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 player maximum in the field (7 player minimum).
- If a team does not have the 7 player minimum to start and/or finish a game, that game becomes a forfeit.
- 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.
- Injured players: when a player is injured during game play you may replace them in the lineup 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.
- Team Captain’s are responsible for lineup/roster exchange prior to the start of the game.
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Any ejected participant must leave the grounds and have no contact with the umpires or participants in the game and is suspended for one additional game. The ejected participant is restricted from having contact with the team and is not permitted to sit in the stands, dugout, or general locality of the next game.
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.
- The minimum requirement per team for an official game is 7 players.
- No throwing runners out at first base from the outfield.
- Five (5) Home Run Limit. After a team has hit five (5) Home Runs, all subsequent Home Runs will be scored as a double.
- Balls that are caught in nets or advance through a fence are scored a ground rule double.
- 15 run slaughter rule after 4 innings (3 ½ if the home team is ahead) (excluded from playoffs).
- No hitting up the middle. Umpire’s discretion (this is to protect the pitchers).
- No base stealing shall take place at any time.
- 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:
- Batting line-ups should be set prior to the start of the game. Line-ups should be set similar to that of a baseball game batting line-up where the batting order remains consistent throughout the game with players batting in the same spots in the order they were given before the start of the game. After you have completed setting your line-up you must share it with the opposing team captain so they can add it to their score book.
- Line-up modifications – Any modifications to the batting line-up (substitutions, additions, insertion of late arrivals, etc.) should be shared with the opposing captain so they are aware of the changes and can continue to maintain their score book accordingly. This will ensure that there are no issues when the score exchanges occur.
- All roster players may be in the batting lineup, regardless if they play in the field. No player can be in the batting lineup more than once. Any lineup modifications to the batting lineup (substitutions, additions, insertion of late arrivals, etc.) must be shared with opposing team captain.