GENERAL SOFTBALL RULES

1. A sixteen inch "Chicago Style" softball is used for play. There will be no gloves permitted in any league.

2. No baseball bats are permitted; only official softball bats may be used. No tape or any other material may be used more than 15 inches above the knob of the bat.

3. Ten players are on the field at one time. You may play with a minimum of 8 players. All teams must field a catcher.

4. Any player that is listed on the J.V. or Varsity baseball or softball team is ineligible for intramural softball.

5. Regulation slow-pitch rules are in affect. There are no side arm or wind up pitches. The pitcher must face the batter throughout the pitching motion. The arc of the pitch must be a minimum of 5 feet and maximum of 10 feet, however, a batter may strike a pitch that is not within these limits.

6. Any ball that has the height requirement and touches the mat behind homeplate will be called a strike. any pitch that hits the plate or does not hit the mat will be called a ball.

7. All batters will start with a 1 and 1 count to keep the games going faster.

8. With two strikes a batter is permitted to hit one foul ball, however, he/she is out on the second foul ball.

9. The batter must have both feet in the batter’s box throughout the swing. No Bunting! The batter must take a full swing. A bunt will be an automatic out.

10. Games shall consist of 7 innings, or a 45 minute limit, whichever comes first. An inning may not begin after the 45-minute limit. Games will remain a tie after the time limit in the regular season.

11. 12 Run Mercy Rule: If a team is ahead by 12 or more runs after their opponents have batted in the fifth inning or later, the game shall be over.

12. All games must be within 10 minutes of the scheduled game time. If a team is not ready to play by ten minutes after the scheduled game time, then a forfeit will be declared.

13. No sliding to take out a player (this is an automatic ejection). Automatic ejection if a runner initiates contact with the catcher.

14. Players will not be permitted to wear metal cleats for the safety of the individuals participating.

15. The track on the side lines is out of play. One base will be awarded if a live ball goes out of play.

16. A ball hit onto the track is "all you can get" unless the ball is interfered with or goes under the bleachers then it will be ruled a ground rule double.  A ball hit on a fly in the bleachers is an Auto Home Run.

17. All other rules not listed here are set up by the American Softball Association.