Senior Softball Rules

1. Rulebook
League play will follow the 2026 USA Softball Rulebook, with the exceptions listed below.

2. Minimum Players  
Teams may start with 9 players and add a 10th player anytime during the game when an eligible player arrives.  
     • If a player is injured during the game and no legal subs are available, teams may continue with 9 players.  
     • If a player is ejected from the game and no subs are available, the game is a forfeit.

3. Overrunning Bases (50+ & 60+)
NEW - Players may not overrun second or third base.  Players may slide at their discretion.

4. Overrunning Bases (65+, 70+. 75+)
Players may overrun any base or slide at their discretion.  
     • After overrunning, a player must turn right to not be tagged out and must return to that base before advancing.  
     • Exception: after reaching first base, the player does not have to retouch first base before proceeding to second.

5. Commit Line
A commit line is marked 30 feet from home plate.  Once crossed, the runner becomes a force out at home plate.  The defensive player must touch home plate with the ball; tagging the runner is not allowed.

6. Scoring Line
A 10-foot scoring line extends from the third base side of home. Runners must cross the line to score.  The runner will be called out if he touches home plate or runs through the batter’s box.

7. Inning Mercy Rule
A 5-run limit applies each inning except the final inning, which is open.

8. Courtesy Runners
One courtesy runner allowed per inning.  If the courtesy runner’s batting spot comes up while still on base, it is an out at the plate.

9. Avoiding Forfeits
Teams may pick up players from other teams (not in either starting lineup) if both managers and the players agree.

10. Metal Cleats are Prohibited.  

11. Double First Base
     • Batter-runner uses the orange base; first baseman uses the white base.
     • On an errant throw pulling the defense into foul territory, either base may be used by both players.

12. Pitcher Warm-Ups
At the beginning of each half inning, or when a pitcher relieves another, pitcher gets up to 1 minute and 3 underhand, moderate-speed pitches. No overhand or fast pitches are allowed.  
     • First violation: batter gets a ball and a warning
     • Second violation: pitcher is removed from pitching, but may play another position

13. No Infield Warm-Up
No infield practice before games. Warm-ups must be on the grass.

14. Count
All senior divisions use a 1-and-1 count with one extra foul ball.  

15. Batting Lineup Teams may bat more than 11 players.
     • Injured players may be removed without penalty.  
     • An ejected player’s spot becomes an out.
     • If the ejection drops the team below the legal numbers (10 to 9 or 9 to 8 players) the game is a forfeit.  

16. Bat Rules
Use of a non-approved or unrecognizable ASA/USA softball bat will result in:

     a. Immediate ejection
     b. 2-year suspension from ALL USA Softball play
     c. 30-day suspension of the responsible coach/manager  
     d. Forfeit if no substitute is available for the ejected player

Use of an altered bat will result in a lifetime ban from all USA Softball play. The City of Sparks may test bats at any time. Refusal will result in immediate suspension. The City of Sparks Parks and Recreation Department reserves the 2 right to ban any equipment they feel is necessary for the safety of their participants. Make sure that all bats have the approved ASA/USA Softball stamp and are on the USA Softball approved bat list located on the teamusa.org website. The City of Sparks will not be allowing the use of ASA Senior bats.

17. Pitching Rules
The pitching height for the senior divisions remains 6ft - 12ft.

Pitchers may stand anywhere from the pitching rubber up to 6 feet behind it, within the pitching rubber's width. No box will be marked; umpire discretion applies. Pitches released outside this area will result in an illegal pitch being called. All other USA Softball pitching rules apply.

18. Flip/Flop Rule
NEW – The City of Sparks will now use the flip/flop rule in all Senior divisions.  If the home team trails by 10+ runs at the start of the open inning, they bat first.  If they do not tie or take the lead, the visiting team does not again.

19. Player Age
Players must meet the division’s minimum age by December 31, 2026. Only previously approved exceptions may continue with approval from the Recreation Specialist.

20. Plays at Home
The catcher must have a foot on the plate. The mat is not an extension of home plate.

21. Time Limit
Games have a 50-minute time limit. When time expires, finish the current inning; the next inning becomes the open inning.

22. 65+ Defensive Option
NEW- 65+ teams may choose to use 11 defensive players.  

23. Awards
NEW- First-place teams receive Championship shirts only. Trophies are no longer awarded.