2025 Spring K2 Rules

Lincolnwood Baseball – Softball Association

Morton Grove Baseball – Softball Association

Skokie Baseball – Softball League

Revised – 12/2/2024

The current official USA Softball Fastpitch rules apply, except as specified below.

General

• Divisions are based the current (2024 – 2025) school year.
• No metal cleats are allowed.
• If a team can not field six players, the teams are encouraged to loan players and scrimmage.
• The distance between bases is 50 feet.
• The distance from the edge of the pitching rubber closest to home plate to the corner of the plate furthest from the pitching rubber is 30 feet.
• The ball is an 11” Incrediball.

Protests

All umpire decisions are final.  No protests are allowed.

Conduct

• Managers, coaches and parents are strongly urged to remember that the game is for the kids.
• Verbal or non-verbal harassment of players or umpires by opposing players, managers, coaches or spectators is strictly prohibited. Continued violation of this rule may result in the removal of the offending parties and/or forfeiture of the game.  Coaches and umpires should work together to prevent this from happening.
• Team chants and cheering must be positive, directed towards your own team or player, and end as soon as the pitcher is ready to pitch.

Lineup and Substitution Rules

• Every player will be placed in the batting order regardless of their current fielding assignments or lack thereof and bat every time that position in the batting order comes up.
• Every player must play a minimum of two full innings per game in a defensive position.
• No player may sit out two innings before every player sits out one.
• Every player must play at least one full inning in the infield and one full inning in the outfield.
• No player should play more than two innings in the same position.
• Players arriving after the first pitch of the game may be inserted at the bottom of the batting order.

Batting

• Hitters are allowed no more than 7 attempts at the ball, either off a coach’s pitch or a tee, to put the ball into play. Not putting the ball into play after 7 attempts results in an out.
• Bunting is not allowed.
• For the safety of all involved, the batter must not throw the bat.  The umpire and the coaches will work with individual players to prevent this from happening. 

Base Running

• On a batted ball remaining in the infield, all runners are entitled to attempt to advance no more than one base.  No runner may advance on an overthrow to any base.
• On a batted ball that is hit beyond the infield (ie the ball goes past an infielder or beyond the imaginary plane of the infield), the batter and all base runners may advance on the base paths until, in the judgement of the umpire, the ball returns to the infield (ie a throw breaks the imaginary plane of the infield or a fielder runs the ball back into the infield). The ball must only break the plane, it does not need to be caught or fielded cleanly. When the ball returns to the infield, the play is dead, but a base runner that is between bases may continue to the next base at her own risk.
• No stealing of bases is allowed.
• No lead-offs are allowed.
• Base runners must make every effort to avoid a collision with a defensive player. If, in the umpire’s judgment, such effort was not made, the base runner will be called out. If, in the umpire’s judgment, the collision was flagrant and intentional, the base runner will be called out and may be removed from the game for the safety of the other players.
• When a play is being made on first after a batted ball, the fielder should use the inner, white base and the runner should use the outer, orange safety base in order to avoid a collision.
• Courtesy runners are allowed for injured players. In such cases, the courtesy runner will be the player who made the last batted out prior to the request for a courtesy runner.

Fielding

• Teams may use up to 10 players in the field including short center. The short center fielder may play in the outfield OR at least 10 feet behind second base. The short center can not play on or in front of the base. Outfielders must play in the outfield, which is defined as at least 10 feet past the baseline.
• Catchers, if used, must wear full gear.
• Fielders not fielding a ball must make every effort to avoid collision with a base runner. If, in the umpire’s judgment such effort was not made, the base runner will be declared safe. If, in the umpire’s judgment, such collision was flagrant and intentional, the fielder may be removed from the game for the safety of the other players.
• No infield-fly rule is enforced; the fielder must catch the ball to put the batter out.

Ending a Half-Inning

• An inning will consist of three outs, completing the batting order, or 5-run limit, whichever comes first.
• When one team has fewer players present the larger number will be the most either team may bat in one inning.

Ending a Game

• No new inning may start after 90 minutes.
• The game is over when one of the following conditions is met:
  • Six innings, or five and a half if the home team is ahead, have been played.
  • The play must be stopped due to weather, darkness, or other factor.

2025 Spring 3-4 Rules

Lakeside Softball League

Evanston Baseball and Softball Association

Lincolnwood Baseball – Softball Association

Morton Grove Baseball – Softball Association

Skokie Baseball – Softball League

Revised – 11/24/2024

The current official USA Softball Fastpitch rules apply, except as specified below.

General

• Divisions are based the current (2024 – 2025) school year.
• No metal cleats are allowed.
• Full catchers gear equipment is required.
• Any team unable to field a team of seven players within five minutes after the designated starting time forfeits that game.  If this occurs, the teams are encouraged to loan players and scrimmage.
• The distance between bases is 60 feet.
• The distance from the edge of the pitching rubber closest to home plate to the corner of the plate furthest from the pitching rubber is 35 feet.
• The ball is an 11” ASA Fastpitch compliant ball for the Spring and Fall seasons.  It will be an 11” Incrediball for the Summer season.

Protests

All umpire decisions are final.  No protests are allowed.

Conduct

• Managers, coaches and parents are strongly urged to remember that the game is for the kids.
• Verbal or non-verbal harassment of players or umpires by opposing players, managers, coaches or spectators is strictly prohibited. Continued violation of this rule may result in the removal of the offending parties and/or forfeiture of the game.  Coaches and umpires should work together to prevent this from happening.
• Team chants and cheering must be positive, directed towards your own team or player, and end as soon as the pitcher is ready to pitch.

Lineup and Substitution Rules

• Every player will be placed in the batting order regardless of their current fielding assignments or lack thereof and bat every time that position in the batting order comes up.
• Every player must play a minimum of two full innings per game in a defensive position.
• No player may sit out two innings before every player sits out one.
• Every player must play at least one full inning in the infield and one full inning in the outfield.
• No player should play more than two innings in the same position.
• Players arriving after the first pitch of the game may be inserted at the bottom of the batting order.
• If a team cannot field 10 players for a scheduled game they may call up to three players from another team in the same or a younger division.

Batting

• A batter receives pitches until a) the batter hits the ball into fair territory, b) the batter strikes out, or c) the count reaches four balls.
• Batters are not awarded bases on balls in this division. After the fourth ball, the batter’s coach will deliver underhand pitches from a distance considered fair and safe by the umpire.  The strike count will remain the same, and the coach will have a maximum of three pitches until the ball is put into play or the batter strikes out. If a batter fouls off the third pitch or any pitch thereafter, she will continue her at-bat until she puts the ball into play, swings and misses or takes a pitch.  Otherwise, the batter is out after the third pitch.
• Bunting is not allowed.
• No dropped third strike is enforced; the batter is out.
• For the safety of all involved, the batter must not throw the bat. The first occurrence will result in a warning by the umpire.  The second occurrence will result in the batter being declared out.  The third occurrence will result in the batter being declared out and being removed from the batting order.  On the second and third occurrence, the play is dead, and runners may not advance.  Players removed from the batting order continue to play defense, and the team does not incur an out when the spot comes up again. 

Base Running

• On a batted ball remaining in the infield, all runners are entitled to attempt to advance no more than one base.  No runner may advance on an overthrow to any base.
• On a batted ball that is hit beyond the infield (ie the ball goes past an infielder or beyond the imaginary plane of the infield), the batter and all base runners may advance on the base paths until, in the judgement of the umpire, the ball returns to the infield (ie a throw breaks the imaginary plane of the infield or a fielder runs the ball back into the infield). The ball must only break the plane, it does not need to be caught or fielded cleanly. When the ball returns to the infield, the play is dead, but a base runner that is between bases may continue to the next base at her own risk.
• No stealing of bases is allowed.
• Lead-offs are allowed only after the pitch has crossed home plate. Runners leaving early will be given a warning.  Repeatedly leaving early may, at the discretion of the umpire, result in the runner being declared out.
• The catcher is permitted to make a play on a runner leading off, but runners may not advance.
• Base runners must make every effort to avoid a collision with a defensive player. If, in the umpire’s judgment, such effort was not made, the base runner will be called out. If, in the umpire’s judgment, the collision was flagrant and intentional, the base runner will be called out and may be removed from the game for the safety of the other players.
• When a play is being made on first after a batted ball, the fielder should use the inner, white base and the runner should use the outer, orange safety base in order to avoid a collision.
• Courtesy runners are allowed for injured players. In such cases, the courtesy runner will be the player who made the last batted out prior to the request for a courtesy runner.
• If there are two outs and the catcher is on base, a courtesy runner must be used, specifically the last batted out.

Fielding

• Teams will use 10 players in the field including short center. The short center fielder may play in the outfield OR at least 10 feet behind second base. The short center can not play on or in front of the base. Outfielders must play in the outfield, which is defined as at least 10 feet past the baseline.
• Girls playing first base, third base, and pitching must wear fielding masks.  All other fielders are encouraged to wear fielding masks.
• Fielders not fielding a ball must make every effort to avoid collision with a base runner. If, in the umpire’s judgment such effort was not made, the base runner will be declared safe. If, in the umpire’s judgment, such collision was flagrant and intentional, the fielder may be removed from the game for the safety of the other players.
• No infield-fly rule is enforced; the fielder must catch the ball to put the batter out.
• Appeals must be made verbally and before the next pitch, before the fielding players have left the infield, or before any play or attempted play. An appeal is not to be interpreted as a play or attempted play.

Pitching

• Players in full catcher’s gear, managers or coaches may warm up their pitchers between innings.
• Pitches are delivered in an underhand manner.
• Pitchers may begin their motion with just one foot on the pitching rubber. Stepping back with the non-pivot foot is allowed.  The pitcher may take only one step toward the plate before the ball is released. The pivot-foot must remain in contact with the ground.
• Reductions to the 35’ pitching distance may be considered on an individual basis.
• No pitcher may pitch more than two innings. One pitch counts as an inning.
• The total innings pitched by travel pitchers may not exceed four.  One pitch counts as an inning.  A travel pitcher is defined as a player actively pitching for a travel team.
• No base will be awarded for a hit-by-pitch.  Removal of the pitcher for multiple hit-by-pitch’s is at the discretion of the fielding coach and the umpire.

Ending a Half-Inning

• The batting team retires after three outs or scoring the maximum number of runs allowed, whichever comes first.
• The maximum number of runs allowed is five, unless the batting team is behind by more than five runs.
• A team behind by more than five runs can score up to 10 runs to tie the game, but they cannot take the lead that inning.

Ending a Game

• No new inning may start after 90 minutes.
• The game is over when one of the following conditions is met:
  • Six innings, or five and a half if the home team is ahead, have been played.
  • The play must be stopped due to weather, darkness, or other factor.
• If play must be stopped before six innings, or five and a half if the home team is ahead, have been played, the score reverts back to that of the last full inning.

2025 Spring 5-6 Rules

Lakeside Softball League

Evanston Baseball and Softball Association

Lincolnwood Baseball – Softball Association

Morton Grove Baseball – Softball Association

Skokie Baseball – Softball League

Revised – 11/24/2024

The current official USA Softball Fastpitch rules apply, except as specified below.

General

• Divisions are based the current (2024 – 2025) school year.
• No metal cleats are allowed.
• Full catchers gear equipment is required.
• Any team unable to field a team of seven players within five minutes after the designated starting time forfeits that game.  If this occurs, the teams are encouraged to loan players and scrimmage.
• The distance between bases is 60 feet.
• The distance from the edge of the pitching rubber closest to home plate to the corner of the plate furthest from the pitching rubber is 40 feet.
• The ball is an 12” ASA Fastpitch compliant ball.

Protests

All umpire decisions are final.  No protests are allowed.

Conduct

• Managers, coaches and parents are strongly urged to remember that the game is for the kids.
• Verbal or non-verbal harassment of players or umpires by opposing players, managers, coaches or spectators is strictly prohibited. Continued violation of this rule may result in the removal of the offending parties and/or forfeiture of the game.  Coaches and umpires should work together to prevent this from happening.
• Team chants and cheering must be positive, directed towards your own team or player, and end as soon as the pitcher is ready to pitch.

Lineup and Substitution Rules

• Every player will be placed in the batting order regardless of their current fielding assignments or lack thereof and bat every time that position in the batting order comes up.
• Every player must play a minimum of two full innings per game in a defensive position.
• No player may sit out two innings before every player sits out one.
• Every player must play at least one full inning in the infield and one full inning in the outfield.
• Players arriving after the first pitch of the game may be inserted at the bottom of the batting order.
• If a team cannot field 9 players for a scheduled game they may call up to three players from another team in the same or a younger division.

Batting

• A batter receives pitches until a) the batter hits the ball into fair territory, b) the batter strikes out, or c) the count reaches four balls.
• After receiving four ball, the batter is awarded first base.
• Bunting is allowed.
• Any player that shows bunt must either bunt or pull back and take the pitch. Showing bunt, pulling back and then taking a full swing will result in a dead ball and the batter being called out.
• No dropped third strike is enforced; the batter is out.
• For the safety of all involved, the batter must not throw the bat. The first occurrence will result in a warning by the umpire, the second, an automatic out, and the third, an out and possible removal from the game if the umpire judges it necessary for the safety of the players. On the second and third occurrence, the play is dead, and runners may not advance.

Base Running

• A runner may attempt to take only one extra base on a fielding overthrow to a base following a batted ball. A runner trying to advance to third base on a batted ball may attempt to score on a fielding overthrow to third base.
• A play ends when the ball is in possession of any fielding player within, in the umpire’s judgement, 10’ of the pitching rubber.
• Lead-offs are allowed only after the pitch has crossed home plate. Runners leaving early will be declared out.
• Stealing second and third base is allowed.  Runners can not steal home.
• A runner stealing may not advance to another base on the same play, even on an overthrow.
• The catcher is permitted to make a play on a runner leading off, but runners may not advance.
• Base runners must make every effort to avoid collision with a defensive player. If, in the umpire’s judgment, such effort was not made, the base runner will be called out. If, in the umpire’s judgment, the collision was flagrant and intentional, the base runner will be called out and may be removed from the game for the safety of the other players.
• When a play is being made on first after a batted ball, the fielder should use the inner, white base and the runner should use the outer, orange safety base in order to avoid a collision.
• Courtesy runners are allowed for injured players. In such cases, the courtesy runner will be the player who made the last batted out prior to the request for a courtesy runner.
• If there are two outs and the catcher is on base, a courtesy runner must be used, specifically the last batted out.

Fielding

• Teams will use 9 players.  Outfielders must play in the outfield, which is defined as at least 10 feet past the baseline.
• Girls playing first base, third base, and pitching must wear fielding masks.  All other fielders are encouraged to wear fielding masks.
• Fielders not fielding a ball must make every effort to avoid collision with a base runner. If, in the umpire’s judgment such effort was not made, the base runner will be declared safe. If, in the umpire’s judgment, such collision was flagrant and intentional, the fielder may be removed from the game for the safety of the other players.
• No infield-fly rule is enforced; the fielder must catch the ball to put the batter out.
• Appeals must be made verbally and before the next pitch or the fielding players have left the infield, or before any play or attempted play. An appeal is not to be interpreted as a play or attempted play.

Pitching

• Players in full catcher’s gear, managers or coaches may warm up their pitchers between innings.
• Managers or coaches may not cross the baseline onto the field twice in the same defensive inning without removing the pitcher from the inning.  Calling the pitcher to the sideline or calling a player to the sideline who then directly confers with the pitcher constitutes a trip to the mound.
• Pitches are delivered in an underhand manner.
• Pitchers may begin their motion with just one foot on the pitching rubber. Stepping back with the non-pivot foot is allowed.  The pitcher may take only one step toward the plate before the ball is released. The pivot-foot must remain in contact with the ground.
• Non-travel pitchers may pitch no more than three innings.  One pitch counts as an inning.
• Travel pitchers may pitch no more than two innings. One pitch counts as an inning.
• The total innings pitched by travel pitchers may not exceed four.  One pitch counts as an inning.  A travel pitcher is defined as a player actively pitching for a travel team.
• One base will be awarded for a hit-by-pitch.  Removal of the pitcher for multiple hit-by-pitch’s is at the discretion of the fielding coach and the umpire.

Ending a Half-Inning

• The batting team retires after three outs or scoring the maximum number of runs allowed, whichever comes first.
• The maximum number of runs allowed is five, unless the batting team is behind by more than five runs.
• A team behind by more than five runs can score up to 10 runs to tie the game, but they cannot take the lead that inning.

Ending a Game

• No new inning may start after 90 minutes.
• The game is over when one of the following conditions is met:
  • Six innings, or five and a half if the home team is ahead, have been played.
  • The play must be stopped due to weather, darkness, or other factor.
• If play must be stopped before six innings, or five and a half if the home team is ahead, have been played, the score reverts back to that of the last full inning.

2025 Spring 7-8 Rules

Lakeside Softball League

Evanston Baseball and Softball Association

Lincolnwood Baseball – Softball Association

Morton Grove Baseball – Softball Association

Skokie Baseball – Softball League

Revised –  11/24/2024

The current official USA Softball Fastpitch rules apply, except as specified below.

General

• Divisions are based the current (2024 – 2025) school year.
• No metal cleats are allowed.
• Full catchers gear equipment is required.
• Any team unable to field a team of seven players within five minutes after the designated starting time forfeits that game.  If this occurs, the teams are encouraged to loan players and scrimmage.
• The distance between bases is 60 feet.
• The distance from the edge of the pitching rubber closest to home plate to the corner of the plate furthest from the pitching rubber is 43 feet.
• The ball is an 12” ASA Fastpitch compliant ball.

Protests

All umpire decisions are final.  No protests are allowed.

Conduct

• Managers, coaches and parents are strongly urged to remember that the game is for the kids.
• Verbal or non-verbal harassment of players or umpires by opposing players, managers, coaches or spectators is strictly prohibited. Continued violation of this rule may result in the ejection of the offending parties and/or forfeiture of the game.  Coaches and umpires should work together to prevent this from happening.
• Team chants and cheering must be positive, directed towards your own team or player, and end as soon as the pitcher is ready to pitch.

Lineup and Substitution Rules

• Every player will be placed in the batting order regardless of their current fielding assignments or lack thereof and bat every time that position in the batting order comes up.
• Every player must play a minimum of two full innings per game in a defensive position.
• No player may sit out two innings before every player sits out one.
• Every player must play at least one full inning in the infield and one full inning in the outfield.
• Players arriving after the first pitch of the game may be inserted at the bottom of the batting order.
• If a team cannot field 9 players for a scheduled game they may call up to three players from another team in the same or a younger division.

Batting

• A batter receives pitches until a) the batter hits the ball into fair territory, b) the batter strikes out, or c) the count reaches four balls.
• After receiving four ball, the batter is awarded first base.
• Bunting is allowed.
• Any player that shows bunt must either bunt or pull back and take the pitch. Showing bunt, pulling back and then taking a full swing will result in a dead ball and the batter being called out.
• The dropped third strike is enforced.  On an uncaught third strike with no runner on first or with two outs regardless of whether there is a runner on first, the batter immediately becomes a runner.  The strike is called, but the umpire does not call the batter out.  The umpire may also signal there is “no catch” of the pitch. The batter may then attempt to reach first base and must be tagged or thrown out. If, at the time of the strike three pitch, first base is occupied with fewer than two outs, the batter is automatically out and cannot become a runner.
• For the safety of all involved, the batter must not throw the bat. The first occurrence will result in a warning by the umpire, the second, an automatic out, and the third, an out and possible removal from the game if the umpire judges it necessary for the safety of the players. On the second and third occurrence, the play is dead, and runners may not advance.

Base Running

• A runner may advance at their own risk on an overthrow.
• A play ends when the ball is in possession of any fielding player within, in the umpire’s judgement, 10’ of the pitching rubber.
• Lead-offs are allowed only after the pitch has left the pitcher’s hand. Runners leaving early will be declared out.
• Stealing any base is allowed.
• A runner stealing may advance to another base on the same play at their own risk.
• Base runners must make every effort to avoid collision with a defensive player. If, in the umpire’s judgment, such effort was not made, the base runner will be called out. If, in the umpire’s judgment, the collision was flagrant and intentional, the base runner will be called out and may be removed from the game for the safety of the other players.
• When a play is being made on first after a batted ball or a dropped third strike, the fielder should use the inner, white base and the runner should use the outer, orange safety base in order to avoid a collision.
• Courtesy runners are allowed for injured players. In such cases, the courtesy runner will be the player who made the last batted out prior to the request for a courtesy runner.
• If there are two outs and the catcher is on base, a courtesy runner must be used, specifically the last batted out.

Fielding

• Teams will use 9 players.  Outfielders must play in the outfield, which is defined as at least 10 feet past the baseline.
• Girls playing first base, third base, and pitching must wear fielding masks.  All other fielders are encouraged to wear fielding masks.
• Fielders not fielding a ball must make every effort to avoid collision with a base runner. If, in the umpire’s judgment such effort was not made, the base runner will be declared safe. If, in the umpire’s judgment, such collision was flagrant and intentional, the fielder may be removed from the game for the safety of the other players..
• The infield-fly rule is enforced. The infield fly rule is in effect only when there are fewer than two outs, and there is a force play at third or home. In these situations, if a fair fly ball is hit that, in the umpire’s judgment, is catchable by an infielder with ordinary effort, the batter is out regardless whether the ball is actually caught in flight.  After tagging up, runners may advance at their own risk.
• Appeals must be made verbally and before the next pitch or the fielding players have left the infield, or before any play or attempted play. An appeal is not to be interpreted as a play or attempted play.

Pitching

• Players in full catcher’s gear, managers or coaches may warm up their pitchers between innings.
• Managers or coaches may not cross the baseline onto the field twice in the same defensive inning without removing the pitcher from the inning.  Calling the pitcher to the sideline or calling a player to the sideline who then directly confers with the pitcher constitutes a trip to the mound.
• Pitches are delivered in an underhand manner.
• Pitchers may begin their motion with just one foot on the pitching rubber. Stepping back with the non-pivot foot is allowed.  The pitcher may take only one step toward the plate before the ball is released. The pivot-foot must remain in contact with the ground.
• Non-travel pitchers may pitch no more than three innings.  One pitch counts as an inning.
• Travel pitchers may pitch no more than two innings. One pitch counts as an inning.
• The total innings pitched by travel pitchers may not exceed four.  One pitch counts as an inning.  A travel pitcher is defined as a player actively pitching for a travel team.
• One base will be awarded for a hit-by-pitch.  Removal of the pitcher for multiple hit-by-pitch’s is at the discretion of the fielding coach and the umpire.

Ending a Half-Inning

• The batting team retires after three outs or scoring the maximum number of runs allowed, whichever comes first.
• The maximum number of runs allowed is five, unless the batting team is behind by more than five runs.
• A team behind by more than five runs can score up to 10 runs to tie the game, but they cannot take the lead that inning.

Ending a Game

• No new inning may start after 90 minutes.
• The game is over when one of the following conditions is met:
  • Six innings, or five and a half if the home team is ahead, have been played.
  • The play must be stopped due to weather, darkness, or other factor.
• If play must be stopped before six innings, or five and a half if the home team is ahead, have been played, the score reverts back to that of the last full inning.