7-9 Coach Pitch Softball Rules
Hopewell Recreation Ministry Leadership reserves the right to make any changes that they deem necessary for the betterment of the league and its play.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
No coach or player shall belittle or berate the players, coaches or fans of another team. This type of action will NOT be tolerated. First offense: Warning. Second offense: Ejection from game. PENALTY: Any coach or player ejected from a game will be suspended for a minimum of 1 game up to a maximum of the remainder of the season. Any coach ejected from a game will be required to meet in person with the Hopewell Recreation Minister before coaching another game. The coach is responsible to set up this meeting.
Coordinators & Referees may issue warnings to players, coaches or teams for team and personal unsportsmanlike conduct or safety concerns.
Harassment of officials and Hopewell Recreation Ministry Staff will not be tolerated. Questions should be asked by the HEAD COACH ONLY and done in an ORDERLY HUMANE and RESPECTFUL fashion about rule interpretations only. Judgment calls are NOT to be argued. Failure to comply with this rule will result in immediate ejection of the guilty party and possibly forfeiture of the game. NO WARNINGS WILL BE GIVEN!!
Judgment calls made by the referee shall NOT be contested.
There will be paid refs for each game.
With the exception of the adult pitcher, one defensive coach and base coaches, no other coaches should be on the field of play while the game is in progress.
A regulation game shall be six innings or 1 hour 15 minutes.
If a game is called for weather, darkness, or curfew, it is a regulation game if three full innings have been played, or if the home team has scored a greater number of runs in two or two and a fraction turns at bat than the visiting team has scored in three turns at bat.
The infield fly rule shall not be enforced.
Adults shall pitch under the following rules:
o Each coach or designated adult shall pitch to his own team.
o A player shall receive seven pitches. If the batter fails to hit in seven pitches, the batter is out. If the batter fouls off the seventh pitch, then one more pitch shall be allowed. If this pitch is fouled off, the batter is out.
o Balls and strikes shall not be called, but a batter may strike out swinging.
o No bunting is allowed.
No Big Barrel Bats. Only 2-1/4 barrels bats allowed.
If a batted ball strikes the adult pitcher, it shall be ruled dead and no pitch shall be charged against the batter.
Games will be played with an 11” ball.
Coaches must pitch from 35 from home plate.
Adult pitchers must wear and use a fielder’s glove.
One adult representing the defensive team may be positioned in the outfield to provide instructional aide. If a batted ball strikes the field adult, the ball shall be alive.
Stealing is not allowed. Leads shall not be permitted. If a runner leaves early, the pitch shall be ruled dead
Every player on the team shall be placed in the batting lineup and shall bat in turn. However, only ten (10 max) players shall play in the field. Free substitution of fielders is allowed, but every player must play three complete innings (nine outs) in the field, unless prevented by end game situation such as legal game shortened by weather or darkness, or time limit.
The defensive team must play 4 outfielders beyond the infield (“in the grass”) and play one infielder in the pitching area. A catcher must also be provided.
The offensive team shall bat until three outs are made or until 7 runs are scored. In the last inning teams can score 9 runs.
If a player is removed from a game for injury, illness, or a situation beyond the coach’s control (e.g., parents removing a player from a game), It is not an out when their time at bat comes up.
Play can be stopped by traditional softball means.
There shall be no limit on the number of offensive and defensive conferences between coaches and players.
Base-running: If the ball is hit into the outfield (reaches the outfield grass), the runners may advance until the ball is returned to the pitcher close to the pitching position. A ball is returned to the pitcher when a defensive player carries the ball to the pitcher's circle or throws the ball to the pitcher.
Time is called when any runner has stopped because a fielder has control of the ball, the pitcher (player) has possession of the ball near the pitcher’s position.
If a base runner is called out the runner must return to the dugout and is not allowed to run the bases.
There will be no infield fly rule. Runners are not forced to slide, however, if there is contact (without sliding) with a runner and a fielder (only when the fielder has the ball) the runner will be called out. If the fielder does not have the ball the runner will be safe.
Batters, baserunners, and on deck batters must wear protective helmets. Catchers must wear full catcher’s gear while the game is in play.
If the batter throws the bat, he/she will receive one warning and will be called out if it happens a second time. If the bat is thrown and hits a defensive player, the batter will automatically be called out.
Exterior jewelry is not permitted on players.
Players must have a number on uniforms for easy identification.
Teams are required to exhibit sportsman-like conduct after each game by shaking hands. A prayer is required at the beginning and end of each game.
Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. If a coach, player, or fan is ejected from a game he or she must leave the premises immediately. If the same person is ejected from another game, he or she will be suspended indefinitely from the Hopewell Baptist Church Recreation programs pending a meeting with the Minister of Recreation.
The Minister of Recreation or designated Hopewell Representative reserves the right to make final determination on any rules or interpretations that may arise throughout the season.
All players will receive a trophy at the completion of a terrific season!
Coaches, please maintain integrity, be an adult, and set a good example for your players, parents and spectators!
Girl’s Minors 10-11 Rules
Hopewell Recreation Ministry Leadership reserves the right to make any changes that they deem necessary for the betterment of the league and its play.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
No coach or player shall be little or berate the players, coaches or fans of another team. This type of action will NOT be tolerated. First offense: Warning. Second offense: Ejection from game. PENALTY: Any coach or player ejected from a game will be suspended for a minimum of 1 game up to a maximum of the remainder of the season. Any coach ejected from a game will be required to meet in person with the Hopewell Recreation Minister before coaching another game. The coach is responsible for setting up this meeting.
Coordinators & Referees may issue warnings to players, coaches or teams for team and personal unsportsmanlike conduct or safety concerns.
Harassment of officials and Hopewell Recreation Ministry Staff will not be tolerated. Questions should be asked by the HEAD COACH ONLY and done in an ORDERLY HUMANE and RESPECTFUL fashion about rule interpretations only. Judgment calls are NOT to be argued. Failure to comply with this rule will result in immediate ejection of the guilty party and possibly forfeiture of the game. NO WARNINGS WILL BE GIVEN!!
Judgment calls made by the referee shall NOT be contested.
There will be paid refs for each game.
A regulation game shall be six innings or 90 Minutes whichever comes first.
If a game is called for weather, darkness, or curfew, it is a regulation game if three full innings have been played, or if the home team has scored a greater number of runs in two or two and a half innings, than the visiting team has scored in three turns at bat.
The infield fly rule shall be enforced.
Games will be played with an 11” ball.
Player pitches from 40 feet. Bases are set at 60 feet. No intentional walks.
Bunting is allowed.
If a player is walked they only get 1st base.
If a pitcher walks 4 batters in the same inning the coach will come in to finish the inning from 40 feet (front rubber). The original pitcher may come back in the next inning unless it was their 3rd inning.
Batters and runners may not advance on a dropped 3rd strike drop. Players can steal passed ball or wild pitch.
Lead offs shall not be permitted. If a runner leaves early the runner is out. Teams are allowed to steal until they are leading by 5. Players that steal after the 5 run lead are considered outs. If the lead drops below 5 runs steals are allowed.
Every player on the team shall be placed in the batting lineup and shall bat in turn. However, only ten (10 max) players shall play in the field. Free substitution of fielders is allowed, but every player must play two complete innings (nine outs) in the field, unless prevented by end game situation such as legal game shortened by weather or darkness. Substitute runners are allowed in the event of an injury or for the catcher or pitcher. Substitute runners have to be the player that made the last out. The catcher will have a pinch runner with 2 outs.
The defensive team must play four outfielders beyond the infield (“in the grass”).
The offensive team shall bat until three outs are made or until 7 runs are scored. If a game gets to the 6th inning runs are unlimited.
If a player is removed from a game for injury, illness, or a situation beyond the coach’s control (e.g., parents removing a player from a game), no out is issued when their time at bat comes up.
Play can be stopped by traditional softball means.
There shall be no limit on the number of offensive and defensive conferences between coaches and players.
Base-running: If the ball is hit into the outfield (reaches the outfield grass), the runners may advance until the ball is returned to the pitcher. Runners may then only advance to the base to which they were running when the ball is returned to the pitcher’s circle. A ball is returned to the pitcher when a defensive player carries the ball to the pitcher or throws the ball to the pitcher.
Time is called when (a) any runner has stopped because a fielder has control of the ball, either at the base occupied by a runner or the next base, or (b) the pitcher (player) has possession of the ball in the pitcher’s circle.
If a base runner is called out the runner must return to the dugout and is not allowed to run the bases.
Runners are not forced to slide, however, if there is contact (without sliding) with a runner and a fielder (only when the fielder has the ball or is in position to receive the ball) the runner will be called out. Players must slide at home if there is a play at the plate.
Runner are allowed one base per overthrow. If the catcher overthrows the pitcher the runner may advance one base. If the overthrow happens at a base. (ie Pitcher overthrows 1st base in the attempt to get the out the runner may advance one base. If the 1st baseman overthrows second base in an attempt to get the runner out the runner has to stay at second base.) These girls are still learning the game and we don’t want the softball game to turn into a track meet.) This applies at any base. An overthrow at any base, the runner is allowed to advance to the next base but must stop there. Coaches need to teach the girls to get the ball back to the pitcher to stop the play.
Defensive players are required to wear a defensive face mask.
Batters, baserunners, and on deck batters must wear protective helmets. Catchers must wear a complete catcher’s gear while the game is in play.
f the batter throws the bat, he/she will receive one warning and will be called out if it happens a second time. If the bat is thrown and hits a defensive player, the batter will automatically be called out.
No head-first slides.
Exterior jewelry is not permitted on players.
Players must have a number on uniforms for easy identification. Jerseys must be tucked in.
Mercy Rule – 20 after 3, 15 after 4, 10 after 5.
Teams are required to exhibit sportsman-like conduct after each game by shaking hands. A prayer is required at the beginning and end of each game.
Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. If a coach, player, or fan is ejected from a game he or she must leave the premises immediately. If the same person is ejected from another game, he or she will be suspended indefinitely from the Hopewell Baptist Church Recreation programs pending a meeting with the Minister of Recreation.
The Minister of Recreation or designated Hopewell Representative reserves the right to make final determination on any rules or interpretations that may arise throughout the season.
Coaches, please maintain integrity, be the adult, and set a good example for your players, parents and spectators!
Girl’s Majors 12-15 Rules
Hopewell Recreation Ministry Leadership reserves the right to make any changes that they deem necessary for the betterment of the league and its play.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
No coach or player shall belittle or berate the players, coaches or fans of another team. This type of action will NOT be tolerated. First offense: Warning. Second offense: Ejection from game. PENALTY: Any coach or player ejected from a game will be suspended for a minimum of 1 game up to a maximum of the remainder of the season. Any coach ejected from a game will be required to meet in person with the Hopewell Recreation Minister before coaching another game. The coach is responsible for setting up this meeting.
Coordinators & Referees may issue warnings to players, coaches or teams for team and personal unsportsmanlike conduct or safety concerns.
Harassment of officials and Hopewell Recreation Ministry Staff will not be tolerated. Questions should be asked by the HEAD COACH ONLY and done in an ORDERLY HUMANE and RESPECTFUL fashion about rule interpretations only. Judgment calls are NOT to be argued. Failure to comply with this rule will result in immediate ejection of the guilty party and possibly forfeiture of the game. NO WARNINGS WILL BE GIVEN!!
Judgment calls made by the referee shall NOT be contested.
There will be paid refs for each game.
· A regulation game shall be six innings or 90 Minutes whichever comes first.
· If a game is called for weather, darkness, or curfew, it is a regulation game if three full innings have been played, or if the home team has scored a greater number of runs in two or two and a fraction turns at bat than the visiting team has scored in three turns at bat.
· The infield fly rule shall be enforced.
· Games will be played with an 12” ball.
· Player pitches from 43 feet. Bases are set at 60 feet. No intentional walks.
· Bunting is allowed.
· Batters and runners may advance on a dropped 3rd strike, passed ball or wild pitch.
· Stealing is allowed on release. Lead offs shall not be permitted. If a runner leaves early the runner is out.
· Every player on the team shall be placed in the batting lineup and shall bat in turn. However, only ten (10 max) players shall play in the field. Free substitution of fielders is allowed, but every player must play two complete innings (nine outs) in the field, unless prevented by end game situation such as legal game shortened by weather or darkness. Substitute runners are allowed in the event of an injury or for the catcher or pitcher. Substitute runners have to be the player that made the last out. The catcher will have a pinch runner with 2 outs.
· The defensive team must play four outfielders beyond the infield (“in the grass”).
· The offensive team shall bat until three outs are made or until 7 runs are scored. If the game gets to the 6th inning runs are unlimited.
· If a player is removed from a game for injury, illness, or a situation beyond the coach’s control (e.g., parents removing a player from a game), No out is assessed when their time at bat comes up.
· Play can be stopped by traditional softball means.
· There shall be no limit on the number of offensive and defensive conferences between coaches and players.
· Base-running: If the ball is hit into the outfield (reaches the outfield grass), the runners may advance until the ball is returned to the pitcher’s circle. Runners may then only advance to the base to which they were running when the ball is returned to the pitcher. A ball is returned to the pitcher when a defensive players carries the ball from the outfield grass to the pitcher or throws the ball to the pitcher.
· Once the pitcher has procession of the ball in the pitcher’s circles the runner has to return to the base. They cannot stay off the base.
· Time is called when (a) any runner has stopped because a fielder has control of the ball, either at the base occupied by a runner or the next base, or (b) the pitcher (player) has possession of the ball in the pitcher’s circle.
· If a base runner is called out the runner must return to the dugout and is not allowed to run the bases.
· Runners are not forced to slide, however, if there is contact (without sliding) with a runner and a fielder (only when the fielder has the ball or in position to receive the ball) the runner will be called out. Players must slide at home if there is a play at the plate.
· Defensive players are required to wear a defensive face mask.
· Batters, baserunners, and on deck batters must wear protective helmets. Catchers must wear a complete catcher’s gear while the game is in play.
· If the batter throws the bat he/she will receive one warning and will be called out if it happens a second time. If the bat is thrown and hits a defensive player, the batter will automatically be called out.
· No head first slides at home plate.
· Exterior jewelry is not permitted on players.
· Players must have a number on uniforms for easy identification. Jerseys must be tucked in.
· Mercy Rule – 20 after 3, 15 after 4, 10 after 5.
· Teams are required to exhibit sportsman-like conduct after each game by shaking hands. A prayer is required at the beginning and end of each game.
· Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. If a coach, player, or fan is ejected from a game he or she must leave the premises immediately. If the same person is ejected from another game he or she will be suspended indefinitely from the Hopewell Baptist Church Recreation programs pending a meeting with the Minister of Recreation.
· The Minister of Recreation or designated Hopewell Representative reserves the right to make final determination on any rules or
interpretations that may arise throughout the season.
· Coaches, please maintain integrity, be the adult, and set a good example for your players, parents and spectators!