Expanded Senior Slo-Pitch Association Rules
2024 Season
Version: 19 September 2024
Preamble
The Expanded Senior Slo-Pitch Association (ESSA)
is a recreational league and exists to allow seniors, both male
and female, 55 years and older to play slo-pitch on a regular basis from
early May to the middle of September each year.
The main objective of the Board of Directors is to balance
all teams in strength. Although there is competitiveness among teams,
the main thrust is for all players to have fun and get exercise.
All team uniforms (shirts), bats, balls, bases and game needs are
supplied by the ESSA.
Games are played using SPN rules with Association rules where there
are exceptions.
Association Rules
New / modified rules for 2024 are shown in italics.
THE PLAYING FIELD
- The official dimensions of the diamond: baselines shall be 65
feet and the pitching zone shall be 24 inches wide located 50 to 65
feet from home plate.
- For the purposes of our Association, the grass area of the field will
be considered the outfield, and the dirt area is the infield.
- A board 23 inches by 35 inches shall be covering home plate.
- Games will not be played with the infield on the grass.
It is acceptable to move home plate out into the dirt if the home
plate area (or other base path areas) are sloppy.
If the entire infield is sloppy, or there is standing water in
the outfield, the field should be declared unplayable.
EQUIPMENT
- All players must wear team jerseys in order to participate in a
game. Each sweater must have an easily distinguished unique number.
The umpire may grant exceptions to this rule if a legitimate reason
is provided and both Captains agree.
- Players are advised for safety reasons not to wear jewelry.
There will be no penalty for the wearing of jewelry.
- The Association provides all bats and balls (GRAY DOT or equivalent).
Personal bats are not allowed.
DEFINITIONS
As per SPN Rule 3 with the following exceptions:
- Sec. 11. Batters area. The batter must have one foot at least
partially between the front edge of the plate (board) and the
back edge of the plate (board) when contact is made with the ball.
If not, the call is dead ball and the batter is out.
The batter can stand as far away from the plate (board) as
he/she desires.
- Sec. 49. Intentional Walk. See Sec. 88 for result of a walk.
- Sec. 79. Tag. Tagging is an option in the ESSA. A runner cannot
be tagged between the commitment line and the plate.
- Sec. 88. Walk: The batter will be awarded one base when four
pitches have been called balls. When an intentional walk has
been given without throwing a strike,
or a pitcher throws 4 balls to the batter without
throwing a strike, the batter or his/her substitute runner will be
awarded 2'nd base. Any runners on base will only move as forced
by the walked batter.
THE GAME
- Games are played Mondays and Wednesdays starting at 9:45 AM.
The on-field warm up time will be from 9:15 to 9:30 for visiting
team and 9:30 to 9:45 for the home team, with the home team
remaining on the field to begin the game at 9:45.
- A regulation game consists of 9 innings (but see rules 4 E, 4 H).
If a game is abandoned while in progress, a regulation game will
be declared if at least 4 and a half innings have been played.
Where possible games should stop at the end of a full inning (or
half inning if the home team is ahead); if not the score should
revert to the previous completed inning.
No extra innings are played in case of a tie in the round-robins
(one point for each team).
Playoff qualification round, semi-final and final games must
determine a winner, so extra innings are played;
the International Tie-Breaker Rules are used for all extra
innings.
- If any round-robin game is rained out (cancelled by e-mail or
phone), all games on that day shall be considered rained out and each
game is scored 9-9. If not cancelled by e-mail or phone, the games
can be played as scheduled where the fields are playable, but
safety is the first consideration.
The games not played will be scored 9-9.
Round-robin games cancelled for any reason are not made up.
- Playoff games: In all playoff games,
sit outs must continue during extra innings (see rule 5 E).
For 9 inning games, Captains should come prepared with a line-up
extending for 3 additonal innings;
a similar extended lineup is expected for 7 inning games.
- Cancelled games in the playoff qualification round,
and regular season games re-scheduled before the season begins
(but NOT rainouts),
will be made up as a double header consisting of two 7 inning
games at the next schedule game date.
The 7'th inning is open (no 5 run mercy rule).
Tie games are not allowed in playoff qualification round games -
a winner must be determined.
If the temperature or humidity is extreme, only single games
(7 innings) will be played.
Whether a single game is to be played can be decided on game day.
Extra Rules For Double Header Games:
- Both games are 7 innings;
play extra inning(s) if the game is tied in the playoffs,
using the International Tie-Breaker Rules.
- If a team is leading by 10 runs or more after 5 innings,
the 6'th inning is the open inning;
the 7'th inning is not played.
- No infield balls after the 1'st inning.
- PLEASE HUSTLE ON AND OFF THE FIELD; HAVE THE ON DECK BATTER
READY TO HIT.
- Do not switch dugouts between games.
- The home team for each game is as designated in the schedule.
- Be reasonable about players who become tired and need
to sit out more than they are supposed to (especially in the
second game);
players should stay in the batting order if at all possible.
- There is no penalty for players that have to leave early
and a team can finish with less than 9 players.
- Leave the bases at the diamond after the first game.
The visiting team for second game is responsible
for returning the bases to the storage bin after the second game.
- After the playoff qualification round, the top four teams will
advance to the semi-finals.
Any ties for placement of the top four teams will be decided by
the tie breaker procedure (see the extra resources below).
- The maximum number of runs a team can score in an inning is 5.
This "mercy rule" applies to innings 1-8 for 9 inning games and 1-6
for 7 inning games. All subsequent inning(s) are open.
- In round-robin or playoff qualifier games where weather or other
situations make it difficult to play a regulation 9 inning
game, the teams will decide whether to play a 9 inning or 7
inning game.
If either team decides on 7 innings, the game will be 7 innings.
A 9 inning game with each batter starting with a 1 ball - 1
strike count is not an option.
- The batter can only be forced out at 1'st base by a throw from
an infielder playing an infield hit.
The outfielders/rovers cannot throw to 1'st to get the batter out,
but can make throws to the other bases to force outs.
No relay plays between outfielders/rovers to infielders to 1'st
are allowed.
Outfielders/rovers may throw to 1'st to attempt to put out a
runner who has rounded the base.
- Appeal Play: To ask for an appeal, the Captain is only required
to ask for "TIME" and then address the umpire who is responsible
for the call on the play in question (e.g. base runner left early,
missed touching a base, etc.) The umpire that made the call (or didn't
make the call) may discuss the call with other umpires before
a decision is given.
- Call-ups for the semi-finals / final can be discussed if
a team is short due to the extension of the season
beyond the published schedule.
PLAYERS
- The maximum number of defensive players on the field is 11, two
of whom are "rovers". There must be 5 players in the outfield at
all times, except when a team has less than 11 players in the line-up.
The umpires or opposing Captain can ask which players are the
"rovers".
- A team must have a minimum of 9 players to make it an official
game. Less than 9 players will result in a defaulted game.
Exception: see rule 4 K for playoff games.
An exhibition game may be played.
- After the beginning of an inning, a defensive player (rovers
excepted) cannot exchange his/her position with another fielder.
- Shifting for infielders and outfielders is allowed without
restriction, but the order from left to right must remain the
same; as above, rovers are excepted.
- Pitchers: the pitcher may be substituted by another position
player that is on the field.
A maximum of 3 player switches will be permitted at that
time.
In the event of an injury any player can substituted.
- Infielder positioning: must be at least
50 feet from home plate for all batters.
Players can move after the ball leaves the pitchers hand.
- If fewer than 11 players are expected, a team should call up relief
players from any "sit out" team or the spare list.
For the playoff rounds, relief players must be of the same rank
or lower than the player to be replaced.
Relief players used in the playoffs must be approved by the
Commissioner and/or the non-involved Captains.
Replacement players from the spare list for long term injuries
must be approved by the Commissioner and/or non-involved Captains.
- When a team has more than 11 players at game time, one or more
players must sit out each inning and not take a position on the
field.
A player must not sit out two consecutive innings.
All players must sit out once before a player sits out a second time.
This process continues throughout the game, so all players
must sit out twice before a player sits out a third time, etc.
If a team Captain fails to follow the above procedure and an
appeal is made, the team Captain must make the appropriate change.
- For the playoff qualification round / playoffs:
When a team has fewer than 11 players at game time,
automatic outs must be added to the batting order to reach a
roster of 11 players.
It is the Captain's choice where the automatic outs are placed.
Captain's may contact suitable spares to
reach a roster of 11 players; if none are available, the
automatic outs rule still applies.
- All player changes, such as additions or trades, require the
majority approval of the non-involved team Captains and sanctioned
by the Commissioner.
- Players who leave a game early or who are injured will not be
considered outs when their turn is reached in the batting order.
For players ejected from the game, their position in the order
will be considered as an out. Ejected players must leave the
park and are also suspended for the next game.
- Players reporting late for a game may bat at their designated
place in the batting order if they arrive before their turn at bat
is reached. If they arrive later, their name must be moved to the
bottom of the batting order.
- Rovers and outfielders must be in the outfield (on the grass)
and can move into the infield only after the ball is hit,
except at diamonds with very large infields (e.g. Dunton Diamond #1)
where the rovers and outfielders are allowed to play
30 feet behind the baselines (instead of on the grass).
- For the playoff qualification round / playoffs:
players in the batting order must also play in the field.
Rule 5 E regarding sit-outs also applies.
- Captains have the option to call up relief players from any
"sit out" team or the spare list to reach a roster of 12 players.
For the playoff rounds, relief players must be of the same rank
or lower than the player to be replaced.
PITCHING
- All SPN rules apply except see the ESSA rule that pitchers cannot be
changed to face particular batters.
Must follow ESSA rule 5 C.
- Pitching Screens
- The pitching screen must be set up on the field 4 to 5 feet
in front of the pitching box, parallel to the front of the
pitching box, and must cover a minimum of one half of the
pitching box.
Once the screen is in place, it may not be moved in that half
inning unless a new pitcher comes in; the screen is replaced
in its original position if displaced by any cause.
- The pitcher must move behind the screen once the pitch has
been thrown.
Consequences for not moving behind the screen:
if the ball comes in contact with the pitcher, the ball is dead,
the batter is awarded 1'st base, and all base runners advance
one base.
- Any batted ball that hits the front side or top of the
screen before being touched by a fielder is a dead ball;
the play counts as a strike;
if it is the third strike, the batter is out.
Otherwise a ball hitting the screen is in play.
BATTING
- No Bunting:
All batters must take a full swing to the best of their ability.
- Batters area: the batter must have one foot at least partially
between the front edge of the plate (board) and the back edge
of the plate (board) when contact is made with the ball.
If not, the call is dead ball and the batter is out.
The batter can stand as far away from the plate (board) as
he/she desires.
- Home Run Cap: For games played on fields with an outfield
fence, there is a cap of 3 home runs over the fence on the fly
without being touched by a fielder per game per team.
For all subsequent such hits by that team, the batter is out.
- A batted ball hitting the plate (board) is a foul ball strike;
the batter is out if that is the third strike.
- A batter who takes a courtesy runner from the plate/screen must
leave the batter's area quickly, to the 1'st base side.
BASE RUNNING
- Courtesy (Pinch) Runner:
- The player is the one who initiates the request for a
courtesy runner.
- A player can courtesy run once per inning.
- A player does not have to declare he/she needs a courtesy runner
at the beginning of the game.
He/she may ask for a courtesy runner at any time, and is not
required to use a courtesy runner all the game.
- The courtesy runner from the plate/screen may advance only to 1'st
base.
In the case of an overthrow where the ball goes
out of play or out of bounds, he/she is awarded 2'nd base and other
baserunners will be awarded 2 bases from the last base touched.
In the case where the batter hits a home run over the fence,
the courtesy runner and any other runners on base proceed
home and all runs would be counted up to the mercy limit
for the inning.
- The courtesy runner from the plate/screen must
hold onto the cord / rope / designated fence post,
or stand on the orange mat, all of which will be located
10 feet behind behind the extension of the 3'rd base
line towards the fence in foul territory.
- An anticipation step is allowed by runners on base,
and including any courtesy runner from the plate/screen,
after the ball has reached the plate or has been offered at.
- Catchers are not permitted to tag a runner who has crossed the
commitment line;
the catcher has to be in contact with the board plate to register
the out.
Any base runner touching or running over the board plate is out.
- Sliding is permitted in the ESSA, either advancing to or returning
to a base.
- Runners must put a foot on the ground on or over the scoring line
between the board plate and the fence to score a run.
NOTE: Runners must avoid the catcher attempting to play the ball;
the runner will be declared out for interference if there is contact.
UMPIRES
- Unless umpires are assigned, teams umpire their own games.
- Qualified paid umpires are assigned for the playoff qualification
round, semi-finals and final games.
- The decision of the umpire is final on all judgment calls.
Decisions based on rules will be discussed by the two team
Captains and umpires at the time of the situation and resolved
fairly.
- There are no protests on calls or rules.
SCORING
- Teams are responsible for their own score keeping.
The Captain must report their game score to the Statistician.
- The maximum run differential used for playoff qualification round
tie-breaking is 7 runs per game.
- The home does not bat in the bottom of the last inning if
leading the game.
TEAM SELECTION
- Teams will be chosen using the ratings of
the players, with the aim of establishing balanced teams.
Each Captain at the end of the season will be responsible for
providing new ratings to be used the following year.
New players will be evaluated at the preseason Rookie Camp.
The final team rosters are to be presented to the Fairness Committee
for final scrutiny.
- Team standings will be reviewed at the end of the first
round-robin by the Fairness Committee.
Players may be shuffled to better balance the teams.
FAIR PLAY
- Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated and could result
in a player being ejected from the game, with the possibility
of further suspension upon review by the Fairness Committee (see
the Fairness Committee supplement to the rules March 12 2009).
- If a player is ejected from the game, the umpire will file a
report with the Fairness Committee.
A repeat offender may be asked to meet with this Committee.
- The decision of the umpire is final on all judgment calls.
Decisions based on rules will be discussed by the two team
Captains and umpires at the time of the situation and resolved
fairly.
- There are no protests on calls or rules.
- A suspended player may be replaced by a spare with the same or
lower rating (for games following the ejection/suspension).
- If the score is one-sided, Captains may consider:
- stopping the game early, retaining the existing score
(no abandoned game / default).
- doing a "flip-flop" where the team that is ahead does not
bat in their half inning:
- the batting team starts the new half inning
with no one on base and all players available
as courtesy runners.
- the defensive team must use the correct players in
the field for the new half inning.
- the defensive team gets to bat if the trailing team
catches up / goes ahead.
Rule Changes / Clarifications For 2024
- Rule 2
- 2 D: eliminated (catcher does not have to wear a mask).
- Rule 4
- 4 B: use SPN "International Tie Breaker" rules in playoff
qualification games (and semi-final / final?).
- 4 E a: use SPN "International Tie Breaker" rules in playoff
qualification game double headers.
- 4 L: elminated (SPN "International Tie Breaker" rules are not
to be used - now used in all playoff games).
- Rule 5
- 5 E: clarification that the sit-out process continues so all
players must sit twice before anyone sits 3 times, etc.
- 5 F: reference to Spares Manager removed; Captains are self-managing
spares.
- 5 L: Captains have the option to call up relief players from any
"sit out" team or the spare list to reach a roster of 12 players.
- Rule 6
- 6 B a: specify pitching screen positioning.
- 6 B b: consequences for pitcher who touches the ball if he/she
does not move behind the pitching screen.
- Rule 7
- 7 D: a batted ball hitting the plate is a foul ball strike;
the batter is out if that is the third strike.
- 7 E: a batter taking a courtesy runner from the plate/screen
must leave batter's area to 1'st base side.
- Rule 8
- 8 A e: position of the courtesy runner from the plate/screen
moved back 10 feet.
- Rule 12
- 12 F: one-sided game options.
Additional Resources
This page created and maintained by Mike Peterson,
mikep9x@gmail.com.
Created April 10, 2019. Last updated September 19, 2024.