Gwinnett Middle School Fast Pitch League Rules
USA/ASA championship play rules with the following exceptions:
1) Game time is forfeit time; a 10 minute grace period will apply only to the first game of any day. Games will start as soon as 8 players are available to play. Teams must be ready to start the second game of doubleheaders at game time in order to minimize the lateness of the students getting home. Two umpires will be scheduled to all games, but games will be played if only one umpire is available at game time.
2) No new inning after 1:20, drop dead after 1:30 (score will revert to the end of the previous inning if the home team doesn't have an opportunity to tie or win). Games can end in a tie during league play; all games will be played to a winner in the final tournament. Tiebreak innings as described in USA/ASA will be played if game time allows (before the 1:20).
3) Run ahead rules are 12 after 3 innings, 8 after 5 innings (2-1/2 or 4-1/2 if home team is ahead).
4) Teams may bat any number of players at their option; 9, 10, 11, or all. The number must be per the starting lineup, and cannot change during the game (except if more players arrive after game time, they can be added to the bottom of the batting order). If batting players must leave or are injured and cannot continue, they will be skipped without penalty; an out will only apply if a team drops below 9 batters in the USA/ASA shorthanded rule.
5) With regard to #4, teams may substitute defensively freely and without reporting to the plate umpire. Only batting substitutions must be reported. Additionally, teams may use the DP/FLEX rule if they wish.
6) Courtesy runners for pitcher and catcher are optional. If a team has players who do not bat, those players may be used as courtesy runners in addition to playing defensively. If a team is batting all its players, the courtesy runner will be the last completed batter not currently on base (if that is the pitcher or catcher, skip back one, or both). This is intended as a speed-up rule to enable the maximum usage of playing time.
7) The NFHS/GHSA (high school) rule eliminating team huddles on the field will be enforced. Teams have one minute from the last out in the prior inning to throw a maximum of 5 warm-up pitches and be prepared to throw the first pitch. The one minute between innings rule and the 20 seconds between pitches rule will be enforced.
8) The pitching rule will be the USA/ASA pitching rule; one foot on pitcher’s plate, can step back. It is no longer illegal in USA Softball if the pivot foot fails to drag.
9) Per USA/ASA, face guards are mandatory for all offensive players. No metal cleats allowed!!
10) All bats must meet USA/ASA standards; USSSA (only) bats are illegal, as per NFHS/GHSA. The USSSA "Gold" Ghost is NOT LEGAL for play in this league.
11) The NFHS hit-by-pitch rule (batter is not required to attempt to avoid a pitched ball that is completely in the batter’s box) will apply, not the USA/ASA rule.
12)The NFHS definition of an attempted bunt (bat must be withdrawn from the strike zone) will apply, not the USA/ASA rule. NOTE: Once a batter "attempts", she cannot then "un-attempt" by pulling back.
Tanya McDaniel, GMSFPL
Tim Gaines, GMSFPL
Steve Marcus, UIC
Barry Sullivan, UIC
Chico Lilly, UIC
Gwinnett Middle School Fast Pitch League
POST SEASON TNT RULES
USA/ASA championship play rules with the following exceptions:
1) Game time is forfeit time; a 10 minute grace period will apply only to the first game of any day. Games will start as soon as 8 players are available to play.
Teams must be ready to start the second game of back-to-back scheduled games at game time with no more than 10 minutes between games in order to minimize the lateness of the students getting home.
Two umpires will be scheduled to all games, but games will be played if only one umpire is available at game time.
We will flip for home team each game until the CHAMPIONSHIP game, then the Undefeated team is home. If we go to an "if" game for the championship this will be a coin flip as well.
2) TIME LIMIT: NO NEW INNING AFTER 1:20, FINISH THE INNING. NO DROP DEAD. The official game time will be after the plate meeting and coin flip - both coaches need to note this time. Home team will keep the official score book and umpires will have the gamecard with score for both coaches to sign after each game. If you are using Game Changer remember the time called at the plate is the official time not first pitch.
3) Run ahead rules are 12 after 3 innings, 8 after 5 innings (2-1/2 or 4-1/2 if home team is ahead).
4) Teams may bat any number of players at their option; 9, 10, 11, or all. The number must be per the starting lineup, and cannot change during the game (except if more players arrive after game time, they can be added to the bottom of the batting order). If batting players must leave or are injured and cannot continue, they will be skipped without penalty; an out will only apply if a team drops below 9 batters in the USA/ASA shorthanded rule.
5) With regard to #4, teams may substitute defensively freely and without reporting to the plate umpire. Only batting substitutions must be reported. Additionally, teams may use the DP/FLEX rule if they wish.
6) Courtesy runners for pitcher and catcher are optional. If a team has players who do not bat, those players may be used as courtesy runners in addition to playing defensively. If a team is batting all its players, the courtesy runner will be the last completed batter not currently on base (if that is the pitcher or catcher, skip back one, or both). This is intended as a speed-up rule to enable the maximum usage of playing time.
7) The NFHS/GHSA (high school) rule eliminating team huddles on the field will be enforced. Teams have one minute from the last out in the prior inning to throw a maximum of 5 warm-up pitches and be prepared to throw the first pitch. The one minute between innings rule and the 20 seconds between pitches rule will be enforced.
8) The pitching rule will be the USA/ASA pitching rule; one foot on pitcher’s plate, can step back. It is no longer illegal in USA Softball if the pivot foot fails to drag.
9) Per USA/ASA, face guards are mandatory for all offensive players. No metal cleats allowed!!
10) All bats must meet USA/ASA standards; USSSA (only) bats are illegal, as per NFHS/GHSA. The USSSA "Gold" Ghost is NOT LEGAL for play in this league.
11) The NFHS hit-by-pitch rule (batter is not required to attempt to avoid a pitched ball that is completely in the batter’s box) will apply, not the USA/ASA rule.
12)The NFHS definition of an attempted bunt (bat must be withdrawn from the strike zone) will apply, not the USA/ASA rule. NOTE: Once a batter "attempts", she cannot then "un-attempt" by pulling back.
Tanya McDaniel, GMSFPL
Tim Gaines, GMSFP
Steve Marcus, UIC
Barry Sullivan, UIC
Chico Lilly, UIC
Any player, coach, umpire or spectator that has COVID-19 symptoms should stay at home.
Dugouts
- May/may not be in use depending on school restrictions
Bleachers
- May be closed bring your own chairs
NO SUNFLOWER SEEDS
Concession stands will be open
Game Play
- Follow all local and state guidelines for facilities and events.
- Encourage all event attendees to practice social distancing
- Explain that any person who is experiencing symptoms of sickness will be prohibited from attending the event/venue of play.
- All posted and published local- and state-regulated guidelines shall be followed.
- When using a tent, please restrict it to family members only.
Recommended Best Practices for the Field-of-Play:
- Follow all local and state guidelines for facilities and events.
- Encourage parents to supply their players with antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer for disinfecting shared playing equipment and cleaning hands between innings.
- Allow players to wear PPE items if they choose, as long as the items do not compromise the safety of any and all participants in the game.