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Welcome to Mansfield Girls Softball Association!!!

Welcome to Mansfield Girls Softball Association!!!

Why the Coaches' Corner?

As we welcome new coaches to our MGSA league, we often have common questions that are always asked.  Certainly we are not able to cover everything.  Our attempt is simply to take the most common questions and compile a resource for new and veteran coaches alike.  If you have a question, please email [email protected].

Thank you for volunteering for our girls!

SCOREBOOK AND SCOREBOARD

For all games:

Home Team will need to provide someone to keep the official book.

Visitor Team will need to provide someone to keep the scoreboard.

If those responsibilities cannot be provided, then the head coach will be responsible for keeping the one their team is assigned.

6U Questions Answered

Q: How many runs can a team score before the other team gets to bat?
A: Each half inning will end with either the defense getting 3 outs or the offense scoring 5 runs.

Q: What is the rule for when the pitcher fields the ball?
A: If the pitcher fields the ball while inside the pitcher's circle, the pitcher must throw the ball to another defensive player in order for the out to count.  If the pitcher does field the ball inside the circle and tags the runner or the base, the runner is still considered safe.
A: If the pitcher fields the ball outside of the circle, the pitcher is able to tag the runner or base like any other defensive player.

Q: Can the base runners run for extra bases?
A: The base runner can run at their own risk when the ball is hit into the field of play.  However, if there is an overthrow into foul territory, the runner is NOT able to advance any bases.

8U Questions Answered

Q: How far is the pitching rubber from home plate?
A: The rubber is 35 ft. away from home plate.  The distance is measured from the back of home plate to the front of the pitcher's rubber.  The Coach Pitcher must have one leg on the rubber as they pitch the ball to the batter on their own team.

Q: Which distance are the bases placed?
A: The bases for 8U are placed at the 60 ft. distance.

Q: Can a base runner advance  on an overthrow?
A: Yes.  In 8U, runners can advance one base only on an overthrow into foul territory.  However, an overthrow within the field of play (like an overthrow at 2nd Base) can result in multiple extra bases for the runner. Time will be called when the pitcher has the ball in the pitching circle. 

Q: Can a base runner steal bases?
A: No, runners can only advance on an overthrow and/or ball in play.

Q: How many pitches does a batter get?
A: The batter will get 5 pitches or 3 Strikes (batter attempts to swing at the pitch) at each at bat.  There are no walks in 8U.

Q: How many players can play in the field on defense?
A: The defense can play with 10 players on the field in 8U only (5 in outfield).

10U Questions Answered

Q: How far is the pitcher's rubber from home plate?
A: The distance is 35 ft. from home plate and is measured from the back of home plate to the front of the pitcher's rubber.

Q: Which distance are the bases placed?
A: For 10U, the bases are placed at the 60 ft. distance.

Q: What are the "Modified Kid Pitch" Rules?"
A: Our rules are designed to allow our young pitchers to develop.
A: Each batter will face the "kid pitcher" until they either strike out or the count reaches four balls.
A: Drop third strike is in effect in 10U.
A: If four balls are reached; instead of a "walk," the "coach pitcher" will come in to finish the count.
- If there were no strikes from the "kid pitcher," the "coach pitcher" will pitch 3 pitches total to the batter.
- If there was one strike from the "kid pitcher," the "coach pitcher" will pitch 2 pitches total to the batter.
- If there were two strikes from the "kid pitcher," the "coach pitcher" will pitch 1 pitch total to the batter.

Q: How many defensive players are allowed to play on the field at a time?
A: For 10U, only 9 defensive players are allowed on the field at a time.

12U Questions Answered

Q: What distance is the pitcher's rubber from home plate?
A: The front of the pitcher'r rubber is 40 ft. from home plate and is measure from the back of home plate.

Q: What distance are the bases placed?
A: For 12U, the bases are paced at the 60 ft. distance.

14U, 16U, 18U Questions Answered

Q: What distance is the pitcher's rubber from home plate?
A: The front of the pitcher's rubber is 43 ft. from home plate and is measured from the back of home plate.

Q:  What distance are the bases placed?
A: The bases are 60' distance.

Q: Are spiked cleats acceptable to wear during the games?
        A:     Yes, metal cleats are allowed for 14-18U only. 
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