10U RULES

All MHSAA rules apply unless specified below:

Bases will be 60’ and pitching machine distance at 35’. There will be a pitching circle measuring 16’ diameter. An 11” ball will be used.  (**NEW 2024) The first 3 innings of the game will be with a pitching machine and the following 3 innings or remainder of the game will be live pitch.  A pitcher may not exceed 9 outs in one game.

 Pitching machine speeds will be  40 MPH for the whole season.

A batter will be allowed three (3) swinging strikes or four (4) hittable pitches when using the pitching machine.  Any swinging strike is considered a hittable pitch (regardless of location), or any pitch called a strike by the umpire is a hittable pitch.  The batter is not out if the 4th hittable pitch is a foul ball. (Note: there are no walks when using the pitching machine).

Pitching Rules:

A pitcher is limited to three (3) innings or nine (9) outs per game. Only the starting pitcher may re-enter the game one (1) time as a pitcher, provided two innings or six outs have not been exceeded. At the beginning of each ½ inning or when a pitcher relieves another, not more than one (1) minute will be used to deliver no more than five (5) pitches.

GAME TIME RULES:

Regulation game will consist of six (6) innings, no new inning after 1 hour and 15 minutes.  If one game is scheduled on that field that evening, there will be no inning starting after 1 hour and 30 minutes of play from the start time.

If 2 games are scheduled that evening the first game will begin at 6:00, and no new inning will

begin after 1 hour and 15 minutes. IF THERE IS A second game the first game will be dead at 7:20. The second game begins no later than 7:35, and is limited to 1 hour and 25 minutes from the time it starts (9:00pm game is over).

The umpire or field supervisor may stop a game at anytime he/she believes conditions are unsafe for play. Coaches and parents need to have teams ready to start the game at the scheduled time!

HITTING RULES

Pitchers and batters must wear a protective face guard

1.  A maximum of ten (10) players may be used for fielding purposes, 4 of which must be in the

outfield and 6 in the infield. If not playing on a regulation size softball field, an arc

measuring 20’ from the back corner of all bases (except home plate) will be drawn.

All outfielders must be behind this arc at the time of the pitch, and can move forward after

the release of the ball.

2. Every player is included in the batting order. The batting order will remain continuous

throughout the game, and all players must play in the field at least two innings.

3. A five run rule will be enforced. An inning will consist of three outs or five runs, with the

exception of the last inning (only the sixth inning), where both the home and visiting team can

score unlimited runs.

4. A mercy rule is as follows:

• If a team is leading by 15 or more runs after 4 complete innings, the mercy rule will be applied
• If a team is leading by 10 or more runs after 5 complete innings, the mercy rule will be applied

5. Play stops once the pitcher has control of the ball and two feet inside the pitcher’s (16’ circle).

The umpire shall determine the position of each runner.   The runner will advance to the next base if more than 3/4 of the way to the next base, or return to the previous base.

6. Bunting is allowed on LIVE PITCH ONLY!!

7. Teams may start a game with a minimum of 8 players. If a player arrives late for the game she must be entered last in the batting order.

8. If a player leaves, or is injured during the game and is unable to bat her position in the batting order she will be skipped with no out recorded.

9. In the event of a player shortage, girls from only the 7-8 age group are legal to participate. Girls from the other 9-10 girls team may also fill in the roster spot if needed. Any player addition must play the outfield and bat at the end of the line-up for the entire game. This should only take place if you have 8 or less players for a game.

10. Unlimited substitutions of defensive players are allowed, but the original batting order must

remain the same.

11. If a ball is overthrown trying to make a play on a runner or batter/runner all runners may advance (at their own risk) to all bases. Play will be considered “live” until the pitcher has control of the ball and two feet inside the circle.

12. Runners are allowed to steal all bases during the entire game. The runner cannot leave the base until the pitched ball crosses home plate. Delayed steals are not allowed. If a runner leaves before the pitch crosses the plate,  the ball will be called dead immediately, and is ruled a no pitch—runners may not advance, and must return to the base occupied before the pitch. The runner that left early will be called “out”*. This rule also applies for runners that leave any other base early.  NO stealing home during machine play.  Stealing home is allowed during live pitch.

*First offense for leaving early will be a team warning 

**NEW for 2023** There will be a hash mark placed ¾  way between all bases. If the ball is returned to the pitcher while in the 16’ circle, the runner must return to the base without penalty or a play being made on her.  This includes during steal attempts.

13. Each team will receive one warning per game for throwing a bat. The second violation of any team members throwing the bat shall be called out. (This is a dead ball situation).

14. There is no infield fly rule.

15.  If a fielder has the ball and is in position to make a play on a runner, the runner must avoid an intentional collision. If the runner, in the opinion of the umpire, intentionally or maliciously

collides with the fielder, she will be called out.  If there will be a play at home plate, runner must slide or will be called out.

16. In order to prevent delays, a courtesy runner for is required for the catcher which will be

the last out recorded.

17. No dropped third strike on Live Pitch or Machine Pitch. A batter may not advance to first base if the catcher fails to catch or hold onto a third strike.

18. No jewelry is to be worn during games. Starter earrings must be taped.

19. All uniforms provided by each organization must be worn. No sandals or metal cleats.

20. All equipment and teammates must remain inside the dugout, with the exception of the on deck batter. Batter and on deck batter must have helmets on until they reach the dugout.

21. Home team scorebook is the official score.

22. Managers only may question an umpire’s book rule interpretation--- NOT JUDGMENT CALLS.

The manager must question the call before the next pitch.

23. No harassment by coaches, spectators, or players will be permitted. Managers are responsible for conduct of coaches, spectators, and players. Unruly spectators may be asked to leave or cause forfeiture of the game.

25. No tee-ball bats are permitted. Only bats with the ASA symbol are legal bats for play.

26. NFHS rules are in place unless specified above. Refer to your latest edition of NFHS softball

rules for specific details.

27.  Each player must play a minimum of two (2) innings, at the coaches discretion, unless a player is unable to play due to injury, sickness, or disciplinary reasons.

* Only coaches and scorekeepers are allowed in the dugout during the game.

Coaches must attempt to maintain an orderly and safe dugout environment at all times.

**Please make sure the dugout is cleaned up after each game. Also, encourage your fans to

pick up after themselves at all times.

Before each game discuss any roster changes that might have occurred and make it

known to each coach what age girls are.