League Rules
Revised March 5, 2008

RSPA Rule Changes For 2008:

	Female having to bat after male walks; If a male batter is walked, with a female batter (or automatic out) following, the male batter gets second base and the female batter has to bat, unless the preceding male batter was walked on a 4-0 count (4 straight balls and no strikes), then the female batter has the choice of batting or a free walk; (we recommend that during the regular season, all female batters bat whenever possible);
	The batter-baserunner may not be thrown out at first base from the outfield; the ball may not be relayed from the outfielder to another infielder to get the out; there is no penalty for attempting to throw the batter-baserunner out; once the batter-baserunner has rounded first base they may be thrown out;
	150 foot rule in the outfield; - we will not restrict where the outfielders may not play; they do not have to play beyond the 150 foot mark;
	SPN Roster due in by May 30th. Roster additions and changes will be allowed up to July 1st. Roster additions after July 1st require League approval.

As well, the following rules will be stressed for 2008:

	Rosters must be handed in and team reps MUST carry a copy of the team roster to every game.
	Roster checks will be done on every team.
	Zero tolerance for verbal abuse to umpires and other players.
	Stress "fair play and gamesmanship".

RSPA Basic Rules:
Basic SPN rules with the following exceptions:

	Play with 7 guys and 3 gals on the field; You may play with more girls; May only have 4 more guys than girls on the field;
	Batting Order: no maximum in the batting order; 7M + 3F is basic line-up; add a guy, add a girl; or 8M + 4F; 9M + 5F; 10M + 6F; etc. may only have 4 more guys than girls in the batting order; You may always bat with more girls;
	No restrictions on batting sequence; may bat as many guys in a row as you wish;
	Unlimited defensive substitution with players on batting order.
	Standard SPN rule for single re-entry after substitution.
	Called balls and strikes using a mat.
	If a male batter is walked, with a female batter (or automatic out) following, the male batter gets second base and the female batter has to bat, unless the preceding male batter was walked on a 4-0 count (4 straight balls and no strikes), then the female batter has the choice of batting or a free walk; (we recommend that during the regular season, all female batters bat whenever possible);
	Seven (7) inning games.
	Home team supplies bases, including safe-base; Safe line and commitment line in effect.
	Standard slo-pitch 6 to 12 foot arc; Called balls & strikes using a mat;
	No time limit on games on unlit diamonds; One hour & a half time limit* on lit diamonds;
	Home Run Rule: match plus 2;
	Grace period 10 minutes;
	Mercy rule 15 runs after 5 innings; (4-1/2 innings if home team is ahead)
	Courtesy Runners: 3 per game, Male for Male, Female for Female; or Female for Male; You MAY use the same runner more than once;
	SPN affiliated; SPN Carded umpires; SPN insured.
	RSPA Bat Rule: RSPA adheres to the SPN / ASA bat rules; For the latest non-approved bat list with pictures NOTE: Any bat that is not on the ASA certified list or on the ASA Non-approved bat list, will be considered as illegal for RSPA/SPN play in 2008. http://www.asasoftball.com/about/certified_equipment.asp

	RSPA Rules
1.	General:
1-1	All rules and/or principals not specifically addressed in the following rules and amendments will be specified in the current Slo-Pitch National Softball Inc. Rulebook.
1-2	Any rule, situation or incident not covered will be reviewed and decided by the League Executive.
1-3	Appeals and Protests will be reviewed by the League Executive for further actions.
1-4	Rules will not be revised during the course of the season unless absolutely necessary.
1-5	Recommendations for rule changes, additions or deletions may be submitted to the League Executive for consideration.
1-6	All rules must be strictly adhered to. Umpires or Team Representatives do not have the right to waive or change these rules.
2.	The Game:
2-1	All games will be SEVEN (7) innings. Home team does not bat in the bottom of the 7th inning if ahead.
2-2	Once an inning starts, it must be completed.
2-3	A game may be called in the middle of an inning for safety reasons only (darkness, weather, possible injury, etc.). The score will revert back to the last completed inning. If the outcome of the game is in question and if the outcome of the game is significant in the standings, the League Executive may (at their determination) reschedule the game to be continued from where it was left off.
2-4	FOUR (4) complete innings are required for a complete game (3-1/2, if HOME team is ahead)
2-5	TIE SCORE: Game will be played until a winner is determined, unless game is called because of darkness, weather, possible injury, etc.
2-6	EXTRA INNINGS: The International Tie Breaker Rules WILL be used.
2-7	Incomplete games will be replayed from the start (some exceptions may apply)
2-8	The umpire will decide if the game can be played. PLAY RAIN OR SHINE.
2-9	Game time will be as per the League schedule. Standard game start time will normally be 6:30 pm. League Executive retains the right to adjust game start times if necessary.
2-10	A GRACE PERIOD of ten (10) minutes (umpires time) will be allowed from the official game start time. If a time limit is in effect, the grace time will be deducted from the the game time.
2-11	TIME LIMIT: There are no time limits on games on unlit diamonds. On lit diamonds, if a time limit is in effect, no new inning will start after ONE (1) HOUR AND TWENTY (20) MINUTES.
2-12	DEFAULT SCORE: Default score is 7-0 (one run per inning)
2-13	DEFAULT FINE: - A team will be fined $25 for the first game default. - A team will be fined $50 for the second game default. - A team will be fined $100 for the third game default and may be brought before the League Executive for further action. - A default fine may be waived by the League Executive in exceptional circumstances.
2-14	MERCY RULE: Mercy rule of 15 runs after 5 complete innings, or 4-1/2 innings if home team.
2-15	POINT STRUCTURE: A win is worth 1 point, a tie is worth 1/2 point and a loss is worth zero points. Standings may use a weighted point system in order to rank teams for the playoffs.
2-16	Home Team for regular season games will be decided by the Schedule. Home Team for playoff games will alternate in the series with the Home Team for the first playoff game will be the team with the higher standings.
2-17	BALLS AND STRIKES: The Umpire will be responsible for determining BALLS and STRIKES. A mat will be used.
2-18	THIRD STRIKE FOUL RULE is in effect. The Batter is declared out if he/she hits a foul ball (or foul tip) with two (2) strikes (As per SPN Rules).
2-19	HOME RUN RULE ("Match Plus Two") is in effect in all fenced parks or parks with an out of play area designated. (Refer to the "Ground Rules") At no time during a game will the number of homeruns (over the fence or out of play) hit be more than TWO (2) more than hit by the opposing team. When a home run is hit, that is in excess of the number allowed, it will now be an OUT (and not just a strike).
3.	The Playing Field:
3-1	Bases will be set at sixty-five (65) feet. The pitcher must start from the "Pitcher's Zone". The pitcher's distance for all divisions is a zone 24 inches wide, located 50 to 60 feet from the rear corner of home plate. The pitcher will be able to place his pivot foot anywhere within the "pitching zone". All other motions by the pitcher must still be adhered to, prior to and during the pitch.
3-2	COMMITMENT LINE: Twenty (20) feet from home plate. Base runner must continue once one foot is over (and on the ground) past the Commitment Line. (As per SPN Rules)
3-3	SAFE LINE: Safe Line at home plate must be crossed (a portion of the foot over the line and on the ground). Force out at home plate. (As per SPN Rules).
3-4	150 Foot Rule: There is no "150 foot rule"; outfielders may be positioned wherever they wish; (normal SPN encroachment rule applies)
3-5	The batter-baserunner may not be thrown out at first base from the outfield; the ball may not be relayed from the outfielder to another infielder to get the out; there is no penalty for attempting to throw the batter-baserunner out; once the batter-baserunner has rounded first base they may be thrown out;
3-6	SPECIAL Ground Rules: Ground rules for specific parks / diamonds will be reviewed before each game by the Umpire and the Team Representatives. Recommended ground rules for each park will be amended to the Rules of Play.
4.	Equipment:
4-1	Home Team must supply bases complete with pegs, and including a safe-base.
4-2	Home Team must place and peg down bases before scheduled game start time.
4-3	If Home Team does not supply and place base in the allocated time, the Visiting Team must supply and place bases complete with pegs, and including a safe-base. Home team will be fined $10.00 for each infraction of failing to provide equipment.
4-4	If neither team has bases complete with pegs, and including a safe-base, a DOUBLE DEFAULT will be declared and default fines will be assessed against BOTH teams.
4-5	Home Team must supply and place a League approved pitching mat. If Home Team does not have a pitching mat available, Visiting Team must supply one. Home team will be fined $10.00 for each infraction of failing to provide equipment. If no pitching mat is available, a default fines will be assessed against BOTH teams. The game will proceed, with the Umpire calling balls and strikes without the aid of a mat. Specifications for the League approved mat will be amended to the Rules of Play.
4-6	Home Team must supply one NEW (unused) League approved ball plus one used ball in good condition for a spare. The League will supply the balls to the Teams. Used balls are returned to the team at the end of the game. Suitability of balls will be in the Umpires discretion.
4-7	The official League ball is the Worth Super Grey Dot (0.40 C.O.R.).
4-8	Both teams must have and complete League approved game score sheets. Game score sheets are supplied by the League to the Teams. Scoresheets must be completed and must include both teams batting orders, including substitutions. Batting orders must include full names (first and last names);
4-9	Scoresheets must be signed by the Umpire.
4-10	Scoresheets or batting order sheets MUST be retained by the team and MUST be available to be handed in to the League at the end of the regular season upon request.
4-11	No metal spikes are allowed. The player is automatically ejected from the game. A second occurrence will result in Player suspension.
4-12	BATS: Titanium bats are illegal. Hardball bats are illegal. (As per SPN Rules); RSPA follows SPN/ASA Bat Rule and Bat Certification program. An up-to-date list of ASA certified bats can be found here: For the latest non-approved bat list with pictures NOTE: Any bat that is not on the ASA certified list or on the ASA Non-approved bat list, will be considered as illegal for RSPA/SPN play; http://www.asasoftball.com/about/certified_equipment.asp
4-13	UNIFORMS: ALL players must wear matching tops. It is recommended that uniform tops have numbers (at least 4 inches high) visible. It is also recommended that teams adopt a uniform pants/shorts colour. Coaches must also have matching tops. MATCHING will be interpreted as "having the same body colour and shade and the same sleeve colour and shade"; the BODY COLOUR and SLEEVE COLOUR do NOT have to be the SAME. Stripes will NOT be interpreted as a colour and should be ignored when determining if the uniform matches. Uniform tops may be as simple as matching colour t-shirts.
4-14	UNIFORM Deadline: Uniform deadline is June 15th.
4-15	UNIFORM FINE: For any player participating (offensively or defensively) in a game that is not wearing a uniform top (after the deadline), the team will be assessed a $10 (ten dollar) fine per player to a maximum of $100 per night.
4-16	Pitcher's Glove: The pitcher has a choice of gloves to use, including a trapper if he wishes. The webbing cannot form any type of 'net' or 'tray'. The old rule restricted all players, with the exception of catchers and first basemen, to three or four finger type gloves.
5.	Players & Substitutes:
5-1	The 'standard' line-up shall be regarded as ten (10) players, consisting of 7 men and 3 women (7 M + 3 F).
5-2	Additional players may be added to this line-up by adding one man and one woman. ie: 8 M + 4 F; 9 M + 5 F or 10 M + 6 F.
5-3	A line-up may always add more women. ie: 6 M + 5 F, 5 M + 5 F, etc.
5-4	The line-up may not contain more than four (4) more men than women. Exception: see 5-5 below.
5-5	A Team may play with only two (2) women (ie: 7 M + 2 F or 6 M + 2 F) with a maximum of 7 males. The batting order position for the missing third female will be declared an 'Automatic Out'. If the third female shows up anytime during the game, she may be inserted in that spot in the batting order.
5-6	A Team must field eight (8) players to start or continue a game.
5-7	Maximum ten (10) players on the field at any one time. Maximum seven (7) males on the field at any one time.
5-8	Additional Players: Maximum sixteen (16) players in the batting order. The Team must finish the game with the same number of players or an 'Automatic Out' will be declared for that spot in the batting order.
5-9	Players cannot be added to the batting order after the Team has been through the batting order once complete. Exception: Third female - see Rule 5-5.
5-10	SUBSTITUTION: (As per SPN Rules) - Starting Player may be pulled from the line-up and re-entered once back in the same spot in the batting order. - Substitutes may take the place of a Starting Player. - Once a Substitute has been pulled from the line-up, he/she may not re-enter the game.
5-11	If batting more than ten (10) players, there is unlimited substitution, in and out of the defensive positions, from the players listed on the batting order.
5-12	No restrictions on the batting order. May bat men and women in any sequence.
5-13	If a male batter is walked with a female batter (or an automatic out) following, he will be awarded second base. The female batter has to bat, UNLESS, the male batter was walked on a 4-0 count (4 straight balls and no strikes), then the female batter has the choice of batting or a free walk;
5-14	COURTESY RUNNERS: Each team will be permitted a maximum of three (3) courtesy runners, during each game.
5-15	Any player from the line-up, bench, etc. (only if in uniform) may be a courtesy runner.
5-16	The courtesy runner can be used at any time and must be reported to the Umpire.
5-17	Courtesy runner must be male for male, female for female or female for male; The same courtesy runner MAY be used more than once.
5-18	A courtesy runner is NOT charged as one of THREE, if a player is injured on the play requiring a SUBSTITUTE runner (last out in the batting order).
5-19	The MINIMUM AGE to participate is EIGHTEEN (18) as of December 31st of that year. Underage players may be considered if application is made in writing, with signed approval of the parent/guardian. For safety reasons, no player under the age of SIXTEEN (16) will be considered.
5-20	Players may play for one (1) team in the League only. (Exceptions may be made, if the players applies in writing to the League Executive)
5-21	ROSTER MAXIMUM: A maximum of TWENTY-TWO (22) players may be registered. The roster maximum may be increased by applying in writing to the League Executive stating the reasons.
5-22	AWARDS MAXIMUM: Awards will be limited to a maximum of sixteen (16) awards per team
5-23	ROSTER DEADLINE: The SPN roster must be submitted by the end of the third week in May, or after the teams first game. . Roster additions and changes will be allowed up to July 1st. Roster additions after July 1st require League approval.
5-24	PLAYER REGISTRATION FORM: - A copy of the current Player Registration Form (complete with signature) MUST be submitted to the League Executive before a player can participate in any R.S.P.A. game. The Player Registration Form may be handed in to the Umpire before the game start.
5-25	Player Eligibility for Playoffs: A Player must participate (be on the batting order) for a minimum of five (5) regular season games in order to qualify for the Play-offs.
5-26	ROSTER: Team rep must carry a copy of their team roster with them to all games, and must produce them on demand to a League Official or League Umpire.
5-27	JEWELLERY: (As per SPN Rules) - No jewellery may be worn during a game, including neck chains, bracelets, earrings (including studs), watches, rings, belt buckles, etc. Jewellery MUST be removed. Jewellery cannot be taped. - Exception: Medical alert bracelets/necklaces. PENALTY: - If a Batter comes into the batters Box with any jewellery, that Batter will be declared an out. Any base-runner or defensive player with exposed jewellery will result in the next batter for that team being declared an out.
5-28	PREGNANCY RULE: (As per SPN Rules) If it is evident and/or confirmed to an official that a player is pregnant, then for reasons of safety and for possible detrimental effect that such participation may have on other players performance, SPN or the R.S.P.A. will not knowingly allow pregnant women to participate. The player will be requested to remove herself from the game and if she refuses, the umpire will eject her.
6.	Miscellaneous:
6-1	CONDUCT: Any player, coach, manager, team representative etc. who initiates a fight, an incident, an altercation etc., will be ejected immediately from the game and will be suspended as follows: MINIMUM ONE (1) GAME SUSPENSION will be imposed the FIRST time; MINIMUM THREE (3) GAME SUSPENSION will be imposed the SECOND time.The League Executive will review the status of any individual who has been ejected for a SECOND TIME and will consider expulsion from the League. The umpire will be required to write a report on any ejection and upon review of this report, further action/suspension may be imposed by the League Executive.These penalties are to be viewed as an automatic ruling and are to be the minimums.
6-2	Any team using a SUSPENDED player, coach, manager, team representative etc., in any capacity related to the playing of a game will forfeit that game.
6-3	PROTESTS: A one-hundred ($100.00) dollar protest fee must accompany each protest. - The protest fee will be refunded ONLY if the protest is upheld. If the protest is found to be invalid, the protest fee will not be refunded. - Protests must be in writing and must be received by the League Executive within forty-eight (48) hours of the game (excluding Saturday, Sunday and holidays). - The Umpire and the opposing team must be notified at the time of the protest and both the Umpire and the opposing Team Representative must sign the game sheet. - The protest must be made before the next legal pitch, intentional walk, or before all defensive players have left the field. - Protest will be considered for the misinterpretation or misapplication of a rule, or for player eligibility. - Protest will not be considered in which the Umpire's judgement is questioned (ie: a safe call, ball or strike call, fair or foul call, etc.) - CLARIFICATION OF THE APPEAL CAN BE FOUND IN THE SPN RULE BOOK.
6-4	PLAY-OFFS: In all play-off series the team with the HIGHER league standing will have the choice of FIRST game HOME/VISITOR decision. Each subsequent game will alternate HOME/VISITOR decision.

Rules that RSPA do NOT use:
1. Outfield 150 foot rule
150 foot rule in the outfield; - we will not restrict where the outfielders may not play; they do not have to play beyond the 150 foot mark;
HOWEVER: The batter-baserunner may not be thrown out at first base from the outfield; the ball may not be relayed from the outfielder to another infielder to get the out; there is no penalty for attempting to throw the batter-baserunner out; once the batter-baserunner has rounded first base they may be thrown out;

2. Inning Mercy or Limit
There is no limit to the number of runs scored in any inning; RSPA does not use this rule;

Click here for SPN Rulebook on line

For more information about RSPA, please contact: Randy Warren Recreational Slo-Pitch Association 8 Buxton Court Brampton, Ontario L6Z 3H9 e-mail: accent@slopitch1.com Alternate e-mail: alternate e-mail Tel.: (905) 840-7206 (e-mail preferred)     Fax: (905) 840-4189

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