Worcester State

Intramural Softball Rules

Each player must present a valid WSU ID before each contest to be eligible to participate - No Exceptions.

• • A game consists of two teams playing either 7 innings or 50 minutes, whichever comes first.
  • If the time reaches 50 minutes before 7 innings have been played, the current inning (top and bottom) will be completed.
  • During the regular season, if a game is tied after 7 innings or 50 minutes the game will end in a tie.
  • During the playoffs, if a game is tied after 7 innings or 50 minutes, extra innings will be played until a winner is determined.
  • Mercy Rule
    • If a team is leading by 10 or more runs after 4 innings, that team will be declared the winner.

PLAYERS

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  • Teams shall consist of 10 players batting and in the field.
    • In order to start a game a team must have a minimum of 8 players.
    • If a team does not have at least 8 players from their roster ready to play 10 minutes after the scheduled game time, the team will forfeit that game.
    • If at any point during the game a team drops below 8 players, the team will forfeit.
    • A forfeit will be scored 3-0
  • Each team must have at least 1 male and 1 female players playing the field at all times.
    • If a team does not have two male and two female players, their place in the field may not be filled by a player of the opposite sex. Additionally, a spot in the batting lineup will be replaced with an out for each male or female player not in attendance.
  • A maximum of 14 players may be on a team’s roster for the season.
  • Players arriving late may be added to the bottom of the batting order at any time.

GAMEPLAY

• Balls and Strikes
  • The count begins at 1 ball and 1 strike. After a total of 3 strikes, the batter will be out. After a total of 4 balls, a walk is given to the batter who may advance to first base.
  • When the batter has 2 strikes against them, they are permitted one foul ball.  After the first foul ball, the second foul ball will result in a third strike and a strikeout.
  • A legal pitch must have an arc between 6 ft. – 12 ft. All other pitches will be called illegal by the umpire and will result in a ball.  If a batter chooses to swing at an illegal pitch, the ball is live.
  • A strike mat will be placed as an extension of home plate.  If a legally pitched ball hits the mat or the plate it shall be called a strike.  If a legally pitched ball does not hit either the plate or the mat it shall be called a ball.
• Base running
  • No base stealing is permitted at any time. If a runner leaves the bag before the ball is hit, the runner will be out.
  • Runners may only slide feet first. Sliding head first is prohibited and will result in an automatic out.
  • Sliding to “break up” a play or any slide deemed to have the intent to injure is prohibited and will result in ejection from the game.
  • Overthrow Rule: Runners will be awarded one base on an overthrown ball. If a runner is in motion towards a base during the overthrow, the runner will be allowed to advance to that base, plus one additional base.
• Infield Fly Rule
  • The Infield Fly Rule will be in effect when there are less than two outs and:
    • There are runners on first and second or
    • The bases are loaded
  • The umpire will announce, “Infield Fly” when one of the above conditions exists and a batter hits a pop fly in the infield.
  • When the Infield Fly Rule is declared, the batter is automatically out.  
  • The ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught.  The runner may also tag-up and advance after a defensive player has touched the ball.