Rules

USA/ASA rules apply except where modified by the following WGSA league rules.

1. General Conduct & Game Environment

Smoking/Vaping

• No smoking or vaping on the field or in the dugout during games or practices.
• No smoking or vaping within 50 feet of the dugout or bleachers.

Umpires

• All games will have umpires.
• Additional field umpires may be assigned by the UIC.
• Coaches/assistants may umpire divisions in which they do not coach and do not have a child playing.

2. Pre‑Game & Post‑Game Protocols

Coach/Umpire Meeting

• Head coaches and umpires shake hands before every game.

Player/Coach Post‑Game Expectations

• Teams line up and shake hands after every game.
• All players and coaches gather in the circle for the post‑game chant/cheer.
• Coaches must remain with their players until the team has fully exited the field.

Coach‑to‑Coach Communication

• Any issue with an opposing coach must be addressed off the field and after players are released.
• Only exception: an immediate safety concern communicated through the umpire.
• Never approach another coach at their dugout before players are released.

3. Dugouts

• Home Team: 1st base dugout (no exceptions).
• Visiting Team: 3rd base dugout (no exceptions).

4. Game Time Limits

Spring Season

• Game time: 1 hour 30 minutes (not to exceed 1:45).
• No new inning after 1:30.
• Finish the inning.
• Unlimited runs begin at 1:20 for both teams.
• If the home team is batting at 1:20, the umpire declares that inning the final inning.

Fall Season

• Game time: 1 hour.
• No new inning after 60 minutes.
• Home team may complete the inning.
• Home team advantage: may exceed 4 runs or score 1 run to win.
• Timers used at 50, 55, and 60 minutes.

5. Weather‑Shortened Games

A game is considered official if:

• 4 innings have been completed.

If a game is stopped mid‑inning after the 4th:

• Score reverts to the previous completed inning.

Restarted games:

• If the 1st inning is not completed, or
• Fewer than 3 innings have been completed.

6. Player Eligibility & Pool Players

Pool Player Rules

• May not play infield (exception: 11U pitchers may play infield if both primary and secondary pitchers are absent).
• Must bat at the bottom of the lineup.
• May not replace rostered players.

Minimum Players

A team may play with:

• 6 core players + up to 3 pool players, or
• 5 core players if no pool players are available.
• If playing with 4 players and bases are loaded, a strikeout ends the inning regardless of outs.

Forfeits

• If no pool players are available and fewer than 5 core players are present, the game is forfeited.

7. Field & Equipment Rules

• Pitching distance: 38 feet.
• Ball size: 11-inch.

Uniform Requirements

• Jerseys with dark‑colored pants.
• No shorts allowed.
• Players must wear proper game attire.
• No metal cleats allowed.

8. Gameplay Rules

Infield Fly Rule

• In effect for 11U–18U.
• Applies with fewer than 2 outs and runners on 1st/2nd or bases loaded.

Dropped 3rd Strike

• In effect for 11U–18U.

Defensive Alignment

• Teams field 10 players (4 outfielders).
• Entire lineup bats.
• Bench players must be substituted defensively but batting order stays fixed.
• Lineup must be presented to the opposing coach and umpire before the game.

Run Limits

• 4‑run limit per inning (except unlimited inning when applicable).

Sliding & Contact

• Runners must slide or avoid contact at home plate.
• Failure to avoid contact = runner out (umpire discretion).

Stealing & Base Running

• Stealing allowed after the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand.
• Leaving early = out.
• On an overthrow during a steal, runners may advance a maximum of two bases.
• Lead‑offs allowed after pitch release.
• Look‑Back Rule is in effect.

Hit By Pitch

• Batter awarded 1st base whether ball bounces first or hits in flight.
• Batter must attempt to avoid the pitch (umpire discretion).

Mercy Rule

• 12 runs after 3 innings
• 10 runs after 4 innings
• 8 runs after 5 innings
• Applies at the bottom of those innings.

9. Field Breakdown & Dugout Responsibilities

After the last game, home team coaches assist with:

• Removing bases
• Taking down shades
• Helping with concession stand breakdown
• Each coach must ensure their dugout is fully cleaned after their game.

10. Appeals

• Coaches should make an appeal through the home plate umpire.