NOTSO AMAZON SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES & REGULATIONS

These rules are a summary of those which differ from the Canadian Softball Rules (CSR). In cases of conflict between these and CSR, these rules will govern.

1. GAME LENGTH

A complete game consists of 7 innings.

Called games - A game may be called before 7 innings due to darkness, rain or limitations on schedule time. The game is not considered legitimate unless three complete innings have been played. Last inning may be declared at 1 1/4 hours of play, at the umpire's discretion, to ensure that games finishes on schedule.

Extra innings - If a game is tied after 7 complete innings, an extra inning will be played only if the umpire deems there is sufficient time available.

2. PITCHING

NASL pitching rules - No windmill pitching is allowed. Any windmill pitches thrown will be counted as a ball. A player may indicate to the umpire that the pitch is too fast at any time. The umpire must then indicate to the pitcher to slow the pitch down. If the umpire in their sole discretion determines that any subsequent pitch to that batter is too fast, the pitch will be called a ball. If a pitch is hit into fair territory by the batter, it may not be considered "fast".

Double maximum on slowed pitch - If a batter has requested that the pitch be slowed down, the maximum bases they can take is two, regardless of how the play plays out.

Two innings pitching rule - A pitcher may only pitch two consecutive innings. This rule requires each team have two players pitching at any given game.

Strike - A strike occurs when, in the opinion of the umpire, the ball passes through an imaginary column rising from home plate between the batters knees and the batters armpits when she is in the batters normal batting stance. A strike is also called if the batter swings at the ball and misses, or if the batter hits the ball foul and it is not caught by a defensive player while the ball is in the air. An uncaught foul ball does not count as a strike (or a ball) if the batter has two strikes against them.

Ball - A ball is called if the pitch, in the opinion of the umpire, does not pass through the strike zone.

3. HITTING AND BASE RUNNING

Out of play - As each ball field varies, "out of play" territory will be defined by the umpire before the start of each game. Generally, "out of play" will be defined as 10' outside the foul line.

Hitting - If a batter throws their bat, as determined by the umpire, the batter is out.

Getting to first place - A batter who hits a fair ball may run towards first base. The batter is out if the ball is caught by a defensive player before it touches the ground, or if the ball is thrown to first and controlled by a defensive player touching the white first base bag before the batter touches the orange first base bag. A batter who hits a foul ball may run towards first base. When the umpire calls the ball foul, the batter shall return to the plate, and the foul ball will count as a strike, except in the following cases:

• if the ball rises higher than ten feet and is caught in the air, the batter is out,
• if the batter has two strikes and subsequent foul ball is caught by the catcher, the batter is out regardless of the height of the ball,
• if the batter attempts to bunt with two strikes and the ball goes foul, the batter is out.
• If the batter strikes out on the last strike and the catcher drops the ball and first base is not occupied by a runner, the batter may attempt to run to first base. They will be out if tagged by the ball or thrown out at first.

Steal - A base runner may attempt to run to the next base after any pitch. If the base runner leaves the base before the ball crosses the plate, they are out. This is called a "lead off". A steal occurs when the runner successfully reaches the next base without being tagged out. A runner may steal only one base for each time the defensive team throws the ball (the pitch is one throw). A player may not attempt to steal a base if the pitcher has control of the ball within the ten foot radius of the pitcher's mound. If at the time the ball is returned to the pitcher's mound, the base runner is between bases, they have the option of advancing or retreating. They are at risk of being tagged out. A base runner is out in the following circumstances:

• If they run more than three feet on either side of the baseline in an attempt to avoid a tag,
• If they advance past another base runner ahead of them on the base paths and touches the next base before or at the same time as that base runner touches it,
• If they are touched by anyone on their team with the exception of the runner immediately following them,
• If they interferes with a defensive player who is attempting to field the ball,
• If, while not touching the base, they are hit by a batted ball before it is touched by a defensive player

If they advances to Second, Third or Home having failed to touch any previous base; provided that the defensive team must throw the ball to that base and appeal to the umpire before the next pitch.

4. SUBSTITUTIONS

Each player must play a defensive position for at least three innings. Field substitutions may be made at any time during the game. All players present on a team bat in the order set down on the score sheet at the start of the game. If a player arrives late, they are to be placed at the end of the batting order, regardless of the inning.

A batter may request a runner for reasons of physical disability and/or injury only upon reaching at least first base during regular game play. The requested runner must be the last player out.

Batters with limiting physical conditions may make a special request to have a home plate runner. The collective will review these requests on a case by case basis and will be allowed to take a runner from home plate only if they have an approved home plate runner before game play and contingent upon the umpire's ruling of the field of play.

5. UNREGISTERED PLAYERS

No team shall use any player not registered on their team. If an unregistered player plays in a game, the team shall default that game.

6. GAME TIMES

Umpires will give a five-minute warning before the beginning of the game. At that time, both teams shall bring their lineups to the plate umpire to be checked. Games will start when scheduled. If a team does not have seven or more players, the team shall default that game. The team must have eight or more players by the start of the third inning or shall default that game. One out is given up each for each player that team is short of nine players, unless the opposing team waives these outs.

7. SCORE SHEETS

Each Team Rep will provide two score sheets for each team. At the end of the game, all score sheets must be signed by the umpire. Scores must be e-mailed in within two days of the game to . If the score is not sent in, the game will be considered a default.

8. PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY

Players must play in a minimum of 60% of the regular season games to be eligible to play in the playoffs.

9. POINTS

In the league standings, a win will count for three points, a tie for two points, a loss for one point and a default for zero.

10. EQUIPMENT

All league games shall be played with a regulation twelve inch softball. Metal cleats shall not be used by any player.

11. FIELD MEASUREMENTS

Bases are required to be 55 feet apart.
The pitching line must be 35 feet from the back of home plate.

12. MERCY RULE

In order to ensure a more balanced and exciting game, a maximum of six runs can be scored by a team in one inning. Once six runs have been scored, the inning will be over and the opposing team will be at bat. If a player is still "at bat" while the sixth run is scored she will be the first “at bat” in the next inning. The last full inning of play will not have a limit on the number of runs that can be scored.

13. BALLS ON THE FIELD BETWEEN INNINGS

No balls are permitted on the field between innings. The pitcher will be allowed 3 warm up pitches prior to taking the mound

14. PROTESTS

Protests must be reported to the umpire at the time of the incident. The umpire's ruling is final unless they suggest submitting a written protest to the collective. The protest must be given to the collective within 48 hours of the incident. The collective will deal with the matter within 2 weeks of receiving the protest.

15. CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL OR ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

Consumption of alcohol and/or drugs at the park is strictly prohibited. Please respect this rule in order not to jeopardize the league park permits.