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EYSA RULES FOR 1^ST AND 2^ND GRADE

Games – All games will have a maximum of five (5) innings.  The home team will furnish the game ball and sit on the third base side.   

Uniforms – Players must wear their team jersey to all games.  Team jerseys may not be altered in any way.  Sleeves may not be cut off and jerseys may not be shortened to midriff.  If a player alters her jersey and wants to play in future games, she is responsible for the cost of having the jersey reprinted. Also, all jewelry must be removed prior to game time. 

Minimum numbers of players – There are no minimum or maximum number of players to play a game.  If a team has less than five (5) players, the team may invite other girls to play to bring the number up to five (5) players.  The coaches can delay the game for up to ten (10) minutes after the scheduled start time.   

Batting– All players bat the entire game.  Coaches must rotate the batting order each game so the players have equal batting time.  Players hitting the ball into the outfield (on a fly or roll) may try for two bases.  On all other hits, except for a foul ball, the player should advance one base.  Helmets are required for batters and base runners.  No base stealing, leading off base or intentional bunting.  The infield fly rule does not apply. 

Pitching – Coaches will pitch to their own team.  A perceptible arc and a pitching distance of 35 feet are recommended; but the primary focus of the pitching coach is for the player to hit the ball.  The arc and the distance should be adjusted for players who have difficulty hitting.  During the first inning a tee will be used for all players.  The player will swing at the tee until the ball is hit in play.  During subsequent innings, the tee will be used after the coach has thrown SIX (6) pitches.  The player then, will use the tee until the ball is hit in play.  To reduce the boredom of the players and keep the game moving, the coach must only pitch SIX (6) pitches per batter.  Coaches should switch pitchers if a significant number of “balls” are pitched.  Parents may be used to pitch if necessary.  The pitching distance is 35 feet. 

Fielding –Coaches must rotate players’ fielding positions to provide fair and equal time at different positions.  A player may not play the same position for more than two innings during a game.   Coaches should position their players at “real” positions so as to help the players learn the game.  Because few balls will be hit to the outfield, the outfielders may be placed at the outer edge of the infield.  Because the pitcher cannot field the ball and because many balls will be hit close to the pitcher, a “right pitcher” and a “left pitcher” position may be used.  An adult catcher should be used -- preferably a coach from the batting team.  The adult catcher will speed the flow of the game and can offer help to the batter.  

Overthrows – Runners may not advance on an overthrow in the 1^st/2^nd grade league.   

Base Running -- Runners may advance only one base on an infield hit and up to two bases on an outfield hit.  No base stealing or leading off base.  The base distance is 45 feet. 

Scoring  – There is no run limit per inning.  Batting will end when all girls have batted around or three outs have been made. Coaches may keep track of the score, but the league will not track the final score or wins/losses. 

Practice Swings  - Supervised practice swings are allowed by the batter in the “on deck” circle (all other players must stay behind the fence) or, with the “strike zone” equipment (recommended for the batter “in the hole”).  If a “strike zone” is used, a parent should be assigned the position of overseeing the area.  Proper supervision is vital to insure safety.   

Coaches – The fielding team’s coach should be in the field instructing and encouraging the players.  The coaches have full umpire authority on the field and should remember they are “teaching” a group of brand-new softball players.  They also may adjust the rules before the beginning of the game, if they are in agreement with each other and if the new rules will promote better play and instruction. 

Official USSSA Slow Pitch Rules apply except as noted below.(For a copy of the rules go to http://www.usssa.com/usssa/usssa-general/2006SPRuleBook.pdf.)  

RAIN PROCEDURES

Games will be played in light or moderate rain.  Games must be cancelled if there is heavy rain or any lightning.

• Park & Recreation Dept. (P & R), Grade Reps, or umpires can cancel games in the event of rain or rain-soaked fields.
• Parents and coaches should first call the P & R "weatherline" at 952-826-0368 (updated until 4:30 only).
• If the weatherline has not cancelled the game and the weather is questionable, coaches should contact the Grade Rep and parents should contact their coach.
• If the Grade Rep (or umpire) cancels the game, the coach needs to contact the team.
• If the teams are at the field and there is heavy rain or any lightning, the umpire and the coaches must cancel the game.
• Coaches may reschedule cancelled games by contacting the Grade Rep and/or P & R.

                                                                          updated 7/1/09