World Vintage Softball Slowpitch Carnival, Honolulu Hawaii, .
19th to 26th April, 2009
The spirit of the Carnival
The emphasis at each Carnival is on enjoyment (on and off the field) so although participants, whose ages will vary from 35 to 90, ‘compete’ to the best of their ability. The outcome is less important than the fun and enjoyment of the game.
Teams come to play in a friendly environment where the outcome is enjoyed by all regardless of the result. Accordingly aggressive and unsportsmanlike behaviour on or off the field is not acceptable.
Some of the rules of the game have been modified to ensure participants can have fun without causing unnecessary health risks or injury but generally follow the ASA rules. Should ASA rules conflict with the Vintage Carnival rules, the Carnival rules shall take precedence.
Prior to the commencement of the Carnival umpires will be briefed on the detailed rules and the spirit in which they are to be applied. In an effort to ensure consistent, fair, quality softball competition, Vintage Softball enforces the pitching regulations and homerun limits stringently. This provides a guarantee to all teams as to the level of competition they will face during Vintage Softball carnivals.
Vintage Softball rules for Slowpitch
Team Categories
Ages categories: 35 & Over, 45 & Over, 50 & Over, 55 & Over, 65 & Over
Men's, Women's and Co-ed.
Playing Field
- Baselines: 19.8m (65’)
- Pitching Distance: 15.2m (50’)
- Outfield Fence 85m (275’)
The Ball
- .44 or .47 restricted flight
The Pitch
- The pitch must come in slowly with a perceptible arc of between 1.8 and 3.6 meters (6 and 12 feet) from the ground.
- The pitcher must start with and keep one foot on the plate until the ball is released.
- The umpires will ensure compliance with the detailed rule 6 SP on Slowpitch pitching rules as published by the International Softball Federation.
Strike Zone
Between the batter’s back shoulder and knees, called at the plate, when the batter assumes their normal stance. Strike zone mat (men only), scoring plate and commitment line are utilized in the 50+ divisions (base runner touching home plate is ‘out’).
Defensive Players
Ten players are allowed on defense (in the women’s 50+ division eleven defensive players are allowed). Co-ed divisions comprise four females and six males on defense.
Stealing
Runners must remain in contact with the base until the ball passes over home plate or is hit. A runner off a base when the ball is pitched is ‘out’ - no pitch is called.
Strike Three
Third strike is ‘out’ and the ball is dead
Intentional Walk
Where a pitcher wishes to walk a batter, the pitches do not have to be thrown - batter goes directly to first base.
Illegal Pitch
If a batter decides to swing at an illegal pitch (e.g. a pitch with excessive speed, or not enough arc), a "strike" is called, otherwise the call is a ball - no bases are awarded for an illegal pitch.
Loose Pitch
Unless swung at beforehand, any pitched ball hitting home plate (where a mat is not used), or hitting the ground before reaching home plate, is a ‘ball’’.
Dead Ball
Time is called when the ball is in the infield and no plays are apparent.
Additional Players
Additional Players are allowed in the batting lineup and substitutes may re-enter the game.
Baserunning
Courtesy runners are allowed. In the 50+ men’s divisions sliding into second and third is optional, in the women’ s divisions overrunning is permissible.
Home Runs
Home run limits will be in force in the Men’s divisions.
Umpires
Umpires rulings are final. There is no dispute provision.