HSRRPCOC

HARDHITTERS SOFTBALL RULES, REGULATIONS 
AND PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT

Managers shall see that all players are familiar with these
rules and regulations.  All provisions in the Hardhitters
Softball rules, regulations and players code of conduct
HSRRPCOC) regarding behavior and actions of players,
managers and coaches apply to the entire ball field area
BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER THE GAMES.

1. The rules of the United States Specialty Sports 
Association (USSSA) www.usssa.com will govern play, except
where Hardhitters Softball Rules apply.  This means 3/2 
count, and 3/10 arc.  The HSRRPCOC, which govern the 
conduct of players, managers and coaches.  Any violations 
of the HSRRPCOC, unless otherwise noted, may result in 
forfeiture of game(s).

2. All games must start on time, game time is forfeit time, 
the teams must be ready to play (with line up given to the 
scorekeeper) right away when preceding game is over.  
Managers are responsible that their players are ready to 
start play on time.  All teams must have an Arabic number 
of at least six inches in height on the back of their jerseys.  
No duplicate numbers allowed.  If a player steps to the plate 
to bat and does not have a number on their jersey, they will 
be called out.

3. Night league games are scheduled to start at 6:00 7:10, 
8:20, 9:30.  Sunday league games are scheduled to start at 
11:00, 12:10, 1:20, 2:30, 5:00, 6:10, 7:20, 8:30.

4. No illegal bats are allowed in any Hardhitters Softball 
play.  Bats may not exceed BPF 1.20.  PENALTY: The player 
is out and ejected from the game.

5. There are NO COURTESY RUNNERS ALLOWED, except for injury 
to player during the game.  If a player is slow or tired, they 
will not be allowed a courtesy runner.  The umpire will make 
the decision.  When a courtesy runner is used, (the last out, 
same gender) player of the same inning is the runner.  When 
there are no outs it is the player who batted in front of the 
injured runner, etc.

6. No excess jewelry will be allowed.  Nothing allowed on the 
arms, (watches, bracelets, cords, etc. except medical 
identification) Umpire would be the judge of excess jewelry.

7. HOME RUN RULE

A. Class E, no over the fence home runs allowed.
B. Class D, one (1) over the fence home run allowed.
C. Class C, three (3) over the fence home runs allowed.
D. Defense assisted home runs are four (4) base awards and do 
not count towards home run limit.
E. Any ball hit over the fence in excess of the home run limit 
will be an out and a run given to the other team, except for 
any inning past the sixth inning of play or the last inning of 
the game, a team must win the game on it’s own effort.   

8. GAME/FORFEIT TIME

A. Each team must have at least eight (8) players to start the 
game and must finish with eight (8).
B. If a team has less than eight (8) players at game time, 
their opponent shall have two (2) options
1. Asking for an immediate forfeit, no make-up game will be 
allowed.  NO EXCEPTIONS
2. Start the clock and allow team up to five (5) minutes to get 
the minimum of eight (8) players before forfeit is declared.  
First game only, This is absolute.  
C. Teams cannot be forced to start before scheduled game time.
D. Game time begins immediately after the flip of the coin.
E. Regardless of score, except in the case of a tie, no new 
innings will start after sixty (60) minutes.

9. PLAYERS

A. Slow-pitch teams may compete with twelve (12) players, to 
include two (2) extra players.
B. A minimum of eight (8) players are needed to start a game.
C. If you start with twelve (12) players and cannot finish the 
game with at least eight (8), then the game will be ruled a 
forfeit.
D. In men’s play, there is no penalty for playing short-handed.
E. Regardless of whether injury or ejection has occurred, you must 
have at least eight (8) players to complete the game.
F. An ejection must be replaced with a substitute immediately or 
forfeit the game.
G. After the game has started, the lineup can only be added up to 
ten (10) players

10. RUN RULE/TIE BREAKER

A. Slow Pitch: Games will be a regulation seven innings except in 
the following situations
B. Five (5) innings: ten (10) runs ahead
C. Four (4) innings: fifteen (15) runs ahead
D. Three (3) innings: twenty (20) runs ahead
E. A team will not make a travesty of the game by intentionally 
allowing an opposing team to score runs in order to prolong the 
game.  Failure to comply will result in forfeit or an end to 
the game.  Players must have respect for the game of softball!!!
F. The International tiebreaker rule will be used in all extra 
inning games and games tied after the time limit have been 
reached. At the start of the first extra inning, each team, 
when batting, will place the last player who batted in the 
previous inning at the second base with no outs.
G. If after one (1) full extra inning, the game is still tied, 
the last player who batted from the previous inning will start 
on third base.  If the game is still tied after two full 
innings, play will continue as outlined for the second extra 
inning.

11. When the double base is used: When the batter hits the 
ball and there is a throw to first base by an infielder only, 
the batter/runner must touch the orange base.  The defensive 
player must touch the white base.  Touching both bags at the 
same time is considered touching your respective bag.  If 
there is no play at first base, (i.e. the batter hits a 
double), the batter/runner can tag the white or orange base 
and continue running to second base.  Any runner reaching or 
passing first base will only use the white base after 
doing so.

12. When an injury occurs where blood is evident and flowing, 
the injured player(s) must be removed from the game, blood 
flow stopped and cleaned up, as well as any uniform apparel 
that was contaminated must be removed and replaced.  A 
reasonable amount of time will be given to comply with this 
rule. If a player is unable to comply, the player must be 
removed from the line-up, but can be re-entered.  Remember 
that you must have at least eight (8) players to continue 
the game.

13. Managers must turn in their line-ups in writing with 
first and last names and uniform numbers fifteen (15) 
minutes before scheduled game time.  Managers/team 
representative is required to meet umpires at home plate 
for the pre-game conference.  If at any time wrong 
names are announced, managers or coaches must go to the 
press box and make corrections.  All line-up changes will 
be reported to the scorekeeper/umpire.

14. All steps possible shall be taken to speed up the 
games by the managers, players, umpires and field 
supervisors.  Managers must "HUSTLE" players at all times.
A. All players are to warm up outside of the playing field 
prior to and during the games.
B. Players must warm-up fifty (50) feet from the spectator 
seating area for safety purposes.  Please be careful.
C. There will be no warm-up on the infield during the 
pre-game conference, but can be done in the grassed 
outfield area.
D. Hustle in and out between innings.
E. No warm-up pitches between innings.
F. No warm-up throws by the infield between innings.
G. Items of delay such as frequent huddles of infielders 
around the pitcher's mound after each pitch shall be 
eliminated.
H. A team will not make a travesty of the game by 
intentionally allowing an opposing team to score runs 
in order to prolong the game.
I. Penalty for pitches and throws between innings is 
a ball on the leadoff batter for each pitch/throw.  
Use common sense about the pitches/throws, do not slow 
the game down for them, if you can get them in because 
you are hustling, there will be no penalty.

15. No metal, hard plastic or polyurethane spikes 
similar to metal sole and heel plate, or shoes with 
detachable cleats are allowed during 
tournament/playoff/league play.  Only one piece 
molded cleats will be allowed.

16. The field supervisor and the umpire(s) will 
decide all protests, except player eligibility, 
at the time of protest.  Protests on player 
eligibility will be limited to one player per 
protest and will be handled by the league office, 
unless the infraction was evident at the field at 
which time the field supervisor will provide 
justification and rule accordingly.  Protests will 
be accompanied by $50.00 cash US$ for each protest 
paid to the field supervisor and a completed protest 
form submitted.  If the protest is upheld, money 
will be returned.  All protests must be made before 
the end of the game.  Only rule interpretation and 
player eligibility qualifies for protests.

17. In case of dispute, the umpire(s) are instructed 
to talk to the managers only.  Team captains may 
represent the manager (one, not both).  All others 
will return to the dugout or to their field positions.  
Prolonged arguments will not be allowed.  Any player 
ordered out of the game by an umpire, for any reason, 
shall leave the field immediately and will 
automatically be suspended for a minimum of seven (7) 
days from any Hardhitters Softball play, NO EXCEPTIONS.  
The player may remain in the stands and be silent.  
Any outburst, heckling, noise of any kind, the 
game will be a forfeit.

18. Managers are responsible for keeping players bench 
clear of all persons except players and those who are 
directly associated with the team.  Players of other 
teams may not sit on the bench.  No team may have more 
than one bat boy/girl, ten years or older chasing the 
bats.  Please be sure that the bat boy/girl is old 
enough to appreciate the danger and keep out of the 
way of action at home plate area.

19. Managers are responsible for the discipline of the 
team.  

20. In case of wet grounds, the field supervisor/umpires 
will decide if the field is playable.  In case of 
inclement weather the players will be advised that the 
game will be played if possible.  However, if it appears 
that the field will be damaged, games will be postponed 
and field supervisor will notify the league office. 
MANAGERS OR A DESIGNATED ASSISTANT ONLY may call the 
league office for rain out information and follow the 
instructions.

21. RAINOUTS AND MAKE-UPS

A. Rain out and make-up games will be scheduled at the 
earliest possible date.
B. Every attempt will be made to schedule on the same 
day you normally play, but be prepared of the 
possibility of playing on the weekend, playing double 
headers, or even playing on another night and/or 
another field.
C. Generally, make-up games are added to the end of 
the schedule.
D. Weather line number is 208-699-1773.

22. TEAM REGISTRATION

A. All players must register with Hardhitters Softball 
and abide by all rules and regulations of the softball 
organization.
B. Teams may play in multiple Hardhitters leagues.  
But, players cannot play on multiple teams in the same 
league, same day/night!  PENALTY: Should you play on 
another team in the same league, regardless of whether 
you are on the roster or not, you are disqualified from 
further play that day/night.
C. NOTE: Hardhitters Softball reserves the right to 
move player(s) up or not allow player(s) to participate 
due to level of skills.
D. If an official knows of an individual who 
participated in a previous game that evening, that 
player will not be allowed to play regardless of what 
team they are registered with.
E. The number of players on team rosters shall be 
limited to 20 players, a non-playing manager and/or 
coach.  If the team will compete in the state 
tournament all rosters will be frozen at the close 
of business on July 15.
F. It is important that on the team waiver/roster, 
each player legibly list his or her name, home 
address, city, and zip code and telephone numbers.  
Rosters that are illegible or incomplete will 
be returned to the team manager and players will 
not be eligible for play until waiver/roster 
form is corrected.  Registration takes effect 
only when the team waiver/roster showing all 
players is in the league office, prior to the 
first game.  Individual addition forms are 
available upon request from the league office.
G. A player may change teams within a league 
only once during the season.  When a player 
is released, he/she may not play with another 
club until the manager releases him/her from 
the roster and the manager informs the league 
office.  The Operations Manager has the right 
to waive this rule after notification to the 
manager.
H. Team waiver/roster forms must be in the 
league office before the night of your first 
game.  All players must sign and return 
to the office the waiver/roster form before 
competing.  FAILURE TO SUBMIT FULLY COMPLETED 
TEAM WAIVER/ROSTER FORM. PRIOR TO FIRST 
GAME.  WILL RESULT IN FORFEITURE OF GAME(S) 
UNTIL THE FORM IS SUBMITTED.
I. Responsibility for players being informed 
regarding this rule rests with the manager.  
Any player not properly registered shall 
be considered "INELIGIBLE" and any team using 
an ineligible or an illegal player shall be 
subject to section "J" of this rule.  An 
"ineligible player(s)" is one not on your 
waiver/roster, anyone you pick up from the 
stands fits this category.
J. Penalty for violation of this rule 
(except Section "b"): Any player giving 
false name or address will not be allowed to 
participate in any Hardhitters Softball 
leagues or tournaments this season. Any games 
the player was involved in will be considered 
forfeits.  Any player not listed on the 
waiver/roster form will be declared ineligible 
and team will forfeit all games in which that 
player played, and the team will not be allowed 
to play the following season.
K. TEAM FEE REPLACES THE SPONSOR AND PLAYER FEES.  
A ONE-TIME TEAM FEE IS THE ONLY CHARGE TO PLAY.  
“NO SPONSOR FEE~NO PLAYER FEE”

23. PLAYER IDENTIFICATION

A. Photo identification (i.e. driver’s license, military 
identification or State issue identification card) for all 
players competing in leagues or tournaments will be 
mandatory for inspection by the field supervisor prior to 
or during any game.  Please have available upon request.
B. Any player who refuses to or cannot show proper 
identification will not be allowed to play and such action 
may result in player being declared an ineligible player 
resulting in forfeiture of game(s).
C. Any violation of this rule will result in forfeiture 
of game(s).
D. All players must show identification for all tournaments.

24. TEAM CLASSIFICATION

A. All teams are subject to reclassification based on 
season record or roster of players.
B. Hardhitters Softball is not responsible for teams 
being in the wrong leagues, this is the responsibility 
of the team manager when the team is registered.

25. All teams must have some type of athletic insurance 
or the manager file a statement with the association 
certifying that his/her players are aware of the fact 
that their team is not insured.  This is the responsibility 
of the team manager.

26. The Hardhitters Softball Program is amateur and 
recreational.  Under certain conditions, former 
professionals may compete in recreation programs without 
jeopardizing eligibility of other players.  In case of 
a question regarding the standing of any of your players, 
contact the Operations Manager before the player 
enters competition.

27. TOURNAMENTS/PLAYOFFS

A. Each league team is eligible to enter any of the 
tournaments based on their season records and league 
classification.
B. The league playoffs are regarded as an extension of 
the league season and the regular league rosters must 
be used.
C. No spiking or loading up is permitted for league playoffs.
D. Only players registered before the close of business 
or a given deadline will be eligible for tournament/playoff 
play.
E. July 15 is deadline for state tournament play.
F. State tournaments are scheduled for August.

28. Hardhitters Softball is an Adult Program.  An adult 
is defined as a person who is at least eighteen (18) 
years of age.

29. NO INTOXICATED PERSON WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE PLAYING 
FIELD. FIELD SUPERVISORS ARE INSTRUCTED TO CALL POLICE 
WHEN INTOXICATED PERSONS APPEAR AT THE SOFTBALL FIELDS.  
NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE PERMITTED IN THE DUGOUTS OR ON 
THE FIELD DURING THE GAME.  PENALTY: WARNING, THEN EJECTION 
FROM GAME.

30. COED RULES

A. Male or female players may play any defensive position 
without regard to specific number of males or females in 
the infield or outfield.
B. Five male and five female players must be in the lineup 
at all times (six and six if EP is used) or more women 
than men.  Any five male and any five female players must 
play defense. Short-handed: A minimum of nine players can 
start a game.  An out shall be declaring the 10th position 
in the lineup when that position is scheduled to bat.
C. Male and female players must alternate in the batting 
order.  
Note: However, more women than men may play.  No two men 
may bat consecutively without an automatic out.  You may 
drop down to eight (8) players, but only due to injury or 
other emergency.
D. During the course of the game, if a female is injured 
or cannot continue and no legal substitutes are available, 
a male may have to leave the game to preserve the alternate 
batter rule. 
E. Male and female players must alternate in the batting 
order. Note: If a team starts the game with 9 players, 
the 10th position will be the automatic out.
F. A tenth player may be added in the 10th position of 
the lineup at any time before the end of the game.  
G. After the game has started, the lineup can only be 
added up to ten (10) players.
H. It is an appeal play when the wrong ball is pitched 
to a batter. If the appeal is allowed, then the batter 
returns to bat with the same ball and strike count he/she 
has at the time of the pitch. 
Also, any base runners must return to base occupied at the 
time of pitch.
I. When a male batter receives a base on balls or 
intentional walk, he will be awarded first and second base, 
the next female batter has to bat, they have option to 
walk or bat only with two (2) outs.  If the next female 
chooses to walk, it is not considered an intentional walk 
for the purpose of making an appeal.
J. On a fair fly ball hit over the fence for a home run, the 
batter and all base runners are credited with a score. The 
batter and any runner on base do not need to advance and 
touch the bases. They should go directly to the dugout 
area. This would eliminate any base running appeals.
K. U.S.S.S.A. rule 14, Sec 2 will not apply in Hardhitters 
Softball leagues.  The 12-inch softball will be used in 
Coed leagues.
L. All outfielders must remain behind the 175-foot arc 
until the ball is hit when a female is at bat.  PENALTY: 
If an outfielder crosses the arc prior to the ball being 
hit, a dead ball will be indicated by the umpire and the 
batter will be awarded first base and all runners awarded 
one base.

31. AWARDS/TIE BREAKERS

First, second, and third place teams in each league will 
receive a team award.  First place teams will be awarded 
individual awards. In case of a tie, positions will be 
determined first by head to head competition, run 
differential, fewest runs allowed, and finally by 
total runs scored among affected teams.  Awards will be 
presented at the fields if at all possible.  Otherwise, 
managers are urged to pick up awards within one month of 
the end of the season.

32. Hardhitters Softball reserves the right to create 
special rules for any situations.

SOFTBALL PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT

Player is defined as a player; coach, manager, sponsor or 
anyone affiliated with the team. The Players Code of Conduct 
applies before, during and after the game.

1. NO PLAYER SHALL: At any time lay a hand upon, push, shove, 
strike or threaten to strike an official. PENALTY: Officials 
or Field Supervisor will remove player from the game.  Player 
will automatically be suspended for one year.  If the official 
is struck in any fashion, the player will draw a lifetime 
suspension.

2. NO PLAYER SHALL: Refuse to abide by an official's decision.  
PENALTY: Officials are required to immediately suspend 
players from further play and report such player to the 
Operations Manager.  Such player shall remain suspended until 
his/her case has been considered.

3. NO PLAYER SHALL: Be guilty of objectionable demonstrations 
of dissent at an official's decision by throwing of gloves, 
bats, balls, or any other forceful action.  PENALTY: The 
degree of infraction of this tenet of good sportsmanship 
shall, in the official's judgment, draw a minimum penalty 
of a warning or a maximum penalty of being removed from the 
game.

4. NO PLAYER SHALL: Discuss with an official in any manner 
the decision reached by such official except the manager or 
captain. PENALTY: The degree of infraction of this tenet of 
good sportsmanship shall, in the official's judgment, draw 
a minimum penalty of warning or a maximum penalty of being 
removed from the game.

5. NO PLAYER SHALL: Be guilty of using unnecessarily rough 
tactics in the play of a game against the body and person 
of an opposing player.  PENALTY: Officials are required 
to immediately suspend players from further play and report 
such player to the Operations Manager.  Such player shall 
remain suspended until his/her case has been considered.

6. NO PLAYER SHALL: Be guilty of physical attack as an 
aggressor upon any player, official or spectator.  PENALTY: 
officials are required to immediately suspend player from 
further play. Player will automatically be suspended for 
one year.

7. NO PLAYER SHALL: Be guilty of an abusive verbal attack 
upon a player, official, spectator or agent associated 
with Hardhitters Softball.  PENALTY: Officials are required 
to immediately suspend player from further play and report 
such player to the Operations Manager.  Such player will 
remain suspended until his/her case has been considered.

8. NO PLAYER SHALL: Use profane, obscene or vulgar language 
in any manner or at any time.  PENALTY: ZERO TOLERANCE 
The degree of infraction of this tenet of good sportsmanship 
shall, in the official's judgment, be removal from the game. 
Infractions shall be reported to the Operations Manager.

9. NO PLAYER SHALL: Be guilty of gambling upon any play or 
the outcome of the game with any spectator, player or 
opponent.  PENALTY: Officials are required to report 
violations of this rule to the Operations Manager.

10. NO PLAYER SHALL: Appear upon the field of play at any 
time in an intoxicated condition, this includes the dugout.  
PENALTY: Officials are required to immediately suspend 
player from play and report it to the Operations Manager 
for further consideration.

11. NO PLAYER SHALL: Smoke while on or coming off the 
field of play or while on the field of play, this 
includes the dugout. PENALTY: Officials are required to 
warn players guilty of infractions of this rule. Failure 
of such players to comply will result in removal from 
the game.

12. NO PLAYER SHALL: Be guilty of discussing publicly with 
spectators in a derogatory or abusive manner, any play, 
decision, or his/her personal opinion of other players 
during the game.  PENALTY: Officials are required to warn 
players guilty of infractions of this rule.  Failure of 
such players to comply will result in removal from the game.

13. NO PLAYER SHALL: Be guilty of intentionally throwing 
the bat.  PENALTY: Officials are required to immediately 
remove player from the game.

14. NO PLAYER SHALL: Hit a ball against the fencing around 
the park (i.e. batting practice).  PENALTY: Officials are 
required to warn violators and if violation continues, 
officials will eject offender(s).