Big Ball Party on the Plaza - Coed Clincher Ball | Softball | Pinellas Park,

Rules AssociationLeague Joe (LJ)

The Golden Rule

This event is intended to be FUN first. We welcome players of ALL SKILL LEVELS to our fields, and therefore set rules that ensure the safety and enjoyment of our skilled players and our novices equally. Be supportive of one another. Event organizers reserve the rights to dismiss any player from the event without refund.

Quick Guide Official Rulebook

The rules you'll actually use on the field — the ones that come up every game.

Equipment

Any

Not Provided — Any Sanction

Game

50 minutes — Finish the Inning

3 per game (+1 rule)

8 runs

Unlimited

3rd — 20
4th — 15
5th — 10

3 runners, different runner required

International Rule

Pitching

No Mat

Min 6 ft (from release), Max 10 ft

Optional (helmet & mask required if screen not used)

Pitch Screen Defense

After Ball Strikes Bat

Pitcher must be behind the screen when ball makes contact

After Pitching the ball, the Pitcher must move so that their head and neck are fully behind the screen when the batting player makes contact with the ball. Once the ball has been put into play by the batter, the pitcher may emerge to play defense or field the ball.

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Resolution

Pitcher will receive one warning for their first violation of the rule during an event.

If the Pitcher fails to move their body behind the screen on subsequent at bats and the Pitcher is the first defensive player to touch the ball when it is put into play, the Umpire shall call a Dead Ball and award the batter first base, with all runners on base advancing 90 feet.

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General Rules

Outfield Throw to First§7.6.3

Outfielders cannot throw to first base for a force out — this includes a relay. An infielder brought into the outfield through defensive actions may still throw directly to first.

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Resolution

The batter-runner is awarded first base. Play continues until time is called; deliberate delay by the runner is an automatic out.

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Male Walk / Female On Deck§7.6.1

When a male batter is walked and a female is next in the batting order, the male advances to second base and the female may choose to bat or take first base. The female must be in the on-deck circle (or announced) before the walk is issued.

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Resolution

If the female is not announced and/or not in the on-deck circle, or is already on a base, the male batter takes first only.

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Women on Defense§4.8

Teams may not sit more than one female player on defense per inning.

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Resolution

Once the opposing coach appeals, the offending team must immediately place all but one female on defense and the opposing coach chooses which fielder is replaced (may not select the pitcher). The offending coach may adjust their fielding positions to accommodate this change.

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Female Disparity§4.8

If one team has fewer female players, they must play all of their females on defense.

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Resolution

For each female the short team is missing beyond one, a ghost out is added to the bottom of their lineup. Ghost outs carry to the next inning if they fall at the third out.

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Defensive Innings Played§4.1.4

Each player must play 2 innings by the end of the 3rd, 3 innings by end of the 5th during pool play and regular season.
Each player must play 1 inning by the end of the 3rd, 2 innings by end of the 5th during bracket play and playoffs.

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Resolution

The opposing coach must appeal after the first pitch of the relevant half-inning and chooses which fielder is replaced (may not be the pitcher). The offending coach may adjust their fielding positions to accommodate this change.

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Reference the official rulebooks for complete rules and edge cases.

League Joe Interactive Softball Rulebook

Browse the full rulebook online ›