Co-ed softball is a recreational game played throughout North America. In this game, men and women combine to play slow-pitch softball. While this game is largely played for the enjoyment of individuals who come home from their jobs and want to unwind at night, many individuals play in leagues that award championships and use paid umpires. As a result, these recreational games can get very competitive.
Male-to-Female Ratio
In order to prevent teams from stacking their lineups with nothing but powerful and long-hitting male players, co-ed softball teams require a minimum number of females on the field at all times. In leagues that allow 10 players on the field, four of those players must be women. Two of the women players must play in the infield. Pitcher and catcher are included as infield positions. In leagues with nine fielders, a minimum of three of those players must be women. The leagues may allow more batters than fielders. If there are 11 batters, the male-to-female ratio cannot exceed 7-to-4. In leagues with 12 batters, the ratio may not exceed 8-to-4. In leagues that allow 13 hitters, the ratio cannot exceed 8-to-5.
Equipment
All male players must not wear gloves in the field. They must field the softball with their bare hands at all times. Women have the option of wearing gloves. The only exception to the glove rule is that male fielders may wear batting gloves to help cushion the pain of the sting when the ball hits the hands. However, they may not wear standard fielding gloves at any position.
Intentional Walks
Pitchers are not allowed to intentionally walk a male hitter in order to pitch to a female hitter. Intentional walks are allowed if a male batter follows a male batter or if a male batter follows a female batter. However, even if there is an open base, the pitcher must attempt to get the male batter out. If the umpire determines that the pitcher intentionally tried to avoid throwing strikes to that batter, that batter will remain at the plate and a new pitcher will be brought into the game.
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