New and Updated Rules Summary for 2025

Waivers & Player Fees

All persons who are on the field of play must have signed a liability waiver for the current season. Anyone who refuses will be made to leave the field of play. 

A business owner who is a sponsor of a team may have their player fee waived for that team. This is non-transferable.

Cross-Divisional Play & Related Rules 

If a division has only three teams, cross-divisional play shall be used, unless determined otherwise by Board discretion. 

During cross-division play, if a team has at least 7 rostered players and are the lower division team, they will be permitted to pick up subs from the higher division they are playing. They are permitted to pick up to 3 players from this higher division but shall not exceed a total of 10 players in their lineup for the game. 

In the event of cross-divisional play, the over-the-fence home run limit of the lower division shall apply. 

Strike Mat & Related Rules

The strike mat shall have home plate cut out. A defensive player must touch the plate and have possession of the ball to record an out at home. A play where only the mat is touched shall not be considered an out. 

There shall be no tag plays at home plate. An out must be recorded by a player possessing the ball and touching home plate before the runner touches or crossing the safe line. 

The scoring line shall start 3 feet from the back corner of the right-handed batter’s box and extend to the fence in foul territory. A runner must touch or cross the scoring line to score. Any runner who runs to the left of the end of the line shall be out.

Score Submission Rule

A team must have the scores submitted by the start of that team’s next game on that team’s next night of play. Failure to do so shall be considered a forfeit loss for both teams. 

Update to Pitcher Courtesy Rule (USA Softball)

An additional courtesy runner is allowed anytime the pitcher is on base. The courtesy runner for the pitcher may be any eligible player. The courtesy runner for the pitcher does not count towards the one courtesy runner per inning.

Questions? Please contact your Board/League Representative regarding these rule updates. The list of JSA Board Members can be found HERE.

JSA Player Handbook

Please take moment to read through the JSA Handbook. All players and managers should be familiar with the rules and guidelines outlined in this document. Click the button below to download a copy:

Approved Equipment 

Planning to purchase a new bat? Multi-wall/composite bats are allowed for all players in all leagues. Only ASA/USA certified bats may be used during JSA league play and in JSA tournaments. Please refer to USA Softball guidelines and the yearly listings of legal bats. Click here for more information regarding USA Softball-approved bats. 

Metal cleats are not allowed. All pitchers are required to wear a protective mask. Beginning in 2023, JSA will no longer provide pitching masks to players. Managers and pitchers – please plan accordingly.