​

OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT RULES

EVENT PURPOSE & PHILOSOPHY

At Opportunity Knocks, we envision an inclusive community where all individuals experience access, presence and support. We believe that Co-ed softball is not just a sport, but an opportunity for the community. We welcome everyone to that community. A community that promotes inclusivity and respect for all players, regardless of background, identity, orientation or ability. These rules are designed to help us host a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.

 

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

The umpire on duty will have full authority to interpret the tournament rules and to settle all in-game disputes. The volunteer assigned to monitor the game will report any questionable rulings, player complaints, or other protests to the tournament committee for later review, but will not be asked to provide conflict resolution at the time of the given incident.

 

All players are expected to respect the nature of this event and to exhibit the highest level of sportsmanship.

 

GENDER IDENTIFICATION, ROSTER & BATTING ORDER

We recognize that people defining as gender non-binary are defined as neither male nor female.

We recognize that trans* players can identify anywhere along the gender spectrum.

For the purposes of these variations, we are defining genders as female, male and nonbinary.

Players can choose to play as their identified gender (i.e., the gender they identify as in their daily life).

Umpires or opposing teams/players are not to question or challenge players’ gender selection

 

THE ROSTER

Teams are allowed a maximum of 20 players on their roster

10 players play at a time, 50/50 gender split on the defensive playing field

Shorthanded Rule: Teams may start with a minimum of 8 players; In this instance, teams playing shorthanded must designate the empty position(s) in the batting order and take an automatic out when those spots are up to bat

 

Exception: Teams with exceptional circumstances related to roster gender balance, may contact event coordinators to discuss circumstances and seek accommodations.

 

BATTING

Teams may opt for a continuous batting order of up to 20 batters

Teams may move players in and out of any fielding position as long as they remain in the batting order.

No player may re-enter the game once he/she has been removed from the batting order.

 

PITCHING

Batters begin with a 1 and 1 count.

Pitchers may not use any type of fake, jump, or intentional hesitation while pitching.

The arc limits for a pitch is: 6 ft. minimum, 12 ft. maximum.

No Fast or flat pitches are allowed.

Pitches outside these limits will automatically be called illegal, unless batter swings.

Third strike foul is an automatic out and a dead ball.

Intentional walks are discouraged

 

BASE RUNNING

• There are NO lead offs or stealing bases. Runners may only leave the base when the ball crosses home plate, or the ball is hit by the batter.
• The NO CONTACT rule is in effect for base runners. A runner must do everything possible to avoid contact. Runners do not have to slide, just avoid contact. Fielders are not entitled to block a base without 'having a play' on the runner. Runners that initiate contact will be called out, and may be ejected from the game at the umpire's discretion.

 

GENERAL

Team captains must report to the field 15 minutes prior to game time.

Forfeit time is 5 minutes after game time.

There are no gender restrictions on what positions are played

A team may score a MAXIMUM of 10 runs in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd innings. Once the 10th run has crossed the plate, the inning is over without exception.

Slaughter rule is 15 or more runs after 4 innings, 10 or more runs after 5 innings.

Out-of-bounds will be designated by the umpire to the team captains prior to game time.

Out-of-bounds designations may vary from field to field.

No new inning will start after the 50 minute mark on the clock (not always 50 minutes of playing time).

No foul language will be tolerated.

 

EQUIPMENT

No metal spikes or metal-tipped cleats allowed.

Bats are not supplied by the tournament sponsors - please bring your own.

 

EXTRA INNINGS

Extra inning rules apply when the game is tied after the 7th inning or has passed the 45-minute mark on the clock (not always 45 minutes of playing time).

Upon the start of the new inning, the last out of the previous inning will be awarded 2nd base and all batters start with a 2-2 count. 

Normal rules apply with the home team batting at the bottom of the inning.

If a team is in the tie-breaker and the Short Handed Rule is in effect, do not declare an out if the absent player is the one who should begin the half inning at second base. Instead, place on second base the player whose name precedes the absent player’s name in the line-up.