Long Beach Heartwell Fastpitch

2024 Spring Playing & Operating Rules

LA/South Bay District

Effective 01/4/2024

1. 6-U Division Rules Exceptions:
   1. Time Limit: 1 hour 10 minutes Drop Dead.
   2. In Play Ball -  A mark will be made on each base line 6 feet out from home plate. The ball must past this distance for it to be an in-play ball. If ball is within the lines batter will return to bat again.
   3. Pitching Distance – The pitching distance shall be 30 feet. Coaches must pitch from the pitching rubber.
   4. Pitching Rules – Coach pitch the entire season.
   5. Batting – All players present shall be listed on the official line-up and shall bat in the order listed for the entire game. Each team shall bat until a total of four (4) runs have been scored or until 3 outs have been made.
   6. Coach Pitch – Each batter will receive a maximum of five pitches with extra pitches if the 5th ball is fouled. After 5 pitches the player will be allowed three (3) swings from the tee.  If after 3 swings from the tee, the ball is not put in play, the batter will be out.
   7. Adult Pitcher – The adult pitcher of the team batting must move away from a hit ball so it may be fielded. If the ball hits the adult, the ball is declared dead. The batter returns to the plate and the runners return to the bases they were occupying before the ball was hit.
   8. Bunting – is allowed, must go past the 6-foot mark on field.
   9. Required Playing Time – All players present must play a minimum of three defensive innings per game. No player shall sit more than 2 consecutive innings and shall sit no more than 3 innings total. All players MUST play a minimum of 1 inning in the infield during each game. If the required amount of playing time is not met due to a called game, then that player must start the next game. Innings do not need to be played consecutively.
   10. Defensive Players – Each team has an option to either field ten (10) players on defense, or field all their players on defense.  If fielding ten, all four outfielders including the rover (10th player) must position themselves on the cut of the grass and must remain there until the pitch has crossed the plate.  If fielding more than ten, all players except the six (6) infielders must position themselves on the cut of the grass and must remain there until the pitch has crossed the plate. 
   11. The defensive infield positions will be as follows: pitcher, catcher, 1^st base, 2^nd base, 3^rd base, and short stop.  The pitcher defensive position will be either to the left or right of the Adult Pitcher with one foot in the pitching circle.
   12. Defensive Coaches – Two (2) defensive coaches may be placed in the grass area to aid in coaching the outfield players.
   13. Ruling of Catcher/Pitcher overthrow – If the runner is standing on the base or is retreating to a base, then the runner does not advance forward.
   14. Overthrow – Only one base is awarded on an overthrow to first base, even if the ball is still in play.
   15. To Stop Play – The ball must only break the plane of the Infield to stop play.
   16. Prior to the start of each game a volunteer coach will be the umpire.  If a volunteer coach is not available, then a parent volunteer will be selected by each team and will serve as the umpire while their team is on offense.
   17. Scores will not be recorded for the first half of the season.
   18. Beginning on Week-5 (March 25^th) Scores will be required to be submitted and standings will be held for all 6U teams.  This will be used to rank the teams for Play-off week.
   19. Home Team will be the official score keeper.