Girls’ Softball House League Rules
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House League
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Division
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Major
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Junior
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Ball Size
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11 inch
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12 inch
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Baselines (feet)
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60
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60
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Pitching Rubber (feet)
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35
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40
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Inning Mercy (runs)
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5
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5
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Pitcher Limits (out or innings)
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2 innings or 6 outs
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2 innings or 6 outs
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Defensive coaches on field
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0
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0
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Defensive Players*
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10*
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10*
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Dropped 3rd Strike Rule in Effect
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No
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No
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Lead offs - ball crosses home plate
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No
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Yes
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Stealing Allowed**
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No
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Yes**
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Infield fly rule in effect
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No
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Yes
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On deck batter
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No
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No
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Game Duration
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1 3/4
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1 3/4
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*if both teams have 10 or more players, 10 players may be on the field with 4 outfielders used to ensure maximum playing time. Outfielders must remain in the outfield, beyond the bases
**no stealing home
Note: Coaches/umpires may exercise discretion regarding pitching distance if overall level of play is lacking at higher pitching distance
1. For majors only: Once a pitcher issues the 4th ball of an at bat, a coach of the offensive team comes out to complete the at bat giving as many pitches are left to get to 3 strikes.
a. If the batter still does not hit the batter is out
b. Example the count is 3 balls and 1 strike, a ball is thrown by the player pitcher, the offensive coach pitcher comes in and throws 2 more pitches
2. Clothing & Equipment: Long pants are mandatory at all times. The Umpire shall not allow a player wearing pants that do not provide suitable leg protection to participate in a game). No jewelry (except medical alert bracelets) is permitted. Running shoes or non-metal cleats are the only shoes permitted to wear. (coaches included) Batting helmets are mandatory at bat and while running bases. Players are encouraged to have face guards on the batting helmets but not mandatory.
3. Pitchers must wear face guard. Other infield positions may wear one if they want but it is not mandatory.
4. Base stealing will be allowed for Junior ages. Runners may lead off after the ball crosses home plate. Any base runner that leaves a base while the pitcher has possession and control of the ball in the pitcher’s circle will be declared out by the umpire. This is considered a leadoff. No stealing home.
5. Games are limited to 1 3/4 hrs, light permitting. No new inning shall begin after 1.5 hrs.
6. The mercy rule is in effect: 10 runs after four innings, 3 ½ if the home team is ahead. All teams must keep score and must be submitted via the score sheet.
7. There is a 5 run per inning maximum and no unlimited last inning.
8. Double Base (Safety Base) Rule Explanation: At any time when there is a play on the batter, the batter must touch the orange base. If the batter touches ONLY the white side they will be called out. If the fielder touches ONLY the orange base, the batter will be called safe. The fielder may however touch the orange base before finally touching the white base to try and get the batter out. In instances where there is no play on the batter they may use the white or orange base. When there is no anticipated play on the batter, it is the fielder’s responsibility to position themselves to ensure that they do not interfere with the batter. Once the batter has successfully reached first base only the white base is used.
9. If there is a play at home, players must slide. Avoidable collisions at home will not be tolerated and the base runner will be called out.
10. There is no head first slides but diving back to a base is acceptable.
11. If a batter is hit by a pitch the batter will be awarded first base.
12. A pitcher must be removed from the game if she hits more then 2 batters in an inning or 4 batters in a game.