ESL 2004
ENTERTAINMENT SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES
FIELDING YOUR TEAM
Teams must have a minimum of 8 people to play; otherwise, 10 players are on the field. Teams may start a game with eight players and may add the 9th, and 10th player at the BEGINNING of an inning. There are no restrictions concerning field substitutions, but the batting order must remain the same.
If a team begins with only 8 players, they may add players at the BOTTOM OF THE LINEUP.
Coaches must exchange rosters at the beginning of each game and inform the opposing coach of line up changes and substitutions during the game. Each team is allowed 2 non-employees on the roster per game that must be announced prior to the game. All names should be written on the roster at the beginning of every game.
All players on the field must appear in the batting order.
A team must be ready to play 10 minutes after the scheduled starting time or the game will be declared a forfeit. If one team forfeits, the field can be used by the two teams to scrimmage.
This is Co-ed; therefore teams must have 2 females at all times.
GAME LENGTH
Game must be 75 minutes long (1:15). The last full inning played within the 75 minutes will determine the winning team. An inning cannot start after 70 minutes. However, any inning starting prior to the 70th minute must be completed.
UMPIRES/MAKING YOUR OWN CALLS
There are no umpires. Balls and strikes are called. Each batter will begin with a 0-0 count and be allowed 2 foul balls. If you foul off a pitch with two strikes you are out and it is a dead ball - no runners can advance. 5 balls is a walk. Strikes will be called should the pitch land on the plate.
The coach(es) from each team are responsible for settling all disputes. Wasting time on arguments will not be tolerated.
NO SHOWS
NO SHOWS - Any teams that forfeit 2 games will be removed from the league and ineligible for playoffs (without being reimbursed the league entry fee).
FOOTWEAR
Shoes (not sandals) must be worn at all times. No metal or steel cleats allowed.
BUNTING
Bunts - The batter will be called out if they bunt or intentionally chop at the ball.
BAT THROWING
Thrown Bats - The batter will be automatically out if he/she throws the bat.
BASE RUNNING
Base Running - Under no circumstance will stand-up collisions, at any base, be tolerated. Sliding is strongly encouraged but not required. HOWEVER, the responsibility of avoiding contact lies with the RUNNER. If the RUNNER does not slide, the RUNNER must AVOID the fielder’s attempt to turn the double play by running to the RIGHT of the base path. If not, the double play will be awarded to the fielding team. This will also apply on plays at any of the other bases. If a runner does anything to intentionally disrupt the play, he/she will be automatically out.
BASE STEALING
Steals - No steals are allowed in slow pitch softball. A base runner may not leave the base until a pitched ball is hit.
INTERFERENCE
Interference - A fielder (catcher also) has the right to go into the base path when A) he/she has the ball B) he/she is in the act of fielding the batted ball C) he/she is in the act of fielding the thrown ball. If the runner blatantly makes contact, then the runner will be called out.
OBSTRUCTION
Obstruction - If a defensive player illegally hinders a batter or base runner then the base runner will be awarded an extra base. A fake tag to induce the runner to slide is considered obstruction and the runner will be awarded an extra base.
OVERTHROWS/OUT OF PLAY
Overthrows/Out of Play - When a ball is overthrown into foul territory, the advancement of the base runners is unlimited. The ball is considered in play and the runners can be tagged out while advancing. Overthrown balls going beyond the out of play line will award base runners two bases from the last base they had touched when the ball was thrown. If a ball is carried out of play, the base runners are awarded one base at the time of the carry over. If a batted ball enters dead ball territory without being touched by a fielder, the ball shall become dead and the batter-runner shall be awarded one base from the last base touched at the time the ball went out of bounds. The one exception occurs when a batter-runner has not yet touched first base at the time the ball goes out of bounds. In that instance, the batter-runner shall be credited with a ground-rule double and will be awarded second base. If a ball enters dead ball territory after being deflected by a fielder, each base runner is entitled to two bases from the last base touched at the time of the deflection. (Once we know what the field looks like we will determine this rule)
PITCHING
Pitching - Each pitch must meet an arc requirement within reason (6 to 14 feet) from the ground. If a pitch does not meet these requirements then “FLAT” will be called as soon as it becomes apparent that the pitch will not meet the requirements.
SUBSTITUTION
Substitutions - A substitute will enter the batting order for the person they are replacing.
COURTESY RUNNERS
Courtesy Runners - Will be allowed for injured players only. All courtesy runners must be the last player to have made an out. The courtesy runner must be of the same gender.
THE INFIELD FLY RULE
Infield fly rule will be in effect with runners on first and second or the bases loaded with less than two outs. A batted ball that is ruled to be within the "infield" will immediately be called out as an "INFIELD FLY" and the batter is automatically out.
BELOW IS A LIST OF ILLEGAL BATS PER THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES MUNICIPAL SPORTS OFFICE.
BANNED BAT LIST (updated 5-18-04) Download Banned Bat List Here
