Rule Changes 2026
The 2026 Handbook provides a detailed description of all game rules. The following
list provides a summary of rule changes for the 2026 season.
- Courtesy Runners – Courtesy Runners are only available for those who have
indicated a need for a courtesy runner in their registration or have incurred
a subsequent injury that affects their running ability. A courtesy runner may
also be used for a player coming off base to pitch, subject to one batter wait.
Courtesy runners can be any player on the team but any player can only be
used as a courtesy runner once per inning. A courtesy runner may not come
off base to pitch or hit. Penalty is auto-out, next batter in the lineup comes
to bat. - A team can field up to a maximum of 11 defensive players which is not
dependent on the number of defensive players on the opposing team. All
infielders including the infield rover must start play inside the infield line. All
outfielders and outfield rovers must start play behind the infield line and
cannot throw a runner out at first base. - A baserunner may not leave a base before a pitched ball is hit. Penalty:
Baserunner is out, even on a swing and miss by the batter. - To avoid collision, on a force-out attempt from the foul side of first base, both
base-runner and the fielder may use either the orange or white portion. - Spares – A team will be permitted spares, assigned by VP-Operations, to
bring their team to 10, with a limit of 2 spares per game. - Default Rules – If the Rule is not covered in our Handbook/Rules then the Slo
Pitch Ontario Handbook and Rulebook will apply. If still not covered then the
current SPN Rule Book will apply.
In addition to the above, new players should also note the following rules:
- There is no “infield fly rule”.
- Baserunners cannot overrun bases except for first base.
- Runners to first base must touch the orange part of the bag or be called out
but may touch the white portion if there is no play at first and the runner
heads to second base. Exception – Bullet #4 above - A runner cannot touch home plate but instead must cross the safe line. The
runner will be called out if home plate is touched. - There is also a commitment line for players running from third base to
home. Once the commitment line is crossed, the runner may not return to
third base. - No player shall sit out twice before all other players have sat out once.