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FOSTER CITY LITTLE LEAGUE SOFTBALL
2004 MAJORS DIVISION RULES
The following is a summary of the Foster City Little League Softball Majors Division rules. A full explanation of all the rules can be found in the 2003 Official Regulations and Playing Rules of Little League Softball.
Division Age
The Majors Division consists of girls between the League Ages of 10 and 12. At the discretion of the league board, a girl younger than 10 may play in the Majors division.
Practices
Team practices will be held up to twice a week before the season begins and no more than once a week during the regular season.
Games
There will be two games per week (1 weekday and 1 Saturday) unless precluded by weather, a bye week, or other unforeseen circumstances. Games are six (6) innings long. No inning may start after 1 hour 30 minutes of playing time.
Bases are sixty (60) feet apart and the pitcher’s mound is thirty-five (35) feet away from home plate. A safety-base is used at first base. An 11” hard softball is used. An aluminum alloy softball bat, not greater in length than 34 inches, must be used. All players on the field must wear a softball glove. Outfielders must start each play on the outfield grass.
Teams will play with nine (9) players on the field. A player may substitute in and out multiple times at different positions for different players provided the minimum play requirement of six defensive outs per game is met. Violation of the minimum play rules will result in a warning, then a possible suspension of the manager by the League's Board of Directors.
No one except eligible players in uniform, managers and coaches shall occupy the bench or dugout area. For safety reasons bat boys and bat girls are not permitted. The batter, all base runners and players acting as coaches, must wear helmets at all times. There will be no on-deck circle. Players may not take warm-up swings either inside or outside the dugout.
All players available for the game must bat in a continuous order. If the third out is made on a base runner, the batter then at bat is the first batter of the next inning and the count of balls and strikes starts over. A dropped 3rd strike rule will NOT be enforced (the batter is automatically out). If a batter throws a bat, she will receive a warning on the first occasion. On the second occasion it will be an immediate dead ball out and the manager will be notified that the player may not bat for the balance of the game, but may play in the field. Runners may steal, but may not leave their base(s) until the pitched ball is batted or reaches the batter. If the runner leaves early, she is out. Stealing home is permitted. The infield fly rule will be enforced.
Pitching Eligibility
A player may pitch in a maximum of 18 innings in a calendar week, Sunday through Saturday. Delivery of a single pitch constitutes having pitched in an inning. A player once removed as a pitcher may not pitch again in the same game. If a player pitches in more than one inning, one calendar day of rest is mandatory.
Uniforms
All players must wear a regulation uniform consisting of a league-issued visor, jersey, softball shorts and socks. Teams may opt for a team sweatshirt with a visible number on the right arm. Catchers must wear a mask with throat protector, and catchers helmet during practice, pitcher warm-up and games. No jewelry may be worn during a game.
Playoffs
All teams will play in the playoffs at the end of the season. The playoff pairings will be seeded based on regular season standings, in a double elimination tournament.
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