New England Deaf Softball Organization (NEDSO)
Governance, Rules, and Operating Guidelines
2026 Edition
Identity & Governance
Eligibility & Teams
Competition Rules
Season Operations
Divisions
Standards & Culture
Preamble
The New England Deaf Softball Organization (NEDSO) is an independent, Deaf-led softball league dedicated to the promotion and advancement of competitive adult slow-pitch softball throughout New England.
NEDSO exists to preserve and elevate the legacy of Deaf softball by providing a structured, competitive, and culturally affirming environment rooted in Deaf identity, regional pride, and mutual respect.
The league welcomes Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, Children of Deaf Adults (CODA), Siblings of Deaf Adults (SODA), and approved allied participants, and is committed to fair play, sportsmanship, and inclusive participation consistent with applicable law.
These Governance, Rules, and Operating Guidelines establish the framework by which NEDSO operates and are intended to ensure competitive integrity, participant safety, and long-term sustainability of Deaf softball across New England.
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Mission Statement
NEDSO unites Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, Children of Deaf Adults (CODA), Siblings of Deaf Adults (SODA), and spouses thereof in a competitive yet inclusive athletic environment that honors Deaf identity, promotes mutual respect, and secures a sustainable future for Deaf softball across New England.
Core Organizational Values
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Respect — Demonstrated toward players, opponents, officials, and the cultural norms of the Deaf community.
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Unity — Prioritizing collective success and shared responsibility over individual interests.
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Pride — Representing regional identity with passion, discipline, and sportsmanship.
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Growth — Encouraging continuous athletic, personal, and community development.
Article I – Governance and Administration
NEDSO is a privately organized league founded and operated by the Commissioner under Massachusetts law.
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Section 0. Appointment of the Commissioner
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The Founder of the New England Deaf Softball Organization (NEDSO) shall retain ultimate authority over the organization and its governance.
The Commissioner shall be appointed by the Founder and shall serve at the pleasure of the Founder. The position of Commissioner is not subject to election, nomination, or member vote.
The Founder may serve as Commissioner or may resign from the role and appoint a successor at any time while retaining final authority over NEDSO.
The Founder retains the exclusive authority to remove the Commissioner, appoint a replacement, and establish any transition process.
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Section 1. Authority of the Commissioner
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The Commissioner shall have ultimate and final authority over all league matters, including but not limited to rules interpretation, eligibility determinations, roster approval, discipline, branding, scheduling, financial decisions, and competitive structure. All decisions shall be guided by fairness, safety, competitive balance, and preservation of NEDSO’s Deaf-centered mission.
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The Commissioner is authorized to enforce all intellectual property rights of NEDSO, including issuing cease-and-desist demands, takedown notices, and initiating legal action where necessary.
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The Commissioner may issue binding directives, interpretations, and clarifications. NEDSO shall indemnify the Commissioner and appointed delegates for actions taken in good faith to the fullest extent permitted by law.
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Section 2. Administrative Roles
a. Commissioner — responsible for overall governance, scheduling, enforcement of rules, competitive oversight, branding, financial stewardship, and strategic planning.
b. Delegates — serve solely at the pleasure of the Commissioner and possess no independent decision-making authority.
Delegates may not amend rules, approve eligibility, impose discipline, bind the league contractually, or represent NEDSO in any legal, financial, or regulatory capacity unless expressly authorized in writing by the Commissioner.
c. Team Captains / Coaches — designated representatives responsible for roster submission, team communication, compliance with league standards, and on-field leadership.
Team Captains and Coaches possess no governance authority and may not interpret, modify, waive, or enforce league rules beyond on-field leadership responsibilities.
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Section 3. Commissioner Participation
The Commissioner may participate as a player in the league provided that:
a. The Commissioner shall not serve as a player on any team for which he/she has direct roster, disciplinary, or competitive-balance authority;
b. Any roster placement, eligibility determination, or rule interpretation affecting the Commissioner personally shall be made by a disinterested delegate or neutral third party appointed by the Commissioner for that limited purpose;
c. The Commissioner shall recuse himself/herself from any decision (including seeding, protests, discipline, or game outcomes) in which he/she or his/her team has a direct interest;
d. The Commissioner’s participation shall not entitle him/her to any special treatment, waiver of fees, or exemption from rules;
e. All fees, waivers, and other obligations applicable to players shall apply equally to the Commissioner.
Article II – Participant Eligibility
Section 1. Age Requirement
a. All participants must have attained the age of eighteen (18) years on or before the first scheduled game of the season. No exceptions shall be granted for participants under eighteen (18) years of age to compete in adult games.
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b. Mid-Season Eligibility Upon Reaching Age Eighteen (18).
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An individual who attains the age of eighteen (18) after the start of the season may become eligible to participate only on or after the date of their eighteenth birthday, subject to roster availability and Commissioner approval. Such individuals shall not participate in any NEDSO activity prior to reaching the age of eighteen (18).
Section 2. Primary Eligibility Categories
The following individuals shall be eligible to participate:
a. Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing persons;
b. Children of Deaf Adults (CODA);
c. Siblings of Deaf Adults (SODA);
d. Spouses of Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing individuals, CODA, or SODA.
Section 3. Limited Hearing Participation
CODA, SODA, and spouses as defined above shall be fully exempt from numerical limits on hearing participants.
Non-exempt hearing participants shall be limited to a maximum of five (5) per roster and may be approved only at the sole discretion of the Commissioner when necessary to maintain roster viability or competitive balance. Such approval:
a. Shall be granted for one season only;
b. May be revoked at any time;
c. May be conditioned upon residency within the team’s designated region, formal vouching by a Deaf individual or recognized community member, and demonstrated respect for Deaf culture, including commitment to American Sign Language.
Section 4. Verification and Documentation
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Verification requirements exist to preserve fairness, regional integrity, and Deaf-centered participation.
The Commissioner may require verification of eligibility, including audiograms, government-issued identification, or proof of residency. Failure to provide requested documentation within forty-eight (48) hours shall result in immediate suspension from participation.
Acceptable proof of residency or eligibility shall consist of one document from Group 1 and one from Group 2:
Group 1:
a. Motor vehicle registration;
b. Employment verification letter on employer letterhead;
c. Vehicle insurance document with current billing statement and proof of payment.
Group 2:
a. Federal tax documents or Social Security Administration correspondence;
b. State income tax documents or rehabilitation bureau correspondence;
c. Local municipal records (property tax, sewer/water bill with billing statement and payment receipt; credit cards
and utility bills alone are not acceptable).
Denials of eligibility shall be final, subject only to a written appeal within seven (7) days, with the Commissioner’s decision binding.
Article III – Team Composition and Formation
Section 1. Roster Limits
a. Active roster: twelve (12) to fifteen (15) players.
b. Total roster (including reserves): maximum eighteen (18) players.
c. Designated reserves: maximum three (3) players. All roster members, including designated reserves, must pay the full player registration fee.
Section 2. Team Names and Regional Identity
Team names shall reflect the history, culture, geography, or identity of the represented region and shall be subject to the Commissioner's prior written approval. Approved names and associated logos are licensed to the team for the duration of the season; NEDSO retains all ownership rights. Unauthorized use following the season shall terminate the license.
Section 3. Free Agents
a. Hometown Free Agents (HFA): unlimited; limited to Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, CODA, or SODA individuals with established regional ties. Proof of residency (two forms) required.
b. Legacy Free Agents (LFA): maximum one (1) per team; limited to Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, CODA, or SODA individuals; requires express written Commissioner approval.
Section 4. Roster Finalization and Lock
All rosters shall be subject to final review and adjustment by the Commissioner to preserve competitive balance and geographic integrity. Rosters shall lock seven (7) days prior to the commencement of the regular season. Any post-lock changes (additions, trades, adjustments) require Commissioner approval and payment of an administrative fee of $100 per change (or $75 per individual addition, as determined annually). The Commissioner may waive the fee in exceptional circumstances.
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Section 5. Mid-Season Team Transfer Fee
a. Any mid-season transfer, reassignment, or team change approved by the Commissioner shall be subject to a non-refundable administrative transfer fee.
b. The transfer fee shall be assessed in addition to all player registration fees, team entry fees, and any other financial obligations previously paid and shall not replace, offset, or reduce any existing or future fees.
c. Approval of a transfer does not entitle the participant to any refund, credit, proration, or reimbursement of fees, regardless of the number of games played.
d. The transfer fee amount shall be set annually at the sole discretion of the Commissioner and published prior to the start of the season.
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Unless otherwise published prior to the season, the transfer fee shall be $150 per participant.
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Section 6. Out-of-Region and Out-of-State Relocation
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NEDSO is a regionally structured league designed to preserve geographic identity and competitive balance.
a. A participant who permanently relocates to a location that materially prevents reasonable participation with their assigned team — including relocation to another New England state — shall have no automatic right to continued participation, reassignment, or transfer.
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b. In such circumstances, the participant may voluntarily withdraw from league participation for the remainder of the season. No refunds, credits, transfers, or fee proration shall be issued.
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c. As a limited and discretionary exception, the Commissioner may approve reassignment to a team in the participant’s new region only if all of the following conditions are satisfied:
i. A registered NEDSO team exists in the destination region;
ii. The receiving team has an available roster position;
iii. Competitive balance, roster equity, and league integrity are preserved;
iv. All eligibility and documentation requirements are satisfied;
v. The participant provides proof of relocation (e.g., updated driver’s license and utility bill or lease) within seven (7) days of the request; and
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vi. A relocation fee of seventy-five dollars ($75) is paid in full, along with any applicable post-lock administrative fees.
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The relocation fee may be waived at the Commissioner’s discretion for documented permanent moves resulting in travel time of ninety (90) minutes or more one-way from the participant’s original home field. Fee waivers are limited to one (1) per participant per season.
d. If reassignment is not approved, the participant’s season shall be deemed concluded as of the date of relocation.
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e. The Commissioner’s determination regarding out-of-region relocation, eligibility, reassignment, or denial shall be final and binding and not subject to appeal.
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Section 7. Registration Priority & Roster Assignment
To promote fairness, regional identity, and roster balance, registration priority is assigned as follows after the general sign-up period:
a. Local players (verified primary residency in assigned region)
b. Hometown Free Agents (Deaf/HoH/CODA/SODA with regional ties)
c. Approved hearing/allied participants
d. Legacy free agents and late registrations
Roster assignments are finalized by the Commissioner based on availability, commitment, conduct, skill balance, and geographic considerations. Registration does not guarantee placement.
Article IV – Uniform Standards and Team Identity
Section 1. Team-Provided Uniforms
Each team shall furnish its own jerseys, which must be approved by the Commissioner and reflect the approved team name, colors, and regional identity.
Section 2. Uniform Requirements
Uniforms shall:
a. Maintain consistent design and color scheme across all players;
b. Display clearly visible uniform numbers;
c. Permit display of player surnames (nicknames prohibited unless approved);
d. Be worn during all official games.
Non-compliance shall incur a fine of $100 per game.
Section 3. Design Approval
All uniform designs must be submitted for approval prior to the season. Approval shall be based on legibility, cultural appropriateness, visual distinction, and compliance with league branding standards. The Commissioner’s decision is final.
Section 4. League Identification
The Commissioner may require inclusion of an official NEDSO logo, patch, or mark on team uniforms.
Section 5. Color Conflicts
In the event of a uniform color conflict, the away team shall wear alternate jerseys or league-provided pinnies as directed. Non-compliance may result in delay of play or administrative penalties.
Section 6. Sponsorships
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Sponsorship logos require prior written approval and execution of a standard sponsorship agreement. Sponsors must comply with league standards and content restrictions. League-wide sponsors take priority over team-level sponsorships.
Section 7. Brand Protection
Unauthorized commercial use of NEDSO games, images, video, livestreams, broadcasts, logos, or media assets is prohibited.
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Section 8. Grandfather Clause
Pre-existing uniforms and identities may be grandfathered at the Commissioner’s discretion if they substantially comply with league standards. The Commissioner may require future compliance as uniforms are replaced or updated.
Article V – Season Structure and Schedule
Section 1. Season Timeline
Registration and team formation: January – May
Regular season: June – September
Postseason competition: October
Section 2. Points System
Win: 1 point
Loss: 0 points
Commissioner’s Challenge win: +2 bonus points
Section 3. Tie-Breakers (Regular Season Standings)
For two teams: head-to-head, run differential (capped), fewest runs allowed, Commissioner determination.
For three or more: head-to-head mini-table, run differential among tied teams, fewest runs allowed among tied teams, and Commissioner determination.
Forfeits may place a team below tied opponents with no forfeits.
Section 4. Game Length, Mercy Rule, Time Limit, and Official Games
All regular-season games shall consist of seven (7) innings, unless shortened due to weather, darkness, field conditions, facility restrictions, safety concerns, the mercy rule, or the time limit as determined by the Commissioner or on-site umpire.
Section 4.1 Mercy Rule
A progressive mercy rule shall apply as follows:
a. After three (3) full innings (or two and one-half (2.5) innings if the home team is batting and ahead), if one team leads by twenty (20) runs or more, the game shall be terminated immediately and considered complete.
b. After five (5) full innings (or four and one-half (4.5) innings if the home team is batting and ahead), if one team leads by fifteen (15) runs or more, the game shall be terminated immediately and considered complete.
c. The score at the time of termination shall stand as final.
d. No further innings shall be played once either mercy threshold is reached.
e. The Commissioner may adjust the mercy thresholds or inning triggers prior to the season or on a case-by-case basis for safety, time constraints, or competitive balance, with notice provided to team captains.
Section 4.2 Time Limit
No new inning shall begin after sixty (60) minutes from the scheduled start time.
a. If the time limit is reached during an inning, that inning shall be completed.
b. If the game is tied at the end of the final inning (or after time expires), it shall be recorded as a tie for regular-season standings unless extra innings are played (at the Commissioner's discretion).
c. The Commissioner may extend the time limit for specific games or dates due to delays, weather recovery, or other circumstances.
Section 4.3 Official Game
A regular-season game shall be deemed official upon completion of five (5) full innings, or four and one-half (4.5) innings if the home team is ahead.
If a game is stopped before becoming official (due to weather, darkness, or other causes):
a. The game shall be replayed from the beginning, unless the Commissioner authorizes resumption from the exact point of stoppage (score, inning, outs, runners, etc.).
b. The Commissioner’s decision on resumption versus replay shall be final and shall be communicated to team captains as soon as practicable.
Section 4.4 Postseason Games
Postseason games (except the Colosseum phase, 5 innings) shall be played to completion (seven innings or extra innings as necessary) unless suspended for safety reasons. Suspended postseason games shall resume from the point of stoppage unless otherwise directed by the Commissioner. The mercy rule and time limit shall not apply in postseason play unless explicitly adopted by the Commissioner for a specific game or series.
Article VI – Special Competitive Features
Section 1. Commissioner’s Challenge
Each team shall be granted one (1) Commissioner’s Challenge opportunity per regular season.
The Commissioner’s Challenge is a designated cross-division regular-season game selected by the Commissioner to increase competitive stakes during the round-robin phase.
Section 1.1 Designation & Announcement
a. Each team shall be assigned one (1) Commissioner’s Challenge Game.
b. The game is selected at the sole discretion of the Commissioner.
c. The designation shall be announced immediately prior to first pitch.
d. Activation occurs when the Commissioner throws a red flag onto the playing field.
e. Once activated, the designation is final and binding.
Section 1.2 Competitive Impact
Win: +2 bonus points added to standings
Loss: No penalty
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Cross-division games only
Section 1.3 Limitations
a. Each team may participate in no more than one (1) Commissioner’s Challenge Game per season.
b. Commissioner’s Challenge Games may occur only during cross-division regular-season play.
Section 1.4 Purpose
The Commissioner’s Challenge is intended to introduce playoff-level intensity during the regular season, promote rivalries and identity-driven competition, and evaluate team performance under elevated stakes. It shall not be used as a punitive measure.
Section 2. Coin of Fate
The Coin of Fate is an optional modifier available only in conjunction with a Commissioner’s Challenge Game.
Section 2.1 Eligibility & Activation
a. The Coin of Fate may be activated only prior to the start of a Commissioner’s Challenge Game.
b. Both teams must explicitly agree to activate it.
c. Activation requires Commissioner approval and confirmation prior to first pitch.
d. Once activated, the decision is final and binding.
e. Each team may activate the Coin of Fate no more than once (1) per season.
Section 2.2 Coin Flip Procedure
a. The Commissioner shall conduct one public coin flip prior to the start of the game.
b. The result determines the point consequence structure.
c. The coin flip does not determine the winner of the game.
Section 2.3 Point Consequence Structures
Heads: Winner +5 points; Loser −4 points
Tails: Winner +3 points; Loser −2 points
Section 2.4 Finality
Registration constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of the Coin of Fate mechanism and its point consequences. Outcomes are final and not subject to appeal.
Section 2.5 Recordkeeping
Coin of Fate activations and outcomes shall be recorded in official league records and standings history.
Article VII – Playoff Structure – The Gauntlet
Section 1. General Applicability
All teams participating in the NEDSO men’s division regular season shall qualify for postseason play, subject to compliance with eligibility, conduct, roster, and payment requirements.
The Gauntlet structure applies unless the Commissioner modifies it due to safety, participation levels, or logistical constraints.
Section 2. Seeding Process
Overall playoff seeding shall consist of Seeds #1 through #8:
a. Teams are ranked first by divisional placement.
b. Within each placement, teams are ranked by total points.
Seeding assignments:
• Division leaders: Seeds #1 and #2 (higher points = #1)
• Division runners-up: Seeds #3 and #4 (higher points = #3)
• Third place: Seeds #5 and #6 (higher points = #5)
• Fourth place: Seeds #7 and #8 (higher points = #7)
Seeding disputes must be submitted in writing to the Commissioner within twenty-four (24) hours of the conclusion of the regular season. The Commissioner’s determination is final.
Section 3. Colosseum Phase (Single Elimination)
Purpose: Initial elimination stage for lower seeds.
Eligibility: Seeds #5–#8.
Format: Single elimination; five (5) innings; higher seed hosts; no time limit.
Matchups:
a. #7 hosts #8
b. Winner faces #6 (hosted by #6)
c. Winner faces #5 (hosted by #5)
Final survivor advances to the Danger Round.
Section 4. Danger Round
Participants: Colosseum survivor vs. #4 seed.
Format: Seven (7) innings; #4 hosts; #4 selects bat/field.
Winner advances to the semifinals; loser is eliminated from championship contention.
Colosseum Bonus: If the Colosseum survivor defeats #4, the team receives seven (7) carryover bonus points applied to the following season’s divisional standings.
Section 5. Fire & Forge Bracket (Non-Championship Competition)
Eligibility: Teams eliminated in Colosseum Phase or Danger Round.
Format: Double elimination; played concurrently as feasible.
Carryover bonus points:
1st: +6
2nd: +4
3rd: +2
4th: +1
Section 6. Semifinals
Participants: #1, #2, #3, and Danger Round winner.
Format: Best-of-three; seven innings; higher seed hosts all games.
#1 Seed Selection Privilege: #1 selects opponent (either #3 or Danger Round winner).
#2 faces the remaining team.
Section 7. Championship Series — The Crown Series
Format: Best-of-three; seven innings.
Hosting: Higher-seeded hosts for Game 1 and Game 3 (if necessary).
The winner is recognized as the Official NEDSO Champion and recorded permanently in league history.
Article VIII – Women’s League Governance & Structure
Section 1. Establishment
NEDSO may operate a women’s softball league, subject to participation levels. The women’s league shall be governed by these guidelines unless modified by the Commissioner.
Section 2. Format Flexibility
Team minimums, scheduling, divisional alignment, postseason qualification, and playoff structures shall be determined annually by the Commissioner based on registration numbers, competitive balance, geographic distribution, and facility availability. No minimum team count shall be required.
Section 3. Competitive Features
Commissioner’s Challenge, Coin of Fate, or other competitive features may be applied at the Commissioner’s discretion and are not automatic.
Section 4. Authority to Modify or Suspend
The Commissioner retains authority to modify, consolidate, delay, or suspend women’s league formats as necessary to preserve participant experience, safety, and competitive integrity.
Article IX – On-Field Rules and Game Operations
Standard slow-pitch softball rules shall apply unless modified by these guidelines.
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A minimum of ten (10) players is required to start a game. Teams must notify the Commissioner at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance if unable to field the minimum.
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A forfeit shall be declared fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled start time if a team fails to field the minimum number of players. A no-show forfeit shall result in a $200 fine.
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Ineligible players or illegal equipment (including bats) are subject to removal, game forfeiture, suspension, or other disciplinary action at the Commissioner’s discretion.
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Alcohol and illegal drugs are prohibited on all playing fields.
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Teams are responsible for the cleanup.
Article X – Accessibility & Innovation
The Commissioner may approve experimental adaptations to improve fairness, safety, accessibility, and enjoyment, with input from participants.
Article XI – Conduct & Discipline
All participants shall maintain sportsmanship and respect. Unsportsmanlike conduct, abuse of officials, fighting, or facility violations are subject to progressive discipline (warning, ejection, suspension, removal, and/or permanent exclusion). Incidents involving law enforcement or facility management may result in immediate and permanent exclusion.
Any appeal must be submitted in writing within forty-eight (48) hours. The Commissioner’s decision is final.
Article XII – Official Communication
Official notices and league communications shall be disseminated through one or more of the following channels:
• Website: www.nedso.org
• Instagram: @NEDSOofficial
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• Facebook Page: New England Deaf Softball Organization
• NEDSOTV
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NEDSO complies with applicable data privacy laws.
Article XIII – Fees and Payment
Section 1. Fee Structure
a. Player Registration Fee: Each participant shall pay a non-refundable registration fee of One Hundred thirty dollars ($130.00) per season.
b. Team Entry Fee: Each team shall pay a non-refundable team entry fee of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000) per team (non-refundable after roster lock).
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All fees are assessed on a per-season basis and apply regardless of the number of games played by the participant or team.
Section 2. Payment Deadline & Eligibility
All fees are due in full prior to the start of the season and roster lock. Payments via secure portal or designated method. Outstanding balances render participants/teams ineligible.
Section 3. Late/Post-Lock Fees
Post-lock changes: $100 per change ($75 per player addition). The commissioner may waive in exceptional cases.
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3.1 Mid-Season Player Entry.
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Any participant who becomes eligible to join NEDSO after the start of the season, including individuals who attain the age of eighteen (18) during the season, shall be required to pay the full player registration fee applicable for that season. No discounts, credits, or prorated fees shall apply, regardless of the number of games remaining.
If the roster addition occurs after roster lock, the applicable post-lock administrative fee shall also apply.
Section 4. Refunds, Injuries, and Extraordinary Circumstances
All fees are governed by the NEDSO Registration Terms & Conditions and Waiver & Release Agreement. Registration constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of those policies.
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Section 5. Transfer Fees
a. Approved mid-season team transfers or regional reassignments shall incur a non-refundable transfer fee in the amount established by the Commissioner for that season.
b. The transfer fee compensates the league for administrative processing, roster management, scheduling adjustments, and competitive review.
c. Failure to remit the transfer fee prior to reassignment shall render the transfer void.
d. Transfer fees are not refundable under any circumstances.
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Section 6. Non-payment
May result in denial of participation, forfeiture, suspension, or late fees.
Article XIV – Local Division Hosting Responsibilities
Section 1. Requirement
Each team shall host one local division game day per season within its residential region.
Section 2. Selection
Fields must meet standards and receive Commissioner approval.
Section 3. Rotation
Assigned by the Commissioner; swaps permitted with approval.
Section 4. Documentation
The team captain shall sign all facility forms. Copies submitted fourteen (14) days prior.
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Section 5. Reimbursement & Coverage
NEDSO shall reimburse documented field rental costs in accordance with league policies. Hosting teams must comply with all facility requirements and league standards.
Section 6. Revenue Activities
Any revenue-generating activities associated with a local division game day require prior Commissioner approval and are governed by separate league policies.
Section 7. Penalties
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Non-compliance may result in forfeiture, fines, loss of hosting privileges, seeding penalties, or other corrective action at the Commissioner’s discretion.
Article XV – Cross-Division Hosting (Neutral Venues)
Section 1. Responsibility
NEDSO shall secure and host all cross-division dates at neutral midpoint venues.
Section 2. Selection
Venues shall minimize travel; require multiple fields, accessibility, and Commissioner approval.
Section 3. Process
The commissioner handles reservations and contracts.
Section 4. Costs & Insurance
NEDSO covers all expenses and provides insurance.
Section 5. Monetization
Managed by the commissioner; net revenue supports league operations.
Section 6. Communication
Schedule and changes published via official channels.
Article XVI – Review and Amendment
These Governance, Rules, and Operating Guidelines shall be reviewed annually.
The Commissioner retains sole authority to amend, modify, suspend, interpret, or repeal any provision of these Guidelines.
Proposed amendments shall be communicated to team captains through official league channels no fewer than thirty (30) days prior to taking effect, unless an emergency modification is required to protect participant safety, legal compliance, or league operations.
The Commissioner may implement immediate amendments without advance notice where necessary to address safety risks, insurance requirements, facility mandates, or operational continuity.
Notice to team captains does not constitute approval rights, voting authority, or consent power.
All amendments become effective on the date specified by the Commissioner.
Closing Authority Statement
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These rules are enacted to protect participant safety, ensure competitive integrity, honor Deaf cultural values, and secure the future of Deaf softball in New England.​
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Approved by the Commissioner
Effective January 2026