OFFICIAL MASSWIFF RULES
Note: Rule Changes or modifications are in blue.

Play of the Game

1. Each game will consist of seven innings. Each team gets three outs per inning.
2. Any combination of two strikes is an out. A strike consists of a foul ball, a missed swing, or a pitch that hits the target (excluding the legs or base). The batter will receive unlimited fouls, unless the pitch is fouled back and hits the strike zone, in which case the batter will be called out on strikes. (New for 2007)
3. Four balls are a walk. A pitch that hits a batter is a ball.
4. There is no running of bases. All runners are imaginary. Runners advance when forced by walks or hits. A runner on base moves the same number of bases as the hitter (i.e. a runner on first base advances to third base on a double by the batter).
5. Lines on the field indicate hits. There are single and double lines on the field. A ball that travels on the ground past the singles line without being fielded is a single. A ball that travels in the air and lands past the double line is a double. A ball that hits the fence in the air without going over is a triple. A ball that goes over the fence on a fly is a home run.
6. All players hit in a set batting order for the entire game.
7. There is a 10 run mercy rule after four innings.

Pitching and Fielding

1. Fast pitching is allowed. The pitcher must throw from the pitchers mound which is 41’ from home plate.
2. Pitchers may be replaced at any point in the game. They may return to pitch at any point in the game.
3. Ground balls must be fielded cleanly before passing the single line and before the ball stops moving to be an out. Bobbled ground balls are hits. A fielder is allowed one step in from the single line to field a ground ball. Ground balls that do not reach the singles line are foul. Any ball caught in the air before it hits the ground (fair or foul) is an out. Fly balls that are bobbled, but caught, are outs. Fielders may reach over the fence to catch a fly ball. Fielders cannot collapse or bend the fence to catch a ball. If the fence is pushed, bent, or knocked over by a fielder attempting to catch a fly ball, it is a home run.
4. There is a maximum of three fielders at any time. Fielders may play anywhere on the field (in fair territory) except between home plate and the single line. Fielding substitutions may only be made between innings. Players may re-enter as fielders.
5. Fielders may attempt to make a double play on any cleanly fielded ground ball. Using a continuous motion, the fielder can throw the ball and hit the strike zone in the air. If successful, the hitter and first base runner are both out. If the throw does not hit the target, only the batter is out, and base runners do not advance.
6. When there is a runner on 3rd base and less than two outs, if the hitting team hits a fly ball, they can yell “Tag” while the ball is still in the air, and attempt to have the runner score from 3rd base on the sacrifice fly. If the fielder catches the ball in the air and immediately throws and hits the target, or the base or legs of the target, either in the air, on the bounce, or on the roll, the runner trying to score from third base is also out. If the throw misses the target, the runner from 3rd scores. No other base runners advance on Tag plays. The Tag play is only in effect if the batting team yells “Tag” while the ball is in the air.

Foul Ball Rule: Ground balls are judge as fair or foul based on the singles line. A ground ball that is in fair territory when it reaches the singles line is fair. A ground ball which is foul when it reaches the singles line can never be fair.

Other Rules

1. There is no arguing of rules. The decision of MASSWIFF staff is final. Arguing may lead to forfeit of the game or even ejection from the league of a player or team.
2. All games are played using official Wiffle® brand plastic bats and balls.
3. Teams that do not show up to play, forfeit the game after 15 minutes past the start time. Games can start as long as one player is present from a team. If both teams playing in a game are 15 minutes late, both team receive loses.
4. Two teams scheduled to play each other can, by mutual agreement, and with the agreement of MASSWIFF, reschedule games.
5. Games are official after 4 innings. If the home team is in the lead the game is official after 3 ½ innings.

Rosters
1. Every team recieves 6 roster spots. Teams with open roster spots may add players until August 5. After August 5, all rosters are final. No team can remove a player from a roster if the player has already played in any game.
2. Only players indicated on a team's official roster may play in a game. There are no subs or alternates.

Tie Breakers- For seeding during the playoffs.

1. Head to head
2. Overall Run Differential Versus Common Opponents (max +/- 10 runs)
Forfeits do make a team have a common a opponent. Team must have played the game.

In the case of a tie with more than two teams, eliminate one team by the tie breakers and start again at the top.

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