Skill Emphasis for the 16U Division
Emphasis at this level should be on continuing to perfect the skills of throwing, catching, fielding, batting, stealing, hitting, bunting, taking signals, leading-off, good sportsmanship and the strategies involved in upper level softball play. At this level the full game of softball is played with a very few limitations and it is important for players to continue to develop a good mental approach to the game. These games get very competitive and must still be played in a positive and friendly environment with coaches leading by example in exhibiting sportsmanship towards each other, the players and the umpires. Umpires must be respected at all times.

 

Definitions
1. Manager – The adult responsible for the team member’s actions on the field as well as at any event at which they are directed to remain together as a team. A manager represents the team in communications with the league as required and with the opposing team. In the event the manager cannot attend a game or event or must leave during a game, the manager will designate a coach as “acting manager”. The manager is to direct playing activities, training, discipline and conduct of all team members.

2. Assistant Coach/Coaches – In addition to the manager, each team may have an assistant coach or coaches who will function as a member of the managing staff. Note – The manager and coach/coaches must complete a Live Scan screening per PAL.

3. Chaperone – If the manager or the assistant coach is not an adult female, the manager must designate an adult female as the chaperone. The chaperone will attend all team functions to ensure the safety of the team members. If the chaperone cannot attend, or must leave early from a team function, she must designate an acting chaperone.

4. Regulation Game – A League scheduled game is one and one-half hours or 7 complete innings (6 ½ if the home team is leading), whichever comes first. Any inning started prior to the ninety-minute time limit will be completed. An inning will be considered to have started as soon as the last out is made in the previous inning. Games shall end 15 minutes prior to the next scheduled game regardless of innings completed. Games called due to darkness shall revert to the last complete inning.

5. Home Team – The home team is the first team on defense in all games and will use the 3rd base dug out. The home team is responsible for the preparation of the playing field.

6. Visiting Team – The visiting team is the first team on offense and will use the 1st base dugout. The visiting team is responsible for clearing the field of trash and equipment as required. After the last game of the day, will ensure all applicable equipment is returned to the equipment storage area and trashcans are dumped in dumpster and stored.

Playing Field
1. The 16U Division shall utilize 60’ base distances.
2. The 16U Division shall utilize a 40’ pitcher’s place distance.

 

Equipment
1. Any bat meeting the requirements of SEC.1.A-L in the ASA Rule book is an official bat for league play.
2. The 16U Division shall utilize a 12” ASA approved softball.

The Game
1. The 16U Division shall play by the rules set forth by the ASA for fastpitch softball, except as follows:
a. When superseded by the following AVGSL Rules and Guidelines.
b. When superseded by the Inter-League Tournament/Playing rules as set forth by the PAL organization for Inter-League Play.

2. A minimum of 7 players are required to start and finish the game. Failure to field 7 players at any point in the game will result in forfeiture of the game. This rule will apply even in the event of a player having to leave during the game or being unable to continue the game due to injury.

3. Each player shall play a minimum of 2 innings (6 Defensive Outs, Continuous Batting). There shall be no limit to the number of times a player may re-enter a game.

4. Each team shall position 9 players in the field while on defense. Outfielders must be positioned on the grass outfield and CANNOT cover a base to accept a throw on a force out.

5. Pitching restrictions are per ASA rules only.

6. The dropped third strike rule will be in effect for the 16U Division.

7. Batting - All players present will be placed in the batting line-up, continuous batting. Players arriving late will be added to the bottom of the batting order. Players unable to take their turn at bat due to injury or absence (must leave early) will not result in an automatic out. They will simply be removed from the batting order and the game for the remainder of the game. Coaches must notify the opposing team of the removal of a player from the game prior to their turn at bat.

8. Sliding - Sliding is not required in the 16U Division. However, it is the burden of the offensive player to avoid a collision. No Collision rule.

9. Maximum Runs - There is a maximum of 6 runs per inning per team. The offensive half of the inning will end as soon as the 6th run safely crosses home plate, regardless of the number of runners remaining on base. There is no scenario in which a team can score more than 6 runs in their half of the inning.

10. Mercy rule - If either team is ahead by 8 runs after 4 complete innings, the game will be over. Note – Do not stop the game after 3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead by 8 or more runs unless all players have had the opportunity to bat.

11. The infield fly rule WILL be enforced in the 16U division.

12. To maximize the actual playing time, there will be one minute and no more than 5 warm-up pitches between innings.

13. Coaches position - Defensive coaches must remain in dead ball territory on their designated side of the field. Offensive coaches must remain in the coaches boxes while on the field and/or in dead ball territory on their designated side of the field.

14. Umpires - The umpire’s decision on the field is final. No protests allowed.

15. Only the scorekeeper is allowed behind the backstop.

Remember – Have Fun and Be Safe!!!