CAL Softball League Rules

1. No inning shall begin after two hours have passed unless the minimum number of innings hasn’t occurred. 

• Teams/Umpire should make note of the starting time of the game, determined by the first warm-up pitch in the top of the first inning. 

• A game may remain tied after the two hours are up and both teams have had an equal amount of times at bat.

2. Games are official after 5 innings (or 4 ½ when the home team is ahead). Games that end after 5 due to darkness will result in a tie. The 10-run mercy rule takes effect after this time as well. Coaches may waive the 10-run rule before the game begins.

3. NO metal cleats.

4. Softball bats must have the ASA 2000, ASA Certified 2004, or USA Softball Certified stamp on them. 

5. A one-piece catcher’s mask must be worn by all catchers as well as those warming up pitchers. 

• Wearing a helmet is recommended for coaches while warming up pitchers, but not required. 

6. Face masks are required on all softball batter’s helmets. A Face mask attached to the  batter's helmet must match in order for the NOCSAE approval to be enforced. 

7. Batters must wear helmets during any pre-game batting practice. An L-Screen (or C Screen) will be utilized if there is a pre-game batting practice. 

8. To increase the opportunity to play, coaches may choose:

• to bat a traditional line-up of 9

• to bat a traditional lineup of 9 utilizing the DH

• to bat a traditional lineup of 10 utilizing an Extra Hitter (EH)

• to bat the entire roster continuously  

  • Once this selection is made, the coach must stick with the method 

  • If a player must  leave due to injury, that position in the line-up will be scratched and will not affect the  pitching record or out 

9. Free defensive substitutions are allowed.

CAL Pre-Game Routine

Pre-Game Warm-Up Schedule for 3:30 Start Time: 

*May be adjusted due to team arrival

2:00-2:45 pm:  Home team hitting/fielding

2:45-3:15 pm: Away team hitting/fielding

3:15 pm: Coaches, Captains and Umpire Meeting

Pre-Game Warm-Up Schedule for 4:00 Start Time: 

*May be adjusted due to team arrival

2:30 - 3:15 pm:  Home team hitting/fielding

3:15 - 3:45 pm: Away team hitting/fielding

3:45 pm: Coaches, Captains and Umpire Meeting