Rules & Important Notes
Rosters
All players must be 18 years of age or older (unless a player has experience playing baseball/softball with a signed permission form.) Each team is permitted five (5) free agents on its roster. Other team members must be members or regular attendees; this must be verified with a signed roster from the minister/pastor/priest. Members/regular attendees can be added at any time during the season with signed written permission from the above. If a player’s name is not on the roster, or if that player does not possess a signed letter of permission from the minister/pastor/priest of his/her parish before a game begins, that player is not permitted to play. Use of such a player by any team will constitute a forfeit. All teams must present a roster each season to the League Secretary prior to playing any games.
Players
Teams may play with 8-10 players. If you have at least 8 players, the game must begin (do not wait for additional players). There shall be no penalty (i.e., an automatic out in the batting order), for batting less than 10 players. If a team has less than 8 players, you have a grace period until 6:15 PM for the first game, 6:35 PM for the second game. There is no limit to the amount of batters in a lineup. However, you cannot add players to the lineup after the lead-off batter has entered the batter’s box for the second time in a game. Exception: short-handed teams may add the 9th or 10th player provided that they have reserved the spot(s) in the batting order. In this case, if the player(s) are not available when their turn comes to bat, an automatic out will be recorded. Extra hitters can switch and play a defensive position during the game. Note: ASA re-entry rule. A player may be substituted for an injury or emergency situation (not ejection). If a legal substitute is available, that player must be used. If no player is available, an automatic out will result. If an injury or ejection results in a team having less than 8 players that team will forfeit the game.
Head coach/manager
Each team must have an appointed head coach who is a member of the represented church. They will be responsible for collecting each player's $35 at the beginning of the season, reporting final results of each game, forfeiting at least 1 hour before game time, collecting team info (first/last name, DOB, signed waiver forms, pastoral approval, rosters, and equipment). There will be a head coach meeting sometime in the beginning of April.
Book Keeper
Each team will be required to have a book keeper present for both games. Book keepers may track the game on paper or on the Game Changer app by Dick Sporting Goods.
Courtesy catchers
If a team has only 8 players, the other team, if willing, can supply that team with a courtesy catcher. The courtesy catcher will retrieve and return pitched balls to the pitcher, and cannot make a play or be involved in a play in any manner. Any of the idle players can be used as a courtesy catcher throughout the game. If an additional player or players show up for the 8-player team, the courtesy catcher can no longer be supplied.
Courtesy runners
Each team is limited to three players in the lineup who may have courtesy runners. The names of these players should be given to the opposing team prior to the game when the lineups are exchanged. Any player in the lineup can be used as a courtesy runner. That player can only be used once per inning as a runner, unless running for the same player again in the same inning. If that player is on base when it is his/her turn to bat, the player will be out, and, provided that does not make the third out, then will be allowed to bat. Teams are reminded they should refrain from using the same players as courtesy runners simply to gain an advantage with speed.
Forfeits/forfeiting outs
The forfeiting team must pay the umpire. Five forfeits shall cause a team to be dismissed for the remainder of the season. There is no refund of league fees and the team cannot participate in tournaments, etc. A team may forfeit outs at any time of their at-bat. The players whose turn it was when the outs were forfeited will lose their at-bats.
Prayer
The first home team is to have prayer before beginning the first game (and also supplies bases, etc.). Either team may stop play if additional prayer is needed (injury, high tense level, etc.).
Abusive language/fighting
There is to be no foul or abusive language, physical confrontation, taunting, harassing, trash talking, making fun of, arguing, verbal abuse, or fighting by players or spectators. Coaches must talk to players or fans having unintentional slips; coaches are responsible for maintaining discipline. If an umpire removes a player for bad language, he/she will be suspended by the league for three (3) games. This is a church league—Christian sportsmanship is more important than winning. If a player is ejected, he/she must be replaced; if no replacement is available, an automatic out results each time that player has an at-bat. Fighting will result in a one-year suspension for the first offense, and indefinite suspension for the second offense.
Tobacco/drugs/alcohol
These are banned in any form from the playing field, bench area, spectator areas, and field property. There is to be no consumption of alcohol at any games; no beverage or container of alcohol is to be seen at the fields or parking areas. Note: failure to comply could result in the loss of the fields we use.
Collisions
Runners must avoid all collisions with fielders preparing to tag them by sliding into the base or giving themselves up. Failure to do so will result in the runner being called out. Fielders cannot fake a play (or a throw) at a base, causing a runner to slide unnecessarily. A catcher or any other fielder cannot block a runner’s access to a base or the plate. We want to avoid injuries as much as possible. Base runners must touch home plate, not the strike mat.
Coaches/contacts
Each team shall supply three (3) adults to contact for emergencies, rainouts, meetings, rescheduling, etc. All disagreements are to be resolved by team managers. You cannot protest judgment calls. Teams need to be represented at meetings.
Fields & games
Doubleheaders begin at 6 PM. The "Home Team" on the schedule will be home for the first game; switch it for the second. Those arriving early can take turns for batting practice. When play is completed, areas are to be left clean. Be careful to watch our children—destruction of property is not allowed. Participants and spectators are prohibited from bringing pets unless they are on leash and cleaned up after. Practices are also held and organized by each church on their own.
9 inning rule
Due to imminent weather or impending darkness where visibility is becoming hard, head coaches may agree to change the doubleheader to one 9-inning game. Games are regularly 7 innings.
Scheduling
No scheduling, cancellations, or rescheduling games are to be based on other league schedules or lack of players or key players. Only weather or church services and activities can be factors.
Rainouts
Either coach has the right to cancel due to bad weather. This must be done at least one hour before game time. At the field, only the umpire can call off the game. Reschedule games as soon as possible.
Game results
A representative from either team must call or text the game results to the league organizer (Aaron Tanner - 570-507-6298). Simply indicate which team won the games. Scores are not necessary. We recommend using the app Game Changer and creating an account under a trusted member of the team's email. This will allow players to review game stats and keep track of in-game bookkeeping.
Bats/balls/uniforms/spikes
All bats must have at least 9 inches of tape or other approved material on the handle to prevent slipping out of the batter’s hands. Bats must be single wall and single piece, aluminum, or wood; NO composite. If there is any doubt, the bat must be removed from the game until it can be inspected by church league officers. Uniforms are optional. Shoes and shirts must be worn. No metal spikes are permitted for warm-ups, practice, or games. Each home team needs to provide ONE official game ball from the approved list, the old official game ball from the previous game is allowed as a backup ball. All balls needs to be approved by the Umpire before use.
Expenses
Each team provides all equipment including gloves, bats, home base, pitching rubber, strike mat, uniforms, etc. As of 1/19/26 each player will be asked to give a one-time $35 to cover umpire expenses. Head coaches will collect $35 from each player and then send that to Aaron Tanner, league organizer.
Jerseys (optional by church)
Custom Jerseys Baseball, Basketball, Football & Hockey at Fansidea.
Home plate extension link
https://www.amazon.com/Worldwide-Home-Plate-Extension/dp/B00TH3MB62
Softballs link
https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/dicks-sporting-goods-bucket-of-12-softballs-dozen-16dsgubcktf12sftbfpsa/16dsgubcktf12sftbfpsa
Official Game softballs are ASA Slow Pitch 12inch .44 core 375 Compression.
Links for them
https://a.co/d/06PrAyMA - Champro Brand
https://a.co/d/09qUIABx - Trump Evil Ball Brand
Bat style link
https://a.co/d/bMYtsGG
Mercy rule
Goes into effect after 3, 4, and 5 full innings of play (2 1/2, 3 1/2, 4 1/2 if the home team is leading) by 20, 15, and 10 runs respectively. Compare scores every half-inning to make sure they are correct. Report any lineup changes to the other team.
Home run rule
When playing at any field where a fair fly ball that crosses an obstruction (such as a fence, wall, stream, hill, woods, etc.) is deemed to be an automatic home run, each team is limited to three (3) automatic home runs per game. After that, it will be counted as a walk, and any base runners will advance only if forced. There is no limit to the amount of home runs when the ball remains in the field of play (inside-the-park home runs).
Blood rule
Players with blood on any part of their uniform or exposed flesh must immediately leave the game until the problem is taken care of (it is recommended that you keep an extra change of clothes in your car).
Umpire & league by-laws
Each game will have an ASA umpire, who has complete authority, and will be played according to ASA rules. Note: any league by-laws supersede the ASA rulebook. If no umpire shows, either coach has the right to refuse to play and reschedule the game. Both head coaches may agree to play and officiate their own game (or get someone from another team, etc.).
Playing rules and helpful hints
Each batter begins with a 1-1 count. 6-10 foot arc, measured from the ground, on each pitch. The plate and strike mat are the strike area. If the umpire calls an illegal pitch: if you do not swing, it is a ball; if you swing, it is in play. Although the new ASA rule is 70 feet, the league has agreed to leave the distance between bases at 65 feet (back of home to back of 1st and 3rd). 91 feet 11 inches from back of home to center of second and from first to third. Pitching rubber 50 feet (back of plate to front of rubber). The pitcher may start from a position up to 10 feet behind the pitcher’s plate. The pitching rubber cannot be changed during the game. No bunting allowed. 10 second maximum between pitches. No leading off or stealing bases (base runners cannot leave base until the ball is hit). Third strike foul and the batter is out.
Remember
Our main purpose is to have fun, recreation, and Christian fellowship. Show good sportsmanship—encourage others (including the other team) when they make a good play or try their best. Be positive in attitude. Do not harass the other team or the umpire.
Rosters
All players must be 18 years of age or older (unless a player has experience playing baseball/softball with a signed permission form.) Each team is permitted five (5) free agents on its roster. Other team members must be members or regular attendees; this must be verified with a signed roster from the minister/pastor/priest. Members/regular attendees can be added at any time during the season with signed written permission from the above. If a player’s name is not on the roster, or if that player does not possess a signed letter of permission from the minister/pastor/priest of his/her parish before a game begins, that player is not permitted to play. Use of such a player by any team will constitute a forfeit. All teams must present a roster each season to the League Secretary prior to playing any games.
Players
Teams may play with 8-10 players. If you have at least 8 players, the game must begin (do not wait for additional players). There shall be no penalty (i.e., an automatic out in the batting order), for batting less than 10 players. If a team has less than 8 players, you have a grace period until 6:15 PM for the first game, 6:35 PM for the second game. There is no limit to the amount of batters in a lineup. However, you cannot add players to the lineup after the lead-off batter has entered the batter’s box for the second time in a game. Exception: short-handed teams may add the 9th or 10th player provided that they have reserved the spot(s) in the batting order. In this case, if the player(s) are not available when their turn comes to bat, an automatic out will be recorded. Extra hitters can switch and play a defensive position during the game. Note: ASA re-entry rule. A player may be substituted for an injury or emergency situation (not ejection). If a legal substitute is available, that player must be used. If no player is available, an automatic out will result. If an injury or ejection results in a team having less than 8 players that team will forfeit the game.
Head coach/manager
Each team must have an appointed head coach who is a member of the represented church. They will be responsible for collecting each player's $35 at the beginning of the season, reporting final results of each game, forfeiting at least 1 hour before game time, collecting team info (first/last name, DOB, signed waiver forms, pastoral approval, rosters, and equipment). There will be a head coach meeting sometime in the beginning of April.
Book Keeper
Each team will be required to have a book keeper present for both games. Book keepers may track the game on paper or on the Game Changer app by Dick Sporting Goods.
Courtesy catchers
If a team has only 8 players, the other team, if willing, can supply that team with a courtesy catcher. The courtesy catcher will retrieve and return pitched balls to the pitcher, and cannot make a play or be involved in a play in any manner. Any of the idle players can be used as a courtesy catcher throughout the game. If an additional player or players show up for the 8-player team, the courtesy catcher can no longer be supplied.
Courtesy runners
Each team is limited to three players in the lineup who may have courtesy runners. The names of these players should be given to the opposing team prior to the game when the lineups are exchanged. Any player in the lineup can be used as a courtesy runner. That player can only be used once per inning as a runner, unless running for the same player again in the same inning. If that player is on base when it is his/her turn to bat, the player will be out, and, provided that does not make the third out, then will be allowed to bat. Teams are reminded they should refrain from using the same players as courtesy runners simply to gain an advantage with speed.
Forfeits/forfeiting outs
The forfeiting team must pay the umpire. Five forfeits shall cause a team to be dismissed for the remainder of the season. There is no refund of league fees and the team cannot participate in tournaments, etc. A team may forfeit outs at any time of their at-bat. The players whose turn it was when the outs were forfeited will lose their at-bats.
Prayer
The first home team is to have prayer before beginning the first game (and also supplies bases, etc.). Either team may stop play if additional prayer is needed (injury, high tense level, etc.).
Abusive language/fighting
There is to be no foul or abusive language, physical confrontation, taunting, harassing, trash talking, making fun of, arguing, verbal abuse, or fighting by players or spectators. Coaches must talk to players or fans having unintentional slips; coaches are responsible for maintaining discipline. If an umpire removes a player for bad language, he/she will be suspended by the league for three (3) games. This is a church league—Christian sportsmanship is more important than winning. If a player is ejected, he/she must be replaced; if no replacement is available, an automatic out results each time that player has an at-bat. Fighting will result in a one-year suspension for the first offense, and indefinite suspension for the second offense.
Tobacco/drugs/alcohol
These are banned in any form from the playing field, bench area, spectator areas, and field property. There is to be no consumption of alcohol at any games; no beverage or container of alcohol is to be seen at the fields or parking areas. Note: failure to comply could result in the loss of the fields we use.
Collisions
Runners must avoid all collisions with fielders preparing to tag them by sliding into the base or giving themselves up. Failure to do so will result in the runner being called out. Fielders cannot fake a play (or a throw) at a base, causing a runner to slide unnecessarily. A catcher or any other fielder cannot block a runner’s access to a base or the plate. We want to avoid injuries as much as possible. Base runners must touch home plate, not the strike mat.
Coaches/contacts
Each team shall supply three (3) adults to contact for emergencies, rainouts, meetings, rescheduling, etc. All disagreements are to be resolved by team managers. You cannot protest judgment calls. Teams need to be represented at meetings.
Fields & games
Doubleheaders begin at 6 PM. The "Home Team" on the schedule will be home for the first game; switch it for the second. Those arriving early can take turns for batting practice. When play is completed, areas are to be left clean. Be careful to watch our children—destruction of property is not allowed. Participants and spectators are prohibited from bringing pets unless they are on leash and cleaned up after. Practices are also held and organized by each church on their own.
9 inning rule
Due to imminent weather or impending darkness where visibility is becoming hard, head coaches may agree to change the doubleheader to one 9-inning game. Games are regularly 7 innings.
Scheduling
No scheduling, cancellations, or rescheduling games are to be based on other league schedules or lack of players or key players. Only weather or church services and activities can be factors.
Rainouts
Either coach has the right to cancel due to bad weather. This must be done at least one hour before game time. At the field, only the umpire can call off the game. Reschedule games as soon as possible.
Game results
A representative from either team must call or text the game results to the league organizer (Aaron Tanner - 570-507-6298). Simply indicate which team won the games. Scores are not necessary. We recommend using the app Game Changer and creating an account under a trusted member of the team's email. This will allow players to review game stats and keep track of in-game bookkeeping.
Bats/balls/uniforms/spikes
All bats must have at least 9 inches of tape or other approved material on the handle to prevent slipping out of the batter’s hands. Bats must be single wall and single piece, aluminum, or wood; NO composite. If there is any doubt, the bat must be removed from the game until it can be inspected by church league officers. Uniforms are optional. Shoes and shirts must be worn. No metal spikes are permitted for warm-ups, practice, or games. Each home team needs to provide ONE official game ball from the approved list, the old official game ball from the previous game is allowed as a backup ball. All balls needs to be approved by the Umpire before use.
Expenses
Each team provides all equipment including gloves, bats, home base, pitching rubber, strike mat, uniforms, etc. As of 1/19/26 each player will be asked to give a one-time $35 to cover umpire expenses. Head coaches will collect $35 from each player and then send that to Aaron Tanner, league organizer.
Jerseys (optional by church)
Custom Jerseys Baseball, Basketball, Football & Hockey at Fansidea.
Home plate extension link
https://www.amazon.com/Worldwide-Home-Plate-Extension/dp/B00TH3MB62
Softballs link
https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/dicks-sporting-goods-bucket-of-12-softballs-dozen-16dsgubcktf12sftbfpsa/16dsgubcktf12sftbfpsa
Official Game softballs are ASA Slow Pitch 12inch .44 core 375 Compression.
Links for them
https://a.co/d/06PrAyMA - Champro Brand
https://a.co/d/09qUIABx - Trump Evil Ball Brand
Bat style link
https://a.co/d/bMYtsGG
Mercy rule
Goes into effect after 3, 4, and 5 full innings of play (2 1/2, 3 1/2, 4 1/2 if the home team is leading) by 20, 15, and 10 runs respectively. Compare scores every half-inning to make sure they are correct. Report any lineup changes to the other team.
Home run rule
When playing at any field where a fair fly ball that crosses an obstruction (such as a fence, wall, stream, hill, woods, etc.) is deemed to be an automatic home run, each team is limited to three (3) automatic home runs per game. After that, it will be counted as a walk, and any base runners will advance only if forced. There is no limit to the amount of home runs when the ball remains in the field of play (inside-the-park home runs).
Blood rule
Players with blood on any part of their uniform or exposed flesh must immediately leave the game until the problem is taken care of (it is recommended that you keep an extra change of clothes in your car).
Umpire & league by-laws
Each game will have an ASA umpire, who has complete authority, and will be played according to ASA rules. Note: any league by-laws supersede the ASA rulebook. If no umpire shows, either coach has the right to refuse to play and reschedule the game. Both head coaches may agree to play and officiate their own game (or get someone from another team, etc.).
Playing rules and helpful hints
Each batter begins with a 1-1 count. 6-10 foot arc, measured from the ground, on each pitch. The plate and strike mat are the strike area. If the umpire calls an illegal pitch: if you do not swing, it is a ball; if you swing, it is in play. Although the new ASA rule is 70 feet, the league has agreed to leave the distance between bases at 65 feet (back of home to back of 1st and 3rd). 91 feet 11 inches from back of home to center of second and from first to third. Pitching rubber 50 feet (back of plate to front of rubber). The pitcher may start from a position up to 10 feet behind the pitcher’s plate. The pitching rubber cannot be changed during the game. No bunting allowed. 10 second maximum between pitches. No leading off or stealing bases (base runners cannot leave base until the ball is hit). Third strike foul and the batter is out.
Remember
Our main purpose is to have fun, recreation, and Christian fellowship. Show good sportsmanship—encourage others (including the other team) when they make a good play or try their best. Be positive in attitude. Do not harass the other team or the umpire.