According to Paracletehs.org, softball got its start in Chicago on Thanksgiving in 1887. While this sport is largely popular with girls today, a group of young men from Harvard and Yale began softball. They decided to roll up a boxing glove and use a stick to hit it. Word of this game quickly spread. This game has long evolved and is played around the world, including in Northern California. The Northern California Softball Association teaches the fundamentals of the game to girls ranging in age from 4 to 16. Due to the large age gaps, the Northern California Softball Association has implemented a variety of rules.
Divisions
The Northern California Girls Softball Association -- NORCAL -- is split into 22 leagues throughout Northern California. Divisions are based on the ages of the softball players. Girls 8 and younger are in a division. Another division is for girls 10 and young. Divisions also exist for 12 and younger, 14 and younger and 16 and younger. NORCAL also sponsors a tee-ball league that allows girls to begin learning the basics of softball. Players must be between the ages of 4 and 6. Teams must have between 12 and 15 players.
Conduct
Players and coaches cannot use inappropriate language during NORCAL practices or games. Anyone found to have violated the league's conduct policy is subject to disciplinary measures. Players and coaches will automatically be ejected from the game. A first offense generally results in a two0game suspension. Two violations of the code of conduct are grounds for suspension for four games up to the remainder of the season. Parents are also asked to obey the NORCAL conduct rules.
Game Duration
Across the NORCAL league, a majority of games last seven innings. However, game length can vary by age division. Innings vary largely on the amount of time it takes to complete a game. A tee-ball game can not last for longer than one hour. A game in the 8 and younger league cannot last longer than six innings or one hour and 20 minutes. Older girls complete seven innings regardless of time frame.
Equipment
Players in all leagues -- excluding tee ball -- must wear batting helmets. Batting helmets must have a face mask and a chine strap to ensure the helmet is sure to the girl's head. Players must wear uniforms and cannot wear any type of jewelry during a game.
Pitching Regulations
NORCAL tee-ball players either hit the ball off of a tee or a coach serves as the team's pitcher. The 8 and younger league players pitch until a batter has hit the ball, struck out or has received four balls. This league does not allow walks. Players in all other leagues are allowed to pitch up to the entire game. The mound is 30 feet away for tee-ball players and it's 35 feet away in the 8 and under divisions. For all other players, the pitching mound is 40 feet from the batter.
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