.
4. Pickup Players are not allowed to play up into a higher division or play down into a lower division.
5. Pickup Players cannot be added to the lineup after the start of the game.
6. Rostered players arriving after the umpire has started the game will be substituted in the lineup in
place of any Pickup Player utilized.
7. Violation of the Pickup Player rules will result in the following penalties
a) 1st Offense - Suspension of the Head Coach for 1 game
b) 2nd Offense – Coach is subject to A&D Hearing with Executive Director and Ethics Committee.
E. Failure to have 9 players present at the start of the game will result in an automatic out at the end of the
batting order.
F. Each eligible player present at the start of a game must play at least 1 inning on defense if 2 or 3 innings
are played, at least 2 innings on defense if 4 or 5 innings are played, and at least 3 innings on defense if
6 or more innings are played, unless the player leaves the ball fields during the game, or if disciplinary
action, injury, or illness prevents any player from satisfying their playing time.
G. Coaches are allowed free fielding substitutions, without formal notification requirements.
H. Outfielders must have feet in the grass when the ball is pitched. A ball will be called on the pitcher if this
is violated.
Section 3. COACHES
A. Only coaches with current ASA badges are allowed on the field or in the dugout during any game.
B. Coaches must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
Section 4. GAME
A. The home team will use the 1st base dugout; the visiting team will use the 3rd base dugout.
B. Unless otherwise noted, the home team is listed last on schedule (e.g. Frogs vs. Toads – the Toads
would be home team)
C. Regular season games can end in a tie.
D. Home team will keep the Official Scorebook for each game.
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E. Visiting team will run the scoreboard for each game. This includes setting up the controller before the first
game and returning the controller to the shed after the last game.
F. Both coaches will submit scores to the League Director or their designee.
G. There is no runs ahead rule.
H. After any time limit is reached, the game will be stopped at the completion of the current Batter if the
game is in an unreachable/un-tieable state.
I. If a game that is called due to weather or darkness is rescheduled, it will be restarted at the exact point at
which it was called, and will continue until the completion of a regulation game or the expiration of a new,
complete time limit—whichever comes first.
Section 5. POST-SEASON TOURNAMENT
A. The team with the lowest numerical seed is the home team, except as noted below.
1. The winner of the winner’s bracket is the home team against the winner of the consolation bracket.
2. The winner of the winner’s bracket is the visiting team when the “if” game is required.
B. If the game is tied at the end of regulation play, the game will continue under normal playing rules until a
winner is determined. There are no modified extra inning rules.
Section 6. BATTING
A. Each eligible player will be listed in the batting order and will bat their turn even if they are not playing a
defensive position during the inning.
B. Failure to have 9 players in the batting lineup during the game will result in an automatic out.
C. Players leaving the game due to injury or illness will be declared an out at their spot in the batting order if
the injury results in the batting lineup falling below the 9 player minimum.
1. If the injury or illness occurs during and the player is not able to complete the AT BAT, the player
cannot be substituted for and the AT BAT will also be declared an out.
2. If the injury or illness occurs after the completion of an AT BAT (Batter-Runner reaches First Base),
the player can be replaced by the last out
3. Players leaving the game due to injury or illness cannot return to the lineup.
D. A maximum penalty of 1 automatic out per time through the batting order will be imposed per team.
E. Batting order must be provided to opposing coach prior to the beginning of the game. The batting order is
only required to list the player’s first or last name and jersey number.
F. Players arriving after the umpire has started the game will be entered at the end of the batting order.
G. Batters who throw the bat may be called out at the umpire’s discretion.
Section 7. BASERUNNERS
A. Substitute Runner - A substitute or “pinch” runner for an injured player will be the batter who made the
last out.
B. Courtesy Runner – See Division specific rules
Section 8. UNIFORMS/EQUIPMENT
A. USA Softball rules related to Headwear, Pants, Sliding Pants, and Undershirts do not apply.
B. Metal cleats are not allowed at any age-level.
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C. Only bats noted as a Softball or Fastpitch bat are allowed.
1. Bat does not have to have certification notation (USSSA, ISF, etc) visible on the bat.
2. Baseball, TBall or Adult bats are not allowed.
D. Batters and Batter-Runners must wear a batting helmet with a protective facemask and chin strap at all
times.
1. If the player removes their batting helmet outside the dugout during an inning, it will result in an
automatic out.
2. A player may request the umpire call time out to make adjustments that may require removal of their
helmet
E. All players are required to wear a fielding facemask while in the field, regardless of position.
Section 9. LEAGUE STANDINGS
A. Team standings will be determined by winning percentage, with a tie counting as ½ a win.
B. In the event that 2 or more teams finish the regular season with an identical winning percentage, the
following system of tiebreakers will be used to determine the team standings and post-season tournament
seeding:
1. If two or more teams are tied, the team standings will be determined by the highest winning
percentage considering only games between the teams that are tied. All games between the teams
that are tied are considered—even if such teams did not play each other an equal number of times.
2. If still tied, the team standings will result in a tie. Post-season tournament seeding will be determined
randomly, such as by a coin toss, random drawing.
Section 10. MISCELLANEOUS
A. Weather – After the field hotline has been updated by the Allen Parks & Recreation Department, it is up to
the umpire as to whether the game will be played as scheduled.
B. Game time starts on the first pitch to an opposing batter (8U) or first warm up pitch (10U). Teams must
be warmed up and ready to play at the scheduled start time of the game.
1. EXCEPTION: Failure of the Head Coach to have their team ready to play at scheduled game time will
result in the game clock starting at the scheduled game time.
2. If the field is being used for another game prior to the scheduled games, teams should warm-up
outside the fences or on adjacent unused fields.
C. Between half-innings, teams will be allowed only 5 warm-up pitches, or a time of one minute, whichever is
reached first.
D. If used, batspersons must wear helmets and must wait until the completion of any play before leaving the
dugout to retrieve a bat.
E. No Coach or defensive player shall at any time, whether in the Coach's box or on the playing field, use
language, cheers or arbitrary noises which are intended to affect the performance of an opposing
offensive player. Cheers, of a positive nature only, are allowed from the dugout area while occupying the
offensive position.
F. Pre-game warm-ups must occur on the playing field or in the designated warm up areas. Teams warming
up in the common areas of the 4-field complex will be asked by a member of the Softball Board to
relocate to a designated warm-up area.
G. The on-deck batter must stand either at the far end of their team’s dugout or in the on-deck area
corresponding to the dugout their team occupies.
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H. Jewelry that interferes with a player’s ability to play the game or is deemed a safety hazard by the umpire
is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to necklaces, bracelets (any material), dangling earrings,
etc. Player can be ruled out or removed from the game at the Umpire’s discretion.
Section 11. PROTESTS
A. All game protests must comply with USA Softball Rules and only in the case of misapplication of rules.
Umpire judgement calls are not protestable. Head Coaches wishing to play under protest must inform the
umpire before the next play and the official scorekeeper must record. The protest must be submitted in
writing to the applicable League Director via email within 72 hours of the scheduled start time of the game
under protest.
B. The Softball Board will consider the protest and render a decision. The decision of the Softball Board is
final.
Section 12. EXCEPTIONS
A. All items not covered by these rules will be decided by the Softball Board.
B. The Softball Board is the final judge of fact and interpretation of these rules.
C. All complaints must be submitted to the Softball Board in writing.
D. The Softball Board reserves the right to make exceptions in special cases for all rules, procedures and
policies.
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Article III. 8U RULES
Section 1. PLAYERS
A. The catcher may be positioned to the side of home plate at the edge of the grass to the back of the hitter
and at a minimum must wear a catcher’s helmet with a face mask and chin strap. Full protective gear is
strongly recommended. Alternatively, the catcher may play in the traditional catcher position directly
behind the plate and must wear full protective catching equipment.
B. During the season, every player will play at least one entire game on defense.
Section 2. COACHES
A. A coach will pitch to his own team. The coach cannot leave the pitching circle to instruct his/her batters,
they may however motion for the batter to move around in the box.
B. A defensive coach should be positioned behind the catcher to assist the catcher. In the absence of an
available defensive coach, an offensive coach may stand behind the catcher, but may not interrupt play to
instruct or position the batter.
C. Coaches must be against the fence no closer than the end of the dugout. A defensive coach can coach in
the field in foul territory behind the offensive coach’s box.
D. Coaches must not create a distraction or interfere with play. Coaches violating this rule may be warned
once, and then prohibited from coaching for the remainder of that game and may be subject to further
disciplinary action.
Section 3. GAME PLAY
A. No inning will begin after 65 minutes except as required for tournament play.
B. A game that is called due to weather or darkness is considered complete after 40 minutes of play
provided two complete innings have been played.
C. Each team will be allowed a maximum of 5 runs per ½ inning.
D. The dropped 3rd strike rule does not apply.
E. The infield fly rule does not apply.
F. The look-back rule does not apply.
G. Home team will be responsible for setting up pitching machine before the first game and removing the
pitching machine after the last scheduled game. The pitching machine should be returned to its
designated area in the storage shed.
1. Prior to game start, both teams shall verify the pitching machine is setup properly and delivering
hittable balls.
H. Visiting team will be responsible for setting up the scoreboard controller before the first game and
removing the controller after the last scheduled game. The controller should be returned to its designated
area in the storage shed.
Section 4. BATTING
A. Each batter will receive 6 pitches, not including un-hittable balls from the pitching machine as declared by
the umpire. Each pitch will count even if the batter does not swing. Strikes are not counted.
B. The batter will be called out if they do not hit a fair ball within their 6 pitch limit. Foul balls count toward
the pitch count.
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C. The first 3 pitches will come from a pitching machine set at 32-35 MPH. If a coach elects, all 6 pitches can
come from the pitching machine. The machine will be placed in the pitcher’s circle over or in contact with
the pitching rubber located closest to home plate.
1. If a batter does not put the ball in play after 3 pitches, the coach will have the option to pitch to the
batter for the last 3 pitches.
2. A coach will not pitch more than 3 pitches to a batter unless there is a problem with the pitching
machine.
3. A coach pitching to a batter must stand no more than 2 feet in front of the pitching machine. They
may not move forward as they pitch and must make every attempt to get out of the field of play and
not interfere with normal game play.
D. The batter will receive an additional swing if a foul ball occurs on the 6th pitch. This can happen an
unlimited number of times, provided the batter continues to foul the final additional swing.
E. There are no walks.
F. If the hit ball strikes the pitching machine or the offensive pitching coach, it will be a dead ball. The batter
will advance to first base. Other runners will not advance unless forced.
G. Bunting is not allowed.
H. If during game play, the setup of the machine changes such that it impacts player safety, time must be
called, and the machine adjusted back to a playable condition. Both teams should re-verify machine setup
before resuming play.
I. If a batter is struck by a pitch delivered by the pitching machine, the batter will not be awarded first base.
1. The pitch will be declared a no pitch and will not count against the maximum 6-pitch limit.
2. If the batter is not able to complete the AT BAT, the batter cannot be substituted for and the AT BAT
will also be declared an out.
3. The pitching machine setup should be reviewed and adjusted as per Rule III.4.H.
J. If a coach is pitching, the batter will not be awarded a base if hit by a pitch.
Section 5. BASE RUNNERS/BATTER-RUNNER
A. Runners are not allowed to advance except on a fair batted ball. No base stealing is allowed.
B. The ball is dead when the pitcher has control of the ball in the pitcher’s circle, or when an infielder has
control of the ball while inside the base path, as determined by the umpire. The ball remains dead even if
a player attempts a subsequent play.
C. When the ball is dead as defined in this section, base runners that have already passed a base may
continue to the next base. Runners cannot advance, or be put out attempting to advance, beyond such
next base, except as provided herein with respect to overthrows toward first base.
D. Batter-Runners, at their own risk, may advance one base on live-ball overthrows or passed balls towards
first base. Runners occupying other bases can, at their own risk, advance one base only when forced to
advance by the overthrown batter-runner. Runners are not allowed to advance additional bases on an
overthrow to any base other than first base.
Example #1: Runner on second base when a ground ball is hit to second baseman. Second baseman
overthrows first base. Hitter can advance to second base, at their own risk, but the runner on second can
only advance on the hit and may not advance on the overthrow unless forced by the runner reaching
second as a result of the overthrow. If there were runners in the above example on first AND second, the
runner on second could advance to home since she is “forced” home by the runner on first advancing to
third.
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Example #2: Runner on 3rd base when a ground ball is hit to second baseman. Second baseman
overthrows first base. Runner on third can advance to home if they were already past the base and
continue to the next base.
E. Courtesy Runner - Coaches may put in a runner for the catcher if there are 2 outs. Coaches may not put
in a runner for the pitcher. The courtesy runner is the last person to be out. The courtesy runner is not
restricted from playing in any position during the next inning. The catcher replaced by the courtesy
runner must catch at least the first entire at-bat when the team next returns to the field.
Section 6. USA SOFTBALL DISTANCES
A. Bases will be set at 55 feet.
B. Pitching rubber will be set at 35 feet. A 16-foot diameter circle will be chalked around the pitching rubber.
C. Official ball: 11” diameter.
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Article IV. 10U RULES
Section 1. COACHES
A. One defensive coach is allowed to be positioned next to the fence, no closer to home plate than the end
of the dugout nearest home plate.
B. One offensive coach, base coaches notwithstanding, is allowed to be positioned next to the fence, no
closer than the end of the dugout nearest home plate.
C. A coach will pitch to his own team. The coach cannot leave the pitching circle to instruct his/her batters,
they may however motion for the batter to move around in the box.
D. Coaches must be against the fence no closer than the end of the dugout. A defensive coach can coach in
the field in foul territory behind the offensive coach’s box.
E. Coaches must not create a distraction or interfere with play. Coaches violating this rule may be warned
once, and then prohibited from coaching for the remainder of that game and may be subject to further
disciplinary action.
Section 2. GAME PLAY
A. No inning will begin after 75 minutes except as required for tournament play.
B. A game that is called due to weather or darkness is considered complete after 45 minutes of play
provided two complete innings have been played.
C. Each team will be allowed a maximum of 5 runs per ½ inning.
D. The dropped 3rd strike rule is not in effect.
E. The look-back rule is not in effect.
F. The infield fly rule is not in effect.
Section 3. PITCHING
A. There is no limit to the number of innings or pitches a pitcher may pitch in one game.
B. The batter will be awarded a ball, but base runners will not be awarded a base, on an illegal pitch.
C. No walks will be awarded to the batter.
D. The player-pitcher will pitch to the opposing batter until there have been 4 balls called on the batter.
Once the count has reached 4 balls, the coach-pitcher will pitch to the batter, while resuming the pitch
count. All subsequent pitches will result in strikes called by the umpire.
E. A pitch delivered by the coach with an arch exceeding six (6) feet above the ground will result in a dead
ball strike.
F. There is no limit on fouled third strikes whether pitched by the pitcher or the coach.
G. If a coach is pitching, the batter will not be awarded a base if hit by a pitch.
H. If a coach is pitching, the player-pitcher will have at least one foot inside the circle no closer to home plate
than the pitching rubber.
I. If a coach is pitching, the player-pitcher will not interfere with the delivery of the coach’s pitch.
J. If a coach is pitching, the coach must start with at least one foot in contact with the pitching rubber. The
coach must pitch underhand, but no other formalities apply to the pitching coach.
K. If two batters in a single inning are awarded first base because they are ‘hit by pitch’ from a single pitcher,
the offending pitcher must be replaced for the remainder of the inning. If a single pitcher is replaced in two
innings of the same game for too many ‘hit by pitch’ calls, the pitcher must be replaced for the remainder
of the game.
Revised 8/15/21 14 of 15Allen Sports Association Fast Pitch Softball
Section 4. BATTING
A. Batter is allowed to bunt unless coach is pitching.
B. All players will bat at least once per game. A coach will inform the umpire in the last inning of any batters
needing to bat if time has or will expire before that team can bat again.
Section 5. BASE RUNNERS/BATTER-RUNNER
A. All runners and batter-runners must stop advancing when the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle.
A runner or batter-runner between bases must advance or return to the previous base, with liability to be
put out.
B. If the pitcher in control of the ball in the circle attempts a play on any runner or batter-runner, all runners
and batter-runners may continue to advance until the pitcher once again has control of the ball in the
circle.
C. Base Stealing:
1. A steal is any advancement of a runner to another base when the ball is not put in play by a batter.
2. Base runners may not steal a base when a coach is pitching.
3. Base runners may steal only 1 base per pitch, regardless of overthrows, errant throws, or plays made
on any runner.
4. Base runners are allowed to steal 2nd and 3rd bases only. Base runners may never steal home.
D. Any runner or batter-runner who has safely advanced to a base beyond the allowed base will be returned
to the allowed base without liability to be put out.
E. Courtesy Runner - Coaches may put in a runner for the catcher if there are 2 outs. Coaches may not put
in a runner for the pitcher. The courtesy runner is the last person to be out. The courtesy runner is not
restricted from playing in any position during the next inning. The catcher replaced by the courtesy
runner must catch at least the first entire at-bat when the team next returns to the field.
Section 6. USA SOFTBALL DISTANCES
A. Bases will be set at 60 feet.
B. Pitching rubber will be set at 35 feet. A 16-foot diameter circle will be chalked around the pitching rubber.
C. Official ball: 11” diameter.
Revised 8/15/21 15 of 15You can also read
