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Bridge Play Women's Softball League

Modified/Chata - Official Rules

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1. Pitching Rules (Modified Fast-Pitch “Chata”)

1.1. The official pitching style for this league is Modified Fast-Pitch (“Chata”). All pitchers must deliver the ball using a controlled, legal underhand motion consistent with modified standards.

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1.2. The delivery must follow a legal Modified (“Chata”) motion, as determined by the umpire. A legal pitch may include a natural hump, as long as it remains within modified legal limits.

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1.3. Windmill, Sling, Arc, and Sidearm deliveries are strictly prohibited. Any motion that violates Modified (“Chata”) standards will be ruled illegal.

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1.4. Pitchers may begin with either: Both feet in contact with the pitching rubber, or One foot on the rubber and the other positioned behind, stepping forward during release.

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1.5. Pitch speed is not restricted, provided the motion remains within the legal Modified (“Chata”) form.

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1.6. A legal pitch must cross the strike zone to be called a strike. Any illegal delivery will be declared a ball, unless the batter swings.

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1.7. The umpire has full authority to determine whether a delivery meets the Modified (“Chata”) legal standard. Repeated illegal motions may result in warnings, pitcher replacement, or other league penalties.

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2. Game and Participation

2.1. All games will be 6 innings long (extra innings will be played if tied).

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2.2. Each batter begins with a 1–1 count (one ball, one strike).

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2.3. Each team may register up to 16 active players, plus one manager and one coach.

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2.4. A minimum of 8 players is required to start a game. With only 8 players, the 9th batting position is an automatic out. The 9th player may join only if she arrives before the end of the 1st inning.

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2.5. The official lineup with full names must be submitted before the start of the game.

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2.6. Mandatory Physical Presence in the Lineup Every player listed in the lineup must be physically present on the field. No player who is absent or expected to arrive later may be included in the lineup. A player in the lineup can only be substituted if she is present on the field. When the lineup is given to the umpire, all listed players must be physically on the field. If a listed player is not present, she must be removed immediately. If her absence is discovered after submission, it still counts as official and the team must follow normal substitution and penalty rules.

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3. Uniforms

3.1. All players must wear a team  jersey or hoodie, provided by the league. 

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3.2.  BLACK Softball/baseball pants are REQUIRED (no shorts or sweatpants).

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3.3. All uniforms must display a visible number on the back.

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3.4. Only rubber cleats are allowed.

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4. Lineup and Batting

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

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4.2. Teams may use 1 designated hitter (DH).

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4.3. Substitutions between EH and defensive players are allowed only once per game.

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5. Courtesy Runners

5.1. Each team may use up to 2 courtesy runners per game.

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5.2. The courtesy runner must be the last recorded out or a bench player designated for that role.

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5.3. If a courtesy runner enters the game as an active substitute, she loses her courtesy runner status.

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6. Mercy Rule 12-run lead after the 3rd inning. 10-run lead after the 4th inning. The home team always has the right to complete their last at-bat.

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7. Mound Visits

7.1. Each manager is allowed 3 mound visits without changing the pitcher.

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7.2. On the 4th visit, the pitcher must be replaced.

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7.3. 2 (Two) visits in the same inning also require a pitching change.

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8. Special Rules

8.1. Pitchers and catchers must wear masks at all times.

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8.2. Base runners may leave the base only once the ball is released.

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8.3. Pickoffs at 1st base are allowed only in the event of an overthrow.

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8.4. Tag-up is allowed only from 3rd base.

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8.5. On a caught fly ball, runners on 1st and 2nd base may not advance unless the fielder commits an error.

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8.6. Overthrows that go out of play automatically award two bases to the runners.

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9. Mandatory Player Participation

9.1. Each player must play at least 3 defensive innings per regular-season game.

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

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9.3. Mandatory Participation in Doubleheaders

During the regular season, each player must participate in at least one full 6-inning game in a doubleheader, only if present for both games. Players present for only one game: The manager is required to play them only 3 defensive innings in that game. The manager will not be penalized if the player only plays 3 innings. Players present for both games: Minimum participation of 6 innings applies, distributed at the manager’s discretion (for example: 2 and 4 innings, 1 and 5 innings, or 3 and 3 innings).

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9.4. Clarification of Participation (Updated) There was previously a rule stating that every player must play 6 innings. Some players expressed concern that if they were only batting, they were not considered as 'playing.' CORRECTION: Batting, serving as an EH/DH, or running for a teammate DOES count as participation, even if the player is not defensively on the field. This is a TEAM SPORT, and all roles contribute to the game. Managers must now follow the adjustment below:

• Every player must play at least 3 defensive innings on the field.

• Every player must participate in at least 6 total innings within 2 games. If a player only attends the 2nd game of a doubleheader, the manager is required to play her only 3 defensive innings in that game. Every player will have the opportunity to participate — whether fielding, batting (EH/DH), or running for a teammate. Managers may use their discretion to ensure this rule is met fairly and in good faith

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10. Dugout, Discipline, and Outside Influence

10.1. All players must remain inside the dugout except: The current batter The on-deck batter Coach and manager

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

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10.3. Interference or outside influence: If any relative or outside person enters the field, argues, or interferes, the associated player may be removed from the league.

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10.4. Manager’s responsibility: Keep the dugout free of unauthorized people. Interference by own team → automatic strike Interference by opposing team → automatic ball

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10.5. Additional penalties for players outside the dugout: If a player leaves the dugout while her team is batting, she cannot be struck out automatically. The next batter will begin with a 2-strike penalty depending on the violation.

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10.6. Repeated or severe violations may result in suspensions or permanent expulsion from the league.

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11. Emergency Substitutions

11.1. If a player must temporarily leave the field (e.g., restroom), she may be replaced temporarily.

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11.2. The emergency must be justified to both the manager and umpire.

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11.3. If the player cannot return, she must be permanently substituted.

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11.4. If no substitutes are available: The ASA self-appeal rule applies, and the team does not automatically forfeit if still at 8 players. If the team drops below 8 players, it automatically forfeits the game.

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12. General Discipline

12.1. Players or coaches ejected for misconduct are suspended for one game.

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

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12.3. Smoking or alcohol during the game: While batting → automatic strike While fielding → automatic ball

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12.4. No manager or coach may lead a team under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Violation → fine and, if repeated twice, permanent removal from role.

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13. Protests

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

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13.2. $100 deposit required to file a protest.

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13.3. If protest is upheld, deposit refunded; otherwise, it stays with the league.

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14. Registration and Fees

14.1. Each player must pay $150 registration fee.

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14.2. Umpire fees are included in the league fee.

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14.3. Registration fees are non-refundable.

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14.4. Players who leave the league may not return.

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15. Awards Champion Team: Trophy Medals for all players and coaching staff Individual Awards: Most Valuable Player (MVP) Best Hitter Best Pitcher

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16. Supplementary Regulations Situations not covered in this rulebook follow USA Softball Official Modified Slow-Pitch / Chata Rules.

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17. Amendments and League Authority

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

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

 

17.3. Any modifications made for fairness, safety, and equality take immediate effect upon official announcement.

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