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PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT
PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT
CLICK ON THE IRON-MAN PICTURE ON OUR WELCOME PAGE FOR LIST OF ILLEGAL BATS
2009 PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT
Below are the CODE OF CONDUCT rules for all PLAYERS.
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 challenge the umpires decision.
6. I will not use drugs, alcohol or tobacco products during the games.
Doing so will get me expelled from the tournament.
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. Show your support of decisions made by the
tournament officials in a positive manner. Making rude and
disparaging comments regarding 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 that I will demonstrate to the children watching my game that I am a good sports-man by lining up and shaking the hands of my opponents after the game.
Any player ejected from a game will be removed from the tournament.
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 tournament.
Illegal players (non-rostered players) who participate in a game
will be removed from the game if the opposing team protests. Any
runs scored by the illegal player will be removed from the scoreboard
and the manager will be ejected. Any illegal player(s) found to have
participated in a game at any time during the tournament will result in the offending team forfeiting that game.
Any player in violation of league rules or violating the Code of
Conduct Rules may be subject to the following:
a) verbal reprimand
b) Ejection from the tournament
c) recommendation to the WCAA Executive Board of Directors for
immediate expulsion from the league.
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TOURNAMENT RULES
TOURNAMENT RULES
The IRON-MAN Tournament-
There will be six teams competing for the Championship Game. Each team will play five games during the tournament. Wins will count as two points and ties as one point in the standings. The two teams with the most points will advance to the Championship game (Home team is to be decided by a coin-toss).
Should there be a tie between two teams for the final berth spot at the conclusion of the five games the tie-breaker will be the number runs scored during the tournament. If there is still a tie the team with the fewest runs allowed advances.
Should there be a tie between three or more teams, then the determination will based on how many runs were scored during the tournament with the team(s) allowing the least runs advancing.
In the event that the three or more teams have the same number of allowed runs during the tournament the tie will be broken by a blind-draw of numbers with the lowest number(s) advancing to the championship game.
NOTE: The tournament will be governed by the official rules of the American Softball Association (A.S.A.) with the following modifications.
THE GAME-
The game will consist of six innings and/or a 60-minute time limit.
No new inning may be started after the 60-minute time limit has elapsed. The home team will always get 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 in the championship game ONLY.
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.
Suspended games more than four complete innings will be continued at a later time if time allows. 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.
If the game is resumed at a later time, 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 (including the Championship game) suspended before each team has had four at bats will be considered a tied game (score 6-6). Any game suspended with four or more completed innings that is not continued will be considered a completed game with the score as recorded at the time of the suspension final.
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.
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 4th 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 four-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.
TIED GAMES that were caused by suspended games (see above rules) will be scored as a 6-6 tie.
The game will be played on a field with the following dimensions:
Outfield fences will be 200-feet from the plate.
Base paths will be 60 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 tournament. Official rosters are listed on the website. Official players are those players that have registered for the tournament and therefore are insured.
Each team must have at least nine players including the minimum requirement of three female 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 twelve players in their official lineup including three female batters. It is not required to alternate male and female batters. Should a team not have nine players or three female players at the start of a game the umpire must be notified. The team will only get two outs when batting.
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 or three female players by the start of the third inning, the game will be declared a tie. (score 6-6)
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.
Players may be traded between teams only one time during the tournament provided it is done before the 5th game is played. Once a player has been traded s/he is locked to that team’s roster for the remainder of the season.
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 NCAA Slow Pitch 12-inch; COR .47/375 lbs. max. Comp. The umpire may elect to continue using used ball(s) rather than put a new ball into play.
UNIFORM RULE-
All players must be in uniform to participate in the game. Uniform includes tournament 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 with at least three female players. 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 have both feet 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-
There are no protests. The two managers can work out any differences with the umpire at the plate. If the game is not completed due to indifference, neither team gets any points towards the tournament.
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 current 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 not be allowed to continue in the tournament.
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 tournament 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 tournament.
2. A batter charging the mound will result in immediate ejection from the tournament.
3. Throwing a bat or the ball with the intent to strike or injure another player on or off the field will result in immediate ejection from the tournament.
A player who throws his bat or any piece of equipment in a manner judged by the umpire to be unsportsmanlike will result in immediate ejection from the tournament.
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 result in immediate ejection from the tournament.
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.
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 one foot on the pitching rubber when delivering a pitch.
Pitchers may not use a wind-up motion, nor may they step backwards to gain momentum, or use a rocking motion. 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.
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.
THE CATCHER-
Shall return the ball directly to the pitcher after each pitch, including after a foul ball.
NOTE: An additional ball shall be awarded to the batter for the delay.
EXCEPTION: This rule does not apply
1. After a strikeout, or
2. When the batter becomes a batter-runner, or
3. When there are runners on base, or
4. When a foul ball is fielded close to the foul line and the catcher throws to any base for a possible out.
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.
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.
NOTE- The ball is still alive unless meeting the definition of a dead 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.
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-
HOME RUN RULE-
MALE players are restricted from hitting the ball over the fence (unless aided by a defensive player in which the hit will then be a ground rule double) Any ball hit over the fence will be scored as a strike out.
FEMALE players may hit homer runs over the fence and are unlimited in number per inning or game.
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 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 PERIOD.
ON-DECK BATTER-
a. At the start of an inning, is the leadoff batter, who must remain in his on-deck circle until, called to the batter’s box.
b. Once an inning has started, is the offensive player who in the batting line-up is the next player to enter the batter’s box.
c. Shall take a position within on-deck circle nearest his bench.
d. May loosen up with no more than two official softball bats, an approved warm-up bat, or a combination not to exceed two.
NOTE- the ball is dead if 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.
A team must bat a minimum of nine players in their original lineup card.
A team may bat up to but not more than fifteen batters on their official 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.
A STRIKE IS CALLED BY THE UMPIRE-
a. When any part of a legally pitched ball enters the strike zone before touching the ground and at which the batter does not swing.
b. For each legally pitched ball struck at and missed by the batter.
c. for each foul tip.
d. for each foul ball when the batter has less than two strikes.
e. for each foul ball, including the third strike.
f. For each pitched ball struck at and missed which touches any part of the batter.
g. When any part of the batter's person or clothing is hit with his own-batted ball when he is in the batter's box and he has less than two strikes.
h. When a pitched ball hits the batter while the ball is in the strike zone.
i. When the batter fails to enter the batter's box within 10 seconds after the umpire calls "PLAY BALL."
j. When an offensive team member deliberately erases the lines of the batter’s box.
k. When the batter leaves the batter’s box illegally
or does not return to the batter’s box. No pitch has to be thrown.
A BALL IS CALLED BY THE UMPIRE-
a. For each legally pitched ball that:
1. Does not enter the strike zone, or
2. Touches the ground before reaching home plate and is not swung at, (see FLAT-PITCH)
NOTE- The ball is in play and runners may advance with liability to be put out.
b. for each illegally pitched ball-
1. Which the batter does not hit, or
2. When the manager elects not to take the result of the play after the ball has been hit.
The ball is dead and runners are entitled to advance one base without liability to be put out.
c. When a delivered ball by the pitcher hits the batter outside of the strike zone.
The ball is dead. Runners may not advance.
d. When the catcher fails to return the ball directly to the pitcher as required.
h. When the pitcher fails to pitch the ball within 20 seconds of receiving the ball from the catcher or umpire.
The ball is dead and runners may not advance.
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.
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. 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, 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 their base before the ball crosses the plate 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.
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. 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.
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WESLEY CHAPEL IRON-MAN SOFTBALL
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