Fair Playing Time in Little League Softball: A Parent's Guide

Question
My daughter is on a little league juniors softball team .
the coach sets the same two players on the bench every game.and he only lets them play half a game each at a time.They are just as good as any girls on the team and we all payed the same to play....Is there a rotation procedure this manager can or should use to give equal play time to all? there are 11 girls total on the team.

Answer
Hi Carl:

Thanks for your question; I'm always sorry to hear about players not getting equal playing time.

In Junior League Softball, players are required to have one at-bat (meaning plate appearance, a walk or something that does not count as a scoring at-bat still counts as their "at-bat"), and six defensive outs (playing in the outfield for two innings.)

You might want to check with your local league umpire-in-chief, president, player agent, or league vice-president, as there may be a local rule that governs equal playing time.  If nothing else, they may be able to remind the coach that this level is for instruction, not competition.

I hope things get better for your team, enjoy the rest of the season!

Cheers,
Gareth