Sports Leagues Rules and Regulations
Adult Softball Local Rules

Game Rules
1) In accordance to USSSA rules, the “10 Man Division” rule is used. “A team in the 10 Man Division shall consist of 10 defensive players.”

2) A team must have a minimum of 8 players to start any game. Additional players can be added upon arrival and start immediately.

3) Batters do not advance to first base when “hit by a pitch”.

4) Batters are not allowed to bunt.

5) Base Runners are not allowed to “steal” bases.

6) Base runners are allowed to leave the base (any base) as the ball leaves the pitcher's hand during the delivery of a pitch. A base runner is "out" if he leaves the base prior to the ball leaving the pitcher's hand during the delivery of a legal pitch. If the pitched ball is a called strike or ball, base runners must return to the base. The exception to this rule is if the pitch is a called 4th ball resulting in a walk. It is a "force out" if the catcher makes a successful play to a base prior to the base runner returning to the base. Base runners may attempt to advance when the catcher attempts to throw out a base runner and the thrown ball is wild and/or not caught by the player covering the base. In this situation, the base runner(s) must return to the base before he advances to the next base.

7) Pitching (modified) – A pitcher may start with one or two feet on the rubber. If the pitcher starts with one foot on the rubber, that foot must remain in contact with the rubber through the entire delivery. If a pitcher starts with 2 feet on the rubber, the same foot must keep contact through the entire delivery of the pitch (switching feet on the rubber through the delivery is not allowed). The pitching arm cannot exceed a 90 degree angle from the back on the back swing of the pitching delivery. Unless the pitcher uses a bowling delivery, the arm cannot be above the shoulder on the back swing, nor can any part of the arm be more than 6 inches from the side on the forward motion.

8) Illegal Pitches – Once a pitcher has been given 3 warnings for illegal pitches from an umpire(s), the player must leave the position of pitcher for the remainder of the game. For players that “habitually pitch illegally” the Recreation Department reserves the right to ban these players from pitching in our leagues. This applies to regular season and playoff games.

9) Out of Play Areas – Prior to game time, "out of play" areas will be discussed during ground rules. This discussion will include the area around the dugout. In general the corner of the dugout to the first fence pole will mark the out of play area. Some fields may have borders marked on the ground.

10) Courtesy Runners: Prior to the start of the game, up to 3 players may be named as needing courtesy runners. If a player is injured during a game, he can have a courtesy runner. Once a player starts with a courtesy runner, they must finish the game with a runner. The last batted out is runner. If there are no batted outs, use the end of the batting line-up.

11) Substitution – Unlimited – A team can substitute defensive positions at anytime with any player (starter or substitute). All players can bat. If the entire team is not going to bat, the team must notify the umpire and other manager prior to the start of the game.

12) Designated Hitter - All players in the field must bat. Exception – A pinch hitter may be designated for one player in the field when the team has 10 players in defensive positions. This means a team must have a minimum of 11 players prior to the start of a game.

13) Games may be suspended where left off and resumed at a later date. This will be determined by the Recreation Department.

14) The Run Rule (also known as Mercy Rule) is set at 12 or more runs after 5 complete innings (4 ½ if Home Team is winning).

15) A game called due to inclement weather conditions will be official if 4 innings are completed (3 ½ if Home team is winning).

16) All games stopped by rain will either be cancelled or resumed by the umpire notifying the respective captains. No one is to leave unless such notification takes place.


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