2022 Official Rules - Howell Girls Softball League

PITCHING RULES - 10U, 12U and 14U Divisions

• USA Softball pitching rules apply. No imaginary pitching circle. No sidearm deliveries
• Pitcher is allowed to pitch a maximum of 4 innings per game.
• Innings MUST be consecutive. Pitcher cannot reenter game as a pitcher.
• If STARTING pitcher is injured before her 4 inning limit, she may reenter and the RELIEF pitcher is NOT
  charged for an appearance
• A batter hit by a pitch will be awarded 1st base, even if the ball hits the ground first. A batter MUST
  attempt to get out of the way of the ball - Umpires discretion
• A pitcher that hits 3 batters (on the fly) in one inning, is removed for the remainder of the inning, but may
  re-enter as the pitcher the following inning. This is assuming that the 4 inning maximum has not been
  reached.
• If a pitcher hits 4 batters (on the fly) in one game, the pitcher is removed for the remainder of the game,
  and may reenter the game in another position.
• Delivery MUST start with one or two feet on the pitching rubber.
• Goal is to teach the girls to throw hard and throw strikes while keeping the game moving and fun. Allowances will be made to keep the game fun.
• Pitchers MUST throw 4 pitches to the batter for an intentional walk. NO rolling the ball to the catcher.

VISITS TO THE MOUND BY COACH

• Second visit to the mound in one inning, the pitcher must be removed. Maximum 3 visits per game;
  injuries do not apply.

BASE RUNNING RULES - 10U, 12U and 14U Divisions

• No crashing into fielders.
• Players MUST slide or avoid collision.
• If umpire feels that collision was intentional, the player will be thrown out of the game.
• Fielder MUST have the ball and be waiting for the runner.
• If the fielder at any base does not have the ball, she cannot block the base.
• Runner may not leap over fielder with ball to avoid being tagged.

SAFETY BASES

• 1st baseman cannot block the runner from base.
• White section of base is fair territory / colored section is foul
• Defensive player uses white section / Batter/runner uses colored section
• When tagging on a fly ball runner uses white section
• On extra base hits or balls hit to the outfield the runner may use either side of the base as long as no play
  is being made at first

2022 Official Rules - Howell Girls Softball League

BATTING RULES - 10U, 12U and 14U Divisions

• No walk limit
• Maximum number of hitters allowed to bat in any inning is your total of players or the opposing team's
  number, whichever is greatest.
• Each team MUST bat their entire line-up.

* Batters must be instructed the proper way to release their bat after contact. A THROWN BAT (or any equipment)
will be treated as follows:

1st time - umpire will warn both benches
2nd time - player can be called out
3rd time - player can be ejected from game
Umpire's decision is final

PLAYERS MUST WEAR THEIR HGSL TEAM UNIFORM. PLAYERS COMING FROM HIGH SCHOOL OR MIDDLE SCHOOL GAMES MUST CHANGE INTO HGSL UNIFORMS. NO HEAT UNIFORMS ALLOWED.