Christian Softball League Rules

1. The lineup will have 10 players, including at least three women. The order of at least three of the women in the lineup must be consistent throughout the game. More than 10 players may be in the lineup under ALL of the following conditions: 1. There must be at least 3 women positions in the first 10. 2. After the 10th spot, the lineup must alternate man, woman, man, woman, etc. in equal numbers, although it is okay to have more women than men, but not vice versa. 3. At least 3 women must play defense.
   
   Games may begin with a minimum of 7 players including at least 2 women. If there are only 2 women, one spot in the lineup will be an automatic out throughout the game.
2. Once a player is taken out of a game, player cannot go back in except for an injured player or a player who has to leave game because of an emergency.
3. Players must be at least 13 years old and have completed 7th grade by May 1. Players should be in regular church attendance.
4. Athletic Shoes should be worn. (plastic cleats okay, no metal cleats.)
5. This is a two-pitch league. If the ball is not hit fair in two pitches, that batter is out. Each team pitches to its own batters. If a batted ball strikes the pitcher, the ball is dead and the pitch is taken over. If a batted ball hits an umpire, the ball is still in play.
6. A pitched ball is dead if it bounces in front of the plate. A batter cannot hit such a pitch. The pitch will count as one of the two pitches.
7. Batters must take a full swing. Batter who does not take a full swing is out. Batter does not have to swing hard, as long as the swing is full. No bunting.
8. Regulation softball bats only. Bats not allowed by the Amateur Softball Association are not allowed in this league.
9. If the ball goes into the outfield, it must be thrown to an infielder before it can be returned to the pitcher. The pitcher is under no obligation to catch a ball thrown from an outfielder. The play is live until an infielder throws the ball to the pitcher.
10. The three outfielders (left, center, right) must play at least 150 feet deep until the ball is hit. The batter has the option of hitting again if the rule is violated. A marker must be placed at 150 feet along the left and right field foul lines before the game. Rovers may play anywhere, but only one rover can be in the infield. Infielders can not play closer than three feet inside the baseline until batter swings or ball is hit. A rover can play in the pitchers area.
11. There shall be no rovers unless there are more than 3 players in the outfield. If there are 3 or fewer players in the outfield, all must abide by the 150-foot deep rule.
12. Base runners cannot leave the base until the ball is hit or crosses the plate. Leaving early will result in a base runner being called out. No stealing.
13. Batter must reach first base on his or her own accord. Substitute runner (the last out of the same gender) may be used once an inning.
14. No sliding. Anyone who slides is automatically out. Diving back to the base is okay.
15. Accidental tripping or slipping is not a slide. It is the umpire's call to determine if the slip or trip is accidental or the result of running too fast as the player approaches the base. If the umpire determines the runner fell because he came too fast into the base, the runner is out.
16. No avoidable collisions. Anyone who does is out.
17. No intentional blocking of bases. If it's done, runner is safe. If there is unintentional blocking of bases, the runner may step beside the base and be declared safe if he or she beats the throw or tag.
18. Starting time is 6:30pm. Forfeit time is 6:45pm. Games must begin and end with a prayer. Arrangements to reschedule games may be made between coaches at least one week in advance. If a request is made with less than a week's notice, it can be accepted only with the consent of both coaches. League director is to be notified of schedule changes. Only one schedule change can be requested by any one team per season.
19. Home team is responsible for keeping score, supplying the game ball and providing four bases.
20. Bases are 60 feet apart. The pitcher may pitch from any safe distance.
21. Each team must supply its own equipment.
22. Both teams must record the score and send it to the league director.
23. No sharing of male or female players for churches with more than one team. Any sharing of players will result in an automatic forfeit of the game.
24. Coaches must control the behavior of their players. This is a Christian league. Abusive players will be removed by order of the umpire. Any angry cursing is cause for immediate removal from the game. Such a player who refuses to leave the game will cause his team to forfeit.
25. Coaches will inform players of the rules.
26. Trophies will be based on games played within each division. If there is a tie, it will be resolved by how the two teams played each other, by an additional game if one can be mutually arranged, or left as a tie.
27. No drinking of alcoholic beverages at the game.
28. Games are 9 innings or until it is too dark to play.