2024-2025 NEW USSSA/GSL RULE CHANGES

Batter 

Initially, the batter has 10 seconds to enter the batter’s box after the pitcher has the ball and the umpire signals, “PLAY BALL”.  A strike will be called for every delay over 10 seconds.

If the batter refuses to take his position in the batter’s box, delays longer than 10 seconds during his time at bat or both feet leave the batter’s box after taking position in the box, the umpire shall call a strike on the batter. The ball is dead, no runners may advance. After the penalty, the batter may take his proper position and the regular ball and strike count shall continue. If the batter delays and a second strike is called, the batter shall be declared out.

If the batter intentionally leaves the batter’s box and delays play, and none of the exceptions apply, the umpire shall award a strike without the pitcher having to deliver the pitch.

The batter shall remain in the batter’s box between pitches with these exceptions:

1. When the ball is batted fair or foul.
2. When forced out of the box by a pitch. Any pitch that causes the batter to move their feet.
3. On a wild pitch or passed ball.
4. When a play or appeal is attempted.
5. In the judgment of the umpire(s), weather conditions or play, warrant an exception.
6. When TIME is called, or a substitution is made.

Umpire may warn a batter for violation of one of the exceptions.

If the batter leaves the batter’s box and delays play, for any other reason

than 1-6 above:

1. The ball is dead.
2. Call a strike.
3. Any number of strikes can be made with each batter.

Pitchers

All pitchers are required to toe the rubber (Pitchers must have a part of their foot touching the rubber) There is no more pitchers’ box.

Substitutions 

All substitutions must be announced to the home plate umpire and be recorded.  Any unannounced substitutions that have been appealed by the opposing manager/team will result in the ejection of the illegal player. A new substitute may then be allowed to take the place of the illegal substitute. An illegal substitute appeal must be done before a pitch is delivered.

Bat Testing

All bats must conform and continue to perform within the current USSSA 240 Bat Standards.  All bats will be checked-in prior to the first game played in Qualifiers, Regionals & State events.  All teams will be allowed to check 25 bats total (meaning 20 pass and 5 don’t, that’s the total) .  The manager is required to make sure all bats being tested comply with the new USSSA 240 bat standard.  These bats must have the new USSSA stamp.  A manager’s signature may be required once bats have been tested.   All bats that fail compression will be returned to player without a valid tournament sticker.

Penalty:

Any bat without the 240 Thumbprint will be removed and the user/owner of the bat and the manager on the roster will be ejected for the duration of the tournament.  If no owner can be identified, the manager of that team will be ejected for the tournament. All ejection rules will apply to this ejection, so the offending player/coach/manager will not be allowed to attend the tournament.

• Tournament Directors will be keeping track of all failed bats (Team name, Owners Name, Bat Serial #, Make of bat, Oz of bat, Date Failed. If a bat shows up to a different USSSA or GSL event that PLAYER will be suspended for the remainder of the year, or they can choose to surrender the bat to the Connecticut USSSA office. Rule 2 sec 2E

Code of Conduct

Unsportsmanlike Conduct and Inappropriate Language

Any player caught using an “F Bomb” will be subject to immediate removal from the game.  Any “F Bomb” from the dugout will require the removal of the Team Coach if the guilty party cannot be identified by the umpires. Inappropriate gestures or taunting may be the cause for immediate removal from the game.  For any other use of profanity, the game will be stopped, and the offending Team Coach will be warned.  Any further foul language from the offender will be the cause for removal from the game under the “unsportsmanlike conduct” rule.

Foul Language

In keeping with our “Family” atmosphere, foul language will be dealt with immediately.  NO warning will be given and an ejection will occur. Further action by the USSSA National Office may also be included.

Threatening Remarks

Threatening players, coaches, sponsors, umpires, fans or making disparaging remarks toward anyone connected with USSSA will be reason for immediate ejection and may also include further action by the USSSA National Office.

Damaging Equipment

Damaging equipment, water coolers, bat buckets, or outward displays of uncontrolled anger will be grounds for immediate ejection.  Offending player/Team will be responsible to pay for any damaged item.

Fighting

Fighting of any kind is not allowed in USSSA/GSL.    All penalties will be assessed by TD and UIC and a representative from USSSA National Headquarters.  For severe fighting further sanctions may be handed down from USSSA National office.

Ejections and Disqualifications

In the event a player, coach or manager is ejected from a game, he or she must leave sight and sound of the playing field immediately.  The Tournament Director, UIC and Umpire(s) directly involved in the situation will determine how long the player, coach or manager must sit out.  Their decision is final and non-appealable.  All ejections will be sent to the Connecticut State Director for further review, with possibly providing a suspension and/or probation.

Game playing times

There will be NO grace time added prior to game start time * Teams must have line ups in and be ready for play 30 mins before scheduled game time * GAMES WILL START EARLY!

Except amended by the Connecticut State By-Laws Tournament rules, all rules of United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA/GSL) will be used.

Rosters must be filled out and approved Online @ usssa.com by the Wednesday before the event. All pending players will be removed and will not be able to play after 9pm. Rosters will be locked up until the Monday following the event.

There may be an emergency add-on at the State director’s approval. Each player must sign/approve the roster ONLINE to be eligible to play. * No players at a higher player ranking (PRV) can be added to the team.

SD/TD Can ask at any time for a player’s ID with or without a protest.

No Forfeit rule: At game-time, the game will start with as few as 9 players present. If there is less than 10, there will be an automatic out for the missing player.

A $100 protest fee must be filed with each protest. A protest is for a player NOT a team protest. Example: 1 Non-roster or Higher PRV = $100.00 Protest 5 player = $500.00 (This will be refunded if the protest is upheld). Protest will be handled on the spot, and the game will not continue until the protest has been settled.

All decisions are final.

If a player’s identity is questioned, that player must present a valid official license or photo identification to the tournament director within 5 minutes of the request or that player will be ruled Illegal.

All teams are responsible for their spectators. Coaches/ Teams may be ejected for poor spectator behavior.

Mens Ds 20 Run’s after 3 innings. 15 Runs after 4 innings. 10 Runs after 5 innings.

* With FLIP FLOP in USSSA events & With NO FLIP FLOP in GSL EVENTS

Tournament Director will supply the game balls. Mens will get 3 balls issued at check in.

Any Pro M USSSA or GSL stamped ball can be used in ANY qualifier event.

Regionals, USSSA & GSL State events the only ball allowed to be used is- TBD

Extra balls will be available at every event, cost $35.00 for 6 balls or $70.00 a DZ

Pitching Arc: 3’ from release and max 10’ from ground (USSSA)

5’ from ground and max 10’ from ground (GSL)

Home-Run Rule:

3 Home Runs, all others are inning ending outs. (USSSA EVENTS)

3 Home Runs + 1 DHH, all others are inning ending outs. (GSL EVENTS)

• ALL TEAM MUST TURN IN A LINE UP CARD, IT MUST SHOW WHO IS THE DHH for GSL.

Umpire will keep score.

Home team is required to have a score book, if there is a question, Umpire /Director will ask for score book. If home team does not have a book, TD/umpire will go to the visiting team’s book for a decision. If no book is present, TD/Umpire will make the decision.

PLAY USSSA!