Bylaws

Game rules are based on Standard ASA Slow Pitch Softball Rules
https://www.usasoftball.com/official-rulebook/

The following supplemental rules apply:

• ASA Wood Softball bats are required, Corndog type composite wood bats are allowed.
• Runners can lead after the pitcher releases the ball, throw to the base behind them is a force, there is no stealing.
• Alternate Home Plate - There are no tag plays at home plate. In order to record an “OUT” at home plate, a defensive player must touch the permanent home plate with the ball in his possession before the base runner touches the Alternate Home Plate. No defensive player (including the catcher) may tag the base runner once the base runner has touched the Alternate Home Plate. If the runner attempts to touch the permanent home plate or interfere with the catcher he will be called out. There will be a commit line 20 feet from home plate. Once the runner passes the commit line, he cannot go back to third base.

Brookline Men’s Softball League
Code of Conduct
(Updated February 2022)

BMSL’s principal goal is to ensure an atmosphere of sportsmanship and civility. Other objectives, such as winning and personal performance, are secondary. The following Code of Conduct, which is based on these priorities, applies to all BMSL games and practices.
All players, coaches, and spectators must:
• Treat other players, coaches, spectators, and umpires with respect.
• Refrain from: criticizing, insulting, taunting, blaming, or threatening another person; using foul language; and physically abusing another person.
• Accept the decisions of umpires without complaint. (A head coach may question the application of a rule, but judgment calls may not be argued.)
• Treat all equipment with care.

In addition:
• League must follow the Town of Brookline’s “Rules & Regulations For The Use Of Parks, Playgrounds, School Grounds & Other Open Space In The Town Of Brookline”
• Players must play by the rules of the game and accept the umpires’ decisions without complaint.
• Head coaches must monitor the behavior of their players, assistant coaches, and spectators, and must act immediately to put a stop to unsportsmanlike behavior when it occurs.
• All coaches must follow the rules and promote sportsmanship.
• Spectators are encouraged to cheer and show appreciation for good plays and efforts made by both teams, and may not challenge or criticize the umpire’s decision.

Zero Tolerance Policy: In the event that a player, coach, or spectator violates BMSL’s Code of Conduct, both the umpire and the league Commissioner are authorized to dismiss the individual from the field. The League shall adhere to the BMSL Constitution and Bylaws, Article 9, “Conduct”.