U9 Rules for the 2021 Season 

1. Each batter is to be given no more than FIVE pitches by an adult pitcher. Adult Pitchers can be coaches or parents. After the player has had five pitches a tee is to be brought in and the player hits off a tee.

2. Prior to the game, a Double/Home Run line is to be marked in the outfield, measured 65’ feet from home plate, using 5-6 cones.

• If the player hits the ball so it bounces or rolls past the line the batter is awarded a double and advances to 2^nd. All players already on base advance two bases.
• If the player hits the ball so it lands past the line the batter is awarded a home run. All players already on base score.

The batting team’s coach will call out the ruling and direct his/her players to advance accordingly.

3. All players bat each inning.

4. U8 uses an 11” Softie. The home team is to provide a new or near new ball as the game ball.

5. Strike zone – increase strike zone to 19” wide (rather than the plate width of 17”)

6. Distances – Bases 40’, pitching 30’, H to 2B 56’ 7”. The home team is to setup the field for the game.

7. There is NO STEALING of any base, including overthrows.

8. All players play defense, with a max of 6 players in the infield.

9. Date TBD, batters and baserunners can be called out, either by force-out, tag-out or caught fly ball, according to accepted softball rules.

When a player is deemed out they are to leave the field and return to their dugout. The out call will be made by the batting team's coach.

Innings will not end after 3 outs, the entire team will still bat. The last batter of the order cannot be called out and is to run all the bases. The main object of this rule addition is to introduce a need for urgency running the bases in preparation for playing Mite/U10.

batter of the order cannot be called out and is to run all the bases. The main object of this rule addition is to introduce a need for urgency running the bases in preparation for playing Mite/U10.

U11 Rules for the 2021 Season 

1. Each Batter is to be up to given SEVEN pitches in total. After the Batter has had 3 called Balls pitched to her, an adult Pitcher from the batters team (coach or parent) will be given the opportunity to throw the final pitches until there have been a combined total of SEVEN pitches. If the batter is still at the plate at this time, they are to be called “Out” and sent back to their dugout. This will encourage batters to swing at pitches that are hittable, and minimize the number of long at-bats due to poor pitching.

Clarification:  This rule does not apply on a foul ball.   Players may receive additional pitches if they continue to foul them off.

Clarification:  Once a batter has had 3 strikes called against them, according to accepted softball rules, they are called out and return to the dugout.

2. We are playing with a hard ball. The home team is to provide a new or near new ball as the game ball.

(LFA Only):  LFA will play with a Softie for the first three weeks.

3. Players may pitch no more than 2 innings per week. A pitched inning is as defined in the SBBC handbook.   This is to encourage all players to improve their pitching skills.

4. Adult pitchers are REQUIRED to pitch windmill style during games and enable the batter to hit the ball. Pitching Windmill style assists the Batter in understanding their timing which is a crucial part of offensive play at bat.  Adult pitchers can be coaches or parents.

5. Strike zone – increase strike zone to 19” wide (rather than the plate width of 17”). As per Softball Canada, the strike zone is defined as from the top of the sternum to the bottom of the knee cap.   The strike zone for younger players is more liberal.

6. Distances – Bases 45’, pitching 30’, H to 2B 63’8”.

7. There is NO STEALING HOME at any time including overthrows to 3^rd base on a steal from 2^nd to 3rd. This encourages back catchers to attempt throws to 3^rd when base runners attempt to steal 3^rd without the risk of the opposing team scoring a run.

Clarification: Overthrows.  When a defensive throw has been made and it has been over thrown that only 1 additional base may be taken, regardless of how many subsequent overthrows are made.

8. There is NO STEALING of 2nd base at any time. Advancement to 2^nd may only be made on a hit ball, OR an overthrow to 1^st.

9. Base Runners may leave their base and advance ONLY when the ball has CROSSED THE PLATE. A runner may steal only 1 base from the base she is occupying at the time of the pitch. This applies regardless of how many over throws occur.   WHEN THE CATCHER THROWS THE BALL TO THE PITCHER THE RUNNER CANNOT STEAL BASES, INCLUDING OVER THROWS TO THE PITCHER.

Clarification:  This rule does not apply on a hit ball.  All runners may advance as many bases as          they wish on a hit ball until they are put out or the ball has been returned to the Pitcher in the Pitchers Circle.

Clarification: A runner may attempt to advance from 2^nd base to 3^rd on a wild pitch.

11. Coaches may play 10 fielders if they have the players. This keeps everyone involved.

12. Dropped 3^rd There is no drop third strike rule.   The batter is out and the ball is dead.

13. Batting - all players bat. Unlimited substitutions and doesn’t impact the batting order.

14. Fielder’s masks are required for all infielders. These can be masks (i.e. Game Face) or helmets with cages.   Masks or cages for outfielders are optional.   Although not mandatory, Jills are highly recommended.

15. Batters hit by pitch. Call it a ball and keep playing.

16. There will be no more than four runs in any one inning. There shall be no new inning started after 75 minutes, with a drop dead time of 90 minutes.   Time begins after the completion of the home plate conference.

17. In the event of a tie during Year End Championship, an open inning will ensue, with the last player to get out in the previous inning starting at 2^nd Base and with 2 outs.

18. There is ZERO TOLERANCE for unruly behavior. Unruly players, coaches and fans will be asked to leave the diamond.   Coaches will be looked on to assist young umpires in enforcing this rule.

19. Finish the game with a Dragon/Base race, using a ball to transfer from player to player.

District 8 Fraser Valley Interlock Rules 2021

Standing rules

These rules apply to teams playing in the District 8 inter-lock.  These rules overrule B.C.C.S.A. rules, which in turn over rules the current Softball Canada Rule book, in case were there is a conflict.

Remember we are in this district interlock to be fair and honest to the players. Fair play is considered an important component of the game.

Fair Play Rule for U14 and below. All players will be given the opportunity to play multiple positions throughout the season. All players are to play no less then 2 innings in the in field and no player can play more then 3 consecutive innings in the same position. Any variation of this rule must be submitted to the players home team association Executive for approval. No player should sit more the 2 innings in a 6-inning game.

U14 pitchers can only pitch a total of 3 innings in 6 innings. alternate pitchers must be used to complete the other 3 innings. Any pitcher may be used in 7^th inning.

U12, a pitcher will be limited to pitching only 2 innings per game then an alternate pitcher must be used. Any pitcher may be used in 7^th inning.

> 1 pitch constitutes an inning.

All teams are required to keep a game sheets for player positions. At the request of their home association, they are required to produce them for review. Teams not complying with the fair play rule are subject to a disciplinary procedure.

> Sick and injured players will be noted with team coaches. Scorekeepers and the plate umpire must be notified of the players circumstances and be noted in scorebooks.

> All violations are subject to disciplinary actions.

Home Team is responsible for:

1. Supply game balls. You must provide new or almost new 2 game balls.
2. Diamonds need to be marked out 15 minutes before game time. Fields need to be marked as per Softball BC and Softball Canada.
3. Provide plate and, if possible, a base umpire for each game.
4. Home team is to provide travelling teams game cancellations 2 hours prior to start time. A direct call to the head coach is required. Teams not receiving a cancellation call are required to play their games as scheduled. Make up games are rescheduled between teams if possible.
5. Home teams are subject to their Associations procedure regarding rescheduling and cancellations.

General rules

1. All league games must follow the “park start and end times’’.
2. Games that start at 6:30 will run as 1hr 20min (or 80mins) with a drop dead of 1hr 40min (or 100min). Please adhere to these times. The plate conference will clarify any time restrictions.
3. If a game is called because of rain or darkness, the score will revert to the last completed inning if their home team is unable to complete their batted inning. The minimum number of completed innings or time played to constitute a legal game would be (4) innings or (1) hour.
4. The league allows a 15-minute grace period. If the second team does not show up within this 15 minutes or refuses to start the game, then the game is forfeited to the non- offending team.
5. A minimum of 8 players are needed to play and must maintain a minimum of 7 players throughout the game. If a team is unable to field 8 players after 15 minutes of the official start time, the game will be forfeited with a score being 7-0. A team unable to field 9 players has the option to forfeit the game in the interest of the safety with every effort being taken to notify all parties prior to the arrival at the field.
6. If a team plays with 8 players, the 9th batter is NOT automatically out.
7. Pick ups from a lower division is allowed in case of not being able to field a team in league play. These pick ups can play unlimited amount of games. The player may remain on her substantive team roster.
8. Before the game begins, the coach must give a copy of the batting line up in the order of which they will bat for the entire game.
9. There will be a 4-run maximum per inning for innings allowed.
10. The 6th inning is the “open inning” for U12/U14 and the 6th inning is “open” (no run limit) for U14-U19 divisions. Home team wins game when they are 1 run ahead.
11. Mercy rule = 15 runs after 5 innings.
12. The team that is losing by the mercy has option of continuing the game.
13. Ground rules or special rules establishing the limits of the playing field because of obstacles that may hinder the game or for safety reason will be established at the home plate conference between both coaches and umpires.
14. Batters completing their turn at bat and are injured before obtaining 1ST for their safety will be allowed to have another runner placed at first base for them. Farthest away from batter injured. Softball Canada rule 9-1(i) refers.
15. U10 U12 U14 C divisions game faces/face masks will be mandatory for all infield positions. U16 +U19C will follow the LMSC rule.
16. Anyone (player, coach or parent) receiving pitches before or during a game must wear a mask with full throat protection. A batting helmet with a cage is not acceptable.
17. Batting helmet face cage are mandatory. Refer to Softball BC Canada rule.
18. All diamonds and surrounding areas must be left clean after the game.
19. No liquor is allowed on or around the playing field for spectators, players and coaches.
20. No smoking is allowed in and around the playing area.
21. Ejections to be documented and reported to the proper association to deal with the matter.
22. All other rules per SBBC and SB Canada, no protest umpire’s decision is final.
23. Exposed jewellery such as wrist watches, bracelets, earrings, necklaces or other items should not be worn. If a player chooses to wear exposed jewelry the umpire may require the item to be removed or covered as per Softball Canada rules.
24. If a team fails to show up to a game without notifying te opposing team and officials, the offending association is responsible for paying the umpire costs to the affection association.

For teams playing outside of District 8, you will follow the Lower Mainland Softball Committee rules. 

These are update periodically.