Rule 1

Definitions

1.1

No modifications to Softball Canada definitions.

Rule 2

The Playing Field

2.1

Bases will be 60 feet apart.

2.2

A commitment line shall be drawn perpendicular to the base path 20 feet from home plate.

2.3

A safe line shall be used at home plate.

2.4

The pitcher mound shall be 40 feet from the plate. The front line of the pitcher’s plate shall be measured from the back or point of home plate. The top of the plate shall be level with the ground

Rule 3

Equipment

3.1

No metal cleats.

3.2

 Batter/Base Runners must wear an approved batting helmet at bat and while running the bases.

3.3

Pitchers must wear approved face protection  (*more details to follow*)

3.4

Only wood bats manufactured by Sam Bat are to be used. Composite, wood/composite and aluminum bats are prohibited. All wood bats are to be purchased from Sam Bats.

3.5

Only a softball with cor .47 375 lbs are to be used. White softballs are to be used, but if not available, a yellow ball may be used provided it is a corr .47 375 lbs.

Rule 4

Coaches, Players and Substitutes

4.1

A team must have at least eight of their own players for it to be a legal game. If they only have eight players, they are allowed to borrow up to two additional players from any other team.

4.2

All players will bat in the order established at the start of the game. Players arriving late may be added to the bottom of the batting order without penalty. If a player cannot continue due to injury, his position in the batting order is skipped without penalty. If a player is injured while running the bases he shall be replaced (at the end of the play) by the last batter due up to bat (not the last out).

4.21

To determine the proper replacement runner go backwards in the batting order from the injured player; the first non-gimp who is not on base is the correct runner

4.22

Softball Canada's Blood and Two-Out-Catcher rules apply but all other substitution & re-entry rules do not apply. Excluding injuries, defensive players can only be replaced on the field between batters.

4.3

Ten player’s maximum can be used on defense. The rover and outfielders can play any where in the field.

4.4

As one team will not make the playoffs (especially were 5 teams are in the league), a team needs a spare player can select players from the team not making the playoffs provided that the player(s) selected is of the same calibre to the player that will be missing. This also depends on whether the spare player is available. The opposing team needs to be informed prior to the game that you are using spares and indicated which players are replaced by the spare.

4.5

Where there may only be four teams, and spare players are needed, a team may select a player from another team provided it is of the same calibre to the player that will be missing. The opposing team needs to be informed prior to the game that you are using spares and indicated which players are replaced by the spare.

4.6

A spare player for a team must be placed at the bottom of the line up.

As one team will not make the playoffs (especially were 5 teams are in the league), a team needs a spare player can select players from the team not making the playoffs provided that the player(s) selected is of the same calibre to the player that will be missing. This also depends on whether the spare player is available. The opposing team needs to be informed prior to the game that you are using spares and indicated which players are replaced by the spare.

Where there may only be four teams, and spare players are needed, a team may select a player from another team provided it is of the same calibre to the player that will be missing. The opposing team needs to be informed prior to the game that you are using spares and indicated which players are replaced by the spare.

4.7

A spare player for a team must be placed at the bottom of the line up.

4.8

Under rules 04.04 and 04.05 if the opposing team does not agree that the spare player is of the same calibre to the player being replaced that team can ask the president to review the case. If the President’s team is involved, it can be reviewed by another executive member.

4.9

For playoff games, a team with a minimum number of 9 qualified players cannot use spare players to provide additional players. Where a team has asked a spare to play for them in the playoffs, but one of their player can play, that spare person will not be allowed to play. A team must field their required players at a minimum of 9 players and no spares can be used to the line up.

4.10

Where a team is missing a pitcher for a playoff game and has no other designated pitcher on the team, that team can with approval of the executive use another pitcher from the league. The opposing team must also be consulted on the decision.

Rule 5

The Game

5.1

Four runs or three outs end an inning, maximum seven innings per game except playoffs.

5.2

Both teams may score unlimited runs in the last inning.

5.3

No tie games for a playoff. Playoff rules apply where the last person out starts at second base. If the last person out is a designated runner, the next person out in the line up applies. A player who is injured at the end of the game must start at second. The player must advance to third base, where the team can use a pinch runner (one that has not been a pinch runner before).

Rule 6

Pitching Regulations

6.1

Orthodox pitchers will pitch from 40 feet. No slingshot or windmill pitching is allowed. (measured from the apex of home plate to front of pitching rubber)

6.2

Illegal Pitch. An illegal pitch follows Softball Canada Rules. On an illegal pitch the ball is dead, the batter is awarded a ball and all runners advance 1 base. The offence has the option of taking the enforcement of the illegal pitch by continuing to hit the ball and the runners and the batter do not advance one base.

Rule 7

Designated Hitter: Pitcher

7.1

All players present shall play offence, which means they all must bat.

7.2

Exception where a designated hitter can be used for a pitcher.

7.21

Prior to the game, the team is to announce whether a pitcher will be identified as a designated defensive Pitcher (DDP). On the line up card/ scoresheet the initials “DDP” are to follow the pitcher’s name.

7.22

 A pitcher who is identified as a DDP may not be required to pitch a game.

7.23

The pitcher who is identified as a DDP is allowed to play any defensive position in the field and not be required to bat.

7.24

 Where the DDP plays any defensive position, he will be required to pitch one complete inning in that particular game. If the DDP does not pitch one complete inning and has played a defensive position, the player will be deemed to be an illegal player and the game will be forfeited.

7.25

The exception is where a player who is injured in the seventh (last inning of a game), the DDP has not pitched any innings, can come into the game as an injury substitution.

7.26

If a person who is designated as a DDP and plays any defensive position and does not pitch one complete inning will result in a forfeiture of that game with a score of 7 to 0.

7.27

The DDP rule only applies if the team has more than 9 players.

7.28

The DDP only applies to one pitcher on a team.

7.3

Where there is a doubleheader, the pitcher in one game can be identified as a DDP and in another game he may choose to bat.

7.4

The DDP is not required to run as a substitute.

7.5

A batter walks after four balls.

7.6

If a batter is hit by a pitched the ball is dead, the batter has the option of going to 1st or remaining at bat. Runners do not advance unless forced by the batter going to 1st base

7.7

No bunting allowed, the batter is out, the ball is dead. A full swing of the bat is required.

7.8

Infield fly rule will follow softball Canada rules.

7.9

You may pinch run four times per game from 1st, 2nd, or 3rd base. Four different runners must be used. In addition, two designated batters may have runners after reaching first base safely. For these designated batters, the runners must be the previous out. To keep track of pinch runners, the letters “PR” should be written beside the name of the runner on the score sheet.

Rule 8

Lame Batter (gimp rule)

8.1

Up to 4 players may be simultaneously designated as "gimp" or lame batters. A player can be designated as a gimp at any time. Once declared a gimp, the player remains a gimp for the rest of the game. Except as designated, gimps have no special status and are subject to all league rules

8.2

A gimp runner  that rounds (attempts to advance past) first  will be called out. The gimp runner can run past first base and turn towards the sideline to indicate he is not advancing towards second base.

8.3

The gimp must always return to first unless he hits an outside-the-park home run (including off a player or the top of the fence) or the defense has made a play on the gimp and  there is a pass ball allowing the gimp runner to advance to second base (ball goes under the fence or into the dugout).

8.4

At the end of the play the gimp must be replaced by the last person due up to bat (not last out).

8.5

Violations of the gimp rule shall be handed as a timing play made after all play has ceased. Exception: A gimp who, in the judgement of the umpire, attempts to draw a throw shall be called out, the ball declared dead, and all runners shall return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.

The umpire shall enforce this rule without waiting for an appeal. Teams bear the responsibility of ensuring that a violation is not missed by the umpire; if the violation is overlooked by the umpire the appeal must be made before the next batter on either team has received a pitch. The judgement of the umpire on the application of this rule is final.

8.6

Harvey Rule: a player who is 70 years of age or older is not required to pinch run or be a runner for a designated batter.

8.7

A pitcher who is not hitting can not be a pinch runner.

8.8

A lame batter can also not be a pinch runner.

8.9

If a game is overtime, and a runner is placed on second base, that person will be the last out, except for a lame runner or a pitcher who has designated not to hit.

Rule 9

Base Running

9.1

No stealing bases, runners may only leave their base when a pitched ball is batted.

9.2

 An anticipation step is not allowed, runners most remain in contact with their base until the pitched ball is batted. (revised 2016)

9.3

A safe line shall be used at home plate.

9.31

Except when avoiding a collision the runner shall cross this line in foul territory and not step on home plate (if you do step on home plate, you are out– no warning).

9.32

The catcher can only make an out by touching the plate.

9.321

Exception: The catcher can tag the runner if

9.322

 On receiving the ball, he is so far from the plate he cannot make the play there. He must not use force in making the tag.

9.323

Effect: If in the opinion of the umpire he has violated this rule the runner shall be called safe.

9.323

The runner cannot avoid the tag by swerving. He must keep his line from 3rd. He is permitted to jump over or slide under the tag. You can’t run into/over the catcher.

9.4

A run does not score until the runner touches the safe line or touches the ground on the first base side of the safe line (a foot in the air and past the line does not score).

9.5

All runners must touch all bases on outside-the-park home runs.

Rule 10

Umpires

10.1

Umpire will call last inning when time forces a shortened game. The umpire will also be responsible for calling games due to rain.

10.2

Rule changes must be agreed to by all team representatives.

10.3

Only the team representative/captain will be allowed to talk to the umpire. All other players who communicate with the umpire risk being ejected from the game and being suspended by the league.

10.4

the umpires timing device or one that is selected will be used to determine the time of a game and the last inning. The timing device is to identified before the start of the game.

Rule 11

Home Run Rules - Match Plus One

11.1

MATCH PLUS ONE is in effect in all fenced parks or parks with a designated out of play area. At no time during a game will the number of home runs (over the fence or out of play) hit by one team be more than one (1) more than home runs hit by the opposing team.

11.2

When a home run is hit, that is in excess of the number allowed, the batter will be allowed a walk (scored as a walk) to first base. All runners on the base will advance.

11.21

Exception to 11.2. if runners are all the bases (1, 2 and 3), and a home one is hit outside the match plus one rule, the batter is out and the runners do not advance.

11.211

If a runner is on third base and no runner is on second, the third base runner does not advance and the batter hitting a home run outside the match given a walk to first base. The objective of this rule is that if batters hit a home run outside the match will allow him to walk (scored as a walk), but no runs shall be score in this play. A score can only be made if the home run is hit during their allowable home run hit under the match plus one rule.

11.3

When a fair batted fly ball deflects off a defensive player over the home run fence, the batter-base runner will be awarded 4 (four) bases. This will not be considered the same as an over the fence home run.

Rule 12

Play off schedule – rainout/Inclement weather

12.1

Rained out games for the plays may be rescheduled in the order in which they were rained out. The league shall notify teams involved to determine the date and times of the game. If the games cannot be played, the score from the first games will be the score. If there is no score from the first game, the winning team will be determined by the best of three on a coin flip

Rule 13

Rain Outs/Inclement Weather Procedure

13.1

The home team for the first game will be in charge of determining whether the game an be played or should be officially termed a rainout prior to the start of the first inning. If the game is not called by 5 pm the Umpire will determine whether the game will be played. Games that are called by the umpires results in the league paying for the umpires for that game. Where possible and given the severity of the inclement weather the sooner the home team of the first game can determine whether the game will be a rainout the sooner notification can be made to the umpires, and players for the first game. It is also important to take into consideration of the conditions of the ball diamond (e.g., standing water on the field especially the outfield) and the safety of the players.

13.2

For the second [and third] game, the home team from the first game will also be in charge of determining whether the second and third games can be played.

For a game to be cancelled, the home team will do the following:

1. Call George Findley, Chief Umpire 613 722-2620 and cancel the umpires for the first or all games if needed.
2. Call the team captain for the other two teams that will be playing the second and third games. The team captains will then notify their respective players.