Hobbies And Interests
Rules Involving Limits
Games usually last five innings. An inning can end with three outs but an inning also ends after five runs are scored. The game can end when the five-run rule makes it impossible to win. If the game is a slaughter why continue? The minimum number of players on a team is seven and this includes a pitcher, a catcher and four infielders. If a player arrives late, but before the start of the third inning, she can be added to the bottom of the lineup but cannot bat until she has played the field for one inning. In the case of a tie game, one extra inning is played. If 15 players show up, all 15 bat.
Umpires and Coaches
Basically, the umpire is always right. Protests are not allowed and the umpire is the final authority on all things. The umpire is, however, allowed to reverse any decision. Every bat must have an ASA Softball, USSSA Softball or Dixie Youth Softball stamp or sticker. Any bat that is questioned by anyone must be approved by the umpire. Any contested rule or call can be brought to a committee member's attention for future examination and all rules are open to change at the committee's discretion. Coaches must give the player lineup to the score keeper at least 10 minutes before game time. During play, base coaches must stay in coach's boxes, and other coaches must stay in the dugout.
Rules Involving Players
Every player gets to play the entire game. When stealing base, a runner must stay on base until the ball is pitched. There is no taunting or verbal abuse of any player at any time. Any runner who interferes with a player on the opposing team is called out. If the runner collides with a player on the opposing team, the umpire decides if it was intentional or not. If the collision is ruled intentional, the runner is out. A runner can run outside the baseline to avoid an opposing player but not if the opposing player is trying to tag her out.