U11 Rookie League Rules

The main aim is for the kids to have fun with the rules set below.

• Games run for 1 hour and 15 minutes. No new inning will start after that time. If you are in the bottom of the inning, and the team batting is ahead, then game over. If you are in the bottom of the inning and the team batting is losing, the game continues.
• Coaches are to pitch to their own team, ensuring consistency of pitch and speed.
• Only 9 players are on the field at a time, with unlimited substitutions for all players on the bench to any position. If both coaches agree, 10 players can play defensively, but the 10th player will be an extra outfielder.
• All players in the line-up hit, the batting order is to remain the same for the entire game. Consider using a marker to give each player a number written on the back of their hand for the batting order.
• Side away after 3 outs, encouraging the kids to play the out.
• A player is out if:
  

1. Force out (a batted ball reaches the base before the runner does)
2. Pop fly (batted ball is caught in the air)
3. Tagged out (a runner is tagged with the ball when not on a base)
4. Strike out (3 swings of the bat)

• A maximum of 5 runs per inning. Once 5 runs are scored, it is side away.
• 3 swinging strikes and the batter is out and the ball is dead (no base runner can advance).
• No walks
• No stealing bases. Base runners can take a lead after the ball is released by the pitcher but canonly advance on a hit ball.
• We strongly encourage teams to bat in order of M/F/M/F/M/F etc.

These are the very basic rules of U11 Softball.

In the event of a “blow out” score where one team is more dominant, consider settling the score early but continuing to play a friendly game, allowing the weaker team to bat through their line-up and allowing maximum fielders to ensure everyone is enjoying the game.