14 & Under- Allyson Barden Division 
Philosophies
§ The philosophy of the 14U Softball (Allyson Barden Division) is to provide a softball experience that is fun, safe, and challenging.
§ Every player is to be taught the fundamentals of the game and the value of teamwork.
§ Since each team will be involved in the league playoffs, winning should not be the highest priority, though coaches should be aware of the competitive instincts of most players at the 14U Softball (Allyson Barden Division) level.
§ It is in the best interest of all involved that coaches pay particular attention to the physical and emotional development of ten year-old players, and allow sufficient, quality playing time to foster their advancement.
§ Coaches, players, and parents are to be held to a high standard of behavior in which they support their teammates and respect their opponents.
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 five players and then they will discontinue drafting until all other teams have filled to five players. Teams will then resume drafting until all teams fill their rosters.
§ Children and grandchildren of managers (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 siblings 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.
|
14U Division |
| Ball Size |
12" |
| Min.# of players to start game |
8 |
| # players on field |
9 Players |
| Substitutions |
• Free Substitution
• No change to batting order
• Rules regarding pitcher removal apply |
| Minium play time per player |
• 1/2 the game
|
| Pitchers required to wear masks | Yes |
| Pitching Distance |
43 ft.. |
| Game time |
7 Innings |
| Min. Game Time |
5 Innings (4-1/2 if home team is ahead) |
| Leading |
• Once ball leaves the pitchers hand
• Once ball in circle runner must commit or out |
| Stealing |
Yes - including steal of home |
| Head First Slide |
No |
| Batting |
All Players Bat through order |
| Bunting Allowed |
Yes |
| Drop 3rd Strike |
Yes, if first is not occupied |
| 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 gam | 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 (8 pm*). 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
14U Softball (Allyson Barden Division) will use two Senior Umpires (patched) for each game. Deviations from this format will be at the discretion of the GKYBSA VP of 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 Doctors 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.