Adult Softball Rules and Information
General information about Longmont Softball Leagues including policies, rules of play, and the player code of conduct.
Team and free agent registration is accepted until the registration deadline or until filled, whichever comes first. Once registration deadline has passed, teams will be assessed an additional $20 fee. Payments are accepted online, in person at the Longmont Recreation Center, 310 Quail Rd, or over the phone at 303-774-4700. Payments are NOT accepted at the ball fields. Register as a team online or sign up as a free agent (individuals are combined with others to form team at the lowest level of men’s or coed).
Team registration includes submitting a team roster- listing players, coaches, and/or manager at minimum but may also include full player information and signatures. If needed, rosters can be completed and signed as late as before game time at the field. No team will be accepted into the league until all appropriate fees have been received by Longmont Recreation.
Team registration has a split-payment option; pay half of the registration fee at sign up with an additional $20 convenience fee added to the team total. Team fees must be paid in full prior to the third week of the season. If fees are not paid in full by the deadline, the team will forfeit each game scheduled until the balance is paid in full. The Team Manager is responsible for all team payments, and they will not be eligible to play in any City of Longmont Sports league until all fees are paid in full.
General Adult Softball Policies
The Adult Softball Program is sponsored and supervised by the City of Longmont Recreation Services. The City of Longmont reserves the right to change any and all rules, regulations, and policies whenever due cause warrants a change or interpretation. When a change is made, all managers of teams affected by such a change will be notified as quickly as possible.
All league rules will be enforced by the Program Supervisor, Program Coordinator, Field Supervisors, and Umpires; and, interpreted by the Adult Sports Committee (Program Supervisor and Program Coordinator(s)).
Recreation Services reserves the right to place teams in leagues to create balanced competition. In order to continue to provide even competition within the leagues, teams finishing 1st or 2nd in their respective league in a previous season may be required to move up one division when registering for the subsequent season (minimum 5 players from the previous team remain on the team).
All managers are responsible for the information contained in this manual, as well as any other information that is emailed or distributed by the Sports Office. Managers are responsible for sharing all information in this manual with team participants. Team Managers are held responsible for fees.
The purpose of the league sponsored by the Longmont Recreation Services is to meet the community’s interest in softball and to provide friendly competition and ensure sportsmanship.
Any questions concerning softball schedules, standings, game results, rosters, umpires, rule interpretations, or other concerns not stated here but pertain to City of Longmont Adult Softball Program should be directed to the Sports Office.
All bats must have the USSSA Thumbprint, printed on the bat, no exceptions. USSSA stickers are not acceptable.
Recreation Services Responsibilities
Team Manager Responsibilities
Ensure that all team members are recorded on official roster, including changes to team manager’s information. Ensure all team members are eligible to participate in division in regard to E players in an R league, etc.
To be eligible to participate, a player MUST sign the team roster, acknowledging the liability waiver and code conduct. All players must be on the team’s roster. Information must be complete and include the first and last name of each player, email, phone number, birth date and signature (no nicknames).
A complete team roster is required from all teams, which includes participant’s first and last legal name, date of birth, phone number, and signature; participant emails are preferred but not required. Roster size is limited to sixteen (16) players. Free Agent softball teams are allowed more than 16 players. Teams wishing to include more than the maximum number of players on a team roster must pay an additional $20 per player beyond 16 players.
Teams wishing to add, drop or transfer players must use the official add/drop form provided by the Recreation Services office.
Rosters are open (to additions or drops) until the last two games of the regular season (up to 16 players). Players added to a roster must sign the Add form or the original roster. After rosters are closed or frozen, teams may only add one-time players to avoid forfeits. If a team sustains a substantial roster change after rosters close, approval from the Program Supervisor must be obtained to add new players.
One-Time Player Addition: Cost is $10/player/night. Teams wishing to add a player for only one game may do so only to avoid a forfeit or to reach a 10-player maximum. Managers must provide signed form and receipt of payment to the field supervisor before the start of their game. If an injury in the game occurs, one-time player additions can occur after the start of the game to reach the 10-player maximum. This rule cannot be used to replace an ejected player. Players are not allowed to add to a team on a one-time basis if they are rostered on another team in the same league.
Players must have a valid photo ID available for identification at all games. Roster checks can be done by Field Supervisors without notice. Rosters will be checked prior to any winner’s bracket playoff game.
If a team manager requests a roster check and a team is found to have an illegal player, the offending team shall forfeit the game. The offending player will be ineligible to play until they are added to the team’s roster and suspended for that team’s next played game. The team manager will also receive a one game suspension for that team’s next played game.
An illegal player discovered by City staff (before or at the beginning of the game) will have the option of using one-time add form or must forfeit the game (with the previously stated penalties).
A game may be finished if a player is missing their ID so long as their ID is presented or emailed to the Sports Office within one (1) business day. Field Staff may request to take a picture of any players in question for identification purposes only. If a player does not provide proof of ID, the game shall result in a forfeit (with the previously stated penalties).
All players must be sixteen (16) years of age or older.
All players must be on a team’s roster.
All players must not be under a current suspension.
Playing on two teams within the same league, on the same night, is not allowed.
R league teams may have up to four (4) E league players on their roster. L league teams may not have more than four (4) R league players from the same R league team. L league teams are not allowed to have any E league players (from any division/night) on the roster. Note: games will not be delayed to accommodate players moving to a different field.
All games canceled due to inclement weather will be rescheduled on the same league night, if possible. However, make-up games may be scheduled on weekends or on different days if no other time is available. Managers will be notified of the scheduled make-up game.
The decision regarding game status is as follows:
Prior to 3:30 pm, the decision is made by Athletics Maintenance Staff.
Between 3:30 and 5:30pm, the decision is made by Recreation Program Staff.
After 5:30pm, the decision is made by the Field Supervisor.
Team managers and players can check the Weather Line at (303) 774-4400 or Team Sideline for the most up to date game status information.
Longmont Recreation Services will enforce proper classification of teams and/or player(s). If it is clear that a team and/or player is too skilled for the level of play and/or presents a safety hazard, Recreation Program Staff may move teams up or down accordingly and/or remove players. Depending on the number of teams, a division may be divided into sublevels- L1, L2, etc.
To help determine the proper classification of your team, use the following guidelines.
R League – Recreational: Teams are interested in fun and competition. New teams or teams comprised of players with a broad range of playing experience, this league can have a large range of players from beginner to advanced. These leagues will be further divided by skill based on previous season’s record, players, and experience when league numbers allow. Depending on the number of teams, this division will be divided into sublevels: R1, R2, etc. Maximum of four (4) E league players are permitted on R league roster. Home run rule is 1 home run allowed, all other are outs.
All players should have similar colored jerseys with a visible, contrasting number. A t-shirt is appropriate.
Tennis shoes, plastic/molded rubber cleats are allowed. Metal cleats, boots, sandals, crocs or bare feet are not appropriate for game play.
Safety equipment, including a mask, shin guards, and chest protector for pitchers, is strongly recommended but not required. All players are encouraged to wear protective equipment as it pertains to their position, ability level, and pre-existing conditions.
Equipment (bats, gloves, mitts, catcher’s gear, uniforms, etc.), must be furnished by the team or player. All bats must comply with USSSA rules regarding legal bats (refer to usssa.com) and have a visible USSSA stamp.
Jewelry, consisting of earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pins, watches, rings, or any other exposed items that are judged to be hazardous or potentially dangerous by the umpire, should not be worn during the game. A warning shall be given to both teams prior to the beginning of the game. If an umpire deems that a piece of jewelry is unsafe to the participant or to others, they may require that the player remove the jewelry or leave the game. The decision of the umpire is final.
If a player enters the batter box with jewelry that has been deemed hazardous by the umpire, they will be asked again to remove the jewelry within 10 seconds.
If the identified jewelry is not removed within 10 seconds, one strike will be awarded.
If the player does not comply in another 10 seconds, the player will be called out on strikes.
If a field player has unsafe jewelry, they will be allowed 10 seconds to remove the jewelry, or the batter will be awarded a ball for each 10-second increment it takes to remove said jewelry.
Anyone taunting, using abusive language/gestures, or physical violence toward another person will be ejected from the game and, if necessary, from the league.
ALCOHOL IS NOT PERMITTED in any City facility, INCLUDING in the contest area (ballfield/court) and parking lots. Penalty may be forfeit of the game in progress. If alcohol is found on any field/court or in any dugout/team bench, the game may be subject to an automatic forfeit unless the offending individual is identified. That person may be subject to game ejection. If alcohol is possessed off-field but within the ballfield complex, the person will be asked to dispose of the items or leave the facility.
Tobacco products are not allowed to be used in the contest area (ballfield/court) at any time. Penalty may be forfeit of the game in progress.
Legal/illegal drugs are not allowed to be used in the contest area (ballfield/court) at any time. Penalty may be forfeit of the game in progress.
Any team or individuals of a team misusing the park facilities may result in that team being dropped from the league with no refund of fees.
Glass containers are prohibited in City parks.
Players and spectators are requested to refrain from bringing their dogs to the ball fields. Dogs shall not be left unattended, tied, or without a leash.
Do not hit balls into any fences or backstops.
Infield practice is not allowed on the dirt portion of the infield before or between games.
The supervision of children at the park is the responsibility of the parents.
Only players and managers should be in the dugout during the games.
Players and spectators are requested to refrain playing music within the ballfield complex.
USSSA rules will govern play with the following exceptions:
Managers must have the score card completed and given to umpire at start of game. The score card should include a legibly written first and last legal name; NICKNAMES ARE NOT ALLOWED. All players on the score card must bat. Players may play in any position defensively. At game time, if a team has not turned in a complete and accurate score card, the opposing team is declared “Home Team” and will take the field to begin the game. Any player that arrives late is placed at the end of the score card (or in the proper position in the case of a coed team). If a player is injured or must leave the game for any reason, their name will be scratched from the score card, and will remain so for the duration of the game. No out will be called for a player who must leave the game, unless the player has been ejected.
This league uses a three-ball/two-strike count for all batters. The batter shall be declared out after they receive a second called strike by the home plate umpire. If the second strike is a foul ball, the batter will receive another pitch. If the next pitch is fouled off or swung at and missed, the batter will be declared out. The batter will receive a base on balls when the third ball is called.
Games will last seven (7) innings or 55 minutes. No new inning will begin after 50 minutes. Umpires are the official timekeepers and will utilize the score clock (when available). A game will be considered a complete game and no inning will be started if:
In the inning when the run rule is exceeded (10, 15 or 20 runs) and the home team is losing, the home team will remain at-bat and become the visiting team. If the team (new visiting team) does not score enough runs to reduce the run difference below the run rule, the game is over. If they reduce the run difference to below the run rule, then the new home team will bat. If they subsequently score enough runs to exceed the run rule, the game will be over; if they do not, the game will continue under that format. If the situation reverses, the teams will flip/flop again.
If a game must be called due to darkness, inclement weather, or adverse fields conditions, the game is considered complete after four (4) whole innings (or 3½ if the home team is ahead). If a game is postponed before it can be considered a complete game, the game will be made up from the point of suspension. If a game is cancelled before one inning is complete, the game will re-start from the beginning.
A minimum of eight (8) players must be ready to take a defensive position at the beginning of the coin toss or their team will be required to be the visiting team. If at the conclusion of the first ½ inning, the visiting team does not have 8 players, the game will be declared a forfeit. Games will not be delayed to accommodate a player who has not arrived. The umpire’s decision is final on forfeiture of any game. If a forfeit occurs, the team(s) scheduled for that field may practice until ten minutes before the scheduled start of the next game on the field without the use of staff.
If a team is unable to participate in a scheduled game, the team manager should inform Recreation Staff as a courtesy to the opposing team and Game Officials. If a team fails to show and not call ahead for two (2) scheduled games, the team will be removed from the league without refund. Acceptable notification is a call/voicemail or email message to the Sports Office at 303-774-3527 or sports@longmontcolorado.gov before 5:00 PM or as soon as possible on the game day. Once the game has been forfeited, the decision cannot be reversed.
All games tied after the time or inning limit will start the first extra inning with the last player who batted in the previous inning on second base and with no outs. If after one full extra inning, the game is still tied, the last player who batted from the previous inning will start on third base. All extra innings following will start with runner on third base.
Pitchers are allowed five (5) warm up pitches for the first inning only, and one pitch per inning for the remainder of the game unless a pitching change is made.
All home runs can be “hit and sit”. All baserunners must go straight to the dugout when the home run is signaled. The batter does not need to touch first.
All teams must retrieve their own balls that are hit/thrown outside of the fenced playing area, home runs, foul balls, over-throws, whether or not it is an out or inning-ending situation. If a team does not retrieve their ball hit/thrown out of play in a reasonable amount of time, the umpire will retrieve the ball while the game clock continues to run. The umpire will also warn the team that their next home run may result in an out.
All players may re-enter a game but must remain in the same spot in the batting order. There is no limit to the number of times a player can go out and re-enter a game.
In non-coed leagues, teams are allowed one courtesy runner per inning. Coed teams are allowed one courtesy runner per gender per inning (must be same gender). As per USSSA rule, any player on the team’s score card may be the courtesy runner. If the courtesy runner is on base when it is their turn to bat, they will be called out on base and must take their turn at bat.
Exceptions to Courtesy Runner rule:
A player who has any visible blood must be removed from the game. Before re-entering the game, the blood flow must be stopped, and the wound must be covered and any portion of the uniform that has blood on it must be changed. Replacement jerseys do not have to have a number and do not have to be of similar color.
Tournament Seeding/Tie-Breaker Procedures
At the end of league play, teams are seeded for tournament play. The following tiebreakers will be used:
Game winning percentage of league play.
Teams forfeiting any game during the season automatically lose any tiebreaker.
If two teams are tied, head-to-head competition determines higher seed. If still tied, then team with fewer runs against takes higher seed.
If three or more teams are tied and have played each other the same number of times, head-to-group competition determines higher seed. If still tied, then team with fewer runs against takes higher seed.
If three or more teams are tied and have not played each other the same number of times, higher seed is the team that has the fewest runs against on the season.
If teams are still tied, the total runs for are tallied for the season.
If teams are still tied, higher seed is determined by coin toss.
Digging in batter's box is not allowed. Digging is defined as pawing, clawing, or corkscrewing in the batter's box. If in the judgment of the umpire, such an illegal action occurs, the first offense will result in an out and the second offense will result in ejection from the ball game.
In an effort to ensure participant safety and unnecessary slides, any player who uses a fake tag will be subject to ejection from the game and will be asked to vacate the facility for that night.
A player who unintentionally throws a bat will receive a warning; on a second occurrence, the player will be ejected. A player who intentionally throws a bat will be subject to an ejection. Player is subject to ejection and charged with an out if they flagrantly throw a bat, regardless of if the bat hits a person or not. A bat that is thrown and hits the fence will result in an ejection.
If a team is reduced from the starting number of players due to ejection, that players spot will be charged with an out each time it comes up in the order. A team may continue after one ejection with a minimum of 8 players. Any team with two ejections in a game will forfeit that game.
Any player, coach, manager, or spectator who is ejected from a game is automatically ineligible for that team's next game and all league play for one week (in the case of a spectator, they are not allowed to attend games for next 7 days). Any player, coach, manager or spectator who is ejected from two (2) games will be suspended from all league play (or attendance in the case of a spectator) for the remainder of the season pending review by the athletics rules committee.
Participants ejected from play must pay $25 (for 1st Ejection in the calendar year), $50 (2nd Ejection in the calendar year), or $100 (for 3rd Ejection in the calendar year and to return the next calendar year) in order to return to play. Payments are accepted at the Longmont Recreation Center front desk or online; proof of payment should be provided to Game Officials.
A 12" softball will be used in league play.
The batting order will alternate male/female or female/male until all males are listed in the line-up. Females may bat back-to-back at the end of the line-up if a team is playing with more females than males. TEAMS MUST STICK TO LINE UP TURNED IN AT BEGINNING OF GAME – NO ROTATING GENDERS THROUGH BATTING ORDER.
If a team has 5 males and 4 females, they may play 9 on defense only by taking an out each time the 5th female player’s place comes up in the line-up. Whenever a team has 5 & 4, the gender with 5 must bat first. This rule applies only to teams with 9 players and does not carry over for teams playing with more than 9 and playing with extra males. Teams playing with extra males and 10+ players may have male batters share a line in the batting order and they will alternate at bats.
If a male walks, intentionally or otherwise, he goes to second base. The following female in the batting order has the option to walk or bat. If a female walks, intentionally or otherwise, she goes to first base. The following male in the batting order must bat.
If a female is injured and cannot be substituted for, the manager has the following options.
There are no restrictions in positioning of players in the coed division.
All four (4) outfielders must remain behind the 175' line until the ball is hit. All infielders must start on the dirt of the infield until the ball is hit. This applies to both male and female batters. Penalty – batter and any baserunners will be awarded one base.
A protest should be made only when it is felt that there has been an infringement of the rules. A difference of opinion about the umpire's judgment on a particular play or plays does not constitute grounds for a protest. Incident reports are available at the field, or a manager may email the Sports Office if they would like to share their experience.
Teams wishing to register a protest must make the umpires and field supervisor aware of the intent to protest PRIOR to the next pitch of the ball game or before teams have left the field if the protest-able action occurs on the last out of the game.
A formal written or emailed protest must be submitted to Recreation Services before 5:00 pm of the next working day following the game. The Rules Committee, which consists of Program Administrators, will determine protest viability and any action regarding the protest concerning the offending team, player(s), and/or fans. Note: If the protest is upheld and corrected by the Field Supervisor on site, no written protest is necessary.
A $50 Protest Fee must be paid at the time of protest submission, payable at the Longmont Recreation Center or online.
Player Eligibility Protest: Opposing team managers and City of Longmont staff may question a player’s eligibility and should request a ruling from the Field Supervisor. If the player in question is found to be ineligible (not on a team roster or add/drop form) before or during the game, the offending player and manager will be ejected from that game and suspended from the team’s next game and a forfeit loss will also be given to the offending team.
Abuse: includes but not limited to obscene gestures, heckling, verbally attacking, threatening and/or laying a hand upon, shoving, hitting or striking.
At any time abuse a Recreation employee, player or spectator. In addition, no player shall be guilty of using unnecessarily rough tactics in the play of the game against the body of an opposing player.
Note: If a player or team obtains repeated ejections for unsportsmanlike behavior in a season or repeated seasons then this individual or team may be subject to prolonged suspension determined by the Athletics staff depending on the severity.
Two Minute Clause Shall Be In Effect
Two minutes will be allowed for an ejected or suspended player(s) to leave from the designated contest area (including the dugout). If this time limit is not met, the contest may be forfeited to the opponents. Any player continuing to cause a disruption will be asked and required to leave the park immediately.
In order to provide for the recreational enjoyment of players, coaches, and spectators any enforcement procedures which are not stated herein may be provided by the Recreation Division as is deemed necessary.
We believe sponsors are important to the program. When deemed necessary, a letter will be sent to the team’s sponsor(s) informing them of player, coach, manager, or fan misconduct/poor sportsmanship.