2026 Adult Softball Rules
Welcome to AHPD Adult Softball!
Our leagues are designed to meet the softball needs of Arlington Heights residents, offering options for a range of skill levels and experience. Whether you're here to compete or just enjoy the game, there's a place for you in our leagues.
While we offer both recreational and competitive divisions, we encourage all teams to prioritize fun, good sportsmanship, and a positive experience.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about the program, please reach out to Athletic Manager Cameron Edelman at cedelman@ahpd.org or speak with a supervisor on game nights.
Have a great season, and thanks for playing with AHPD!
League Descriptions
Spring Season:
Begins the week of March 30. Teams will play an 8-game season. Most nights will feature doubleheaders, though some teams may play only one game per night. In the event of a rainout, we will attempt to reschedule. If we are unable to do so, teams will receive a refund for any games not played due to weather. No awards are given for the spring season.
Summer Season:
Begins the week of May 3. Teams will play a 10-game regular season followed by a single- elimination playoff. Awards are given to the top two regular season teams and the top two playoff teams.
Fall Season:
Begins the week of August 16 (pending the conclusion of the summer season). Teams will mostly play doubleheaders, with a 10-game regular season and a single-elimination playoff. Awards are given to the top two regular season teams and the top two playoff teams.
League Divisions:
Competitive League – For more skilled teams whose main goal is to achieve a winning record.
Recreational / Co-Rec League – For teams more focused on having fun than on winning. Ideal for work, neighborhood, or casual teams. Will have multiple Rec/Co-Rec division when possible
AHPD reserves the right to bracket teams based on past season records or at the discretion of the Athletics Supervisor.
The AHPD, its employees, or appointed agents assume no responsibility for any personal injury or loss that any team member or spectator may incur as a result of this program. Individuals are encouraged to have their own personal health/accident insurance plan for any injuries that occur.
Contact Information & Facilities
Melas Park
1500 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect (located on Central Road just east of Busse Road) This 35-acre park features four lighted softball fields, two sand volleyball court, playground, picnic area, walking trails, and a concession stand. The concession stand is open from 6–9:30 PM on most evenings when games are scheduled.
AHPD Administration Center
410 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Phone: 847-577-3000
Cameron Edelman, Athletics Manager
Email: cedelman@ahpd.org
Phone: 847-506-7132
Registration Information
Teams may register in one of the following ways:
Online: Log in and register at ahpd.org.
In Person: Register during regular business hours at the Arlington Ridge Center, Camelot Park or Pioneer Park.
Each league has a set number spots available. Once a leagues refgistion is at capacity, no more teams can be added to that specific league as we only have a set number of fields and time slots available. We ecournage teams to register early for this reason.
Registration Procedures
Only a team player may register a team.
Only one player needs to register the team, you do not need to provide your roster at time of registration, you will not need to add your roster to quickscores until the divissions have been set and the league schedule has been posted
AHPD is not responsible for inaccurate information provided on registration or roster forms. To ensure you receive league updates, please notify Cameron Edelman of any changes to your contact information.
Teams using ineligible players or submitting incorrect roster information risk the following:
Before the season: Forfeiture of their league spot.
During the season: Forfeiture of all games in which the ineligible player participated.
Teams are registered on a first-come, first-served basis. AHPD does not hold spots for returning teams from previous seasons. Once a league is full we cannot add more teams.
Official & General Rules
Rule Authority
AHPD in-house rules take precedence. For all other situations, ASA Softball rules apply.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol is strictly prohibited in the parks at all times.
If a player or spectator is found consuming alcohol on-site before, during, or after a game:
The team risks forfeiting that week’s game and possibly the following game.
Teams are responsible for informing their spectators of this policy.
Appeal Plays
An appeal play occurs when an umpire cannot make a ruling until a team initiates the appeal. Examples:
A runner missing a base
Leaving early on a caught fly ball
Appeals must be made before the next pitch.
Base Running
12” & 14” Leagues: No lead-offs allowed.
16” League: Lead-offs and stealing are allowed.
A runner may advance to another base (including home) only when:
Played on by the pitcher or catcher
The next base is unoccupied
The runner tags their current base before advancing
Only one base may be taken
Applies only to the runner being played on
Bats & Equipment
Footwear: Only rubber softball spikes or tennis shoes may be worn.
Metal or removable cleats are not allowed.
Bat Certifications (2026):
12” Softball: Bats must display a stamp/seal from:
National Softball Association (NSA)
United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA)
ASA/USA Softball
14” & 16” Softball: No certification required
Prohibited Bats:
Senior league bats
Baseball bats (barrels larger than 2.25”)
For 16” softball: Chicago 6 and higher bats
Any bat listed on the non-approved list by NSA, USSSA, or ASA/USA
An updated list will be provided to captains
Co-Rec League Specific Rules
Rosters
At least half of all players must be women
All players must be listed on the official roster
If starting with only 9 players:
The 10th player may enter at any time
If there are 5 men and 4 women, an automatic out is recorded for the missing 5th woman
Courtesy Runners
The last out is the designated runner (not necessarily the last batted out)
Men must run for men; women for women
Courtesy runners need to be pre-approved before the game
Batting
Teams may bat up to 14 players in all leagues
For every male batter, there must be a female batter
Max male batters: 7
Max female batters: 14
No batting order limitations; men bat natural handed
Walk Rule (EXCEPTION):
If a male batter is walked on 4 balls:
He must take first base
EXCEPTION: If a female batter follows him in the lineup:
He may choose to "bat again" with a 1-1 count or go to first
If walked again, he goes to second base
The following female batter must bat as usual
Note: This exception only applies when a female batter follows the male in the order
Fielding
At least 5 of the 10 players on defense must be women
No restrictions on who can play which position, including pitcher and catcher
If a team starts with 9 players (5 men and 4 women), no defensive penalty—only the automatic out in the batting order for the missing 5th woman
Equipment
Only women may use gloves
Courtesy Runners (General Rule)
Courtesy runners must be designated before the game, unless due to injury during the game
Courtesy runner is always the last out (not necessarily last batted out)
Players with a designated runner may only:
Walk
Hit a single
Hit a home run
Make an out
Courtesy runners who run for the designated player may advance as many bases as possible before play stops
Eligibility, Rosters & Protests
Captain Contact Info
Team captains must provide a current phone number and email when registering.
Please notify AHPD of any changes to contact information to ensure you receive game and league updates in a timely manner.
Roster & Player Eligibility
Players must be 18 years of age by the first game of the season.
Rosters may list up to 20 players.
Players may play in multiple leagues but cannot play on more than one team in the same division.
Example: A player may be on teams in Monday Rec 1 and Monday Rec 2, but not on two Monday Rec 1 teams.
All players must:
Be listed on the official roster
Electronically sign the waiver prior to participating
Roster additions are allowed until the end of the third week of the season. After that, all rosters are locked in QuickScores.
AHPD is not responsible for inaccurate roster or registration info.
Batting & Lineup Requirements
Teams must have at least 8 players present to start a game.
Teams may bat a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 players.
During the pre-game captain’s meeting, captains must inform the umpire of how many players they are batting. Players do not need to be present at the meeting.
If a player is listed in the lineup but not present at their turn to bat, an out is recorded.
If starting with 8 players:
The 9th and 10th batting spots are automatic outs until those players arrive.
Once a 9th player arrives, the 10th spot automatic out is eliminated if a team is only playing with nine players.
Substitutes & Avoiding Forfeits
Picking up players from other teams at the field before first pitch is prohibited, except in the case of avoiding a forfeit.
Captains may ask players from other teams to sub only if:
The opposing team captain agrees prior to the start of the game
The subbed players are already rostered and waivered in the league
Only enough players are added to reach the minimum needed to play
If no agreement is made, the game will result in a forfeit.
This exception applies only in real-time at the fields to avoid a forfeit just before game time.
In normal planning situations, captains may use subs from their own roster if:
The sub is listed on the team’s roster
The sub has electronically signed the waiver
Eligibility Protests
Rosters are due by the start of Game 1.
All players must electronically sign the roster/waiver before playing.
If a player cannot sign electronically, a paper waiver may be made available.
Players must bring a photo ID to every game to confirm eligibility if needed.
Protests must be:
Player-specific, and made as soon as ineligible player is suspected
Made on-site before the end of the game, if not the game will be deemed final
If a protest is upheld, the game will be ruled a forfeit
If a player is found on multiple rosters within the same division or is otherwise ineligible, suspension or further penalties may apply.
Suspended players may not play on any AHPD softball teams until the suspension is lifted.
Rule Protests
Teams may protest rule interpretations only – not judgment calls.
The protesting team must:
Inform the umpire before the next pitch
Notify the opposing team and AHPD staff
If the protest cannot be resolved on-site, the team must:
Submit a written protest within 24 hours (or by the following Monday for Friday leagues)
Include a detailed description and the specific rule believed to have been violated
Include a $50 protest fee
Protests not following this procedure will not be considered.
Forfeits
A game is an automatic forfeit if a team has fewer than 8 players at any time.
The umpire’s decision is final on forfeits (exception: see approved substitutions to avoid a forfeit).
If you know in advance that your team must forfeit, contact Cameron Edelman at 847- 506-7132 or cedelman@ahpd.org as soon as possible so we can inform the umpire and the opposing team.
Teams that forfeit less than 24 hours before game time may be fined (see “League Fines and Suspensions”).
Teams that forfeit three games in a season will be removed from the league without a refund.
Game Cancellations & Postponements
In case of inclement weather or poor field conditions, games may be canceled and rescheduled if possible.
On questionable weather days, a decision will be made by 4:00 PM, and updates will be posted on the Rainoutline:
https://rainoutline.com/home/extension/8475742233/24
You can also call (847) 574-2233 ext. 24 for an updated status by phone.
(Do not call the main AHPD number for weather updates.)
Once a game is in progress, the umpire has final authority to cancel or postpone due to dangerous conditions.
If a game is postponed mid-game, every effort will be made to reschedule and resume the game at a later date. The game will restart from the point of suspension, maintaining the same score, inning, outs, base runners, and batting order.
The following should be documented before leaving the field:
Current inning
Number of outs
Batting order and next batter
Location of all base runners
This information must be reported to AHPD staff so that the game can be properly resumed.
Game Length & Rescheduling
All scheduled games are 7 innings in length.
12” games: No new inning will begin after 65 minutes.
14” and 16” games: No new inning will begin after 60 minutes.
If a game is tied after 7 innings, extra innings will be played until a winner is determined.
All extra innings begin with a 3-2 count.
The last batter from the previous inning will start on second base, with the batting order continuing as normal.
A game is considered official if:
5 full innings have been completed
Or 4½ innings if the home team is leading
Mercy Rule:
A team leading by 20 or more runs after 4 innings
15 or more runs after 5 innings (4½ if the home team leads)
10 or more runs after 6 innings
...shall be declared the winner. In the playoffs, there is no time limit.
Starting with the first full inning after 60 minutes, all subsequent innings begin with a 2- 2 count.
During the summer and fall seasons, any suspended or unofficial games will be resumed from the exact point at which they were stopped—at the discretion of the Athletics Manager.
If a game is postponed mid-game due to weather or unsafe conditions, we will make every effort to finish the game at a later date. The game will resume from the exact point it was stopped. Umpires must record the current inning, number of outs, base runners, batting order, and who is at bat before leaving the field. This information must be shared with AHPD staff to properly resume the game.
Home Run Rule
Teams are allowed a maximum of 3 home runs plus 1-up.
The 1-up rule allows teams to exceed the 3-HR limit only if they do not have more than one HR over their opponent. Example:
If Team A has hit 3 HRs and Team B has hit 1, Team A cannot hit another HR.
If Team B hits a second and third HR, Team A may then hit a fourth, and so on.
A home run hit in violation of the 1-up rule will be recorded as an out.
Infield Fly Rule
An infield fly is a fair fly ball (not a line drive or bunt) that can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort when:
1st and 2nd, or
1st, 2nd, and 3rd base are occupied
And there are fewer than 2 outs
The pitcher, catcher, and any outfielder positioned in the infield are considered infielders for this rule.
The ball is live, and runners may:
Advance at their own risk if the ball is not caught
Or tag up and advance after the ball is touched
Interference
Interference is an act by an offensive player (batter, runner, on-deck batter, coach, or teammate) that impedes, hinders, or confuses a defensive player.
Defensive players must be given the full opportunity to field the ball anywhere on the field.
League Fines & Suspensions
1. Fighting
Anywhere on AHPD facilities or grounds during league events
Penalty: $75 fine and season suspension for each individual involved
2. Alcohol Use or Possession
Being under the influence of or in possession of alcoholic beverages at the field
Penalty: $50 fine and one-game suspension
3. Rough Tactics
Physical or aggressive behavior deemed unsafe or excessive
Penalty: $50 fine and two-game suspension per individual involved
4. Threatening Behavior
Threatening an umpire, official, or supervisor in any way
Penalty: $75 fine and season suspension
5. Game Ejections
1st offense: Minimum one-game suspension
2nd offense: $75 fine and minimum two-game suspension
3rd offense: One-year suspension from all AHPD athletic programs (effective on the date of the offense)
If a player is ejected during a game, their spot in the batting order will be recorded as an automatic out and may not be filled or replaced
6. Team Forfeits (Less Than 24 Hours' Notice)
1st offense: $50 fine (due before the next scheduled game)
2nd offense: $75 fine (due before the next scheduled game)
3rd offense: $100 fine (must be paid before registering for the next season)
Includes suspension from the league for the remainder of the season
7. Roster Violations
Using an unlisted player or a player who has not signed the waiver
Penalty: Minimum one-game suspension per ineligible player
Game Forfeited
8. Physical Contact with Officials or Staff
Touching, pushing, or striking an umpire or AHPD staff member
Penalty: $75 fine and two-year suspension from all AHPD athletic programs
9. Playing While Suspended
Penalty: $75 fine and one-year suspension
Note: Ejected players must leave the premises immediately. Failure to comply will result in a team forfeit. "Premises" refers to any Park District property where games or programs are taking place.
Obstruction
Obstruction occurs when a fielder, not in possession of the ball and not actively fielding a batted or thrown ball, impedes the progress of a runner.
The umpire will award the obstructed runner, and any affected runners, the base(s) they would have reached had the obstruction not occurred.
Official Scorebook
The home team is responsible for keeping the official score and managing any questions regarding score, outs, or innings.
Each team will receive one scorebook before the start of the season. The home team is listed second on the schedule.
Overthrows
If a thrown ball goes out of play, the umpire will call time.
Base runners will be awarded two bases from the last base touched at the time of the throw.
Pitching & Gameplay Rules
Pitching Distances & Base Lengths
League Pitching Distance Base Distance
12" Softball 53 feet 70 feet
14" & 16" 38 feet 60 feet
Pitch Count
All leagues begin each at-bat with a 1 ball, 1 strike count.
12” League Pitching Rules
The pitcher must start with one foot firmly on the ground and one or both feet in contact with the pitcher’s plate.
The pivot foot must remain on the plate until the ball is released. Pitches must have an arc between 6 and 10 feet.
The ball must clear the white of the plate. A pitch is considered a strike if it lands:
On the white portion of the plate
On the black edge at the back of the plate and drops into the well
14” & 16” League Pitching Rules
The pitcher must start with both feet firmly on the ground and one or both feet in contact with the pitcher’s plate.
Pitches must have an arc between 6 and 12 feet and be thrown with moderate speed. A pitch is considered a strike if it hits the black edge of the plate and drops into the well.
Strike Zone Mats
A strike zone mat is placed directly behind home plate and is used by the umpires to determine balls and strikes.
If the pitched ball hits the mat, it is a strike. If the ball misses the mat, it is a ball.
Strike zone mats are used in all AHPD softball leagues.
Substitution & Re-Entry Rules
A starting player may be withdrawn and re-entered once, as long as they return to their original spot in the batting order.
A substitute player may not re-enter the game once removed.
A starting player and their substitute may not be in the game at the same time.
Unsporting Conduct
Any unsportsmanlike behavior toward opponents, umpires, or AHPD staff—before, during, or after a game—may result in game forfeiture.
The AHPD or umpire may forfeit a game based on behavior, even if an in-game forfeit is not called.
Teams or individuals who do not meet AHPD’s standards for conduct may be suspended or removed from the league for the season, year, or longer.
The Arlington Heights Park District reserves the right to update or change league rules at any time throughout the season.
Updated: March 18, 2026
