RULES FOR POPS SOFTBALL

ASA Rules will prevail with these particulars: 

1.     Continuous Batting – Batting order will include all players 

2.     Free substitution any time (DH if necessary) 

3.     7-inning game or dark – umpires discretion.  4 full innings constitutes a complete game 

4.     8 run maximum per inning, except last inning, unlimited runs 

5.     No Sliding 

6.     First Base - Double bag at 1^st (fair and foul territory).  .  It is the runners responsibility to avoid contact when going into first.  Normally the fielder must touch the white bag and the runner the orange bag, however, to avoid contact at all costs, the runner and fielder can switch bases. 

7.     Second and Third Base (Single Bags)  - Over running of 2^nd and 3rd base is allowed, just like 1^st base.  It is the runners responsibility to avoid contact when going into second or third base.  Therefore, the runner must step two feet to the right , left or on the bag, in order to avoid contact.  *If enough contact is made the runner will be called out.  

8.     Home Plate - If there is a play at home plate (other than a rundown) the fielder must touch the plate and not the runner.  The umpire will draw lines that the runner must reach before the fielder touches home plate.  This is done by following the first base line thru home plate.  Only to avoid contact can the runner touch home plate. 

9.     Everything is a force play. However, you may tag the runner if you like (except for a play at the plate). Over running the base you’re going to or the base you’re coming from is allowed.  If the runner makes an attempt to go to the next base and decides not to go, then they are in a rundown.  During rundowns, runners will most likely be tagged, but if they commit to running  towards a base the play can become a timing play. 

10.  Tagging up is allowed. If an overthrow remains in live territory you can take as many bases as you can get.  If an overthrow goes into dead territory (in the dugouts, concrete, or over the fence) you get 2 bases from the base you occupied last. 

11.  All grass is alive 

12.  Ground Rule Triple – If a ball gets lost in the bushes in right or right center, and the fielder making an attempt to find the ball raises their hand, the ball is considered dead, and a triple is awarded. 

13.  4 balls and 3 strikes.  Foul on last strike is an out.  3 outs per inning. 

14.  6’ – 10’ modified slow pitch with slight arc (lob pitch).  Batter may swing at any pitch even if the umpire calls the pitch illegal.  If the ball hits any part of the plate or mat the pitch is a strike. 

15.  If a pitcher pitches the ball to home plate as if it were “Fastpitch Softball”, the umpire should rule dead ball, call the pitch a ball and give the pitcher a warning.  If a pitcher pitches the ball to home plate a second time as if it were “Fastpitch Softball”, the umpire should rule dead ball, call the pitch a ball, and remove the pitcher from the pitching position.  The pitcher may remain in the game at a different position. 

16.  8 minimum players must be in the field for regulation game.  If you’re short players, substitutes from any other team (including opponent) is required so as to have 10 players.  ONLY REGISTERED PLAYERS MAY PLAY (insurance reasons). 

17.  Intentional walks are allowed, tell batter to take 1^st base. 

18.  Single wall bats only.  Cork center softballs (Clinchers) will be used. 

19.  Balls hit over any fence is a home run. 

20.  Runners must touch a base when advancing to the next base. 

21.  Rubber cleats only, NO METAL CLEATS ALLOWED 

22.  No discussion during the game about balls and strikes.  No taunting the other team, one warning and player will be thrown out of the game.  Only managers can talk to umpire. 

23.  Commissioner and/or directors will have final decisions in all matters. 

24.  Games called on account of darkness revert back to the last full inning completed.