Babe Ruth Softball Rules

Babe Ruth softball rules vary greatly between age groups and it can be difficult for players, coaches and parents to keep track of all the changes. In a three-year span the rules for pitchers, number of fielders and lineup depth change dramatically.

  1. 10u Rules

    • In the 10-year-old and under-age division players are not allowed to steal during a "coach pitch" game. Batters receive an unlimited amount of foul balls, but once a pitcher issues a fourth ball the hitter's strike count remains the same but the offensive coach takes over pitching duties. When the coach is called upon to finish an at bat he is not allowed to make defensive plays. If a batted ball strikes the coach, just as if a batted ball struck an umpire, the ball is live.
      Runners are not forced to slide into bases, but they must make an effort to avoid contact with fielders. Runners are not allowed to slide headfirst when advancing bases and a warning can be issued to any player sliding headfirst. After a warning runners will be called out for sliding headfirst.
      In 10u competition there is no limit on substitutions or re-entry.

    12u Rules

    • As players get older the game opens up for them. In the 12u division, runners are allowed to steal, advance on a dropped third strike and pitchers are forced to work through walks.
      In the 12u division the substitution rules are altered, a substitute must play two innings in the field and have one at bat before the starter can return to the lineup.
      Lineups are not limited to 10 fielders and two extra hitters, teams can't put every player into the batting order regardless of their playing time.
      Most leagues will adhere to the 10-inning rule for pitchers. Pitchers can throw no more than 10 innings in a given week, and the innings can come in any combination. However, they can't exceed 10.
      The infield fly rule takes effect in the 12U division and continues throughout Babe Ruth play.

    14u/16u Rules

    • Most restrictions on players are lifted at the 14U division, baserunners have no limitations on stealing, headfirst slides are allowed and there are no limit to the number of innings a pitcher can throw.
      Teams are now limited to nine fielders, with an option for two extra hitters in the lineup. Extra hitters can not be re-entered into games once removed.