Letter

Which Rules Do We Follow?

Jan. 1, 2002 – Letters from readers

I would like to know what softball rules, rulebooks, etc., should be used to govern play at senior games.

Should the same rules apply to Qualifiers and non-Qualifying tournaments? Is it permissible to change certain rules, such as "running-through" at second and third bases?

ˆ Bob Hoffman

White Bear, Minnesota

Editor's Note: The great majority of tournaments, whether national, regional or local, are sanctioned by one of the eight national softball organizations ˆ meaning one of the organizations supplies the insurance needed to cover the fields so that the games can be played. In order to be covered by the insurance, the tournament directors usually have to agree to abide by the rules of the sponsoring organization ˆ especially safety rules such as bat and ball regulations. None of the national organizations allows, "run through" for safety reasons.

While there is not a single rulebook that covers all of the senior rules for all organizations, there is a chart comparing senior rules available on the internet at www.seniorsoftballrating.com In addition, the annual Senior Softball Summit has made real progress in adopting common rules.