18u Rules

Governing Rules:

Current USA/ASA Softball Official Rules prevail except where modified by local WGSA league rules.

1. General Conduct

• Smoking/Vaping:
• Prohibited on the field, in dugouts, and during practices.
• No smoking or vaping within 50 feet of dugouts or bleachers.
• Head Coach/Umpire Meeting:
• Both head coaches and umpires shake hands before every game.
• Team Chant:
• After each game, teams meet at the mound for the WGSA chant.

2. Player & Coach Protocols

• Post‑Game Sportsmanship:
• Players and coaches line up for fist bumps or handshakes.
• Teams gather in the circle (arm’s length apart) for the chant/cheer.
• Coaches remain with players until all have exited the field.
• Coach Communication:
• Any discussion with opposing coaches must occur off the field and after players are released.
• Exceptions only for urgent safety concerns, communicated through the umpire.
• Never approach another coach at their dugout before or after game time.
• Scorebook Discrepancies:
• Address through the Head Coach and Umpire at home plate.
• The Home Team book is the official record.

3. Dugouts & Field Umpires

• Umpires: Two umpires will officiate each game.
• Extra Field Umpire:
• Coaches, assistants, or others approved by the UIC may umpire divisions they are not coaching and where they have no players participating.
• Used only when a second scheduled umpire is unavailable.
• Dugout Assignments:
• Home Team: 1st base dugout
• Visiting Team: 3rd base dugout
• (No exceptions)

4. Game Timing & Duration

• Spring Season:
• 1 hour 30 minutes (no new inning after time expires).
• Finish the current inning.
• Maximum game length: 1 hour 45 minutes.
• Unlimited run inning begins at 1:20 mark.
• If the home team is batting at 1:20, the umpire declares the next inning the final inning.
• Fall Season:
• 1 hour limit.
• No new inning after 60 minutes.
• Home team may complete the inning.
• Home team advantage: may exceed 6 runs or score 1 run to win.
• Timers used at 50, 55, and 60 minutes.
• Weather‑Shortened Games:
• Game is official after 4 innings.
• If stopped mid‑inning after the 4th, score reverts to the previous inning.
• Restart if fewer than 3 innings are completed.

5. Player Equipment & Attire

• Uniforms: Jerseys with dark‑colored pants; no shorts.
• Face Masks:
• Required for all defensive infielders.
• Optional for outfielders.
• Cleats: No metal cleats allowed.
• Pitching Mound: 43 feet from home plate.
• Ball Size: 12‑inch official softball.
• USA/ASA Time‑Out Rules: Apply to all games.

6. Player Eligibility & Pool Players

• Core Players:
• Minimum of 5 core players required to play.
• Pool Players:
• Must wear proper attire.
• May not play infield positions.
• Cannot replace rostered players or play ahead of regular team members.
• May substitute for injured or sick players.
• Must bat at the bottom of the lineup.
• Roster Exceptions (18U):
• Pool players may pitch or catch only if primary and backup players are unavailable or injured.
• Backup pitcher or catcher must start before pool player enters.
• Both coaches must agree to the exception; otherwise, the game is forfeited.
• Minimum Participation:
• Teams may play with 6 core players + up to 3 pool players, or 5 core players if no pool players are available.
• If playing with fewer than 5, the inning ends when a strikeout occurs with all bases occupied.

7. Gameplay Rules

• Infield Fly Rule: In effect.
• Dropped 3rd Strike: Applies when bases are loaded with two outs.
• Batting Order:
• Continuous batting order required.
• All players bat.
• Bench players must be substituted defensively but maintain batting order.
• Lineup must be presented to opposing coach and umpire before the game.
• Sliding Rule:
• Runners must slide or avoid contact at home plate.
• Determined by umpire discretion.
• Look‑Back Rule: In effect.
• Hit‑By‑Pitch:
• Batter awarded first base whether ball bounces or hits in flight.
• Batter must attempt to avoid the pitch (umpire discretion).
• Run Limits:
• 6‑run limit per inning.
• Last inning (1:20 mark): Unlimited runs or 3 outs, whichever comes first.
• Mercy Rule:
• 12 runs after 3 innings
• 10 runs after 4 innings
• 8 runs after 5 innings

8. Post‑Game Responsibilities

• Field Breakdown:
• After the last game, Home Team coaches assist with:
• Removing bases
• Taking down shades
• Helping with concession stand breakdown
• Dugout Clean‑Up:
• Each coach must clean their dugout after their scheduled game.
• Appeals:
• Coaches make an appeals with the Home Plate Umpire.