Baseball
Softball
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Parent / Coach / VolunteerAdmin🥎 Softball
Full regulation fast-pitch at 40 feet — high-level competitive league play.
12U Softball is where La Crescent girls step into real competitive play against regional programs. The pitching distance increases to 40 feet, which sharpens the plate discipline required to hit at this level and gives pitchers more room to develop movement on pitches.
Two tiers operate at 12U. Gold allows leadoffs and stealing when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. Silver requires the pitch to cross the plate before a runner can steal — no leadoffs. Both tiers play 6 innings with an 8-run-per-inning limit. The game ball is a 12-inch yellow optic cover.
Metal spikes are permitted starting at 12U. Bunting is allowed for both tiers. Infield fly rule and dropped third strike are in effect for Gold; infield fly is in effect for Silver but dropped third strike is not.
| Base path | 60 feet (SRAA — all softball divisions) |
| Pitching mound | 40 feet (SRAA 12U/14U standard) |
| Game ball | 12-inch yellow optic cover — SRAA standard |
| Innings | 6 innings — 80-minute time limit |
| Run limit | 8 runs per inning maximum |
| Mercy rule | 10 runs after 4 innings; 15 runs after 3 innings |
| Stealing (Gold) | Leadoff and steal when ball leaves pitcher's hand |
| Stealing (Silver) | Steal when ball crosses home plate — no leadoffs |
| No stealing if up by 8+ | No steal attempts when leading by 8 or more runs |
| Walk rule (Silver) | After 3 walks in an inning, coach pitches when batter reaches ball 4 |
| Bunting | Allowed for both tiers — no slash bunting (out + ejection) |
| Dropped third strike | In effect for Gold; not for Silver |
| Infield fly rule | In effect for both tiers |
| Pitcher facemask | Required — all pitchers must wear a fielding facemask |
| Metal spikes | Permitted at 12U and above |
Pitch Count / Arm Protection
Pitchers allowed to pitch unlimited innings per SRAA rules. All pitchers must wear a fielding facemask. 8-run limit per inning applies. 12U Silver: no walks (coach pitches after 3 walks/inning when batter reaches ball 4). 12U Gold: no walk limit.
Coach's Note
"Know your tier — Gold and Silver have different leadoff and walk rules. At 40 feet, pitcher rise ball and drop ball become effective. Help your hitters understand pitch reads early in the at-bat. All pitchers must wear a facemask per SRAA. Metal spikes are now permitted — confirm your players have appropriate footwear."
Players who turned 12 by September 1, 2025 are eligible for 12U Softball (born 2014 or 2015). Players who turn 13 after September 1, 2025 may also play 12U.
Bat
29"–32" bat, drop -12 to -10. ASA/USA Softball certified. Barrel 2¼", max length 34", max weight 31.5 oz.
Official USA Softball certified equipment list
Glove
11"–12.5" softball glove. Catchers should have a dedicated catcher's mitt.
What to Bring