Howell Softball Rules

Howell Softball uses USA/ASA Softball rules. These rules can be found in depth below.
In addition to the USA/ASA Softball rules Howell Softball rules (below) also apply.

  1. All players must be 18 years of age to play in the Howell Softball League.
  2. All players must be on a team roster.
  3. Captains are required to have team rosters completed and turned in.
  4. Rosters are frozen after week three of the start of the season.

Roster Restrictions

  • Can not be a sanctioned tournament team.
  • A maximum of 4 sanctioned tournament players per team.
  • Only one player may play C or higher and no conference players.
  • A player cannot be on two team rosters.
  • All teams must turn in a completed and player signed roster by the due date.
  • Maximum roster size of 20 players per team.
  • Once a player has signed the team roster he is bound to that team for the season.
    All players are required to sign one roster only.
  • If a player wishes to be released from the signed roster, a player release form must be
    submitted to the league director and signed by the team captain. The released player will
    need to play in 50% of the new teams games in order to be eligible for the playoffs.
  • Player must play in 50% of the teams games to be eligible for the playoffs.

Pick up player(s)

  • Teams may use pick up player(s) from other teams in order to have enough players to
    play a game. The pick up player(s) can only be the ninth or tenth player. If a team has ten
    of their own players, they will not be permitted to pick up any player(s).
  • Pick up player(s) will be allowed to play in a maximum of 10 games with a team other
    than the signed roster team.
  • Pick up player(s) are not permitted in any playoff games.
  • If pick up player(s) is not on the signed roster. The coach must notify league director with
    pick up player information.

Player Conduct

– Howell TWP, USA Softball and Howell Softball does not permit alcohol or uncontrolled
substances on the playing field. Violation will be an ejection.
  1. Any player ejected from the game must immediately leave the playing area and surrounding area.
  2. Umpires have complete authority on the field. This includes sight and sound ejection

Rain Outs

1. Teams will be contacted via text message at least one hour prior to the game’s starting
time. If you do not receive a message, your team is required to be at the game

Playing Rules

  1. Minimum of eight players are needed to start the game. All players must be on the field
    and ready to play. IE; Note in the parking lot or in transition from same or “on the way”.
    Game must start with no penalty in effect. Opposing team must supply catcher. Catcher
    option can be part of the game if both captains agree.
  2. Schedulded game time is forefit time.
  3. Teams have the option of bating everyone.
  4. If an injury occurs and no substitutes are available no penalty will be enforced. Except if
    you are under the minimum players.
  5. For the purpose of weather, lights, or umpires decision four (4) full innings will constitute
    an official game. If home team does not complete batting (if trailing in score) in the
    fourth inning, the game will be suspended. The game will either be restarted or replayed.
  6. Five warm-up pitches for the pitcher in the first inning. All remaining innings shall have
    only one warm-up pitch.
  7. A ten run rule will be ineffect.
  8. A game will consist of 12 (1/2) innings. If extra innings are needed the international tie
    breaker will be used. Last out starts on second base. If time permits.
  9. Three courtesy runners may be used during the game per team. Courtesy runner will be
    the last recorded out or farthest player in the line up. If you need more additional courtesy
    runners, both captains must agree. Courtesy runner can not come off base to bat, an out
    will be recorded, next batter bats. Once a courtesy runner has scored that courtesy runner
    can not run again in the same inning, Can not walk a batter for the third out.
  10. There is a no must slide rule. Runner must avoid contact. IE, Peel off or give themselves
    up. Violation will be an out. If flagrant an injection.
  11. A two home run limit on any ball that is declared a home run by the umpire. Over the
    two will be declared an out. Home runs are hit and sit.
  12. Home and Away teams will be decided by a coin toss prior to the start of the first game for regular season games,
    while playoff games will be decided by playoff seed.

Bats

  1. League rules allow for the use of any wood, alloy, or composite bat, provided it bears a
    certification stamp from either ASA, NSA, or USSSA. Certification stamps include ASA
    2000, ASA 2004, the 2013 ASA stamp, NSA 2012, USSSA 1.20bpf, “NSA approved”, “USSSA
    approved”, and “ASA approved”. Bats that only bear Official softball, will be allowed if
    passes bat test, not allowed after 2019 season.
  2. No bat bearing the Senior softball stamp (SSUSA), “For Senior Softball”, No titanium
    bats or shaved or otherwise altered bats will be allowed. No miken ultras allowed. No
    geninis bats allowed. All bats will be tested. Will permit other leagues or state testing.

Howell Softball Security Sticker

  1. A penalty for using a non tested bat. Batter not completed turn at bat, can change bat.
    Once batter has completed turn at bat, batter will be declared out, all play reverts back to t
    he time at bat. This is a protest, by defense only.
  2. Game format, starting times or dates can be changed along with a shortened season, so
    that the season can be concluded in a timely manner.
  3. All bats are subject to random bat testing.
  4. Balls shall be 300/52 or less.
  5. The strike zone will be the strike mat, therefore any ball that strikes (lands) on the mat
    or plate this includes corners, edges will be called a strike. Umpire will only call illegal
    pitches for height and pitchers actions