North Country Youth Sports Softball Rules

Jr. Division/ 3rd-4th Grade

Philosophy:

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

• NCYSB – Players, Coaches & Spectators Code of Conduct 
• Section X modified handbook:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/mggsya9r8dvgtcy/Modified%20Handbook_2020-21_rev10-15-21.doc?dl=0 

Qualifications:

• Girls must be between 1^st through 4^th grade. If you allow a 1^st/ 2^nd grader on your team please just make sure there is parental discretion. Safety first! 

Hitting:

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

Fielding:

• Defenses will be composed of 6 infielders including a pitcher (positioned beside the coach) and 2 to 4 outfielders
• The catcher is encouraged to throw the ball back to the kid or coach pitcher but a parent or coach is permitted behind the catcher to help retrieve passed balls and maintain an active pace to the game
• A defensive coach is permitted (but not required) to be positioned in the outfield
• Coaches are encouraged to have all kids see equal playing time in both the infield and outfield

Field Dimensions:

• Distance between bases will be determined by the home team but bases will not be less than 50, and no more than 60, feet apart
• The pitcher rubber distance will be 33 feet but the coach pitcher will be granted leeway to adjust the distance (closer or further) to suit the skill level of the batter

Umping:

• All calls will be made by the coach pitcher; or a coach behind the plate with a player pitching

Ball:

• The ball will be an 11 inch safety ball (aka a “soft core”, “indoor”, or “training” ball)
• Home team will provide game balls.

Misc:

• No new inning will begin after an hour and 15 minutes has elapsed (games are on an hour and 15 minute time limit)
• Games can end in a tie
• 5 runs or 3 outs end an inning. No open innings.
• Offensive players can lead, they must wait until the ball releases from the pitchers hand 
• Home field coach cancels games due to weather or fields in a timely manner (2 hour notice or more)

Pitching:

This season teams will continue with the coach pitching.  For programs that would like to have the players pitch, coaches work together ahead of the game to come up with a plan to allow player(s) to pitch.  

APPENDIX A:  

2022 rule changes with rationale: 2022 – 3rd/4th Grade Softball Rules (DRAFT)