The DAMSL is gearing up for another thrilling season, and with it comes a handful of new or modified rules designed to enhance gameplay, ensure fairness, and uphold the league’s values. Here’s a rundown of the key changes for 2025:
- The courtesy runner rule has been modified for D1 only. The previous rules still apply to D2, D3, and youth. The new D1 rule is: Two pinch runners are allowed per inning w/o restriction. Any player can pinch run for any other player. All batters must get to first base before a courtesy runner can come in. If a courtesy runner is on base and his/her turn at bat comes up they shall be called out at the base they are on, vacate the base and shall take their turn at bat.
- The foul language rule/penalties have been re-written to establish clear guidelines. The new wording is: Foul language will not be tolerated. Please remind all players and coaches during pre-game field rules before each game as there will be no warnings given. If a player swears loud enough where it can be heard by others, OR directs profanity at another person no matter how quiet, the following penalties will be enforced:
- 1st Offense: The player is ejected from the current game.
- 2nd Offense: The player will be ejected from the current game and suspended from the entire next game, even if this is during the tournament. If this happens during the final game of the season, the player will serve the suspension the 1st game of the following season.
- 3rd Offense: The player will be suspended for the remainder of the current season and will need to appeal to the league board to get reinstated and a meeting with the church pastor will be required.
- The rule regarding switching teams has been updated to the following: Players are allowed to switch teams once during the season, but once they make the switch, they must remain with the new team for the rest of the season. Players from an equal or lower division team within the same church may temporarily sub for an equal or higher division team to prevent a forfeit and then return to their original team. However, higher division players may not sub for a lower division team. They are, however, allowed to make a permanent switch to a lower division team, following the same one-time transfer rule.
- There is a new rule regarding churches sponsoring teams: All teams must have a single sponsoring church. The intent of this rule is to ensure that there is a pastor/board to work with if any issues arise with a team.
- A new rule has been added regarding writing in spots for missing females into the top 10 of the lieup: Females need to be written into the lineup when missing to account for rule 47. Note: Note: Rule 47 is: On a walk to a male batter with a female batter following (intentional or not) the male batter will advance to 2nd base and the female batter will bat for herself. All base runner will advance to the next base forced to. If a male batter is walked and there are 2 outs, the female will be given the option of hitting or receiving an automatic walk. (This rule does not apply to youth)
- New penalties have been added for cancelled games: Cancelled games need to be made up before the last game of the regular season or both teams will take a loss.
- Finally, there is a new rule for roster limits to ensure teams are not so large that not everyone is able to play: There is a limit of 20 players per roster.
These updates reflect DAMSL’s dedication to creating a fun, inclusive, and faith-centered softball experience. As we step into the 2025 season, let’s embrace these changes and continue to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and community that defines our league. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the league director or any of the board members.