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Youth Softball
League Information
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House League

PIXIE (PRE-K to K)

Ages 5-6 (Pre-school) – Kids hit off a tee but by the end of the year, a coach may pitch the ball from a few feet away. Kids play 1st base, no catcher and everyone plays the field and bats.

  • Teams are divided up by school
  • One practice per week
  • 10 game season
  • Games played at Ackerman Park

PIGTAIL 1

Age 7 (Grade 1): Coach pitch, everyone plays the field and bats. Teams are divided up by schools.

  • Teams are divided up by school
  • One practice per week
  • 10 game season
  • Games played at Ackerman Park.

PIGTAIL 2

Age 8 (Grade 2): Coach pitch, everyone plays the field and bats. Teams are divided up by schools.

  • Teams are divided up by school
  • One practice per week
  • 10 game season
  • Games played at Ackerman Park

PONYTAIL

Ages 9-10 (Grades 3-4):  Players are drafted by ability based on a player evaluation.   Softball rules apply, including stealing after ball crosses the plate and bunting, but no infield fly or dropped third strikes. Kids pitch until giving up two walks, then coach pitch to complete at bat after four balls. Umpires are utilized for the first time. Playoffs at the end of the season determine a league champion. Teams will consist of players from multiple schools.

  • Teams are mixed up with players from multiple schools
  • 12 game season (1-2 games per week)
  • Single elimination post-season tournament
  • Games played at Ackerman Park

BOBTAIL

Ages 11-12 (Grades 5-6):  Players are drafted by ability based on a player evaluation.   Softball rules apply, including stealing after ball crosses the plate, bunting, infield flies and dropped third strikes. Kids pitch the entire game. Playoffs at the end of the season determine a league champion. Teams will consist of players from multiple schools.

  • Teams are mixed up with players from multiple schools
  • 12 game season (1-2 games per week)
  • Single elimination post-season tournament
  • Games played at Ackerman Park

JUNIORS

Ages 13-14 (Grades 7-8):  Age groups are still combined as we divide the players by ability based on a player evaluation. Teams play against other local communities.

  • Teams are mixed up with players from multiple schools
  • Season ends in late June.
  • 12 game season (1-2 games per week)
  • Single elimination post-season tournament
  • Games played at Ackerman Park and surrounding communities

 

Detail Pixie Pigtail Ponytail Bobtail Juniors
Grades/Ages Pre‐K & Kdg 1st & 2nd 3rd & 4th (8‐10) 5th & 6th (10‐12) 7th & 8th (12‐14)
OPTION: Skill allowance to move up a league 2nd graders that demonstrate exceptional ability, with agreement of each league commissioner and chair From Pony‐current or past participation in travel program & 4th grade or agreement of each league commissioner and chair From Bobtail‐current or past participation in travel program & 6th grade or agreement of each league commissioner and chair
Scheduled Games 10‐12 10‐12 12 12 10‐12
Innings 3 5 6 6 7
Official Game 1hr No New Inning after 1.5 hours No New Inning after 1.5 hours unless 4 innings have not been played. No New Inning after 1.5 hours unless 4 innings have not been played. No New Inning after 1.5 hours unless 4 innings have not been played.
Mercy Rule N/A N/A 15 after 4 at bats for Trailing Team 15 after 5 at bats for Trailing Team 15 after 5 at bats for Trailing Team
Max runs/inning Length Once Through the Order Once Through Order/or 3 Outs 5 except last or extra 5 except last or extra 5 unless behind then to tie, no limit 6th & 7th
Innings/player N/A N/A 2 infield each player by 4th inning 2 infield each player by 4th inning 2 infield each player by 5th inning
Max Innings Pitched, or
at the Same Position*
N/A N/A 3 / 3 3 / 3 5 / 5
Warm‐up Pitch Count
Max/Inning
N/A N/A 5 5 5
Coach Pitch 2nd ½ season, 6 pitches then tee 1st Half of Season, 6 swings then tee.
2nd Half of Season, 6 swings to put the Ball in play. Strikeouts in 2nd grade only
Yes, Maximum 2 walks, Then Coach completes
the count after (4) Balls; Coach must pitch from the pitching rubber.
No No
Courtesy Runners N/A N/A Catcher mandatory, pitcher optional Catcher mandatory, pitcher optional Per ASA
Hit batters** N/A N/A 2/inning, 3 total out of game 2/inning, 3 total out of game 2/inning, 3 total out of game
Thrown bat 1 warning 1 warning 1 warning 1 warning 1 warning
Forfeit N/A N/A <8 players/15 min <8 players/15 min <8 players/15 min
Overthrows May not advance May not advance Runners Advance, 1 Base Total At own risk At own risk
Base Running on
Outfield Hits
Runners May continue
until Ball Crosses the
Base path
Runners May continue until Ball Crosses the Base
path and is in Control by any infielder in Infield
Runners May continue until Ball Crosses the Base
path and is in Control in any Infielder in the Circle
At own risk
Stealing bases No No Yes, after ball Crosses Plate, if next base is
unoccupied (No double stealing, no stealing home)
Yes, after ball Crosses Plate, All Bases including
Home
Yes, after ball leaves the pitchers hand
Bunting No No Yes, no fakes Yes, no fakes Yes
Dropped 3rd Strike No No No Yes, Batter may only advance to 1st, All other
runners, only 1 Base
Yes
Infield Fly Rule No No No Yes Yes
Leadoffs/Runner Leaves No No No After the ball Crosses Home plate After the Ball Leaves The Pitcher’s hand
Wheel Play No No No
Pick Offs No No No No Yes
Pitching Distance 32’ 32’ 35’ 40’ 43’
Base Distance 45’ 55’ 60′ 60′ 60′
Defensive positioning All Players; field a complete infield;
extra players in the outfield
6 infielders , extra in outfield 6 infielders, 3 Outfielders Outfield must start 15’ behind Base Paths, Teach infielders to Cover 2nd Base 9 9
Softball Size 9″ Soft 10″ Soft – 1st grade
11″ Soft – 2nd grade
11″ Hard 12″ Hard 12″ Hard