Majors Rules
We will follow the 2024 “Official Softball Rule Book” and the House League Rules with the following exceptions:
Game/Times:
1. A game consists of seven (7) full innings, except when called due to bad weather, darkness, or lateness. Then, five (5) complete innings shall constitute an official game.
2. If the game is tied after the final inning both teams will be awarded with a tie. Except during playoffs where play will continue until there is a winner.
Equipment:
The teams will use 12 inch balls provided by the league. The home team supplies both game balls for the game.
Umpire:
1. In the Majors Level, paid umpires are used. Prior to the start of the game, both coaches should meet with the umpire to discuss division specific rules. The umpire’s rulings are considered final. There will be no tolerance of arguing with an umpire by anyone. If a problem arises, ask the Director on Duty for assistance.
2. If an umpire does not show, please have an agreement between both teams for an adult to umpire the game. If the umpire comes late, he/she will replace the adult. An umpire not being present is not grounds for postponement. If there are any issues, please see the Director on Duty.
3. The home team is responsible for paying the umpire fee. They have two types of checks. The full amount, and 1/2 the full amount. The umpire is compensated for 1/2 pay if they show up, and the game is cancelled. The umpire is compensated with full pay if the game starts and is then cancelled.
Pitching:
1. Each pitcher is limited to four (4) innings per game, consecutive or non-consecutive. During playoffs, extra innings do not count as accumulated innings. One pitch in any inning will be considered an inning pitched.
2. Exception to the four (4) inning pitching limit is as follows: Travel players are limited to pitching two (2) innings in a game regardless as to whether there are extra innings.
3. The pitching rubber is 40 feet from the back point of home plate. Note: Most fields have the pitching rubber at 40 feet. Equipment is available in the garage if the rubber is wrong. Ask the Director on Duty for assistance.
Batting/Scoring:
1. Each team cannot score more than five runs in an inning even if the hit produces additional runs. For team statistics, all players involved in scoring the excess runs get credit for their contributions (hits, runs, RBIs) but only five (5) runs will be recorded. This rule remains in effect for the regular season. The five (5) run limit does not apply in the playoffs for the seventh inning or the inning agreed upon to be the final inning of the game due to time constraints or darkness. The umpire is to advise of the last inning. Coaches may also agree upon the last inning and advise the umpire. A scorebook must be used to keep record of the games.
2. When a pitched ball hits a batter, it is the umpire's judgment as to whether a concerted effort was made to get out of the way or not. If it is determined that an effort was indeed made, the batter will be awarded first base (hit by pitch is not a walk). If no effort was made, a ball or strike will be called and the batter will stay for their remaining pitches.
5. Dropped third strike rule is NOT in effect. The batter is out on a dropped third strike.
6. Bunting is allowed.
Defense/Baserunning:
1. A maximum of 10 fielders can be on the playing field at one time.
a. 4 Outfielders: they must be on the grass evenly spread
b. 6 Infielders: First base, second base, shortstop, third base, pitcher and a catcher.
2. Every player, present at the game, must play a minimum of three (3) innings. Coaches should rotate which players sit out an inning from game to game, so that it is not the same players always sitting out. All players are required to play at least 2 innings of infield. The batting order includes every player present at the game. All players bat in order, regardless of being in the field in any given inning. Players arriving late should be inserted at the bottom of the order (to avoid being skipped in the batting order). Please make every effort to give players the opportunity to try different positions in the field.
3. The infield fly rule is in effect.
4. 2nd and 3rd base stealing is allowed. Base runners may leave their base after the ball has left the pitcher’s hand. Stealing of home plate is not allowed. A runner can only score on a batted ball or a walk.
5. Base runners may advance on an overthrow to every base as a result of a batted ball until the ball is considered dead, see below. For example, if a player hits the ball into the outfield and the throw to the infielder results in an overthrow, the runners may continue to run until it is a dead ball.
6. After a ball has been hit in fair territory, base runners are allowed to attempt as many bases at their own risk until the ball is dead. The ball is considered dead at the time when the pitcher has control of it within the “Pitching Circle”. If a runner is at least half way to a base, when the pitcher maintains control within the circle, they may continue to that base. If the runner is less than half way they must return to the previous base.