Playing Rules

DOLLARD MIXED SOFTBALL LEAGUE -  2025  SEASON RULES 

GENERAL:

1. Declaration. Any rule not covered herein will be covered by the 2020-2021 Slo-Pitch National Rule Book at the Umpire's discretion.
2. Line up and rooster. Games will start promptly at the scheduled (or adjusted) start time, and no sooner.
   Line-ups must be written on the Official Scoresheet by the starting time of the game or the offending team will lose their batting privileges for the 1st inning.
   Latecomers' names not already in the batting lineup must be added at the bottom of the batting line-up.
   Any batter that does not bat when it is their turn to bat will have an automatic out applied against them - the penalty will apply only when one or more pitches have been pitched to the subsequent batter, or if the batter has not yet arrived, when the batter's turn to bat comes up.
   Once the game has started, a player entered prematurely into the lineup (i.e. not present at the start of the game) may have their name withdrawn from the lineup after one out has been recorded against them.
   If removed and they subsequently arrive, their name must then be added to the bottom of the line-up.
   Players that are indisposed during a game must leave the game after one full inning has passed if they cannot return before then. There will be a minimum of five (5) minutes between the end of one game and the beginning of the next one.
3. Number of players and spares. The minimum number of players needed to play is 8, of which at least 6 must be members of the playing team scheduled to play. A team having less than 6 players at game time will automatically default the game.
   
4. If a team has fewer than 12 players available for a game, the Captain may call up spares from the DMSL Spare List. Spares must be of the same gender and of equal or lesser caliber than the missing players. Spares may only be added up to a maximum of 12 players total on the game roster.
   Exception: If a team has fewer than 2 females and already has 12 players, they may call up a 13th player, provided she is a female of equal or lesser caliber. If the team chooses not to call up an additional female, a female player on the roster must bat twice in the lineup.
   All spare usage is subject to approval by the DMSL President. If no spares are available from the list, other league players may be used only with the opposing captain’s approval. If captains cannot agree, the DMSL President will select an appropriate spare.
5. Limit of runs. There is a limit of 5 runs per inning with the exception of the LAST inning , where there is no limit. In addition, if a team is down by 8 or more runs, the maximum runs allowed in an earlier inning will be 8. In a playoff game, all extra innings are unlimited. 
6. Limit of time and incomplete games. A full game should last 9 innings, but due to time limitations, may last less. The Umpire will announce "last inning" early enough so the game will finish by the end of its scheduled time slot, but may not call the last inning any earlier than 20 minutes before the end of the timeslot, unless it is the 9th inning. A game called by the Umpire(s) because of inclement weather or other cause which puts the players in peril shall be considered regulation if five or more innings have been played, or if the home team has scored as many as or more runs during the incomplete fifth inning, or after four full innings, than the visiting team has scored in their five complete innings. All playoff games will last a minimum of 9 innings, except when the Mercy Rule is invoked at the option of the team that is behind (see Rule #9). There may be one extra inning played during the regular season to break a tie, if time permits (i.e. at least 20 minutes), however there will be a limit of 3 runs per inning for each team. A tie game will result in each team gaining a point concurrent with Rule #4 (one-half point if both teams substitute).
7. Play ball/Dead ball. If the fence or other foreign object stops a ball that is in play, the ball will remain in play. If a thrown ball goes out of play, the ball is dead and all runners advance one base from the base that they are heading to at the time that the ball goes out of play. If a fair untouched batted ball goes behind the fence or into a dugout, the ball is dead and all runners advance one base from the base that they were heading to at the time the ball went out of play. If the runner is standing on a base when the ball goes out of play, they only get the next base. The batter will be awarded at least 1st base.  If a batted or thrown ball hits an umpire or base coach, the ball will be dead. Note: The ball will remain in play if it is deliberately thrown out of bounds. 
8. Foul balls. All foul balls that are directly behind the fence are out of play. The position of the ball, not that of the fielder, determines location.
9. Mercy Rule: After 5 or more complete innings if there is a difference of 20 or more runs, the end of play will be invoked, but the teams will be encourage to continue playing.  In Playoff Games, the team that is behind by 20 or more runs has the option of invoking end of play, i.e. it will not be automatic.
10. Bench choice. The home team gets to choose which bench they want

PLAYER CONDUCT:

1. No smoking. No smoking of any kind (including vaping) is allowed on the playing field (i.e. inside fences, including dugouts). 
2. No alcohol. Consuming or carrying any kind of alcohol is forbiden in the Spring Garden Park, it icludes all its boundaries. Violation of this rule by memebers of the league or visitors may incur of banning the person or the league to use the premises.
3. No electronic devices. It is forbidden to use a cell phone or other electronic device on the field of play.
4. Sportmanship and good behaviour. The Dollard Mixed Softball League is a recreational softball league and therefore values sportsmanlike qualities in its players. Players and captains shall not make disparaging remarks or insulting remarks to or about other players, officials, or spectators, or commit other acts that could be considered unsportsmanlike conduct on or off the field, playing or not. The penalty for violations by a player or captain is ejection from the game, but only after a warning has been given to said player or captain. If the player is not playing, the penalty will apply during that player’s next scheduled game. If the infraction is severe enough in the Umpire's view, the player or captain may be summarily ejected without warning. At least two umpires must agree for this call to take effect. The player will receive a minimum one game suspension.

EQUIPMENT:

1. Catchers. Catchers must wear a catcher’s mask while a player is batting.
2. Footwear. Players must wear footwear appropriate to playing softball, such as cleats or running shoes. No open toe or open heel shoes are permitted. No metal spikes or metal soles will be allowed. If an Umpire notices an offensive player with metal spikes or soles, the player will be called out if on base or at-bat and the player must then remove them. If a defensive player is discovered wearing metal spikes or soles the player will have to leave the playing field and will only be allowed to return after having removed them.
3. Bats. For safety reasons, bats containing Titanium and those with a BPF index greater than 1.20 are prohibited. All bats must be marked Official Softball. A player discovered using a prohibited bat will be called out, whether at bat or on base (for those on base, the infraction must have been noticed before the first pitch to the subsequent batter). All Bats must have the 120 BPF Thumb print.
4. Throwing bats. For the safety of all players, throwing bats is not permitted. If a player throws a bat, they will receive a warning. A second incident in the same game will result in an out. A third incident in the same game will result in an ejection.
5. Gloves and mittens. All players must wear any recognized softball or baseball glove or mittens while fielding.
6. Helmets. As of 2022 Batting helmets with ear protection will be mandatory when batting and when running the bases

PITCHING:

1. Slow pitch. Pitches must be slow and underhand. If an illegal pitch is made, the pitch will be taken over, a warning issued and the pitch will count. All subsequent illegal pitches made by the offending team will be declared strikes and the play will be dead. 
2. Number of pitches. A maximum of 5 pitches (including illegal pitches) are given to a batter.
3. Safety net. A Pitcher’s Safety Net must always be in position in the pitcher’s area. Pitchers may adjust the distance between the Pitcher’s Safety Net and the batter. 
4. Pitching time. The pitcher may only pitch after resumption of play when given the go-ahead by the First Base Umpire. 
5. False attempts. Any attempt by the pitcher to play or fake a play toward a batted ball (other than in self-defence) will result in the batter being called out and the play being dead and no runners may advance. In addition, the pitcher shall make a reasonable effort to not obstruct or interfere with the defensive team.

BATTING:

1. Illegal batting. No bunting, deliberate half-swings, or deliberate chopping of the ball downward will be allowed. Any player that does so and makes contact with the ball will have a strike called against them. A checked swing that makes contact with the ball will be considered to be a foul ball.
2. Contact with the pitcher and dead ball. The batter is out if the batted ball makes contact with the pitcher or anything on his/her person. Any batted ball making direct contact, either in the air or on the ground, with any part of the Pitcher’s Safety Net will be a dead ball. The pitch will still count, except for the fifth and subsequent pitches, whereupon another pitch will be given, unless it is the 8th pitch, where the batter will be out.
3. Righty/Lefty batting. Batters may not switch-hit during an at-bat, that is, after "Play Ball" or “Ball In Play” has been called and the batter has settled into  batter's box. The penalty for doing so will be a strike and the batter must assume the original batting position.
4. Low foul tip catch. A caught foul tip (a ball that comes straight back off the bat, is below the head of the batter, and is caught by the catcher) is an out only on the third strike or a fifth pitch or last pitch.
5. Foul tip catch. A foul ball caught in the backstop area (without having first touched the backstop) is only an out if the batted ball rises above the  head of the batter.
6. Turn ate bat. When an Umpire calls "batter up", the batter who neglects to move into the batter's box may have a strike called against them at the Umpire's discretion for delay of game. Batters may only enter the playing field when it is their turn to bat, or when the play is finished, and not before.
7. Right Field Home Run Rule: batted balls that strike the fence above the second horizontal bar of the right field fence will be  considered to be a home run. Batted balls that strike the second horizontal bar will be considered to be in play. This will apply only for the Spring Graden Park, in case this situation happens in a different field without a fence, it will require the previous agreement of the umpires and the team captains.

BASERUNNING:

1. No leading is allowed. A runner leaving the bag prior to contact or when there is no contact will be called out and play continues.
2. Aggressive play. When a defensive player has the ball or is in preparation to receive a ball and the runner remains on his/her feet and deliberately crashes into the defensive player, the runner will be called out and will be ejected from the game. At least two umpires must agree for this call to take effect. The player will receive a minimum one game suspension.  For all offences, a meeting will be convened to investigate the incident which may result in further penalties being imposed. Any attempt at making physical contact with a fielder with the purpose of dislodging the ball or disrupting the continuity of the play will result in the runner being ejected from the game in addition to a minimum one game suspension. In addition, no fielders may make deliberate, forceful contact with a runner – the same penalty shall apply. The runners should either go to the right if they are obviously out, or if there is a play the runner should slide to avoid contact with the defensive player.
3.  Obstruction. Basepaths cannot be blocked by a fielder not involved in the play. If a fielder is in the act of fielding and is in the path of baserunner, the baserunner is allowed to run behind the fielder and outside of the baseline in order to avoid the fielder. If a baserunner breaks the baseline to avoid a tag, the runner will be called out.
4. One base at the time. On a tag-up play, runners may advance only one base, even on a throwing error by the defensive team, or on a ball that goes out of play or in the dugout. In effect, runners are permitted to score from 3rd base on a tag-up play, but must stop at 2nd when tagging from 1st  base and must stop at 3rd base when tagging from 2nd base. All runners that have advanced past the base to which they are entitled will be called out if the defensive team can get the ball to that base before the runner can return or if they are tagged. 
5. Pinch runners. Pinch runners may run for an injured (or deemed unable to run) baserunner if an Umpire deems it necessary, after they have reached at least 1st base. The replacement runner must be the last out from the previous inning. Players that first use a pinch runner must always use a pinch-runner from at least 1st base for the remainder of the game. If you take a pinch runner the next time you come up to bat you must stop at first base no matter how far the ball goes. Other players on base can continue running.
6. Overrunning. Runners are liable to be tagged out if they overrun 2nd or 3rd base, or if they overrun 1st base and enter fair territory.
7. Overtaking. When a runner physically passes a preceding player who is not out, the runner will be called out.
8. Runner struck by a ball. When a baserunner is struck with a fair batted ball while off the base, which has not passed or been touched by a defensive player, the  runner is out and the batter will be awarded 1st base and the play is dead. When the runner is struck with a fair batted ball while on the base, the runner is safe and the ball is still in play.
9. If the batter gets struck by the batted ball which is itself in fair territory, the batter is out, the ball is dead, and no runners may advance. 
10. Commitment Line: Located approximately 21 ft. from home, once crossed by a runner (at least one foot partially or completely across the line and touching the ground), a force play will then exist at home, even if the runner re-crosses the line. Only runners who have not crossed the line may attempt to return to 3rd base with liability to be put out. If a runner crosses the line and a batted ball is caught, the runner will be called out. Catchers or other defensive players are not allowed to tag a runner between the line and home. They are allowed to tag only between the line and 3rd base in a rundown play.
11. Finish Line: An extension of the first base line to the backstop. When crossed by a runner (i.e. plane broken) before a defensive player with the ball makes contact with home plate, a run will be scored for the runner's team. A player may not touch home plate to score a run. It is the runner's responsibility to avoid contact with the catcher or other defensive player attempting to make a play. In cases of incidental contact with the catcher or other defensive player where the runner is at fault, the runner will be out. In addition, it is not permitted to deliberately slide at home or across the finish line - if done, the runner will be called out.
12. Double-Base (white and orange base): When running from home to 1st base, a runner must touch ONLY the orange part of the bag if there is any play or possible play at 1st base. ALL RUNNERS WHO TOUCH ANY PORTION OF THE WHITE PART ON ANY SUCH PLAY WILL BE CALLED OUT. A runner may touch any part of the double-base when they intend to run to 2nd base and when there is no play being made at first. IF IN DOUBT, THE RUNNER SHOULD TOUCH THE ORANGE PART ONLY. After over-running 1st base, the runner must return to either the orange or white part. The first-baseperson must use ONLY the white part at all times; touching ANY PORTION OF  the orange part on a play at first will result in the runner being called safe.  An untouched batted ball hitting any part of the white will be declared fair and an untouched batted ball hitting only the orange part is declared foul. Any player deliberately sliding into the orange part will be called out.

DEFENSIVE:

1. Number of players at infiled. Until contact is made by the batter, the maximum number of fielders (not including the catcher) permitted in the red brick dust infield section is 5. When there are more than 5 fielders in the infield at time of contact, any batter put out by a force at 1st base or a caught batted ball (fair or foul) or Infield Fly, will be awarded 1st base and no force outs can be made at any other base unless the untouched batted ball makes it into the outfield.
2. Warm-up. Fielding warm-ups are only allowed during the first inning.
3. Infield Fly Rule: When a routine fair infield (i.e. red brick dust section) fly ball (a fly that can be caught with ordinary effort) is hit with less than two outs and with runners at 1st and 2nd or 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, the batter is out and the ball is live. An Umpire will indicate "Infield Fly. If fair, batter is out". The Infield Fly Rule does not apply to a foul ball.  
4. Throwing to the pitcher. Any player in the outfield may not throw the ball directly to the pitcher.  They must throw to one of their infielders first, or run or walk into the infield and only then throw the ball to the pitcher.   If the pitcher does catch a thrown ball from an outfield position or makes any move towards catching such a thrown ball, the play will be dead from the moment of that throw to the pitcher. If a pitcher catches or interferes with the ball while a defensive play is in progress, the Umpire MAY call obstruction at his/her discretion.    If the pitcher is NOT on the mound (behind the protective pitcher's net) when a defensive player is ready to make a throw from the infield to the pitcher; the defensive player can simply roll the ball underhand towards the pitchers safety net and the play will be over.
5. Action of infielders. Until contact is made, infielders may not move in from the baseline. The baseline is considered to be a line connecting the outside edge of the bases (those edges farthest from the mound). The same penalty as for Rule #1 applies.
6. Dropped Ball Play: The batter will be the only out if a fielder intentionally drops a fly ball or a line drive with a runner on first, first and second, first, second and third, or first and third, with less than two outs. The ball is dead from the moment of the drop.
7. No substitution. There shall be no substitution/replacement of any infielder or catcher once the defensive team has taken their positions, unless an injury occurs, whereupon other necessary substitutions may be made if done expediently. Time-outs for any defensive re-alignment are not permitted. When there are four defensive players in the red brick dust section of the infield, a fifth may enter, but only between the shortstop and second baseperson.
8. Throw to defensive net or fences. Any thrown ball making contact with the Pitcher’s Safety Net will be considered in play, much the same as if it hit any fence or the inside surfaces of the backstop. Defensive players are only permitted to move the net in order to facilitate a defensive play.

UMPIRES - POWERS AND DUTIES:

1. Enforcement of this rules. The Umpires are representatives of the league and as such are authorized to enforce each section of these rules. They have the power to order a player, coach, or captain to do or omit to do any act which in their judgement is necessary to give force and effect to any of  these rules and to inflict penalties as herein prescribed.
2. Appeals. THERE SHALL BE NO APPEAL OF ANY DECISION OF THE UMPIRE ON ANY PLAY INVOLVING ACCURACY OF JUDGEMENT 
   Examples of appeals which will NOT be received or considered are:
   A. Whether a batted ball was fair or foul.
   B. Whether a baserunner was safe or out.
   C. Whether a baserunner did or did not touch a base.
   D. Any other matter involving only the accuracy of the Umpire's judgement.
   Examples of appeals that shall be received and considered concern matters of the following types:
   A. Misinterpretation of a playing rule.
   B. Failure to apply the correct rule to a given situation.
   C. Failure to apply the correct penalty for a given violation.
   Appeals of this nature must be made before the next pitch or before the defensive team has left the field.
   ONLY THE CAPTAIN OR CO-CAPTAIN (OR DESIGNATED CO-CAPTAIN) OF A TEAM MAY MAKE AN APPEAL TO AN UMPIRE. There is a maximum of two captains (designated or otherwise) per team. 
3. Overruling. No decision rendered by an Umpire shall be altered except that they be convinced it is in violation of one of these rules. In case the captain or co-captain or designated co-captain of either team does seek an alteration of a decision based solely on a point of rules, the Umpire whose decision is in question may, at his/her discretion confer with another Umpire before taking any action. Please note that a captain cannot seek an alteration of a decision based solely on judgement and cannot appeal to a second or third Umpire in an attempt to alter a judgement.