Local Rules
The primary goals of Majors are to have fun, to instruct the children in the fundamentals of softball, and to allow them to experience the value of teamwork. Fundamentals to be emphasized are hitting, base running, fielding of grounders & fly balls, throwing & pitching, and good sportsmanship in preparation for eventual selection to a Juniors Division team.
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A regulation game is 6 innings or 2 hours. A new
inning will not be started after 1 hour and 45 minutes.
| Roster batting or Rocket Rule is allowed for inter-league
play (not in District 9 team tournament play).
| STEALING IS ALLOWED TO ANY BASE. The ball MUST
cross the plate prior to a runner leaving the base. A runner MUST
slide when there is a play being made on the runner. Failure to slide
may result in the runner being declared OUT for creating an
"Unsafe" situation. (Coaches, teach this simple rule:
"When in doubt, SLIDE").
| Game scores are to be provided to the division
coordinator by phone or e-mail weekly. An inning will be considered over after 3 outs or if
the team batting scores 5 runs (5 run maximum per inning). This rule
applies to all innings in a game.
| A pitcher may not pitch more than 3 innings per game.
| Infield Fly Rule may apply as determined by the umpire.
| Nine players in the field. A player may NOT sit out
more than 2 consecutive innings (unless injured).
| THE PITCHING CIRCLE: When the pitcher is in possession of the ball within the circle, and not attempting to make a play on a runner (i.e. "the pitcher is at rest") the runner(s) MUST IMMEDIATELY decide to advance or return to their intended base, or they may/will be DECLARED OUT (no warnings) by the umpire. If the pitcher is within the circle and attempting to make a play on the runner (i.e. "faking throws") the runner(s) need not return or advance to any base. |
All other rules not covered above are to be followed as written in the "Playing Rules" section of the Little League Handbook. The Handbook will be available with the handout of the uniforms. If you have questions, please contact your Divisional Coordinator. If you require further assistance, call Rockford Little League Vice-President of Softball.
