Little League Softball District All Star Rules

Question
The score was 9-6 at the end of 5 1/2, unfortunately, since our team was ahead and not in need of last bats for the win, one of our subs, who played for the third, fourth and fifth innings in the field, for a total of 9 outs, was not up in the line up until the bottom of the sixth, therefore, since she did not bat at least once, the team was forced to forfeit the game.  Should this team have had the opportunity to play out the bottom of the sixth.  This game was a final playoff game for the local district all-stars.

Answer
Hi Kathy:

The short version of my answer is, no, this team should not have had an opportunity to play the bottom of the sixth.

The rule books state that if a game is shortened "for any reason", that the mandatory play rules do not apply; however, it also notes that a game is not considered shortened if the home team does not complete their at-bats in the last inning of play due to winning the game, and so mandatory play still applies.

In order for a forfeit to be issued by the Tournament Committee, a protest must be made to the umpiring crew by the manager before the umpires have left the field.  Then, and only then, can a forfeit be considered.  If no protest is made, no forfeit can occur, and the score stands.

Thanks for your question; I hope this is helpful.

Cheers,
Gareth