1.  Pitching Rules  (Modified Fast-Pitch "Chata")

1.1  Official Pitching Style

The official pitching style is Modified Fast-Pitch ("Chata"). Pitchers must use a controlled legal underhand motion.

 

1.2  Legal Delivery

Deliveries must follow legal Modified motion as determined by the umpire. A natural upward "hump" is allowed within limits.

 

1.3  Illegal Pitching Motions

The following deliveries are prohibited:

• Windmill

• Sling

• Arc

• Sidearm

 

1.4  Pitching Position

Pitchers may start with:

• Both feet on the rubber, OR

• One foot on the rubber and one behind, stepping forward on release

 

1.5  Pitch Speed

Unlimited speed is allowed provided the motion is legal.

 

1.6  Strike Zone

A legal pitch must cross the strike zone. An illegal pitch is a ball unless the batter swings at it.

 

1.7  Umpire Authority

The umpire determines pitch legality. Repeated violations may result in warnings or pitcher removal.

 

1.8  Illegal Pitch Consequences

When an illegal pitch is called:

• A ball is awarded to the batter

• All base runners advance 1 base

If the ball is put in play:

• Any resulting out is nullified

• Safe results (hit, error, extra-base hit) stand

 

2.  Game Format & Participation

 

2.1  Game Length & Extra Innings

Games are 6 innings unless shortened to 5. If tied after regulation:

• One extra inning with a runner on 2nd (last out)

• If still tied, the game ends as a tie — no further innings

 

2.8  Time Limit

Games are 6 innings OR 1 hour 30 minutes, whichever comes first. No new inning may begin after the time limit.

 

2.4  Minimum Players

Teams may start with 8 players. The 9th batting spot is an automatic out, removed when the missing player arrives.

 

2.9  Roster & Late Players

Active roster: 20 players. Late players may enter normally through end of the 3rd inning. After the 3rd inning:

• Only substitutes are allowed

• Late arrivals may not enter the batting order

• Late arrivals may not replace an automatic out

 

2.10  Courtesy Runners

Each team is allowed 2 courtesy runners per game. Options:

• Both runners consistent

• One consistent + one occasional

• Both occasional

Rules:

• Declare full-game courtesy runners before the game

• A player who runs for herself loses courtesy runner eligibility

• Declared courtesy runners must be used when called upon

 

2.11  Draft Policy & Player Trades

Players remain on their assigned teams for the duration of the season. Player-initiated trades are not permitted.

• The league board/committee reserves the right to transfer a player to a different team at any point during the season. All such decisions are handled on a case-by-case basis and are at the sole discretion of the board. Players will be notified of any transfer decision directly.

 

3.  Uniforms

• Black pants required

• Rubber cleats only — no metal cleats

• Visible jersey numbers required

 

4.  Lineup & Batting

 

4.1  Extra Hitters (EH)

EH1 and EH2 are both part of the lineup.

• EH Swap: EH1 + EH2 share 1 combined swap per game — must be reported to the umpire

 

4.2  Designated Hitter (DH)

Only 1 DH per team. The DH bats for exactly 1 player and remains active unless they take a defensive position. If the DH plays defense, the DH role is removed.

 

4.3  DH & EH Distinction

DH is a fixed role. EH is flexible but limited to 1 combined swap per game.

 

4.4  Lineup Submission Requirement & Penalty for Delay

All managers are required to submit their official lineup card to the umpire and/or scorekeeper prior to the start of each game. This rule applies to every game without exception.

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Managers are expected to have their lineups fully prepared in advance — even if currently participating in a previous game — in order to ensure proper game flow and organization.

Failure to submit the lineup card on time will result in an automatic penalty:

• If the first batter has already completed their at-bat and the lineup card has not been submitted, the next batter will begin their at-bat with two (2) strikes already counted.

• This penalty remains in effect until the official lineup is properly received.

Purpose: To ensure fairness, maintain game efficiency, and promote proper preparation by all managers. No exceptions will be made once the game has started.

 

5.  Courtesy Runners

See Rule 2.10 for full courtesy runner regulations.

 

6.  Mercy Rule  (Super Knockout)

 

6.1  Run Rule

A game ends early when one team leads by:

• 12 or more runs after 3 innings

• 10 or more runs after 4 innings

 

6.2  Regular Season

If a game is stopped after reaching official status, it reverts to the last completed inning. If the home team did not bat, that inning does not count.

 

6.3  Playoffs

Playoff games resume exactly where play was stopped.

 

7.  Mound Visits & Game Control

 

7.1  Standard Visits

3 mound visits are allowed per team. A 4th visit, or 2 visits in the same inning, requires the pitcher to be removed.

 

7.2  10-Minute Rule

When 10 minutes remain, no delaying visits are permitted. Only injury stoppages or pitching changes are allowed. Managers may still make quick pitching changes or quick defensive substitutions.

 

7.3  Penalties

Violations may result in:

• Warning

• Ball awarded

• Ejection

• Forfeit

 

7.4  Umpire Authority

The umpire controls all delay and injury decisions.

 

8.  Special Rules

 

8.4  Tag-Up Rule

Only the runner on 3rd base may tag up. All other runners are prohibited from tagging — violation is an out on appeal.

Exception: A ball out of play awards all runners 2 bases.

 

9.  Player Participation

 

9.3  Doubleheaders  (Regular Season Only)

• Player in BOTH games: 6 total innings, minimum 3 defensive innings

• Player in ONE game: 3 innings minimum

• Late arrival to second game: 3 innings minimum

 

10.  Dugout Rules

• No unauthorized persons in the dugout. Strictly enforced.

 

11.  Emergency Substitutions

• Umpire approval is required for all emergency substitutions.

 

12.  Discipline

• Ejection from a game carries a 1-game suspension.

• Acts of violence result in forfeit and risk of expulsion from the league.

• Alcohol and smoking violations carry additional penalties — see Rule 12.1 below.

 

 

12.1  Prohibited Substances on Park Property

No alcohol, smoking, vaping, hookah, marijuana, or use of any prohibited substance is permitted at any time within NYC Parks Department facilities — including all field areas before, during, and after games. This applies to all players, coaches, and team members present during league activities.

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Managers are responsible for communicating this rule to every player on their roster. These regulations are enforced by the Parks Department and are directly tied to our field permits. Protecting our permit access is the league's highest priority.

 

Any player observed violating this rule during league activities will face the following consequences:

• Immediate ejection from the game

• Suspension from league participation

• Possible financial fine

• Further disciplinary action as determined by league officials

 

12.2  Player Suspension & Removal

The league board/committee holds the right to suspend or remove any player from the league at any time, for any conduct deemed detrimental to the league, its participants, or the integrity of the game. This includes but is not limited to:

• Aggression or threatening behavior toward any player, manager, umpire, or league official

• Physical altercations or incitement of violence

• Verbal abuse, harassment, or intimidation

• Conduct unbecoming of a league participant

• Behavior by a guest, fan, or spectator accompanying a player that constitutes aggression, intimidation, or unauthorized entry into any dugout — the associated player is held responsible for the conduct of those they bring to league events

Suspensions and removals are handled on a case-by-case basis by the board. All decisions are final. Removed players forfeit any remaining participation without refund.

 

13.  Protests

• A $100 deposit is required to file a protest.

 

14.  Registration

• A $150 registration fee is required.

 

14.1  Refund Policy

Registration fees are non-refundable once a player has received their league uniform jersey or hoodie. These items are purchased specifically for each player and represent a direct cost to the organization.

No refunds will be issued after uniform items have been distributed, regardless of whether the player continues participation in the league. No exceptions.

 

15.  Awards

• Championship trophies awarded.

• Individual awards: MVP, Best Hitter, Best Pitcher.

 

16.  Supplementary Rules

• USA Softball Modified rules apply where not otherwise specified.

 

17.  League Authority

• Board decisions are final.

• Rules may be amended at any time.

 

18.  Playoff Format  (All Teams Qualify)

 

18.1  Qualification

All teams qualify for the playoffs.

• Players must have their league fee paid in full prior to participating in any playoff game. Players with an outstanding balance will not be permitted to play until full payment is received.

 

18.2  Format

Best-of-3 series (2 out of 3) in all rounds, including the championship.

 

18.3  Home Field Advantage

Based on best regular-season record:

• Game 1 — higher seed hosts

• Game 2 — lower seed hosts

• Game 3 (if needed) — higher seed hosts

 

18.4  Championship

Same best-of-3 format applies.