Intramural Game Rules
Competition
Softball is a Tier 1 event. The competition begins as a round-robin tournament between companies with each battalion.
Roster
Desired roster size is ten (10) players. Four (4) of the ten (10) defensive players are in the outfield. Seven (7) players are required to avoid a forfeit. One player from each team is designated as the team captain before the start of play.
Rules
Start time is forfeit time: there is no grace period for players to arrive late. Two (2) game forfeits disqualify a team from further play. Metal or hard tip cleats are not permitted.
A regulation game consists of five (5) innings or 40 minutes of play, whichever happens first. The last at-bat will start no later than ten (10) minutes before the next scheduled game. Games may be shortened at the discretion of the umpire. Four (4) innings constitute a complete game. The mercy rule is in effect: the game is called if one team is up by 10 runs by the end of four innings.
Base Running Rules
A base runner is out if they leave the base before a legally pitched ball crosses home plate. Runners may slide only feet first. Runners may not steal. Pinch runners are allowed. The last person to make an out is the pinch runner. If a female scores a run, the point value is two (2). Females may not pinch run.
One base is awarded for any ball deemed too far out of play by the game official.
Pitching and Batting Rules
All players must use balls and bats supplied by Deas Hall.
The pitcher must address the batter for one (1) second by holding the ball with both hands in front of the body. A pitcher’s delivery is made underarm and must begin with both feet in contact with the pitching rubber. The pitch must have a distinct arc and be at least 6 feet high but no more than 10 feet high. The strike zone is between the batter’s knees and armpits. A quick return pitch is not allowed and will be called a ball.
Batters start with a 1-and-1 count. Batters are allowed only one foul ball after the second strike.
A designated hitter is allowed.
If an intentional walk is declared, no pitching is required. The batter is awarded two bases.
The Amateur Softball Association of America governs all other rules.