General Rules of Play
1. Each team will supply one new softball, and one used softball per game.
2. Both home and visiting teams are responsible for field setup.
3. Games will be 6 innings long, or 2 hours when there is a game to follow. If game is tied after 6 innings, extra innings may be played to determine winner, as long as there is:
a. no time limit due to a game to follow
b. darkness determined by the head umpire
c. a field curfew time limit
4. Speed up rule for catchers…anytime catchers reach a base, the last batted out can pinch run for the catcher so they can get their catcher’s gear on in preparation for the next inning.
5. Unlimited substitutions on the field.
6. Any player coming late will enter the bottom of the batting order. No inning is considered late during regular season play except for the last inning of play.
7. If a player is injured and cannot play, their position in the batting order will be passed over without being recorded as an out. The player may return to the game after sitting out one-half inning.
8. Each player must play at least 3 innings in the field. The goal is for all kids to play at least half of the game in the field.
9. A minimum of 8 players is necessary to start and finish a game. (No games will be forfeited.) To the extent it is known that you will have less than 8 players, the manager should notify the division president or player agent for pool players. Up to 3 pool players may be used to fill a roster but in the event that a pool player becomes the 11th or more player in the lineup; that pool player or players cannot play more innings than an official roster player. If pool players cannot be found to fill a team’s lineup and less than 8 players show the managers can mutually agree to share players and play the game as an official game, or plan to reschedule the game but must play this game as a practice game.
10. 10 players will be used in the field with 4 0utfielders. Outfielders must play on the grass and should be in position as follows:
a. right fielder
b. right center fielder
c. left center fielder
d. left fielder
*NOTE: An “outfielder” is allowed to make an unassisted play at a base by force or a tag only if they are in a position of outfielder when the ball is hit.
An outfielder can not be used as a short fielder and play behind or on 2nd base as an extra infielder.
12. The decision to play, or not to play, a game in inclement weather may be made by the following:
a. division president
b. field operations officer
c. must be mutually agreed upon by both team’s managers.
13. If the game is called the home team manager must call Minor League President and Chief umpire to reschedule the game.
Once the game starts, only the umpire may call the game due to inclement weather or any other type of weather related issue.
a. A complete game will be recorded after 4 innings have been completed by the visiting team.
b. If the game is called after 1 complete inning the game will be resumed from that spot including all records and pitch count.
14. Respect all umpires decisions and set the proper example for your team. Ensure your players and your fans exhibit appropriate behavior. The umpire has the right to remove coaches, players, and fans from the game.
15. If a player curses or throws any part of their equipment they will be subject to ejection or suspension.
16. Uniforms must be worn.