Rules | igsasoftball

INDEPENDENCE GIRLS SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION, INC.

(MEMBER USSSA)

OFFICIAL RULES

Revised 2/1/2024

SECTION I – THE LEAGUE

Purpose: The Independence Girls Softball Association, Inc. Independence, Missouri (here and after called IGSA) is organized for the purpose of promoting girls softball in our community.
Administration: IGSA is a self-sustained organization assisted by members of the community. All League competition shall be played under the jurisdiction of the aforementioned. The Board of Directors will administer all matters of the League and will be responsible for the financial direction of the League funds. The Board of Directors will establish rules, regulations and general policy for the operation of the League.
A board member (Volunteer in Charge) will be present to make any and all decisions related to IGSA rules and/or any other decisions relating to the league during games on game nights. This person will be paid a small fee for this service.
This is a participation League for the purpose of fostering sports competition.
Sponsors: Sponsorship will be accepted from individuals or organizations of our community whose activity is not regarded as detrimental to the welfare of our youth. Sponsors will pay the standard fee and will not be approached for any other expenses such as uniforms or shirts, etc.
The League shall be divided into the following six divisions:

1. T-Ball 5- and 6-year-olds

2. Coach Pitch 8 and under

3. Division 1 10 and under

4. Division 2 12 and under

5. High School 18 and under

6. Blastball 3 and 4 year-olds

Rules and regulations: Official fast pitch softball rules and USSSA codes shall govern this League Most current version available on line at www.USSSA.com Such other rules and regulations as might be deemed necessary for the proper function of the League may be voted on and become part thereto, if passed by a simple majority of the Board of Directors of IGSA. The IGSA rules supersede all other official softball rules.
The organization is organized exclusively for the charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding section of any future tax code (hereinafter “Internal Revenue Code”).
No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, directors, trustees, officers, or other private persons except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Section 1 hereof.
Notwithstanding any other provision of these sections, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (i) by any organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170c(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Upon the dissolution of the organization, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the organization, the remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more nonprofit funds, foundations, or organizations that have established their tax-exempt status under Section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The organization or members in their official capacities shall not, directly or indirectly, participate or intervene (in any way, including the publishing or distributing of statements) in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office; or devote more than an insubstantial part of its activities to attempting to influence legislation by propaganda or otherwise.

SECTION II – CODE OF ETHICS FOR THE MANAGERS, COACHES AND SPECTATORS

The manager’s responsibility is to set a good example for the team by their conduct, both on and off the playing field. Prime concern should be the team members and the development of their physical, mental and moral character.
The manager should have absolute control of the team at all times, but should exercise good judgment and tact in disciplining the players. The manager is held responsible for the conduct of the coaches, players and their fans. The managers and coaches shall not question balls and strikes or any other judgment call.
No alcoholic beverages are allowed at any IGSA function. Smoking will be allowed in the paved striped parking lot ONLY. No animals are allowed in the park while IGSA has possession of the park.
Any manager or coach ejected from a game will be ineligible to be in attendance (on the field or in the park) at their next played game.
Players, managers, umpires and coaches shall not mingle with spectators, nor sit in the stands during the game.
If there are violations of the code of ethics or rules of conduct, both managers and the offender will be warned once per game. If there are any further violations, the manager and offender will be ejected from the game being played. Repeat offenders will be dealt with on a case by case situation.
Intimidation tactics will not be tolerated from the managers, coaches, players and spectators. This will include any noisemakers.

Violations of the rules and regulations of the League’s Codes of Ethics for Managers will be grounds for the Board to take positive actions to reprimand, suspend or remove the offender as they see fit.

SECTION III – MANAGERS AND COACHES

Managers and any coaches are prohibited from standing behind the plate Umpire during the game.
Each manager is responsible for providing a scorekeeper for his or her team. Lineup cards will be filled out and presented to the scorekeepers by each manager five minutes prior to game time. This form will include the starting lineup as well as benched and absent players with reasons stated.
The manager must field at least 7 eligible players no later than five minutes after the scheduled time of the game or lose the game by forfeit. The team must field at least 7 eligible players at all times during the game, or forfeit. No out will be recorded playing short of players.(Borrowing from other team is

allowed and encourage, must be in same or younger division)

In the absence of the manager, the Umpire shall ascertain the name of the person acting as manager. A coach or parent assuming the status of “acting manager” shall assume the responsibilities of the manager.
All managers shall be 18 years of age or older and coaches shall be 16 years of age or older.
A person may only manage one team in the League.
All managers and coaches must complete required forms for the City of Independence, Missouri Park and Recreation Department. If background check is returned for any reason, this person will not be allowed to participate as a manager or coach in neither practices nor games. The City of Independence will not give a permit for any field allocation until the required background screening has been finalized and cleared for all managers.
Head coach must be identified at pregame. Head coach is the only one who can appeal a call or approach the umpire. Head coach is responsible for players, coaches and fans.
Roster batting is required; all players must be listed and include the following:

Jersey number
First and last names (No nicknames please)
Starting positions

SECTION IV – PLAYERS

Any girl who meets the age requirements is eligible for League play.

Player participation shall consist of the following:
1. BLASTball, T-Ball and Coach Pitch – all players can play defense, entire roster in attendance.
2. Divisions 1, 2, 3 and 5 – Each player must play at least two uninterrupted innings on defense. A batting order including all eligible players present at the game will be established at the beginning of the game and maintained throughout the game. Late arrivals will be added at the bottom of the batting order. *

The only exception to this rule is when the player:

a. is benched because of unexcused absence from practices.

b. is expelled from the game by the Umpire.

c. is benched because of an ejection in the previous game.

d. is injured or ill

e. arrives after the beginning of the 3rd inning. The players’ name and the inning in which she arrived must be reported to both scorekeepers and recorded on the score sheets. After the third inning, late arrivals may be added but if they are added to the batting order, it must be at the bottom.

f. is benched because of disciplinary reasons.

g. game doesn’t make three innings.

* Failure to comply with the participation rule will result in forfeiture of the game.

Playing under an assumed name, or falsification of any registration form, will constitute ineligibility. All players must be registered with the League.
Any player ejected from a game will sit out (on the bench in uniform) the remainder of that game and the next game that they attend and may be subject to any other disciplinary action as the Board sees fit. (Exception – thrown bat rule.)
Unexcused absences from two practices may be cause for a player to be benched for the following game. Such ineligibility must be noted on the official lineup card. Managers, please use discretion regarding this rule.
If a player is removed from a game because of injury, IGSA may require a doctor’s release in order to return to play.
All players must bat once, if at the game at the start of the game. If player arrives late to the game, every effort will be made to get her an at bat. If player declines to take her turn at bat, every effort will be made to get her an at bat. Condense line up- No out will be taken unless result of a sportsmanship issue.
No jewelry allowed.

SECTION V – TEAMS

Each team roster will be composed of no more than 15 players and no less than 8 registered players. (excluding BLASTball)
The playing field and bench shall be restricted to only the players, manager (1), coaches (2), bat person (1), and umpires. Divisions 1 through 5 will play with 10 players on the playing field from one team. The 10th player is an extra outfielder (EO) position. Defensive player designated as the EO must position themselves in the designated outfield. If EO is not in the outfield when the ball crosses the plate, a penalty of obstruction will be called on the defense. Base runner will be awarded the base. (Division 2 – 5) and Offense will be awarded the base (Division 1)
During the game, except for the batter, base runners, the player “on deck” and coaches in the coach’s box, all players shall be on their benches or in the bullpen. When the team is in the field, all reserve players shall be on their bench or in the bullpen.
Player pool: When all team rosters are filled, all players not assigned to a team will have their registration placed in the player pool. Assignments will be made by the League as soon as space is available.
Players may be added up to the start of the season in the order we receive registrations and added to teams as needed. After the season starts, no player shall be added unless the team roster is down to less than 10 players.
Team assignments will be made by the League guidelines. There will be no tryouts or recruitments by the managers or coaches.
Teams should be gathered at the field 15 minutes prior to the start of the game. No infield practice allowed for either team. Both teams may warm at the same time for 5 minutes. Warm-up time can be waived at the discretion of the umpire if games are running behind.
Practice time should be limited to four hours per week.
IGSA will provide insurance to team members, only during the regular season (pre-season and IGSA tournament included) and only for IGSA games and practices.
IGSA will impose a penalty for teams caught practicing with more than 4
players and ANY coach present, prior to April 1st, by not allowing the head
coach to participate in any end-of-the-season tournament games or be
eligible to receive $50 from the league for an outside tournament. (New 2020)

SECTION VI – EQUIPMENT

Equipment provided by the League or your own personal equipment must comply with USSSA standards: bats, catcher’s masks, chest protectors, shin guards, batting helmets, face masks, uniforms, practice and game balls. NEW 2019: Divisions 2-5 will be required to have their pitcher(s) wear a defensive face mask, which will be provided by the league. Official game balls will be provided by the League and supplied to the managers prior to the start of the season. The home team manager will be responsible for providing the game balls, one of which will be new. The manager will be responsible for returning all equipment at the completion of the final game.
Players must wear uniforms provided by the League. Long pants will be allowed provided the color matches the league issued shorts. No pants will be allowed with piping, stripes or printing. All shirts will be tucked in with no alterations, unless approved by the Board.
No metal cleats will be allowed in any of the divisions.
Game Balls:
1. Division 2 – 5 -- 12 inch USSSA sanctioned ball is required
2. Division 1 – Coach Pitch – 11 inch USSSA sanctioned ball is

required.

SECTION VII – GAMES (DIVISIONS 1, 2, 3 AND 5)

When at bat, a team may score a maximum of five runs per inning or (3) outs recorded. When the fifth run has crossed home plate, the turn at bat is completed. NOTE: The seventh inning will also have a five run limit.
Games shall be seven innings in length, time permitting. Game consists of 70 minutes with no new inning after 65 minutes. The plate umpire will be the official timekeeper. If the game is tied after time is up, the game will be declared a tie. (Time limits may be changed if needed in case of limited field time at a later date.) Game time begins one minute after pre-game conference.
All games shall be played on a regulation diamond with the following modifications:

Division 1 Pitching distance = 35 feet

Distance between bases = 60 feet

Divisions 2 Pitching distance = 40 feet

Distance between bases = 60 feet

Division 3 & 5 Pitching distance = 43 feet

Distance between bases = 60 feet

A game called because of weather, darkness or any cause which makes further play impossible shall be an official game if it complies with any of the following:

1. Three innings have been completed.

2 ½ innings have been completed with the home team leading.
One hour of playing time
In case of a tie, each team is credited with ½ win.

Games not qualifying shall be replayed from the start. If a game of official length is called during an incomplete inning with the home team behind in the score, the score reverts to the last complete inning.

Cancellation of games: Games will be called off only by the Parks and Recreation Department due to poor weather or wet field conditions. When in doubt as to playing conditions, it is the responsibility of all teams to be at the diamond ready to play. Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department is the final authority as to whether the games will start and field conditions are playable or not. IGSA does not want games to start or continue when there are storm warning alerts and/or siren warnings are in effect. It will be up to the discretion of the UIC (Umpire in Charge) or IGSA Volunteer in Charge to make the decision.
Division 1 only – The catcher will not be required to hold the third strike for an out. Batter-runner is out on called or swinging 3rd strike. There will be no infield fly rule.
In Division 1, stealing will be permitted, (1) base per pitch. This is to encourage the catcher to throw the ball to 2nd base. On a batted ball, the play is not over until the ball is back in the circle. The ball remains live until pitcher is in the circle with the ball. No stealing home. (If runner steals home they are at risk. If the runner achieves home safely, then the umpire will put the runner back on 3rd base.) Scoring is only permitted by:
1. On batted ball, hitting the runner in.
2. On walk that forces advancement of runners, with bases loaded.
3. Catchers obstruction, if forced with bases loaded.
4. Hit batsmen, if forced with bases loaded.
Division 1 only –Coach comes into pitch once (4) of the following happens in an inning. The Coach will pitch remainder of inning:
1. Walked batter
2. Hit batsmen
3. Catchers obstruction

Division 1 only- (New in 2024)

Player Pitch

The player pitcher pitches until the batter is either:
1) retired (e.g., strikeout, groundout, flyout, pop out),

2) puts the ball in play (e.g., hit, error), or

3) is hit by a pitch, in which case the batter is awarded first base. Batter can bunt during player pitch.

There are no walks. If the player pitcher throws four (4) balls to a batter, the batter is not awarded first base. Instead, an adult coach from the hitting team goes to the pitching rubber and replaces the player pitcher for pitching only. The player pitcher remains to the side of the adult pitcher and will make all subsequent defensive (fielding) plays. The adult pitcher may not coach batters or runners while serving as the adult pitcher and must exit the playing area as soon as a ball is put in play without interfering with the play.

Adult Coach Pitch

The adult coach pitches to the batter, keeping at least 1 foot on the pitching rubber. The batter has up to 4 coach pitches to complete her at bat, one coach pitch is deducted for each strike the player pitcher threw before ball four (e.g., 0 strikes 4 coach pitches, 1 strike 3 coach pitches, 2 strikes 2 coach pitches).

During coach pitch, the umpire will not call balls and strikes at pitches that are not swung at. However, the strike count carries over and, on pitches swung at but not put into play, a strike is called.

The batter will either:

a) put the ball in play,

b) be retired via strikeout,

c) be retired after allotted pitches if neither a nor b occur, or

d) if the batter fouls off the last coach pitch (or subsequent coach pitches), she continues to receive coach pitches until one of a-c occurs.

* Example of situation b): On a 3-1 count, the player pitcher throws ball four (4). Offensive coach comes in to pitch. On the next two (2) coach pitches the batter swings and misses. The batter is out by strikeout because she already had 1 strike from player pitch and got two more swing-and-miss strikes from the coach pitch. The batter does not receive the third coach pitch.

* Example of situation c): On a 3-1 count, the player pitcher throws ball four (4). Offensive coach comes in to pitch. On the next three (3) coach pitches the batter does not swing at any of the pitches. The batter is out because the coach only gets three (3) total pitches. Batter may NOT bunt during coach pitch.

Comments: The intent for the pitching rule is to continue development from complete coach pitch to player pitch. This modified player pitch rule will allow the player pitchers to continue to learn to pitch, while at the same time move the game along without having a complete walk-a-thon. This will also facilitate better fielding skills by increasing the number of balls hit to the defense

Division 1 only- Strike zone is expanded (1) ball above and (1) ball below standard strike zone. Chalk to chalk (theory is that the ball touches back of plate.
Thrown bat rule – On the 1st thrown bat offense, is a warning with an explanation to the batter and coach. On the 2nd offense, batter will be called out; explanation will be given to batter and coach. The play will be dead. Any repeat offenders are disqualified for the remainder of the game. Managers will notify Division Representative.
When the outcome of the game can no longer change because of the run limit, the umpires shall consult with the managers of both teams between innings and (1) determine if both teams have fulfilled participation requirements and (2) determine if the losing manager would like to continue the game to the time limit or stop the game at that point (if participation requirements have been met). If the game is continued, it will not go past the time limit.
If there is only one paid umpire at a game, the duties and jurisdiction shall extend to all points of the playing field and to all players covered by this code and the umpire shall occupy any part of the playing field which, in the umpire’s opinion will best enable the umpire to discharge their duties.
If an umpire feels that the safety of the batters is compromised because of wild pitching, he/she may move to remedy the situation.

Courtesy Runner: Coaches are asked and recommended to utilize courtesy runners for pitchers and catchers with less than 2 outs. Coaches may use a courtesy runner for players that are going to catch or pitch next inning. Any player that a courtesy runner is used for must play that position for (1) batter.

Injured player – courtesy runner: In the event an offensive player is hurt while running bases, a courtesy runner can be used. That player is done once inning is complete or the time on the bases. Exception would be the blood rule, and that player may return once blood is cleaned up.

Dugout Area - Players, Managers and coaches are the only ones allowed in dugout. Parents or any spectators are asked to remain outside the dugout. In the event of an injury, parents maybe asked in the dugout by the umpire.

Illegal Pitches - Umpire will identify the pitch infraction and explain the correction. This is to educate the coach and pitcher. Ball on the batter, unless hit by the batter. If pitch is not hit by batter, only ball on the batter and no advancement by base runners. If pitch is hit by the batter, result of the play or ball on batter, if all runners achieve the next base safely, play stands. Should an out on the play occur, Offense has choice of result of the play or ball on batter.

IGSA Pitchers will be allowed to step back off the mound during wind-up, to align with USA, USSSA and MSSHA rules. (New 2020)

2021 USSSA Update: Pitcher’s Placement Foot – only her pivot foot will be required to be in contact with the pitcher’s plate.

Conferences
1. Offense will be allowed 1 conference per inning.
2. Defense will be allowed 3 conferences per game.
Batting out of order – If the violation is noticed while the batter is still at bat, the correct batter will be inserted, and the present count will remain.
1. Division 1 – Incorrect batter will remain where play ended. EXAMPLE: If the batter made an out, the out remains in force, and if the batter reached base, she will be placed on first, and the correct batter will then bat.
2. Division 2, 3 and 4 – The runners that were on base will return to their original base, and the correct batter will bat, (just as if the wrong batter had not batted). EXCEPTION: If an out was recorded, the out will stand (first offense). If it is the second offense, the team will be given an out and the correct batter will bat. If a third offense occurs, the team will be given an out and the manager will be ejected.

SECTION VIII – SCOREKEEPERS

Each team is to furnish a scorekeeper. Scorekeepers must sit together behind home plate. Scorekeeper for the team listed first on the schedule shall be known as the “Official Scorekeeper.” In the event only one scorekeeper is present, that scorekeeper shall become the “Official Scorekeeper.”

Scorekeepers will use the official score sheets furnished by the League.

No score will be kept for T-ball or BLASTball.

HOME TEAM IS LISTED FIRST AND WILL OCCUPY 3rd BASE BENCH.

SECTION IX – SCHEDULES

Game schedules will be provided by the League.
Postponed games will be played as soon as possible and on the date rescheduled by IGSA. Failure of either team or both teams to play will result in forfeiture by either or both teams.

SECTION X – PROTESTS (DIVISIONS 1, 2, 3 AND 5)

Only the Manager of the contesting team shall have the right to protest a game.
The Board of Directors as soon as possible following the game involved shall discuss protests.
The League Board of Directors must receive written reports from manager and umpires within 24 hours after the game. The particular rule or rules that were violated must be specifically stated in the exact manner in which they were violated. The League Board will make all protest decisions. All decisions are final. The exception to the above mentioned 24-hour time limit is during tournament. If it is necessary for a written report, it shall be given to a League board member before leaving the field that night.
A fee of $25 must be submitted with the protest. The fee will be returned if the protest is allowed.
For other rules concerning protest, see USSSA rules.
Protests need to be indicated at the time of the offense. The only exception is the participation rule. All score sheets and lineups must be turned in immediately after the game.

SECTION XI – BLAST BALL

Blast Ball will run for 6 weeks with one game per week. Each game will last 40 minutes, games are drop dead, which means when time has expired, the game will end.

No offensive player will be allowed on the field unless he/she is wearing a batting helmet.
Each team will bat its entire roster in each inning one complete time, which will constitute a half inning of play. If the batter reaches the Base (the only base used) before a defensive player either catches the BlastBall in the air (an automatic out) or fields it and yells "BLAST ", he scores a run. If the ball is caught or fielded and "BLAST " is yelled before the runner gets to the BlastBase, then the runner is out. It’s just that simple! Player returns to the dugout after running to 1st base. After a fielder catches/stops the ball and yells blast they are then to finish the play by throwing the ball to the umpire at home-plate.
BATTING:
Each batter will receive a maximum of 5 swings in which to hit a fair ball. A fair ball is any ball between the foul lines and past the 10 foot fair ball arc in front of home plate.

Playing Field:
Playing field will consist of 1st base loaded with a horn, home plate where batter will hit from a “Tee” and all defensive players will line up at baseball positions. Any ball hit 10 feet from home plate or past the fair ball marker will be considered a fair ball and the batter shall advance to 1st base.
Equipment:
All players must wear a team t-shirt supplied by IGSA and black shorts/pants. Softball gloves are optional. The game ball is foam rubber and will be safe for kids to play without gloves.

SECTION XII – T-BALL

Smaller ball will be used to better accommodate young players.

A defensive team will consist of all players, with a minimum of 5 infielders.

A team must field a catcher no matter how many players are present.

The infielders must play behind the pitcher’s mound. Outfielders must play behind the base line until the ball is hit. Penalty-free base to the batter-runners advance and score if forced.

The pitcher must keep both feet in the pitcher circle until the ball is hit. Penalty-free base to the batter - runners advance and score if forced.

The manager will submit a batting order at the start of each game. Each player will then bat in the order as indicated on the roster. If a player who is marked absent on the roster arrives at the game, her status will be changed as present, and that player will assume her batting order as indicated on the roster.

All Players on the team will bat each inning, and outs will not count against the team.

No stealing – a base runner cannot leave the base until the ball leaves the batting tee. Leaving the base before the ball is hit, the ball will become dead, and the base runner will be called out, no runners may advance or score.

The first time any player throws a bat, both benches will be warned of the violation, the next batter on either team will be called out for throwing the bat.

Any time a thrown ball goes into dead ball territory, the base runners will be rewarded one extra base beyond the base they were attempting to obtain, at the time of the throw. (1+1)

Once the ball is in the possession of any defensive player on the infield, (by holding the ball up above the head), advancing runners may advance to the next base they were attempting to obtain if they were at least halfway to that next base. If the runners did not reach halfway when the ball is in possession, the runners must return to the previous base.

SECTION XIII – COACH PITCH

11-inch USSSA sanctioned ball will be required.

A defensive team will consist of all players, with 7 only infielders. All other defensive players must take position in the designated outfield. (2) players cannot take starting position in the pitcher’s circle. Catchers will wear full protective equipment. You can change defensive players position only between innings, unless injury occurs. Failure to comply could result in forfeiture of the game.

A team must field a catcher no matter how many players are present.

All infielders must play behind the pitcher’s mound. All outfielders must play behind the base line (grass) until the pitched ball has crossed the plate. Penalty-free base to the batter – runners advance and score if forced.

Pitcher must be behind the pitching rubber at the point of the pitch. Penalty-free base to the batter – runners advance and score if forced.

The manager or head coach must be identified at pregame. This person is the only one that can appeal a call or approach the umpire. He is responsible for players, coaches and fans. Batting roster is required; all players must be listed and include the following:
1. Jersey number
2. First and last names (no nicknames)
3. Starting positions

If the batter is late to game, every effort will be made to get her an at bat.If the batter voluntary misses her at bat, every effort will be made to get her an at bat.

All batters must bat once
Each batter will be given (5) pitches. .

New 2021 There is no Bunting allowed in Coach Pitch.

Stealing: New in 2023- There is no stealing in Coach Pitch.

Thrown Bat: On the 1st offense, is a warning with an explanation to batter and coach. On the 2nd offense, batter is out; explanation will be given to batter and coach.

On a batted ball only, if the defense throws the ball into dead ball territory, base runners are awarded 2 bases at the time of the throw.

Base Running: Once the ball is back in the field, with no other play being attempted, halfway rule applied in the umpire’s judgment, not appealable. If the base runner is halfway, next base is given. If the base runner is less than halfway, they are put back on the last achieved base.

Upon seeing play suspended, and no runners advancing, the umpire will call “Ball in” or “Time”, and the defensive ball player can then throw the ball into the pitching coach, and no runners can advance.

Designated Head Coaches are the sole persons allowed to approach any umpire of an official game and request an explanation of any rules interpretations, not judgment calls. This excludes all coaches, players, parents, and fans. (Only exception would be if the Head coaches turns his / her appeal over to an assistance, due to not seeing the play)

60 minute time limit. No new inning will start after 55 minutes.

All batters, base runners, and players on deck will wear a helmet. (Chin straps also if on the helmet)

Courtesy Runner: Coaches are asked and recommended to utilize courtesy runners for catcher with less than 2 outs. Coaches may use a courtesy runner for players that are going to pitch or catch the next inning. An player that a courtesy runner is used for must play catcher for (1) batter. In the event an offensive player is hurt while running bases, a courtesy runner can be used. That player is done once inning is complete or the time on the bases. EXCEPTION would be the blood rule, that player may return once blood is cleaned up.

Bases will be placed 60 feet away, and the pitching mound 35 feet from home plate.

COACHES:

Defense: (2) coaches allowed in the outfield. Must make every effort not to interfere with play. May not touch the ball for any reason, no glove needed.

Offense: (1) coach pitches. Must make every effort not to interfere with play. Must stay in the pitching circle. No coaching while pitching. (2) coaches for bases, positioned at 1st and 3rd base coaches box. MUST remain in the coaches box.

COACHING ETIQUETTE:

Keep in mind that with the number of coaches on the field at any one time, they are reminded to coach their girls and not interfere with game in any way. PENALTY: 1ST offense is a warning to the head coach. 2nd offense is offending coach is asked to leave field. Depending on the offense, restriction to the bench. Persistent offenders will be restricted to dugout for future games. Behavior will be reviewed by the League President, Division Representative and UIC.

Dugout Area:

Players, Managers and coaches are the only ones allowed in the dugout. Parents are asked to remain outside the dugout. In the event of an injury, parents may be asked in the dugout by the umpire.

SECTION XIV – TOURNAMENT

An IGSA tournament will be held immediately following the regular season. The tournament dates will be set at the same time the regular season schedule is done, and will follow on those dates, weather permitting. Any rainouts of regular season games not played before the tournament will be scheduled after the tournament.

The tournament will consist of a separate single elimination tournament for Divisions Coach Pitch, 1, 2 ,3 and 5. All teams will participate in the tournament. Umpires will provide game balls (2) for each game. Teams will need to shag balls to keep games going. Games will be 90 minutes with no new inning after 85 minutes. Coin flip will decide home team. Winner of the flip has choice of home or visitor. USSSA Run spreads apply: 12 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings and 8 runs after 5 innings.

Only for tournament play: (5) runs per inning will apply for the 1st hour of play. The remainder of the game (30 minutes) the 5 run rule will be waived. If the hour time mark occurs during an inning, the umpire will finish the current inning and the remaining game time and innings will not have a run limit but will follow the USSSA Run Spread Rules. During the last 30 minutes each coach will have 1 mound visit.

Rules for ALL Divisions:

3-Man Umpire teams will be provided for Divisions 2-5 Tournament games (New 2020)
Umpires will provide game balls (2) for each game.
- Teams will need to shag balls to keep games going.
Games will be 90 minutes or 7 innings for Divisions 1-5 with no new inning after 85 minutes
Coin flip will decide home team.
- Winner of flip has choice of home or visitors
Rosters for the tournament games MUST be submitted to the Division Representative 15 minutes prior to game time. (New 2020)

USSSA Run spreads apply
- 12 runs after 3 innings
- 10 runs after 4 innings
- 8 runs after 5 innings
Must have a winner, cannot end in a tie.
- If at the end of regulation time, if the teams are tied, we will go into ITB
  - Last completed at bat from the previous inning will be placed on 2nd base.
    - This will happen each inning of ITB.
Home score book will be official.
- Visitors should keep accurate score as well.
In the event of a rainout, the plate umpire will provide the time remaining and verify the scores with BOTH scorekeepers. (New 2020)
Every attempt will be made to get everyone an at bat (Flip Flop rules does not apply)
If the team has less than 9 available players, the IGSA coach shall request, via email at igsa@igsasoftball.com, any pick-up player request for the end of the season tournament games. Any pick-up players MUST BE registered to play IGSA in the current season of play. This request must be received at least 48 hours prior to the tournament game(s) and must be approved by the league president and division rep. (New 2020)
No Pitchers may be picked up for the end of the season tournament games. (New 2020)

Specific rules that also apply for Coach Pitch

Games will be 71 minutes for Coach Pitch with no new inning after 70 minutes (New 2020)

Defensive coaches must be in the outfield (In foul territory - grassy area)
Offensive coaches must be in the designated coaches’ box
Pitching coach is to pitch only,
- Staying as close to the circle as possible.
  - Not to move with the play or signal the outcome of the call.
- They are not to coach once ball is hit.
The (5) run per inning or (3) outs will apply during the tournament.
- Score is being kept during the tournament
A complete game is 6 innings

Specific rules that apply to Division 1

During the period in which the coach is pitching
- The batter will be given (5) pitches or (3) swinging strikes

IGSA teams may enter non-League tournaments. The team must have prior League approval and all IGSA League Code of Ethics apply. IGSA will supplement $50 towards the entry fee into oneXI (1) ASA or USSSA sanctioned tournament per team, per season. The tournament director from the tournament you are playing in may request the $50 payment by emailing igsa@igsasoftball.com.