Softball Game Rules - Main Page

Softball Game Rules

Softball plays by the same general rules as baseball (i.e. strikes, outs, positions, etc.)

Our game rules are adjusted slightly in each division. Below is an abbreviated summary of our game rules. Please refer to the Game Rules documents for your division for full details

Minors (K-2)	Key Highlights: Coaches pitch to the batters 100% of the time Coaches are permitted to stand in the field when their team is on defense to assist the players Components of the game are introduced slowly throughout the season (i.e. First 6 Games vs Remainder of Season Umpires are not used to officiate games All practice and game balls shall be 11 inch "softtouch" softballs. First 6 Games: Coaches pitch to the batters 100% of the time Outs are not to be recorded Every player in the lineup will bat each inning After the last batter in the inning bats, all baserunners run around the bases Batting tees can be used Starting with the 7th Game: Coaches pitch to the batters 100% of the time Teams will start playing “real games” Each team will have 3 outs per inning 3-out / 5-run rule is in effect After four swinging strikes the batter is out. There are no walks or called strikeouts After the third swinging strike, batter can have the option to hit off the batting tee For the full set of K-2 Game Rules, click here

Majors (3-5)	Key Highlights: Players begin pitching themselves. Coaches will pitch after two walks in an inning Coaches are no longer permitted to stand in the field when their team is on defense to assist the players Umpires are used to officiate the game of calling balls/strikes and outs Real games are played from the start of the season All practice and game balls shall be 11 inch "hard" softballs Pitching: Players will pitch themselves. After two walks in an inning (doesn’t have to be consecutive), the coach for the hitting team will pitch to the batter. Pitchers must wear a face mask at all times Pitchers must begin their delivery on the pitching rubber which will be 35 ft away from home plate Pitcher cannot pitch more than 3 innings in a game Gameplay: There is no stealing Base runners may tag up on a fly ball Batters can bunt Base runners may slide For the full set of 3-5 Game Rules, click here

Seniors (6-8)	Key Highlights: Players pitch the innings entirely without coach pitch Walks and strikeouts will be counted 3-out / 5-run inning is still enforced All practice and game balls shall be 12 inch “hard” softballs. Pitching: Coach pitch is no longer an option Child will pitch themselves Pitchers must wear a face mask at all times Pitchers must begin their delivery on the pitching rubber which will be 40 ft away from home plate Pitcher cannot pitch more than 3 innings in a game After 5 consecutive walks, a pitching change is recommended Gameplay: Stealing 2nd and 3rd base is permitted Base runners may tag up on a fly ball Batters can bunt Base runners may slide For the full set of 6-8 Game Rules, click here