Downloads & Rules

USA Softball 10-man modified pitch rules will govern play along with the list of CRA home rules. The following are division-specific home rules:

This division uses a 12-inch USA Softball certified softball and approved USA Softball certified bats.
Batters are allowed only 1 "extra foul" once they have 2 "strikes" against them. Any subsequent foul will result in an "out."
A courtesy runner is required for the catcher if on base with 2 "outs."
Base runners must remain in contact with base until the pitched ball reaches the front edge of home plate.

The list of CRA home rules applies, as well as the following division-specific home rules:

The division uses an 11-inch USA Softball certified softball and approved USA Softball certified bats

The maximum number of runs allowed per inning per team is 7.

The maximum number of pitches per batter is 5.
Exception: Short of 5 pitches, a batter's at-bat is final if they swing and miss while already having 2 "strikes" against them. This would result in a 3rd "strike" and, therefore, an "out" against the player.

If a batted ball hits the pitching coach, it will be ruled as a "dead ball, no pitch" which does not count as a pitch against batter.

Intentional walks are NOT allowed in this division.

Infield Fly rule does not apply to this division.

Maximum number of players allowed on defense is 10.

Coaches are NOT allowed in the outfield while their team is playing defense.

The little/player pitcher spot is not required at time of each pitch if a team has fewer than 10 players on defense.
REMINDER: Little/player pitcher MUST always start with at least one foot inside (or touching) the circle until the batter makes contact with a pitch.

The little/player pitcher MUST wear a fielder's mask.

Minors who are ages 16-17 MUST pitch from the pitcher's plate (a.k.a. rubber) if they are being used as a "coach pitcher" for Intermediate division.

The list of CRA home rules applies, plus the following division-specific home rules:

This division uses a 10-inch softball and approved USA Softball certified bats
PLEASE NOTE: "baseball bats" are no longer allowed for this division.

Regular fair/foul territories will dictate play.

A team's maximum number of runs per inning is 7.

The maximum number of pitches per batter is 5.

If a batted ball hits the pitching coach it will be ruled a "dead ball, no pitch" (which does not count as a pitch against batter).

Intentional walks are NOT allowed in this division.

Infield Fly rule does not apply to this division.

ALL players play on defense. There is no maximum number of fielders.

The little/player pitcher spot is not required at the time of each pitch (regardless of how many players a team has on defense)
Reminder: Little/player pitcher must always start with at least one foot inside (or touching) the circle until the batter makes contact with a pitch.

Little/player pitchers MUST wear a fielder's mask.

Up to 2 coaches are allowed in the outfield (in the grass and in fair territory) while their team is playing defense.

Minors who are ages 16-17 MUST pitch from the pitcher's plate (a.k.a. rubber), if they are being used as a "coach pitcher" for Junior division.

The list of CRA home rules applies, as well as the following division specific rules:

This division uses a 9.5" ball.

The use of a batting tee is optional for every swing.

The following safety gear is required in all games:
Catcher's mask for the catcher
Batting helmet(s) for all at-bat batters, on-deck batters, and base runners
Chin straps are optional.

Outs are counted.
When a player is out, he/she must be removed from the field of play.

Each team bats through their entire line-up and then switches sides.

The game is 60 minutes.

Score is not kept.

Each player is allowed up to 5 swings at batting, either by coach pitch or by tee.

All players are allowed on the field of play when their team is playing defense.

All players must bat.

Outs will be called when a player throws the bat while in the process of swinging at the pitch, whether contact with the ball is made or not. (Coaches need to practice and emphasize this during practice time.)

The Little Pitcher must start each play with at least one foot inside the pitching circle.

Bunting is NOT allowed, a player must take a full swing.

A batted ball hit into fair territory will be considered legal ONLY if the ball goes beyond the chalked arc in front of home plate or the batters box.
A batted ball that does not go beyond the chalked arc or batters box will be considered a dead ball and counts as one of the five pitches.

The list of CRA home rules applies, as well as the following division specific rules:

Players must wear a helmet at all times while on the playing field.
Chin straps ARE required!

The use of a tee is optional for every swing.

Tee Ball uses a Flexi-ball.

There are no outs in Tee Ball.
If a player gets tagged the player can remain on base.

Each team bats through their line-up and then switches sides.

The game is 60 minutes.

Each player is allowed up to 5 swings at batting, either by coach pitch or by tee.

All players may play on defense.

All players bat.

Tee Ball does not use a player in the catcher position.

Little/player pitcher must start each play with at least one foot inside the pitching circle.

Because T-ball is an introductory division, there is NO limit to the number of infielders.

The rule for Intermediate and Junior divisions is 7 runs per inning plus one.

22 runs after 4 innings (or after 3 1/2 innings if "home" team is up by 22)
15 runs after 5 innings (or after 4 1/2 innings if "home" team is up by 15)
8 runs after 6 innings (or after 5 1/2 innings if "home" team is up by 8)
Intermediate & Junior divisions are both "coach pitch" format & have a maximum of 7 runs per team per inning. Therefore, a mercy rule cannot exist in these two divisions if either team can still tie their opponent's score via the 7-run max per inning” home rule.
Even if run ruled, home team is still allowed their last at bat.

There shall be no agreement between coaches of teams that conflict with any article in these rules. Coaches will be expected to enforce all rules.
When coaches make an agreement to disregard or disallow a rule or a policy, the infraction can be protested by teams other than those playing in the actual contest.
The penalty will be a double forfeit with both teams given a loss in the standings.
There is no statute of limitation on filing the protest; the matter need only be brought to the attention of league officials. (League officials may request a written protest based on the circumstances.)

Length of game is 7 innings and/or 60 minutes, 75 minutes for all-star games, and 70 minutes for postseason tournament. There is no clock on championship games.

Tied games will be played out until there is a winner using the official "International Tie-Breaker" (ITB) rule. This applies to regular season & post season games.
For each successive half inning after regulation time has expired, the last player from the previous inning to have completed their at-bat will be placed on 2nd base.
The batting order continues from the previous inning.
Full innings are played until one team is ahead at the completion of a full inning.

Minimum number of players required is 6. All 6 players must be on that teams official roster, otherwise, a forfeit is the result.
Teams may complete their official roster with play-up player, only allowing as many as to reach ten. A play-up resulting in an 11th player is not allowed.
Play-up players MUST come from the division immediately below and MUST wear their own team's uniform in order to be eligible to play in game.
Late-arriving player(s) MUST substitute in the same batting line-up position as the play-up player(s) filled. No more than 10 players may fill the line-up, if play-up players are still listed.
Late-arriving player(s) may enter the field of play after the batting line-up substitution has been completed AND after notification to the plate umpire, allowing for "time" to be called.

Teams must bat all of their players.

Teams may field a MAXIMUM of six players on the infield (dirt) at the start of each play. This always includes the pitcher and catcher. All remaining players must be in the outfield grass prior to the pitch.
This rule does not apply to Intro & T-Ball divisions.

Players and coaches from both teams will line up for pre- and post-game prayer together.

Batting line-ups are considered "official" at the time of pre-game prayer and NO changes can be made after this point. (i.e. moving players to different spots in the order; subtracting listed players who are not present)
EXCEPTION #1: Players who arrive late (including play-up players, if needed) will be added to the bottom of a team's line-up
PLEASE NOTE: Players already listed, but arriving late, may take their original position in the official line-up.
PLEASE NOTE: Teams are NOT allowed to replace a play-up player[s] with another play-up player[s] in their batting line-up.
EXCEPTION #2: Players may exit game entirely, without penalty, due to health and/or employment.

There is a 10-minute grace period for all games. This 10-minute grace period only exists to allow teams to reach their minimum requirement of 6 of their own players.
GAME CLOCK WILL STILL START AT GAME TIME!
A team will lose its game via forfeit if they do not have 6 of their own players at the conclusion of the 10-minute grace period.
If neither team has their 6 players at the conclusion of the 10-minute grace period it will result in the game being a "double forfeit."

Teams forced to finish a game with fewer than 6 officially rostered players will be required for forfeit. This is regardless of score. Should both teams be forced into this scenario, the result will be a double forfeit.
ONLY EXCEPTION: Players may always exit game entirely, without penalty, due to health and/or employment!

A courtesy runner will be granted a player that experiences an in-game injury which affects their ability to walk or run.
The courtesy runner will be granted once the batter-runner safely reaches a base with the status of "safe" when play stops.
The courtesy runner is the player that was the last out prior to the batter-runner's need.
This option may only be used once per player per game!
EXCEPTION: Any current base runner who experiences a blood-related interruption (i.e. wound, nose bleed) and has a status of "safe" when play stops can be granted a courtesy runner, regardless of if they have already previously reached their one-time limit for that game.
Reminder: Players may exit game entirely, without penalty, due to health and/or employment.

Ball is "live" if a batter's final "foul" is caught in the air while in foul territory.

Players must be properly attired to be eligible to play.
Players must wear their league-provided uniform shirt for game play eligibility.
The league-provided uniform shirt may not be intentionally altered. This includes the use of duct tape, etc. on shirts.
In addition, long pants (baseball style, jeans, etc.) are required. SHORTS ARE NOT ALLOWED!
League-provided hats are now optional.

A protest, as per USA Softball, may only be made if it involves a misinterpretation of a playing rule, and cannot be based solely on a decision involving the accuracy of an umpire’s judgement.

Coaches who wish to issue a protest during game MUST inform the umpire(s), prior to the next pitch, of their decision to protest
The protesting coach MUST provide a $20 fee to the scorekeeper, which will be returned to them if the final ruling goes in their favor.
The requirement of this $20 fee applies to regular season and postseason tournament.
The game will continue to be played "under protest", if done during regular season.
Reminder: Rulings on protests during postseason play will be made "on the spot", but not during regular season.

Of Note:

A dispute involving the accuracy of an umpire’s judgement may only be made following this process:
The head or assistant coach disputing a call may ask an umpire for “time."
If given “time”, the member of the coaching staff may approach an umpire with the dispute respectfully and ask for "help."
If there are two umpires, a request can be made for a second opinion, but this request does not have to granted.
The decision from the umpire(s), once made on the dispute, is final.

"Dead ball out" will be called on a batter for slinging their bat during their at-bat.

Metal/steel cleats are not allowed.

All batters, base runners, on-deck batters MUST wear helmets when they step out of the dugout onto the field of play. Failure to do so will result in an "out" being called.
For example: If a runner removes their helmets before entering their dugout, an "out" would be called on the runner, even if they were called "safe" after crossing home plate. If the runner was called out on the play, the removal of the helmet before entering their dugout would be their second "out."
If this occurs subsequent to or during a run, the run counts, but the offending player will be called "out."
PLEASE NOTE: Chin straps are optional.

No child under the age of 16 shall be used as a base coach.
This rule is due to insurance liability rules.
Additionally, minors who are ages 16-17 MUST wear a batting helmet if being used as a base coach.

A batter-runner who carries their bat with them and reaches or touches first base while still having the bat in their possession will be called "out."
This "out" can occur on a live play or in any scenario where the batter is awarded first base.

The following types of jewelry are not allowed: all watches, all types of bracelets, all types of necklaces/chains, all dangling piercings
Players who refuse to remove said items will not be eligible to play in game.
EXCEPTION: Medical ID's may remain but must be taped to player's body face-up.

When a player or a member of the coaching staff is ejected from a game, they shall leave the field immediately and take no further part in the game. They MAY NOT sit in the stands, nor may they be recalled. A member of the coaching staff ejected from a game MUST NOT be present at the game site for the remainder of that game. As an enrolled league participant, any player or member of the coaching staff ejected from the game is automatically suspended for their team's next physically played game and MAY NOT be in attendance at the game site.

Any player or member of the coaching staff ejected from a game MUST also appear before the League's Disciplinary Committee, who may recommend no further action or make recommendations to the Executive Board for further disciplinary action. Players or a member of the coaching staff with more than one ejection will not be allowed to finish playing or coaching with their team for the involved season.

Coaching staff are also responsible for communicating the expected behavior to the team's parents and relatives. In the event that a team's parent or relative is ejected, they will be ordered to leave the complex immediately. If they refuse to go and continue to cause a problem, the umpire will halt the game and ask the manager of the team to handle the problem.

If any ejected person does not comply with stated ejection policy, continuing to disrupt the game, the game will be suspended immediately and subject to forfeiture by the affliated team.

The disciplinary committee has the right to adjudicate ejections on a case by case basis.

Rules & DOWNLOADS

League Rules

"I made a game effort to argue, but two things were against me:

the umpires and the rules"

- Hall of Fame Manager, Leo Durocher

Ejection policy

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