League Rules
The Western New York Christian Softball League follows the ASA rules with several exceptions. Exceptions are listed below. Also listed below are particularly important rules to note. Any questions about the rules or requests for clarification should be directed to Greg Hirtzel.
Equipment
- All bats needed to be slow pitch softball bats approved by ASA/USA. The bat should have the ASA/USA stamp on it. Opposing teams reserve the right to check your bats at any point during the game. Banned bats are not allowed to be on the field, in the dugout, or near the backstop. Any banned bat that is used by a batter or seen in the dugout results in an automatic forfeit. Some bats that may have been approved by the ASA/USA have since been banned. Here is the latest non-approved bat list: 2022 Non-Approved Bats
- Metal cleats are banned.
Player Eligibility
- Players can be added to the bottom of the lineup at any time.
- A Player can be removed from the lineup at any time without the team taking an automatic out
- A previously substituted-out player can re-enter the game for an injured player. This applies only in the case of an injury.
Gameplay
- Teams may play with a minimum of eight players. If a team has only 8 players, the opposing team should provide a catcher. The catcher shall only throw back pitches to the pitcher. Home plate plays are the responsibility of the players on the fielding team.
- The home team dictates ground rules for their home field, including what is considered a home run and a ground rule double. These rules must be explained fully and clearly to both teams prior the start of every game.
- There is a maximum of four (4) out-of-play home runs allowed for one team during a single game. The fifth out-of-play home run and all subsequent out-of-play home runs will be counted as an out.
- Foul balls cleanly caught are considered an out. All foul ball tips are live balls, therefore there is no minimum height requirement.
- All foul balls count as strikes. A foul ball after strike 2 would be strike 3 and the batter is out.
- Leading off and stealing bases are forbidden. Runners must remain on their base until after the batter makes contact with a pitched ball.
- Bunting is forbidden.
Pitching
- Pitched balls must be at a minimum height of six (6) feet. A pitch below 6 feet is considered a ball.
- This league uses a strike mat larger than the standard. Strike mat dimensions are as follows: 19″ W x 44.5″ L (outside of mat) x 36″ L (from home plate point to back of mat).
- The strike mat should be made of a sturdy material, such as hard rubber or a thick carpet. Ends should lay down flat (no curling edges) to minimize confusion when making calls.
Umping
- During the regular season, the batting team provides the umpire.
- Any challenged calls need to be funneled through the team captain who can then address it with the opposing team’s captain.
- Umps are doing their best. Players are forbidden from excessively arguing with, yelling at, demeaning, or insulting the umps at any time. Any player engaging in this sort of behavior is subject to being ejected from the game.
There may be additional exceptions not mentioned in this list. Please contact Greg Hirtzel for further information or any questions.
Source: wnycal.com/rules