Rules & Handbook

Questions? Email contact [at] omgsoftball [dot] org.

Documents

OMGS General Rules

• Coaches must have their player listed as a coach pick in order to be selected as a coach.
• "Playing up" is on a case-by-case basis, reviewed by the board, however these conditions must be met in order to be allowed to play up. The player must be in their last year of an age group (Ex. second year of 10U asking to play in 12U) and must have played All-Stars in that age group, a parent must volunteer to be a coach, and the player must be listed as a coach pick. Also, being allowed to play up means that that player must try out for the age group they are placed in for all-stars, they may not play back down. The player may be granted to play up to one age group but will then have to request to play up again the next season and continue to meet the conditions to play up.
• Coaches are required to read the NFHS Softball rulebook, which is linked above, and read and understand the general OMGS rules and special OMGS rules for their particular age group.
• The NFHS Softball rulebook will govern OMGS games.
• Only OMGS rules will take precedence over NFHS Softball rules.

GENERAL OMGS RULES:

1. Umpires will check that all coaches on the fields are compliant with OMGS requirements.

2. Game time is forfeit time.

3. There will be ten defensive players.

4. No player can sit out for two (2) consecutive innings.

5. There is open substitution.

6. Teams bat all team members present.

7. Regular season games can end in a tie.

8. If there is less than 5 min. left in a game, no new inning may be started.

9. There must be eight girls present to begin the game (with the exception of T-Ball/6U). If a team plays the game with eight players, an automatic out will be taken for the ninth batter only and not for the missing tenth batter. If a team plays the game with nine players, there is no automatic out.

10. If a player gets injured or sick during a game and is taken out and cannot bat, coaches must inform the umpire. If the team still has nine players without her, then no penalty will be given for her missed at-bats, however, she will not be allowed to rejoin the game. The team must have eight players to finish the game without her or will be required to forfeit.

11. Players may be added to the end of the line up if they arrive after the game has started, but it must be reported to the official Scorekeeper and Umpire or will be considered batting out of order.

12. Players put on the line up must arrive prior to their turn at bat or an out will be taken for that batter each time her name comes up on the official scorebook to bat, until she arrives.

13. The offensive and defensive teams will trade positions upon three outs by the defensive team or seven runs (12U, 14U, 18U), and five runs (8U & 10U) by the offensive team.

14. Line-ups must be entered into the Game Changer app at least 10 minutes prior to the game start time, even if the previous game is running late.

15. Coaches must meet the umpire at the plate five minutes prior to game time, or as soon as the previous game is over in the case that games are running late.

16. A player must play in at least 75% of her games to be eligible for All-Stars. T-Ball/6U league players are not eligible to play All-Stars.

17. OMGS has a ZERO tolerance policy for abusive behavior. A coach, player or spectator will not direct a derogatory or abusive remark (including foul language) to another coach, player, spectator or umpire. Actions of this kind will cause the suspension of a coach or player, the ejection of a spectator from the park and/or forfeiture of game if necessary. The ejection will last for the entirety of the day upon which the ejection occurs. If the offense is deemed serious enough, the board maintains the right to consider and vote on additional corrective action. A coach that is ejected from a game will be required to miss the next game if not played on the same day.

18. Positive chants and cheers are encouraged and acceptable. It is not, however, acceptable to chant derogatory chants at the opposing team and especially the pitcher.

19. The home team will be the first team listed on the schedule, take the dugout on the third base line, and bat last. They are also responsible for maintaining the official score in Game Changer.

20. BOTH TEAMS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CLEANING UP THEIR OWN TRASH IN THEIR DUGOUT AND AROUND THEIR BLEACHERS AFTER EVERY GAME IS COMPLETED.

21. If a player misses three or more consecutive required practices without good reason, the coach will be allowed to bench the player for one full game with the Board’s approval. If she continues to miss practices, this should also be brought to the Board’s attention.

22. No team will be permitted to warm up in the infield prior to the game. Teams may warm up in foul territory only.

23. Leading off is allowed after the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand.

24. Intentional walking IS NOT allowed in OMGS recreational softball.

25. Metal cleats are allowed only for the 14U and 18U age groups, for both OMGS league and All-Star tournaments. Girls wearing metal cleats in other age groups will be warned by the umpire and only allowed to return to the game after replacing the metal cleats with rubber cleats or other closed-toe footwear.

Penalties for ejections and suspensions are applied based on the infraction.

Division rules

Tap a division to open it.

End of Season Tournament Rules

End of Season Tournament Rules (Fall 2026 is single elimination)

1. Teams are seeded by their league win/loss record, NOT team number. In the event of a tie of wins and losses, the tie breakers will be head to head, runs allowed, run differential, runs scored.

2. All OMGS & D1 Softball rules will be followed during game play just like during regular league play.

3. Complete line-up cards with player’s first and last names & uniform numbers must be submitted to each team’s scorekeeper at least 10 minutes before game time.

4. Home team will be the higher ranked team for winner's bracket. For consolation bracket games, home team will be determined by a coin toss at home plate during the pre-game conference. In the championship game, the undefeated team will be home team. Home team will be determined by coin toss for the “IF” game.

5. Home team will keep the official score in gamechanger. Visiting Team will provide one person to run gamechanger for backup.

6. Game Length: Game time is 60 minutes for 8U, 10U, and 12U games. Game time is 70 min. for 14U and 18U games. No new inning will start after 55 minutes or 65 minutes, respectively. However, if a game is tied after game time has expired; the International Tie Breaker Rule will go into effect for ONE inning after time has expired. IF still tied after tie breaker inning, winner will be determined by amount of put outs made, then amount of hits made. A coin toss may be employed if the score remains tied and it is unsafe to continue playing due to DARKNESS or weather.
The first tie breaker inning will start with the last batter from the previous inning at second base.

7. Teams will play 10 players on defense with free substitution (4 outfielders & 6 infielders). Outfielders must be on the grass until the ball crosses the plate. Players must play defense at least every other inning. Teams will bat their whole roster. 8U Exception: All players may play defense (6 infielders and 6+ outfielders). All infielders must stay behind the 35’ safety chalk line until the ball crosses the plate.

8. Game time is forfeit time, unless delayed by late running games. It is your responsibility to know when game times are and check for any changes.

9. All garbage must be cleaned out by the team occupying the dugout before leaving. Please wait for the team leaving the dugout before your team enters.

10. If games are canceled due to weather, they will be rescheduled at the earliest possible time.

11. Protests will be ruled by the umpire and board member on duty. Judgment calls cannot be protested. All decisions are final.

Safety and conduct

SAFETY A First Aid kit and ice are available in the snack shack. The Board of Directors recommends that each coach or team prepare themselves with ice packs and band-aids during times when the snack shack is not open. If any player is bleeding during practice or a game, it must be bandaged up (no visible blood) or she will not be able to continue. BATTING HELMETS: Batting helmets, with masks, must be worn by any girl batting or running bases during a practice, practice game, or game, and cannot be removed until the girl enters the dugout area.

CATCHER’S HELMETS: A catcher’s helmet and mask must be worn by any girl to warm up a pitcher. Full catcher’s equipment must be worn by the catcher during any game, including practice games. FACE MASKS: All infielders are required to wear fielders masks during games and practice games. The ball can be hit extremely hard off a bat and cause extreme damage. Facemasks significantly mitigate the chances of serious injury.

INSURANCE SECONDARY INSURANCE: OMGS will carry a secondary medical insurance. The insurance will pay after the family’s primary insurance has paid. The insurance will also have liability coverage for the Board Members, Coaches, and Umpires. CLAIMS: Please contact a member of the OMGS board immediately if an injury occurs.

CONCUSSION CONCERNS Concussions are becoming more prevalent in all sports. You, as a coach, need to make yourself aware of what a concussion is, what the symptoms are, how to prevent them and what to do if you suspect a player may have a concussion. All players must have a signed concussion form with their player registration to be eligible to play in any game.

By completing the coach’s application online, you agreed to the following: You will exemplify good SPORTSMANSHIP by yourself and your team and will follow all rules of D1 Prospects (D1 Prospects/NFHS Rules) and OMGS. You will be a good role model when representing OMGS on and off the field. You will treat all players and parents on any team fairly and with respect and support. You have been informed how OMGS will select all-star coaches and players and agree to adhere to that selection process. You understand that the OMGS Board has the right to terminate you as a coach for failing to do any of the above. You will stand by all decisions made by the OMGS Board of Directors before and during league and all-star tournament play. Coaches will not be allowed to attend practices, games or other team activities under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Coaches will not consume alcohol and/or drugs during practices, practice games, games, or any other team activity. Coaches will not be allowed to smoke in the dugout or on the field at practices and during games.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: OMGS requires that an adult female, 21 years old or older, whether she’s a coach, team mom, or parent, be present at all practices and games. Also, we encourage all coaches NOT to take any player to or from a practice or game. Coaches are responsible to teach girls the basic softball skills of throwing correctly, hitting, base running, fielding, catching, and defensive positioning. More advanced skills may be taught if desired. If the coach does not know how to teach these skills, seek help from the Board. OMGS is providing a coach's clinic on March 3, 2026, which all OMGS head & assistant coaches are required to attend. The Board also strongly suggests that coaches take advantage of the internet, information posted on the OMGS website, and coaching clinics held around the valley.

UNIFORMS The league provides a uniform shirt and socks. There will be NO altering of league uniforms in any way. If your whole team wants to do something special with the uniform shirts, prior approval must be given by the OMGS Board.

BATTING CAGES & OTHER TEAM ACTIVITIES If a coach chooses to take their team to batting cages or chooses to have a team party or other team activity, it will be at each individual’s own risk. Coaches must notify parents of this and receive the parent or guardian’s permission prior to the event. OMGS does not allow practices to be held at private residences. OMGS insurance will not cover batting cage accidents or accidents at a private residence.

PROTESTS Protest determinations will be made according to the NFHS Softball rulebook with only OMGS rules taking precedence. All protests will be submitted strictly by the NFHS Softball rulebook with these exceptions: 1) The written protest must be turned into the Age Group Director of the jurisdiction, and will be kept confidential. 2) The written protest will be accompanied by a $25.00 non-refundable fee. a. Protests on judgment calls will be considered invalid. b. Protests submitted incorrectly will be considered invalid. c. Protests on matters, which do not comply with the rules, will be considered invalid. 3) The protest will be made known to the Executive Committee by letter. 4) The Executive Committee will notify the affected coaches of the decision by letter. 5) The protest fee will go into OMG's general fund.

PRACTICES / SCHEDULES / GAMES The OMGS Season is 10 games. Regular season games are to be scheduled, Monday thru Saturday. The 2026 OMGS All-Star season will run from June – August. It is up to you as a coach to contact your team and schedule practices. Practice sessions may begin immediately (after equipment is checked out) and teams have been assigned. OMGS expects coaches to schedule two practices a week (Monday through Saturday constitutes a week) prior to regular season games and at least one practice each week thereafter, unless the team has three scheduled games in the week. Coaches are not allowed to practice at a private residence or any church fields, however, coaches must find their own field (check with local school principals – a fee may need to be paid) and set the time for practices. Any field that you practice on in the City of Riverton must be a softball field or have a backstop. Riverton City is trying to eliminate too many different sports from practicing in the same area. If you are practicing at the Tuscany Field in Herriman or Western Springs in Riverton, you must have a permit form. Please see Adam Lloyd, OMGS President, for permit forms. FIELD CONDITIONS AND RAIN OUTS: If there is inclement weather, game cancellations will be emailed to the league and will also be sent out to all of the OMGS coaches as soon as possible. It is each coach’s responsibility to check your GroupMe after 4:00 pm on weekdays and before your games on Saturdays. If games are rescheduled, the make-up game day and time will be listed on the website only. Please assume there is a game if there isn’t anything posted or you don’t receive an email. If at any time you feel that your team is playing in unsafe weather or field conditions, please report it to the Board member on duty.

TIE GAMES: Games that are tied when time has expired and the inning has been completed will remain a tie. Each team will be given 1/2 game in the standings. EXCEPTION: A coin toss may be used to determine a winner in games where the score is tied and there is no time to complete the game, such as a season-end tournament game, including the championship. SEASON-END TOURNAMENT: A single elimination season-end tournament will be held for each age group (except T-Ball). Teams will be seeded based on their final regular season standings.

AWARDS & MEDALS All T Ball, 8U, and 10U players will receive participation medals. Medals will also be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams in each age group (except T Ball) for Spring regular season record, and rings will be awarded for Spring tournament placement. PLEASE NOTE: All equipment is due at closing ceremonies. If OMGS equipment bags are not returned, Spring team pictures and trophies will be delayed. In both Spring and Fall, if a team does not cover its BBQ shift, the team forfeits its next game.

Insurance claims: contact a member of the OMGS board immediately if an injury occurs. Claims must be filed within one week of the accident.