Extra-inning games are allowed it time permits, but games can end in ties.
Five run limit per team per inning. This includes the last inning.
No pitcher may pitch more than 4 innings of the first 6 innings or 4 innings of a set of extra-inning games. Pitchers can re-enter in following innings but not the same inning. Outside towns may allow unlimited pitching.
A ‘hit by pitch’ is determined at the umpire’s discretion and includes a potentially dangerous pitch. A warning will be issued to both benches after the pitcher after 2 hit batters per inning or 3 per game by a potentially dangerous pitch. Upon a third batter being hit in a game, the pitcher will be removed from pitching, but is eligible for re-entry into any position other than pitcher.
If a batter shows bunt, pulls back and swings, the batter is automatically out, runners on base cannot advance, and the ball is declared dead. Swinging after showing bunt is illegal and dangerous.
A batter may square to bunt and pull back with no consequence.
Runners can advance on overthrows until ball is returned to pitcher within 8 feet of the mound. If a ball goes beyond the fenced boundaries of the field, it becomes a dead ball. Time out is called by the umpire and the batter is awarded a ground rule double and all runners are allowed to advance to the base they were headed to plus 1 base. Runners standing on a base are awarded only one base.
The batter may not advance on a dropped third strike pitch.
In games allowing coach pitching which is all CM vs CM games and games agreed by all coaches when playing outside teams , the offensive team coach will pitch to a batter once four balls are reached in the count. The balls do not have to be thrown consecutively. The count continues where it was (strikes really) when the coach comes in. In games with no coach pitching, walks do apply.
In games allowing coach pitching which is all CM vs CM games and games agreed by all coaches when playing outside teams, no walks are permitted so the coach or player completes the at bat until the batter strikes out or puts the ball in play. Please see rule 12
There will be no infield fly rule.
To steal a base, a base runner cannot leave their base until the pitched ball has reached the batter. Base runners can steal 3rd base only and the runner cannot advance home on an overthrow. Coaches please encourage the catcher to make the throw. Some leagues/towns allow stealing of second also, but never home. (Some outside towns may allow stealing second and home, specifics on this should be determined before the game).
When an overthrow occurs attempting to pick off a base runner leading off a base, runners cannot advance.
Base runners cannot advance on a catcher’s overthrow back to the pitcher.
Sliding is permitted and a player must slide to avoid any contact on an attempted play to any base.
Runners must avoid contact with a defender who is attempting to make a play on a ball. Any contact considered maliciously intended by the runner will result in that runner being called out. This determination is made by the umpire. The defensive player must give the runner access to the base.
End of play occurs when the ball is in the possession of the pitcher in the 8 foot circle surrounding the pitcher’s mound after a play. At that point the umpire calls time and all runners that are more than ½ way to a base will be awarded that base and all runners less than ½ way to a base will return to the previous base.
For each game there will be one or two paid umpires and they will have final say over all plays.
Scores must be reported to the league coordinator within 48 hours by the CM coach when playing outside or winning coach within CM. Alternately the applicable coach can enter the scores if access is available.
Balls used are size 11 inch regular ‘hard’ softballs for all games.
Prior to the start of a game the coaches and umpire are required to review the rules as well as any special situations that pertain to the field they are playing on.
Batting helmets with protective masks are required.
Pitchers must wear a face guard and heart guards are recommended.
