BRIDGE PLAY WOMEN’S SOFTBALL LEAGUE (BPWSL)

MODIFIED FAST-PITCH / “CHATA”

OFFICIAL RULES — UPDATED 2026

Motto: “Play for Fun. Play for Change.”

1. LEAGUE PURPOSE

1.1 Mission

The Bridge Play Women’s Softball League (BPWSL) provides a competitive, organized, recreational softball environment for women while promoting:

• Friendship and teamwork

• Sportsmanship and respect

• Fair and organized competition

• Community involvement

• Opportunity for women to continue playing softball

• A positive and welcoming environment

• Respect for players of different ages, backgrounds, and experience levels

Bridge Play Foundation motto: “Play for Fun. Play for Change.”

1.2 Rules Governing League Play

These BPWSL Official Rules govern:

• Regular-season games

• Regular-season doubleheaders

• Playoffs

• Championship games

• League-related playing situations

When a situation is not specifically addressed by BPWSL rules, the applicable USA Softball rules serve as the fallback under Rule 20.

2. PLAYERS, ROSTERS, LATE ARRIVALS & COURTESY RUNNERS

2.1 Maximum Roster

A team may have a maximum of 20 active players, unless League Administration officially announces a different roster limit.

Only eligible rostered players may participate.

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2.2 Starting Lineup, Late Arrivals & Ninth Player

• A team may begin a game with a minimum of 8 players.

• If a team starts with 8 players, the ninth batting position remains in the established lineup and is recorded as an automatic out the first time that position comes to bat while the ninth player is absent.

• If the ninth player arrives after the automatic out, she may legally enter and take the established ninth batting position. Once she enters, that batting position is no longer an automatic out.

• If the ninth player never arrives, the ninth batting position remains an automatic out for the remainder of the game.

• A rostered player arriving late may be added to the bottom of the batting order in the order in which players arrive, provided the original batting lineup has not yet completed one full trip through the batting order.

• The existing batting order may not be rearranged.

• Once the original batting lineup has completed one full trip through the order, no additional late player may be added as a new batter, DH, or EH, except for the missing ninth player when the team originally started with eight.

• After entering the game, any further participation must follow normal substitution and re-entry rules.

 

2.3 Second Game of a Regular-Season Doubleheader

• A player arriving specifically for Game 2 may enter if the batting lineup has not completed one full trip through the batting order.

• She is added to the bottom of the batting order in the order in which she arrives.

• The existing batting order may not be rearranged.

• If the lineup has already completed one full trip through the order, the late Game 2 player may not be added, except for the missing ninth player under Rule 2.2.

• A player entering Game 2 must participate for a minimum of 3 innings, offensively, defensively, or through a qualifying combination of participation.

• The manager is responsible for compliance.

• Courtesy-runner-only participation does not satisfy this requirement.

 

2.4 Player Trades

• Players remain assigned to their teams and may not request a trade simply because they are dissatisfied with:

• Manager

• Coach

• Teammates

• Team

• Defensive position

• Batting position

• Playing style

• Ordinary team circumstances

The League Board or Administration may transfer a player when it determines that a transfer is necessary or appropriate.

Any transfer decision shall be communicated directly to the player.

 

2.5 Draft Policy — Final Team Assignment

• By entering the league draft, a player acknowledges that she does not know which team she will be assigned to.

• Once drafted, the player's team assignment is final for the remainder of the season.

• A player may not request a transfer simply because she dislikes her:

• Manager

• Coach

• Teammates

• Team

• Defensive position

• Batting position

• Playing style

• Ordinary team circumstances

There is no guarantee of a specific team, manager, coach, batting position, or defensive position before the draft.

Players are expected to respect their assignment and participate professionally.

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A player who refuses to continue with her assigned team may be considered to have voluntarily withdrawn and may be subject to the refund policy.

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Commitment Statement:

> By entering the draft, the player accepts that she may be assigned to any team. Once drafted, the team assignment is final for the season.

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Extraordinary circumstances involving safety, serious misconduct, or a legitimate league concern may be reviewed by League Administration, which may make a reassignment when warranted.

2.6 COURTESY RUNNERS

• Each team may choose one of two courtesy-runner options before the game.

• Option A — Situational Courtesy Runners

• The team may use two courtesy-runner opportunities during the game.

• The runner may be the last recorded out or another eligible player available to serve as the courtesy runner.

• If the player needing the courtesy runner was herself the last recorded out, the previous recorded out must be used.

• Option B — Two Designated Courtesy Runners

• The team may designate two different players as courtesy runners for the entire game.

• Each designated runner must be assigned to one specific player.

Example:

Designated Runner #1 — assigned to the pitcher

Designated Runner #2 — assigned to the catcher

The same runner may not be designated for two different players.

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The courtesy runner belongs to the specific player, not the batting position or defensive position.

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If that player changes defensive positions, her designated courtesy runner remains assigned to her.

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A designated courtesy runner may run for her assigned player every time that player reaches base during the game.

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A designated courtesy runner must remain a courtesy runner and may not otherwise participate in the game.

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If she enters the game as a batter, defensive player, or other participating player, she immediately loses her designated courtesy-runner status for the remainder of that game.

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If a player who has a courtesy privilege runs for herself at any point during the game, she permanently loses that courtesy privilege for the remainder of the game and must run for herself thereafter.

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A lost courtesy designation cannot be transferred to another player or batting position.

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A player who participates only as a courtesy runner receives game participation credit, but courtesy-runner-only participation does not count toward the required 3 defensive innings or 3 batting innings for doubleheader participation.

 

BPWSL PRINCIPLE

THE COURTESY RUNNER BELONGS TO THE PLAYER, NOT THE POSITION.

3. PITCHING RULES — MODIFIED FAST-PITCH “CHATA”

3.1 Official Pitching Style

BPWSL uses a controlled underhand Modified Fast-Pitch / “Chata” pitching style.

 

3.2 Legal Delivery

A natural upward pitching motion, including a controlled “hump” motion, is permitted as long as the complete delivery remains legal.

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3.3 Illegal Pitching Motions

The following are prohibited:

• Windmill pitching

• Slingshot pitching

• Full-arm circular pitching

• Illegal sidearm delivery

• Any motion designed to circumvent the Modified Pitch restriction

3.4 Pitching Position

The pitcher must begin the delivery in a legal position involving the pitching rubber.

The pitcher must step forward toward home plate during the delivery and release the ball using the required underhand motion.

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3.5 Pitch Speed

There is no maximum pitch-speed limit as long as the pitcher uses the legal BPWSL Modified Pitch motion.

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3.6 Strike Zone

A legally delivered pitch must pass through the established strike zone to be called a strike.

If the pitcher uses an illegal pitching motion, the umpire shall enforce the applicable illegal-pitch penalty.

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3.7 Umpire Authority

• The plate umpire has final authority regarding whether the pitcher's motion is legal.

• Repeated illegal pitching may result in:

• Warning

• Removal of the pitcher

• Additional penalties

• Additional league discipline

3.8 Illegal Pitch Consequences

• When an illegal pitch is called:

• The batter receives a ball.

• Runners advance one base.

• If the ball is put into play, an out directly resulting from the illegal pitch is nullified.

• A safe result remains valid.

4. GAME FORMAT, TIME LIMIT & EXTRA INNINGS

4.1 Regulation Game

A regulation BPWSL game consists of 6 innings, unless shortened by another applicable rule.

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4.2 Time Limit

The game is limited to:

• 6 innings or 1 hour and 30 minutes, whichever occurs first.

• No new inning shall begin after the time limit.

• If an inning was legally started before the time limit, the umpire may allow that inning to be completed according to applicable game-time procedures.

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4.3 Tie Game

• If the game is tied after six innings:

• One extra inning may be played.

• The last recorded out begins the extra inning on second base.

• The batting order continues normally.

If the game remains tied after the extra inning, the game ends in a tie.

4.4 Minimum Players During the Game

• A team must maintain the required number of eligible players throughout the game.

• If a team falls below the required minimum because of injury, ejection, or other legitimate circumstances, the game may result in a forfeit.

• League Administration may review unusual circumstances.

5. LINEUP, BATTING, DH, EH, RE-ENTRY & APPEALS

5.1 Extra Hitter — EH1/EH2

• A team may use EH1 and EH2 as part of its batting lineup when permitted.

• EH1 and EH2 share one combined EH substitution/swap opportunity per game.

• Any change must be reported to the umpire.

 

5.2 Designated Hitter — DH

• A team may use one Designated Hitter.

• The DH bats for exactly one defensive player.

• If the DH enters the game defensively for the player she was hitting for, the DH role is removed according to applicable substitution rules.

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5.3 DH and EH

• The DH has a specific defensive-player assignment.

• The EH is part of the batting lineup and is governed by the EH provisions.

• Managers must report lineup changes to the umpire.

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5.4 Lineup Submission

• The manager must submit the official lineup card before the game.

• If the first batter has completed her at-bat and the lineup has not been submitted, the next batter begins with two strikes until the lineup is properly submitted.

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5.5 Re-Entry

• All starting players are eligible for re-entry.

• A starting player who has been removed may re-enter one time.

• The returning starter must return to the same batting position.

• A substitute who replaces a starter may not re-enter after being removed.

• Substitutions and re-entries must be reported before participation.

• A returning starter may play any defensive position while retaining her original batting position.

• Once a starter has used her re-entry and is removed again, she may not re-enter.

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5.6 Batting Out of Order

If a batter comes to bat out of order and a pitch is thrown, the defense may make a proper appeal.

If properly appealed, the umpire shall enforce the applicable rule.

 

5.7 Wrong Courtesy Runner

If an incorrect courtesy runner enters and a pitch is thrown, the defense may make a proper appeal.

If upheld, the incorrect runner is declared out and the managers must identify the correct eligible runner.

 

5.8 Appeal Plays

An appeal must clearly identify:

1. The specific runner; and

2. The specific violation.

 

 

Example:

• “Appeal on Runner #12. She missed second base.”

• Simply saying:

• “Umpire, that runner missed the base is s not sufficient.

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5.9 No Bunting or Slap Hitting

• Bunting and slap hitting are not permitted in BPWSL play.

• A batter who attempts to bunt or slap hit is automatically declared out, and the ball is dead immediately upon contact.

• Runners may not advance on the play, and any advance is nullified.

 

6. MERCY RULE & GAME COMPLETION

6.1 Mercy / Run Rule

• A game ends early when a team has:

• A 12-run lead after 3 innings, or

• A 10-run lead after 4 innings.

6.2 Regular-Season Official Game

• A 2026 regular-season game becomes official after 4 complete innings.

• If a game cannot continue after four complete innings because of rain, severe weather, unsafe field conditions, loss of lights, darkness, or another circumstance preventing continuation, the score at the end of the last completed inning determines the winner.

• The home team does not have to bat in the bottom of the fourth inning for the game to be official when the applicable conditions have been met.

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6.3 Playoff Games

The regular-season four-inning completion rule does not apply to playoffs.

A stopped playoff game resumes exactly where it stopped, including:

• Score

• Inning

• Outs

• Runners

• Batting order

• Lineup

• Applicable game conditions

It is a continuation of the same game.

7. MOUND VISITS & GAME CONTROL

7.1 Mound Visits

Each team is allowed 3 mound visits per game.

A fourth mound visit results in removal of the pitcher.

Two visits to the same pitcher in the same inning result in removal of that pitcher.

 

7.2 Ten-Minute Rule

Mound visits may not be intentionally used to delay the game.

Legitimate pitching changes and injury situations are permitted but must be handled promptly.

 

7.3 Penalties

Depending on the circumstances, delay or misuse may result in:

• Warning

• Ball

• Ejection

• Forfeit

• Additional league discipline

7.4 Umpire Game Control

• The umpire controls:

• Game delays

• Mound visits

• Injuries

• Pace of play

• Game administration

Players and managers must comply with reasonable umpire instructions.

8. SPECIAL PLAYING RULES

8.1 Tag-Up Rule

Only the runner on third base may tag up on a caught fly ball.

Runners on first or second may not tag up.

A runner who leaves early may be declared out on a proper appeal.

This applies regardless of another runner being involved in a rundown.

 

8.2 Catcher Throw to a Base — Live/Dead Ball Area

• A catcher's throw to any base for a pickoff remains live when the throw remains within the playable area.

• A ball does not automatically become dead because the throw gets away from the intended base.

• If the ball remains playable:

• The ball remains live.

• Runners may advance at their own risk.

• Each runner must first retouch the base she occupied when the catcher made the throw.

This applies to throws toward occupied infield.

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If the throw enters a designated dead-ball area:

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The ball becomes immediately dead.

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All runners are awarded two bases.

The two-base award applies regardless of whether the throw originated in the infield or outfield.

The umpire determines when the ball enters the dead-ball area.

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8.3 Infield Fly

The ball remains live after an Infield Fly is declared.

Runners may advance at their own risk.

Normal live-ball rules, outs, appeals, and runner responsibilities remain in effect.

9. PLAYER PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

9.1 Minimum Participation

Players are expected to participate according to BPWSL minimum playing-time requirements.

Managers are responsible for monitoring participation.

 

9.2 Manager Authority

Managers determine:

• When players enter

• Defensive assignments

• Batting lineup

• Substitutions

• Defensive positions

These decisions may be based on team needs and game circumstances.

A player may not refuse a legitimate assignment simply because she prefers another position.

 

9.3 Regular-Season Doubleheaders

A player participating in both games must have:

• 6 total innings of participation, and

• A minimum of 3 defensive innings.

A player participating in only one game must participate for a minimum of 3 innings.

A player arriving for Game 2 must satisfy Rule 2.3.

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Courtesy-runner-only participation does not satisfy the required defensive or batting innings.

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9.4 Limited Roster — Ten Players to Nine

• A team may start with 10 official lineup players.

• Only players who are physically present, eligible, and available count as substitutes.

• If one of the 10 becomes injured or legitimately unavailable, the team may continue with 9 if no eligible substitute is physically available.

• An unavailable player may not skip required defensive responsibility and return later.

• If a required defensive position cannot be filled because of injury or legitimate unavailability, the player must be legally replaced if an eligible substitute is available.

• If no eligible substitute is available, the team continues with 9.

• The unavailable player may not simply return later.

• When her batting position comes up, it becomes an automatic out for the remainder of the game unless an eligible substitute was physically available and legally entered.

• A player who was not physically available when the defensive position was required cannot be brought in later to retroactively satisfy that defensive responsibility.

• BPWSL Principle: All 10 starters must fulfill their required defensive assignments or be legally replaced.

10. UNIFORMS, FOOTWEAR & EQUIPMENT

10.1 Complete Uniform

• Players must wear:

• Official league jersey

• Visible number

• Solid-black pants

• Approved footwear

• League cap when required

Striped black pants are prohibited.

Caps must be worn forward when required.

 

10.2 Approved Footwear

Permitted:

Molded cleats on approved surfaces

Turf shoes on turf

Athletic sneakers

10.3 Prohibited Footwear

Prohibited:

Metal cleats

Sandals

Flip-flops

Open-toed footwear

Bare feet

Socks only

Other unsafe footwear

10.4 Failure to Meet Uniform Requirements

A player without proper uniform or footwear may not participate.

No verbal or informal exception may be granted.

10.5 Emergency Personal Circumstances

Emergency personal circumstances may be reviewed by League Administration.

Documentation or photographs may be requested when reasonably possible.

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10.6 Strict Enforcement

Uniform and footwear rules are strictly enforced unless a documented emergency is approved.

10.7 Bats and Equipment

All equipment must comply with BPWSL and applicable USA Softball standards.

Prohibited equipment includes:

• Altered bats

• Shaved bats

• Rolled bats

• Cracked equipment

• Illegal equipment

• Unsafe equipment

The umpire may remove unsafe or illegal equipment.

 

10.8 Catcher's Mask — Mandatory Safety Rule

• Every catcher MUST wear an approved catcher's mask.

• A player may not catch without an approved mask under any circumstances.

• If the catcher does not have her own mask, League Administration may provide one when available.

• League-provided masks should be sanitized between users.

• If no approved mask is available, the player may not catch.

• There are no verbal, personal, manager, coach, or informal exceptions.

• The catcher and manager are responsible for ensuring an approved mask is available.

• BPWSL SAFETY STANDARD

• NO MASK — NO CATCHER.

11. SAFETY, INJURIES, WEATHER & EMERGENCIES

11.1 Safety First

Player and spectator safety takes priority over continuation of play.

The umpire may stop or suspend play when conditions are unsafe.

 

11.2 Injured Player

If a player is injured:

• The umpire may stop play.

• Assistance may be provided.

• The manager must be notified.

• Replacements must follow substitution rules.

• A player must not be forced to continue when unsafe.

11.3 Serious Injury

A player suffering a serious injury may not return until safely able to participate.

League Administration or the umpire may require reasonable safety precautions.

11.4 Weather and Field Conditions

Games may be delayed, suspended, or stopped because of:

• Lightning

• Severe weather

• Heavy rain

• Unsafe field conditions

• Darkness

• Loss of lights

• Other unsafe conditions

The umpire may suspend play.

League Administration may determine official game status when necessary.

12. DUGOUT, NYC PARKS REGULATIONS & SPECTATORS

12.1 Animals and Scooters

Dogs and other animals are not permitted in the dugout or playing area.

Scooters are prohibited where park or league regulations prohibit them.

All applicable NYC Parks regulations must be followed.

 

12.2 Prohibited Activities

Where prohibited by NYC Parks or applicable regulations, the following are not permitted:

• Hookah

• Vaping

• Smoking

• Alcohol

• Unauthorized substances

• Other prohibited activities

Violations may result in ejection, suspension, fine, forfeit, or additional discipline.

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12.3 Dugout Access

• Only the following may enter or remain in the dugout:

• Rostered players

• Managers

• Coaches

• Authorized team personnel

Fans, friends, family members, and unauthorized persons may not enter or remain in the dugout.

12.4 Children

 

Players are responsible for supervising children they bring to games.

Children may not:

• Enter the playing field

• Enter restricted areas

• Interfere with play

• Disrupt the game

• Create unsafe conditions

12.5 Enforcement

• Managers are expected to help enforce these rules with their teams and guests.

• Serious or repeated violations may result in removal or suspension.

• Players may be held responsible for the conduct of their guests when appropriate.

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13. EMERGENCY SUBSTITUTIONS

Emergency substitutions require umpire approval.

Any emergency substitution must comply with:

• Batting order

• Substitution rules

• Re-entry rules

• Player eligibility

• All other BPWSL rules

An emergency does not automatically waive league substitution or eligibility requirements.

14. SPORTSMANSHIP, CONDUCT & DISCIPLINE

14.1 Prohibited Conduct

All players, managers, coaches, team personnel, and guests must conduct themselves respectfully and safely.

The following are prohibited:

• Fighting or physical altercations

• Hitting, striking, attacking, or attempting to harm another person

• Threats or physical intimidation

• Harassment, bullying, discrimination, or sexual harassment

• Verbal abuse, excessive arguing, or disrespect toward players, officials, or league personnel

• Inciting violence or encouraging others to fight

• Unsafe or disruptive conduct

• Interference with league operations or the game

• Unauthorized entry into restricted areas or dugouts

14.2 Physical Altercations

• Any player or team personnel who hits, strikes, attacks, or physically assaults another player, coach, manager, official, spectator, family member, or other person may be immediately ejected and suspended.

• Depending on the seriousness of the incident, League Administration may impose additional discipline, including:

• Additional game suspensions

• Permanent suspension or removal from the league

• Forfeiture of league fees

• Other appropriate disciplinary action

The severity of discipline shall be determined by League Administration based on the circumstances.

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14.3 Ejection and Suspension

A player ejected for fighting, physical misconduct, serious disrespect, threats, verbal abuse, or another serious violation will normally serve a one-game suspension at the next scheduled game.

The suspended player may attend in full uniform but may not:

• Bat

• Run

• Play defense

• Be placed in the lineup

• Participate in the game

If ejected during Game 2 of a doubleheader, the suspension applies to the next scheduled game.

League Administration may impose a longer suspension when warranted.

 

14.4 Ejected Player Must Leave

An ejected player must immediately leave the playing area and remain at least 100 yards away from the field/playing area.

An ejected player may not:

• Return

• Interfere with the game

• Confront officials

• Communicate in a manner that affects play

• Attempt to influence the outcome

Failure to leave or continued interference may result in additional suspension or discipline, including permanent removal in serious or repeated cases.

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14.5 Player Refusal to Enter the Game

• Managers determine when and where players enter based on team and game needs.

• Players are expected to follow reasonable managerial instructions.

• A player who refuses to enter without an approved emergency or legitimate reason may be considered unavailable for that opportunity.

• If no eligible substitute is available, her batting position may become an automatic out.

• She may not simply return later or use re-entry rules to bypass the requirement.

• No retroactive substitution will be permitted.

15. PROTESTS

15.1 Eligible Protests

• A team may protest:

• Interpretation of a BPWSL rule

• Application of a BPWSL rule

• Eligible administrative issues

• Other matters specifically permitted by league rules

15.2 Timing of Protest

A protest must be made immediately, before the next pitch or play when applicable.

The manager must identify:

1. The rule involved

2. The umpire's decision

3. The reason for the protest

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15.3 League Review

League Administration shall review eligible protests.

League Administration has final authority on interpretation and application of BPWSL rules.

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15.4 Protest Fee

16. REGISTRATION, FEES & REFUNDS

16.1 Standard Registration Fee

The standard BPWSL registration fee is $150, unless League Administration announces a different fee.

 

16.2 Refund Policy

Registration fees become non-refundable once the official league jersey/hoodie has been distributed.

Fees are not refundable because a player:

• Stops participating

• Leaves the league

• Voluntarily withdraws

• Refuses her assigned team after the draft

• Refuses to continue with her team

Draft-related refusal is also governed by Rule 2.5.

17. GAME ADMINISTRATION, SCOREKEEPING & OFFICIAL RECORDS

17.1 Official Scorebook

The official scorebook shall record, when applicable:

• Batting order

• Player participation

• Innings played

• Pitching appearances

• Substitutions

• Re-entry

• Runs

• Outs

• Other official game information

17.2 Manager Responsibilities

Managers are responsible for knowing and following BPWSL rules.

Managers should review:

• Lineups

• Substitutions

• Player participation

• Courtesy runners

• Player eligibility

• Game records

17.3 Umpire Authority

The umpire has final authority over on-field rulings, subject to the applicable protest process.

Players and managers must follow umpire decisions during the game.

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17.4 Minimum Eligible Players

If a team cannot maintain the required minimum number of eligible players, the game may be declared a forfeit.

League Administration may review unusual circumstances.

18. PLAYOFF FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY

18.1 Team Playoff Qualification

All teams qualify for the playoffs unless League Administration announces otherwise.

Individual players must still satisfy the participation and eligibility requirements.

 

18.2 Fees

All required league fees must be paid, or an approved payment arrangement must be in place, before playoffs.

A player or team with an outstanding balance and no approved arrangement may be declared ineligible.

 

18.3 Minimum 18-Inning Requirement

Every player must participate in a minimum of 18 innings during the regular season to qualify for the playoffs.

The 18-inning requirement represents three complete six-inning games in total when full six-inning games are played.

Participation may be accumulated across multiple regular-season games.

League Administration shall verify participation using official scorebooks, scorekeeping records, league records, or other official participation records.

A player who does not meet the 18-inning requirement is not eligible for the playoffs.

 

18.4 Pitcher Playoff Eligibility

Any player who wants to pitch in the playoffs must have pitched in at least 3 regular-season games.

This is separate from the general 18-inning requirement.

A player who has 18 innings but fewer than 3 pitching appearances may qualify as a position player if all other requirements are met, but she may not pitch in the playoffs.

 

18.5 Playoff Format

All playoff rounds, including the championship, are best-of-three series.

The first team to win 2 games wins the series.

 

18.6 Higher Seed

The higher-seeded team hosts:

Game 1

Game 3, if necessary

The lower-seeded team hosts Game 2.

18.7 Championship

The championship is a best-of-three series.

The first team to win two games is the BPWSL Champion.

 

18.8 Playoff Umpires

The league provides and pays for one umpire per playoff game.

The league budget covers one umpire.

If teams want a second umpire, the participating teams must agree to pay the additional umpire cost.

 

18.9 Eligibility Review

League Administration may review:

• 18-inning participation

• Pitching appearances

• Player eligibility

• Registration

• Fees

• Other playoff requirements

An ineligible player may not participate in playoff games.

19. AWARDS

The league may provide:

• Championship Trophy

• Championship MVP

• Best Hitter

• Best Pitcher

• Additional individual awards

League Administration may also create awards recognizing:

• Athletic performance

• Sportsmanship

• Leadership

• Community involvement

• Other significant accomplishments

20. USA SOFTBALL FALLBACK RULE & LEAGUE AUTHORITY

20.1 USA Softball Fallback

When a situation is not specifically addressed by BPWSL rules, the applicable USA Softball Modified Pitch/Softball rules shall serve as the fallback.

If BPWSL specifically modifies, replaces, or differs from a USA Softball rule, the BPWSL rule controls.

 

20.2 League Authority

The BPWSL Board and League Administration have final authority over:

• League rules

• Rule interpretation

• Discipline

• Protests

• Player eligibility

• Team disputes

• Administrative decisions

• League operations

20.3 Rule Changes

League Administration may amend, update, clarify, or add rules when necessary for:

• Player safety

• Fairness

• League operation

• Participation

• Competitive balance

• NYC Parks compliance

• Legitimate league needs

Official changes become effective when formally announced by League Administration.

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20.4 Responsibility to Know the Rules

Players, managers, coaches, and team personnel are responsible for knowing and following the current BPWSL rules.

Ignorance of a rule is not an excuse for violating it.