These rules were approved by the EMASS Board on Mar 25, 2024.
You can download the full 2024 EMASS rules here.
RULE 1: GENERAL
1-1 The EMASS Playing Rules adopted in 2024 replace any earlier EMASS playing rules, and unless a Rule is specifically identified as only pertaining to the Atlantic, Colonial, Metro, 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. - See Guidelines for Managers and Players for details.
3-1.A. No bats used in EMASS can exceed BPF 1.20. Therefore, Senior Bats are not allowed.
Exception: In National, Minuteman, and Metro Division games only, players 75 or older are allowed to 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 and unable to play for the entire 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.
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.
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 to not 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.
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. (Metro 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 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 required to always 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 Metro 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 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 the remainder of the 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 (Metro Division Only). In any half inning, a maximum of two bases on balls, unintentional or intentional (see rule 7.5.B), 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 of balls & strikes 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.
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: Metro Division games.
7-5.A. (Metro Division Only) UNINTENTIONAL WALKS – 4 Straight Pitches Without A Strike Being Thrown: 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 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.
Exception: Rule 7-5.A does not apply if the team at bat has already had 2 batters walked in their half inning. Instead, as covered in rule 7-4, after the second walk in the inning, no balls are called by the umpire.
7-5.B. (Metro Division Only) INTENTIONAL WALKS with runner(s) on third base, second base, second and third, or first and third. There are times when strategy dictates the team in the field intentionally walk a batter to create a force play. Provided the batter is walked without a swinging or called strike, a foul ball, or a batted ball hitting the pitching screen, the manager of the team at bat has two options:
- Have the batter proceed to first base and become a base runner.
- Substitute a Courtesy Runner at first base for the batter and allow the batter to remain at bat with a new ball and strike count. The Courtesy Runner is governed by all aspects of the Courtesy Runner Rule (see Rule 8-1).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.
7-6 (Metro 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.
7-7 (Metro 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.
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
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.