Billerica Fall Ball Rules

Billerica Softball Association

Fall Ball Rules

#1 Rule: This league is for the development of softball skills for the players involved. Have Fun!

This is NOT a tournament league. We are trying to strike a balance between competitiveness

and fun for the players, in a more relaxed softball environment. It is not always easy to do.

There are many types of situations may come up during a game. Some situations can be

subjective, which can sometimes be difficult to come to agreement, yet, it is possible to do!. It

is encouraged that the coaches (and umpire) dialogue about any issues calmly and come to an

agreement/understanding, with the best interest of the players in mind, and move on with the

game. Demonstrate, and model for your girls, patience with the umpires. Please be at the

fields 15 minutes before game time and ready to play, there is NO practicing on fields before

games, there is enough space at all locations to warm-up before. In general, ASA rules are used,

but, with the following additions/ exceptions:

ALL LEAGUES/AGES (U10-U18)

1. Time limit 90 minutes DROP DEAD NO EXCEPTIONS. We must stay on schedule

Clarification: The batter at the plate can finish the At-Bat; As the 90 minute mark approaches:

a. If the visiting team scores in the top of the inning and time expires, the score

reverts to the end of the previous inning.

b. If the home team is leading after the away team bats, the game can end if you

choose.

c. If the home team takes the lead or ties in the bottom half of the inning, the score

stands whether the game ends by 3 outs or expired time.

d. If the home team, in the bottom of the inning, is losing and has outs remaining

when time expires, the score reverts back to the previous inning.

If there is still a question please work it out respectfully between the 2 coaches and

umpire. Umpire has final say during the game.

2. Coin toss for home team unless otherwise specified/designated

3. Use of Continuous Lineup

o You should have a continuous lineup where all present girls bat and free defensive

substitutions (but you cannot rearrange batting lineup). If a player is not able to

bat for some reason (nervous, apprehensive, injured, etc) they may continue to

play in the field if the player were willing and able with coach/parent consent.

The team would have to take an out where the player was removed from the

lineup. Last out can run for pitcher or catcher at any time to expedite the

between inning delay.

4. Mercy Rule 12 runs after 4 innings, 8 after 5 innings

LEAGUE/AGE SPECIFIC RULES

10U –no dropped 3rd strike. No infield fly rule. Stealing, on release of the pitch, only advance 1 base at a

time (if there is an overthrow while stealing, runners do not advance past the stolen base – this is to

encourage catchers to learn to throw down), only steal home twice during an inning. Run limit - 4 runs

per inning, not continuous

Further Clarification: At this age, girls are learning baserunning and stealing and catchers are learning how to

throw down. To accommodate that learning, we allow unlimited stealing of 2B and 3B on the release of the pitch –

however, it can only be one base per pitch. This means 1 girl steals 1 base per pitch. There is also no advance on an

overthrow (to encourage catchers to practice throwing down) and there is no double stealing (where 2 runners

would advance at one time). If two runners do steal on one pitch, one must go back – she can go back safely like a

dead ball. There is the allowance of 2 steals of home per inning max. Please encourage your baserunners to slide

into bases/the plate on close plays to avoid collision and teach your catchers and baseman appropriate bag/plate

coverage for safety. If there is a pickoff attempt at 3B and the runner goes home, that is considered a steal of

home. Quite simply defined - unless the ball is batted into play, it is a steal. And the limit of 2 steals of home per

inning is in play. If a runner steals home and that team has already had 2 stolen bases that inning, she can return to 3B safely (like a dead ball).

12U - ASA rules, Run limit - 4 runs per inning, not continuous

14U - ASA rules, Run limit - 4 runs per inning, not continuous

18U - ASA rules, Run limit - 6 runs per inning, not continuous

GENERAL INFORMATION

PLAYOFFS. If time and weather permits there is a week of playoffs. The top 4 teams in each age division

play 2 games on the last Saturday. Standings will take into account differences in amount of games

played.

WEATHER. In any case of cancellations, your game will be canceled in SportsManager and you will

receive a cancellation notification via email. You must then communicate with your players. If there is a

rainout, that Saturday goes to the end of the schedule until we lose field permits.

BEHAVIOR. This is a ZERO TOLERANCE league, if for any reason a coach is ejected, they need to petition

the board of directors to return to the bench for the following week. Although we are not sanctioned by

the ASA, there will be ASA umpires doing most of the games, what this means is that your team must

carry insurance, the Billerica Softball Organization is not responsible for any injuries incurred during the

season. There will also be Junior Umpires doing games and it is because of them we could accept so

many teams this season so please exude utmost patience and respect.

If any issues arise with your scheduled game, umpires or fields, please contact John Irwin at

617-447-5673 or Shawn Haigh at 603-479-9392 or email billericagirlssoftball@gmail.com. Any teams who

no show with no call will be removed from the league.