Modified Pitch Softball 14 & Under By Laws

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). 
      Coaches are to show the umpire a line-up of players and then give a copy to the
      opposing team manager. Substitutes should also appear on the line-up.  Home team
      will be the official scorekeeper and will occupy third base bench.

 2.  All time limits shall apply from the scheduled starting time of the game, not the actual
     starting time.  Teams shall play up to seven (7) innings prior to 1 hour and 30 minutes
     after the scheduled starting time of the game.  No inning shall start after the time limit
     expires. 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 NSA rulebook.
     If after the additional inning a winner has not been determined, the game will be   
     called.  A new inning starts immediately after the final out of the previous inning (NSA
     rules allow for one minute for warm-up between each half inning).  All play shall be
     suspended by 10:00 PM on school nights.

 3.  A team's turn at bat shall end after three outs or seven runs have been scored.  This
     rule applies to all innings.  A team may concede at any time.

 Eligibility

 4.  Players may not turn 15 years of age before August 1 of the current year.  Players
      must turn 11 years of age before August 1 of the current year.

 5.  Players that are within one (1) year of moving up to the 14 & Under League may play
      in this league with a handwritten note from a parent giving the child permission to do
      so.

 6.  Once a player moves to the next league, she will not be allowed back down.

 7.  Players must be home schooled or attending public/private school.

Pitching

 8.  A player-pitcher may not pitch in more than four (4) 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 feet from home plate.

 9.  The pitcher shall pitch in accordance with fast pitch rules but shall be thrown with an
      arc and not too fast for the age group.  If the pitch is judged to be too fast, the umpire
      shall issue one warning per team, per game.  Subsequent pitches deemed too fast
      shall be called a ball (if the batter does not swing).

10.  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 positions for the game.  It
      shall be 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.

11.  Pitchers may pitch "windmill" or "slingshot" as long as the wrist does not pass the
      hip more than once going backwards.  (The wrist may pass twice going forward.)

Substitutions

12.  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 Parks & Recreation 14 and Under team to prevent a
       possible forfeit due to lack of players.  These borrowed players may play only two
       games for each 14 and Under 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.

13.  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 substituted for has played the previous twelve (12) outs (two
      innings).

14.  If a game does not play a complete (7) innings due to weather or time there will be an
      exception to the all-play rule.  If a child does not get to play twelve (12) consecutive
      outs (offense and defense) then that child will start the next game that she is at, no
      exceptions. Please keep tabs on time to avoid this situation.

15.  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

16.  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 than 34" in length)
      may be used in games.

17.  Cleats may be worn, but may not be of metal or any type of detachable cleat.

18.  Anyone, other than the coach, warming up the pitcher must be in full catchers
       equipment.

19.  Batting helmets with faceguards must be worn by all batters and base runners.

General

20.  Games will not be played curing 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.  Games called due to
      weather will be considered complete after 4 innings or 45 minutes.

21.  A batter who releases a bat with such force, that, in the opinion of the umpire, could
      cause injury or could impair the defensive player from making a play, shall be called
      out for the interference.  Coaches need to warn their players of this before games,
      umpires will not give warnings on the first offense.

22.  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.

23.  No protests, including umpire judgments or decisions, will be accepted.  If the rules
       are not being properly interpreted, contact the Officials Coordinator or the Youth
       Athletic Coordinator.

24.  The ball remains alive until the umpire calls "TIME" which should be done when the
       ball is held by a player in the infield area and, in the opinion of the umpire, all play
       has ceased. Each team may request a maximum of one offensive and one defensive
       time out per inning.  NOTE:  Players/coaches can request "Time"; only umpires can
       actually call "TIME".

25.  Head coaches will be held accountable for the sportsmanship and conduct of their
       players, fans and coaching staff.  Incident reports filed with the Parks & Recreation
       Department will be reviewed and, if applicable, appropriate sanctions implemented.

26.  Game change requests will be taken at least two (2) business days prior to the
       scheduled change.  Requests will only be granted due to school related activities.

27.  Players may leave the base to get a lead once the pitcher has released the ball, but
       there will be NO stealing.

28.  Have Fun!!

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