League Rules

Ladies' Modified Fast Pitch Softball Rules 

Modified USA fast pitch rules as modified below

 

1. The Game 

  • All games begin at 6:15 p.m.  

  • Forfeit time is 6:30 p.m. 

  • A minimum of 8 players is required to start the game.  If 8 players are present at the scheduled game time, play must begin promptly.  At no point may a team continue with fewer than 8 players.  Late arrival players may enter the game immediately upon arrival and must be placed at the bottom of the lineup. 

  • Ground rules establish the boundaries of the playing field, as determined by mutual agreement between both managers and the umpire before the game begins.  In the event of an unexpected ground rule situation, the umpire’s judgment will be final. 

  • A regulation game consists of 7 innings unless extra innings are needed to break a tie. 

  • A game is official after 5 innings (or 4.5 if the home team is leading) in case of weather or other interruptions. 

  • Run rule: If one team leads by 10 runs after 5 complete innings. Sudden death is declared after one team is ahead 10 runs after the 5 inning. 

  • RAIN OUTS – On the day of the game, if you have not already been notified, call (516) 328-1025 or check the website after 4:30 p.m. 

2. Pitching Rules 

  • The pitcher must not employ a full windmill motion. 

  • The arm CANNOT go beyond shoulder height on the backswing and must not complete a full circle. 

  • Push-off from the pitcher’s mound is allowed, but no leap or replanting. 

  • The pitch must be delivered underhand with a smooth, continuous motion. 

  • A legal pitch must have an arc no higher than 12 inches from release. 

  • The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitching mound on the release. 

3. Batting Rules 

  • The batter is out after three strikes (whether swinging or called). 

  • A foul ball on the third strike is not an out, unless caught. 

  • The batter must stand in the batter’s box; stepping on or completely out of the box during a swing will result in an out. 

  • Bunting is allowed. 

  • If a batter is hit by a pitch, regardless of whether she actively attempts to avoid it, she will not be awarded first base.  Instead, the umpire will determine whether the pitch is a ball or a strike. 

  • Extra players, Designated Players, and re-entry rules are in effect.  The Designated Player (DP) is restricted to batting only and may not participate in field play, serving solely as a replacement for a defensive player in the batting lineup. Teams are permitted to use up to 3 Extra Hitters (EHs).  However, the batting order must remain unchanged throughout the game. 

4. Base Running 

  • Runners must stay on the base until the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand (leading off is not permitted). 

  • If the catcher attempts a pickoff play, the fielder only needs to make contact with the base for the runner to be called out.  

  • During a pickoff, the ball remains live, allowing any runner to advance after a tag-up. 

  • If the ball gets past the pitcher during an attempted return following a pitch, the ball is considered dead. 

  • Stealing is not allowed. 

  • Sliding is permitted, but malicious contact with a defender will result in an automatic out and possible ejection. 

  • Runners must avoid collisions with fielders making a play. 

5. Equipment 

  • Bats must be ASA/USA Softball approved. 

  • Each team is required to provide the umpire with a new F-12 Clincher ball for each game.  A new ball must be used at the start of both the top and bottom of the first inning.  For the remainder of the game, the umpire will determine the most suitable ball to use.  No other ball is permitted. 

  • Catchers MUST wear a facemask.  Otherwise, the game will be considered a forfeit. 

  • All teams must have a first aid kit on site. 

6. Umpires 

  • Fees: Each team is required to pay the official a fee of $40 before the game.  If the game is canceled on-site, each team will pay the official a reduced fee of $20 to cover travel expenses.  In the event of a forfeit, the forfeiting team is responsible for paying the umpire $80. 

  • The umpire’s ruling is final. 

  • Arguing judgment calls may result in warnings or ejection. 

  • Protests are only allowed for rule misinterpretations, not judgment calls. 

7. Sportsmanship 

  • Each team member is expected to be respectful of officials and the opposing team at all times. 

  • Abusive language and behavior will not be tolerated. 

  • Repeated misconduct may result in the removal of the player(s) or team from the league at the league's discretion.

8. Playoffs - Based on 6 teams

  • All playoff games will have two (2) umpires.

  • The top four (4) teams will make the playoffs.   

    • First place vs. Fourth place 

    • Second place vs. Third place

  • If a tie in the standings impacts playoff qualification, a one-game tiebreaker will be played. 

  • The first round of playoffs will be a one (1) game elimination. 

  • Championship games will be best of three (3).

  • Run rule: 12 runs after 5 innings. (playoffs only) 

9. Hold Harmless 

  • Any member of any team participating in this league acknowledges and agrees to release and forever discharge the league, its officers, officials, agents, and all associated parties from any expenses, liabilities, or claims for compensation that may arise in connection with or as a result of any accident, incident, or event occurring before, during, or after any league game.  

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