Effective: March 08

Following are local rules only and are to be used as a supplement to the “2008 Softball Official Regulations and Playing Rules” blue book provided by Little League.

MAJORS DIVISION

The Majors Division is a competitive league. The intent is for fun in a learning environment while preparing the players to participate in competitive games. The rules below are designed to reflect that.

1. All players will wear the GHLL issued uniforms during games, including visors. Visor is optional for the pitcher while pitching.

2. Each child will not sit out more than 2 innings in any game. This includes games which only go 4 innings due to weather or time constraints. Any player not starting in a game will start in the next scheduled game.

3. There is a 5 run rule per inning. Keeping in mind that if the 5^th run occurs as a play continues, all the following runs over home plate that are safe would be counted in that play until an out is called or the ball is called dead or out of play by the umpire.

4. The 10 run rule will be in effect.

5. No inning will begin after 1 hour 45 minute after the star of a game. The game will end no later than 2 hours 15 minutes regardless of the game situation.

MINORS DIVISION

The Minors Division emphasis is on LEARNING THE GAME, PARTICIPATION, SPORTSMANSHIP AND FUN! The rules below are designed to reflect that.

1. All players will wear the GHLL issued uniforms during games, including visors. Visor is optional for the pitcher while pitching.

2. No official league standings will be kept. Home team is responsible for “scorekeeping”.

3. Games will be 6 innings, time permitting. No new inning after one (1) hour and forty-five (45) minutes of play. Drop dead is at 2 hours. Umpire is responsible for official time. Game time officially begins at game time listed on the schedule.

4. Each child will not sit out more than 2 innings in any game. This includes games which only go 4 innings due to weather or time constraints. Any player not starting in a game will start in the next scheduled game.

5. One manager and two coaches are the maximum allowed for each team during games. Two adult coaches are allowed as base coaches but one coach must always be in the dugout with the team. They are not allowed to touch the runners. One defensive coach is allowed in the outfield when their team is on defense.

6. All team members in uniform must be listed in the official batting order at the beginning of each game and will bat in that order, until conclusion of the game. Player’s not present at the beginning of the game will be added to the bottom of the batting order.

7. A batter will be declared out if she bats out of order.

8. A team’s at bat will consist of three outs or five runs scored, whichever occurs first.

9. In the case of a five run rule, the inning is automatically terminated when the fifth run is scored. This rule is also applicable to the last inning.

10. The batter is out after 3 strikes. If 4 balls are thrown by pitcher, than a coach pitcher will enter the game to throw 3 more pitches, at which time the batter is out if a hit is not made. The strike count stays the same when the coach enters the game and the batter is out if they reach 3 strikes total.

11. Infield fly rule will not be in effect

12. No leading off or stealing. Runner must stay on the base until the ball is batted or reaches the batter.

13. Runners may continue to advance around the bases on a ball hit until the ball is returned by a defensive player within the infield to the pitcher and the pitcher is located within the 8 foot radius circle; Umpires discretion on if the base runner goes to the next base or returns back if they were not at least half way to the next base when the ball comes to the infield and is possessed by the pitcher.

14. Outfielders will not be allowed to play in the infield and must remain at least ten yards behind the baseline until the ball is hit.

15. For the first 3 games of the season the coaches will pitch the entire game to their own team. There will be no walks when the coaches pitch.

16. After the 3^rd season game, the coaches will pitch for the first 3 innings of each game with the same rules as noted above. After the 3^rd inning, kids will pitch a regular count to each batter. After four balls thrown to any batter, the coach pitcher will enter the game and pitch 3 final pitches to the batter. The batter is out after these 3 pitches are thrown without a successful hit in play. The strike count continues when the coach enters the game, so if the coach enters with 2 strikes on the batter and throw one pitch which is a strike, than the batter is out. If the batter continues fouling off the 3^rd pitch she will continue to receive pitches until either the ball is put in play or missed entirely.

17. Each pitch must be a legal pitch as described in the Little League Handbook (Section 8, pages 75 and forward). It is very important that pitchers are taught proper form and technique as illegal pitches and non pitches are counted as balls. Pitchers will pitch from a mark 35 feet away from home plate. There will be no intentional walks.

18. DEFENSIVE pitcher will stand near the COACH Pitcher to play the ball defensively. If the batted ball hits the COACH pitcher, the ball becomes dead immediately and the batter advances to first base. All other base runners will advance one (1) base. Also, once the ball comes back to the defensive pitcher from the outfield on a base hit, and the pitcher is within the 8 foot radius circle, play becomes dead and all base runners cannot advance unless they are already halfway to the next base. (Umpire’s judgment)

19. An 11-inch Level 1 Safety Softball will be used.

20. Batters must wear approved league helmets with face masks.

These rules cover only the local rules which are in addition to all regular girls softball rules described thoroughly in the “2008 Softball Official Regulations and Playing Rules” blue book provided by Little League.