Softball

THE GAME:

• Co-Ed Slow Pitch Softball is a friendly game similar to baseball. The object of the game is to score more runs than the opposing team. It is played with 10 fielders with a maximum of 6 males in the field. (Please note that for SPORTSKIND SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTS there doesn’t have to be an equal number of male to female team members).  No new innings will begin after 45 minutes into the game (excepting the Championship Game). Captains must present their line ups to the umpire before the official game time.  Clock starts at game time and will begin once both teams are ready for play.  A forfeit is called 5 minutes after the game start time if a team or teams do not have enough players to start.
• The minimum amount needed to start a game is 9 players with at least one catcher. A team can start with less than the minimum but only if the opposing team is ok with that scenario.  All team members must be on the signed roster/waiver in order to be eligible to participate in the tournament. 
• All team members must play in at least one of the pool play games to be eligible for the single elimination part of the tournament. Any team found to have a player on the field that did not sign the waiver or play in a pool play game may be forced to forfeit that game. This responsibility is up to the team captain to make sure all players have signed to the roster. Waivers and rosters will be closed after the start of the second game of pool play so be sure your players get there on time!

TOURNAMENT FORMAT:

• The first two randomly matched games will be used to determine placement in a single elimination tournament.  Ties are a possible outcome during these first two games, and “Home” and “Visitor” status will be determined by a coin flip prior to each game.
• After every team plays their first two games they will be placed in the single elimination tournament based on the following factors:
  • Overall Record (Ties are a possible outcome in the first two games)
  • Run differential
• If any teams are still tied, seeding will be decided by a coin flip
• Depending on the number of tournament teams some of the higher seeds may receive a bye.  Home and Visitor status throughout the tournament will be determined by the lower seed always being the home team. (ie. If the 2 seed and 6 seed play, the 2 seed team will be “Home” and the 6 seed will be “Visitors”). There WILL NOT be a shift in the bracket to align up the remaining lower seed with the remaining higher seed in the tournament.
• The Championship game will consist of either 7 complete innings or a time limit of 55 min. No new innings will begin after 55 minutes. Run Rule: 15 runs after 4 innings, 10 runs after 5 innings

OFFENSE:

• A team can start with 9 but if the player missing is a female then that team must take an out when it is her turn to bat.
• There may be an unlimited number of players in the batting order as long as no more than 2 males bat in a row. A consistent 1 to 1 rotation between a male and female batter is NOT required. 3 males in a row will result in an out before the third male would bat.  Each team will bat around the entire batting order regardless of the players playing in the field.
• Substitutes are allowed during the game on the field.  Changes to the batting order are not permitted once the rosters have been submitted to the umpire before the game.
• Pinch hitters are not allowed.
• Each player in the batting order must play the field at least one inning during the game.
• All batters come to the plate with a one ball and one strike count and are allowed two foul balls.  On the third foul ball the batter will be ruled out.
• If a male, who is followed by a female batter is walked then he automatically goes to second base. The female batting behind him will have the option to advance to first or bat.  A female who is walked will automatically advance to first base and the only case where base runners would advance is if there is a runner on first.
• There is no BUNTING ALLOWED. Any bunts will be called an automatic out by the umpire.
• The mercy rule will be put into effect if, after completing five innings, one team is ahead by 15 runs or more.
• All bats must be ASA Approved
• All balls must be ASA Approved and fit the following requirements:
  • Female Ball - 11″ .52 Core/300 Compression
  • Male Ball - 12″ .52 Core/300 Compression
• If a game in the single elimination round of the tournament is tied after the standard game time is expired, extra innings will be played until the tie is broken.  Both teams must start at the top of the order on offense.  The last player in the line-up will start on 2nd base.  Each batter will start with a full count and one foul and will receive one pitch. If the pitch is ruled a ball by the umpire, the batter will advance per regulation rules. The ball must be fair or it will result in an out. Full overtime one-pitch innings will be played until the tie is broken.  Reminder: Extra innings is only possible in the single elimination tournament.
• Base runners may not steal, lead off, or advance until the ball is hit. Violation of this rule will result in the base runner being called out.
• Courtesy runners: Any eligible player on the official line-up including available substitutes may be used as a courtesy runner. A courtesy runner may be used once per inning.

DEFENSE:

• There is no requirement regarding male/female ratio in the infield or outfield but there must be at least 4 females in the field unless the team is playing with only 9 players and their 10th player missing is a female.
• The pitcher and all defensive players cannot charge the batter until the ball has been hit. The Umpire will give one warning and a second offense will result in an automatic single for the batter.
• Defensive players must give the runners room to run to the next base not blocking the baseline or the base itself. If the defensive player doesn’t give the runner sufficient space in the baseline, or on the base, the umpire will rule in favor of the runner by default and will award the runner the base in question.
• On an overthrown ball that results in the ball going outside of the playing field all runners will advance a maximum of one base.
• All players not base coaching or on deck to hit MUST BE INSIDE THEIR RESPECTIVE DUGOUTS. Teams will receive one warning by the umpire and on a second offense will begin their next at-bat with one out.

CONCLUSION:

• We enforce a “Zero Tolerance Policy” in regards to behavior of players, managers, and fans. Taunting, trash talking, or abusive language will not be tolerated.  Umpires and tournament staff will have the right to reprimand or eject players, managers, or fans depending on the severity of the situation. Abusive behavior toward the umpire will not be tolerated. An ejection carries a two game suspension (including the current game). In extreme cases, the player will be asked to leave the premises without refund. The severity of the punishment will be based on the discretion of the umpire and tournament staff. Only MANAGERS of respective teams are allowed to approach the umpire with questions or concerns in a respectful manner. Teams charging the field of play to question or complain a call will be subject to automatic forfeit for that game.
• Alcohol and smoking is not allowed on playing fields or dugouts.
• Any rules not covered or protests will be handled by the Tournament Director.
• There will be no refunds allowed for rain delays or cancellations.  If the tournament is postponed due to weather, we will reschedule the tournament to a later date.  There will be no refunds if you are not able to furnish a team on the make up date.
• Slow Pitch Softball is played in the rain if at all possible unless the Tournament Director or Facility Representative decide it is necessary to postpone due to dangerous field conditions or lightning.  If lightning occurs, all attempts will be made to resume play 30 minutes after the last lightning flash is viewed and the Tournament Director deems it safe to resume play. The games will resume as scheduled if at all possible, or shortened if nightfall is imminent.
• All decisions of the Tournament Director are final. The Tournament Director shall also have the final authority to make adjustments to match schedules, match duration, and other aspects of the tournament as may become necessary during the course of the tournament.
• FIGHTING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.  ANY INSTANCES OF FIGHTING WILL RESULT IN A TEAM FORFEIT OF THE TOURNAMENT WITHOUT REFUND AND POSSIBLE EXPULSIONS FROM FUTURE TOURNAMENTS.

THE GAME

• SPORTSKIND softball leagues are played under the USA softball rules with amendments as described below. If there is no specific exception below, then ASA rules of the game shall prevail. In the event of a conflict between these rule exceptions and ASA rules, the SPORTSKIND SOFTBALL LEAGUE rule modifications shall prevail. 
• The object of the game is to score more runs than the opposing team. It is played with 10 fielders (4 infielders, 4 outfielders, 1 pitcher, and 1 catcher), and as a co-ed league the intended format is 5 male players and 5 female players on the field at a time.  No more than 5 male players may be on the field at any one time. All games will consist of 45 minutes or 7 innings, whichever comes first.  No new innings will begin after 40 minutes into the game. Captains must present their line ups to the umpire before the official game time.  Clock starts at game time and will begin once both teams are ready for play.  A forfeit is called at 10 minutes after the game start time if a team or teams do not have enough players to start.
• Teams can have an unlimited number of players on the official roster with a minimum of 5 females. Teams must have an equal ratio of men and women on the team. All team members must be in an SPORTSKIND league shirt or a SPORTSKIND Championship shirt.  If a player on the team has forgotten their shirt the team will be accessed an out before the first at-bat by that player.  This is a one-time out but it could be costly so be sure to wear your league shirt! 
• If a team has fewer than 8 players, the team has the option to pick up players from within the league to keep from forfeiting the game. The team must have at least 6 players from their roster in order to pick up additional players. Picking up players (up to 8) from within the league is allowed at the discretion of league staff.  However, these substitute players must have a SPORTSKIND shirt and play within the league.  A 9th and/or 10th player may only be added at the approval of the opposing team since these additional players are not required to play an official game.  Substitute players may not pitch and must bat last in the order.

OFFENSE

• There is no limit to the number of players on a team as long as it’s a one to one ratio of male/female. Offensive team must alternate gender between male and female on the batting line-up. Each team will bat around the entire batting order regardless of the players playing in the field.
• Balls must be swapped with the pitcher appropriately as genders alternate between male and female (Men: 12” COR .52, 300 lb. Comp.; Women: 11”, COR .52, 300 lb. Comp.)
• Substitutes are allowed during the game on the field.  Changes to the batting order are not permitted once they have been submitted to the umpire.  Pinch hitters are not allowed.
• All batters come to the plate with a one ball and one strike count. Once a batter reaches a two strike count, they will be allowed one foul ball.  A second foul ball will result in an automatic out.
• If a male, who is followed by a female batter, is walked then he automatically goes to second base. The female batting behind him will have the option to advance to first or bat. A female who is walked will automatically advance to first base and the only case where base runners would advance is if there is a runner on first.
• Base runners may not steal, lead off, or advance until the ball has been hit. Violation of this rule will result in the base runner moving back to the proper base. If the batter hits a fair ball while a base runner is leading off then the runner will be out.
• Run Rule: 15 runs after 4 innings, 10 runs after 5 innings. 
• Hit and Sit: When a batter hits a home run over the fence, the batter is not required to touch 1st base. All other players who were already on a base are not required to run the base. 
• Courtesy runners for injuries are allowed.  The courtesy runner shall be the player of the same sex as the injured player who most immediately precedes the injured player in the batting lineup and is not on base. If the courtesy runner is still on base when he/she is up to bat, he/she may stay on base but cannot bat, and the team will be assessed an out. Teams are allowed one substitute runner per gender per inning.  
• After time has expired or 7 innings played, tied ball games shall go to 1-Pitch play. The last out in the previous inning will start on 2nd base and teams will begin extra innings with the next batter in the lineup. While batting a full count is applied (3 balls, 2 strikes, 1 foul ball). If the pitch is ruled a ball by the umpire, the batter will advance per regulation rules. A foul ball in 1-Pitch will be dead, batter is out, and the runners cannot advance on a catch. Play will continue until a winner is determined. All other rules remain in effect.

DEFENSE

• There is no requirement regarding male/female ratios in the infield or outfield but there must be at least 5 females in the field unless the team is playing with only 8 or 9 players and are missing female players.
• Outfielders must start in the outfield grass before the ball is hit.  The umpire will warn outfielders to move back if deemed too close, the second offense will result in an automatic single for the batter.
• Defensive substitutes are allowed from inning to inning, but no defensive substitutions may be made during any given in progress half inning, with the exception of injury or late arriving players to shorthanded teams.
• Defensive players must give the runners room to run to the next base not blocking the baseline or the base itself. If the defensive player doesn’t give the runner sufficient space in the baseline, or on the base, obstruction will be called and the umpire will rule in favor of the runner by default, awarding the runner the base in question.  On plays at first base, if a defensive player impedes a runner in foul territory, the runner shall be ruled safe.
• On an overthrown ball that results in the ball going outside of the playing field all runners will advance a maximum of one base.

LEAGUE EQUIPMENT

• BATS: 
  • All bats must obtain either the ASA 2000 Certification Mark, ASA 2004, or USA Certification Mark
  • Certification Mark, or ASA 2013 Certification Mark and must not be listed on the ASA Non-Approved Bat List with a 2000 or 2004 Certification Mark.
  • Bats stamped with the USA Softball mark are eligible for play. 
• BALLS:
  • Teams will be required to furnish the umpire with one playable ball. The umpire has the right to reject any ball considered to be unplayable. All teams must have an additional ball ready in case balls are fouled out of play.
    • Approved softballs must be factory stamped with an ASA or USA licensed trademark for play. Final judgment left to the umpire (the stamp must be legible). A ball that is merely unreadable will be removed from the game at the time of inspection with no penalty to the offense.
    • All balls must be OPTIC YELLOW and meet maximum COR and lbs. Compression requirements:
    • WOMEN: Women will hit the 11” ball COR 52 with 300 lbs. Compression
    • MEN: Men will hit a 12” ball. COR 52 with 300 lbs. Compression
    • If an illegal ball (one that exceeds the COR or lbs. Compression maximum) or an altered ball (one that has been tampered with) is discovered in the game, whether a pitch is thrown or not, the batter will be called out. If the ball is discovered after a pitched ball is hit and prior to the pitch to the next batter, the batter-runner is out and the runners (if any) are returned to their bases. The coach will be ejected for a second offense of this rule.

PLAYOFFS

• Playoffs will follow the end of the regular season. It will consist of the top teams in the league playing in a single elimination tournament.  If there is a tie in the standings, the head-to-head match up will determine seeding.  If there is no clear head-to-head winner, run differential will determine seeding.
• No substitutes will be allowed during playoffs.  All players must have already played in at least one regular season game and be on the league roster/waiver.
• The Championship game will consist of either 7 complete innings or a time limit of 55 min. No new innings will begin after 55 minutes. Run Rule: 15 runs after 4 innings, 10 runs after 5 innings.

FORFEIT POLICY

• If your team forfeits a game during the season, the following rules apply:
  • First Offense: Loss of game. Score marked: 7-0
  • Second Offense: Loss of game and lose the ability to make the playoffs.
  • Third Offense: Removal from the league.
• Contact us at least 48 hours in advance if you know in advance that your team is going to forfeit a game.
• If you know your team has a conflict, let us know before the schedule is released and we will make every effort to accommodate.
• Teams have until ten minutes past the designated start time to field a full squad (or the league minimum of players required according to rules). If at that time a team is unable to field a legal team, they forfeit the game. The teams may utilize the playing field during their allotted time to play an unofficial game. The official score will be marked as a loss with the respective forfeit score.

CONCLUSION

• We enforce a “Zero Tolerance Policy” in regards to behavior of players, managers, and fans. Taunting, trash talking, or abusive language will not be tolerated.  Umpires and league staff will have the right to reprimand or eject players, managers, or fans depending on the severity of the situation. Abusive behavior toward the umpire will not be tolerated. An ejection carries a two game suspension (including the current game). In extreme cases, the player will be asked to leave the premises without refund. The severity of the punishment will be based on the discretion of the umpire and league staff. Only MANAGERS of respective teams are allowed to approach the umpire with questions or concerns in a respective manner. Teams charging the field of play to question or complain a call will be subject to automatic forfeit for that game.
• Alcohol and smoking is not allowed on playing fields.
• Any rules not covered or protests will be handled by the Umpire.
• There will be no refunds allowed for rain delays or cancellations.  If the league is postponed due to weather, we will reschedule to a later date.  There will be no refunds if you are not able to furnish a team on the makeup date.
• Softball is played in the rain if at all possible unless the Umpire or Facility Representative decides it is necessary to postpone due to dangerous field conditions or lightning.  If lightning occurs, all attempts will be made to resume play 30 minutes after the last lightning flash is viewed and the umpire deems it safe to resume play. The games will resume as scheduled if at all possible, or shortened if necessary.

LEAGUE AUTHORITY 

• FIGHTING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.  ANY INSTANCES OF FIGHTING MAY RESULT IN A TEAM FORFEIT OF THE TOURNAMENT WITHOUT REFUND AND POSSIBLE EXPULSIONS FROM FUTURE TOURNAMENTS.
• ALL DECISIONS OF THE LEAGUE STAFF ARE FINAL.  THE LEAGUE STAFF SHALL ALSO HAVE THE FINAL AUTHORITY TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO GAME SCHEDULES, GAME DURATION, AND OTHER ASPECTS OF THE LEAGUE AS MAY BECOME NECESSARY DURING THE COURSE OF THE LEAGUE. 

THE GAME

• SPORTSKIND softball leagues are played under the USA softball rules with amendments as described below. If there is no specific exception below, then ASA rules of the game shall prevail. In the event of a conflict between these rule exceptions and ASA rules, the SPORTSKIND SOFTBALL LEAGUE rule modifications shall prevail. 
• The object of the game is to score more runs than the opposing team. It is played with 10 fielders (4 infielders, 4 outfielders, 1 pitcher, and 1 catcher). All games will consist of 45 minutes or 7 innings, whichever comes first.  No new innings will begin after 40 minutes into the game. Captains must present their line ups to the umpire before the official game time.  Clock starts at game time and will begin once both teams are ready for play.  A forfeit is called at 10 minutes after the game start time if a team or teams do not have enough players to start.
• Teams can have an unlimited number of players on the official roster. All team members must be in an SPORTSKIND league shirt or a SPORTSKIND Championship shirt.  If a player on the team has forgotten their shirt the team will be accessed an out before the first at-bat by that player.  This is a one-time out but it could be costly so be sure to wear your league shirt! 
• If a team has fewer than 8 players, the team has the option to pick up players from within the league to keep from forfeiting the game. The team must have at least 6 players from their roster in order to pick up additional players. Picking up players (up to 8) from within the league is allowed at the discretion of league staff.  However, these substitute players must have a SPORTSKIND shirt and play within the league.  A 9th and/or 10th player may only be added at the approval of the opposing team since these additional players are not required to play an official game.  Substitute players may not pitch and must bat last in the order.

OFFENSE

• Each team will bat around the entire batting order regardless of the players playing in the field.
• Substitutes are allowed during the game on the field.  Changes to the batting order are not permitted once they have been submitted to the umpire.  Pinch hitters are not allowed.
• All batters come to the plate with a one ball and one strike count. Once a batter reaches a two strike count, they will be allowed one foul ball.  A second foul ball will result in an automatic out.
• Base runners may not steal, lead off, or advance until the ball has been hit. Violation of this rule will result in the base runner moving back to the proper base. If the batter hits a fair ball while a base runner is leading off then the runner will be out.
• Run Rule: 15 runs after 4 innings, 10 runs after 5 innings. 
• Hit and Sit: When a batter hits a home run over the fence, the batter is not required to touch 1st base. All other players who were already on a base are not required to run the base. 
• Courtesy runners for injuries are allowed.  The courtesy runner shall be the player of the same sex as the injured player who most immediately precedes the injured player in the batting lineup and is not on base. If the courtesy runner is still on base when he/she is up to bat, he/she may stay on base but cannot bat, and the team will be assessed an out. Teams are allowed one substitute runner per gender per inning.  
• After time has expired or 7 innings played, tied ball games shall go to 1-Pitch play. The last out in the previous inning will start on 2nd base and teams will begin extra innings with the next batter in the lineup. While batting a full count is applied (3 balls, 2 strikes, 1 foul ball). If the pitch is ruled a ball by the umpire, the batter will advance per regulation rules. A foul ball in 1-Pitch will be dead, batter is out, and the runners cannot advance on a catch. Play will continue until a winner is determined. All other rules remain in effect.

DEFENSE

• Outfielders must start in the outfield grass before the ball is hit.  The umpire will warn outfielders to move back if deemed too close, the second offense will result in an automatic single for the batter.
• Defensive substitutes are allowed from inning to inning, but no defensive substitutions may be made during any given in progress half inning, with the exception of injury or late arriving players to shorthanded teams.
• Defensive players must give the runners room to run to the next base not blocking the baseline or the base itself. If the defensive player doesn’t give the runner sufficient space in the baseline, or on the base, obstruction will be called and the umpire will rule in favor of the runner by default, awarding the runner the base in question.  On plays at first base, if a defensive player impedes a runner in foul territory, the runner shall be ruled safe.
• On an overthrown ball that results in the ball going outside of the playing field all runners will advance a maximum of one base

LEAGUE EQUIPMENT

• BATS: 
  • All bats must obtain either the ASA 2000 Certification Mark, ASA 2004, or USA Certification Mark
  • Certification Mark, or ASA 2013 Certification Mark and must not be listed on the ASA Non-Approved Bat List with a 2000 or 2004 Certification Mark.
  • Bats stamped with the USA Softball mark are eligible for play. 
• BALLS:
  • Teams will be required to furnish the umpire with one playable ball. The umpire has the right to reject any ball considered to be unplayable. All teams must have an additional ball ready in case balls are fouled out of play.
    • Approved softballs must be factory stamped with an ASA or USA licensed trademark for play. Final judgment left to the umpire (the stamp must be legible). A ball that is merely unreadable will be removed from the game at the time of inspection with no penalty to the offense.
    • All balls must be OPTIC YELLOW and meet maximum COR and lbs. Compression requirements:
    • MEN: Men will hit a 12” ball. COR 52 with 300 lbs. Compression
    • If an illegal ball (one that exceeds the COR or lbs. Compression maximum) or an altered ball (one that has been tampered with) is discovered in the game, whether a pitch is thrown or not, the batter will be called out. If the ball is discovered after a pitched ball is hit and prior to the pitch to the next batter, the batter-runner is out and the runners (if any) are returned to their bases. The coach will be ejected for a second offense of this rule.

PLAYOFFS

• Playoffs will follow the end of the regular season. It will consist of the top teams in the league playing in a single elimination tournament.  If there is a tie in the standings, the head-to-head match up will determine seeding.  If there is no clear head-to-head winner, run differential will determine seeding.
• No substitutes will be allowed during playoffs.  All players must have already played in at least one regular season game and be on the league roster/waiver.
• The Championship game will consist of either 7 complete innings or a time limit of 55 min. No new innings will begin after 55 minutes. Run Rule: 15 runs after 4 innings, 10 runs after 5 innings.

FORFEIT POLICY

• If your team forfeits a game during the season, the following rules apply:
  • First Offense: Loss of game. Score marked: 7-0
  • Second Offense: Loss of game and lose the ability to make the playoffs.
  • Third Offense: Removal from the league.
• Contact us at least 48 hours in advance if you know in advance that your team is going to forfeit a game.
• If you know your team has a conflict, let us know before the schedule is released and we will make every effort to accommodate.
• Teams have until ten minutes past the designated start time to field a full squad (or the league minimum of players required according to rules). If at that time a team is unable to field a legal team, they forfeit the game. The teams may utilize the playing field during their allotted time to play an unofficial game. The official score will be marked as a loss with the respective forfeit score.

CONCLUSION

• We enforce a “Zero Tolerance Policy” in regards to behavior of players, managers, and fans. Taunting, trash talking, or abusive language will not be tolerated.  Umpires and league staff will have the right to reprimand or eject players, managers, or fans depending on the severity of the situation. Abusive behavior toward the umpire will not be tolerated. An ejection carries a two game suspension (including the current game). In extreme cases, the player will be asked to leave the premises without refund. The severity of the punishment will be based on the discretion of the umpire and league staff. Only MANAGERS of respective teams are allowed to approach the umpire with questions or concerns in a respective manner. Teams charging the field of play to question or complain a call will be subject to automatic forfeit for that game.
• Alcohol and smoking is not allowed on playing fields.
• Any rules not covered or protests will be handled by the Umpire.
• There will be no refunds allowed for rain delays or cancellations.  If the league is postponed due to weather, we will reschedule to a later date.  There will be no refunds if you are not able to furnish a team on the makeup date.
• Softball is played in the rain if at all possible unless the Umpire or Facility Representative decides it is necessary to postpone due to dangerous field conditions or lightning.  If lightning occurs, all attempts will be made to resume play 30 minutes after the last lightning flash is viewed and the umpire deems it safe to resume play. The games will resume as scheduled if at all possible, or shortened if necessary.

LEAGUE AUTHORITY 

• FIGHTING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.  ANY INSTANCES OF FIGHTING MAY RESULT IN A TEAM FORFEIT OF THE TOURNAMENT WITHOUT REFUND AND POSSIBLE EXPULSIONS FROM FUTURE TOURNAMENTS.
• ALL DECISIONS OF THE LEAGUE STAFF ARE FINAL.  THE LEAGUE STAFF SHALL ALSO HAVE THE FINAL AUTHORITY TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO GAME SCHEDULES, GAME DURATION, AND OTHER ASPECTS OF THE LEAGUE AS MAY BECOME NECESSARY DURING THE COURSE OF THE LEAGUE.