MSA Women’s Softball follows USA Softball 11-inch slow-pitch rules, with additional league-specific regulations established by the Marshalltown Softball Association.
- Player eligibility
- Open to female 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
- 20 runs after 3 innings, 15 runs after 4 innings, or 10 runs after 5 innings.
- Batting count
- Batters begin with a 1–1 count and receive one courtesy foul ball with two strikes. A second foul ball with two strikes results in an out.
- Strike zone
- A strike mat is used behind home plate. Any legal pitch that lands on either home plate or the strike mat is a strike. A pitch that misses both is a ball.
- Official softball
- An official 11-inch slow-pitch softball is used, with game balls provided by MSA.
- Home run limits
- A Division: 4 home runs per game. B Division: 2 home runs per game. The league’s home run equalizer rule applies.
- Bat approval
- All bats must have an official ASA or USA Softball certification stamp and be approved for league play. Every bat must be inspected and stickered by an MSA Board Member with the current year’s approval sticker before use in any league game. Bats without the current year’s approval sticker are not permitted.
- Footwear
- 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.