ABA Sports Rules
2026 ABA Sports Softball League Rules & Regulations
ABA Sports Network
ABA Sports, Inc.
One Ames Ct. Suite 100
Plainview, NY 11803
Office Phone: (516) 870-0040
Office Fax: (516) 870-0041
Email: LeagueOffice@ABASports.com
Website: www.ABASports.com
Emergency (after hours): 516-647-8621
Rule 1: Alcoholic Beverages, Barbecues & Smoking
- Alcoholic beverages or glass of any kind are not permitted on school or park grounds.
- There is absolutely no smoking on any of the fields. Failure to follow this rule may result in ejection and suspension.
- Please check with the park for designated smoking areas.
- Barbecues are not permitted on school or park grounds.
- Smoking of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and vapes, is prohibited on or near the field.
Rule 2: Awards
The following awards will be presented:
- League Champions and Division Champions
- League MVP
- Team MVP
- Outstanding Manager
- Outstanding Achievement
- Team of the Year
Managers are responsible for selecting their team MVP and submitting the League MVP ballot by the deadline provided by the League Office.
Rule 3: Bases
- Both teams are responsible for providing bases when needed.
- Base distance is 70 feet whenever possible, with 60 feet as the minimum acceptable distance.
- A double first base is used, with the white portion for defense and the orange portion for the batter-runner.
- The batter-runner must use the orange base when running to first base.
If a runner uses the wrong portion of the base and interferes with a play, the runner may be called out.
Rule 4: Bats
All bats must have the USSSA 1.20 BPF stamp.
Bats will be inspected by the umpire prior to play. Illegal bats, including cracked, shaved, or altered bats, are not allowed.
If an illegal bat is used:
- The batter will be out.
- The player may be suspended.
- The bat will be removed from play.
Rule 5: Blackout Dates
No regular season games will be scheduled on:
- Memorial Day Weekend
- Labor Day Weekend
- July 4th Weekend, when applicable
Managers must contact the League Office at least 72 hours in advance if a team cannot field a roster.
Rule 6: Cancellation of Games
Teams that cannot field a game will lose by forfeit.
Games may only be cancelled through the League Office.
Rainouts and reschedules will be coordinated by the league.
Rule 7: Co-Ed Rules
Key lineup rules include:
- Minimum of 10 players
- Maximum of 14 players
- Lineup must begin and end with a male batter
- Alternating male and female batting order when possible
Walks to female batters may result in two bases awarded.
Rule 8: Coin Toss
During the regular season, the winner of the coin toss chooses the home team.
For best-of-3 playoff series, the higher seed receives home advantage in games 1 and 3.
Rule 9: Communication with League
Only one team manager should contact the League Office regarding league matters.
Managers must regularly check email and league communications.
Rule 10: Complete Games
Games consist of 7 innings during the regular season, with 6 innings considered a complete game if the time limit is reached. The mercy rule may apply.
Rule 11: Courtesy Runners
Courtesy runners may be used for injured players or catchers.
The courtesy runner must be the last recorded out, or a player of the same gender in Co-Ed play.
Rule 12: Crash Rule
When a defensive player clearly has the ball and is waiting for the runner, the runner must slide or avoid contact.
Deliberate collisions will result in the runner being called out and may also lead to ejection.
Rule 13: Ejection & Suspension
Any player ejected from a game is automatically suspended for 2 additional games.
Fighting may result in a season-long suspension or league removal.
Rule 14: Eligibility of Players
All players must:
- Complete the team roster
- Accept the league liability waiver
- Be listed on the official roster
Unregistered players are not allowed to participate.
Rule 15: Equipment
Catchers are strongly advised to wear masks.
All teams must provide softballs, gloves, and their own personal equipment.
Rule 16: Extra Hitter Rule
Teams may use up to 3 extra hitters in men’s league play, for a maximum lineup of 13 players.
Rule 17: Field Maintenance
If a field becomes unplayable due to weather or damage, contact the League Office immediately.
Rule 18: Forfeit Bonds
Each team must post one forfeit bond.
The forfeit bond amount is $150.
Rule 19: Forfeits
Teams have a 10-minute grace period after the scheduled start time.
If a team cannot field 8 players, the game may be forfeited.
Rule 20: Foul Language
Excessive foul language directed at players, umpires, or spectators may result in ejection or suspension.
Rule 21: Game Management
Time management rules are in place to ensure teams play as much game time as possible during their scheduled games.
Rule 22: Game Time
Teams must begin play with a minimum of 8 players.
Rule 23: Ground Rules
Field-specific ground rules may apply depending on the park location.
Rule 24: Home Run Limit
Different levels may have different home run limits per team, per game.
Rule 25: Inclement Weather
Rainout Hotline: 631-951-1209
Managers must check weather and field status before heading to the field.
Rule 26: Injuries
All injuries must be reported to the League Office within 24 hours.
Insurance is not automatically included.
Rule 27: Insurance
Personal liability and medical insurance are not included in league fees.
Teams may purchase insurance separately.
Rule 28: League Fees
All league fees must be paid before the final registration deadline.
Teams that fail to pay will not be scheduled.
Rule 29: League Rulings
Failure to comply with league rules may result in team removal.
League officials have final authority on rulings.
Rule 30: Litter
Teams must clean their dugout area before leaving.
Rule 31: Make-Up Games
Teams missing scheduled games may be assessed forfeits if games are not properly rescheduled.
Rule 32: Office Hours
League Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Emergency field issue line: 631-406-4677
Rule 33: Parking
All players and spectators must follow local parking laws.
Rule 34: Permits
Managers must carry field permits during games.
Rule 35: Pitch (Type Permitted)
The pitch must be delivered underhand at slow speed.
Rule 36: Pitch Count (New)
A ball on balls counts as 3 balls, and a strikeout occurs at 3 strikes.
Rule 37: Playoff Format
Top four teams qualify for playoffs.
Formats may include best-of-3 series, single elimination, or double elimination.
Rule 38: Pre-Game Conference
Managers must meet with umpires before each game.
Rule 39: Protests
Protests must be made at the time of the incident and reported to the League Office.
A protest fee may apply.
Rule 40: Re-Entry
A player removed from the lineup may re-enter once in the same batting position.
Rule 41: Rosters
Managers must submit the team roster prior to the season.
All players must appear on the official roster list.
Rule 42: Roster Challenge
If a team suspects an illegal player is participating, the manager must notify the umpire immediately.
Rule 43: Roster Changes
Roster additions are allowed until designated deadlines.
Rule 44: Rule Books
Managers must have access to the league rulebook during games.
Rule 45: Run Rule (Mercy Rule)
If a team leads by 12 runs after 5 innings, the game ends.
Rule 46: Schedule TBD Games
If an opponent becomes unavailable for a TBD game, the team may receive two wins by default.
Rule 47: Schedule Requests
Teams must submit scheduling requests before the season begins.
Rule 48: Scores
The home team records the score.
Captains may dispute reported scores online.
Rule 49: Scorebooks
The league will supply scorebooks when available.
Rule 50: Softballs
The league provides game softballs.
Teams must return unused balls after games.
Rule 51: Tie Games
Extra innings may be played depending on time and field availability.
Rule 52: Time Limit
Doubleheader games have a 75-minute time limit.
Rule 53: Tournaments
Tournament rules may differ from regular league play.
Rule 54: Uniforms
Matching jerseys are recommended but not required.
Rule 55: Umpire Fees
Teams must pay the umpire before the start of the first game.
Typical fee structure is $27.50 per team per game. Doubleheaders may increase cost.
Ground Rules
Specific park ground rules apply depending on the field.
- A ball hitting woods or fences may be ruled a double or a home run.
- A ball hitting buildings or structures may remain in play.
- Final rulings are at the umpire’s discretion.