RSPA Slo-Pitch Tournament Rules
Updated January 20, 2020
Molson Slo-Pitch Qualifier
Molson/SPN Provincial qualifiers
(top 4 teams)
Most divisions are National qualifiers
Molson Slo-Pitch awards
SPN Sanctioned
SPN Carded umpires.
SPN Provincial qualifiers (top 4 teams)
Most divisions are SPN National qualifiers
SPN rules. -- see Tournament Rules
RSPA 2020 Summer Slo-Pitch Tournaments
SPN Provincial & National Qualifiers - First place hoodies!
May 2-3, June 13-14, July 4-5, July 18-19, August 22-23, October 3-4, 2020
Coed (6M-4F) D, E, F • Mens D, E • Mens Masters 35+ and 50+.Guaranteed 4 scheduled games all divisions (except Coed F).
Etobicoke-Mississauga - Headquarters: Irish Shebeen Pub
5555 Eglinton Ave. W., Etobicoke ON M9C 5M1 — map
Tournament Flyer Tournament Entry Form Tournament Frequently Asked Questions
Randy Warren — e-mail preferred: accent@slopitch1.com • Cell 416-930-6124 • Entry Fee $350.00
• Team Rep Appreciation Gift & Appreciation Draw • Team Draws • Free Pitcher •
RSPA Slo-Pitch Tournament Rules of Play
Updated November 12, 2017These rules are for reference only. Please refer to official (printed/posted) rules at the tournament.
These rules are for reference, and may be modified for a specific tournament.
RSPA Slo-Pitch Summer Tournament Rules of Play
Updated November 12, 2016These rules are for reference only. Please refer to official (printed/posted) rules at the tournament. These rules are for reference, and may be modified for a specific tournament.
1.
General:
1-1
Play - Rain or shine.
1-2
A Team Representative MUST check in to Headquarters one hour prior to first game.
Check in at Headquarters before each game.
Turn in official score sheet at Headquarters after each game.
Failure to check in before the third game WILL RESULT IN A GAME DEFAULT.
Check in at Headquarters before each game.
Turn in official score sheet at Headquarters after each game.
Failure to check in before the third game WILL RESULT IN A GAME DEFAULT.
1-3
Home Team determined by coin toss.
Home Team MUST supply and place bases with pegs, including a Safe-Base (applicable SPN rules apply).
If neither team has bases with Safe-Base, a double default will be declared.
If a team does not have bases, there are loaner base sets available. Please arrange ahead of time.
Strike zone mat and balls will be supplied by the tournament.
Home Team MUST supply and place bases with pegs, including a Safe-Base (applicable SPN rules apply).
If neither team has bases with Safe-Base, a double default will be declared.
If a team does not have bases, there are loaner base sets available. Please arrange ahead of time.
Strike zone mat and balls will be supplied by the tournament.
1-4
Round Robin Format. Only one (1) loss in the elimination rounds.
1-5
Tie Breaking Formula: For two or more teams with the same Win/Loss record:
-a. record against each other;
-b. best plus/minus, all games;
-c. best plus/minus excluding non-tied teams;
-d. least runs allowed, excluding non-tied teams;
-e. draw from hat.
-a. record against each other;
-b. best plus/minus, all games;
-c. best plus/minus excluding non-tied teams;
-d. least runs allowed, excluding non-tied teams;
-e. draw from hat.
1-6
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.
SPN 2017 Rule Book
will be specified in the current Slo-Pitch National Softball Inc. Rulebook.
SPN 2017 Rule Book
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.
Four (4) innings required for complete game. (3-1/2 innings if home team is ahead).
Once an inning starts, it must be completed (unless called for reasons of safety).
Four (4) innings required for complete game. (3-1/2 innings if home team is ahead).
Once an inning starts, it must be completed (unless called for reasons of safety).
2-2
TIME LIMIT: One hour and 5 minutes. There is a time limit in the Finals (unless specified otherwise).
2-3
A GRACE PERIOD of ten (10) minutes (umpires time & discretion) will be allowed from the official game start time.
The grace time will be deducted from the game time.
The grace time will be deducted from the game time.
2-4
International Tie Breaker Rule: Will be used in extra innings or after time limit has expired.
2-5
MERCY RULE: Mercy rule will be in effect: 12 runs after five (5) or more complete innings.
2-6
INNING MERCY RULE:
Maximum 6 runs per inning mercy rule;
(unless more than 6 runs are required to avoid a mercy); last inning is open.
2-7
DEFAULT SCORE: Default score is 7-0 (one run per inning)
2-8
HOME RUN RULE - "Match Plus Two":
In effect in all fenced parks.
At no time during a game will the number of over the fence homeruns (untouched) allowed hit by one team, be more than two (2) above the number hit by the opposing team. Any homerun in excess of two (2), and the batter will be declared out.
At no time during a game will the number of over the fence homeruns (untouched) allowed hit by one team, be more than two (2) above the number hit by the opposing team. Any homerun in excess of two (2), and the batter will be declared out.
2-9
BALLS AND STRIKES
are called by the Umpire using a mat (with homeplate cut out). Homeplate is NOT a strike.
If no mat is available, balls and strikes will be called by the strike zone as the ball passes over the plate.
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).
If no mat is available, balls and strikes will be called by the strike zone as the ball passes over the plate.
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).
3.
The Playing Field:
3-1
Bases will be set at sixty-five (65) feet. Fifty (50) feet to the pitchers plate. (as per SPN Rules)
3-2
COMMITMENT LINE: Twenty (20) feet from home plate. Base runner must continue once one foot is on or over
the Commitment Line (and on the ground). (as per SPN Rules)
3-3
SCORING LINE: Scoring Line at home plate must be touched or crossed (a portion of the foot on or over the line and on the ground).
Force out at home plate. (as per SPN Rules).
3-4
PITCHING ZONE: 24" wide located 50 to 65 feet from home plate as per SPN rule.
3-5
SPN 175 Foot Rule: (Ontario rule - not in the SPN rulebook) - IS NOT IN EFFECT FOR RSPA TOURNAMENTS.
Outfielders may be positioned anywhere in the OUTFIELD. See also below.
For your information only, when the SPN 175 foot rule is in effect - All outfielders must be positioned 175 feet or more, and cannot throw the batter-baserunner out at first base. -- "A defensive line consisting of an arc 175 feet from home plate shall be used. No outfielder is allowed in front of the line until the ball is hit. If this is violated, the offence has the option of taking the result of the play or an award of one base to the batter and all runners.
No outfielder may make a force out on the batter-baserunner at first base."
Outfielders may be positioned anywhere in the OUTFIELD. See also below.
For your information only, when the SPN 175 foot rule is in effect - All outfielders must be positioned 175 feet or more, and cannot throw the batter-baserunner out at first base. -- "A defensive line consisting of an arc 175 feet from home plate shall be used. No outfielder is allowed in front of the line until the ball is hit. If this is violated, the offence has the option of taking the result of the play or an award of one base to the batter and all runners.
No outfielder may make a force out on the batter-baserunner at first base."
3-6
RSPA Coed Tournament Rule:
No outfielder may make a force out on the batter-base runner at first base, nor may an outfielder relay the ball
in order to make a force out on the batter-base runner at first base.
There is no penalty for attempting to throw the batter-base runner out.
FIVE MAN INFIELD: A team may play with a 5 player (or more) infield by moving in an outfielder. A player will be deemed an “outfielder” if they are playing a defensive position that would be on the grass on a normal softball diamond.
The umpire MUST be informed when a team elects to play a 5 player (or more) infield.
There is no penalty for attempting to throw the batter-base runner out.
FIVE MAN INFIELD: A team may play with a 5 player (or more) infield by moving in an outfielder. A player will be deemed an “outfielder” if they are playing a defensive position that would be on the grass on a normal softball diamond.
The umpire MUST be informed when a team elects to play a 5 player (or more) infield.
3-7
Special Ground Rules:
Ground rules for specific parks / diamonds will be reviewed before each game by the Umpire and the Team Representatives.
4.
Equipment:
4-1
Home Team MUST supply bases complete with pegs, and including a safe-base.
Home Team must place and peg down bases before scheduled game start time.
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.
If neither team has bases complete with pegs, and including a safe-base, a DOUBLE DEFAULT will be declared.
If a team does not have bases, there are loaner base sets available. Please arrange ahead of time.
Strike zone mat and balls will be supplied by the tournament.
Home Team must place and peg down bases before scheduled game start time.
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.
If neither team has bases complete with pegs, and including a safe-base, a DOUBLE DEFAULT will be declared.
If a team does not have bases, there are loaner base sets available. Please arrange ahead of time.
Strike zone mat and balls will be supplied by the tournament.
4-2
No metal spikes are allowed. The player is automatically ejected from the game.
4-3
BATS: As per SPN rules; see list of illegal bats.
Titanium and multi-walled bats are illegal. Hardball bats are illegal. (as per SPN Rules)
RSPA tournaments allow BOTH USSSA and ASA approved bats.
SPN Bat Rules in Effect NEW for 2018:
Slo-Pitch National recognizes and accepts ONLY the USSSA authorized bats for use in the SPN program.
All SPN approved bats must carry the USSSA stamp for use in the SPN Program.
Note: Local leagues have the ability to set their own bat policies.
Note: This rule is NOT in effect for RSPA Coed Slo-Pitch League or tournaments.
SPN Bat Policy -- www.usssa.com
Titanium and multi-walled bats are illegal. Hardball bats are illegal. (as per SPN Rules)
RSPA tournaments allow BOTH USSSA and ASA approved bats.
SPN Bat Rules in Effect NEW for 2018:
Slo-Pitch National recognizes and accepts ONLY the USSSA authorized bats for use in the SPN program.
All SPN approved bats must carry the USSSA stamp for use in the SPN Program.
Note: Local leagues have the ability to set their own bat policies.
Note: This rule is NOT in effect for RSPA Coed Slo-Pitch League or tournaments.
SPN Bat Policy -- www.usssa.com
4-4
BALLS: Ball will be supplied by the Tournament Convener.
The official ball is Worth "Hot Dot" (as per SPN Rules)
The official ball is Worth "Hot Dot" (as per SPN Rules)
5.
Players & Substitutes:
5-1
Lineup: Minimum nine (9) players to take the field. You may start batting with less.
Maximum ten (10) players in the field at any one time. If a player is removed from the batting order due to injury, ejection, etc., then an AUTOMATIC OUT will be declared in that spot each time the player is due to bat.
You must have a minimum of nine (9) players to continue a game.
Players may be added to the bottom of the batting order as long as the lead off batter has not been pitched to.
Maximum ten (10) players in the field at any one time. If a player is removed from the batting order due to injury, ejection, etc., then an AUTOMATIC OUT will be declared in that spot each time the player is due to bat.
You must have a minimum of nine (9) players to continue a game.
Players may be added to the bottom of the batting order as long as the lead off batter has not been pitched to.
5-2
Coed Lineup: 6M + 4F: Can only bat maximum two (2) males in a row in the batting order.
May play with up to 8M-4F; 10M-5F; 12M-6F; etc.
May play with nine (9) players and NO automatic out in both mens and coed divisions.
In coed may play with an odd number of batters. You may bat with: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16. You may not bat three males in a row, You may only bat maximum two males in a row (unless separated by an automatic out).
Players may be added to the bottom of the batting order as long as the lead off batter has not been pitched to and if the male-female ratio is still legal.
In coed may play with an odd number of batters. You may bat with: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16. You may not bat three males in a row, You may only bat maximum two males in a row (unless separated by an automatic out).
Players may be added to the bottom of the batting order as long as the lead off batter has not been pitched to and if the male-female ratio is still legal.
5-2a
Coed Lineup: 7M + 3F when used for Coed F-3:
The line-up may not contain more than four (4) more males than females.
Additional players may be added to this line-up by adding one male and one female. ie: 8M-4F; 9M-5F or 10M-6F, etc.
A line-up may always add more females. ie: 6M-5F, 4M-6F, 3M-7F, etc.
A team may play with only two (2) females 7M-2F with a maximum of 7 males and no automatic out.
No restrictions on batting sequence. You may bat as many males in a row as you wish.
Additional players may be added to this line-up by adding one male and one female. ie: 8M-4F; 9M-5F or 10M-6F, etc.
A line-up may always add more females. ie: 6M-5F, 4M-6F, 3M-7F, etc.
A team may play with only two (2) females 7M-2F with a maximum of 7 males and no automatic out.
No restrictions on batting sequence. You may bat as many males in a row as you wish.
5-3
Maximum Awards: Maximum 14 awards per team. Must play a game to qualify for awards.
5-4
Substitution: Standard re-entry applies (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.
- 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.
5-5
COURTESY RUNNERS:
Each team will be permitted seven (7) courtesy runners per game. You may not use the same courtesy runner twice.
Masters 50+ divison allowed unlimited runners. You may not use the same courtesy runner twice in the same inning.
The courtesy runner can be used at any time and must be reported to the Umpire.
Coed: Courtesy runner must be male for male, female for female or female for male.
In mens and coed open age divisions, players 50+ get FREE 50 for 50 courtesy runners. Runner must be 50+.
Each team will be permitted seven (7) courtesy runners per game. You may not use the same courtesy runner twice.
Masters 50+ divison allowed unlimited runners. You may not use the same courtesy runner twice in the same inning.
The courtesy runner can be used at any time and must be reported to the Umpire.
Coed: Courtesy runner must be male for male, female for female or female for male.
In mens and coed open age divisions, players 50+ get FREE 50 for 50 courtesy runners. Runner must be 50+.
5-6
COED: If a male batter is walked with a female batter (or an automatic out for a female batter) following,
then the male batter is awarded first and second base. The female batter following MUST bat.
5-7
PLAYERS / ROSTER:
All players must have completed the SPN on-line roster and/or signed the
"Tournament Entry Form / Roster & Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement" and the original must be submitted to
the Tournament Convener before the player can participate in any game.
5-8
Players may play for more than one team, but they may not play for more than one team in the same division.
6.
Conduct:
6-1
CONDUCT: All players and coaches will conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times.
Any harassment, verbal or physical towards umpires, game officials, tournament executives or opposing teams will not be tolerated.
6-2
The consumption of alcohol is not permitted in city parks. Observe the law and celebrate at Headquarters.
Violaters will be charged by the police and disqualified from the tournament.
Violaters will be charged by the police and disqualified from the tournament.
6-3
DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE
6-4
PROTESTS:
All protests must be completed as per SPN rules (STG&OR-#4) and must be accompanied by
$150 (one-hundred & fifty dollar) protest fee (cash or money order)
at the diamond, at the time of the protest. All protest documentation must be in writing
and must be received within forty-five (45) minutes of the end of the game.
PROTEST FEE IS REFUNDED ONLY IF THE PROTEST IS UPHELD.
Protests should include: Team Name, Division, Players Name(s), Diamond and Game Time.
Protests will not be upheld in which the Umpire's judgement is questioned. Only protests based on misinterpretation or misapplication of a rule or player eligibility will be upheld.
PROTEST FEE IS REFUNDED ONLY IF THE PROTEST IS UPHELD.
Protests should include: Team Name, Division, Players Name(s), Diamond and Game Time.
Protests will not be upheld in which the Umpire's judgement is questioned. Only protests based on misinterpretation or misapplication of a rule or player eligibility will be upheld.
