1. Objective:
The main goal of the game is to score more runs than the opposing team by hitting a pitched ball and running around a series of four bases in a diamond-shaped field.
2. Teams:
Team Composition: Each team consists of 10 players during play: 10 fielders and 1 designated hitter is allowed. More than a 10 person roster is encouraged!Free Agents: Players without a team may sign up as free agents and be assigned to a team in need or formed into a team if there's enough free agents.
3. Game Duration:
Length of the Game: Each game will consist of 4 innings or a maximum of 45 minutes (whichever comes first).Mercy Rule: No mercy rule, the game will be called in favor of the leading team at the 45 minute mark.Inning Limit: A team’s half of the inning is over when 3 outs have been recorded, or if 5 runs are scored. (In the scenario of a Homerun ending an inning all base runner points count then the inning is over.)
4. Pitching Rules:
Pitch Speed: The pitch should be thrown underhand and must have a moderate arc. The arc of the pitch should range between 6 and 12 feet from the ground.Strike Zone: A pitch will be considered a strike if the ball hits the home plate or strike zone matStrikeouts: Batters are allowed three strikes and start at a 1-1 countFoul Balls: Foul balls are counted as strikes and could result in a strikeout. There is NOT a courtesy foulWalks: After four balls, the batter will walk to first base.Warmup: There will be no Batting Practice prior to games (remember all games are 45 minutes running clock). Once both teams are ready gameplay must continue.
5. Batting Rules:
Batting Order: Each team must maintain the same batting order throughout the game except for the final inning via the Golden Batting Order.Golden Batting Order: In the final inning you can select whichever batter you please. Players may not bat back to back and the entire roster must bat before hitting again.Batter’s Box: The batter must stay inside the batter’s box when hitting.Hit by Pitch: is just considered a ball Homeruns: There is no Home Run limit. Let it rip..
6. Base Running:
Running the Bases: Runners must touch each base in order (first, second, third, and home plate) to score a run.Tagging Up: A runner must tag up on a fly ball before advancing to the next base.Leading: There is no leading and you can't leave the base until contact is made. Moving off base too early will result in an out.Sliding: Runners may slide into bases, but it is not mandatory.Stealing Bases: Stealing is not allowed in slow-pitch softball.Obstruction: Fielders may not block the base or home plate without the ball in hand. Catchers must stand behind home plate on a play at home. Failure to do so will result in an automatic run and possible ejection if recklessly in the way. Pinch runners: Teams are allowed two pinch runners per inning and a pinch runner can’t be up to bat while on base or it is considered an out. There is no limit on pinch running for a specific player.If a runner is hit by the ball after the batter makes contact the runner is deemed out
7. Fielding Rules:
Positions: A team may use any 10 defensive positions (outfielders, infielders, pitcher, and catcher).Catching the Ball: All players must wear a glove. A catch is considered a successful catch if the ball is caught before it hits the ground.Tagging a Runner: A fielder must touch the base or the runner with the ball in hand to get an out.
8. Scoring:
A run is scored when a player successfully crosses home plate after touching each base in order.Scoring Limit: Teams may score no more than 5 runs per inning, except for the final inning or extra innings.
9. Umpires and Officiating:
Umpires: Each game will have at least one umpire to make calls on pitches, strikes, balls, and plays.Decisions: Umpire’s decisions are final. Any disputes should be handled respectfully. Any disrespect can result in ejection
10. Extra Innings/Overtime
Extra Innings/Overtime: will only take place in the playoffs if time allows (refer to Seeding section for tiebreakers), Championship games will be played until a winner is determined. Game play: Each team will start with one out and a person of choice on second. Batters are determined based on the next player up in the Golden Batting Order.This will repeat one inning at a time until a winner is decided for championship games or if the time limit is reached in normal playoff games
11. Seeding
Wins, Losses & Ties Point System: Wins are 3 points, ties are 1 point & Loses are 0 pointsTie Breaker will go to head to head then runs scored & ends with runs against
12. Sportsmanship:
Respect: Players are expected to respect one another and the umpires at all times.Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Any player involved in fighting or aggressive behavior will be immediately ejected from the tournament and count as an automatic out for your team in the batting order for the remainder of the day.
Team Support: Teams should encourage and support each other, creating a fun, community-driven environment.
13.Prizes & Recognition:
Media: We will have videographers and professional photos being taken at the event for all teams. All content will be shared with team captains following the event and/or posted to the WWST Social Media accountsChampionship: The winning team of each division will receive a trophy or championship rings . Team Photos: All winning teams will receive a special team photo with a championship banner
14. Other rules
All other normal softball rules apply and should be pointed out by umps. EX. infield fly rule, double plays, etc... Family and friends are welcome to come and enjoy the day. However, only registered players are permitted to participate in the Tournament. Failure to comply will result in disqualification for your team.Everything is live You're allowed a DH Ball out of play results in one extra base
15. Late Rule
Every 5 minutes late the opposing team will be rewarded 2 runs After 25 minutes the game will be forfeited and the team that wins will be rewarded a 15-0 victory
Pool Play + Bracket – Groups play round robin, every team advances to bracket play. ( 3 games guaranteed )
1 Game Per MatchScoring: First to 15 Stat Games Duration:Games will last 40 minutes or until one team scores 15 rally points, whichever comes first.Rally scoring is used (a point is scored on every rally, regardless of which team served).If Time Expires Before 15 Points:The team with the higher score at the 40-minute mark wins.If tied, play one sudden death point to determine the winner.Game Must Be Won By: First to 15 or leading when time ends wins.
Serve is underhand, below waist, and must land cross-court beyond the kitchen.One serve attempt only unless it’s a let.Double bounce rule applies at the beginning of every rally.
Non-Volley Zone (“The Kitchen”):Players may not volley while standing in the kitchen.Momentum cannot carry you into the kitchen after a volley.Ball must bounce in before it can be played off a bounce.Line Calls:Made by the receiving side.In case of dispute, replay the point (if no official present).
USAPA-approved paddles and outdoor balls.Non-marking court shoes required.Matching team shirts will be given and must be worn
No Show Rule: 10 minutes late = forfeit.Injury Withdrawal: Match is defaulted; tournament director may allow substitutions before next round (non-championship play).
Respect officials, players, and volunteers.No cursing, arguing, or paddle throwing.Unsportsmanlike conduct = warning, point penalty, or disqualification (tournament director’s discretion).
Win-Loss RecordHead-to-Head ResultPoint DifferentialTotal Points Scored
Sub Recommendations:We highly recommend each team bring at least one substitute player in case of injury, fatigue, or emergencies.When You Can Sub:Teams may substitute players after any point—no need to wait for a timeout or between games.Sub Eligibility:Subs must be registered and listed before the tournament begins.
Teams: 6 players per team on the court (can have subs).Teams: 3 players per team on the court (can have subs).Round Robin tournament each team will have a minimum of three games, two seating then one playoff. 40 minute limit per game
Scoring: Rally scoring (a point is scored on every serve)1 Set to 15 pointsEach game will have a 40 minute time limitWinner is the first team to get to 15 or when time expires
Teams must rotate clockwise each time they win the serve.Players must maintain correct rotation positions at the serve (3 in front row, 3 in back row).For 3v3 format set positing is not required
Serve from behind the end line (within the service zone).Ball can touch the net on a serve (let serve is legal).One attempt per serve
Maximum of 3 touches per side (block doesn’t count as a touch).A player can’t hit the ball twice in a row (unless one is a block).No catching, throwing, or lifting the ball. Legal hits: open-hand, closed fist, bump, set, spike, etc.
Blockers can reach over the net but not touch the net.After a block, the team gets three more touches.
Any contact with the net during play is a fault.A player’s hand may go over the net on a follow-through, but not interfere with the opponent’s play.
You can sub in a player at any point of the match after a point is scored. Make sure subs maintain rotation order.
Ball is in if it touches any part of the boundary line.Players can play the ball outside the court if it hasn’t touched the ground.
At least 3 players of each gender must be on the court at all times.A female must contact the ball if it is hit more than once on a side.For 3v3 format only 1 female is required
“Fast Plays, Big Wins, Stronger Bonds!”
Teams: 3 players on the court (subs optional)Half-court onlyGame length:First to 11 points or30-minute running clock (whichever comes first)No timeoutsRunning clock — only stops for injuries or official interference
1 point for all baskets made inside the arc2 points for baskets made beyond the arcShooting fouls = 1 free throw worth 1 point
All made baskets result in a check-up at the top of the arcAfter defensive rebounds, steals, or turnovers, the ball must be taken back beyond the arc before the offense can attempt to scoreNo “make it, take it” — possession alternates after each made basket
Each team must have at least one female player on the court at all timesAny basket made by a female player earns +1 bonus point1-point basket = 2 points2-point basket = 3 pointsFree throws by female players remain 1 point
No personal foul tracking, but excessive or intentional fouls can result in 1 point and possession for the other teamUnsportsmanlike conduct = warning or removal at official’s discretion
1v1 sudden deathEach team picks one playerStart from the top of the arc with 3 dribble maxFirst to score and get a stop wins
“Fast Plays, Big Wins, Stronger Bonds!”
Game Format: Each game consists of two halves, with the following win condition:First to 11 points or15-minute running clock per half (whichever comes first).This hybrid format rewards fast-paced play while maintaining a structured time limit to keep the event on schedule.Running Clock: The game clock does not stop for any reason other than injury or official interference. No timeouts are permitted, ensuring continuous action and flow.
1s and 2s Format:All baskets inside the arc count as 1 point.Shots made beyond the 3-point line count as 2 points. This simplified scoring mirrors streetball and quick-play leagues, making point tracking easier and encouraging strategic shot selection.Free Throws:Every shooting foul results in one free throw, regardless of the shot attempt (no multiple-shot fouls).Each free throw is worth 1 point, even if the original shot attempt would have been a 2-pointer. This system speeds up gameplay and reduces downtime while still penalizing fouls.
Fouls:Standard basketball fouls apply: personal, offensive, and technical.Players may be disqualified after 5 personal fouls.No team foul bonus is enforced under this format.Technical or Intentional Fouls: Result in 1 point and possession for the non-offending team.Physical Play: While competitive spirit is welcome, any excessive contact, unsportsmanlike behavior, or disrespect toward officials or players will lead to immediate warning or ejection at the staff’s discretion.
Subs are allowed on any dead ball but must be acknowledged by the referee.Possession after a made basket: The opposing team checks the ball at the top of the key. This half-court rule ensures quick resets and balanced possessions.
If a game is tied at the end of regulation during a playoff or championship, overtime will be settled with a 1v1 sudden death showdown:
Each team selects one player to represent them.The possession starts at the top of the arc (3-point line).Offensive player gets only 3 dribbles to attempt a shot.If they score, the defender gets one chance to match it (same rules).First player to score and get a stop wins the game for their team.
This format tests individual skill, grit, and clutch performance — perfect for high-stakes moments!
Each team must have at least two female players on the court at all times.Any basket made by a female player is worth +1 extra point:2-point shot becomes 3 points1-point layup becomes 2 pointsFree throws by female players remain 1 point This rule promotes inclusivity while rewarding teams for balanced, diverse play.