Rules

 

Players: A team has at least 12 players, with at least 6 men and 4 women. Players can play any positions (9 standard positions plus one rover) but there needs to be at least 4 females on the field at all times. As for having 12 players, if a team has at least 12 for the first game, 11 players is OK for the second game and 10 is Ok for the last game as long as there are still at least 4 females. 

Batting order: The batting order alternates between men and women for as long as possible. After that, batters will not have to alternate by gender. In other words, everyone on the team (male and female) will get the same number of at bats.

Base runners: One courtesy runner can be used for any player already on base. One runner per inning. Men can only run for men. Runners are allowed to leave the base once the ball makes contact with the bat. 

Base running: To avoid more injuries, we will have a no slide rule. At each base, you will be allowed to run past the base and no tags are needed (even if there is no force out). It will be like running to first. You don’t need to touch the base but we ask that runners run on the opposite side of where the ball may come from. So if the ball is in right field and there’s a play at second, the runner needs to run on the inside (toward home) part of second base. The runner can go to third only if they touch the base first. Runners can also be tagged going to first, second or third base.

Home plate: Runners can be tagged at any base except at home plate. All outs at home plate need to be recorded with a defender touching home plate while holding the ball before the runner passes the score line. Runners who touch home plate are automatically out. There is only a commit line at home plate. 

Commit line: Once a runner passes the commit line between third base and home, he/she may not go back to third base. Runner does NOT need to be tagged if defender has the ball and is on home plate. IN fact, runner CANNOT be tagged when trying to score at home. There are no commit lines at any other bases. 

Helmets: Helmets are optional but must have a non-glare surface. 

Shoes: Metal or polyurethane spikes are not allowed. 

Uniforms: Players should wear similar colors but not required. 

Pitching: The pitcher delivers the ball underhand with an arch, at least 6 ft but no more than 12 ft from the ground. 

Pitch Count: Start with one ball, one strike count. A strike is called when the pitched ball touches the mat or plate or the batter swings and misses. One foul ball is allowed with two strikes. After that, ball needs to be in play or it is a strikeout. 
If a male walks with no strikes thrown, the runner will be allowed to go to second base and runners advance two bases.

Bats: Single wall bats for men. Women can use any bats.

Runs Max per inning: Five (5) runs per inning maximum. For the final inning, there is no maximum number of runs.

Umpires: Please be kind. If you disagree with a call, make your case and then move on.

Games are seven full innings. If a game is taking a long time (ie. 75 minutes have passed and it’s still only the 5th inning), the umpires have the descretion to declare the final inning. In case of a tie, extra innings will be permitted.