NEAR WEST LITTLE LEAGUE 9-13 GIRLS' SOFTBALL RULES
Revised June 25, 2008 (Rule 21 updated 7/1; Rule 14 added with Rules 9 and 15 updated 7/24)
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  1. There is no limit of innings a pitcher may pitch per game, however, once a pitcher is substituted, that pitcher cannot pitch again in that game.
  2. Pitcher must have back foot touching mound rubber or the same fixed spot when ball leaves hand.
  3. If pitch is thrown towards batter, batter must attempt to move away from pitch. If pitch hits batter, umpire decides if pitch is called a ball or if batter should get an immediate walk, depending on circumstances.
  4. The strike zone is knees to shoulder and over the plate (including edges). This strike zone is set as if the batter is standing next to the plate with only a slight bend of knees and back.
  5. There is no limit of walks per inning.
  6. No bunting. Batter must take regular swing.
  7. No "dropped third strike" rule.
  8. No "infield fly" rule.
  9. If batter throws bat at least ten feet in air or thrown bat hits other person, then umpire may declare batter out and ball dead, depending on circumstances.
  10. Catcher can catch a foul ball for an out that goes at least three feet above batter.
  11. When ball is hit, runners may run until pitcher has ball within ten feet of mound. A runner must return to the last base if only halfway or less to the next base.
  12. If play at home, runner must slide or run around catcher without interference.
  13. No stealing bases. Base runners may leave base when ball is hit or on a walk.
  14. Balls are "in play" that freely bounce off walls or fences. Balls that get stuck or impeded are dead, and rule 15 applies.
  15. If ball is thrown out of designated playing area or hits bleacher area, spectator, off-field player, or equipment, then ball is dead and runners more than halfway to next base advance to the next base plus one additional base. If a runner is halfway or less, then s/he only advances to the next base. However, if the umpire decides the hazards were reckless, s/he may send runners back to previous base or call an out for interference.
  16. If team still has 7 or less players 20 minutes after start time, then team must forfeit.
  17. Teams must exchange batting orders at beginning of game, plus add any late players after game starts.
  18. A maximum of 10 players may play. Otherwise, nine players are used. Teams can play with 8 players, but the ninth batter position is an automatic out unless the opposing coach grants a waiver.
  19. A maximum of 10 batters may bat in an inning. This is called one bat-around.
  20. Late players or substitutes may enter game during any time-out or between half innings.
  21. The batting order must remain the same. If a player leaves the game, she must return to the same batting position or wait and switch into a later position. Players may only leave and come back into the game one time.
  22. All players must play at least two innings in the field and remain in the batting order at least those two innings.
  23. Teams should exchange scores after each half inning if score changes.
  24. Games are six innings or two hours, whichever comes first. If an inning starts before two hours, then it must be completed.
  25. "Mercy Rule" will end game after four at-bats if a team is losing by ten or more runs.
  26. At the end of each game, teams are expected to line up on their foul line and then walk to home plate to shake the hands in line with each other according common courtesy.