All National Federation of State High School Associations rules will apply except for the local league rules as listed below.
The primary objective of the Southwest Virginia Softball league is for all
Player’s participating in games and practice to have fun, play their required
time in all games, and be taught the sport of softball.

Coaches are reminded they are expected to represent themselves in a professional manner toward the youth at all times. Abusive behavior towards umpires, staff, coaches, parents or kids will not be tolerated during games or practices.

Playing Field and Equipment

1. Batting helmets must have a face guard and chin-strap and be worn at all times when batting or running the bases in age groups 8-13. No metal spikes all allowed to be worn.
2. All bats will be legal as long as they have “Official Softball” stamped on them.
3. Bases will be 60 feet for all age groups.

PLAYING RULES:
1. All players must play a minimum of 3 outs in the field and have at least one time at bat in each game.
2. All starters, including the pitcher, may re-enter the game one time. Only the starting pitcher may re-enter as a pitcher during the game.
3. Age Group (8-13) – During the regular season, all players will be in the batting rotation for each team, no matter how many players each team has. There will be no change in the batting order when players are substituted into the game in a defensive position.
4. Age Group (8-13) – Pitchers may pitch a total of 12 innings a week (Mon-Sun.)
They may start both games of a doubleheader as long as they don’t exceed 12 innings for that week. One pitch constitutes an inning pitched. Two extra innings per pitcher will be allowed when more than 3 games are played in one week.
5. A 15-run rule is in effect after 3,4,5, innings of a 5,6,7 inning game respectively.
The game is over if leading by 15 after each situation listed above.
6. Age Group (8-10) A 5-run limit is in effect each inning. If a team is leading by more than 5 runs going into the last inning the game is over and the inning will not be played. Also, Ex. If a team is leading by more than 10 runs with 2 innings to play the game is over.
Age Group (11-13) A 7-run limit is in effect each inning. After a team has reached their seventh run during an inning, all plays are dead and the inning is ended. If a team is leading by more than 7 runs going into the last inning the game is over and the inning will not be played. Also, Ex. If a team is leading by more than 14 runs with 2 innings to play the game is also over.
7. Age Group (8-13) No headfirst sliding will be allowed. Penalty will be an automatic out. Players may dive back into an occupied base.
8. If a fielder is making a play on the ball or a runner, the runner must slide or attempt to avoid contact with the fielder. No aggressive contact will be allowed. If a runner does not attempt to slide or avoid contact the runner shall be declared out. Aggressive contact can result in an ejection from the game.
9. Teams must have 8 players to start a game. If a team starts with 8 players the 8 players will bat with no outs will be given to the 9th spot during the game or until a 9th player arrives.
10. No extra inning games will be played during the regular season regardless of the time limit. The home plate umpire is the official time keeper during the game.
11. A coin flip will be used at the start of games to determine the home team during the weekend round robin games only.
12. If a player shows bunt they must attempt bunt or player is out.