Unless otherwise noted, BRAAS follows the latest USSSA slow-pitch softball rules. The following are key rules relevant to BRAAS Softball.
GAME LENGTH: Each game is 7 innings or 1 hour of play, whichever is shorter. A new inning may not start after the 55-minute mark. An inning ends—and the subsequent inning begins—when the third out is made.
EXTRA INNINGS:
Regular Season: The “international rule” is used. That is, the last player to be put out from the prior inning starts at second base, with zero outs.
Postseason: For the playoffs, standard extra inning rules apply. That is, there is no “international rule” in the playoffs.
MERCY RULE: 15 runs after 4 innings; 10 runs after 5 innings.
BALLS/STRIKES: Each batter starts his at bat with a 1-1 count. Once the batter reaches two strikes, he is allowed one additional foul ball. A second foul ball is an out.
STRIKE ZONE: Any ball thrown at the correct arc (6-12 feet) that hits any part of home plate or the mat is a strike. Any ball thrown flat should be vocally called out by the umpire, thus letting the batter know that the pitch will be a ball. The batter may still swing at the pitch, however. The umpire’s failure to vocally call a flat pitch does not preclude him from calling the pitch a ball or strike.
PLAYERS:
Regular Season: A team may play with only 9 players and not have to take an out in the 10th batting spot. A team that plays with fewer than 9 players, however, must take an out each time the vacant spot(s) comes to bat.
Postseason: A team must play with at least 10 players. If a team plays with fewer than 10 players, that team must take an out each time the vacant spot(s) comes to bat.
SUBSTITUTIONS: A captain may add as many substitutions as needed to field a team of 9 players. All substitutions must be of equal or less caliber as the player being replaced and must be approved by the opposing captain. Substitutions are only permitted during the regular season.
PINCH RUNNER: Any batter may get a pinch runner after reaching base safely. The “last-batted out” is the pinch runner.
“Last-batted out” is just that, the last batter that made out, including if that occurred the previous inning. A forced-out runner does not qualify as the “last-batted out.” If there is no “last-batted out” yet in the game, the last batter listed in the lineup is the pinch runner.
Example 1: If the leadoff hitter in the second inning reaches base and needs a pinch runner, the last-batted out in the previous inning is the pinch runner.
Example 2: If the leadoff hitter in the game reaches base and needs a pinch runner, the last batter in the lineup is the pinch runner.
DESIGNATED BATTER: Before each game, each team shall designate a player that is “non-walkable.” If the “non-walkable” player walks (intentionally or unintentionally), the following batter will also walk. The following batter does NOT have the option to hit. Standard pinch-runner rules apply to the “non-walkable” and following batters.
CONDUCT: Any player who strikes or makes contact with an umpire, team member, spectator, or other person will be ejected from the game and must go before the Board. A player will be given a verbal warning and then may be ejected for arguing calls with an umpire or opponent. An ejected player must leave the playing facility. If the ejected player continues to disrupt a game in any way, he may be ejected from the league for the remainder of season, at the discretion of the Board.
MISCELLANEOUS:
A player is injured during a game and can’t resume play (after he’s hit or played the field). His batting spot is thereafter an OUT.
A player has to leave during the game (after he’s hit or played the field). His batting spot is thereafter an OUT.
A player shows up after the game has started (for whatever reason) but before his team bats through the lineup. He may be inserted anywhere in the lineup that has not batted yet.
A player shows up after the game has started (for whatever reason) and after his team has hit through the lineup. He may be inserted at the end of the lineup only.
Every player present (and not injured) MUST HIT. There is no requirement that every player must play the field.
Pitchers must wear facemasks while pitching.
ONE-PITCH TOURNAMENT (when played):
The defense pitches to the offense (standard pitching)
The batter starts with a 3-2 count
Walks ARE allowed
Each batter may foul off ONE pitch; the second foul ball is an out
Each game is 7 innings BUT no NEW inning after the 25-minute mark
A team will bat twice (6 outs) in a row the first two innings (clear the bases after first three outs)
