BEAVER COUNTY FASTPITCH LEAGUE
BCFPL Playing Rules - Approved for 2025
The BCFPL Playing rules supersede the USA SOFTBALL Code. Anything not defined in the BCFPL Playing Rules will default to the USA Softball Code. There will be six divisions: 16U, 15U, 12U, 10U, 8U and 6U.
BCFPL is a recreational fastpitch league and will have the authority to determine who will umpire our games. Due to the current umpire shortage in our area, volunteers are able to umpire games if agreed upon between coaches. We will not be bound to a specific umpiring crew with the understanding that USA Softball hosted insurance coverage is nullified in games not officiated by USA Softball certified umpires. If a contract is required by USA Softball officiating crew, this contract will have a term that is agreed to by the district representatives.
ELIGIBLE PLAYERS (All Divisions)
A. A player may only be rostered on one team regardless of age group. Players need to play in their USA Softball age division.
i. Integrity of the league: Players must reside in the district and same state.
b. B. The guidance for our Varsity and Junior Varsity divisions are as follows. Varsity players are in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade at the start of the season. Junior Varsity players are in 7th, 8th, and 9th grade at the start of the season. 7th graders who are age eligible can play at 12U. 9th graders can play at the Varsity level. Player eligibility is governed by the district representatives.
C. Competitive balance: Recreational organization. All district representatives and coaches adhere to competitive balance.
D. A call-up player is defined as a player from a younger division filling a roster on an older division team when regular players are missing. A team is allowed a maximum of 5 players and these players are not permitted to start over rostered players.
E. A player rostered in their age eligible division can be a call-up player for the older divisions but are not eligible in younger divisions. (can play up, not down)
F. Call-up players must be identified on the lineup cards given to the umpires and opposing teams at the pre-game conference. Call-up players can be used to fill absent defensive players and must be placed at the end of the batting order. Call-up players can be used as substitutes (courtesy runners, a single at bat, one inning defense), but shouldn’t be used unfairly over the team’s rostered players with exception of pitchers.
G. Players from other teams in the same division cannot be used as call-up players in Spring.
H. A player without an age eligible team in her district has the option to play on an age eligible team in another district, but an approval must be granted by the BCFPL Board. To be eligible to request to play with another district, players MUST register with their home district with the intent to play for them.
I. Players are not eligible until a roster is submitted to the BCFPL Commissioners prior to the first scheduled game. If rosters are not submitted prior to the first game, teams will forfeit their games until the roster is submitted. Rosters can be submitted to BeaverCountyFastpitch@gmail.com.
J. During the Fall; This is instructional, and the games can be played to get the game in. Players may play for the other same district team if they do not have enough players or call ups.
K. During Fall. The games are able to be played with less than the normal number of players and will not be counted as an out for batting.
Example teams can play with 6, 7+ or -.
L. During Fall; Age groups with Umpires: Games will start at 5:30 starting on October 1st due to lack of daylight. Exception :Unless a field has lights.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT RULES (All Divisions)
A. The home team will provide one new and one used ball. Both teams will assist in chasing foul balls.
B. A game used ball must be USA Softball approved (USA/ASA stamp with a .47 COR/375 compression.
C. Catchers must wear a helmet with facemask and throat protector or a hockey style mask, chest protector, and shin guards. Catchers mitt for 10U, 12U strongly encouraged
D. Infield face masks and heart guards are strongly encouraged in this league, but USA Softball code will be used for infield equipment rules.
E. Bats must be ASA/USA Softball certified and cannot be damaged in any way. This is under the umpire’s discretion.
F. Games with umpires prefer to start at 6:30 in the Spring due to umpires coming from Varsity/JV games
GAME, SCHEDULES, CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULING (10U,12U, 15U)
A. It is MANDATORY for all head coaches (or team representatives) to attend the scheduling meeting. Scheduling should start at the assigned time. No games should be scheduled outside of this meeting. This is unfair to coaches. DO NOT SCHEDULE BEFORE THE DAY OR TIME.
B. Please send your payment for USA Softball fees and Arbiter fees to Bill Littler.
His Venmo is @billylitt
Or get with Bill to send payment.
USA Softball fees: Sept. 1st 2024-August 31st 2025
Arbiter Fee: Jan 1st - Dec 31 of the same year
C. Head of Umpires must have all the coaches and information into Arbiter before the start of each season at least 48 hours before season start. Districts must have the information in the BCFPL spreadsheet at least 2 weeks in advance.
D. All Games will be put into Arbiter by the district coach of their age group. Each district may choose to have their own log in or separate. No longer shall the district representatives have this responsibility. Must have all contact information. Name of coach, email and phone number On-line training by umpires to coaches.
E. No games will be canceled due to player availability. Call-ups are an option and must be used in order to keep the schedule. (refer to ELIGIBLE PLAYERS sections C,D,E,F)
F . Acceptable cancellations include inclement weather and/or if the facility owner does not permit games played.
G. Home teams will be responsible to discuss with the opposing team on a reschedule date. Games rescheduling if coaches prefer within 72 hours if possible (not played, just scheduled). Not required in regular season.
H . It is the league’s expectation that coaches do everything within reason to avoid forfeits.
I . Required steps to cancel games as soon as possible to avoid additional umpire fees:
a. Inclement weather cancellations must be done not later than 1 hour prior to game start. If the game is started during rain or with the certainty of rain, the coaches will be subject to additional umpire fees (no more than ⅓ of regulation fees $20 paid to umpire at the time of the game) if the game is not officially completed. Send text and follow up with email. If you do not hear from Head of Umpires of cancellation. Contact umpire of game direct.
B. Start game and play at least an hour or 3 innings then weather happens and the umpire gets full fees
C. Both teams show up and the weather happens. Cannot play. Gets ⅓ fee $20 total
E. Contact the Head of Umpires to notify them that the game will not be played as scheduled.
*It is suggested to document the time and method of the Head of Umpire notification.
Vince Pinchotti
Head of Umpires- Association of Beaver County Umpires
878-201-7579
vinniepi@yahoo.com
Renee St. Esprit
Head of Umpires - Association of Beaver County Umpires
724-513-0123
renee.domyancic.st.esprit@gmail.com
*** if you do not hear a response within 5-10 minutes call or text the umpire directly****
c. Contact the opposing team coach to notify them of the cancellation.
d. Contact your team to notify them of the cancellation.
J. Required steps to reschedule games as soon as possible:
a. Games must be rescheduled (not necessarily played) within 72 hours.
b. Three different dates must be presented to the opposing team and a new date is agreed upon.
c. Playing on opposing fields is an option, but must be agreed upon by the home team.
d. Contact Head of Umpires to provide the details of the rescheduled game.
e. Notify the opposing coach and your team after the date is confirmed with the Head of Umpires.
f. If a coach is not cooperating with a rescheduled game, please notify your district representatives.
g. The board will have the option to approve a forfeit of a game if deemed necessary.
If the coaches fail to follow these steps, they will be subject to additional umpire fees for unneeded travel expenses and umpire inconvenience due to poor or untimely communication (no more than ⅓ of regulation fees). The fees are to be sent to Head of Umpires to give to the umpire.
If umpires fail to show at a scheduled game, please contact the Head of Umpires, BCFPL Commissioner or Assistant Commissioner as soon as possible. Missed games will be addressed with the Head of Umpires.
UMPIRE FEEDBACK
A. Please submit all umpire feedback to the BCFPL Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner using email. Contact your district representative if you need contact information.
B. We encourage both positive and negative feedback.
C. Purpose of this is to help us improve and/or enforce expected knowledge of our league rules and the play of the game. Please report all issues including misunderstanding of rules, feedback of umpires handling of games, and any other potential topic.
D. All feedback (positive and negative) will be collected and reviewed by the BCFPL Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner and presented to the Head of Umpires.
GENERAL GAMES (All Divisions)
TIME LIMITS
All divisions will play 1 hour 40 minutes in length, finish the inning. Games that are suspended due to the umpire’s discretion for darkness, weather, field conditions, etc., will be an official game if played 5 full innings, 4-1/2 innings if the home team is leading, or after 1 hour.
A. NO new innings will start after 1 hour and 40 Minutes, under the umpire’s discretion.
B. There will be a 2 hour drop dead time limit. If the away team is at bat, the score will revert back to the last completed inning. If the home team is at bat, the score is final if the game is tied or the home team claims the lead.
C. Games that are not considered regulation shall be resumed at the exact point where they were stopped. The home team is the official book of record.
E. Mercy rules for all age groups are: 12 runs after 4 innings and 8 runs after 5 innings.
F. Tie games after 7 innings and still within the 1 hour 40 minute time limit, an 8th inning will be completed using the USA Softball International Tiebreaker rule. If the score is still tied after the completion of the 8th inning, the game will be considered a tie.
PRE-GAME
A. Coaches from both teams and the umpire are to review all field and playing rules to clarify any questions prior to the start of every game. (Keep a copy of rules with you)
B. Line-up cards are not required, but both teams must keep their scorebook.
C. Infield and outfield warm up balls only permitted before the 1st inning. No balls permitted in between innings. Pitchers are only permitted to throw 5 warmup pitches in between innings, 5th pitch can be thrown to 2B by the catcher.
D. Only 4 coaches, including scorekeeper, are allowed in the dugout and warm up area.
E. Batting a full roster is permitted, but extra batters must bat the entire game or take an out in their spot as per USA SOFTBALL short-handed rule. Exception: If an injury occurs to any of the players, an out will not be taken unless the total number of players is less than 9. Playoff rule only
F. Free defensive substitution is allowed when batting the entire roster.
G. Courtesy runners are encouraged for the catchers to help give them the extra time to get their gear on.
SPORTSMANSHIP & EJECTIONS
A. All players, coaches, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. Any conduct unbecoming or abusive shall at a minimum be reprimanded with a warning. If warranted, the offending party shall be ejected from the game at the discretion of the Umpires in charge.
B. Any player, coach, or spectator participating in a fight or alteration shall be immediately ejected from the game and may be disbarred/suspended from the league. Ejections have a mandatory 1 game suspension.
C. Any player, coach, or spectator ejected from a game shall immediately remove themselves from the vicinity of the playing field and/or stands for the remainder of the game. Additional penalties may be assessed at the discretion of the league commissioner and its board members.
SUPPLEMENT LEAGUE RULES FOR Varsity and Junior Varsity
GAME RULES
A. USA Softball Code will be used.
SUPPLEMENT LEAGUE RULES FOR 12U
GAME RULES
A. Half innings will be over when three (3) outs are made or the batting team scores five (5) runs (whichever occurs first).
B. Games will be complete when the Mercy Rule is in effect (even in the middle of the inning). Innings will be played even if the run max does not enable a tie. If the home team is up by 7, the away team will still get their chance to bat.
PITCHING RULES
C. 12U pitching distance will be 40 FT.
SUPPLEMENT LEAGUE RULES FOR 10U
GAME RULES
A. Use of an 11-inch softball and an ASA approved softball bat is required.
B. Games are 6 innings in 10U.
C. Half innings will be over when three (3) outs are made or the batting team scores five (5) runs (whichever occurs first
D. Games will be complete when the Mercy Rule is in effect (even in the middle of the inning). Innings will be played even if the run max does not enable a tie. If the home team is up by 7, the away team will still get their chance to bat.
E. There is no dropped 3rd strike rule in 10U.
F. No INFIELD fly rule in 10U.
G. 10 fielders are to be on the field if 10 is available to play a game. Teams are permitted to start the game with 9 players, but no players are able to sit on the bench unless there is an injury. If a 10th player shows up after the start of the game, they can be inserted into the lineup at the 10th spot.
H. Coaches may choose from the following options for batting order: Bat 10, bat 9 with a DP/Flex, or bat entire roster-
BASERUNNING RULES
A. Runners can only steal 1 base per pitch.
B. 2nd base can only be stolen when there are two outs.
C. There is no stealing home. The runner must be batted in. If the runner is going from second base on a steal to third base and there is an overthrow on the runner going to third, then the runner cannot advance home.
D. If there is an attempt to pick off a runner at any base, all base runners can advance to the next base (only 1 base) regardless of number of outs. Runners can score if on 3B. This was added for a competitive balance.
PLAYER PITCHING RULES
A. 10U pitching distance will be 35 feet.
B. Illegal pitches will not be called against the rostered pitcher. Pitchers will be handled in an instructive teaching manner and the game can be stopped for proper instruction.
C. Each team must pitch a minimum of 2 girls per game. In the first 4 innings of the game, at least 2 girls must each pitch 2 innings in any combination. After 4 complete innings, any pitcher on the team can come in to pitch with a max of 3 inning per pitcher.
D. Girls who pitched previously will be able to pitch later in the game.
E. Girls can only pitch a maximum of 3 completed innings per game.
F. If games go into extra innings, innings pitched will reset to zero and refer to PLAYER PITCHING RULES C.
COACH PITCHING RULES
A. Coach pitch at 10U level occurs after the count of 4 balls from the defensive team, coach pitching from the mound is pursued by the offensive team using the existing STRIKE count on the batter. At this time, the offensive coach pitches using the existing STRIKE count from the pitching rubber if they are able. The player that is the pitcher must remain behind the rubber with both feet INSIDE the pitching circle
B. The Coach will permitted to throw up to 4 pitches unless the 4th pitch is a hit foul ball then the count will continue until a strike or no swing out occurs. The player is out if she allows the 4th (or final) pitch to pass without swinging.
C. Umpire is to continue to call strikes, when applicable, when the Coach is pitching.
D. Coaches who are pitching must pitch fast and flat, much like a regular fastpitch softball pitcher would throw. The coach does not have to do a windmill windup when pitching to the girls. Umpires will issue a warning to coaches pitching with an arc and can call subsequent illegal pitches strikes.
ILLEGAL PITCHES ONLY APPLY TO THE COACH PITCHING.
E. A player struck by a pitch by her coach is not awarded first base.
F. If the pitching coach is hit by a batted ball the ball is live. Exception is if umpire rules it intentional. If intentional, then the ball is dead, interference is called, batter is out and all runners must return to last occupied base.
G. Batters may not bunt when a coach is pitching.
H. Slappers may continue to attempt to slap if slapping attempts were made before the 4th ball was pitched.
I. When a ball is hit from a coach pitch, the batter is only allowed a maximum of 2 bases. Runners already on base are allowed as many bases as they can get.
J. There is NO STEALING of a base when the Coach is pitching.
SUPPLEMENT LEAGUE RULES FOR 8U
GAME RULES
A. Games will be competitive but remain instructional and fun. Coaches should discuss and understand rules prior to the start of the game and work together to be as fair as possible.
B. Use of an 11-inch softball and an ASA approved softball bat is required.
C. Games are 6 innings in 8U.
D. Half innings will be over when three (3) outs are made or the batting team scores five (5) runs (whichever occurs first)
E. No INFIELD fly rule in 8U.
F. On the final batter of an inning, there must be an attempt to record an out when the ball is put into play.
G. A maximum of 10 players will play the field using 4 outfielders. (LF,LC,RC,RF)
H. 8U will not play with a rover.
I. Playing Time – all players must play infield for at least 2 innings. As an additional guide, the players should be rotated between positions to provide additional experience and instruction and free substitution on defense is allowed.
J. No intentionally rolling the ball from player to player or to the circle.
K. The player catching is active in the game and retrieves passed balls.
L. Maximum number of defensive coaches in the field of play at any one time is three.
M. Umpires are recommended for 8U games. The base coaches are expected to call fair or foul on their line & outs at their base. Pitching coach will call fly ball catch or no catch, plays at 2nd base and home plate.
N. There will be no arguing of calls around the players, no exceptions.
O. Every time a ball is put in play the runner will attempt to get on base and the fielders will attempt to make an out.
P. Score keeping is optional. Games must be played out to permissible limits. 6 innings or hour forty during regular season only.
Q. Yes this age group will have Playoff and Championship games for this age group.
STOPPAGE OF PLAY
A. Only the acting umpire may call a play dead.
B. A play will be stopped if any of the following occur:
a. On an overthrow at first base or third base. Once the ball crosses into foul territory, the play is ended and runners may not advance further.
b. The ball breaks the plane of the circle surrounding the pitcher’s mound. You cannot just throw the ball thru the circle to stop play, there must be some intent to throw to the pitcher however, the ball needs not to be secured.
c. The ball is in control of the pitcher and any part of her body is within the circle.
d. The ball is in control of an infielder and the lead runner has stopped forward progress.
C. A ball thrown to 2nd base from any position on the field results in an overthrow, base runners can advance one base. However, this is not a free base and play is still live.
BASE RUNNING RULES
D. Once the play is dead, runners not more than halfway to the next base must return to the previous base touched.
D. A lead off line will be placed 4ft from inside base. Players are not permitted to cross this line for lead offs. Coaches are to instruct players to lead off when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. If this rule is violated, whole team gets one warning. Continued crossing of line by any player on that team will result in an out of that player.
BATTING RULES
A. A batter receives a maximum of 7 pitches or 3 swinging strikes. If the 7th pitch is fouled or subsequent balls are fouled, the batter stays alive until the ball is hit fair or a strikeout occurs. No walks, no hit by pitch.
B. All players present must be placed in the batting order.
COACH PITCHING RULES
A. The adult pitcher uses only 1 ball.
B. If a hit ball strikes the coach-pitcher the ball is called dead, base runners return to their previous base, and the batter returns to bat. The pitch will be a “no pitch”.
COACHING RULES
A. It is up to the coaches in practice to teach the kids how to do this correctly.
B. During a game, when the ball is not in play, it is permissible for coaches of both teams to instruct players on what to do in the upcoming situation.
C. Coaches are also encouraged to correct players on any mistakes made the previous play.
D. Coaches need to work together on the field so that the atmosphere of the game is teaching the girls how to play the game while also letting them have fun.
SUPPLEMENT LEAGUE RULES FOR 6U
GAME RULES
A. Games will be fun and instructional.
B. No score is kept.
C. Use of an 11-inch softball soft indoor ball (example Incrediball).
D. Games are 3 full innings, around an hour long.
E. There are no Playoff or Championship games for this age group.
BASE RUNNING RULES
A. One base per hit regardless of where the ball goes.
B. Last batter in the lineup will clear the bases to end the inning.
BATTING RULES
A. Each player on the team bats each inning. Batting order can and should be changed for each inning.
B. Players can hit off a coach pitching or a tee. If using a coach pitcher, a tee should be used if no hits within 6 pitches.
C. No outs are recorded, the inning will end after all players have batted.
D. Helmets must be worn at all times when batting or running bases. Strongly recommended that face masks are on the helmets.
FIELDING RULES
A. All players play the field each inning.
B. Players are encouraged to make a play, but no outs are recorded.
C. If using a coach pitcher, there should also be a coach catcher.
D. Strongly recommended that fielding masks be worn.
E. If fielding a catcher, the catcher must wear a catcher’s helmet and chest protector. Shin guards are also strongly recommended.
COACHING RULES
A. It is up to the coaches in practice to teach the kids how to do this correctly.
B. During a game, when the ball is not in play, it is permissible for coaches of both teams to instruct players on what to do in the upcoming situation.
C. Coaches are also encouraged to correct players on any mistakes made the previous play.
D. Coaches need to work together on the field so that the atmosphere of the game is teaching the girls how to play the game while also letting them have fun.
BCFPL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
PLAYOFFS
A. All regular season rules apply for each division. Superseding rules stated below.
B. The number of teams that choose to participate in playoffs will be determined to the BCFPL before playoffs start. Preferably with two weeks in advance notice or by Memorial day
C. Championship brackets will be a blind draw created and approved by the BCFPL Board. Brackets will be posted on BCFPL website
D. Playoff seeding games (4 games) will be based on blind draw by BCFPL League Commissioner: Wins, Head to Head, Runs Against, Coin Toss
E. Higher seeded teams will be the home team throughout the playoffs.
F. There are no ties, so the USA Softball International Tie Breaker rule will continue in extra innings or after time expires until a winner is declared.
G. Each team is to bring one ball to all rounds of playoffs.
H. One umpire at each game will be split by the two teams, just like regular season games.
CHAMPIONSHIP
A. All regular season rules apply for each division. Superseding rules stated below.
B. Higher seeded team will choose to be the home team or away team during the championship game
C. Championship games time limits will increase to completion of game.
D. Balls will be provided by the BCFPL Board.
E. Two umpires will be provided by the BCFPL Board
BEAVER COUNTY FUTURE STARS
GENERAL RULES
A. To be played and agreed upon by district representatives as 1 All-Star Game.
B. Future Star nominations will be provided by each District Representative.
C. Selection structure:
Each Coach nominates two All Star players of the opposing team from a new team each coach plays.
Each coach must turn in their nominees to the District representatives.
District representatives will bring the names to the Beaver County league meeting.
The players will be tallied up and the players will be randomly split into two teams.
Teams consist of minimum of 12 players and a max of 14
Teams must have a or at least try to have a player from each district on each team.
This is intended to be a fun game to create unity for players, coaches, and fans.
D. Future Stars will be announced prior to the Championship Games.
Proposed Draft guidelines
The Head Coach that will draft first will be determined by a coin toss. After an order is fairly determined, the draft will commence. If there are only two teams in an age group, it’ll be a straight draft. The coach who won the coin toss will have the odd picks. The coach who lost the coin toss will have even picks until all the players are on a team. If more than two teams in the age group are drafted, then a “snake draft” will be used. The Head coach who picks first will then pick the sixth player. The Head Coach who picks second will then pick the fifth player. The Head Coach who picks third will pick then next select the fourth player. The process will continue until all players are drafted.
Players at each divisional level will be considered eligible for the draft if they meet the age requirements. If the Board determines that there is a need for younger aged players to move up in order to balance the draft and create a full team, then the oldest player at the lower level will be asked first. If that player declines to move up, the second oldest player at the lower level will be given the opportunity. This process will continue until there are enough eligible players for the draft.
The players in each age group will be divided into four different groups: returning all-stars (including the alternate all-star players) from the previous season, returning non-all-stars, move-up all-stars (including the alternate all-star players), and move-up non-all-stars. Each member of the respective group will be considered equal in abilities. If an all-star team was not formed in the previous season, that age group will all be grouped into the same pool but will be grouped by pitchers, catchers, and travel ball players.
Head coaches will first draft all players from the returning all-stars group. When all players in that pool have been drafted, they will then draft returning non-all-stars. When that group has been drafted, they will then begin to draft move-up all-stars and then finally move-up non-all-stars.
The Board is responsible for ensuring the following:
1. All players in the draft are sorted correctly into the four groups before the draft.
2. All players in the draft are correctly identified as pitchers, catchers, and Travel Ball Players before the draft.
3. The process of the draft is correctly being followed.
4. The final draft of the teams contains equivalent (or as equivalent as possible) pitchers, catchers, and travel ball players.
5. All Head Coaches and board agree to the final drafting of teams. A board member or Head Coach who does not agree with a selection can voice their concerns when all members of the respective group have been drafted and before the approval of the final draft.