CHANDLER GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES

Chandler Girls Softball (“CGS”) is governed and managed by the CGS Board. The directors of the Board are volunteers, serving without compensation, for services rendered by them in their capacity as directors. All registration fees, sponsorship fees, concession revenues and fundraising proceeds go toward the League to pay operating expenses, which include such items as team jerseys, umpires, equipment, insurance, and awards. Copies of the Operating Budget and CGS Policy Manual are available from the President upon request. The League’s mailing address is P.O. Box 228, Chandler, Arizona 85244 and website address www.cgsl.info. The Board reserves the right to revise the League Rules at any time.

Section 1 – General

1.1 Affiliations. Games are played in accordance with the USA Official Rules of Softball, except as amended herein. The League Rules apply to all divisions, except when otherwise indicated.

1.2 Awards. Awards are presented at the end of the season.

1.3 Instructional Clinics. Skill-building clinics may be provided prior to the beginning of the season. Clinics offer both an introduction to softball and a means for experienced players to fine-tune their skills. Mandatory coach clinics are also held prior to the beginning of each season.

1.4 Standings. Team scores are maintained and published weekly on the League’s website (www.cgsl.info). A blind draw will be used to determine the initial pairings for pool play. Pool play results with then used to determine seeding for the end of the season tournament.

1.5 Website. The League’s website is: www.cgsl.info. The site contains pertinent information such as news, calendar, events, teams, schedules, standings etc.

Section 2 – Equipment and Field Requirements

2.1 Balls.

• 12” regulation softballs are used for Uppers and 12U divisions.
• 11” regulation softballs are used for 10u
• 11” RIF 1 Sof-Dot softballs are used for 8U
• 11” Soft Compression softballs are used for T-Ball

See USA Rule 3, Section 3.

2.2 Bases. T-Ball, 8u, and 10u Fast Pitch bases are set at 50 feet. Uppers and 12U bases are set at 60 feet.

2.3 Bats. Only USA approved softball bats are allowed. See USA Rule 3, Section 1.

2.4 Lined Fields. Pre-game practice on lined infields in fair territory is prohibited. Pre-game practice in foul territory is permitted. (Amended 10/30/2023)

2.5 Pitching Distances.

• 25 feet for 8U
• 35 feet for 10U
• 40 feet for 12U (Amended 8/12/2024)
• 43 feet for Uppers

2.7 Helmets. Batting helmets and chin straps are to be used by all divisions (T-Ball, 8u Coach Pitch, Slow Pitch, and Fast Pitch). Faceguards on batting helmets are optional in T- Ball. Chinstraps and faceguards on batting helmets are required in both Slow Pitch (including 8u) and Fast Pitch divisions in accordance with USA rules.

2.8 Fielding Masks. Fielding masks are required to be worn by any player at the pitcher position in all divisions except Uppers, although it is still highly encouraged in Uppers.

Section 3 – CGS Playing Rules

3.1 Legal Line-Up. A minimum legal line-up is seven (7) players for 8U, and eight (8) players for every other division. This applies from the start of the game to the conclusion of the game.

3.2 Batting Line-Up. All players listed on the team roster must bat, unless being held out for disciplinary or other reasons. Coaches must indicate on the official CGS Line-Up Form if a player is being held out of a game along with a reason why. After play has begun, players arriving late must be reported to the umpire and are added to the bottom of the batting line-up. If a player is unable to bat when it is her turn to bat, the player must be removed from participating in the remainder of the game and the umpire must be notified. If the umpire is notified before the next batter steps into the batter’s box, an out IS NOT called for the team and the removed player is skipped over in the batting order. Players playing on a team and not registered or on the official team roster will cause the team to forfeit all games in which the non-registered or non-official player participated. USA Rules apply if batting out of order is discovered. See USA Rule 7, Section 2(D).

3.3 Borrowing Players. During league and tournament play, teams are allowed to borrow players from other CGS teams under the following stipulations:

(1) Players will only be allowed to play in the outfield and must bat at the end of the lineup;

(2) Players must be CGS registered and age eligible;

(3) The coach borrowing the players must have the line-up approved by the on-duty Field Supervisor prior to the start of the game; and

(4) Coaches are limited to a total of three (3) borrowed players per team to bring their team to the minimum legal line-up. See Rule 3.1. During regular season play only (not valid for pool play or tournament), a borrowed player may play pitcher or catcher only if the team cannot field a pitcher or catcher from their own team due to absence, illness or injury. A player borrowed as a pitcher or catcher can only play in the pitcher or catcher position for the game in question and must bat last.

Only in the case that a pitcher or catcher is borrowed because the team has no other players who can pitch or catch, the team can go above the minimum legal limit for that game but cannot exceed 9 or the number of registered players assigned to the team in question who show up to play plus the borrowed pitcher or catcher.

A Pitcher/ Catcher can only be borrowed up to twice in one season. If this is needed more than two time the division chair will need to be Involved on a case-by-case basis (Amended 7/9/18).

3.4 Cheering. Team spirit is encouraged as well as normal chatter; however, negative cheers toward opposing teams or individuals are not permitted, including cheering with the intent of distracting an opposing player during execution of play. Continued negative cheering after a CGS field supervisor warning will result in forfeiture of the game. If a single spectator is unruly under the Board Members judgement they can be ejected from the park. (Amended 7/9/18)

3.5 Courtesy Runners. One courtesy runner is allowed per inning, unless a serious injury occurs after the utilization of the one courtesy runner. The courtesy runner must be the last out of the current or previous inning. Fast Pitch Only — an additional courtesy runner is optional for pitchers and catchers when there are two outs to allow them to prepare for the next inning.

3.6 Forfeits. Five minutes after game time is considered forfeit time. If a team does not have enough players, at the official start of the game the umpire shall start the timers. The field supervisor on duty shall make the determination of a game forfeit based on the league’s rules and procedures.

3.7 Game Cancellations. Regardless of weather or circumstances beyond the control of CGS, teams must report to the field ready to play, until the game is called. Coaches may not agree to cancel or postpone games. If both teams do not show up for a scheduled game, the game will be recorded as a double forfeit. Any regular season games cancelled due to rain may not be rescheduled. Any pool play or playoff games will be rescheduled to the best of the league’s ability.

3.8 Home Team. The team listed second on the playing schedule is the home team and is considered the official scorekeeper. The home team shall occupy the third base dugout. Both teams are required to provide scorekeepers. If a home team is unable to provide a scorekeeper, the visiting team will become the home team. The home team is also responsible for gathering the bases and setting them against the fence along the third base line after the last scheduled game.

3.9 Injuries. If playing time is stopped for a serious injury, the game clock is stopped and all play ceases until the seriously injured player is removed from the field. An Incident/Accident report must be completed by the coach and Field Supervisor on duty at the conclusion of the game.

3.10 Intentional Walks. Intentional walks are not allowed. In the event of an “intentional walk,” the pitcher will be removed from the pitching position for the remainder of the game. Umpire judgment controls.

3.11 Officials. One or two umpires are scheduled for each game. In the event no umpire is present, the Board has the authority to appoint an umpire for the game. A coach’s refusal to play a game because of the implementation of this rule will result in a forfeit.

3.12 Player or Coach Ejections. If a player, coach, or spectator is ejected, the player, coach, or spectator is suspended from the next scheduled game. If any additional ejections occur, the player, coach, or spectator is suspended indefinitely and asked to appear before the Board for disciplinary action. The ejection of a player will not cause the team to begin its at bat with an out nor will an out be posted each time the player is scheduled to bat.

3.13 Protests. The game clock is stopped and all play ceases until a ruling has been made by the CGS field supervisor.

See also USA Rule 9. A team may play a game in protest if they disagree with the ruling of the CGS field supervisor.

The coach must inform the umpire and opposing coach prior to the next pitch that the game is being played under protest.

3.14 Official CGS Line-Up Forms. Coaches must complete an Official CGS Line-Up Form to be presented to the umpire at the start of the game. The line-up cards shall include players' names and shirt numbers, Starting positions and substitutions. If a player arrives after the start of the game, the coach must report the player to the umpire and the umpire will add the player(s) to the end of the batting line-up.

3.15 Pitcher/Catcher Forms. In addition to CGS Line-Up Forms, Pitcher/Catcher forms must be used to document all pitchers and catchers used in all games regular season, pool play and Tournament (8/20/18 turning in cards during regular season is for auditing reasons only, a player will not be locked until Pool or Tournament play); they must be submitted to the umpire at the beginning of the game or at the time a substitution is made.

If a player pitches or catches one time in any pool or tournament game, they are considered to be a pitcher or catcher and will be included in the following season’s draft as such. At the time of registration (prior to the pitcher/catcher evaluation), a parent/guardian may request that their daughter be removed from the pitcher/catcher database. If a player is removed as a pitcher or catcher, she must not pitch or catch in any game(s) going forward.

1. If the player does pitch or catch, any game, that game will be recorded as a loss as well as the first pool play game will be recorded as a loss. The loss will be recorded as a 0-7 score unless it is in pool play in which case it will be recorded as a 0-7 score or the greater score of the opposing team since it is pool play which determines placement within the tournament bracket. We will also have a conversation with that player’s parents and remind them that their daughter is on the no pitch or catch list and played in the game in said position. Also, if she plays in that position again, she will be suspended for the remainder of the season. So, it is the responsibility of the coach not to have a player play the position for which she is restricted.
2. A coach that violates this rule will be suspended for the following two games. A second violation of this rule during the same season will result in that coach being banned from Chandler Girls Softball. This will be a permanent ban.

Any coach that we feel has intentionally violated this rule, including but not necessarily limited to; falsifying the pitcher/catcher cards, switching players jerseys, or in any other way attempting to bypass this rule, will be permanently banned from coaching in our league.

We will produce a list of girls who cannot pitch or catch for all coaches in the divisions at the beginning of each season.

The player must not pitch or catch unless they specifically request to be re-instated as a pitcher or catcher at registration (prior to the pitcher/catcher evaluation). A player cannot be reinstated after the evaluation has occurred. Any girl that has not pitched or caught for two consecutive seasons will be automatically removed as Pitcher/Catcher or the No Pitch/No Catch list.

3.16 Pitching modifications. The pitcher may start her pitch with a minimum of one foot in contact with the rubber.

3.17 5-Run Ahead Scoring. A 5-Run Ahead Rule is effect for all divisions. If a team is tied or ahead of an opposing team, the team may score up to five runs in that inning. If a team is trailing an opposing team, a team may score up to five runs ahead of the opposing team. Any five runs in excess of 5 that are scored on the same play where the 5th run is scored are counted.

The game will be called if a team is ahead by 12 runs after 5 innings (or 4 1/2 if the home team is ahead) or 20 runs after 3 (or 2 1/2 innings if the home team is ahead).

Inclement Weather 3-Run Ahead Rule (Regular Season only): In the event of inclement weather during the regular season only, defined as a current temperature that meets or exceeds 100° F at game time, the 5-Run Ahead Rule changes to a 3-Run Ahead Rule and is as follows:

• A 3-Run Ahead Rule is effect for all divisions in a game when the current temperature meets or exceeds 100° F at game time. If a team is tied or ahead of an opposing team for their turn at bat, the team may score up to three runs in that inning. If a team is trailing an opposing team for their turn at bat, a team may score up to three runs ahead of the opposing team. Any 3 runs in excess of 3 that are scored on the same play where the 3rd run is scored are counted. (Amended 10/30/2023)

3.18 Defensive Substitutions. All players must play defensively in every game unless a player or parent requests to sit additional innings (due to illness or other reasons). Players may sub a maximum of two innings per game and no player may sub more than one inning in a game until all eligible players have been subbed one inning.

Exception: Pitcher or catcher, once relieved, must sit out for an entire (three out) inning unless they are placed back into the pitcher or catcher position for all divisions except 10U (Amended 8/12/2024). If subbed out mid inning, the pitcher or catcher may be moved to a fielding position for the remainder of the inning.

3.18a First deviation will result in an ejection from the current game and a one-game suspension for the following game for the acting head coach. See Rule 5.2

3.18b Second deviation during the same season will result in a forfeit of the game and a one-game suspension.

3.19 Tied Games. Tied games remain tied during regular season and pool play. See USA Tiebreaker Rule, Point of Emphasis 54 for tournament play. CGS Rule 3.16 (5-Run Ahead Scoring) will apply during a tournament tiebreaker inning.

3.20 Time Limits. T-Ball games are 55 minutes. 8u and Slow Pitch games are 65 minutes. All remaining age groups are 75 minutes or seven innings whichever occurs first (except for tied games during tournament play). The inning in progress when time expires will be completed except for 10U which will have a 90-minute drop dead time at which time, the score will revert back to the last completed inning. During Regular Season Only.

If a game is called for weather or circumstances beyond the control of the Board, a legal game shall be 5 innings (or 4 1/2 innings if the home team is ahead). Games that are stopped that are not yet a legal game are rescheduled and will be resumed at the exact point where the game was stopped. Players unavailable are skipped over in the batting order and can be replaced defensively. Batting line-up and substitution rules still apply. In the event of inclement weather or the unavailability of fields resulting in the inability to reschedule the game, the winner of the game will be determined by reverting to the last completed inning.

3.21 Uniforms. Players must wear team jerseys, shorts, or long pants (no overalls), and tennis shoes or rubber-cleat shoes with closed backs and fronts (metal cleats are not permitted). Sponsors do not pay for, nor will coaches require players to buy or wear anything other than team jerseys. Team jerseys are provided by the sponsor and shall not be altered in any way. See also USA Rule 3, Sections 6(A) and (F), with the exception that acceptable headwear does not have to be the same color. In addition, jewelry may not be worn in accordance with USA rules.

3.22 Avoiding Collisions. It is the runner’s responsibility to avoid a collision with a defender when there is a close play at a base. To avoid a collision, the runner may choose to either slide, choose an alternate route to the base, surrender, or retreat to the previous base.

3.23 Thunder/Lightning Rain Ruling. The umpire will have authority to cancel that game if they deem it necessary. If there are subsequent games the board member on duty should wait 30 minutes after thunder or lightning (starting the clock again with each incident) before beginning the next game. If this requires the game to start more than 30 minutes late the field supervisor should cancel the game. At that time, the field supervisor can then decide if the remaining games should be cancelled for that day.

Section 4 – Modified Rules. League Rules apply to all divisions, with the following exceptions and/or additions to the rules:

 

 

4.1 T-Ball.

T-Ball is an instructional program, and scores will not be recorded nor tracked. Awards will be presented to all T-Ball players at the end of the season.

(1) The ball is not pitched but is hit from a tee that is placed on home plate. The umpire will remove the tee from home plate if a play involves a runner scoring.

(2) A batted ball must advance beyond the 10-foot mark to be legal.

(3) Teams must field the entire team. Players are placed in normal defensive positions with extra players placed behind the baseline. In addition, players in the normal defensive positions may play even with but not in front of the pitcher. Pitchers must stay in contact with the pitching rubber until the ball is hit, and players may not stand in the baseline.

(4) An additional offensive coach is allowed to assist the batter and up to 3 defensive coaches (7/19/18) is allowed to assist on the field.

(5) Outs will be called, and bases will be cleared; however, teams will continue to bat until all players on the team have had an opportunity to bat

(6) Home team for games shall provide the Tee-Stand

(7) Games are five innings or 55 minutes, whichever comes first.

(8) Face mask needs to be worn by catcher while on the field (Amended 7/19/18).

 

 

4.2 Coach Pitch 8u

(1) Coach of the batting team pitches a maximum of 5 pitches per batter. The batting team adult pitcher must remain in the immediate vicinity of the pitching position and can only coach the batter at the plate.

(2) If a fairly batted ball is not achieved in the 5 pitches the batter is out.

(3) No stealing.

(4) A runner or batter may advance only one additional base, at their own risk, when an overthrow occurs on a fairly batted ball. If the defensive player attempts to throw out the runner out at the next base and an additional overthrow occurs, the runner may not advance again.

(5) There is a 10-player maximum and a 7-player minimum required on the field

(6) Any ball that hits the offensive team’s coach on the field will be deemed a dead ball and will result as a pitched ball on the batter. If a batted ball hits the offensive team’s coach on the field as the result of the 5th pitched ball, the batter will be deemed out.

(7) The fielding team may have one coach in the outfield to verbally instruct but may not touch the ball or a player.

(8) A bench coach must monitor the players in the dugout area to prevent injury and keep the game flowing

(9) At least 4 coaches/parents are recommended on the field during offense (pitcher, 3rd base coach, 1st base coach and dugout coach). It is also recommended to have a coach/parent behind home plate to assist with passed balls for the catcher (Amended 8/12/2024).

(10) Any player playing the pitcher position on defense is required to wear a fielding mask.

(11) The infield fly rule will not be enforced. See USA Rule 8, Section 2(I) for a detailed description of the infield fly rule.

(12) Games are seven innings or 65 minutes whichever comes first.

(13) Outfielders must be positioned within the outfield grass (Amended 8/12/2024 with move to Tumbleweed).

(14) Fairly batted balls that pass the orange cones in the outfield will be considered ground-rule doubles and play will cease with all runners advancing two bases and no more (Amended 8/12/2024 with move to Tumbleweed).

 

 

4.3 Fast Pitch 10u

(1) Batter is out on a dropped 3rd strike.

(2) Runner on 3rd may not steal home at any time.

(3) A runner may only advance one base per pitch, at their own risk, on a non-batted ball. The Runner may not advance an additional base on a walk.

(4) A runner or batter may advance only one additional base, at their own risk, when an overthrow occurs on a fairly batted ball. If the defensive player attempts to throw out the runner out at the next base and an additional overthrow occurs, the runner may not advance again.

(5) A runner may only score on a batted ball or a walk.

(6) The infield fly rule will not be enforced. See USA Rule 8, Section 2(I) for a detailed description of the infield fly rule.

(7) Games are seven innings or 75 minutes whichever comes first. There is a 90-minute drop dead time at which time, the score will revert to the last completed inning. During Regular Season Only.

(8) In order to encourage the development of more pitchers and catchers in this league, any player that expresses interest must be given the opportunity to pitch and catch in regular season games.

• This rule does not apply to Pool Play or Tournament
• Pitchers and catchers must face a minimum of 3 batters before being removed, unless there is an injury or parent request.
• These players (and their parents) are expected to continue their development at the position with other services such as the free pitcher/catcher clinics provided by CGSL.
• Because of this rule, pitchers and catchers do not need to sit the inning after being removed from the position, however all players need to sit once before any player can be sat a second time (Amended 8/12/2024)

 

 

Section 5 – Sanctions and Discipline

5.1 Disciplinary Guidelines. The following Disciplinary Guidelines have been established by CGS. The guidelines apply to players, coaches and spectators. League disciplinary actions are reported to and documented by Field Supervisors.

Spectators, coaches, assistant coaches, and scorekeepers will refrain from use of profane or vulgar language in the presence of players; refrain from smoking within the park (including the use of electronic cigarettes and vape devices) during practices or games; refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages within the park during practices or games; and not permit spectators to harass any player or coach on any team for any reason. In the event of continuous harassment, the game will be forfeited and the harasser subject to suspension or ejection from the park. Additional sanctions may be imposed at the conclusion of a CGSL Board investigation. Field Supervisors strictly enforce League Rules.

5.2 Recommended Sanctions for Players, Coaches and Spectators

Infraction	Consequence*
Interference with the conduct of the game resulting in the stoppage of play	Warning
Second interference offense, same game	Game forfeit and/or ejection from the field or park and a one game suspension.
Violation of the Substitution Rule (See rule 3.16)	Ejection from the field or park and a one game suspension, or game forfeit and a one game suspension.
Foul or abusive language	Ejection from game/practice or ejection from the field/park and a one game suspension.

 

*After review by the Executive Board of CGSL, additional sanctions may be imposed on any infraction up to and including lifetime suspension from CGS based on the severity of the offense.

Umpires may stop a game if spectators are disruptive and/or in violation of a CGS rule. This rule also applies to parents and their children. If an umpire must stop a game due to unruly coaches, players, parents or spectators, the umpire is requested to report the incident to the Field Supervisor and the above sanctions are followed. The sanctions are the minimum guidelines specified by CGS. The Board may, if circumstances warrant, impose additional or more stringent sanctions.

Section 6 – Coach Responsibilities

6.1 Background Checks. All head coaches must complete a Coach Registration form which includes a background check form.

6.2 Coach Attire. Coaches must wear tennis shoes or rubber-cleat shoes with closed backs and fronts (metal cleats are not permitted).

6.3 Coach Clinic/Meeting. Head coach attendance at the coach’s clinic/meeting is mandatory.

6.4 Coaches Under 21. Coaches must be at least 18 years of age and coaches under the age of 21 must be approved by the Board as well as appropriate release forms signed. Anyone in a coaching position (including bat boy/girl), under the age of 18, must wear a helmet when in the field of play. Exception: When coaching in the outfield for T-ball and 8U, the helmet is not necessary.

6.5 Equipment. Head coaches must pick up the assignment equipment. Coaches are responsible for returning all assigned equipment at the conclusion of the final game and for replacing missing or damaged equipment.

6.7 Good Sportsmanship. Coaches are to set a good example, encourage good sportsmanship, and maintain control of team members and spectators at all times. Undue harassment of opposition and/or umpires could lead to a game forfeit.

6.8 Injuries. Injuries during practices that require professional medical attention must be reported to the Division Chairperson. The Division Chairs will complete a CGS Accident/Injury 10 report. Injuries during games that require professional medical attention must be reported to the Field Supervisor who will complete a CGS Accident/Injury report.

6.9 Player Discipline. Player discipline (e.g. bad sportsmanship) is at the coach’s discretion; however, prior to taking any disciplinary actions for unexcused absences or lateness, the coach must consult with the division chair or league representative and a discussion must take place with the parents of the player(s). Any disciplinary actions must apply equally to all players regardless of playing ability. If a coach takes disciplinary action against any player, he or she must notify both the division chair and send an email to softball@cgsl.info.

6.10 Practices. CGS has been allocated the fields at Folley Park for practices and games. Coaches may contact the City of Chandler for field availability. School fields may be used with permission of the school district. Coaches may contact CGS for a copy of the league’s insurance certificate if available. Hitting balls or swinging bats into fences on the fields is prohibited. Only registered CGS players are allowed to participate in league practices and games. Teams shall not hold more than three team events per week, including practices and/or games.

6.11 Schedule Changes. The playing schedules are charted for each division for the entire season prior to Opening Day.

During league play and if the schedule permits, games may ONLY be rescheduled for school or church functions and ONLY IF the coach requesting the rescheduling has less than eight players (less than seven players for 8u Coach Pitch) and notifies the Division Chairperson in addition to CGSL in email form at least one week in advance of the function.

Written notice must include the names of the players attending the function and the name of the school or church function. Division Chairpersons will verify the function prior to the rescheduling of the game.

6.12 Team Assignments. Coaches must contact all players within one week from receipt of the player roster. Division Chairpersons must be notified immediately regarding player drops and/or if a player cannot be contacted. Coaches must report the names and phone numbers of all assistant coaches to Division Chairpersons prior to Opening Day.