A League of Our Own!

***NOTE:  There is a $30.00 Player/Membership fee per player prior to the first game.***

Must be a minimum of 18 years of age to play.

MDSL follows normal Slowpitch USSSA rules and regulations.

Click here for a printable version (uses acrobat reader)                   Click here for the USSSA approved equipment list

The following information pertains to specific rules and requirements for each manager/coach and player of the Metro Detroit Softball League:

• General Ground Rules

  • Manager’s/team representatives will meet with the umpire prior to the game.  Rules or advisements from the umpire are the responsibility of the manager’s/representative to forward the information onto the players.

• Illegal Substances *

  • Any or all types of illegal substances are not permitted on the grounds of Borden Park (playing fields or parking lot areas).  This includes alcoholic beverages of any kind.  MDSL has established a good working relationship with Borden Park and the City and we do not wish to jeopardize that relationship.  If a member is found in violation of this city ordinance, you will be removed from the park & suspended for the remainder of the season – NO EXCEPTIONS!

• Verbal Abuse *

  • There will be no tolerance for any profanity by any MDSL member or spectators. Any unsportsmanlike conduct will be dealt with by the manager, at the request of the umpire.  If the manager is unable to deter the unsportsmanlike conduct, the umpire will eject the player/spectator from the game and be requested to leave the park.

• Interference *

  • The fielder has the right-of-way.  The base runner must avoid a collision.  If interference is called by the umpire, the base runner is out.  The most advance runner is also called out.

• Intentional Crash Rule *

  • The fielder has the right-of-way. If a runner intentionally crashes into a fielder, the ump may or may not eject you.  You will be ejected if it happens ever again.  Only the umpire can deem if the crash was intentional, NOT the teams. 

• Fake Tags *

  • If a player pretends to have the ball or motions to tag a base runner, the player may be warned or ejected from the game.

• Bat Throwing *

  • Whether done in frustration, anger or stupidity the batter may or may not be warned before being ejected from the game. Often the catcher is injured from a player throwing a bat.

• Live Ball Appeal

  • Time has not been called: a player may announce the appeal loudly to the umpire.  The player must be specific in the appeal.  For instance --  “Ump,  I want to appeal that the base runner on third missed second base” or “Ump,  Mary did not tag up on second base”.  The umpire will make the “safe” or “out” call.

• Dead Ball Appeal

  • Time has been called.  The next batter is in the box. Time-in is motioned by the umpire.  The pitcher does NOT have to be on the mound and does NOT have to throw the ball to the base regarding the appeal.  The pitcher must tell the umpire that he/she is appealing…  “I am appealing that the runner now on third missed first base”.  The umpire will male the “safe” or “out” call.

• Players

  • ALL players must be a member of MDSL and must sign the required roster and emergency contact forms to play.  There must be at least eight (8) players to play at game time.  Fifteen (15) players can be listed on the batting line-up.  If a player is injured, another player from the roster may replace the injured player.  If there is not a substitute available, there will be an automatic out every time the injured batter is up to bat.  Batting positions do not change unless the substitute is replacing another player.  Original players can reenter once.  Substitutes cannot re-enter.

• Infield Fly Rule

  • There must be less than two (2) outs, with the runners on first and second or first, second and third.  The ball is hit high and playable by an infielder.  It is feasible that the ball land on the grass (outfield) and still be an “infield fly” as shortstops and second base players often go for those.  It doesn’t matter if the ball is caught or lands on the ground.  The umpire calls “infield fly – if fair”.  If the ball lands or is caught in fair territory, the batter is out.  All base runners can stay on their occupied bases or run at their own risk. If the ball goes foul, it is a “foul ball”.

• Protests

  • $45.00per game - If you win, you will receive your money back.  The money (cash) must be given to the Chief Umpire with a written protest on the back of the score sheet before the end of the game. If you think another team has illegal players (actual players who are not officially an MDSL member) you can protest players.  You can also protest umpire rulings, as long as they are NOT judgment calls. You cannot protest judgment calls.

• Time Limit

  • All games are seventy (70) minutes in duration. No new inning will start when the 70 minutes is up.  There will be no grace period for any games.

• Mercy Rule

  • At the end of the fifth inning, the game is over of there is a 12 run difference

* Zero Tolerance Rule

 On behalf of the MDSL Committee, we wish you the best and have a safe and fun filled summer!