These rules were obtained from the 1998-1999 IM sports
information booklet. They are the property of the Pennsylvania State
University Intramural Office. In addiditon to these rules, general intramural
rules will also govern play.
TEAMS: ALL GAMES WILL START at the scheduled time if each team has the minimum number (9) of players !
A team will consist of 10 players. A team may start a game with only 9 players and not be subject to forfeit. Any loss of players due to injury or ejection that leaves a team with less than 9 players shall result in a default. A player substituted from the game CANNOT re-enter.
Coed teams...
A coed team consists of 10 players (5 men and 5 women).
A team may start a game with 9 players provided at least 4 men and 4 women
are on the field. Coed teams playing with 9: the 10th spot in the batting
order will be represented with an AUTOMATIC out each time it is due up.
This rule will also be in effect for a coed team that starts a game with
10 players and must finish playing with 9 because of injury, fatigue, etc.
A player substituted from the game CANNOT re-enter the game.
Coed field positioning will include:
Each batter will start their count at 1 and 1 (1 ball, 1 strike).
Games suspended because of inclement weather:
If the suspension occurs in the top of an inning, the score will revert back to the last complete inning.
If the suspension occurs in the bottom half of an inning, one of two things will occur:
Choice of BATTING or FIELDING first shall be decided by a coin toss.
The INFIELD fly rule is in effect.
Bats: A bat must be marked "Official Softball"
to be legal.
The FOLLOWING BATS ARE ILLEGAL: Baseball Bats, Titanium
Bats, Double/Triple walled Bats
IM STRIKE ZONE: A pitch that hits home plate or the home plate extension AND meets the 6 to 12 foot height requirement will be called a strike. This is done in order to enhance the officiating consistency.
Pitchers are limited to 3 warm-up pitches at the start of the game and before each inning.
Pitching plates will not be used. The umpire shall step off 50 feet and mark it, if necessary. The pivot foot must remain in contact with the marked area until the pitched ball leaves the hand.
If a pitch is not hit, the catcher must return the ball IMMEDIATELY to the pitcher.
The batter shall not step on or across the plate. Batter is out, ball is dead.
Bunting or chopping down on the ball will result in an automatic out.
The batting order must be followed. Substitutes will bat in the position of the player they replaced.
Coed Teams: must alternate Male/Female in the batting order.
A batter is called out on a foul ball that is hit after two strikes.
If such a foul ball is NOT CAUGHT, baserunners may not advance; ball is dead.
If such a foul ball IS CAUGHT, baserunners MAY ADVANCE AT THEIR OWN RISK.
If, during a play, the base has been moved from its original spot, the runner need only touch the original base area. The original base area will be a judgment call made by the umpire closest to the base.
Base Sliding must be performed with discretion. If undue contact occurs, the baserunner may be ejected.
The advancing base runner may not collide with the person covering the base. Upright collision results in an automatic out, and possible ejection.
Under no condition is a runner permitted to steal a base. If a player does steal a base or attempts to steal a base, he/she is automatically out. If a baserunner leaves the base after a batter swings and misses the pitch, the base runner WILL NOT be called out.
Batter and baserunners may not advance when a third strike
is not held by the catcher.
Batter is out ~ ball is dead.
On overthrows, the baserunner is entitled to two bases if the ball goes out of play. Bases are awarded according to the position of runners at the time the ball is thrown.
Covering a Base - a player covering a base must keep half of the base available to the advancing runner.
Catchers are encouraged to wear the protective masks provided for their own protection.
Interference: An offensive player may not impede, hinder or confuse a defensive player while attempting to execute a play.
Obstruction: A defensive fielder may not remain in the base path without the ball in an attempt to impede the progress of a runner.
CLUB SPORTS - Baseball Club Traveling team members are restricted to 2 per IM team, AND if in the OPEN divisions - they must play in the MAJOR leagues.
Current Varsity Softball & Baseball players are not
eligible to play IM Softball.
Former varsity letter winners may not participate in
the same sport until one full year after receiving the letter. Anyone who
has been declared a professional in a sport may not compete in the same
or "like" intramural sport untl one full year from the date of their last
contest. If you have any questions, call the IM office at 865-5401.
The plate umpire shall be the official scorer.
The plate umpire will decide on the boundaries for the field to determine if a ball is in play.
APPEALS: There will be no official appeals in intramural softball. The umpire has been instructed to make calls on all appealable situations as he/she sees the play once the ball becomes dead.
PROTESTS: Only those protests involving questions of player eligibility will be considered by the Intramural Office. These must be submitted in writing to Room 2, Intramural Building within 24 hours following the contest in question.
If a team captain believes an official has erred, the captain should request that the IM Supervisor be consulted IMMEDIATELY BEFORE PLAY CONTINUES.
SUNDAY afternoon, evening and FRIDAY evening will be used for rescheduling games.