PTAA 10 & Under 
Slow-Pitch Softball League Rules 2004 

  
1) This is an Instructional League to prepare the players for the next level of play. League standings and team records will not be kept. We should stress the importance of fundamentals, teamwork, and sportsmanship 
  
2) The pitching distance will be 40 feet. Managers or coaches will pitch the first 2 innings of the first 5 games, thereafter the girls will pitch. During the first 2 innings a maximum of 7 pitches will be delivered to each batter. If the batter is unable to hit the ball in that amount, batter will be out. There will be no base on balls. A strike will be called on a pitched ball with legal arc of 6 to 12 feet that hits the black mat. A pitch not conforming to the arc requirement will be a ball even if it hits the mat unless batter swings. Managers (only) of both teams should use some discretion on this to ensure the game moves at a good pace and that no girl becomes frustrated with pitching or hitting. 
  
3) Pitching for both coaches and players must be in accordance with ASA slow-pitch rules. 
  
4) Starting with the 6th game the girls will start pitching at the beginning of the game. After 4 balls have been thrown a coach will come in at the same strike count and throw no more than 4 pitches. At that time if batter has not made contact, batter will be out. 
  
5) Bases will be 60 feet apart. Base runners may advance ONE base only on a batted ball that does not go into the outfield. 
  
6) Only 1 base advancement is permitted per base runner on overthrows oven if there are multiple overthrows per at bat. Base runners proceed at their own risk on in-play overthrows; out-of- play overthrows will be awarded the base. 
  
7) The first base and third base coaches will make safe/out calls at their respective bases. First base coach makes calls at first and second and third base coach makes calls at third and home. Coaches can position themselves in the field of play but not interfering with play to make a call on a play. They will also determine the runner's location when ball has been returned to infielders' control. SEE RULE 8  
  
8) On a batted ball hit to the outfield, base coaches will make the call if runner(s) are past half way mark and when an infielder has control of the ball. If runner(s) are past the half way mark they are allowed to advance to next base with the chance of being put out. If runners are NOT past half way mark on completion of play they will be returned to last base unless they were put out trying to advance. 
  
9) All players will bat in a continuous batting order. 
  
10) Only 1 player per infield positions (catcher, pitcher, 1st, 2nd, 3rd & SS). Four players will play outfield. Left, left center, right center, & right fielders will be at least 15 feet beyond end of infield dirt. 
  
11) All players must play an infield position at least 2 innings. All players must play in the field (infield or outfield) at least 3 innings. 
  
12) Games will be 6 full innings. Games will have a 2 hour time limit unless there is a game scheduled afterward. If so games will have a 1 hour 45 minute time limit. 
  
13) Rain-shortened games will be complete after 4 innings. Rainouts will be made up and is the responsibility of the home team manager to get rescheduled. 

14) A 5 run rule per inning will be in effect including the 6th. 
  
15) All batters, base runners and pitchers will wear a batting helmet. Catchers will wear protective equipment. No Metal Spikes. 
  
16) No 3rd strike foul ball rule. Games will be umpired by 1 volunteer from each team or base coaches. Teams will have a minimum of 6 players to start a game. If coaches are short players they may call players up from the 7-8 year old PTAA League or Level Green League. 
  
17)   NO Spectators will stand behind the backstop. Only the manager, 2 base coaches, and the scorekeeper will be permitted in dugout area. Children not on the team are not allowed in dugout area. 
  
18) Bat Throwing: Player will receive 1 warning. On the next violation batter will be called out and no base runner can advance. 
  
19)     No bunting. 
  
20)     Home team will have access to the field as early as wanted but will give it up to the visiting team at least 15 minutes before scheduled game time.