2023 OFFICIAL RULEBOOK

PERFECT GAME OFFICIAL SOFTBALL RULEBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PERFECT GAME SOFTBALL DIVISIONS OF PLAY 4

RULE 1. The Playing Field and Equipment 4
RULE 2. Playing Definitions 7
RULE 3. The Game 18
RULE 4. Status of the Ball 22
RULE 5: Players and Substitutes 25
RULE 6. Defense 32
RULE 7. Pitching 39
RULE 8. Batting 46
RULE 9. Base Running 60
RULE 10. Appeals 76
RULE 11. Conduct 78
RULE 12. Ejection 80
RULE 13. Futures Division Rules 81
RULE 14. Coach Pitch Division Rules 82
RULE 15. Officials 83

2023 RULE CHANGES 85

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PERFECT GAME SOFTBALL NATIONAL
ADMINISTRATION TEAM

Randy Carter
Director & Liaison to Softball Directors

Austin Mezzacasa
National Director of Softball Officiating & Rules Editor
[email protected]

National Officiating Committee

Randy Carter
Gary Wheeler
Jeff Hall
Ron Mayfield

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 PERFECT GAME SOFTBALL DIVISIONS OF PLAY

ART 1. Team Classification Divisions of Play

Sec 1. Teams may register under one of the following classifications of divisions of play:
Sub a. “Gold” Division
Sub b. “A” Division
Sub c. “B” Division
Sub d. “Futures” Division
Sub e. “All Stars” Division
Sec 2. Age Divisions of play shall range from 8U to 18U.
Sub a. 8U, 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 18U

ART 2. Age Division Cutoff

Sec 1. Players shall be classified by the player’s age on December 31, of the previous
year.
EXAMPLE: A player turns 11 years old on December 31st 2021. That player will be
considered 11 for the 2022 calendar year.

RULE 1. The Playing Field and Equipment

ART 1. The Softball Field

Sec 1. The softball field may or may not be enclosed by a fence, shall be free of any
obstructions in fair territory, and include an infield diamond.
Sec 2. The field shall include a Home Plate which is 17 inches wide, 17 inches long
from the edge facing the pitcher to the tip of the plate. Home Plate shall be a contrasting
color to the playing field, white is the standard.The plate shall be flush with the ground
and made of a rubber or synthetic comparable material.
Sec 3. Bases shall be set 60 feet apart. Each base shall be securely fixed into the
ground and shall be square. Bases shall be no thicker than 5 inches and shall be 15
inches square. The Double First Base is required. Half of the base shall be in fair
territory and this portion shall be white. The opposing half shall be in foul territory and
be a contrasting color.
Sec 4. Foul lines shall extend from the batter’s boxes and continue past the bases to
the outfield fence. It is advised that all chalk lines be at least 2 1/2 inches in width.

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Sec 5. Batter’s Boxes shall be marked on each side of home plate. Each box shall be 7
feet long. The back of the batter’s box shall extend 3 feet back from the center of home
plate, the front of the batter’s box shall extend 4 feet to the infield from the center of
home plate, and shall be 3 feet wide. There shall be 6 inches between home plate and
the length side of the batter’s box.
Sec 6. The Catcher’s Box may or may not be marked with chalk lines. The dimensions
of the catcher’s box shall be 8 feet and 5 inches wide and 10 feet in length from the
outside corners of the batter’s boxes.
Sec 7. The Pitcher’s Plate shall be composed of whitened rubber or comparable
material. The Pitcher’s Plate should be fixed in the ground and be 24 inches wide by 6
inches in length.
Sec 8. The Pitcher’s Circle shall be centered around the pitcher’s plate. The dimensions
of the pitcher’s circle shall be 16 feet in diameter as measured from the center of the
front edge of the pitcher’s plate.
Sec 9. The Running Lane shall be parallel to the first base foul line, 3 feet shall be the
distance between the foul line and the running lane, and the running lane should start
mid way between home plate and first base. The running lane should extend to first
base.
Sec 10. On Deck Circles should be a circular shape, 2 to 3 feet in radius, and a safe
distance from home plate. No team is required to utilize the on deck circles. If a team
elects to utilize the on deck circle they must use the on deck circle designated on their
side of the field.

ART 2. Equipment
Sec 1.The official softball shall be spherical in shape, covered with a smooth surface
composed of horsehide, cowhide, or other comparable material approved by Perfect
Game.
Sub a. The COR (coefficient of restitution) and compression shall be labeled on
the ball.
Sub b. The color of the stitching must be red.
Sub c. The legal 12” ball must not exceed .47 max COR, not have a greater
compression than 375 lbs max, have a weight between 6 ¼ to 7 ounces, and be
between 11 7/8” to 12 ¼” in circumference.
Sub d. The legal 11” ball must not exceed .47 COR, not have a greater
compression than 375 lbs max, have a cork core, and be between 10 ⅞” to 11 ⅛” in
circumference.
Sub e. Divisions 10U and younger shall use an 11” ball.
Sub f. Any action, defacing, or altering that would change the ball composition
specifications listed in 1-2-1 is illegal. Any ball altered or not following under the legal
ball specifications shall be considered an illegal ball.

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Sec 2. The legal bat should include a knob, handle, taper, barrel, end cap, and be
straight in length.
Sub a. The bat must have no dents, sharp edges, or rattle. These bats are
damaged and shall be removed from game play with no penalty.
Sub b. The bat must visibly have the 2000, 2004, or the USA Softball All Games
certification mark. In addition the bat must not be included in USA Softball’s
Non-Approved Bats with Certification Marks list.
Sub c. Wood bats are permissible and do not require a certification mark. Wood
bats shall not exceed 2 ¼ inches in diameter.
Sub d. The knob must be permanently fastened.
Sub e. The bat handle is the space of the bat between the knob and the taper
begins. The handle shall be round or oval in shape and the grip shall be between 10 to
15 inches in length. Substances to enhance grip or hold are permissible on the bat
handle/grip only.
Sub f. The taper of the bat is defined as the area where the bat transitions from
the narrow handle to the wider barrel of the bat.
Sub g. The barrel of the bat is the portion intended to make contact with the ball.
The barrel shall be round, cylindrical, and smooth in shape.
Sub h. The end cap shall be permanently secured to the end of the bat so it
cannot be removed other than for manufacturer's maintenance.
Sec 3. All batters, base runners, batters warming up on deck, non-adult bat attendants,
and non-adult ball shaggers will be required to wear a batting helmet while in live ball
territory.
Sub a. The batting helmet shall be NOCSAE approved and have the
manufacture certification of approval visible and permanently affixed to the helmet. The
helmet must cover both ears and temples of the wearer.
Sub b. Eye shields are legal for use provided they are clear and free of any tint.
Sub c. An attached facemask is not required on the helmet unless taking warm
up pitches from the pitcher.
Sec 4. Catcher’s are required to wear a catcher’s helmet that is NOCSAE approved,
and has the manufacturer certification of approval visible and permanently affixed to the
helmet. The catcher shall also wear a body chest protector, and shin guards.
Sec 5. Legal Glove/Mitts
Sub a. The catcher can wear a glove/mitt of any size.
Sub b. Gloves/mitts may not be the color of the game ball or optic yellow. The
color of the lacing and other components of the glove/mitt may not be optic yellow.
Sub c. The fielders shall wear gloves/mitts that adhere to the following
parameters: the maximum height as measured from the bottom edge through the center
of the glove to the highest point is 14 inches, the maximum width of the palm as
measured from the bottom edge of the webbing farthest from the thumb horizontally to

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the outside of the little finger edge is 8 inches, and the maximum length of the webbing
as measured along any line parallel to the top is 5 ¾ inches.
Sec 6. Cleats
Sub a. Players in the 14U age division and older may utilize metal cleats.
Sub b. Players in the 12U age division and younger must utilize molded cleats
only. Metal cleats are not permissible.

RULE 2. Playing Definitions

ART 1. Appeal
Sec 1. An appeal is a play or a violation of a rule in which the official does not make a
ruling until a coach/player requests.

ART 2. Absent Player

Sec 1. An absent player is created when a position in the batting order is vacant and no
eligible substitutes are available to fill the vacant spot. A team that has an absent player
is playing short-handed. A team may begin a game with eight batters and the absent
player, the vacant position, shall be placed in the ninth batting position.

ART 3. Altered Ball

Sec 1. A ball which has had its physical make up or composition changed in any way
outside the original manufacturer’s product. Examples, including but not limited to
heating, melting, freezing, or recovering the ball.

ART 4. Altered Bat

Sec 1. A bat which has had its physical make up or composition changed in any way
outside the original manufacturer’s product.

ART 5. Ball
Sec 1. The ball is a playing element. The term “Ball” is used to categorize a pitch, which
is not touched by the bat and is not a strike.
Sec 2. A batted ball is any pitch that contacts the bat whether intentional or
unintentional.
Sub a. A Line Drive is a batted ball that travels in a path with little to no arch
parallel to the ground throughout its flight.
Sub b. A Fly Ball is a batted ball that has considerable height and arch above
the ground.

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 Sub c. A Ground Ball is a batted ball that bounds or rolls on the ground.
Sec 3. A Blocked Ball is a live thrown or batted ball which touches any object not a part
of the playing field or playing equipment, or that is touched/handled by any person not
involved in the game.
Sec 4. A Dead Ball is a ball no longer in play.
Sec 5. A Delayed Dead Ball occurs when there has been a rules violation and is
recognized by the official by giving the delayed dead-ball signal but is not ruled upon
until playing action ceases and the ball becomes dead.

ART 6. Base Line

Sec 1. The direct line from one base to another consecutive base.

ART 7. Base Path

Sec 1. The route a runner takes in an effort to advance or retreat to a base. A runner
establishes her own base path when a play is not being made on her.

ART 8. Bat
Sec 1. A Legal Bat is a bat that meets rule specifications.
Sec 2. An Illegal Bat is a bat that fails to meet rule specifications
Sub a. An Altered Bat.
Sub b. A Non-Approved Bat is a bat which does not meet USA Softball
specifications or is currently on the USA Softball Non-Approved Bats with Certification
Marks list.
Sub c. A Damaged Bat is defined as a bat that was once legal, but is broken,
cracked, dented, has rattles or has sharp edges that might deface the ball. A damaged
bat is considered an illegal bat, with the penalty being, the bat is simply removed from
the game without penalty.

ART 9. Batter
Sec 1. The Batter is a player on the offensive team who is due at bat. The batter will be
considered to have completed their at bat when they become a batter-runner or are put
out.

ART 10. Batter-Runner

Sec 1. The Batter-Runner is a player who has completed their at bat and is considered
a batter-runner until playing action ends or she is put out.

ART 11. On Deck Batter

Sec 1. The On Deck-Batter is a player on the offensive team who is the next position
due at bat after the current batter. This player shall occupy the on-deck circle on her

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dugout side of the playing field. Only one on-deck batter shall be allowed on the field
while the opposing pitcher is warming up.

ART 12. Batter’s Box

Sec 1. The Batter’s Box is the space including the chalk lines for which the batter is
positioned when at bat.

ART 13. Batting Order

Sec 1. Batting Order is the official list of offensive players by first and last name in the
order for which they are to appear at bat. The batting order shall also include the
players uniform number and defensive position. All of this shall be listed on the lineup
card and presented to game officials at the pre-game conference.
Sec 2. Batting Out of Order is when a team fails to follow the proper sequence of
batters listed on the lineup card presented to game officials.

ART 14. Bunt

Sec 1. A Bunt is a batted ball which is not swung at, however, intentionally tapped with
the bat.
Sec 2. A Bunt Attempt (Offer) is any movement of the bat toward a pitched ball that is a
non-swinging motion. Leaving the bat in the strike zone or over the plate area is
considered a bunt attempt. For a batter to take a pitch the bat must be pulled back away
from the ball prior to the ball crossing the plate
Sec 3. A Drag Bunt is attempting to bunt the ball by running forward in the batter’s box
while carrying the bat with her. The movement of the bat is in conjunction with the
batter’s forward movement.

ART 15. Catch

Sec 1. A Catch is the act of a fielder who securely gains possession of a thrown,
pitched, or batted ball with her hand(s) and/or glove/mitt.
Sec 2. For a catch to be valid the fielder must prove she has control of the ball and that
her release of the ball is voluntary and intentional.
Sec 3. If a fielder has made the catch but drops the ball in the process of reaching into
the glove, transferring it to the throwing hand, or while making a throw the ball shall be
determined to be caught.
Sec 4. For a catch to be legal a fielder must catch and have secure possession of the
ball before touching, stepping, or falling into a dead-ball area.
Sec 5. A fielder shall not be credited with a catch if:
Sub a. A fielder catches a pitched, batted, or thrown ball with anything other than
her hand(s) or glove/mitt in its proper place.

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 Sub b. In the immediate action following a catch the fielder collides with another
player, game official, fence, or the ground and fails to maintain secure possession of the
ball.
Sub c. The fielder uses any equipment or article of uniform that is not in its
proper position.
Sub d. An entire foot is touching dead-ball territory at the time of the catch.
Sub e. The fielder is standing on a fence as it is laying on the ground past the
original position of the home-run fence when they contact the ball.
Sub f. The ball contacts anything or anyone other than a defensive player while it
is in flight.
Sub g. The fielder traps the ball.
Sub h. A ball that is prevented from hitting the ground by a player's equipment in
its correct position or body shall not be determined to be caught until the ball is secured
in the player's hand(s) or glove/mitt.

ART 16. Catcher’s Box

Sec 1. The Catcher’s Box is the space in which the catcher’s feet and body are
restricted to remain from the time the pitcher contacts the pitcher’s plate until the pitcher
releases the pitch. The catcher’s box shall be a rectangle 10 feet extending from the
outside of each batter’s box and 8 feet 5 inches in width.

ART 17. Checked Swing

Sec 1. A Checked Swing is the batter taking action to restrain and stop an attempted hit
or slap which puts the batter in liability of having a strike called.

ART 18. Coach’s Box

Sec 1. The Coach’s Box is the space in which the two offensive coaches are restricted
prior to the release of the pitch.

ART 19. Conference

Sec 1. A Charged Conference is when a coach or team personnel requests time-out in
order to meet with defensive or offensive personnel.
Sec 2. The Pre-Game Conference is the meeting between game officials and team
representatives prior to the game near home plate.

ART 20. Confines of the Playing Field

Sec 1. The Confines of the Playing Field consists of the field of play, any dugout/bench
areas, any warm up areas adjacent to the field within the view of game officials.

ART 21. Crow Hop

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Sec 1. The Crow Hop is an illegal pitch which involves the pitcher’s pivot foot breaking
contact with the pitcher’s plate and replanting prior to the pitch being delivered.

ART 22. Dead Ball

Sec 1. A Dead Ball is when the ball is not currently in play. For the ball to be
considered in play again the pitcher must be in possession of the ball and is positioned
within the 16-foot circle and the plate official announces/gestures “Play Ball”.

ART 23. Dead Ball Territory

Sec 1. Dead Ball Territory is the area beyond and boundary of the playing field. This
shall include but not limited to past any fence, rope, chalk line, stands/bleachers,
dugouts, bench area, or pre-determined area stated in the pre-game conference. In the
event a ball becomes lodged in a fence or backstop it will be deemed to be in dead ball
territory.

ART 24. Dugout (Bench Area)

Sec 1. The Dugout is an area outside the field of play reserved for team personnel
engaged in the game (coaches, players, official team representatives).

ART 25. Ejection

Sec 1. An Ejection is the authority of game officials to remove team personnel and
spectators from the game, typically for unsportsmanlike behavior.
Sec 2. Ejected personnel are required to leave the facility for the remainder of the
contest.
Sec 3. Ejected personnel are prohibited from further contact with the team during the
contest.
Sec 4. A Post-Game Ejection is a form of an ejection that occurs after the conclusion of
the contest and results in the offender being barred from participation in their next game
played.

ART 26. Fair Ball

Sec 1. A Fair Ball is a batted ball that:
Sub a. Comes to rest or is contacted on or over fair territory between home plate
and first base or home plate and third base.
Sub b. Touches or bounds over any part of first or third base.
Sub c. Touches first, second, or third base.
Sub d. While on or over fair territory contacts any game official, player, or their
clothing/equipment except the batter while in the batter’s box.
Sub e. While over fair territory passes out of the playing field in flight.

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 Sub f. First falls or is touched on or over fair territory beyond first, second, or
third base.
Sec 2. A fair fly ball shall be judged in relation to the relative position of the ball and the
foul line, which includes the foul pole. The position of the fielder in fair or foul territory at
the time she touches the ball is not a consideration, purely the positioning of the ball at
the time it is contacted. It does not matter whether the ball first touches fair or foul
territory as long as it does not touch anything foreign to the natural playing surface in
foul territory and complies with all other aspects of a fair ball.

ART 27. Fair Territory

Sec 1. Fair Territory is the part of the playing field within and including the foul lines
from home plate to the bottom of the playing field fence and vertically upward. Foul
poles, foul lines, and home plate are part of fair territory.

ART 28. Flex

Sec 1. The Flex is the non-batting defensive playing position listed in the last spot of a
lineup when the DP/Flex is implemented. The flex can remain in the non-batting
position, enter the game in the DP’s position in the batting order to play offense, and be
substituted for by a legal substitute.

ART 29. Force Play

Sec 1. A Force Play is a play in which a runner(s) loses the right to the base they
occupy and are forced to advance due to the batter becoming a batter-runner. A force
play ends for a runner when the runner touches the next base, the batter-runner
reaches first base, or a trailing runner is put out. If a forced runner after touching the
next base except home retreats toward the base she had previously occupied the force
play is reinstated and she is liable to be put out if the defense tags the base she was
forced to.

ART 30. Forfeit

Sec 1. A Forfeit occurs when a game is awarded to the opponent of the offending team.

ART 31. Foul Ball

Sec 1. A Foul Ball is a batted ball that:
Sub a. Settles or is touched while on or over fair territory.
Sub b. Bounds past first or third base on or over foul territory
Sub c. Initially falls to the ground or is touched first on or over foul territory
beyond first or third base.
Sub d. While on or over foul territory contacts any game official, player, or their
respective clothing/equipment except the batter in the batter’s box.

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 Sub e. While over foul territory a runner interferes with a defensive player
attempting to make a play on a batted ball
Sub f. Contacts the batter or the bat in the batter’s hand(s) a second time while
the batter is still within the batter’s box.
Sub g. Travels directly off the bat to any part of the catcher’s body or equipment
and is subsequently caught by another fielder.

ART 32. Foul Tip

Sec 1. A Foul Tip is a batted ball that travels directly from the bat to the catcher’s glove
or hand and is caught legally by the catcher. The ball remains live and a strike is
recorded.

ART 33. Game

Sec 1. A Regulation Game shall consist of seven innings unless extra innings are
necessary due to a tied score. A regulation game may be shortened due to run spreads,
the home team does not require its half of the seventh inning, weather, daylight, or a
predetermined time limit.
Sec 2. A Called Game is a game ended by game officials.
Sec 3. A Suspended Game is a game that is paused with the intent to be picked up and
completed at a later date/time.

ART 34. Illegal Player

Sec 1. An Illegal Player is a player who competes in the game in a way they are not
entitled to play.

ART 35. Ineligible Player

Sec 1. An Ineligible Player is a player who does not meet elements required for
registration, who violates age cut offs, is not on a team’s roster, or violates eligibility
aspects in any way.

ART 36. Illegally Batted Ball

Sec 1. An Illegally Batted Ball occurs when the batter contacts the pitch with an illegal
bat.
Sec 2. An Illegally Batted Ball occurs when any part of the batter’s feet are in contact
with the plate at the time contact is made with the ball.
Sec 3. An Illegally Batted Ball occurs when one or both of the batter’s feet are on the
ground completely out of the batter’s box at the time contact is made with the ball.

ART 37. In Flight

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Sec 1. In Flight refers to a batted, pitched, or thrown ball that has not contacted the
ground, any object, or a person other than a player.

ART 38. Infield Fly Rule

Sec 1. The Infield Fly Rule is in effect when the batter hits a fair fly ball (not including a
line drive or an attempted bunt) that can be caught by a defensive player with a
reasonable effort when first and second base or all three bases are occupied with less
than two outs.

ART 39. Initial Play

Sec 1. The Initial Play shall be when a fielder has a reasonable chance to obtain control
of a ground ball that no other fielder (excluding the pitcher) has contacted.
Sec 2. The Initial Play shall be when a fielder has a reasonable chance to catch a ball in
flight or a ball in flight after it has contacted another fielder.
Sec 3. The Initial Play shall be ruled to still be taking place when a fielder fails to gain
control of a batted ball and is still within a step and a reach (in any direction) of the point
of the initial play.

ART 40. Inning

Sec 1. An Inning is a portion of the game in which the teams alternate playing offense
and defense and three outs comprise the duration of each team's offensive turn.
Sec 2. A new Inning officially begins immediately after the final out of the previous
inning.
Sec 3. An extra Inning is an inning in which a regulation game is extended in an attempt
to declare a winner when at the end of a regulation game the score is tied.

ART 41. Interference

Sec 1. Interference is an act that denies or inhibits a defensive player a reasonable
opportunity to make a play (fielding or throwing) anywhere on the field of play.
Interference may be intentional, unintentional, physical, or verbal.
Sec 2. Interference can be caused by offensive players (batter, runner, on-deck batter),
coaches, game officials, nongame personnel, and or spectators.
Sec 3. Interference may be caused by the offensive team in its entirety due to loose
equipment belonging to them.

ART 42. Leap

Sec 1. A leap is an illegal pitch where the pitcher’s pivot foot fails to slide/drag on the
ground and becomes airborne on the initial drive from the pitcher’s plate.

ART 43. Malicious Contact

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Sec 1. Malicious Contact is an act by any player that exhibits excessive force or
deliberate action to make contact with a player with the intent to harm.

ART 44. Obstruction

Sec 1. Obstruction occurs when a defensive player who is not in possession of the ball
or in the act of fielding a batted ball, hinders the batter’s attempt to make contact with a
pitch or impedes the progress of any runner who is legally running bases on a live ball.
Obstruction can be physical, verbal, intentional, or unintentional. Obstruction shall be
ruled if a defensive player is blocking the whole plate/base or base path without
possession of the ball and/or the runner does not have a path to the plate/base.

ART 45. On-Deck Circle

Sec 1. The on-deck circle is a space designated by chalk, paint, or other identifying
material that is 5 feet in diameter, and located a safe distance away from home plate.
The on-deck circle shall be at least 30 feet from the plate and on each side of the
playing field.

ART 46. Outfield

Sec 1. The Outfield is the area of the field in fair territory located past the infield.

ART 47. Oversliding

Sec 1. Oversliding or Overrunning/Overwalking occurs when an offensive player who is
advancing to a base, legally obtains the base and subsequently loses contact with the
base and goes past it.
Sec 2. A batter-runner can overslide first base without the liability of being put out.

ART 48. Pitcher’s Pivot Foot

Sec 1. The Pitcher’s Pivot foot is the foot which is in contact with the ground, as
opposed to the non-pivot foot (stride foot) which the pitcher steps toward home plate on
the delivery of the pitch.

ART 49. Play Ball

Sec 1. “Play Ball” is the directive of the game official for playing action to begin or
resume.

ART 50. Quick Pitch

Sec 1. A Quick Pitch is an illegal pitch where the pitcher fails to pause on the pitcher’s
plate to take or simulate taking a signal in an effort to put the batter off balance or off
guard with their timing.

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ART 51. Restriction to the dugout/bench
Sec 1. A “Restriction” is a step in the conduct process used to indicate a participant has
been confined to the dugout/bench area for the duration of the game.
Sec 2. Participants that have been restricted are silent spectators who should not be
heard from during the remainder of the contest and shall not be permitted to leave the
dugout/bench area unless allowed unto the playing field by game officials to tend to an
injured player.

ART 52. Runner

Sec 1. A Runner is an offensive player who has reached first base, advancing,
touching, or returning to a base previously occupied.
Sec 1. A retired runner is an offensive player who has legally scored or who has been
put out.

ART 53. Short-Handed

Sec 1. Short-Handed refers to a team batting with less batters than originally presented
on the team's lineup card.
Sec 2. A team may not start or continue a game with less than 8 batters.

ART 54. Slap Hit

Sec 1. A Slap Hit is an attempt to hit a batted ball using an abrupt short, chopping or
striking motion as opposed to a traditional full swing.
Sec 2. A foul ball caused by a slap hit is treated the same as any foul ball on a
traditional swing.

ART 55. Slide

Sec 1. A legal slide may be either head first or feet first. If the runner elects to slide
head first her torso and/or arms must be on the ground prior to contact a defender. If the
runner slides feet first, at least one leg and buttock shall be on the ground.
Sec 2. Any time a runner slides the runner shall be within reach of the base with either
a hand or a foot when the slide is complete.
Sec 3. Any time a runner elects to slide they must do so legally. A slide shall be illegal if:
Sub a. The runner implements a rolling or cross-body slide into a fielder
Sub b. The runner’s raised leg is higher the the fielder’s knee when the fielder is
standing
Sub c. The runner goes beyond the base and makes contact with or alters the
play of a fielder
Sub d. The runner kicks or slashes a fielder with either leg
Sub e. The runner attempts to injure a fielder

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ART 56. Starting Players
Sec 1. Starting Players are those listed in a traditional lineup as the first 9, 10, or 11
players (with/or without the incorporation of the DP/Flex and up to two extra players
designated as EP’s) presented to and accepted by game officials.
Sec 2. If a team utilizes the roster batting option all player listed on the lineup are
classified as starting players.

ART 57. Strike

Sec 1. The term “Strike” is used to categorize a pitch that enters the strike zone without
first contacting the ground or is swung at by the batter and missed.
Sec 2. A “Strike Out” is the result of a third strike being charged to a batter resulting in
an out.

ART 58. Strike Zone

Sec 1. The Strike Zone is the area above home plate between the batter’s forward
armpit and the top of her knees when she assumes her natural batting stance. Any
portion of the ball traveling through the strike zone shall be deemed a strike.

ART 59. Substitute

Sec 1. A Substitute is an eligible player not listed as a one of the starting players and
who may replace a starting player legally.
Sec 2. An Illegal Substitute is a player that enters or re-enters the game without the
legal eligibility to do so.
Sec 3. An Unreported Substitute is a player who has a legal right and eligibility to
enter/participate in the game but has participated in the game prior to being reported to
game officials. Any substitution must be reported to game officials.
Sec 4. Courtesy Runners are not classified as substitutes, but must be appropriately
reported to game officials.

ART 60. Tag/Tag Out

Sec 1. A Tag or Tag Out is the act of retiring a runner who is not in contact with a base
by contacting the runner with a live ball in secure possession in the glove or hand of a
defensive player. A runner may not deliberately cause the defensive player to lose
possession of the ball.
Sec 2. If the defensive player drops or bobbles the ball after touching the runner and the
runner did not demonstrate a deliberate act to cause the drop or bobble then the
defensive player will be deemed to not have secure possession for the tag.

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ART 61. Throw
Sec 1. A Throw is the voluntary action of a defensive player losing possession of the
ball excluding a pitch.

ART 62. Time/Time Out

Sec 1. “Time” is a verbal announcement by game officials to suspend play. The verbal
announcement results in the ball becoming dead.

ART 63. Time at Bat

Sec 1. The Time at Bat is the interval beginning when a batter enters the batter’s box
and continues until the batter is put out or becomes a batter-runner.

ART 64. Timing Play

Sec 1. A Timing Play can occur when the last out of an inning does not come from a
force out and the time the out is recorded will determine if a run is allowed to score. If a
runner contacts home plate prior to the last out of an inning which is not a force out then
a run shall score. If a runner contacts home plate after the last out is recorded then no
run shall score.

ART 65. Walk

Sec 1. A Walk occurs when a batter is pitched four pitches that do not enter the strike
zone and the batter is awarded first base.
Sec 2. Intentional Walk is a request made to the plate official by the pitcher, catcher, or
defensive coach to award the batter first base. The intentional walk request can be
made either before or during an at bat.

RULE 3. The Game

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ART 1. Fitness of the Playing Field
Sec 1. In tournament play the Site Director shall have the final say regarding the fitness
of the playing field and the decision to play, delay, or cancel based on his/her evaluation
of the field.

ART 2. Pregame Conference

Sec 1. The Pregame Conference shall occur no later than five minutes prior to the start
of the game and take place at home plate.
Sec 2. During the pregame conference no balls shall be hit or thrown in live ball territory
or within the vicinity of the pregame conference.
Sec 3. An adult representative of each team shall attend the pregame conference and
present their official lineup cards to the plate official.
Sub a. The team representative is not required to be the head coach, however
the head coach must be identified at the pregame conference.
Sec 4. At the pregame conference the game officials shall ask each of the team
representatives to certify that their players are properly and legally equipped.
Sec 5. The game officials shall cover the ground rules, time limitations of the contest,
and run spreads.

ART 3. Regulation Game

Sec 1. A Regulation Game shall consist of seven innings unless extra innings are
necessary due to a tied score. A regulation game may be shortened due to run rules,
the home team does not require its half of the seventh inning, weather, daylight, or a
predetermined time limit.
Sub a. Tournament Directors may establish time limits on their contests. A game
shall consist of either seven innings or the allotted time specified, whichever occurs first.
Sub b. A new inning may not begin after a time limit has expired. Innings started
prior to time limit expiring shall be completed.
Sub c. The time limit of a game shall begin at the conclusion of the pregame
conference.
Sec 2. A game ends when the team with less runs completes their final at bat in a
regulation game.
Sec 3. If a game is suspended and resumed at a later point it shall continue from the
point in the game it was suspended. The batting order, lineup, and all other components
of each team reflected exactly how they were at the point of suspension.
Sec 4. Game ends due to weather will not be resumed after 40 minutes of game time
has been played.
Sec 5. Run Rules allocate a win to the team that:
Sub a. Has a 10 run lead after 3 innings are complete (2 ½ if the home team
leads)

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 Sub b. Has a 8 run lead after 4 innings are complete (3 ½ if the home team
leads)

Sec 6. If after completing seven innings or at the conclusion of a time limit and the score
is tied the following tiebreaker procedure shall be implemented. The player with the last
completed at bat shall be placed at second base. A legal substitute may be inserted for
the player placed at second base and a courtesy runner may be utilized for the pitcher
or catcher.
Sub a. The tiebreaker procedure shall continue until a winner is declared.
Sub b. If a team is playing short-handed and the vacant position is set to be the
player placed at second base the team will not be required to take an out for the vacant
position and the player who precedes the absent player shall be placed at second.
Sub c. If an incorrect base runner is placed at second base to start the tiebreaker
procedure the correct runner should be inserted immediately even if a pitch has been
thrown. There shall be no penalty as this is a correctable error, and all play made with
the incorrect runner shall stand.
Sub d. Game officials shall obtain the information of the correct base runner to
start each half inning on second base from the scorekeepers and notify each team.

ART 4. Scoring of Runs

Sec 1. One shall be recorded each time a base runner legally contacts first, second,
third, and home plate prior to the third out of an inning.
Sub a. Runners placed on second base in tiebreaker procedures are exempt
from touching first base.
Sub b. With two outs if a base runner is awarded home plate during a live ball
and a trailing runner is tagged out prior to the lead runner reaching home plate, this run
shall score.
Sec 2. No run shall be scored if the final out of an inning is the result of:
Sub a. A batter-runner being called out before reaching first base or any other
base runner forced out because of the batter becoming a batter-runner.
Sub b. A runner being called out by a tag or a live-ball appeal prior to the lead
runner contacting home plate.
Sub c. A preceding base runner being called out during play or as a result of a
successful appeal.
Sub d. No run can be scored by a runner who is called out for the fourth out as a
result of an appeal for leaving a base too soon on a tag up or missing a base.

ART 5. Forfeited Game

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Sec 1. A game shall be forfeited by game officials or the Site Director in the following
instances:
Sub a. A team is late in arriving or beginning play after the game officials declare
the start of the game.
Sub b. A team refuses to start a game or continue a game after the game has
begun.
Sub c. A team delays more than one minute in resuming play after game officials
announce play to resume or refuses to obey game officials instructions to remove a
player or coach.
Sub d. A team employs the use of tactics intentionally designed to lengthen or
shorten the game.
Sub e. The team willfully and persistently violates any one of the rules after being
warned by game officials.
Sub f. A team is unable to produce enough legal players to start, continue, or
finish the game.
Sub g. If at any point the safety of game participants or game officials is in
jeopardy.
Sec 2. The score of a forfeited game shall be seven runs to zero runs unless the game
is forfeited after the required number of innings for a regulation game has been reached
and the offending team is behind. In this case the score shall be recorded as the current
score. If the forfeiting team is leading at the time of the forfeit the score shall be
recorded as seven runs to zero runs.

ART 6. Charged Defensive Conferences

Sec 1. A Defensive Conference is a meeting that occurs any time a defensive team
representative delays the game or requests the game to be suspended for any reason
to confer with or deliver a message to any defensive player. If a fielder leaves the field
of play and enters the dugout area and gives the impression to game officials she
received instruction this shall also be deemed a defensive conference.
Sec 2. The defense is allowed three charged defensive conferences without penalty
during a seven inning game.
Sub a. If a game enters into extra innings each team shall be granted one
charged defensive conference per half inning without penalty.
Sub b. Any conference in excess of three charged defensive conferences in a
seven inning game or one charged defensive conference in a single inning of extra
innings shall result in the pitcher being removed as a pitcher for the remainder of the
game.
NOTE: A defensive conference will not be charged to remove the pitcher from the
pitching position or to make a defensive substitution, provided the umpire is informed of
the change before the representative steps over the foul line or consults with any

21
player(s) and provided the team is ready to resume play when the umpire has
completed recording and announcing the substitution or, in the case of a pitching
change, the pitcher has completed their warmup pitches.
Sec 3. A charged defensive conference begins when the game is suspended and ends
when the team representative enters dead ball territory or the defensive player returns
to their position.
Sub a. A defensive conference shall not exceed one minute in length.
EFFECT- Game officials shall not allow more than the allotted number of defensive
conferences or allow defensive conferences to continue past their allotted time
limitation. Violation shall result in the head coach being warned and the conference
immediately concluded. Any subsequent violation will result in the head coach being
ejected.

ART 7. Charged Offensive Conference

Sec 1. A Charged Offensive Conference is a meeting that occurs any time an offensive
team representative delays the game or requests the game to be suspended for any
reason to confer with or deliver a message to any offensive player.
Sec 2. The offense is allowed one charged offensive conference per half inning.
Sec 3. A charged offensive conference begins when the game is suspended and ends
when the team representative returns to the coach’s box or dead-ball territory.
Sub a. An offensive conference shall not exceed one minute in length.
EFFECT- Game officials shall not allow more than the allotted number of offensive
conferences or allow offensive conferences to continue past their allotted time limitation.
Violation shall result in the head coach being warned and the conference immediately
concluded. Any subsequent violation will result in the head coach being ejected.

RULE 4. Status of the Ball

ART 1. Live Ball

Sec 1. The ball is considered live and in play when the plate official declares the start of
play. The ball remains live and in play until a game official suspends play by calling
“Time” or the ball becomes dead.

ART 2. Dead Ball

Sec 1. The ball is considered dead when it is out of play, becomes blocked, or ruled
dead.

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Sec 2. Once a ball is declared dead it will not be considered live until a game officials
declares a resumption of play.
Sec 3. During dead ball periods no player may be put out, base runners may not
advance, and no runs may score. Runners may only advance one or more bases as the
result of:
Sub a. Action that occurred while the ball was live.
Sub b. Any result of a dead-ball appeal.
Sec 4. In between pitches and any time after the ball is dead all base runners must
return and touch their base.
Sec 5. Actions that result in the ball becoming dead are:
Sub a. A pitch contacts a batter or the batter’s clothing. (Note:The ball is dead
even if the batter swings at it)
Sub b. A ball contacts the bat a second time or is illegally batted.
Sub c. A batter enters the batter’s box with an illegal bat.
Sub d. Any time a batted ball is touched by any object other than the ground or
personnel other than a fielder while on or over foul territory.
Sub e. Any time a batted ball goes immediately from the bat to any part of the
catcher or catcher’s equipment without first contacting the catcher’s hand or glove.
Sub f. Any time a batted ball is an uncaught foul ball.
Sub g. A batter, batter-runner, runner, retired runner, on deck batter, coach, or
offensive team personnel commit an act of interference.
Sub h. When a fair fly ball which is on or over fair territory
H 1. Contacts a runner or game official before being contacted by a fielder
and prior to passing any fielder excluding the pitcher or contacts a runner after
passing by a fielder and another fielder could have made an out.
H 2. Contacts a spectator or non-game personnel.
H 3. Passes through, bounds over, or in any way becomes blocked in a
fence or field barrier.
Sub i. Any time a pitched or thrown ball
I 1. Contacts a spectator or non-game personnel.
I 2. Enters into dead ball territory
I 3. Passes through, bounds over, or in any way becomes blocked in a
fence or field barrier.
Sub j. Game officials handle a live ball and calls “Time”.
Sub k. A defensive player after catching a batted ball, fair or foul, and
subsequently leaves the field of play by contacting with one entire foot or by falling into
designated dead-ball area.
K 1. A fielder is considered in play and may legally field, throw, or catch a
ball without penalty provided they do not have an entire foot in or any other body part
contacting dead ball territory

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 Sub l. Any personnel connected to the offensive team verbalizes, incites, or
commits any action or command in an effort to cause the opposing pitcher to commit a
pitching violation. Note: Personnel shall not attempt to use “Time” or “Illegal” verbally to
attempt to cause the pitcher to pitch illegally.
Sub m. An intentional walk/base on balls is awarded.
Sub n. An infielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball with at least first base
occupied and less than two outs.
NOTE: The Infield Fly Rule is an exception to this rule.
Sub o. A runner interferes with a fielder attempting to catch a foul fly ball.
Sub p. The batter-runner moves backward toward home plate to delay or avoid
being tagged out.
Sub q. An illegal pitch takes place but is not released to the batter.
Sec 6. After the ball becomes dead the ball is considered live once a game official
indicates for play to resume.
Sec 7. When the ball becomes dead:
Sub a. No action by the defensive team during a dead ball period can result in a
player being put out except through a legal dead-ball appeal.
Sub b. Runners may not advance, return to touch a missed base, or return to a
base that was left early on a caught fly ball while the ball was still live if the runner had
advanced to or beyond a succeeding base.
Sub c. Runners may advance when awarded bases for an action which occurred
before the ball became dead. All awarded bases must be legally contacted.

ART 3. Delayed Dead Ball

Sec 1. A delayed dead ball is a scenario in which a violation of a playing rule takes
place and is subsequently recognized by a game official by giving the delayed dead ball
signal. The rule violation shall not be ruled on until the ball becomes dead.
Sec 2. Actions that result in a delayed dead ball:
Sub a. A live ball contacts an illegal glove/mitt
Sub b. A game official interferes with a catcher making an attempt to throw a
non-batted ball.
Sub c. An illegal pitch is released to a batter.
Sub d. A base runner leaves a base prior to the release of the pitch.
Sub e. A catcher or any fielder obstructs a batter or obstructs the ball through the
use of detached equipment.
Sub f. Anyone who is required to wear a batting helmet intentionally removes the
helmet while the ball remains live.
Sub g. An illegally batted ball.
Sec 3. At the conclusion of the delayed dead ball situation the game official shall
declare the ball dead and make any necessary awards or carry out any ruling.

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ART 4. “Time” shall be declared by the game officials:
Sec 1. When the Site Director determines inclement weather or field conditions are unfit
for play.
Sec 2. At any point a player or non-participant is directed to leave the field of play or for
a player to secure protective equipment.
Sec 3. When a coach or player is granted time for a conference with game officials, a
charged offensive or defensive conference, or warranted situation.
Sec 4. When game play is suspended for a rules violation, award bases, or inspection
of the game ball.

ART 5. Action when the ball is dead

Sec 1. No action by the defensive team during a dead ball period can result in a player
being put out. EXCEPTION: A legal dead ball appeal.
Sec 2. No runner may advance or return to touch a base missed or left too soon on a
caught fly ball if the runner has advanced to or past the succeeding base.
Sec 3. Runners may only advance to awarded base(s) only for action that took place
prior to the ball being declared dead. All bases awarded must be legally contacted.

RULE 5: Players and Substitutes

ART 1. The Players

Sec 1. Positions of the players on each team shall be designated as such: Pitcher (1),
Catcher (2), First Baseman (3), Second Baseman (4), Third Baseman (5), Shortstop (6),
Left Fielder (7), Center Fielder (8), and Right Fielder (9). If a Designated Player is used
it shall be identified as (DP).
Sec 2. A legal lineup presented to game officials at the pre-game conference must
include First Name, Last Name, position, jersey number, and batting position order for
each starting player as well as every eligible substitute.
Sec 3. Eligible players on a team’s roster may be added to the lineup as substitutes at
any point.
Sec 4. Lineups are official once they have been accepted and declared official by game
officials.
Sub a. Name shall supersede number regarding lineup errors. Incorrect lineup
numbers are correctable without penalty.
Sec 5. Each player may be removed from the game and re-entered one time. If a player
is to re-enter they must be placed in the same batting position in the lineup.

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ART 2. Batting Options
GOLD CLASSIFICATION BATTING
Sec 1. A legal lineup shall consist of 9 batters with or without the incorporation of a
DP/Flex.
Sec 2. Starter refers to the first 9 or 10 (if a designated player is used) players listed on
the lineup card submitted to the game officials prior to the start of the game.
Sub a. Each starter is entitled to be replaced and to re enter one time as long as
she assumes her original spot in the batting order.
Sec 3. Substitute under the “GOLD” Classification refers to a player not listed on the
lineup card as a starter but who may legally replace one of the first 9 or 10 (if a
designated player is used) players listed on the lineup card submitted to the game
officials before the start of the game. A substitute who is removed may not reenter the
game at any time for any reason.
Sec 4. A team may play and legally end the game with 1 batting position vacant which
will result in an out being declared every time the vacant position is due to bat.
Sub a. A team may legally start a game with 1 vacant batting position which shall
be placed in the last position in the batting order.
Sub b. If a team falls below 1 vacant batting position the game will be declared a
forfeit.
Sec 4. If a vacant player is the batter or runner that player shall be declared out.
Sec 5. Eligible players on a team’s roster may be added to the lineup at any point as a
legal substitute.

TRADITIONAL BATTING OPTION (A & B DIVISIONS MAY USE EITHER A

TRADITIONAL LINEUP OPTION OR ROSTER LINEUP)
Sec 1. A team may legally have up to two extra players (EPs) with or without the
incorporation of a DP/Flex.
Sec 2. The maximum number of players in a traditional lineup is 12 with a maximum of
11 batters.
Sec 3. By utilizing a traditional batting option a team is certifying they will end the game
with the number of batters they start the game with.
Sub a. A team may play and legally end the game with 1 batting position vacant
which will result in an out being declared every time the vacant position is due to bat.
Sub b. A team may legally start a game with 1 vacant batting position which shall
be placed in the last position in the batting order.
Sub c. If a team falls below 1 vacant batting position the game will be declared a
forfeit.
Sec 4. If a vacant player is the batter or runner that player shall be declared out.
EXCEPTION: If the player was injured while a batter-runner or runner the last

26
completed at bat (LCAB) may be inserted to take her base running obligations. This
exception only applies to first occurrence and does not apply to any future time at bat.
Sub a. Vacant players may not return to the lineup. The only way a vacant player
may return to the lineup is if they left under the conditions of the blood rule or
concussion rule.

ROSTER BATTING OPTION (REQUIRED FOR FUTURES & ALL STARS DIVISIONS)
Sec 1. A team may incorporate as many additional EPs as necessary to bat their entire
roster.
Sec 2. Roster batting must be declared at the pre-game conference. All eligible players
present must be included in the batting order. If a player is ineligible due to illness or
injury she shall be ineligible for the entire contest.
Sub a. Under roster batting a team will not be penalized for vacant batting
positions until a team drops below 9 batters.
Sec 3. Each team shall have at minimum eight legally eligible players in the game at
any given time.
Sub a. A team must have at minimum 8 batters to continue a game while taking
an out for the vacant batting position.
Sub b. If at any point a team falls below 8 batters the game shall be declared a
forfeit.
Sec 4. Eligible players on a team’s roster may be added to the lineup at any point in the
following precedence
Sub a. To fill a vacant batting position.
Sub b. At the bottom of the batting order.

ART 3. DP/Flex
Sec 1. Under the traditional batting option teams may utilize the Designated Player
(DP)/Flex option. Teams must declare their batting option at the pre-game meeting.
Sec 2. The Designated Player (DP) is the player who is initially listed on the lineup card
in the batting order and not on the defensive lineup.
Sec 3. The Flex is the player who is initially listed in the last spot on the lineup card who
may play defense at any position and may only enter the game on offense in the
designated player’s spot in the batting order.
Sec 4. The DP position will stay in the same batting position in the lineup for the
duration of the game.

27
Sec 5. The DP and the Flex may both play defense at the same time. However, the DP
and the Flex can never play offense at the same time.
Sec 6. The player in the DP spot is charged with a substitution only when she is
removed from the batting order and the player in the Flex position is charged with a
substitution only when she is no longer playing defense.
Sec 7. The DP position may be substituted at any time and any number of times by
either a legal substitute or the player in the flex position.
Sub a. If the DP re-enters or a substitute enters for the DP and the Flex was
occupying the DP’s batting position the Flex can either return to the Flex position and
play defense or leave the game if the DP plays defense for the Flex.
Sub b. If the player in the Flex position assumes the DP’s spot in the batting
order and plays both offense and defense the lineup is reduced by one and the game
may legally end with one less player in the lineup.
Sub c. The Flex position may move in and out of the DP’s spot in the batting
order and back to the Flex position any number of times and it does not count as a
substitution for the Flex.
Sec 8. The DP may play defense at any position.
Sec 9.The Flex position may be substituted at any time and any number of times by
either a legal substitute or the player in the DP position.
Sub a. The player in the DP position may play offense and defense for the Flex
and return to playing offense only or play defense for an EP any number of times and it
does not count as a substitution for the DP.
Sec 10. The starting DP reentering or a substitute DP entering the game must be
placed in the DP’s position in the batting order. The player may either play offense only
for the Flex or play defense at any position for the Flex or an EP.
Sec 11. The starting Flex re entering or a substitute Flex entering the game may either
be placed in the Flex position in the last spot in the line up and play defense only or be
placed in the DP’s position in the batting order and play both offense and defense. If
placed in the DP’s position in the batting order the player currently in the DP’s position
will be withdrawn from the game.

ART 4. Substitutes
Sec 1. All substitutions shall be reported to the plate official.
Sec 2. A player may be removed as a pitcher and return to the pitching position once
per inning, as long as the player does not violate either the pitching, substitution, or
charged conference rule.
Sec 3. With the exception of the GOLD DIVISION, a substitute may be removed from
the game and re enter one time. The substitute must re-enter in the same batting
position in the lineup.
EFFECT: Any violation results in an illegal player.

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ART 5. Ineligible Player
Sec 1. The use of an ineligible player in a game currently being played results in a
forfeit.
Sec 2. When an ineligible player protest occurs after a game is completed
Sub a. Protests for pool play games must be completed prior to the conclusion of
pool play for the division.
Sub b. Protests for bracket play games must be filed prior to the game officials
leaving the playing field during the game in question for the results of the game to be
dependent on the protest. If the protest is upheld the team in violation will be charged a
forfeit and will be removed from the tournament. The protesting team will advance in the
bracket.
Sub c. Protests for bracket play games that are filed after game officials have left
the playing field will be accepted. However, the outcome of the game will stand as
finished.
Sec 3. Protest Process
Sub 1. Protests are to be allowed for player eligibility only. The team protesting
must make a cash payment of $100 to the Site Director at the time of the protest. If the
protest is ruled in the protesting team’s favor the $100 will be refunded. Protests must
be filed before officials leave the field of play.
EFFECT: If the protest is upheld the team in violation will be credited with a win for the
game and subsequently removed from the tournament. The team that filed the protest
will not be revived and the loss will stand.

ART 6. Illegal Player

Sec 1. A player who enters the lineup without the claim to an offensive or defensive
position.
Sub a. A player entering in an incorrect batting position in the order.
Sub b. A player who re enters a second time.
Sub c. A player who enters to pitch who was removed from the pitching position
due to a defense's use of their 3 charged conferences.
Sub d. A Flex player inserted in a position in the batting order other than that of
the DP.
Sec 2. An illegal player is treated as a protest which can be made at any time the player
is in the game. A player will not be in violation until the player enters the game and one
pitch (legal or illegal) is thrown.
PENALTY: An Illegal Player is ejected from the game as well as the acting head
coach. The following are applicable in congruence with the ejections:
Sub a. If the illegal player has completed their turn at bat and prior to the next
pitch, the illegal player is declared out.

29
 Sub b. If the illegal player is a baserunner and is on base, the illegal player is
called out.
Sub c. If the illegal player has made a defensive play and prior to the next pitch
(or before the defensive team or game officials have left the playing field) the offensive
team may elect to 1) take the final result of the play or 2) elect for a no pitch and replay
the pitch.

ART 7. Injured Player

Sec 1. During a live ball scenario, if a player becomes injured and in the official’s
judgment deems the player requires immediate attention or further playing action could
result in further injury to that player or others the official shall declare a “Dead Ball” and
allow for appropriate attention to be given. NOTE: The game officials should always
default to protecting player safety.
EFFECT: Officials should award any bases that in their judgment would have been
attained had the play not been declared dead.
Sec 2. Game officials are often in the best position to observe players up close on the
playing field. This means game officials may be the primary party to observe unusual
behavior that may indicate a concussion. Any player who is suspected to have a
concussion of demonstrating indicators consistent with concussion symptoms must be
removed from play immediately. Let it be clear, game officials are not expected to
evaluate players. If a game official observes any unusual behavior the game officials
should stop play immediately, call an injury timeout, and alert the head coach. At this
time the player shall be removed from play until cleared by an appropriate health care
professional.
Sub a. Game Officials may observe the following behaviors by a player with a
suspected concussion:
● Behavior/Personality changes
● Movement that is awkward or clumsy
● Stumbling; may need to be physically supported by teammates
● Shaking or rolling the head/neck
● Appears to be confused or incoherent
● Appears stunned or dazed
Sub b. While the evaluation is taking place, the injured player, whether a starter
or a substitute, may be replaced by any eligible player who has not yet participated in
the game.
Sub c. If the injured player is cleared to resume participation, they may resume
their lineup spot. The temporary replacement player may again participate in the game

30
as a substitute in the same lineup spot only, and provided they were not already a
withdrawn substitute or a reentered starter before becoming the temporary replacement
player or otherwise becomes ineligible.
Sub d. If a team has no remaining eligible players, a starter or substitute who
has previously participated in the game may replace the injured player.
EXCEPTION: A player rendered ineligible by ejection cannot replace the injured player.

ART 8. Blood Rule

Sec 1. Any player, coach, manager, game official, or team member who is bleeding or
has an exposed wound shall be prevented from further game participation until such
time the bleeding has ceased and the wound covered,
Sec 2. If treatment can be applied and the wound appropriately addressed in a
reasonable amount of time the afflicted individual is not required to leave the game. The
amount of time is set by the game officials' judgment.
Sec 3. If treatment cannot be administered in a reasonable amount of time as
determined by game officials the re-entry rule will apply to players.
Sec 4. Any time there is an excessive amount of blood on the uniform or if a
bandage/wrapping becomes blood soaked, the player shall be removed from the
contest until such time the uniform/bandage is replaced.

ART 9. Courtesy Runner

Sec 1. Courtesy Runners may be utilized in all playing divisions with the exception of
the GOLD division.
Sec 2. The offensive team may utilize a courtesy runner for the pitcher and/or catcher of
record at any point after the pitcher and/or catcher attain a base except by substitution.
Sec 3. Teams are not required to use a courtesy runner.
Sec 4. Teams shall utilize a player as a courtesy runner in the following order:
Sub a. 1. An unused eligible substitute that has not yet entered the game. 2. Last
Completed At Bat (LCAB).
Sec 5. The same player may not be utilized to run for both the pitcher and catcher in the
same half inning.
EXCEPTION: In the case of injury and no other substitutes available.
Sec 6. Last Completed At Bat designation shall be defined as the player farthest away
in the batting order.
Sub a. The LCAB shall skip anyone currently on base, the pitcher and catcher of
record, and anyone who has courtesy run for the other position in the same half inning.
EFFECT: If the incorrect courtesy runner is discovered while on base; if a pitch (legal or
illegal) has been thrown the runner shall be declared out and the head coach warned.

31
Any subsequent offense shall result in the head coach being ejected. If a pitch has not
yet been thrown the error is correctable with no penalty.
Sec 7. A runner put in for any player other than the pitcher or catcher will constitute a
substitution.
Sec 8. Once a courtesy runner is inserted that runner shall not be replaced by the
original catcher, pitcher, or another courtesy runner until she is put out or reaches home
plate. Should an injury occur the player may be replaced by another courtesy runner.
Sec 9. A courtesy runner may not be utilized for the Designated Player (DP) unless they
are the pitcher or catcher of record.
Sec 10. In the top of the first inning prior to the visiting team playing defense for
courtesy runner purposes the pitcher and catcher of record shall be the only players
eligible to courtesy run for. The pitcher and catcher of record shall defensively face the
first batter in the bottom half of the inning (at least 1 pitch).
EXCEPTION: When an injury or ejection occurs in the top of the first inning to the
pitcher or catcher identified on the lineup card and she is unable to face the first batter
in the bottom of the first inning, the player who ran for her is now declared her substitute
(unless the substitute was an LCAB courtesy runner), no longer a courtesy runner. All
substitution rules apply, but the pitcher/catcher has left the game and may not return to
the original pitching/catching position.

RULE 6. Defense

ART 1. Catch and Carry

Sec 1. A fielder may not catch or field a live batted or thrown ball and subsequently
carry it into dead-ball territory.
EFFECT: Game officials shall declare a “Dead Ball”. The batter and each base runner
are awarded one base, without the liability to be put out. The one base award shall be
assessed from the last base legally touched at the time the fielder entered dead-ball
territory. If the ball is a legally caught fly ball the batter shall be declared out. If game
officials judge a fielder intentionally carries, pushes, kicks, pitches, or throws a live ball
from playable territory into dead-ball territory the ball shall be declared dead and each
runner is awarded two based from the last base legally touched at the time the ball
entered dead-ball territory.

ART 2. Obstruction
Sec 1. Obstruction occurs when a defensive player who is not in possession of the ball
or in the act of fielding a batted ball, hinders the batter’s attempt to make contact with a

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pitch or impedes the progress of any runner who is legally running bases on a live ball.
Obstruction can be physical, verbal, intentional, or unintentional. Obstruction shall be
ruled if a defensive player is blocking the whole plate/base or base path without
possession of the ball and/or the runner does not have a path to the plate/base.
NOTE:
1. Physical contact is NOT required for obstruction to be ruled.
2. Obstruction may occur on a force or tag play.
3. In past years coaches instructed players to block the base, catch the ball and
apply the tag. Now the defensive player must first catch the ball, block the base,
and apply the tag.
Sec 2. Catcher Obstruction
Sub a. The catcher shall not hinder, prevent, or obstruct the batter’s attempt to
make contact with a pitch.
EFFECT: Delayed Dead-Ball is signaled. If the batter contacts the ball and
reaches first base safely and all other base runners have advanced at least one base
on the batted ball, the catcher obstruction is canceled. All other playing action resulting
from the batted ball stands. A base runner is considered to have reached a base even if
she has passed it and missed contacting the base for the purpose of this rule. If the
batter does not reach first base safely or if one of the other base runners does not
advance at least one base, the offensive coach has the option of taking the result of the
play. If the coach does not take the result of the play they may elect: (1) The batter is
awarded first base. (2) If forced, each base runner advances one base without liability to
be put out. If not forced, each base runner returns to the base legally occupied at the
time of the pitch. EXCEPTION: If the catcher steps on or in front of home plate or
touches the batter or her bat while a pitch is on its way to the plate and there is a base
runner on third base attempting to score on a squeeze play, each base runner advances
one base without liability to be put out regardless of being forced or not.
NOTE: If a game official requests a catcher to move farther away from the batter to
avoid injury or obstruction, the catcher must comply.
Sec 3. Fielder Obstruction
Sub a. A fielder who does not have possession of the ball nor in the act of
fielding a batted ball shall not impede the runner.
Sub b. A fielder shall not intentionally disrupt the course of a fair ball with the
intent to cause the ball to go foul (EX:Blow on a rolling ball or dig in the dirt).
Sub c. A fielder shall not position herself in a base runner’s line of vision to
intentionally block the base runner’s ability to observe the first touch of a fly ball.
Sub d. A fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball shall not intentionally alter her
motion in an effort to obstruct the batter-runner or base runner.

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 Sub e. A fielder shall not fake a tag on a base runner. A fake tag occurs when a
fielder not in possession of the ball pretends to have the ball and simulates a tag,
subsequently causing the runner to slow down or stop.
Sub f. A fielder shall not at any time obstruct a runner from her base path during
a rundown and prohibit her from advancing or returning to a base.
EFFECT: Any time obstruction occurs, obstruction shall be called verbally, and a
delayed dead-ball is signaled. If the obstructed runner safely reaches the base she
would have achieved had the obstruction not occurred or she is put out at a base
beyond the base she should have reached had there been no obstruction, no further
action occurs.
If the obstructed runner is not put out and does not reach the base she should have
achieved had the obstruction not occurred, at the end of playing action she shall be
awarded the appropriate base(s).
If the obstructed runner is put out prior to reaching the base she would have achieved
had the obstruction not occurred, a dead ball is called at the time of the apparent put out
and the obstructed runner and each other runner impacted by the obstruction will be
awarded the base(s) she/they should have achieved in the game official’s judgment had
the obstruction not occurred.
If the runner collides flagrantly, the ball is dead immediately and although the runner is
declared safe on the obstruction call, she is ejected.
NOTE:
1. Base awards should be made even after the third out of an inning and if an
obstructed runner would have scored prior to the third out, the run would score
on the base award.
2. If other runners are advancing and an game official suspends play after an out on
an obstructed runner (who did not reach the base she would have achieved in
the game official’s judgment had the obstruction not occurred) the other runners
would be awarded the next base provided they had advanced more than halfway
to the next base. If not, the runner shall return to the previous base unless forced
to advance.
Sub g. A fielder shall not obstruct a runner rounding a base.
Sub h. A fielder shall not obstruct a runner leading off or returning to a base.
Sub i. A fielder shall not use force to shover or push a runner off the base she
possesses in order to put her out.
Sub j. A fielder shall not position herself in the runner's line of vision to
intentionally prevent her from seeing the release of the pitch or distract her.
EFFECT: Delayed Dead-Ball is signaled. The first offense of an individual shall result in
the game official issuing a warning to the offender and notify the head coach of the
infraction.Subsequent violations, the game official shall award a base beyond the base

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where the obstruction occurred unless the base runner safely advances farther on her
own.
Sub k. A pitch that has not reached home plate, a fielder shall not prevent the
batter from having a reasonable opportunity to contact the pitch.
EFFECT: The ball is dead and the batter and all base runners are awarded one base
regardless of being forced.
Sec 4. Equipment Obstruction
Sub a. A fielder shall not intentionally contact or catch a fair batted, thrown, or
pitched ball with any equipment or any part of the uniform that is detached from its
proper place on the player’s person.
EFFECT: If the equipment obstruction occurs on a fair batted ball or with a batted foul
ball that in the opinion of the game official might become fair, the batter runner and all
runners shall be awarded three bases from the base legally occupied at the time of the
pitch. Runners may advance further with liability to be put out.
If the illegal catch or touch occurs on a fair hit ball that in the judgment of the game
official would have cleared the home run fence in flight the batter runner and all other
runners shall be awarded home plate. The ball may have been prevented by detached
player equipment that was thrown, kicked, tossed, or held by a fielder.
If the equipment obstructs a thrown ball, the batter runner and each other runner are
awarded two bases from the last base legally contacted at the time of the throw.
Runners may advance further with liability to be put out. NOTE: If no play is apparent,
there is no penalty.
Sec 5. Flagrant Obstruction
Sub a. Fielders are prohibited from using flagrant or excessive force to impede
the batter, batter-runner, or base runner.
Sub b. A fielder shall not attempt to record an out by using excessive force to
push a runner occupying a base off her occupied base.
EFFECT: Delayed Dead-Ball is signaled. The necessary obstruction effect is applied
and the offender shall be ejected.
Sec 6. An obstructed runner is still required to touch all bases in proper order, or she
could be declared out on a proper appeal by the defensive team.
Sec 7. An obstructed runner may not be called out between the two bases she was
obstructed unless one of the following occurs:
Sub a. The obstructed runner after safely attaining the base she would have
been awarded in the game official’s judgment had there been no obstruction and there
is a subsequent play on another runner. The obstructed runner is no longer protected if
she leaves the base.
Sub b. When another violation is being played upon.
Sub c. The obstructed runner commits an act of interference.
Sub d. The obstructed runner passes another runner.

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 Sub e. A proper appeal is made for failing to touch a base.
Sub f. A proper appeal is made for leaving a base prior to a fly ball being first
touched.
Sub g. When a batter hits a fly ball that is caught or an infield fly is ruled and the
batter-runner is subsequently obstructed on the way to first base.
Sec 8. If an obstructed runner is awarded a base she would have achieved had no
obstruction occurred and a preceding runner is on that base, the obstructed runner will
be awarded that base and the preceding base runner shall be entitled to the next base
without liability to be put out.
Sec 9. If an obstructed base runner is awarded a base she would have made had there
been no obstruction and a trailing runner is on that base, the obstructed base runner will
be awarded the base and the trailing runner will be returned to the preceding base
unless forced to advance because of the actions of the batter-runner.
Sec 10. If an act of interference occurs after any obstruction, enforcement of the
interference effect takes precedence provided both violations involve the same runner.
Sec 11. If the obstructed runner attempts to advance past the base she would have
reached had there not been obstruction or past the base she would have been awarded
for the obstruction, she is running with liability to be put out unless she is between the
two bases where obstruction occurred. If she is put out, she remains out. The ball
remains live.

ART 3. Umpire Interference

Sec 1. When a fair, untouched batted ball contacts the game official or his/her attached
equipment or clothing before passing a fielder (other than the pitcher), or after passing a
fielder (including the pitcher) but another fielder had a reasonable opportunity to make a
play.
Sec 2. When a fair, untouched batted ball strikes the game official or his/her attached
equipment or clothing before touching a fielder (including the pitcher).
EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter-runner is awarded first base. If forced, each base
runner advances one base with no liability to be put out. If not forced, each base runner
must return to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch. Exception: It is not
interference and the ball remains in play, if the ball: (1) hits the game official after
passing a fielder other than the pitcher, and no other fielder has a reasonable chance to
make a play; or (2) hits the game official after touching a fielder (including the pitcher).
NOTE: When the ball touches the official while still in flight, it shall be deemed a ground
ball. It cannot be caught as a fly ball.
Sec 3. When the plate official or his/her clothing interferes with the catcher’s attempt to
throw out a base runner on a pickoff or steal attempt.
EFFECT: If the runner is declared out as a result of the catcher’s initial throw, the ball
remains live, and there is no interference. If the runner is not out on the initial throw by

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the catcher, the ball is immediately dead and the base runner must return to the base
legally occupied at the time of the pitch even if the base runner is caught off base and
an opportunity for an out via rundown exists.

ART 4. Blocked Ball due to Equipment

Sec 1. No loose equipment, miscellaneous items, or detached parts of a player’s
uniform, other than that being legally used in the game at the time, should be within
playable territory as it could cause a blocked ball. Official equipment that may be within
playable territory with no effect includes the batter’s bat, the catcher’s mask or helmet,
game official clothing/equipment, and any helmet that has inadvertently fallen off an
offensive or defensive player during the course of play.
Sec 2. When a ball becomes lodged in a game official’s or offensive player’s attached
equipment or clothing.
EFFECT: The ball is dead; the batter and each base runner are awarded the bases they
would have reached had the ball not become lodged.
Sec 3. When a ball becomes lodged in a defensive player’s attached equipment or
clothing.
EFFECT: The ball is live until it is judged by the official to no longer be playable, at
which time it is declared dead. The batter-runner and base runners are awarded the
bases that would have been reached, in the official’s judgment, had the ball not become
lodged.

Art 5. Fairly Batted Ball becomes blocked

Sec 1. A fairly batted ball becomes blocked when:
Sub a. When it contacts loose equipment belonging to the defense.
Sub b. When it bounces over, wedges under, or passes through a fence or any
designated boundary of the playing field; or lodges in the fence, in plants/greenery on
the fence.
Sub c. When it deflects off a defensive player and crosses into dead-ball territory
(excluding a ball deflected over the home run fence in fair territory); or passes an
infielder (excluding the pitcher), deflects off a base runner or official, and crosses into
dead-ball territory, provided no other infielder has a chance to make a play.
EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter is awarded second base. Each other base runner
is awarded two bases from the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

ART 6. Thrown Ball becomes blocked

Sec 1. A live thrown ball becomes blocked when:

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 Sub a. When it contacts loose defensive equipment not involved in the game, but
on the playing field.
Sub b. When it is thrown and crosses into dead-ball territory whether the ball
rebounds onto playable territory or not.
EFFECT: The ball is declared blocked and dead. Each runner is awarded two bases
from the last base legally touched when the ball left the fielder’s hand. If two runners are
between the same bases, the award is based on the position of the lead runner.
Sec 3. When it contacts loose offensive equipment not involved in the game, but on the
playing field.
EFFECT: The ball is declared blocked and dead. If no play is obvious, no one is called
out. Each runner must return to the last base legally contacted at the time the ball
became blocked, unless forced to advance. If the blocked ball prevents the defense
from making a play, interference is declared. The runner closest to home plate at the
time of the blocked ball shall be declared out, and each other runner must return to the
last base legally touched before the ball became blocked, unless forced to advance.

ART 7. A Pitched ball becomes blocked.

Sec 1. A pitch becomes blocked when it gets stuck in, goes under, over the backstop,
lodges, wedges in a fence/barrier, or goes into dead-ball territory.
EFFECT: The ball is declared dead. Each base runner is awarded one base from the
base occupied at the time of the pitch and the batter is awarded a ball. If the award
results in ball 4 for the batter they shall be awarded first base.

ART 8. Game Personnel in unauthorized areas

Sec 1. Game/Team personnel are to remain in the dugout/team areas at all times. The
only exceptions: one of the nine defensive players on the field, the batter, one on deck
batter warming up, any base runners, and two base coaches on offense.
Sec 2. A fair batted or thrown ball becomes blocked at any point it contacts game/team
personnel in unauthorized areas.
Sec 3. When a live thrown ball or fairly batted ball contacts personnel of the offensive
team in an unauthorized area.
EFFECT: The ball is declared blocked and dead. If no apparent play is obvious, no one
is called out. Each runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time the
ball became blocked, unless forced to advance. If the blocked ball prevents the defense
from making a play, interference is declared. The runner closest to home plate at the
time of the blocked ball shall be declared out, and each other runner must return to the
last base legally touched before the ball became blocked, unless forced to advance.

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Sec 4. When a live thrown ball contacts a member of the defensive team in an
unauthorized area.
EFFECT: The ball is declared blocked and dead. Each runner is awarded two bases
from the last base legally touched when the ball left the fielder’s hand. If two runners are
between the same bases, the award is based on the position of the lead runner.
Sec 5. When a fairly batted ball contacts a member of the defensive team.
EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter is awarded second base. Each other base runner
is awarded two bases from the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

RULE 7. Pitching

ART 1. The Legal Pitching Position

Sec 1. 1 The pitcher is in the pitching position when she has her hands apart, her pivot
foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate, both feet on the ground partially within the
24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate or its backward extension, the hips in line with first
and third bases, and the catcher in position to receive the pitch.
Sec 2. The pitcher shall not position herself on the pitcher’s plate without the ball.
Sec 3. Identifying the pitcher’s feet:
Sub a. The pivot foot. The pivot foot is the one that maintains contact with the
pitcher’s plate, absorbs the body’s weight, pushes off against the plate during the initial
step phase of the pitch, and drags along the ground during the final phase of the pitch.
Sub b. The stride foot.The stride foot is the one that starts on or behind the
pitcher’s plate and extends forward toward home plate as the pitcher steps to deliver the
pitch to the batter. The stride foot must land on or within the lines of the pitcher’s lane.
Sec 4. Prior to starting the pitch when the pitcher comes onto the pitcher’s plate her
hands must be separated.
Sec 5. Upon coming on to the pitcher’s plate the pitcher must hold the ball in one hand,
either gloved hand or bare hand, at the side, behind, or in front of her body. Her hands
must be separated.
Sec 6. Upon coming onto the pitcher’s plate the pitcher shall pause to take or simulate
taking a signal from the catcher.
EFFECT (1-6): A delayed dead ball is declared and an illegal pitch is enforced.

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ART 2. GOLD DIVISION ONLY PITCHING REGULATIONS
Sec 1. In an effort to further align with NCAA regulations to prepare student athletes for
collegiate recruiting events with Perfect Game and collegiate play Gold Division games
will play under the collegiate pitching rules as follows:
Sub a. A portion of the stride foot must remain in contact with the ground at all
times prior to beginning her forward step. The stride foot may be on or behind the
pitcher’s plate as far back as desired. Once the pitcher initially sets the toe of her stride
foot, she may not step back any farther to increase the distance behind the pitcher’s
plate. The “Start Back” pitching method is LEGAL; The “Step Back” pitching method is
ILLEGAL.
NOTE: Once the pitcher has established her stride foot, simply dropping or rocking onto
her heel is not a violation.
Sub b. The pitcher may only look at the armband to receive information while
she is on the pitcher’s plate in the pitching position.
EFFECT: If the pitcher goes to the arm band for information while off the pitcher’s plate
an illegal pitch shall be declared and a delayed dead-ball signaled.
Sub c. If the pitcher takes signals from the dugout while off the pitcher’s plate,
she subsequently must simulate taking a signal once on the pitcher’s plate prior to
delivering a pitch.
EFFECT: If the pitcher fails to simulate taking a signal on the pitcher’s plate after
receiving signals from the dugout an illegal pitch shall be declared and a delayed
dead-ball signaled.

ART 3. NON-GOLD Division Pitching

Sec 1. Non- Gold divisions will allow for the “Start-Back” and “Step-Back” pitching
methods.
Sub a. A portion of the pivot foot must remain in contact with the ground at all
times prior to beginning her forward step.
Sub b. Any step back with the non-pivot foot shall begin prior to the start of the
pitch. The stride foot may be on or behind the pitcher’s plate as far back as desired.

ART 4. Legal Pitch

Sec 1. The pitch officially begins and cannot be discontinued once the hands have
separated after coming together. The pitching motion consists of the start of the pitch,
windup, step/stride, and delivery.
Sec 2. After receiving the signal, the pitcher’s hands must come together in view of the
plate official for not more than five seconds.
Sec 3. The pitcher may use any windup she chooses provided she does not:

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 Sub a. Stop her windup and change direction more than two times.
Sub b. Make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the pitch to the
batter.
Sub c. Separate her hands and then bring the ball back to both hands.
Sec 4. The pitcher may take only one step/stride forward toward home plate in her
delivery of the pitch.
Sec 5. It is legal to slide the pivot foot forward or across the pitcher’s plate provided
contact with the pitcher’s plate is maintained.
EXCEPTION: Physical contact with the pitcher’s plate may be lost if all of the following
occur: 1) If the pivot foot has not reduced the distance to home plate; and the pivot foot
must remain in contact with the ground; however, rocking onto either the toe or heel is
allowed. 2) The pivot foot is in contact with the pitcher’s plate when the pitcher turns,
twists or bends her pivot foot.
Sec 6. Leaping is not allowed. The pitcher may not become airborne on the initial drive
from the pitcher’s plate. The pivot foot must slide/drag on the ground.
Sec 7. The pitcher is not allowed to hop or drag to a replant (crow hop), gain a second
starting point and push off her pivot foot. Once having lost contact with the pitcher’s
plate, the pivot foot may trail on the ground but may not bear weight again until the pitch
is released.
Sec 8. Once the hands have separated and the pitching arm begins the clockwise
motion that will result in the release of the pitch, not more than 1½ revolutions of the
pitching arm may take place.
Sec 9. The pitcher’s step/stride to the batter must be continuous.
Sec 10. The pitch shall be released underhand and the hand shall travel below the hip.
Sec 11. The release of the pitch and follow-through of the hand and wrist must be
forward.
Sec 12. The pitcher may not make another arm revolution after releasing the ball
Sec 13. During delivery the pitcher’s wrist may not extend past the frame of her elbow
EFFECT (1-13): A delayed dead ball is declared and an illegal pitch is enforced.

ART 5. Dropping the ball during the pitch

Sec 1. The effect for dropping the ball during delivery of the pitch is dependent on when
it occurs.
Sub a. If the ball is dropped prior to her hands coming together and then
separating.
EFFECT: The ball is live. There is no penalty. The base runner(s) may advance with
liability to be put out.
Sub b. When the ball is dropped due to accidentally slipping from the pitcher’s
hands during the action of delivering a pitch.

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EFFECT: If the batter does not have a reasonable opportunity to hit the pitch, a
defensive player may retrieve it, the ball is live, a ball is awarded to the batter, and the
base runner(s) may advance with liability to be put out. If the batter would have had a
reasonable opportunity to hit the pitch but the defensive player retrieves it, obstruction is
ruled, the ball is dead and the batter and all other base runners are awarded one base
(whether forced or not).
Sub c. The pitcher shall not purposefully bounce, roll, or drop the ball in an effort
to prevent the batter from hitting the pitch.
EFFECT: A delayed dead ball is declared and an illegal pitch is enforced.

ART 6. Illegal Pitch

Sec 1. An illegal pitch is a pitch that violates the pitching rules or is an effect for a rule
violation. When an illegal pitch occurs, it shall be called immediately by the game
officials.
EFFECT: If the pitch is released, the official calls “Illegal” loud enough for nearby
players to hear. If an illegal pitch occurs but the pitch is not released, it is a dead ball.
Failure of players to hear the call shall not void the call. Simultaneously, the official
gives the delayed dead-ball signal and waits to suspend play until the non-contacted
pitch has reached the plate, or the play has been completed. Assuming no other
violation has occurred (for example, leaving early): (1) If the batter does not reach first
base safely or if any runner fails to advance at least one base, the coach of the
offensive team may choose the result of the play or the standard effect for an illegal
pitch, which is that a ball is awarded to the batter. (2) If the batter reaches first base
safely and each other base runner advances at least one base, the play stands, and the
illegal pitch is canceled. Once a runner has passed a base, she is considered to have
reached the base, even if she missed it. (3) If the batter is hit by an illegal pitch not
swung at, the batter is awarded first base, and other base runners advance one base,
only if forced. (4) If ball four is an illegal pitch, the batter is awarded first base, and other
base runners advance one base, only if forced.

ART 7. No Pitch
Sec 1. “No Pitch” shall be declared when:
Sub a. While play is suspended the pitcher delivers a pitch.
Sub b. A base runner is off base for a legitimate reason (EX: has not returned to
touch after a foul ball) and the pitcher delivers a pitch failing to allow time for the base
runner to return to their occupied base.
Sub c. The pitcher delivers a quick pitch. A Quick pitch is a method intended to
catch the batter off guard or unprepared to bat.
Sub d. If a player violates the time-between-pitch rule and that causes her
opponent to also violate the rule.

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EFFECT: The ball is declared dead and all action on that pitch is canceled.
Sub e. A base runner is called out for leaving her base prior to the release of the
pitch.
EFFECT: Delayed dead ball is signaled. At the conclusion of the play, if the defensive
head coach does not select the result of the play, “No Pitch” is declared, the offending
base runner is out, the batter is returned to the batter’s box and other base runners
returned to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch.
Sub f. The pitcher stops or hesitates in her delivery as a result of the batter
stepping out of the box, holding up her hand or using any other action as if requesting
time.
EFFECT: “No Pitch” is declared.
Sub g. A player or coach commits any act (calls “Time” or employs any similar
word or phrase) while the ball is live and in play for the clear purpose of attempting to
make the pitcher deliver an illegal pitch.
EFFECT:“No pitch” is declared and a warning is given to the offending team. Repeat of
any act by any member of the team that has been warned shall result in the violator(s)
being ejected from the game.

ART 8. Pitcher removing herself from the pitcher’s plate or discontinuing a pitch
Sec 1. The pitcher may not remove herself from the pitching position by stepping
forward or sideways off the pitcher’s plate before the start of the pitch. She must step
backward.
EFFECT: Delayed dead ball is signaled and illegal pitch is enforced.

ART 9. Illegal Ball, Substance on the Ball, and Items on the Pitcher
Sec 1. 1 Under the supervision and within view of the game official, a resin (a drying
agent) may be used on the pitcher’s hand/fingers. Any substance (including resin, dirt or
saliva) applied to the pitcher’s hands and fingers must be wiped off if it would transfer to
the ball.
Sec 2. Substances such as Gorilla Gold and other tacky gripping agents will be
permissible on a towel in the pitcher’s back pocket. If used the agent may only be
applied to the hand and must be wiped off prior to contacting the ball.
Sec 3. No other team personnel may apply moisture or any substance/agent to the ball
or into a glove that will then contact the ball or do anything else to deface the ball.
Sec 4. Rock Rosin is not permissible for use.
EFFECT: The ball is a delayed dead ball. For the first offense, a ball shall be awarded
to the batter and a warning shall be issued to the pitcher when the substance comes in
contact with the ball. For the second offense, the pitcher shall be ejected.
Sec 4. All game balls must bear the “PG Perfect Game” certification stamp.
EFFECT: 1st offense the Head Coach of the team in violation shall be warned and the

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illegal ball removed from play. Any subsequent violation shall result in the Head Coach
being ejected.
Sec 5. The pitcher shall not wear any item on the pitching fingers, hand, wrist, forearm
or thighs that an official considers distracting. This includes a batting glove, sweatband
and loose lacing on a glove, or ball-colored logos. NOTE: The pitcher’s fingers, hand,
wrist, forearm or elbow may be taped for injury, providing such tape is a neutral color.
Pitchers may wear braces, casts, elbow guards, prostheses or splints on their pitching
arms.
EFFECT: The pitcher shall remove the item upon request of game officials or be ejected
from the game.

ART 10. Intentionally throwing at a Game Official or Batter

Sec 1. The pitcher shall not intentionally attempt to strike a game official with a pitch.
EFFECT: If, in the official’s judgment, such a violation has occurred, the official shall
eject the pitcher, catcher and the head coach. In addition, the head coach shall be
suspended from all Perfect Game events for the calendar year.
Sec 2.The pitcher shall not intentionally attempt to strike the batter with a pitch.
EFFECT: If, in the official’s judgment, such a violation has occurred, the official shall
warn the pitcher, catcher and the head coach that future violations by any pitcher from
his/her team will be cause for immediate ejection of the pitcher, catcher and the head
coach. If, in the official’s judgment, the situation warrants drastic action to diffuse a
potentially volatile situation, the official may eject the pitcher and catcher without
warning. The head coach of the offending team also may be ejected at this time if the
official believes it is appropriate. A warning may be issued to one or both teams before
the start of the game or at any time during a game if the official believes it to be
appropriate.

ART 11. Intentional Walk

Sec 1. The pitcher, catcher, or defensive coach may at any point during an at bat or
prior to a batter coming to bat notify game officials they elect to intentionally walk the
batter. Four pitches do not have to be thrown.

ART 12. Returning the ball to the Pitcher after the pitch
Sec 1. After each pitch not contacted and foul tip the catcher shall return the ball directly
to the pitcher. Exceptions:
1) An errant throw intended for the pitcher
2) When a batter is not entitled to first base runs anyway.
3) After an attempted putout or putout by the catcher
4) When “no swing” is judged and help is requested on a checked
swing which could be strike three.

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 5) To make a play on a base runner.
6) When the batter becomes a base runner.
EFFECT: The ball is dead, and base runners may not advance. A ball shall be awarded
to the batter. In addition, on the first offense, the offending player shall be warned. On
subsequent offenses, the offender shall be ejected from the game. : Intentionally
violating the rule in order to walk the batter without pitching shall not result in a ball
being awarded to the batter

ART 13. The pitcher throwing to a base from the Pitcher’s Plate
Sec 1. The pitcher shall not throw to a base during a live ball while her foot is in contact
with the pitcher’s plate after she has taken the pitching position. If the throw from the
pitcher’s plate occurs during a live-ball appeal play, the appeal is canceled.
EFFECT: Delayed dead ball is signaled and illegal pitch is enforced.

ART 14. Allowed Time Between Pitches

Sec 1. The pitcher must be on the pitcher’s plate, the catcher in the catcher’s box and
the batter in the batter’s box within 10 seconds after the pitcher receives the ball in
preparation to pitch or after the game official signals, “Play ball.” After the pitcher,
catcher, and batter are in position, the pitcher has 10 seconds to bring her hands
together. The pitcher then has not more than five seconds to deliver the pitch.
EFFECT: The ball is dead. If the batter is in violation of the timing, a strike is assessed.
If the pitcher or catcher is in violation of any part of the timing sequence, a ball shall be
awarded to the batter. Intentionally violating the rule in order to walk the batter without
pitching shall not result in a ball being awarded to the batter, but each base runner shall
advance one base without liability to be put out. In addition, on the first offense, the
official shall issue a warning to the offending player. On the second offense, the
offending player shall be ejected from the game

ART 15. Warm Up Pitches

Sec 1. A warm up pitch is any pitch delivered to home plate during suspension of play.
Sec 2. At the start of the game and beginning of each half-inning, the pitcher of record
may throw not more than five pitches or four pitches and one throw to first base or any
combination that is limited to five throws from the pitcher. Play shall be suspended
during this time.
Sec 3. After a pitching change, a relief pitcher may throw not more than five pitches or
four pitches and one throw to first base or any combination that is limited to five throws
from the pitcher. Play shall be suspended during this time. A pitcher shall not be allowed
warmup pitches if returning to pitch in the same half inning.
EFFECT: For each excessive warm up pitch or throw a ball shall be awarded to the next
batter.

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Sec 4. A player other than the pitcher of record throws a warm up pitch
EFFECT: For the 1st violation, the official shall issue a warning to the offending coach.
Any subsequent violation by the same team shall result in ejection of the head coach..
Sec 5. The pitcher shall be given ample time to warm up after any substantial delay
caused by inclement weather, injury or delayed play by the game officials.
Sec 6. After injury to a pitcher, the relief pitcher must be allowed ample time to warm up.
Play shall be suspended during this time

ART 16. Pitching Distances

Sec 1. Pitching distances are determined by the age division playing.

10U & Younger 12U 14U & Older

35 feet 40 feet 43 feet

RULE 8. Batting

ART 1. The On-Deck Batter

Sec 1. The On-Deck batter shall position themselves in the on-deck circle/area closest
to her dugout while warming up.
Sec 2. Prior to the 1st inning and in between innings the only players permitted to be on
field warming up are the batter due up to bat in the inning and the on-deck batter. All
other players must remain in the dugout area.
Sec 3. During her time in the on-deck circle/area the on-deck batter may not have more
than two legal bats.
EFFECT: 1st offense shall be a warning issued to the Head Coach. Any subsequent
violation shall result in the Head Coach being ejected.

ART 2. Batter’s Positioning in the Batter’s Box

Sec 1. The batter must position herself completely within the batter's box within 10
seconds of the pitcher receiving the ball. The batter must remain completely within the
batter’s box until the pitch is released.
EFFECT: If the batter does delays, the ball is dead. A strike is charged to the batter, and
if this pitch is the third strike, the batter is declared out.

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Sec 2. After taking her position in the batter’s box and the pitcher is in the pitching
position on the pitcher’s plate the batter shall not vacate the batter’s box unless granted
“Time” by the game official.
EFFECT: The batter may have a strike delivered unless a suspension of play is granted
by the game official. If play is not suspended and a legal pitch is delivered it will be
called a strike or ball dependent upon pitch location.
Sec 3. After the pitcher has taken or simulated taking a signal and after she has brought
her hands together in front of her body and separated her hands the batter shall not
vacate her position in the batter’s box.
EFFECT: If the batter steps out of the box, holds up her hand or uses any other action
as if requesting time and the pitcher legally delivers the ball, it shall be called a ball or
strike, depending upon the location of the pitch. The ball remains live. If the pitcher
stops or hesitates in her delivery as a result of the batter stepping out of the box,
holding up her hand or using any other action as if requesting time, it shall not be an
illegal pitch. Since both the pitcher and batter have violated the rule, “No pitch” shall be
declared. If the official judges the batter’s action to be a deliberate attempt to create an
illegal pitch, the ball is dead, “No pitch” is called, and all subsequent action on that pitch
is canceled. A warning shall be issued to the batter and to the offending team. A repeat
of this type of act by any member of the team warned shall result in the offender being
ejected from the game.
Sec 4. When the batter makes contact with her bat to the ball she may not have either
foot completely on the ground outside the batter’s box.
EFFECT: The plate official shall signal a delayed dead ball. The defensive coach shall
be given the option of taking the result of the play or having a strike charged to the
batter and all base runners returning to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.

ART 3. Fair Ball

Sec 1. A fair ball is a legally batted ball that:
Sub a. Shall be judged according to the relative position of the ball and the foul
line, including the foul pole, and not with respect to the position of the fielder (on fair or
foul ground) at the time the ball is contacted.
Sub b. Settles on or is contacted on or over fair territory between home plate and
first base, or between home plate and third base.
Sub c. Is in fair territory when a runner, who is in fair territory, interferes with a
defensive player’s attempt to field a batted ball.
Sub d. While on or over fair territory, contacts a player, game official, or their
attached equipment or clothing.
Sub e. Contacts first, second or third base, unless a fielder or runner previously
touched it while the ball was in foul territory

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 Sub f. Bounces over or past first base or third base regardless of where the ball
hits after passing the base.
Sub g. First falls or is first contacted on or over fair territory beyond first or third
base.
Sub h. While in flight, contacts the foul pole or while over fair territory, passes out
of the playing field beyond the home run fence.
NOTE: A batted ball signaled fair may be changed to foul if additional information
provided to the calling official is accepted.

ART 4. Foul Ball

Sec 1. A foul ball is a legally batted ball that:
Sub a. Shall be determined according to the relative position of the ball and the
foul line, including the foul pole, and not with respect to the position of the fielder at the
time the ball is contacted.
Sub b. Goes directly from the bat to any part of the catcher or her equipment
other than her hand or gloved hand
Sub c. Is in foul territory when a base runner interferes with a defensive player’s
reasonable chance to make a play on the ball.
Sub d. First falls or is contacted on or over foul territory beyond first or third base
Sub e. Rolls or bounds past first base or third base on or over foul territory.
Sub f. Settles untouched on, or first touches/is touched by a fielder or game
official, either of their attached equipment or clothing, accidentally by a base runner or
her equipment/clothing, or any object foreign to the natural playing surface on or over
foul territory between home plate and first base or home plate and third base, even if
the batted ball first rolled against the discarded bat or hit the ground in fair territory
including the pitcher’s plate and home plate.
Sub g. Accidentally comes into contact with the batter-runner or her bat (held or
dropped) whether or not the batted ball first touches the dirt, pitcher’s plate or home
plate, while the ball is in foul territory and judged by the official as not having a chance
to become fair.
Sub h. Accidentally contacts the bat a second time, whether or not the batted
ball first touches the dirt, pitcher’s plate or home plate, while the bat is still in the batter’s
possession and she is still in the batter’s box.
Sub i. Accidentally touches the batter, or touches the dirt, pitcher’s plate or home
plate and then the batter, while she is still in the batter’s box.
EFFECT: The ball is dead, it is a strike on the batter if she has fewer than two strikes or
is attempting a bunt, and base runners must return to the bases held at the time of the
pitch, if not called out for interference. EXCEPTION: In (Sub f and Sub d) if the first
touch is by a fielder on a ball in flight that is legally caught the ball is live, the batter is
out and base runners may advance with liability to be put out after tagging up.

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Note: A called foul ball may not be made live.

ART 5. Foul Tip

Sec 1. A foul tip is a ball that travels directly from the bat to the catcher’s hand or glove
and is legally caught.
Note: Any batted ball that travels directly from the bat, to any part of the catcher or her
equipment other than the hand(s) or glove/mitt, is a foul ball and dead. It is not a foul tip.
Sec 2. A foul tip is a live ball treated the same as a non contacted pitch. Base runners
may advance with liability to be put out and are not required to tag up.
EFFECT: The ball is live, a strike is charged to the batter, and each base runner may
advance with liability to be put out. The batter is out if it is the third strike.

ART 6. Balls & Strikes

Sec 1. The Strike zone. The strike zone is the area over home plate between the
batter’s forward armpit and the top of her knees when she assumes her natural batting
stance. The top of the ball must be on or within the horizontal plane, and either side of
the ball must be on or within the vertical plane of the strike zone to be a strike unless
the ball touches the ground before reaching home plate.
Sec 2. The pitch shall be judged to be a strike or a ball as it crosses home plate, not
where it is caught by the catcher, and in relation to the batter’s natural position as the
pitch crosses home plate.
Sec 3. Called Ball. A ball is recorded to the batter when a legal pitch that is not struck at
by the batter does not enter the strike zone on the fly, touches the ground before
reaching home plate or touches home plate.
Note: If a pitch strikes the ground in front of the batter and the batter swings at it, the
ball is in play if hit and a strike if missed.
EFFECT: The ball is live, and base runners may advance with liability to be put out.
Sec 4. At the time an illegal pitch is declared and the pitch is not contacted, swung at, or
if it is hit and the team does not elect to take the results of the play.
EFFECT: Delayed dead ball is signaled and illegal pitch is enforced
Sec 5. When the pitcher commits a timing violation and fails to deliver the ball to the
batter in the allotted time.
EFFECT: The ball is dead and the batter is awarded a ball.
Sec 6. For each warm up pitch in excess of five pitches.
EFFECT: A ball is awarded to the next batter or batters for every excessive warm up
pitch.
Sec 7. When the catcher does not directly return the ball to the pitcher after a pitch not
contacted or a foul tip.
EFFECT: Rule 7-11-1 Effect
Sec 8. A called strike is charged to the batter when:

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 Sub a. For each legally pitched ball that is swung at by the batter and missed.
Sub b. For each legally pitched ball that enters the strike zone without first
touching the ground.
Sub c. For each foul tip
EFFECT: The ball is live, and each base runner may advance with liability to be put out.
The batter is out if it is the third strike
Sub d. For each foul ball when the batter has less than two strikes.
EFFECT: The ball is dead, and each base runner must return, without liability to be put
out, to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.
Sub e. When the batter bunts foul after the second strike.
EFFECT: If the bunt attempt is caught in the air, the ball is live. If the bunt attempt
results in a foul ball not legally caught, the ball is dead, the batter is out, and each base
runner must return to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.
Sub f. Each pitch that contacts the batter while the ball is in the strike zone.
Sub g. Each batted ball that contacts any part of the batter or her clothing when
she is in the batter’s box and has less than two strikes.
Sub h. Each pitch that contacts any part of the batter as she swings and misses.
EFFECT: The ball is dead. Each base runner must return to the base legally occupied
at the time of the pitch.
Sub i. When the batter fails to take her position within the batter's box within 10
seconds after the pitcher receives the ball in preparation to pitch or after being directed
to by the plate official.
EFFECT: The ball is dead. No pitch has to be thrown. Each base runner must remain on
the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.
Sub j. When a team representative, personnel or player of the offense
intentionally removes, or covers with infield material, any required lines on the field or
intentionally covers the pitcher’s plate or home plate.
EFFECT: The ball is dead. A strike shall be called on the batter if the offense violates
the rule, and a ball shall be awarded to the batter if the defense violates the rule. In
addition, the official shall issue a warning to the offending team. Subsequent violation by
the same team shall result in an ejection of the offender

ART 7. Slaps, Bunts, and Hits

Sec 1. A slap is a form of hit that occurs when a ball is batted with a short chopping
motion as opposed to a full swing.
Sec 2. A bunt is a legally batted ball not swung at but intentionally tapped into the infield
with the bat.
Sub a. Leaving the bat in the strike zone shall be declared an attempted bunt.
For the batter to take a pitch the bat shall be removed or pulled backward away from the
ball and zone.

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 Sub b. With fewer than two strikes, the batter’s attempt to bunt results in a foul
ball not legally caught, it is a strike, and the ball is dead. With two strikes, the batter is
declared out, and the ball is dead.
Sub c. With two strikes and a missed bunt attempt the dropped third strike rule is
in effect.
Sub d. A bunt that is caught in the air remains live and in play, regardless of the
number of strikes on the batter, and whether it is fair or foul.

ART 8. Checked Swing

Sec 1. A checked wing occurs when the batter attempts to stop the action of hitting or
slapping the ball. A batter attempting to avoid being hit with a pitch as opposed to
attempting to hit, slap, or bunt it shall not be subject to the checked swing.
Sec 2. A pitch should be called a strike when it is in the strike zone, regardless of
whether the batter checked her swing.
Sec 3. A pitch should be called a ball when:
Sub a.The swing is checked and the pitch did not enter the strike zone or did not
contact the bat.
Sub b. The plate official is in doubt regarding a checked swing or blocked out.
Sec 4. If the plate official calls the pitch a ball and the defense requests help, the plate
official shall ask for help. If anyone else (on either offense or defense) asks for help, the
official may (but is not required) to ask for help.
Sec 5. If an out is declared on the bases in addition to an out on a properly appealed
checked swing, the checked swing out is assessed before the out on the bases.
NOTE: Indicators officials should look for when determining if a batter has swung at the
ball or checked the swing: (1) Did she make an attempt to hit/bunt/slap the pitch? (2)
Was the barrel of the bat out in front of her front hip? (3) Did she roll her wrists?

ART 9. Batting Order & Batting out of Order

Sec 1. The batting order provided to game officials at the pre-game meeting shall be
constant throughout the game with the exception of players legally substituted.
Sec 2. The first batter listed on each team’s lineup card shall lead off her respective
team’s half of the first inning. After the first inning, the first (lead-off ) batter in each
inning shall be the player whose name trails that of the last batter who completed her
full turn at bat in the preceding inning. If the third out in an inning is made before a
batter concludes her turn at bat, she shall be the first batter up in the next inning, and
she shall start with a 0-0 count.
Sec 3. A player is batting out of order when she fails to bat in proper sequence as listed
on the official lineup card.
Sec 4. Batting out of order is an appeal play that may be made only by the defensive
team. The defensive team loses its right to appeal batting out of order after one pitch

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has been made to the following batter or when the pitcher and all infielders have clearly
vacated their normal fielding positions and have left fair territory.
Sec 5. The effect for batting out of order varies depending upon when the infraction is
reported to the plate official.
EFFECT: If the error is reported during the time the improper batter is at bat, the correct
batter may take her place and legally assume any balls and strikes. Any runs scored or
bases advanced while the improper batter was at bat shall be legal. If the error is
reported after the incorrect batter has completed her turn at bat and prior to a pitch
being delivered to the following batter, or before the pitcher and all infielders clearly
have vacated their normal fielding positions and have left fair territory: (a) the player
who should have batted is out; (b) all results because of a ball batted by the improper
batter or because of the improper batter’s advance to first base as a result of
obstruction, an error, a hit batter, walk, dropped third strike or a base hit shall be
nullified; (c) the next batter is the player whose name follows that of the player called
out for failing to bat; (d) if the batter declared out under these circumstances is the third
out, the correct batter in the next inning shall be the player whose name follows that of
the player called out for failing to bat; and (e) if the third out is made on a player before
the report of the infraction, an appeal may still be made in order to reinstate the correct
batting order. If the error is reported after the first pitch to the next batter or after the
pitcher and all infielders clearly have vacated their normal fielding positions and have
left fair territory: (a) the turn at bat of the improper batter is legal; (b) all runs scored and
bases run are legal; and (c) the next batter is the player whose name follows that of the
player who batted out of order.
NOTE: The offensive team may correct an error of an improper batter prior to the
improper batter completing their at bat without penalty. No base runner shall be
removed from the base she is occupying to bat in her proper place (except the batter
who has been taken off the base by the plate official as in the effect above). She simply
misses her turn at bat with no effect. The batter trailing her in the batting order becomes
the legal batter. Players who have not batted and who have not been called out have
lost their turn at bat until reached again in the regular order.

ART 10. Dropped Third Strike

Sec 1. A dropped third strike occurs when there are two outs or less than two outs and
first base is unoccupied and the catcher does not catch a third strike prior to the ball
contacting the ground.
EFFECT: The ball is live, the batter becomes a batter-runner with liability to be put out.
Base runners may advance with liability to be put out.
Sec 2. On a dropped third strike the batter is entitled to attempt to first base and the
pitched ball contacts and bounces off the catcher and contacts the dropped bat.

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EFFECT: The ball is live and all base runners including the batter runner are entitled to
advance with the liability of being put out.

ART 11. Contacting the Ball a second time

Sec 1. The batter shall not after contacting a fair ball contact the bat a subsequent
second time in fair territory.
EFFECT:
1. If the batter is still in possession of the bat when the ball is contacted a
second time and the batter is in the batter’s box, the ball is dead, a foul
ball is ruled, and each base runner shall return to the base legally
occupied at the time of the pitch.
2. If the batter is still in possession of the bat when the ball is contacted a
second time and the batter is out of the batter’s box, the ball is dead, the
batter is out, and each base runner shall return to the base legally
occupied at the time of the pitch.
3. If the bat is out of the batter’s possession (on the ground), the ball rolls
against the dropped bat in fair territory and, in the official’s judgment, there
was no intent to interfere with the course of the ball, the ball is live. If it
stops or is touched in fair territory, it is a fair ball. If the ball touches the
dropped bat in fair territory and then rolls to foul ground and stops, it is a
foul ball. If the ball rolls against the dropped bat in foul territory, it is a foul
ball regardless.
4. If the bat is out of the batter’s possession (dropped or thrown) and it
contacts the ball in fair territory, the ball is dead, the batter is out, and each
base runner shall return to the base legally occupied at the time of the
pitch

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 CONTACTING THE BALL A SECOND TIME EFFECT SUMMARY CHART
BATTER'S BAT POSSESSION LOCATION OF RESULT
POSITION BALL

IN THE BOX BATTER IN FAIR OR FOUL FOUL BALL

POSSESSION

OUT OF THE BOX BATTER IN FAIR BATTER’S OUT

POSSESSION

OUT OF THE BOX BATTER IN FOUL FOUL BALL

POSSESSION (ACCIDENTAL)

OUT OF THE BOX BATTER IN FOUL BATTER’S OUT

POSSESSION (INTENTIONAL)

IN OR OUT OF THE NOT IN POSSESSION FAIR LIVE BALL

BOX (BALL CONTACTS BAT)

IN OR OUT OF THE NOT IN POSSESSION FOUL FOUL BALL

BOX (BALL CONTACTS BAT)

IN OR OUT OF THE NOT IN POSSESSION FAIR BATTER’S OUT

BOX (BAT CONTACTS BALL)

IN OR OUT OF THE NOT IN POSSESSION FOUL FOUL BALL

BOX (BAT CONTACTS BALL) (ACCIDENTAL)

IN OR OUT OF THE NOT IN POSSESSION FOUL BATTER’S OUT

BOX (BAT CONTACTS BALL) (INTENTIONAL)

NOTE: If the bat breaks and any part of it contacts a batted ball, a fielder, or a base
runner no interference has occurred and the ball shall remain live. If the catcher trips
over a legally discarded bat no interference has occurred and the ball shall remain live.
Sec 2. A batter shall not intentionally interfere or hinder the catcher in her attempt to
catch a third strike or intentionally contact a ball in foul territory.
EFFECT: The ball is dead, the batter shall be declared out and all base runners shall
return to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.
Sec 3. A batter shall not swing, miss a pitch and then accidentally contact the pitch on
the follow through or after it bounces off the catcher.
EFFECT: The ball is dead, the pitch is declared a strike and if it is the third strike the
batter is out. If the pitch is not the third strike the batter shall remain at bat and all other
base runners shall return to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

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ART 12. Batter Hit by Pitch
Sec 1. A batter is awarded first base when a pitch, neither swung at nor called a strike,
contacts the batter or her clothing. No attempt to avoid being hit by the pitch is required;
however, the batter may not intentionally move to get hit by the pitch.
EFFECT: The ball is declared dead and the batter is awarded first base. Other base
runners may not advance unless forced.
NOTES: (1)If the ball contacts the ground prior to hitting the batter it shall still be a hit by
pitch. (2) In no scenario are the batter’s hands considered part of the bat. (3) If the
batter swings, bunts, or slaps, and the ball contacts her hands which results in the ball
being put into fair or foul territory a dead ball shall be declared and a strike assessed to
the batter. If this would be strike three the batter is declared out.
Sec 2. The batter shall not be awarded first base if:
Sub a. The batter is hit by a pitch that she intentionally moves to get hit by.
EFFECT: The ball is dead and is a ball or strike dependent upon its location. The batter
remains at bat unless the pitch was strike three or ball four.
Sub b. The batter is hit by a pitch that was in the strike zone.
EFFECT: The ball is dead and the batter is charged with a strike. Each base runner
shall return to the base they legally occupied at the time of the pitch.
Sub c. The pitch contacts the batter’s person or clothing as she is swinging,
slapping, or bunting and the ball is put into play or missed.
EFFECT: The ball is dead and a strike is assessed to the batter. If the strike is strike
three the batter is declared out.

ART 13. Batted Ball contacts the Batter’s person or clothing/equipment

Sec 1. After the ball is contacted by the bat the ball shall not come into contact with any
part of the batter’s person or clothing/equipment.
Sub a. The batter is in the batter’s box when the ball contacts her person or
clothing/equipment and the ball is foul or fair.
EFFECT: Foul Ball shall be declared.
Sub b. The batter is out of the batter’s box when the ball contacts her person or
clothing/equipment and the ball is foul.
EFFECT: Foul Ball shall be declared.
Sub c. The batter is out of the batter’s box when the ball contacts her person or
clothing/equipment and the ball is fair.
EFFECT: A dead ball shall be declared and the batter is out.

ART 14. Infield Fly Rule

Sec 1. The infield fly rule is in effect when declared by game officials because the batter
hits a fair fly ball (excluding a line drive or an attempted bunt) which can be caught by

55
an infielder with a reasonable amount of effort when first and second base or all three
bases are occupied, and there are fewer than two outs.
EFFECT: The ball is live. The batter-runner is out if the batted ball is fair. Each base
runner may tag up and advance with the liability to be put out once the batted ball is
touched, the same as on any caught fly ball. If a declared infield fly is dropped
intentionally or allowed to fall untouched, the ball is live, the batter-runner is out, which
removes all force plays, and each base runner may advance with liability to be put out.
A base runner need not retouch her base.
NOTE: The infield fly is ruled when the ball reaches its highest point and based on the
position of the closest infielder, regardless of who makes the play. If a declared infield fly
becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any foul. If a declared infield fly ball falls
untouched to the ground in foul territory and rolls into fair territory before passing first or
third base, it is an infield fly.

ART 15. Illegally Batted Ball

Sec 1. An Illegally Batted Ball occurs when the batter contacts the pitch with an illegal
bat.
EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter shall be declared out immediately, whether the
ball is fair or foul. Each base runner must return to the base legally occupied at the time
of the pitch. In the case of an illegal bat the offender and head coach shall be ejected.
Sec 2. An Illegally Batted Ball occurs when any part of the batter’s feet are in contact
with the plate at the time contact is made with the ball.
Sec 3. An Illegally Batted Ball occurs when one or both of the batter’s feet are on the
ground completely out of the batter’s box at the time contact is made with the ball.
EFFECT (Sec 2-3): The plate official shall signal a delayed dead ball. The defensive
coach shall be given the option of taking the result of the play or having a strike charged
to the batter and all base runners returning to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.

ART 16. Fair Fly Ball Intentionally Dropped

Sec 1. An intentionally dropped fair fly ball is a batted ball that is legally caught and then
subsequently deliberately dropped. A ball that is trapped or guided to the field shall not
be considered as having been intentionally dropped.
Sec 2. An infielder may not intentionally drop a fair fly ball, a bunt, or a line drive when
there are less than two outs and there are any base runners.
EFFECT: The ball is dead and the batter is declared out. Each base runner must return
to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch. Exception: The batter is not out if
the infielder permits the ball in flight to drop untouched to the ground, except when the
infield fly rule applies. If an infield fly is ruled, it has precedence over an intentionally
dropped ball.

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ART 17. Interference
Sec 1. Interference is an act that denies or inhibits a defensive player a reasonable
opportunity to make a play (fielding or throwing) anywhere on the field of play.
Interference may be intentional, unintentional, physical, or verbal.Interference can be
caused by offensive players (batter, runner, on-deck batter), coaches, game officials,
nongame personnel, and or spectators. Interference may also be caused by the
offensive team in its entirety due to loose equipment belonging to them.
EFFECT: When the batter causes interference, the ball is dead, the batter shall be
declared out, and all base runners must return to the base legally occupied at the time
of the pitch. When a base runner is called out for interference, the batter runner is
awarded first base.
Sec 2. The on-deck batter or offensive team personnel may not interfere with the
defensive player’s reasonable opportunity to make a play on a batted ball. This would
include offensive team personnel reaching out of the dugout or entering the field.
EFFECT: If the interference is with a defensive player attempting to make a play on a
batted ball, the ball is dead, the batter is out, and each base runner must return to the
base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.

ART 18. Batter Interference

Sec 1. The batter shall not step from one batter’s box, directly in front of the catcher, to
the other batter’s box while the pitcher is in position ready to pitch.
EFFECT: Delayed dead ball is signaled. The defensive team shall choose either the
result of the play or the batter is out and each base runner must return to the base
legally occupied at the time of the pitch.
Sec 2. The batter shall not hinder the catcher or any other fielder from catching or
throwing the ball by moving out of the batter’s box, or intentionally moving to hinder a
player while standing within the batter’s box.
EFFECT: Delayed dead ball is signaled. The defensive team shall have the choice of
either the result of the play or the batter is out and each base runner must return to the
last base that, in the official’s judgment, was legally contacted at the point interference
occurred. Exceptions: (1) If a base runner is advancing to home plate and there are less
than two outs, the base runner, instead of the batter, shall be declared out. (2) If the
batter strikes out and, while remaining in the batter’s box, interferes with the catcher’s
attempt to play on a base runner, the base runner also is out. (3) If the catcher is not
making a play on a base runner but the batter or official interferes with the catcher’s
return throw to the pitcher and the base runner, consequently, advances safely, the
official should suspend play and return each base runner to the base occupied at the
time of the accidental interference.
CLARIFICATION:

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 1. If the catcher or her throw to a base hits the batter or her bat while the
batter is in the batter’s box, the ball is live and there is no interference
unless the contact is intentional and initiated by the batter.
2. The batter’s box is not a sanctuary for the batter when a play is being
made at home plate.
Sec 3. After being declared out the batter shall not interfere with the defense’s
opportunity to make a play on another runner.
EFFECT: Delayed dead ball is signaled. The defensive team shall choose either the
result of the play or the base runner closest to home plate at the time of the interference
shall also be declared out. In addition, each other base runner must return to the last
base legally touched at the time of the interference. If the batter strikes out and remains
in the batter’s box when she interferes with the catcher’s attempt to throw out a base
runner, the ball is dead and the base runner being played on, not the runner closest to
home plate, is also out.
Sec 4. The batter may not swing and miss a pitch and then intentionally hit it on a
second swing or after it bounces off the catcher or her glove/mitt.
EFFECT: The ball is dead and the batter shall be declared out. Base runners must
return to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.
Sec 5. The batter shall not:
Sub a. Throw the bat into fair or foul territory, or hits the catcher and the bat
subsequently interferes with a defender trying to make a play.
EFFECT: Interference. Delayed dead ball is signaled. The defensive team shall choose
either the result of the play or the batter is out and each base runner must return to the
base legally occupied at the time of the pitch. If, in the official’s judgment, interference
prevented a double play, two outs may be declared.
Sub b. Throw the bat in a manner which could endanger any player or game
official.
EFFECT: Interference. Delayed dead ball is signaled. For a first violation, the offending
team is warned. For any subsequent violation by the same team, the offender is ejected
from the game. The offended coach is given the option of either the results of the play
or the batter being declared out and base runners shall return to the last base occupied
at the time of the pitch. If, in the official’s judgment, interference prevented a double
play, two outs may be declared.

ART 19. The Batter is Out

Sec 1. The batter is out when she:
Sub a. Any offensive team personnel (excluding base runners) or the on deck
batter interferes with the defense making an attempt to catch a fly ball.
EFFECT: The ball is dead and all runners shall return to the base legally occupied at
the time of the pitch.

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 Sub b. Enters the batter’s box with an illegal bat.
EFFECT: The ball is dead and the batter is declared out. The offender and the head
coach are ejected.
Sub c. The offense bats out of order and the defense properly appeals.
EFFECT: Rule 8-9-5-Effect.
Seb d. The batter throws the entire bat into fair territory, and it interferes with a
defensive player attempting to make a play.
EFFECT: 8-11-1-Effect 4.
Sub e. A batted ball hits the batter, or hits the dirt or home plate and then hits the
batter when the batter is out of the batter’s box, and the batted ball is considered fair.
EFFECT: The ball is dead. Each base runner must return to the base legally occupied
at the time of the pitch.
Sub f. The batter hits a fair ball and subsequently contacts the ball a second time
with the bat in fair territory.
EFFECT: Rule 8-11-1-Effect 2.
Sub g. The batter swings and misses a pitch and then intentionally hits it on a
second swing or after it bounces off the catcher or her glove/mitt.
EFFECT: Rule 8-11-3-Effect.
Sub h. With 2 strikes the batter bunts a pitched ball foul.
EFFECT: Rule 8-6-8-Sub e Effect.
Sub i. The batter foul tips on strike three.
EFFECT: The ball is live. Base runners may advance without tagging but with liability to
be put out.
Sub j. The catcher catches a swinging or called third strike.
Sub k. The catcher does not catch a third strike before the ball contacts the
ground when first base is occupied and there are less than two outs.
EFFECT: The ball remains live, base runners may advance with the liability to be put
out.
Sub l. As a batter swings and misses for strike three and the pitch contacts her
hands, body, or clothing.
EFFECT: Rule 8-6-8- Sub h Effect.
Sub m. With two strikes, the batter intentionally moves to get hit by a pitch in the
strike zone or the batter is contacted by a pitch in the strike zone.
EFFECT: Rule 8-12-1-Effect.
Sub n. The batter hinders the catcher or any other fielder from catching or
throwing the ball by moving out of the batter’s box, or intentionally moving to hinder a
player while standing within the batter’s box.
EFFECT: Rule 8-18-2-Effect.

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 Sub o. The batter steps from one batter’s box, directly in front of the catcher, to
the other batter’s box while the pitcher is in position ready to pitch.
EFFECT: Rule 8-18-1-Effect

RULE 9. Base Running

ART 1. Look-Back Rule

Sec 1. The look-back rule is in effect when the ball is live, the batter-runner has touched
first base and the pitcher has possession (for example, has the ball in her hand or
glove, under her arm or chin, or between her legs) and control of the ball within the
pitcher’s circle. The pitcher is considered to be in the pitcher’s circle when both her feet
are within the circle or on the lines.
Sec 2. When a runner is legally off her base after a pitch or as a result of a batter
completing her turn at bat and she is in motion as the pitcher takes possession of the
ball within the pitcher’s circle, the runner may continue moving forward in the direction
she is going without stopping; or she may immediately and directly go back in the other
direction. If the runner is stopped as the pitcher takes possession of the ball within the
pitcher’s circle, the runner must immediately and directly go forward or back. A base on
balls or a dropped third strike is treated as a base hit as long as the batter-runner
continues past first base.
Sec 3. At the time the pitcher is within the pitcher’s circle and gains possession of the
ball:
Sub a. A runner may not step off any base after stopping at it.
Sub b. Any runner standing off her base must immediately advance to the next
base or return to the base she last legally occupied.
Sub d. A runner who starts back to the base she last occupied or starts forward
toward the next base shall not stop or reverse direction.
Sub e. The batter-runner, after overrunning first base, may not retouch the base
and advance toward second base.
Sub f. After stopping at a base a runner may not step off the base.
Sub g. The batter-runner may round first base, stop, and make an immediate
decision to advance or return without again stopping or reversing direction.
Sub h. The batter-runner, after overrunning first base, must immediately return
nonstop to first base or, if she does not retouch first base, must make an attempt to
advance to second. If after passing the base, the batter-runner is heading back toward
first base within the baseline extended, she may make a decision to go to either base.

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However, stepping beyond the extended baseline in foul territory commits her to first
base while stepping beyond the baseline toward the second-base side commits her to
second base.
Sub i. After rounding first base the batter runner may stop, and immediately
make a decision to advance or return without reversing direction or stopping their
movement again.
Sec 4. A runner may not reverse her direction after deciding it unless the pitcher:
Sub a. Has one foot on the ground completely outside the pitcher’s circle while
she possesses the ball.
Sub b. Carries the ball outside the pitcher’s circle.
Sub c. Makes a play on any runner.
Sub d. Throws the ball from the pitcher’s circle.
Sub e. The pitcher fakes a throw.
Sub f. No longer possesses the ball in the circle.
Sub g. Makes a body movement toward a runner indicating a potential play on a
runner. (Moves the head or body to fake toward a runner, steps towards a runner, raises
the arm to simulate a throw.).
Sec 5. The pitcher is not required to actually look at the runner in order for the runner to
adhere to the look back rule. The runner must comply with the conditions of the look
back rule regardless of the pitcher’s gaze of focus.
EFFECT: The ball is dead, the offending runner is out, and each other runner must
return to the last base legally touched at the time of the infraction. If two runners are off
base and both are called out, the officials must determine which runner was called out
first as it is not possible to obtain more than one out under the look-back rule. The ball is
dead when the first runner is called out, and the other runner must return to the base
last touched at the time of the infraction.

ART 2. Batter becomes a batter runner with the ability to advance and liability to be put
out.
Sec 1. Batter becomes a batter runner with the ability to advance and liability to be put
out when:
Sub a. After a legally batted fair ball that is not blocked.
Sub b. When a fair batted ball unavoidably strikes a base runner (not in contact
with a base) or an official, including the attached equipment or clothing of either, after
touching a fielder (including the pitcher).
Sub c. Because of a dropped third strike.
Sub d. When a base runner is unintentionally hit by a fair untouched batted ball
while in contact with a base, and the closest defensive player is in front of that base.
Sub e. When a fair batted ball becomes stuck in a defensive player’s uniform or
equipment.

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EFFECT: The ball is live. The batter becomes a batter runner and advances with liability
to be put out. Each base runner may advance with liability to be put out, unless she is
forced, in which case she must advance.

ART 3. Runners may advance with liability to be put out

Sec 1. Any base runner may advance with liability to be put out:
Sub a. Any time a foul tip is caught
Sub b. When an infield fly is not caught
Sub c. When a pitch enters foul territory unblocked.
Sub d. When a pitch contacts a game official.
Sub e. When the pitcher releases a pitcher from her hand.
Sub f. When a fly ball is first touched.
Sub g. When a thrown ball becomes stuck in a defensive player’s equipment or
uniform..
Sub h. When a thrown ball contacts a game official.
Sub i. When she overslides or overruns first base legally, and attempts further
advancement.
Sub j. After attaining the final base of an award (dead or live).
Sub k. When a thrown ball enters foul territory unblocked.
Sub l. When unavoidably struck by an untouched fair batted ball over foul
territory and, in the official’s judgment, no defender had a reasonable opportunity to
make a play.
EFFECT: The ball is live. Runners may advance with liability to be put out.

ART 4. A Runner is Out

Sec 1. A Runner is out when:
Sub a. On a force play a defender puts her out prior to the runner reaching the
base.
Sub b. When a defensive player legally tags her.
Sub c. When she physically passes (that is, completely overtakes) a preceding
runner before that runner has been put out, unless the passed runner was obstructed or
was tagging up on a fly foul ball that is uncaught.
Sub d. When a coach or anyone other than another runner who has not yet
crossed the plate physically assists her while she is actively running the bases and the
ball is in play.
EFFECT: (a-d)The ball is live. Each other runner may advance with liability to be put
out.
Sub e. When she is running to any base in regular or reverse order, she attempts
to avoid or delay a tag by running out of the base path.
Sub f. When she commits an act of interference.

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 Sub g. When a member of the offense or offensive team personnel interferes
with the defense’s opportunity to make a play on a runner.
Sub h. When a member of the offense or offensive team personnel interferes
with a runner who is legally running the bases on a dead ball award until the point the
player contacts home plate.
Sub i. When a member of the offense or offensive team personnel interferes with
the game official’s ability to verify all bases are legally and properly contacted.
Sub j. When she violates the look-back rule.
Sub k. When coach interference is ruled.
Sub l. At any point she leaves a base after returning to it unless a play is made
on her or another runner, or the pitcher no longer possesses the ball in the pitcher’s
circle.
Sub m. When she abandons her base or effort to run the bases.
Sub o. Slides illegally.
Sub p. Leaps, jumps, or hurdles over a defender.
NOTE: Leaping, jumping, or hurdling a defender is only permissible if the defender is
lying on the ground. The definition of “Lying on the Ground” shall be: A player whose
physical position is no longer upright, and their front/back plane of the body is in contact
flat with the ground. (Front Plane: Chest, Stomach, or Legs. Back Plane: Shoulder
blades, back, glute, or legs.)

ART 5. The Batter Runner is Out

Sec 1. The batter runner is out when:
Sub a. When she is legally put out prior to reaching first base after a dropped
third strike.
Sub b. When she hits a fair ball and is legally put out prior to reaching first base
Sub c. When she hits a fair or foul ball, other than a foul tip, and it is legally
caught by a defensive player prior to it touching the ground, or any object, person other
than a defensive player.
EFFECT: The ball is live and each runner may advance regardless or being forced or
not with liability to be put out.
Sub d. When the infield fly rule is in effect and the batter hits an infield fly.
EFFECT: Rule 8-14-1-Effect
Sub e. When either of her feet is completely outside the runner’s lane, in contact
with the ground, and, in the judgment of the official, she interferes with the fielder taking
the throw at first base. EXCEPTION: She may run outside the runner’s lane to avoid a
fielder attempting to field a batted ball.
Sub f. When she moves backward toward home plate to delay or avoid being
tagged.

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EFFECT: (f) The ball is dead and all runners must return to the base last legally
occupied.
Sub g. When the officials rule an intentionally dropped fair fly ball.
Sub h. When the immediately preceding base runner who is not yet out
intentionally interferes, in the official’s judgment, with a fielder who is attempting to catch
a thrown ball or throw a ball in an attempt to complete a play.
EFFECT: The ball is dead, the batter-runner and base runner are out, and each other
runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time of the interference.
Sub i. A runner may not remain on her feet and deliberately, with great force,
crash into a defensive player who is holding the ball and waiting to apply a tag.

ART 6. The Base Runner is Out

Sec 1. The base runner is out when:
Sub a. When she uses a running start (from a position behind and not in contact
with the base) to tag up on a caught fly ball.
EFFECT: The ball is live. Base runners may advance with liability to be put out.
Sub b. When she leaves the base she is occupying before the pitch is released
and the defensive coach does not take the result of the play.
EFFECT: “No pitch” is declared, the batter is returned to the batter’s box and the
offending base runner is out. Each other base runner must return to the base legally
occupied at the time of the pitch.

ART 7. Running the Bases

Sec 1. A base runner must touch each base in legal order (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and home
plate) when advancing. When awarded bases the bases must also be touched in legal
order.
Sub a. A runner shall not run the bases in reverse order or intentionally run to the
outfield to confuse the defense or create a travesty of the game.
EFFECT: The ball shall be declared dead and the runner is out. All other runners must
return to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch.
Sec 2. A runner who is required to return to a base while the ball is dead or in play must
retouch the bases in reverse order.
EFFECT: For failure to touch a base when advancing or returning while the ball is in
play, the runner is out if, before they reach each untouched base, they are legally
tagged or if the ball is held by a fielder on the base they failed to touch, including home
plate (live-ball appeal). If the appealed runner is the batter-runner at first base, or any
other base runner forced to advance, this is a force out and no runs would score if it
was the third out. It is still a force out when a base runner misses a base to which they
were forced to advance and is subsequently appealed after the batter-runner or a
trailing base runner has been retired. Any runner who misses the first base to which

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they are advancing and who is later called out shall be considered as having advanced
one base.
Sec 3. The batter runner shall not retreat or step back in the direction of home plate to
delay or avoid being tagged.
EFFECT: The ball is dead, the batter-runner is out, and each base runner must return to
the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch
Sec 4. When a base becomes dislodged from its proper position, neither the initial base
runner nor the trailing runner(s) in the same series of plays are required to follow the
base out of position. The base is considered to have followed the runner.
EFFECT: The ball is live, and the runner may stay where they are without liability to be
put out, or they may attempt to advance with liability to be put out. Each other runner
may advance with liability to be put out. Each runner who attempts to advance to or past
the dislodged base must touch the spot where the base should be located. At the
conclusion of play, play is suspended, and the dislodged base shall be returned to its
proper position.
Sec 5. The runner shall not slide out of the baseline nor outside their reach of the base
they are attempting to slide into in order to slide directly at a fielder.
EFFECT: Interference.
Sec 6. The batter runner may legally overrun or over slide first base after initially
reaching it safely, but if they faint or make an attempt to advance to second, they may
be tagged out while they are off base by a defensive player with possession of the ball.
NOTE: This applies to a batter entitled to advance on a dropped third strike or a base
on balls as well.
Sec 7. Any runner who overslides or overruns a base subsequently loses contact is at
liability of being put out.
EFFECT: The runner is out if tagged while not in contact with the base and the ball
remains live.
Sec 8. Any runner may overrun or overslide home plate after legally contacting it
without being liable to be put out.
Sec 9. In the process of running the bases a runner is considered to have attained the
base if they contact the base or pass the base (within a body’s length). If they pass the
base but have failed to touch it, they are considered to have touched it until the defense
appeals they have missed the base.
Sec 10. If a runner fails to contact home plate and the fielder either misses or makes
no attempt to tag the runner, the official should make no signal, verbal or nonverbal. If
an appeal play is made (that is, by tagging either the runner or home plate), the official
should then make a decision on the appeal.
Sub a. If a runner fails to contact home plate, they are considered to have scored
on a timing play. Should they return and touch home plate, the time is established upon

65
contact with home plate. If they do not return, the time is established at the time they
pass home plate.
Sec 11. If a batter-runner passes first base before the throw arrives, they are
considered to have touched the base unless an appeal play is made.
Sec 12. A base runner is required to return to their base or remain in contact with their
base until a batted fly ball whether fair or foul is first touched by a fielder. The initial
contact of the ball by a fielder releases the base runner(s) from the base(s) occupied at
the time of the pitch.
Sub a. If a base runner leaves a base too soon on a legally caught fly ball, they
may return in an attempt to retag with liability to be put out. Either the base runner or the
base may be tagged by the defender in advance of the base-runner’s return. This is
considered a timing play and not a force out.
EFFECT: The ball is live (live-ball appeal). The base runner is out if they fail to retouch
the base occupied at the time of the pitch before a fielder tags them or the base. If the
appeal is the third out, all runs scored in advance of the appeal would count.
Sec 13. During a dead ball, a runner may return to a missed base or a base they left
illegally even though they are awarded bases by the official. If they fail to legally touch
the appropriate base, a proper appeal may result in the runner being ruled out.
EFFECT: An appeal must be honored even if the base missed or left too soon on a
caught fly ball was before or after an award. Bases missed or left too soon on a caught
fly ball must be retouched before advancing to awarded bases.
Sec 14. A runner may not return to touch a missed base or a base left too soon on a
caught fly ball if:
Sub a. They are standing on a base beyond the base they missed or left too
soon, and play is suspended.
Sub b. The ball is put back into play after having been dead
Sub c. On a dead-ball base award, they have touched the final base of the base
award.
Sub d. They have left the field of play.
Sub e. A trailing runner has scored.
Sec 15. In between pitches and after a dead ball, each base runner must return to their
base. The pitcher is required to allow sufficient time for the base runner to return to their
base, and the base runner is required to return to their base without undue delay.
Sec 16. The failure of a preceding base runner to touch or retouch a base or to legally
tag up on a caught fly ball (and who is declared out) does not affect the status of a
trailing runner who touches each base in proper order. However, after two are out, a
trailing runner cannot score a run when a preceding runner is declared out for failing to
touch a base in regular order or to legally tag up on a caught fly ball.
EFFECT: When the ball is live and the base runner is not given sufficient time to return
to a base, they will not be called out for being off base before the pitcher releases the

66
ball, a “No pitch” shall be declared and the runner is directed to return to their base.
When the ball is dead, the ball will not be put in play until each base runner has
retouched their base. However, a base runner may be declared out if, after being
allowed a reasonable amount of time, they fail to retouch the base.
Sec 17. If play becomes suspended while a runner is standing on base they may not
advance.

ART 8. Abandoning a base

Sec 1. A runner may not abandon or willingly leave their occupied base:
Sub a. After reaching a base safely, the runner abandons their base (for
example, obviously heads toward their position or the dugout believing they were put
out, the batted ball was foul, etc.), or leaves the field of play for any reason.
EFFECT: The ball is live. The batter-runner or base runner(s) is out. Each other runner
may advance with liability to be put out.
EXCEPTION: The runner may not be declared out if a call/directive by a game official
placed the runner in jeopardy.
Sub b. In considering the scoring of runs, with two outs, the runner does not
proceed to a base to which they are forced to advance.
EFFECT: The ball is live and the runner is out. Whether or not a run scores is
determined by the defense. If the runner is declared out for abandonment, it is a timing
play and the run would score if another runner touched home plate before the offending
runner is declared out. If the defense puts the runner out by force out (tagging them or
playing the ball to the base to which the runner was forced), the run would not score.

ART 9. The Double First Base

Sec 1. The double first base is a white colored base positioned in fair territory
connected to a colored base positioned in foul territory.
Sec 2. Any batted ball contacting or bounding over any part of the colored base shall be
ruled foul.
Sec 3. Any batted ball contacting or bounding over any part of the white base shall be
ruled fair.
Sec 4. When a play is being attempted on the batter runner, the defense must use the
white base to put the batter runner out. The batter runner must run to the colored base.
Sub a. If the defense contacts only the colored base it shall be the same as
missing the base.
Sub b. If the batter runner only contacts the white base when there is a play
being made at first base, the batter runner shall be judged to have missed first base.
The batter runner shall be declared out on proper appeal if done prior to the batter
runner returning to first base.

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Sec 5. The defense and offense may use either base when:
Sub a.On a batted fair ball or errant throw pulls the defender to foul territory.
Sub b. The ball is thrown from the foul side of first base.
Sub c. Any time there is a force out attempt from the foul side of first base.
Sec 6. When there is no play being made on the batter runner at first base, the batter
runner may use either base.
Sec 7. After the batter runner achieves first base safely, runners and any defensive
player may use the white or colored base. NOTE: The double first base shall be treated
as one big base.
Sec 8. On a force play on the batter runner, while a defender is in contact with the white
base, if the batter runner collides with the defender on the white base it shall be
declared interference.

ART 10. Base Occupation

Sec 1. A runner acquires the right to a base by touching it before being put out.
Sec 2. A runner is entitled to hold the base until she has legally touched the next base
in order or is forced to vacate it for a trailing runner.
Sec 3. Two runners may not occupy the same base simultaneously.
EFFECT: The runner who first legally occupied the base is entitled to it, unless forced to
advance. The other runner may be put out by being contacted with the ball securely
held in the hand or glove/mitt of the fielder.
NOTE: If a runner is being run down between bases and the trailing runner occupies the
same base the first runner has left, the trailing runner cannot be put out while occupying
said base. If the first runner, however, returns safely to the base she left and both
runners then are occupying the same base, the trailing runner is out if touched with the
ball.

ART 11. Interference

Sec 1. Interference is an act that denies or inhibits a defensive player a reasonable
opportunity to make a play (fielding or throwing) anywhere on the field of play.
Interference may be intentional, unintentional, physical, or verbal.Interference can be
caused by offensive players (batter, runner, on-deck batter), coaches, game officials,
nongame personnel, and or spectators. Interference may also be caused by the
offensive team in its entirety due to loose equipment belonging to them.
Sec 2. The batter runner commits an act of interference when:
Sub a. She contacts the ball with the bat a second time in fair territory.
EFFECT: Rule 8-11-1-Effect 2.
Sub b. She throws the entire bat into fair territory resulting in interfering with a
defensive player attempting to make a play.
EFFECT: 8-11-1-Effect 4.

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 Sub c. The batter-runner may not interfere with a fielder attempting to field a
batted ball.
Sub d. The batter-runner may not interfere with the catcher’s attempt to field a
third strike.
Sub e. The batter-runner may not interfere with a fielder’s attempt to throw or to
receive a thrown ball.
EXAMPLES:
1) The batter-runner may not run outside the runner’s lane and, in the official’s
judgment, interfere with the fielder taking the throw at first base. (Except to avoid
a fielder attempting to field a batted ball).
2) The batter-runner may not slide into first base to interfere
with the play whether on her or another runner.
Sub f. The batter-runner may not intentionally interfere with a thrown ball while
out of the batter’s box.
EFFECT: The ball is dead, the batter-runner is out, and each base runner must return to
the last base occupied at the time of the pitch. If the interference, in the official’s
judgment, is an obvious attempt to prevent a double play, the base runner closest to
home plate also shall be called out.
Sub g. The batter-runner may not interfere with a play at home plate in an
attempt to prevent an obvious out at home plate.
EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter-runner and the base runner advancing to home
plate shall both be declared out. Each other base runner must return to the last base
occupied at the time of the pitch.
Sec 3. The base runners commit an act of interference when:
Sub a. She interferes with a defensive player attempting to field a batted ball.
Sub b. She intentionally contacts a ball that an infielder has missed.
Sub c. She contacts an untouched, fair batted ball after it passes a defensive
player if another defensive player has an opportunity to make a play.
Sub d. She contacts a fair batted ball, while off base, prior to it contacting a
defensive player (including the pitcher) or before it passes a defensive player (other
than the pitcher), who has a reasonable chance to make a play.
Sub e. She intentionally removes her helmet or other personal equipment to
deliberately interfere with a batted or thrown ball.
Sub f. Physical contact by the runner with a fielder attempting to field a fair
batted ball shall be interference, provided the fielder had a reasonable chance to make
a play.
Sub g. The runner may not at any time unnecessarily wave her arms or verbally
distract the fielder.
Sub h. When the defensive player, while watching the flight of a ball, bumps a
base runner who is standing on a base and fails to make a catch on a catchable ball,

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the base runner shall not be called out unless the hindrance is intentional. A base
runner must vacate any space needed by a fielder to make a play on a batted ball,
unless the base runner has contact with a legally occupied base when the hindrance
occurs. This is an exception to the rule that defensive players must be given the
opportunity to field the ball anywhere on the playing field without being hindered.
Sub i. It is still interference if a batted ball is misplayed and remains in front of a
fielder such that the fielder still has an opportunity to make a play, and the runner
contacts the fielder. However, if the misplayed ball bounds away or past the fielder and
then contact occurs as the fielder and runner collide, this may be considered inadvertent
contact.
Sub j. Interference occurs when the ball ricochets off one defensive player, and
another player still has the opportunity to make a play, but the runner intentionally
interferes with the second fielder.
Sub k. If two fielders try to field a batted ball and the base runner contacts one or
both, the official shall determine which one is more likely to field the ball, and only that
fielder is entitled to protection.
EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter runner is awarded first base unless she is the
player guilty of interference. The offending runner is out. Each base runner not forced
by the batter-runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time interference
occurred. If in the official’s judgment, an obvious attempt to prevent a double play
occurs before the runner is put out, the runner being played on also is called out. If the
interference occurs after the runner is put out, the runner closest to home plate also is
called out. If the interference is with a fielder attempting to field a routine fair fly ball, the
batter is also out. If the base runner is off a base and is hit by an infield fly, both the
base runner and the batter are out. However, if the base runner is stopped at base
when she is struck by an infield fly, only the batter is out. If two base runners are hit by
the same fair ball, only the first base runner is out.
Sub l. A runner may not remain on her feet and deliberately, with great force,
crash into a defensive player who is holding the ball and waiting to apply a tag
EFFECT: The ball is dead, the runner is called out and ejected. If the game officials
judge it was an intentional attempt to break up a double play both the offender and the
other runner being played on are declared out. If the offender is a retired runner, the
runner closest to home plate shall be declared out.
Sub m. The base runner who immediately precedes the batter-runner and who is
not yet out may not intentionally interfere, in the official’s judgment, with a fielder who is
attempting to catch a thrown ball or to throw a ball in an attempt to complete a play.
EFFECT: The ball is dead, the batter-runner and base runner are out, and each other
runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time the interference occurred.
Sec 4. The runner is not out and it shall not be deemed interference when:

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 Sub a. When a defensive player fields a ground ball and attempts to tag the
runner who crashes into her causing the ball to come loose.
Sub b. When a defensive player is standing watching the ball roll near the foul
line and the runner makes incidental contact, the defensive player is not entitled to
protection as she is not fielding the ball.
Sub c. When the runner is hit with a fair batted ball while standing in foul territory
and, in the official’s judgment, no defensive player has a reasonable opportunity to
make a play.
Sub d. When the bat breaks and a part of it is hit by the batted ball in fair territory
or a part of it hits a runner or a defender.
Sub e. When a batted ball is misplayed, the ball bounds away or past the
defensive player, and then the defensive player and runner collide.
Sub f. When the runner is hit with a fair, untouched batted ball that has passed a
defensive player (other than the pitcher) and, in the official’s judgment, no other
defender had a reasonable opportunity to make a play. If the ball contacts the runner
while still in flight, it shall be considered a ground ball; it cannot be caught as a fly ball.
Sub g. When more than one defensive player attempts to field a batted ball and
the runner comes into contact with the one who, in the official’s judgment, could not
have made a play.
Sub h. When the runner, not in contact with a base, is unintentionally hit by a fair
batted ball after it touches or is touched by any fielder (including the pitcher).
EFFECT: The ball is live and all runners may advance with liability to be put out.
Sub i. When the base runner is hit by a fair batted ball while in contact with a
base, unless she intentionally interferes with the ball or a fielder making a play.
EFFECT: The ball is live or dead, depending on the position of the defensive player
closest to the base. If the closest defensive player is in front of the base that the base
runner is in contact with, the ball is live. The batter runner and any other base runner
may advance with liability to be put out. If the closest defensive player is behind the
base that the base runner is in contact with, the ball is dead. The batter is awarded first
base, and each other base runner not forced by the batter runner must return to the
base legally occupied at the time of the pitch. If the official rules intentional interference,
the ball is dead, and the batter is out if there are two outs. If there are fewer than two
outs, both the batter and the base runner are out. Each base runner must return to the
base legally occupied at the time of the interference.
Sec 5. Interference by a Retired Member of the Offense, Offensive Team Personnel or
Loose Offensive Equipment.
Sub a. Once the pitch has crossed home plate, offensive team personnel may
not interfere with a fielder who has a reasonable opportunity to make a play on a thrown
or pitched ball within the field of play.

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 Sub b. An offensive player, who no longer has status (a retired member of the
offense or a player who has scored), may not interfere with a defensive player making a
play on an active runner
EFFECT: The ball is dead, and the runner closest to home plate at the time of the
interference shall be declared out. Each base runner must return to the last base legally
touched at the time of the interference, unless forced to advance.
EXCEPTION: If the batter struck out and is still in the batter’s box when she interferes
with the catcher’s attempt to throw out a base runner, the base runner being played on,
not the runner closest to home plate, is declared out.
Sub c. Offensive team personnel shall not stand or congregate around a base to
which a runner is advancing, confusing the fielders and adding to the difficulty of making
the play.
EFFECT: The ball is dead, and the runner being played on is out. Each other runner
must return to the last base legally touched at the time of the interference.
Sec 6. Offensive team personnel shall not interfere with a runner who is legally running
the bases on a dead-ball award until the runner contacts home plate or hinder an
official’s ability to see that all bases are properly touched.
Sub a. Offensive team personnel, other than base coaches and base runners,
shall not touch a runner until the runner contacts home plate.
Sub b. Offensive base coaches may not physically assist (help up, push, pull,
grab) a runner in any way.
Sub c. Offensive team personnel shall congregate only in foul territory around
home plate to congratulate the runner.
EFFECT: (a & b)The ball is dead and the player touched is immediately declared out
and credited with the last base legally touched at the time of the interference. (c) The
ball is dead and the batter runner is declared out and credited with the last base legally
touched at the time team personnel entered fair territory. In all cases, each other base
runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time of the violation.
Sec 7. Base Coach Interference
Sub a. A coach, whether in or out of the coach’s box, shall not intentionally
interfere with a thrown ball or interfere with the defensive team’s opportunity to make a
play on a runner.
Sub b. The offensive coach near third base shall not run in the direction of home
plate on or near the baseline while a fielder is attempting to make a play on a batted or
thrown ball with a runner in scoring position, drawing a throw to home plate
NOTE: The coach’s box is not a sanctuary for the coach when a play is being made in
the vicinity of the coach’s box.
EFFECT: The ball is dead, the runner closest to home plate shall be declared out, and
each other runner must return to the last base legally touched at the time of the
interference.

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EXCEPTION: If a thrown ball accidentally touches a coach in foul territory, the ball is
live. It is not interference if the individual tries to evade the ball or is not aware that the
ball is coming.

ART 12. Awards

Sec 1. An offensive player who is entitled to advance because of a base award is not in
jeopardy of being put out. However, upon proper appeal by the defense, she may be
called out for a base-running violation.
Sec 2. If forced, each base runner must advance one base with no liability to be put out.
Sec 3. If a base runner touches the next base and returns to her original base, the
original base she left is considered the last base touched for the purpose of an award.
Sec 4. First Base shall be awarded to the batter with no liability to be put out when:
Sub a. Catcher obstruction occurs.
EFFECT: Rule 6-2-2-Sub a-Effect
Sub b. When a batter is pitched four balls (base on balls).
EFFECT: (b)The ball is live unless blocked. The batter may advance beyond first base
with liability to be put out. If forced, each base runner must advance one base with no
liability to be put out. If not forced, each base runner may advance with liability to be put
out.
Sub c. A pitched ball contacts the batter.
EFFECT: Rule 8-12-1-Effect
Sub d. When a fair, untouched batted ball contacts an official or his/her attached
equipment or clothing after passing a fielder (including the pitcher), but another fielder
had a chance to make a play.
Sub e. When a fair, untouched batted ball contacts an official or his/her attached
equipment or clothing prior to touching a fielder (including the pitcher) or before passing
a fielder (other than a pitcher).
EFFECT: The ball is dead, and the batter is awarded first base. Each base runner not
forced by the batter-runner must return to the base legally occupied at the time of the
interference.
Sub f. When runner interference is ruled and the effect does not include the
batter-runner being called out.
EFFECT: Rule 9-9-3-Effect
Sec 5. Second Base shall be awarded to the batter with no liability to be put out when:
Sub a. When a fair batted ball deflects off a defensive player and enters
dead-ball territory (excluding a ball deflected over the home run fence in fair territory), or
passes an infielder (excluding the pitcher), deflects off a base runner or game official,
and crosses into dead-ball territory, provided no other infielder has a reasonable chance
to make a play.

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 Sub b. When a fair batted ball deflects off a fence and then off a fielder before
going over the home run fence.
Sub c. When a fair batted ball deflects off a member of the defensive team in an
unauthorized area.
Sub d. When a fair batted fly ball clears a home run fence by first bounding off
the ground.
Sub e. When a fair batted ball touches loose equipment belonging to the
defense.
Sub f. When a fair batted ball bounces over, wedges under or passes through a
fence or any designated boundary of the playing field, or becomes blocked.
Sub g. When a fair batted ball lodges in the fence, or in shrubbery or vines on
the fence.
EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter is awarded second base and is credited with a
two-base hit (double). Each other base runner is awarded two bases from the base
legally occupied at the time of the pitch.
Sec 6. Third Base shall be awarded to the batter with no liability to be put out when:
Sub a. When an illegal catch or touch is made on a batted ball that, in the
opinion of the official, might become fair.
Sub b. When a fielder intentionally contacts or catches a fair batted ball with her
cap, helmet, mask, chest protector, glove/mitt or any part of her uniform that is detached
from its proper place on her person.
EFFECT: Delayed dead ball is signaled. The batter is awarded third base and credited
with a three-base hit (triple), but may advance farther with liability to be put out. Each
other base runner is awarded home plate.
Sec 7. Home Plate shall be awarded to the batter with no liability to be put out when:
Sub a. When a fair batted fly ball is deflected by a fielder or fielders over the
home run fence in fair territory
Sub b. An illegal catch or touch is made on a fair hit ball that, in the judgment of
the official, would have cleared the home run fence in flight
Sub c. When a fair batted fly ball strikes the foul pole above the fence level or
leaves the playing field in fair territory without being caught, touching the ground or
going through the fence.
EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter-runner is entitled to a home run, and each other
base runner is awarded home plate.
Sec 8. Runners shall be awarded one base without liability to be put out when:
Sub a. A defensive player intentionally contacts or catches a pitched ball with
any equipment or any part of her uniform that is detached from its proper place.
EFFECT: Delayed dead ball is signaled. Each base runner is awarded one base from
the base occupied at the time of the pitch but may advance farther with liability to be put

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out. If the pitch resulted in a base on balls or a dropped third strike, the batter-runner is
awarded first base, but may advance farther with liability to be put out.
EXCEPTION: If no play is apparent, there is no penalty.
Sub b. A fielder legally catches the ball but it falls into dead ball territory.
Sub c. A fielder loses possession of the ball, such as on an attempted tag, and
the ball enters dead-ball territory or becomes blocked.
EFFECT: The ball is dead. Each base runner is awarded one base from the last base
legally touched at the time the ball entered dead-ball territory.
Sub d. When a live ball is unintentionally carried by a fielder from playable
territory into dead-ball territory.
EFFECT: The ball is dead. Each base runner is awarded one base from the last base
legally touched at the time the fielder entered dead-ball territory.
Sub e. When a pitch is blocked, it lodges in or goes under, over or through the
backstop or into dead-ball territory.
EFFECT: The ball is dead. The batter is awarded first base only on the fourth ball or on
a dropped third strike. Each base runner is awarded one base from the base legally
occupied at the time of the pitch.
Sub f. If forced to vacate a base because of a one-base award to the batter.
EFFECT: The ball is live unless blocked. Each base runner advances one base if forced
and may advance farther with liability to be put out. If unforced, each base runner may
advance with liability to be put out.
Sec 9. Runners shall be awarded two bases without liability to be put out when:
Sub a. A defensive player intentionally contacts or catches a thrown ball with any
equipment or part of her uniform that is detached from its proper place
EFFECT: When a fielder intentionally contacts or catches a thrown ball with any
equipment or part of her uniform that is detached from its proper place
Sub b. The official judges, a fielder intentionally carries, kicks, pushes or throws
a live ball from playable territory into dead-ball territory.
EFFECT: The ball is dead. Each runner is awarded two bases from the last base legally
touched at the time the ball enters dead-ball territory
Sub c. A live thrown ball enters dead-ball territory, deflects off a member of the
defensive team in an unauthorized area, or contacts loose defensive equipment not
involved in the game, but on the playing field.
EFFECT: The ball is ruled blocked and dead. Each runner is awarded two bases from
the last base legally touched when the ball left the fielder’s hand. If two runners are
between the same bases, the award is based on the position of the lead runner.
EXCEPTION: (1) When a fielder loses possession of the ball. (2) If the ball becomes
blocked because of offensive equipment not involved in the game,

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 RULE 10. Appeals

ART 1. Appeals
Sec 1. An appeal is a play on a violation of a rule in which the official does not make a
ruling until a coach/player requests.

ART 2. Plays or rule violations that may be appealed:

Sec 1. Missing a base
Sub a. May be a live or dead ball appeal
Sub b. Must be made prior to the next pitch
Sub c. Must be made before the officials leave the field of play
Sub d. Must be made before the pitcher and all infielders have clearly vacated
their normal fielding positions and have left fair territory, and the catcher has clearly
vacated her normal fielding position.
Sub e. A runner is assumed to have touched the base and if a proper appeal is
not made, the runner is safe.
● If a runner misses home plate and the fielder either misses or makes no
attempt to tag the runner, the official shall make no signal, verbal or
nonverbal. If a proper appeal is made, by tagging the plate or runner
before the runner returns to the plate, the runner shall be declared out.
● If a batter-runner passes first base before the throw arrives, she is
considered to have touched the base unless an appeal play is made
before she returns to first base.
Sub f. If a runner misses an intervening base of a base award while the ball is
dead, she may retreat to touch that base as long as she has not touched the final base
of the award. Once she touches the final base of an award, she may not return and is
vulnerable for an appeal.
Sub g. If a base runner forced to advance (because the batter became a
batter-runner or due to a one-base award) misses the base to which she was forced,
that appeal is a force out. If a base runner misses a base to which she was not forced, it
is a timing play.
Sec 2. Attempting to advance to second base after making the turn at or overrunning
first base.
Sub a. Must be a live-ball appeal.
Sub b. Must be made before the batter-runner returns to first base.
Sec 3. Leaving a base on a caught fly ball prior to the ball being first touched.
Sub a. May be a live- or dead-ball appeal.
Sub b. Must be made before the next pitch.

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 Sub c. Must be made before the pitcher and all infielders have clearly vacated
their normal fielding positions and left fair territory, and the catcher has clearly vacated
her normal fielding position.
Sub d. Must be made before the officials leave the field of play.
Sec 4. Participation by an improper player (batting out of order, player who is listed
inaccurately on the lineup card, unreported player and illegal player)
Sub a. Must be a dead-ball appeal.
Sub b. Must be made before the officials leave the field of play
EFFECT: The player in violation shall be declared out.

ART 3. Appeals may be made when the ball is live or dead. After a request by a player
or coach, the official responsible for the play may solicit needed information from other
members of the crew before ruling on the appeal.
Sec 1. Live Ball Appeal
Sub a. A live-ball appeal is made by a fielder, who is holding the ball securely in
hand/glove, touching the base the runner missed or left before a fly ball was first
touched or by tagging the runner who committed the violation, provided she is still on
the playing field and has not returned to that base, and indicating to the official what is
being appealed (if necessary).
Sub b. When the ball goes out of play, a live-ball appeal cannot be made.
Sub c. Runners may advance during the live-ball appeal play.
Sub d. A live-ball appeal can be made after a play on a runner.
Sec 2. Dead Ball Appeal
Sub a. Once a live ball has been returned to the infield and time has been called
or the ball has become dead, a coach or any fielder (with or without the ball) may ask
the official to make a decision on the appealed play.
Sub b. When “Play ball” has been declared by the plate official and the pitcher,
coach or a fielder then requests an appeal, the official would again call “Time” and allow
the appeal process.
Sub c. Runners may not advance as the ball remains dead until the next pitch.
Sub d. If the pitcher has possession of the ball and is in contact with the pitcher’s
plate when making a verbal appeal, no illegal pitch is called.
Sub e. When the ball goes out of play, all runners must be given an opportunity
to complete their base running responsibilities (advancing or returning), as determined
by the official. Once a runner has been given sufficient time to advance or return and
shows no immediate intention of doing so, a dead-ball appeal can be made.
Sec 3. A runner may not return to touch a missed base or one left before a fly ball was
first touched when:
Sub a. On a dead-ball base award, she has touched the final base of the base
award.

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 Sub b. She is standing on a base beyond the base she missed or left before a fly
ball was first touched, and the official suspends play.
Sub c. The ball is put back into play after having been dead
Sub d. A trailing runner has scored.
Sub e. She has left the field of play

ART 4. Appeals can be made to ask officials to come together on a call; the UIC may be
called to the field to rule on rule discrepancies. [See Appendix A]
Sec 1. Multiple appeals are permissible in a single game however officials shall deny
requests from coaches who attempt to manipulate this rule or otherwise cause undue
delay in the game.

RULE 11. Conduct

ART 1. Perfect Game Softball coaches, participants, spectators, and all personnel
present at a Perfect Game Softball event shall conduct themselves in the highest
manner and demonstrate sportsmanship in all aspects.
Sec 1. Perfect Game Softball Site Directors, Umpire In Chiefs (UICs), officials, and staff
have the authority and discretion to remove any individual that violates the conduct
expectation from the event facility.
Sub a. The period of time the offender is prohibited from the event facility is up to
the discretion of the Site Director or UIC.
Sec 2. Coaches, Participants, Spectators, and other personnel at an event are
prohibited from:
Sub a. Wearing metal cleats when prohibited by age.
Sub b. Wear jewelry or other entities that a game official determines to be
hazardous.
Sub c. Throw a bat carelessly.
Sub d. Fake a tag without possession of the ball.
Sub e. Fail to wear or purposefully remove their helmet when it is required to be
worn.
Sub f. Use tobacco products in any form.
Sub g. Implement the use of electronic communication, replay equipment, or
television monitoring during a game. An electronic device used to keep score may be
utilized for that sole purpose only.
Sub h. Hit the ball to a teammate on defense after a game has started.

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 Sub i. Being physically outside the dugout/bench area if they are not the batter, a
runner, one on-deck batter, one of the nine players on defense, or one of two defensive
coaches in the coach’s box.
EFFECT: 1st Offense - The official shall issue a written warning to the team.
Subsequent Offense - The offender shall be restricted to the bench and the current
head coach shall be ejected from the contest.
Sub j. Entering the batter’s box with an illegal bat (Non-Approved or Altered).
EFFECT: The player shall be ejected.
Sub k. Implementing the use of words, actions, or demonstrations to incite
spectators.
Sub l. Exhibit actions in an effort to taunt, embarrass, intimidate, bait, or
otherwise cause a disparaging impact on others. Perfect Game is committed to
providing a positive ballpark experience for all players, families, officials, staff,
and guests and therefore has a zero tolerance policy regarding harrassment or
discrimination in any form.
Sub m. Argue or question the strike zone, balls and strikes, or other official’s
judgment.
Sub n. Utilize bullhorns or amplifiers for any purpose during a game.
Sub o. Verbalize “Time” or any other phrase in an attempt to cause an illegal
pitch.
Sub p. Verbalize any phrase for the purpose of distracting the players from the
normal playing of the game in an unsporting manner. (Example: “I’ve got it” on a fly ball
when on Offense).
Sub q. Be positioned in the area behind the catcher while the opposing pitcher
and catcher are in their positions.
EFFECT: 1st Offense - If minor, and the offender is a player a team warning shall be
issued. If minor, and the offender is a non-player the head coach shall be restricted to
the bench.
Subsequent or Non-Minor Offense - The offender shall be ejected from the game.
Sub r. Engage in a fight. Fighting shall constitute any non-playing act where an
individual attempts to strike or intentionally harm another individual.
Sub s. Initiate malicious contact. A player who commits malicious contact is out
unless they scored prior to the illegal act.
Sub t. Verbalize profanity.
Sub u. Aggressively confront or charge an official. Any threat of physical
intimidation or harm, including pushing, shoving, spitting, kicking, throwing at or
attempting to make aggressive physical contact, or use of equipment in a
combative manner, shall not be tolerated.
Sub v. The rulebook is prohibited on the playing field.

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EFFECT: The offender is immediately ejected. The UIC and/or Site Director shall be
involved and informed.
Sec 3. At which point any person associated with a team is ejected the head coach of
that team shall be restricted to the bench. The head coach has responsibility regarding
the conduct of all persons associated with their team.

RULE 12. Ejection

ART 1. Any game official, Site Director, or UIC has the authority to eject individuals in
violation of the rulebook’s provisions or failing to promote a positive ballpark experience.
Sec 1. An ejected coach or non-player must leave the facility (exit to the parking lot)
immediately upon ejection. Failing to remove themselves immediately could warrant
forfeiture of the game.
Sec 2. An ejected coach or non-player is prohibited from any form of contact or
communication with the team for the duration of their ejection.
Sec 3. An ejected player shall sit out the remainder of the game. The player shall
remain in the dugout/bench area under the supervision of an adult.
Sec 4. The game officials have the authority to issue a pregame or postgame ejection
for unsporting behavior that occurs from the time the officials arrive at the competition
site until the officials leave the competition site, if the conduct would have resulted in an
ejection had it occurred during the game.

ART 2. Any coach that is ejected shall be suspended from their next scheduled Perfect
Game softball game that is actually played.
Sec 1. The Site Director or UIC has the authority to levy game suspensions upon
evaluation of any misconduct or infraction.

ART 3. Egregious acts or ejections taking place at a Perfect Game softball event shall
be eligible for review by the Perfect Game Softball Officiating Committee, Perfect Game
National Director of Softball Operations, and the Perfect Game National Director of
Softball Officiating for suspensions.

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 RULE 13. Futures Division Rules

ART 1. The “Futures” Division shall play under the Perfect Game Softball rules with the
following division specific rules.
Sec 1. Roster Batting will be required during the entire tournament.
Sec 2. If there is an injury:
Sub a. Batter; If a batter cannot fulfill her time at bat due to injury or illness, that
player will be eliminated from that entire game. If the batter has a count the LCAB will
complete the eliminated batters at current at bat. Her spot will be skipped in the batting
order. Teams will not be required to take an automatic out UNTIL they drop below 9
players.
Sub b. Runner; If a runner cannot continue her time on the bases, that player will
be substituted with the last batter not on base. She will not be allowed to participate in
the remainder of the game. The line-up will compress when her spot comes to bat.
Sub c. Ejection; A player ejection while roster batting will result in the team
losing that player for the entire game. Her spot in the batting order WILL be an
automatic out.
Sec 3. Courtesy Runner will be allowed for pitcher and catcher at any time. The
courtesy runner will be designated as the last batter not on base.
Sec 4. Teams can score a maximum of 5 runs per half inning for all ages.
Sub a. Games will end at time limit if a team is down by more than 5 runs or what
they are allotted left to score in that half inning.
Sec 5. Teams may begin a game with 8 players.
Sub a. Teams may add any and all players to the end of the line up. These
players must be listed on the line-up card submitted prior to the game. If the players are
not present for their time at bat, their spot will be skipped until they arrive with no
automatic out being charged (unless below 9 players).

ART 2. 10U Futures Division shall include the following specific rules.
Sec 1. On defense, 4 outfielders may be employed.
Sec 2. There will be an expanded strike zone in place for 10U.
Sec 3. For 10U, players may only advance one base per pitch on a ball not put in play
by contact. If a runner advances past the 1 base allotment they are liable to be put out
prior to reaching base safely. If the runner advances past the allotment safely the
officials shall call time and place the runner back to the correct base.
Sec 4. Batters may not advance on a dropped 3rd strike.
Sec 5. No Infield Fly Rule.
Sec 6. THERE IS NO STEALING HOME. There are only 3 ways to score:

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 Sub a. Bases loaded walk, bases loaded hit by pitch, or batted ball put into play.

RULE 14. Coach Pitch Division Rules

ART 1. Coach Pitch Division games shall adhere to all Perfect Game Softball rules with the
following division specific rules.
Sec 1. Time limit shall be 75 minutes finish the inning. Time begins at the conclusion of
the pregame conference.
Sec 2. Teams may score a maximum of 5 runs per half inning.
Sub a. Once time has expired if a team is losing by the 1+ runs greater than the
number of runs allowed in a half inning the game shall end.
Sec 3. Games shall be 6 innings or time limit
Sec 4. Roster batting will be required for the entire tournament.
Sub a. If any player becomes sick or injured throughout the contest, they may be
removed from the lineup and the lineup condensed. No penalty will be recorded until
falling below 9 batters.
Sub b. If a player is ejected an out will be recorded each time the ejected player
would be due to bat.
Sec 5. Playing Field: Bases at 60 ft., Pitching plate at 35ft., Pitching circle 8 ft. radius
around the pitcher's plate. The ball is dead when the pitcher has control of the ball
within the pitching circle.
Sec 6. Batting:
Sub a. An at bat will consist of 5 pitches or 3 swinging strikes. If the final pitch is
fouled off the at bat will continue.
Sub b. There shall be no walks.
Sub c. Bunting is not permissible.
Sec 7. Baserunning:
Sub a. Runners are not allowed to steal or lead off. Runners may leave the base
when the pitch is released.
Sub b. On batted balls once the pitcher is in possession of the ball in the
pitcher’s circle, baserunners must stop at the base they have obtained or the base they
are running to provided the defense is not making a play on the runner.
Sub c. Courtesy runners are not allowed.
Sec 8. Defense:

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 Sub a. Defensive players may not be positioned in front of the coach pitching.
Also, players may not move in front of the pitching coach until the ball has been put into
play.
Sub b. All outfielders must remain behind the base lines of the infield until the
ball is put into play.
Sub c. Two defensive coaches may be allowed on the field of play. Coaches
must remain in foul territory.
Sub d. Teams will be allowed to utilize 4 outfielders.
Sub e. There is no infield fly rule or dropped 3rd strike.
Sec 9. Conferences
Sub a. Teams will be allowed 1 offensive & defensive conference per inning.

RULE 15. Officials

ART 1. All events sanctioned under Perfect Game Softball shall utilize officials registered with
Perfect Game.
ART 2. Perfect Game officials shall administer and enforce all applicable rules and ensure each
game is arbitrated fairly.
ART 3. Perfect Game officials shall adhere to the following approved uniform:
Sec 1. Navy or Powder Blue officials polo (2021 Collegiate Softball Polos)
Sub a. Officials shall match their partner on field.
Sec 2. Heather gray slacks.
Sec 3. Black “PG” logo official’s hat.
Sub a. Female officials may wear a Black “PG” logo visor.
Sec 4. Black Belt.
Sec 5. Mostly Black Shoes. Plate & Field.
Sec 6. 1 / 2 Black ball bags for Plate use only.
Sec 7. Navy pullover with powder blue shoulder accent.
Sec 8. Plate officials must wear a mask.
Sec 9. No undershirts extending past the polo shall be permitted.
Sec 10. Undershirts shall be either Navy, Powder Blue, White, Gray, or Black.
ART 4. Officials shall arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to their first game assignment each
day and physically check in with their UIC/Supervisor.

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APPENDIX A

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 2023 Approved Rule Changes

- Changing the run rules from: 10, 8, 6 after 3,4, 5 innings TO 10 & 8 runs
after innings 3 and 4.
- Adding in pitching restriction to include: “During delivery the pitcher’s
wrist may not extend past the frame of her elbow”

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