Modified Pitch Softball 18 & Under
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 starting players and then give a copy to the opposing
team. 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.
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 NSA rulebook). If after the additional inning a winner has not been
determined, the game will be called.3. A new inning begins immediately after the final out of the previous inning (NSA rules
allows for a one minute warm-up between each half-inning).4. All play shall be suspended by 10:00 PM on school nights.
Eligibility
5. Players may not turn 19 prior to August 1 of the current year. Players must turn 15
before August 1 of the current year.6. Players that are within (1) year of moving up to the 18 & Under League may play in this
leagues with a handwritten note from a parent giving the child permission to do so.7. Once a player moves to the next league up, she will not be allowed back down.
8. Players must be home schooled, attending public/private school, or an of age graduate.
Pitching
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. 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
pitch shall be made 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). The pitchers plate shall be forty feet from
home plate.11. If batter 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 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
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 17 and Under Parks & Recreation softball team to prevent a
possible forfeit due to lack of players. These borrowed players may only play two
games for each 17 and Under Parks & Recreation softball teams. Borrowed players
must play in the outfield on defense.13. All players must play twelve (12) consecutive outs or two consecutives 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. The only exception to rule number 9 is when a game is called due to the weather or
time limit. In this case, the players not receiving a full twelve (12) consecutives outs
(two innings) of offense and defense, will start the next game.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. Batters helmets must be worn by batters and all base runners.17. Any one-piece "OFFICIAL SOFTBALL" bat (not more than 34" in length) may be used
in games.18. Cleats can be worn only if they have the plastic cleats. Metal cleats or interchangeable
cleats will not be permitted.19. Full catchers gear will be worn by the catcher during all the games. Any player
warming up the pitcher is also required to be in full catchers equipment.General
20. 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. Games called due to
weather will be considered complete after 4innings of play or 45 minutes of play.21. 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.22. Head first sliding is not permitted. Runners who slide headfirst should 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. Head coaches will be held accountable for the sportsmanship and conduct of their
players, fans and coaching staff. Incident reports filed with Franklin County Parks &
Recreation will be reviewed and, if applicable, appropriate sanctions implemented.25. Game change requests will only be taken if they are received at least two (2) business
days prior to the scheduled change. Request for changes will be granted for school
related activities only, unless the Youth Athletic Coordinator deems the change
necessary.26. Have Fun!!
Franklin County Parks & Recreation - 2150 Sontag Road - Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151 - (540) 483-9293
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