Rules

MASSL Administrative and Playing Rules

Updated as of 3/11/2023 - Frank Casper, League Secretary

All playing rules of the Senior Softball-USA (SSUSA) shall apply to the Metro Atlanta Senior Softball League (MASSL), unless they are specifically superseded in these rules.
 
MASSL Rules have been updated for 2023 based on changes voted on by the membership at the Annual Meeting on December 3, 2022 and approved by the Board of Directors on January 23, 2023.

 

Any questions about the revisions should be directed to the League President or League Secretary.

 

 

Administrative Rules
Section 1 - Registration
Section 2 - Adverse Weather
 
Playing Rules
Section 1 - Definitions
Section 2 - The Playing Field
Section 3 - Equipment
Section 4 - Players and Substitutions
Section 5 - The Game
Section 6 - Pitching Regulations
Section 7 - Base Running
Section 8 - Field Facilities
Section 9 - Protests

 

NOTE: American League refers to league play on Monday and Wednesday nights. National League refers to league play on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Depending on the number of teams playing in each league, the Board may utilize another park facility and/or add nights of play.

 

Administrative Rules - Section 1 - Registration

 

  • Upon proper application, registration in the MASSL shall be available for men who turn forty-five (45) years of age and to women who turn forty (40) years of age by December 31 of the calendar year.
  • All players and Managers must submit a completed application/waiver and the required member and league fees before participating in league play.
    • Any player not properly registered shall not be eligible to participate in league play.
  • Any team caught playing with an ineligible player shall forfeit any game wherein the ineligible player participated.

 

Administrative Rules Section 2 – Adverse Weather

 

  • Every effort will be made to avoid playing MASSL games in adverse weather conditions (rain, high heat index, etc.).
    • The decision to cancel a game will be made by the respective League Commissioner.
    • The respective commissioner's decision (for both American and National League Play) will be made no later than 5:00 p.m. the day of the game.
  • All players will be contacted via CallingPost.com on game day if games are cancelled.
    • The phone number provided by players on their GSS application will be called.
    • Players can also call their manager on game days for rainout information.
    • Players with email addresses may also receive a blast email notifying them if games are rained out if the league knows the field conditions early in the day.
  • A decision to end a game in progress will be determined jointly by the Umpire, the two Team Managers and the League Commissioner (if available).
    • However, players are encouraged to exercise their own personal judgment regarding games to be played under any degree of inclement weather conditions.
    • An out will not be recorded in any such game for any at bat that a player opposed to playing under adverse conditions would experience.

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Playing Rules – Section 1 - Definitions

  • 1.4 Bases -The length between bases shall be 70 feet.
    • The pitcher’s rubber shall be 50 feet extending back 8 feet perpendicular to the pitcher’s plate from the back of home plate to the center of the pitcher’s rubber.
  • 1.5 Runner's Line - The base runners line that parallels the first base foul line from first base back toward home plate is not required for the MASSL.
  • 1.6 Pitchers Box – The pitchers box is the width of the pitcher's plate and will begin at the front of the pitcher's plate (toward home plate) and extend eight feet (8') in the direction of the rear of the pitcher's plate (toward second base).

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Playing Rules - Section 2 - The Playing Field

  • 2.1 The base runners line is not required.
  • 2.3 The 300’ minimum distance set forth for the outfield fence is not a requirement for the MASSL.
  • 2.4 A Third Base Commitment Line, a Scoring Plate, a Strike Zone Mat, a First Base Double Bag/Mat, are the equipment and striping that shall be added to the Playing Field.
  • 2.5 Encroachment Lines (National League Only)
    • Outfield Encroachment Line
      • An Outfield Encroachment Line will be added to the playing field.
      • The arc, or encroachment line, will extend from a distance of 175' from home plate beginning at the left field foul line and extending in a corresponding arc across the outfield to a point 175' down the right field foul line.
      • No outfielder may encroach inside of the line prior to the batter making contact with the ball.
      • Regardless if the batted ball was caught by the outfielder, the Umpire will rule the batter-base runner to be safe, if in the judgment of the Umpire, the outfielder did cross the encroachment line prior to the batter making contact with the ball.
      • The Manager of the team at bat may make an appeal to the Umpire regarding the play should the Umpire not immediately announce a safe or out call when such an encroachment may have occurred.
      • A maximum of four fielders are allowed behind the Outfield Encroachment Line on defense.
    • Infield Restriction Line
      • An Infield Restriction Line will be added to both fields.
      • The restriction line will extend 23 feet behind first base and extend in a corresponding arc across the infield to a point 23 feet behind third base. All infielders must be in front of the infield restriction line when the ball is pitched.
      • When the ball is hit the following applies:

        • The infielder may go behind the restriction line in an attempt to field a fly ball. If caught the batter is out and all runners advance at their own risk.

        • If the ball is hit past the restriction line, and not caught, the batter is safe and cannot be thrown out at first base; all base runners advance at their own risk.

        • If the ball is fielded cleanly in front of the restriction line and the infielder travels behind the line, the infielder can throw the batter out at first base; all base runners advance at their own risk.

        • If the ball is not fielded cleanly in front of the restriction line and the ball travels behind the line, the batter cannot be thrown out at first base; all base runners advance at their own risk.

      • Infielder Behind the Restriction Line when Ball is Hit
        • If an infielder is standing behind the restriction line when the ball is pitched and the batter makes contact with the ball, the batter is safe and the infielder cannot throw the batter out at first base; all base runners, if forced, advance one base safely with additional bases at their own risk, if the ball is still in play.
  • Any player safely hitting a ball between the outfield encroachment line and the infield restriction line cannot be thrown out at first base.

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Playing Rules – Section 3 – Equipment

  • 3.2 Jerseys - Numbers on the player’s jerseys is not a requirement for the MASSL.
  • 3.3 Bats - SSUSA allows the use of all bats marked BPF of 1.21 or less and stamped with the SSUSA logo and the current NTS Certified stamp of testing compliance. ASA/USSSA testing with SSUSA ball specification yields non- compliant test results. All senior bats that do not have the NTS marking but have the SSUSA stamp are grandfathered in meaning they are legal.
    • If a bat tests over 1.21 BPF, it is not legal for league play and the player could be suspended by league.
    • The bat shall not be more than 34 inches in length and no more than 38 ounces in weight.
    • A maximum of two layers of tape wrap is allowed on all legal bats with no tape covering the end of the bat knob.
    • Miken Ultra II and Launch bats are legal.
    • Bats that are banned by SSUSA may not be used in any MASSL sponsored play (league play or practice sessions).
    • Players caught using a banned bat will be called out and the bat confiscated for the remainder of the game or games.
      • Any subsequent offense will result in the player being ejected from the game.
    • Players who alter bats to appear as something else will be banned from participating in any further MASSL play for the remainder of the season for the first offense.
      • The player will receive a lifetime ban for any second offense.
    • Additionally, any bat that becomes banned by SSUSA or determined by MASSL officials to not be an approved bat will also not be allowed to be used in MASSL play.
    • To protect the league and the safety of our players, we ask that each player and Team Manager work together as responsible partners to ensure adherence to the MASSL list of banned bats.
    • Team Managers will also be responsible for ensuring that any Practicing Only members asked to sub in league play are also aware of the MASSL approved bat position.
  • 3.4 Safety - In the interest of safety, a Pitcher’s Mask/Face Mask and screen is mandatory for ALL pitchers in BOTH leagues. A player may also opt to use other equipment to protect themselves during a game (e.g., shin guards, chest protector, etc.)
    • Pitcher Screen

      • Placement of Screen – The screen is positioned at the start of the game by the umpire. Either the right or left end of the screen must cover half of the pitching mound in parallel with the mound and must be located no more than 3 feet in front of the mound.  Nothing can be hung on the pitching screen. The screen can only be moved at the start of each half inning. The pitcher determines the side of the pitching mound the screen covers.

      • Any thrown ball making contact with the screen shall be considered to be in play.
      • Any batted ball making contact with the screen is considered a “foul” ball and the batter continues with his at-bat.
      • If the ball hits the screen after the batter has 2 strikes, the batter is charged with a "foul" ball and is out.
  • 3.5 Softballs - Only MASSL approved softballs shall be used.
    • The maximum Coefficient of Restitution (CORE) for softballs shall be .44 and the maximum Compression Rating shall be 375 psi for all league play.

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Playing Rules - Section 4 - Players and Substitutions

  • 4.1 Re-entry and Extra Player - All players on each team roster (or approved borrowed players) that are present at the game must be in the batting order for each game, unless they are physically unable.
    • Each player must play the equivalent of one complete game on defense, defined as half the total number of defensive innings played, minus one if the total number of defensive innings is odd.  To accomplish this, the Manager may rotate players ina position for both games.
    • Players may not elect to only bat and not play the equivalent of one game on defense.
  • Players arriving after a game starts must be immediately added to the end of the batting order.
  • Players ejected from a game will incur an automatic out for each turn at bat.
    • Otherwise, players may elect to leave during a game with no penalty (no automatic out for their turn at bat), if they are injured or if they leave the park.
  • National League Only - An eleventh defensive player must be used if both teams have eleven or more approved players present. The use of eleven players applies even if players have been borrowed. If each team, or if one team has only ten players, then the game can be played with ten and not forfeited.

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Playing Rules - Section 5 - The Game

  • 5.1 Game Time - A double header format will be followed for MASSL.
    • The first game will begin at 7:00 p.m.
    • There will be a ten (10) minute grace period for the first game of a double header.
    • If the grace period is required, the first game will be shortened from 70 minutes to 60 minutes (plus one additional inning).
  • Any team that cannot field seven (7) of their roster players shall forfeit that game.  The League Commissioner may elect to reschedule the games to keep teams from forfeiting.
  • If the first game is forfeited, the second game shall be scheduled to begin twenty (20) minutes after the ten (10) minute grace period has passed.
    • However, if a sufficient number of players are available and both Managers agree, the game can begin earlier.
  • The Umpires will be directed to stay at the field to call the second game only until the thirty (30) minute time limit has passed or until it has been determined by the team(s) in need of players that the second game will also become a forfeit.
    • If neither team can field seven (7) players, a double forfeit shall be declared.
    • In the event of a double forfeit, players may then choose up teams for practice play.
  • 5.1a Loaning/Borrowing of Players - A full team is ten (10) players in the American League and eleven (11) players in the National League.
    • National League Only
      • If a Manager believes before arriving at the field that his team will be short of players, the Manager will ask the League Commissioner for substitute(s) providing the name of the player(s) they will be missing that night and what position(s) he/she plays.
      • The League Commissioner will make every effort to replace a player with a substitute that is equal to or less in talent so as not to affect the balance of play.
      • Players cannot solicit Managers about playing as a substitute on the night they are not playing.
    • American League Only
      • If a Manager believes before arriving at the field that his team will be short of players, the Manager will ask the League Commissioner for substitute(s).
      • Substitutes can play any position.
      • Substitutes may be used as a courtesy runner.
      • If ten (10) or more of the regular players show up at the game, then any substitute(s) over the ten (10) can ONLY play one game on defense.
    • Substitute players MUST play an equivalent of one game in the field and must bat in each game they sub in, even if the borrowing team has more than a full team at game time or has players show up during the game.
      • Substitutes MUST be placed at the end of the batting order, regardless of any lineup changes.
    • If, at game time, a team does not have enough players to constitute a full team and the opposing team has more players than needed for a full team, the short team may ask the opposing team to loan its “excess” players to them or ask them to catch for them. 
      • The “short” team may accept or reject the players offered. 
      • If they reject the offered players, the "short" team must play with the players they have and will not have a catcher supplied by the offering team.
    • Individual players may be loaned for one game only, unless the player and his Manager agree that the player may play two games with the borrowing team. 
    • If the team with excess players has been assigned one or more substitutes by the League Commissioner (due to a request from a Manager who thought he would be short players, the substitute MUST be loaned to the borrowing team.
      • Exception would be where the substitute was the only pitcher available on the loaning team, so then a regular player would be loaned to the borrowing team.
      • If two or more substitutes were assigned, Managers would agree on which substitute is loaned based on skill level of the sub and the missing player.
    • Borrowed players MUST bat in both games and play the equivalent of a full game in the field, even if additional players from the borrowing team arrive after a game has begun.
      • Only if a borrowing team’s opponent does not have enough “excess” players to allow the borrowing team to field a full team, can a team recruit players from another team at game time.
      • NOTE: These players must be approved by the League Commissioner or his representative and agreed to by the managers.
    • “In the league” means a player is currently playing in either the American or National League.
      • If a player is not playing in the American League, the player is not eligible to be a substitute in the American League.
      • If a player is not playing in the National League, the player is not eligible to be a substitute in the National League.
  • 5.1b Catching for the Other Team 
    • If, in the judgment of the umpire, a player catching for the opposing team does not make a valid attempt to field the ball when there is a play at home then the runner will be called out.
    • (National League Only) - If a team does not have enough players to constitute a full team, the opposing team MUST catch for them. For example, one team has 11 players and the other team has 10 players.
    • At the start of the game, the catcher would be the last batter in the batting order from the opposing team.
    • In subsequent innings, the catcher would be the last batter of the opposing team when the last out was recorded.
    • The assigned catcher will catch for one complete inning or until they are due to hit (team has batted around in an open inning).
    • Exception would be teams playing extra innings, where the last batter would be placed on second base and the preceding batter in the batting order would be the assigned catcher.
  • 5.2 Home Team - Each team will be the home team once during the double header.
    • Home teams will be determined by a coin toss prior to the first game of each double header.
    • The Manager winning the toss has the option of being the home team for either the first or the second game.
  • 5.3 Mercy Rule
    • American League - The mercy rule will be fifteen (15) runs after five (5) innings.
    • National League - The mercy rule will be twelve (12) runs after five (5) innings.
  • 5.4 Length of Game
    • American League - The length of the game shall consist of seven (7) innings.
    • A full seven innings need not be played if the home team scores more runs in six and one-half innings and/or goes ahead in scoring before the third out is made in the bottom of the seventh inning.
    • At the end of the sixth inning, the Umpire will announce the inning will be completed and one additional inning will be played, after which the game will be considered complete.
    • If the game goes into extra innings, the visiting team starts the first extra inning with the last batted out on second base.
    • The game will continue with each team starting every half-inning with a runner who batted last on second base for one inning.  If no winner is decided after the extra inning, then the game will result in a tie.
    • The player cannot have a pinch runner until he/she advances to third base.
    • If an Umpire calls a game due to inclement weather, injury that stops the game, or reasons outside the control of the teams, the game will be considered a complete official game at 3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead and 4 innings if the home team is behind.
    • National League - The length of the game will be seventy (70) minutes.
    • At the end of the 70 minutes, the Umpire will announce the current inning will be completed and one additional inning will be played, after which the game will be considered complete.
    • The duration of the first game changes to sixty (60) minutes if the ten (10) minute grace period is utilized.
    • If the game goes into extra innings, the visiting team starts the first extra inning with the last batted out on second base.
    • The game will continue with each team starting every half-inning with a runner who batted last on second base until a winner has been decided by the score.
    • The player cannot have a pinch runner until he/she advances to third base.
    • If an Umpire calls a game due to inclement weather, injury that stops the game or reasons outside the control of the teams, the game will be considered a complete official game at 3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead and 4 innings if the home team is behind.
    • If the first game goes into extra innings, the second game will start with a one and one pitch count with one courtesy foul on the third strike.
  • 5.41 Run Rule - A five (5) run per inning limit will be in effect until the Umpire declares the final inning or until the seventh inning, whichever first occurs.
    • The Umpire will inform both Managers when there will be a final inning (unlimited run open inning).
    • Any inning after the declared final inning or the seventh inning will also be an unlimited run open inning.
    • For example, if the Umpire notifies the Managers in the fifth inning that the fifth inning will be completed and the sixth inning will be the last inning, then the sixth inning will be the unlimited run open inning.
    • Should the game go into the seventh or extra innings, then the seventh inning and all subsequent extra innings will also be unlimited run open innings.
  • 5.41a “Flip/Flop” Run Rule - Umpire must declare open inning coming up in the inning before giving notice to both teams.
    • National League - In the open inning when the Home Team is losing by 5 runs or more (i.e., score is 9-4 a difference of 5 runs), the home team will remain at bat and become the visiting team.
    • American League - In the open inning when the Home Team is losing by 10 runs or more (i.e., score is 14-4 a difference of 10 runs), the home team will remain at bat and become the visiting team. 
    • In the open inning when the Home Team is losing by the league's number of runs or more (i.e., score is 5 or more in the National League, or 10 or more runs in the American League), the home team will remain at bat and become the visiting team.
    • If the team (which becomes the new visiting team) does not score enough runs to tie or go ahead, the game is over.
    • If the new visiting team scores enough to tie or go ahead, the (new home team) will bat. If the new home team scores enough to win, the game is over.
    • If the new home team scores enough to tie the game, the game will continue into an extra inning until one team wins.
    • If in a flip/flop situation the game is tied, the game will continue for one inning.  If no winner is decided after the extra inning, then the game will result in a tie.
    • There will be no “switching back” to before the flip/flop rule went into effect.
  • 5.5 Umpires - Only one (1) Umpire is required.
  • 5.6 Scorekeepers - Score shall be kept on the electronic scoreboard by the team closet to scorebrains and by the Umpire.
  • Should there be a problem with the scoreboard, then the Team Managers will agree on the score after each team bats in the inning.
  • 5.7 a) Unsportsmanlike Conduct
    • Managers are responsible for the conduct of their players during a game.
    • Unsportsmanlike conduct (e.g., arguing, using profane language, physical altercation, threatening other players, etc.) will not be tolerated by the league at any time.
    • Depending on the incident, players and/or Managers are subject to immediate suspension from the game(s) and future suspension.
    • If a player exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct, the Manager or Umpire may remove the player from play.
    • The Manager and Umpire will discuss the incident; and the Umpire will make the decision to immediately eject the player from the game or issue a “warning”.
    • If ejected, player has to leave the park immediately.
    • If the player is ejected, the Manager may replace the player with another player from off the bench.
    • If another player is not available and the other team has enough players, the Manager may ask the other Manager for a player.
    • If no other replacement player is available, there will be an automatic out each time the player comes up to bat for the rest of that game.
    • If the team only has seven (7) players when a player is ejected, and another player is not available on the other team, the game will be forfeited.
    • All incidents of unsportsmanlike conduct will be reported to the League Commissioner.
    • The League Commissioner will review the incident and determine if any future suspension is warranted.
  • 5.8 Home Runs - 

    • National League Only - There is no limit on home runs.  An over-the-fence fair ball hit during the game will count as a home run.  If a pitcher walks a batter who has hit an over the fence home run in the game, the batter/base runner will be awarded first base and base runners will advance as forced.

    • American League Only – Maximum number of home runs is 5 per game per team.  All home runs over 5 will be considered as walks.  An over-the-fence fair ball hit during the game will count as a home run. If a pitcher walks a batter who has hit an over the fence home run in the game, the batter/base runner will be awarded second base and base runners will advance as forced.  Implemented in league play in 2022, each team gets to designate a home run hitter (DHH) before the start of each game from their roster of players. Substitutes may NOT be declared the DHH in any scenario. When a DHH hits an over the fence home run, it will not count against the team’s 5 HR limit.

  • 5.9 Team Manager Responsibilities
    • Managers will be responsible for setting up the strike zone mat, scoring plate, Scorebrains and pitching screen.
    • After play is completed for the night, Managers are responsible for returning the strike zone mat, scoring plate, Scorebrains and pitching screen to the equipment storage room and making sure the storage room and bathrooms are locked.
    • National League Only - Only Managers can request that a batter be intentionally walked.

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Playing Rules - Section 6 - Pitching Regulations

  • Both Leagues – A 1 ball and 1 strike count shall apply to the batter. 1 courtesy foul ball allowed.

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Playing Rules - Section 7 - Base Running

  • 7.2 Courtesy Runners
    • National League Only - Players will run for themselves at all times unless they request a courtesy runner.
    • Managers CANNOT take out a player and replace with a courtesy runner unless the player requests one. Managers and team members CANNOT ask a player if he/she needs a courtesy runner.
    • Any player on the roster may be a courtesty runner.
    • A courtesy runner can only run ONCE per inning for other players.
    • All players MUST run for themselves to first base. 
      • A player who is injured and cannot run will be removed or replaced. 
      • If no replacement exists, there will not be an out when the injured player's turn at bat comes up.
    • American League Only – Any player on the roster may be a courtesy runner.
    • A courtesy runner may be used for a base runner at any time.
    • A courtesy runner may not be used more than ONCE per inning
  • 7.3 Sliding - Sliding or diving into first base or into home plate when scoring is not permitted and such players will be called out.
    • However, a player may slide or dive into second or third base and when returning to any base.
    • Runners shall be called out for contact with a defensive player IF, in the Umpire's judgment, the contact was deliberate OR the runner could reasonably have been expected to minimize or avoid contact under the circumstances and failed to do so.
    • It is stressed that sliding is clearly optional at the discretion of the individual player and is not to be considered a necessary or required act.
    • SLIDING SHALL NOT BE DONE SO AGGRESSIVELY THAT IT ENDANGERS THE DEFENSIVE PLAYER.

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Playing Rules - Section - 8 - Field Facilities

  • Smoking  on all Gwinnett County sports fields is not permitted.

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Playing Rules - Section 9 - Protests

  • In the event of a protest, the League Commissioner and two Managers from that league not involved in the protested game will meet or communicate by phone and/or email to determine a ruling within 2 days of the protested game.
  • If the League Commissioner was playing for one of the teams involved in the protest, the League Commissioner from the other league will join the other 2 Managers to determine the decision
  • If a decision is made in favor the protesting team, the only result is that the game will be replayed, if needed. Neither team will be given a win or loss in the standings until the game is replayed.

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