1. Pitching Rules
2. Batting and Base Running
3. Official Line-up of Players and Substitutes
4. Basics of Playing the Game
5. Equipment
6. Definitions
7. Regulations
of the “Playing Field”
8. Umpire’s Rights and Responsibilities
9. Tournament and League Play Guidelines
10. 8-Under Special Rules
11. 10-Under Special Rules
12. 18-Under, 18-Over Special Rules
13. USFA Sportsmanship Guidelines
These
are the general rules of Girl’s Fastpitch Softball. We believe that they should be simple and easy to read. This is
the same basic format of rulebooks from many years ago.Throughout
the years, many organizations have added to the basic rules so much that the rulebooks have become very complex and hard to
follow. There needs to be rules to regulate the game. It is our hopes that the game can be played in the manner set forth
by these guidelines. Let’s get the girls on the field and let them play this game the way it is supposed to be played.
I would like to thank all of the Fastpitch coaches and umpires that have helped to create this book in a streamline fashion.
We do not want to leave any important information out of this book but we do not want to sacrifice the simplicity of the format
either. I would like to thank all of the participants of USFA Fastpitch. It is the great teams, parents, coaches and umpires
that make the USFA the premiere Fastpitch Organization in theCountry. It is our goal to continue to grow in a positive direction. We are Fastpitch people running a strictly
Fastpitch organization. It is a great honor and blessing that we serve the USFA Fastpitch Family. USFA
Official Rules of Girl’s FastpitchThe
following rules are the Official United States Fastpitch Association rules that will be in effect at all regional and National
Tournaments. Local areas may modify these rules to conform to their local high school rules and recreational league rules
only. Optional rules are common in regards to coach pitch versesmachine pitch in younger divisions. Using 11 defensive players in younger divisions is a recreational option designed
to get more girls in the game. Some States allow High School pitchers to take a backward step during the pitching delivery.
Local options are not necessarily endorsed by USFA, but demonstrate the flexibility and tolerance of the USFA. The USFA will
always be about thecan do’s and not the can’t
do’s. Safety rules are NOT FLEXIBLE. We will adhere to all safety rules in their fullest. We
will adhere to all Safety rules that are mandated by ASA, the governing body of softball.
Official
Pitching Rules1001: Before the
pitcher pitches the ball, she must do the following:1. Have possession of the ball2. Have
both feet in contact with the rubber3. Have both
hands separated
1002: The pitch begins when the hands are
no longer separated. The pitch delivery can be aborted by pitcher stepping off the Rubber in a backward step with her plant
foot.
1003: The delivery
must start no less than one second and no more than 10 seconds after the hands are in contact with each other.
1004: Pitcher’s foot movement:1. No backward movement (or backward step) during delivery2. A “Leap” or a “Crow Hop” is not permitted
during the pitching delivery, the plant foot cannot replant. There is no re planting of the foot allowed. The replanting of
the foot is considered a “crow hop”3.
After the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand, the plant foot can leave contact with the ground.
1005: Pitcher’s arm movement:1. Arm movement must be an underhand motion2. Pitcher can use backward movement of pitching arm at start of delivery3. Windmill or Slingshot style is acceptable4. The pitching arm cannot move over and past the pitcher’s head more than once before the ball
is delivered.5. If the underhanded arm movement is
more than 12” away from the parallel of the body, the pitch will be considered a sidearm pitch.
1006: Pitcher cannot stop her motion before the ball leaves her hand
1007: If the pitcher stops her wind
up (unless the umpire calls time for some reason) without releasing the ball, a balk (illegal pitch) will be called and a
ball will be awarded to the batter and base runners will advance one base.
*WT
REC DIVISION RULE ONLY*In all age divisions each pitcher who enters a game shall be given one warning before a balk or illegal pitch is
called. The pitch that resulted in the warning will be considered as “no pitch”. The warning should also consist
of the umpire and coach addressing the player and explaining why they received the warning, and the proper delivery of the
pitch. The play clock will be stopped during this conference.
1008: Pitcher cannot have anything distracting on her pitching arm, hand, or wrist. Any sweatband must be flesh
in color on pitching wrist or arm.
1009: Pitcher can ask the umpire for a different ball at any given time before the start of her pitch. During wet
conditions, a coach can towel dry the balls for the pitcher.
1010: Intentional Walk: If the pitcher desires to intentionally walk a Batter, she can
notify the umpire of her intentions and the walk will be granted by the Umpire, No pitches need to be thrown to the intentionally
walked Batter.
Batting and
Base Running The
United States Fastpitch Association will use the following basic rules for Batting and Base Running:
2001: The girl is considered the batter when she takes her place in the
batter’s box.
2002: The batter can call time by lifting her hand and stepping one foot out of the box. The Umpire can grant the
batter time out if the pitcher has not started her pitch. If time is not granted, she will take the called pitch.
2003: Batting out of order can be
appealed to the umpire by the defense:1.
Infraction appealed during illegal batter: the correct batter takes over and assumes the pitch count.
2. Infraction
appealed after illegal batter has batted but before next pitch: the illegal batter is out and any base advances will
return to their position prior to the illegal batter’s bat. The correct spot in the line up
must be resumed. Example: (Batter #5 is the position of illegal bat. The correct spot in the line
up would now be Batter #6.)
3. Infraction appealed after illegal batter has batted and after next pitch:
the play stands. All Base runners remain where they are.
4. Batter positions on the line up sheet are determined by the player’s name and not the jersey number. Improperly
recorded position numbers and player numbers are correctable errors.
2004: The
batter is out when the following happens:1.
Batter steps on the plate when hitting the ball in fair or foul territory.2. Batter steps out of the batter’s box when hitting ball in fair territory.3. Batter fouls off third strike while trying to bunt4. Catcher catches third strike foul tip.
2005: The batter can advance to first base when
the followinghappens:1. Batter is pitched
4 balls.2. Batter is hit by pitch (unless the ball is in the strike zone or Swung at).3. Catcher drops third strike with one or less outs
(when no base runner occupies first base). Or with 2 outs. Exception to dropped 3rd
strike: If the batter enters the Dead ball area, she will be called out. This takes away
a lot of judging by the umpire if the girl was walking to the dugout or not.4. When the catcher interferes with the batter’s
bat while batter is swinging at the pitched ball, or anytime during a pitch.
2006: The base runner must run the bases in order when advancing or retreating.
2007: When a base runner misses a bag, the play
is appeal able to the Umpire by the defensive coach, or any Player on the field. Appeal must be made before the next pitch
(except coach pitch) is delivered.
2008: If a base runner attempts to advance to the next base while pitcher has possession of the ball in
the pitcher’s circle, she must continue to the next base. Any attempt to retreat back to previous base (without pitcher
attempting to make play on base runner) the base runner will be called out. This is called “hesitation” or “Look
back” rule. (The Base runner can turn the corner and look for the ball. This is not an attempt to advance to the next
base.)
2009: Base runners
may attempt to steal only after the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand during her delivery of the pitch.
2010: Base runner cannot run out of the base
path to avoid a tag. This will result in base runner being called out.Base Path: The path between the bases. 3ft on both sides of the bag that runs parallel
from the base pad and centerline. Base runners position also establish base path.
2011: Base
runner should avoid contact with the defensive player at any base, if there is a defensive play being made. (This is for the
safety of the girls). Any aggressive act will result in base runner being called out. Catcher cannot block the plate without
having possession of the ball.
2012: Base
runner cannot interfere with a defensive player making a play on the ball. This results in the runner being out and all base
runners will return to previous bag before the interference occurred.
2013: If the batted ball hits a base runner before a defensive
player touches the ball, the base runner is out. Exception would be a base runner that is hit by a batted ball that has advanced
past the defensive player’s playing position. The base runner would not be called out.
2014: Base runner cannot leave her base during
a caught fly ball until the ball is touched by defensive player’s glove or body.
Official Line-Up of Players and Substitutes The United States Fastpitch Association has adapted the following rules.
The official line-ups are for league and tournament play. They will be used for all State, Regional and National play.
3001: Team must start
with nine defensive players
3002: Another
option is using “extra players”. Using nine regular players and up to three “extra players”. There
would be 10, 11, 12 totals players on the line-up sheet. Any nine can be used in the field with 10 11 or 12 batters. (This
line-up is designed to get more players in the game). Three of the players would have EP as their position. Any of the 10,
11 or 12 players can be used for defense. The coach can change the defensive players at any time using the 10, 11 or 12 players
from theline-up sheet. EP must be
used the entire game. If a player getsinjured
and there are no substitutes on the bench, the injured player’s name is scratched through the line-up. There is no out
penalty as long as there are at least 9 players left on the line-up.Coaches Rule Change Request HonoredDEFO Position added: In addition to the 3 EPs allowed under USFA rules, teams may also
add a “defense only” player to their lineups.Rule Clarification: USFA rules now allow for up to 13 players in the lineup, (12 of which may bat)
by using nine regular players, up to three “extra players” (EPs) and a “defense only player” (DEFO).
There may be 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 total players on the lineup sheet; any nine can be used on defense, with 9, 10, 11, or 12
batters. For purposes of simplicity, if a coach chooses to use a DEFO and only 9 batters, one of the 9 batters will be considered
an EP.Exception: If the DEFO is
used, that player must remain on defense throughout the game, unless inserted into the lineup “once” for any of
the three EPs, or replaced on defense, in which case the DEFO position would be eliminated for the remainder of the game.
3003: Substitute players shall be listed on the line-up sheet. They can be used at any given time during
the game. The original player can reenter the game at any given time. The Substitute may also re enter once.
3004: Courtesy runners are allowed for pitchers
and catchers. The courtesy runner must be used prior to the next pitch being delivered. Courtesy runner will be a substitute
player. If there are no substitute players, the courtesy runner will be the last batted out. If the last batted out is a pitcher
or catcher, the courtesy runner will be the second to last batted out.NOTE: For purposes of defining a courtesy runner, a Substitute is defined as any member
of the team written on the line-up sheet who is not currently in the batting order.
3005: All
line-up sheets will be turned in at the start of the game. One copy will be given to the plate umpire and one copy will be
given to the opposing team.
3006: If
a player is lost to injury or illness, that space in the line-up will be scratched through unless there are less than 9 players
on the line-up sheet. In that case, the affected spot will be an out when that spot comes up in the order. (Unless there is
a substitute player available to go in that spot).
3007: Any player ejected from the game will result in an out when that spot in the line-up comes up. (Unless
there is a substitute player available to go in that spot.) Minimum requirements for fielding a team are still active. A team
must have a minimum of 9 players on the lineup card, but can finish with a minimum of 8 players. The missing player inthe batting order would be an out. Less than 8 field able players on
the team will result in forfeit for that team.
3008: A player’s
age on December 31st of the previous calendar year determines the age classification in which the player is eligible to participate. The
season will run from September 1st to August 31st.Tournaments and leagues played
after September 1st will qualify teams for the following summer’s State and World Series Tournaments. All teams playing between September
1st and December
31st must play
by the following year’s eligibility classifications.NOTE: Teams may request a waiver to this rule from the Eastern or Western Regional Directors only.
3009: Age groups will be broken down as follows:1. 8-Under, 10-Under, 12-Under, 14-Under, 16-Under, 18-Under, 18-Over, High School. Due to small number
of kids in some localleagues, age groups can be modified
to meet the needs of a league.2. All fall league
teams will play up into the age group that they will be playing in for the upcoming year.
Basics
of Playing the GameThese are the basic
playing rules adapted by the United States Fastpitch Association. We will not mention the very basics, which are universal.
Balls, Strikes, Outs, Foul Ball, Fair ball, defensive interference, offensive interference, home run, triple, double, single,
walk, strike out, etc. These are some of the fundamental parts of the game that have been a part of the game since it wasinvented. Any organization that changes these rules is changing the foundation
of the game.
4001: The plate is considered in fair territory. A hit ball that hits the plate and remains fair, or is resting on the plate
is considered a fair ball.
4002: The
strike zone is when a pitched ball crosses any part of the plate in width and crosses anywhere from the batter’s knees
to her solar plex.
4003: The
game will be seven innings unless a run rule becomes in effect, or the game has been established in advance with a time limit.*WT REC DIVISION RULE ONLY*For all league and inter-league regular season games the following
time limits have been set.8U Division- 60 minutes, no new inning may start after 55 minutes.All Others- 75 minutes, no new inning may start after
70 minutes.
4004: The run rule will be 12 after 3 innings, 10runs after 4 innings, and 8 runs after 5 innings.
4005: Tie game after 7 innings or expired game
time limit:1.Some leagues will play extra innings until a winner is determined.
2.Tournaments will use international tiebreaker. (The last batted out becomes a base runner at second
base. Play until a winner isdetermined).
3.Some tournament formats will leave games in a tie due to scheduling restraints and maintaining a daily
tournament schedule.*WT REC
DIVISION RULE ONLY*For all regular season, and tournament games the international tiebreaker rule will go into effect when either 7 innings
have been completed or time has elapsed.
4006: Determining home team:
1.Leagues may pre-determine this on a schedule or use coin toss.
2.Tournaments will use coin toss before the start of the game. It is
customary to let the team that has come the farthest distance to call the coin toss.
4007: When the ball
is “dead”:1. When “no pitch” is called by the umpire
2.When a fly ball in foul territory is not caught
3.Offensive interference
4.When the batter or base runner is hit by the batted ball before the
ball is touched by a fielder
5.When the umpire calls “time”
4008: When the ball is “live”:1.Any batted fair
ball
2.Any fair ball that is in
the playable field of play
3.Any and all times
before an umpire calls “time”
4.When an umpire is hit by a thrown ball or batted ball.
5.When a base coach is accidentally hit by a thrown ball
Equipment
This
is the equipment to be used while playing in official United States Fastpitch Association events. As a rule, equipment must
be standard approved equipment that is properly marked with “Official Softball” or similar markings that certify
the equipment. All official safety equipment must be used and properly markedas certified.
5001:
All bats must be unaltered Official Softball bats. The umpire prior
to the game will check all bats. Any illegal bats will be removed from the dugout prior to the game. All bats must be stamped
with BPF 1.20 or less. The governing body of Softball maintains a list of illegal bats and USFA will enforce this. Use of
illegal bat will result in an automatic out and ejection of player using the bat. Blatant offense will lead to team being
ejected from the tournament.
5002: All
balls must be 12” in diameter with .47 C.O.R. or less. 10-under must use 11”diameter with .47 C.O.R. or less.
Color and stitching are optional, as long as all the balls are the same in color for any one game.Check Website for updated list of illegal balls.
5003: All batting helmets and catching gear must be approved and in original condition. (Numbers and personalized
designs are okay).Player safety
is the main concern.
5004: Shoes and socks must be worn and plastic cleats arerecommended. (Metal cleats are now allowed for 16-U and 18-U divisions).
5005: Hats and visors are permissible. They are optional between each individual player.
5006: All jewelry is prohibited. The only exception
being medical alert bracelets, which must be worn on the glove hand.
5007: Numbers must be worn on uniforms, with no 2 players on a team having the same number.
5008: All Helmets must have NOCSAE approved
face guards. Defensive face guards are recommended and endorsed by USFA.*WT REC DIVISION RULE ONLY*All players must also be outfitted with approved chinstraps
in all league, inter-league, and tournament play. 8U catchers must be outfitted with proper shin guards and chest protector.
Instead of catchers mask, they may use a batting helmet with the proper face protection.
Definitions
6001: Altered
bat: When the physical structure of a legal softball bat has beenchanged.
6002:
Appeal: a play in which
the umpire cannot make a call on until a player or head coach asks the umpire first.
6003: Base path: the path between the bases. Three feet on
both sides of the bag that runs parallel from the base pad and centerline. Base runners position also establishes base path.
6004:
Base runner: an offensive
batter that has just put the ball in playbecomes a base runner.
6005: Bunt: when a batter taps the pitched ball and attempts
to put the ball inplay.
6006: Conference: Anytime a head coach gets permission to suspend play to talk to the players. Only 1 offensive or defensive conference
allowed per ½ innings, except to replace a pitcher. Replaced pitcher must pitch to at least one batter. Umpire has
a right to end a conference early if the Umpire determines a coach is trying to stall a game. This call will not be questioned
or appealed by a coach.
6007: Leap, Crowhop or Replant: When the pitcher’s pivot foot leaves the ground or is planted more than once during the delivery
of a pitch. The foot can drag but cannot be “replanted”. Medical officials have deemed replanting hazardous to
the pitcher’s knees.
6008: Dead ball: When the ball is not in play. Umpire will declare, “Dead ball”
6009: Fake tag: When a defensive player makes the motion of
tagging a base runner when there is no actual play being made. Penalty could be ejection of the offending player.
6010:
Foul tip: When the batted
ball is glanced off the bat and into the catcher’s glove.
6011: Obstruction: The Act of a Defensive team member who
hinders or impedes a batter or runner.
6012: Hit
by pitch: When the pitched ball hits the batter and the batter is not swinging
at the ball or a strike is not called. Dead ball results with the batter advancing to first base.
6013:
Illegal bats: Is a bat
that does not meet the requirements of an official bat. Dictated by Governing Body.
6014: Infield fly rule: A batted pop fly in the infield with
1 or less outs when a base runner occupies at least 1st and 2nd base. When umpire calls infield
fly, the batter is out.
6015: Interference: any time an offensive player deliberately affects the outcome of a play in a physical manner.
6016:
Live ball: Any and all
times that the ball is in play or until the umpire calls “time” or “dead ball”.
Regulations of the “Playing Field”
These are the basic dimensions for the playing field for each individual age
group. The United States Fastpitch Association will use these dimensions for all official events. Maximum fence distances
can be further if there is no way possible to bring playing field into legal distance. Temporary fences are recommended to
bring fields into legalbounds. Age Pitching
Base Fence8-Under 35 feet 60 feet 150-225
feet10-Under 35 feet 60 feet 150-225
feet12-Under 40 feet 60 feet
180-225 feet14-Under
40 feet 60
feet 200-225 feet16-Under 40 feet 60
feet 200-225 feet18-U (40) 40 feet 60
feet 200-225 feet18-U (43) 43 feet 60
feet 200-225 feet18-Over 43 feet
60 feet 200-225 feet High School 40/43** 60
feet 200-225 feet*distance based upon availability of playing field**High school group is a combined age group of 16u and 18u**Local High School pitching distances vary
7001:
There will be a 16-foot diameter circle drawn evenly around the pitching rubber.
7002: The batter’s box will be to the left and to the right of
the plate. They will be 3 feet wide and 7 feet long. Four feet toward the pitching rubber from the center of the plate.
7003: Base lines will extend out
3 feet on both sides of the base parallel to the centerline. (Total of 6 feet wide).
7004: Coaching boxes and on-deck batter’s boxes are required.
Umpires Rights and ResponsibilitiesThese are the standard guidelines adapted by the United States Fastpitch
Association that governs the rights and responsibilities of the umpires.
8001: The umpire is responsible to keep control of the game.
8002: The umpire has the right to eject any player, coach, or fan, for
any unsportsmanlike behavior.
8003: Any judgment call that the umpire makes cannot be protested.
8004: Any call made that may be a misinterpretation of the rules can
be protested.
8005: A head coach can appeal to the plate umpire in the case of a batter on whether or not a check swing was checked
or not. (The field umpire might have a better view). The plate umpire does not have to grant the appeal.
8006: The umpire can suspend play
for any reason. Acts of nature, unruly conduct, etc.
8007: It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure sportsmanship in all events. An unruly
fan may place the entire team in jeopardy of ejection or possible forfeit.
Tournament and League Play Guidelines
These are the guidelines adapted by the United
States Fastpitch Association for running leagues and tournaments. Local directors may make modifications to accommodate local
needs.
9001: League play Guidelines:
1. Teams should be picked in a manner to ensure parity in the league.There is nothing worse than having a stacked team among a group of inexperienced
teams. League parity assures better games and a better chance of fair play.
2. At the end of the season, all-star teams can be picked and they should represent the best players that each individual
team has to offer.
3. Local all-star
tournaments should be rotated between the local area parks on a year-to-year basis.
4. A mid-season tournament is always a good way to raise money for local
leagues. The tournament should consist of all league teams within the area.
5.
Fundamentals should be taught to the players at all age groups and divisions.
Clinics should be arranged for all new coaches.
6. Sportsmanship and fair play should be stressed to all players andcoaches.
7. Sponsors should be appropriate for our youth to be
associated with.
8. Coaches should
try to keep the game fun. Never degrade or belittle a player. Abusive coaches should be weeded out of all local leagues.
9002:
Travel teams and tournament play:
1. Girls travel
teams are made up of many people who have devoted their summers together. The teams need to be well disciplined and chaperoned.
Safety on and off the field should be stressed.
2. Successful coaches know how to keep a good balance. Their teams are normally very fun and successful.
3. Tournament directors should remember who the customer
is and do the extra things that will assure the success of the tournament. Anyone can run a tournament, but not everyone can
run a great tournament.
4. Most teams like
the 4 or 5 game formats. No one wants to drive several hundred miles for a double elimination tournament. Sometimes bad weather
can shorten a tournament, but the director should make every effort to play as much as possible.
5. USFA State Directors will send appropriate registration forms and rulebooks
to help make your tournament a success. Contact your closest USFA Director for more details.
6. It is the Area/State Director’s responsibility to classify all
travel teams A, B or C. 18-U will now be classified as 40 ft. open and 43 ft. open.
9003: Have Fun! “Competitive
Fun”
8-Under (Coach Pitch) RulesIN 2009 “HASH MARKS” ARE TO BE USED IN 8U PLAY.1. 8 runs or 3 outs per ½ inning. Following the 3rd out or 8th run scored, all play is stopped so as to prevent injury.
2.
There will be 10 defensive players allowed on the field. There must be no more than 6 infielders. The outfielders must play
at least 10 feet beyond the bases.*WT
REC DIVISION RULE ONLY*During regular season and D Regional play an unlimited number of players may be in the lineup both defensively
and offensively, however only six are allowed in the infield.
3. 5 pitches or 3 swings, 5th
and consecutive fouls will not be counted against the 5 pitch count.
4. If coach is hit by pitch, dead ball and batter runner gets first, no one can move up unless forced.
5. The Coach-Pitcher
may pitch at any distance inside the 8 ft pitching circle and within the boundaries of the 24 inch pitching rubber. To clarify,
the Coach- Pitcher must be touching or be directly in front of the pitching rubber and use a straight ahead pitching approach.
Coach-Pitchers may not pitch from either side of the pitching rubber so as to gain the advantage of a directional hit. BOTH
FEET MUST REMAIN INSIDE THE CIRCLE AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE PITCH. Penalty: if at any time prior to release of the ball,
the Coach-Pitcher steps outside of the pitching circle or is outside the imaginary 24 inch pitching rubber boundaries, a strike
will be called on the batter.
6. While
the ball is in play, all runners are free to advance at their own risk.Play is stopped on defense by stopping the lead runner. Once the lead runner has been stopped, the ball is no longer
in play, the ball is thrown to the pitchers circle and no runner may advance.
Example #1: Runner “A” is at 2nd base when the batter (Runner “B”) hits the ball. Runner “A”
then runs and reaches third base safely, while the ball is fielded and is thrown to the 3rd
baseman that now possesses the ball and is capable of tagging Runner “A”
out if she was to attempt to advance. The Umpire declares play stopped. The ball is then thrown to the pitching circle and
Runner “B” is halted at 1st base.
Example
#2: Using the same scenario as Example #1, Runner “A” is at 2nd base when the batter (Runner “B”) hits the ball.
Runner “A” however is tagged outprior to reaching 3rd base. In this scenario, the ball is not dead, but rather Runner “B” would now become the lead runner and
may continue to advance at her ownrisk until she
is declared out or her progress is stopped by the defense, resulting in the umpire stopping play and the ball being thrown
to the pitching circle.7. Balls must be an approved.
(COR 0.47-11 inch. Optic yellow)8. Two coaches can
stand in the outfield in fouled ball area only. one on each side.(left side and right side)9. Girls can leave the base when the coach releases the pitch.
*WT REC DIVISION RULE ONLY*Players in this age division should be taught the importance of the proper technique and timing of
taking a lead even though base stealing is prohibited. Players should receive one warning for leaving early, after that they
will be called out. 10.
Run
rule is 12 after 3, 10 after 4, 8 after 5.
11. Unlimited amount of players on roster.
12. Can bat up to 12 players. Line-up
may consist of 10 players with up to 2 EP’s
13. Dead ball if Pitcher-coach is hit by pitch or interferes with the
play
14. No stealing, Bunting or Slapping
15. There will be no “Infield Fly Rule” for 8-Under10-Under Special Rules1. 11” ball (cor .47 or less will be used)2. Pitchers will pitch from 35 feet,3.
10-Under teams
will play by the same rules as the older age divisions, with the exception of the ball size and pitching distance.
18-Under
43 ft. open and 18-Over Special Rules1.
18-Under 43 ft. open and 18-Over will play with the pitching distanceat 43 feet.
High School Division Special Rules1. High school group is a combined age group of 16u and 18uLocal High School pitching
distance variesUSFA Sportsmanship Guidelines1. If a player
gets hurt (especially a head injury), Dead ball will be called by the umpire. Safety is taken very seriously and should be
monitored by all coaches and umpires.
2. Un-sportsmanlike behavior by a player, coach or fan is an eject able offense.
3. Umpires should be fair, impartial, use good judgment and never speak
rudely or out of turn to a player, coach or fan. An umpire puts a human element into the game. They are subject to making
errors the same as coaches and players are subject to making mistakes. In the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship we will
not allow anyone to show disrespect towards them because of their decisions. USFA will do their part by pursuing the best
decision makers to call USFA events.
4. Coaches will follow the rules of sportsmanship, never stall a game, be a graceful winner and loser, and never speak
rudely or out of turn to a player, coach, fan or umpire. Coaches are also responsible for the sportsmanship of their own players
and fans. Coaches should not tolerate unsportsmanlike conduct from their own players or fans.
5. Most importantly, our motto is COMPETTITIVE FUN. It
is everyone’s responsibility to keep the game FUN. It is a game and games are supposed to be fun. Play
hard, coach hard, umpire hard and spectators should enjoy the game and support their team when they are playing both good
and bad. Umpires are human and bad calls can happen. This is a part of the game now and forever. Accept it and have fun. *ADDITIONAL RULES ADAPTED BY WEST TENNESSEE USFA* All available players must be in the lineup for a minimum of either: One official at-batOrSix consecutive defensive outs -Teams playing in the 10U and older age groups may use 10 defensive players, if both
teams have 10 players available. If one team only has 9 available, both teams may use only 9 players defensively. - For
league play only a maximum of 3 pickup players are allowed but they must wear their
ASSIGNED league team’s uniform. They must play in the outfield only, and bat after all players who are officially rostered
to the team the pickup is playing for. NO PICKUP PLAYERS ARE ALLOWED IN TOURNAMENT PLAY. -Age divisions are
as follows for league play. 8U-10U-12U-15U-18U IN ALL C CLASS EVENTS,
THE USFA RULEBOOK WILL BE FOLLOWED IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. In the event of no-shows, (game cancellations with less than 24 hrs notice, rainouts
not counting) a $75 penalty will be accessed to the offending league, payable to the league harmed. All leagues should appoint
one person to handle cancellation notices and make that persons contact info available to all other leagues in which games
are scheduled. I appreciate your leagues willingness to participate in the new USFA Recreational Division.
I hope you will help in this endeavor by recommending any changes you deem appropriate as the year progresses. Tell us what
you like about USFA and tell us what you don’t like as well. Thanks, Jon MoodyUSFA WEST TN. DIRECTOR(731)415-6489 (CELL)
