General Rules

Authority

The WBSA Softball program is conducted by authority of the Board of Directors of the Wylie Softball Association (WBSA), Wylie, Texas.

Purpose

The purpose of WBSA Softball is to promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship, fellowship, athleticism, and fair play by providing recreation, fun, and cooperation through voluntary participation. In no manner is this program intended to hinder school athletic programs, but rather, it is intended to give all eligible individuals the opportunity to participate in the tradition of softball.

Administration

1. A

   Wylie Softball Administration Vice-President will act as the presiding officer of the Softball Board, which will have the responsibility for the administration and conduct of the WBSA Softball program within guidelines established by USSSA.

2. B

   The League Director for each playing league will be designated by the Board and will be responsible for assisting the Vice-President in the direction of their league.

3. C

   The Softball Board is comprised of the Vice-President, Player Registrar, Secretary, Treasurer, League Directors, and other board members as determined by the Board.

Eligibility

1. A

   Players

   1. 1

      Eligibility is based on USSSA rules, where applicable, which are based on the birth year of the player and the calendar year of competition. The following table is provided as a guide.

      Fall 2026 / Spring 2027 season age chart

      Division	Born Between
      14U	September 01 2011 - August 31 2013
      12U	September 01 2013 - August 31 2015
      10U	September 01 2015 - August 31 2017
      8U	September 01 2017 - August 31 2019
      6U	September 01 2019 - August 31 2021
      4U	September 01 2021 - August 31 2022

      Show the full month-by-month chart

      Fall 2026 / Spring 2027 season — year born

      Month born	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
      January		14U	14U	12U	12U	10U	10U	8U	8U	6U	6U	4U
      February		14U	14U	12U	12U	10U	10U	8U	8U	6U	6U	4U
      March		14U	14U	12U	12U	10U	10U	8U	8U	6U	6U	4U
      April		14U	14U	12U	12U	10U	10U	8U	8U	6U	6U	4U
      May		14U	14U	12U	12U	10U	10U	8U	8U	6U	6U	4U
      June		14U	14U	12U	12U	10U	10U	8U	8U	6U	6U	4U
      July		14U	14U	12U	12U	10U	10U	8U	8U	6U	6U	4U
      August		14U	14U	12U	12U	10U	10U	8U	8U	6U	6U	4U
      September	14U	14U	12U	12U	10U	10U	8U	8U	6U	6U	4U
      October	14U	14U	12U	12U	10U	10U	8U	8U	6U	6U	4U
      November	14U	14U	12U	12U	10U	10U	8U	8U	6U	6U	4U
      December	14U	14U	12U	12U	10U	10U	8U	8U	6U	6U	4U

   2. 2

      A player may play on only one WBSA Softball team per season.

   3. 3

      Players may play in a league equivalent to one year above their birth year with parent request and Board approval.

2. B

   Coaches

   1. 1

      An individual may be denied coaching privileges for any violation of WBSA code of ethics, coach’s contract or conduct code.

   2. 2

      Eligibility for adults as coaches in the WBSA Softball Program is as follows:

      1. a

         Coaches must demonstrate knowledge of Softball rules.

      2. b

         The assignment of coaches will be at the discretion of the Softball Board.

      3. c

         All head coaches and assistant coaches must pass a thorough background check.

      4. d

         The Softball Board will be the final judge of fact in all questions of eligibility.

      5. e

         Coaches are not allowed to be the head coach of two teams in the WBSA.

      6. f

         Coaches and Assistant Coaches MUST be over 21 years of age.

Team and League Organization

1. A

   The Softball Board reserves the right to consolidate or split one or more leagues if it deems necessary for the benefit of the program.

2. B

   Teams will be formed in the following manner:

   1. 1

      Player Assignment

      1. a

         Players not on a Pre-Formed Team will be placed in the draft and assigned to a team.

      2. b

         A returning player from the previous Spring has the option of choosing her prior coach or entering the draft. If her coach is unavailable, she may attempt to find a team of her choice prior to being placed in the draft. Spring players have first option over Fall players when returning to a previous team in the Spring season.

   2. 2

      Pre-Formed Teams

      1. a

         Coaches may bring their own teams (pre-formed teams) provided the head coach submits a roster of player’s names to WBSA by the deadline. This deadline will precede the draft. Submission of name roster does not constitute registration of players.

      2. b

         Each player must register individually and must have paid their registration fees by the registration deadline.

      3. c

         When registering, parents must request that their child be placed on the head coach’s pre-formed team.

      4. d

         Coaches of pre-formed teams should ensure that each parent registers their child correctly.

      5. e

         No roster size minimum, but the maximum number of players shall not exceed 12 without approval of the Board. If the team does not have enough players, it will be filled in by the player assignment process (draft), combined with another team, or the players will be assigned to other teams.

      6. f

         Coaches will not be allowed to add to their rosters after the deadline without the approval of the League Director, Player Registrar and VP.

      7. g

         Players will not be added to teams once the season has started without the approval of the League Director and WBSA Board.

      8. h

         Pre-formed teams will be vetted and are able to carry a roster with no more than 3 Select Class B or higher registered players in the current year.

Practices and Games

1. A

   No player or coach may participate in any league sponsored team meetings, workouts, or games until she is officially assigned to the team and has completed her player/coach’s certification (where applicable). Any events that occur prior to the issuance of a team roster will not be sanctioned by or covered under the insurance of the Wylie Baseball and Softball Association (WBSA).

Code of Conduct

1. A

   The WBSA Softball program strives to develop softball skills, teamwork, achievement, and good sportsmanship among all participants. Winning is secondary to these objectives. Coaches and fans are expected to abide by these principles.

2. B

   All coaches must demonstrate good sportsmanship, and fair play always to fans, officials, and players.

3. C

   Players, coaches, officials, and participants are subject to, and must abide by, the WBSA Code of Conduct.

4. D

   Head coaches are responsible for the actions of their team’s players, coaches, and fans. Coaches must explain to their parents and players that any negative actions they take before, during or after a game in relation to the officials, coaches, players, or spectators will have a negative impact on the game and will potentially result in game penalties against their team as well as the individuals taking the actions.

5. E

   Fighting will not be tolerated. Players or coaches who fight, start, or instigate a fight will face disciplinary action. If there is any physical altercation or if a punch is thrown, whether it connects or not, the Wylie Police Department will be called and the individual or individuals responsible will be suspended from further league play pending an investigation.

6. F

   All coaches and players should shake hands at the conclusion of their game.

7. G

   Violation of the conduct described in this Section may result in an immediate suspension or other penalty as determined by the Board.

8. H

   All players must be WBSA registered. If an illegal player is used, the head coach will be immediately suspended, and the Board will review further disciplinary action required.

Award Guidelines

The following guidelines establish a method to award players for their effort while participating in WBSA Fast Pitch Softball. Awards may be given as trophies, shirts, medals, or pins. League play and tournament play may be given different types of awards.

USSSA Softball

1. A

   USSSA rules apply, unless superseded by these WBSA softball rules.

Players

1. A

   Teams may play with up to 10 defensive players at one time, including 4 outfielders unless specified below.

2. B

   Teams must field at least 5 players in 4U, 7 players in 6U, and 8 players in 8U & up for an official game. Less than the minimum number of players will result in a forfeit.

3. C

   In the event a team has less than 9 rostered players at a game:

   6U – 14U

   The team may play with up to 2 additional players currently registered on another WBSA team in the same league to play with a total of up to 10 players. The additional players count toward the minimum number required for an official game. The additional players may only play in the outfield and must bat last in the initial batting order.

   Pool players

   All Pool Player requests must go through the Player Agent and be assigned by the player agent. If this process is not followed, you will be required to forfeit. Before the start of the season each coach must send 2 pool players per team to the player agent; if you do not send pool players, you will not receive pool players if you are short.

4. D

   Each eligible player present at the start of a game must play at least 1 inning on defense if 2 or 3 innings are played, at least 2 innings on defense if 4 or 5 innings are played, and at least 3 innings on defense if 6 or more innings are played, unless the player leaves the ball fields during the game, or if disciplinary action, injury, or illness prevents any player from satisfying their playing time.

5. E

   Coaches are allowed free fielding substitutions, without formal notification requirements.

Coaches

1. A

   Coaches must be a minimum of 21 years of age.

2. B

   A Maximum of 4 Adults can be on the field or in the dugout during a game. This includes the Head Coach, assistant coaches, and team parent.

3. C

   All Coaches and team parents must pass a background check prior to being allowed on the field.

4. D

   No one other than the rostered team members and the 4 above mentioned adults are allowed on the field or in the dugout during a game. This applies to all leagues. No siblings, friends, cousins, etc. can be on the field or in the dugout during the game.

5. E

   Defensive Positions

   1. 1

      No defensive coaches are allowed on the field at any time. Coaches may not position themselves any closer than the last pole of the dugout closest to home plate. (See 6U and 8U League exceptions.)

6. F

   Offensive Positions

   1. 1

      First Base Coach — must remain in the coach’s box.

   2. 2

      Third Base Coach — must remain in the coach’s box.

   3. 3

      Lineup / Batting Coach — must remain against the fence in front of his/her team’s dugout. This coach is responsible for ensuring that the batting order is maintained and may retrieve bats from the field after they have been used.

   4. 4

      Dugout Coach / Team Parent — must always remain inside the dugout during game play. Is responsible for maintaining order inside the dugout and ensuring a smooth and seamless transition between half innings.

      1. a

         All players in the batting rotation should have their helmets and/or gloves on and be prepared to be on deck for their at bat.

      2. b

         All players that are not expected to bat should be prepared for their next defensive position.

Game

1. A

   The team taking the dugout with the lock box is responsible for the bases.

   1. 1

      The stowed bases are in a lock box in the 3rd base dugout on Fields A and B. If it’s the first game of the day on the field, the team must put out the bases according to their league guidelines. The base plugs should be removed carefully and placed in the 3rd base dugout.

   2. 2

      If it’s the last game of the day on the field, the team is responsible for taking up the bases and replacing the base plugs on the field. The bases should be stowed in an orderly fashion in the lock box.

2. B

   In fast pitch softball, the home team is assigned to the 3rd base dugout; the visiting team will use the 1st base dugout.

3. C

   Home and visitor are labeled as such on the schedule.

4. D

   Regular season games can end in a tie.

5. E

   Home team will keep the Official Scorebook for each game.

6. F

   Visiting team will run the scoreboard for each game.

7. G

   The home team coach is responsible for recording the scores and entering them in QuickClub (Spring season only).

   1. 1

      All scores must be posted within 24 hours of game completion. Once the score is entered, it cannot be edited. If a mistake is made, please contact your league director as quickly as possible to get the correction posted.

   2. 2

      Disputes of any scores posted on the website must be submitted to the league director within 48 hours of game completion.

8. H

   After any time limit is reached, the game will be stopped at the completion of the current batter if the game is in an unreachable/un-tie able state.

9. I

   If a game that is called due to weather or darkness is rescheduled, it will be restarted at the exact point at which it was called and will continue until the completion of a regulation game or the expiration of a new, complete time limit — whichever comes first. See also division specifics applying to weather.

Post-Game

1. A

   After the game, the teams should line up at the base nearest their respective dugouts to shake hands/high five and greet the opposing team with something to the effect of “Good game.” Normally, each team starts walking from their respective base and both teams meet at the pitcher’s rubber. The coaches may either lead or follow, but leading and setting the example is preferable. Please listen for any derogatory comments by players that show poor sportsmanship. If it is your player, please have a conversation with them to explain the importance of good sportsmanship. If it is an opposing player, please let their coach know.

2. B

   After post-game handshakes, please clear the dugout as quickly as possible for the next team to take the field if there is one.

3. C

   Be sure to discard any trash left in the dugout.

4. D

   Don’t forget to stow the bases and replace the base plugs if you are the last home team of the day to play on that field.

5. E

   Don’t forget to enter your score! This is for the spring season only; scores are not kept during the fall season.

Postseason Tournament

1. A

   Each league will have a double elimination Tournament at the conclusion of the 10-game regular season in each Spring Season. Placement awards will be determined by the End of Season Tournament.

2. B

   The End of Season Tournament will not allow pool players for any tournament games. You must have a Minimum of 8 to play and the 9th spot in the lineup will result in an out.

Batting

1. A

   Unless specified differently below, WBSA uses a continuous batting order for all games meaning that all players bat from the first player to the last player, whether they play the field or not. The batting order does not reset at the beginning of each new inning, rather picks up where it left off with the next batter in line after the last official at-bat batter in the prior inning.

2. B

   Each eligible player will be listed in the batting order and will bat their turn even if they are not playing a defensive position during the inning.

3. C

   The shorthanded rule does not apply, and no outs will be charged for vacant positions in the batting order.

4. D

   No outs will be charged for batters who have left the game due to illness or injury, or who have left the ball fields.

5. E

   Batting order must be provided to opposing coach prior to the beginning of the game. The batting order is only required to list the player’s first or last name and jersey number.

6. F

   Players arriving after the umpire has started the game will be entered at the end of the batting order.

7. G

   Batters who throw the bat will be given a warning and may be called out at the umpire’s discretion.

Runners

1. A

   Substitute Runner. A substitute or pinch runner for an injured player will be the batter who made the last out.

2. B

   Courtesy Runner. Coaches may put in a runner only for the catcher and/or pitcher and only if there are 2 outs. The courtesy runner is the last person to be out. The courtesy runner is not restricted from playing in any position during the next inning. The catcher replaced by the courtesy runner must catch at least the first entire at-bat when the team next returns to the field.

Uniforms

1. A

   Hats, Visors, Pants, Sliding Pants and Undershirts are at the discretion of the coach/team. Players can wear shorts if that is part of the team uniform.

2. B

   All uniform components are the responsibility of each individual player unless otherwise specified by WBSA.

3. C

   The following guidelines should be followed when selecting uniforms:

   1. 1

      Shoes. No metal cleats are allowed.

      1. a

         4U & 6U — players must wear sturdy tennis shoes or shoes designed for softball/baseball with hard rubber cleats or turf cleats.

      2. b

         8U & up — players must wear softball/baseball shoes with hard rubber cleats.

      3. c

         Under no circumstances will a player be allowed to take the field wearing sandals, flip-flops, or any other type of shoe except those specifically listed above.

   2. 2

      Pants / Shorts. All players must wear softball pants or softball shorts of a matching color. Uniformity should be displayed by the whole team — either all shorts or all pants.

   3. 3

      Shirts / Jerseys. All uniform tops should be either a softball jersey or shirt made of appropriate materials and properly displaying the team’s name and player’s number. No player names are to be placed on the jerseys.

   4. 4

      Hats / Visors. Hats or visors are optional. If a team selects a hat or visor to be worn at the games, all players should wear them as part of their uniforms.

4. D

   Coaches may not require their players to spend more than $50 on shirts and socks.

5. E

   All team logos must be approved by the WBSA Board.

6. F

   All sponsors to be placed on the jerseys must be approved by the WBSA Board.

7. G

   Ultimately, each head coach is responsible for the appropriateness of his/her team’s jerseys.

League Standings

1. A

   Team standings will be determined by winning percentage, with a tie counting as ½ a win.

   1. 1

      If 2 or more teams finish regular season with an identical winning percentage, the following system of tiebreakers will be used to determine the team standings and post-season tournament seeding:

      Tiebreakers, in order

      1. Runs allowed  ·  2. Run differential  ·  3. Coin toss

Miscellaneous

1. A

   Weather. After the field hotline has been updated by the Wylie Parks & Recreation Department, it is up to the umpire as to whether the game will be played as scheduled.

2. B

   Game time starts when umpire starts time. Teams must be warmed up and ready to play at the scheduled start time of the game. If the field is being used for another game prior to the scheduled games, teams should warm-up outside the fences or on adjacent unused fields.

3. C

   Only 5 warm-up pitches will be allowed between half-innings.

4. D

   If used, bat persons must wear helmets and must wait until the completion of any play before leaving the dugout to retrieve a bat.

5. E

   No Coach or player shall, at any time, use language, cheers or arbitrary noises which are intended to affect the performance of an opposing player. Cheers, of a positive nature only, are allowed from the dugout area.

Protests

1. A

   All game protests must comply with USSSA Rules and be submitted in writing to the applicable League Director or delivered to a WBSA board member and addressed to the applicable League Director, within 72 hours of the scheduled start time of the game under protest.

2. B

   The WBSA Board will consider the protest and render a decision. The decision of the Board is final.

Exceptions

1. A

   All items not covered by these rules will be decided by the WBSA Board.

2. B

   The WBSA Board is the final judge of fact and interpretation of these rules.

3. C

   All complaints must be submitted to the WBSA Board in writing.

4. D

   The WBSA Board reserves the right to make exceptions in special cases for all rules, procedures, and policies.