sunday softball rules
catholic young (and not so young) adult softball rules(Any variation of these rules can be agreed upon by both coaches before the game in order to facilitate a game played in the spirit of fair play and camaraderie)
- This is a co-ed league designed to have fun. Three women and six men on defense is the optimum. No more than three consecutive male batters may bat in a row. Each girl must bat before male batters repeat.
- Pitch to your own team. Pitcher must wear a glove. The men get three pitches and women get four pitches. Batted balls which hit the pitcher are counted as a no pitch.
- There is no bunting. Balls must be hit beyond an imaginary line from first to third, unless the defense makes a play on it. If no play is made on the ball, it counts as a foul ball (one pitch).
- Three outfielders must remain fifty feet beyond the base line until the ball is batted (behind the cones on the foul lines).
- Sliding is permitted, but contact is to be avoided.
- Safety is a primary concern. Therefore:
- Metal cleats are not allowed. All players must wear shoes.
- Game balls must be agreed upon by both teams before the game.
- The pitcher should not pitch the ball until the defense is ready. It is the catcher's responsibility to signal the pitcher if the defense is not set.
- Plays at home plate are force plays. The runner should run to the second home plate. Runners passing the point halfway between third and home are committed to the play at home.
- Base runners may not leave the base until the ball is batted.
- If a ball is thrown out of play, the runner gets one full base from the base that they were closest to when the ball went out of play. Out of play is determined by the team coaches before the game.
- The infield fly rule will be used. (the batter is automatically out if it is a fair fly ball to the infield with runners on first and second or runners on first, second and third with less than two outs.)
- Each team must keep track of innings and runs scored by both teams. This should be cross-checked at regular intervals.
- The game length is seven innings. No new inning should be started after an hour and fifteen minutes of playing time.
- Umpires are agreed upon by the managers before the game. Base coaches usually are umpires.
- Teenagers under 18 may play with parents permission and their acceptance of liability.
- The most important rule is to maintain a Christian atmosphere and attitude at all times and to HAVE FUN!