Game length
- Innings: 7 is usual.
- Time limit: for example, no new inning starts after 55 or 60 minutes.
- What happens to a tie at the time limit in pool play, and in the playoffs.
Run rules
A mercy rule ends a lopsided game early, for example when one team leads by 15 or more after 3 innings or 10 or more after 5. Many tournaments also cap runs per inning, often at 5 or 7, except in an open last inning. Write down your numbers.
Home runs and pitching
Most rec slo-pitch events limit home runs, either a set number per team per game or a one-up rule. Pitching rules cover the arc, often between 6 and 12 feet, and whether a mat or a strike zone is used. Many leagues start each batter on a 1 and 1 count to keep games moving.
Co-ed rules
Co-ed events set the minimum number of women on the field, the batting order, and what happens when a man is walked with a woman batting next. These vary a lot between associations, so spell yours out.
Equipment and rosters
- Approved bats and balls: name the association whose lists you follow.
- Roster size and the deadline for changes.
- Courtesy runners and substitutions.
Standings and tiebreakers
Points per win and tie, and the tiebreaker order. See Softball Tiebreakers Explained.
