JR. MITES  RULES
BASE DISTANCE   45’	PITCHING DISTANCE   25’

In addition to the Inter league General Rules the following adaptations have been made for this division.

1.	During the months of May and June, “5 pitch” will be implemented. Each team will pitch five pitches to their own teammates. Coaches can at their discretion pitch the last 2 pitches to their own player. Pitchers are not to field the ball or interfere with the defensive team. Should the batter hit the ball and it hits the teammate or the coach, who is pitching to him, the umpire will call a “dead ball” with no change in the count and no runners advancing.  A batter becomes a runner if within 5 pitches, the ball is hit.  The batter is called out if the ball is not hit within 5 pitches.  There will be no stealing during this period. Players may advance at their own risk on overthrown balls except to home.
2.	During the first week of July, pitching will be to the opposing team and all Softball Canada and OASA rules will apply with the following exceptions.
3.	To foster development of catchers and pitchers, base runners will be permitted to steal on overthrows.  A ball pitched that is not blocked by the catcher is considered an overthrow.
4.	For safety reasons, at this level, there will be no stealing home.  A runner on third can only advance to home when the ball has been hit or when forced home by a walk.
5.	Any one pitcher may pitch a maximum of three innings or the equivalent of 9 outs.
6.	Five (5) run mercy in effect for all innings except the “open” inning.   A maximum of 15 runs will apply for the “open” inning.
Clarifications of rules often questioned
	The ball is alive and in play until the pitcher has control of the ball or the umpire calls time.
	On an overthrow out of bounds, the runner receives the base he/she was headed for plus one base (including home).
	Batters are out on the third strike even if the catcher misses the ball.
	The infield fly rule does not apply in this division.
	Use of the double base at first base: if there is a play being made or attempted to be made at first, the runner must touch the outside red/orange bag, or they will be called out; the defensive player must touch the inside white bag or the runner will be called safe.   If there is not a play being made at first base the defensive player must move out of the way and cannot interfere with the runner.  The runner may touch the inside white bag whether advancing to second or staying on first.

It is our goal to foster enthusiasm, positive team sportsmanship and softball skills.  A progression model of rule implementation has been adopted with these goals in mind.  We strongly endorse the Learn to Play development program and encourage coaches to use the Level 2 program for pre-game warm up and practices.

2010