Softball Game Rules

Rules follow the NSA Canada Rule Book with the following exceptions:

League Administration

Players

All players must be registered, with completed liability waiver, profile photo and paid membership
Photo should be a clear head-and-shoulders shot that accurately resembles the player, with no obstructions such as sunglasses or hats
Memberships are valid from September 1st and expire on August 31st
Memberships are non-refundable.

Rosters

All adult players must have a valid facility membership and be registered on the team roster to play. Failure to register a player will result in the game being recorded as 10-0 loss. Additional discipline may also be applied to un-rostered players.

Teams may have up to eighteen (18) registered players on the roster
Rosters close for the addition of players after week 8 games
During the regular season teams may use 2 players per week who are registered on other teams to prevent a forfeit. The "borrowed" players must wear a wristband received from front desk prior to the game
During playoffs only players officially registered on the roster may play for that team

Game Format

A full team is 9 players (6 male, 3 non-male)
Teams require at least three non-males on the field at all times. In cases where there are only two non-male players on the field, the team must play with one less player

Division Assignments

League may reallocate teams and divisions up to the 6th game of the regular season to balance divisions

Payments

Players are responsible for payment of their membership
League may remove players from rosters for non-payment of membership fees
Team Manager is responsible for the team fee and any surplus will be returned to the Team Manager for distribution
League may remove teams from schedules and/or cancel games (without notice) for fee non-payment

Schedules & Schedule Changes

In order for a team to be scheduled, a full deposit and nine (9) rostered players is required
Schedule requests must be sent to leagues@hamiltonindoor.com at least 14 days prior to the start of the season
Reschedule requests received at least one week in advance will initiate requests to all affected teams and if agreeable to all teams will be confirmed. No schedule changes will be made without all team managers agreement
Games will only be scheduled for days of the week outlined in the league details
Once playoff game schedules are posted, they are considered final and games will not be rescheduled for any reason. Playoff scheduling requests must be made prior to the playoff schedule being released but they are not guaranteed

Forfeits

Forfeit occurs when a team is missing more than one player. If a team is short players and would like to add a non-roster player in order to avoid forfeit, that player must be a current member, with paid membership and completed waiver, and be approved by the opposing team prior to the start of the game. If a non-roster player is used without prior opposing team consent, the game is a forfeit
Notice of forfeit by a team must be made at least 48 hours in advance and sent to leagues@hamiltonindoor.com. Failure to notify the league will result in a $100 fine that must be paid prior to the start of the next game
Forfeited games are recorded as 10-0 wins for the opposing team

Protests

Teams may only protest an opposing player's eligibility before the start of the game
If an opposing player arrives late, their eligibility to play may be protested up until the end of the third inning
During playoff games, no late players may enter the field of play after the start of the third inning
Protests are reviewed and adjudicated by the discipline committee. Protest decisions by the discipline committee are final

Mercy Rule

A maximum of 5 runs per inning may be scored, except for the last inning where there is no maximum
If the one team is up 15 runs after 3 innings the game is a mercy. After 5 innings if a team is up by 10 the game is a mercy
Mercy games are scored where the winning team records 15 more runs that the losing team
If the first game of a double header is a mercy, the second game will start early and, time permitting, may continue through 7 innings

Scores

Default and no-show games are recorded as a 10-0 loss for the absent team
Games abandoned, for whatever reason (major injury, power outage, etc.), will have the score at the time the game was abandoned recorded as the result
A five (5) minute grace period will be provided to teams to meet minimum requirements; the game clock will start at the scheduled start time

Short Handed Rule

If a team is short handed they are given 15 minutes from the start of the scheduled game time to wait for enough players to show up
Team must have at least seven (7) rostered players on the bench to avoid a forfeit
If one team is ready to play and the opposing team is not after 5 minutes 2 runs will be awarded to the team that is ready to play. If after 10 minutes has passed and the opposing team is not ready another 3 runs will be awarded to the team that is ready to play. If 15 minutes has passed the game will be a forfeit win for the team that is ready to play
The game clock will still start at the scheduled game time even if the team is waiting for the player to arrive
The amount of time it takes for each team to get the min number of players to field a team will be deducted from the 60min game time
If the player does not arrive it will be considered a forfeit. Teams also have the option to agreeing to the below rules
If teams are short in general the opposing team can still allow them to play short, the game will still count.
Teams can also give the opposing team players if they are short
All of the above must be decided before the game begins as the game will count and is official
A player may be added any time before the end of the game
If the team that is short ends up with enough players during the game to field the team, the players that were lent to the team by the opposing team may go back to their original team if they decide to do so (if any)
If one team does not meet the minimum requirements to play and the opposing team does not wish to allow them to play short, or does not wish to lend them players that team will take a 10-0 loss

Standings

Ranks & tie breakers are determined using the following sequence

points where win = 2, tie = 1 and loss = 0
number of wins
run differential
runs scored
head to head

Game Ready Policy

Players safety and well-being of our participants are of utmost importance. To ensure an enjoyable and secure experience for all players, we have established the following guidelines for being "Game Ready"

Players must be mentally, physically, and emotionally fit to participate in our games. This includes being free from the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substances that may impair judgement or coordination
Players should refrain from participating if they are experiencing physical discomfort, illness, or emotional distress that may impact their ability to play safely
Players must not have any physical conditions or injuries that could pose a risk to themselves or others during game play. This includes, but is not limited to, wearing braces, casts, or any other items that could potentially cause harm
Individuals who are beyond a certain stage of pregnancy (as determined by a Doctor's advice) are advised not to participate due to potential risks to themselves and their health
All uniforms or accessories on your person must be in compliance with our Players Equipment rules (below)
Players are expected to exercise personal responsibility and consider the safety of themselves and others at all times during game play

Failure to comply with the "game ready" policy may result in the player being asked to refrain from participating in the current or future games.

Spectators

Spectators are only permitted in the spectator area and separated from the player benches
All persons on the player benches must be on the game sheet and identified with a number.
All coaches must be identified as such and on the game sheet
Ejected or suspended players/coaches are not permitted on the player benches or permitted to interact with teams, or umpires prior to, during, or after the game on the field of play
All spectators are considered the responsibility of the team they are associated with. Each team and its team manager shall be held accountable for the conduct of their spectators before, during, and after the game. Unsporting behaviour, harassment of players, referees, or opposing teams, or any action that disrupts the game may result in disciplinary action against the team

Players Equipment

Footwear

Metal cleats are not permitted

Braces & Casts

Sport-specific (light weight, smooth, soft exterior, plastic) braces are acceptable
Bubble wrapped metal braces and plaster casts are acceptable if they provide sufficient cushion (as decided by the referee) and safety to other players
Aggressive, sloppy and/or dangerous play while wearing a brace or cast is not acceptable
Players wearing a brace or cast assume all liability to the safety of themselves and all other participants as a result of their choice

Jewellery

Necklaces, bracelets, chains, and hooped earrings must be removed
Fitbits are allowed if they are covered with a wrist band that provides sufficient padding
Studded earrings can be taped
Wedding rings can be taped or covered
Removal of all piercing and body jewellery is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for all players
Referees will not turn away players with taped piercings and body jewellery, however, if a player wishes to play with jewellery (however concealed) they assume all responsibility and liability to the safety of themselves and all other participants as a result of their choice

Glasses

Active Sports Eye wear with a head strap is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for players who require corrective eye wear
Referees will not turn away players who do not have Active Sports Eye wear, however, if a player wishes to play with glasses they must have a head strap and they assume all responsibility and liability to the safety of themselves and all other participants as a result of their eye wear choice

Clothing

Head coverings may be worn although it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED the fabric of such be elastic and tight fitting so as not to become a strangulation and/or tripping hazard. Players wearing head coverings during play assume all responsibility and liability to the safety of themselves and all other participants as a result of their clothing choice. Referees will not turn away players who wear head coverings
Shorts, track pants and/or tights are the preferred clothing while playing soccer, however, players may choose to wear alternate/additional clothing during play as long as the player is clearly identifiable as to which team they belong to and have their number clearly visible on their back

Jerseys

Players must each have a unique number on the back of their jersey
Team colours should not conflict with each other or with the umpire
If there is a colour conflict, it is the responsibility of the home team to wear an alternate colour or acquire pinnies from the front desk
In playoffs, if there is a colour conflict, it is the responsibility of the lower ranked team to wear an alternate colour or acquire pinnies from the front desk
Players who forget their jersey and do not have a number must provide photo identification at the front desk to verify eligibility before playing. Players without a number will be given a wristband to wear, indicating their eligibility to participate

Game Rules

Game Duration

Games are 7 innings with no new innings starting after 45 minutes of play

Players & Batting

Teams must have at least 2 non-male players to play. Teams playing short will be down one defender until another player arrives
Teams may play 6(M)/3(F) without an automatic out
Teams may bat an unlimited number of batters but never more than 3 male batters in a row
Batters will start with a 1-1 count
Strikes will be called using the board/mat (arc 6 to 10 feet)
Any walk to a male (regardless of count), with a non-male following, the male gets second. The non-male has the option to hit or take first
Outfielders may not throw anyone out at first from the outfield. If a throw is made from the outfield to first the player is awarded a two-base penalty
Any ball hitting the air duct is an automatic out
Any ball hitting the metal rafters or lights is an automatic dead ball (if it happens on your third strike you are out)
Any ball hitting the wall or ceiling in fair territory and if it is caught before it hits the ground is an out. If the ball settles on something that is not turf, it is live
Any foul tip caught is an out
No bunting or “Chopped swing” batter will be called out
Ground balls bouncing into the bleachers or onto the concrete pads will be considered a ground rule double

Scoring

A run is scored when a player safely touches, in order first base, second base, third base and crosses behind home plate
A runner may not score ahead of a preceding runner who has not been retired
A run may not score if the last out of an inning is a force out or a preceding runner declared out

Pitching

Teams pitch to the opposing team
Before each pitch, the pitcher must stand with one foot (pivot) within the pitcher’s box, facing the batter with the ball held in one hand. The pitcher must wait until the batter is in the batter’s box to pitch the ball.
A step may be taken in any direction simultaneous with the release of the pitch provided the pivot foot remains in contact with the box until the pitch is released
The pitch shall be delivered with an underhand motion, go 6 to 10 feet in height and land on the 2 by 3 foot mat
If a pitch is not between 6 to 10 feet in height the umpire will call an illegal pitch and it will count as a ball if the batter does not swing

Base Running

There is no stealing
There are no lead-offs
Sliding is permitted
Safety base is used at first and safe line is used at home plate
Players do not touch home plate at any time, just cross the safe line to score
If a player steps on home plate at any time they are out (batting or running the bases)
If a player steps over the commitment line, they must continue home. Players can step on the line but if the whole foot (or any other part of their body) is over the line they must continue home
A batter may not throw their bat. If they throw their bat, the batter is out
After the batter has made contact with the ball a batter is NOT out if they touch home plate on the way to first base. If a batter touches the mat while making contact with the ball (fair or foul) they are out
If a batter hits a foul ball and the ball is caught, then the batter is out
The runners may advance after the ball is caught as long as they tag up before advancing
Courtesy runners are allowed as long as batter has reached first base. Courtesy runner must be the same gender as the player they replace. Players may only be used once as a courtesy runner per inning

Playing Field

Bases are 65 feet apart
Pitching distance is 50 – 60 feet
Batter’s box is 7 feet by 3 feet
Double base shall be used at first base
Coaches’ Box is 15 feet by 5 feet and 12 feet back from the foul line
Strike Mat / Home Plate: A 2 feet by 3 feet mat. (24” X 36”)
A safe line at home plate and a commitment line 21 feet from home plate shall be used

Penalties & Discipline

Ejections

The offending player must leave the facility
Players ejected are assessed penalties according to the HamOnt Sports Discipline Table
Players ejected will automatically miss, at least, the next one (1) game
Players ejected, who receive a suspension will be subject to an un-appealable $50 fine that must be paid 72 hours prior to the start of the players Return to Play date
Verbal or physical abuse directed towards an official is an automatic ejection and will result in additional discipline which may include a facility ban
Any player or team banned for disciplinary purposes will forfeit all fees paid

Bench Clearing Incidents

Leaving the bench to engage in an altercation not only endangers the safety of our players and umpires but also tarnishes the reputation of our league.

If a team or team(s) leave the bench, umpires will automatically abandon the game
Result of the game will be determined by the Discipline Committee for any games abandoned due to an incident
Any individual (player/coach/manager) entering the field of play without the permission of the umpire will receive an automatic dismissal (ejection) and must leave the field of play
Any further discipline resulting from a bench clearing incident will be reviewed by the Discipline Committee

Discipline and Suspensions

The league is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable space for all to play.

All discipline incidents are reviewed by a committee
All cases are adjudicated using the Discipline by Review (DBR) system
The Discipline Committee meets weekly and posts decisions on the Discipline Page
Decisions of three (3) or less games are final
Suspensions of four (4) or more games may be appealed in writing from the team manager or suspended player to zach@hamiltonindoor.com. Player must pay the un-appealable $50 fine prior to the appeal being heard
Players receiving a suspension will be subject to an un-appealable $50 fine that must be paid 72 hours prior to the start of the players Return to Play date
Any player or team who is suspended or ejected will forfeit all payments, and payments of related groups towards future activities. There will be no refunds or credits for players or teams that are suspended or ejected from our leagues