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Coed Recreational Softball League Rulebook

1. League Philosophy

The purpose of the league is to provide a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive recreational softball experience. Good sportsmanship is expected from all players, spectators, managers, and league officials.

League officials have the authority to interpret these rules and make decisions in situations not specifically addressed.

2. Equipment

Softballs are provided by the league.
Metal cleats are prohibited.
Players must wear closed-toe athletic shoes or molded rubber cleats.
Bats must meet current USA Softball or USSSA standards (as specified by the league).
Altered bats are prohibited.
Gloves may be used by all defensive players.
Catchers are encouraged to wear protective equipment.

3. Team Rosters

Teams may roster any number of eligible players.
Players may only appear on one team during a season unless approved by the league.
Every player must complete the league waiver before participating.
Teams are responsible for ensuring all players are eligible.

4. Game Length

Games are scheduled for 7 innings.
No new inning will begin after 55 minutes (or league-specified time limit).
The home team does not bat if leading after the top of the final inning.
Championship games may have different time limits as announced by the league.

5. Mercy Rule

A game becomes official if a team leads by:

20 runs after 3 innings
15 runs after 4 innings
10 runs after 5 innings

6. Minimum Players

Teams may begin with 8 players.
A team must have at least three (3) female players on the field at all times.
Teams unable to field at least eight players at game time may forfeit unless both captains agree to play.

7. Defensive Positions

Teams may field up to ten (10) defensive players:

Pitcher
Catcher
First Base
Second Base
Shortstop
Third Base
Left Field
Left Center
Right Center
Right Field

At least three female players must be on the field throughout the game.

8. Batting Order

Teams may bat their entire roster.
Players arriving after the game begins are added to the end of the lineup.
There are no gender-based batting order requirements.
A player removed from the batting order may not return unless replacing an injured player.

9. Substitutions

Defensive substitutions are unlimited between innings.
Offensive lineup changes must be reported to the umpire.
Injured players may be replaced without penalty.

10. Pitching

Slow-pitch arc must be between 6 and 12 feet.
Illegal pitches are ruled balls.
Pitchers must remain on or adjacent to the pitching rubber until the pitch is released.

11. Strike Zone

The strike zone is:

Over any part of home plate.
Between the batter's front knee and back shoulder while in a natural batting stance.

12. Walks

Standard walk rules apply.
If a male batter is intentionally walked with two outs and a female batter follows, the female batter may choose to walk or take the at-bat (optional league rule).

13. Courtesy Runners

Courtesy runners are permitted for:

Injured players
Catchers with two outs

The courtesy runner is the last recorded out.

14. Sliding

Players may:

Slide into bases.
Dive back to a base.

Players may not:

Slide spikes-first.
Intentionally initiate contact.
Slide into a fielder without attempting to reach the base.

Dangerous slides may result in an out or ejection.

15. Home Plate Safety

If a commitment line is used:

Runners crossing the commitment line must continue home.
Catchers may not block home plate without possession of the ball.
Defensive plays are made by touching home plate rather than tagging the runner.

16. Collision Rule

Players must avoid unnecessary contact.

Fielders without possession of the ball may not block a base.
Intentional collisions may result in immediate ejection.

17. Overthrows

Live-ball overthrows remain live unless the ball leaves the field of play.
Dead-ball overthrows award two bases from the time of the throw.

18. Infield Fly Rule

The standard infield fly rule applies.

19. Home Runs (Optional)

Unless otherwise announced:

Each team is allowed two over-the-fence home runs per game.
Additional home runs are recorded as outs.

20. Sportsmanship

Players, managers, and spectators are expected to:

Respect officials.
Respect opponents.
Respect teammates.
Respect park property.

Unsportsmanlike conduct includes:

Excessive arguing.
Profanity directed at others.
Throwing equipment.
Threatening behavior.

21. Ejections

Immediate ejection may occur for:

Fighting.
Threatening officials.
Physical contact with an umpire.
Repeated unsportsmanlike conduct.
Deliberate dangerous play.

Additional suspensions may be imposed by the league.

22. Protests

Only rule interpretations may be protested.

Judgment calls made by umpires are final.

23. Weather

The league may delay, suspend, or cancel games due to:

Rain
Lightning
Unsafe field conditions
Other hazardous conditions

League officials determine whether suspended games will be resumed or replayed.

24. Standings

Standings are determined in the following order:

Winning Percentage
Head-to-Head Record
Runs Allowed
Run Differential (maximum +10 per game)
Coin Toss

25. Playoffs

Playoff format will be announced before the season.
Higher-seeded teams are the home team unless otherwise specified.

26. Forfeits

Forfeited games are recorded as a 7–0 victory.

Repeated forfeits may result in removal from the league.

27. Alcohol & Substance Policy

Players may not participate while visibly impaired.

All local park rules regarding alcohol and controlled substances must be followed.

28. Code of Conduct

The league maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward:

Harassment
Discrimination
Violence
Threats
Abuse toward officials or participants

League officials may suspend or remove players or teams for violations.

29. League Authority

The League Commissioner has final authority regarding:

Rule interpretations
Player eligibility
Scheduling
Discipline
Situations not specifically addressed in this rulebook

Commissioner decisions are final.

Optional Local Rules

The league may also adopt one or more of the following:

1-and-1 count.
One courtesy foul with two strikes.
Safety base at first.
Commitment line and scoring line at home plate.
Five-run limit per inning (except the final inning).
No bunting.
No stealing.
No leading off.
Courtesy runner for any injured player once per inning.
Home run limits based on field size.