The Publishers' Softball League now uses the rules for playing set out by the Amateur Softball Association (ASA), with one or two differences. It is recommended that each team buys a copy of the ASA rule book for their own reference. It is not possible to transcribe the full rules for slowpitch softball here but the following outlines recent changes to the PSL's rules.

(i) Legal bat. A bat shall only be considered legal if it conforms to ASA Rule 3, Section 1, and is not of a triple-walled or cryogenic construction.
(ii) Infield Fly (see ASA Rule 1, and Rule 8, Section 2 I). The infield fly rule shall not be applied in PSL competitions.

In addition, during the 2005 season a rule was implemented to prevent encroachment on the infield by outfielders. Outfielders may not stray within approximately 25 feet of the diamond before the ball is pitched. Once the ball is pitched outfielders may proceed to wherever they wish on the field of play but must return to the outfield for the start of the next play.

In order to reduce collisions players are reminded to refrain from standing on bases, particularly when you aren't fielding the ball. It is better to stand on either the inside or outside corner of the base according to your best view of the ball. This will allow the runner to safely touch the base without barging.

It should be noted that barging a fielder on base is not allowed and will result in an automatic out for that player. If a fielder is standing on a base you should slide, ensuring your leading foot isn't raised. The umpire will warn players against standing on bases, however, in the interests of safety runners shouldn't barge into the player to make the base. The umpire may award the base to the runner if the fielder was standing on the base and the umpire feels this prevented the runner from making base safely. If it was clear the runner would have been out regardless then no base will be awarded.

It is a popular myth within the PSL that it is against the rules to slide into 1st base. This is absolutely not true, and no runners should be given out for this. For the batter, running from home to 1st, sliding is simply pointless. Since the batter-runner only needs to run through the orange half of the safety 1st base to be safe, and does not need to stay in contact with it, they will obviously reach 1st quicker by staying on their feet than by sliding. However, in the case where a runner has to return to the white part of 1st base, having started to advance to 2nd, sliding is the correct method to use. This may not be necessary if the ball is nowhere near the base, but if the 1st base fielder is in the process of making a play, then the runner should slide, or risk being called for interference.

All captains are asked that, when they are designated home team, they make contact with their opponents' captain and confirm the fixture. Ideally the day before the fixture.

If the away team captain has not heard from the home captain by 2.00pm on the day of the game, then they should take the initiative and make contact. If a game is cancelled the day before the fixture you stand a better chance of arranging an alternative game than leaving it until the day of the fixture. If you haven't already supplied deputy captain details to Mike please do so.

If you have a neutral umpire, he or she should be contacted in the same way.

This is a league rule and has been for some years!

A copy of the Idiots guide to Softball is available for download Idiots Guide to Softball

Softball field dimensions can be downloaded here Softball Field Dimensions

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