OBJECTIVE:             The objective of the Rookie League is to provide a non-competitive, instructional situation for players between the T-ball and Junior levels of play; Emphasis should be placed on the fundamentals of throwing (proper grip and footwork), fielding, pitching and hitting. After these fundamentals are introduced, a general understanding of the game may be taught. The rules of the game generally follow those, of the American Softball Association. Exceptions and the points of emphasis follow.

 

LEVEL:                      Ages 7-8

BALL:                        Softie (11")

 

JEWELRY:                 Jewelry is prohibited. Medical alert bracelets or necklaces are not considered jewelry, but if worn, they must be taped to the body so as to remain visible.(Excerpt from National Federation Rules.)

 

UNIFORMS:              Shirts provided by league must be worn and be tucked in. Hats provided by the league are optional. Visor and headbands, white or the same color as the shirt may also be worn.

 

SCORING:                 This will be considered an instructional league; therefore scorekeeping will be optional. After the half way point in the season, score may be kept at the discretion of the coaches. Team standings will not be maintained. Emphasis must remain on the instructional aspects of the program.

 

PITCHING:                           1st Six Games  
The pitching distance will be 25 feet. Coaches will pitch to their own team throughout the season. Balls and strikes will not be called. Each batter will be given six pitches to put the ball in play. If the coach feels the batter will not put the ball in play, a batting tee will be used to put the ball in play. A ball is playable if it is hit fair 15 feet beyond home plate.

Seventh through remainder of games scheduled
The pitching distance will be 25 feet. A team pitcher shall pitch up to six pitches to the batter. After the pitcher throws three called "ball" pitches the coach will pitch to the batter. The coach enters the game with the count on the batter. A batter may be called out on strikes but not walked. It is the intention of the league to develop players want to learn the fundiments of pitching. A parent umpire will call balls and stikes withan expanded strike zone. The chin to bottom of knees and a ball width on either side of the plate.

 Catcher:      The purpose of the catch is to introduce this position to the young players. Teams will suit up a catcher for every game with the intent to have players develop in this position. A coach will stand behind the umpire to retrieve any pass balls to keep the speed of the game.

OFFENSE:   The intent of the game will be to put the ball into play, encouraging offensive, defensive, and base running skills. Hitters and runners may advance as far as possible on each hit. Base runners may advance one base on overthrows. After a batter has reached base or been put out, the play becomes dead with the ball is in the pitcher's hands on the pitching mound (within approximately ten (10) feet of the center of the infield). Runners may continue, at risk, to the base they were going to when the ball was thrown to the pitcher, but no further. If the play has stopped (runners have stopped attempting to advance) and an overthrow to the pitcher occurs, it is not considered an overthrown ball and runners may not advance. There are no leadoffs and no stealing. All batters and runners must wear helmets with chin straps. Each inning will conclude after each player on the team has batted. Alternatively, the coaches can agree to conclude innings after three (3) outs. However, each girl must bat at least twice per game.

 

DEFENSE:     To familiarize the players with the game itself, coaches are encouraged to utilize a normal infield line-up while placing extra players in the outfield so that all available players up to ten players, are always on the field during defensive sequences. In the spirit of instructional play, coaches should give each player an opportunity to play at each position during the course of the season.

 

BASES:                      50 feet.

 

LENGTH of GAME:                   The length of each game shall not exceed four innings. Coaches may decide to shorten the length due to time considerations or darkness to ensure the safety of the participants. No inning shall begin once the game has exceeded 75 minutes.

 

 

SEVERE

WEATHER                          FGS has the responsibility to the players, coaches and parents to safeguard them from severe weather during a game. In the event of severe weather (severe weather is deemed as such; weather that may cause harm and danger to a player, parent or coach, such as high winds, hail, heavy rain or lighting visible.) If visible lighting is present all players shall be moved to an area such as an enclosed lighting facility, or to the vehicles of the parents. Players shall not be allowed to return to the field until fifteen minutes from the lighting strike. Should a second lighting strike occur within the first fifteen minute time the time (15 minutes) restarts from the second strike. If during this period a third strike occurs and the forecast is not improving the coach from the home team shall notify the visiting coach and umpire (if available) that the game is called. If at any time the home coach indicates that the weather is playable and the opposing coach or umpire disagree the game shall be called. Safety of the player comes first. If at any time a coach feels that another coach is putting risk of harm to the players, parent or coaches that coach should notify the President of FGS at www.frankfortgirlssoftball.com to file a complaint. FGS and its coach’s are responsible for the safety of its players.