The EHFPGSA league of East Hanover/Florham Park, NJ is a recreational girls softball league open to all Kindergarten through 8th grade girls who live or go to school in East Hanover or Florham Park, NJ. 

Registration for our program is typically held in December 1- March 31.  Practices and games begin towards the end of March to the end of June. 

The league is structured in the following divisions (with links to the associated rulebook and details about each division):

• Bonnie T-Ball (Kindergarten)
• Bonnies (1st & 2nd Grade) 

• PLANS Starting time should be confirmed with both coaches before First Pitch. Reach agreement for the Last inning with both coaches before first pitch thrown at top of inning. With bad weather and darkness, always consider the safety of your players FIRST. 4 innings = a complete game. If weather/darkness prevents you from completing a game after 4 innings, the game is over.

  BATTERS Batting helmets on when at bat or on base. There is no “on deck” circle. Players should not pick up their bat until they walk to the batter’s box. Do not throw bats. An inning ends when a) 3 outs or b) 5 Runs have been scored. 5 swings = OUT. Cannot strike out on a foul ball. There are no WALKS and want to get to 3 strikes = OUT.

   FIELDING All Players should be taught to make eye contact before throwing ball to partner. The players who occupies the defensive (RIGHT and LEFT) position of pitcher should be behind the pitcher. Care should be taken by all coaches that these defensive pitcher's view of the batter is not obstructed when the ball is pitched. 1 player may stand behind 2nd base and 1 player may be a short fielder and play a few steps behind where a 2nd baseman normally stands.

  RUNNING Runners en route to first base must run either on the foul line or in foul territory. No Stealing or Leading. Teach your runners to tag up on a fly ball. Teach your players to pay attention to the base coaches for direction to advance to the next base. On infield hits, runners can advance 1 base. On outfield hits, runners can advance up to 2 bases. BASES ARE SET APPROXIMATELY 45’ FROM EACH OTHER.

   PITCHING Coaches will pitch/catch to their own teams. Coaches may stand as close to the batter as they like as long as it is in line with the pitching rubber. It is encouraged that all coaches pitch as close to the pitching rubber as possible. All pitching shall be underhand.

  SCORING The five-run rule will be in effect. The five-run rule is as follows: the inning will end upon the offensive team making three outs, or after a play in which the offensive team has scored the fifth run of that inning. All runs scored on the final play of the inning will count. For example, if the play results in the fourth, fifth and sixth runs of the inning being scored, all runs would count and the offensive team would then take the field.

• Juniors (3rd & 4th Grade (see below)

• OUR GOAL IS SIMPLE: EVERYONE HAS FUN!

  Good sportsmanship is expected from coaches, players and fans. Coaches are to strive to teach girls the fundamental skills appropriate for their level so that they can improve over the course of the season and have a foundation to build upon for future years. Zero tolerance for drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes for players and coaches. No jewelry during practice or games (except medical alert tags). If the Rec department closes fields, STAY OFF. The Division Mgr. is responsible to confirm rainouts at least 90 minutes before ALL games to Coaches. If you hear nothing, expect to play ball!

   GENERAL A game is 6 innings. Starting time must be confirmed with both coaches and umpire before First Pitch. Do not start a new inning after one hour and 45 minutes. Last inning must be confirmed with both coaches and umpire before the first pitch is thrown at the top of the inning. With bad weather and darkness, always consider the safety of your players FIRST. Each team supplies one game ball for each game. If weather/darkness/time prevents you from completing a game, you have two options: 1) the head coaches from both teams may agree to accept the game as final with the score reverting to the score at the end of the previous complete inning. 2) You may agree to complete the game on a future date, continuing from the point of game stoppage. Both coaches should agree on a date and communicate to Daria for scheduling. Mercy rule is 15 runs 1 at the end of 3 full innings. Winning coach is responsible for reporting game results via email to Player Agent [Daria Gerber, calvinandnina@gmail.com]. It is important to report results on a timely basis so that we can maintain standings and ensure rescheduled games are completed.

   SAFETY Batters and base runners must wear a helmet. Infielders (1B, 2B, SS and 3B) are optional to wear a fielder’s mask during games and batting practices. Pitchers are mandatory. Only the current batter shall have a bat in their hands. Spectators are not permitted on the team bench. No on-deck swings are permitted. Only certified coaches that have completed the above noted coaching requirements are allowed to participate with the players during games and practices.

   GAME CANCELLATION The only way to reschedule a game is if the field is closed due to weather. If you cannot field a team, you forfeit. The only other forfeits to be included in standings will take place when only 1 team at a field on scheduled time/date can field a team. Everyone gets into the playoffs. Rainouts unable to be rescheduled will be considered abandoned. INCLEMENT WEATHER At the first sound of thunder or sight of lightning CLEAR THE FIELD. At present we are using the rules of thumb: 20-minute-wait if the thunder is present, and the 30-minute-wait if lightning was spotted. Restart the time delay if subsequent thunder/lightning occurs during a delay. If after a delay condition do not improve, suspend game or if enough innings have been played, declare a Rain-Out. Home team pays the umpire before the game. If a game is canceled, the home team head coach is responsible to contact the umpire. If this doesn’t happen, the home team head coach is responsible to pay the umpire personally. Both head coaches shall review local rules with the umpire before the game. If an umpire does not show, a certified coach from each TEAM must serve as umpire for the game (umpire when your team is on the field). Please let division mgr. know if the umpire doesn’t show. Page 2 of 4 East Hanover Florham Park Girls Softball Association (EHFPGSA) Rulebook / Division Description: 3rd & 4th Graders Revision: April 18, 2023 BATTERS Girls are required to wear batting helmets with a face mask at all times when at bat and on base. Helmets do not need to have a chin strap. There is no “on deck” circle. Players should not pick up their bat until they walk to the batter’s box. Practice swings in the batter's box only. Do not throw bats. Batting order includes all players who attend the game. Original batting order should only be changed if injury or early departure required. Bunting is not allowed In this division, if the pitched ball hits the ground first, it is a ball, and the batter is not considered “hit by the pitch”. A batter hit by a pitched ball takes first base, no exceptions. The determination of whether the batter is hit by a pitch is only at the umpire’s discretion. Coaches are not allowed on the field when the ball is in play except for situations with coach pitch (see below for more details on coach pitch). All Players should be taught to make eye contact before throwing the ball to their partner. No infield fly rule is in effect. Max of Ten (10) players on defense. All 4 Outfielders must have BOTH Feet on the grass. All players to play a minimum of three innings on defense. If the ball is out of play on an overthrow, all runners are awarded the base to which they were heading plus one base. On an overthrow to first base that remains in play, the runner may optionally advance to second base at their own risk but may not advance beyond 2nd base. All other plays end when the fielding team throws the ball to the pitcher and or the ball enters the pitching circle. The pitcher does not need to have control of the ball so play ends even if the pitcher fails to catch the throw.

  RUNNING Runners en route to first base must run either on the foul line or in foul territory. Runners must slide or avoid contact at 2nd, 3rd, and home. There is no stealing. Runners may only leave base (to take a lead) when the pitch passes home plate. Runners who leave early are out. One Page 3 of 4 East Hanover Florham Park Girls Softball Association (EHFPGSA) Rulebook / Division Description: 3rd & 4th Graders Revision: April 18, 2023 warning per team each game. A courtesy runner may be inserted for the Pitcher or Catcher at any time.

   PITCHING- Pitching distance is 35 feet from the back of home plate. No dropped third strike rule in effect. Pitcher may only pitch three innings per game, does not have to consecutive. (except for playoffs 4 innings allowed.) The pitcher (player and/or coach) must have at least 1 foot in contact with the pitching plate when initiating the pitching motion and cannot take more than 2 steps before pitch release. There are no walks and an expanded strike zone (one softball width added to the inside, outer, top and bottom edge of strike zone – but not above the shoulders or below the calves). A coach must enter to pitch to their own batter upon the opposing pitcher throwing four balls during the at bat. Please encourage girls to swing at any ball that is reasonably hittable. When a coach enters for coach pitch, the player/pitcher should be positioned to their side with at least one foot in the pitching circle. (8 pitches maximum for any batter) (batters who continue to foul off balls can not foul out on 8th pitch) Umpires may not handle wild pitches or passed balls that are in play. Pitching circle is a circular area with an 8ft radius measured from the pitcher's plate.

  SCORING The five-run rule will be in effect except for the last inning. The five-run rule is as follows: the inning will end upon the offensive team making three outs, or after a play in which the offensive team has scored the fifth run of that inning. All runs scored on the final play of the inning will count. For example, if the play results in the fourth, fifth and sixth runs of the inning being scored, all runs will count, and the offensive team would then take the field. There is no limit on runs in the last inning. Both coaches and Ump must confirm before the start of each inning (starting with the 3rd inning) if that inning will be the FINAL inning of the game. At that time, the 5-run rule is suspended. This decision is irrevocable.

• JV 5th and 6th Grade

• EAST HANOVER/FLORHAM PARK RULES 2025 FINAL Play by ASA Official Softball Rules with following local rules.

  GAME: Games are six innings. Starting time must be confirmed with both coaches and umpire before First Pitch. A new inning begins immediately after the final out of the previous inning. Do not start a new inning after one hour and 45 minutes from the official start time, as stated by the plate umpire. Last inning must be confirmed with both coaches and umpire before first pitch thrown at top of inning. If once the last inning begins, the game can NOT be completed; the final score reverts to the last complete inning. A complete game = 3 full innings or 1 hour and 45 minutes. Mercy rule is 15 runs at the end of 5 full innings (4.5 inning if home team ahead). With bad weather and darkness, always consider the safety of your players FIRST. NOTE: Certain fields may have specific ground rules (play ends at certain time, etc.). It is the responsibility of the HOME TEAM Coach to explain the specific ground rules before each game. Each team will need a minimum of six (7) players to start and finish [unless an injury occurs] a game. If a team cannot field 7 players within 15 minutes after the game start time, then they forfeit the game. A game can still be played by swapping players, but the final score will not be recorded. Pregame warm up infield time should be shared by home/visitor as possible. PLAYING UP: If a team is having trouble fielding enough girls, the coach is allowed to reach out to the 4th grade coaches and ask if a (or) girl(s) would like to play for their 5/6th grade team. The 4th grade girl(s) are not allowed to pitch, must wear their original uniform, and must bat last in the batting order. Our recommendation is to call up enough girls to field 10. BATTERS: All players MUST have batting helmets (WITH CAGES) on when at bat, on base, or coaching 1st or 3rd. On deck circles are unique to each field & home team coach to confirm setup before each game. Do not throw bats (a player will receive one warning for throwing a bat and will be called out for the second offense). Batting order includes all players who attend game. If you have less than 8 players in batting order, the 8 position will be an automatic out every time it arrives. Late arriving players should be added to the bottom of the batting order. Original batting order should only be changed if injury or early departure required. With 8 or more players, if you lose a player due to injury or early departure, just SKIP that position in the order with no penalty but let the other coach know that player is now NA. Bunting is allowed and encouraged. A Player May NOT PRESENT A BUNT and THEN SWING AWAY[1]Penalty: BATTER OUT, Ball dead. All runners return to their original base. A batter hit by a pitched ball, even if the ball hits the ground, takes first base. A batter walked may not advance past 1st base; there is NO continuation play. DROPPED THIRD - Dropped third strike rule is NOT in effect.

  FIELDING: All Players should be taught to make eye contact before throwing ball to partner. NO Infield fly rule. Ten (10) players on defense. The 10th player (short fielder) must be 10’ behind the basepath on the pitch. No player can sit 2 innings [unless injured] until everyone has sat once. RUNNING: Runners en route to first base must run either on the foul line or in foul territory. Runners should slide to avoid contact at 2nd, 3rd, and home. Runner may take a lead or steal 3rd base on the pitcher’s release. There is NO stealing of 2nd base or home plate for any reason i.e.: even if the catchers attempt to pick the runner off at 1st or 3rd gets past the fielder. Runners may advance 1 base on an overthrow that goes out of play from a batted ball. If the Catcher/or Pitcher [in next inning] gets on base during her at bat and there are 1 or 2 outs, the coach will be allowed to substitute in a courtesy runner. The purpose of the courtesy runner is to allow the catcher to get back into the catcher's gear, thus allowing the game to keep moving when the inning ends or to give a pitcher some rest. The courtesy runner will be the girl who made the last batted out.

  PITCHING: Pitching distance is 40 feet from back of plate to front of mound. Pitchers may not exceed 4 innings per game regardless of total innings played. Pitchers may leave the mound and return later in the game as long as their total pitching is less than four innings. One Pitch = One Inning. No Intentional walks. Game ball is yellow 12”. Under no circumstances should a coach embarrass a player on the field. Hit By Pitch - "2&4" rule. If a pitcher hits 2 batters in an inning she must come out of the pitching position for that inning, can stay in the field and is allowed to pitch subsequent innings, provided she has not exceeded her inning count. If she comes back and hits a total of 4 batters in a game, she cannot pitch in that game anymore. This comes with the understanding that the umpire knows that a batter must make an attempt to get out of the way of the ball, especially a ball that is rolling or bouncing towards them.

  SCORING: The five-run rule will be in effect except for the last inning. The five-run rule is as follows: the inning will end upon the offensive team making three outs, or after a play in which the offensive team has scored the fifth run of that inning. If the final play results in the fourth, fifth and sixth runs of the inning being scored, only 5 runs would count, and the offensive team would then take the field. There is no limit on runs in the last inning. Both coaches and Ump must confirm before the start of each inning (starting with the 4th inning) if that inning will be the FINAL inning of the game. At that time, the 5 run rule is suspended. This decision is irrevocable. Keep an eye on the weather and darkness. Player safety is always the priority.

• For the  Senior (7th-8th Grade) divisions, the EHFPGSA league of East Hanover/Florham Park, NJ is part of the Tri-Town League with the neighboring town leagues in Madison, Chatham, and Summit, NJ, and share the same charter and division rules, which can be found here: 2024 SPRING TRITOWN SB COACHES UPDATE RULES COACH INFO AND SCHEDULES.pdf.  For more information on the Tri-Town League and comprehensive 2024 Season Game Schedule, please visit https://bicountysummersoftball.leaguerepublic.com/index.html.