Coed Rules

CO-ED SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES (WSL)

Rubin Padgett Park (Sundays)

Coed: 6 Men/4 Women

12pm-6pm Game Times

Revised Date     022825

Game Times:

  • 55min time limit
  • If a game is tied at the end of regulation, untimed extras innings will take place.
  • Texas/International tiebreaker rules apply. The last batter from the previous inning will start on 2nd base and a new inning will occur until there is a winner.
  • HOME AND AWAY: Will be determined by the schedule.
     

Game Play:

  • Fielding:
    • 8-player minimum to field. 10-player maximum to field with a minimum of 4 female players. See specification below:
      • 4 girls + 4 guys = 1 OUT  
      • 5 guys + 3 girls = 1 OUT
      • 5 guys +4 girls = 0 OUT
      • 6 guys + 3 girls = 1 OUT
    • When there is a female batter, all infielders must even with the base or behind it. If a field player is in front of the base when the ball is hit, it’s a DEAD BALL, female batter advances to 1B.
    • There will be a coed line in place in the outfield. All outfielders must start behind this before the ball is hit when a female is at bat. 5-man infields will not be permitted, if defense violates the rule, a dead ball will be called and batter auto advances to 1B.

 

  • Hitting
    • 1 and 1 count with a courtesy foul.
    • No fastpitch, NSA, ISA or wood bats allowed
    • Only 240 bats allowed, dual stamped or USSSA stamp only
    • Bats may not be on the banned bat list. All bats not being used must remain inside the dugout at all times. If a bat is hit during play that was not used by a batter or on deck hitter, all base runners will be awarded the next base from the last base touched. (Only 55+ will be permitted to swing a senior bat).
    • The first time a team comes to the plate with a banned bat, the batter is considered out. The second time the team uses an illegal bat, the batter is out and ejected for the game. Each individual is responsible for using legal bats.
    • If the batter steps across the plate before making contact with the ball it’s a DEAD BALL, batter is out. If a batter steps on the plate while swinging the batter is out.
    • 1 on deck batter at a time.
    • RSL and the umpires reserve the right to disallow a bat should it be thought the bat may have been doctored.  If a bat is used and proven to be doctored (i.e. painted over, "corked", shaved, etc.) this will result in the immediate ejection of the person using the bat and the owner of the bat, and the owner/user may possibly be suspended for the remainder of the season or longer, as this is a safety issue.
    • No stealing or leading off the bases, will result in a dead ball, and the runner will be called out.

BATTING:

  • Lineups must be presented to the umpire before each game-by-game time. All substitutions must be given to the umpire as being made.
  • If a team is up to bat with LESS THAN 4 female players then outs will be called. If a team has 3 females, an out will be assessed for the missing player(s) turn in the lineup. If a team is missing 2 females there will be an out for each of the batters at bat in the lineup. If a team has less than 2 females the game will be forfeit (7-0). Both teams can choose to play a pick-up game during their specified game time. The missing player(s) must be batted at the bottom of the lineup.
  • Batting Ratios:
    • Batting order- you can’t bat more than 3 men in a row.
    • Batting 4 women you can have up to 7 men.
    • Batting 5 women up to 8 men
    • Batting 6 women you can have up to 9 men. You may always bat more women than these ratios, but not more men.
    • You may bat your entire roster. When a player who’s not there who would normally be up to bat, they are recorded as automatic outs (GHOST batter).
    • Any players arriving after the first pitch of the game must be placed at the end of the batting order. If the batting lineup has turned over and the team has 10 or more players in the lineup, the late player must then become a sub.
  • Courtesy Runners:
    • One courtesy runner per inning per sex. It must be the last batter out. The same person can receive a runner if they bat multiple times in an inning. 
    • A courtesy runner does not have to be declared until the batter has reached base. They do not have to declare it before they bat, though that is an option.
    • A courtesy runner is in the game once the base is awarded, batter does not have to touch First Base.
    • A runner may not replace a courtesy runner unless there is an injury. The injured Player must be removed from the line-up and cannot return to the game.
    • Any Player replaced by a courtesy runner may not become a courtesy runner in the same inning.
    • Penalty for use of an ineligible courtesy runner shall be deemed removal of the runner from the base and an out is recorded against the base runner for which the courtesy runner is used.
    • Courtesy runner caught on base creating the 3rd out – Player cannot bat the next inning because their at-bat created the 3rd out. The next batter would start the inning.
    • If a Player is on base as a courtesy runner when it is their time to bat, they shall be declared out.
      • If this is the first or second out of the inning, the Player will bat in their regular spot.
      • If this is the third out of the inning, the Player will be the first batter in the next inning.
  • Infield Fly Rule- An infield fly is a fair fly ball (not a line drive or bunt) that the umpire considers can be easily caught by an infielder, pitcher, or catcher when there are runners on 1B and 2B or bases loaded and less than two outs.
  • Ball-out-of-play - If a ball is thrown out of the field by the defense, the player(s) advance 1 base.
  • Dead Ball - If a ball is thrown infield and it hits the offense's gear, equipment sitting outside the dugout (including the on-deck batter), it's considered a dead ball, and the player closest to HOME is automatically out.
    • A thrown ball enters a dugout through an open gate:
      • If it enters the offense's dugout the players will return to the last base touched.
      • If it enters the defense’s dugout all runners will be awarded one base from the last base touched.
      • WALKING - If the pitcher walks a guy and a girl is behind him, he automatically advances two bases. If the pitcher walks a guy with a girl behind him with two outs the female batter has the option to take the walk or hit. If she walks into the batters' box, she can no longer take the walk.

 SCORING

  • Runner must touch the OUTSIDE SAFETY PLATE. If the runner touches the home base instead (not the outside plate), it’s an automatic out and no run is scored. All plays at home are force outs. The catcher must touch the home plate, not the black strike mat for it to be an out.
    • If a runner passes the commitment line they must continue to the outside plate. If a runner tries to return back after crossing the line it will be a dead ball, the runner is automatically out.
  • Innings Run Limit: There will be a 10-run limit per inning until the last inning. The last inning will be an open run inning. If a team is down more than 10 runs above a run rule in a qualifying inning then that inning will become an open inning. i.e. A team is down 25 runs in the 4th inning and needs 11 to stay, that inning will become open.
  • Mercy Rule: Rule in effect if a team is up by 15 runs after 4 innings and 10 runs after 5 innings.
    • Example:  If the HOME TEAM is losing by 15 runs after 4 FULL innings, the game is over. If the away team is down by 15 after the top of the 4th inning the game is over.
  • Home Runs: Men: 5-home run limit then an out for each home run hit after that. Women's HRs do not go against team count. In the park HRs do not count against the team count.

HIT & SIT - YOU DO NOT HAVE TO RUN THE BASES ON A HOME RUN.

  • WALK OFF HOME RUN: IF A TEAM IS DOWN BY 1 RUN AND THE BATTER HITS A HOME RUN, THEN EACH PLAYER MUST TOUCH THE NEXT BAG TO DECLARE THE WIN.
    • EXAMPLE: HR HITTER TOUCHES 1ST, 2B TOUCHES 3RD, 3B TOUCHES THE DESIGNATED HOME PLATE.
    • IF AT LEAST ONE OF THE BASE PLAYERS DOESN’T TOUCH THE NEXT BASE, AND THEY WALK OFF THE FIELD, INTO THE DUGOUT, IT’S AN AUTOMATIC OUT FOR THE DEFENDING TEAM AND THE GAME IS OVER.

PITCHING

  • Pitching height is 6ft to 10ft from the ground.
  • Net is mandatory for safety purposes.
  • No pump fakes allowed.
  • The pitchers must remain behind the net until the ball is in play, if the pitcher doesn’t get behind the net after they release the ball before the batter makes contact, and the ball is fielded by the pitcher, it’s a dead ball and the batter advances to 1B. The pitcher may also pitch from behind the net.
  • Pitchers with a mask still must retreat behind the net.
  • If the batter hits the ball into the net, it’s a foul ball. If the batter does not have a courtesy foul left the batter is out.
  • If the batter hits the net twice in an at bat, they are out.
  • If the ball lands on home plate or strike mat it is considered a strike. It is at the umpire’s discretion to call any flat, illegal or deep pitches once it’s pitched.
  • If the pitching net is hit with a thrown ball, it’s still considered a live ball.

INJURED PLAYERS

  • If a player is injured or suffers from extreme heat exhaustion or heat stroke during a game, the captain must notify the umpire to permanently remove the injured player from the line-up card with no additional penalty (unless the injured player is a female and her removal falls behind the required ratio -- then it becomes an automatic out). An injured player that has been permanently removed from line-up cannot return to the game.

PICKUP PLAYERS (REGULAR SEASON GAMES)

  • Pickups must be brought to the attention of the umpire BEFORE they enter the game. 1st pick up player is free, ANY number of pickups after that you give up 2 runs max. Meaning if you pick up 4 people, you still only give up 2 runs total. Team must have at least a minimum of 6 of their own players. All pick-up players must be registered with the league and have signed the waiver. Random people from the street or the stands are not eligible players and we will not take sign-ups at the field prior to any games.

NO PICKUP PLAYERS/SUBS ALLOWED DURING PLAYOFFS

  • Teams can only play with their initially SIGNED ROSTER PLAYERS. Playing with an illegal player, even if discovered after the fact, will result in a forfeit. Example: The winning team CANNOT use a player as a sub from the losing team once they’ve been eliminated in the playoffs.
  • Pickup Players/Subs are Non-Rostered Players

ROSTERS      

  • There is a 15-person max. Rosters will be printed prior to game 1. Each team member must sign the roster in order to play in the playoffs. Playoff rosters and lineup cards will be verified against it. Players have the right to ask for a roster check of the opposing team after the start of the game and before the end of the game. These requests must be made with the League officials during game play, and if it is found that the opposing team is playing with an “illegal player” (i.e. not on that team’s roster or not signed) then the Field Manager (if applicable) will instruct the Captain to remove the illegal player or forfeit the game if it is found out after the game is concluded.
  • Not one player is allowed to sign multiple team rosters.

LEAGUE BALLS

  • Only league provided softballs may be used for game play. League officials will provide them. Men’s 12inch, ladies 11inch –WSL approved balls. Coed; balls are provided.

CLEATS

  • No metal spikes are allowed. No open toed shoes or non-athletic shoes. A player will have one minute to change shoes or will be considered out for that at bat. The clock will not stop during this time.

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

  • Players will interact with each other respectfully and with good sportsmanship.
  • During the execution of a force play when an impending out is clearly evident, players must try to either slide or give themselves up by turning away from the play in progress.
  • Vulgarity and extreme profanity are strictly prohibited.
  • No player at any time shall make obscene gestures of any kind for any reason towards another player or officials.
  • Violence and/or intentional violent contact or aggression towards another player or official is strictly prohibited (including face-to-face yelling/threatening).    
  • No intentional Bat throwing against the fence.
  • THERE IS A ZERO TOLERANCE for physical fighting or attempted bodily harm.
  • Umpire calls on the field are FINAL!! NO ARGUMENTS.

Violation of these policies may result in penalties up to and including ejection from the game, player fines and/or suspensions, team fines and/or suspensions, as well as player and/or team banning, seasonal or lifetime. IF these offenses are committed by a league official, they will serve a one game suspension. Umpires have the right to eject any player at any time for unruly behavior.      

First offense: Warning

2nd Offense: An out will be called

3rd Offense: Ejection (must leave the park)

4th Offense: Suspension or greater – Commish and VP will discuss the situation internally and contact the individual/parties involved to address. Once a decision has been made, we will alert their captain(s).

The Riverview Adult Softball League is committed to an all-inclusive, fun, and competitive experience for all players, coaches, and fans. There will be no bullying, foul language, discrimination, expressions of hatred or violent behavior tolerated. We believe that everyone deserves to enjoy their time playing and watching and any players or spectators who do not abide by these rules will be asked to leave. 

UMPIRES

  • There will be one umpire per game supplied by the league, 2 during the end of the season tournament. The umpire has the right to eject a player anytime during the game if the player becomes violent, the extreme use of profanity after a call, or makes subsequent threats. During the REGULAR SEASON once, the umpire makes a call, there is no challenge. During PLAYOFFS, a team has the right to challenge a call, time will be called, both umpires will discuss amongst themselves and agree upon if the call stands or is reversed. The game clock will continue to run during this meeting.

PROTEST

  • A team may protest a game if there is a roster dispute or clear violation of league rules. The game will finish under protest and will be reviewed by the      League Commissioner and VP. If the protesting team is successful in their review, they will be rewarded a 7-0 forfeit victory.

NO ALCOHOL/SMOKING OR PETS ALLOWED

  • There is NO alcohol allowed at any time on any Hillsborough County recreational parks. Anyone who is seen drinking or having alcohol on the premises will be asked to leave the fields and not allowed to return. Smoking of any kind, including vaping, is not allowed at the field. After the first infraction, the player will be disbarred from the league that season with no refund provided. Pets are not allowed inside the parks unless they are observed/licensed SERVICE ANIMALS.

PLAYOFFS

  • Top 8 teams make the playoffs – if you don’t have at least 8 roster players to play, it’s a forfeit.
  • Each playoff game will have 2 umpires
  • Teams must have at least 8 rostered players to field
  • Only signed rostered players permitted to play in the playoff tournament
  • Home team will be determined by seed
  • 55min game times for each game up to the championship game. Championship game will play 7 innings or run rule, whichever occurs first.
  • There will be no innings run limit in the playoffs

FORFEITS

  • Captains or a designated team member will need to notify the VP or Commissioner no later than at least 2 hours prior to game time via TEXT, CALL (leave VM), or Facebook message/post or CAPTAIN’S CHAT if their team decides to forfeit.
  • Forfeiting less than 1 hour prior to game time will result in a warning, second time will result in a penalty.

 

POACHING PLAYERS

  • RSL has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for poaching players from other teams within the league. If a player wants to switch teams, they must inform their current captain. The current captain must be informed prior to the switch. A team captain should not recruit a player from another team as it goes against our core league values.

 

RAINOUTS/MAKEUP GAMES

  • We will update the Facebook group and website with updates as received. Any regular season game canceled because of inclement weather will be rescheduled and added onto the end of the season. All playoff games, canceled because of inclement weather WILL BE PLAYED THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND unless, it falls on a holiday weekend, then the playoffs resume the following weekend. No exceptions. The umpire is empowered to call a game at any time because of darkness, heavy rain, lightning, fire, panic, or any other cause that places the patrons or players in peril.
  • If full 4 innings have been played – WINNER DECLARED
  • Anything less than 4 full innings – DECLARED A MAKEUP GAME. Teams can use any of their roster players during makeup games, it does not have to be the same players from the previous game. The game will be picked up where we left off as far as the score and the number of outs.
  • Games that are not considered regulation shall be restarted as a new game.
  • A time limit of 10 minutes during a rain delay will be observed. After 10 minutes, the umpire is required to either call the game or continue playing.

 

 

Questions or Comments: Email us at [email protected]

 

 

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