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All MHSAA rules apply unless specified below:

Bases will be 60’ and pitching machine distance at 35’. There will be a pitching circle measuring 16’ diameter. There will be hash marks halfway between first and second, second and third, and third and home. An 11” ball will be used.  The first 3 innings of the game will be with a pitching machine and the following 3 innings or remainder of the game will be live pitch. A pitcher may not exceed 9 outs in one game.

*****Coaches may determine at the beginning of the game to modify this rule based on the experience level or competence of their pitching. Example: All machine

Pitching machine speeds will be 40 MPH for the whole season.

A batter will be allowed three (3) swinging strikes or four (4) hittable pitches when using the pitching machine. Any swinging strike is considered a hittable pitch, or any pitch called a strike by the umpire is a hittable pitch. The batter is not out if the 4th hittable pitch is a foul ball. (Note: there are no walks when using the pitching machine).


Pitching Rules:

  1. A pitcher is limited to three (3) innings or nine (9) outs per game. Only the starting pitcher may re-enter the game one (1) time as a pitcher, provided two innings or six outs have not been exceeded.
  2. At the beginning of each ½ inning or when a pitcher relieves another, not more than one (1) minute will be used to deliver no more than five (5) pitches.
  3. A pitcher must be removed after she hits three (3) batters. ***Batter must make an honest attempt to get out of the way. 



  1. Regulation game will consist of six (6) innings no new inning after 1 hour and 15 minutes.  If one game is scheduled on that field that evening, there will be no inning starting after 1 hour and 30 minutes of play from the start time.
  3. The umpire or field supervisor may stop a game at any time he/she believes conditions are unsafe for play. Coaches and parents need to have teams ready to start the game at the scheduled time!



  1. Pitchers and batters must wear a protective face guard
  2. A maximum of ten (10) players may be used for fielding purposes, 4 of which must be in the outfield and 6 in the infield. If not playing on a regulation size softball field, an arc measuring 20’ from the back corner of all bases (except home plate) will must be drawn.
  5.  A five run rule will be enforced. An inning will consist of three outs or five runs, with the exception of the last inning (only the sixth inning), where both the home and visiting team can score unlimited runs.
  6.  A mercy rule is as follows:
    1.  If a team is leading by 15 or more runs after 4 complete innings, the mercy rule will be applied
    2. If a team is leading by 10 or more runs after 5 complete innings, the mercy rule will be applied
  7.  Play stops once the pitcher has control of the ball and two feet inside the pitcher’s (16’ circle).
  8. The umpire shall determine the position of each runner. The runner will advance to the next base if more than half way or return to the previous base determined by the chalk marks between bases.
  9.  Bunting is allowed on LIVE PITCH ONLY!!
  11.  If a player leaves, or is injured during the game and is unable to bat her position in the batting order she will be skipped with no out recorded.
  12.  In the event of a player shortage, girls from only the 7-8 age group are legal to participate. Girls from the other 9-10 girls team may also fill in the roster spot if needed. Any player addition must play the outfield and bat at the end of the line-up for the entire game. This should only take place if you have 8 or less players for a game.
  14.  If a ball is overthrown trying to make a play on a runner or batter/runner all runners may advance (at their own risk) to all bases. Play will be considered “live” until the pitcher has control of the ball and two feet inside the circle.
  15. Runners are allowed to steal all bases during the entire game.  The runner cannot leave the base until the pitched ball crosses home plate.   If a runner leaves before the pitch is thrown the ball will be called dead immediately, and is ruled a no pitch—runners may not advance, and must return to the base occupied before the pitch. The runner that left early will be called “out”. This rule also applies for runners that leave any other base early.
  16. *First offense for leaving early will be a team warning
  17.  There will be a hash mark placed ½ way between all bases. If the ball is returned to the pitcher while in the 16’ circle, the runner must return to the base without penalty or a play being made on her.
  19. There is no infield fly rule.
  21.  In order to prevent delays, a courtesy runner for is required for the catcher which will be the last out recorded.
  22.  No dropped third strike on Live Pitch or Machine Pitch. A batter may not advance to first base if the catcher fails to catch or hold onto a third strike.
  23.  No jewelry is to be worn during games. Starter earrings must be taped.
  24.  All uniforms provided by each organization must be worn. No sandals or metal cleats.
  26.  Home team scorebook is official score.
  27. Managers only may question an umpire’s book rule interpretation--- NOT JUDGMENT CALLS. The manager must question the call before the next pitch.
  29.  No tee-ball bats are permitted. Only bats with the ASA symbol are legal bats for play.
  30.  NFHS rules are in place unless specified above. Refer to your latest edition of NFHS softball rules for specific details.





Before each game discuss any roster changes that might have occurred and make it known to each coach what age girls are.