Division B Rules
Division B Rules
Date 9-3-2024
Division B Rules
AUSTIN SENIOR SOFTBALL LEAGUE
B-DIVISION POLICIES SUPPLEMENT TO THE
USA SOFTBALL OFFICIAL RULES OF SOFTBALL
ASSL B-DIVISION RULES AUTHORITY 2024
The rules under which we play shall be the USA Softball Official Rules of Softball, Participant Manual, Senior Slow Pitch classification and this supplemental rules document which contains ASSL B-Division specific rules that vary from the USA Softball rules. USA rules sections may be included as a reference where needed when ASSL supplement rules require more detail. The most recent yearly version of this document and the USA Softball Official Rules Participant Manual are available to all League members at the following link:
PITCHING
All pitchers must wear an approved protective face mask while pitching. Any refusal is subject to being removed from the pitching position.
A pitching screen shall be provided at the pitcher’s request. If used, the screen must be placed 4 feet in front of the pitcher and must face home plate, and the edge of the screen must cover at least 12 inches from the end of the pitchers plate (pitchers plate is 24 inches wide) (the net is on the glove side of the pitcher), to protect the pitcher after delivery. Any batted ball that immediately hits the pitching screen shall be ruled a dead ball (no pitch), no matter how many times it is hit. It will not count as a ball or strike, and baserunners must return to the base they were on at the time of the pitch. If a pitcher hits any part of the screen during the pitch, it is a dead ball (no pitch).
Once the screen is put into place, it becomes part of the field, and may not be moved, tipped over, or thrown aside to accommodate a throw. All thrown balls are in play. If during a play a ball is thrown inadvertently or intentionally into the net, either from the front or from the rear, it is a live ball. If, however the ball gets lodged or stuck in the net, it is a dead ball. The umpire shall declare a “dead ball”. All play is stopped and the umpire will, in his opinion award bases that the runner(s) would have obtained had there not been a ball thrown into the net.
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Exceptions to moving the net once it has been put into place: 1) a new pitcher enters the game. 2) The screen is hit with a batted ball and it moves and needs to be adjusted. 3) The screen is moved inadvertently during a play by a defensive player and needs to be adjusted. Pitches must have an arc between 6′ and 12′ to be legal. The home plate umpire shall declare a pitch outside of this range to be illegal as soon as possible but may make the declaration even after a pitch has landed. A called illegal pitch that is not swung on by the batter shall be considered a ball. A batter may choose to swing on a called illegal pitch and the result of the swing will stand.
The mat which covers home plate is considered the strike zone. If a legal pitch lands on any part of the mat the Umpire must call a strike.
Intentional walks are not permitted. Batters may decline to take a walk if they choose. Once the home plate umpire has announced “Ball Four” the batter may decline the walk but once they do, they no longer have the option of walking and must continue to bat until such time that they hit a fair ball, strike out, or foul out.
Starting pitchers are permitted three pitches to warm up. Relief pitchers are allowed five pitches.
BATTING
Players aged 55-64 can only use bats approved by USA Softball. Players who are 65 and older, or those who will turn 65 during the year, can use “senior” bats approved by SSUSA and must be marked with yellow tape at the top of the grip. Unauthorized use of a SSUSA bat will result in the batter being called out and the ball dead.
Batters start with a 1-1 count during all regulation innings. If a game goes into extra innings and during all innings in a “one pitch” game, each batter will start with a full (3-2) count and will get “one pitch” only. During all “one pitch” innings; on a called strike or on any swing that does not result in the ball being hit fairly, the batter is out, on a called ball or an illegal pitch called as a ball, the batter walks, the walk cannot be refused.
Once a pitched ball hits the ground or the strike mat the umpire shall make the appropriate call and the ball will immediately be considered a dead ball with all play stopped. The results of any swing by the batter after the ball hits the ground or the strike mat will not be counted, and base runners may not advance. Any swing and miss by the batter before the ball hits the ground or strike mat will be a strike.
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A foul on the third strike is considered a strikeout. A tipped ball is considered the same as a foul. If the catcher catches any tipped ball that has not yet hit the ground or fence, in either his glove or bare hand, the batter is out. 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/mitt.
USA Rule Definitions – CATCH – NO CATCH:
CATCH/NO CATCH:
A. A catch is a legally caught ball, which occurs when the fielder catches a batted, pitched or thrown ball with the hand(s) or glove/mitt.
1 To establish a valid catch, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove control of it and/or that the release of the ball is voluntary.
2 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/mitt.
3 The fielder’s feet must be within the field of play, touching the “out of play” line or in the air after leaving live ball territory in order to have a valid catch. A player who is “out of play” and returns must have both feet touching live ball territory or one foot touching and the other in the air, for the catch to be legal.
B. It is not a catch:
1. If a fielder, while gaining control, collides with another player, umpire or a fence, or falls to the ground and drops the ball as a result of the collision or falling to the ground.
2. If a ball strikes anything other than a defensive player while it is in flight it is the same as if it struck the ground. 3 When a fielder catches a batted or thrown ball with anything other than the hand(s) or glove/mitt in its proper place.
Bunts and intentional chopping at balls are illegal. The home plate umpire shall declare the batter to be out and any runners must return to their bases (dead ball).
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There are no limits on home runs. Any ball hit fairly over the fence on the fly is a home run. Any ball hit fairly on the fly that is deflected by a player over the fence in fair territory, or bounces off of and then over the top of the fence in fair territory is a home run.
A ball hit fairly that bounces off of the ground and then over the fence or rolls under the fence is considered a ground-rule double. Effect: The ball is dead. All runners are awarded two bases from the time of the pitch.
A batter who steps outside of the batter’s box during his swing shall not be out unless he steps on the home plate mat. Prior to the pitch, the batter must have both feet completely within the lines of the batter’s box. The batter may touch the lines, but no part of the foot may be outside the lines prior to the pitch.
A batted ball which strikes the pitcher’s screen, (if in use), is a dead ball (no pitch), all play is stopped and runners cannot advance. It is not considered a strike or an out. (See pitching section).
Each designated “on deck” batter must be prepared to take their turn at bat. If the umpire determines that the batter due up is intentionally attempting to delay the game, the umpire will give a warning. Any further intentional delay and the umpire may add additional strikes to the batter.
FIELDERS
Outfielders must start each play behind the 18′ arc line across the outfield grass and shall not cross over the line until the batter has struck the ball.
Outfielders are not permitted to throw directly to first base on the force out play on a batter-runner but may relay the ball to an infielder, who may then throw to first base. Once the batter/runner reaches first base, and rounds the base going toward second base, and is no longer in contact with the base, the outfielder may throw directly to first base. A runner running through first base is not considered to be off the base.
Infielders must start each play fully on the dirt portion of the infield.
Infielders must make every effort to avoid runners when there is no play being made at their position and may be called for obstruction at the discretion of the umpire.
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Tagging a runner out, when the runner is not in contact with a base, is permissible anywhere on the field, except once they have crossed the commitment line between third base and home plate or when protected by the run through rules at 1st, 2nd or 3rd base.
Fake tags may be considered a form of obstruction at the discretion of the umpire per the following: USA Rule Definitions – Fake Tag: A form of obstruction by a fielder who attempts to tag a runner without the ball and thereby impedes a runner advancing or returning to a base.
BASE RUNNERS
Running to 1st base:
The double orange and white base shall be used at first base. When there is a play being made on the batter-runner, the defender must use the white portion (only) of the base and the batter-runner the orange portion (only) of the base, exceptions per the following USA Rule:
USA Rule 8, Section 2-N, Exceptions:
The double base shall be used at first base in all divisions of play. The following rules should be enforced:
1. A batted ball hitting or bounding over the white portion is fair.
2. A batted ball hitting or bounding over the contrasting color portion is foul.
3. When a play is being made on the batter-runner, the defense must use the white portion andthe batter-runner the contrasting color portion of the base. Effect: The batter-runner is out when there is a play being made at first base and the batter-runner touches only the white portion, providing the defense appeals prior to the first pitch to the next batter.
4. On any force out attempt from the foul side of first base the defense and the batter-runnermay use either the white or contrasting color portion of the base.
5. On an errant throw pulling the defense off the white portion of the base into foul ground, thedefense and the batter-runner can use either the white or contrasting color portion.
6. Once the batter-runner reaches first base, they may start on either the white or contrasting color portion of the base. Both portions of first base becomes one base.
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7. On balls hit to the outfield with no play on the batter-runner advancing to first base, the batter-runner may touch the white or contrasting color portion. Should the batter-runner return, the runner and defense can use the white or contrasting color portion.
8. When tagging up on a fly ball, the white or contrasting color portion of the base may be used. On an appeal for the runner leaving the base too soon, the defense may use the white or contrasting color of the base.
Running to 2nd or 3rd base:
Run Through Rule:
A runner when advancing to 2nd or 3rd base will have the option of crossing, (reaching), a run through line rather than touching the base. The runner will have reached the run-through line when they make contact with the ground on or past the run-through line.
Both the 2nd and 3rd base run-through lines shall be marked by a line at the front of the base and extending outward approximately 2 to 3 feet from both sides of the base in a perpendicular direction to the advancing base line. The line is to be considered virtually endless and the runner may run wider than the actual marked line.
There are two types of timing plays when a runner is advancing, Forced and Not Forced.
Forced – When a runner is forced to advance to 2nd or 3rd base they must reach the run-through line at that base before a defender with control of the ball is touching the base or they will be out, (as in the normal timing of a force play). The defender may also tag the runner, (see “Fielders” section, tagging a runner out…).
Not Forced – When a runner is advancing to 2nd or 3rd base and is not forced, the same rules apply as above, except that, the runner is not officially out, until such time that they actually reach the run-through line, so that, if they have not yet reached the line, or have not been tagged out, they may stop and attempt to return to the base they previously occupied, (putting them in a possible run-down situation and having the liability of being tagged out, see rundown play below).
The runner, after reaching the run-through line, may continue to run beyond the line, (run-through), but they must, in all circumstances, return directly to the base that they ran-through, or they will have the liability of being tagged out. In addition, if in the umpire’s judgment, the runner
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attempts to advance to the next base or attempts to return to the base that they previously occupied, without first returning directly to touch the base they ran-through, the runner may be tagged out or appealed at the base.
The runner should be alert as to the location of the ball and run 3 to 4 feet to the side of the base opposite the location of the player throwing the ball. The line is to be considered virtually endless and the runner may run wider than the actual marked line. It is the runner’s responsibility to avoid contact with the defensive players who are involved in the play and any action by the runner that affects the outcome of the play as determined by the umpire may be ruled as interference.
The purpose of the run through rule is to allow the runner to run wide of the base to help prevent collisions with a defender when there is a play being made at that base, however, the runner may at any time run directly to the base. The Forced, Not Forced section of the Run Through Rule shall apply, (runner must reach the base…), and once the runner touches the base they may not run through without having the liability of being tagged out, (once the runner touches the base and then is no longer in contact with the base they may be tagged out). In addition, it shall remain the runner’s responsibility to avoid contact with a defender making a play. Sliding into a base that a runner is advancing to, is not permitted and will result in the runner being called out.
When there is no play being made at the base the runner may touch and round the base, again having the same liability as above, the run-through rule no longer applies and they may be tagged out if they are off the base.
Running to home:
A line of no-return, the “commit line”, is located 30 feet in front of home plate down the third base line. A runner who crosses this line, (touches the ground on or past the line), must continue to home and will be called out if they cross back towards 3rd base. A runner who has not yet crossed the line may return to 3rd base. The “Run-Through Rule” does not apply when the runner is returning to 3rd and they must reach the base before being tagged by the defender or they will be called out, (the defender must tag the runner when they are returning to a base). Plays at home are “force plays” once a runner crosses the commit line. Once the line is crossed, the runner must continue to home.
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A scoring line will be marked by a line at the leading edge of home plate. The line will be perpendicular to the 3rd base line, will start approximately 8 feet away from home plate, and continue to the fence. If the line is not marked properly by the city, the rule above will still apply.
A runner who has crossed the commit line must reach the scoring line before a defender with control of the ball is touching the home plate mat, or they will be out, (as in the normal timing of a force play). The runner will have reached the scoring line when they make contact with the ground on or past the line.
The defender with control of the ball must be in contact with the mat and may not tag the runner to record an out. If the defender tags the runner, the runner is automatically safe, and the runner no longer is required to run to the scoring line. If the mat has come off the home plate, the defender must maintain contact with the home plate.
The runner must reach the scoring line and may not touch the home plate mat or they will be called out.
Rundown play:
During a rundown play, the “Run-Through Rule” shall be in effect only at the base that the runner is advancing to, (see Run-Through Rule, Not Forced section). The “Running to Home” rules shall apply when the runner is between 3rd base and home.
When the runner is returning to the base that they previously occupied, the “Run-Through Rule” does not apply. The runner must reach the “returning to” base before being tagged by the defender or they will be called out, (the defender must tag the runner when they are returning to a base).
The runner will remain in the rundown until they have safely reached a base or have been put out.
Running-general:
Sliding into a base while advancing is not permitted and will constitute an out. Sliding while returning back to a base previously occupied is permitted.
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Runners must generally stay within the base path but also must run wide enough of the base when “running through” in order to avoid collision with the fielders. It is at the discretion of the umpire as to whether the base runner stayed close enough to the path to avoid being called out (running wide to avoid the tag).
Runners will be called out if they collide with a defender making a play or if they interfere with the defender’s ability to make the play. In the case of a potential double play, both runners will be called out.
Incidental contact, which neither affects the ability of the runner nor the defender, will not affect the outcome of the play.
Runners not in contact with a base may be tagged out anywhere on the field except once they have crossed the commit line between third base and home plate or when protected by the run through rules at 1st, 2nd or 3rd base. Runners, who have “run-through” at 2nd or 3rd base but have not yet returned to the base, are in effect, occupiers of that base and any trailing runners who pass them, (touch and pass the base), shall be called out.
Runners who are called out must leave the field as soon as possible while avoiding any ongoing play and will remain subject to interference at the discretion of the umpire.
COURTESY RUNNERS
Teams may use courtesy runners at any point during the game, except that during the start of any extra inning, the last batter that completed his at bat from the previous inning, or their courtesy runner if they had one, will start each extra inning at 2nd base.
Each Courtesy runner may only run once per inning for another player.
Any base runner or batter may request a courtesy runner. Any team manager may request a courtesy runner for a current runner or a batter but must give them the option to refuse. The courtesy runner shall report to the umpire and once they touch the base or are in position at the home plate line, they cannot be replaced by another runner, except for injury. If he is replaced, or leaves the base or home plate line, he will be out.
If while on base, a courtesy runner is due up to bat, they must vacate the base, an out will be recorded, and the courtesy runner will take their turn to bat. If it is the third out of the inning, the courtesy runner will bat first the next inning.
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Courtesy runner from the plate:
The courtesy runner from home must line up behind the designated starting line, which is located 4 feet behind the extended 3rd base line running right of the plate to the backstop. A courtesy runner from home must remain behind this line until the batter has struck the ball, makes an out or draws a walk. The runner must keep his feet behind the line in a stationary position and may not get a running start. Should the courtesy runner cross the starting line before the batter puts the ball in play, or receives a walk that runner is out.
If a batter with a courtesy runner hits the ball fairly into play, the courtesy runner will be limited to a “single” base only, (the runner must stop at first base), and may not advance as the result of any play action of that at bat, except for, an over the fence home run, ground rule double, or when a ball is thrown into the dugout or out of play. If the runner safely reaches first base they ust maintain contact with the base or they will have the liability of being tagged out, (except as allowed when running through first base). If a courtesy runner touches second base or runs through the line at second base he is out. If he has not yet touched second base or run through second base, he may go back to first base with liability to be tagged out. If he is tagged by the fielder in possession of the ball in his hand or glove prior to the runner making it back to first base he is out. The runner must be tagged prior to returning to first base or he will be safe.
If a batter strikes out or fouls out while having a runner from home, that runner may be used again in the same inning. A courtesy runner can only run one time in each inning.
If after hitting the ball fair into play, the batter who has a courtesy runner, runs more than 32 feet toward 1st base, (as marked by a hash mark on the first base line), an out will be recorded and both the batter and courtesy runner must leave the field, the ball shall remain live and runners already on base may advance at their own risk. If either the batter or courtesy runner assists one another while advancing to first base there shall be no penalty for interference. If either the batter or the courtesy runner is physically assisted in, or prevented from advancing to first base by any other offensive player or coach, they shall be called out for interference by the umpire, the ball shall remain live and runners may advance at their own risk.
If a batter has a courtesy runner and the umpire declares a ball four walk, the ball is dead, all play is stopped, the courtesy runner shall be awarded first base and all forced base runners shall advance to the next base without liability of being called out.
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PLAYER ROSTER
Short Handed Rule:
It is mandatory that each team start the games with no more than 10 players. No minimum number of players is required and there is no forfeiture rule. If prior to the start of a game a team has less than 10 players available to play, the manager may add players from the “Players’ Lottery System” to achieve a playing roster for that game of up to 10 players. Additionally, the manager, at that manager’s sole discretion, may add an extra 11th player. The purpose of this 11th player allowance is to provide for adequate and effective substitution of a team member who might have the need for relief or for medical reasons during the course of the game. This player must request relief either before the game or during the game, in order to add an 11th player to the lineup. During the game, both teams may not play more than 10 players on defense at any time.
If after adding all available lottery players a team still does not have 10 players, the opposing team shall provide a courtesy catcher. Courtesy catchers continue to bat and play defense with their own team.
Supplemental Provision for Extreme Hot Weather
During extreme hot weather, (as determined by the board based on local weather forecasts), if prior to the start of a game, a team has less than 12 players available to play, the manager, at that manager’s sole discretion, may add extra players from the “Players’ Lottery System” to achieve a playing roster for that game of up to 12 players. The purpose of this extreme hot weather rule is to allow for adequate and effective substitution of players during the game in order for them to avoid heat stress and fatigue in extreme hot weather playing conditions. During the game, both teams may not play more than 10 players on defense at any time.
PLAYERS’ LOTTERY SYSTEM
The lottery system allows a team manager to fill a “shorthanded” roster up to the total allowed in the Short Handed Rule.
All current players will be issued a plastic chip with their name on it. Chips will be identical in size and weight.
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A listing of pitchers will be identified and maintained by the league’s board. Consideration will be given to players who have expressed a desire to pitch and who have demonstrated the ability topitch. Those players classified as “qualified pitchers” will be issued a distinctive color chip, (blue or other distinctive color), designating them as a qualified pitcher.
Any player who is not scheduled to play in the current game may participate in the lottery except that players who have already been selected for a previous game must wait until all other lottery players have been selected before entering the draw a second time.
The players added may play any position except that an added pitcher must pitch. All added players must bat at the bottom of the batting order, in the exact order they were drawn.
If a team picks up additional players from the Players’ Lottery System and a regular member of that team shows up after the game has commenced, the manager may keep both players in the batting lineup and may substitute players defensively, giving the team member priority to play.
Procedure for Bucket Draw and Selection:
Pre draw setup:
A board member, umpire, or other responsible volunteer will conduct the lottery, (this person will be referred to as the Umpire for this rule).
All current players wishing to participate must have their chips placed into the “draw can” before the actual selection of players begins.
Players that are new to the league and players on a team that has a bye, will be identified as first and second priority players respectively.
The umpire will meet with both team managers prior to the game to determine how many players are needed and if a pitcher is needed. Pitchers need to be identified as a “qualified pitcher” and have a blue chip. The umpire will ensure that there are enough players available for the draw and determine if there are any new players, (not yet assigned to a team), or bye-team players available. Each manager may fill a “short-handed” roster up to the total allowed in the Short Handed Rule. The total number must be declared prior to the draw, and the managers must select from the drawn players until they reach that declared number.
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New players, who have a known history of pitching and have the ability to pitch consistently, may be considered for the pitcher’s draw if agreed upon by a board member or the umpire, and the team managers who are requesting a pitcher.
If rosters are not filled by priority players then all other player chips will be placed into the “draw can” to be drawn.
If the number of players available, (for each particular draw), does not exceed the number of players needed, then they will have an automatic draw, (example, if there are only 2 bye team players available and there are 3 players needed, then those 2 bye-team players have an automatic draw).
Once a player is drawn, whether automatically or by having their chip drawn from the “draw can”, their chip will go onto the “table” for selection by the team managers.
Draw and Selection:
Pitcher draw and selection: (Pitcher draw and selections are made before regular roster draw and selections)
1. The umpire will determine if one or both teams need a pitcher.
2. If there is a new player/pitcher that has been agreed upon, they will have an automatic draw and they will go onto the table for selection.
3. If the pitcher spots are not filled with a new player/pitcher then the (blue) chips of the bye-team pitchers only will go into the “draw can” to be drawn.
4. If the pitcher spots are not filled with a new player/pitcher or a bye-team pitcher then, the (blue) chips of all other pitchers only, will go into the “draw can” to be drawn.
5. If only one team needs a pitcher then one chip will be drawn, (or new player/pitcher if available), and that pitcher will be assigned to that team.
6. If both teams need a pitcher then two chips will be drawn, (or new player/pitcher if available), and placed on the table for selection. The lower ranked team, as determined by current session standings, (visitor if tied), is given the option of making the first selection for pitcher or they may defer and make the first selection in the regular roster draw, thereby giving first pitcher selection to to the opposing team. If either team is assigned a pitcher in Step 5, then the lower ranked team will have the first selection in the regular roster draw.
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7. Pitchers who are selected must pitch and shall not play any other position. Those pitchers who are not drawn may enter the regular roster draw, but if selected, they cannot pitch, except; if the current pitcher leaves the game due to injury.
Regular roster player draw and selection:
1. The umpire will determine the total number of regular roster players needed by both teams.
2. If new players are available they will have an automatic draw and they will go onto the table for selection.
3. If the regular roster player spots are not filled with a new player then the chips of the bye-team players only, will go into the “draw can” to be drawn.
4. If the regular roster player spots are not filled with new players or bye-team players then the chips of all other players will go into the “draw can” to be drawn.
5. If only one team needs players then the appropriate number of chips will be drawn, (or new players if available), and those players will be assigned to that team.
6. If both teams need players then the appropriate number of chips will be drawn, (or new players if available), and placed on the table for selection. The first selection is given to the team as was decided in the pitcher round, with each team alternating picks until complete, except that neither team will select an 11th or 12th player, (as allowed in the short handed rule), until both teams have reached a roster of 10.
UMPIRES
We are a volunteer, self-umpiring league with most of our volunteers having no formal training and limited experience. While calling out the ump for making a “bad call” is considered part of the game, there will be no tolerance for aggressive harassment and offenders will be subject to disciplinary action by the board.
Umpires shall call time-out when the ball is under control in the infield and all base runners have stopped.
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Umpires shall position themselves in the best possible location to see the play to make correct calls.
Umpires shall maintain order during the game and take quick and decisive action to keep the game going.
Any appeals to the umpire are the sole responsibility of the team manager or acting manager. Game results cannot be appealed.
THE GAME
Rain Delay Policy: The C league will make every effort to make a decision on playing conditions and/or start time by 7am. If the delay is expected to be less than 30 minutes both leagues will play the games as usual. If the delay is expected to be 30 to 60 minutes we will limit our games to 45 minutes. If the field conditions are expected to delay the start of the first C league game by more than 60 minutes, the first C league game will be cancelled and the second C league game will start when the field is playable. All B League games will be played at the conclusion of the last C League game.
The clock will be set to start at 50 minutes, 40 minutes for one-pitch games. Games are to be a maximum of 7 regulation innings. Extra-inning games, those that are tied at the end of regulation, may go to 1 extra inning only.
Run limit: There is a 5 run limit for each inning except that the last regulation inning and the extra inning shall be unlimited runs (buffet inning).
Once the clock reaches 59 seconds or less, the umpire will declare that time is up, the current inning will be finished, and the next inning will be the last regulation inning (unlimited, buffet inning). If a game goes into an extra inning, either the last batter who completed his at bat, or that batter’s courtesy runner from the previous inning will start at 2nd base, there will be one out, and each batter will start with a full (3-2) count, “one pitch” rules shall apply, (see Batting Section). There is no “Mercy rule” or “Run-ahead” to stop a game. If a game is tied after the last regulation inning (buffet inning), then 1 extra inning will be played. If the game is still tied after the 1 extra inning, then the game will end in a tie.
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The “Flip-flop” rule:
If the visiting team is ahead by 8 or more runs at the start of the unlimited run inning (the buffet inning), the home team will bat first, instead of the visiting team. However, if the visitors are up by 7 runs, the visitor’s manager has the option to Flip-Flop or bat in the buffet and stop when they reach 8 runs. Should the home team either tie or go ahead at the end of their turn at bat; the visiting team can resume their offensive inning at the point it was suspended. This revised batting order will remain in effect until the game’s conclusion.
If the home team is ahead by 8 or more runs when they come to bat in the last inning before the “buffet inning,” and the clock has 2 minutes or less, the visitors will bat for their unlimited run (buffet inning) instead. If the visiting team either ties or goes ahead at the end of their turn at bat; the home team will be permitted their 5-run inning (or the remainder of their inning and if necessary, their buffet inning.
MISCELLANEOUS
If more than 10 players on a team are available to play, the team manager will assign players to sit out innings. No player will sit out a second inning until every other player has sat out an inning except for medical issues or at the request of that player. All players on the roster may bat in the lineup.
Players are encouraged to wear their team-issued uniform or a closely matching color. Exceptions are permitted for medical reasons, such as providing extra protection/shade for skin cancer concerns.
The softball used in games will be COR.44 with 375 compression. Foul language and arguments are prohibited and may result in expulsion from a game and/or the field.
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Infield Fly Rule:
USA Rule Definitions:
A fair fly ball (not including a line drive) which can be caught by an infielder, pitcher or catcher with ordinary effort when first and second bases or first, second and third bases are occupied before two are out. Any defensive player who takes a position in the infield at the start of the pitch shall be considered an infielder for the purpose of this rule. The infield fly is ruled when the ball reaches its highest point based on the position of the closest infielder regardless who makes the play. When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an infield fly, the umpire shall immediately declare: “infield fly.” The ball is live and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught. The runners can tag up and advance once the batted ball is touched (prior to catching), the same as on any fly ball. If a declared infield fly becomes a foul ball, it is treated as any foul.
BEHAVIOR: Please see “ASSL Code of Conduct” at the under the submenu “League” on the Home Page of the ASSL website
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