MSA Men’s 16-inch softball follows USA Softball 16-inch slow-pitch rules, with additional league-specific regulations established by MSA.
- Player eligibility
- Open to male players ages 16 and older.
- Minimum players
- Teams must have at least 8 players to begin a game.
- Game length
- 7 innings with a 65-minute time limit. No new inning may begin after the time limit expires.
- Run rule
- 12 runs after 4 innings or 10 runs after 5 innings.
- Strike zone
- A strike mat is used behind home plate. A legal pitch that lands on the mat is a strike. A pitch that lands on home plate or misses the mat entirely is a ball.
- Official softball
- DeBeer F16 Clincher 16-inch softball. MSA provides game balls.
- Equipment
- Athletic shoes or rubber cleats are required. Metal cleats are prohibited.
- Rosters & waivers
- All players must be listed on their team’s official roster and have a completed waiver on file. Players may participate on only one team within the same league.
- Lineup requirements
- Submit team lineups to the official scorekeeper at least 10 minutes before the scheduled game time.
- Substitutions
- Free substitutions are allowed under MSA guidelines. Players re-entering a game must remain in their original batting order position.
- Sportsmanship
- Respect for umpires, opponents, teammates, and spectators is required. Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in ejection or suspension.
For complete rules, regulations, and registration requirements, review the official league packet on the Handouts page
before the season begins.