INTRODUCING SCSA SOFTBALL!

2023 SCSA Playing Rules

1.  The HR limit for all leagues will be simply a PROGRESSIVE (ADVANTAGE OF 1 MAXIMUM) Home Run Rule. This applies to untouched  Over the fence HR’s***Excessive Home Runs will be called  an OUT .***

2.  Teams may bat as many players as desired, up to and including the full roster.  A team must have at least 8 players to play.  Fewer than 8 at game time will be a forfeit, except for 6:10 games only.  Co-ed teams may play with 9 (5 men and 4 women) and take an automatic out in the open slot.  Co-ed teams may bat more than one woman in a row, but may not do so with male batters.  9th and 10th players may be added to the lineup ANY TIME after the game has started and these players must be placed at the bottom of the batting order.  Additional players (beyond 10) may be added to the bottom of the batting order only up to the first pitch of the third inning, then have to substitute.

3.  Women will not be allowed to play on men’s league teams, and vice versa.

4.  Only 3 courtesy runners are allowed.  Once a player uses a courtesy runner it must be done every succeeding time he/she reaches the base. The courtesy runner will always be the “last out” (in Coed game, the last out of the same gender).  If the last out is on base, at bat, on deck or in the hole then use the last runner who scored or if no one has scored and it is the first inning use the last batter in the lineup.

5.  A 3-ball, 2 strike count will be used.  Batter is out on the second foul after 1 strike.

6.  PITCHING ARC:  The pitch must rise at least 6 feet from the ground and cannot exceed 10 feet off the ground.

7. Co-ed league, man is walked he goes to second base.  The woman who is due up WILL bat (no automatic walk option).

8. All USSSA/ASA approved bats allowed and use only .44/.52 core 375/525 compression balls except for the coed safety balls.

 NO METAL CLEATS ALLOWED At ALL.  Coed games men bat safety ball or used mens ball, women bat women’s softball.

9.  Sliding is allowed in all leagues including COED.  Twin safety bases will be used at first base; runners must use the outside base when running straight through.  An appeal play may be made if a base runner uses the inside base on a play at first base, and the batter/runner may be called out.  This appeal must be Before the next pitch.

10.  MEN may be on only one team in men’s and coed leagues.  Must be on the team’s roster before taking the field.  A game may be forfeited if a team is caught using an illegal player.  Cannot add more than 2 people to your roster during end of season playoffs, 4 for co-ed playoffs.

11. The profanity rule will be enforced.  If you do not understand the rule, ask the umpire for an explanation in the pre-game meeting. Umpires have ejection authority in all games.

12.  A 10 run rule after 5 innings (4 ½ if the home team is ahead) is in effect in all games.  A 10 run per inning rule is in effect for both teams through the first five innings  For All League Games.  For Tournaments only 1st 4 innings for 10 run per inning rule.  Umpires are to start no new inning after 65 minutes have been played, regardless of score.  A Game MAY END IN A TIE.

13.  First inning , each pitcher is allowed 3 warm-up pitches.  Any new pitcher also is allowed 3.  In all other situations, a maximum of 1 warm-up pitch will be allowed.  No infield/outfield throw arounds are allowed between innings.

14.USSSA rules govern except for modifications listed in these adopted rules.  “ INFIELD FLY RULE---DEADBALL OUT.”

15.  The use of alcohol, tobacco in any form and non-prescription narcotic drugs on church property is strictly prohibited and is grounds for ejection and /or suspension.

16.  If a player is injured or must leave the game before it’s completion that player may be dropped from the lineup without penalty. However, a team cannot drop below 8 players without taking a forfeit.  Also, if  player is ejected and no substitute available then it will be an out.   In coed play, a team may not bat two men in a row without taking an automatic  OUT  between them.

17.  If a player is ejected from a game by the umpire for misconduct, he or she will serve and automatic 1 game suspension from the NEXT league or tournament game.  (May be MORE than one game depending on severity of the ejection, i.e fighting, attacking an umpire, etc).  Note:  The league officers and board , at the direction of the President, have authority to impose forfeits, which may result in fines), suspend players or teams, or remove them from the League: in order to preserve the integrity of the Association.

18.  Flip Flop Rule:  After the bottom of the 4th inning and the 10 run rule is exceeded and the Home team is losing the teams flip-flop and the home team will remain at bat and become the visiting team for the top of the 5th inning.   If the team does not score enough runs to reduce the run difference to below the 10 run rule the game is over.  Otherwise the new home team bats. IF the team comes from behind to set up a 10 run rule itself the teams will flip flop again.

19.Game time is forfeit time for only the 7:20 game and 8:30 game.  (6:10 games are excluded).

20. A 4 ft x 6 ft  pitcher’s screen will be used. If the screen is hit, it will be a foul ball.**2nd time will be an out per at bat.** Screen will be no more than *4* feet in front of the rubber and cover half of the length of the rubber. Cannot pitch ball OVER the screen only beside it.

21. Pitcher has the option to pitch Directly Behind the pitching rubber 2,3,4 etc./steps. Cannot be off the side of the pitching rubber.

22. Outfielder’s cannot throw out a woman batter at first base. 

23. Coed teams may only pick up enough women players from other teams to fill up to 5 total spots.  Not 6 or 7 or more.  Must play Rostered players first.

24.*****Players 62 yrs or older may use senior bats. Bat will be marked with colored tape.*****

25. A black rubber mat will be used at Homeplate. If a pitched ball with the proper arch hits the mat or the Homeplate it will be called a strike by the umpire.

26. A Homeplate white line will be used for the baserunner to run to when running home. Cannot slide into the white line nor touch the black mat. It will be an out.

27.*** Allow a “Fence Runner” to run for a batter who is injured and can’t run. This runner will miss his turn at bat if he or she  is still on the bases. Not an out. This runner will be the last out or the last runner that scored. Just like the courtesy runner rule.