These rules were approved by the EMASS Board on Feb 23, 2025.
You can download the full 2025 EMASS rules here.
RULE 1: GENERAL
1-1 The EMASS Playing Rules adopted in 2025 replace
any earlier EMASS playing rules, and unless a Rule is specifically identified
as only pertaining to the Atlantic, Colonial, Pioneers, National, Minuteman, or
Pacific, these rules shall apply to all divisions.
1-2 Wherever USA Softball and EMASS rules differ,
the EMASS rules shall govern.
RULE 2: THE PLAYING
FIELD (Ground rules
can be found in the Appendix)
2-1 An alternate first base ("ALTERNATE
FIRST BASE") shall be placed 34" (1 bat length) from first base in
foul territory at the same distance as the regular first base ("REGULAR
FIRST BASE") from home plate.
RULE 3: EQUIPMENT
3-1 Bats used in EMASS must be in compliance with USA
Softball (formerly ASA) rules pertaining to official certified/approved bats,
and bear ASA or USA Softball certification marks or hologram. (A
list of USA Softball approved bats can be found in Download section of E-MASS.org website.)
3-1.A.
No bats used in EMASS can exceed BPF 1.20. Therefore, Senior Bats are not allowed.
Exception: In National, Minuteman, and Pioneers Division games only, players 75
or older are allowed to use Senior Bats.
Women of any age may use Senior Bats.
Senior bats must be clearly marked with
red tape around the handle and
should be kept separately from other bats.
Managers should inform the umpire and opposing manager of all players
using Senior bats prior to the start of the game.
3-2
Any bat not authorized for play by the USA
Softball is considered to be a Non-Approved bat and may not be used in EMASS softball
activity of any kind (including batting practice). If an umpire discovers a player using a Non-Approved
Bat, even in batting practice, the owner of the bat (if identifiable) and the
player using the bat shall be ejected. An
ejected player must leave the premises and is not eligible to play for the
remainder of the day.
3-2.A.
If a Non-Approved Bat is discovered to
have been used during an at-bat and PRIOR to the 1st pitch to the next batter,
the following shall apply (stepping into the batter's box with a Non-Approved bat
is deemed use of the Non-Approved bat):
a. The bat shall be removed from the
game;
b. The owner of the bat shall be
ejected from the game;
c. The player using the bat shall be
declared "out" and all runners shall return to their bases prior to
the at-bat;
d. The player using the bat shall be
ejected from the game, must leave the premises and is not eligible to play
for the remainder of the day.
3-2.B. In the event a Non-Approved Bat was used but
not discovered until after a pitch has been made to the next batter, the bat is
removed from the game, the owner of the bat (if identifiable) and the player
who used the bat shall be ejected, and if the batter reached base safely, the
play stands and a courtesy runner replaces the ejected player. An ejected player must leave the premises and
is not eligible to play for the remainder of the day.
3-3
Balls used in EMASS
softball activities must have the Certified ASA (or USA) Softball stamp and not
appear on the list of ASA Non-Approved Ball List with Certification Mark. The official EMASS ball is a 12-inch
composite cover poly -core ball with a maximum compression of 300 lbs. and the
ball COR is .520. For example, A.D. Starr AT1252 “Tattoo” balls meet these
criteria as do several other brands.
RULE 4: PLAYERS & SUBSTITUTES
4-1 If at any time a team has fewer than 11
players able to play, the team at bat IS PERMITTED to provide a non-defensive
catcher to the short-handed team, provided both managers are in agreement.
- A
non-defensive catcher receives pitches and returns the ball to the pitcher
- A
non-defensive catcher is prohibited from making any defensive play, so if
he/she inadvertently catches a foul tip (for example), the batter is not
out unless it occurred with 2 strikes already on the batter.
- A
non-defensive catcher must get out of the way and avoid interfering with
any players in the field making a play on any ball or throw.
4-2 In some rare circumstances, the Division
Coordinator or their designee(s) may allow the team at bat to supply defensive
catchers.
RULE 5: THE GAME
5-1 In the event that the Division Coordinator
has not elected to cancel games due to weather, upon arriving at the field,
fitness of the grounds is decided solely by the assigned plate umpire
throughout the course of the game(s).
5-1.A. Even if the umpire judged the grounds fit to
play, if both Managers disagree and believe it would be unsafe to play the
scheduled game(s), they shall inform the umpire that they are declaring the
game(s) for the day at that field cancelled.
However, if only one Manager, in good faith, believes that it would be
unsafe to play, the Manager may elect not to play. The other Manager, in this example, may file
a written Protest with the Rules Coordinator for a final determination.
5-2 If, at the scheduled starting time of a game,
a team has fewer than 9 players available, the 1st game shall be
declared a forfeit in favor of the team that is not shorthanded. If neither
team has 9 players available, the game shall be declared a double forfeit.
5-2.A. If a team has forfeited the 1st
game due to insufficient players, the 2nd game shall begin 10
minutes after the original starting time for the 1st game (i.e. the
shorthanded team will have 10 minutes to reach the required number of players
to avoid a forfeit of the 2nd game).
5-3 Every player who is available to play shall
be in the batting order for the entire game(s).
5-3 A. In
some rare and unusual circumstances, Division Coordinators may allow an
individual player to play in the field and/or participate as a courtesy runner
without being in the batting line-up. These exceptions must be made prior
to game day and should be communicated to the opposing manager before the start
of the game.
5-4 If a player arrives after the start of game,
they shall be placed at the end of the batting order as soon as he/she confirms
to their manager or the umpire that they are ready to play. In addition, at their Manager’s discretion,
the player may be inserted immediately on defense.
5-5 Even if there aren’t any non-participants
there to hear it, any player or manager using language at a level which might
be heard beyond the boundaries of the playing field and judged by the umpire as
foul or obscene will be warned by the umpire upon a first offense. If it occurs a second time, the umpire shall
eject the player.
5-6
Unsportsmanlike conduct of any type could mean ejection from the
game. Infractions such as threats or
physical force directed towards any game official, other player(s), or
spectators shall result in ejection.
An ejected player
must leave the premises and is not eligible to play for the remainder of the
day.
5-7 If a player is forced to leave a game as a
result of an injury, illness, or emergency, “NO OUT” shall be declared for the
vacated spot in the batting order provided the umpire and opposing manager have
been notified.
5-7.A. If a player leaves a game for any other
reason (e.g. work, appointments, etc.) an “OUT” will be recorded each time the
vacated position in the batting order comes up UNLESS (x) the Manager has
disclosed this fact to the Umpire and the opposing Manager PRIOR TO THE START
OF THE GAME IN QUESTION, or (y) the game has continued beyond 1:00 PM (weekday
divisions) or 12:00 PM (weekend divisions), in which case “NO OUT” shall be
declared for the vacated spot in the batting order. Such player shall not be
permitted to return to play in any game that day. IT IS INCUMBENT UPON THE MANAGERS TO DISCLOSE
THIS INFORMATION TO THE UMPIRE AND THE OPPOSING MANAGERS.
5-7.B. (Pioneers Division Only): A player can take himself/herself out of a
game without penalty if they do not feel up to playing, provided the player and
his/her manager inform the Umpire and Opposing Manager. Once leaving a game, a
player may not re-enter the game but, if they leave the game, they can play in
the following game(s). Any player can
limit their playing to only one game, but IT IS INCUMBENT UPON THE MANAGERS TO
DISCLOSE THIS INFORMATION TO THE UMPIRE AND THE OPPOSING MANAGERS.
5-8 An “OUT” is recorded for any unexcused
vacated position in the batting order.
Rule 5-7 and 5-7.A and 5-7.B explain situations in which a vacated
position would be excused. An ejection
is not excused and every time an unexcused vacated position in the batting
order comes up during a particular game, an “OUT” will be recorded. The game may end on an automatic out.
Exception: No automatic out shall be declared on the
missing batter if the batter immediately prior in the batting order is walked,
whether intentional or not. No out will be declared and the batting position
will be skipped and the following batter shall take his/her turn at bat.
5-9 A defensive player may not record an out by
touching the “ALTERNATE FIRST BASE.”
5-10 There are no tag plays at home plate. In order to record an “OUT” at home plate, a
defensive player must touch the Strike Mat with the ball in his/her possession
before the base runner touches the Alternate Home Plate. No defensive player (including the catcher)
may tag the base runner once the base runner has crossed the Commitment Line
with both feet having touched the ground on or across the line. If the runner is tagged after crossing the
Commitment Line with both feet, the base runner shall be declared “SAFE.”
5-11 During innings 1 – 6, the batting team may
score a maximum of 5 runs. In the 7th inning and any subsequent
extra innings, there is no limitation.
The 7th inning and extra innings are considered “Open
Innings.”
5-12
If either team is trailing by 15 runs or more at any time after the 5th
inning is complete or 12 runs after the 6th inning is complete (4.5
or 5.5 innings if the home team is ahead), the umpire shall declare the game
over (Mercy Rule). The score at the time
stands as the final score of the game.
5-13 Mandatory Flip-Flop Rule – If the HOME
team is trailing by 10 or more runs after the bottom of the 6th
inning, the HOME team will stay at bat for its 7th inning. If
the HOME team ties the game or goes ahead, the VISITING team will come up for
their open inning. That is, the teams flip-flop positions.
5-13.A. If, after the teams flipped the order in
which they batted in the 7th inning, the game is tied at the end of
that inning, the teams will once again flip the order in which they bat in the
8th inning. That is, the team
that started the game as the home team and batting last in innings 1-6 will
again bat last for the remainder of the game.
5-14 In any game tied after the 7th
inning of play, a tie-breaker shall be used.
Starting with the top of the 8th inning, and each half inning
thereafter until a winner has been determined, the offensive team shall begin
its turn at bat with the player who is scheduled to bat last in that respective
half inning being placed on second base.
An eligible pinch runner / courtesy runner may be substituted for this
player. (USA RULE 5-Sect 11-A-C).
5-15
Occasionally games will need to be
played at a quicker pace due to time constraints or weather. The 5-15 rule set
may only be implemented by Division Coordinators or their designee(s); or by both
team Managers prior to the start of the game.
·
All
batters will start with a 1-1 count.
·
Batters
will get one courtesy foul. A batter will be ruled out if they foul off two
balls after their second strike.
·
Teams
will be encouraged to have the next two batters in the on deck area.
5-16
Once 90 minutes have elapsed from the scheduled game 1 starting time of
regular season weekday games (11:30), the umpire will inform both teams that
unless the game reaches its natural conclusion, upon completion of the current
inning the next inning will be the final inning. This final inning will be an “Open
Inning.” If the game is tied at the end
of that inning, the game will be declared over and a tie.
Exception: Pacific Division games.
5-16.A. In the event the 2nd game of a
doubleheader in any regular season weekday division has not concluded by 1:00 for
any reason, the Umpire shall notify the Managers that the teams will finish the
current inning and then begin the last or “Open Inning”. If
the game is still tied, the game is over and will be declared a tie.
Exception: Pacific Division games.
RULE 6: PITCHING REGULATIONS
6-1 The strike mat is 19 inches wide and 34 1/2
inches long. Any pitch that is not a
batted ball shall be called a strike by the umpire if, in the umpire’s
judgment, the pitch reached a height of between 6 and 12 feet off the ground
and made first contact on any portion of the strike mat. A ball that strikes the ground just outside
the mat but a portion of the ball is over the edge of the mat shall be called a
ball if the batter did not strike the ball or swing and miss.
6-2
Every player in EMASS is always
required to wear a protective mask while pitching. Pitchers are encouraged to wear additional
protective equipment if they feel doing so is necessary to ensure their
protection.
6-3
In EMASS divisions in which use of the Pitching Screen is allowed, the
personal safety of the pitcher is the responsibility of the player assuming the
position of pitcher.
6-3.A. There is no Pitching Screen in Colonial and
Pacific Division games.
6-3.B. Use of the Pitching Screen is mandatory in Pioneers
Division games.
6-3.C. In all games in the Atlantic,
Minuteman, and National divisions, if one or both starting pitchers decide they
want the Pitching Screen to be on
the field for their protection, both teams must use the screen for the entire
game.
6-3.D. In the Atlantic, Minuteman, and National divisions,
if neither starting pitcher requires the Pitching Screen to
be on the field but a relief pitcher enters the game and requests the Pitching
Screen, the Pitching Screen is to be set up without delay by the team at bat,
and the screen shall be used by both teams for the remainder of the game.
6-3.E. If
the Pitching Screen is in use, pitchers must have their head and torso fully
behind the screen at the point the pitch is batted. If the pitcher fails to do
so and is the first fielder to intentionally or inadvertently contact a batted
ball other than a routine pop fly, then a dead ball is declared, the batter is
awarded first base, and all other runners advance one base.
6-3.F. If the Pitching Screen is in use during the
game, its location and position shall be as follows:
- The
Pitching Screen may be placed on either side of the pitcher’s plate
(rubber). However, once the pitcher
establishes his/her preference, the
Pitching Screen must remain on that side of the rubber for remainder of
game.
- The
Pitching Screen will be no less than three (3’) nor more than five (5’)
feet forward of the front edge of the pitching rubber.
- While
the Pitching Screen can be placed to whichever side is most consistent
with the pitcher’s individual style, it must be placed in front of the pitching rubber or in
line with either of its edges. In
addition, the pitching screen should be positioned so the ball is in full
view of the batter at the beginning of the pitching motion through the
release of the ball. Therefore, the ball cannot be pitched over the
top of the pitching screen. Once the pitcher positions the
Pitching Screen at the beginning of an inning, it may not be moved on a
batter by batter basis unless a batter informs the umpire that the ball is
blocked from his/her view and requests the umpire instruct the pitcher to
move the Pitching Screen by as much as two feet.
6-3.G. Unless first touched by a member of
the defensive team, any
batted ball hit into the Pitching Screen netting or striking any part of the
Pitching Screen structure is a DEAD BALL (NO PITCH).
6-3.H. Any ball thrown by a defensive player which
strikes the Pitching Screen or any part thereof will be a live ball and runners
may advance at their own risk.
RULE 7: BATTING
7-1 When an entire foot
is touching the ground completely behind
or in front of the batter’s box (batter’s mat) at the time the ball
makes contact with the bat, the ball is dead, the batter is out, and
runners return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch. There is no penalty for a foot being fully
outside the sides of the
batter’s box at the time the ball contacts the bat unless some portion of the
foot is in contact with the strike mat.
7-2 Any player who intentionally, in the judgment
of the umpire, throws his/her bat in anger or frustration shall be ejected from
the game. As with any ejection in EMASS,
the ejected player will not be permitted to play the remainder of that day, and
must leave the premises.
7-3
Any
player who inadvertently throws his/her bat in a manner which could result in
the catcher, umpire or any other player being struck may be declared out
and shall be warned that if it occurs again in the same game, the batter shall
be ejected and not permitted to play the remainder of the day. If the
umpire declares the batter out, the ball shall be declared a “dead ball” and
all runners shall return to the base previously occupied.
7-4 (Pioneers Division
Only). In any half inning, a maximum of two bases on balls, unintentional
or intentional, can be awarded to the team at bat. Following the
second walk, no balls will be called during subsequent at bats in the inning,
even if there is a pitching change. The only calls made by the
umpire shall be strikes if the batter swings and misses, for foul balls, or
legal pitches that the batter takes and hit the strike mat. A pitcher may
not intentionally walk a batter for strategic reasons if two batters have
already been walked that inning.
7-5 WALKS – WITHOUT A STRIKE BEING THROWN OR INTENTIONAL: When
a batter is walked without a swinging or called strike, a foul ball, or a
batted ball hitting the pitching screen, the batter’s Manager may
choose a) to have the batter proceed to first base as a batter would after any
base on balls or b) remain at bat with a new ball and strike count. If
the Manager elects to have the batter continue at bat, a Courtesy Runner (see
Rule 8-1) will be substituted at first base in the batter’s place and be governed
by all aspects of the Courtesy Runner Rule. If the batter is walked
a second or subsequent time without a swinging or called strike, foul ball, or
batted ball hitting the pitching screen, the same process will apply. This rule
also applies in games played with a 1-1 count. A batter whose manager elects to
substitute a Courtesy Runner for him/her remains eligible to be used as a
Courtesy Runner later in the inning.
Exception: Pioneers Division games. See 7-5.A.
7-5.A. (Pioneers
Division Only) UNINTENTIONAL WALKS ONLY – If the batter’s
Manager chooses to have the batter remain at bat with a new ball
and strike count, no courtesy runner will be placed at first
base. On an intentional walk, the procedure in rule 7-5 will apply
unless the team at bat has already had 2 batters walked in their half
inning (See Rule 7-4).
7-6
(Pioneers Division Only) While a player is at bat, a minimum of
four (4) outfielders must remain on the outfield grass until the ball is
struck. A violation occurs only if a player breaking the rule makes contact
with the batted ball. Once that happens,
the Umpire will immediately call a “dead ball,” award the batter 1st
base, and advance any base runners one base beyond the base they have
already reached at the time the outfielder fielded the ball.
7-6.A.
(National Division only) During any at bat, teams must play four
outfielders positioned more than 150’ from home plate, who may not move inside
that distance until the ball is hit. In the event of a violation of the
rule, the batter will have the option to take the results of the play or replay
the pitch.
7-6.B. (National
Division only) The National Division Coordinator will have the authority to
modify rule 7-6.A as he deems appropriate.
7-7
(Pioneers Division Only): The
batter-runner shall be automatically ruled safe at first base if a batted ball
is not caught in the air and the ball remains live if:
·
A defensive player positioned fully in
the outfield at the time the pitch was released attempts to throw the
batter-runner out at first or throws to another player who starts a relay to do
so. This takes priority of Rule 8-8.A.
·
A batted ball gets past or is not fielded
cleanly by a defensive player positioned in the infield at the time the pitch
was released, provided the ball reaches the outfield.
Exception: The ball remains live BUT the
batter-runner remains at risk of being thrown out at first base on a batted
ball that has reached the outfield if:
·
A player positioned in the infield at the
time the pitch is released ranges into the outfield and cleanly fields the ball
in his/her barehand or glove, even if the ball first reached the outfield.
RULE 8: BATTER-RUNNER & RUNNER
8-1 Courtesy Runners are allowed in all divisions. Any player in the
batting order may serve as a Courtesy Runner.
8-2 A player is not
automatically entered into the game as a Courtesy by the act of touching a
base. The only individuals authorized to designate a Courtesy Runner is
a Manager or Designated Team Representative (DTR). They must notify
the Umpire and the opposing Manager of the substitution PRIOR to the Courtesy
being permitted to enter the game. Provided the Umpire realizes or is informed
by the opposing Manager that the announced runner is ineligible prior to the
first pitch to the next batter, the umpire shall instruct the Manager or DTR to
select a different runner without penalty.
8-2 A. Managers may substitute a courtesy
runner for a player who is injured, who requests a
courtesy runner, or for strategic reasons after the fifth inning. During
the first 5 innings of a regular season game, managers will not substitute a courtesy
runner for those who have not requested it. In the sixth inning and
beyond teams may substitute courtesy runners as deemed appropriate by the
manager. During playoffs, courtesy runners may be used at the manager’s
discretion in any inning.
8-2 B. Division Coordinators have
the authority to modify rule 8-2 (A ) as they deem appropriate for their
division.
8-3.
A Courtesy Runner whose turn at bat comes while on base will be called
out. The runner will be removed from the
base and take their turn at bat. A
second Courtesy Runner is not permitted at this time.
8-4.
A player may not serve as a Courtesy Runner more than once per
inning. A violation results in an
illegal courtesy runner, is an out, and the runner is removed from the base.
8-5
A Courtesy Runner may not run for
an existing Courtesy Runner except for an injury. A violation results in an illegal runner, is
an out, and the runner is removed from the base.
8-6
A runner who is replaced with a Courtesy
Runner cannot be used as a Courtesy Runner for the remainder of the inning. A
player violating this provision is an illegal runner, and results in an out,
and the runner is removed from the base.
8-7 An illegal Courtesy Runner is committing a
continuing violation. Therefore, if the
umpire failed to realize an illegal Courtesy Runner has entered the game and
called him/her out, this may be appealed to the umpire by the Manager of the
defensive team at any time while the illegal runner is on base or, if the
illegal runner scores, PRIOR to the first pitch to the next batter.
8-8 SAFETY FIRST BASE: Since the play is in front of the
batter-runner after they have hit the ball, safety at first base is primarily
controlled by them. IF NO THROW IS MADE
TO FIRST BASE, THE BATTER-RUNNER MAY TOUCH EITHER BASE.
8-8.A. Balls hit to any infielder including the
middle fielder, even if the infielder is positioned on the outfield grass: If the infielder throws to first base, the
batter-runner MUST run to the alternate first base. In the event the batter-runner, instead,
touches the regular first base, he/she interfered with the first baseman
(contact is not necessary), the batter-runner is out, and any base runner(s)
are returned to the base(s) they occupied prior to the interference.
8-8.A.1. If a ball hit to an infielder is not fielded
cleanly and the ball is CLEARLY BEHIND the fielder and in the outfield and no
other fielder has a remote chance of throwing the runner out at first base, the
batter-runner may run to either the regular or alternate first base.
8-8.A.2 Balls hit to an outfielder, particularly ones
hit to the right fielder, can result in a throw to first base that has a
reasonable chance of resulting in the batter-runner being out at first
base. The batter-runner must remain
alert to this possibility. If a throw to
first base from an outfielder, in the judgment of the umpire, has a reasonable
chance of resulting in an out, the batter-runner shall be called out for
interference if he/she continued to run to the regular first base.
Exception: A base runner must make every
reasonable effort to avoid colliding or making contact with defensive players
while running the bases, and this is true even at first base where an overthrow
could pull the first baseman into foul ground and into the potential path of
the batter-runner. In the event of such
an overthrow and in this instance only, in an attempt to avoid a
collision, the batter-runner is allowed to touch the regular first base if that
is the best route to avoid a collision.
Provided the first baseman has not touched the regular first base with
the ball in time to record an out and the risk of collision causes the
batter-runner to miss both the alternate or regular first base, the umpire
should use his/her discretion and rule the batter-runner safe, no appeal
allowed.
8-9. It is illegal for a fielder to impede a base runner or
block access to a base unless the fielder is in the act of fielding a batted
ball or in possession of the ball. This
is obstruction. Contact is not
necessary to impede a runner. If the
umpire calls “obstruction,” the ball remains live until all action has ceased. Therefore, the runner can be put out if they
attempt going past the base that they would have reached had there been no
obstruction. But if no attempt has been
made to advance farther, once the play is ruled dead the umpire shall award the
base which would have been reached had there been no obstruction.
8-9.A. Sliding is
prohibited into first base but allowed at all other bases plus when returning
to first base (EMASS rule 8-11). Legally
sliding into a base displays a reasonable effort by the runner to avoid colliding
with opposing players while running the bases.
But sliding through the base and take out slides are strictly illegal
and an act of interference. A
runner who decides to remain upright rather than slide into a base on a
potential force out shall be ruled safe if, in the umpire’s judgment, the
runner beat the throw even if he missed the bag to ensure he avoided a
collision with the fielder. However, if
the runner is judged as having failed to avoid colliding with a defensive
player involved in the play, the umpire shall immediately call “dead ball” and
rule interference. If interference is
ruled, the runner is out, and all base runners except the batter will be
returned to their previous base unless forced to advance. And if in
the umpire’s judgment the runner’s contact with the defensive player involved
in the play possibly negated a double play, the umpire may award a second out
at the appropriate base.
8-10 SAFETY AT HOME
PLATE: A runner attempting to score shall be ruled out if they touch any
portion of the strike mat or batter’s box, and the ball remains live. A
runner who has made contact or crossed the Commitment Line and has had both
feet touch the ground on or across the line, a marking 20 feet from home plate,
and is tagged by a defensive player shall be ruled safe and play continues.
8-10.A If a runner has made
contact or passed the Commitment Line, continues running on the original foul
line, and interferes with a fielder taking a throw at or in contact with the
strike mat, the ball is dead, the runner attempting to score is called out for
interference, and all other runners must return to the last base touched at the
time of the interference.
8-10.B.
Once the base runner makes contact with or crosses the Commitment
Line with any part of their body, the base runner may not return to third
base. If a runner re-crosses the Commitment Line for any reason in an
attempt to return to third base, the runner will be declared “OUT” and the ball
remains live.
8-10.C. The
offense will not be credited with scoring a run unless base runner(s) and/or
the batter-runner step on the Alternate Home Plate which shall be placed eight
feet (8') from the back tip of home plate (in foul territory) on an extended
line from first base.
Exception: Any
time a batter is credited with a 4 base award, the batter-runner and all
runners are credited with run(s) and are not required to run the bases and
touch the Alternate Home Plate.
8-11
Sliding is only prohibited while running into first base. A batter-runner sliding into first base shall
be declared “OUT.” Sliding while
returning to first base IS allowed.
APPENDIX: GROUND RULES
N.B. These are the
Ground Rules that were in place at the end of the 2024 season. They may be updated,
as appropriate, during the 2025 season.)
WAYLAND
CORNER FIELD:
A-1 Any fair ball leaving the grassy area in left
field and reaching asphalt (touched or untouched by a defensive player),
whether on the fly or otherwise, shall be declared a 4 base award (home run).
A-1.A.
Any fair ball to right field reaching the asphalt sidewalk (touched or
untouched by a defensive player), whether on the fly or otherwise or passes
over the sidewalk on the fly, shall be declared a 4 base award (home run). Please note:
The foul pole is approximately 30 feet beyond the edge of the sidewalk
so a fair ball that reaches the sidewalk in fair territory but passes to the
right of the foul pole is a home run.
A-2
The "Dead Ball Area" on the first base side shall be a
straight line drawn from the end of the protective fence directly to the far
end of the cement pad upon which the bleachers are located; and from that point
on, the sidewalk.
A-3
The "Dead Ball Area" on the third base side shall be a
straight line drawn from the end of the protective fence directly to the far
end of the cement pad upon which the bleachers are located; and from that point
on, the sidewalk.
A-4
Any batted ball that strikes a tree or tree branch (in foul
territory) without first having been touched by a defensive player or without
first having touched the ground, shall be a "Dead Ball" Strike.
If, in the judgment of the umpire, a batted ball struck a tree branch
that is over fair territory, the umpire shall declare it a “Dead Ball” (No
Pitch) and the count on the batter remains the same.
A-5
A batted ball passing on the fair side of the left field foul pole shall
be ruled a home run if, in the judgment of the umpire, the ball has passed an
imaginary line from the edge of the asphalt extended towards the foul pole. A batted ball hitting any part of the tree in
that area shall be declared a 4-base award (home run) provided the ball was
judged to be a fair ball when it passed the foul pole.
WAYLAND
BASKETBALL COURT FIELD:
A-6
Any fair ball reaching the sidewalk or street (touched or untouched by a
defensive player), whether on the fly or otherwise, shall be declared a 4 base
award (home run). The foul pole in left
field is on the far side of the sidewalk so, if in the judgment of the umpire,
the ball left the playing field in fair territory but passes to the left of the
left field foul pole, it shall be ruled a home run.
A-6.A.
A batted ball to the right of the left field foul pole that strikes a
leaf or branch of a tree shall be declared a 4-base award (home run).
A-7
The "Dead Ball Area" on the first base side shall be a
straight line at roughly a 45 degree angle drawn from the end of the protective
fence to the end of the tall portion of the basketball court fence; and from
that point on, the sidewalk.
A-8
The "Dead Ball Area" on the third base side shall be a
straight line drawn from the end of the protective fence directly to the far
end of the bleachers. From the cement at
the far end of the bleachers, the dead ball area is a straight line directly to
the corner of the parking lot closest to home plate; and from that point on,
the parking lot.
A-9
Any batted ball that strikes a tree or tree branch (in fair or foul
territory) without first having been touched by a defensive player or without
first having touched the ground, shall be a "Dead Ball" Strike.
Exception: The trees in left field along the
sidewalk. If a batted ball hits those
trees in fair territory on the fly, on the bounce, or rolls against the tree,
the hit shall be declared a 4 base award (home run).
FRAMINGHAM
GALVANI 1:
A-10
Any batted ball judged by the umpire to have hit any part of the tree in
left field shall be ruled a dead ball.
If the ball carries over the fence on the fly, it is a 4 base award (home
run). Otherwise, it is a ground rule
double.
MEDFIELD
Polumbo Field #1 at McCarthy Park:
A-11
Home Runs over the fence shall be limited to 4 per team per
game. After the fourth over the
fence home run, any subsequent batted balls over the fence on the fly shall be
deemed “dead ball” outs with no advancement of base runners. Any batted ball touched by a defensive player
on either side of the fence that clears or has cleared the fence in fair
territory, shall be declared a four-base award and shall not be included in
either team’s total of over-the fence home runs.
A-12
The "Dead Ball Area" on the first base side shall be a
straight line extending from the backstop to the dugout fence and from the end
of the dugout fence to the large tree approximately 25 feet to the right of the
end of the fence in right field.
A-13
The “Dead Ball Area” on the third base side shall be a straight line
from the backstop to the dugout fence and from the end of the dugout fence to
the tree nearest to the back of the infield, and then extending all the way
down the tree line.
MEDFIELD Polumbo
Field #2 at McCarthy Park:
A-14 Home Runs over the fence shall be limited to
4 per team per game. After the
fourth over the fence home run, any subsequent batted balls over the
fence on the fly shall be deemed “dead ball” outs with no advancement of base
runners. Any batted ball touched by a
defensive player on either side of the fence that clears or has cleared the
fence in fair territory, shall be declared a four-base award and shall not be
included in either team’s total of over-the fence home runs.
A-15 The "Dead Ball Area" on the first
base side shall be a straight line extending from the backstop to the dugout
fence and from the end of the dugout fence on a straight line. This straight line from the end of the fence
lines up with a very tall tree to the right of the foul line. This tree is slightly bent towards the foul
pole.
A-16 The “Dead Ball Area” on the third base side
shall be a straight line from the backstop to the dugout fence and from the end
of the dugout fence to the outside pole in left field (not the foul pole).
MEDWAY VFW Field:
A-17 Home Runs over the fence shall be limited to
4 per team per game. After the
fourth over the fence home run, any subsequent batted balls over the
fence on the fly shall be deemed “dead ball” outs with no advancement of base
runners. Any batted ball touched by a
defensive player on either side of the fence that clears or has cleared the
fence in fair territory, shall be declared a four-base award and shall not be
included in either team’s total of over-the fence home runs.
ASHLAND
A-18 Home Runs over the fence shall be limited
to 4 per team per game. After the fourth over the fence home run, any
subsequent batted balls over the fence on the fly shall be deemed “dead ball”
outs with no advancement of base runners. Any batted ball touched by a
defensive player on either side of the fence that clears or has cleared the
fence in fair territory, shall be declared a four-base award and shall not be
included in either team’s total of over-the fence home runs.
Ghiloni-Marlboro
A-19 Home Runs over the fence shall be limited
to 4 per team per game. After the fourth over the fence home run, any
subsequent batted balls over the fence on the fly shall be deemed “dead ball”
outs with no advancement of base runners. Any batted ball touched by a
defensive player on either side of the fence that clears or has cleared the
fence in fair territory, shall be declared a four-base award and shall not be
included in either team’s total of over-the fence home runs.
A-20 The "Dead Ball Area" on the
first base side shall be a straight line extending from the backstop to the
dugout fence and from the end of the dugout fence in a straight line to the
bushes in right field.
A-21 The "Dead Ball Area" on the
third base side shall be a straight line extending from the backstop to the
dugout fence and from the end of the dugout fence in a straight line past the
fence in left field.