League Rules

The HANK HEITNER

ROCKLAND MENS SENIOR SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES

2025 Season    [Draft Last Edit]: March 23, 2025

Index of Rules Sections and Sub-Sections

Main Section

(click to go to section)

Primary Rule Paragraph

I. GENERAL LEAGUE RULES

A) Definition of the League

B) League Mission Statement

C) League Commissioner and Officials

D) ASA Rules apply unless otherwise noted.

E) Start of the season and basic scheduling

F) League Fees and other Costs

(except Umpire Fees - see Section VII) 

G) Uniforms

H) Division Standings

I) Game Play - including Mercy Rule

and Div II Fielding Rule.

J) General Rules on the Fields

K) Game Cancellations

L) Forfeits

II. LEAGUE WEB SITE

A) Web site URL

B) Official record for key information

C) Urgent notifications to teams

D) Team Manager Access to the website and Team Home Pages

III. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY & ROSTERS

A) Divisions and age requirements

B) Player Eligibility Restrictions

C) Managers questioning the eligibility of a player

D) Roster minimums and maximums

E) Using non-roster players and the penalties if caught

F) Playing on Town of Clarkstown fields

G) Player Ejections

IV. PITCHING RULES

A) Pitching rules for all Divisions

B) Pitching style, motion & delivery

C) Pitcher's Safety

D)Pitcher Rubber Placement

V. FIELDING A) Fielder - including  Division  ll Special Rule  
VI. LINEUPS, HITTING & BASE RUNNING

A) Starting Lineups

B) Continuous Lineup of hitters

C) Player injuries or leaving during game

D) Player Re-Entry Rule

E) League Approved Bats

F) Base Running

VII. UMPIRES

A) Current umpiring organization

B) Contacting the umpires

C) Umpiring game fees

D) Pre-game ground rules discussion

E) Once the game commences

F) Verbal and/or physical abuse of an umpire or another player

VIII. PROTESTS

A) Logging a protest with the League

 

B) Documenting a protest that occurs during a game.

IX. PLAYOFFS

See the link on the League Home Page

 
X. ETHICS & SPORTSMANSHIP

A) Player and fan behavior at a game

B) Umpires enforce all acceptable behavior during the game

C) Physical altercations of any kind will not be tolerated.

 

D) Commissioner is the sole authority for disciplinary action

E) Enjoy yourself and play safe!


I. General League Rules

A) The Rockland Senior Softball League, also known as “the League”, is the governing and administrative body for all the teams registered and approved to play.

B) The League Mission Statement: The League is committed to maintaining a safe, friendly and fair playing environment. The League's intent is to provide a reasonable balance between competitive play and recreational play for all players and fans. Sportsmanship, courtesy and fair play are its foundation.

C) The League Commissioner (aka “Commissioner”) is the final and sole authority for all League matters. The Commissioner may appoint deputies to oversee any specific aspect or functions of the League. But, the Commissioner remains is the final authority on all decisions, rule changes, protest and conflicts that effect the League, it's players and fans.

D) Unless expressly noted in these rules, the League administers all play according to the rules & guidelines of USA Softball, formerly ASA.

1) The League will not acknowledge or approve any deviation from these rules, without the express and advance consent of the commissioner.

2) “Side agreements”; “Gentlemen’s agreements”; or similar decisions between teams made before, during or after a game that effect any rule or aspect of game play are not permitted.

E) The beginning of the regular season is listed on the League Website and continues every Sunday through the end of August for all divisions. There is a playoff schedule that is added to the website during the season, that immediately follows the end of the regular season.

1) Games are played every Sunday @ 9:00 AM. One nine-inning game is to be played each week, unless expressly noted on the League Website.

2) There are no games scheduled on Sunday as part of the Labor Day holiday weekend & July 4th Sunday 

3) The total number of games played in the regular season depends on the number of playable Sundays due to weather.

4) Rainouts will not always be rescheduled in order to keep the play among teams in a division balanced and equal.

F) League Fees & Other Team Costs

1) All teams are expected to pay the team league fee (amount as published on the league website from November through February) before the deadline date set by the Commissioner. This fee represents the cost for a team to participate in the league.

2) The fee covers all game balls, field permits, and administrative operating costs including the League Web Site.

3) Umpire fees are paid by the teams directly to the umpire at the game.

a) Umpires are to be paid if a game is canceled less than 10 minutes prior to the start time.

b) If a forfeit occurs less than 10 minutes prior game time, the team that forfeits is responsible to pay the umpire fee for both teams.

4) If a team forfeits prior to 10 minutes before game time in a given week, the commissioner may impose a fine on the forfeiting team to cover the cost of field permits and other administrative costs.

5) If a team has an issue meeting this obligation, it must petition the commissioner (via email or other written communication) for an extension at least 21 days prior to the start of the regular season.

a) Text messaging and voice mail are not sufficient means of communication to petition the league.

6) The commissioner will evaluate all petitions and determine if an extension is merited and the length of that extension.

a) Any team that does not petition the league, (as outlined) and does not pay their team’s league fee in full by the start of the regular season will be subject to forfeiture of each game played until the fee is paid in full.

b) If the fee is not paid in full by the deadline imposed by the Commissioner, the delinquent team can be dismissed or suspended from the league for the season.

G) It is strongly encouraged that all teams provide matching uniforms, shirts at a minimum please.

1) If it is not possible to provide matching uniforms, the League insists that all players wear the same color shirt to differentiate themselves from the opposing team.

2) An umpire can prevent any player from entering the field whose non-conforming shirt creates a distraction for him or other players.

H) Division Standings

1) Teams will be ranked during the season according to a mathematical formula reflected in the standings in this order:

a) Head-to-head wins                    b) Total Wins                         c) Total Runs Differential between the tied teams. 

2) Should two or more teams be equal in all of the categories above, a coin flip by the commissioner will break the team. The Commissioner chooses who calls the flip.

I) GAMEPLAY

1) Teams must have a minimum of 8 players to participate in a League game. See the section on Lineups for more information,

2) If a game is played on a field that has an 11:00 AM game scheduled on it with another league, teams must make every effort end by 11:00 AM.

a) Please use common sense, do not start another ½ inning if it’s 10:50 AM and teams are waiting. Our permits do not officially permit us to play beyond 11:00 AM on these fields.

3) NEW: Extra innings will be played, if after 9 innings both teams are tied. Play will continue until one team has a lead after a full extra inning is completed.

a) Starting in the 10th inning, the team at bat begins with a running on 2nd. The last batted out or designated runner for the last batter out starts at 2nd base.

b) If the game continues into the 11th inning, the team at bat starts with a running on 3rd base. The last batted out assumes 3rd base.

c) If the tie is still not broken, all subsequent innings will start with running on 2nd and 3rd base. The last two players to bat from the previous inning, assume their spot on 2nd and 3rd base accordingly.

4) If a regular season game is called before 9 innings is completed, due to any situation that makes the game unplayable (acknowledged by the umpire), the team behind must have completed a minimum of 7 INNINGS at-bat for the game to be considered an official game. ALL PLAYOFF GAMES MUST BE COMPLETED..

a) Otherwise, the game is recorded as a “tie”. Teams and umpire should note the current game situation.

5) If the schedule permits, the next time the two teams meet, the “tie” game will be played first to its conclusion before the next game starts

a) Play will begin at the exact point recorded in the teams’ scorebook.

b) If the two teams do not meet again, then the “tie” will remain and reflected in the standings.

6) Game Balls

a) The League uses the Clincher F12-G, "Gold Ball", in all games played. No other ball is permitted.

b) The home team is required to provide two (2) new balls & the visiting team (1) new ball for play in the game.

a) Two (2) new balls are placed in play at the top of the 1st inning.

b) The 3rd new ball is placed in play for the bottom of the 5th inning.

c) The umpire will determine the best ball to put in play for each pitch and each at bat.

d) The umpire has the final say over which balls will be permitted for play in the game at all times. No exceptions.

e) Should any of these new balls be lost or disfigured to a point where the umpire deems them unusable for game play, both teams will be asked to provide alternative balls for the umpire’s consideration to be used in the game.

f) Under wet conditions, the team at bat will be required to assist in drying balls that are temporarily taken out of play due to the wet conditions.

7) The Home Team has the right to choose the dugout they want for the game. Visiting team takes the other side. 

8) MERCY RULE: The League will impose a “Mercy Rule” that permits a game to end prior to 9 innings.
- If one team is behind by 15 or more runs after said team has completed 7 innings of at bats, the MERCY RULE will applied and the team ahead declared the winner. 
- If the team ahead surpassses the 15 run differential in the 8th or 9th inning, the team behind must be allowed to complete their half of the same innnig before the mercy rule can be used. 

J) GENERAL PLAYING FIELD RULES

1) All fields are available to the Rockland Senior Softball League for play by permits granted to the League and its associated teams.

2) To continue to retain these permits, teams are not permitted to alter the fields in any way. No grooming, digging, moving of the field and the immediate surrounding areas of the field are permitted with express confirmation from the League Office that this type of action is permitted.

3) Sweeping away pooled water on the field is permitted.

4) The pitching mound is now 46 feet from the back tip of home plate to the front of the rubber. (ASA Slow Pitch rules unless otherwise mentioned)

5) The distance between bases is 65 feet.

a) Exception, if a field has fixed bases or base holes already staked into the ground, teams are permitted use those dimensions to avoid field disruption and most importantly injury to players.

6) If a field has a fence and any portion of the fence measures less than 265 feet to Home Plate, those fence sections les than 265 feet shall be designed a ground rule double if the ball goes over.

7) Ground rules for all fields are reviewed at the pre-game meeting with the umpire and opposing manager.

K) GAME CANCELLATIONS

1) General Rule of Thumb for rainy days. The League Web Site will be used to announce the latest status of games to be played. Note that the last update will be made by 7:30 am on Sunday. After that time, league officials and team managers will use phones and text messages to communicate last minute updates on any game changes.

2) GAME CANCELLATIONS: Some fields have different rules and restrictions governed by Town and County guidelines that may force cancellation even though conditions may seem ok for play.

3) The League reserves the right to use its discretion to cancel all games on a given Sunday, if only some of the fields are unplayable to avoid creating an imbalance in the schedule and standings.

4) If teams arrive at a field and it is determined that a game cannot be played on that field, team managers must call the Head Umpire and then the League Advisor to cancel the game. All current contact information is located on the League Web Site under League Officials.

a) Failure to cancel an umpire in time will result in those teams having to pay the umpire's fees. See Paragraph F above.

L) FORFEITS

1) A forfeit occurs immediately at 9:15 AM on game day if:

a) a team has less than 8 players by 9:15 am or

b) a team does not show up to the designated field.

2) See the rule under Paragraph F in this section that explains the financial obligation of the forfeiting team for paying umpire fees for the forfeited game.

3) A forfeit is recorded as a 9-0 win for the team that benefits from the forfeit situation.

 

II. LEAGUE WEB-SITE

A) The League website (http://rocklandseniorsoftball.com) is designated as the primary vehicle for all league communication.

B) The League web site will be the official record for:

1) Team Rosters;  League Rules;  League Schedules; Game Status / Game Cancellations; League news, updates and events.

C) In the case where an immediate notification to teams is required, alternative methods of communication (email, text message, phone call) will be used. This type of notification will be to team managers before the information is posted on the website.

1) Immediate notification scenarios can be, but not limited to:

a) Game location changes; Game cancellations within an hour of game time;  On-site delays

D) The League provides each team manager with access to the website to edit their roster and create a unique home page.

1) All team managers will be assigned a user name (email address) and password for the site. Instructions on how to edit rosters and other relevant items are provided on the website.

2) Each team will have its own home page on the League website. This can be used by each team to provide updates, news and other specific team communication.

3) The League will assign each team manager limited access to the website. Each team can perform limited customization to their team page, including colors, adding text for information, some JPEGs/GIFs as well to create team events specific and information updates.

a) Contact the league web coordinator for an ID and password as well as ways to administer your team site.

4) Managers may assign additional web editors to access their team website.

5) By default, each team’s home page is set to “Rookie” level features per the host HTO Websites definition. (See website for more information)

a) If a team wishes to upgrade the level of features to the team page. They may do so by contacting the host company. The cost of any upgrades will be the sole responsibility of each team.

 

III. Player Eligibility for the League

A) The League is now comprised of two divisions, referred to as Division I and Division II. 

1) There are a few specific rules that apply to each Division in addition to the overall general league rules.

2) The League has different player eligibility requirements for each Division.

a) For Division I, a player must be born before Sept 1st,1990 -35 years old.For the 2025 season each team can have one player 31-34 years old 

c) For Division II a player must be born before Sept 1st, 1985-40 years old . This division can have two players 35-39 years old - that player must be on their roster and be declared before any game he plays.The 35-39 year old player must be born before Sept 1st,1990

3) If a player is found to be under the age requirement, the League will immediately impose the following actions:

a) Suspend the player from the league for the rest of the season.

b) Suspend the manager of the team for a minimum of 1 game.

c) Award a forfeit win to the opposing team of the game the player was identified as playing in and not meeting the age requirement.

B) Player’s Eligibility Restrictions

            1) Players may not play for any team in the League, if they are not listed on that team’s roster. (See Section II, Paragraph D)

2) Players are not permitted to be on more than one (1) League team’s roster.

3) Any player appearing on more than one team’s roster will be ineligible to play for either team.

C) A manager may ask the opposing team manager for ID of any player they suspect does not meet the League age requirement.

1) If the player's ID (driver's license or other state-issued identification) cannot be produced at the time of the request.

2) The manager requesting the ID should log an immediate protest with the umpire. [See Section VII - Protests]

3) The manager of the player in question, then has 24 hours to produce a valid ID to the Commissioner.

a) If the manager fails to comply, then the League will assume the player does not meet the age requirement and suspend the accused player until proper ID can be provided to the League.

D) Each team will be required to maintain/post a roster of a minimum of 10 players on the League WebSite by midnight, Saturday each week.  A maximum of 20 players is permitted on the roster for Division 1A & 1B.  Division 2 will be permitted to have active 23 players.

1) The League Web Site will be the official record of all rosters and players.

2) Players not listed on a team’s roster are not permitted to play.

3) It is the team's responsibility to check and verify their player's eligibility requirements prior to placing them on their roster.

4) Teams may change their rosters until 6:00 PM (EDT), July 1. The website roster feature will be locked on or about midnight on Saturday, prior to the deadline.

a) Locking the website is a manual process, so the time indicated is used as an estimate rather than an actual time. If you are unable to make a change to the website prior to the 6:00 PM deadline, you must email the Commissioner (timestamp of email must be before 6:00 PM).  After the deadline, the rosters will be locked for the remainder of the season.

E) Any team that uses a player that is not on their roster will forfeit the game in which the non-roster player participated.

1) The player will be deemed ineligible to play for the remainder of the season and the manager will be suspended for a minimum of at least one game.

2) A team can challenge an opposing player’s roster eligibility at any time before or during the game by requesting to see the opposing team’s scorebook and/or player's driver's license to compare with the roster on the League Web Site. Paper printout is permitted provided it reflects what's on the website.

a) The manager that questions a player’s eligibility will request a stoppage to play from the umpire.

b) If a team or player cannot produce valid identification and roster justification for a player after 5 minutes, play continues and the requesting team can file a protest with the League immediately after the game. [See Section VII - Protests]

c) Teams are advised, to expedite any inquiries, to prepare and retain with them at the field, a booklet of their team's roster and player's driver's licenses ready in case an opposing team has a question about a player.

3) Player eligibility protests that are upheld in a game, must be communicated to the Commissioner via email or text message immediately after the game is played.

F) All teams/players participating in a game on any Town of Clarkstown field (Congers Lake, Kings Park, Lake Nanuet, etc.), please take note.

1) The Town of Clarkstown is requiring that 60% of the players participating in the game be Clarkstown residents.

2) All teams playing on Clarkstown fields are required to provide the league with an electronic or hard copy list of their active roster with a photo copy of each player’s driver’s licenses (license # may be blacked out) affixed to the list prior to the start of the season.

3) The list will signify a properly registered roster.

4) Teams are advised to keep a copy of the list provided to the League available during the game, in case a Town of Clarkstown official requests to verifying rosters.

5) If a team’s roster changes during the season, it is the team’s responsibility to immediately provide an amended copy to the League.

6) Teams failing to provide amended lists are subject to possible forfeiture of any games played on these fields.

7) The list will signify a properly registered roster.

8) If two teams are scheduled to play on a Town of Clarkstown field and cannot comply with the 60% residency requirement, please let Ed Herdemian know asap so that an alternative field can be arranged.

G) Player ejections from a game.

1) The League will review and record all player ejections. It is the responsibility of the team managers involved, to report all players ejected and the circumstance surrounding that ejection.

2) Any player ejected from his first game of the season is subject to a mandatory minimum suspension of one (1) game following the game he is ejected from playing.

3) Each game a player is ejected from during the season, the mandatory minimum suspension assigned is as follows:

a) 1st ejection of the season = 1 game, the next game played, suspension.

b) 2nd ejection of the season = the player is suspended for two games following the game he is ejected.

c) If the player is ejected for the 3rd time in a season, the player and the player's manager will be subject to a suspension determined by the Commissioner. The team manager will also be suspended as possible face additional disciplinarian action.

 

IV. Pitching

A) Pitching rules are the same for all Divisions. 

B) Pitching style, motion, and delivery

1) All pitches must be delivered to the plate at a "batting practice" speed and can be flat or with a hump no higher than 8 feet. When a B team plays a B or A team, as of the 2025 season, pitching is Hump only (JTFortys pitching rules).

a) If an A team plays an A  then pitching like either of the above pitching is allowed.
b) No sling-type pitching and the pitch must be released within 6 inches from the hip.

c) Players may, at their own risk, swing at a pitch in excess of batting practice speed , if it's a base hit ,a walk or a sac fly it stands. Otherwise it's a dead ball and the player is still at bat with a ball added to the count. 

2) The pitcher may take one step back at the start of their motion before delivering their pitch. Meaning they can deliver a pitch while falling back from the mound. 

3) If or when the pitcher takes a step forward, they must continue moving forward to finish their delivery with one note.

a) Note: A pitcher may hesitate through the delivery (aka pause) up to 1 second, provided after the pause they do not move backward before finishing the delivery.

4) Pitcher's that throw a pitch at an excessive speed (umpires discretion), can be warned by the umpire.  A 2nd umpire warning will result in the pitcher being disqualified from pitching further in the game.If a pitcher is disqualified from pitching in 2 games, he can no longer pitch that season including playoffs. 

C) Pitcher's Safety

1) Pitchers are strongly encouraged to wear protective face guards and other protective gear.

2) Pitchers that must wear glasses to see, will be required to wear safety glasses or other protective shields to adequately protect their eyes.

3) Previous seasons have seen a rise in balls being hit back through the middle, putting pitchers in precarious defensive positions at times. While the middle of the field is a legal spot to hit the ball, all hitters are asked to be mindful of the pitcher and his limited defensive posture, when trying to hit back through the middle.

D) As referenced in Section I, Paragraph J, item 4, the pitching rubber 46 feet from home plate.

1) The pitching rubber (aka "plate"), if available, is to be 6" x 24".

a) If a pitching rubber is not available then the home team manager with the umpire will to outline a 24" line in the infield 46 feet from home plate to designate a pitching rubber position.

b) If a permanent pitching rubber exists at the field and it's closer than 46 feet away from home plate, the umpire and team managers will determine an appropriate distance behind that rubber where a pitching mark will be placed to avoid a pitcher contacting the permanent rubber.

 

V. Fielding Rules

A) All Divisions will follow the same fielding rules, except where noted.

1) All teams must have a minimum of 8 fielders to play a game.

2) All Divisions will have no more than 10 fielders in the field during the game. 

3) There are unlimited substitutions and re-entry of fielders permitted during the game, this also includes pitchers.

4) No more than 4 outfielders or 5 infielders are permitted at any time during a game.

5) There is no requirement for any player to play the field during a game.

 

VI. Lineups, Hitting & Base Running

A) Starting Lineups

1) Teams must have a minimum of 8 players to start and continue to play in any League game.

2) Players that come late (before the 5th inning) must be added to the lineup below the last batted out.

a) If a team has gone through the order once, this player must be placed last in the order. After the 5th inning, the player may only enter the game as a substitution.

3) If at any team during the game, a team has less than 8 players eligible to play, that team must forfeit the game.

4) It is advised that teams print out the opposing team’s roster for each game.

a) While not a rule, the League does encourage teams to exchange line-ups prior to the start of the game and maintain a scorebook on the opposing team to limit confusion and disagreements during the game.

B) Continuous Lineup of hitters may be used by all teams.

1)The means that a team may bat and extend their lineup to accommodate as many players as they wish for a game.

2) Teams must bat a minimum of the same number of players that they have on the field during the game.

(example: if a team has 10 fielders then 10 players must bat. If 9 fielders then only 9 are required to bat)

3) A team may designate one (1) player to play in the field and not be required to hit provided they meet the minimum batter requirement in #2 above.

a) This player must be identified prior to the start of the game.

b) The designated player can be inserted in the lineup at any time as a substitute for another player.

c) Substituted players may return to the game, replacing only the player the substituted for them previously.

4) Extra hitters in the lineup may substitute in the field for another player. Unlimited substitutions related to players in the lineup assuming fielding and non-fielding positions in each inning is permitted - The designated player is the exception.

C) Player injuries or need to leave during the game

1) If a player injures themself during the game and a team does not have an available player to put in the lineup for that player, then when the player’s spot in the lineup comes up to bat, that player’s spot is passed over without any consequence to the team.

2) If a player must leave during the game, the team manager is to alert the opposing manager immediately. When that player's spot in the lineup comes up to bat, that player’s spot is passed over without any consequence to the team.

3) The only exception to #1 & #2 above is when a player is ejected.  If a player is ejected from a game, their spot remains in the lineup and results in an automatic out when the spot to bat comes up.

D) Player Re-Entry Rule: FREE SUBSTITUTION RULE

1) A player not currently in the lineup (Player 2) can be substituted for another player (Player 1), thus entering the game.

Player 1 is now out of the lineup. Player 2 assumes Player 1's role in the game. At any time in the game, Player 1can re-enter the game after at least 3 defensive outs for Player 2..

E) League Approved Bats

Note•• ASA IS NOW USA APPROVED 

1)  Division I No composite bats are allowed.any aluminum, wood or composite handle only is permitted and ASA or USA approved. 

2) In Division ll players are permitted to use composite, aluminum or wooden bats in the League. All composite and aluminum bat (wooden bats are the exception) must have the ASA 2000, ASA 2004 or ASA 2013 or USA approval decal (see below) on the bat and the bat does not appear on the USA or ASA Certified, Non-Approved list. Links to this list are found on the League Web Site. This follows ASA Slow-Pitch rules for bats.

 

 

3) Any bat that is found to be altered from its original state or not on the approved bat list will be removed from the game and the player using that bat in a game will be called out immediately, ejected from the game and

a) on the first offense, the player and his manager will be suspended for the next game.

b) on the second offense the player and the manager will be suspended from the league for the remainder of the season.

c) If the player wants to rejoin the League, they will have to petition the League stating why they should be reinstated. The League will determine the viability of the petition and the player's status going forward.

4) Teams may either produce some physical evidence, a printed copy of a list or web display from a mobile device from the USA or ASA web-site, or manufacturer websites showing the item in question is actually approved for play.

F) Base Running

1) All players are encouraged and expected to run for themselves unless they are physically unable to do so. Pitchers are granted automatic courtesy for a pinch-runner.

2) Umpires are instructed to call runners out or eject them (based on circumstances) for creating unsafe situations with fielders while running the bases.

3) The guideline to be observed (not required) is for a courtesy runner to be the last batter before the current play that is involved in an out for their team.

a) The League has determined that to reduce controversy and argument, each team can be flexible in their choice of courtesy runners used and not necessarily be restricted to the last batted out.

4) A player may only be a courtesy runner for one specific player in an inning. A player identified as running for more than one player in an inning, signified by arriving at and touching a base to replace a batter, is automatically called out.

5) A player that accepts a courtesy runner during an inning cannot be a courtesy runner for anyone else that inning.

6) Unless injured and unable to continue, a batter/runner that makes it to 3rd base, cannot ask for a courtesy runner.

7) If a courtesy runner is on a base during an inning and his turn at bat comes up, then his spot is immediately declared an automatic out and play continues with the next batter. The player continues to be a courtesy runner on base.

IN DIVISION II NO COURTESY RUNNERS UNDER AGE OF 40 IS PERMITTED

 

VII. Umpires

A) The League utilizes the services of the Lower  Hudson Valley Umpire Association (LHVUA).

B) Contact information for League Officials and the LHVUA are posted here and on the League Website under League Officials.

1) Any issues regarding the scheduling of umpires only, please call the Commissioner or Assignor of Umpires as designated on the League Web Site.

2) Any comments regarding umpires (positive comments which are often neglected are encouraged) should be sent to the League Officials via email.

C) Umpire fees for 2025 with one umpire the fees are $90 per game paid before the start. The two teams should split the umpire fee.

Doubleheaders will be 2 seven-inning games and the umpire will get $70 per game ($35 per team per game) 

2) For games with two umpires the fees are $140 per game or $70 per umpire or $70 per team paid prior to the start of the game.

3) If a game is forfeited or not started once the umpire arrives, the umpire(s) is entitled to a fee of $90 or $140 depending on the number of umps.

D) Team managers must be present for the pre-game ground rules discussion with the opposing team and the umpire.

1) Teams may designate someone else to review ground rules on their behalf. But, it is the responsibility of that designated person to update their manager. 

2) If a manager is not present at the pre-game ground rules review, and argues a call made by an umpire that aligns with that pre-game ruling, that manager can be ejected at the umpire’s discretion and subject to further disciplinary action by the league.

E) Once a game commences, the umpire's rulings are final for that game.

1) Umpires have been instructed to keep gameplay moving and not linger to resolve calls on a play, illegal bats, illegal players, or other matters that halt gameplay beyond a short period of time.

2) If an umpire decision is questioned and not resolved to the team’s satisfaction, they have the option to briefly stop play and record a protest. [See Section VI Protests] Once the current game situation is noted as per League Protest rules, the game will resume.

3) Teams will have one and only one person designated as team manager for a game. That team manager is the only person permitted to speak with an umpire to question game rulings or other matters affecting gameplay.

a) Players can speak with an umpire about pitch location, request time-outs, ask for a description of a call, but may not question a call or ruling.

4) Any manager or player that creates an unreasonable delay to game flow, based on the umpire's discretion, will be ejected from the game and subject to future game suspensions.

F) Verbal and/or physical abuse of an umpire or another player will not be tolerated by the league.

1) It is solely at the umpire’s discretion to determine how best to react toward an abusive player during the game.

2) Any player reported to the League by the Umpires Association for any verbal or physical abuse will subject to disciplinary action by the League.

 

VIII. Protests

 

A) All protests must be lodged with the Commissioner within 48 hours of the incident occurring.

1) A team through their manager or designated manager (should the manager not be present) can protest any aspect of the game, team rosters, equipment, etc. that could be an infringement of the League Rules or ASA Rules.

2) Initiating a Protest with the League maybe by phone call, email, or text message.

3) The Commissioner or one of his designated League Officials will then begin the formal protest process.

i) The League will make every effort to resolve all protests logged before the next week’s games.

B) Should the protest be based on an incident that occurs during a game, the protesting team must record the current game situation and obtain the umpire's concurrence of the game situation. If this information is not properly recorded and confirmed, the protest will not go forward.

1) Only the protesting team manager can log the game specifics and interact with the umpire.

2) Umpire concurrence of the game situation will only be accepted if the umpire signs the scorebook. This signature does not constitute concurrence by the umpire with the protest or ruling on the field. It simply confirms the current game situation.

3) The key information to be logged is the inning, score, runners on base, count on the batter.

 

IX. Playoffs

The playoff section has been moved to its own page.

 

X. ETHICS AND SPORTSMANSHIP

A) Every person who plays in the League shall make every effort to play the game with honor, dignity and sportsmanship.

B) Umpires have been instructed to enforce clean language rules through stern warnings and in extreme cases, ejection.

C) Physical altercations of any kind will not be tolerated between players and/or fans. All players involved in a physical altercation shall be ejected from the game and subject to further League disciplinary action including expulsion from the League.

D) The Rockland Senior Softball League, as represented by its Commissioner, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to dismiss any player or team whose condition, conduct, influence, or behavior is deemed unsatisfactory or detrimental to the best interests of the league, other members of the league, fans or the community they play. Any such violation may result in expulsion from the League and any fees paid will not be refunded.

E) Last, but certainly not least … Enjoy yourself and play safe!


EDITS/CORRECTIONS MADE SINCE OPENING DAY - APRIL 27, 2025