WCAA Sports

6U Division

I — THE PLAYING FIELD

(A) — Base lines shall be sixty feet (60’) in length.

(B) — The distance from the point of home plate to the center of second base and from first base to third base shall be seventy feet and nine inches (70’ 9”).

(C) — An arc reaching from the first base line to the third base line and measured ten feet (10’) from the point of home plate toward the infield shall be drawn to determine when ball is in play when a batting tee is used.

NOTE: When a coach-pitcher or pitching machine is used, the ten foot (10’) arc will not be used and any ball hit into fair territory will be ruled FAIR.

(D) — (LOCAL LEAGUE OPTION) A vertical line (hash mark) shall be drawn at the halfway point between fi rst and second base, second and third base and third base and home plate. The line is to help the umpire in determining position of the baserunner and to which base the baserunner is entitled when the ball is ruled

dead under the eight-foot (8’) RADIUS circle rule under baserunning in the Babe Ruth 6U SPECIFIC PLAYING RULES.

(E) — The eight-foot (8’) RADIUS circle shall always be drawn at a distance of forty feet (40’) from home plate.

II — EQUIPMENT

(A) — The official bat for the 6U Division will be those bats listed under Rule 2:02 with the exception that the Babe Ruth 6U bat can be no longer than thirty-one inches (31”) in length.

NOTE: In the 6U division only, bats that have the wording “OFFICIAL TEE BALL” or words to the effect a bat is made for Tee Ball play and the name of an approved bat manufacturer of DSI appears on the bat, it is permitted for season and tournament play.

(B) — The Batting Tee must have a flat surface, not to exceed seventeen inches (17”) in width. It must be adjustable and have at the batting area no less than six inches (6”) of a hard rubber material that may be either flexible or not. The Tee may be made of any material(s) that a league chooses as long as there is at least

six inches (6”) of a rubber type hose at the top of the Tee. NOTE: The Tee shall sit upon home plate when the batter is at bat.

III — IT SHALL BE A REGULATION GAME WHEN:

(A) — Both teams have completed five (5) innings, and the visiting team has scored more runs than the home team.

(B) — The home team has scored more runs after four (4) innings than the visiting team has scored in five (5) innings.

(C) — The home team scores the winning run in the last half of the fifth (5th) inning before the tenth (10th) batter. If a batter in the last half of the final inning of a game hits a home run and the ball goes out of play, all runners on base and the batter shall be entitled to score, but all bases shall be touched in order.

(D) — After the end of five (5) innings with the score tied, play is continued until one team has scored more runs than the other in an equal number of innings. If the home team scores the winning run before the tenth (10th) batter in any extra inning, the game shall be ended.

EXCEPTION: After three (3) complete innings of play and the game is called because of darkness, rain or any other cause, it shall be a legal game and the team ahead shall be the winner.

NOTE: Games called because of rain, darkness or other reason before they become regulation shall be resumed from the point of termination.

NOTE: Games called because of rain, darkness or other reasons other than a time limit after they have become regulation games shall revert to the score of the last completed inning.

NOTE: This rule will also apply to league championship games.

(E) — Games shortened by reason of curfew, rain or other acts of God shall be regulation games provided both teams have played three (3) or more complete innings of play, or in the case of the home team, anytime it is ahead after two and one-half (2 1/2) innings of play.

(F) — One team has mathematically reached the point that the other team cannot win the game, the game shall be ended.

IV — IT IS A REGULATION TIE GAME WHEN:

(A) — The score is even after three (3) or more complete innings.

(B) — After two and one-half (2 1/2) or more innings, the home team is at bat and has scored enough runs to make the score even and the game is called.

(C) — Tie games shall be replayed from the beginning or from the exact point of termination at the discretion of the local league.

(D) — Any game which does not meet any of the conditions noted above shall be declared “no contest” and shall be replayed from the beginning.

V — THE GAME, OFFENSE

(A) — There will be ten (10) players on defense with only six (6) players in the infield with all being at least forty feet (40’) from home plate at the point of time the ball is hit by the batter.

NOTE: The catcher and pitcher will be counted as infielders to satisfy this rule.

(B) — All outfielders must be at least ten feet (10’) behind the base lines at the point of time the ball is hit by the batter.

NOTE: If any fielder is not at the proper distance when the batter hits the ball, the offensive team shall have the privilege of having nullified any portion of the play that occurred on the violation.

(C) — The offensive team will be made up of the entire team roster.

EXCEPTION: In the case of injury or illness, the injured or ill player shall miss her turn at bat with no penalty. The injured or ill player shall not be allowed to re-enter the game in which she became injured or ill.

REMEMBER: ALL PLAYERS MUST PLAY AT LEAST SIX (6) CONSECUTIVE OUTS ON DEFENSE.

NOTE: In Babe Ruth 6U only, there may be up to four (4) coaches allowed when a batting tee is used and five (5) coaches used when a coach-pitcher or pitching machine is used. One of the coaches must stay in the dugout area while two (2) other coaches will take their place as either a coach at first base or third base.

The fourth (4th) coach, when a batting tee is used, will be the coach that assists the batter. The fourth (4th) and fifth (5th) coaches, when a coach-pitcher or pitching machine is used, will be the coach that pitches or who places the ball into the pitching machine and the coach that catches.  The coach-pitcher and/or coach-catcher can, under supervision of the home plate umpire, assist verbally his players on offense. If the umpire rules that the coach pitcher and/or coach-catcher is interfering with the defensive team by confusing them with instructions to his players, then the coach-pitcher and/or coach-catcher CANNOT assist his team while his team is on offense.

(D) — An inning shall be ended with the end of play of the tenth (10th) batter in that inning.

NOTE: BABE RUTH 6U WILL PLAY THE TEN (10) BATTERS RULE ONLY AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO USE THE THREE (3) OUTS RULE DURING SEASON PLAY.

NOTE: “END OF PLAY” on the tenth (10th) batter shall be interpreted to be when an out has been made on the tenth (10th) batter, or any base runner on base at the time the tenth (10th) batter bats or when the umpire declares that play is dead because a base runner cannot advance without being put-out because a fielder is

holding the ball between her and the next base she is going to or when a defensive player is touching home plate with the ball in her possession.

NOTE: When the tenth (10th) batter steps to home plate and takes her position in the batter’s box, at that point two (2) outs will be called even though the batting team may in fact not have any outs.

(E) — The offensive team’s manager or scorekeeper must notify the umpire when the tenth (10th) batter comes to bat and the umpire shall notify the defensive team.

NOTE: (LOCAL LEAGUE OPTION) A team completes its offensive half of an inning when all members of the team have batted. If one (1) team has more players than the other, the extra players are permitted to bat although any runs scored as a result of the extra players batting shall NOT count in the score of the game. The

number of players counting for score is the minimum number of players present or ten (10), whichever is more at game time. All rules applying to the tenth (10th) batter shall apply to the tenth (10th) batter or the minimum number of batters. Each team shall be required to play ten (10) players or the minimum number of players,

whichever is greater, two (2) complete consecutive innings (six [6] outs on defense).

(F) — There will be no bunting. If a batter is ruled to have bunted the ball by the umpire, the batter shall be called “OUT”.

(G) — There will be no base on balls or hit by pitch advancements to bases in Babe Ruth 6U.

(H) — THERE WILL BE NO THREE (3) STRIKES RULE IN THE BABE RUTH 6U DURING REGULAR SEASON PLAY.

VI — BASERUNNING

(A) — The baserunner shall not steal a base or take a lead off the base being occupied.

(B) — The baserunner shall advance only when the ball has been hit past the ten foot (10’) arc.

(C) — The ball is dead and all baserunners must stop at the base the umpire rules they are entitled when:

(1) The pitcher or player-pitcher has possession of a thrown ball inside the eight foot (8’) RADIUS circle.

(2) At the moment a thrown ball hits the ground inside the eight foot (8’) RADIUS circle or touches the pitcher’s uniform or player-pitcher’s uniform or person while the pitcher or player-pitcher is within the eight foot (8’) RADIUS circle.

NOTE: If a thrown ball leaves the eight foot (8’) RADIUS circle after having touched the ground or touched the pitcher’s or player-pitcher’s uniform or person, the baserunners will be allowed to continue to the next base if they have gone past the vertical line between the bases when the ball was ruled dead by the umpire.

NOTE: If, in the umpire’s judgment, a thrown ball that hits the ground inside the eight foot (8’) RADIUS circle or touches the pitcher’s or player-pitcher’s uniform or person while the pitcher or player/pitcher is inside the eight foot (8’) RADIUS circle was thrown in such a manner as to be making a play on a baserunner or

batter/baserunner the ball will be ruled alive and play shall continue. This rule will be within the umpire’s judgment and cannot be protested.

(3) With the pitcher or player-pitcher inside the eight foot (8’) RADIUS circle, a defensive player enters the eight foot (8’) RADIUS circle with the ball in her possession.

NOTE: THE PITCHER DOES NOT HAVE TO HAVE POSSESSION OF THE BALL INSIDE THE EIGHT FOOT (8’) RADIUS CIRCLE IN ORDER TO STOP PLAY.

(D) — If a baserunner leaves her base before the ball is hit by the batter, the base umpire shall signal “delayed dead ball” to indicate the violation at the time it occurs. The defensive team shall have the privilege of having nullified any portion of the play that occurred on the violation.

NOTE: If the baserunner leaves her base after the bat breaks the plane of the Batting Tee or home plate and the batter misses the ball or if the ball goes foul or if the ball does not go beyond the ten foot (10’) arc, there will be no penalty.  The ball is ruled “dead”.

NOTE: The bat coming in contact with the ball or the bat breaking the plane of the Batting Tee or home plate is within the judgment of the umpire.

NOTE: If both the offensive and defensive teams are in violation of a rule on the same play, then the ball is ruled “dead”.

(E) — The INFIELD FLY rule does not apply.

VII — EACH BASERUNNER, INCLUDING THE BATTER/BASERUNNER, SHALL WITHOUT DANGER OF BEING PUT OUT, ADVANCE:

(A) — To home plate, if the batter hits a fair fly ball over the fence or into the bleachers one hundred feet (100’) or more from home plate, provided all baserunners touch all bases legally.  The batter hitting the home run shall be required to run the bases and she shall be required to touch all bases.

NOTE: Babe Ruth Softball recommends that the home run fence be placed at a distance of one hundred twenty feet (120’) from home plate.

(B) — Two (2) bases if the batter hits a fly ball that passes over a fence less than one hundred feet (100’) from home plate.

(C) — Two (2) bases if a fair ball touches a spectator or if it bounces into a stand outside the first or third base foul lines or if it goes through or under a fence, scoreboard, etc., or bounces over a fence.

(D) — Baserunners caught between bases when the pitcher or player-pitcher gains possession of the ball inside the eight foot (8’) RADIUS circle, must stop at the next base, or return to the last base she was legally entitled as judged by the umpire. In the Babe Ruth division, the baserunner will not be called out if she does not immediately advance or return to a base.

NOTE: The umpires are instructed to not allow a baserunner to stop between bases in order to try to make a pitcher or player-pitcher possibly commit an error. The pitcher or player-pitcher does not have to have the ball inside the eight foot

(8’) RADIUS circle for the umpire to call the play dead.

VIII — PITCHING RULES

(A) — If a pitcher or player-pitcher does not take her normal pitching position or leaves the area she is assigned and/or if any of the infielders or outfielders are not at the proper distance at the point the batter hits the ball, the base umpire shall signal “delayed dead ball” to indicate the violation at the time it occurs. The offensive

team shall have the privilege of having nullified any portion of the play that occurred on the violation.

EXAMPLE A: The batter hits a home run over the fence in but the pitcher left the pitcher’s plate early or the player-pitcher was not in a proper area. The offensive team may take the home run and all runs scored shall count.

EXAMPLE B: With no outs and a baserunner on first, the batter hits into a double play but the pitcher left the pitcher’s plate early or the player-pitcher was not in a proper area. The offensive team may nullify the double play with all baserunners returning to the base they occupied at the time the batter hit the ball. The play

shall be declared “dead”.

(B) — A pitcher or player-pitcher removed from the mound shall be allowed to return to the mound one (1) time in the same game. NOTE: To satisfy this rule it will be ruled that if a pitcher returns to the mound in the same inning of a game in which she was removed she shall be credited with pitching in ONLY one (1) inning for the inning in which she was removed.

(C) — Any coach-pitcher may return to the mound once during a game.

SPECIFIC RULES WHEN A BATTING TEE IS USED

1. The distance from the front of the pitcher’s plate to the point of home plate shall be forty feet (40’).

2. The player/pitcher playing the pitcher’s position must have both feet in contact with the pitcher plate at the point of time the ball is hit.

3. The catcher must stand beside the home plate umpire when a batter is striking at the ball.

NOTE: To satisfy this rule, the home plate umpire must stand directly behind the batter and the catcher must stand to the right of the umpire if there is a righthanded batter and to the left of the umpire if there is a left-handed batter.

NOTE: The catcher MUST wear a batting helmet with an attached face shield or a regulation catcher’s helmet with a mask. Any other catcher’s equipment is optional to the leagues, however, Babe Ruth Softball recommends that all catcher’s equipment be used for safety’s sake.

4. Each batter will be allowed only three (3) swings at the ball.

NOTE: If, on the third (3rd) swing, the ball does not pass the ten foot (10’) arc, or is fouled off, the batter shall continue to bat until she either hits the ball into fair territory or she swings at and misses the ball.

NOTE: THE HOME PLATE UMPIRE SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PLACING THE BALL ON THE TEE, REMOVING THE TEE FROM HOME PLATE WHEN A BASERUNNER IS RUNNING TO HOME PLATE AND REPLACING THE TEE UPON HOME PLATE WHEN PLAY IS TO RESUME.

SPECIFIC RULES WHEN A COACH-PITCHER IS USED

1. The eight-foot (8’) RADIUS circle shall be drawn around the forty feet (40’) pitcher’s plate distance.

2. The player-pitcher shall stand with both feet inside the eight foot (8’) RADIUS circle even with or behind (but not in front) of the pitcher’s plate.

NOTE: To satisfy this rule the player-pitcher does not have to be in contact with the pitcher’s plate at the point of time the ball is hit.

3. The coach-pitcher will pitch from a distance of thirty feet (30’). He shall pitch the ball in an underhanded manner.

4. The coach-pitcher must make every effort to avoid interfering with any ball put in to play by either being hit by a batted ball or a thrown ball. A coach-pitcher should make every effort to leave the ball field opposite where the ball is hit. If the ball is hit up the middle the coach should try to leave the ball field to the side

he feels would less likely interfere with play.

NOTE: If, in the judgment of the umpire, a coach-pitcher intentionally interfered with the play, the penalty shall be: The batter is out and the ball is dead. All baserunners must return to the last base they legally occupied. If, in the judgment of the umpire, a coach-pitcher unintentionally interfered with the play then the ball is ruled dead and the pitch replayed.

NOTE: The coach-pitcher shall only field the ball when it is being thrown to him in order to put the ball back in play.

5. All player-catchers and coach-catchers who play in the normal catcher’s position or, in the case of a player-catcher playing in an abnormal position, MUST wear ALL equipment that is traditionally worn by a catcher, i.e., mask with throat protector, helmet, chest protector and shin guards. If the coach-catcher is a male a protective “cup” must be worn.

6. If a coach-catcher is used, the player playing the position of catcher MUST wear a regulation catcher’s helmet with a mask. The catcher must stand in an area designated safe by the home plate umpire when a pitch is being thrown to a batter.

7. Each batter will be allowed five (5) pitches to be thrown to her in which she can: (1) Strike at and miss three (3) pitches thus creating a “strike out” or, (2) Hit the ball into fair territory. NOTE: If, after fi ve (5) pitches to the same batter are fouled off, the batter shall continue batting until she either swings at and misses

the ball or hits the ball into fair territory.

8. Bunting is not allowed.

IX. COACHES

(A)     3 coaches per team and 1 team parent (preferably female) to manage the dugout during the game. NO PARENTS OR SIBLINGS ARE ALLOWED IN THE DUGOUT DURING THE GAME.

(B)     Coaches may call 2 timeouts per inning to talk to defensive players. A 3rd timeout called will result in the pitcher having to be removed for the remainder of that inning as pitcher but she may play any other position that inning. She will be allowed to reenter as pitcher in another inning, if she is pulled again then she can not pitch for remainder of game.

X. UMPIRES
If a Manager, Coach, Player, Parent or Fan is ejected by a WCAA Official, he or she must leave the playing field immediately and the grounds of the park/facility.  In addition to the ejection from the game, the Manager, Coach, Player, Parent and/or fan will receive the following suspension and Penalties:

(A)     Suspension for 1 or up to 3 games

(B)     Also additional suspensions and/or penalties can come from the WCAA Board of Directors.

EJECTIONS - Any coach, player or parent ejected by a game official shall receive an automatic one game suspension.  Two ejections in a season will disqualify the player, coach, or other participant for the rest of the season. This sanction shall not prevent the applicable Sport Committee from taking additional action pursuant to the disciplinary procedures set forth herein.

8U Machine Pitch Rules

 

I.      PLEASE REFER TO THE BABE RUTH SOFTBALL RULE BOOK FOR ANY RULE NOT COVERED IN THIS GUIDE.  THIS IS A BRIEF SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS FOR WCAA.

 

II.     EQUIPMENT

(A)  Bats must be stamped “Official Softball Bat”

(B)   The ball should be optic yellow in color and the size should be an 11 inch Babe Ruth Approved Leather Softball.

(C)   All players are required to have a helmet with an approved face mask.

(D)  Catchers must wear all protective equipment.

(E)   Face guards for pitcher and corner infielders (1st/3rd) are mandatory.  Facemasks are strongly recommended for all fielders.

 

III.    PLAYING FIELD

(A)  Baselines shall be 60 feet in length

(B)   The front part of the pitching machine shall be 35’ from the point of Home plate.

 

IV.   GAME LIMITS

(A) Games shall consist of six innings – See Babe Ruth rule book for details.

(B) All Saturday games are 6 innings or 1 hour 15 minutes.  No new inning should start after 1 hour 30 minutes have expired.

(C)   Weeknight games are 6 innings or 1 hour 15 minutes.  No new inning should start after 1 hour 30 minutes have expired.

(D)  10/15 Run Rule: game is over when a team is ahead by 10 runs after the 4-complete inning or 15 runs after 3 complete innings.

 

V.     PITCHING

(A) A spring-loaded Portable Pitching Machine (currently the UPM Black Flame) is required to be used in Regional Tournament play.

(B) Pitching machine: The pitching machine is placed at 35 ft. with a speed of 32 mph (established when ball crosses home plate). The front two legs of the machine must be placed in front of the pitching rubber (best if up against the front edge of the rubber or at least the front edge of any underground base for the pitching rubber). Coaches are not allowed to check the machine before their team bats. Only umpires may decide if adjustments should be made.

NOTE: Coaches can change the micro-dial between pitches at the risk of a counted pitch

(C)   The hitting team coach will feed the machine. Machine can be checked prior to batting. Only the umpire may make major adjustments during play.

(D)  The umpire(s) is/are allowed to declare “no pitch” if the umpire(s) judges that it is not reasonably hittable. This is a judgment call and thus not subject to protest.

 

VI. DEAD BALL

 

(A) The ball will be declared dead when the defensive team stops the lead runner or the runner abandons the effort to advance. Once play has been stopped, no other runners may advance beyond the last base tagged.
*When the ball is in the possession of an infielder and, in the umpire's judgment all play on the lead runner has ceased, the umpire will call "time."

• NOTE: A runner or runners simply being off the bag does not constitute a continuation of play. In order for play to continue, the runner or runners must be actively attempting to advance.

(B) The ball will be declared dead when a player is injured and in the umpire's judgment is unable to continue the play.

(C) If a batted fair ball hits any part of the pitching machine without touching any defensive player first, the ball is immediately dead. The batter will be awarded first base. All other runners return to the base that they occupied before the ball was hit unless forced to advance as a result of the batter being awarded first base. If a batted fair ball is first touched by a defensive player and then hits any part of the pitching machine, it is a live ball.

(D) If a batted fair ball touches an umpire on fair territory before it touches an infielder including the pitcher, or touches an umpire before it has passed an infielder other than the pitcher, the ball is dead and the batter is awarded first base. All other runners return to the base that they occupied before the ball was hit unless forced to advance as a result of the batter being awarded first base.

(E) If a thrown ball hits any part of the pitching machine, it is a live ball.

SPECIFIC RULES WHEN A COACH-PITCHER IS USED

1. The-eight foot (8’) RADIUS circle shall be drawn around the forty foot (40’) pitcher’s plate distance.

2. The player-pitcher shall stand with both feet inside the eight foot (8’) RADIUS circle even with or behind (but not in front) of the pitcher’s plate.

NOTE: To satisfy this rule the player-pitcher does not have to be in contact with the pitcher’s plate at the point of time the ball is hit.

3. The coach-pitcher will pitch from a distance of thirty feet (35’). S/he shall pitch the ball in an underhanded manner.

4. The coach-pitcher must make every effort to avoid interfering with any ball put into play by either being hit by a batted ball or a thrown ball by defensive player. A coach-pitcher should make every effort to leave the ball field opposite where the ball is hit. If the ball is hit up the middle the coach should try to leave the ball field to the side he feels would less likely interfere with play

NOTE: If, in the judgment of the umpire, a coach-pitcher intentionally interfered with the play, the penalty shall be: The batter is out and the ball is dead. All baserunners must return to the last base they legally occupied. If, in the opinion of the umpire, a coach-pitcher unintentionally interfered with the play the play will be ruled dead and the pitch shall be replayed.

NOTE: The coach-pitcher shall only field the ball when it is being thrown to him in order to put the ball back in play.

 

VI.   DEFENSE

(A)  There will be ten (10) players on defense with only six (6) in the infield at the point of the ball being released to the batter by the pitcher.  Outfielders must be ten feet (10’) behind the baselines at the time of the pitch.

(B)   All players must play six (6) consecutive outs on defense.

(C)  No player shall sit on the bench for consecutive innings.

(D)   Minimum of 9 players required to start the game.

(E)   If a team is short players they may borrow players of equal or less age without penalty as long as the player is registered to play WCAA Softball.  The borrowed player shall not be permitted to pitch.**(edit 3/31/2023) Guest Players: 1) must bat last in the batting order, 2) may not play an infield position, 3) may not increase the roster to more than 9 players. *any deviations to this rule must be agreed to by both team's head coach and the Umpire.

(F)  Defensive inning shall end when three (3) outs are recorded, or following the 10th batter of the inning 

(G) Infield Fly Rule: There is No Infield Fly Rule.

 

VII.  OFFENSE

(A)  The batting order shall consist of the entire team roster and all players listed on roster shall bat in their designated batting order.

(B)   Each batter receives a maximum of five pitches. If the batter strikes out, or if the ball has not been hit into play after five pitches, the batter is out. If the batter fouls the 5th pitch, the batter will receive pitches as long as the batter continues to foul pitches. [Note: Any fouled bunt after two strikes is an out.]

(C)  Bunting: Bunting is allowed. However, NO FAKE BUNTING IS ALLOWED. If the batter offers to bunt, then the batter must bunt the ball or pull the bat back to take the pitch. If the batter offers to bunt, pulls the bat back, and then swings at the pitch, the batter will automatically be declared out by the umpire.

(D)  No throwing the bat, 1 warning then automatic OUT. 

(E)  Sliding  

i. No headfirst slide, this is an automatic OUT.

ii. Player must slide or avoid contact with a defensive player holding the ball in position to make a tag on the runner.

(F)  Any player who is not present at the start of the game, who arrives later, shall be moved to the end of the batting order (in the order that they arrive). If a player is removed from the game for any reason, her spot in the batting order shall be skipped for the remainder of the game without penalty. 

(G) Base stealing: Base stealing is not permitted. Runners may not leave their base before the batter hits the ball or before the ball reaches the plate. The penalty is that the runner will be called out. The batter will remain at bat or return to bat with the count that existed before the runner was called out.
**EDIT (3/2024): 8U runners may leave the base upon release of pitch, but there is no stealing

VIII.   BASERUNNING

(A) No stealing or leading off base

(B) The ball will be declared dead when the defensive team stops the lead runner or the runner abandons the effort to advance. Once play has been stopped, no other runners may advance beyond the last base tagged.

IX.      COACHES

(A)  3 coaches per team and 1 team parent to manage the dugout during the game.

(B)   NO PARENTS OR SIBLINGS ARE ALLOWED IN THE DUGOUT DURING THE GAME.

X.       UMPIRES
If a Manager, Coach, Player, Parent or Fan is ejected by a WCAA Official He or she must leave the playing field immediately and the grounds of the park/facility. In addition to the Ejection from the game, the Manager, Coach, Player, Parent and/or fan will receive the following suspension and Penalties:

(A)  Suspension for one or up to 3 games

(B)   Also additional suspensions and/or penalties can come from the WCAA Board of Directors.

EJECTIONS - Any coach, player or parent ejected by a game official shall receive an automatic one game suspension.  Two ejections in a season will disqualify the player, coach, or other participant for the rest of the season. This sanction shall not prevent the applicable Sport Committee from taking additional action pursuant to the disciplinary procedures set forth herein.

 

 

10U Softball Rules

 

I.       ANY RULE NOT COVERED IN THIS GUIDE, CHECK WITH THE BABE RUTH SOFTBALL RULE BOOK

 II.     EQUIPMENT

(A)  Bats must be stamped “Official Softball Bat”

(B)   The ball should be optic yellow in color and the size should be an 11-inch Babe Ruth Approved Leather Softball.

(C)   All players are required to have a helmet with an approved face mask.

(D)  Catchers must wear all protective equipment.

(E)   Face guards for pitcher and corner infielders (1st/3rd) are mandatory.  Facemasks are strongly recommended for all fielders.

(F)  The home team will provide 2 new balls. If no new balls are available, the best available used balls from the teams will be used.

III.    PLAYING FIELD

(A)  Baselines shall be 60 feet in length

(B)   The front part of the pitching plate shall be 35’ from the point of Home plate.

IV.   GAME LIMITS

(A)  Games shall consist of six innings

(B)   All games are 6 innings or 1 hour 30 minutes.  No new inning should start after 1 hour 30 minutes have expired

(C)  10/15 Run Rule: game is over when a team is ahead by 10 runs after the 4 complete inning or 15 runs after 3 complete innings.

V.     PITCHING

(A)  A pitcher shall not pitch more than ten (10) innings in a week (Monday through Sunday).

(C)   Pitcher is charged only for innings pitched, if team is ahead after 4.5 innings, pitcher does not record the fifth (5th) inning.

(D) The pitcher must take a position with both feet firmly on the ground and with both feet in contact with, but not off the side of the pitcher’s plate. The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup. 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.

(E) The same player-pitcher is allowed to exit and re-enter the pitcher position once in a game. Extra innings do not count for the number of innings pitched or for the player-pitcher’s re-entry rule.

(F) Pitchers are allowed five (5) warm up pitches when entering or re-entering the game.

(G) A five (5) run scoring limit per inning for each team will be enforced through five (5) innings.

(H) No Dropped 3rd Strike: Dropped third strike rule does not apply in this division. The batter shall be called out and cannot attempt to advance to first base.

 

VI.   DEFENSE

(A)  There will be nine (9) players on defense with only six (6) in the infield at the point of the ball being released to the batter by the pitcher.  Outfielders must be ten feet (10’) behind the baselines at the time of the pitch.

(B) All players must play six (6) outs on defense.

(C) No player shall sit on the bench for consecutive innings.

(D)   Minimum of 8 players required to start the game.

(E)   If a team is short players they may borrow players of equal or less age without penalty as long as the player is registered to play WCAA Softball.  The borrowed player shall not be permitted to pitch.
**(edit 3/31/2023) Guest Players: 1) must bat last in the batting order, 2) may not play an infield position, 3) may not increase the roster to more than 9 players. *any deviations to this rule must be agreed to by both team's head coach and the Umpire.

(F)  Defensive inning shall end when three (3) outs are recorded.

VII.  OFFENSE

(A)  The batting order shall consist of the entire team roster and all players listed on roster shall bat in their designated batting order.

(B)    All players shall bat in order whether playing in the field or not. Any player who is not present at the start of the game, who arrives later, shall be moved to the end of the batting order (in the order that they arrive). Any player who must leave the game will not be called out each time she would have been at bat. If a batter cannot bat because of injury, she will not be called out each time she is to be up to bat. An injured player may re-enter the game with the exception of possible head injury, safety of the player is top priority.

(C)   If catcher of record is on base with two outs, a coach has the option of putting in a courtesy runner for the catcher. The courtesy runner will be the player who made the second out of the inning.

(D)  Bunting:  Bunting is allowed at this level.  No fake bunting.

(E)   No throwing the bat, 1 warning then automatic OUT.

(F)   Sliding  

i. No headfirst slide, this is an automatic OUT.

ii. Player must slide or avoid contact with a defensive player holding the ball in position to make a tag on the runner.

(G)  If a player is removed from the game for any reason, her spot in the batting order shall be skipped for the remainder of the game without penalty.

(H) No Dropped 3rd Strike: Dropped third strike rule does not apply in this division. The batter shall be called out and cannot attempt to advance to first base.

 

VIII.   BASERUNNING

(A)  A base runner can leave the base upon release of the ball from the pitcher’s hand. Players that leave the base prior to the release of the ball from the pitcher’s hand shall be declared out by the umpire.

(B) Baserunners may steal any base including home. Stealing home on a passed ball is allowed from third base.

(D) On a base on balls, the batter/baserunner MUST touch (1st) base. All other baserunners advance one (1) base only if they are forced to because of the base on balls.

(F) Base runners cannot advance on throw backs to the pitcher once a play is dead (i.e. touched by a coach or umpire).

(G) Infield Fly Rule: The infield fly rule is not in effect in this division.

(H) A five (5) run scoring limit per inning for each team will be enforced through five (5) innings.

IX.      COACHES

(A)  3 coaches per team and 1 team parent to manage the dugout during the game.

(B)   NO PARENTS OR SIBLINGS ARE ALLOWED IN THE DUGOUT DURING THE GAME.  ONLY managers, assistant coaches and team parents are allowed on the field or in the dugout.

(C) Home plate conference is held five (5) minutes before the beginning of every game.

X.       UMPIRES
If a Manager, Coach, Player, Parent or Fan is ejected by a WCAA Official He or she must leave the playing field immediately and the grounds of the park/facility. In addition to the Ejection from the game, the Manager, Coach, Player, Parent and/or fan will receive the following suspension and Penalties:

(A)  Suspension for one or up to 3 games

(B)   Also additional suspensions and/or penalties can come from the WCAA Board of Directors.

 

EJECTIONS - Any coach, player or parent ejected by a game official shall receive an automatic one game suspension.  Two ejections in a season will disqualify the player, coach, or other participant for the rest of the season. This sanction shall not prevent the applicable Sport Committee from taking additional action pursuant to the disciplinary procedures set forth herein.

 

 

12U Softball Rules

 

I.       ANY RULE NOT COVERED IN THIS GUIDE, CHECK WITH THE BABE RUTH SOFTBALL RULE BOOK

 II.     EQUIPMENT

(A)  Bats must be stamped “Official Softball Bat”

(B)   The ball should be optic yellow in color and the size should be an 12 inch Babe Ruth Approved Leather Softball.

(C)   All players are required to have a helmet with an approved face mask.

(D)  Catchers must wear all protective equipment.

(E)   Face guards for pitcher and corner infielders (1st/3rd) are mandatory.  Facemasks are strongly recommended for all fielders.

(F)  The home team will provide 2 new balls. If no new balls are available, the best available used balls from the teams will be used.

III.    PLAYING FIELD

(A)  Baselines shall be 60 feet in length

(B)   The front part of the pitching plate shall be 40’ from the point of Home plate.

IV.   GAME LIMITS

(A)  Games shall consist of six innings

(B)   All games are 6 innings or 1 hour 30 minutes.  No new inning should start after 1 hour 30 minutes have expired

(D)  10/15 Run Rule: game is over when a team is ahead by 10 runs after the 4 complete inning or 15 runs after 3 complete innings.

V.     PITCHING

(A)  A pitcher shall not pitch more than ten (10) innings in a week (Monday through Sunday).

(C)   Pitcher is charged only for innings pitched, if team is ahead after 4.5 innings, pitcher does not record the fifth (5th) inning.

(D) The pitcher must take a position with one foot firmly on the ground and with one foot in contact with, but not off the side of the pitchers plate. The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup. 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.

(E) The same player-pitcher is allowed to exit and re-enter the pitcher position once in a game. Extra innings do not count for the number of innings pitched or for the player-pitcher’s re-entry rule.

(F) Pitchers are allowed five (5) warm up pitches when entering or re-entering the game.

(G) A five (5) run scoring limit per inning for each team will be enforced through five (5) innings. Unlimited runs will occur from the start of the sixth (6th) inning until the end of the game.

(H) Dropped third strike rule is in effect for this division. The ball is live on a dropped third strike and the batter can attempt to advance to first base (if unoccupied with less than two (2) outs; occupied or unoccupied with two (2) outs).

VI.   DEFENSE

(A)  There will be nine (9) players on defense with only six (6) in the infield at the point of the ball being released to the batter by the pitcher.  Outfielders must be ten feet (10’) behind the baselines at the time of the pitch.

(B) All players must play six (6) outs on defense.

(C) No player shall sit on the bench for consecutive innings.

(D)   Minimum of 9 players required to start the game.

(E)   If a team is short players they may borrow players of equal or less age without penalty as long as the player is registered to play WCAA Softball.  The borrowed player shall not be permitted to pitch.
**(edit 3/31/2023) Guest Players: 1) must bat last in the batting order, 2) may not play an infield position, 3) may not increase the roster to more than 9 players. *any deviations to this rule must be agreed to by both team's head coach and the Umpire.

(F)  Defensive inning shall end when three (3) outs are recorded.

VII.  OFFENSE

(A)  The batting order shall consist of the entire team roster and all players listed on roster shall bat in their designated batting order.

(B)    All players shall bat in order whether playing in the field or not. Any player who is not present at the start of the game, who arrives later, shall be moved to the end of the batting order (in the order that they arrive). Any player who must leave the game will not be called out each time she would have been at bat.   If a batter cannot bat because of injury, she will not be called out each time she is to be up to bat. An injured player may re-enter the game with the exception of possible head injury, safety of the player is top priority.

(C)   If catcher of record is on base with two outs, a coach has the option of putting in a courtesy runner for the catcher. The courtesy runner will be the player who made the second out of the inning. 

(D)  Bunting:  Bunting is allowed at this level.  No fake bunting.

(E)   No throwing the bat, 1 warning then automatic OUT. 

(F)   Sliding  

i. No headfirst slide, this is an automatic OUT.

ii. Player must slide or avoid contact with a defensive player holding the ball in position to make a tag on the runner.

(G)  If a player is removed from the game for any reason, her spot in the batting order shall be skipped for the remainder of the game without penalty.

(H) Dropped third strike rule is in effect for this division. The ball is live on a dropped third strike and the batter can attempt to advance to first base (if unoccupied with less than two (2) outs; occupied or unoccupied with two (2) outs).

 

VIII.   BASERUNNING

(A)  A base runner can leave the base upon release of the ball from the pitcher’s hand. Players that leave the base prior to the release of the ball from the pitcher’s hand shall be declared out by the umpire.

(B) Baserunners may steal any base including home. Stealing home on a passed ball is allowed from third base.

(D) On a base on balls, the batter/baserunner MUST touch (1st) base. All other baserunners advance one (1) base only if they are forced to because of the base on balls.

(F) Base runners cannot advance on throw backs to the pitcher once a play is dead (i.e. touched by a coach or umpire).

(G) Infield Fly Rule: The infield fly rule is not in effect in this division.

(H) A five (5) run scoring limit per inning for each team will be enforced through five (5) innings. Unlimited runs will occur from the start of the sixth (6th) inning until the end of the game.

IX.      COACHES

(A)  3 coaches per team and 1 team parent to manage the dugout during the game.

(B)   NO PARENTS OR SIBLINGS ARE ALLOWED IN THE DUGOUT DURING THE GAME.  ONLY managers, assistant coaches and team parents are allowed on the field or in the dugout.

(C) Home plate conference is held five (5) minutes before the beginning of every game.

X.       UMPIRES
If a Manager, Coach, Player, Parent or Fan is ejected by a WCAA Official He or she must leave the playing field immediately and the grounds of the park/facility. In addition to the Ejection from the game, the Manager, Coach, Player, Parent and/or fan will receive the following suspension and Penalties:

(A)  Suspension for one or up to 3 games

(B)   Also additional suspensions and/or penalties can come from the WCAA Board of Directors.

 

EJECTIONS - Any coach, player or parent ejected by a game official shall receive an automatic one game suspension.  Two ejections in a season will disqualify the player, coach, or other participant for the rest of the season. This sanction shall not prevent the applicable Sport Committee from taking additional action pursuant to the disciplinary procedures set forth herein.

 

 

12U Softball Rules

 

I.       ANY RULE NOT COVERED IN THIS GUIDE, CHECK WITH THE BABE RUTH SOFTBALL RULE BOOK

 II.     EQUIPMENT

(A)  Bats must be stamped “Official Softball Bat”

(B)   The ball should be optic yellow in color and the size should be an 12 inch Babe Ruth Approved Leather Softball.

(C)   All players are required to have a helmet with an approved face mask.

(D)  Catchers must wear all protective equipment.

(E)   Face guards for pitcher and corner infielders (1st/3rd) are mandatory.  Facemasks are strongly recommended for all fielders.

(F)  The home team will provide 2 new balls. If no new balls are available, the best available used balls from the teams will be used.

III.    PLAYING FIELD

(A)  Baselines shall be 60 feet in length

(B)   The front part of the pitching plate shall be 40’ from the point of Home plate.

IV.   GAME LIMITS

(A)  Games shall consist of six innings

(B)   All games are 6 innings or 1 hour 30 minutes.  No new inning should start after 1 hour 30 minutes have expired

(D)  10/15 Run Rule: game is over when a team is ahead by 10 runs after the 4 complete inning or 15 runs after 3 complete innings.

V.     PITCHING

(A)  A pitcher shall not pitch more than ten (10) innings in a week (Monday through Sunday).

(C)   Pitcher is charged only for innings pitched, if team is ahead after 4.5 innings, pitcher does not record the fifth (5th) inning.

(D) The pitcher must take a position with one foot firmly on the ground and with one foot in contact with, but not off the side of the pitchers plate. The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup. 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.

(E) The same player-pitcher is allowed to exit and re-enter the pitcher position once in a game. Extra innings do not count for the number of innings pitched or for the player-pitcher’s re-entry rule.

(F) Pitchers are allowed five (5) warm up pitches when entering or re-entering the game.

(G) A five (5) run scoring limit per inning for each team will be enforced through five (5) innings. Unlimited runs will occur from the start of the sixth (6th) inning until the end of the game.

(H) Dropped third strike rule is in effect for this division. The ball is live on a dropped third strike and the batter can attempt to advance to first base (if unoccupied with less than two (2) outs; occupied or unoccupied with two (2) outs).

VI.   DEFENSE

(A)  There will be nine (9) players on defense with only six (6) in the infield at the point of the ball being released to the batter by the pitcher.  Outfielders must be ten feet (10’) behind the baselines at the time of the pitch.

(D)   Minimum of 9 players required to start the game.

(E)   If a team is short players they may borrow players of equal or less age without penalty as long as the player is registered to play WCAA Softball.  The borrowed player shall not be permitted to pitch.
**(edit 3/31/2023) Guest Players: 1) must bat last in the batting order, 2) may not play an infield position, 3) may not increase the roster to more than 9 players. *any deviations to this rule must be agreed to by both team's head coach and the Umpire.

(F)  Defensive inning shall end when three (3) outs are recorded.

VII.  OFFENSE

(A)  The batting order shall consist of the entire team roster and all players listed on roster shall bat in their designated batting order.

(B)    All players shall bat in order whether playing in the field or not. Any player who is not present at the start of the game, who arrives later, shall be moved to the end of the batting order (in the order that they arrive). Any player who must leave the game will not be called out each time she would have been at bat.   If a batter cannot bat because of injury, she will not be called out each time she is to be up to bat. An injured player may re-enter the game with the exception of possible head injury, safety of the player is top priority.

(C)   If catcher of record is on base with two outs, a coach has the option of putting in a courtesy runner for the catcher. The courtesy runner will be the player who made the second out of the inning. 

(D)  Bunting:  Bunting is allowed at this level.  No fake bunting.

(E)   No throwing the bat, 1 warning then automatic OUT. 

(F)   Sliding  

i. No headfirst slide, this is an automatic OUT.

ii. Player must slide or avoid contact with a defensive player holding the ball in position to make a tag on the runner.

(G)  If a player is removed from the game for any reason, her spot in the batting order shall be skipped for the remainder of the game without penalty.

(H) Dropped third strike rule is in effect for this division. The ball is live on a dropped third strike and the batter can attempt to advance to first base (if unoccupied with less than two (2) outs; occupied or unoccupied with two (2) outs).

 

VIII.   BASERUNNING

(A)  A base runner can leave the base upon release of the ball from the pitcher’s hand. Players that leave the base prior to the release of the ball from the pitcher’s hand shall be declared out by the umpire.

(B) Baserunners may steal any base including home. Stealing home on a passed ball is allowed from third base.

(D) On a base on balls, the batter/baserunner MUST stop at first (1st) base. All other baserunners advance one (1) base only if they are forced to because of the base on balls.

(G) Infield Fly Rule: The infield fly rule is not in effect in this division.

(H) A five (5) run scoring limit per inning for each team will be enforced through five (5) innings. Unlimited runs will occur from the start of the sixth (6th) inning until the end of the game.

IX.      COACHES

(A)  3 coaches per team and 1 team parent to manage the dugout during the game.

(B)   NO PARENTS OR SIBLINGS ARE ALLOWED IN THE DUGOUT DURING THE GAME.  ONLY managers, assistant coaches and team parents are allowed on the field or in the dugout.

(C) Home plate conference is held five (5) minutes before the beginning of every game.

X.       UMPIRES
If a Manager, Coach, Player, Parent or Fan is ejected by a WCAA Official He or she must leave the playing field immediately and the grounds of the park/facility. In addition to the Ejection from the game, the Manager, Coach, Player, Parent and/or fan will receive the following suspension and Penalties:

(A)  Suspension for one or up to 3 games

(B)   Also additional suspensions and/or penalties can come from the WCAA Board of Directors.

 

EJECTIONS - Any coach, player or parent ejected by a game official shall receive an automatic one game suspension.  Two ejections in a season will disqualify the player, coach, or other participant for the rest of the season. This sanction shall not prevent the applicable Sport Committee from taking additional action pursuant to the disciplinary procedures set forth herein.