Softball Rules - Men's | Niagara Rec Sports

Softball Rules – Men’s

Niagara Rec Sports Softball Rules

Niagara Rec Sports Softball will be governed by SPO rules with the exception of the NRS league specific rules below.

All team captains and players are required to real the rules before playing in the league.

Metal Spikes/ Cleats

Metal spikes are not allowed at all.
Players who wear metal spikes will be removed from the game until they come back with non metal cleats.
If players wear metal cleats more than once they will be removed from the game the second time.
Repeat offenders will receive suspensions.

Balls

We will be using Hot Dot Classic Plus balls for all of our leagues.
Each team will be given 2 balls at the start of the season, teams are to supply their own if more balls are needed.
At the beginning of the game each team will give the umpire 1 ball to use during the game. The umpire will return the ball at the end of the game.
The team listed first on the schedule will have to provide a new (or reasonably new) ball.
The team listed 2nd on the schedule will provide a used but in good shape ball.
The team that hits an out of the park home run must immediately supply the umpire with another ball until the home run ball is retrieved.

Bats

All bats must be USSSA certified and have the USSSA 1.20 BPF thumbprint on the taper of the bat. If you are buying a new bat make sure it has the USSSA 1.20 BPF thumbprint
Any other bats will not be permitted.
If a player steps into the batters box with an illegal bat the opposing team must notify the umpire at that time. The umpire will inspect the bat and if ti is deemed illegal the batter will receive an out. Repeat offenders will be ejected from the game and receive further suspensions.
All composite bats must have the USSSA thump print.

_ USSSA bat NRS

Illegal bat List

Below are a few examples of bats deemed Illegal in North America

Miken Ultra (Grey)
Miken Ultra II (Black)
Miken Ultra
Easton Synergy (Black / grey)
Easton synergy II (Black/ Grey)
Any Eastern that does NOT have the USSSA thumb print.

Bases & Home Plate Mat – St. Catharines Leagues Only

Niagara Rec Sports has a box at each park containing bases, the mat to be used at home plate and a hammer to install the bases.
The umpire will arrive at the park and open the box for the teams
The teams playing the first game at the park is responsible for setting up the bases, home plate and ensuring the hammer and any other set up equipment is placed back in the box before the game begins.
Both teams can set up the bases.
The last teams to play at the park are responsible for removing the bases & home plate mat and ensuring all bases, home plate mat & equipment are back in the box, the teams and umpire will ensure the box is locked after all equipment is in the box.
If the next time the box is opened and something is missing it will be the responsibility of the previous 2 teams playing at the last time slot of previous night (responsible for putting the equipment back in the box and ensuring it is locked) responsible for the cost of replacing the equipment, including pegs.

Jewelry

It is strongly recommended that no jewelry of any type be worn in any play.
If worn, each player is solely responsible for any injury/damage that may be caused by this jewelry.
The umpire may have any player remove any jewelry or equipment that he deems dangerous.

Weather

We play rain or shine, hot or cold, dress appropriately and be ready to play.
If it has been raining all day and the diamond’s are in an unplayable state we will first post something at the top of the main page and the schedules page on this website.
If we are at a computer we will also send email notification’s to everyone registered in the league. This may not always be a possibility so check the website first, if there is nothing on the website assume the game is on.
If it is after the first scheduled game time and it starts raining or lightening it will be the umpires discretion if the game will continue to play or not. The same goes for subsequent games scheduled for that evening.
If a game is called after it has started due to weather a game shall be considered complete if 4 innings or 60 minutes have been played.
If the game is called before an inning is complete and 4 innings or 60 minutes have been played the score of the last complete full inning will be uses as final.

Players

Fielding:
10 Players on the field
Min of 8 players are needed to start the game.
Forfeits due to insufficient players (see short handed rule below)
The opposing team can choose to still play the game and even give the opposing team players, this will still be considered an official NRS Game and the result of the score will count. (see short handed rule below).

Team Captains are expected to inspect the field and inform the umpire of any unsafe conditions. If any player feels the conditions are not safe to play they are free to stop playing.

Short Handed Rule:

If a team is short handed they are given 15min minutes form the start of the scheduled game time to wait for enough players to show up.
If one team is ready to play and the opposing team is not after 5 minutes 2 runs will be awarded to the team that is ready to play. If after 10 minutes has passed and the opposing team is not ready another 3 runs will be awarded to the team that is ready to play. If 15 minutes has passed the game will be a forfeit win for the team that is ready to play.
The game clock will still start at the scheduled game time even if the team is waiting for the player to arrive.
The amount of time it takes for each team to get the min number of players to field a team will be deducted from the 65min game time.
If the player does not arrive it will be considered a forfeit.
A player may be added any time before the end of the game,
If one team does not meet the minimum requirements to play and the opposing team does not wish to allow them to play short, or does not wish to lend them players that team will take a 6-0 loss.

Playing Field

Bases are 65 feet apart.
Pitching distance is 50 – 60 feet.
Batter’s box is 7 feet by 3 feet
Double base shall be used at first base.
Strike Mat / Home Plate: A 2 feet by 3 feet mat.
A safe line at home plate and a commitment line 21 feet from home plate shall be used.

Equipment

Pitching masks are recommended but not mandatory
Gloves may be worn by any player.
Trappers may be worn by any player.
Batting gloves may be warn by players batting.
Shoes may not have metal cleats.
Caps, if worn, must face forward.
Bats: Must have the ussssa thumbprint and not be on the banned list.
Balls: Hot Dot Classic Plus balls for all of our leagues.
Helmets: Approved helmets may be worn by any player.

Starting The Game

The first team listed on the schedule is the home team and will supply the umpire with 1 new (or reasonably new) ball.
The 2nd team listed on the schedule is the visiting team and will supply the umpire with a good condition used ball).
The team that hits an out of the park home run must give the umpire another ball to use until the home run is retrieved.
Playoffs: The higher ranking team will be given home field advantage.

Duration

A game consists of seven innings or 1 hour and 15 minutes (65minutes), whichever comes first.
No inning can start after 65 minutes.
Game time starts right at the scheduled game time regardless if teams are on the field ready to play or not. We urge all players/ teams to show up to the park early, get your batting order set before your scheduled game time so you are ready to go for your scheduled game time.
If the game is called due weather, the score at the last completed inning will be the final score.
Provided 4 complete innings (three and one half innings if the second batting team is leading) have been played.
Final Inning – If the home team (batting last) has the lead going into the bottom of the final inning they do not bat in that final inning as they have already won the game.
If the home team scores a run to take the lead in the final inning the game is over as they have won the game. No additional runs count and no more at bats are needed.

Mercy Rule

A team shall be declared winner if they are 12 or more runs ahead of the opposition after 5 or 6 innings in they are the visiting team or after 4 and one half, five and one half or 6 and one half if they are the home team. (the losing will have a at least 5 at bats. If at any time after 5 at bats any team is down by 12 or more runs the game is a mercy and declared over).
Coed and Men’s Rec Divisions Only – A maximum of 6 runs per inning may be scored, except for the last inning where there is no maximum.

Playoff’s

There can not be a tie in the playoffs.
If there is a tie after time expires or 7 innings are complete one additional inning will be played with a runner on 2nd base and each at bat has one strike and one ball for the pitch count. If still tied additional innings will be played until one team wins.
Based on the regular season standings the higher seeded team will have the decision to take the field or bat first throughout the playoffs. (not a coin toss).
Rosters will be locked a few weeks before the playoffs.

Forfeits/ Ejections

A game shall be declared a forfeit if a team fails to field the required number of players prior to or during the game, refuses to continue the game after a suspension of play, intentionally tries to delay or hasten the game, or intentionally violates a rule of the game after being warned by the umpire. (see short handed rule for exceptions)
A forfeit shall be declared if a player, ejected from the game by an umpire, does not leave the park when directed to do so. They must leave the park, they can not stay in the stands or in the bar area. If an ejected player leaves the park and comes back the game is a forfeit.
An ejected player must leave the park entirely within 2 minutes of being ejected and not say another word to the umpire or opposing team. Do not change on the bench, bring all your equipment to your car. The ejected player must not continue to speak with the umpire or opposing team or the game will be a forfeit.
If the ejected player does not leave the park in 2 minutes or continues to talk to the umpire or opposing team, one additional game will be added to the suspension.
A forfeit shall be declared if a player/ team, does not give his/ her name to the umpire immediately after being ejected.
The team must give the umpire the ejected players name or the game will be a forfeit. If the team gives a fake name, or a name other than that of the ejected player the team captain will also have a 1 game suspension and a $20.00 fine.
If a team refuses to give the name of the ejected player they can not play another game until the name is given.
When a player is ejected and must leave the ball park, that player must move far enough away so that they may not be seen or heard by the participants of the game and may not participate with the game in any manner.
If a forfeit takes place the other team will be awarded the greater of a 6-0 win, or keep the current game score (if a partial game has been played) which ever is greater.

Scoring

A run is scored when a player safely touches, in order first base, second base, third base and crosses behind home plate.
A runner may not score ahead of a preceding runner who has not been retired.
A run may not score if the last out of an inning is a force out or a preceding runner declared out.
The score of a forfeited game shall be 6-0 in favor of the team not at fault.

Score keeping

Both teams must have score keepers.
Both teams must coordinate with the opposing team’s score keeper after each inning to ensure both teams have the proper score and eliminate any arguments regarding the score.
After each at bat is over the outfield team is to confirm with the team that was just at bat how many runs were scored during that at bat.
If any team fails to communicate the score with the opposing team when they ask they will forfeit the game.

Home Run Rule

Match plus 2 rule will be in effect.
If one team hits 2 out of the park home runs they cannot hit another home run until the opposing team hits at least 1 home run. After which both teams are permitted to hit 1 more home run. This can continue throughout the entire game.
No team can be up more than 2 home runs at any time.
If the team that is up by 2 home runs hits an additional home run before the opposing team hits a home run it will be considered an out.
A batter hitting a ball over the fence in a game in excess of the limit shall be ruled out.
Any ball touched by a defensive player which then goes over the fence in fair territory shall be a four base award and not considered a home run (as it pertains to the home run rule).
If a batter is ruled out because of the excessive home run rule, the ball is dead, no runs may score and all runners must return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.
In the park home runs are unlimited.

Pitching

Teams pitch to the opposing team
Before each pitch, the pitcher must stand with one foot (pivot) within the pitcher’s box, facing the batter with the ball held in one hand. The pitcher must wait until the batter is in the batter’s box to pitch the ball.
A step may be taken in any direction simultaneous with the release of the pitch provided the pivot foot remains in contact with the box until the pitch is released.
The pitch shall be delivered with an underhand motion, go 6 to 12 feet in height and land on the 2 by 3 foot mat.
If a pitch is not between 6 to 12 feet in height the umpire will call an illegal pitch and it will count as a ball if the batter does not swing.

Batting

The batting order must be set before the game begins.
All defensive players must bat and be in the batting order from the beginning of the game.
If a player is playing in one of the 10 outfield defensive positions at any time during the game they must be in the batting order from the beginning of the game, unless the player is being used as a substitution.
The batting order consists of a minimum of 8 players. ie. the team is playing short with only 8 players in the outfield. If a team has 10 in the outfield a min of 10 must bat following the rules outlined above.
If a player comes late they cannot be placed above anyone that has already been at bat and they must be placed at the bottom of the batting order.
Players have until the start of the 3rd inning to be placed in the batting order. No player can be added to the team/ batting order after the start of the 3rd inning.
The scorekeeper from the opposing team may request to see your batting order at any time during the game, if they ask you must show them your batting order
Any batter batting out of order will be called out after the at-bat has been completed, before a pitch is thrown to the following batter. Once a pitch is thrown to the following batter no out will be called.
If a player or team notices the player taking the at-bat is out of turn during the at-bat the proper batter will replace the out of turn batter and assume the count.
If the player batting out of turn has a hit that results in an out(s) the result of the hit stands (the player(s) are out) AND an out is given for the batter out of turn.
If a player leaves for any reason (ie ejection, injury, work) before the game is complete that person is simply skipped in the batting order and it is not considered an out.

Substitutions in the batting order

Substitutions – can be made by removing a player from the batting order and replacing that player with someone new.
The player being substituted is no longer permitted to play in the game in the outfield or bat.
Re-entry can take place only once and must be in the same position of the batting order they were substituted from. The player being substituted is no longer permitted to play in the game or bat.

Base Running

There is no stealing
There are no lead-offs
Sliding is permitted.
Safety base is used at first and safe line is used at home plate.
Players do not touch home plate at any time, just cross the safe line to score.
If a player steps on home plate at any time they are out (batting or running the bases).
If a player steps over the commitment line, they must continue home. Players can step on the line but if the whole foot (or any other part of their body) is over the line they must continue home.
No tagging between the commitment line and home plate.
A batter may not throw their bat. If they throw their bat, the batter is out.
Do not touch home players at any time, if a player steps on home plate they will be out. Players running home only have to cross the safety line.
After the batter has made contact with the ball a batter is NOT out if they touch home plate on the way to first base. If a batter touches the mat while making contact with the ball (fair or foul) they are out.
If a batter hits a foul ball and the ball is caught, then the batter is out.
The runners may advance after the ball is caught as long as they tag up before advancing.

Infield Fly Rule

A batter is out if they hit an infield fly with less than two out and runners on first and second or first, second and third.

Fielding

There are 10 players on the field at one time.
A minimum of 8 are needed to play.
Fielders may not block the base path.
Once the runner has crossed the commitment line the runner can only get out when the catcher has the ball and has a foot on the mat.
There is no tag allowed at home plate.

Walks

A walk is awarded when a batter has received 4 balls before 3 strikes or a hit. Each batter who receives a walk is awarded first base.

Courtesy Runners

Each team is permitted a maximum of three courtesy runners per game and may use anyone present who is on their league roster.
Teams are also permitted to have one player who gets a free runner every time they are on base that is not counted against the three courtesy runners. This rule shall be known as the “Man Rule”. This player is to be identified the first time a runner is used for him/her.
A batter must make it to first base on their own in order to have a courtesy runner run for him/ her (after the at bat is over and the runner is safe at first).

Team Members

Only registered players are eligible to play for your team. We make it very easy to add players to your roster right up until mid August when the playoff deadline starts (to avoid ringers).
All players must be registered with NRS and NRSPA in order to be eligible to play in the league.
Team captains are responsible to ensure all team members (including themselves) are registered and eligible to play.
We want every team to have a game each week therefore we have no roster caps and allow players to play for more than one team during the regular season. Come playoff time players can only play for one team in the same division.
Any team that has unregistered players playing for their team will take an automatic loss. Repeat offenders may lose another game and/ or the team captain will also serve a suspension.
If teams are short they can borrow players from another team ONLY if the opposing team captain agrees to it BEFORE the game begins. Borrowed players must be registered with another team in the NRS league. Outside players are not allowed and must fully register with the team before playing

Process for challenging player eligibility

Play does not stop during this process until the player is deemed illegal.
All players must carry some form of picture ID and be ready to show the referee or the opposing team captain if asked.
The team captain of the team challenging the eligibility of an opposing team’s player(s) must pull up the team rosters on the phone and approach the opposing team’s bench and speak to the team captain regarding the player in question with the roster.
If the team captain refuses to do so the team will get an automatic loss and the player in question will be removed from the field immediately.
The team captain (of the team in question) must verify the player in question is in fact on the roster and ID must be shown by the player to verify they are in fact the person listed on the roster on the website.
If the player is found not to be on the team roster and/ or does not show ID to prove they are who they say they are, notify the umpire and they will be removed from the game and the offending team will take a loss for that game.
Teams have until the beginning of their game to register players. All registrations are time stamped in our back end.
This process can take place until 5 minutes after the game is complete.

Overall Standings Tie Breakers

If there is a in the standings based on points the following will be used as a tie breaker.
Total Most Points (3 points for a win, 1 for a tie)
Plus minus
Runs for
Runs Against
Head to Head (if applicable)
If everything is equal a coin toss

Code of conduct

Understand, appreciate and abide by the rules of the game.
Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials and NRS staff.
Respect your opponent and congratulate them in a courteous manner following each match whether in victory or defeat.
Be responsible for your actions and maintain self-control.
Refrain from using foul or abusive language.
Any players/ team deemed in violation of the code of conduct can be removed from the league.
Have fun!

Profanity

Any team member openly using profanity during a game shall be ejected from further participation in that game.

Injuries / ejections during game play

Team captains are responsible for bringing a first aid kit to every game.
An injured player that is not able to continue playing does not mean an automatic out when that player comes up on the batting order. The next player in the batting order will be up to bat.
An ejected player that is ejected form the game must immediately leave the park and not return for the remainder of the game.
There will not be an out when that player comes up on the batting order. The next player in the batting order will be up to bat.
Ejected players will receive an automatic 1 game suspension (potentially longer depending on the reason for ejection).
In order for a player who has been suspended to be reinstated into the league a fine must be paid. Fines will be progressive for each suspension, and will double each consecutive time with a min of $20.00 for first offense based on the reason for the suspension.
If the injured or ejected player leaves the team with less than 10 players the teams may borrow a player from other teams as long as the opposing team agrees to it. If the opposing team does not agree the team will have to play short.
Team captain’s are responsible to bring their own first aid kit’s to each game.

Forfeit Fine – Less than 24hrs notice

All teams must give min 24hrs notice if they are not able to field a team or they will be charged a $50.00 late notice forfeit fee. The team will not receive any league points in the standings until the $50.00 fee is paid. Points not received during this time will not be reinstated. No team can play in the playoffs with an outstanding fine. If you owe a fine at the time the playoff schedule is being made/ updated your game will not be scheduled.

If a team fails to pay the $50.00 fine within a week the league can look for another team to take their place.

This is to ensure we are able to give opposing teams and referees enough notice that your team will not be able to make it to the game. No one likes going to a game only to find out the other team did not bother to show up.

This normally is not an issue as most teams respect each other enough to give proper notice, this fee is for those that don’t.

We are very lenient with this policy and as long as you have a few people show up and can form a team with other players playing before your game at the diamond, field and/ or court so the opposing team has a game to play your team will not be fined.

At the end of the season any money collected from the forfeit fine will be donated to a local charity such as project share.

If a team forfeit’s 3 times during the season they risk removal from the league.
If a team does not pay the fine within a week they risk removal from the league.
No points will be awarded to to the team in the standings until the fine has been paid.
A one week grace period may be implemented for teams to pay the fine.

There is a zero tolerance for violence and aggression or racism. It will be up to the umpire to make the call and give the consequences for the game night (ejection from the game). It will be up to the head umpire and Niagara Rec Sports as to consequences given after the game regarding suspension from future games or potentially the entire league for the remainder of the season. Any physical violence, rough play or verbal abuse including threats of an umpire/ league official/ player, the player will be suspended indefinitely until a decision has been made regarding the duration of the suspension. Racism, physical violence and abuse towards an umpire/ league official/ player will result in removal from the league

Any player who communicates with opposing teams/ players, umpires, NRS staff in a disrespectful manner, with disparaging remarks will be removed from the league and will not be permitted to play any future games or seasons. This included all forms of communication but not limited to in person, email, text, phone.

Niagara Rec Sports reserves the right to remove or disallow any player from the league at any time throughout the year. No refunds will be given if/ when players are removed from the league.

Niagara Rec Sports reserves the right to add, alter, remove rules either verbally or on any rules page at any time as we deem fit, any rule changes will be effective immediately. Rules discussed at the team captains meeting are to be considered part of the league rules.

For other league rules visit this page.

Don’t forget to have fun!!