Diamond Girls Softball Association (DGSA) has created an Addendum to the USSSA - Fastpitch Softball Rules to support our learning league, allowing coaches and players to develop their skills and knowledge of fastpitch softball. USSSA rules will be used where not specified on this document.
These variations are intended to help newer players focus on the basics and fundamentals of softball, are are specific to our League. Coaches, players, parents, and umpires should familiarize themselves with the variations added to the USSSA Fastpitch Softball Rules.
Development and Learning First
DGSA is a learning league. When in doubt, choose what is in the best interest of the organization.
T-Ball and 8u are developmental divisions. Fundamentals should be taught and explained, although not all rules will be enforced during games as we are focused on training the basics and educating players on the different elements of the game.
League Requirements
All players must wear a full conforming DGSA uniform during game play, unless previous league authorization has been granted. Players should wear the current season jersey for games.
If it is determined that there are unauthorized players in a game, the unauthorized player will be removed from the game along with the Head Coach.
Defensive face masks are recommended for all infielders to reduce the risk of concussions and injuries. Batting helmets with face guard are required for all players. Helmets should have a chin-strap if they are not a compression helmets. All players must wear their batting helmet when outside the dugout; in the hole, on deck, batting, and running bases.
Pitchers and catchers are required to wear face masks during practices, warm-ups, and games.
If a specialty player does not conform to league rules, they will not be able to continue playing in the game in those positions.
Coaches, players, and fans will exhibit good sportsmanship at all times. Violation results in a warning, the second violation will result in an ejection from the game.
Players, parents, and coaches may not taunt an opponent.
Derogatory comments and offensive behavior is not allowed.
Profanity is strictly prohibited.
The umpire’s rulings are final and non-contestable.
Balls and strikes will not be argued. If the strike zone is unclear, the catcher can ask the umpire where it is missing.
Pitchers, batters, and catchers should adjust their approach with support from their coaches.
Parents are spectators and should never engage or question players, coaches, or umpires during the game.
Home team is in the 3rd base dugout, as listed on the schedule. The home team provides the game ball and takes the field first.
Game Setup
Events scheduled at City of Peoria softball fields have prompt start/end times. Permits for field times begin at 5:45 pm and 7:15 pm, unless otherwise communicated.
Game - play times are as follows:
T-ball & 8u: 60-70 minutes, finish the inning.
10u and above: 80 minutes, then finishing the inning.
Warm-Ups
On game days, coaches should ask players to arrive at least 30 minutes or more prior to the start of the game. This allows players time to stretch and warm-up, and allows coaches to create their fielding and batting line-ups. Players that are running late, or cannot make the game start time should communicate with their coach so that pick up players can be requested, or forfeited games can be communicated to the other team and umpires.
As a courtesy, the city of Peoria grants our league access to the facilities earlier than their start time, only after field maintenance crews make the fields available. Teams should not jump fences or remove city locks to access fields prior to being allowed onto city premises. We suggest using open grass fields and other areas to warm-up when fields are not available. Coaches should not contact the city to open the park early or to extend the lights for practices or unauthorized games.
Start Times
All games are scheduled to begin promptly at 5:45 and/or 7:15 pm, except for Opening Day.
Duration
Scheduled events have prompt start/end times. The duration of games should be 60-70 minutes, finish the inning. These games should not interfere with another division’s 7:15 pm start time.
Home Team
Home team is in the 3rd base dugout, as listed on the schedule. Home team provides the game ball and takes the field first.
Field Positions
When roster sizes permit, our developmental divisions can field up to 10 players for a game. 9 standard positions, and an additional player, Rover, in the outfield.
Base Running
T-Ball: Runners should be taught not to leave their base early, but encouraged to run through first base, and not overrun other bases. Players can advance to the next base(s) on a live ball.
Stealing Bases (8u):
There are no lead offs. All base runners must wait until the pitcher has released the ball before they leave their base. Players can attempt to steal 2nd and/or 3rd base, but no stealing at home. Begin teaching these fundamentals for 8u players who are advancing to 10u.
● If the pitcher starts her wind up and the runner is off base, they will be called out.
● If a runner attempts to steal a base and the pitcher enters the pitching circle, the runner is committed to continue to the next base or immediately return to the previous base.
Fielding (8u):
Obstruction / Interference: Fielders should be taught to stay off the bases unless they are in the act of making a play. Runners should be taught to avoid interference of the play, without running out of the baseline.
Pitching
T-Ball: A tee should be placed on Home Plate for batters to use during game play. Coaches should help batters with their stance, swing, and where to place the bat once the ball is put in play.
8u Kid/Coach-Pitch: When appropriate, players can be taught to pitch in this division with slight modifications to continue preparing them to play the game at the next level & introduce pitching.
● The kid pitcher will pitch the first 4 balls to each batter:
○ If the batter hits the ball, the ball is live & the teams finish the play.
○ If the batter does not make contact within the first 4 pitches, a coach relieves the kid pitcher and pitches 3-5 additional balls to allow the batter another opportunity to hit the ball.
■ If after 3-5 balls the batter has not made contact, the batter is out.
● The kid pitcher will continue to play the pitching position for defense and resume their 4 pitches to the next batter.
● If a pitcher is removed from the circle due to the Hit by Pitch rule, they can stay in the game in another position but cannot pitch the rest of that game.
Division | Ball Size | Pitching Distance
T-Ball | 11-inch | A coach soft toss the softball from a safe distance and/or use a T to help the batters put the ball in play
8u | 11-inch | A coach should stand beside the pitcher and allow them to pitch from a safe distance up to 35’
Batting
Teams should create a batting line-up prior to the game beginning. Late players are added to the end of the lineup; players that exit the game before it has been ended are removed from the lineup without consequence (without taking an 'out'). Coaches must bat their players in a consecutive order, no substitutes and no DP/Flex.
Ending an Inning (8u)
Teams should bat their line up or 3 outs, whichever comes first.
Sometimes you win, sometimes you don't. Every time you play with class.
Team Rosters
Roster Assignment
All registered players will be designated to a specific team. T-ball and 8u will be randomly assigned. All players must be registered and insured to play in the League's current season and use league-reserved fields.