Added by Hope Summer Playground
Updated
1 Teams are allowed ten (10) players on defense. All players present are placed in the batting order. The extra player on defense must be placed in the outfield. For substitution rules, refer to rule # 6 in General Rules.
2 A regulation game will consist of six (6) innings. Four (4) innings will constitute an official game in case of rain. Games called off prior to the fourth inning will be completely replayed on the established reschedule date. (EXCEPTION) Tourney games will not be ended by rain or darkness they shall be resumed at a later date continuing exactly from the point where play was halted.
3 Bases shall be sixty (60) feet apart, runners can steal bases including home. Runners may not leave base until the pitcher has released the ball. Once the pitcher has engaged the pitching rubber, runners must return to base.
4 A runner missing a base will be called out after completion of play, there are no warnings regarding a runner missing a base.
5 There is no rule that states a runner must slide when there is a close play at base or home. However, if a runner initiates contact with a defensive player who has the ball, or is attempting to catch the ball, interference may be called, and the runner would be called out.
6 A batter may advance on a dropped third strike if first base is not occupied at the time of the pitch when there is one (1) out or less. A batter may advance regardless of whether first base is occupied on a dropped third strike when there are two (2) outs. A batter will be called out if they make any move toward the dugout after a dropped third strike.
7 After a batted ball, the rules of softball apply. Runners are eligible to score until they are put out by the defense, or the defense has forced the runners to hold. Runners may tag up and score after a caught fly ball, fair or foul. The infield fly rule does not apply in HSP 12 U Fast Pitch Softball.
8 The pitching shall be (35) feet. All teams must use a minimum of two (2) pitchers per game. (To ensure teams are in compliance of this rule, all teams must use their second pitcher within the first three (3) innings.
9 For league and tournament time limits refer to rule #8 and #9 in General Rules. For run limits and mercy rule refer to rule #6 and #24 in General Rules. All interpretations and other rules of softball will be referenced to the Babe Ruth Fast Pitch Softball Rules Book.
