Official Rules of CCSA Softball (updated 20240419)


1		CCSA Rules
2		Updated: February 26th, 2024 Updates and new additions are in bold font.
3	General Notes	Should these rules be found to be in conflict with the rules plus addendum as stated by the Softball Canada Rule Book, these rules shall take precedence.
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5		NOTE: there may be some repetition. Because of the unique nature of our league, certain behaviour and actions will not be tolerated and may, at the discretion of the umpires presiding over the game, result in an automatic ejection and / or suspension as described below. All such ejections or suspensions are reviewable by the Conduct Accountability Standards of Excellence (C.A.S.E.) Committee either (i) upon appeal by parties involved in the incident or (ii) at the discretion of the C.A.S.E Committee.
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7		Upon review, the C.A.S.E Committee may impose further sanctions. Actions that result in automatic forfeiture of a game will automatically be reviewed by the C.A.S.E. Committee. For the purposes of this section, “game” means all events and activities occurring between the time when the first player on the team arrives at the ballpark for a CCSA game and the time when the last player on the team leaves the ballpark.
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9	i)	Umpires will not tolerate dangerous play. Players engaged in such activity will be warned to stop but if in the umpire's judgment it was deliberate and it caused injury, no warning will be given and the persons would be automatically ejected from the game.
10	ii)	No smoking, alcoholic beverages, or illicit drugs are allowed at any games or activities related to the CCSA. If this is during a game, there will be an automatic ejection.
11	iii)	Fighting, and any actions that can reasonably be expected to lead to fighting will not be tolerated. Players involved will be ejected from the game and be automatically given a 2 game suspension.
12	iv)	Swearing, or anything said in spite, excessive anger, any language, any phrase used in vain, or any extreme unsportsmanlike behaviour which could be either interpreted as the intention to swear or as a threat to other players will result in an automatic ejection.
13	v)	Players who heckle other players will be given one warning and if the heckling continues, the player will be ejected. (e.g., on a fly ball to the outfield, someone shouts at the fielder to drop the ball). That type of behaviour is unsuitable for our league. We are here to build each other up and not to bring each other down.
14	vi)	Governors and Coaches are responsible for the behaviour of their teams and their teams’ spectators.
15	vii)	Players are not allowed to make verbal calls of the plays (i.e., safe/out) prior to the umpires making the call. If any player is found doing so the team is given a warning and the next player on that team to do likewise will be ejected. Any spectators found violating this rule will be warned and if the rule is violated again, the team whom the spectator is associated with will cause the team to lose sportsmanship points and forfeit their game. Only team leaders (governors, coaches, and umpires) may direct inquiries to the umpires (other than normal appeals during a play).
16	viii)	All ejected players may no longer participate in any manner with the softball game, but may continue to be present at the game and participate in the post game activities. However, if players ejected pursuant to this subsection disrupt the game in any manner, the umpire may request the offender to leave the grounds. If, after giving ample warning, the offender fails to leave the grounds, the game may be stopped and forfeited to the opposing team regardless of score or inning. The final score will be 7-0 on the score sheet.
17	ix)	Age Limit: 1) A player’s CCSA age is determined as of December 31st of the current year. 2) The Junior division is restricted to those whose CCSA-age is between 14 to 18 years inclusive. Exception: Two players (1 male and 1 female) of the CCSA-age of 19 may be allowed to play on a junior team if they meet the following criteria: a) They must obtain a Letter of Approval from their supervising pastor acknowledging that they are to be mentors to future leaders. b) They will assume the role of either Assistant Governor or Assistant Coach. The Senior division is restricted to those whose CCSA-age is 18 years and older. However a player may be as young as 14 provided that the special exemption form has been filled out 3) The Senior division is restricted to those whose CCSA-age is 18 years and older. However a player may be as young as 14 provided that the special exemption form has been filled out
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19		Pre-game and Lineups
20	1-1-0	ALL games begin with prayer. Players must be present for the Opening Prayer to be deemed an eligible player. Penalty: players who miss the Opening Prayer cannot play. If a player who misses the opening prayer and participates in the game will be considered an illegal player and will result in their team forfeiting the game
21	1-2-0	Minimum number of players to begin a game shall be 9, 3 of which must be female.
22	1-2-1	If a team has more than 9 players but does not have the minimum 3 women, the team will not be allowed to play and the game will be forfeited to the other team providing they have the proper ratio.
23	1-3-0	Female to Male Ratios will be strictly enforced. Min. # Of Women # in Batting Order 3 9-12 4 13-16 5 17-20 6 21-24 7 25-28
24	1-3-1	No more than 3 males may bat consecutively. A maximum of two (2) male players may share a spot in the batting lineup and MUST alternate at-bats. A maximum of zero (0) female players may share a spot in the batting lineup. Teams must notify umpires and teams of alternating batters prior to the start of the game. Two players sharing a batting slot who alternate turns may also take the field in the same inning. Example: A team has 17 players but only 3 women, the team will be allowed to put a maximum of 12 players on the team line-up list, leaving 5 men on the bench. If the team so desires, these 5 men may be slotted into a batting spot with another male player already active in the line-up.
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26		Umpires
27	2-1-0	An umpiring team must provide a minimum of two certified umpires to each game that they are responsible for. If two certified umpires are unavailable, the umpiring team must provide one certified umpire, and at least two knowledgeable assistants. These assistants should be knowledgeable of the rules prior to the game. Failure to provide the required number of umpires should be reported by both teams to umpiring@ccsasoftball.net.
28	2-1-1	Home plate must be umpired by a certified umpire. In the event that no certified umpires are provided by the scheduled umpiring team, the scheduled umpiring team will lose 2 umpiring points that may affect final standings. The game may proceed with a knowledgeable umpire at home plate.
29	2-2-0	The Home Plate Umpire has the final say on positioning of bases and lines as well as the defining of ground rules pertinent to the playing field. General criteria to be followed for ground rules: Dead Ball area shall be the area beyond the imaginary extensions of the fences, or where other objects could become an obstruction. Objects such as light poles and trees which are close to the playing field should have fair guidelines to avoid potentially dangerous attempts to field the ball near them while the ball is in flight. Any ball, which hits an object, shall usually be deemed in play and treated as if it has hit the ground.
30	2-3-0	In the case of a rained out or rescheduled game, the scheduled umpiring team is still responsible for the rescheduled game, though it is the responsibility of the playing teams to sufficiently notify the umpires of the rescheduled date. If the umpires cannot make the rescheduled date, they may use the umpire's directory to contact other umpiring teams.
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32		Uniform and Equipment
33	3-1-0	All teams must have uniforms by the date set at the beginning of the season by the CCSA. A full uniform shall consist of: 1) a jersey which is the same for each player (or if jerseys from different years are used, must be as similar as possible to not confuse either team) denoting: a) the team name b) a legible number (different whole 1 or 2 digit Arabic number from 0 to 99 inclusive for each player), Softball Canada Rule 2.5.1d c) the church name (or acronym), d) a CCSA patch in a visible location. Patches must be glued or sewn on and must remain visible (not taped or clipped with any kind of a metallic object, e.g., safety pin). 2) sleeves, whether as part of the jersey or a shirt worn underneath.
34		Penalty: one run for every player without a complete uniform will be deducted automatically from the team’s score at the start of the game.
35	3-2-0	Players will not be allowed to play unless all jewelry is removed. If rings or other jewelry cannot be removed they must be bandaged, taped up properly or sufficiently covered by clothing. Jewelry includes watches, rings, necklaces, earrings, pins, bracelets and all hair accessories. Non-jewelry items such as medical bracelets or other medical devices which have any metal in it will be okay as long as they are taped down, or such as possible to remove threat from protrusions, sharp edges, etc. Safety equipment (including eyeglasses and sunglasses) are exempt from this rule. More stipulations may be necessary due to insurance regulations. All: 1st infraction is not an ejection. Any Subsequent infractions will result in an ejection. Offence: if the batter/runner is wearing jewelry, the first penalty is an out. Defence: if the defensive player is found to be wearing jewelry, obstruction will be called and the current batter and runners will be awarded 1 base. The defensive player will be required to remove the jewelry at that time.
36	3-3-0	The home team is responsible for supplying three (3) bases and 6 or 8 spikes (depending on the safety base) in good condition and two (2) pylons at the beginning of the game to indicate the 150 line. Both second base and third base are to be secured with two spikes each. The two spikes are to be fastened at each end of the strap. The strap for second base should run parallel to the base path between second base and third base. The strap for third base should run parallel to the base path between third base and home plate. It is recommended that two-part spikes be used (not the one piece T-spikes). If the safety base at first base has one strap that runs parallel to the length (long side) of the base, then it is sufficient to secure the base with two spikes, one at each end of the strap. However, if the base has two parallel straps that run parallel to the width (short side) of the base, then it is necessary to secure the base with four spikes, two for each strap.
37	3-3-1	A home team failing to supply the proper full equipment (i.e. 3 bases, 6 or 8 spikes, and 2 pylons) in good condition at the beginning of the game will lose home team status and be deducted one (1) bonus equipment point. If the visiting team is able to substitute or supply the full equipment set, then they will be awarded a bonus equipment point (i.e., if the home team has no spikes available and the visiting team only has one set of spikes, the visiting team will not be rewarded with the bonus equipment point). Even if the visiting team supplies the full equipment set, the original home team still loses home team status and one (1) bonus equipment point. This offence must be noted on the score sheets. If the bases/spikes become loose or damaged during the course of the game, there will be no deduction of bonus equipment points. If a complete set of equipment can not be found at the start of the game, the game will result in forfeiture by the original home team. The scheduled home team will still be required to lead devotions.
38	3-3-2	Failure of the home team to provide a new game ball (supplied by CCSA) at the beginning of the game will result in the loss of home team status and the deduction of one (1) bonus equipment point. As a replacement, the best available ball (as judged by the umpires) will be designated as the game ball. The scheduled home team will still be required to lead devotions. This offence must be noted on the score sheets. If the game ball becomes lost during the course of the game, there will be no deduction of bonus equipment points.
39	3-4-0	Helmets are mandatory for batters, on-field on-deck batters, and base runners. In addition, pitchers in the Junior division and pitchers under the age of 18 in the Senior division must wear either a helmet with an attached face cage, pitcher’s mask, or fielder’s mask. Team leaders are responsible to ensure their players are wearing helmets and/or masks as required.
40	3-4-1	Failure to provide proper helmets and/or masks will result in a loss of the equipment point. This offence must be noted on the score sheet. If the opposing team chooses to help supply helmets and/or masks, they will gain the bonus equipment point. If they do not, then the game will be forfeited to the other team.
41	3-5-0	Teams that do not have the proper equipment or minimum number of players to start a game will be given a 15-minute grace period from the scheduled start time. Teams that still are not ready will forfeit the game to the opposing team provided they have the right number of players and equipment (if Home Team). The final score of a forfeited game will be 7-0, which must be entered on the score sheets and signed by the umpires and teams). If both teams are not ready to play after the 15 minute grace period, the Umpire will not be required to stay any longer and therefore consider the game to be cancelled with no score recorded and no points awarded. The game may or may not be rescheduled depending on the reasons for lack of attendance and the availability of playing fields. Final decision will be rendered by CCSA. If games are delayed (i.e., previous teams still playing on the field) the Umpire will begin the 15- minute grace period from the time the field becomes available. NOTE: It is the responsibility of the Umpire to enforce these rules to ensure the game starts and finishes within the allotted playing time (1:45 pm after the scheduled start, finish 15 minutes prior to next scheduled game).
42	3-6-0	Bats that will be allowed for use in the CCSA will have the USSSA 1.20 BRP “thumbprint” and will be found along the tapered portion of the bat.
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44		Bats with the ASA 2000 or the ASA 2004 certifications are also allowed so long as they are not on the ASA’s grandfathered bat list.
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47		Game Time
48	4-1-0	A complete game consists of 8 innings. In the event that a game is stopped due to hazardous playing conditions (e.g., rain, lighting, darkness, high winds, hail storm, earthquake, flooding, etc.), 5 completed innings will be considered a complete game (or 4-1/2 in the event that the home team is winning). The Home Plate Umpire has every right to stop a game regardless of score or inning if in the Umpire's judgement the safety of participants (i.e., players and spectators) is in jeopardy. In the event a game is stopped before 5 innings are completed the game will not be considered complete and a rescheduled game, if possible, will be arranged. If playing conditions improve after a stoppage in play, the Umpire may allow play to resume if in the Umpire's judgment, safety will not be jeopardized and the next game on the schedule will not be delayed (i.e., Umpires will stop the game before the next scheduled game begins regardless of score or inning). If a game is stopped (after 5 innings are complete) during an inning and there is no resuming play the final score will be that of the last completed inning. For example, if 6-1/2 innings are played and then stopped, the score of the game will be taken from the last complete inning which would be the 6th inning unless the team 2nd at bat has scored more runs in their half of the 7th inning.
49	4-1-1	In the event of a regular season game that is tied at the end of 8 innings, teams may continue playing additional innings if time permits. If this occurs during a playoff game, teams must continue playing additional innings until a winner is declared.
50	4-2-0	Two rovers will be allowed to field, bringing the total number of defensive players to ten (10) (e.g., 6 men and 4 women) on the field. They may be male or female but if a team uses both rover positions, there must be at least 4 women playing on the field. If a team only has 3 women on the field, only one rover can be used (i.e., 6 men and 3 women, total 9 players).
51	4-2-1	Infield Line: This line distinguishes the infield and the outfield. Rovers and outfielders cannot be positioned in the infield (e.g., on second base) at the start of play. They must be in the outfield, behind the infield line. They may only come into the infield after the pitched ball is hit.
52	4-2-2	Player’s Line: This is an imaginary line from 1st base to 3rd base and no fielder with the exception of the pitcher and catcher may be in front of this line until the pitched ball is hit. See Appendix A.
53	4-2-3	150 ft Line: This line is an imaginary line (marked off by pylons), located 150 feet from the back corner of home plate, arcing from one foul line to another. This is not a straight line going from one pylon to another. Rovers and outfielders cannot be positioned in front of the 150 line at the start of play. They may only pass the 150 line after the pitched ball is hit. This line is ONLY used for outfielders/rovers starting positions, as it does NOT function as the line to throw the ball to the pitcher. To throw the ball to the pitcher, you must still be standing in the infield (within the infield line).
54	4-2-4	If the defensive team violates 4-2-1, 4-2-2, or 4-2-3, obstruction will be called and a delayed dead ball will be signalled.
55	4-2-5	All fielders must start each play in the same designated spot relative to the other fielders that they started the inning in (i.e., third baseman must be closer to third than the shortstop, left fielder must be more in left field than the centre fielder, etc.)
56	4-2-6	Commitment Line: This is a line drawn 20 feet from the back of home plate and perpendicular to the third base line. A runner is out when after crossing the commitment line, he/she does not touch or cross the safe line before the ball is legally held by a defensive player who is in contact with home plate. If a runner is tagged between the commitment line and safe line, obstruction is called. Usually, a delayed dead ball is called for an obstruction. However, as the obstructed runner is put out (tagged) prior to reaching the base he would have reached had there not been obstruction (home), a dead ball is called (Softball Canada 5.10.2 b). The tagged runner is awarded home, and other runners are awarded the base, or bases they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgement, had obstruction not occurred.
57	4-2-7	Safe Line: This is a line drawn in foul territory starting at the front corner of home plate closest to third base and perpendicular to the third base line. When a runner touches the ground on or beyond the safe line prior to a defensive player legally holding the ball while in contact with home plate, the runner shall be declared safe. If a runner steps on home plate, INTERFERENCE is called, the play is dead, and the runner is called out. All other runners return to the last base legally touched at the time of the interference. A runner shall not be called out if home plate is touched in an attempt to avoid a collision.
58	4-3-0	Each team is responsible for pitching to themselves. The pitcher must keep one foot on or behind the pitcher’s line, which is drawn by the umpire, at all times (minimum distance 40 feet). The pitcher must be within 1 m either side of the imaginary line from home plate to second. Any batted ball which hits the pitcher before any fielder has had a chance to play shall be declared an out. The pitcher must also make a concerted effort to avoid interfering with the play else interference could be called.
59	4-3-1	All Divisions (Junior and Senior): 3 pitches for women and 3 for men.
60	4-3-2	Each team may have as many pitchers as they wish, as long as the substitution of pitchers is quick. A maximum of one warm up pitch is allowed, with the exception of the beginning of each inning where it will be to the umpire's discretion. If a pitcher has left the field during the play, the ball returned to the infield with all play sufficiently stopped will warrant a stoppage of play.
61	4-4-0	No bunting or chopped balls will be allowed. A bunt is any contact between the bat and the ball, which doesn't involve a full swing. A chopped ball is a ball that is hit directly down onto the ground with a full downward swing in order to make the ball act like a bunted ball, or bounce high into the air. The motion of the bat determines if the ball is being chopped. It is not the motion of the ball that determines the chopping. If in the judgement of the umpire a player takes a full swing and it is not a deliberately chopped or bunted ball though it acts like one, the umpire will let the play continue and runners may advance. Players who bunt or chop a ball will be called out and the ball is dead. Runners may not advance.
62	4-4-1	The batter’s box line is drawn 3 feet in front of home plate and extends beyond the foul lines. During the at bat, a batter must be facing home plate and be able to reasonably contact home plate with the bat. A batter’s feet must remain behind the batter’s box line when the bat makes contact with the ball; a batter is out and the play is dead if their foot touches home plate or is completely past the front of the batter’s box line.
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64	4-5-0	A batted ball in foul territory behind the batter will be considered a fly ball and an out if it is legally caught, no matter the height it reaches.
65	4-6-0	If the umpire judges that the batter has no control of the bat when it leaves his/her hands, the batter is called OUT for the first infraction, and the play is dead. The umpire will then warn both teams that the next player or players who throw their bats will be called out and ejected from the game for dangerous play.
66	4-7-0	Leadoff rule: Runners may only depart from their respective bases at the moment a pitched ball has made contact with a fully swung bat (e.g., a runner anticipates the batter to hit the ball and takes his foot off the base, but the batter fails to make contact). The runner will be immediately called out. The ball is dead, and NO PITCH is declared.
67	4-8-0	Runners may slide into any base except for and around home plate. EXCEPTION: On playing fields where back fences are in close approximation to home plate, umpires may allow runners to slide over the safe line for purposes only to slow down and/or to avoid collision with the fence or back catcher.
68	4-8-1	Runners may slide head first or feet first. However, in the case of a feet first slide, the runner must keep his/her feet as close to the ground as possible in order to prevent injury to any other players. If in the view of the umpire, the slide was intended to injure another player or to break-up a possible double play, the runner will be ejected from the game.
69	4-9-0	1st Base Safety Bag: Batter-runner must touch the ORANGE (or Red) side of the First Base on ANY infield hit. If the batter runner touches the WHITE side of First Base on an infield hit, INTERFERENCE will be called.
70	4-10-0	Play is considered to be over when: a) Umpire calls TIME, FOUL BALL, or DEAD BALL. b) Runners have stopped advancing and the ball is in the infield in the control of a defensive player and then Time is requested. c) Runners have stopped advancing and the pitcher is given the ball by a defensive player in the INFIELD. (Pitchers do not have to catch a ball that is thrown to them from the OUTFIELD.) If a pitcher has left the field during the play, the ball returned to the infield with all play sufficiently stopped will warrant the stoppage of play.
71	4-11-0	Mercy Rule: There will be a 5 run mercy rule enforced in the first 7 innings of every game. Each team will only be allowed to score a maximum of 5 runs per inning regardless of the number of outs. EXCEPTION: Should a home run or a ground rule double result in more than 5 runs scored in an inning in which the mercy rule is enforced, only 5 runs will be scored and recorded for that inning. The batter and runners are awarded the maximum number of bases such that no more than 5 runs score in the inning. Both teams will be allowed to score as many runs as possible in the last inning of the game (i.e., if the game drags on too long, an umpire may declare the next inning (e.g., 6th inning) the last inning and extra innings if necessary.
72	4-12-0	Game Mercy Rule: At the end of any inning after 5 innings (or 4.5 if the home team is leading), if there is a difference of 14 or more runs, the losing team has the OPTION to end the game.
73	4-13-0	At diamonds where there is a home run fence, the first fair batted ball over the fence for each team will be declared a home run. Either team may only hit one Over-the-Fence Home Run more than the opposing team. Subsequent Over-the-Fence hits will count as an OUT until the opposing team hits an Over-the-Fence Home Run. This is what will be referred to as “Match + 1”
74	4-14-0	An outfielder or rover CANNOT throw a ball directly to 1B to get the (BR) Batter Runner out. When the BR has safely reached first base, an outfielder or rover may throw the ball directly to 1B for a “tag” out.
75	4-14-1	If an outfielder or rover does throw a ball from to 1B in an attempt to get the (BR) Batter Runner out, the umpire shall signal OBSTRUCTION. Both teams shall receive a WARNING. Any subsequent OUTFIELDERS violating the rule will be automatically EJECTED from the game. Note: This rule is applied on the THROW from an outfielder or rover to 1B. The fielder at or near 1B need not make a play for the obstruction to occur.
76	4-15-0	Substitute runners are limited only to injury substitutions and are allowed only after the previous play is over. Each team will have a maximum of three (3) such substitutions per game. Substitutions can only occur with any eligible player of the same sex, who is registered on the team with the league. Once a player has been used as a substitute runner, they cannot be used as substitute runner for the remainder of the game. The injured player need not necessarily be removed from the game (as this is not strictly considered a substitution).
77	4-15-1	If during his/her turn at-bat, the scheduled batter is on base due to a substitution and there are no substitutions remaining, the batter will be called out.
78	4-16-0	If an injured batter is not able to take their at-bat, that batting slot is skipped and no out is recorded. If the injured batter causes the female-ratio to be upset: a) A batting order for the injured player's line-up spot shall consist of the remaining females in the line-up starting with the female who hits previous to the injured, in the order opposite to that on the current line-up. b) Should a female be on base but is either scheduled to hit in this spot or in her normal batting position, she shall be substituted for on the base path, and go up to bat. The substitution shall be the last female who got out. If that slot is shared, it cannot be replaced by the alternating player. The injured player may not re-enter the game.
79	4-17-0	You may not field less than 9 players (with a minimum of 3 females) at any time. Should this occur (even in the case of injury) the game will be forfeited to the other team
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81		Post-Game
82	5-1-0	All persons who participate in the softball game must also attend the post-game devotions (unless pre-game devotion is planned). Any pardons from devotions MADE DURING THE GAME must be addressed to both team’s coaches and governors, and to the umpires. Teams that do not abide by this will lose their sportsmanship points, forfeit their game, and any further action will be at the discretion of the CASE Committee. All such decisions will automatically be reviewed by the CASE Committee to determine if there were any extenuating circumstances.
83	5-2-0	Please completely fill out score sheets, (i.e., game code, park, time, teams played, umpires, final scores, sportsmanship points, equipment points, signatures).
84	5-2-1	Points are awarded for wins, ties, losses, forfeits, sportsmanship, equipment, and umpiring. Points are awarded as follows: 3 pts for a win 2 pts for a tie 1 pt for a loss 0 pts for a forfeit 0 to 1 pt per game for sportsmanship -1 to 1 pt per game for equipment 2 pts per game for umpiring, up to a maximum of 10 points
85	5-2-2	All teams start with 2 equipment points and can gain or lose points (to a maximum of 4 and a minimum of 0) based on the following criteria: -1 for failure to provide full equipment as home team +1 if, as the away team, supply full equipment -1 for improperly filled out scoresheet
86	5-2-3	A tie in points in the standings are broken as follows: 1. Wins 2. Ties 3. Run Differential
87	5-3-0	The head umpire of the game must report the score on the CCSA Dashboard before 11:59:59 pm of the Tuesday after the game. The umpire will need to log in to the website, and report the game code, park, time, teams played, final score, sportsmanship and equipment points awarded. Any extraneous circumstances, incidents, or ejected players are also reported. Report scores by e-mail to schedule@ccsasoftball.net if Dashboard is unavailable.
88	5-3-1	Both teams must submit the score on the CCSA Dashboard before 11:59:59 pm of the Tuesday after the game. A photo/scan of the scoresheet (front and back) must accompany the submission. Do not mail scoresheets. Report scores by e-mail to schedule@ccsasoftball.net if Dashboard is unavailable.
89	5-3-2	If any team (Home, Away, Umpire) fail to submit the score on Dashboard or upload the scoresheet by the deadline, then the offending team loses points gained for that game.
90	5-4-0	A double forfeit will result in a 0-0 score with no points awarded.
91	5-5-0	In consideration for the environment and to the Parks & Recreation Department, please dispose of all of your garbage and help keep the parks clean.
92	5-6-0	If you have any questions, or would like to help out on the committee, feel free to e-mail umpiring@ccsasoftball.net.
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94	Appendix A	CCSA Diamond
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97	Appendix B	Gestures and Calls
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1		Addendum to the 2024/2025 Softball Canada "Official Slo-Pitch Rules of Softball"
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3	Rule number		Addendum
4	1	The Game
5	1.1	Definitions
6	1.1.1	Appeal - Live Ball or Dead Ball
7	1.1.2	Defensive Team	Omit. Replace with "The team in the field excluding the pitcher, who is on the batting team."
8	1.1.3	Forfeit
9	1.1.4	Home and Visiting Team	a) Replace with "The home team is determined by league assignment." b) Delete "and occupies the third base dugout" c) Delete "and occupies the first base dugout"
10	1.1.5	Inning
11	1.1.6	Offensive Team
12	1.1.7	"Play Ball"	a) Replace "on or adjacent to the pitching line" with "and stands behind the pitcher's line." b) Omit. Replace with "the catcher is in the catcher's area, in foul territory behind home plate and all other fielders are in fair territory and facing home plate, to put the ball in play"
13	1.1.8	Pre-Game Meeting	Delete "at home plate area". Replace "managers" with "governors".
14	1.1.9	Protest
15	1.1.10	Time
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17	1.2	Regulation Game Requirements
18	1.2.1	Regulation Game	Replace "seven" with "eight" a) Replace "seven" with "eight". Replace "six" with "seven". b) Replace "seven" with "eight". Note: In a regular season game, additional innings will only be permitted if there is adequate time. c) Replace "the run ahead rule" with "game mercy rule". f) Omit "or is a regulation tied game". Replace "will be replayed from the start of the game" to "may be replayed from the start of the game, if the game can be successfully rescheduled. If the game cannot be rescheduled, it will be declared a tied game." f) SC Exception: Omit.
19	1.2.2	Forfeited Game	f) Omit. g) Omit. Refer to CCSA rules regarding ejected players. h) Replace "10 or 11 with an Extra Player or 12 with two Extra Players in Co-ed" to "9 players or less than 3 female players" j) Replace "coach or manager" with "or coach".
20	1.2.3	Run Ahead Rule	Omit. Please refer to CCSA's Game Mercy Rule 4-12-0
21	1.2.4	Tie Breaker	Omit. If extra innings are played, the offensive team will start each half-inning with the bases empty.
22	1.2.5	Scoring Runs	a) Replace "home plate" with "crosses a safe line". a) i. Omit. b) Omit.
23	1.2.6	Appeal Plays	a) i. Omit "legal or illegal" a) i. Omit "illegal re-entry, replacement or withdrawn player and runners switchin bases" a) iv. Omit. b) Replace "manager" with "governor". b) ii. Omit. d) vi. Omit. d) vii. Omit. d) viii. Omit. d) x. Omit.
24	1.2.7	Winning of the Game	c) Replace "15-0" with "7-0".
25	1.2.8	Grounds for a Protest	Omit. A game cannot be protested in CCSA, and no games will be played under protest. If there are concerns about the umpires' interpretation of the rules or ability to control the game, please fill out the appropriate umpiring evaluation forms, and contact the CCSA Umpiring Committee if further discussions are necessary.
26	1.2.9	Protests	Omit.
27	1.2.10	Invalid Protests	Omit.
28	1.2.11	Giving Notice of a Protest	Omit.
29	1.2.12	Deadline to File an Official Protest	Omit.
30	1.2.13	Requirements for a Formal Written Protest	Omit.
31	1.2.14	Result of Protest	Omit.
32
33	2	Playing field and Equipment
34	2.1	Definitions
35	2.1.1	Altered Bat
36	2.1.2	Base Line
37	2.1.3	Batter's Box
38	2.1.4	Catcher's Box	Omit. The Catcher's Box is not drawn in CCSA. The catcher will remain behind home plate until the pitched ball is batted, touches the ground or home plate, or reaches beyond home plate.
39	2.1.5	Coaches' Box
40	2.1.6	Dugout
41	2.1.7	Fair Territory
42	2.1.8	Foul Territory
43	2.1.9	Helmet	b) Delete "SC: Helmet must be of identical colour to team caps."
44	2.1.10	Illegal Bat
45	2.1.11	Illegal Glove
46	2.1.12	Infield
47	2.1.13	Mitt
48	2.1.14	Official Equipment
49	2.1.15	On-Deck Circle
50	2.1.16	Outfield
51	2.1.17	Playing field and Equipment
52
53	2.2	The Playing Field
54	2.2.1	Playing Field Requirements	a) Replace "Appendix 1 (Playing Field and Diamond Layout)" with "Appendix A from the CCSA rules" b) Replace "The playing field should have a warning track." with "The plaing field should have a warning track if the field has a permanent outfield fence."
55	2.2.2	The Official Diamond	a) Replace "Appendix 1" with "Appendix A from the CCSA rules". Replace "(foul, one meter and sidelines; coaches, batters and catchers boxes; on-deck circle and bases and home plate)" with "(foul lines, batters boxes, bases and home plate)".
56	2.2.3	Ground or Special Rules	Omit. Diamond dimensions and any special ground conditions or ground rules shall be subject to the size and condition of playing field, and will be discussed and agreed upon by the umpires and the coaches before the start of the game. CCSA recommended dimensions should be used whenever possible. Please refer to CCSA Rules, "Appendix A"
57
58	2.3	Game Equipment
59	2.3.1	Official Bat	Omit. Please refer to CCSA rule 3-6-0 for official bats allowed in CCSA. List of non-approved bats can be found at: https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball/Certified-Equipment/Equipment-Bats
60	2.3.2	Warm-Up Bat	Omit.
61	2.3.3	Official Softball	Omit. Official softballs used for CCSA games will be issued by the league.
62
63	2.4	Player's Equipment
64	2.4.1	Gloves and Mitts
65	2.4.2	Shoes	f) Replace with "Metal cleats must not be worn."
66	2.4.3	Protective Equipment	a) Omit. Masks are recommended for catchers of all levels of play, but is not mandatory. Please see CCSA Rules 3-4-0 and 3-4-1 regarding helmets for batters and runners, and protection for pitchers.
67
68	2.5	Uniforms
69	2.5.1	Player Uniforms	Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rule 3-1-0 for uniform requirements. a) Omit. b) Omit. c) Omit. d) Replace "Players without numbers will not be permitted to play" with "Players without numbers will be considered to not have a complete uniform". See CCSA Rule 3-1-0 regarding penalty for an incomplete uniform. g) Also refer to CCSA Rule 3-2-0 regarding Jewelry. Effect: Omit. Refer to CCSA Rule 3-1-0 regarding penalty for improper uniform
70
71	2.6	Coaches' Uniforms	Omit
72
73	2.7	Equipment	Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding equipment, uniform and jewelry.
74
75	3	Participants
76	3.1	Definitions
77	3.1.1	Base Coach
78	3.1.2	Coach
79	3.1.3	Ejection
80	3.1.4	Fielder
81	3.1.5	Extra Player	Omit
82	3.1.6	Head Coach
83	3.1.7	Illegal Extra Player	Omit
84	3.1.8	Illegal Player
85	3.1.9	Illegal Re-entry	Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding substitutions.
86	3.1.10	Illegal Substitute	Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding substitutions.
87	3.1.11	Ineligible Player
88	3.1.12	Ineligible Replacement Player	Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding substitutions.
89	3.1.13	Infielder	Delete "pitcher and"
90	3.1.14	Line-up Card	Omit. Please use the scoresheets as provided by CCSA. The plate umpire should review the line-ups of both teams prior to the game. The official scorer of each team should swap line-ups prior to the game.
91	3.1.15	Line-up	Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding the composition of a line-up.
92	3.1.16	Re-entry	Omit.
93	3.1.17	Removal from the game
94	3.1.18	Replacement Player	Omit
95	3.1.19	Roster
96	3.1.20	Starting Players
97	3.1.21	Substitute	Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding substitutions.
98	3.1.22	Team Member
99	3.1.23	Unreported Substitution	Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules regarding substitutions.
100	3.1.24	Withdrawn Player
101
102	3.2	Line-up and Roster
103	3.2.1	Line-Up Cards	Omit. Please use scoresheets as provided by CCSA, and fill them out as per the accompanied instructions.
104	3.2.2	Players	a) Omit. Refer to CCSA rules regarding requirements of a line-up. b) Replace "in the catcher's box" with "behind the home plate". Delete "Co-ed Slo-Pitch players must adhere to the position requirements set out above."
105	3.2.3	Starting Players	Omit. Please refer to CCSA rules regarding composition of a line-up and substitutions.
106	3.2.4	Extra Player	Omit
107	3.2.5	Replacement Player	Omit
108	3.2.6	Entering the Game (substitutions)	Omit. Please refer to CCSA rules regarding substitutions.
109
110	3.3	Appeals	Omit
111
112	3.4	Coaches
113	3.4.1	In General
114	3.4.2	Head Coach
115	3.4.3	Base Coaches
116
117	3.5	Team Personnel
118	3.5.1	In General
119
120	3.6	Umpires
121	3.6.1	Powers and Duties
122	3.6.2	The Plate Umpire	d) Omit.
123	3.6.3	The Base Umpire
124	3.6.4	Responsibilities of a Single Umpire	Note: There should always be more than one umpire at a CCSA game. However, the league reserves the right to use and assign a single umpire to a game, only when necessary.
125	3.6.5	Change of Umpires
126	3.6.6	Umpire's Judgment	a) Delete "a pitched ball a strike or ball". Replace "manager, captain" with "coach, governor". Replace "manageer or captain" with "coach or governor".
127	3.6.7	Suspension of Play	g) Replace "managers" with "governors".
128
129	3.7	Scorers
130	3.7.1	Responsibilities of the Official Scorer	Omit. Each team will keep records of the game using a scoresheet provided by the league. Please follow CCSA's guidelines regarding procedures for filling out scoresheets.
131
132	4	Pitching	Please refer to CCSA rules regarding pitchers and pitches.
133	4.1	Definitions
134	4.1.1	Charged Defensive Conferences	Omit
135	4.1.2	Illegal Pitcher	Omit
136	4.1.3	Pitch
137	4.1.4	Pivot Foot	Omit
138	4.1.5	Quick Return Pitch	Omit
139
140	4.2	Defensive Conference
141	4.2.1	Charged Defensive Conference	Omit
142	4.2.2	What is not a Charged Defensive Conference	Omit
143
144	4.3	Legal Pitch Requirements
145	4.3.1	Warm-up Pitches	Omit
146	4.3.2	Foreign Substance
147	4.3.3	Defensive Positioning	a) Replace "in the catcher's box" to "behind the home plate".
148	4.3.4	The Catcher	a) Replace "within the catcher's box" to "behind the home plate". Omit "SC Effect: An additional ball shall be awarded to the batter." Omit Exception
149	4.3.5	Preliminaries to Delivering the Pitch	Omit
150	4.3.6	Starting the Pitch	Omit
151	4.3.7	Legal Delivery	Omit
152	4.3.8	Quick Pitch	Omit
153
154	4.4	No Pitch	e) Replace "manager" with "governor".
155
156	4.5	Illegal Pitcher	Omit
157
158	5	Batting and Base Running
159	5.1	Definitions
160	5.1.1	Base on Balls or Walk	Omit
161	5.1.2	Base Path
162	5.1.3	Batted Ball
163	5.1.4	Batter
164	5.1.5	Batter-Runner
165	5.1.6	Batting Order
166	5.1.7	Blocked Ball
167	5.1.8	Bunt
168	5.1.9	Catch
169	5.1.10	Charged Offensive Conference	Omit
170	5.1.11	Chopped Ball
171	5.1.12	Dead Ball
172	5.1.13	Delayed Dead Ball
173	5.1.14	Detached Equipment or Uniform
174	5.1.15	Disloged Base
175	5.1.16	Double Play
176	5.1.17	Fair Ball
177	5.1.18	Fake Tag
178	5.1.19	Fly Ball
179	5.1.20	Force Out
180	5.1.21	Foul Ball
181	5.1.22	Foul Tip	b) Replace "a stike" with "an out".
182	5.1.23	Illegally Batted Ball	b) Delete "SC: or strike mat"
183	5.1.24	Illegally Caught Ball
184	5.1.25	In Flight
185	5.1.26	Infield Fly
186	5.1.27	In Jeopardy
187	5.1.28	Intentional Base on Balls or Intentional Walk	Omit.
188	5.1.29	Intentionally Dropped Ball
189	5.1.30	Interference	c) i. Delete "including the pitcher" c) ii. Delete "other than the pitcher" c) iii. Delete "excluding the pitcher"
190	5.1.31	Line Drive
191	5.1.32	Obstruction
192	5.1.33	On-Deck Batter
193	5.1.34	Option Play	Delete "manager /". d) Omit e) Omit f) Omit
194	5.1.35	Over-Slide
195	5.1.36	Overthrow
196	5.1.37	Play	b) Omit
197	5.1.38	Runner
198	5.1.39	Stealing
199	5.1.40	Strike Zone / (SC) Strike Mat	Omit
200	5.1.41	Tag
201	5.1.42	Tagging Up
202	5.1.43	Throw
203	5.1.44	Trapped Ball
204	5.1.45	Triple Play
205	5.1.46	Turn At Bat
206	5.1.47	Wild Throw
207
208	5.2	Charged Offensive Conference	Omit.
209
210	5.3	On-deck Batter	a) Omit c) i. Omit c) ii. Only applicable if on-deck batter chooses to be on the field
211
212	5.4	Batting
213	5.4.1	Batting Order	a) Note: Please see CCSA rules for additional rules about substitutions and alternating batters. b) Omit. Replace with "No more than 3 male batters shall bat in a row in the batting order." d) Replace "ball and strike count" with "strike/pitch count". e) Replace "line-up card" with "scoresheet". Effect 5.4.1: Replace "manager" with "governor". a) i) Replace "ball and strike count" with "strike/pitch count". Effect SC 5.4.1b Replace "The batting order shall alternate the sexes (Co-ed)" with "No more than 3 male batters shall bat in a row in the batting order." Effect a) Replace "two batters of the same sex bat back to back" with "four male batters bat consecutively". Replace "(female or male)" with "(female)" Effect d) Delete "(opposite sex)"
214	5.4.2	Batting Requirements	e) v. Omit. Replace with "the pitcher steps in front of the pitcher's line or the catch steps in front of home plate." e) vi. Omit.
215	5.4.3	Balls and Strikes	Omit. Please see CCSA Rule 4-3-1 regarding the number of pitches for batters.
216	5.4.4	The Batter is Out	a) i. Replace "strike" with "pitch". Replace "strike zone" with "air". a) vii. Omit.
217
218	5.5	Batter-Runner
219	5.5.1	The Batter becomes the Batter-Runner:	b) i. Omit. b) ii. Omit. e) iv. 1. Omit. Effects c) 2. Replace "manager" with "coach". d) 1) Repace "including the pitcher" with "not including the pitcher".
220	5.5.2	The Batter-Runner is Out	a) iv. 2. Omit. b) vii. Delete "in such a manner as to cause interferecnce with a fielder's opportunity to make an out"
221
222	5.6	Double Base	a) ii. Omit. Refer to CCSA Rule 4-9-0
223
224	5.7	Using an Illegal Glove	Repalce "manager" with "coach". b) Replace "ball and strike" with "strike/pitch". c) Replace "ball and strike" with "strike/pitch".
225
226	5.8	Removal of Helmet	a) Delete "SC: bases loaded walk".
227
228	5.9	Touching bases in legal order	a) Delete "or they are placed on second base undr the Tie-Breaker Rule".
229
230	5.10	Runners
231	5.10.1	Runners may advance with jeopardy to be put out while the ball is live	e) ii. Delete "including a pitcher".
232	5.10.2	Bases Awarded to Runner(s) for Obstruction
233	5.10.3	Runners are Out	a) x. Replace "or sliding for home plate" with "for the safe line". c) iii. Delete "including the pitcher".
234	5.10.4	The Runner is Not Out	f) Delete "including the pitcher". k) Omit. l) Replace "They may not be stopped by the pitcher receiving the ball while on the pitching plate, nor by the pitcher stepping only the plate while holding the ball" with "They may not be stopped by a fielder requesting to return the ball to the pitcher, if the runners have not stopped advancing".
235
236	5.11	Base Running Effects (Other than for Obstruction)	Effect a) 1) Omit. a) 2) Omit. b) vi) Omit.
237
238	Appendix 1	Playing Field and Diamond Layout
239	A.	Official Dimensions of the Playing field	Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules, Appendix A for dimensions.
240	B.	Official Dimensions of the Diamond Layout	Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rules, Appendix A for dimensions.
241	C.	Official Dimensions of the Bases	Omit.
242	D.	Official Dimensions of the Batter's and Catcher's Boxes	See CCSA rule 4-4-1. Omit Strike Mat. Omit Catcher's Boxes.
243	E.	Official Dimensions of Home Plate and Pitcher's Plate	Omit Pitcher's Plate.
244	F.	Quick Reference Table
245		Backstop and Sidelines	Delete "Will be set back a minimum of 7.62m (25 ft.) to a maximum of 9.14m (30ft.) outside the foul lines. The distance of the backstop will be determined by the fence of the diamond.
246		Bases
247		Batter's Boxes
248		Catcher's Box	Omit.
249		Coaches' Box	Omit.
250		Commitment Line	Commitment Line: Replace "6.4 m (21 ft.)" with "6.1 m (20 ft.)"
251		Distance Table	Omit.
252		Home Plate
253		Infield	Omit.
254		Lines	Omit.
255		On-Deck Circle	Can be drawn out as described, but not mandatory.
256		One Meter Line	Can be drawn out as described, but not mandatory.
257		Pitcher's Plate / Chute	Omit.
258		Safe Line	Note: 1. Omit. Refer to CCSA Rule 4-2-7.
259		Warning Track	Omit.
260	G.	Laying out a Diamond	Omit.
261
262	Appendix 2	Bat Specifications
263	A.	Official Bat	SC. Omit. Please refer to CCSA Rule 3-6-0 for bats that can be used in CCSA.
264	B.	The Warm-Up Bat	Omit.
265
266	Appendix 3	Ball Standards
267	A.	An Official Softball	Omit. All official softballs to be used for league games will be provided by CCSA.
268
269	Appendix 4	Glove Specifications
270	A.	Dimension Specifications
271
272	Appendix 5	Umpires
273	A.	General Information for Umpires	a. Omit. Umpires will be assigned by the league. c. Omit. e. Replace "captains, managers" with "coaches, governors". j. "Replace "judging balls and strikes" with "behind home plate". k. 3. Replace "manager" with "governor". k. 4. Omit. m. Delete "being an Illegal Re-entry, the replacement player or returning withdrawn player who is not reported".
274	B.	Signals	b. Omit. c. Omit. d. Omit.
275
276	Appendix 6	Scoring	Omit. Please use scoresheets provided by CCSA for scorekeeping, and follow accompanying guidelines.


1		Official Rules of CCSA Softball
2
3	CCSA generally follows the Official Slo-Pitch Rules of Softball published by Softball Canada, with modifications described in this document. (Subscription Required)
4
5	For CCSA specific rules, please click above on "Official CCSA Rules"
6
7	For an addendum to the Softball Canada rules (adopted for CCSA), please click above on "Addeneum to Softball Canada Rules"
8
9
10
11