GVMSA Elite Division Rules
Last Revision: March 12, 2024
1. The Elite division will be following standard SPN rules. The rules listed fall outside of the regular SPN rulebook. As we are a new division, we will continue to monitor the rules below and adjust if necessary.
2. Time limit
a. Each DH has been allocated 145-minute time limit. Time limits will be enforced as per the umpire’s judgement. Timing (2nd game of DH) is drop dead and will revert to last complete inning. If the game is incomplete, we will revert to the last complete inning.
b. DH #1
i. 6-710/ 715- 825
c. DH #2
i. 835-945/950-1100
d. There is a limited time between DH’s (10 minutes). Teams are reminded to show up on time and use the areas outside of the field for warmups. Games MUST start on time regardless of warmup time. Lights CANNOT be extended.
e. Players are also encouraged to always hustle on and off the field.
3. Each batter steps to the plate with a 1 and 1 count (1 ball and 1 strike). On the third strike, the batter is allowed 1 foul ball, the 2nd foul is a strike, and the batter is out. Umpires will announce “must be fair” when waste pitch has been used.
4. Mercy
a. 10 after 5
b. 15 after 4
5. 7 males/3 females.
a. A maximum of ten (10) players are allowed on the field, three (3) of which must be female. Games may NOT begin or end with less than nine (9) players. (2) must be female.
b. The batting order must consist of three (3) females and seven (7) males. If teams wish to utilize EPs in their batting order, they must have both a male and female EP, bringing the batting order to twelve (12) batters, eight (8) males and four (4) females. Teams that start a game with EPs must finish the game with them or be penalized as follows: If no legal substitute remains to replace any player or EP who is removed, injured, or ejected from a game, an out will be declared each time that vacated spot comes up to bat.
c. No more than 3 males in a row in the batting lineup
6. Jerseys are strongly recommended. Team swag or jerseys are mandatory.
a. Persistent failure to wear team apparel/ uniform will lead to a $25 fine to come out of the team performance bond.
7. Grey dot -male/ green dot - female
a. Males must hit a 12" softball and females must hit an 11 "softball. It is the defensive team's responsibility to ensure that the right ball has been pitched and only the offensive team will be allowed to appeal to the umpire in this regard.
8. HR Rule
a. 6 Homeruns/team. Catch up plus 1. ***This only applies to homeruns to CF. Any balls leaving the field over the LF and RF fence will be considered unlimited.
b. Hit & Sit
c. Teams must make an effort to retrieve their foul or home run balls before their next offensive inning or their first batter of that inning may be declared out.
9. Walk Rule
a. If a male batter is walked (regardless of intention) when followed by a female batter, the male batter will be awarded second base, and the female will bat.
10. Pitchers mask is strongly recommended.
Any incident/ injuries will lead to an immediate adoption of a mandatory mask rule at the Division Reps discretion.
11. Slopitch/baseball helmets mandatory – single OR double flaps acceptable
a. No hockey/football etc.
12. Pitching
a. 6-10 ft height limit (will give a true 6-12)
b. 50 ft rubber, chute is the width of the rubber. 8- 10 feet back.
c. Each team must have a male/female - pitcher/catcher combination.
13. A commitment line will be used at home plate. Tagging is allowed.
14. USSSA stamped bats only (220 and 240 stamp acceptable)
a. Use of a banned or altered bat will lead to the immediate ejection of the player and the coach.
b. Banned list (Synergy (Red/Yellow, Jak’d)
15. No bunting
16. Runner rule (please notice the difference between a courtesy runner and a temporary runner for the pitcher)
a. Max 3 courtesy runners per inning.
b. Same player cannot run 2x in an inning (unless running for the pitcher)
c. TEMPORARY RUNNER FOR THE PITCHER: A temporary runner may be used for the pitcher if he/she is on base with two (2) out AND is using protective equipment. ***Pitchers who are NOT wearing protective equipment will NOT be allowed to use the temporary runner with 2 outs and will be subject to courtesy runner rules.***
i. This rule only applies to the pitcher if he/she was the pitcher at the end of the previous inning.
ii. Once the pitcher uses a temporary runner, he/she MUST continue to use a runner for the remainder of the game.
iii. Once a pitcher refuses to use a temporary runner, he/she MAY NOT use a temporary runner for the remainder of the game.
iv. A temporary runner for the pitcher will not be counted as a courtesy runner (3)
v. Females may run for males. Males MAY NOT run for females.
17. Roster
a. Spare players that are already rostered in GVMSA (lower divisions) do not have to be added to SPN rosters for regular season play.
b. Spare players from outside of GVMSA must be added to SPN roster and sign their waiver.
c. Any player on the roster is eligible for the playoffs. ALL players must be added to the roster TWO WEEKS prior to the start of playoffs to be eligible for play. Coaches are reminded to submit their rosters by the required date.
d. Max roster size is 20 at any given time.
i. Note - You may add and remove players from your roster as many times as necessary prior to roster lock. After this date, no player may be added to a roster without Division Rep written approval.
18. Ejections – Will follow GVMSA rule.
a. All ejections will be referred to the disciplinary committee for review/recommendations on further discipline, if required.
19. Disciplinary committee
In the event of a major incident:
• A meeting will happen with all 8 Committee Members listed below to discuss the incident. This gives all sides a chance to defend their stance and provide their evidence/views.
• Voting – all teams involved in the incident will abstain from voting on the suggestion repercussions.
• If there is a split vote, the President of GVMSA will be brought into the discussion to make the final decision.
Disciplinary Committee is made up of 1 member from each team:
i. Committee Members
1. Primetime – Brian Hood
2. Longhorns – Adam Hanson
3. Beavers – Damon Parr-Pearson
4. Huskies – Ryan Carriss
5. Vic City – Nik Savage
20. Bases/mat – Turf Field
a. Home team in the early DH will be responsible for putting out the bases/mat.
b. Home team in the late DH will be responsible for returning the bases/mat to storage
c. Umpires are responsible for unlocking/locking storage at the beginning/end of night.
21. Bases/Mat – Glasgow/Colville
a. Home team is responsible for providing bases/mat.
22. Balls – Home teams (in each game of DH) will provide balls (3 total – 2 big 1 small).
a. 1 new big ball
b. 1 big ball in good condition (used)
c. 1 new or high quality small ball.
