4-H Softball

2026 4-H Slowpitch Softball – Barron County 4-H

Participating youth must have completed 3rd grade in the 2025-2026 school year, and be enrolled in Barron County 4-H.
Games will be divided up each week based on the number of players.
Players should sign up on the sign-up genius form by Wednesday the week prior to the game.
A minimum of 2 adult certified volunteers need to be present (1 per team) to play a game. If there are two fields, 4 volunteers are needed.
Games are intended to not be overly serious, and be a fund and learning experience for the youth participating no matter their skill level. Also these games will give the members a chance to interact with members of different clubs.

Schedule:

All Clubs/All Ages (must have completed minimum of 3rd grade 25-26 school year) Games start at 7PM
Month	Day	Field
June	7	Canton Park (Rice Lake, WI)
June	14	**Dallas Ball Field, Dallas WI
June	21	Canton Park (Rice Lake, WI)
June	28	Canton Park (Rice Lake, WI)

*June 28 will be a potluck and celebration

**If there are more teams than playing space, it may be decided to play an early game, and a late game.

Directions to Ball Fields:

Canton Park – Rice Lake (located by the Hockey Arena, across from the Barron County Fair Grounds on the north end of Rice Lake) –

Dallas Ball Field – Dallas (located at the Dallas Park on 1st Ave)

4-H Softball is designed for one purpose only: to teach character and sportsmanship! Managers, Coaches, & Parents should be setting the best example possible for their players and fellow club members.

All Players, Volunteers, and Parents must follow all 4-H policies, guidelines, and code of conduct.

Standard Slowpitch Softball rules will be followed unless otherwise stated in the 4-H Slowpitch Softball Rules. Managers/coaches may agree on special rules to better accommodate teams and new or younger players during their teams’ games.
1. any changes or special accomodations/needs should be agreed upon by both teams
Teams should find a way to ensure that all players have the opportunity to play.
If a team has only 7 or 8 players, they may use an adult (age 18+) to play catcher for that game. The catcher may return the pitched ball to the pitcher but may not field a batted or thrown ball. If the catcher inadvertently fields a ball, it is a dead ball, and all runners advance one base.
ANY Barron County 4-H APPROVED member (grade 3 or older) can play as long as they are in 3rd grade or older and in good standing).

Each team must have an adult manager or coach (can be decided when games are set who is responsible for the actions of the players during the games.

Managers/coaches are responsible for the overall safety of their team. When slotting players into field positions the players age and skill level should be taken into consideration.

Each team will provide one adult (non 4-H youth) umpire (age 19+). One umpire will cover behind the plate for half the game, then switch to base umpiring for the other half.

All players should be in the dugout when the team is up to bat, except batter, player on deck, and 1^st and 3^rd base coaches. Helmets must be worn by all 4-H youth.

Only official 12” softballs are to be used. The home team is responsible for providing a ball for each game. Clubs/players will need to bring bats, helmets, and other equipment. Bats must be appropriate for safe youth play.

In the event each team has more than ten (10) players, extra players may field in the outfield. These extra outfielders along with the normal outfielders must stay on the green unless pursuing a live ball.

Only soft rubber or plastic cleats may be worn. No metal spikes or cleats are allowed.

Helmets are mandatory for all batters, on-deck batters, base runners, and youth base coaches.

The official time for games to begin is 7:00pm. Please show up 15 minutes early so teams can be designated.

Unacceptable or unsportsmanlike behavior that is not addressed appropriately by the team’s manager/coach must be reported to the 4-H Program Educator. Teams found in violation will receive a warning. A second report will result in suspension for the remainder of the season.

Basic Slowpitch Softball Rules

A game consists of seven (7) innings. At least four (4) innings (or 3½ if the home team is ahead). The home team starts in the field, this will be decided with a coin toss.

An inning is when each team has taken a turn at batting and fielding until there are three outs for each team.

Pitching: Each pitch must be between the arc range of 6 (minimum) to 12 ft (maximum). The strike zone is defined by the Home Plate and an extended plate whose width is the normal plate width and whose depth extends approximately 2.5 feet behind the front of the plate. Any pitch landing partially or wholly in this area is a strike.

Batting: The batter is out after three (3) strikes and walks on four (4) balls.

Throwing the Bat: Batters must not throw the bat while running to 1st base. The first offense results in a warning. Any additional offenses will be counted as an out.

Substitute Runners: A substitute runner may be used only for an injured player or one unable to run safely. Substitutes may not be used for players who are simply slow. The substitute should be the last out or the last player to cross home plate.

Strikes: A strike is called when a pitched ball with the proper arc hits any part of the mat or plate or when the batter fails to swing at a legal pitch within the tire zone, swings and misses, or hits a foul ball that isn’t caught in the air.

Bunting: Not allowed. A bunt is defined as a deliberate attempt to tap the ball instead of taking a full swing.

**Rules can be adjusted to meet the needs of the teams.

If your club has bats/helmets, please bring them for others to use.