Rules | Rival Wiffle

BATTING

Each batter starts with a 0–1 count (one strike).
Batters are awarded bases based on where the ball is hit; there is no live baserunning except as noted below.

Single

A ground ball that passes through the infield and is fielded by an outfielder.
A fly ball that lands in the outfield without hitting the wall or going out of play.

Double

A ground ball or fly ball that bounces before making contact with the back wall.

Triple

Home Run

To record a ground out at “first base,” a fielder must throw the ball (on the fly) into the backstop, strike zone, or batter within 5 seconds of contact.
Fielders may step on second and/or third base within 5 seconds to record a force out when applicable.
On a single, runners can be held to one base if the defense delivers the ball to the correct “base” within 5 seconds (see full rules for examples).

The only situation involving live baserunning is the sacrifice fly (“tag-up”) rule.
With fewer than two outs, a runner on third may tag up and attempt to score after a fly ball is caught.
The runner is out if the ball is thrown to the backstop, strike zone, or hits the runner before he reaches home plate. The throw may bounce before reaching the backstop.
A “commit” line is located 18 feet down the third base line. Once the runner touches or crosses this line, he is committed and may not return to third base.

Pitchers may throw at any speed, but for a called strike the pitch must be 55 mph or slower on the radar and pass through the strike zone in the air.
The pitcher’s back foot must remain in contact with the rubber during delivery.
The front foot must land on the pitching mat.
A pitch that hits the batter is ruled a ball, unless it strikes the batter’s hands.
A pitcher may not continue pitching in a game after issuing two walks.
In a three-game series, a different pitcher must start each game.
In a three-game series, a pitcher may pitch no more than 9 total innings.

Games are played over 6 innings.
The strike zone measures 24” x 28.5” and is elevated 10” off the ground.
Each team must have at least 6 players.
Defensive players may not use gloves; only bare hands are allowed.
A mercy rule applies if a team leads by 10 or more runs after 3 full innings.
A game ends immediately if a team scores 15 runs (must win by 2).
Only official original yellow Wiffle® brand bats are permitted.
Game balls must be official Wiffle® balls that are new or in like-new condition (clean and unscuffed).