Rules & Guidelines

1) Co-ed League

2) Minimum age 14. Players 14 and 15 years old can play outfield only and must be 16 to play infield. No more than two 14-15 year olds can play at any one time (simultaneously).

3) A game may start with the following acceptable lineup of players:

     (A) 5 females-5 males (equal number of males and females; minimum 10 players; maximum 16 players, including alternate hitters.)

     (B) 5 females-4 males

     (C) 4 females-5 males

     (D) Any team may 'pick up' as many as three players not on their roster, as follows, in order to avoid a forfeit and to accommodate the goal of fellowship and competition. This will constitute a game that counts in the standings.

          (i) Maximum of 1 male and 2 female 'pick up' players

     (E) Teams may not 'pick up' after ten players or play with alternate hitter rule with 'pick up' players. 'Pick up' players should be used to make the minimum acceptable lineup. A team should use their roster player before using a 'pick up' player.

     (F) If 'pick up' players are used to start a game and a roster player comes later, the roster player should replace the 'pick up' player as soon as possible.

4) Alternate (designated) hitter rule is optional. A team must have one player of each sex to use alternate hitter. Note: up to 6 alternate hitters are allowed; Must be 1 male, 1 female for a total of 12, 14, or 16 during any one game.

5) Courtesy runner must be the player who made the last out of same sex. Batter must reach base safely before getting a courtesy runner.

6) Two certified umpires per game, whose decisions are final.

7) One hour time limit per game. New innings will not start after 55 minutes.

8) We use modified USSSA rules Class D. We are an independent league; we are not sanctioned by USSSA.

9) $30 awarded to the first place team, $25 awarded to second place team in both tournaments and the league play.

10) Each team's roster will be approved by their church's pastor or recreational director or other appropriate representative. It is expected that players have reasonable participation at the services of the church they play for. This is a church league, not a commercial league.

11) Any balls or other objects that go into the adjacent pasture are lost. Do not cross the fence. Do not reach through the fence. Do not touch or lean against the fence.

12) Each church is responsible for insurance on their team players. Each church should check its own coverage.

13) Clean, wholesome, Christ-like behavior and play is expected. No blocking bases, no runner interference, no humiliating other teams, etc. Uncooperative or unruly persons will be asked to leave.

14) Mercy rule as follows: 15 run after 3 innings; 12 runs after 4 innings; 10 runs after 5 innings.

15) Each batter starts with a 1 ball and 1 strike count. Second foul after 2 strikes is automatic out.

16) Games will be played on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and on two Friday nights each month.

17) Game times are 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30.

18) We will endeavor to reschedule rained out games.

19) All players will take any question, concerns, frustrations, to their respective coach, not the umpires. Only coaches question the umpires about calls, rule interpretations, etc.

20) Rules may be added or amended or deleted with approval of the umpire-in-chief, majority of coaches and approval to Macon E's Softball Committee and/or MCCSA League Director.

21) The field will be available on Saturdays for practices by reservation. Beginning in February, on a first come, first served basis. Please call Tim Stubbs at (478) 447-5588 to schedule. Field repairs and maintenance work will take precedence over practices if there is a conflict.

22) Players must park in paved parking. Parking behind the field is only for officials, score keepers, and limited mobility persons. Please do not drive to the ball field for games or practices. Drivers are responsible for their vehicles. By all means, please do not drive on the dirt perimeter road during or after a heavy rain, you will get stuck and/or damage the drive requiring expensive grading.

23. Handicap Scoring (only applies in cross division games):

  a) Lower division team starts game with 7 runs.

  b) No mercy rule used. Game ends at one hour or 7 innings.

24. Teams playing with 9 players do not take automatic out.

April 14, 2021