Seasonal scoring:
Each game is worth a total 6 seasonal points based on total runs scored by each team during the game.
The winning team (team with the most runs scored) receives 3 points for the game
The second place team (second-most runs scored) receives 2 points for the game
The third place team (fewest runs scored) receives 1 point for the game.
Seasonal standings:
The number of seasonal points awarded per game determines overall and final seasonal standings:
3 points = 1st place (most runs). 2 points = 2nd place. 1 point = 3rd place (least runs).
In the event of a tie:
All teams receive 2 points
In the event of a forfeit:
Split the total seasonal points among the teams present (this rewards showing up - if one team forfeits (doesn't have 5 players (or has fewer than 4 if the other teams agree), the other teams both get 3 points, or if two teams forfeit, the only one who came to play gets all 6 points!).
We always encourage playing the game (it's fun!) even if not everyone is there (or maybe sharing a player or two) but use the seasonal points properly to encourage attendance (and remember, requiring only 5 players per team will help making sure games get played, regardless of if full teams are there, since each team only has to organize 5 people, not 9 or 10).
Statistical note:
It’s possible for a team to win the season without ever “winning” a single game and it’s possible to calculate the best team to play with, not just best in overall scoring.
A whole raft or set of statistical analyses are available in reviewing the season, with regard to who plays best with whom and where (if you not only change positions during each game, but also rotate people into different positions each game (so, not just right field and first base during one game, but center field and catcher too, etc. over the duration of the season).
Tracking these statistics can lead to a nice all-star game, and best overall players in different positions and position combinations, if desired.