The Pine To Prairie League Rules basic set of rules for the league are the NCAA Softball Rules for 2023-2024. From those Rules we have modified and adapted the Rules to better fit our league and league goals. If we have not modified a Rule, the NCAA Rule will govern, but we also provide that if the two teams agree through their leaders (and the umpire in some non-game situations) the teams can proceed as they wish, subject to the below Rules. The citations below are from the NCAA Rules.
Rule # 1: Have Fun!
Bats: For the safety of everyone, players should use bats off the NCAA approved list. The bats used should bear the USA Softball Certification, or the older ASA Softball certification label. Composite bats are preferred for safety. No broken or cracked bats may be used.
Rule 5.11 No artificial noisemakers may be used by players.
Rule 1.15 All players must use double ear flap batting helmets.
Rule 3. Uniforms: All players shall wear the P2P provided jersey top whenever possible. If a player finds that she is unable to wear her jersey to a given game, she should make all possible effort to wear a like-colored shirt for that game. For that game her number shall be “0”. Uniform bottoms are at the player’s discretion, but must be suitable and safe for softball, and respectful of the game.
Rule 3.7.1.1 Base coaches shall wear a batting helmet at all times.
Rule 3.7 Defensive player helmets and/or facemasks are not required, but are very highly recommended and encouraged by the league.
Rule 4 No Friends, family members, fans or members of the public shall be allowed in the dugouts/on the benches during games.
Rule 4.3 Any player may serve as a base coach, but must wear a helmet while on the field.
Rule 5.1 Our field permits generally allow for Two(2) Eight Minute warmup periods before each game, visitor first, home team second. Teams may warm up together to save time, are encouraged to do so.
Rule 5.3.2 Weather: Your safety comes first! In the event there is even slightest possibility of dangerous weather, the game should be postponed or suspended if play has occurred. The umpire is NOT the final judge on weather cancellation or suspension, the leaders from the teams are the final judge. If either team wishes to suspend or cancel, that decision is final and the game shall be played on another date. P2P has secured plenty of additional days and times for fields for weather suspensions and/or cancellation. Don’t play if it is dangerous to do so!
Rule 5. Balls: Each team will be supplied with 2 new softballs for each game (4 total). Each P2P ball has been pre-marked with a “P”. We ask that you return those balls at the end of the season so we will have practice balls for next year.
Rule 5.7 & Rule 8.1.2.8 Line-up: All players attending a game shall be put into the batting line-up. The players at the game in a timely manner before the game shall be listed starting at “1”. Players arriving after the line-ups have been shared shall be placed on the bottom of the line-up. In other words, all players hit. The 3 leaders of the team shall decide the batting order with input from the players.
Rule 6.1.3 & Rule 8.1-5 Substitutions: It is the intent of P2P that all players who attend games fully participate offensively and defensively. Substitution for any player is allowed at any dead-ball time for injury, fatigue or at the request of the player. Free-substitution for all players defensively BY INNING. Open re-entry- players may rotate in and out by inning.
If your team is short player(s), you may borrow from the opposing team for the game. We do not want any forfeits. You may also ‘hire’ as a substitute any other P2P registered player from any other team so long as that player is registered and rostered on a team in the league. No outside/non-league registered players are allowed to play in the league.
Rule 6.14 The NCAA Rules provide for a win when a team is ahead by 8 runs after the Five(5) required innings. To provide for more playing time we are extending that Rule to 10 runs. Further, we strongly encourage teams to play out the game to a full 7 innings ( by agreement of the team leaders ) to allow for more playing time for all, and if time allows. Tie games: Tie games after 7 innings should be reported as a tie. There will not be time for extra innings in most instances.
Rule 8.1.2.9 Pinch Runners: Pinch runners are allowed for the pitcher, catcher, and any baserunner who requests a pinch runner at any time.