League Rules
The highlighted rules used by our league. For anything not covered here, refer to the NFHS rulebook.
Pitching distances: Girls 9-12 — 35 feet. Girls 13-16 — 43 feet.
Base paths: 60 feet. 9-12 uses an 11" ball. 13-16 uses a 12" ball.
Game length and time limit: Girls 9-12 play 5 innings with a 1 hour 15 minute time limit. Girls 13-16 play 5 innings with a 1 hour 30 minute time limit.
Run rule: 20 after 3, 15 after 4, 10 after 5.
Suspended game: If a game is called due to weather, it resumes from the point of interruption.
Stealing: A runner may steal after the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. Runners cannot lead off.
Stealing home 9-12 Only: A runner can steal home or another base if the catcher attempts to pick off a runner at one of the bases or throws over to the pitcher.
Dropped third strike 9-12 Only: The runner cannot advance to first on a dropped third strike.
Sliding: Sliding is not mandatory. However, if the runner obstructs the play, the umpire may call the runner out.
Courtesy runners: May only be used for the pitcher and catcher.
Nine-batter half innings 9-12 Only: Only nine batters will hit in the half inning.
The ninth batter gets a normal at-bat. If she is walked or hit by pitch, she takes first. If the bases are loaded, that results in a run; if not, the inning is over and runners cannot advance. A strikeout ends the inning. If the ball is put in play, the ball must be brought to home plate and home plate touched for the inning to end.
Extra hitters (both age divisions): You may have 3 Extra Hitters. These 3 players hit in the batting order. The 12 players can also be freely substituted defensively. A substitution other than these 12 is subject to the normal substitution rules.
Bat throwing: Throwing the bat at the end of a swing is an automatic out after one team warning. Intentionally throwing the bat is an automatic ejection after one team warning.
Catcher's gear: Catchers must wear full protective gear — mask, chest protector, and shin guards.
Batting helmets: Must be worn at all times while the batter is on the playing field.
Steel cleats: Allowed for 13-16 games only. Not allowed for 9-12.
Tournament eligibility: Players must play in one more than half of the league games to play in the tournament. Exceptions require approval by majority vote of league representatives. Players can only play out of their age grouping or between softball and baseball if those teams are short of players.
Ejections: If a player or coach is ejected, they are not eligible to play or coach for one calendar week from the date of ejection. A second ejection in the same season ends their season — no further play or coaching.
Tournament championship: No time limit on Championship games in the tournament.