Official Rules for Punta Gorda 55+ Morning Softball League - Spring 2024

Changes for this Season noted in BOLD

Due to a limited number of players, there will be 3 teams with 10 players each

We will be playing a Modified Double-Header each day.

1.     One 7 inning game will be played. 

        ** All 3 teams will play each day and bat, field and sit during every inning.  The order will be Bat, Field and Sit.  The team with the most runs will be credited with 2 wins.  The team with the second most runs will receive 1 win.  Teams that tie will receive ½ of a win.  The team with the fewest runs will receive 2 loses for that day.

2.     ** Dugouts will be chosen by whichever teams arrives first and choses their dugout. Two teams will share a Dugout.

3.     Teams will field 11 fielders as follows:  Pitcher, catcher, 5 infielders and 4 outfielders.  All infielders, including the middle fielder, must be positioned on the infield dirt until the pitcher’s release of the ball.  All outfielders must be behind the white line in the outfield. They may move in only on the pitcher’s release of the pitch. 

        ** The team on the field will take a player, as needed, from the Sitting Team to play a defensive position for that inning, as follows:

·       A team with only 10 players on their initial roster can use any player from the Sitting Team to play defensively. 

·       If a team is short (below 10) due to players missing, the Manager can only get a defensive substitute from one draft position above the missing player(s).  Due to the limited number of available players who can pitch, this does NOT apply when getting a substitute for a Pitcher.

·       Teams will only bat the players that they have that day from their roster.

·       Defensive players can play any position as determined by the Manager of the team in the Field.

4.     NOT APPLICABLE: Teams must be able to field a minimum of 8 players from their roster and can pick up 2 - 3 players as substitutes including players from the opposing team, and must field a minimum of 10 players, if not they forfeit the game. Substitutes must be the same or lower draft number(s) as the missing player(s).  Example:  If a team is missing their #3 draft pick, they can only substitute with a #3 or lower draft pick.  If a team is missing their #3 and #5 draft picks, one substitute must be a #3 or lower and the other substitute must be a #5 or lower, and so on.  You can ONLY replace a player when you get below 11 players, no matter who is missing.

5.     NOT APPLICABLE: Any player picked up by a team to play as a substitute, other than a player from the opposing team, can bat or play any position in the lineup as determined by the manager. Any player(s) picked up from the opposing team (because they have extra player(s) available, must bat at the bottom of the lineup and play the field in the following order: Catcher, Right Field and First Base.  This applies when the player is put "on" that team for the entire game.  If the defensive team just needs a fielder each inning, the opposing team will provide a fielder(s) but they don't bat. 

6.     At bat begins with a one ball one strike count.

7.     Teams will be allowed to score 5 runs per inning until the last inning, and extra innings, which is unlimited.

8.     Pitching Arc Rule:  There is no official upper arc limit, but Pitchers must attempt to keep the arc below 12 feet from the ground.  Please use discretion and don't violate the spirit of the game.  The lower arc of a pitched ball must go higher than the batter’s head, while in his normal stance, at the high point of the arc.  A “flat” pitch that doesn’t go higher than the batter’s head is an illegal pitch and shall be called “flat” by the Umpire AFTER it crosses the plate.  Such “flat” pitches are a “ball” for purposes of the count, unless the batter chooses to swing at it.  If so, then the pitched ball is in play.  If the batter swings and misses, then it is a strike.

9.     The pitching screen is mandatory.  The pitcher will be required to get behind the screen after releasing the ball and remain there until the ball is struck.

10.   A batted ball that hits the screen will result in a dead ball and automatic strike on the batter. If a batter has two strikes and hits a foul ball the batter will be called out on strikes.  If the batter has two strikes and hits the pitching screen it will be considered a dead ball and the count will remain the same.  If during the same at bat, if the batter hits the pitching screen a second time with two strikes on him, the batter will be called out on strikes.

11.   Runners to first base must use the outside base on any potential defensive play at that base.  To avoid collisions and injuries, if there is no potential play at first, the First Baseman shouldn’t remain on the bag.

12.   ** Running the bases:  There will be a 2nd Base Line extending from 2nd base out towards the grass.  Runners must use this line with running to 2nd base IF it appears there will be a play at 2nd (force out thrown from any defensive player). This is on a trial basis and is intended to prevent collisions at second base.  Umpires will determine if the ball was caught by the defensive player receiving the throw BEFORE the runner crossed the 2nd Base Line.  If so, the runner is out.  The runner is allowed to “over run” this line and not be in jeopardy of being tagged out, unless he makes a movement towards 3rd Base (similar to over running 1st base.  If the runner decides to run to 3rd Base, he can do so without having to backtrack and touch 2nd Base first. 

        Umpires and runners are cautioned that when runners are going into 2nd or 3rd base on a force out at that bag, any runner who interferes with the fielder covering the bag or goes hard into that fielder causing a collision, can be called OUT by the umpire for Interference, if the runner's action resulted in the fielder not being able to make the play, and the umpire can call a double play if the umpire thinks that the interference prevented an obvious double play from being made.  Even if the collision doesn't prevent the fielder from making the play, going into the fielder hard can result in Unsportsmanlike Conduct and the runner can be called out or ejected from the game by the Umpire.  Remember, this is a Recreational league and we want to have Fun and prevent Injuries from happening.

        NOT APPLICABLE: Umpires and runners are cautioned that even though runners are not required to Peal Off when going into 2nd or 3rd base on a force out at that bag, any runner who interferes with the fielder covering the bag by going hard into that fielder can be called OUT by the umpire for Interference if the runner's action resulted in the fielder not being able to make the play, and the umpire can call a double play if the umpire thinks that the interference prevented an obvious double play from being made.  Even if the collision doesn't prevent the fielder from making the play, going into the fielder hard can result in Unsportsmanlike Conduct and the runner can be called out or ejected from the game by the Umpire.  Remember, this is a Recreational league and we want to have Fun and prevent Injuries from happening.

13.   The umpire will have the FINAL say on any call, with exceptions noted below.  ONLY a Manager is allowed to talk to the umpire to question a call or an interpretation of the rules. 

        ** NOTE: However, in the spirit of good sportsmanship, the Managers of the Batting and Defensive Teams can confer and “overrule” the Umpire’s call, especially if the Umpire failed to make an obvious call that is spelled out in the rules or when the Umpire’s call was just incorrect.  An example is when an Umpire fails to make an obvious Infield Fly Rule call.  Remember, an Infield Fly is not automatic on a popup to the infield.  It must “catchable”, in that it must be hit in the vicinity of a defensive player.

        Please respect the players who volunteer to umpire by not arguing with them.  Any misconduct on the part of any player is subject to review by the League and the imposition of sanctions, from a warning up to, and including, a lifetime ban.  Fielders and players in the dugouts are cautioned NOT to call an “infield fly” or any other call, until after the Umpire makes that call.  Doing so when the call has not been made by the Umpire made be considered unsportsmanlike conduct by the Umpire, and could result in baserunners being awarded the next base or not being tagged or forced out, if it causes confusion with the runners.

14.   To score, the runners must touch the alternate home plate.  The Home Plate line is NOT being used. Touching the plate at the batter's box will result in the runner being called out.

15.   Runners must go home after touching or crossing the commit line.

16.   Runners cannot be tagged out after touching or crossing the commit line.  After the runner touches or crosses the commit line, the player covering home plate must catch and control the ball while touching the home plate by the batter's box for the runner to be called out.

17.   No sliding into 1^st base or home plate.  Penalty: Dead ball and runner out.

18.   If a player wants to step off the corner bases into foul territory he must notify the umpire.  The runner must be perpendicular to the base and retouch the base before advancing.

19.   All players must play a minimum of 3 innings defensively per game, if they choose to.

20.   NOT APPLICABLE: There will be NO “Mercy Run Rule” during the Short Season.

21.   If the game is tied after the 7^th inning, the 8^th inning with start (and 9^th if necessary) with the last batter on 2^nd base.  This runner may not be pinch run for until he reaches 3^rd base.  If he cannot physically run for any reason, he will be declared out, and the 2^nd to last batter from the previous inning will take his place.  Games will be called a tie after 9 complete innings. Courtesy runners are permitted to run once in the extra innings.

        ** Only the teams that are tied will play 1 extra inning, or 2 extra innings if there is time and both Managers agree.

22.   If a ball is thrown and goes out of the area of play (into a dugout or over the fence) the base runners automatically get to advance to the bass they are going to plus one extra base.  If the gate on the dugout of the team batting is not closed, the team batting will gain no advantage (no player advancement) for a ball that goes thru the gate area into the dugout.  Instead it will be considered a dead ball.

23.   ** NOTE:  Any designated pinch runner may run an unlimited number of times during regulation play.  There is NO pinch running for another Pinch Runner.  If a pinch runner is on base during ANY inning (including extra innings), and it’s his turn to bat, he shall be called OUT, the base will be vacated, and will be allowed to bat, unless that is the third out.  A player can only pinch run ONCE per inning during regulation play and ONLY ONCE during the extra innings.  If a player is pinch run for, it is NOT required that he be pinch run from that point on.  It is the Manager’s discretion to determine if and when pinch runners will be used. 

24.   In regards to 80+ players (Silver Alert).  The umpire will announce “Silver Alert”, meaning an 80+ player cannot be doubled up at 1st base.

25.   Outfielders may not throw to first base on a batted ball (includes any relays to first base). The only time they may throw to first base 'is if the batter has safely reached first base and has made an attempt to advance to 2^nd base.

26.   Fake tags are prohibited.  Penalty:  All runners advance one base.

27.   For purposes of joining the league (minimum age 55) or players benefitting from 80+ rules, age is determined on a calendar year basis.  For example, if he will be 80 on November 21, he is considered to be 80 on January 1.

28.   A ball thrown by a fielder that makes contact with the pitcher’s screen will be considered “live” and in play, same as if it hit a base or an umpire.

Here is a history of Carmalita Park with a note about our morning softball league.  

Many thanks to Will O'Crotty for working with the County for this addition to their website.

Click on the link below to view.

https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/community-services/parks/all-parks/carmalita-park.stml

Official Rules for Punta Gorda 55+ Morning Softball League

(Revised as of 1/15/2024)

1.       One 7 inning game will be played.

2.     Dugouts will be chosen by whichever teams arrives first and choses their dugout.

3.     Teams will field 11 fielders as follows:  Pitcher, catcher, 5 infielders and 4 outfielders.  All infielders, including the middle fielder, must be positioned on the infield dirt until the pitcher’s release of the ball.  All outfielders must be behind the white line in the outfield. They may move in only on the pitcher’s release of the pitch.

4.     Teams must be able to field a minimum of 8 players from their roster and can pick up 2 - 3 players as substitutes including players from the opposing team, and must field a minimum of 10 players, if not they forfeit the game. Substitutes must be the same or lower draft number(s) as the missing player(s).  Example:  If a team is missing their #3 draft pick, they can only substitute with a #3 or lower draft pick.  If a team is missing their #3 and #5 draft picks, one substitute must be a #3 or lower and the other substitute must be a #5 or lower, and so on.  You can ONLY replace a player when you get below 11 players, no matter who is missing.

5.     Any player picked up by a team to play as a substitute, other than a player from the opposing team, can bat or play any position in the lineup as determined by the manager. Any player(s) picked up from the opposing team (because they have extra player(s) available, must bat at the bottom of the lineup and play the field in the following order: Catcher, Right Field and First Base.  This applies when the player is put "on" that team for the entire game.  If the defensive team just needs a fielder each inning, the opposing team will provide a fielder(s) but they don't bat. 

        NOTE:  For the Winter 2024 Season, due to the larger team rosters, if one team has 2 or more players than their opponents, the Manager of the team with the greater number of players will give players to the team with the fewer player so as to even out the roster if the Manager of the team with the fewer players desires so. This is on hold for further review and clarification.

6.     At bat begins with a one ball one strike count.

7.     Teams will be allowed to score 5 runs per inning until the last inning, and extra innings, which is unlimited.

8.     Pitching Arc Rule:  There is no official upper arc limit, but Pitchers must attempt to keep the arc below 12 feet from the ground.  Please use discretion and don't violate the spirit of the game.  The lower arc of a pitched ball must go higher than the batter’s head, while in his normal stance, at the high point of the arc.  A “flat” pitch that doesn’t go higher than the batter’s head is an illegal pitch and shall be called “flat” by the Umpire AFTER it crosses the plate.  Such “flat” pitches are a “ball” for purposes of the count, unless the batter chooses to swing at it.  If so, then the pitched ball is in play.  If the batter swings and misses, then it is a strike.

9.     The pitching screen is mandatory.  The pitcher will be required to get behind the screen after releasing the ball and remain there until the ball is struck.

10.   A batted ball that hits the screen will result in a dead ball and automatic strike on the batter. If a batter has two strikes and hits a foul ball the batter will be called out on strikes.  If the batter has two strikes and hits the pitching screen it will be considered a dead ball and the count will remain the same.  If during the same at bat, if the batter hits the pitching screen a second time with two strikes on him, the batter will be called out on strikes.

11.   Runners to first base must use the outside base on any potential defensive play at that base.  To avoid collisions and injuries, if there is no potential play at first, the First Baseman shouldn’t remain on the bag.

12.   Running the bases: Umpires and runners are cautioned that when going into 2nd or 3rd base on a force out at that bag, any runner who interferes with the fielder covering the bag by going hard into that fielder or interfers in any way can be called OUT by the umpire for Interference if the runner's action resulted in the fielder not being able to make the play, and the umpire can call a double play if the umpire thinks that the interference prevented an obvious double play from being made.  Even if the collision doesn't prevent the fielder from making the play, going into the fielder hard can result in Unsportsmanlike Conduct and the runner can be called out or ejected from the game by the Umpire.  Remember, this is a Recreational league and we want to have Fun and prevent Injuries from happening.

13.   The umpire will have the FINAL say on any call.  ONLY a Manager is allowed to talk to the umpire to question a call or an interpretation of the rules.  Please respect the players who volunteer to umpire by not arguing with them.  Any misconduct on the part of any player is subject to review by the League and the imposition of sanctions, from a warning up to, and including, a lifetime ban.  Fielders and players in the dugouts are cautioned NOT to call an “infield fly” or any other call, until after the Umpire makes that call.  Doing so when the call has not been made by the Umpire made be considered unsportsmanlike conduct by the Umpire, and could result in baserunners being awarded the next base or not being tagged or forced out, if it causes confusion with the runners.

14.   To score, the runners must touch the alternate home plate.  The Home Plate line is NOT being used. Touching the plate at the batter's box will result in the runner being called out.

15.   Runners must go home after touching or crossing the commit line.

16.   Runners cannot be tagged out after touching or crossing the commit line.  After the runner touches or crosses the commit line, the player covering home plate must catch and control the ball while touching the home plate by the batter's box for the runner to be called out.

17.   No sliding into 1^st base or home plate.  Penalty: Dead ball and runner out.

18.   If a player wants to step off the corner bases into foul territory he must notify the umpire.  The runner must be perpendicular to the base and retouch the base before advancing.

19.   All players must play a minimum of 3 innings defensively per game, if they choose to.

20.   There will be a “Mercy Run” rule of 15 runs after 6 innings.

21.   If the game is tied after the 7^th inning, the 8^th inning with start (and 9^th if necessary) with the last batter on 2^nd base.  This runner may not be pinch run for until he reaches 3^rd base.  If he cannot physically run for any reason, he will be declared out, and the 2^nd to last batter from the previous inning will take his place.  Games will be called a tie after 9 complete innings. Courtesy runners who have run twice in the first 7 innings are permitted to run once in the extra innings.

22.   If a ball is thrown and goes out of the area of play (into a dugout or over the fence) the base runners automatically get to advance to the bass they are going to plus one extra base.  If the gate on the dugout of the team batting is not closed, the team batting will gain no advantage (no player advancement) for a ball that goes thru the gate area into the dugout.  Instead it will be considered a dead ball.

23.   Any designated pinch runner may only run three times per game.  A runner may only be a substitute runner once per inning.  If a player is pinch run for, it is NOT required that he be pinch run from that point on.  It is the Manager’s discretion to determine if and when pinch runners will be used.  Any player entering the game as a pinch runner must notify the opposing team and announce whether this is his first or second time pinch running in the game.  If he doesn’t indicate, the umpire will ask him.  In extra innings, each runner can pinch run 1 time, no matter how many times they had pinch run prior to extra innings in that game.  There is no penalty if a pinch runner is on base and it’s his turn to bat.  He shall be replaced with another pinch runner.

24.   In regards to 80+ players (Silver Alert).  The umpire will announce “Silver Alert”, meaning an 80+ player cannot be doubled up at 1st base.

25.   Outfielders may not throw to first base on a batted ball (includes any relays to first base). The only time they may throw to first base 'is if the batter has safely reached first base and has made an attempt to advance to 2^nd base.

26.   Fake tags are prohibited.  Penalty:  All runners advance one base.

27.   For purposes of joining the league (minimum age 55) or players benefitting from 80+ rules, age is determined on a calendar year basis.  For example, if he will be 80 on November 21, he is considered to be 80 on January 1.

28.   A ball thrown by a fielder that makes contact with the pitcher’s screen will be considered “live” and in play, same as if it hit a base or an umpire.

29.   Part-Time Players:  Any player who designates availability for only a single day of the week at the time of the draft (either Monday or Thursday), can only play for his team on that one day.