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Senior (15-18)

The following rules will take precedence as local rules. The ASA Fast Pitch rules will apply with the listed exceptions. Certain rules that follow are ASA Fast Pitch rules, but are repeated for emphasis. However, it is each Manager’s responsibility to understand and adhere to all ASA and local rules in effect.

  • Section 1 - Play of the game
  • Section 2 - Game limits
  • Section 3 - Equipment/Gear
  • Section 4 - Field
  • Section 5 - Predetermined Borrowing of Players
  • Section 6 - Managers and Coaches
  • Section 7 - Umpires
  • Section 8 - Standings

Section 1 - Play of the game

  1. Bunting is allowed.
  2. A base runner may steal 2nd base, 3rd base and home as per ASA rules. The runner may leave the base as soon as the pitcher releases the ball.
  3. The ASA Infield Fly Rule does apply.
  4. Dropped 3rd strike does apply.
  5. A batter hit by a pitch shall be awarded 1st base, in accordance with the ASA Rule Book. This includes bounced pitches that strike the batter.
  6. A base runner may advance to the next base as long as the ball remains in play.
  7. Contact between base runner and fielder must be avoided at all times.
  8. If a player is injured while playing, the umpire will call time and play stops. A runner may advance to the next base only if that runner was advancing prior to the umpire’s call of time out. The dead ball rule applies.
  9. A consecutive batting order shall be used. All available roster players are to bat. 17s and 18s are not allowed to bat in succession. If a borrowed player is being used, the player must bat at the bottom of the batting order.
  10. A team will field at most 9 defensive players. The "short center" position is not allowed.
  11. Each player per game must play a minimum of 4 innings in the field (3 if less than 6 full innings are played) – including a minimum of 2 innings in the infield. Catcher & pitcher are infield positions.
  12. Courtesy runners: the player not on base who made the last out with 2 outs should substitute as a base runner for the pitcher [of record next ½ inning], and/or the catcher [of record next ½ inning].
  13. An injured player may be returned to her original spot in the batting order. The opposing Manager and scorekeeper should be notified of the change before the player bats or returns to the field.
  14. No regular season game will be automatically canceled for lack of an umpire. On agreement from both managers a parent volunteer may umpire from behind the pitcher.

Pitching:

  • A windmill, slingshot or modified fast pitch is allowed. Emphasis is placed on the Manager to encourage the pitcher to pitch in the strike zone by either method.
  • A pitcher must follow the ASA Rules for fast pitch. Exception: pitcher will be allowed to step off rubber as per Federation rules.
  • There is a four (4) inning limit per game for pitchers.
    • These do not have to be consecutive innings.
    • One (1) pitch constitutes an inning pitched.
  • If a pitcher hits two (2) batters in one (1) inning she will retire for that inning, but be allowed to come back into other innings to pitch to complete her four innings. If a 3rd batter is hit she will retire from pitching for the entire game.
  • Managers and coaches may warm up pitchers. Players may warm up pitchers but must be properly wearing all the catcher’s protective equipment.

Section 2 - Game limits

  1. A game shall consist of [at most] 7 innings. There will be a 5 run limit per inning, except for the "last" inning. The "last" inning shall have no run limits. Extra innings will not be played; a game may end in a tie.
  2. If a game follows, no inning other than the "last" inning may begin after the 1:20 hour mark of the game. If no game follows this time limit is waived. Otherwise, if this time limit is reached and full innings are still remaining, the next inning will be the "last" inning. Once the "last" inning has started, it will be finished.  The "last" inning is the 7th unless the time limit causes it to be earlier. A complete game is 5 innings, or 4½ innings if the home team is ahead.
  3. A game may be forfeited for lack of players (forfeit score recorded as 7-0). The umpire will call the game time and the teams will have 15 minutes after the official start to field a team. A team must consist of at least 8 players. If a team has less than 8 players present, that team will forfeit. When starting with 8 players any late arrivals that miss their turn at bat shall be placed at the end of the batting order.

Section 3 - Equipment/Gear

  1. Team uniforms should be properly worn by all. Players are encouraged to participate with shirts tucked into pants. Obligations to league sponsors require all players to properly wear team caps.
  2. ASA Rules prohibit players from wearing any type of jewelry. This will be strictly enforced. EXCLUSION: Medical alert bracelets worn as a medical warning to emergency technicians.
  3. Catchers must wear all protective equipment properly. This includes a suitable mitt, shoes, helmet, mask with throat guard, chest protector and shin guards.
  4. Metal spikes are not allowed; only molded spikes or tennis shoes are allowed.
  5. A 12" ball conforming to ASA Fast Pitch Rules for this age group will be used. The home team will supply the game ball.

Section 4 - Field

  1. The playing field will have 60 foot bases (ASA U18).
  2. The front edge of the pitching rubber shall be 40 feet from the point of home plate (ASA U18).
  3. The team listed as the home team shall occupy the 3rd base dugout.

Section 5 – Predetermined Borrowing of Players

  1. In order to field a full team for a specific game, a team may "borrow" LZBSA players from another team. Stringent borrowing rules must be followed:
  • A 14-year-old (or optional 13-year-old) from your assigned "Filly Girls Sister Team" may be asked to play. All eligible girls from your assigned team must have the opportunity to play before a specific player can play again or another Filly team can be approached.
  • All Managers who need borrowed players must notify the LZBSA "Player Agent" and the League President, and he/she will verify the need and coordinate the "call up". The backup contact is the Girls’ Vice-Commissioner.
  • All borrowed players must be communicated to the opposing team, play at least 3 innings in the field but no more than any regular player, and bat at the bottom of the batting order.
  • No borrowed player is allowed to pitch.
  • The penalty for violating these borrowing rules is forfeit. The League President will invoke the forfeit at the time the discrepancy is discovered.

Section 6 - Managers and Coaches

  1. Coaches must be in the dugout area when their team is on defense. Only 2 coaches may be on the field during their time at bat. Smoking is prohibited on or near the field.
  2. Each team must clean up their dugout after their game. This is the Manager’s responsibility.
  3. The home team is responsible for returning the bases to the concession stand or lock box behind home plate after the last game of the day on that field. If the lock box is locked or otherwise unavailable, the Manager must inform the LZBSA "Property Manager" as soon as reasonably possible.

Section 7 - Umpires

  1. Umpires will be lenient in the administration of their strike zone. The league’s intent is to encourage the players to swing at a decent pitch.
  2. With the exception of these stated Local Rules, standard ASA Fast Pitch rules are in effect.

Section 8 - Standings

  1. The team with the best total record will determine year-end regular season team standings. Two (2) points will be awarded for a win and one (1) point for a tie. For teams with the same total record, year end standings will be determined by:
  • Head-to-head record
  • # of wins
  • 2nd half record
  • (last 6 games played / forfeited) Coin flip