2026 "White Page" Rules
Subscribe to our NewsletterNORTH COUNTY COMMUNITY GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE
"White Page" Rules – 2026 (v 1.0) – Updated 04/09/26
(Supersedes & Supplements rules as written in the 2025 PONY Rule Book)
League Regulations
1. TEAMS & ROSTERS
A. League Representative is responsible for assuring that rosters meet NCCGSL Age and Talent Parity rules. Age Parity is defined as +/- 2 per birth year and +/- 1 for team size.
B. League Representative shall submit preliminary team rosters at the Registration Meeting.
a. Electronic copy submitted prior to the Registration Meeting
b. Two printed copies submitted at the Registration Meeting
C. League Representative shall submit final roster to the Director by the Saturday before Opening Day.
1.) Players whose names do not appear on the roster are not eligible to play.
2.) Players may be rostered to only one (1) team. Exception: League Age 14 (See Rule 1.E.)
3.) Minimum/Maximum Team Size
a. 6U should have at least 6 & not exceed 11 players
b. 8U should have at least 11 & not exceed 15 players
c. 10U – HSE teams should have at least 12 & not exceed 15 players
d. Exceptions must be approved by the NCCGSL Board.
4.) Final rosters may be changed with the approval of VP and Director.
a.) Maximum (3) changes per season per team; one change per season per player.
b.) Players added to a final roster, without league approval, are not eligible to play.
c.) Roster changes after May 1st must be approved by the NCCGSL Executive Board
5.) The league will distribute final rosters to each organization for disbursement to each of their teams.
a.) All 10U – 19U rosters must be signed by the head coach and each player and parent on the team.
b.) Additions to this roster can only be made when approved by the league, as specified in the rules.
c.) The coach retains the master copy of this roster and must carry it to all games.
d.) For redundancy, organizations should also maintain a copy of each signed roster.
D. Managers are responsible for carrying a copy of their roster for perusal by opponent.
Game may only be protested by challenging manager and illegal player named prior to perusal request. If player is found legal and/or the protest is withdrawn, the challenging manager will be ejected.
1.) Use of an illegal player will result in forfeiture of all games in which illegal player participated
a.) Player and manager are suspended from the NCCGSL for the remainder of this season
b.) Player and manager are suspended from the NCCGSL for all of the following season
c.) Team forfeits all NCCGSL post season team awards
d.) The NCCGSL Board reserves the right to review and increase the penalty
E. League Age 14 players may double roster on a 19U (High School Eligible) team
1.) League Age 14 players can double roster only within their organization
a.) Exceptions must be approved by NCCGSL Board
b.) Exceptions considered only when their organization does not field a 19U team
2.) Double rostered player’s first allegiance is to their 14U team, i.e. the player cannot quit the 14U team and play only for the 19U HS Eligible team. Penalty: player is disqualified from NCCGSL for the remainder of the season.
2. LEAGUE AGE
A. League Age Groups are 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U & HS Eligible (19U)
B. League Age is determined by player's age on September 1, 2025 of the year prior to upcoming season (birth year)
1.) Age Chart*age as of September 1,2025
|
9/1/2005 = 19 |
9/1/2006 = 18 |
9/12007 = 17 |
9/12/008 = 16 |
9/1/2009 = 15 |
9/1/2010 = 14 |
|
9/1/2011 = 13 |
9/1/2012 = 12 |
9/1/2013 = 11 |
9/1/2014 = 10 |
9/1/2015 = 9 |
9/1/2016 = 8 |
|
9/1/2017 = 7 |
9/1/2018 = 6 |
9/1/2019 = 5 |
9/1/2021 = 4 |
3/1/2022 thru 2025: ineligible |
|
1.) A player cannot "play down" into a lower age group
2.) A player may be protested at any point during the game
a.) If player is declared ineligible, she may not play in this or future games for this team.
** Notify NCCGSL VP and League Rep **
Players
3. PLAYER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
A. All players’ first allegiance must be to the NCCGSL. Those playing for other softball organizations whose schedule conflicts with any NCCGSL event (games, practices, fundraisers, etc.), shall be informed that the NCCGSL event has priority over other organizations' events. (EXECEPTION: Girls playing for their High School softball team) Penalties may include forfeiture of all games in which this player participated and/or expulsion of player from the NCCGSL.
B. Players must participate in at least half of their team's scheduled games from their date of registration to be eligible for the playoffs. Exceptions will be considered for players attending schools outside of the area who are not commuting home on a daily basis, as long as they are registered before the cut-off date.
Equipment
4. BALL
A. 10U, 12U 14U & HSE - Optic yellow softball with leather covers, clearly stamped with Core: .47 & Compression: 375#
B. 10U uses an 11" Optic Yellow Ball
C. 12U, 14U & HSE all use a 12" Optic Yellow Ball
D. 8U uses an 11" Safety Ball, preferably an Easton "Soft Touch Incrediball" with rubber cover (not cloth)
E. 6U uses a 10" Safety Ball, preferably an Easton "Soft Touch Incrediball" with rubber cover (not cloth)
F. Any ball with a synthetic cover is illegal (except “Incrediball”).
5. UNIFORMS & SAFETY EQUIPMENT
A. League-issued uniforms, T-shirts and headwear should be worn.
1.) Handkerchiefs or bandanas do not qualify as headbands and cannot be worn, either around the head or around the neck
2.) Plastic visors and mirrored sunglasses are not allowed
B. All safety equipment and other gear must meet the requirements as listed in the PONY Rules.
1.) Double ear flaps and face guards are required on all batting helmets
Safety Note: Top inside padding of helmet must be touching the top of player’s head.
2.) Use of chin straps is encouraged but not mandatory.
C. Catchers must wear all protective gear
1.) Shin guards, chest protector, full helmet with double earflaps and mask with throat protector.
2.) Any player or minor serving as a catcher to warm-up a pitcher must wear a mask and helmet.
D. Batters, Base Runners, On-Deck Batters, and Player Coaches must wear batting helmets at all times while on the playing field.
E. Jewelry, which is judged by the umpire to be dangerous, may not be worn during the game.
1.) Watches, bracelets, hooped, open, dangling or ornamental earrings, necklaces, chains, rings, face and nose rings, fit bit type devices or any other item judged dangerous by the umpire, may not be worn during the game.
2.) Medical alert necklaces or bracelets may be worn but must be securely taped to the body
F. Any player entering the playing field wearing metal cleats shall be immediately ejected. NO WARNING!
G. Pitchers & corner infielders are encouraged (but not required) to wear an approved face mask.
6. BLOOD & ACCIDENT RULE
(In addition to PONY Softball Rules COMMUNICABLE DISEASE PROCEDURES)
A. In case of a serious accident and/or when bleeding occurs, the umpire shall immediately stop the game. A coach, trainer, or other authorized person shall be summoned to administer to the injured person. A player, coach or umpire who is bleeding must be treated before continuation of play. The bleeding must be stopped and the open wound covered. If, in the Umpire’s judgment, treatment is administered in a reasonable amount of time, the individual will not have to leave the game. Contaminated clothing must be changed before the injured party may participate. All contaminated equipment must be disinfected prior to use. Contaminated soil or other field areas must be cleaned, covered, removed or otherwise made safe prior to resumption of play.
B. The Game Clock stops from the time of accident/injury until the time play is resumed.
C. All Safety Equipment must be worn. Other uniform rules will not be enforced, if a uniform change is required.
D. If an injured Pitcher leaves the game for treatment and returns as pitcher in the same inning, pitching records will be treated as if she never left the game. The relief pitcher is not charged with an inning and is eligible to return as pitcher in a later inning.
Playing Field
7. BASE & PITCHING DISTANCES; BUNTING & INFIELD FLY RULE
|
6U |
8U |
10U |
12U |
14U |
HSE |
|
|
Base Distance |
50’ |
50’ |
60’ |
60’ |
60’ |
60’ |
|
Pitching Distance |
33’ |
33’ |
35’ |
40’ |
43’ |
43’ |
|
Bunting |
NO |
NO |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES |
|
Infield Fly Rule |
NO |
NO |
NO |
YES |
YES |
YES |
|
Dropped Third Strike |
NO |
NO |
NO |
YES |
YES |
YES |
8. PITCHER'S PLATE
A. Pitcher plate shall measure 24 inches long and 6 inches wide
B. Distance is measured from the back of home plate to the front of the pitcher's plate
C. There shall be a circle around the pitcher's plate measuring 16 feet in diameter
1.) The circle is measured as an 8 foot radius from the front center of the pitcher's plate
9. BATTER'S BOX
A. The batter's box, one on each side of home plate, shall measure 3 feet wide by 7 feet in length
B. The inside line of the box shall be 6 inches from home plate
C. The front line of the box shall be 4 feet forward of a line drawn through the center of home plate
The Game
10. UMPIRES
Safety Note - Home team must have umpire equipment available for volunteer umpires.
All adult umpires must wear a mask.
All umpires who are minors must wear full equipment (mask, chest protector & shin guards)
A. It is the home team's responsibility to provide a qualified umpire.
1.) Games cannot be postponed if the umpire doesn't show
a.) Managers should agree on an umpire chosen from among the spectators
b.) There are (2) umpires at every game - the two managers!
B. With the home organization’s consent regarding their field, it is the umpire's responsibility to determine if field and weather conditions allow the start and/or continuation of the game.
C. Umpire will conduct a pregame meeting at home plate 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
D. 10U – HSE - Team must have (8) players to start and finish a game.
1.) Team will not take an out for missing the 9th or 10th batter in the order.
11. PREGAME MEETING
A. Lineups are exchanged prior to start of game.
1.) Players who are not present shall be removed from the lineup at this time
2.) Players arriving late shall be placed at the bottom of the lineup, even if before the first pitch
B. During pregame meeting, Manager must notify umpire of any ineligible players.
1.) This includes players benched for disciplinary reasons
C. Umpire and both managers should be aware of artificial curfew times prior to the start of game.
1.) Terms of curfew must be stated at this time
D. During the regular season, the game start can be delayed for up to 15 minutes, from the original scheduled game start time, to wait for the minimum number of players to arrive for either team.
1.) The game clock starts at the original game start time.
2.) If a team does not have the minimum number of players, present and at the field, within 15 minutes, the team short players, will be issued a forfeit and the game will not be played.
3.) All games that start late, for shortage of players, must be reported in the game incident report to VPs.
4.) Excessive late starts by a team may result in forfeiture of games.
5.) Exceptional circumstances, like an unexpected major road closure shutting down all traffic, may be considered by the umpire.
12. DEFENSIVE PLAY
A. 10U, 12U, 14U and HS Eligible may play 10 players in the field
1.) The pitcher and catcher in their designated areas, plus 8 fielders in the field of play.
B. Each player must play a minimum of 3 innings per game in the field. (Players may alternate innings)
C. A team is allowed 3 charged defensive conferences per game.
1.) Each charged conference after the third requires a pitching change
2.) In an extra inning game, each team is allowed one charged conference per inning
a.) Additional charged conferences require a pitching change
b.) Unused conferences from the regulation game are not carried over into extra innings
D. 10U, 12U, 14U, HSE defensive coaches are not allowed on the field (or any in-play area) and must stay in the dugout and dugout area.
E. Catchers are responsible for retrieving and returning all pitches thrown by the pitcher.
13. OFFENSIVE PLAY
A. All teams must bat roster.
1.) All players present must be listed in the order they will bat.
2.) If any player refuses to bat, she must take an out.
3.) Any player leaving the field due to illness or injury may not return to the game without the approval of the umpire and opposing manager.
4.) If a player is leaving the game and will not return (injury, school function, piano lesson), their name will be removed from the lineup without penalty.
5.) Any player who is out of the game due to injury or Blood Rule will have their turn at bat canceled without penalty.
B. The offensive team is allowed one conference per inning between a manager/coach and a batter/runner
1.) Penalty: Ejection of manager or coach who insists on another conference
C. Batter must keep one foot inside the batter’s box between pitches.
1.) Failure to keep one foot in the box may result in a strike on the batter for delay of game
2.) A strike should not be called, for the act of stepping out of the batter’s box that does not constitute a delay of game.
3.) This rule is not intended to penalize the player. It is intended to speed up the game.
4.) No strike should be called, without a warning to the batter. Any number of warnings can be issued to the same batter.
5.) Exceptions and complete rule can be found at (Pony Rules 8-1 & POE 5)
D. The hand is not part of the bat. (PONY Rules Rule 9 sec. 2.g)
E. It is illegal to throw the bat after hitting the ball – “sling the bat” in a manner potentially dangerous to others
1.) First team offense: Team warning
2.) All future offenses: Dead ball. Batter is out. All runners return to their original base.
14. PITCHING
A. 6U - Coach Pitch (see Supplement Sheet)
B. 8U & 10U - (see Pitching Rules Below & 8U & 10U Supplement Sheet)
a. 10U – Season will consist of Player Only Pitch and Coach Assist Pitch
C. 10U, 12U, 14U, HSE: Fast Pitch
1.) Both windmill and slingshot pitching is permitted.
a. Prior to the pitch, the pitcher must start with at least one foot touching the pitcher's plate and the other foot on or directly behind the pitching plate, hands apart and to their sides. The ball may be in the glove or bare hand. Both feet must be within the 24" width of the pitcher’s rubber.
b. While in this position, the pitcher must take or simulate taking a signal from the catcher.
c. After taking the signal, the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the body for not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball.
NOTE: Before the pitch begins, the pitcher may remove them self from the pitching position by stepping back from the pitcher’s plate with both feet or by requesting time.
d. The pitch begins and cannot be discontinued when the hands are separated once they have been placed together
e. Any step back with the non-pivot foot must begin before the start of the pitch (14.C.1.d). The pitcher cannot step back a second time, if their foot was already behind the pitching plate, prior to the start of the pitch. Once the pitch has started (the hands separate), the pitcher shall take not more than one step which must be forward and within the 24” length of the pitching plate, toward the batter and simultaneous with the underhand delivery of the ball to the batter.
EXCEPTION: When removing self from the pitcher’s position
f. The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher’s plate or push off and drag away from the pitcher’s plate or be airborne prior to the non-pivot foot touching the ground. The pitcher may leap from the pitcher’s plate, land with the non-pivot foot and with a continuous motion deliver the ball to the batter. The pivot foot may follow through with the pitcher’s continuous motion.
i. The pitcher’s push off to drag, or leap must start from the pitcher’s plate. The pitcher must not crow hop or push off from any place other than the pitcher’s plate. The pitcher cannot replant her pivot foot before delivering the pitch.
ii. All movement of the pitching arm must be continuous as the pitcher steps, pushes or leaps from the pitcher’s plate.
g. Complete details for pitching rules are in the PONY Rule Book. Where conflicts arise, white page rules supersede PONY rules.
2.) 10U and 12U pitchers may also start from the “K” position
a.) The pitcher must start by facing either first or third base. The pivot foot must be touching the rubber. The lead foot must be in a direct line between the pivot foot and home plate.
b.) After taking position described in a), the pitcher must first take a sign from the catcher. She must then present the ball before beginning her pitching motion.
c.) The pitcher shall move her throwing hand backward (in a direction opposite to that of delivery of ball to batter) and no farther than a position of 12 o’clock (“K” position)
d.) The pitcher is allowed (but not required) to pause when she reaches the point where she will start to deliver the ball toward the batter. Once she begins her forward delivery, she may not hesitate or pause again prior to releasing the ball. To do so would constitute an illegal pitch.
3.) All pitchers may re-enter as pitcher once per game
4.) The delivery of one pitch in an inning counts as a full inning pitched.
a. 10U: A pitcher may pitch a maximum of three (3) innings per game.
b. 12U: A pitcher may pitch a maximum of four (4) innings per game.
c. 14U: A pitcher may pitch a maximum of five (5) innings per game.
d. 19U: A pitcher is limited to 7 innings in a game and 10 innings in an originally scheduled week.
i. Pitching records will reset for an originally scheduled week on Saturday night at 11:59pm.
ii. Pitching records will be updated on the league website, however, it is the responsibility of both coaches to exchange accurate pitching records for the originally scheduled week, during the pregame meeting.
iii. Providing a false or incorrect pitching record, which leads to exceeding the allowed innings for a pitcher, will result in forfeiture of the game and suspension of the manager.
5.) A pitcher who exceeds her pitching limits is immediately removed as pitcher and the manager is ejected.
6.) Between innings or when a pitcher relieves another, the pitcher is allowed one minute and not more than 5 warm-up pitches, whichever comes first. KEEP THE GAME MOVING!!!
a.) A ball is awarded to the batter for each additional pitch
D. Illegal Pitch
1.) When an illegal pitch is called, a delayed dead ball situation occurs.
a.) The manager has the option of taking the result of the play or the illegal pitch penalty, which is a ball on the batter. However, runners do NOT automatically advance one base, unless the penalty resulted in ball four.
E. There is no rule concerning the number of hit batters that pitchers are allowed.
1.) In the interest of sportsmanship, managers should remove pitchers who are excessively wild.
2.) Both managers are required to report any pitcher who hits 3 or more batters during the course of the game to the Age Group VP, as part of their game report.
15. BASE RUNNING
A. All Age Groups: There is NO Mandatory “Must Slide” rule. A player should not be called out for the sole act of not sliding. In order to prevent injury and protect the defensive player attempting to make a play on a runner, the runner must be called out if she remains on her feet and crashes into a defensive player holding the ball and waiting to apply a tag. In order to avoid a collision with another player, a runner must do at least one of the following:
a. Slide (except 6U & 8U)
b. Go around the defender (if outside the three-foot lane, the runner would be called out)
c. Give themselves up
d. If permissible, return to the previous base touched.
e. Penalty: Runner can be declared out and (if flagrant) face ejection from the game.
B. Runners are awarded two bases on an overthrown ball that goes out of play. Runners are awarded one base on a pitched passed ball that goes out of play. Bases are awarded by the runners' position on the field at the time the ball leaves the fielder's hand. This is an umpire judgment call.
C. Coaches cannot touch or aid base runners while ball is in play. (Penalty: runner out)
D. 6U & 8U: see Supplement page
E. 10 & Under
1.) Runners must stay in contact with the base until the ball has passed home plate.
2.) Base Stealing
a. Stealing is permitted, with the exception of Home Plate.
b. During coach pitch, no stealing is allowed (see 10U Pitching supplement).
c. Runner starting at first base can advance only to third base on an attempted steal of second base, even if there is an attempted play at third base or to another fielder resulting in an overthrow.
a.) If the runner reaches third and leaves the base, the runner is in jeopardy to be put out.
1.) This includes a runner that overruns third base or continues to home plate.
2.) The runner is in jeopardy, even after the runner passes home plate. The runner must return to third, by touching the bases in the proper order.
3.) The runner is out, if out of the base path, while avoiding a tag.
4.) If the runner leaves the field of play, it is a dead ball and the runner is out.
d. Runner starting on 2nd or 3rd base can advance to home, in jeopardy, on a throw to any base or any ball put into play.
e. The ball is live until returned to the pitcher, in the circle and all players return/advance to a base, in accordance to the lookback rule. An overthrow or errant throw between a fielder and pitcher (or between 2 fielders) remains a live ball, as long as the ball does not enter an out of play area. Exception: A runner cannot advance to home on an overthrow from the catcher to the pitcher, when the catcher is returning a pitch or passed ball.
3.) Under no circumstance can a runner advance to home:
a.) On a wild pitch or passed ball
b.) On a pitched ball that goes out of play (dead ball)
c.) On an overthrow from the catcher back to the pitcher
d.) When the runner occupies first base at the start of any stolen base attempt or when a batter/runner attempts to steal second base after a walk. This includes continuation of play at any base.
F. 12U, 14U & 19U (HS Eligible)
1.) Runners may leave the base after the pitcher releases the ball.
2.) Runners may steal any base, including home.
G. Pinch hitting and pinch running are not permitted. A player injured to the point she cannot perform in all aspects of the game, should not participate until she is medically cleared and healthy enough to do so.
1.) EXCEPTION: If an injury occurs to an offensive player, during her at-bat or while running the bases, and she cannot continue at the time of the injury, she may be substituted with the last player who completed her at-bat and is on the bench.
a.) If the batter is replaced, the incoming player will assume the injured player’s ball/strike count.
b.) The injured player shall be removed from the game and requires the approval of the umpire and opposing coach to resume play.
c.) If the player cannot resume play before her next at-bat, the injured player shall be removed from the batting order, starting with her next at-bat and for the remainder of the game, with no penalty to the offensive team.
d.) If the injured player returns to play before her next at-bat, she resumes her original spot in the batting order.
e.) Minimum team size rules are in effect.
H. A courtesy runner may be used at any time for the pitcher or catcher.
1.) The courtesy runner is the last player who has completed her at-bat and is on the bench.
2.) The courtesy runner can be used for the pitcher and catcher of record, only. Exception: In 10U the courtesy runner can also be used for the incoming pitcher and catcher, to speed up the game.
3.) If either team discovers an incorrect courtesy runner was entered into the game, time must be called and the courtesy runner shall be replaced, before the next pitch, with no penalty.
I. ITB: The last player to complete her at-bat in the previous inning takes second base to start the ITB inning
J. Look Back Rule: When a runner 1) is legitimately off her base after a pitch or as a result of a batter completing her turn at bat, and 2) is stationary when the pitcher has possession of the ball in the circle, the runner must immediately attempt to advance to the next base or immediately return to the previous base. The responsibility is completely on the runner. There is no obligation on the pitcher to look, fake or throw. Failure to immediately proceed to the next base or return to the previous base after the pitcher has possession of the ball within the circle will result in the runner being declared out. A runner who hesitates or “jitterbugs” is declared out. Complete details for this rule are in the PONY Rule Book.
16. SIDE RETIRED
A. All Age Groups: 3 outs or 5 runs (6U: 3 outs or 4 runs) (whichever comes first) completes an inning, except during "open innings", as defined below.
1.) 6U: 4th inning
2.) 8U: 6th inning
3.) 10U: 5th & 6th inning – No unlimited inning during games that include coach assist pitch.
4.) 12U 14U & 19U (HS Eligible): 6th & 7th inning
B. 10U, 12U, 14U, 19U: A team can score more than 5 runs in an "open inning".
1.) All extra innings are "open innings"
2.) Extra innings are played using the International Tiebreaker Rule (see PONY Rules)
3.) Under no circumstance shall an "open inning" be declared in an earlier inning.
a.) Both teams receive a loss
C. 8U only: In the 6th inning, both teams bat their entire roster, no matter how many outs or runs
1.) Six innings maximum; no extra innings
D. 6U: In the 4th inning, both teams bat their entire roster, no matter how many outs or runs
1.) Four innings maximum; no extra innings
E. Slaughter Rule: All age groups (except 6U & 8U).
a. 10U – No slaughter rule for games that include coach assist pitch (& have no unlimited inning).
|
Home Team Winning |
Middle of 4th (3.5) |
Middle of 5th (4.5) |
Middle of 6th (5.5) |
|
Visiting Team Winning |
End of 4th |
End of 5th |
End of 6th |
|
10U |
15 |
12 |
|
|
12U-19U |
15 |
12 |
17. REGULATION GAME
|
|
Innings per Game |
Maximum Innings |
Minimum Innings |
|
6U |
4 |
4 |
|
|
8U |
6 |
6 |
|
|
10U |
6 |
8 |
3.5 (home team winning) |
|
12U, 14U & 19U |
7 |
9 |
4.5 (home team winning) |
A. Both teams must have an equal number of at-bats.
1.) If the visiting team ties the score or takes the lead in the top of the inning and the game is postponed for any reason (darkness, weather, etc.), the game must be resumed at a later date, beginning at the point where it was postponed.
a.) Example A: The visiting team is losing in the top half of the 6th inning when the game is called.
Action: The game is complete. Each team had an equal number of at-bats (5) and the lead did not change in the top of the inning.
B. Example B: The visiting team is losing going into the top half of the 6th inning, but has tied the score when the game is called due to darkness.
Action: The score does not revert back to the previous inning. Game must be rescheduled and resumed from the point at which play was stopped.
C. If a game is not an official game, both teams must record time remaining in the game, players on base, player at bat, outs, balls, strikes, lineup, score, innings pitched for each pitcher, suspended and ejected players, managers & other participants & any other pertinent info, to allow the game to resume, where it was stopped.
18. ONE HOUR 45 MINUTE TIME LIMIT
(except 6U: 1 hour and 15 minutes)
A. A new inning cannot begin 105 minutes or more after the originally scheduled starting time of a game.
1.) A new inning begins immediately after the final out of the previous inning or the 5th run scores.
2.) e.g. - Game Time is 6:00. 3rd out occurs @ 7:44 = new inning. 3rd out occurs @ 7:45 = game over.
3.) Regular season games can end in a tie
B. Umpire's watch is the official time
19. SCORE REPORTING
A. 10U – 19U: Both teams are responsible for filing an accurate Game Report with the Age Group VP.
Report shall include the original date of game, names and scores for both teams, and any ejections or incidents that occurred.
1.) Teams are responsible for providing an accurate game report. Teams should check and confirm their information with the opposing score keeper before leaving the field.
B. Reports must be filed via e-mail by 9 PM on the day after the end of game.
1.) VP will acknowledge receipt via e-mail reply
2.) If you do not receive an e-mail reply by 9 PM, call your VP!
3.) Always include your League Rep in all email correspondence
C. Turning in game reports is part of the overall game process and is the responsibility of the team. Turning in inaccurate or late game reports may result in forfeiture of the game for either or both teams.
20. RECORDS & STANDINGS
A. No awards will be determined by regular season records or scores
B. All teams (except 6U & 8U) will participate in a post season tournament following regular season play
1.) Tournament seeding will be determined by regular season play
2.) A team that forfeits two (2) or more regular season games is eliminated from the Playoff Tournament
21. PROTESTS
A. Both teams must report protested games to the LEAGUE VP and your League Rep.
1.) Formal protests will only be accepted through your League Representative.
a.) Written formal protest must be in hands of League VP within 48 hours of end of game.
b.) $50.00 Protest Fee must accompany written formal protest (refunded if you win protest)
c.) Managers must follow the protest procedures (PONY Rules #12)
22. POSTPONEMENTS
A. Each team is allowed two personal postponements per season
1.) Team must contact the NCCGSL League VP and the opposing manager at least 48 hours in advance to postpone the game. Late notifications will result in a forfeit. Make sure that you also inform the umpire!
2.) Postponed games originally scheduled in June must be played prior to the scheduled date.
3.) One personal postponement must be played before the scheduled date; one may be played after.
4.) Postponements are not allowed in the Playoff Tournament!
B. Personal and weather related postponements must be rescheduled within one week of its scheduled date.
1.) Postponed games cannot be scheduled after the final scheduled game of the regular season
2.) Games postponed in April must be played by May 12th
3.) Games postponed in May must be played by the end of Memorial Day weekend.
C. League VP must approve all schedule changes (Exception: field number changes at the original site)
D. Failure to reschedule games may result in a team’s elimination from the playoff tournament
E. A team that forfeits two (2) or more regular season games is eliminated from the Playoff Tournament
23. CONDUCT
A. It is considered unsportsmanlike conduct to taunt, chant against or otherwise bully an opposing player or team, whether during the game or via social media. Improper conduct will be dealt with by the umpire during the game and by the NCCGSL Executive Board in all other cases.
B. Any act, by a coach or representative of a team, to instruct a player to do anything that could potentially harm another player (i.e. “run over them”, “knock them out of the way”,”plow them over”), shall result in an immediate ejection, if heard by the umpire. If reported by a team manager or league official, a team warning shall be issued, by the umpire, to the offending team. If the umpire cannot determine the source, a team warning shall be issued to the manager to gain control of their team & fans. Continued violations may result in ejection of the manager, coach, spectator, or player. Excessive issues could cause forfeiture of the game.
C. An organization shall be financially responsible for any vandalism or damage caused by teams or fans/associates representing their organization.
24. EJECTION
A. Both teams are required to submit written reports of any ejections or incidents to the League VP and to their League Representatives. UMPIRE IS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A REPORT TO LEAGUE VP. All contact information is located at: www.NCCGSL.org.
B. A player ejected from a game is automatically suspended and is required to attend and sit out the next scheduled game.
1.) Player is ineligible until she meets this requirement
2.) For safety reasons, ejected players are restricted to the bench and not ejected from the field.
C. A Manager (Head Coach) ejected from a game is automatically suspended for one (1) game. The Manager may not participate or communicate with the team until the end of the next scheduled game.
1.) The Manager may attend the game. However, they cannot go within 200’ of the bench area or perform any of the normal duties of the manager before or during the game. This includes field preparation and any pre-game activities. Two hundred feet (200’) is equivalent to beyond the outfield fence.
D. A Coach (Assistant Coach) or Parent/Spectator ejected from a game is automatically suspended for the next two (2) scheduled games. They may attend & observe the games from beyond the outfield fence (200’ away).
E. A second ejection will result in an automatic 3 game suspension.
1.) The ejected Manager or Coach must appear before the Executive Board to explain their actions.
2.) The second ejection of a Parent/Spectator will result in their child’s/children’s suspension from the NCCGSL for the remainder of the Spring season as well as FALL BALL. The parent/spectator can clear their record by avoiding ejection for one full season (Spring and FALL) after reinstatement. A third ejection in a two-year period will result in their permanent expulsion from the NCCGSL.
3.) The Board reserves the right to increase the penalty.
F. The team manager shall serve a team suspension, for any game, that ends in an issued forfeit, due to coach, player or parent conduct, that does not result in an ejection of the offending party(s). The league reserves the right to increase or decrease this penalty and/or extend suspensions to other members of the team and/or issue additional forfeits of future games, as deemed necessary.
G. Any manager, coach or parent spectator found participating with the team or ignoring the suspension during the time of their suspension will be suspended for the remainder of the season or for 6 weeks of league-scheduled games, whichever is greater.
H. Suspensions may extend and carry-over into future softball seasons.
I.
25. INCLEMENT WEATHER
A. It is the home team’s responsibility to inform the opposing manager and the umpire of postponements, as soon as a decision is made regarding the game being unplayable.
1.) Contact should be made to the opposing team manager BY TELEPHONE AND EMAIL.
2.) If you cannot reach the opposing team manager, contact the opposing team League Rep and VP.
3.) Use the contact lists provided to all coaches. Contact information is also found on the NCCGSL website.
4.) Get a confirmation the message was received to avoid having a team travel to your fields.
B. The NCCGSL will observe the Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks Thunder & Lightning Policy
1.) All activities must cease upon the first sound of thunder or sight of lightning.
2.) All participants and spectators must abandon the fields and dugouts.
3.) Go to your vehicles.
4.) Play may resume 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder and sighting of lightning. The game may not resume until the skies are lightning and thunder free for 30 minutes from the time of the last sighting of lightning and sound of thunder.
5.) Weather delay time is not deducted from the game time.
6.) It is best to postpone the game if lightning continues and play is stopped for 40 minutes or more.
7.) A host organization's lightning policy that exceeds these minimums supersedes the NCCGSL guidelines.
8.) Warning to Managers, Coaches & Umpires: Failure to observe this policy shall result in suspension from the NCCGSL for the remainder of season.
C. When a game is postponed due to inclement weather, each manager must still send score reports to the age group VP. Let the VP know the situation, to allow the VP to update the schedule properly.
1.) Failure to report a score report, even when the game is postponed, may result in a forfeit for that game.
26. COVID-19 RULES
A. For the 2026 Spring Season, the following rules will apply regarding COVID-19 regulations. Rules are dynamic and can change, before or during the season. These rules are regulated by AA Rec and Parks in Coordination with county, state, and federal guidelines and mandates. These rules may change at any point during the season and all teams, players, coaches, and parents agree to follow updated rules, as they are released. Below are the current rules that may change at any time.
1.) Coaches shall take attendance at all games and practices
2.) Players that are not feeling well should stay home
3.) Masks are not required, however, are permitted & can be worn on the field in the proper protective manner.
4.) Any player or staff that tests positive for Covid shall report the positive test to their coach. The Covid-positive person(s) shall then isolate from the team for 7 days
5.) All rules and guidelines are subject to change or new rules added, based on new directives and guidelines set forth by state, county or league officials.
10U Pitching – Supplement
Due to the inconsistency of pitching at the 10U bracket, the 10U division will take part in a Youth Pitch/Coach Assist format during specific innings (see below) of games played from Opening Day thru May 6th. All games played after May 6th games will be kid pitch only. The purpose of this is 1) to keep the game interesting, 2) to promote batting and fielding and 3) to give the pitchers a chance to develop skills. Youth pitcher can pitch a maximum of three (3) innings.
Example: A batter has a 3 balls & 1 strike count and the next pitch is a ball. Instead of the batter walking, the offensive coach comes in to pitch, keeping the 1 strike count and pitches to the batter. Each pitch the coach throws is judged as a ball and or strike by the umpire. Once the batter receives a combined total of three strikes, the batter is out. Hopefully, the batter will get a hit off of the coach. The coach is allowed to pitch a maximum of three pitches per batter. If the batter does not hit one of the three pitches, the batter is out (unless the last pitch is a foul ball or a no pitch (see Exceptions Below)).
A. 10U Youth Pitch/Coach Assist
1.) The rules in this supplement supersede and are an addendum to the pitching, batting and running rules found in other sections of this document and found in the Pony Rulebook
2.) Player pitch/ Coach assist, is used in games played thru May 6th. After May 6th, games played will be player pitch only for all innings.
a. Youth Pitch Coach Assist is mandatory in the 3rd & 4th innings and is optional in the 5th inning. The 1st, 2nd and 6th inning are player pitch only.
b. Teams should use coach assist pitch in the optional 5th inning, unless the game is progressing ahead of the time limit and both teams have skilled pitchers to complete the game.
i. If used, the optional “Player Only” pitch in the 5th inning must be approved by both head coaches, prior to the start of the inning, must be communicated to the umpire and must be used by both teams during the entire 5th inning.
3.) The pitcher may pitch from the “K” position or use either a windmill or sling shot motion.
a.) Only pitchers who have received training should be allowed to windmill.
4.) Three swinging and/or called strikes is an out.
5.) Four balls is not a walk; the batter is not awarded first base.
After 4 Balls are recorded:
a. The youth pitcher is replaced by the coach pitcher.
b. The youth pitcher will move to the right or left of the coach pitcher while maintaining a position with both feet inside the pitching circle and in line with or behind the pitching plate.
c. The batter retains their strike count. A combined total of three strikes is an out!
d. The coach pitcher will throw no more than three pitches.
e. If the batter fails to hit one of the three pitches, she is out
f. If the batter hits a foul ball on the last pitch, she gets another pitch. The at-bat cannot end on a foul ball or “No Pitch”. Exception: The batter is out on any bunt attempt that goes foul with (2) strikes or on a bunt attempt that goes foul on the final coach pitch.
6.) Umpire will call swinging and non-swinging strikes for both the youth pitcher and coach pitcher.
7.) The youth pitcher is required to pitch from the pitching rubber.
8.) Coach pitchers are encouraged to pitch from the rubber. If not using the rubber, they must begin with both feet inside the pitching circle.
9.) When the ball is hit, the pitcher moves toward the side opposite from where the ball is hit.
10.) Interference by coach pitcher is called "no pitch".
11.) There are no walks.
a. No base is awarded for a hit by pitchIf a batter is hit by a pitch from a youth pitcher, it is a “no pitch” and the coach pitcher enters. The pitch count is not retained on a hit batter. The coach shall not throw more than 3 pitches to the batter, unless the final pitch is a foul or no pitch. Exception: The batter is out on any bunt attempt that goes foul with (2) strikes or on a bunt attempt that goes foul on the final coach pitch.
b. If a batter is hit by a pitch from a coach pitcher, it is declared a “no pitch”
12.) Youth pitcher returns for the next batter and the offensive coach returns to the dugout.
13.) During coach pitch, no stealing is allowed.
14.) During games that include Youth Pitch/ Coach Assist there are no unlimited innings and no slaughter rules.
8 & Under – Supplement
1. DEFENSIVE TEAM
A. All players present must play a minimum of three innings defensively.
B. All players may play the field at the same time (not required).
1.) Only 7 players, including pitcher and catcher, are allowed in the infield area.
a.) All others must be outside the natural infield area.
C. An infielder cannot play within the 33' arc before the ball is hit
D. A defensive player cannot enter the 10' arc to stop a ball. Penalty: Batter is awarded first base.
E. During Coach Pitch: Youth Pitcher must have both feet inside the circle and behind the pitcher's rubber before the ball is delivered.
F. To encourage that fundamentals are being learned, the defensive team cannot roll the ball in an attempt to get an out. (Penalty: runner awarded base; ball is dead.)
2. BATTING
A. The ball must travel outside the 10' arc to be considered a fair ball.
1.) If a ball is fielded inside the 10’ arc, the batter is awarded first base
B. In the 6th inning, both teams bat their entire roster, no matter how many outs or runs
3. BASE RUNNING
A. Runners must stay in contact with the base until the ball is hit.
B. No stealing.
C. When a batted ball remains in the infield, runners may only advance one base.
1.) Runners may not advance on an overthrow by an infielder that is the first throw on a batted ball
2.) To promote learning, the fielder is required to make a throw to a base even if the play is over.
D. A batted ball that passes all of the infielders (even if touched by the infielder first) and goes into the outfield must be returned and be in the possession of an infielder in order to stop the runners from progressing.
1.) A hash mark will be placed 10’ before 2nd base, 3rd base and home plate.
2.) Runners who are within 10’ of reaching the next base at that time are awarded that base.
3.) If the lead runner is not awarded the next base, all runners return to the previous base without penalty.
4. PITCHING
B. Coach Pitch
1.) Coach pitcher must start their delivery with both feet inside of the circle and in line with home plate.
2.) When the ball is hit, the pitcher moves toward the side opposite from where the ball is hit.
3.) Interference by coach pitcher is called "no pitch".
4.) A batter shall receive 5 pitches or 3 swinging strikes, whichever comes first.
a. Fifth pitch is final pitch, except for a foul ball or "no pitch".
b. There are no walks. No bases are awarded if hit by pitch.
C. Youth Pitch/Coach Assist
15.) Mandatory youth pitch/coach assist will begin in games, starting May 1st.
16.) Makeup games played after the start of YP/CA will play using this rule.
17.) Mandatory YP/CA in the 3rd and 4th innings. Optional YP/CA in the 5th inning. One, both or neither team can choose to use YP/CA in the optional 5th inning.
18.) It is mandatory that a different youth pitcher is used in the 3rd and 4th innings.
19.) A new or returning youth pitcher may be used in the optional 5th inning.
20.) The pitcher may pitch from the “K” position or use either a windmill or sling shot motion.
b.) Only pitchers who have received training should be allowed to windmill.
21.) Youth pitch/coach assist shall only be allowed during the 3rd, 4th & 5th innings!
22.) Youth pitcher will be allowed to throw a maximum of 4 pitches to each batter.
23.) While the youth pitcher is pitching, the coach pitcher must assume a position behind the youth pitcher and act as umpire, calling balls & strikes.
24.) As umpire, the coach must call swinging and non-swinging strikes while the youth pitcher is pitching.
25.) The youth pitcher is required to pitch from the pitching rubber.
Coach pitchers are encouraged to pitch from the rubber. If not using the rubber, they must begin with both feet inside the pitching circle.
26.) There are no walks.
27.) No base is awarded for a hit by pitch
a.) If a batter is hit by an in-flight pitch from a youth pitcher, it is a “no pitch” and the coach pitcher enters. The pitch count is not retained on a hit batter. The coach shall not throw more than 3 pitches to the batter, unless the final pitch is a foul or no pitch.
b.) If a batter is hit by a pitch that has touched the ground before reaching the batter, from a youth pitcher, a ball is called and the youth pitcher continues for the remainder of the allotted pitches.
c.) If a batter is hit by a pitch from a coach pitcher, it is declared a “no pitch”
28.) If the batter does not strike out or put the ball in play during the first 4 pitches from the youth pitcher, the coach pitcher will take over as pitcher.
29.) The youth pitcher will move to the right or left of the coach pitcher while maintaining a position with both feet inside the pitching circle and in line with or behind the pitching plate.
30.) Batter will retain the strike count left over from the youth pitcher when Coach Pitcher enters.
31.) The coach pitcher will throw a maximum of 3 pitchers to a batter. The batter must put the ball in play, strike out or run out of pitches, which is counted as an out. If the batter hits a foul ball on the final pitch, they are given an additional pitch. The at-bat cannot end on a foul ball or “No Pitch”.
32.) Only swinging strikes are called during coach pitch
33.) Youth pitcher returns for the next batter.
34.) YP/CA will not be used in the Mark Jackson Memorial 8U Classics Games.
5. COACHING
A. The defensive team is allowed two coaches in the field.
1.) Both coaches must remain outside of the infield area
2.) If a defensive coach interferes with a runner, that runner will be awarded one base
B. The offensive team is allowed one coach at 1st base and one coach at 3rd base.
6. PROTESTS
A. There are no protests in 8 & Under
7. SPORTSMANSHIP/TEAMWORK/INTENT
A. This is a “No Scores, No Standings Instructional Division
1.) The intent of the 8 & Under division is to teach all girls to play all field positions.
B. All players should play in both the infield and the outfield every game.
C. Managers: please refrain from rotating your pitchers and first and third basemen "because they are my best fielders".
GIVE THEM ALL A CHANCE TO LEARN & LOVE THE GAME ! !
6 & Under - Supplement
TEAMS & ROSTERS
1. Eligible players were born in 2018, 2019 or 2020.
a. Teams must have a minimum/maximum of: 6/11 players
2. Teams musts submit their roster to the 6U VP
3. There are no forfeits.
4. There are no protests.
EQUIPMENT
1. Ball: 10” Incrediball
2. Uniforms: Keep to a bare minimum to control costs
a. Matching T-shirts with numbers
b. Hats or visors are optional
FIELD
1. Field dimensions & set up are exactly the same as 8U
a. Pitching Distance: 33’
b. Bases: 50’
c. Hash marks on the first & third baseline 35’ from the back of home plate
i. No player may play closer than 33’ from the batter before the ball is batted
d. In Play Arc: from the first base line to the third base line & 10’ from the back of home plate
i. No player may enter the arc to field a batted ball
DEFENSIVE TEAM
1. All players may play the field at the same time
a. Only 6 players, including pitcher, are allowed in the infield area.
b. A catcher will not be used
c. All others must be outside the natural infield area
2. An infielder cannot play within the 33' arc before the ball is hit
3. A defensive player cannot enter the 10' arc to stop a ball. Penalty: Batter is awarded first base.
4. Youth Pitcher must have both feet inside the circle and be positioned behind the pitcher's rubber before the ball is delivered
5. To encourage that fundamentals are being learned, the defensive team cannot roll the ball in an attempt to get an out. (Penalty: runner awarded base; ball is dead.)
6. Each player should be rotated to a new position every inning
BATTING
1. The manager has the option to bypass the coach pitches and go directly to the batting tee for each batter
2. A batter shall receive a maximum of 3 pitches, delivered by the coach pitcher
a. If the ball is not put into play after 3 pitches, the batter will then bat using a batting tee
b. The batter shall bat until she puts the ball in play
c. The ball must travel outside the 10' arc to be considered in play
3. Teams will bat until they score 4 runs or receive 3 outs
4. Both teams will bat their entire roster in the 4th inning, regardless of total outs or runs
BASE RUNNING
1. Runners must stay in contact with the base until the ball is hit. There is no stealing.
2. Runners may only advance one base per batter, regardless of how far the ball is batted.
PITCHING
1. Coach Pitch
a. Coach pitcher may pitch from any distance between the 10 ft arc and the pitcher's rubber
b. Coach pitcher must be in line with home plate
c. After the ball is hit, the pitcher must clear to the side opposite from where the ball is hit
i. Interference by coach pitcher is called "no pitch".
d. The coach pitcher shall leave the playing field after the third pitch
e. The coach catcher will install the batting tee and set the ball for hitting
COACHING
1. The defensive team is allowed two coaches in the field
a. Both coaches must remain outside of the infield area
b. If a defensive coach interferes with a runner, that runner will be awarded one base
2. In addition to the Coach Pitcher, the offensive team is allowed three coaches
a. Catcher/Batting Coach
b. First base Coach
c. Third base Coach
REGULATION GAME
1. Games will last 4 innings or 1-1/4 hour (1 hour and 15 minutes), whatever comes first
a. There are no extra innings
b. Both teams shall have the opportunity to bat an equal number of times
c. If time expires in the middle of an inning, complete the inning
Rule Changes
Text highlighted in this color -------- indicates it has been changed for the 2019 rules. Test in yellow reflects last year’s new rules.
7/1/18
Changes made in 2018 Fall Ball Rules – Now Reflecting them in 2019 Spring Rules
PG 5 - 15A
Reworded and reformatted the collision rule to better reflect wording from Pony Rule Book. Also, included wording around “There is NO “Must Slide”” rule. This should help reduce the confusion around this rule.
PG 6 15E
Simplified the wording for the 10U Base running rules and removed the layers of redundancy and inconsistency in the wording.
1/30/19
Still Must Update the 2019 Fall Rules
Page 1 1-A . Clarified Age Party Rule and included the word “per birth year” and clarified team count rule.
3/14/19
Still Must Update the 2019 Fall Rules
Page 5 14-C-a – Modified the Illegal pitch rule to align with the new Pony Rule. On an illegal pitch, runners on base will no longer advance one base, as part of the penalty for an illegal pitch.
The manager has the option of taking the result of the play or the illegal pitch penalty, which is a ball on the batter. However, runners do NOT automatically advance one base, unless the penalty resulted in ball four.
4/10/19
Still Must Update the 2019 Fall Rules
Page 6 -15-G - Added Pinch Runner/Hitter Rule
