Technical Guidelines

Elementary Co-ed Softball

Revised September 10, 2014

General Rules

Each game will be 7 innings or 45 minutes in duration, whichever comes first. Once an inning has begun, time will be given for the teams to finish that inning only. There can be ties theoretically.

Rosters are a maximum of 14 players and each team must field 10 players total with 4 of those being female. There are only 10 players on the field at a given time (4 OF, 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, C, Rover).

There is a minimum of 4 girls in the lineup and on the field. There is a maximum of 10 boys in the line-up and maximum of 6 boys on the field.

Batting order and line-up sheets must be filled in prior to each game. No changes can be made to the batting order after game line-up is handed in. If a school has a roster of 14 players they have the option to bat between 10 and 14 players.

Each team will pitch to their team (coaches or student athletes may pitch). However, if the ball hits the pitcher or the pitcher makes a play on it, the batter is out

There is a three-pitch rule with a fourth pitch only if the third pitch was a foul ball.

Runners may not leave the base until the ball has made contact with the bat. The infield fly rule will be addressed with the umpires and coaches at the morning meeting at the tournament to ensure sportsmanlike play. No lead offs, no stealing bases and no bunting. Tagging up on fly outs to the outfield will be permitted, with the umpire calling the play dead when the ball is in possession of a defensive player in the infield, and all play has ceased. Leaving early, or leadoffs, will result in the runner being called out.

A safety base will be used at first base. One half for the first baseman to stand on and the other half for the base runner to step on when running to first base. If the runner touches the first baseman’s side of the base, the runner will be called out.

At home plate there will be a home plate line that runners must cross to score a run. The catcher on the opposing team must catch the ball and touch the home plate to get the runner out. Reminder: If the base runner touches home plate they are called out. There will be a commitment line about 2/3 of the distance to home plate from third base and if the base runner crosses that line they must run home and not back to third.

Mercy rules – a team may score a maximum of 5 runs in an inning, except in the 7^th If an inning (not the 7^th) is called as the last inning by the umpire, then teams can scored an unlimited number of runs that last inning.

A runner is limited to a 1 base advance on an overthrow at 1B only (not an automatic advance). Overthrows at other bases are all you can get. A ball thrown out of play results in all runners advancing one base.

Ties in each pool will be decided by a) head to head b) fewest runs allowed c) run differential (+/-) d) total runs scored e) coin toss

All decisions made by officials are final and any profanity and unsportsmanlike conduct toward anyone, including teammates, may result in a suspension or expulsion from the tournament.

All teams must provide their own gloves, bat(s) and 4 batting helmets, and a catcher’s mask. All teams must have numbered uniforms and appropriate sporting attire.

Catcher must wear all equipment specified under Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) rules; shin guards, chest protector, and a mask with throat protector.

Helmet chinstraps are mandatory and must be worn as designated by the manufacturer.

Players cannot throw their bat. A player who throws their bat will be called out and no players on base may advance.

The convening school will provide minor officials to score games at each diamond.