2026 Melrose Women's Softball
League Rule Book
Modified Fast Pitch League Rules
The league follows NSA Rules except where modified below.

Section 1: League Information

1.1 Season Format

• The regular season consists of 15 games.
• In the event of rainouts, up to two makeup games may be scheduled on designated rain dates listed on the schedule. No more than two makeup games will be allowed during the season.
• If a field is deemed unplayable, all games that day will be postponed and rescheduled on designated makeup dates if available.

1.2 Game Locations

• Tuesdays/Thursdays: Four teams will play at Melrose Commons
• Tuesdays: Two teams will play at Hesseltine; Thursdays: Two teams will play at Pine Banks

1.3 Game Times

• Games begin promptly at 6:00 PM. Players should arrive no later than 5:45 PM.

1.4 Weather and Game Cancellations

• If a team cannot field a team by 4:00 PM on game day, the commissioner must be notified so the umpire can be canceled.
• Games canceled because of weather/field conditions will be decided by the commissioner no later than 4:00 PM on game day.

Section 2: Team Requirements and Eligibility

2.1 Minimum Players

• Teams must have a minimum of seven players at game time; if unable, it will result in a forfeit.
• If both teams have fewer than seven players, both teams receive a loss.
• Games must finish with at least eight players per team. The 8th player must be present by the start of the 3rd inning. If a team drops below eight players during play, the game becomes a forfeit for that team.

2.2 Late Arrivals

• Late arriving players may not enter the field during active play.
• Players may enter only between innings, at the start of a half inning, or when teams are off the field
• Late arrivals are added to the end of the batting lineup.
• The opposing team manager must be notified of lineup changes.

2.3 Player Eligibility (including Playoff eligibility)

• Only officially registered league players may participate in games. This rule exists for insurance purposes and will be strictly enforced.
• If teams choose to play after an official forfeit, only registered league players may participate.
• A teammate must play 7 games minimum in order to participate in Playoffs; if there is a medical reason, it must be presented to the commissioner ahead of Playoffs for eligibility

2.4 Playing Time Requirement

• Every player must play a minimum of two innings in the field each game.

Section 3: Pre-Game Procedures

3.1 Dugouts

• The home team will occupy the first base dugout during regular season games.

3.2 Ground Rules

• Ground rules must be reviewed prior to the first pitch by: Umpire; Team managers/captains

3.3 Umpire Absence

• If an umpire fails to arrive, both team managers must agree upon a substitute umpire.

Section 4: Defensive Alignment

4.1 Defensive Positions

• Teams will field ten players: • Six infielders • Four outfielders
• One outfielder may serve as a short fielder provided they remain in outfield territory.
• At Pine Banks, the short fielder may adjust closer because of field dimensions.
• Infielders may not begin on the outfield grass and must remain on the dirt prior to the pitch. Exception: Hesseltine's grass infield is permitted.

Section 5: Batting Rules

5.1 Batting Order

• All players bat. Batting orders must be established before the game and shared with the opposing manager.

5.2 Batting Rules

• No bunting or slap hitting.
• Each team receives one warning for throwing a bat. Any additional bat throwing incidents by that team result in an automatic out.

Section 6: Pitching Rules

6.1 Pitching Distance

• The pitching rubber is 40 feet from home plate. Pitchers do not need to begin on the rubber.
• The ball must be released before reaching 35 feet from home plate. If necessary, the home team may mark the 35 foot line.

6.2 Pitching Motion

• Pitching must be underhand.
• Pitchers may not:
  • Use a windmill or slingshot motion
  • Allow the arm to create a "C" shape or raise the hand above head level
  • Begin with a walk through motion; must start from a complete stop

6.3 Pitching Limits

• Pitchers are limited to four innings per game.
• Any pitcher facing one batter in an inning is charged with a full inning pitched.

6.4 Pitching Disputes

• Concerns regarding pitching mechanics must be discussed at home plate by the umpire & both team managers

Section 7: Base Running and Safety Rules

7.1 Runner Safety

• Sliding and stealing are prohibited. (Automatic out if done)
• Leading is only allowed after the pitcher has fully released the ball.
• Diving back into a base is permitted.
• Intentional collisions with fielders result in an automatic out.

7.2 Safety Base at First

• Runners must use the safety base at first base. (Automatic out if not followed)

7.3 Plays at Home Plate 

• Catchers may not block the base path or base.

7.4 Pinch Running

• Pinch runners are allowed for players with injuries or medical conditions.
• The pinch runner will be: last recorded out from the previous inning or in the first inning the last batter in the lineup
• The batter must stop at 1st base in order to be able to use a pinch runner.

Section 8: Fielding and Live Ball Rules

8.1 Fielder Right of Way

• Fielders have priority while actively fielding a ball; runners must avoid fielders attempting to make a play.
• Runners are allowed three feet on either side of the baseline.
• Fielders not actively fielding a ball must provide runners with a clear path. (Obstruction results in the runner being awarded the next base.)

8.2 Runner Hit by Batted Ball

• Any runner struck by a batted ball in play is automatically out.

8.3 Ground Rule Balls

• Any ball: Will be ruled a ground rule double if
  • Lost in natural underbrush • Rolling into the street • Interfered with by spectators
• If the ball lands directly in the street (in fair territory), it will be ruled a home run.

Section 9: Equipment Rules

9.1 Legal Bats

• Composite & baseball bats are illegal.
• All bats must have a NSA 2012 sticker and will be inspected by opposing managers before the start of each game

9.2 Illegal Bat Penalty

• If an illegal bat is used: Batter is called out; The bat is removed from play; All runners must return to their original bases
• Managers may request a bat inspection if unusual bat performance or sounds are noticed.

Section 10: Scorekeeping

• Scorekeeping may only be performed by an active player on the current team
  • A non-team member only scorekeeps if no other option exists
• Non-team member Scorekeepers may not coach players, base coach, approach umpires

Section 11: Game Length

• Games consist of seven innings.
• Games may end early because of darkness, weather, or safety concerns
• Tied games are considered official complete games.
• No new inning may begin after the predetermined time established before the game by managers and the commissioner.
• Mercy Rule will be in effect by the end of the 5th inning if a team is up by 10 runs.

Section 12: Sportsmanship

• Players and managers may not argue with umpires or opposing players.
• Disputes must be addressed only between managers.
• Players may only become involved if a manager requests information regarding a specific play.
• Please see our league Code of Conduct for more detailed information