PEBBLECREEK
SENIOR SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION
OFFICIAL RULES OF PLAY: 20132014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RULE:
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
...1
1. MISSION STATEMENT
2. LENGTH OF
GAME
..
.
.
.3
3. LEAGUE COMPOSITION
...3
4.
5.
UNIFORMS/CLOTHING
.
4
6. EQUIPMENT
.
4
7.
8. BATTING
ORDER
5
9. BALLS
10. BASE
RUNNING
...5
11.
SUBSTITUTE PLAYERS
....6
12. SUBSTITUTE
RUNNERS.
....7
13. CANCELLED OR POSTPONED
GAMES.
..
..7
14. PROTESTS
.....7
15.
FORFEITS
...
...8
16.
EJECTIONS
..
.8
17. ALCOHOL/TOBACCO/FOREIGN
OBJECTS
.9
18. ADDITIONAL
RESPONSIBILITIES
.
9
19.
ADDENDUMS
..
.
.
...9
RULE CHANGE
REQUEST (RCR)
MISSION
STATEMENT:
TO PROMOTE SENIOR SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL IN PEBBLECREEK FOR
EXERCISE
The PebbleCreek Senior Softball Association plays under the rules of the Amateur Softball Association with changes and additions contained herein.
1. DEFINITIONS:
A. Assigned
Player: a player who has met all League requirements
and has been assigned to a
team.
B. Eligible
Player: a player who meets all the requirements of the
League, which are as follows:
(1). All residents, including
individuals who have signed a contract to build a home and
temporary renters, who rent for
a minimum of three (3) months, in PebbleCreek during
the League season.
(2). A player must be at least fifty (50) years of age before playing in any League scheduled
game.
(3). Any resident between the ages of 40-49 may petition the Board for full Association
membership.
(4).
All players MUST pay the League annual dues in-full before being assigned to a
team.
C. Illegal Player: a
player who does not meet the age and residency requirements of the
League.
D. Ineligible Player: a player who does not meet all League requirements, a suspended player or
one whom the Board has declared ineligible. If a player is eligible at the beginning, or
anytime during the season, and subsequently moves from PebbleCreek, that player will be
allowed to continue to play for the entire current season. At the end of that season the player
becomes ineligible.
E. League Balancing/Evaluating Committee (LBC): a
committee established by the Board
responsible for establishing a
systematic process in which to conduct the Leagues player
evaluations, team assignments, and the realignment of the League.
F. League Rules Committee (LRC): a committee established by the Board to
develop, write
and maintain the Official Rules
of Play for the League.
G. Manager: a teams official manager, or in their
absence, the assistant manager or acting
manager.
H. PCSSA Board of Directors: hereafter referred to as the Board.
I. PebbleCreek Senior Softball Association
(PCSSA): hereafter referred to as
the League.
J. Player Rating: a numerical rating assigned to each player
by the LBC which denotes a
total rated skill level.
K. Primary Pitcher: one (1) player on each team's roster that is
designated by the Manager as
that team's Primary Pitcher. It is the intent and understanding that this
player is capable,
willing
and normally expected to pitch for that team.
L. Roster:
(1). Team: all players
permanently assigned to the team by the LBC.
(2). Daily: the batting
lineup for an individual game.
(3). Initial: the number of players
initially, or subsequently, assigned to a team by the LBC.
M.
Substitute player: an assigned or unassigned player who has met
all League requirements.
N. Unassigned player: a player who has met all League requirements,
but has not been
assigned to a team.
O. Waiting
List: a list that will include new players who have not been assigned to a team and
those returning players who have failed
to register by the last day of registration.
2. LENGTH OF GAME:
A. Games will consist of seven (7) complete innings.
B. In the event the game is tied after seven (7)
innings, regardless of the time remaining on the
clock, an extra inning will be played. Each
team will have one turn at bat and will start with a
runner on second base. That runner will
be the player that made the LAST OUT in the previous
inning.
If that player requires a sub runner then the player who made the
previous out will
become the sub runner at second
base. If, after the completion of the
extra inning and the
score remains unchanged, it will result
in a TIE game for both teams.
C. In the event the umpire calls a game, it will be considered a completed game if at least four (4)
full innings have been played. The score of the last completed full inning will stand.
D. Catch-Up Rule - A maximum of five (5) runs per team per inning is allowed. When a team is
behind by more than five (5) runs, it is allowed to score as many runs as needed to catch up,
but not surpass, the team ahead. The catch-up rule applies in all innings, except for the seventh
(7th) inning, where both teams are allowed to score unlimited runs.
E. A team will be warmed up and ready to play fifteen (15) minutes prior to its scheduled playing
time.
3. LEAGUE COMPOSITION:
A. Each year, the Board will determine the composition of the League as follows:
(1). Number of teams.
(2). Number of players per team.
(3). Days of the week to play.
(4). Number of games per day and the total number of games for the season.
(5). Time of play, duration of all games and amount of infield warm-up allowed, both before
game and between innings.
(6). The period, in years, in which the League shall plan realignment.
B. The Board will notify all players once the decision has been made to realign the League.
4. TEAM ROSTERS:
A.
A player will remain on a team roster until one of the following occurs:
(1). The player is expelled from the League.
(2). A returning player who has neither
registered nor paid dues by the last day of registration,
unless approved by
the Board.
(3). Players wanting to transfer to another team must submit a written request to the LBC for
approval.
(4). There is a complete realignment of the League by the Board.
(5). All extended player absences and removals from a roster will be in accordance with
League Policy Statement # 2.
B. The maximum number of players in the field
will be eleven (11).
C. A team WILL begin, and maintain during each
game, a roster equal to the number of players
assigned by the
LBC. That minimum League number will
be equal to the team that has the
LEAST number of players assigned. All managers will be informed of that minimum
number
by the Board. Should a team have less than this roster
number, an absent will be entered in
the lineup and an out
will be recorded for each scheduled at bat for each missing player. The
Manager will notify
the umpire and the opposing coach of all absent positions in the lineup.
5. UNIFORMS / CLOTHING:
A. All players will wear League approved uniforms during a game, which will be comprised of
the following:
(1). Team shirt or jersey.
(2). Team cap.
(3). Silver gray baseball pants or silver gray baseball shorts (above the knee). Teams may
vote to change the color of their baseball pants or shorts to match, or tastefully
coordinate with, the color of their jersey. All members of a team will dress alike.
(4). Official softball shoes with rubber cleats. Metal cleats of any type are prohibited.
B. The shirt or jersey must be tucked inside the shorts or pants, unless a medical condition exists.
C. No street clothing may be worn during the play of any game. Jackets may be worn on the
bench. All additional clothing must be worn inside or underneath the uniform.
D. During cold weather, and prior to the game, both Managers and the umpire may agree to any
clothing additions/deletions to be worn inside or outside of the uniform such as
sweatshirts, pants, jackets, gloves, etc. for player comfort.
E. Pads, braces or guards to protect the shin, knee, elbow or face may be worn at the players
discretion.
F. Any player wearing improper clothing will not be allowed to participate until legally dressed.
Managers will be responsible for compliance and enforcement of this rule.
6.
EQUIPMENT:
A. Only regulation optic yellow softballs will be used. Should this ball become unavailable or
should another ball be needed for any reason, the League may use any available ball that is
approved by the Board.
B. Only single-wall bats will be allowed during League play and all bats will be provided by the
League. NO personal bats will be approved.
7. TEAM LEAGUE STANDINGS:
A. The following points will be awarded per game:
(1). Two (2) points for a win.
(2). One (1) point for a tie.
(3). Zero (0) points for a loss.
B. A forfeit will result in zero (0) points awarded to the forfeiting team and two (2) points to the
opposing team.
C. Team standings will be determined using the following data both during and at the end of a
season. Should the Board desire, other criteria may be used as necessary:
(1).
Total points.
(2). In the event of a tie (head-to-head in the following order):
(a). Most wins/least losses.
(b). Most runs scored.
(c). Least runs against.
8. BATTING ORDER:
A. All team players, including substitutes, who are present and ready to play, must be in the initial batting order (daily roster) and each player must play at least three (3) innings in the field.
B. If a player, who is listed in the initial batting
order, is not present for the start of play, a legal
substitute may be
obtained. If the absent player
subsequently becomes available and ready to
play PRIOR to the
completion of the 3rd inning (defined as when the 3rd out
is made in the
bottom half of the inning)
that player may enter the game. If not
available and ready for
play, that player will be prohibited from entering the game.
C. If a
player elects not to play at the beginning of a game, for ANY reason, that
player will NOT
enter the
game. A legal substitute may be obtained.
D. Should a roster or substitute player leave a
game due to an injury, illness, or personal
emergency, causing the team to have LESS
players than the initial roster number, a substitute
of equal or lesser numerical rating may be
obtained and will bat in the same position as the
replaced player. If no substitute is
utilized, an out will be recorded for each at bat for the
missing player.
E. Should a roster or substitute player
who is NOT injured, ill, or have a personal emergency, leave the game prior to
its completion causing the team to have less players than the initial roster
number, he will be considered a
Self-Ejection. The same restrictions in Rule 16 (an Ejection) will apply to
that player. If the team has less than the required number of players, an out
will be recorded for each occurrence of that players at bat in the batting
order.
F. Any violation of subparagraph A, B, C, D or
E. above will result in a FORFEIT for that team.
9. BALLS AND STRIKES:
A. Home plate is extended back by the use of a mat extension. Any legal pitch (6 feet to 12 feet in height) that lands on or touches any portion of home plate or mat is a strike.
B. The count will start with 0-0 (no balls and no strikes). After a batter has two strikes, a foul ball shall count as the third strike. The third strike foul ball is considered a dead ball and no runners may advance.
C. The pitcher may elect to pitch from the rubber or from the area of a rectangle extending six (6) feet behind and the same width as the rubber.
D. On windy days, which might greatly affect a pitchers accuracy, the umpire, in agreement with the team Managers, may suspend the calling of balls. No walks will be permitted. Any change must be agreed upon and will start at the beginning of an inning. Once the no walk decision has been made, it will remain in effect throughout the remainder of the game.
E. Bunting is NOT permitted. If the batter bunts the ball it will result in an automatic out.
F. There will be NO intentional walks. A walk will result after a batter has received four (4)
pitches out of the strike zone.
10. BASE RUNNING:
A. Base stealing is NOT allowed.
B. Runners on a base must remain in contact with that base until the ball is hit or touches the ground.
C. Runners at first base may be in contact with BOTH the white and orange base. If the umpire sees the player touching ONLY the orange base, the runner will immediately be ruled out and play is dead whether or not the ball is hit by the batter.
D. Sliding or diving is NOT allowed from a running or standing position toward OR into any base or across the home plate line from any direction. A player that slides will be ruled out. A runner who unintentionally falls may crawl to the attempted base without penalty.
E. Base runners will avoid unnecessary contact with a defensive player. In the judgment of the umpire, if the runner did not avoid unnecessary contact, the runner/s will be ruled out. This will include any attempt by the runner to break up a double play when the defensive player has already touched the base in possession of the ball. A runner MUST alter his path so as to allow the defensive play to continue. If the runner does not alter his path, the umpire may rule interference and both runners will be ruled out. A defensive player may not block a base or impede the runner in any way unless a defensive play is imminent.
F. In senior slow pitch there are two first bases (white and orange):
(1). When a batter is running from the batters box to first base, and there is a play at first
base, the runner must touch the orange base and the defensive player must touch the
white base. On a single, extra base hit or with an error at first base, the runner may
touch the white base and proceed toward second base or return to first base. The
defensive player will NOT interfere with the runners ability to
round first base unless
a play is imminent.
(2). If the defensive player touches the orange base the runner is safe. If the runner touches
the white base, the runner will be called out ONLY on an appeal.
(3).
Any player may touch the prohibited base in order to avoid contact. A judgment
call
will be made by the umpire.
(4). A fielder will NOT block second or
third base unless a play with the ball is imminent.
Upon appeal, the umpire may award the
runner the subsequent base.
G.
There will be a
force play at home once a runner has committed to go home by running
beyond the white commitment line which
is located 20 feet in front of home plate on the 3rd
base side. The runner may NOT return to
3rd base once past this line. Once the runner has
crossed the white commitment line the
defensive player must touch the actual home plate
OR the extended mat while possessing the
ball for the force out; NOT the runners plate, nor
the runner. The runners foot must touch
the runners plate or the ground PAST the home
plate line for the run to score. If the
runner touches home plate or the extended mat, an
automatic out will be called.
H. In order for a time out to be called by an umpire following play, the ball MUST be controlled by an infielder, pitcher or the catcher within the infield.
11. SUBSTITUTE PLAYERS:
A. All assigned League players may participate in a game as a substitute player.
B. All players will be allowed to play a MAXIMUM of 2 games in one day, i.e.: 2 team games,
1 team game and 1 game as a substitute, or 2 games as a substitute.
C. All players rated 13 and lower may substitute for one another regardless of rating.
D. ALL
substitutes, EXCLUDING Primary Pitchers and players rated 13 and below, will
be
of the SAME or LESSER numerical
ranking than the player for which they are substituting.
E. At least seven (7) days prior to the first scheduled game of the new season, each manager
will designate a Primary Pitcher for their team. That name will be given to all managers
and the LBC. If a team loses their Primary Pitcher after the start of League play, another
team
player may be designated as the Primary Pitcher for that team.
F.
A substitute for an absent Primary Pitcher WILL be one of the following:
(1). A Primary Pitcher rated no more than two (2) points above; this
substitute MUST pitch
while in the game. If removed from the game, OTHER than for an
injury or an
emergency, NO other Primary
Pitcher will be allowed to substitute and an out will be
recorded for each scheduled
at bat. A roster player or another
substitute, other than a
Primary Pitcher, may
participate.
(2). Any roster player, or any League player who is ranked equal to or
less than the absent
Primary Pitcher, may also
pitch. A substitute Primary Pitcher, if
ranked equal to or less
than the absent Primary
Pitcher, may continue to play in any position.
G. Substitutes may play
any defensive position and be placed in any order in the batting lineup.
H. A
player, who is injured during a game and unable to immediately resume play, may
be
replaced by an available substitute and then return to the game only ONCE. The substitute
will then CEASE to play. If
that same player is again injured, preventing further play, NO
substitute will be allowed. In all cases,
that substitute player will bat in the replaced players
position in the batting order.
12. SUBSTITUTE RUNNERS:
A. A player may request a substitute runner anytime after reaching 1st base. That sub runner
will be the first eligible batter prior to the batter requesting a sub runner.
B. In the first inning, should the first runner require a sub runner, the player that is last in the
batting order will become the sub runner, etc.
C. A player may be a substitute runner
only ONCE per inning.
D. In the event of a tie after 7 innings of play, Rule 2B will apply.
E. The umpire may rule a delay-of-game penalty if the runner is not replaced in a timely
manner.
F. A batter who requests a sub-runner, and who may or may not remain in the game; will be allowed to have a sub-runner the first time requested with no penalty. On all subsequent at bats, that same batter will be limited to first base only, whether he remains in the game or must leave the game due to injury, illness or emergency
13. CANCELLED
OR POSTPONED GAMES:
A. In the case of potentially hazardous weather or unsafe field conditions, the home plate
umpire will make the decision to temporarily postpone or cancel all field activities. In the
absence of an umpire, a Board member will make the decision. In the absence of a Board
member, the two Managers will make the decision.
B. All cancelled and permanently postponed games will be played on the following Monday, or
if unplayable conditions exist, the first Monday possible. The games will be played at the
normally scheduled times and in the order of cancellation or postponement.
C. An umpire will be provided.
14. PROTESTS:
A. Types of Protest:
(1). Illegal player. The protest must be made while the player is in the game and before the
umpire leaves the playing field.
(2). Ineligible player. The protest may be made at any time. The Board will determine a
players eligibility.
(3). Protests will NOT be considered valid if they are based solely on a judgment call by an
umpire, such as balls and strikes or calls on the bases.
(4). Any violation of a League rule where no
penalty is prescribed.
B. Procedure:
(1). The manager of the protesting team will immediately notify the home plate umpire that
the game is being protested. Every effort will be made to resolve the protest on the field
by the two managers and the umpire before the next pitch to a batter. If the protest is
determined to be valid due to misinterpretation/misapplication of a playing rule, the
correct rule will be applied and the game will continue from the point of protest. If the
protest is still determined to be valid by the offended team, the umpire will declare the
game to be played under protest and will notify the opposing manager and both
scorekeepers. If the protest is still not resolved, a Manager will have until the end of the
game to again register the protest with the umpire and the opposing Manager.
(2). A letter of Official Written Protest will be given to the league President or, if absent,
the Vice-president within six (6) days of the protested game.
(3). The written protest will contain the following information:
(a). Date, time and location of the game.
(b). Name of umpire(s) and scorers.
(c). Section of the official or league rules under which the protest is being made.
(d). All details and conditions pertinent to the decision to protest.
(e). All essential facts concerning the matter protested.
(4). After receiving the written protest, the Board will render its decision to the two
managers within fourteen (14) days.
C. Decision
by the Board:
The decision rendered on a protested game will result in one of the following:
(1). The protest is determined to be INVALID, the final score stands. The Board may
impose a loss of two (2) points in the protesting teams League standing for an invalid
protest.
(2). If the protesting team wins the game, the protest will be disregarded.
(3). It is determined that an illegal player participated in the play of the game. The offending
team will have a total of ten (10) points deducted from the teams League standing for
each violation.
(4). It is determined that an ineligible player or substitute player participated in the play of
the game. The offending team will have a total of four (4) points deducted from the
team League standing for each violation.
(5). It is determined that a league rule was broken where no penalty is prescribed. The Board
will determine the penalty to be assessed up to and including a loss of four (4) points in
the team League standings.
15. FORFEITS:
A. The Board will have the entire season, from opening day through the evening of the Banquet,
to apply the penalty of a valid forfeit.
16. EJECTIONS:
A. Any player who threatens or uses abusive/offensive language in any form directed toward
an umpire, another player or spectator will be immediately ejected from the game by the umpire. An ejected player will leave the playing field within one (1) minute AND the ballpark area, which will include the spectator stands and the parking lot, as soon as possible or the game will be FORFEITED. No substitute will be allowed and an out will be recorded for each at bat of the ejected player unless a team member is the replacement.
B. Ejection is a very serious action taken by the umpire and will NOT be questioned. The
player will AUTOMATICALLY receive a
MANDATORY one (1) game suspension for the
next scheduled game for that players
team. The ejected player will also NOT
be allowed to
substitute until after the one (1) game
suspension is completed. Any team that
allows a
suspended player to participate during a
game in any position will result in a FORFEIT of
that game.
C. An ejected player may petition the Board IN
WRITING explaining all facts of the ejection
and requesting a review. The Board, after conferring with the umpire
and considering ONLY
the act as it happened, will render one
of the following decisions:
(1). Upholding the mandatory one (1) game
suspension.
(2). Deleting the mandatory one (1) game
suspension.
(3). Adding any additional penalty up to
and including expulsion from the League.
D. Any player who is ejected a SECOND time
within a season, or a player who physically
attacks an umpire, another player or
spectator WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY expelled from
the League for the remainder of the
season. In order to be considered for
re-instatement into
the League the following year, the
expelled player MUST appeal to the Board in writing.
E. The use of abusive or offensive language not directed at any one person will be handled
at
the
discretion of the umpire, who may issue a warning or may eject the offending
player.
17. ALCOHOL /
TOBACCO / FOREIGN OBJECTS:
A. No player may possess or consume alcohol or use tobacco products on the bench or playing
field during an official League game. Offenders will be removed from the game and
suspended for the next game. Repeat violators will be referred to the Board for additional
disciplinary action, up to and including a one (1) year suspension.
B. Players may not wear wristwatches, bracelets or excessive jewelry. Medical alert bracelets
are acceptable. No foreign objects such as cigars, cigarettes, toothpicks, etc. may protrude
from the mouth of player on the bench or playing field. Offenders will be prohibited from
playing until the foreign object or prohibited item is removed.
C. Failure of the team manager to have his players comply with these rules will result in a two
(2) point loss in the teams League standing.
18.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
A. All players are subject to assignment as scorekeepers during the game and field preparation
prior to game days. Team assignments will be given to each team manager who will assign
these tasks to team members.
B. Should a team fail to prepare the field as specified in the published field preparation
guidelines, the matter will be referred to the Board who may impose any penalty up to, and
including, a two (2) point loss in the teams League standing for each occurrence.
19. ADDENDUMS:
A. All proposed Rule Change Requests (RCR), in order to be considered for the next League
season, will be completed by filling out the
RCR form attached to the Rules of Play, or an
e-mail, utilizing the same format, and given
or sent, to the Rules Committee Chairman or any
Committee member before 1 July. All RCRs received after 30 June, will be
considered for
the following season.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD:
XX August 2013
PEBBLECREEK
SENIOR SOFTBALL LEAGUE
Rules
Change Request Form
Name:________________________ E-Mail Add:___________________ Team:________________
Rule Number
____________ Rule Name
_________________________________________
Paragraph_________ Sub-paragraph
___________
Recommendation/Justification: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Suggested Wording For New Rule: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ________________
Signature of Rules Comm. Member:________________________
Date Recvd:___________