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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; 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 fewer 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 fewer 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, the trailing team may score a maximum of seven (7) runs.  If a team is trailing by six (6) runs, they may score a maximum of six (6) runs to tie the score. In the last inning of regulation play and any extra innings needed if the game is tied, both teams may score unlimited runs.    

2.0 BASE RUNNING:

        2.0 (a)  PINCH RUNNER:

                         (1) ON BASE:   There is 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. Once a pitch has been thrown to the batter, a Manager cannot replace a runner on base, until the next batter is up. A pinch-runner cannot be replaced by another pinch-runner. A runner may be replaced by a pinch-runner at any base, as long as the pinch- runner is placed before the first pitch to any subsequent batter. 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:    At the beginning of each game, Managers must identify to the Opposing Manager and Umpire each batter who will require a pinch-runner from home (RFH). The RFH must begin at the 1st pole to the right of the center pole and cannot run until the ball is hit. Once the RFH touches the pole, a Manager cannot substitute a different RFH.  “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.  

 

        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 2025 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, and 

                               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 judgment 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; 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 30 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)   All infielders must remain in or behind the baseline before 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. If batter does not swing, it is a BALL, but a swing and a miss  

                                  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; 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 fewer than 8 

                                 players, then the game will be forfeited.

 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:  

The Board of Directors consists of Commissioner Nick Layton 239-287-8322; Doyle Stephens 765-215-3849; Ed Voloviek 616-402-3786; Russ Gomes 774-571-3874; Mike Conner 317-627-1971 and Sharon Lebbert 636-578-8226.  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.

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  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 FOLLOWING THESE GUIDELINES WILL ALLOW 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.  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.

                  

                                           Board of Directors approved the revised Rules April 5, 2024.