Lexington Recreation Department

2005 (updated- 02/ 3/05) ADULT - COED SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES

 

RULES

The current official Slow Pitch Rules for coed play will govern all players. Teams are expected to have a minimum of four (4) female players on the field at all times during the game. An exemption is allowed (to avoid a forfeit) if only three (3) female players are available and that team will play with nine (9) players. The three- (3) female players will rotate the fourth batter in the batting order. If there are only nine (9) players (4 females, 5 male) that team will bat only nine (9) in the order without a D. H.. There will be:

1. No stealing, no metal spikes, no bunting, and no leading off bases. Runners can not leave the base until a ball is batted.

2. There is no order for batting and batting order is up to the manager.

3. Sliding is permitted (official in charge of the game may rule a particular slide as   intentional and dangerous, and call the player out).

4. Infield fly rule is in effect, and a player can tag up on a fly ball.

5. There is a free substitution with the following conditions: Every player whose name    appears in the score book line-up must play at least two innings and bat at least once.    Substitutions may take places providing 1) the substitute has not previously played, or 2)    the substitute has been out of action for one full inning, and 3) must sit out one full    rotation of batting order. 4) The batting order line-up does not apply only substitution by gender. (Male for male & female for female)

6. Pitchers, females included, must pitch in an underhand motion at a distance of 46   feet from home plate.

7. The catcher, if he/she chooses not to wear catcher's equipment, must catch any pitch on the bounce.

8. Pinch runner is allowed only in the event of injury. The female requirement must still be met.

9. A designated hitter, referred to as a "DH" may be used in addition to the starting ten players, provided it is made known prior to the start of the game, and his/her name is indicated on the line-up sheet or score sheet in the regular batting order.

10. Outfielders Position: 65' rule is in effect. All (4) outfielders cannot move within the 65' zone on a ball hit, until the ball has made contact with the bat including short fielders. Half cone rule is in effect both managers will walk out 65' and mark the 2 base lines and center field with cones indicating 65'.

11.  No outfielder can throw out a batter-base runner at first base, unless it's a second out made from a double play.

12. If any base runner intentionally slides into a fielder and injures the fielder, the base runner shall be automatically out. (It is the umpire's call if the slide was intentional.)   If the same base runner does this more than once a season, the base runner will be suspended from league play for the rest of the season.

13. If an umpire removes a player from 2 season games, the player will be suspended from playing in the balance of the season. (1981)

14. If a player intentionally takes a swing at an opposing player or the umpire and is   removed from the game by the umpire, he/she is automatically suspended from playing in any co-ed league game for the remainder of the season.

15. 4 ball walk rule – If a male is walked and a female follows in the batting order, she has the option to walk.