DSL Rules and Regulations

There are several rules that the DSL has implemented which differ from the ISF, ASA, and/or NSA. These rules have purpose and have been voted on and approved by league captains. Please be aware of the following DSL rules and notices: 

1. Game Structure & Timing

• Games are seven (7) innings in length.

• Each team may score a maximum of five (5) runs per inning, except the 7th inning, which is open (unlimited runs until three outs).

• A game time limit of 1.5 hours applies. Games must start on time and may be shortened if delayed.

• Mercy rule: A game may be ended after five (5) innings if there is a 20-run differential and both captains agree.

• Games may be cancelled due to severe weather. Captains will communicate any delays or cancellations.

2. Pitching & Batting Rules

• Each batter receives a maximum of five (5) pitches.

• On double-header days, or if a team leads by 10+ runs after an inning, the limit is reduced to four (4) pitches.

• If the pitcher intentionally interferes with a batted ball, the batter is out.

• If a batted ball accidentally hits the pitcher:

  • One strike is added to the count.

  • If the batter already has two strikes, the batter is out.

• A protective pitching net is in use:

  • A ball hitting the net is dead and counts as a pitch (not a strike).

  • On the final pitch (5th or 4th), hitting the net results in an out.

  • Once the ball is in play, the net is considered live.

3. Base Running Rules

• No sliding or diving into bases (automatic out).

• A dive back to a base is allowed only to avoid injury.

• No stealing or leading off:

  • Runners must keep one foot on the base until contact.

  • Minor early movement is tolerated unless deemed excessive.

• Runners must stay within a reasonable baseline when advancing.

• No blocking the base path:

  • Obstruction results in the runner being awarded the next base.

4. Home Plate & Scoring

• A safety plate is used:

  • Runners must touch the safety plate.

  • Catchers must touch home plate.

• Interference rules:

  • Catcher interferes → runner is safe.

  • Runner interferes → runner is out.

• If the runner misses the safety plate:

  • They may return safely unless:

    • The catcher has already touched home with the ball, or

    • Another runner scores afterward.

5. Fielding Rules

• Infielders must remain at the baseline until the ball is hit.

• Outfielders must begin behind the rover line (30 paces from the infield).

• One rover may move freely within the outfield and up to the infield line.

6. Ball Play & Overthrows

• Overthrows remain live unless the ball goes out of play.

• If out of play, runners may advance one (1) base only.

• If a ball becomes unplayable in the outfield:

  • Batter is awarded a double.

  • Defender must signal by raising both hands.

• If a defender causes the ball to go out of play:

  • Runner is awarded third base.

  • Umpire may award a home run if abuse of the rule is suspected.

7. Equipment & Ball Rules

• Two ball types are used:

  • Men hit the standard (yellow) ball.

  • Women hit the smaller (yellow) ball with a purple dot.

• If the wrong ball is pitched:

  • The play is dead and no pitch is counted.

• If a woman hits the wrong ball:

  • She may choose to keep the result or re-bat.

8. Substitutions & Pinch Runners

• Pinch runners are allowed only for injury.

• The pinch runner must be the last recorded out, unless both captains agree otherwise.

• If the last out is already on base, the previous out is used.

• A pinch runner may not be replaced to allow another player to pitch.

9. Conduct & Sportsmanship

• No arguing with umpires.

• All disputes must be handled through team captains and umpires.

• Umpires are expected to remain attentive and enforce rules consistently.

10. Additional Rules

• Bunting is not allowed. Enforcement is at umpire discretion but strongly discouraged.

• Players must arrive on time to ensure games start as scheduled.

11. Playoff Tie-Breakers

1. Head-to-head record

2. Head-to-head run differential

3. Overall run differential