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Softball Rules - League
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Softball Rules

(updated 4/6/2023)

STARTING IN JANUARY 2022 - ALL SOFTBALL LEAGUES WILL FOLLOW USSSA FORMAT (Balls, Bats & Pitching)

REMEMBER 2 THINGS:

1)     ENJOY YOURSELF

2)     NO ARGUING  

It is important that every player understands that this league is for fun.  The mission of Club Sport is to promote competition and athleticism through sportsmanship and fair play. Our leagues/events should be played with good sportsmanship. Although competition may become intense, we expect our participants to maintain good sportsmanship up to and after the final whistle.  No arguing will be tolerated. Whether it be with the umpire, the opposing team, or your own teammates, it’s unacceptable. We realize our umpires/referees/officials will make a bad call from time-to-time (bad calls happen at the highest levels, they are certainly going to happen in an adult social league).  Rest assured they are trying their absolute best to make the correct calls.   If you can’t win or lose with grace, keep it to yourself.

1. GENERAL RULES

1.1 A legal pitch must be within a 3’-10’ arc.

1.2 Home and away is determined on the schedule via sococlubsport.com        

1.3 Games are 55 minutes with a maximum of 7 innings. The inning in progress at the end of 55 minutes will be the last inning and completed. (An inning starts once the third out of the previous inning is called.) The ump will enforce this rule and will keep teams informed of time remaining.  NOTE: due to differing circumstances in each and every game, some games will finish short of an hour in length, while others might run over the hour mark. Please respect your ump's call in this matter, as they must keep all games on time in fairness to teams playing later hours and due to facility permit restrictions.

1.4 Regular season games may end in a tie.

1.5 In the case of rain or other event, the league has the right to call a game as official if more than 30 minutes has elapsed. In this instance, the final score will be counted at the end of the last completed inning, unless the home team is batting and winning at the time. If a game is called due to any circumstance (weather, darkness, etc) and LESS than 30 minutes have expired, the game will be restarted from the beginning at a future time.

1.6 10 players (maximum seven males in coed) are allowed on the field at a time.  A team may play short if less than 10 players are present.  THERE ARE NO POSITION REQUIREMENTS of any players.

        Inaugural season at Bypass Park - 8men/2women allowed

1.7 Completed lineup cards must be presented to the umpire before each game.  

1.8 Once the lineup cards have been submitted to the umpire, they become official and you may add players to the bottom only. All substitutions must be given to the umpire as they are made.

1.9 There will be a 10 run limit per inning; unlimited runs may be scored in the last 10 min of the game or extra innings.

        1.9 A - Mercy Rules will apply (20 runs after 3 innings, 15 after 4, 10 after 5)

        1.9 B - EQUALIZER -

When a Competitive Division team plays against a Recreational Division team in a mixed league, an Equalizer Rule will apply to balance gameplay.

Equalizer Adjustments:

Schedule Identification:

This system ensures fair play between divisions while maintaining competitive balance and fun across the league.

1.10 Pitchers will have a pitching screen to protect themselves from balls hit up the middle (if available at the facility).  If a batter hits the pitching screen, the ball will be declared a foul ball and the count will change accordingly.  If a batter hits the pitching screen a second time in the same at bat, the batter will be called out.  The pitcher will be allowed to make defensive plays.  If a defensive player hits the screen with a thrown ball, the ball will remain live and runners may continue to advance. The pitching screen is considered part of the field.

2.ROSTERS / SUBSTITUTES

2.1 For all leagues, a team may play a legal game with 8 players from their roster. If a team has less than 10 players, they can pick up (2) players from another team, without penalty. It is the captain's duty to secure enough rostered players to ensure a full team for playoffs (not to exceed 2 players from same night teams).  Ask for indy players if you need them.  

2.2 PICKUP PLAYERS: Pick up players are NOT allowed during the playoffs. Any pickup players during the regular season (also referred to as “subs”) must be signed on a SOCO roster for another team for that particular night/location. Failure to do so, even if discovered after the fact, may result in a forfeit.

  1.  Pickups must be brought to the attention of the umpire BEFORE they enter the game or may be assessed a 4 run per pick-up player penalty.
  2. If more players from your team show up to allow subs, the free pickup player(s) must be removed.
  3. If you fail to report pickup players after the start of the game and it is reported or caught before the end of the game it will become a 4 run penalty for EVERY PLAYER picked up (included what would have been a free), so please remember to report your pickup players to the scoring umpire.

2.6 No outside (unsigned) subs are allowed.

2.7 Only players on the roster are allowed to play in the playoffs. Teams can add to their roster any time prior to week 4 of the regular season where the rosters will then close heading into week 5. Anyone on the roster not signed, may still sign after week 4.   Players being added must be present to sign the roster through weeks 1-4.  

2.8 Players may not appear on more than 1 official roster per league unless approved by the Club Sport office.  Players can sub as many times as they want for a team that needs a player during regular season (but not in the playoffs).  Effective 4/21/22

2.9 Once a player has signed their team’s roster they CANNOT be replaced or removed from the roster.  

2.10 Addition to roster after 4 weeks, due to injury

  1. If a severe season ending injury leaves a team short of a full roster (10 players or gender ratio) of players.  Once a player is ruled out for the season they can not return.
  2. The replacement player is of the same sex and comes the very next game of the season and continues for the remainder of the season.
  3. All present Club Sport staff must agree to the addition.  If there isn’t consensus among staff, the Club Owner will make the final decision.

2.11 Roster Checks: 

After week 4 the referees will be given a copy of the team rosters.  During each night of the playoffs that your team plays, you will need to have all of your team members bring a valid form of ID as they will be asked to show it and sign next to their name on the roster.  A valid form of ID is any picture ID with name and picture.  The league coordinators will handle this responsibility and if no coordinator then the referee/umpires will.  Unless an ID can be verified by the coordinator/official the player will not be allowed to play.  To make this as easy as possible, please make sure your teammates arrive 30 minutes prior to the game time to check in.  

3. EQUIPMENT

3.1 All players are encouraged to wear Club Sport jerseys at every game for the entire season.

3.2 NO METAL SPIKES ARE ALLOWED.  If a player is caught wearing metal spikes during the game, the player will be called out and will be immediately ejected from the game.

3.3 Club Sport will provide all the balls for the league.

3.4 Bats: Legal bats are as defined by USSSA rules and senior bats are allowed for 50+ yrs or older. Bats not following these rules may not be used for SoCo Sports play.  The first time a team comes to the plate with an illegal bat, the batter will be called out. The second time the team uses an illegal bat; the batter will be called out and ejected, with possible league suspension.  Each individual is responsible for using legal bats.  

3.5 Club Sport and the umpires reserve the right to disallow a bat should it be thought the bat may have been doctored.  If a bat is used and proven to be doctored (i.e. painted over, "corked", shaved, etc) this will result in the immediate ejection of the person using the bat and the owner of the bat, and the owner/user may possibly be suspended for the remainder of the season or longer, as this is a safety issue.

3.6 PITCHING SCREENS: When pitching screens are available, they are considered mandatory.

  1. The screen may not be more than 3 feet in front of the pitching rubber and must cover half of the pitching rubber.
  2. The screen can only be moved between half innings, after it has been dislodged, or when a pitching change has been made.
  3. The pitcher may release the ball from either side of the screen, but must have at least one foot in contact with the pitching rubber.
  4. The net is for the pitcher's protection and not to be used as a defensive tool by moving to a position to defend the infield.  Pitcher’s may opt to field a ball and will not be penalized for not getting behind the screen.  Pitchers who choose to field balls instead of getting behind the screen do so at their own risk!
  5. If a batter hits the screen, it is a foul ball the first time (courtesy foul rules apply), and an out the second time per at bat.
  6. If the screen is hit with a thrown ball, it will be considered a live ball.
  7. The Halo Rule will not apply when a pitching screen is used.
  8. If a pitching screen is not available, the Halo Rule will be in effect, and a pitching mask will be mandatory.

3.7 PITCHING MASKS: Pitching masks/face guards (when available) are highly suggested for all softball leagues. Effective June 2020, if a pitching screen is not available, the halo rule will be in effect.

4. FACILITIES / ALCOHOL

4.1 Only one player will be allowed outside of the dugout while batting.  All other players besides the on deck batter must remain in the dugout.

4.2 Alcohol is allowed at Sarasota County Parks for participants that are at least 21 years old.  No glass bottles please.

4.3 Alcohol is NOT allowed on the playing field at any time during the game.

5. LINEUPS

5.1 Prior to game time, ask your ump for a lineup card. The captain must fill out the official lineup card prior to the game and this will be kept by the ump. A copy of your line up should also be kept by the team.

5.2 All players in the field must be listed in the batting order.  There are no “designated fielders” allowed.

5.3 BATTING RATIOS: batting order can be random with no specific sex order as long as you follow your overall ratio. When batting 3 women you may bat up to 8 men, when batting 4 women you may bat up to 9 men, when batting 6 women you may bat up to 10 men.  You may always bat more women then these ratios, bformat (7 men/3 women) will allow the following ratio:        

5.4 To allow "extra" men to bat you are:

5.5 MINIMUM PLAYERS: A minimum of 8 players (minimum 1 woman) from the team's roster must be present 5 minutes after game time or the team will forfeit the game. When the females who are not there would normally be up to bat they are automatic outs (also see 5.4 as option). (Game clock WILL start at game time)

5.6 LATE PLAYERS: Any players arriving after the first pitch of the game (not already placed on the line-up card) must be placed at the end of the batting order. If the player bats in any other spot, it is considered an automatic out. If a girl shows up late, they may go into the automatic out spots on the line-up card (see 5.4 for option to auto out). Captains must notify the umpire of any changes to line-up cards.

5.7 INJURED PLAYERS: If a player is injured during a game, the captain must notify the umpire to remove the injured player from the lineup card with no additional penalty. An injured player that has been removed from the lineup cannot return to the game.  They may ask another player from the opposing team, or any player in the league that is present, to take the place of that player.  The player must already be present, and must also be the same sex as the injured player.  THIS IS NOT PERMITTED IN PLAYOFFS.

6. OFFENSE

6.1 All batters will start with a 1-1 count (1 ball and 1 strike).  A batter with two strikes is allowed one courtesy foul ball.  Two fouls with two strikes and the batter is out.   Foul tip: Catchers may attempt to make the catch on a foul tip. If the catch is made, the batter is out and the ball is live. The height of the ball over the batter’s head no longer applies.

6.2 If a male is walked and a female follows him in the batting order the male will automatically go to second base.  If this situation occurs with 2 outs the female will have the option to either take first base or hit.

6.3 HALO RULE: If a pitching screen is not available, halo rule will be used in order to provide a safer environment to players. If a batter hits a ball sharply (line drive or “one hopper”) through the pitching “halo” (extending 2 feet beyond the pitching rubber on both sides, and one foot above the pitcher’s head) the umpire will immediately signal a dead ball out (whether the pitcher has the chance to turn a double play or not).  If the same batter hits through the “halo” later in the game they may be subject to ejection (and possible suspension).  Arguing of this rule by either side will not be tolerated as this is a judgment call by the umpire and excessive arguing is grounds for player ejection.

6.4 No lead offs or stealing is allowed. Runners may leave the base once the ball crosses the plane of the plate or is hit by the batter. If a runner is leading off,  the ball is dead and the runner is declared out. If a runner leaves early (after the pitch is made but before it reaches the plate), this play must be appealed by the defense.

6.5 Courtesy / Pinch Runners

Players may request a courtesy (pinch) runner at any point during the game. These runners are used to assist players with injuries or limitations, and players using them do not need to be removed from the game or continue using a runner for the entire game.

Guidelines:

•        Courtesy and pinch runners are used interchangeably.

•        Runners must be the same sex and may be any player in the lineup.

•        Teams are allowed a maximum of two (2) courtesy runners per inning.

If requested prior to the at-bat:

•        The batter must announce they need a courtesy runner before hitting.

•        In this case, the batter may not advance past first base on their hit.

•        Any attempt to advance beyond first (except on a walk or over-the-fence home run) will result in the runner being called out.

If requested after reaching base:

•        A runner may be substituted once the batter safely reaches base, without restriction on their prior advancement. (strategy substitution…fast runner for a slower one)

Additional Notes:

•        If a courtesy runner is on base when their turn to bat comes up, that runner is automatically out.

•        Umpires and/or SoCo staff reserve the right to overrule the use of courtesy runners at any time to ensure fair play and maintain the pace of the game.

6.8 HOME RUN LIMIT-

6.9 Base runners on first and third base will be allowed to stand in foul territory before a pitched ball is hit.  They must retouch the base before proceeding.

6.95 FAKE TAGS AND VERBAL/PHYSICAL DISTRACTIONS: Fake tag outs or yelling at a defensive player as they are making a play will NOT be allowed. Doing so MAY result n the runner being called safe (fake tags) or out (verbal distraction) and possible ejection of the offending player. Both sides should abide by this.

7. DEFENSE

7.1 Thrown balls are deemed out of play when:

7.2 This imaginary line applies to overthrows and caught fly foul balls.

7.3 If the ball is overthrown and hits the fence behind the 1st or 3rd base lines but does not travel out of play, this is NOT considered out of play but the runner may advance at his/her own risk.

7.4 On overthrows out of play, the runner is granted the base he/she is going to (at the point of the throw) plus one base. Note: in cases where a base runner runs past first base, he/she must make a clearly aggressive turn towards second base to be granted 2nd and 3rd in overthrow situations.

7.5 First basemen must have a foot on first base (not the safety bag) in order to make an out.  The runner will be safe if the first baseman does not touch first base before the runner.

7.6 On an infield fly the batter is automatically out and runners can advance at their own risk.

7.7 Pitches must be between a 4' and 10' arc.  If a pitch is deemed illegal, the umpire will yell 'ball' or 'illegal pitch'.  The batter reserves the right to swing at an illegal pitch but the result of the swing will stand.

7.8 All 4 outfielders must remain behind the painted “outfield line” (or cones) when a female is up to bat. There cannot be more than six players in the infield at any time (male or female batters). Once contact has been made, the outfielders may cross the outfield line. If an outfielder crosses the line before contact has been made and makes the out, then the female will be awarded first base.

8. SPORTSMANSHIP & EJECTIONS

8.1 At Club Sport, we facilitate fun! We hope that all participants keep that in mind when becoming involved in our leagues and social events.  Although the games may become intense, you still can be competitive while maintaining good sportsmanship.  

8.2 Any behavior deemed unacceptable by staff may result in ejection from the game and/or suspension from a game or the league, even if the event did not result in an ejection at the time.  

8.3 Any player or fan is encouraged to root for their own team but rooting against teams or use of disparaging language is discouraged and could result in penalties of players or dismissals of fans. Any fans of teams may be asked to leave by Club Sport staff. Refusal to leave could result in forfeiture of games

8.4 Fighting is not allowed and will NOT be tolerated. All parties involved in fighting will be subject to ejection from the game at the umpire’s discretion and subject to ejection from the league at the discretion of Club Sport.

8.5 Any player that gets ejected from a game may face league suspension for one or more games.

8.6 Club Sport reserves the right to remove a player or team from the league after just one incident depending on the severity of the situation.

8.7 Multiple ejections, even across multiple seasons, may result in permanent suspension from all Club Sport activities.

9. FORFEITS

9.1 Game time is forfeit time.

9.2 If the opposing team wishes to grant time for their opponents to show up, the game clock will be started and the team will be given a 10 minute grace period to get their full team on the field ready to play.  

9.3 Teams may pick up substitute players during the regular season in order to field a legal team. Substitutes will not be allowed during playoffs.  

9.4 All substitutes must be signed onto a roster/waiver for the league, prior to the start of the game.

9.5 If a team forfeits a game, their opponent will be awarded a 7-0 win.

9.6 If you know in advance that your team is going to forfeit a game then we encourage you to call our office so we can inform your opponent.

9.7 If your team forfeits a match during the season, the following rules apply:

10. SCHEDULE/STANDINGS

10.1 League Schedule and Standings will be posted on-line throughout the season.  

11. PLAYOFFS

11.1 All eligible teams (teams that have not abused any policies are eligible) make the playoffs.

11.2 Only players on the roster are allowed to play in the playoffs. Teams can add to their roster any time prior to the 4th week of the season (5th week if you had a bye week in weeks 1-4).

11.3 Once a player has signed their team’s roster they CANNOT be replaced or removed from the roster.

11.4 Rosters: See Roster Check & Challenge Above.  Any dispute will be determined by the umpire or Club Sport Staff.

11.5 It is the responsibility of the team captains to make sure all players in their line-up card are eligible players for all games.

11.6 Playoffs are single elimination.  

11.7 Mercy Rule: Any team up 10+ runs after 5 innings will win the game.

11.8 If a playoff game is still tied after 55 minutes have expired, the extra innings run a “Texas Tie Breaker” where each team will start the inning with a runner on second base (the last out of the previous inning).  This will continue until there is a winner.

11.9 Depending on schedule and facility constraints, some teams may need to play more than one playoff game per day.

11.10 Teams are ranked according to (1) winning percentage, (2) head to head record (with 2 tied teams), (3) run differential, (4) Most Runs Scored 5) coin flip.  If a team plays an 8th game that game will count in the standings.

ANY RULE NOT FOUND HERE WILL FOLLOW USSSA

USSSA RULEBOOK

ALL LEAGUE RULES APPLY TO INNER LEAGUE PLAYOFFS, WITH EXCEPTIONS LISTED ABOVE. SOCO TOURNAMENT RULES ARE ON A DIFFERENT PAGE.

 PLEASE REMEMBER: