League Rules

BKS League Rules & Regulations

Regular Season: 12 games (6 weeks), each team plays every other team twice.
Postseason: 5 out of 7 teams make the postseason.
Playoff Format: At the end of the regular season, the #4 seed will face the #5 seed in a wild card game. The winner of that game advances to the semifinals against the #1 seed, while the #2 seed faces the #3 seed.
Tiebreaker Procedures (if teams have identical records):
- If two or more teams finish the regular season with the same win-loss record, the following criteria will be used to determine playoff advancement and seeding:

a. Advancement Criteria (for final playoff spot only):

Head-to-Head Record – The team with the best record in games played against the tied opponent(s) advances.
Three-Way Tie Scenario – If one team swept the other two in head-to-head matchups, that team secures a playoff berth. The remaining two teams will play a one-game playoff to determine the final Wild Card spot.
No Clear Head-to-Head Advantage – If no team swept or head-to-head records remain tied, a one-game playoff will be held between the tied teams to determine who advances.

b. Seeding Criteria (used only to determine playoff seeding among qualified teams):

Run Differential (Head-to-Head) – Total runs scored minus runs allowed in games between tied teams.
Run Differential (Full Season) – Total runs scored minus runs allowed across all regular season games.
Strength of Victory – Combined win-loss record of all teams defeated during the season.
Coin Flip – If all other criteria are equal, a coin flip will determine seeding.

Start Time: Games begin at 9:00 AM sharp. No waiting for late players.
Forfeits:
- By 9:30 AM – Lose 1 inning and 2 runs (2-0).
- By 9:45 AM – Lose 2 innings and 4 runs (4-0).
- By 10:00 AM – Forfeiture (7-0).
- Second Game Forfeit: If the first game is forfeited, the second game must start by 10:15 AM latest.
Minimum Players: A game may begin with 8 players.
Second Game Start: Begins 5 minutes after the first game ends.
Field Dimensions:
- Bases: 65 feet apart.
- Pitching Distance: 46 feet.

Late-arriving 9th/10th players must bat last.
All players present must be in the lineup.
If a player leaves and no substitute is available, their spot is an automatic out.
Slot breaks are only allowed due to injury or unforeseen circumstances (commissioner approval required).

Games stopped before the 5th inning resume from where they were stopped.
If past the 5th inning, the game is official.
Rescheduling depends on time availability; excessive rainouts may lead to cancellations.
All schedule changes & updates will be posted on the League Instagram Account & League Whatsapp Broadcast Channel.

Gameplay Rules

ASA Rules apply, with modifications outlined below.
Substitutions: Must be approved by the commissioner and a 2-man impartial committee.
Mercy Rule:
- Game ends if a team leads by 10+ runs after 5 innings.
- If the leading team is batting in the top of an inning, the other team must bat in the bottom half.

Pinch Runners:
1. 1 pinch runner per game allowed.
2. Must be the last batted out.
3. If more are needed due to injury, the opposing team selects the runner (not from the next 3 batters).
Re-entry Rule:
- Players may re-enter at any position but must bat in their original spot.
- Shared batting slots: Two players may be assigned to the same batting position.
Pitching Rules:
- Fast pitching is allowed, but no windmill or sidearm.
- One warning per team for illegal pitches, then a ball is called.
- Pitchers must finish their pitch with one foot touching the rubber.
Strike & Ball Count: 4 balls, 3 strikes.
No bunting or chopping. Batter is out immediately.
No leads. Runners may only lead once the pitcher releases the ball.

Courtesy Bag at 1B must be used.
- If the runner/fielder uses the wrong base, interference or safe calls may apply.
Tagging Up: Allowed, but no advancement on appeal plays.
No Stealing.
No Blocking Bases:
- Fielders must allow a lane to a sliding player.
- If a fielder blocks a base, the runner may be ruled safe.
No Collisions:
- Runners must avoid fielders by sliding.
- Collisions may result in an out or ejection.
Infield Fly Rule:
- Once called, the batter is out automatically.
- Runners don’t need to tag up if the ball drops.

2 bases from last occupied base at the time of the throw.
Extra innings: Games continue until a winner is determined (no tournament rule).

Substitutions & Minimum Playing Time

Each team consists of 12 players, with only 10 players on the field/in the lineup at a time.
It is the Team Captain's responsibility to ensure that all 12 players receive playing time in every game.
Every player must play at least 7 total innings in the field across both Sunday Games, and must have a minimum of at least 1 at-bat per game.
Teams may designate 2 players for whom they can bring in substitutes. Subs can only replace these designated players.
Pitchers may always be replaced, without restriction.

Sportsmanship is expected at all times.
Verbal/physical abuse toward umpires or players results in suspension.
Only captains may discuss rules or calls with umpires.
Throwing a bat or swinging at someone: Automatic 2-game suspension (excluding the current game).

No metal cleats (players may not continue if found wearing them).
League-issued uniforms are mandatory:
- Failure to wear results in an 0-1 count for every at-bat.
- If uniform is unavailable, a similar-colored shirt must be worn.
Bats must be stamped with an ASA or USA Softball logo to be used in play.
Shaved or rolled bats are strictly prohibited. Any player caught using one will face immediate ejection and potential suspension.