SOFTBALL

1.  USA rules modified by NYSPHSAA.

2.   Visiting teams will use the field for 20 minutes prior to game start time.

3.   On all levels, typed copies of grounds rules are to be given to the plate umpire and the visiting coach.

4.   All coaches on all levels are required to present lineup cards to the plate umpire and opposing coach.

5.   Official games are 4 1/2 or 5 innings during the regular season. rev 10/20

6.   Termination - A varsity game will be terminated when there is a run differential of 12 or more runs after the contest becomes legal (four and one-half innings if the home team is ahead, five full innings if the visiting team is ahead). NOTE:  This does not apply in Section XI tournament games.  Approved 3/11/08

A JV game will be terminated when there is a run differential of 12 or more runs after the contest becomes legal (four and one-half innings if the home team is ahead, five full innings if the visiting team is ahead).  Approved 3/11/08

7.   Tie or Non-Regulation Contest:  The game shall resume at the exact point where it was stopped; lineups intact.

8.   Metal cleats are permitted for High School ONLY.  Modified players must wear rubber or molded cleats.  rev 10/20

9.  Face masks are mandated on softball batting helmets ( with a NOCSAE stamp) at all levels beginning in the spring 2006 season. (approved Jan 2005)

10.   Protests must be made prior to the next pitch or before the defensive team leaves the field after the third out.  rev 10/20

11.  All coaches shall be required to wear protective helmets while standing along the 1st and 3rd base lines during games. (approved 10/8/09)

  Section XI Tournament

Effective July 1, 2014, Section XI has adopted SPALDING as the official ball used in all Section XI playoff contests.  Schools are mandated to use a SPALDING product exclusively during ALL ROUNDS of the Section XI playoffs. 

The Section XI Sport Chair will decide when schools will receive the DUDLEY SB12L (4H-311Y) ball.  Schools may use this ball or any other SPALDING product.

1.  There shall be a class tournament ending with a Class Champion effective with the 2006-07 school year. (approved 10/17/06)

2.  The Section XI Softball Tournament:
     Double Elimination Tournament:
      For double elimination tournaments, all teams must be better than .500 league and/or combined league/mandatory cross over records shall qualify for the Section XI Tournament.(updated 10/4/23)
      Single Elimination Tournament: 
      For single elimination tournaments, all teams with .500 league and/or combined league/mandatory cross over records shall qualify for the Section XI Tournament. (updated 10/4/23)
3.  Any outbracket or play-in contests shall be single elimination.  (Approved 10/14/15)

4.  All rounds of the Double Elimination tournament will be held at the higher seed.   Exception:  The 1st game in the Section XI Championship finals will be hosted at the team coming out of the winners bracket final. (Approved 10/16/13)

5. All games must be played to completion at a minimum of 6 1/2 or 7 innings.  Should the game be stopped at any time and not played to the full 6 1/2 or 7 innings, it will be considered suspended and picked up from that point   the following available date.  Officials must sign the book and not the situation at the time of stoppage. (added 10/20)

Rev: 10/20