MAUMELLE PARKS & RECREATION
SOFTBALL RULES Spring 2015
1. Games will be played at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 p.m. Rainouts will be made up at the end of the season before the post season tournament start and/or during the regular season with at least (2) weeks notice. If a game is rained out after five innings are completed, the game will be counted as a complete game. For rain out status the team’s coach should contact the Maumelle Parks and Recreation Department at www.eteamz.com/maumelleadultsoftball or call 851-6990 after 3:30 p.m. on game days. Coaches will be contacted for post-3:30 rainouts.
2. A time limit of one (1) hour for each game will be in effect. Time constraints will be strictly enforced. The home plate umpire will be the source for official timing. Coaches are encouraged to calibrate with the official time before game start. The game clock will start upon the home umpire’s call for taking the field. Lineups should be submitted to the scoring table 10 minutes prior to the official start time. If complete lineups are not submitted within 5 minutes of the official start time, that team will forfeit 2 outs (first two batters) at the start of the game. Lineups must be accurate and legible, including first and last names and numbers for each player. Numbers must be clearly legible on the back of the jersey (no tape or marker). Teams are not required to have matching jerseys. A five (5) minute grace period can be used for the 6:30 game only, but the clock will start on time. If a team does not have nine players to take the field, the team must forfeit. If the home team is waiting for a ninth player they have the option of becoming the visitor team, but must have nine players to take the field. Players not on the team roster can NOT be picked up to play. A team is allowed one roster change with up to two players prior to the 6th played game of the season. This change must be presented to the League Coordinator prior to the game night.
3. Any team that forfeits on three (3) nights, including those due to ejections, during the season will be eliminated from the league and the league tournament for that season. No refund of fees will be given.
4. No alcohol, dogs, or smoking will be allowed in the softball park per city ordinance. Any player having alcohol in the softball park will be ejected from that game and also their next game. Music will not be allowed in the dugout or on the field during games.
5. Any player ejected for any reason, to include post-game departure, will also be suspended from their next scheduled game. All players must bring their driver’s license or photo ID to each game. If an individual’s I.D. is questioned and the player does not have a valid ID, the player will be ineligible for play. Ineligible player protests will be handled by the officials at the time of the protest. Roster challenges can be initiated by team coaches, game officials, and MPR staff. Official rosters will be available at the ball park.
6. Each team must have three (3) game balls ready for the official at all times. The approved ball will be Classic “M” or Classic Plus. No steel cleats allowed.
7. Each batter will start his at bat with a 1 and 1 count. Players may not use bats outlawed by USSSA.
8. Run rules of 12 after 4 and 10 after 5 will be enforced. The one-pitch rule will take affect in the event of extra innings and innings played after time expiration.
9. One courtesy runner will be allowed per inning and must be the last out in the lineup, otherwise pinch runners can be used per USSSA rules. Courtesy runners must be used carefully if no bench players exist.
10. Home Run Limits:
· Pick at the plate-halfway number (rounding down): 1-6 (Lower); 4-8 (Middle).
· Batters and Runners are not required to advance to the next base on home runs (Hit and Sit).
11. Current USSSA rules will apply outside of the rules above.