Little League Softball is one of the primary youth softball associations in North America. It was started in 1974 to give young girls the opportunity to play organized softball. Before that, girls were not given a chance to play an organized version of the sport and they were also not invited to play in Little League Baseball.
Player Participation
One of the key goals of Little League Softball is to make sure all players get an opportunity to play. Managers and coaches should not use more talented and experienced players over less talented players to win games. All players must be on the field for at least six defensive outs per game and come up to bat at least once. Managers and coaches who violate this policy are subject to suspension on the second offense.
Pitcher Limitations
Little League Softball has competitive leagues for girls from age 7 through 18. Each age group division will limit the maximum amount any pitcher can throw in a game. Pitchers who are 7 or 8 cannot throw more than 50 pitches in a game. The 9- and 10-year-old pitchers cannot throw more than 75. At 11 and 12, the limit is 85. Pitchers between 13 and 16 can throw 95 pitches while senior 17- and 18-year-olds can throw 105.
Safety Equipment
Little League Softball is concerned about players' health and preventing injuries. All offensive players must wear protective helmets every time they step on the field. Batters must wear protective helmets made out of hard plastic when they come to the plate. The helmet must protect both ears as well as the head. All base runners must wear helmets. When the on-deck batter leaves the dugout and goes to the on-deck circle, she must have her helmet on.
Length of Game
All Little League softball games are six innings long for minor division (12 and under) players and seven for major division (13 and over). In minor division games, the game must go 3 1/2 innings with the home team leading to be considered official. If the home team is trailing or tied, the game must be four innings to be considered official. In major division games, the parameters are 4 1/2 innings when the home team is leading and five when it is not.
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