Ocean Softball League Rules

1) Each team may have a maximum 20 man roster. Roster changes are permitted up until the fourth game of the season. Players are only permitted to play on one team per league.

2) There are no refunds of league fees once the season begins.

3) League schedules for the season are randomly generated. We will not accept any teams request to have their games scheduled at a certain time or day.

4) Umpire fees are $40 for the set of games and MUST be paid to the umpire prior to the start of the game.

5) Protests concerning player eligibility must be reported to the umpire prior to the start of the game. The game will be played. If the protest is allowed, the game will be forfeited in favor of the team making the protest and the player will be ineligible from further league play.

6) No protests will be allowed on any decisions of any umpire on the grounds that the umpire was incorrect in as to whether the batted ball was fair or foul, a runner safe or out, a pitched ball a strike or ball, or any play concerning accuracy or judgment.

7) Un-sportsmanlike conduct does not belong in this league!!! Any player or team using profane or abusive language, throwing bats or other equipment, fighting, or otherwise acting in a disorderly or un-sportsmanlike manner toward other players or umpire shall be ejected from the game. Player will be suspended for the next regular season or playoff game. Suspension MAY be more than one game if deemed appropriate by the league director.

8) Any player or team in the opinion of the umpire, that makes intentional physical contact with another player or umpire, before, during, or after the games will be ejected and suspended for the rest of the season.

9) The mercy rule is in effect for ALL games, including playoffs. The game is over if the team is leading by 20 runs after 3 innings, 15 runs after 4 innings, or 10 runs after 5 innings.

10) A runner can NOT leave the base until the ball is hit. If the base is left before the ball is hit, the runner is declared OUT and the pitch, if not hit, stands as called. If the ball is hit, the umpire will declare “no pitch”.

11) The arc of the ball thrown by the pitcher to the batter must be a minimum of 6 feet from the ground and a maximum of 12 feet. The umpire will indicate if the pitch is illegal, but the batter has the option to swing at the pitch. If the batter swings, the pitch is then legal.

12) Each batter will start with a 1-1 count. The batter will be called out on the first foul ball after 2 strikes.

13) Base runners and fielders must avoid contact while involved in a play. The runner must slide to avoid a tag or stop. If in the judgment of the umpire a player used unnecessary physical force to deliberately break up a play, he will be ejected from the next regular season or play-off game.

14) Each team will be furnished with a supply of new softballs by the league at the beginning of the season. Each team will supply one new softball at the start of each game. The team at bat is responsible for retrieving any ball leaving the field of play.

15) Any game suspended for any reason before the home team bats in the fourth inning must be replayed in its entirety. Umpire fees are once again paid.

16) A courtesy runner may be used. The player designated as the courtesy runner must be the last player to make a batted out (either in the current or previous inning if there are no outs). A player may be used as a courtesy runner only once per inning.

17) After the first inning, there will be no warm up pitches or throwing the ball around the infield permitted.

18) Re-entry rule will be in effect. Substitutions must be reported to the umpire and must be recorded on the line-up card. Re-entry is allowed only one time, option of 12 batters and same batting order.

19) It is recommended that each team carry insurance to protect players in case of injury.

20) In the case of cancellations due to inclement weather or any other circumstances, please check the website.

21) There is a 4 home run limit for each team per game. Any subsequent ball hit over the fence will be an out.

22) Hit and sit rule (All players who hit a home run over the fence do not run the bases).

23) Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the playing field and the bench areas.

24) There is a 10 minute grace period ONLY for the first game of the night/day. Teams must have at least 8 players to start the game or the game will be forfeited.

25) Only bats that are approved for ASA championship play may be used. Use of an illeagal bat will constitute an out, a warning, and removal of the bat from play.

26) All games are considered regulation after 4 completed innings. If a game is called after 4 complete innings, but before 6 innings, the score will revert back to the last completed inning.

27) International tie breaker rule will be in effect if the score is tied after 6 innings. The last player due up in the current inning will start the inning on second base.

28) In the event there is a tie for post season play, the final standings will be determined by the following criteria:

a) Head to head record

b) Fewest runs allowed against only the teams involved in the tiebreaker.

c) Fewest runs allowed during the entire regular season against all opponents in the league.

d) Coin toss.