Barrhaven Mens Slopitch league rules


ROSTER/WAIVER

The regular season roster and waiver form must be completed and submitted to a league executive member during the first week of the regular season. Failure to comply with this rule may result in a team forfeit for your team’s next scheduled Game and a 10-0 win will be awarded to the opposing team.


TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Home team must ensure the bases are pegged down prior to the start of the 1st Game of the evening. If the Home team from the previous Game(s) incorrectly pegged the bases, it is the responsibility of the Home team of the 2nd doubleheader to fix the bases:
    1. The distance from the back of home plate to the back of first base is 65 feet (last pole on fence)
    2. The distance from the back of home plate to the back of second base is 91 feet 11 inches
    3. The distance from the back of home plate to the back of third base is 65 feet (last pole on fence)
    4. The Commitment Line is drawn in the sand 20 feet from the back diamond point of Home Plate
    5. Out of Play will be determined prior to the Game between the Umpire and both team Captains.
  2. Home team provides a NEW Game Ball to the Umpire; the Visiting team provides a 2nd used Game Ball.
  3. Home team from the last Game of the evening must ensure bases and pegs are removed from the field, stored and locked in the storage unit.
  4. A Captain from the Winning team in the 2nd Game must send the official scores from each Game to the Web Administrator by latest noon the next day. (NEW 2026) A picture of the scorebooks for both games for player stats entry on the website must be sent by BOTH captains for BOTH games by latest noon the next day to the Web Administrator in order for individual player stats to be recorded. Scorebook pictures should be received no later than noon the following day. In the event that the team Captain is unable to submit a score or pictures of the scorebook, he must designate another Player on his team to send these in on his behalf.


REGULAR SEASON TIEBREAKERS

  1. The team with the higher number of points will be ranked higher (2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, 0 points for a loss)
  2. If two teams are tied with the same number of points, the team with the higher number of points in the head-to-head Games will be ranked higher
  3. If two teams are still tied, the team with the better +/- record in the head-to-head Games will be ranked higher (max +10, min -10 per Game)
  4. If two teams are still tied, the team with the most runs for will be ranked higher
  5. If two teams are still tied, the team with the lowest runs against will be ranked higher
  6. If more than 2 teams are tied, the team with the highest +/- would rank highest, then the team with the second highest +/-, etc.


GAME TIMES AND DURATION

  1. Scheduled Games
    1. On Tuesday evenings, there will be 2 Games scheduled that MUST be played at 6:00 and 7:15 pm. There can be no deviation from this as the 2nd Game must be concluded by 8:30 pm.
    2. On Thursday evenings, there will be 4 Games scheduled that MUST be played at 6:00, 7:15, 8:30 and 9:45 pm.
  2. Games will be Scheduled 75 minutes in duration. This is calculated from the official starting time and not the actual start time. (NEW 2026)To complete the 1st Game of a doubleheader, the Umpire will allow an extra 5 minutes (7:20 or 9:50 PM). Once that time has elapsed, the Umpire will make an IMMEDIATE STOP to the Game and revert the score back to the previous inning. Since the Teams switch Home field advantage for the 2nd Game, the Defensive Team will stay in the field and begin the 2nd Game immediately. Games reaching the 75-minute point will be considered complete regardless of the number of innings played.
  3. The Umpire and team Captains of the late Game will ensure that their Game WILL NOT extend past 11:00 pm.
  4. If a Game does not start on time because of the Umpire, the finish time of the Game is not extended. The League President is to be notified and he will in turn react accordingly in communication with the Umpire. The Game will still count if the teams are able to complete four full innings or 3.5 innings if the home team has the lead.
  5. A Game is considered to be complete after the end of four full innings (or 3.5 innings if the home team has the lead). A Game that does not reach these times because of unplayable conditions will be considered an incomplete Game and will be replayed in its entirety.


PLAYER LINEUPS

  1. A Team may commence play with a minimum of 8 Players. A Team MUST have 6 Players from their own roster. Spare Players may be added to achieve the desired 10 Players.
  2. There will be NO AUTOMATIC OUT if a Team is comprised of only 8 or 9 Players.
  3. Player Entry Exception: A Player may enter the Game at any point; but, if they show up late, they must be placed at the bottom of the batting order.
  4. Spare Players must be placed at the bottom of the batting order.


FORFEITING

  1. Grace Period Allocation:

A team is allowed a 15-minute grace period from the scheduled start time of a Game. If the grace period is used, the Game will be shortened to 6 innings. All Games must still be completed within the allocated time slot.

  1. No-Show or Insufficient Players:
  1. If a team fails to show up for a scheduled Game or cannot field a minimum of 8 Players by the end of the 15-minute grace period, they will Forfeit that Game. The opposing team will be awarded a win with a default score of 10–0.
  2. Teams will play the second Game of a doubleheader if they are able to field at least 8 Players by the scheduled start time of that Game or earlier. A separate 15-minute grace period applies to the second Game as well; if used, the Game will also be shortened to 6 innings.


SCORING

  1. A 5-RUN Maximum Rule will be used for each inning except for the “Last Designated Inning” which will be declared an “Open run” inning. The Umpire MUST call the “Last Designated Inning” AT ANY TIME within the top half of the inning. (Ex. this could be with 2 OUTS)
  2. The MERCY RULE for the BMPSA will be 12 runs after the 5th or 6th innings. If the Home team reaches +12 runs during the bottom of any inning after the 5th, NO matter the number of Outs, the Game is over.
  3. If a Game is tied after 7 full innings and Time Permits, extra innings shall be played. Should the Game not be completed prior to the 75 minutes (exception Rule 12), the score will revert back to a tie. During extra innings, the last batter at the time of the last out in the “previous” inning will start at 2nd base with the offensive team beginning with 1 Out in order to improve chances of breaking the tie. Extra innings must be fully completed within the allotted Game time or the Game will revert to the score of the last complete inning.
  4. HOMERUNS: The MATCH +2 over-the-fence homerun rule is in effect. MATCH +2 means that at no time during a Game will the number of over-the-fence Homeruns hit by one team exceed two more than that hit by the opposing team.
  5. If a team is in a MATCH +2 situation and a player hits an over-the-fence Homerun then that Homerun shall be deemed an OUT. Any fair batted fly ball that is clearly deflected over the Homerun fence by a defensive Player is NOT considered a Homerun for the MATCH +2 rule, it is considered a 4 BASE AWARD. Inside-the-Park Homeruns DO NOT COUNT towards the MATCH +2 rule.
  6. (NEW RULE 2026) A batted ball that is hit into or comes to rest in a puddle in the infield, ``Time`` is called and this shall be ruled a single. If the same occurs in the outfield, it shall be ruled a double.


HOME PLATE/COMMITMENT LINE

  1. A line will be marked 20 feet from the diamond point of Home plate and it will extend from the baseline to the fence on 3rd base side bench. A Baserunner that has advanced from 3rd base to a point on or beyond this line must continue Home. One Exception - If a fly ball is caught after a Baserunner touches or crosses the Commitment Line, they can return to 3rd base. In order to Score, the Baserunner must plant his foot on the ground on or past the Safe line extending from the top left point of the home plate to the backstop on the 3rd base side. This line is parallel to the first base line.
  2. The Defensive Players may not attempt to touch the Baserunner once that Player has touched or passed the Commitment line.
  3. To record an OUT, the Defensive Player MUST have control of the ball and touch the Home plate board before the Baserunner has touched or passed the Safe line.
  4. A Baserunner WILL NOT touch Home Plate under any circumstances. He will be declared OUT by the Umpire if he does so.
  5. Under no circumstances will a base runner slide across the SAFE LINE at Home plate. The base runner will be called OUT.

EQUIPMENT

  1. All Batters and Baserunners have the option of wearing protective helmets. Each team will be responsible to provide helmets for each Game and encourage each Player to wear a helmet.
  2. No metal cleats or metal detachments shall be worn on the field at any time. If found while a Player is playing Defensively, the Player is instructed to leave the field of play and remove their cleats. (Sandals ARE NOT approved footwear) If found while a Player is Batting Offensively, the Batter is called OUT and instructed to remove their cleats. If a Player refuses to remove their cleats, they are Ejected from the Game.
  3. All Players may wear a glove, or mitt of any size, including a “trapper” style glove. The webbing shall not be constructed to form any type of net or tray.
  4. The BMSPA uses the Worth Hot Dot Classic Plus Optic ball for all Games.
  5. The BMSPA adheres to the SPN Bat Policy. Visit the SPN Bat Policy for a list of approved and non-approved bats. Any bat that is deemed excessively dangerous by the Umpire will be removed when requested to do so by the Umpire If a Player is caught using an illegal bat, he is Ejected from the Game.
  6. All Bats MUST have the USSSA “Thumbprint” stamp.


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  1. Pitchers are required to wear a protective face mask at all times while pitching.


PITCHING RULES

  1. The Ball MUST have an arc of no less than 6’ feet and no more than 12’ feet.
  2. A board will be used as Home Plate and a Strike will be called for each legally pitched ball that hits any portion of the board before touching the ground.
  3. The Pitcher will be allowed to pitch from a distance of between 50’ and 65’ feet.


PLAYS AT FIRST BASE

  1. All Games will be played with a dual colored safe-base at first base. If a Pitched ball is hit fairly and a play is made at 1st Base and the Batter/Baserunner fails to use some portion of the orange on his first attempt to reach the base, he will be called OUT.
  2. Once 1st Base has been reached, only the white portion of the base can be used by the Baserunner.
  3. The Defensive Player, when in control of the ball, MUST use some portion of the white to record an OUT on the Batter/Baserunner before they reach 1st Base.



COURTESY RUNNERS

  1. (NEW RULE 2026) Teams are allowed 4 Courtesy Runners per Game and they can use the SAME  Baserunner multiple times. The courtesy runner can be anyone in the lineup. Both teams are to be notified.
  2. Courtesy runners can be used in extra innings as long as it doesn’t exceed the maximum number of 4 Courtesy Runners in a Game.
  3. PITCHER COURTESY RULE: A team will be allowed additional Courtesy runners specifically for their Pitcher when each of the following conditions are met:
    1. The Batting team’s pitcher is on base; and
    2. There are 2 outs; and
    3. During Defensive play, they are the Pitcher of Record (Ex. Pitcher that threw the last defensive pitch in the previous half inning) while wearing at least a facemask AND additional protective equipment. (Ex. chest guard, shin guards etc.)
  4. A PITCHER Courtesy runner will not count toward a team’s limit of 4 Courtesy runners per Game. The pitcher’s courtesy runner may be any Player in the lineup.



Inclement Weather

  1. On days where it is raining or there is forecasted inclement weather, the Captains (or team representative) of the 6 pm Game are to meet at the diamond in advance of their Game and collectively make a decision on playability. They must notify the League Executive, who will, in turn, notify the Umpire.
  2. If during a Game the weather makes the field unplayable and the Umpire stops the Game, the following rules will apply:
    1. Once 4 innings are completed, the Game is considered complete and will be recorded in the standings
    2. If the Game is less than 4 innings, the Game will be considered incomplete and will be rescheduled
  3. If lightning occurs during a Game, the Umpire is empowered to delay or call the Game at any time for the safety of all participants.
  4. Umpire’s judgment decisions may not be appealed.
  5. In the event that the City of Ottawa closes all city fields, the League Executive will notify all Captains. At no time is the BMSPA permitted to play a Game until the city reopens the field.


UNSPORTSMANLIKE BEHAVIOUR

  1. Ejections and Suspensions (NEW UPDATES 2026)
  1. If an Ejection takes a team below 10 or 9 Players that have started, the Game becomes an OFFICIAL FORFEIT
  2. If a Player(s) is Ejected from the 1st Game of a doubleheader, that Player(s) CANNOT play in the 2nd Game of the doubleheader
    1. The Player(s) Ejected MUST leave the diamond area, the entire park and the parking lot for the entire evening IMMEDIATELY (no exceptions). They CANNOT return under any circumstance.
  3. If a Player(s) is Ejected from the 2nd Game of a doubleheader, that Player(s) CANNOT play in both Games of the following night’s scheduled doubleheader. Additionally, sub-rules above - 1. b) i. will be adhered to.
  4. The League Executive, the Captains of the teams involved, and the Umpire will review all Ejections. This review could result in additional Game suspensions and/or permanent suspension from the League, at the sole discretion of the League Executive.
  5. Any Player ejected from a Game because of reckless and/or dangerous play and/or fighting will receive an automatic suspension from the league. The League Executive and the Captains of the teams involved may reinstate this Player pending a review.
  1. If it is reported to the League Executive that a team is discriminating against poorer or weaker Players, the Captain of this team will be held responsible. If substantiated, the Executive has the authority to discipline that Captain with a warning. Multiple occurrences will result in the suspension of the Captain from the BMSPA.
  2. No Player will be allowed to play, if in the opinion of the Umpire, he is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  3. No Player whether playing or observing a Game shall taunt, badger, or bother any Player at any time during the course of the Game. This type of behavior is unacceptable and team Captains should report such behavior to the League Executive for review.
  4. Fans are also subject to all of the rules above.


Playoffs and Finals

  1. Regular season rules apply. Any changes/variations outlined in this section supersede the regular season rules.
  2. Players are eligible to play in the playoffs if they have signed the team roster/waiver form and have played an amount of regular season Games that the league executive deems suitable.
  3. A list of all eligible playoff Players must be submitted to the league President prior to the start of each team’s first scheduled playoff Game. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a team forfeit and a 10-0 win will be awarded to the opposing team.
  4. The team finishing higher in the regular season has the choice of being “Home” or “Visitor”.
  5. For the Semi finals and Championship Game (s), a coin toss will decide the Home team.

PLAYOFF TIEBREAKERS

  1. During Semifinals and Finals play only, no time restriction will be enforced. If teams are tied after regulation 7 innings, the International Tie-Breaker Rule for will be used (the last Batter when the “previous” inning ended will start at 2nd base with 1 out. The Baserunner at 2nd is NOT the last runner Out unless they were the  last batter in the previous inning. Game play will continue until a winner is declared. The start times of following Games will be pushed back, if needed.