1. Pitching Rules (Modified Fast-Pitch “Chata”)
1.1 Official pitching style is Modified Fast-Pitch (“Chata”). Pitchers must use a controlled, legal underhand motion.

1.2 Delivery must follow legal Modified (“Chata”) motion, as determined by the umpire. A natural hump is allowed within limits.
 

1.3 Windmill, Sling, Arc, and Sidearm deliveries are prohibited.

1.4 Pitchers may start with either:

• Both feet on the pitching rubber, or

• One foot on the rubber and the other behind, stepping forward during release.

1.5 Pitch speed is unrestricted if motion remains legal.

1.6 A legal pitch must cross the strike zone to be called a strike. Illegal deliveries are balls, unless the batter swings.

1.7 The umpire determines legality. Repeated illegal motions may result in warnings, replacement, or penalties.

1.8 – Illegal Pitch & Base Runner Rule (Updated)

• If an illegal pitch is called:

• The pitch counts as a ball, regardless of swing or strikeout.

• All base runners advance one base.

• If the batter hits the ball, the play stands.

2. Game Format & Participation
2.1 All games are 6 innings. Extra innings if tied.

2.2 – Designated Hitter (DH) Rules (Updated)

• 1 DH allowed per team, batting for a specific defensive player.

• The fielder being hit for may be substituted at any time.

• Substituting the fielder does not remove the DH; the DH continues batting for that position.

• DH is removed only if she enters the field defensively.

2.3 Each batter begins with a 1–1 count.

2.4 – Minimum Players to Start

• Minimum 8 players required. Ninth batting position is automatic out if absent. Additional players may join before end of first inning.

2.5 – Official Lineup Submission & Dugout Penalty (Updated)

• Full names must be submitted before game.

• If a player leaves the dugout while her team is at bat and the current batter has two strikes, the batter is not automatically out.

• The penalty carries over to the next batter, who will start with two strikes, regardless of whether it is the same or following inning.

• Umpires are responsible for tracking and enforcing this penalty.

2.6 – Mandatory Physical Presence

• All players listed must be physically present. Missing players are removed; lineup remains official if discovered after submission.

2.7 – Official Game & Playoff Continuation

• Regular season: game official after 4 complete innings; interrupted games before 4 innings restart; after 4 innings, score reverts to bottom of 4th if home team has not batted.

• Playoffs: games resume from exact point of stoppage, including pitch, batter, outs, and base runners.

 

2.8 – Time Limits & Scheduling

• No new inning begins after time limit; umpire enforces.

2.9 – Team Roster & Late Player Rules (Updated)

• Roster: 20 active players, 1 manager, 1 coach.

• Late players – 9th/10th positions:

• Before end of first inning: may enter game; DH/EH cannot be added just because team started with 8 players.

• After first inning: cannot join; 9th position remains automatic out; team continues with 8 players.

• Late arrivals may enter only as substitutes; cannot be added to lineup.

2.10 – Substitutions & Courtesy Runners (No Re-entry, Updated)

• No re-entry allowed.

• Courtesy runners: max 2 per game, must be last recorded out or designated bench player.

• Courtesy runners entering as substitutes lose status.

• All substitutions reported to umpire.

2.11 – Team Assignment and Draft Policy (New)

• All players are assigned to teams through the league’s official draft process. Once assigned, a player must remain on that team for the season, regardless of personal preferences, relationships, or conflicts.

• Prior to the raffle, players are encouraged to inform league administration of any personal concerns, conflicts, or special circumstances that may affect team assignment. Failure to disclose such issues will result in the raffle decision remaining final.

• Team placement is final and binding. Requests to play with family members, friends, or specific coaches will not override the raffle results.

• Players are expected to respect and cooperate with all teammates, building a positive, inclusive, and professional environment.

• This policy ensures that the league maintains equity, peace, and a fun playing experience for all participants.

3. Uniforms
3.1 Team jersey or hoodie required.

3.2 Softball/Baseball BLACK pants required (no shorts/leggings/sweatpants).

3.3 Number visible on back.

3.4 Rubber cleats only.

4. Lineup & Batting

4.1 Teams may use up to 2 extra hitters (EH).

4.2 DH rules covered in 2.2.

4.3 – EH/Defensive Player Swap (Updated)

• EH may swap with a defensive player once per game.

• Lineup does not change; EH assumes field position, defensive player moves to EH spot.

• Only one swap per game.

 

5. Courtesy Runners
Max 2 per game; last out or designated bench.
Active substitution removes courtesy runner status.
 

6. Mercy Rule
12-run lead after 3rd inning; 10-run lead after 4th inning.
Home team completes last at-bat.
 

7. Mound Visits
3 visits per game without pitcher change.
4th visit or 2 visits same inning → pitcher must be replaced.
 

8. Special Rules
8.1 Pitchers & catchers must wear masks.
 

8.2 Base runners may leave only after pitch release.
 

8.3 Pickoffs at 1st only on overthrow.
 

8.4 – Tag-Up Rules on Fly Balls (Updated)

• Only the runner on third base may tag up under normal conditions.

• Dead ball overthrows: all runners advance 2 bases.

• Fair play throws: only third base runner may tag up.

• Other runners tagging up may be out on defensive appeal.

• Umpires determine dead zone and enforce appeals.

 

8.5 On caught fly, 1st & 2nd cannot advance unless error.
 

8.6 Overthrows out of play → 2 bases.

 

9. Mandatory Player Participation (Updated)
9.1 Each player must play at least 3 defensive innings per regular-season game.

9.2 During playoffs, this rule does not apply; managers may set competitive lineups.

9.3 – Doubleheaders:

• Each player must participate in at least one full 6-inning game in a doubleheader, if present for both games.

• Players present for only one game: manager must play 3 defensive innings in that game.

• Players present for both games: minimum 6 innings applies, distributed at manager discretion (examples: 2 & 4, 1 & 5, 3 & 3 innings).

9.4 – Participation Clarification:

• Batting, serving as an EH/DH, or running for a teammate counts as participation, even if not defensively on the field.

• Managers must ensure fair distribution to meet minimum participation rules.

 

10. Dugout, Discipline, and Outside Influence (Updated)
10.1 All players must remain inside the dugout, except:

• Current batter

• On-deck batter

• Coach and manager

 

10.2 Family, friends, spouses, children, parents, or fans are not allowed in the dugout or playing area.
 

10.3 – Interference:

• Unauthorized person entering the field, arguing, or interfering → associated player may be removed from league.

 

10.4 – Manager Responsibility:

• Dugout must remain free of unauthorized people.

• Interference by own team → automatic strike

• Interference by opposing team → automatic ball

 

10.5 – Dugout Penalty for Batter at Two Strikes (Updated)

• If a player leaves the dugout while her team is at bat, and the current batter has two strikes, the batter is NOT automatically out.

• The penalty carries over to the next batter, who will start with two strikes, regardless of whether it is the same or following inning.

• Umpires are responsible for tracking and enforcing this penalty.

 

10.6 Repeated or severe violations → possible suspensions or permanent expulsion.
 

11. Emergency Substitutions
11.1 Temporary replacement allowed if a player must leave the field (e.g., restroom).
 

11.2 Emergency must be justified to manager and umpire.
 

11.3 If player cannot return → permanent substitution required.
 

11.4 If no substitutes available:

• Team does not automatically forfeit if still at 8 players.

• Team forfeits if fewer than 8 players remain.

 

12. General Discipline (Updated)
12.1 Players or coaches ejected for misconduct → suspended one game.
 

12.2 Physical aggression toward umpires, coaches, or players → automatic forfeit and possible expulsion.
 

12.3 – Smoking or Alcohol During Games (Updated)

• Evidence Required: Any violation must be documented with photo or verifiable evidence.

• First Offense: $50 fine for players, coaches, or staff.

• Second Offense: Suspension for one game.

• Third Offense: Permanent removal from the league.

• Applies to all players, coaches, and staff.

 

12.4 Manager/coach may not lead team under the influence → first violation: fine; repeated violation → permanent removal.
 

13. Protests
13.1 Protests must be filed before the end of the game.
 

13.2 $100 deposit required to file protest.
 

13.3 If protest upheld → deposit refunded; otherwise, retained by league.
 

14. Registration and Fees (Updated)
14.1 Each player must pay $150 registration fee.
 

14.2 Umpire fees included in league fee.
 

14.3 Registration fees are non-refundable.
 

14.4 – Returning Players & Outstanding Balances (Updated)

• Players leaving the league for non-payment, disciplinary action, or other reasons must settle any outstanding balances before rejoining.

• To participate in a new season, a player must pay:

• Any remaining balance owed from prior seasons, and

• The full registration fee for the current season.

• League administration will review each case to determine eligibility, prioritizing responsibility, commitment, and adherence to league rules.

 

15. Awards

• Champion Team: Trophy + medals for all players and coaching staff.

• Individual Awards: Most Valuable Player (MVP), Best Hitter, Best Pitcher.
   

16. Supplementary Regulations

• Situations not covered in rulebook follow USA Softball Official Modified Slow-Pitch / Chata Rules.

 

17. Amendments and League Authority
17.1 President and League Board may modify rules at any time based on league needs.
 

17.2 No manager, player, coach, or participant may dispute or challenge changes.
 

17.3 Modifications for fairness, safety, and equality take immediate effect upon official announcement.