Rules & Governance 

Sooner State Softball Association (SSSA)

Sooner State Softball Association (SSSA) operates with transparency, consistency, and accountability across all divisions. 

The following governing documents outline how the league is structured, how decisions are made, and the rules and policies that apply to all participants.

These documents apply to all SSSA-sanctioned divisions, including iPride and ASANA+, unless otherwise noted.

SSSA Bylaws

The SSSA Bylaws serve as the primary governing document for the league. They define the organizational structure, authority of the Board of Directors, voting procedures, compliance requirements, financial oversight, membership standards, and disciplinary framework.

 SSSA 2026 Bylaws - Dated 3.01.2026.pptx

Date Adopted: March 1, 2026

Last Revised: February 23, 2026

All league operations, policies, and decisions are guided by these bylaws.

League Rules:

SSSA oversees multiple divisions, each with specific rules while remaining compliant with governing standards.

iPride Division Rules

Playing rules and standards specific to iPride-sanctioned competition

• iPride divisions operate under the official iPride Softball Governing Manual and USA Softball rules unless otherwise specified.
• Teams are placed into divisions based on player rating totals and divisional caps.
• Official lineups, substitution rules, pickup player limitations, and gameplay procedures follow SSSA Division Rules & Regulations.
• All GSWS qualifying standards must align with current iPride requirements.

Eligibility requirements

• Players must be duly registered SSSA members.
• Players must be at least eighteen (18) years of age by the start of league play.
• Players must have an approved iPride rating on file prior to participation.
• Players must not be under suspension on game day.
• Players must comply with iPride classification and tournament eligibility standards.

Division-specific regulations

• Divisions are structured by rating caps and competitive balance standards.
• Teams must meet division rating thresholds at roster lock.
• Player rating adjustments must follow the formal ratings review and protest process.
• GSWS eligibility requires compliance with participation minimums and roster verification standards.

 International Pride Softball Governing Manual - English.pdf

ASANA+ Division Rules

Playing rules and standards specific to ASANA+ competition

• ASANA+ divisions operate in alignment with ASANA guidelines and SSSA governance standards.
• Divisional structure supports inclusive participation while maintaining competitive balance.
• Gameplay procedures follow SSSA Division Rules & Regulations unless superseded by ASANA policy.

Eligibility requirements

• Players must be registered members in good standing with SSSA.
• Players must meet ASANA participation and classification standards where applicable.
• Players must be at least eighteen (18) years of age prior to the start of league play.
• Players must not be under suspension on game day.
• Players must meet any postseason participation thresholds required by ASANA guidelines.

Division-specific regulations

• Divisions are structured to support competitive equity and inclusive participation.
• Teams must declare division at registration and remain compliant with that declaration.
• Postseason eligibility may require minimum participation standards as determined by league or ASANA guidance.
• All ASANA+ teams must adhere to SSSA roster submission and compliance timelines.

ASANA – Governance

SSSA Roster & Eligibility Rules

These rules apply across divisions unless otherwise specified:

Roster size limits

• Team rosters are limited to a maximum of fifteen (15) registered players.
• Teams may include up to three (3) registered non-playing members.
• Initial rosters, including player ratings, must be submitted prior to the start of the season.
• Final rosters must be submitted by the roster lock date established by the Board.

Player eligibility requirements

• Players must be duly registered SSSA members and listed on only one (1) team roster per season.
• Players must be at least eighteen (18) years of age by the date league play commences.
• Players must not be under suspension.
• All required registration forms and waivers must be completed prior to participation.
• Players must satisfy division-specific rating and eligibility standards.
• A player must be listed for participation in at least fifty percent (50%) of regular season games to be eligible for GSWS representation (hardship exceptions may be appealed to the Board).

Roster submission deadlines

• Initial rosters and ratings must be submitted by the Board-established preseason deadline.
• Revised rosters must be submitted no later than one (1) week prior to the next scheduled game to take effect.
• All waivers and documentation must be completed before a player is eligible to participate.

Roster lock dates

• A final roster lock date is established each season by the Board. (Usually the 4th week of league)
• No players may be added after the roster lock date except through a documented hardship appeal approved by the Board.
• Players may not change teams after the roster lock date unless formally released and approved.
• Player ratings may not be adjusted after roster lock unless approved through the official protest or ratings review process.

 SSSA Division Rules and Regulations_ 2024Mar.pdf

League Policies 

The following policies apply to all participants, teams, coaches, and officials within SSSA-sanctioned leagues.

Code of Conduct

Expected behavior for players, coaches, spectators, and officials

• All members must uphold principles of respect, inclusion, and sportsmanship.
• Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or abusive conduct will not be tolerated.
• Alcohol or substance-impaired behavior at league events is prohibited.
• Only registered SSSA members who have completed required waivers may be in the dugout or on the field.

Sportsmanship standards

• Unsportsmanlike conduct toward umpires, officials, opposing players, or spectators may result in disciplinary review.
• Physical altercations, threats, or property damage result in immediate suspension pending Board review.

Enforcement guidelines

• Minor violations may result in reprimand, probation, or suspension of up to five (5) games.
• Major violations may result in suspension for six (6) games to the remainder of the season, probation, or expulsion.
• The Board retains final authority on disciplinary rulings.

Disciplinary Process

Reporting procedures

• Formal protests must be submitted in writing within twenty-four (24) hours of the incident.
• Protest fees apply as defined in Division Rules & Regulations.
• Reports of rule violations must be directed to the Commissioner or Board.

Investigation and review process

• The Board will provide written notice at least five (5) days prior to a disciplinary hearing.
• The members involved may present their response during the hearing.
• The Board deliberates in closed session and votes by majority (or two-thirds where required).

Disciplinary actions and appeals

• Penalties may include warnings, suspension, forfeiture of games, probation, or expulsion.
• Appeals may be submitted in writing within designated timelines.
• Board decisions are final unless superseded by sanctioning body regulations.

Payment Policies

Player and non-player fees

• Team membership fees are established by the Board prior to each season.
• All playing and non-playing members must be registered and in good financial standing.
• Non-playing members in the dugout or on the field may be subject to insurance fees.

Payment deadlines

• All dues must be paid prior to participation in league activities.
• Teams must maintain required forfeiture deposits throughout the season.

Late payment consequences

• Returned payments are subject to a thirty-dollar ($30) fee and must be resolved via certified funds.
• Outstanding debts may result in suspension or ineligibility.
• Teams with unpaid fines may be deemed ineligible for postseason play.

Refund Policy

Refund eligibility

• Membership dues are non-refundable once regular season play begins unless approved by the Board due to extenuating circumstances.
• Player registration fees are non-refundable after the fourth week of play.

Deadlines and conditions

• Requests must be submitted in writing.
• The Board reviews refund requests on a case-by-case basis.

Non-refundable fees

• Team dues, forfeiture deposits used for penalties, and disciplinary fines are non-refundable.
• Resignation or removal from a roster does not eliminate outstanding financial obligations.

Questions or Clarification 

For questions regarding league governance, rules, or policies, please contact the SSSA Board or League Administration through the Contact Us page.

These documents are maintained to ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency across all divisions of Sooner State Softball.