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. No sliding; a base runner may not slide into a base or back to a base (automatic out).
2. No diving; a baserunner may not dive into a base (automatic out). HOWEVER, a dive back to the base will be allowed to avoid collisions and/or a ball to the head.
3. No bunting (automatic out). Hitter must take a full swing.
4. No stealing (automatic out). The ball must be hit in order for a runner to advance.
5. No touching home plate if there will be a play at home plate (a runner should cross the safety line away from the catcher). If there is no play at home plate, the runner can touch home plate. The idea is to avoid collisions at all costs.
6. No blocking the base path when a runner is on the base or advancing to the next base.
7. No arguing with the umpires. All umpires must be attentive to the game being played. All issues will be discussed with the captain(s) and ump(s).
8. You will pitch to your own team. If the pitcher purposely touches the ball or obstructs the defence in any way by touching the ball, it will be an automatic out (i.e. - the pitcher makes contact with the ball in a furtive motion toward the ball - interference will be called and it will be an out). There is a maximum of six (6) pitches per batter. If the pitcher is accidentally hit by the ball, the penalty is one strike to the batter. If the batter has two strikes and hits the pitcher, the batter will be out.
9. When a batter is up to bat, the infielders must stay at the baseline until the ball is hit. After the ball is hit, the infielders can move anywhere to field the ball. Rovers and outfielders must start behind the demarcation line until the ball is hit (There will only be one line in the outfield).
10. On an overthrow to any base, the ball is live unless it goes ‘out-of-play’ (umpires will explain what is ‘out-of-play’ at each venue). If you choose to run on an overthrow that is ‘in-play’, the defence can tag you at the base you are advancing to and you will be out. You can only advance one (1) base on an overthrow that goes ‘out-of-play’.
11. After successfully running to first base, the batter must be on the right side of the foul line when walking back to first base. A runner that is on the left side of the foul line would be considered ‘in-play’, and can be tagged out.
12. We will play seven (7) innings. Maximum of five (5) runs allowed per inning. The 7th inning will be open (open means that each team can score as many runs as they can until their third out).
13. Games must start on time or they will be ended early. Each team has 1½ hours to complete a game. There is no time limit on the last game.
14. Please arrive on time for your game! IT IS IMPORTANT WE START ON TIME!!! Field time is always difficult to get, so being early helps us start on time!
15. If it is pouring rain the game(s) will be cancelled. Your team manager will be in touch with you regarding delays and/or cancellations.
16. No lead-offs. In the event a runner leads-off the base, that team will be given a warning. The next time it happens in the same game, the runner will be called "out". Each team will receive one warning per game and the second incidence will result in an automatic "out". No exceptions.
17. PLAYOFF TIE-BREAKER
1 - Head to Head
2 - Head to Head run differential
3 - Overall run differential