SPN New Rules & Policies for 2022

Updated December 10, 2021
For official Slo-Pitch National page on SPN New Rules & Policies for 2022 - click here
The 2022 SPN Rulebook and online umpire exam is being finalized and will be available February 1, 2022.

RULE 3 SEC. 18 (pg. 14) AND RULE 6 SEC. 4E (pg. 28):
• There is no longer a restriction of the catcher placing their glove on the ground in the catcher’s area.
RULE 3 SEC. 50 (pg. 17):
• Definition: An intentionally dropped ball is when a fielder or infielder drops a fair fly ball or line drive with first, first and second, first, second and third, or first and third bases occupied with less than two outs. The ball must first contact the fielder’s glove and be dropped intentionally.
RULE 4 SEC. 9D (pg. 22):
• A forfeited game shall be declared; If an ejected player does not leave the ball park within a requested time of being ejected from the game.
RULE 5 SEC. 5 (pg. 23):
• NO DEFENSIVE PLAYER shall take a position in the batters line of vision and with deliberate attempt, act unsportsmanlike in any manner in an effort to distract the batter. No defensive player can stand closer than 50 feet in fair territory as each pitch is delivered.
• EFFECT Sec. 5. It is a delayed dead ball call. The pitch will be called a ball if not swung at, If the ball is hit the offensive/ manager has the option to accept the obstruction and take the result of the play EXCEPT if the batter reaches first safely, and all proceeding baserunners have advanced at least one base safely, the obstruction will be nullified. If the obstruction is nullified, the ball remains alive and in play and there is no option play. The umpire shall first warn the offender, and then eject any player from the game who repeats the offense.
RULE 8 SEC. 9A EFFECT (pg. 39):
• A baserunner may not return to retouch a missed base after crossing the commitment line.
RULE 12 SEC. 1 (pg. 60) BATTING ORDER 6-4:
A. A female may be substituted for a male and a male may be legally substituted or re-entered into that position in the batting order.
B. A minimum of 4 females and a maximum of 6 females, defensively, and a maximum of 6 males and a minimum of 4 males, defensively must be maintained in a coed game.
C. If an unlimited batting order is used in Coed, there must be an equal number of males and females added to the batting order. ie. A 6-4 team may become a 7-5, 8-6 etc.

For official Slo-Pitch National page on SPN New Rules & Policies for 2022 - click here