Mason Dixon 8 and Under Girls Softball Final Rules 2007

1                    9 player standard, 8 player minimum

2                    Sliding pitchers mound (rubber set at 32ft-your pitcher may move forward depending on pitchers capabilities but must stay w/in the circle.)  This works out to be approx. 28-32ft pitching distance, windmill optional.

3                    Player pitch.  If pitcher has pitched (3) balls, opposing coach will pitch w/ the intent of allowing the batter to hit the ball and/or finish off the count.  A batter may walk.  A batter may be struck out.  Training ball to be used.  Worth 10” Youth Softball Pink.  (Sources for this ball: www.longstreth.com, www.anacondasports.com) No vinyl or synthetic leather.

4                    6:15 pm start time unless previously agreed upon by coaches.

5                    Game is 1 hour and 40 minutes drop dead.  Revert back to the last inning if in the middle of an inning.

6                    5 run per inning maximum with exception of 7^th inning, which is unlimited.  12 run rule after the 4^th inning, 10 run rule after the 5^th completed inning.

7                    Each player must play a minimum of 2 innings unless as result of injury, missed practices, or disciplinary problems.

8                    All players must be in the batting lineup unless injured and then may be skipped.

9                    ABSOLUTELY NO JEWELRY IS TO BE WORN BY PLAYERS DURING THE GAME.

10                Any player who throws a bat will be warned, if the player throws the bat a 2^nd time the player is called out.  If a player throws a bat and hits another player, player will be automatically called out.

11                Batter will be awarded a base on a hit by pitch.

12                Bunting is allowed.

13                All batters must wear helmet.  Batting helmets must have face masks and chin straps.

14                Blood Rule in effect-refer to ASA rule book

15                Catchers must wear all protective gear.

16                The infield fly rule is NOT IN EFFECT

17                No advancement on an overthrow.

18                Play stops when ball in control of the infield (inside baseline) or umpire declares dead play.

19                No Stealing allowed.

20                Avoidance Rule.  Player/runner must avoid contact.

21                Unlimited substitution.

22                Home team is responsible for field preparation, obtaining umpire and any costs associated with the same.  Parent or Coach may call the game.  We recommend that you work with 1 or 2 parents during practice pre-season to familiarize your umpire with the Mason Dixon Rules.

23                Opposing team coach should be contacted no less than 24 hours prior to game to reschedule.  Weather related cancellations the opposing team should be contacted by 4:00 on game day to cancel.  If no phone call is received, it is assumed that the game is still on.

24                Coaches must control their players and parents.  No profanity, alcohol or smoking allowed on the playing field during games.

25                Any major problems or rule issues, contact the League Softball Director.