North Country Softball

Philosophy: 3rd & 4th grade coach pitch softball is designed to teach young girls the fundamentals of throwing, catching, hitting, and playing the game in a fun, safe, active, and moderately competitive environment.

11"Safety Ball

50–60Base Distance (ft)

33Pitching Distance (ft)

1:15Time Limit

🎯 Qualifications

Girls must be in 1st through 4th grade.
1st and 2nd graders may participate at the coach's discretion — safety first.

🏏 Hitting

A coach from the offensive team pitches to their own team.
No walks, bunts, or steals.
Balls and strikes are not called.
Batters are given up to 6 pitches to put the ball in play.
If the 6th pitched ball is fouled off, the hitter continues until they swing and miss or put the ball in play.

🧤 Fielding

Defense will have 6 infielders including a pitcher positioned beside the coach, plus 2–4 outfielders.
The catcher is encouraged to throw the ball back to the pitcher, but a parent or coach may retrieve passed balls to maintain game pace.
A defensive coach is permitted (but not required) in the outfield.
Coaches are encouraged to give all kids equal time in both the infield and outfield.

⚾ Pitching

Coach pitching is the standard for this season.
For programs that want player pitching, coaches should work together ahead of the game to make a plan.

🏃 Baserunning

Offensive players may lead off — they must wait until the ball releases from the pitcher's hand.

📐 Field Dimensions

Base distance is determined by the home team — minimum 50 feet, maximum 60 feet.
Pitching rubber is at 33 feet. Coaches may adjust closer or further based on the batter's skill level.

⏱ Game Rules

No new inning begins after 1 hour 15 minutes has elapsed.
Games may end in a tie.
5 runs or 3 outs end an inning. No open innings.
All calls are made by the coach pitcher, or a coach behind the plate when a player pitches.
Home team provides game balls.
Home field coach cancels games due to weather with 2+ hours notice.

⚽ Ball

11-inch safety ball (also called a "soft core," "indoor," or "training" ball) required.
Home team provides game balls.

Rule Sets: Section X modified handbook & Official USA Softball rulebook. Games follow NYSPHAA official rules with league modifications noted below.

12"Regulation Ball

60Base Distance (ft)

40Pitching Distance (ft)

1:30Time Limit

📋 Eligibility

Must be in 6th grade or lower. Use caution and safety-first when allowing 3rd/4th graders.
7th graders are ineligible.
Teams cannot add players who are on other teams in the Senior League.

⏱ Game Length

Games start at 6:00 PM unless both coaches agree otherwise.
No new inning begins after 1 hour 30 minutes has elapsed — the inning in progress will be completed.
Three outs or five runs ends an inning. No open inning.
Games may end in ties.

📐 Field Dimensions

Bases will be 60 feet apart.
Pitching rubber will be at 40 feet.

👥 Team Play

Ten players on the defensive field. Nine are allowed. Fewer is permitted if both coaches agree — no automatic out for less than 10.
All team members bat in order. Late arrivals are added to the end of the lineup.
Substitute defensive players randomly. Each player must play a minimum of 2 innings.
In a doubleheader, the hosting team is home for game one and visitors are home for game two.

🏏 Batting

Regulation 12" ball and ASA-approved bats required.
Bunting is allowed. Once a batter squares to bunt they may not resume a full swinging stance — batter is called out.
On a dropped third strike, when the catcher fails to catch the third strike, the batter will not be permitted to advance to 1st base regardless of whether it is open or not. (i.e for baserunners on the bases, a dropped 3rd strike will be considered a DEAD BALL - No advancement).
Batters and base runners shall wear protective headgear.
If a pitch hits the ground the batter may still hit the ball — all other rules apply.

🏃 Baserunning

Stealing is allowed except stealing home. A runner on 3rd may advance during a defensive play in the field.
Example: Runner on 1st and 3rd — if the catcher throws to 2nd on a steal attempt, the runner on 3rd may advance. A catcher overthrowing the pitcher is not considered a defensive play.
On a walk, the batter may round 1st and take 2nd. Once the pitcher has control inside the circle and doesn't attempt a play, all runners must hold their base.
If a team leads by 10+ runs, the leading team cannot steal unless the margin drops below 10.
A runner may leave the bag upon the pitcher's release. One team warning for leaving early — the runner is out on the second occurrence.
Sliding is preferred on close plays but not mandatory. The runner may be called out at the umpire's discretion on close plays or when contact is made without a slide.
Head-first sliding is allowed only when sliding back to a previously acquired base.
Courtesy runners will be the last batted out. Recommended for the catcher when on base with two outs.

⚾ Pitching

A pitcher may pitch a maximum of 3 innings per game — not required to be consecutive innings.
One pitch in any inning constitutes a whole inning pitched.
Modified softball pitching rules apply.
Minor technique inadequacies will be worked with. Gross technical errors will be called a ball at the umpire's discretion.
Pitchers are required to wear a fielder's mask.
Full pitching rules: USA Softball Official Pitching Rules ↗

🧤 General

The home field provides umpires.
Umpires are often middle school or high school students — coaches must respect all umpire decisions.
Home team provides game balls.
Have a coaches meeting prior to each game.
Coaches should contact each other before the game to confirm venue and times — the website may occasionally differ from the main schedule. Communication is key.
Home field coach cancels games due to weather with 2+ hours notice.

Zero Tolerance — Umpire Conduct: The league enforces a zero-tolerance policy on harassing, bullying, or intimidating umpires. Warnings will not be issued. Coaches in violation will not be permitted to remain in the league. All decisions are made by the North Country Youth Softball League coordinators and are final.

🌱 Ground Rules

All fields and parking lots are smoke-free zones.
Respect and courtesy are required toward players, umpires, and fans at all times.
Sportsmanship is required at all times. Coaches may address unsportsmanlike conduct with the opposing coach. Serious violations (e.g. throwing equipment) result in that player sitting for the remainder of the game.

💡 League Recommendations

Use of a double safety bag at first base is recommended.
Face protection is highly recommended for all infielders. Pitchers are required to wear a fielder's mask.
Coaches should caution players against throwing in the infield while the pitcher warms up between innings.
Postponed games are made up by end of regular season. If a team refuses to reschedule, they forfeit 10–0.
If scores are not reported by season end, a score of 10–0 is entered in favor of the visiting team.

Please encourage umpires to open the strike zone — chin to shin.

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