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Field status

Boerne Youth Athletic Association

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Minors Softball (Player Pitch) rules

Softball · ages 8–10. This division focuses on player pitching, defensive growth, base running awareness and preparing players for higher levels of softball, with structure and safety.

Last updated: Fall 2026

If a situation isn’t covered by these local rules, the official Little League rules apply.

Game length

90 minutes

Run limit

5 per inning through the 4th

Pitching

Player pitch from 35 ft

Batting order

Continuous

Minimum players

7

Infield fly

In effect

Game format

  • Games are 90 minutes. A new inning begins when the final out of the previous inning is made.
  • 5-run limit per inning through the 4th inning; unlimited runs in the 5th inning and beyond.
  • Mercy rules (Little League rule 4.10): 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 after 4, 8 after 5.
  • Continuous batting order.
  • At least 7 players are needed to play. A team with fewer than 9 takes an automatic out each time a vacant lineup spot comes up.

Pitching

  • The pitching rubber is 35 feet from home plate.
  • Weeks 1–4 (through the week of September 28): players pitch. After 4 balls, a coach comes in to finish the count:
    • 4–0 count: coach gets 3 pitches
    • 4–1 count: coach gets 2 pitches
    • 4–2 count: coach gets 1 pitch
    • The at-bat continues on a foul ball.
  • From September 28: no more coach pitching. Player pitchers complete every at-bat.

Batting

  • Standard Little League strike zone.
  • The infield fly rule is in effect.
  • Bunting is allowed.
  • After stepping into the batter’s box, the batter must keep at least one foot in the box for the whole at-bat, except:
    • on a swing or check swing
    • when forced out of the box by a pitch
    • on a slap or slap bunt attempt
    • when the catcher doesn’t catch the pitch
    • when a play is attempted
    • when time is called
    • when the pitcher leaves the circle
    • on a three-ball pitch ruled a strike

Base running

  • Runners may steal once the pitch crosses home plate, and may steal home on a passed ball.
  • No stealing on a coach’s pitch.
  • Runners may not leave the base before the pitch crosses home plate; after that, they advance at their own risk.
    • Penalty for leaving early: dead ball, the runner is out, and all runners return to their previous base.
  • Play stops when the pitcher has secure possession inside the circle and isn’t attempting a play.
  • When time is called, runners return to the last base touched unless, in the umpire’s judgment, they had clearly established forward progress to the next base.
  • Courtesy runner: with two outs, a courtesy runner may be used for the pitcher and/or catcher of record. It must be the player who made the most recent out.

Defense

  • Nine defensive players on the field.

Coaches & dugout

  • Only players, managers and coaches may be in the dugout.
  • There is no on-deck circle.
  • Players stay in the dugout when not on the field. Bathroom breaks require telling a coach or manager.
  • Umpires have full authority to disqualify or eject any player, coach, manager, spectator or substitute for unsportsmanlike conduct or language. Umpire judgment is final, and umpires may rule on anything these rules don’t cover.