Schedule for 2009
Objective
• To provide organized participation of children in fastball.
• To promote interest in the game and to develop sportsmanship.
• To develop knowledge and understanding of the rules and regulations
of fastball.
It is not the intention to subject the children to
fierce competition but to prepare them for
the next level of fastball.
Game Rules
- Ball
Regulation size - 11 inches. - Diamond Dimensions
A. Distance between bases: ------------------------------------------- 40 feet.
B. Distance between Home base and Second base:-------- 56.5 feet
C. Distance from Home base to Pitcher:--------------------------- 26 feet - Pitching Circle
The pitching circle is 8 feet in circumference. - Defensive Players
Seven (7) players may play defense. There are no fielders; pylons are setup 25 feet beyond the baseline. All batted ball passing the pylons are considered a home run. See the attached revised rules for more complete information. Positions consist of 1 pitcher, 1 catcher, 1st baseman, 2nd baseman, 3rd baseman, shortstop positions between 1st and 2nd bases, and 2nd and 3rd bases. If a team is short, then consider sharing a player for the game so that both teams can have full representation on the field. - Adult Defensive Players
There are no adult defensive players. However, two adults (Coach(es) and/or parents) will be positioned in the outfield. The adults will be responsible for ensuring that the players are attentive to avoid injury and to coach the players regarding defensive plays. The adults will not touch, field or throw the ball at anytime unless protecting a player from being injured. The adults must wear gloves in the field. - Offensive Players
All players on a team are to be listed, in their batting order (in the sequence they will bat) prior to the start of the games. If a player arrives late for a game, his/her name is added to the bottom of the batting order and may bat when that turn comes up only. If a player is not present to take their turn at bat, (due to bathroom break, playing, emotional upset, behavior problems or illness) they will not be counted as “out”. They will be classed as “missed” and will be able to take their turn at bat when their turn comes up next time through the batting order. - Game Play
A game shall consist of 5 innings or maximum time duration of 1½ hours. Games shall commence at 6:30 p.m. and a new inning shall not commence after 7:45 p.m. Completion of 3 full innings shall constitute a game. Players are encouraged to be at the playing field ½ hour before the start of the game for practice.
A game shall be considered defaulted if a team has less than 6 players to begin the game, and the game will be awarded to the other team. If 6 or more players are present, the team will play the game with the number of players available. If both teams are in default, the game shall be recorded as a tie.
As the game is played for the players’ enjoyment, it is suggested that if a team cannot field enough players, an exhibition game be played. Players from the other team or spectators can make up players on the team that is “short” players. - Substitute Players
Only players registered with a particular team may play with that team, with the exception of the note on Rule 8 for an exhibition game. - Inning
An inning shall be completed when 5 runs have been scored or there are 3 “outs”. - Fair Ball
Same as regulation softball. - Strikeout
A batter is declared out when five (only five) hitable pitches have been thrown and the batter has not hit a fair ball. The official Umpire or a volunteer Umpire will rule fair strikes. - Pitcher and Fielders
A fielding pitcher must be on the pitching mound when the ball is hit. The pitcher may move off the pitching mound to field a ball or cover bases after the ball is hit. No other players of the defensive team shall be closer to the batter than 26 feet. The Pitching Coach must move to allow the fielding pitcher to play the ball. A violation of this rule on a fair hit will entitle the batter to either:
A. Advance to 1st base, if they were put out on their hit, which allows all
other base runners to advance one base regardless of which base they
occupy.
B. Advance to any base beyond 1st base, which they may choose to
attempt on the hit under liability of being put out at any time after they
pass 1st base.
- Overthrow
All overthrows which result in the ball ending outside of the playing area will entitle the runners to advance one extra base in addition to the base that they were attempting. Any overthrown ball which ends inside the playing area, including foul territory, is alive and the base runners may advance any number of bases under the liability of being put out in their attempted advance. - Dead Ball
When the ball has been declared dead, no runner may advance until a fair hit is made. A runner cannot leave the base till the ball is hit - no “lead off”. When a ball is thrown or rolled to the pitcher after a play, the ball is dead when it enters the 8-foot radius Pitching Circle. Runners are not to advance to the next base. - Base Runners
There is no stealing of bases. A runner is out if they leave their base before a ball is hit, unless there is an overthrow as outlined in Rule 13. - Coach Pitchers
The batting team’s Coach will pitch to their team at bat. All Coach Pitchers are required to wear a glove. They will be allowed to move forward from the pitching distance (26 feet) towards home plate however, no closer than 12 feet to help the batter hit the ball. Coach Pitchers must not interfere with batted balls. However, common sense prevails when a player’s (in the pitching circle) safety is at risk. Therefore, the Coach Pitcher must protect the Pitcher (player) from a batted ball. - Batting Helmets
Batting helmets are mandatory with a minimum of five per team. Helmets must be worn when batting and while base running. The chin strap must be securely fastened. A protective batting helmet is one that is fully enclosed, with 2 earflaps, a foam liner and a peak. The helmet must not be cracked. - Catchers’ Helmets and Equipment
Catcher’s helmets are mandatory. The catcher should wear the proper catchers’ equipment (mask, chest protector, shin guards, helmet and cup) for protection from inadvertently thrown bats and as preparation for later categories. - Dress Code
Cut-offs or shorts are not to be worn. Players must wear long pants. Running shoes must be worn, as any type of cleat is not allowed. - Bunting
Bunting is not allowed. - Fair Hit Line
When the ball is hit by a batter, it is not considered fair until is passes the “fair ball line”. The fair ball line is 8 feet forward from the pitcher’s plate between 3rd baseline and 1st baseline.
Summary
This participation is for fun. It is not a competitive league. It is the intention of the Fastball St. Albert to let the children have fun, to help them learn the basic rules of the game and to develop good sportsmanship. If you feel an injustice has been done, calmly request a time-out and discuss the matter in question with the Umpire and the opposition Coach. Accept the Umpire's decision as final.