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Sportsmanship

Hanover Softball is built on mutual respect. We expect all players to maintain a positive attitude towards teammates, competitors, and officials at all times to ensure a fun community atmosphere.

Player Expectations

Attendance

Consistency is key to a successful season. Players are encouraged to attend as many games as possible and provide ample notice to their team captains if they have a scheduling conflict.

Safety

Play hard but play safe. Adhere to all league equipment regulations and safety protocols on the field to ensure everyone enjoys the game and returns home healthy.

Men's League Rules & Policies

League Eligibility & Rosters
Uniform & Equipment
  • Player Criteria: Men ages 30–99 residing in Hanover. Non-Resident Exceptions: Must be formally approved.
  • Roster Vacancies: If a non-resident player leaves the league, their spot must be filled by a Hanover resident.
  • Forfeits: Teams must have at least 8 players at game time. Note: Guest players from other teams may fill in for the sake of playing, but the game will still be recorded as a formal forfeit for the shorthanded team.
  • Required: League-provided jersey and hat must be worn at all times.
  • Footwear: No metal cleats allowed.
  • Apparel: Either pants or shorts are acceptable.
Gameplay Rules
  • Hitting & Base Running: No Bunting/Stealing are strictly prohibited. Runners must stay on the bag until the ball is hit.
  • Hit by Pitch: A batter is not awarded first base if hit by a pitch.
  • Home Runs: There is no limit on the number of home runs per team.
  • Infield Fly Rule: Active for any pop-up on the infield dirt with runners on base; the batter is automatically out.
  • Third Strike Foul: A batter is out on a third strike, including a foul ball hit after two strikes.
  • Pitch Style: Traditional underhand motion only. Arc height must be between 6' and 12'.
  • Count Reset/Walks: If a pitcher throws 4 balls, the count resets once. If a pitcher walks 3 batters in a single game via this reset rule, a new pitcher must be brought in.
Game Schedule & Timing
  • Format: Sunday Double Headers. Time Slots: 4:00 PM, 5:30 PM, and 7:00 PM.
  • National Anthem: Before the 5:30 PM game, all teams will line up at their respective foul lines to honor America.
  • Game Length: 7 innings or 1 hour and 15 minutes (whichever comes first).
  • Complete Game: A game is considered "complete" after 4 ½ innings (if the home team is leading) or 40 minutes of play.
Pitching & The Count
  • Pitchers must adhere to regulation height arcs and pitching rubber contact rules.
  • Standard count protocols follow current seasonal league amendments.
Fielding & Defense
  • Alignment: Max 10 players on defense (4 must stay on the outfield grass).
  • Batting Order: All players bat unless a player is declared ineligible by coaches before the game.
Safety & Specialized Rules
  • The "Run Through" Rule (Injury Prevention). Sliding is not allowed (except when diving back to a bag). To prevent collisions: - Second & Third Base: Players may run through the bag just like first base. - Giving Up: If you run through and turn toward the outfield, you have "given yourself up" and cannot be tagged. - Advancing: If you run through and turn toward the next base, you are live and can be tagged out.
  • Home Plate & The Orange Line Scoring: Runners score by touching any part of the extended home plate. Force Plays: A catcher in possession of the ball only needs to touch any part of the extended plate for an out. The Commitment Line: Once a runner passes the orange line (halfway between 3rd and home), they must commit to going home.
  • Non-Force Plays: If the catcher stands on the extension, the runner is safe. If the runner runs through the main plate area (rather than the extension), the runner is out.
Conduct & Governance
  • Zero Tolerance Policy: Any fighting, excessive arguing, or behavior misrepresenting the Town of Hanover will result in immediate removal from the league.
  • Disputes: Coaches from both teams have the final say on controversial decisions.
  • Clarifications: Any rule interpretations should be handled prior to the game, not during active play.
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