Tournament Rules
 
 
 

 

2025 MEN'S & WOMEN'S SOFTBALL

TOURNAMENT RULES & REGULATIONS

 

COACHES AND/OR CAPTAINS WILL BE REQUIRED TO CHECK OUR WEBSITE ON A REGULAR BASIS FOR UPDATES AS INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED HERE.

 

First and foremost:

All players must have original photo ID (passport, health card with photo, license etc) so we can verify their identity at any point during the tournament.

Also, this is a Muslim-only tournament. All participants MUST be of the Islamic faith (ie. any sect). Just having a Muslim-sounding name, hanging around Muslims, or just thinking about becoming Muslim are not good enough reasons.

 

 

Salaam Cup Softball Tournament Rules of Play 

 

DOWNLOAD 1-PAGE RULES AND FORMATS DOCUMENT FOR WOMEN'S HERE

DOWNLOAD 1-PAGE RULES AND FORMATS DOCUMENT FOR MEN'S HERE

 

WOMEN'S SPECIFIC TOURNAMENT RULES IN PURPLE.

MEN'S SPECIFIC TOURNAMENT RULES IN BLUE.
NEW FOR 2025 IN RED

 

Section 1. GENERAL GOVERNING RULES:
 

1-1 All rules and/or principals not specifically addressed in the following tournament rules and amendments will be specified in the Harmonized Play Slo-Pitch Rules and SPN Rulebook. 

1-2 Any rule, situation or incident not covered will be reviewed and decided by the Umpire in Chief.

1-3 Appeals and protests will be reviewed by the Tournament UIC for further actions. The Disciplinary Committee for Softball is headed by the Umpire in Chief and is a completely separate entity from the Salaam Sports Executive committee.  This will ensure an unbiased approach and will avoid any sort of conflict of interest.  Salaam Sports will not be dealing with nor making any decisions with respect to the suspensions and fines moving forward.  The committee (which consists of the UIC and their team of Officials) will deal with all incidents at all Salaam Cup Softball Tournaments and make decisions. The Salaam Sports Executives will uphold those decisions and implement them and enforce them.   The Umpire in Chief may consult or ask for feedback from Salaam Sports Executive members, scorekeepers, volunteers, players or members of the community if they wish, but ultimately, it is the Umpire in Chief’s sole decision along with their team to make these rulings at all Salaam Cup Softball Tournaments.

1-4 All rules must be strictly adhered to. Umpires or team reps do not have the right to waive or change these rules.

1-5 The possession or use of intoxicants, including drugs and alcohol, is strictly prohibited at all Salaam Cup facilities and venues for both players and spectators. Anyone found in violation will be removed from the tournament without refund. As this is a Muslim tournament, coaches and captains are responsible for ensuring this rule is communicated to all team members and supporters. For safety reasons, players under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted to participate and will be removed from the game.

1-6 First aid is the responsibility of the team captain. Band aids, ice packs, athletic tape can be used in the event of minor injury/scrapes/bruises. If a Salaam Cup Sports representative is on hand when there is an injury, we will be happy to assist. There may be a first-aid kit on-site, but please be prepared for all situations.

1-7 Players may be requested to provide proof of identity. Sufficient proof of identity may be two pieces of identification (one of which must have a photograph attached) both bearing player signature for comparison purposes. Note: The tournament committee may, at its discretion, accept visual verification of identity from recognized personnel as proof of identity in exceptional circumstances. Failure to present ID penalty will be determined by the Tournament UIC.

1-8 Tournament organizers retain the right to revise the tournament schedule at any time for any reason to ensure the completion of play and determine tournament placement.


Section 2. THE GAME:
 

2-1 GAME TIMES will be as follows: 

  • ROUND ROBIN FOR ALL DIVISIONS - maximum of 7 innings or 1 hour and 5 minutes. Last inning will be called at the 50-minute mark and the next inning will be open. Ties allowed in round robin after seven innings or if time expires.

  • QUALIFIER AND QUARTER FINALS FOR ALL DIVISIONS - maximum of 7 innings or 1 hour and 10 minutes. Last inning will be called at the 55-minute mark and the next inning will be open. Ties will be played out and the SPN International Tiebreaker will be in effect.

  • SEMIS & FINALS FOR ALL DIVISIONS - full 7 innings will be played. Ties will be played out and the SPN International Tiebreaker will be in effect.

  • ROUND ROBIN FOR ALL DIVISIONS - maximum of 7 innings or 1 hour and 5 minutes. Last inning will be called at the 55-minute mark and the next inning will be open. Ties allowed in round robin after seven innings or if time expires.

  • QUALIFIER AND QUARTER FINALS FOR MINOR & REC DIVISIONS - maximum of 7 innings or 1 hour and 10 minutes. Last inning will be called at the 60-minute mark and the next inning will be open. Ties will be played out and the SPN International Tiebreaker will be in effect.

  • SEMIS & FINALS FOR ALL DIVISIONS - full 7 innings will be played. Ties will be played out and the SPN International Tiebreaker will be in effect.

  • ALL MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYOFF GAMES – full 7 innings will be played. Ties will be played out and the SPN International Tiebreaker will be in effect.

 

2-2 MERCY RULE is 12 runs ahead after 5 innings or 4 ½ if the home team is ahead.

2-3 Once an inning starts, it must be completed (exception: safety).

2-4 A game may be called in the middle of an inning for safety reasons only (darkness, weather, possible injury, etc.) Any decisions to cancel games due to weather/lightning will likely be made at the field at the designated start time. Games suspended by weather or darkness will continue from where they are left off. If the game cannot be resumed within 2 hours of the stopping time, decisions will be made in the best interests of the tournament. Refunds cannot be issued due to cancelled games.

2-5 International Tie Breaker: The tiebreaker method starts in the top of the eighth (8th) inning and continues each inning thereafter. The offensive (at bat) team shall begin its half inning with one out and with the player whose name precedes the next legal batter in the batting order starting as a runner at second base. Regular substitution rules will apply to this runner. Note that this is used for playoff games only and round robin games can end in ties. (Sec. 93)

2-6 Teams must be at their assigned diamond and ready to play 15 minutes prior to their scheduled time. There will be no grace period at the start of the game.

2-7 DEFAULT: In the event of a default, the score will be recorded as 7-0.

2-8 DEFAULT FIRST TWO GAMES: Any team that defaults the first two games is eliminated. DEFAULT FINE: 1. A team will be fined $200 for the first game default; $250 for the 2nd game default. 3. A default fine may be waived by the Executives in exceptional circumstances. 4. All default fines and late payment fines will be strictly enforced.

2-9 INNING MERCY RULE: Five (5) runs per team per inning. Last inning is open. 

2-10 BALLS AND STRIKES: The umpire will be responsible for determining BALLS and STRIKES. A strike-zone mat or board will be used. A legally pitched ball that hits the mat or the home plate before it hits the ground, will be called a strike. Batter stepping on the plate is out, stepping on the mat is also out. Batters area in effect. 

2-11 HOME RUN RULE “MATCH PLUS THREE” is in effect in all fenced parks or parks with a designated out of play area. At no time during a game will the number of home runs (over the fence or out of play) hit by one team be more than three (3) more than the number of home runs hit by the opposing team. When a home run is hit, that is in excess of the number allowed, the batter will be declared OUT.

2-12 Home team will be determined by a coin toss in round robin. In playoffs, higher seed will have the option to be the home or away team.

2-13 Tie Breaker will be as followed for playoff seeding:

  1. Head to Head (THIS ONLY APPLIES TO 2 TEAMS TIED IN THE STANDINGS; IF 3 OR MORE TIED, GO TO CRITERIA #2) 

  2. Run Differential (RUNS FOR MINUS RUNS AGAINST)

  3. Runs For

  4. Coin Toss 

2-14 Anticipation while running is allowed, lead offs are forbidden. Runner(s) may leave a base only if the ball is hit, crosses home plate or hits the ground. Anticipation rule is in effect. 

2-15 All at-bats will begin with a 1-1 count; foul with two strikes will be a strikeout. 

2-16 FIVE MAN INFIELD: 

  • WOMEN’S - Five-woman infield can be used in all Women’s Divisions. A minimum of three outfielders must start on the grass, until contact is made with the ball. (NEW FOR 2025)

  • MEN’S - Five-man infield can be used in all Men’s Divisions. A minimum of three outfields must start on the grass, until contact is made with the ball. 


2-17 ROUND ROBIN FORMAT WITH PLUS-MINUS RUN DECIDING FACTOR: The MAXIMUM plus-minus difference, PER GAME PER TEAM, is plus seven runs or minus seven runs. (As per SPN - Sec 5); This =/-7 runs score will be visible on the website. The ACTUAL score runs scored vs runs against may come into play only for tie breaker criterial when determining playoff seedings.

 

Section 3. THE PLAYING FIELD:
 

3-1 BASES: 

  • Women’s Divisions: Bases will be set at sixty-five (65) feet from the back of home plate to the outside of the base. 

  • Men’s Divisions: Bases will be set at seventy (70) feet from the back of home plate to the outside of the base.

 

3-2 PITCHING ZONE: The "Pitching Zone" is 24 inches wide by 15 feet long, running 50 feet from home plate to 65 feet from home plate. The pitch must be delivered with the pivot foot within the pitching zone. (as per SPN rules). The Strike plate will be an SPN mat or board of 22" x 40" and will be covering the whole plate embedded in the diamond as well.

3-3 PITCHING HEIGHT: The pitched ball must have a perceptible arc of at least 6 feet from the ground before it passes any part of home plate / strike mat and shall not reach a height of more than 12 feet at its highest point from the ground (As per SPN rules)

3-4 COMMITMENT LINE: In Effect. Base runner must continue once any part of his body is over (and on the ground) past the commitment line. (As per SPN rules)

3-5 SCORING LINE at home plate must be crossed with a portion of the foot on or over the line and on the ground. Force out at home plate. (As per SPN rules)

 

Section 4. EQUIPMENT:
 

4-1 THE OFFICIAL BAT: Authorized bat manufacturers shall have the USSSA, ASA 2004 compliance mark located on the bat. All other bats are not approved for use. The legality of a bat is up to the Umpire in Chief. All bats must be out of the bags and on the fence prior to inspection by the Umpire. Bats left in bat bags will not be permitted.

4-2 NON-APPROVED BATS: The batter is out and ejected from the game if they enter the batter’s area with an illegal bat.

4-3 SOFTBALLS:

  • Women’s Division: The official softball of SCS women’s tournament is a 11” Worth Hot Dot. Umpires will be supplied with a set number of balls for each game.

  • Men’s Division: The official softball of SCS men’s tournament is a 12” Worth Hot Dot. Umpires will be supplied with a set number of balls for each game.

4-4 BASES: Bases will be provided by SPN and will be down at all diamonds. 

4-5 SHOES: NO METAL SPIKES are allowed. (As per SPN) Players will be automatically ejected from the game. A second occurrence will result in player suspension.

4-6 HOME PLATE / STRIKE MATS: Refer to Sec. 3A and Sec. 3B of SPN Rules for exact measurements.

4-7 Protective Equipment: Protective face gear is mandatory for all pitchers. Protective headgear with face protection is strongly recommended. In the interest of player safety, we would also encourage all batter/ base runners to wear helmets. (As per Harmonized PSP Rules) NEW FOR 2025 

 

Section 5. PLAYERS & SUBSTITUTES:
 

5-1 All players eligible to play in a game must be listed on the line-up card submitted to the umpire. The line-up card must list the surname, given name and uniform number (if available) of the line-up players in the correct batting order. The surname, given name and uniform number (if available) of all substitutes must also be listed on the line-up card for each of the participating teams (As per SPN).
 

5-2 Short-Handed Rule - Teams may start a game with a minimum of 9 players. However, an out shall be declared when the tenth position in the line-up is scheduled to bat. A tenth player may be added to the tenth position any time before the end of the game. Any team that starts a game with ten or more players may drop to the minimum of (9) players to finish the game. All vacant spot(s) in the line-up will be declared an out every time that line-up position is due to bat. 

Exception: If a player is ejected from the game, leaving a team with less than ten 10 players, the game is forfeited.


5-3 UNLIMITED BATTING ORDER - A team may bat as many players as they wish – maximum of 10 players on the field at any one time. If a player is removed from the game due to an injury, an automatic out will be recorded the first time that player is due to bat if there is no substitute for them. If a player is removed due to an ejection, an automatic out will be recorded each time the player is due to bat if there is no substitute for them. A team must finish the game with at least 10 players in the line-up. (As per SPN - Sec 1)
 

5-4 All players on the line-up must be present at the start of the game. The start of the game is at the Coaches conference with the umpire.

5-5 SUBSTITUTION: Starting player may be pulled from the line-up and re-entered once back in the same spot in the batting order. Substitutes may take the place of a starting player. Once a substitute has been pulled from the line-up, he/she may not re-enter the game. All substitutions must be reported to the umpire and the opposing team rep or scorekeeper. (As per SPN Rules)

5-6 COURTESY RUNNERS: Maximum THREE (3) courtesy runners per game. Any team member can run and one person can be a pinch runner more than once. NOTE: If a courtesy runner is on base when their turn at bat comes, the at-bat is recorded as an OUT. Substitutions or changing out runners to avoid the OUT may not be used. If a courtesy runner is used to replace an injured player, it will count against your teams three courtesy runners.

5-7 PITCHER REPLACEMENT RULE/TEMPORARY RUNNER: A temporary runner can be used for a pitcher who is on base with two out, who wears visible outer protective equipment to pitch (ex. mask). This is to permit the pitcher to don their protective equipment and not delay the game. The following provisions apply:

  1. It is optional.

  2. There must be two out. 

  3. If the pitcher is on base with less than two outs, the temporary runner must be used after the second out occurs. 

  4. The temporary runner can be anyone on the line-up card.

  5. If the pitcher is the runner in the tie-breaker situation, they will be considered the same as if they had batted and would be replaced by a temporary runner with two out. 

  6. Re-entry and substitution rules are waived for the temporary runner. 

  7. If a temporary runner is due to go bat, any other player on the line-up card can be used for the temporary runner without penalty.

5-8 The MINIMUM AGE to participate is SIXTEEN (16) as of December 31 of that year, or FIFTEEN (15 actual age) with signed approval of parent or guardian. For safety reasons, no player under the age of FIFTEEN (15) will be considered. Any player found violating this rule will result in ejection from the game.

Section

6. UMPIRES:


6-1 PROTESTS: All player protests must be submitted in writing at the tournament headquarters no later than 15 minutes after the game accompanied with a protest fee of 150.00. You cannot protest player rankings. All other protest situations must be handled at the time of the incident at the diamond by the teams and game umpires and UIC and must be accompanied by a 150.00 protest fee (cash or e-transfer). No refund of protest fee will be considered if the protest is found invalid.

6-2 Umpires watch is official time.

6-3 Umpires will submit official scores after every game. Team Captain/Coach is responsible for ensuring the final scores posted are correct.

 

Section 7. GROUND RULES:
 

7-1. Ground rules for specific parks / diamonds should be reviewed before each game by the umpire and the team representatives.

7-2. All ground rules are subject to change. Additional ground rules may be applied as a result of temporary field conditions, weather, etc.

 

Section 8. TEAM CAPTAIN AND COACH RESPONSIBILITIES
 

8-1 The team captain/coach is required to know the rules of the sport, as well as tournament-specific rules outlined here for the Salaam Cup Softball Tournament. Coaches/captains must ensure that teams are aware of all guidelines and rules.

8-2 Team captains/coaches are responsible for line-up/roster exchange prior to the start of the game.

8-3 The team captain/coach is responsible for ensuring the final scores posted are correct. Any discrepancies in scores submitted by both teams must be brought to the attention of the tournament convener immediately. All discrepancies must be reported within 60 minutes of the score being posted. After 60 minutes, all recorded scores stand.

8-4 Along with the umpire, team captains/coaches are also responsible to keep track of game time. Any discrepancies should be noted by the Coach to the Umpire immediately.

8-5 Every captain/coach must identify themselves to the Umpire before the start of their game. Only the captain and/or coach is permitted to discuss an Umpires call with the other captain and/or coach and the umpire. Umpires decision is Final during the game.

8-6 No infield practice allowed. Coaches/Captains are responsible to ensure no member of their team is using the infield before and in-between games. All practice must occur on the grass to ensure adequate field conditions for all scheduled games. If violation to this rule is noted, the team will receive a verbal warning from the UIC/umpire/executive committee. At the second occurrence of violation, the team will be fined $50.00. The team's next scheduled game will not resume until payment is made. Discretion will be applied.

8-7 Forfeiting Games: Forfeiting is not allowed. Any team that forfeits a round-robin game may be disqualified without a refund and may be banned from future Salaam Cup tournaments. Fines may also be imposed. All such decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis by the UIC and Salaam Sports.

 

Section 9. REQUIREMENT FOR PLAYERS
 

9-1 All players must be of Islamic Faith.

9-2 We ask that all players ensure they act in an appropriate manner throughout the tournament. This includes being mindful of your words, clothing, and actions when you are on the tournament grounds. Salaam Sports may remind players and spectators to mind their manners but will turn to team leaders to intervene should issues arise.

9-3 Salaam Sports will encourage a family environment during this tournament. We will NOT be controlling spectators while games are being played and the onus is on the player to take this into consideration before agreeing to participate.

9-4 No player is allowed to be on more than one team roster. Each player is NOT allowed to play in multiple divisions.

9-5 Since this is a Muslim tournament, we kindly ask that both females and males ensure modest/appropriate clothing is worn throughout the tournament (i.e. looser fit, full length pants or tights for the ladies, tops must meet bottoms, appropriate length of shorts for the males).

9-6 Teams are encouraged to wear matching jerseys or uniforms. Salaam Cup T-shirts are provided in various colors to help distinguish teams during the tournament. Any jersey or uniform displaying vulgar, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate content will not be permitted. Organizers may require that the clothing be removed or altered so the inappropriate elements are not visible.

9-7 Players are asked to be mindful of their environment when changing in public and we encourage you to utilize restrooms when doing so.

 

Section 10: SCHEDULING:
 

10-1: Game Times and Matchups: Due to the high number of registered teams in our tournaments, it has become unfeasible to accommodate special scheduling requests regarding game times and days. Therefore, we have implemented a randomized scheduling system. This means that submitting fees early does not guarantee preferred scheduling. 

Here's how it works: 

  1. A preliminary schedule is created with numbered slots based on the total number of teams. 

  2. A live online random draw assigns each team to a number, determining their game times and matchups. 

  3. This ensures fairness and eliminates bias, as no special requests are considered. 

  4. The final schedule with team matchups and timings is then distributed to all participants. 

10-2: 4-Game Protocol: If any division possesses an ODD NUMBER of teams, the last team to pay their fees in that particular division will have to play 1 EXTRA game to make the schedule work.

 


The way this works is based on the following:

  • All teams play three (3) standard games, except for the last paying team, which will play four (4) games.

  • After the 4th game, the team representative will have to choose a number out of a hat in a random draw.

  • This chosen number will then represent which of the games will NOT COUNT towards their standings.

  • This game only affects the team doing the draw - their Win or Loss or Tie from that game will be eliminated, their runs for and runs against will also be eliminated.

  • Final playoff seedings will then be determined based on the remaining three (3) games that were played.

  • This protocol ensures ease of schedule construction, prevention of forfeiting, not allowing 'throwing' of games, and ensures proper level of play in all games scheduled.

 

11: Jerseys/Uniforms

Teams are highly encouraged to bring a uniformed colour/style jersey. Salaam Cup T-shirts are provided and come in various colours to distinguish teams in the tournament, if worn. Should a jersey or uniform depict vulgarity or is not appropriate in any manner, organizers have the right to ensure the jersey is either not worn, or elements of the clothing are hidden for appropriate consumption.

12: Forfeiting Games

No forfeits are permitted during the tournament. Teams that forfeit a round robin game may be disqualified from the tournament without refund.  They may also be banned from future salaam cup tournaments (hockey, basketball and softball).  Fines may also be imposed on the team.  The UIC and Salaam Sports will decide these and other situations on a case by case basis.

 

 

WOMEN'S TOURNAMENT FORMAT FOR 2025: 
POOL A - After Round Robin, #1 seed gets bye to semis; bottom 4 will play quarterfinals; #4 or #5 will face #1 in semis
POOL B - After Round Robin, Top 6 teams go to playoffs; #1 & #2 seeds get bye to semis

MEN'S TOURNAMENT FORMAT FOR 2025:
Major League - All teams make playoffs; Top 2 get a bye to Semis
Minor League - Top 16 make playoffs; Play 1vs16, 2 vs15 etc etc
Rec League - Top 24 make playoffs; Seeds 9 to 24 play WildCard game (Sunday morning) and winners will meet top 8 teams in prelim round
 

Need Clarification?
Email softball@thesalaamcup.com

 

 

Reminder: 
This is a Muslim-only tournament. All registrants MUST be of the Islamic faith (ie. any sect). Just having a Muslim-sounding name, hanging around Muslims or just thinking about becoming Muslim are not good enough reasons.

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