This page highlights how TPSSA play differs from other senior softball sanctions. It is a guide for players and managers—not a substitute for the Official Rulebook.
The 2027 TPSSA Official Rulebook has final say. If anything here conflicts with the Rulebook, follow the Rulebook.
Questions at the park: ask the umpire or tournament director.
Code of Ethics
As a participant in a Tournament Players Senior Softball Association tournaments and World Championships, I agree to conduct myself as a gentleman or lady both on and off the field, and that when playing I will:
Article 1: Abide by the current “Tournament Players Senior Softball Guide and Playing Rules” to the best of my ability.
Article 2: Accept the decision of the umpires and my team manager in good sportsmanship.
Article 3: Neither taunt nor degrade my opponent.
Article 4: Avoid bodily contact that may cause injury to others or myself.
Article 5: Never direct abusive or profane language at officials or opponents.
Article 6: Exercise control over my family members and friends to the extent of Articles 3 and 5 above.
Article 7: Not commit any act that could be considered unsportsmanlike conduct.
Article 8: Never knowingly cheat, if caught cheating I will be immediately ejected. The Situation will be reviewed and pending decision may not be allowed to compete in other TPSSA events.
How TPSSA Differs
Field and scoring
- Bases are 70′ for all ages and divisions (tournament director may use 65′ for men’s 75+ and women’s senior divisions when feasible).
- A strike zone mat, commitment line (30′ from home scoring), and scoring line or scoring plate are used.
- After both feet touch or cross the commitment line, the runner is committed home and cannot be tagged out; defense retires the runner by touching the strike mat with the ball.
- A run scores when the runner’s foot is down on or past the scoring line (or on the scoring plate) before the defense gets the ball on the mat.
- Touching or crossing the strike mat or batter’s box while running home is an out.
Pitching and the count
- Legal pitch arc: 6 to 12 feet.
- Batters start with a 1–1 count (3 balls / 2 strikes). One waste foul is allowed after two strikes.
- Pitchers must wear a protective face mask while pitching.
Game structure
- Five runs per inning maximum, except the final open inning (unlimited). Major-Plus (40+ through 70+) is limited to seven runs per inning until the open inning.
- Mercy: 20 runs after 4 innings, or 15+ after 5 or 6 (Major-Plus 40–70 uses the same thresholds with its own section note in the Rulebook).
- Time limits: pool/seeding games 65 minutes + open inning; bracket games 70 minutes + open inning. Championship and “IF” games are untimed. Run rule stays in effect in championship play.
- Ties use the international tie-breaker (runner on second).
- No Flip Flop rule for 2027.
Home runs
Over-the-fence home run limits (extra HRs are a dead-ball out; runners do not advance). Hit and sit is allowed.
| Division | Over-the-fence HR limit |
|---|---|
| Major-Plus (50+–70+; also Men’s 40 Major-Plus) | 9 |
| Major (incl. Men’s 40 Masters Major) | 6 |
| AAA | 3 |
| AA | 1 |
A fair ball that clears the fence after being touched can be a four-base award and does not count toward the HR limit.
Courtesy runners and collisions
- Any rostered player on the lineup may courtesy-run; the same courtesy runner may not run more than once per inning (exception: open inning, same batter).
- Sliding or diving into first or the scoring area is only to avoid a collision (umpire judgment).
- Runners must make every effort to avoid contact; failing to avoid a collision can be an out.
Rosters, borders, and double rostering
- Roster size is tied to defensive player count (typically up to 20 / 22 / 24). Adds must be on the electronic roster before pool play; no day-of adds.
- Out-of-area: Men’s 50–60 (AA, AAA, Major) may have 2 non-bordering-state players. Men’s 65+ and all women’s: no border restrictions.
- Double rostering is allowed across two age divisions when skill levels meet TPSSA criteria; players must be on both rosters before the event. AA / AAA / Major may each roster up to 3 next-skill-level players (cannot drop two skill levels).
Equipment highlights
- Metal cleats are prohibited.
- Bats must be TPSSA-approved.
- Teams may bring their own pitching net (max 4′ × 8′); place and remove it between innings; pitcher toes the rubber when a net is used.
FAQ
What’s the count and foul rule?
Start 1–1. Three balls / two strikes. One waste foul after two strikes.
How do run limits and mercy work?
Five runs per inning (seven for Major-Plus 40–70) until the open inning. Mercy at 20 after 4, or 15+ after 5 or 6. See the Rulebook for division notes.
What are the home run limits?
Major-Plus 9, Major 6, AAA 3, AA 1 over the fence. Extras are dead-ball outs. Four-base awards do not count against the limit. Hit and sit is allowed.
How do courtesy runners work?
Any player on the official lineup may courtesy-run. Same runner can only run once per inning (open-inning exception runner can run for same player). Report to the umpire before the next pitch. A courtesy runner on base when due to bat is out at that base. They still bat unless it was the third out then they would lead off the next inning.
Who is home team? When is there an equalizer?
Home team is usually a coin flip. Exception: winners-bracket champion is home in the first finals game; an “IF” game is flipped again. When teams of unequal age or skill rating play, the older or lower-rated team receives an equalizer: 5 runs (1 per inning in innings 1–5), or (men’s 60 and under only) an extra defensive player instead. Men’s 65+ equalizer is the 5 runs only. The team giving the equalizer is home.
What are the border and double-roster rules?
Men’s 50–60 (AA/AAA/Major): two non-bordering-state players max. Men’s 65+ and all women: no border limit. Double rostering across two ages is allowed if skill rules are met and both rosters are set before the event.
Can we use a pitching net?
Yes, if your team provides it (max 4′ × 8′). Take it on and off between innings; pitcher must toe the rubber. It’s for safety, not distraction. With the net up, the pitcher cannot be the first player to touch a live ball except on an infield fly. A batted ball that hits the net is a strike; three consecutive net hits can be an out (see equipment notes above).
Metal cleats? Bat approval?
No metal cleats—ejection if found after the coin toss. Bats must be TPSSA-approved; altered/illegal bat penalties are in the Rulebook.
Where is the official Rulebook?
Download the full 2027 TPSSA Rulebook (PDF).