Standing Rules

 

Approved by the

Arlington Girls Softball Association Membership

May 26, 1970

Amended, January 1996

Amended February 16, 1997

Revised November 11, 1997

Amended, February 5, 1998

Amended, April 2, 1998

Amended February 12, 2001

Amended February 4, 2002

Amended January 3, 2003

Amended January 2, 2004

Amended June 6, 2004

Amended October 10, 2005

(New text in underlined black type.)

 

Table of Contents

 

LEAGUE RULES

 

ARTICLE I - PROTESTS

ARTICLE II - UNSPORTSMANSHIP CONDUCT

ARTICLE III - REGISTRATION FEE AND PLAYER CONTRACT

ARTICLE IV - REGISTRATION AND ASSIGNMENT

Section 1. - General

Section 2. - Recreation Teams

Section 3. - Contract Teams

ARTICLE V - TEAM ROSTERS

ARTICLE VI - RECRUITING AND TRANSFERS

ARTICLE VII - GUEST PLAYERS

ARTICLE VIII - COACHES TRAINING

ARTICLE IX - PLAYING SEASON

ARTICLE X - UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

ARTICLE XI - GAME CANCELLATION PROCEDURE

ARTICLE XII - LEAGUE TOURNAMENTS

ARTICLE XIII - TROPHIES

ARTICLE XIV - MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1. - League standings

Section 2. - Rescheduling of Games

Section 3. - Official Bats

ARTICLE XV – ALL-STARS

 

RULES OF PLAY

 

ARTICLE I - MINI LEAGUE

Section 1. - Rules applicable to all Mini League teams

Section 2. - Rules Specific to 8 & Under - Coach Pitch and/or Pitching Machine

Section 3. - Rules Specific to 6 & Under - T-ball

ARTICLE II - MINOR AND MAJOR LEAGUES

Section 1. - Rules applicable to all Minor and Major League teams

Section 2. - Rules Specific to the Minor League – 12 & Under and 10 & Under

Section 3. - Rules Specific to the Major League – 14 & Under, 16 & Under, 18 & Under, 19 & Over

ARTICLE III - PRE-SEASON PITCHING MACHINE TOURNAMENT

 

 

LEAGUE RULES

 

ARTICLE I - PROTESTS

A. All protests must be filed in accordance with the ASA's Official Rules of Softball.

B. A letter of protest must be filed within 48 hours, with a copy of this letter being forwarded to the AGSA President and Chief Umpire.

C. The letter of protest must be accompanied by cash in the amount of twenty-five dollars ($25.00), made out to the Arlington Girls Softball Association, which will be returned if the protest is upheld. If a protest is upheld, the commissioner of the respective league will reschedule the game to be completed as soon as possible.

D. All protests must be ruled on within five (5) days after receipt of the letter of protest.

Exception: During city championship playoffs protests must be decided at the time of the protest. In this situation the protest committee will consist of one umpire and any three (3) AGSA members appointed by the commissioner of the respective league. None of the committee members can be directly involved in the protest.

E. During league play the protest committee will consist of the AGSA officers and the Chief Umpire. A minimum of three (3) officers and the Umpire in Chief are needed to rule on a protest. Should an officer be directly involved in a protest, he will be disqualified to serve on the protest committee. The President will chair the protest committee and will vote only in case of a tie.

 

 ARTICLE II - UNSPORTSMANSHIP CONDUCT

 

A. Unsportsmanlike conduct of any nature, bringing discredit to AGSA will not be tolerated.

B. The home plate umpire will notify the scorekeeper and a note will be made on the score sheet when an individual is ejected from a game. If an umpire believes the incident requires further action he will, within 24 hours, notify the Board of Directors (in writing) reporting the incident.

C. When a written complaint of unsportsmanlike conduct is received by the AGSA Board of Directors, the offending individual may be brought before the AGSA Board for a hearing. The offending individual may be present at such meeting but will not have a vote.

D. Punishment for a ruling of unsportsmanlike conduct will result in:

1. Probation may be ordered for a first time offender of a minor offense. The offender shall be issued an official warning in writing from AGSA, stating that the offending party will be placed on probation and monitored very closely. An order for probation may be issued by the League Vice President or Commissioner, with approval of the President, thus avoiding a Board Hearing.

2. For repeat offenders or for more serious offenses, suspension of the offender may be ordered for a minimum of two (2) games to a maximum of the remainder of the season.

E. Unsportsmanlike conduct complaints will be acted upon by AGSA officials within five (5) days of their receipt and any disciplinary action will be communicated in writing and shall be immediately enforced.

 

ARTICLE III - REGISTRATION FEE AND PLAYER CONTRACT

 

A. All girls playing within the confines of the Arlington Girls Softball Association must sign a player contract and pay the required registration fee prior to playing in any scheduled game.

B. Hardship application forms must be completed by the parent or guardian and be submitted to the Commissioner of the players league and final approval will be given by the league's Vice President and the Treasurer of AGSA, who will determine whether to reduce or suspend the registration fee. Hardship scholarships, in whole or in part, shall only be made available to Junior Olympic players.

C. Player Contracts. Player contracts for recreation and contract teams are valid for one full year from the date of signing.

D. Should a player register to play for two or more teams, all of the following rules shall be observed.

1. The player shall submit a completed Player Contract and full registration fee for each team.

2. The player shall not be eligible to receive hardship scholarships, in whole or in part.

3. One of the teams shall be designated as the Primary Team. If the player does not declare in writing which is the Primary Team, then the Player Contract dated earliest shall serve as the instrument designating the Primary Team. The written declaration shall be placed across the top of every Player Contract stating "My Primary Team is team name."

4. If there is a conflict of game schedules of the player's teams, she shall play for the Primary Team unless her Primary Team's manager releases her for the event.

 

Article IV - Registration and Assignment

 

Section 1. General

A. During the registration period of January 1 to March 1, all players of the 6 & Under League through the 14 & Under League shall register for the Spring playing season and all coaches of these leagues shall register their intent to manage or coach.

B. During the registration period of March to May 31, all players and coaches of leagues 6 & Under and above shall register for the Summer season.

C. During the registration period of July 1 to August 15, all players and coaches shall register for the Fall season.

D. No team shall exceed fifteen (15) players on their roster. The Commissioner, however, has the right to place players on recreational teams as needed even if it means exceeding the player cap.

 

Section 2. Recreation Teams

A. Recreation teams are for girls who desire recreational softball for basic instruction and fun.

B. When adding new players to recreation teams, the contract and registration fee must be in the hands of the Treasurer or the player's League Commissioner no less than one hour prior to a scheduled league game. ASA official rules pertaining to uniforms will be adhered to, except as noted in the League Rules of AGSA.

C. Players will register and be assigned to recreation teams in the Mini, Minor and Major Leagues using the following rules:

1. The primary objective is to place each girl on a team with her same birth year.

2. When possible place each girl on a team close to her home and and               school.

3. Girls will be placed on teams on a first to register basis.

4. Team managers and coaches may register players for the Mini League and the Minor and Major League recreation teams under the following criteria only:

a. Coaches will not conduct tryouts for positions on recreation teams.

b. Coaches of recreation teams cannot refuse players assigned to them by their League Commissioner.

c. All returning recreational players who register during the registration period will be automatically reassigned to their old team. Exception: The player or parent may request reassignment to another team, or the team manager may request that a player not return to his/her team if there is just cause.

d. During the registration period, team managers should contact his/her players and new recruits to encourage them to register on time.

e. During the registration period, players or parents may request assignment to a specific team that is assigned to the school that the player attends. If there are no teams with openings assigned to this school, the player will be assigned to the nearest team with an opening.

f. When the registration period ends, the commissioners shall immediately assign the remaining players to teams using the placement criteria above when possible.

g. Players registering late shall not be assigned to a team until all players who registered on time are assigned.

h. Team managers shall turn in all registration fees, player contracts, t-shirt orders, coaches contracts and criminal history forms to the Treasurer not later than:

(1) the February coaches meeting for Spring leagues. (14u and younger)

(2) 30 days preceding the 1st scheduled game for Spring/Summer leagues. (16u and 18u)

(3) 30 days preceding the 1st scheduled game for Fall leagues. (all leagues) 

i.Commissioners shall forward all other registration fees received to the Treasurer within 48 hours after the registration period ends.

 

Section 3. Contract Teams

A. Contract teams are for girls who desire to improve their competitive softball skills by playing in competitive tournaments and practicing/playing more often than recreational teams. Contract teams will be formed early in the season (January - February) in accordance with the AGSA registration process. Tryouts will be announced and will be open to any girl desiring to compete for a position on a contract team. Girls who tryout for a contract team but are not selected will be placed on a recreation team.

B. Players will register and be assigned to contract teams in the Minor and Major Leagues using the following rules:

1. The primary objective of contract teams is to provide an increased level of play for girls desiring to improve their competitive softball skills in AGSA.

2. Any girl desiring to compete for an open position on an AGSA contract team may tryout. These tryouts will be coordinated and conducted by the coaches of the contract teams.

3. Team managers and coaches may register players for the Minor and Major League contract teams under the following criteria only:

a. Contract team coaches may conduct tryouts to fill open positions on their teams.

b. Contract team coaches must give the names of players that are not selected after trying out to their respective League Commissioner so these players can be placed onto recreation teams.

 

ARTICLE V - TEAM ROSTERS

 

A. Each team will submit three (3) official AGSA team rosters to the team's League Commissioner. Disposition of these rosters will be as follows:

1. One (1) copy to the AGSA Treasurer with registration fees attached.

2. One (1) copy to the teams League Commissioner with the teams original signed player contracts and proof of coaches training attached. These rosters and player contracts will be maintained by the League Commissioner and turned over to the teams next League Commissioner prior to the following season.

3. One (1) copy to the AGSA Membership Chairman accompanied by a Criminal History Check Information Form completed by each member of the coaching staff.

 

 

ARTICLE VI - RECRUITING AND TRANSFERS

  

A. Recreation team coaches cannot recruit players from another AGSA team. All other new players will be assigned by the League Commissioner in accordance with Article IV, Section 2.C of these League Rules.

Contract team coaches may recruit players from recreation teams up until April 20 of the playing season to fill openings on their teams. A player recruited from a recreation team must inform her League Commissioner of her transfer no less than one day prior to playing as a member of the contract team. A contract team coach cannot recruit players from another AGSA contract team during the playing season.

A release for transfer, by coach or player, must be made in writing to the player's League Commissioner.

1. Recreation Teams - Players granted a transfer from their team will be reassigned to a new recreation team by the League Commissioner in accordance with Article IV, Section 2.C.2.a, or if recruited by a contract team will be reassigned to the recruiting contract team.

2. Contract Teams - Players will be contracted to a team for the entire season.

a. If a player requests and is granted a transfer from a contract team she cannot play on another contract team that season. She will be reassigned to a recreation team if an opening exists.

b. If a coach requests a player transfer and it is granted the player will be reassigned to another contract team if an opening exists, otherwise the player will be reassigned to a recreation team if an opening exists.

All AGSA players are free agents from August 31 of the current playing season until they sign a contract for the following playing season.

 

 

ARTICLE VII - GUEST PLAYERS

 

A. All teams shall observe the ASA Code and invitational tournament rules when picking up guest players for use in tournament play outside of league play.

B. During league play, conditional use of guest players shall be allowed if the following conditions are met.

1. League Games:

a)The player is a registered player in good standing with AGSA and played on an AGSA team during the current season.

b)A team must have less than 9 players before they can pick up players. They can only pick up a maximum of 2 players and then only to a maximum of 9 total players.

c)Pick up players cannot play pitcher or catcher.

d)Pick up players can play up in age and/or class but cannot play down.

 

 

ARTICLE VIII - COACHES TRAINING

 

A. One or more coaches from each AGSA team shall complete coaches training annually. Certificate of this training will be attached to the League Commissioner's copy of the team's official roster. A certificate from any of the following will satisfy this requirement:

1. AGSA will conduct a coaches clinic annually. A certificate of attendance will be issued.

2. A coach can become a member of ASA's VIP program.

a. The Amateur Softball Association's (ASA) Volunteer Improvement Program (VIP) was developed and designed to provide coaching education to coaches of all levels of softball - from beginning coaches to experienced coaches. The VIP program helps traine beginning coaches and adds to the knowledge of more experienced coaches. The VIP program enhances and rewards any softball coach willing to learn more about coaching softball. For more information or to order instructional material call 1-800-44-COACH.

3. Any coaches clinic conducted prior to the start of league play.

B. All other AGSA coaches are not required (but are encouraged) to complete coaches training annually.

 

 

ARTICLE IX - PLAYING SEASON

 

A. The Spring playing season for the 14 & Under League and all younger leagues shall begin between March 31st and April 7th.

B. The Summer season shall begin the first Monday of the 3^rd week in June, if 3 or more teams in an age division want to play.

C. The Fall playing season for all leagues shall begin between September 11th and September 18th.

D. The commissioners shall schedule each team a ten (10) game season at two (2) games per week where practical. In the event of rescheduling problems due to weather and other conflicts, AGSA will guarantee that eight (8) games will be played.

E. The winner of each age division league season for Spring will have their entry fee reimbursed for the Metro Fort Worth Championship Tournament.  (Note: This is good for both Contract and Recreation Leagues as well as if a league has 2 divisions such as 10U Recreation League Group A and Group B.) In the event that the season has not concluded, the team that is leading the league at the end of June will receive the award. The award is not transferrable and is forfeited back to AGSA if the awarded team does not enter Metros. Exception: If the team that has earned this award chooses not to go to Metros, then the award will be offered to the 2nd place AGSA registered team and so on.

F. To encourage youth development each team that has played in either the Spring, Summer, or Fall season will be reimbursed $100 if they play in any tournament listed on the Virtual Tournament Director for each Spring, Summer, and Fall League Season that the team participated.(i.e. the team must have paid league fees and played league games to be eligible.) Also, the team must not forfeit any games in the tournament to be eligible for the reimbursement. 

 

 

ARTICLE X - UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

 

A. Uniforms (T-shirts only) will be provided, as part of the registration fee, to all Mini League teams and all Minor League 10 & Under teams. The uniforms will be distributed to team managers or head coaches at the discretion of the Fields and Equipment Director but not less than one (1) week prior to season play.

 

B. Equipment will be distributed to team managers or head coaches at the discretion of the Fields and Equipment Director but not less than one (1) month prior to season play. The team manager or head coach will be required to leave a deposit of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) in the form of a post dated personal check. This check will not be immediately deposited, but will be retained by the Fields and Equipment Director and surrendered upon the return of the team equipment.

 

C. Equipment will be returned not less than two (2) weeks after regular scheduled season play unless other arrangements are coordinated with the Field and Equipment Director .

 

D. Security deposit checks will be cashed if equipment is not returned to the Field and Equipment Director on or before the announced return date.

 

E. All players of any given team shall be dressed in matching uniforms conforming to the ASA Official Rules of Softball.

 

ARTICLE XI - GAME CANCELLATION PROCEDURE

 

All games will be played unless canceled by their respective League Commissioner.

 

A. Each League Commissioner will establish a notification procedure to inform the leagues coaches when a game will be canceled due to inclement weather.

1. Cancellation prior to game time - The league Commissioner (or their designated representative) is the only individual authorized to cancel a game prior to game time. Exception: The home plate umpire may cancel a game prior to game time due to unfit weather or field conditions.

2. Cancellation after game time - the home plate umpire is the only individual authorized to stop a game after it has begun.

 

B. League Commissioners will notify the Umpire Scheduler as soon as they know a game will be canceled. The Umpire Scheduler will notify the game umpires.

 

 

ARTICLE XIII - TROPHIES

 

A. Individual League Championship trophies will be presented to the players on each division team with the best record for regular season play. Indivdual trophies may not exceed $7.00 each. Individual trophies will be presented to every player who participates in the Mini League. There will be no trophies awarded based on the team's record.

 

B. For Invitational Tournaments individual tournament trophies will be presented to the players on the first, second and third place teams for tournaments that have seven (7) or more teams participationg. In tournaments with fewer than seven (7) teams participating, only the first and second place teams will be presented with individual tournament trophies. In tournaments with fewer than four (4) teams participating, only the first place team will be presented with individual tournament trophies. Individual trophies shall not exceed $30 multiplied by the number of teams entered in the tournament with a $2.00 minimum per trophy to be spent.

 

C. For Invitational Tournaments a team trophy shall be awarded to the first and second and third place teams in each tournament, not to exceed $25 per trophy. 

 

 

ARTICLE XIV - MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 1. League standings

A. Teams will receive one (1) point for each win.

B. Teams will receive one half (1/2) point for each tie.

C. Teams will receive no points for each loss.

D. Make up games not played will result in a zero to zero tie and each team awarded one half (1/2) point.

E. Tie Breaker - In the event that the league standings end in a tie, the following will determine who will win the League Championship.

1. Head-to-head competition will determine the winner. The team that won more often when the tied teams faced each other will become the League Champion. If an even number of games were played between these teams, add the scores together. Example: A score of 7 to 2 added to a score of 5 to 6 would result in a combined score of 12 to 8.

2. If head-to-head competition cannot break the tie, then the number of runs allowed during the scheduled ten game season will determine the winner. The team who allowed the fewest runs by their opponents will become the League Champion.

3. If the above methods do not break the tie or are undeterminable, a team of three (3) uninvolved officers will determine who is awarded the League Championship.

 

Section 2. Rescheduling of Games

A. Requests from team managers or coaches to reschedule games for any reason after the game schedule has been established shall not be allowed. Each team manager has the opportunity to supply their commissioner with scheduling conflicts prior to the creation of the game schedule.

 

Section 3. Official Bats

A. For league play, including post-season tournaments, bats that met ASA's 1999 standards will continue to be legal unless found to be altered or damaged in such a way that it becomes illegal.

BE FOREWARNED: This exception does not apply to our invitational tournaments.

 

Section 4. Game Reporting

A. For league play, game scores and highlights must be reported by either: 1)The League Online Game Reporting Form, 2)email the league commissioner, or 3)Phone call to the League Commissioner.  If the League Commissioner is not available then an email can be sent to the President.

 

ARTICLE XV - All Stars

 

Player Selection Process:

1. Each team in every age group shall be given an All Star Ballot form.
2. Each team nominates a total of 15 players from all the teams in its age group.  If there are more than two divisions, (12 or more teams must be split into two divisions) in any age group then the nominations should come from that teams division.
3. Players can choose not to participate in the All Star Program by signing the All Star Waiver form that each team is given at the beginning of the season.
4. The All Star Ballot Forms will be tallied and the 9 players with the most votes will be on the All Star Team.  6 more players will be selected by the Head Coach to be on the All Star team.  Should any of the 9 players choose not to participate in All Stars then the player with the next highest vote will be on the All Star Team. Should any of the 6 players selected by the coach choose not to participate in All Stars the coach may choose another player.

 

Coach Selection Process:

1. The Head Coach from the 1^st place team in league play will be the Head Coach for the All Star Team. 
2. If the Head Coach from the 1^st place team in league play decides not to participate in All Stars the Head Coach of the All Star team will be filled from the 2^nd place team, and so on.
3. If no team wishes to head coach the All Star Team then a coach can be chosen by the President with approval from the Board to fill the position.

 

All Star Program:

1. The All Star team must play in the ASA Fort Worth Metro Championships.  AGSA will reimburse the tournament entry fee after the tournament is over and participation is verified.  Any gate fee must be paid by the team.
2. AGSA will buy a team uniform.  The All Star team can pick its team colors and team name and player numbers.  AGSA will pick uniform style to keep the price affordable.  Specifically, AGSA will provide the 6U and 8U with an all-star shirt, 10U and up will be provided all star shirt, shorts, and socks as uniform.
3. AGSA will reimburse the All Star team up to $45 a week for practices beginning June 1 and ending on the earlier of; the beginning of the ASA Fort Worth Metro Championships for that age group or June 30.  Paid receipts are required for reimbursements.
4. The All Star team can stay together as a select team after the initial All Star season.  Select teams begin at the 10U age group.  If the All Star team loses 7 or more players it may be aloud to play in the recreation league again upon approval from the President and Board of Directors.
5. If the All Star team wins a birth to the ASA National Championships AGSA will reimburse the entry fee after the tournament is over and participation is verified. Any gate fee or other expenses must be paid by the team.
6. ID Cards – ID cards must be purchased as proof of age and insurance for Championship play.  It is required by the ASA Fort Worth Metro JO Commissioner.  Each player must provide a copy of their birth certificate to the head coach.  The head coach must take a digital picture of each girl on the team.  The head coach must then register the team and every player on the Virtural Tournament Directors website or VTD for short.  The website address is
   http://www.fastpitchsoftball.net  If help is needed contact the League Commissioner or President for help.  The ID cards cost about $15 and must be paid by the team.
7. The 6U and 8U age divisions do not have an opportunity to play in the ASA Fort Worth Metro Championships.  Therefore, AGSA will reimburse those All Star teams for entry fee to 1 tournament they play.
8. All all-star players will receive a trophy or medal as recognition.

 

 

 

 

RULES OF PLAY

 

ARTICLE I - MINI LEAGUE (8 & Under & 6 & Under)

 

Section 1. Rules applicable to all Mini League teams

A. Rules - The Official Rules of Softball for 10 & Under Junior Olympic fast pitch, as adopted by ASA, shall be in effect except as modified by this document.

B. Game length - 55 minutes or 5 innings, whichever occurs first. Game time is forfeit time. When the time expires, the umpire shall allow the current batter to complete her turn at bat before calling the game. *The umpire is the official timekeeper.

C. Dugouts -  Home team should occupy 1st base dugout unless the visiting team had a game just prior to the start of the game and they occupid 1st base dugout, in which cas Home team would take 3rd base dugout.

D. Scorekeeper - The home team provides the official scorekeeper. The official score will be the score at the end of the last complete inning. The home team coach will call the official score into the teams respective Commissioner that evening.

E. Line-ups - Line-up sheets listing every player on the official team roster must be submitted to the official scorekeeper, the plate umpire, and the manager of the opposing team at least ten(10 minutes before game time. Notation shall be made as to any player who will not play and the reason.

F. Helmets - Helmets shall be fitted with chin straps and must be properly worn by batters and runners.  In 8U division helmets must be fitted with face masks

G. Infield fly rule - Not in effect.

H. Live ball - Any batted ball which hits an umpire (or coach) in fair territory after passing near any fielder is a live ball. Coaches and umpires should position themselves so that a fielder is in front of or beside them.

I. Defense - A team may use up to 10 players on defense. If using 10 players, 4 outfielders must be used. Outfielders must be positioned 10 feet behind the baseline until the ball is hit.  If the field has a distinct dirt infield and grass outfield, the outfielders must start on the grass.   Any fewer number of players may play defense. No mandatory forfeits due to insufficient number of players. If 9 or fewer players are available, all shall play defense.

J. Playing time - Players will play a minimum of 2 innings on defense per game if that team is on defense 4 or more innings; otherwise, a player must play at least 1 inning on defense.

K. Runs - A maximum of 5 runs will be scored by a team each half-inning. Excess runs (e.g., with four runs in and bases loaded the batter hits a home run for 4 runs driven in) will not be scored.

L. Substitutions - No defensive substitutions are allowed during a half-inning unless a defensive player is unable to play.

M. Batting order - A continuous rotating batting order will be used. The same batting order is used throughout the season and the batter that would have batted next at the end of a game will be the first batter in the next game.

N. Standings - League standings will not be kept.  But scores and Highlights must be reported.

O. Walks - Walks are not allowed. The batter must hit the ball to get on base.

P. Strike out - The batter is out on strikes when 5 strikes have been awarded. The batter is out if she hits a foul ball after 4 strikes have been awarded.

Q. Batting out of Order - If a Mini League player is discovered batting out of order, do not penalize the batter nor the team. Simply replace the illegal batter with the correct batter, who assumes the ball/strike count, and resume the game. Allow all play previous to the discovery to stand. (Adopted April 2, 1998)

R. Base Path - 55 ft. But can be extended in order to reduce field maintenance.

S. Field Prepartion – The Visiting Team of the 6:00 – 6:30pm(early) game must put out the bases at any Harold Patterson Field that is being played on and must put out bases and chalk the fields on Harold Patterson Fields 5 & 6 if bases are not already set up.  The Visiting Team for the 8:00 – 8:30pm(late) game must put the bases up at the end of the (late) game.  At MLK and all other parks, the visiting team sets up and puts up the pitching machine, power cords, and other supplies. 

T. Official Game – No game will be rescheduled after 30 minutes of play or 2 innings which ever comes 1^st.

 

Section 2. Rules Specific to 8 & Under – Machine Pitch

A. Ball - 11" ASA-certified or an 11” ball designed for the pitching machine.

B. Pitching - Distance: 35 ft. Pitcher is batting team coach. Defensive pitcher must play beside or behind pitching machine.

C. Strikes - Each pitch is a strike if it is not a hit or called no pitch by umpire.

D. Pitches - Each batter will receive no more than five (5) pitches. Each pitch will count even if the batter does not swing. A foul ball hit on the fifth pitch will result in an out.

E. Strike Zone - If the umpire determines that the pitch is clearly outside the strike zone, it will be called a "no pitch" and all runners will be returned to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.

F. Walks - There shall be no walks.

G. Ball hits Pitching Machine - A hit ball strikes the pitching machine or is rolling toward the machine causing a girl to become in danger if she tries to field the ball, will be called a "dead ball, no pitch the batter is awarded 1^st base and runners advance only if forced

H. Bunting - There shall be no bunting.

I. Lead Off - Runners cannot leave their bases until the ball leaves the pitching machine.

J. Location of the Pitching Machine - The pitching machine shall be set in front of the pitching rubber with back leg on top of the rubber if rubber is at 35ft.  The pitching machine will be a Jugs Jr and set to 35mph or a speed reasonable enough to go across the plate with a minimal arc and drop behind the plate.

K. Adjustment to Pitching Machine - The pitching machine will be set up for the middle of the strike zone before the game with both coaches agreeing to the setting. Coaches shall not adjust the machine, for direction or speed, after set-up except at the direction of the umpire.  Adjustments can be made anytime the umpire deems necessary.

L. Stealing - Runners may steal second base and third base but must be batted home.

M. Running bases - Runners may advance more than one base on a hit until the pitcher has control of the ball in the pitching circle or the ball is in control of a defensive player in front of the runner and can not reasonably advance without being put out.  If a runner is halfway between bases and running toward the next base when the pitcher gains control she must stop on the base she is heading.   Only one base can be advanced on an overthrow to 1^st base only.(Example, assume a runner on 1^st when the batter hits the ball to the shortstop, shortstop overthrows 1^st then the runner on 1^st can only go as far as 3^rd and the batter can only go as far as 2^nd even if a play is made to try to get the runners out after the initial overthrow.)

N. Coach Pitcher – Must stand behind Pitching Machine and try to protect defensive girls from running into the pitching machine wheel.  If ball is hit and comes to rest too close to pitching machine it can be deemed as hitting the pitching machine for the safety of the girls.

O. Coaching - A maximum of 2 coaches may assist the defensive team. They must be positioned in the outfield during play. A maximum of four (4) coaches may assist the offensive team. They must be positioned as 1st and 3rd base coaches and 1 at home to assist in batting and 1 at the pitching machine.

 

 Section 3. Rules Specific to 8 & Under – Coach Pitch

A. Ball - 11" ASA-certified

B. Pitching - Distance: 35 ft. Pitcher is batting team coach. Defensive pitcher must play directly beside or behind pitching rubber and not crowd the Coach pitching.

C. Strikes - Each pitch is a strike if it is not a hit.

D. Pitches - Each batter will receive no more than five (5) pitches. Each pitch will count even if the batter does not swing. A foul ball hit on the fifth pitch will result in an out.

E. Coach Pitcher – When a ball is batted he/she must leave the field of play as quickly as possible so defense can make play on ball.

F. Walks - There shall be no walks.

G. Bunting - There shall be no bunting.

H. Lead Off - Runners cannot leave their bases until the ball is hit.

I. Stealing – There will be no stealing.

J. Running bases - Runners may advance more than one base on an infield hit until the pitcher has control of the ball in the pitching circle.  If a runner is halfway between bases and running toward the next base when the pitcher gains control she must stop on the base she is heading. 

K. Coaching - A maximum of 2 coaches may assist the defensive team. They must be positioned in the outfield during play. A maximum of three (3) coaches may assist the offensive team. They must be positioned as 1st and 3rd base coaches and 1 at home to assist in batting.

L. Playing positions - Players may not play more than 2 innings in the same defensive position in a game. Defensive players may not start play closer than 25 ft. to the batter.

 

Section 4. Rules Specific to 6 & Under - T-ball

A. Ball - 11" ASA-certified, IncrediBall or equivalent.

B. Pitching - Distance: 35 ft. Ball is hit off of a Tee. Defensive pitcher must be on the pitching rubber.

C. Strikes - Any swing that is not a hit is a strike. Any ball not traveling 10 ft. from the Tee is also a strike. Note: An arc shall be drawn from foul line to foul line, ten (10) feet from the point of the home plate.

D. Fair Ball - A hit ball that comes to rest on the 10 ft. line is considered fair. The 10 ft line is an arc that is drawn from the 1st base foul line to the 3rd base foul line measured out from the end (part closest to backstop) of homeplate to 10 feet down 1st and 3rd base line.

E. Bat - T-ball or softball bats are allowed.

F. Running bases - Runners may not advance more than one base on a hit

G. Stealing - Stealing is not allowed. Runners must stay on base until ball is batted.

H. Coaching - A maximum of 2 coaches may assist the defensive team. They must be positioned in the outfield during play. A maximum of three (3) coaches may assist the offensive team. They must be positioned as 1st and 3rd base coaches and 1 at home to assist in batting.  The coach at home must stay on the 1^st base side of home plate and move the Tee as soon as the ball is hit.

I. Tee – The tee should be located in front of home plate but touching home plate.

J. Playing  positions - Players may not play more than 2 innings in the same defensive position in a game. Defensive players may not start play closer than 5 feet in front of 1^st or 3^rd base and no closer than 5 feet in front of the 1^st to 2^nd  and 2^nd to 3^rd baselines.

 

 

ARTICLE II - MINOR AND MAJOR LEAGUES

 

Section 1. Rules applicable to all Minor and Major League teams

A. Rules - The Official Rules of Softball for Junior Olympic fast pitch, as adopted by ASA, shall be in effect except as modified by this document.

B. Dugouts - The home team will occupy the first base dugout and will bat last.

C. Infield practice - Infield practice is not allowed before or during games.

D. Scorekeeper - The home team provides the official scorekeeper. The official score will be the score at the end of the last complete inning. The home team coach will call the official score into the teams respective Commissioner.

E. Line-ups - Line-up sheets listing every player on the official team roster must be submitted to the official scorekeeper, the plate umpire and the manager of the opposing team at least ten (10) minutes before game time. Notation shall be made as to any player who will not play and the reason.

F. Timekeeper - The home plate umpire is the official timekeeper. Game time is forfeit time. If both teams forfeit, both will receive a loss.

G. Runs - A maximum of six (6) runs will be scored by a team each half inning. Excess runs will not be scored.

H. Field Prepartion – The Visiting Team of the 6:00 - 6:30pm(early) game must put out the bases at any Harold Patterson Field that is being played on and must put out bases and chalk the fields on Harold Patterson Fields 5 & 6.  The Visiting Team for the 8:00 – 8:30pm(late) gamemust put the bases up at the end of (late) game.

 

Section 2. Rules Specific to the Minor League - (10&under & 12&under)

A. Rules specific to both Recreation and Contract Leagues:

1. Helmets - Helmets shall be fitted with chin straps and must be properly worn by all batters and runners in the Minor League.  Helmets must have face masks.

2. Game length - No new inning will start after 1 hour and 10 minutes or five (5) innings have been played, whichever comes first. After the time limit has expired, the inning will be completed unless the team behind cannot win due to the run rule.

3. Incomplete game - If a game is called for darkness, rain or lightning during the first three (3) innings of play, the game is not official and the game will be resumed at the point which it was called.

4. Official game – A game is Official after 3 complete innings or 55 minutes of play which ever comes first.  If a game is called for darkness, rain or lightning and the game has become official, then the game score reverts back to the last completed inning, even if time has not expired, with that score being the final score of the game.

5. Mercy Rule - There shall be no mercy rule. All games shall be played the full allotted time.

6. Rules – If there are not distinct Recreation and Contract Leagues then Contract Rules will apply to all teams.

 

B. Rules specific to Recreation Leagues:

1. Batting order - A continuous batting order will be used for each game.

2. Playing time - Players will play a minimum one (1) inning on defense per game.

3. Substitution - Free substitution is allowed, however, no defensive substitutions are allowed during a half inning unless a defensive player is unable to play. Exception: A player may come into the game from the bench to facilitate a pitching position change.

4. Late arrivals - When additional players arrive, they shall be added to the bottom of the batting order unless their batting position was established before the start of the game.

 

C. Rules specific only to the 10 & Under Recreation League:

1.     Wild pitches - If, in the opinion of the umpire, a single pitcher has three hit batters dangerously hard in a single game she must be removed from the pitching position for the remainder of that game. If no attempt is made to avoid being hit, the hit will not count as one of the three and the batter will not be awarded first base unless it is ball four.

2.     Modified Pitch

a.The kid pitcher is allowed up to 5 pitches per batter.

b.The kid pitcher can strike out a batter after 3 strikes.

c.There will be no walking allowed.

d.Batter hit by a pitch will be allowed first base.

e.After 5 pitches, the batter's coach can come in and will be allowed up to 3 pitches. The batter will keep the strikes thrown by the pitcher.

         i)For example, if the kid pitcher throws 2

strikes out of 5 pitches, the batter will start

with 2 strikes when the coach comes in to pitch.

The coach has 3 pitches they can throw, if the

batter swings and misses any of the 3 pitches,

the batter is out. If the batter swings and fouls the 3rd pitch, the batter is out.

 

D. Rules Specific to Contract Leagues:

1. Substitution - ASA substitution rules apply. Exception: If a player is injured and unable to continue play, and no legal substitute is available, she may be replaced by a player who has played. Under these conditions, an illegal substitute becomes a legal substitute.

 

Section 3. Rules Specific to the Major League - (18&under, 16&under & 14&under)

A. Game length - No new inning will start after 1 hour and 20 minutes or seven (7)innings have been played, whichever comes first. After the time limit has expired, the inning will be completed unless the team behind cannot win due to the run rule.

B. Incomplete game - If a game is called for darkness, rain or lightning during the first three (3) innings of play, the game is not official and the game will be resumed at the point which it was called. If the game is called in the 3rd inning and home team is batting or comes to bat and is winning then the inning is considered complete and the game will be considered complete and not rescheduled.

C. Official game - A game is Official after 3 complete innings or 60 minutes of play which ever comes first.   If a game is called for darkness, rain or lightning and the game has become official, then the game score reverts back to the last completed inning, even if time has not expired, with that score being the final score of the game.

D. Substitution - ASA substitution rules apply. Exception: If a player is injured and unable to continue play, and no legal substitute is available, she may be replaced by a player who has played. Under these conditions, an illegal substitute becomes a legal substitute. This rule shall be observed as stated and shall not be altered nor amended by coaches or commissioners.

E. Mercy Rule - There shall be no mercy rule. All games shall be played the full allotted time.

 

 ARTICLE III - PRE-SEASON PITCHING MACHINE TOURNAMENT

 

A. The optional pre-season pitching machine tournament is a (just for fun) practice tournament to get the season started.

The rules for this tournament are the Official Rules of Softball (fast pitch) as adopted by ASA except as modified by the following rules:

1. Continuous batting order and free substitutions will be used.

2. Coaches will flip a coin to decide home team. Dugouts will be selected on a first come first serve basis.

3. The pitching machine should be set for the middle of a strike zone and not adjusted for each batter. Each pitch will be considered a strike unless it is excessively high, low or outside, etc.

4. Each player will get three (3) pitches only. A foul tip on the third pitch will count as an out. If a machine breaks down, coaches will switch to coach pitch - three (3) pitches per player. A foul tip on the third pitch will count as an out.

5. If the hit ball strikes the pitching machine, it will be called a "dead ball, no pitch." The batter will not be charged with the pitch and the runners shall return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.

6. A six (6) run rule will be in effect for each inning.

7. Coaches or team representatives will alternate innings as umpire and feeding the pitching machine unless an umpire is present.

8. The initial time limit will be 50 minutes, with the last innings being completed if the outcome is in doubt. Tie games will use the international tie breaking rule. If the schedule starts to run late, the time limit may be reduced by the League Commissioner.

9. A team may play with as few as seven (7) players without forfeiting. Six (6) players will constitute a forfeit, but the game may be played for practice using extra players from the other team if necessary.

10. No trophies will be awarded. This is a practice tournament just for fun. Any dispute or protest will be decided by the League Commissioner or any Vice President or Commissioner who is not involved.

11. All coaches must abide by these rules, no pregame agreements or alterations allowed. This will keep the games running on schedule and hopefully keep the disputes to a minimum.