Slow Pitch Softball

USSSA Slow Pitch Rules shall be followed in all games with a few exceptions, as stated below:

Starting and Finishing

1. A full team on the field shall consist

1. Men's League
• 10 players on the field maximum
• A minimum of 8 players on the field to start a contest and 8 to finish.
2. Women's League
• 10 players on eh field maximum
• A minimum of 8 players on the field to start a contest and 8 to finish.
3. Coed League
• 10 players on the field maximum
• A minimum of 8 players on the field to start a contest (at no time will there be more men than women allowed) and 8 to finish.

2. Any team not having a minimum number of players at the scheduled start time will forfeit after 10 minutes time. It will be a penalty one run per 2 minutes late.

Forfeit Time

3. Any team not having a minimum number of players at the scheduled start time will forfeit after 10 minutes time. It will be a penalty one run per 2 minutes late.

General Rules

4. No shoes with metal cleats will be allowed. No player will be allowed to play in bare feet.

5. No equipment or uniforms which might cause injuries to another individual shall be allowed.

6. No uniform which is obscene or abusive shall be allowed.

7. All glasses should be attached to the person by a safety device.

8. All players are urged to wear a cap since the sunshine is distracting on most fields.

9. Rock/Paper/Scissors will determine the Home Team (loser designated as visitors to bat first).

10. All games are of a slow pitch variety. Every pitch must have at least an arc of three feet from the point of release from the pitcher's hand. There is a 10 feet maximum arc limit. An umpire may have any pitcher relieved when it becomes apparent that he/she is unable to deliver the ball legally or with accuracy and is causing undue delay of the game.

11. In the Co-Rec League, the batting order shall be alternating male-female. With 10 players, the first batter may be either male or female.

12. A team may bat an extra person (11 men/women and 12 co-rec). In Co-Rec, a male and female must both be batted.

13. No bunting is allowed. If a batter "shortens up" on the bat with one or both hands and contacts the ball in other than a swinging motion, he/she shall be called out. This rule is to prevent hitting a pitch that bounces over the plate and is for the protection of the catcher.

14. A batter who swings at a pitch after it has touched the ground will be called out. This rule is to prevent the batter from hitting a pitch that bounces over the plate and is for the protection of the catcher.

15. A base runner may not score or advance on a wild pitch or a passed ball by the catcher or by means of a stolen base. A runner may not leave the base until the ball has been hit. If a runner is called out for leaving base prematurely, the ball becomes dead and the subsequent action is canceled. Note: When the batter swings at a pitch and misses, the base runners will be allowed a "free step" and are not out for leading off.

16. Overthrow rule: The runner is given the base they were attempting to take, plus one more base.

17. Each batter starts with the count of 1 ball and 1 strike with 1 courtesy foul.

18. A batter is automatically out after hitting a second foul ball after the second strike. The ball is dead and the runner(s) may not advance.

19. A pitch which hits a batter shall immediately become dead and no base shall be awarded.

20. The pitcher is limited to 5 seconds to pitch the ball after receiving it from the catcher. If this is violated, an automatic ball will be called.

21. The batter may not call time or back out of the box when the pitcher has the ball. If they do, an automatic strike will be called, unless there is a physical or equipment reason, which will be judged by the umpire.

22. An intentional pass may be executed by informing the umpire of the intentional pass (only one per game). If you walk a male in co-ed play, the female hasher choice to either walk or bat.

23. The infield fly rule will be enforced. An infield fly is a fair ball which can be easily and readily caught when 1st and 2nd or 1st, 2nd, and 3rd bases are occupied. There must be less than 2 outs. Runners may advance at their own risk.

24. There will be snow fence in the outfield. Any ball that is hit over the line in the air is an automatic home run. If the ball bounces or rolls across the line, a ground rule double will be awarded. If a player touches the ball and it rolls over the line, it will be a ground rule triple. One homerun per inning. Each additional homerun will be an out.

Time-Time Outs

25. Game shall be based on innings and time limit. A game shall be completed in seven innings or at the end of 60 minutes.

In case of ties at the end of regulation play (7 innings or 60 minutes), 1-out innings with a runner (last out) placed on second base will be in play until tie is broken.

Scoring

26. If either team is leading by 25 runs after 3 innings, 20 runs after 4 innings, or 15 runs after 5 innings, the game is over.