The College of New Jersey
Intramural and Recreation Services
Softball Rules

 

 

*Umpires are to report to fields 10 minutes prior to game*

 

1.  All umpire decisions are final - no abuse will be tolerated.

 

2.  Teams must begin or finish with 8 players. (A co-rec team must have a minimum of four women to play.  There must be an even number or more women then men on the field at any given time.)

 

3.  All players present are eligible to bat.  A player arriving late joins the batting order at the end.  Only 10 players from the batting order can play the field at a time.

 

4.  Free substitution is allowed at the end of each inning for fielders.

 

5.  The batting order shall be filled out with the umpire before each game.  Umpires will have the necessary forms.

 

6.  A runner may not leave the base before the ball is hit.  If so, the runner is declared out.

 

7.  No metal spikes - rubber spikes are permitted.

 

8.  No sliding or diving on arrival to a base, however, diving only is permitted when returning to a base.  Diving is interpreted as head first, only.

 

9.  No bunting.

 

10.  No stealing.

 

11.  Two foul balls following the second strike will constitute an out.

 

12.  Designated runner is allowed for injured player only.

 

13.  All pitches shall have a definite arc or be declared a ball by the umpire unless the batter in which case it remains in play hits the ball.  Warning:  This remains at the discretion of the umpire.  No abuse will be tolerated.

 

**12 foot maximum and 6 foot minumum for men and there will be leniency for towards women.**

 

14.  Termination of games:

 

                a.  One hour time limit, a game will be completed after five innings.

b.  If a game is called because of foul weather or darkness, the score shall revert to the last completed inning.

                c.  All games consist of seven innings; but five innings constitute a full game.

                d.  If a team is leading by 10 or more runs at the end of the fifth inning, the game will be called.

e.        In case of any questionable weather, call the Intramural Office after 12 noon, 771 - 2712 if off-campus, or ext. 2223 on-campus.

f.         If a team is leading by 15 or more runs after the 3^rd inning, the game will be called.

 

15.  Protests of any kind must be filed with the umpire, the program supervisor and then submitted to the Program Coordinator of Intramural at the Office in the Student Recreation Center within 24 hours from the start of the game.  Remember to cite the rule, the situation, date and teams competing.

 

16. Any ball that passes an infield fence will be a dead ball and the runners will advance accordingly.  (Umpire's judgment)  if the ball is kept within the fence, it is in play.

 

17. Over throws = One base from infield

                                 Two bases from outfield

                                 Umpire judgment is final

 

18. Any ball rolling under outfield fence is dead; advancement is umpire's judgment.

 

19. A ball hit over the right field fence (Field A) is considered a ground-rule double if hit right of the light pole (at the entrance to the bleachers) and left of the baseline.  Players on base will advance accordingly.  If it hits the light pole (in the air) or is hit over the fence to the left of the light pole, it is considered a homerun.

19a.  A ball hit down the right field hill on Field B is still in play.  The runner must round all bases and make it home to be considered a homerun.

 

20. A foul ball must be caught on the turf (green).  If it is fielded on the black top it is not considered an out but a strike.  Once caught on the turf, the fielder can step onto the black top and is still considered in play.

 

21. Hitting teams are responsible for all foul balls.  Any team not retrieving balls will forfeit the game.

 

22. Anyone playing or assumed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be ejected from the game and subject to suspension for one calendar year from all intramural and recreation activities.