Marlboro Girls Softball – Special League Rules 2015
The Marlboro Girls Softball League uses official softball playing rules as adopted and documented for the Amateur Softball Association
(ASA) with the exception of special league rules as explained in this document. The ASA rule book, Official Rules
of Softball and ASA Code, fully documents the ASA playing rules. All managers get a copy of this rule book complements of the ASA.
Special league rules supplement, override, and in some cases emphasize the official softball rules to ensure that the level of play is
consistent with the league goal. First and foremost the league is intended to be fun for all.
The rest of this document presents the special league rules regarding:
• Participation
• Safety
• Sportsmanship
• Umpires
• Game length
• Pitching
• Batting
• Base running
• Playing time
• Rain outs and make ups
• Concession stand coverage
• All Star games
• Playoffs
Participation
Eligibilty
Girls who live in Marlboro are eligible to play. Out of town players must be approved by the board and only if rosters are not full.
The age limits for each division are as follows: League age is determined by how old you are on Jan 1 of current season.
Division
Age
Instructional
5-6
Junior
7-9
Minor
10-12
Major
13-15
Rosters
• All rosters must be approved by April 9th. All girls must be registered at this time. Girls that are not on a roster will not be allowed
to play. No one will be added to a roster after April 19th unless approved by the board.
• Roster sizes will be set by the board each season.
• Girls cannot appear on more than one (1) team roster.
• Girls must be 5-15 years of age as of January 1 of the current season.
Number of fielders
Instructional league 5-6 year olds
• All members present will be in the field at the same time. 1 catcher, 1 pitcher, and 4 infield positions all other members of the
team will position themselves in the outfield grass area.
Junior league 7-9 year olds
• 10 fielders will be on the field. 1 pitcher, 1 catcher, 4 infielders and 4 outfielders. All other team members will sit on the bench
for that inning and will rotate in the next inning.
Minor League 10-12 year olds
• 10 fielders will be on the field at one time. Pitcher, catcher, 4 infielders and 4 outfielders. A team may play with 8 fielders if
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shorthanded. At anytime during the game if you go down to 7 players a forfeit will be given. The score of a forfeit will be 7-0
Major League 13-15 year olds
• 9 fielders will be on the field at one time. Pitcher, catcher, 4 infielders and 3 outfielders. A team may play with 8 fielders if
shorthanded. At anytime during the game you go down to 7 players a forfeit will be given. The score of a forfeit will be 7-0
Equal Fielding Time
All members of a team share fielding time equally. This means that each player present for a game should be allowed to play a fielding
position for at least half of the number of expected innings for that game. Keep in mind that some games consist of fewer than the normal
6 or 7 innings due to darkness or foul weather or time limits.
Free Substitution
Free substitution and reentry of fielders is allowed at any time during a game, meaning if a starter or substitute is pulled out they can
re-enter the game freely. The pitchers are the only ones that have inning limits. 3 for minors, 4 for majors.
SAFETY
Batting helmets
Players in all divisions must wear batting helmets with fastened chinstraps and a face cage when batting, on deck for batting,
running bases, or coaching a base during games and practice. Managers and coaches should not conduct any form of batting
practice without a batting helmet.
Face Masks
Players that play infield positions are STRONGLY encouraged to wear facemasks while fielding the positions. The league will
have a limited amount for sale at a discounted price or you can buy one at a local sporting goods store.
Catchers Helmets and Masks
Players who catch for a pitcher at any time, whether in a game situation, during practice, or for warm up, must wear a catcher’s helmet
and mask. Coaches need to enforce this rule This is an official ASA rule.
Base and Pitching Distances/Ball size
The league adheres to the ASA base and pitching distances listed in the following table:
League
Instructional
Junior
Minor
Major
Bases
35ft
60ft
60ft
60ft
Pitching
35 ft
35 ft
40 ft
43ft
Ball size
11in softie
11 in softie
12 inch regular
12 inch regular
Contact with Pitching Plate when Releasing Pitch
As more technically stated in the ASA rulebook, Official Rules of Softball and ASA Code, Junior, Minor and Major
Division pitchers must have at least one foot in contact with the pitching plate when releasing a pitch. This is a safety issue.
Infielder Positioning
• Managers and coaches are responsible for ensuring that infielders are positioned a safe distance from home plate.
Serious accidents do happen! Even small players can make good contact with a pitch, players need enough distance
to react to line drives.
• As a courtesy managers should warn opposing teams when a strong batter comes to the plate and the fielders are not
positioned at a safe distance. This is particularly important in the Instructional, Junior and Minor league divisions.
Outfielder Positioning
• Outfielders must be positioned on the grass.
When not on the playing field
All players who are not on the playing field, coaching a base, on deck for batting, or at bat, must stay on the bench or in the
dugout. On deck batters, must warm up in an appropriate area on the playing field.
Thunder and Lightning (all divisions)
At the first sign of thunder or lightning, managers must stop a game or practice. After 30 minutes waiting time if there is no
more thunder or lightning, then play can resume but at the next sign of thunder or lightning the game will be called and the
proper rainout procedure will be followed.
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Uniforms and Equipment
a. Every girl will be issued a complete uniform that MUST be worn to all games. Visor, shirt and pants make up a
complete uniform. All uniforms must be worn properly, shirts tucked in and visor's worn facing front.
Jackets or long sleeve shirts can be worn under uniform ifnecessary, not OVER uniforms. No other hats or visors are
acceptable.
b. If a girl loses any part of her uniform she is responsible to buy a replacement piece.
c. All girls will be allowed to keep their shirts and visors. Pants are expected to last the girls at least 2 seasons.
d. All keys given to the coaches are the property of Marlboro Girls Softball and must be returned at the end of each season.
e. Please instruct your girls in the proper care of this equipment. Ex: Do not throw helmets, hit fence with bats, kick helmets etc
f Players may wear shorts in warmer weather, but they MUST be solid black. If you wear shorts you must wear a slider, sliding
shorts or knee high socks. This is for safety
g. Chin straps MUST be worn on ALL helmets. FACE GUARDS are mandatory on all helmets.
h. Umpires will monitor section f and take appropriate action. Safety is a major concern with these issues.
i. We strongly recommend girls playing infield positions wear a facemask and/or mouth guard.
Cleats
Players can wear athletic shoes that have rubber cleats. However, metal cleats are not allowed at any age level.
Jewelry – No Jewelry is to be worn by any player. No earrings, necklaces, bracelets, eyebrow piercing, tongue piercing etc. Earrings
cannot be taped over. The only acceptable jewelry is medical alert necklaces or bracelets and they need to be taped to body.
Sportsmanship
Practicing Good Sportsmanship.
Managers are responsible for making sure that all players, coaches and team spectators practice good sportsmanship. Players should be
reprimanded for name calling, throwing equipment, acting disrespectful towards coaches, other players and officials. Coaches should set
a good example for their team to follow.
Hand Shaking
In the spirit of practicing good sportsmanship, teams shake hands after each game. Unsportsmanlike conduct during team hand shaking
will not be tolerated.
Arguing with umpires
Managers, coaches, players and spectators will refrain from arguing with umpires. Once a game has started, the managers
are the only team representatives who can speak with an umpire. This rule remains in effect until 15 minutes after the game has ended.
Umpires
Junior League
Each junior division manager should umpire when his team is in the field. Home plate umpires should announce all balls
and strikes, this will help batters learn at which pitches they should be swinging.
Minor League
Minor league games will be umpired by a patched ASA umpire, usually high school girls/boys. If a patched umpire does not
show up for a game both coaches can agree on a parent or suitable substitute to fill in. No coach is allowed to umpire for his/her
team. Minor league umpires are paid by check at the beginning of the following week
Major League
A patched ASA umpire will umpire major league games. This umpire must be at least 18 years of age to umpire at this
level. If an umpire does not show up the coaches can agree on a parent or suitable substitute to fill in. Major league umpires are
paid after each game from concession stand funds
Game Times
• Games are 6 innings for junior and minor league whenever possible.
• Games are 7 innings for major league whenever possible.
• Instructional, junior and minor league games will start at 6:00pm M-Friday and 8 or 8:30pm game on Friday night for majors and
minors.No new inning will start after 1 hour 40min. Coaches are required to keep the games moving, catchers ready, lineups done etc.
• A 15 minute grace period is allowed at the beginning of the 1 st game of the day if you are short handed. If you do not have enough
players to play after the 15 minutes a forfeit will be given. You may then play for fun if you want.
Major league games will start at 6:30pm until June 1 at which time they will start at 6pm. No new inning will start after 1hr 40min
has passed. The start of an inning is noted as the time the last out is made in the previous inning. Any inning started before 1:40
will be played to its completion.
Pitching
Instructional division
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• A manager, coach or an adult volunteer pitches to their own team players.
• A player fields the pitcher position (standing close to the right or left of the adult pitcher)
• For safety reasons, the player in the pitcher position must be a player who can react quickly to a batted ball and must
stand at least 35 feet from the plate.
• If a batter is having a difficult time hitting pitches, a batting tee can be used.
• When a batting tee is used, the adult pitching must step off the playing field.
Junior Division
• The pitching distance is 35 feet for players and coaches
• Players will pitch from the beginning of the season. At the beginning of the season, after three walks in the inning the coach will pitch the
remainder or the inning and the player pitcher will remain in the field to play the pitcher position. After the first 6 games, the number of
walks allowed in one inning by the pitcher will increase to 4 before the coach comes in for the rest of that inning.
• A hit by pitch counts as a walk. After the walk limit is reached, a batter hit by a pitch will be awarded 1 st base.
If a pitcher hits three batters in an inning a new pitcher will be brought in to pitch.
• If an adult pitcher touches or is touched by a batted ball, the ball is dead and no pitch is declared. Base runners return to the base they
were at prior to the ball being hit. The batter returns to the plate with the count that she had prior to hitting the ball.
• For safety reasons, players who pitch or play the pitcher position must be players who can react quickly to a batted ball.
Minor and Major Division
• Pitching distance is 40 feet for Minors and 43ft for Majors
• If a pitcher hits 3 batters in an inning, she must be removed from the pitching position for the remainder of that inning. If a pitcher hits 5
batters in a game they must be removed for the remainder of the game.
When at bat, if a pitched ball hits a batter in the air, she is awarded first base. If a ball bounces or rolls on the ground and then
hits a batter and the umpire feels the batter made NO attempt to get out of the way, then it is up to their discretion to award the
base or not.
• All ASA fast pitch pitching rules apply except those noted below. For example, pitchers must start delivery with both feet touching the
pitching plate (actual or marked), they can take no more than one step before releasing a pitch, and so forth.
• Pitching limits are as follows. Minor league pitchers can pitch 3 innings per game. Major league 4 innings per game. 1 pitch
is counted as an inning pitched. There are no exceptions made for extra innings. Coaches may visit the mound once per inning
without taking the pitcher out. On the second visit per inning the pitcher must be removed for the rest of that inning.
*The penalty in minor league for pitching a pitcher beyond their limit is that 6 runs will be added to your opponents score for
each inning pitched beyond the limit. Penalty in Major league will be a forfeit.
• Absolutely NO minor league player can pitch for a major league team and NO Junior league player can pitch in minors
Batting
Instructional Division
• Balls and strikes will not be called. A batter will stay up until they hit. After 7-8 pitches the coach should bring out the batting tee.
• A team remains at bat until all players bat. Batters can only hit a single. On-base runners only advance one base at a time.
Junior Division
• Balls and strikes will be called. When a player pitches, a batter can walk or strike out swinging or looking
• When an adult pitches, a batter cannot walk but, can strike out swinging or looking
• A team remains at bat until the fielding team makes three outs or the team at bat scores 6 runs
• The first time in a given game that a player throws a bat, after hitting the ball or otherwise, the player receives a warning.
If that player throws a bat again during that game, the player will be called out.
• An 11 inch softie ball will be used.
Minors & Majors
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• Every player present at the game will be listed in the batting order. Any player arriving late (after the lineup is given to the
opposing coach) that player shall be placed at the bottom of the batting order. Every girl must bat and play the field. They
cannot just bat or just play the field. If they cannot do both, they cannot play.
An out will not be charged if a batter leaves the game at any point as long as the other team is notified PRIOR to the player’s at bat.
• A team remains at bat until the fielding team makes 3 outs or the team at bat scores 6 runs. (6 runs applies to Minors only)
• The first time in a given game that a player throws a bat, after hitting the ball or otherwise, the TEAM will receive a warning.
If any player throwing a bat again during that game, the player who threw the bat will be called out.
• A 13-run mercy rule goes into effect after the losing team completes 4 at bats minors and 5 at bats majors.
• Bunting is allowed. No FAKE BUNTING is allowed. (Batter cannot show bunt, draw in infield and then pull back and swing away)
• Stealing is allowed, including home. After a team is up by 13 runs no stealing is allowed at all.
• Dropped 3rd strike is in effect. ( Majors only)
• Infield fly rule applies (both leagues)
• A 12 inch ball will be used
Base Running
Instructional Division
• Adults (coaches or other team volunteers) will coach the bases.
• Leading is not allowed. Base runners must stay on the base until the ball is hit.
• Stealing bases is not allowed.
Junior Division
• Adults (coaches or other team volunteers) will coach the bases.
• Base runners when sliding must slide into bases feet first.
• When a batter gets a hit, play is live until the pitcher or any other player has possession of the ball in the eight foot radius around
the pitcher’s mound.
• Stealing is not allowed.
Minor Division
• Base runners must slide into bases feet first. Head first slide is an automatic out. A dive back is not considered a head first slide.
Base runners must slide or AVOID contact with a fielder when going into a base where a play is being made.
• Base runners cannot lead until the ball crosses the plate.
• The runner can steal the next base only.
• Stealing home is allowed.
• Pinch runners may be used at anytime for the NEXT innings pitcher or catcher to speed up the game. The last out made will be
the pinch runner
• The ASA “Look Back Rule” applies. When a batter gets a hit, play is live until the pitcher has possession of the ball in the eight foot
radius around the pitchers mound. Once possession is made, all runners may only stop once, but then must immediately return to the base
or advance to the next base. Failure to immediately return nonstop to the base or proceed to the next base will result in a runner being
called out. Once a runner stops at a base for any reason they will be declared out if they leave that base.
Exception: The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on her or another runner. (A fake throw is considered a play)
Major Division
• Base runners must slide into bases feet first. Head first slide is an automatic out. A dive back is not considered a head first slide.
Base runners must slide or AVOID contact when going into a base where a play is being made.
• Base runners can lead after pitcher releases the ball.
• Stealing home is allowed
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• The ASA dropped third strike rule does apply.
• Pinch runners may be used at anytime for the NEXT innings pitcher or catcher to speed up the game. The last out made will be
the pinch runner
• The ASA “Look Back Rule” applies. When a batter gets a hit, play is live until the pitcher has possession of the ball in the eight foot
radius around the pitchers mound. Once possession is made, all runners may only stop once, but then must immediately return to the base
or advance to the next base. Failure to immediately return nonstop to the base or proceed to the next base will result in a runner being
called out. Once a runner stops at a base for any reason they will be declared out if they leave that base.
Exception: The runner will not be declared out if a play is made on her or another runner. (A fake throw is considered a play)
Rainouts and Makeups
Every effort MUST be made to reschedule makeup games that are not played according to the published schedule. Majors/Minors
Instructional Division
• Managers must use their own discretion when deciding to postpone a game due to foul weather. A decision to postpone
a game must be agreed upon by both managers. When managers decide to postpone a game they should also agree on
a tentative makeup date and time. A call must be made to the league director with the makeup date to confirm availability.
Junior Division
• The Junior division managers will decide if a game should be postponed. Both managers must agree. When managers
make the decision to call off a game, they should also agree on a tentative makeup date and time. A call must be made
to the league director with the makeup date to confirm field availability.
Minor League Division
• Managers for both teams must agree on the decision to postpone a game due to weather. Teams are required to show up
at the fields unless extreme weather conditions apply.
• Umpires must be contacted by the home team if there is not going to be a game. A contact sheet will be given to all coaches.
• A make up date must be established within 48 hours and the league director must be contacted for field availability.
• Rescheduling of games other than weather related will not be permitted unless agreed upon by both coaches and the league director.
A game will not be rescheduled until a new date has been scheduled for the makeup.
Major League Division
• The managers of both teams must agree on if a game is to be postponed. Unless the weather is extreme, both teams must
show up at the field.
• Makeup times must be established within a 48hour period of the originally scheduled game and the league director must be
contacted for field availability. Makeup games will be written in on the master schedule by the league director only.
• ASA Umpire contact MUST be called by the HOME team coach 1 1/2 hours before game time if there is not
going to be a game. If the umpire is not called and comes to the field we still have to pay them.
•. Rescheduling of games other than weather related will not be permitted unless agreed upon by both head coaches
and the league director. A game will not be rescheduled until a new date has been scheduled for the makeup.
Rain outs – Ending games
• If a game gets called because of rain and the losing team has completed 3 at bats (Minors) or 4 at bats (Majors) it is considered
a complete game. If you have completed less than 3 innings (minors) 4 innings (majors) then the game will be considered a rain out
and rescheduled.
• Playoff games: All playoff games will be suspended if stopped due to weather, but the game and score will revert back to the last FULL
inning played and continue from there. If less then 1 FULL inning has been played. The game will be started over.
Calling up players from younger leagues
• If you are going to have less then 10 majors or less then 11 minor at any point in the game then you may call up a player if desired.
This will allow you to keep playing at full strength if an injury occurs.
• The girls that are on the team’s roster must be played before the player that is brought up for that game. Girls that are
rostered to that team must start a game. They can not sit on the bench and a callup start the game. Callups should also not play
more innings then anyone that is rostered for that team who is present at the start of the game.
Major league teams MUST call up 12 year old minor league players. Minors MUST call up 9 yr olds
YOU MAY NOT CALL UP A PLAYER THAT HAS A GAME AT THE SAME TIME
• No girl can be brought up to play for the same team for more than 2 games in a row or 3 games total for the season including
playoffs.
• Any girl that is brought up for a game must play at least 2 innings.
- Called up players may not pitch
- Called up players must bat last in the line-up
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Called up players may not play more than 2 innings in the same position
A team calling up a player must notify the League Director after the game so that limits may be monitored
Playoffs
•To be eligilbe for the playoffs the following criteria must be met. A player must play in 6 or more game to be eligible to play in all
playoff games. 5 games, sit out first game of playoffs your team is involved in. 4 games, must sit out first 2 games your team is in. Play in
3 or fewer games, not eligible to participate in playoffs. Doctor noted injuries are exempt.
• Playoff games will be held at the end of the regular season of play.
•All teams make the playoffs, which will be double elimination. Seeding for the playoffs will be based on the final regular
Season standings. Home team will be determined by seeding with the exception of the 1 st game of the finals in which case
the team advancing through the winners bracket will be home team for the 1 st game.
• There are no time limits in the playoffs, but the mercy rule will apply. No new inning will start after 10:30pm, but any started inning
will be completed. If they game is still not completed, it will be suspended at the point it stopped and completed in the next time slot
for those 2 teams.
All Star Game • Sponsored by Embroidery Unlimited
• There will be an in-town all-star game to be held during the season.
• There will be a junior league, minor league and a major league game.
• Major League will chose 4 girls per team to represent their team in the all star game. Based on 6 teams
• Minor league will chose 4 girls per team to represent their team in the all-star game. Based on 6 teams
• Junior league will chose 4 girls per team, to represent their team in the all star game. Based on 6 teams
• Minor League game will be 6 innings unless the 13 run mercy rule applies
• Major League game will be 7 innings unless the 13 run mercy rule applies.
• MVP's will be chosen from minor and major league all-star teams by the coaches of the opposing team coaches
and trophies will be presented after each game.
• All girls that are chosen for the All Star teams will receive their trophy the day of the game.
• Teams will be broken down by where they are in the standings at a predetermined deadline, this is to give us time to ordered
shirts with the girls names on them. Consideration will be taken to make sure teams are as evenly matched as possible
(pitching should be evenly divided)
j. Head coaches will be whoever has the best record from each all star team at the time of the game. Head coach with the best
record will be home team for the all-star game.
Field Duties:
• VISITNG TEAM coaches are responsible to line the field, get bases out, game balls and unlock gates. At the end of the
game they are responsible for putting everything away and locking up field.
• HOME TEAM is responsible for concession stand. Make sure it is open before your game and coverage is there. Check after
game to see that concession stand is restocked and bathrooms are locked.
• Each team is responsible for their dugout. Please have girls pick up before they leave. Empty barrells into dumpster.
Trash bags are in concession stand.
Concession Stand Coverage:
• All HOME teams must provide 2 parents to cover the concession stand for each weekday game played at Baldelli Field.
• Coverage can consist of a parent, an approved teen, or a payment of $20 per team, per game to pay for coverage.
• No one under age 16 can work snack shack without approval of the board. Umpires will be instructed not to start a game until
coverage is provided. This also includes ALL playoff games that your team is involved in for the first round. Coverage will be
provided for the FINALS only.
• Whoever is covering the shack for your team MUST show up early to open up. Home team coaches are responsible for opening
concession stand and helping set up for parent.
• Whoever covers the shack must follow signs for ordering, closing up and restocking. Home team coaches will be the final check at
the end of the game/day. Restocking is VERY important.
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• Major league teams will split coverage for third game they play each other or pay $10 per team.
Jackets for graduating majors
Jackets are awarded to girls who have participated in the Marlboro Girls Softball league and are graduating from Majors.
Jackets will not be awarded to girls that graduate from the minor league. Jackets will be given out at the Graduation Game
Scholarship(s)
Scholarship(s) are awarded to graduating high school seniors that have previously participated in the league and are furthering
their education in college.
Scholarship criteria:
• Years of participation by the applicant in the league
• Participation of the parent/guardian in the league
• Application
• GPA
• Community service to the league or other organizations.
Scholarship Decision:
• Application is due by the first of May. Forms can be downloaded from the website. www.marlborogirlssoftball.com
• Scholarship award is decided by the board
• Scholarship amount is left to the discretion of the board
• All decisions are final.
• Recipients of the scholarships will be required to pass their first semester and submit their grades before scholarship
money is awarded.
Misc
Managers and Coaches:
a.Managers and coaches will be approved by the Board of Directors prior to the opening of the regular season.
b. Each team will be allowed 1 Head coach and 2 assistant coaches, plus a scorekeeper.
c. There will be no screaming or un-sportsman like conduct by any Manager, Coach or Player. Our main interest is
to teach the game of softball and good sportsmanship while having a good time.
d. Any manager or coach ejected from a game for any reason will be suspended for one (1) game, (the next game). Any
manager or coach ejected from a second game will be suspended indefinitely pending the Board of Directors decision and
will be notified within 5 days
e. It is the responsibility of both coaches to turn in a game report for each game. Scores have to be noted in case of tiebreaker situations. Reports must be in by Sunday 8pm. Won/Loss/Tie records will be posted weekly.
g. Please be aware of who is in the Press box, there should be a 2 person maximum. Noise must be kept to a minimum.
No young children should be allowed in the scorer shack unless accompanied by a parent or responsible party.
Draft Regulations:
COACHES HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY THE BOARD EVERY SEASON.
• Draft order and number of picks can and maybe adjusted under the discretion of the board in special circumstances.
• Major league teams will be redrafted every year. Minor league teams will be redrafted under special circumstances.
Point System:
a. Points will be awarded in the following manner to determine standings in case of ties.
2 pt. for a win, 1 point for a tie (each team) 0 pt. for a loss
b. If there is a tie with the point system then it will come down to head to head.
c. Least runs given up against the league
d. Most runs scored against the league
e. Coin toss
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Standings, schedules and other softball related info will be posted on the website so please get in your
game scores each week. Website address www.marlborogirlssoftball.com Check it out.
All other rules will be from the ASA rule book.
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