League Fees and Prize Pot:

• The league fee is $1,000. Due before Opening Day - April 12, 2025.

• Accepted forms of payment - Cash, Zelle (Bridgeplayfoundation@gmail.com) and online payment

• The prize pot is dependent on the number of teams that enter or join this season.

 

Game Structure:

• All games consist of 7 innings or 1 hr and 15 minutes. If the game ends in a tie, that result will stand. However, if later in the season the game is needed to determine the best record, a new game will be rescheduled.

• Every batter starts with a 1-1 count. After the second strike and two fouls, the batter is out.

• Each game will have two umpires. The fee is $100 per doubleheader.

• Names must be on the lineup card, matching the roster to qualify.

 

Batting Count:

• Everyone will start with a 1-1 count. After two strikes, the batter must put the ball in play; otherwise, the batter will be called out.

 

Official Game:

• An official game consists of 4 completed innings. The home team always gets the last chance to hit if they are trailing (losing).

 

Player Participation:

• A minimum of 8 players is required to start a game. If a team starts with 8 players, they will incur an out each inning until the 9th player arrives. The 9th player must be present at the start of an inning to avoid the penalty. After the 9th player joins, the team can only play with 9 players for the remainder of the game.

• If a team starts with 9 players, they must add their 10th player before the end of the 1st inning.

• A maximum of 10 players can play in the field. Slots 11, 12, and 13 can be used for DH, EH1, or EH2. The DH is allowed to enter the field for the player designated. The EH1/EH2 can be used as a flex and can be swapped with anyone on the field only once.

 

Equipment:

• For safety reasons, only rubber cleats are permitted. Players wearing metal cleats must remove them immediately; failure to do so will result in immediate removal from the game and disqualification from play.

• Only 100% wood bats are allowed.

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Line-ups:

• Lineups should include only the players who will start the game, and this must include the pitcher. For instance, if a manager fails to list the pitcher in the lineup—even if a designated hitter is included—and the opposing manager notifies the umpire, then the pitcher will be removed from the game, and the designated hitter, along with that corresponding position in the lineup, will be declared an automatic out for the entire game. This rule applies to any position that is omitted from the lineup.

• Substitutes do not need to be included in the lineup; however, all substitutes must be listed on the official roster.

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Courtesy Runners:

• Each team is permitted two courtesy runners for the entire game. These can be arranged as one full-time runner, one occasional runner, or two occasional runners at any time. Managers must declare their selected courtesy runners when submitting the lineup to the umpire. Alternatively, a team may designate the last recorded out as a courtesy runner or select one or two courtesy runners from the bench for the entire game. Note that if a team opts for two designated runners from the bench, they must serve as permanent, all-game runners rather than as occasional substitutes for the last recorded out.

• Additionally, if a player with an assigned courtesy runner is substituted and removed from the game, the designated courtesy runner will also be out. The only way to retain the designated runner is for that runner to enter the game as the substitute for the player they were designated for.

 

MERCY/Knock-Out Rule:

• The knock-out rule is applied if a team is leading by 10 runs after the 4th inning or 12 runs after the 3rd inning. If a team is losing by 10 runs after the 5th inning, the home team does not need to bat if they are winning. Teams can concede their outs at any time. International rules apply for extra innings, playoffs, and championship games.

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Protest Procedure:

• All managers are required to maintain a scorebook. To protest a game, a manager must pay a $100 fee and submit the protest before the final out is recorded. All protests will be resolved within 24 hours, but the game must continue as scheduled.

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Leading and Tagging:

• There is no leading off the bases in ANY occasion. In fact, if a runner takes a lead before the umpire officially calls ball four, they are considered to be leading off and will be called OUT

• All runners must remain on the bag until the ball is in contact. Tagging up is allowed from ALL bases.

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Game Balls:

• Only one new Clincher ball is permitted per game. If a team cannot supply a new Clincher, the opposing team will serve as the home team for two consecutive games. Additionally, game balls will be available for purchase at $15 for any team that does not have one.

 

Bat Regulations:

• The league requires 100% wood bats. NO CORNDOGS!

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Clarification:

• Any further clarifications or amendments will be provided as necessary.

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Dugout Rules:

• All players must stay inside the dugout. If a player is outside the dugout, the batter will start with 2 strikes or two balls if the opposing team is outside the dugout.

• Only the on-deck batter and the base coaches are allowed outside the dugout.

• If a ball touches a player outside the dugout, the play will be called dead at the umpire's discretion.

 

Uniforms:

• Uniforms consist of matching team jerseys/shirts, baseball/softball pants, or matching team shirts.

• All players must wear hats (or beanies) or visors. Hats must be worn forward.

• If a player is not compliant, the violation will result in starting with 2 strikes and 1 ball.

 

Liability:

• The league is not responsible for any loss of personal belongings.

• Players play at their own risk. No refunds will be given to any team that leaves the league after opening day.

 

No Smoking or Drinking Policy:

• Smoking and drinking are strictly prohibited during league games and on the premises. If a player is caught smoking or drinking in the dugout, that team's batter will start with two strikes; if a member of the opposing team is found in violation, their batter will begin with two balls. Excessive or repeated violations may result in suspension or removal from the league. No Hookahs!

 

Player Registration:

• All players MUST register online www.bridgeplay.org in order to participate.

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Playoff Qualification:

• Everyone must play 8 games to qualify for the playoffs, including managers and coaches.

• If a player signs with a team, he may change his mind—provided he notifies the manager—before playing an official game. However, once a player has participated in an official game, he cannot independently switch teams; he must be officially released or traded, and the managers must inform the commissioner for the change to be recognized. If a player moves to another team without being officially released from his current team, the new team will forfeit the game.

Official Trade: Each manager must update their official team rosters to reflect any changes.

 

Ejections:

• If a player is ejected, he must immediately leave the dugout and refrain from interrupting the game. If he refuses, the umpire will assign an approximate time by which he must exit. Failure to comply will result in the umpire halting the game, an automatic loss being awarded to his team, and the player being benched for the next game. Continued disrespect will lead to a six-game suspension.

 

Zero Tolerance Policy for Weapons:

• There is zero tolerance for any weapons, including brandishing or threatening with a weapon. The league will be cooperating with the NYPD, and any player or manager found in violation will be permanently removed from the league.

 

Respect for the Game:

• This game will not be disrespected by anyone.

 

General Rules:

• For any rules not listed here, we are playing under the ASA rules.

• Everyone makes the playoffs. All rounds, including the championship, are best 2 out of 3.

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The Bridge Play Softball League has its own league-specific rules while also following ASA rules. These guidelines ensure fair play, consistency, and a structured game environment. All teams and players are expected to adhere to both the league-specific rules and ASA regulations, with any disputes being resolved accordingly.

 

Prizes:

• The winning team will receive a championship trophy, MVP awards for the best pitcher and batter, and championship medals.

• The prize pot is dependent on the number of teams joining the season.

 

Good Luck to Every Team and God Bless!