On-Field Rules Review: USA Softball + MGSA Local Rules Clinic
August 24, 2025
Home Plate / Dugouts
USA Softball
Lineups: must be turned in and exchanged before the game, correct player names and numbers are critical. Identify at least starting pitcher and catcher (courtesy runner)
Only head coach may address umpires
Bat checks: must be USA/ASA certified.
Dropped third strike rule (10U+).
Infield fly applies for 10U+.
MGSA
Dugouts: Home team occupies 3rd base dugout; ensure dugouts are clean after each game
Coaches: All coaches attend coaches meeting in order to verify background checks
Time limits: no new inning after 55 min (6U/8U), 75 min (10U+).
Complete game is 3 innings or 45 minutes
Mercy rules: 12 after 3, 10 after 4, 8 after 5.
Continuous batting order is required.
Substitutions: Free subs, each player must play at least 1 defensive inning, no player can sit 2 defensive innings except for sickness
Blood/injury rule enforced: players must be cleaned/changed before play.
Dugout control: all equipment inside, coaches remain in designated areas
Pitcher’s Circle
USA Softball
One foot on pitching plate, legal motion enforced.
Look-back rule: once pitcher has ball in circle, runner must immediately advance or return.
MGSA
Pitcher hit batter rule: 10U+ pitchers removed after 3 HBPs in one game.
Pitcher visits: 1 free visit per inning; additional = mandatory change.
6U/8U/10U designated pitcher: leaves field immediately after pitch; interference = dead ball, possible removal.
6U: play stops when defense controls ball in circle.
8U+: Look back rule
When Does It Apply?
When the pitcher has possession of the ball inside the pitcher’s circle.
The pitcher must be in the circle with control of the ball (not just touching, but holding).
Batter-runner has reached 1st base.
Applies in all fastpitch divisions 8U and above.
Runner’s Responsibilities
Once the pitcher has the ball in the circle:
Runner must immediately decide to either:
Runner cannot fake or stop halfway to draw a throw.
Once committed, the runner must continue without hesitation to that base.
Violations (Look-Back Rule Outs)
Stopping between bases without immediately advancing or returning.
Changing direction twice (start to one base, then back the other way).
Losing contact with base after having stopped on it.
👉 Penalty: Runner is out (no warning required). Ball remains live.
What the Pitcher Must Do
Must be inside the circle with possession of the ball.
If pitcher fakes a throw, runners may advance or stop at their own risk.
If the pitcher drops the ball or leaves the circle, the rule is off.
Common Misunderstandings
❌ Play does not automatically stop when the pitcher has the ball in the circle (that’s only a local 6U MGSA rule).
❌ The rule doesn’t apply until the batter-runner reaches first base.
❌ Runners don’t have to sprint back instantly — they just have to make a clear, immediate decision.
Example Scenarios for Clinic
Runner on 2nd: Pitcher gets ball in circle. Runner hesitates, fakes toward 3rd, then back to 2nd → OUT.
Runner on 1st: Pitcher in circle, runner takes two hard steps toward 2nd and then immediately goes back to 1st → SAFE (because she only changed once).
Pitcher drops ball in circle: Rule is off — runners free to go.
✅ Coaching Tip: Teach runners to “decide quick, move with confidence.”
✅ Umpire Tip: Focus on hesitation or double moves — that’s the telltale sign.
Batter’s Box
USA Softball
Batter must remain inside the box.
No stepping out mid-pitch.
Dropped 3rd strike applies in 10U+.
Clinic Example Scenarios
0 or 1 out, runner on 1st → Catcher drops strike three → Batter is automatically out. (Can’t run to 1st, because it’s occupied with <2 outs).
0 or 1 out, bases empty → Catcher drops strike three → Batter may attempt to run to 1st.
2 outs, bases loaded → Catcher drops strike three → Batter may attempt 1st, all runners advance at risk.
MGSA
Batting Helmets: must have facemasks, girls must wear them when on the field during offense, including grabbing the bat after a hit
6U: 3 pitches, then 2 tee attempts.
8U: 5 pitches; foul on 5th = continue at-bat, 3 swinging strikes = out.
No bunting in 6U or 8U.
Continuous batting means all players bat in order, regardless of field play.
First Base
USA Softball
Safety base: orange for runner, white for fielder.
Runner can overrun but must turn into foul territory to avoid being live.
Obstruction = fielder blocks without ball.
Interference = runner hinders fielder.
MGSA
Second Base / Middle Infield
USA Softball
Force vs. tag plays clarified.
Runner must slide or avoid contact.
Interference & Obstruction
MGSA
Defensive minimums: 6U = all roster in field, outfielders in grass; 8U = 10 players (6 infield, 4 outfield).
Every player must play at least one defensive inning and may not sit 2 consecutive innings.
Third Base
USA Softball
Tagging up: runners must retouch on fly balls (first touch if bobbled)
Live ball until time is called by umpire.
Steals allowed depending on division.
MGSA
Outfield
USA Softball
Fair/foul: lines and poles are in play.
Ground-rule doubles vs. home runs.
Infield fly extends to shallow outfield grass.
MGSA
6U: all extra players in outfield, must start on grass.
8U: 4 outfielders required, all start in grass.
Coaches allowed in outfield behind players (6U/8U).
Wrap-Up at Home Plate
MGSA Protests: only for rule misapplication or ineligible player, not judgment calls; $25 deposit required. Do not sign the scorecard! Let an Orange shirt know ASAP.
Umpire/Coach Communication: calm, rule-based discussions only; head coach is the sole voice.
Key Misunderstood Rules Recap: look-back rule, overthrow advancement, stealing limits by division, pitcher HBP removal.