NCS Softball

6U Softball LEAGUE rules

These are the simple rules we will play by in league. I know some may vary from NCS tournament rules but this is league ball. Please note these rules are a hybrid of USSSA and NCS, but want in writing to avoid any confusion.

Game Play Information:

• A regulation game shall be five (5) innings.
• The Tiebreaker Procedure will be used in the 6th inning or in any inning that begins after time has expired.
• Tie breaker will consist of each team starting the inning with 2 outs, and theif previous 3 batters in the lineup on the bases. For instance, if your 9th batter is due up, 8th batter will be on 1st base, 7th batter will be on 2nd base, and 6th batter will be on 3rd base.
• A maximum of 6 runs can be scored each inning for each team.
• If either team is behind and cannot catch up or go ahead,the game shall be over immediately. Effectively that is 13 runs after 3 innings, 7 runs after 4 innings.
• Bats must have a USSSA or USA stamp.
• An 11-inch regulation ball will be used & provided by the umpire.
• If the umpire does not provide the balls, both coaches will approve ofthe ball that is used.

Distances:

• The pitching rubber shall be set at thirty-five (35) feet for T-Ball. An 8 foot diameter or 16 foot circumferential circle will be placed around it.
• The catcher’s arc is (6)feet from the point of home plate.
• The base length is sixty (60)feet.

Time Limits:

• There will be a 60 minute time limit.
• No new inning will start ater 55 minutes.

Offensive Lineup:

• The batting lineup must include all players.
• If a player is not present during her first at bat, the coach may remove that player from the lineup, and move her to become a substitute player in the lineup for the remainder of the game.
• A player may be skipped that was originally in the lineup without recording an out as long as the player has become sick or injured.
• If a player has been ejected,the team will record an out when that player’s spot in the batting lineup comes up.

Defensive Rules & Positions:

• The defensive team must have a minimum of eight(8) and may have a maximum often (10) players in the field.
• Defensive players must remain behind the pitcher’s plate line extended until the batter has hit the ball.
• One player shall be in the pitcher’s position on the pitching mound with at least one foot within 8 feet of the pitcher’s plate at the start of each play. The pitcher cannot leave its position until the ball is hit off the “T”.
• The Pitcher must wear a helmet with a face mask or game face protective gear. Six fielders including the catcher must be in the infield. The rest must be in the outfield.
• The pitcher must attempt to throw the ball to 1st base unless the ball leads them towards the first base line, at that point they can attempt to tag the base runner.
• The outfield is defined as atleast 10 feet outside ofthe base lines in fair territory.
• Catchers must wear protective gear as prescribed in Rule 2.2. Defensive players are encouraged to wear helmets with face masks or game face protective gear.
• The “T” will be provided by the ball park or Tournament.
• One coach will be allowed to stand in the on-deck circle while on defense. No other defensive coaches will be allowed on the field. All coaches must remain within one arms length oftheir dugout

Offensive Rules:

• The pitching coach must start with both feetinside the circle.
• The batter will be allowed two (2) swings. If the batter misses the ball it will be counted as a swing.
• If the ball goes foul, or the ball does not go over the 6’ Tee Arc, this will be considered a swing.
• If the batter fouls a second strike off the tee,the batter will be called out. For league purposes the T must be placed in the center ofthe plate.
• Bunting is NOT allowed.
• All offensive players must wear batting helmets with face masks & chin straps while on the playing field.
• There is no infield fly rule.
• A runner may not leave a base until the ball is hit off the “T”. Penalty for leaving early, runner or runners will be called out.
• On a hit ball there is no limit on bases allowed.
• The “Tee-Coach” may provide assistance to the batter prior to placing the ball on the “T”.
• Thereafter the coach must not assist the batter/ runners vocally or with hand gestures. The “Tee Coach” will then be responsible for removing the tee and bat from the baseline.
• Failure to remove the tee from home plate or interfering with the play at home will resultin the runner coming home being called out.
• Coaches cannot touch a base runner unless the umpire has deemed the play dead or calls time. If a coach touches a player during an active play,that will result in the base runner being called out.

Stealing:

• A runner may not steal.
• A runner may notleave a base untilthe ball is hit off the “T”.
• Penalty for leaving early; runner will be called out after one warning.

Completion of Each Play:

• Time will be called when one ofthese 3 instances happen:
  1. Defensive player has possession ofthe ball in advance ofthe lead runner
  2. Ball has returned to the pitcher with full possession ofthe ball inside of the circle
  3. The play has come to a complete stop based on the umpires opinion
• If time has been called by the umpire and any runner that has not crossed the halfway line will be sent back to the previous base.