Spring Leagues – Softball

Everyone in the league wants to make our young people’s time as enjoyable as possible. Although skills and competition increase as players advance through the program, the focus at all levels in on learning, playing and fun. For example, continuous batting orders are used – so that players bat whether or not they are in the defensive alignment at the time. And all players play a minimum number of innings in the field. But even though we base our rules on the National Federation of High School standards, there are modifications in the program as the girls get older. We hope that this page serves as a “thumbnail” summary of the differences in the leagues.

Below the league summaries, you will also find links to rules, tie-breakers and the weather policy.

Please note, playing “age” is determined by the player’s age as of April 30th of the current year.

CO-ED TEE-BALL

Age: 4-6 years old
Play: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Duration: 4 innings
Baselines: 45′ Pitchers are 30′ away

A girl’s first experience begins in the Tee-Ball League. Emphasis is on fun and the teaching of fundamentals – hitting and catching the ball, throwing and running the bases. “Reduced Injury Factor” (RIF) baseballs are used. At this level:

• No scores or standings are kept.
• Batters hit from a tee set at home plate.
• Ten players bat each inning regardless of outs.
• Ten defensive players are used with coaches in the field for instruction.
• Parents serve as umpires and help with instruction.

COACH – PITCH LEAGUE

Age: 7-8 years old
Play: Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays
Duration: 6 innings
Baselines: 50′ Pitching Distance: 30′

The tees are gone and coaches pitch to their own team. “RIF” balls are used and the focus is on fun and the basics of hitting and fielding:

• Score and standing are kept but not emphasized.
• Batters receive seven pitches; there are no walks.
• Fielders play a minimum of three innings and must play both infield and outfield positions.
• Ten fielders are used; coaches teach from field.
• Catchers wear gear and receive pitches.

GREEN HAT LEAGUE

Age: 9-10 years old
Play: Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays
Duration: 6 innings
Baselines: 60′ Pitching Distance: 35′

Players pitching to players with limited coach assistance, no coaches in the field, no more neighborhood teams, 11″ regular softballs, trained umpires – many changes, but still emphasis is on fun, skill and development.

• Some more softball rules are added.
• Bunting is allowed; there are no walks.
• Catching starts to be a more skilled position.
• Pitchers may pitch three innings per game.
• Stealing of third base allowed.

RED HAT LEAGUE

Age: 11-13 years old
Play: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Duration: 6 innings
Baselines: 60′ Pitching Distance: 40′

The Red Hat League provides more of the true flavor of fast-pitch softball. 12″ softballs – competition increases but the focus on instruction, fun and sportsmanship remains with more training in teamwork.

• More rules added, including dropped third strike.
• Nine defensive players begin to specialize at positions.
• Pitchers start becoming pitchers, not just throwers.
• Outfielders become an important part of the defense.
• There are no leadoffs, but stealing of all bases are allowed.

BLUE HAT LEAGUE

Ages: 13-17 years old
Play: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Duration: 7 innings
Baselines: 60′ Pitching Distance: 46′

The Blue Hat League is generally made up of middle school and high school freshman young women. Certified umpires are used – and players work on improvement of skills, teamwork and sportsmanship.

• Players can stay on the same team for three years, developing more teamwork and team spirit.
• Players continue to become specialized at their positions.
• Players can pitch entire games.
• Catchers help to “run the team” on defense.
• Umpires are fully certified OHSAA officials.