SCHEDULE

1. All games will start at 9.30AM. Single games will be played as 9 inning games and double headers will be played as 7 inning games
2. If there is a doubleheader, for the first game, no innings can start after 75 minutes after the start of the game
3. Rainout backup dates played as double headers or singles games as appropriate.  Or if no available rain-dates, then rainout games are considered "7-7 tie".
4. Home team responsible for contacting visiting team(s) by 7:30AM on game day if game is to be called because of weather or field conditions.
5. First league game May 14^th. Wrap-up Tournament dates August 27^th and September 3^rd. (Rainout make-up date is Thursday, Sept 10^th). Final regular league standings will be used to determine play-off format. 
    

RULES OF PLAY

1. Sliding Allowed at 2nd and 3rd base as per normal slo-pitch rules. Any blatant attempt to take out a defensive player, runner will be called out
2. Force plays (tag or no tag) will follow normal ball rules
3. Rover playing position restrictions - rover must start on grass before pitch is thrown but can move freely after pitch made.
4. Outfielder or Rover cannot relay the ball to an infielder to force out the base-runner going from home to first.  However, if base-runner makes attempt to start to 2^nd base, then he can be tagged out.
5. Only an infielder can throw out a batter running to 1st base. Infielders must also position themselves in the infield before a pitch is thrown. They can move freely after the pitch is thrown and can throw out a batter at first base even if they field the ball on grass.
6. Over-shifting Outfield and Infield - there will not be any over-shifting of either the outfield or infield before the ball is thrown
7. All Caught Foul Tips are an out
8. 5 run mercy per inning, except for last inning, which will be open/unlimited.
9. 11 players on the field (4 outfielders plus a rover)
10. 2HR Differential will remain in effect with third home run or more treated as a "walk" until opposing team hits a home run.
11. When the umpire declares a Home Run or Four Base Award, the batter proceeds directly to the team bench.  All on base runners also proceed directly to their bench. All runs are added to the team score
12. All Batters will begin their turn at bat with a 1 ball 1 strike count
13. Spares must bat last in the batting order
14. NEW – Courtesy Runner from the fence must start aligned to the back corner of the home plate board, and can only leave when the bat contacts the ball. If batter makes it to 1^st base safely, he cannot advance any further. If the courtesy runner makes an attempt to start to second base, the baserunner is in jeopardy and could be tagged out.  Please remind your players accordingly
15. NEW - Unlimited Courtesy runners but Courtesy runner (which includes courtesy runner from the fence) can only run once per inning.

PLAYING FIELD

Pitcher mound distance (Mound 50 feet from home with deepest position at 65 feet from home. Pitcher must start delivery no closer than 50 feet before ball is thrown) - A chalk line will be drawn 15 feet behind the pitching rubber creating a pitching zone. A pitcher must throw a ball while having at least one foot on the pitching rubber, or both feet inside the 15 foot line before throwing a pitch.    

EQUIPMENT

1. Bats with the USSSA 1.20 bpf thumbprint or designation are the only bats approved for use.  The batter is automatically out if he enters the batter’s area with an illegal, non-approved or altered bat.
2. NEW - Balls: The “Super Gray Dot” and “Trump” balls will be discontinued, but will be used until depleted. After finished, switch over to “Hot Dots”.  Do not mix balls in the same game.
3. Strongly recommend that all pitchers wear facemask and protective equipment

ALCOHOL POLICY

We have a policy of zero tolerance in relation to the consumption of alcoholic beverages by our members before, during or after our softball game or other function or event, which takes place in park or diamond facilities, including adjoining parking facilities, licensed to us by the City of Markham (the “Alcohol Policy”).