June 27th & 28th, 2026

Rules

Rules for

Batting For Heroes‘

Slowpitch Men’s/Co-Ed Softball Tournament

Tournament Format:

  • Men’s / Co-Ed
  • Double elimination
  • No more than 40 teams
  • Each team will consist of no less than 10, and no more than 15 players. A team can play with 8 or 9 players if approved ahead of time by the tournament director.

Pitching:

  • The pitcher must throw the ball underhand and it must have an arch of 6’ to 10’.
  • The ball must hit the mat for the pitch to be considered a strike.
  • Pump faking and juking is permitted.
  • Pitcher must start with their foot on the rubber mound.
  • All pitchers must wear a mask. NO EXCEPTIONS

Base Running:

  • On co-ed teams, one base runner per gender.
  • If batter makes it to first base, is safe, and does not advance to second base, they may be granted a base runner.
  • There is no limit on how many times an player can be used as a base runner in an inning.
  • Pitchers are allowed a pinch runner at any time during the game.
  • If it is a close play, runners must slide or peel out of the way. If not done so, the batter running to first will be out as well.
  • Reestablishing on first and third is permitted with umpire approval.

Batting:

  • Each batter will start with a count of 1 ball and 1 strike (no foul to give).
  • On co-ed teams, males may not bat back-to-back.
  • No foul to give. (see wristbands)
  • COED Walking Rule: Whenever a male player is walked, regardless of outs, he advances to second base. The following female batter may choose to take first base or bat, regardless of outs.
  • Players at bat must have a full swing for a hit to be eligible. Bunting is not permitted.
  • If a player steps on the plate while at bat, that player is out.
  • The standard infield fly rule is in effect with less than two outs and there are runners on first and second base.
  • A team cannot score more than two homeruns unless the batter who scores a homerun is wearing a Homerun Wristband (see below).
  • If you hit a home run, you or your team must get the ball.

Game Rules:

  • 4 GAME GUARANTEE
  • Designation of Home and Away will be determined by coin flip at the plate meeting with coaches/managers before each game.
  • The game will stop at 55 minutes drop dead.
  • Game balls will be 44/375 core
  • 2 balls will be provided to each team upon check-in at the beginning of the tournament. Co-ed teams will also get 2 women’s balls.
  • Additional balls can be purchased at the registration area.
  • Teams can use their own balls with umpire approval.
  • If balls are caught being tampered with, that team will be ejected from the tournament. No refunds will be given.
  • All bats, except seniors and banned bats, are allowed. If a team is caught using an illegal bat, that team will receive a warning. If there is a second violation, that team will be ejected from the tournament. No refunds will be given.
  • Teams need to be ready to play 15 minutes prior to their start time to keep games flowing smoothly.
  • If a player is caught playing for a team without being listed on that team’s roster, the team will be ejected from the tournament.
  • If a player is rostered on more than one team in the same division, that player will be ejected from the tournament.
  • If a player is ejected, they must immediately leave the field and dugout. For every minute they delay, the opposing team will be awarded one (1) run.
  • All players must have valid government-issued photo ID. If not provided when requested, the player will be automatically ejected. The gender listed on the ID will be used in the event of a roster check.
  • Full payment is required before your first game.
  • COED Defensive Alignment: Maximum of 5 women or 5 men on defense — players can be positioned anywhere.
  • No metal cleats or spikes.
  • No outside alcohol is permitted. Violations with City Officials may result in team elimination from the tournament.

Run Rules:

  • 20 after 4th & 15 after 5th – If a team is in the lead by 20 or more runs after the fourth inning, or 15 runs after the fifth inning, the game will be over. No flip flops.

Championship Game:

  • There will be no time limit.
  • Run Rules will still be in effect.
  • The team with the most runs at the end of the 7th inning will be the winner.
  • If at the beginning of the 9th inning there is a tie, a runner will be added to second base. The game will then continue until one team has more runs at the end of an inning.

Wristbands:

  • FOUL BALL – $25
    • The Foul Ball wristbands will allow each purchaser one extra foul ball.
  • HOME RUN – $35
    • Home Run wristbands are limited to 3 per team. They can be switched between players from game to game, but not during a game. The players with bands will not go against home run total.

All wristbands will need to be clarified in book before each game.

Refunds & Waitlist:

  • Should inclement weather prevent the tournament from being played, a 25% refund will be issued to each team.
  • Once a team has paid, they have seven days to cancel for a full refund. No refunds will be given after the seven days, except as stated above for inclement weather.
  • Should the tournament reach capacity, we will accept teams on a waitlist. To be added to the waitlist, a team will need to register and pay a %50 deposit. Should a team on the waitlist not be called to play, they will receive their full deposit back.