Except as otherwise noted in these rules, the NSA Softball rules will be in effect.
Game Time:
- 50-minute games (10 minute WARNING by Umpire, No new innings will start within last 5 minute of game. Home team must bat last.)
- 15 minute grace period is allowable for the 1st game of the night/day.
- Any game that is played for more than 30 min is an official game.
- Tie ball games after game time has elapsed will be recorded as ties (excluding playoffs).
- 1 pitch softball will be used if game is tied and within time limit at the end of 7 innings.
Game Equipment:
- Ball acceptable for game play is a 12 inch, .52 COR, 300 compression softball (balls must have stitched cotton or linen seams). 1 dozen softballs will be provided by the league at the beginning of each season.
- Bats with an NSA and/or USA Softball stamp are acceptable.
- Pitchers are recommended to wear protective equipment; this will NOT be required but encouraged and equipment will NOT be provided by the league.
- No metal cleats are acceptable at any time.
- No official team uniforms are required, but they are highly recommended.
Team Lineup:
- 10 players in the field (3 female minimum).
- The minimum requirement per team for an official game is 7 players (4 males & 3
females). - If a team has less than 3 females playing, the game is officially a FORFEIT, unless captains agree otherwise. There will be an automatic out each time the 3rd female would bat (Ghost out).
- Only 4 people may play in the infield at a time (1st, 2nd, Short & 3rd base) This does not apply to the pitcher & catcher.
- You are allowed 1 courtesy runner per inning. A male runner must substitute for a male and a female runner must substitute for a female.
- Injured players: when a player is injured during game play you may replace them in the lineup (male for male, female for female) if you have extra players not already playing in the field (straight substitution). If this is not possible, the team is assessed an out at the injured player’s spot in the lineup. Opposing team may also loan a player if they so choose.
- Pitcher Run Substitution: The pitcher is also allowed to be substituted for without affecting your 1 runner substitution per inning.
Game Play:
- Double headers played against the same team each night.
- The regular season will consist of 8 regular season weeks (weather permitting) and additional playoff games.
- 10 players max play in the field (must have a minimum of 3 females).
- The minimum requirement per team for an official game is 7 players (4 males & 3 females).
- No throwing runners out at first base from the outfield.
- Balls that are caught in nets or advance through a fence are scored a ground rule double.
- WITH EVERY OUT: If the pitching team walks a male batter to get to a female batter than the male gets 2 bases (He will advance to second base) The female batter then has the option to bat or also advance to first base without batting.
- Max 3 Home Runs per TEAM (per game) then the next homerun is an OUT.
- Run Ahead Rule/Slaughter Rule (SOCIAL LEAGUE ONLY) - A team ahead by 20 or more runs after 3 complete innings, 15 or more runs after 4 complete innings or 10 or more runs after 5 complete innings will be declared the winner. Complete innings must be played unless the home team scores the run ahead limit while at bat. When the visiting team reaches the limit in the top half of the inning, the home team must have their opportunity to bat in the bottom half of the inning.
- No hitting up the middle. Umpire’s discretion (this is to protect the pitchers).
- No stealing.
- Sliding: The baserunner's responsibility is to avoid interfering with the defense and avoid contact with the fielder when a play is being made. They can slide, surrender, change directions (up to 3 feet).
- There are no courtesy foul balls.
- OFFICIAL SCORING: Both teams will keep their own score during their game. Upon completion of EACH game, not each double header, both team captains will meet at home plate with the ump to sign off on scores.
Batting Line-Ups:
- No more than 3 male batters in a row. Batting line up will not exceed 3 males and 1 female (then it can repeat).
- All players are allowed to bat regardless of if they’re playing in the field.