LGSA “Seniors” League - Information & Rules (13-16 Year Old Division)

We adhere to the USA/ASA softball rules with the following exceptions:

  1. PLAYERS

    1. The fielding team will consist of 9 players.

    2. All players will bat in consecutive order. Late arriving players will be added to the bottom of the batting order. In the event of injury, the player is removed from the batting order. No penalty will be applied to injured batters removed.

    3. Players may be freely substituted with no limits, to any position, on a dead ball situation. (Except pitching, see below.)

    4. Pitchers are limited to a maximum of 5 innings per game. If a pitcher is removed, she may re-enter only once but must stay within the pitching guidelines. One pitch constitutes as an inning. In the event of extra innings, a pitcher may pitch a maximum of 2 additional innings. (this helps the continuation to build pitching within each program)

    5. REGISTERED TRAVEL BALL PLAYERS are allowed to register and play in-house rec ball – within their program guidelines. Exception – travel ball players may not pitch or catch in rec league games.

    6. Please follow your program guidelines for rotation, i.e. on/off the bench, in-field/outfield positions, etc. Please remember, this is Recreational Softball, players should have equal play time.

  2. SUBSTITUTIONS

    1. Teams must be able to field 8 players or must forfeit the game 15 minutes after start time. In the event of injury during a game, a team may continue play with less than 8 players. In the event of a forfeit – if players/parents have travelled for a game - let the girls play for fun and experience – if at all possible.

    2. Teams expecting less than 9 players may call-up players from the age group below OR pull from another U18 team. All subs must be registered within their respective leagues. Exception - Coaches may not pull subs laterally from another U18 team during tournaments. c. Any substitute may not pitch/catch unless approved by both the directors of the teams involved. Thus, the coach must plan in advance and communicate this need/reason to program directors prior to the start of any game.

  3. GAME PLAY

    1. 6 run limit per inning, for the first 3 innings. Unlimited runs for 4-7 th innings. Coaches must notify umpire when max runs have been reached per inning.

    2. Run rule per game – 15 runs after 3 innings, 12 runs after 4 innings, and 8 runs after 5 innings. Per USA/ASA guidelines.

    3. In the event the time limit is reached during the 3rd inning – one unlimited inning will be played. No pitcher warm-ups and no time-outs/team conferences will be allowed in this event. Position changes may be made during a dead ball. In the event of a tie at this point – the international tie breaker will not be played as a new inning has been already been awarded after time has expired.

    4. A completed game consists of 4.5 innings. If time has expired

  4. GAME TIME LIMITS

    1. Games will be 75 minutes.

    2. When the time limit is reached – the current inning will continue until completed or the home team is ahead. A new inning will not begin after the time limit has been reached. Umpires may not call the game until 75 minutes is completed.

    3. In the event of a tie during the regular season game – international tie breaker will apply for one inning only. If the score remains tied, each team is awarded with a tie.

  5. TOURNEMENTS ONLY

    1. Championship game, for 1st & 2nd place, will be a full 7 innings, with no time limit.

    2. In the event of a tie during the game – international tie breaker will apply during the game until a winner is determined.

    3. A coin toss determines home team in pool play. Higher seed determines home team in single elimination tourney.

    4. 2017 U18 Rec League Rules for Morton Girls Softball, EPGSA, NTRA, Christian Center Peoria, LGSA, Tremont apply.

    5. Seeding for single elimination tourney is determined by pool play. In the event of a tie for pool standings – head-to-head, then runs allowed, then coin toss will determine seeding

  6. CONDUCT

    1. There shall be no harassment of a player by any coach, spectator, or player. This will include “baiting” members of one team by a coach, spectator, or player(s). This behavior can result in forfeiture of the game.

    2. Each program has a form of Zero-Tolerance Policy. The hosting facility/program will enforce their policy. THIS WILL APPLY TO ANYONE ON THE PARK GROUNDS. Any coach, player or spectator that uses foul or abusive language or that is under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substance is subject to ejection from the park or other disciplinary action.

  7. PARK RULES/CONCESSIONS

    1. All teams are responsible for the liter in their dugouts, bleachers and around their diamond. We ask for your assistance in keep the PARK LITTER to a minimum at all locations.

    2. We encourage patronage of each other’s concession stands. All programs use the proceeds from the concession sales to aide their programs. Please do not bring store bought food/treats.

    3. Only coaches, players and umpires are allowed in the dugout and on the playing field.

    4. Dugout gates are to stay closed at all times. e. Please do not allow players to climb on or sit upon the dugout walls. Players must stay behind the fence in the dugout, unless they have are on-deck and wearing a helmet. Players must have a helmet on if standing above the dugout fence at East Side Diamond #2. This is for the safety of the girls.

    5. Pitching distance is 43 feet.

    6. Metal cleats are NOT allowed. This is due to Rec League Insurance policies. Please make sure all players have rubber cleats.