INDEPENDENCE GIRLS SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION, INC.

(MEMBER USSSA)

OFFICIAL RULES

Revised 5/31/2026

SECTION I - THE LEAGUE

Purpose

The Independence Girls Softball Association, Inc. of Independence, Missouri (IGSA) is organized to promote girls softball in our community.

Administration

IGSA is a self-sustained organization assisted by members of the community. All league competition is played under IGSA jurisdiction. The Board of Directors administers league matters and is responsible for the financial direction of league funds. The Board establishes rules, regulations, and general policies for league operations.

A board member or Volunteer in Charge will be present on game nights to make decisions related to IGSA rules and other league matters. This person may be paid a small fee for this service.

IGSA is a participation league intended to foster sports competition.

Divisions

Blastball: ages 3-4
T-Ball: ages 5-6
Coach Pitch: 8 and under
Division 1: 10 and under
Division 2: 12 and under
High School: 18 and under

Rules and Regulations

Official fastpitch softball rules and USSSA codes govern league play unless IGSA rules state otherwise. The current USSSA rules are available at www.USSSA.com. IGSA rules supersede all other official softball rules for IGSA play.

Additional rules may be adopted by a simple majority vote of the IGSA Board of Directors when deemed necessary for the proper function of the league.

Nonprofit and Tax-Exempt Provisions

The organization is organized exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

No part of the net earnings of the organization shall benefit or be distributed to its members, directors, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization may pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and make payments and distributions that further its stated purposes.

The organization shall not carry on activities not permitted by an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3), or by an organization whose contributions are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Upon dissolution, after debts and obligations are paid or adequately provided for, remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more nonprofit funds, foundations, or organizations with established tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3).

The organization, or members acting in their official capacities, shall not directly or indirectly participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office, and shall not devote more than an insubstantial part of its activities to attempting to influence legislation.

SECTION II - CODE OF ETHICS FOR MANAGERS, COACHES, AND SPECTATORS

The manager is responsible for setting a good example for the team through conduct on and off the field. The primary concern should be the players and the development of their physical, mental, and moral character.
The manager should maintain control of the team at all times and use good judgment and tact when disciplining players.
The manager is responsible for the conduct of coaches, players, and fans.
Managers and coaches shall not question balls and strikes or other judgment calls.
No alcoholic beverages are allowed at any IGSA function.
Smoking is allowed only in the paved, striped parking lot.
No animals are allowed in the park while IGSA has possession of the park.
Any manager or coach ejected from a game is ineligible to attend the next played game, either on the field or in the park.
Players, managers, umpires, and coaches shall not mingle with spectators or sit in the stands during the game.
If there are violations of the Code of Ethics or rules of conduct, the manager and offender will receive one warning per game. Further violations may result in ejection of the manager and offender from the game. Repeat offenders will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Intimidation tactics by managers, coaches, players, or spectators will not be tolerated. This includes noisemakers.
Violations may result in board action, including reprimand, suspension, or removal of the offender.

SECTION III - MANAGERS AND COACHES

Managers and coaches may not stand behind the plate umpire during the game.
Each manager is responsible for providing a scorekeeper for their team.
Lineup cards must be completed and presented to the scorekeepers five minutes before game time. The lineup card must include the starting lineup, benched players, absent players, and the reason for any benching or absence.
A team must field at least seven eligible players no later than five minutes after the scheduled game time or the game will be forfeited. A team must maintain at least seven eligible players throughout the game or forfeit. No out will be recorded for playing short. Borrowing players from another team is allowed and encouraged, but borrowed players must be from the same or a younger division.
In the absence of the manager, the umpire shall identify the acting manager. A coach or parent acting as manager assumes all manager responsibilities.
All managers must be at least 18 years old. Coaches must be at least 16 years old.
A person may manage only one team in the league.
All managers and coaches must complete required City of Independence Parks and Recreation forms and background checks. If a background check is returned for any reason, that person may not participate as a manager or coach in practices or games.
The head coach must be identified at pregame. The head coach is the only person who may appeal a call or approach the umpire and is responsible for players, coaches, and fans.
Roster batting is required. All players must be listed with jersey number, first and last name, and starting position. Nicknames should not be used.

SECTION IV - PLAYERS

Any girl who meets the age requirements is eligible for league play.

Player Participation

Blastball, T-Ball, and Coach Pitch: all players in attendance may play defense.
Divisions 1, 2, 3, and 5: each player must play at least two uninterrupted innings on defense. A batting order including all eligible players present will be established at the beginning of the game and maintained throughout the game. Late arrivals are added to the bottom of the batting order.
Exceptions to the participation rule include players who are benched due to unexcused absences, ejected by the umpire, benched due to a prior ejection, injured or ill, arriving after the beginning of the third inning, benched for disciplinary reasons, or when the game does not reach three innings. Failure to comply with the participation rule will result in forfeiture.
Playing under an assumed name or falsifying a registration form will make a player ineligible. All players must be registered with the league.
Any player ejected from a game will sit out the remainder of that game and the next game they attend, while remaining on the bench in uniform. Additional discipline may be imposed by the Board. Exception: thrown bat rule.
Two unexcused absences from practice may result in a player being benched for the following game. This must be noted on the official lineup card. Managers should use discretion.
If a player is removed from a game due to injury, IGSA may require a doctor’s release before the player returns to play.
All players present at the start of the game must bat once. If a player arrives late or declines their turn at bat, every effort should be made to get the player an at-bat. The lineup may be condensed; no out will be taken unless it is the result of a sportsmanship issue.
No jewelry is allowed.

SECTION V - TEAMS

Each roster may have no more than 15 players and no fewer than eight registered players, excluding Blastball.
The playing field and bench are restricted to players, one manager, two coaches, one bat person, and umpires.
Divisions 1 through 5 will play with 10 defensive players. The 10th player is an extra outfielder (EO) and must be positioned in the designated outfield. If the EO is not in the outfield when the ball crosses the plate, obstruction will be called and the offense will be awarded the appropriate base.
Except for the batter, base runners, the on-deck batter, and coaches in the coach’s boxes, all players must remain on the bench or in the bullpen.
When rosters are full, unassigned registered players will be placed in the player pool and assigned by the league as space becomes available.
Players may be added up to the start of the season in registration order as needed. After the season starts, a player may not be added unless the team roster drops below 10 players.
Team assignments will be made according to league guidelines. Tryouts and recruiting by managers or coaches are not allowed.
Teams should be at the field 15 minutes before game time. No infield practice is allowed. Both teams may warm up at the same time for five minutes. Warm-up time may be waived by the umpire if games are behind schedule.
Practice time should be limited to four hours per week.
IGSA provides insurance to team members during the regular season, including preseason and IGSA tournament activities, for IGSA games and practices only.
Teams practicing with more than four players and any coach present before April 1 may be penalized. The head coach may be barred from end-of-season tournament games and may be ineligible for the $50 league supplement for an outside tournament.

SECTION VI - EQUIPMENT

League-provided and personal equipment must comply with USSSA standards, including bats, catcher’s masks, chest protectors, shin guards, batting helmets, face masks, uniforms, and practice/game balls.
Divisions 2 through 5 require pitchers to wear a defensive face mask provided by the league.
Official game balls will be provided by the league before the season. The home team manager is responsible for providing game balls, including one new ball.
Managers are responsible for returning all league equipment after the final game.
Players must wear league-provided uniforms. Long pants are allowed if the color matches league-issued shorts. Pants with piping, stripes, or printing are not allowed. Shirts must be tucked in and may not be altered unless approved by the Board.
No metal cleats are allowed in any division.
Divisions 2-5 require a 12-inch USSSA sanctioned ball. Division 1 and Coach Pitch require an 11-inch USSSA sanctioned ball.

SECTION VII - GAMES: DIVISIONS 1, 2, 3, AND 5

Teams may score a maximum of five runs per inning or until three outs are recorded. The seventh inning also has a five-run limit.
Games are seven innings, time permitting. Game time is 70 minutes with no new inning after 65 minutes. The plate umpire is the official timekeeper. If the game is tied when time expires, the game is declared a tie. Game time begins one minute after the pregame conference.
Official game requirements: three completed innings; two and one-half innings with the home team leading; or one hour of playing time.
Games that do not qualify as official will be replayed from the start. If an official game is called during an incomplete inning with the home team behind, the score reverts to the last completed inning.
Game cancellations will be handled by Parks and Recreation due to weather or field conditions. Teams should report to the field unless games are officially cancelled. Storm warnings or sirens may result in suspension or cancellation at the discretion of the UIC or IGSA Volunteer in Charge.

Field Dimensions

Division 1: 35-foot pitching distance; 60-foot bases.
Division 2: 40-foot pitching distance; 60-foot bases.
Divisions 3 and 5: 43-foot pitching distance; 60-foot bases.

Division 1 Specific Rules

The catcher is not required to hold the third strike for an out. The batter-runner is out on a called or swinging third strike. There is no infield fly rule.
Stealing is allowed one base per pitch. No stealing home. If a runner steals home safely, the umpire will return the runner to third base. The runner steals at their own risk.
Scoring is allowed only by a batted ball, a bases-loaded walk that forces advancement, catcher’s obstruction with bases loaded, or a hit batter with bases loaded.
The strike zone is expanded one ball above and one ball below the standard strike zone, chalk to chalk.

Division 1 Modified Player Pitch / Coach Pitch Rule

The player pitcher pitches until the batter is retired, puts the ball in play, or is hit by a pitch. A hit batter is awarded first base. Batters may bunt during player pitch.

There are no walks. If the player pitcher throws four balls, the batter is not awarded first base. An adult coach from the hitting team enters to pitch from the pitching rubber. The player pitcher remains to the side of the adult pitcher and makes all defensive plays. The adult pitcher may not coach batters or runners while pitching and must exit the playing area as soon as the ball is put in play.

The adult coach pitches with at least one foot on the pitching rubber. The batter receives up to four coach pitches, reduced by one pitch for each strike already thrown by the player pitcher. During coach pitch, balls and called strikes are not called on pitches that are not swung at. Swinging strikes carry over. A batter may not bunt during coach pitch.

The batter either puts the ball in play, strikes out, is retired after the allotted pitches, or continues receiving pitches after fouling off the final pitch until one of the prior outcomes occurs.

Additional Game Rules

Thrown bat rule: first offense is a warning with explanation to the batter and coach. Second offense results in the batter being called out and the play becoming dead. Repeat offenders are disqualified for the remainder of the game.
When the outcome can no longer change because of the run limit, umpires will consult with both managers between innings to confirm participation requirements and determine whether the losing manager wants to continue to the time limit or stop the game.
If only one paid umpire is present, that umpire has jurisdiction over the entire field.
If an umpire believes batter safety is compromised by wild pitching, the umpire may act to remedy the situation.
Courtesy runners are recommended for pitchers and catchers with fewer than two outs. A player using a courtesy runner for pitcher or catcher must play that position for at least one batter the next inning.
If an offensive player is injured while running bases, a courtesy runner may be used. The injured player is finished for the inning or their time on the bases. Exception: blood rule; the player may return once blood is cleaned up.
Only players, managers, and coaches are allowed in the dugout. Parents and spectators must remain outside unless invited by the umpire due to injury.
Illegal pitch infractions will be identified and explained by the umpire for education. A ball is awarded to the batter unless the pitch is hit.
IGSA pitchers may step back off the mound during wind-up to align with USA, USSSA, and MSHSAA rules. USSSA update: only the pivot foot is required to contact the pitcher’s plate.
Offense is allowed one conference per inning. Defense is allowed three conferences per game.

Batting Out of Order

If the violation is noticed while the incorrect batter is still at bat, the correct batter is inserted and the current count remains.

Division 1: the incorrect batter remains where the play ended. If the batter made an out, the out stands. If the batter reached base, she remains on first and the correct batter bats next.

Divisions 2, 3, and 4: runners return to their original bases and the correct batter bats as if the wrong batter had not batted. If an out was recorded, the out stands on the first offense. On the second offense, the team is given an out and the correct batter bats. On the third offense, the team is given an out and the manager is ejected.

SECTION VIII - SCOREKEEPERS

Each team must provide a scorekeeper. Scorekeepers must sit together behind home plate.
The scorekeeper for the team listed first on the schedule is the official scorekeeper. If only one scorekeeper is present, that scorekeeper becomes the official scorekeeper.
Scorekeepers will use official score sheets provided by the league.
No score is kept for T-Ball or Blastball.
The home team is listed first and will occupy the third-base bench.

SECTION IX - SCHEDULES

Game schedules will be provided by the league. Postponed games will be played as soon as possible on the date rescheduled by IGSA. Failure of either or both teams to play may result in forfeiture by either or both teams.

SECTION X - PROTESTS: DIVISIONS 1, 2, 3, AND 5

Only the manager of the contesting team may protest a game.
The Board of Directors will discuss protests as soon as possible after the game.
Written reports from the manager and umpires must be received by the Board within 24 hours after the game. The specific rule violated and the exact manner of violation must be stated. The Board’s decision is final.
During tournament play, any required written report must be given to a league board member before leaving the field that night.
A $25 protest fee must be submitted with the protest. The fee will be returned if the protest is allowed.
For other protest rules, see USSSA rules.
Protests must be indicated at the time of the offense. The only exception is the participation rule. Score sheets and lineups must be turned in immediately after the game.

SECTION XI - BLASTBALL

Blastball runs for six weeks with one game per week. Games last 40 minutes or 3 innings and are drop-dead when time expires.
No offensive player may be on the field without a batting helmet.
Each team bats its entire roster once per inning. If the batter reaches the BlastBase before the defensive player catches the ball in the air or fields it and yells “Blast,” the batter scores. If the ball is caught or fielded and “Blast” is yelled before the runner reaches the base, the runner is out.
After running to first base, the player returns to the dugout. After a fielder catches or stops the ball and yells “Blast,” the fielder should throw the ball to the umpire at home plate.
Each batter receives up to five swings to hit a fair ball. A fair ball is between the foul lines and beyond the 10-foot fair-ball arc in front of home plate.
The field consists of home plate, one BlastBase at first base, and defensive players lined up in baseball positions.
Players must wear the team shirt supplied by IGSA and black shorts or pants. Gloves are optional. The game ball is foam rubber.

SECTION XII - T-BALL

A smaller ball will be used to better accommodate young players.
The defensive team consists of all players, with a minimum of five infielders. A catcher must be fielded regardless of the number of players present.
Infielders must play behind the pitcher’s mound. Outfielders must play behind the baseline until the ball is hit. Penalty: free base to the batter; runners advance and score if forced.
The pitcher must keep both feet in the pitcher’s circle until the ball is hit. Penalty: free base to the batter; runners advance and score if forced.
The manager submits the batting order at the start of each game. Players bat in roster order. If an absent player arrives, the player’s status changes to present and she assumes her roster batting order position.
All players bat each inning, and outs do not count against the team.
No stealing. A runner may not leave the base until the ball leaves the tee. If a runner leaves early, the ball is dead, the runner is out, and no runners may advance or score.
The first thrown bat results in a warning to both benches. The next batter on either team who throws a bat will be called out.
When a thrown ball enters dead-ball territory, runners are awarded one extra base beyond the base they were attempting at the time of the throw.
Once any defensive player on the infield has possession and holds the ball above the head, runners may advance only if they were at least halfway to the next base. Otherwise, runners return to the previous base.

SECTION XIII - COACH PITCH

An 11-inch USSSA sanctioned ball is required.
The defensive team consists of all players, with only six infielders. All other defensive players must be in the designated outfield. If a team has more than 10 players, they may play a rover. Rovers must be positioned behind 2nd base. All other extra players will take a position in the outfield. Catchers must wear full protective equipment.
Defensive positions may be changed only between innings unless an injury occurs. Failure to comply may result in forfeiture.
A team must field a catcher regardless of the number of players present.
All infielders must play behind the pitcher’s mound. All outfielders must play behind the baseline/grass until the pitched ball crosses the plate.
The player in the pitcher position must be behind the pitching rubber at the point of the pitch.
The manager or head coach must be identified at pregame and is the only person who may appeal a call or approach the umpire. This person is responsible for players, coaches, and fans.
Roster batting is required. All players must be listed with jersey number, first and last name, and starting position.
If a batter is late or voluntarily misses an at-bat, every effort will be made to get her an at-bat. All batters must bat once.
Each batter receives five pitches or 3 swinging strikes. Bunting is not allowed. Stealing is not allowed.
Thrown bat rule: first offense is a warning with explanation to the batter and coach. Second offense results in the batter being called out.
On a batted ball only, if the defense throws the ball into dead-ball territory, runners are awarded two bases from the time of the throw.
Base running: once the ball is back on the infield (inside the baselines) and no play is being attempted, the halfway rule applies in the umpire’s judgment and is not appealable. If the runner is halfway, the next base is awarded. If not, the runner returns to the last achieved base.
When play is suspended and runners are not advancing, the umpire will call “Ball in” or “Time.” The defensive player may then throw the ball to the pitching coach, and runners may not advance.
Game time is 60 minutes with no new inning after 55 minutes.
Batters, base runners, and on-deck players must wear helmets, including chin straps if attached to the helmet.
Courtesy runners are recommended for catchers with fewer than two outs. If a courtesy runner is used for a player who will catch, that player must catch for at least one batter. Injured runner and blood-rule exceptions apply.
Bases are 60 feet apart. The pitching mound is 35 feet from home plate.

Coach Positions

Defense: two coaches are allowed in foul territory in the outfield. They must make every effort not to interfere with play and may not touch the ball for any reason.
Offense: one coach pitches and must stay in the pitching circle, make every effort not to interfere, and may not coach while pitching. Two base coaches may be positioned in the first- and third-base coach’s boxes and must remain in the boxes.

Coaching Etiquette

Coaches must coach their own players and avoid interfering with the game. First offense is a warning to the head coach. Second offense may result in the offending coach being removed from the field or restricted to the bench. Persistent offenders may be restricted to the dugout for future games. Behavior will be reviewed by the League President, Division Representative, and UIC.

Dugout: only players, managers, and coaches are allowed. Parents must remain outside unless invited by the umpire due to injury.

SECTION XIV - TOURNAMENT

An IGSA tournament will be held immediately after the regular season. Tournament dates will be set when the regular-season schedule is created, weather permitting. Regular-season rainouts not played before the tournament will be scheduled after the tournament.
The tournament consists of separate single-elimination tournaments for Coach Pitch and Divisions 1, 2, 3, and 5. All teams participate.
Umpires will provide two game balls for each tournament game. Teams must shag balls to keep games moving.
Games for Divisions 1-5 are 90 minutes or seven innings, with no new inning after 85 minutes. A coin flip determines home team; the winner chooses home or visitor.
Tournament rosters must be submitted to the Division Representative 15 minutes before game time.
USSSA run spreads apply: 12 runs after three innings, 10 runs after four innings, and eight runs after five innings.
Tournament games must have a winner. If tied after regulation time, ITB will be used. The last completed at-bat from the previous inning is placed on second base for each ITB inning.
The home scorebook is official. Visitors should also keep accurate score.
In the event of a rainout, the plate umpire will provide the time remaining and verify the score with both scorekeepers.
Every attempt will be made to get every player an at-bat. Flip-flop rules do not apply.
If a team has fewer than nine available players, the IGSA coach must email igsa@igsasoftball.com to request pickup players at least 48 hours before the tournament game. Pickup players must be currently registered IGSA players and must be approved by the league president and division representative. Pitchers may not be picked up for end-of-season tournament games.

Tournament Run Limit

For tournament play only, the five-run-per-inning limit applies for the first hour. For the remaining 30 minutes, the five-run rule is waived. If the one-hour mark occurs during an inning, the umpire will finish the current inning, and the remaining game time will not have a run limit but will follow USSSA run-spread rules. During the final 30 minutes, each coach receives one mound visit.

Coach Pitch Tournament Rules

Coach Pitch games are 71 minutes with no new inning after 70 minutes.
Defensive coaches must be in the outfield, in foul territory or the grassy area.
Offensive coaches must remain in the designated coach’s boxes.
The pitching coach pitches only, stays as close to the circle as possible, does not move with the play, does not signal the outcome of the call, and does not coach once the ball is hit.
The five-run-per-inning or three-outs rule applies during the tournament.
Score is kept during the tournament. A complete game is six innings.

Division 1 Tournament Rule

During the period in which the coach is pitching, the batter receives five pitches or three swinging strikes.

Outside Tournaments

IGSA teams may enter non-league tournaments with prior league approval. All IGSA Code of Ethics rules apply. IGSA will supplement $50 toward the entry fee for one ASA or USSSA sanctioned tournament per team, per season. The tournament director may request the $50 payment by emailing igsa@igsasoftball.com.