Below are links to the official 2023 OPBA Baseball and Softball Rules of Play. Please download and familiarize yourself with the Rules of Play for your age division. These rules will apply to playoffs unless otherwise modified by the OPBA Board prior to the playoffs. Any rules modifications will be provided to all coaches in each age division, as applicable. Please also note the links to the baseball and softball rules summary tables provided below.
2023 Spring 1 - 12U &14U Baseball Playoffs - Rules Clarifications/Modifications:
Click HERE for the 2023 Spring 1 Playoff Rules Clarifications/Modifications
OPBA Jersey Colors:
Home Jerseys = Navy
Away Jerseys = Gray
Significant Updates to 2023 Baseball Rules of Play:
10U: Infield Fly Rule is in effect all season for 10U baseball.
12U: Baserunners are permitted to steal home in all regular season games. This rule is described in detail in the 2023 12U Rules of Play.
12U: 12U overthrow rules have been conformed to 14U overthrow rules. I.e., on an overthrown ball that leaves the field of play, all runners advance two bases (not one). Please see the overthrow rules for 12U baseball in the 2023 12U Rules of Play for a detailed explanation of the overthrow rules.
All other 2023 Baseball Rules of Play are the same as the 2022 Baseball Rules of Play.
Significant Updates to 2023 Softball Rules of Play:
Updated Softball Pitching Rules:
10U, 12U, 14U: A pitcher may appear in no more than two innings per game. The innings do not need to be consecutive. A single pitch constitutes an inning pitched.
12U, 14U: Hit-By-Pitch: If any pitcher hits three batters in one inning where the batters are awarded the base, then the pitcher must be removed from the pitcher's position for the remainder of the inning. The removed pitcher may return to pitch in a subsequent inning, but if that pitcher hits another batter that is awarded the base (four total HBP), then that pitcher is removed from the pitcher position for the remainder of the game.
10U: Infield Fly Rule is not in effect for 10U softball.
12U: Baserunners are permitted to steal home in all regular season games. This rule is described in detail in the 2023 Softball Rules of Play.
All other 2023 Softball Rules of Play are the same as the 2022 Softball Rules of Play.
2023 Baseball Rules of Play:
Click HERE for the Baseball Rules Summary Table
Click HERE for the 14U Rules of Play
Click HERE for the 12U Rules of Play
Click HERE for the 10U Rules of Play
Click HERE for the 9U Rules of Play
Click HERE for the 8U Rules of Play
Click HERE for the 7U Rules of Play
Click HERE for the 6U Rules of Play
Click HERE for the 5U Rules of Play
Click HERE for the 4U Rules of Play
2023 Softball Rules of Play:
Click HERE for the Softball Rules Summary Table
Click HERE for the Softball Rules of Play (all ages)
OPBA Code of Conduct:
Please also familiarize yourself with the OPBA Code of Conduct and the expectations of the players, coaches, and families.