2021 Playing Rules 

Major's  Division-(12U)

General

1.     ASA rules will be in force unless otherwise specified in our house playing rules.

2.     Scores and standings will be kept for all Major Division games.

3.     There will be a double-elimination playoff tournament held at the conclusion of the regular season.  Brackets will be drawn up based on the number of teams, bracket positions will be initially determined by random selection (pick from a hat). A Best of 3 tournament will occur if there are only 2 teams.

4.     A minimum of 8 players per team will be needed to conduct a game.  Teams will be allowed to borrow players from a lower division in order to fill playing vacancies, with the goal of reaching the optimum number of players (nine).  In cases where a team has 7 or fewer players from its own team, the game will be recorded as a forfeit but will be played if possible using borrowed players.  If the team has 8 players from its own team, the game will not be considered a forfeit, and the team has the option of borrowing one player from the 10U division (added 4/27/09).  Any borrowed player must play the outfield and bat at the end of the line-up.

5.    No new inning will start after 80 minutes or 7 complete innings (April 2012).  The last inning will be declared by the umpire as the game nears 80 minutes.  It is the responsibility of both managers and the umpire to ensure that the last inning is called, and to monitor the game time.   In a situation where the last inning is declared too early, and the declared last inning is completed prior to the 80 minute time limit, another inning will be played. In the case where a game is shortened due to rain, a 3 inning game shall be considered a full game.

6.     A 12 inch ASA official softball will be used for all games.

7.     A continuous batting must be used; free defensive substitutions are allowed.

8.     If a player arrives late to a game, the player may be used immediately as a defensive substitute.  The player will be added to last position in the batting order and will take a turn at bat, even if the team has already batted through the line-up once.  For example, if a team has 11 players to start a game, and a 12th player arrived during the game, that player will assume the 12 position in the batting order (added 5/6/2010).

9.      If a player needs to leave a game early simply remove the player from the line-up.  The team will not take an out when the player is scheduled to bat.  The player may not return to the line-up for the remainder of the game, but may be used as a defensive substitute (added 5/6/2010).

10.    If a player becomes injured and must leave the game an out will not be recorded for the player’s turn at bat.  The player may not return to the line-up once the player has missed her turn at bat, but may return as a defensive substitute (added 5/6/2010).

Hitting

1.     A continuous batting order shall be used in all games.
 
2.     Batters must wear proper head gear when at the plate, which includes a helmet with a face guard as well as a chin strap.
 
3.     A maximum of 4 runs can be scored in an inning (except playoffs in which last inning is unlimited).  Managers of both teams will be notified by the umpire that the last inning has been declared, based on time constraints.  Managers must be notified prior to start of the last inning.
 
4.     Each player that throws the bat will be given one warning, the next time the same player throws the bat, an out will be recorded whether the ball was hit or not. If the ball was safely hit, all base runners will return to the base that they previously occupied. When warnings are necessary, the umpire will inform the coach that a warning has been given, and will record the player’s uniform number on his/her line-up card.
 
5.   Slap-bunting will not be allowed for player safety purposes.  A slap bunt occurs when a batter assumes the bunt position, and then pulls that bat back in order to swing at the pitch.

Fielding

1.     A maximum of nine defensive players will be used, consisting of a pitcher, a catcher, four infielders and three outfielders.

2.     There are no league restrictions regarding the number of innings a pitcher may pitch.  Pitchers will be allowed to leave and re-enter at any time.

3.     The pitcher will not be required to place two feet on the pitching rubber when pitching.

4.     Infielders may not be positioned closer than the pitcher’s mound as the pitch is thrown.  Infielders will be able to charge after the pitch is thrown when the batter is bunting.

5.     Outfielders must remain in the outfield grass, and may not play in the infield area.

6.     No player shall sit on the bench for two or more consecutive innings.

7.     Managers are encouraged to give infield and outfield opportunities to all players.

8.     Managers are allowed to reposition players during an inning.  This may be necessary in cases where a less experienced player is in the infield, and a more experienced batter comes to the plate.

9.     The infield fly rule is not in affect.

Base Running

1.     Stealing of bases will be allowed with no limitation.

2.     Base runners are required to slide into the base unless no attempt is made to put out the base runner.

3.     Stealing of home will be allowed per ASA rules.

4.     Delayed stealing will be allowed per ASA rules.

5.     Batters will be able to advance to 1st base on a dropped 3rd strike per ASA rules.