Quispamsis Slo-Pitch League (QSPL) game play is governed by Slo Pitch National (SPN) rules, with the following local exceptions:

1. To avoid contact at home plate, the catcher is only required to touch the home plate mat with possession of the ball before the runner arrives. The runner, to avoid contact, must touch the chalked line or the ground beyond the chalked line that is extended from home plate to the backstop. Contact with the ground must be made by the runner. It is not “break the plane” as in football.

a. If a throw home takes the catcher off home plate, then the catcher is allowed to tag the runner.

2. If one team has eight or nine players, that team may pick up one or two players from the opposing team, if the opposing team has excess of the required number. If the other team does not provide players, the team may pick up players from the stands.

a. Only registered league players will be allowed to play.

b. Teams should use the spares list for extra players if they know they will have less than 8.

3. Any team who picks up one or two players to make a team of 10, the players who are picked up can only be dropped from the lineup (when additional players arrive) within the first 15 minutes of the game.

4. Pitchers must pitch from the rubber or behind, but not exceeding the pitching circle at the 65’ mark.

5. All pitchers are required to wear a protective face mask. Anyone not wearing a face mask will not be allowed to pitch.

6. A batter that requires a runner cannot proceed beyond first base unless they hit a ground-rule double or a home run. And once a batter takes a runner, he must take a runner at each at bat for the remainder of the game.

7. As a result of a rainout games the next game will be a 4-point game. If two games between the same teams are rained out there will be no 6-point games. If the rainouts are during the first 2 rotations of the schedule, then the last 2 rotations will be two 4-point games. If the rainouts are in the 2nd and 3rd rotations of the schedule, then a 4- point game will be played in the 4th rotation and a make-up game will be played, if necessary. If the rainouts occur in the 3rd and 4th rotations then a 4-point make-up game will be played, if necessary.

8. If a player shows up and cannot bat or field but wishes to catch, he will be allowed to do so. This is the only position he will play.

9. No player shall sit out 2 consecutive innings in the field unless it is their choice to do so.

10. Only ASA (Amateur Softball Association of America) and USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association) bats are approved within our league.

11. There is a 15 minute grace period for players to arrive before the game is forfeited. For 9:30PM games that grace period ends at 9:45 even if the 8:00PM game ran late.

12. Home Run Rule - Each team has a total of 5 home runs per game. Any ball hit out of the park after the 5th home run will be considered an out. If both teams have 5 home runs, then they can hit home runs again but cannot surpass a +1 differential.

13. There are no 4 base errors. Any ball hit over the fence, regardless of if an outfielder touches it, will be deemed a homerun and count towards the home run count.

14. There is a maximum of 7 runs per inning, except for innings 8 & 9, which are open.

15. Any homerun hit with a wooden bat will NOT count towards the 5-homerun rule. Note: The batter must announce the wooden bat.

16. A fair ball hit into the net at Meenans Cove field will be considered a ground rule double. A ball must clear the top of the net in fair territory to be considered a home run. This rule does not apply at Walter Jewett field.

17. Any player arriving after the 4th inning shall be deemed ineligible for that game.

18. Illegal Bat Regulation – Honour system enforced by each team on themselves.

19. The batting team will supply balls during game play (After home team supplies game ball #1 new and visiting team throws in game ball #2 new or nearly new). Last update: April 18, 2024