League Rules/Bylaws

The purpose of the Christian Fellowship Softball League is to promote friendship among teams and team members, share in Christian fellowship, exercise cooperation, display good sportsmanship, and to practice Christian values.

1. It is mandatory that a manager or team representative attend the preseason rules meeting. All fees must be paid by registration deadline or teams will not participate.

2. All teams will participate in prayers before and after games. “Home” teams will be responsible for prayer before and “visitors” will be responsible for closing prayer.

3. Players, coaches, and managers must attend the church of their choice.

a.                   If a church does not have a team, one may participate on any team.

b.                  If a church does have a team, one must participate with their own team.

4. Games may start with eight (8) players in batting lineup and fielding positions, with a maximum of ten (10) players in the field at a time.

5. Everyone that comes to the game as a team member must play in the game.

a.                   Free substitution: Players may be placed and replaced in field positions throughout the game to allow as much equal playing time as possible.

b.                  All players present shall be placed in a permanent batting lineup for the entire game, and will bat in order regardless of whether they have recently played in a field position or not, and will alternate male/female as much as possible from start of lineup.

c.                   If there are less than four (4) females on a team: every batting position in which a female should be, based on male/female rotation, will count as an out for up to four (4) positions.  (Male batters still bat; out is added as if female batter was out)

d.                  Ten (10) person batting limit per inning. After tenth batter, the other team comes to bat. (Note: 10th batter may continue running bases until tagged or ball gets to catcher at home plate.  Play continues as normal until catcher possesses ball and touches home plate.)

e.                   Eight (8) pitches per batter. After eighth pitch, if the batter has not hit the ball, he/she does not advance, nor is he/she out.  The next batter comes to the plate.  Batter does count against ten batter rule.  Pitchers MUST attempt to throw strikes.

f.                   There are no strikeouts.

g.                  There are no walks.

6. There are no umpires. All calls are to be made by fielders and their decision is to be respected.

7. In case of rain, all teams should report to the diamond they were assigned to play at. At that time, a decision will be made as to whether or not to play by coaches or managers.

8. No inning will be started after one (1) hour and fifteen (15) minutes from scheduled starting time.

9. Managers have the full right to declare a forfeit, according to provisions of the softball rules. They are the sole judges of whether or not it is possible to continue play in case of rain or darkness.

10. Teams should be at the diamond fifteen (15) minutes before scheduled game time.

11. All games will be played in accordance with the schedule and play will begin at the scheduled time. If, for any reason, a team is unable to begin at the scheduled time, a delay not to exceed ten (10) minutes shall be granted. If, after that time, a team is still not ready to play for any reason, the manager or coach of that team shall declare a forfeit to the team that was ready to play at that time.

12. The League Director reserves the right to render decisions on playing rules and recreation rules.

13. Each team will provide one (1) playable ball for each game. The ball must be in good condition and fairly new. 

a.                   Managers are to inspect and agree upon balls prior to start of game.

b.                  Same ball is to be used by both teams throughout game.

14. Home team must supply bases.

15. No players under thirteen (13) years old shall be members of a team.

16. Managers and ministers are responsible for the conduct of their players and coaches, as well as spectators as much as possible.

a.                   The use of profanity is strictly forbidden, whether used toward others or at oneself.  Coaches or managers shall enforce immediate suspension for the remainder of the game.

b.                  There shall be no tobacco use by players, coaches, manager, or spectators near the playing area or on church property.

c.                   The use of alcohol by players, coaches, managers, and spectators is strictly prohibited.

d.                  Fighting or physical contact brought about in anger or frustration is strictly forbidden. Coaches or managers shall enforce immediate suspension for the remainder of the season. Any other decision will be at the discretion of the League Director.

17. Metal spikes are not allowed. Some type of practical shoe must be worn by all players.

18. Sliding is permitted, but slider must avoid contact with defenseman as much as possible to avoid injury.

19. If the baseline is blocked, other than a run-down situation, the runner shall be declared safe.  The runner has the right to make this call and may run around fielder to avoid collision.

20. No bunting

21. No leading-off

22. A hit “over the fence” and out of play (in fair territory) shall be considered a home run unless previously discussed by coaches.

23. If a ball rolls under or bounces over a fence in fair territory it shall be considered a double.

24. A ball hit into trees or other obstructions in foul territory shall be considered out-of-play.

25. A batter who throws the bat from the batting area will be declared out.

a.                   All bats used must be official softball bats with wrapped or gripped handles.

b.                  Within reasonable limits, the batter should be able to stand at home plate without being called out for being outside the batter’s box.

26. Pinch runners may be used with the agreement of both managers or coaches, provided the following guidelines are met:

a.                   Batter must have a genuine physical limitation preventing him/her from running the bases.

b.                  Pinch runner is to the player who got the last out.

c.                   Batter must run to 1^st base on his/her own; pinch runner may continue after batter has reached 1^st base.

d.                  If the batter is unable to run to 1^st base, he/she should not be in the game.

27. It is not within the authority of coaches, managers, scorers, or ministers to alter or suspend any of these by-laws, even with the knowledge and consent of opposing team, managers, and coaches.

Revised May 26, 2009