1 | Official Rules of CCSA Softball | |||
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3 | CCSA generally follows the Official Slo-Pitch Rules of Softball published by Softball Canada, with modifications described in this document. (Subscription Required) | |||
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5 | For CCSA specific rules, please click above on "Official CCSA Rules" | |||
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7 | For an addendum to the Softball Canada rules (adopted for CCSA), please click above on "Addeneum to Softball Canada Rules" | |||
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1 | 2025 CCSA Rules | ||
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2 | Updated: February 10th, 2025 Updates and new additions are in bold font. | ||
3 | General Notes | Should these rules be found to be in conflict with the rules plus addendum as stated by the Softball Canada Rule Book, these rules shall take precedence. | |
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5 | NOTE: there may be some repetition. Because of the unique nature of our league, certain behaviour and actions will not be tolerated and may, at the discretion of the umpires presiding over the game, result in an automatic ejection and / or suspension as described below. All such ejections or suspensions are reviewable by the Conduct Accountability Standards of Excellence (C.A.S.E.) Committee either (i) upon appeal by parties involved in the incident or (ii) at the discretion of the C.A.S.E Committee. | ||
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7 | Upon review, the C.A.S.E Committee may impose further sanctions. Actions that result in automatic forfeiture of a game will automatically be reviewed by the C.A.S.E. Committee. For the purposes of this section, “game” means all events and activities occurring between the time when the first player on the team arrives at the ballpark for a CCSA game and the time when the last player on the team leaves the ballpark. | ||
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9 | i) | Umpires will not tolerate dangerous play. Players engaged in such activity will be warned to stop but if in the umpire's judgment it was deliberate and it caused injury, no warning will be given and the persons would be automatically ejected from the game. | |
10 | ii) | No smoking, alcoholic beverages, or illicit drugs are allowed at any games or activities related to the CCSA. If this is during a game, there will be an automatic ejection. | |
11 | iii) | Fighting, and any actions that can reasonably be expected to lead to fighting will not be tolerated. Players involved will be ejected from the game and be automatically given a 2 game suspension. | |
12 | iv) | Swearing, or anything said in spite, excessive anger, any language, any phrase used in vain, or any extreme unsportsmanlike behaviour which could be either interpreted as the intention to swear or as a threat to other players will result in an automatic ejection. | |
13 | v) | Players who heckle other players will be given one warning and if the heckling continues, the player will be ejected. (e.g., on a fly ball to the outfield, someone shouts at the fielder to drop the ball). That type of behaviour is unsuitable for our league. We are here to build each other up and not to bring each other down. | |
14 | vi) | Governors and Coaches are responsible for the behaviour of their teams and their teams’ spectators. | |
15 | vii) | Players are not allowed to make verbal calls of the plays (i.e., safe/out) prior to the umpires making the call. If any player is found doing so the team is given a warning and the next player on that team to do likewise will be ejected. Any spectators found violating this rule will be warned and if the rule is violated again, the team whom the spectator is associated with will cause the team to lose sportsmanship points and forfeit their game. Only team leaders (governors, coaches, and umpires) may direct inquiries to the umpires (other than normal appeals during a play). | |
16 | viii) | All ejected players may no longer participate in any manner with the softball game, but may continue to be present at the game and participate in the post game activities. However, if players ejected pursuant to this subsection disrupt the game in any manner, the umpire may request the offender to leave the grounds. If, after giving ample warning, the offender fails to leave the grounds, the game may be stopped and forfeited to the opposing team regardless of score or inning. The final score will be 7-0 on the score sheet. | |
17 | ix) | Age Limit: 1) A player’s CCSA age is determined as of December 31st of the current year. 2) The Junior division is restricted to those whose CCSA-age is between 14 to 18 years inclusive. Exception: Two players (1 male and 1 female) of the CCSA-age of 19 may be allowed to play on a junior team if they meet the following criteria: a) They must obtain a Letter of Approval from their supervising pastor acknowledging that they are to be mentors to future leaders. b) They will assume the role of either Assistant Governor or Assistant Coach. 3) The Senior division is restricted to those whose CCSA-age is 18 years and older. However a player may be as young as 14 provided that the special exemption form has been filled out | |
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19 | Pre-game and Lineups | ||
20 | 1-1-0 | ALL games begin with prayer. Players must be present for the Opening Prayer to be deemed an eligible player. Penalty: players who miss the Opening Prayer cannot play. If a player who misses the opening prayer and participates in the game will be considered an illegal player and will result in their team forfeiting the game | |
21 | 1-2-0 | Minimum number of players to begin a game shall be 9, 3 of which must be female. | |
22 | 1-2-1 | If a team has more than 9 players but does not have the minimum 3 women, the team will not be allowed to play and the game will be forfeited to the other team providing they have the proper ratio. | |
23 | 1-3-0 | Female to Male Ratios will be strictly enforced. Min. # Of Women # in Batting Order 3 9-12 4 13-16 5 17-20 6 21-24 7 25-28 | |
24 | 1-3-1 | No more than 3 males may bat consecutively. A maximum of two (2) male players may share a spot in the batting lineup and MUST alternate at-bats. A maximum of zero (0) female players may share a spot in the batting lineup. Teams must notify umpires and teams of alternating batters prior to the start of the game. Two players sharing a batting slot who alternate turns may also take the field in the same inning. Example: A team has 17 players but only 3 women, the team will be allowed to put a maximum of 12 players on the team line-up list, leaving 5 men on the bench. If the team so desires, these 5 men may be slotted into a batting spot with another male player already active in the line-up. | |
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26 | Umpires | ||
27 | 2-1-0 | An umpiring team must provide a minimum of two certified umpires to each game that they are responsible for. If two certified umpires are unavailable, the umpiring team must provide one certified umpire, and at least two knowledgeable assistants. These assistants should be knowledgeable of the rules prior to the game. Failure to provide the required number of umpires should be reported by both teams to umpiring@ccsasoftball.net. | |
28 | 2-1-1 | Home plate must be umpired by a certified umpire. In the event that no certified umpires are provided by the scheduled umpiring team, the scheduled umpiring team will lose 2 umpiring points that may affect final standings. The game may proceed with a knowledgeable umpire at home plate. | |
29 | 2-2-0 | The Home Plate Umpire has the final say on positioning of bases and lines as well as the defining of ground rules pertinent to the playing field. General criteria to be followed for ground rules: Dead Ball area shall be the area beyond the imaginary extensions of the fences, or where other objects could become an obstruction. Objects such as light poles and trees which are close to the playing field should have fair guidelines to avoid potentially dangerous attempts to field the ball near them while the ball is in flight. Any ball, which hits an object, shall usually be deemed in play and treated as if it has hit the ground. | |
30 | 2-3-0 | In the case of a rained out or rescheduled game, the scheduled umpiring team is still responsible for the rescheduled game, though it is the responsibility of the playing teams to sufficiently notify the umpires of the rescheduled date. If the umpires cannot make the rescheduled date, they may use the umpire's directory to contact other umpiring teams. | |
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32 | Uniform and Equipment | ||
33 | 3-1-0 | All teams must have uniforms by the date set at the beginning of the season by the CCSA. A full uniform shall consist of: 1) a jersey which is the same for each player (or if jerseys from different years are used, must be as similar as possible to not confuse either team) denoting: a) the team name b) a legible number (different whole 1 or 2 digit Arabic number from 0 to 99 inclusive for each player), Softball Canada Rule 2.5.1d c) the church name (or acronym), d) a CCSA patch in a visible location. Patches must be glued or sewn on and must remain visible (not taped or clipped with any kind of a metallic object, e.g., safety pin). 2) sleeves, whether as part of the jersey or a shirt worn underneath. | |
34 | Penalty: one run for every player without a complete uniform will be deducted automatically from the team’s score at the start of the game. | ||
35 | 3-2-0 | Players will not be allowed to play unless all jewelry is removed. If rings or other jewelry cannot be removed they must be bandaged, taped up properly or sufficiently covered by clothing. Jewelry includes watches, rings, necklaces, earrings, pins, bracelets and all hair accessories. Non-jewelry items such as medical bracelets or other medical devices which have any metal in it will be okay as long as they are taped down, or such as possible to remove threat from protrusions, sharp edges, etc. Safety equipment (including eyeglasses and sunglasses) are exempt from this rule. More stipulations may be necessary due to insurance regulations. All: 1st infraction is not an ejection. Any Subsequent infractions will result in an ejection. Offence: if the batter/runner is wearing jewelry, the first penalty is an out. Defence: if the defensive player is found to be wearing jewelry, obstruction will be called and the current batter and runners will be awarded 1 base. The defensive player will be required to remove the jewelry at that time. | |
36 | 3-3-0 | The home team is responsible for supplying three (3) bases and 6 or 8 spikes (depending on the safety base) in good condition and two (2) pylons at the beginning of the game to indicate the 150 line. Both second base and third base are to be secured with two spikes each. The two spikes are to be fastened at each end of the strap. The strap for second base should run parallel to the base path between second base and third base. The strap for third base should run parallel to the base path between third base and home plate. It is recommended that two-part spikes be used (not the one piece T-spikes). If the safety base at first base has one strap that runs parallel to the length (long side) of the base, then it is sufficient to secure the base with two spikes, one at each end of the strap. However, if the base has two parallel straps that run parallel to the width (short side) of the base, then it is necessary to secure the base with four spikes, two for each strap. | |
37 | 3-3-1 | A home team failing to supply the proper full equipment (i.e. 3 bases, 6 or 8 spikes, and 2 pylons) in good condition at the beginning of the game will lose home team status and be deducted one (1) bonus equipment point. If the visiting team is able to substitute or supply the full equipment set, then they will be awarded a bonus equipment point (i.e., if the home team has no spikes available and the visiting team only has one set of spikes, the visiting team will not be rewarded with the bonus equipment point). Even if the visiting team supplies the full equipment set, the original home team still loses home team status and one (1) bonus equipment point. This offence must be noted on the score sheets. If the bases/spikes become loose or damaged during the course of the game, there will be no deduction of bonus equipment points. If a complete set of equipment can not be found at the start of the game, the game will result in forfeiture by the original home team. The scheduled home team will still be required to lead devotions. | |
38 | 3-3-2 | Failure of the home team to provide a new game ball (supplied by CCSA) at the beginning of the game will result in the loss of home team status and the deduction of one (1) bonus equipment point. As a replacement, the best available ball (as judged by the umpires) will be designated as the game ball. The scheduled home team will still be required to lead devotions. This offence must be noted on the score sheets. If the game ball becomes lost during the course of the game, there will be no deduction of bonus equipment points. | |
39 | 3-4-0 | Helmets are mandatory for batters, on-field on-deck batters, and base runners. In addition, pitchers in all divisions must wear either a helmet with an attached face cage, pitcher’s mask, or fielder’s mask. Team leaders are responsible to ensure their players are wearing helmets and/or masks as required. | |
40 | 3-4-1 | Failure to provide proper helmets and/or masks will result in a loss of the equipment point. This offence must be noted on the score sheet. If the opposing team chooses to help supply helmets and/or masks, they will gain the bonus equipment point. If they do not, then the game will be forfeited to the other team. | |
41 | 3-5-0 | Teams that do not have the proper equipment or minimum number of players to start a game will be given a 15-minute grace period from the scheduled start time. Teams that still are not ready will forfeit the game to the opposing team provided they have the right number of players and equipment (if Home Team). The final score of a forfeited game will be 7-0, which must be entered on the score sheets and signed by the umpires and teams). If both teams are not ready to play after the 15 minute grace period, the Umpire will not be required to stay any longer and therefore consider the game to be cancelled with no score recorded and no points awarded. The game may or may not be rescheduled depending on the reasons for lack of attendance and the availability of playing fields. Final decision will be rendered by CCSA. If games are delayed (i.e., previous teams still playing on the field) the Umpire will begin the 15- minute grace period from the time the field becomes available. NOTE: It is the responsibility of the Umpire to enforce these rules to ensure the game starts and finishes within the allotted playing time (1:45 pm after the scheduled start, finish 15 minutes prior to next scheduled game). | |
42 | 3-6-0 | Bats that will be allowed for use in the CCSA will have the USSSA 1.20 BRP “thumbprint” and will be found along the tapered portion of the bat. | |
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44 | Bats with the ASA 2000 or the ASA 2004 certifications are also allowed so long as they are not on the ASA’s grandfathered bat list. | ||
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47 | Game Time | ||
48 | 4-1-0 | A complete game consists of 8 innings. In the event that a game is stopped due to hazardous playing conditions (e.g., rain, lighting, darkness, high winds, hail storm, earthquake, flooding, etc.), 5 completed innings will be considered a complete game (or 4-1/2 in the event that the home team is winning). The Home Plate Umpire has every right to stop a game regardless of score or inning if in the Umpire's judgement the safety of participants (i.e., players and spectators) is in jeopardy. In the event a game is stopped before 5 innings are completed the game will not be considered complete and a rescheduled game, if possible, will be arranged. If playing conditions improve after a stoppage in play, the Umpire may allow play to resume if in the Umpire's judgment, safety will not be jeopardized and the next game on the schedule will not be delayed (i.e., Umpires will stop the game before the next scheduled game begins regardless of score or inning). If a game is stopped (after 5 innings are complete) during an inning and there is no resuming play the final score will be that of the last completed inning. For example, if 6-1/2 innings are played and then stopped, the score of the game will be taken from the last complete inning which would be the 6th inning unless the team 2nd at bat has scored more runs in their half of the 7th inning. | |
49 | 4-1-1 | In the event of a regular season game that is tied at the end of 8 innings, teams may continue playing additional innings if time permits. If this occurs during a playoff game, teams must continue playing additional innings until a winner is declared. | |
50 | 4-2-0 | Two rovers will be allowed to field, bringing the total number of defensive players to ten (10) (e.g., 6 men and 4 women) on the field. They may be male or female but if a team uses both rover positions, there must be at least 4 women playing on the field. If a team only has 3 women on the field, only one rover can be used (i.e., 6 men and 3 women, total 9 players). | |
51 | 4-2-1 | Infield Line: This line distinguishes the infield and the outfield. Rovers and outfielders cannot be positioned in the infield (e.g., on second base) at the start of play. They must be in the outfield, behind the infield line. They may only come into the infield after the pitched ball is hit. | |
52 | 4-2-2 | Player’s Line: This is an imaginary line from 1st base to 3rd base and no fielder with the exception of the pitcher and catcher may be in front of this line until the pitched ball is hit. See Appendix A. | |
53 | 4-2-3 | 150 ft Line: This line is an imaginary line (marked off by pylons), located 150 feet from the back corner of home plate, arcing from one foul line to another. This is not a straight line going from one pylon to another. Rovers and outfielders cannot be positioned in front of the 150 line at the start of play. They may only pass the 150 line after the pitched ball is hit. This line is ONLY used for outfielders/rovers starting positions, as it does NOT function as the line to throw the ball to the pitcher. To throw the ball to the pitcher, you must still be standing in the infield (within the infield line). | |
54 | 4-2-4 | If the defensive team violates 4-2-1, 4-2-2, or 4-2-3, obstruction will be called and a delayed dead ball will be signalled. | |
55 | 4-2-5 | All fielders must start each play in the same designated spot relative to the other fielders that they started the inning in (i.e., third baseman must be closer to third than the shortstop, left fielder must be more in left field than the centre fielder, etc.) | |
56 | 4-2-6 | Commitment Line: This is a line drawn 20 feet from the back of home plate and perpendicular to the third base line. A runner is out when after crossing the commitment line, he/she does not touch or cross the safe line before the ball is legally held by a defensive player who is in contact with home plate. If a runner is tagged between the commitment line and safe line, obstruction is called. Usually, a delayed dead ball is called for an obstruction. However, as the obstructed runner is put out (tagged) prior to reaching the base he would have reached had there not been obstruction (home), a dead ball is called (Softball Canada 5.10.2 b). The tagged runner is awarded home, and other runners are awarded the base, or bases they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgement, had obstruction not occurred. | |
57 | 4-2-7 | Safe Line: This is a line drawn in foul territory starting at the front corner of home plate closest to third base and perpendicular to the third base line. When a runner touches the ground on or beyond the safe line prior to a defensive player legally holding the ball while in contact with home plate, the runner shall be declared safe. If a runner steps on home plate, INTERFERENCE is called, the play is dead, and the runner is called out. All other runners return to the last base legally touched at the time of the interference. A runner shall not be called out if home plate is touched in an attempt to avoid a collision. | |
58 | 4-3-0 | Each team is responsible for pitching to themselves. The pitcher must keep one foot on or behind the pitcher’s line, which is drawn by the umpire, at all times (minimum distance 40 feet). The pitcher must be within 1 m either side of the imaginary line from home plate to second. Any batted ball which hits the pitcher before any fielder has had a chance to play shall be a dead ball and a pitch against the batter. If this occurs on the third pitch, the batter is out. The pitcher must also make a concerted effort to avoid interfering with the play else interference could be called. Any intentional action by the pitcher to catch or contact the ball is interference. | |
59 | 4-3-1 | All Divisions (Junior and Senior): 3 pitches for women and 3 for men. | |
60 | 4-3-2 | Each team may have as many pitchers as they wish, as long as the substitution of pitchers is quick. A maximum of one warm up pitch is allowed, with the exception of the beginning of each inning where it will be to the umpire's discretion. If a pitcher has left the field during the play, the ball returned to the infield with all play sufficiently stopped will warrant a stoppage of play. | |
61 | 4-4-0 | No bunting or chopped balls will be allowed. A bunt is any contact between the bat and the ball, which doesn't involve a full swing. A chopped ball is a ball that is hit directly down onto the ground with a full downward swing in order to make the ball act like a bunted ball, or bounce high into the air. The motion of the bat determines if the ball is being chopped. It is not the motion of the ball that determines the chopping. If in the judgement of the umpire a player takes a full swing and it is not a deliberately chopped or bunted ball though it acts like one, the umpire will let the play continue and runners may advance. Players who bunt or chop a ball will be called out and the ball is dead. Runners may not advance. | |
62 | 4-4-1 | The batter’s box line is drawn 3 feet in front of home plate and extends beyond the foul lines. During the at bat, a batter must be facing home plate and be able to reasonably contact home plate with the bat. A batter’s feet must remain behind the batter’s box line when the bat makes contact with the ball; a batter is out and the play is dead if their foot touches home plate or is completely past the front of the batter’s box line. | |
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64 | 4-5-0 | A batted ball in foul territory behind the batter will be considered a fly ball and an out if it is legally caught, no matter the height it reaches. | |
65 | 4-6-0 | If the umpire judges that the batter has no control of the bat when it leaves his/her hands, the batter is called OUT for the first infraction, and the play is dead. The umpire will then warn both teams that the next player or players who throw their bats will be called out and ejected from the game for dangerous play. | |
66 | 4-7-0 | Leadoff rule: Runners may only depart from their respective bases at the moment a pitched ball has made contact with a fully swung bat (e.g., a runner anticipates the batter to hit the ball and takes his foot off the base, but the batter fails to make contact). The runner will be immediately called out. The ball is dead, and NO PITCH is declared. | |
67 | 4-8-0 | Runners may slide into any base except for and around home plate. EXCEPTION: On playing fields where back fences are in close approximation to home plate, umpires may allow runners to slide over the safe line for purposes only to slow down and/or to avoid collision with the fence or back catcher. | |
68 | 4-8-1 | Runners may slide head first or feet first. However, in the case of a feet first slide, the runner must keep his/her feet as close to the ground as possible in order to prevent injury to any other players. If in the view of the umpire, the slide was intended to injure another player or to break-up a possible double play, the runner will be ejected from the game. | |
69 | 4-9-0 | 1st Base Safety Bag: Batter-runner must touch the ORANGE (or Red) side of the First Base on ANY infield hit. If the batter runner touches the WHITE side of First Base on an infield hit, INTERFERENCE will be called. | |
70 | 4-10-0 | Play is considered to be over when: a) Umpire calls TIME, FOUL BALL, or DEAD BALL. b) Runners have stopped advancing and the ball is in the infield in the control of a defensive player and then Time is requested. c) Runners have stopped advancing and the pitcher is given the ball by a defensive player in the INFIELD. (Pitchers do not have to catch a ball that is thrown to them from the OUTFIELD.) If a pitcher has left the field during the play, the ball returned to the infield with all play sufficiently stopped will warrant the stoppage of play. | |
71 | 4-11-0 | Mercy Rule: There will be a 5 run mercy rule enforced in the first 7 innings of every game. Each team will only be allowed to score a maximum of 5 runs per inning regardless of the number of outs. EXCEPTION: Should a home run or a ground rule double result in more than 5 runs scored in an inning in which the mercy rule is enforced, only 5 runs will be scored and recorded for that inning. The batter and runners are awarded the maximum number of bases such that no more than 5 runs score in the inning. Both teams will be allowed to score as many runs as possible in the last inning of the game (i.e., if the game drags on too long, an umpire may declare the next inning (e.g., 6th inning) the last inning and extra innings if necessary. | |
72 | 4-12-0 | Game Mercy Rule: At the end of any inning after 5 innings (or 4.5 if the home team is leading), if there is a difference of 14 or more runs, the losing team has the OPTION to end the game. | |
73 | 4-13-0 | At diamonds where there is a home run fence, the first fair batted ball over the fence for each team will be declared a home run. Either team may only hit one Over-the-Fence Home Run more than the opposing team. Subsequent Over-the-Fence hits will count as an OUT until the opposing team hits an Over-the-Fence Home Run. This is what will be referred to as “Match + 1” | |
74 | 4-14-0 | An outfielder or rover CANNOT throw a ball directly to 1B to get the (BR) Batter Runner out. When the BR has safely reached first base, an outfielder or rover may throw the ball directly to 1B for a “tag” out. | |
75 | 4-14-1 | If an outfielder or rover does throw a ball from to 1B in an attempt to get the (BR) Batter Runner out, the umpire shall signal OBSTRUCTION. Both teams shall receive a WARNING. Any subsequent OUTFIELDERS violating the rule will be automatically EJECTED from the game. Note: This rule is applied on the THROW from an outfielder or rover to 1B. The fielder at or near 1B need not make a play for the obstruction to occur. | typo |
76 | 4-15-0 | Substitute runners are limited only to injury substitutions and are allowed only after the previous play is over. Each team will have a maximum of five (5) such substitutions per game. Substitutions can only occur with any eligible player of the same sex, who is registered on the team with the league. Once a player has been used as a substitute runner, they cannot be used as substitute runner for the remainder of the game. The injured player need not necessarily be removed from the game (as this is not strictly considered a substitution). | |
77 | 4-15-1 | If during his/her turn at-bat, the scheduled batter is on base due to a substitution and there are no substitutions remaining, the batter will be called out. | |
78 | 4-16-0 | If an injured batter is not able to take their at-bat, that batting slot is skipped and no out is recorded. If the injured batter causes the female-ratio to be upset: a) A batting order for the injured player's line-up spot shall consist of the remaining females in the line-up starting with the female who hits previous to the injured, in the order opposite to that on the current line-up. b) Should a female be on base but is either scheduled to hit in this spot or in her normal batting position, she shall be substituted for on the base path, and go up to bat. The substitution shall be the last female who got out. If that slot is shared, it cannot be replaced by the alternating player. The injured player may not re-enter the game. | |
79 | 4-17-0 | You may not field less than 9 players (with a minimum of 3 females) at any time. Should this occur (even in the case of injury) the game will be forfeited to the other team | |
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81 | Post-Game | ||
82 | 5-1-0 | All persons who participate in the softball game must also attend the post-game devotions (unless pre-game devotion is planned). Any pardons from devotions MADE DURING THE GAME must be addressed to both team’s coaches and governors, and to the umpires. Teams that do not abide by this will lose their sportsmanship points, forfeit their game, and any further action will be at the discretion of the CASE Committee. All such decisions will automatically be reviewed by the CASE Committee to determine if there were any extenuating circumstances. | |
83 | 5-2-0 | Please completely fill out score sheets, (i.e., game code, park, time, teams played, umpires, final scores, sportsmanship points, equipment points, signatures). | |
84 | 5-2-1 | Points are awarded for wins, ties, losses, forfeits, sportsmanship, equipment, and umpiring. Points are awarded as follows: 3 pts for a win 2 pts for a tie 1 pt for a loss 0 pts for a forfeit 0 to 1 pt per game for sportsmanship -1 to 1 pt per game for equipment 2 pts per game for umpiring, up to a maximum of 10 points | |
85 | 5-2-2 | All teams start with 2 equipment points and can gain or lose points (to a maximum of 4 and a minimum of 0) based on the following criteria: -1 for failure to provide full equipment as home team +1 if, as the away team, supply full equipment -1 for improperly filled out scoresheet | |
86 | 5-2-3 | A tie in points in the standings are broken as follows: 1. Wins 2. Ties 3. Run Differential | |
87 | 5-3-0 | The head umpire of the game must report the score on the CCSA Dashboard before 11:59:59 pm of the Tuesday after the game. The umpire will need to log in to the website, and report the game code, park, time, teams played, final score, sportsmanship and equipment points awarded. Any extraneous circumstances, incidents, or ejected players are also reported. Report scores by e-mail to schedule@ccsasoftball.net if Dashboard is unavailable. | |
88 | 5-3-1 | Both teams must submit the score on the CCSA Dashboard before 11:59:59 pm of the Tuesday after the game. A photo/scan of the scoresheet (front and back) must accompany the submission. Do not mail scoresheets. Report scores by e-mail to schedule@ccsasoftball.net if Dashboard is unavailable. | |
89 | 5-3-2 | If any team (Home, Away, Umpire) fail to submit the score on Dashboard or upload the scoresheet by the deadline, then the offending team loses points gained for that game. | |
90 | 5-4-0 | A double forfeit will result in a 0-0 score with no points awarded. | |
91 | 5-5-0 | In consideration for the environment and to the Parks & Recreation Department, please dispose of all of your garbage and help keep the parks clean. | |
92 | 5-6-0 | If you have any questions, or would like to help out on the committee, feel free to e-mail umpiring@ccsasoftball.net. | |
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94 | Appendix A | CCSA Diamond | |
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97 | Appendix B | Gestures and Calls | |
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99 | |||
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1 | Addendum to the 2024/2025 Softball Canada "Official Slo-Pitch Rules of Softball" | Updated 2025/03/10 | ||||
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2 | Rule number | CCSA version | Original | Addendum | ||
3 | 1 | The Game | ||||
4 | 1.1 | Definitions | ||||
5 | 1.1.1 | Appeal - Live Ball or Dead Ball | A live or dead ball appeal is a play or situation on which an umpire cannot make a decision unless requested by a manager, coach or player of the non-offending team. | A live or dead ball appeal is a play or situation on which an umpire cannot make a decision unless requested by a manager, coach or player of the non-offending team. | ||
6 | 1.1.2 | Defensive Team | The team in the field excluding the pitcher, who is on the batting team. | The team in the field. | Omit. Replace with "The team in the field excluding the pitcher, who is on the batting team." | |
7 | 1.1.3 | Forfeit | When the plate umpire rules that the game is over by declaring the non-offending team the winner. | When the plate umpire rules that the game is over by declaring the non-offending team the winner. | ||
8 | 1.1.4 | Home and Visiting Team | a) The home team is determined by league assignment.. b) The home team starts the game on defense, bats in the bottom half of the inning. c) The visiting team starts the game on offense, bats in the top half of each inning. | a) The home team may be determined in a variety of ways, including coin toss, mutual agreement, tournament assignment or league assignment. b) The home team starts the game on defense, bats in the bottom half of the inning and occupies the third base dugout. c) The visiting team starts the game on offense, bats in the top half of each inning and occupies the first base dugout. | a) Replace with "The home team is determined by league assignment." b) Delete "and occupies the third base dugout" c) Delete "and occupies the first base dugout" | |
9 | 1.1.5 | Inning | That segment of a game when both teams either bat or field and remain batting or fielding until three outs occur. A new half-inning begins immediately after the final out of the previous half-inning. | That segment of a game when both teams either bat or field and remain batting or fielding until three outs occur. A new half-inning begins immediately after the final out of the previous half-inning. | ||
10 | 1.1.6 | Offensive Team | The team at bat. | The team at bat. | ||
11 | 1.1.7 | "Play Ball" | When the plate umpire signals and declares live ball at the start of the game or resuming play in a game, provided that: a) the pitcher holds the ball and stands behind the pitcher's line; and b) the catcher is in the catcher's area, in foul territory behind home plate and all other fielders are in fair territory and facing home plate, to put the ball in play. | When the plate umpire signals and declares live ball at the start of the game or resuming play in a game, provided that: a) the pitcher holds the ball on or adjacent to the pitching plate; and b) the catcher is in the catcher’s box and all other fielders are in fair territory to put the ball in play. | a) Replace "on or adjacent to the pitching plate" with "and stands behind the pitcher's line." b) Omit. Replace with "the catcher is in the catcher's area, in foul territory behind home plate and all other fielders are in fair territory and facing home plate, to put the ball in play" | |
12 | 1.1.8 | Pre-Game Meeting | The meeting at a predetermined time including the umpires, head coaches, governors or team representatives of both teams. At this meeting, line-up cards are confirmed, exchanged between teams and the plate umpire reviews any special rules | The meeting at home plate area at a predetermined time including the umpires, head coaches, managers or team representatives of both teams. At this meeting, line-up cards are confirmed, exchanged between teams and the plate umpire reviews any special rules | Delete "at home plate area". Replace "managers" with "governors". | |
13 | 1.1.9 | Protest | The action of a defensive or offensive team, other than an appeal, objecting to: a) The misinterpretation or application of a playing rule by an umpire; or b) The eligibility of a team roster member. | The action of a defensive or offensive team, other than an appeal, objecting to: a) The misinterpretation or application of a playing rule by an umpire; or b) The eligibility of a team roster member. | ||
14 | 1.1.10 | Time | The term used by an umpire to order the suspension of play in a game. During time, the ball is dead. | The term used by an umpire to order the suspension of play in a game. During time, the ball is dead. | ||
15 | ||||||
16 | 1.2 | Regulation Game Requirements | ||||
17 | 1.2.1 | Regulation Game | A regulation game consists of eight completed innings, except as follows: a) A full eight innings need not be played if the home team scores more runs in seven innings or before the third out in the bottom of the eighth inning. b) A game that is tied at the end of eight innings will be continued by playing additional innings until one side scores more runs than the other at the end of a completed inning or the home team scores more runs before the third out in the bottom of the inning is made. Note: In a regular season game, additional innings will only be permitted c) A game called by the umpire will be a regulation game if five or more complete innings have been played, or if the team second at bat has scored more runs than the other team has scored in five or more innings or if the game mercy rule is invoked. The umpire is empowered to call a game at any time because of darkness, rain, fire, panic or other cause, which puts the patrons or team members in physical danger. d) A regulation tied game will be declared if the score is equal when the game is ended at the end of five or more completed innings, or if the home team has equaled the score of the visiting team in the incomplete inning. e) These provisions do not apply to any acts on the part of players or spectators that might call for forfeiture of the game. The plate umpire may forfeit the game if any team member or spectator physically attacks any umpire. f) A game that is not considered a regulation game may be replayed from the start of the game, if the game can be successfully rescheduled. If the game cannot be rescheduled, it will be declared a tied game. The original line-up may be changed when the game is replayed. | A regulation game consists of seven completed innings, except as follows: a) A full seven innings need not be played if the home team scores more runs in six innings or before the third out in the bottom of the seventh inning. b) A game that is tied at the end of seven innings will be continued by playing additional innings until one side scores more runs than the other at the end of a completed inning or the home team scores more runs before the third out in the bottom of the inning is made. c) A game called by the umpire will be a regulation game if five or more complete innings have been played, or if the team second at bat has scored more runs than the other team has scored in five or more innings or if the run ahead rule is invoked. The umpire is empowered to call a game at any time because of darkness, rain, fire, panic or other cause, which puts the patrons or team members in physical danger. d) A regulation tied game will be declared if the score is equal when the game is ended at the end of five or more completed innings, or if the home team has equaled the score of the visiting team in the incomplete inning. e) These provisions do not apply to any acts on the part of players or spectators that might call for forfeiture of the game. The plate umpire may forfeit the game if any team member or spectator physically attacks any umpire. f) A game that is not considered a regulation game or is a regulation tied game will be replayed from the start of the game. The original line-up may be changed when the game is replayed. SC Exception – When the Canadian Championship supervisor suspends a Canadian Championship game, the game shall be resumed at the exact point where it was suspended. | Replace "seven" with "eight" a) Replace "seven" with "eight". Replace "six" with "seven". Replace "seventh with eighth" b) Replace "seven" with "eight". Note: In a regular season game, additional innings will only be permitted if there is adequate time. c) Replace "the run ahead rule" with "game mercy rule". f) Omit "or is a regulation tied game". Replace "will be replayed from the start of the game" to "may be replayed from the start of the game, if the game can be successfully rescheduled. If the game cannot be rescheduled, it will be declared a tied game." f) SC Exception: Omit. | |
18 | 1.2.2 | Forfeited Game | A game is forfeited in favor of the team not at fault when: a) a team fails to appear on the field; b) a team on the field refuses to begin a game for which it is scheduled or assigned at the time scheduled or within a time set for forfeitures by the organization in which the team is playing; c) after the game starts, one team refuses to continue to play, unless the game has been suspended or terminated by the plate umpire; d) after the plate umpire suspends a play, one team fails to resume play within two minutes after the plate umpire signals and calls “PLAY BALL”; e) a team employs tactics designed to delay or to hasten the game; f) Omit g) Omit. Refer to CCSA rules regarding ejected players. h) because of the removal or ejection of the players from the game by the umpire or for any other cause there are less than 9 players or less than 3 female players; i) a declared ineligible player re-enters the game and one pitch is thrown; or j) it is discovered that an ejected player, or coach is participating in the game again. | A game is forfeited in favor of the team not at fault when: a) a team fails to appear on the field; b) a team on the field refuses to begin a game for which it is scheduled or assigned at the time scheduled or within a time set for forfeitures by the organization in which the team is playing; c) after the game starts, one team refuses to continue to play, unless the game has been suspended or terminated by the plate umpire; d) after the plate umpire suspends a play, one team fails to resume play within two minutes after the plate umpire signals and calls “PLAY BALL”; e) a team employs tactics designed to delay or to hasten the game; f) after a warning by the Plate Umpire, any one of these Rules is willfully violated, except if the pitcher continues to repeatedly violate a pitching Rule the pitcher will be removed from the pitching position for the remainder of the game and shall be declared an illegal pitcher; g) the order for the removal or ejection of a player or any person authorized to sit on the team bench is not obeyed within one minute; h) because of the removal or ejection of the players from the game by the umpire or for any other cause there are less than 10 or 11 with an Extra Player or 12 with two Extra Players in Co-ed; i) a declared ineligible player re-enters the game and one pitch is thrown; or j) it is discovered that an ejected player, coach or manager is participating in the game again. | f) Omit. g) Omit. Refer to CCSA rules regarding ejected players. h) Replace "10 or 11 with an Extra Player or 12 with two Extra Players in Co-ed" to "9 players or less than 3 female players" j) Replace "coach or manager" with "or coach". | |
19 | 1.2.3 | Run Ahead Rule | Omit. Please refer to CCSA's Game Mercy Rule 4-12-0 | a) SC: A run ahead rule shall result in the conclusion of the game when: i. After 4½, 5, 5½, or 6 complete innings of play if there is a difference of 15 or more runs. b) Complete innings are played unless the home team scores the required number of runs while at bat. When the visiting team reaches the required number of runs in the top half of the inning, the home team bats in the bottom half of the inning. All play must have finished before the game is declared won by the score of the run ahead rule. If in the bottom of the inning, no scores above the run ahead score shall count unless the game ending play is a home run, then all runs scored because of the home run shall count. | Omit. Please refer to CCSA's Game Mercy Rule 4-12-0 | |
20 | 1.2.4 | Tie Breaker | Omit. If extra innings are played, the offensive team will start each half-inning with the bases empty. | a) Starting with the top of the eighth inning and for each half-inning thereafter until the game ends, the offensive team starts its turn at bat with the player scheduled to bat tenth or eleventh with an EP or twelfth in Co-ed with EPs in that respective half-inning being placed on second base as a runner. b) The runner on second base may be substituted in accordance with the substitution Rules. c) If an incorrect runner is placed on second base, they shall be called out if a proper appeal is made by the defensive team after a pitch (legal or illegal) or play and is upheld. A proper appeal may be made at any time the incorrect runner is on base. If the offensive team places the correct runner on base before a proper appeal is made, there is no penalty. | Omit. If extra innings are played, the offensive team will start each half-inning with the bases empty. | |
21 | 1.2.5 | Scoring Runs | a) One run is scored each time a runner touches, in order, all three bases and crosses a safe line and before the third out of that half-inning. i. Omit b) Omit c) A run does not score if the third and/or last out of the inning is a result of: i. a batter-runner being out before they touch first base; ii. a runner being forced out including on an appeal play; iii. a runner leaving a base before the pitch is batted or reaches home plate; or iv. a preceding runner being out. d) Additional out appeals may be made after the third out to remove a run(s). | a) One run is scored each time a runner touches, in order, all three bases and home plate and before the third out of that half-inning. i. SC: or crosses a safe line (Co-Ed Only) SC Note: only the home plate can be used to score a run or make a force out, not the strike mat. The runner is out on an appeal play if they only make contact with the strike mat. b) When the tie-breaker is used, the runner starting at second base does not have to touch first base in order for a legal run to be scored. c) A run does not score if the third and/or last out of the inning is a result of: i. a batter-runner being out before they touch first base; ii. a runner being forced out including on an appeal play; iii. a runner leaving a base before the pitch is batted or reaches home plate; or iv. a preceding runner being out. d) Additional out appeals may be made after the third out to remove a run(s). | a) Replace "home plate" with "crosses a safe line". a) i. Omit. b) Omit. | |
22 | 1.2.6 | Appeal Plays | On an appeal play, the runner will not be out unless the appeal is made legally. a) An appeal may be made while the ball is live or dead, but the defensive team loses the opportunity of making an appeal if it is not made: i. before the next pitch, except for an illegal substitute, unannounced player; ii. before all defensive players have left fair territory on their way to the bench or dugout area. If a fielder makes the appeal, the fielder must be in the infield when making the appeal; or iii. in the case of the last play of the game, before the umpires have left the field of play. iv. Omit. b) DEAD BALL APPEAL. Once the ball has been returned to the infield and “Time” has been called or the ball becomes dead, any defensive team member in the infield, with or without possession of the ball, may make a verbal appeal on a runner missing a base or leaving a base too soon on a caught fly ball. A coach or governor may only make a dead ball appeal after stepping onto the playing field. The administering umpire should acknowledge the appeal and then make a decision on the play. No runner may leave their base during this period as the ball remains dead until the next pitch. EXCEPTION: A runner who has left a base too soon on a caught fly ball or who has missed a base may attempt to return to such base while the ball is dead. i. If the ball goes out of play, the dead ball appeal cannot be made until the plate umpire places a new ball into the game. ii. Omit iii. If the umpire has declared “Play Ball” and the pitcher then requests an appeal, the umpire would again call “Time” and allow the appeal process. c) Additional out appeals may be made after the third out as long as they are made properly and are made to remove a run, or made to reinstate the correct batting order. d) These are the types of appeal: i. missing a base; ii. leaving a base on a caught fly ball before the ball is first touched; iii. batting out-of-order; iv. attempting to advance to second base after reaching first base; v. illegal substitutions; vi. Omit vii. Omit viii. Omit ix. runners switching positions on the bases they occupied; x. Omit xi. making a play with an illegal glove. | On an appeal play, the runner will not be out unless the appeal is made legally. a) An appeal may be made while the ball is live or dead, but the defensive team loses the opportunity of making an appeal if it is not made: i. before the next legal or illegal pitch, except for an illegal substitute, unannounced player, illegal re-entry, replacement or withdrawn player and runners switching bases; ii. before all defensive players have left fair territory on their way to the bench or dugout area. If a fielder makes the appeal, the fielder must be in the infield when making the appeal; or iii. in the case of the last play of the game, before the umpires have left the field of play. iv. at any time, an incorrect runner is on base in a tiebreaker Inning or as a temporary runner for the catcher or pitcher of record. b) DEAD BALL APPEAL. Once the ball has been returned to the infield and “Time” has been called or the ball becomes dead, any defensive team member in the infield, with or without possession of the ball, may make a verbal appeal on a runner missing a base or leaving a base too soon on a caught fly ball. A coach or manager may only make a dead ball appeal after stepping onto the playing field. The administering umpire should acknowledge the appeal and then make a decision on the play. No runner may leave their base during this period as the ball remains dead until the next pitch. EXCEPTION: A runner who has left a base too soon on a caught fly ball or who has missed a base may attempt to return to such base while the ball is dead. i. If the ball goes out of play, the dead ball appeal cannot be made until the plate umpire places a new ball into the game. ii. If the pitcher has possession of the ball and is in contact with the pitching plate when making a verbal appeal, no Illegal Pitch is called. iii. If the umpire has declared “Play Ball” and the pitcher then requests an appeal, the umpire would again call “Time” and allow the appeal process. c) Additional out appeals may be made after the third out as long as they are made properly and are made to remove a run, or made to reinstate the correct batting order. d) These are the types of appeal: i. missing a base; ii. leaving a base on a caught fly ball before the ball is first touched; iii. batting out-of-order; iv. attempting to advance to second base after reaching first base; v. illegal substitutions; vi. the use of an unannounced player under the Replacement Player Rule; vii. Illegal Re-entry; viii. the use of an unannounced player under the Designated Player Rule; ix. runners switching positions on the bases they occupied; x. the use of an incorrect runner on second base in a tiebreaker inning or as a temporary runner for the catcher or pitcher of record. xi. making a play with an illegal glove. | a) i. Omit "legal or illegal" a) i. Omit "illegal re-entry, replacement or withdrawn player and runners switchin bases" a) iv. Omit. b) Replace "manager" with "governor". b) ii. Omit. d) vi. Omit. d) vii. Omit. d) viii. Omit. d) x. Omit. | |
23 | 1.2.7 | Winning of the Game | The winner of the game is the team that scores more runs than the other team scores in a regulation game. a) The score of a called regulation game is the score at the end of the last complete inning unless the home team scores more runs than the visiting team in the bottom half of the incomplete inning. In this case, the score is that of the incomplete inning. b) The score of a regulation tie game is the tie score when the game was terminated. c) SC: The score of a forfeited game is 7-0 in favor of the team not at fault. | The winner of the game is the team that scores more runs than the other team scores in a regulation game. a) The score of a called regulation game is the score at the end of the last complete inning unless the home team scores more runs than the visiting team in the bottom half of the incomplete inning. In this case, the score is that of the incomplete inning. b) The score of a regulation tie game is the tie score when the game was terminated. c) SC: The score of a forfeited game is 15-0 in favor of the team not at fault. | c) Replace "15-0" with "7-0". | |
24 | 1.2.8 | Grounds for a Protest | Omit. A game cannot be protested in CCSA, and no games will be played under protest. If there are concerns about the umpires' interpretation of the rules or ability to control the game, please fill out the appropriate umpiring evaluation forms, and contact the CCSA Umpiring Committee if further discussions are necessary. | a) A protest that will be received and considered includes matters of the following types: i. the misinterpretation of a Rule; ii. the failure of an umpire to apply the correct rule to a given situation; or iii. the failure to impose the correct penalty for a given violation. b) After one pitch has been thrown (legal or illegal), no umpire ruling can be changed. c) At any time, a protest may be submitted to the appropriate authority other than the plate umpire for the eligibility of a team roster member. | Omit. A game cannot be protested in CCSA, and no games will be played under protest. If there are concerns about the umpires' interpretation of the rules or ability to control the game, please fill out the appropriate umpiring evaluation forms, and contact the CCSA Umpiring Committee if further discussions are necessary. | |
25 | 1.2.9 | Protests | Omit | A protest may involve both a matter of judgment and the interpretation of a rule. An example of a situation of this type follows: With one out and runners on second and third bases, the batter hits a fair fly ball that was caught. The runner on third tagged up after the catch but the player on second did not. The runner on third had crossed home plate before the ball was played at second base for the third out. The umpire did not allow the run to score. The questions whether the runners left their bases before the catch and whether the play at second was made before the player on third crossed home plate are solely matters of judgment and may not be protested. The failure of an umpire to allow the run to score was a misinterpretation of a Rule and was a proper subject for protest. | Omit. | |
26 | 1.2.10 | Invalid Protests | Omit | No protest may be received or considered if it is based solely on a decision involving the accuracy of judgment by an umpire, or if the team lodging the protest won the game. Examples of protests that will not be considered are: a) whether a batted ball was fair or foul; b) whether a runner was safe or out; c) whether a pitched ball was a strike or a ball; d) whether a pitch was legal or illegal; e) whether a runner did or did not touch a base; f) whether a runner left the base too soon on a caught fly ball; g) whether a fly ball was or was not caught; h) whether a fly ball was or was not an infield fly; i) whether there was or was not an interference; j) whether there was or was not an obstruction; k) whether a player or live ball did or did not enter a dead ball territory or touch an object or person in a dead ball territory; l) whether a batted ball did or did not clear a fence in flight; m) whether the field is fit to continue or resume play; n) whether there is sufficient light to continue play; or o) any other matter involving only the accuracy of the umpire’s judgment. | Omit. | |
27 | 1.2.11 | Giving Notice of a Protest | Omit | a) Other than for player eligibility, notice to protest must be given clearly to the plate umpire: immediately before the next pitch, legal or illegal; if at the end of an inning, before all fielders leave fair territory on their way to the bench or dugout area; or if the last play of the game, before the umpires have left the field of play. b) Any notice of protest given in accordance with this Rule means that the remainder of the game is played under protest. c) The manager or acting manager of the protesting team may give such notice. The plate umpire must notify the opposing manager and the official scorer. d) All interested parties must take notice of the conditions surrounding the making of the decision that will aid in the correct determination of the issue. | Omit. | |
28 | 1.2.12 | Deadline to File an Official Protest | Omit | An official written protest must be filed within a reasonable time. a) In the absence of a league or tournament rule fixing the time limit for filing a protest, a protest should be considered if filed within a reasonable time, depending on the nature of the case and the difficulty in obtaining the information on which to base the protest. b) Generally, 48 hours after the scheduled time of the contest is considered a reasonable time. | Omit. | |
29 | 1.2.13 | Requirements for a Formal Written Protest | Omit | A formal written protest must contain the following information to be valid: a) the date, time and place of the game; b) the name(s) of the umpires and scorer(s); c) the Rule(s) or local rules under which the protest is made; d) the decision and conditions surrounding the making of the decision; and e) all essential facts involved in the matter protested. | Omit. | |
30 | 1.2.14 | Result of Protest | Omit | The decision made on a protested game must result in one of the following: a) The protest is found invalid and the game score as played remains unaltered; b) When a protest is allowed for misinterpretation of a Rule, the game is replayed from the point at which the incorrect decision was made, with the decision corrected; or c) When a protest for ineligibility of a team roster member is allowed, the game is forfeited by the offending team. | Omit. | |
31 | ||||||
32 | 2 | Playing field and Equipment | ||||
33 | 2.1 | Definitions | ||||
34 | 2.1.1 | Altered Bat | A bat is altered when the physical structure of a legal bat has been changed. Examples of altering a bat are: replacing the handle of a metal bat with a wooden or other type handle; inserting material inside the bat; applying excessive tape (more than two layers) to the bat grip; painting a bat at the top or bottom for other than identification purposes; engraving an “ID” marking on the barrel end of a metal bat; or attaching a “flare” or “cone” grip to bat. Replacing the grip with another legal grip is not considered altering the bat. An engraved “ID” mark on only the knob end of a metal bat or a laser mark for “ID” purposes anywhere on the bat is not an alteration. | A bat is altered when the physical structure of a legal bat has been changed. Examples of altering a bat are: replacing the handle of a metal bat with a wooden or other type handle; inserting material inside the bat; applying excessive tape (more than two layers) to the bat grip; painting a bat at the top or bottom for other than identification purposes; engraving an “ID” marking on the barrel end of a metal bat; or attaching a “flare” or “cone” grip to bat. Replacing the grip with another legal grip is not considered altering the bat. An engraved “ID” mark on only the knob end of a metal bat or a laser mark for “ID” purposes anywhere on the bat is not an alteration. | ||
35 | 2.1.2 | Base Line | The direct line between any two consecutive bases. | The direct line between any two consecutive bases. | ||
36 | 2.1.3 | Batter's Box | The area to which the batter is restricted while in position with the intention of batting and helping the offensive team score runs. The lines are considered as being within the batter’s box. | The area to which the batter is restricted while in position with the intention of batting and helping the offensive team score runs. The lines are considered as being within the batter’s box. | ||
37 | 2.1.4 | Catcher's Box | Omit. The Catcher's Box is not drawn in CCSA. The catcher will remain behind home plate until the pitched ball is batted, touches the ground or home plate, or reaches beyond home plate. | That area within which the catcher must remain until the pitched ball is batted, touches the ground or plate or reaches the catcher’s box. The lines are to be considered within the catcher’s box. The catcher is considered to be in the catcher’s box except when touching the ground outside the catcher’s box. | Omit. The Catcher's Box is not drawn in CCSA. The catcher will remain behind home plate until the pitched ball is batted, touches the ground or home plate, or reaches beyond home plate. | |
38 | 2.1.5 | Coaches' Box | The area in foul territory on the first base and third base side of the playing field in which the offensive coaches must position themselves (see Appendix 1-F for dimensions). | The area in foul territory on the first base and third base side of the playing field in which the offensive coaches must position themselves (see Appendix 1-F for dimensions). | ||
39 | 2.1.6 | Dugout | The area in dead ball territory designated for team members only. There must be no smoking, consumption of alcohol or use of chewing tobacco in this area. Smoking includes the inhalation of tobacco products, e-cigarettes and vaping. | The area in dead ball territory designated for team members only. There must be no smoking, consumption of alcohol or use of chewing tobacco in this area. Smoking includes the inhalation of tobacco products, e-cigarettes and vaping. | ||
40 | 2.1.7 | Fair Territory | That part of the playing field within and including the first and third base foul lines from home plate to the bottom of the outfield fence and perpendicularly upwards. | That part of the playing field within and including the first and third base foul lines from home plate to the bottom of the outfield fence and perpendicularly upwards. | ||
41 | 2.1.8 | Foul Territory | Any part of the playing field that is not fair territory. | Any part of the playing field that is not fair territory. | ||
42 | 2.1.9 | Helmet | A helmet that is cracked, broken, dented or altered will be declared an illegal helmet and removed from the game. a) For an on-deck batter, batter, batter-runner and a runner, a helmet must have two ear flaps (one on each side) and must be of the type that has safety features equal to or greater than those provided by the full plastic cap with padding on the inside. A liner covering only the ears does not meet the specifications of a legal helmet. b) For a catcher or a defensive player, a helmet may be the skull type without ear flaps. | A helmet that is cracked, broken, dented or altered will be declared an illegal helmet and removed from the game. a) For an on-deck batter, batter, batter-runner and a runner, a helmet must have two ear flaps (one on each side) and must be of the type that has safety features equal to or greater than those provided by the full plastic cap with padding on the inside. A liner covering only the ears does not meet the specifications of a legal helmet. b) For a catcher or a defensive player, a helmet may be the skull type without ear flaps. SC: Helmet must be of identical colour to team caps. | b) Delete "SC: Helmet must be of identical colour to team caps." | |
43 | 2.1.10 | Illegal Bat | A bat that does not meet the requirements of Rule 2.3.1. | A bat that does not meet the requirements of Rule 2.3.1. | ||
44 | 2.1.11 | Illegal Glove | A glove that does not meet the specifications of a legal glove or the use of a mitt by a fielder other than a catcher, SC: pitcher, or first base. | A glove that does not meet the specifications of a legal glove or the use of a mitt by a fielder other than a catcher, SC: pitcher, or first base. | ||
45 | 2.1.12 | Infield | The area of the field in fair territory normally covered by infielders. | The area of the field in fair territory normally covered by infielders. | ||
46 | 2.1.13 | Mitt | A mitt consists of a solid piece for finger placement, no finger slots and a deeper pocket than a glove. A glove has separated finger slots on the outside and back (see Appendix 4 Glove Specifications). | A mitt consists of a solid piece for finger placement, no finger slots and a deeper pocket than a glove. A glove has separated finger slots on the outside and back (see Appendix 4 Glove Specifications). | ||
47 | 2.1.14 | Official Equipment | Official equipment is any equipment (bats, gloves, helmets, etc.) in use by the defensive or offensive team in the course of play. Defensive equipment (gloves, for example) left on the field by the team playing offense would not be official equipment. | Official equipment is any equipment (bats, gloves, helmets, etc.) in use by the defensive or offensive team in the course of play. Defensive equipment (gloves, for example) left on the field by the team playing offense would not be official equipment. | ||
48 | 2.1.15 | On-Deck Circle | The area to which the on-deck batter is restricted while waiting their turn at bat (see Appendix 1 - F for location and dimensions). | The area to which the on-deck batter is restricted while waiting their turn at bat (see Appendix 1 - F for location and dimensions). | ||
49 | 2.1.16 | Outfield | That portion of the playing field in fair territory that is beyond the infield. | That portion of the playing field in fair territory that is beyond the infield. | ||
50 | 2.1.17 | Playing field and Equipment | The area within which the ball may be played and fielded up to and including the dead ball line. | The area within which the ball may be played and fielded up to and including the dead ball line. | ||
51 | ||||||
52 | 2.2 | The Playing Field | ||||
53 | 2.2.1 | Playing Field Requirements | a) The playing field must have a clear and unobstructed area within the minimum dimensions set out in Appendix A from the CCSA rules and must include all features shown. b) The plaing field should have a warning track if the field has a permanent outfield fence. If a warning track is used, it must be an area within the playing field and adjacent to any permanent fence along the outfield and sidelines. c) There is no requirement to cut a warning track in the permanent outfield surface (grass or otherwise) when temporary fencing is used (e.g. when a fast pitch game is played on a field designed primarily for Slo-Pitch). d) A ball is “outside the playing field” when it touches the ground, a person on the ground or an object outside the playing area. | a) The playing field must have a clear and unobstructed area within the minimum dimensions set out in Appendix 1 (Playing Field and Diamond Layout) and must include all features shown. b) The playing field should have a warning track. If a warning track is used, it must be an area within the playing field and adjacent to any permanent fence along the outfield and sidelines. c) There is no requirement to cut a warning track in the permanent outfield surface (grass or otherwise) when temporary fencing is used (e.g. when a fast pitch game is played on a field designed primarily for Slo-Pitch). d) A ball is “outside the playing field” when it touches the ground, a person on the ground or an object outside the playing area. | a) Replace "Appendix 1 (Playing Field and Diamond Layout)" with "Appendix A from the CCSA rules" b) Replace "The playing field should have a warning track." with "The plaing field should have a warning track if the field has a permanent outfield fence." | |
54 | 2.2.2 | The Official Diamond | a) The official diamond layout must comply with the dimensions and specifications in Appendix A from the CCSA rules and must include all features shown (foul lines, batters boxes, bases and home plate). b) If during the game the base distance or the pitching distance is found to be incorrect, the error must be corrected at the start of the next full inning, after which the game resumes and continues. | a) The official diamond layout must comply with the dimensions and specifications in Appendix 1 and must include all features shown (foul, one meter and sidelines; coaches, batters and catchers boxes; on-deck circle and bases and home plate). b) If during the game the base distance or the pitching distance is found to be incorrect, the error must be corrected at the start of the next full inning, after which the game resumes and continues. | a) Replace "Appendix 1" with "Appendix A from the CCSA rules". Replace "(foul, one meter and sidelines; coaches, batters and catchers boxes; on-deck circle and bases and home plate)" with "(foul lines, batters boxes, bases and home plate)". | |
55 | 2.2.3 | Ground or Special Rules | Omit. Diamond dimensions and any special ground conditions or ground rules shall be subject to the size and condition of playing field, and will be discussed and agreed upon by the umpires and the coaches before the start of the game. CCSA recommended dimensions should be used whenever possible. Please refer to CCSA Rules, "Appendix A" | Ground or special rules establishing the limits of the playing field may be agreed prior to the start of a game and used whenever backstops, fences, stands, vehicles, spectators or other obstructions are within the prescribed area. a) Any obstruction on fair territory less than the minimum fence distances set out in the Distance Table (Appendix 1) must be clearly marked for the umpire’s information. b) If using a baseball field, the pitcher’s mound must be removed and the backstop set at the prescribed distance from home plate. | Omit. Diamond dimensions and any special ground conditions or ground rules shall be subject to the size and condition of playing field, and will be discussed and agreed upon by the umpires and the coaches before the start of the game. CCSA recommended dimensions should be used whenever possible. Please refer to CCSA Rules, "Appendix A" | |
56 | ||||||
57 | 2.3 | Game Equipment | ||||
58 | 2.3.1 | Official Bat | Omit. Please refer to CCSA rule 3-6-0 for official bats allowed in CCSA. List of non-approved bats can be found at: https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball/Certified-Equipment/Equipment-Bats | Only an official bat that meets the standards of the WBSC Equipment Standards Commission and is stamped with the WBSC or former ISF 2005 logo, SC: appears on the USA Softball Bat List (with an ASA 2000, ASA 2004 or USA Softball All Games 2020 Certified stamp only) or stamped with the new USSSA certification stamp and/or not showing on the USSSA withdrawn / non-compliant list. The WBSC Approved Bat List and Approved Logo can be found at the WBSC Website www.wbsc.org. The USA Softball Approved Bat List can be found on the USA Softball Website www.teamusa.org. The USSSA withdrawn / non-compliant list can be found on the USSSA Softball Website www.ussa.com See Appendix 2A (Bat Specifications) for approved bat standards. | Omit. Please refer to CCSA rule 3-6-0 for official bats allowed in CCSA. List of non-approved bats can be found at: https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball/Certified-Equipment/Equipment-Bats | |
59 | 2.3.2 | Warm-Up Bat | Omit | Only a warm-up bat that meets the specification set out in Appendix 2B (Bat Specifications) for approved warm-up bat standards may be used. | Omit. | |
60 | 2.3.3 | Official Softball | Omit. Official softballs used for CCSA games will be issued by the league. | a) Only an official softball that meets the standards and is approved for use by Softball Canada that may be used in an official Softball Canada competition. See Appendix 3 for approved ball standards. b) In Co-ed play, male batters will be pitched to with the 12” ball and female batters with the 11” ball. | Omit. Official softballs used for CCSA games will be issued by the league. | |
61 | 2.3 EFFECT | Omit | Rule 2.3.3 b) Effect If the incorrect ball is used, the offense shall have the option to accept the result of the play or request a re-pitch using the correct ball at the same ball and strike count. | Omit | ||
62 | ||||||
63 | 2.4 | Player's Equipment | ||||
64 | 2.4.1 | Gloves and Mitts | a) Any player may wear a glove, but only the catcher, (SC) pitcher and first base may use mitts. b) No top lacing, webbing or other device between the thumb and body of the glove or mitt worn by a first base, SC: pitcher or catcher or a glove worn by a fielder may be more than 12.7 cm (5 in) in length. c) The pitcher’s glove may be any color or combination of colors, provided that no color (including the lacing) is the color of the ball. Gloves worn by any player other than the pitcher may be any color or combination of colors. d) Gloves with white, gray, or yellow optic circles on the outside that give the appearance of a ball are not official equipment and must not be used. (Refer to Appendix 4: Glove Specifications Drawing and Dimensions) | a) Any player may wear a glove, but only the catcher, (SC) pitcher and first base may use mitts. b) No top lacing, webbing or other device between the thumb and body of the glove or mitt worn by a first base, SC: pitcher or catcher or a glove worn by a fielder may be more than 12.7 cm (5 in) in length. c) The pitcher’s glove may be any color or combination of colors, provided that no color (including the lacing) is the color of the ball. Gloves worn by any player other than the pitcher may be any color or combination of colors. d) Gloves with white, gray, or yellow optic circles on the outside that give the appearance of a ball are not official equipment and must not be used. (Refer to Appendix 4: Glove Specifications Drawing and Dimensions) | ||
65 | 2.4.2 | Shoes | a) All team members must wear shoes. A shoe must be made with either canvas or leather uppers or similar materials and be fully enclosed. b) Shoe soles may be either smooth or have soft or hard rubber cleats. c) Ordinary metal sole and heel plates may be used if the spikes on the plates are not rounded and do not extend more than 1.9cm (3/4 in) from the sole or heel of the shoe. d) No hard plastic, nylon or polyurethane spikes similar to a metal sole and heel plate are allowed in any division at any level of play. e) Shoes with detachable cleats that screw onto the shoe are not permitted; however, shoes with detachable cleats that screw into the shoe are permitted. f) Metal cleats must not be worn. | a) All team members must wear shoes. A shoe must be made with either canvas or leather uppers or similar materials and be fully enclosed. b) Shoe soles may be either smooth or have soft or hard rubber cleats. c) Ordinary metal sole and heel plates may be used if the spikes on the plates are not rounded and do not extend more than 1.9cm (3/4 in) from the sole or heel of the shoe. d) No hard plastic, nylon or polyurethane spikes similar to a metal sole and heel plate are allowed in any division at any level of play. e) Shoes with detachable cleats that screw onto the shoe are not permitted; however, shoes with detachable cleats that screw into the shoe are permitted. f) For Youth Division and Co-ed, metal cleats must not be worn in any division at any level of play. | f) Replace with "Metal cleats must not be worn." | |
66 | 2.4.3 | Protective Equipment | a) MASKS. Omit. Masks are recommended for catchers of all levels of play, but is not mandatory. Please see CCSA Rules 3-4-0 and 3-4-1 regarding helmets for batters and runners, and protection for pitchers. b) FACE MASKS. Any defensive or offensive player may wear an approved plastic face mask/guard. Face masks/guards that are cracked or deformed, or if padding has deteriorated or is missing, are prohibited from use and must be removed from the game. c) BODY PROTECTORS. Catchers may wear a body protector. d) PROTECTIVE LEG/ARM GUARDS. These may be worn by a SC: pitcher, batter and a batter-runner. | a) MASKS. All youth catchers must wear a mask with a helmet. Masks are recommended in Adult Slo-Pitch. Youth catchers (or other youth members of the defensive team) must wear a mask with helmet while receiving warm-up pitches from the pitching plate, or in the warm-up area. If the youth person catching the pitch will not wear the mask, they must be replaced by a person who will do so. The ice hockey goalie style facemask is approved for use by catchers. SC: Masks are recommended in Adult Slo-Pitch. b) FACE MASKS. Any defensive or offensive player may wear an approved plastic face mask/guard. Face masks/guards that are cracked or deformed, or if padding has deteriorated or is missing, are prohibited from use and must be removed from the game. c) BODY PROTECTORS. Catchers may wear a body protector. d) PROTECTIVE LEG/ARM GUARDS. These may be worn by a SC: pitcher, batter and a batter-runner. | a) Omit. Masks are recommended for catchers of all levels of play, but is not mandatory. Please see CCSA Rules 3-4-0 and 3-4-1 regarding helmets for batters and runners, and protection for pitchers. | |
67 | 2.4 EFFECT | Rule 2.4.2 Wearing improper shoes Effect After a warning from the umpire for a repeat violation, the team member must be ejected from the game. | Rule 2.4.2 Wearing improper shoes Effect After a warning from the umpire for a repeat violation, the team member must be ejected from the game. | |||
68 | Omit | Rule 2.4.3 a) Failure of a youth catcher to wear a mask with helmet Effect After a warning from the umpire for a repeat violation, the player must be ejected from the game. | Omit. | |||
69 | ||||||
70 | 2.5 | Uniforms | ||||
71 | 2.5.1 | Player Uniforms | Please refer to CCSA Rule 3-1-0 for uniform requirements. a) CAPS omit b) UNDERSHIRTS omit c) PANTS/SLIDING PANTS. omit d) NUMBERS. An Arabic number of contrasting color at least 15.2 cm (6 in) high must be worn on the back of all uniform shirts. No manager, coach or player on the same team may wear identical numbers (numbers 1 and 01 are examples of identical numbers.) Only whole numbers 01 to 99 must be used. Players without numbers will be considered to not have a complete uniform. See CCSA Rule 3-1-0 regarding penalty for an incomplete uniform. e) NAMES. Individual names may be worn above the numbers on the back of all uniform shirts. f) CASTS. Casts (plaster, metal or other hard substances in its final form) may not be worn in a game. Any exposed metal (other than a cast) must be adequately covered by a soft material, taped and approved by the umpire. SC Exception: Wheelchairs, crutches, and braces in the coaching boxes. g) DISTRACTING ADORNMENTS. No exposed items, including jewelry, judged by the umpire to be distracting to opposing players, may be worn or displayed. The umpire must require the item to be removed or covered. Medical alert bracelets and/or necklaces, if deemed distracting, must be taped to the body in such a manner that the medical alert information is visible. Also refer to CCSA Rule 3-2-0 regarding Jewelry. | All players on a team must wear uniforms alike in color, trim, and style. Female players in single-sex competition may wear all shorts or all long pants. Female players in co-ed competition may wear all shorts or all long pants, regardless of male players’ pant style. A team member in uniform may, for religious reasons, wear a specific head covering and apparel that does not conform to these Rules without penalty. SC: The above exception does not preclude a player from having to wear a helmet as required under the rules. a) CAPS i. Ball caps must be alike, are mandatory for all male players and must be worn properly. SC: Exception: Should a defensive player elect to wear a defensive fielding mask, that player may turn their cap backwards to accommodate wearing both cap and mask. ii. Caps, visors and headbands are optional for female players, and players are free to choose which of these they wish to wear. Each must be of the same color and style of the team uniform colors. Plastic or hard visors are not allowed. iii. Should a defensive player wear an approved helmet of similar color of the team uniform cap, they will not be required to wear a cap. b) UNDERSHIRTS i. A player may wear a uniform colored undershirt (it may be white). It is not mandatory that all players wear an undershirt, however, if one player wears one, those that are worn must be alike. No player may wear ragged, frayed, or slit sleeves on exposed undershirts. ii. A player may wear one or two warming sleeves (compression sleeves) provided that each is the same one solid color that is a team uniform color and that the color matches all other undershirts worn by any player on that team. c) PANTS/SLIDING PANTS. All players’ pants must be either all long or all short in style. Players may wear a uniform solid color pair of sliding pants. It is not mandatory that all players wear sliding pants, but if more than one player wears them, they must be alike in color and style except temporary, Snap-On or Velcro sliding pads. No players may wear ragged, frayed or slit legs on exposed sliding pants. d) NUMBERS. An Arabic number of contrasting color at least 15.2 cm (6 in) high must be worn on the back of all uniform shirts. No manager, coach or player on the same team may wear identical numbers (numbers 1 and 01 are examples of identical numbers.) Only whole numbers 01 to 99 must be used. Players without numbers will not be permitted to play. e) NAMES. Individual names may be worn above the numbers on the back of all uniform shirts. f) CASTS. Casts (plaster, metal or other hard substances in its final form) may not be worn in a game. Any exposed metal (other than a cast) must be adequately covered by a soft material, taped and approved by the umpire. SC Exception: Wheelchairs, crutches, and braces in the coaching boxes. g) DISTRACTING ADORNMENTS. No exposed items, including jewelry, judged by the umpire to be distracting to opposing players, may be worn or displayed. The umpire must require the item to be removed or covered. Medical alert bracelets and/or necklaces, if deemed distracting, must be taped to the body in such a manner that the medical alert information is visible. | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rule 3-1-0 for uniform requirements. a) Omit. b) Omit. c) Omit. d) Replace "Players without numbers will not be permitted to play" with "Players without numbers will be considered to not have a complete uniform". See CCSA Rule 3-1-0 regarding penalty for an incomplete uniform. g) Also refer to CCSA Rule 3-2-0 regarding Jewelry. | |
72 | 2.5 EFFECT | Omit. Refer to CCSA Rule 3-1-0 regarding penalty for improper uniform | Rule 2.5.1 Improper uniform or improper wearing of the uniform by a player Effect If the player refuses to comply, the player must be removed from the game. | Omit. Refer to CCSA Rule 3-1-0 regarding penalty for improper uniform | ||
73 | Omit. Refer to CCSA Rule 3-1-0 regarding penalty for improper uniform | Rule 2.5.1 g) SC: Distracting Adornments Effect If a player is requested by the umpire to remove jewelry and they refuse, the player will be removed from the game and ruled ineligible. | Omit. Refer to CCSA Rule 3-1-0 regarding penalty for improper uniform | |||
74 | ||||||
75 | 2.6 | Coaches' Uniforms | Omit | A Coach must be neatly attired, including the wearing of suitable footwear, or be dressed in team uniform in accordance with the color code of the team. If a coach choses to wear a cap, it must conform to Rule 2.5.1a). | Omit | |
76 | 2.6 EFFECT | Omit | Rule 2.6 Improper dress by a coach Effect After a warning from the umpire, any subsequent infraction by a coach or manager of the same team will result in the ejection of the Head Coach. | Omit | ||
77 | ||||||
78 | 2.7 | Equipment | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding equipment, uniform and jewelry. | Notwithstanding any provision of these Rules, Softball Canada reserves the right to withhold or withdraw approval of any equipment which, in their sole determination, significantly changes the character of the game, affects the safety of participants or spectators or renders a player´s performance more a product of the equipment rather than the player’s individual skill. | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding equipment, uniform and jewelry. | |
79 | ||||||
80 | 3 | Participants | ||||
81 | 3.1 | Definitions | ||||
82 | 3.1.1 | Base Coach | An offensive team person who takes their position on the field and within the coach’s box while their team is at bat. | An offensive team person who takes their position on the field and within the coach’s box while their team is at bat. | ||
83 | 3.1.2 | Coach | A person who is responsible for their team’s actions on the field and for communication with the umpire and the other team. A player may be a coach, either as a replacement for an absent coach or as a playing coach. | A person who is responsible for their team’s actions on the field and for communication with the umpire and the other team. A player may be a coach, either as a replacement for an absent coach or as a playing coach. | ||
84 | 3.1.3 | Ejection | The act of any umpire ordering a player, official or any team member to leave the game and the grounds for a Rule violation for the remainder of the game. | The act of any umpire ordering a player, official or any team member to leave the game and the grounds for a Rule violation for the remainder of the game. | ||
85 | 3.1.4 | Fielder | Any defensive player of the team on the field. | Any defensive player of the team on the field. | ||
86 | 3.1.5 | Extra Player | Omit | The line-up may consist of 11 players or 12 players in Co-ed if an additional player is used. | Omit | |
87 | 3.1.6 | Head Coach | A manager of a team or the coach who takes the primary responsibilities of a coach is considered a Head Coach. | A manager of a team or the coach who takes the primary responsibilities of a coach is considered a Head Coach. | ||
88 | 3.1.7 | Illegal Extra Player | Omit | A player who violates the Extra Player Rule. | Omit | |
89 | 3.1.8 | Illegal Player | A player who: a) takes a position in the line-up on offense or defense but has not been reported as a substitute to the plate umpire; or b) takes a position on offense or defense but does not have the legal right to that position. | A player who: a) takes a position in the line-up on offense or defense but has not been reported as a substitute to the plate umpire; or b) takes a position on offense or defense but does not have the legal right to that position. | ||
90 | 3.1.9 | Illegal Re-entry | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding substitutions. | An Illegal Re-entry occurs when: a) a player returns to the game in a position to which they are not legally entitled, i.e., a position that is not their original starting position; or b) a player returns to the game when they are not legally entitled to enter the game. | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding substitutions. | |
91 | 3.1.10 | Illegal Substitute | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding substitutions. | A player who has entered the game without being announced (unreported) as a substitute to the umpire. This player may be: a) a substitute who has not previously been in the game; b) an Illegal Player; c) a declared Ineligible Player; d) an Illegal Re-entry; e) an illegal EP: or f) a replacement player who remains in the game as an unannounced substitute for a withdrawn player who has not returned to the game within the time permitted under the provisions of the replacement player Rule. | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding substitutions. | |
92 | 3.1.11 | Ineligible Player | A player who may no longer participate in the game as a player because they have been removed by an umpire. An ineligible player may continue in the game as a coach. | A player who may no longer participate in the game as a player because they have been removed by an umpire. An ineligible player may continue in the game as a coach. | ||
93 | 3.1.12 | Ineligible Replacement Player | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding substitutions. | An Ineligible Replacement Player is a player who may not enter the game to replace a Withdrawn Player. An Ineligible Replacement Player is one who: a) has been removed from the game by the umpire for a Rule violation; b) is in the current line-up; c) an ineligible replacement player entering the game is considered an illegal re-entry. d) SC: an injured/ill player removed from the game (U17 and below). | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding substitutions. | |
94 | 3.1.13 | Infielder | A defensive player, including the catcher, who is generally positioned anywhere near or within the lines of the base paths forming fair territory. A player who normally plays in the outfield may be considered an infielder if they move into the area normally covered by infielders. | A defensive player, including the pitcher and catcher, who is generally positioned anywhere near or within the lines of the base paths forming fair territory. A player who normally plays in the outfield may be considered an infielder if they move into the area normally covered by infielders. | Delete "pitcher and" | |
95 | 3.1.14 | Line-up Card | Omit. Please use the scoresheets as provided by CCSA. The plate umpire should review the line-ups of both teams prior to the game. The official scorer of each team should swap line-ups prior to the game. | The list of starting players, substitutes and coaches that is given to the Umpire-In-Chief and/or the plate umpire and the official scorer before the start of the game. The plate umpire retains a line-up card for the duration of the game. | Omit. Please use the scoresheets as provided by CCSA. The plate umpire should review the line-ups of both teams prior to the game. The official scorer of each team should swap line-ups prior to the game. | |
96 | 3.1.15 | Line-up | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding the composition of a line-up. | Comprised of the players currently in the game on offense and defense, including the EP(s). | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding the composition of a line-up. | |
97 | 3.1.16 | Re-entry | Omit | When a starting player returns to the game after being substituted. | Omit. | |
98 | 3.1.17 | Removal from the game | When an umpire declares a player ineligible for further participation in the game as a result of a Rule violation. Any person so removed may continue to sit on the bench but may not participate further in the game except as a coach. | When an umpire declares a player ineligible for further participation in the game as a result of a Rule violation. Any person so removed may continue to sit on the bench but may not participate further in the game except as a coach. | ||
99 | 3.1.18 | Replacement Player | Omit | A player permitted to enter the game for a withdrawn player. | Omit | |
100 | 3.1.19 | Roster | The list of all players eligible to be entered on a team’s line-up card. | The list of all players eligible to be entered on a team’s line-up card. | ||
101 | 3.1.20 | Starting Players | The players listed on the line-up card that start the game in the field or at bat. | The players listed on the line-up card that start the game in the field or at bat. | ||
102 | 3.1.21 | Substitute | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding substitutions. | a) A non-starting player who has not been in the game other than as a replacement player. b) A starting player who has left the game once and who is eligible to return to the line-up. | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding substitutions. | |
103 | 3.1.22 | Team Member | A person authorized to sit on the team bench. | A person authorized to sit on the team bench. | ||
104 | 3.1.23 | Unreported Substitution | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding substitutions. | An unreported substitution occurs when a player enters the game without being reported to the responsible umpire as: a) a substitute; b) a player eligible to enter, return to or stay in the game under the provisions of the replacement player rule; c) a declared ineligible player d) an illegal re-entry | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding substitutions. | |
105 | 3.1.24 | Withdrawn Player | A player who must leave the game due to an injury that is bleeding and cannot be stopped in a reasonable time or when the player’s uniform becomes covered with blood or SC: it is suspected that the player may have suffered a concussion. | A player who must leave the game due to an injury that is bleeding and cannot be stopped in a reasonable time or when the player’s uniform becomes covered with blood or SC: it is suspected that the player may have suffered a concussion. | ||
106 | ||||||
107 | 3.2 | Line-up and Roster | ||||
108 | 3.2.1 | Line-Up Cards | Omit. Please use scoresheets as provided by CCSA, and fill them out as per the accompanied instructions. | a) The line-up card contains: i. the last name, first name, position and uniform number of the starting players; ii. the last name, first name and uniform number of any available substitutes; and iii. the last name and first name of the manager/coach. b) A starting player’s name cannot be on the line-up card unless the player is present in uniform and in the team area. c) An eligible roster player may be added to the substitute list at any time during the game. d) If a uniform number is incorrectly given on the line-up card, a change may be made without penalty. If a player wearing an incorrect number violates any Rule, the Rule violation has precedence and must be enforced. If the player remains in the game following the violation, then the number must be corrected before play may continue. | Omit. Please use scoresheets as provided by CCSA, and fill them out as per the accompanied instructions. | |
109 | 3.2.2 | Players | a) Omit. Refer to CCSA rules regarding requirements of a line-up. b) Players of the team in the field may be stationed anywhere in fair territory at the start of each pitch, except for the catcher who must be behind the home plate and the pitcher who must be in a legal pitching position when the umpire puts the ball in play. c) A team must have the required number of eligible players in the line-up at all times to continue a game. | a) Each team must have a minimum of ten (10) players in the line-up at all times. Using the EP, a team must have eleven (11) players listed in the line-up. i. Ten Players: pitcher (F1), catcher (F2), first base (F3), second base (F4), third base, (F5), short stop (F6), left fielder (F7), left center fielder (F8), right fielder (F9) and right center fielder (F10). ii. With an Extra Player (EP). 11 Players: same as Slo-Pitch plus an EP who bats in the line-up. iii. Co-ed: 10 players – (five males and five females) The batting order must alternate the genders. iv. Co-ed with Extra Players (EPs): Twelve players – six males and six females: same as Co-ed Slo-Pitch plus two EPs who bat in the line-up. The batting order must alternate the genders. b) Players of the team in the field may be stationed anywhere in fair territory at the start of each pitch, except for the catcher who must be in the catcher’s box and the pitcher who must be in a legal pitching position when the umpire puts the ball in play. Co-ed Slo-Pitch players must adhere to the position requirements set out above. c) A team must have the required number of eligible players in the line-up at all times to continue a game. | a) Omit. Refer to CCSA rules regarding requirements of a line-up. b) Replace "in the catcher's box" with "behind the home plate". Delete "Co-ed Slo-Pitch players must adhere to the position requirements set out above." | |
110 | 3.2.3 | Starting Players | Omit. Please refer to CCSA rules regarding composition of a line-up and substitutions. | a) A starting player is official once the line-up card has been confirmed by the team representative and the plate umpire at the pre-game meeting at home plate. b) The names, uniform numbers and positions must be entered on the line-up card in advance of the pre-game meeting. c) SC: The team representative may make changes to the line-up card at the home plate meeting prior to the line-ups being declared official. A listed substitute may take the place of a player whose name is in their team’s starting line-up, however, the order of the line-up cannot be changed. They would be considered the starting player and the other player may be a substitute. d) The player so changed at the home plate meeting may enter the game, as a substitute, at any time later in the game. e) All starting players, including the EP, may be substituted and re-enter the line-up once and must remain in the same batting position whenever they are in the line-up. f) SC: (minor only) When all players have been re-entered by a team in the game, the re-entry and substitution rules are waived in the event of an injury. | Omit. Please refer to CCSA rules regarding composition of a line-up and substitutions. | |
111 | 3.2.4 | Extra Player | Omit | a) An Extra Player, referred to as the EP, is optional but if used must be made known prior to the start of the game, and the player’s name listed on the line-up card as one of the eleven hitters in the batting order. b) If the EP is used, they must be used for the entire game. c) If an EP is used, all eleven must bat and any ten can play defense. Defensive positions can be changed but the batting order must remain the same. d) (CO-ED ONLY) If two EPs are used, all twelve must bat and any ten (five male and five female) may play defense. Defensive positioning may change as long as the Co-ed positioning is followed. The batting order must remain the same throughout the game. e) The starting EP may re-enter the game one time after being substituted, as long as they return to the position in the batting order that they occupied when they left the game, other than as a Replacement Player. EFFECT Rule 3.2.4 b) Failure to complete the game with a EP The game shall be forfeited to the non-offending team. Rule 3.2.4 a) & c-e) Violation of a provision If a team violated any provisions or uses an Illegal EP, the player in violation shall be ejected. | Omit | |
112 | 3.2.5 | Replacement Player | Omit | a) A Replacement Player may enter the game for a Withdrawn Player, provided they are of the same gender. b) The Withdrawn Player must not return to the game until all bleeding ceases, the injury is cleaned and covered and, if necessary, the uniform is replaced, whether or not the uniform shirt has a different number or SC: the concussion protocol results deem that they should be permitted to continue to participate. There is no penalty for using a different number, however, the umpire must be informed of the change in numbers. c) A Replacement Player may play for the Withdrawn Player for the remainder of the inning in progress and for the following complete inning. The Withdrawn Player may return to the game at any time during this period without being treated as a substitution. A Replacement Player is not considered a substitute. If the Withdrawn Player cannot return after the remainder of the inning and after the completion of the next full inning, a legal substitution must be made. d) A team representative must notify the plate umpire of all changes. Failure to do so subjects the player to being declared an illegal substitution, if legally appealed. e) A Replacement Player may be: i. a listed substitute who has not yet been in the game; ii. a listed substitute who has been in the game but subsequently substituted from the game; or iii. a starting player who is no longer in the line-up and who is no longer eligible to re-enter the game. | Omit | |
113 | 3.2.6 | Entering the Game (substitutions) | Omit. Please refer to CCSA rules regarding substitutions. | a) A substitute may take the place of any player in the team line-up. Multiple substitutions may be made for the player listed in the starting line-up. SC: All players (starting players and non-starting players) may return to the game after being withdrawn from the line-up once. After their second removal, a substitute who re-enters the game is considered an illegal re-entry. They are not allowed to participate except as a replacement player or coach. b) A starting player and their substitute(s) may not be in the game at the same time. c) A substitution must take place only when the ball is dead. The coach or team representative must immediately notify the plate umpire before the substitution is made. The substitute is legally in the game SC: when announced to the plate umpire. The plate umpire will notify the scorer of the change. d) Any substitute who is legally in the game but has not been reported to the umpire becomes an Illegal Substitute. e) There is no violation if the manager, coach, team representative or the player in violation notifies the umpire prior to the offended team’s appeal. f) If an injury prevents a batter or a batter-runner from advancing to an awarded base and the ball is dead, the batter-runner or runner may be substituted. The substitute will be allowed to proceed to awarded bases. The substitute must touch any awarded base(s) or missed base(s) not previously touched. g) SC: Temporary Runner (Canadian Championship Play Only) is legal for a pitcher who gets on base. The following provisions apply: i. optional before two outs - mandatory after two outs. ii. may be any player on the line-up card who is not on base at the time of application (even if they have previously been in the game and cannot legally re-enter the game) but cannot be a player who has been ejected or removed from the game for a violation of the rules. iii. The player who finishes the previous inning in the pitching position (or is designated as the pitcher in the line-up card for the Home team’s first inning at bat) is the only person eligible to have a temporary runner. iv. Re-entry and substitution rules are waived for the temporary runner. v. If the temporary runner is on base and due to bat, they shall be replaced by another eligible player without penalty.vi. Co-Ed only – Temporary Runner will be gender for gender. | Omit. Please refer to CCSA rules regarding substitutions. | |
114 | 3.2 EFFECT | Omit | Rule 3.2.2 a), 3.2.3 c) and 3.2.6 c) Failure to complete a game with the required number of players. Effect The game is forfeited to the non-offending team. | Omit | ||
115 | Omit. Please refer to CCSA rules regarding substitutions. | EFFECT Rule 3.2 Unreported Substitute/illegal player: a) Illegal Substitute; b) Unannounced Replacement player; or c) Unannounced return of the withdrawn player. Effect a) An unreported substitute or an illegal player is an appeal play. b) The appeal must be brought to the attention of the umpire while the illegal player or unreported substitute is in the game. c) Once a pitch has been thrown, or a play has been made and the unreported substitute has been discovered, the player is declared ineligible. d) A legal substitute must replace the ineligible player. i. If the team in violation does not have a legal substitute, the game is forfeited in favor of the non-offending team. ii. If the illegal player is appealed while at bat, a legal substitute will assume the ball and strike count. iii. All action prior to the discovery is legal except if the unreported substitute bats and reaches base, and then is discovered and appealed before a pitch to the next batter, or at the end of the game and before the umpires leave the field. All runners (including the batter) will return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch, and the undeclared substitute is “Declared Ineligible” and is called out. iv. All outs made while the illegal substitute is in the game will stand. v. If the substitute is an Illegal Player, the substitute shall be subject to the penalty for that violation. e) If the illegal player is discovered on defense and after making a play and a proper appeal is made, the player is declared ineligible and the offensive team has the option of: i. taking the result of the play; or ii. having the batter return and assume the ball and strike count the batter had prior to the discovery of the illegal player. Each runner would return to the base occupied prior to the play. f) And if an ineligible player returns to the game, a forfeit is declared in favor of the non-offending team. g) After an upheld appeal for an unreported substitute or an illegal re-entry, the original player or their substitute is considered to have left the game. | Omit. Please refer to CCSA rules regarding substitutions. | |||
116 | Omit. Please refer to CCSA rules regarding substitutions. | Rule 3.2.6 Illegal re-entry a) Starting player returning to the line-up in a different position in the offensive lineup. b) Substitute re-entering the game, not as a replacement player. c) Starting player re-entering the game, not as a replacement player. d) An ineligible replacement player. Effect a) This is an appeal play. i. The appeal can be made anytime the illegal re-entered player is in the game. ii. The appeal does not have to be made before the next pitch. b) The manager/coach named on the line-up card and the illegal re-entered player are ejected. c) A legal substitute must replace the ejected illegal re-entered player before the game can continue. d) If the manager/head coach is ejected, they must name a new manager/head coach. e) Actions that occur while the illegal re-entered player is in the game are governed by the Illegal substitute/Illegal player effects. | Omit. Please refer to CCSA rules regarding substitutions. | |||
117 | ||||||
118 | 3.3 | Appeals | Omit | a) Appeals must be made by a manager, coach or player before an umpire may make a decision on: i. Illegal substitutions; ii. The use of an unannounced player under the Replacement Player Rule; or iii. Illegal Re-entry; b) An appeal for the above can be made at any time while the player is in the game. | Omit | |
119 | ||||||
120 | 3.4 | Coaches | ||||
121 | 3.4.1 | In General | a) A Coach or team representative is responsible to notify the plate umpire when a change occurs in the line-up. b) A Coach may not use language that will reflect negatively upon players, umpires or spectators. c) No communication equipment shall be used between: i. Coaches on the field; ii. A coach and the dugout; iii. A coach and any player; or iv. The spectator area and the field, including the dugout, a coach and a player. d) A defensive team coach or manager may be a non-playing coach who remains in the dugout or a playing coach who enters the game as a player. e) A playing coach in a game may give direction and assistance to their team during the game. | a) A Coach or team representative is responsible to notify the plate umpire when a change occurs in the line-up. b) A Coach may not use language that will reflect negatively upon players, umpires or spectators. c) No communication equipment shall be used between: i. Coaches on the field; ii. A coach and the dugout; iii. A coach and any player; or iv. The spectator area and the field, including the dugout, a coach and a player. d) A defensive team coach or manager may be a non-playing coach who remains in the dugout or a playing coach who enters the game as a player. e) A playing coach in a game may give direction and assistance to their team during the game. | ||
122 | 3.4.2 | Head Coach | a) The head coach is responsible for signing the line-up card. b) In the event the Head Coach is ejected from a game, they will submit to the plate umpire the name of the person who is to assume the duties of Head Coach for the remainder of the game. | a) The head coach is responsible for signing the line-up card. b) In the event the Head Coach is ejected from a game, they will submit to the plate umpire the name of the person who is to assume the duties of Head Coach for the remainder of the game. | ||
123 | 3.4.3 | Base Coaches | a) An offensive team coach (base coach) is a coach of a team who takes their position on the field and within the coach’s box while their team is at bat. b) Up to two base coaches are allowed to give words of assistance and direction to the members of their team while at bat. i. Each base coach must remain with both feet within the confines of their coach’s box. One must be stationed near first base and one near third base. ii. A base coach may leave the coach’s box to avoid a fielder or to signal a runner to slide, advance or return to a base, as long as they do not interfere with play. c) A base coach may only address their team members. d) One base coach may have with them in the coach’s box a scorebook, pen or pencil. SC: Both coaches may have an indicator, all of which will be used only for score keeping or record keeping purposes. e) A youth age player who coaches in the first and third base coach’s boxes and a youth age representative who participates as a bat person while on the field or in the dugout must wear an approved helmet. SC Note: Youth aged coaches who registered only as a coach will not be required to wear a helmet while coaching in the coach’s box. | a) An offensive team coach (base coach) is a coach of a team who takes their position on the field and within the coach’s box while their team is at bat. b) Up to two base coaches are allowed to give words of assistance and direction to the members of their team while at bat. i. Each base coach must remain with both feet within the confines of their coach’s box. One must be stationed near first base and one near third base. ii. A base coach may leave the coach’s box to avoid a fielder or to signal a runner to slide, advance or return to a base, as long as they do not interfere with play. c) A base coach may only address their team members. d) One base coach may have with them in the coach’s box a scorebook, pen or pencil. SC: Both coaches may have an indicator, all of which will be used only for score keeping or record keeping purposes. e) A youth age player who coaches in the first and third base coach’s boxes and a youth age representative who participates as a bat person while on the field or in the dugout must wear an approved helmet. SC Note: Youth aged coaches who registered only as a coach will not be required to wear a helmet while coaching in the coach’s box. | ||
124 | 3.4 EFFECT | Rule 3.4 Violation of coaches’ responsibilities Effect A warning must be issued for the first offense. Any subsequent infraction by a coach/governor of the same team must result in the ejection of the Head Coach. | Rule 3.4 Violation of coaches’ responsibilities Effect A warning must be issued for the first offense. Any subsequent infraction by a coach/manager of the same team must result in the ejection of the Head Coach. | Replace "manager" with "governor". | ||
125 | Rule 3.4.3 e) Failure of youth age player who coaches in the coach’s box to wear a helmet Effect After a warning, for a repeat violation, the youth player must be ejected. | Rule 3.4.3 e) Failure of youth age player who coaches in the coach’s box to wear a helmet Effect After a warning, for a repeat violation, the youth player must be ejected. | ||||
126 | ||||||
127 | 3.5 | Team Personnel | ||||
128 | 3.5.1 | In General | a) No team member may dispute any judgment decision by an umpire. b) During a game, a person on the line-up card or otherwise permitted in the dugout must remain inside the designated dugout area, except when these Rules permit or when considered justified by an umpire. This includes players other than the on-deck batter (who must remain in the on-deck circle) at the start of the game, between innings, or when a pitcher is warming up. There shall be no smoking, consumption of alcohol or the use of chewing tobacco in the designated area. c) A team member must not: i. make or permit another person to make or cause to be made a disparaging or insulting remark to or about opposing players, officials or spectators; or ii. commit any act that is deemed to be unsporting behaviour. | a) No team member may dispute any judgment decision by an umpire. b) During a game, a person on the line-up card or otherwise permitted in the dugout must remain inside the designated dugout area, except when these Rules permit or when considered justified by an umpire. This includes players other than the on-deck batter (who must remain in the on-deck circle) at the start of the game, between innings, or when a pitcher is warming up. There shall be no smoking, consumption of alcohol or the use of chewing tobacco in the designated area. c) A team member must not: i. make or permit another person to make or cause to be made a disparaging or insulting remark to or about opposing players, officials or spectators; or ii. commit any act that is deemed to be unsporting behaviour. | ||
129 | 3.5 EFFECT | Rule 3.5.1 a), 3.5.1 b) Disputing umpire judgment and Dugout conduct Effect a) The first offense is a team warning. b) A repeat offense will result in the ejection of that team member. SC Note: If the first offense is considered serious enough by the umpire, the offender may be ejected without warning. | Rule 3.5.1 a), 3.5.1 b) Disputing umpire judgment and Dugout conduct Effect a) The first offense is a team warning. b) A repeat offense will result in the ejection of that team member. SC Note: If the first offense is considered serious enough by the umpire, the offender may be ejected without warning. | |||
130 | Rule 3.5.1 c) Unsporting behaviour Effect a) For a first offense, the offender may be warned. i. If the first offense is serious, the umpire will eject the offender. ii. For a second offense the offender is ejected. b) A team member ejected from the game, shall go directly to the dressing room for the remainder of the game, or leave the grounds. c) Failure of a person so ejected, to leave the game immediately, will warrant a forfeiture of the game. d) An officiating umpire may report a team member for offensive conduct, language or physical abuse any time after a game has been called, in which case the reported team member will appear before the organization under which the game or tournament is played. | Rule 3.5.1 c) Unsporting behaviour Effect a) For a first offense, the offender may be warned. i. If the first offense is serious, the umpire will eject the offender. ii. For a second offense the offender is ejected. b) A team member ejected from the game, shall go directly to the dressing room for the remainder of the game, or leave the grounds. c) Failure of a person so ejected, to leave the game immediately, will warrant a forfeiture of the game. d) An officiating umpire may report a team member for offensive conduct, language or physical abuse any time after a game has been called, in which case the reported team member will appear before the organization under which the game or tournament is played. | ||||
131 | ||||||
132 | 3.6 | Umpires | ||||
133 | 3.6.1 | Powers and Duties | The umpires are the representatives of the league or organization by which they have been assigned to a particular game, and as such, are authorized and required to enforce these Rules. They have the power to order a player, coach, captain or manager to do or omit to do any act that in their judgment is necessary to give force and effect to one or all of these Rules and to impose effects as herein prescribed. The plate umpire has the authority to make decisions on any situations not specifically covered in the Rules. | The umpires are the representatives of the league or organization by which they have been assigned to a particular game, and as such, are authorized and required to enforce these Rules. They have the power to order a player, coach, captain or manager to do or omit to do any act that in their judgment is necessary to give force and effect to one or all of these Rules and to impose effects as herein prescribed. The plate umpire has the authority to make decisions on any situations not specifically covered in the Rules. | ||
134 | 3.6.2 | The Plate Umpire | The plate umpire is charged with the following responsibilities: a) Solely decide on the fitness of the playing field for a game; b) Take a position behind home plate and behind the catcher; c) Have full charge of, and be responsible for, the proper conduct of the game; d) Omit e) By agreement and in cooperation with the base umpire(s), call plays, hit balls, fair or foul, legal or illegal caught balls. On plays that necessitate the base umpire leaving the infield, the plate umpire shall assume the duties normally required of the base umpire. f) Determine and declare whether; i. batter bunts or chops a ball; or ii. a batted ball touches the person or clothing of the batter. g) Render base decisions when required to do so; h) Determine when a game is forfeited; and i) Assume all duties when assigned as a single umpire to a game. | The plate umpire is charged with the following responsibilities: a) Solely decide on the fitness of the playing field for a game; b) Take a position behind home plate and behind the catcher; c) Have full charge of, and be responsible for, the proper conduct of the game; d) Call all balls and strikes; e) By agreement and in cooperation with the base umpire(s), call plays, hit balls, fair or foul, legal or illegal caught balls. On plays that necessitate the base umpire leaving the infield, the plate umpire shall assume the duties normally required of the base umpire. f) Determine and declare whether; i. batter bunts or chops a ball; or ii. a batted ball touches the person or clothing of the batter. g) Render base decisions when required to do so; h) Determine when a game is forfeited; and i) Assume all duties when assigned as a single umpire to a game. | d) Omit. | |
135 | 3.6.3 | The Base Umpire | a) A base umpire will take such positions on the playing field as required in accordance with the relevant umpire systems. b) A base umpire will assist the plate umpire in every way to enforce these Rules. | a) A base umpire will take such positions on the playing field as required in accordance with the relevant umpire systems. b) A base umpire will assist the plate umpire in every way to enforce these Rules. | ||
136 | 3.6.4 | Responsibilities of a Single Umpire | If only one umpire is assigned, their duties and the jurisdiction will extend to all matters under these rules. The umpire’s starting position for each pitch will be from behind home plate and behind the catcher. On each batted ball or play that develops, the umpire will move out from behind the plate and into the infield to obtain the best position for any play that develops. Note: There should always be more than one umpire at a CCSA game. However, the league reserves the right to use and assign a single umpire to a game, only when necessary. | If only one umpire is assigned, their duties and the jurisdiction will extend to all matters under these rules. The umpire’s starting position for each pitch will be from behind home plate and behind the catcher. On each batted ball or play that develops, the umpire will move out from behind the plate and into the infield to obtain the best position for any play that develops. | Note: There should always be more than one umpire at a CCSA game. However, the league reserves the right to use and assign a single umpire to a game, only when necessary. | |
137 | 3.6.5 | Change of Umpires | An umpire cannot be changed during a game by the consent of the opposing teams unless they are incapacitated by injury or illness. | An umpire cannot be changed during a game by the consent of the opposing teams unless they are incapacitated by injury or illness. | ||
138 | 3.6.6 | Umpire's Judgment | a) There will be no appeal of any decision of any umpire on the grounds that they were not correct in their conclusion as to whether a batted ball was fair or foul, a runner safe or out or on any play involving accuracy of judgment. No decision rendered by any umpire will be reversed, except where the umpire is convinced it is in violation of one of these Rules. In case the coach, governor or either team seeks a reversal of a decision based solely on a point of the Rules, the umpire whose decision is in question will, if in doubt, confer with their associate(s) before taking any action. Only the coach or the governor of a team is legally empowered to protest on a decision and seek its reversal on a claim that it is in conflict with these Rules. b) Under no circumstances will any umpire seek to reverse a decision made by their associate(s) or criticize or interfere with the duties of their associate(s), unless asked to do so by them. c) The umpires, in consultation, may rectify any situation in which the reversal of an umpire’s decision or a delayed call by an umpire places a batter-runner or runner in jeopardy or places the defensive team at a disadvantage. This correction is not possible after one legal, or illegal, pitch has been thrown, or if all players on the defensive team have abandoned fair territory. | a) There will be no appeal of any decision of any umpire on the grounds that they were not correct in their conclusion as to whether a batted ball was fair or foul, a runner safe or out, a pitched ball a strike or ball or on any play involving accuracy of judgment. No decision rendered by any umpire will be reversed, except where the umpire is convinced it is in violation of one of these Rules. In case the manager, captain or either team seeks a reversal of a decision based solely on a point of the Rules, the umpire whose decision is in question will, if in doubt, confer with their associate(s) before taking any action. Only the manager or the captain of a team is legally empowered to protest on a decision and seek its reversal on a claim that it is in conflict with these Rules. b) Under no circumstances will any umpire seek to reverse a decision made by their associate(s) or criticize or interfere with the duties of their associate(s), unless asked to do so by them. c) The umpires, in consultation, may rectify any situation in which the reversal of an umpire’s decision or a delayed call by an umpire places a batter-runner or runner in jeopardy or places the defensive team at a disadvantage. This correction is not possible after one legal, or illegal, pitch has been thrown, or if all players on the defensive team have abandoned fair territory. | a) Delete "a pitched ball a strike or ball". Replace "manager, captain" with "coach, governor". Replace "manageer or captain" with "coach or governor". | |
139 | 3.6.7 | Suspension of Play | a) Umpires will suspend play when, in their judgment, conditions justify such action. b) Play will be suspended when the plate umpire leaves their position to brush the plate or to perform other duties not directly connected with the calling of plays. c) The umpire will suspend play whenever a batter or pitcher steps out of position for a legitimate reason. d) An umpire will not call “TIME” after the pitcher has started the windup. e) An umpire will not call “TIME” while any play is in progress. f) In case of injury, except in the umpires’ judgment with a serious injury (which may put the player in danger), “TIME” will not be called until all plays in progress have been completed or runners have been held at their base. g) Umpires will not suspend play at the request of players, coaches or governors until all action in progress by both teams has been completed. h) When the ball is held by a player in the infield and in the opinion of an umpire all immediate play is apparently completed, “TIME” should be called. | a) Umpires will suspend play when, in their judgment, conditions justify such action. b) Play will be suspended when the plate umpire leaves their position to brush the plate or to perform other duties not directly connected with the calling of plays. c) The umpire will suspend play whenever a batter or pitcher steps out of position for a legitimate reason. d) An umpire will not call “TIME” after the pitcher has started the windup. e) An umpire will not call “TIME” while any play is in progress. f) In case of injury, except in the umpires’ judgment with a serious injury (which may put the player in danger), “TIME” will not be called until all plays in progress have been completed or runners have been held at their base. g) Umpires will not suspend play at the request of players, coaches or managers until all action in progress by both teams has been completed. h) When the ball is held by a player in the infield and in the opinion of an umpire all immediate play is apparently completed, “TIME” should be called. | g) Replace "managers" with "governors". | |
140 | 3.6 EFFECT | Rule 3.6.7 Suspension of Play Time called due to a serious injury putting a player in danger. Effect In the case of injury, when time is called, the ball is dead, and runner(s) may be awarded a base or bases that they would have made, in the umpire’s judgment, had the injury not occurred. The calling of time by the umpire is not protestable. | ||||
141 | ||||||
142 | 3.7 | Scorers | ||||
143 | 3.7.1 | Responsibilities of the Official Scorer | Omit. Each team will keep records of the game using a scoresheet provided by the league. Please follow CCSA's guidelines regarding procedures for filling out scoresheets. | The official scorer will: a) prepare or cause to be prepared and keep records of a game as provided for in these Rules; b) be the sole authority for all scoring decisions involving judgment; c) determine whether a batter’s advance to first base is the result of a hit or error; and d) not make a scoring decision that is inconsistent or in conflict with these rules or an umpire’s decision. | Omit. Each team will keep records of the game using a scoresheet provided by the league. Please follow CCSA's guidelines regarding procedures for filling out scoresheets. | |
144 | ||||||
145 | 4 | Pitching | Please refer to CCSA rules regarding pitchers and pitches. | Please refer to CCSA rules regarding pitchers and pitches. | ||
146 | 4.1 | Definitions | ||||
147 | 4.1.1 | Charged Defensive Conferences | Omit | When an umpire grants a suspension of play to the defensive team to allow: a) A defensive team representative to enter the playing field to communicate with any fielder; b) A fielder to go to the dugout and gives the umpire reason to believe that instructions were received; or c) SC: one (1) or more players leave their position to confer, resulting in a delay in the resumption of play. (Time does not need to be granted) | Omit | |
148 | 4.1.2 | Illegal Pitcher | Omit | A player legally in the game but who may not pitch as a result of being removed from the pitching position by the umpire. | Omit | |
149 | 4.1.3 | Pitch | Where the pitcher delivers the ball to the batter. | Where the pitcher delivers the ball to the batter. | ||
150 | 4.1.4 | Pivot Foot | Omit | The foot with which the pitcher pushes off the pitcher’s plate SC: or the point where they start their delivery within the pitching chute. SC: Leaping is illegal – Leaping is the act of a pitcher which causes both feet to be airborne on their initial move and push from the pitcher’s plate. | Omit | |
151 | 4.1.5 | Quick Return Pitch | Omit | A pitch made with the obvious attempt to catch the batter unprepared for the pitch before the batter takes a desired position in the batter’s box or while off balance as a result of the previous pitch. | Omit | |
152 | ||||||
153 | 4.2 | Defensive Conference | ||||
154 | 4.2.1 | Charged Defensive Conference | Omit | a) A defensive team has only three (3) charged defensive conferences SC: for each pitcher in a seven-inning game. b) SC: Charged conferences reset with each new pitcher. A returning pitcher will assume their previous charged conference numbers. c) Charged defensive conferences not taken in the seven innings do not carry forward to extra-inning games. d) SC: Charged conferences are PER GAME and will remain at 3 per pitcher regardless of the number of innings being played. e) A charged defensive conference ends when the defensive team member crosses the foul line returning to the dugout or a fielder returns to the field SC: or their designated positions regardless of whether or not ‘TIME’ has been requested. f) A conference includes players in the field leaving their position and going to the dugout for instructions or (SC) conferring with another player(s), regardless of whether or not ‘TIME’ has been requested. | Omit | |
155 | 4.2.2 | What is not a Charged Defensive Conference | Omit | A conference is not a charged defensive conference when: a) a manager, coach or defensive team member reports a pitching change to the plate umpire before or after communicating with the pitcher; b) from the dugout a manager, coach or player reports a substitution to the responsible umpire and after making that substitution crosses the foul line to talk to the pitcher or any fielder. c) one or more defensive team members and at least one fielder confer during a charged offensive conference as long as all fielders are in position and ready to resume play when the offense is ready; d) instructions are communicated from the dugout; e) a manager/coach playing in the game confers with a fielder. The umpire may control the meetings between the playing manager/coach and a pitcher by issuing a warning and if it continues, ejecting the playing manager/coach; or f) an umpire has suspended play. | Omit | |
156 | 4.2 EFFECT | Omit | Rule 4.2.1 a) SC: A fourth charged conference shall result in the pitcher being declared an illegal pitcher who may not pitch again for the remainder of the game. The illegal pitcher can return to the game but not in the pitching position. The conference rule is waived in U12 and under categories. | Omit | ||
157 | ||||||
158 | 4.3 | Legal Pitch Requirements | ||||
159 | 4.3.1 | Warm-up Pitches | Omit | a) At the beginning of each half inning, or when a pitcher relieves another, not more than one minute may be used to deliver not more than three pitches to the catcher or other team member. EXCEPTION: This does not apply if the umpire delays the start, or resumption, of play due to substitutions, conference, injuries, etc. SC Exception: The umpire can allow five (5) pitches rather than the three (3) pitches should the weather conditions warrant it. b) Play shall be suspended during this time. c) A pitcher returning to pitch in the same half inning shall not be entitled to warm-up pitches. d) There shall be no limit to the number of times a player can return to the pitching position provided they have not i. Left the batting order. ii. Been declared an illegal pitcher by the umpire. | Omit | |
160 | 4.3.2 | Foreign Substance | a) No member of the defensive team shall, at any time during the game, be permitted to use any foreign substance on the ball. b) Under the supervision and control of an umpire, a resin bag may be used to dry the hands and must be kept on the ground behind the pitcher’s plate within the pitching circle when not in use. During inclement weather or wet field conditions and with an umpire’s permission, the resin bag may be placed in the pitcher’s back pocket. c) Approved manufactured cloths that are embedded with resin only are permitted to dry the hands and must be kept in the back pocket or in the belt. d) Applying resin to the ball, or into the glove and then placing the ball in the glove, is an illegal act. e) The pitcher may not use any foreign substance on the pitching hand or fingers. f) The pitcher shall not wear a glove on the pitching hand. g) SC: A medical alert bracelet is legal. h) SC: The pitcher may not wear tape, a sweatband, a bracelet or similar type item on the fingers, wrist or forearm of the pitching arm. If a pitcher requires a sweatband or tape on their pitching arm as a result of an injury, both arms must be covered with an undershirt. | a) No member of the defensive team shall, at any time during the game, be permitted to use any foreign substance on the ball. b) Under the supervision and control of an umpire, a resin bag may be used to dry the hands and must be kept on the ground behind the pitcher’s plate within the pitching circle when not in use. During inclement weather or wet field conditions and with an umpire’s permission, the resin bag may be placed in the pitcher’s back pocket. c) Approved manufactured cloths that are embedded with resin only are permitted to dry the hands and must be kept in the back pocket or in the belt. d) Applying resin to the ball, or into the glove and then placing the ball in the glove, is an illegal act. e) The pitcher may not use any foreign substance on the pitching hand or fingers. f) The pitcher shall not wear a glove on the pitching hand. g) SC: A medical alert bracelet is legal. h) SC: The pitcher may not wear tape, a sweatband, a bracelet or similar type item on the fingers, wrist or forearm of the pitching arm. If a pitcher requires a sweatband or tape on their pitching arm as a result of an injury, both arms must be covered with an undershirt. | ||
161 | 4.3.3 | Defensive Positioning | a) The pitcher shall not deliver a pitch unless all defensive players, except for the catcher who must be behind the home plate, are positioned in fair territory. SC Effect: No Pitch shall be called. Move the defensive player(s) into fair territory. b) A fielder shall not take a position in the batter’s line of vision or, with deliberate unsporting intent, act in a manner to distract the batter. | a) The pitcher shall not deliver a pitch unless all defensive players, except for the catcher who must be in the catcher’s box, are positioned in fair territory. SC Effect: No Pitch shall be called. Move the defensive player(s) into fair territory. b) A fielder shall not take a position in the batter’s line of vision or, with deliberate unsporting intent, act in a manner to distract the batter. | a) Replace "in the catcher's box" to "behind the home plate". | |
162 | 4.3.4 | The Catcher | a) Must remain behind the home plate until the pitched ball is batted, touches the ground, plate, or batter or reaches the catcher. b) Shall return the ball directly to the pitcher after each pitch, including after a foul ball. SC Exception: When a foul ball is fielded close to the foul line and the catcher throws to any base for a possible out. | a) Must remain within the catcher’s box until the pitched ball is batted, touches the ground, plate, or batter or reaches the catcher’s box. b) Shall return the ball directly to the pitcher after each pitch, including after a foul ball. SC Effect: An additional ball shall be awarded to the batter. EXCEPTION: This does not apply after a strikeout or putout by the catcher. SC Exception: When a foul ball is fielded close to the foul line and the catcher throws to any base for a possible out. | a) Replace "within the catcher's box" to "behind the home plate". Replace "catcher's box" with "catcher" Omit "SC Effect: An additional ball shall be awarded to the batter." Omit Exception | |
163 | 4.3.5 | Preliminaries to Delivering the Pitch | Omit | Before commencing the delivery of the pitch, the pitcher a) Shall not be considered in the pitching position unless the catcher is in position to receive the pitch. b) Must take a position with both feet firmly on the ground and with one or both feet in contact with the pitcher’s plate or SC: inside of the pitching chute. The front of the body must face the batter. c) Must come to a full and complete stop with the ball held in one or both hands in front of the body. Prior to the required stop, any motion may be used. This position must be held for not less than one second and not more than ten seconds before starting the delivery. | Omit | |
164 | 4.3.6 | Starting the Pitch | Omit | The pitch starts when the pitcher makes any motion that is part of their windup after the required stop. SC Note: To indicate to the pitcher that they may not start the pitch, the umpire should raise one hand with the palm facing the pitcher. “NO PITCH” shall be declared if the pitcher pitches while the umpire has their hand raised. | Omit | |
165 | 4.3.7 | Legal Delivery | Omit | a) The pitcher must not make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the ball to the batter. b) The windup must be a continuous motion. c) The pitcher must not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion. d) The pitcher must deliver the ball toward home plate on the first forward swing of the pitching arm past the hip with an underhanded motion. e) The pitcher shall not pitch the ball i. Behind the back; ii. Through the legs; or iii. From the glove. f) The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher’s plate or SC: on the ground where the pitcher established their start in the pitching chute until the pitched ball leaves the hand. If a step is taken, it can be forward, backward, or to the side, provided the step is simultaneous with the release of the ball and the pivot foot is still in contact with the pitcher’s plate or ground. g) The pitch shall be released at a moderate speed. The speed is left entirely up to the judgment of the umpire. h) The pitcher must not continue to wind up after the ball is released. i) The ball must be delivered with a perceptible arc of at least 1.83m (6 ft.) and not more than 3.65m (12 ft.) from the ground. j) The pitcher has SC: 20 seconds to release the next pitch after receiving the ball, or after the umpire indicates “play ball”. | Omit | |
166 | 4.3.8 | Quick Pitch | Omit | The pitcher shall not attempt a quick return of the ball: a) Before the batter has taken their position; orb) When the batter is off balance as a result of a pitch. | Omit | |
167 | 4.3 EFFECT | Omit | Rule 4.3.1 a) Excessive warmup pitches (more than three {3}) Effect A ball is awarded to the batter for each excessive pitch. | |||
168 | Omit | Rule 4.3.1 c) Returning pitcher in the same inning takes warm-up pitches Effect A ball shall be awarded to the batter for each pitch taken. | ||||
169 | Omit | Rule 4.3.2 Foreign substance on the ball Effect If any defensive player continues to place a foreign substance on the ball, the pitcher shall be ejected from the game SC: after a warning to the coach. SC Effect – An illegal pitch shall be called for each infraction. | ||||
170 | Rule 4.3.3 b) Fielder acts in unsporting manner or position themselves to distract the batter. No pitch has to be released. Effect The player is ejected from the game. | Rule 4.3.3 b) Fielder acts in unsporting manner or position themselves to distract the batter. No pitch has to be released. Effect The player is ejected from the game. A ball is awarded to the batter. | Delete "A ball is awarded to the batter." | |||
171 | Omit | Rule 4.3.7 g) Delivery of pitch with excessive speed Effect After a warning, a pitcher who repeats such an act shall be declared an illegal pitcher and may not pitch again for the remainder of the game. | Omit | |||
172 | Omit | Rule 4.3.7 j) Pitcher fails to release the ball in SC: 20 seconds Effect A ball is awarded to the batter. | Omit | |||
173 | Omit | Rule 4.3.1 to 4.3.7 Any infraction of Rules 4.3.1 to 4.3.7 – Improper pitching mechanics - (except for the effects set out above for Rules 4.3.1 a) & c); 4.3.2 a); 4.3.3 b) and 4.3.7 g) results in an illegal pitch being declared. Effect This is a delayed dead ball; a ball shall be called on the batter. Runners are not advanced. If the batter swings at any illegal pitch, it is nullified and all play stands. | Omit | |||
174 | ||||||
175 | 4.4 | No Pitch | A “No pitch” occurs, a dead ball is declared and all subsequent action on that pitch is cancelled by an umpire when: a) the pitcher pitches during a suspension of play; b) a runner is called out for leaving a base before the pitched ball reaches home plate, or is batted or touches the ground before home plate; c) the pitcher starts the pitch before a runner has retouched the base after a foul ball has been declared; d) the ball slips from the pitcher’s hand during their windup or during the backswing; or e) a governor, coach or player calls or asks for “TIME”, uses any other word or phrase or commits any other act while the ball is live and in play for the obvious purpose of trying to make the pitcher commit an illegal pitch. | A “No pitch” occurs, a dead ball is declared and all subsequent action on that pitch is cancelled by an umpire when: a) the pitcher pitches during a suspension of play; b) a runner is called out for leaving a base before the pitched ball reaches home plate, or is batted or touches the ground before home plate; c) the pitcher starts the pitch before a runner has retouched the base after a foul ball has been declared; d) the ball slips from the pitcher’s hand during their windup or during the backswing; or e) a manager, coach or player calls or asks for “TIME”, uses any other word or phrase or commits any other act while the ball is live and in play for the obvious purpose of trying to make the pitcher commit an illegal pitch. | e) Replace "manager" with "governor". | |
176 | 4.4 EFFECT | Rule 4.4 a - d SC: No Pitch declared Effect The ball is dead and all subsequent action on that pitch is cancelled. | Rule 4.4 a - d SC: No Pitch declared Effect The ball is dead and all subsequent action on that pitch is cancelled. | |||
177 | ||||||
178 | 4.5 | Illegal Pitcher | Omit | A pitcher who has been declared as an Illegal Pitcher, as a result of the team exceeding the charged defensive conference limit or for pitching with excessive speed, may not return to the pitching position at any time for the remainder of the game. The Illegal Pitcher may play another defensive position and continue on offense for the remainder of the game. | Omit | |
179 | 4.5 EFFECT | Omit | Rule 4.5 Illegal Pitcher - Declared illegal pitcher returning to the pitching position and has thrown one pitch, either legal or illegal. Effect a) The illegal pitcher is ejected. b) If the illegal pitcher is discovered prior to the next pitch, the manager of the offensive team has the option of: i. Taking the result of the play, or ii. Having the play nullified, with the batter returning to bat and assuming the ball and strike count held prior to the discovery of the Illegal Pitcher, and iii. Each runner returning to the base held at the time of the pitch. | Omit | ||
180 | ||||||
181 | 5 | Batting and Base Running | ||||
182 | 5.1 | Definitions | ||||
183 | 5.1.1 | Base on Balls or Walk | Omit | When the plate umpire judges four pitches to be balls, including illegal pitches. The batter is awarded a base or bases. The ball is dead. | Omit | |
184 | 5.1.2 | Base Path | The direct line between a base and the runner’s position at the time a defensive player is attempting (or about to attempt) to tag a runner. | The direct line between a base and the runner’s position at the time a defensive player is attempting (or about to attempt) to tag a runner. | ||
185 | 5.1.3 | Batted Ball | Any ball that hits the bat or is hit by the bat and lands in fair or foul territory. No intention to hit the ball is necessary. | Any ball that hits the bat or is hit by the bat and lands in fair or foul territory. No intention to hit the ball is necessary. | ||
186 | 5.1.4 | Batter | An offensive player who enters the batter’s box with the intention of aiding their team to score runs. They continue to be a batter until they are declared out by the umpire or become a batter-runner. SC (2021): The batter must start and finish their at bat with both feet on or behind the front batter’s area line. | An offensive player who enters the batter’s box with the intention of aiding their team to score runs. They continue to be a batter until they are declared out by the umpire or become a batter-runner. SC (2021): The batter must start and finish their at bat with both feet on or behind the front batter’s area line. | ||
187 | 5.1.5 | Batter-Runner | A player who has finished a turn at bat but has not yet been put out or reached first base. | A player who has finished a turn at bat but has not yet been put out or reached first base. | ||
188 | 5.1.6 | Batting Order | The official listing of offensive players in the line-up in the order in which members of that team must come to bat. | The official listing of offensive players in the line-up in the order in which members of that team must come to bat. | ||
189 | 5.1.7 | Blocked Ball | A blocked ball is a batted, thrown or pitched ball: a) that becomes lodged in the fencing; b) that is touched, stopped or handled by a person not engaged in the game; c) that touches any object that is not part of the official equipment or playing territory; d) that is touched by a defensive player who is in contact with the ground not part of the playing territory. The lines are considered part of the playing territory; or e) A thrown ball touching a base coach accidentally (in or out of the coaches box) is not a blocked ball and remains in play. | A blocked ball is a batted, thrown or pitched ball: a) that becomes lodged in the fencing; b) that is touched, stopped or handled by a person not engaged in the game; c) that touches any object that is not part of the official equipment or playing territory; d) that is touched by a defensive player who is in contact with the ground not part of the playing territory. The lines are considered part of the playing territory; or e) A thrown ball touching a base coach accidentally (in or out of the coaches box) is not a blocked ball and remains in play. | ||
190 | 5.1.8 | Bunt | A batted ball not swung at but intentionally met with the bat and tapped slowly within the playing field. Bunting is not allowed. | A batted ball not swung at but intentionally met with the bat and tapped slowly within the playing field. Bunting is not allowed. | ||
191 | 5.1.9 | Catch | When a fielder catches a batted or thrown ball with their hand(s) or glove. a) In establishing a legal catch, the fielder must hold the ball long enough to prove that the ball is securely held and/or that the release of the ball is voluntary and intentional. It is a valid catch if the player drops the ball after reaching into the glove to remove it or while in the act of throwing. b) If the ball is merely held in the fielder’s arm(s) or prevented from dropping to the ground by some part of the fielder’s body, equipment or clothing, the catch is not completed until the ball is in the grasp of the fielder’s hand(s) or glove. c) In order to have a legal catch, the fielder’s feet must be within the field of play, touching the dead ball line or being in the air after leaving live ball territory. If the player has control of the ball when returning to the ground in ‘dead ball’ territory, it is a legal catch. A player who is in the dead ball territory and returns to the live ball territory must have both feet touching the playable territory prior to touching the ball in order to have a valid catch. d) It is not a catch, if a fielder (while gaining control), collides with another player, an umpire or a fence, or falls to the ground and drops the ball as a result of the collision or falling to the ground. e) A batted ball striking anything other than a defensive player while it is in flight is ruled the same as if it struck the ground. | When a fielder catches a batted or thrown ball with their hand(s) or glove. a) In establishing a legal catch, the fielder must hold the ball long enough to prove that the ball is securely held and/or that the release of the ball is voluntary and intentional. It is a valid catch if the player drops the ball after reaching into the glove to remove it or while in the act of throwing. b) If the ball is merely held in the fielder’s arm(s) or prevented from dropping to the ground by some part of the fielder’s body, equipment or clothing, the catch is not completed until the ball is in the grasp of the fielder’s hand(s) or glove. c) In order to have a legal catch, the fielder’s feet must be within the field of play, touching the dead ball line or being in the air after leaving live ball territory. If the player has control of the ball when returning to the ground in ‘dead ball’ territory, it is a legal catch. A player who is in the dead ball territory and returns to the live ball territory must have both feet touching the playable territory prior to touching the ball in order to have a valid catch. d) It is not a catch, if a fielder (while gaining control), collides with another player, an umpire or a fence, or falls to the ground and drops the ball as a result of the collision or falling to the ground. e) A batted ball striking anything other than a defensive player while it is in flight is ruled the same as if it struck the ground. | ||
192 | 5.1.10 | Charged Offensive Conference | Omit | When the offensive team requests a suspension of play or delays play to allow the manager, or other team representative, to confer with any member of their team. This includes the batter, runner, on-deck batter and the coaches among themselves. | Omit | |
193 | 5.1.11 | Chopped Ball | A hit ball where the batter strikes downward on the ball with a chopping motion of the bat so that the ball bounces high into the air. SC: A chopped ball is illegal. | A hit ball where the batter strikes downward on the ball with a chopping motion of the bat so that the ball bounces high into the air. SC: A chopped ball is illegal. | ||
194 | 5.1.12 | Dead Ball | Is a ball not in play and no further play can occur. | Is a ball not in play and no further play can occur. | ||
195 | 5.1.13 | Delayed Dead Ball | A game situation in which the ball remains live until the conclusion of a play; when the entire play is completed, and if required, an umpire will rule a dead ball and enforce the appropriate ruling. | A game situation in which the ball remains live until the conclusion of a play; when the entire play is completed, and if required, an umpire will rule a dead ball and enforce the appropriate ruling. | ||
196 | 5.1.14 | Detached Equipment or Uniform | When a fielder intentionally contacts or catches a fair batted, thrown or pitched ball with their cap, helmet, mask, protector, pocket, detached glove or any part of their uniform that is detached from its proper place on their person. | When a fielder intentionally contacts or catches a fair batted, thrown or pitched ball with their cap, helmet, mask, protector, pocket, detached glove or any part of their uniform that is detached from its proper place on their person. | ||
197 | 5.1.15 | Disloged Base | A base displaced from its proper position. | A base displaced from its proper position. | ||
198 | 5.1.16 | Double Play | A play by the defense in which two offensive players are legally put out as a result of continuous action. | A play by the defense in which two offensive players are legally put out as a result of continuous action. | ||
199 | 5.1.17 | Fair Ball | A legally batted live ball: a) that settles or is touched on or over fair territory between home and first base or between home and third base; b) that bounds past first or third base on or over fair territory, regardless of where the ball hits after going over the base; c) that touches first, second or third base; d) that touches the person or clothing of an umpire or player while over fair territory; e) that first falls on fair territory beyond first and third base; f) that passes out of the playing field beyond the outfield fence while over fair territory; g) that hits the foul line pole while in flight; or h) that is judged a fair fly according to the relative position of the ball and foul line, including the foul pole, and not as to whether the fielder is on fair or foul territory at the time of touching the ball. It does not matter whether the ball first touches fair or foul territory, as long as it does not touch anything foreign to the natural ground in foul territory and complies with all other aspects of a fair ball. The position of the ball at the time of interference determines whether the ball is fair or foul, regardless if the ball rolls untouched to foul or fair territory. | A legally batted live ball: a) that settles or is touched on or over fair territory between home and first base or between home and third base; b) that bounds past first or third base on or over fair territory, regardless of where the ball hits after going over the base; c) that touches first, second or third base; d) that touches the person or clothing of an umpire or player while over fair territory; e) that first falls on fair territory beyond first and third base; f) that passes out of the playing field beyond the outfield fence while over fair territory; g) that hits the foul line pole while in flight; or h) that is judged a fair fly according to the relative position of the ball and foul line, including the foul pole, and not as to whether the fielder is on fair or foul territory at the time of touching the ball. It does not matter whether the ball first touches fair or foul territory, as long as it does not touch anything foreign to the natural ground in foul territory and complies with all other aspects of a fair ball. The position of the ball at the time of interference determines whether the ball is fair or foul, regardless if the ball rolls untouched to foul or fair territory. | ||
200 | 5.1.18 | Fake Tag | A form of obstruction where a fielder not in possession of the ball impedes the progress of a runner who is advancing or returning to a base. The runner does not have to stop or slide; merely slowing down when a fake tag is simulated constitutes obstruction. | A form of obstruction where a fielder not in possession of the ball impedes the progress of a runner who is advancing or returning to a base. The runner does not have to stop or slide; merely slowing down when a fake tag is simulated constitutes obstruction. | ||
201 | 5.1.19 | Fly Ball | A ball batted into the air. | A ball batted into the air. | ||
202 | 5.1.20 | Force Out | When a runner loses the right to the base that they are occupying because the batter becomes a batter-runner and before the batter-runner or a succeeding runner has been put out. On an appeal play, the force out is determined by the force situation at the time the appeal is made, not at the time of the infraction. If the force has been broken by an out of a succeeding runner prior to the appeal, then this is no longer a force out. If a forced runner, after touching the next base, retreats for any reason toward the base they last occupied, the force play is reinstated. | When a runner loses the right to the base that they are occupying because the batter becomes a batter-runner and before the batter-runner or a succeeding runner has been put out. On an appeal play, the force out is determined by the force situation at the time the appeal is made, not at the time of the infraction. If the force has been broken by an out of a succeeding runner prior to the appeal, then this is no longer a force out. If a forced runner, after touching the next base, retreats for any reason toward the base they last occupied, the force play is reinstated. | ||
203 | 5.1.21 | Foul Ball | A legally batted ball that: a) settles on foul territory between home and first base or between home and third base. b) bounds past first or third on or over foul territory. c) first touches on foul territory beyond first or third base. d) touches the person, attached or detached equipment or clothing of an umpire or player, or any object foreign to the natural ground, while on or over foul territory. e) touches the batter or the bat in the batter’s hand(s) a second time while the batter is within the batter’s box. f) goes directly from the bat, not higher than the batter’s head, to any part of the catcher’s body or equipment and is caught by another fielder. g) hits the pitcher’s plate and rolls untouched to foul territory before reaching first or third base. h) is judged a foul ball, judged according to the relative position of the ball and the foul line, including the foul pole, and not as to whether the fielder is on fair or foul territory at the time of touching the ball. i) The position of the ball at the time of interference determines whether the ball is fair or foul, regardless if the ball rolls untouched to foul or fair territory. | A legally batted ball that: a) settles on foul territory between home and first base or between home and third base. b) bounds past first or third on or over foul territory. c) first touches on foul territory beyond first or third base. d) touches the person, attached or detached equipment or clothing of an umpire or player, or any object foreign to the natural ground, while on or over foul territory. e) touches the batter or the bat in the batter’s hand(s) a second time while the batter is within the batter’s box. f) goes directly from the bat, not higher than the batter’s head, to any part of the catcher’s body or equipment and is caught by another fielder. g) hits the pitcher’s plate and rolls untouched to foul territory before reaching first or third base. h) is judged a foul ball, judged according to the relative position of the ball and the foul line, including the foul pole, and not as to whether the fielder is on fair or foul territory at the time of touching the ball. i) The position of the ball at the time of interference determines whether the ball is fair or foul, regardless if the ball rolls untouched to foul or fair territory. | ||
204 | 5.1.22 | Foul Tip | a) A batted ball that: i. goes directly from the bat to the catcher’s hands or glove; ii. goes no higher than the batter’s head; and iii. is legally caught by the catcher. b) any foul tip that is caught is an out and is dead. It is not a catch if it is a rebound unless the ball first touched the catcher’s hand(s) or glove. | a) A batted ball that: i. goes directly from the bat to the catcher’s hands or glove; ii. goes no higher than the batter’s head; and iii. is legally caught by the catcher. b) any foul tip that is caught is a strike and is dead. It is not a catch if it is a rebound unless the ball first touched the catcher’s hand(s) or glove. | b) Replace "a stike" with "an out". | |
205 | 5.1.23 | Illegally Batted Ball | When the batter hits the ball fair or foul: a) while one SC: or both feet are completely out of the batter’s box and on the ground, when they make contact with the ball. b) while any part of the batter’s foot is touching home plate, when they make contact with the ball. c) while contacting the ball with an illegal, non-approved, or altered bat. d) after they step with either foot entirely out of the batter’s box, and then return and make contact with the ball while within the batter’s box. | When the batter hits the ball fair or foul: a) while one SC: or both feet are completely out of the batter’s box and on the ground, when they make contact with the ball. b) while any part of the batter’s foot is touching home plate SC: or strike mat, when they make contact with the ball. c) while contacting the ball with an illegal, non-approved, or altered bat. d) after they step with either foot entirely out of the batter’s box, and then return and make contact with the ball while within the batter’s box. | b) Delete "SC: or strike mat" | |
206 | 5.1.24 | Illegally Caught Ball | When a fielder catches a batted, thrown or pitched ball with their cap, mask, glove or any part of their uniform while that item is detached from its proper place. | When a fielder catches a batted, thrown or pitched ball with their cap, mask, glove or any part of their uniform while that item is detached from its proper place. | ||
207 | 5.1.25 | In Flight | Any batted, thrown or pitched ball that has not yet touched the ground or some object other than a fielder. | Any batted, thrown or pitched ball that has not yet touched the ground or some object other than a fielder. | ||
208 | 5.1.26 | Infield Fly | A fair fly ball (not including a line drive) that can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort when first and second, or first, second, and third bases are occupied, before two are out. The pitcher, catcher, and any outfielder who positions themselves in the infield on the play will be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule. | A fair fly ball (not including a line drive) that can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort when first and second, or first, second, and third bases are occupied, before two are out. The pitcher, catcher, and any outfielder who positions themselves in the infield on the play will be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule. | ||
209 | 5.1.27 | In Jeopardy | When the ball is in play and the offensive player may be put out. | When the ball is in play and the offensive player may be put out. | ||
210 | 5.1.28 | Intentional Base on Balls or Intentional Walk | Omit | When the defensive team requests to place the batter on first base without pitching four balls. The ball is dead. | Omit. | |
211 | 5.1.29 | Intentionally Dropped Ball | A fair fly ball, including a line drive with less than two outs and a runner on first base that can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, and the infielder intentionally drops the ball, after it is controlled with a hand or a glove. A trapped ball or a fly ball that is allowed to bounce is not considered as having been intentionally dropped. If an infield fly is ruled, it has precedence over an intentionally dropped ball. | A fair fly ball, including a line drive with less than two outs and a runner on first base that can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, and the infielder intentionally drops the ball, after it is controlled with a hand or a glove. A trapped ball or a fly ball that is allowed to bounce is not considered as having been intentionally dropped. If an infield fly is ruled, it has precedence over an intentionally dropped ball. | ||
212 | 5.1.30 | Interference | The act of: a) an offensive player or team member who impedes, hinders, or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play; b) an umpire who impedes a catcher’s attempt to throw out a runner who is off the base; c) an umpire or runner being hit with a fair-batted ball: i. prior to touching a fielder; ii. prior to it passing an infielder, without being touched; or iii. after passing a fielder, and in the umpire’s judgment another fielder had a chance to make an out. d) a spectator who enters or reaches into the playing field and impedes a fielder playing the ball, or makes contact with the ball that a fielder is attempting a play on. | The act of: a) an offensive player or team member who impedes, hinders, or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play; b) an umpire who impedes a catcher’s attempt to throw out a runner who is off the base; c) an umpire or runner being hit with a fair-batted ball: i. prior to touching a fielder, including the pitcher; ii. prior to it passing an infielder, other than the pitcher, without being touched; or iii. after passing a fielder, excluding the pitcher and in the umpire’s judgment another fielder had a chance to make an out. d) a spectator who enters or reaches into the playing field and impedes a fielder playing the ball, or makes contact with the ball that a fielder is attempting a play on. | c) i. Delete "including the pitcher" c) ii. Delete "other than the pitcher" c) iii. Delete "excluding the pitcher" | |
213 | 5.1.31 | Line Drive | A ball in flight that is batted sharply and directly into the playing field. | A ball in flight that is batted sharply and directly into the playing field. | ||
214 | 5.1.32 | Obstruction | The act of: a) a defensive player or team member who hinders or prevents a batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball. b) a fielder who impedes the progress of a batter-runner or runner who is legally running bases while: i. not in possession of the ball; ii. not in the act of fielding a batted ball; iii. making a fake tag without the ball; iv. in possession of the ball and who pushes a runner off a base; or v. in possession of the ball, but not in the act of making a play on the batter-runner or runner. | The act of: a) a defensive player or team member who hinders or prevents a batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball. b) a fielder who impedes the progress of a batter-runner or runner who is legally running bases while: i. not in possession of the ball; ii. not in the act of fielding a batted ball; iii. making a fake tag without the ball; iv. in possession of the ball and who pushes a runner off a base; or v. in possession of the ball, but not in the act of making a play on the batter-runner or runner. | ||
215 | 5.1.33 | On-Deck Batter | The offensive player whose name follows the name of the batter in the batting order. | The offensive player whose name follows the name of the batter in the batting order. | ||
216 | 5.1.34 | Option Play | A play in which the offensive coach is given the choice of taking the enforcement of the illegal action or the result of the play. Such option plays are: a) catcher obstruction; b) use of an illegal glove; c) an illegal substitution; d) Omit e) Omit f) Omit | A play in which the offensive manager /coach is given the choice of taking the enforcement of the illegal action or the result of the play. Such option plays are: a) catcher obstruction; b) use of an illegal glove; c) an illegal substitution; d) an illegal pitcher returned to game and pitching; e) a female batter on a two-out walk (Co-ed Only). f) The delivery of the wrong size ball to the batter (Co-ed Only). | Delete "manager /". d) Omit e) Omit f) Omit | |
217 | 5.1.35 | Over-Slide | When a batter-runner or a runner slides past and loses touch with a base that they are attempting to reach, which causes them to be in jeopardy. A batter-runner may over-slide first base without being in jeopardy provided they immediately return to first base. | When a batter-runner or a runner slides past and loses touch with a base that they are attempting to reach, which causes them to be in jeopardy. A batter-runner may over-slide first base without being in jeopardy provided they immediately return to first base. | ||
218 | 5.1.36 | Overthrow | When a ball is thrown from one fielder to another and the ball goes beyond the boundary lines of the playing field or becomes a blocked ball. | When a ball is thrown from one fielder to another and the ball goes beyond the boundary lines of the playing field or becomes a blocked ball. | ||
219 | 5.1.37 | Play | After a pitch and when the ball is live: a) a batter takes a pitch in the batter’s box, swings at or hits the pitch and runs to first base; b) Omit c) the defensive team attempts to put out a batter-runner or a runner. d) A pitch is not a play | After a pitch and when the ball is live: a) a batter takes a pitch in the batter’s box, swings at or hits the pitch and runs to first base; b) after the pitch leaves the pitcher’s hand a runner attempts to steal a base or advance on a batted ball (SC: FP Only); or c) the defensive team attempts to put out a batter-runner or a runner. d) A pitch is not a play | b) Omit | |
220 | 5.1.38 | Runner | A player of the team at bat who has finished a turn at bat, has reached first base, and has not yet been put out. | A player of the team at bat who has finished a turn at bat, has reached first base, and has not yet been put out. | ||
221 | 5.1.39 | Stealing | Stealing is the prohibited act of a runner attempting to advance during or after a pitch to the batter. Runners may not attempt to advance when a pitched ball is not batted. | Stealing is the prohibited act of a runner attempting to advance during or after a pitch to the batter. Runners may not attempt to advance when a pitched ball is not batted. | ||
222 | 5.1.40 | Strike Zone / (SC) Strike Mat | Omit | The space over any part of home plate between the batter’s SC: highest shoulder and the knees when the batter assumes their natural batting stance. SC: The strike mat shall be a 2’(0.61m) x 3’(0.91m) rubber mat with a ”v” shaped cutout 17” across the top and 12” on the other two sides centered 3½” from the edges of the mat. This mat shall be placed behind the plate, so the “v” cut out fits around the back point of the plate. | Omit | |
223 | 5.1.41 | Tag | A legal tag is the action of a fielder in touching: a) a batter-runner or runner who is not in contact with a base, with the ball securely held in their hand(s) or glove. The ball is not considered as having been securely held if it is juggled or dropped by the fielder after tagging the batter-runner or runner, unless that player deliberately knocks the ball from the hand(s) or glove of the fielder. The runner must be tagged with the hand(s) or glove with which the ball is held; or b) a base with the ball securely held in their hand(s) or glove. The base may be touched with any part of the body to be a legal tag, (e.g., the fielder could touch the base with a foot, with a hand, sit on the base, etc.) This would apply to any force out or appeal situation. | A legal tag is the action of a fielder in touching: a) a batter-runner or runner who is not in contact with a base, with the ball securely held in their hand(s) or glove. The ball is not considered as having been securely held if it is juggled or dropped by the fielder after tagging the batter-runner or runner, unless that player deliberately knocks the ball from the hand(s) or glove of the fielder. The runner must be tagged with the hand(s) or glove with which the ball is held; or b) a base with the ball securely held in their hand(s) or glove. The base may be touched with any part of the body to be a legal tag, (e.g., the fielder could touch the base with a foot, with a hand, sit on the base, etc.) This would apply to any force out or appeal situation. | ||
224 | 5.1.42 | Tagging Up | The action of a runner returning to their base, or remaining on their base, before they legally advance on a batted fly ball that is first touched by a fielder. SC: This is not to be confused with the action of a fielder tagging a base or a runner. | The action of a runner returning to their base, or remaining on their base, before they legally advance on a batted fly ball that is first touched by a fielder. SC: This is not to be confused with the action of a fielder tagging a base or a runner. | ||
225 | 5.1.43 | Throw | The act of one fielder throwing the ball to another fielder. | The act of one fielder throwing the ball to another fielder. | ||
226 | 5.1.44 | Trapped Ball | a) A legally batted fly ball or line drive that hits the ground or a fence prior to being caught. b) A legally batted fly ball that is caught against a fence with the glove or hand. c) A thrown ball to any base for a force out that is covered with the glove over the ball on the ground rather than under the ball. | a) A legally batted fly ball or line drive that hits the ground or a fence prior to being caught. b) A legally batted fly ball that is caught against a fence with the glove or hand. c) A thrown ball to any base for a force out that is covered with the glove over the ball on the ground rather than under the ball. | ||
227 | 5.1.45 | Triple Play | A continuous action play by the defense in which three offensive players are put out. | A continuous action play by the defense in which three offensive players are put out. | ||
228 | 5.1.46 | Turn At Bat | Begins when a player first enters the batter’s box and continues until the batter is out or becomes a batter-runner. | Begins when a player first enters the batter’s box and continues until the batter is out or becomes a batter-runner. | ||
229 | 5.1.47 | Wild Throw | A throw in which the ball thrown from one fielder to another cannot be caught or controlled, SC: is not blocked and remains in play. | A throw in which the ball thrown from one fielder to another cannot be caught or controlled, SC: is not blocked and remains in play. | ||
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231 | 5.2 | Charged Offensive Conference | Omit | a) It is not a charged conference when a pitcher is putting on a warm-up jacket while on base or when the offense confers while the defensive team is in conference or the game is suspended, provided that the offense is ready to play when the defense is ready, or the umpire restarts the game. b) Only one charged conference per inning is permitted. This includes batter, runner, on-deck batter and the coaches amongst themselves. | Omit. | |
232 | 5.2 EFFECT | Omit | Rule 5.2 b) Second Charged Conference Effect Ejection of the coach or manager insisting on the second charged conference. SC: If 2 coaches confer, it is the coach that initiated the second charged conference that is ejected. | Omit. | ||
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234 | 5.3 | On-deck Batter | a) Omit b) Once an inning has started, this is the offensive player who, in the batting line-up, is the next player to enter the batter’s box. c) The on-deck batter: i. Omit ii. SC: must wear a helmet (Only applicable if on-deck batter chooses to be on the field); iii. may loosen up with no more than two official softball bats, an approved warm-up bat, or a combination not to exceed two. A bat with which the On-Deck Batter is loosening up may not have anything attached to it other than a Softball Canada approved bat attachment; SC Note: The Power wrap is approved; iv. may leave the on-deck circle: 1. when they become the batter; 2. to direct runners advancing from third to home plate; or 3. to avoid possible interference on a fly ball or thrown ball. v. Must not interfere with a defensive player’s opportunity to make a play. | a) At the start of an inning, this is the lead-off batter who must remain in the on-deck circle until called to the batter’s box. b) Once an inning has started, this is the offensive player who, in the batting line-up, is the next player to enter the batter’s box. c) The on-deck batter: i. may take a position within either on-deck circle so that they are behind the batter and not on the batter’s open side; ii. SC: must wear a helmet; iii. may loosen up with no more than two official softball bats, an approved warm-up bat, or a combination not to exceed two. A bat with which the On-Deck Batter is loosening up may not have anything attached to it other than a Softball Canada approved bat attachment; SC Note: The Power wrap is approved; iv. may leave the on-deck circle: 1. when they become the batter; 2. to direct runners advancing from third to home plate; or 3. to avoid possible interference on a fly ball or thrown ball. v. Must not interfere with a defensive player’s opportunity to make a play. | a) Omit c) i. Omit c) ii. Only applicable if on-deck batter chooses to be on the field | |
235 | 5.3 EFFECT | Rule 5.3 c) ii. Failure to wear a helmet when ordered to do so Effect After a warning, the player will be ejected. | Rule 5.3 c) ii. Failure to wear a helmet when ordered to do so Effect After a warning, the player will be ejected. | |||
236 | Rule 5.3 c) iii. Illegal warm-up equipment Effect Illegal warm up equipment will be removed from the game. Continued use of the equipment after removal will result in the player using such equipment being ejected from the game. | Rule 5.3 c) iii. Illegal warm-up equipment Effect Illegal warm up equipment will be removed from the game. Continued use of the equipment after removal will result in the player using such equipment being ejected from the game. | ||||
237 | Rule 5.3 c) v. Interferes with defensive player opportunity to make a play Effect The ball is dead and if the interference is: 1. with a defensive player’s attempt to retire a runner; a. The runner closest to home plate at the time of the interference is out, and b. Other runners return to the base last touched at the time of the interference unless forced to advance because the batter-runner became a runner. 2. with a defensive player attempting to catch a fly ball, or with a fly ball that a fielder is attempting to catch; a. The batter-runner shall be called out, and b. Runners are returned to the base held at the time of the pitch. | Rule 5.3 c) v. Interferes with defensive player opportunity to make a play Effect The ball is dead and if the interference is: 1. with a defensive player’s attempt to retire a runner; a. The runner closest to home plate at the time of the interference is out, and b. Other runners return to the base last touched at the time of the interference unless forced to advance because the batter-runner became a runner. 2. with a defensive player attempting to catch a fly ball, or with a fly ball that a fielder is attempting to catch; a. The batter-runner shall be called out, and b. Runners are returned to the base held at the time of the pitch. | ||||
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239 | 5.4 | Batting | ||||
240 | 5.4.1 | Batting Order | a) The batting order must be followed throughout the game, unless a player is replaced by a substitute who takes the place of the player they replace in the batting order. Note: Please see CCSA rules for additional rules about substitutions and alternating batters. b) No more than 3 male batters shall bat in a row in the batting order. c) The first batter in each inning must be the batter whose name follows that of the last batter who completed a turn at bat in the preceding inning. d) When the third out in an inning is made before the batter has completed their turn at bat, that batter must be the first batter in the next inning. The strike/pitch count is canceled. e) A player bats out of order when they fail to bat in the proper sequence as listed on the scoresheet. | a) The batting order must be followed throughout the game, unless a player is replaced by a substitute who takes the place of the player they replace in the batting order. b) The batting order shall alternate the sexes (Co-ed). c) The first batter in each inning must be the batter whose name follows that of the last batter who completed a turn at bat in the preceding inning. d) When the third out in an inning is made before the batter has completed their turn at bat, that batter must be the first batter in the next inning. The ball and strike count is canceled. e) A player bats out of order when they fail to bat in the proper sequence as listed on the line-up card. | a) Note: Please see CCSA rules for additional rules about substitutions and alternating batters. b) Omit. Replace with "No more than 3 male batters shall bat in a row in the batting order." d) Replace "ball and strike count" with "strike/pitch count". e) Replace "line-up card" with "scoresheet". | |
241 | 5.4.1 EFFECT | Rule 5.4.1 Batting out of order Effect This is an appeal play that may be made by the governor, coach, or player of the defensive team only. The defensive team forfeits its right to appeal for batting out of order when all fielders have clearly vacated their normal fielding positions and have left fair territory on their way to the bench or dugout. a) When the error is discovered while the incorrect batter is at bat: i. the correct batter may legally take their place and assume the ball and strike/pitch count of the incorrect batter; and ii. any runs scored, or bases run, while the incorrect batter is at bat will be legal. b) When the error is discovered after the incorrect batter has completed their turn at bat and before a legal or illegal pitch has been made to another batter: i. the player who should have batted is out; and ii. any advance or score made as a result of the improper batter becoming a batter-runner will be nullified. Any out that is made prior to discovering this infraction remains out. The incorrect batter-runner is removed from the base. iii. the next batter is the player whose name follows that of the player called out for failing to bat. If the next player was the incorrect batter who was called out, go to the next person in the line-up. iv. if the player who was the improper batter was called out, their turn at bat will not take place in the same inning, until all other batters in the batting order have completed their turn at bat. If their turn at bat occurs before this occurs, go to the next batter. v. if the batter declared out under these circumstances is the third out, the correct batter in the next inning will be the player who would have come to bat had the player been put out by ordinary play. vi. if the third out is made on a runner prior to the discovery of the infraction, an appeal may still be made in order to reinstate the correct batting order. This appeal, if made, does not result in an additional out. c) If the error is discovered after the first legal or illegal pitch to the next batter: i. the turn at bat of the incorrect batter is legal. ii. all runs scored and bases run are legal. iii. the next batter in order will be the one whose name follows that of the incorrect batter. iv. no one is called out for failure to bat. v. players who have not batted and who have not been called out have lost their turn at bat until reached again in the regular order. d) No runner will be removed from the base they are occupying to bat in their proper place. They merely miss their turn at bat with no penalty. The batter following in the batting order becomes the legal batter. This does not apply to a batter-runner who has been taken off the base by the umpire. | Rule 5.4.1 Batting out of order Effect This is an appeal play that may be made by the manager, coach, or player of the defensive team only. The defensive team forfeits its right to appeal for batting out of order when all fielders have clearly vacated their normal fielding positions and have left fair territory on their way to the bench or dugout. a) When the error is discovered while the incorrect batter is at bat: i. the correct batter may legally take their place and assume the ball and strike count of the incorrect batter; and ii. any runs scored, or bases run, while the incorrect batter is at bat will be legal. b) When the error is discovered after the incorrect batter has completed their turn at bat and before a legal or illegal pitch has been made to another batter: i. the player who should have batted is out; and ii. any advance or score made as a result of the improper batter becoming a batter-runner will be nullified. Any out that is made prior to discovering this infraction remains out. The incorrect batter-runner is removed from the base. iii. the next batter is the player whose name follows that of the player called out for failing to bat. If the next player was the incorrect batter who was called out, go to the next person in the line-up. iv. if the player who was the improper batter was called out, their turn at bat will not take place in the same inning, until all other batters in the batting order have completed their turn at bat. If their turn at bat occurs before this occurs, go to the next batter. v. if the batter declared out under these circumstances is the third out, the correct batter in the next inning will be the player who would have come to bat had the player been put out by ordinary play. vi. if the third out is made on a runner prior to the discovery of the infraction, an appeal may still be made in order to reinstate the correct batting order. This appeal, if made, does not result in an additional out. c) If the error is discovered after the first legal or illegal pitch to the next batter: i. the turn at bat of the incorrect batter is legal. ii. all runs scored and bases run are legal. iii. the next batter in order will be the one whose name follows that of the incorrect batter. iv. no one is called out for failure to bat. v. players who have not batted and who have not been called out have lost their turn at bat until reached again in the regular order. d) No runner will be removed from the base they are occupying to bat in their proper place. They merely miss their turn at bat with no penalty. The batter following in the batting order becomes the legal batter. This does not apply to a batter-runner who has been taken off the base by the umpire. | Effect 5.4.1: Replace "manager" with "governor". a) i. Replace "ball and strike count" with "strike/pitch count". | ||
242 | SC 5.4.1 b No more than 3 male batters shall bat in a row in the batting order. Effect a) When four male batters bat consecutively, the missing player (female) shall be declared automatically out when discovered by the umpire or brought to the umpire’s attention. b) There is no violation until a pitch has been thrown. c) The violation must be discovered while the player is at bat or after completing their turn at bat and before another pitch has been thrown to the next batter. d) If it is discovered after the turn at bat and after a pitch to the next batter, a proper player replaces the improper player without penalty. There is no out in this situation. | SC 5.4.1 b The batting order shall alternate the sexes (Co-ed) Effect a) When two batters of the same sex bat back-to-back, the missing player (female or male) shall be declared automatically out when discovered by the umpire or brought to the umpire’s attention. b) There is no violation until a pitch has been thrown. c) The violation must be discovered while the player is at bat or after completing their turn at bat and before another pitch has been thrown to the next batter. d) If it is discovered after the turn at bat and after a pitch to the next batter, a proper player (opposite sex) replaces the improper player without penalty. There is no out in this situation. | Effect SC 5.4.1b Replace "The batting order shall alternate the sexes (Co-ed)" with "No more than 3 male batters shall bat in a row in the batting order." Effect a) Replace "two batters of the same sex bat back to back" with "four male batters bat consecutively". Replace "(female or male)" with "(female)" Effect d) Delete "(opposite sex)" | |||
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244 | 5.4.2 | Batting Requirements | a) Batter must wear an approved helmet. b) A batter must take their position in the batter’s box within 10 seconds after the umpire declares “PLAY BALL.” c) No person may erase the batter’s area lines at any time in the pre-game meeting or during the game. d) The batter must have both feet completely within the batter’s box prior to the start of the pitch. The batter’s feet may touch the lines, but no part of a foot may be outside the lines prior to the pitch. SC Note: Should the line be removed during the course of play, the umpire will use their best judgment to determine if the batter has remained behind the line. e) After the batter first enters the batter’s box, they must keep at least one foot entirely inside the batter’s box between pitches, unless: i. after a ball that is hit fair or foul; ii. a swing or an attempted swing that includes a slap or checked swing and the momentum of the swing or attempted swing carries the batter out of the batter’s box; iii. forced out of the box by a pitch; iv. “TIME” is called; v. the pitcher steps in front of the pitcher's line or the catch steps in front of home plate; or vi. Omit | a) Batter must wear an approved helmet. b) A batter must take their position in the batter’s box within 10 seconds after the umpire declares “PLAY BALL.” c) No person may erase the batter’s area lines at any time in the pre-game meeting or during the game. d) The batter must have both feet completely within the batter’s box prior to the start of the pitch. The batter’s feet may touch the lines, but no part of a foot may be outside the lines prior to the pitch. SC Note: Should the line be removed during the course of play, the umpire will use their best judgment to determine if the batter has remained behind the line. e) After the batter first enters the batter’s box, they must keep at least one foot entirely inside the batter’s box between pitches, unless: i. after a ball that is hit fair or foul; ii. a swing or an attempted swing that includes a slap or checked swing and the momentum of the swing or attempted swing carries the batter out of the batter’s box; iii. forced out of the box by a pitch; iv. “TIME” is called; v. the pitcher leaves the pitcher’s area or the catcher leaves the catcher’s box; or vi. with a three-ball count, the umpire calls a “strike” and the batter thinks the pitch was a ball. | e) v. Omit. Replace with "the pitcher steps in front of the pitcher's line or the catch steps in front of home plate." e) vi. Omit. | |
245 | 5.4.3 | Balls and Strikes | Omit. Please see CCSA Rule 4-3-1 regarding the number of pitches for batters. | Each legally pitched ball that is not hit by the batter is called a ball or a strike by the plate umpire. a) A ball is called and the ball is dead: i. when a batter does not swing at a pitched ball that does not enter the strike zone or touches the home plate, SC: lands on the strike mat or touches the ground before reaching the home plate; ii. when the batter swings at a pitched ball after the ball hits the ground or home plate; iii. when the catcher fails to return the ball directly to the pitcher as required; iv. when the pitcher fails to pitch the ball within SC: 20 seconds; v. for each illegally pitched ball not swung at the batter; vi. when a delivered ball hits the batter outside of the strike zone; or vii. SC: For each excessive warm-up pitch. viii. When at any time a defensive team member erases the lines of a batter’s area, a ball will be called on the next scheduled offensive team batter or the offensive team batter currently at bat. A pitch does not have to be thrown. When at any time an offensive team member erases the lines of a batter’s area, a strike will be called on the next scheduled offensive team batter or the offensive team batter currently at bat. A pitch does not have to be thrown. b) A strike is called, the ball is dead and runners must return to their bases without liability to be put out but need not touch intervening bases: i. when any part of a pitched ball enters the strike zone before touching the ground and the batter does not swing or, SC: If using a strike mat, when any part of a legally pitched ball lands on the strike mat and the batter does not swing; ii. for each pitched ball, including an illegal pitch, struck at and missed by the batter. The batter cannot legally swing at any pitched ball that hits the ground or plate. However, if the batter swings and misses the pitched ball prior to the ball hitting the ground or plate, it is a strike; iii. for each foul tip. The batter is out if it is a third strike; iv. when a pitched ball hits the batter while the ball is in the strike zone; v. for each pitched ball swung at and missed which touches any part of the batter; vi. for each foul ball, including the third strike; vii. when any part of the batter’s person or clothing is hit with a batted ball while they are in the batter’s box and they have less than two strikes; viii. when the batter fails to enter the batter’s box within 10 seconds after the umpire calls “play ball.” A pitch does not have to be thrown; ix. when the coach or non-playing team member erases the lines, a strike will be called on the next scheduled batter (or their substitute) in the line-up. A pitch does not have to be thrown; x. when the batter steps out of the batter’s box with both feet and delays the game and none of the exceptions apply. A pitch does not have to be thrown. xi. when at any time a defensive team member erases the lines of a batter’s area, a ball will be called on the next scheduled offensive team batter or the offensive team batter currently at bat. A pitch does not have to be thrown. When at any time an offensive team member erases the lines of a batter’s area, a strike will be called on the next scheduled offensive team batter or the offensive team batter currently at bat. A pitch does not have to be thrown. | Omit. Please see CCSA Rule 4-3-1 regarding the number of pitches for batters. | |
246 | 5.4.4 | The Batter is Out | a) and the ball is declared dead and runner must return to the base that was occupied at the time of the pitch but need not touch the intervening bases when the batter: i. swings for a third pitch and misses, and the ball touches any part of the batter’s person or not swung at and the pitched ball hits the batter while the pitch is in the air; ii. a player fails to wear a batting helmet when ordered to do so by the umpire; iii. enters the batter’s box with or is discovered using an altered bat or an illegal bat. In this case, the bat is removed from the game. If the bat is altered, the batter is ejected from the game; SC Effect: If the batter made contact with the ball and the bat is discovered prior to the next legal or illegal pitch, all runners must return to the last base legally held at the time of the pitch. iv. foot is outside the lines of the batter’s box line and touching the ground or any part of the foot is touching home plate when they hit the ball fair or foul; v. leaves the box to gain a running start but has returned to the box when they make contact with the ball. If no contact is made, there is no penalty; vi. when they bunt or chop the ball; vii. Omit; viii. hits a fair ball with a bat a second time over fair territory unless: 1. they are standing in the batter’s box and contact is made while the bat is in their hands. A foul ball is ruled; or 2. they drop the bat and the ball rolls against the bat over fair territory, and, in the umpire’s judgment there was no intention to interfere with the course of the ball. The ball should be ruled fair or foul depending on where it comes to rest or is first touched by a player. ix. When a third strike is called, including an uncaught foul ball that is hit after two strikes. b) and the ball is declared dead and a runner must return to the last base that, in the umpire’s judgment, was touched at the time of the interference when the batter: i. hinders the catcher from catching or throwing the ball by stepping out of the batter’s box; ii. intentionally hinders the catcher while standing within the batter’s box; or iii. intentionally interferes with a thrown ball while in or out of the batter’s box. | a) and the ball is declared dead and runner must return to the base that was occupied at the time of the pitch but need not touch the intervening bases when the batter: i. swings for a third strike and misses and the ball touches any part of the batter’s person or not swung at and the pitched ball hits the batter while the pitch is in the strike zone; ii. a player fails to wear a batting helmet when ordered to do so by the umpire; iii. enters the batter’s box with or is discovered using an altered bat or an illegal bat. In this case, the bat is removed from the game. If the bat is altered, the batter is ejected from the game; SC Effect: If the batter made contact with the ball and the bat is discovered prior to the next legal or illegal pitch, all runners must return to the last base legally held at the time of the pitch. iv. foot is outside the lines of the batter’s box line and touching the ground or any part of the foot is touching home plate when they hit the ball fair or foul; v. leaves the box to gain a running start but has returned to the box when they make contact with the ball. If no contact is made, there is no penalty; vi. when they bunt or chop the ball; vii. steps directly in front of the catcher to the other batter’s box while the pitcher is in a position to pitch or any time prior to the release of the pitch; viii. hits a fair ball with a bat a second time over fair territory unless: 1. they are standing in the batter’s box and contact is made while the bat is in their hands. A foul ball is ruled; or 2. they drop the bat and the ball rolls against the bat over fair territory, and, in the umpire’s judgment there was no intention to interfere with the course of the ball. The ball should be ruled fair or foul depending on where it comes to rest or is first touched by a player. ix. When a third strike is called, including an uncaught foul ball that is hit after two strikes. b) and the ball is declared dead and a runner must return to the last base that, in the umpire’s judgment, was touched at the time of the interference when the batter: i. hinders the catcher from catching or throwing the ball by stepping out of the batter’s box; ii. intentionally hinders the catcher while standing within the batter’s box; or iii. intentionally interferes with a thrown ball while in or out of the batter’s box. | a) i. Replace "strike" with "pitch". Replace "strike zone" with "air". a) vii. Omit. | |
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248 | 5.5 | Batter-Runner | ||||
249 | 5.5.1 | The Batter becomes the Batter-Runner: | a) when they legally hit a fair or foul ball. The ball is live on a fair ball or on a caught foul fly ball. The ball is dead on a grounded foul ball. b) Omit c) when the catcher or any other defensive player obstructs, hinders or prevents the batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball. d) when a fair ball strikes the person, attached equipment or clothing of the umpire or a runner. e) a home run is declared in the following circumstances when a fair batted fly ball: i. goes over the fence over fair territory; ii. goes directly off the fielder’s glove or body and over the fence in fair territory, or makes contact with the top of the fence and goes over the fence in fair territory; SC Note: a fair batted ball that goes directly off a fielder and over the home run fence, is considered a four base award and does not count as a home run toward the home run limit. iii. contacts the foul pole above the fence line; or iv. is contacted by a fielder, who is in dead ball territory and the ball, in the judgment of the umpire, would have gone over the fence in fair territory. It is not a home run if: 1. Omit; 2. a fair batted fly ball goes off a fielder’s glove or body and over the fence in foul territory; 3. a fair batted ball first contacts the fence, deflects off a fielder and then goes over the fence; or 4. a fair batted ball is contacted by a fielder, who is in dead ball territory and in the judgment of the umpire, the ball would not have gone over the fence in fair ball territory. f) when any person, other than a team member enters into the playing field and interferes with: i. a fair batted ground ball, or ii. a fielder about to field or catch a batted fly ball or a thrown ball, or iii. a fielder about to throw a ball, or iv. a ball thrown by a fielder. | a) when they legally hit a fair or foul ball. The ball is live on a fair ball or on a caught foul fly ball. The ball is dead on a grounded foul ball. b) must advance to and touch first base: i. when four balls are called by the plate umpire and the ball is dead or ii. when the defensive team elects to intentionally walk a batter by any one of the pitcher, catcher or head coach notifying the plate umpire 1. The notification to the umpire will be considered a pitch. The notification can occur at any time prior to the batter beginning and completing their turn at bat, regardless of the count. 2. If two batters are to be walked intentionally, the second intentional walk may not be administered until the first batter-runner reaches first base. If the umpire mistakenly allows two walks at one time and the first batter fails to touch first base, no appeal for missing first base will be honored on the first batter. 3. In Co-ed, any walk to a male batter, intentional or otherwise, will result in a two-base award. The female batter has the option to walk or bat. Once the batter enters the batter’s box, or reaches first base, the option is considered to have been selected and cannot be changed. Should the female batter-runner pass a male batter-runner when choosing to walk, no out shall be called during this dead ball period. 4. The ball is dead and runners cannot advance unless forced. c) when the catcher or any other defensive player obstructs, hinders or prevents the batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball. d) when a fair ball strikes the person, attached equipment or clothing of the umpire or a runner. e) a home run is declared in the following circumstances when a fair batted fly ball: i. goes over the fence over fair territory; ii. goes directly off the fielder’s glove or body and over the fence in fair territory, or makes contact with the top of the fence and goes over the fence in fair territory; SC Note: a fair batted ball that goes directly off a fielder and over the home run fence, is considered a four base award and does not count as a home run toward the home run limit. iii. contacts the foul pole above the fence line; or iv. is contacted by a fielder, who is in dead ball territory and the ball, in the judgment of the umpire, would have gone over the fence in fair territory. It is not a home run if: 1. the fair batted ball passes out of the grounds at a distance less than those prescribed in the Softball Canada distance guidelines (which should be marked for the umpire’s guidance); 2. a fair batted fly ball goes off a fielder’s glove or body and over the fence in foul territory; 3. a fair batted ball first contacts the fence, deflects off a fielder and then goes over the fence; or 4. a fair batted ball is contacted by a fielder, who is in dead ball territory and in the judgment of the umpire, the ball would not have gone over the fence in fair ball territory. f) when any person, other than a team member enters into the playing field and interferes with: i. a fair batted ground ball, or ii. a fielder about to field or catch a batted fly ball or a thrown ball, or iii. a fielder about to throw a ball, or iv. a ball thrown by a fielder. | b) Omit. e) iv. 1. Omit. Effects c) 2. Replace "manager" with "coach". d) 1) Repace "including the pitcher" with "not including the pitcher". | |
250 | 5.5.1 EFFECT | Rule 5.5.1 c) A defensive player prevents the batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball Effect 1. The umpire will give a delayed dead ball signal with the ball remaining live until the end of the play. 2. The coach of the offensive team has the option of: taking the award for the obstruction, or taking the result of the play. 3. If the batter hits the ball and reaches first base safely, and if all other runners have advanced at least one base on the batted ball, the obstruction is canceled. Once a runner has passed a base, even if they miss it, they are considered to have reached that base. All action as a result of the batted ball stands. No option is given. 4. If the coach does not take the result of the play, “catcher obstruction” is enforced by awarding the batter first base and advancing all other runners only, if forced. | Rule 5.5.1 c) A defensive player prevents the batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball Effect 1. The umpire will give a delayed dead ball signal with the ball remaining live until the end of the play. 2. The manager of the offensive team has the option of: taking the award for the obstruction, or taking the result of the play. 3. If the batter hits the ball and reaches first base safely, and if all other runners have advanced at least one base on the batted ball, the obstruction is canceled. Once a runner has passed a base, even if they miss it, they are considered to have reached that base. All action as a result of the batted ball stands. No option is given. 4. If the manager does not take the result of the play, “catcher obstruction” is enforced by awarding the batter first base and advancing all other runners only, if forced. | 2. Replace "manager" with "coach". 4. Replace "manager" with "coach". | ||
251 | Rule 5.5.1 d) A fair ball striking the person, attached equipment, or clothing of the umpire or a runner Effect 1. After touching a fielder (not including the pitcher), the ball is in play. 2. After passing a fielder, other than the pitcher and no other fielder had a chance to make an out, the ball is in play. 3. Before passing a fielder, excluding the pitcher, without being touched, the ball is dead. | Rule 5.5.1 d) A fair ball striking the person, attached equipment, or clothing of the umpire or a runner Effect 1. After touching a fielder (including the pitcher), the ball is in play. 2. After passing a fielder, other than the pitcher and no other fielder had a chance to make an out, the ball is in play. 3. Before passing a fielder, excluding the pitcher, without being touched, the ball is dead. | 1. Repace "including the pitcher" with "not including the pitcher". | |||
252 | Rule 5.5.1 f) Any person other than a team member interferes Effect The ball is dead and runners may advance to the base or bases they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgment had the interference not occurred. | Rule 5.5.1 f) Any person other than a team member interferes Effect The ball is dead and runners may advance to the base or bases they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgment had the interference not occurred. | ||||
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254 | 5.5.2 | The Batter-Runner is Out | a) The ball remains live and a runner may advance at their own jeopardy when: i. a fielder legally catches a fly ball before it touches the ground or any other object or person other than a defensive player; ii. after hitting a fair ball, a batter-runner is tagged while off base or a batter-runner is thrown out prior to reaching first base; iii. Omit; iv. they fail to advance to first base and instead enters their team area: 1. after a fair ball is hit; 2. Omit; 3. anytime that they must legally advance to first base, unless they are injured and must receive treatment, while the ball is dead; v. an infield fly is declared; vi. after they hit a fair ball, they touch only the fair portion of the double base on their first attempt at that base and a play is made at the base; vii. they run more than one (1) meter (three 3ft) from the base path to avoid being touched by the ball in the hand(s) of a fielder; or viii. when anyone, other than another runner, physically assists a runner on a fly ball, the batter-runner is out if the fly ball is caught. b) The ball is declared dead, a runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time of the pitch but need not touch the intervening bases when the batter-runner: i. fails to wear an approved helmet when ordered to do so by the umpire; ii. runs outside the one (1) meter (three 3 ft) line and, in the umpire’s judgment, interferes with 1. the fielder taking a throw at first base; or 2. the thrown ball, preventing a fielder from making a throw at first base. A thrown ball striking a batter-runner does not necessarily constitute interference; iii. interferes with a fielder attempting to field a batted ball. A batter-runner may run outside the one-meter line to avoid a fielder attempting to field the batted ball; iv. interferes with a fielder attempting to throw a ball; v. intentionally interferes with a thrown ball; vi. interferes with a fair-batted ball (out of the batter’s box) before reaching first base; vii. throws their bat, after batting the ball; viii. when the on-deck batter interferes with a defensive player attempting to catch a fly ball or with a fly ball that a fielder is attempting to catch; ix. a member of the team at bat, who is not the batter, batter-runner, runner or on-deck batter interferes with a fielder attempting to catch a batted foul ball over foul territory or with a batted fly ball over foul territory that a fielder is attempting to catch. If, in the umpire’s judgment, the interference is an obvious attempt to prevent a double play, the runner closest to home plate at the time of the interference will also be called out; x. intentionally interferes with a play at home plate to prevent an obvious out at the plate. If, in the umpire’s judgment, the interference is intentional interference with a play at home plate, the runner is also out; xi. steps back towards home plate to avoid or delay a tag by a fielder; xii. when in a force play situation, they touch only the fair portion of the double base and collide with a fielder who is about to catch a thrown ball and who is also using the fair portion of the base; or xiii. with less than two outs and a runner on first base, a fielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball (including a line drive) that could be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, after it is controlled with a hand or glove. A trapped ball, or a fly ball allowed to bounce, shall not be considered as having been intentionally dropped. c) A runner must return to the last base that, in the umpire’s judgment, was touched at the time of the interference and the ball is dead when: i. the immediate preceding runner who is not yet out intentionally interferes, in the umpire’s judgment, with a fielder attempting to 1. catch a thrown ball; or 2. throw a ball in an attempt to complete the play; 3. Omit; ii. a person other than a team member enters the playing field and interferes with: 1. a fielder about to catch a fly ball; or 2. a fly ball that a defensive player, in the judgment of the Umpire, is able to catch. The ball is declared dead. Runners are awarded the bases they would have obtained, in the umpire’s judgement, had the interference not occurred. | a) The ball remains live and a runner may advance at their own jeopardy when: i. a fielder legally catches a fly ball before it touches the ground or any other object or person other than a defensive player; ii. after hitting a fair ball, a batter-runner is tagged while off base or a batter-runner is thrown out prior to reaching first base; iii. Anytime that they must legally advance to first base, unless they are injured and must receive treatment, while the ball is dead; iv. they fail to advance to first base and instead enters their team area: 1. after a fair ball is hit; 2. after a base on balls is issued; or 3. anytime that they must legally advance to first base; v. an infield fly is declared; vi. after they hit a fair ball, they touch only the fair portion of the double base on their first attempt at that base and a play is made at the base; vii. they run more than one (1) meter (three 3ft) from the base path to avoid being touched by the ball in the hand(s) of a fielder; or viii. when anyone, other than another runner, physically assists a runner on a fly ball, the batter-runner is out if the fly ball is caught. b) The ball is declared dead, a runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time of the pitch but need not touch the intervening bases when the batter-runner: i. fails to wear an approved helmet when ordered to do so by the umpire; ii. runs outside the one (1) meter (three 3 ft) line and, in the umpire’s judgment, interferes with 1. the fielder taking a throw at first base; or 2. the thrown ball, preventing a fielder from making a throw at first base. A thrown ball striking a batter-runner does not necessarily constitute interference; iii. interferes with a fielder attempting to field a batted ball. A batter-runner may run outside the one-meter line to avoid a fielder attempting to field the batted ball; iv. interferes with a fielder attempting to throw a ball; v. intentionally interferes with a thrown ball; vi. interferes with a fair-batted ball (out of the batter’s box) before reaching first base; vii. throws their bat, after batting the ball, in such a manner as to cause interference with a fielder’s opportunity to make an out; viii. when the on-deck batter interferes with a defensive player attempting to catch a fly ball or with a fly ball that a fielder is attempting to catch; ix. a member of the team at bat, who is not the batter, batter-runner, runner or on-deck batter interferes with a fielder attempting to catch a batted foul ball over foul territory or with a batted fly ball over foul territory that a fielder is attempting to catch. If, in the umpire’s judgment, the interference is an obvious attempt to prevent a double play, the runner closest to home plate at the time of the interference will also be called out; x. intentionally interferes with a play at home plate to prevent an obvious out at the plate. If, in the umpire’s judgment, the interference is intentional interference with a play at home plate, the runner is also out; xi. steps back towards home plate to avoid or delay a tag by a fielder; xii. when in a force play situation, they touch only the fair portion of the double base and collide with a fielder who is about to catch a thrown ball and who is also using the fair portion of the base; or xiii. with less than two outs and a runner on first base, a fielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball (including a line drive) that could be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, after it is controlled with a hand or glove. A trapped ball, or a fly ball allowed to bounce, shall not be considered as having been intentionally dropped. c) A runner must return to the last base that, in the umpire’s judgment, was touched at the time of the interference and the ball is dead when: i. the immediate preceding runner who is not yet out intentionally interferes, in the umpire’s judgment, with a fielder attempting to 1. catch a thrown ball; or 2. throw a ball in an attempt to complete the play; 3. a fly ball that a defensive player, in the judgment of the Umpire, is able to catch. The ball is declared dead. Runners are awarded the bases they would have obtained, in the umpire’s judgement, had the interference not occurred. ii. a person other than a team member enters the playing field and interferes with: 1. a fielder about to catch a fly ball; or 2. a fly ball that a defensive player, in the judgment of the umpire, is able to catch. | a) iii. Omit a) iv. 2. Omit. a) iv. 3. Replace with "anytime that they must legally advance to first base, unless they are injured and must receive treatment, while the ball is dead;" b) vii. Delete "in such a manner as to cause interferecnce with a fielder's opportunity to make an out" c) i. 3. Omit. c) ii. 2. Replace with: "a fly ball that a defensive player, in the judgment of the Umpire, is able to catch. The ball is declared dead. Runners are awarded the bases they would have obtained, in the umpire’s judgement, had the interference not occurred." | |
255 | 5.5.2 EFFECT | Rule 5.5.2 a) v) An infield fly is declared Effect The ball is live and a runner may advance at the risk of the ball being caught, or retouch and advance after the ball is touched, the same as on any fly ball. If a declared fly ball becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any foul ball. If a declared infield fly is allowed to fall untouched to the ground, and bounces foul before passing first or third base, it is a foul ball. If a declared infield fly ball falls untouched to the ground outside the baseline, and bounces fair before passing first or third base, it is an infield fly. | Rule 5.5.2 a) v) An infield fly is declared Effect The ball is live and a runner may advance at the risk of the ball being caught, or retouch and advance after the ball is touched, the same as on any fly ball. If a declared fly ball becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any foul ball. If a declared infield fly is allowed to fall untouched to the ground, and bounces foul before passing first or third base, it is a foul ball. If a declared infield fly ball falls untouched to the ground outside the baseline, and bounces fair before passing first or third base, it is an infield fly. | |||
256 | Rule 5.5.2 b) ii) to xi) Batter-runner causes interference Effect EXCEPTION: If a play on a runner is made prior to the interference and, 1) An out is made on the runner, the result of the play will stand. 2) No out is made on the runner, the result of that play will stand unless the interference by the batter-runner is the third out. Other runners not played on must return to the base legally held at the time of the pitch. | Rule 5.5.2 b) ii) to xi) Batter-runner causes interference Effect EXCEPTION: If a play on a runner is made prior to the interference and, 1) An out is made on the runner, the result of the play will stand. 2) No out is made on the runner, the result of that play will stand unless the interference by the batter-runner is the third out. Other runners not played on must return to the base legally held at the time of the pitch. | ||||
257 | Rule 5.5.2 c) i) Immediate preceding runner causes interference Effect The ball is dead and the runner is also out. | Rule 5.5.2 c) i) Immediate preceding runner causes interference Effect The ball is dead and the runner is also out. | ||||
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259 | 5.6 | Double Base | The following apply when the double base is used. a) The Batter-runner is subject to the following: i. A batted ball hitting the fair portion is declared fair and a batted ball hitting the foul portion only is declared foul. ii. Omit. Refer to CCSA Rule 4-9-0. iii. If a play is made at first base on any batted ball and the batter-runner touches only the fair portion, the batter-runner is out. SC: This is treated the same as missing the base and is not an appeal. iv. After overrunning the base, the batter-runner must return to the fair portion. v. On a ball hit to the outfield when there is no play being made at the double base, the batter-runner may touch either portion of the base. b) The following applies to a runner: i. After overrunning the base, the runner must return to the fair portion. ii. When tagging up on a fly ball, the fair portion must be used. | The following apply when the double base is used. a) The Batter-runner is subject to the following: i. A batted ball hitting the fair portion is declared fair and a batted ball hitting the foul portion only is declared foul. ii. A defensive player must use only the fair portion of the base at all times, except on any live ball play made from first base foul territory. The batter-runner and the defensive player may use either portion of the double base. When the defensive player uses the foul portion of the double base, the batter-runner can run in fair territory and if hit by a throw from the foul side of first base, it would not be interference. If intentional interference is ruled, the batter-runner would be out. The one-meter line is duplicated on either side of the foul line on throws from foul territory. iii. If a play is made at first base on any batted ball and the batter-runner touches only the fair portion, the batter-runner is out. SC: This is treated the same as missing the base and is not an appeal. iv. After overrunning the base, the batter-runner must return to the fair portion. v. On a ball hit to the outfield when there is no play being made at the double base, the batter-runner may touch either portion of the base. b) The following applies to a runner: i. After overrunning the base, the runner must return to the fair portion. ii. When tagging up on a fly ball, the fair portion must be used. SC NOTE: The double base must be used in Canadian Championships. | a) ii. Omit. Refer to CCSA Rule 4-9-0 SC Note: Omit | |
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261 | 5.7 | Using an Illegal Glove | When a fielder makes a play on a batter-runner or runner while using an illegal glove, the coach of the offended team has the option of: a) taking the result of the play; b) in the case of the batter-runner, having the player resume batting, assuming the strike/pitch count prior to the pitch, with other runners returned to the last base legally touched at the time of the pitch; or c) in the case of a runner, having the play nullified, with runners returning to the last base legally touched at the time of the play. If the play was the result of completion of the batter’s turn at bat, that player resumes batting with the stike/pitch count they had prior to completing their turn at bat and runners are returned to the bases held at the time of the pitch. A pitch by the pitcher is not considered making a play. | When a fielder makes a play on a batter-runner or runner while using an illegal glove, the manager of the offended team has the option of: a) taking the result of the play; b) in the case of the batter-runner, having the player resume batting, assuming the ball and strike count prior to the pitch, with other runners returned to the last base legally touched at the time of the pitch; or c) in the case of a runner, having the play nullified, with runners returning to the last base legally touched at the time of the play. If the play was the result of completion of the batter’s turn at bat, that player resumes batting with the ball and strike count they had prior to completing their turn at bat and runners are returned to the bases held at the time of the pitch. A pitch by the pitcher is not considered making a play. | Repalce "manager" with "coach". b) Replace "ball and strike" with "strike/pitch". c) Replace "ball and strike" with "strike/pitch". | |
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263 | 5.8 | Removal of Helmet | a) When the ball is live, a batter, batter-runner or runner will be declared out when they deliberately wear a helmet improperly or deliberately remove the helmet during a live ball play, other than a home run over the fence. Calling a batter-runner or runner out for deliberately removing their helmet does not cancel any force play situation, however if a helmet is accidentally dislodged from its proper place on a batter, batter-runner or runner, there is no penalty for the helmet being accidentally dislodged. b) When the ball is dead, a runner must return to base last touched at the time of contact: i. when a thrown ball or batted ball makes contact with the deliberately removed helmet, or a fielder comes into contact with the deliberately removed helmet while attempting to make a play. ii. when a batted or thrown ball contacts the accidentally dislodged helmet and this contact interferes with the play being made; or when a defensive player comes into contact with the helmet while it is on the ground and this contact prevents them from making a play and the batter-runner or runner who was wearing the helmet that was accidentally dislodged is out, even if they have scored. The run is nullified. | a) When the ball is live, a batter, batter-runner or runner will be declared out when they deliberately wear a helmet improperly or deliberately remove the helmet during a live ball play, other than a home run over the fence or SC: bases loaded walk. Calling a batter-runner or runner out for deliberately removing their helmet does not cancel any force play situation, however if a helmet is accidentally dislodged from its proper place on a batter, batter-runner or runner, there is no penalty for the helmet being accidentally dislodged. b) When the ball is dead, a runner must return to base last touched at the time of contact: i. when a thrown ball or batted ball makes contact with the deliberately removed helmet, or a fielder comes into contact with the deliberately removed helmet while attempting to make a play. ii. when a batted or thrown ball contacts the accidentally dislodged helmet and this contact interferes with the play being made; or when a defensive player comes into contact with the helmet while it is on the ground and this contact prevents them from making a play and the batter-runner or runner who was wearing the helmet that was accidentally dislodged is out, even if they have scored. The run is nullified. | a) Delete "or SC: bases loaded walk". | |
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265 | 5.9 | Touching bases in legal order | a) The Batter-runner and all other runners must touch bases in legal order (i.e., first, second and third base, and home plate) unless they are obstructed at a base preventing them from touching that base. b) A runner returning to a base while the ball is live and in jeopardy to be put out must return to: i. the base left before a caught fly ball is first touched; or ii. the missed base and must touch the bases in reverse order. c) When a runner is returning to a base while the ball is dead, they need not touch the intervening bases unless they have missed a base, in which case they are subject to a legal appeal if they fail to retouch the missed base. d) When a runner or batter-runner acquires the right to a base by touching it before being put out, they are entitled to hold the base until they have legally touched the next base in order or are forced to vacate it for a succeeding runner. The ball is in play and runners may advance, however are in jeopardy to be put out. e) When a runner dislodges a base from its proper position, neither they nor succeeding runner(s) in the same series of plays are compelled to follow a base unreasonably out of position. The ball is in play and runners may advance or return, with jeopardy to be put out. f) Two runners may not occupy the same base at the same time. The runner who first legally occupied the base is entitled to it unless forced to advance. The other runner may be put out by being tagged with the ball. g) The failure of a preceding runner to touch a base in regular order or to leave a base legally on a caught fly ball and who is declared out does not affect the status of a succeeding runner who touches bases in proper order. If the failure to touch a base in regular order or to legally tag up on a caught fly ball is the third out of an inning, no succeeding runner may score a run. h) No runner may return to touch a missed base or one left illegally, after a following runner has scored, or they have left the field of play. i) Bases left too soon on a caught fly ball must be retouched prior to advancing to awarded bases. j) Awarded bases must be touched in legal order. | a) The Batter-runner and all other runners must touch bases in legal order (i.e., first, second and third base, and home plate) unless they are obstructed at a base preventing them from touching that base or they are placed on second base under the Tie-Breaker Rule. b) A runner returning to a base while the ball is live and in jeopardy to be put out must return to: i. the base left before a caught fly ball is first touched; or ii. the missed base and must touch the bases in reverse order. c) When a runner is returning to a base while the ball is dead, they need not touch the intervening bases unless they have missed a base, in which case they are subject to a legal appeal if they fail to retouch the missed base. d) When a runner or batter-runner acquires the right to a base by touching it before being put out, they are entitled to hold the base until they have legally touched the next base in order or are forced to vacate it for a succeeding runner. The ball is in play and runners may advance, however are in jeopardy to be put out. e) When a runner dislodges a base from its proper position, neither they nor succeeding runner(s) in the same series of plays are compelled to follow a base unreasonably out of position. The ball is in play and runners may advance or return, with jeopardy to be put out. f) Two runners may not occupy the same base at the same time. The runner who first legally occupied the base is entitled to it unless forced to advance. The other runner may be put out by being tagged with the ball. g) The failure of a preceding runner to touch a base in regular order or to leave a base legally on a caught fly ball and who is declared out does not affect the status of a succeeding runner who touches bases in proper order. If the failure to touch a base in regular order or to legally tag up on a caught fly ball is the third out of an inning, no succeeding runner may score a run. h) No runner may return to touch a missed base or one left illegally, after a following runner has scored, or they have left the field of play. i) Bases left too soon on a caught fly ball must be retouched prior to advancing to awarded bases. j) Awarded bases must be touched in legal order. | a) Delete "or they are placed on second base undr the Tie-Breaker Rule". | |
266 | Rule 5.9 g) – j) Touching bases Effect The runner will be declared out if the defense makes a legal appeal for missing a base or leaving a base before the ball is first touched on a caught fly ball. | Rule 5.9 g) – j) Touching bases Effect The runner will be declared out if the defense makes a legal appeal for missing a base or leaving a base before the ball is first touched on a caught fly ball. | ||||
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268 | 5.10 | Runners | ||||
269 | 5.10.1 | Runners may advance with jeopardy to be put out while the ball is live | a) when a pitched ball is batted; b) on a thrown or fair batted ball that is not blocked; c) on a thrown ball that hits an umpire or an offensive player; d) when a legally caught fly ball is first touched; e) when a fair batted ball; i. strikes an umpire or runner after passing a fielder other than the pitcher and provided no other fielder had a chance to make an out; ii. has been touched by a fielder; or iii. when the ball strikes a photographer, groundskeeper, security, etc., assigned to the game. f) when a live ball becomes lodged in a defensive player’s uniform or equipment; g) when at any time they fail to touch a base they are entitled to before attempting to make the next base; h) when, after overrunning first base, they attempt to continue to second base; i) when, after dislodging a base, they attempt to continue to the next base; j) when, advancing beyond an entitled base due to: i. a fielder intentionally contacting a thrown ball with detached equipment; ii. a fielder intentionally contacting a fair batted ball with detached equipment; or k) when advancing beyond a protected base when they have been obstructed. | a) when a pitched ball is batted; b) on a thrown or fair batted ball that is not blocked; c) on a thrown ball that hits an umpire or an offensive player; d) when a legally caught fly ball is first touched; e) when a fair batted ball; i. strikes an umpire or runner after passing a fielder other than the pitcher and provided no other fielder had a chance to make an out; ii. has been touched by a fielder, including a pitcher; or iii. when the ball strikes a photographer, groundskeeper, security, etc., assigned to the game. f) when a live ball becomes lodged in a defensive player’s uniform or equipment; g) when at any time they fail to touch a base they are entitled to before attempting to make the next base; h) when, after overrunning first base, they attempt to continue to second base; i) when, after dislodging a base, they attempt to continue to the next base; j) when, advancing beyond an entitled base due to: i. a fielder intentionally contacting a thrown ball with detached equipment; ii. a fielder intentionally contacting a fair batted ball with detached equipment; or k) when advancing beyond a protected base when they have been obstructed. | e) ii. Delete "including a pitcher". | |
270 | 5.10.1 EFFECT | Rule 5.10.1 h) & i) Failing to touch a base or continuing to second base Effect The runner will be declared out if the defense makes a legal appeal. | Rule 5.10.1 h) & i) Failing to touch a base or continuing to second base Effect The runner will be declared out if the defense makes a legal appeal. | |||
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272 | 5.10.2 | Bases Awarded to Runner(s) for Obstruction | When any obstruction occurs, including a rundown: a) a Delayed Dead Ball will be signaled with the ball remaining live until the end of the play. The obstructed runner and each other runner affected by the obstruction will be awarded the base or bases they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgment, had there been no obstruction. If the umpire feels there is justification, a defensive player making a fake tag may be ejected from the game; SC Note: In the case of a “fake tag”, a warning should be given to both teams. The next “fake tag” should result in the ejection of said player. b) if the obstructed runner is put out prior to reaching the base they would have reached had there not been obstruction, a dead ball is called. The obstructed runner and each other runner affected by the obstruction will be awarded the base, or bases, they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgment, had obstruction not occurred; c) An obstructed runner may never be called out between the two bases where they were obstructed, unless: i. If the obstructed runner commits an act of interference after the obstruction is ruled, or the runner is legally appealed for 1. missing a base, unless the runner has been obstructed at that base and the obstruction prevents them from touching the base; 2. leaving a base before a fly ball was first touched; or 3. after passing the base they would have reached had there not been obstruction, the obstructed runner may be called out and the ball remains live; ii. if the obstructed runner safely obtains the base they would have been awarded, in the umpire’s judgment, and there is a subsequent play on a different runner, the obstructed runner is no longer protected between the bases where the runner was obstructed, and may be put out. The ball remains live. Obstructed runners are still required to touch all bases in proper order, or they could be called out on a proper appeal by the defensive team unless the runner was obstructed from touching that base. | When any obstruction occurs, including a rundown: a) a Delayed Dead Ball will be signaled with the ball remaining live until the end of the play. The obstructed runner and each other runner affected by the obstruction will be awarded the base or bases they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgment, had there been no obstruction. If the umpire feels there is justification, a defensive player making a fake tag may be ejected from the game; SC Note: In the case of a “fake tag”, a warning should be given to both teams. The next “fake tag” should result in the ejection of said player. b) if the obstructed runner is put out prior to reaching the base they would have reached had there not been obstruction, a dead ball is called. The obstructed runner and each other runner affected by the obstruction will be awarded the base, or bases, they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgment, had obstruction not occurred; c) An obstructed runner may never be called out between the two bases where they were obstructed, unless: i. If the obstructed runner commits an act of interference after the obstruction is ruled, or the runner is legally appealed for 1. missing a base, unless the runner has been obstructed at that base and the obstruction prevents them from touching the base; 2. leaving a base before a fly ball was first touched; or 3. after passing the base they would have reached had there not been obstruction, the obstructed runner may be called out and the ball remains live; ii. if the obstructed runner safely obtains the base they would have been awarded, in the umpire’s judgment, and there is a subsequent play on a different runner, the obstructed runner is no longer protected between the bases where the runner was obstructed, and may be put out. The ball remains live. Obstructed runners are still required to touch all bases in proper order, or they could be called out on a proper appeal by the defensive team unless the runner was obstructed from touching that base. | ||
273 | 5.10.3 | Runners are Out | a) A runner is out and the ball remains live when: i. while running to any base in regular or reverse order, they run more than one (1) meter (three (3) feet) from the base path to avoid being tagged; ii. while the ball is in play and they are not in contact with a base they are tagged; iii. on a force play, and before the runner contacts the base to which they are forced to advance, a fielder, while controlling the ball in their hand(s) contacts the base or touches the ball to the base or tags the runner; iv. they fail to return to touch the base previously occupied or missed and a legal appeal is made; v. anyone, other than another runner, physically assists a runner while the ball is in play. When the ball becomes dead after a home run, uncaught foul ball or an award of bases, the ball remains dead; vi. they physically pass a preceding runner before that runner has been called out. The ball remains live. The runner is not out if the ball becomes a foul ball or an uncaught fly foul ball or if a runner passes a preceding runner on a dead ball play. The ball remains dead; vii. they leave their base to advance to another base before a caught ball has touched a fielder; viii. they fail to touch the intervening base, or bases, in regular or reverse order unless they are obstructed from doing so; ix. the batter-runner becomes a runner by touching first base, passes it, then attempts to run to second base and is tagged, while off base; x. in running for the safe line, they fail to touch it, make no attempt to return to it, and a fielder controls the ball while touching the plate and appeals to the umpire for a decision; xi. they abandon a base and enter their team area, or leave the field of play, while the ball is live; xii. they are positioned behind, and not in contact with, a base to get a running start on any fly ball; or xiii. when runners switch positions on the bases. b) A runner is out and the ball is dead when: i. players only fail to wear an approved batting helmet when ordered to do so by the umpire; ii. they fail to keep contact with the base to which they are entitled, until a legally pitched ball reaches home plate, or touches the ground or home plate or is batted. A “No Pitch” is declared and other runners must return to the last base legally held at the time of the pitch; or iii. the batter-runner is declared out for interfering with a play at home plate, in an attempt to prevent an obvious out on an advancing runner at the plate. The advancing runner is out and the other runners must return to the last base held at the time of the pitch. c) A runner is out, the ball is dead and other runners must return to the last base legally held at the time of the interference, blocked ball or the out declared, unless forced to advance because the batter became a batter-runner when: i. they are struck with an untouched fair-batted ball in fair territory while off base and, in the umpire’s judgment, any fielder had an opportunity to make an out; ii. they intentionally kick a ball that a fielder has missed; iii. they interfere with a fielder attempting to field a fair batted ball, regardless of whether the ball has been first touched by the fielder or by another fielder, or interferes with a fielder throwing a ball or intentionally interferes with a thrown ball; iv. they interfere with a fielder attempting to catch a batted foul fly ball or with a foul fly ball that a fielder is attempting to catch. If this interference is, in the umpire’s judgment, an obvious attempt to prevent a double play, the immediate succeeding runner will be called out. If this is the third strike, the batter-runner is also out, unless the third out of the inning was the runner’s interference call, in which case the batter-runner shall be deemed to have completed their turn at bat; v. the runner closest to home plate at the time of interference is called out after a runner, batter or batter-runner has been declared out, or after a runner has scored, the runner, batter or batter-runner interferes with a defensive player’s opportunity to make a play on another runner. A runner continuing to run and drawing a throw will be considered interference; vi. one or more members of the offensive team stand at, or collect around, a base to which a runner is advancing, thereby confusing the fielders and adding to the difficulty of making the play. Members of a team include bat person or any other person authorized to sit on the team’s bench; vii. the coach near third base runs in the direction of home plate on or near the baseline, while a fielder is attempting to make a play on a batted or thrown ball, and thereby draws a throw to home plate. It is the runner who is closest to home plate who is called out; viii. a coach or any member of the team playing offense, who is not a batter, batter-runner, on-deck batter or runner intentionally interferes with a thrown ball while in the coach’s box, or interferes with the defensive team’s opportunity to make a play on a runner, or batter-runner. The runner closest to home plate at the time of the interference is called out; ix. a defensive player has the ball and is waiting for the runner and the runner remains on their feet and deliberately crashes into the defensive player. If the act is determined to be flagrant, the offender will be ejected; x. they run bases in reverse order, or off the baseline, while not attempting to advance, either to confuse the fielders or to make a travesty of the game; xi. when the on-deck batter interferes with a defensive player’s attempt to retire a runner, the runner closest to home plate will be called out; or xii. non-official offensive equipment causes a blocked ball (and creating interference), and the runner is being played on. SC: If no apparent play is obvious, no runner will be called out, but all runners will return to the last base touched at the time of the dead ball declaration. | a) A runner is out and the ball remains live when: i. while running to any base in regular or reverse order, they run more than one (1) meter (three (3) feet) from the base path to avoid being tagged; ii. while the ball is in play and they are not in contact with a base they are tagged; iii. on a force play, and before the runner contacts the base to which they are forced to advance, a fielder, while controlling the ball in their hand(s) contacts the base or touches the ball to the base or tags the runner; iv. they fail to return to touch the base previously occupied or missed and a legal appeal is made; v. anyone, other than another runner, physically assists a runner while the ball is in play. When the ball becomes dead after a home run, uncaught foul ball or an award of bases, the ball remains dead; vi. they physically pass a preceding runner before that runner has been called out. The ball remains live. The runner is not out if the ball becomes a foul ball or an uncaught fly foul ball or if a runner passes a preceding runner on a dead ball play. The ball remains dead; vii. they leave their base to advance to another base before a caught ball has touched a fielder; viii. they fail to touch the intervening base, or bases, in regular or reverse order unless they are obstructed from doing so; ix. the batter-runner becomes a runner by touching first base, passes it, then attempts to run to second base and is tagged, while off base; x. in running or sliding for home plate, they fail to touch it, make no attempt to return to it, and a fielder controls the ball while touching the plate and appeals to the umpire for a decision; xi. they abandon a base and enter their team area, or leave the field of play, while the ball is live; xii. they are positioned behind, and not in contact with, a base to get a running start on any fly ball; or xiii. when runners switch positions on the bases. b) A runner is out and the ball is dead when: i. players only fail to wear an approved batting helmet when ordered to do so by the umpire; ii. they fail to keep contact with the base to which they are entitled, until a legally pitched ball reaches home plate, or touches the ground or home plate or is batted. A “No Pitch” is declared and other runners must return to the last base legally held at the time of the pitch; or iii. the batter-runner is declared out for interfering with a play at home plate, in an attempt to prevent an obvious out on an advancing runner at the plate. The advancing runner is out and the other runners must return to the last base held at the time of the pitch. c) A runner is out, the ball is dead and other runners must return to the last base legally held at the time of the interference, blocked ball or the out declared, unless forced to advance because the batter became a batter-runner when: i. they are struck with an untouched fair-batted ball in fair territory while off base and, in the umpire’s judgment, any fielder had an opportunity to make an out; ii. they intentionally kick a ball that a fielder has missed; iii. they interfere with a fielder attempting to field a fair batted ball, regardless of whether the ball has been first touched by the fielder or by another fielder, including the pitcher or interferes with a fielder throwing a ball or intentionally interferes with a thrown ball; iv. they interfere with a fielder attempting to catch a batted foul fly ball or with a foul fly ball that a fielder is attempting to catch. If this interference is, in the umpire’s judgment, an obvious attempt to prevent a double play, the immediate succeeding runner will be called out. If this is the third strike, the batter-runner is also out, unless the third out of the inning was the runner’s interference call, in which case the batter-runner shall be deemed to have completed their turn at bat; v. the runner closest to home plate at the time of interference is called out after a runner, batter or batter-runner has been declared out, or after a runner has scored, the runner, batter or batter-runner interferes with a defensive player’s opportunity to make a play on another runner. A runner continuing to run and drawing a throw will be considered interference; vi. one or more members of the offensive team stand at, or collect around, a base to which a runner is advancing, thereby confusing the fielders and adding to the difficulty of making the play. Members of a team include bat person or any other person authorized to sit on the team’s bench; vii. the coach near third base runs in the direction of home plate on or near the baseline, while a fielder is attempting to make a play on a batted or thrown ball, and thereby draws a throw to home plate. It is the runner who is closest to home plate who is called out; viii. a coach or any member of the team playing offense, who is not a batter, batter-runner, on-deck batter or runner intentionally interferes with a thrown ball while in the coach’s box, or interferes with the defensive team’s opportunity to make a play on a runner, or batter-runner. The runner closest to home plate at the time of the interference is called out; ix. a defensive player has the ball and is waiting for the runner and the runner remains on their feet and deliberately crashes into the defensive player. If the act is determined to be flagrant, the offender will be ejected; x. they run bases in reverse order, or off the baseline, while not attempting to advance, either to confuse the fielders or to make a travesty of the game; xi. when the on-deck batter interferes with a defensive player’s attempt to retire a runner, the runner closest to home plate will be called out; or xii. non-official offensive equipment causes a blocked ball (and creating interference), and the runner is being played on. SC: If no apparent play is obvious, no runner will be called out, but all runners will return to the last base touched at the time of the dead ball declaration. | a) x. Replace "or sliding for home plate" with "for the safe line". c) iii. Delete "including the pitcher". | |
274 | Rule 5.10.3 a) vii. to x. Leave too soon on a fly ball, misses a base or tries for second base or misses home plate Effect The runner will not be declared out unless the defense makes a legal appeal. EXCEPTION: A runner who has left a base too soon on a caught fly ball, or who has missed a base, may attempt to return to such base while the ball is dead. | Rule 5.10.3 a) vii. to x. Leave too soon on a fly ball, misses a base or tries for second base or misses home plate Effect The runner will not be declared out unless the defense makes a legal appeal. EXCEPTION: A runner who has left a base too soon on a caught fly ball, or who has missed a base, may attempt to return to such base while the ball is dead. | ||||
275 | Rule 5.10.3 a) xiii. Switching bases Effect This is an appeal play. When the appeal is upheld, each runner discovered to have switched positions on the bases will be declared out and the Head Coach will be ejected for unsporting behaviour. The order of outs will be determined by the location of the runners immediately after the switch. The runner who switched bases and is closest to home plate after the switch will be called out first. The next runner who switched bases and is the second closest to home plate will be called out second and so on. The appeal may be made any time until all runners, who switched positions are in the dugout or the inning is over. If one of the runners who switched bases is on a base, both they and all runners who had switched bases will be out, even if they had scored, and any run(s) scored by improper runners will be nullified. | Rule 5.10.3 a) xiii. Switching bases Effect This is an appeal play. When the appeal is upheld, each runner discovered to have switched positions on the bases will be declared out and the Head Coach will be ejected for unsporting behaviour. The order of outs will be determined by the location of the runners immediately after the switch. The runner who switched bases and is closest to home plate after the switch will be called out first. The next runner who switched bases and is the second closest to home plate will be called out second and so on. The appeal may be made any time until all runners, who switched positions are in the dugout or the inning is over. If one of the runners who switched bases is on a base, both they and all runners who had switched bases will be out, even if they had scored, and any run(s) scored by improper runners will be nullified. | ||||
276 | Rule 5.10.3 c) i. 5.10.3 c) ii.5.10.3 c) iii. If this interference, in the judgment of the umpire, is an obvious attempt to prevent a double play, the immediate succeeding runner shall also be called out. | Rule 5.10.3 c) i. 5.10.3 c) ii.5.10.3 c) iii. If this interference, in the judgment of the umpire, is an obvious attempt to prevent a double play, the immediate succeeding runner shall also be called out. | ||||
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278 | 5.10.4 | The Runner is Not Out | The runner is not out: a) when they run behind, or in front of the fielder and outside the base path, in order to avoid interfering with a fielder attempting to field the batted ball in the base path; b) when they do not run in a direct line to the base, provided the fielder in the direct line does not have the ball in their possession; c) when more than one fielder attempts to field a batted ball and the runner comes in contact with the one who, in the umpire’s judgment, was not entitled to field the ball; d) when they are hit with a fair, untouched batted ball while off base that, in the umpire’s judgment, no fielder had an opportunity to make an out; e) when they are hit with a fair, untouched batted ball over foul territory and, in the umpire’s judgment, no fielder had an opportunity to make an out; f) when they are hit with a fair-batted ball after it touches, or is touched by, any fielder, and they could not avoid contact with the ball; g) when they are hit by a live, fair ball and untouched batted ball while in contact with their base, unless they intentionally interfere with the ball or a fielder making a play. The ball is dead or remain live, depending on the position of the fielder closest to the base at the time the ball contacts the runner: i. the ball remains live if the fielder closest to the base is positioned ahead of the base; ii. the ball becomes dead if the fielder is behind the base. h) when they are touched while off base: i. with a ball not securely held by a defensive player; or ii. with a hand or glove of a defensive player and the ball is in the other hand; i) when the defensive team does not request the umpire’s decision on an appeal play until after the next legal or illegal pitch, or until after all defensive players have left fair territory on their way to the bench or dugout; j) when a batter-runner becomes a runner, by touching first base, passing it and then returning directly to the base; k) Omit; l) when they have legally started to advance. They may not be stopped by a fielder requesting to return the ball to the pitcher, if the runners have not stopped advancing; m) when they hold their base until a fly ball touches a fielder and then attempt to advance; n) when they slide into a base and it dislodges from its proper position. The base is considered to have followed the runner. A runner reaching a base safely will not be out for being off that base, if it becomes dislodged. They may return to that base without jeopardy to be put out when the base has been replaced. A runner is in jeopardy if they attempt to advance beyond the dislodged base before it is again in proper position; o) when a coach unintentionally interferes with a thrown ball or batted ball while in the coach’s box; or p) when the ball contacts non-official offensive equipment and no apparent play is obvious. | The runner is not out: a) when they run behind, or in front of the fielder and outside the base path, in order to avoid interfering with a fielder attempting to field the batted ball in the base path; b) when they do not run in a direct line to the base, provided the fielder in the direct line does not have the ball in their possession; c) when more than one fielder attempts to field a batted ball and the runner comes in contact with the one who, in the umpire’s judgment, was not entitled to field the ball; d) when they are hit with a fair, untouched batted ball while off base that, in the umpire’s judgment, no fielder had an opportunity to make an out; e) when they are hit with a fair, untouched batted ball over foul territory and, in the umpire’s judgment, no fielder had an opportunity to make an out; f) when they are hit with a fair-batted ball after it touches, or is touched by, any fielder, including the pitcher, and they could not avoid contact with the ball; g) when they are hit by a live, fair ball and untouched batted ball while in contact with their base, unless they intentionally interfere with the ball or a fielder making a play. The ball is dead or remain live, depending on the position of the fielder closest to the base at the time the ball contacts the runner: i. the ball remains live if the fielder closest to the base is positioned ahead of the base; ii. the ball becomes dead if the fielder is behind the base. h) when they are touched while off base: i. with a ball not securely held by a defensive player; or ii. with a hand or glove of a defensive player and the ball is in the other hand; i) when the defensive team does not request the umpire’s decision on an appeal play until after the next legal or illegal pitch, or until after all defensive players have left fair territory on their way to the bench or dugout; j) when a batter-runner becomes a runner, by touching first base, passing it and then returning directly to the base; k) when they are not given sufficient time to return to a base. They will not be called out for being off base before the pitcher releases the ball and they may advance as though having left the base legally; l) when they have legally started to advance. They may not be stopped by the pitcher receiving the ball while on the pitching plate, nor by the pitcher stepping onto the plate while holding the ball; m) when they hold their base until a fly ball touches a fielder and then attempt to advance; n) when they slide into a base and it dislodges from its proper position. The base is considered to have followed the runner. A runner reaching a base safely will not be out for being off that base, if it becomes dislodged. They may return to that base without jeopardy to be put out when the base has been replaced. A runner is in jeopardy if they attempt to advance beyond the dislodged base before it is again in proper position; o) when a coach unintentionally interferes with a thrown ball or batted ball while in the coach’s box; or p) when the ball contacts non-official offensive equipment and no apparent play is obvious. | f) Delete "including the pitcher". k) Omit. l) Replace "They may not be stopped by the pitcher receiving the ball while on the pitching plate, nor by the pitcher stepping only the plate while holding the ball" with "They may not be stopped by a fielder requesting to return the ball to the pitcher, if the runners have not stopped advancing". | |
279 | 5.10.4 EFFECT | Rule 5.10.4 p) Contact with non-official equipment and no play obvious Effect The ball is dead and runners must return to the base last touched at the time the ball is declared dead but in returning need not touch the intervening bases. | Rule 5.10.4 p) Contact with non-official equipment and no play obvious Effect The ball is dead and runners must return to the base last touched at the time the ball is declared dead but in returning need not touch the intervening bases. | |||
280 | ||||||
281 | 5.11 | Base Running Effects (Other than for Obstruction) | EFFECT Rule or occurrence a) One Base Award i. The batter-runner is awarded first base, provided they advance and touch first base, and all other runners advance one base, if forced, from the time of the pitch, in the following circumstances: 1. Omit. 2. Omit. 3. when the batter is obstructed and the offensive team takes the option to have the batter awarded first base; the ball is dead. 4. when a batted ball is contacted by an umpire or runner before passing a fielder, excluding the pitcher, the ball is dead. ii. The ball is dead and the runner(s) are awarded one base in the following circumstances; 1. when the ball is pitched and subsequently leaves the playing field or is lodged in the backstop, the award is from the time of the pitch. 2. when a fielder unintentionally carries a ball out of the playing field, the award is from the time the fielder left the field of play. A fielder carrying a live ball into the dugout or team area to tag a player is considered to have unintentionally carried it there. 3. when a player loses possession of the ball during a play and the ball enters the dead ball territory, the award is from the base last touched at the time the ball entered the dead ball territory. 4. when defensive equipment causes a blocked ball, the award is from the base last touched at the time of the pitch on a pitched ball. b) Two Base Award i. The batter-runner and runner(s) are awarded two bases from the time of pitch in the following circumstances and the ball is dead: 1. when a fair batted ball passes out of the playing field at a distance less than the dimensions of a regulation field. 2. when a fair-batted fly ball hits a fielder’s glove or body and lands over the fence in foul territory. 3. when a fair-batted fly ball touches the fence, deflects off a fielder and lands over a fence. 4. when a fair-batted ball is touched by a fielder who is in dead ball territory and, in the umpire’s judgment, the ball would not have gone over the fence in fair ball territory. 5. when a fair-batted ball bounces over or rolls under or through a fence or passes the dead ball line of the playing field. 6. when a fair batted ball deflects off a) a defensive player or an umpire; or b) a runner after passing a fielder excluding the pitcher and provided no other fielder had a chance to make an out and the ball goes out of play in foul territory. 7. when a fair batted ball is contacted by a fielder who is in dead ball territory and in the umpire’s judgment, the ball would not have gone over the fence in fair territory. ii. when the ball is thrown and leaves the playing field or is blocked, the award is from the time the ball left the fielder’s hand. If two runners are between the same two bases, the award is based on the position of the lead runner. If a runner touches the next base and returns to their original base, the original base they left is considered the “last base touched” for the purposes of an overthrow award. iii. when defensive equipment causes a blocked ball, the award 1. is from the base last touched at the time of the throw. 2. is from the base last touched at the time of the pitch on a fair batted ball. iv. when a thrown ball contacts detached equipment. This is a delayed dead ball. v. Runners only are awarded two bases and the ball is dead when, in the umpire’s judgment, a fielder intentionally carries, kicks, pushes or throws a live ball from playable territory into dead ball territory, the award is from the time of the throw or from the time that the ball that is kicked, pushed or carried enters dead ball territory. vi. Omit. c) Three Base Award The batter-runner and runners are awarded 3 bases and it is a delayed dead ball when detached equipment contacts a fair batted ball. d) Four Base Awards The batter-runner and runners are awarded home plate and the ball is dead in the following circumstances: i. when the umpire declares a home run; ii. when a fair ball is contacted by detached equipment and in the umpire’s judgment, the ball would have cleared the outfield fence in flight. e) Umpire Judgment Awards The batter-runner and runners are awarded the base or bases they would have made in the umpire’s judgment had interference not occurred and the ball is dead i. when a person other than a team member interferes with a ground ball or thrown ball or fielder about to field a ball, including fly balls; ii. when the ball becomes lodged in umpire gear or clothing or offensive player clothing. | EFFECT Rule or occurrence a) One Base Award i. The batter-runner is awarded first base, provided they advance and touch first base, and all other runners advance one base, if forced, from the time of the pitch, in the following circumstances: 1. when four balls have been called by the plate umpire; the ball is dead. 2. when an intentional walk is issued; the ball is dead. 3. when the batter is obstructed and the offensive team takes the option to have the batter awarded first base; the ball is dead. 4. when a batted ball is contacted by an umpire or runner before passing a fielder, excluding the pitcher, the ball is dead. ii. The ball is dead and the runner(s) are awarded one base in the following circumstances; 1. when the ball is pitched and subsequently leaves the playing field or is lodged in the backstop, the award is from the time of the pitch. 2. when a fielder unintentionally carries a ball out of the playing field, the award is from the time the fielder left the field of play. A fielder carrying a live ball into the dugout or team area to tag a player is considered to have unintentionally carried it there. 3. when a player loses possession of the ball during a play and the ball enters the dead ball territory, the award is from the base last touched at the time the ball entered the dead ball territory. 4. when defensive equipment causes a blocked ball, the award is from the base last touched at the time of the pitch on a pitched ball. b) Two Base Award i. The batter-runner and runner(s) are awarded two bases from the time of pitch in the following circumstances and the ball is dead: 1. when a fair batted ball passes out of the playing field at a distance less than the dimensions of a regulation field. 2. when a fair-batted fly ball hits a fielder’s glove or body and lands over the fence in foul territory. 3. when a fair-batted fly ball touches the fence, deflects off a fielder and lands over a fence. 4. when a fair-batted ball is touched by a fielder who is in dead ball territory and, in the umpire’s judgment, the ball would not have gone over the fence in fair ball territory. 5. when a fair-batted ball bounces over or rolls under or through a fence or passes the dead ball line of the playing field. 6. when a fair batted ball deflects off a) a defensive player or an umpire; or b) a runner after passing a fielder excluding the pitcher and provided no other fielder had a chance to make an out and the ball goes out of play in foul territory. 7. when a fair batted ball is contacted by a fielder who is in dead ball territory and in the umpire’s judgment, the ball would not have gone over the fence in fair territory. ii. when the ball is thrown and leaves the playing field or is blocked, the award is from the time the ball left the fielder’s hand. If two runners are between the same two bases, the award is based on the position of the lead runner. If a runner touches the next base and returns to their original base, the original base they left is considered the “last base touched” for the purposes of an overthrow award. iii. when defensive equipment causes a blocked ball, the award 1. is from the base last touched at the time of the throw. 2. is from the base last touched at the time of the pitch on a fair batted ball. iv. when a thrown ball contacts detached equipment. This is a delayed dead ball. v. Runners only are awarded two bases and the ball is dead when, in the umpire’s judgment, a fielder intentionally carries, kicks, pushes or throws a live ball from playable territory into dead ball territory, the award is from the time of the throw or from the time that the ball that is kicked, pushed or carried enters dead ball territory. vi. In Co-ed, any walk to a male batter, intentional or otherwise, will result in a two base award. c) Three Base Award The batter-runner and runners are awarded 3 bases and it is a delayed dead ball when detached equipment contacts a fair batted ball. d) Four Base Awards The batter-runner and runners are awarded home plate and the ball is dead in the following circumstances: i. when the umpire declares a home run; ii. when a fair ball is contacted by detached equipment and in the umpire’s judgment, the ball would have cleared the outfield fence in flight. e) Umpire Judgment Awards The batter-runner and runners are awarded the base or bases they would have made in the umpire’s judgment had interference not occurred and the ball is dead i. when a person other than a team member interferes with a ground ball or thrown ball or fielder about to field a ball, including fly balls; ii. when the ball becomes lodged in umpire gear or clothing or offensive player clothing. | Effect a) i. 1) Omit. a) i. 2) Omit. b) vi) Omit. | |
282 | ||||||
283 | Appendix 1 | Playing Field and Diamond Layout | ||||
284 | A. | Official Dimensions of the Playing field | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules, Appendix A for dimensions. | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules, Appendix A for dimensions. | ||
285 | B. | Official Dimensions of the Diamond Layout | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules, Appendix A for dimensions. | Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules, Appendix A for dimensions. | ||
286 | C. | Official Dimensions of the Bases | Omit. | Omit. | ||
287 | D. | Official Dimensions of the Batter's and Catcher's Boxes | See CCSA rule 4-4-1. Omit Strike Mat. Omit Catcher's Boxes. | See CCSA rule 4-4-1. Omit Strike Mat. Omit Catcher's Boxes. | ||
288 | ||||||
289 | E. | Official Dimensions of Home Plate and Pitcher's Plate | Omit Pitcher's Plate. | Omit Pitcher's Plate. | ||
290 | ||||||
291 | F. | Quick Reference Table | ||||
292 | Backstop and Sidelines | The area between the foul lines and the backstop and sidelines must be unobstructed. The distance of the backstop will be determined by the fence of the diamond. | Will be set back a minimum of 7.62m (25 ft.) to a maximum of 9.14m (30 ft.) outside the foul lines. The area between the foul lines and the backstop and sidelines must be unobstructed. | Delete "Will be set back a minimum of 7.62m (25 ft.) to a maximum of 9.14m (30ft.) outside the foul lines." Add "The distance of the backstop will be determined by the fence of the diamond." | ||
293 | Bases | Home plate to first/third 19.81 m (65 ft.) from the back part of home plate to the back of the base. Home plate to second 28.02 m (91 ft. 11 in) from back point of home plate to the middle of the base. Bases will be made of canvas or other suitable material and securely fastened in position. First (Double) Base will have half of this base secured in and part of fair territory and the other half of this base (a different solid contrasting color) is secured in and is part of foul territory. | Home plate to first/third 19.81 m (65 ft.) from the back part of home plate to the back of the base. Home plate to second 28.02 m (91 ft. 11 in) from back point of home plate to the middle of the base. Bases will be made of canvas or other suitable material and securely fastened in position. First (Double) Base will have half of this base secured in and part of fair territory and the other half of this base (a different solid contrasting color) is secured in and is part of foul territory. | |||
294 | Batter's Boxes | The Batter’s Box will consist of a line drawn .91m (3 ft.) in front of home plate and will extend past the foul lines on both sides. There will be no inside, outside or back line to the batter’s box. | The Batter’s Box will consist of a line drawn .91m (3 ft.) in front of home plate and will extend past the foul lines on both sides. There will be no inside, outside or back line to the batter’s box. | |||
295 | Catcher's Box | Omit. | 3.05m (10 ft.) in length from the rear outside corners of each batter’s box and will be 2.57m (8 ft. 5 in) wide. The lines are considered as being within the catcher’s box. | Omit. | ||
296 | Coaches' Box | Omit. | Behind a line 4.57m (15 ft.) long drawn outside the diamond. The line is parallel to and 3.66m (12 ft.) from the first and third baselines, extended from the bases toward home plate. SC: the depth is 0.91m (3 ft.) | Omit. | ||
297 | Commitment Line | Is a line drawn 6.1 m (20 ft.) from the back of home plate and perpendicular to the third base line. It shall extend a minimum of .91 m (3 ft.) on each side of third base line. a. When a runner crosses this line (i.e. one foot completely over the line and touching the ground) but does not reach home plate, they shall be called out when the ball is legally held by a defensive player who is in contact with home plate. b. No tag is necessary. c. Runners who have not crossed the line; or d. Runners who cross the line, but must tag up on a caught ball, may return to third base with liability to be put out. e. Runners who cross the commitment line, may return to touch a missed base, with liability to be put out. | Is a line drawn 6.4 m (21 ft.) from the back of home plate and perpendicular to the third base line. It shall extend a minimum of .91 m (3 ft.) on each side of third base line. a. When a runner crosses this line (i.e. one foot completely over the line and touching the ground) but does not reach home plate, they shall be called out when the ball is legally held by a defensive player who is in contact with home plate. b. No tag is necessary. c. Runners who have not crossed the line; or d. Runners who cross the line, but must tag up on a caught ball, may return to third base with liability to be put out. e. Runners who cross the commitment line, may return to touch a missed base, with liability to be put out. | Commitment Line: Replace "6.4 m (21 ft.)" with "6.1 m (20 ft.)" | ||
298 | Distance Table | Omit. | SC: Distance guide for all categories will be found at the end of the rule section. | Omit. | ||
299 | Home Plate | It will be a five-sided figure 43.2cm (17 in) wide, across the edge facing the pitcher. The sides will be parallel to the inside lines of the batter’s box and will be 21.6cm (8 1/2 in) long. The sides of the point facing the catcher will be 30.5cm (12 in) long. SC: The Plate shall be made of rubber. | It will be a five-sided figure 43.2cm (17 in) wide, across the edge facing the pitcher. The sides will be parallel to the inside lines of the batter’s box and will be 21.6cm (8 1/2 in) long. The sides of the point facing the catcher will be 30.5cm (12 in) long. SC: The Plate shall be made of rubber. | |||
300 | Infield | Omit. | Skinned portion 18.29m (60 ft.) arc from the front center of the pitcher’s plate. | Omit. | ||
301 | Lines | Omit. | 50mm to 100 mm (2 to 4 in) wide. | Omit. | ||
302 | On-Deck Circle | 1.52m (5 ft.) circle 0.76m (2 ft 6 in) radius placed adjacent to the end of the players’ bench or dugout area closest to home plate. Can be drawn out as described, but not mandatory. | 1.52m (5 ft.) circle 0.76m (2 ft 6 in) radius placed adjacent to the end of the players’ bench or dugout area closest to home plate. | Can be drawn out as described, but not mandatory. | ||
303 | One Meter Line | Drawn parallel to and one meter (3 ft.) from the baseline, starting at a point halfway between home plate and first base. Can be drawn out as described, but not mandatory. | Drawn parallel to and one meter (3 ft.) from the baseline, starting at a point halfway between home plate and first base. | Can be drawn out as described, but not mandatory. | ||
304 | Pitcher's Plate / Chute | Omit. | The Pitcher’s Plate is made of wood or rubber 61cm (24 in) long and 15.2cm (6 in) wide and the top of the plate must be level with the ground. SC: The Pitcher’s Chute is that area directly behind the Pitcher’s Plate within the same 61cm length of the Pitcher’s Plate and 3.05m (10ft) in depth. | Omit. | ||
305 | Safe Line | Is a line drawn in foul territory starting at the front corner of home plate closest to third base and perpendicular to the third base line. It shall extend 3.05 m (10 ft.) from the third base line in foul territory a. When a runner touches the ground on or beyond the safe line prior to being legally tagged; or b. Prior to a defensive player legally holding the ball while in contact with home plate, the runner shall be declared safe. NOTE: 1. Omit. Refer to CCSA Rule 4-2-7. 2. A runner shall not be called out if home plate is touched in an attempt to avoid a collision. | Is a line drawn in foul territory starting at the front corner of home plate closest to third base and perpendicular to the third base line. It shall extend 3.05 m (10 ft.) from the third base line in foul territory a. When a runner touches the ground on or beyond the safe line prior to being legally tagged; or b. Prior to a defensive player legally holding the ball while in contact with home plate, the runner shall be declared safe. NOTE: 1. If not played on, the runner shall not be called out for stepping on home plate provided there is not contact with a defensive player. 2. A runner shall not be called out if home plate is touched in an attempt to avoid a collision. | Note: 1. Omit. Refer to CCSA Rule 4-2-7. | ||
306 | Warning Track | Omit. | Will be a minimum of 3.66m (12 ft.) to a maximum of 4.57m (15 ft.) from the outfield and/or side fences. Made of material (dirt, gravel) that is level with, but different from, the playing surface. The material must be distinguishable from the outfield surface and there must be a clear physical signal for players when they are approaching the fence. | Omit. | ||
307 | G. | Laying out a Diamond | Omit. | This section serves as an example for laying out of a diamond with 19.81m (65ft) and a 15.24m (50ft) pitching distance. 1. To determine the position of home plate, draw a line in the direction it is desired to lay the diamond. Drive a stake at the corner of home plate nearest the catcher. Fasten a cord to this stake and tie knots or otherwise mark the cord at 15.24m (50 ft.), 19.81m (65 ft.), 28.02m (91 ft. 11 in) and at 39.62m (130 ft.). 2. Place the cord (without stretching) along the direction line and place a stake at the 15.24m (50 ft.) marker. This will be the front line in the middle of the pitcher’s plate. Along the same line, drive a stake at the 28.02m (91 ft. 11 in) marker. This will be the center of second base. 3. Place the 39.62m (130 ft.) marker at the center of second base and, taking hold of the cord at the 19.81m (65 ft.) marker, walk to the right of the direction line until the cord is taut and drive a stake at the 19.81m (65 ft.) marker. This will be the outside corner of first base and the cord will now form the lines to first and second bases. 4. Again holding the cord at the 19.81m (65 ft.) marker, walk across the field and in like manner, mark the outside corner of third base. Home plate, first base, and third base are wholly inside the diamond. 5. To check the diamond, place the home plate end of the cord at the first base stake and the 39.62 (130 ft.) marker at third base. The 19.81m (65 ft.) marker should now check at home plate and second base. 6. Check all distances with a steel tape whenever possible. | Omit. | |
308 | ||||||
309 | Appendix 2 | Bat Specifications | ||||
310 | A. | Official Bat | Please refer to CCSA Rule 3-6-0 for bats that can be used in CCSA. 1. The bat must be of one-piece construction, multi-piece permanently assembled or two-piece interchangeable constructions. 2. When the bat is designed with interchangeable components, it must meet the following criteria: i. the mating components must have a unique locking key to prevent uncertified equipment combinations in the field; and ii. all component combinations must meet the same standards as when it was a one-piece bat when combined or a portion of a one-piece bat when separated. 3. A bat may be made of one piece of hardwood or formed from a block of wood consisting of two or more pieces of wood bonded together with an adhesive in such a way that the grain direction of all pieces is parallel to the length of the bat. 4. A bat may be metal, bamboo, plastic, graphite, carbon, magnesium, fiberglass, ceramic or any other composite material approved by the WBSC Equipment Standards Commission or USA Softball. 5. A bat may be laminated, but must contain only wood or adhesive and have a clear finish (when finished). 6. The barrel portion of the bat (from the start of the taper to the end cap) must be round and smooth with slight texturing allowed. 7. No bat must be more than 86.4cm (34 in) long or greater than 1077.0 g (38 ounces) in weight. 8. No bat must be more than 5.7cm (2 ¼ in) in diameter at its largest part. A tolerance of 0.80mm (1/32 in) is permitted to allow for expansion. 9. A bat must not have exposed rivets, pins, rough or sharp edges or any exterior fastener that would be or present a hazard. A metal bat must be free of burrs and cracks. 10. A non-wooden bat must not have a wooden handle. 11. A bat must have a safety grip of cork, tape (no smooth, plastic tape) or composition material. The safety grip must not be less than 25.4cm (10 in) long and must not extend more than 38.1cm (15 in) from the small end of the bat. Resin, pine tar or spray substances placed to enhance the grip are permissible only on the grip. Tape applied to any bat must be a continuous spiral. It does not have to be a solid layer of tape. It must not exceed two layers. 12. A bat that is non-wooden and not made of one-piece construction with the barrel end closed, must have a rubber or vinyl plastic or other material insert that is approved by the WBSC Equipment Standards Commission, USA Softball, or USSSA (SP Only) and is firmly secured at the large end of the bat. i. The insert of the bat end cap must be firmly and permanently sealed so that it cannot be removed by anyone other than the manufacturer without damaging or destroying the end cap or barrel. ii. The bat must be free of rattles. A bat that is not free of rattles will be considered an illegal bat. iii. The bat must not have signs of tampering. A bat that shows signs of tampering will be considered an altered bat. SC: The bat barrel shall not have signs of excessive wear. 13. A bat must have a safety knob of a minimum diameter of 0.6 cm (1/4 inches) protruding at a ninety-degree angle from the handle and no sharp edges. The safety knob may be molded, lathed, welded and permanently fastened. The knob may be covered with grip tape or a grip enhancer. 14. When the bat approval notice cannot be read due to wear on the bat, the bat remains an official bat and may be used if it remains in compliance with these rules in all other respects as determined by an umpire with reasonable certainty. 15. The weight, distribution of weight or length of the bat must be permanently fixed at the time of manufacture and may not be altered in any way thereafter, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Rule or a specification approved by the WBSC Equipment Standards Commission, USA Softball or USSSA. | SC: All bats must be listed on the current USA Softball (with an ASA 2000, ASA 2004 or 2020 USA Softball All Games Certified stamp only) or WBSC approved bat lists or must have a new USSSA certification stamp and not be on the USSSA withdrawn / non-compliant list. Approved Bat lists must also comply with all of the standards in 1 - 15 below. 1. The bat must be of one-piece construction, multi-piece permanently assembled or two-piece interchangeable constructions. 2. When the bat is designed with interchangeable components, it must meet the following criteria: i. the mating components must have a unique locking key to prevent uncertified equipment combinations in the field; and ii. all component combinations must meet the same standards as when it was a one-piece bat when combined or a portion of a one-piece bat when separated. 3. A bat may be made of one piece of hardwood or formed from a block of wood consisting of two or more pieces of wood bonded together with an adhesive in such a way that the grain direction of all pieces is parallel to the length of the bat. 4. A bat may be metal, bamboo, plastic, graphite, carbon, magnesium, fiberglass, ceramic or any other composite material approved by the WBSC Equipment Standards Commission or USA Softball. 5. A bat may be laminated, but must contain only wood or adhesive and have a clear finish (when finished). 6. The barrel portion of the bat (from the start of the taper to the end cap) must be round and smooth with slight texturing allowed. 7. No bat must be more than 86.4cm (34 in) long or greater than 1077.0 g (38 ounces) in weight. 8. No bat must be more than 5.7cm (2 ¼ in) in diameter at its largest part. A tolerance of 0.80mm (1/32 in) is permitted to allow for expansion. 9. A bat must not have exposed rivets, pins, rough or sharp edges or any exterior fastener that would be or present a hazard. A metal bat must be free of burrs and cracks. 10. A non-wooden bat must not have a wooden handle. 11. A bat must have a safety grip of cork, tape (no smooth, plastic tape) or composition material. The safety grip must not be less than 25.4cm (10 in) long and must not extend more than 38.1cm (15 in) from the small end of the bat. Resin, pine tar or spray substances placed to enhance the grip are permissible only on the grip. Tape applied to any bat must be a continuous spiral. It does not have to be a solid layer of tape. It must not exceed two layers. 12. A bat that is non-wooden and not made of one-piece construction with the barrel end closed, must have a rubber or vinyl plastic or other material insert that is approved by the WBSC Equipment Standards Commission, USA Softball, or USSSA (SP Only) and is firmly secured at the large end of the bat. i. The insert of the bat end cap must be firmly and permanently sealed so that it cannot be removed by anyone other than the manufacturer without damaging or destroying the end cap or barrel. ii. The bat must be free of rattles. A bat that is not free of rattles will be considered an illegal bat. iii. The bat must not have signs of tampering. A bat that shows signs of tampering will be considered an altered bat. SC: The bat barrel shall not have signs of excessive wear. 13. A bat must have a safety knob of a minimum diameter of 0.6 cm (1/4 inches) protruding at a ninety-degree angle from the handle and no sharp edges. The safety knob may be molded, lathed, welded and permanently fastened. The knob may be covered with grip tape or a grip enhancer. 14. When the bat approval notice cannot be read due to wear on the bat, the bat remains an official bat and may be used if it remains in compliance with these rules in all other respects as determined by an umpire with reasonable certainty. 15. The weight, distribution of weight or length of the bat must be permanently fixed at the time of manufacture and may not be altered in any way thereafter, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Rule or a specification approved by the WBSC Equipment Standards Commission, USA Softball or USSSA. | SC. Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rule 3-6-0 for bats that can be used in CCSA. | |
311 | B. | The Warm-Up Bat | Omit | A bat other than an official bat that must be of one-piece construction and comply with the safety grip and safety knob requirements of an official bat. It must be marked “warm-up” in 3.2cm (1¼ in) letters on the barrel end. The barrel end must be in excess of 5.7cm (2¼ in). | Omit. | |
312 | ||||||
313 | Appendix 3 | Ball Standards | ||||
314 | A. | An Official Softball | Omit. All official softballs to be used for league games will be provided by CCSA. | An official softball: a. Shall be a regular, smooth-seamed, concealed stitched or flat surfaced ball. b. Shall have a center core made of either No. 1 quality long fibre kapok, a mixture of cork and rubber, a polyurethane mixture, or other materials approved by Softball Canada. c. May be hand or machine wound with a fine quality twisted yarn and covered with latex or rubber cement. d. Shall have a cover cemented to the ball by application of cement to the underside of the cover and sewn with waxed thread of cotton or linen, or shall have a molded cover bonded to the core or molded integrally with the core, and have authentic facsimile of stitching, as may be approved by Softball Canada. e. Shall have a cover of the finest quality No. 1 chrome tanned horsehide or cowhide, made of synthetic material, or made of other materials approved by Softball Canada. 1. The completed 30.5cm (12 in) ball shall be between 30.2cm (11 7/8 in) and 30.8cm (12 1/8 in) in circumference, and shall weigh between 178.0g (6 1/4 ounces) and 198.4g (7 ounces). The flat seam style shall have not less than 88 stitches in each cover, sewn by the two-needle method. 2. The completed 27.9cm (11 in) ball shall be between 27.6cm (10 7/8 in) and 28.3cm (11 1/8 in) in circumference and shall weigh between 166.5g (5 7/8 ounces) and 173.6g (6 1/8 ounces). The flat seam style shall have not less than 80 stitches in each cover, sewn by the two-needle method. 3. The completed ball shall have a coefficient of restitution as shall be determined and set by Softball Canada. 4. The load force required to compress the ball 0.64cm (0.25 inches) must not exceed SC: 170.1 kg (375lbs) when such standard when such balls are measured in accordance with the ASTM test method for measuring compression-displacement of softballs, which is endorsed by Softball Canada. 5. SC: A 12 in. ball with a COR of .52 or less shall be used in all adult and Co-Ed Softball Canada Slo-Pitch play. 6. SC: An 11 in. ball with a COR of .52 or less shall be used in all female and minor Softball Canada Slo-Pitch play. (Refer to Age Categories & Distance Table.) | Omit. All official softballs to be used for league games will be provided by CCSA. | |
315 | ||||||
316 | Appendix 4 | Glove Specifications | ||||
317 | A. | Dimension Specifications | ||||
318 | (A) Palm width (top) 20.3cm (8 in) (B) Palm width (bottom) 21.6cm (8 1/2 in) (C) Top opening of web 12.7cm (5 in) (D) Bottom opening of web 11.5cm (4 1/2 in) (E) Web top to bottom 18.4cm (7 1/4 in) (F) 1st finger crotch seam 19.0cm (7 1/2 in) (G) Thumb crotch seam 19.0cm (7 1/2 in) (H) Crotch seam 44.5cm (17 1/2 in) (I) Thumb top to bottom edge 23.5cm (9 1/4 in) (J) 1st finger top to bottom edge 35.6cm (14 in) (K) 2nd finger top to bottom edge 33.7cm (13 1/4 in) (L) 3rd finger top to bottom edge 31.1cm (12 1/4 in (M) 4th finger top to bottom edge 27.9cm (11 in) | (A) Palm width (top) 20.3cm (8 in) (B) Palm width (bottom) 21.6cm (8 1/2 in) (C) Top opening of web 12.7cm (5 in) (D) Bottom opening of web 11.5cm (4 1/2 in) (E) Web top to bottom 18.4cm (7 1/4 in) (F) 1st finger crotch seam 19.0cm (7 1/2 in) (G) Thumb crotch seam 19.0cm (7 1/2 in) (H) Crotch seam 44.5cm (17 1/2 in) (I) Thumb top to bottom edge 23.5cm (9 1/4 in) (J) 1st finger top to bottom edge 35.6cm (14 in) (K) 2nd finger top to bottom edge 33.7cm (13 1/4 in) (L) 3rd finger top to bottom edge 31.1cm (12 1/4 in (M) 4th finger top to bottom edge 27.9cm (11 in) | ||||
319 | ||||||
320 | Appendix 5 | Umpires | ||||
321 | A. | General Information for Umpires | a. Omit. Umpires will be assigned by the league. b. The umpire should be sure of the date, time and place for the game and should arrive at the playing field 20-30 minutes ahead of time, start the game on time and leave the field when the game is over. c. Omit d. Umpires must not wear exposed jewelry that may pose a hazard. EXCEPTION: Medical Alert Bracelets and/or necklaces. e. The umpires should introduce themselves to the coaches, governors and scorers. f. The umpires should inspect the playing field boundaries, equipment and clarify all ground rules to both teams and their coaches. g. Each umpire has the power to make decisions on violations committed any time during playing time or during suspension of play until the game is over. h. No umpire has the authority to set aside or question decisions made by the other within the limits of their respective duties as outlined in these rules. i. An umpire may consult their associate at any time. However, the final decision will rest with the umpire whose exclusive authority it was to make the decision and who requested the opinion of the other. j. In order to define their respective duties, the umpire behind home plate will be designated as the ‘”Plate Umpire,” the umpire judging base decisions as the “Base Umpire.” k. The plate umpire or base umpire will have equal authority to 1. Call a runner out for leaving a base too soon. 2. Call ‘’TIME” for suspension of play. 3. Remove, or eject, a player, coach or governor from the game for violation of rules. 4. Omit 5. Determine and call an infield fly. When it seems apparent that a batted ball be an infield fly, the umpire will immediately declare, “INFIELD FLY, IF FAIR-THE BATTER IS OUT,” for the benefit of the runners. l. The umpire will declare the batters, batter-runners or runners out without waiting for an appeal for such decision in all cases where such player is retired in accordance with these rules. m. Unless appealed to, the umpire does not call a player out or penalize them for having failed to touch base, leaving a base too soon on a caught fly ball, batting out of order, being an unreported substitute, being a runner who switched positions on bases with another runner, or making an attempt to go to second base after reaching first base, as provided in these rules. n. Umpires will not penalize a team for infraction of a rule when imposing the penalty would be to the advantage of the offending team. o. Failure of umpires to adhere to Appendix 5 is not grounds for protest. These are guidelines for umpires. | a. The umpire must not be a member of either team. Examples: player, coach, manager, officer, scorer or sponsor. b. The umpire should be sure of the date, time and place for the game and should arrive at the playing field 20-30 minutes ahead of time, start the game on time and leave the field when the game is over. c. Umpires must wear uniforms as approved by Softball Canada or individual provincial associations. d. Umpires must not wear exposed jewelry that may pose a hazard. EXCEPTION: Medical Alert Bracelets and/or necklaces. e. The umpires should introduce themselves to the captains, managers and scorers. f. The umpires should inspect the playing field boundaries, equipment and clarify all ground rules to both teams and their coaches. g. Each umpire has the power to make decisions on violations committed any time during playing time or during suspension of play until the game is over. h. No umpire has the authority to set aside or question decisions made by the other within the limits of their respective duties as outlined in these rules. i. An umpire may consult their associate at any time. However, the final decision will rest with the umpire whose exclusive authority it was to make the decision and who requested the opinion of the other. j. In order to define their respective duties, the umpire judging balls and strikes will be designated as the ‘”Plate Umpire,” the umpire judging base decisions as the “Base Umpire.” k. The plate umpire or base umpire will have equal authority to 1. Call a runner out for leaving a base too soon. 2. Call ‘’TIME” for suspension of play. 3. Remove, or eject, a player, coach or manager from the game for violation of rules. 4. Call all illegal pitches. 5. Determine and call an infield fly. When it seems apparent that a batted ball be an infield fly, the umpire will immediately declare, “INFIELD FLY, IF FAIR-THE BATTER IS OUT,” for the benefit of the runners. l. The umpire will declare the batters, batter-runners or runners out without waiting for an appeal for such decision in all cases where such player is retired in accordance with these rules. m. Unless appealed to, the umpire does not call a player out or penalize them for having failed to touch base, leaving a base too soon on a caught fly ball, batting out of order, being an unreported substitute, being an Illegal Re-Entry, the replacement player or returning withdrawn player who is not reported, being a runner who switched positions on bases with another runner, or making an attempt to go to second base after reaching first base, as provided in these rules. n. Umpires will not penalize a team for infraction of a rule when imposing the penalty would be to the advantage of the offending team. o. Failure of umpires to adhere to Appendix 5 is not grounds for protest. These are guidelines for umpires. | a. Omit. Umpires will be assigned by the league. c. Omit. e. Replace "captains, managers" with "coaches, governors". j. "Replace "judging balls and strikes" with "behind home plate". k. 3. Replace "manager" with "governor". k. 4. Omit. m. Delete "being an Illegal Re-entry, the replacement player or returning withdrawn player who is not reported". | |
322 | B. | Signals | a. To indicate that play will begin or be resumed; the umpire shall call “PLAY BALL” and, at the same time, motion the pitcher to deliver the ball. b. Omit. c. Omit. d. Omit. e. To indicate a FOUL, the umpire will call “FOUL BALL” and extend both arms vertically while verbalizing “FOUL BALL”. f. To indicate a FAIR BALL, the umpire will extend an arm toward the center of the diamond, using a pumping motion. g. To indicate a batter or runner OUT, the umpire will raise the right hand upward above the right shoulder, with fist closed. h. To indicate that a player is SAFE, the umpire will extend both arms horizontally to the side of the body, with palms toward the ground. i. To indicate suspension of play, the umpire will call “TIME” and, at the same time, extend both arms above the head. The other umpires shall immediately acknowledge the suspension of play, with similar action. j. To indicate a DELAYED DEAD BALL, the umpire will extend the left arm horizontally, with fist closed. k. To indicate a TRAPPED BALL, the umpire will extend both arms horizontally to the side of the body, with palms toward the ground. l. To indicate a GROUND RULE DOUBLE, the umpire will extend the right hand above the head and at the same time indicate, with two fingers, the number of bases awarded. m. To indicate a HOME RUN, the umpire will extend the right hand, with closed fist closed, above the head and circle the arm in a clockwise movement. n. To indicate an INFIELD FLY, the umpire will call “INFIELD FLY, IF FAIR, THE BATTER IS OUT.” The umpire will extend one arm above the head. o. To indicate NOT TO PITCH, the umpire should raise one hand, with the palm facing the pitcher. “NO PITCH” will be declared, if the pitcher pitches while the umpire has their hand in said position. | a. To indicate that play will begin or be resumed; the umpire shall call “PLAY BALL” and, at the same time, motion the pitcher to deliver the ball. b. A STRIKE will be indicated by raising the right hand upward above the shoulder, to a 90-degree angle and, at the same time, calling “STRIKE” in a clear and decisive voice. c. To indicate a BALL, no arm signal is used. d. To indicate the total COUNT of balls and strikes, the balls are called first. e. To indicate a FOUL, the umpire will call “FOUL BALL” and extend both arms vertically while verbalizing “FOUL BALL”. f. To indicate a FAIR BALL, the umpire will extend an arm toward the center of the diamond, using a pumping motion. g. To indicate a batter or runner OUT, the umpire will raise the right hand upward above the right shoulder, with fist closed. h. To indicate that a player is SAFE, the umpire will extend both arms horizontally to the side of the body, with palms toward the ground. i. To indicate suspension of play, the umpire will call “TIME” and, at the same time, extend both arms above the head. The other umpires shall immediately acknowledge the suspension of play, with similar action. j. To indicate a DELAYED DEAD BALL, the umpire will extend the left arm horizontally, with fist closed. k. To indicate a TRAPPED BALL, the umpire will extend both arms horizontally to the side of the body, with palms toward the ground. l. To indicate a GROUND RULE DOUBLE, the umpire will extend the right hand above the head and at the same time indicate, with two fingers, the number of bases awarded. m. To indicate a HOME RUN, the umpire will extend the right hand, with closed fist closed, above the head and circle the arm in a clockwise movement. n. To indicate an INFIELD FLY, the umpire will call “INFIELD FLY, IF FAIR, THE BATTER IS OUT.” The umpire will extend one arm above the head. o. To indicate NOT TO PITCH, the umpire should raise one hand, with the palm facing the pitcher. “NO PITCH” will be declared, if the pitcher pitches while the umpire has their hand in said position. | b. Omit. c. Omit. d. Omit. | |
323 | ||||||
324 | Appendix 6 | Scoring | Omit. Please use scoresheets provided by CCSA for scorekeeping, and follow accompanying guidelines. | Omit. Please use scoresheets provided by CCSA for scorekeeping, and follow accompanying guidelines. | ||
325 | A | The Box Score | Omit | a. Each player’s name and the position, or positions to be played, must be listed in the order in which they batted, or would have batted, unless the player is legally substituted, ejected, or removed from the game, or the game ends before their turn at bat. Any statistics accrued by the Replacement Player while they are in the game, are credited to that player, even if they are a listed substitute who does not eventually enter the game as a substitution for another player. Any statistics accrued by a Temporary runner will accrue to the player for whom they are running. 1. The Extra Player (EP) is optional, but if one is used, it must be made known prior to the start of the game and be listed on the score sheet in the regular batting order. Eleven names (twelve for Co-ed) will be on the official batting order. b. Each player’s batting and fielding record must be tabulated. 1. The first column will show the number of times at bat by each player, but a time at bat will not be charged against the player when that player a) Hits a sacrifice fly that scores a runner. b) Is awarded a base on balls. c) Is awarded first base because of obstruction. 2. The second column will show the number of runs by each player. 3. The third column will show the number of base hits made by each player. A base hit is a batted ball that permits the batter to reach the base safely. a) When a batter-runner reaches first base, or any succeeding base, safely on a fair ball that settles on the ground, clears the fence, or strikes the fence before being touched by a fielder. b) When a batter-runner reaches first base safely on a fair ball which is hit with such force, or such slowness, or which takes an unnatural bounce, making it impossible to field with ordinary effort in time to retire the batter-runner. c) When a fair ball, which has not been touched by a fielder, becomes “dead” because of touching the person, or clothing, of a runner or umpire. d) When the fielder unsuccessfully attempts to retire a preceding runner and, in the scorer’s judgment, the batter-runner would not have been retired at first base by perfect fielding. e) When the batter ends the game with a base hit that drives in a sufficient number of runs to give their team the lead, the batter will be credited with only as many bases as were advanced by the runner scoring the winning run, provided the batter runs a similar number of bases. f) When the batter ends the game with an out of the park home run, they will be credited with a home run and all runners, including themselves, will be allowed to score. 4. The fourth column will show the number of opponents put out by each player. a) A putout is credited to a fielder each time they 1) Catch a fly ball or line drive. 2) Catch a thrown ball that retires a batter or runner. 3) Touch a runner with the ball when the runner is off the base to which they are entitled. 4) Are nearest the ball when a runner is declared out for being struck by a fair ball, or interfering with the fielder. 5) Are nearest the unreported substitute, who is declared out in accordance with Rule 3.2.6 Effect. 6) Is nearest a runner, who is called out for running out of the base path. b) A putout is credited to the catcher 1) When a third strike is called. 2) When the batter fails to bat in correct order. 3) When the batter interferes with the catcher. 4) When the batter is called out, for batting illegally. 5) When the batter is declared out, for using an illegal or altered bat. 6) When the batter is called out for changing batter’s box. 7) When the batter bunts or chops down on the ball. 8) When the batter hits a third strike foul ball. 5. The fifth column will show the number of assists made by each player. An assist shall be credited a) To each player who handles the ball in any series of plays which results in the putout of the runner. Only one assist and no more shall be given to any player who handles the ball in any putout. A player, who has aided in a rundown or other play of the kind, may be credited with both an assist and a putout. b) To each player who handles, or throws, the ball in such a manner that a putout would have resulted, except for an error of a teammate. c) To each player who, by deflecting a batted ball, aids in a putout. d) To each player who handles the ball in a play which results in a runner being called out for interference, or for running out of baseline. 6. The sixth column will show the number of errors made by each player. Errors are recorded in the following situations: a) For each player who commits a misplay which prolongs the turn at bat of the batter, or life of the present runner. b) For the fielder, who fails to touch the base after receiving the ball to retire the runner on a force-out, or when a runner is compelled to return to base. c) For the catcher, if a batter is awarded first base for obstruction. d) For the fielder, who fails to complete a double play because of dropping the ball. e) For the fielder, if a runner advances a base, because of their failure to stop, or try to stop, a ball accurately thrown to a base, providing there was occasion for the throw. When more than one player could receive the throw, the scorer must determine which player gets the error. | ||
326 | B | Base hits shall not be recorded | Omit | A base hit will not be scored in the following cases: a. When a runner is forced out by a batted ball, or would have been forced out, except for a fielding error. b. When a player fielding a batted ball retires a preceding runner with ordinary effort. c. When a fielder fails in an attempt to retire a preceding runner and, in the scorer’s judgment, the batter-runner could have been retired at first base. d. When a batter-runner reaches first base safely, as a result of a preceding runner being called out for interfering with a batted ball, or a defensive player. EXCEPTION: If, in the judgment of the scorer, the batter would have reached first base safely had the interference not occurred, a safe hit will be credited to the batter. | ||
327 | C | Sacrifice fly balls | Omit | A sacrifice fly is scored when, with less than two outs: a. The batter scores a runner with a fly ball which is caught, or b. The ball, or the line drive, handled by an outfielder (or an infielder running in the outfield) is dropped and a runner scores and, in the scorer’s judgment, the runner could have scored after the catch, had the fly ball been caught. | ||
328 | D | Runs batted in | Omit | A run batted in is a run scored because of one of the following reasons: a. A safe hit. b. A sacrifice fly. c. A foul fly caught. d. An infield putout, or fielder’s choice. e. A runner forced home because of obstruction, or being given a base on balls. f. A homerun and all runs scored as a result. | ||
329 | E | Picher credited with a win | Omit | A pitcher will be credited with a win in the following situations: a. When they are the starting pitcher and have pitched at least four innings, and their team was not only in the lead when they are replaced but remains in the lead for the remainder of the game. b. When a game is ended after five innings of play, and the starting pitcher has pitched at least three innings, and their team scores more runs than the other team when the game is terminated. | ||
330 | F | Pitcher charged with a loss | Omit | A pitcher will be charged with a loss, regardless of the number of innings they have pitched, if they are replaced when their team is behind in the score and their team thereafter fails to tie the score, or gain the lead. | ||
331 | G | Game summary | Omit | The summary will list the following items in this order: a. The score by innings and the final score. b. The runs batted-in and by whom hit. c. Two-base hits and by whom hit. d. Three-base hits and by whom hit. e. Home runs and by whom hit. f. Sacrifice flies and by whom hit. g. Double plays and players participating in them. h. Triple plays and players participating in them. i. Number of walks given by each pitcher. j. Number of batters struck out by each pitcher. k. Number of hits and runs allowed by each pitcher. l. The name of the winning pitcher. m. The name of the losing pitcher. n. The time of the game. o. The names of the umpires and scorers. | ||
332 | H | Records of forfeited games | Omit | All records of a forfeited game will be included in the official records, except that of a pitcher’s won-lost record. |