10U RULES
FT Softball 10U Rules
Revised 3/10/23
1. The playing field shall consist of a maximum of 6 infielders with 4 players in the outfield assuming outfield positions (Right / Right Center / Left Center / Left).
2. Offensive coaches are allowed at 1st & 3rd base. Two defensive coaches are allowed in the outfield.
3. Pitching distance shall be 35 feet from the back of home plate. Both coaches and players much pitch from the 35 foot pitching rubber.
4. All innings will begin with player pitch. If a pitcher walks 3 batters in an inning (does not have to be in a row), including walks from being hit by a pitch, a coach from the batting team will pitch the remainder of the inning. The pitcher will become a pitcher's helper.
5. During player-pitch, a hit batter will advance to 1st base, and it will be considered a walk for the pitcher. During coach-pitch, a hit batter will not advance to 1st base.
6. During coach-pitch, the batter will receive up to 5 pitches, or 3 swinging strikes, whichever comes first. If the 5th or latter pitch is fouled, the batter will receive another pitch. Walks will not be called while a coach is pitching. Bunting is not permitted during coach-pitch.
7. During coach-pitch, the pitcher’s helper must stand at or behind the pitching rubber, and have one foot inside the pitching circle (the line itself is considered inside the circle) when the pitch is delivered to the batter.
8. During coach-pitch, coaches may wear a glove while pitching, and are permitted to catch balls thrown back to the circle by the catcher after a pitched ball. All other throws to the circle must be caught by the pitcher’s helper. When the ball is in play the coach must exit the pitcher’s circle to avoid interfering with the play.
9. If it is deemed by the umpire that a coach inadvertently interfered with a play, a dead ball will be called and all runners will be sent back to their starting positions. If it is deemed by the umpire that a coach intentionally interfered with a play, a dead ball will be called and the lead runner (or batter, if there are no runners) will be called out.
10. Stealing 2nd & 3rd base is allowed while a player is pitching. Stealing home is NOT permitted. Runners may leave the base when the pitcher releases the ball. Stealing is NOT allowed while a coach is pitching. Runners may lead off when the pitcher releases the ball.
11. The ball is dead when the defensive team stops the lead runner. Once the lead runner has been stopped, the player with possession of the ball may call time.
12. Run Rule: After 4 innings of play, if one team is leading by 10 runs, the umpire shall call the game (after the home team has been allowed to bat).
* Bunting IS allowed (during player-pitch only)
* No Dropped 3rd Strike Rule
* No Infield Fly Rule
For additional rules, please see FT Softball League Rules-All Divisions.
Revised 3/10/23
1. The playing field shall consist of a maximum of 6 infielders with 4 players in the outfield assuming outfield positions (Right / Right Center / Left Center / Left).
2. Offensive coaches are allowed at 1st & 3rd base. Two defensive coaches are allowed in the outfield.
3. Pitching distance shall be 35 feet from the back of home plate. Both coaches and players much pitch from the 35 foot pitching rubber.
4. All innings will begin with player pitch. If a pitcher walks 3 batters in an inning (does not have to be in a row), including walks from being hit by a pitch, a coach from the batting team will pitch the remainder of the inning. The pitcher will become a pitcher's helper.
5. During player-pitch, a hit batter will advance to 1st base, and it will be considered a walk for the pitcher. During coach-pitch, a hit batter will not advance to 1st base.
6. During coach-pitch, the batter will receive up to 5 pitches, or 3 swinging strikes, whichever comes first. If the 5th or latter pitch is fouled, the batter will receive another pitch. Walks will not be called while a coach is pitching. Bunting is not permitted during coach-pitch.
7. During coach-pitch, the pitcher’s helper must stand at or behind the pitching rubber, and have one foot inside the pitching circle (the line itself is considered inside the circle) when the pitch is delivered to the batter.
8. During coach-pitch, coaches may wear a glove while pitching, and are permitted to catch balls thrown back to the circle by the catcher after a pitched ball. All other throws to the circle must be caught by the pitcher’s helper. When the ball is in play the coach must exit the pitcher’s circle to avoid interfering with the play.
9. If it is deemed by the umpire that a coach inadvertently interfered with a play, a dead ball will be called and all runners will be sent back to their starting positions. If it is deemed by the umpire that a coach intentionally interfered with a play, a dead ball will be called and the lead runner (or batter, if there are no runners) will be called out.
10. Stealing 2nd & 3rd base is allowed while a player is pitching. Stealing home is NOT permitted. Runners may leave the base when the pitcher releases the ball. Stealing is NOT allowed while a coach is pitching. Runners may lead off when the pitcher releases the ball.
11. The ball is dead when the defensive team stops the lead runner. Once the lead runner has been stopped, the player with possession of the ball may call time.
12. Run Rule: After 4 innings of play, if one team is leading by 10 runs, the umpire shall call the game (after the home team has been allowed to bat).
* Bunting IS allowed (during player-pitch only)
* No Dropped 3rd Strike Rule
* No Infield Fly Rule
For additional rules, please see FT Softball League Rules-All Divisions.