FOURTH EDITION

FAST PITCH

RULES

FOURTH EDITION

UNITED STATES

SPECIALTY SPORTS ASSOCIATION

USSSA Fast Pitch Official Playing Rules

NOTE: Use of the word “he” in this publication is intended to include

both the masculine and feminine genders unless otherwise noted.

RULE 1. YOUTH CLASSIFICATIONS

AND AGE REQUIREMENTS

Sec.1. THE YOUTH FAST PITCH PROGRAM WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THE FOLLOWING CLASSIFICATIONS. A player’s age on December 31, of the previous calendar year determines the age classification in which the player is eligible to participate. Any player 18, or who reaches their 18^th birthday, or who graduates from High School in the calendar year of the current World Series, shall be eligible to participate in the 18 & over World Series Tournament.

Age Divisions Offered

Boys or Girls 6 & Under Boys or Girls 7 & Under

Boys or Girls 8 & Under Boys or Girls 9 & Under Boys or Girls 10 & Under

Boys or Girls 11 & Under Boys or Girls 12 & Under Boys or Girls 13 & Under

Boys or Girls 14 & Under Boys or Girls 15 &Under Boys or Girls 16 & Under

Male or Female 18 & Under Male or Female 18& over

Sec.2. The fast pitch program is designed for both boys and girls, however, the boys program should be entirely separate from the girls program.

Sec.3. Effective August 1, 2000. The Fast Pitch season and Team registration will run from August 1 until July 31. Tournaments and leagues played after August 1, will qualify teams for the following summer’s State and World Series Tournaments. All teams playing between August 1 and December 31, must play by the following years eligibility classifications.

Sec.4. A. Any player can play in a higher classification, but cannot play in a lower classification. Exception: This does not apply to the 18 & Over Division; a player cannot play up in this division unless they meet the criteria in Section 1.

B. A player shall not compete in any sanctioned tournament of the association with more than one team during the same tournament.

RULE 2. PLAYING FIELD

Divisions Female Pitching Male Pitching Base path Playing Field

Distance Distance Radius

Coach Pitch 30 Ft. 30 Ft. 60 Ft. 150-200Ft

 Machine Pitch 40 Ft. 40 Ft. 60 Ft. 150-200 Ft.

8 & Under 34 Ft. 40 Ft. 60 Ft. 200 Ft.

9 & Under 34 Ft. 40 Ft. 60 Ft. 200 Ft.

10 & Under 34 Ft. 40 Ft. 60 Ft. 200 Ft.

11 & Under 40 Ft. 40 Ft. 60 Ft. 200 Ft.

12 & Under 40 Ft. 40 Ft. 60 Ft. 200 Ft.

13 & Under 40 Ft. 46 Ft. 60 Ft. 200 Ft.

14 & Under 40 Ft. 46 Ft. 60 Ft. 200 Ft.

15 & Under 40 Ft. 46 Ft. 60 Ft. 200 - 225 Ft.

16 & Under 40 Ft. 46 Ft. 60 Ft. 200 - 225 Ft.

18 & Under 40 Ft 46 Ft 60 Ft. 200- 225 Ft.

18 & over 43 Ft. 46 Ft. 60 Ft. 200 - 225 Ft.

Men 46 Ft. 60 Ft. 225 - 265 Ft.

Sec.2. A. A diamond (or infield) shall be a 60-foot square. The outfield is the area between two foul lines formed by extending two sides of the diamond. All lines on the playing field shall be marked with a material, which is not injurious to the eyes or skin. Lime or caustic material of any kind is prohibited. From the mid-point of the front edge of the pitcher's plate, there shall be a circle drawn, which is 16 feet in diameter (8-ft. radius). The catcher's box, bases, coach’s boxes, batters boxes and 3 foot first base line shall be as in the diagram. The infield and outfield, including the boundary marks from the apex of home plate to 1st and 3rd, and their extended foul lines, are fair ground. All other areas are foul grounds. The recommended width of all marked (chalked) lines on the playing field is 2 1/2 inch. On deck circles shall be a safe distance to the side and away from home plate; at least 30 feet if space allows. Neither team’s players shall warm up in the other teams on deck circle. The on deck circle does not have to be occupied, but if a player wishes to warm up, they shall do so in their teams on deck circle.

B. The batters box shall be 7 feet long. The front of the batters box shall be 4 feet forward from the center of home plate and 3 feet wide starting 6 inch from the plate.

C. Three foot running lane is a line drawn 3 feet from and parallel to the first base foul line starting halfway between home and first base and extending to first base.

D. The double base may be used. This base shall be 15 by 30 inches and made of canvas or other suitable material and not more than 5 inches high. Half the base is white [over fair territory] and half is orange [over foul territory].

1. A batted ball hitting the white portion is declared fair and a batted ball hitting the colored potion is declared foul.

2. Whenever a play is being made on the batter runner, the defense must use the white portion and the batter runner the colored portion. The batter runner is out when there is a play being made at first base and the batter-runner touches only the white portion, providing the defense appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to first base. This is treated the same as missing the base. Once the runner returns to the white, no appeal can be made.

Exceptions:

A. If the ball is thrown from the foul side of first base line.

B. When an errant or missed throw pulls the defensive player into foul ground.

3. If using the double base, and there is a force play by an infielder on the batter-runner, who touches only the white portion and collides with the fielder about to catch a thrown ball while on the white.

Penalty: Interference is ruled, the ball is dead, the batter-runner is out, and all other runners are returned to the base last occupied at the time of interference.

RULE 3. EQUIPMENT

Sec.1. In the youth program, NOCSAE approved batting helmets with extended ear flaps, which cover both ears and temples are mandatory for all batters, on deck batters, base runners, non-adult bat & ball shaggers and any offensive player in live ball territory, even if the ball is dead. Effective August 1, 2005, batting helmets must have attached face mask/guard and they must be NOCSAE approved. In the adult program it is highly recommended that NOCSAE approved helmets be worn.

Sec.2. In the Youth and collegiate programs the catcher shall wear a NOCSAE approved head protector (with dual earflaps), an approved mask with throat protector, a body chest protector and shin guards. A male catcher or any male player warming up a pitcher shall wear an approved protective cup. In the adult program the catcher shall wear a mask with throat protector. All protective equipment must conform to industry standards.

Sec.3. Any non-adult warming up a pitcher within the confines of the playing, field shall wear an approved protective mask with throat protector.

Sec. 4. The official ball to be used shall have raised seams and shall be of spherical design with a smooth surface. The center or core of the ball shall be of a material and design traditionally used to make softballs, or of other material, or design, approved by the USSSA. The cover shall be of horsehide, cowhide, or other material approved by USSSA and shall be cemented to the core and stitched with cotton, linen, or nylon or any other material approved by USSSA. A multiple layer core design ball or a multiple material core design ball may be approved in the sole discretion of the USSSA on a case-by-case basis. The stitch color must be blue. The internal composition of the core and the material of the cover must be clearly printed on the ball and the words "Official Fast Pitch Softball" must be clearly printed

on the ball. FAST PITCH (12") OPTIC YELLOW COVER ONLY -BLUE STITCH Ball must have "USSSA FAST PITCH", "47 MAX COR, 375# MAX COMPRESSION" in 1/8" minimum letters and the USSSA logo in at least 1-1/8" diameter. (Lettering and logo in blue)

Compression: 330 +/- 45#

COR: 46.25 +/- 0.75

Circumference: 12 +/- 1/8"

Weight: 6.6 +/- 0.30 oz.

FAST PITCH (11")

OPTIC YELLOW COVER ONLY -BLUE STITCH ball must have "USSSA FAST PITCH"" "47 MAX COR, 375# MAX COMPRESSION" in 1/8" minimum letters and the USSSA logo in at least 1-1/8" diameter. (Lettering and

logo in blue)

Compression: 330 +/- 45#

COR: 46.25 +/- 0.75.

Circumference: 11 +/- 1/8 "

Weight: 6.0 +/- 0.20 oz

A. All 10 year old and younger divisions shall use the 11-inch softball. All other programs shall use the 12-inch softball.

Sec.5. Shoes are required equipment. Shoe sole or heel protectors other than the standard shoe plate are prohibited. Metal cleats and metal toe plates are prohibited in the 8 and under thru the 18 and under.

(18 & over ONLY)

A. All players must wear shoes with plastic, nylon, canvas, leather or similar synthetic material uppers. The sole may be smooth, have soft or hard rubber cleats or rectangular metal spikes. Spikes must not extend in excess of ¾ -inch from the sole and may not be round. Shoes with detachable cleats that screw into the sole of the shoe are allowed. Pitching toes are allowed for all players as long as the pitching toes are securely fastened.

Sec.6. Players in the game are prohibited from wearing jewelry. Medical alert bracelets or necklaces are not considered jewelry. If worn they must be taped to the body, so as to remain visible. If jewelry is not removed, that player will not be able to play until the jewelry is removed.

Sec.7. A. At all national and world qualifying tournaments, teams must wear identical uniforms. This includes jerseys, long pants or shorts and leggings. Whether long pants or shorts are worn, all team members must be uniformed alike. Caps are optional, however when worn they must be all alike and worn with the bill forward.

B. Non duplicating numbers will be required at all national and World Series qualifying tournaments. The numbers must be minimum of three inches in size and clearly visible.

Sec.8. HELMETS - When an umpire observes anyone required to wear a batting helmet deliberately removing the batting helmet while the ball is alive, and that person is in live ball

territory, the umpire shall issue a warning to the coach of the involved persons team. All subsequent violations of the rule shall result in an ejection; player is confined to bench area.

A. A face guard and/or chin strap are optional. A commercially manufactured face mask/guard may be attached to a batting helmet, provided it is attached by the manufacture; or a face mask/guard may be attached to a helmet that does not have a face mask, provided the attachment procedure is approved by the manufacture. Effective August 1, 2005, batting helmets must have attached face mask/guard and they must be NOCSAE approved.

Sec.9. Gloves/mitts made of leather shall be worn by all fielders.

A. The glove/mitt by the catcher may be any size.

B. The glove/mitt worn by the pitcher shall be uniform in color and neither white, optic yellow nor gray. Gloves/mitts with white, optic yellow or gray circles on the outside giving the appearance of a ball are illegal for all players.

NOTE: Two tints of the same color on a glove are considered uniform in color.

C. The glove/mitt worn by all fielders except the catcher shall conform to the following maximum specifications:

1. Height measured from the bottom edge or heel straight up across the center of the palm to a line even with the highest point of the glove/mitt: 14 inches

2. Width of palm measured from the bottom edge of the webbing farthest from the thumb in a horizontal line to the outside of the little finger edge of the glove/mitt: 8 inches

3. Webbing measured across the top end or along any line parallel to the top: 5 3/4 inches

Sec.10. THE OFFICIAL BAT shall be round in cross section, straight in length, and measure not more than 34 inches long including tape or other grip additions to the bat, and not more than 2 1/4 inches in diameter in its largest part and its weight shall not exceed 31 1/2 ounces, including tape or grip addition to the bat. The bat shall have a safety grip of tape or some other material to facilitate holding the bat during the batter's swing. The safety grip shall be not less than 10 inches long, nor extend more than 15 inches from the small end or handle end of the bat. Graphics, including BPF markings, must be permanent and cannot be decals or any other method that can be easily removed

or added to the bat.

A. THE BAT shall be made of hard wood, in one piece, or laminated from sections of hard wood bonded together with adhesive in such a way that the grain directions of all the pieces are essentially parallel to the lengths of the bat.

B. THE BAT may also be made of aluminum or other metals, Fiberglass, graphite or a composite material. The bat may be made in pieces from different materials; but must have a closed barrel end and

may be modular with interchangeable parts, subject to additional safety and tampering requirements as set forth in the standard USSSA Bat Licensing Agreement. The knob portion must be welded, or mechanically attached to the bat. Only USSSA approved bats, USSSA approved weighted bats, or USSSA approved bat weight attachments may be used in loosening up. Nothing such as a donut or fan may be used when loosening up.

C. Authorized bat manufacturers shall mark their products with the words "Official Softball" or words to that effect. If the words "Official Softball" are illegible the bat should be declared legal if it is legal in all other respects. When a bat does not meet the specifications as defined, has flat spots or pronounced dents, or

if in the Umpire's judgment, the bat has been altered, the Umpire shall prohibit the use of the doubtful bat.

D. The performance standard for all non-wooden bats will be a Bat Performance Factor (BPF) of 1.20 or less under the ASTM BPF test as applied under the standard USSSA Bat License

Agreement. A list of those bats licensed and complying with this standard and therefore legal in USSSA play shall be kept by USSSA and published and made available by means including, but not limited to, the USSSA website. Only bats on the published list will be legal for USSSA play. In addition, no bat shall be legal in USSSA play unless it is marked "USSSA BPF 1.20 for bats manufactured before January 1, 2004 is marked "1.20 BPF" or BPF 1.20"

E. A USSSA Director may at any time ask to inspect a bat that has been brought into the location of a USSSA sanctioned event. The owner and / or user may either:

1. Allow the Director to inspect the bat and reach an initial conclusion on whether the bat might be altered. If after making an inspection, the Director, in his sole discretion, decides that the bat might be an altered bat, the suspected offending owner may either:

A. Allow the Director to send the bat to the USSSA Altered Bat Committee and/or the Manufacturer of the bat for a determination as to whether the bat is altered. NOTE: During the time of the examination of the bat by the Manufacturer/ Altered Bat Committee, the USSSA, in the sole discretion of the USSSA Altered Bat Committee, may suspend the suspected offending player pending the decision. If the Manufacturer or the USSSA Altered Bat Committee determines in their sole discretion that the bat has been altered, the Altered Bat Committee may suspend a first time offender for

up to two years from USSSA play. For any second time offender, any suspension may be up to a lifetime suspension.

B. Accept a one-year (up to life for second time offenders) suspension from USSSA play with no right of appeal.

2. Withhold the bat from inspection and accept a one-year (up to life suspension for second time offenders) suspension from USSSA play with no right to appeal.

F. After examination of a bat to determine if it is altered, the bat shall be returned to the owner. No owner and/or player altered bat suspensions will occur unless the suspect bat is determined to be altered.

RULE 4. Definitions

Sec.1. A DEAD BALL is not considered in play again, until the pitcher is stationed within the 16-foot circle and the umpire calls play ball.

Sec.2. A FOUL TIP is a batted ball, which goes directly and speedily from the bat to the catcher’s mitt or hand not higher than the batters head and is legally caught by the catcher, ball remains alive.

Sec.3. A CROW HOP is the replanting of the pivot foot prior to delivery of the pitch.

Sec.4. A LEAP is when both feet are airborne.

Sec.5. THE STRIKE ZONE is that space over home plate, which is between the batters forward armpit and the top of the knees when the batter assumes a natural batting stance. Any part of the ball passing through the strike zone in flight shall be considered a strike; the umpire shall determine the batter’s strike zone according to the batter’s usual stance

Sec. 6. A BUNT is a fair ball, which occurs when the batter does not swing to hit the ball, but holds the bat in the path of the ball to tap it slowly to the infield.

Sec. 7. A DRAG BUNT is a bunt where the batter attempts to bunt the ball by running forward in the batter box, carrying the bat with her. The movement of the bat is in conjunction with the batters forward movement.

Sec. 8. An ATTEMPTED BUNT ("OFFER") is any movement of the bat toward the ball when the ball is over or near the plate area. The mere holding of the bat in the strike zone is not an attempt to bunt. If an attempted bunt results in a foul ball, it is treated as any other foul ball, if the batter has two strikes and this happens, he is out.

Sec. 9. A SLAP HIT occurs when the batter gives the appearance of bunting, using a modified swing or slap at the ball as it approaches home plate. If an attempt to “SLAP” is a foul ball, it is treated the same as any other foul ball including an attempt by the batter with two strikes.

Sec. 10. PIVOT FOOT, the pitchers pivot foot is that foot which is in contact with the ground, as opposed to the non-pivot foot, which the pitcher uses to step toward home plate.

Sec.11. WILD PITCH, A wild pitch is a pitch that cannot be handled by the catcher with ordinary effort.

Sec.12. PASSED BALL, a passed ball is a pitch which the catcher fails to stop or control with ordinary effort and which enables a runner to advance.

Sec.13. The ball is one of the playing implements. The term is also used to designate a pitch, which is not touched by the bat and is not a strike. There is no intentional walk in fast pitch. If a batter receives four such balls, she is awarded a base on ball (often referred to as a “walk”) and shall go immediately to first base before time-out can be called.

Sec.14. A batted or thrown ball is in flight until it has touched the ground or some object on fair or foul ground, or it has touched a person other than a fielder.

Sec.15. it is a dead ball when the ball is not in play. The ball is not considered in play again until the pitcher is in possession of the ball and is stationed within the 16-foot circle and the plate umpire call out “Play Ball.”

Sec.16. A blocked ball is a fair ball, batted or thrown, which is touched, stopped or handled by a person not engaged in the game; or touches any object which is not part of the official equipment or official playing area; or touches loose equipment.

Sec.17. Dead-ball area is that area beyond any real boundary, such as a fence, rope, chalk line, any stands, bleachers, dugouts, players’ bench or designated media area; or any imaginary boundary line as determined in the pre-game conference. If a ball becomes lodged in a fence or backstop, it is considered to be in dead-ball area.

Sec.18. The batter-runner is a player who has finished his time at bat until he is put out or playing action ends.

Sec.19. The batter’s box is the area, including the lines.

Sec.20. An on-deck circle for each team is a circle 5 feet in diameter located a safe distance to the side and away from home plate, at least 30 feet if space allows.

Sec.21. A catch is the act of a fielder getting secure possession in a hand or glove of a live ball in flight and firmly holding it, provided a cap, protector, mask, pocket or other part of the uniform is not used to trap the ball. It is considered a catch. If a fielder catches a fair or foul ball and then leaves live-ball area with both feet by stepping or falling into a beach, dugout, stand, bleacher or over any boundary or barrier, such as a fence, rope, chalk line, or a pre-game determined imaginary boundary line of the field of play. Falling into does not include merely running against such object. It is not a catch when a fielder touches a batted ball in flight and the ball then contacts a member of the offensive team or an umpire and is then caught by a defensive player.

NOTE: When a batted ball or pitch is involved, the above definition of catch applies. For any other thrown ball, the term is used loosely to also apply to a pickup or to the trapping of a low throw which has touched the ground. A fielder may be grasping the ball even though it is touching the ground while in the glove.

Sec.22. A pre-game conference is a meeting involving the umpires, coaches and/or team captains near home plate. The meeting should begin approximately five minutes prior to the game and before the home team takes the field. There shall be no ball hit or thrown in the infield area (fair or foul territory) during this meeting. The purpose of the pre-game conference is to exchange and check each team’s lineup cards and discusses ground rules. Umpires shall also ask the coaches if their players are legally and properly equipped.

Sec.23. Offensive interference is an act (physical or verbal) by the team at bat, which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play. Or when a runner creates malicious contact with any fielder with or without the ball, in or out of the baseline; or when a coach physically assists a runner during playing action. It is umpire interference when the umpire, inadvertently moves so as to hinder a catcher’s attempt to throw or when a fair ball touches an umpire. Spectator interference is any action by a spectator, which impedes the progress of the game.

Sec.24. Obstruction is an act (intentional or unintentional, physical or verbal) by a fielder, any member of the defensive team or its team personnel, which hinders a runner or changes the pattern of play or when a catcher or fielder hinders a batter. It is catcher obstruction when a catcher hinders or prevents a batter from swinging at a pitch. When there is obstruction, the ball becomes dead at the end of playing action. The umpire has authority to determine which base or bases shall be awarded the runner(s). A fake tag is an act by a defensive player that simulates an attempt to tag a runner. Faking a tag is always considered obstruction.

Sec.25. A regulation game is seven innings (term at bat) unless extra inning(s) are necessary because of a tie score, or unless shortened because the home team does not require it half of the seventh inning or only a fraction of it, or because of weather or darkness.

A called game is one that is ended by order of the umpire.

A suspended game is a game to be completed at a later time.

Sec.26. A. An inning is that portion of the game, which includes a term at bat for each team.

B. A half inning is the interval during which one team is on offense (batting) and the other is on defense (fielding). A half inning ends when there is a third out or when, in the last inning, the winning run is scored. In either case, if there is a delayed out declared by the umpire for a base running infraction, a possible fourth out may be recognized for the inning, depending on the circumstances.

C. An extra inning is one, which extends the game beyond regulation play in an attempt to break a tie score.

Sec.27. A forfeited game is one awarded to the opponent of the offending team. The score shall be recorded as 7 to 0.

Sec.28. A fair ball is a batted ball which:

A. Settles or is touched on or over fair territory between home and first base or home and third base;

B. Is on or over fair territory including any part of first and third base when bounding to the outfield.

C. Touches first, second or third bases.

D. While on or over fair territory touches the person of any umpire or player or their clothing or equipment.

E. While over fair territory passes out of the playing field in flight.

F. First falls or is touched on or over fair territory beyond first or third base.

NOTE: A fair fly shall be judged according to the relative position of the ball and the foul line, including the foul pole, and not as to whether the fielder is in fair or foul territory at the time she touches the ball. It does not matter whether the ball first touches fair or foul territory as long as it does not touch anything foreign to the natural ground in foul territory and complies with all other aspects of a fair ball.

Sec.29. A foul ball is a batted ball which:

A. Settles on foul territory between home and first base, or between home and 3rd base.

B. Bounds past first or third base on or over foul territory.

C. First falls on foul territory beyond first or third base.

D. While on or over foul territory touches the person of an umpire, a player or any object foreign to the natural ground.

Sec.30. A sacrifice is a bunt which enables any runner to advance, or a fly ball which enables a runner to score; but, in either case, results in the batter-runner being put out before reaching first base or would have resulted in the batter-runner being put out if the hit had been fielded without error and provided two were not out when the ball was hit. A sacrifice is not listed as a “time-at-bat.”

Sec.31. An infield fly is a fair fly (not including a line drive or an attempted bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort (rule does not preclude outfielders from being allowed to make the catch); and provided the hit is made before two are out and at a time when first and second base or all bases are occupied.

When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an infield fly, the plate umpire immediately announces it for the benefit of the runners. If the ball is near the base line the umpire shall declare, “Infield fly, if fair.”

Sec.32.A. A fly ball is a batted ball that rises to an appreciable height above the ground.

B. A line drive is a batted ball which travels parallel or nearly so with the ground through most of its flight.

C. A ground ball is one that is neither a fly nor a line drive.

Sec.33. A tag out is the putting out of a runner (including the batter-runner), who is not touching a base, by touching the runner with a live ball or with the glove or hand when the live ball is securely held therein by a fielder. The ball is not considered as having been held securely if it is juggled or dropped after the touching unless the runner deliberately knocks the ball from the hand of the fielder.

NOTE: If the ball is securely held in hand, it is up to the umpire to rule that the ball has touched the runner if that hand or glove clearly touches the runner.

Sec.34. A throw out is a putout caused by a throw to first base to retire a batter-runner, or to any other base to which a runner is forced or is required to retouch

Sec.35. A strikeout is the result of the pitcher getting a third strike charged to a batter. In fast pitch, this usually results in the batter being out. Anytime first base is unoccupied, or there are two outs, and the third strike is not caught, the batter-runner is entitled to advance.

Sec.36. A throw is the act of voluntarily losing possession through having the ball leave the hand for a purpose other than a pitch. It may result in the ball being bounced, handed, rolled, tossed or thrown.

Sec.37. A legal slide can be either foot first or head first. If a runner slides feet first, at least one leg and buttock shall be on the ground. If a runner slides, the runner shall be within reach of the base with either a hand or a foot when the slide is completed.

Sec.38. A slide is illegal if:

A. The runner uses a rolling, cross-body or pop-up slide into the fielder.

B. The runner’s raised leg is higher than the fielder’s knee when the fielder is in a standing position.

C. The runner goes beyond the base and makes contact with or alters the play of the fielder.

D. The runner slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg.

E. The runner tries to injure the fielder.

Sec.39. “Time” is the command of the umpire to suspend play. The ball becomes dead when it is given.

RULE 5. The GAME

Sec.1.A. In the Youth Program no new inning will start after 1 hour and 30 minutes, excluding the fast pitch World Series Tournament.

B. In World Series Tournament pool play, the 1 hour and 30 minute time limit will be in effect.

1. In the 10 and under World Series Tournament double elimination bracket, the 1 hour and 45 minute time limit will be in effect.

2. In the Machine Pitch Nationals and qualifiers, there will be a 1 hour and 15 minute time limit in all games. Machine Pitch special rules are listed in rule 8, section 13.

3. In the Coach Pitch Nationals and qualifiers, there will be a 1 hour and 15 minute time limit. Coach Pitch special rules are listed in rule 8, section 14.

Sec. 2. The run rule awards a win to a team that has a 15 runs lead after 3 completed innings or 2½ innings if the home team is ahead, 12 runs after 4 completed inning or 3½ innings if the home team is ahead, 8 runs lead after 5 completed innings or 4½ innings if the home team is ahead.

Sec. 3. After the completion of 7- innings, or when time limits have expired, and the score is still tied, the tiebreaker procedure will begin (there will be no exception to this rule). The last batter who had the last completed at bat the previous inning, assumes a position on 2nd base. A substitute may be inserted. This procedure would be done at the beginning of each half inning; until a winner is determined.

Sec.4. A game ends when the team behind in score has completed its turn at bat in the seventh inning, in any extra inning or time limit has expired. If the home team scores a go ahead run in the bottom of the seventh inning, in any extra inning or time limit has expired the game is terminated at that point.

Sec.5. If a game ends because of weather conditions and the tournament director feels that the possibility of resuming the game is not likely, it is then a regulation game provided:

A. Three full innings have been played; or if the home team has scored an equal or greater number of runs in two or two and a fraction turns at bat than the visiting team has scored in their three-inning turn.

B. Play has gone beyond three full innings and is called when the teams have not had an equal number of completed turns at bats. The score shall be the same as it was at the end of the last completed inning; unless the home team in its half of the incomplete inning, scores a run (or runs) which equals or exceeds the opponent’s score, in which case, the final score shall be as recorded when the game is called.

Sec.6. A game shall be forfeited to the offended team by the tournament director when a team:

A. Is late in appearing or in beginning play after the umpire calls “Play Ball.”

B. Refuses to continue play after the game has started.

C. Delays more than one minute in resuming play after the umpire calls “Play ball” or in obeying the umpire’s order to remove a player for violation of the rules.

D. Persists in tactics designed to delay or shorten the game.

E. Willfully and persistently violates any one of the rules after being warned by the umpire.

Sec.7. Score of a forfeited game is 7 to 0 unless the game is forfeited after the number of innings required for a regulation game and the offending team is behind, then the score remains as recorded. If the offending team is leading, the score shall be 7 to 0. All individual and team averages shall be included in the official records, except that no pitcher shall be credited with a victory or changed with a loss in such a game if it is not a regulation game.

RULE 6. PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTES

Sec. 1. A team shall consist of at least nine players, whose positions shall be designated as;

(1) Pitcher, (2) Catcher, (3) First Baseman, (4) Second Baseman, (5) Third Baseman,

(6) Short Stop, (7) Left Fielder, (8) Center Fielder, (9) Right Fielder, and a designated hitter and/or an additional player.

Sec. 2. If a team begins play with normally allowed number of players, that team may continue a game with one less player than it stated with, whenever a player leaves the game for any reason other than ejection. If the player leaving the game is a runner, they shall be declared out. When the player who has left the game is scheduled to bat, an out shall be declared for each turn at bat. The players who have left the game cannot return to the lineup. Exception: a player, who has left the game under the blood rule, may return.

Sec. 3. The additional player can be used as the tenth batter; The additional player will be placed in the line up in the batting position he is to occupy. He can also be used on defense (only 9 defensive players in the field), but must keep same position in the batting order. The additional player if used must be selected prior to the start of the game, and his name must be included on the line up card presented to the umpire. Failure to declare the use of the additional player prior to the game precludes the use of an additional player in that game. If a pinch-hitter or pinch runner is used, that player becomes the new additional player. The player who was the original additional player may re-enter like any other player under the re-entry rule. If the additional player is used, the position must be used the entire game.

Sec. 4. A. DESIGNATED HITTER - A hitter may be designated for any one starting player (not just pitchers) and all subsequent substitutes for that player in the game. A designated hitter for said player must be selected prior to the start of the game, and her name shall be included on the line-up cards presented to the umpire and the official score keeper. It is not mandatory that a team uses a designated hitter, but failure to declare a designated hitter prior to the game precludes the use of a designated hitter in that game. If a pinch-hitter or a pinch runner for the designated hitter is used, that player becomes the new designated hitter. The player who was the designated hitter may re-enter like any other player under the re-entry rule. A designated hitter and the player for whom they are batting are locked into the same position in the batting order. No multiple substitutions may be made that will alter the batting rotation. The role of the designated hitter is terminated for the remainder of the game when:

1. The defensive player, or any previous defensive player for whom the designated hitter batted, subsequently bats, pinch hits or pinch runs for the designated hitter.

2. The designated hitter or any other previous designated hitter assumes a defensive position.

Note: The starting designated hitter and the starting associated defensive player retain re-entry privileges. The designated hitter and the person the designated hitter is batting for cannot be in the game at the same time.

Sec. 5. A. CHARGED CONFERENCES - Each team when on defense, may be granted not more than three charged conferences without penalty during a seven-inning game to permit coaches or their representatives to confer with a defensive player or players. In any extra inning game, each team shall be permitted one charged conference without penalty each inning while on defense. The number of charged conferences is not cumulative. A coach, player, substitute or an attendant may make a request for time for a conference. Time granted for an obviously incapacitated player shall not constitute a charged conference. A conference is not charged when the pitcher is removed as a pitcher. This defensive team charged conference is effective when the ball first becomes alive at the start of each half inning.

PENALTY: AFTER THREE CHARGED CONFERENCES IN A SEVEN INNING GAME, OR FOR ANY CHARGED CONFERENCE IN EXCESS OF ONE IN EACH EXTRA INNING, THE PITCHER SHALL BE REMOVED AS A PITCHER FOR THE DURATION OF THE GAME.

B. Each team, when on offense, may be granted not more than one charged conference per inning to permit the coach or any of that team’s personnel to confer with the base runners, the batter, the on-deck batter or other offensive team personnel. The umpire shall deny any subsequent offensive team request for charged conferences. This offensive team charged conference rule is effective when the ball first becomes alive at the start of each half inning. Time granted for an obviously incapacitated player shall not constitute a charged conference.

C. When either team has a charged conference, the other team may also have a conference, which is not charged, provided the non-charged conference concludes when the opposing team’s charged conference concludes, thus not delaying the game.

D. Substitute, a player who replaces a player that is in the game (offense or defense). Teams are required to immediately report all substitutions to the plate umpire. Upon notification by either team, the umpire shall announce the legal substitute and make the appropriate lineup card changes. An unannounced legal substitute brought to the umpire’s attention will result in a penalty, all prior play shall stand.

PENALTY: First offense: A team warning is issued. Second offense: The manager is ejected, from the remainder of the game only.

1. A substitute or player who replaces a pitcher while the team is on defense shall pitch to the first opponent to bat against the substitute until that batter has advanced to first base, or has been put out or until there has been a third out. To ensure that the requirements are fulfilled, the umpire will deny any coach-defensive player conference that will violate it.

a. If the starting pitcher is replaced before the first opposing batter has been put out or advanced to first base, the pitcher may play or re-enter at another position, but shall not return to pitch.

b. A player may be removed as a pitcher and returned as a pitcher only once per inning. Provided the return as a pitcher does not violate either the pitching, substitution, or charged conference rule. If the pitcher, because of injury or being incapacitated, is replaced as pitcher and the above rule is not satisfied; or if the pitcher’s substitute requires more warm-up throws than permitted, the pitcher shall not return to the game as a pitcher.

E. Re-entry, any player may be withdrawn from the game and re-entered once, provided such player occupies the same batting position whenever in the line-up. A violation results in an illegal substitution. A substitute who is withdrawn may re-enter.

F. Improper re-entry, an improper re-entry is handled as protest by the offended team. Improper re-entry is a violation after a pitch is made. Examples of improper re-entry are as follows:
1. Starter and/or substitute who re-enters in an incorrect batting position.
2.  Starter and/or substitute who re-enters a second time.

EFFECT:

1. If an improper re-entry is discovered by the defense while the player is playing offensively, the following penalties will be enforced:

A. If the improper re-entry is discovered while player is at bat, player is ejected and a proper substitute assumes any accumulated balls and strikes.

B. If the improper re-entry is discovered after he has completed his time at bat, but before a pitch has been made to succeeding batter they are called out and the player is ejected from the game. All base runners if they have advanced must return to the base occupied at the time the improper re-entry took a position in the batter's box.

C. If the improper re-entry is not discovered until a pitch is made to the next batter or the improper re-entry enters as a substitute runner, player is ejected. All play that occurred while the improper re-entry was in the game will stand.

2. If an improper re-entry is discovered by the offense while the player is playing defensively, the following penalties will be enforced:

A. If the improper re-entry is discovered after he makes a play on a fair batted (catch or throw) or a play on a foul fly ball before the next pitch, revert back to the previous pitch, the batter and base runner are advanced one base, the improper player is ejected.

B. If the improper re-entry is discovered after a pitch that did not result in a batted ball on which the improper player made a play, the improper player is ejected (this includes the pitcher).

RULE 7. PITCHING RULE

Sec. 1. A. Prior to the pitch, the pitcher shall take a position with: (1) the pivot foot on or partially on the surface of the pitcher's plate; (2) the non pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcher's plate. Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcher's plate. The hands must be apart.

B. Preliminary to pitching, the pitcher must take a position with the shoulders in line with first and third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand, with the hands separated.

C. While in this position, the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the catcher.

D. After completing “C” above, the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball. The hands may be motionless or moving.

E. ABOUT THE PITCH:

a. The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together.

b. Once the hands are brought together, the pitcher shall not take more than one step, which must be forward, toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery. Any step backward shall begin before the hands come together. The step backward may end before or after the hands come together.

NOTE: Toward is interpreted as within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate.

c. The pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground, as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground. Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcher’s plate is illegal.

NOTE 1: It is not a step if the pitcher slides his foot in any direction on the pitcher’s plate, provided contact is maintained.

NOTE 2: Techniques such as the “crow hop” and “the leap” are illegal.

F. A LEGAL DELIVERY - shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion.

a. The release of the ball and the follow-through of the hand and wrist must be forwarded past the vertical line of the body.

b. The hand shall be below the hip and the wrist not father from the body than the elbow.

c. The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter.

G. THE PITCHER MAY USE ANY WINDUP DESIRED PROVIDED:

a. No motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to the batter.

b. The pitcher does not use a rocker action in which, after having the ball in both hands in pitching position, she removes one hand from the ball, takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body.

c. The pitcher does not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion.

d. The pitcher does not make more than one revolution of the arm in the windmill pitch. A pitcher may drop the pitching arm to the side and to the rear before starting the windmill motion. The ball does not have to be released the first time past the hip.

NOTE: One revolution is interpreted as “not two revolutions,” provided the pitching arm is dropped to the side and to the rear before starting the windmill motion.

e. The pitcher does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step or after the ball is released.

NOTE: Continuation of the windup is considered any action that, after the ball is released, causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder.

H. The pitcher shall not wear any item on the pitching hand, wrist, arm or thigh that may be distracting to the batter.

1. Foreign Substance on the ball/Items on pitcher

A. The pitcher shall not at any time be allowed to use any moisture or foreign substance on the ball, the pitching hand or fingers nor do anything to deface the ball. Neither shall any other player or team personnel apply moisture or a foreign substance to the ball nor do anything to deface the ball. Under the supervision and control of the umpire, powdered resin may be on the hands to dry them.

B. Penalty - For the offense, an illegal pitch shall be called.

2. BATTING HELMET - If a pitcher wears a batting helmet while on defense, the outer covering and shield shall be a non-glare surface.

I. The pitcher shall not deliberately drop, roll, bounce, etc., the ball while in the pitching position in order to prevent the batter from striking it.

J. Once the ball has been returned to the pitcher, the pitcher has 20 seconds to release the next pitch, "after the umpire says play".

K. At the beginning of an inning or when a pitcher relieves another pitcher, one minute may be used to deliver not more than five practice pitches to the catcher, or some other teammate. For excessive warm-up pitches awarding a ball for each pitch in excess of five shall penalize a pitcher.

L. If the ball slips from the pitcher’s hand during the back swing or forward motion, a ball is called on the batter. In either case, the ball remains in play and runners may advance at their own risk.

Effect Sec. 1. A - K

An illegal pitch is called immediately. It is a delayed dead ball and should be signaled by the umpire calling the illegal pitch and verbalized so a player could hear the call. The pitch is declared a ball and base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out if the ball is not hit. If the pitch is hit then the coach will have the option of taking the results of the play or accepting the penalty.

Sec.2. A. A catcher shall be inside the lines of the catcher’s box when the pitcher takes a position to pitch and when the pitch is released.

PENALTY: An illegal pitch is called.

B. The catcher shall return the ball directly to the pitcher after each pitch, except after a strikeout or a putout made by the catcher, or to play on a base runner.

PENALTY: The batter is awarded a ball.

Exception: Intentionally violating the rule in order to walk the batter without pitching shall not result in a ball being awarded to the batter.

RULE 8. BATTING

Sec.1. POSITION AND BATTING ORDER each player of the team at bat shall become the batter and shall take her position within the batter’s box (on either side of home base), in the order in which his name appears on the lineup card as delivered to the umpire and the opposing team prior to the game. The order shall be followed during the entire game except that an entering substitute shall take the replaced player’s place in the batting order. A batter is in proper order if he follows the preceding player in the lineup, even though such preceding batter may have batted out of order. An improper batter is considered to be at bat as soon as he enters the batters box and one pitch has been thrown. When an improper batter’s infraction is first discovered, time may be requested and the improper batter replaced by the proper batter who will assume the improper batter’s ball and strike count, provided the infraction is detected before the improper batter is put out or becomes a base runner.

Sec.2. After the first inning, the first batter in each inning shall be the player whose name follows that of the last batter who completed her time at bat in the preceding inning.

PENALTY: For batting out of order (Sec. 1 and 2):

A. A batter shall be called out on appeal when he fails to bat in his proper turn and another batter completes a time at bat in his place.

NOTE: Only the defensive team may appeal out of order after the batter has completed his time at bat.

B. When an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out and the defensive team appeals to the umpire before the next pitch (legal or illegal), or before the infielders leave the diamond if a half-inning is ending. the umpire shall declare the proper batter out and return all runners to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.

Exception: Any outs made on the play stand. An out for batting out of order supersedes an out by the improper batter on a pla