RULES

**Softball League Rules**

**Team Registration and Player Eligibility:**
- All teams must adhere to the rules outlined in the 2024 League Rules.
- In case of disputes, league rules take priority, followed by SPN Rule Book.
- All players must be 18 years of age or older to participate.
- Each team must consist of a minimum of 6 male and 4 female players, with a total of at least 8 players, including a minimum of 3 females.

**Pre-game Protocol:**
- Head coaches meet with umpires before the game to review rules and exchange line-up cards.
- Line-up cards must be fully completed with player details.
- Only players on the official team roster registered with the league are eligible to play.

**Gameplay:**
- There is no automatic out penalty.
- No maximum limit to the number of batters in a lineup.
- Games have no time limits, with a maximum of 7 innings as light allows.

**Game Setup and Grace Period:**
- Home teams are responsible for setting up the field and providing game balls.
- A grace period of 15 minutes is allowed. After 20 minutes, the offending team will be penalized with 5 runs against, and the game starts in the 2nd inning. Failure to field a team results in a 7-0 forfeit.

**Gameplay Rules:**
- Sliding is allowed head and feet first at 2nd and 3rd base and returning to 1st.
- Sliding rules differ between Wednesday and Sunday leagues. *(ongoing discussions)
- Encroachment line is set up to prevent outfielders from advancing before the ball is hit.
- Force out at home applies, and runners must touch the scoring line.
- Courtesy runners and pinch hitters are allowed under specific conditions. (i.e. injured player, ect)
- Unlimited substitutions are permitted during the game.
- One anticipation warning per team is given before runners are called out.
- Only ASA and USSSA bats with a maximum BPF of 1.2 are allowed.

**Scoring:**
- No mercy rule is applied.
- Maximum of 5 runs per inning, except for the 7th inning.
- Runners must touch the scoring line, not just home plate.

**Batting Order:**
- There's no limit to the number of batters; the entire team can bat if desired.
- Sunday League, the order can be: 2 male batters, followed by a female batter, then 2 male batters again.
- Wednesday League, teams can have 2 male batters in any position in the lineup only once. For example: Male, Male, Female, Male, Female, Male, Female, and so on.
- Bunting is permitted for female batters exclusively. They are called out on the third strike in a bunt attempt.
- There's no limit to the number of fouls allowed if swinging.
- If a male batter walks with a female batter next and no strikes, they will be awarded 2 bases.

**Pitching Rules:**
- Pitches must have an arch of at least 6 feet and a maximum of 12 feet.
- Illegal pitches are declared dead balls and CAN be hit. If a dead ball is hit, the play LIVE.
- Batters are out if they hit the pitcher with the ball or if the pitcher has no time to react to the ball.

**Rescheduling and Substitutions:**
- Game rescheduling is available through the league website.
- Substitutions during games are allowed, with eligibility requirements.
- Non-roster subs are permitted only when a team is short-handed.

**Commissioner's Note:**
- Any team found violating player eligibility rules risks forfeiting games.
- Non-registered players found during pre-game checks result in immediate forfeiture.