2023 Lakeland League Softball Rules

RULES APPLYING TO ALL SOFTBALL DIVISIONS:

1. All players will be registered with Softball Alberta.
2. All Alberta Softball rules apply. Lakeland Rules apply first. Alberta Softball rules apply thereafter.
3. All games start at 6:30 pm.
4. No inning will start after 8:30 pm. Games can continue beyond 8:30 if mutually agreed upon by the coaches and umpires.
5. All players coaching 1st or 3rd base must wear a helmet.
6. A team can play with 7 or 8 players without the 9th position being an automatic out. We want to encourage all kids to play.
7. Home team will provide game balls, umpires, and prepare diamonds. If home teams cannot supply an umpire, they may access umpires from other communities.
8. Only 3 overage (1 age group older) players on the field at one time. Can only play if there is no team at their own age group in their community. Overage players must be indicated on the team line up PRIOR to the game.
9. Overage players and boys cannot pitch or catch.
10. All players are in the batting order on the score sheet
11. Coaches are proving a child's age by submitting completed rosters to Lakeland League executives. Each team must carry an official roster with them to each game.  Rosters must be entered on the LMBL.ca website prior to league play beginning.
12. Helmet chin straps must be worn by all players in all divisions.
13. Players must wear a cage on their helmet.
14. Pitchers U19 and under are required to wear a face mask
15. Teams canceling games due to reasons OTHER THAN INCLIMATE WEATHER must do so a minimum of 24 hours prior to game time. Games canceled within this time limit will result in no points awarded to either team until a rescheduled game is played. Games canceled with less than 24 hours notice for reasons other than weather will result in the canceling team forfeiting the two points to the other team.
16. Substitutions are unlimited (Softball Alberta substitution rules will not be followed for league games)
17. An inning is ended when there are 5 runs scored OR 3 outs are recorded (whichever occurs first)
18. NO metal cleats.
19. Lakeland League will replace the U17 & U19 divisions with a U18 division..

U9: SEE U9 & 9U modified rules tab

U11: (11” ball, 35’ from front of rubber to tip of home plate, bases 45’)

1. Last inning is open. 
2. Last inning must be stated by the umpire before it starts.
3. Each pitcher will be allowed to pitch two consecutive innings only per game within the Lakeland league.

**NEW RULE introduced in the 2023 Season** 

4. NO WALKS modified rule for U11- softball 

Full season including weekend games:

 If a pitcher reaches a count of 4 balls, the coach will pitch the remaining strikes. Batter will either hit or strike out.  No matter the count, the coach can only throw the remaining pitches, whether it's one, two, or three strikes remaining.  They must NOT throw over that; if the batter does not hit the pitch that is thrown by the coach, they are out.  No pitched walks. (Clarification: Hit by Pitch still takes a base). 

Purpose: to encourage players to hit rather than waiting it out for a walk. To prevent innings that are a long series of walks. To keep the game moving. 

If a coach has to come in to throw the remainder of strikes, they must throw underhand pitches from the pitching rubber or 1 step in front of the rubber. The coach that comes in must be from the hitting team and must NOT interfere with the play when the ball is hit.  The pitcher on the field stays in the pitching position and will continue to pitch for the next batter.  

U13: (11” ball, 38’ from front of rubber to tip of home plate, bases 55’)

1. An inning is ended when there are 5 runs scored OR 3 outs are recorded (whichever occurs first)
2. Last inning is open.
3. Last inning must be stated by the umpire before it starts.

U15: (12” ball, 40’ from front of rubber to tip of home plate, bases 60’)

1. An inning is ended when there are 5 runs scored OR 3 outs are recorded (whichever occurs first)
2. Last inning is open.
3. Last inning must be stated by the umpire before it starts.

U18: (12” ball, 43’ from front of rubber to tip of home plate, bases 60’)

1. An inning is ended when there are 5 runs scored OR 3 outs are recorded (whichever occurs first)
2. Last inning is open.
3. Last inning must be stated by the umpire before it starts.