Tiverton Men’s Softball League

Registration Information & Rules

2020 Season

 

 

 

REGISTRATION

 

Section 1.  Team Entry Fee. The Team Entry Fee shall be $700 ($650 League Fee/ $50.00 Scorer Fee) must be paid in full by 7/20/2020. If any team has not paid the Team Entry Fee by this date, they shall not be permitted into the TMSL.

 

Section 2.  Payments. Checks are made payable to the Tiverton Men’s Softball League.  No refunds will be issued after the creation of the league schedule, unless the league is dissolved.

 

Section 3.  Team Names.  Team names that the Board of Directors feels that are vulgar or suggestive will not be permitted.  Team names are due same day team entry fee is due.

 

 

ROSTERS

 

Section 1.  Submission Date.  Final team rosters must be filed with the TMSL by July 5th 2020.

 

Section 2.  Limits.  Rosters will consist of no more than twenty (20) players.  Rosters will be open for the first three (3) weeks of the season for players to be added or removed; all members of the Board of Directors must be notified to do this. 

 

Section 3.  Adding Players.  Players will not be added after August 1st with the following exceptions:

1.    Player on roster has season ending injury.

2.    Player on roster has moved from the area due to Military commitment.

3.    Any player added after August 1 must be approved by the board (majority vote).

 

Section 4.  Unauthorized Players.  Any team found using players not listed on the official roster will be subject to disciplinary action – 2 game minimum up to 4 games and up to an including removal from the league.  Unauthorized player includes false identification – if a player is found to be playing under another roster players name, coach/manager is subject to disciplinary action previously mentioned.

 

 

 

LEAGUE RULES

 

Section 1.  Age.  Players must be eighteen (18) years old on or before the first day of games in order to be eligible to play. Sixteen and seventeen year old's may ONLY participate with parental consent.

 

Section 2.  Eligibility.  A player is only eligible to play for one team for the entire season. Transfers of players during the season are not allowed.

 

Section 3.  Uniforms. All players must have a matching jerseys with numbers to play - and if hats are worn they must also be matching. A matching jersey is defined as a uniform top that has the same team name or logo and is professionally created. Different color uniforms are not allowed. Teams may have shirts with numbers only but they must be the same color. Jerseys can be covered by sweatshirt, etc. but if umpire requests to see jersey underneath player needs to comply.  No vulgar or suggestive jerseys will be allowed. Teams must have their shirts by the beginning of the fourth week of the season.  No sweat pants, nylon “warm-up” pants, jeans, cutoffs or gym trunks will be allowed.  Baseball/softball pants/Shorts only.

 

Section 4. Enforcement. It will be the umpire’s responsibility regarding any player on the field without a matching uniform or hat.  The UIC will require the player to be in proper uniform or the player will be deemed ineligible to play.  If a player is ruled ineligible to play, then the player must be substituted for. If the team does not have a sub, the team will take an out in that spot in the lineup, as long as the number of players doesn’t fall below the required number to play.

 

Section 5.  Cleats. No player is allowed to wear metal baseball cleats. Players found to be wearing metal baseball cleats after a game has begun will be immediately ejected. Football cleats (round) can be worn, but an umpire must check them before each game.

 

Section 6.  Field Preparation.  It will be the responsibility of the “home team” of the first game, to retrieve and set the bases and retrieve the numbers and operate the scoreboard.  The “home team” for the second game is responsible for operating the scoreboard and securing (in the equipment shed) all bases and scoreboard numbers after completion of the game.

 

Section 7.  Forfeits.  After a team has forfeited two games, the team must pay a twenty dollar ($25.00) re-entry fee prior to their next game or the team will be dropped from the league. Each subsequent forfeit will result in an additional $25 re-entry fee. If a team forfeits five (5) games they will be dropped from the league. 

 

Section 8. Credits for Games Played.  To receive credit for a game played, a player must meet one of the following requirements:

1.    Be on the roster, in uniform, present for the entire game and be in the lineup (filling one of the twelve possible line up positions), prior to the first pitch of the second inning. 

2.    Be on the roster, in uniform, present for the entire game and be indicated on the line up as a reserve or replacement player. 

3.    Be on the roster, not in uniform, present for the entire game and have your name recorded by the official scorer as being present but not playing.

4.    Players arriving after the first pitch of the second inning or players leaving prior to the completion of the game will not be given credit for the game.  This includes players not in uniform & not participating.

 

In the event of a forfeit that occurs at game time (due to a team not having at least 9 players), the players who are present will be recorded by the official scorer and be given credit for a game played.  It is the coach/managers responsibility to relay the names of the players present at the field to the official scorer.  If names/lineup is not turned in then credit for forfeit game will not be given.

 

In the event of an “early” forfeit (those forfeits that a team is aware of up to 24 hours prior to game time), the forfeiting team’s manager will notify Ken Dias and the opposing manager of the forfeit.  In order for a player from the forfeiting team to receive credit, he must show up at the field and have his name recorded by the official scorer.  All players on the “winning team” will receive credit for the game and do not have to report to the field. 

 

 

Section 9. Cleaning. It is the responsibility of both teams to clean their respective dugouts of any trash that has accumulated after their game.  It is the responsibility of the team to ensure no trash has accumulated in the parking area after the conclusion of the game (ei. bottles, cans, cups, etc.)

 

 

 

ARTICLE XII ~ PLAYING RULES

 

Section 1.  Rules.  All games will be conducted under official ASA rules for slow pitch, except for provisions herein.  Game play situations that are not addressed in ASA rules or TMSL bylaws will be left to the discretion of the Umpire in Charge.

 

Section 2.  Game Times.  Games will begin at 6:30pm and 7:30pm.  There will be a ten (10) minute grace period for the 6:30 PM start time only and for the second game lineups must be ready and turned in immediately after the end of the first game.  Teams are responsible for being at the field for scheduled games unless notified by the President or his designee.

 

Section 3.  Minimum Number of Players.  All games must begin and end with a minimum of nine players.  A team that does not have nine (9) players at the scheduled starting time will forfeit the game. If the game starts with 9 players the 10^th player will be added at the end of the half inning upon arrival, to the respective batting order position. The 10^th player must be added. 

A team starting with 9, 10, 11, or 12 players must end the game with the same number.  Failure to maintain the same number of players results in an automatic “out” call in the lineup position.  If a player is injured an unable to continue, his roster spot will be skipped in the lineup if the team has no replacement.  However, a team must have 9 players to continue or the game is forfeited.  The coach has the option to play or sit the 11^th and 12^th man.

Players arriving late can be entered as a "pinch" player replacing someone in the lineup; however they do not get credit for the game if they arrive after the first pitch of the second inning.

Re-entry Rule:  No limit, player must bat before leaving the game.

Any player faking an injury and caught playing in another league that night will automatically be ejected from the league.

 

Section 4.  Game Length.  All games will be seven innings in length, with the following exceptions:

1. If a team is ahead by Twenty (20) runs after 4 innings the game will be called. A game must go at least  four (4 )innings 3.5 if the home team is winning
2. 2. If a team is ahead by fifteen (15) runs after five innings the game will    be called.  A game must go at least five (5) complete innings (4.5 complete innings if the home team is winning)
3. 3. If a team is ahead by twelve (12) runs after six (6) innings (5.5 complete innings if the home team is winning) the game will be called. 
4. 4.Weather considerations force the game to be called

 

Section 5. Official Game.  A game will be considered an official game if five (5) innings have been played (4 1/2) if the home team is winning.  If a game gets called in the middle of an inning, after five, the score will revert back to the last completed inning, unless it is the bottom of the inning and the home team is winning. If a game is stopped before it is an official game, the entire game will be replayed at a later date.

Playoff games called off  for any weather related conditions will be suspended at that point and continued at a later date from the point the game was called.  The lineup will remain the same at the later date.  In the event that different players are present at the re-start date, then the following procedure will be utilized:

1.    All players in the original lineup will move up in the lineup to cover the gaps created by the original player’s absence.

2.      The replacement players will be added to the bottom of the restart lineup.

 

Section 6.  Balls.  A league approved .44 core ball will be provided by the league and used for all league play.  Balls must be yellow in color.  No other balls are authorized to be utilized during league play.  It is the responsibility of the Umpire in Charge to ensure a league approved ball is being utilized.

 

Section 7.  Bats.  Bats utilized during league play must be on the TMSL approved “bat list” as indicated on the TMSL website.  Bats must be accessible for umpire inspection for the entire game – umpires are required to check all bats prior to start of game.  There will be severe penalties for teams caught using unacceptable bats. In the event that a team or player is found to be using an illegal or modified bat, the bat will be removed from the game.  If said bat is found to be illegal, the team using the bat will forfeit the game.  Second offense will be team ejection from the league. It is the responsibility of the Umpire in Charge to ensure a league approved bat is being utilized and the league approved bat list is being followed.  Also use of an illegal bat that results in an injury will result in prosecution.

 

Section 8.  Courtesy Runners.  Each team will be allowed one courtesy runner per game (or more by mutual agreement of both team manager’s ei – 1 for 1 for entire game, if 1 for 1 is used the regular one courtesy runner rule is not allowed). The courtesy runner should be the team’s last out. Courtesy runners may be substituted for the runner at any time in the inning; however the Umpire in Charge must be notified prior to the courtesy runner entering the game. 

 

Section 9. Pitching. For safety purposes, the pitcher may pitch in back of, and within the width of the pitching rubber & (but must have at least one foot in line w/ the rubber) with the distance not to exceed the pitcher’s circle (6ft behind rubber). The pitcher must pitch the ball towards home plate once motion has begun. There will be no faking or hesitation of pitching allowed. There will be no pitching between the legs, no behind the back allowed and no kneeling (no trick pitches). Any illegal motion will result in a ball being awarded to the batter.

 

Mat will be instituted this year – plate is not a strike mat is.

 

Section 10.  Arc.  The pitching arc will be 6 feet to 12 feet. The ball after leaving the pitchers hand must reach a minimum of 6 feet from the ground and not travel higher than 12 feet from the ground.

 

Section 11.  Home Run Limit.  The home run limit is Five home runs per team, per game. Then they will become progressive until 7.  The home team is responsible for balls hit out of play on the left side of the park; the visiting team is responsible for balls being hit out of play on the right side of the park.  If either team does not have enough players on the bench to retrieve an out of play ball, the team with enough players will be responsible.

 

 

PLAYOFFS

 

Section 1.  Qualifications.  All teams qualify for post season playoffs.  The Board of Directors has the authority to withhold a team from the playoffs if the team has a history of forfeiting games or displayed negative behavior through the season.

 

Section 2.  Player Requirements. There is a 8 game requirement for players to be eligible for the playoffs. 

 

Section 3.  Ties.  It two or more teams are tied in the final standings; the following tie breakers will be used:

 

1.    Teams record head-to-head.

2.    Total runs scored in head-to-head games.

3.    Team’s total runs scored for the season.

4.    Coin flips.

 

Section 4.  Rain Outs.  If playoff game is rained out, game will be moved to the following night – no exceptions.

 

 

 

BEHAVIOR

 

Section 1.  Threats or Assaults Threats or assaults toward any umpire, scorer, opposing player or league official during or after a game will result in that person being expelled from the league and from any further participation in activities offered by this organization. Additional criminal charges will also be filed against any person involved in this type of behavior.

 

Section 2.  Language.  Profane or abusive language directed at any umpire, scorer, opposing player or league official or arguing with an official during or after a game will not be tolerated. Such actions will result in the player being ejected. Players that have been ejected must immediately leave the premises. Continued use of profane language after ejection may result in suspensions for multiple games or possibly the entire season. Any coach or player ejected from a game will not be allowed to coach/play OR attend his/her team’s next game. Any player ejected from 2 games in 1 season must sit out the rest of the season and will not be allowed to attend any games.

 

Section 3. Manager Responsibilities.  During games a manager and or assistant manager who are actually playing in the game will be designated in the official book. During the course of the game the umpire(s) might ask a manager or assistant to control an unruly player(s); if they do not, the player(s) can be ejected. If a manager asks the umpire to eject a player because he/she cannot control them, the umpire can eject only the offender.

 

 

Section 4.  Fighting.  Fighting among players before, during or after a game may result in the player and/or team being suspended from league play for an entire year. Profane or abusive language between players or criticizing another player may result in the offender(s) being ejected and/or suspended from the game and league.

 

 

 

Section 5.  Ejections/Suspensions.  Any ejection of a player during the course of a game will be served immediately (remainder of the game, plus the next 3 game).  If a suspension is warranted, suspension lengths for violation of any of the above rules will be made by the Board of Directors after speaking with the involved parties and any witnesses if possible.

 

 

 

 

PROTEST PROCEDURES

 

Section 1.  Protests.  Protests can only be made concerning player eligibility, rules and violations of the bylaws. Official’s judgment is not subject to protest. If a coach wishes to protest an incident, the following steps must be taken:

 

1.    The coach must notify the umpire, official scorer and opposing coach of the protest at the time of the incident. Protests must be recorded by the official scorer prior to the end or immediately following the completion of the game.  The official scorer shall note in the book that the game is being played under protest.

2.    The coach must file a written protest (e-mail accepted) with the Board of Directors by 4:30 p.m. the next working day after the incident occurs.  

 

The Board of Directors will convene a special meeting to hear and make a determination on the protest.

 

 

WEATHER CONDITIONS

 

Section 1.  Inclement Weather.  In case of inclement weather, the Board of Directors, or designee will inform team managers (via phone, text or e-mail) that a game is postponed.  Game status will also be posted on the TMSL Facebook page.

 

Section 2.  Lightening.  Anytime lightning is visible, then all players, coaches, fans and umpires should take shelter immediately. The “Flash / Bang” method should be used to count seconds between lightning flash and thunder and then divide by five. This will give you distance of the lightning in miles. If the count is 30 seconds or less take shelter immediately.  Safe places for shelter would be fully enclosed metal vehicles with windows up, enclosed buildings or get as low to the ground as possible. Unsafe shelter areas would include outdoor metal objects like flag poles, fences, high mast light poles, metal bleachers, etc.  If anyone is struck by lightning, Call 911 immediately. People who have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to handle. Apply CPR if you are qualified to do so.

 

 

 

 

 

SAFETY

 

Section 1.  Injuries. In the event of an injury to any player, official or spectator requiring immediate medical assistance, CALL 911 immediately.

 

Section 2.  Bleeding.  In the event that a player suffers a non-life threatening injury that produces blood, the bleeding must be stopped, open wounds must be covered and clothes with blood on them must be changed.

 

 

 

 

MAKE UP GAMES

 

Section 1.  Postponements. If a game is postponed due to weather or field conditions then Ken Dias will post makeup games on the league web site at www.tivertonsoftball.org If a team doesn’t have web access then the coach should contact Ken within three days after the postponed game.  It is a teams responsibility to make it when scheduled for a makeup game.