General

1. Regular season games consist of four innings, with a five-run limit applying to all innings.

2. Each game has a time limit of 1 hour and 30 minutes, and no inning can start after this time limit.

   1. The drop-dead limit is 2 hours from the scheduled start time of the game. If the 2-hour limit is reached during the last inning, the game will revert to the last completed inning.

   2. In case a game cannot reach the 4th inning due to time constraints, both coaches, along with the umpires (if applicable), must designate the upcoming inning as the 'last inning' as the 1 hour 30-minute mark approaches. Please refer to the 'Softball General Rules' for more details on playoff time limits and weather-related interruptions.

Machine Pitch

1. Pitching machines will be used throughout the duration of each game for the entirety of the season. 

   1. The pitching rubber and pitching machine are situated 35 feet from home plate, measured from the back 'point' of home plate.

   2. The pitching machine should be set at 35 MPH.

Hitting / Running

1. Teams will use a continuous batting order, meaning everyone in the lineup bats.

2. Base on balls is not allowed; batters face 3 strikes. Bunting is also prohibited. Each batter is allowed a maximum of 7 pitches. However, if the 7th pitch results in a foul ball, dead ball, or is declared unhittable by the umpires/coaches, the batter will receive another pitch.

3. After hitting the ball, the batter can advance at their own risk. The maximum advancement is as follows:

   1. Infield hit: 1 base

   2. Beyond the infielder (defined as reaching the grass of the outfield): unlimited advancement assuming no fielding errors (see rule 7 below).

4. Base runners may not advance on an overthrow.

5. A batted ball hitting the pitching machine is considered a dead-ball single, and the batter is awarded 1st base. Only base runners “forced” to run (ie. with other runners behind them) will advance. 

   1. For example, if there are runners at 1st and 3rd base and the batter hits the machine, the batter is awarded 1st base, and the runner from 1st base moves to 2nd. The runner on 3rd base would stay at 3rd.

6. Stealing is not allowed. Runners may lead off from the base once the ball leaves the pitching machine.

7. Runners may advance at their own risk on a base hit according to the following scenarios:

   1. On an infield hit (not reaching the outfield grass), they must stop at their current base once an infielder has possession of the ball on the dirt infield or after there has been one play at a base. If the runner is not at least halfway to the next base when possession is obtained, the runner must return to the previous base, otherwise they may advance.

   2. On an outfield hit (ball reaches the grass), runners must stop at their current base once the outfielder has thrown the ball into the infield, hitting the dirt (regardless of possession by an infielder). Runners may advance if they are more than halfway to the next base when the ball reaches the infield, otherwise they must return to the previous base. 

Defense

1. The defense will play with ten players on the field including four outfielders (Left Field, Left Center, Right Center, Right Field) and 6 infielders (1st, 2nd, 3rd, SS, P, C).

   1. Teams are required to play a catcher each inning, even if they must move players in from the outfield (including a scenario that results in only 2 outfielders). 

2. Outfielders must start no closer than 10 feet from the edge of the outfield grass and cannot be used to play a base. If an outfielder fields the ball, they must throw it back to the infield. The outfielder can make a play on a ground ball that gets past the infielders and on a fly ball hit in front of them if the ball travels beyond the infielders.

   1. The outfielder may attempt to throw the batter or runner(s) out at any base, however, the outfielder may NOT get an out by running and tagging the base (or tagging the runner)

3. The girl playing the pitcher's position must wear a face mask. She must remain even or behind the pitching rubber (on either side of the pitching machine) until the ball is hit and must not enter the pitching circle. When fielding a batted ball, the pitcher must throw to the base and may not tag the runner or the base for the out, including home plate.

4. All fielders are required to wear a face mask. Pitchers must wear a batting helmet with a face guard, and catchers must wear catcher's gear (shin guards, helmet, chest protector).
   *** The safety of the girls is the top priority***

5. The infield fly rule is waived.

Playing Time

1. Every player must play at least three defensive innings (with the exception of injuries or late arrivals/early departures) with at least 2 innings at an infield position. 

2. Players must be rotated at least every 2 innings to a new defensive position.

3. Players may only play a maximum of 2 innings at a specific defensive position. This rule also applies to call-ups.

4. The catcher is considered an outfield position and cannot be played for more than one inning consecutively.

Equipment

1. All players must wear a facemask while playing a defensive position.

   1. Families are encouraged to purchase a fielding mask for their child. If this is not possible, each team’s equipment bag will contain one fielding mask for the team to share.

   2. Fielding masks will be available for purchase at the concession stand throughout the season (limited quantity). Check with the Director on Duty or a concession worker for details.

2. Players are expected to provide their own softball glove, fielding mask, cleats (optional, however, sneakers will be considered required if cleats are unavailable), softball pants (white).

   1. AGSL will provide each coach with an equipment bag that will be shared with the team and includes: softball bats, batting helmets, catcher equipment, fielding facemask (limited quantity).