League Rules & Regulations

EXCALIBUR SOFTBALL LEAGUE - RULES & REGULATIONS 

1. Players

• Each team must field 10 players, including at least 2 female players.
• Teams can have an unlimited roster, but only 12 players maximum in the batting lineup.
• To allow additional players to play, they must replace one of the original 12.
• All players in the batting lineup must field at least 2 innings.
• Two female players must bat for every 10 batters. If a team has only one female player, she must bat twice.
• Teams playing with only one female may only field 9 players.
• Teams unable to field a female player forfeit by default.

2. Hitters and Scoring

• Teams may score a maximum of 5 runs per inning, except the final inning, which is open.
• A team can start with a minimum of 7 players: fewer than 7 results in a default (11–0 loss).
• Rule 5th Run Max: The batting team must announce when the potential 5th run is on the base path.

3. Walks

• If a male batter is walked before a female batter, he is awarded 2 bases.
• Only the batter moves to second; existing base runners move up one base to accommodate.

4. Equipment: Balls and Bats

• Home team supplies a new softball each game.
• Visiting team provides a good backup ball.
• Bats must be all-aluminum (single, double, or triple-walled).
• Composite bats (whole or in part) are banned.
• Bats without clear markings are not allowed.

5. Game Time and Field Rules

• Games are 7 innings. At least 5 innings must be completed for a legal game.
• Games must start on time. No extra time permitted.
• Minimum 7 players required to start.
• Before each game, captains must meet with the umpire to review:
• Field boundaries
• Obstacles
• Player injury restrictions

6. Pitching

• Pitching arc must be between 4–10 feet.
• Any pitch outside this range is ruled a ball.
• Pitching Cage:
• If a batter hits the cage, it's a strike, except on strike 3 (dead ball).

7. Batting

• A foul ball on the third strike is an out.
• Bunting is only allowed for female players.
• Tagging up is allowed.
• Stealing bases is not permitted.

8. Running

• Pinch runners allowed only for injured players (not strategy).
• Pinch runner must start by holding the fence parallel to the batter.
• Pinch runner may advance only one base.
• Last out becomes the pinch runner (male or female).

9. Home Plate Rules

• Only the catcher may make plays at home plate.
• Backup players must throw to the catcher.
• Catcher’s foot must be on the plate and have control of the ball for an out.
• Runners must cross the home plate line without stepping on the plate (stepping on it = out).
• Sliding at home is prohibited.
• No commitment line is used.

10. Defaults and Cancellations

• No team may default during playoffs (opponent advances automatically).
• League Commissioner must be notified if a team can't make a game.
• Weather-related cancellations are made by the Commissioner at least 90 minutes before game time.
• If the umpire cancels a game on-field:
• Both teams must pay half umpire fees.
• If a team no-show, the present team wins by default (Rule 2 applies).
• Unauthorized game cancellations by managers will result in suspension and fine.

11. Cleats

• Metal cleats are prohibited.

12. Home Runs (+2 Rule)

• Each team may have no more than 2 home runs over their opponent at any time.
• Example: If Team A has 2 more HRs than Team B, they cannot hit another HR until Team B hits one.
• Any HR hit while already +2 will result in an out.
• This rule applies only to over-the-fence HRs, not "in-the-park" HRs.
• Windsor and Northview Parks are exempt from this rule (wide open fields).

13. Playoff Eligibility

• Players must have played at least 5 games during the season to qualify for playoffs.

14. Parks and Sports Fields

• Consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited on park property.