All games are played in accordance with the rules listed in the official ASA Rule Book for softball with the following adjustments deemed necessary by this league and the Fargo Park District Recreation Department:
- The roster is due on or before first scheduled game. Players may be added until September 21. Only players on the roster are eligible for tournament play. Teams found using non-roster players through a protest situation will receive a forfeit for game involved.
- Bases shall be 60' in distance, pitching distance is 46'.
- 3 balls-2 strikes 1-and-1 count is in effect. (No courtesy fouls are allowed)
- No metal cleats allowed.
- Seven innings or one-hour time limit from the start of the game shall constitute a game. Example: If the starting time is 6:15 p.m., the time limit is called at 7:15 p.m. The teams involved shall finish the inning they are in.
- Ten run rule after five complete innings and fifteen run rule after three complete innings shall be used.
- A team must have eight players at the start and finish of the game or lose by forfeit.
- Game time is forfeit time. If eight players are present, game must begin at scheduled time.
- Females are allowed to wear softball gloves.
- Males are not allowed to wear softball gloves but are allowed to wear batting gloves or similar gloves.
- A team must have eight rostered players (one of which must be a male) at the start of the game or lose by forfeit. A team may start or finish a game with as few as 8 players. Teams may have more females than males provided that at least one male is playing at all times. If any female player leaves the game and creates an unbalanced line-up, the male player immediately preceding or succeeding her must also leave the game until another female player is available to make the line-up balanced again. Replacement players must occupy the same position in the line-up. The only penalty for a female leaving a game is a male player must also leave the game. No out is called in vacated batting positions. When a male batter leaves a game, no out is called in vacated batting position.
- Batting order must be male, female, male, female, etc. (Unless a team is playing with less males than females).
- When three balls have been called by the umpire, the ball is dead. On any walk to a male batter (intentional or not) he shall go to second base. If there are less than two outs, the next batter (a female) must bat. If there are two outs, she shall have her choice of batting or walking. If the player elects to bat and a pitch has been made that player can no longer elect to take the free walk.
- All outfielders must remain in the outfield, and all infielders must remain in the infield until the ball has been hit.
- Penalty: Dead ball, one base penalty, batter is rewarded first base.
- Protests will NOT be allowed on judgment calls, only on rule interpretations. Protest must be made before the game or at the time of occurrence. The umpire shall correct the protest or take the appropriate action, and then the game shall continue as a legal game.
- Player substitution will follow the ASA official guide rules.
- Player, manager of fan ejection: If ejection occurs, players involved are suspended from that game plus next scheduled game.
- Swearing or giving verbal abuse directly to umpire is automatic ejection.
- Casual Profanity Rule is in effect during all 16” Coed Softball Games
- Throwing the bat, ball or your glove intentionally at an umpire, the fence, stands or crowd is an automatic ejection from the game, no warning given.
- Fans chipping or disrupting play will be asked to leave the complex area. If he or she does not comply, it would mean a forfeit to one of the teams involved.
- Intentionally trying to hurt someone by some act such as sliding with spikes up, body blocks, punching, etc. is an automatic ejection. No warning given.
- The manager or captain is the team representative when talking to an umpire. He or she handles all verbal communication with umpire.
- In most cases a player is given a warning for misconduct. This is a team warning meaning the next person who violates a player conduct rule will be asked to leave the game. Although, a warning does not have to be given.
- Extra players: Two extra players are allowed in coed play—one male and one female or two females. Extra players can be inserted anywhere in the line-up. These players can play the field and bat; only 10 players can play in the field at one time however. If a team wishes to use the extra players, they must make it known at the start of the game. A team cannot start with 10 players and finish with 12.
- Recreation Department Policies:
- The Fargo Park District will not be responsible for the expense incurred due to injury of any player.
- NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE ALLOWED ON THE COMPLEX AREAS WITHOUT PERMIT (only in designated spots - parking lot).
- Permits can be purchased at the Fargo Park District Office (701 Main Ave) for $50.00
- ABSOLUTELY NO ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED IN OR AROUND THE DUGOUT!
- No smoking is allowed on the playing field or in the dugout.
- The Fargo Park District and league coordinators reserve the right to suspend any offender on any offense for a period of up to one year for misconduct that would endanger the safety or well-being of participants, officials, spectators or the Fargo Park District Recreation Department.
- Any rules or situations that arise not covered by the existing rules and regulations dealt with at the discretion of league coordinators and umpires.
- Two unannounced forfeits (24-hour notice) by the same team eliminate them from further play in the league.
- Please remember this is a Recreational League and good sportsmanship should be shown at all times.
