Tournament Rules

GENERAL PLAYING RULES (Updated 2024)

  • Teams from Rural Communities of under 65,000 population
  • The O.R.S.A. uses the Softball Canada rule book. Teams play Softball Canada 9 player fast pitch rules, which means no D.P., but allows re-entry. Except where rules are noted below.
  • All games are 7 innings but 5 innings constitute a game. Note: New inning starts when the 3rd out of preceding inning is made.
  • Defensive Conference rule is to be in effect for all Divisions
  • Note: Starting in 2015, U19 age and under, the offensive players must use a certified helmet with a certified facemask.
  • There are 16 Divisions with possible additional series:
    U11 Boys; U13 Boys; U15 Boys; U17 Boys; U20 Boys in Minor Divisions; U23 Men and Intermediate Men;
    U11 Girls; U13 Girls; U15 Girls; U17 Girls; U19 Girls, in minor Divisions: U23 Ladies and Intermediate Ladies.
  • The Championship and Trophies of each series shall be competed for annually.
  • A minor player may only play for one team in their age group but may play for one other team in a higher age group series during the playing season, providing that they do not play for a team in a lower classification according to population limits, to which they would normally belong. Such players must sign a certificate for both teams that they will play with.
    • EXCEPTION: A female player may sign an ORSA Girl’s certificate and an ORSA Boy’s certificate in the same age category/division.
  • Co-Ed Teams must compete in the Boys' Series.
  • All minor players entering O.R.S.A. playoffs must procure a copy of the player’s Birth Certificate or proof of age and these must be certified before the playoffs begin. League secretaries must certify that the dates shown on the certificates of each player are correct before forwarding them to the O.R.S.A. secretary.
  • On all single entries in minor series, a copy of the birth certificate or proof of age must first be attached to the player’s certificate and forwarded to the O.R.S.A. Secretary for acceptance and certification.
  • Any new team wishing to enter the ORSA playoffs must submit their entry through the local league’s ORSA designated secretary, within their jurisdiction, if that exists, prior to submitting it to the ORSA secretary. This rule also applies to single entry Team formed within the league’s jurisdiction.
  • Teams registering with ORSA must participate in the ORSA Qualifying Tournaments and then advance to the OASA/PWSA Tournaments.
  • A Player signing an OASA/PWSA certificate may sign an ORSA certificate for a different age category/division
  • Entries for the Grand Championship must be received by the Secretary-Treasurer by July 15 providing there is a host for the Tournament.
  • Any U19 /U23 age player that signs an O.A.S.A. or a P.W.S.A. certificate will be eligible to sign an O.R.S.A. certificate for Intermediate Men or Ladies.
  • A centre will be able to form an OASA/ PWSA team from multiple O.R.S.A. qualified and registered teams, for U20/U19 and under, that still meet the O.R.S.A. criteria.
  • Any team found guilty of falsifying information shall be liable for suspension.
  • O.R.S.A. (for U15 and under exceptions see below) teams use the Softball Canada fast pitch, 9 player rules, no D.P. rule is used, but allow re-entry. U15, U17, U19/U20, U23, Intermediate Men and Intermediate Ladies may use the D.P. and re-entry.
  • Any player that signs an O.R.S.A. Certificate may also play for a Provincial Team for a National Championship in the same year.
  • Managers of teams are required to bring these amendments of playing rules to the attention of the umpires.
  • That the O.R.S.A. may use the 2 Out Catcher and Pitcher Rule Optional for all Divisions.
    ie. if catcher or pitcher is on base and 2 are out, they can have last available batter run for them with no penalty .
  • The Softball Canada fencing rules do not apply. Each field must have an adequate backstop.
  • Certified helmets shall be worn by all players in all men’s, ladies’ and minor Division fast pitch games while batting and running the bases. U13 and U11 Girls and Boys players must have a chin straps properly adjusted. In all series, all helmets worn must be fully enclosed with two ear flaps, a foam liner and a peak. All catchers in minor ball, U19/U20 and under, must wear a certified chest protector, a certified helmet with an approved facemask and throat protector, and shin guards.
  • All pitchers U17 and under must wear a certified pitchers mask
  • A sweater or shirt constitutes a uniform. The colour combinations and style must be similar for all playing members of the team. Each uniform must have a number on it, minimum 3” in height. No identical numbers can be worn. Uniforms are not grounds for protest.
  • Steel spikes are not allowed in minor ball below U15 age divisions.
  • In all final series, there is no time limit, except U13 and under, but the mercy rule is in effect.
  • Double-Base must be used, Softball Canada Ruling.
  • In all O.R.S.A. playoff games, ties will be broken by playing an extra inning(s). The International tie breaker rule will not be used in 2 out of 3 series play. Only during tournament play.
  • The Teams are restricted to 17 signed players in any one season. The Teams must carry their approved O.R.S.A. Players Certificates to all O.R.S.A. games and produce them if requested. Failure to produce the O.R.S.A. cards may result in forfeiture of the game.

MENS PLAYOFFS

Intermediate Men

Use 12” ball,
Pitch 46’,
Run 60’ bases.
Men’s fast pitch players must wear an Approved batting helmet while at bat and running the bases.
All teams registered in Intermediate Men compete in Grand Championship Tournament.
Special permissions may be required for player and drawing area regulations.
The teams that are entered will all play in the "A" Series Tournament.
The Pitching rule is the same as the ISC. e.g. one foot on the rubber.
A limit of 5 players from overpopulated areas would be allowed.
In U17 and older fastball series there is a mercy rule of 10 runs after 5 or more innings.
D. P. may be used

U23 Men

Use 12” ball,
Pitch 46’,
Run 60’ bases.
Men’s fast pitch players must wear an Approved batting helmet while at bat and running the bases.
Players under the age of under 23 years old before January 1st of playing year.
A limit of 5 players from overpopulated areas would be allowed.
In U17 and older fastball series there is a mercy rule of 10 runs after 5 or more innings.
D. P. may Be used

MALE DIVISION PLAYOFFS

U20 Men

Use 12” ball,
Pitch 46’,
Run 60’ bases.
Players under the age of under 20 years old before January 1st of playing year.
The offensive players must use a certified helmet with a certified facemask.
A limit of 5 players from overpopulated areas would be allowed.
In U17 and older fastball playoffs there is a mercy rule of 10 runs after 5 or more innings.
D. P. may be used

U20 (Minor) Men

U20 (Minor Midget) is for men in their 1st year of Midget eligibility (or younger). Rules are the same as above.

U17 Men

Use 12” ball,
Pitch 46’,
Run 60’ bases,
The offensive players must use a certified helmet with a certified facemask.
May wear rubber cleats or rubber studs but not steel spikes.
Age limit of under17 years old before January 1st of playing year.
A limit of 5 players from overpopulated areas would be allowed.
In U17 and older fastball series there is a mercy rule of 10 runs after 5 or more
innings.
D. P. may be used
All pitchers U17 and under must wear a certified pitcher’s mask when pitching

U 15 Boys

Use 12” ball,
Pitch 42’,
Run 60’ bases,
The offensive players must use a certified helmet with a certified facemask.
May wear steel spikes.
Age limit of under15 years old before January 1st of playing year.
A limit of 5 players from overpopulated areas would be allowed.
MERCY RULE: In U15 (Pee Wee) and under fastball series, there is a mercy rule of 15 runs after 5 or more innings
In U15 fastball series, there is a time limit of 90 minutes except the finals which has a time limit of 2 hours. No new inning to start after the time limit unless the score is tied.
Any inning started before the time limit expired must be completed providing conditions permit.
Note: New inning starts when the 3rd out of preceding inning is made.
D. P. may be used
All Pitcher must wear a certified pitcher’s mask when pitching

U13 Boys

Use 11” ball,
Pitch 38’,
Run 55’ bases.
The offensive players must use a certified helmet with a certified facemask.
Base runners may leave when the ball crosses the plate
In U13, the batter is out on the third strike whether catcher catches ball or not. The ball remains alive.
May wear rubber cleats or rubber studs but not steel spikes.
Age limit of under13 years old before January 1st of playing year.
The number of runs scored are limited to 7 runs per inning
Mercy rule of 15 runs after 5 or more innings.

U13 and U11 Divisions use the Free Substitution Rule. Free Substitution – All players in the lineup bat and are substituted freely defensively. Players arriving late, sign the convener's sheet and then are added to the end of the lineup, without penalty. Players injured are removed from the lineup, without penalty, but may not re-enter the game.
The runs scored are limited to 7 runs per inning for U13. The7th Inning and/or
subsequent innings are to be open if reached before time limit.
The defensive conference is in effect.
A limit of 5 players from overpopulated areas would be allowed.
All pitchers must wear a certified pitcher’s mask when pitching

U11 Boys

Use 11” ball,
Pitch 35’,
Run 45’ bases, ,
The offensive players must use a certified helmet with a certified facemask.
May wear rubber cleats or rubber studs but not steel spikes.
Base runners may leave when the ball crosses the plate.
In U11, the batter is out on the third strike whether catcher catches ball or not. The ball remains alive.
Age limit of under11 years old before January 1st of playing year.
The number of runs scored are limited 5 runs per inning
The mercy of 15 runs after 5 or more innings
The Infield Fly rule is not in effect.
U11 Divisions use the Free Substitution Rule. Free Substitution – All players in the lineup bat and are substituted freely defensively. Players arriving late, sign the conveners sheet and then are added to the end of the lineup, without penalty. Players injured are removed from the lineup, without penalty, but may not re-enter the game.
The runs scored are limited to 5 runs per inning for U11 Division. The7th Inning and/or subsequent innings are to be open if reached before time limit.
The defensive conference is in effect.
A limit of 5 players from overpopulated areas would be allowed
All pitchers must wear a certified pitcher’s mask when pitching

WOMENS PLAYOFFS

Intermediate Ladies

Use 12” ball,
Pitch 43’,
Run 60’ bases.
The Offensive Players must wear a certified helmet while batting and running the bases.
All teams registered in Intermediate Ladies will compete in the Grand Championship Tournament.
If no series tournament, then the teams that are entered will all play in the 2 out 3
Series.
A limit of 5 players from overpopulated areas would be allowed.
In U17 and older fastball series there is a mercy rule of 10 runs after 5 or more innings.
D. P. may be used.

FEMALE DIVISION PLAYOFFS

U23 Women

Use 12” ball,
Pitch 43’,
Run 60’ bases.
Women’s fast pitch players must wear an Approved batting helmet while at bat and running the bases.
Players under the age of under 23 years old before January 1st of playing year.
A limit of 5 players from overpopulated areas would be allowed.
In U17 and older fastball series there is a mercy rule of 10 runs after 5 or more innings.
D. P. may be used

U19 Women

Use 12” ball,
Pitch 43’,
Run 60’ bases.
U19 age and under, the offensive players must use a certified helmet with a certified facemask.
Age limit of under 19 years old before January 1st of playing year.
A limit of 5 players from overpopulated areas would be allowed.
A mercy rule of 10 runs after 5 or more innings.
D. P. may be used

U19 (Minor) Women

Minor Midget is for girls in their 1st year of Midget eligibility (or younger).

U17 Women

Use 12” ball,
Pitch 43’,
Run 60’ bases.
May wear steel spikes.
Age limit of under 17 years old before January 1st of playing year.
A limit of 5 players from overpopulated areas would be allowed.
Mercy rule of 10 runs after 5 or more innings.
D. P. may be used.
All pitchers must wear a certified pitcher’s mask when pitching

U15 Girls

Use 12” ball,
Pitch 40’,
Run 60’ bases.
May wear steel spikes.
Age limit of under 15 years old before January 1st of playing year.
A limit of 5 players from overpopulated areas would be allowed.
Mercy rule of 15 runs after 5 or more innings
In U15 fastball series, there is a time limit of 90 minutes except the finals which has a time limit of 2 hours. No new inning to start after the time limit unless the score is tied. Any inning started before the time limit expired must be completed providing conditions permit.
D. P. may be used
All pitchers must wear a certified pitcher’s mask when pitching

U13 Girls

Use 11” ball,
Pitch 38’,
Run 55’ bases,
Age limit of under 13 years old before January 1st of playing year.
May leave the base when the ball crosses the plate.
May wear rubber cleats or rubber studs, but not steel spikes.
The number of runs scored are limited to 7 runs per inning
Mercy rule of 15 runs after 5 or more innings.
A limit of 5 players from overpopulated areas would be allowed.
In U13, the batter is out on a third strike whether catcher catches ball or not. The ball remains alive.
U13 use the Free Substitution Rule. Free Substitution – All players in the lineup bat and are substituted freely defensively. Players arriving late, sign the conveners sheet and then are added to the end of the lineup, without penalty. Players injured are removed from the lineup, without penalty, but may not re-enter the game.
7th inning and/or subsequent innings are to be open if reached before time limit.
The defensive conference rule is in effect.
All pitchers must wear a certified pitcher’s mask when pitching.

U11 Girls

Use 11” ball,
Pitch 30’,
Run 45’ bases;
May leave the base when the ball crosses the plate.
Age limit of under 11 years old before January 1st of playing year.
A limit of 5 players from overpopulated areas would be allowed.
Mercy rule of 15 runs after 5 or more innings
The number of runs scored are limited to 5 runs per inning
In U11, the batter is out on a third strike whether catcher catches ball or not. The ball remains alive.
U11 Divisions continue as in the past, only exception "The Infield fly rule is not in effect.
U11 use the Free Substitution Rule. Free Substitution – All players in the lineup bat and are substituted freely defensively. Players arriving late, sign the conveners sheet and then are added to the end of the lineup, without penalty. Players injured are removed from the lineup, without penalty, but may not re-enter the game.
7th inning and/or subsequent innings are to be open if reached before time limit.
The defensive conference rule is in effect.
All pitchers must wear a certified pitcher’s mask when pitching.