Philosophies
§ The philosophy of the 10U Softball Division is to give the players the guidance to improve on the skills needed to prepare for possible advancement to the 12U
§ This should be done with the emphasis on team play and improving on fundamental skills instead of wins and losses.
§ Players should be allowed to play multiple positions while keeping their safety as a key goal. Players should not be put into playing positions where their safety will be compromised.
§ Fairness should be used in giving all players adequate playing time to allow for the skills taught to be put into use during game situations.
§ Our primary goal in 10U is to give players the instruction needed to improve on their skills while having fun playing the game of Softball.
Drafting Rules
- The order of the draft will be determined by lottery on or before draft night. Draft order will be reversed from the selected number on the even rounds of the draft. Example: Draft order 1-9 for round 1, 9-1 for round 2, etc.
- All teams will draft until they have 5 players and then they will discontinue drafting until all other team rosters have filled to 5 players. All teams will then resume until all players have been drafted.
- A maximum of up to two children and grandchildren of manager’s (only) are automatically placed on the manager’s team (at the manager’s option) before the start of the draft.
- Two assistant coach may be named before the start of the draft. Assistant Coach’s children may be added to the team’s roster before the start of the draft.
- If a player drafted has an eligible brother/sister in the draft the sibling will be added to the roster immediately.
- Parents shall notify the board at or before tryouts of any special coaching requests. The board will consider all reasonable requests but cannot guarantee the request will be granted.
Playing Rules
The Official Softball Division of Babe Ruth Rules and Regulations will apply, except as noted by the Greater Keene Youth Baseball and Softball Association.
At least 1-1/2 hr or 2 hr Max of scheduled start time (inning in progress is allowed to complete; No new inning may begin within 15 minutes of required end time (8pm*). Official start time will be agreed upon by umpires if present. If no umpire is present, start time will be agreed upon by coaches.
|
10U Division |
| Ball Size |
11" |
| Min.# of players to start game |
8 |
| Pitchers required to wear masks | Yes |
| # players on field |
Min - 6 (complete infield) Max - 10 (up to 4 in outfield) |
| Substitutions |
• Free Substitution
• No change to batting order
• Rules regarding pitcher removal apply |
| Minium play time per player |
• 1/2 the game
• 2 innings of infield***Unless The game is shortened due to time or mercy*** |
| Pitching Distance |
35 ft. |
| Game time |
6 Innings |
| Min. Game Time |
4 Innings (3-1/2 if home team is ahead) |
| Leading |
• Once ball leaves the pitchers hand (BR - 7.12)
• Once ball in circle runner must commit or out |
| Stealing |
Yes - can not steal home |
| Head First Slide |
No |
| Batting |
All Players Bat through order |
| Bunting Allowed |
Yes |
| Drop 3rd Strike |
No |
| Scoring |
Yes |
| Pitching |
• Kid Pitch - Windmill
• 4 balls = walk; 3 strikes=out
• Pitchers are limited to 3 innings per game and no more than 10 innings per calendar week (Mon-Sun). (This does not apply to playoffs).
• Pitch Visit - 2 per player per inning |
| HBP Limits |
3 HBP; removed for min 2 inning |
| Walks allowed |
Yes |
| Run Rule | • 6 runs per half inning (No continuation) & 10 run mercy rule after 4-1/2 innings
• 7th Inning or designated last inning - no limit |
| Req'd game End time | At least 1-1/2 hr or 2 hr Max of scheduled start time (inning in progress is allowed to complete; No new inning may begin within 15 minutes of required end time (8pm*). Official start time will be agreed upon by umpires if present. If no umpire is present, start time will be agreed upon by coaches.
*** City of Keene ordinance no inning may begin after 8pm on a non-lighted field*** |
| Umpires |
Umpire |
| Playoffs |
Yes - Single Elimination |
| Overthrows |
Yes |
| Infield Fly Rule |
Yes |
| Cleats |
Rubber
|
| Everyone must wear a catchers mask when catching for a pitcher | Yes |
| ***Any rule not addressed above, refer to Official Babe Ruth Rule book*** | |
| * BR = Official Babe Ruth Rules* | |
Umpires
10U Softball Division will use a Senior Umpire (patched) and a Junior Umpire for each game. Deviations from this format will be at the discretion of the GKYBSA VP of Keene Babe Ruth Softball .
League Playoffs
All teams will compete in a Single elimination playoff format. Playoff seeding will be according to the regular season final standings.
Tie breakers will be decided as follows:
§ Head to head record with tied team(s).
§ Head to head versus teams finishing ahead in the standings.
§ Runs allowed versus tied teams.
§ Coin toss will be used to determine playoff position if required.
Home team will be determined by highest seeded position for all games.
All playoff games must be played to completion. (In event game suspended due to darkness, Game can be completed on a lighted field from point of suspension on that or next available night). Trophies will be awarded to the top 2 teams
Safety
In case of injury that prevents a child from participation in a game, a letter from the child’s parents will be required for the child to return to league activity. Children with a cast on an arm or hand that prevents them from gripping the bat properly will not be allowed to participate in games or practices. Players should not return to play without a note of clearance from octors or parents.
Managers
§ Anyone wishing to become a manager in any league must fill out the application for manager/coach position and return it to the league commissioner. All Coaches will be subject to a nationwide background check with NH State Police or authorized agency.
§ All Coaches must have completed Babe Ruth League/Ripken Softball Coaching Certification Program. Coaches who successfully pass the Babe Ruth League Coaching Education and Certification Program will receive a certification that is valid for their entire coaching career with Babe Ruth League, Inc. This also applies to any coach who has already taken and successfully passed the Babe Ruth Coaching Education and Certification Program.
§ All managers will be subject to a performance review by the Board of Directors.
§ Managers must return all equipment at the end of the season as directed by the league commissioner.
§ Any Manager or Coach who is ejected from the game will result in banishment from that game plus the following two games. Coaches may not attend games from which they are suspended. If a player or coach is ejected twice in a season, the minimum penalty shall be suspension for the remainder of the season, including playoffs.