PIXIE (PRE-K to K)

Ages 5-6 (Pre-school): Kids hit off a tee but by the end of the year, a coach may pitch the ball from a few feet away. Kids play 1st base, no catcher and everyone plays the field and bats.

• Teams are divided up by school
• One practice per week
• 10 game season
• Games played at Ackerman Park

BOBTAIL

Ages 11-12 (Grades 5-6): Players are drafted by ability based on a player evaluation. Softball rules apply, including stealing after ball crosses the plate, bunting, infield flies and dropped third strikes. Kids pitch the entire game. Playoffs at the end of the season determine a league champion. Teams will consist of players from multiple schools.

• Teams are mixed up with players from multiple schools
• 12 game season (1-2 games per week)
• Single elimination post-season tournament
• Games played at Ackerman Park

JUNIORS

Ages 13-14 (Grades 7-8): Age groups are still combined as we divide the players by ability based on a player evaluation. Teams play against other local communities.

• Teams are mixed up with players from multiple schools
• Season ends in late June.
• 12 game season (1-2 games per week)
• Single elimination post-season tournament
• Games played at Ackerman Park and surrounding communities

Detail	Pixie	Pigtail	Ponytail	Bobtail	Juniors
Grades/Ages	Pre‐K & Kdg	1st & 2nd	3rd & 4th (8‐10)	5th & 6th (10‐12)	7th & 8th (12‐14)
OPTION: Skill allowance to move up a league			2nd graders that demonstrate exceptional ability, with agreement of each league commissioner and chair	From Ponytail‐current or past participation in travel program & 4th grade, or agreement of each league commissioner and chair	From Bobtail‐current or past participation in travel program & 6th grade, or agreement of each league commissioner and chair
Scheduled Games	10‐12	10‐12	12	12	10‐12
Innings	3	5	6	6	7
Official Game	1hr	No New Inning after 1.5 hours	No New Inning after 1.5 hours unless 3 innings have not been played.	No New Inning after 1.5 hours unless 4 innings have not been played.	No New Inning after 1.5 hours unless 4 innings have not been played.
Mercy Rule	N/A	N/A	15 after 4 at bats for Trailing Team	15 after 5 at bats for Trailing Team	15 after 5 at bats for Trailing Team
Max Runs/Inning Length	Once through the order	Once through order/or 3 outs	5 except last or extra	5 except last or extra	5 unless behind then to tie, no limit 6th & 7th
Innings/Player	N/A	N/A	2 infield, each player by 4th inning	2 infield, each player by 4th inning	2 infield, each player by 5th inning
Max Innings Pitched, or at the Same Position*	N/A	N/A	3 / 3	3 / 3	5 / 5
Warm‐up Pitch Count Max/Inning	N/A	N/A	5	5	5
Coach Pitch	2nd half of season, 6 pitches then tee	1st half of season, 6 swings then tee. 2nd half of season, 6 swings to put the ball in play. Strikeouts in 2nd grade only	Yes, maximum 2 walks, then coach completes the count after (4) balls; Coach must pitch from the pitching rubber.	No	No
Courtesy Runners	N/A	N/A	Catcher mandatory, pitcher optional	Catcher mandatory, pitcher optional	Per ASA
Hit Batters**	N/A	N/A	2/inning, 3 total – remove from game	2/inning, 3 total – remove from game	2/inning, 3 total – remove from game
Thrown Bat	1 warning	1 warning	1 warning	1 warning	1 warning
Forfeit	N/A	N/A	<8 players/15 min	<8 players/15 min	<8 players/15 min
Overthrows	May not advance	May not advance	Runners advance, 1 base total	At own risk	At own risk
Base Running on Outfield Hits		Runners may continue until ball crosses the base path	Runners may continue until ball crosses the base path and is in control by any infielder in infield	Runners may continue until ball crosses the base path and is in control in any infielder in the circle	At own risk
Stealing Bases	No	No	Yes, after ball crosses plate, if next base is unoccupied (No double stealing, no stealing home)	Yes, after ball crosses plate, all bases including home	Yes, after ball leaves the pitchers hand
Bunting	No	No	Yes, no fakes	Yes, no fakes	Yes
Dropped 3rd Strike	No	No	No	Yes, batter may only advance to 1st; all other runners, only 1 base	Yes
Infield Fly Rule	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Leadoffs/Runner Leaves	No	No	No	After the ball crosses home plate	After the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand
Wheel Play	No	No	No
Pick Offs	No	No	No	No	Yes
Pitching Distance	N/A	32’	35’	40’	40′ or 43’ (league rules)
Base Distance	60’	60’	60′	60′	60′
Defensive Positioning	All players; field a complete infield; extra players in the outfield	6 infielders, extra in outfield	6 infielders, 3 outfielders; Outfield must start 15’ behind base paths, teach infielders to cover 2nd base	9	9
Softball Size	9″ Soft	10″ Soft – 1st grade 11″ Soft – 2nd grade	11″ Hard	12″ Hard	12″ Hard

*Waive Max. Innings Rule for extra-inning games ** Re-entry. A pitcher may re-enter once, if she has not reached her Maximum Inning limit (One pitch in an inning constitutes an inning pitched).