General Rules: Any matters not covered by the following rules will default to the USA (ASA) rule book. The umpires have the final say on the field, so please respect their calls.

For USA softball website and rules, visit: http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball

For approved bat/equipment information, visit: https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball/Certified-Equipment/Equipment-Bats

Rosters - Please note: A player is not allowed to play on more than one team in the same league on the same day in any SSA softball league. Coed leagues must have a minimum of 4 females. If starting with only 3, an out must be taken in the lineup spot where the 4th female should be. This must be declared to the umpire and opposing team at the start of the game. All players must be on the SSA online roster in order to participate in any league games. Subs can only be utilized if a team is short the starting line up. 

1.)  All SSA games will begin with a one-and-one count. After the second strike, one foul is allowed.

2.)  All games consist of 7 innings. In case of inclement weather, darkness, light failure, or any other unforeseen circumstances, 4.5 / 5 innings will be considered a completed game, unless the 12-run mercy rule is invoked. No new innings will start after 70 minutes. Umpires will inform teams when the time limit is approaching. If a game is tied and there is time left, extra innings can be played, starting with the last batter up on 2nd base. Additionally, if a game is tied and the 70-minute time limit has been reached, the game can continue until a winner is declared (we don't want games ending in ties if there is still daylight). Playoffs we will not have a time limit & games will play out, unless the 12-run mercy rule is invoked.

3.)  A run rule of 12 runs after 4.5 / 5 innings applies to all league play.

4.)  There is a two-up home run rule in effect for all league games.

5.)  The pitch's arc for all leagues will be between 6' to 12' from the ground.

6.)  Courtesy runners are allowed, with two courtesy runners permitted each inning. Either a male for a male or a female for a female. In men's leagues, only one courtesy runner per inning is allowed. New for 2024 pitchers for either COED or Mens leagues are now allowed a courtesy runner at anytime. DP flex is allowed, BUT if it is being used a team must already have 10 players batting. DP must be reported to Home Plate umpire before the game. 

7.)  Teams can utilize extra batters (EPs) with a maximum lineup of 12. The 11th player can be of any gender, while the 12th batter must be female. Out of the lineup of 10, any 10 players can play defense at any time. To use the EP, the game must start with the EP, and they cannot be added after the game has started. However, there must still be four females in the field and in the top 10 of your lineup.

8.)  If a player on the roster arrives late, they can be added to the lineup immediately, but only if starting with nine players. If there are already 10 players in the lineup, the late player can only play as a substitute. All players must be on the online roster to participate in any league games. Games can start with 8 players. 

9.)  No faking is allowed in pitching.

10.)  Home plate is live.

11.)  Umpire fees are $30 per game and should be paid directly to the umpire before the start of the game.

12.) In all coed leagues, a 180' outfield line is used. All outfielders (4 outfielders), regardless of gender, must start behind this line until the ball is hit. If violated it will result in the batter being awarded first base and any runners would advance, if forced. 

13.)  All leagues will be playing Mat Ball.

14.)  Alcohol is prohibited at the park, and all public and village laws must be followed. 

15.)  Games must start on time. Teams have a 10-minute grace period, but the game clock starts at the originally scheduled time without exceptions.

16.)  To be eligible for playoffs, a player must participate in at least 5 regular-season games (3 for the fall season). Your integrity is also appreciated.

17.)  Pitchers are now required to wear a mask during all league play for safety purposes. Cleats are allowed but no metal cleats for saftey purposes.  

18.) A walk to a male batter will result in a two base award. The next batter,
a female, shall bat.
Effect
A -  The ball is dead
B -  A male batter-runner advancing to second base without touching first base
shall be called out if properly appealed
Exception: With two outs, the female batter has the option to walk or bat. Should
the female batter choose to walk and pass a male batter-runner while advancing
to first base, no out shall be called during this dead ball period. (This is a word for word USA sotball book rule we are using.)

19.) No sliding into First base. 

All forfeits must be reported 24 hours prior to your game time, or the forfeiting team will be charged a $60 forfeit fee. No exceptions. This fee must also be paid before the next game.

Have questions? Contact our SSA Softball Commissioner, Meghan, at Meghan@cusesports.com.

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