2010

ATLANTIC BABE RUTH SOFTBALL LEAGUE

6u T-Ball Playing Rules 

The intention of this softball league is to adhere as closely as possible to the rules of Babe Ruth, which each team is chartered.  Some rules have been modified because of player's ability level or simply to quicken the pace of the game.  If a rule is not described below, please refer to the Babe Ruth Softball Rules and Regulations guide for the official description.

Questions or concerns regarding these rules can be forwarded to the 6u Division Coordinator who is listed under the Division Coordinators tab of this website.

Note: To print out a copy of the rules, scroll down to the bottom of this page and click  on the "printer friendly" option.

Base-Runner Advancement – Base runners may advance one base (only) per hit ball. Exception – When the batter is the last batter on the lineup card (last hitter of the inning). (see also Batting Rule). 

Base-Running –  A runner may not leave the base until the ball is hit into play off the batting tee.  If, during the course of the regular season coach pitching is introduced, the runner may not leave the base until the pitched ball is hit into the field of play.

Batting – All players on the roster for each team will be placed on the lineup card (sheet) and will bat once per inning. (see also the Outs Rule).  

During the second half of the season coaches may begin to pitch to the batters.   In this case, each batter will receive a maximum of three (3) pitches from a coach at the appropriate distance from the plate (see Coach Pitching Rule).   If, after the occurrence of the third pitch the player does not hit the ball into play, a “hitting tee” will be used for the remainder of the at bat.

Last Batter – Coaches should announce when the last batter of their respective lineup is about to bat.   Upon hitting the ball into play the last batter should “circle” all the way around the bases to home plate.   All runners on base at the time when the last batter hits the ball into play should also circle all the way around the bases.  When the last batter is announced by the offensive team the defensive team should remind their players to wait until all the offensive players have left the field prior to returning to their respective dugout.

Batting Order – Teams should prepare a lineup card prior to the start of the game. Teams, by mutual agreement prior to the start of the game, may or may not submit their lineups to the opposing coaches.  

Late arriving players must be placed at the bottom of the batting order.

Bench Rules –  

·     Only players, coaches and one (1) scorekeeper are allowed in the dugout or on the bench. No other persons are allowed in the dugout.   

·      Players are not to leave the bench or playing field unless gaining approval by a coach.

Bunting – There is no bunting allowed in the 6u division.    In the event a player tries to bunt a “no pitch” will be called and the count will remain the same prior to the bunt attempt.

Courtesy Runner – None at the 6u division.   

Catchers -

·          At all times while behind the plate catchers are required to wear full protective headgear (mask), chest protector and leg guards.

·          When a runner is advancing to home catchers are not to intentionally block the plate.

Child Pitcher Location – During play, child-pitchers must be located even to, or behind the pitching rubber with at least one foot in the pitchers circle.

Coach Pitch – By mutual agreement coaches may begin to pitch to their respective teams at the half way point of the season.   Offensive coaches will pitch to their respective teams from a distance of 15 feet from the front of home plate.   

·         Coaches must make every attempt to avoid contact with the child-pitcher when a ball is in play. If a batted ball inadvertently strikes the coach pitcher the ball is considered a live ball.

·         Different coaches may be used to pitch during the course of a game.

Fielders -

·         Coaches should remind their fielders not to stand directly in the base line path except when fielding a ball, to avoid potential collisions between them and any base-runners.

·         Coaches should try to have applicable infielders (only) attempt to field ground balls and not those players positioned in the outfield.  Additionally, balls that have reached the outfield should only be fielded by players in the outfield.  The purpose of this is to avoid collisions between players, and to begin instructing players on proper positioning.

Game Postponement (Non Weather) – All games must be played. In the event of an unseen emergency, teams can re-schedule games to an agreed date.  In this case, teams must notify the appropriate town commissioner of the change.

Game Duration– Under optimal conditions, games will be 2 innings in duration or 60 minutes, whichever comes first.    If at 60 minutes an inning is in progress, it must be played in its entirety.  For any reason, if one complete inning has not been played the game shall be considered a “no game” that must be replayed, from the beginning.

Helmets – All batting helmets must have a facemask installed.

Hit-By-Pitch – When a player is struck by a coach pitched ball (see also Coach Pitch rule) it is considered to be one of the three pitch count.   A player is not awarded a base.

Infield Fly Rule - The infield fly rule does not apply in the 6u division.

Injuries – Time shall be called whenever an injury has occurred to a player.

·          Batting - During an at bat should a player get injured and cannot continue batting, the at bat is erased and the next batter in the lineup will come to the plate and bat their full at bat. The injured player may re-enter the game at their next scheduled at-bat or when their respective team takes the field.  

·          Defensive Play - During defensive play should a player get injured and cannot continue in the field, the player may be substituted for, by another team player. All substitutions must be in accordance with the Player Positions Rule. The injured player may re-enter the game after at least one opposition at bat (1 batter) or on the occurrence of the injured players next scheduled at bat.

·          Base-Running - During base running should a player get injured and cannot continue to run, the player is to be substituted for by another team player. The injured player may re-enter the game at their next scheduled at-bat or when the injured players team takes the field.

Jewelry– No jewelry (rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc.) will be allowed during play.   This includes placing hair ties on the wrist.

Lineups - (See also the Batting Rule) Lineups shall include players first initial, last name and jersey number (if applicable). Lineups are to be exchanged between coaches or scorekeepers prior to the start of games.

Maximum Run Rule – There is no maximum run count in the 6u division. Total runs/scores are not kept at the 6u level.

Mercy Rule – There is no mercy rule in the 6u division.

Under no circumstances are non-players or non-coaches allowed on the field of play.

Notes:

Between plays a defensive coach may enter the field of play for injuries, to congratulate a player or to quickly give a player specific instructions.

By mutual agreement, defensive coaches may “roam” the infield and outfield during live play to provide coaching instructions to their respective players.

On-Deck Batter - The on deck batter must remain in the dugout or designated on deck area until it is their turn to bat.

Outfielder Plays at a Base - Outfielders can make outs at bases.  However, prior to the pitch all outfielders must be positioned at least three (3) feet onto the grass from the edge of the infield “dirt” playing area.

Outs – Defensive teams may attempt to get the offensive team players out.   However, if an out is recorded the base-runner will remain on the base they were called out at.   In addition, play will continue even when three outs are recorded until the entire roster has batted.   (see also Batting Rule)  

Player Conduct – Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their team.    Excessive screaming or taunting of the other team will not be permitted. Coaches are also asked to control to the best of their abilities any parent who is excessively yelling into the field of play.

Player Changes (During an Inning) – Coaches may change defensive players positions during an inning as long as it is done in a timely manner.   

Play-Offs – There are no playoffs at the 6u level. 

Player Positions – All players on the roster will be placed in the field during their defensive portion of the inning.   Coaches, over the course of the season, should rotate all players through all defensive positions    (see note below).

Note: If a coach is concerned for the safety of a particular player, he/she may keep that player in a more “safer” position such as the outfield, for as many innings/games as necessary.

Recommended player positioning during games - There will be 6 infielders (1^st baseman, 2^nd baseman, 3^rd baseman, Shortstop, Pitcher and Catcher).   The remaining players shall be placed at even intervals in the outfield.   This alignment is to help avoid collisions in the field between defensive players and between defensive players and base-runners.    During games, coaches may elect to forgo the catcher position.   Coaches are reminded that the Player Changes rule allows for timely defensive changes during each inning.

Playing Strength – Teams will utilize all present players in the filed as well as at the plate.

If a team cannot field at least seven (6) of its own players at the start of a game, a team may ask for a postponement of the game or borrow players from the other team to fill out its roster.    In the event of a postponement the appropriate town commissioner must be notified.

Scores – Scores are not kept in the 6u division.  

Sliding – Sliding is not permitted in the 6u division.   

Softball – An eleven (11) inch Incrediball softball (or similar ball) will be used for game play.

Sportsmanship –

Derogatory Cheers - No derogatory cheers will be allowed.   No deliberate attempt to distract the opposing team shall be permitted.

Throwing the Bat - Players are prohibited from throwing their bats.   Coaches need to ensure their team players do not throw their bats.

Shaking Hands After the Game – After a game, each team shall line up along the baseline in front of their respective dugouts and shake hands.

Standings – Standings will not be kept in the 6u division.

Start Time - All games are scheduled to start promptly at the time recorded on the official season schedule (see note below). The home team may take the field to practice one-half hour prior to the start of the game for a total of fifteen (15) minutes. The away team may take the field fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of the game for a total of fifteen (15) minutes.   

Note: Prior to the start of the season home teams may choose the start time for games played at their fields.  These times must be recorded on the official game schedule prior to the start of the season.  

Stealing – There is no stealing allowed in the 6u division.   If the runner leaves before the ball is hit off the tee or prior to hit off of a coach pitched ball, the runner will be instructed to go back to the base.

Stoppage of Play – Play will be stopped and no further advancement of batters will occur when each offensive player advances one base total.

Substitutions – Free substitutions are permitted in the 6u division.

Team Responsibilities –

- The home team will supply the game ball(s).

- The home team will supply the batting tee.

- The home team shall setup and return the bases to the equipment area at the completion of the game.
- The home team will use the dugout along the first base line, and the away team will use the dugout along the third base line.
- Players of each team shall clean up cans, bottles, etc. around the ball diamond after each game. This rule is to be enforced by coaches of both teams.

Umpiring – There are no official umpires in the 6u division.  

Walks – There are no walks in the 6u division.