MISSION STATEMENT

The objective of the SSA is to engage players to learn the game of softball in a manner that ensures they have fun.  Interest in the game will be fostered by giving each player the opportunity to participate in all games.  Good sportsmanship must be demonstrated at all times by (and to) the Players, the Coaches, Spectators and Umpires alike.

All Softball Canada, O.A.S.A. and P.W.S.A. rules apply unless stated otherwise below.

GAME PLAY:

The game play for U9 has been modified to focus on the aspect of having fun and learning the basics of Softball. Coaches must develop players at all positions including pitchers.

PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES BELOW:

1.1 There will be score sheets for each game; however we will not be keeping track of wins or losses.

1.2 Playoffs will be a random draw

1.3 Number of players on the field: The field can have up to 10 players; 4 outfielders and 6 infielders.

1.4 A minimum of 6 fielders are required to play a game. (You may borrow players from the opposing team if you do not have enough to field a team.)

1.5 Attire: PANTS, JERSEY, HAT, CLOSE TOED SHOES (NO METAL CLEATS)

1.6 Equipment: Fielders MUST have a glove, catchers must wear all appropriate equipment.

1.7 Batters and Pitchers MUST wear a helmet with a full face mask and a chin strap

1.8 Umpires will call the game due to lightning and the convenor will try to reschedule any cancelled games

1.9 Absence of an Umpire: Each team will select one representative to act as an umpire and remain objective for that game

1.10 Parents are NOT ALLOWED ON THE FIELD, unless a player is injured and said parent has medical training, or is the players guardian, or is on the coaching staff/filling in for a coach

1.11 Parents are NOT permitted to speak to the Umpires regarding calls, that is the coaches responsibility and may result in ejection from the game if deemed necessary

1.12 Over-aged players cannot play the same position more than once in a game, which includes pitching.

1.13 There are 10 different positions on the field and every player, regardless of their ability, should have an equal opportunity to develop their skills.

2.0 Playing Time: All players are given equal playing time and an opportunity to fully develop by playing all positions

2.1 Time Limit: Games begin at 6:30 p.m.  Forfeit / Default time is 6:45 p.m.  No new inning after 8:10 p.m.  Curfew on games is 8:30 p.m.

2.2 Walks: No walks. Since the athletes are in the early stages of learning, proper technique rarely results in the ability to throw strikes consistently, so NO WALKS will be issued. If a pitcher gets 3 balls on a batter, an adult (from the batting team) will come in to pitch until the ball is either hit or the batter strikes out. This will eliminate pitchers reverting to improper technique to throw strikes, and fewer giving up in frustration or embarrassment.

Since there will be no advantage to a coach telling the batters to wait for a walk it will encourage more aggressive hitting, resulting in improved hitting ability, confidence and more action defensively. The increased action, defensively, will also result in improved defensive skills.

• Adult pitchers should use windmill arm action so batters get used to seeing it and should attempt to pitch at the speed similar to the pitcher who is pitching so batters learn how to hit that speed.
• Strike count resumes where the pitcher left off.

2.3 Maximum Number of Runs: There will be a maximum of 5 runs allowed per inning. If a team gets down by more than 10 runs after a complete inning, that team will now be permitted 4 outs. If the team gets back to within 10 runs, they will revert back to 3 outs in the next inning. This will help speed up the game in hopes of getting more innings in.

2.4 Number of Outfielders: 4 outfielders. The field is much too large for 3 young players to cover and this modification puts one more player into the action and off the bench.

2.5 Batting: All players bat. This level has the traditional 1, 2, and 3 out innings. Although only 10 players are playing defense, all of them are in the batting order.

2.6 Substitutions: Coaches are allowed unlimited substitutions.

2.7 Pitching: Pitchers are only allowed to pitch 9 outs per game before a pitching change is made. This will encourage a coach to develop several pitchers and avoid burning out an early achiever.

2.8 Coaches: Coaches are allowed on diamond during the game to help direct play and provide an opportunity for feedback to be immediate and private.

2.9 Strike Zone: Larger strike zone. A wider home plate is used (19" instead of 17") and the umpire is instructed to call a slightly larger vertical zone (shoulders to bottom of knees). This will help keep the adult pitcher out of the game a bit more as well as encourage more aggressive hitting. Parents should be informed of this change.

2.10 Infield Fly Rule: This rule does not apply.

2.11 Stealing: Players may steal a base after the ball crosses the plate, except for Home. Players can not score on a pass ball or wild pitch.

2.12 Overthrows: Runners will only receive 1 base on an overthrow, even if the ball is in fair territory. (i.e. a runner advancing to 2B at the time of an overthrow into CF can only go to 3B, not all the way Home).

2.13 Third Strike: The batter will be called out on a dropped 3rd strike.

2.14 Thrown Bat: A player will receive one warning for throwing their bat. The next incident will result in the batter being called out.

3.0 PROTESTS: Protests are not allowed during regular season games.

4.0 EJECTIONS AND SUSPENSIONS - Ejections are issued by a member of the Umpire staff, which includes any Executive Member.

4.1 Players or team officials ejected during play, or at the conclusion of play, by the    umpire, will leave the playing field, and if so designated by the umpire, the park. (The park is defined as the parking lot designated by the Umpire).  A first ejection carries an immediate suspension of 1 complete game played. A second ejection in the same season, or a first ejection deemed serious will be reviewed by the Discipline Committee, which may suspend the person a minimum of 1 game, and maximum of the remainder of the season. The coach of the team with the ejected player is responsible for communicating the ejection to the Division Convenor.

4.2 Volunteers or spectators ejected must leave the park,  (the park is defined as the parking lot designated by the Umpire) within 5 minutes of ejection; otherwise the coach will be ejected. If the coach does not leave the park within 5 minutes, the team forfeits the game.

4.3 Failure to report an ejection to the convenor prior to the next game will result in a forfeiture of the subsequent game and any additional games until the ejection is reported.

5.0 OTHER IMPORTANT RULE DIFFERENCES

5.1 Safety Base: A runner advancing to 1st base, must use the safety base if there is a play, to run through the base. Similarly, the fielder at 1st, must use the white base to make a defensive out.

5.2 Defensive Conferences: A coach may have two defensive conferences for each pitcher, in each inning. In the second conference the pitcher must be changed and a new pitcher must be played.

5.3 Offensive Conferences: In the spirit of teaching players how to play the game, we want to encourage coaches to help players in need when in the batter’s box. As the players get older and gain more skill, less of this will occur. At the Umpire’s discretion, a warning may be issued to the offensive coach if the umpire feels the game is being delayed for a competitive nature. A second warning may result in an ejection of the coach.