Rules

Belleville Minor Softball is committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and safe environment for all participants, including players, coaches, officials, parents, and volunteers. This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations and standards of behaviour that ensure respect, fairness, and integrity within our community.

You can download the Code of Conduct here.

U6 will be focused on being active, learning the game, and having FUN.

U8 Rules

  1. When the ball is hit to the outfield, the player must stop at second base (the player must get to second safely).
  2. A runner on third base shall be frozen there until hit or forced in (walked in). They cannot advance on an overthrow or a fly out.
  3. When a batter is walked, all play is dead until the next ball is pitched. If there is a base runner on third with bases loaded, the base runner must keep his/her helmet on until he/she returns to the bench. If any base runner takes his/her helmet off while in the field of play, they will be called out.
  4. Any type or style of glove may be worn by the players.
  5. Parents or Coaches are to pitch and catch for the kids. Kids will get 5 pitches to hit the ball.
  6. Runners may not leave their bases until the batter has made contact with the ball.

U10 Rules

  1. Pitch Assist – Player pitching to opposing team until the batter receives a 4th ball, which would normally result in a walk. This is where the game changes. After the 4th ball, the batter will have a count against him/her. It will either be 4 balls (0 strikes 4-0), 4-1 or 4-2. The hitter’s coach or designate for the offensive team, will now come in to pitch to his/her own batter and carry on the count (LTP rules).
  2. Player pitch – normal count. After 3 strikes, batter out.
  3. There will only be stealing from first to second base. There will be no stealing of any other bases including passed balls from pitching.
  4. A runner on third base shall be frozen there until they’re forced in (hit in). They cannot advance on an overthrow or a fly out.
  5. The batter shall be automatically out on a third strike whether or not the catcher catches the ball.
  6. The base runner must keep his/her helmet on until he/she returns to the bench. If any base runner takes his/her helmet off while in the field of play, they may be called out.
  7. Five runs constitute an inning.
  8. A player may only pitch a maximum of 3 innings per game but does not have to be consecutive (i.e. if a pitcher pitches to a batter in an inning, it shall be considered as an inning pitched). Once a pitcher is removed, he/she cannot re-enter as a pitcher in that inning.
  9. Players may not leave their base until the pitched ball has crossed home plate or until the batter has made contact with the ball.
  10. Last inning may not be called prior to 7:50 pm. If inning is not complete by 8:00pm the game will continue until the inning is complete.

U13 Rules

  1. Five runs constitute an inning. Last inning will be called by home plate umpire. Last inning may not be called prior to 7:50 pm. If inning is not complete by 8:00 pm the game will continue until the inning is complete.
  2. Players may only pitch a maximum of four innings per game but does not have to be consecutive (i.e. if a pitcher pitches to a batter in an inning, it shall be considered as an inning pitched). Once a pitcher is removed, he/she cannot re-enter as a pitcher in that inning.
  3. Players may not leave their bases until the pitcher has released the ball.
  4. There will only be stealing from first to third base. There will be no stealing at any other bases even on passed balls from pitching. Runner shall be frozen at third base until hit or walked in, but runners cannot advance on overthrows.
  5. The batter shall be automatically out on third strike whether or not the catcher catches the ball.
  6. All runners and batters must wear a helmet while on the playing field. This includes the period after scoring or an out is made; helmets stay on until you are back in the dugout.

U18 Rules

  1. Games starting at 6:30pm must be completed by 8:00pm to allow the next game to start on time.
  2. Five runs constitute an inning.
  3. Players may only pitch a maximum of 5 innings per game but does not have to be consecutive (i.e. if a pitcher pitches to a batter in an inning, it shall be considered as an inning pitched). Once a pitcher is removed, he/she cannot re-enter as a pitcher in that inning.
  4. Players may not leave their bases until the pitcher has released the ball.
  5. The batter may attempt to run to first base if the catcher misses the ball on the third strike, providing first base is not occupied. If there are two outs, the batter can still run regardless of whether or not the first base is occupied.
  6. All runners and batters must wear a helmet while on the playing field. This includes the period after scoring or an out is made; helmets stay on until you are back in the dugout.