Rules and Waiver

Waiver of Liability

By registering to play in The Players League (TPL), all participants acknowledge and accept that adult recreational softball involves inherent risks, including the possibility of injury or property damage. TPL, its organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and field owners are not responsible for any injuries, accidents, or losses that occur before, during, or after league activities. Participants understand they are not covered by league-provided insurance and assume full responsibility for their own safety and medical coverage. By submitting registration, players agree to abide by league rules and accept full liability for their participation.

Modified Rules

Game Format

  • 7-inning games, 55-minute time limit

  • No new inning after 50 minutes

  • 10-minute grace period for first game

Pitching & Strike Zone

  • Pitch arc: 6–12 feet

  • Strike zone: mat only (home plate not included)

  • No hesitation or fake deliveries

  • Illegal pitch = ball

Batting

  • Start count: 1 ball, 1 strike

  • No courtesy foul — foul on 2 strikes = out

  • Full swings only (no bunting, chopping, or fake swings)

  • Home run limit: 3 with Equalizer Rule

Player & Roster Rules

  • Teams may pick up players if opposing coach agrees

  • Rosters lock before week 3. Coaches must submit roster to league admin.

  • Picked-up players must be registered with another team at TPL

  • Subs for playoffs are for emergencies only. You must speak with league admin before game.

  • Players may only sub for other teams a maximum of 2 times per season
    (to prevent competitive imbalance unless opposing coach agrees)

  • Subbed players must be registered with another team

Mercy Rule

  • 15+ run lead after 4 innings = game over

  • 10+ run lead after 5 innings = game over

Equipment

  • 44/400 softballs

  • ASA/USA, USSSA 240 Bats. 

  • No metal cleats

  • Altered/shaved bats = automatic ejection

Pitcher’s Net Policy

  • Optional for pitcher

  • 1st ball hit into net = dead ball and strike

  • 2nd ball hit into net = strike and out

Base Running

  • 2 pinch runners per inning:

    • 1 for anyone

    • 1 must be for pitcher

  • Must be used before next at-bat begins (unless injury occurs)

  • No stepping off base early

  • No fake tags — automatic obstruction call

  • Use safety bag at 1B on close plays

  • Intentional collisions = out or ejection

Conduct & Sportsmanship

  • Respectful behavior is required

  • No profanity, taunting, or abuse of umpires

  • No alcohol, drugs on site

  • Umpire decisions are final

CoED Specific

  • 7/3 Split Defense Minimum

  • Must evenly space out female batters

  • Females can hit women’s slow pitch 11in balls.
  • There is no commit/defense restricted line.
  • 10-Run Half Inning Limit