Intramural Sports Program  Softball Rules

Teams are responsible for keeping their spectators under control. Misconduct of spectators, players or coaches can result in ejection or forfeiture of the game. Spectators must remain in the designated seating area. Only players and coaches (maximum of two) are permitted in the playing area. The defensive team will do the officiating with the final say going to the defense's pitcher. The umpires shall have the power to make decisions on any matters or questions not specifically covered in the rules. The winner of a coin toss between both team captains prior to the game has the choice of being the home or visiting team. Line-ups will be written onto the score sheet before the contest may begin. All rules not mentioned in this packet will be governed by the ASA slow pitch softball rules. A copy is in the Intramural office if necessary
 
1.Team Requirements
1.1 Each team may have up to 10 players on the field and as few as 7 in order to start a game. A team must have at least 7 players on the field to continue. If a team starts a game with 8 or 9 players, they may add up to 10 players anytime during the game. Each additional player must be added to the bottom of the line-up. An eleventh batter will not be permitted to add once the game has started.

1.2 Players will pitch to their own team- a TWO pitch limit (regardless of the quality of the pitch). The pitcher must act as a defensive player only on the batted ball-after the ball is in play they no longer have to act as a defensive player. Any deliberate attempt to not field or play defense on the intinial batted ball will result in an automatic out the next time the pitcher's team is up to bat.

2.Equipment
2.1 The intramural program will provide regulation softballs and bases.
2.2 All participants must wear athletic shoes. Rubber cleats on shoes will be allowed. Metal cleats and Screw-in cleats of any kind are prohibited.
2.3 No baseball bats allowed. Softball bats will be used.

3.Substitutions
3.1 Free substitution is allowed provided such player occupies the same position in the batting order.
3.2 Any base runner may be replaced by a courtesy runner who made the last batted out. Any player who is injured while in the field will require normal substitution procedures (sec 3.1).
3.3 An automatic out will be awarded if a player who is listed in the batting order is unable to bat (assuming a substitute is not available).

4.Length of the Game
4.1 A regulation game consists of a maximum of seven innings or ONE hour which ever comes first. No innings will be started after 50 minutes of playing time has elapsed. If an inning is started, it must be completed. Innings are considered started once the third out of the previous inning is made. Completed games, which end in a tie during the regular season, will stand. There will be no warm-up time given to either team because of the time limit. Teams should warm up in the designated areas off the field before their game.
4.2 If a twelve run difference occurs during a contest after 5 innings, or 4 1/2 with the home team winning, the game will be stopped and considered a complete game. If a twenty run difference occurs during a contest after 4 innings, or 3 1/2 with the home team winning, the game will be stopped and considered a complete game.
4.3 No time limit will be in effect during championship games.

5.Sportsmanship
5.1 At the Intramural staff's discretion, a player may be called out or ejected from the game for swinging or throwing the bat in a dangerous manner. All runners must return to their original bases.
5.2 The offensive team is responsible for retrieving all foul balls.
5.3 Teams must remove all trash and equipment immediately following their game.

6. Co-ed rules

6.1 Men can bat left or right handed. The batting line up is man, woman, man, woman, etc. You must have at least 4 women on the field at all times or a forfeit will be awarded.