WAIVER:
I hereby waive any and all claims against the Coventry Women's Slow-Pitch Softball League and the Town of Coventry, which I may or shall have in the future against the Coventry Women's Slow Pitch Softball League and the Town of Coventry, its agents or employees, for any property damage or loss, or personal injuries resulting from the recreation programs organized by the Town and League, whether or not caused by the negligence of the Town or the League and/or its employees and agents.

Due to the strenuous nature of some programs, the Town and the League strongly recommend that each person consult with their physician as to the extent of their participation.

Return to Play Waiver

It is required that all adult players, guardians of youth players, and managers review and acknowledge the following Return to Play Waiver. Please review this waiver and submit the acknowledgment form below.

IMPORTANT: Please remember that all adult and youth athletes are required to execute a new waiver prior to being placed on a roster as well as participate in an event as part of USSSA's post COVID-19 guidelines. Youth athlete waivers must be executed via guardian online accounts and adults may execute their waivers via their online player accounts. All players (youth/adult) are currently in a pending status on team rosters. They have not been REMOVED from the roster, but they will not be displayed on the online/active roster until the waiver has been executed. Once the waiver has been executed and all other requirements (approvals) met the player will be displayed on the Official USSSA Roster as eligible.

WAIVER
In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way in the UNITED STATES SPECIALTY SPORTS ASSOCIATION athletics/sports program, related events and activities, the undersigned acknowledges, appreciates, and agrees that:

1. The risk of injury and/or illness from the activities involved in the program is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce the risk, the risk of serious injury does exist;
2. The risk to have contact with individuals, who have been exposed to and/or have been diagnosed with one or more communicable diseases, including but not limited to COVID-19 or other medical conditions, diseases, or maladies does exist, and it is impossible to eliminate the risk that I could be exposed to and/or become infected through contact with or close proximity with an individual with a communicable disease;
3. I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume all full responsibility for my participation;
4. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation. If, however, I observe any unusual significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately; and
5. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS THE UNITED STATES SPECIALTY SPORTS ASSOCIATION, their

officers, officials, agents and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessors of the premises used to conduct the event ("Releasees"), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, ILLNESS, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE.
6. I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, BEFORE ACKNOWLEDGING THE CHECKBOX BELOW, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY AGREEING TO IT ON MY OWN BEHALF OR ON BEHALF OF THE YOUTH PARTICIPANT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS GUARDIAN ACCOUNT, AND I SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY ADULT PARTICIPANT: By acknowledging and agreeing to the checkbox below, I agree and verify the following: 1) I consent and agree to assume the risks of participation in these programs; and 2) that I specifically agree to the release as provided herein of all the Releasees, and, for myself, my heirs, assigns and next of kin, I release and agree to indemnify the Releasees from any and all liabilities incident to my involvement or participation in these programs EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT BY PARENTS AND/OR LEGAL GUARDIANS OF YOUTH PARTICIPANTS: By acknowledging and agreeing to the checkbox below, I agree to and verify the following: 1) I am the parent or legal guardian for the youth participant associated with this guardian account, 2) that the date of birth of the youth participant associated with this guardian account is correct, 3) that as parent/legal guardian with legal responsibility for this youth participant, I consent and agree to assume the risks of his/her participation in these programs; and 4) that I specifically agree to his/her release as provided herein of all the Releasees, and, for myself, my heirs, assigns and next of kin, I release and agree to indemnify the Releasees from any and all liabilities incident to this youth participant's involvement or participation in these programs as provided above EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE.

CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS for COVENTRY WOMEN'S SLOW-PITCH SOFTBALL LEAGUE

Revised 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I ? NAME 1
ARTICLE II ? PURPOSE 1
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP 1
ARTICLE IV - SPONSORSHIP 1
ARTICLE V - OFFICERS 2
ARTICLE VI - DUTIES OF OFFICERS 2
ARTICLE VII - ADMINISTRATION 4
ARTICLE VIII - COMMITTEES AND APPOINTED POSITIONS 4
ARTICLE IX - MEETINGS 5
ARTICLE X - REGISTRATION 6
ARTICLE XI - TEAM ASSIGNMENTS 6
ARTICLE XII - MANAGER/COACH RESPONSIBILITIES 7
ARTICLE XIII - DISCIPLINE OF CWSSL MEMBERS 8
ARTICLE XIV - MANAGER/COACH VACANCIES 8
ARTICLE XV ? SEASON STANDINGS 8
ARTICLE XVI ? DRAFT 8
ARTICLE XVII - PLAYER ELIGIBILITY 9
ARTICLE XVIII - PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES 10
ARTICLE XIX - DISCIPLINE 10
ARTICLE XX - LEAGUE GAME RULES 11
ARTICLE XXI - CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFFS 15
ARTICLE XXII - TROPHIES AND AWARDS 15
ARTICLE XXIII - PROTEST PROCEDURES 16
ARTICLE XXIV - CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS 17

ARTICLE I ? NAME
The name of this organization shall be "Coventry Women's Slow-Pitch Softball League," hereafter known as CWSSL.

ARTICLE II ? PURPOSE
This is a non-political organization whose purpose shall be to provide an opportunity for interested persons to assist in the operation of a softball league for women and to encourage the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP


1. Membership is open to any Rhode Island resident who is 18 years of age by May 1 of the playing year, is of good moral character, and who is interested in promoting the game of softball. Non- playing members are exempt from the residency rule. Any exceptions will be made and voted on by the Executive Board.

2. All active participants such as players, managers, coaches, scorekeepers, etc., must be registered with the CWSSL and must complete and sign a liability waiver.

3. Each active member shall have one vote. All General Membership issues (i.e. elections, spending money, etc.) shall be decided by majority vote.

4. All members of the CWSSL should be actively involved in the operation and/or maintenance of the league, either in administration, coaching or playing. All members are expected to participate in fundraising.

5. Town of Coventry's ordinances governing the use of its parks and recreation facilities shall be observed by all members of the CWSSL at all times. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action from the Executive Board.



ARTICLE IV - SPONSORSHIP

1. Each team has to have one (1) sponsor who pays the sponsorship fee to the league. In return, only that sponsor's name shall be used on their team's uniforms and in reference to the team for league

as well as advertising purposes. Sponsors shall remain with a team as long as that sponsor fulfills their obligation to the league.

2. Letters to the sponsors shall be sent out in January with a response to be expected by March 1. A follow up will be done on March 2. If no response is received by then, the sponsor can be replaced. Removal, renewal, or assignment of a sponsor shall be the responsibility of the Executive Board.

3. Sponsorship fee shall be $350 per sponsor per season. The Executive Board shall review this fee each season before sponsorship letters are mailed.



ARTICLE V - OFFICERS

1. The officers of this organization shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer and League Commissioner. They shall serve until their successors have been elected.

2. All terms shall be for one (1) year.

3. Elections shall be held at the October meeting.



ARTICLE VI - DUTIES OF OFFICERS

PRESIDENT Shall preside at all meetings. Shall support all committees and shall perform all duties which usually pertain to such an office. Shall be the official spokesperson for the League and liaison between the League and political, governmental and media agencies. Shall appoint any other elected or appointed official whenever a temporary vacancy (not to exceed 45 days) shall occur. In the case of a permanent vacancy of an elected office, nominations of the vacant position will be taken at the next general membership meeting with an election to be held at the following general membership meeting. Is responsible for any purchases needed for the league including, but not limited to, pandemic supplies, first aid needs and equipment.

VICE-PRESIDENT Shall perform in the absence of the President all duties designated to the President. Shall oversee all committees. Assists the Secretary/Treasurer with fundraising when needed.

SECRETARY/
TREASURER Shall keep minutes of all membership and Executive Board meetings and have custody of the records and minutes of the Organization. Shall call Executive Board members for meetings and prepare agenda for all general membership meetings. Shall be responsible for overseeing League publicity and advertisements. Responsible for all incoming and outgoing correspondence.

Shall have the responsibility for the custody of all of the funds of the organization and pay all the bills upon the approval of the Executive Board. Maintain a record of all receipts and expenditures, submit monthly and annual reports. Handle any tax filings for state and federal tax needs, as necessary. Oversee and supervise all fundraising functions of the league including sponsorship and banquets.


COMMISSIONER Shall oversee and supervise scheduling, field use, league registration, and team rosters. The Commissioner shall provide the manager and/or coach of each team a complete list of each team?s roster on or before opening day. The roster listing will only consist of team name and the first and last name of each player. Shall also oversee cancellations of games one (1) hour prior to scheduled game time. Shall chair all protests. Has the right to eject any person from any field at any time. They will be responsible for coordination of trophies for the league.

1. Any Executive Board member who, without authorization of the general membership or Executive Board does business not pursuant to his or her duties as outlined in the bylaws of this organization is subject to immediate recall and could be forced to vacate their office at the next general membership meeting.

2. All funds collected for or by the league will be used strictly for the development of the league or otherwise stated and voted on at a general membership meeting.

ARTICLE VII - ADMINISTRATION

1. The administration of the League shall be under the direct control of the Executive Board.

2. Matters concerning policy/procedures shall be decided by a majority vote of the Executive Board.

3. Any member of the general membership at a regular meeting may petition the Executive Board to review a decision. The results of such a review must be presented to the membership at the next regular meeting.

4. A quorum of the Executive Board shall consist of three (3) members. In the event of a deadlock the President shall decide the issue.

5. During a general membership meeting, the President shall cast a ballot only when an issue is deadlocked in vote.


EXCEPTION: Executive Board members will be excluded from voting on issues where a conflict of interest is involved.


ARTICLE VIII - COMMITTEES AND APPOINTED POSITIONS


The Vice-President shall appoint all necessary positions and shall oversee formation of all committees. The committee shall select the committee chairperson. The chairperson shall be responsible to the Vice- President and they will be responsible to the Executive Board. These positions, appointments and committees shall expire at the annual election of officers.

1. Rules and Bylaws Committee - Shall be formed in November for the purpose of reviewing existing rules, bylaws and all matters voted upon or discussed at the regular meetings, (i.e. the records of the Secretary, update and/or amending the bylaws and/or rules of this organization, etc.). All of the proposed changes are to be presented to and reviewed by the Executive Board. They then shall either be approved and signed by the Executive Board or returned to the Rules and Bylaws Committee with an explanation of their refusal. If there is a refusal, the Executive Board shall meet with the Rules and Bylaws Committee and an acceptable agreement will be met. The amended and/or updated bylaws are to be presented at the February general membership meeting. This committee shall consist of no more than two (2) player representatives from each team and their managers/coaches, if possible. The Rules Committee chairperson shall be responsible for ensuring the signing of the bylaws by the Executive Board.

2. Fundraising Committee - Shall be formed in November for the purpose of planning, scheduling and booking fundraising events and establishing specific event committees for individual functions for the upcoming season. The chairperson will respond to the Vice-President.

3. Field Maintenance Committee - If it is determined that this committee is needed, it should consist of at least ten (10) persons. The League Commissioner shall be the chairperson of this committee.

4. Assistant League Commissioner - Shall be appointed if deemed necessary by the League Commissioner to assist as needed.

5. Protest Committee - Shall consist of two (2) non-members plus the League Commissioner. (Example - Chief Umpire, President of the Girls League and CWSSL League Commissioner.) The League Commissioner will choose the two (2) non-members.



ARTICLE IX - MEETINGS

1. Regular meetings shall be held in February, March, April, August, and October at a designated meeting place on the first Monday of that month. The President or a majority vote of the Executive Board, as required, may call Special General Membership meetings, provided members have three
(3) days? notice. The Executive Board has emphasized to the managerial staff the importance of these meetings.

2. All orders of business shall be governed by parliamentary procedures, as defined by Robert's Rules of Order.

3. The order of business at a regular meeting is as follows:

i. Call to order
ii. Minutes of last meeting
iii. Treasurers report
iv. Communications and bills
v. Committee reports
vi. Old business
vii. New business
viii. Adjournment

ARTICLE X - REGISTRATION

1. All players, new and returning, must complete a registration form, pay the registration fee and sign liability waivers prior to participation in the league.

2. All non-players, (managers, coaches, scorekeepers, etc.) are exempt from the registration fees, but must register and sign a liability waiver to be on the field.

3. All pregnant or injured players must pay the registration fee to retain their position on a team roster. Should a registered player be unable to play that season due to pregnancy, illness or injury, said registration fee will be used the following year, should the player return. If the player should not return the following year, said player will forfeit her place on that team's roster as well as the registration fee.

4. All returning players must register during the general registration period in order to be assigned to her team roster. Any returning player who fails to register at this time will be assigned to the draft pool.

EXCEPTION: A player may transfer to another team if they or a member of their family is an active player, manager, coach, or sponsor of the team they wish to transfer to. This player would have to be added to their family member's roster prior to the first general registration.

5. A coach or manager, prior to the first scheduled general registration may add two (2), (this number includes the exception above), eligible players to their roster. These new players must be vetted by the Executive Board prior to registration.

6. All team managers must submit a team roster to the Executive Board prior to the first day of the first general registration. In the absence of the new roster, the roster will revert to the prior year's roster. No other names may be added to this roster except those originating from the general pool of registrants at the time of tryouts and/or draft, or from the waiting list.



ARTICLE XI - TEAM ASSIGNMENTS

1. A team shall consist of a maximum of eighteen (18) players and a minimum of fifteen (15) players on their roster. Teams will not be permitted to pass during the draft until either the draft is exhausted or they reach fifteen (15) on their roster.

2. If for some reason over which a manager has no control, a team needs players to be able to field a team, a special meeting with the Executive Board must be called to discuss the situation. Team representatives shall provide details of their situation and a decision shall be reached to determine if said team is in need and how many players the team shall pick up. A manager cannot drop players just to improve their team.

3. All members, once assigned to a team, have the right to remain with that team as long as that member remains with the CWSSL, or as long as that team exists. If a player chooses to quit her team she must sign a quit form. If a manager feels a player has quit and is unable to get her to sign a quit form, they must submit an affidavit of the quit player to the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall attempt to validate this affidavit. If, after reasonable attempts fail to validate the player's status, the Executive Board shall declare the player has quit. The following year the player is considered a new player should she choose to play and it is at the manager's discretion should they decide to take this player back onto the same team.

4. Expansion or contraction of the league will be the responsibility of the Executive Board.



ARTICLE XII - MANAGER/COACH RESPONSIBILITIES

1. All managers and coaches are expected to maintain exemplary conduct while involved in League activities. Any manager or coach judged to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or controlled substances will be ejected from the game and be subject to disciplinary action from the Executive Board.

2. In the event of the absence of a manager/coach the individual team can temporarily fill those openings as needed with other members of CWSSL.

3. Managers or coaches must schedule league practice fields through the League Commissioner.

4. It is the responsibility of the home team to retrieve the bases from the field box and put them onto the field, measuring the distance as follows: length of the base lines is sixty-five (65) feet; distance from the back of home plate to the pitcher's mound line is fifty (50) feet. The home team should return the equipment to the field box and ensure it is locked at the conclusion of the game.

5. Managers are responsible for all CWSSL equipment issued to them and must return their equipment to the League Commissioner when/if they leave the league. Managers are responsible for returning game-day equipment to the field boxes and ensuring that the field boxes are locked at the conclusion of each game.

6. It will be the manager?s responsibility to enforce all Coventry Parks & Recreational rules and regulations with their team (e.g.: garbage removal).

7. At the start of each game, teams must designate one (1) person to communicate with umpires. This may be a coach/manager or another designated team representative identified at the start of the game. Any/all disputes, questions, and concerns are to be done via this designee and not between individual players and umpires.



ARTICLE XIII - DISCIPLINE OF CWSSL MEMBERS

Any CWSSL member who violates the rules and bylaws, the spirit of sportsmanship, or the accepted norms shall be subject to receive an official reprimand by the Executive Board. Any member of the CWSSL has the right to present these violations to the Executive Board. Physical violence toward players, league officials or umpires will not be tolerated and will be dealt with severely by the Executive Board.


ARTICLE XIV - MANAGER/COACH VACANCIES

Managers will select their own coaches. Any member of the CWSSL may fill a vacant manager position. In the event a non-member wishes to fill an open position they must register with the league and sign a liability waiver before participating in any league activities.


ARTICLE XV ? SEASON STANDINGS

In the event of a tie in regular season standings, the winner will be determined by the head-to-head record. In the event of a tie in the head-to-head record, run differential based on submitted scores between the two teams will be used to determine season standing.


ARTICLE XVI ? DRAFT

1. The Executive Board has the option to have a draft or to assign new members to teams by lottery. The Executive Board shall vet all players entering the draft.

2. The draft sequence will be in reverse order of League standing at the end of the previous regular season, provided no new teams are being formed. If a new team is being formed the draft sequence will be determined by the Executive Board or as follows: First Round - the new team will have

alternating picks, (i.e. 7th, new, 6th, new, 5th, new, etc.) The last place team shall have first pick. The First Round ends with the first place team's pick. The remaining rounds shall begin with the new team's pick followed by the reverse order of the league standings. Each team, (including the new team), having one pick as needed to a limit set prior to draft selections as set by the Executive Board. If there is more than one new team formed they will hold the same position in sequence. The order of the new team's picks (within that position), will be chosen by lottery. Each subsequent pick shall be rotated within that position (i.e. 7th, new A, new B, 6th, new B, new A, etc.). If a returning team has less than twelve (12) players on their roster, they will be given two (2) picks per round to a maximum of fourteen (14) and then continue with one (1) pick per round.

3. If by lottery, draft sequence will be based upon the number of returning players and each team?s need to fill their roster. Teams with the lowest number will pick up enough players to equal the number of players on the roster of the team or teams with the next lowest number. Subsequent selections will be made in similar fashion until every team has at least 15 players.

4. The following players are subject to be drafted: all new players to the league and any player who has left her previous team. It is at the discretion of the manager or coach not to draft a previous player of their team. The league shall conduct the draft without any regard to team preferences.

5. Attendance at the draft is open to all CWSSL members. In the event of the absence of a manager or a coach, the manager may designate an individual to act in their stead, if applicable.

6. The League Commissioner will oversee the draft proceedings and will maintain the waiting list. In the event of their absence, the Executive Board will assign someone.



ARTICLE XVII - PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

1. Ineligibility for any reason may not be determined during a game. If the League made an error, neither the manager/coach nor the team shall be penalized. The Executive Board will determine appropriate penalties. Ineligibility is defined as:

a. Not meeting membership qualifications.

b. A player not being on a team's official roster.

2. Any person having knowledge of an ineligible player(s) must notify an Executive Board member within twenty-four (24) hours of ascertaining said knowledge.

3. Upon receiving information regarding an ineligible player the Executive Board must conduct an investigation to determine if the player is, in fact, ineligible. Should ineligibility be established,

any and all games in which this player participated in may be subject to forfeit pending outcome of the Executive Board's investigation.

4. Should a player be ruled ineligible, the player shall be expelled from the League for the remainder of that season plus one (1) year from the date eligibility has been established under the rules of registration for CWSSL. She may then register as a new player, proving appropriate membership qualifications, with no rights carried over from previous membership.

5. A valid roster of each team will be provided to all coaches at the beginning of the season by the League Commissioner. In addition, they will supply any revisions to a team roster as they occur.



ARTICLE XVIII - PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Players with existing medical conditions must have a doctor's note giving the player permission to play. A waiver to the League must be signed releasing the CWSSL from any liability. Players with medical conditions including but not limited to: pregnancy, heart conditions, osteoporosis, epilepsy or any other problem deemed necessary by the Executive Board should sign a waiver form. Managers/coaches must notify the Executive Board of any conditions that they are aware of.

2. The league carries liability insurance in compliance with USSSA rules. Please refer to the USSSA handbook and/or the liability waiver signed during registration for further information on what is covered.


ARTICLE XIX - DISCIPLINE

1. This is a Zero Tolerance League. Poor sportsmanship from players, coaches and fans will not be tolerated. Anyone who cannot conduct themselves in a civil manner will be issued a warning. If the disruptive behavior continues the person(s) responsible will be immediately removed from the game and will not have any interaction with the game (of any kind) for the duration of that game. If the disruptive behavior continues after the person(s) has been ejected or refuses to leave, the team that person(s) is associated with will forfeit the game at the umpire?s discretion. Depending on the circumstances of why the person(s) was removed from the game, the CWSSL reserves the right to remove the person(s) from the league.

Any member in the CWSSL ejected from any league game shall be suspended from participating in the next league game. A member ejected from a game a second time shall be suspended from

participating in the next two (2) league games. A member ejected a third time shall be suspended from the league for one (1) year. This rule includes playoff games.

2. Manager/Coaches have the option of sitting a player out of a game for disciplinary reasons such as poor sportsmanship or missing practices or games without calling. Both the player and the opposing manager/coach must be informed before the start of a game. The player has the option to appeal to the Executive Board after the first suspension. The player, the coach and the Executive Board must review a second suspension. A coach cannot use this rule to benefit in the game. Likewise, if a player on a team has difficulty with their manager/coach, they should bring it to the attention of the Executive Board for investigation. The Executive Board must be notified by the manager/coach of any disciplinary action taken immediately following the game in which the action was taken.

3. No alcoholic beverages may be consumed in any form before, during or after a scheduled game or practice on the site known as Foster Memorial Park or any other Coventry Parks & Recreational facility that CWSSL is permitted to utilize. Any member/team of the CWSSL who does not comply with this policy will be subject to disciplinary action from the Executive Board which may include game suspension, team forfeiture or expulsion from the league.



ARTICLE XX - LEAGUE GAME RULES

1. Playing rules governing the CWSSL are within the USSSA Rule Book, unless they conflict with the existing bylaws contained herein.

2. Games, including make-ups and playoffs will be played to a schedule set by the League Commissioner.

3. If a scheduled game cannot be played because of possible inclement weather or emergency, the League Commissioner will check the field conditions and call appropriate managers and umpires one (1) hour before the start of the game to discuss the situation. The League Commissioner shall schedule the make-up of any cancelled games. Only games called by the League Commissioner or an umpire shall be rescheduled. Rescheduling for any other reason will not be allowed.

4. Other required elements include:

? Playing footwear must be rubber spikes or sneakers, or other proper athletic footwear.
? Hats are optional
? A catcher's mask is mandatory
? A two-colored base on first is mandatory

? A first baseman's glove is not limited to use by the first baseman

5. A team must have a minimum of nine (9) players and a maximum of eleven (11) players on the field to start a game. There will be a fifteen-minute grace period for all games (with the exception of weekday double headers). If a team of at least nine (9) players is not formed at any scheduled league game or make-up game, the game is a loss for that team, and the score shall be reported 7- 0 in favor of the non-forfeiting team. All players on the non-forfeiting team?s roster will be credited as a game played, all players on the forfeiting team will not be credited as a game played.

6. CWSSL shall refer to the USSSA Rules regarding the completion of an official game unless otherwise noted herein.

7. If no umpire shows after the 15-minute grace period, the game will be rescheduled without any pay to the umpire(s) unless another person(s) or umpire(s) is (are) readily available. Upon prior approval of the Executive Board, CWSSL players who are trained umpires may umpire a game as long as it is not their own team?s game.

8. By ground rules both teams shall exchange batting orders, with players listed in the batting order with name and number.

9. Once both managers accept ground rules they must be used for that game.

10. Double Headers: In the event of a weekday double header, teams will play both games until a one-hour time limit or five full innings have been played, whichever occurs first. In the event the time limit expires prior to the completion of five innings, the game ends immediately at one hour; neither the at-bat nor the inning is finished, and the score at that time is reported and recorded as final. There will be no 15-minute grace period for late-arriving players during weekday double headers. Weekend double headers will be played with regular game rules, no time or inning limits will be enforced other than the Run Ahead Rule (see below).

11. CWSSL will adhere to a one (1) and one (1) count at the start of each at bat. Each batter begins their at-bat with one strike and one ball before being pitched to.

12. Two Foul Rule (aka One to Waste): The second foul ball after two strikes is an automatic out.

13. Bat Specifications: To be eligible to be used in the CWSSL, a bat must have BOTH an ASA/USA stamp AND a USSSA stamp (thumbprint or earlier version). Two stamps are required for bat eligibility. There will not be any bats grandfathered in from the previous seasons. Prior to the start of the game, bats should be lined up near the dugout for inspection by the umpire. Only those bats inspected and approved by the umpire shall be used during the play of that game. A bat may be

removed from eligibility if the CWSSL League Commissioner deems the bat unsafe during the season. Penalty for using an illegal bat is:

? First offense- the batter is out and ejected from the game
? Second offense ? the batter is out and ejected from the game, Review of situation by Executive Board for further penalties.

14. Ball Specifications: All teams/players must comply with the league?s insurance standards and the specifications of a yellow 44 core / 375 compression ball.

15. Run Ahead Rule: A regulation TWENTY (20)-run-rule game shall be declared by the plate umpire if one team is ahead by TWENTY (20) or more runs after THREE (3) or more complete innings. Complete innings must be played unless the home team reaches the TWENTY (20)-run lead while at bat. Whenever the visiting team reaches the limit in the THIRD or any inning thereafter, the home team must have its opportunity to bat in the bottom half of the inning.

Any team leading by FIFTEEN (15) or more runs after FOUR (4) complete innings will be declared the winner, (3 1/2 innings with the home team ahead). Whenever the visiting team reaches the limit in the FOURTH or any inning thereafter, the home team must have its opportunity to bat in the bottom half of the inning.

Any team leading by TEN (10) or more runs after FIVE (5) complete innings will be declared the winner, (4 1/2 innings with the home team ahead). Whenever the visiting team reaches the limit in the FIFTH or any inning thereafter, the home team must have its opportunity to bat in the bottom half of the inning.

No flip-flop batting rules will be applied during a run-ahead-rule situation.

16. The League has adopted a free substitution rule. Any player may substitute for any other player at any time during defensive play. Players may likewise re-substitute at any time during defensive play. All players PRESENT at the start of the game shall be placed in a batting rotation. Late arrivals shall be placed at the end of the rotation. No additions may be made after the first pitch of the third (3rd) inning. An inning consists of six (6) outs and the first pitch in an inning starts the inning. Substitutions on the playing field shall not change the batting rotation.

17. Teams will be allowed THREE courtesy runners per game. Conditions are as follows:

? The opposing coach must be notified at Ground Rules, prior to the first pitch.
? The umpire must be notified at Ground Rules, prior to the first pitch.
? Courtesy runners must be the player who made the last batted out or if it is the first inning of the game, the courtesy runner will be the last batter. The offense shall not be forced to

take an out if a batter is on base and becomes the required courtesy runner. If this situation arises, the courtesy runner will be reverted to the player that was the last batted out that is not on base.
? The player having the courtesy runner will have it for the entire game.
? Any player getting hurt during play will be allowed a courtesy runner for the rest of the game.

18. Each registered player must be allowed to play at least THREE (3) full innings on the playing field per game. Coaches/Scorekeeper (is) are responsible for recording innings played.

EXCEPTION: *See Article XIX - Discipline
*See Article XX - League Game Rules
*Inclement weather or injury during game
*Regulation Game

19. No children are allowed on the playing field during games. Children in the bench area must be supervised at all times.

20. Smoking is not allowed in the dugout or on the playing field.

21. Pitch arc is to be 6-12 feet.

22. As per USSSA rules, all foul balls are live balls and players can advance at their own discretion.

23. As per USSSA rules, in-field flies are called at the discretion of the umpire.

24. Pitchers and players are allowed to warm-up prior to the game. After the first inning, warm-up pitches and/or warm-up fielding practice will not be allowed. Exception: a pitching change.

25. Due to the League?s Continuous Batting Order, if a player leaves the game early for injury or otherwise, no out will be recorded for said player, they will be scratched from the line-up with no penalty.

EXCEPTION: If a player(s) has been ejected from the game, when that player(s) turn at bat comes up an out will be recorded.

ARTICLE XXI - CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFFS

1. No one shall be able to play in a playoff game unless they have played and batted in at least one- half (1/2) of the scheduled league games or make-up games during this season.

EXCEPTION: Due to injury or situation to be ruled on by the Executive Board.

2. Playoff schedule to be determined by standings of the teams at the end of the season. This will be set by the League Commissioner.

3. The team with the better regular season record will have home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The undefeated team throughout the playoffs has home field advantage in finals. If the championship game is forced by the remaining teams having one loss apiece, then that game becomes a flip game.



ARTICLE XXII - TROPHIES AND AWARDS

1. Trophies/Awards will be given out provided there are funds available. They will be given out as follows:

Team - Individual

? One (1) Most Improved Player
? One (1) Most Valuable Player
? Additional awards may be given to players at the team?s expense

Sponsors

? One (1) - by season standing
? One (1) - by playoffs standings
? Appreciation plaques for all remaining teams

Optional League Awards:

? Bob Howard Award ? Coach of the year award (Each player in the league may vote for any coach or manager that is not from their team.)
? Tammy Schart Award ? Sportsmanship Award*
? Kelly Nester Award ? League MVP*

*For each of the above awards, each manager will submit 4 names from the league and rank them 1 to 4 with 4 being their first choice. The player with the highest ranking receives the award.

2. Monetary awards (check to be made out to the team manager) will be given out if there are funds available.

? Season Champions will be awarded $150
? League Champions (Playoff Champions) will be awarded $150



ARTICLE XXIII - PROTEST PROCEDURES

The notification of intent to protest must be made to the umpire-in-chief on the playing field immediately before the next pitch (Exception: player eligibility). The protesting team must notify the League Commissioner of intent to protest within 24 hours after the game in question. They then must submit the protest in writing along with a $20 filing fee, within 48 hours, to the League Commissioner. The other team involved in the protest must also submit in writing, within 48 hours, an account of what happened or they will automatically lose the protest. Should the protest be found to be valid, the protesting team shall receive a refund of the $20. If the protest is not valid the $20 shall be put in the league treasury. If a team puts in a protest to the umpire-in-chief and the opposing team walks off the field of play before the game is over, due to the protest, the latter team forfeits the game and the protest is voided. If the procedure is not followed by the protesting team the protest shall be void. All protests are to be ruled on by the League Commissioner and two (2) members of the protest committee. Both of the teams involved in the protest will be given an opportunity to verbally present their account of what happened.