2008 Season - Talleyville Girls Softball

RULES FOR THE PONY DIVISION

Joe Sabatina Commissioner (302) 764-0111

PLAYERS

The defensive team uses all of its players in the field.  Six infielders are used, including a pitcher and an extra player in front of second base.  All infielders should position themselves in front of the baseline to help avoid contact with base runners.  No catcher is used.  The remaining players play in the outfield, they should be spread evenly across the field and should be positioned in the outfield grass.

GAMES

Games consist of five innings.  A maximum of five runs may be scored in any inning by each team.  If three outs are recorded by the defending team that half of the inning is over (i.e., whichever comes first, three outs or five runs). Extra scrimmage innings may be played if time permits.  The offensive team’s coach (pitcher) that is in the field serves as the base umpire.

UNIFORMS

Team shirts and long pants should be worn for all games.  Helmets must be worn by all base runners and batters.  No jewelry, i.e. bracelets, necklaces, rings, or earrings is permitted.  If necessary pierced earrings that must be worn must have tape over same.

COACHES

Two defensive coaches may be positioned behind the infielders for instructional guidance.

BATTING ORDER

Every player present will be included in a consecutive batting order.  Girls arriving after the game starts will be inserted at the end of the batting order.

PLAYING TIME

All players will play all innings in the field on defense.  No player may play the same position more than two innings during a game.

CANCELLATIONS

Home managers are responsible for canceling games due to inclement weather.  Games should not be rescheduled due to insufficient players.  Teams should have at least six players to play a game.

DIMENSIONS

Bases are 50 feet apart.  The pitching rubber is 35 feet from the rear of home plate.  Home team is responsible for preparing the field and supplying 2 game balls. 

PITCHING

No pitching is allowed by players.  The pitcher must be positioned behind the rubber (next to the coach that is pitching) until the ball is hit.  The pitcher may not run to make an out at home plate; there are no outs at home.

BATTING

All girls will get a chance to hit the pitched ball from the offensive team’s coach. A maximum of seven (7) pitches will be thrown to the batter. After the seven pitches have been thrown and the batter does not hit the ball into fair territory the tee must be used to help the girl hit the ball. Coaches should be sure to take a positive approach to using the tee. It should not be viewed as a failed attempt to hit but as a tool to teach proper technique and promote confidence. The tee is placed slightly in front of home plate to encourage the girls to hit the ball out in front of the plate with their arms extended. Batted balls must travel 15 feet in fair territory. The batter may not bunt or take a half swing to put the ball in play. There are no walks or strikeouts. Bat throwing will not be allowed, when it occurs, the coach should talk to the girl immediately. Girls should be taught to stand squarely in the batters box.

BASE RUNNING

Runners may not leave the base until the ball is hit.  No leads or stealing is allowed.

GENERAL

Runners advance only one base at a time, no further advance on overthrows or fielding errors.  Outfielders must be positioned on the outfield grass; they must give the infielder an opportunity to make a play on the batted ball.  Infielders may not be positioned in front of the pitcher or the 35 foot arc from home plate; they should be in front of the baseline to avoid contact with base runners.  Encourage the girls to make double plays, but only one out is recorded – the batter on a fly or the lead runner on a force is the out recorded.

 There are no protests – always remember, we are here for the children.