The three common formats
- Hard cap: each team gets N over-the-fence home runs per game. Number N+1 is an out.
- One-up: a team may only be one home run ahead of its opponent's total at any moment.
- Unlimited with a run cap: home runs are free, but per-inning run caps keep games close.
What actually happens on an excess home run
- The batter is declared out.
- In most rule sets the inning ends immediately — that's the inning-ending out, or IEO.
- No runs score on the play, even if runners crossed the plate before the ball cleared the fence.
- Base runners return; the next inning starts with the following batter in the order.
How to score it
Charge the batter an at-bat and an out. Do not record a hit, a home run, or any RBIs. Batting average takes the hit; slugging is unaffected because no total bases are credited. Keeping this consistent matters for year-over-year stats — a team that scores excess home runs as home runs will inflate its power numbers permanently.
Keeping the count honest
The argument almost always starts because two dugouts disagree on the running total. Dugout Hero tracks home runs per team live against the limit you selected, warns before the ball leaves the yard, and records the IEO with a timestamp you can share afterward.
FAQ
What is an IEO in slow pitch softball?
IEO stands for inning-ending out. When a team hits a home run beyond its allowed limit, the batter is out and the inning ends immediately, with no runs counting on the play.
What is the one-up home run rule?
Under a one-up rule, a team may never lead the opponent by more than one over-the-fence home run. Hitting one beyond that margin results in an out instead of a home run.
Does an excess home run count as an at-bat?
Yes. The batter is charged an at-bat and an out; it is not recorded as a hit or a home run in the batter's stats.