2023 Official Slow Pitch Rule

Book and National By-laws

Official Slow Pitch Softball Rules Adopted,
Published and Distributed by

USSSA LLC
5800 Stadium Parkway, Viera, FL 32940
Telephone 800-741-3014 Fax 321-877-0607
www.usssa.com

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in

any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.

Copyright © 2023

USSSA LLC

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 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
USSSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Director & CEO
Don DeDonatis III

Chairman of the Board

Rick Fortuna

Board Members
Bob Egr
Craig Scriven
Angie Swint
Andy Wisk

USSSA SLOW PITCH NATIONAL COMMITTEE

Sean Melvin, National Director of Slow Pitch
Eric Rice, Slow Pitch National Umpire-in-Chief

Strojan Kennison, Director of Conference USSSA

Clay Dickey, Director of Women’s Conference USSSA

Gary Godden
Ken Hawk
John Hickey
Kelly McLemore
Andy Purcell
Vic Rivera

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USSSA AND GSL SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL

The Slow Pitch Softball Game

Official Playing Rules

11 Inch and 12 Inch Games

Copyright USSSA 1968-2023

USSSA’s online Slow Pitch Rule Book is located at www.usssa.com.

The online rule book supersedes the printed edition and
will contain any updated rule or by-law changes.

NOTE: all new rule changes are screened in gray throughout the rule book.

ÚThis marking means change in wording or numbering for clarification only.

NOTE: Use of the word “he” in this publication is intended to include

all genders unless otherwise noted.

FOR ALL INQUIRIES PERTAINING TO PLAYING

RULE INTERPRETATIONS
Contact: David Maury
6797 River Road
Harrison, Ohio 45030
Email: [email protected]

IF AN UNUSUAL OR DISPUTED PLAY OCCURS IN A GAME

describe the incident in detail and email David Maury at
[email protected] for an answer or interpretation.
Should you wish to have an OFFICIAL RULE BOOK, contact
USSSA at 800-741-3014 to order. Rule Books are $5.00 each plus shipping.

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 Changes to the 2023 Edition USSSA/GSL Playing Rules
2023 RULE CHANGES
RULE 1 PLAYING FIELD Sec 3.B, page 8 Eliminates references to the pitching area

RULE 2 EQUIPMENT Sec 6, page 17 Eliminates references to the pitching area

RULE 3 DEFINITIONS - PITCHING AREA, page 24 Deletes the definition

RULE 3 DEFINITIONS - PIVOT FOOT, page 24 Eliminates references to the pitching area

RULE 5 PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTES Sec 1.B., page 32 Eliminates references to the
pitching area

RULE 5 PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTES Sec 3, page 32 Upgrades reporting requirement

on substitutions to MANDATORY, classifies unannounced substitutions as illegal, and deletes
references to no penalty enforcement for unannounced substitutions

RULE 5 PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTES Sec 5.B. EFFECT 1 & 2, page 34 Adds
violations for unannounced substitutions to the rule governing penalties for improper re-entry

RULE 6 PITCHING Secs 3.A. and 4.A., page 36 and Sec 9, page 38 Deletes references to
the pitching area

RULE 8 BASERUNNING Sec 5.V. NOTE, page 46 Eliminates the “about to receive”
standard on a THROWN ball by requiring a fielder to physically possess the ball in order to
legally block a runner’s path to the base

RULE 9 BALL IN PLAY/DEAD BALL Secs 1.A. & 2.A., page 52 and Sec 3.J., page 54
Deletes references to the pitching area

RULE 11 USSSA/GSL RULE DIFFERENCES - UNIFORMS, page 63 Eliminates the

uniform rule differences

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 Changes to the 2023 Edition USSSA/GSL Playing Rules
2023 BY-LAW CHANGES
ARTICLE III, TEAM CLASSIFICATIONS Sec 2.E., page 72 Added player PRV
guidelines for Men’s Class C and Women’s Class C teams and below.

SUSPENSIONS Sec 3.M., page 83 Expands the scope of suspendable offenses to include
email and social media

SUSPENSIONS Sec 3.O., page 83 Specifically incorporates reference to the USSSA Policies
and Procedures Manual

SUSPENSIONS Sec 7.A., page 85 Revises criteria regarding legal activities which may
trigger suspension/disbarment

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 PLAYING RULES TABLE OF CONTENTS
RULE 1. THE PLAYING FIELD....................................................................................8
RULE 2. EQUIPMENT...................................................................................................9
RULE 3. DEFINITIONS...............................................................................................19
RULE 4. THE GAME....................................................................................................25
RULE 5. THE PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTES.........................................................31
RULE 6. PITCHING.....................................................................................................35
RULE 7. BATTING.......................................................................................................39
RULE 8. BASERUNNING...........................................................................................42
RULE 9. BALL IN PLAY AND BALL DEAD.............................................................52
RULE 10. UMPIRES.......................................................................................................54
RULE 11. GSL-USSSA RULE DIFFERENCES............................................................60
RULE 12. MEN’S B, C, D, AND E...............................................................................63
RULE 13. WOMEN’S.....................................................................................................64
RULE 14. MIXED...........................................................................................................64
INDEX TO RULES.........................................................................................................66

Note: Additional rules and information can be found on usssa.com

(Policy & Procedures) for the following programs as well as under
“Additional Playing Rules Not Found In USSSA Rule Book”

• Men’s Major/Conference USSSA • Youth

• Men’s A • Native American
• Black American • Indoor
• Corporate
• Slow Pitch Overhand Softball
• Hispanic
• Law Enforcement/Fire • Sixteen Inch Rules

• Masters • One Pitch Rules

• Military • Scoring Rules

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 OFFICIAL USSSA AND GSL
STANDARD PLAYING FIELD DIMENSIONS

• HOME PLATE AREA

3'
6" 17" 6"
5 1/2'

8 1/2"
"

2 1/2'
12

3' 3'

91' 11"

65' 65'

24" x 6"
65'
3' 3'
7'
'

50'
10

65'
B
ES
H
C
A
"
'6

'
C

10
32
10
'

Commitment Line
10'

8'

Scoring Plate

8' 5"

* The pitching area is not physically marked on the field, but is depicted above to support the definition
on page 24.

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 RULE 1. THE PLAYING FIELD
Sec. 1. THE PLAYING FIELD is the area where the ball may be legally played or
fielded. The field shall be an area within an established minimum radius from home plate
to the far boundaries between the foul lines.

Sec. 2. SPECIAL GROUND RULES may be made by Tournament Directors when the
field is less than the official minimum dimensions, which are:
A. In 12 inch the radius distance is 300 feet for men.
B. In Women’s Class “A” and “B,” the radius distance will be a minimum of
275 feet to a maximum of 325 feet distance for National or World Tournament
play. Temporary fences cannot be used if a permanent outfield fence is present.
C. In Women’s Class “C” and “D,” the radius distance will be a minimum
of 250 feet to a maximum of 325 feet fence distance for Regional, National, or
World Tournament play.
EFFECT Sec. 2 A-C. It is optional at the state program level that when an outfield fence or
obstruction less than legal radius is of such height to warrant consideration, a Tournament
Director may determine whether or not to award the batter fewer than 4 bases on a fair
batted ball that goes over the fence.

Sec. 3. THE OFFICIAL DIAMONDS of the field shall be established for 11 inch and
12 inch with:
A. 65 or 70 foot baselines shall be used in all adult programs. 70 foot baselines
are the preferred distance. Exception: Special playing rules may be adopted by the
USSSA Board of Directors in selected CUSSSA, Men’s Major, “AA” and “A”
events.
Example: To figure the distance from home plate to 2nd base for 70 foot
bases, multiply 70x70x2 (which equals 9800) and then compute the square
root of 9800 (98.99) which equals 98 feet, 11 inches.
B. Pitcher’s distances of 50 feet for both men and women along with a pitching
area the width of the pitcher’s plate up to six (6) feet behind the back edge of the
pitcher’s plate. pitching plate that is 24 inches wide and six inches deep.

Sec. 4. THE LAYOUT OF THE FIELD is shown in the accompanying diagram. First,
select the desired location of home plate (preferably toward Southwest) and drive a stake in
the ground. This will establish the rear corner of home plate. Fasten a cord to this stake and
tie knots at distances of 50, 65, 92 and 130 feet. Place this cord along a line desired and at the
50 foot marker place a stake. This will be the middle of the front edge of the pitcher’s plate.
Further along this cord, drive a stake at the 91 foot 11 inch mark. This will be the outside
corner of second base. Place the 130 foot marker at the second base stake. Next, take the cord
at the 65 foot marker and walk to the right until the cord it taut, both from home to first and
from second to first, then drive a stake. This will mark the outside corner of first base. The line
from home to first becomes the first base foul line. Again, taking the cord at the 65 foot marker,
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walk across the diamond until the cord is again taut between second and third and home and
third. Then drive a stake to establish the outside corner of third base. The line between home
and third becomes the third base foul line. Both the first and third base foul lines shall be
extended to the far extremities of the field. Home plate, first, second and third bases are all
completely within the established base lines, or diamond.
Sec. 5. BATTER’S BOXES shall be provided on either side of home plate, with the inside
line of this box 6 inches from home plate and parallel to its sideline. The batter’s box shall be
5-1/2 feet long, extending 3 feet forward and 2-1/2 feet toward the rear, measured from the
center corner of home plate. The batter’s box shall be 3 feet wide, thus forming a rectangle of
5-1/2 feet by 3 feet. The lines marking the batter’s box are considered to be part of the batter’s
box.
Further, the following batter’s box guidelines will be used: The batter must take an initial
position with his back foot no further forward than a line defining the front edge of home plate.
The batter will be called out if he hits the ball when the back foot is completely further forward
than the line defining the front edge of home plate.
NOTE: All other ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL infractions, regarding the side and rear lines
of the batter’s box, along with stepping on home plate, remain in effect.
NOTE: The measurements of the length and the width of the batter’s box begin at the
outside edge of the lines of the box.
Sec. 6. THE CATCHER’S BOX shall be 10 feet long from the rear outside corners of
the batter’s box on each side of home plate, thus forming a rectangle 10 feet long and 8 feet
5 inches wide.
Sec. 7. THE THREE FOOT LINE is drawn outside of and parallel to the first base foul
line starting at the outside corner of first base and extending halfway toward home plate.
Sec. 8. THE COACHES’ BOXES shall be established at both first and third bases, 10
feet from and parallel to the base lines. They shall be 10 feet long starting at the outside
corners of the bases and extending toward home plate. The width of the box shall be 3 feet,
thus forming a rectangle 10 feet long and 3 feet wide.

RULE 2. EQUIPMENT
Sec. 1. DUE TO RAPIDLY EXPANDING and advanced technologies of softball
equipment, all new equipment introduced to the game of slow pitch softball must be
reviewed and approved by the USSSA Equipment Performance and Safety Standards
Committee. Each item approved shall be tested for one year. During this time the item
can be further evaluated in actual game-playing situations. The USSSA reserves the right
to disapprove any equipment due to failure to meet current safety standards as set by the
USSSA Equipment Performance and Safety Standards Committee.
Sec. 2. THE OFFICIAL BAT shall be round in cross section, straight in length and
measure not more than 34 inches long, including tape or other grip additions to the bat,
shall have a knob at the end of its handle, and not more than 2-1/4 inches in diameter at its
largest part. Its weight shall not exceed 31-ounces, including tape or grip addition to the
bat. The bat shall have a grip of tape or some other material to facilitate holding the bat
during the batter’s swing. The grip shall be not less than 10 inches long, nor extend to touch
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the taper or barrel of the bat. All key graphics, including USSSA and BPF markings, must
be permanent and cannot be applied as decals or by any other method that would allow the
key graphics to be easily removed or added to the bat.
A. Material. THE BAT may be made of hard wood of one piece, or laminated
from sections of hard wood bonded together with adhesive in such a way that the
grain directions of all the pieces are essentially parallel to the length of the bat.
THE BAT may also be made of aluminum or other metals, fiberglass, graphite or
composite materials.
B. Construction. The bat may be made in pieces from different materials but
must have a closed barrel end, a handle and a taper. The bat may be modular with
interchangeable parts, subject to additional safety and tampering requirements as
set forth in the standard USSSA Bat Licensing Agreement. The knob portion must
be welded or mechanically attached to the bat. Only USSSA approved bats, USSSA
approved weighted bats or USSSA approved bat weigh attachments, may be used
by the on deck batter while loosening up on the field.
C. Other Criteria for Legal USSSA Bats.
1. Bats will be legal for USSSA sanctioned play only if the bat is
manufactured by an approved USSSA bat manufacturer on the USSSA
approved bat manufacturer list (kept by USSSA and published and made
available by means including, but not limited to, the USSSA website) and
has the new 2020 USSSA Certification Mark. The previous 2014 USSSA
Certification Mark as of January 1, 2023, is ineligible for USSSA Sanctioned
events, but is eligible for use in USSSA league play (pictured below) on the
taper of the bat. Wood bats made on the approved USSSA bat manufacturer list
shall be legal without regard to this section E.2.

2014 USSSA 2020 USSSA

Certification Mark Certification Mark

2. Any addition to the handle or knob area of a bat is altering the bat if and
only if it adds any length to the bat or adds more than half an ounce of weight
to the bat. Tournament Directors at the request of USSSA National Office may,
however, allow for up to an inch increase in length and up to an ounce increase
in weight for an addition to the knob area that is placed on bats in a tournament
for the purpose of gathering swing/batted ball data (such as bat speed) for
USSSA National Office, provided that the Tournament Director insures that
the addition is securely added to the knob and will not create any significant
safety concern.
D. Altered Bat Director Inspection and Suspension. A USSSA Director may
at any time ask to inspect a bat that has been brought into the location of a USSSA
sanctioned event or any other USSSA facility. The owner and/or user may either:

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 1. Withhold the bat from inspection and accept an immediate two year
(automatic life for second time offenders under EI and/or E) suspension from
USSSA sanctioned activities with no right to appeal; or,
2. Allow the Director to inspect the bat and reach a conclusion as to whether
or not the bat might be altered.
DI. Altered Bat Determination by Altered Bat Committee Chairman or
Manufacturer. If, after making the inspection of a potential altered bat, the
Director in his discretion decides that the bat might be an altered bat, the suspected
offending owner and/or user may either:
1. Withhold the bat from further examination by the USSSA Altered Bat
Committee Chairman or Manufacturer of the bat and accept an immediate
two year (up to life for second time offenders under sections E and/or EI)
suspension from USSSA sanctioned activities with no right to appeal; or
2. Allow the Director to send the bat to the USSSA Altered Bat Committee
Chairman and/or Manufacturer of the bat for a determination as to whether
or not the bat is altered. If the Manufacturer or the USSSA Altered Bat
Committee Chairman determines that the bat has been altered, the Altered Bat
Committee Chairman in consultation with the Director who inspected the bat
at the USSSA facility may suspend a first time offender for up to five (5) years
from USSSA play. For a second time offender under E and/or EI, any such
suspension will be for life.
E. Ownership and Knowledge of Bat Being Altered. The responsibility for
knowing whether a bat is altered is that of the users and the owner of the bat. If
an individual uses an altered bat in USSSA sanctioned play or is the owner of an
altered bat that is brought into a USSSA facility, the suspensions under this Rule
2, Section 1 will be imposed without regard to what the individual actually knew
about the altered bat. An individual must know that his bat is not an altered bat, if
he brings it into a USSSA facility or used it in a USSSA sanctioned activity. If not,
the individual can be suspended from USSSA activities for using or owning an
altered bat. The fact that the individual did not know that the bat was altered is not
a factor in imposing the suspension. The only question is whether the bat is altered
or whether the owner/user has refused to let the bat be examined to determine if it is
altered. After the Director, Altered Bat Committee and Manufacturer examination
of a bat to determine if it is altered have all been completed, or upon the decision of
the owner/user to not allow further inspection of the bat under E or EI, above, the
bat shall be returned to the owner. If no one claims to be the owner, USSSA shall
retain the bat. Once the bat has been returned to the owner, no appeal can be made
with respect to whether the bat is altered or not.
F. Investigation Cooperation. Any coach, manager, player or other person who
fails to cooperate in the investigation by USSSA of a potential or actual altered bat
shall be subject to an unsportsmanlike conduct suspension. A manager or coach of
a team that has more than one of his team’s bats determined to be altered (or not
allowed to be inspected upon request for an altered bat inspection under E and/or EI,
above) shall be subject to an unsportsmanlike conduct suspension.
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 G. Awards and Coach Suspensions If an owner/user chooses to submit a
suspected altered bat to the USSSA Altered Bat Committee or the Manufacturer
no awards will be given to the team until the bat is determined not to be altered. If
the bat is found to be altered, no awards or berth will be given and the team will be
placed last in the standings and the listed manager and coaches may be suspended
for unsportsmanlike conduct.
H. Participation in, Profits from, or Encouraging the Altering of USSSA
Marked Bats. Any one who participates in, profits from, or encourages the altering
of USSSA marked bats shall be suspended indefinitely from all USSSA activities,
until the offending party has satisfied all requests of the Altered Bat Committee with
respect to his altered bat activities including but not limited to publicly swearing
under penalties of perjury to never again participate in, profit from, or encourage the
altering of USSSA marked bats. Violation of such an oath shall result in permanent
suspension from all USSSA activities.
I. Compression Testing. Failure of a USSSA approved compression testing
device test shall result in the offending bat being removed from play for the
duration of the tournament or league game, not longer without the permission of
the owner/user—such as in the case of an allowed USSSA altered bat determination
under section EI. Multiple failures of such USSSA compression testing may in the
discretion of USSSA be viewed as unsportsmanlike conduct of the owner/user,
coaches, manager and team.
J. Custom Bats. No approved manufacturer may make a custom USSSA bat for a
player or a team. All USSSA marked bats made by a USSSA approved manufacturer
must be available to the public for purchase. Individualized graphics (such as a team
name, different color, player name or number only changes for a team or player),
however, do not constitute custom bats for purposes of this section K.
K. Worn/Abused/Damaged/Foreign Substance Bats Not Allowed in USSSA
Sanctioned Play.
1. No bat is legal for USSSA sanctioned play, if it is damaged in any way.
Damaged bats include those with damage to the knob or end cap, those which
have loose knobs or end caps, and those with cracks or dents in the bat material.
For example, if the end cap is in any way loose or appears damaged, the bat
should be removed from play for being a damaged bat. If an end plug has come
out or the knob has come off, the only way that such bat is legal in USSSA
play, is if the knob or end cap is replaced by the manufacturer. Replacement by
anyone else results in an altered bat with potential suspension for the owner/
user of the bat.
2. No bat is legal for USSSA sanctioned play, if any of the graphics of the
bat have worn off. For example, even if the only graphics that have worn off
are not key graphic information and are only items such as the patent no., a
manufacturer logo, or the approval mark of another association, the bat should
be removed from play for being too worn. NOTE: The bat shall not have
exposed rivets, pins, rough or sharp edges, or any form of exterior fastener that
would present a hazard. Bats shall be free of rattles, dents, burrs and cracks.
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 3. No bat is legal for USSSA sanctioned play, if the paint has been worn
through and the actual bat material is showing. For example, if at the end of
the barrel next to the taper where there are no graphics the bat paint is worn off
and the underlying bat material is exposed, that bat should be removed from
play for being too worn.
4. No bat is legal for USSSA sanctioned play, if there is a foreign substance
on the barrel or taper of a baseball or softball bat. Foreign substances included
among other substances, pine tar, stick-em type products and even dirt or
mud, but only if the substance adds to the thickness of the barrel or covers
key graphic information such as the USSSA 1.20 BPF mark, the serial number
of the bat, the model or manufacturer name, official softball, etc.. Players are
responsible for their equipment and must clean such substances off of their
bats so that the substance does not add to the thickness of the bat or obscure
any key graphic information about the bat. For example, while bats will surely
get dirt on them under normal use and may have pine tar added to the grip, if
the dirt or pine tar obscures key graphic information or adds to the thickness of
the bat, such bats cannot be used in USSSA play until the dirt or pine tar has
been removed to the extent necessary to make all such key graphic information
readable and the bat not have increased thickness. If key graphic information
about a bat cannot be read, the bat should not be used in USSSA play.
5. If any removed bat under these section L rules is brought back into play
at any USSSA sanctioned event at any time, the owner and user of such bat
may be suspended for up to one year for unsportsmanlike conduct. And if the
foreign substance or the wear/abuse/damage is apparent enough that the batter
should have been aware of it, the batter may be suspended for bringing such
a bat into the batters box without having been warned in advance. Players
are responsible for their equipment and must not use equipment that is even
potentially illegal for use in USSSA sanctioned play.
6. In addition to the player being suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct,
coaches of youth teams may also be so suspended when their players attempt to
bat with such bats. Also, coaches of adult teams which have multiple offenses
under this rule may also be so suspended for failing to have his team follow
USSSA equipment rules. Please be reminded that unsportsmanlike conduct
may result in a game or tournament suspension in the discretion of the umpire
or tournament director and up to a year suspension in the discretion of the state
director.
L. Youth Player Altered Bats. The parents or legal guardians of a youth player
suspended under section E and/or EI shall be suspended for life from all USSSA
sanctioned activities. As such, the player even after his suspension has ended
under E and/or EI cannot participate in USSSA sanctioned activities until the player
is 18 years old. In addition to any other penalties under this Rule 2.1, any coach or
manager of a youth team that has more than one suspension imposed under sections
E and/or EI will be suspended from all USSSA activities for life.

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 M. 1. League directors may change USSSA Rules in very limited circumstances,
where in the league director’s discretion and judgment such a rule change is in
the clear best interests of the league, its players, and USSSA. Such league rule
changes, however, cannot reduce the right of USSSA Licensees to have their
products allowed in USSSA play or allow non-licensed bats or balls to be use
in USSSA sanctioned play.
2. Any material league rule change under this Rule, however, must within
a reasonable time period be sent by the league director who is authorizing the
change to the USSSA Board of Directors or a Committee designated by the
Board at [email protected] and to the appropriate State Director, each of
which may, in their discretion, overrule any USSSA league rule changes.
Sec. 3 A. THE OFFICIAL BALL to be used shall be of a spherical design with a
smooth surface. The center or core of the ball shall be of a material and design
traditionally used to make softballs or other materials or design as approved by the
USSSA. The cover shall be of horsehide, cowhide or other material approved by the
USSSA and shall be cemented to the core and stitched with cotton, linen or nylon
or any other material approved by the USSSA. A molded cover ball or a molded
ball without a separate cover, or a multiple layer core design or multiple material
core design, may be approved by the discretion of the USSSA on a case by case
basis. The thread shall be in either flat seam or concealed stitch type which gives a
flat surface. The stitch color must be blue. The internal composition of the core and
the material of the cover must be clearly printed on the ball and the words “Official
Slow Pitch Softball” must be clearly printed on the ball. All USSSA balls shall have
the lettering and logo applied to be indelible.
Note: The performance of a softball by reducing the temperature below that of
game conditions is unsportsmanlike conduct.
B. All USSSA balls shall have an optic yellow cover. Each ball shall have its
model name, including: USSSA Classic M, USSSA Classic Plus, USSSA Pro M,
USSSA Stadium, USSSA Senior, and USSSA Women’s Classic and Pro W in 1/8”
letters. Each ball shall have USSSA logo be 7/8-1-1/8” in diameter, dependent on
model specifications in Section D.
C. NAME, LOGO, COR AND COMPRESSION 12” AND 11” BALLS
12” Classic M Ball:
• shall have an optic yellow cover
• shall have “USSSA CLASSIC M” in 1/8” letters and the
USSSA logo with a 1-1/8” diameter;
• shall have lettering and logo in blue color and such lettering
and logo shall be applied to be indelible;
• shall have a COR of .40 or less under the ASTM test used
under the USSSA Softball Ball License Agreement and
• shall have a compression of not more than 325 pounds under
the ASTM test used under the USSSA Softball Ball License
Agreement.

14
 12” Classic Plus Ball:
• shall have an optic yellow cover
• shall have “USSSA Classic Plus” in 1/8” letters and the USSSA
logo with a 7/8” diameter
• shall have lettering and logo in red and the stitching shall be
blue and logo shall be applied to be indelible.
• shall have a COR up to .52 or less under the ASTM test used
under the USSSA Softball License Agreement and
• shall have a compression of not more than 300 pounds under
the ASTM test used under the USSSA Softball Ball License
Agreement.
12” Pro M Ball:
• shall have an optic yellow cover
• shall have “USSSA Pro M” in 1/8” letters and USSSA logo
with a 7/8” diameter
• shall have lettering and new USSSA word logo in black and
the stitching shall be blue and the logo shall be applied to be
indelible
• shall have a COR up to .44 or less under the ATSM test used
under the USSSA Softball License Agreement and
• shall have a compression of not more than 400 pounds under
the ATSM test used under the USSSA Softball Ball License
Agreement.
12” Stadium M Ball:
• shall have an optic yellow cover
• shall have “USSSA STADIUM” in 1/8” letters and the USSSA
logo with a 1-1/8” diameter
• shall have lettering and logo in gray color and such lettering
and logo shall be applied to be indelible
• shall have a COR of .47 or less under the ASTM test used
under the USSSA Softball Ball License Agreement and
• shall have a compression of not more than 500 pounds and
not less than 420 pounds under the ASTM test used under the
USSSA Softball Ball License Agreement.
• shall be used only in the Men’s Major Program
12” Senior Ball:
• shall have an optic yellow cover
• shall have “USSSA Senior” in 1/8” letters and the USSSA
logo with a 7/8” diameter as set forth on the artwork picture
available to the manufacturer from USSSA
• shall have such lettering and logo in Blue and the stitching shall
be blue and logo and lettering shall be applied to be indelible
• shall on a separate piece of the ball have the word “SENIOR
ONLY” in 1/8” letters

15
 • shall have a COR up to .44 under the ASTM test used under the
USSSA Softball License Agreement, and
• shall have a compression of not more than 400 pounds or less
under the ASTM test used under the USSSA Softball Ball
License Agreement.
11” Classic and Pro W Ball:
• shall have an optic yellow cover
• shall have “USSSA CLASSIC W” in 1/8” letters and the
USSSA logo with a 7/8” diameter
• shall have lettering and logo in blue color and such lettering
and logo shall be applied to be indelible
• shall have a COR of .44 or less under the ASTM test used
under the USSSA Softball Ball License Agreement and
• shall have a compression of 400 pounds or less under the
ASTM test used under the USSSA Softball Ball License
Agreement.
E. USSSA BALL MODEL SPECIFICATIONS CHART

MODEL BALL COVER SIZE WEIGHT COR COMPRESSION

CIRCUMFERENCE WEIGHT
Verbiage Required on Ball COLOR VARIANCE VARIANCE MAX MAX
USSSA Classic M OPTIC YELLOW 12" +/- 1/8" 6.4 OZ +/- .2 OZ .40 MAX 325 MAX
USSSA Classic Plus OPTIC YELLOW 12” +/- 1/8” 6.4 OZ +/- .2 OZ .52 MAX 300 MAX
USSSA Pro M OPTIC YELLOW 12” +/- 1/8” 6.4 OZ +/- .2 OZ .44 MAX 400 MAX
USSSA STADIUM OPTIC YELLOW 12” +/- 1/8” 6.4 OZ +/- .2 OZ .47 MAX 500 MAX
USSSA Senior OPTIC YELLOW 12” +/- 1/8” 6.4 OZ +/- .2 OZ .44 MAX 400 MAX
USSSA CLASSIC W OPTIC YELLOW 11” +/- 1/8” 5.85 OZ +/- .2 OZ .44 MAX 400 MAX
USSSA Pro W OPTIC YELLOW 11” +/- 1/8” 5.85 OZ +/- .2 OZ .44 MAX 400 MAX

MODEL LETTER MODEL LETTER USSSA LOGO SIZE USSSA LOGO

MODEL STITCH COLOR SIZE COLOR *in diameters COLOR
USSSA Classic M BLUE 1/8” BLUE 1-1/8” BLUE
USSSA Classic Plus BLUE 1/8” RED 7/8” RED
USSSA Pro M BLUE 1/8” BLACK 7/8” BLACK
USSSA STADIUM BLUE 1/8” GRAY 1-1/8” GRAY
USSSA Senior BLUE 1/8” BLUE 7/8” BLUE
USSSA CLASSIC W BLUE 1/8” BLUE 7/8” BLUE
USSSA Pro W BLUE 1/8” BLACK 7/8” BLACK

NOTE: The Men’s Stadium ball may only be used in the Men’s Major program; requires
written approval from National Office prior to use in other sanctioned USSSA play. The
Classic M, Classic Plus and Pro M balls may be used in the Men’s Major, Men’s and Mixed
(only for men to hit) programs. The Classic W and Pro W ball may be used only in the
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Women’s and Mixed programs (only for women to hit). The Senior ball may be used only
in the Men’s Senior 40 and over and older programs.
E. Altered balls and the potential of a ball being altered and those suspected of
altering, owning or using an altered ball (or determined to have altered, owned or
used an Altered Ball) shall be viewed as falling under the same rules in place above
for Altered Bats in Rule 2 Section 1 above.
F. Increasing the performance of a softball by reducing the temperature below
that of game conditions is unsportsmanlike conduct.
Sec. 4. THE HOME PLATE shall be made of rubber or other suitable materials. It shall
be a five-sided figure, 17 inches across the front edge of the plate facing the pitcher. The two
sides shall be perpendicular to the front edge and shall be 8-1/2 inches long, extending forward
toward the pitcher’s plate. The sides of the plate, from the rear corner, along with the base
line, shall be 12 inches long and set completely within the base lines, where they form a 90
degree angle with the point pointing toward the catcher. The home plate is always a part of fair
territory. The black border that outlines the plate is NOT to be considered home plate.
Sec. 5. THE PITCHER’S PLATE shall be made of rubber or wood. It shall be 24 inches
long and 6 inches wide. The front edge of this plate shall be centered on the direct line from
home plate to second base. The top of the plate shall be level with the flat surface of the
ground. The front edge of the plate shall be of legal distance as measured from the extreme
rear corner of home plate.
Sec. 6. THE PITCHING AREA is the area the width of the pitcher’s plate (24 inches) up
to six (6) feet behind the back edge of the pitcher’s plate.
NOTE: All pitching rules that apply to the pitcher’s actions before and during the release of
the pitch along with the restrictions on height, speed, etc., shall remain the same.
Sec. 7. THE BASES other than the home plate shall be 15 inches square and not more than
3 inches high. They shall be made of canvas bags, plastic or other suitable materials filled with
soft padding. They shall be WHITE, RED or ORANGE in color. All BASES must be securely
fastened at their designated places.
NOTE: A safety base is optional. The safety base shall be 15 inches by 30 inches and not
more than 3 inches high. The safety base should be positioned such that the white portion is
located where first base would normally be (in fair territory) and the colored portion (red or
orange) should be in foul territory. Any batted ball hitting the white portion should be fair and
any ball hitting the red or orange portion should be foul. On the initial throw to first base from
the infield or outfield, the batter-runner MUST TOUCH the red or orange portion of the base
but not the white. If legally appealed by the defense during a live ball situation, the runner
will be called out. The defensive player MUST always touch the white portion. This rule is in
effect only on the initial play at first base. This does not include:
1. Returning to the base after over running,
2. Running on a base hit to the outfield (runner may touch the red or white
part) or

17
 3. Re-tag to advance on a fly ball.
4. On any attempt to force the batter runner out at first base on the initial
throw that pulls the defense off of first base into foul ground, the defense and
the batter may use either the white or colored portion of the base.
EFFECT: If the base runner uses the orange portion at any time after the first attempt at first
base and is not in contact with the white portion, then he is considered off the base.
Sec. 8. LEGALLY ADOPTED GLOVES may be worn by any fielder.
A. Catchers, pitchers, and 1st basemen may wear a glove or mitt of any size; all
other players are restricted to a finger type glove with the space between the thumb
and forefinger not exceeding more than 4-1/2 inches at the top. The webbing shall
not be constructed to form any type net or tray.
B. Multicolored gloves are legal.
Sec. 9. A SHOE shall be considered legal if it is made with either leather or canvas uppers
or similar materials. The soles may have soft or hard rubber cleats. Metal cleats are prohibited.
Shoe sole or heel projections other than the standard shoe plate are prohibited. The all-purpose
molded cleat softball shoe is legal. All players must wear shoes.
Sec. 10. Any player may wear a MASK.
EFFECT Sec. 10 TO PREVENT INJURY it is strongly recommended that all protective
equipment be worn.
Sec. 11. UNIFORMS, including similar and proper headpieces ie: Ball caps or Visors; and
when required, should be adopted using similar colors and materials. If Caps or Visors are
worn they must be worn with the visor facing forward. Exception: The catcher while playing
defense or anyone wearing a mask while playing defense.
A. All participants in a game should wear the adopted TEAM UNIFORM.
Managers and coaches, when on the field should wear the adopted full uniform,
or a cap and jacket, which include the team’s emblems and colors, to readily
identify them as a member of the team. Individual numerals on each uniform are
optional. NOTE: Refer to By-laws for uniform requirements in National and higher
tournaments.
EFFECT Sec. 11 A. While participating in tournaments, players should be uniformly dressed.
B. All exposed jewelry or items that are judged to be hazardous or potentially
dangerous by the umpire may not be worn during the game.
C. In all programs, batting helmets may be worn by players/coaches at any time.

Sec. 12. EQUIPMENT shall not be allowed to remain on the playing field during the
playing of the game, either in fair or foul territory, with the exception of an official warm-up
bat or official warm-up device which may be kept in proximity to the on-deck circle during a
team’s turn at bat.

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EFFECT Sec. 12. A bat dropped by the batter-runner in foul territory, or any mask, cap, etc.
dropped incidental to making a play will be considered as foreign to the normal playing area
and foul ball rulings will be made accordingly.

Sec. 13. PROTECTIVE GEAR: As a general rule, USSSA continues its long standing
policy of permitting players to determine the use of protective equipment when they deem
appropriate. Game conditions (temperature, equipment, rain, wind, visibility, field conditions,
humidity, etc.) vary greatly from game to game and from field to field. In addition, the relative
and absolute experience and skill levels of teams and players will vary from player to player
and from team to team. Thus, USSSA encourages players to utilize any protective equipment
that they deem appropriate. Such protective gear will be allowed in USSSA sanctioned play,
unless by rule or by director/umpire ruling that such protective gear is disallowed as unsafe or
as providing an unfair competitive advantage.

Sec. 14. ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT: Due to safety concerns, at no time can a camera,
audio or video device be worn or used by an umpire, player, or coach on the field of play.
Any exception must be approved by the Executive Director or his designee. Offical USSSA
Livestream broadcasts are exempt from this rule.

RULE 3. DEFINITIONS
ALTERED BALL is one that has had its physical structure changed in any way, including
(but not limited to) balls that have been frozen, micro-waved, heated, melted, cooled,
recovered, re-stitched, surface modified to be rougher or softer, etc.
ALTERED BAT is a bat that has had its physical structure changed, including, but not limited
to:
1. The bat has had the surface of the barrel or the taper changed in any way such
as by addition of graphics, painting, repainting, removing of bat material or paint
by any means including but not limited to sandpapering or applying a solvent to the
surface such as fingernail polish remover or by any other means.
2. The bat has had the plug or the knob removed/replaced or changed in any way.
3. The bat has had anything removed or added or inserted to the inside or outside
of the bat other than tape at the handle or knob. Other examples of altering a bat
would be changing or replacing manufacturers’ markings or replacing the handle of
a bat with a new handle. Replacing the grip, adding tape or adding a build up to the
handle is not considered altering a bat. NOTE: Except when conforming to Rule 2
Equipment.
4. The bat has been subjected to pressure in a manner that exceeds that of striking
the bat at game speed swing speed against a USSSA approved ball traveling at
game speeds. Such pressure would include, but is not limited to, compressing the
bat, rolling the bat, vicing the bat or hitting the bat against an object such as a tree
or pole. The bat has in any other way had its on field performance improved by
physically changing the bat (other than by hitting the bat at game condition swing
speeds against a USSSA approved ball traveling at game condition speeds).

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APPEAL PLAY refers to a play in which the umpire cannot make a ruling until a decision is
requested by the defensive or offensive team. This appeal must be made before the next legal
pitch, intentional walk, illegal pitcher action or before all fielders have left fair territory.
BALL refers to a pitch that does not enter the strike zone in flight, nor conforms to the fairly
delivered pitch stipulations and is not struck at by the batter.
BASE refers to one of the four stations, which must be touched by a runner in accordance with
the rules that follow, to legally score a run. The term is most often applied to the bags marking
the designated spots.
BASE PATH refers to an imaginary line 3 feet to either side of a direct line between two bases.
The runner is restricted to the 3 foot line in some cases.
BASE ON BALLS permits a batter to gain first base, without liability to be put out and is
awarded by the umpire when three pitches are adjudged to be balls.
BASE–RUNNER OR RUNNER is a player of the team at bat who has hit a fair ball or who
has been awarded first base for any reason before he is put out.
BATTED BALL refers to any pitched ball that is hit by the bat or that hits the bat, thus
becoming either a fair or foul ball. No intent to hit the ball is necessary.
BATTER refers to the offensive player who takes a position in the Batter’s Box with a 0-0
count. The batter walks on 3 balls and is out on 2 strikes.
BATTER–RUNNER is the term identifying the offensive player who has just hit a fair ball
and applies until he is either put out or until the play on which he became a runner is ended.
BATTER’S BOX is the area within which the batter takes his position when it is his turn to bat.
BATTING ORDER is the official listing of offensive players in the order in which they must
bat.
BENCH OR DUGOUT is the seating facility reserved for team members in uniform when
they are not actively engaged in participating in the game.
BLOCKED BALL is a batted or thrown ball that is touched, stopped or handled by a spectator
or person not engaged in the game, or that touches any object which is not part of the legal
official equipment, or which hits or goes beyond a designated out-of-play area.
BUNT refers to a batted ball that is intentionally met with the bat and tapped slowly.
CALLED GAME is one that the Umpire-In-Chief terminates play for any reason.
CATCH (LEGAL) is the act of a fielder getting the ball in flight (refer to: IN FLIGHT)
securely in possession in his hand or glove and firmly holding it, provided he does not use his
cap, protector, a pocket or other part of his uniform or the glove not in its normal position on
the hand to stop or catch the ball. It is not a catch, however, if simultaneously or immediately
following his contact with the ball, he collides with a wall, a fence, another person or if he falls
down and, as a result of any such collision, drops the ball. To establish the validity of the catch,
the fielder shall hold the ball long enough so the umpire is convinced he had complete control
of the ball and any release of the ball by him was voluntary and intentional. Dropping the ball
while attempting to throw it shall not invalidate the catch.

20
CATCHER refers to the defensive player who takes his position behind home plate.
CATCHER’S BOX is that area where the catcher must remain while and until a pitched ball
has reached or passed home plate or is batted.
CHOPPED BALL is a batted ball that the batter strikes downward so that it hits the ground
within the infield, with a deliberate attempt and downward chopping motion with the bat.
COACH refers to a member of the team at bat. Only one coach is permitted in each coach’s
box to direct the players of his own team while batting and running bases.
CONFERENCE refers to a meeting that takes place anytime a team representative delays the
game or requests a suspension of play for any reason and delivers a message (by any means)
to any player.
DEAD BALL is any ball not in play or a live ball that becomes dead during play.
DEFENSIVE TEAM is the team that is playing defensively in the field.
DOUBLE PLAY is a continuous play by the defense where two offensive players are legally
put out without an intervening play or an error.
FAIR BALL is a batted ball that settles on fair territory between home plate and first base, or
home plate and third base, or that is over fair territory, including any part of first or third bases
when bounding to the outfield, or that first touches any base, other than home plate, or that first
touches a player or umpire over fair territory, or which first touches the ground or an object in
fair territory, or over fair territory, beyond first and third bases, or that while over and above
fair territory passes out of the playing field, that is, over and beyond the outside fence.
FAIR TERRITORY is that part of the playing area within and including the first and third
base foul lines, from the home plate to the bottom of the extreme playing area fence and then
extending perpendicularly upward.
FAKE TAG is making the motions of a tag without the ball. This may be considered
obstruction and the offender may be ejected.
FIELDER refers to any player of the defensive team playing in the field.
FLY BALL refers to any ball batted into the air and before it strikes some object other than
a fielder.
FORCE OUT refers to when a runner is tagged by a fielder with the ball (while on or off a
base) or a fielder holds the ball on the base to which a runner is forced to advance before the
runner can reach that base and before any succeeding runner is put out.
FOUL BALL is any batted ball that stops or settles in foul territory without first being touched
in fair territory, or which is first touched in foul territory, or that first touches some out-of-play
object or area in foul territory, or that first touches foul ground beyond first and third base, or
which does not conform to the requirements that would make it a fair ball.
NOTE: An untouched batted ball that strikes the pitcher’s plate and rebounds into foul
territory where it is touched or stops is a foul ball.

21
FOUL TIP is a batted ball that goes directly from the bat not higher than the batter’s head, to
the catcher’s hands and is legally caught. First contact from bat must be the catcher’s hands.
HOME TEAM is the team on whose grounds the game is being played; or, if the game is
scheduled on neutral grounds, it is decided by mutual agreement or a toss of a coin. Home
team bats in the last half of the innings.
ILLEGAL BAT refers to one that does not meet the requirement/specifications of Rule 2,
Sec. 2.
ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL is one batted fair or foul by the batter when either one or both
of his feet are in contact with the ground COMPLETELY outside the side or rear lines of the
batter’s box or when the batter’s foot is in contact with home plate, or when the batter violates
the provisions found in Rule 1, Section 5. An illegally batted ball also occurs when the ball is
batted with an illegal bat.
ILLEGALLY CAUGHT BALL occurs when a fielder catches a batted or thrown ball with
a glove, a mask, a cap or with any part of his clothing detached from the proper position on
the fielder’s body.
IN FLIGHT describes any batted ball, a thrown or pitched ball, which has not yet touched the
ground or some object other than a fielder.
IN JEOPARDY is a term indicating that the ball is live and in play and that an offensive
player may be put out under these rules.
INFIELD is that portion of the field within the baselines and also includes the areas of the
field normally covered by infielders in defensive positions.
INFIELD FLY is a fair batted ball (not a line drive) that can be caught in flight by an infielder
with ordinary effort. Any defensive player may catch the ball in the infield area.
INNING is that portion of a game within which teams alternate on defense and offense and
each team is allowed three outs during its time at bat.
INTERFERENCE is an act where players or others interfere with a player’s opportunities.
There are three types of interference:
A. Offensive interference – When a player interferes with or impedes or confuses
a defensive player while he is attempting to make a play. This can occur by either
physical or vocal actions.
B. Spectator interference – Occurs when a person not engaged in the game
touches a live batted or thrown ball which could prevent a blocked ball to occur
or when a person not engaged in the game physically interferes with a player’s
opportunities.
C. Umpire interference – Occurs when a fair-batted ball strikes the umpire on fair
ground before passing a fielder other than the pitcher.
LEGAL TOUCH – Refer to TAG for details.
LINE DRIVE is a fly ball that is batted sharply and directly into the playing field.

22
NOTE: A line drive should never be considered an infield fly.
LIVE BALL occurs when the umpire signals play ball. The ball remains live until the ball
becomes dead for any reason as stated in these rules.
MANAGER refers to a person appointed by the team to be responsible for the team’s actions
on the field. Also, the manager represents the team when communicating with the umpire and
the opposing team. A player may be designated as a manager.
OBSTRUCTION
A. Obstruction is the act of a fielder while not in possession of the ball, or not in
the act of fielding a batted ball or taking a proper position to receive a thrown ball
(thrown ball must already be in flight) which impedes the progress of a runner who
is legally running the bases.
B. Obstruction is the act of a fielder which impedes the batter from striking at a
pitched ball.
C. The obstruction does not have to be intentional and may be vocal.
OFFENSIVE TEAM refers to a team during its half inning while it is at bat.
OUT refers to one of the three requirements of an offensive team each inning.
OUTFIELD is that portion of the field beyond the lines of the infield and extending to the
extremities of the playing field. This usually refers to the area between and including the foul
lines.
OUTFIELDER refers to the defensive player occupying a position in the outfield, which is
the most distant from the home plate.
OVER SLIDE or OVER SLIDING is the act of a runner when his slide to a base is with such
momentum that he loses contact with the base and he is thus placed in jeopardy. This does not
apply to the batter-runner, as he is first approaching first base.
OVERTHROW is a ball thrown from one fielder toward another and which, for any reason,
goes into foul territory and stays within the boundaries of the playing field. This ball always
remains live unless it becomes a blocked ball.
PENALTY is the application of the rules following an illegal act or violation.
PERSON refers to an umpire or player. This includes all of his body, his clothing or his
equipment.
PITCH refers to any delivery of the ball to the batter by the pitcher.
PITCHER is the fielder designated to deliver the pitch to the batter.
PITCHER / INFIELDER – The pitcher becomes an infielder when, after releasing the pitch
to the batter, he has a reasonable opportunity to field a batted ball.
PITCHING AREA is the area the width of the pitcher’s plate (24 inches) up to six (6) feet
behind the pitcher’s plate.

23
PIVOT FOOT is the foot, when placed on the pitcher’s plate or pitching area by the pitcher
that must be in contact with the pitcher’s plate or pitching area when the pitched ball is released.
PLAY OR PLAY BALL is the term used by the umpire to indicate that play shall begin or
continue after a dead ball interval.
QUICK RETURN PITCH is a pitch made by a pitcher with the obvious attempt to catch
the batter off guard and balance. This could be when the batter first takes his position in the
batter’s box and before he is ready, or when the batter is still off balance from the previous
pitch.
RETOUCH is the act of a runner in returning to touch a base as legally required.
ROSTER – In all National and World Tournament play, a team shall not exceed 20 players.
SACRIFICE FLY is any caught fair fly ball that permits a runner to SCORE a run after a
caught fly ball is first touched.
STRIKE ZONE is that space directly above home plate that is not higher than the batter’s
highest shoulder, nor lower than the bottom of the batter’s front knee, when the batter assumes
his natural batting stance adjacent to home plate. Any part of the pitched ball that passes
through this zone is a strike.
SUSPENDED GAME is a game called before being completed which is to be completed at
a later date.
TAG is the action of a fielder touching a base with any part of his body while holding the ball
firmly and securely in his hand or glove. Also, tag refers to touching the runner with the ball, or
with the glove holding the ball, while continuously holding the ball firmly and securely during
and immediately following the tag.
TEAM REPRESENTATIVE is any person affiliated with the offensive or defensive team,
including sponsors, managers, coaches and players in a game.
TEMPORARY FENCE The playing field cannot be expanded by moving any temporary
structure. All rules that govern when a player is in or out of play will be maintained by the
original position of the temporary fence.
THROW refers to the act of propelling the ball with the hand or arm toward a given objective
and is always distinguished from the pitch.
TIME is the announcement by the umpire of a legal interruption of play, during which interval
the ball becomes and remains dead until legally put back into play.
TOUCH refers to touching an umpire or player or person. This includes any part of his body,
his clothing or his equipment.
TRIPLE PLAY refers to any continuous play made by the defense in which three runners are
put out, provided that there is no error made between the outs.
TURN AT BAT begins when it is any individual player’s turn to bat, such as his name listed
at the top of the offensive team’s batting order at the beginning of an inning; or when the batter
listed immediately preceding him in the batting order completes his turn at bat by being put
out or becoming a runner.

24
 RULE 4. THE GAME
Sec. 1. THE CHOICE OF FIRST OR LAST BAT in the inning shall be decided by a
double toss of a coin, unless otherwise stated in the rules of the organization under which
the schedule of games is to be played. In tournament play, in the championship game, the
undefeated team gets the choice of home or visitor. If the tournament goes to an “if” game, it
would revert back to a toss of a coin.

Sec. 2. THE FITNESS OF THE GROUND for the beginning of the game shall be decided
by the home team in cooperation with the umpire, Tournament Director, the umpire-in-chief,
and/or the management of the facility. If no home team has been previously designated, such
as in tournament play, the umpire, with the advice of the Tournament Director, makes the
decision. After the umpire has started a game, he shall be the sole judge as to the fitness of the
ground, or the intensity of the weather, for continuing play.

Sec. 3. A REGULATION GAME shall consist of seven innings, unless otherwise listed
below.
A. Seven full innings are not played if the team second at bat scores more runs in
six innings or before the third out is made in their half of the seventh inning.
B. A game that is TIED at the end of seven innings shall be continued, by
playing additional innings until one team has scored more runs than the other at
the end of a completed inning or the team second at bat scores more runs in their
half of the uncompleted extra inning.
C. A game called by the umpire, during regular season play, which can not be
resumed within 30 minutes, may be regulation if four or more innings have been
played or if the team second at bat has scored as many or more runs during the
uncompleted fourth inning.
D. A regulation game shall be declared if the score is TIED when the game is
called after four or more completed innings, or if the team second at bat has equaled
the score of the first team at bat, while batting during any uncompleted inning.
EFFECT Sec. 3 C-D. The umpire, tournament director, or umpire-in-chief are empowered to
call a game at any time because of rain, darkness, panic or for any other cause which puts the
umpire, players or the patrons in peril.
E. The run rules which award a win to a team that is ahead in a game are as
follows: (See table below) At the State Program level (other than Men’s “A”), a
predetermined run rule may be adopted.
F. Flip/Flop Rule—All Programs: In the inning when the run rule for that
particular program is exceeded and the home team is losing, the home team will
remain at bat and become the visiting team. If the team (new visiting team) does
not score enough runs to reduce the run difference below the run rule, the game
is over. If they reduce the run difference to below the run rule then the new home
team will bat. If they subsequently score enough runs to exceed the run rule, the
game will be over; if they do not, the game will continue under that format. If the

25
 situation reverses, the teams would flip/flop again. NOTE: In Men’s C-D National
Invitational Tournaments, when a D team plays another D team, the Men’s C run
rule and flip/flop rule will apply.
Note: The following table shows the run rule and when the flip/flop rule takes effect.
Run Rule and when to Flip/Flop: All Programs

Program Run Rule Flip/Flop

Men’s B, C 25 after 3 After 2nd
20 after 4 After 3rd
15 after 5 After 4th
Men’s D, E 20 after 3 After 2nd
15 after 4 After 3rd
10 after 5 After 4th
Women’s Major, A, B, C, D, E 20 after 3 After 2nd
15 after 4 After 3rd
10 after 5 After 4th
Mixed Major 30 after 3 After 2nd
20 after 4 After 3rd
15 after 5 After 4th
Mixed B, C, D, E 20 after 3 After 2nd
15 after 4 After 3rd
10 after 5 After 4th

Sec. 4. THE WINNER OF THE GAME shall be the team that scores the most runs in a
regulation game.
A. The total number of runs scored legally when the game is called at the end of
any completed inning after three shall be the score.
B. When the team second at bat has equaled or scored more runs during any
uncompleted inning after three, the runs are all counted and the score is either tied
or one team wins.
C. If the team second at bat has not scored more runs, or does not score as many
or more runs in the half of the uncompleted inning to tie or win the game, the game
reverts to the last inning that was fully completed.

Sec. 5. ONE RUN SHALL BE SCORED each time a base runner legally touches first,
second, third and home bases before the third out of an inning, unless the third out is the result
of a force out or the batter-runner is out before reaching first base. Base runners may advance
and a run may score only on a legally batted ball, on a play, on an overthrow or on an error
26
resulting from plays that started with, and immediately follow the batted ball or when the
bases are full, so that runners are forced to move up, or advance, by reason of the batter being
awarded first base by the umpire in accordance with these rules.

Sec. 6. A RUN SHALL NOT BE SCORED if the third out of an inning is the result of:
A. The batter-runner being put out legally before touching first base.
B. A base runner forced out at any base.
C. A base runner being called out for leaving a base too soon on a pitched ball.
D. A preceding base runner being called out for failure to touch a base.
E. The batter-runner being called out for carrying his bat to first base or beyond.

Sec. 7. A BASE RUNNER SHALL NOT SCORE A RUN ahead of a base runner
preceding him in the team’s batting order if the preceding runner has not been put out.
EFFECT Sec. 7. A preceding runner appealed out for missing a base does not affect the
following runners on a first or second out. However, no preceding runner crossing home plate
may return to touch any missed base after a following runner has scored. If the defensive team
appeals a preceding runner missing a base, which is allowed, the following runner’s score is
counted unless the appealed out is the third out of the inning. If no appeal is made, then all the
runs scored are counted.

Sec. 8. THE FOLLOWING HOME RUN RULES WILL BE USED FOR

DESIGNATED PROGRAMS.
A. Over-the-fence home runs are limited in selected USSSA programs. All fair
untouched fly balls over-the-fence in excess of the limit will be ruled an out.
EFFECT Sec. 8. A.
1. Any time the batter is ruled out because of an over-the-fence home run
in excess of the limit, the ball is dead and no runners may advance.
2. Any fair fly ball touched by a defensive player which then goes over
the fence in fair territory will be declared a four base award and is not to be
included in the total of over the fence home runs. For the purpose of clarity, the
position of the fair fly ball when touched by a fielder before hitting anything
else, is insignificant.
3. A home run will be charged for any untouched fair fly ball hit over the
fence in fair territory, whether or not runs score.

27
The following are home run limitations per game and per team, by program.

Men’s Major 16
Men’s Class AA 12
Men’s Class A 12
Men’s Class B 8
Men’s Class C 5
Men’s Class D 3
Men’s Class E 1
Women’s Major Unlimited
Women’s Class A 6
Women’s Class B 4
Women’s Class C 2
Women’s Class D 1
Women’s Class E 0
Mixed Major Male 8
Mixed Major Female Unlimited
Mixed B Male & Female 8
Mixed C Male & Female 5
Mixed D Male & Female 3
Mixed E Male & Female 1

B. The following home run limits will be used in Men’s B-C National Invitational
Tournaments: when a Men’s B Team plays another Men’s B Team, the B home run
rule will be used. When a Men’s B Team plays a Men’s C Team, the home run limit
will be 8 home runs per game, per team. When a Men’s C Team plays another Men’s
C Team, the home run limit will be 5 home runs per game, per team.
C. The following home run limits will be used in Men’s C-D National Invitational
Tournaments: when a Men’s C Team plays another Men’s C Team, the C home
run rule will be used. When a Men’s C Team plays a Men’s D Team, the home run
limit will be 5 home runs per game, per team. When a Men’s D Team plays another
Men’s D Team, the home run limit will be 3 home runs per game, per team.
D. In the Men’s Class D, Women’s Class C, Women’s Class D, and Mixed Class
D programs (other than Open National Invitational Tournaments), any untouched
fair fly ball over the fence that exceeds the limit will be an inning ending out.
E. In the Men’s Class E, Women’s Class E, and Mixed Class E Programs, any
batter who hits an untouched fair fly ball over the fence in fair territory that exceeds
the limit will be declared out and it will be an inning ending out.
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 F. The following home run limits will be used in Men’s Open National Invitational
Tournaments: when a Men’s B team plays any other team, the B home run rule (8)
will be used. When a Men’s C, Men’s D, or Men’s E team is playing any team
classified as Men’s C, Men’s D, or Men’s E, the home run limit will be 5 home runs
per game, per team.

Sec. 9. A FORFEITED GAME shall be declared by the umpire in favor of the team not at
fault in the following cases: The score will be 7-0 in favor of the team not at fault.
A. If a team fails to appear on the field, or being on the field, refuses to begin the
game for which it had been scheduled at the time the game was assigned.
B. If after a game has begun, a team refuses to play or resume play as directed by
the umpire.
C. If a team uses tactics noticeably designed to delay or hasten the playing of a
game.
D. If an ejected player does not leave the field immediately when ordered to do so.
E. If for any reason a team does not have the designated number of players to
begin or continue the game.
F. If, after a warning by the umpire, any one of these rules is willfully violated.
G. State Programs may adopt a grace period before a forfeit is declared in a
tournament.
EFFECT Sec. 9. A-G. The umpire is instructed and cautioned to employ his best discretion to
avoid forfeiture of any game, within the scope of good reasoning.

Sec. 10. A SUSPENDED GAME may result in tournament play, if the umpire stops play
for any reason such as power failure of light, protested game in accordance with these rules,
or any act of God, etc. that precludes immediate continuance of the game to the conclusion of
the full seven innings, or as required.
EFFECT Sec. 10. When a suspended game is resumed, it must be resumed under the
conditions that prevailed PRIOR to the interruption that caused the suspended game.

Sec. 11. A PROTESTED GAME may result when there is a difference of opinion on the
field between the protesting team and the umpire regarding the application or interpretation of
either Official Printed Playing Rules or Specially Adopted Ground Rules.
EFFECT Sec. 11. When a protest, not involving the umpire’s judgment, is registered with
the umpire on the field immediately and before any succeeding legal pitch, intentional walk,
illegal pitcher action or before all fielders have left fair territory, the game assumes the status
of a suspended game until the protest is allowed or disallowed.
A. Conditions governing acceptance of protests during playing of a game.
1. Based on an umpire’s judgment such as whether a batted ball was fair
or foul, a pitched ball was a ball or strike, a base runner was safe or out, or

29
 when any other situation is completely within the umpire’s scope to make the
decision, is not to be accepted for consideration.
2. Based on alleged misinterpretation or application of the playing rules
should be accepted for consideration and decision.
3. The intention to protest a rule must be made known by the manager or
captain of the protesting team to the umpire immediately and before the next
legal pitch, intentional walk, illegal pitcher action or before all fielders have left
fair territory. This is to enable all concerned, that is, umpires, scorekeepers and
the opposing team to take notice of the exact conditions prevailing on the field
at the time of the protest. The umpire receiving the protest shall immediately
notify all concerned, including the public announcer.
4. In tournament play, all protests must be settled before any play can be
resumed as a suspended game except protests concerning player eligibility.
If a player eligibility protest is lodged during tournament play and cannot
be resolved at the time of the protest, the game shall be completed. If the
eligibility question cannot be resolved until the tournament is completed and
it is subsequently found that the involved player or players are ineligible, the
team shall be placed last in the tournament standings and the standings shall be
adjusted accordingly.
Note: See exception in Article IV, Sec. 13 of the USSSA By-Laws pertaining
to photo requirement.
5. In tournament play, when an ineligible player is discovered during the
game, the offending team loses the game, is ejected from the tournament,
placed last in the standings and forfeits all awards, sponsor travel money and
berths that would have been awarded at that tournament. If this ineligible player
is discovered after the completion of the game (but during the tournament) the
game shall stand as played. However the offending team is ejected from the
tournament and assumes the same penalties as above.
Note: See exception in Article IV, Sec. 13 of the USSSA By-Laws
pertaining to photo requirement.
6. If a bat is protested as being altered during a game, the suspected
offending player may:
1. Allow the Director to inspect the bat and reach an initial conclusion
on whether or not the bat may be altered. If, after making an inspection,
the Director in his discretion decides that the bat may be altered, the
suspected offending owner and/or user will be subject to Rule 7, Sec. 2.
B. and may:
a. Allow the Director to send the bat to the USSSA Altered
Bat Committee and/or the manufacturer of the bat for a
determination to find out if the bat has been altered. NOTE:
During the time of the examination of the bat, the USSSA,
in the discretion of the Altered Bat Committee, may suspend
30
 the suspected offending player pending the decision. If
the manufacturer of the bat or the Altered Bat Committee
determines the bat has been altered, the Altered Bat Committee
may suspend a first time offender for up to two years from
USSSA play. For a second time offender, a suspension may be
up to lifetime.
b. Accept a two year (up to lifetime for a second time offender)
suspension from USSSA play with no right of appeal.
2. Withhold the bat from inspection and accept a two year (up to life-
time for a second time offender) suspension from USSSA play with no
right of appeal.
7. Any rule protests must be made before the next legal pitch, intentional
walk, illegal pitcher action, or before all fielders have left fair territory.
B. In the absence of a league rule fixing a time limit, protests that arise, other
than during the playing of the game must be filed within a reasonable time. Forty-
eight hours from the end of a game is suggested as maximum time limit for filing a
written protest.
1. A formal protest should contain the following information:
a. The date, time and place of the game.
b. Names of the umpires and scorekeeper.
c. The rule and section of the Official Rules, or local league rules, or
adopted general rules under which the protest is being filed.
d. The decision and/or conditions surrounding the cause for the
protest.
e. All essential facts involved in the matter of the protest.
2. The decision made on a protested game may result in:
a. The protest is found invalid and game’s score stands as played.
b. Protest allowed, game resumed at point of protest, as a suspended
game.
c. Protest allowed, game forfeited in favor of the team not at fault.

C. Highly technical protests and those which could, or did not have any effect on
the playing of the game, or the final results, should be discouraged or disallowed.

RULE 5. THE PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTES

Sec. 1. A TEAM shall consist of at least ten players, whose positions shall be designated as:
(1) pitcher, (2) catcher, (3) first basemen, (4) second basemen, (5) third basemen, (6) shortstop,

31
(7) left fielder, (8) center fielder, (9) right fielder, (10) short fielder (usually left center) and may
have (11 or 12) additional hitters. (See Rule 5. Sec. 6). Some programs may start and/or finish
the game with nine players; see Rules 11 through 13 for these programs.
A. Other than the pitcher and catcher, players in the field may be stationed
anywhere they choose on fair ground as each pitch is made.
B. The pitcher, in delivering the ball, must be in legal position at on the
pitcher’s plate or in the pitching area (as allowed in 6.3.A).
C. As each pitch is delivered, the catcher must be in the catcher’s box.

Sec. 2. A TEAM must have the designated legal number of players to start or to continue a
game. NOTE: Local governed leagues may designate this number during regular season play.

Sec. 3. A PLAYER or a SUBSTITUTE shall be officially in the game when his name has
been entered on the official score sheet, and in possession of the Official Scorer or who has
been announced as a substitute by his manager. A substitute may take the place of a player
whose name is on his team’s batting order. The following regulations govern the substitution
of players:
A. The manager of the team making the substitution or the substitute should must
immediately notify the umpire.
B. If for any reason the umpire is not notified of the substitution and the change is
not announced, the substitute will be considered in the game as an illegal substitute
as follows:
1. If the batter, when he takes his place in the batter’s box.
2. If a fielder, when he takes the place of the fielder substituted for.
3. If a runner, when he takes the base runner’s place on the base he was
holding.
4. If a pitcher, when he occupies the pitcher’s plate or pitcher’s area and
delivers a practice pitch.
C. Whether a substitute is announced or not, when he assumes one of the above
replacements of a player, any play made by or on this player shall be legal. THERE
IS NO PENALTY APPLIED FOR THIS UNANNOUNCED SUBSTITUTE.
NOTE: See EFFECT Sec 5. B-C.
D. Each pitcher whose name is entered on the original lineup and batting order,
or who is announced as a substitute pitcher, or who takes a position on the pitcher’s
plate or pitching area (as allowed in 6.3.A) and delivers ONE PRACTICE PITCH,
must then pitch to the first batter facing him until the batter has completed that turn
at bat, or the side has been retired.
E. Any other player may be substituted for or removed from the game whenever
the ball is dead.

32
 F. If an ejected player is discovered participating in the game he was ejected
from, the game is declared a forfeit.
Sec. 4. CONTINUED PARTICIPATION DUE TO INJURY, BLEEDING OR
OPEN WOUND.
Player/substitute, manager, coach, trainer or other team member or umpire who is bleeding or
who has an open wound shall be prohibited from participating further in the game until the
bleeding is stopped and the wound covered.
A. If treatment can be administered in a reasonable amount of time, the individual
would not have to leave the game. The amount of time is determined by the umpire’s
judgment.
B. If excessive time is involved, the re-entry rule would apply to players.
C. If there is an excessive amount of blood on the uniform or if a bandage
becomes blood soaked, in the judgment of the umpire, the uniform/bandage must
be changed before the individual may participate.
NOTE: See suggested Communicable Disease Procedure on page 67
D. A player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a
concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance
problems), shall be immediately removed from the game and shall not return to play
that day until cleared in writing by an appropriate health care professional.
NOTE: See USSSA policy regarding Federal, State and Local Law Concussions on
page 68
Sec. 5. RE-ENTRY:
A. Is permitted in all programs. Any of the starting players may withdraw and re-
enter once, provided such player occupies the same batting position whenever he is
in the lineup. A substitute who is withdrawn may not re-enter.
EFFECT Sec. 5A. All re-entry by any starter must be reported to the umpire and scorekeeper
at the time of re-entry. THERE IS TO BE NO PENALTY FOR UNANNOUNCED, PROPER
RE-ENTRY.
B. IMPROPER RE-ENTRY: The act of an improper re-entry is handled as a
protest by the offended team. Improper re-entry is a violation after a pitch is made.
Examples of improper re-entry are:
1. Starter who re-enters in an incorrect batting position.
2. Starter who re-enters a second time.
3. A substitute who re-enters the game.
EFFECT Sec. 5.B.
1. If an improper re-entry or unannounced substitute is discovered by the defense while the
player is playing offensively, the following penalties will be enforced:

33
 A. If the improper re-entry or unannounced substitute is discovered while he is
at bat, player is ejected and a proper substitute assumes any accumulated balls and
strikes.
B. If the improper re-entry or unannounced substitute is discovered after he has
completed his time at bat, but before a pitch has been made to a succeeding batter,
he is called out, and the player is ejected from the game. All base runners, if they
have advanced, must return to the base occupied at the time the improper re-entry
took a position in the batter’s box.
C. If the improper re-entry is not discovered until a pitch is made to the next batter
or the improper re-entry enters or unannounced substitute as a substitute runner, the
player is ejected. All play that occurred while the improper re-entry or unannounced
substitute was in the game will stand.
2. If an improper re-entry or unannounced substitute is discovered by the offense while the
player is playing defensively, the following penalties will be enforced:
A. If the improper re-entry or unannounced substitute is discovered after he
makes a play on a fair-batted ball (catch or throw) or a play on a foul fly ball before
the next pitch, revert back to the previous pitch, the batter and each base runner are
advanced one base. The improper player is ejected.
B. If the improper re-entry or unannounced substitute is discovered after a pitch,
which did not result in a batted ball on which the improper player or unannounced
substitute made a play, the improper player is ejected (this includes the pitcher).

Sec. 6. ADDITIONAL HITTER (A.H.) rule may be used in the entire program. A team
may insert an additional hitter (1) or hitters (2) into its lineup. The batting order must remain
constant; however, any 10 of the 11 or 12 players may take a defensive position throughout
the game. If an A.H. is used, the team must finish with 11 or 12 players depending on if a team
uses 1 or 2 additional hitters or the game is forfeited unless the program uses the shorthanded
rule. In the Mixed Program when the A.H. is used a Male and Female A.H. must be used. If
an additional hitter or hitters is inserted into the lineup after the game has started the player or
players will be ejected. Note: The Men’s Major, Men’s AA and Men’s A Programs are not
allowed more than one A.H.

Sec. 7. NO DEFENSIVE PLAYER shall take a position in the batter’s line of vision and
with deliberate attempt, act unsportsmanslike in any manner in an effort to distract the batter.
EFFECT Sec 7. The umpire shall first warn the offender, and then eject any player from the
game who repeats the offense.

Sec. 8. THERE SHALL BE not more than two coaches for the team at bat to give words
of assistance and directions to the member of their own team. One coach shall be stationed
in each coaching box at first and third bases. They may remain in that box. There shall not
be more than one charged offensive conference between players and coaches or other players
each inning. Any additional request shall be denied.

34
Sec. 9. The Managers/Coaches of a USSSA Registered Slow Pitch Softball Team and
the umpires of a USSSA Sanctioned Slow Pitch Softball game/tournament shall not
allow anyone other than a Participant, Manager, Coach, Trainer or Sponsor to be in the
dugout, bench or the field of play during a sanctioned USSSA Slow Pitch Softball game/
tournament. Managers, Coaches, Trainers and Sponsors, unless otherwise approved by
the State Director must be at least 18 years of age.
EFFECT Sec. 9: The first violation of this rule shall be a warning by the umpire. The
second violation or refusal to heed the warning issued on the first violation shall be an
immediate forfeiture of the game.

Sec. 10. MANAGERS, COACHES, PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES, TRAINERS or other

team members or occupants of the bench, SHALL NOT, from any place including coaches’
boxes:
A. Incite, or try to incite by word, or sign, or demonstration either opponents and/
or spectators.
B. Use language that in any manner refers to or reflects upon opposing players,
the umpires, players, or spectators. NOTE: Use of profane or abusive language or
taunting will not be tolerated.
EFFECT Sec. 10 A-B. Players violating sections A or B above may be ejected from the game
without warning.
C. Argue balls and strikes calls.
D. Be outside of the vicinity of the coaches boxes or the designated
dugout (bench) area if not a batter, base runner, on-deck batter, or one of
the ten players on defense.
E. Commit any act that could be considered unsportsmanlike conduct.
F. Carelessly throw a bat.
EFFECT Sec. 10. C-F. For a first offense, the violator may be warned that to repeat the offense
will cause prompt ejection from the game. All flagrant offenses (including a first offense) shall
cause the offender to be immediately removed from the game and playing area. An ejected
player must leave the park immediately and take no further part in the game, remaining away
from his team’s bench or bullpen.

Sec. 11. WHEN TEAM MEMBERS continue to harass the umpire from the bench, and
he is unable to detect the offenders, the umpire shall first give warnings, and then if repeated,
tell the manager to send all substitutes out of sight of the field, while giving the manager the
privilege of sending for as many substitute players as he may need, as he needs them to finish
the game.
RULE 6. PITCHING
Sec. 1. AT NO TIME during the progress of the game shall the pitcher be allowed to use
tape or any other substance, including a glove, upon the pitching hand or fingers; nor shall any

35
foreign substance be applied to the ball, provided that, under supervision and control of the
umpire, a bag containing powdered resin may be used to dry the hands.
Sec. 2. AT THE BEGINNING of a game or when a pitcher relieves another pitcher, not
more than one minute may be used to deliver not more than TWO PRACTICE PITCHES to
the catcher or some other teammate. Between all other innings, only one practice pitch will be
permitted.
Sec. 3. LEGAL POSITIONS OF THE PITCHER’S FEET.
A. The pitcher must have one foot in contact with the pitching rubber in the
Major, AA, A and B all divisions. The pitcher may must pitch from the pitching
plate or from the pitching area, an area the width of the plate and up to six (6) feet
behind the pitcher’s plate in the C, D and E in all divisions.
B. Preliminary to pitching, the pitcher shall take a position with his/her pivot foot
firmly on the ground and in contact with the pitching plate or pitching area. The
pivot foot must be in contact with the pitcher’s plate or pitching area when the
pitched ball is released.
C. The other foot (free foot) has no restriction on position and may be placed on,
in front of, to the rear of, or to the side of the pitcher’s plate or pitching area. After
taking the initial position, the pitcher may take more than one step with the free foot,
in any direction of his choice, provided that it is taken prior to, simultaneously with
or during the actions of delivering the pitched ball.
D. After the release of the pitch, there are no restrictions on pitcher’s subsequent
movements or the fielding positions he may assume as a defensive player.
Sec. 4. PITCHER’S LEGAL MOTIONS ALLOWED IN ACTUAL DELIVERY OF
THE PITCH.
A. After assuming the pitching position on the pitcher’s plate or in the pitching
area (as allowed in 6.3.A), the pitcher must present the ball in FRONT OF HIS
BODY (for at least one second) in either one or both hands before starting the
delivery motions. Note: All pitching rules that apply to the pitcher’s actions before
and during the release of the pitch along with the restrictions on height, speed, etc.,
shall remain the same.
B. The pitcher may hold or grip the ball in any manner before delivery.
C. Only a definite underhand motion is permitted in the delivery of the pitch.
D. The pitcher may release the pitched ball in any manner when delivering the
pitch. This includes any and all types of delivery.
EFFECT Sec. A-D. After the pitcher presents the ball, he may make any windup or arm
motions desired, either in front of his body, above his head or behind his back, including stops
and pauses in these motions.
E. Once the pitcher begins his delivery motions; the umpire shall not give a call
or signal for “time” unless something unusual occurs.

36
 F. The pitched ball must be released within 5 seconds from the time the pitcher
has the ball and the batter has taken his position in the batter’s box. From this point,
the umpire shall not give a call or signal for “time” unless something unusual occurs.
G. Pitcher must face home plate on delivery of pitch.
NOTE Sec. 4. A-E. Realizing that the pitcher does not fool very many batters to the extent that
they cannot hit the ball, it is desired that pitchers not be handicapped by technicalities, when
they do develop a new technique or delivery that, perhaps, will add to the pleasure and appeal
to the spectators, as long as the pitcher adheres to the basic pitching rules.
Sec. 5. TYPE OF PITCH PERMITTED.
A. The ball must be pitched in a definite underhanded motion at slow speed.
B. The pitched ball must arc at least 3 feet after leaving the pitcher’s hand and
before it passes any part of home plate.
C. The pitched ball shall not rise higher than 10 feet above the ground.
EFFECT Sec. 5. A-C. The speed of the pitch and height of the pitched ball are left entirely to
the judgment of the umpire (NOTE: For sake of uniformity in decisions, any doubtful pitch
should be ruled as an unfairly delivered pitch). The umpire shall warn a pitcher who delivers a
pitch with EXCESSIVE SPEED that repeating such EXCESSIVE SPEED PITCH will cause
the pitcher’s removal from the pitcher’s position for the remainder of the game. A pitch that
does not arc the full 3 feet as required (flat level pitch) may not be an EXCESSIVE SPEED
PITCH, but merely an unfairly delivered pitch.
Sec. 6. THE CATCHER MUST:
A. Be in and remain in the lines of the catcher’s box when the pitcher is in position
and remain until a pitched ball has reached or passed home plate, or is batted.
EFFECT Sec. 6. A. An unfairly delivered pitch.
B. Immediately return each pitch not hit directly to the pitcher, unless the
pitch results in an out.
EFFECT Sec. 6. B. A ball shall be awarded to the batter.
Sec. 7. NO PITCH shall be declared immediately when:
A. The pitcher pitches during a dead ball interval.
B. A base runner is called out for leaving a base too soon.
Sec. 8. A FAIRLY DELIVERED PITCHED BALL includes all pitches that the pitcher
delivers in accordance with the several preceding paragraphs and provisions of the pitching
rule.
Sec. 9. UNFAIRLY DELIVERED PITCHED BALLS INCLUDE:
A. Any pitched ball that does not conform to all requirements of a fairly
delivered pitched ball.
B. All pitches made by the pitcher when not conforming to pitching
restrictions.
37
 C. Delivering a pitch from other than the pitcher’s plate or pitching area (as
allowed in 6.3.A) and pitcher’s position.
D. A quick-return pitch.
E. The pitcher failing to face home plate on delivery of the pitch.
EFFECT Sec. 9. A-E. In each case, an unfairly delivered ball shall be declared a ball by the
umpire provided, however, that if the batter strikes at any unfairly delivered pitch, it shall be
declared a strike with no penalty for the unfairly delivered pitch. The ball remains in play if
batted by the batter.
NOTE Sec. 9. A-E. These unfairly delivered pitches may not be so declared until the pitched
ball reaches or crosses the plate.
Sec. 10. ILLEGAL PITCHER’S ACTIONS INCLUDE:
A. Holding the ball by the pitcher longer than 5 seconds.
B. Throwing the ball by the pitcher to any fielder, unless making preliminary
warm-up pitches or making an effort to complete an appeal play, or while the ball is
dead.
C. After a pitch is made, throwing the ball by the catcher to any fielder except
the pitcher, unless the pitch results in an out.
EFFECT: Sec. 10. A-C. The umpire should immediately indicate “DEAD BALL” and award
a ball to the batter.
Sec. 11. APPEALING WHILE THE BALL IS LIVE (before umpire calls “time”): Any
fielder can appeal a runner once. During a live ball appeal, the defensive team must verbally
state their appeal and touch the runner or the base which they are appealing. Ball is live and all
runners may advance with liability of being put out.
Sec. 12. APPEALING AFTER BALL IS DEAD:
Umpire signals “play ball”; the pitcher announces which runner and base he is appealing. The
ball is now live only for the purpose of making an appeal.
EFFECT: Sec. 12.
A. The defensive team can have only one attempted appeal per runner.
B. No runner may advance on an appeal play after time has been called.
C. No runner is out if he steps off the base during an appeal.
D. When a ball is thrown into a dead ball area, the team forfeits their right for a
second appeal on any runner.

Sec. 13. Any second conference with the same pitcher in an inning will require the removal of
that pitcher from that position for the remainder of the game.

38
 RULE 7. BATTING
Sec. 1. THE BATTING ORDER of each team must be listed and delivered to the
OFFICIAL SCOREKEEPER, by the MANAGER or team representative. SHOULD an
Official Scorekeeper not be assigned to the game, the BATTING ORDER must be delivered
to the Umpire-In-Chief, prior to the starting time of the game. After each team has submitted
its own batting order, both lineups shall be made available to both teams, for their inspection
and knowledge. The lineups are considered official once the umpire puts the ball in play to
begin the game.
EFFECT Sec. 1. Each manager must have submitted his own team’s lineup, before he
can have access to the lineup of his opponents. The umpire may forfeit the game if there is
unwarranted delay in providing a lineup for batting order purposes.
A. The batting order thus submitted must be followed throughout the game,
unless a substitute replaces a player. When this occurs, the substitute must take the
turn in the regular order at bat of the player he replaces.
B. Each player of the side at bat shall become the batter and enter the batter’s box
in the order in which his name appears on the score sheet.
C. The first batter in each following inning shall be the batter whose name follows
that of the player who last completed a turn at bat in the preceding inning.
D. A batter completes a time at bat when he has either been put out or has become
a base runner.
E. When a third out of an inning is made before the batter can complete his turn at
bat, the same batter will be the first batter in the next inning and all previous called
balls and strikes will be canceled.
EFFECT Sec. 1. A-E. Batting out of order is an appeal play by the defense.
1. If an incorrect batter is discovered before he completes his turn at bat, the
correct batter may take his proper place, assuming any accumulated balls and
strikes.
2. If the mistake is discovered after the incorrect batter has completed the
turn at bat and before a pitch has been made to a succeeding batter, the batter
who should have batted is called out. All base runners, if they have advanced,
must return to the base occupied at the time the incorrect batter took a position
in the batter’s box. The next batter is the player whose name follows that of
the batter called out for failure to bat. This may even be carried over to the first
batter of the next inning, if the appealed out was the third out.
3. If the mistake was not discovered until a pitch is made to the next batter,
the turn at bat of the incorrect batter is then legal. All bases advanced or runs
scored are counted, the next following batter shall be the one whose name
follows that of the incorrect batter who just finished a time at bat. No one is
called out for failure to bat and players missing their turn at bat have lost that
turn and do not bat again until reached in the regular batter rotation.
39
EFFECT Sec. 1. E. 2-3. For purposes of interpretation, an intentional walk to a next batter or
illegal pitcher’s action shall be considered the same as a pitch delivered to the batter.
4. No base runner shall be removed from the base he is occupying to bat
in his proper place. He just misses his turn at bat with no penalty. The batter
following him in the batting order becomes the legal batter.

Sec. 2. THE BATTER IS OUT IF:

A. He bats illegally. (Refer to RULE 3.)
B. He hits the ball with an illegal or altered bat. The umpire must discover this
illegal action before the next pitch, either by observation or because of an appeal
from the defensive team.
EFFECT Sec. 2B. If the batter hits the ball with an altered bat, the ball is dead, the batter
is out, and he is ejected from the game/tournament, and immediately reported to the State
Director for consideration of disbarment proceedings.
C. He bunts or chops the ball deliberately downward (either fair or foul).
D. He has a second strike.
Note: The batter is out on 2 strikes and walks on 3 balls.
1. He hits first foul after one strike, then the ball is live.
E. He steps across the plate with the pitcher in pitching position.
F. He intentionally interferes with the catcher attempting a play.
G. Any member of his team interferes with a fielder attempting to make a play on
a foul fly ball.
H. He hits a fair fly ball or line drive that an infielder intentionally drops, with a
runner on first, runner on first and second, first, second and third, or on first and third
with less than two outs. NOTE: A trapped ball that hits the ground is never ruled
intentionally dropped.
EFFECT Sec. 2. H. The umpire shall immediately call the batter out (in a forceful manner)
and the ball is dead.
I. He hits a fly ball that is legally caught.
J. He hits an infield fly, with runners on first and second, or on first, second and
third bases with less than two out.
EFFECT Sec. 2. I-J. The ball remains live and in play, and the runners are in jeopardy.
1. If a declared infield fly falls to the ground untouched and bounces foul
before passing first or third bases, it is a foul ball.
2. If a fly ball falls to the ground untouched outside the foul lines then
bounces fair, before reaching first or third bases it is an infield fly.

40
 3. NOTE: Umpire should always call “INFIELD FLY– IF FAIR” to
protect himself.

Sec. 3. A STRIKE IS CALLED BY THE UMPIRE:

A. For each fairly delivered pitched ball by the pitcher that passes through the
strike zone before touching the ground.
EFFECT Sec. 3. A. An umpire should not let the batter’s position, either in the front part, or
the rear of the batter’s box, be of influence in calling strikes. Each pitch should be adjudged
according to the height of any part of the ball as it is crossing only above or over any part of the
home plate. Any individual who repeatedly argues balls and strikes will be ejected.
1. The strike zone is only that part, or any part of the area, over home plate
that is lower than the top of the batter’s highest shoulder, or higher than the
bottom of his FRONT KNEE.
B. For each pitch struck at and missed by the batter.
C. For a batted ball striking the batter, while he is in the batter’s box with no
strikes.
D. For each foul tip. The batter is out if this is the second strike.
E. For a foul ball not caught on the fly with no strikes.
F. The umpire shall not give a call or signal for “TIME” when a batter steps out
of position after a pitcher has started his delivery motions.
EFFECT Sec. 3. F. If the pitcher pitches, the umpire shall call “STRIKE” on each such pitch.
The batter may take his proper position after any such pitch (within 10 seconds) and regular
ball and strike count shall continue.
G. When the batter delays entering the batter’s box after the umpire signals play
ball. After 10 seconds the umpire shall declare dead ball and a strike shall be called
on the batter.

Sec. 4. A BALL IS CALLED BY THE UMPIRE on each pitch not swung at by batter if:
A. The pitched ball does not enter the strike zone.
B. The ball strikes the ground before passing completely across home plate, or
any part of the plate.
C. A pitched ball strikes any part of home plate.
D. Any unfairly delivered pitch is made and not struck at.
E. There is an illegal pitcher action.
F. A pitched ball is not released within 5 seconds from the time the pitcher has the
ball and the batter has taken his position in the batter’s box.

41
 G. The catcher fails to return each pitch that is not hit directly to the Pitcher.
EFFECT Sec. 4. A-G. The pitched ball is dead after each ball, strike or illegal pitcher action
and must be returned immediately to the pitcher (unless an out occurs). Any individual who
repeatedly argues balls and strikes will be ejected.
Sec. 5. A FAIR BATTED BALL is a legally batted ball that is immediately in play.
EFFECT Sec. 5.
1. A batted ball which first falls to the ground in foul territory and then rolls
or bounces into fair territory, before passing first or third bases, and without
having touched some object other than the ground, is a fair ball. A batted ball
first touching the ground in fair territory, then rolling into foul territory and
then again rolling into fair territory, is also a fair ball provided the ball did not
touch anything while over foul territory other than the ground.
2. A fair or foul ball shall be judged according to the position of the ball,
relative to FOUL LINES including the FOUL POLE, and not whether the
fielder is on or over the fair or foul territory at the time the ball is first touched.
3. When a batted ball passes out of the field over a fence the umpire shall
declare it fair or foul, according to position of the ball, as it leaves the playing
field.
4. When a batted ball hits any object including a fielder and is ruled a fair
ball under the rules, it is always treated as a fair ball regardless of what happens
to the ball or where it may go.
5. A fly ball falling beyond first or third base is judged at point of first
contact.
Sec. 6. A FOUL BALL is a legally batted ball which does not conform to the provisions or
rules that would cause it to be a fair ball.
EFFECT Sec. 6. A batted ball which first strikes any person, object, fence, bench, screen,
bat or other equipment, or which goes into pre-determined out-of-play area in foul territory,
remains a foul ball regardless of where it may go.
1. It is a strike unless the batter already has one strike.
2. A foul fly may be caught, thus putting the runners in jeopardy. (Refer to
7-2D for exception).
3. A foul ball not caught is a dead ball, and the runners must return to
their bases.

RULE 8. BASERUNNING
Sec. 1. A BASE RUNNER WHILE ADVANCING OR RETURNING MUST TOUCH
EACH BASE IN LEGAL ORDER: first, second, third and home base.

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EFFECT Sec. 1. A base runner can only acquire the right to an advanced base by touching
it before having been put out and shall be entitled to hold such base until he touches the next
base legally or if forced to leave the base because the batter becomes a base runner and thus
forces him to leave his base.

Sec. 2. THE BATTER BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER INSTANTLY WHEN HE

HITS A FAIR BALL.
EFFECT Sec. 2. The batter-runner is in jeopardy immediately:
1. If a fair batted ball strikes the umpire or base runner while off base before
passing a fielder, other than the pitcher. The ball is dead immediately and the
batter is entitled to first base without liability to be put out.
2. If the fair batted ball hits the umpire or base runner after passing a fielder
other than the pitcher, or touches any fielder including the pitcher, it remains in
play with all runners being in jeopardy.
3. The pitcher becomes an infielder after releasing the pitch to the batter
and when, in the opinion of the umpire, has a reasonable opportunity to field a
batted ball. (This will be considered an umpire’s judgment.)

Sec. 3. THE BATTER IS AWARDED FIRST BASE:

A. When three balls are called by the umpire.
Note: The batter walks on 3 balls and is out on 2 strikes.
B. When the pitcher tells the umpire to intentionally walk a batter.
Effect Sec. 3. A-B. Batter is awarded first base only. The ball is dead.
C. If the catcher or other fielder obstructs or prevents him from striking at a
pitched ball. The offensive manager has the option to accept obstruction or result of
the play.
EFFECT Sec. 3. C. When a batter is obstructed, the batter is awarded first base because
of the obstruction, EXCEPT that if the batter succeeds in hitting the pitch and reaches first
safely and no preceding runner is put out before advancing at least one advanced base, the
obstruction should not be called or enforced. If the obstruction is not enforced, the ball remains
live and in play.

Sec. 4. A BATTER-BASE RUNNER IS OUT under the following circumstances.

A. When he is hit by his own batted ball in fair territory, after leaving
batter’s box.
B. When he drops the bat in fair territory and it makes contact with a fair ball by
moving into the ball.
C. When a fly ball is legally caught, with the fielder’s feet within the established
boundaries of the field.
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 E. When, after a fair ball, a fielder holds the ball on first base before he touches or
passes that base.
F. When, after reaching first base safely, he over runs or over slides that base and
then makes an attempt to start to second base before returning to first base.
EFFECT Sec. 4. F. The runner is in jeopardy and must be tagged or put out.
G. When, after hitting a fair ball, and while the ball is still live, the batter-runner
carries the bat and touches first base or runs beyond first base while carrying the bat.
Note: If this action results in the third out of an inning, no runs shall score.
H. When, after hitting a fair ball, and while the ball is still live, the batter-runner
goes into dead ball territory.
EFFECT Sec. 4. G-H. In these situations, the ball remains live and in play and other base
runners are in jeopardy. This does not apply to walks and home runs as the ball is dead in those
situations.
I. When he runs out of the 3 foot line and interferes with a fielder taking the
throw or making a play at first base.
J. When he interferes with a fielder attempting to field a batted ball or intentionally
interferes with a thrown ball. If this interference in the judgment of the umpire is an
obvious attempt to prevent a double play, the base runner closest to home plate shall
also be called out.
EFFECT Sec. 4. I-J Ball is dead.

Sec. 5. BASE RUNNERS ARE OUT under the following circumstances:

A. When a base runner fails to keep contact with the base to which he is entitled,
until a pitched ball touches the ground, has reached or passed home plate, or is
batted.
EFFECT Sec. 5. A. No pitch is declared, the ball is dead and the runner out.
B. When the base runner interferes with a fielder attempting to field a batted ball
or intentionally interferes with a fielder catching a ball or throwing a ball, or with a
thrown ball.
EFFECT Sec. 5. B. If the interference is not ruled intentional; the batter-runner is entitled
to go to first base. If, in the opinion of the umpire, the interference is an obvious attempt to
prevent a double play, the immediate succeeding runner shall also be called out. When a base
runner interferes after he is out or after scoring, the most advanced runner shall be declared
out.
C. When a base runner is struck by a fair batted ball on fair ground while off his
base and before it touches a fielder or passes a fielder.
D. When a base runner intentionally kicks a live ball, or intentionally interferes
with a ball in play, whether or not the runner is in contact with his base.

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 E. When a base runner runs bases in reverse order other than when
permitted to.
EFFECT Sec. 5. B-E. It is a dead ball immediately and the involved base runner is out.
F. When a base runner who has been put out continues to run the bases, thus
simulating a live base runner, and thereby draws a throw to retire him a second time.
G. When members of the team at bat stand or collect at or around a base toward
which a base runner is advancing, thereby confusing the fielders in adding to the
difficulty in making a play.
H. When a coach intentionally interferes with a live batted ball or thrown
ball.
I. When a coach runs in the direction of home plate or any other base, on or near
a baseline, while the fielder is attempting to make a play on a batted ball or on a
thrown ball, and thereby draws a throw in his direction.
J. When a base runner is attempting to score and the next batter or other team
members interfere with the attempted play.
K. When a member of the offensive team or their equipment causes a blocked
ball.
EFFECT Sec. 5. F-K. The infraction constitutes INTERFERENCE. All play stops; the
ball is dead, and the MOST ADVANCED RUNNER IS CALLED OUT. NOTE: In “G,”
immediately above, team members include all other persons who are on the team’s bench.
L. When anyone other than another runner physically assists him while the ball is
in play.
M. When, while the ball is in play, he is legally touched with the ball in the hands
of a fielder while not in contact with a base.
N. When, on a force out, a fielder tags him with the ball (while on or off a base) or
holds the ball on the base to which the base runner is forced to advance before the
base runner can reach the base.
O. When running toward any base, he runs more than 3 feet from a direct line
between a base and the base he is trying for to avoid being tagged with the ball in
the hands of a fielder.
P. When a base runner PHYSICALLY PASSES a preceding runner before that
runner has been put out.
Q. When a base runner fails to attempt to advance and goes into dead ball territory.
R. When he positions himself behind, and not in contact with, the base to get a
running start.
EFFECT Sec. 5. L-R. In these situations, the ball remains live and in play, the involved
base runner is out and other base runners are in jeopardy.

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 S. When a base runner fails to return to touch the base to which he is entitled
when play is resumed after any suspension of play caused by a dead ball situation,
if the fielder legally holds the ball on that base.
T. When a base runner leaves his base to advance to the next base before a fly
ball has been touched or touches some object, provided that if the fly ball is caught
and returned to a fielder and legally held on the base left, or if a fielder touches the
runner with the ball before the runner returns to retouch his original base.
EFFECT Sec. 5. S-T. These are appeal plays and the defensive team loses its right to make an
appeal on any of these situations if the appeal is not made known before the next legal pitch, or
illegal pitcher action, intentional walk or before all fielders have left fair territory.
1. Unless there are two outs, this status of a following runner is not affected
by a preceding runner’s violation or failure to comply.
2. If, on appeal, a preceding runner is the THIRD OUT no following runner
shall be allowed to score.
3. If, the appealed out is the THIRD OUT, and is the result of a force out,
neither the preceding nor following runners shall score.
4. If the appealed out is the third out and is the result of the batter-runner not
touching first base, preceding runners shall not score.
5. On any appealed play not a force out, all runners in advance of runner
being appealed out who touch home plate legally before actual physical
completion of the THIRD APPEALED OUT in any inning, shall be counted.
Succeeding runners cannot score.
U. When a base runner fails to touch an intervening base or bases in regular or
reverse order while the ball is in play and the ball is held legally on the missed base
or the runner is legally touched with the ball while off the base.
V. Whenever the catcher or any fielder clearly has the ball and is waiting to tag
the runner, the runner must slide or attempt to avoid contact. If, in the umpire’s
judgment, the runner deliberately and forcefully runs into the defensive player, the
runner is declared out and shall be ejected from the game. The ball is declared dead
and all other runners must return to the last base touched at the time of the collision.
NOTE: A fielder may not block the base path of the runner on a batted ball unless
the fielder has clear possession of the ball or is in the initial act of fielding a batted
ball. A catcher or any fielder cannot block the path to the plate or bases on a thrown
ball unless he clearly has possession of the ball.
Sec. 6. BASE RUNNERS ARE ENTITLED TO ADVANCE WITH LIABILITY TO
BE OUT:
A. When any live ball continues to be in play.

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EFFECT Sec. 6. A.
1. The umpire shall call “TIME” when base runners cease to try to advance,
because the fielders have the ball ahead of them and all immediate play is
apparently completed.
2. Base runners must return to the last base touched and entitled to,
immediately when play is stopped in accordance with the above stipulations,
they are to remain until able to leave this base legally on the next pitched ball.
B. When, during a live ball play, following a batted ball, the ball is overthrown in
either fair or foul territory and does not become a blocked ball.
C. When any legally caught fly ball is first touched by a fielder.
D. When a live thrown ball strikes the person of an umpire or base runner.
E. When a fair batted ball or a live thrown ball accidentally strikes a coach.
F. When another base runner physically passes a preceding base runner.
G. When a preceding base runner fails to touch a base as required.
EFFECT Sec. 6. B-G. In all these cases the ball remains live with all runners continuing to
be in jeopardy.
H. When a fielder deliberately contacts or catches a batted or thrown ball with
his cap, glove or any part of his uniform or equipment, while it is detached from its
proper place on the fielder’s person.
EFFECT Sec. 6. H.
1. On a fair batted ball, or a ball over foul ground in a situation that might
become a fair ball, all base runners are entitled to advance 3 bases from the
time of the pitch.
2. On a thrown ball all base runners are entitled to advance 2 bases.
3. In each case, the runners may advance further at their own risk, being in
jeopardy after reaching the awarded bases. NOTE: If, in the opinion of the
umpire, a fair batted ball would have cleared the outfield fence if not interfered
with, the batter shall be awarded a home run.
Sec. 7. BASE RUNNERS ARE ENTITLED TO ADVANCE WITHOUT LIABILITY
TO BE PUT OUT:
A. When a fair batted ball goes over the fence or into a stand without touching the
ground, the batter shall be entitled to a home run.
EFFECT Sec. 7. A. A fair ball that clears the fence before touching anything which is not
caught, is a home run. This includes any ball hitting the top of the fence and going over the
fence.
1. When a batted ball, either fair or foul, is legally caught on the fly while
the fielder’s feet are still within the established lines of the playing area, the
47
 batter is out even though the fielder’s momentum may cause him to fall over
the fence, into a dugout, or patron areas, or cross a line, or marking the out of
play area, provided in the umpire’s judgment the catch was completed. The
ball is declared dead and each and every runner is advanced one base after
the catch. If ball is carried intentionally into a dead ball area, two bases are
awarded to each base runner.
B. When a fair batted ball bounds or rolls into a stand over, under or through a
fence or other boundary of the playing field, base runners are awarded two bases,
from the time of the pitch.
EFFECT Sec. 7. B. This award is made whether or not the batted ball is first touched by a
fielder.
C. When a fielder catches a ball with an illegal glove, the catch is nullified.
EFFECT Sec. 7. C. The umpire must discover this illegal action before a next pitch, either
by observation, or because of an appeal from the offensive team. The result of this shall be to
revert to the previous pitch, disallow the catch and charge an error to the fielder. The ball is
dead, and the batter and each base runner are advanced one base.
D. When forced to advance because of the batter being awarded first base.
E. When he is obstructed by a fielder between the bases or as he rounds a base,
unless the fielder is trying to field a batted ball, or had the ball in his possession
ready to tag the runner.
EFFECT Sec. 7. E. The obstructed runner shall be awarded at least one base beyond the base
he had last legally touched before the obstruction. The umpire should also award the runner
all other advanced bases that he believes the runner would have made, had no obstruction
occurred, without waiting for an appeal from the offensive team. If the runner continues
beyond the base awarded by the obstruction, he then becomes in jeopardy. The ball remains
live with all other runners in jeopardy, except any preceding runners, forced by the award for
obstruction, shall advance without liability to be put out to the base which they are awarded.
F. When a ball is live after a batted ball and is overthrown into foul territory and
is blocked.
EFFECT Sec. 7. F. In all cases, when a blocked ball occurs on an overthrown live ball, the
ball is immediately dead. Each and every base runner is awarded two bases from last base
occupied, unless required to retouch.
NOTE: For offensive equipment or team representative causing a blocked ball, the runner
closest to home will be declared out and all other runners must return to the last base touched
when the ball becomes blocked.
1. When a FIRST throw is made by an infielder trying for a first play, the
award is made from the batter’s and a base runner’s positions at the time of the
pitch.
2. When an infielder makes any FIRST attempt at a play, and then makes a
second attempted play or throw, or on any throw from the outfield, the award is
48
 made from the last base touched by a runner at the time this throw is released.
NOTE: Should more than one runner be between the same bases, the advanced
runner governs the award.
G. When an accident or incident occurs that prevents a base runner from
proceeding to a base to which he is entitled, as on a home run or other awarded
base, a substitute runner shall be permitted to take his place when a play is resumed
so to complete the play.
EFFECT Sec. 7. A-G. In each and every instance, when a batter or runner is awarded one or
more bases, each base must be touched in regular order when advancing; otherwise, the team
in the field may make an appeal on the runner at the missed base, which shall be allowed.
Sec. 8. A BASE RUNNER FORFEITS EXEMPTION FROM LIABILITY TO BE
PUT OUT, IF:
A. While the ball is in play, he fails to touch each base in legal order before
attempting to make the next base. Either the batter-runner at first base, or any other
runner forced to advance because the batter became a base runner, is considered as
a force out, should an appeal be made.
B. After reaching first base, the batter-runner’s momentum causes him to overrun
or over slide first base; the batter-runner makes an attempt to start toward second
base before returning to retouch first base.
C. After dislodging in a base, the runner attempts to continue to the next base.
EFFECT Sec. 8 C. To avoid being in jeopardy, the runner must either remain with the
dislodged base or remain stationary at the base’s proper location; that is, where the base was
originally located. If the base runner makes a start toward the next advanced base and then tries
to return to the dislodged base, he is in jeopardy and it is entirely within the umpire’s judgment
whether or not the runner should be safe or out.
Sec. 9. BASE RUNNERS MAY, AND SHALL, RETURN TO BASES AT VARIOUS
TIMES:
A. Base runners required to return, or attempting to return, when the ball is in play
must touch each base in regular legal reverse order, which includes any intervening
bases.
EFFECT Sec. 9. A. (NOTE: the below are APPEAL PLAYS.)
1. Base runners are in jeopardy until they return to their bases, in order to
comply with the several sections of these rules, when the ball is live.
2. No base runner may return to a preceding base after the ball has been
declared dead if the base runner touches any succeeding base, or after a
following runner has scored.
3. No base runner may return to retouch a missed base, after a following
runner has scored.
B. Two base runners may not occupy the same base simultaneously.
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EFFECT Sec. 9. B. The first runner touching a base shall be entitled to occupy it until he has
touched the next base legally or is forced to leave the base due to the batter becoming a base
runner. The following runner may be put out by being tagged with the ball even though both
runners are in contact with the same base.
C. A base runner shall not run bases in reverse order to confuse the fielders nor to
make a travesty of the game.
EFFECT Sec. 9. C. The base runner shall be declared out by the umpire and the ball is dead.
D. A base runner returning to a base to retag a base on a fly ball caught and thrown
by a fielder to any base. If the ball is thrown by a fielder into the restricted area, the
base runner shall be awarded the base he must retouch, plus one base. Since the base
runner is required to regain the base he first occupied, he is awarded that base and
only one more.
EFFECT Sec. 9. D. If the base runner is in contact with the base, he will be awarded two bases
from the time of the throw. If he leaves the base too soon, he will be awarded the base he must
retouch plus one base. It may now become an APPEAL PLAY and the base runner may be put
out. The determining factor shall be whether the base runner had possession of the base at the
time of the throw.
E. A base runner returning to a base on a ground ball or any time runners are not
required to retouch the bases; runners are awarded two bases from the last base
occupied.

Sec. 10. BASE RUNNERS MUST RETURN TO THEIR BASES:

A. When any foul ball is not legally caught.
B. When any illegally batted ball occurs.
C. When a proper batter is out on appeal for failing to bat in order.
D. When an offensive player is called out for interference.
E. When an umpire or base runner is struck by a fair batted ball, before it touches
a fielder or passes any fielder other than the Pitcher.
F. When time out is called by the umpire.
EFFECT Sec 10. A-F.
1. The ball is immediately dead.
2. Base runners may be forced to advance if the batter is credited with a
hit as per “E” above, thus awarded first base, thereby forcing other runners to
advance.
3. Base runners need not touch intervening bases when required to return.
4. Base runners must be allowed sufficient time to return when required.

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Sec. 11. BASE STEALING OR ADVANCING IS NOT PERMITTED AS A RESULT
OF ANY PITCHED BALL NOT BATTED:
Base runners must keep in contact with their base and may leave it ONLY when a pitched ball
has reached or passed home plate, is batted or hits the ground.
EFFECT Sec. 11.
1. Each pitch not hit becomes dead and base runners must immediately
return to their base, as the catcher is returning the ball to the pitcher at his
position.
2. After a runner has returned to his base, he cannot leave it again, during a
pitched ball situation until the pitched ball again reaches home plate, is batted
or touches the ground.

Sec. 12. BASE RUNNERS ARE NOT OUT:

A. When a batter-runner overruns or over slides first base and immediately returns
to that base.
B. When a base runner is required to return to a base and is not given sufficient
time to return.
C. When a base runner is touched with the ball not securely held by a fielder.
D. When a defensive team does not attempt an appeal play until after a next pitch
is made
E. When a base runner holds his base until a fly ball is touched, and then attempts
to advance.
F. When a base runner runs outside a baseline, and behind a fielder attempting to
field a batted ball.
G. When a base runner runs outside the baseline, other than to avoid a fielder
attempting to tag him with the ball.
H. When a base runner is hit by a batted ball that has passed or touched a
fielder.
I. When a base runner makes contact with a fielder, not entitled to field the ball,
when more than one fielder is attempting to field a batted ball.
J. When a base runner sliding into a base dislodges it from its proper position.
EFFECT Sec. 12. J. If a runner sliding into a base is adjudged to be safe by the umpire before
dislodging the base, he remains safe by either staying at the position the base is supposed to
occupy or by remaining in contact with the base. The runner puts himself in jeopardy when
he attempts to advance to the next base. If he then tries to return to the misplaced base, it is
entirely within the umpire’s jurisdiction to declare the runner safe or out, if he is tagged with
the ball.

51
 K. Following runners are not required to touch a base if the base is several feet
removed from its proper location.
EFFECT Sec. 12. K. Following runners may either touch the dislodged base or touch the
original position of the base as if the base were in its proper location.
L. When, while in contact with the base, the base runner is hit with a fair batted
ball unless the umpire rules that the ball was intentionally interfered with, or a
fielder interfered with, while attempting to field a batted ball.
M. When while in contact or off of a base, the base runner is hit with a fair batted
ball that first hits a base unless the umpire rules that the ball was intentionally
interfered with, or a fielder with, while attempting to field a batted ball.
EFFECT Sec. 12 L-M. The ball remains live with all runners continuing to be in jeopardy.
Sec. 13. COURTESY RUNNERS: One courtesy runner per inning (one time) may be used.
The courtesy runner can be any player in the lineup. Once the courtesy runner occupies the
base, the selected courtesy runner may not be exchanged for any other desired courtesy runner.
If the courtesy runner is still on base at the time her/her turn at bat comes up, that spot in the
batting order will be an out. In the Mixed Program, any male player in the lineup may run for
any male, and any female player in the lineup may run for any female. Both a male and female
player may opt for a courtesy runner in each inning.
EFFECT Sec. 13. If a second courtesy runner of the inning, or one not from the lineup, enters
the game, and the defensive team completes a proper appeal before the next pitch, illegal
pitcher action, intentional walk, or before all fielders have left fair territory, the runner will be
declared out.

RULE 9. BALL IN PLAY AND BALL DEAD

Sec. 1. THE BALL IS LEGALLY PUT IN PLAY BY THE UMPIRE:
A. At the start of the game when the pitcher has the ball while standing at the
initial pitcher position on the pitcher’s plate or in the pitching area (as allowed in
6.3.A), the batter in the batter’s box, the catcher in catcher’s box and the umpire
signals “play.”
B. In each instance thereafter when the ball becomes dead and the above
procedure is repeated.

Sec. 2. THE BALL IS LIVE AND IN PLAY:

A. When the pitcher has the ball in his possession at the pitcher’s plate or in the
pitching area (as allowed in 6.3.A).
B. When the pitcher delivers the pitch toward home plate.
C. When the batter hits the pitched ball legally.
D. As long as there is a play resulting from a legally batted ball.

52
 E. When a live ball strikes a photographer, groundskeeper, policeman, or others
when they are assigned to the field as part of the game.
F. When a fly ball is legally caught, Fair or Foul.
G. At all times during the enforcement of the infield fly rule.
H. When any thrown ball goes into foul territory and is not blocked.
I. When a fair-batted or thrown-live ball accidentally strikes the coach.
J. When a thrown ball strikes an umpire or offensive player.
K. When a fair-batted ball strikes an umpire or base runner after touching a fielder
or after passing any fielder including the pitcher/infielder.
L. When a fair ball strikes the umpire or offensive player on foul ground.
M. When base runners have reached the base to which they are entitled because
the fielder illegally touched or fielded a batted or thrown ball.
N. When obstruction is called but the runner obstructed cannot be put out until he
reaches the base to which he is entitled because of the obstruction.
O. When a base runner must return to a base in reverse order while the ball is live
and in play.
P. When a base runner is called out for passing a preceding runner.
Q. When a base runner acquires the right to a base by legally touching it before
being put out.
R. When a base is dislodged while base runners are progressing around the
bases.
S. When a base runner is called out for being out of the baselines.
T. When a base runner is forced or tagged out.
U. When an appeal play is involved or enforced.
EFFECT Sec. 2. U. This applies during an appeal play situation, which is attempted before
the umpire has called “TIME.” However, after a DEAD BALL interval, base runners may not
advance during the execution of an appeal play, made immediately after the ball is again put
in play.
V. Whenever the ball is not DEAD, as provided in Section 3 of this rule.
Sec. 3. THE BALL IS DEAD AND NOT IN PLAY:
A. When no pitch is declared.
B. When an illegal pitcher’s action is declared.
C. When a base runner is called out for leaving a base too soon on a pitched ball.
D. After each pitched ball and strike not batted.

53
 E. When a pitched ball touches any part of a batter’s person.
F. When a batter bats illegally, or hits the ball with an illegal or altered bat.
G. When a batter deliberately BUNTS or CHOPS THE BALL DOWNWARD.
H. When the batter is hit by his own-batted ball, either fair or foul.
I. When a foul ball is not caught in the air.
J. When a batter steps completely across the plate, with the pitcher on the
pitcher’s plate or in the pitching area.
K. On an intentionally dropped fair fly ball or line drive, by an infielder.
(See 7-2H)
L. When an offensive team member or their equipment causes a blocked ball.
M. When an offensive team member causes interference.
EFFECT Sec. 3. A-M the ball is immediately dead, and no runner may advance a base.
N. When the base runner deliberately crashes into a defensive player who is
waiting to make a tag.
O. When a base runner is off a base and is hit with a fair-batted ball before the ball
is touched by or passes through the infielders.
P. When a blocked ball occurs.
Q. When the ball gets outside the established limits of the playing field.
R. When a coach intentionally interferes with a batted or live-thrown ball.
S. When a ball is caught with an illegal glove in any manner.
T. When a spectator or other person not in the game causes interference.
U. When a batted ball hits an umpire before the ball is touched by, or passes
through the infielder, the batter is awarded first base. No base runners may advance
except to make room for the batter-runner.
V. When “TIME” is called for any reason by the umpire.
W. When there is obstruction on the batter, which is enforced.
EFFECT Sec. 3. N-W. The ball is immediately dead; however, the runners are permitted to
retain any bases they may have advanced to, or any bases they may be awarded at the time of,
or because of, the interference.

RULE 10. UMPIRES

Sec. 1. POWERS AND DUTIES: Umpires are the representatives of the organization or
league for which they have been engaged or assigned to for a particular game. As such, they
are AUTHORIZED AND REQUIRED to enforce every section and all parts of these rules.
54
EFFECT Sec. 1. Umpires have the power and should use it with discretion to order a manager,
coach, captain or player to do or to omit to do any act which, in their judgment, is necessary to
give force and effect to one and all of these rules and to assess penalties as prescribed within
the Rule Book.

Sec. 2. GENERAL INFORMATION AND REGULATIONS FOR UMPIRES:

A. The official umpire uniform, standard for sanctioned play, includes approved
and licensed products.
NOTE: If more than one umpire is used per game, they must be dressed in a similar fashion.
B. The umpire working behind the catcher, judging balls and strikes shall
be designated Umpire-In-Chief, with the umpire judging initial base decisions
designated as the base umpire.
C. Neither umpire has the authority to set aside decisions made by the other
umpire within the limits or scope of his respective duties as outlined in these rules.
D. Under no circumstances shall either umpire seek to revise a decision made
by his associate, nor shall either umpire criticize or interfere with the duties of his
associate, unless asked by him to do so.
E. An umpire may consult with his associate at any time he desires to do so or
when requested to do so by a manager. However, the final decision shall rest with
the umpire whose exclusive authority it was to make the decision and who requested
the opinion of the other umpires.
F. If different decisions should be made on one play by different umpires, the
Umpire-In-Chief shall call all umpires into consultation, with no other person
present. After consultation, the Umpire-In-Chief shall determine which decision
shall prevail, based on which umpire was in the best position and which decision
was most likely to be correct. Play shall then proceed as if only one decision had
been made.
G. The umpires shall declare the batter or base runner safe or out without waiting
for an appeal for such decision, in all cases where such player is safe or out in
accordance with this set of rules.
EFFECT Sec. 2. G. Unless appealed to, an umpire does not call a player out for having left a
base too soon on a fly ball caught, failing to touch the base as required, batting out of order, or
making an attempted start to go to second base, or after the batter-runner has crossed first base,
as provided in these rules. No appeal will be considered or allowed after a next pitch is made
to a batter, or during a suspension of PLAY, when “TIME” is in effect.
H. Umpires must make any necessary, pertinent and proper report in writing after
a game when requested and where a verbal report is not considered sufficient.
I. The duties of an umpire do not include the filing of a protest for either team,
although the umpire is required to defend any decision protested, when requested.

55
 J. ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT: Due to safety concerns, at no time can a
camera, audio or video device be worn or used by an umpire on the field of play.
Any exception must be approved by the Executive Director or his designee. Official
USSSA Livestream broadcasts are exempt from this rule.

Sec. 3. EITHER THE PLATE OR BASE UMPIRE SHALL HAVE EQUAL

AUTHORITY TO:
A. Call illegal pitcher’s actions or unfairly delivered pitches.
B. Call a base runner out for leaving a base too soon.
C. Remove a manager, coach, player or team follower for violating these rules.
D. Call “TIME” when play should be suspended.
E. Ordering field lights turned on.

Sec. 4. SPECIFIC DUTIES OF THE UMPIRE-IN-CHIEF:

A. He shall have full responsibility for the proper conduct of the game.
B. He shall take his initial position behind the catcher.
C. He shall call each pitch not hit a ball or strike.
D. He shall by agreement with, and in cooperation with, the base umpire: call
plays, batted balls fair or foul, illegally batted balls and legal or illegally caught
balls.
EFFECT Sec. 4. D. On plays which necessitate the base umpire leaving the infield, the plate
umpire shall move out and assume the duties of the base umpire that are normally required
such as runners tagging the bases, obstructions, interferences, etc.
E. He shall determine and declare whether:
1. A batter bats illegally.
2. A batter bunts or chops the pitched ball downward.
3. A fly ball is an infield or outfield fly.
4. A batted ball touches the person of the batter.
5. A batter strikes at the pitch.
F. He shall render base decisions in the following instances:
1. On plays on the base runner at home plate.
2. On an appeal, decide whether a base runner leaves third base too soon on
a caught fly ball.
3. If there is more than one runner on base, take the plays and make the
decision on the runner nearest the home plate, during plays on runners.

56
 4. With only two umpires working, and there is a batted ball, go to third base
for any subsequent decision at that base, after initial decision in the inning.
EFFECT Sec. 4. F. Plays at home plate are always to receive first considerations; however,
while the base umpire normally makes the FIRST DECISION at first or second base, the plate
umpire should position himself to make all FIRST DECISIONS at third base and home plate.
G. When a TIME LIMIT has been set prior to the game starting time, announce
this fact before the game is started, and state the time set to end the game. The
scorekeeper keeps this time and total playing time of games.
H. Check with the official scorer, advising that official to have managers advise
the scorer about the official batting order and any subsequent substitutions made.
I. Should a dispute arise during or immediately following the game, assist the
scorer to arrive at a correct decision and the score.
J. He alone shall have the authority to declare a game forfeited.

Sec. 5. SPECIFIC DUTIES OF THE BASE UMPIRES:

A. He shall take such positions on the playing field which will give him the best
angles and positions for using his judgment in rendering base decisions. This will
be in agreement with and cooperation of the Umpire-In-Chief. Whenever there are
any runners on base, he must position himself even with second base or outside the
diamond.
B. When a ball is batted, he normally should render all FIRST decisions to be
made at any base, and then position himself to make all decisions at first and second
base, as well as third base, should situations dictate the plate umpire remain or
return to home plate.
C. He shall assist and cooperate with the plate umpire at all times in every way to
assure that all plays receive a proper and correct decision, and that the playing field
is fully observed during the playing of the game.
D. He may and should be required to go into the outfield to call certain outfield
decisions, when the plate umpire would be at a great disadvantage making the call.
Some of these plays would involve a trapped ball catch, fly ball hitting or clearing a
fence, a legal catch when a fielder runs or falls into a fence or obstruction and drops
the ball because of such collision, and other plays, especially when light conditions
are not the best.

Sec. 6. RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN UMPIRE ASSIGNED TO OFFICIATE BY

HIMSELF extends to all parts of the field, his duties and jurisdiction encompasses all those
duties normally covered when more than one umpire is assigned. While normally stationing
himself behind the catcher to call balls and strikes and moving out on batted balls, he may and
shall take any position on the field which will in his judgment enable him to best discharge his
various miscellaneous duties.

57
Sec. 7. UMPIRES CANNOT BE CHANGED DURING THE PLAYING OF A
GAME unless they become incapacitated due to any injury or illness, or under the direction of
the umpire-in-chief.

Sec. 8. UMPIRE’S JUDGMENT DECISIONS MAY NOT BE APPEALED on

grounds that he was not correct:
A. On a decision involving a ball or strike.
B. That a batted ball was fair or foul.
C. That base runner was safe or out.
D. When a game is called for darkness, rain, panic, or other logical reasons.
EFFECT Sec. 8. A-D. No decision shall be reversed by the umpire, involving his judgment,
except if he is convinced he was in error. This could come from consulting another umpire
working with him, as a result of his own requested conference.

Sec. 9. UMPIRES SHALL ENFORCE ALL THESE RULES:

A. All rules governing the playing of the game are to be followed to the letter with
no deviations from the rule permitted.
EFFECT Sec. 9. A. After a warning by an umpire, the umpire should remove the offender
from the game, if the offense is repeated. For major offense, remove offender at once.
B. Each umpire has AUTHORITY to rule on any point or situation, not specifically
covered in these rules.
EFFECT Sec. 9. B. Umpires should not necessarily penalize an entire team because of the
actions of one or more individuals. The violators are to be removed from the game.
C. Umpires may refuse to impose a penalty for a violation when the impositions
of such a penalty would benefit the offending team.
EFFECT Sec. 9. C. As an example, a catcher’s obstruction with the batter would result in a
delay call.
D. Umpires should work together and cooperate in every effort to assure correct
decisions and fair rulings.
EFFECT Sec. 9. D. This applies in all situations, such as sharply hit balls down the foul lines,
tag plays on the batter-runner, batted ball hitting base runner, runner leaving any base too
soon, or trap type catches; darkness or other weather conditions, players stalling or hastening
the game or the pitcher and batter continuing to try to annoy the other excessively. Other
times include plate umpire watching the runner at first base or other base, when more than
one runner is on base for leaving too soon, or the plate umpire following a batted ball down
the right field line, while observing the runners at first base, when the base umpire is in his
proper position out near second base, when the ball was batted. Base umpire should adjust to
cover third base as well as second base when the plate umpire is delayed in getting to the best

58
position. On other cooperation positions, the base umpire should be prepared to cover home
plate, if and when the plate umpire gets trapped at third base while properly covering a play.

Sec. 10. SUSPENSIONS OF PLAY:

A. The umpire may suspend play when in his judgment, any situation or condition,
justifies such action.
B. WHEN IN THE OPINION OF THE UMPIRE ALL IMMEDIATE PLAY
RESULTING FROM A BATTED BALL IS APPARENTLY COMPLETED,
HE SHALL CALL “TIME.”
EFFECT Sec. 10. B. It is not necessary to return the ball to the pitcher, after a batted ball,
to stop the base runners from advancing. When the base runners have ceased trying to move
forward, or trying for the next advanced base, because the fielders have the live ball ahead
of or in such a position, so that the runners have stopped their advance. the umpire shall call
“TIME”: especially when working the game as a SINGLE UMPIRE. In this case, the base
runner, even though he is off his base, must then return to stay on the base which he has last
touched and must remain on his base until he can legally leave the base.
C. Play shall be suspended whenever the umpire leaves his proper position to
brush the plate, or to perform other duties not directly connected with the calling of
decisions.
D. The umpire shall suspend play whenever a batter or pitcher steps out of
position for a legitimate reason; the umpire should not permit either to continually
repeat this action.
E. The umpire shall not give a call or signal for “TIME” when a batter steps out
of position after a pitcher has started his delivery motions.
F. In case of injury or some incident, unforeseen before a batter hits a FAIR
BALL, “TIME” shall not be called with the ball in play until all plays in progress
have been completed, or the base runners have stopped at their bases.
G. Umpires shall not suspend play for any reason, during live ball actions, at
the request of players, coaches, or mangers until all probable actions have been
completed.

Sec. 11. UMPIRE CODE OF CONDUCT

A. Become a student of the game. Study and know the rules.

B. Wear the proper GSL or USSSA uniform as appropriate.

C. Honor all of your umpire assignments and be loyal and reliable to GSL and
USSSA.

D. Be fair and unbiased in your administration and arbitration of the game.

E. Be FIRM in your calls and utilize confidence in your voice.

59
 F. Act professionally and cooperate with fellow umpires.

G. Explain your rulings to the manager calmly and confidently.

H. Review the GSL-USSSA Umpire Mechanics & Positioning Manual and Case
Book.

I. THE GREATEST UMPIRES KNOW THE RULES, HUSTLE WHILE

COVERING EACH PLAY, AND ARE ABLE TO HANDLE DIFFICULT
SITUATIONS WITH EASE AND DIPLOMACY.

RULE 11. USSSA-GSL RULE DIFFERENCES

2023 Rule:
Bat Standard Same – all must have new Same – all must have new
USSSA thumbprint mark USSSA thumbprint mark
Courtesy Runner One courtesy runner per inning May be anyone on the roster and
(one time) may be used. The may be used unlimited times for
courtesy runner can be any player one player per inning. No substi-
in the lineup. If the courtesy run- tution for a courtesy runner.
ner is still on base at the time his/
her turn at bat comes up, that spot
in the order will be an out. No
substitution for a courtesy runner.
Designated None currently Player, not batting position, may,
Homerun Hitter without penalty hit a homerun
each time at bat.  Teams must
designate their DHH prior to
the start of the game.  If DHH is
walked (intentional or not) the
next person to hit a home run
may do so without penalty until
the DHH’s spot comes back up in
the lineup.  If the DHH is substi-
tuted for, the team loses the DHH
until the original DHH returns to
the lineup.
Choice of First or Decided by DOUBLE coin toss Decided by DOUBLE coin toss
Last Bat unless otherwise stated in rules of unless otherwise stated in rules of
organization organization

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2023 Rule:
Run Rules
Men’s A 25 after 3, 20 after 4, 15 after 5 25 after 3, 20 after 4, 15 after 5
with accompanying flip flop rules No flip flop rules
Men’s B 25 after 3, 20 after 4, 15 after 5 25 after 3, 20 after 4, 15 after 5
with accompanying flip flop rules No flip flop rules
Men’s C 25 after 3, 20 after 4, 15 after 5 25 after 3, 20 after 4, 15 after 5
with accompanying flip flop rules No flip flop rules
Men’s D 20 after 3, 15 after 4, 10 after 5 20 after 3, 15 after 4, 10 after 5
with accompanying flip flop rules No flip flop rules
Men’s E 20 after 3, 15 after 4, 10 after 5 20 after 3, 15 after 4, 10 after 5
with accompanying flip flop rules No flip flop rules
Home Run Rules
Men’s Major 16 – all others are outs DHH plus 16 – all others are outs
Men’s AA 12 – all others are outs DHH plus 12 – all others are outs
Men’s A 12 – all others are outs DHH plus 12 – all others are outs
Men’s B 8 – all others are outs DHH plus 8 – all others are outs
Men’s C 5 – all others are outs DHH plus 5 – all others are outs
Men’s D 3 – all others are inning ending DHH plus 3 – all others are in-
outs ning ending outs
Men’s E 1 – inning ending out DHH plus 1 – all others are in-
ning ending outs
Women’s Major Unlimited Unlimited
Women’s A 6 – all others are outs DHH plus 6 – all others are outs
Women’s B 4 – all others are outs DHH plus 4 – all others are outs
Women’s C 2 – all others are inning ending DHH plus 2 – all others are in-
outs ning ending outs
Women’s D 1 – all others are inning ending DHH plus 1 – all others are in-
outs ning ending outs
Women’s E 0 – all others are inning ending DHH – all others are inning end-
outs. ing outs

61
2023 Rule:
Mixed Major 8 – all others are outs DHH plus 8 – all others are outs
Male
Mixed Major Unlimited Unlimited
Female
Mixed B Male & 8 – all others are outs DHH plus 8 – all others are outs
Female
Mixed C Male & 5 – all others are outs DHH plus 5 – all others are outs
Female
Mixed D Male & 3 – all others are inning ending DHH plus 3 – all others are in-
Female outs. ning ending outs
Mixed E Male & 1 – all others are inning ending DHH plus 1 – all others are in-
Female outs. ning ending outs
Profanity Rule Any use of socially offensive Any use of socially offensive
or vulgar language or obscene or vulgar language or obscene
gestures will be grounds for im- gestures will be grounds for im-
mediate ejection. mediate ejection.
Re-Entry Any starting player may with- Double re-entry is allowed.
draw and re-enter once to same Teams may substitute all players
batting position. Substitutes who a maximum of 2 times per game
are withdrawn may not re-enter. into the same batting position.
Pitching Arc 3’ from pitchers hand and max 5’ from ground and max 10’ from
10’ from ground ground
Illegal Pitches Unfairly delivered pitches may Unfairly delivered pitches may
not be so declared until the not be so declared until the
pitched ball reaches or crosses pitched ball reaches or crosses
the plate. the plate.
Base Runner Out When a base runner is struck by When a base runner is struck by
a fair, batted ball on fair ground a fair, batted ball on fair ground
while off his base and before while off his base and before
it touches a fielder or passes a it touches a fielder or passes a
fielder fielder.

62
2023 Rule:
Base Runner Out When a defensive player clearly When a base runner jumps over
has the ball and is waiting for the a defensive player waiting to tag,
runner and the runner deliber- the runner is out. If the feet go
ately and forcefully runs into the over waist high, or if the defen-
defensive player, the runner is sive player is kneeling, and the
declared out. The offender shall base runner’s feet go above the
be ejected, the ball is dead and all head of the defensive player, the
other runners must return to the base runner is not only out but
last base touched at the time of may be ejected from the game.
the collision.

2023 GSL Rule Changes Not Covered Elsewhere in

GSL/USSSA Playing Rules
UNIFORMS, Each GSL team must have matching uniforms with a clearly defined team
name and/or logo. Each player must also have a visible, unique, affixed number. If these
requirements cannot be satisfied, the option of being the home team will be forfeited.  If caps
are worn, the visor must be facing forward. Exception: Any player wearing a helmet or face
mask while playing defense.
DOUBLE ENTRY: Teams will be allowed to substitute all players a maximum of 2 times
per game. Starting the game is considered the players 1st time entering. Any player may
be substituted or replaced and re-entered once, providing player occupies the same batting
position in the line-up. For purposes of clarification: All players listed in the starting lineup are
considered to be entered one time.
IMPROPER DOUBLE ENTRY: The act of an improper re-entry is handled as an appeal by
the offended team. Improper re-entry will result in an ejection of offending player.
NO DEFENSIVE PLAYER shall take a position in the batter’s line of vision and attempt to
distract the batter.
EFFECT: The umpire shall first warn the offender, then may eject any player from the game
who then repeats the offense.

RULE 12. MEN’S CLASS “B,” “C,” “D,”

AND “E” PROGRAMS
Sec. 1. In the Men’s Class “B,” “C,” “D,” and “E” Programs, a minimum of 9 players
can start a game. However, an out shall be declared when the 10th position in the lineup is
scheduled to bat. A 10th player may be added to the 10th position any time before the end of a
game. Any team that starts a game with 10, 11 or 12 players may drop to the minimum of 9
players to finish the game. All vacant spot(s) in the lineup will be declared an out every time

63
that lineup position is due to bat. If a team starts with 9 or 10 players they are not allowed
to add the 11th or 12th player at a later time. Any player that leaves the game for any reason
may not return to the game. (This does not apply to normal re-entry and substitution)
Exception: A player who has left the game under the blood rule may return.
Note: The defensive team may walk the preceding batter or multiple batters to get to the
position or positions in the lineup that is an out due to having started with 9 players or having
dropped to 9, 10 or 11 players. No base appeals are allowed when this results in the third out
of the inning.
Sec. 2. In the Men’s Class “B,” “C,” “D” and “E” Program, as well as all other Men’s
Programs, on a fair fly ball hit over the fence for a home run, the batter and all base runners
are credited with a score. The batter and any runner on base do not need to advance and touch
the bases. They should go directly to the dugout area. This would eliminate any baserunning
appeals. This includes the four-base award.
Sec. 3. All playing rules not specifically covered in Rule 12 of this book shall be governed
by other rules as outlined in Rules 1 through 11 of the USSSA Rule Book.

RULE 13. WOMEN’S PROGRAM

Sec. 1. In the Women’s Program a minimum of 9 players can start a game. However an out
shall be declared when the 10th position in the lineup is scheduled to bat. A 10th player may
be added to the 10th position any time before the end of a game. Any team that starts a game
with 10, 11 or 12 players may drop to the minimum of 9 players to finish the game. All vacant
spot(s) in the lineup will be declared an out every time that lineup position is due to bat. If
a team starts with 9 or 10 players they are not allowed to add the 11th or 12th player at a later
time. Any player that leaves the game for any reason may not return to the game. (This does
not apply to normal re-entry and substitution) Exception: A player who has left the game
under the blood rule may return.
Note: The defensive team may walk the preceding batter or multiple batters to get to the
position or positions in the lineup that is an out due to having started with 9 players or having
dropped to 9, 10 or 11 players. No base appeals are allowed when this results in the third out
of the inning.
Sec. 2. In the Women’s program, on a fair fly ball hit over the fence for a home run, the
batter and all base runners are credited with a score. The batter and any runner on base does not
need to advance and touch the bases. They should go directly to the dugout area. This would
eliminate any base running appeals. This includes the four base award.
Sec. 3. All playing rules not specifically covered in Rule 13 of this book shall be governed
by other rules as outlined in Rules 1 through 11 of this USSSA Rule Book.

RULE 14. MIXED TEAM RULES

Sec. 1. Five male and five female players must be in the lineup at all times (six and six if
A.H. is used). Any five male and any five female players must play defense. Exception: A
minimum of 9 players can start a game. However, there must always be five females players

64
in the lineup. An out shall be declared for the 10th position in the lineup when that position
is scheduled to bat. A 10th player may be added in the 10th position of the lineup at any time
before the end of the game. That added player must be male.

Sec. 2. An 11-inch softball will be used when a female is batting and a 12-inch softball will
be used when a male is batting. It is an appeal play when the wrong ball is pitched to a batter.
If the appeal is allowed, then the batter returns to bat with the same ball and strike count he/
she had at the time of the pitch. Also, any base runners must return to the base occupied at the
time of pitch.

Sec. 3. In the Mixed Program, teams starting with 12 players may drop down to 11 or 10
players but cannot have more males than females in the line-up. For example, if a female
player is removed from the line-up, the male player following her in the line-up must be
removed. All vacant spots in the line-up will be declared an out every time that position in the
line-up is due to bat. If a team starts with 9 or 10 players, they are not allowed to add the 11th
or 12th player at a later time. Any player that leaves the game for any reason may not return to
the game. (This does not apply to normal re-entry and substitution) Exception: A player
who has left the game under the blood rule may return.
Note: The defensive team may walk the preceding batter or multiple batters to get to the
position or positions in the lineup that is an out due to having started with 9 players or having
dropped to 11 or 10 players. No base appeals are allowed when this results in the third out of
the inning. Male and female players must alternate in the batting order. Note: If a team starts
with 9 players, a female player must occupy the first position in the batting order.

Sec. 4. When a male batter receives a base on balls or intentional walk, he will be awarded
first and second base with the next female batter having the option to walk or bat.
NOTE: If the next female chooses to walk, it is not considered an intentional walk for the
purpose of making an appeal.

Sec. 5. In the Mixed program, on a fair fly ball hit over the fence for a home run, the batter
and all base runners are credited with a score. The batter and any runner on base does not
need to advance and touch the bases. They should go directly to the dugout area. This would
eliminate any base running appeals. This includes the four base award.

Sec. 6. All playing rules not specifically covered in Rule 14 in this book shall be governed
by the other rules in Rules 1 through 11 in this book.

65
 INDEX TO RULES
References are to Rule, Section, Subsection and Page Number.
Rule Reference Page(s) Rule Reference Page(s)
ACCIDENTS:........................................................... ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT.................... 10.2.J 54
To Player/Runner..............................................8.7.G 47-48 EQUIPMENT.........................................................2 9-17
To Umpire............................................................10.7 56 Ball.........................................................................2.3 14-15
ADDITIONAL HITTER....................................5.6 33 Bases......................................................................2.7 16
APPEAL PLAY......................................................3 18 Bats........................................................................2.2 9-14
During Live Ball.................................................6.11 37 Gloves....................................................................2.8 16
After Ball is dead.................................................6.12 37 Shoes......................................................................2.9 16
Situations.............................................8.5 S-T Effect 45 Uniform...............................................................2.11 17
May not be appealed...........................................10.8 56-57 FAIR BALL............................................................3 20
BALL, OFFICIAL GAME................................2.3 14-15 FIELDER:
BALL, IN RULINGS: Obstruction by................................................... 8.7.E 47
Defined.....................................................................3 18 Interference with..............................................8.4.I-J 43
Blocked ball..............................................................3 19 FLIP/FLOP RULE...........................................4.3.F 24-25
Called ball..............................................................7.4 40 FORCE OUT/PLAY..............................................3 20
Live ball.................................................................9.2 51-52 FOUL:
Put in play..............................................................9.1 51 Foul ball....................................................................3 20
BALLS AND STRIKES................................. 7.3-4 39-40 Foul tip......................................................................3 20
Base on balls..................................................8.3.A-B 42 GSL RULES..........................................................11 59-62
BASE HIT: HELMETS..................................................... 2.11.C 17
Hit Runner or Umpire................................8.2 Effect 41-42 HOME RUN RULE............................................4.8 26-27
Batter becomes Runner.........................................8.2 41-42 INFIELD FLY.................................................. 7.2.J 39
Batter awarded First Base.....................................8.3 42 IN FLIGHT.............................................................3 21
BASE RUNNER/BASE RUNNING....................8 41-51 INTENTIONALLY DROPPED BALL.......7.2.H 39
Is out.................................................................. 8.4-5 42-45 INTERFERENCE:..................................... 8.5 F-K 43-44
Advance one base.......................................... 8.7.C-E 47 Offensive.......................................................... 9.3.M 53
Advance two bases.............................8.6.H Effect 2; 46; Umpire...............................................................9.3.U 53
.................................................................8.7.F Effect 47 Spectator............................................................ 9.3.T 53
Advance three bases............................8.6.H Effect 1 46 Base Coach........................................................8.5.H 44
Advance four bases........................................... 8.7.A 46 Base Runner................................................. 8.5.B, D 43
Contact with base........................ 8.5.A; 8.5.T Effect 43; 44 Batter..................................................................7.2.F 39
Courtesy Runner..................................................8.13 51 JEWELRY..................................................... 2.11.B 17
BASE STEALING............................................8.11 49 MISSED BASE................................................8.5.U 45
BATTER/BATTING..............................................7 37-41 MIXED TEAM PROGRAM..............................14 63-64
Batter becomes Runner.........................................8.2 41-42 OBSTRUCTION ..................................................3 21
Batter Interference..............................................7.2.F 39 On Batter........................................................... 8.3.C 42
Batter out...............................................................7.2 38-39 On Runner......................................................... 8.7.E 47
Obstruction of Batter......................................... 8.3.C 42 OVERSLIDE/OVERRUNNING...................8.4.F 42
BATTER’S BOX.................................................1.5 9 PITCHER/PITCHING.........................................6 34-37
BATTING OUT OF ORDER......... 7.1.A-E Effect 38 Conference.......................................................3; 6.13 19; 37
BENCH AND DUGOUT....................................5.9 33 Legal positions......................................................6.3 34-35
BUNT................................................................ 7.2.C 39 Preparatory pitches................................................6.2 34
CATCH....................................................................3 19 Legal motions........................................................6.4 35
Illegal................................................................. 8.7.C 47 Ilegal actions........................................................6.10 36-37
CATCHER...........................................................6.6 36 Unfairly delivered pitch........................................6.9 36
Catcher’s box..................................................... 6.6.A 36 REENTRY.....................................................5.5; 11 32-33; 62
Obstruction by................................................... 8.3.C 42 RESUMING PLAY AFTER DEAD BALL.9.1.B 51
COACH...................................................................3 19 REMOVAL FROM GAME.............. 10.9.A Effect 57
Number..................................................................5.8 33 RUNNING OUT OF BASELINE.................8.5.O 44
Conduct................................................................5.10 33-34 RUN RULE...................................................... 4.3.E 24
CONDUCT: SCORING............................... 4.5-7; 8.5 Effect S-T 25; 45
Bench and field...............................................5.10-11 33-34 STARTING WITH LESS THAN
Umpire...............................................................10.11 58-59 TEN PLAYERS...................................................5.1 30
DEFLECTED BATTED BALL: SUBSTITUTE.....................................................5.3 30-31
Over Fence.......................................... 4.8.A Effect 2 26 Unannounced sub.................5.3C; 5.5.B Effect 1&2 31; 32-33
Touches Runner...............................................8.12.H 50 SUSPENSION OF PLAY...............................10.10 57
DEAD BALL.......................................................9.3 52-53 THE GAME............................................................4 23-30
DEFINITIONS.......................................................3 18-23 Regulation.............................................................4.3 23-25
DELAYING GAME: Forfeited................................................................4.9 27-28
By Pitcher............................................................6.10 36-37 Suspended..............................................................4.1 28
By Batter............................................................7.3.G 40 Protested..............................................................4.11 28-30
By Team............................................................. 4.9.C 27 THROWING A BAT.....................................5.10.F 34
DESIGNATED HOME RUN HITTER............11 UMPIRES.............................................................10 53-59
.......................................................... GSL Diff Chart 59 WOMENS PROGRAM.......................................... 13 63

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 COMMUNICABLE DISEASE PROCEDURES
While risk of one athlete infecting another with HIV/AIDS during competition is
close to non-existent there is a remote risk that other blood borne infectious diseases
can be transmitted. For example Hepatitis B can be present in blood as well as in
other body fluids. Procedures for reducing the potential for transmission of these
infectious agents should not be limited to the following:

1. The bleeding must be stopped, the open wound covered, and if there is an
excessive amount of blood on the uniform, it must be changed before the
athlete may participate.

2. Routine use of gloves or other precautions to prevent skin and mucous-

membrane exposure when contact with blood or other body fluids is
anticipated.

3. Immediately wash hands and other skin surfaces if contaminated (in

contact) with blood or other body fluids. Wash hands immediately after
removing gloves.

4. Clean all blood contaminated surfaces and equipment with a solution

made from proper dilution of household bleach (CDC recommends 1-100)
or other disinfectants before competition resumes.

5. Practice proper disposal procedures to prevent injuries caused by needles,

scalpels, and other sharp instruments or devices.

6. Although saliva has not been implicated in HIV transmission, to minimize

the need for emergency mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, mouthpieces,
resuscitation bags or other ventilation devices should be available for use.

7. Athletic trainers/coaches with bleeding or oozing skin conditions should

refrain from all direct athletic care until the condition is resolved.

8. Contaminated towels should be properly disposed of/disinfected.

9. Follow acceptable guidelines in the immediate control of bleeding

and when handling bloody dressings, mouth guards, and other articles
containing body fluids.

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 USSSA POLICY RE. FEDERAL, STATE
AND LOCAL CONCUSSION LAWS
USSSA, as a sanctioning body of athletic events, shares the concerns being raised
on a national and local level regarding concussions and concussion symptoms in
participants, coaches/managers and umpires/referees in USSSA sanctioned activities.
USSSA encourages its directors, umpires, coaches, referees, teams, team managers,
and all adults involved in youth activities and participants to learn all they can about
concussions in athletics and requires each of them and each of the USSSA directors
to follow all federal, state and local laws (including concussion training and reaction
laws) with regard to athletic competition sanctioned by USSSA. In addition, USSSA
hereby adds the following to the rule books of each USSSA sport which does not defer
to another organization for its rule book.
Upon becoming aware that a participant or coach/manager of his team has received
a suspected concussion (or has been struck in the head area with any significant
force), the Team Manager will not allow that person to participate in any USSSA
sanctioned event and if occurring during a USSSA sanctioned event, shall have
that person removed from the playing field of any USSSA sanctioned event. Upon
becoming aware that a participant, coach/manager or umpire/referee has received a
suspected concussion (or has been struck in the head area with any significant force),
a USSSA umpire/referee or director will have that person removed from the playing
field of any USSSA sanctioned event. Without a written medical clearance from a
licensed medical doctor to return to play, such persons will not be allowed to return
to the USSSA playing field in a USSSA sanctioned event. For umpires/referees,
the medical written consent must be presented to the Team Manager and retained
permanently by the USSSA State Director. For participants and coaches/managers,
the medical written medical consent must be presented to the Team Manager and
retained permanently by the Team Manager. Any Team Manager, who allows a coach/
manager or participant back on a USSSA sanctioned event playing field without first
obtaining the required written consent, may be suspended by the State Director for
up to one year and upon request of the State Director, may be suspended for a longer
duration by the USSSA disbarment committee. State Directors allowing an umpire/
referee back in the field of play without the necessary consent will be subject to being
disciplined as determined by the USSSA Board of Directors.
In the event of severe head trauma in a USSSA sanctioned activity, the injured person
will not be moved and an ambulance will be called, unless otherwise directed by a
qualified medical professional. The parent or guardian of the injured person, however,
will not be bound by this protocol and may choose a different approach consistent
with their legal rights as the parent or guardian.

68
 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
All of the Rules contained herein shall be subject to requests for reasonable modification
for purposes of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or other
applicable law. Unless otherwise required by law, for the purpose of Rule 20, a “disability”
is defined as a physical or mental impairment limiting one or more major life activities.

Reasonable modifications will be provided to disabled participants who satisfy all of

the essential skills, abilities, and eligibility requirements for participation in the activity
either in spite of a disability or with reasonable accommodation for a disability.

Reasonable modifications do not include the following:

1. Any modification which would change the fundamental nature of the activity;

2. Any modification which would result in an excessive financial or administrative

burden to the governing body, the local association or the league;

3. Any modification which would provide the participant with an unfair

competitive advantage; or

4. Any modification which would pose a significant risk to the health or safety of
the participant making the request for the modification, or to the health or safety
of other participants.

Any participant who, because of a disability, would like a reasonable modification to the
Rules in order to participate should advise the applicable Local Association Member,
league, tournament or state director, and/or event organizer of the following:

1. The requested modification; and

2. How the modification will address the specific disability.

It is highly recommended that any request for reasonable modification be made at least
two weeks in advance of the game, event or tournament to allow a reasonable inquiry
to be made. Such an inquiry will include consideration of the participant’s specific
circumstances and the purpose of the rule, policy or practice at issue. Although attempts
will be made to evaluate requests with less notice, it cannot be guaranteed that without
two-weeks’ notice a reasonable modification can be provided.

69
 USSSA SLOW PITCH NATIONAL BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I ORGANIZATION..................................................................................71
ARTICLE II TEAM ELIGIBILITY.............................................................................71
ARTICLE III TEAM CLASSIFICATIONS..................................................................72
ARTICLE IV INDIVIDUAL PLAYER ELIGIBILITY................................................75
ARTICLE V STATE AND INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENTS...............................77
ARTICLE VI NATIONAL REGIONAL, NATIONAL INVITATIONAL,
OR WORLD TOURNAMENTS............................................................78
ARTICLE VII OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES AND BY-LAWS...................................82
SUSPENSIONS................................................................................................................82
APPEAL/RIGHTS PROCESS.........................................................................................87

70
 USSSA SLOW PITCH
NATIONAL BY-LAWS

NOTE: Use of the word “he” in this publication is intended to include both the masculine
and feminine genders unless otherwise noted.

ARTICLE I - ORGANIZATION
“USSSA Slow Pitch Softball” shall be a sports division of the United States Specialty
Sports Association and shall be governed by the By-Laws of the United States Specialty
Sports Association, By-Laws of USSSA Slow Pitch Softball, the USSSA Slow Pitch
Softball Rule Book, Directives, and Policies as issued from the Association’s National
Headquarters.

ARTICLE II - TEAM ELIGIBILITY

Sec. 1. This Association shall be for amateur Slow Pitch players to compete as a team under
an adopted set of administrative rules and playing rules.

Sec. 2. No team shall be allowed to compete in USSSA sanctioned leagues or tournaments

without paying their national and state team registration fees to the Association.

Sec. 3. A team must be composed of not more than 20 eligible players. Coaches or
managers must be included in the 20 in order to be eligible to play. Program Directors can
submit a request to the National Slow Pitch Committee requesting rosters be expanded to 25
eligible players. Requests must be submitted prior to the National Convention.

Sec. 4. When a member of a team is called into the military, he may be replaced by any
other eligible player. Players returning from active military service may be added to a team’s
eligible roster, provided the number of eligible players on the team’s roster does not exceed the
total number allowed at any one time.

Sec. 5. The cut-off date for adding players to a team roster shall be in accordance with rules
set forth in these By-Laws.

71
Sec. 6. All teams that wish to compete in out-of-state tournaments sanctioned by the
USSSA must register and be classified by their home State Director.
Tournament Directors in violation of this rule shall be subject to sanction by the Association and
the tournament which violated this rule shall not be considered sanctioned by the Association
and the awarding of any advancement berth may not be honored.

Sec. 7. Male team rosters shall include only male players and female team rosters shall
include only female players.

Sec 8. All playing rules incorporated into the Adult Program shall automatically be
extended to include specialty programs of that gender.

ARTICLE III – TEAM CLASSIFICATIONS

Sec. 1. Teams and individuals will be classified either by the Association’s National
By-Laws or by their respective State Director.

Sec. 2. A. Teams not classified by the Association’s National By-Laws will be classified
by their respective State Director. State Directors will decide on an acceptable
method to control team rosters and classifications of all programs.
B. The main criteria for classifying teams is the overall strength of the team
offensively and defensively regardless of whether the team has home run ability.
Example: Depending on the strength of the offense and defense, a men’s team may
be classified Men’s Major, AA, A, B, C, D, or E. A women’s team may be classified
Women’s Major, A, B, C, D or E. And a mixed team may be classified Mixed Major,
B, C, D or E.
C. The classification of all teams that are not moved up by the Association’s
National By-Laws will be determined by the appropriate State Director or National
Slow Pitch Committee. Teams are not exempt from being classified by their State
Director or National Slow Pitch Committee according to the overall strength of the
team simply because a national reclassification by-law does not affect their team.
Note: The National Slow Pitch Committee has final authority on classification of all
teams.
EXCEPTION: Conference USSSA teams are classified by the Conference USSSA
Classification Committee.
D. Men’s and Women’s Major, AA, and A teams follow the CUSSSA Point
Classification. A Men’s and Women’s B team may carry one of the following
options on their roster: one (1) Major Player, or two (2) Watch List/AA players, or
one (1) Watch List/AA player and one (1) A Player Rating Value (PRV) player, or
three (3) A PRV level players. Rosters must be approved by the State Director and
National Classification Committee when using players above the A level.

E. Men’s Class C and Women’s Class C teams and below will follow the Player
Restrictive Value (PRV) guideline. A Men’s Class C and Women’s Class C teams
and below may carry a maximum of 3 players whose PRV is one classification

72
 higher. For example, a Men’s Class C team may carry a maximum of 3 players with
PRV’s of B.
Players whose PRV includes the “Elite” classification must play that level or higher;
they are not eligible to drop a level of classification. For example, a female player
with a D Elite PRV is eligible to play on a Women’s Class D team or higher.

Sec. 3. A State Director has the authority to reclassify any team during the current season
except when a team has been reclassified by the By-Laws or the National Slow
Pitch Committee. Note: National Slow Pitch Committee has final authority on
classification of all teams.

Sec. 4. A. The winner of all Men’s and Women’s National or World Tournaments with 25
or more teams will automatically be required to compete the following year in the
next highest classification.
B. The top ten (10) percent of the finishing teams in the Men’s Class B, C, D, and
E, Women’s Class B, C, D, and E, and Mixed Class D and E World Tournaments
must compete the following year in a higher classification.  NOTE: This includes
teams that are tied with teams finishing in the top 10 percent in order of their finish.
All percentages are rounded up.  EXCEPTION: Tournaments with fewer than 25
teams are exempt.
C. The top three (3) finishing teams in the Recreational Division of the Black
American World Tournaments must compete the following year in the Competitive
Division of the Black American Programs.
D. The top three (3) finishing teams in the Recreation Division of the Hispanic
World Tournament must compete the following year in the Competitive Division of
the Hispanic Program.
E. The winner of all Church Competitive and Recreational National Tournaments
with 16 or more teams from their classification will automatically be required to
compete the following year in the next higher classification.
F. Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g), also apply to teams that change
their team name or sponsorship.

Sec. 5. A. Teams reclassified by the By-Laws or the National Slow Pitch Committee must
participate in their new classification for a period of one (1) year. Teams that fail to
participate the following year will remain at the new classification until such time
as they participate and meet the requirements below. Note: Any team reclassified
by the By-Laws with four (4) or more players from the previous year’s roster must
participate in their new classification for a period of one (1) year; however, any
team reclassified by the By-Laws may make an appeal to be reinstated to its former
classification only after the team has played a minimum of four (4) tournaments in
the appropriate Men’s, Specialty Program, Women’s Program or Mixed Program.
Such an appeal can only be made between June 1 and July 1 and must be submitted

73
 on proper form, except the Mixed Program, which is no later than October 1st.
Appeals for all programs must be filled out on the official USSSA appeal form and
submitted to the State Director. The State Director will forward the appeal to the
National Slow Pitch Committee with a recommendation. A decision on all appeals
must be rendered within 10 days. Copies of the appeal decisions must be forwarded
to USSSA National Headquarters within 5 days after the decision is made.
B. Teams not reclassified by the By-Laws or the National Slow Pitch Committee
that want to appeal their classification may do so between December 1 and March
1 and/or June 1 and July 1. Teams reclassified by appeal between December 1 and
March 1 may be reclassified by the State Director after the team plays four (4)
USSSA sanctioned tournaments or June 1, whichever occurs first. Teams appealing
between June 1 and July 1 must have played in four (4) USSSA sanctioned
tournaments. Appeals must be filled out on an official USSSA appeal form and
submitted to the State Director. The State Director will forward the appeal to the
National Slow Pitch Committee with a recommendation.
C. Exception: Teams reclassified by the By-Laws or the National Slow Pitch
Committee, with extenuating circumstances, may appeal their new classification
between December 1 and March 1 to the State Director. The State Director will
forward the appeal to the National Slow Pitch Committee with a recommendation.
Appeals must be filled out on an official USSSA appeal form.

Sec. 6. If a Men’s Class “B,” “C,” “D,” or “E” team has any combination of four (4) or more
players who meet the following criteria, the team must participate in the new classification for
a period of 1 year with the same restriction as outlined in Sec. 5 above.
A. Players from any combination of teams moved up within the same classification.
For example, Team One, Team Two, and Team Three have been reclassified by the
USSSA By-Laws from Class “D” to “C.” A team comprised of 2 players from Team
One, and 1 player from Team Two, and 1 player from Team Three must participate
in Class “C”.
B. Players from any combination of teams moved up within the same classification,
plus players from the previous season of the same or higher classification of the
team’s new classification. For example, Team One and Team Two have been
reclassified by the USSSA By-Laws from Class “E” to “D.” A team comprised of
2 players from Team One, plus 1 player from Team Two, plus 1 player who played
“D” the previous season would be required to participate in Class “D” or higher
for a period of one (1) year. Or a team comprised of 1 player from Team One plus
3 players who played “D” the previous season would be required to participate in
Class “D”.
Sec. 7. The Mixed Program shall feature five Divisions that will be called Mixed Major, B,
C, D and E.
A. Teams or individuals not reclassified by the By-Laws will be classified by
their respective State Director. If a player does not have a current year playing
history, the player’s most current tenured playing history will be reverted to.

74
 B. A Mixed Major team shall be allowed any number of male or female players
whose names appears on the Association’s Major Player or Watch List.
C. Mixed B team shall be allowed to have male players whose current
classification is B, C, D and E. Mixed B team shall be allowed to have a maximum
of 4 female players from the Major Player List, Watch List or a women’s team
whose current classification is AA. The classification of all other female players
will be their current team’s classification of A, B, C, D or E.
D. Mixed C, D and E teams shall only be allowed to have male players
whose Player Rating Value (PRV) is the same or lower than the Mixed team
classification. Female players can play one level below their PRV and are not
required to play at that level during the year. No player can play two levels below
their PRV for the year. Example: A Mixed D team can have male players whose
PRV is D Elite or below. Any male player C or higher is not eligible on a Mixed
D team. A Mixed D team can have female players that have a PRV of C Elite or
lower. A female B player playing on a Women’s C team would not be able to play
on a Mixed D team, because that would be two levels below their PRV. Note: Any
exceptions must be approved by the Executive Director or his designee.

ARTICLE IV - INDIVIDUAL PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

Sec. 1. A player is eligible to compete in the USSSA program as long as he abides by the
USSSA National By-Laws, the USSSA slow pitch softball playing rules, and the By-Laws
of USSSA slow pitch softball, when listed as a member of an eligible team. All adult players
must be 18-years or older.
Sec. 2. The method to be used to classify a player as a participant in all programs will be
governed by rules made within a State and the By-Laws of USSSA slow pitch softball.
Sec. 3. A player shall not compete in any sanctioned tournament of the Association with
more than one team in any program during the same tournament with the exception of the
USSSA senior program.
Sec. 4. A Tournament Director may not manage, coach, participate as a player or umpire in
any tournament in which he serves as a Tournament Director.
Sec. 5. A. When a team qualifies for a World Tournament, the team roster may be locked,
whether a team accepts the berth or not. When a roster is locked, the manager will
not have access to making online changes, and all roster additions and releases must
have State Director approval.
All World Tournament rosters will become frozen 72 hours prior to the World
Tournament and remain frozen until the conclusion of all World Tournaments in that
team’s respective program. Players will be bound to this team until the conclusion of
the World Tournament for their respective program with the exception of specialty
and seasonal world tournaments. All roster additions must be made 72 hours prior to
the start of a World Tournament. In case of an emergency, the National Slow Pitch
Committee may authorize these additions within 72 hours of a championship event.

75
 B. All players added to a locked/frozen roster must meet the following
requirements:
1. Players cannot be on another team’s roster within the same program.
NOTE: A team’s roster remains frozen until the conclusion of all World
Tournaments in that team’s respective program, with the exception of specialty and
seasonal world tournaments.
2. All roster additions must be approved by the State Director.

C. All rostered players can only drop one level. E. g., a rostered C player can only
drop to the D level and is not eligible to play E. Any exception must be submitted to
the National Slow Pitch Committee through the State Director for approval.
NOTE: A rostered player is viewed by his previous World roster or the last tenured
roster on which his name appeared.
D. Any exceptions to Article IV, Sec. 5 above must be approved by the respective
State Director and the National Slow Pitch Committee.
Sec. 6. A team with a locked or frozen roster with less than ten players which has used all
options for additions and releases may apply for status of disbandment with the State Director.
If approval is given, the team forfeits all berths and sponsor travel monies earned. A disbanded
team may not reform with more than 9 players. Teams may not apply for disbandment after
August 1st. A mixed team may not apply after September 15th.
Note: Teams with frozen rosters that break up or that are not advancing to championship play
may also apply for disbandment.
Sec. 7. A. Each year the Major Player National Committee, with the assistance of State
Directors, shall compile a list of male and female players who will be classified as
Major Players or Watch List Players. The list shall be completed by December 1st
of each year and shall be posted on the Association’s official website. Such posting
on the official website shall constitute a notice to players, managers, and sponsors
as to whom the Major Players and Watch List Players are for the new season.
B. Any and all player appeals, including Major and Watch Player Lists, must be
submitted between January 1 and January 31st 11:59PM EST.
Sec. 8. Any player whose name appears on the Major Players List shall not be allowed to
play at the Men’s Class C, D, or E level.
Sec. 9. A player who is in violation the Association’s National By-Laws, the USSSA
slow pitch softball playing rules, and/or the By-Laws of USSSA slow pitch softball shall be
considered an ineligible player.
Sec. 10. Anytime during the game or after, if the Tournament Director discovers an ineligible
player, he has the authority to apply penalties as described in the USSSA slow pitch softball
playing rules, and/or the By-Laws of USSSA slow pitch softball.
Sec. 11. Anytime during a tournament game or after, or after the completion of a tournament,
if an ineligible player is discovered up to one year from the tournament date, penalties may be

76
applied as described in the USSSA slow pitch softball playing rules, and/or the By-Laws of
USSSA slow pitch softball.
Sec. 12. All sections under Article III shall apply to sanctioned USSSA leagues if the league
offers a National or World Tournament berth.
Sec. 13. All players participating in adult USSSA tournament play shall have photo ID
available. Failure to do so will result in Rule 4, Sec. 11-A 4-5 of the USSSA Rule Book to
be applied. The offending team loses the game, is ejected from the tournament, placed last in
the standings and forfeits all awards, sponsor travel money, and tournament berths that would
have been awarded at the tournament. EXCEPTION: If the loss incurred by the offending
team was its first loss of the tournament and if the player(s) in question can subsequently
furnish a valid photo ID prior to their next scheduled game, the offending team may remain in
the tournament.

ARTICLE V
STATE AND INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENTS
Sec. 1. The State or Area Director shall conduct all tournaments within his defined area or
assure himself that proper administration is being effected at all times.
Sec. 2. A team can only participate in a State Tournament in its respective program and
class in one state during a season. For example, a Men’s Class “A” team can only participate in
one Men’s Class “A” State Tournament, a Men’s Class “B” can only participate in one Men’s
Class “B” State Tournament. Teams may play in a maximum of three State Tournaments
(one in the same class and two in a higher class). EXCEPTION: Teams may play in State
Tournaments outside of their respective state only with the joint approval of the team’s State
Director and the host State Director.
Sec. 3. Amounts to be charged as entry fees for such tournaments shall be left up to the
discretion of the respective State or Area Director.
Sec. 4. The number of trophies and awards and amount of travel monies to be awarded will
be left up to the discretion of the State Director or the Chairman of the National Slow Pitch
Committee.
Sec. 5. Each State or Area Director shall adopt an acceptable system to be used for
qualifying teams for State and National Tournaments. Established league participation may be
included in such a system if so desired.
Sec. 6. All State Champions shall automatically qualify themselves for next year’s State
Tournament provided they register with the Association.
Sec. 7. A. Only USSSA-approved softballs can be used in State and Invitational
Tournaments. Such approval will be made by the Association’s Board of Directors.
B. USSSA-registered or sanctioned leagues, that are played on facilities that
are covered under the USSSA Liability Insurance Policy as an additional named
insured must at all times use a USSSA-approved licensed softball.

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Sec. 8. State Tournaments shall be scheduled to provide each team at least two games of
participation. This can be changed at the site of the tournament, by the Tournament Director,
after the start of the tournament and it is determined that it would not be feasible to attempt to
continue on the double-loss plan due to weather conditions or other acts of God. A substitute
plan will be decided upon at the tournament site. NOTE: This substitute plan may include
using the One-Pitch Rule.
Sec. 9. Tournament Directors shall not be compelled to make refunds after the published
tournament cut-off date regardless of circumstances.
Sec. 10. No change to a team’s roster will be allowed after the team has begun play in its first
game during a tournament.

ARTICLE VI - NATIONAL REGIONAL, NATIONAL

INVITATIONAL, OR WORLD TOURNAMENTS
Sec. 1. All playing fields used in National Regional, National Invitational, or World
Tournaments must meet the specifications as outlined in the Official Rule Book. All playing
fields must have outfield fences. Any field with outfield fences located closer to, or farther
from, home plate than what the Official USSSA Rule Book specifies must be approved in
advance by the Association’s Executive Director or appropriate Executive Vice President
National Director of Slow Pitch.
Sec. 2. USSSA-licensed softballs displaying the USSSA approval or USSSA logo must
be used in National Regional, National Invitational or World Tournaments. Approval of
softballs to be used in the USSSA program must be made by executing an Official Licensing
and Royalty Agreement prepared by the Association’s General Counsel and signed by the
Association’s Executive Director.
Sec. 3. National Regional, National Invitational and World Tournament play shall be under
the jurisdiction of the Association’s Executive Director. A Tournament Director shall supervise
the event and be responsible for insuring that the tournament is run according to all rules,
procedures and terms of the written contract and to insure that the event is run according to
all rules and regulations of the Association. The Tournament Director in carrying out his or
her duties shall report directly to the Association’s Executive Director, Assistant Executive
Director, Executive Vice President or the Chairman of the National Slow Pitch Committee
National Director of Slow Pitch, as appropriate. An Executive Vice President or the Chairman
of the National Slow Pitch Committee The National Director of Slow Pitch may act, when
called upon, as a liaison officer between the host tournament sponsor and the Association’s
Executive Director or Assistant Executive Director.
Sec. 4. A. National Regional, National Invitational or World Tournaments with twelve or
more entries may not be canceled for lack of participation.
B. If a tournament is canceled for lack of participation, no USSSA tournament of
the same classification may be held at that location on that date.
C. In all Mixed and Women’s NIT tournaments with less than six teams, the
Tournament Director has the option to run the event without trophies, with one
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 umpire and/or without scorekeepers. Teams must be notified by the Tournament
Director in advance of these changes and given the option to play or withdraw.
D. National Invitational Tournaments requesting cancellation must do so by
notifying the appropriate Executive Vice President National Director of Slow Pitch
within 24 hours of the cutoff date.
E. National Regional and World Tournaments requesting cancellation must do so
by notifying the Executive Director within 24 hours of the cutoff date.
F. Men’s Class B and Women’s Class B and above World Tournaments will
follow Conference USSSA Rules and Procedures.

Sec. 5. Amounts to be charged as team entry fees for National Regional or World
Tournaments will be decided upon by Association’s Board of Directors. The Board of Directors
shall also decide what amount of the entry fee shall go to the National Treasury.
Sec. 6. Teams participating in the National Regional or World Tournaments, including the
World Series, must compete within their respective classifications for championship play. For
example: A Men’s Class “C” team must participate in the Men’s Class “C” National Regional
Tournament to be eligible for the Men’s Class “C” World Tournament. NOTE: Teams
qualified for a Men’s or Women’s B, C, D or E World Tournament may play in additional
Men’s or Women’s World Tournaments of a higher level, or in a World Tournament of a higher
level in lieu of their respective classification.
EXCEPTION (a): If a National Regional Tournament of a higher classification is held on
a different date, a team may play in that event. However, it must also play in its respective
National Regional Tournament.
EXCEPTION (b): Men’s and Women’s “A” World Tournaments and Men’s and Women’s
Major World Series.
Sec. 7. Teams participating in National Regional or World Tournaments, including the
World Series, must be completely uniformed within the following guidelines:
A. World Series teams must wear similar uniforms. This includes caps, jerseys,
long pants or shorts and leggings. Whether long pants or shorts are worn, all team
members must wear similar uniforms. In the Women’s and Mixed World Series,
caps are optional; however, when worn, they must be similar. In the Mixed World
Series, long or short pants are optional; however, when worn, long pants and/or
short pants shall be similar.
B. All Girl’s Youth, Boy’s Youth, Mixed Youth, Corporate Class “A,” and Men’s
“A” teams must wear similar uniforms. This includes jerseys, long pants or shorts
and leggings. Whether long pants or shorts are worn, all team members must wear
similar uniforms. Caps are optional; however, when worn, they must be similar.
C. All Men’s Class “B” and “C” and Women’s “A,” “B,” “C,” and “D” teams
must wear similar uniforms. This includes the same color and style jerseys, with or
without the team sponsor’s name. Long pants and/or shorts may be worn. Leggings,

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 when worn, must be similar on all team members. Caps are optional; however,
when worn, they must be similar.
D. All Church, Corporate “B,” Union Local, and Men’s Military Varsity “A” and
“B” teams must wear similar uniforms. This includes same color and style jerseys,
with or without the team or sponsor’s name. Long pants or shorts and leggings,
when worn, must be similar on all team members. Caps are optional; however,
when worn, they must be similar.
E. All Men’s Class “D” and “E,” Mixed, Hispanic, Law Enforcement, Men’s
Military Intramural, Women’s Military, and Black American teams must wear
similar uniforms.
F. In all programs non-duplicating numbers will be required at National Regional
and World Tournaments. The numbers must be a minimum of 3 inches in size and
clearly visible.
G. Shoes and under jerseys, regardless of color and style will be permitted as long
as they meet USSSA Rule Book specifications.
H. Protests on uniforms will not be allowed. It shall be the Tournament Director’s
responsibility to determine uniform legality. Violation of the uniform rule will result
in the violator being allowed to conform or be removed from the game.
Sec. 8. Teams may become eligible to participate in National Regional or World
Tournaments as follows:

A. USSSA registered teams that qualify in State or Area Programs through

whatever system is established.

Sec. 9. All teams receiving berths to National Regional or World Tournaments must play
in their home state’s State Tournament, provided such a State Tournament is held. Failure to
play in the State Tournament, if held, will result in forfeiture of the National Regional or World
berth. This section is considered as optional. A State Director has the option of using or not
using this regulation. Teams may be exempt from participating in the State Tournament with
written permission from the appropriate Executive Vice President National Director of Slow
Pitch or the Chairman of the National Slow Pitch Committee .

Sec. 10. All entry forms and team rosters of teams entering National Regional or World
Tournaments must be approved by applicable State Directors. If a state does not have a
State Director, then such approval can be given by the Chairman of the National Slow Pitch
Committee.

Sec. 11. When a team that has qualified to compete in a National Regional or World
Tournament for some legitimate reason cannot compete, the State Director may select the next
team in line to take their place or may select a substitute plan to award the berth.

Sec. 13. A. Only Conference USSSA teams during the current season may qualify for the
Major World Series based on the Conference USSSA point system.

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 EXCEPTION: The Conference USSSA Director may award a berth to one (1)
military team in each of the Men’s and Women’s Major World Series. The Conference
USSSA Director may award berths at the last qualifying team Conference USSSA
event.
B. All Men’s “B,” “C,” “D,” and “E” and Women’s “B,” “C,” and “D” teams
who receive a berth to the World Tournament must participate in the appropriate
National Regional Tournament, if held. Failure to play will result in the forfeiture
of the berth. Teams may be exempt from participating in the National Regional
Tournament with written permission from the appropriate Executive Vice President
or the Chairman of the National Slow Pitch Committee National Director of Slow
Pitch.
C. Any Women’s State Champion outside the continental U.S. will receive a
direct berth into their World Tournament. They will have the option of playing in
the National Regional Tournament, if held.
Sec. 14. No change to a team’s roster will be allowed after the team has begun play in its first
game during a tournament.
Sec. 15. A deadline for accepting entries in National Regional or World Tournaments shall be
set by the Tournament Director and approved by the Executive Director, Assistant Executive
Director or Executive Vice-President National Director of Slow Pitch.
Sec. 16. National Regional and World Tournaments shall be scheduled to provide each team
at least two games of participation. This can be changed at the site of the tournament by the
Tournament Director after the start of the tournament and it is determined that it would be
feasible to attempt to continue on the double-loss play due to weather conditions or other acts
of God. A substitute plan will be decided at that time keeping in mind what would be best for
out of town teams. Note: This substitute plan may involve using the One-Pitch Rule. The Boys
and Girls Youth World Series shall guarantee each team four games. Each team will have a
two-game minimum in pool play followed by a double elimination tournament with seeding
based on the pool-play games.
Sec. 17. The Association shall reserve the right to operate a souvenir booth at any National
Regional or World Tournament. All profits realized from the operation of such a booth shall go
to the Association.
Sec. 18. States may not conduct a tournament of the same classification, on the same days,
within a 400 mile radius of a National Invitational Tournament if it is open to teams outside
of its own State. This does not apply to Men’s “B,” “C,” “D,” and “E” National Invitational
Tournaments.
A. Any such tournament in violation of this rule shall not be considered sanctioned
by the Association and the awarding of any advancement berth will not be honored.
B. Directors in violation of this rule shall be subject to sanction by the Association.
C. Any exception must be approved by the appropriate Executive Vice-President
or the Chairman of the National Slow Pitch Committee.

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 ARTICLE VII – OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES
AND BY-LAWS
Sec. 1. Any Slow Pitch State Director, or any member of the National Slow Pitch Committee
or Board of Directors, may submit a rule or by-law change proposal at any time to the National
Slow Pitch Committee. The proposal must be submitted on the Official Rule or By-Law
Change Proposal Form. The form must be filled out completely and can be submitted to any
member of the National Slow Pitch Committee. Local or Area Directors may also submit a
rule or by-law change proposal if it is approved by their respective State Director.
Sec. 2. A majority vote of the National Slow Pitch Committee is required to pass a rule or
by-law change. All rule and by-laws passed will require a 15-day waiting period for review
by the Board of Directors. If there is no objection raised by the Board, then Section 3 below
will apply. If an objection is raised by the Board, then the rule or by-law change process
under Section 1 above and Section 2 must be repeated until the concern raised by the Board is
addressed.
Sec. 3. Rules passed by the National Slow Pitch Committee can either be:
A. Put into effect immediately subsequent to a 15-day waiting period following
an announcement to all State Directors and State Umpires-In-Chief;
B. Put into effect the following season.

SUSPENSIONS
Excerpted from #0006 of the USSSA Policies & Procedures Manual
PROCEDURE:
State Directors and National Sports Program Chairs only have the authority to suspend
within their sport’s jurisdiction. If the State Director or National Sports Program Chair feels
it necessary to go out of his/her jurisdiction, he/she must contact the appropriate National
Director or other appropriate person at National Headquarters to pursue suspension.
Sec. 1. Anyone that is debarred/suspended by USSSA under this Policy for any reason,
shall not be allowed to participate in any capacity within the Association or to enter a USSSA
facility until the suspension has ended, unless otherwise provided in the suspension notice.

Sec. 2. Tournament/League Directors have the authority to eject a player or team anytime
during a Tournament/League. Ejections are not suspensions/debarments and are not appealable.

Sec. 3. The following are Section 3 Acts, which may result in a Section 3 Suspension/
Debarment:

A. Physically attacking anyone in connection with any USSSA activity.

B. Anyone threatening a USSSA Officer, Director, Official, Employee or

Independent Contractor.

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C. Anyone, in connection with a USSSA activity fighting; using unsportsmanlike
conduct; using abusive tactics, derogatory or unbecoming acts that are detrimental
or not in the best interests of USSSA. Actions that disrupt a USSSA event shall be
considered unsportsmanlike conduct.

D. Anyone failing to cooperate with USSSA in identifying the user or owner of an

altered bat or in any other matter that might result in a suspension.

E. Anyone returning a bat to play that has been removed from play by a USSSA
Director or Umpire.

F. Destroying of property or the abuse of hotel property or failure to pay hotel or

motel bills in connection with a USSSA activity.

G. Knowingly competing with or against ineligible or suspended players.

H. Participating in or permitting a fraud to be perpetrated.

I. Refusing to submit funds to the Association that are due to the Association.

J. Competing under an assumed name.

K. Submitting a check for any reason that cannot be negotiated for payment.

L. Failing to arrive after entering a National or World Tournament unless

reasonable advance notice is given.

M. Using or publishing false or derogatory information to the detriment of

USSSA, its Officers, Directors or Officials or Participants in a USSSA sanctioned
event, either in person or in a physical writing or email or through social media
posts.

N. Participating after being informed that a Participant is suspended/disbarred/

ineligible.

O. Anyone violating any Articles of the By-Laws, Rule Book, Directives,

Procedures, and Association Policies, and specifically this Policies and Procedures
Manual.

P. Anyone failing to submit information due the Association in a timely manner.

Q. Any Manager, Sports Official, Tournament or League Director that allows

anyone other than a Participant, Manager, Coach, Trainer or Sponsor to be in the
dugout, bench or field of play during a USSSA Sanctioned Activity and anyone
other than a Participant, Manager, Coach, Trainer, Sports Official or Sponsor
who is in the dugout, bench or field of play during a USSSA Sanctioned Activity.
Managers, Coaches, Trainers and Sponsors must be 18 years of age or older to be
allowed in the dugout, bench or field of play during a USSSA Sanctioned Activity.

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 R. Any Sports Official, Tournament Director or League Director, who upon
identifying an unacceptable risk to safe play at the site of a USSSA Sanctioned
Event allows play to continue prior to removal of that risk to safety.
S. Anyone wearing USSSA marked Sports Official clothing (including but not
limited to shirts, pants, shorts, shoes, caps) or protective gear or otherwise holding
themselves out as a USSSA Registered Sports Official when officiating or otherwise
acting in any capacity for any event other than a USSSA Sanctioned Event.

T. Failure to report any incident or charge, the failure to report of which would
constitute a violation of the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe
Sport Authorization Act of 2017 (Safe Sport Act).

U. Any act that would be a violation of the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual
Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 (Safe Sport Act).

The Safe Sport Act requires that a covered individual who learns of facts that give
reason to suspect that a child has suffered an incident of child abuse, including
sexual abuse, shall as soon as possible make a report of the suspected abuse to the
agency designated by the Attorney General. The term ‘covered individual’ means
an adult who is authorized, by a national governing body, or an amateur sports
organization that participates in interstate or international amateur athletic compe-
tition, to interact with a minor or amateur athlete at an amateur sports organization
facility or at any event sanctioned by a national governing body, a member of a
national governing body, or such an amateur sports organization. The term ‘event’
includes travel, lodging, practice, competition, and health or medical treatment.
The terms ‘amateur athlete’, ‘amateur athletic competition’, ‘amateur sports
organization’, ‘international amateur athlete competition’, and ‘national governing
body’ have the meanings given the terms in section 220501(b) of title 36, United
States Code. The term ‘as soon as possible’ means within 24-hour period.
Sec. 4. Only State Directors, National Sports Program Chairs and National Directors
have the authority to issue suspensions/debarments for Section 3 Acts and only for a period
of one year from the time of the incident. All reports of suspension must be in writing and
submitted to the USSSA National Headquarters within 30 days of the suspension. Copies of
such suspensions shall be sent to the party against whom it is directed. Any offense that occurs
may be acted upon by the State Director in the state in which the offense occurred. Should
the State Director not take action, he or she shall submit the incident to the player or team’s
home State Director to be acted upon. Any Section 3 Debarment/Suspension beyond the one-
year suspension shall be ruled upon by the Association’s Board of Directors or Debarment
Committee at any time it convenes. In order for such action to be effective, reasonable notice
(at least 30 days) shall be given to the offending person before the convening of the Board of
Directors or Debarment Committee. Such notice shall be deemed sufficient if either mailed
or emailed to the mailing or email address of the offending party last on file with the USSSA
National Office or the USSSA State Director’s Office (and if none is on file, to the address or
email address of the offending party’s manager or coach); and contains a written statement of
the offense and the length and terms of the requested additional debarment beyond the one
year suspension.
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The offending party may prepare a written explanation and provide written evidence for the
Board of Directors or Debarment Committee as to why the additional suspension or debar-
ment should not be imposed. The decision of the Board of Directors or Debarment Commit-
tee shall be final and binding and not be the subject of an appeal.

Sec. 5. The USSSA Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer and State Directors
have the authority to issue indefinite suspensions for anyone who fails to meet financial
responsibilities.

Sec. 6. Anyone who has been disbarred/suspended or declared ineligible, may use the
appeal process procedure as set forth herein, except as otherwise limited by the provisions of
these Policies and Procedures (such limiting provisions include, but are not limited to, those
found in section 7, below).

Sec. 7. The following Section 7 Acts may result in Section 7 Suspension/Debarment:

A. Filing a Law Suit. Any person who files a frivolous lawsuit against USSSA,
any of its Directors, Board Members or affiliates regarding a matter that is in any
way associated with USSSA activities, is suspended permanently from all USSSA
activities upon filing of such a lawsuit. Whether a lawsuit is frivolous will be
determined by the Board of Directors in its sole and absolute discretion. A Person
for purposes of this paragraph includes any natural person, the parents or guardians
of a natural person who is a minor on behalf of whom a lawsuit is filed, any Entity
(including, but not limited to corporations, non-profit organizations, partnerships,
trusts and limited liability companies) recognized under state or federal law, any
beneficial or other owner of an Entity that brings suit under state or federal law and
anyone that controls or is part of the group that controls the Entity. To the extent
that the terms of this paragraph are unclear or ambiguous, the USSSA Board of
Directors in its sole and absolute discretion shall determine their meaning in a way
that excludes those who might have participated in any lawsuit against the USSSA.
In its sole and absolute discretion, the USSSA Board of Directors may commute a
suspension under this paragraph, if it is determined in the Board of Directors’ sole
and absolute discretion that there is no reason to believe that the Person will attempt
to resolve any future dispute by the hiring of lawyers or the filing of a law suit or that
the suspension is in any other way inappropriate for the best interests of the USSSA.
To the extent that application of this section 7(a) would violate state, local or federal
law, this section 7(a) shall not apply.   
B. Threatening to, or using, an Attorney to resolve disputes. Any Participant,
Official, Team, Sponsor, Related Party (including but not limited to parents,
spouses and children of Participants, Officials, etc.) or any other person who
threatens in writing a legal action against USSSA, USSSA Directors, USSSA
Board of Directors Members, or USSSA Affiliates regarding a matter that is in
any way associated with USSSA or has a lawyer contact on their behalf USSSA, a
USSSA Director, a member of the USSSA Board of Directors, or USSSA Affiliates
regarding a matter of disagreement that is in any way associated with USSSA may

85
 be suspended from all USSSA activities until such threatened legal actions or legal
disagreements are resolved to the satisfaction of the USSSA Board of Directors. In
addition, that Person’s (or any related Party’s) team and each of its members and
other Persons related to that team may be suspended from all USSSA activities until
such threatened legal actions or legal disagreements are resolved to the satisfaction
of the USSSA Board of Directors.
Anyone who threatens legal action or the use of a lawyer to address disputes with
USSSA may be suspended/debarred indefinitely under Policies or Procedures
which address such acts. There will be no right to appeal from such Suspensions,
except as provided under such Policies or Procedures.
Threatening legal action or threatening to retain a lawyer regarding a USSSA
related dispute in a verbal communication with a USSSA Director, Board Member
or Official is unsportsmanlike conduct that may result in suspension or removal
from a USSSA activity.
C. Charged with, or convicted of, a violent felony or of a sexual nature
involving a minor. Anyone charged with a violent felony or any crime of a sexual
nature involving a minor shall be suspended/disbarred until such time as those
charges are withdrawn or the person is found innocent of those charges. Anyone
convicted of such crimes shall be suspended/disbarred for life from all USSSA
sanctioned activities and facilities. The appeal of such a suspension may be made
by use of the Procedures for Appeal below.
D. Involved with using or altering a equipment. Anyone who has a suspension
resulting from an altered bat or ball rule may be suspended for life as determined
by the USSSA rules and that determination may be made by the Chief Executive
Officer or the Board of Directors. The appeal of such an issue shall be governed as
set forth in the appropriate rule books.
E. Competing Against USSSA. Anyone who has or does compete (and any
related parties) with USSSA may be indefinitely suspended by the Board of
Directors. Rights of appeal for such suspensions/debarments shall be governed by
the Policy or Procedure which implements this authority to suspend/disbar for those
who compete against USSSA.
Sec. 8. The State Director upon learning that a Section 7 Act has resulted in a Section 7
Debarment/Suspension within his state should in a timely manner report such in writing to
the USSSA National Headquarters.

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 APPEAL RIGHTS/PROCESS
Sec. 1. Definition of an Appealable Issue:
Except where otherwise provided herein, an Appealable Issue shall be:
A. Any sanction imposed or decision made that negatively impacts the appellant,
but only to the extent that it violates the Association’s By-Laws, Playing Rules,
Directives, Policies and Procedures.
B. Any aspect of an act of a Section 3 Act (as defined above) or a Section 7 Act (as
defined above) resulting in a Section 3 Debarment/Suspension (as defined above) or
a Section 7 Debarment/Suspension (as defined above), unless otherwise identified
as not appealable under the Association’s By-Laws.
Sec. 2. Appeal Policy for Section 1 Appealable Issue.
All stages of the appeal of an Appealable Issue shall be in writing on appropriate forms
supplied by the Association, and no substitution thereof shall be utilized. In such writing, the
appellant (i.e., the person appealing) must specify on the appropriate form the specific relief he
expects to obtain through use of the appeal procedure. Failure by the appellant to comply with
all substantial procedural requirements of the appeal process procedure without just cause will
terminate the right to further appeal.
Failure of the Association to comply with all substantial procedural requirements of the appeal
procedure without just cause will, at the option of the appellant, advance the appellant to the
next step in the appeal process. Failure of the Association, without just cause, to comply with
all substantial procedural requirements of the final step of the appeal procedure shall result in
a continuing right to the final step in the appeal process.
In those instances where an appeal is to an individual whose title is concurrent with the title
of the person being appealed to in any given step of the appeal procedure, then that step shall
be avoided and the next step shall be instituted automatically; however, the initial appeal must
always be made within 15 days after the occurrence.
Where conflict of interest relative to the parties’ hearing in any given step exists in the view
of the Chief Executive Officer or his designee, the Chief Executive Officer shall designate
members of the Association to hear that step of the appeal process.
Sec. 3. Procedure for Appealable Issue.
A Participant has the right to timely appeal a permanent suspension and debarment within
thirty (30) days of delivery of written notice of same to the Participant by taking the following
steps:
A. The Participant may, within thirty (30) days of the date of delivery of the
written notice of suspension/debarment, submit a written appeal to the Committee
for the particular sport in which Participant is involved. If there is not a Committee
for Participant’s particular sport Participant shall appeal to the National Sports
Program Chair. The Committee or the National Sports Program Chair, as the case
may be, shall render a decision within fifteen (15) days of receipt of all pertinent
information.

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 B. The Participant’s appeal may include one or more of the following:
• A detailed statement concerning the conviction, the charges and the
circumstances surrounding or leading to the charges;
• A detailed statement and description of any extenuating circumstances
which the Participant requests USSSA consider in the appeal;
• Written statements of good character;
• Official documentation that the Participant has successfully completed and
has been discharged from probation or any diversionary or rehabilitation
program;
• Other evidence that the Participant does not pose a risk or threat;
• These suggestions are not exhaustive. USSSA will consider any and all
information and documentation submitted by the Participant.
C. If Participant’s appeal is denied by the Sports Committee or National Sports
Program Chair, as the case may be, the Participant has the final right to appeal to
the Board of Directors to determine the ultimate outcome of the appeal. The notice
of appeal shall be sent to the Chairman of the Board, with a copy to the Chief
Executive Officer of USSSA, and a copy to the General Counsel for USSSA at the
following addresses:
Chairman of the Board Chief Executive Officer General Counsel
USSSA Donald DeDonatis, III Wendy Anderson, Esq.
5800 Stadium Parkway 5800 Stadium Parkway 1353 Palmetto Avenue, Suite 100
Melbourne, FL 32940 Melbourne, FL 32940 Winter Park, FL 32789

D. The Board of Directors shall consider the appeal at its next scheduled Board
meeting. The decision of the Board of Directors shall be final and conclusive.
E. The Participant has the right, but not the obligation, to retain independent legal
counsel to represent the Participant at his/her own expense.
Note: Anyone disbarred/suspended or declared ineligible for a period greater than
five years shall have the right to apply one time every five years for reinstatement
to membership in the Association, following the one year anniversary of the
suspension, provided he gives the Chief Executive Officer or Board of Directors,
30 days’ written notice of his intention to so reapply. The Chief Executive Officer
or Board of Directors shall act on such applications at the Annual Meeting of the
Association.
Sec. 4. Other actions or issues, such as Section 7 Debarment/Suspensions (as defined
above) shall be appealable only as provided in the rules set forth for such issues as found
in the appropriate By-Laws, Playing Rules, Directives, Policies or Procedures of the
Association.

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