Below are a copy of the current league rules, you can also click the button below to download a PDF copy of the rules

KDCSL Rules 2025

(Revised May 7, 2025)

1.        League Purpose

1.1.             Fellowship and Fun

1.1.1.   Fellowship and Fun is the purpose of this league. So, when in doubt, fellowship and fun!

2.        Game Procedures

2.1.             Pre-Game Requirements

2.1.1.   Games are to begin with PRAYER, led by the home team.

2.1.2.   The coaches must agree on any ground rules and explain them to their respective umpires before the game begins (consider ground rule double, out-of-bounds and foul lines, etc.).

2.2.             Game Start and Timing

2.2.1.   Games will start at 6:30 and 8:00 pm.

2.2.2.   If a team cannot field the minimum required players within 15 minutes of the required scheduled start time, that team will be in default, and the opposing team has the right to call the defaulted teams forfeit.

2.2.3.   Home teams must have completed all required field preparations prior to the game’s official start time. If the home team fails to complete this the opposing team may call the game as a forfeit.

2.2.4.   No new inning will start after 7:45 (for 6:30 games) or 9:15 (for 8:00 games).

2.2.4.1.       All variations to the time the game will end must be agreed to by the coaches prior to the start of the game.

2.3.             Late Players

2.3.1.   For any player that is late by more than 15 minutes beyond the start of the scheduled game time and HAVE been included in the starting lineup- they should be scored as an automatic out until they arrive.

2.3.2.   For any player that is late by more than 15 minutes beyond the start of the scheduled game time and were NOT included in the starting line-up, they may be added in as a substitute player upon arrival for one of the other players on the roster of the same sex.

2.4.             Equipment Responsibility

2.4.1.   Home team must supply a new softball each game, as well as the bases and home plate.

2.4.1.1.       The bases provided should have straps and pegs to allow them to be securely fastened to the infield. Every effort should be made to peg them down, and if that is not done the visiting team may decline to play the game for safety reasons. The result of that situation would be the same as a rainout.

3.        Game Rules

3.1.             Game Duration

3.1.1.   Regular season games are nine innings in length.

3.1.2.   At least five (5) innings must be completed for a decision.

3.1.2.1.        If rain or darkness makes it dangerous or impossible to finish the game after five full innings have been completed - The results will be based on the last completed inning even if it results in a tie.

3.1.3.   There are no extra innings in the regular season - Ties will stand.

3.2.             Rainout Policy

3.2.1.   After the ball season opens, if city diamonds are closed due to the grounds or weather conditions being unsafe, then all games for that day will be deemed a rainout

3.2.2.   If the diamonds are not closed, coaches still can discuss and make a weather-related decision about cancelling a game.

3.2.2.1.       Both teams must agree for out-of-town games to be rained out.

3.3.             Catchers

3.3.1.   Catchers are advised to wear a mask to prevent injuries from foul tips.

3.4.             Pitching

3.4.1.   It is 3 pitch and pitchers pitch to their own team.

3.4.2.   Pitchers do not have to be in the batting order.

3.4.3.   The Pitcher must pitch from behind a line agreed upon by both coaches (at least 30 feet from home plate), and from a position in a line between home plate and 2nd base.

3.4.4.   If a batted ball strikes the pitcher, it is a dead ball and not a strike.

3.4.5.   If a pitcher unintentionally interferes with a throw or picks up a live ball, all base runners must stay at the last base they touched before the interference.

3.4.5.1.       If the interference is deemed intentional, the runner closest to home shall be called out.

3.4.6.   A Pitcher need not catch a ball thrown to them from an outfielder or a rover.

3.4.6.1.       Exception being when that outfielder or rover has moved into the infield or unless the pitcher has indicated their willingness to catch the ball.

3.4.7.   Once the ball is thrown to the pitcher area in the situations listed above, runners may not advance unless they are already halfway to the next base to which they are advancing (example: running between bases when the ball is thrown).

3.4.8.   Windmill pitching is not permitted.

3.5.             Pitching Screen

3.5.1.   Pitching screens are available for a team if they choose to use one, but are completely optional. If teams wish to use a pitching screen, the following rules apply;

3.5.1.1.       Left handed pitchers pitch on the left side of the screen, right handed pitchers pitch on the right side.

3.5.1.2.       Once screen is set in an agreed upon position by both team coaches, the screen becomes part of the field.

3.5.1.3.       If a batted ball hits the screen (either ground ball or direct) the;

3.5.1.3.1.           The ball is declared dead.

3.5.1.3.2.           The pitch is redone.

3.5.1.3.3.           Any base runners return to their previous bases.

3.5.1.3.4.           The pitch count is restored.

3.5.1.4.       If a fielder throws a ball but hits the screen, the ball is still live as the pitching screen is considered part of the field.

3.6.             Base Running and Fielding

3.6.1.    No stealing and no leading off.

3.6.1.1.       Runners may step off base only when the bat has contacted the ball, fair or foul.

3.6.1.2.       If the batter swings and misses, baserunners who stepped off should be called out.

3.6.2.   A foul tip is when a ball is batted backwards (just ticks the bat) and never goes over the batter’s head.

3.6.2.1.       If caught, the batter is not out (unless that was their 3rd pitch).

3.6.2.2.       If a foul ball goes over the batter’s head and is caught, the batter is out.

3.7.             Infield Fly Rule

3.7.1.   Infield Fly Rule is used

3.7.1.1.       On a fly ball A easily caught by an infielder (whether caught or not) with less that 2 out and runners at first and second base, or bases loaded, the umpire should immediately call infield fly- the batter is out, if fair.

3.7.1.2.       The play is live, and base runners may advance at their own risk, like any other pop fly.

3.8.             Sliding

3.8.1.   Sliding is not allowed at any base.

3.8.1.1.       If a runner intentionally slides, they will be called out (for safety reasons.)

3.9.             Bunting

3.9.1.   Bunting is allowed for female players only.

3.9.1.1.       Any male batter who bunts or is judged to have intentionally chopped the ball down for an infield hit will be called out.

3.9.1.2.       If a team is ahead by 5 or more runs, that team must refrain from bunting until the opposing team closes the run differential to 4 or less.

3.10.         Fielder Positions

3.10.1.                  One infielder is allowed inside the baselines but may not go any closer than a line between first base and third base until the ball is hit.

3.10.1.1.    This player must avoid any interference with the pitcher.

3.10.1.2.    If an infielder takes off across the line before a hit, the batter and all base runners will get at least one free base.

3.10.1.2.1.        This play is live, and all runners may advance further at their own risk.

3.11.         Base Running

3.11.1.                  If a base is dislodged by a runner or fielder, neither that runner nor following runners need to follow a base that is in an unreasonable position (at the discretion of the umpire).

3.11.1.1.    The play remains live, but the runner at the dislodged base may not be tagged out unless they try to advance further.

3.11.2.                  If the batted ball bounces off the plate it is still fair, as the plate should rest completely inside the baselines.

3.11.3.                  If a catcher hinders a batter (probably by being hit by a swing), the play is dead, and the batter is awarded first base.

3.12.         Interference

3.12.1.                  If the batter (or their thrown bat) or a base runner makes contact (intentionally or unintentionally) with a fairly batted ball, they are out, and the play is dead.

3.12.1.1.    Any runner hit by a thrown ball while running shall receive the base in front of them.

3.12.1.2.    If a runner is hit by a batted ball while on base, the ball is dead, and the batter receives a new pitch. Any batter that throws their bat will be called out to ensure the safety of the catcher and umpire.

3.12.2.                   An advancing base runner has a right of access along the base path unless a fielder is playing the ball.

3.12.2.1.    If a fielder without the ball interferes with a base runner (by blocking their path or faking a tag), the play remains live, but the umpire ensures that all runners get to at least the base that they would have reached without the interference.

3.12.2.2.    If the fielder fakes a tag without having possession of the ball, the runner is awarded one base.

3.12.3.                  If a runner interferes with a fielder fielding a batted ball, the runner is out. If a runner intentionally interferes with a fielder or a throw to prevent a double play, both runners are out.

3.12.4.                  A runner is allowed to run around a fielder only if the fielder is waiting to play the batted ball.

3.12.5.                  If a runner goes more than 3’ off the line to the base to avoid a tag from a fielder who has the ball, they shall be called out.

3.13.         Overthrow

3.13.1.                  When any fielder throws a ball out of bounds, all runners get two bases from the last base they occupied when the ball was thrown.

3.13.1.1.    This usually results in only one free base from the time the ball goes out but can mean two full bases for a runner who is standing on first or second!

3.13.2.                   If a fielder accidentally carries the ball out of bounds, or it is knocked out (on a tag play for example): the runners get one base from the moment the ball left the field.

3.13.3.                  The boundaries will be defined at the start of the game and enforced by both coaches.

3.14.         First Base / Safe Bag

3.14.1.                  The safe bag should straddle the baseline so that the white side is where a normal first base sits and the orange bag is in foul territory.

3.14.2.                  A batted ball hitting the orange bag is foul

3.14.2.1.    The batted ball will be fair, if it somehow hit the white bag first.

3.14.3.                  If there is a play at first, defined as a ball thrown to first base for a play on a batter advancing from home plate after a hit, the batter must run over the orange (outside) part of the bag to be safe.

3.14.3.1.    Similarly, the fielder must use the white (inside) part on any play.

3.14.4.                  If any part of the fielder touches the orange part of the safe bag, the runner is safe.

3.14.5.                  If any part of the runner touches the white part of the safe bag, the runner is out.

3.14.6.                  A tag out is legal at first.

3.14.7.                  A batter running may touch the white part of the bag if there is no play at first.

3.14.8.                  If the fielder must reach across the orange bag to touch the white one and gets in the way of the batter/runner, the runner is safe on fielder’s interference.

3.14.9.                  A batter who overruns first base may not be tagged out if they return directly to the bag without starting a deliberate move towards second base.

3.14.10.               The orange safe bag is no longer in-play, once a play at first is over. All further play is from the white portion of the bag.

3.14.11.               Base runners at first, preparing to advance to other bases, may be in contact with any part of the white bag.

3.15.         Pinch Runner

3.15.1.                   Pinch runners should be the last available player (last out or run scored) in the batting order of the same gender that is not already on base.

3.15.1.1.     The batter may be replaced for health/injury reasons after reaching first base.

3.15.1.2.    If the runner continues to second, they should run for themselves, unless the injury occurred on the run.

3.15.2.                   With the agreement of both coaches, pinch running from home is fine provided the player has obvious health concerns and/or challenges.

3.15.2.1.    In this case, however, a female who has a pinch runner from home forfeits their right to BUNT and must take a full swing.

3.15.2.2.    The runner should start behind an agreed to line behind the 3rd base/home line and should be called out if they pass that line with no contact made by the batter (lead off), so as not to be perceived as gaining any advantage over a batter running after making their swing.

3.15.3.                  A pinch runner from home shall not advance beyond first base, except in the event of an over the fence home run.

3.16.         Home Plate / Commitment Line

3.16.1.                  Instead of touching home plate, there will be an extension of the first base line behind home plate that the runner must cross.

3.16.2.                  After the commitment line (20 feet from the home plate line and 40 feet from third) is crossed or stepped on, the runner can be forced out by touching home plate (they cannot return to third base) but cannot be tagged out.

3.16.3.                  Any runner touching home plate will be called out.

3.17.         Batting Order

3.17.1.                  The Batting Order can be arranged in any reasonable way (example: all players hit; only the fielders hit).

3.17.2.                  Three or more males may not bat consecutively

3.17.2.1.    If it is unavoidable to have more than three males in a row, the must be separated by an automatic out.

3.17.2.1.1.        This is only permissible a team is short of female players.

3.18.         Fielding Positions

3.18.1.                   A fielding team must have at least 7 players and no more than 9 players on the field, with a minimum of 3 female players always.

3.18.2.                  If a team has only 2 females, they may still play, (bat and field) but must take an automatic "phantom out" in their batting lineup in place of that female.

3.18.3.                  If a team has fewer than 2 female players, they must forfeit the game.

3.18.4.                  Players are not required to field before batting, and do not need to be in the batting order to play in the field.

3.18.5.                  All outfielders, including rovers, must stay at least 10 yards behind the baselines between first, second, and third base until the ball is hit.

3.18.5.1.    Outfielders may move toward the infield after the ball is hit.

3.18.5.2.    Umpires will use their discretion to judge the required distance.

3.18.5.2.1.        A guideline of 10 paces from the baseline is considered acceptable.

3.18.5.3.    If a player violates a rule of section 3.17.5, or any of its subsections, the batter is awarded first base.

3.19.         Substitutions

3.19.1.                  A player removed from the batting order may be returned freely, but only to the same spot in the order.

3.19.1.1.    The only exception to this rule is when an injured player leaves the team with no remaining eligible substitutes a player who has already left another position in the order may return to replace the injured player.

3.19.2.                  Substitutions must be announced to the other team’s scorekeeper before the new player bats.

3.20.         Scorekeepers

3.20.1.                  Score Keepers should periodically check with the other team to coordinate the scores.

3.21.         Mercy Rule

3.21.1.                  There will be a cap of 7 runs per inning per team.

3.21.1.1.    The cap does not apply to the last inning played.

3.21.2.                  In the 5th inning, the team that is behind can call the game if they are down by 20 runs.

3.21.2.1.    This must be done at the beginning of the inning, and the inning will be played.

3.22.         Home Run Rule

3.22.1.                  Home Runs will be governed by the Match +2 rule.

3.22.1.1.    A team can be no more than two over the fence home runs ahead of the other team.

3.22.1.2.    Any additional balls hit over the fence, additional to the Match +2 rule, will be a single until the opposing team hits another over the fence home run.

3.22.2.                  Inside-the-park HRs are unlimited.

3.23.         No Blood Rule

3.23.1.                  If any player is injured such that their blood might be a danger to other players, they must leave the field for first aid to clean the injury and stop the flow of blood.

3.23.1.1.    The injured player should be replaced by a pinch-runner or substitute fielder.

3.23.1.2.    If a substitute isn’t available, the game should be paused.

3.23.2.                  All teams should have a stocked first-aid kit with them at every game.

4.        Player Conduct

4.1.             Sportsmanship

4.1.1.   Foul language or other unsportsmanlike behaviour should be reported to the player’s coach and may be reported to the League Executive for disciplinary action.

4.1.1.1.       Abusive behaviour directed to an individual or an umpire should result in immediate ejection from the game subject to the consent of both coaches and a report sent to the League Executive for further disciplinary action.

4.2.             Smoking Policy

4.2.1.   All City of Kingston sports fields are smoke free; therefore, smoking is not allowed AT ALL on the playing field, players bench, or near the ball field.

4.2.2.   Coaches should address this issue ONLY to other coaches, who will deal with this quickly and quietly.

4.3.             Dress Code

4.3.1.   Our league should be held to a standard like most every other league, both male and female.

4.3.1.1.       Shirts-must be worn,

4.3.1.2.       Tank tops not loose or low cut, no spaghetti straps, no midriff showing

4.3.1.3.       Pants-Long pants are recommended for safety, capris or shorts may be worn, but with arm at your side reaching straight down, you should not be able to touch bare leg

4.3.2.   Do not engage a player you believe to be in violation of any of these. Simply speak to your coach privately, and the coaches will DISCREETLY address the issue. These are not here to embarrass anyone. We should be able to handle it quietly.

5.        Team and Player Eligibility

5.1.             Age Requirements

5.1.1.   Players and Umpires (both plate and base) must be at least 14 years old by December 31st of this year.

5.2.             Church Affiliation and Rosters

5.2.1.   The Pastor of each church must approve the coach and team list and sign it before submission to the KDCSL.

5.2.1.1.       Late additions to the team roster from the church must also be given to both the Pastor and the League.

5.2.2.   All players on a church team must attend church functions at least once a month.

5.2.2.1.       The coach must give players who attend church functions regularly first preference to be on the team list.

5.2.3.   Coaches are encouraged to play all roster players fairly during each game.

5.2.4.   Players who attend a church that has a team in the League may not play for another team unless by special circumstances approved by the Executive and the Pastor of their church.

5.2.5.   A “substitutes” roster for churches that have multiple teams is allowed.

5.2.5.1.       The players added to the “substitutes” roster would be able to play for any of the church’s teams.

5.2.5.2.       The players on the “substitutes” roster would not be eligible to play in the KDCSL Playoffs.

5.2.5.3.       All players added to the “substitutes” roster would be required to fulfill all of the obligations of any other player (e.g. waiver forms submitted to the League Executive prior to taking part in any team activities – games, practices, etc.)

5.3.             Playoff Eligibility

5.3.1.   To be eligible for the KDCSL playoffs, each player must participate in at least 40% of games during the regular season.

5.3.1.1.       Playable games refer to all games except for games cancelled due to the grounds or weather conditions being unsafe.

5.3.1.2.       Exceptions may only be granted before the playoffs by a majority vote among the league executive.

6.        Umpiring and Appeals

6.1.             Regular Season Umpiring

6.1.1.   During the regular season the batting team will supply a home plate umpire.

6.1.1.1.       The umpire does not have to be same person throughout the inning to allow all players to bat.

6.1.2.   It is recommended that the batting team also provide first base/third base coaches

6.1.2.1.       The first base/third base coaches do not have to be the same people throughout the inning to allow all players to bat.

6.1.3.    Coaches should not umpire, or be a base coach, while continuing with their coaching duties.

6.1.3.1.       If a coach must umpire, then coaching duties must be relinquished to another member of their team.

6.1.4.   The home plate umpire is responsible for all calls but may consult with first base/third base coaches who may have seen the play better.

6.1.5.   Wherever possible, best efforts to be made to have a person who is competent in application of the rules, other than the team coach, as home plate umpire.

6.2.             Appeals

6.2.1.   Umpires may seek verification on a rule in question from the coaches, and ONLY the coaches are allowed to discuss a ruling with the Umpire.

6.2.1.1.       Umpires must grant time to hear an appeal.

6.2.2.   Appealing a ruling must take place at the time of the call by either coach calling a time out.

6.2.3.   Once play resumes, which is deemed to be after the next pitch, no appeals will be heard.

7.        Equipment Regulations

7.1.             Prohibited Equipment

7.1.1.   Steel spikes are prohibited for safety reasons.

7.1.2.   Hardball bats (larger diameter barrel) are not to be used.

7.1.2.1.       In any game, during the season or the tournament, batters will be called out upon entering the batter’s box with an illegal (altered or non-softball) bat.

7.2. Rented Equipment

7.2.1.   Safe Bags and Score Books that are rented belong to the League and will be collected at the end of the year.

8.        Game Reporting

8.1. Within 48 hours of the scheduled game, BOTH coaches should complete the form available on the website https://www.kdcsl.ca/score-reporting

8.2.  If unable to access the website, the coach needs to send an email to kdcsl.site@gmail.com to report the game and include the following information:

·      Subject line including the date and teams that were playing

o   (Example: “July 1st, 2016- SA1 @ KGT”).

·      Final Score

·      A Sportsmanship Score for the other team using the ranking system provided to coaches at the beginning of the season.

9.        Rule Application

9.1. These rules as written above may be altered by the Executive during the playing season only for clarification or safety issues that have been identified.

9.2. The official Softball Canada SP Rules will be followed.

9.3. The KDCSL rules outlined above will supersede in areas where these rules may conflict.