10U Rules

The primary goal of the 10u age division is to transition to full softball rules within a competitive game, while still maintaining the major goal of learning, developing, and having fun.

New Experiences at this level:

  • Base stealing introduced (one base)

  • Home Plate Umpire

  • Player Pitch

  • Positions begin to become set (less rotation)

Expectations

  • Continue to hone fundamental skills:

    • Rules

    • Throwing

    • Catching

    • Fielding

    • Hitting

    • Positional play

  • Learn the Basic Rules- force outs; tagging up; baserunning (when you don’t have to run; not running into or past teammates on base paths); balls and strikes.

  • Throwing Mechanics- Introduce the correct way to hold the ball; point the front shoulder, step, and throw; introduce the concept of generating momentum toward the target and following the throw.

  • Catching and fielding- thrown and hit balls; fingers up versus fingers down; see the glove and the ball; use two hands; forehands and backhands; introduce the underhand flip; first-base fundamentals; crossover and drop steps.

  • Hitting- choosing the right bat; proper grip; hitting pitched balls; introduce drill work (tee work, soft toss, short toss)

  • Learning Positional Play- learn the positions and the areas each player should cover; cover the base when the ball is not hit to you; basics of cutoff and relays.

  • Learn Specialty Positions- extended practice times for pitchers and catchers.

Safety Rules

  • Cleats are required for practices and games

  • Any player in the Catcher fielding position is required to be in full catchers gear (helmet, chest protector, and shin guards) during play for practices and games

  • Any offensive player on the field is required to wear a batting helmet during play at practices and games

  • All defensive players on the field (infield and outfield) are required to wear protective face masks during play at practices and games

10u Rules of Play

  • The 10u division will play with 11” softballs.

  • Games will be played with no new inning starting after 1 hour 30 minutes. The “Drop Dead” Time Limit is 2 hours.

  • The Home Team will be determined by Lagging at the start of each game (when opponent team is within our league).

  • Dugout assignments (when opponent team is within our league) will be based on a first come, first serve basis.

  • Player Pitch – standard softball rules apply (strikes, balls, fouls, walks, hit by pitch, etc.)

  • There is no coach pitch in 10u. If the pitcher struggles to pitch the ball from the regulation distance (35 feet), the pitcher is permitted to move forward and pitch from 30 feet.

  • Players arriving late will be inserted in the bottom of the batting order.

  • Defense may play 10 players on the field (4 in the outfield – R, RC, LC, L).

  • Teams may play with less than 10 players on the field. With coach agreement, teams may borrow players from their opponent if necessary. Teams may also borrow players from other teams within the same division (players must be registered to play within the league for insurance purposes) to make up for missing players. Borrowed players should never receive playing time while a rostered player sits the bench.

  • Players should bat in the batting order provided to the opposing team prior to the start of the game.

  • Stealing permitted

    • Players may steal 1 base at a time.

    • The runner must not leave the base (for lead off or steal) until the ball is released from the pitchers hand. The first offense (any player on team) of leaving the base early will result in a warning. The second offense (any player on team) will result in the runner being called out.

    • Runners may advance only 1 base on an overthrow.

    • When a runner is stealing home, if there is a play at the plate, the runner must slide. If the runner does not slide at home with a play at the plate, the runner is out.

    • When a runner is stealing home, the current batter must vacate the batters box (move away from the potential play at the plate). If the batter does not vacate the batters box (move away from the potential play at the plate), the batter will be called out for interference.

  • No dropped 3 rd strike rule

  • Infield fly rule in effect – use as a teaching opportunity

  • Five run limit per inning. The last inning is open (coaches must agree to call the inning, “the last inning” prior to the start of the inning).

  • In the event of a tie, the International Tie Breaker Rule is in effect.

  • Umpires are introduced and have the final call on the field.