Tournament Rules

Blackburn Ladies Annual  Softball Tournament

Rules - Revised 2023

 

Timing

  • Games are a maximum of 75 minutes with no minimum of innings required. No new inning will start after 60 minutes from the time the game started. 

  • Time of the first pitch of each game will be noted by the scorekeeper.

  • Both halves of an inning are to be played unless the home team is winning and does not require the final bat.

  • All players must be at the field and have warmed up by game time. Due to time constraints, there will not be a grace period.

  • Players are asked to move quickly between innings to ensure quick flow. Ensure players know the lineup and positions they are playing.

  • Pitchers can have five warm up pitches during their first appearance and three after that. 

  • No warm up balls are permitted on the field between innings.

  • Catchers should take a baserunner if there are two (2) out or three (3) runs scored to ensure there is enough time to put on her gear.

 

Game Rules

  • Stealing is allowed, with the lead off permitted when the ball crosses the plate. Any runner leaving early will be called OUT for leading off.

  • Sliding is permitted, with the exception of home plate. A commitment line will be used at home – any runner who passes this line is obligated to continue home.

  • The infield fly rule is in effect.

  • Dropped third-strike rule is in effect.

  • During round-robin play, a mercy rule of five (5) runs applies for all innings, including the last inning.

  • During the semi-finals and finals, the five-run mercy rule does not apply to the last inning.

 

Players

  • All players must sign the waiver form and must be paid in full before participating in the tournament.

  • Only players on your registered roster will be allowed to play for your team.

  • Players may only register for one team.

  • There should be a minimum of eight (8) players on the field and a maximum of ten (10). If there are less than eight (8) players available to field a team, the game will be forfeited and the opposing team will be awarded the win.

 

Pitching

  • Legal delivery is delivered to the batter with an underhand motion. Illegal pitches (i.e. - slingshot, windmill, overhand) will not be counted. 

  • At least 2 different pitchers are required to pitch a full inning during each game.

  • Pitchers must wear face masks (plastic or metal). Gear can be provided by BLSL.

 

Equipment

  • Batting helmets must be worn when batting and running bases. Gear can be provided by BLSL.

  • Only running shoes or rubber cleats may be worn. No metal cleats.

  • Catchers must wear full gear – helmet/mask, chest protector and leg guards. Gear can be provided by BLSL.

  • Any bat that is marked with Slo-Pitch Only markings will not be permitted.

 

Substitute Runners

  • Runners may have a courtesy runner because of injury or to allow a catcher to put on her gear before the next inning. The original runner must make it safely to a base before being replaced by courtesy runner. The new runner will be the last available person (above her in the order).

 

Home and Away

  • A coin toss will determine the teams’ status for all round robin games.

  • In the semi-finals and final games, home is determined by the higher ranking team.

 

Weather

  • Games will be played rain or shine, unless there is lightning, in which case the game will be delayed. Unsafe conditions and other unforeseeable events could also lead to the delay of a game.

  • If weather interrupts a game, the game will be paused until the weather clears. 

  • Calling of a game for any other reason is at the sole discretion of the BLSL Tournament Coordinator. Any game will be considered complete after four (4) full innings.

 

Conduct and Commitment

  • Disrespectful or inappropriate behaviour towards umpires or fellow players will not be tolerated.

  • Alcohol can only be consumed in the designated beer tent area. Any personal alcohol will be confiscated.

  • All City of Ottawa parks are smoke and vape free. Cigarettes and vaping are not permitted. 

  • Anyone deemed to be intoxicated by an umpire or any member of the BLSL executive will not be permitted to play. 

  • BLSL Executive members reserve the right to eject any player or spectator from the event, and Moose McGuire’s staff can deny service to any individual for any reason.

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