EVENT DETAILS

Linden Rules

LINDEN SPRING MENS - 2024


Managers - please print a copy of this and bring it to each game.


This is a single-wall (metal) bat league. Only those types of bats are permitted, or wood bats. If the bat has a composite handle and metal barrel that is OK but not if the bat is the opposite.


The pitch count is 1-1 with no courtesy foul. The pitcher must present the ball and throw from the rubber.  Faking is permitted but you are not allowed to throw behind the back or through your legs.  You have five seconds from when the ball is presented to throw it or it's a ball.


The plate and the mat are a strike.  Teams supply a strike mat as well as bases. Double first-base is preferred but not required.


Teams are given balls for the regular season (and the playoffs) at the beginning of the season. If you run out of softballs you will have to purchase more.


All teams make the playoffs.  The playoffs are best 2 of 3 series Quarterfinals and on.  Single game play-in. Higher seed is home games 1 and 3 of the series.


Teams can start with 8 players. If you start with 8 players, you take 1 automatic out. You can play with 9 without taking an automatic out.


If you start with 8 or 9 players, you may add to 10 players at any time.  You can add the 11th or 12th player in the lineup at the bottom until it is the top of the 4th inning.  After that time, you must sub the player in.

The home run rule is: 5 for men, then inning ending outs.



Teams can take one courtesy runner per inning. It can be anyone in the lineup. If the batting spot comes up for the courtesy runner, an out is recorded for the batting spot and the runner remains on base. You can not pinch hit for the runner if the runner is on the base-paths as a courtesy runner.


Substitution is normal USSSA rules. The substitute may enter for the starter. The starter may then re-enter for the substitute only and the substitute is then done for the game.


Leading on the base-paths is not permitted. Runner is allowed to come off the bag when the ball crosses home plate. Umpire will give a warning in the first instance per team, after which an out will be called.


If a player is ejected from any game, the player must leave the area or the team is subject to forfeiting the game. If the player's behavior is egregiously bad, a suspension can be issued.


The forfeit time is 8:15 PM for the 8pm first game.   It is 8:30 PM for game two.  Teams can not forfeit on the day of the game or they are responsible for both halves of the umpire fee.


Base-runners must slide or make an effort to avoid contact or they will be called out. However, the defensive player can also not "block" the bag or home plate.


Mercy rule is 15 after four innings, 10 after five innings. Mercy rule and Flip-flop rule is in effect in all games including playoff game.


Playoff tiebreakers for seeding: 1) head to head if two teams only  2) Run differential plus/minus entire season 3) Runs given up 4) Runs scored


Players may not play for more than one team in the league. Teams can mutually agree to allow a substitute in the regular season to avoid a forfeit, but it is discouraged.


Players shall maintain proper softball etiquette at all times, be respectful of other players, and especially towards the umpires.


Each team is asked to keep an official game score-book and check the score with the umpire in between innings.


The mat is an extension of home plate for plays at the plate. The base-runner or catcher may touch either the plate or the mat. This includes a force play. This is simply to try and avoid any collisions.


The league entry fee covers all fees, teams pay umpires at home plate.

Rahway Wood Bat Rules

2024 Rahway Sunday Softball Spring League Rules

1. COST- $800 per team. This includes softballs and umpire fees.

2. All games are played on Sunday Mornings. (Double-Headers)

3. Starting time for the first game is 9 AM. Forfeit time is 15 minutes after game time. Second game forfeit time is 9:30 AM.

4. The regular season consists of 14 regular season games, 7 DH slots.

5. The top 4 teams will make the playoffs.  League reserves the right to adjust playoff format.  

6. One division of 6 teams.

7. No changes allowed from regular season or tournament schedule.  If you have a conflict, plan to field a team.

8. A flip of a coin will determine which team will be the home team for the first game. Visitor of the first game will automatically be home for the second game.

9. Each team must bring one new softball per week. One new softball will be used for each game with both teams providing a good used softball as a back-up. Each team must also bring a set of bases with double first base as well as a mat for home plate.

10. Forfeit games will be recorded 7-0. If you forfeit 3 Sundays, you are out of the league.

11. The umpires will report the scores to me but the teams are encouraged to text them in also to avoid any errors.

12. Rain-outs will be determined by field conditions. If possible the league will call off games by Saturday night. If rain comes Saturday evening or Sunday AM, a determination will be made by 7:45 AM. Managers will be texted and emailed. Managing the weather is not an exact science.

13. Teams and umpires will work together to determine field playability at the field.

14. Once the game begins, the umpire is in full charge and will determine the playing conditions and or the continuation of the games.

15. If there is no umpire at the field, contact me and I will update.

16. The league will handle all umpire payment directly.

17. Team managers will be responsible for the behavior of their players. Umpires are instructed not to tolerate any unsportsmanlike behavior. This is an absolute must. The league will not tolerate any misconduct and players or teams will be ejected from the league.

18. Metal spikes are not allowed.

19. Players can only play with one team in the league. A player wishing to change teams must have league approval and will not be allowed after Week 3.

20. Eight players are needed to begin a game. If you start with 8 you take an out in the 9th spot. Players may be added at any time once a game begins. Players must be 18 years old to play.

21. Any baserunner struck by a batted ball in fair territory is out unless they are standing on a bag or if the ball has been touched by a defender.

22. Tiebreaker for playoffs will be. Head to head if two teams are tied. Total run differential for the season after that.

23. No stealing or bunting is allowed. You must make an attempt to drive the ball out of the infield.

24. Extra players may play in the field with the re-entry rule. E.P. may also split the game with another player. Starters may re-enter only once if taken out of the game.

25. One courtesy runner per inning is permitted. Managers are allowed to discuss at ground rules and possibly do 2 per inning if agreed upon. Any player in the lineup can be a courtesy runner, but if that player's batting spot comes up an out will result.

26. Base runners must slide or veer at any base that a play is being attempted.

27. A base runner can leave the base once the ball has crossed home plate.

28. Pitching arc is 6 to 12 feet from the ground.

29. Pitch count is 1-1 count, we are giving a courtesy foul.

30. Mercy rule is 20 after 3, 15 after 4, and 10 after 5. Flip flop rule is mandatory and in effect.

31. Higher seeded teams in playoffs will automatically be the home team in playoff games.

32. No player will be allowed to play with other teams once his team is eliminated from the playoffs.

33. In the finals, the higher seed will be home in games 1 and 3 of the series.

34. Each team is allowed to bat 12 players. You can only field 10 players. However if you start with 12 you must end with 12. If a player leaves the game, he must be replaced by another player or it is an out in the batting order. This also applies if you start with 10 or 11. You can add up to a 12th player at anytime during the game.


35. Alcoholic beverages are NOT allowed at any game at any time. Any one found with alcoholic beverages, will be ejected and that team will forfeit the game. Managers and or players may face a suspension or ejection from the league.

36. Any team that does not pay the entire entry fee by the required deadline, will be suspended from playing in the league. Each manager must realize that most of the expense are paid before the first game is played. Field permits, softballs, Insurance, and sanction fees are paid in full before the first game. Teams that are not paid will be suspended from league play and players will not be allowed to play in the league.

37. All players will play at their own risk. The insurance paid for by each team carries only liability insurance. Medical coverage is offered at an additional cost.

38. During the season, if the occasion arises where you can not field a team, and you may have to forfeit, you must call the league commissioner and not the opposing manager. The league commissioner will handle the situation from that point forward, and determine what outcome will be. All games are playable unless otherwise noted.

39. The league is a Wood bat league allowing Wooden softball bats. The corn-dog bat is permitted in this league. No composite or metal bats are permitted in the league.

40. Umpires will determine any ground rules for their specific field at the coin toss.

41. Base runners can ask to step off and retouch the base.

42. Teams are required to submit a Team Waiver form with all players listed and signed.

43. There is no Home Run rule - all you can get. If a game is played on a fenced field, teams are allowed 3 home runs over the fence after which is just an out.

44. Time limit - no inning will begin 2 hours and 30 minutes after the first pitch is thrown.

45. Winning team will receive team trophy and a set of Championship shirts or other prize.

Union County Coed Rules

Union County Coed Rules 2024


Managers - please print a copy of this and bring it to each game.


This is a single-wall (metal) bat league. Only those types of bats are permitted, or wood bats. If the bat has a composite handle and metal barrel that is OK but not if the bat is the opposite.


The pitch count is 0-0 with no courtesy foul. The pitcher must present the ball and throw from the rubber (no faking.)


The plate and the mat are a strike. Arc is 6 to 12 feet. The home team supplies a strike mat as well as bases. Double first-base is preferred but not required.


Male players hit a 12" USSSA Classic M softball. Female players hit an 11" USSSA Classic W Softball. Teams are given balls for the regular season at the beginning of the season and the league supplies balls for the playoffs.


All teams make the playoffs. The playoffs are single elimination in the first two rounds and the higher seed is the home team. The playoff is a bracket format, #1 plays the winner of #4 vs #5 etc. In the Championship the higher seed will be home in game #1 and #3. The other team in #2. Playoff games must be played to completion. The league reserves the right to adjust into two brackets depending on regular season play.


If a male batter is walked in front of a female, he gets two bases. You can just go directly to second base without touching first base to save time. The female batter must always hit no matter how many outs there are. If a male batter is walked in front of another male he gets one base.


Teams can start with 8 players. If you start with 8 players, you take 1 automatic out.   You can play with 9 with no out as long as you have enough girls.  


The league format moving forward in 2024 is 6 men, 4 women but there are some new game rules as it relates to guy / girl combo.  

Teams can hit 7&4 lineup without adding a 5th girl.   

Teams may not hit 8&4.    They may hit 7&5 or 8&5.   

Teams have the option to play with 3 girls.   If teams select this option.   The girl hitting #2 will also hit #8 no questions asked no changes allowed.  

If playing with 3 girls, a male must catch and the 3 girls must take other positions.  No exceptions.  

If playing with 2 girls.   The #6 spot in the lineup is an out.    You can play with 9 with the 2 girls in the field and male catcher.  

If your team is playing with 7&4 playing against a 7&3 team.   You have the option of using a male catcher and using the 4th girl as the extra hitter if you so choose.   

If you start with 8 or 9 players, you may add to 10 players at any time at the bottom of the order without penalty. If you start with 10 players, and you are not taking a place-holder out, you can not add 11 or 12 once you have gone through the batting order.


Rahway Park is unfenced. No HR limit.  At Linden or fenced field, it is 5 per game for men then an inning ending out. Unlimited for females.


Teams can take one courtesy runner of each sex per inning. It is ANYONE IN THE LINEUP of that sex. If the batting spot comes up for the courtesy runner, an out is recorded for the batting spot and the runner remains on base. You can not pinch hit for the runner if the runner is on the base-paths as a courtesy runner.


Substitution is normal USSSA rules. The substitute may enter for the starter. The starter may then re-enter for the substitute only and the substitute is then done for the game.


Leading on the base-paths is not permitted. Runner is allowed to come off the bag when the ball crosses home plate. Umpire will give a warning in the first instance per team, after which an out will be called.

If a player is ejected from any game, the player must leave the area or the team is subject to forfeiting the game. If the player's behavior is egregiously bad, a suspension can be issued.


Teams must be ready to start the 6:30 game at 6:30.   If you have 8 players you have to start.   Teams with 8 that are home team can select to be visitors if they want.   We can not wait for a long time to start games.  6:40 will be the drop dead forfeit time.   


Base-runners must slide or make an effort to avoid contact.


Mercy rule is 15 after 5 innings, 10 after 6 innings. Mercy rule and Flip-flop rule is in effect in all games including playoff games.


Playoff tiebreakers for seeding: 1) head to head if two teams only 2) Run differential plus/minus 3) Runs given up 4) Runs scored


Players may not play for more than one team in the league. Teams can mutually agree to allow a substitute in the regular season to avoid a forfeit, but it is discouraged.


Players shall maintain proper softball etiquette at all times, be respectful of other players, and especially towards the umpires.


Each team is asked to keep an official game score-book and check the score with the umpire in between innings.


The mat is an extension of home plate for any play at the plate. The base-runner or catcher may touch either the plate or the mat. This includes a force play. This is simply to try and avoid any collisions.


The league entry fee covers all fees, including umpires.