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SESPA RULES

Please keep a copy of Slo-pitch National (SPN) rules with you at all games.

AND PLEASE REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE OR WHERE WE ARE PLAYING, OPEN ALCOHOL IS NOT PERMITTED BY THE CITY. WITH THAT IN MIND, LET'S BE RESPECTFUL OF THOSE THAT LIVE AROUND THE DIAMONDS OR PLAY IN THE NEIGHBOURING FIELDS AND PARKS AND AVOID GIVING REASON FOR SOMEONE TO FEEL THE NEED TO COMPLAIN.

MOST FREQUENTLY QUERIED RULES

Mixed Adult 7/3 format. For every added male a female must be added (Ex. 8/4, 9/5 etc.)

No more than 2 guys in a row unless at the bottom of the order..

Before game commencement discuss any probable issues with team captain. I.e. Are there any objects in the field that will result in a ground rule double or home run?

  • Sec. 31 “Fair Territory” - is that part of the playing area within and including the first and third base foul lines from the home plate / strike mat to the bottom of the extreme playing area fence and then extending perpendicularly upwards.
  • The home plate / strike mat is in fair territory). Therefore, if a ball is hit and hits the home plate but travels forward/remains in fair territory. This is considered a FAIR ball.There must be 3 females fielding with one required in the outfield
  • “Out of play”. Any ball past the backstop, caught or not, is out of play. It counts as a strike.
  • Sec. 48 “Infield Fly” - is a fairly batted fly ball (not a line drive) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort when first and second, or when first, second and third bases are occupied with less than two out. NOTE: If a fairly batted ball is to be declared an infield fly, umpire shall call out “infield fly, batter is out.”
  • Fouls Tip: SPN says foul tip at any height caught is an out. *****SESPA now follow this rule*****
  • Tagging at 1st and Home: SPN says you can tag at 1st and Home. *****SESPA has a no tagging rule at either 1st base or Home
  • Runners cannot interfere with the defensive player (runner cannot move outside 3 feet when “breaking up a play”).
  • Runners also cannot verbally interfere (yelling anything) when defensive player is making a play. If they do the furthest runner is out.
  • No sliding at home.
  • SPN says no bunting ****SESPA allows Girls are able to bunt. 
  • SPN says male batter walked in any form with female behind he goes to 2nd, but female must hit. ******SESPA has a 4 straight ball rule, with female batter on deck only. Male goes to 2nd, and female has an option to hit or take first.
  • Courtesy Runners- ******SESPA will allow a runner from anybase if a player becomes injured while base running. Howevere If they did not elect to have a baserunner from the beginning of the bat and chose to go beyond 1st then they must continue. The last out of the samegender is who is to pinch run.
  • If Fence is in play**** 5 Home Runs with a +/- 1 after that. Home Run becomes strike once limit has been hit.
  • Forfeited Game: 7-0 *** Applies to teams who NO show for games or did not make arrangements to reschedule before hand.
  • Scores are to be submitted by the winning Teams or agreed upon Captain immediately after the games using the Teamlinkt app.

 SET UP

Home Plate Dimensions: Complete Rectangle 40in x 22in **If you have a triangle cut out then use home plate as a strike as well.

  • Home to first/third, 65 feet
  • Home to second is 91 feet 11 inches
  • Commitment Line is 20 feet from the top corner of home plate (corner closest to third base).
  • Pitching height - Minimum of 6 feet. No maximum in A Division. 15 feet maximum in B, C and D Division.
  • Pitchers must stand within  a 4' wide strip running from 2nd base towards the home plate. Must not be closer than 4' to 2nd base and must not be beyond 4' in front of the center of pitchers mound

Approved Bats- ** PLEASE SEE SPN WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS. All legal bats used in Slo-Pitch National will have the USSSA compliance mark located on the bat. 

For full SPN rules please go to SPN WEBSITE or reference the rule book you received at the starting of the year.