Downtown Softball League

League Rules

All players are expected to know and abide by these rules. When in doubt, play with good sportsmanship.

If there is a disagreement that cannot be settled between captains, continue playing and note the issue for the League Commissioner after the game. Contact us at info@downtownsoftball.ca.

Game Format

  • Official Game = 8 innings or 1 hour 25 minutes. No new inning can start with less than 15 minutes until the next scheduled game time start. If the home team is winning after the away team bats in the last inning, the game is over and that is the final score. If time runs out before the game is over, the score reverts back to the last complete inning. There is a HARD STOP 5 minutes before the next scheduled game to allow for the next game to set up.
  • 8 run mercy rule per inning; no maximum in the final inning. Teams must agree on the final inning ahead of the start of the inning. (Not necessarily the 8th inning, dependent on time remaining)
  • Min. number of players on the field = 7; Max. = 9 (excluding pitcher).
  • In the case of a shortened game (e.g. bad weather), the game counts as long as 4 innings were played. If the home team is winning in the bottom of the 4th when play is stopped, the game still counts.
  • Games cancelled due to bad weather will be attempted to be re-scheduled, but cannot be guaranteed. Games may be rescheduled during an off week.
  • Playoff games cannot end in a tie. Play extra inning(s) until a winner is determined.
  • Bases are placed roughly 60 feet apart. Team captains are responsible to assist with set up and tear down of the diamond. (The winning team of the last game of the day is responsible for the tear down)
  • If the game does not begin 15 minutes after the scheduled start time due to lack of players from one team, the other team wins by default. A minimum of 7 players is required to be eligible to play.
  • If time allows, all games should be 8 innings long. It is up to the captains to check time when going into the later innings of the game to declare the last inning (no mercy rule).

Gender & Batting Rules

  • Teams must have a maximum of 7 male players on the field defensively at all times. If less than 2 females are on the field, the team must play with less total fielders (cannot add a male player to make up for a lack of female players). Confirm with the other captain if you are short female players before the first pitch.
  • There must be a minimum of 1 female at bat for every 2 men at bat (even if a woman bats twice in the same order). If there are more females than a 2:1 ratio, follow a standard batting order with no more than 2 males in a row. Everyone on the team must bat before a male bats for the 2nd time. If short a female/non-male player, the missing spot in the batting order is counted as an out (unless the female player is not on base and available to hit)
  • These rules are considered minimums. All teams are expected to give everyone on their team equal playing time and opportunities, regardless of their gender identity.

Pitching & Batting

  • Same team pitches to their own players. A maximum of 3 pitches per batter. (No minimum distance the pitcher must stand from home plate — use common sense and a safe distance to avoid injury).
  • There is no minimum distance for a batted ball to count as live (e.g. if a batted ball does not reach the pitcher, it is still a live ball) as long as it is a full swing.
  • Since there is no minimum distance for a batted ball, there is no minimum distance for infielders to start (i.e. they do not have to be behind the baseline).
  • If a batted ball hits the pitcher or pitcher screen, it is not counted as a pitch — it is a dead ball, and any baserunners must return to their original bases.
  • A team is allowed to use a pitching screen if they wish. The screen should be brought down when the ball is in play to avoid interference. The ball hitting the screen off a swing is treated the same as if it hit the pitcher.
  • For a foul pop up to the catcher, the ball must go a minimum of 10 feet (as high as the backstop) for the catch to count as an out. Below 10 feet, it is a pitch.
  • All bats must be ASA, ISF, or USSSA approved. If a batter uses an illegal bat, they will be called out and any baserunners must return to where they started at the beginning of the at-bat.
  • Batters must use a complete swing, no bunting or check swings.

Baserunning

  • No stealing or leadoffs — on a swing and miss, no more than one step is allowed. You cannot leave the base until the ball hits the batter's bat.
  • No sliding under any circumstances. Anyone sliding will be called out.
  • To avoid collisions, runners must tag the safety base (orange base) at first base and cannot touch the home plate (runners must use the safety plate). To get a runner out at home plate, the catcher must have the ball and one foot on home plate before the runner crosses the extended line from 1st base past home plate. If the runner touches home plate, it is an out.
  • A commitment line will be marked between 3rd base and home plate. Once the base runner has passed the line they must continue on to home.
  • Fielders cannot block the base path from oncoming runners. If a fielder is in the base path and not making a play on the ball, the runner will automatically be rewarded the next base.
  • Baserunners cannot interfere with live batted balls and should make every effort to avoid live balls. If hit with a live ball (unless on their base), they are out. If hit while on their base, it is considered one of the three pitches for the batter, and a dead ball.
  • Pinch runners and courtesy runners are allowed. They must be the last person to get out of the same gender. Pinch runners can start from home plate (safely away from the batter, touching the back fence). The batter does not have to make it to first base before a pinch runner is used.
  • Baserunners cannot jump or reach to interfere with a defensive play (ex. breaking up a double play). If a runner purposefully interferes a double play, both runners will be called out.

Fielding

  • There can only be four players defending in the infield (1st baseman, 2nd baseman, 3rd baseman, and Shortstop), with at least two infielders completely on either side of second base ahead of the pitch (No infield shifts). Any rovers must play in the outfield and cannot enter the infield until the ball has been hit.
  • There can be a maximum of 2 out-of-the-park home runs in each inning. Home runs above the 2 HR limit count as a ground-rule double.

Officiating & Umpiring

  • Team captains should flip a coin or rock-paper-scissors to determine which team takes the field first.
  • The pitcher calls outs at bases. Our Pitcher's Honour Code is incredibly important - impartial officiating is required to pitch. Pitchers calls are final, there is no room for arguments on the field. If you have an issue with the officiating, reach out to the commissioners after your game. The catcher should call fair/foul balls as they have the best view. Ties at bases go to the runner.
  • The Spirit of the Game rules replaces the infield fly rule, you cannot use trickery (intentionally dropping a fly ball) to get an out (or multiple outs).

Conduct, Health and Safety & Alcohol Policy

  • As per City of Toronto regulations — there is no alcohol permitted on the diamond.
  • There is absolutely no tolerance for abusive play, discrimination, harassment, racism, sexism, or bad sportsmanship. Any players exhibiting these characteristics will be reprimanded and may be asked to leave the league.
  • Remember — the point of the game is to have fun! If there are any questions about the rules, please work them out between the team captains in the spirit of good sportsmanship.
  • In our league — positive vibes only! No tolerance for hate, violence, or bad sportsmanship. All skill sets, ages, and experiences are welcome!
  • In the event a player is injured, all players are expected to allow the injured player whatever time they need to leave the field of play and get whatever assistance they need. A substitution can be made for the injured player if they are unable to continue playing. First aid kits are available in the box at the field. Please report any and all injuries/use of first aid to the commissioners if they are not present.

Questions or Concerns?

Contact the League Commissioner with any questions about our rules.

info@downtownsoftball.ca