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We blazed a trail like no other softball league before us. We are today's league where the opportunity and the chance to compete and go up against the very best is before us. We lay down for no organization because what we do exceeds all expectations. That's why we are RSC.
Objectives and Purposes
The objectives and purposes of the RSC Softball Leagues shall be to foster, develop, promote and regulate amateur sports in the Brooklyn & Queens area; to establish rules and regulations governing all teams participating: to engage in any activity that will be beneficial to the participants and the leagues' well-being, and to extend the sports as wholesome recreational activities.
General Policy Statement
The RSC Softball League reserves the right to change any and all rules, regulations and policies whenever due cause warrants a change. When a change is made, all managers of teams affected by the change will be notified immediately.
General Policies
q The regulations stated under General Policies will govern all adult sport leagues: softball > slow pitch & fast pitch
q Bottles and Kegs: No bottles or kegs are allowed at the sport complexes.
q Sportsmanship and fair play will be the hallmark of all adult sport programs.
q The Oval Office that governs all of RSC Softball will be composed of the League President , League Director , League Commissioner and the Head Umpire for the respective softball divisions.
Team Registration
q In the event that we receive the maximum number of team entries during registration, the following priority will be used for teams on the waiting list.
q Limit of Team Entries: The number of team entries will be limited due to facility availability. All entries are taken on a first come, first served basis. To assure team entry, team and player fees must be paid at the time of registration as designated on the specific league information.
q Entry fees and deadlines vary with each league; please refer to the entry listed under each division. Entries must be received by the published deadline. Teams will not be considered entered until their entry fee has been paid in full.
Leagues
q Saturday League Commissioner : Darren Lopez
q Sunday & Weeknight League Commissioner : Billy Pellicane
q Weeknight Blacktop League Commissioner : Frank Gonzo
q Saturday Fast Pitch League Commissioner : Nelson Santiago
q Weeknight Arc League Commissioner : Irving Gonzalez
Rosters
q Each player must sign the player/contract that is issued to each manager before the season begins. Once the player/contract has been signed , the player understands that he is bound to the team he signs with for the duration of the season which includes playoffs , conference and championship games.
q Teams are allowed a maximum of 16 players on its roster as desired.
q Participants must be 17 years or older in order to play in the RSC Softball Leagues.
q If a team is caught using an illegal player they forfeit the games that player was involved with. Players are to carry their league id cards at every playoff game to insure accuracy [1] player without an id card for whatever reason must have some type of identification meaning driver's or non-driver's license to assure the league they play on that respected team [2] player that cannot provide any of these items will be removed from the game with the game continuing on a protest [3] after an investigation should the protesting team lose the playoff or championship game that the incident occurred and the player is found to be illegal , the game will be reversed and the protesting team that loses will now advance to the next round with the team the player was caught on will be eliminated.
Release Of Liability
q It is the manager's responsibility to see that each player is aware and agrees that there are certain inherent dangers and risks involved in playing and participating in the RSC Softball League. All players must realize that they may be exposed to possible injury in connection with participation in the sport. All players are to be notified that the RSC Softball League , the affiliated facilities, affiliated teams, and any staff members will not be held responsible for injuries.
League Permits
q You must keep the permits with you at all times when playing on any of the fields , this way when the Parks Police comes around we are the only ones who are supposed to be their at that designated time. If the field is dirty when you walk on to the field , contact me as soon as possible so that I can notify the Parks Dept that the league from yesterday left the field in non playing conditions. The Parks Dept is monitoring which leagues leave the field dirty. So in that respect , please do not leave any trash behind on the field or in the dugouts.
Website Stats
q The stats on the website are for teams to see {1} which players on each team have been attending and playing {2} this way come playoff time besides the league lineup sheets that you sign week in and week out will match exactly what you see on the teams website [3] no other team in this league can dispute exactly whose on whose roster because the stats have been updated on a weekly basis.
q Managers are responsible for updating team stats on the website
Uniform Deadlines
q All teams must have uniforms by April 15th which is the week after Easter Sunday.
q Any player without a uniform cannot play until he gets a uniform that resembles the team he's playing on
q In the playoffs , conference and championship games , all players must be in uniform with no exceptions. No uniform , no play !
Team Assigning
q Their was some discussion about teams being in a division which may or may not have been stronger than the other side. The league doesn't select any team for any particular division because your records from last season dictates what order the divisions are aligned. Therefore it is what it is and maybe today you could be in a stronger division but next season it could be the total opposite.
Guest Book Language
q The league wants the players and managers to use the guest book wisely with no cursing or unnecessary name calling which could result in some serious harm which is not needed since we are a family league and everyone here gets along with everyone else. I know the tone has come down somewhat , but I would like to see it always kept in a professional manner at all times.
General Information
q Managers must attend all meeting set forth by the League
q Managers must comply with all rules and regulations pertaining to the RSC Softball League
q When it comes to rules and regulations which involves suspension of a player or suspension of team , the manager must confer with the League Commissioner assigned to that league
q The League President will not in any shape , or form will interfere with a Commissioner's decision unless the facts in question are proven wrong by the manager requesting a hearing on the Commissioner's rulings
q The League President is here only to insure that all teams have fields to play on , weekly schedules , umpires assigned to games and the championship prize money for the prize listed for that particular league
q The League Director is here to enforce the same rules and regulations that the League Commissioners are to do as well as assist the League President with any items needed to insure that the league is running in a timely fashion. She has the same powers as the League Commissioners which includes and not limited to player and team suspensions
q Teams or players that are suspended for breaking rules and regulations will have a copy of the league suspension form mailed to the manager and a record will be kept in the teams files for which we will be keeping track of all players or teams who have broken the leagues rules and regulations
q Teams are assigned to divisions : { 1 } based on their availability meaning either morning games or afternoon games { 2 } as well as the order in which they finished prior to the start of a new season unless of course they entered the league for the first time , then it becomes a first come first served
q All games under the lights Monday thru Friday start with a 1 - 1 count including playoffs and championship games
q Games played in Queensbridge park # 2 with the tree in right field , should the ball be hit in the tree , will be a ground rule double since the tree is in the path lines of being fair
q Umpires are assigned to each scheduled doubleheader with the teams being the only ones rotated around that schedule
q Umpire fees per team on each scheduled doubleheader is $ 48.00 dollars per team
q In the playoffs when 2 umpires are assigned , each team will pay the umpire $ 96.00 dollars for a scheduled doubleheader and if it goes to a 3rd game then each team will pay an additional $ 48.00 dollars
q Umpires will also be taking line-ups during the course of the season to insure accuracy some playoff time.
Rainouts & Weather Conditions
q In the event of weather conditions all teams must show up to the field unless called off by the League President or the League Director. If a team doesn't come to the field whether it be a regular season game , playoffs , conference championship and the world series , the team will be given 2 losses for that day. 2 consecutive forfeits during the regular season will result in removal from the league. Team being given 2 losses in either playoffs , conference and championship game will result in elimination
q Teams should contact the League as earliest as possible to avoid having any complications for that day.
q If there is a light drizzle and the teams play and gets rained out during the course of the first game they are responsible for paying the umpire $ 25.00 dollars each if the game hasn't reached the 4th inning or before the start of the second doubleheader
Regulation Games & Mercy Rules
q All games are official after the 4th inning. If weather conditions stop the teams from continuing the game , the team that is up after the 4th inning is completed wins the game. If weather conditions stop the teams in the playoffs , conference and championship games , the game will be picked up from it's origin of point
q 12 run mercy rule is in effect after the 5th inning with the game being called after a team has gone up by 12 runs and better / home team doesn't have to bat
q 20 run mercy rule is in effect after the 4th inning with the game being called after a team has gone up by 20 runs and better / home team doesn't have to bat
Time Limit Curfews
q All doubleheaders are scheduled on a 3 hour time limit in which the teams must finish by this curfew. If the first doubleheader is not complete in one hour and 30 minutes , the second doubleheader begins automatically with a 1-1 count in order to speed up the game thus insuring that the game stays on par with the 3 hour time limit. This also includes single doubleheaders where no games are after it
q No new inning can start within 10 minutes of the next scheduled doubleheader. So if a team is winning and their down to the final 10 minutes of the game , the team whose winning at this point will be awarded victory due to the time limit curfew
q There will be no curfew in the playoffs and world series games.
Softballs
q Teams are to bring 2 new official F-12 clinchers to each scheduled doubleheader they play in
q In the playoffs , conference championship and the world series teams must bring 3 new balls. If a team brings 2 new balls and is missing the 3rd ball they must bat with their best ball for 4 innings as a punishment for not having a 3rd game ball
q If a team doesn't have 2 new balls but has one new ball they must in game one play with their best ball for the duration of 4 innings and then the best ball will be used from that point on
q If a team doesn't have any new balls at all they will forfeit game one in which they must pay the umpire a total of $ 67.00 dollars while the other team pays $ 25.00 dollars plus being awarded a victory.
Tie-Breakers & Head To Head
q In the event that 2 teams finish with the same record , the 1st tiebreaker will be the regular season record against each other
q The 2nd tiebreaker being most runs scored in the entire season by both teams not the doubleheaders runs scored in their games
q Event of a third tie with the same amount of runs being scored in the season: then we will use the least amount of runs scored in the season
Make-Up Games
q In the event a doubleheader is rained out or a game can't be played due to weather conditions the league reserves the right to schedule make-up games within a reasonable time prior to the holidays which of course in an emergency a Saturday game will be used
q Once the game has been set and a team cancels on the week of or the day prior to or the day of the scheduled game his team will be given the 2 losses for that make-up game.
Fighting
q any player fighting who can be identified by the league or the umpire assigned to that game will be suspended for a week including a fine of $ 20.00 to be re-instated. If the same player is involved with another incident , he is removed from his teams roster until the next season in which his team returns. If an incident involves any weapon of any kind whether it be a knife , gun , bottle or etc...the player is not allowed to return ever. Managers are held accountable for infractions and fines that happen on his team. Result from non-payments of these fines will result in a team suspension of their games and the opposing team being awarded 2 victories due to a forfeit
Ejections
q Any player that acts in an unsportsmanlike manner towards another team or an official can and will be ejected from a game by an umpire. Once a player has been ejected he MUST leave the field. Should a player refuse to leave the field, his team could possible lose the game via forfeit. The act of an ejection is not up for protest or debate and is final once the umpire has ejected a player or coach. In addition a player ejected is unable to play in their team's next game.
Protests
q All protest must be made prior to the start of a game or before the next pitch is thrown. When it comes to protesting players , it must be done before the game starts. Once the game begins and the team has not put in a protest they lose all rights to that privilege period. Once a protest is made , the protesting team must get the umpires signature in the teams official scorebook. Any protest without an umpire's signature in the scorebook will not be heard at all. There are only 3 types of protests that the league will listen to { 1 } misinterpretation of a playing rule { 2 } illegal or ineligible players { 3 } ejections based on games including team and player fights.
Team At Bats
q teams are no longer allowed to give up their innings in order to speed up a game. Teams must bat when it's their turn !
Forfeit Times
q Game one is forfeited when a team that has less than 8 players within the 20 minute time limit. If game one is forfeited team forfeiting the game is required to pay a total of $ 72.00 dollars while the other team pays a total of $ 24.00 dollars. If both games are forfeited the team that forfeits is responsible for the amount of $ 96.00 dollars which can be paid at the field or before the next scheduled doubleheader takes place
Powers Of The Umpires
q The umpires are the sole representatives of the league for that particular game that they have been assigned to. They are authorized by RSC to enforce the rules contained in this manual. The umpires have the power to order a { 1 } manager , { 2 } coach , { 3 } fans and family members of teams to do or refrain from doing any act that is necessary to enforce any of these rules and to inflict any penalties prescribed in order to keep the game or any situation in a game from getting out of hand. There will be no appeal on any decision of any umpire on the grounds that the umpire was not correct in the conclusion as to whether a batted ball was fair or foul , a runner safe or out , a pitched ball was fair or foul , or a pitch that is either too fast or too slow , or on any play involving accuracy of judgment. No decision rendered by any umpire will be reversed except when the umpire himself is convinced it is in violation of one of these rules.
Infield Fly
q Is a fair ball not including a line drive which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort when 1st & 2nd base or bases loaded is less than 2 outs. Runners advance at their own risk
Chopped Ball
q Occurs when the batter strikes downward with a chopping motion of the bat so that the ball bounces high into the air. It is illegal for a player to do this which results in the batter being called out
Interference Call
q Is the act of an { 1} offensive player , { 2 } team member , { 3 } umpire , { 4 } or spectator that { 5 } impedes , { 6 } hinders , { 7 } or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play
q Offensive interference occurs when a runner or batter (intentionally or
not) obstructs, impedes, hinders, or confuses a fielder attempting to play
a batted or thrown ball. If interference is an obvious attempt to prevent
a double play, the umpire may call both runners out. If an umpire
declares a batter or runner out for interference, all other runners shall
return to the last base that was legally touched at the time the
interference occurred
Obstruction
q Is the act of a defensive player , { 1 } team member which hinders or prevents a batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball
q Defensive obstruction is an act by a fielder who, while not in possession
of the ball and not in the act of fielding, impedes the progress of any
runner. The umpire shall call obstruction, but let the play proceed. At
the conclusion of the play, the umpire shall explain the nature of the
action and impose any penalties that nullify the act of obstruction
Overthrow
q Is when a thrown ball from a fielder goes beyond the boundary lines of the playing field which includes the dead ball territory. From now on overthrows will be addressed by the following rule. 2 bases will be awarded from the last base LEGALLY occupied when the defensive fielder released his throw, regardless of whether the fielder threw from the infield or the outfield
Designated Hitters
q May be used for any player provided it is made known prior to the start of the game or the players name is indicated in the teams scorebook or line-up sheet as one of the batters in the batting order. Designated hitters cannot enter the playing field at all !
Extra Hitter
q Can be used in the teams line-up with the extra hitter being the only position that can enter a game to substitute for a player on the field. The extra hitter can only be replaced by a player who has not entered or played in the game at all
Courtesy Runners
q Teams are allowed a maximum of 3 runners per game. If a player who has a courtesy runner and runs when he's not supposed to , { 1 } he will lose all rights to a courtesy runner for the duration of that scheduled game. Also can't use the same runner twice in one inning. If the same runner is used twice in the same inning and the player is caught by the official , the player who ran twice be called out.
Pitching Rules
q Is a legal delivery of a pitch is official when the delivery is in an underhanded motion with the hand below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow. The release of the ball and follow of the hand and wrist must be forward and past the straight line of the body
q Quick Pitch is a pitch made by the pitcher with the obvious attempt to catch the batter off balance. This would be before the batter takes a position in the batter's box or while the batter is still off balance as a result of the previous pitch. Quick pitching is not allowed thus resulting in a dead ball called
q A Legal pitch : starting position is facing home plate w/ at least one foot on the rubber.
When the batter is ready a legal pitch must be delivered in one continuous
UNDERHAND motion at moderate speed with a perceptible arch of at least one
foot. Illegal pitches will result in a warning and be automatically
called BALLS (if the batter does not swing)
q Dead Pitches : Any pitch that lands in front of the plate is dead (and a ball) and may
not be hit. A ball that slips out of the pitcher's hand during the windup
is "no pitch". Runners may not advance
q Strike Zone : If any portion of the ball crosses any part of home plate between the
batter's knees and chest, that pitch shall be called a strike. Any pitch
swung at and missed is a strike, even if the catcher drops the ball. Foul
tips count as strikes, but must be caught for outs strike 3
Over-Running 1st Base
q After over-running 1st base , { 1 } the batter-runner may legally turn left or right when returning to the base. If any attempt is made towards second base either from the fair or foul territory , the batter-runner is liable for an appeal out if tagged by a defensive player with the ball while off the base
Throwing A Bat
q If a player throws the bat intentionally in anger , { 1 } the player shall be given a warning with the next incident resulting in him being ejected from the game. If the bat slips from the batters hands , { 2 } there is no penalty unless the discarded bat prevents the defense from making a play on the ball and thus interference should be called
Pick-Offs
q Are when the defender tries to catch the runner off base. As long as the ball beats the runner back to the base in the judgment of the umpire the runner will be declared out. If the runner gets back in time and the ball passes the defender he can advance on his own free will
Metal Cleats or Spikes
q Are not allowed to be worn by any players in any scheduled game whether it be the regular season , { 1 } playoffs , { 2 } championship games
Hard Ball Bats
q Bats which can be identified by the referee is not allowed in this league. Any player caught using an illegal bat will be removed from the game and any runs that was scored by the bat will be removed from that teams score
Runners Must Slide
q It is the responsibility of the runner to avoid collisions or interference
with fielders in the event of a close play at any base. Runners must slide
during a close play at any base (esp. home plate) with the exception of
initial force plays at first. If a runner does not slide, and (in the
judgment of the umpire) causes contact with a fielder that impedes his
ability to make a play, the runner will be called out
Batting Rules And Regulations
q FAIR TERRITORY :
Home plate is in fair territory. Balls hitting bases are fair. Foul
lines are fair territory
q Ground balls that bounce anywhere before first & third and then cross over
(or between) first & third are FAIR--no matter where they land in the
outfield
q Fly balls or line drives past first & third must land in fair territory in
the outfield
q Ground or fly balls that do not reach first & third are fair if they come
to rest in fair territory or are first touched by a fielder while the ball
is in fair territory
q BATTER IS OUT WHEN:
a batted fair ball hits him when he is out of the batter's box.
he steps on or across home plate to strike the ball.
a foul tip is caught when the batter has two strikes.
WHEN HE BUNTS OR CHIPS THE BALL DOWNWARD!!
Runners return to bases. The infield fly rule is called (and the ball is
caught or lands in fair territory)
Base On Balls
q When the umpire calls ball 4 and the batter is awarded a base , no player can advance or be picked off. It's a dead play
Managers Code Of Conduct
Managers are expected to be leaders and must comply with the following principles and ethics....
a. Be in control of their players at all times. Prevent any unsportsmanlike conduct toward any opponent , official or spectator which includes families that bring children to the games in which foul language will be used.
b. Comply wholeheartedly with the spirit and intent of the rules of RSC ant the umpires officiating the game.
c. Teach respect for the game , opponents , officials , spectators and the team they represent.
d. Prohibit team personnel from using profanity or making personal or malicious remarks towards opponents , officials and spectators.
e. Confine discussion with the game officials to rule interpretations only. Do not challenge umpire decisions involving judgment.
f. Expect the umpire's to be courteous and display a dignified attitude toward the game and it's participants.
g. Refrain from any personal action that might arouse players or spectators to unsportsmanlike behavior.
h. Seek help from league administrators in controlling unruly players and spectators
Umpires Code Of Conduct
Umpires are expected to uphold the integrity of the game and it's rules by observing the following guidelines of ethics and professionalism.
a. Keep in mind that the game is more important than the wishes of any individual player or coach or the ambitions of any individual umpire.
b. Honor all contracts regardless of possible inconvenience or financial ramifications.
c. Study the rules of the game diligently , observe the work of other good officials and attempt to improve at all times.
d. Be fair and unbiased in making decisions , rendering them without regard to the score o the quality of the play on the field.
e. Do not use tobacco products on or in the vicinity of the playing field nor drink alcoholic beverages prior to a game or while in uniform.
f. Do not give information that might be used by a team's future opponent.
g. Cooperate with your partner's. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance if you are blocked out on a play. The main objective is to arrive at decisions that are ultimately correct and fair.
h. Keep the game moving through energetic work.
i. Concentrate at all times. Do not merely go through the motions.
j. Keep personalities out of your work. Forgive and forget. Remember every game is a new game.
k. If a player or a coach has a valid point to argue and does so in a legitimate way , listen to him or her for a reasonable time. This causes no loss of dignity or respect.
l. Do not be confrontational. Avoid sarcastic comments to participants and do not use provocative gestures in an argument. Do not insist on the last word. If a player or coach is walking away from you , let him go. If a situation requires an ejection , handle it in as low-key a manner as possible. An umpire does not acquire respect through intimidation or abusive tactics or by " getting back " at participants. Also , what you do not say cannot be misquoted or misunderstood.
m. Develop and maintain a sound knowledge of rules and mechanics.
n. Keep in mind that , when off the field , you continue to be a representative of RSC that employs you. Do nothing that would disgrace you or your profession.
o. Seek advancement through your own ability and hard work. Don't resort to backstabbing or belittling of others , and avoid local politics. Be honest in your assessment of your ability.
p. Try to learn something new each game you work. Do an honest self-evaluation after each game. Pay attention to what other umpires of RSC do that does and does not work well , and try to incorporate the strong features of their performance into your own.
q. Do the best you can , with honesty and integrity. Keep things in perspective.
Player's Code Of Conduct
q Manager / Captain - A person designated as the team spokesperson. One who is either a player or non-player
q Player - A person who actively participates in the game, whether it is playing or sitting on the bench, and who is on the roster
q Spectator - A person who comes out to watch the games for entertainment with no physical involvement
q Official - A person on the field to administer the official rules
q Participation - Any involvement in the RSC Softball League activities such as spectating, officiating, playing, coaching
q No player shall : At any time lay a hand upon, shove, strike, or threaten an official, player, or spectator
q Officials are required to suspend the player immediately from further play and report the player to the League Director
q Minimum Penalty: Removal from the game, suspension from the team's next 2 games and placed on probation for the remainder of the season
q Maximum Penalty: Suspension from all recreational activities for one year and probation for the following year. Case is subject to review the following year. Police involvement
q Refuse to abide by an official's decision
q Be guilty of obscene gestures, objectionable demonstrations, or dissent of an official's decision
q Be guilty of using unnecessarily rough tactics in the play of the game against the body and person of an opposing player
q Be guilty of physical attack as an aggressor on any player, official, or spectator
q Be guilty of using foul language (swearing) or abusive verbal attack upon any player, official, or spectator
q Appear on the field under the influence of alcohol to the extent that he is inclined to cause harm to himself or another player
q Officials are required to suspend the player immediately from further play and report the player to the League Director
q Minimum Penalty: Removal from that game, suspension from the team's next scheduled game, and placed on probation for the remainder of the season
q Maximum Penalty: Suspension from all recreational activities for one year and probation for the following year. Case is subject to review the following year. Police involvement
q Discuss with an official in any manner the decisions reached by an official. Exception: The manager or captain may confer with the official(s) in a reasonable and civil manner
q Smoke while coming off or going onto the field of play in any recreation facility
q Minimum Penalty: Warning by the official
q Any player being placed on probation for the remainder of the season and reported again for the violation of Code of Conduct will be suspended for the remainder of the season
q Any player removed from a game must leave the field, court, or facility immediately. Failure to do so will carry a maximum penalty of suspension for the remainder of the season
q Any person on probation who violates the Code of Conduct will be placed on suspension until the case can be heard by the Oval Office. The decisions based on the actions taken will determined by the League Director & The League Commissioner
q Any person wishing to appeal a decision reached by the Oval Office should do so by calling the League President at 718-381-4785 to set up an appointment to discuss the decision reached within 24 hours of the incident
q Any ejected player must pay the appropriate fine and sit out the designated number of games prior to playing again.
q Failure to comply will result in suspension of playing for the remainder of the season.
2007 Coed League
Well , ladies and gentlemen , your prayers have been answered for next year in which the league has begun work on creating the coed division where the guys and girls can compete together. The league will be slated for saturdays and here are the current rules that I will be using with some modifications in the near future :
I. GENERAL
A. The mission of the Coed division is to provide all members of the community with an opportunity to play softball and meet new people in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere of healthy competition. It is established for people interested in a recreational league focused on having fun with their boyfriends & husbands.
B. The league uses various city recreation department fields. We wish to maintain the best possible relationship with these municipalities. Please remember to be considerate of other persons using the facilities and always leave the field clean of litter.
II. DURATION OF GAMES
A. All games will last either 7 full innings or the scheduled time of 1 1/2 hours, which ever comes first. If a game is tied at the end of 7 full innings and there is time remaining, additional innings will be played until the game is decided. (Multiple game situations).
B. If conditions for continued play are made impossible, games will be considered complete if four full innings of play have been completed or if 3&1/2 innings of play have been completed and the home team is in the lead.
III. GROUND RULES
A. Games will be played according to the rules and regulations followed by the Amateur Softball Association of America for slow-pitch Softball to the extent they do not conflict with the men's League Rules and Regulations.
B. The umpire will explain the ground rules to each team captain and establish the layout for the playing field (e.g.,, bases, foul lines), before the start of each game.
IV. UMPIRES
A. If an umpire is not present, an individual who is not a member of either of the opposing teams and who is mutually agreed upon by the team captains will act as umpire. If such an individual is not present, one member of each team will act as umpire, calling balls and strikes for their own batters.
B. The umpire's decisions are final. However, protests may be made by Captains only.
C. Abuse or harassment of the Umpire is entirely inappropriate and runs counter to the spirit of the league. Individuals who engage in such conduct will be asked to leave the league without a refund.
V. LINEUPS & SUBSTITUTIONS
General
A. Each captain will be responsible for giving the team lineup to the opposing team's captain at the start of the game. Each team captain is responsible for giving the opposing team's captain updates as to changes made to a team's lineup during a game.
B. There are a maximum of 10 field positions: Pitcher, Catcher, 4 Infielders, 4 Outfielders.
C. All team members who show up for the start of a game must be given the opportunity to play the field at least 4 innings in a 7 inning game. Players are encouraged to report captains who do not play them at least 4 full innings of every 7 inning game. Players should be flexible with respect to the positions available.
D. A player does not have to play more than 2 innings at catcher, unless they want to.
Fielding
E. Position of catcher can be played by either a male or female. Among the remaining 9 positions the maximum number of men allowed in the field at any one time is 7.
F. If a team has less than 9 players in total (and the minimum 7 total required to play) then the opposing team is to provide a non-fielding catcher.
G. No switching of fielders is permitted during an inning other than for the pitcher or due to injury with the following exception:
(Teams may decide to utilize the following exception in instances where a play at the plate is anticipated)
If the team in the field has less than 9 players at the game, and the opposing team is providing a non-fielding catcher, the fielding team may move a player from one position to the position of catcher. Players may only move at the start of an opposing players at-bat and must stay during the entire at-bat. They may only move to cover the position of catcher. If the team decides to move the player away from catcher after the at-bat, they must return to the position from which they came. The opposing team would then once again provide a non-fielding catcher. All rules regarding the number of women in the field must still be followed at all times.
Batting
H. Among batters 1, 2, 3, one must be a woman. If only one woman is present then she bats here.
I. Among batters 4, 5, 6, one must be a woman.
J. Among batters 7, 8, 9 one must be a woman.
K. Batters 10 till the end of the line-up can be in any sequence.
L. All players who come to a game are to be placed in the continuous batting order.
M. Players who arrive after the start of the game are placed at the bottom of the batting order, unless such individual is a woman and there are less than 3 women present. If only two women are present, then the late arrival is placed among batters 7, 8, 9 (see above). If only one woman is present, then the late arrival is placed among batters 4, 5, 6 (see above). If there aren't any women present, then the late arrival is placed among batters 1, 2, 3 (see above).
Penalties (If less than 3 women present at game)
N. If less than 3 women are present at the start of a game then the game may still be officially played with the following penalties:
Batting Penalty
Number of Women
Penalty
2 Automatic out after batter number eight in the batting order
1 Automatic out after batter number five and batter number eight in the batting order
0 Forfeit - play a scrimmage game
If a woman shows up in the middle of an inning, then the penalties are not rescinded for that inning if they have already occurred.
Fielding Penalty
Number of Women
Penalty
1 Only 9 players allowed in field, catcher must be male
0 Forfeit - play a scrimmage game
Courtesy Runners
A . If a player has a partial injury such that he/she is able to bat but unable to run, a courtesy runner may be requested. The batter must reach first base before a courtesy runner can be used. The umpire and opposing captain must both be notified prior to the start of the game or when injury occurs about the need for a courtesy runner.
B. If the player requiring a courtesy runner is a woman the last woman to make an out must run. If not available, than any woman on the bench must run. If not available, last man to make an out.
C. If the player requiring a courtesy runner is a man, the last male player to make an out must run.
D. No pinch runners other than courtesy runners are permitted.
E. Players that have requested courtesy runners may not advance beyond first base.
Replacement Players
New players may not be added to a team's roster unless authorized by the league committee. One time, intra-league replacement of players may be made only to avoid a forfeit and only with the advance authorization of the committee or by mutual agreement of both captains prior to play. If a team is consistently short players they may request that the committee augment their team with additional players.
VI. PITCHING
A. Pitchers must use a slow-pitch arc not to exceed 3 - 6 feet from the ground.
B. The umpire will call balls and strikes.
C. Pitching must be made palm up
D. Base on Balls: An at bat consisting of zero strikes and four consecutive balls pitched to a male batter with a female player on deck, shall be considered an intentional walk and automatically advance the male batter to 2nd base.
VII. BATTING & BASE RUNNING & FIELDING
A. Bunting is not permitted
B. Advancing a base or bases on a passed ball or wild pitch is not permitted.
C. Stealing a base or bases is not permitted.
D. Base runners are not permitted to leave their bases until the ball is hit.
E. Two fouls on the third strike is an out.
F. Metal cleats are not permitted.
G. Three outfielders must stay at least 120 feet from home plate before the start of each pitch. They can't move until the ball is hit. For enforcement purposes, plastic cones will be placed on the right field and left field foul lines, 60 feet beyond the first and third bases
H. Fielders are not permitted to fake tags. Fielder faking tag may be ejected from the game.
I. Batting Round Rule - This rule is intended to provide for good sportsmanship in the event one team is dominating another in a game. A team may have no more than 17 at bats per inning. After the 17th at bat takes place, in a given half-inning, the team batting will end it's half-inning even if it has incurred less than 3 outs. In the event a team batting has less than the full compliment of 17 players then the team should bat around until the 17th batter has had an at bat. This rule does not apply in the event the batting team is batting in its last and final inning and it is also behind in the score .
J. Timeout Rule - Play shall be called dead once all runners have ceased running and are standing on base or within a few strides of the base and the ball has been returned to the pitchers mound by any member of the fielding team. In the event that the lead runner is held (to within a few feet) of his or her base and the ball is returned to the pitchers mound then play is called dead. Other runners that are in forward running motion towards the next unoccupied base may advance to that base.
VIII. RAINOUTS, FORFEITURES, POSTPONEMENTS, CANCELLATIONS
A. Due to the limited number of days available to make up postponed games we will endeavor to play in mildly inclement weather. We will play in a light drizzle! If unfavorable weather or field conditions appear likely, the team captains will call the League Commissioner at 347-806-1001 no later than 90 minutes before the scheduled game to hear if the game is to be played. If the game is postponed captains will inform their team. Note that rainouts will not be called even if it is raining, unless conditions on the field are extremely poor. The decision to call a rainout will be made 90 minutes prior to game time if possible.
If players are not contacted by their team captain more than one hour before the start of each game, the players are to assume that the game will be played as scheduled. Players may also call the hotline for an update.
B. A team is considered to have forfeited a game if at least 7 players do not show within 15 minutes after the scheduled start of a game. A team shall also forfeit if none of their woman players show up for play.
C. It is suggested that the teams play an unofficial game even if a game is forfeited at that time.
D. If a game is rained out after play has begun: see "Duration of Games" section II above.
E. If a game is to be rescheduled, team captains must contact Coed Jewish Sports.
IX. INJURY PREVENTION
While all injuries cannot be prevented, the enforcement of certain softball rules and common sense will prevent many injuries. Collisions are to be avoided.
A. The fielder must give the runner a clear path to the base unless the fielder is actively involved in that play. If disputed, umpire's decision is final.
B. At any base, if there is no play, the fielder must get out of the runner's way. No fake tags.
C. If in the umpire's discretion, a base runner approaching home does not make an effort to avoid a collision with the player covering home plate, the runner will be called out. In egregious instances the runner may be ejected from the game. This applies even if the catcher is blocking home plate. Umpire's decision is final! If the runner has to avoid touching home plate in order to avoid a collision with the player covering home, the runner will be declared safe at home if the runner would have "normally" beaten the tag. In this instance the runner should simply run past the catcher. Umpire's decision is final!
D. In order to prevent collision by runners rounding first base the league shall use two side by side first base bags. One base shall be placed in fair territory and the other next to it in foul territory. Runners to first base should tag the foul base, fielders should tag the fair base and in this manner prevent a collision. In the event of a collision the umpire shall rule the runner safe or out depending on who properly tagged their respective base.
E. All catchers must wear face masks.
F. The use of double and triple barreled bats is prohibited. Non-Aluminmum bats such as Titanium are prohibited.
X. ADDITIONAL RULES
A. Suspension Policy
Suspension
A) Get umpire input
B) Get captains input
C) Call league office
D) Call players involved, if any
E) Softball Committee Review
Physical violence = automatic suspension pending further committee review.