Softball Rules

DEFINITIONS:

Base Path: A base path is an imaginary line three (3) feet to either side of the path established by the runner.
Blocked Ball: A blocked ball is a batted or thrown ball that is touched, stopped, or handled by a person not engaged in the game, or which touches any object which is not part of the official equipment or official playing area.
Catch: A catch is a legally caught ball which occurs when the fielder catches a batted or thrown ball with his hands or glove. If the ball is merely held in the fielder’s arms or prevented from dropping to the ground by some part of the fielder’s hand or glove.
Chopped Ball: A chopped ball is one at which the batter strikes downward with a chopping motion of the bat. ILLEGAL.
Dead Ball: The ball is not in play and is not considered in play again until the pitcher holds it in pitching position and the umpire has signaled to play ball, or when umpire calls time.
Force Out: A force out is an out which can be made only when a base-runner loses the right to the base which he is occupying because the batter becomes a runner, and before the batter or a succeeding base-runner has been put out.
Foul Tip: A foul tip is a foul ball which goes directly from the bat, not higher than the batter’s head, to the catcher’s glove and is legally caught.
Illegal Catch: An illegally caught ball occurs when a fielder catches a batted or thrown ball with his cap, glove, or any part of his uniform while it is detached from it’s proper place.
In Jeopardy: The ball is in play and an offensive player may be put out.
Infield Fly: A fair hit ball, other than a line drive, that is caught or in the opinion of the umpire, could be easily handled by an infielder with runners on first and second or first, second and third with less than two outs.
Interference: The act of a defensive player which hinders or prevents a batter from striking a pitched ball, or the act of an offensive player which impedes, hinders or confuses a defensive player while he is attempting to execute a play. Defender has the right of way – runner must avoid defender.

Obstruction: The act of a fielder, while not in possession of the ball or in the act of fielding, which impedes the progress of a legal base-runner.

Legal Touch: This occurs when a runner or batter-base-runner who is not touching a base is touched by the ball while it securely held in the fielder’s hand. The ball is not considered as having been securely held if it is juggled or dropped by the fielder after having touched the runner unless the runner deliberately knocks the ball from the hand of the fielder.

Quick Return Pitch: A pitch made by the pitcher with the obvious attempt to catch the batter off balance. This would be before the batter takes his desired position in the batter’s box or while he is still off balance as a result of the previous pitch.

Strike Zone: The strike zone is that space over home plate designated with a mat with the arc of the ball ranging between 6 to 12 feet. A strike is considered when any part of the ball touches any part of the mat.

THE GAME:
All games will begin with a one ball, one strike count.

The choice of the first or last at bat in the inning shall be decided by a toss of a coin unless otherwise stated in the rules.

The fitness of the grounds for play shall be decided by the umpires.

Regulation game shall consist of seven innings or fifty five minutes (55) which ever occurs first.

A full seven innings need not be played if a team is ahead by fifteen runs and each team has had equal numbers of at bats and two and one-half innings have been played.

A game that is tied at the end of seven innings shall be continued by playing additional innings until one side has scored more runs than the other at the end of a complete inning, or until the team second at bat has scored more runs in their half of the inning before the third out is made.

A game called by the umpire shall be regulation if five or more innings have been played or if the team second at bat has scored more runs in five innings. The umpire is empowered to call the game at any time because of darkness, rain, fire, panic, or other cause which put the players in peril.

These provisions do not apply to any acts on the part of players or spectators which might call for forfeiture of the game. The umpire may forfeit the game if attacked by any member of one of the teams or a spectator.
A forfeited game shall be declared by the umpire in favor of the offended team in the following:
If a team fails to appear of refuses to start a scheduled contest.

If, after the game has begun and suspended, one team refuses to resume play after the umpire has called

If a team employs tactics to delay or hasten the game.

If the order for the removal of a player is not obeyed within one minute.

The winner of the game shall be the team that scores the most runs in a regulation game or a game shortened by the fifteen run rule.

One run shall be scored each time a runner touches first, second ,third, and home plate, in that order, before the third inning out of the inning.
A run shall NOT be scored if the third out is a result of: The batter being put out before legally touching first base. A base-runner being forced out due to the batter becoming a base-runner. A base-runner leaving the base before the pitched ball reaches the plate. A preceding base-runner being put out for failure to touch base if the batting order if the preceding runner has not been put out. A base-runner shall not score a run ahead of the base-runner preceding him in the batting order if the preceding runner has not been put out.

PITCHING REGULATIONS
The pitcher shall take a position with a foot firmly on the ground and in contact with the pitcher’s plate. His arm must come to a rest holding the ball in front of his body, with a pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate. This position shall be maintained at least one second and not more than twenty seconds before starting the deliver. He must then deliver the ball toward home plate on the first forward swing of the pitching arm past the hip. There shall be no stop or reversal of the forward motion.
The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher’s plate until the pitched ball leaves the hand. There is no restriction on the position of the movement of the free foot except that if a step is taken, the step must be made toward home plate. After the pitcher releases the ball, there are no restrictions on the movement.
The ball must be delivered at a moderate speed underhand, below the hip with a perceptible arch (from the time it leaves the pitcher’s hand) of at least three (6) feet, before the ball reaches the plate. The pitched ball should not reach a height of more than twelve (12) feet. Speed of the pitch and height of the ball are judgment of the umpire.
EFFECT: The umpire shall warn a pitcher who delivers a pitch with excessive speed. If the pitcher repeats the fast pitch, he shall be removed from the pitcher’s position for the remainder of the game.

At no time during the progress of the game shall the pitcher be allowed to use tape, or other substances, on the pitching hand or fingers; nor shall any foreign substance be applied to the ball. Exception: Under the supervision of the umpire, powdered rosin may be used to dry the hands.

The catcher must be in and remain within the boundaries of the catcher’s box until each pitch is delivered, and he must also return each pitch NOT HIT immediately to the pitcher.
NO PITCH: shall be declared when:

The pitcher pitches during a suspension of play.

The runner is called out for leaving the base too soon.
EFFECT: The ball is dead and all subsequent action on that pitch is canceled

If the ball slips from the pitcher’s hand during his windup or during his back-swing, it shall not be called a pitch.

When a pitcher relieves another, no more than one minute may be used to deliver no more than five balls to the catcher. Play is suspended during this time.
ILLEGAL PITCH: A quick return pitch is illegal.

An illegal pitch is when the pitcher delivers the ball not in accordance with the pitching rule.
EFFECT: In each case, an illegal pitch shall be declared a ball by the umpire. The ball is dead until put in play again in the pitcher’s box.

BATTING
The batter shall take his position within the lines of the batter’s box if one is drawn.

The batter shall not have either one or both feet touching the ground outside the lines of the batter’s box or touching home plate when the ball is hit.

The batter shall not use an illegal bat.

EFFECT: In 1. and 2. the ball is dead, the batter is out, and the runners may not advance.

Each player of the side at bat shall become a batter in the order in which his name appears on the score sheet.
The batting order of each team must be on the score sheet and must be delivered before the game by the manager or captain to the scorekeeper.

The batting order delivered to the scorekeeper must be followed throughout the game unless a player is substituted for another. When this occurs, the substitute must take the place of the removed player in the batting order.
The first batter in each inning shall be the batter whose name follows that of the last player who completed a turn at bat in the preceding inning. Batting out of order is an appeal play.

If the error is discovered while the incorrect batter is at the plate, the correct batter may take his place, and assume any balls and strikes.
If the error is discovered after the incorrect batter completed his turn and before there has been a pitch to another batter, the player who should have batted is out. Any runs scored are canceled and base-runners must return to the bases occupied when the incorrect batter batted. The next batter is the player whose name follows that of the player called out for failing to bat.
If the batter declared out is the third out, the correct batter in the next inning shall be the player who would have come to bat had the players been put out by ordinary play. If the error is discovered after the first pitch to the next batter, the turn at bat of the incorrect batter is legal, all runs scored and bases run are legal, and the next batter shall be the one whose name follows that of incorrect batter. No one is called out for failure to bat. Players who have not batted and who have not been called out have lost their turn at bat for that round.
When the third out in an inning is made before the batter has completed his turn at bat, he shall be the first batter in the next inning, and the ball and strike count on him shall be canceled.

The batter shall not hinder the catcher from fielding or throwing the ball by stepping out of the batter’s box or intentionally hinder the catcher while standing within the batter’s box. The ball is dead, the batter is out, and the runners must return to their previous base.
Members of the team at bat shall not interfere with a player attempting to field a foul ball. The ball is dead, the batter is out, and the runners must return to their previous base.

The batter shall not intentionally strike the ball a second time, strike it with a thrown bat, or deflect its course in any way while running to first base. The ball is dead, the batter is out, and the runners may not advance.
A strike is called by the umpire:

For each legally pitched ball entering the strike zone and passing completely across home plate, in addition the ball must touch any part of the green carpet and for which the batter does not swing.

For each pitched ball swung at and missed by the batter, the ball is considered a dead ball.

For each foul tip not caught by the catcher. Except after the third strike.

For each foul ball not legally caught on the fly when the batter has less than two (2) strikes.

For each pitched ball swung at and missed which touches any part of the batter if the batter is in the batting box.

A delivered ball that hits the batsman in the strike zone. The ball is dead and runners must return to their bases liability to be put out.

With two strikes a batter gets one (1) courtesy strike.

Foul balls must be caught above the shoulders of the catcher.

A ball is called by the umpire:

For each pitched ball which does not enter the strike zone or touches the ground before reaching home plate and which is not swung at by the batter.

For each illegally pitched ball not swung at by the batter.

When a delivered ball by the pitcher hits the batter outside the strike zone.

A fair ball is a legally batted ball which:

Settles or is touched in fair territory between home and first base or between home and third base.

Bounds past first or third base on or over foul ground.

First touches on foul ground beyond first or third base.

While on or over foul ground touches the person or clothing of an umpire, player or other obstruction.

The batter is out under the following circumstances:

When the third strike is called.

When he bunts or chops down on the ball.

When a fly ball is legally caught.

Immediately when he hits an infield fly with runners on first and second, or on first, second and third with less than two out.

When he interferes with the catcher.
If a preceding runner shall, in the umpire’s judgment, intentionally interfere with a fielder who is attempting to catch a thrown ball or to throw a ball in an attempt to complete a play. Both the batter and the succeeding runner will be called out.

One (1) courtesy foul will be given to each batter.

BASE-RUNNING

When a base-runner must return while the ball is in play, he must touch the bases in reverse order.

When a base-runner acquires the right to a base by touching it before being put out, he is entitled to hold the base until he has legally touched the next base in order or is forced to vacate it for a succeeding runner.
When a runner dislodges a base, neither he nor succeeding runners in the same series of plays are compelled to follow the base unreasonably out of position.

A runner shall not run the bases in reverse order either to confuse the fielders or to make a travesty of the game. The ball is dead and the runner is out.
Two runners may not occupy the same base simultaneously. The runner who first legally occupied the base shall be entitled to it. The other base-runner may be put out by being touched with the ball.

EXCEPTION: If the first runner is awarded the base to which he is returning because of obstruction, the second runner is also entitled to return one base without liability to be put out.

The failure of a preceding runner to touch a base and who is declared out does not effect the status of a succeeding runner who touches the bases in the proper order. If the failure to touch a base in the proper order is the third out of the inning, no succeeding runner may score a run.The batter becomes a runner:

As soon as he hits a fair ball.

When four balls have been called by the umpire. If the pitcher desires to walk a batter intentionally, he may do so by notifying the plate umpire.

If the catcher interferes with him or prevents him from striking at the ball. If he hits the pitch and succeeds in reaching first base safely and no preceding runner is put out, the interference should not be called.

If a fair ball strikes the person of clothing of a runner or umpire before touching a fielder. Dead ball.

If the ball hits the umpire or runner after passing a fielder other than the pitcher or is touched by an infielder including the pitcher, the ball is in play. If the ball hits the umpire or runner before passing a fielder, the ball is dead and the batter is entitled to first base without liability to be put out.

Base-runners are entitled to advance with liability to be put out under the following circumstances:

A legally caught fly ball is touched.
When the ball is overthrown into fair or foul territory and is not blocked or touched by equipment or a person.

When the ball is batted into fair territory and is not blocked.
When a thrown ball strikes the person or clothing of an umpire.

Player forfeits his exemption from liability to put out:

If, while the ball is in play, he fails to touch the base to which he is entitled before attempting to make the next base. If the runner put out is batter-base-runner at first base or any other base-runner forced to advance because the batter became a base-runner, this is a force out.

If, after over-running first base, the runner tries to continue to the next base, the batter-base-runner attempts to continue to second base.

If, after dislodging the base, the runner tries to continue to the next base.
Base-runners are entitled to advance without liability to be put out:

When forced to vacate a base because the batter is awarded a base on balls.

When a fielder obstructs the runner from making a base unless the fielder is trying to field a batted ball or has the ball ready to touch the runner. The ball is still in play as far as other runners are concerned. On the obstruction of this kind, the umpire’s judgment shall prevail as to the number of bases to be awarded to the base-runners.
When a fielder contacts or catches a batted or thrown ball with his glove, has or any other part of his uniform while it is detached from its proper place onto his person. The base-runners shall be entitled to three bases if it is a batted ball, or two bases if it is a thrown ball, and in either case the runners may advance at their own risk. If the illegal catch or touch is made on a fair hit ball which, in the umpire’s opinion, would have cleared the fence in flight, the runner shall be awarded a home run.

UTEP RECREATIONAL SPORTS MODIFICATIONS

A team shall consist of ten players.

A team must have eight (8) players to start or continue a game. At no time can fewer than eight (8) players take the field, even if it is agreeable to both coaches. The team with eight (8) must field a pitcher and a catcher with no restrictions on the placement of the other six (6) players. GAME TIME IS FORFEIT TIME.
Each team manager must fill out a Recreational Sports Department entry form. All players on every team must be listed on this form. No additions may be made after the team plays it’s first regularly scheduled game. Not practice game. PENALTY for using an ineligible player is the loss of that game.

Teams not showing up for their scheduled game for the second time will be dropped from the league. The score of a forfeited game is 7-0.
There will be a modified form of free substitution. Any individual may be removed from the game and re-enter as many times as desired with the stipulation that an individual who has been removed may only re-enter at the same position in the batting order.
Each game has a fifty-five (55) minute time limit with no new inning starting after the time has expired. The inning in progress should be completed if necessary. The fifty-five (55) minutes shall start with the first pitch of the game. The home plate umpire’s watch will be the official timepiece.

There will be forty-six (46) feet from home plate to the pitching rubber.
No metal spiked or cleared rubber (boots, bare feet) shoes will allowed. SINGLE piece molded rubber cleats are permissible.
The Recreational Sports Staff will provide all equipment except gloves. Warm-up balls will not be provided.

Catcher’s mask is mandatory for the catcher.

Do not call the Recreational Sports office before 12:00 pm on game days if there is inclement weather. The decision of play the game will be made by the umpires at the site and time of the game.

All foul balls leaving park area must be retrieved by batting team.

 
COED SOFTBALL RULE SUPPLEMENT
PLAYERS

Each team will consist of ten (10) players, five (5) men and five (5) women. Substitutions are allowed on a man-for-man, and woman-for-woman basis only. At no time may the number of men on the field exceed the number of women. Minimum number of players to start/ continue the game is eight (8).

RULE MODIFICATIONS

Teams must bat with man/woman alternation. If a male batter is walked, the next person in the rotation has the option of taking a base on balls if they choose to do so.

No position restrictions.

Free Substitution: Person substituted for must remain out for out for a minimum of one (1) full inning.

Regular Recreational Sports Slow-pitch Softball Rules shall govern all other aspects of play.

ELIGIBILITY

All players must have a current UTEP student, staff, or faculty ID card. No players may be playing on another coed team (they may, however, be playing on a men’s or women’s team).

EQUIPMENT

The Recreational Sports Office will provide ball, bats bases, and masks.

Only official softball bats are allowed and all handles must be covered.

Catcher’s of first-base mitts may only be worn at those two positions.

Catchers must wear masks.

Home team shall be determined by a coin flip.

All games shall be seven (7) innings or fifty-five (55) minutes, whichever comes first. All games shall be played until a winner is determined or the fifteen (15) run rule comes into effect.