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CITY OF OAKLAND
PARKS AND RECREATION ADULT SOFTBALL RULES AND REGUALTIONS
INTRODUCTION
This publication provides standard softball regulations for the Adult Softball League conducted by the City of Oakland. All leagues will be conducted according to American Softball Association Rules and Regulations. The City of Oakland is a participating agency in the Sports Association of Northern California Recreation Agencies (SANCRA).
The purpose of these organized leagues is to provide enjoyment, as well as promoting active participation of the players and spectators. City of Oakland Parks and Recreation strongly urges all participating team managers to embrace the "spirit of the game" while maintaining excellent sportsmanship.
LEAGUE AWARDS
The regular season 1st place and 2nd place team will receive a team trophy. The 1st place team of the playoffs will receive fifteen (15) individual awards and the 2nd place team of the tournament will receive a team trophy.
LEAGUE REGULATIONS
1. Managers will be responsible to see that all players know and abide by the rules as stated in these rules and regulations. Furthermore, managers are responsible for their players and spectators knowing and abiding by the SANCRA "Team and Player Code of Conduct".
2. The Site Director has the option of moving teams to create a balanced program in the best interest of the league.
3. The Site Director may because of unforeseen conditions, change or revise the league schedules.
4. After the first regularly scheduled game, all teams forfeit the right to their entry fee unless the entire league is disbanded, whereby all teams will refund the entry fee minus all costs of the league to that point.
5. Oakland Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to establish or suspend regulations at any time deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the league. Further, the Oakland Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to modify any rules as deemed necessary to ensure a smooth and consistent program.
TEAM & PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
1. A player may participate in the league only if that player's names, address, phone number and signature appear on the official team roster or an official add/drop form as filed with the Oakland Parks and Recreation Department. Each player's signature must be authentic and cannot be signed in proxy by any other person.
2. Any player participating: (A) without being on the official roster or an official add/drop form. Or (B) with a false address, or (C) under an assumed name, or (D) without signing the official roster or an official add/drop form will be considered an ineligible player and all games participated in by this player will be forfeited.
3. Players must have in their possession an I.D. card with photo for positive identification.
4. Players must be at least eighteen (18) years of age in order to participate.
5. The league director further maintains the right to dismiss any player or team at any time if it is in the best interest of the league.
6. A roster must consist of a minimum of ten (10) players and a maximum of twenty five (25) players.
FINAL LEAGUE STANDINGS
Standings will be calculated in the following manner; 2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, and 0 points for a loss. In the situation of a forfeit, the team in favor shall be given a 7-0 victory and two points; the team at fault will be given a 7-0 defeat and 0 points. However, a team can not benefit from a forfeit that is; if A and B play twice and in the first game A beat B by 10 runs, then in the second game A can not automatically forfeit, since they would only lose by 7 runs (this only pertains to teams that are tied.) A must give B a chance to beat them by more than 10 runs.
In the event that teams are tied at the conclusion of league play, the following tiebreaker system will be used:
I. Record in head-to-head competition
II. # Of forfeits
III. Run differential in head-to-head competition
IV. Record against teams above the tie
V. Run differential against the entire league
VI. Coin Flip
PLAYOFFS
1. A minimum of 50% of league teams will be eligible for playoffs.
2. The playoffs will consist of a single game elimination format. All league rules will be enforced except for the championship game there will be no time limit.
3. A player must have participated in five (5) league games to be eligible for playoffs.
CANCELLATIONS
1. Only the SITE DIRECTOR may cancel games if weather or field conditions are deemed to be unsafe.
2. Games cancelled before 2 innings and/or 20 minutes have been completed will be replayed in its entirety. Games cancelled after 5 innings and/or 50 minutes have been completed will be considered complete games (provided the home team has its last at bat if necessary). Any games falling between these two periods shall be continued from the point the game was postponed.
GAME TIME
1. In all games, the starting time is the scheduled starting time on the schedule. If the scheduled starting time is changed due to any delay (previous game runs long, equipment failure, etc…), then both managers will be notified by the site director as to the new starting time.
2. Games will be one (1) hour and five (5) minutes, or seven (7) innings which ever comes first. In the event of a tie, extra innings may be played, however no inning may begin after the sixty-five (65) minute time limit.
3. Mercy Rule: If one team is ahead by twelve (12) runs after (5) complete innings the game may be ended by decision of the trailing team. If the trailing team wants to continue play the game will end at the sixty-five (65) minute mark or seven (7) innings whichever comes first. At the sixty-five (65) minute mark the game is officially over no matter who is at bat. This situation is only enforced when a trailing team qualifies for, but does not invoke the mercy rule.
4. Teams that do not have (8) players to start the game will get a (15) minute grace period for the 1st game before the forfeit is called and a 5-minute grace period for the 2nd and 3rd game before the forfeit is called.
5. Site Directors will keep the official time; not the umpires.
FORFEITS
1. Failure to abide by any of the stated rules as outlined in the City of Oakland Adult Softball Rules & Regulations may result in a forfeit.
2. In games forfeited for any reason, the score for the forfeiting team will be zero (0). The score for the non-forfeited team will be seven (7) runs or the existing run differential at the time of the forfeit, whichever is the highest.
3. All teams who forfeit, for any reason other than injury, will be required to pay a $25.00 (CASH) forfeiture fee. If the forfeit is due to lack of players, a portion of this fee will be credited back to the non-forfeited team. If a double forfeit occurs, both teams are still required to pay the forfeiture fee, however neither team will receive a credit. This fee must be paid at the Parks and Recreation Office at 250 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Suite 3330 before the forfeiting team's next game. Failure to pay this fee in time may result in that team's next game also being declared a forfeit and an additional fee being accessed.
4. Any team forfeiting three (3) games will automatically be dropped from the league.
PROTEST PROCEDURES
1. Protests must be made at the point of contention. The team manager must notify the head umpire of his intent to protest. The manager must then complete an “Intent to Protest” form and submit it with a $25 check made payable to the Parks and Recreation Office, 250 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Suite 3330 within 48 hours of the protested game. This $25 check will be refunded if the protest is upheld by the Protest Committee whose three (3) members consist of the Adult Sports League Director, a Head Umpire and the Site Director.
2. Failure to follow the protest procedures outline in this section will void all protests.
3. Protest on Player Eligibility:
A) Protests must be stated before the final out of the game by notifying the head umpire. Manager must complete an “Intent to Protest” form. A player must provide proof of ID (i.e. Drivers License) to the Umpire/ Scorekeeper if asked. This must be done before the game ends.
B) The League Director may invoke this rule at any time.
C) A charge of $25 will be made if a team requests the checking of eligibility of any opponents in the playoffs.
4. Protest on Official Score:
A) Manager must protest the game prior to leaving the field at the end of the game.
B) Only one representative from each team may meet with and discuss the score with the Scorekeeper.
C) Protested games on scores will only be considered if the protesting team is keeping a scorebook.
5. All rulings are final.
ADDING & DROPPING PLAYERS
1. Players must fill out an official add/drop waiver form before they are eligible to play. Players are allowed to turn in the form to the scorekeeper at the field prior to the game in which the player is going to play.
2. Roster add/drop forms will be available from the Site Director.
3. Managers may add/drop players through the midway point of the season. After the midway point team rosters are frozen, and the Site Director will not accept add/drop forms.
NOTE: Any player who is dropped from the roster cannot rejoin the roster at a later date if an emergency add has been granted. A team using this rule must drop to the minimum roster number allowed including the emergency add players.
DISCIPLINE INFORMATION
Note: Spectators will be held to the same conduct standards as players.
1. The manager is responsible to see that all players know and abide by the rules as stated in these rules and regulations. Further, managers are responsible for all players knowing and abiding by the SANCRA “Team and Player Code of Conduct”. PENALTY: If a manager cannot or will not control his/her players and spectators, he/she may face disciplinary action, which can range from probation to suspension from the league.
2. The manager shall be the official representative of the team and spectators unless he designates one of the players as a team captain prior to the game. The manager or designated team captain is responsible for having the team cooperate with the scorekeeper, umpires or league officials. PENALTY: Warning, then ejection.
3. Casual Profanity: Foul language is not permitted on or around the playing field by any player at anytime. Players using profanity will be warned by the official after the first offense and will be ejected after the second offense. NOTE: Officials may eject a player without first giving a warning depending on the nature of the remark.
4. Officials will not allow players to direct any comments to or about another team, its players (and officials) that are, in the officials judgment, inflammatory or unsportsmanlike in nature. PENALTY: Warning to both teams, then ejection (s).
5. If a player is ejected and falls below the minimum number of players allowed the team will forfeit.
6. Any participant who is ejected from a game is automatically suspended for the next game and will be required to pay a $25.00 (CASH) ejection fee before they will be allowed to continue playing in
the league. A player ejected from a second game will automatically be suspended from all current AND future City of Oakland sponsored leagues until further notice.
EQUIPMENT
1. Game Ball: Only .44 cor with 375 lbs. compression balls will be used.
2. Retrieving Balls: It is the hitting team’s responsibility to retrieve any ball that travels beyond the field of play. The game will be held up until someone does so.
3. Shoes: Metal cleats are not allowed. All players must wear closed-toe shoes while on the playing field. Penalty – Removal from the game until player(s) complies with the rule.
4. Bat Rule: Players will not be allowed to use any bats on the OPR Banned Bats List. Titanium alloy bats are also not allowed. All bats must be pre-approved before each game. Anyone using an illegal bat during the game will be called out and ejected from the game and will be suspended the following game; the second time he/she gets caught using an illegal bat in the game, he/she will be suspended from the league. The League/Site Director reserved the right to revise the list at any time.
5. Number Rule: All teams and players participating in the league must have a number on their shirt/jersey (either front or back). Players playing without a number shall be warned and reported to league officials. Repeat offenders or team violators (whole team) shall be subjected to disciplinary action as determined by the League Director.
6. Jewelry: For the safety of the players, jewelry must be removed prior to the game. Flat banded rings will be allowed. Medical emergency and religious medallions must be removed from the chain and taped to the uniform to be acceptable. Jewelry that cannot be removed must be covered by tape. Stud earrings may be worn if a release form is signed and on file before the game.
INJURIES
No team shall forfeit due to injury once the game has begun. They shall be allowed to play short-handed. The injured player however is not allowed to return to the game (exception: Blood Rule) once his/her team has played short-handed.
1. First- Aid Kits: It is the responsibility of the Site Director to provide a first-aid kit.
2. Blood Rule: Any player, coach or umpire who is bleeding or has blood on his/her clothing shall be prohibited from any further play until the appropriate treatment is administered. If treatment can be administered within a reasonable length of time, the participant may not have to leave the game. The length of time considered to be reasonable will be left to the umpire’s judgment. The umpire shall:
A) Stop the game to permit treatment of the injured individual.
B) Immediately call for a coach, trainer or other authorized person to tend to the injury.
C) Apply the rules of the game regarding substitutions, reentry into the game or short-handed players if necessary.
INSURANCE
The City of Oakland is not responsible for injuries incurred during participation in the league, and players should seek their own insurance prior to participation. Team insurance is available through ASA. If you would like more information contact the Sports League Director.
PLAYING RULES
1. A team must be able to field at least eight (8) players to start or continue a game (exception: injury rule).
2. If a player is listed on the lineup card he/she must bat when it is his/her turn. If a player cannot bat (for whatever reason) when it is his/her turn, an out will be credited against the “ghost batter” until they show up to assume their spot in the batting order.
3. Teams may only bat twelve (12) players at one time. Extra players are allowed free substitution defensively, but the batting order must remain the same. Late players may be added to the lineup as long as no one has batted twice. If a player cannot come to bat due to injury, an out will be issued (See above rule #2)
4. Substitutions: Substitutions into the batting order must be reported to the Site Director either by the manager or the batter before that at bat.
5. Strike Zone:
A) All Leagues will use the O.P.R. Strike Rule. Each batter will start with one (1) ball and one (1) strike. If a batter has two (2) strikes, he/she is allowed one (1) foul ball; on the next foul ball, the batter will be considered out.
B) The “Mat & Plate” will be used to call balls and strike. Any legal pitch (fairly delivered within the height of six (6) feet to twelve (12) feet from the ground that hits either the mat or the plate will be declared a strike. Dimension of the mat 23” width and 24” length with the home plate cut out.
6. Pitching: For the protection of the pitcher, he/she has the option to start his/her delivery from behind the pitching rubber up to 6’. The pitcher will need to be set before delivering the pitch to the batter.
7. Courtesy Runner: One courtesy runner is allowed per inning in all leagues. The courtesy runner will be the last batter to make an out. If the courtesy runner’s turn to bat comes up while on base, the runner will be called out and the player will come to bat. For coed, the courtesy runner must be the same sex as the batter.
8. Home Runs: There is a two (2) home run rule. (This rule only pertains to over the fence home runs per game.) After the first two (2) home runs are hit, the equalizer rule will be in effect. Ex: If team “A” hits two (2) home runs and team “B” does not hit a home run; team “A” may not hit any home runs until team “B” hits two (2). Once both teams reached two (2) home runs, they are allowed to go up by one (1) home run and must wait until the other team equals or go ahead by one (1) home run. NOTE: If the batter is called out for stepping on home plate or not crossing the veer line when he/she hits a home run, the hit still counts toward the total home runs for their team.
9. Commit Line:
A) There will be a commit line half way between 3rd base and home plate. Once the runner crosses a line he/she is committed to score and may not return to 3rd base. Exception: If the runner fails to tag up on a fly ball and crosses the commit line he/she may return to 3rd base to avoid the out.
B) A home plate veer line will be use. Runners MAY NOT touch home plate or the mat; instead they must cross the veer line. All plays at home plate will be by force; no sliding, no tag plays are allowed. A player will be determined safe if the player’s foot or other body part touches the veer line.
10. Fielding:
A) You can start a game with eight (8) players, coed four (4) men & four (4) women, but if no else shows up, and you lose a player for any reason, the game is over at that point.
B) A courtesy catcher is only provided to teams fielding eight (8) players. The catcher will only be responsible to return the ball to the pitcher and will not be eligible to make any plays.
C) When attempting to break up a double play, the runner must slide legally, duck, or get out of the way. If the runner does not do either, an interference call may be made by the official. Interference is a judgment call.
11. No bunting or base stealing.
SPECIAL COED PLAYING RULES
1. Batting:
A) The order must rotate male then female etc., starting with either a male or female. If there are an unequal number of male/female players, women may bat back-to-back. Men may not bat back-to-back. If there is more of one gender than another, each may alternate in the same order in the line-up.
B) On a walk to a male batter (intentional or not) the batter is awarded two (2) bases. The next batter, a female, must bat with less than two (2) outs. If there are two (2) outs she has her choice of hitting or taking a walk.
C) Males will hit with a 12” softball and females will hit with an 11” softball.
2. Fielding:
A) Outfielders (including rovers / buck shots) must remain behind the restraint line and infielders must remain in the infield until the pitch reaches the plate or is hit (The restraint line is a line drawn in the outfield at an arch 150’ from home plate). PENALTY: Failure to abide by this rule will result in fielder’s interference. A delayed dead ball will be called by the official. If the batter reaches the base safely, the play will stand. If an out was made, the batter will be placed on base safely.
B) Teams must have even numbers of infielders (2 men 2 women), outfielders (2 men 2 women) and a battery (1 man 1 woman) when ten (10) fielders are used. A courtesy catcher is only provided to teams fielding eight (8) players. Exception: Teams may field more women than men.
C) Women who choose to play pregnant do so at their own risk.
OTHER INFORMATION
1. Line-Up Cards:
A) Managers must get line-up cards from the scorekeeper and return it no later than five (5) minutes before game time.
B) To establish eligibility, the manager must fill out the line-up card legibly with complete names of all players in each game. This responsibility is solely the manager’s not the scorekeeper’s.
C) Managers should list all substitutes on the bottom of the line-up card.
2. Dugouts: Home team will use the 1st base dugout. Visitors will use the 3rd base dugout.
A) Only players and coaches are allowed in the dugout. All coaches and players must be on the roster.
3. Rainouts: It is the responsibility of the manager to find out if their game has been canceled due to weather. Call the Parks and Recreation office at (510) 238-3494 AFTER 2:00 p.m. All rained out games will be made up at the earliest possible date. (Due to circumstances beyond out control makeup games may be scheduled for nights other than the team’s regularly scheduled league night).
4. Doubleheaders may be scheduled but their use will be kept at a minimum.
5. An individual may play on only one (1) team in each league. To switch teams, players must be dropped by the manager of the original team.
6. An individual may only switch teams once during any one (1) season.
7. For up to date information, messages, standings, etc. visit our website at www.leaguelineup.com/oaklandsoftball
MANAGER’S RESPONSIBILITY
Managers are responsible:
1. To see that all schedule and schedule changes reach their players.
2. To inform all players of proper player conduct, league and game rules.
3. To demonstrate cooperation with umpires and other league officials
4. For the actions of their players both on and off the field, as well as any actions of spectators affiliated with their team.
PLAYER CONDUCT / PENALTIES
1. No alcohol or other drugs are permitted anywhere on the Sports Grounds or parking lot before, during, and after the game.
2. Supervision must be provided for children at all times. Children are not allowed to play on the playing field or in the dugouts.
3. Sportsmanlike behavior is expected of all players and fans at all times. No unnecessary noise, comments or actions should be used to distract the other team or umpire(s).
4. No pets are permitted anywhere on the Sports Grounds.
5. Anyone displaying or threatening violence against a person or property will be automatically suspended from further play. The Adult Sports Site Director reserves the right to decide the proper penalty on a player. Minimum penalty for an ejected participant is a one (1) game suspension and a $25 ejection fine.
SANCRA TEAM AND PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT
The following “Team and Player Code of Conduct” has been adopted by all participating agencies within SANCRA and will be strictly enforced. A suspension in one city will result in notification of all member cities and these cities may honor this suspension. This code of conduct applies to players, coaches, managers and spectators.
1. NO PERSON SHALL: Be guilty of objectionable demonstrations of dissent at official’s decision.
MINIMUM PENALTY: Warning by the official.
MAXIMUM PENALTY: Removal from the game or forfeit of game.
2. NO PERSON SHALL: Discuss with an official in any manner the decision reached by such official except the manager or captain.
MINIMUM PENALTY: Warning by the official.
MAXIMUM PENALTY: Removal from the game or forfeit of game.
3. NO PERSON SHALL: Refuse to abide by an official’s decision. Officials are required to immediately suspend the player from further play and report such player to the Site Director. Such player shall remain suspended until his/her case is considered by the Site Director.
MINIMUM PENALTY: One (1) game suspension.
MAXIMUM PENALTY: Suspension for the remainder of the season.
4. NO PERSON SHALL: Be guilty of an abusive verbal attack upon any player, official or spectator. Officials are required to immediately suspend player from further play and to reports such player to the Site Director. Player shall remain suspended until his/her case has been considered by the League Director.
MINIMUM PENALTY: One (1) game suspension.
MAXIMUM PENALTY: Suspension for the remainder of the season.
5. NO PERSON SHALL: Be guilty of gambling upon any play or the outcome of game with any spectator, player or opponent. Officials are required to immediately suspend player from further play and report such person to the Site Director. Such player shall remain suspended until his/her case has been considered by the Site Director.
MINIMUM PENALTY: One (1) game suspension
MAXIMUM PENALTY: Suspension for the remainder of the season.
* Printable version of League Rules available in the Handouts Section*
Adult Sports (KL) Revised 3/27/06.
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Oakland Adult Softball League
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