Pitching Regulations

• For the first two innings, there will be a Player Pitcher.  The Pitcher will throw 2 pitches from the front of the circle, only balls hit into play will be considered live. 

•  Missed swings will not count toward the strike count.  
•  Each team with then have a coach (coach-pitcher) pitch 5 balls to their batters after the first two player pitches
• The coach-pitcher must start from the pitching rubber and the ball must be released toward the batter within the 8' pitching circle.  Note: The coach-pitcher does not have to maintain contact with the pitching rubber while in the pitching motion.  The coach-pitcher may end up in front of the circle as long as the ball is released while in the circle. 
• The coach-pitcher must avoid contact with the ball and defensive players when the ball is in play.  Upon a batted ball, the coach-pitcher must leave fair territory immediately (if possible) without interference.  If there is an unintentional interference by the coach, it will be a dead ball/no pitch. If there is intentional interference, it will be a dead ball and the lead runner will be ruled out.  Note: Intent is in the umpire's judgement.  Any coach-pitcher can be removed from the coach-pitcher or ejected (unsportsmanlike conduct) for the remainder of the game for intentionally interfering with play or not quickly leaving the field of play after a batted ball.  
• After the pitch is made or while the ball is in play, the coach-pitcher shall not direct any players in any way.  After a warning from the umpire, the coach-pitcher can be removed as the coach-pitcher for the remainder of the game.  Note: The coach-pitcher may instruct the batter before the pitch is made.
• The pitcher-helper (defensive player) must keep at least one foot in the pitcher's circle and behind the 38' defensive arc until the ball is hit.  

• A game shall consist of 6 innings or 90 minutes (no new innings start after 90 minutes)
• The game will end if a team has been mathematically eliminated (tourney play)
• There will be a 20-run mercy rule after 3.5 or 4 innings (tourney play)
• Teams may use 10 players defensively by using a 4th outfielder
• Outfielders must be positioned outside the baselines until the ball is hit. 
• Infielders must be positioned behind the 38' arc until the ball is hit. 
• Two defensive coaches may be positioned behind the outfielders. 
• A total of five coach pitches or three swinging strikes will count as an out.  The fifth pitch must be put into play or the batter is out.  No walks
• There will be no in-field fly rule, no stealing, and no dropped third strike.  
• No bunting allowed. 
• Dead ball will be called when the ball is held by any defensive player stopping the lead runner or no further play is being made (umpire judgement)
• Dead ball will be called when any defensive player carries and/or controls the ball with both feet in the pitcher's circle (intentional or unintentional).  Exception: When any batted ball (line drive, pop fly, or ground ball) is fielded by the pitcher helper with one or two feet in the circle, the pitcher-helper must make a play on the runner.  

• Teams will bat no more than 10 batters in any inning if less than 3 outs.  
• All players on the roster will be in the batting order with free substitution (it is a courtesy to report all substitutions to the opposing team)
• Runners may leave the base when the pitch reaches the batter (anticipating a hit ball) but must return if the ball is not put into play.  Runners may be called out leaving the base early.  
• If a batter-runner or runner is injured and safely on base, the first player not in the game defensively preceding her in the batting order may finish her running responsibilities without penalty.  Note:  If there are only 10 players on the team and all are playing defensively, the player preceding her in the batting order may finish the injured players running responsibilities.  If there are only 9 players on the team and there is an injury with a player being removed, the Babe Ruth rule book will govern and a forfeit ruled upon appeal (after not being able to produce a 9th player)
• A player removed from the game due to injury will not be allowed to return to the game.  The injured player will be skipped in the batting order without penalty