2025 CHAMPIONS

NYCCAL Softball League Rules

The NYCCAL Men’s Softball League follows the standard rules of the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) unless otherwise stated below.

League Purpose & Christian Conduct

• This is a Christian league. All games will begin and end with a word of prayer.

• Both teams will meet around the pitching mound to pray together before and after each game.

• All players should be members of the church they are representing. Any exceptions to this rule must receive approval from the league commissioner.

• Each church is responsible for the conduct of their fans and spectators.

• Fans may not heckle, insult, or disrespect players, umpires, or other spectators.

• As a Christian league, we should set a positive example for everyone around us.

• Cheering and encouragement are welcome, but they must remain clean and respectful.

Game Structure

• Games are 7 innings.

• All games must start by 6:15 PM.

• Every batter begins with a 0–0 count.

• If a batter hits two foul balls after reaching two strikes, the batter is out.

• A 15-run mercy rule goes into effect after 4½ innings (home team must bat last).

Team Lineups

• Teams may bat 11 players, but only 10 players may play the field.

• Teams may also choose to play with 9 players.

• If a team plays 10 defensive players, they must use 4 outfielders.

• A team may start the game with 8 players.

• If the 9th spot in the batting order comes up and that player is not present, it will be recorded as an automatic out.

Base Running

• Tagging up from any base is allowed.

• No stealing is allowed.

• No bunting is allowed.

• Leading off is allowed only after the pitcher releases the ball.

Courtesy Runners

• Each team is allowed two courtesy runners per game.

• The courtesy runner must be the last batted out.

• A team may designate a courtesy runner for one specific player for the entire game due to injury or physical limitation.

• If a team chooses to do this, it will count as one of their courtesy runners, leaving them with one additional courtesy runner for the rest of the game.

Pitching Rules

• The league uses modified pitching.

• The pitcher may not bring their arm over the shoulder when delivering a pitch.

Equipment & Uniforms

• Catchers must wear a mask.

• Once team shirts have been distributed, any player not wearing their team shirt will begin their at-bat with one strike.

• During playoffs, players must wear their team shirt in order to play.

Rainout & Darkness Policy

• The league commissioner will determine if games are postponed due to weather or unsafe field conditions.

• Teams will be notified as soon as possible if a game is canceled.

• Any rainout games will be rescheduled if field availability.

• If a game is started and then stopped due to weather or darkness after 4 innings, the game will be considered official. The 4th inning must be completed.

• If a game is stopped before four innings are completed, it will be rescheduled or restarted at the commissioner’s discretion. During the regular season, the game will be restarted from the beginning. During the playoffs, the game will resume from the point at which it was stopped.

Game Balls

• Each team must supply one game ball.

Umpires

• All umpires must be paid before the game begins.

Conduct & Sportsmanship

• Fighting or cursing of any kind is not allowed.

• If this occurs, the player will be ejected from the game.

• The umpire may issue a warning, but any continued behavior will result in ejection.

• Any ejected player will receive a one-game suspension.

• If a player or team is disruptive, disrespectful, or behaves in a way dishonorable to others or the Lord, they may be removed from the league with no refund.

Playoffs

All teams qualify for the playoffs.