Dixie leagues provide access to organized baseball and softball to children in 11 southern states from Texas to Virginia. Girls playing Dixie softball compete on a smaller field than other youth softball programs', changing the dynamics and rules for pitchers.
The Official Ball
Dixie Softball defines its official ball as having a kapok or cork and rubber core attached to a natural or synthetic leather hide by latex or rubber cement. Rule 2:01 of the 2010 Rules Guide defines the ball used by girls ages 7 to 12, also known as Dixie Sweeties, Darlings and Angels, as having a circumference between 10 7/8 and 11 1/8 in., and weight between 5 7/8 and 6 1/8 oz. Balls used at the Ponytails, Belles and Debs levels, or ages 13 to 18 years, use a ball between 11 7/8 to 12 1/8 in, in circumference and weighing 6 1/4 to 7 oz.
General Pitching Rules
The Dixie pitcher's mound is topped by what Rule 6:00 calls the pitcher's plate. The pitcher must plant both feet on the 24-in. plate before beginning her motion. The pitcher must hold the set for one full second with her shoulders in line with first and third base. During the motion, the pitcher must keep one foot in contact with the plate. The pitch must be delivered underhand with the hand remaining below the hip.
Balks
Rule 6:08 states that "the pitcher shall not throw to a base during a live ball while her foot is contact with the pitcher's plate after she has taken the pitching position." In this case, the pitcher commits a balk. If a player does throw to a base while her feet are on the mound, all base runners can move up one base. A base runner on third base is permitted to score.
Who Pitches
In Sweeties and Darlings, leagues can opt to use a pitching machine in lieu of a live pitcher. Darlings have the option of allowing a coach to pitch, while Sweeties may use a tee for hitting. Angels is the first level where girls can pitch, though local leagues can swap in the offensive team's coach if the pitcher throws four walks in one inning. The coach completes the inning and the player can resume her duties in the following inning.
Restrictions
Pitching rules for the Ponytails, Belles and Debs restrict how many innings a player may throw in one week. Ponytails' pitchers, including girls aged 11 and 12, may throw up to eight innings between Monday and the following Sunday evening. No girl may throw more than six innings in one game. Belles and Debs are capped at seven innings in one game and no more than 10 between Monday and Sunday.
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