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Georgia USSSA
Girls Fast pitch Softball
USSSA Fast pitch Official Playing Rules
With few exceptions, Georgia USSSA Girls Fast pitch will abide by the rules and by-laws governed by the USSSA Rulebook. The on-line rulebook supersedes any printed edition.
Below is a list of exceptions. This is for local Georgia tournament play only, including State Championships. These rules DO NOT apply when competing in any of the USSSA World Series events.
ALL ROSTERS MUST BE ONLINE FOR THE CURRENT SEASON
Courtesy Runner Rule for Georgia:
A team may use a Courtesy Runner for its pitcher and catcher per the USSSA Rule Book
IF AND ONLY IF a team has no available Courtesy Runner per the USSSA Rule Book, THEN AND ONLY THEN the team may use the Last Completed at bat (using the skip-backs, if necessary) as a Courtesy Runner fot the pitcher and catcher.
All other restrictions of the USSSA Rule 8.3 still apply. (Courtesy Runner cannot run for both positions in the same inning etc.)
All batting helmets must have an attached NOCSAE-approved face mask/guard. No exceptions!
Every effort will be made to complete every scheduled game. In the event of rain delays, the Tournament Director reserves the right to reduce the time limits of all remaining games and/or change the format of the tournament to reach a conclusion and determine a champion.
Rule 15. 10 & Under and Younger Rule Exceptions in the current edition of the USSSA Rule Book online will not be in effect in the Georgia USSSA Fast Pitch Program.
All 8/Under Rules will be governed by the present Georgia 8/Under Playing Rules and 10/Under will play by the rules governed by the present USSSA Rule Book excluding Rule 15 & Rule 17
Umpire & Director Abuse: Georgia USSSA Fast Pitch has a zero tolerance policy for players, coaches, or parents for fighting, abusive tactics or language, or unbecoming acts that are deemed detrimental and not in the best interest of the Georgia USSSA Fast Pitch toward an umpire or tournament director. Penalty: Automatic ejection from the Tournament and possible suspension from further USSSA events.
Georgia USSSA All-Star Program
Rule #1 All-Star teams can be of the following age divisons. 6U, 7U, 8U, 9U,10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U, 16,U and 18U.
Rule #2 All-Star teams must be chosen from a drafted league program which has at least 2 teams in the age division in which the All-Star team is chosen from.
Rule #3 All-Star teams that enter tournaments that do not make in the All-Star divison will be allowed to play in the B or C Class Division.
Rule #4 All-Star teams must participate in at least one qualifying tournament in order to qualify for the USSSA State All-Star tournament.
Rule #5 All-Star teams who meet the qualifications to play in the Ga State All-Star Tournament and participate in the Ga All-Star State will qualify for the Rec/Allstar World Series.
Rule #6 In 10/Under Rec/Allstar teams are allowed 4 outfielders. There is no stealing home. Runners can advance on an overthrow to third base only. Scoring from third must be n a batted ball. No dropped third strike. Batter may not advance on a dropped third strike.
Eight Under Playing Rules
Rule 1---The Playing Field
A. The base distance for 8 & under Division will be 60 feet.
B. The Pitching distance for 8 & under Division will be 35 feet
C. Thirty (30) foot slash marks will be placed between home and first, first and second, second and third, for the purpose of placement of base runners.
D. From the mid-point of the front edge of the pitcher’s plate, there shall be a circle drawn, which is 16 feet in diameter (8 foot radius).
Rule 2---Equipment
A. 8 & under Division will used the 11-inch, blue stitch Optic yellow softball, stamped USSSA Fast Pitch Classic.
B. Batting helmets with extended earflaps, which cover both ears and temples are mandatory for all batters, on deck batters, base runners, non-adult base coaches, non-adult bat and ball shaggers and any offensive player in live ball territory, even if the ball is dead.
C. Catcher's must be equipped with full catching equipment including shine guards.
Rule 3---Players and Substitutions
A. A team may play with and Optional tenth (10th) player on defense. This Optional player must be positioned in the Outfield and must stay a minimum of ten (10) feet outside of the baseline (umpires judgment) until the ball is hit.
B. A team must have 6 players within the baselines, including the catcher. A regulation infield must be used. All other players are considered outfielders and must play a minimum of ten (10) feet outside of the baselines.
C. A team may start a game with 8 players. If a team starts with 8 players they must take an out for the ninth batting postition.
D. The batting lineup may be any number from eight (8) to all players present. An automatic out will be taken if only eight (8) batters. When batting more than eight (8), if any position in the batting order is left open due to injury, illness, or ejection it will be an automatic out if a sub is not available.
The Game
A. The USSSA Present Edition Rule Book will govern all play unless specified in this section.
B. A Coach will make a maximum of five (5) pitches. If the batter has not hit a fair ball, struck out, or been put out after receiving the maximum numbers of pitches without completing any of these situations will be called out by the umpire.
C. If after 2 strikes or five (5) pitches the fifth (5th) pitch is fouled off, the batter will receive another pitch until either a strike out, or the ball is put into play. If the batter does not swing at the sixth (6) pitch it is called an out.
D. There will be a maximum of six (6) runs per half inning. If after time has expired or beginning of the 5th (fifth) inning there will be no maximum run rule per inning.
E. The run rule is as follows:
15 runs after 3 innings
12 runs after 4 innnings
8 runs after 5 innings.
F. No Bunting
G. No Stealing
H. No leading off bases.
I. Play will stop when the lead runner has stopped
J. The player pitcher must have at least 1 (one) foot in the pitcher’s circle when the batter’s coach is pitching
K. A runner may leave the base when the ball leaves the coach pitcher's hand. If a runner leaves before the ball leaves the coach pitcher's hand the runner will be called out.
8/Under Playing Rules
Recreational Allstar Division
Rule 1---The Playing Field
A. The base distance for 8 & under Division will be 60 feet.
B. The Pitching distance for 8 & under Division will be 35 feet
C. Thirty (30) foot slash marks will be placed between home and first, first and second, second and third, for the purpose of placement of base runners.
D. From the mid-point of the front edge of the pitcher’s plate, there shall be a circle drawn, which is 16 feet in diameter (8 foot radius).
Rule 2---Equipment
A. 8 & under Division will used the 11-inch, blue stitch Optic yellow softball, stamped USSSA Fast Pitch Classic.
B. Batting helmets with extended earflaps, which cover both ears and temples are mandatory for all batters, on deck batters, base runners, non-adult base coaches, non-adult bat and ball shaggers and any offensive player in live ball territory, even if the ball is dead.
C. Catcher's must be equipped with full catching equipment including shine guards.
Rule 3---Players and Substitutions
A. A team may play with and Optional tenth (10th) player on defense. This Optional player must be positioned in the Outfield and must stay a minimum of ten (10) feet outside of the baseline (umpires judgment) until the ball is hit.
B. A team must have 6 players within the baselines, including the catcher. A regulation infield must be used. All other players are considered outfielders and must play a minimum of ten (10) feet outside of the baselines.
C. A team must have a minimum of 8 players to start a game.
If a team starts with 8 players they must take an out in the ninth postition in the batting order
D. The batting lineup may be any number from eight (8) to all players present. An automatic out will be taken if only eight (8) batters. When batting more than eight (8), if any position in the batting order is left open due to injury, illness,or ejection it will be an automatic out if a sub is not available.
The Game
A. The USSSA Present Edition Rule Book will govern all play unless specified in this section.
B. A Coach will make a maximum of five (5) pitches. If the batter has not hit a fair ball, struck out, or been put out after receiving the maximum numbers of pitches without completing any of these situations will be called out by the umpire.
C. If after 2 strikes or five (5) pitches the fifth (5th) pitch is fouled off, the batter will receive another pitch until either a strike out, or the ball is put into play. If the batter does not swing at the sixth (6) pitch it is called an out.
D. There will be a maximum of six (6) runs per half inning. If after time has expired or beginning of the 5th (fifth) inning there will be no maximum run rule per inning.
E. The run rule is as follow
15 runs after 3 innings
12 runs after 4 innnings
8 runs after 5 innings.
F. No Bunting
G. No Stealing
H. No leading off bases.
I. Play will stop when the lead runner has stopped or the pitcher has the ball and at least one foot inside the pitching circle.
J. The player pitcher must have at least 1 (one) foot in the pitcher’s circle when the batter’s coach is pitching
k. Rule 17. Coach Pitch and Machine Pitch of the present USSSA Edition of the Rule Book will not be played in Georgia. That rule is for World Series play only.
J. A runner may leave the base when the ball crosses the plate. If a runner leaves before the ball crosses the plate the runner will be called out.
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