VSP Mixed Adult League Association Rules for Play

NSA Rule Book

2025 Executive

President: Nitasha Stampflee

VP: Jamie Devauld

Treasurer: Chris Fulgham

Secretary: Penny Devauld

Directors: Chris Lang, Tyler Lang, Steve Shenk, Cody Braun

2025 Vanderhoof Slo-pitch Rules

If you don’t play by the rules, it is just a pickup game.

VSP Mixed Adult League Association Vision Statement

The Purposes of the Association are:

-To promote and encourage the sport of mixed adult Slo-Pitch in the Vanderhoof area.

-To promote participation a sportsmanlike manner always.

-To provide for the mutual interests of all players in a harmonious manner.

-To provide an outlet for all levels of competition.

-To encourage players to become involved in coaching, managing, umpiring and executive aspects of our Association's operations.

-To continually maintain and improve the diamonds made available to the Association from all sources.

VSP Mixed Adult League Association Rules for Play

***As of the 2025 season we are officially an NSA League which means we follow all NSA rules in their rule book. Below are amendments made by the executive team or rules above and beyond NSA rule book. The numbers in no way coincide with the NSA Rule Book and are only for the purpose of the Leagues Rules.***

1. Pitching Safety

Pitching Masks
Per Rule 3, Section 7 of the NSA Rule Book, protective equipment is recommended for all players. The VSP Mixed Adult League Association requires that all pitchers wear a protective mask while pitching. Each team will be provided with a mask, and pitchers may also use their own approved softball/slo-pitch mask.

2. Base Running

No Stealing
As of the 2025 season, stealing is not permitted (Rule 8, Section 6, Part F on page 21 of the NSA Rule Book). There is no anticipation step allowed. Any lead-off will result in the runner being called out.
Note: During the Grapefruit League, a warning period will be implemented to help teams adjust to this new rule.

3. Strike Mat

Strike Mat Dimensions and Use
As per Rule 1, Section 28 on page 5, the strike mat:

Shall be 24" wide x 36" long
Will be made of plywood (per league decision)
Will cover home plate, with the front aligned with the front of the plate
Is considered part of the ground for determining fair/foul balls

4. Player & Team Registration

Registration Requirements

All players must be registered with both VSP Mixed Adult League Association and NSA Canada.
Any unregistered player caught playing will be immediately removed and considered an automatic out for the remainder of the game.
If an ineligible player completes a game, that team will forfeit the game.

League Fees

All teams must have league fees paid in full by May 9, 2025.

Underage Players

Players under the age of 19 must submit a signed waiver from a parent or guardian.
When playing an infield position, minor/youth players must wear either a protective mask or a helmet. The specific choice between a mask or a helmet is at the discretion of the player's parent(s) or legal guardian(s). For outfield positions, neither a mask nor a helmet is mandatory. Helmets remain mandatory for all minor/youth players while batting and base running.

5. Playoffs

Team Eligibility

Players may only play for one team during playoffs.
If your team is eliminated, you may not sub in for another team.

6. Umpiring

Team Responsibility

Teams are to ump their own games.
Abuse of umpires is strictly prohibited.

Umpire Authority

Umpires have full control of the game and may remove players for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Teams must provide umpires who are familiar with both softball and league rules.

Note: While umpires are unpaid, we expect a fair and committed effort.

7. Game Time & Duration

Start Time and Forfeits

Games begin on time.
If a team cannot field players within 15 minutes, the umpire may declare a forfeit.
If both teams agree, the game may be rescheduled.

Game Length

Standard games are 7 innings.
A game reaching 5 innings will be considered complete if ended early due to weather, darkness, or unforeseen events.

8. Game Rules

Walks

When a male batter is walked, intentionally or unintentionally, the male batter is awarded first and second bases and the following female batter has the option to bat or walk. This option must be declared to the home plate umpire immediately after ball four is declared on the male batter and may not be changed once declared. (Page 36-Rule 7 Sec 2)

Pitchers

When a team uses a male pitcher they may use either a male or female catcher but when using a female pitcher they must use a male catcher. (Page 36-Rule 6 Sec 11)

Scoring Limit

5-run maximum per inning, except the final inning, which is open.

Make-Up Games

If a team cannot field enough players, they must notify the opposing team and schedule a make-up within a week. Games can be made up on the weekend and a field must be booked off on the website.
Failure to do so results in a forfeit (loss).
For rain delays or other weather that causes games to be unplayable, a make-up game can be rescheduled at any time. Any weather related games that are not able to be rescheduled will result in a 5-5 tie.

Coed Rule

The league plays by a 7 & 3 Coed Rule (NSA Rule Book, Rule 5, Page 36).

9. Home Runs

Home Run Limit

The league uses a "two up" rule: no team may exceed the other by more than 2 home runs.
A home run when already up by 2 = strike.
A second home run during that at-bat = out (no base advancement).
Home runs by female batters do not count toward the team total.

Walk-Off Option

Batters may opt to walk off after a home run to save time.

10. Injuries

Substitution Rule

If a player is injured and all others have entered the game, a previously removed player may re-enter.

11. Protests & Disputes

Rule Interpretation

Any matter not explicitly covered will be decided by the League Executive.

In-Game Protests

Must be made to the umpire (in playoffs) and both coaches before the next pitch.
Serious protests must be submitted via phone or in writing to the League Executive.