TOURNAMENT RULES

Checking

Checking is NOT permitted.  (See: Penalties)

Critical Information

6v6 - Including Goaltender - 4:2 Ratio

Minimum two (2) Female players on floor.  If one (1) or less female players are present, teams may elect to play shorthanded.

Code of Conduct

Players are expected to play in a respectful manner.  This is further explained in the Floor Hockey Code of Conduct.

Game Format

Games will be played with three (3) eight (8) minute periods.

*RUNNING CLOCK, EXCEPT FOR INJURY TIMEOUT.  

**ALL GAME TIMES SUBJECT TO BE SHORTENED AT REFEREES DISCRETION, IF GAMES ARE RUNNING BEHIND SCHEDULE.

Icing

There is no icing.

ISBHF

Unless otherwise stated within these rules, games will be played according to International Street & Ball Hockey Federation (ISBHF) rules.

Rotation, Substitutions & Out of Play

Substitutions can be made at any time without limitations on regularity or frequency.  Game play is not to be suspended during substitutions.  Players not on the floor are to gather in an area designated by the referee.

Goalie Substitutions can ONLY be done at halftime, unless an injury occurs.

Goaltending

Goalies will be able to handle the puck with their stick or hands within three (3) steps (the crease) of the goal.  A Goalie may call for a freeze of play resulting in a face-off or put the ball back in play by rolling/passing it to a teammate.  Goalies my not throw the ball beyond the center-line, when passing to a teammate (penalty for doing so will be a delay of game). A Goalie may only cover the ball if at least one (1) foot in the crease.  If the Goalie is completely out of the crease, when the cover the ball, the play will result in a penalty shot.  Offensive players may not enter the crease without the ball or without the ball being in the crease (this is interference).

Defensive players sliding/diving to stop a ball will result in a dangerous play penalty.

Teams may elect to pull the goalie with five (5) minutes remaining in the game, if the score differential is within two (2) goals.  At this time players will not be allowed inside the crease unless the have possession of the ball.

Overtime/Tiebreakers

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Penalties

Minor - Two (2) minutes of playing time

Too Many Players of the Floor, Lifting a Stick on a Face-Off, High Sticking (above the waist), Holding an Opponents Stick, Trapping or Holding a Ball to Stall the Game, Holding, Dangerous Play, Tripping, Hooking, Boarding, Sliding, Diving, Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Major - Five (5) minutes of playing time

Charging, Elbowing, Slashing, Roughing, Checking, Spearing, Cross-Checking

Misconduct - Ten (10) minutes of playing time

* The offending player shall serve the penalty unless otherwise specified.  That player shall go directly off the floor and remain there until the referee indicates the penalty time has expired.  If a game disqualification penalty is also imposed on the player, the player shall be represented by a teammate for the penalty and shall report to the referee. 

** If the penalty time has not yet expired at the end of the half/period, the penalty carries over into the next period of play.

*** Major & Misconduct penalties do not end when a goal is scored. 

**** During sudden death play, a team shall not be reduced by time penalties so that it has fewer than two (2) players on the floor.

Scoring

Each goal one (1) point and are awarded when the entire ball crosses the line.

If the goal/net moves off of the goal line during a scoring attempt, it is the referee to decide whether to award a goal or not.  If the goaltender or another defensive player intentionally moves a goal, the referee will decide whether to continue play or enforce the delay of game penalty.

Stoppage of Play

The following stoppages of player will be followed by a faceoff:

Goals, Penalties, Injuries, Time-outs, Balls out-of-play, Goaltender freezing the ball, Balls shot on goal behind the Designated Blue Lines.

Amateur Softball Association (ASA)

The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) is the Governing Body of Amateur Softball in the United States. Rules not specifically covered by PSL Softball Rules will be enforced according to ASA rules. ASA rules may be found at http://www.asasoftball.com.

Arguing Balls & Strikes

Players may not argue balls & strikes with the umpire. Doing so is subject to immediate ejection from the game.

Baserunner Interference

Baserunners may not interfere with a defensive player making a play, except when sliding into a base. Baserunners interfering with a defensive player will be called out.

Any act, physical or verbal, taken by an offensive team member, player or coach, whether on the field or on the bench, that impedes, hinders, or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play will be called interference. Interference will result in a dead ball, play stopping, and the baserunner or batter-runner being called out. Physical contact with a defensive player does not need to occur for interference to be called. Example: Interference will be called if an offensive player calls for a pop-up by yelling, "I got it." (ASA Rules 1, 7.1D, 7.6, 8.2, 8.5, 8.7)

Bat List - Approved & Banned

Pennypack: The Official PSL Aluminum Bat List is located here.  Male batter must use single wall bats.  Female batters may use any bat they prefer.  Women's bats must be marked with pink tape provided by the umpire.

Shore Softball Classic:  Wood bats must be single piece & 100% wood.  The barrel of the bat may not exceed 2-1/4".  ASA softball marking preferred.

Bats - Illegal Use

Double-wall bats, triple-wall bats, two-piece bats, 100% composite bats, hot bats and all bats banned by the ASA are not permitted to be used in PSL games. Additionally, any bat listed on the PSL Banned Bat List is not permitted to be used in games.

If a batter using an illegal bat reaches base, and the usage of the bat is brought to the attention of the umpire before a pitch is thrown to the next batter, the batter using the illegal bat will be called out. Any runners that advanced while the illegal bat was in play must return to the base occupied before the bat was used. Umpires will remove illegal bats from play once alerted to their use.

Any player using an illegal bat may be ejected from the game and may be suspended for one (1) game and his/her team may be forced to forfeit the game the illegal bat was used, WITHOUT WARNING!

Any bat in question should be immediately brought to the attention of the umpire. The umpire and/or Commissioner will make all final decisions regarding bat discrepancies.

Captains are encouraged to inspect all bats to be used in a game with the opposing captain and umpire during the presentation of ground rules.

Batting Order/Batting Order Male:Female Ratio (6:4 RATIO)

Teams are encouraged to exchange batting orders prior to each game. A team may bat as many players as it wishes, in any order it wishes. However, a 3:2 male to female ratio must be kept, unless there are more women than men in the batting order. Men MAY NOT bat twice in the lineup to achieve a 3:2 ratio if a team plays with more women than men. If a team does not have enough women, one or more woman must bat twice in the batting order. Follow the chart below to determine batting order ratio:

6 men to 4 women (One or more woman batting twice if needed.)

7 men to 4 women (One or more woman batting twice if needed.)

8 men to 5 women (One or more woman batting twice if needed.)

9 men to 6 women (One or more woman batting twice if needed.)

10 men to 6 women (One or more woman batting twice if needed.)

11 men to 7 women (One or more woman batting twice if needed.)

12 men to 8 women (One or more woman batting twice if needed.)

Batter Out Of The Batter's Box

A batter may not hit a ball while standing outside the batter's box. The batter will be called out when:

1. One or both feet are touching the ground while completely outside the lines of the batter's box at the time the ball makes contact with the bat. Whether the ball is hit fair or foul has no bearing on the call. (ASA Rule 7.6D)

2. Any part of either foot is touching home plate at the time the ball makes contact with the bat. Whether the ball is hit fair or foul has no bearing on the call. (ASA Rule 7.6E)

In both situations the ball is dead, play is stopped, and all baserunners must return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.

The fields used during PSL games rarely have lined batter's boxes. So, out of the batter's box calls will be made by the umpire's judgment of the position of the batter. A batter standing out of the batter's box who swings and misses will not be called out. The pitched ball must be hit by the batter, regardless of the batted ball landing fair or foul, for the ball to be made.

Catch & Carry

When a fielder carries a live ball out of play, intentionally or unintentionally, the ball is dead, play will be stopped, and all baserunners will be awarded one (1) base from the last base touched at the time the ball was carried out of play. (ASA Rule 8.5J)

Catch & Carry occurs most often when a fielder catches a foul pop-up or foul fly ball and his/her natural momentum carries the player out of play. The caught ball is recorded as an out. In the event the caught ball is the third out, baserunners do not advance.

Commissioner

The Commissioner of the league holds the right to override any and all league rules if he/she deems necessary to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of league participants and the league itself.

Courtesy Runners

Courtesy runners are permitted for injured baserunners, but must be approved by the umpire. The umpire's decision is final. A courtesy runner may be used if a female batter, who is batting twice in the line-up, is on base and is due up to bat again. The batter who made the last batted out shall be the courtesy runner, regardless of gender.  The batter must safely make it to first base before they are eligible for a courtesy runner.

Designated Hitters

Designated hitting is not permitted. All players taking the field must be listed in the batting order. All batters must play in the field at least three innings as well.

Extra Innings

If the game is tied after seven (7) innings, one (1) extra inning will be played during round robin games. If tied after eight (8) innings, the round robin game will remain a tie.

Playoff tournament bracket games will result in full extra innings until a winner is determined.

Foul Ball Outs

A foul ball hit above the batter's head may be caught for an out.

Game Length

Time permitting, games will be seven (7) innings or one (1) hour in length, including warm-up time. The last inning will begin 10-15 minutes before the end of the hour. The umpire will enforce this rule and will make the call at the top of the final inning. Because of various circumstances in most games, some games may finish in less than an hour while others may run longer than an hour. Please respect the umpire's call in this matter. The umpire is instructed to keep all games on time in fairness to all teams playing in the league. Exception: Games will be one hour 15 minutes in length, scheduling and/or field availability permitting.

Gender Equity

If a male batter is issued a walk and is followed in the batting order by a female player, the female player has the option of taking a base-on-balls as well.  This may in some circumstances allow the female batter to push in a run.  This rule does not apply when the bases are already loaded and a male batter draws a walk.

All four (4) outfielders must remain behind the outfield cone when a female is batting until the ball has been hit. If an outfielder crosses the line before contact has been made, the batter advances to first base.  CONES ARE TO BE PLACED 150' FROM HOME PLATE (APPROXIMATELY 50 PACES)

Ground Rules

The umpire and both team captains must agree on ground rules prior to the start of each game. All ground rules calls made by the umpire are final. All bats to be used during the game should be inspected during the presentation of ground rules to ensure they are legal. Each teams batting order and batting order ratio should be shared and/or discussed during ground rules as well.  Out of play areas for each specific field are further described here.

Infield Fly Rule

The purpose of the Infield Fly Rule is to prevent infielders from intentionally dropping a pop-up in an attempt to make a double or triple play.

The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) defines it in the Official Rules of Softball as: An infield fly is a fair ball (not including a line drive or an attempted bunt) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort when first and second or first, second, and third bases are occupied before two are out. Any defensive player who positions himself/herself in the infield at the start of a pitch shall be considered an infielder for the purpose of the rule. The infield fly is ruled when the ball reaches the highest point based on the position of the closest fielder regardless of who makes the play. When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an infield fly, the umpire shall immediately declare, "Infield fly, the batter is out," for the benefit of the runners. If the ball is near a foul line, the umpire shall declare, "Infield fly, the batter is out if fair."

"The ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught. The runner can tag up and advance once the batted ball is touched (prior to catching), the same as on any fly ball. If a declared infield fly becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any foul."

Here are some things to remember about the infield fly rule:

• It must be called by the umpire.
• It only applies when there are less than two outs.
• It only applies when there are runners on first and second, or runners on first, second, and third bases.
• When the umpire calls it, the batter is automatically out.
• The ball is NOT dead.
• An infield fly is treated as a regular fly ball; base runners are not forced to run, but they must tag up before advancing with risk of being thrown out.

Intentional Walks

Intentional walks are permitted. However, if a female player follows a male player in the batting order, the female player has the option of taking a base-on-balls as well. This rule does not apply if the male batter is intentionally walked when the bases are loaded when he walks to the plate.

Interference

Any act, physical or verbal, taken by an offensive team member, player or coach, whether on the field or on the bench, that impedes, hinders, or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play will be called interference. Interference will result in a dead ball, play stopping, and the baserunner or batter-runner being called out. Physical contact with a defensive player does not need to occur for interference to be called. Example: Interference will be called if an offensive player calls for a pop-up by yelling, "I got it." (ASA Rules 1, 7.1D, 7.6, 8.2, 8.5, 8.7)

Jewelry

Exposed jewelry should not be worn during games, as doing so may be a danger to the player wearing the jewelry and fellow players. Such items include, but are not limited to, wristwatches, bracelets, necklaces, earings, and other facial piercings. Medical bracelets are encouraged to be worn if needed. Umpires are instructed to ask players to remove all exposed jewelry.

Leading & Stealing

Leading off base and stealing bases is not permitted. Runners may leave the base once a pitched ball crosses the plane of the plate or is hit by the batter. If a runner leaves early, the umpire will call "no pitch," and the runner will be called out. If the called out is the third of the inning, the batter will be the first batter to the plate the following inning. (ASA Rules 7.2C, 8.4F, 8.7R)

Mercy Rule

The Mercy Rule will be enforced. A team will be awarded a victory if it leads by ten (10) or more runs after the completion of five (5) or six (6) full innings.

No more than seven (7) runs may be scored in each of the first four (4) innings. If the offensive team scores seven (7) runs before three outs are recorded, the inning ends and teams switch sides.

The offensive team may score as many runs as it can after the fourth inning.

Obstruction

Any act, physical, or verbal, taken by a defensive team member, player or coach, whether on the field or on the bench, that is not in possession of the ball and impedes, hinders, or confuses an offensive player from hitting a pitched ball or reaching base will be called obstruction. Physical contact with an offensive player does not need to occur for obstruction to be called. Examples: Faking tags is obstruction. Blocking a base without the ball is obstruction. (ASA Rules 1, 8.1, 8.5B)

Obstruction calls are delayed calls and will only be made if the obstruction hinders a baserunner or batter-runner from reaching a base attempted to reach. In the event obstruction is called, the baserunner or batter-runner will be awarded the base he/she was attempting to reach when the obstruction occurred.

Overthrown Balls Out Of Play

Overthrown balls that go out of play result in a dead ball situation and play is stopped. All baserunners, including the batter-runner, will be awarded two (2) bases when a ball is thrown out of play. The awarding of bases will be determined by the position of the runner when the ball left the fielder's hand. The baserunner is awarded two (2) bases from the last base legally touched when the ball left the fielder's hand. Whether the ball was thrown from the infield or outfield has no bearing on the play. (ASA Rule 8.5G)

• On plays when the runner is retreating to a base to tag up when a ball is thrown out of play, they would advance 2 bases from the base they established at the start of the at bat.

Pitch Height Requirements

A legal pitch must have an arc of 6' - 10'. Any pitch that is not deemed legal by the umpire will be called a ball. An illegal pitch may be hit at the batter's peril.

Pitching Position

The pitcher's rubber will be placed 50'-0" from the back tip of home plate. While it is suggested the pitcher keep one foot on the pitcher's rubber while pitching, the pitcher may throw a pitch while standing no more than one (1) foot away from the rubber in any direction, including forward. Pitcher's should pause before each pitch to allow batters to become set in the batter's box. Pitcher's may not "quick-pitch" batters. Quick pitches will be called "no pitch" by the umpire.

Player Eligibility

Teams are to be comprised of men and women, eighteen (18) years old or older. There is no limit to the number of players on a team's roster.

Playoff Format

Bracket Format

Run Limit

An inning run limit applies to all games. There will be a seven (7) run limit per inning for innings 1-4, unless one of the innings is declared the final inning. An unlimited number of runs may be scored after the four inning or during the final inning.

Shoes

No Metal Spikes permitted.

Sliding

Sliding is permitted, but NOT required. However, contact between baserunners and defensive players will be closely monitored. Any excessive contact or unnecessary contact, as deemed by the umpire, will result in the baserunner being called out and/or ejected from the game. When a defensive player has the ball and a baserunner remains upright and collides with the defensive player, the ball is dead, play is stopped, and the baserunner is called out and/or ejected from the game. All other baserunners must then return to the base last touched or occupied. (ASA Rule 8.7Q)

Stealing

Base stealing is not permitted.

Tie Breakers & Seeding

During Round Robin games, 1 extra inning will be played.  If the game remains tied after the 8th inning the game will result in a tie.  Tournament Bracket games that are tied will play extra innings until the game is complete.

1. Overall Record
2. Head to Head
3. Run Differential
4. Total Runs Scored
5. Coin Flip

Umpires

Trained PSL umpires will call balls & strikes, and put-outs in the field. All judgment decisions are final. Any excessive disagreements with the umpire will result in ejection from the game and/or league if deemed necessary by the Commissioner.

Beginning The Match

Team captains will volley to determine which team serves first.  The losing team of each game serves first in subsequent games. Teams must switch sides after each game.

Critical Information

Teams with insufficient players at Check-In will forfeit their game.  PSL will be providing tournament shirts for all registered team members.  Only eligible players are allowed to take the field.

**ALL TOURNAMENT GAMES MUST HAVE AT LEAST ONE (1) WOMAN PRESENT AT THE START OF THE GAME.  If no female players are present, the game will result in a forfeit.

Disputed Calls

Games will be self reffed.  Any disputed call will result in a redo of the point played.

Game Balls

Games must be played with PSL League volleyballs distributed by the Tournament Manager..

Match Rules

Matches, consisting of best-of-three games, will be one (1) hour in duration, including a five (5) minute warm-up period. Scoring will be rally scoring to twenty-five (25) points, win by two (2) points or the first team to score twenty-seven (27) points. All three (3) games in the match will be played regardless of the outcome of the first two (2) games. If there are fifteen (15) minutes or less in the scheduled match time at the start of the third match, scoring will be rally scoring to fifteen (15) points.

Net Play

Players may not contact any part of the net with their body, hair being an exception, while the ball is in play.

Balls may be played from the net.

While returning the ball, a player may follow through over the net, providing he/she first hits the ball above or on their side of the net.

A player may touch the center line with his/her foot, but may not cross the center line entirely. Contacting the floor across the center line is illegal. The center line does not extend beyond the posts.

Crossing the vertical plane of the net with any part of the body with the purpose of distracting an opponent while the ball is in play will be grounds for ejection from the game.

Players in the front line may switch positions after the serve. Players may not move until the ball has been struck by the server. Players must remain in their positions relative to their teammates. (Example: Center must remain between outer positions, outer positions must remain outside center.)

Only front line players may block or take part in a block. Back-row hitting is permitted behind the ten (10) foot line.

Tie Breakers & Seeding

1. Overall Record
2. Head to Head
3. Goal Differential
4. Total Goals Scored
5. Coin Flip

Automatic Rush

The defense may rush the quarterback automatically if there are two (2) or more additional players in the backfield with the quarterback or when the ball changes hands in the backfield.

Blitzing

The defensive team may blitz the quarterback once during each set of downs. Only one (1) defensive player may blitz. Upon the ball being snapped and touched by the quarterback, one (1) defensive player may blitz the quarterback. The defensive player blitzing the quarterback must call "BLITZ" for all to hear, including both teams and the referees before it rushes the quarterback or the play will be ruled off-sides on the defense. Only the player calling the blitz may execute the blitz. The blitzing player may not cross the line of scrimmage until the quarterback touches the snapped ball. The penalty for an illegal blitz is considered off-sides on the defense and will result in a penalty of five (5) yards and replay of downs. 

Cadence

The quarterback, or offensive player receiving the snap, must call out a cadence and/or snap to start each play. Silent snaps are illegal. The penalty for an illegal snap is five (5) yards and replay of down.

Defensive Pass Interference

A defensive player may not interfere with an offensive player's attempt to catch a pass. The penalty for defensive pass interference is ten (10) yards from the line of scrimmage and an automatic first down. If the infraction is in the endzone, the ball will be spotted on the 1-yard line.

Delay Of Game

The offensive team thirty (30) seconds to snap the ball after the ball has been spotted. If the offensive team does not snap the ball within thirty (30) seconds of the ball being spotted, it will be penalized five (5) yards for delay of game.

Diving

A player carrying the ball may NOT dive for a first down marker or the endzone. If a player dives for a first down marker or the endzone, the ball will be spotted where the player left his/her feet.

First Downs

The offensive team shall have four (4) downs to earn another first down or score a touchdown. First downs are earned by crossing the designated first down markers in four (4) or less downs.

If the offensive team fails to earn a first down or score a touchdown, possession of the football will be given to the opposing team. Offensive teams may elect to punt the ball to the opposing team on any down.

DIVING FOR A FIRST DOWN MARKER IS PROHIBITED! If a player dives for a first down marker, the ball will be spotted where the player left his/her feet.

Fumbles

Fumbled balls may not be advanced. A fumbled ball will be spotted where it hit the ground. A muffed snap that is dropped is considered a fumble. Muffed snaps are ruled dead balls and the ball will be spotted where it hit the ground. A lateral intercepted in the air is NOT considered a fumble and may be advanced.

Ball stripping to cause a fumble is NOT permitted.

Game Balls

Game balls must be adult size. No youth or junior balls are permitted to be used during games.

Game Length

Games are played in two (2) twenty-minute halves. there will be a 5-minute halftime between halves. Games will start no later than ten (10) minutes past the scheduled game time..

Gender Equity

To ensure coed participation during games, a female player must be the operative player on offense at least once every three plays.

An operative player is defined as a player who:`

- Is the QB (Must attempt to advance the ball down the field running or passing the ball.)

- Is the intended receiver as judged by the referee.

- Is the running back (Must make an attempt to advance the ball down field.)

A pass intended for a female player, as judged by the referee, that is deflected by a female player and caught by a maple player is ruled a female play.

A pass deflected by a male player and caught by a female player is ruled a female play.

An operative player is NOT defined as a player who:

-Simply hands off the football.

-Receives a hand off and immediately gives the ball back to a male player before crossing the line of scrimmage.

A player who stands still and does not attempt to advance the ball down field.

The offensive team will be penalized with a loss of down if a female player is not the operative player at least once every three plays. If this occurs, the following play remains a female play.

Halftime

Halftime will be five (5) minutes in length. The referee holds the right to shorten halftime if the game is running behinds its scheduled time to be completed.

Holding

Holding an opposing player by any part of his/her body, including their uniform, to prevent them from making a play, is illegal. The penalty for holding is five (5) yards from the line of scrimmage and a replay of the down. the offense may decline the penalty and accept the result of the play if it wishes.

Illegal Contact

There is to be NO intentional contact between opposing players at the line of scrimmage or down field, including "Bump & Run." The team of the player who initiates illegal contact will be penalized five (5) yards from the line of scrimmage & the down will be replayed.

If contact is deemed excessive by the referee, an unnecessary roughness penalty of ten (10) yards may be assessed in addition to the illegal contact penalty, thus making the penalty fifteen (15) yards. Rough play will not be tolerated and may result in an ejection from the game and/or removal from the league as judged by the Commissioner.

Illegal Forward Pass

The quarterback may not throw a pass once he/she has crossed the line of scrimmage. The penalty for an illegal pass is five (5) yards and loss of down. The defense has the option to decline the penalty and accept the result of the play.

Illegal Motion

Players may not be in motion in the direction of the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. The penalty for illegal motion is a dead ball, five (5) yard penalty, and repeat of down.

Legal Catch

Receivers need only one (1) foot in bounds while in possession of the ball for a passing play to be considered a legal catch.

If, in the judgment of the referee, a receiver would be able to legally catch a pass, but was pushed out of bounds by a defender while in the air, a completed pass will be awarded.

Receivers intentionally leaving the field of play are ineligible to receive a pass. This includes running out of the back of the endzone in an attempt to avoid a defender. The penalty for illegal touching is five yards from the original line of scrimmage AND loss of down.  However, a player who runs out of bounds may legally catch a ball that was tipped or touched by another player.

Line-up

Each team shall field no more than eight (8) players, with at least three (3) women on the field. Teams unable to field a "full" team may play with a minimum of six (6) players (4 men & 2 women). Teams not able to field the minimum number of six (6) players may play a "legal" game with a short-handed line-up with the consent of the opposing team's captain. The opposing team also has the right to elect to receive a forfeit win if it so desires.

Mercy Rule

If one team is leading by seventeen (17) points or more, the clock will run continuously during the last two minutes of the game.

Offensive Pass Interference

An offensive player may not interfere with a defensive players attempt to intercept a pass. The penalty for offensive pass interference is a five (5) yard penalty from the line of scrimmage and repeat of down.

Off Sides (Including Illegal Rush)

The team of a player that crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped or before the rush has been completed will be called for offsides. The penalty for offsides is a dead ball, a five (5) yard penalty, and repeat of down.

Overtime

There is no overtime during round robin games. Tie games during the round robin will remain a tie.

Playoff tournament overtime games will be decided by an alternating 4-downs-and-out format. Each team will receive an offensive possession on the opponents first down marker. The team that scores the most points during its possession wins the game. If the game is tied after each team has an offensive possession, the process is repeated until there is a winner. A coin toss determines who possesses the ball first.

Penalties

Games will be played according to NCAA rules unless stated otherwise.

Picking

An offensive player may not set a pick for a fellow receiver. The penalty for a pick is five (5) yards from the line of scrimmage and loss of down. If the penalty occurs on fourth down, possession of the ball will go to the opposing team. If a catch was made during a play the referee called a pick, the play will be ruled no-catch.

Note: Some acceptable incidental contact will occur while players are running routes and within the normal course of play. Picks will not be called after incidental contact.

Punts

A punt must be declared before it is executed. All punts are "free" punt, as they may not be blocked. Fake punts are not allowed.

Punts are "Open" plays and may be executed by a male or female player.

The punting team does not have to snap the ball before punting. All punts must be kicked. The team punting the ball may not cross the line of scrimmage until the ball has been punted. The is no minimum number of players that must be on the line of scrimmage at the time the punt is executed.

Downfield blocking after the punt is not allowed.

A caught punt is a live ball and may be returned up field.

A punted ball that touches the ground is a dead ball.

A punt kicked through the endzone will be spotted on the eight (8) yard line.

A punt downed in the endzone by the receiving team will be spotted on the eight (8) yard line.

Quarterback Snaps

The ball must be snapped to the quarterback to begin play. Quarterbacks may not snap the ball to themselves.

The ball must be touching the ground when the center snaps the ball to the quarterback.

The center does not have to snap the ball between his/her legs. The ball may be snapped in a backward lateral-type fashion.

Reaching Over Line Of Scrimmage

Once the ball has been snapped, a defensive player may reach across the line of scrimmage in an attempt to tag the ball carrier. However, the defensive player's feet must remain behind the line of scrimmage until the referee's count has been completed or the ball has changed hands.

Referees

Games will be refereed by officials trained & assigned by the PSL.

Rush

Referees are responsible for calling the rush count for both teams.

The rush count will be as follows:

"1-one thousand, 2-one thousand, 3-one thousand, 4-one thousand, GO!!"

A defensive player who rushes the quarterback before the referee calls "GO!!," will be penalized for being off-sides.

During Blitz Division games, the defensive team may blitz the quarterback once during each set of downs. Only one (1) defensive player may blitz. Upon the ball being snapped and touched by the quarterback, one (1) defensive player may blitz the quarterback. The defensive player blitzing the quarterback must call "BLITZ" for all to hear, including both teams and the referees before it rushes the quarterback or the play will be ruled off-sides on the defense. Only the player calling the blitz may execute the blitz. The blitzing player may not cross the line of scrimmage until the quarterback touches the snapped ball. The penalty for an illegal blitz is considered off-sides on the defense and will result in a penalty of five (5) yards and replay of downs. 

Sacks

If a quarterback is sacked, the ball is spotted where he/she was tagged.

If a male player is the quarterback on a play which could be either a male or female play and he is sacked, the play stands as a male play, no matter who was the intended receiver.

If the play was a designated female play and a male quarterback is sacked, the play stands as a male play and the following play must again be a female play.

Safeties

A two (2) point safety will be awarded to the defensive team if a player from the offensive team:

- Is tagged in his/her own end zone while in possession of the football, excepte during punt returns,

- Crosses the back of his/her endzone while in possession of the football,

- Snaps the ball across the back line of his/her endzone,

- Fumbles the ball in the endzone.

As a result of a safety, the defensive team receives two (2) points and the offensive team must punt a "free" kick from its own eight (8) yard line.

A player having intercepted a pass or received a punt in the endzone cannot be tagged in the endzone for a safety unless he/she has previously crossed the plane of the endzone with the football and returned to the endzone in an attempt avoid being tagged.

Scoring

Touchdowns are worth six (6) points. The team scoring a touchdown has the option to attempt a one (1) point or two (2) point PAT (Point After Touchdown). A one (1) point PAT attempt is made from the three (3) yard line and a two (2) point PAT is made from the ten (10) yard line.

A ball intercepted during a two (2) point PAT attempt may be returned by the defense for a two (2) point touchdown.

Safeties are worth two (2) points.

Shoes

No metal spikes or metal pointed cleats permitted. However, players should wear plastic cleats.

Shovel Passes

Shovel passes are legal forward passes

Sidelines

Substitute players may NOT stand on the sideline on fields that share a sideline with another field. Substitute players must remain beyond one of the endzones during these games so they do not interfere with the playing of the game or the referees.

Sleeper Play

The "Sleeper Play," an offensive player sneaking onto the field and not joining the huddle in an attempt to run downfield without being covered by the defense, is illegal. The penalty for executing such a play is ten (10) yards from the previous spot of the ball and replay of down.

Stoppage Of Play

Play will continue until:

- The ball carrier is tagged by an opposing player with two (2) hands simultaneously,

- The ball carrier leaves the field of play,

- The ball touches the ground as a result of a fumble or incomplete pass,

- One (1) of the ball carrier's knees touches the ground,

- The ball carrier scores a touchdown.

Time

Games will be divided into two (2) twenty (20) minute halves. There will be a running game clock, except for the last minute of the first half and the last two (2) minutes of the second half. The game clock will be maintained by the referee. During the first nineteen (19) minutes o f the first half and the first eighteen (18) minutes of the second half, the clock will run continuously except during time-outs, serious injuries and/or disputed calls, as judged by the referee.

Each team is permitted two (2) one (1) minute time-outs per game.

During the final minute of the first half and the final two (2) minutes of the second half, the referee will stop the game clock:

- After an incomplete pass,

- When the ball is carried out-of-bounds,

When either team scores (The clock will remain off during the PAT attempt and will not start until the opposing team snaps the ball during its next possession),

During the change of possession,

When a penalty is being marked off,

When a team calls time-out.

Halftime will be five (5) minutes, time permitting. The referee holds the right to shorten halftime if the game is running behind its scheduled allotted time to be completed.

If one team is leading by seventeen (17) points or more, the clock will run continuously during the last two minutes of the game.

Tie Breakers & Seeding

1. Overall Record
2. Point Differential
3. Total Points Scores
4. Coin Flip

Unnecessary Roughness

Unnecessary roughness, such as rough-touching and grabbing jerseys, will not be tolerated. Unnecessary roughness will result in a ten (10) yard penalty from the point of the infraction and automatic first down. Extreme roughness may result in ejection from the game and/or league as determined by the referee and/or Commissioner.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Any unsportsmanlike conduct as judged by the referee will result in a ten (10) yard penalty from the point of the infraction.

Unsportsmanlike conduct includes, but is not limited to, taunting, excessive arguing with the referee, a fellow player, or an opposing player, pushing, biting, scratching, fighting, the use of profanity, etc...

Excessive unsportsmanlike conduct is subject to suspension and/or removal from the league entirely as judged by the Commissioner.

• 30-minute game length MAX.
• Each team may have up to 6 defensive players, but not specific positions are required except pitcher.  Pitching changes may only occur at the start of the inning.
• Games official after 3-innings if team is winning by 10+ runs.  Max 7 runs scores per inning.
• Batter start with 1 ball, 1 strike count (1 courtesy foul).
• NO GLOVES ALLOWED TO BE WORN AT ANY TIME.
• All Players must be in the batting lineup and it is set at the start of the game.  Batting out of order will result in an out.
• No Leading or Stealing.  Runners must wait til contact before they leave the base.
• PITCHERS PARADISE - If the pitcher has the ball in the restricted area, they can yell out any base & attempt to get the runner out.  To call an out, the pitcher must have at least 1 foot on the pitching rubber & catch the ball before the runner reaches the base.  Pitch must clearly yell out loud for the umpire to hear.
• Fielders can peg runners to get them out
• NO BUNTING
• NO SLIDING - All plays at the base are force outs.

*Futsal Ball used in Game Play

**ALL COED LEAGUES MUST HAVE AT LEAST ONE (1) WOMAN PRESENT AT THE START OF THE GAME.  If only one (1) woman is present, teams may elect to play shorthanded.  If no female players are present, the game will result in a forfeit.  A scrimmage should still be played. 

Fouls & Infractions

A PSL referee will be present to officiate the game and make all calls.

All penalties result in direct kicks. The ball is to be placed at the point of the infraction and to be put in play by any player on the affected team. No opposing player is allowed to be within five (5) paces of ball prior to kick.

Goals may be scored on direct kicks. A direct kick is to follow these infractions:

1. Charging
2. Roughness
3. Obstruction
4. Handball
5. Dangerous Play/Kick
6. Slide Tackles
7. Excessive Body Checking
8. Excessive Hand Usage Against Wall

Red and Yellow cards will be issued at the referee's discretion.  A yellow card signifies a hard foul worthy of a warning followed by a red card for any subsequent hard foul.  The yellow warning card can be bypassed for an immediate red card for severe fouls or unsportsmanlike behavior.  Yellow cards result in a direct kick and a mandatory substitution of the carded player for a minimum of 2 minutes. Red cards result in a direct kick and the ejection of the carded player, with additional discipline levied by league management up to and including permanent expulsion from PSL.

Penalties incurred within the basketball 3 point arc will be kicked from anywhere along the arc. The defense must stand half the distance between where the ball is being kicked from and the goal.

Slide tackling will not be allowed. Intentional slide tackles will result in a red card and a direct kick being awarded to the opposing team at the point of the infraction.

Multiple violations or any flagrant violation will result in expulsion from the tournament.

Game Format

Two (2) Fourteen minute (halves), running clock.  Switch sides at half.

General Rules

Please visit http://www.phillyleagues.com/pages/generalrules.

Goal Play

The keepers can use their hands within the designated goalie boxes per facility/referee. The ball can be picked up by the keeper after an opposing player is last to touch the ball or a teammate passes the ball with their head. The keeper can throw the ball back in play short of half court on the fly. If the ball touches the other half, its a free kick at the half line for the other team. A ball placed on the ground to be played in a kicking manner is considered in play and can be kicked as far as desired, but it is a live ball. Drop kicking and punting are prohibited.

Kick-off

Team captains will shoot rock, paper, scissors to determine which team kicks-off. The team that wins can decide to kick the ball off or choose which half to defend. Kick-off consists of the ball being placed at mid-court and once kicked, must complete 1 forward rotation before being touched by another player. The other team kicks-off to start the second half and teams must switch sides of the court / goals after the half.

Offside & Out Of Bounds

There is no offside penalty. The back of the nets and back of the backboards are along with ANY piping connected to the ceiling are considered out of play.  The goal keepers gain possession of the ball when the ball comes into contact with these areas.  All other surfaces inside the gym are considered in play.

Playoff and Overtime Procedures

• Overtime Procedures
• Head to Head
• Coin Flip

Rotation & Substitutions

• Player Substitutions may happen on the fly
• Goalkeeper Substitutions MUST WAIT for a stoppage in play and acknowledgement by the referee. Substitutions are granted at the discretion of the referee. Play cannot be restarted until the referee has instructed accordingly.

Set-up & Teardown

The first 5 minutes of each time  slot is intended to be time allotted for warm-up. After the warm-up period the  goals are to be moved into game position against the walls on far sides of the  court and aligned with the basketball backboards.  At the end of play for the first and last  groups, the goals and all other facility property is to be moved back to the  location where they were originally found.   PSL league futsal balls must be used as official game balls.

Critical Information

Please do not bring dogs, glass bottles or alcohol, to the rooftop field. Smoking on any part of the property including both the Parking Lot & the Roof is prohibited.

Teams with insufficient players at Check-In will forfeit their game.  PSL will be providing tournament shirts for all registered team members.  Only eligible players are allowed to take the field.

**ALL TOURNAMENT GAMES MUST HAVE AT LEAST ONE (1) WOMAN PRESENT AT THE START OF THE GAME.  If only one (1) woman is present, teams may elect to play shorthanded.  If no female players are present, the game will result in a forfeit.

Fouls & Infractions

A PSL referee will be present to officiate the game and make all calls.

All penalties result in indirect kicks. The ball is to be placed at the point of the infraction and to be put in play by any player on the affected team. No opposing player is allowed to be within five (5) paces of ball prior to kick.

Goals may not be scored on indirect kicks. An indirect kick is to follow these infractions:

1. Charging
2. Roughness
3. Obstruction
4. Handball
5. Dangerous Play/Kick
6. Slide Tackles
7. Excessive Body Checking
8. Excessive Hand Usage Against Wall

Red and Yellow cards will be issued at the referee's discretion.  A yellow card signifies a hard foul worthy of a warning followed by a red card for any subsequent hard foul.  The yellow warning card can be bypassed for an immediate red card for severe fouls or unsportsmanlike behavior.  Yellow cards result in a direct kick and a mandatory substitution of the carded player for a minimum of 2 minutes. Red cards result in a direct kick and the possible ejection of the carded player.

Slide tackling will not be allowed. Intentional slide tackles will result in a red card and a direct kick being awarded to the opposing team at the point of the infraction.

Multiple violations or any flagrant violation will result in expulsion from the tournament.

Game Format

Two (2) Fourteen minute (halves), running clock.  Switch sides at half.

Goal Play

The keepers can use their hands within the designated goalie boxes per facility/referee. The ball can be picked up by the keeper after an opposing player is last to touch the ball or a teammate passes the ball with their head. The keeper can throw the ball back in play short of half court on the fly. If the ball touches the other half, its a free kick at the half line for the other team. A ball placed on the ground to be played in a kicking manner is considered in play and can be kicked as far as desired, but it is a live ball. Drop kicking and punting are prohibited.

Kick-off

Team captains will shoot rock, paper, scissors to determine which team kicks-off. The team that wins can decide to kick the ball off or choose which half to defend. Kick-off consists of the ball being placed at mid-court and once kicked, must complete 1 forward rotation before being touched by another player. The other team kicks-off to start the second half and teams must switch sides of the court / goals after the half.

Offside & Out Of Bounds

There is no offside penalty. The back of the nets and back of the backboards are along with ANY piping connected to the ceiling are considered out of play.  The goal keepers gain possession of the ball when the ball comes into contact with these areas.  All other surfaces inside the gym are considered in play.

Overtime

There is no overtime during round robin games. Tie games during the round robin will remain a tie.

Playoff tournament bracket games will result in a shoot-out.

Rotation & Substitutions

• Player Substitutions may happen on the fly
• Goalkeeper Substitutions MUST WAIT for a stoppage in play and acknowledgement by the referee. Substitutions are granted at the discretion of the referee. Play cannot be restarted until the referee has instructed accordingly.

Tie Breakers & Seeding

Teams receive 3 points for a win & 1 point for a tie.  The following order will determine bracket seedings:

1. Overall Record
2. Head to Head
3. Goal Differential
4. Total Goals Scored
5. Coin Flip