Rule Changes Beginning with the 2026 Season (Please note Division or Level of Play)

1. Rule 0.02, Paragraph 2 - Age Determination Date - Babe Ruth Softball All Divisions

   • Clarification: A player's age as of August 31, 2025, determines eligibility for the 2026 season. Eligible players: At least 4 years old and no older than 18 years old as of August 31, 2025.

     Breakdown by Division:

     • 12U: Players who are 12 or younger as of August 31, 2025.

     • 16U: Players who are 16 or younger as of August 31, 2025. * 18U: Players who are 18 or younger as of August 31, 2025.

2. Rule 0.05 – Team Composition (Paragraph 1) – Babe Ruth Softball All divisions Each team is required to conform to the following regulations:

   Each team can have a maximum of fifteen (15) players, a manager and three (3) coaches in the 12U level and younger as well as the 14U and 16U divisions. Each team can have a maximum of eighteen (18) players, a manager and three (3) coaches in the 18U division.

3. Rule 0.04, Number 3 Note – Tournament Eligibility Communication - Babe Ruth Softball All Divisions

   To be eligible to participate in tournament play, a player, manager, or coach must be listed on the local league regular season roster and on tournament rosters before competing in the first level of tournament play.

4. Rule 1.17 Non-Traditional Playing Equipment - Babe Ruth Softball All Divisions

   Non-traditional playing equipment must be reviewed by the Babe Ruth League, Inc. Softball Rules Committee before it will be permitted for use. Hard and unyielding items such as guards, casts, braces, or splints, etc. must be padded with closed-cell, slow-recovery form no less than ½” thick. Knee and ankle braces unaltered from the manufacturers original design do not require padding.

   Exceptions may be granted for participants with disabilities or extenuating circumstances, provided the equipment does not create risk or unfair advantage.

5. Shoulder Emblems - Babe Ruth Softball All Divisions

   All teams participating in Babe Ruth local league and tournament competition are required to wear the Official Babe Ruth Softball shoulder emblem on their left outer uniform sleeve, or if vest type, sleeveless jersey, on the upper left chest of the jersey. Players’ and coaches’ uniform jerseys shall not display emblems of other youth organizations other than Babe Ruth Softball.

6. Rule 11.07-8U Coach Pitch or Pitching Machine Section

   Team composition may include nine (9) or ten (10) defensive players, positioned as follows: Pitcher, Catcher, 1st Baseman, 2nd Baseman, 3rd Baseman, Shortstop, Center Fielder, Left Fielder, Right Fielder, and optionally a Fourth Outfielder. All outfielders must remain in the grass area of the outfield and may not be positioned in the infield at any time. Teams electing to play with three

   (3) outfielders may include an Extra Player to bat ten (10). Teams electing to play with four (4) outfielders may include an Extra Player to bat eleven (11).

7. Rule 11.07: Remove rule (d) from 11.07: If the extra player option is used, there may be ten (10) batters listed in the batting order for tournament games.

8. Intentional Walks (add): When a team elects to intentionally walk a batter, the manager or coach shall notify the plate umpire. The plate umpire shall award 1st base without any pitches thrown.

9. Clarification: 8u Machine pitch speed: 35 mph (+/- 3 mph)