City of Iona

1st-3rd Grade Girls Machine Pitch Softball Rules

League rules are based on the USA Softball Participant Manual with the following modifications:


2nd-3rd Grade Rules

  1. Games are scheduled for 5 innings or 1 hour 5 minutes.  If weather conditions begin to be unfavorable during the course of the game, 3 innings will constitute a complete game. Games must begin on time.
  2. A team consists of 10 players on the field, with four players in the outfield. 
  3. A team must begin each game with at least 6 players.
  4.  No defensive coaches on the field of play, except in between innings to help situate players.
  5. The pitching machine will be set at 35 mph (may be adjusted slightly to ensure the ball gets over the plate). Each batter will get the regular 3 strikes, and 4 balls rule. If you have questions, please ask before the game starts.
  6. A thrown bat will result in a warning. A 2nd thrown bat will be an automatic out. This is for the safety of everyone. 
  7. Bunting is not allowed.
  8. Runners may not lead off the base. No Stealing.
  9.  Please teach your players to slide where necessary (close plays at bases) to avoid collisions and injuries. Umpires will have discretion to call a runner out if a collision could have been avoided by a slide. Likewise, please teach your players covering the bag to not interfere with a runner’s advancement to the next base.  Umpires will also have the discretion to allow an extra base if they determine a fielder obstructs with runner’s advancement.
  10. The “at-bat” for each team will end when three outs are made. If three outs are not made, the team’s “at-bat” will end when 8 runs have been scored. Continuation of runners is in effect, so a team may score a max of 11 runs in one inning.
  11. For base awards on an overthrown ball that goes out of play please see Rule 8.5.g.2 (p.94)
  12. When the ball remains in play, (inside the chain link 1st base fence line and 3rd base fence line) the runner may go as far as they can until the play is complete. The play has ended when a defensive player makes a purposeful and realistic attempt to throw the ball to the pitcher within the pitcher’s circle. It will be the umpire’s discretion of when the ball is dead.  Please be compliant if you are asked to return to a base. For example, an outfielder attempting a throw from their outfield position and delivers the ball is off course or does not reach the pitcher’s circle will be considered a live ball and the runners may continue to advance. A second example, is an infielder making a purposeful throw to the pitcher within a reasonable distance to the pitcher’s circle, and the ball slips by the pitcher, the umpire will judge the ball dead and runners may not advance. Bottom line: Do not take advantage of little girls who are still learning to throw and catch.
  13. No abusive language or behavior will be tolerated from coaches, teams, fans or umpires. Everyone please treat each other with respect.  If questions arise, discuss the matter with the umpire before or after the game.
  14. Rain Outs: Please check the City of Iona Facebook page or your email  for rain outs. Coaches will then be responsible to contact all team members. Be prepared to play make-up games on Friday of the same week as the rainout. If your team has two rainouts in one week, you will only remake the first rained out game. Make-up games will not be rescheduled if you are unable to attend.

Rules may change at Director’s discretion. Please be compliant.