Softball Rules

League Office:
      University of Regina Campus Recreation Office
      Room 146, Physical Activity Centre
      Phone: 585-4371
      Fax: 585-5693
      e-mail: campus.recreation@uregina.ca

Facilities:
    University of Regina Diamond #1 (UR1) - North
    University of Regina Diamond #2 (UR2) - South
    Marion McVeety Diamond #29
    Dr. A. E. Perry School Diamond #32

1. Games: Games will begin at 6:00 p.m. & 7:15 p.m. unless otherwise specified. Teams are required to be assembled and be ready to play at least 5 minutes prior to the start of their scheduled game. Games will be 7 innings in length.
   
2. Equipment: Equipment bag containing bases, bats, balls and scoresheets will be available on a sign out basis from the Equipment Room. Identification may be required. It will be the HOME TEAM’S responsibility to sign out and return the softball equipment prior to and upon completion of each game. Teams are encouraged to use their own equipment.
   
3. Playing Field: The HOME TEAM will be responsible for setting up and preparing the ball diamond prior to the start of each game. The HOME TEAM will also be responsible for removing all bases and "re-packing" the equipment bag at the end of each game. The VISITING TEAM is asked to assist.
   When setting up the bases please be sure to properly align and space them out. (i.e. 60 feet or 20 yards/paces apart.)
   
4. Game Sheets: A clipboard with accompanying game sheets and writing utensil has been placed inside each equipment bag. The HOME team will be responsible for returning the completed game sheet to the Campus Recreation Office following each game regardless of the outcome. Simply, deposit the game sheet through the mail slot in the wall. Please be sure that the date, team names and accompanying scores are properly recorded on each game sheet prior to submission. Please note that incomplete game sheets will not be processed. Standings will be posted on the bulletin board and web site every couple of weeks.
   
5. Defaults: Defaults not only hurt the program but are unfair to those individuals/teams who show up in terms of their time, travel and expense. Teams must field the minimum required number of players at the scheduled start time of the game to avoid penalty. A 1 - 0 score will be assigned to the team that wins by default. Please be sure to indicate this on the game sheet prior to submission. If the HOME team defaults the game and the equipment bag with the game sheets has not been taken out to the activity area, it will be the VISITING teams responsibility to submit the game sheet or simply notify the Campus Recreation Office the following day. A few game sheets have been included in you team packages should this situation arise.
   
6. Default Penalties:
   • 1^st default: - 2 point deducted from league standings.
     
   • 2^nd default: - 4 points deducted from league standings.
     
   • 3^rd default: - Expulsion from league.
     
7. Required Number of Players: Minimum number of players required to play is 8. Please try to avoid defaults where necessary. Teams with a large number of players are encouraged to supplement the roster of any opposing team who require additional players. A minimum of 3 males and 3 females are required. However, each team will be permitted to play with a minimum of 2 males and/or 2 females but will be penalized as follows.
   • The absent player must be included in the batting order and recorded as an automatic out each time that it would be their turn to bat.
   • Their position in the field or outfield must be vacant.
   • Note: If both teams are in the same position, disregard this rule and simply play the game.
8. If the score is tied after 7 innings of a regular season game, then the game shall be recorded as a tie. However, if the score is tied at the end of a playoff/tournament game, extra innings will ensue until a winner is declared.
   
9. Teams will be required to pitch to their own team. A maximum of three pitches per batter. A re-pitch will occur if/when the pitcher is incidentally struck by the ball or makes contact with the ball as a means of trying to protect himself/herself.
   
10. Maximum 10 batters per inning except for the 7^th inning in which no restrictions will apply.
    
11. Teams may substitute/rotate players at any time throughout the game. Teams are welcome, but not obligated, to place all players in attendance on the batting order and have them bat regardless if they field or not.
    
12. Pinch runners may be utilized.  For a batter to have a pinch runner they must first make it successfully to first base.  The pinch runner must be a previous out and of the same gender.
    
13. One base on an overthrow if the ball goes out of play.
    
14. Base runner may tag up on fly balls hit to the outfield.
    
15. No intentional bunting.
    
16. No stealing or leading off any base. The ball must make contact with the bat before a base runner is permitted to lead off any base. A base runner is to be called out if they are observed leaving the base prematurely. Teams are encouraged to provide leniency and give first time warnings.
    
17. Catchers are encouraged to take appropriate safety precautions and wear the provided equipment.
    
18. Batting teams must provide home plate and first base umpire.
    
19. Sliding is permitted (head or feet first). Metal cleats will not be permitted.
    
20. There will be an imaginary line ½ way between 3^rd base and home plate. Any base runner that crosses this line is committed to proceed home. They will not be permitted to return to third. All plays at home will be considered a "force" play. There will be no tags. The catcher simply has to step on the plate once they are in possession of the ball. To avoid accidents and possible collisions at home plate, base runners do not have to touch home plate. Base runners are asked to run behind and past home plate.
    
21. Any rain out games must be re-scheduled and played before the end of the regular season. Team representatives are to arrange for make up games amongst themselves and must notify the Campus Recreation Office in advance in order for diamonds to be reserved.
    
22. The infield fly rule will apply if the ball is 'popped' up in the infield and can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort with runners on 1st, 2nd and/or 1st/2nd and 3rd. 
    
23. Parking:  Available at all activity sites. For games held at the U of R free parking will be available in Parking lot #4 – Student Assigned areas only. You will not be permitted to park on University Drive or up on the boulevard by each of the U of R backstops. Vehicles will be ticketed without warning if this occurs.
    
24. Alcohol is prohibited at all of the playing venues.
    
25. Playoffs and number of teams to qualify will be announced at a later date.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK

Participation in the University of Regina Campus Recreation Program may involve the risk of personal injury. The use of equipment, facilities and premises of the University of Regina and/or cooperating agencies by persons participating in Campus Recreation activities shall constitute acceptance of that risk regardless of the nature of the injury.