AAA Rules
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2024 AAA AGSL Rules

We will follow the 2024 “Official Softball Rule Book” and the House League Rules with the following exceptions: 

 Game/Times:

  1. A game consists of six (6) full innings, except when called due to bad weather, darkness, or lateness.  Then four (4) complete innings shall constitute an official game.  
  2.  If the game is tied after the final inning, both teams will be awarded with a tie, except during playoffs where play will  continue until there is a winner. 
  3. No team may score more than five (5) run limit does not apply in the sixth inning or the inning agreed upon to be the final inning of the game.  A scorebook must be used to keep record of the games.    

Pitching/Hitting: 

  1.  The pitching rubber is 35 feet from the back point of home plate.  Note: Most fields have the pitching rubber at 40 feet. Equipment is available in the garage if the rubber is wrong.  Ask the Director on Duty for Assistance. 
  2.  Each pitcher is limited to three (3) innings per game, consecutive or non-consecutive.  During playoffs, extra innings do not count as accumulated innings.  One pitch in any inning will be considered an inning.  
  3. Exceptions to the three (3) innings limits is as follows:  Travel players are limited to pitching two (2) innings in a game. Travel players cannot pitch the last inning of the game.      
  4. When the batter has four called balls, the coach will throw the remaining number of strikes in the count.  The umpire will call balls/strikes for the batter when the coach is pitching.  If the batter gets 3 strikes, the batter is out.  There will be no do- overs for pitches considered unhittable.  A foul ball will be considered as such and the batter will get another pitch.  The intent of this rule is to move the game along. 
  5.  When a pitched ball hits a batter, it is the umpire's judgement as to whether a concerted effort was made to get out of the way or not.  If it is determined that an effort was made indeed made, the batter will be awarded first base (hit by pitch is not a walk.  If no effort was made a ball or strike will be called and the hitter will stay for her remaining pitches. 
  6. Dropped third strike rule is not in effect.  The batter is out on a dropped third strike.  
  7. Bunting will be allowed approximately half way through the season.  The division coordinator will notify the coaches of the exact date. 

 Uniform and Equipment: 

The teams will use 11 inch balls provided by the league.  The home team supplies both game balls for the game. 

 Umpire:

*New in 2024- We are working towards hiring paid umpires.

In the AAA (Instructional) Level, parent volunteers  or a competent adult (over the age of 15) will serve as umpires to determine safe or out on the bases along with balls and strikes from behind the pitcher.  

Each game will require one volunteer from each team, alternating innings. 

The coaches from both teams will meet with the umpires prior to the start of the game to clarify rules for the division.  The umpire's rulings are considered final. 

There will be a zero tolerance of arguing with the umpire by anyone. if a problem arises, ask the Director on Duty for assistance. 

 Defense/Baserunning: 

  1.  A maximum of 10 fielders can on the playing field at one time.  There must be 4 outfielders: they must be on the grass evenly spread out.  There must be 6 infielders: first base, second base, shortstop, third base, pitcher and a catcher. 
  2. Every player, present at the game, must play a minimum of three (3) innings in the field.  Coaches should rotate which layer sit out an inning from game to game, so that it is not the same players always sitting out.  All players are required to play at least 2 innings of infield.  The batting order includes every player (present at the game).  All players bat in order, regardless of being in the field in any given inning.  Players arriving late should be inserted at the bottom of the order (to avoid skippied in the batting order). Please make every effort to give players the opportunity to try different positions in the field. 
  3. The infield fly rule is NOT in effect.   
  4. Base stealing is not allowed.  However, to get the girls ready for stealing in the next levels, a baserunner may leave the base after the ball has left the pitcher's hand- no more than a few steps.  If the ball is not hit by the batter, the baserunner may continue to advance and does not have to return to the base after taking a slight lead off. 
  5.  Base runners may advance one (1) base on an overthrow.  
  6.  After a ball has been hit in fair territory, base runners are allowed as many bases at their own risk until the ball is dead.  The ball is considered dead at the time when the pitcher has control of the  "Pitching Circle."  If a runner is less than half way she must return to the previous base.