By Laws Fast Pitch Softball
12U-A, 14U-A & 18U-A Leagues

Time

1) Games will start promptly at the scheduled time.  Each team may take infield practice for 10 minutes before game time, if the field is available (visiting team first).  Managers are to show the umpire a line-up of starting players and then give a copy to the opposing team manager.  Substitutes should also appear on teh line-up.  Home team will be the official scorekeeper, will occupy third base bench and will supply game balls (one new and one near new).
2) All time limits shall apply from the scheduled starting time of the game, not the actual starting time.  12U-A & 18U-A teams shall play up to seven innings prior to 1 hour and 30 minutes.  No inning shall start after this time limit.  Games that have a tie score when the time limit expires will be allowed to play one additional inning and the tiebreaker rules will be in effect (see the NSA rule book).  If after the additional inning a winner has not been determined, the game will be called.  A new inning begins immediately after the final out of the previous inning (NSA rules allow for one minute for warm-up between each half inning).
     The curfew for 12U-A League shall be 9:00 PM on school nights and 10:00 PM on other nights.  The curfew for 14U-A and 18U-A League shall be 10:00 PM on school nights and 10:30 PM on other nights.
3) A team's turn at bat shall end after three outs or five runs have been scored.  This rule applies to all innings.  A team may concede at any time.

Pitching

4) 12U-A pitchers may not pitch in more than three innings per game (unless the game reaches the sixth inning).  14U-A & 18U-A pitchers may not pitch in more than four innings per game (unless the game reaches the seventh inning when each pitcher will be allowed to pitch an additional inning).  The pitchers plate shall be forty (40) feet from home plate.
5) If batters are hit with a pitched ball three times in the same game by the same pitcher, that pitcher must be removed from the pitching position for the game.  It is considered a hit by pitch even if the pitch bounces prior to hitting the batter.  No base award will be made unless the batter attempts to avoid being hit.

Substitutions

6) Teams may play with a minimum of eight (8) players (an out will be assessed for the unoccupied ninth batting position according to the NSA rulebook).  Teams may borrow players from another RAYSA team within the same age group to prevent a possible forfeit due to lack of players.  These borrowed players may play only two games for each "A" level team.  Borrowed players must play in the outfield on defense.  Once a player plays in an older age group, that player may not return to the younger age group (i.e., a 10 year old may not play for a 10U team after playing for a 12U team).
7) All players must play twelve (12) consecutive outs or two consecutive innings (offense and defense) during the game.  Players may re-enter any position in the line-up provided the substitute has not played the previous twelve (12) outs (two innings) and the player being played the previous twelve (12) outs (two innings) and the player being substituted for has played the previous twelve (12) outs (two innings).
8) The team at bat may use a courtesy runner for the pitcher and/or catcher as soon as they reach base.  The courtesy runner shall be a player on the line-up, but not currently in the game.

Equipment

9) A 12" RIF-10 softball shall be used for games.  Face guards are required on batters helmets.  Any one-piece "OFFICIAL SOFTBALL" bat (not more that 34" in length) may be used for league play.

General

10) Games will not be played during a thunderstorm or a downpour of rain.  If a downpour comes in the middle of a game, it will or will not continue at the umpire's discretion, however, safety should always be the primary consideration.  Rained out or cancelled inter-league games will not be rescheduled.
11) A batter who releases a bat with such force, that in the opinion of the umpire, could cause injury or impair the defensive player from making a play, shall be called out for interference.
12) Head first sliding is not permitted.  Runners who slide headfirst shall be called out.  Diving back to the base without a running start should not be considered sliding.
13) No protests, including umpire judgments or decisions, will be accepted.  If the rules are not being properly interpreted, contact your RAYSA representative.  Head coaches will be held accountable for the sportsmanship and conduct of their players, fans and coaching staff.  Incident Reports filed with RAYSA representatives will be reviewed and, if applicable, appropriate sanctions implemented.
14) Coaches should notify the opposing teams coach at least a day in advance if a game is to be cancelled.  The host teams coach is responsible for notifying the umpire assigner and field scheduler of the cancellation.

 
 

Franklin County Parks & Recreation - 2150 Sontag Road - Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151 - (540) 483-9293