GRADE 2/3 LEAGUE RULES

Much thought has been given to the development of our policies and game rules. They are designed to support the values of Newton Girls Softball. At each grade level the rules become a bit more challenging and closer to regulation ASA fastpitch softball rules. Our rules work well for the vast majority of our players. Understanding, respecting, and adhering to NGS game rules is an expectation for everyone involved.

To download a PDF of Grade 2/3 Rules please click HERE

PLAYING FIELD

1. The distance from the back of home plate to the center of the pitcher's rubber at adult-pitcher’s discretion
2. The distance from the back of home plate to the back of 1st and 3rd base = 60 feet
3. The distance from the center of 2nd base to he furthest part of 1st and 3rd base = 60 feet
4. Pitcher’s circle is a circle (real or imaginary) with a radius of eight feet from the center of the pitching rubber
5. The head coach from each team are the final arbiters of the distances.
   

PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTION

1. All players present shall play in the field, each inning.
2. Players should be positioned in a conventional infield/outfield arrangement with the following exceptions:
1. Each team has no more than two “pitcher’s helpers” positioned at least three feet behind the pitcher while maintaining full visibility of the batter.
2. An additional infielder may stand behind second base
3. Other players should play in the outfield and stand at least ten feet behind the base path until the ball is fielded.
3. The game will be played regardless of how many players attend the game.
4. A player removed from the game may re-enter the game at any time, in any position. 

BALANCED PLAYING TIME

1. Players should play a different position each inning,but are allowed to play the same position two innings in a row to learn the spot. All players should try a lot of  positions from week to week. 
2. Coaches should try to alternate players between the infield and outfield each inning.
3. All players bat once, each inning.
   1. Coaches are encouraged to reverse the batting order each inning so everyone has the opportunity to be a base runner and change the batting order each game.

THE GAME

1. Outs are recognized but there is no limit on the number of outs per inning. Outs are part of the game.
2. The score is not officially kept.
3. Games typically last three or four innings. The home team bats last in each inning.
4. The home team takes the first base-side bench and is responsible for supplying the game bases.
5. If the league does not supply an umpire, the adult-pitcher will also be the umpire for that half-inning.
   

TIMING OF THE GAME

1. All players and coaches are expected to arrive at least twenty minutes before the officially scheduled starting time.
2. Games should start on time. It is important to keep the game moving. Therefore:
   1. The team at bat supplies a coach pitcher, an adult catcher, and at least one adult to sit on the bench to ensure the players’ safety.
   2. The defensive team is allowed to have one -- and only one -- coach in fair territory to help with defensive positioning.
   3. No juice breaks or snacks until the game is over. Water bottles on the bench are okay.
3. Weekend games will begin at 1:00 p.m. with no new inning starting after 2:30 p.m.
   1. If another game is following on the same field, no new batter shall receive a pitch after 2:50 p.m. (no exceptions).
4. If games are rained out, they can be rescheduled at a mutually acceptable time if both coaches agree to a make-up. But we expect that most rained out games at this level will not be replayed. 
5. Once the first pitch is thrown, only the umpire-coaches have the authority to stop the game due to darkness, rain or any other reason.

BATTING

1. Players cannot strike out. They are encouraged to swing at any pitch that they can reach.
   1. Coaches should try to pitch the ball waist-high with reasonable velocity.  Young players have difficulty hitting slow, loopy, or high pitches.
2. Coaches should always catch from a safe position behind the plate. Grade 1/2 teams are supplied an adult-size umpire mask for protection.
3. Throwing the bat, intentionally or unintentionally, after swinging is not acceptable.  The first and second offense in a game will result in a warning; thereafter, the offending batter will be ruled out and no runners may advance. Warnings should be discreetly handled by that player’s coach either at first base or upon their return to the bench if she made an out.
4. Bunting is not allowed.
5. There is no such thing as an "on-deck" batter in Grade 1/2 games -- only batters in or near the batter's box may swing a bat. 

BASE RUNNING

1. Stealing is not allowed.
2. Base runners may not take a lead until the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand.
3. Base runners may advance only one base when the ball is overthrown into foul territory.
4. Base runners may advance as many bases as they can when the ball is overthrown in fair territory.
5. The coach “umpire” will declare a play over when the ball has been thrown to a defensive player in the vicinity of the pitcher’s circle.
   1. Base runners that are halfway or less to the next base must return to the preceding base.
6. A batted or thrown ball hitting any adult in fair territory is in play.

PITCHING

1. On/after May 22nd, coaches are encouraged to experiment with player-pitch in the 3rd inning or after. 
   1. Balls and strikes will not officially be called. After three swings and misses, or five non swings, a coach should relieve the player-pitcher. Batters still cannot strike out or walk. 
2. A pitcher must demonstrate an ability to throw at least 40% of her pitches as strikes in practice, before being inserted into a game.
3. Pitchers are limited to five warm-up pitches between innings.
4. A pitcher must be removed for the remainder of the inning upon hitting three batters in an inning. 
5. Windmill pitching is allowed. Bowling pitching is encouraged at this level. The idea is to get players comfortable being on the mound and hitters comfortable hitting off other players. 
6. A player should only pitch one inning per game. Two innings if there are no other players who are available to pitch.

SAFETY ISSUES

1. Teams are encouraged to play games in light rain.  Games must be suspended at the first sight of lightning and should not be resumed until no lightning has been seen for 15 minutes.
2. Once the game begins, the umpire-coaches are in complete control of the game.
3. Coaches are expected to remain on the bench or in the general vicinity of the bench during the game. All players not in the field or at bat are expected to remain on the bench during the game.  Only players and the designated safety adult(s) are allowed on or near the players’ bench.
4. Coaches are responsible for keeping the equipment, players, parents and other spectators behind an imaginary line drawn from the end of the backstop to the fence in front of the players' bench.  This imaginary line extends beyond the distance of the left and right fielder.
5. Batters and base runners must wear helmets and chin straps at all times.  Players are not allowed to be base coaches.
6. The league irequires that players playing in the position of the two Pitcher’s Helpers and 1st base wear an infielder’s facemask. The league also encourages all players to wear them. Face masks are provided as team equipment although some players may choose to supply their own.
7. Sneakers or rubber cleats may be worn. with rubber cleats recommended for safety in damp weather. Metal cleats are not allowed.
8. No jewelry can be worn during games, which includes watches, rings, earrings and necklaces.
9. Players should wear NGSoftball shirts, pants, socks and visors to the game.
10. No dogs are allowed near the players’ bench, even if on a leash.  Dogs at the field must be leashed at all times.
11. No smoking or alcoholic beverages are allowed at the field.
12. Please pick up debris on the field and by the players' bench following the game.
    
    

ZERO TOLERANCE

1. The coaching staff is responsible for the behavior of the parents and fans of their team.
2. Taunting of players by anyone will not be tolerated.
3. Players, coaches and fans must treat the umpire with respect.
4. Protesting or arguing umpire's calls, baiting the umpire, and yelling "nice pitch" before the umpire calls the pitch, etc. are all considered heckling.
5. Umpires will report unsportsmanlike heckling or conduct by players, coaches or spectators to the head coach of the offending team.  If a warning goes unheeded, the offender will be ejected from the field.  If the heckling or conduct persists, the game may be suspended by the umpire.