2/3 SOFTBALL RULES
New Skills to Teach
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Catcher in gear.
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Choosing which base is most appropriate to throw to.
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Swinging at appropriate pitches.
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Base running when the ball is hit to the outfield.
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Tagging up
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SS & 2nd baseman covering second base when the ball is hit.
Equipment
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NO metal cleats. If non-metal cleats aren't available, tennis shoes should be worn.
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Both ears need to be covered by the helmet when hitting or catching.
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ASA, USA, USSSA are all allowed.
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Recommended bat length of 28”.
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When outside the dugout, all batters must have a helmet on.
Dimensions
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Base distance - 60’
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Pitcher’s mound length - 35’
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Coach pitches from within the circle. The player pitcher must keep both feet in the circle when the pitch is made.
Game Duration
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Two 4-inning games. (unless home field team specifies one 7-inning game is necessary due to field restrictions like no lights at field)
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First game play through a tie game until the game is won. Adjust for the second game as necessary.
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No new inning will start after 8:30 for the 2nd game. 2nd game can end in a tie.
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5-run rule for an inning
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Last inning is open to allow more than 5 runs.
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10-run rule after 3 innings
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Last inning of the 2nd game can be finished out by the home team if they are ahead by runs and if both teams agree on it. The score does not change, but it allows for more reps for both teams.
Offensive
Play
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Bunting is not allowed.
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Base-Running
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Called (signaled) steals are not allowed.
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No stealing on pass balls.
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No lead-offs.
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If they hit the ball into the grass outfield, base runner can attempt to advance 2 bases max. This includes hard grounders that roll to the outfield.
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Overthrown balls – runner can attempt to advance 1 base.
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Runners MUST attempt to avoid contact with a defensive player at any base or home plate.
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Hitting
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Every dressed player bats regardless if they are on the bench or in the game defensively.
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5 swinging strikes or 7 pitches. If a batter fouls, it counts as a strike, but a batter cannot strike out on a foul ball. No tee should be used.
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Defensive
Play
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Pitching
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Coach pitch is preferred, but the use of a pitching machine is allowed by the team who wishes to use it.
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Play 10 players (4 outfielders)
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Every player plays at least 2 innings defensively in a game.
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Fielders are never allowed to block a base or the plate without the ball.