1.  Official Ball: A 10" softball ball will be the ball used at the Instructional  level.

2. Field Setup: Home team manager is responsible for setting up the bases and pitchers plate. Base Distance: 50 feet. Pitching Distance: 30 feet, measured from the back of home to the front of the pitchers plate.
3. Game Times: Weekday games begin promptly at 6:00PM. Practices can begin at 5:30PM. Weekend game times will be on the schedule.
4. Coach Placement: Two offensive coaches allowed at first and third base coaching boxes only. Defensive coaches behind second base and shortstop.
5.  Length of Game:  Teams must be off the field, 1 hour forty five minutes after the schedule start time regardless of how many innings have been played. In the case of darkness both managers should agree that a safety factor exists and game play suspended. 7 innings is the most innings in a softball game but Instructional teams will never be able to play 7 innings in the 1 hour and 45 minute time limit.
6. Number of Players: 10 players is the maximum number of offensive players allowed on a softball field. The infield will consist of a pitcher, a catcher, a first baseman, second baseman, a third baseman and a shortstop, (player in between 2nd and 3rd bases) 4 outfielders consisting of, left fielder, left center fielder, right center fielder, and right fielder; The pitcher shall be placed outside the 9’ arc and near the coach if a coach is pitching and the catcher (if a coach is not catching), will be behind home plate in full catchers gear, Catchers helmet and mask with a throat protector, chest protector and leg guards. When a player catches or warms up a pitcher they must be in full catchers gear. No exceptions. Other players can be added to the outfield if both managers agree.
7. Number of Players required for a Game: Coaches have the option of starting a game with less than 8 players and if agreeable coaches may exchange players so a game can begin. The aim of the league is instruction and to have fun. We want the girls to learn the basics of softball and enjoy the experience.
8. Eligibility to Play: No player will be allowed to play that is not on the league roster at the start of the season. Because of  insurance reasons.
9. Batting Order:  Prior to the start of the game the managers should exchange the batting orders. All players will be placed on a continuous batting order and bat during the entire game as their turn occurs.  All girls’ bat and then the next team will get up and all the other girls’ on that team bat. 3 outs do not apply in the first inning.
10. Records and Scoring: The score book will record outs and runs scored for ends of innings only starting after the first inning. No final score is kept at this level.
11. Players in the Field: All 10 girls play the field, 9 if a coach is catching. No player may sit out more than 2 innings in any game.
12. Base Running: No stealing allowed. Runners can  leave the bag after the ball leaves the pitchers hand.
13. Stop Play: Play stops when the ball is thrown into the pitching circle. Control of the ball is not necessary. Runners halfway to the next base are awarded that base.
14. Over Throw: 1 Base on an over throw. Please use good judgment when it comes to running around the bases. Coaches should use discretion and not humiliate either team by running up the score.
15. Out of Play Ball: Thrown balls behind the fence or backstop are out of play and the base runner is awarded one base. Balls hit deep into the outfield are in play and runners are entitled to as many bases as they can reach safely. Coaches should instruct their players to keep running until play has stopped.
16. Sportsmanship: There will not be umpires. Coaches should be fair, reasonable, and show good sportsmanship at all times. Disagreements should be resolved amicably. Coaches are expected to set good examples for players.
17. Hit Batter: A dead ball is called when a pitched ball hits a batter. The batter will be awarded first base and other base runners advance.
18. Disorderly Conduct: Disorderly or unruly persons will be asked to leave the playing area. If they are parents of participating children, the child’s coach will politely ask them to refrain from disrupting the game. If order cannot be maintained, the coaches will suspend the game.
19. Thrown Bat: Batters should be instructed to not throw the bat after hitting the ball.
20. Wet Field: The League President,  Vice-President or Umpire-in Chief decides whether to cancel a game. Coaches should call the rainout telephone number signup for email notification or check the the website, www.mwgsl.org,  if in doubt.
21. Bench Area: Players are to remain in the bench area behind the fence when not on the field or at bat. No one is to stand behind the backstop, including spectators. Coaches will enforce this rule.
22. Helmets: Batting helmets with faceguards and chin straps are to be worn by players when batting or while base running.
23. No, " On Deck" Batters: Players must stay in the dugout area until it's their turn at bat.
24. Uniforms: All players must wear team shirts and caps, and must have suitable shoes. No sandals, leather shoes, slip on sneakers, or the like. Molded cleats are allowed. Baseball pants are preferred, sweat pants or other suitable long pants are required. Players wearing inappropriate clothing will not be allowed to play.
25. Jewelry: No hanging jewelry, bracelets or earrings of any kind (medic alert jewelry is okay as long as it is tucked in or taped).
26. Offensive Behavior: Smoking, profanity, or obscene gestures by participants will not be allowed. A player attempting to injure another player intentionally or coaches showing un-sportsmanlike conduct will be removed from the game and may be suspended for the season. A disciplinary hearing by the League Board may be requested.
27. Bunting: None allowed.
28. Pitching.  The coach will pitch to players for the first 4 weeks of the season.
     1st Inning: Coach pitches 8 pitches to his or her batter.  All players bat, no called strikes or balls. If the batter doesn't hit the ball after 8 pitches, she sits down. If she fouls off the last pitch, she gets another pitch. 3 swings without hitting the ball and she is out.
     Starting on the 4th Saturday after opening day players will begin to pitch to batters after the first inning of coach pitch.
     2nd Inning: The pitcher must start with both feet on the pitcher's plate and is allowed only one step past the plate while in the act of pitching. No Crow-hop.  Instructional pitcher will pitch 5 pitches to batter, after 5 pitches, a coach will finish pitching 3 additional pitches to the batter. If the batter does not hit the ball, she will sit down and the "At Bat", will count as an out after the 2nd inning. If she fouls off the last pitch, she gets another pitch. The coach should remain on the pitchers mound the entire half inning. A coach will remain in the pitchers circle.
         3 swings without hitting the ball is out. A foul ball is not a 3rd strike. There are no called strikes or balls. No walks.
         3 outs or 5 runs per inning and teams switch offensive and defensive positions after the first inning. All batter will bat the first inning.
         3 outs and 5 runs do not apply to the first inning.
         Batters should be encouraged to swing at hittable pitches.

• Both sides make good plays please acknowledge both teams effort. Both sides win.  Every girl that plays is a winner, make them all feel that they are winners.

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Understand the Rules: Coaches and players should understand these rules. Coaches should take time during practices to review these rules with players. Who is allowed on the Field? Only players listed on the team roster, are allowed on the field during practice and games. Food and Beverages: No eating food or gum chewing is permitted during the game. Players are encouraged to bring water bottles to practices and games.

                   Doctor’s Note: Players missing games due to extreme injuries (such as bone breaks, sprains, etc.) must present a doctor’s note indicating the player’s readiness to play before a coach can clear the player for games.

Contact Penny DeMartin 2005 Instructional Coordinator 782-3172
for questions, problems or game rescheduling. E-mail- Penny