Complete League Rules

OPERATING RULES – Masters 65 Softball League
(effective for the 2026 season and until amended)
Note: The League has adopted specific modifications to Senior Softball-USA (SSUSA) Rules of
Play to be enforced in place of the respective SSUSA Rule(s). Hence, the following are to be
consulted first, and only if these do not apply should reference be made to the SSUSA Rules of
Play.
These rules are effective until amended by action of the League Board of Directors.
CONTENTS
A. SCHEDULE
B. FIELD CHECKERS
C. HOME TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES PRIOR TO PLAY
D. UMPIRE RESPONSIBILITIES PRIOR TO GAME TIME
E. RULES OF THE GAME
1. Appearance and equipment
2. Team composition
3. Lineup cards
4. Length of games and mercy rules
5. Flip-flop rule
6. Pitching
7. Batting
8. Base running
9. Commitment line between 3rd
base and home
10. Courtesy and woody runners
11. Outs
F. ENFORCEMENT AND DISCIPLINARY MATTERS
APPENDIX: DEFINITIONS
A. SCHEDULE
1. The Board of Directors will set the League schedule at the beginning of each season. This will
include choosing which fields will be scheduled for play. Changes may be made by the Board
after a season begins, if necessary.
2. Only three fields will be scheduled each game day.
3. If a game is canceled or called, there will be no make-up game.
4. There will be a 75-minute time limit as follows:
a. The umpire shall keep the time; the time shall start at the scheduled game time (9:00 for the
early game and, for the second game, as soon as practical after the first game).
b. The umpire shall notify each team at the 75-minute mark from the start of the game.
c. The teams shall finish the current inning.
d. The game shall end as follows: If the inning in (c) is the
i. sixth or earlier, the teams shall immediately play the seventh inning. No tie-breaker
inning shall be played.
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ii. seventh or eighth and one team is ahead, the game is over.
iii. seventh or eighth and the score is tied, the teams shall immediately play a tie-breaker
inning shall be played. The game will then end, regardless of the score.
iv. ninth, the game is over.
5. The League will be divided into two divisions when one full round-robin has been played, based
on results of that round. There will be a double round-robin played within each division.
Another full round-robin will be played. The League will again be divided into two divisions,
based on results of that round. There will be a full round-robin played within each division.
The scheduler will see to it that the number of teams in each division will be as close to equal as
practical, subject to the following: there will be as close to an equal number of games for each
team as practical.
6. If a team does not show up with at least nine players for a scheduled game, their opponent shows
up, and the umpire was notified in time to not show up, the team not showing up will be declared
the loser.
B. FIELD CHECKERS
1. Prior to the start of the season, the Secretary shall issue a schedule assigning responsibility to
two teams for inspecting each of the fields on the morning of each game day.
2. The checkers are to arrive at the appropriate time (6:30 and Bullhead; 7:30 at Los Altos) − or
such other time as advised by the President − on their assigned day and are to examine each of
the fields in order to confirm their suitability for play.
3. The two Field Checkers will jointly check the fields. If there is no problem, the checkers will
determine which three of the fields are the best on which to play. If this causes a change, they
will notify the teams that are involved. If a field is unplayable, but in checkers’ opinion can be
fixed by game time – call the affected team managers and advise that field(s) need extra work. If
checkers deem that some fields are unplayable they should move games to playable fields, if any,
in numerical order. The field checkers will then notify the managers of the teams that are
affected. If all games need to be canceled, they will use the Recall Roster to notify the Head
Umpire and the two managers at the start of the recall. For all problems, let the League President
know after all other calls are made, or call him if you need to ask questions or need further
guidance.
4. A final determination at game time that a field is not playable shall be made by an Umpire in
his/her sole discretion.
C. HOME TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES PRIOR TO PLAY
1. The home team is the official scorekeeper.
2. The home team will furnish one new and one playable League-approved 12-inch balls with a
COR rating of .44 and a compression rating of 375 lbs., optic yellow. The home team will retain
these balls at the end of the game.
3. The home team is to provide a strike zone mat. It shall be a wooden board that is between ½ and
¾ inches thick (nominal dimensions), 19 inches wide by 34½ inches long, to be placed on top of
the permanent plate, with the length oriented toward the pitcher’s rubber. The front edge of the
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board is to align with the front edge of the permanent plate. The wooden board is to be painted
white.
4. The home team will place an extra base, at first base, in foul territory, on the first−second base
line extended, and three feet from the orange base. It shall be a rubber throw-down wafflebottom
base, approximately 14x14x1 inches, and will be furnished by the league. The white
base-orange base combination, which is attached to the field, will be called the double base.
5. The home team will place a scoring plate eight feet from home plate, in foul territory, with the
edge of the plate that is closest to third base on a line from the corner of the strike zone mat that
is closest to third base and is parallel to the first base foul line. It shall be a rubber throw-down
waffle-bottom base, approximately 14x14x1 inches, and will be furnished by the league.
6. The home team will place an orange marker approximately four feet above the ground and
approximately ten feet farther from first base than the third base foul line extended. It shall be a
hook-and-loop strip, approximately ¾” by 20”, and will be furnished by the league.
7. The home team will be responsible for furnishing, assembling, and placing a pitcher protective
screen for use by both teams.
8 After the game is finished, the home team will retrieve the screen, extra bases, and scoring plate
and retain them for their next home game. At the end of the season, each team will return the
extra base and scoring plate to the league.
9. The home team for each early game at Bullhead is responsible for any required field
maintenance prior to the start of play. Maintenance activities include but are not limited to
preparation of the home base area, pitcher area and infield areas for play (includes filling of
holes and leveling of the batter box, application of water to firm up the box, smoothing of the
playing field area, etc.). The visiting team is encouraged to lend a hand. The field maintenance
is to be completed 15 minutes prior to the game time.
10 The home team will have all field maintenance and placement of the screen and all throw-down
bases completed at least ten minutes before game time
11. The home team will use the third base dugout.
D. UMPIRE RESPONSIBILITIES PRIOR TO GAME TIME
1. Umpires will be certified by the city and paid by the M65SL at a rate approved by the Board of
Directors.
2. Umpires shall report to their respective fields at least ten minutes before game time, in order to
complete preparations prior to game time. This includes such things as drawing the lines,
receiving the lineup cards, ensuring that the extra base (at first), the scoring plate, and the orange
marker are in place, and going over any special situations.
3. Lines.
a. The umpire shall draw a commitment line in the dirt, 30 feet from home plate, at least six feet
long starting on the third base line and perpendicular to the third base line, in foul territory.
b. The umpire shall draw a courtesy runner line in the dirt, approximately six feet long starting
directly below the orange marker, and perpendicular to the backstop.
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c. The umpire shall draw a batter no-run line in the dirt 30 feet from home plate, at least six feet
long starting on the first base line, and perpendicular to the first base line, in foul territory.
4. Each umpire is required to have a copy of the rules and definitions at each game.
E. RULES OF THE GAME
Each manager is required to have a copy of the rules and definitions at each game.
The following rules may be changed by agreement of the two managers:
1. Appearance and equipment
a. Metal cleats are not permitted. Rubber or plastic cleats are allowed. No football or soccer
cleats are allowed.
b. Players are encouraged to wear appropriate gear for protection. Pitchers and fielders may
wear a protective face mask.
c. Each team of players shall wear numbered shirts of similar color and design. Duplicate
numbers are highly discouraged. If there are duplicates, the manager must report it to the
opposing manager.
d. Hats are not required. If worn, they must be a baseball-type cap which doesn’t have
inappropriate (e.g., obscene, objectionable, political, etc.) wording; sun-protective hats may
be worn. Hats may not be worn backwards, except to accommodate protective face masks.
2. Team composition
a. A maximum of eleven players may play in the field. Any number of players may be placed
at any place in the batting lineup. Switching of defensive positions is allowed at any time,
but the batting order must remain the same. All players must be on the team’s roster (except
for borrowed players – see below).
b. A team failing to furnish nine players from its own roster shall be declared the loser of the
game. The Umpire will not call the game until 10 minutes past the scheduled game time. If
the umpire has shown up because of not being notified in time, the players may play a
scrimmage that will be officiated by the umpire. If a team has nine players at the scheduled
game time, the game will begin on time and not wait for additional players. Note:
Recording the result of the game as above is done in order to protect the umpires’ insurance
and other considerations.
c. If a team starts with fewer than 11 players, a 10th and an 11th defensive player, and extra
batters may be added to the bottom of the lineup at any time during the game. If the team
short of players needs a pitcher and none is available from their division or a lower division,
they may borrow one from any team which has one available to be borrowed. All added
players must be on a Masters 65 Softball League team roster.
d. If a player is injured, becomes ill, or is called away due to an emergency and there are no
other team players available, that player’s batting position will be dropped from the lineup
and it will not be considered an out. Subsequent players will move up one position in the
lineup. The game may continue with less than nine players in the lineup.
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e. If a team becomes short-handed due to a player ejection, that team shall continue to play
short-handed and an out is recorded each time the missing spot comes due to bat.
f. A team short of players may request the use of up to two players in order to field 11 players.
Any borrowed player must be on the roster of an M65SL team. As otherwise stated in the
bylaws, failure to furnish at least nine players who are on that team’s roster will be declared
the loser.
Prior to the league splitting into divisions, the borrowed player may come from any team;
after the split, the borrowed player must come from the borrowing team’s division or a lower
division. The opposing team may, but is not required to, lend players to the requesting team.
Any borrowed player must be placed at the bottom of the batting order. If a borrowed player
leaves the game, his/her position will be dropped from the lineup and it will not be
considered an out.
The defensive position of any borrowed player must be catcher, first baseman, right fielder,
or pitcher.
3. Lineup cards
a. Each Team is required to submit a completed lineup card to the umpire prior to the beginning
of each game.
b. It is each Manager’s responsibility to accurately track lineups, runs scored, home runs and
substitutions on the lineup card.
c. The lineup card lists the batting order and substitutes, and must be dated and contain the
following items: the last name, the first name or initial, and the number of each player, and
the team name. If not listed on the card, a player cannot participate. Only players on the
team roster are eligible to play (except for borrowed players). The original copy goes to the
umpire & the second copy goes to the opposing manager. Failure to comply with this
provision shall result in a loss.
d. Upon completion of the games, the umpire will record the official score on the lineup card,
print his name on the back of the card, sign above his name, and deliver the card to the
winning team manager, who in turn deliver the card or report the results (by telephone call,
text, or email) to the statistician. The statistician will report to the Treasurer (by telephone
call, text, or email) with the information for payment of umpires. This official score card or
reported results will thus serve two purposes: (1) It will be used to calculate the Official
League Standings, and, (2) It will be used to trigger payment to the umpire for officiating the
game.
4. Length of games and mercy rules
a. Games will be 7 innings unless shortened because of weather. A game becomes official after
5 innings (4½ innings should the home team be leading). The winner is the team with the
highest score after the last full inning played (half-inning if the home team is ahead).
b. A five-run-per-inning mercy rule will be applied in all games. When the team at bat scores
five runs in an inning, that team’s inning is over and it takes the field. This rule does not
apply to the seventh inning, which is an open inning. In the open inning(s), the team that is
batting in the top of the inning is limited to scoring enough runs to increase their lead to 20
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runs, after which they will take the field. Should the team then batting tie the game or have
the lead at the end of their at-bat, the team that batted in the top of the inning shall resume
their open inning where they left off.
c. The trailing team may request a mercy ending to a game any time after five complete
innings.
d. In the event of a tie after 7 innings, an 8th and a 9th inning (if necessary) will be treated the
same as the 7th inning as described above. If the game is still tied after nine innings, the
game will be declared a tie.
5. Flip-flop Rule
a. If the visiting team has a lead of 10 or more runs after six innings, the home team will bat
and the visiting team will “reserve” its 7th
inning. If the home team is not able to overcome
the visiting team’s lead, the game is over. If the home team overcomes the visiting team’s
lead, the visiting team then bats its 7th
inning. The winner is the team with the highest score
after 7 innings. If the game is tied after each team has batted its 7th
inning, play continues
inning-by-inning until there is a winner, with the visiting team batting in the top half of each
inning. The 7th
and subsequent innings are “open” innings. Note: This paragraph is subject
to the nine inning limit (subparagraph 4.-d.).
b. If the home team has a lead of 10 or more runs after the top of the 6th
inning, the visiting team
will bat its 7th inning and the home team will “reserve” its 6th
inning. If the visiting team
does not overcome the home team’s lead, the game is over. If the visitors do overcome the
home team’s lead, the home team will bat the innings they skipped (the 6th and, if necessary,
the 7th
inning). The winner is the team with the highest score after 7 innings. If the game is
tied after each team has batted its 7th
inning, play continues inning-by inning until there is a
winner, with the visiting team batting in the top half of each inning. The 7th
and subsequent
innings are “open” innings. Note: This paragraph is subject to the nine inning limit
(subparagraph 4.-d.).
c. Once a team begins to bat its inning as set out above it shall complete that inning, subject
only to the separate 20-run “mercy rule” (subparagraph 4.-b.).
6. Pitching
a. In order for a pitch to be legal, it must be delivered such that the highest point of the arc is 6
feet to 12 feet above the ground. Any legal pitch striking any portion of the strike zone mat
is a strike.
b. The pitcher’s box is 2 feet wide by 10 feet deep, the front edge of which is the pitcher’s plate.
The pitcher must have some portion of the pivot foot inside the box when beginning his/her
delivery.
c. The pitcher must come to a full and complete stop with the ball in front of the body. The
front of the body must face the batter. This position must be maintained at least one second
before starting the pitch.
d. The pitcher must not make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the ball to the
batter. The delivery must be a continuous, underhanded motion. The pitch must be delivered
with a foot on or above the pitcher’s box. The pitcher may take more than one step.
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e. The pitcher shall not attempt a quick return of the ball before the batter has taken his position
or when the batter is off balance as a result of a pitch (quick pitch). The umpire will call time
and allow the batter to get set.
f. Illegal pitches are signaled by the umpire (left arm extended from the side with the hand
forming a fist) and verbalized (“illegal”) as soon as the determination is made.
g. A pitcher protective screen will be used for all league games. The screen will be located
parallel to and three feet towards home from the pitcher’s plate and may be moved sideways
to accommodate right or left-handed pitchers (see diagram). Face masks for pitchers are
optional.
7. Batting
a. The batter’s box is 3 feet wide by 7 feet deep. The batter must have at least part of each foot
inside batter’s box before the pitcher begins delivery. Any portion of the foot touching the
chalk line is considered in the box.
b. A legal bat is a bat with a factory label of any of the following:
i. The SSUSA logo.
ii. “Approved for SSUSA Use”.
iii. “BPF 1.21” or less.
iv. “SENIOR SOFTBALL USA NTS Tested”.
v. “NTS Tested”
Any player attempting to use a bat not meeting the above will be ejected from the game. No
bat may be used which has had the markings removed, painted over or altered. Any player
attempting to use such a bat will be ejected from the game and may be suspended for future
games in the Vice-President’s (or, if he is not available, an alternate officer’s), sole
discretion.
c. The batter starts with a pitch count of 0-0.
d. During his/her swing, the batter is considered out of the box when he/she has either foot on
the ground completely outside the box when contact is made (fair or foul ball). This is a
dead ball out.
e. For any given at bat, the first time a batted ball hits the screen it will be a foul ball.
f. The batter is out when: (a) the second strike is a called strike, a swing and a miss, or a foul
tip, (b) the second strike is a foul ball (“courtesy foul”) and then a called strike, a swing and a
miss, a foul tip or a foul ball occurs, or (c) a second batted ball hits the protective screen.
g. A pitched ball that strikes the screen will be called a ball.
h. The batter is awarded first base (base-on-balls) when there are three balls or the pitcher
informs the umpire of his desire to walk the batter.
i. After a home run, the batter and any runners on base may immediately head back to the
dugout. They do not have to touch any bases.
j. A maximum three home runs over-fence differential is allowed between the two teams. Inthe-
park home runs do not count toward the three-run differential. The leading home run
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over -fence team is allowed another home run over-fence if the other team hits a home run
over-fence. Other home runs over -fence beyond the three-home run differential are treated
as walks.
k. There is no infield fly rule.
8. Base running
a. The distance between bases shall be 70 feet.
b. A runner must make every effort to avoid contact with a fielder. If the runner misses a
base in order to avoid contact, he/she shall be called safe. If he/she makes avoidable
contact, he/she shall be declared out.
Note: the runner should run far enough from the fielder that there is little chance of contact
with a fielder.
c. Making avoidable contact overrides the awarding of bases, because of obstruction, to that
runner.
d. A base runner intentionally sliding or diving into a base, shall be called out.
e. A base runner intentionally running into a defensive player shall be called out and ejected
from the game.
f. A base runner may tag and advance on any fly ball caught in the field of play, in fair or foul
territory. The ball remains live.
g. A runner may be tagged out as in the underlying rules, except that the runner may overrun
any base without being liable to be put out.
h. Obstruction:
i. When there is not an imminent or actual play at the base, the fielder shall not impede the
runner (such as a runner attempting to turn the base when running extra bases) by being
in a path that is reasonable for the runner to be running; if the fielder impedes the runner,
obstruction shall be called.
Suggestion: The fielder should go several feet to the outfield side of the base.
ii. Obstruction does not stop the play. All players should continue the play until “time” is
called. The umpire will then move base runners forward, if necessary, so that the
offensive team obtains positions that the umpire judges would have been obtained if the
obstruction had not occurred.
iii. When there is an imminent or actual play at the base, there is no obstruction by a player
who is involved in the play, since – by rule – the runner must not run at the fielder. If a
fielder who is not involved in the play and whose position delays the runner touching or
crossing the next base line, then obstruction may be called.
i. First base:
i. A runner must make every effort to avoid contact with a fielder If the runner misses
a base in order to avoid contact, he/she shall be called safe. If he/she makes
avoidable contact, he/she shall be declared out.
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Note: the runner should run far enough from the fielder that there is little chance of
contact with a fielder
ii. When there is an imminent or actual play at the base, the advancing batter-runner must
touch the extra base and not the double base; however, the runner may run to either side
of any base or touch any part of the double base in order to avoid contact with a fielder,
and may overrun the base. The runner may then attempt to advance to the next base.
iii. A fielder must touch the white base in order to record an out. If the defensive player
touches only the orange base or the extra base, the runner is not out. EXCEPTION: On
any force out attempt from the foul side of first base, such as on an errant throw or
deflected ball, the defense may use either portion of the double base.
iv. When there is an imminent or actual play at first base and the runner is returning to the
base, he/she must run to one side or the other of the fielder. If the runner has already
touched a base, he/she does not have to touch the base before advancing to the next base.
A fielder must touch the white base while in possession of the ball before the runner
touches or crosses the first base foul line in order to record an out.
v. The runner must be touching the white base when a ball is pitched.
vi. If there is no play possible at first, the runner may contact any part of the double base and
may overrun the base. If the runner has overrun first after touching the double base or the
extra base, the runner may advance without returning to first base.
vii. If the runner, when attempting to touch the extra base, touches or crosses the next base
line extended at the same time as or before the fielder in possession of the ball touches
the appropriate part of the double base, but does not touch the extra base, he is considered
to have touched the base unless the defense makes a proper appeal.
viii. If the runner makes any pretense of advancing, the runner may be tagged out by a
defensive player. Turning to the left does not, by itself, constitute an attempt.
ix. A runner who is returning to first base and stops more than 10 feet from the base, cannot
be put out using the force-type play (see paragraph above), but may be tagged out. If a
runner approaches within 10 feet of a base when returning, he can be thrown out as
above.
j. Second and third bases:
i. A runner must make every effort to avoid contact with a fielder If the runner misses
a base in order to avoid contact, he/she shall be called safe. If he/she makes
avoidable contact, he/she shall be declared out.
Note: the runner should run far enough from the fielder that there is little chance of
contact with a fielder
ii. When there is an imminent or actual play at the base and the runner is advancing to the
base, he/she must run to one side or the other of the fielder in order to avoid contact with
a fielder. A fielder must touch the base while in possession of the ball before the runner
touches or crosses the next baseline extended (second to third at second base – third base
foul line at third base) in order to record an out. The runner must touch the base prior to
advancing to the next base.
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iii. When there is an imminent or actual play at the base and the runner is returning to the
base, he/she must run to one side or the other of the fielder. A fielder must touch the base
while in possession of the ball before the runner touches or crosses the previous baseline
extended (first to second at second base – second to third at third base) in order to record
an out. If the runner has accomplished the above, that runner is considered to have
touched a base and may then advance to the next base.
iv. If there is an imminent or actual play at second or third base, the runner (whether
advancing to or returning to the base) must do a run-by; if, at the last instant, the
defensive player moves into the path of a runner (e.g. to attempt to catch an errant throw)
that is running the proper route: the runner is not out; however, the runner must
attempt to avoid contact with a fielder. If avoidable contact is made, the runner shall
be called out.
v. A runner (whether advancing to or returning to the base) may overrun second or third
base.
vi. A runner may run directly to or return directly to either second or third base if there is no
play at that base.
vii If the runner makes any pretense of advancing to the next base, the runner may be tagged
out by a defensive player. Turning to the left does not, by itself, constitute an attempt.
viii. A runner who stops more than 10 feet from second or third base, and who is not forced
to run, cannot be put out using the force-type play, but may be tagged out. If the runner
is between third and home, the above applies relative to an attempt to return to third base
(the commitment line rule applies at home).
ix. When a runner has approached to within 10 feet of second or third base, the runner is out
if a fielder in possession of the ball touches the base before the runner has touched or
crossed the appropriate baseline extended. The runner must attempt to avoid contact
with a fielder.
9. Commitment line between third base and home
a. The line is located 30 feet up the third base line from the front edge of home plate.
b. Once a runner touches or crosses the commitment line, he cannot retreat toward third base for
any reason. A retreating runner is declared out the moment he re-crosses the line. The ball
remains alive and in play.
c. Tagging is prohibited between the commitment line and home plate/scoring plate. If the
defensive player tags the runner in this situation, the runner will be called safe and the ball
remains live and in play.
d. The runner must touch the scoring plate in order to score.
e. The runner is out if a fielder in possession of the ball touches the strike zone mat before the
runner touches the scoring plate.
10. Courtesy and Woody runners
a. Any player listed on the team’s roster may be used as a courtesy runner.
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b. A courtesy runner is in game when he steps on the base or takes his position next to the
backstop. He must notify the umpire he is entering, and be acknowledged by the umpire,
before the pitcher delivers the first pitch.
c. A courtesy runner may enter at home plate before the batter begins his at bat or at any base
during a dead ball.
d. Once in the game, the courtesy runner cannot be replaced by another courtesy runner except
for injury, and in such event, must be removed from the game and may not return.
e. A courtesy runner may be used for a base runner at any base, but the same player can act as a
courtesy runner for only one identified base runner per inning. If a player has more than one
plate appearance in the inning, the same courtesy runner can run for that player each time.
An out is automatically declared if someone appears as a courtesy runner for a second player
in the same inning.
f. An illegal courtesy runner on base is committing a continuing violation and may be called
out upon appeal at any time while on base or, if he scores, prior to the first pitch to the next
batter.
g. Should a courtesy runner be on base when his turn at bat arrives, the courtesy runner is
declared out on the base then takes his turn at bat.
h. A courtesy runner who runs for a batter is known as a “woody runner”.
i. There will be an orange mark on the backstop and a courtesy runner line drawn in the
dirt. The courtesy runner starting position will be next to the backstop, behind the
courtesy runner line away from first base and with a hand on the orange mark. The
courtesy runner must wait until either the batter makes contact with the ball or a walk is
issued before advancing toward first base. If the courtesy runner leaves prior to either of
the above conditions, the batter will be called out.
ii. There will be a batter no-run line drawn in the dirt. A batter who uses a courtesy runner
and advances past the line will be called out and the hit ball is a dead ball. All base
runners will return to their starting base.
iii. If that batter has more than one plate appearance in an inning, the same woody runner
may run for the batter each time.
11. Outs
a. Batter is out when
i. the second strike is a called strike, a swing and a miss, or a foul tip.
ii. the second strike is a foul ball (“courtesy foul”) and then a called strike, a swing and a
miss, a foul tip or a foul ball occurs.
iii. a second batted ball in the same at-bat hits the protective screen.
iv. he/she enters the batter’s box with, or is discovered using, an altered or illegal bat. The
batter is also ejected from the game. The second offense by a member of the same team
will result in the player and manager being ejected.
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v. an entire foot is touching the ground completely outside the lines of the batter’s box
when he hits a ball fair or foul.
vi. he/she deliberately erases any portion of the batter’s box.
vii. any part of a foot is touching the strike zone mat when he hits a ball fair or foul.
viii. he/she bunts or chops the ball, or does not take a full swing when deliberately hitting a
pitched ball.
ix. a member of the team at bat interferes with a player attempting to field a fly ball. The
ball is dead and each runner must return to the base legally occupied at the time of the
pitch.
x. he/she steps directly in front of the catcher to the other batter’s box while the pitcher is in
position to pitch. The ball is dead, the batter is out and the runners may not advance.
b. Batter-runner is out when
i. he/she makes avoidable contact with a fielder.
ii. a fielder in possession of the ball touches the white base before the batter-runner touches
the extra base.
iii. a fielder tags the batter-runner out before the he/she reaches first base.
iv. a play is coming from the foul side of first base and a fielder in possession of the ball
touches the orange base before the batter-runner touches the extra base or, when
avoiding contact with a fielder, crosses the first-to-second base line extended.
v. he/she runs to the double base or between the bases when there is an imminent or actual
play at first base and he/she is not attempting to avoid contact with the fielder.
vi. a fly ball is caught by a fielder before it touches the ground, or any object or person
other than a fielder.
vii. he/she fails to advance to first base and enters his team area after a batted fair ball, a
base on balls, or catcher obstruction. The ball is dead, the batter-runner is out and
runners return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch unless put out prior to the
violation.
viii. he/she interferes with a fielder attempting to field a batted ball or attempting to throw or
catch the ball.
ix. he/she is called out because of interference by another runner.
x. he/she makes contact with a fair batted ball, while outside the batter’s box, before
reaching first base. The ball is dead and all other runners shall return to the base
occupied at the time of the pitch.
xi. he/she intentionally hinders the catcher from catching or throwing the ball. The ball is
dead, the batter is out and each runner must return to the last base that, in the umpire’s
judgment, was touched at the time of the interference.
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xii. he/she intentionally interferes with a play at home in an obvious attempt to prevent an
out. Both the batter-runner and the base runner are out.
xiii. he/she moves back toward home plate to avoid or delay a tag by a fielder. The ball is
dead, the batter-runner is out and all runners return to the base occupied at the time of
the pitch.
xiv. an infielder intentionally drops, or lets drop, a fair fly ball, including a line drive, that
can be caught with ordinary effort with first base only, or first base and any other base(s)
occupied, with less than two outs. A trapped ball shall not be considered as having been
intentionally dropped. The ball is dead, the batter-runner is out and each runner shall
return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.
xvi. the defense makes a proper appeal.
c. Base runner (returning to first base, or advancing to or returning to second and third bases) is
out when
i. he/she makes avoidable contact with a fielder.
ii. he/she leaves his base before the pitched ball touches the strike zone mat, is batted, or
touches the ground.
iii. he/she is forced to run to the base and any fielder in possession of the ball touches the
base before the runner has touched or crossed the next base line extended (second to
third at second base – foul line at third base).
iv. he/she is not forced to run to the base, but advances to within ten feet of the base and
any fielder in possession of the ball touches the base before the runner has touched or
crossed the next base line extended (second to third at second base – foul line at third
base).
v. he/she is returning to the base, is within ten feet of the base, and any fielder in
possession of the ball touches the base before the runner has touched or crossed the
previous base line extended (first to second at second base – second to third at third
base).
vi. he/she makes any pretense of advancing and is tagged out by a fielder. Turning to the
left does not, by itself, constitute an attempt.
vii. he/she advances to the next base without having touched the base at least once.
viii. he/she does not tag up after a caught fly ball and an appeal is upheld.
ix. he/she is tagged out when not touching a base to which he/she has the right (does not
apply when the runner does a run-by or overruns the base and doesn’t attempt to
advance).
x. he/she interferes with a fielder.
xi. he/she is called out because of interference by another runner.
xii. the defense makes a proper appeal.
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xiii. he/she is a courtesy runner and his/her time at bat occurs.
d. Base runner (advancing to home).
No run scores when
i. the runner attempting to score is out. The runner is out if
1. he/she makes avoidable contact with a fielder.
2. a fielder in possession of the ball touches the strike zone mat before the runner
touches the scoring plate.
3. he/she touches or crosses over any portion of the strike zone mat or the batter’s box.
4. he/she touches or crosses the commitment line and then re-crosses the commitment
line for any reason.
5. he/she interferes with a fielder.
ii. the third out of the inning is the result of:
1. A batter-runner being called out prior to reaching first base or any base runner forced
out due to the batter becoming a batter-runner.
2. A runner being put out by a tag or live ball appeal play prior to the lead runner
touching the scoring plate.
3. A runner is declared out on appeal involving a force play.
NOTE: An appeal may be made after the presumed third out in order to nullify a run.
F. ENFORCEMENT AND DISCIPLINARY MATTERS
1. The Umpire and two managers will resolve all field controversies. Everyone else is excluded
from the discussion. Shall agreement not be reached, the Umpire’s decision stands.
2. Teams are responsible for the conduct of their supportive spectators. Failure to control
disruptive spectators will be cause for game forfeiture. This is an Umpire decision.
3. Umpires have the right to eject any person from the dugout, stands or field for misconduct, delay
of game, using profanities and obscenities, or for any other reason deemed necessary.
4. No player shall physically or verbally attack any official, player or spectator or use any
unnecessarily rough tactics in play against an opposing player. Umpires shall enforce this rule
with vigor and eject such player(s) immediately. All “City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation
Player Code of Conduct” rules apply.
5. Any person ejected from the field or spectator area, who does not leave the area (out of sight-out
of sound) will cause forfeiture of the game.
6. Any player(s) ejected from a game shall be suspended from further games at the sole discretion
of the Vice-President (or, if he is not available, an alternate officer), and the Board may decide if
further action is needed. The Board of Directors will determine that player’s continuing
eligibility after any subsequent offense during the same year.
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7. The Vice-President (or, if he is not available, an alternate officer) may request a written report
from both the umpire (or Senior Umpire) and the manager(s) of the player(s) involved regarding
an event that results in an ejection or suspension. An aggrieved manager may request that an
umpire’s report of an incident be sent to the Vice-President (or alternate). In that case, the
manager shall also send a report. The report(s) will be due as indicated in by the Vice-President
(or alternate).
8. Protest procedures are eliminated.
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APPENDIX–DEFINITIONS
1. APPEAL PLAY An appeal play is a play on which an umpire may not make a decision until
requested by a manager, coach or player. The appeal must be made before the next legal or illegal
pitch, before an intentional walk or before the pitcher and all infielders have clearly vacated their
normal fielding positions and have left fair territory on their way to the bench or dugout area. On the
last play of the game, an appeal can be made until the umpires leave the field of play.
Types of appeal plays:
1. Missing a base.
2. Leaving a base early on a caught fly ball before the ball is first touched.
3. Batting out of order.
4. Attempting to advance to second base after making a turn at first base.
5. After the third out in order to nullify a run.
6. Illegal substitute − must be made while he/she is in the game.
2. AT BAT starts when the batter first enters a batter’s box and ends when the batter is called out, is
awarded first base, or a batted ball is in play.
3. BASE consists of
a. the white/orange combination at first that is affixed to the field.
or
b. the rubber throw-down base at first.
4. BASE LINE A base line is a line directly between the bases.
a. Between home and either first base or third base, it is along the respective foul line.
b. Between first base and second base or between second base and third base, it is imaginary and
runs along the outside edge of either first or third and to the center of second base.
5. BASE LINE EXTENDED is a line that includes the base line and is extended to the base of the
fence in each direction.
6. BASE-ON-BALLS permits a batter to gain first base without liability to be put out and is awarded
to a batter by the umpire when three pitches are judged to be balls. If the pitcher desires to walk a
batter intentionally, he may do so by notifying the plate umpire who shall award the batter first base.
7. BASE PATH is the 6-foot-wide path directly between the base that the runner is trying to attain and
the runner at the time a defensive player is attempting to tag that runner. The runner who exits the
base path in order to avoid a tag will be called out.
8. BASE RUNNER is an offensive player who has reached first base and has not yet been put out.
9. BATTED BALL is any ball that hits the bat or is hit by the bat. No intent to hit the ball is
necessary.
10. BATTED BALL HITTING THE SCREEN is any batted ball that hits the pitcher protective
screen. If a batted ball hits the screen, it is a foul ball. The second time – in the same plate
appearance – a batted ball hits the screen the batter is out.
11. BATTER NO-RUN LINE is a line in the dirt, drawn by the umpire, that starts 30 feet from home
plate, on the first base foul line and perpendicular to it, in foul territory, and approximately six feet
long.
12. BATTER’S BOX is the 3-foot by 7-foot area to which the batter is restricted. The lines are
considered as being within the batter’s box. At least some portion of each foot of the batter must be
on the line or within the batter’s box.
13. BATTER-RUNNER is a player who has finished his turn at bat but has not yet been put out or
touched the double base or the extra base at first. If a woody runner is used, the woody runner is the
batter-runner.
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14. BATTING ORDER is the official listing on the lineup card of offensive players by last name, first
initial and uniform number. Players will be listed in the order in which they come to bat.
15. BLOCKED BALL is a batted or thrown ball that is touched, stopped or handled by a person not
engaged in the game, or that touches any object that is not part of the official equipment or official
playing area. Umpire equipment attached to and hanging on fences and the reserve softball supply
behind home plate are considered part of the playing field and the ball will remain live.
16. CATCH/NO CATCH
a. A catch is a legally caught ball, which occurs when the fielder catches a batted or thrown ball
with his hand(s) or glove/mitt.
i. To establish a valid catch, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove control of it
and the release of the ball is voluntary.
ii If the ball is merely held in the fielder’s arm(s) or prevented from dropping to the ground by
some part of his/her body, equipment, or clothing, the catch is not completed until the ball is
in the grasp of the fielder’s hand(s) or glove/mitt.
b. It is not a catch,
i. if a fielder, while gaining control, collides with another player, umpire or a fence, or falls to
the ground and drops the ball as a result of the collision or falling to the ground.
ii. if a ball strikes anything other than a defensive player while it is in flight, it is ruled the same
as if it had struck the ground.
iii. if a fielder catches a batted or thrown ball with anything other than his hand(s) or glove in its
proper place.
17. CATCHER’S BOX is the 8½-foot (2.59 m) by 10-foot (3.05 m) area directly behind the batter’s
box, to which the catcher is restricted. The lines are considered as being within the catcher’s box. At
least some portion of both feet of the catcher must be within the catcher’s box. The catcher must
remain in the box until the pitched ball is batted or touches the ground or plate.
18. CHOPPED BALL occurs when the batter strikes downward with a chopping motion of the bat so
that the ball bounces high into the air. The player will be called out and the ball is dead.
19. COACH (BASE) is a member of the team at bat who takes his place within one of the two coaches’
boxes on the field to direct the players of his team in running the bases. Either base coach may have
in his possession any item to be used for score keeping or record keeping purposes only. No
communication equipment is allowed.
20. COMMITMENT LINE: is a minimum six foot commitment line shall be marked across and
perpendicular to the foul line and placed thirty feet from home plate. Once a runner has crossed the
commitment line he: [a] cannot return to third base; [b]must continue home; [c] can no longer be
tagged out by the defensive player; the defensive player must touch the strike zone mat. The ball
remains live.
21. COURTESY FOUL BALL is a foul ball that occurs on the second strike. The batter is not out.
22 COURTESY RUNNER is a player who replaces another player and does the base running until
scoring, being put out, or the inning ends.
23. COURTESY RUNNER LINE is a line in the dirt, drawn by the umpire, (approximately six feet
long) starting directly below the orange mark and perpendicular to the backstop.
24. DEAD BALL occurs when there is an action that causes play to be suspended. The umpire shall
call “time”.
25. DEFENSIVE PLAYER (FIELDER) is any member of the defensive team.
26. DEFENSIVE TEAM is the team in the field.
27. DIAMOND is the square whose corners are home plate and the bases.
28. DISLODGED BASE is a base displaced from its proper position.
29 DOUBLE BASE consists of the white base−orange base combination that is affixed to the field and
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is diagrammed in the Underlying Rules.
30. DOUBLE PLAY is a play by the defense resulting in two offensive players being legally declared
put out.
31. EJECTION is the result of an incident that requires removal of a player, coach, manager or
spectator from the game by the umpire, whereby the ejected person can no longer participate in the
game and must leave the playing field, dugout and surrounding areas, including spectator stands and
other areas adjacent to or visible from the field. For the purpose of these rules, ejections may be
effected after a game is officially over, and as a result of inappropriate behavior towards any player,
coach, manager or umpire, on the playing field, dugout and surrounding areas, related to the
associated game. Any ejected player discovered participating will result in a forfeit by his/her team.
32 EXTRA BASE At first base, a base, approximately 14” x 14” x 1” that is three feet from the orange
base, in foul territory, on the next base line extended.
33. FAIR BALL: A batted ball shall be judged according to the relative position of the ball and the foul
line, including the foul pole, and not as to whether the fielder is on fair or foul territory at the time he
touches the ball. A fair ball is a legally batted ball that:
a. Settles or is touched on or over fair territory between home and first base or between home and
third base.
b. Bounds over or past first or third base, in fair territory, regardless of where the ball hits before or
after going over the base.
c. While on or over fair territory, touches the person, attached equipment or clothing of a player or
an umpire.
d. Touches first, second or third base.
e. First falls or is touched on or over fair territory beyond first, second or third base.
f. While over fair territory passes out of the playing field beyond the outfield fence.
g. Hits the foul pole.
34. FAIR TERRITORY is that part of the playing field within, and including, the first and third base
foul lines from home plate to the bottom of the playing field fence and perpendicularly upwards. Fair
territory includes the strike mat.
35. FAKE TAG is a form of obstruction by a fielder who neither has the ball nor is about to receive the
ball. This obstruction impedes the progress of a runner either advancing or returning to a base. The
runner does not have to stop. Merely slowing down when a fake tag is attempted would constitute
obstruction.
36. FLY BALL is any ball batted into the air over fair or foul territory.
37. FORCE OUT is the out that results from a force play. The runner may be put out by a fielder in
possession of the ball
a. touching the base (second or third base) before the runner touches the extra base.
b. touching the strike zone mat after the runner has crossed the commitment line and at the same
time as or before the runner touches the scoring plate.
c. If the runner after touching the base retreats for any reason towards the base he previously
occupied, the force play is reinstated and he may again be put out if the defense touches the base
to which the runner is forced.
38. FORCE PLAY results from a batter becoming a batter-runner and before the batter-runner or a
preceding runner have been put out. The occurrences are determined by the locations of the runners
at the time that the ball was hit:
a. If the runner was on first base, he/she is forced to run to second base.
b. If the runner was on second base and there was a runner on first base, he/she is forced to run to
third base.
Final April 28, 2026 Page 20
c. If the runner was on third base and the other two bases were occupied, he/she is forced to run
home.
39. FORCE-TYPE PLAY is the act of a fielder using the methods of the force out when the runner is
not being forced to the base.
40. FOUL BALL is a legally batted ball that:
a. settles or is touched on or over foul territory between home and first base or between home and
third base.
b. bounds over or past first or third base, in foul territory, regardless of where the ball hits before or
after going over the base.
c. while over foul territory, touches the person, attached equipment or clothing of a player, or an
umpire.
d. first hits the ground or is first touched over foul territory beyond first or third base. A caught fly
ball is NOT a foul ball.
e. touches the batter or the bat in the batter’s hand(s) a second time while the batter is within the
batter’s box.
f. goes directly from the bat, not higher than the batter’s head to any part of the catcher’s body or
equipment other than the hand(s) or glove.
g. is the first of the at-bat that hits the pitcher protective screen.
41. FOUL LINE is a line from the back corner of home plate through the outside edge of either the
white first or the third base, to the bottom of the playing field fence.
42, FOUL POLE is a pole that extends vertically from the intersection of the foul line and the playing
field fence, together with anything attached to it in fair territory.
43. FOUL TIP is a batted ball that goes directly from the bat, not higher than the batter’s head, to the
catcher’s hand(s) or glove and is legally caught by the catcher. The ball is dead on all foul tips and
the batter is out if it is the final strike.
44. HOME TEAM shall be designated by the League and will bat last in each inning (except possibly
during a flip-flop).
45. ILLEGAL BAT is one that does not meet the requirements of the RULES OF THE GAMEbatting-“
A legal bat is …” paragraph.
46. ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL occurs when the batter hits the ball fair or foul and:
a. The entire foot is completely outside the lines of the batter’s box and on the ground,
b. Any part of the foot is touching the strike zone mat or
c. An illegal or altered bat is used.
47. ILLEGAL CATCH occurs when a fielder catches a batted or thrown ball with anything other than
his hand(s) or legal glove in its proper place or an illegal player makes a catch.
48. ILLEGAL PLAYER is a player who takes a position in the lineup, either on defense or offense,
that does not have a legal right to the position. A player will not violate the illegal player rule until
after one pitch, legal or illegal, has been thrown. An illegal player is handled as an appeal by the
offended team while the player is still in the game. Once the umpire is notified, in all cases the
illegal player is disqualified and can be legally replaced either by a substitute or a starter who reenters
the game.
49. ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTE is a player who has entered the game illegally. A player will not violate
the substitution rule until one legal or illegal pitch is thrown.
50. INELIGIBLE PLAYER is a player who does not meet the requirements of the League as set out in
its bylaws, or who attempts to play after being ejected or while under suspension. The use of an
ineligible player will constitute a forfeit if properly protested.
51. INFIELD is that portion of the field in fair territory that includes areas normally covered by
infielders.
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52. IN FLIGHT is any batted, thrown or pitched ball that has not yet touched the ground or some object
or person other than a fielder.
53. IN JEOPARDY is a term indicating that the ball is in play and an offensive player may be put out.
54. INNING is that portion of a game within which the teams alternate on offense and defense and in
which there are three outs (or five runs in any of the first through sixth innings) for each team. A
new inning begins immediately after the final out of the previous inning.
55. INTENTIONALLY DROPPED FLY BALL (applicable if there are runners on first and second
with fewer than two outs): If a fielder intentionally drops, or lets drop, a fair fly ball, including a
line drive that can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort with first base only, or first base and
any other base(s), with less than two outs, only one recorded out may be made on the play and the
ball is dead. This is an umpire’s judgment call.
56. INTERFERENCE is the act of an offensive player or team member that impedes or confuses a
defensive player attempting to execute a play. A base runner must avoid a fielder making a play.
57. LEGAL TOUCH (TAG OUT) occurs when a runner or batter-runner that is at risk of being put out
and not touching a base to which he/she has the right is touched by the ball while it is securely held
in a fielder’s hand(s) or glove. The ball is not considered as having been securely held if it is juggled
or dropped by the fielder after having touched the runner, unless the runner deliberately knocks the
ball from the hand(s) of the fielder. It is sufficient for the runner to be touched with the glove or
hand(s) holding the ball.
58. LINE DRIVE is a fly ball batted sharply and directly into the playing field.
59. NEXT BASE LINE EXTENDED is the base line extended that is approximately perpendicular to
the base path as the runner is advancing to the base.
60. OBSTRUCTION is the act of:
a. A defensive player or team member who hinders or prevents a batter from striking at or hitting a
pitched ball.
b. A fielder who is not in possession of the ball, in the act of fielding a batted ball, or about to
receive a thrown ball, who impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally
running bases.
61. OFFENSIVE TEAM is the team at bat.
62. ON-DECK BATTER is the offensive player whose name follows the name of the batter in the
batting order.
63. ORANGE BASE is the orange-colored base that is part of the double base. It may be used by the
runner if there is no imminent or actual play at first base. It is used in the placement of the extra
base. The fielders may not use it in order to record an out, except when a throw is coming from the
foul side of first base.
64. ORANGE MARKER is a vertical mark that consists of a hook-and-loop strip, approximately ⅝”
by 20”, that is placed approximately four feet above the ground and approximately ten feet farther
from first base than the third base foul line extended.
65. OUTFIELD is that portion of the field in fair territory that is not normally covered by an infielder.
66. OVERRUN is the act of a runner, running beyond the base line extended that he/she is attempting to
reach. Overrunning bases is allowed, with no risk of being put out, providing that no pretense of
advancing has been made.
67. OVERTHROW is a thrown ball from a fielder that goes beyond the boundaries of the playing field
(dead ball territory).
68. PITCHER PROTECTIVE SCREEN is a screen that is furnished, assembled, and placed on the
field by the home team. Equipment (such as weights) that is used in conjunction with the screen are
part of the screen. It is used to protect the pitcher from batted balls. Pitchers are encouraged to get
behind the screen after pitching the ball.
69. PLAY BALL is the term used by the plate umpire to indicate that play shall start and shall not be
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declared until all defensive players are in fair territory except the catcher, who must be in the
catcher’s box.
70. PLAYABLE (LIVE BALL) TERRITORY is the area that is enclosed by the fencing of that field,
including the fencing, but not including the dugouts.
71. PRECEDING RUNNER is a runner (or the courtesy runner for that runner) who batted before the
runner in question.
72. PRESUMED OUT occurs when a base runner is called for the third out after a runner has been
called safe at home, but a later upheld appeal nullifies the run.
73. PRESUMED RUN occurs when a base runner is called safe at home, but a later upheld appeal
nullifies the run.
74. PREVIOUS BASE LINE EXTENDED is the base line extended that is approximately
perpendicular to the base path as the runner is returning to the base.
75. QUICK PITCH is made by the pitcher with the obvious attempt to catch the batter unprepared.
This would be before the batter takes his desired position in the batter’s box or while he is still off
balance as a result of the previous pitch.
76. RUN-BY is the act of a base runner:
a. Advancing to either second or third base and running to one side or the other of the fielder.
b. Returning any base and running to one side or the other of the fielder.
In either case, a run-by is required when there is an imminent or actual play at that base. The runner
may overrun the base.
77. SCORING PLATE is a rubber throw-down waffle-bottom base, approximately 14” x 14” x 1” that
is placed eight feet from home plate, in foul territory, on the first base line extended.
78. STRIKE ZONE MAT is 17″ wide and 34” long. The mat shall be made of wood. The mat is
placed over home plate and aligned with the front edge of home plate. A defensive player making a
play at home plate will be allowed to complete the play by touching any portion of the strike mat. If,
during the play, the mat is dislodged, the defensive player shall touch home plate, rather than the
strike zone mat.
79. SUBSTITUTE BATTER is a batter who takes over for another batter. The substitute batter inherits
the pitch count and all other aspects of the turn at bat of the batter for whom he substituted.
80. SUCCEEDING RUNNER is a runner (or the courtesy runner for that runner) who batted after the
runner in question.
81. TRAPPED BALL is:
a. A batted ball that hits the ground or a fence prior to being caught.
b. Any ball that is caught with the glove over the ball on the ground rather than under the ball.
NOTE: A trapped ball is not a catch.
82. TIME is the term used by the umpire to order the suspension of play.
83. TURN AT BAT begins when a player first enters the batter’s box and continues until he is put out,
is awarded first base, hits a ball that is in play, or is substituted for while at bat.
84. UNDERLYING RULES consist of the Senior Softball-USA Rulebook (SSUSA)
85 VISITING TEAM shall be designated by the League and will bat first in each inning (except
possibly during a flip-flop).
86. WHITE BASE is the white-colored base that is part of the double base.
87. WOODY RUNNER is a courtesy runner who enters the game before the batter begins his at bat.OPERATING RULES – Masters 65 Softball League
(effective for the 2026 season and until amended)
Note: The League has adopted specific modifications to Senior Softball-USA (SSUSA) Rules of
Play to be enforced in place of the respective SSUSA Rule(s). Hence, the following are to be
consulted first, and only if these do not apply should reference be made to the SSUSA Rules of
Play.
These rules are effective until amended by action of the League Board of Directors.
CONTENTS
A. SCHEDULE
B. FIELD CHECKERS
C. HOME TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES PRIOR TO PLAY
D. UMPIRE RESPONSIBILITIES PRIOR TO GAME TIME
E. RULES OF THE GAME
1. Appearance and equipment
2. Team composition
3. Lineup cards
4. Length of games and mercy rules
5. Flip-flop rule
6. Pitching
7. Batting
8. Base running
9. Commitment line between 3rd
base and home
10. Courtesy and woody runners
11. Outs
F. ENFORCEMENT AND DISCIPLINARY MATTERS
APPENDIX: DEFINITIONS
A. SCHEDULE
1. The Board of Directors will set the League schedule at the beginning of each season. This will
include choosing which fields will be scheduled for play. Changes may be made by the Board
after a season begins, if necessary.
2. Only three fields will be scheduled each game day.
3. If a game is canceled or called, there will be no make-up game.
4. There will be a 75-minute time limit as follows:
a. The umpire shall keep the time; the time shall start at the scheduled game time (9:00 for the
early game and, for the second game, as soon as practical after the first game).
b. The umpire shall notify each team at the 75-minute mark from the start of the game.
c. The teams shall finish the current inning.
d. The game shall end as follows: If the inning in (c) is the
i. sixth or earlier, the teams shall immediately play the seventh inning. No tie-breaker
inning shall be played.
Final April 28, 2026 Page 2
ii. seventh or eighth and one team is ahead, the game is over.
iii. seventh or eighth and the score is tied, the teams shall immediately play a tie-breaker
inning shall be played. The game will then end, regardless of the score.
iv. ninth, the game is over.
5. The League will be divided into two divisions when one full round-robin has been played, based
on results of that round. There will be a double round-robin played within each division.
Another full round-robin will be played. The League will again be divided into two divisions,
based on results of that round. There will be a full round-robin played within each division.
The scheduler will see to it that the number of teams in each division will be as close to equal as
practical, subject to the following: there will be as close to an equal number of games for each
team as practical.
6. If a team does not show up with at least nine players for a scheduled game, their opponent shows
up, and the umpire was notified in time to not show up, the team not showing up will be declared
the loser.
B. FIELD CHECKERS
1. Prior to the start of the season, the Secretary shall issue a schedule assigning responsibility to
two teams for inspecting each of the fields on the morning of each game day.
2. The checkers are to arrive at the appropriate time (6:30 and Bullhead; 7:30 at Los Altos) − or
such other time as advised by the President − on their assigned day and are to examine each of
the fields in order to confirm their suitability for play.
3. The two Field Checkers will jointly check the fields. If there is no problem, the checkers will
determine which three of the fields are the best on which to play. If this causes a change, they
will notify the teams that are involved. If a field is unplayable, but in checkers’ opinion can be
fixed by game time – call the affected team managers and advise that field(s) need extra work. If
checkers deem that some fields are unplayable they should move games to playable fields, if any,
in numerical order. The field checkers will then notify the managers of the teams that are
affected. If all games need to be canceled, they will use the Recall Roster to notify the Head
Umpire and the two managers at the start of the recall. For all problems, let the League President
know after all other calls are made, or call him if you need to ask questions or need further
guidance.
4. A final determination at game time that a field is not playable shall be made by an Umpire in
his/her sole discretion.
C. HOME TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES PRIOR TO PLAY
1. The home team is the official scorekeeper.
2. The home team will furnish one new and one playable League-approved 12-inch balls with a
COR rating of .44 and a compression rating of 375 lbs., optic yellow. The home team will retain
these balls at the end of the game.
3. The home team is to provide a strike zone mat. It shall be a wooden board that is between ½ and
¾ inches thick (nominal dimensions), 19 inches wide by 34½ inches long, to be placed on top of
the permanent plate, with the length oriented toward the pitcher’s rubber. The front edge of the
Final April 28, 2026 Page 3
board is to align with the front edge of the permanent plate. The wooden board is to be painted
white.
4. The home team will place an extra base, at first base, in foul territory, on the first−second base
line extended, and three feet from the orange base. It shall be a rubber throw-down wafflebottom
base, approximately 14x14x1 inches, and will be furnished by the league. The white
base-orange base combination, which is attached to the field, will be called the double base.
5. The home team will place a scoring plate eight feet from home plate, in foul territory, with the
edge of the plate that is closest to third base on a line from the corner of the strike zone mat that
is closest to third base and is parallel to the first base foul line. It shall be a rubber throw-down
waffle-bottom base, approximately 14x14x1 inches, and will be furnished by the league.
6. The home team will place an orange marker approximately four feet above the ground and
approximately ten feet farther from first base than the third base foul line extended. It shall be a
hook-and-loop strip, approximately ¾” by 20”, and will be furnished by the league.
7. The home team will be responsible for furnishing, assembling, and placing a pitcher protective
screen for use by both teams.
8 After the game is finished, the home team will retrieve the screen, extra bases, and scoring plate
and retain them for their next home game. At the end of the season, each team will return the
extra base and scoring plate to the league.
9. The home team for each early game at Bullhead is responsible for any required field
maintenance prior to the start of play. Maintenance activities include but are not limited to
preparation of the home base area, pitcher area and infield areas for play (includes filling of
holes and leveling of the batter box, application of water to firm up the box, smoothing of the
playing field area, etc.). The visiting team is encouraged to lend a hand. The field maintenance
is to be completed 15 minutes prior to the game time.
10 The home team will have all field maintenance and placement of the screen and all throw-down
bases completed at least ten minutes before game time
11. The home team will use the third base dugout.
D. UMPIRE RESPONSIBILITIES PRIOR TO GAME TIME
1. Umpires will be certified by the city and paid by the M65SL at a rate approved by the Board of
Directors.
2. Umpires shall report to their respective fields at least ten minutes before game time, in order to
complete preparations prior to game time. This includes such things as drawing the lines,
receiving the lineup cards, ensuring that the extra base (at first), the scoring plate, and the orange
marker are in place, and going over any special situations.
3. Lines.
a. The umpire shall draw a commitment line in the dirt, 30 feet from home plate, at least six feet
long starting on the third base line and perpendicular to the third base line, in foul territory.
b. The umpire shall draw a courtesy runner line in the dirt, approximately six feet long starting
directly below the orange marker, and perpendicular to the backstop.
Final April 28, 2026 Page 4
c. The umpire shall draw a batter no-run line in the dirt 30 feet from home plate, at least six feet
long starting on the first base line, and perpendicular to the first base line, in foul territory.
4. Each umpire is required to have a copy of the rules and definitions at each game.
E. RULES OF THE GAME
Each manager is required to have a copy of the rules and definitions at each game.
The following rules may be changed by agreement of the two managers:
1. Appearance and equipment
a. Metal cleats are not permitted. Rubber or plastic cleats are allowed. No football or soccer
cleats are allowed.
b. Players are encouraged to wear appropriate gear for protection. Pitchers and fielders may
wear a protective face mask.
c. Each team of players shall wear numbered shirts of similar color and design. Duplicate
numbers are highly discouraged. If there are duplicates, the manager must report it to the
opposing manager.
d. Hats are not required. If worn, they must be a baseball-type cap which doesn’t have
inappropriate (e.g., obscene, objectionable, political, etc.) wording; sun-protective hats may
be worn. Hats may not be worn backwards, except to accommodate protective face masks.
2. Team composition
a. A maximum of eleven players may play in the field. Any number of players may be placed
at any place in the batting lineup. Switching of defensive positions is allowed at any time,
but the batting order must remain the same. All players must be on the team’s roster (except
for borrowed players – see below).
b. A team failing to furnish nine players from its own roster shall be declared the loser of the
game. The Umpire will not call the game until 10 minutes past the scheduled game time. If
the umpire has shown up because of not being notified in time, the players may play a
scrimmage that will be officiated by the umpire. If a team has nine players at the scheduled
game time, the game will begin on time and not wait for additional players. Note:
Recording the result of the game as above is done in order to protect the umpires’ insurance
and other considerations.
c. If a team starts with fewer than 11 players, a 10th and an 11th defensive player, and extra
batters may be added to the bottom of the lineup at any time during the game. If the team
short of players needs a pitcher and none is available from their division or a lower division,
they may borrow one from any team which has one available to be borrowed. All added
players must be on a Masters 65 Softball League team roster.
d. If a player is injured, becomes ill, or is called away due to an emergency and there are no
other team players available, that player’s batting position will be dropped from the lineup
and it will not be considered an out. Subsequent players will move up one position in the
lineup. The game may continue with less than nine players in the lineup.
Final April 28, 2026 Page 5
e. If a team becomes short-handed due to a player ejection, that team shall continue to play
short-handed and an out is recorded each time the missing spot comes due to bat.
f. A team short of players may request the use of up to two players in order to field 11 players.
Any borrowed player must be on the roster of an M65SL team. As otherwise stated in the
bylaws, failure to furnish at least nine players who are on that team’s roster will be declared
the loser.
Prior to the league splitting into divisions, the borrowed player may come from any team;
after the split, the borrowed player must come from the borrowing team’s division or a lower
division. The opposing team may, but is not required to, lend players to the requesting team.
Any borrowed player must be placed at the bottom of the batting order. If a borrowed player
leaves the game, his/her position will be dropped from the lineup and it will not be
considered an out.
The defensive position of any borrowed player must be catcher, first baseman, right fielder,
or pitcher.
3. Lineup cards
a. Each Team is required to submit a completed lineup card to the umpire prior to the beginning
of each game.
b. It is each Manager’s responsibility to accurately track lineups, runs scored, home runs and
substitutions on the lineup card.
c. The lineup card lists the batting order and substitutes, and must be dated and contain the
following items: the last name, the first name or initial, and the number of each player, and
the team name. If not listed on the card, a player cannot participate. Only players on the
team roster are eligible to play (except for borrowed players). The original copy goes to the
umpire & the second copy goes to the opposing manager. Failure to comply with this
provision shall result in a loss.
d. Upon completion of the games, the umpire will record the official score on the lineup card,
print his name on the back of the card, sign above his name, and deliver the card to the
winning team manager, who in turn deliver the card or report the results (by telephone call,
text, or email) to the statistician. The statistician will report to the Treasurer (by telephone
call, text, or email) with the information for payment of umpires. This official score card or
reported results will thus serve two purposes: (1) It will be used to calculate the Official
League Standings, and, (2) It will be used to trigger payment to the umpire for officiating the
game.
4. Length of games and mercy rules
a. Games will be 7 innings unless shortened because of weather. A game becomes official after
5 innings (4½ innings should the home team be leading). The winner is the team with the
highest score after the last full inning played (half-inning if the home team is ahead).
b. A five-run-per-inning mercy rule will be applied in all games. When the team at bat scores
five runs in an inning, that team’s inning is over and it takes the field. This rule does not
apply to the seventh inning, which is an open inning. In the open inning(s), the team that is
batting in the top of the inning is limited to scoring enough runs to increase their lead to 20
Final April 28, 2026 Page 6
runs, after which they will take the field. Should the team then batting tie the game or have
the lead at the end of their at-bat, the team that batted in the top of the inning shall resume
their open inning where they left off.
c. The trailing team may request a mercy ending to a game any time after five complete
innings.
d. In the event of a tie after 7 innings, an 8th and a 9th inning (if necessary) will be treated the
same as the 7th inning as described above. If the game is still tied after nine innings, the
game will be declared a tie.
5. Flip-flop Rule
a. If the visiting team has a lead of 10 or more runs after six innings, the home team will bat
and the visiting team will “reserve” its 7th
inning. If the home team is not able to overcome
the visiting team’s lead, the game is over. If the home team overcomes the visiting team’s
lead, the visiting team then bats its 7th
inning. The winner is the team with the highest score
after 7 innings. If the game is tied after each team has batted its 7th
inning, play continues
inning-by-inning until there is a winner, with the visiting team batting in the top half of each
inning. The 7th
and subsequent innings are “open” innings. Note: This paragraph is subject
to the nine inning limit (subparagraph 4.-d.).
b. If the home team has a lead of 10 or more runs after the top of the 6th
inning, the visiting team
will bat its 7th inning and the home team will “reserve” its 6th
inning. If the visiting team
does not overcome the home team’s lead, the game is over. If the visitors do overcome the
home team’s lead, the home team will bat the innings they skipped (the 6th and, if necessary,
the 7th
inning). The winner is the team with the highest score after 7 innings. If the game is
tied after each team has batted its 7th
inning, play continues inning-by inning until there is a
winner, with the visiting team batting in the top half of each inning. The 7th
and subsequent
innings are “open” innings. Note: This paragraph is subject to the nine inning limit
(subparagraph 4.-d.).
c. Once a team begins to bat its inning as set out above it shall complete that inning, subject
only to the separate 20-run “mercy rule” (subparagraph 4.-b.).
6. Pitching
a. In order for a pitch to be legal, it must be delivered such that the highest point of the arc is 6
feet to 12 feet above the ground. Any legal pitch striking any portion of the strike zone mat
is a strike.
b. The pitcher’s box is 2 feet wide by 10 feet deep, the front edge of which is the pitcher’s plate.
The pitcher must have some portion of the pivot foot inside the box when beginning his/her
delivery.
c. The pitcher must come to a full and complete stop with the ball in front of the body. The
front of the body must face the batter. This position must be maintained at least one second
before starting the pitch.
d. The pitcher must not make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the ball to the
batter. The delivery must be a continuous, underhanded motion. The pitch must be delivered
with a foot on or above the pitcher’s box. The pitcher may take more than one step.
Final April 28, 2026 Page 7
e. The pitcher shall not attempt a quick return of the ball before the batter has taken his position
or when the batter is off balance as a result of a pitch (quick pitch). The umpire will call time
and allow the batter to get set.
f. Illegal pitches are signaled by the umpire (left arm extended from the side with the hand
forming a fist) and verbalized (“illegal”) as soon as the determination is made.
g. A pitcher protective screen will be used for all league games. The screen will be located
parallel to and three feet towards home from the pitcher’s plate and may be moved sideways
to accommodate right or left-handed pitchers (see diagram). Face masks for pitchers are
optional.
7. Batting
a. The batter’s box is 3 feet wide by 7 feet deep. The batter must have at least part of each foot
inside batter’s box before the pitcher begins delivery. Any portion of the foot touching the
chalk line is considered in the box.
b. A legal bat is a bat with a factory label of any of the following:
i. The SSUSA logo.
ii. “Approved for SSUSA Use”.
iii. “BPF 1.21” or less.
iv. “SENIOR SOFTBALL USA NTS Tested”.
v. “NTS Tested”
Any player attempting to use a bat not meeting the above will be ejected from the game. No
bat may be used which has had the markings removed, painted over or altered. Any player
attempting to use such a bat will be ejected from the game and may be suspended for future
games in the Vice-President’s (or, if he is not available, an alternate officer’s), sole
discretion.
c. The batter starts with a pitch count of 0-0.
d. During his/her swing, the batter is considered out of the box when he/she has either foot on
the ground completely outside the box when contact is made (fair or foul ball). This is a
dead ball out.
e. For any given at bat, the first time a batted ball hits the screen it will be a foul ball.
f. The batter is out when: (a) the second strike is a called strike, a swing and a miss, or a foul
tip, (b) the second strike is a foul ball (“courtesy foul”) and then a called strike, a swing and a
miss, a foul tip or a foul ball occurs, or (c) a second batted ball hits the protective screen.
g. A pitched ball that strikes the screen will be called a ball.
h. The batter is awarded first base (base-on-balls) when there are three balls or the pitcher
informs the umpire of his desire to walk the batter.
i. After a home run, the batter and any runners on base may immediately head back to the
dugout. They do not have to touch any bases.
j. A maximum three home runs over-fence differential is allowed between the two teams. Inthe-
park home runs do not count toward the three-run differential. The leading home run
Final April 28, 2026 Page 8
over -fence team is allowed another home run over-fence if the other team hits a home run
over-fence. Other home runs over -fence beyond the three-home run differential are treated
as walks.
k. There is no infield fly rule.
8. Base running
a. The distance between bases shall be 70 feet.
b. A runner must make every effort to avoid contact with a fielder. If the runner misses a
base in order to avoid contact, he/she shall be called safe. If he/she makes avoidable
contact, he/she shall be declared out.
Note: the runner should run far enough from the fielder that there is little chance of contact
with a fielder.
c. Making avoidable contact overrides the awarding of bases, because of obstruction, to that
runner.
d. A base runner intentionally sliding or diving into a base, shall be called out.
e. A base runner intentionally running into a defensive player shall be called out and ejected
from the game.
f. A base runner may tag and advance on any fly ball caught in the field of play, in fair or foul
territory. The ball remains live.
g. A runner may be tagged out as in the underlying rules, except that the runner may overrun
any base without being liable to be put out.
h. Obstruction:
i. When there is not an imminent or actual play at the base, the fielder shall not impede the
runner (such as a runner attempting to turn the base when running extra bases) by being
in a path that is reasonable for the runner to be running; if the fielder impedes the runner,
obstruction shall be called.
Suggestion: The fielder should go several feet to the outfield side of the base.
ii. Obstruction does not stop the play. All players should continue the play until “time” is
called. The umpire will then move base runners forward, if necessary, so that the
offensive team obtains positions that the umpire judges would have been obtained if the
obstruction had not occurred.
iii. When there is an imminent or actual play at the base, there is no obstruction by a player
who is involved in the play, since – by rule – the runner must not run at the fielder. If a
fielder who is not involved in the play and whose position delays the runner touching or
crossing the next base line, then obstruction may be called.
i. First base:
i. A runner must make every effort to avoid contact with a fielder If the runner misses
a base in order to avoid contact, he/she shall be called safe. If he/she makes
avoidable contact, he/she shall be declared out.
Final April 28, 2026 Page 9
Note: the runner should run far enough from the fielder that there is little chance of
contact with a fielder
ii. When there is an imminent or actual play at the base, the advancing batter-runner must
touch the extra base and not the double base; however, the runner may run to either side
of any base or touch any part of the double base in order to avoid contact with a fielder,
and may overrun the base. The runner may then attempt to advance to the next base.
iii. A fielder must touch the white base in order to record an out. If the defensive player
touches only the orange base or the extra base, the runner is not out. EXCEPTION: On
any force out attempt from the foul side of first base, such as on an errant throw or
deflected ball, the defense may use either portion of the double base.
iv. When there is an imminent or actual play at first base and the runner is returning to the
base, he/she must run to one side or the other of the fielder. If the runner has already
touched a base, he/she does not have to touch the base before advancing to the next base.
A fielder must touch the white base while in possession of the ball before the runner
touches or crosses the first base foul line in order to record an out.
v. The runner must be touching the white base when a ball is pitched.
vi. If there is no play possible at first, the runner may contact any part of the double base and
may overrun the base. If the runner has overrun first after touching the double base or the
extra base, the runner may advance without returning to first base.
vii. If the runner, when attempting to touch the extra base, touches or crosses the next base
line extended at the same time as or before the fielder in possession of the ball touches
the appropriate part of the double base, but does not touch the extra base, he is considered
to have touched the base unless the defense makes a proper appeal.
viii. If the runner makes any pretense of advancing, the runner may be tagged out by a
defensive player. Turning to the left does not, by itself, constitute an attempt.
ix. A runner who is returning to first base and stops more than 10 feet from the base, cannot
be put out using the force-type play (see paragraph above), but may be tagged out. If a
runner approaches within 10 feet of a base when returning, he can be thrown out as
above.
j. Second and third bases:
i. A runner must make every effort to avoid contact with a fielder If the runner misses
a base in order to avoid contact, he/she shall be called safe. If he/she makes
avoidable contact, he/she shall be declared out.
Note: the runner should run far enough from the fielder that there is little chance of
contact with a fielder
ii. When there is an imminent or actual play at the base and the runner is advancing to the
base, he/she must run to one side or the other of the fielder in order to avoid contact with
a fielder. A fielder must touch the base while in possession of the ball before the runner
touches or crosses the next baseline extended (second to third at second base – third base
foul line at third base) in order to record an out. The runner must touch the base prior to
advancing to the next base.
Final April 28, 2026 Page 10
iii. When there is an imminent or actual play at the base and the runner is returning to the
base, he/she must run to one side or the other of the fielder. A fielder must touch the base
while in possession of the ball before the runner touches or crosses the previous baseline
extended (first to second at second base – second to third at third base) in order to record
an out. If the runner has accomplished the above, that runner is considered to have
touched a base and may then advance to the next base.
iv. If there is an imminent or actual play at second or third base, the runner (whether
advancing to or returning to the base) must do a run-by; if, at the last instant, the
defensive player moves into the path of a runner (e.g. to attempt to catch an errant throw)
that is running the proper route: the runner is not out; however, the runner must
attempt to avoid contact with a fielder. If avoidable contact is made, the runner shall
be called out.
v. A runner (whether advancing to or returning to the base) may overrun second or third
base.
vi. A runner may run directly to or return directly to either second or third base if there is no
play at that base.
vii If the runner makes any pretense of advancing to the next base, the runner may be tagged
out by a defensive player. Turning to the left does not, by itself, constitute an attempt.
viii. A runner who stops more than 10 feet from second or third base, and who is not forced
to run, cannot be put out using the force-type play, but may be tagged out. If the runner
is between third and home, the above applies relative to an attempt to return to third base
(the commitment line rule applies at home).
ix. When a runner has approached to within 10 feet of second or third base, the runner is out
if a fielder in possession of the ball touches the base before the runner has touched or
crossed the appropriate baseline extended. The runner must attempt to avoid contact
with a fielder.
9. Commitment line between third base and home
a. The line is located 30 feet up the third base line from the front edge of home plate.
b. Once a runner touches or crosses the commitment line, he cannot retreat toward third base for
any reason. A retreating runner is declared out the moment he re-crosses the line. The ball
remains alive and in play.
c. Tagging is prohibited between the commitment line and home plate/scoring plate. If the
defensive player tags the runner in this situation, the runner will be called safe and the ball
remains live and in play.
d. The runner must touch the scoring plate in order to score.
e. The runner is out if a fielder in possession of the ball touches the strike zone mat before the
runner touches the scoring plate.
10. Courtesy and Woody runners
a. Any player listed on the team’s roster may be used as a courtesy runner.
Final April 28, 2026 Page 11
b. A courtesy runner is in game when he steps on the base or takes his position next to the
backstop. He must notify the umpire he is entering, and be acknowledged by the umpire,
before the pitcher delivers the first pitch.
c. A courtesy runner may enter at home plate before the batter begins his at bat or at any base
during a dead ball.
d. Once in the game, the courtesy runner cannot be replaced by another courtesy runner except
for injury, and in such event, must be removed from the game and may not return.
e. A courtesy runner may be used for a base runner at any base, but the same player can act as a
courtesy runner for only one identified base runner per inning. If a player has more than one
plate appearance in the inning, the same courtesy runner can run for that player each time.
An out is automatically declared if someone appears as a courtesy runner for a second player
in the same inning.
f. An illegal courtesy runner on base is committing a continuing violation and may be called
out upon appeal at any time while on base or, if he scores, prior to the first pitch to the next
batter.
g. Should a courtesy runner be on base when his turn at bat arrives, the courtesy runner is
declared out on the base then takes his turn at bat.
h. A courtesy runner who runs for a batter is known as a “woody runner”.
i. There will be an orange mark on the backstop and a courtesy runner line drawn in the
dirt. The courtesy runner starting position will be next to the backstop, behind the
courtesy runner line away from first base and with a hand on the orange mark. The
courtesy runner must wait until either the batter makes contact with the ball or a walk is
issued before advancing toward first base. If the courtesy runner leaves prior to either of
the above conditions, the batter will be called out.
ii. There will be a batter no-run line drawn in the dirt. A batter who uses a courtesy runner
and advances past the line will be called out and the hit ball is a dead ball. All base
runners will return to their starting base.
iii. If that batter has more than one plate appearance in an inning, the same woody runner
may run for the batter each time.
11. Outs
a. Batter is out when
i. the second strike is a called strike, a swing and a miss, or a foul tip.
ii. the second strike is a foul ball (“courtesy foul”) and then a called strike, a swing and a
miss, a foul tip or a foul ball occurs.
iii. a second batted ball in the same at-bat hits the protective screen.
iv. he/she enters the batter’s box with, or is discovered using, an altered or illegal bat. The
batter is also ejected from the game. The second offense by a member of the same team
will result in the player and manager being ejected.
Final April 28, 2026 Page 12
v. an entire foot is touching the ground completely outside the lines of the batter’s box
when he hits a ball fair or foul.
vi. he/she deliberately erases any portion of the batter’s box.
vii. any part of a foot is touching the strike zone mat when he hits a ball fair or foul.
viii. he/she bunts or chops the ball, or does not take a full swing when deliberately hitting a
pitched ball.
ix. a member of the team at bat interferes with a player attempting to field a fly ball. The
ball is dead and each runner must return to the base legally occupied at the time of the
pitch.
x. he/she steps directly in front of the catcher to the other batter’s box while the pitcher is in
position to pitch. The ball is dead, the batter is out and the runners may not advance.
b. Batter-runner is out when
i. he/she makes avoidable contact with a fielder.
ii. a fielder in possession of the ball touches the white base before the batter-runner touches
the extra base.
iii. a fielder tags the batter-runner out before the he/she reaches first base.
iv. a play is coming from the foul side of first base and a fielder in possession of the ball
touches the orange base before the batter-runner touches the extra base or, when
avoiding contact with a fielder, crosses the first-to-second base line extended.
v. he/she runs to the double base or between the bases when there is an imminent or actual
play at first base and he/she is not attempting to avoid contact with the fielder.
vi. a fly ball is caught by a fielder before it touches the ground, or any object or person
other than a fielder.
vii. he/she fails to advance to first base and enters his team area after a batted fair ball, a
base on balls, or catcher obstruction. The ball is dead, the batter-runner is out and
runners return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch unless put out prior to the
violation.
viii. he/she interferes with a fielder attempting to field a batted ball or attempting to throw or
catch the ball.
ix. he/she is called out because of interference by another runner.
x. he/she makes contact with a fair batted ball, while outside the batter’s box, before
reaching first base. The ball is dead and all other runners shall return to the base
occupied at the time of the pitch.
xi. he/she intentionally hinders the catcher from catching or throwing the ball. The ball is
dead, the batter is out and each runner must return to the last base that, in the umpire’s
judgment, was touched at the time of the interference.
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xii. he/she intentionally interferes with a play at home in an obvious attempt to prevent an
out. Both the batter-runner and the base runner are out.
xiii. he/she moves back toward home plate to avoid or delay a tag by a fielder. The ball is
dead, the batter-runner is out and all runners return to the base occupied at the time of
the pitch.
xiv. an infielder intentionally drops, or lets drop, a fair fly ball, including a line drive, that
can be caught with ordinary effort with first base only, or first base and any other base(s)
occupied, with less than two outs. A trapped ball shall not be considered as having been
intentionally dropped. The ball is dead, the batter-runner is out and each runner shall
return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.
xvi. the defense makes a proper appeal.
c. Base runner (returning to first base, or advancing to or returning to second and third bases) is
out when
i. he/she makes avoidable contact with a fielder.
ii. he/she leaves his base before the pitched ball touches the strike zone mat, is batted, or
touches the ground.
iii. he/she is forced to run to the base and any fielder in possession of the ball touches the
base before the runner has touched or crossed the next base line extended (second to
third at second base – foul line at third base).
iv. he/she is not forced to run to the base, but advances to within ten feet of the base and
any fielder in possession of the ball touches the base before the runner has touched or
crossed the next base line extended (second to third at second base – foul line at third
base).
v. he/she is returning to the base, is within ten feet of the base, and any fielder in
possession of the ball touches the base before the runner has touched or crossed the
previous base line extended (first to second at second base – second to third at third
base).
vi. he/she makes any pretense of advancing and is tagged out by a fielder. Turning to the
left does not, by itself, constitute an attempt.
vii. he/she advances to the next base without having touched the base at least once.
viii. he/she does not tag up after a caught fly ball and an appeal is upheld.
ix. he/she is tagged out when not touching a base to which he/she has the right (does not
apply when the runner does a run-by or overruns the base and doesn’t attempt to
advance).
x. he/she interferes with a fielder.
xi. he/she is called out because of interference by another runner.
xii. the defense makes a proper appeal.
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xiii. he/she is a courtesy runner and his/her time at bat occurs.
d. Base runner (advancing to home).
No run scores when
i. the runner attempting to score is out. The runner is out if
1. he/she makes avoidable contact with a fielder.
2. a fielder in possession of the ball touches the strike zone mat before the runner
touches the scoring plate.
3. he/she touches or crosses over any portion of the strike zone mat or the batter’s box.
4. he/she touches or crosses the commitment line and then re-crosses the commitment
line for any reason.
5. he/she interferes with a fielder.
ii. the third out of the inning is the result of:
1. A batter-runner being called out prior to reaching first base or any base runner forced
out due to the batter becoming a batter-runner.
2. A runner being put out by a tag or live ball appeal play prior to the lead runner
touching the scoring plate.
3. A runner is declared out on appeal involving a force play.
NOTE: An appeal may be made after the presumed third out in order to nullify a run.
F. ENFORCEMENT AND DISCIPLINARY MATTERS
1. The Umpire and two managers will resolve all field controversies. Everyone else is excluded
from the discussion. Shall agreement not be reached, the Umpire’s decision stands.
2. Teams are responsible for the conduct of their supportive spectators. Failure to control
disruptive spectators will be cause for game forfeiture. This is an Umpire decision.
3. Umpires have the right to eject any person from the dugout, stands or field for misconduct, delay
of game, using profanities and obscenities, or for any other reason deemed necessary.
4. No player shall physically or verbally attack any official, player or spectator or use any
unnecessarily rough tactics in play against an opposing player. Umpires shall enforce this rule
with vigor and eject such player(s) immediately. All “City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation
Player Code of Conduct” rules apply.
5. Any person ejected from the field or spectator area, who does not leave the area (out of sight-out
of sound) will cause forfeiture of the game.
6. Any player(s) ejected from a game shall be suspended from further games at the sole discretion
of the Vice-President (or, if he is not available, an alternate officer), and the Board may decide if
further action is needed. The Board of Directors will determine that player’s continuing
eligibility after any subsequent offense during the same year.
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7. The Vice-President (or, if he is not available, an alternate officer) may request a written report
from both the umpire (or Senior Umpire) and the manager(s) of the player(s) involved regarding
an event that results in an ejection or suspension. An aggrieved manager may request that an
umpire’s report of an incident be sent to the Vice-President (or alternate). In that case, the
manager shall also send a report. The report(s) will be due as indicated in by the Vice-President
(or alternate).
8. Protest procedures are eliminated.
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APPENDIX–DEFINITIONS
1. APPEAL PLAY An appeal play is a play on which an umpire may not make a decision until
requested by a manager, coach or player. The appeal must be made before the next legal or illegal
pitch, before an intentional walk or before the pitcher and all infielders have clearly vacated their
normal fielding positions and have left fair territory on their way to the bench or dugout area. On the
last play of the game, an appeal can be made until the umpires leave the field of play.
Types of appeal plays:
1. Missing a base.
2. Leaving a base early on a caught fly ball before the ball is first touched.
3. Batting out of order.
4. Attempting to advance to second base after making a turn at first base.
5. After the third out in order to nullify a run.
6. Illegal substitute − must be made while he/she is in the game.
2. AT BAT starts when the batter first enters a batter’s box and ends when the batter is called out, is
awarded first base, or a batted ball is in play.
3. BASE consists of
a. the white/orange combination at first that is affixed to the field.
or
b. the rubber throw-down base at first.
4. BASE LINE A base line is a line directly between the bases.
a. Between home and either first base or third base, it is along the respective foul line.
b. Between first base and second base or between second base and third base, it is imaginary and
runs along the outside edge of either first or third and to the center of second base.
5. BASE LINE EXTENDED is a line that includes the base line and is extended to the base of the
fence in each direction.
6. BASE-ON-BALLS permits a batter to gain first base without liability to be put out and is awarded
to a batter by the umpire when three pitches are judged to be balls. If the pitcher desires to walk a
batter intentionally, he may do so by notifying the plate umpire who shall award the batter first base.
7. BASE PATH is the 6-foot-wide path directly between the base that the runner is trying to attain and
the runner at the time a defensive player is attempting to tag that runner. The runner who exits the
base path in order to avoid a tag will be called out.
8. BASE RUNNER is an offensive player who has reached first base and has not yet been put out.
9. BATTED BALL is any ball that hits the bat or is hit by the bat. No intent to hit the ball is
necessary.
10. BATTED BALL HITTING THE SCREEN is any batted ball that hits the pitcher protective
screen. If a batted ball hits the screen, it is a foul ball. The second time – in the same plate
appearance – a batted ball hits the screen the batter is out.
11. BATTER NO-RUN LINE is a line in the dirt, drawn by the umpire, that starts 30 feet from home
plate, on the first base foul line and perpendicular to it, in foul territory, and approximately six feet
long.
12. BATTER’S BOX is the 3-foot by 7-foot area to which the batter is restricted. The lines are
considered as being within the batter’s box. At least some portion of each foot of the batter must be
on the line or within the batter’s box.
13. BATTER-RUNNER is a player who has finished his turn at bat but has not yet been put out or
touched the double base or the extra base at first. If a woody runner is used, the woody runner is the
batter-runner.
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14. BATTING ORDER is the official listing on the lineup card of offensive players by last name, first
initial and uniform number. Players will be listed in the order in which they come to bat.
15. BLOCKED BALL is a batted or thrown ball that is touched, stopped or handled by a person not
engaged in the game, or that touches any object that is not part of the official equipment or official
playing area. Umpire equipment attached to and hanging on fences and the reserve softball supply
behind home plate are considered part of the playing field and the ball will remain live.
16. CATCH/NO CATCH
a. A catch is a legally caught ball, which occurs when the fielder catches a batted or thrown ball
with his hand(s) or glove/mitt.
i. To establish a valid catch, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove control of it
and the release of the ball is voluntary.
ii If the ball is merely held in the fielder’s arm(s) or prevented from dropping to the ground by
some part of his/her body, equipment, or clothing, the catch is not completed until the ball is
in the grasp of the fielder’s hand(s) or glove/mitt.
b. It is not a catch,
i. if a fielder, while gaining control, collides with another player, umpire or a fence, or falls to
the ground and drops the ball as a result of the collision or falling to the ground.
ii. if a ball strikes anything other than a defensive player while it is in flight, it is ruled the same
as if it had struck the ground.
iii. if a fielder catches a batted or thrown ball with anything other than his hand(s) or glove in its
proper place.
17. CATCHER’S BOX is the 8½-foot (2.59 m) by 10-foot (3.05 m) area directly behind the batter’s
box, to which the catcher is restricted. The lines are considered as being within the catcher’s box. At
least some portion of both feet of the catcher must be within the catcher’s box. The catcher must
remain in the box until the pitched ball is batted or touches the ground or plate.
18. CHOPPED BALL occurs when the batter strikes downward with a chopping motion of the bat so
that the ball bounces high into the air. The player will be called out and the ball is dead.
19. COACH (BASE) is a member of the team at bat who takes his place within one of the two coaches’
boxes on the field to direct the players of his team in running the bases. Either base coach may have
in his possession any item to be used for score keeping or record keeping purposes only. No
communication equipment is allowed.
20. COMMITMENT LINE: is a minimum six foot commitment line shall be marked across and
perpendicular to the foul line and placed thirty feet from home plate. Once a runner has crossed the
commitment line he: [a] cannot return to third base; [b]must continue home; [c] can no longer be
tagged out by the defensive player; the defensive player must touch the strike zone mat. The ball
remains live.
21. COURTESY FOUL BALL is a foul ball that occurs on the second strike. The batter is not out.
22 COURTESY RUNNER is a player who replaces another player and does the base running until
scoring, being put out, or the inning ends.
23. COURTESY RUNNER LINE is a line in the dirt, drawn by the umpire, (approximately six feet
long) starting directly below the orange mark and perpendicular to the backstop.
24. DEAD BALL occurs when there is an action that causes play to be suspended. The umpire shall
call “time”.
25. DEFENSIVE PLAYER (FIELDER) is any member of the defensive team.
26. DEFENSIVE TEAM is the team in the field.
27. DIAMOND is the square whose corners are home plate and the bases.
28. DISLODGED BASE is a base displaced from its proper position.
29 DOUBLE BASE consists of the white base−orange base combination that is affixed to the field and
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is diagrammed in the Underlying Rules.
30. DOUBLE PLAY is a play by the defense resulting in two offensive players being legally declared
put out.
31. EJECTION is the result of an incident that requires removal of a player, coach, manager or
spectator from the game by the umpire, whereby the ejected person can no longer participate in the
game and must leave the playing field, dugout and surrounding areas, including spectator stands and
other areas adjacent to or visible from the field. For the purpose of these rules, ejections may be
effected after a game is officially over, and as a result of inappropriate behavior towards any player,
coach, manager or umpire, on the playing field, dugout and surrounding areas, related to the
associated game. Any ejected player discovered participating will result in a forfeit by his/her team.
32 EXTRA BASE At first base, a base, approximately 14” x 14” x 1” that is three feet from the orange
base, in foul territory, on the next base line extended.
33. FAIR BALL: A batted ball shall be judged according to the relative position of the ball and the foul
line, including the foul pole, and not as to whether the fielder is on fair or foul territory at the time he
touches the ball. A fair ball is a legally batted ball that:
a. Settles or is touched on or over fair territory between home and first base or between home and
third base.
b. Bounds over or past first or third base, in fair territory, regardless of where the ball hits before or
after going over the base.
c. While on or over fair territory, touches the person, attached equipment or clothing of a player or
an umpire.
d. Touches first, second or third base.
e. First falls or is touched on or over fair territory beyond first, second or third base.
f. While over fair territory passes out of the playing field beyond the outfield fence.
g. Hits the foul pole.
34. FAIR TERRITORY is that part of the playing field within, and including, the first and third base
foul lines from home plate to the bottom of the playing field fence and perpendicularly upwards. Fair
territory includes the strike mat.
35. FAKE TAG is a form of obstruction by a fielder who neither has the ball nor is about to receive the
ball. This obstruction impedes the progress of a runner either advancing or returning to a base. The
runner does not have to stop. Merely slowing down when a fake tag is attempted would constitute
obstruction.
36. FLY BALL is any ball batted into the air over fair or foul territory.
37. FORCE OUT is the out that results from a force play. The runner may be put out by a fielder in
possession of the ball
a. touching the base (second or third base) before the runner touches the extra base.
b. touching the strike zone mat after the runner has crossed the commitment line and at the same
time as or before the runner touches the scoring plate.
c. If the runner after touching the base retreats for any reason towards the base he previously
occupied, the force play is reinstated and he may again be put out if the defense touches the base
to which the runner is forced.
38. FORCE PLAY results from a batter becoming a batter-runner and before the batter-runner or a
preceding runner have been put out. The occurrences are determined by the locations of the runners
at the time that the ball was hit:
a. If the runner was on first base, he/she is forced to run to second base.
b. If the runner was on second base and there was a runner on first base, he/she is forced to run to
third base.
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c. If the runner was on third base and the other two bases were occupied, he/she is forced to run
home.
39. FORCE-TYPE PLAY is the act of a fielder using the methods of the force out when the runner is
not being forced to the base.
40. FOUL BALL is a legally batted ball that:
a. settles or is touched on or over foul territory between home and first base or between home and
third base.
b. bounds over or past first or third base, in foul territory, regardless of where the ball hits before or
after going over the base.
c. while over foul territory, touches the person, attached equipment or clothing of a player, or an
umpire.
d. first hits the ground or is first touched over foul territory beyond first or third base. A caught fly
ball is NOT a foul ball.
e. touches the batter or the bat in the batter’s hand(s) a second time while the batter is within the
batter’s box.
f. goes directly from the bat, not higher than the batter’s head to any part of the catcher’s body or
equipment other than the hand(s) or glove.
g. is the first of the at-bat that hits the pitcher protective screen.
41. FOUL LINE is a line from the back corner of home plate through the outside edge of either the
white first or the third base, to the bottom of the playing field fence.
42, FOUL POLE is a pole that extends vertically from the intersection of the foul line and the playing
field fence, together with anything attached to it in fair territory.
43. FOUL TIP is a batted ball that goes directly from the bat, not higher than the batter’s head, to the
catcher’s hand(s) or glove and is legally caught by the catcher. The ball is dead on all foul tips and
the batter is out if it is the final strike.
44. HOME TEAM shall be designated by the League and will bat last in each inning (except possibly
during a flip-flop).
45. ILLEGAL BAT is one that does not meet the requirements of the RULES OF THE GAMEbatting-“
A legal bat is …” paragraph.
46. ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL occurs when the batter hits the ball fair or foul and:
a. The entire foot is completely outside the lines of the batter’s box and on the ground,
b. Any part of the foot is touching the strike zone mat or
c. An illegal or altered bat is used.
47. ILLEGAL CATCH occurs when a fielder catches a batted or thrown ball with anything other than
his hand(s) or legal glove in its proper place or an illegal player makes a catch.
48. ILLEGAL PLAYER is a player who takes a position in the lineup, either on defense or offense,
that does not have a legal right to the position. A player will not violate the illegal player rule until
after one pitch, legal or illegal, has been thrown. An illegal player is handled as an appeal by the
offended team while the player is still in the game. Once the umpire is notified, in all cases the
illegal player is disqualified and can be legally replaced either by a substitute or a starter who reenters
the game.
49. ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTE is a player who has entered the game illegally. A player will not violate
the substitution rule until one legal or illegal pitch is thrown.
50. INELIGIBLE PLAYER is a player who does not meet the requirements of the League as set out in
its bylaws, or who attempts to play after being ejected or while under suspension. The use of an
ineligible player will constitute a forfeit if properly protested.
51. INFIELD is that portion of the field in fair territory that includes areas normally covered by
infielders.
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52. IN FLIGHT is any batted, thrown or pitched ball that has not yet touched the ground or some object
or person other than a fielder.
53. IN JEOPARDY is a term indicating that the ball is in play and an offensive player may be put out.
54. INNING is that portion of a game within which the teams alternate on offense and defense and in
which there are three outs (or five runs in any of the first through sixth innings) for each team. A
new inning begins immediately after the final out of the previous inning.
55. INTENTIONALLY DROPPED FLY BALL (applicable if there are runners on first and second
with fewer than two outs): If a fielder intentionally drops, or lets drop, a fair fly ball, including a
line drive that can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort with first base only, or first base and
any other base(s), with less than two outs, only one recorded out may be made on the play and the
ball is dead. This is an umpire’s judgment call.
56. INTERFERENCE is the act of an offensive player or team member that impedes or confuses a
defensive player attempting to execute a play. A base runner must avoid a fielder making a play.
57. LEGAL TOUCH (TAG OUT) occurs when a runner or batter-runner that is at risk of being put out
and not touching a base to which he/she has the right is touched by the ball while it is securely held
in a fielder’s hand(s) or glove. The ball is not considered as having been securely held if it is juggled
or dropped by the fielder after having touched the runner, unless the runner deliberately knocks the
ball from the hand(s) of the fielder. It is sufficient for the runner to be touched with the glove or
hand(s) holding the ball.
58. LINE DRIVE is a fly ball batted sharply and directly into the playing field.
59. NEXT BASE LINE EXTENDED is the base line extended that is approximately perpendicular to
the base path as the runner is advancing to the base.
60. OBSTRUCTION is the act of:
a. A defensive player or team member who hinders or prevents a batter from striking at or hitting a
pitched ball.
b. A fielder who is not in possession of the ball, in the act of fielding a batted ball, or about to
receive a thrown ball, who impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally
running bases.
61. OFFENSIVE TEAM is the team at bat.
62. ON-DECK BATTER is the offensive player whose name follows the name of the batter in the
batting order.
63. ORANGE BASE is the orange-colored base that is part of the double base. It may be used by the
runner if there is no imminent or actual play at first base. It is used in the placement of the extra
base. The fielders may not use it in order to record an out, except when a throw is coming from the
foul side of first base.
64. ORANGE MARKER is a vertical mark that consists of a hook-and-loop strip, approximately ⅝”
by 20”, that is placed approximately four feet above the ground and approximately ten feet farther
from first base than the third base foul line extended.
65. OUTFIELD is that portion of the field in fair territory that is not normally covered by an infielder.
66. OVERRUN is the act of a runner, running beyond the base line extended that he/she is attempting to
reach. Overrunning bases is allowed, with no risk of being put out, providing that no pretense of
advancing has been made.
67. OVERTHROW is a thrown ball from a fielder that goes beyond the boundaries of the playing field
(dead ball territory).
68. PITCHER PROTECTIVE SCREEN is a screen that is furnished, assembled, and placed on the
field by the home team. Equipment (such as weights) that is used in conjunction with the screen are
part of the screen. It is used to protect the pitcher from batted balls. Pitchers are encouraged to get
behind the screen after pitching the ball.
69. PLAY BALL is the term used by the plate umpire to indicate that play shall start and shall not be
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declared until all defensive players are in fair territory except the catcher, who must be in the
catcher’s box.
70. PLAYABLE (LIVE BALL) TERRITORY is the area that is enclosed by the fencing of that field,
including the fencing, but not including the dugouts.
71. PRECEDING RUNNER is a runner (or the courtesy runner for that runner) who batted before the
runner in question.
72. PRESUMED OUT occurs when a base runner is called for the third out after a runner has been
called safe at home, but a later upheld appeal nullifies the run.
73. PRESUMED RUN occurs when a base runner is called safe at home, but a later upheld appeal
nullifies the run.
74. PREVIOUS BASE LINE EXTENDED is the base line extended that is approximately
perpendicular to the base path as the runner is returning to the base.
75. QUICK PITCH is made by the pitcher with the obvious attempt to catch the batter unprepared.
This would be before the batter takes his desired position in the batter’s box or while he is still off
balance as a result of the previous pitch.
76. RUN-BY is the act of a base runner:
a. Advancing to either second or third base and running to one side or the other of the fielder.
b. Returning any base and running to one side or the other of the fielder.
In either case, a run-by is required when there is an imminent or actual play at that base. The runner
may overrun the base.
77. SCORING PLATE is a rubber throw-down waffle-bottom base, approximately 14” x 14” x 1” that
is placed eight feet from home plate, in foul territory, on the first base line extended.
78. STRIKE ZONE MAT is 17″ wide and 34” long. The mat shall be made of wood. The mat is
placed over home plate and aligned with the front edge of home plate. A defensive player making a
play at home plate will be allowed to complete the play by touching any portion of the strike mat. If,
during the play, the mat is dislodged, the defensive player shall touch home plate, rather than the
strike zone mat.
79. SUBSTITUTE BATTER is a batter who takes over for another batter. The substitute batter inherits
the pitch count and all other aspects of the turn at bat of the batter for whom he substituted.
80. SUCCEEDING RUNNER is a runner (or the courtesy runner for that runner) who batted after the
runner in question.
81. TRAPPED BALL is:
a. A batted ball that hits the ground or a fence prior to being caught.
b. Any ball that is caught with the glove over the ball on the ground rather than under the ball.
NOTE: A trapped ball is not a catch.
82. TIME is the term used by the umpire to order the suspension of play.
83. TURN AT BAT begins when a player first enters the batter’s box and continues until he is put out,
is awarded first base, hits a ball that is in play, or is substituted for while at bat.
84. UNDERLYING RULES consist of the Senior Softball-USA Rulebook (SSUSA)
85 VISITING TEAM shall be designated by the League and will bat first in each inning (except
possibly during a flip-flop).
86. WHITE BASE is the white-colored base that is part of the double base.
87. WOODY RUNNER is a courtesy runner who enters the game before the batter begins his at bat