2024 RULES OF COLLIER COUNTY SUPER 60 SENIOR SOFTBALL

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1.0 GAME PLAY:

       1.0 (a)  PICK- UP GAMES:   Begin early November at North Collier Regional Park on Mondays and

                            Wednesdays with batting practice beginning at 8:15 am +/- and play 9:30-11:00 am +/-

1. (b)  SEASON:   Opening in January with a practice game followed by opening day.  If there

                            are 9 teams then a team will get a bye each play day and if there are 10 teams then

                            there will be an 8:15 am game followed by a second game starting 15 minutes

                            after the completion of the first game.

1. (c)  TEAMS:  The number of teams will depend on the number of players available.

 

1. (d)  GAMES :  Maximum of 12 players playing 5 infielders, 5 outfielders, pitcher and catcher 

                            (See rule 1.0 (f) for exceptions of less than 12 players).

      1.0 (e)  LINE-UPS:  All players in the line-up bat and must play at least 4 innings of a 9 inning

                          game and 3 innings of a 7-inning game i.e. (double-header or make- up game)

      1.0 (f)  FORFEIT:  Teams must have a minimum of 8 players by 9:30 am or forfeit.  If playing with 8                      

                           then the opposing team will provide a non-hitting catcher.  Playing with less than 8                                                                                                       players is a forfeit. 

      1.0 (g)  LEGAL GAME:  A legal game is 4 ½ innings for a 9-inning game and 3 ½ innings for a 7 inning

                           game (double-header or make-up game) if home team is ahead.

       1.0 (h)  TIED GAMES:  If a game is tied after regulation play of 7 or 9 innings the TEXAS RULE will go

                           into effect.  Each team starts each extra 1/2 inning with the batter who completed the

                           last at-bat the previous inning on 2nd base.  This runner cannot be PINCH- RUN for until                  

                           he/she reaches 3rd base. If this runner cannot run due to an injury, the next previous    

                           batter will be the runner and so on until a player who can run will do so.

      1.0 (i)   SUBSTITUTED PLAYERS:  A substitute player will be added to the bottom of the line-up.                                            

      1.0 (j)  SCOREBOOKS:  REQUIRED FOR MANAGERS TO USE.

      1.0 (k)  FLIP-FLOP RULE:   If the visiting team is ahead by 10 or more runs at the start of the open

                            inning the home team bats first.  If the home team fails to tie or go ahead, the game

                            ends.  If the home team ties or goes ahead, the visiting team then bats.

       1.0 (l)  GAME SCORING:  Until the last regulation inning of play, each team is limited to scoring

                              five (5) runs per inning, except when trailing their opponent by seven (7) runs or more.

                              In this case, they may score a maximum of seven (7) runs.  In the last

                              inning of regulation play and any extra innings needed if the game is tied, teams may

                              score unlimited runs.

2.0 BASE RUNNING:

        2.0 (a)  PINCH RUNNER:

                         (1) ON BASE:  ( NEW)  There in no limit on the number of times a player may pinch run.                              

                                    Pinch- running includes “at base” and “from home” pinch running. Time must be out

                                    before the switch occurs.   Once a pinch-runner touches a base, he is committed to

                                    be the pinch-runner. A PINCH RUNNER cannot be replaced by another pinch-runner.

                                    A runner who is replaced with a courtesy runner may not be used as a courtesy runner

                                    for the remainder of the inning.

                         (2) FROM HOME:

                             The pinch-runner from home must begin at the 1st pole to the right of the  

                                   center pole and cannot run until the ball is hit.  “Early leaving”, if seen by an umpire,

                                   will be a dead ball and a do-over by the batter (use of the strike plate may make this

                                   call possible).  Once a batter uses a RUNNER FROM HOME, HE MUST ALWAYS USE A

                                   RUNNER FROM HOME FOR THE GAME. Once the pinch-runner is in position to run

                                   he is committed to be the pinch-runner. 

 

 

        2.0 (b)  PINCH RUNNER ON- BASE AT TIME OF HIS AT BAT:  If the pinch-runner is on- base when his

                                   normal time at bat comes up, an out will be called, and the pinch-runner will then

                                   bat unless that out is the 3rd out of the inning.                    

         2.0 (c )  SLIDING:  Sliding or diving into a base will be permitted for the 2024 season.  

                                  This rule will be reevaluated as necessary by the Board.

        2.0 (d)  RUNNING TO 1ST BASE:   A batter running to 1st base must use the flat, orange base that

                                  is attached to the white bag if there is a play at the bag, but if no play is expected at  

                                  the base then either base may be used by the runner.  However, if there is a play at

                                  first and the throw forces the first baseman into the path of the runner, then the

                                  batter-runner must avoid a collision and will be entitled to first base (SSUSA 8.4 (1).

         2.0 (e )  SCORING PLATE:  This is a white home plate positioned 9 feet off the 3rd base foul line.

                                 Runners attempting to score must touch this plate to score.  If the runner touches the

                                  STRIKE PLATE, he will be out and the ball is dead.  The SCORING PLATE can

                                 not be used by a defensive player trying to make an out, if so, the runner will be safe.      

           2.0 (f) COMMIT LINE:  This is a chalked, or scored, line 40 feet from 3rd base.  A runner

                                 attempting to score who passes the COMMIT LINE must continue towards the

                                SCORING PLATE AND NOT RECROSS THE COMMIT LINE OR AN OUT WILL OCCUR AND

                                THE BALL IS DEAD.  If a “run down” occurs between the COMMIT LINE and SCORING 

                                PLATE no tag of the runner is needed, the defense just needs to touch the 

                                STRIKE PLATE.  If a tag is attempted, interference will be called, the ball is dead, the

                                runner scores. A “run-down” between 3rd base and the commit line is played like a

                                normal run-down.

            2.0 (g)   INTERFERENCE:  Contact by the runner with a fielder making a play will be

                                called out based on SSUSA rule 1.45, i.e. runner is out for INTERFERENCE.

            2.0 (h)  RUNNER FALLS:  If a runner falls and IS INJURED while attempting to advance or retreat

                                to a base and is tagged out, the umpire will make a JUDGEMENT call as to whether 

                                that runner would have safely made it to the base if he hadn’t fallen and award him

                                the base.

          2.0 (i)  STEP- OFF RULE:  For safety reasons, a runner on 1st or 3rd base may notify the umpire

                                that he will be moving off the bag into foul territory so as to avoid being hit by a

                                line drive, but then must retouch the base before advancing.

             2.0 (j)  OBSTRUCTIONS:

                              ( 1.)  If a fielder uses a FAKE TAG on a runner and the runner slows down, then

                                      OBSTRUCTION (SSUSA RULE 1.24 AND 8.4 (10) (4) will be called and the runner gets

                                      the base or bases that in the umpire’s judgement the runner would have made.

                              ( 2. )  If an opposing player calls “INFIELD FLY” when there is none, then the batter-

                                        runner gets first base and all other runners advance one base. (SSUSA RULE 6.1)

3.0 BATTING AND PITCHING:

            3.0 (a)  BATTER-RUNNER:  A batter-runner CANNOT be thrown out at 1st base by an outfielder, 

                                  but CAN be thrown out at 1st base by an INFIELDER who goes onto the grass to field a

                                  ground ball or a “bloop” fly ball that has fallen in.

             3.0 (b)  COURTESY FOUL:  A courtesy foul is allowed a batter after having 2 strikes, but then

                                  any subsequent foul ball or called strike will result in an out.

             3.0 (c )  STRIKE PLATE:  A STRIKE PLATE 35 X 21 inches is used in the batters- box area.

             3.0 (d)  FOUL TIP:  A foul tip that goes higher than the batter’s head and is caught by the catcher

                                  will be an out.  A catcher-caught 3rd strike of any height will be an out.

             3.0 (e )  PITCHING SCREEN (PLACED 26 FEET, i.e. 10 paces FROM THE FRONT OF THE PLATE).                            

                                 (1)  A batted ball that touches any part of the pitching screen will be a dead ball only

                                  one time.  However, if it hits the pitching screen a second time, it is called a strike.                                 

                            (2)  A thrown ball that touches any part of the pitching screen is in play.

                                 (3)  The pitching screen CANNOT be moved left or right off of a direct line between

                                        the pitching rubber and the center-line of home plate.

            3.0 (f)  FIELDER:

                              (1)  Outfielders must remain behind the 180-foot line (1st white line) until the ball is hit.

                              (2)  All infielders must remain on the dirt part of the infield until the ball is hit.

             3.0 (g)  PITCHER: 

                            (1)  LEGAL PITCH:  A pitch that goes OVER THE SCREEN and is LESS than 12 feet high.

                            (2)  ILLEGAL PITCH:  A pitch that is over 12 feet high or not over the screen shall be called

                                  “ILLEGAL” by the umpire and if not swung at is a BALL, but if swung at and missed is

                                  a strike.  If the ball is hit then play continues as a fair or foul ball.

                            (3)  WARM-UPS:  5 pitches at start of game and then 3 pitches between innings.

                            (4) PITCHING BOX:  EXTENDS BACKWARD 10 FEET X 2 FEET FROM THE FRONT OF THE

                                    RUBBER.  Pitcher must come to a complete stop with the ball in front of his body.

                                    Before starting the pitch, the pitcher must have at least one foot in the pitcher’s box

                                    and the pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitching box until the ball is

                                    released. If a step is taken, it may be forward, backward or to the side provided the

                                    pivot foot is in contact with the pitching box and is simultaneous with the release of    

                                    the ball (SSUSA RULE 6.4/6.5).

                              (5)  WINDY CONDITIONS:  If managers and umpire agree, only strikes will be called if

                                          wind is adversely affecting the flight of the pitched ball.

            3.0 (h)  QUICK- PITCH:  Pitchers must wait until the batter is “ready” before pitching the ball or

                                           ‘”NO PITCH” will be called and the pitch redone.

            3.0 (i)  PITCHER AS A FIELDER:  The pitcher must remain behind the screen until the ball is hit,

                                           if not and he touches the ball, the ball is dead and the batter-runner will

                                        be awarded 1st base and any runners advance 1 base.

            3.0  (j)  WALKED USING A COURTESY RUNNER:  If a batter, who is using a courtesy runner from

                                        home is walked, the batter does not have to go to first base

 

       4.0  SAFETY:

             4.0 (a)  INJURED, BUT CAN PLAY:  If a player is injured and is unable to finish the game, the

                                    game will continue if there are at least 8 players remaining and the opposing

                                    manager supplies a non-batting catcher.  No out will occur for the missed time

                                    at bat by the injured player. If another player becomes injured and cannot play,

                                    the game will be forfeit.

              4.0 (b)  INJURED AND OUT FOR THE SEASON:  if a player is injured and cannot play for the

                                    remainder of the season, the BOARD will assign, if available, a player that is

                                    rated as close as possible in ability to the injured player for the rest of the season.    

              4.0 (c)  FIRST AID KITS:  First aid kits are available on each field.  An AUTOMATED

                                  EXTERNAL DEFIBRILATOR (AED) IS SUPPLIED BY THE COUNTY AND IS FOUND

                                  ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE BUILDING AT THE FIELDS.   A class for CPR AND AED

                                  use will be held as soon as instructors are available from the Fire Department.

5.0  PLAYER LEAVING THE GAME EARLY:  If for reasonable personal reasons a player must leave the    

                                  game early, managers and the umpire will be notified and NO OUT will occur for a

                                  missed time at bat.  If this “early leaving” results in the team having less than 8

                                 players than the game will be forfeit.

 6.0  UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT:

              6.0 (a)  PROFANITY:  The use of profanity will result in a warning by the umpire and both

                                 managers will be notified.  A reoccurrence of this will result in an ejection and

                                 removal from playing area by the player.  A meeting will be held with the managers,

                                 umpire and commissioner as soon as possible before the next game to determine

                                 if disciplinary action is warranted.

             6.0 (b)  FIGHTING:   Fighting will result in ejection of player or players and removal from the

                                   playing area.  A meeting with player(s), manager(s), umpire and commissioner will

                                  occur ASAP before the next game to determine if disciplinary action is warranted.

  7.0  DISPUTES:       Disputes concerning umpire’s rule calls will be limited between managers and umpire,

                               and such discussion must be handled in a gentlemanly manner. Players getting involved

                               in game disputes are subject to ejection.  If the umpire is blocked and unable to make a fair

                               and accurate call, then the umpire will confer with the players involved in the play to determine

                               what the call will be and then will make an adjusted call if needed.

                               Consultation may be made with another umpire. 

                               Protests about rules must be made to a BOARD MEMBER OR UMPIRE IMMEDIATELY.

  8.0  RULE BOOKS:   SSUSA RULE BOOKS will be issued to all managers, umpires and Board

                                    to be used as an additional reference for senior softball.  The rules listed

                                   here may differ somewhat from those found in the rule books because our rules

                                   have been developed based on our league’s specific needs.

  9.0  BOARD OF DIRECTORS:  A Board of Directors consisting of a COMMISSIONER Nick Layton 239-287-

                                 8322; and Kevin Loftus 413-519-9089; Doyle Stephens 239-514-0335; Ed Volovlek

                                 616-402-3786; Russ Gomes 774-571-3874

                                The Board makes decisions on rules of the game, safety issues, the player draft,

                                maintaining sponsorship, personnel matters and other needs pertaining to 

                                philosophy and league organization.  Input from players is encouraged and welcomed

                                on issues concerning the league by contacting any board member.

  10.0  LEAGUE PHILOSOPHY:  The League’s intent is to provide a safe and enjoyable competition in a

                                RECREATIONAL FORMAT to be enjoyed by players and spectators alike.   We have rules

                                designed to maintain the game of senior softball and modified to meet the needs of

                                the LEAGUE’S GOAL OF SPORTSMANSHIP AND SAFE PLAY.

                                 The NORTH COLLIER COUNTY PARK ground crew is under the direction of Don Garby

                                and assistants.  They work hard to provide safe playing fields so please acknowledge

                                 their hard work as you meet them.  

                               

        ( LEAVING THIS NEXT PARAGRAPH IN THE RULES FOR NOW)

                          

                  WE HOPE THAT BY FOLLOWING THESE GUIDELINES ALLOWS FOR A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE

                  SEASON FOR PLAYERS AND SPECTATORS.  MANAGERS, UMPIRES AND BOARD MEMBERS ARE

                  RESPONSIBLE FOR ENFORCING THESE GUIDELINES AND ALL OTHER ASPECTS OF PLAY.

 

                   THE OFFICIAL CURRENT YEAR SSUSA RULE BOOK IS THE BASIS FOR SOME, BUT NOT ALL OF

                   THE RULES LISTED ABOVE.  SOME HAVE BEEN USED VERBATIM AND OTHERS HAVE BEEN

                   BEEN MODIFIED TO COMPLY WITH THE LEAGUE PHILOSOPHY OF BEING A RECREATIONAL

                   LEAGUE FOR SENIOR WOMEN AT LEAST 50 YEARS OLD AND SENIOR MEN AT LEAST 60

                   YEARS OLD DURING THE PLAYING YEAR.

            

                  COPIES OF THESE RULES WILL BE GIVEN TO ALL MANAGERS, BOARD MEMBERS AND UMPIRES.

                   PLAYERS CAN ACCESS THESE RULES ON OUR WEBSITE: COLLIER COUNTY SUPER SENIOR

                   SOFTBALL.

               

                  ALL OF OUR UMPIRES ARE FORMER PLAYERS WHO MAKE CALLS AND INTERPRET

                  THE RULES OF PLAY TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY.  OPEN DISCUSSION OF PLAY IS

                  ENCOURAGED AND QUESTIONS OF RULE INTERPRETATION SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO ONE

                 OF THE BOARD MEMBERS OR NEUTRAL UMPIRE IMMEDIATELY.

                 

                                           Revised June 19, 2023 BY MIKE PELUSE 410-382-2159 and Nick Layton                                                    Board of Directors approved September 1, 2023