Beverly Women's Softball League 2026 Rules and Regulations

Beverly Women's Softball League - Rules and Regulations - 2026 Season - Standard Guidelines  

League Name: The official name of the league shall be the Beverly Women's Softball League, LLC (BWSL).

Governing Authority: The league shall operate under the jurisdiction of BWSL and its Board.

Liability: Participation in the league is at the player's own risk. Neither the City nor league members shall be held responsible for any injuries sustained during play. All players and team managers are required to sign a safety waiver prior to participation.

Eligibility Requirements for League Participation: To be eligible for league participation, a player must be a woman, a resident of Beverly and at least 21 years of age. Players who have previously secured a spot in the league but are no longer Beverly residents remain eligible to play. Non-residents may be considered for participation if space permits after registration closes, provided that at least 85% of the league's players are Beverly residents. The participation fee is as follows: $120 per player, $35 per substitute or team manager, and $60 per captain. Payment must be made in full prior to the first game unless alternative arrangements have been approved by the BWSL board.

Attendance Commitment Policy: Players are expected to participate in more than half of the scheduled games each season. Those with excessive absences without a valid reason (such as injury or illness) will be subject to review by the board prior to the following season. As a result of this review, a player may lose seniority status within the league and be returned to the player lottery for the next season.

Team Eligibility & Waitlist Policy: To ensure a fair and transparent process for team placement, the Beverly Women’s Softball League (BWSL) follows the guidelines below for team eligibility and waitlist management.

1. Team Eligibility

  • Any player who meets the eligibility requirements as stated above is eligible to participate.
  • Each team should have a maximum of 18 players.
  • Returning players from the previous season will receive priority placement, followed by returning players from earlier seasons.
  • Once general registration opens, remaining spots will be filled through a recorded and shared lottery process.
  • Once rosters are full, any additional eligible applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • All players (returning, waitlisted & new players) need to register each year to be eligible. 
  • Injured players may be replaced with waitlisted players. No new players will be added after halfway point (after week 7).

2. Waitlist Lottery & Numbering

  • Players who do not secure a spot in the current season will be placed on the waitlist.
  • Each waitlisted player will be assigned a number based on a randomized lottery draw.
  • The lottery process will be recorded and shared to ensure fairness.

3. Priority for the Following Season

  • Players who remain on the waitlist at the end of the season will receive priority for any open spots in the league the following year.
  • Open spots will be offered in numerical order based on the previous year’s waitlist lottery results.

4. New Players & Waitlist Placement

  • New players who join the waitlist in subsequent seasons will be assigned a number through a new lottery.
  • Their placement on the waitlist will correspond with their lottery draw, following those carried over from the previous season.

5. Notification & Registration

  • When a spot becomes available, the next eligible player on the waitlist will be notified and given a deadline to accept and complete registration.
  • If a player declines or does not respond by the deadline, the spot will be offered to the next player on the list.

6. Maintaining Fairness

  • The waitlist does not guarantee placement in the league but ensures an orderly and transparent process for filling vacancies.
  • The league board reserves the right to adjust the waitlist process as necessary to accommodate league needs.

By implementing this policy, BWSL ensures that all interested players have a fair opportunity to participate while maintaining the integrity and organization of the league.

Team Captains: Each team shall have two captains, one of whom must be an active player, while the other may serve as a "manager." Captains are appointed and approved by the BWSL board and are responsible for the following:

  1. Submitting team rosters to the opposing team prior to the game.
  2. Ensuring appropriate conduct of their team before, during, and after gameplay.
  3. Attending a minimum of 75% of scheduled games.
  4. Reporting the final game score via email or text to the BWSL board within 24 hours of the game’s conclusion.
  5. Preparing and maintaining line-ups and playbooks before and during the game.
  6. Overseeing field setup and cleanup as the home team, as well as handling payment to officials on behalf of the league.
  7. Communicating with officials regarding any questions or concerns during the game.
  8. Ensuring all players understand and adhere to league rules.
  9. Managing efficient transitions of teams on and off the field between innings.
  10. Managers should be aware of the game timing and discuss final inning with umpires. 

Team Managers: Teams may designate a female team manager if they choose. A team manager may only be a player if she is drafted onto the team or if she is serving as the team captain, and she must meet all standard player eligibility requirements. Team managers may support the team by keeping the scorebook, coaching bases, and announcing lineups during games. However, unless they are also acting as a team captain, managers are not permitted to set lineups or communicate with officials regarding game‑related matters.

Substitute Players:If you're interested in participating in the league but can't commit to a full season, you can register as a substitute player for a fee of $35. Once registered, your name will be added to the official league substitute list, shared with all team captains.

When a team has fewer than 12 players available for an upcoming game, a captain may contact someone from the list based on their availability and position preference. If a sub is unavailable, the captain can move on to the next name on the list.

Please note:

  • All substitute players must be women, 21 or older, and a Beverly resident.
  • Substitutes may be used for regular season games only—not playoffs.
  • There’s no guarantee of playing time, but this is a great option for staying connected and helping teams stay competitive.

Rosters: Team rosters will be established during the annual draft. Once a player is registered with a team and has participated in a game, they may not transfer to another team for the remainder of the season. Trades are not permitted after the official roster announcement.

Proof of Eligibility: Players must provide proof of eligibility upon request by the BWSL board. Any team found using an ineligible player will forfeit all games in which the player participated. Further penalties, including potential suspension from league play, will be determined at the BWSL board’s discretion. No refunds will be issued.

Restrictive Medical Condition:To ensure the safety and well-being of all players, any individual who is more than seven months pregnant or has a restrictive medical condition (including but not limited to recent surgery etc) must provide a doctor's note clearing them to participate in the league. This requirement is in place to prioritize player health and reduce the risk of injury. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Code of Conduct

  • All players, captains, managers, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times.
  • The use of excessive foul language, harassment, or abuse toward game officials or other players by any participant—including players, fans, captains, or managers—may result in penalties, including suspension from games or permanent removal from the league.
  • Any captain, player, or spectator ejected from a game due to rule infractions will be automatically suspended for the following game. No refunds will be issued.
  • All final decisions and protest resolutions shall be the sole responsibility of the BWSL board.
  • The Bullying Policy outlined below will be strictly enforced.

Bullying Policy

The Beverly Women's Softball League (BWSL) is committed to providing all players with a safe and respectful playing environment. The league promotes mutual respect, tolerance, and inclusion and will not tolerate behavior that compromises the safety or well-being of any player, captain, umpire, or manager.

Bullying is defined as aggressive behavior intended to harm or intimidate another person, causing distress or discomfort. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Physical bullying – Hitting, pushing, kicking, or any form of physical aggression.
  • Verbal bullying – Name-calling, insults, sarcasm, spreading rumors, or teasing.
  • Emotional bullying – Social exclusion, manipulation, or tormenting (e.g., threatening gestures).
  • Racist bullying – Racial slurs, graffiti, or offensive gestures.
  • Sexual bullying – Unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments.
  • Homophobic bullying – Harassment or discrimination based on sexual orientation.
  • Cyberbullying – Misuse of online platforms, including emails, chat rooms, social media, text messages, or digital harassment through images or videos.

BWSL requires all players, managers, umpires, and captains to report any bullying incidents to the BWSL board immediately. Captains witnessing such behavior are expected to take appropriate action when it is safe to do so. All reported complaints will be promptly and thoroughly investigated.

Player Code of Conduct

  • Any player engaging in bullying may face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the league.
  • Players are responsible for reporting incidents of bullying to the BWSL board as soon as possible.
  • The BWSL board will conduct all investigations in a thorough and confidential manner.

Beverly Women’s Softball League (BWSL) Anti-Bullying Procedure

Objective

To establish a clear and effective procedure for addressing bullying within the Beverly Women’s Softball League (BWSL) and to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants.

Scope

This procedure applies to all players, captains, managers, umpires, and spectators involved in league activities, whether on or off the field.

Step 1: Reporting an Incident

  1. Who Can Report?
    • Any player, captain, manager, umpire, or spectator who experiences or witnesses bullying is encouraged to report the incident.
  2. How to Report?
    • Reports may be made in person to a captain, umpire, or BWSL board member.
    • Reports may be submitted via email or a written statement to the league board.
    • Anonymous reports may be submitted through a designated league email or complaint form.
  3. What to Include in a Report?
    • Date, time, and location of the incident.
    • Names of individuals involved (both alleged bully and victim).
    • A detailed description of the behavior.
    • Names of any witnesses.
    • Any supporting evidence (screenshots, messages, etc.).

Step 2: Immediate Response

  1. Captains and Umpires' Role
    • If an incident occurs during a game, the umpire or captains should intervene if it is safe to do so.
    • If the situation escalates, the umpire has the authority to remove players or spectators from the field.
    • Captains should document the incident and notify the BWSL board.
  2. Temporary Measures
    • If necessary, the alleged bully may be temporarily suspended from gameplay while the investigation is conducted.

Step 3: Investigation Process

  1. League Board Review
    • Upon receiving a report, the BWSL board will assign a designated committee to investigate.
    • The investigation will begin within 48 hours of receiving the complaint.
  2. Information Gathering
    • The BWSL board will interview all parties involved, including the complainant, accused individual, and any witnesses.
    • Any supporting evidence will be reviewed.
  3. Confidentiality
    • All reports and investigations will be handled with discretion to protect the privacy of those involved.

Step 4: Resolution and Disciplinary Actions

  1. Findings and Decision
    • After completing the investigation, the BWSL board will determine whether bullying occurred.
    • The decision will be based on the severity, frequency, and impact of the behavior.
  2. Possible Disciplinary Actions
    • Warning: A formal warning issued to the offender.
    • Suspension: Temporary removal from games for a determined period.
    • Expulsion: Permanent removal from the league.
    • Other Actions: Additional penalties as deemed necessary (e.g., mandatory apology, community service, etc.).
  3. Notification of Decision
    • The complainant and the accused will be informed of the BWSL board’s decision within seven days of the investigation's completion.
    • If disciplinary action is taken, the offender will receive a written notice outlining the consequences.

Step 5: Appeals Process

  1. Request for Appeal
    • Any individual subject to disciplinary action may submit a written appeal within five days of receiving the decision.
  2. Review Process
    • The appeal will be reviewed by a separate panel of league members chosen by the BWSL Board.
    • A final decision will be made within seven days of receiving the appeal.
  3. Final Ruling
    • The BWSL board’s decision after the appeal process is final and binding.

Step 6: Prevention and Education

  1. Pre-Season Awareness
    • At the beginning of each season, all players, captains, umpires, and managers will receive a summary of the league’s anti-bullying policy and procedures.
  2. Ongoing Monitoring
    • The BWSL board will regularly review and update this policy to ensure effectiveness.
  3. Encouraging a Positive Culture
    • Teams are encouraged to foster an environment of respect, inclusion, and good sportsmanship.

By implementing this procedure, BWSL aims to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants, free from harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

Uniforms: Team uniforms are the responsibility of the team captains. Each team may choose whether to include players' last names and the BWSL logo on their uniforms. Team shirts must display the sponsor’s name. Team colors and logos must be submitted to the BWSL Board prior to the start of the season, and no two teams may have the same color. Any changes to the logo must receive approval from the BWSL Board.

Umpire Fees: Umpires will receive a payment of $50.00 per game, which will be provided by the BWSL captains using league funds. Payment must be made before the game begins, during the ground rules meeting. All umpire decisions are final.

Standings: Game scores must be submitted via email to the BWSL board at bwslsummer@gmail.com or text to group chat. The board will compile and distribute the weekly standings. To ensure accuracy and timely updates, scores must be reported within 24 hours of the game's completion. Each team’s designated HOME TEAM captain is responsible for submitting the final score to the provided email address.

Game Timing: Each night will feature four games with scheduled start times at 6:00 PM, 7:10 PM, 8:20 PM, and 9:30 PM. All games will be played for 7 innings or 1 hour, whichever comes first.  No new inning may begin once there are 10 minutes remaining in the allotted game time.  At that point, the umpire, in consultation with the team captains, will declare the final inning of play.  Once the final inning has been declared, the inning will be played to completion, and the game will be considered complete at the end of that inning.  The score will stand as final and will not revert back to a previous inning.  For significant injuries we will stop the clock and make an effort to get the player off the field to continue play. We will keep time as to how long the injury time lasts.

Exception: Playoff games follow different timing rules.  Please see the Playoff Rules section for details.

 

PLAYING RULES 

 

All games will primarily follow A.S.A. Slow-Pitch Rules, with the addition of the following modifications and exceptions. 

Home Team Responsibilities:

  1. A) Both teams must exchange lineups before the game. If a player arrives late, her name will be added to the bottom of the batting order.
  2. B) The home team is indicated in bold and will be listedfirst on the schedule.

Game Regulations:

If a game is called by the Plate Umpire, it will be considered official if at least three complete innings have been played. In such cases, the final score will be determined by the last fully completed inning, unless the home team is leading or has tied the game.

Umpires are responsible for keeping time.

Player Requirements:

A team must have a minimum of eight players to begin the game. If a team has fewer than eight players at the scheduled start time, a five-minute grace period will be allowed. If the team is still unable to field eight players after this time, they will forfeit the game.

If a team has fewer than 12 players available, captains are permitted to contact substitute players (see also Substitute Players Rule). Subs may only be used to bring the roster up to 12 players, and no more. If at any time a regular rostered player changes their status to available, the substitute must be cancelled.

Playing Time:

  • Captains should ensure equal playing time for all players.
  • Every player must play at least two innings per game.
  • If a player feels their playing time is unfair, they should notify their captain or the league coordinator.

Any players arriving late must be added to the bottom of the batting order. If a late player’s turn comes up and they are not present, the team may either take an out or remove the player from the roster for the remainder of the game. This option is allowed for up to two full rotations of the batting order. If the player has not arrived by their third turn, they must be removed from the lineup. All team captains must be notified immediately if a player is being moved, counted as an out, or removed from the roster.

All players listed in the scorebook must be present at the start of the game. Team members included on the roster and available to play are expected to participate.

A player may be removed from the lineup if they leave early or are injured, provided the opposing team is notified before the player’s next at-bat. Failure to notify the opposing team will result in an automatic out.

Batting Order:

It is the responsibility of the manager or captain to ensure that all players follow the designated batting order. If a player is injured or leaves early, the manager or captain must notify the opposing team. Failure to adhere to the correct batting order may result in an automatic out.

Field Positions:

Players may be assigned to any position on the field. The short fielder may play in or be included as part of a four-across outfield formation.

A.) Pitching:

  • Only ASA-approved softballs may be used.
  • The pitch must be delivered with a perceptible arc, reaching a minimum height of five feet.
  • The pitching speed must not be excessive.
  • The pitcher may release the ball with one foot on or anywhere behind the 40-foot pitching rubber.
  • If a pitch is too high, too low, or excessively fast, the umpire will call “illegal pitch” while the ball is in flight. The pitch will be counted as a ball.
  • If a batter chooses to swing at an illegal pitch, the result of the swing stands.
  • Board will supply 2 pitching rubbers, long nails & hammer

B.) Batting:To ensure one-hour games run efficiently and allow all teams to play, the following rules will be enforced:

  • Batters will start with a 1-1 count. (1 Ball and 1 Strike)
  • A batter is out after three strikes and begins their at-bat with one strike.
  • A batter is awarded a walk after four balls and starts with one ball.
  • Bunting is not allowed. Any attempt to bunt will result in an automatic strike.
  • Third Strike Foul-Out Rule: If a batter has two strikes, they are allowed one courtesy foul. A second foul after two strikes results in an out.

C.) Catchers:

  • Protective face masks are mandatory while in a defensive position behind home plate when a batter is in the batter’s box.
  • The use of a chest protector and/or shin guards is optional and at the catcher’s discretion.
  • Catchers must not obstruct the base path when setting up for a play at home plate.

Base Running:

  • Runners may leave the base once the ball crosses home plate.
  • The ball is considered dead once it crosses the plate or hits the ground.
  • No stealing and no advancement on a passed ball.
  • A dropped third strike results in a dead ball.

Courtesy Runners:

  • Courtesy runners must be announced before the start of the game or immediately after an in-game injury.
  • The last player to make an out shall serve as the courtesy runner for the current batter.
  • If the last out is already on base or also injured, the previous out may be used.
  • Courtesy runners may be used only for injured or pregnant players.
  • If a team knows a player will need a courtesy runner, the designated runner must be ready immediately after the play ends to avoid delays.
  • If no outs have been made yet, the last batter will serve as the courtesy runner.
  • If the umpire determines that a team is intentionally delaying the game, the runner may be called out.
  • A courtesy runner may only advance to first base and cannot proceed past first.

 Infield Fly Rule:

  • The infield fly rule is in effect and will be called by the umpire.
  • An infield fly is a fair ball (excluding a line drive) that can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort when first and second base or first, second, and third bases are occupied with fewer than two outs.
  • Any fielder may catch an infield fly.
  • When it is apparent that a batted ball qualifies as an infield fly, the umpire shall immediately declare, “Infield fly, the batter is out,” to assist the runners.
  • Runners may advance after the ball is touched, as this rule governs the tag-up if the infield fly is caught.
  • The runner does not need to wait until the fielder fully controls the ball.
  • If the ball is dropped, there is no requirement to tag up at any time.

Sliding:

  • Sliding is permitted, but an offensive player may not intentionally make excessive contact with a defensive player.
  • When there is a play at home plate, the offensive player must make every effort to avoid colliding with the catcher.
  • The offensive player at any base must either slide, avoid contact, or surrender to prevent unnecessary contact.
  • Players are not permitted to slide head first into any base for safety reasons. 

Spikes: Metal spikes are strictly prohibited.

 Home Run Rule:

  • A fair ball hit over any fence is considered a home run.
  • A fair ball hit into the net is also considered a home run.

Ground Rules:

  • Captains and umpires will establish the ground rules before the start of each game.

Inclement Weather:

  • The BWSL Board will assess field conditions and determine if games can proceed.
  • Captains will receive a phone call with updates, and the decision will also be posted on the league website and Facebook page.
  • If conditions are deemed unsafe at game time, captains may decide to postpone the game. In this case, the BWSL Board will pay the umpire half of their fee.
  • Once the first pitch is thrown, the umpire has the authority to call the game due to weather or other conditions.
  • In cases of questionable weather, teams must wait 20 minutes before officially calling a rainout. This delay will impact the start time of all subsequent games.
  • If lightning is observed, play must be suspended immediately, and there will be a mandatory 30-minute delay from the last lightning strike before resuming play.

Makeup games: In the event of a Thursday night rainout, due to weather or field conditions, we will schedule makeup games on Sundays if needed. Please note that the league will schedule a maximum of three (3) Sunday makeup dates during the season. If more than three games are cancelled, any additional cancelled games will not be made up.Games will be played at the same scheduled times as Thursday, unless some games were already completed. All Sunday makeups will begin at 6:00 PM.

Five Run Rule:

  • The five-run rule applies for the first three innings.
  • Once the fifth run crosses the plate in any half-inning, the batting team will return to the field.
  • The play in progress will continue until completed, but only a maximum of five runs will be recorded for scoring purposes.


Warm-Ups:

  • No infield or outfield warm-ups are allowed between innings or once the game clock starts.
  • Pitchers may take up to two warm-up pitches.

Playoffs:

    • Semifinals and Finals: Two nights will be designated for semifinals, with one night for the finals.
    • Player Eligibility: The Board will determine if players who have not participated in at least 50% of the team’s games are eligible for playoffs.
    • Run Rules: The five-run rule does not apply. A mercy rule will be in effect, ending the game if a team leads by 12 runs after five innings.
    • Standings Tiebreakers: If two teams are tied, placement will be determined by the following criteria:
      1. Head-to-head record against the tied teams.
      2. Run differential in games between the tied teams.
      3. Fewest total runs allowed in games between the tied teams.
    • Gameplay Adjustments: Standard softball rules apply—no Drop-Dead Timing, no 1-1 starting count, and no fouling out.
    • Umpires: If possible, two umpires will be assigned per game.
    • Home Team: The higher-seeded team will be the home team.
  • Modified Extra Innings Procedure: At the start of each half-inning during extra innings, the offensive team will place a runner on second base. This runner will be the player who made the final out in the previous inning. Extra innings will continue with each team receiving three outs per inning and both teams batting in every extra inning until a winner is decided.

Miscellaneous Guidelines

  • Dugouts: There are no designated home or away dugouts—teams may claim them on a first-come, first-served basis. Out of respect for others, players must vacate the dugouts immediately after their game ends to allow the next team time to prepare. No children, pets, or men are allowed in the dugouts.
    • There is absolutely no drinking, smoking or vaping in the dugouts, any players that are witnessed doing any of the previous stated will be asked to leave.
  • Bats:
    • All bats must have the ASA-approved stamp and must not appear on the annually updated "Not Approved Bat" list on the ASA website.
    • Players should review both the approved and non-approved bat lists before purchasing a bat, as some bats may be removed from the approved list after re-evaluation by ASA.
  • Smoking/Alcohol Policy:
    • Innocenti Park is a public park owned and operated by the City of Beverly. In accordance with park regulations, smoking and the consumption of alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited anywhere on park grounds, including the bleachers, playing field, and dugouts.
    • If a member of the board observes a player violating this policy, that player will be required to leave the park immediately. Additionally, the team will be assessed an out for each of that player’s scheduled at-bats.
  • Parking:
    • Parking is allowed around the perimeter of the Bowl-O-Mat and along the first base side of Innocenti Field.
    • Players and fans may not park in the boat ramp parking lot, as it is reserved for boaters only.
  • Spectators:
    • Community members are encouraged to attend games and support players at their own risk.
    • Per city ordinances, no pets are allowed at Innocenti Park.
    • No children are allowed on the field or in the dugouts between 5:45 PM – 10:30 PM.
    • Spectators engaging in harassment of players or officials will be asked to leave.
    • BWSL is not responsible for any injuries that may occur to spectators during league events.
  • Safety Regulations:
    • All players must wear a helmet while batting and running the bases, except if it falls off during play.
    • Batters must drop their bat before running to first base—throwing the bat is prohibited.

BWSL Board

  • Board members will serve indefinitely, for as long as they wish to remain in their position.
  • If a board member chooses to step down, the open position will be announced to the league.
  • League members may submit nominations for the vacancy.
  • A vote will then be held by the league to select the new board member from the nominated candidates.

 

Player Safety Awareness

Participation in organized sports comes with inherent risks of personal injury. Softball, like any sport, presents potential hazards, including other players, equipment, fences, boundaries, and benches. Players should remain mindful of their surroundings to minimize the risk of injury.

Remember, this is a recreational league—maintain control of both your body and actions to avoid collisions with teammates, opponents, and fixed obstacles. Familiarize yourself with the ground rules and keep all equipment clear of the playing field. Above all, be respectful and considerate of both teammates and opponents. 

This league is about fun and sportsmanship!

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