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Tri-State Fastpitch
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TSFA Letter from the President

 

We are excited about the 20 th season of providing a positive atmosphere and strong competition for our kids. Several have won many awards showing their accomplishments as well as have achieved many goals.

A lot of the kids who started playing with us years ago are now playing on our local school teams ana Major College programs .This is one of our goals, we hope in years to come that we TSFA WILL MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT IN ALL PLAYERS LIVES AS THEY REACH ADULTHOOD!

We would like to “Thank You” for supporting TSFA softball and are dedicated to building TSFA with your help into the strongest level of softball in our area.

Sincerely,

Charlie Stephens

President Tri-state Fast-Pitch Association

423-693-5132

Email: Tristatefastpitch@yahoo.com

Website: www.ballcharts.com/TSFA

facebook TRI-STATE FASTPITCH ASSOCIATION

Founded 2002   

Updated aug 2023

 

 

 

TRI-STATE FASTPITCH ASSOCIATION (TSFA)

OFFICIAL RULES

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Game

HOME TEAMHome team will be decided by a toss of a coin (In pool games ) bracket games HIGHER SEED HAS CHOICE OF HOME OR VISITOR.

**championship game team UNDEFEATED will have choice of home or visitor.

**IF GAME IS DECIDED BY higher seed of tournament (since both teams have one loss each**

  • Home Team will furnish an official score-keeper.

A REGULATION GAMEShall consist of seven innings, unless otherwise listed below:

  • Time limit is 1 hour for pool games.  DROP PLAY
  • All bracket games will be 1 hour 10 minutes, with no new inning after 1 hour 10 minutes. The time limit will start at the end of the pre-game conference 
  • Both teams should be ready to play ball at the end of the confrence
  • A game that is tied at the end of seven innings or time limit expiration shall utilize the international tie breaker rule.

INTERNATIONAL TIE BREAKERIf the score is tied after the completion of seven innings of play or when the time limit has expired, the following tie-breaking procedure will be used until a winning team is determined,

  • At the beginning of the first tie-breaker inning, the last batter  of the previous inning, whose turn at bat had been completed, assumes a position on 2nd base.
  • This would be done at the beginning of each half inning; until the conclusion of a full inning, and a winner is determined.
  • A substitute or courtesy runner (for the pitcher or catcher only) may be used,
  • a true substitute or can be any player in  line up as long as they dont come up to bat in the inning.
  • If runner is on base while there time to bat player will result in an out.
  • A courtesy may be used for pitcher and catcher only.
  • courtesy runner must be immediatley reported before next pitch to a batter.

RUN RULE10 runs after 3, 8 runs after 4 and 6 runs after 5 innings. The run rule will be in effect in all games, including championship games.

OFFENSIVE CONFERENCEThere shall be only one charged conference between a team representative( s ) and the batter and/or runner (s) in an inning. The umpire shall not permit any such conferences in excess of one in an inning.

  • Action: Ejection of the manager or coach who insists on another charged conference.

DEFENSIVE CONFERENCEThere shall be only three (3) charged conferences between the manager and other team representative (s) from the dugout with any defensive player (s) in a seven inning game.

  • ActionThe fourth and each additional, charged conference in a seven inning game or for any charged conference in excess of one per inning in an extra inning game shall result in the removal of the pitcher from the pitching position for the remainder of the game. The removed pitcher can play another position on defense but cannot pitch again.

Note: For every inning beyond seven, there shall be one charged conference per inning between the manager and other team representative from the dugout with any defensive player (s).

TOURNAMENT GAME SCHEDULETournament format may be altered for inclement weather.  It is up to each team to check the brackets for changes and game times.  Each coach is responsible for having their team present at game time.  The tournament director or UIC has authority to call a forfeit for teams not present at scheduled game time. The tournament director or the UIC also have authority to allow a grace period in the case of an emergency  or when an incident occurs.

SHOOT OUTTournament may utilize the “shoot out” format instead of the “if” game. It will be marked on bracket.

  • “Shoot Out” starts with both coaches turning in a new lineup. The one inning game starts with last batter of the new lineup being placed on second base. Both teams bat the 3 out inning, if still tied, the second inning starts in international tie breaker format.

POOL PLAY:   Pool games will be played in a one hour finish the Pitch format. 

  • Pool games can end in a tie.
  • In a tie situation each team will receive a half win and half loss.
 

THE PLAYING FIELD

 

 

Age Group                                        Pitching             Base Distance        Fence Distance

 

6-Under                                            Coach                  60 feet                 120-200 feet

8-Under                                            Coach                  60 feet                 150-225 feet

10-Under                                          35 feet                 60 feet                  150-225 feet

12-Under                                          40 feet                 60 feet                  180-225 feet

14-Under                                          43 feet                 60 feet                  200-225 feet

16-Under                                          43 feet                 60 feet                  200-225 feet

18-Under                                          43 feet                 60 feet                  200-225 feet

  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIELD LAYOUT

 

 

In addition to marking for foul lines, the following will be included:

  • THREE FOOT RUNNING LANE:  A line drawn parallel to and 3 feet from the base line, starting at a point halfway between home plate and 1st base.
  • PITCHER’S CIRCLE:  There shall be a circle 16 feet in diameter drawn with its center at the mid-point of the pitchers rubber.
  • ON-DECK CIRCLE:  5-foot circle placed between home plate and 1st base and between home plate and 3rd base.
  • BATTER’S BOX:  3 feet by 7 feet, the inside lines of the batter’s box shall be 6 inches from home plate. The front line shall be 4 feet in front of the center of the plate. The rear line shall be 3 feet behind the center of the plate.  The lines are considered as being in the box.
  • CATCHER’S BOX:  Shall be 7 feet in length from the rear outside corners of the batter’s boxes and shall be 8 feet 5 inches wide.
  • COACH’S BOX:  Will be located behind a line 15 feet long, drawn outside the diamond. The line is parallel to and 8 feet from the foul lines, extended from the bases toward home plate.

**Ground or Special rules establishing the limits of the playing field may be established by TSFA Officials.**

 

EQUIPMENT

 

 

BATSTSFA will adhere to the 2004 TSFA Bat Performance Standard, and all bats should bear the 2000 or 2004 certification mark and not be listed on the TSFA  Non-approved bat list. BAT WARMERS ARE NOT ALLOWED.

 ADOPTED BAT RULES IN TSFA

**EASTON GHOST BATS-ASA APPROVED EASTON GHOST BAT (BLUE )IS APPROVED IN TSFA TOURNAMENTS**

**EASTON GHOST BATS -USSSA,ISA APPROVED GHOST BAT (GOLD) IS APPROVED IN TSFA TOURNAMENTS***

 

  • Must not exceed a BPF (Bat Performance Factor) of 1.20 and must be marked Official Softball by the Manufacturer and shall be no more than 36 inches long nor exceed 38 ounces in weight.
  • Also be free of rattles, dents, burrs, cracks, loose shafts and sharp edges and show no signs of excessive wear.

OFFICIAL SOFTBALL:

  • 12 year old and above: Optic Yellow only, 12”, 47 core with a maximum compression of 375lbs.
  • 10 year old and under will use a Optic Yellow only, 11”, 47 core with a maximum compression of 375lbs..
  • Each team shall provide a legal and playable ball.
    • Comment: Umpires shall ensure that pitchers are using a legal ball. If a batter hits an illegal ball, there is no penalty. The ball is removed from the game and replaced with a legal ball. Tournament directors, UIC’s and umpires may approve or disapprove game balls that have become unreadable, scuffed or are questionable.

GLOVES/MITTSGloves/mitts shall be worn by all fielders.

  • Comment: A glove/mitt may be worn by any player.  The Pitcher’s glove may be of one solid color or multicolored as long as the color(s) are not the color of the ball being used in the game.

SHOESMust be worn by all participants.

  • 6 & under 8 & Under Select, 8 & Under Rec., 10 & under, 12 & under cannot wear metal cleats.
  • 14 and above, Metal cleats will be allowed.
    • Comment: Metal Cleats shall not extend beyond 3/4” from the sole and shall not be round. METAL CLEATS MUST BE USED IN A SAFE AND NON-MALICIOUS USE! IF DEEMED MALICIOUS PLAYER WILL BE EJECTED

HELMETS:  Must be worn by batters and on deck batters at all times while the ball is live. The helmet’s must have double ear flaps, be NOCSAE approved and free of any cracks and damage. They must have a face shield. A chin strap is optional but recommended.  Helmets must also be worn by base coaches under the age of 18.

JEWELRYNo jewelry allowed. Medical alert bracelets or necklaces are not considered jewelry. 

FACE MASK/GUARDSAny defensive player may wear a face mask/guard.  TSFA encourages all defensive players in the infield wear a face mask/guard.

OTHER EQUIPMENT:  Non-traditional game equipment must be reviewed by the TSFA rules committee before it will be permitted.  Bat warmers not allowed.

 

PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTES

TEAM

  • A Team shall have the required number of players present in the dugout or team area to start or continue a game.  A minimum of 8 players are required to start or finish a game.

EXTRA PLAYER

  • A team may use up to 2 extra players.  
  • The batting line-up must remain the same, however any 9 can play defense.
  • It is not mandatory that a team use a EP but failure to report them on the line-up card will disqualify the use of the EP for that game.

TEAM LINE-UP CARD

  • The team line-up card shall include first initial, last name, jersey number, position and if EP(s) or DP/Flex is being used
  • All substitutes should be listed on the line-up card at the start of the game. 
  • If a wrong number is on the line-up card, correct it and continue playing with no penalty.
  • The players name is determining factor for correct player in wrong number situation.
    • Comment: Eligible roster members may be added to the available substitute list anytime during the game. 

SHORTHANDED RULE

  • A game may begin or finish with one less than required to start.
  • The vacant position must be listed last in the batting order.
  •  An out will be recoreded when the vacant position in the batting order appears.
  • When starting the game with 8 players’ and a substitute arrives, they must be inserted immediately into the vacant spot. 
  • If a player is lost for any reason the game will be a forfeit (7-0).
  • A team cannot walk a batter to get to the automatic out, intentionally or unintentionally.
    • Comment: If this happens the automatic out position in the line- up will be skipped.
  • Under no circumstances shall a team be permitted to bat less than eight.

RE-ENTRY

  • Any player, may be substituted or replaced and re-entered once.
  • A re-entered player must re-enter into the same slot in the line-up that they had occupied before.

SUBSTITUTES 

  • The manager or team representative of the team making a substitution shall notify the plate umpire at the time the substitute enters.  The plate umpire shall then report the change to the scorer.
  • A substitute shall be considered officially in the game when reported to the plate umpire.
  • A substitute who enters the game without reporting is considered an unreported substitute after a pitch, legal or illegal, or a play is made.
    • Action:  First offense:  The coach shall be warned and the play stands.
    • Second offense: play stands, head coach ejected. Player not disqualified
  • A starting Pitcher if Removed from the Mound can be Re -entered as Position Player or reentered to Pitcher Position one Time  provided the return does not violate either the substitution or charged conference rule.
  • If Non starting Pitchers Are Removed From Pitchers mound they Cannot Re-enter Pitchers Position Again during That Game .
  • A substitute or courtesy runner shall not enter the game without being reported to the home plate umpire.

INJURED PLAYER

  • During a live ball situation, when a player becomes injured, and in the umpire’s judgment requires immediate attention, the umpire shall call ”Dead Ball”. 
    • Action: Award any bases that would have been reached.
    • Comment: If a player is injured and cannot continue she will be scratched from the line up with no penalty unless this leaves the team with less than 8 players.(UM[IRES DISCRETION)

EJECTED PARTICIPANT

  • Must leave the grounds and have no contact with the umpires or participants in the game.
    • Action: The game can be forfeited
  • Any arguing on the judgment of balls and strikes will result in a team warning.
    • Action: Any repeat offense shall result in the ejection of that team member, and possibly head coach. Head Coach shall be responsible for actions of his assistant coaches, players and all fans, parents associated with his team.  An umpire may restrict a coach and/or player to the dugout instead of ejecting the coach or player from the game. This is strictly up to the umpire.
 

BATTING, BATTER-RUNNER & RUNNER(S)

 

 

Line-Up

  • A batting order for each team must be listed and delivered to the official scorekeeper, by the manager or team representative. The home team will be the official scorekeeper.

BATING OUT OF ORDER:

  •  If an incorrect batter is discovered before completing a turn at bat, the correct batter will enter the batter's box and assume any balls and strikes accumulated by the improper batter.
  • If an incorrect batter is discovered after completing a turn at bat and before a pitch is made to the next batter.
  • The batter who should have batted is called out. All base runners, if they advanced, must return to the bases they occupied at the time the incorrect batter entered the batter's box.
  • The next batter is the player whose name follows that of the batter called out for failure to bat. If the appealed out is the third out, this player will be the first batter of the next inning. If an incorrect batter is discovered after a pitch has been delivered to the next batter. The turn at bat of the incorrect batter becomes legal.
  • The next batter shall be the one whose name follows that of the incorrect batter who just finished their turn at bat.

ON-DECK BATTER

  • The on-deck batter is the batter whose name follows the batter in the batter’s box.
  • The on-deck batter shall take a position within an on-deck circle on either side of the playing field.
  • No more than two official softball bats or an approved warm-up bat may be used to loosen up. A combination of a warm-up bat and softball bat may be used as long as the on deck batter does not warm-up with more than two devices simultaneously.
  • The on-deck batter shall not interfere with a defensive player’s attempt to make an out.
    • If it involves a runner, the runner closest to home plate will be declared out.
    • If it involves a defensive fielder attempting to field a fly ball, the batter is declared out.

BATTING POSITION

  • The batter must have both feet inside the lines of the batter’s box prior to the start of the pitch.
  • The batter boxes lines are considered part of the batter’s box.
  • When a batter steps out of the box the entire foot must be outside the batter’s box lines and on the ground at time of contact with the ball (fair or foul) to be declared out.
  • The batter must take a position in the batter’s box within 10 seconds after the umpire declares, PLAY BALL.

THE UMPIRE CALLS A STRIKE

  • For each legally pitched ball entering the strike zone.
  • For each legally pitched ball struck at and missed by the batter
  • For each foul tip caught legally by the catcher. The batter is out if it is the third strike.
    • Action: The ball is in play and the runners may advance with liability to be put out.
  • For each foul ball when the batter has fewer than two strikes.
  • For each pitched ball struck at which touches any part of the batter.
  • When a delivered ball by the pitcher hits the batter while the ball is in the strike zone.
  • If the batter does not take her position within ten seconds after 'play ball' has been declared.

THE UMPIRE CALLS A BALL:

  • For each legally pitched ball which does not enter the strike zone or touches the ground before reaching home plate, or touches home plate and the batter does not swing.
  • For each illegally pitched ball not swung at.
    • Action: The ball is dead and runners are entitled to advance one base without liability to be put out.

THE BATTER IS OUT:

  • When the third strike is struck at, missed and the pitched ball touches any part of the batter's person.
  • When a batter appears in the batter’s box with or is discovered using an altered or an illegal bat prior to hitting the ball. 
  • When the batter bunts foul after the second strike.
  • When a batter hits a fair ball with the bat a second time in fair territory.
    • Comment: Exceptionif the batter is standing in the batter’s box and contact is made while the batter is holding the bat a foul ball is ruled.
    • Action: The ball is dead and each runner must return to the base legally held at the time of the pitch.
    • Comment: If the batter drops the bat and the ball rolls against the stationary bat in fair territory, and, in the umpires judgment, there was no intention to interfere with the course of the ball, the batter is not out and the ball is live and in play.
  • When the catcher catches a called or swinging third strike.
  • On a dropped third strike, if there are fewer than two outs and first base is occupied.
  • The batter shall not hinder the catcher from catching or throwing the ball by stepping out of the batter's box, or intentionally hinder the catcher while standing within the batter's box.
    • Action: The ball is dead and the batter is out. Each base runner must return to the last base that, in the judgment of the umpire, was touched at the time of the interference.

BATTER HIT BY PITCH:

  •  A legal or illegally pitched ball that hits the batter's person or clothing provided the batter does not strike at the pitched ball.
  •  The plate umpire will award first base to the batter hit by the pitch.
  • Any runners will advance one base if forced due to the batter being awarded first base.
  • If an illegal pitch hits the batter, all base runners will advance one base without liability to be put out.
    • Comment: Exception, if the batter makes no effort to avoid being hit by the pitched ball or if the umpire calls the pitched ball a strike, the ball striking the batter is disregarded and the ball is dead. The pitched ball is a strike or ball depending on the location of the pitched ball.

THE BATTER BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER

  • When the catcher fails to catch the third strike before the ball touches the ground when there are fewer than two outs and first base is unoccupied, or anytime there are two outs. This is called the dropped third strike rule.
    • Action: The ball is in play, and the batter becomes a batter-runner with liability to be put out.
  • When the umpire has called four balls. The batter-runner is awarded one base without liability to be put out.
    • Comment: The ball is in play unless it has been blocked.
  • When the catcher obstructs, hinders or prevents the batter from striking or hitting a pitched ball.
    • Action: The umpire shall give a delayed dead ball signal.
  • If the batter hits the ball and reaches first base safely, and if all other runners have advanced at least one base on the batted ball, catcher obstruction is canceled. All action as a result of the batted ball stands. No option is given.
    • Comment: Once a runner has passed a base, he is considered to have reached that base (whether missing the base or not) and no option is given.
  • If the manager does not take the result of the play, penalize obstruction by awarding the batter first base. Other base runners advance only if forced.
  • When a pitched ball not swung at nor called a strike touches any part of the batter's person or clothing while in the batter's box. It does not matter if the ball strikes the ground before hitting the batter. The batter's hands are not to be considered a part of the bat.
    • Action: The ball is dead. The batter is entitled to one base without liability to be put out.
    • Exception: If the batter makes no attempt to avoid being hit, the umpire calls either a ball or a strike.

BATTER-RUNNER IS OUT:

  • When the catcher drops the third strike and she is legally put out prior to reaching first base.
    • Action: The ball is live and in play.
  • When a batter-runner fails to advance to first base after a hit batsman, a dropped third strike, or catcher obstruction.
  • When a batter-runner interferes with a dropped third strike. If this interference, in the judgment of the umpire, is an obvious attempt to prevent a double play, the runner closest to home plate will also be called out.
  • When the batter-runner interferes with a play at home plate in an attempt to prevent an obvious out at home plate. The runner is also out.
  • When the batter-runner moves back toward home plate to avoid or delay a tag by a fielder.
  • When an infielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball, including a line drive or a bunt, which can be caught with ordinary effort with runners on first, first and second, first and third; or first, second and third with less than two outs. A trapped ball shall not be considered as having been intentionally dropped.
    • Action: The ball is dead, and each runner must return to the last base touched at the time of the pitch.
    • Comment: If an infield fly is ruled, it has precedence over an intentionally dropped ball.RUNNERS ARE ENTITLED TO ADVANCE WITH LIABILITY TO PUT OUT:
  • When the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand on delivery of a pitch.

RUNNERS ARE ENTITLED TO ADVANCE WITHOUT LIABILITY TO BE PUT OUT:

  • When forced to vacate a base because the batter was awarded a base on balls.
    • Action: The ball remains live and in play unless it is blocked. Any runner affected is entitled to one base and may advance farther at his or her own risk if the ball is in play.
  • When a wild pitch or passed ball lodges in or goes under, over or through the backstop.
    • Action: The ball is dead and all runners are awarded one base only. The batter is awarded first base only on the fourth ball.
  • When forced to vacate a base because the batter was awarded first base. When a pitcher makes an illegal pitch, providing the offensive coach does not take the result of the play.

A RUNNER MUST RETURN TO THEIR BASE

  • When a batted ball is foul.
  • When an illegally bated ball is declared by the umpire.
  • When a batter, batter-runner or runner is called out for interference.  All other runnersshall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference.
  • When the plate umpire interferes with the catcher’s attempt to throw out a runner who is stealing or an attempted pick off play.
  • When a pitched ball that is swung at and missed touches any part of the batter’s person or clothing.
  • When a pitched ball hits a batter, unless forced.
    •  The ball is dead. Each runner must return to his base without liability to be put out, except when forced when the batter became a batter-runner. Runners need not touch the intervening bases in returning to base.

RUNNER IS OUT:

  • When the ball is live and while the runner is not in contact with a base, the runner is legally touched with the ball in the hand(s) of a fielder.
  • When a runner fails to keep contact with a base to which they are entitled until the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand.
    • A dead ball is declared and the runner is out.
  • When running to any base in regular or reverse order and the runner runs more than 3hree feet from the base path to avoid being touched by the ball in the hand or glove of a fielder.
  • When a runner physically passes a preceding runner before that runner has been called out. 
  • When any offensive team member other than another runner, physically assists a runner while the ball is live.
  • When the runner leaves a base to advance to another base before a caught fly ball has touched a fielder, providing the ball is returned to the infield and properly appealed.
  • When a runner interferes.
    • With a fielder attempting to field a batted fair ball or a foul fly ball, or
    • With a fielder attempting to throw the ball, or
    • With a thrown ball.
      • The ball is dead
      • The runner is out
      • The batter-runner is awarded first base

LOOK BACK RULE:

The look back rule is in effect when:

  • The ball is live.
  • The batter-runner has reached first base or has been declared out.
  • The pitcher has possession and and control of the ball within the pitcher’s circle within the lines.
    • When a runner is legitimately off the base after a pitch or as a result of a batter completing a turn at bat, and while the pitcher has control of the ball when the eight foot radius of the pitcher’s plate, the runner may stop once then must immediately return to the base or attempt to advance to the next base.
    • Once the runner stops at a base for any reason the runner will be declared out if leaving the base.
    • Responsibilities of the batter-runner after reaching first base, and while the pitcher has control of the ball within the eight foot radius of the pitcher’s plate, including a base on ball or a dropped third strike, are as follows:
      • A batter-runner who rounds first base toward second base may stop once, but then must immediately non-stop return to first base or attempt to advance non-stop to second base.
      • A batter-runner who over-runs first base toward right field, turns left and immediately stops, must then return non-stop to first base or attempt to advance non-stop to second base.
      • A batter-runner who over runs first base toward right field, turns left and moves directly toward second base and stops, is committed to second base and must attempt to advance non-stop to second base.
      • A batter-runner who over-runs first base toward right field, turns left and moves back toward the infield is any direction except directly toward second base, is cdommitted to first base and must return non-stop to first base.
      • A batter-runner who over-runs first base toward right field, and turns right, is committed to first base and must return non-stop to first base.
      • Effect:  The ball is dead
      • The runner is out
      • When more than one runner is off base, only one runner is called out
      • All other runners are returned to the last base touched.
        • Exception:  A play is made on any runner.  A fake throw is considered a play.
        • The pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the eight foot radius, or
        • The pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter.

COURTESY RUNNER:

  • A courtesy runner may be used for the catcher and pitcher only.
  • A courtesy runner should be but not limited to a legal substitute on the teams roster.
  • A courtesy runner may be in the batting order .but if their turn at bat comes around and they are still on base they will lose their turn at bat and an out will be declared in their batting slot.
  • The courtesy runner must be entered in the game before the next legal pitch.
  • It cannot be same runner for pitcher or catcher in the same inning.
  • A pitcher or catcher may only us a courtsey runner once per half inning.
 

PITCHING

 

 

PITCHING PRELIMINARIES:

Before starting the delivery (pitch), the pitcher shall comply with the following:

  • When taking the pitching position in contact with the pitcher’s plate the pitcher must have their hands separated and must have the ball in either the glove or the pitching hand.
  • The pitcher shall not be considered in the pitching position unless the catcher is in position to receive the pitch.
  • Both feet must be on the ground within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate.  The shoulders shall be in line with first and third base.
    • The pitcher shall take a position with both feet on the pitcher’s plate.
  • While on the pitcher’s plate, the pitcher shall take a signal or appear to take a signal with the hands separated.  The ball must remain in either the glove or pitching hand.
  • The pitcher shall bring the hands together for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds
    • The shoulders shall be in line with first and third bases. The pitcher shall take a position
      with their pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate and their non-pivot foot in contact with or
      behind the pitcher’s plate.
      Comment: Allows female pitchers to start with one or two feet on the pitcher’s plate. This
      aligns the female pitching rule as it relates to foot placement.

    • Rule 6A, Section 1E: The pitcher shall bring their hands together for not less than one second
      and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball. A backward step may be taken
      before, simultaneous with or after the hands are brought together. The pivot foot must remain
      in contact with the pitcher’s plate at all times prior to the forward step.
      Comment: Allows female pitchers to take a backward step from the pitcher’s plate,
      before, during or after the hands are brought together. This aligns the  female
      pitching rule as it relates to stepping back from the pitcher’s plate.

    • Rule 6A, Section 11B&C, Rule 7, Section 5D: ( Fast Pitch Only) Eliminates the
      penalty of advancing a runner one base without liability to be put out from the effect of
      committing an illegal pitch.
      Comment: In  Fast Pitch ONLY, when an illegal pitch is declared, the
      penalty is only a ball on the batter. We no longer advance runners in  Fast
      Pitch as part of the penalty.
      Rule 7, Section 6C: Add Effect: 5. All other runners return to the base occupied at the time of
      the pitch.
      Comment: Aligns the penalty for Altered and Non-Approved bats with the penalty for an Illegal
      bat. Better defines where runners who are not out should be placed.
    • Rule 6A, Section 1C: Both feet must be on the ground within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s
      plate.
    • If an illegal pitch hits the batter out of the strike zone, the batter is awarded first base and the runners are awarded base
    • Otherwise the manager has the option to take the result of the play, or the illegal pitch is enforced by awarding a ball to the batter and advancing all runners one base.
    • Effect: If the batter hits the ball and reaches first base safely , and if all other runners have advanced at least one base on the batted ball, the illegal pitch is nullified.  All action as a result of the batted ball stands and no option is given.

STARTING THE PITCH

  • The pitch starts when the hands come together or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of her windup.
    • Effect:  Illegal Pitch – If the batter hits and reaches first base safely, and if all other runners have advanced at least one base on the batted ball the illegal pitch is nullified.  All action as a result of the batted ball stands.  No option is given.  When a runner passes a base, the runner is considered to have touched that base.
    • Otherwise, the namager has the option to take the result of the play or the illegal pitch is enforced by awarding a ball to the batter and all runners advance to the next base.
    • If an illegal pitch hits the batter out of the strike zone the batter is awarded first base and all runners are awarded one base.

LEGAL DELIVERY:

  • The pitcher must not make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the ball to the batter.
  • The pitcher must not use a pitching motion in which, after having the ball in both hands in the pitching position, removes one hand from the ball, takes a backward and forward swing, and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body.
  • The pitcher must not use a windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion.
  • The pitcher must not make two revolutions of the arm on the windmill pitch. A pitcher may drop her arm to the side and to the rear before starting the windmill motion.
  • The delivery must be an underhanded motion with the hand below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow.
  • The release of the ball and follow through of the hand and wrist must be forward and past the straight line of the body.
  • In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher must take one step simultaneous with the release of the ball. The step must be forward and toward the batter within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate.
    • Comment: It is not a step if the pitcher slides her foot across the pitcher’s plate, and returning it to the pitcher’s plate creates a rocking motion. A rocking motion is an illegal act.
  • Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcher’s plate is illegal.
  • Pushing off and draggingthe pivot foot in contact with the ground is required.  If a hole has been created, the pivot foot may drag no higher than the level plane of the gound.
  • The pitcher shall not make another revolution after releasing the ball.
  • The pitcher shall not deliberately drop, roll or bounce the ball in order to prevent the batter from hitting it.
  • The pitcher has twenty seconds to release the ball on a pitch after receiving the ball or after the umpire states “Play ball”.
    • Effect:  A ball on the batter.
  • If the ball slips from the pitcher’s hand during the delivery.
    • Effect:  The ball remains live.
    • A ball on the batter.
    • Runners may advance at their own risk.

CROW HOP

  • A crow hop is the replant of the pivot foot prior to delivering the pitch.

LEAP

  • A leap is when both feet are airborne by the pitcher prior to delivering the pitch
    • Comment: Both a crow hop and a leap are illegal pitches, a ball is awarded to the batter and all runners will advance one base. These are umpire judgment calls.

INTENTIONAL WALK

  • If a team desires to intentionally walk a batter, all pitches must be legally delivered to the batter.
  • Pitch outs are not illegal nor considered illegal pitches.

DEFENSIVE POSITIONING:

  • The pitcher shall not deliver a pitch unless all defensive players are positioned  in fair territory, except the catcher who shall be in the catcher’s box.
  • A fielder shall not take a position in the batter’s line of vision, with deliberate un-sportsmanship like intent, or act in a manner to distract the batter.  A pitch does not have to be released.
    • Effect: The offending player shall be ejected from the game.
    • Effect:  Illegal pitch.

FOREIGN SUBSTANCE

  • A defensive player shall not, at any time during the game, be allowed to use any foreign substance upon the ball, pitching hand or fingers.  Under the supervision and control of the umpire, powder resin and or an approved drying agent that is included on the ground and the approved drying agent in the pitcher’s pocket.  A pitcher who licks their fingers must wipe the fingers off before bringing them in contact with the ball.
    • Effect: Illegal pitch.  After the first offense, if any defensive player continues to place a foreign substance on the ball, that player shall be ejected from the game.  If any other substance is found in the pitcher’s pocket the pitcher shall be ejected.
  • A pitcher shall not wear any item on the pitching hand, wrist, forearm, elbow or thighs which may, in the umpire’s judgment, be distracting to the batter.  Batting gloves shal not be worn on the pitching hand.

CATCHER

  • The catcher must remain within the lines of the catcher's box until the pitch is released.
  • The catcher shall return the ball directly to the pitcher after each pitch, except after a strikeout, a put out or an attempted put out made by the catcher.
    • Exception:  Does not apply with runners on base or the batter becoming a batter-runner.

WARM-UP PITCHES

  • At the beginning of each half inning, or when a pitcher relieves another, not more than one minute may be used to deliver not more than five pitches.
  • Play shall be suspended during this time.
  • A pitcher returning to pitch in the same half inning will not receive warm-up pitches.
  • There is no limitation as to the number of times a player can return to the pitching position as long as the player is legally in the game.
    • Effect: For excessive warm-up pitches award a ball to the batter for each pitch in excess of five.  This does not apply if the umpire delays the start of play due to substitutions, conference, injuries or other umpire responsibilities.

NO PITCH:

 No pitch shall be declared when:

  • The pitcher pitches during the suspension of play.
  • The pitcher attempts a quick return of the ball before the batter has taken their position or when the batter is off balance as a result of a previous pitch.
  • When a runner is called out for leaving a base prior to the pitcher releasing the ball.
  • When a pitch is delivered before a runner has retouched their base after being legitimately off the base.
  • When a player, manager or coach calls for the obvious purpose of trying to make the pitcher commit an illegal pitch.  A warning shall be issued to the offending  team, and a repeat of this type act by any member of this team warned shall result in the offender being ejected from the game.
 

8 & Under Fast-pitch (Select)

 

 

  1. Game will consist of 6 innings or 60  minutes FINISH INNING IN BRACKET PLAY whichever comes first. Each Team can score 7  runs per inning. Pool games are 6 innings or 60 minutes drop play
  2. Bunting  is not allowed in TSFA -PENALTY BATTER IS OUT
  3. SLAPPING IS LEGAL IN TSFA (ADOPTED Aug 2023)
  4. Catchers  may throw behind base runners to be put out at base ** no advancement of runners on a pickoff or wild throw on a throwback attempt.( Adopted AUG 2023)
  5. GAME MAY END IF MATHEMATICALLY ELIMINATED AND OUT OF REACH
  6. No base on balls (walks). No intentional walks.
  7. Base runner(s) must be in contact with the base until a legally PITCHED ball leaves the coaches/pitchers hand and runner must not cross the 10 foot line/mark on field .if runner goes past 10 ft line runner must go back to first base or runner is out.
  8. **10 ft line/mark between 1st base and 2nd base .between 2nd base and 3rd base,3rd base and home .**
  9. Hit batters are not allowed to take a base.
  10. Infield fly rule is not in effect.
  11. A team may use a courtesy runner for the catcher only. SEE COURTESY RUNNER RULE 
  12. Throws attempted by players must be thrown in an overhand manner. The intent is to not bowl the ball. (Umpire Judgment)
    1. ACTION: 1ST offense, Coach warning, 2nd offence Coach Ejection.   
  13. Softball: 11”, Optic Yellow only, 47 core, Maximum compression of 375.
  14. Batters allowed: 9  to 12 batters are allowed in line-up. 
  15. Defensive players: A Maximum of 10 players is allowed on defense . TEAM CAN PLAY WITH 9 PLAYERS WITH NO PENALTY AS LONG AS DONT GO BELOW 9 PLAYERS . TOTAL PLAYERS ON DEFENSE MUST BAT THAT NUMBER .No defensive player will be allowed within the thirty (30) foot arc until after the ball has been hit. A maximum of six infielders permitted. (Pitchers circle, Catcher, 1B, 2B, SS, 3B) 
  16. Players positions: Each team will play a maximum of six players in the infield.
    1. Comment: The player, playing the pitching position must have one foot in the circle, for saftey the pitcher player may play back 10’ behind circle for safety, however, the pitcher cannot move right or left more than five (5) feet to either side of the outer edge of the pitching circle (umpire’s judgment) She cannot cover second base..
    2. Action: Violation of the rule will result in the offensive team having the option of taking the results of the play or declaring no play.
  17. Outfielders must stay behind the 10 feet outfield line until the ball has been hit.
    1. Action: Violation of this rule will result in the offensive team having the option of batting over or taking the result of the play.
  18. OFFENSIVE COACHES:
  19. A team will be allowed 3 offensive coaches as follow: One first (1st) base coach, one third (3rd) base coach and one (1) coach serving as pitcher.
  20. If a batted ball hits an adult pitcher the ball is dead and pitch is declared A STRIKE TO BATTER
  21. Any coach touching a base runner (s) while the ball is in play, causes the ball to become dead and the runner to be called out. 
  22. All other coaches are to remain in the dugout during play.
  23. No more than two (2) defensive coaches allowed on the field at one time. Defensive coaches must remain behind the deepest defensive player when in play and out of the way of advancing runner(s).
    1. Action: 1st offense will result in a warning or ejection based on the severity. Second offense draws an ejection.
  24. Batter’s will be allowed 5 pitches or 3 strikes unless the 5th pitch is fouled. No Foul outs in 8 & under.
  25. The Pitching coach must pitch between the 20ft foul arc to 30ft line. In-line with the home plate and try to get the bat out of the way and off the playing field.                                                                                          
  26. Safety Rule: If a player is injured after the ball is batted, the offensive team may advance only one (1) base and then time shall be called. (Umpire Judgment) In case of serious injury the umpire shall call time immediately.
  27. Time will be called: When the ball is held in front of the lead runner. When an infielder has control of the ball in the infield and in the judgment of the umpire, all immediate play is complete. Any runner past the halfway marker will continue to the next base unless occupied. (Umpire’s judgment).
  28. Time outs: Each team will be allowed one (1) time out per inning. This time out will last a limit of one (1) minute. Time out for injury shall be an Official Time out not counted against team.
  29. If the score is tied after the completion of 6 innings of play or when the time limit has expired, the following tie-breaking procedure will be used.
  30. At the beginning of the first tie-breaker inning, the last batter of the previous inning, whose turn at bat had been completed, assumes a position on 2nd base. A substitute or courtesy runner may be used.
  31. Home team will be determined by a coin toss. Home team is the official score keeper
  32. All batters, catchers must wear a helmet with a face mask and Pitcher circle players are REQUIRED to wear a face guard or helmet WITH FCE GAURD
  33. CATCHERS MUST HAVE HELMET WITH FACE GAURD,CHEST PROTECTOR ,SHIN GUARDS AND MUST BE IN CATCHER READY IN CATCHERS  BOX AT BEGINNING OF  PITCH TO BE ELIGIABLE FOR CATCHING FOUL BALL/POPUPS.
 

8 & Under Fast-pitch (Rec)

 

 

  1. A 20 foot foul arc will be used; the ball has to go past this line for the ball to be fair. The lines of this arc is foul territory.
  2. The Pitching coach must pitch past the twenty (20) foot arc and not past the thirty (30) foot arc between the limits of the pitching circle. Area inside the twenty (20) foot arc of home plate is foul territory. No defensive player will be allowed within the thirty (30) foot arc until after the ball has been hit.
  3. Teams can score 6 runs/inning
  4. players canot leave the base unless pitched ball crosses plate or ball is hit into play.
    1. **All other rules same as 8 & under select.**
 

6 & Unders

 

 

  1. Play 12 Players in the field on defense. Pitcher, first, second, third, and shortstop on infield and remaining in the outfield, at least 5 foot behind the bases.
  2. Bat all, If a player is injuried, thier spot in the line-up will be scratched and there is no penalty.
  3. Teams can score 6 runs per inning
  4. Time limit is 60 minutes or 6 innings. 
  5. Each batter will be allowed 5 pitches and can swing at all 5 pitches. If they foul the 5th pitch they are not out.
  6. Two defensive coaches in the outfield, all other coaches in the dugout. Offensive is coach pitcher, first, and third, base coaches, all other coaches in the dugout.
  7. International Tie Breaker will be in affect for games tied after regulation.
  8. If a coach pitcher is hit with a batted ball, a dead ball will be declared and no pitch will be counted. If coach pitcher intentionally lets ball hit them, batter will be declared out.
  9. Face guard to be worn by the pitcher, no exceptions. If a catcher is used she will require to wear a helmet with a face guard. All helmets are required to have face guard and chin strap. We suggest and urge all players on infield to wear a face guard.
  10. Softball: 11”, Optic Yellow only, 47 core, Maximum compression of 375.
  11. Each team provides a ball, does not have to be new but core and compression must be readable. Anyone caught using a illegal ball will have the batter declared out and the head coach will be ejected for remainder of the game.
  12.  A 20 foot foul arc will be used; the ball has to go past this line for the ball to be fair. The lines of this arc is foul territory.
  13. Any coach ejected will be required to set out remainder on that game and next tournament game.
 

POOL PLAY TIE BREAKER

 

 

  • If there is a tie after pool play games, the tie will be resolved by the following:

          * HEAD TO HEAD COMPETITION

          * LEAST RUNS ALLOWED

          * MOST RUNS SCORED

          * COIN TOSS

**In pool play with one hour finish the batter rule, teams can end in a tie game. In this situation each team will receive a half win and half loss.**

 

PROTEST

 

 

 PROTESTS SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED OR CONSIDERED:

  • If involving a judgment on the part of any umpire.

PROTESTS SHALL BE RECEIVED AND CONSIDERED:

  • A misinterpretation of a playing rule’s. Failure of an umpire to apply the correct rule to a given situation.
  • Failure to impose the correct penalty for a given situation.

 NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO PROTEST:

  • The notification of intent to protest must be made immediately before the next pitch.
    • Comment: Exception Player eligibility.
  • The manager of the protesting team shall immediately notify the home plate umpire that the game is being played under protest. The umpire will notify the scorekeeper and the opposing manager.
  • It is the umpire’s responsibility to record the surrounding conditions to aid the correct determination of the issue. (I.e. Innings, outs, names of players involved, runners on base, score and etc.)
  • The protest shall be ruled on before game is resumed by the UIC.

 OFFICIAL TIME TO PROTEST:

  • Before the start of your next scheduled tournament game.
    • Action: The decision made on a protested game may result in: Protest not allowed--game stands as played.
  • Protest allowed--resumed from point of protest. Protest allowed--game forfeited in favor of the team not at fault.

 PROTESTS INVOLVING PLAYER ELIGIBILITY:

  • In tournament play protest for ineligibility must be made before the end of the game being protested.

 PROTEST FEE:

  • In tournament play, a protest fee of $100.00 (cash) will be paid immediately. If the protest is upheld, the protest fee shall be returned. If protesting player eligibility the protest is $100.00 per player.
 

RULES OF CONDUCT

 

 

 

  • Each manager, coach, player, and team follower/fan must adhere to true concept of competition, fair play, and sportsmanship. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated either on or off the field.
  • Anyone seeing unsportsmanlike or derogatory acts by players or spectators will report it to the tournament director. The purpose is to prevent incidents from developing into a serious situation that would be harmful to the tournament or TSFA.
  • In the event of a disputed play or decision, managers or coaches must control their players. Managers or coaches may consult game officials; players will not take part in the discussion.
  • Sponsors, managers, coaches, or players will be suspended for fighting, abusive tactics, or unbecoming acts that are determined to be detrimental to TSFA.
  • Any person that assaults a representative of TSFA or umpire will be barred from TSFA and will also be subject to legal actions.
    1. Discuss or argue balls and strikes, incite, or try to incite by words, or sign, or demonstration, either opponents and/or spectators.
    2. Use language, which will in any manner, refer to or reflect upon opposing players, the umpires or          spectators
    3. Commit any act that could be considered unsportsmanlike conduct.
    4. Sling or throw a bat.
  • For a first offense the violator should be warned that, should the offense be repeated the result will be prompt batter to be out.All flagrant offenses (including a first offense) shall cause the offender to be immediately removed from the game and playing area. The ejected player is to be out of sight and sound of the umpires. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of the game.
 

DEFINITIONS

 

 

ALTERED BAT

  • A bat is considered altered when the physical structure of a legal bat has been changed, or an illegal or non-approved bat has been changed to resemble a legal bat.
    1. Action: The ball is dead, the batter is out and base runners may not advance. The batter is ejected for using an altered bat.

APPEAL PLAY

  • A play in which an umpire cannot make a decision until requested by a manager, coach, or player. The appeal must be made before the next legal or illegal pitch or before all infielders have left the field (crossed the foul lines). 

BALL COMPRESSION

  • The load force, in pounds.

BASE ON BALLS

  • Permits a batter to gain first base when four pitches are judged to be out of the strike zone.

BASE LINE: 

  • An Imaginary line directly between bases.

BATTER'S BOX

  • The area that the batter is restricted to while in position to bat. The lines are considered to be within the box.

BATTER-RUNNER

  • A player who has finished his turns at bat but has not yet been put out or touched first base.

BATTING ORDER

  • The batting order is the official lineup of offensive players listing the order in which team members must come to bat.

BLOCKED BALL

  • A live ball that is touched, stopped, or handled by a person not engaged in the game; or which touches any object that is not part of the official equipment or playing area.

BUNT

  • A bunt is a fair ball in which the batter does not take a full swing but holds the bat in such a manner in the path of the ball to tap the ball slowly to the infield.

CATCH:

  • A catch is a legally caught ball, which occurs when a fielder secures a batted or thrown ball with his/her hand or glove. If the ball is merely held in the fielder’s arms or is prevented from dropping to the ground by some part of the fielder’s body or clothing, the catch is not completed until the ball is in the grasp of the fielder’s hand or glove. It is not a catch if a fielder, immediately after he/she contacts the ball, collides with another player or wall or falls to the ground and drops the ball as a result of the collision or falling to the ground. In establishing a valid catch, the fielder shall have complete control of the ball and his/her release of the ball is voluntary and intentional. If a player drops the ball while in the act of throwing, it is a valid catch.

CATCH AND CARRY: 

  • A legal catch followed by a defensive player carrying the ball into dead ball territory.

CATCHER'S BOX: 

  • The catcher's box is the area in which the catcher must stay until the pitched ball is released. The lines of the box are considered within the box. All of the catcher's body and equipment must be within the catcher's box until the pitcher releases the ball. The umpire indicates an illegal pitch if the catcher is not in this position.

CHARGED CONFERENCE

  • When a team representative requests a suspension of play or delays the game for the purpose o delivering a message to another team member. It is not a charged conference when the representative enters the field and removes the pitcher.

COACH

  • A member of the team who occupies the coach's box to direct his/her players in running the bases. Two coaches are allowed, one positioned at 1st base and one positioned at 3rd base. One coach can have in his/her possession, a scorebook and an indicator that shall be used for scorekeeping purposes only. A defensive coach or manager must remain in the dugout at their normal position. If the manager or coach does not comply after a warning from the umpire, he/she will be ejected from the game.

COACH’S BOX: 

  • The area in which the base coach is restricted to prior to the release of the pitch.

CROW HOP

  • Prior to delivering the pitch, the pitcher replants the pivot foot and pushes off from a spot other than the pitcher's plate.

DEAD BALL

  • The ball is not in play.

DELAYED DEAD BALL

  • An infraction, signaled by the umpire, in which the ball remains alive until all play has been completed and time has been called.

DELIVERY

  • Delivery of the pitch begins when the hands separate and ends with the release of the ball

FAIR BALL

  • A fair ball is a batted ball that:
  • Settles on fair territory between home plate and 1st base or home plate and 3rd base.
  • Is on or over fair territory, including any part of 1st and 3rd bases, when bounding toward the outfield or touches 1st, 2nd or 3rd base.
  • First falls in fair territory beyond 1st or 3rd base.
  • Touches the person of any umpire or player while in or over fair territory.
  • While over fair territory, passes out of the playing field, beyond the outfield fence.
    1. Comment: A fair fly shall be judged according to the relative position of the ball and foul line and not as to the position of the fielder at the time he/she touches the ball. It does not matter whether the ball first touches fair or foul territory, as long as it does not touch anything foreign to the natural ground in foul territory and complies with all other aspects of a fair ball. Home plate is in fair territory.

FAIR TERRITORY: 

  • That part of the playing field within, and including, the first and third base foul lines from home plate to the bottom of the playing field fence and perpendicularly upwards.

FAKE TAG

  • A form of obstruction by a fielder who attempts to tag a runner without the ball and thereby impedes a runner advancing or returning to a base.

FORCE OUT: 

  • A force out is an out which can be made only when a base runner loses the right to the base he/she is occupying because the batter becomes a batter-runner, and before the batter-runner or a succeeding base runner has been put out.

FOUL BALL

  • A foul ball is a batted ball that:
  • Settles on foul territory between home and 1st base or home and 3rd base.
  • Bounds past 1st and 3rd base on or over foul territory.
  • Falls first on foul territory beyond 1st or 3rd base.
  • While on or over foul ground, touches an umpire, player, or foreign object to the natural ground.
  • Touches the batter or bat in the batter's hand while within the lines of the batter's box.

FOUL TIP

  • A foul tip is a batted ball that goes directly from the bat to the catcher’s hands or glove/mitt and is legally caught by the catcher. A foul tip is a strike. The batter is out if it is the third strike. A foul tip remains alive. A runner may advance with liability to be put out from one base to another on a foul tip without tagging.

ILLEGAL BAT

  • An illegal bat is one that does not meet requirements.

ILLEGAL PITCH

  • An illegal pitch is a delayed dead ball and is any infraction of the pitching.

ILLEGAL PLAYER

  • A Player who enters the line–up, either on offense or defense, who does not have a legal right to that position. Also a sub who re enters and has no eligibility  left in that game.

ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL

  • An illegally batted ball occurs when:
  • A batter's entire foot is completely out of the box, on the ground, when he/she hits the ball fair or foul.
  • Any part of the batter's foot is touching home plate when he/she hits the ball.
  • The batter hits the ball with an illegal or altered bat.

INELGIBLE PLAYER

  • A player who does not meet the requirements of TSFA.

IN JEOPARDY

  • A term indicating that the ball is in play and an offensive player may be put out.

INFIELD FLY

  • An infield fly is a fair ball (not including a line drive or an attempted bunt), which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort when 1st and 2nd or 1st, 2nd and 3rd bases are occupied before two are out.
    1. Comment: All divisions 10 Year old and above play with an infield fly rule.
    2. Comment: The ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught or re-touch and advance after the ball is touched by a fielder. If the hit ball becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any other foul ball.

INNING

  • An inning is that portion of a game in which the teams alternate between offense/defense. There are three outs for each team. A new inning begins when the third out of the bottom of an inning is declared.

INTERFERENCE

  • Interference is the act of an offensive player or team member, who impedes, hinders, or confuses a defensive player while attempting to execute a play. The act may be intentional or unintentional, physical or verbal.
    1. Comment: Contact is not necessary.

LEAPING: 

  • An act by the pitcher when both feet become airborne on the initial move and push from the pitchers plate.

NON - APPROVED BAT

  • A non - approved bat is one that does not meet ASA specifications and is on the current non-approved bat list.

OBSTRUCTION

  • Obstruction is the act of a defensive team member who hinders or impedes a batter’s attempt to make contact with a pitched ball, or who impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner that is legally running the bases, unless the fielder is in possession of the ball or is fielding a batted ball. The act may be intentional or unintentional, physical, or verbal.
    1. CommentCatcher obstruction is called when the catcher obstructs the batter who is attempting to hit or swing at a pitch. Prior to the pitch catcher obstruction does not apply, a dead ball shall be called and the batter shall be allowed to re-set himself/herself.

OVERSLIDE

  • An over slide is the act of the offensive player sliding over and beyond a base he/she is attempting to reach. This is usually caused by his/her momentum making him/her lose contact with the base which causes him/her to be in jeopardy.

OVERTHROW

  • An overthrow is a ball thrown from a fielder beyond the boundary lines of the playing field or becomes a blocked ball.

PASSED BALL

  • A pitch the catcher fails to, with ordinary effort, stop or control and which enables a runner(s) to advance.

EXTRA PLAYER (EP): 

  • An optional player(s).

PIVOT FOOT

  • The pitcher's foot that must be in contact with the pitcher's plate or ground until the pitcher steps towards home plate.

QUICK PITCH

  • A quick pitch is made by the pitcher with the attempt to catch the batter off balance.

SACRIFICE

  • A batter is credited with a sacrifice when, with not more than one out, a bunt or hit fly ball enables a runner to score. In either case, the batter-runner would be put out before reaching first base or would have been put out if the hit had fielded without error.

SQUEEZE

  • A play in which the runner advances toward home plate from third base following the release of the pitched ball, and the batter bunts the ball permitting the runner to score.

STEALING

  • The act of a runner attempting to advance to the next base during a pitch.

STRIKE ZONE

  • The strike zone is that space over any part of home plate that is between the batter's armpit and the top of the batter's knees when the natural batting stance is assumed. Any part of the ball passing through this strike zone is considered a strike. The umpire is instructed to determine the batter's strike zone according to the batter's usual stance when swinging at a pitch.

TIME

  • The term used by the umpire to order the suspension of play.

TURN AT BAT

  • A player's turn at bat begins when he/she enters the batter's box and continues until he/she is putout or becomes a batter runner while at bat.

WILD PITCH

  • A pitch that cannot be handled by the catcher with ordinary effort.
 

Miscellaneous

 

 

**If the rule is not covered in this TSFA rule book, all other rules will be governed by the ASA Rule Book.**

  • Players cannot play with a hard or soft cast on arm or leg.
  • ALL VISERS ON HELMETS OR FACE MASKS MUST BE CLEAR IN NATURE .(NO MIRRORED OR DARK )
  • Courtesy Runner: One player/runner can run but one time per inning only.
  • Umpire may allow courtesy runner for an injured runner.
  • If there is a rule you would like us to consider revising please let us know and we will let our rules committee review your request. Our goal is to make TSFA softball into the friendliest and most competitive league in the area.  Email sugestions to:  charlie stephens tristatefastpitch@yahoo.com

Umpires:

Umpires are supplied by:

TRI-STATE UMPIRE ASSOCIATION (TSUA)

President: CHARLIE STEPHENS

 





 


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