Miss Scotties Recreational League Rules and Guidelines

2016 Season

Updated:  4/7/2016

League Philosophy

Miss Scotties Softball is a developmental league whose primary goals are to instruct the girls in the fundamentals of softball and to show them the enjoyment of the sport.  There will be no league standings.  Scores will be kept for each game. 

The league strives to give each player a positive experience where players can develop individual and team skills in an enjoyable setting.

Teams

Miss Scotties Softball will be comprised of 4 divisions based on age.  The age you are on Jan 1^st of this year will determine the division to which you will be assigned.  The divisions are generally formulated as follows:

Seniors (12U): Ages 11–13

Juniors (10U): Ages 9-10

Majors (8U):  Ages 7-8

Minors (6U): Ages 5-6

Team selection

1. All players will play at their age level unless the situation fits one of the two criteria below:
1. If a player is playing up for a travel team already.  Girls playing on travel teams will play rec at the same level, even if they are moving up out of their normal age range.  Example:  A 10 year old girl that would normally play in the Junior (10u) rec level is playing on a 12u travel team will play in the Senior (12u) recreation division. 
2. If the Rec Director determines there is a safety issue for a girl to play at a particular level the player will be allowed to move up.

1. Reasons such as playing with friends, siblings, carpooling or requesting a coach etc. shall not be factors in determining whether a girl plays at a particular level, team or with a particular coach.

1. Teams will be made up of at most 14 players.  Once the team rosters have been filled to maximum capacity, any girls wishing to play will be placed on a waiting list.  All players at the 8u, 10u and 12u levels will be assigned to a team through the league draft before the season starts.  Coaches will meet to evenly distribute players to make the teams even and equitable.  Each head coach will be allowed to notify the Rec Director of one assistant coach they would like to work with prior to the draft and the assistant's child will be placed on that team. All other girls will be assigned to teams through the draft process.  For the Minors Division, the Recreation Director will divide the girls into teams. 

Conduct of ALL players, Coaches, and Parents

All players, parents and coaches have a responsibility to follow the code of conduct put forth by Miss Scotties Softball.  Any player, coach or parent that refuses to abide by these rules of conduct will be expelled from the league.  Any coach, player or parent ejected from a game will be asked to leave the field and/or property and will automatically be suspended for the following game.  Any incident that results in ejection of players, coaches or parents will be reported to the Recreation Director and the Board of Miss Scotties Softball.  The Recreation Director or MSS Board reserves the right to permanently expel players, coaches and parents from the league following any reported incidents.  All players, coaches, and parents must sign a code-of-conduct form when entering the league.  Signed forms will be kept on file.

There is No Smoking allowed by coaches and/or players of Miss Scotties Softball.  No alcohol is allowed on any of the playing fields used by our players.  Managers, coaches, and any other Miss Scotties Softball league representatives should not have alcohol on breath while at MSS games.

Field Preparation

This league is a 100% volunteer organization.  Volunteers perform ALL tasks from prepping the fields to running the concession stand.  The quality of this league and its facilities is only as good as the support received from these volunteers. Four (4) volunteer hours per family per year is required. So please volunteer!  It is the responsibility of the coaches and players to clean out any material from the dugout after each game.

Umpires

Umpires are provided in the Senior Division.  The umpires are an asset to the League and should be treated with respect.  Verbal abuse of the umpires will not be tolerated.  If the umpire makes a mistake in judgment, the coach should inform the umpire between innings of his/her objection rather than stopping play to yell at the umpire.  The coach should be an example of good sportsmanship to the parents and players. 

Uniforms

 Teams will be provided with shirts, and socks.  Girls can purchase softball pants on their own, or they may wear sweat pants or stretch pants.  Teams are to wear their respective uniforms to games with shirts tucked in. Cleats are recommended but not required.  The league also recommends that players wear fielding masks when playing the field.

Games

The length of games varies by Division. The home team is responsible for preparing the field, including raking and chalking.  They are also responsible for supplying one new game ball for each game.  The home team will occupy the first base dugout. When a concession stand is operational, the visiting team may need to supply volunteers to assist.

Lightning: All games will be suspended at the first sign of lightning.  A 30 min waiting period will be in effect.  If there is no more lightning during this period the game can proceed.  However, if there is a second incident of lightning during this period the game shall be postponed.

Double base at First

There is an orange base that is placed in foul territory next to the white base that is the normal first base position.  The orange base is used by the runner while running to first base.  The defensive player making the out, most often the first baseman, places their foot on the white bag; this it to avoid a collision or tripping of the runner.  Once the runner is on first base she shall use the white base.

General Rules

All ASA Rules are to be followed except as modified below.

End of Season Tournament

There are no regular season standings but there will be a single elimination tournament to determine a champion at the 8u, 10u, and 12u levels.   At the end of the recreation season head coaches will rank the teams in their league and e-mail them to the recreation director in order to determine seedings for the tournament.  Head coaches will not be able to vote for their own teams.  A coin flip will decide ties.   

MINORS DIVISION (6U)

1. A game shall consist of a half hour practice followed by a one hour game. The practice shall provide the girls the opportunity to stretch/warm-up, throw, catch, field grounders, and hit off a batting tee. The game shall have a one hour time limit (no new inning after one hour, complete the inning in progress) or a maximum of six innings. For weeknight games the practice shall begin at 5:45 and the game at 6:15. On weekends, the practice begins at the scheduled time, followed by the game. The practice session is considered equally important to the game and should not be shortened out of convenience or to lengthen the game.

1. There are no forfeits. The teams shall play with whatever number of players show up to the game. Players can be loaned if one team has less than 6 players.

    

2. All girls shall be placed in the batting order. The order shall be rotated throughout the season.

    

3. All girls shall play the field. A max of 6 players is allowed in the infield, including the pitcher. Additional players must play on the edge of the outfield grass. Players should rotate through positions. No player should play outfield twice before everyone has played once. The catching position will not be utilized in 6U. A coach will stand near home plate to place the ball on the tee or to return the ball to the coach, once coach pitch begins.

    

4. Runners can only advance one base on a ball hit in the infield. You can not advance on an overthrow. If the defensive team has outfielders and a ball is hit to the outfield, runners can advance until the ball is returned to the infield (a runner may continue to the base they are headed to).

    

5. The inning will end when the offensive team has batted through their lineup or three outs are recorded. A team with fewer players may bat the same number of batters as the team with more players if three outs are not recorded.

    

6. First half of the season it is recommended that a batting tee be used for all players, especially 1^st year players with no softball experience.  Head coaches will make the determination as to whether a player should be pitched to or not.  After the ball is hit from the tee, the offensive coach shall remove the tee so it doesn’t interfere with play.

1. Second half of season: Beginning with the scheduled second half of the season (ie: 7^th game of a 12 game schedule), Coach pitch is introduced to all girls.   . The offensive coach will pitch from a distance of about 25’. A batter will receive a maximum of 5 pitches from the coach. After 5 pitches, or 3 swinging strikes, the batting tee is used. There are no strikeouts.

1. A defensive coach is allowed on the field and serves as the base umpire.

1. There is no bunting, stealing, sliding, striking out, or walking. A base runner may not leave the base until the ball is hit.

    

2.  The batter, base runners, and on deck batter must be wearing a batting helmet with facemask.

    

3. The catcher must be wearing catcher’s helmet with neck protector, chest protector, and shin guards.

    

4. An 11” incrediball should be used at all times.

    

MAJORS DIVISION (8U)

1. A game shall consist of a half hour practice followed by a 1.25 hour game. The practice shall provide the girls the opportunity to stretch/warm-up, throw, catch, field grounders, and hit either off a batting tee or with soft toss. The game shall have a 1.25 hour time limit (no new inning after 1.25 hour, complete the inning in progress) or a maximum of six innings. For weeknight games the practice shall begin at 5:45 and the game at 6:15. On weekends, the practice begins at the scheduled time, followed by the game. The practice session is considered equally important to the game and should not be shortened out of convenience or to lengthen the game.

1. A team can play with a minimum of 7 players. Players can be loaned if one team has less than 7 players or if the teams are excessively unbalanced (ie: one team has 11 players and the other has 7).

    

2. All girls shall be placed in the batting order. The order shall be rotated throughout the season.

    

3. All players are allowed in the field, with a max of 6 players allowed in the infield, including the catcher. Only 1 player is allowed on the pitcher’s mound. Outfielders must play on the edge of the outfield grass. Players should rotate through positions. No player should play outfield twice before everyone has played once. All players shall play equal time in the infield and outfield. If a team has more than 10 players, the coach should consider only playing 10 in the field and having the extra player or two practicing pitching behind the bench.

    

4. Runners can only advance one base on a ball hit in the infield. A runner can not advance on an overthrow. If a ball is hit to the outfield, runners can advance until the ball is returned to the infield (a runner may continue to the base they are headed to).

    

5. The inning will end when three outs are recorded or when the offensive team scores 3 runs.

    

6. First half of season: A coach from the offensive team will pitch to the batters. The coach will pitch from a distance of 30’. The batter will receive a maximum of 6 pitches, unless the sixth pitch is fouled off (in which case they receive an extra pitch). The at bat ends when the ball is put in play by the batter, 3 swinging strikes are recorded (which is an out), or the batter receives 6 pitches (which is recorded as an out). Additional pitches are not allowed if the coach throws a bad pitch (even if it’s the sixth pitch).

    

Second half of season: Beginning with the scheduled second half of the season (ie: 7^th game of a 12 game schedule), player pitching and called strikes are introduced. The girls will pitch from a distance of 30’ and the offensive coach will call balls and strikes from behind the pitcher. If a girl is hit by a pitch it will be a ball.  If a four ball count is reached, the coach will take over pitching. The strike count remains when the coach starts pitching and strikes should continue to be called. The batter will receive a maximum of 4 pitches from the coach, unless the fourth pitch is fouled off (in which case they receive an extra pitch). The at bat ends when the ball is put in play by the batter, 3 strikes are recorded (which is an out), or the batter receives 4 pitches from the coach (which is recorded as an out). Additional pitches are not allowed if the coach throws a bad pitch (even if it’s the fourth pitch). A girl can not pitch more than 2 innings in a game.  If a pitcher walks 4 consecutive batters, it is recommended that the coach consider changing pitchers.

Note on Girls Pitching: While all girls may be given a chance to try pitching during practice, only girls who have attended at least two hours of the leagues paid and/or free pitching clinics or private pitching lessons within the last calendar year will be eligible.   Parents should be reminded that there is not enough time in recreation practices alone to develop pitchers. The girls should be encouraged to participate in the league’s pitching clinics and practice pitching outside of their team practice.

1. A defensive coach is allowed on the field for instructional purposes and serves as the base umpire.

1. There is no hit by pitch, bunting, stealing, or walking. A base runner may not leave the base until the ball crosses home plate.

    

2.  The batter, base runners, and on deck batter must be wearing a batting helmet with facemask.

    

3. The catcher must be wearing catcher’s helmet with neck protector, chest protector, and shin guards.

    

4. An 11” softie should be used at all times.

JUNIORS DIVISION (10U)

1. A game shall consist of a half hour practice followed by a 1.5 hour game. The practice shall provide the girls the opportunity to stretch/warm-up, throw, catch, field grounders, and hit either off a batting tee, soft toss, or with a hitting stick. The game shall have a 1.5 hour time limit (no new inning after 1.5 hour, complete the inning in progress) or a maximum of seven innings. For weeknight games the practice shall begin at 5:45 and the game at 6:15. On weekends, the practice begins at the scheduled time, followed by the game. The practice session is considered equally important to the game and should not be shortened out of convenience or to lengthen the game.

1. A team can play with a minimum of 8 players. Players can be loaned if one team has less than 8 players.

    

2. All girls shall be placed in the batting order. The order shall be rotated throughout the season.

    

3. A max of 10 players is allowed in the field, with a max of 6 players allowed in the infield, including the catcher. Outfielders must play in the outfield grass. Players should rotate through positions. No player should play outfield or sit on the bench twice before everyone has once. Ever player should play at least 2 innings in the infield.

    

4. Runners can only advance one base on an overthrow. If a ball is hit to the outfield, runners can advance until the ball is returned to the pitchers mound (a runner may continue to the base they are headed to).

    

5. Base runners can leave the base when the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand and can steal one base per batter. A base runner can not advance if there is an overthrow on a stolen base. A base runner can not steal home or advance home on a pass ball.

    

6. A batter can not go to second base on a walk.

    

7. The inning will end when three outs are recorded or when the offensive team scores 4 runs.

    

8. First half of season: Girls will pitch from a distance of 35’ until the batter puts it in play, 3 strikes are recorded, or a 4 ball count is reached. The offensive coach will stand behind the pitcher and call balls and strikes. If a 4 ball count is reached, the coach will take over pitching for a maximum of 4 pitches, unless the fourth pitch is fouled off (in which case they receive an extra pitch). The strike count remains when the coach starts pitching and strikes should continue to be called. The at bat ends when the ball is put in play by the batter, 3 strikes are recorded (which is an out), or the batter receives 4 pitches from the coach (which is recorded as an out). Additional pitches are not allowed if the coach throws a bad pitch (even if it’s the fourth pitch).  If a pitcher walks 4 consecutive batters, it is recommended that the coach consider changing pitchers.

    

Second half of season: Beginning with the scheduled second half of the season (ie: 7^th game of a 12 game schedule), there is no more coach pitch. If a 4 ball count is reached, the batter takes first base on a walk. The offensive coach calls balls and strikes from behind the pitcher. The at bat ends when the ball is put in play by the batter, 3 strikes are recorded (which is an out), 4 balls are recorded (batter takes first base). A girl can not pitch more than 3 innings in a game. One pitch counts as an inning.

Note on Girls Pitching: While all girls may be given a chance to try pitching during practice, only girls who have attended at least two hours of the leagues paid and/or free pitching clinics or private pitching lessons within the last calendar year will be eligible.  Parents should be reminded that there is not enough time in recreation practices alone to develop pitchers. The girls should be encouraged to participate in the league’s pitching clinics and practice pitching outside of their team practice. At the Juniors Level, girls who do not demonstrate the ability to throw strikes should not expect the opportunity to pitch in games, particularly in the second half of the season.

1. A defensive coach is not allowed on the field. The offensive coach serves as the base umpire.

1. There is no bunting and dropped third strike rule is not in effect.

    

2. There is no infield fly rule.

    

3. If the batter is HBP with a girl pitching, they may take first base or they may elect to continue hitting (pitch counts as a ball).

    

4.  The batter, base runners, and on deck batter must be wearing a batting helmet with facemask.

    

5. The catcher must be wearing catcher’s helmet with neck protector, chest protector, and shin guards.

    

6. An 11” hard ball should be used.

SENIORS DIVISION (12U)

1. A game shall consist of a half hour practice followed by a 1.5 hour game. The practice shall provide the girls the opportunity to stretch/warm-up, throw, catch, field grounders, and hit either off a batting tee, soft toss, or with a hitting stick. The game shall have a 1.5 hour time limit (no new inning after 1.5 hour, complete the inning in progress) or a maximum of seven innings. For weeknight games the practice shall begin at 5:45 and the game at 6:15. On weekends, the practice begins at the scheduled time, followed by the game. The practice session is considered equally important to the game and should not be shortened out of convenience or to lengthen the game.

1. A team can play with a minimum of 8 players. Players can be loaned if one team has less than 8 players.

    

2. All girls shall be placed in the batting order. The order shall be rotated throughout the season.

    

3. A max of 10 players is allowed in the field, with a max of 6 players allowed in the infield, including the catcher. Outfielders must play in the outfield grass. Players should rotate through positions. No player should sit on the bench twice before everyone has once. Ever player should play at least 2 innings in the infield.

    

4. If a ball is hit to the outfield, runners can advance until the ball is returned to the pitchers mound.

    

5. Base runners can leave the base when the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. A base runner can not steal home or advance home on a passed ball. A batter can not advance to second base on a walk.

    

6. An inning will end when three outs are recorded or when the offensive team scores 5 runs. For the seventh inning, there is no 5 run limit.

    

7. Pitching: Girls will pitch from a distance of 40’. An umpire will call balls and strikes. Players should be warned that arguing of balls and strikes is not allowed. First offense will result in a warning. A second offense will result in ejection from the game and a 1 game suspension. The at bat ends when the ball is put in play by the batter, 3 strikes are recorded (which is an out), or 4 balls are recorded (player takes first base on a walk). A girl is allowed to pitch a maximum of 4 innings in a game. One pitch equals an inning. For crossover games, this rule can be relaxed if a coach does not have available pitchers to complete a game.

    

Note on Girls Pitching: Parents should be reminded that there is not enough time in recreation practices alone to develop pitchers. The girls should be encouraged to participate in the league’s pitching clinics and practice pitching outside of their team practice. At the Seniors Level, girls who do not demonstrate the ability to throw strikes should not expect the opportunity to pitch in games. If a pitcher walks 3 consecutive batters, it is recommended that the coach consider changing pitchers.

Note on Girls Pitching:   While all girls may be given a chance to try pitching during practice, only girls who have attended at least two hours of the leagues paid and/or free pitching clinics or private pitching lessons within the last calendar year will be eligible. 

1. Dropped third strike rule is NOT in effect.

    

2. If the batter is HBP with a girl pitching, they may take first base or they may elect to continue hitting (pitch counts as a ball).

    

3.  The batter, base runners, and on deck batter must be wearing a batting helmet with facemask.

    

4. The catcher must be wearing catcher’s helmet with neck protector, chest protector, and shin guards.

    

5. There is no infield fly rule.

    

6. A 12” hard ball should be used.

7. Bunting is allowed.  Only 1 batter per 1/2 inning. ! attempted bunt equals 1 bunt.