NOVICE GIRLS

2010 Revisions approved by FHL Board in bold italics.

NFHS Softball rules apply with the following exceptions:

1. READ GENERAL RULES AT FRONT OF BOOK.
2. Ages: 5 & 6. Cannot be 7 before
3. January 1.
4. Normal game time is 6:45 p.m.
5. Field dimensions:
1. Pitching Distance: 35 30 ft.
2. Bases: 60 ft.  (84’ 10” from home plate to second base and first base to third base.)
3. There will be a arched line 35-ft from tip of home from foul line to foul line.    No player can go in front of it until ball is hit. There will be a 10-ft radius half circle from the center of the 35 foot arch for pitcher to stay in until the ball is hit. Exception: Infielders including the pitcher may cross the line prior to the ball being hit if the batter shows bunt.
4. There will be an infield line 5 ft. outside of base path. This will determine the infield and outfield. Outfielders must stay behind this line until the ball is hit.
5. DIAGRAM OF DIAMOND IS ON THE BACK COVER.
6. Double base applies in this league. (See general rules for explanation.)
6. An 11” ASA or NFHS approved fast pitch softball will be used.
7. Standard game will be no longer than 5 innings or one hour and fifteen minutes (1:10) unless there is a tie. If an inning ends prior to the time limit, next inning will be played in full. See Rule 42 in General Rules.
8. If game is called due to bad weather conditions, it will be considered a completed game after 45 minutes or four complete innings. The final score is determined by reverting to the last completed inning.  If the game is not complete or is tied, the game will be replayed from the start.  The game shall be rescheduled per General 4-D.
9. Three outs or five runs constitute an inning.
10. Run rule.  See General Rule 4-V.
11. Offense
1. Every player will be in the line-up to bat during the complete game. Example: If a team has 13 players at the game, all 13 players will be in the batting line-up the entire game. Teams may play with ten (10) defensive players. This extra defensive player is optional. If used, this player must be placed in an outfield position. All players must be in the game to play defense by the start of the third (3rd) inning19.
2. Bats marked T-Ball will be allowed.
3. Coach will pitch to their own team. Coaches must pitch from the rubber.Batter will get five pitches. If the player does not hit one she is out. Exception: if batter fouls off the 5th pitch, she is not out. A hit ball or strike out ends her turn at bat.
4. Coach pitchers must make every attempt to avoid batted balls or interfering with defensive players.  If in the umpire’s judgment the pitcher coach is intentionally impeding a defensive player, the umpire shall give one warning.  Subsequent infractions shall result in batter being out and any base runners return to their previous base.
5. Bunting is permitted. If bunt is shown, then the batter must attempt to bunt or pull the bat back.  If the batter shows bunt and then swings he shall be called out. (Any non-swinging movement of the bat intended to tap the ball into play.  Holding the bat in the strike zone is considered a bunt attempt.  In order to take a pitch, the bat must be withdrawn –pulled backward and away from the ball.)
6. If a ball is overthrown (on a batted ball) at any base, a base runner may advance no more than one base at her own risk. (Example: Batter/runner on 1st base can advance no farther than 2nd base on an overthrown ball at her own risk. If a fielder makes an attempt at a play at any base, the runner can advance no further than one base.)
7. When the ball is hit into the outfield, the base runner may advance until the ball is returned to the chalked infield area and is in a defensive players possession (does not have to be infielder) and said defensive player is not attempting to make a play on a base runner, the ball is dead and runners may not advance to the next base unless they are completely past the 20-ft. hash mark between bases prior to the ball being declared dead. Runners that have not past the hash mark before dead ball was declared must return to their previous base.
8. Player cannot leave base until ball crosses the plate or she is out. No stealing is allowed at any base.
9. Double base applies in this league. (See general rules for explanation.)

12. Defense
• Two coaches are allowed on the field on defense but must remain behind the infield line (behind bases).
• Team must have a player in the pitcher and catcher positions if they are playing with less than 9 players.
• Dead ball appeal applies. (See general rules for explanation.)
• Pitchers must stay in the half circle, infielders behind the 40’ arch from home plate and outfielders behind the infield line located 5’ outside the bases until the ball is hit.

Tournament Rules