North Country Youth Sports Softball Rules
Sr. Division/ 5th-6th Grade
NCYSB - Players, Coaches & Spectators Code of Conduct
Rule Sets:
Rule sets to be used will be:
Section X modified handbook: https://www.dropbox.com/s/mggsya9r8dvgtcy/Modified%20Handbook_2020-21_rev10-15-21.doc?dl=0 (Pages 23 & 24)
Official Rulebook Used by NYSPHAA:
Official Rulebook - USA Softball
2022 USA Softball Rule Book
Game Length:
General:
Field Dimensions:
Eligibility:
Must be in sixth grade or lower. SAFETY FIRST when allowing 3rd/4th graders.
Seventh graders are ineligible.
Team Play:
Double Header Games:
Hosting team is home team for game one, visitors are home team for game two
Batting:
Running:
Pitching:
USA Softball Pitching Rules: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lWaDY3WpT6lO4ZkD2KVpKzNlrF8DoIZCkuMYtEATceE/edit#bookmark=id.v49lqsejph4k
Pages 60 & 61 of official rulebook
𝘚𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘔𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘴 & 𝘋𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 1 - 𝘚𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘵 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘗𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴
Ground Rules:
Sportsmanship is required at all times. If a coach from the opposing team observes unsportsmanlike conduct from the other team, that coach may address the issue with the other coach and parents. If the conduct is serious (ex. throwing equipment) that athlete will be asked to sit for the remainder of the game
League Recommendations:
The use of a double safety bag at first base
Sr. Division/ 5th-6th Grade
NCYSB - Players, Coaches & Spectators Code of Conduct
Rule Sets:
Rule sets to be used will be:
Section X modified handbook: https://www.dropbox.com/s/mggsya9r8dvgtcy/Modified%20Handbook_2020-21_rev10-15-21.doc?dl=0 (Pages 23 & 24)
Official Rulebook Used by NYSPHAA:
Official Rulebook - USA Softball
2022 USA Softball Rule Book
Game Length:
- Games start at 6:00 PM, unless agreed upon by both coaches
- No new inning will begin after one hour and thirty minutes has elapsed; the inning being played will be completed.
- Three outs or five runs ends the inning
- There will be no open inning. Games may end in ties.
General:
- A dropped third strike is an out
- Regulation 12” balls will be used
- Approved ASA bats will be used
- The home field provides umpires.
- Umpires are often if not always middle school or high school students. Coaches should respect all umpire's decisions and will not be permitted to argue with an umpire. The league will enforce a zero-tolerance policy in relation to harassing, bullying, or intimidating umpires. Warnings will not be issued. Coaches will not be permitted to remain in the league if they violate this policy. All decisions regarding this matter will be made by the North Country Youth Softball League coordinators and the town coordinator, and all decisions are final. The bottom line is we want to promote a positive environment for all involved in youth sports.
- Please encourage umpires to open the strike zone (chin to shin).
- Home team will provide game balls.
- Home field coach cancels games due to weather or fields in a timely manner (2-hour notice or more)
- Coaches should contact each other prior to the game to make sure the venue and times are correct. Sometimes when scheduling the website might differe from the main schedule. Communication is key!
Field Dimensions:
- Bases will be 60 feet
- Pitching rubber will be at 40 feet
Eligibility:
Must be in sixth grade or lower. SAFETY FIRST when allowing 3rd/4th graders.
Seventh graders are ineligible.
Team Play:
- Ten players on the defensive field of play, nine are allowed, play with less if both coaches agree. No automatic out for less than 10.
- All team members bat in order, late arrivals are added at the end of the lineup
- Substitute defensive players randomly. Each must play a minimum of 2 innings
- Teams cannot add players to their roster that are on other teams in the senior league.
Double Header Games:
Hosting team is home team for game one, visitors are home team for game two
Batting:
- Bunting is allowed, once squared to bunt, the batter may not resume a full swinging stance. The batter shall be called out
- If a pitch hits the ground the batter may hit the ball. All other rules apply
Running:
- Stealing is allowed except for home. A runner on 3rd may advance during a defensive play in the field. Ex. If a runner is on first and third and the catcher tries to throw a runner stealing second out the runner on 3rd can advance. A catcher overthrowing a pitcher isn't considered a defensive play as there is no effort to get a runner out.
- In a walk situation, the batter can round 1st base and take 2nd. Reminder: when the pitcher has control of the ball inside the pitcher's circle in this situation and does not attempt to make a play on any runner, then all runners who are on base must stay on the base.
- 2020-21 NFHS SOFTBALL (Lookback rule clarification)
- If a team is ahead by 10 runs or more, the team that is ahead cannot steal unless the game goes back to less than 10 runs
- A runner may leave the bag upon the pitcher’s release. One team warning by the umpire of leaving early. The runner is out on the second occurrence
- Sliding is required on close plays. The runner will be called out at the umpire’s discretion at close plays or when contact is made if no slide is attempted
- Head first sliding allowed ONLY when sliding back to a previously acquired bag
- Courtesy runners will be the last batted out
- Courtesy runners are recommended for the catcher on base with two outs
Pitching:
- A pitcher may pitch a maximum of three innings per game. These innings are NOT required to be in consecutive innings
- One pitch in any inning will constitute a whole inning
- Modified softball pitching rules apply
- Minor technique inadequacies will be worked with, a pitch with gross technical errors will be called a ball at the umpire’s discretion
- Pitchers are required to wear a fielder’s mask.
USA Softball Pitching Rules: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lWaDY3WpT6lO4ZkD2KVpKzNlrF8DoIZCkuMYtEATceE/edit#bookmark=id.v49lqsejph4k
Pages 60 & 61 of official rulebook
𝘚𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘔𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘴 & 𝘋𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 1 - 𝘚𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘵 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘗𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 Ground Rules:
- All fields and parking lots are smoke free zones
- Respect and courtesy is required to players, umpires, and fans
Sportsmanship is required at all times. If a coach from the opposing team observes unsportsmanlike conduct from the other team, that coach may address the issue with the other coach and parents. If the conduct is serious (ex. throwing equipment) that athlete will be asked to sit for the remainder of the game
League Recommendations:
The use of a double safety bag at first base
- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: The use of face protection for infielders (pitchers are required to wear a fielders mask)
- Coaches should caution their players throwing in the infield while the pitcher is warming up in between innings.
- Postponed games are made up by the end of the regular season.
- If a team refuses to reschedule or play a game, that team forfeits the game 10-0.
- If scores are not reported by the end of the season, a score of 10-0 will be entered in favor of the visiting team.
Playoff Rules: All games will be 5 innings in playoffs. There will be no 90 minute time limit. The is still no opening inning. All other rules will be the same as the regular season. No games can end in a tie.
APPENDIX A:
2022 rule changes with rationale: 2022 5th/6th Grade Softball Rules (DRAFT)
APPENDIX B: Official Pitching Rules:
RULE 6A - PITCHING REGULATIONS (FAST PITCH)
SECTION 1 - PRELIMINARIES
Before starting the delivery (pitch), the pitcher shall comply with the following:
When taking the pitching position in contact with the pitcher’s plate, the pitcher must have their hands separated and must have the ball in either the glove or the pitching hand.
The pitcher shall not be considered in the pitching position unless the catcher is in position to receive the pitch.
Both feet must be on the ground within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate. The shoulders shall be in line with first and third bases. The pitcher shall take a position with their pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate and their non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcher’s plate.
While in contact with the pitcher’s plate, the pitcher shall take a signal or appear to take a signal with the hands separated. The ball must remain in either the glove or pitching hand.
The pitcher shall bring the hands together for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball, a backward step may be taken before, simultaneous with or after the hands are brought together. The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher’s plate at all times prior to the forward step.
Effect: Section 1A-E: Illegal pitch; refer to Rule 6A Section 11 for penalty.
SECTION 2 - STARTING THE PITCH
The pitch starts when the hands are separated once they have been placed together.
Effect: Illegal pitch; refer to Rule 6A Section 11 for penalty.
SECTION 3 - LEGAL DELIVERY
The pitcher shall not make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the ball to the batter.
The pitcher shall not use a pitching motion in which, after bringing the hands together, the pitcher removes one hand from the ball and returns the ball to both hands.
The pitcher shall not make a stop or reversal of the forward motion after separating the hands.
The pitcher shall not make two revolutions of the arm on the windmill delivery. A pitcher may drop the arm to the side and to the rear before starting the windmill motion.
The delivery shall be an underhand motion with the hand below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow.
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or through the legs.
The release of the ball and follow through of the hand and wrist must be forward and past the straight line of the body.
(Men’s and JO Boys) In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher shall take one step with the non-pivot foot simultaneous with the release of the ball. The step must be forward toward the batter. It is not a step if the pitcher slides the pivot foot across the pitcher’s plate toward the batter, or if the pivot foot turns or slides in order to push off the pitcher’s plate, provided contact is maintained with the plate. Raising the foot off of the pitcher's plate and returning it to the plate creates a rocking motion and is an illegal act.
(Women’s and JO Girls) In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher shall take one step with the non-pivot foot simultaneous with the release of the ball. The step must be forward and toward the batter within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate. It is not a step if the pitcher slides the pivot foot across the pitcher’s plate toward the batter, or if the pivot foot turns or slides in order to push off the pitcher’s plate, provided contact is maintained with the plate. Raising the foot off the pitcher's plate and returning it to the plate creates a rocking motion and is an illegal act.
Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcher’s plate is illegal.
(Women’s and JO Girls) Pushing off and dragging the pivot foot in contact with the ground or having both feet in the air is allowed.
(Men’s and JO Boys) Pushing off and dragging the pivot foot in contact with the ground, or if both feet are in the air, having the toes of the pivot foot in the downward direction is required.
The pitcher shall not make another revolution after releasing the ball.
The pitcher shall not deliberately drop, roll or bounce the ball to prevent the batter from hitting it.
Effect - Section 3A-J; L-N: Illegal pitch; refer to Rule 6A Section 11 for penalty.
The pitcher has 20 seconds to release the next pitch after receiving the ball or after the umpire indicates “play ball.”
Effect: A ball on the batter.
If the ball slips from the pitcher's hand during the delivery
Effect:
1 The ball remains live.
2 A ball on the batter.
3 Runners may advance at their own risk.
APPENDIX A:
2022 rule changes with rationale: 2022 5th/6th Grade Softball Rules (DRAFT)
APPENDIX B: Official Pitching Rules:
RULE 6A - PITCHING REGULATIONS (FAST PITCH)
SECTION 1 - PRELIMINARIES
Before starting the delivery (pitch), the pitcher shall comply with the following:
When taking the pitching position in contact with the pitcher’s plate, the pitcher must have their hands separated and must have the ball in either the glove or the pitching hand.
The pitcher shall not be considered in the pitching position unless the catcher is in position to receive the pitch.
Both feet must be on the ground within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate. The shoulders shall be in line with first and third bases. The pitcher shall take a position with their pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate and their non-pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcher’s plate.
While in contact with the pitcher’s plate, the pitcher shall take a signal or appear to take a signal with the hands separated. The ball must remain in either the glove or pitching hand.
The pitcher shall bring the hands together for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball, a backward step may be taken before, simultaneous with or after the hands are brought together. The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher’s plate at all times prior to the forward step.
Effect: Section 1A-E: Illegal pitch; refer to Rule 6A Section 11 for penalty.
SECTION 2 - STARTING THE PITCH
The pitch starts when the hands are separated once they have been placed together.
Effect: Illegal pitch; refer to Rule 6A Section 11 for penalty.
SECTION 3 - LEGAL DELIVERY
The pitcher shall not make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the ball to the batter.
The pitcher shall not use a pitching motion in which, after bringing the hands together, the pitcher removes one hand from the ball and returns the ball to both hands.
The pitcher shall not make a stop or reversal of the forward motion after separating the hands.
The pitcher shall not make two revolutions of the arm on the windmill delivery. A pitcher may drop the arm to the side and to the rear before starting the windmill motion.
The delivery shall be an underhand motion with the hand below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow.
The pitch shall be delivered on the throwing arm side of the body and not behind the back or through the legs.
The release of the ball and follow through of the hand and wrist must be forward and past the straight line of the body.
(Men’s and JO Boys) In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher shall take one step with the non-pivot foot simultaneous with the release of the ball. The step must be forward toward the batter. It is not a step if the pitcher slides the pivot foot across the pitcher’s plate toward the batter, or if the pivot foot turns or slides in order to push off the pitcher’s plate, provided contact is maintained with the plate. Raising the foot off of the pitcher's plate and returning it to the plate creates a rocking motion and is an illegal act.
(Women’s and JO Girls) In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher shall take one step with the non-pivot foot simultaneous with the release of the ball. The step must be forward and toward the batter within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate. It is not a step if the pitcher slides the pivot foot across the pitcher’s plate toward the batter, or if the pivot foot turns or slides in order to push off the pitcher’s plate, provided contact is maintained with the plate. Raising the foot off the pitcher's plate and returning it to the plate creates a rocking motion and is an illegal act.
Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcher’s plate is illegal.
(Women’s and JO Girls) Pushing off and dragging the pivot foot in contact with the ground or having both feet in the air is allowed.
(Men’s and JO Boys) Pushing off and dragging the pivot foot in contact with the ground, or if both feet are in the air, having the toes of the pivot foot in the downward direction is required.
The pitcher shall not make another revolution after releasing the ball.
The pitcher shall not deliberately drop, roll or bounce the ball to prevent the batter from hitting it.
Effect - Section 3A-J; L-N: Illegal pitch; refer to Rule 6A Section 11 for penalty.
The pitcher has 20 seconds to release the next pitch after receiving the ball or after the umpire indicates “play ball.”
Effect: A ball on the batter.
If the ball slips from the pitcher's hand during the delivery
Effect:
1 The ball remains live.
2 A ball on the batter.
3 Runners may advance at their own risk.