Contact
Erin MacNeill
President, YYC Softball Little League
Email: contact@girlssoftball.ca
Rules
Mini (U7/U9)
General Information
- Mini teams will not have formal games scheduled.
- Mini Game games/practice times are 1 hour (6-7pm)
- Distance between bases is 50 feet
- Pitching distance is 30 feet
- Coach Pitching – coaches do not have to be on the mound when pitching. Please stand where you can throw a strike and be safe. The distance of where you stand should shift based on the batter. For stronger hitters, the 25-30 feet is appropriate. For new hitters, the 20-25 feet may be more appropriate. Use your discretion, but 10 feet is never appropriate.
Game Play Rules
Divide your team into 2 teams for game days. Mini teams will not play with a player catcher. For 6 on the field, play infield positions, excluding catcher and 1 outfield. For 5 on the field, play infield positions, for 4 on the field, eliminate short stop.
- Scoring: Scoring will be kept
- Standings: Standings will NOT be kept. The focus at this age group is on the skills learned in practice and personal performance.
- 4-6 players on the field: This rule is to keep kids engaged in the game. By 4-6 players in defensive positions you are increasing the opportunities for these players to touch the ball. This also increases the pace of the game as there are less batters to rotate through.
- A player cannot play the same position in consecutive innings: This encourages softball players to try all positions before specialization.
- No infield fly rule
- No 3rd dropped strike rule
- Ball: 11” Softie ball will be used (indoor training ball)
Pitching: May Games – 3 coach pitches, then hit off the Tee. June: 3 player pitches, 3 coach pitches, then hit off the Tee.
- Session1: May Games – 3 Coach pitches. No player pitches. Then hit off the Tee.
- Session 2: June Games – 3 Player pitcher, 3 Coach Pitcher, then hit off the Tee.
- All players will pitch: to ensure pitcher development and avoid pitcher overuse.
- A pitcher can only pitch 1 inning per game: to ensure a game is not dominated by 1 player and to ensure winning is not the focus of the game.
- Pitchers will only pitch 3 balls per batter: to balance pitching development and increasing the pace of the game, pitchers will only pitch 3 balls per batter. Coaches should stand beside the pitcher, with 3 balls ready to go. Pitchers do not need to wait for the ball to be returned by the catcher in between the 3 balls. A coach should act as the catcher – collect the 3 pitched prior to returning them to the pitcher.
- If the ball is not hit off the player pitcher, then a coach will pitch 3 pitches. COACHES – IMPORTANT – DO NOT pitch lob pitches. You should be pitching level pitches – for 2 reasons.
- A level pitch will increase the players swing speed
- We want to encourage players to swing off of player pitchers. So if the coach pitches are soft an easy, the player will never swing at a player pitch. We want to develop players and encourage players to swing off of player pitchers.
- If the ball is not hit off the coach, then the batter will hit off the Tee
- There will be NO walks and no Strike Outs
- If the ball is not hit off the player pitcher, then a coach will pitch 3 pitches. COACHES – IMPORTANT – DO NOT pitch lob pitches. You should be pitching level pitches – for 2 reasons.
Batting
- The batting order will be shuffled every game. Every player from each team will hit every inning.
- Session 1 May Games – Coaches will pitch 3 balls, then the player will hit off of a Tee
- Session 2 June Games – Players will pitch 3 balls, coach will pitch 3 balls, then the player will hit off of a Tee
- When the last batter is up, the coach must let the other team know that it is last batter. The play will stop once a defensive player has control of the ball and has attempted any out on the field. The attempt does not need to be successful, just as long as the intent to get an out occurred.
Base Running
- Stealing: No stealing allowed. This rule helps equalize offense and defense and increases defensive play opportunities.
- Lead-offs: Lead-offs are allowed once the ball has left the pitchers hand. This is to start the process of stealing and to keep players engaged with each pitch. Please teach players how to take a few step off the base after the pitcher has pitched the ball.
- Over-throws: Runners will not advance on an over throw. This is to ensure defensive players are not discouraged if an error is made.
- Home Runs: There will be NO automatic Home Runs. As we are not playing with outfielders, infielders will need to go get the ball.
Minors (U11)
General Information
- The scheduled start time reflect the GAME START time.
- Please have your players show up early to warm up, be organized, and ready to play. This is especially important for players pitching that day. Pitchers need a proper warm up to have the most success.
- Coaches are allowed on the field to help players
- Coaches, please have more than 3 balls ready to go with the pitcher (see pitching rules). We want to increase the pace of the game and avoid constant overthrows between catcher and pitcher. Please help out as needed to keep the game moving.
- Distance between bases is 50 feet
- Pitching distance is 30 feet
- Coach Pitching – coaches do not have to be on the mound when pitching. Please stand where you can throw a strike and be safe. The distance of where you stand should shift based on the batter. For stronger hitters, the 25-30 feet is appropriate. SaveFor new hitters, the 20-25 feet may be more appropriate. Use your discretion, but 10 feet is never appropriate.
Game Play Rules
- Scoring: Scoring will be kept
- Standings: Standings will be kept.
- 6 players on the field: This rule is to keep kids engaged in the game. By only having 6 players in a defensive position, you are increasing the opportunities for these 6 players to touch the ball. This also increases the pace of the game as there are less batters to rotate through.
- A player cannot play the same position in consecutive innings: This encourages softball players to try all positions before specialization.
- No infield fly rule
- No 3rd dropped strike rule
- Ball: 11” Softie ball will be used (indoor training ball). .
Pitching
- All players will pitch: to ensure pitcher development and avoid pitcher overuse. The only exception to this, is if a pitcher has tried it and really does not want to. However, we should NEVER be telling a player NO to pitching.
- A pitcher can only pitch 1 inning per game: to ensure a game is not dominated by 1 player and to ensure winning is not the focus of the game.
- Pitchers will only pitch 3 balls per batter: to balance pitching development and increasing the pace of the game, pitchers will only pitch 3 balls per batter. Coaches should stand beside the pitcher, with 3 balls ready to go. Pitchers do not need to wait for the ball to be returned by the catcher in between the 3 balls. Another coach should stand beside the catcher and collect the 3 pitched balls from the catcher.
- If the ball is not hit of the player pitcher, then the offensive coach will pitch 3 pitches. COACHES – IMPORTANT – DO NOT pitch lob pitches. You should be pitching fast level pitches – for 2 reasons.
- A fast level pitch will increase the players swing speed
- We want to encourage players to swing off of player pitchers. So if the coach pitches are soft an easy, the player will never swing at a player pitch. We want to develop players and encourage players to swing off of player pitchers.
- If the ball is not hit of the coach, then the batter is out.
- There will be NO walks
- If the ball is not hit of the player pitcher, then the offensive coach will pitch 3 pitches. COACHES – IMPORTANT – DO NOT pitch lob pitches. You should be pitching fast level pitches – for 2 reasons.
Batting
- The batting order will be shuffled every game. batter order position should be mixed up each game. In other words, you should not have 1 player that is always the lead-off hitter and one player who is always the last batter. Kids pick up on this message, PLEASE DON’T DO IT! The best way to do this, is to have a constant order. If your first game ends on batter # 5, then the next game, batter # 6 will be the lead off hitting. This will also ensure players are getting similar number of at bats throughout the season.
- Bunting: is not permitted. It is very important to learn how to swing properly first. Bunting is a more complex skill that should be implemented at a later stage.
- No walks. Batters will get 3 player pitches, and 3 coach pitches to try and hit the ball. After 6 pitches, the batter is out.
- Max Runs: there will be a maximum of 5 runs per inning
Base Running
- Stealing:
- MAY – No stealing allowed. This rule helps equalize offense and defense and increases defensive play opportunities.
- JUNE – Steals are allowed from 2nd base to 3rd base
- Lead-offs: Lead-offs are allowed once the ball has left the pitchers hand. This is to start the process of stealing and to keep players engaged with each pitch. Please teach players how to take a few step off the base after the pitcher has pitched the ball.
- Over-throws: Runners will not advance on an over throw. This is to ensure defensive players are not discouraged if an error is made.
Home Runs: There will be NO automatic Home Runs. As we are not playing with outfielders, infielders will need to go get the ball.
Majors (U13)
General Information
- The scheduled start time reflect the GAME START time.
- Please have your players show up early to warm up, be organized, and ready to play. This is especially important for pitchers, pitchers need a proper warm up to have the most success.
- Coaches are allowed on the field to help players
- Distance between bases is 60 feet
- Pitching distance is 35 feet
- Coach Pitching – coaches do not have to be on the mound when pitching. Please stand where you can throw a strike and be safe. The distance of where you stand should shift based on the batter. For stronger hitters, the 30-35 feet is appropriate. For new hitters, the 25-30 feet may be more appropriate. Use your discretion, but 10 feet is never appropriate.
Game Play Rules
- Scoring: Scoring will be kept
- Standings: Standings will be kept.
- 6 players on the field: This rule is to keep kids engaged in the game. By only having 6 players in a defensive position, you are increasing the opportunities for these 6 players to touch the ball. This also increases the pace of the game as there are less batters to rotate through.
- A player cannot play the same position for more than 2 innings: This encourages softball players to try all positions before specialization.
- Infield fly rule is in effect
- No 3rd dropped strike rule
- Ball: 11 Softball (standard outdoor softball) will be used
Pitching
- All players will pitch: all players who are wanting to pitch will pitch. This is to ensure pitcher development and avoid pitcher overuse. At this age, some players will already know that they do not want to be a pitcher. However, this should be because they have tried it and determined they do not like it. All players should be encouraged and provided opportunities to pitch equally. We should NEVER be telling a player NO to pitching.
- A pitcher can only pitch 2 inning per game: to ensure a game is not dominated by 1 player and to ensure winning is not the focus of the game.
- Pitchers will only pitch 3 balls per batter: to balance pitching development and increasing the pace of the game, pitchers will only pitch 3 balls per batter.
- If the ball is not hit off of the player pitcher, then the offensive coach will pitch to finish the count (all coach pitches are strikes). As an example, if the player pitcher had 2 strikes and 1 ball, then the coach pitcher would only get 1 pitch.
- Umpires – we are going to do our best to provide umpires for Major games. If one is not available for your game, then a coach or a parent will need to call strikes/balls that the player pitcher threw. This can be done from behind the plate or out by the pitcher.
- COACHES – IMPORTANT – DO NOT pitch lob pitches. You should be pitching level pitches – for 2 reasons.
- A level pitch will increase the players swing speed
- We want to encourage players to swing off of player pitchers. If the coach pitches are soft an easy, the player will never swing at a player pitch. We want to develop players and encourage players to swing off of player pitchers.
- There will be NO walks
Batting
- The batting order will be shuffled every game. batter order position should be mixed up each game. In other words, you should not have 1 player that is always the lead-off hitter and one player who is always the last batter. Kids pick up on this message, PLEASE DON’T DO IT! The best way to do this, is to have a constant order. If your first game ends on batter # 5, then the next game, batter # 6 will be the lead off hitting. This will also ensure players are getting similar number of at bats throughout the season.
- Bunting: is not permitted. It is very important to learn how to swing properly first. Bunting is a more complex skill that should be implemented at a later stage.
- Max Runs: there will be a maximum of 5 runs per inning
Base Running
- Stealing:
- MAY – Steals are allowed from 2nd base to 3rd base
- JUNE – Steals are allowed from 2nd base to 3rd base, and 3rd base to home
- Limiting steals to 2nd base, helps equalize offense and defense and increases defensive play opportunities.
- Lead-offs: Lead-offs are allowed once the ball has left the pitchers hand. This is to start the process of stealing and to keep players engaged with each pitch. Please teach players how to take a few steps off the base after the pitcher has pitched the ball.
- Over-throws: Runners will not advance on an over-throw. This is to ensure defensive players are not discouraged if an error is made. Giver permission to players to throw the ball. This is how they will improve!
Home Runs: If the ball is hit in the air and lands on the grass (no contact with the shale), this will be an automatic home run.
Juniors/Seniors (U15/U17)
General Information
- The scheduled start time reflect the GAME START time.
- Please have your players show up early to warm up, be organized, and ready to play. This is especially important for pitchers, pitchers need a proper warm up to have the most success.
- Coaches are allowed on the field to help players
- Coaches should not be on the field
- Distance between bases is 60 feet
- Pitching distance is 40 feet
- Coach Pitching – coaches do not have to be on the mound when pitching. Please stand where you can throw a strike and be safe. The distance of where you stand should shift based on the batter. For stronger hitters, the 35-40 feet is appropriate. For new hitters, the 30-35 feet may be more appropriate. Use your discretion, but 10 feet is never appropriate.
Game Play Rules
- Scoring: Scoring will be kept
- Standings: Standings will be kept. Please update wins and losses in Team Snap
- 9 vs. 9: We will play standard 9 vs. 9 at this level
- A player must play at least 2 different positions in a game. All players should experience infield and outfield positions. As we move away from rotating players in every position, it is important to ensure players are not stuck in one undesirable position. Some players love first base, some players love field. This starts to become an individual preference. The key is to ensure each player is getting an opportunity to play where they want to play.
- Infield fly rule is in effect
- a fair fly ball (not including a line drive or a bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second, or first, second, and third bases are occupied before two are out.
- No 3rd dropped strike rule
- Ball: 12 Softball will be used
Pitching
- All players will pitch: all players who are wanting to pitch will pitch. This is to ensure pitcher development and avoid pitcher overuse. At this age, some players will already know that they do not want to be a pitcher. However, this should be because they have tried it and determined they do not like it. All players should be encouraged and provided opportunities to pitch.
- A pitcher can only pitch 2 inning per game: to ensure a game is not dominated by 1 player. The only exception to this rule, is if more than 5 innings are played, and the team only has 2 pitchers wanting to pitch.
- Pitchers will pitch to a count of 3 balls: to balance pitching development and increasing the pace of the game
- If the ball is not hit off the player pitcher once the count has reached 3 balls, then the offensive coach will pitch to finish the count (all coach pitches are strikes). As an example, if the player pitcher had 2 strikes and 3 balls, then the coach pitcher would only get 1 pitch.
- There will be NO walks
- Teams will be responsible for an umpire, if one is not scheduled.
Batting
- The batting order will be shuffled every game. batter order position should be mixed up each game. In other words, you should not have 1 player that is always the lead-off hitter and one players who is always the last batter. Kids pick up on this message. PLEASE DON’T DO IT! The best way to do this, is to have a constant order. If your first game ends on batter # 5, then the next game, batter # 6 will be the lead off hitting. This will also ensure players are getting similar at bats throughout the season.
- Bunting: is allowed
- Max Runs: there will be a maximum of 5 runs per inning
Base Running
- Stealing: is allowed
- Lead-offs: Lead-offs are allowed once the ball has left the pitchers hand. This is to start the process of stealing and to keep players engaged with each pitch.
- Over-throws: Runners will not advance on an over-throw. This is to ensure defensive players are not discouraged if an error is made.
- Home Runs: There will be NO automatic Home Runs.
RECOMMENDED RULES
Our modified game play rules are based on the recommendations set by Canada Sport For Life. These rules are an effective way to increase the pace of the game, and engage more players throughout the game. Game play rules can advance throughout the season, based on teams’ skills.