14U RULES

Franklin Township Softball 12/14U League Rules *

Revised 02.15.2026

BASE DISTANCE:  60 feet 

PITCHING DISTANCE:  40 feet

SOFTBALL SIZE:  12 inches

1. Only the Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and additional assistants assigned by the Head Coach are permitted on the field and in dugouts during a game.

2. A regulation game shall last 70 minutes. A new inning will not begin after the time limit of 70 minutes has elapsed. Innings in progress should be finished unless the home team is batting and they are in the lead. If teams are tied when time has expired and the home team has completed the inning, the game will result in a tie.

3. Both teams shall maintain their own separate books. Umpires are the official timekeepers.

4. If a game is called by an umpire for any reason, the game will be considered complete and the score will stand if 2 or more innings have been completed.

5. Offensive coaches are allowed at 1st & 3rd base. Coaches are not allowed on the field while their team is on defense.

6. All players must play a minimum of every other inning on defense.

7. The playing field shall consist of 6 infielders with up to 4 players in the outfield.

8. All rostered players who are present for the game must be in the batting order. Players who are not present at the start of the game shall be placed at the bottom of the batting order. When the player arrives, the coach shall inform the scorekeepers from both teams.

9. If a player is unable to bat due to illness or injury, the scorekeepers from both teams shall be informed so the player can be bypassed in the batting order. This will NOT result in an out, and the player is permitted to return to the lineup with no penalty assessed.

10. Teams may score only 6 runs in any one inning. If additional runners reach home on the same play, the runs do not score. 

11. 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).

12. Pitching distance shall be 40 feet from the apex of home plate to the front center of the pitching rubber.

13. A player may pitch unlimited innings, however the starting pitcher may only re-enter the game one time.

14. Bat throwing is NOT permitted. The first time a bat is thrown, the umpire will notify the scorekeeper that the team has received its first warning. The second time a bat is thrown, the player who threw the bat is called out. This is a judgment call by the umpire. 

NOTE: This rule is applicable to the team, NOT the individual player. The second player to throw a bat is called out regardless if another player received the first warning.

15. Intentional walks are not permitted. This is a judgment call by the umpire.

16. The USSSA Fastpitch Rule Book shall be followed when a specific rule is not covered by these Franklin Township Softball league rules.