- League Rules (CO-ED):
**** Please note: anytime a league has combined divisions D/Intermediate and E/REC. the D/INT team will give 7 runs to the lower team. Home runs will be 2 and 1 up for everyone. IE if illegal, Intermediate/D division no C drop, only D level players*******
Modified Official Rules Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA)
2019: batting is random at coaches discretion
Zero tolerance: no player shall intentionally create, cause to create any type of disturbance, disruption of any kind. Nor will any player disrespect another player or staff member, this is immediate grounds for suspension.
Pets: County parks do not allow pets to roam freely.
Alcohol: County parks DO NOT allow alcohol. If you are observed with alcohol, you will be warned, 2nd time ejection from your game, if not currently playing, ejection from next scheduled game. NO coolers are allowed in the dugout.
Each batter starts with a ball and a strike. With the exception of Extra Innings, which is one pitch. In league you are also given a courtesy foul ball to use.
Bats: will be randomly tested at directors or umpire’s desecration. Failure to comply will result in a 3-month suspension.
Any Bats – BUT Must not be on any banned list. Banned list can be found online.
Balls: 44 core, 375 compression balls. 12 inch for Men, Women may choose to use an 11-inch or 12-inch ball. Balls will be available at the field for purchase.
HOME RUN RULE:
Rec division: 2 home runs, 1 up, with IE if illegal HR
Intermediate division: 4 home runs, 1 up, with IE if illegal HR
Advanced division: 10 home runs, IE after 10
If Rec and Int combine to form a league it will be based on which divisions has the most teams registered. Meaning if more of REC teams than INT teams, then use REC rules.
Hit and Sit: Batter does not have to touch bases with an over the fence home run.
All home runs count, no matter the gender. ALL HOME RUNS COUNT!!!!! example: runners on base, 9 runs already scored 10th run standing on 3rd, another runner on 2nd, once that home run is hit the runner on 3rd scores and the homerun counts.
Players: ALL PLAYERS MUST SIGN THE ROSTER PRIOR TO PLAYING!!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely NO ALCOHOL allowed on the premises, as per county ordinance. Any player considered to be intoxicated WILL be removed from the game and not allowed to continue to play for the remainder of the day
Must be at least 18 years of age and signed roster with liability waiver prior to the start of any game. 16 and 17-year-old players may play with a signed release by a legal guardian. If the legal guardian is not present at the field for us to witness the signing, a notarized waiver can be signed off sight and brought to the field.
A player found not listed on roster and/or not signed liability waiver. If umpire or director observes, illegal player, player will be ejected.
Protested player: If player is protested by a team, and wins, the game is a forfeit. Player may sign roster for remaining games, if applicable. And only if name is already on roster or team drops below ratio. A player must play 1 game to qualify to play in championship games.
Protest fee is $100.00 and should be done by the end of the 3rd inning.
Teams: A team may bat 6 guys and 4 girls / 7 guys and 4 girls / 8 guys and 5 girls or any amount of girls not to exceed 13 batters and field 4 girls/6 guys.
Rosters are set at first game. This means you cannot add any player ranked D and above to a roster unless you have a “same like player” drop from roster, then that player can be replaced with “same like”.
All teams will be placed in divisions, by the skill level of the team, ranking level of players, or based on information provided to TBS. Subject to change at the discretion of TBS.
(REC) Our lowest rec division, beginner’s division, formally known as E division
1 male and 1 female intermediate drop or 2 female intermediate drops , per roster.
(Intermediate) Designed for tournament/intermediate ball players
1 male and 1 female advance player drop or 2 female advance drops or 1 advanced plus drop , per roster.
(Advanced) Designed for competitive tournament ball players
1 conference player and no limitations on females, per roster.
****** Any team with players not found for rankings, the player will be allowed to play in rec (1st time) but will be observed so a determination can be made for a personal ranking****
A team may start with 8 players, if all 8 players are male, the team may take an out for each female player, for the required ratio and a female ghost batter be placed on the lineup card., the ghost player is an automatic out until replaced with an actual player.
Adding Player: If you have 3 girls, you MUST have a Ghost player on the line up card. Ghost player is automatic out. Opposing team does not have to ask umpire for the out, out is automatic. Fielding shall be 9 players, until the 4th female arrives.
If your line up card consist of 9 players, you may add the 10th player when they arrive, even if you have batted through the line up. You CANNOT add a 11th player if batted through line up. At NO TIME, can a 11th player, being a pick up player, be added when you have 10 roster players.
All roster players MUST play, you cannot add a pick-up and sit a roster player.
If you have to forfeit, it will count as a 7-0 win.
A Player must played 1 reg season game and be signed on the team’s roster and CANNOT be on another’s team roster, to qualify to play in the playoff’s. (this means a team can NOT pick up players for championship game).
If there are enough teams for divisions, a player can be on lower roster and another division roster.
ELIGIBLE PLAYOFF PLAYERS: All players, including added players, must sign their team’s roster/waiver BEFORE the Start of their first game. Any player found not have signed in, will be an illegal player. It is the responsibility of the team captains to make sure all players in their line-up card are eligible players for all games. If a team has won 2 league seasons and has 60% of the same players, that team will need to move up one division for their next league. If that team needs to be moved back down, if run ruled, they will go back down the following league.
Roster Eligibility:
A player may be on a Rec. roster and on a Intermediate roster. If at any time there is a conflict with times, the player must notify their captain, which team he/she will be playing on during that game time.
Pick Up Players: If a team needs to pick up players, 1st pick-up is FREE, additional pick-ups 2 runs are given per player pick up, max of 4 pickups. MUST inform umpire at coin toss. Rec division cannot pick up an Intermediate player. Can only replace same like player.
If a team has 10 roster players, they CANNOT pick another player. Only pickups allowed, if the team drops below 10, or if you need to pick up a girl to meet the 4 girl requirement. NO team shall ever play a non roster player and sit a roster player.
Fielders position: A defensive player may not impede a runner’s progress by standing in the baseline, unless the defensive player is fielding a batted ball…. Blocking of the bag without the ball shall result in an obstruction call, a warning to the offending player, and the runner will be awarded the base. There are no set positions for fielders. Meaning, you may play male or female in any fielding position. However, no designated outfielder may play on the dirt or infield while a female is batting, if the batter has taken her position in batters box (no matter if the ball was it) once pitch is made, the female batter will be awarded first base. The catcher may not interfere with the batter’s ability to swing, this means the catcher must remain behind the batter’s box for their safety, any catcher who interferes with the batter by reaching into the batter’s box, 1st offense warning, 2nd offense the batter will be awarded 1st base.
Outfielders position: NO co-ed line when girl is batting, no outfielder can be on the dirt.
Courtesy runners: designated or pinch runners will be allowed when requested, and the DR must be listed on the lineup card, DR must run for like gender, if not listed on the card no DR will be allowed. The DR does not have to be in the batting order or play the field. If the DR is in the lineup and is on base, when his/her turn comes to bat, the player remains on the base and takes an out at the plate
No designated fielders, any and all fielders must be placed in the batting order and bat.
Injured players: MUST report the injury immediately to the umpire and complete an incident report. If the injured player requires medical attention, or at umpires discreation should not continue to play, the player will be removed from the line up for the day. If the team roster drops below the ratio the team may pick up a replacement as long as the new player is “same like player” in ranking. If a replacement player is not available, the injured players team may condense the lineup without taking an out.
PROFANITY: Profanity will not be tolerated, a warning will be given for 1st offense, 2nd time is ejection. Use of the F word is not tolerated. Warning will be issued. Absolutely no F word directed at anyone, no warning, automatic ejection.
Disruption of game by player(s) The umpire will give one warning to the individual, then take action as deemed necessary to control the situation. Please be considerate and respect our children and not play music containing explicit lyrics. Tampabay Softball will require all loud, explicit music to be turned down low or turned off. TBS staff will take any action as deemed necessary for failure to comply.
Team Uniforms: No clothing will be allowed that contains any racial wording, any wording that describes bodily functions, any clothing containing violence or nudity.
Ejection from game: Once ejected a player cannot play in that game. ( an ejected player may not be replaced and it is automatic out on line up card) It will be the umpire’s discretion, if the player will be allowed to play any remainder games.
Fighting, wrestling, pushing, or touching another player in any means other then a friendly high five, will not be tolerated and may result in multi-game suspensions or ejection from the league all together. Placing hands on another player in an aggressive manner will result in a 6 MONTH suspension, Depending on the severity of the contact. Verbal abuse of officials or players, fighting, foul language, spitting, kicking of dirt and continued rough play could result in player ejections of 3 months. If a player is ejected, the team may not replace that player with another player. Meaning, if you have a 13th person line up and one player is ejected you continue to play with 12 and take an out for that 13th player.
Two out rule: If a guy walks after two (2) outs and a female batter is next to bat, the female batter has the option to bat or take the walk.
Running to first base (orange base) “extra base” is being used at first base , players must step on the orange base when overrunning first base, or when there is a legitimate play at first base (ball still in the infield). Players stepping on the white base when the ball is in play in the infield may be called out. Balls that have reached the outfield will allow the runner to touch the white base in an attempt to advance to second base. When in doubt runners should touch the orange base to avoid being called out. . Runner may overrun first base, any aggressive attempt towards second base the fielder may make a play on the runner. There MUST be aggression or attempt made and it’s umpires discretion.
Home plate and bases: All plays at home plate and or a base where the fielder is in possession of the ball, the runner MUST slide to avoid any injury. The player MUST slide or give up, any un-sportsman like conduct will not be tolerated.
Taking a base on a walk: The runner MUST touch each base.
Stealing: Baserunners may attempt to advance once the ball has completely crossed home plate, when pitched to batter or the pitched ball has landed on the ground behind home plate. The ball is dead if the batter has swung and missed, foul tips, and if the ball lands in front of home plate or lands on home plate, any fake swing in an attempt to distract the catcher. Runners are allowed to steal home on a live ball.
NO BATTER shall impede the catcher when throwing the ball to a fielder while a base runner is attempting a steal.
Please note: an overthrown ball from the catcher, in the catcher’s field position, if the ball was alive at home plate, to the pitcher, is a live ball and runners may advance at their own risk. This also means a runner on 3rd may advance to home at their own risk. However, the catcher must be in the catchers position when returning the ball to the pitcher. Example: Ball is thrown infield, umpire calls time, balls rolls down the 1st base line, or 3rd base line, catcher retrieves the ball and over throws the ball to pitcher. The catcher is out of position at this point and not able to make a play at home, the ball remains dead and base runners may not advance.
DEFENSELESS PITCHER: At coin toss a decision will be made if the pitcher is using a mask or a net. If pitchers do not agree, the pitcher who selects the net will be responsible for rolling the net on and off the field to be used each inning.
- Net with no mask: Pitcher cannot field the ball until after contact with the ball has been made by another fielder. (pitcher cannot pitch the ball, throw the helmet down and then field a batted ball) If fielder by pitcher batter is awarded 2 bases, pitcher is warned, 2nd offense pitcher is removed from pitching position. Pitcher MUST remain behind the NET after release of the ball, until contact is made.
- Net with mask: Pitcher may field a batted ball. Pitcher MUST remain behind the NET after release of the ball, until contact is made.
- Full helmet: net not required, pitcher takes his/her own risk of any body injuries.
- Pasco County NETS are mandatory
Pitching screens are to be place not more than 3′ in front of the rubber and must cover at least 1/2 of the area in front of the rubber. Screen cannot be used as an extra fielder, meaning the screen will be placed in front of the glove hand.
Any batted ball that hits the net on the first hit is a strike, if there are 2 strikes on the batter, the batter will be out. If the batter hits the net a second time at the same at bat, the batter will be out. If you have a courtesy left, you will get 1 more swing regardless of when you hit the net.
Any pitcher hit with a batted ball, the batter is out, second offense is ejection. (bat will be removed from the game)
If a pitcher not using head protection fields a batted ball, the batter will be awarded 2 bases, the pitcher will be warned, 2nd offense removed from the pitching position.
Pitcher may NOT fake pump, pitch under or in between his/her legs or cause any disruption with the intend to confuse the batter.
Rainouts: If you have played less than 5 innings, a new game will be scheduled. More than 5 innings the game is considered to be final.
Tie breaker: No game shall end in a tie. The TBS tie breaker will be utilized using a 1 pitch format. Once time limit has expired and game is tied, the remainder of the game will be texas tie breaker format. last player out goes to 2nd base, if that player previously used a runner, they may do so again.
Game time: 55 minute game time, games will start on time. A 10 minute grace period will be granted upon the first game if requested. A team consisting of less than 4 girls will take outs for missing girls or forfeit. CHAMPIONSHIP GAME max time ONE HOUR AND 15 MINUTES.
THROWING BATS: Intentionally throwing the bat in anger or frustration after your turn up to bat is not tolerated and will result in an automatic out for the batter and may result in player’s ejection, upon umpire’s discretion
Fake tags: are prohibited. A fake tag will result in the base runner being awarded one additional base (the base they were running to, plus one) The fielder faking the tag will be warned. The 2nd offense from any player on the team faking a tag will be ejected.
Run Rule: A 10 run rule will apply per inning. After 5 innings, a 10 run rule will cease the game All teams will play 5 innings. In the final 10 minutes of the game the 10 run rule per inning DOES NOT apply. The 10 run per inning rule does apply to the championship game.
Intentional ball drop: If any fielder who catches a ball and intentionally drops it, in an attempt to force a double play, the batter is out, ball is DEAD and runners may not advance. Fielder will be given a warning, 2nd offense ejection. Dropping of the ball is umpire’s discretion.
When the ball is in the air and the umpire signals that he is invoking the infield fly rule, the batter is out players may advance at their own risk, regardless of whether the ball is caught.
Appeal play or protest: Appeal play must be made after the play has ceased and before the next pitch. Protest can only be done by the team captain.
BATTERS BOX AND PITCHER: Any batter standing in the batter’s box MUST be ready to bat or ask for time out. A verbal request to the umpire is sufficient.
Any pitch by the pitcher when NO batter is in the batter’s box is a dead ball. Any ball pitched while batter is in the box and has not called for time is a live ball. Any batter standing in the box with the intent to swing an illegal bat will be called out, no matter if the batter has swung.
EQUIPMENT:
Each team may purchase the game balls AT THE FIELD. A team may bring balls but the ball must be approved by the umpire prior to the start of the game.
Home team will be determined by a coin toss.
Forfeit time is game time unless it’s the first game and a 10 minute wait will be granted which will be deducted from the game time. Games are 55 MINUTES unless teams are tied.
Arch of Pitch: no less than six (6), not greater than twelve (10)
BATS: All bats must be approved by the umpire. First offense caught with an illegal bat, the batter is considered out. The second offense, the batter is out and ejected with possible league suspension. The batter does not have to swing, if standing in the batters box with the intent to swing using an illegal bat. No Sr bats, No Ultra’s, no bat on any non approved list or considered to be altered. Each individual and captain is responsible for using legal bats. TAMPABAYSOFTBALL and the umpires reserve the right to disallow a bat should it be thought the bat may have been doctored.
NO Metal cleats. A player caught playing with metal cleats WILL be ejected. It is up to the team captain to make sure no metal cleats are worn prior to start time.
REFUNDS: once a team has paid there are NO refunds.