 |
|
|
 |
|
|
NOTE TO PLAYER-
CONTENTS OF RULES-
1. CODE OF CONDUCT
2. SLOW PITCH RULES
3. FAST PITCH RULES
ALL PLAYERS MUST READ AND KNOW ALL RULES AND ABIDE BY THE
CODE OF CONDUCT.
FOR A LIST OF ILLEGAL BATS, PLEASE CLICK THE WCAA LOGO
|
2009 PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ALL WCAA ADULT SOFTBALL PLAYERS
PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ALL WCAA ADULT SOFTBALL
1. I will show respect at all times for my teammates, the opposing
players, and game and/or league officials.
2. I will lead by example, demonstrating fair play and good
sportsmanship at all games. Making a mockery of the game will
result in my ejection from the game.
3. I have read the league rules and will abide by them at all games.
4. I will not use abusive, profane or insulting language to any player,
game or league official.
5. I will not engage in the practice of inciting fellow teammates
or spectators to challange the umpires decision.
6. I will not use drugs, alcohol or tobacco products during the games.
7. I will remove watches,earrings, bracelets, and necklaces before
participating in games. I will be removed from the game until I
have complied with the rule.
8. I will be a team player. Softball is a team sport and every player
on the field plays an important role. Be disciplined and get to
your positions as quickly as possible. Show leadership by having a
positive attitude.
9. I will support my league. Show your support of decisions made by
game and league officials in positive manner. Making rude and
disparaging comments reagarding calls made by the umpire will not be
tolerated.
10. Have fun. Be a good sport. Follow the rules and enjoy the game. I
promise to demonstrate to the children watching my game that I am a
good sportsman by lining up and shaking the hands of my opponents
after the game.
Any player ejected from a game by the umpire is subject to a one-game
suspension and must be served imediately with the next scheduled
game.
Ejections by umpires are not subject to appeal or discussion.
Players must leave the playing area and return to the parking lot
during the remainder of the game.
During the next game, while serving their suspension, the player may
not sit in the dugout.
Illegal players (non-rostered players) who participate in a game
will be removed from the game upon protest by the opposing team. Any
runs scored by the illegal player will be removed from the scoreboard
and the manager will be ejected. An illegal player(s) found to have
participated in a game at any time during the season, if proven by
opposing team, will result in the offending team forfeiting the game.
Any player in violation of league rules or violating the Code of
Conduct Rules may be subject to the following:
a) verbal reprimend
b) written reprimend
c) one to three game suspensions
d) recommedation to the WCAA Executive Board of Directors for
immediate expulsion from the league.
|
ADULT CO-ED SLOW PITCH RULES
ADULT CO-ED SLOW PITCH RULES
UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED BELOW, I.S.A. RULES WILL APPLY
For list of ILLEGAL BATS, click on the WCAA Logo
THE LEAGUE-
All players must be 21 years of age on or before the date that the current season begins play.
(Summer league start date is June 7, 2009)
There will be EIGHT teams competing for the Championship Game. There will be two divisions with four teams each called the American and National. Each team will play ten games during the regular season. There will be two-games against the three teams within their division and one game against the four teams from the opposing division. The teams will be seeded within their respected divisions for a double-elimination tournament at the conclusion of the regular season. A teams winning percentage will determine seeding within the double-elimination tournament.
In regard to tournament seeding, a tie between two teams at the conclusion of the regular season; the head-to-head tie breaker will be used. In the event the teams split their three-game series, the team who allowed the least number of runs in those three games will get the higher seeding.
Should there be three or more teams tied at the conclusion of the regular season, the tie-breaker will be decided on how many runs each team allowed during all regular season games. The team with the least number of allowed runs will receive the higher seeding.
THE GAME-
The game will consist of six innings and/or a 60-minute time limit. There are no restrictions on how many innings are played during the 60-minutes in regard to extra innings. No new inning may be started after the 60-minute time limit has elapsed. The home team always getting their last-at-bat if necessary.
PLEASE NOTE- Games are scheduled on 75-minute interval. However, should a game go over this time period, teams following that game will be given a ten-minute warm-up period before beginning their game.
TIE GAME RULE-
In the case of a game ending in a tie after the home team has batted their turn and the 60-minute time limit has expired, the following rule will apply:
Both teams will be given a final at bat. The final inning will begin with a runner being placed on second base (this would be the player who made the last out in the previous inning) each team will then attempt to score runs. In the event that after this tie-breaker inning has played out and there still remains a tie, then the final score will be recorded as a tie game. This rule is in effect for the regular season games only.
All post-season games will play extra innings until the game is decided by a team outscoring the other.
Suspended games fewer than four complete innings will be continued at a later date. In the event of a suspended game, the umpire will record the time played, the official lineups, the number of outs, the inning, the pitchers and the batter (pitch count) so that the game can be continued from that point when the game is continued.
When the game is resumed at a later date, all legal players on the roster at the time of the game will be eligible to participate regardless if they were on the lineups of the suspended game. All new players must be added to the bottom of the lineup and may not take a turn at bat until the original players on the official lineup card have batted at least once.
ANY GAME (regular or post season) suspended after each team has had four at bats will be considered a complete game. If the score is tied, the game will be scored as a tied game.
Only the umpire may declare a game suspended due to adverse weather or field conditions. If the game is suspended for more than 30 minutes, the game will be called. In the event of lightning, all players will be asked to return to their vehicles until the suspension is lifted.
The umpire will record the official start time, and will inform both managers before putting the ball into play. The umpire will give notice to both managers when TEN minutes remain in the game (90-minutes)
In order to force a new inning before game-time expires, the losing team must either put their nine players on the field OR if at bat, place the next-at-bat batter in the batters box before time elapses.
10-Run rule is in effect after both teams have had four-at-bats. In the event the ten-run rule comes into play after the 5th inning, the home team will always be given their last-at-bat. (If necessary)
20-Run MERCY rule will be in effect after the losing team has had one-at-bats. The game ends immediately once a team takes a 20-run lead.
FORFEITED GAMES-
In the event an umpire has declared a forfeit of one team, the final score will be 6-0. In the event both teams have forfeited the game, the score will be a tie 6-6.
The game will be played on a field with the following dimensions:
Homerun fences will be 300-feet from the plate.
Base paths will be 70 feet from the plate.
Pitching rubber will be 50 feet from the plate.
THE TEAM
Teams may not have more than 15 player’s roster on their team at any time during the regular season. Official rosters are listed on the website. Official players are those players that have registered for the season and therefore are insured. To add more than 15 players, players must be dropped from the official roster.
Each team must have at least nine players by the start of the third inning to avoid forfeiting the game. The official game times are as posted on the official website schedule. Rain delays may change official game times. Players who arrive after the game has begun and/or before the third inning has started will be placed at the bottom of the batting lineup.
In the event the first game has run over into the scheduled time of game number two, the umpire will begin the second game ten minutes after the first game has concluded. This will then be the amended official game time. Managers should have their players report to the field at least thirty minutes before scheduled game times.
The visiting team will be allowed five minutes of warm-up on the infield followed by five minutes for the home team prior to the official game time. There shall be no batting practice permitted on the field by either team inside thirty minutes of the official start time.
Teams must bat a minimum of nine players in their official lineup including two female batters. It is not required to alternate male and female batters. Should a team not have nine players at the start of a game, they may “borrow” players from the opposing team if both managers agree. The umpire must be notified. The team that does not have nine official players must do so by the start of the third inning or forfeit the game. Should both teams not have the minimum nine players by the start of the third inning, the game will be declared a tie.
FEMALE PLAYER/BATTER RULE-
Teams that do not have the minimum of two female players in their starting lineup or on the field during defense will be penalized by having an out charged against them when at bat. Therefore, a team would only have two outs when at bat during the time(s) they cannot meet the minimum female player/batter rule.
There is free substitution throughout the game with exception to pitchers. Once removed from the mound, a pitcher may return to pitch only one time during the game. Any starting player removed from the game must return to the game in his original batting position. Pinch-hitters are not required to play defense.
DH RULE-
Managers may elect to DH one player. The DH player is not required to play defense. A DH batter may be replaced by any non-starting player during the game.
Line-up cards will be given to the opposing manager, the umpire and official scorer. The lineup card will include the players’ last name and jersey number.
Teams may add new players to their roster (and remove players) up to the 7th game of the regular season. After the 7th game has been played, no team may add new players. This will be deemed the final and official roster for all remaining regular season and post-season games.
Players may be traded between teams only one time during the season provided it is done before the 7th game is played. Once a player has been traded he is locked to that teams roster for the remainder of the season.
EXCEPTION- The traded player misses more than five games and therefore can be removed from the team by his manager without refund.
Any player who has missed more than five games during the regular season may be removed from the roster by his/her team manager and no refund will be offered by the WCAA.
The home team will provide an official scorebook-keeper and a volunteer to operate the scoreboard.
The visiting team should also keep their scorebook during the game should the umpire have a scoring question during the game.
The league will provide TWO official game softballs before the game. The official softball for the league will be the GOLD Dot Slow Pitch 12-inch; COR .47/375 lbs. max. Comp.
(WHITE in color) The umpire may elect to continue using ball(s) rather than put a new ball into play.
Both teams should have 1-2 extra balls in good condition (old game balls) available during the game. The umpire holds discretion as to whether or not a ball is allowed to be used during the game.
UNIFORM RULE-
All players must be in uniform to participate in the game. Uniform includes official team jersey (with a number 00-99), sweatpants, gym shorts and or baseball pants. No jeans will be allowed. All players must wear tennis shoes or baseball cleats. Metal cleats are NOT permitted. Bare feet or flip-flops will not be permissible. Players wearing metal cleats or improper shoes must remove or replace them with legal footwear in order to continue playing in the game.
It is advised but not mandatory that All players wear a batting helmet (with at least one ear flap-side that faces the pitcher) when taking a turn at bat. Base coaches and base runners are also advised but not required to wear helmets.
Catchers are required to wear the following-
Protective cup (male players only)
Facemask (helmet optional)
Chest protector (optional)
Shin-guards (optional)
Optional equipment for all players-
Protective shin-guard and/or elbow-guard when taking a turn at bat.
All male players are advised but not required to wear a protective cup.
TAKING THE FIELD
A team may chose to field nine or ten defensive fielders. All nine or ten defensive positions must have a player assigned on the official lineup card. With exception to the catcher having to be in position behind the plate and inside the catcher’s box, there are no rules governing the position of defensive players provided they are all in fair territory at the time of the pitch being offered to the male batter However, when a female batter takes her turn at bat, all outfielders must stay behind the 200-foot mark indicated by the orange lines in the outfield grass until the ball crosses the plate.
All fielders must have a glove. (Not longer than 14 inches)
Catchers and first baseman may elect to wear mitts if so desired.
Any player wearing a splint or brace must insure that all exposed metal is covered with a soft material and/or tape. The umpire will hold discretion as to whether or not the player is eligible for play.
Warm-up pitches will not be allowed between innings.
EXCEPTION-
When a pitcher is changed during an inning, the new pitcher is allowed six pitches or two minutes whichever comes first in order to warm-up.
DELAY TACTICS-
If the umpire judges that a player or team is deliberately stalling or delaying the game to exhaust time from the 60-minute clock, the umpire will give one warning with an explanation as to why he believes a delaying offense has occurred.
After the second warning, he will eject the manager from the game and award one base to all runners.
If a third warning is required, the game will be declared a forfeit by the offending team.
PROTESTS-
Unless a protest is resolved at the field by both managers, protests will be heard by two team managers and an umpire. The three must not have been participants in the protested game. The protest will be debated within 24 hours of the protested game. The decision will be final.
Protests must be made during the game or within 10 minutes after the game has concluded to the umpire. Only rule violations will be considered. Judgment calls are not subject to protest.
EJECTIONS-
Any player ejected by the umpire will be ruled ineligible for the next scheduled game. The player must leave the playing area and return to the parking lot until the game is completed. The player will be given three minutes to gather his or her equipment and leave. A player who stalls or delays in leaving the ball park will be subject to more severe penalties.
While serving the suspension (next scheduled game) the player MAY NOT sit with their team in the dugout. The ejected player must not interfere with the game and/or players or he will be subject to ejection from all remaining games of the season for violation of the player code of conduct.
Ejections by umpires ARE NOT subject to appeal or discussion. Only the umpire may rescind the ejection.
UMPIRES-
The umpire has complete control and authority during the game. The umpire may eject players for rules violations and for arguing judgment calls which includes arguing balls and strikes.
The umpire will be required to give one warning for any misconduct (UNLESS it is a major rule infraction) before ejecting a player.
MAJOR-RULE INFRACTIONS-
1. Fighting or striking another player or attempting to strike another player or Leaving the dugout to engage in a fight will result in immediate ejection from the game and faces expulsion from the league. (Decision made by WCAA BOD)
2. A batter charging the mound will be ejected and subject to a three-game suspension. Player does not have to make physical contact with opposing player(s). In the event there is physical contact, see rule one.
3. Throwing a bat or the ball with the intent to strike or injure another player on or off the field will result in the offending player being expelled from the league. (Decision made by WCAA BOD)
A player who throws his bat or any piece of equipment in a manner judged by the umpire to be unsportsmanlike will result in a warning from by the umpire followed by an ejection from the game for a second offense in the same game.
5. A pitcher who purposefully hits a batter will be ejected from the game and subject to a three-game suspension.
6. After receiving a warning from the umpire, any player using profane or abusive language will be ejected from the game.
7. Any player using drugs, tobacco and/or the drinking of alcoholic beverages during a game will be ejected from the game and subject to a three-game suspension.
The umpire may ask that spectators leave the softball field bleachers and surrounding area if they are deemed unruly, and/or causing a disturbance to the game. Artificial noise makers are prohibited during games. Teams engaging in "chatter" may do so as long as the umpire considers it in good taste and not disruptive to the game.
Appeals must be made in writing to the President of the WCAA in order to appeal any suspension by the league within 48 hours (an email is best choice). The decision to eject or suspend a player(s) will stand and all suspensions will be enforced and served for all MAJOR RULE INFRACTIONS until the WCAA BOD renders a decision. This decision may take time, so it is very possible that the player(s) will serve out their suspension before a decision is made by the WCAA BOD.
PITCHING RULES-
Before commencing the delivery (pitch), the pitcher:
a. May not take the pitching position on or near the pitcher's plate without having the ball in his possession.
b. Shall not be considered in the pitching position unless the catcher is in position to receive the pitch.
c. Must have both feet on the ground within the (24 in) length of the pitcher's plate. The hips shall be in line with first and third bases and both feet must be in contact with the pitcher's plate.
d. Must, while standing on the plate and with the ball in either the glove or the pitching hand, take the signal, or appear to be taking a signal, from the catcher with the hands separated.
e. Must, after taking the signal, bring his whole body to a full and complete stop with the ball held in both hands in front of the body. This position must be held for two (2) seconds and not more than five (5) seconds before releasing the ball. NOTE: Holding the ball in both hands to the side of the body is considered in front of the body.
STARTING THE PITCH-
a. The pitch starts after the hands have been placed together, and one hand is taken off the ball.
LEGAL DELIVERY-
A pitch delivered legally with the proper arc requirement that crosses the plate within the strike zone will be called a strike. The strike zone is that space over any part of home plate, between the batter's back shoulder and front knee, when s/he assumes a natural batting stance. The pitch, delivered with an underhand motion, must have a perceptible arc and reach a height of at least 6 feet from the ground, while not exceeding a maximum of 12 feet.
Pitchers must keep their pivot foot on the pitching rubber when delivering a pitch. Pitcher may pitch with a backward step provided his pivot foot remains on the pitching rubber.
Pitchers may not use a wind-up motion, nor may they step backwards to gain momentum. Pitchers are allowed to begin their pitch with a foot behind the rubber to push off.
Once a pitcher takes their position on the mound, they have ten seconds to pitch the ball.
Pitch count/innings pitched- There are no limits on pitches thrown or innings pitched.
NO PITCH-
No pitch shall be declared when:
a. the pitcher pitches during a suspension of play.
b. The pitcher attempts a quick return of the ball (quick-pitch):
1. before the batter has taken his position, or
2. when the batter is off balance as a result of a previous pitch.
c. The pitcher pitches before a runner has retouched his base after a foul ball has been declared and the ball is dead.
d. When a player, manager, or coach:
1. Calls "Time", before the pitched ball leaves the pitcher hand.
FLAT PITCH-
Is declared by the umpire when a pitcher fails to pitch the ball within the 6-foot to 12-foot arc as required for a legal pitch. The batter has the option to hit the “flat” pitch at his peril of having either a strike called or being put out as a result of hitting the ball. If the batter allows the pitch to go untouched it will be declared a ball.
DROPPED BALL-
If the ball slips from the pitcher's hand during his delivery:
1. a ball is declared on the batter, and
2. the ball will remain in play and runners may advance at their own risk of being put out.
DEFENSIVE POSITIONING-
a. The pitcher shall not deliver a pitch, unless all defensive players, except the catcher who must be in the catcher's box, are positioned in fair territory.
b. A fielder shall not take a position in the batter's line of vision or, with deliberate unsportsmanlike intent, or act in a manner to distract the batter.
NOTE: A pitch does not have to be released. The offending player shall be ejected from the game after a second warning.
c. With a runner on third base trying to score no defensive player may:
1. Step on, or in front of, home plate without the ball or touch the batter or his bat.
PENALTY: The ball is dead. The batter shall be awarded first base on the obstruction and all runners shall advance one base.
FOREIGN SUBSTANCE-
a. No member of the defensive team shall, at any time during the game, be permitted to use any foreign substance on the ball. A pitcher who licks his fingers must wipe off his fingers before making contact with the ball.
NOTE: If any defensive team member places a foreign substance on the ball, the pitcher shall be ejected from the game.
b. Applying resin to the ball, or into the glove and then placing the ball in the glove, is an illegal act. Resin must be kept on the ground behind the pitcher’s plate when not in use.
c. Under the supervision and control of the umpire, powdered resin may be used to dry the hands.
d. The pitcher shall not wear WHITE tape on his fingers, or have a WHITE sweatband, bracelet, or similar type item on the wrist or forearm of the pitching arm.
INTENTIONAL WALK-
If the pitcher desires to walk a male batter intentionally he may do so by notifying the plate umpire who shall award the batter first base. The pitcher’s notification to the umpire shall be considered a pitch. FEMALE batters MAY NOT be intentionally walked.
Should a female batter follow a male batter in the original lineup who is intentionally walked, the female batter has the option to either take a base on balls or take her turn at bat. Her decision must be made prior to taking any pitches.
*In the event that a male batter is intentionally walked, and a male batter follows, a team may choose to pinch hit the male batter with a female batter .However, the female pinch-hitter will not have the right to take a base-on-balls; she must take her turn at bat.
NOTE: The notification to intentionally walk a male batter can occur at any time prior to a batter beginning and ending his time at bat regardless of the pitch count. The ball is dead and runners cannot advance unless forced.
CONFERENCE LIMITS-
Managers are allowed two visits to the mound during an inning. Each visit is limited to THIRTY SECONDS. If a third visit is made, the pitcher must be removed from the game and may not return to the mound at any time for the remainder of the game.
Defensive players may have a conference only two times during an inning. Each conference is limited to 30 seconds. If a third conference is staged, the umpire will give the first warning for delay of the game. (See delay tactics)
Injury timeouts called by the umpire are not to be charged to either team as in regard to conferences limits.
ILLEGAL PITCHER-
A pitcher, who has been declared an Illegal Pitcher as a result of the team exceeding the charged conference limit, may not return to the pitching position at any time for the remainder of the game.
If the Illegal Pitcher has returned and has thrown one pitch, either legal or illegal, he is ejected from the game. If he is discovered prior to the next pitch, the manager of the offensive team has the option of:
1. taking the result of the play, or
2. having the play nullified, with runners returning to the last base held at the time of the play.
EXCEPTION: If the play was the result of the completion of the batter’s turn at bat, that batter resumes batting, assuming the ball and strike count he had prior to the discovery of the Illegal Pitcher, with each runner returning to the base held at the time of the pitch.
BATTING-
ONLY LEGAL SOFTBALL BATS are allowed. Baseball bats are not allowed.
HOME RUN RULE-
Teams are restricted to two (over the fence) home runs per inning. Any additional homeruns in the same inning will be counted as strike outs and all runners must return to their bases. Teams are restricted to two home runs for the remainder of the game until the opposing team hits a homerun.
BUNTING-
Is not permitted. Any ball that does not touch or cross the base-hit arc (chalked line) will be ruled a foul ball. The base-hit arc will be twenty-four feet from the plate.
Batters will start with a pitch-count of one ball and one strike.
A batter is called out (scored as a strike out) should they hit two foul balls after strike two has been called. After strike two is called, a batter has one “courtesy foul ball” and then must hit the ball fair or they will be called out on strikes.
ON-DECK BATTER-
Should the LIVE ball make contact with the on-deck batter or his bat(s) cause interference as declared by the umpire.
Penalty-
1. with a defensive fielder’s attempt to retire a runner,
(a) The runner closest to home plate at the time of the interference shall be called out, and
(b) Other runners are returned to the last base held at the time of the interference, unless forced because the batter became a runner.
2. With a defensive fielder attempting to catch a fly ball, or with a fly ball that a fielder is attempting to catch,
(a) The batter-runner shall be called out, and
(b) Runners are returned to the base held at the time of the pitch.
BATTING ORDER-
a. The batting order of each team must be on the score sheet/line-up card and must be delivered before the game by the manager to the plate umpire. He shall submit it to the inspection of the manager of the Opposing team.
NOTE- teams may bat up to but not more than fifteen batters on their official lineup card. Teams must bat a minimum of nine players in their original lineup card.
b. The batting order delivered to the umpire must be followed throughout the game unless a player is replaced by:
1. a substitute. When this occurs, the substitute must take the place of the removed player in the batting order. If the removed player is substituted by a player not on the original lineup card, the removed player may not re-enter the game.
c. The first batter in each inning shall be the batter whose name follows that of the last player who completed a turn at bat in the preceding inning.
BATTING OUT OF ORDER-
Batting out-of-order is an appeal play that may be made by the manager, coach, or player of the defensive team only. The defensive team forfeits it's right to appeal for batting out-of-order when all fielders have clearly vacated their normal fielding positions and have left fair territory on their way to the bench or dugout.
1. If the error is discovered while the incorrect batter is at bat-
(a) the correct batter may legally take his place, and assume the ball and strike count of the incorrect batter.
(b) Any runs scored or bases run while the incorrect batter is at bat shall be legal.
2. If the error is discovered after the incorrect batter has completed his turn at bat and before a legal or illegal pitch has been made to another batter-
(a) the player who should have batted is out.
(b) Any advance or score made as a result of the improper batter becoming a batter-runner shall be nullified.
Any out that is made prior to discovering this infraction, remains out.
(c) The next batter is the player whose name follows that of the player called out for failing to bat. If the next player was the incorrect batter who was called out, go to the next person in the line-up.
(d) If the batter declared out under these circumstances is the third out, the correct batter in the next inning shall be the player who would have come to bat had the player been put out by ordinary play.
(e) If the third out is made on a runner prior to the discovery of the infraction, an appeal may still be made in order to reinstate the correct batting order. This appeal, if made, does not result in an additional out.
3. If the error is discovered after the first legal or illegal pitch to the next batter-
(a) the turn at bat of the incorrect batter is legal.
(b) All runs scored and bases run are legal.
(c) The next batter in order shall be the one whose name follows that of the incorrect batter.
(d) No one is called out for failure to bat.
(e) Players who have not batted and who have not been called out have lost their turn at bat until reached again in the regular order.
4. No runner shall be removed from the base he is occupying to bat in his proper place. He merely misses his turn at bat with no penalty. The batter following him in the batting order becomes the legal batter.
EXCEPTION: The batter-runner who has been taken off the base by the umpire as in Section 2b above.
5. When the third out in an inning is made before the batter has completed the turn at bat, that batter shall be the first batter in the next inning, and the ball and strike count shall be cancelled.
BATTING POSITION-
a. The batter must take his position in the batter’s box within 10 seconds after the umpire has declared “Play Ball”.
If not, the umpire shall call a strike. A pitch does not need to be thrown and the ball becomes dead.
b. An offensive team member may not, under any circumstances, deliberately erase the lines of the batter’s box at any time during a game. This includes a coach erasing the lines during the pre-game meeting.
If a batter erases the lines, the umpire shall call a strike. A pitch does not need to be thrown and the ball becomes dead. If the coach or a non-playing team member erases the lines, a strike shall be called on the next scheduled batter (or his substitute) in the line-up.
If a player purposefully covers up any of the bases or plate with clay, they will be warned by the umpire. On the second offense, the offending player will be ejected.
NOTE: Should any person continue to deliberately erase a line after a first offense, that person shall be ejected from the game.
c. The batter must have both feet completely within the batter's box prior to the start of the pitch. He may touch the lines, but no part of his foot may be outside the lines prior to the pitch.
THE BATTER IS OUT-
a. When the third strike is:
1. swung at and missed and the ball touches any part of the batter's person.
2. Not swung at and the pitched ball hits the batter while the pitch is in the strike zone.
b. When a batter enters the batter's box with, or is discovered using, an illegal bat.
PENALTY- Both the batter and manager will be ejected from the game
c. When his foot is completely outside the lines of the batter's box and touching the ground, or any part of a foot is touching home plate when he hits the ball fair or foul.
d. When he leaves the box to gain a running start, but has returned to the box when he makes contact with the ball.
e. When the batter hits a second foul ball after two strikes have been called.
f. When he hits a fair ball with the bat a second time over fair territory.
EXCEPTION-
1. If the batter is standing in the batter's box and contact is made while the bat is in his hands, a foul ball is ruled, even if the ball is hit a second time over fair territory.
2. If the batter drops the bat and the ball rolls against the bat over fair territory, and in the umpire’s judgment, there was no intention to interfere with the course of the ball, the ball should be ruled fair or foul depending on where it comes to rest or is first touched by a player.
g. When he steps directly in front of the catcher to the other batter's box while the pitcher is taking the signal, or appears to be taking a signal, from the pitcher’s plate, or is in position to pitch, or anytime thereafter prior to the release of the pitch or:
1. Hinders the catcher from catching or throwing the ball by stepping out of the batter's box, or
2. Intentionally hinders the catcher while standing within the batter's box, or
3. Interferes with a play at home plate.
4. Intentionally interferes with a thrown ball while in or out of the batter’s box.
The ball is dead and each runner must return to the last base that, in the umpire's judgment, was touched at the time of the interference.
h. When a called or swinging third strike is caught by the catcher.
INFIELD FLY RULE-
If first and second base are occupied, or if bases are loaded with less than two outs and the batter hits an infield fly ball that is considered to be a routine catch for an infielder, the batter will be declared out by the umpire. Runners may advance at their own peril. The umpire will call out "INFIELD FLY- BATTER IS OUT" and the ball will still be considered alive whether or not the ball has been caught.
Should the ball be near the foul lines, the umpire will call out "INFIELD FLY IF FAIR". Should the ball not be caught and fall into foul territory it will be played as a foul ball.
BASE COACHES-
All coaches must remain in the coach’s box. In order to leave the base coach box legally, the base coach must call time. Should a foul ball be hit in the vicinity of the coach box, the base coach must yield to fielders attempting to catch the ball.
Only the batter, on-deck batter and base coaches at first and third base are allowed on the playing field while at bat.
Should a base coach interfere with a fielder either physically or verbally, he will be subjected to the following penalty:
1. with a defensive fielder’s attempt to retire a runner,
(a) The runner closest to the base at the time of the interference shall be called out, and
(b) Other runners are returned to the last base held at the time of the interference, unless forced because the batter became a runner.
2. With a defensive fielder attempting to catch a fly ball, or with a fly ball that a fielder is attempting to catch,
(a) The batter-runner shall be called out, and
(b) Runners are returned to the base held at the time of the pitch.
Should a base coach assist a runner by putting his hands on the player in any fashion, the runner will be called out. Exception to this rule is if the player in question has just hit a home run out of the park and the base coach gives him a high-five or pat on the back/rump in a manner of celebration.
RUNNERS-
Runners are advised to wear helmets but are not required to do so.
Runners must be in contact with the base until the ball crosses the plate.
Runners may advance (steal) once the ball has crossed the plate.
Runners may advance one or more bases at their own peril of being put out.
PENALTY- runners who leave before the ball crosses the plate will be called out by the umpire.
STEALING BASES-
Runners may advance or attmept to advance to the next base once the pitched ball has crossed the plate. Runners may advance one or more bases at their own risk of being put out. Runners who are judged to have left early, will be called out by the umpire.
Runners are required to slide into bases or at the plate should the fielder have control of the ball and waiting to tag out the runner. The umpire may call runners out for not sliding by the umpire.
Runners will be ejected from the game for the following actions-
1. Running into or bowling over a player who is waiting to tag out the runner w/o sliding if the umpire feels it was done deliberately with disregard to personal injury to the defensive player.
2. Runner who deliberately slaps or hits the arm, glove or hand of a fielder who is attempting to tag out the runner with the intention to knock the ball loose.
3. Runner slides into any base with his or her foot/leg extended to deliberately strike (cleat or spike) a defensive player.
Runners MAY NOT play cat and mouse with the pitcher when s/he has the ball. The runner must either advance to the next base or return to the last base touched. Once the pitcher reaches the mound area, all runners must tag up. This may be considered a delaying tactic and after the umpire has given a warning to the runner, on the second offense, he may declare the runner out.
Fielders who "Fake Tag" on runners will be warned by the umpire and the runner will be awarded the next base. On the second offense, the fielder will be ejected from the game. "Fake Tags" are considered unsportsmanlike conduct and can lead to injuries.
EQUIPMENT ON FIELD-
When not at bat, all equipment must be stored inside the dugout.
When at bat, only the on-deck batter and his bat will be allowed on the field.
Exception- One bat ring/colar may be kept in the batters on-deck circle but must be returned to the dugout when the team has been retired.
PINCH RUNNERS-
A pinch-runner may take the place of any runner at any time during the inning provided the pinch-runner was the last batter to make an out. The pinch-runner must be the same sex as that of the player they are replacing. If there is not a female pinch-runner to replace the female base runner, the opposing manager will select the male runner to replace her from the opposing team’s bench.
|
ADULT MENS FAST PITCH RULES
ADULT MENS FAST PITCH RULES
UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED BELOW, MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL RULES WILL APPLY
For a listing of ILLEGAL BATS, click on the WCAA logo.
NOTE- All players must be 18 years of age on/before June 1, 2009.
THE LEAGUE-
There will be six teams competing for the League Championship. Each team will play fifteen games during the regular season. Each team will play a three-game series against the other five teams. A teams winning percentage will determine seeding within the double-elimination tournament. Teams will be seeded for a double-elimination tournament at the conclusion of the regular season.
NOTE-
A second game will be played between the teams in Game 6 to determine the champion if it is the first loss for the losing team in Game 6.
Should there be a tie between two teams at the conclusion of the regular season; the head-to-head tie breaker will be used. In the event that the two teams split their three-game series, the team with the least number of runs allowed in the series will get the higher seeding.
Should there be three or more teams tied at the conclusion of the regular season, the tie-breaker will be decided on how many runs each team allowed during all regular season games. The team with the least number of allowed runs will receive the higher seeding. In the event that all three teams have allowed the same number of runs, the decision will be based on a blind draw with the lowest number getting the highest seeding.
THE GAME-
The game will consist of seven innings and/or a 90-minute time limit. There are no restrictions on how many innings are played during the 90-minutes in regard to extra innings. However, no new inning may be started after the 90-minute time limit has elapsed with the home team getting their last-at-bat if necessary.
PLEASE NOTE- Games are scheduled on 110 minute intervals. However, should a game go over this time period, teams following that game will be given a ten-minute warm-up period before beginning their game.
TIE GAME RULE-
In the case of a game ending in a tie after the home team has batted their turn and the 90-minute time limit has indeed expired, the following rule will apply.
Both teams will be given a final at bat. The final inning will begin with a runner being placed on second base (this would be the player who made the last out in the previous inning) each team will then attempt to score runs. In the event that after this tie-breaker inning has played out and there still remains a tie, then the final score will be recorded as a tie game. This rule is in effect for the regular season games only.
NOTE- All post season games will play extra innings until the game is decided by a team outscoring the other.
Suspended games fewer than four complete innings will be continued at a later date. In the event of a suspended game, the umpire will record time played, official lineups, number of outs, the inning and batter (pitch count) so that the game can be continued from that point.
In the event a player cannot play in the suspended game (on makeup date) his team may replace him with a player from their team roster. This rule applies to only ONE PLAYER being allowed to be replaced.
ANY GAME (regular or post season) suspended after each team has had four at bats will be considered a complete game.
Only the umpire may declare a game suspended due to adverse weather or field conditions. If the game is suspended for more than 30 minutes, the game will be called. In the event of lightning, all players will be asked to return to their vehicles until the suspension is lifted.
The umpire will record the official start time, and will inform that time to both managers before putting the ball into play. The umpire will give notice to both managers when only ten minutes remain in the game time limit.
In order to force a new inning before game time expires, the losing team must either put their nine players on the field OR place a legal batter in the batters box before time elapses.
10-Run rule is in effect after both teams have had four-at-bats. In the event the ten-run rule comes into play after the 5th inning, the home team will always be given their last-at-bat. (If necessary)
20-Run MERCY rule will be in effect after the losing team has had one-at-bats. The game ends immediately once a team takes a 20-run lead.
FORFIETED GAMES-
Will be scored as a 7-0 loss, or
IF both teams have forfieted, the score will be 7-7.
The game will be played on a field with the following dimensions:
Homerun fences will be 300-feet from the plate.
Base paths will be 90 feet from the plate.
Pitching rubber will be 46 feet from the plate.
THE TEAM
Teams may not have more than 15 player’s roster on their team at any time during the regular season. Official rosters are listed on the website. Official players are those players that have registered for the season and therefore are insured. To add more than 15 players, players must be dropped from the official roster.
Each team must have at least nine players by the start of the third inning to avoid forfeiting the game. The official game times are as posted on the official website schedule. Rain delays may change official game times. Players who arrive after the game has begun and/or before the third inning has started will be placed at the bottom of the batting lineup.
In the event the first game has run over into the scheduled time of game number two, the umpire will begin the second game ten minutes after the first game has concluded. This will then be the amended official game time. Managers should have their players report to the field at least thirty minutes before scheduled game times.
The visiting team will be allowed five minutes of warm-up on the infield followed by five minutes for the home team prior to the official game time. There shall be no batting practice permitted on the field by either team inside thirty minutes of the official start time.
Teams must bat nine players in their official lineup. Should a team not have nine players at the start of a game the game may begin however the team must have nine official players by the start of the third inning or forfeit the game (Scored 7-0) Should both teams not have the minimum nine players by the start of the third inning, the game will be declared a tie. (Scored 7-7)
NOTE- Player(s) who have arrived after the game has started, are eligible to participate provided that they have arrived prior to the start of the third inning.
There is free substitution throughout the game with exception to pitchers. Once removed from the mound, a pitcher may NOT return to pitch. Any starting player removed from the game must return to the game in his original batting position. Pinch-hitters are not required to play defense.
DH RULE-
Managers may elect to DH one defensive player. The DH player is not required to play defense. A DH batter may be replaced by any non-starting player during the game.
Line-up cards will be given to the opposing manager, the umpire and official scorer. The lineup card will include the players’ last name, position and jersey number.
Teams may add new players to their roster (and remove players) up to the 12th game of the regular season. After the 12th game has been played, no team may add new players. This will be deemed the final and official roster for all remaining regular season and post-season games.
Players may be traded between teams only one time during the season provided it is done before the 12th game is played. Once traded, the player is locked to that teams roster for the remainder of the season.
Any player who has missed more than five games during the regular season may be removed from the roster by his/her team manager and no refund will be offered by the WCAA.
The home team will provide an official scorebook-keeper and a volunteer to operate the scoreboard.
The visiting team should also keep their scorebook during the game should the umpire have a scoring question during the game.
The home team will be given one official game softball before the game. The official softball for the league will be the Wilson ASA 11-inch; COR .47/375 lbs. max. Comp. WHITE in color.
Both teams should have 1-2 extra balls in good condition (old game balls) available during the game. The umpire holds discretion as to whether or not a ball is allowed to be used during the game.
UNIFORM RULE-
All players must be in uniform to participate in the game. Uniform includes official team cap and jersey (with a number 00-99) as provided by the league and white baseball pants (player must provide). All players must wear baseball cleats. Metal cleats are permitted.
All players must wear a batting helmet (with at least one ear flap-side that faces the pitcher) when taking a turn at bat. Runners are not required to wear helmets but are advised to do so.
Catchers are required to wear the following-
Protective cup
Facemask (helmet optional)
Chest protector
Shin-guards (optional)
Optional equipment for all players-
Protective shin-guard and/or elbow-guard when taking a turn at bat.
All players are advised to wear a protective cup.
TAKING THE FIELD
Teams must field nine defensive fielders in after the second inning has been completed. All nine defensive positions must have a player assigned on the official lineup card. With exception to the catcher having to be in position behind the plate inside the catcher’s box, there are no rules governing the position of defensive players provided they are all in fair territory at the time of the pitch being offered to the batter.
All fielders must have a glove. (Not longer than 14 inches)
Catchers and first baseman may elect to wear mitts if so desired.
Any player wearing a splint or brace must insure that all exposed metal is covered with a soft material and/or tape. The umpire will hold discretion as to whether or not the player is eligible for play.
There will be no more than two minutes allowed between innings for a team to warm-up their pitcher. When a pitcher is changed during an inning, the pitcher will be allowed six pitches or two minutes whichever comes first in order to warm-up.
DELAY TACTICS-
If the umpire judges that a player or team is deliberately delaying the game to exhaust time from the 90-minute clock, the umpire will give one warning with an explanation as to why he believes a delaying offense has occurred.
After the second warning, he will eject the manager from the game and award one base to all runners.
If a third warning is required, the game will be declared a forfeit by the offending team.
PROTESTS-
All protests not decided on the field by the umpire will then be heard by two team managers and an umpire in a formal hearing. The three must not have been participants in the protested game. The protest will be decided within 24 hours of the protested game. The decision will be final.
Protests must be made during the game or within 10 minutes after the game has concluded to the umpire. Only Rule violations will be considered. Judgment calls are not subject to protest.
EJECTIONS-
Any player ejected by the umpire will be ruled ineligible for the next scheduled game. The player must leave the playing area and return to the parking lot until the game is completed.
The player must not interfere with the game or he will be subject to ejection from all remaining games of the season for violation of the player code of conduct.
While serving the suspension (next scheduled game) the player may not sit with their team in the dugout.
Ejections by umpires are not subject to appeal or discussion. Only the umpire may rescind the ejection.
UMPIRES-
The umpire has complete control and authority during the game. The umpire may eject players for rules violations and for arguing judgment calls which includes arguing balls and strikes.
The umpire will be required to give one warning for any misconduct (UNLESS it is a major rule infraction) before ejecting a player.
MAJOR RULE INFRACTIONS-
1. Fighting or striking another player or attempting to strike another player will result in immediate ejection from the game and a three-game suspension will be administered.
2. Leaving the dugout to engage in a fight, will result in an immediate expulsion from the league.
3. A batter charging the mound will be ejected and subject to a three-game suspension.
4. Throwing a bat or the ball with the intent to strike or injure another player on or off the field will result in the offending player being expelled from the league. A player who throws his bat or helmet will result in a warning from the umpire and followed by an ejection from the game for a second offense if deemed unsportsmanlike conduct by the umpire.
5. A pitcher who purposefully hits a batter will be ejected from the game.
After receiving a warning from the umpire, any player using profane or abusive language will be ejected from the game and a three-game suspension will be administered.
The umpire may ask that spectators leave the softball field bleachers and surrounding area if they are deemed unruly, and/or causing a disturbance to the game. Artificial noise makers are prohibited during games. Teams engaging in "chatter" may do so as long as the umpire considers it in good taste and not disruptive to the game.
Any player using drugs, tobacco and/or the drinking of alcoholic beverages during a game will be ejected from the game and subject to a three-game suspension.
Appeals must be made in writing to the President of the WCAA in order to appeal any suspension by the league within 48 hours (an email is best choice). The decision to eject or suspend a player(s) will stand and all suspensions will be enforced and served for all MAJOR RULE INFRACTIONS until the WCAA BOD renders a decision. This decision may take time, so it is very possible that the player(s) will serve out their suspension before a decision is made by the WCAA BOD.
PITCHING RULES-
Before commencing the delivery (pitch), the pitcher:
a. May not take the pitching position on or near the pitcher's plate without having the ball in his possession.
b. Shall not be considered in the pitching position unless the catcher is in position to receive the pitch.
c. Must have both feet on the ground within the 61.0cm (24 in) length of the pitcher's plate. The hips shall be in line with first and third bases and both feet must be in contact with the pitcher's plate.
d. Must, while standing on the plate and with the ball in either the glove or the pitching hand, take the signal, or appear to be taking a signal, from the catcher with the hands separated.
e. Must, after taking the signal, bring his whole body to a full and complete stop with the ball held in both hands in front of the body. This position must be held for two (2) seconds and not more than five (5) seconds before releasing the ball. NOTE: Holding the ball in both hands to the side of the body is considered in front of the body.
STARTING THE PITCH-
a. The pitch starts after the hands have been placed together, and one hand is taken off the ball.
LEGAL DELIVERY-
The pitched ball may be pitched with a full or partial wind-up (one rotation) at any speed, without regard to the spin on the ball provided that the pitched ball is not delivered at a height of more than six feet from the ground measured at the mid-point between the plate and mound.
A strike will be called for any legal pitch that crosses the plate at a height above the batters knees and below his armpits while taking his normal batting stance.
a. The pitcher must not make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the ball to the batter.
b. The pitcher must not use a pitching motion in which, after having the ball in both hands in the pitching position, he removes one hand from the ball, takes a backward and forward swing, and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body.
c. The pitcher must not use a windup in which there is a stop, or reversal.
d. The pitcher must not make two revolutions of the arm on the windmill pitch. However, he may drop his arm to the side and to the rear before starting the windmill motion. This allows the arm to pass the hip twice.
e. The delivery must be an underhanded motion, with the hand below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow.
f. The release of the ball and follow through of the hand and wrist must be forward and past the straight line of the body.
g. Both feet must remain in contact with the pitching plate at all times prior to the forward step.
h. In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher must take one step simultaneous with the release of the ball. The step must be forward toward the batter and within the (24 in) length of the pitcher's plate.
NOTE: It is not a step if the pitcher slides his foot across the pitcher's plate, provided contact is maintained with the plate. Lifting the pivot foot off the pitcher's plate and returning it to the plate, creating a rocking motion, is an illegal act.
i. The pivot foot may remain in contact with, or may push off and drag away from, the pitcher's plate prior to the stepping (non-pivot) foot touching the ground, provided the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground.
j. Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcher's plate before the stepping (non-pivot) foot has left the plate is considered a “crow hop” and is illegal.
k. The pitcher must not continue to wind up after releasing the ball.
l. The pitcher has 10 seconds to release the next pitch after receiving the ball, or after the umpire indicates, "Play Ball."
NOTE: An additional ball is awarded to the batter if there is a delay.
ILLEGAL PITCHES-
A pitched ball will be deemed an illegal pitch should the pitcher violate one or more of the rules for a legal delivery. When a pitch has been declared illegal by the umpire, the following rules will apply:
If an illegal pitch is hit, the manager of the offensive team has the option of taking
(a) The award for the illegal pitch (a ball is called, all forced runners advance one base), or
(b) The result of the play.
EXCEPTION: If the batter-runner reaches first base as a result of a hit, and if all other runners have advanced at least one base on the play, the illegal pitch is nullified. All actions as a result of the play stand
and no option is given.
If the illegal pitch is not swung at, swung at and missed and/or the catcher drops the third strike, but throws the batter out at first base, and other runners advance at least one base, the manager of the offensive team has the option of taking
(a) the award for the illegal pitch(a ball is called, all forced runners advance one base), or
(b) the result of the play.
EXCEPTION: If the batter-runner reaches first base as a result of a dropped third strike, and if all other runners have advanced at least one base on the play, the illegal pitch is nullified. All action as a result of the play stand and no option is given.
NOTE-
If the manager does not take the result of the play, the Illegal Pitch is enforced by awarding a ball to the batter (first base if ball four) and advancing all runners one base. The ball is dead.
When an illegal pitch hits the batter, the ball is dead, the batter is awarded first base and all runners are advanced one base. No option is given.
NO PITCH-
No pitch shall be declared when:
a. The pitcher pitches during a suspension of play.
b. The pitcher attempts a quick return of the ball
1. Before the batter has taken his position, or
2. When the batter is off balance as a result of a previous pitch.
c. The pitcher pitches before a runner has retouched his base after a foul ball has been declared and the ball is dead.
d. A player, manager, or coach:
1. Calls "Time", or
2. Employs any other word or phrase, or
3. Commits any act while the ball is alive and in play
for the obvious purpose of trying to make the pitcher commit an illegal pitch. The penalty will ba a strike called against the batter.
NOTE- When a pitch has been declared a “NO-PITCH” the ball is dead and cannot be put into play. All runners must return to their bases. The batter is awarded a ball.
PITCHED BALLS THAT HIT THE GROUND-
A pitched ball that hits the ground before the plate may be put into play by a batter at his own peril of being put out of having a strike called. If there is no attempt to hit the ball, the ball is alive and runners may advance at their own risk of being pot out.
DROPPED BALL-
If the ball slips from the pitcher's hand during his delivery:
1. a ball is declared on the batter, and the
2. ball is alive and runners may advance at their own risk.
DEFENSIVE POSITIONING-
a. The pitcher shall not deliver a pitch, unless all defensive players, except the catcher who must be in the catcher's box, are positioned in fair territory.
b. A fielder shall not take a position in the batter's line of vision or, with deliberate unsportsmanlike intent, or act in a manner to distract the batter.
NOTE: A pitch does not have to be released. The offending player shall be ejected from the game after a second warning.
c. With a runner on third base trying to score by means of a squeeze play or steal, no defensive player may
1. Step on, or in front of, home plate without the ball or touch the batter or his bat.
PENALTY: The ball is dead. The batter shall be awarded first base on the obstruction and all runners shall advance one base on the Illegal Pitch.
FOREIGN SUBSTANCE-
a. No member of the defensive team shall, at any time during the game, be permitted to use any foreign substance on the ball. A pitcher who licks his fingers must wipe off his fingers before making contact with the ball.
NOTE: If any defensive team member places a foreign substance on the ball, the pitcher shall be ejected from the game.
b. Applying resin to the ball, or into the glove and then placing the ball in the glove, is an illegal act. Resin must be kept on the ground behind the pitcher’s plate when not in use.
c. Under the supervision and control of the umpire, powdered resin may be used to dry the hands.
d. The pitcher shall not wear WHITE tape on his fingers, or have a WHITE sweatband, bracelet, or similar type item on the wrist or forearm of the pitching arm.
PICKOFF MOVE-
After the pitcher has taken his pitching position on the mound, he shall not throw to any base during a live ball while his foot is in contact with the pitcher's plate. If the throw from the pitcher's plate occurs during a live ball appeal play, the appeal is cancelled.
NOTE: The pitcher may remove himself from the pitching position by stepping backwards off the pitcher's plate prior to separating his hands. Stepping forward or sideways constitutes an Illegal Pitch. The pitcher must step off the pitchers plate (rubber) backwards and have both feet off the plate before throwing to any base in an effort to pickoff a runner.
In the event the umpire rules the pickoff move as illegal, the umpire shall:
1. Call a balk.
2. All runners (if forced) will advance one base.
EXCEPTION: If a runner legally advances on the illegal pickoff move:
any extra bases obtained may be retained. If the runner was put out attempting to steal more thsn one base, he will be called out.
INTENTIONAL WALK-
If the pitcher desires to walk a batter intentionally he may do so by notifying the plate umpire who shall award the batter first base. The pitcher’s notification to the umpire shall be considered a pitch.
NOTE: The notification can occur at any time prior to a batter beginning and ending his time at bat regardless of the pitch count. The ball is dead and runners cannot advance unless forced.
HIT BATTER-
A batter must make an effort to avoid being hit by a pitched ball. If an effort has been made as judged by the umpire, the batter is awarded first base. All runners (if forced) will advance one base. The ball is dead.
If the batter does not make an effort to avoid being hit and the ball strikes any part of his body, the bat or clothing that is in the strike zone, a strike will be called. If the ball hits any part of the batter’s body or his clothing outside the strike zone, a ball will be called. The ball is dead. All sunners must return to their bases.
CONFERENCE LIMITS-
Managers are allowed two visits to the mound during an inning. Each visit is limited to thirty seconds. If a third visit is made, the pitcher must be removed from the game and may not return to the mound during the remainder of the game.
Defensive players may have a conference two times during an inning. Each conference is limited to 30 seconds. If a third conference is staged, the umpire will give the first warning for delay of the game. (See delay tactics)
Injury timeouts called by the umpire are not to be charged to either team as in regard to conferences limits.
ILLEGAL PITCHER-
A pitcher, who has been declared an Illegal Pitcher as a result of the team exceeding the charged conference limit, may not return to the pitching position at any time for the remainder of the game.
If the Illegal Pitcher has returned and has thrown one pitch, either legal or illegal, he is ejected from the game. If he is discovered prior to the next pitch, the manager of the offensive team has the option of:
1. Taking the result of the play, or
2. Having the play nullified, with runners returning to the last base held at the time of the play.
EXCEPTION: If the play was the result of the completion of the batter’s turn at bat, that batter resumes batting, assuming the ball and strike count he had prior to the discovery of the Illegal Pitcher, with each runner returning to the base held at the time of the pitch.
BATTING-
ONLY LEGAL SOFTBALL BATS are allowed. Baseball bats are not allowed.
THE BATTER-
Will be given a pitch-count of four balls and three strikes.
A batter who has four balls called before three strikes will be awrded a base-on-balls. All runners if forced will advance one base.
If a batter has three strikes called before four balls, the batter is out on strikes. The ball is alive and runners may advance at their own peril.
There is no limit on the number of foul balls hit by a batter.
EXCEPTION- a bunt that is fouled after two strikes have been called. The batter is out.
There is no limit on home runs by any batter during a game, nor any limit on a team per inning or during the course of the game.
Batters may bunt provided that if they show bunt they must either:
1. attempt to bunt the ball
2. or pull the bat back.
If a batter shows bunt and then swings away at the ball with a swing, regardless if the ball is hit or not, the batter will be called out for slash bunting. On a second offense, the batter will be ejected from the game.
NOTE-This rule is in place as a safety rule to decrease the chance of injury to infielders moving in to field a bunted ball. (Scored as a strike out)
Batters must wear a batting helmet with at least one ear flap (on side of helmet facing pitcher) when taking position in the batters box. Failure to do so will result in the batter being called out. (Scored as a strikeout)
Batters are permitted to wear protective shin and elbow guards.
THE ON-DECK BATTER-
The ball is dead if the on-deck batter or his bat(s) cause interference declared by the umpire.
Penalty-
1. with a defensive fielder’s attempt to retire a runner,
(a) The runner closest to home plate at the time of the interference shall be called out, and
(b) Other runners are returned to the last base held at the time of the interference, unless forced because the batter became a runner.
2. With a defensive fielder attempting to catch a fly ball, or with a fly ball that a fielder is attempting to catch,
(a) The batter-runner shall be called out, and
(b) Runners are returned to the base held at the time of the pitch.
BATTING ORDER-
a. The batting order of each team must be on the score sheet/line-up card and must be delivered before the game by the manager to the plate umpire. He shall submit it to the inspection of the manager of the opposing team.
b. The batting order delivered to the umpire must be followed throughout the game unless a player is replaced by:
1. A substitute. When this occurs, the substitute must take the place of the removed player in the batting order.
c. The first batter in each inning shall be the batter whose name follows that of the last player who completed a turn at bat in the preceding inning.
BATTING OUT OF ORDER-
Batting out-of-order is an appeal play that may be made by the manager, coach, or player of the defensive team only. The defensive team forfeits it's right to appeal for batting out-of-order when all fielders have clearly vacated their normal fielding positions and have left fair territory on their way to the bench or dugout.
1. If the error is discovered while the incorrect batter is at bat-
(a) The correct batter may legally take his place, and assume the ball and strike count of the incorrect batter.
(b) Any runs scored or bases run while the incorrect batter is at bat shall be legal.
2. If the error is discovered after the incorrect batter has completed his turn at bat and before a legal or illegal pitch has been made to another batter-
(a) The player who should have batted is out.
(b) Any advance or score made as a result of the improper batter becoming a batter-runner shall be nullified.
Any out that is made prior to discovering this infraction, remains out.
(c) The next batter is the player whose name follows that of the player called out for failing to bat. If the next player was the incorrect batter who was called out, go to the next person in the line-up.
(d) If the batter declared out under these circumstances is the third out, the correct batter in the next inning shall be the player who would have come to bat had the player been put out by ordinary play.
(e) If the third out is made on a runner prior to the discovery of the infraction, an appeal may still be made in order to reinstate the correct batting order. This appeal, if made, does not result in an additional out.
3. If the error is discovered after the first legal or illegal pitch to the next batter-
(a) The turn at bat of the incorrect batter is legal.
(b) All runs scored and bases run are legal.
(c) The next batter in order shall be the one whose name follows that of the incorrect batter.
(d) No one is called out for failure to bat.
(e) Players who have not batted and who have not been called out have lost their turn at bat until reached again in the regular order.
4. No runner shall be removed from the base he is occupying to bat in his proper place. He merely misses his turn at bat with no penalty. The batter following him in the batting order becomes the legal batter.
EXCEPTION: The batter-runner who has been taken off the base by the umpire as in Section 2b above.
5. When the third out in an inning is made before the batter has completed the turn at bat, that batter shall be the first batter in the next inning, and the ball and strike count shall be cancelled.
BATTING POSITION-
a. The batter must take his position in the batter’s box within 10 seconds after the umpire has declared “Play Ball”.
If not, the umpire shall call a strike. A pitch does not need to be thrown and the ball becomes dead.
b. An offensive team member may not, under any circumstances, deliberately erase the lines of the batter’s box at any time during a game. This includes a coach erasing the lines during the pre-game meeting or if a player whether on offense or defense purposefully covers a base with the infield clay will be warned.
If a batter erases the lines, the umpire shall call a strike. A pitch does not need to be thrown and the ball becomes dead.
If the coach or a non-playing team member erases the lines or covers a base in an effort to conceal it, a strike shall be called on the next scheduled batter (or his substitute) in the line-up. If it is a defensive player who makes the offense, the batter will be awarded a ball.
NOTE: Should any person continue to deliberately erase a line or cover up a base after a second offense, that person shall be ejected from the game.
c. The batter must have both feet completely within the batter's box prior to the start of the pitch. He may touch the lines, but no part of his foot may be outside the lines prior to the pitch.
d. When the twenty (10) second clock is in effect after the batter first enters the batter’s box, the batter must remain in the box by keeping at least one foot in the box between pitches, while taking signals and practice swings
EXCEPTION: The batter may leave the batter’s box ONLY;
1) If the ball is hit fair or foul.
2) On the swing, slap or check swing.
3) If forced out of the box by a pitch.
4) On a wild pitch or passed ball.
5) If there is an attempted play at the plate.
6) If time out has been called.
7) If the pitcher leaves the mound or the catcher leaves the box.
8) On a non-called ball four that the batter thought was ball four.
EFFECT: If the batter leaves the batter’s box, delays play for more than five seoonds, and none of these exceptions apply, the umpire shall call a strike. No pitch has to be thrown and the ball is dead.
THE BATTER IS OUT-
a. When the third strike is:
1. swung at and missed and the ball touches any part of the batter's person.
2. Not swung at and the pitched ball hits the batter while the pitch is in the strike zone.
b. When a batter enters the batter's box with, or is discovered using, an illegal bat.
PENALTY: The batter and manager will be ejected from the game
c. When his foot is completely outside the lines of the batter's box and touching the ground, or any part of a foot is touching home plate when he hits the ball fair or foul.
d. When he leaves the box to gain a running start, but has returned to the box when he makes contact with the ball.
EXCEPTION: If no contact is made with the pitched ball there is no penalty. If the batter swings and misses, the
ball remains live.
e. When he bunts foul after the second strike.
EXCEPTION: If a runner interferes with
1. A fielder attempting to catch a bunted fly ball in foul territory, or
2. A foul fly ball that a fielder is attempting to catch, the runner is out. The batter-runner will then return to bat with an additional strike on the foul ball, providing the count prior to hitting the ball was less than two strikes.
NOTE: If this interference, in the umpire’s judgment, is an obvious attempt to prevent a double play, the runner closest to home plate at the time of the interference shall also be called out.
NOTE: If the bunted fly ball is caught, the ball remains alive and in play.
f. When he hits a fair ball with the bat a second time over fair territory.
EXCEPTION-
1. If the batter is standing in the batter's box and contact is made while the bat is in his hands, a foul ball is ruled, even if the ball is hit a second time over fair territory.
2. If the batter drops the bat and the ball rolls against the bat over fair territory, and in the umpire’s judgment, there was no intention to interfere with the course of the ball, the ball should be ruled fair or foul depending on where it comes to rest or is first touched by a player.
g. When he steps directly in front of the catcher to the other batter's box while the pitcher is taking the signal, or appears to be taking a signal, from the pitcher’s plate, or is in position to pitch, or anytime thereafter prior to the release of the pitch.
NOTE- Batters may switch batters box at any time during their at-bat provided they do so when the pitcher has not taken his set-position on the mound.
The ball is dead and each runner must return to their base when the batter-
1. Hinders the catcher from catching or throwing the ball by stepping out of the batter's box, or
2. Intentionally hinders the catcher while standing within the batter's box, or
3. Interferes with a play at home plate.
4. Intentionally interferes with a thrown ball while in or out of the batter’s box.
The ball is dead and each runner must return to the last base that, in the umpire's judgment, was touched at the time of the interference.
h. When a called or swinging third strike is caught by the catcher.
i. When he has three strikes and first base is occupied, with less than two outs.
The ball is live and runners may advance with liability to be put out
INFIELD FLY RULE-
If first and second base are occupied, or if bases are loaded with less than two outs and the batter hits a infield fly ball that is considered to be a routine catch for an infielder, the batter will be declared out by the umpire. Runners may advance at their own peril. The umpire will call out "INFIELD FLY- BATTER IS OUT" and the ball will still be considered alive whether or not the ball has been caught.
Should the ball be near the foul lines, the umpire will call out "INFIELD FLY IF FAIR". Should the ball not be caught and fall into foul territory it will be played as a foul ball.
BASE COACHES-
All coaches must remain in the coach’s box. In order to leave the base coach box legally, the base coach must call time. Should a foul ball be hit in the vicinity of the coach box, the base coach must yield to fielders attempting to catch the ball.
Only the batter, on-deck batter and base coaches at first and third base are allowed on the playing field while at bat.
Should a base coach interfere with a fielder either physically or verbally, he will be subjected to the following penalty:
1. with a defensive fielder’s attempt to retire a runner,
(a) The runner closest to the base at the time of the interference shall be called out, and
(b) Other runners are returned to the last base held at the time of the interference, unless forced because the batter became a runner.
2. With a defensive fielder attempting to catch a fly ball, or with a fly ball that a fielder is attempting to catch,
(a) The batter-runner shall be called out, and
(b) Runners are returned to the base held at the time of the pitch.
Should a base coach assist a runner by putting his hands on the player in any fashion, the runner will be called out. Exception to this rule is if the player in question has just hit a home run out of the park and the base coach gives him a high-five or pat on the back/rump in a manner of celebration.
RUNNERS-
Runners are advised to wear helmets but are not required.
Runners may lead-off bases once the pitcher has taken his position on the mound; at their own peril of being put out by a pickoff move.
Base runners must retouch their base after each foul ball.
STEALING BASES-
Runners may advance or attmept to advance to the next base once the ball has left the pitchers hand. Runners may advance one or more bases at their own risk of being put out. Runners who are judged to have left early, will be called out by the umpire.
Runners are required to slide into bases and/or at the plate should the fielder have control of the ball and waiting to tag out the runner. The umpire may call runners out for not sliding.
Runners will be ejected from the game for the following actions-
1. Running into or bowling over a player who is waiting to tag out the runner w/o sliding if the umpire feels it was done deliberately with disregard to personal injury to the defensive player.
2. Runner who deliberately slaps or hits the arm, glove or hand of a fielder who is attempting to tag out the runner with the intention to knock the ball loose.
3. Runner slides into any base with his or her foot/leg extended to deliberately strike (cleat or spike) a defensive player.
Once the pitcher reaches the mound area, runners MAY NOT play cat and mouse with the pitcher when s/he has the ball. The runner must either advance to the next base or return to the last base touched. This may be considered a delaying tactic and after the umpire has given a warning to the runner, on the second offense, he may declare the runner out.
Fielders who "Fake Tag" on runners will be warned by the umpire, and the runner will be awarded the next base. On the second offense, the fielder will be ejected from the game. "Fake Tags" are considered unsportsmanlike conduct and can lead to injuries.
DROPPED THIRD STRIKE-
If the third strike is called and the pitch is caught by the catcher and then dropped, the batter becomes a runner (IF FIRST BASE IS UNOCCUPIED)and may attempt to safely get to first base. The catcher must either tag or throw the runner out.
Should the ball hit the ground and the batter swings and misses, it is a strike out regardless if the catcher has caught the ball or not.
If at the time of the strike three called, if first base is occupied with fewer than 2 outs, the batter is out and does not become a runner.
PINCH RUNNERS AND COURTESY RUNNERS-
A pinch-runner or courtesy runner (for the catcher) may take the place of any runner at any time during the inning provided the pinch-runner was the last batter to make an out.
EQUIPMENT ON FIELD-
When not at bat, all equipment must be stored inside the dugout.
When at bat, only the on-deck batter and his bat will be allowed on the field.
Exception- One bat ring/colar may be kept in the batters on-deck circle but must be returned to the dugout when the team has been retired.
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|
WESLEY CHAPEL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION ADULT SOFTBALL
|
| |
| |
|
Get a FREE Web Site Powered by LeagueLineup.com
LeagueLineup can also be used for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Fantasy Leagues, Games (Xbox, etc.) and more.
|
| | |
| | |
|
