League Rules & Game Information
Game Rules
- Time Limit: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Points System:
- Win – 2 points
- Tie – 1 point
- Loss – 0 points
- Mercy Rule: 21-run lead after 5 innings. The game may be called by the captain of the losing team after the fifth inning.
- Home Run Rule: 3 home runs per team, then all additional home runs are recorded as singles.
- Official Game Ball: SPN 12″ Hot Dot rated softball.
Rosters & Player Eligibility
- SPN rosters are capped at 20 players.
- Any player on an approved SPN roster who has signed the league waiver is eligible for regular season play.
- Teams must have a minimum of 7 rostered players present to start a game.
- Teams may pick up up to 2 eligible SPN players (who have signed the waiver) to a maximum game roster of 9 players.
- One pickup player must play catcher.
- Playoff Eligibility: Players must participate in 50% of scheduled regular season games (8 games in 2026).
- Injured players who attend the game and are listed on the lineup card will receive credit toward playoff eligibility.
Forfeits
- Each team receives one free forfeit during the season.
- Additional forfeits are subject to a $50 fee.
- Teams must notify the league of a forfeit before 6:00 PM on game day.
Rainouts
- Games may be cancelled by the Town or the League Executive by 6:00 PM.
- Once a game has started, any decision to suspend or end play due to weather is at the umpire’s discretion.
Safety
- Face protection is mandatory for all pitchers (SPN rule effective 2026).
- Discrimination, harassment, verbal abuse, or physical abuse will not be tolerated. Offenders may be removed and banned from the league.
Umpires & Sportsmanship
- Umpires have the full support of the league executive.
- Judgment calls are final.
- Excessive arguing may result in:
- One verbal warning.
- A game forfeit at the umpire’s discretion for any further misconduct.
- Any disciplinary matters arising from these incidents will be reviewed by the Executive Board based solely on the umpire’s report and observations.
Lineups
- Lineup cards must be exchanged before the game begins.
- The umpire will retain the lineup cards following the game.
Gameplay
- Teams may use a 5-player infield. The umpire must be notified before the change, and the fifth infielder must be positioned on the infield dirt before each pitch.
- Each team is allowed 3 courtesy runners per game.
- Courtesy runners may be any player listed on the game roster.
- After all three courtesy runners have been used, any additional injury replacement runner must be the last recorded out.
Game Night Operations
- Home teams are responsible for setting up and removing the bases.
- The league supplies one game ball.
- Any additional balls required due to lost foul balls, home runs, or other circumstances must be supplied by the team that was unable to recover the previous ball.
2026 Playoff Format
At the conclusion of the regular season, teams will be seeded based on the final standings.
Seeding Round
- #4 vs #5 — Best-of-3
- Winner advances to the A Playoffs
- Loser becomes the top seed in the B Playoffs
- #8 vs #9 — Best-of-3
- Winner advances to the B Playoffs
- Loser is eliminated
- #1, #2, #3, #6, and #7 receive a bye.
A Playoffs (Championship Bracket)
Semi-Finals (Best-of-3)
- #1 vs Winner of #4/#5
- #2 vs #3
Championship Final (Best-of-3)
B Playoffs (Consolation Bracket)
Semi-Finals (Best-of-3)
- Loser of #4/#5 vs Winner of #8/#9
- #6 vs #7
Championship Final (Best-of-3)
Playoff Schedule
- All playoff series are Best-of-3.
- Playoffs are expected to begin August 11, following the completion of the regular season (weather permitting).
- A maximum of 12 game nights (approximately four weeks) are required if every series goes the full three games.
- An additional week has been reserved for rainouts or other delays, with playoffs expected to conclude by September 10.
-Game Time Limit: 1 hour 15 minutes
-Win: 2 pts, Tie: 1 pts, Loss: 0 pts
-Mercy Rule: 21 runs after 5 innings, game can be called by the captain of the losing team after 5 innings
-Home Run Rule: +3 home runs per team, then singles
-Replacement Balls: Teams must supply extra if lost (foul balls, home runs, etc.)
-Spare Player Rules: SPN rosters are capped at 20, any player on that roster that has signed the waiver is eligible for regular season play.
-Forfeit Rules: One free forfeit per team, then $50 each after. Forfeits must be called by 6pm
-Teams must have a minimum of 7 players from the team roster for a game and can pick up to 2 players (must be on a SPN roster and have signed the waiver) or to a maximum game roster of 9 players. One of the picked up players must play catcher.
-Playoff Eligibility Requirements: players are required to play 50% of scheduled games (8 games for 2026)
-Rainout Communication Process: Games can be called by the town or executive board by 6pm. If a game is in play and has to be called it’s at the umpires discretion.
-Face protection is required for pitchers (officially added to SPN rules in 2026)
-SPN 12” Hot Dot rated balls will be used.
-Umpires have full support of the board, their call stands. Arguing calls may result in 1 verbal warning to the offending team, any further arguing will result in a forfeit of the game at the umpires discretion.
-Discrimination of any kind, verbal and physical abuse will not be tolerated. Offenders will be banned from the league.
Issues arising from Rules 14 & 15 will be decided upon by the board based on the Umpires actions and observations ONLY.
-Lineup cards will be exchanged prior to the start of the game and be left with the umpire after the game.
-Injured players that attend the game can be added to the lineup card and it will be counted towards their playoff eligibility.
-Any team that wishes to use a 5 man infield must notify the umpire of the change and the 5th man must be on the dirt before any pitch to the batter.
-Teams get 3 courtesy runners per game, incoming runners can be anyone from the game roster.
-After the 3 courtesy runners have been used, if a runner is required because of injury the incoming runner must be the last out.
Game Night Operations
-Field Setup Responsibilities: Bases to be put out and picked up by home teams
-League will supply 1 ball per game, all further balls will be supplied by the team that could not recover the game ball.