OttawaSoftball Official Bat Policy

To simplify the bat policy, your bat must meet the following two criteria:

1. The bat must display AT LEAST one (1) of the three (3) certification markings
   • Certified By Amateur Softball Association
   • ASA Certified 2004
   • USSSA 1.20 BPF
2. The bat can not be listed on theASA banned bat list.

   OttawaSoftball will NOT enforce Easton's "VOLUNTARY BAN" on the 2005 Easton line (SCX3 Easton Extended, SCN3 Easton Flex).

If you are not sure if your bat is legal please email OttawaSoftball with a photo of your bat.

OttawaSoftball Official Rules for Men's Slopitch

Update: As of July 1st, 2021 - All pitchers MUST wear protective masks

OttawaSoftball follows the overseeing rules of National Slopitch Athletics Canada (NSA). For any rules aside from the following, please reference the NSA rulebook / website. NSA Canada

Game Rules

1. All games will start at their scheduled times. There is a 10 minute grace period in which case any team that cannot meet the minimum players will default.
2. A team consists of 10 males on the field defensively at one time. The minimum amount of players before default is 7 players.
3. All games will consist of seven (7) innings. Time limit of 90min is in effect (75min if double headers).
   No new inning will be started after 1hr 20min (1hr 5min for double headers). If last inning is called and 90min (75min) still elapses without getting the entire inning played the game will revert back to the score from the last completed inning. Umpires are able to call last inning even if the inning as commenced. In bad weather a game is considered complete once 4 innings are played or 3 ½ if home team leads.
4. Distance between the bases MUST be 65 feet unless the infield will not accommodate this distance at which time the umpire will determine.
5. Pitchers need to be between 55-65 feet from homeplate.
6. There will be a maximum of six runs (6) per inning except in the last inning where both teams can score unlimited runs. (Home run rules are still in effect)
7. Mercy Rule - A game will be complete if a team is winning by 15 runs after the 5th inning. 12 After 5 in competitive.
8. A default game will be scored as 7 - 0. A rainout game is 0 - 0. The league website will be updated with these scores until a new game has been replayed.
9. All team captains must contact the league to cancel games no later than 3:00 pm on game days. If they do not the team defaults and will be charged a $50 fine.
10. All captains must submit their game scores through the online submit scores feature before their next game. If it not received you will not be credited with your points. The game will be recorded as a 0-0 tie. We will not chase anyone for scores.
11. Please keep score sheets in the event of a dispute as we may be required to ask for these to resolve the dispute.
12. If a game is not rained out by 4:30 pm then teams MUST report to diamonds where the umpire will make the decision to call the game if required. Rain Outs will be posted on the OttawaSoftball facebook page and the twitter account (@ottawasoftball).
13. Rain out games will be scored as a tie with each team receiving one point until the game can be replayed.
14. If opportunity exists, we will replay all rained out games.

Offense

1. Late arrivals are to be placed at the end of the batting order. There is NO auto out if you are playing short players. You must have the minimum of 7 players though, otherwise the game will be defaulted.
2. Anticipation step is allowed within reason. NO Lead-off. Umpire discretion on this call.
3. Advance on a caught pop fly is permitted once the fielder has made contact (tag is necessary).
4. No bunting.
5. Sliding is permitted.
6. The infield fly rule is in effect. Ask your umpire if you are unsure about this rule.
7. Walk Rule - A batter will walk on four balls regardless of pitch count. Batter receives one base.
8. Once a runner crosses a commitment line 21 feet from homeplate, they MUST continue the rest of the way home. The defensive team MAY NOT tag a runner between this line and homeplate.
9. Any runner returning to third base on the above rule will be automatically out. EXCEPTION: A runner may return to tag-up on a caught fly ball.
10. Courtesy runners: Batter MUST reach 1st base before asking for a courtesy runner. Maximum of three (3) courtesy runners per game. Can be any runner, just cannot use the same runner twice.
11. All players must play at least one defensive inning to be eligible to bat. If a player has not played a defensive inning and the game ends the opposing team will win by default 7 - 0.
12. Home Run Rule - On fenced fields the +2 rule is in effect. One team cannot have more than 2 homeruns than the opposing team.
13. New - If a pitcher is wearing protective equipment which when appying may delay the start of an inning, the pitcher may have a free courtesy runner once there are two out in order to speed up the game. Please note, facemasks do not warrant a runner. Pitching changes must be announced before the new batter hits in order to qualify for the two-out courtesy.

Defense

1. Total of 10 males on the field.
2. Defensive positions MUST be left vacant if under 10 players.
3. A legal pitch must have an arc of at least 6 feet. A maximum height of 12 feet will be in effect. Not enough arc (under 6ft) or too much arch (over 12 ft) will be declared a ball by the umpire. Umpires are allowed to call “illegal” at any point in the pitch. If the batter attempts to swing it is then declared a legal pitch.
4. Any foul tip caught, the batter will be out (no height restriction in effect).
5. Overthrows that leave the playing field will result in an extra base(s) being awarded to the runner (umpires call). The runner will receive the base they were running to +1 from time of the overthrow.
6. No tags at homeplate, the catcher needs only to have a foot on homeplate to make the out. If a tag is made the runner is safe.
7. No infielder may play inside the base path (other than the pitcher) until the batter has made contact with the ball. Umpire will give 1 warning then the base will be awarded.
8. No outfielder may be allowed on the infield until the batter has made contact with the ball, unless playing the 5 man formation which needs to be established before the pitch.
9. An outfielder can throw a runner out at any base.
10. NEW The "Four-Base Award" rule has been removed for any outfielder trying to make a defensive play. All home runs will count towards the teams +2 count regardless if a fielder touches the ball. [Exception] A ball deemed by the umpire to have been obviously intentionally assisted over the fence will result in 4 bases being awarded.

Equipment/Uniform

BAT POLICY: Please refer to the Official OttawaSoftball Bat Policy. Note - Umpires are to ensure all bats are legal before the game. If any player brings an illegal or altered bat to the plate, the first instance is an automatic out. Second instance of an illegal bat will result in the second offenders ejection.

1. Pitchers MUST wear a protective mask.
2. Flight restricted balls MUST be used at all times (league provided - Hot Dot 52. Cor).
3. Home plate boards MUST be cut exactly 2ft x 3ft. Home teams are responsible to bring their home plate.
4. No steel cleats - rubber cleats only. If a player is wearing steel cleats the umpire needs to be notified. The player will be ejected from that game. If there is a second offense in a season the player will get a 3 game suspension. A 3rd offense will result in complete ejection for the remainder of the season including the year end tournament.
5. Trappers may be worn by any defensive player.
6. We recommend that all teams carry a first aid kit with them.
7. BLOOD RULE: No player with an open wound can continue to play until the wound has been covered/stopped bleeding (umpire to determine).
8. Jewelry Rule - No player shall wear DANGLING jewelry.
9. A knob cuff, flare or cone may be used on any legal softball bat as long as it is properly secured to the bat.

Conduct

Note: Umpires are humans and able to make errors like anyone else. A proper way to protest a call is to have a team representative discuss the call with the ump in a calm manner. Remember that an umpire's call is FINAL. Physical or verbal abuse of an umpire will not be tolerated in any way.

• Profanity - Any team member openly using profanity during a game shall be ejected from further participation in that game. This includes the player's bench as well as the playing field. Umpires are in control of this rule.
• No smoking or consumption of alcoholic beverages allowed in or near the player dugouts. Please keep in mind there is a bylaw that no smoking is permitted in parks. Officers will be, and have been in the past, around to enforce this law.
• Any player who is ejected from a game by an umpire will receive 1 extra game suspension from our league to be served at the team's next league game. No appeals will be accepted. If a player received a second suspension in a season the league will review the possibility of further games being added.

OttawaSoftball Official Rules for Co-Ed Slopitch

Update: As of July 1st, 2021 - All pitchers MUST wear protective masks

OttawaSoftball follows the overseeing rules of National Slopitch Athletics Canada (NSA). For any rules aside from the following, please reference the NSA rulebook / website. NSA Canada

Game Rules

1. All games will start at their scheduled times. There is a 10 minute grace period in which case any team that cannot meet the minimum players will default.
2. A team consists of 6 males and 4 females. The minimum amount of players before default is 7 players (with a minimum of 3 females - See batting order / offense)
3. All games will consist of seven (7) innings. Time limit of 90min is in effect (75min if double headers). No new inning will be started after 1hr 20min (1hr 5min for double headers). If last inning is called and 90min (75min) still elapses without getting the entire inning played the game will revert back to the score from the last completed inning. In bad weather a game is considered complete once 4 innings are played or 3½ if home team leads.
4. Distance between the bases MUST be 65 feet unless the infield will not accommodate this distance at which time the umpire will determine.
5. Pitchers need to be at least 55' from homeplate. They can pitch from as far back as they please.
6. There will be a maximum of six runs (6) per inning except in the last inning where both teams can score unlimited runs. (Home run rules are still in effect)
7. Mercy Rule - A game will be complete if a team is winning by 15 runs after the 5th inning.
8. A default game will be scored as 7 - 0. A rainout game is 0 - 0. The league website will be updated with these scores until a new game has been replayed.
9. All team captains must contact the league to cancel games no later than 3:00 pm on game days. If they do not the team defaults and will be charged a $50 fine.
10. All captains must submit their game scores to the league official before their next game. If it not received you will not be credited with your points. The game will be recorded as a 0-0 tie. We will not chase anyone for scores.
11. Please keep them in the event of a dispute. We may be required to ask for these to resolve the dispute.
12. If a game is not rained out by 4:30 pm then teams MUST report to diamonds where the umpire will make the decision to call the game if required. Rain Outs will be posted on the PHSA facebook page, The OttawaSoftball Player Find and the Twitter account (@ottawasoftball).
13. Rain out games will be scored as a tie with each team receiving one point until the game can be replayed.
14. If opportunity exists, we will replay all rained out games.

Offense

Batting Order - SET ORDER. No more than 2 males may bat in row. All players must bat once before returning to the top of the order. Exception: If you are playing short one girl (3 females) there needs to be 4 females in the batting order. The 3 females will rotate between the 4 female spots in the batting order. Rotating orders are only permitted should a team bat 3 females. Please see the following example:

EXAMPLE Males: - Tom - Larry - Girl #1 - Chris - Shawn - Girl #2 - Matt - Girl #3 - Kyle - Girl #4 Females - Kate - Sarah - Amber Ladies simply remember the female who bats in front of you and it should make things easier.

1. NO AUTO OUTS
2. Late arrivals can be added to the batting order anytime before the 4th Inning TODO: FIX THIS TYPO id discussed at the plate meeting. Once in the 4th inning all lineups are final. Please ensure you build a lineup that allows the player to join without breaking the 2 male in a row policy.
3. Anticipation step is allowed within reason. NO Lead-off. Umpire discretion on this call.
4. Advance on a caught pop fly is permitted once the fielder has made contact (tag is necessary).
5. No bunting.
6. Sliding is allowed in Intermediate and Competitive divisions only. No sliding in Recreational/3-pitch divisions.
7. The infield fly rule is in effect.
8. Walk Rule - A batter will walk on four balls regardless of pitch count. Male On-Deck - batter receives one base. Female On-Deck the batter receives 2 bases. The female must bat. 1st or 2nd base is not determined by the gender of the batter but by the gender of the ON DECK person. If a female bats and is walked with another female on deck, the batter takes 2nd.
9. Once a runner crosses a commitment line 21 feet from homeplate, they MUST continue the rest of the way home. The defensive team MAY NOT tag a runner between this line and homeplate.
10. Any runner returning to third base on the above rule will be automatically out. EXCEPTION: A runner may return to tag-up on a caught fly ball.
11. Courtesy runners: Batter MUST reach 1st base before asking for a courtesy runner. Maximum of three (3) courtesy runners per game (combined sexes, not each). Can be any runner, just cannot use the same runner twice.
12. All players must play at least one defensive inning to be eligible to bat. If a player has not played a defensive inning and the game ends the opposing team will win by default 7 - 0.
13. Home Run Rule - On fenced fields the +2 rule is in effect. One team cannot have more than 2 homeruns than the opposing team. Females have a separate +2 from males. There is no HR rule on non-fenced fields. Home runs should be discussed pre-game with both captains and the umpire.
14. New - If a pitcher is wearing protective equipment which when appying may delay the start of an inning, the pitcher may have a free courtesy runner once there are two out in order to speed up the game. Please note, facemasks do not warrant a runner. Pitching changes must be announced before the new batter hits in order to qualify for the two-out courtesy.

Defense

1. Minimum of four (4) females on the field, maximum of six (6) males on the field. Total players = 10.
2. All Pitchers must wear a protective mask.
3. A legal pitch must have an arc of at least 6 feet. A maximum height of 12 feet will be in effect. Not enough arc (under 6ft) or too much arch (over 12ft) will be declared a ball. Umpires are allowed to call “illegal” pitch at any point during the pitch. If the batter attempts to swing it is then declared a legal pitch.
4. Any foul tip caught, the batter will be out (no height restriction in effect).
5. Overthrows that leave the playing field will result in an extra base(s) being awarded to the runner (umpires call). The runner will receive the base they were running to +1 from time of the overthrow.
6. No tags at homeplate, the catcher needs only to have a foot on homeplate to make the out. If a tag is made the runner is safe.
7. No infielder may play inside the base path (other than the pitcher) until the batter has made contact with the ball. Umpire will give 1 warning then the base will be awarded.
8. No outfielder may be allowed on the infield until the batter has made contact with the ball, unless playing the 5 man formation which needs to be established before the pitch.
9. An outfielder can throw a runner out at any base. NEW [EXCEPTION Recreational and 3-Pitch divisions] - Only designated rovers can throw out a batter running to 1st base. A standard outfielder cannot make the out. Result - The ball remains live, the runner is safe and runners can advance at their own risk.
10. NEW The "Four-Base Award" rule has been removed for any outfielder trying to make a defensive play. All home runs will count towards the teams +2 count regardless if a fielder touches the ball. [Exception] A ball deemed by the umpire to have been obviously intentionally assisted over the fence will result in 4 bases being awarded.

Equipment/Uniform

1. BAT POLICY: Please refer to the Official OttawaSoftball Bat Policy. Note - Umpires are to ensure all bats are legal before the game. If any player brings an illegal or altered bat to the plate, the first instance is an automatic out. Second instance of an illegal bat will result in the second offenders ejection.
2. Pitchers MUST wear a protective mask. Batting helmets are strongly encouraged.
3. Flight restricted balls MUST be used at all times (league provided - Hot Dot 52. Cor).
4. Home plate boards MUST be cut exactly 2ft x 3ft. Home teams are responsible to bring their home plate.
5. No steel cleats - rubber cleats only. If a player is wearing steel cleats the umpire needs to be notified. The player will be ejected from that game and an automatic out will be rewarded in his batting position. If there is a second offense in a season the player will get a 3 game suspension. A 3rd offense will result in complete ejection for the remainder of the season including the year end tournament.
6. Trappers may be worn by any defensive player.
7. BLOOD RULE: No player with an open wound can continue to play until the wound has been covered/stopped bleeding (umpire to determine).
8. Jewelry Rule - No player shall wear DANGLING jewelry.
9. A knob cuff, flare or cone may be used on any legal softball bat as long as it is properly secured to the bat.

Conduct

Note: Umpires are humans and able to make errors like anyone else. A proper way to protest a call is to have a team representative discuss the call with the ump in a calm manner. Remember that an umpire's call is FINAL. Physical or verbal abuse of an umpire will not be tolerated in any way.

1. Profanity - Any team member openly using profanity during a game shall be ejected from further participation in that game. This includes the player's bench as well as the playing field. Umpires are in control of this rule.
2. No smoking or consumption of alcoholic beverages allowed in or near the player dugouts. Please keep in mind there is a bylaw that no smoking is permitted in parks. Officers will be, and have been in the past, around to enforce this law.
3. Any player who is ejected from a game by an umpire will receive 1 extra game suspension from our league to be served at the team's next league game. No appeals will be accepted. If a player received a second suspension in a season the league will review the possibility of further games being added.

OttawaSoftball Official Rules for Co-Ed 3-Pitch

Update: As of July 1st, 2021 - All pitchers MUST wear protective masks

OttawaSoftball follows the overseeing rules of National Slopitch Athletics Canada (NSA). For any rules aside from the following, please reference the NSA rulebook / website. NSA Canada

Game Rules

1. Games start at 6:30 / 8:00 / 9:30 pm sharp unless otherwise scheduled. The grace period is 5 minutes after which a defaulted will be granted.
2. All games will consist of seven (7) innings. A Time limit of 90 minutes is in effect if games follow. In bad weather a game is considered complete once 5 innings are played or 4 ½ if home team leads.
3. Teams must have a minimum 7 players to avoid default, this must include 3 females.
4. There will be a maximum of five runs (5) per inning except in the last inning where both teams can score unlimited runs.
5. Distance between the bases MUST be 65 feet unless the infield will not accommodate this distance at which time the umpire will determine. Pitching 50' from homeplate. A safety base must be used at 1st base.
6. A mercy rule of 15 runs after 5 innings is in effect.
7. Flight restricted balls MUST be used at all times (Worth Hot Dot .52 Cor).
8. Winning captains must submit their game scores to the league official before their next game. If it not received you will not be credited with your points. We will not chase anyone for scores. To submit game scores, visit the league website home page [TODO: Link send scores page here]

Offense

Batting Order - SET ORDER. No more than 2 males may bat in row. All players must bat once before returning to the top of the order. Exception: If you are playing short one girl (3 females) there needs to be 4 females in the batting order. The 3 females will rotate between the 4 female spots in the batting order. Rotating orders are only permitted should a team bat 3 females. Please see the following example:

EXAMPLE Males: - Tom - Larry - Girl #1 - Chris - Shawn - Girl #2 - Matt - Girl #3 - Kyle - Girl #4 Females - Kate - Sarah - Amber Ladies simply remember the female who bats in front of you and it should make things easier.

1. All bats MUST be ASA approved or have the 2013 USSSA stamp. Please review the [TODO: Link to the bad policy]Bat Policy
2. Late arrivals are to be placed at the end of the batting order.
3. Pitchers are provided by the offensive team.
4. Pitchers MUST wear a protective mask.
5. Three (3) pitches will be provided to the batter. If the batter does not hit a fair ball on the 3rd pitch the batter is out.
6. If the batted ball hits the pitcher, Time will be called. The batter is OUT and all base runners must return to their previously occupied base.
7. No sliding.
8. No bunting.
9. All players must play in the field at least one inning to be eligible to bat. No EH/DH.
10. Home Run Rule is Match +2. This means at no time can one team have hit more than 2 home runs than the other team. Any extra home runs result in an out.
11. Courtesy runners: he/she can start from home plate in the event of an injury. Otherwise first base must be reached. Be sure to only have runners replaced by a same sex player in your batting order, there is a maximum of three (3) courtesy runners per game. The courtesy runner can not be used more than once.
12. Baserunners are permitted an anticipation step.

Defense

1. Minimum of three (3) females on the field, maximum of seven (7) males on the field. Total players = 10. An Automatic Out will be used if there are not 3 females playing.
2. Overthrows that leave the playing fields will result in an extra base(s) being awarded to the runner (umpires call).
3. Once a runner crosses a commitment line 21 feet from homeplate, they MUST continue the rest of the way home. The defensive team MAY NOT tag a runner between this line and homeplate. Any runner returning to third base on the above rule will be automatically out. No tag at homeplate, the catcher needs only to have a foot on home plate to make the out. If a tag is made the runner is safe.
4. No infielder may play inside the base path until the pitcher has released the ball. Umpire will give 1 warning then the base will be awarded.
5. Only an infielder can throw the ball to the pitcher in order to end a play and have time called. A pitcher may, but is not required to pick up a ball thrown by an outfielder.
6. NEW The "Four-Base Award" rule has been removed for any outfielder trying to make a defensive play. All home runs will count towards the teams +2 count regardless if a fielder touches the ball [Exception] A ball deemed by the umpire to have been obviously intentionally assisted over the fence will result in 4 bases being awarded.

Equipment/Uniform

BAT POLICY: Please refer to the Official OttawaSoftball Bat Policy. Note - Umpires are to ensure all bats are legal before the game. If any player brings an illegal or altered bat to the plate, the first instance is an automatic out. Second instance of an illegal bat will result in the second offenders ejection.

Pitchers MUST wear a protective mask.

Flight restricted balls MUST be used at all times (league provided - Hot Dot 52. Cor).

Home plate boards MUST be cut exactly 2ft x 3ft. Home teams are responsible to bring their home plate.

No steel cleats - rubber cleats only. If a player is wearing steel cleats the umpire needs to be notified. The player will be ejected from that game and an automatic out will be rewarded in his batting position. If there is a second offense in a season the player will get a 3 game suspension. A 3rd offense will result in complete ejection for the remainder of the season including the year end tournament.

Trappers may be worn by any defensive player.

BLOOD RULE: No player with an open wound can continue to play until the wound has been covered/stopped bleeding (umpire to determine).

Jewelry Rule - No player shall wear DANGLING jewelry.

A knob cuff, flare or cone may be used on any legal softball bat as long as it is properly secured to the bat.

Conduct

Note: Umpires are humans and able to make errors like anyone else. A proper way to protest a call is to have a team representative discuss the call with the ump in a calm manner. Remember that an umpire's call is FINAL. Physical or verbal abuse of an umpire will not be tolerated in any way.

1. Profanity - Any team member openly using profanity during a game shall be ejected from further participation in that game. This includes the player's bench as well as the playing field. Umpires are in control of this rule.
2. No smoking or consumption of alcoholic beverages allowed in or near the player dugouts. Please keep in mind there is a bylaw that no smoking is permitted in parks. Officers will be, and have been in the past, around to enforce this law.
3. Any player who is ejected from a game by an umpire will receive 1 extra game suspension from our league to be served at the team's next league game. No appeals will be accepted. If a player received a second suspension in a season the league will review the possibility of further games being added.