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ADMINISTRATION
1. Regular ASA softball RULES HAVE BEEN MODIFIED. For instances not specifically outlined herein, refer to the official rules for Fast Pitch Softball.
2. All games will BEGIN at 6:00 p.m.
3. No full inning can begin after 8:00 p.m. or at the discreion of the umpire that it is too dark to safely play.
4. Rule #3 may be slightly adjusted if the game starts late. Such adjustment must be agreed to by both coaches and the umpire prior to the game. In any case safety rules.
5. The umpire and coaches should go over the ground rules prior to the game.
6. Once the game begins, the UMPIRE IS IN CHARGE. She/he must control the game and keep it moving.
7. IF a team is unable to field a team, it will be a FORFEITED GAME unless agreed otherwise by both coaches. However, seven (7) players will constitute a full team in both the Junior League and Senior Leagues. The other team will play with the regulation (9) players. The deadline for starting a game is 6:15 p.m. If a team starts a game with less than the full complement and additional players show up, those players will be added to the end of the batting order. During playoffs, an out shall be recorded for each “missing” player in the batting order (up to 9) unless both teams have equal numbers of players. Even if a game is forfeited, it is recommended that a pick-up or practice game be played with the players and coaches who are in attendance.
8. The “home” team will occupy the BENCH on the first base line.
9. The winning coach will submit the game write-up to the PUBLICITY Director. Please include any accomplishments by players on the losing team. We need this information to keep track of standings. The Publicity director will submit write-ups to the local newspapers, so please take time to fill out the form. This responsibility may be delegated to an assistant coach or interested parent.
SPORTSMANSHIP
1. Coaches, parents, fans, and players shall not verbally or otherwise harass opponents or umpires.
2. An umpire has the authority to ask that an ANY PERSON who does not follow the codes of Parent Conduct to leave the area. IF that person refuses to leave, an umpire may suspend the game.
3. Coaches, parents, fans, and players SHALL NOT COMMENT on a pitch call BEFORE OR AFTER the umpire calls it. The same rule applies to out/safe calls and other umpire judgments.
4. If there is a DISAGREEMENT regarding a RULE INTERPRETATION, one coach from each team will speak to each other and then address the umpire together. If a coach has an issue that will not wait until the end of an inning, call time out and meet with the umpire and the other coach in a private fashion to discuss the area of contention. Remember that most of the umpires are young and learning. Coaches should try their best to negotiate a settlement. Major problems which cannot be settled at the field will be reviewed by a committee consisting of the Director of Umpires, the Commissioner, and experienced coaches. Please finish the game.
5. Parents shall refrain from giving instruction to players during the game.
POSTPONEMENTS AND SHORTENED GAMES
1. If the ground is DANGEROUSLY WET, the game will be postponed. Never play on a field that is officially closed. Due to our tight scheduling and the unavailability of fields, please do not postpone a game until you are certain that the field will not be acceptable at 6:00pm or shortly thereafter.
2. If a game is POSTPONED PRIOR TO GAME TIME, the home team shall notify both the Director of Umpires and the Director of Fields. The postponed game should be rescheduled at the time of postponement with notification to both Directors of Umpires and Fields. (Please play rescheduled games as soon as possible, preferably the weekend following the postponement.)
3. Once the game begins, the umpire will make any decision regarding field conditions.
4. Four complete innings will constitute a REGULATION GAME. If the home team is winning, the last of the fourth is unnecessary.
5. Regulation games which are called on account of darkness or inclement weather, will be continued at a later date. Continuation of tie games will begin at the point of suspension. Batting order and pitching requirements will be followed as if the game had never been suspended.
UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT
1. Team shirts, sweatpants and hats constitute a COMPLETE UNIFORM. Hats are recommended, but they may be removed if darkness is a factor. Players should be reminded to wear sufficient clothing under their uniforms to stay warm. Players should not play with overcoats on as the uniform shirt should be visible.
2. Players shall not wear jewelry.
3. Due to the playing conditions of the fields, LONG PANTS are emphatically recommended. Sweatpants are provided for both the Junior and Senior leagues. On extremely hot days these may be worn pulled up.
4. BATTING HELMETS must be worn while batting and while on the bases.
5. Shoes with metal cleats are not allowed.
6. The CATCHER must wear a complete set of PROTECTIVE GEAR. This gear should include shin pads, a mask with helmet, a throat protector, and a chest protector.
PLAYING FIELD
1. The minimum PITCHING DISTANCE shall be 36 feet for juniors and 38 feet for seniors.
2. The DISTANCE BETWEEN BASES shall be a minimum of 55 feet for juniors and exactly 60 feet for seniors.
3. The ball will be considered OUT OF BOUNDS when it passes beyond the back stop or beyond an imaginary line running from the ends of the backstop, through the benches, and running parallel to the foul lines of the outfield.
4. Reminder, all foul lines are in FAIR TERRITORY. Home plate is fair territory.
5. All equipment must be kept out of bounds.
PLAYING TIME AND BATTING ORDER
1. The Junior League will play six (6) inning games and the Senior League will play seven (7) inning games.
2. Playing time in the field should be substantially equal. On defense, no player will sit out for a second inning until each other player has sat out for one inning. No player will sit out for a third inning until each other player has sat out for two innings, etc. Players should be played at different positions during a game. Players should be permitted to play all positions during the season.
3. Each player shall play at least two innings in the infield each game. The infield is defined as P, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS.
4. The coaches shall have discretion in reducing a PLAYER’S PLAYING TIME for special circumstances. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, disciplinary problems and unexplained or unreasonable absence from practices.
5. Written LINE-UPS must be exchanged between managers before the game begins. Coaches must inform the opposing team of any changes in the line-up (latecomers or early departures).
6. All players present at the game are in the batting lineup and every team BATS THROUGH its line up regardless of whether or not a player is in the field during a particular inning.
7. BATTING OUT OF ORDER. The batting order must be followed throughout the game. If someone bats out of order and the error is:
1) discovered during the “at bat,” then the correct batter assumes the balls and strikes count,
2) discovered after the “at bat” and before the first pitch to the next batter, then the correct batter is called out and the base runners assume their places before the incorrect batter’s “at bat”
3) discovered after the first pitch to the next batter, there is no penalty and next player in the order continues at bat.
All coaches are asked to help the opposing team if they notice the wrong player is at the plate.
8. There shall be a maximum of six runs in any ½ inning., except that this rule shall not apply during the last inning of the game. If darkness is imminent, coaches and umpire should agree that an inning will be the last inning prior to its start.
9. BASE COACHES. Coaches may be a team coach or a player. Only one base coach is allowed at each base. “Player” base coaches should borrow batting helmets from the opposing team. Base coaches should return the helmets to the other team after their team’s at bat.
PITCHING
1. At the Senior level a player will be allowed to pitch four (4) innings per game. In the Junior league a player may pitch three (3) innings per game. One pitch in an inning constitutes a full inning pitched. Pitchers may be removed from the pitching duties and returned later if they have not pitched their full allotment of innings.
2. If a pitcher hits 3 batters in a single game, or 2 batters in one inning, she must be removed from her pitching duties for the remainder of the game. She may not return as a pitcher (but she can play any other position) during this game, even if she has not pitched the number of allowed innings.
3. PITCHING DELIVERY. Only one step is permitted in the pitching delivery. The pitcher shall begin facing the batter with both feet in contact with the pitching plate/rubber/line. In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher shall take one step forward as she simultaneously delivers the ball to the batter. Otherwise, it shall be considered a no-pitch. Junior rule only: The pitcher shall not switch pitching styles, (i.e., form windmill to whip) while pitching to a single batter.
4. No intentional walks will be allowed.
THE BATTER
1. The STRIKE ZONE shall be considered between the batter’s knees and armpits. Simultaneously, any part of the ball must pass over some portion of home plate. The black edges are included as part of the plate.
2. A FOUL TIP caught by the catcher is not considered an out unless it passes above the batter’s head, or it is on the third strike. Otherwise it is just a strike.
3. Batters may not advance to first on a dropped third strike. The batter is out.
4. If a BATTER THROWS HER BAT in a dangerous manner, she shall receive a warning by the umpire. The umpire may warn an entire team upon the first occurrence. Subsequently, the batter will be called out if the bat is dangerously thrown again. If a player is called out, the ball will be considered dead and the base runners will return to their previous bases.
5. If a batter, or any part of her clothing, is hit by a pitch, the batter will be awarded first base. The batter will not be awarded first base if the pitch is in the strike zone and called a strike by the umpire. (Coaches should remind players to adjust their batting stances so as not to lean into the strike zone.)
6. BUNTING is allowed in Junior and Senior Leagues.
7. A batter is out if she steps on home plate while swinging.
8. Batter is out if she interferes with the catcher.
BASE RUNNER
1. Base stealing and leading is allowed. A runner may only advance one base on a steal (1st to 2nd, or 2nd to 3rd) even if the defense attempts to throw them out and the ball goes into the outfield.
2. Base runners must remain in contact with the base until (a) the ball reaches the catcher, or (b) the pitch crosses the plate. If a base runner is observed leaving early, she will be called out.
3. A base runner may not score on a steal (or a passed ball or a ball overthrown to any base or the pitcher.)
4. The infield fly rule does not apply.
5. Base runners may advance as many bases as they can on an overthrow. One base will be awarded if the ball passes out-of- bounds on an overthrow.
6. The BALL IS DEAD and the play is over when the ball is returned to the pitcher’s circle, an eight (8) ft. radius from the pitcher’s rubber and the pitcher (or another player in the circle) has control of the ball. If the pitcher, after getting the ball in the circle, continues play by then throwing the ball to another player, play continues until an out is made or the ball is returned to the circle.
7. A base runner will be called out by the umpire if she RUNS OUT OF THE BASELINE, more than three (3) feet away from a direct line between the bases to avoid being tagged. A base runner may leave the baseline to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball.
8. Batter advancing to first base must step on the “yellow” side of the safety base and turn into foul territory. The fielder must only use the “white” portion of the safety base. If after reaching first base, a base runner appears to make an ATTEMPT TOWARD SECOND BASE, she is at risk of being tagged out. The umpire will decide whether the base runner appeared to going toward second base.
9. OBSTRUCTION. If a defensive player is standing in the way of a base runner and is not in the process of fielding a ball and obstructs that base runner, the base runner will be awarded that base. A defensive player without the ball may not block the base on a base runner’s attempt to reach it.
10. If a base runner INTERFERES with a fielder attempting to field a ball, the base runner is out.
11. A base runner may advance two (2) bases if a fielder throws her hat or glove at a fair ball trying to stop it. This is an umpire’s decision.
12. During a tag play, BASERUNNERS MAY NOT CHARGE into a fielder with the ball or attempting to catch the ball. The player will be called out unless the player slides or otherwise maneuvers to avoid any contact with the fielder.
PLAYOFF SYSTEM
1. JUNIOR LEAGUE: Teams will be seeded for the playoffs based on their place finish for the regular season. If two or more teams are tied the following tie breaker(s) will be used.
a. Head to head meeting(s) of the tied teams during the regular season.
b. Least runs allowed in head to head meeting(s) during the regular season.
c. Least runs allowed during the regular season.
d. Most runs scored in head to head meeting(s) during the regular season.
e. Most runs scored during the regular season.
2. Each team will play one game with each other team in its (odd or even) playoff bracket.
3. If two or more teams are tied after the playoffs, the following tie breaker(s) will be used to determine place of finish.
a. Head to head meeting(s) of the tied teams during the playoffs.
b. Least runs allowed during playoffs.
c. Most runs scored during playoffs.
d. Head to head competition(s) during the regular season.
e. Best record during the regular season.
4. The SEMI-FINALS: The top two teams from each of the brackets advance to the semi-final games. The top team from each bracket plays the second place team from the other bracket.
5. SENIOR LEAGUE: Each team will play each of the other four teams once in “Playoffs” to determine seeding. After this round-robin, teams will be seeded (using tiebreakers in #3 above, if needed). If there are five teams, Teams seeded #4 and #5 will then play each other to determine who joins the other three seeds in the Semi-finals described above. If there are six teams, Teams #1 and #2 shall have “byes.”
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