Adult Softball

Registration is by TEAM only. Individuals looking to join a team may fill out our Interested Individual Player Form. Contact information is shared with team managers looking for additional players. Team placement is not guaranteed. 

Managers are responsible for registering the team and submitting all fees. Managers will provide information to rostered players on how to sign our liability waivers. 

Troy Recreation General Rules: 

1. All players participate understanding the inherent risks of injury by participating in softball.
2. Alcohol is not permitted in Troy Parks/Parking lots without a beer/wine permit in conjunction with a paid shelter rental

   1. Umpires are instructed to halt games and assess a forfeit if teams are in violation of this rule. Team in violation will be responsible for umpire fees for both teams and manager may be suspended. 

3. Concession stands will not be open.
4. Amplified music is not permitted in Troy Parks per City Ordinance.
   Umpires will not start and/or will stop games and assess a forfeit after one warning. Team in violation will be responsible for umpire fees for both teams and manager may be suspended.
5. No spitting. This includes sun flower seeds.
6. When arriving at fields, if previous game is not complete, please do not put equipment or wait around dugout or in dugout area. Give team space and allow them to leave before entering dugout area.
7. Strike mat, commitment line and scoring line will be used for all leagues.
8. Stealing is not permitted in Troy Recreation Department softball leagues.
9. All leagues conducted through the Troy Recreation Department are also under guidelines of the USA Softball of Metro Detroit, thus we will honor all USA Softball of Detroit suspensions/probations.
10. Field lights are on a timer that is scheduled to turn off at 11:10 p.m.
    Each manager has the right to refuse to play if start time would be after 10:00 p.m. If game is not started, it will be rescheduled. If teams agree to start game after 10:00 p.m., it will be a complete and official game regardless of number of innings played or length of time, even if it does not meet normal standards for a complete game.
11. Normal standards for a complete game are those in which a losing team gets to bat at least five innings, unless halted because of the time limit. The time limit begins when the umpire declares "play ball" after the pre-game meeting/or if the manager does not show to the pre- game conference, the time limit begins immediately.
12. The Troy Recreation Department reserves the right to rule and make recommendations on any and all matters related to the softball leagues which it deems beneficial to the league. 
13. Safety considerations must always be evaluated by managers and umpires. Neither the City of Troy, nor the umpires will be responsible for any injuries incurred as a result of individuals participating in the Troy softball program. I
14. All participants in any softball league should be prepared for player identification checks throughout the season. All players should have their driver's license in their possession at all times. Failure to provide a current valid Michigan driver's license (with photo) or a state of Michigan picture I.D. may result in forfeiture of game and further suspension.
15. Participants in a specialty league (coed) may also play in other leagues (Ex. a male may play in a coed league and a men’s league). Games will not be scheduled to accommodate players playing in more than one league. A player may play in two leagues as long as divisional level is the same.

The official 2023 USA Softball Slow Pitch Softball Playing Rules shall govern all league play except as noted above or in drop downs below. 

1. Both teams are required to pay the umpire fee of $19 prior to the game start. Fees are payable at the field, directly to the umpire. No change will be given. 

1. Game times will be 6:20pm, 7:25pm, 8:30pm and 9:35pm.
2. Game time is forfeit time.
   1. Teams who forfeit must pay the umpire fees for both teams. 
3. A team forfeiting three (3) games may be dropped from the league for the remainder of the current season. This does not include a forfeited first regular scheduled game due to not enough player registration forms submitted by the initial deadline.
4. Make up games may be scheduled on any day of the week. It is the team’s responsibility to contact Recreation Department prior to season starting with days that team is not available for make ups.
5. Once a team has the minimum number of players required to start a game, the game will begin immediately. 
6. No team may have more than twenty (20) players rostered at any time. All participants in this league shall be 18 years of age or older, by the time they sign the team roster. Individuals presently attending high school may not be concurrently participating in inter-scholastic softball.
7. No new inning shall begin at or beyond the 60-minute mark of the scheduled game time. No new innings after 10:50 p.m.  
8. Teams will write lineup on form provided and hang clipboard so lineup is facing home plate in view of umpire and opposing team. Lineups should be on the scoresheet at least five minutes prior to game start time. 
9. A team may begin or finish game with eight (8) certified players. A ninth or tenth player arriving late must bat in the ninth/tenth position when entering the game. If a team starts with 10 players, they may finish with as few as eight players.
   NOTE: For each scheduled batter that is not available to bat when due up, their team will receive an "automatic" out.
10. Optional - Each team is allowed to have one courtesy runner per inning. The courtesy runner must be the person in the line-up who made the last out. If the courtesy runner is on base when she/he is required to bat, courtesy runner shall be replaced on base with next out in line up. In Co-ed leagues, teams are permitted one female and one male courtesy runner per inning. Co-ed courtesy runner must be of the same gender as the player who requires a runner. Violation of this rule shall result in player on base being called out.
11. Continuous batting order (optional) - Any/all players present at game starting time may be placed in the batting line-up (optional). Once the game has started this rule cannot be instituted. A team may not change their batting line-up during the game and must bat all players for that game if this rule is used. A manager can bat any number of players they choose (i.e. 13 of 15 present) as long as this is done at the start of the game. Other players may be used as substitutes, if desired. For each scheduled batter that is not available to bat when due up, their team must receive an automatic "out".
12. In all leagues there is a Mercy Rule. If after the fifth inning there is a thirteen (13) run or more difference in the score, the game will be officially ended. The visiting team must bat at least five times.
13. Over the fence homerun limit for Men’s leagues is five (5). Over the fence homerun limit for coed is two (2). Any in excess, the ball is dead, the batter is out, and no runners can advance.
14. Batting practice is NOT allowed on the infields on league nights, and not allowed within 5 minutes of the start of a league game. Be prepared to start your game once the proceeding game is completed. 

1. Scorekeepers will not be provided by the Recreation Department for games. 
2. Both teams are responsible for keeping score will keep score. Managers should consult and confirm score at the end of each half inning. No sharing of scorebooks.
3. The WINNING TEAM's manager is responsible for submitting the score of their game/s at the end of the night via our online form which can be found here: SUBMIT SCORES

1. Uniforms are optional, but recommended. Players should have a large number on their shirts with no duplicate numbers. Players with dissimilar shirts shall announce their names to the scorekeeper each time they bat. No forfeits will be awarded for being out of uniform. Players are not required to wear caps. Only baseball style hats/visors are permissible.
2. Softballs will be provided at the field for each game. Official game balls are Dudley .52/300 optic yellow.
3. Bases for games provided by the Recreation Department. There are no bases provided for practices.
4. At the first game, teams will receive clip board, sharpie, line up cards, full rule books and scorebooks. 
5. Catcher/infield masks and catcher/infield chest protectors are permitted.
6. Teams must provide equipment including: bats, practice softball, gloves, etc.
7. No steel or metal spikes are allowed. All-purpose sports shoes may be worn. Some type of footwear must be worn.
8. USA Softball rules regarding bats will be followed for all divisions of play. Updated bat listings may be found on the USA of Metro Detroit website www.metrodetroitasa.org

1. Schedules will be posted on the league website ONLY - and will not be distributed via hard-copy. 
2. Doubleheaders may be played on some league nights and in playoffs.
3. Standings – Standings will be based on win/loss records and will be posted on league website. In case of a tie for first place at the end of the season, tie break rules will determine league champion.
   1. Adult Athletic Handbook tie-breaker rules are as follows: Ties will be decided by the following
      1) head-to-head competition between teams involved
      2) run differential in games between tied teams
      3) overall run differential.
4. Playoffs will involve the top four teams from each league in a separate double-elimination tournament. Only four teams will make playoffs. If ties exist, tie break rules will determine final standings. Playoffs will begin following completion of regular season play. Playoff games may be played any day of the week, not necessarily the day of designated league play.
5. Awards will be presented at the end of the season to the following teams: 
   
   • Season Champion - Team Trophy & Individual T-Shirts
   • Playoff Champion - Team Trophy & Individual T-Shirts
   • Playoff Runner-up - Team Trophy only
6. If a tie exists during the regular season, the tiebreaker method will be applied to determine final standings. 

1. Taunting Will Not Be Tolerated. Taunting is unsportsmanlike conduct and disqualifies the offending bench personnel or contestant from (at a minimum of) that game until the next regular scheduled game. A warning may be given, but is not required, before ejection. An umpire OR Site Coordinator can rule on the taunting violation. Taunting includes any actions or comments by coaches, players or spectators which are intended to bait, anger, embarrass, ridicule or demean others, whether or not the deeds or words are vulgar or racist. Included is conduct that berates, needles, intimidates or threatens based on race, gender, ethnic origin or background and conduct that attacks religious beliefs, size, economic status, speech, family, special needs or personal matters. Examples of taunting that would lead to ejection include, but are not limited to, 'trash talk'; physical intimidation outside the spirit of the game; reference to sexual orientation; 'in the face' confrontation by one player to another; standing over/straddling a tackled or fallen player.
   
   
2. Disciplinary Procedures: THREATS to any official or City employee will not be tolerated. If a threat is made to an official or City employee, person(s) will be suspended indefinitely pending a hearing. FIGHTING will not be tolerated. If a fight occurs, the player(s) involved will be suspended indefinitely pending a hearing.
   
   ABUSE whether verbal or physical by any person, physically touching or making an obscene gesture at an umpire/official/city employee, will be suspended indefinitely pending a hearing. All cases are subject to review by the Recreation Department to determine length of suspension. Suspension may also occur through the playoffs and carry over to following season.
   
   If a hearing is required, an email will be sent to the individual with a copy to the team manager within 10 days of the incident. Player is suspended until the hearing takes place and a decision is made. The individual involved in the incident will have seven (7) days from the date of the letter to request a formal hearing/appeal. Failure to respond will result in the Recreation Department staff determining length of suspension.
   
   HEARING BOARD to consist of the following individuals:
   -One current manager from a team not within the division of the infraction
   -Umpire-in-Chief/Referee Supervisor
   -One representative from a surrounding Recreation agency
   -Monitor - Recreation Department staff person
   
   The suspension board would then make a recommendation to the Director and Supervisor of the Recreation Department for final approval. This decision is then final and there are no further appeals. Any suspension other than the normal game/match suspension will also have a probation period (to be determined)

Noted below are USA softball rules emphasized for reasons of clarification:

1. Pitching Rule: The ball must be delivered at a moderate speed underhand - below the hip - with a perceptive arch (from the time it leaves the pitcher's hand) of at least six feet from the ground, before the ball reaches home plate. The pitched ball should not reach height of more than ten feet at its highest point above the ground. Speed of the pitch and height are left entirely to judgment of the umpire. Pitcher may pitch from 50 – 53 feet. Pitcher must start within the frame of the pitching rubber and follow all USA pitching rules for start and delivery (USA rule 6-C). Ball must hit rubber mat to be called a strike. Mat will cover home plate.
2. Commitment line will be drawn 30 feet from third base in between 3rd and home. Once a runner’s foot touches the ground on or past this line, the runner may not re-cross it in the direction of third base. Result: The runner is out. No tag plays at home, runners must cross scoring line prior to defensive player catching the ball and touching the mat covering home plate. Runners stepping on the mat will be called out.
3. The pitcher shall take a position with both feet firmly on the ground and with one or both feet in contact with the pitcher's plate. This position must be maintained at least one second and not more than 10 seconds before starting the delivery.
   1. Appeal Plays: On appeal plays, the appeal must be made before the next legal or illegal pitch, or before the defensive team has left the field. The defensive team has "left the field" when the pitcher and all infielders have clearly left their normal fielding positions and have left fair territory on their way to the bench or dugout area.
      
      Dead Ball Instant Appeal: Not until time out has been requested and granted by the umpire, or all play has stopped and the umpire calls time (8-7-I), will this rule go into effect. The ball remains dead until the next pitch, and nothing can happen. Once the ball has been returned to the infield and time has been called, any infielder (including the pitcher or catcher) with or without possession of the ball, may make a verbal appeal on a runner missing a base or leaving a base too soon. The plate umpire should acknowledge the appeal, and the administering umpire should then make a decision on the play. Base runners cannot leave their base during this period, as the ball remains dead until the next pitch.
      
      NOTE: 1) If the pitcher has possession of the ball and is in contact with the pitching plate when making a verbal appeal, no illegal pitch is called. 2) If the umpire has indicated, "play ball" and the pitcher now requests an appeal, the umpire would again call "time out" and allow the appeal process.
4. Overthrows: When the ball is in play and is deflected or is overthrown beyond the boundary lines. EFFECT - all runners will be awarded two bases and the award will be governed by the position of the runners when the ball left any fielder's hand. EXCEPTIONS: see rulebook for clarification.
5. No player's name shall be on the starting line-ups unless the player is available in the team area.
6. The batter must take his/her position within 10 seconds after being directed to do so by the umpire.
7. RE-ENTRY RULE: Any of the starting players may be withdrawn and re-entered once, provided such player occupies the same batting position whenever he/she is in the lineup. (Any player not available to bat when due up will receive an automatic out).
   Situation - Player “A” appears in the line-up as one of the starters and is replaced by Player “B”. Player “A” may re-enter the game once, but must re-enter in the same batting position.
   NOTE: The original player and the substitute(s) cannot be in the lineup at the same time. 1) Violation of the re-entry rule results in the use of an illegal player. 2) Violation of the re-entry rule is handled as a protest, which can be made anytime during the game.
8. FAKE TAG: When a runner is obstructed while advancing or returning to base by a fielder who neither has the ball nor is attempting to field a batted ball, or a fielder without the ball fakes the tag, the umpire shall award the obstructed runner and each other runner affected by the obstruction the bases they would have reached in his judgment, had there been no obstruction. The runner does not have to stop or slide, only slow down, to be considered a fake tag. A "FAKE TAG" in game play may result in that player being removed from the game. No warning is required.
9. BLOOD RULE: A player, coach or umpire who is bleeding or who has blood on his uniform shall be prohibited from participating further in the game until appropriate treatment can be administered. If medical care or treatment is administered in a reasonable length of time, the individual will not have to leave the game. The length of time that is considered reasonable is left to the umpire's judgement. The umpire shall:
   1. Stop the game and allow treatment if the injured player would affect the continuation of the game.
   2. Immediately call a coach, trainer or other authorized person to attend to the injured player.
   3. Apply the rules of the game regarding substitution, short-handed player or re-entry if necessary.
10. Double first base will be used in games played at Boulan and Flynn parks. USA rule 8-2-N
11. One and One Count - USA Rule 7-3-B: Adult Slow Pitch Only. Prior to the pitch the batter will enter the batter’s box with a one ball one strike count. Batters will be permitted one foul ball after 2 strikes have been reached. Any foul balls after the first foul ball following 2 strikes, will be an out.

1. Residency Guidelines: Residence means that place at which a person habitually sleeps, keeps his or her personal effects, and maintains a regular place or lodging, with the intention of maintaining such residence. A Troy resident shall not be deemed to have lost such residency by virtue of enrollment and attendance at an institution of learning. A person must be a resident in the City of Troy up until at least the first regular scheduled game in their respective league to be classified as a resident.
   
   In addition, persons employed on a full or part time basis as of April 1 of the current year by a company located within the City of Troy, and who perform their employment duties within the City of Troy, shall be deemed residents. Any deviation from these guidelines may be considered by the department on an individual basis. Teachers working during the school year within the City limits will be considered residents. Persons deemed to be a resident by virtue of their employment must submit at a minimum, an email or a letter on company letterhead, from the president, owner, general manager, or personnel director of his or her place of employment verifying the fact, beginning date, location and nature of such employment. Failure to submit proof letter will result in player not being eligible for play. The person who signs the letter or submits email must not be a member of that team.
   
   The department reserves the right to require additional proof for residency or employment verification if it deems necessary.
2. Non-residents beyond the first three will be charged a $30.00/person fee. This fee is non-transferable and is payable after the deadline for roster changes has passed. This fee is non-refundable even if a player later obtains resident status. Each team may have an unlimited number of non-residents on their roster at any time.
   
   
3. FALSIFICATION OF ANY PLAYER INFORMATION or signature on the team roster/waiver will result in a two (2) year adult athletic league suspension followed by a two (2) year probation from ALL adult athletic programs in Troy.

1. Diamond playability will be determined by the Recreation Department by 4 pm. 
2. Game status updates will be provided in the following ways: 
   • Website -- Orange Alert at the top of any Troy Recreation page. 
   • Phone -- weather hotline recording at: 248-689-9756
   • Text/Email Sports Alerts -- SIGN UP HERE
3. If no alerts exist, games are ON as Scheduled. 
4. For poor weather later in the day, the game will be called AT the field by the umpires. 
5. If inclement weather occurs after 4 pm, the two-team managers and the umpire shall determine if the game shall be played. The three parties shall discuss and vote on status of the game, two votes shall determine outcome. 
6. Efforts will be made to update weather notification alerts after 4 pm, but it is not always possible.
7. If the Oakland County tornado siren is activated signifying a "tornado warning," all games will automatically cease. If enough innings were played for an "official" game, the score will be final. If the minimum game standards were not met, the game will be "replayed" (from the start of the game) at a later date.
8. USA Softball lightning guidelines will be followed: Minimum 30-minute waiting period if lightning or thunder is present.
9. View our Troy Recreation Department weather policy HERE

• 6:20p
• 7:25p
• 8:30p
• 9:35p 

• 6:30p
• 8:00p
• 9:30p

Playoffs will involve the top four teams from each league in a separate double-elimination tournament. They typically follow directly after season play, and there may be double headers involved.

*All league dates are tentative and subject to change.