Billerica Girls Softball Association Rules

BGSA 2001 RULES

CLICK HERE FOR SECTION I - PRE-GAME RULES

SECTION II - RULES USED DURING THE GAME

Note: All rule changes for the 2001 Season are in Bold

2-1 Number of Players:

There will be ten (10) players on the field at starting time. If one team has only nine (9), the game will still be allowed to start. If, due to injury only. the game roster is reduced to eight (8) players, the game will be allowed to continue. Further reduction will constitute a forfeit.

2-2 Base Coaches:

All Junior and Senior base coaches will be members of the game roster and in uniform. If a girl is injured and cannot play, she will be allowed to coach providing she wears her uniform.

2-3 Official Bats and Balls:

Only official softball bats and league supplied softballs will be allowed.

2-4 Cleats:

Only rubber cleats are permitted.

2-5 Required equipment for players:

a. Catchers must wear shin pads, chest protector, helmet, mask and throat protector.

b. Batting helmets must be worn at all times by the batter, player on-deck, base runners and base coaches.

c. For Seniors: Any Player intentionally removing a batting helmet shall be deemed out. Any player that inadvertently throws a bat, and such throw strikes another player or umpire shall be deemed out. Any thrown bat that does not strike a player or umpire shall first result in a warning to both benches, and any subsequent occurrence shall be deemed an out.
For Juniors: Any Player intentionally removing a batting helmet shall first result in a warning to both benches, and any subsequent occurrence shall be deemed an out. Any player that inadvertently throws a bat, and such throw strikes another player or umpire shall also result in a warning to both benches, and any subsequent occurrence shall be deemed an out. Any thrown bat that does not strike a player or umpire shall also result in a warning to both benches, and any subsequent occurrence shall be deemed an out.

2-6 Infield Fly Rule:

The Infield Fly Rule will not be used.

2-7 Bunting:

Bunting is allowed.

2-8 Sliding:
Sliding is allowed. Our bases are movable, so when they are dislodged from their location during a play, the base runners need only to remain as close to where the base should be as possible.

2-9 Stealing:
Stealing is not allowed.

2-10 Pitching:
a. No player will pitch more than three (3) innings, defined as nine (9) consecutive outs, in a game. Pitchers are allowed five (5) warm-up pitches, or the equivalent reasonable time for five (5) pitches in the opinion of the umpire, when they retake the field. If the pitcher warms up with someone other than the catcher, they do not warm up again when the catcher gets there. The pitcher must start with both feet in contact with the pitching rubber. When ready to pitch, the pitcher shall hold the ball in both hands, "presenting the ball", for not less than one second but not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball. In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher shall not take more than one step, which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery of the ball to the batter. One foot must be in contact with the ground at all times. No rocking or backward motion is allowed.
Juniors: The pitcher must release the ball on the first forward motion of the arm past the hip. The windmill pitch is not allowed.
Seniors: May deliver the ball as described for Juniors or after "presenting the ball" the pitcher may drop her arm to the side and to the rear before starting the windmill motion. There can be no stop or reversal of the forward motion and only one revolution of the arm is allowed. No player will pitch more than three innings in a game. All pitching will be consecutive in a game. A pitcher, having hit three batters in an inning or four batters in a game, must be removed from the mound. However, in the umpires discretion, the batter must make an effort to avoid being hit by a pitch.
b. Intentional Walks are not allowed.
c. If an illegal pitch is called, the ball is dead, the pitch is a ball, and there shall be no further advancement of the runners.

2-11 Leading:
Runners may lead of the base once the ball is released from the pitcher's hand. Only one lead per pitch is allowed. A player is not allowed to tag up and take a second lead after the pitch has been delivered.
Leaving the base too early-
Junior League: One warning will be issued to both teams at the time of the first offense: thereafter, "no pitch" will be called and the runner is out.
Senior League: "No pitch" and the runner is out.

2-12 Base Running:
a. Runners are forced back to base after a pitched ball even if a pickoff is attempted. No tag need be applied by the fielder on a pickoff attempt and if the ball arrives at the base before the runner it shall be deemed a force out. Player may advance at own risk after tagging base if the ball is overthrown.
b. If an overthrow lands under a bench or hits a fence in foul territory, but not the backstop, the ball is dead and one base is automatically allowed. Ball hitting the backstop is still in play

c. A dead ball will remain dead until the pitcher is on the pitching rubber prepared to deliver the next pitch.

d. Players must not block the base unless they have the ball on a tag play. Players blocking the base shall be deemed to have committed interference and the runner will be awarded the base.

e. When necessary to replace the base runner the player that made the "last out" will be the substitute. If there are two outs and the last out was the catcher, then the player that made the first out will be the substitute.

f. When there are two outs and the catcher is on base, a pinch runner may be utilized to allow the catcher to get ready to retake her position.

2-13 Force Situation:

Tag of player need not be made because of a force situation.

2-14 Pitcher's Circle:

a. After a ball has been batted and is returned to the pitcher and she is within eight (8) feet of the rubber, and runner rounding a base who stops must immediately decide to advance or return to the base she just left. After a commitment has been made, a change of direction will be an automatic out to the runner. If a runner doesn't stop, she may continue to the next base at her own risk.

b. The ball is considered to be within the eight foot circle even if it is sitting on the ground or is in the possesion and control of any fielder within the eight foot circle. Any ball that is clearly passing through the eight foot circle shall be deemed not to be within the circle, and runners may advance at their own risk.

c. If the ball bounces outside the circle on a throw back from the catcher it is a live ball except following a foul ball or a "dead" ball call. Any time the ball has been declared a "dead" ball, it does not become live until the pitcher is ready to pitch.

d. If the catcher steps in front of or onto the plate to return the ball to the pitcher, it is a live ball except following a foul ball or a "dead" ball call.

2-15 Substitutions:

a. All girls must play three (3) consecutive innings in the field except the pitcher who can be removed by the coach. Once a girl has been put in the field (except pitcher), she must remain in the field for at least three (3) consecutive innings. Girls present for a game which was not played to completion and did not get to play three (3) innings will start the next game.

b. A pitcher who pitches less than three (3) consecutive innings and is removed from the game, must return later at another position to complete her three (3) innings.

c. Set batting orders will be made up of a rotation of the full roster for a given game.

d. A reasonable attempt should be made by each coach to see that each player plays approximately the same number of innings.

2-16 Player Removed from Game:

Any player removed from the game shall be allowed to reenter the game at a later time provided that all players shall play three (3) consecutive innings.

2-17 Player Removed for Injury:

Any player removed from the game because of injury shall be allowed to reenter the game at any time.

2-18 Wild Pitch/Passed Ball:

There is no advancement on a wild pitch or passed ball to the catcher.

2-19 Food and Drink on the Bench:

No food or drink on the bench except water.

2-20 Player's Bench:

a. All players must remain on the bench.

b. Only players, the coach and two (2) assistant coaches are allowed on the bench during a game.

2-21 Base Coaches:

All base coaching is to be done by the players. All base coaches will remain in the coaching box. Any base coach out of the coaching box during a play will result in the runner closest to the base coach being out. Only one warning will be given by the umpire.

2-22 Extra Innings:

Any playoff game going into extra innings requires a new pitcher, one who has not pitched previously in the same game unless the current pitcher has not yet completed three (3) innings. Also, an extra inning game means the coach can freely substitute provided all girls have played three (3) innings.

2-23 On-deck Circle:

Only the next batter will be allowed in the on-deck circle.

2-24 Score Checked:

The score must be checked every half inning.

2-25 Game Balls:

Each team must have one (1) new softball at each game. Home team will supply the game ball. If another ball is needed, the away team will supply a new ball.

2-26 Suspensions:

a. If a coach or umpire wishes to suspend a player, the circumstances on which the suspension is based must be represented to the League Commissioner. The League Commissioner will rule on the suspension as soon as possible.

b. If any coach or umpire benches or ejects a player during a game for whatever reason, the League Commissioner must be informed as soon as possible and all facts relating to this must be presented.

2-27 Batters:

a. Any player batting without a complete uniform will b called out and ejected from the game. The player is considered to be batting as soon as she enters the batting box.

b. If a player is batting out of order and it is discovered prior to her completion of her at bat, then the correct batter shall take her place and assume the count of the incorrect batter. If the incorrect batter is discovered after her completion of her at bat, then the defensive coach shall call time out, notify the umpire of the mistake, and have the option of either taking the play that had occurred, or taking an automatic out to the batter with no advancement of the runners. If the play is discovered after a pitch has been thrown to a subsequent batter then the play will stand as if the correct batter had batted and no penalty will result. The batting order shall resume with the next scheduled batter in accordance with the batting lineup.

c. Set batting orders will be made up of a rotation of the full roster for a given game.

2-28 Junior League Only:

a. Each team will be allowed to bat through the batting order only once each inning, or 3 outs whichever comes first. Once through the order equals the number of at bats for the team with the most players present at the game.

b. Coaches will notify each other when the last batter comes to the plate.

c. The pitching rubber will be placed 35 feet from home plate.

2-29 Conflicts in Rules:

If a conflict in rules takes placeor a protest is lodged by a coach, the League Commissioner must be notified within forty-eight (48) hours. At time of discrepancy or protest, both coaches and the umpire must be notified and notation must be made on the scoresheet describing what took place. Example: Runs at the time, players on base and on field, number of outs, balls and strikes.

2-30 Game Rules:

Coaches must have Game Rules with them at every game.

2-31 Safety Points:

a. Only one infield practice ball and two outfield practice balls should be on the field between innings.

b. Base Coaches should stay away from the bases during infield practice.

c. Equipment should be kept near the bench or against the fence if one is available.

d. Instructional League should position fielders no closer to home plate than the pitching rubber at 35 feet.

e. Dangling earrings or jewelry that might cause injury should not be worn during play.

f. Players warming up the pitcher should wear a mask.

g. Umpires must wear a mask behind the plate.

h. League supplied first aid kits must be brought to each game and kept near the bench.

2-32 Time Outs and Pitching Changes:

Each team is entitled to one defensive timeout each inning per pitcher without necessitating a pitching change. Each second timeout per pitcher, shall result in a mandatory pitching change.

2-33 Unsportsmanlike Conduct:

Any Player or Coach that deliberately attempts to cause injury or engages in unsportsmanlike conduct may be ejected from the game.

2-34 ASA Rules:

In most cases, the Official Playing Rules and Regulations of the Amateur Softball Association of the United States (ASA) shall be binding on the BGSA except where such rules conflict with any league rules sponsored by the BGSA.

Billerica Girls Softball Association Home Page

�2001 Billerica Girls Softball Association

2-1	Number of Players:
		There will be ten (10) players on the field at starting time. If one team has only nine (9), the game will still be allowed to start. If, due to injury only. the game roster is reduced to eight (8) players, the game will be allowed to continue. Further reduction will constitute a forfeit.
2-2	Base Coaches:
		All Junior and Senior base coaches will be members of the game roster and in uniform. If a girl is injured and cannot play, she will be allowed to coach providing she wears her uniform.
2-3	Official Bats and Balls:
		Only official softball bats and league supplied softballs will be allowed.
2-4	Cleats:
		Only rubber cleats are permitted.
2-5	Required equipment for players:
	a.	Catchers must wear shin pads, chest protector, helmet, mask and throat protector.
	b.	Batting helmets must be worn at all times by the batter, player on-deck, base runners and base coaches.
	c.	For Seniors: Any Player intentionally removing a batting helmet shall be deemed out. Any player that inadvertently throws a bat, and such throw strikes another player or umpire shall be deemed out. Any thrown bat that does not strike a player or umpire shall first result in a warning to both benches, and any subsequent occurrence shall be deemed an out. For Juniors: Any Player intentionally removing a batting helmet shall first result in a warning to both benches, and any subsequent occurrence shall be deemed an out. Any player that inadvertently throws a bat, and such throw strikes another player or umpire shall also result in a warning to both benches, and any subsequent occurrence shall be deemed an out. Any thrown bat that does not strike a player or umpire shall also result in a warning to both benches, and any subsequent occurrence shall be deemed an out.
2-6	Infield Fly Rule:
		The Infield Fly Rule will not be used.
2-7	Bunting:
		Bunting is allowed.
2-8	Sliding:
		Sliding is allowed. Our bases are movable, so when they are dislodged from their location during a play, the base runners need only to remain as close to where the base should be as possible.
2-9	Stealing:
		Stealing is not allowed.
2-10	Pitching:
	a.	No player will pitch more than three (3) innings, defined as nine (9) consecutive outs, in a game. Pitchers are allowed five (5) warm-up pitches, or the equivalent reasonable time for five (5) pitches in the opinion of the umpire, when they retake the field. If the pitcher warms up with someone other than the catcher, they do not warm up again when the catcher gets there. The pitcher must start with both feet in contact with the pitching rubber. When ready to pitch, the pitcher shall hold the ball in both hands, "presenting the ball", for not less than one second but not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball. In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher shall not take more than one step, which must be forward toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery of the ball to the batter. One foot must be in contact with the ground at all times. No rocking or backward motion is allowed. Juniors: The pitcher must release the ball on the first forward motion of the arm past the hip. The windmill pitch is not allowed. Seniors: May deliver the ball as described for Juniors or after "presenting the ball" the pitcher may drop her arm to the side and to the rear before starting the windmill motion. There can be no stop or reversal of the forward motion and only one revolution of the arm is allowed. No player will pitch more than three innings in a game. All pitching will be consecutive in a game. A pitcher, having hit three batters in an inning or four batters in a game, must be removed from the mound. However, in the umpires discretion, the batter must make an effort to avoid being hit by a pitch.
	b.	Intentional Walks are not allowed.
	c.	If an illegal pitch is called, the ball is dead, the pitch is a ball, and there shall be no further advancement of the runners.
2-11	Leading:
		Runners may lead of the base once the ball is released from the pitcher's hand. Only one lead per pitch is allowed. A player is not allowed to tag up and take a second lead after the pitch has been delivered. Leaving the base too early- Junior League: One warning will be issued to both teams at the time of the first offense: thereafter, "no pitch" will be called and the runner is out. Senior League: "No pitch" and the runner is out.
2-12	Base Running:
	a.	Runners are forced back to base after a pitched ball even if a pickoff is attempted. No tag need be applied by the fielder on a pickoff attempt and if the ball arrives at the base before the runner it shall be deemed a force out. Player may advance at own risk after tagging base if the ball is overthrown.
	b.	If an overthrow lands under a bench or hits a fence in foul territory, but not the backstop, the ball is dead and one base is automatically allowed. Ball hitting the backstop is still in play
	c.	A dead ball will remain dead until the pitcher is on the pitching rubber prepared to deliver the next pitch.
	d.	Players must not block the base unless they have the ball on a tag play. Players blocking the base shall be deemed to have committed interference and the runner will be awarded the base.
	e.	When necessary to replace the base runner the player that made the "last out" will be the substitute. If there are two outs and the last out was the catcher, then the player that made the first out will be the substitute.
	f.	When there are two outs and the catcher is on base, a pinch runner may be utilized to allow the catcher to get ready to retake her position.
2-13	Force Situation:
		Tag of player need not be made because of a force situation.
2-14	Pitcher's Circle:
	a.	After a ball has been batted and is returned to the pitcher and she is within eight (8) feet of the rubber, and runner rounding a base who stops must immediately decide to advance or return to the base she just left. After a commitment has been made, a change of direction will be an automatic out to the runner. If a runner doesn't stop, she may continue to the next base at her own risk.
	b.	The ball is considered to be within the eight foot circle even if it is sitting on the ground or is in the possesion and control of any fielder within the eight foot circle. Any ball that is clearly passing through the eight foot circle shall be deemed not to be within the circle, and runners may advance at their own risk.
	c.	If the ball bounces outside the circle on a throw back from the catcher it is a live ball except following a foul ball or a "dead" ball call. Any time the ball has been declared a "dead" ball, it does not become live until the pitcher is ready to pitch.
	d.	If the catcher steps in front of or onto the plate to return the ball to the pitcher, it is a live ball except following a foul ball or a "dead" ball call.
2-15	Substitutions:
	a.	All girls must play three (3) consecutive innings in the field except the pitcher who can be removed by the coach. Once a girl has been put in the field (except pitcher), she must remain in the field for at least three (3) consecutive innings. Girls present for a game which was not played to completion and did not get to play three (3) innings will start the next game.
	b.	A pitcher who pitches less than three (3) consecutive innings and is removed from the game, must return later at another position to complete her three (3) innings.
	c.	Set batting orders will be made up of a rotation of the full roster for a given game.
	d.	A reasonable attempt should be made by each coach to see that each player plays approximately the same number of innings.
2-16	Player Removed from Game:
		Any player removed from the game shall be allowed to reenter the game at a later time provided that all players shall play three (3) consecutive innings.
2-17	Player Removed for Injury:
		Any player removed from the game because of injury shall be allowed to reenter the game at any time.
2-18	Wild Pitch/Passed Ball:
		There is no advancement on a wild pitch or passed ball to the catcher.
2-19	Food and Drink on the Bench:
		No food or drink on the bench except water.
2-20	Player's Bench:
	a.	All players must remain on the bench.
	b.	Only players, the coach and two (2) assistant coaches are allowed on the bench during a game.
2-21	Base Coaches:
		All base coaching is to be done by the players. All base coaches will remain in the coaching box. Any base coach out of the coaching box during a play will result in the runner closest to the base coach being out. Only one warning will be given by the umpire.
2-22	Extra Innings:
		Any playoff game going into extra innings requires a new pitcher, one who has not pitched previously in the same game unless the current pitcher has not yet completed three (3) innings. Also, an extra inning game means the coach can freely substitute provided all girls have played three (3) innings.
2-23	On-deck Circle:
		Only the next batter will be allowed in the on-deck circle.
2-24	Score Checked:
		The score must be checked every half inning.
2-25	Game Balls:
		Each team must have one (1) new softball at each game. Home team will supply the game ball. If another ball is needed, the away team will supply a new ball.
2-26	Suspensions:
	a.	If a coach or umpire wishes to suspend a player, the circumstances on which the suspension is based must be represented to the League Commissioner. The League Commissioner will rule on the suspension as soon as possible.
	b.	If any coach or umpire benches or ejects a player during a game for whatever reason, the League Commissioner must be informed as soon as possible and all facts relating to this must be presented.
2-27	Batters:
	a.	Any player batting without a complete uniform will b called out and ejected from the game. The player is considered to be batting as soon as she enters the batting box.
	b.	If a player is batting out of order and it is discovered prior to her completion of her at bat, then the correct batter shall take her place and assume the count of the incorrect batter. If the incorrect batter is discovered after her completion of her at bat, then the defensive coach shall call time out, notify the umpire of the mistake, and have the option of either taking the play that had occurred, or taking an automatic out to the batter with no advancement of the runners. If the play is discovered after a pitch has been thrown to a subsequent batter then the play will stand as if the correct batter had batted and no penalty will result. The batting order shall resume with the next scheduled batter in accordance with the batting lineup.
	c.	Set batting orders will be made up of a rotation of the full roster for a given game.
2-28	Junior League Only:
	a.	Each team will be allowed to bat through the batting order only once each inning, or 3 outs whichever comes first. Once through the order equals the number of at bats for the team with the most players present at the game.
	b.	Coaches will notify each other when the last batter comes to the plate.
	c.	The pitching rubber will be placed 35 feet from home plate.
2-29	Conflicts in Rules:
		If a conflict in rules takes placeor a protest is lodged by a coach, the League Commissioner must be notified within forty-eight (48) hours. At time of discrepancy or protest, both coaches and the umpire must be notified and notation must be made on the scoresheet describing what took place. Example: Runs at the time, players on base and on field, number of outs, balls and strikes.
2-30	Game Rules:
		Coaches must have Game Rules with them at every game.
2-31	Safety Points:
	a.	Only one infield practice ball and two outfield practice balls should be on the field between innings.
	b.	Base Coaches should stay away from the bases during infield practice.
	c.	Equipment should be kept near the bench or against the fence if one is available.
	d.	Instructional League should position fielders no closer to home plate than the pitching rubber at 35 feet.
	e.	Dangling earrings or jewelry that might cause injury should not be worn during play.
	f.	Players warming up the pitcher should wear a mask.
	g.	Umpires must wear a mask behind the plate.
	h.	League supplied first aid kits must be brought to each game and kept near the bench.
2-32	Time Outs and Pitching Changes:
		Each team is entitled to one defensive timeout each inning per pitcher without necessitating a pitching change. Each second timeout per pitcher, shall result in a mandatory pitching change.
2-33	Unsportsmanlike Conduct:
		Any Player or Coach that deliberately attempts to cause injury or engages in unsportsmanlike conduct may be ejected from the game.
2-34	ASA Rules:
		In most cases, the Official Playing Rules and Regulations of the Amateur Softball Association of the United States (ASA) shall be binding on the BGSA except where such rules conflict with any league rules sponsored by the BGSA.