USA Softball "Slide or Surrender"

USA Softball does not have a mandatory "Slide or Surrender" rule, nor does it require a runner to slide into any base. Instead, official USA Softball rules state that runners are required to avoid crashing into a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make a tag.

When a play is being made on a runner, they have a choice: they can slide legally, change direction, stop, or completely give themselves up (surrender) to avoid a collision.

NOTE: Teams need to stop trying to convince umpires that the league has adopted the "Slide or Surrender" rule.

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The Core Regulations

• The "Crash" Rule (Rule 8-7-Q): If a defensive player clearly has the ball and is waiting to apply a tag, the runner cannot remain on their feet and deliberately collide with them. If the runner crashes into the fielder, they will be called out for interference, and if the umpire deems the contact malicious, the runner will be ejected from the game.

• Fielder Without the Ball: If the fielder does not have the ball and blocks the base or baseline, they are guilty of defensive obstruction. A runner cannot be penalized for failing to slide or avoid contact if the fielder doesn't have the ball, though intentional malicious contact is still prohibited.

• Force Play Slide Rule: On a force play (like a double play turn at second base), the runner must either slide directly into the base, slide away from the play, or give themselves up. Running upright into a fielder to disrupt a throw will result in both the runner and the batter-runner being called out.

• What Makes a Slide Illegal? If a runner does choose to slide, it must be done legally. A slide is considered illegal if the runner uses a rolling or cross-body block, if their raised leg is higher than the standing fielder's knee, or if they slide past the base purposefully to make contact and alter the play.

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Millennium Fall 2026 Sunday Rules & Regulations - "Ghost Runner"

9. "Ghost Runner" - Starting with the top of the 8th inning, and each half inning thereafter, the offensive team shall begin its turn at bat with the player who is scheduled to bat last in that respective half inning being placed on second base. Exception: Playoff Games.

No, you cannot use a courtesy runner for the tie-breaker runner (commonly referred to as the "ghost runner") under official USA Softball rules.
According to USA Softball Rule 5, Section 11 (Tie-Breaker Rule):

• Substitute Option Only: If you want to replace the tie-breaker runner at second base at the start of an extra inning, you must use a legal substitute.

• The Catch: Once a substitute is put in, they enter the game officially, and the original player leaves the lineup (subject to normal re-entry rules).

NOTE: Teams continue to try and circumvent the USA Softball & Millennium Softball rule on the "Ghost Runner" by using a courtesy runner for the "Ghost Runner" - this would be illegal and needs to stop.