DOLLS Minors League Rules
4^th Grade
Revised 4/17/2008

1.      Emphasis on this level is correct mechanics (throwing, fielding, hitting), sliding, base coverage and bunting.

2.      ASA rules apply for this age group for all aspects of the game not addressed by the below rules.

3.      The pitching rubber is positioned at 35’, with 55’ baselines.

·          11” softballs shall be used

·          The home team will be responsible to set up the field and provide the game balls (game field should be ready 30       minutes prior to scheduled game time)

4.      A continuous batting order is mandatory, along with free substitution of defensive players. - A player that is injured while at bat or base running, the player that made the last out will replace the injured batter (assuming the ball/strike count).

5.      At every game, all players are required to play‑

·          One complete inning in the infield

·          One complete inning in the outfield

·          No player may sit out a 2nd inning until all players on the roster have sat out 1 inning.

·          No player may play the outfield a 2nd inning until all players on the roster have played outfield for 1 inning.

·          If it becomes known that a team is in violation of this rotational requirement, it shall be immediately corrected.  

6.      If necessary, a player may be called up from the level directly below.  Each coach is responsible for obtaining a substitute player.

·          a substitute player shall not be called upon if her attendance would knowingly create a roster of 10 or more players

·          a substitute player may not pitch or catch

·          a substitute player shall bat last in the line-up

·          at no time shall a girl who is not a registered member of the DOLLS organization be allowed to participate as a player

7.      A pitcher is allowed to pitch any part of 2 innings per game.

·          a pitcher must be removed from that inning if she hits 3 batters in the same inning (this inning counts as an inning pitched for both pitchers; One pitch shall constitute an inning for a pitcher).

·          after a pitcher issues 3 consecutive walks or 5 total walks per inning, a coach from the hitting team will pitch the remainder of that inning. 

 8.      Pitching

As with hitting, games are not primarily pitching practice for girls who have not put in reasonable practice time during the week.  Poor and/or unprepared pitching is counterproductive to both the enjoyment and development of softball at this level.

DOLLS recommends the following guidelines for pitching:

·          A girl should be able to demonstrate pitching competency.  That is, she is able to consistently throw a minimum of 8 strikes out of 20 pitches (40%).

·          Even if a girl cannot consistently throw strikes she can still pitch during games if she has demonstrated to the coach that she has practiced pitching sufficiently during the week and her pitching skills continue to improve throughout the season.

9.      A game consists of 7 complete innings, or a time limit as defined below. 

·          no new inning shall begin after 1 hour and 45 minutes of play

·          any inning that has begun, must be completed (there is not a “drop dead” time limit).

10.         There is no stealing at this level.  However, runners may take a lead-off of three steps after the pitcher has released the ball.

11.         A team’s at bat will conclude if:

·          5 runs are scored, or

·          The defensive team records 3 outs.

12.    Infield fly rule does not apply at this level.

13.    The dropped 3^rd strike rule does not apply at this level.

14.    Runners may advance on an overthrow at any base.  Runners are limited to 1 base per overthrow.   If the overthrow goes out of play (past the fence lines) then the runner advances to the base they were going to plus one more (1 + 1).

15.    Win/loss records/standings shall not be kept at this level. 

16.    The league shall provide umpires.

·      Rule clarifications between both coaches and the umpire shall be conducted prior to the start of the game

·      Questioning the umpire’s judgment-based call is considered unsportsmanlike conduct and will result in a two game suspension.

·      Coaches are allowed to question umpires BETWEEN INNINGS regarding the correct application of a rule, PROVIDED THAT the coach does so with deference and respect.  ANY semblance of rude or disrespectful talk/behavior towards an umpire will automatically result in a 2 game suspension.  After these 2 games the coach can apply for re-admittance via a letter and sincere apology to the appropriate umpire and umpire coordinator.  If this happens a second time then the coach will be removed from all coaching responsibilities.

·      All umpires have final authority on all calls.

·      Parents/Fans: Coaches will accept responsibility for parents/fans of their team.  Parents are NEVER allowed to question an umpire’s call or to dispute a rule with them at any time.  If a parent questions the umpire, etc., the coach is to remind the parent that this is not allowed.  If the parent continues, the coach is to ask the parent to leave the game.  If the parent refuses, then the coach is to inform the parent that he/she is at that point required to report the incident to the Level Director and Umpire Coordinator.