REVISED AS OF AS OF October 23,
Order
of “Supplemental” Rules:
Rules
Managers
Player
Requirements
The
Game – The Roster
Batting,
Running and Pitching
Base
Running and Runners
Replacement
Players
Post
Season Tournament
Play-offs
(including tie breaker)
Play-off
Replacement Players
Umpires
and Protests
Code
of Conduct
RULES: Current SSUSA, followed by ASA Softball Rules shall govern all rules not covered by this supplement.
ELIGIBILITY: A player is eligible to play if he turns 55 years of age anytime during the year he wants to play. A player who turns 55 anytime during the winter league is eligible to play the whole winter league (which generally starts in early November).
1. Uniforms will be issued to all
players (i.e. jersey, hat). The home or visitor jersey and appropriate pants
must be worn. Disciplinary action may be taken by the Commissioner at his
discretion if this policy is not followed.
MANAGERS:
1.
Each manager shall represent the league in a positive manner by acting in good
faith and encouraging all players to show up for scheduled games. A manager
shall not attempt to discourage, embarrass or persuade a roster player to not
play. If there is sufficient evidence to the contrary, a violating manager will
be reprimanded with either a warning or being replaced as a manager.
2.
No gentlemen’s agreements between managers that are contrary to the league
rules are permitted.
3.
The league will supply managers with new balls for each game.
4.
Both the home team manager and visiting team manager each shall provide a NEW
ball. One
ball marked #1 shall be used at the top of each inning and a ball marked #2
shall be used for the bottom of each inning throughout the game. (11/27/13 ).
5.
Managers or their designees are responsible for removing the equipment (home
plate board or mat, pitching screen and scoring home plate) and
returning/securing them in the proper holding area.
6.
Only the manager or his designated person will discuss any on field disputes involving
rules, alleged violations, or umpire decisions. A player getting involved may
be disciplined.
7.
Managers have an obligation (once
informed by a player) to immediately notify the Replacement Player Coordinator
and/or Commissioner or his designee of any player who will be out 4 or more
games. Failure to do so may result in appropriate disciplinary action at the
Commissioner’s discretion.
8. Effective 9/11/14 directors will be prohibited
from managing a team UNLESS there is not a qualified volunteer and THEN ONLY
WITH BOARD APPROVAL. This is to eliminate any perception that a manager and his
team may be favored if he is a director.
PLAYER REQUIREMENTS:
1. All players must submit a completed application with payment to play in the league. Once team rosters have been formed, the Commissioner may assign a new player to a team as the need arises.
2. All players who are placed on the roster must play the field for a minimum of four (4) full innings in a 9-inning game and three (3) full innings in a 7-inning game. Violation will result in a forfeiture of the game and a 1-game suspension for the manager of the violating team.
1. All players must submit a completed application with payment to play in the league. Once team rosters have been formed, the Commissioner may assign a new player to a team as the need arises.
2. All players who are placed on the roster must play the field for a minimum of four (4) full innings in a 9-inning game and three (3) full innings in a 7-inning game. Violation will result in a forfeiture of the game and a 1-game suspension for the manager of the violating team.
3. A Monday player will ONLY play on Monday. A Wednesday player
will play ONLY on Wednesday except in the event of an injury. In that case, the
one day a week player can become a permanent replacement player for the injured
one day a week player but must have the opportunity to play at least four
games. The injured player must sit out at least four games. (10/29/14 )
4. A
manager may assign two (2) players as Designated Hitters (DH) when a roster
consists of 14 players. With 13 or 12 players, a
manager may assign one (1) player as the DH. The DH(s) will be designated by the
manager, listed on the line-up card as such, and remain DH throughout the game.
The DH is not required to play in the field (but may play defense at the
manager’s discretion at any time). (Effective
10/23/2015).
5.
If a player is injured or ill during a game a DH may replace the injured player
in the field.
6. Player trades may be made, with the Commissioner’s approval, until January 1st for winter league and June 15th for the summer league. Players traded will assume the vacated draft position of their current (“new”) team. (04/29/13 )
6. Player trades may be made, with the Commissioner’s approval, until January 1st for winter league and June 15th for the summer league. Players traded will assume the vacated draft position of their current (“new”) team. (
7.
An ejected player must leave the field
and surrounding areas.
8. Any member of our league, who leaves his team without permission of the manager, may be suspended from future games or the entire season at the discretion of the Commissioner.
9. Each team member shall abide by the League’s Code of Conduct (see attached). If any league member, during the course of discussion with the umpire, put his hands on the umpire, the member will be suspended for the remainder of the year and possibly the following season. The umpire may eject a player from the game who uses abusive or foul language on or near the playing field. Any unacceptable behavior that is stated in our “Code of Conduct” may also lead to ejection from the game, and suspension from the league. The Commissioner can levy a suspension or possible expulsion on the player(s) involved in an altercation. If a number 12, 13, or 14th round draft pick is suspended for one or more games, a player of the same draft status or higher from the “bye” team will be assigned to the suspended player’s team to replace the suspended player until he is eligible to return (1/19/15).
10. All league participants must sign waiver forms.
8. Any member of our league, who leaves his team without permission of the manager, may be suspended from future games or the entire season at the discretion of the Commissioner.
9. Each team member shall abide by the League’s Code of Conduct (see attached). If any league member, during the course of discussion with the umpire, put his hands on the umpire, the member will be suspended for the remainder of the year and possibly the following season. The umpire may eject a player from the game who uses abusive or foul language on or near the playing field. Any unacceptable behavior that is stated in our “Code of Conduct” may also lead to ejection from the game, and suspension from the league. The Commissioner can levy a suspension or possible expulsion on the player(s) involved in an altercation. If a number 12, 13, or 14th round draft pick is suspended for one or more games, a player of the same draft status or higher from the “bye” team will be assigned to the suspended player’s team to replace the suspended player until he is eligible to return (1/19/15).
10. All league participants must sign waiver forms.
11. Non-league
participants are NOT allowed in the dugout, on the field as coaches or to
umpire. This must be enforced by all managers.
12.
Any player falsifying his age for the purpose of playing in the league will be
barred from playing in the league for a minimum of five years.
13. Any intentional bat throwing may result in a player being ejected from the game.
14. Players may use any SSUSA approved softball bats, unless specifically denied by league officials.
13. Any intentional bat throwing may result in a player being ejected from the game.
14. Players may use any SSUSA approved softball bats, unless specifically denied by league officials.
THE GAME, THE ROSTER:
1. All games will be nine (9) innings, except tie games, which will be decided by the INTERNATIONAL TIE -BREAKER RULE
After 9 innings if the score is tied...Teams start each half-inning with a runner on second base. The runner is the last batter of the previous inning whose turn at bat had been completed, assuming a position on second base. No substitute or courtesy runner may replace him until he has reached third base.
EFFECT: If the last batter of the previous inning cannot continue to play because of injury, illness, etc., he will be declared out and the next previous batter will be the tie-breaker runner. (9/1/15)
3. In the event of
inclement weather occurring during play, an official game may be called by the
Commissioner or his designee after five (5) complete innings or four and a half
(4½) innings, if the home team is ahead. Games that are not considered
regulation and games that are tied in regulation shall be resumed at the end of
the last complete inning. (4/20/12 )
4. A full team is
defined as 11 players. A team must play with 11 players if replacement players
are available.
5. A team must have a minimum of 9 players to start a game including a player (or more) as provided by the Replacement Player Coordinator or Commissioner’s designee.
5. A team must have a minimum of 9 players to start a game including a player (or more) as provided by the Replacement Player Coordinator or Commissioner’s designee.
6. A forfeit will
occur if #5 is not in place, and replacement players are not available. A
forfeit can occur before a game is scheduled to start or during the game.
7. Once the playing rosters are established or exchanged between managers, and a player(s) is provided to the opposing team, there cannot be any recall of the player to the original team during the game.
7. Once the playing rosters are established or exchanged between managers, and a player(s) is provided to the opposing team, there cannot be any recall of the player to the original team during the game.
8. In the event a
player needs to leave the game before its completion both managers and the
umpire shall be informed prior to the start of the game. If a valid replacement
roster player is not available then all batters will move up and bypass the
vacant spot. This player cannot return to play during the game.
9. In the event a
player needs to leave the game due to an injury or illness, and there are no
roster players available, then all batters will move up and by pass the vacant
spot.
10. For any player who
leaves without proper prior notification or a player who is ejected
from the game, the umpire will declare the batting spot for that player an
automatic out.
11. After the game has started, a roster player (arriving late) can enter the game at any time and be placed at the bottom of the line-up. If a player notifies his manager that he will not be there for the game and he shows up, he cannot play. The replacement player from the other team or one provided by the bye team will remain in the batting order.
11. After the game has started, a roster player (arriving late) can enter the game at any time and be placed at the bottom of the line-up. If a player notifies his manager that he will not be there for the game and he shows up, he cannot play. The replacement player from the other team or one provided by the bye team will remain in the batting order.
12. “Mercy Rule:” If a team is ahead by fifteen
(15) or more runs at the end of either the 7th or 8th inning for a nine-inning
game, the umpire will declare the game over and the team ahead as the winner.
13. The “Mercy Rule”
for a seven-inning game that is part of a double-header will be fifteen (15) or
more runs at the end of the 5th or 6th inning.
14. There will be no mercy rule in
post-season games. (4/20/12 )
15. Scores: The
Commissioner will designate a player to report the final scores via email or by
phone to the league website administrator on the day the game was completed. He
will post the scores as well as the current standings on the website, www.rpbssl.blogspot.com.
16. All postponed or
rained out games (if necessary) may be made up on days scheduled by the league
with limitations determined by field access. If necessary, double-headers of
two seven inning games may be scheduled. The first game of the double-header
will be the regularly scheduled game and the second game of the double-header
will be the make-up game. Game time for double-headers will start at 9:00 a.m. unless otherwise announced
by the Commissioner. The umpire will notify managers at 11:15 am that time has expired and one more
inning will be played. If an inning has started before 11:15 am , it will be that inning and one more.
(03/16/15 )
BATTING, BATTERS & PITCHING:
1. Zero-Zero count; 4 balls and 3 strikes. If a foul ball occurs after strike
two, the umpire will call the batter out (exception see screen rule #8 below).
2. A batter is automatically out if 1st base is touched with bat in-hand except on a homerun that is hit over the fence (1/19/15 ).
3. A team can score a maximum of 5 runs per inning with the exception of the 9th inning (or agreed upon last inning) and all extra innings where each team can score as many runs as possible.
4. If a courtesy runner is on base when he is scheduled at bat, the umpire will declare the runner out at that base and be removed. He will then be allowed to bat. A batter (or more) who qualifies for a walk can be intentionally walked in order to get to the batting position of the courtesy runner on base.
5. When the team is batting, only the manager, the two coaches in their boxes, the batter, and the two on-deck batters are permitted on the sidelines of the playing field. All other players must be in the dugout or off the playing field. The “defensive” manager/coaches (if not playing a defensive position), must remain in the dugout, as their normal position, when their team is playing defense. Failure to obey this rule, after a warning is issued, may result in the manager/coach being ejected (1/19/15 ).
2. A batter is automatically out if 1st base is touched with bat in-hand except on a homerun that is hit over the fence (
3. A team can score a maximum of 5 runs per inning with the exception of the 9th inning (or agreed upon last inning) and all extra innings where each team can score as many runs as possible.
4. If a courtesy runner is on base when he is scheduled at bat, the umpire will declare the runner out at that base and be removed. He will then be allowed to bat. A batter (or more) who qualifies for a walk can be intentionally walked in order to get to the batting position of the courtesy runner on base.
5. When the team is batting, only the manager, the two coaches in their boxes, the batter, and the two on-deck batters are permitted on the sidelines of the playing field. All other players must be in the dugout or off the playing field. The “defensive” manager/coaches (if not playing a defensive position), must remain in the dugout, as their normal position, when their team is playing defense. Failure to obey this rule, after a warning is issued, may result in the manager/coach being ejected (
6.
During the game, a player may receive
one walk. A batter receiving a walk does NOT have to touch 1st
base (10/3/13 ).
Optionally, the player who has been walked once can accept or reject subsequent
walks. If he rejects another walk, the batter must inform the umpire of his
intention before the first pitch of the at-bat is thrown. At this point
if the pitcher throws 4 balls (and there is no walk), he (and his manager) will
be warned that if 4 balls are thrown without a strike during the at-bat,
the pitcher will be removed and replaced by another player. If a pitcher is
removed for throwing 4 balls without a strike, he can return as the
pitcher when the batter has completed his at bat.
7.
A pitching screen must be used. It must be positioned for protection of the
pitcher and physically located on the glove side of the pitcher within four (4)
feet in front of the designated pitching rubber. It must also be positioned no
more than eleven (11) inches to the side of the rubber. Once the screen is in
place it may not be moved in that ½ inning, unless a pitching change is made or
the screen is knocked out of position. A new pitcher may adjust the screen as
long as the rules that apply are followed. A pitcher must start his pitch
within five (5) feet from the back of the rubber and release the ball with at
least one foot in the pitcher’s box (which includes the pitching rubber). The
box is defined by the width of the rubber and extending 5 feet back from rubber.
(1/19/15 ).
8.
If the batter hits the pitching screen a strike will be called. A batter will
receive one courtesy strike when he hits the screen for the third strike, and
will be called-out when he hits the screen again.
9. A thrown ball (live) that strikes
the pitching screen will immediately be called “dead ball” by the umpire
and runners may advance to the base they were going to when the
play became dead. Clarification/Intent
of this rule: It is not meant to penalize a fielder when his throw hits
the pitching screen and it is also not meant to reward the offense. That being
said, if a player is running toward the base he was going to while a dead ball
is declared, then said runner will be awarded that base. However, advancing to
the next base is not automatic. If in the umpire's judgment the runner(s) had
stopped advancing after rounding their respective base(s) they would not be
awarded another base. (10/29/14 ).
BASE
RUNNING & RUNNERS:
1. There will be two first bases. The additional outside (orange) first base, which is positioned in foul territory, will be adjacent to the original first base (white) located in the playing field. A batter-runner who is running toward first base must touch the outside (orange) first base for all balls that DO NOT reach the outfield, unless touching the inside (white) base is to avoid a collision (umpires judgment). Touching the white bag on a ball that does not leave the infield is an out IF APPEALED PRIOR TO THE NEXT PITCH. (1/15/14 )
1. There will be two first bases. The additional outside (orange) first base, which is positioned in foul territory, will be adjacent to the original first base (white) located in the playing field. A batter-runner who is running toward first base must touch the outside (orange) first base for all balls that DO NOT reach the outfield, unless touching the inside (white) base is to avoid a collision (umpires judgment). Touching the white bag on a ball that does not leave the infield is an out IF APPEALED PRIOR TO THE NEXT PITCH. (
2.
There will be two (2) home plates: a batter’s (original) home plate and a
scoring home plate positioned in foul territory eight (8) feet from the
batter’s (original) home plate. All plays at home will be on a force basis with
the fielder using the batter’s home plate and the runner using the scoring home
plate. There is no tag play at home. If the fielder makes a tag on the runner,
who has passed the “NO RETURN LINE” (see #5 below), the umpire will call the
runner safe.
3.
If a runner does not touch the scoring home plate, the umpire will call the
runner out only if the fielding manager makes an appeal to the umpire.
4.
If a runner touches the batter’s home plate, the umpire will call the runner
out. BOTH PLATE AND MAT (SR SOFTBALL HOME PLATE) CAN BE USED FOR TAG.
5. There will be a “NO RETURN LINE” positioned twenty (20) feet from the batter’s home plate towards 3rd base. If a runner touches or crosses this line, the runner must continue forward towards the scoring home plate. If the runner touches or crosses the “NO RETURN LINE” heading back towards 3rd base, the umpire will call the runner out. If a runner has not touched or crossed this line, the runner can return to 3rd base or be tagged out by the fielding team.
6. A player can only run as a courtesy runner twice per game and once in any inning (10/29/14 ). A courtesy runner is permitted at any time, at any
base, but change must be made before the first pitch to the current batter; the
umpire must be informed of a courtesy runner. A courtesy runner is
officially in the game upon touching the base. A replaced runner cannot return
as a courtesy runner during the same inning (unless...see Eff 9/7/12 ). It is also illegal
for a courtesy runner to run for another courtesy runner (with exception) Effective
9/7/12 : If a
courtesy runner comes up lame or ill, he can be replaced by the original player
he ran for. However, if that player is unable to run due to injury/illness and
it is approved by the umpire, then the last batted out will replace the
courtesy runner. If a
courtesy runner is illegally inserted into the game (i.e. after a pitch has
been thrown or a courtesy runner replacing another courtesy runner), the fielding
manager must make an appeal to the umpire prior to the first pitch to
the next batter. If the umpire verifies the
courtesy runner is illegal, the courtesy runner will be called out and removed
from the base. If the appeal is not made before the first pitch to the next
batter, “the runner becomes legal.”
5. There will be a “NO RETURN LINE” positioned twenty (20) feet from the batter’s home plate towards 3rd base. If a runner touches or crosses this line, the runner must continue forward towards the scoring home plate. If the runner touches or crosses the “NO RETURN LINE” heading back towards 3rd base, the umpire will call the runner out. If a runner has not touched or crossed this line, the runner can return to 3rd base or be tagged out by the fielding team.
6. A player can only run as a courtesy runner twice per game and once in any inning (
7.
deleted 5/4/14
8. Sliding is permitted for all bases. However, if a runner is forced out at a base, he MUST either slide or veer off IF THE BALL IS PLAYED CLEANLY by all the fielders involved during the play in progress. If, in the umpire’s judgment, interference occurs, the umpire will call both the base-runner and the batter-runner out. During such a play, (after the force-out), the fielder is NOT REQUIRED to attempt a throw for this rule to be enforced. (03/16/15).
8. Sliding is permitted for all bases. However, if a runner is forced out at a base, he MUST either slide or veer off IF THE BALL IS PLAYED CLEANLY by all the fielders involved during the play in progress. If, in the umpire’s judgment, interference occurs, the umpire will call both the base-runner and the batter-runner out. During such a play, (after the force-out), the fielder is NOT REQUIRED to attempt a throw for this rule to be enforced. (03/16/15).
9.
At all times verbal interference will not be tolerated by either team while the
game is being played. For verbal interference the umpire will have the
discretion of making appropriate calls as well as issuing a warning or an
ejection of a player as deemed necessary.
10. Base-runners on first base and third base may stand up to 5 feet off the base in foul territory, but no closer to the next base, when a batter is at bat. On a base hit, the base runner(s) can advance directly to the next base. On a tag up play, the base runner(s) must return to their base before legally advancing to the next base.
10. Base-runners on first base and third base may stand up to 5 feet off the base in foul territory, but no closer to the next base, when a batter is at bat. On a base hit, the base runner(s) can advance directly to the next base. On a tag up play, the base runner(s) must return to their base before legally advancing to the next base.
11.
If a player hits a home run, he does not have to touch first base and the
runners on base DO NOT have to touch the next base. This is only for a home
run. If another type of hit ends an inning all runners must advance safely to
the next base.
REPLACEMENT PLAYERS:
THE
REPLACEMENT PLAYER PROVISION OF OUR RULES IS NON-PROTESTABLE.
1. The Replacement Player Coordinator will assign replacement players (if available) when a team has less than eleven (11) players. Replacement players may come from the bye team, from the opposing team or substitute players (if available).
2. If a team has less than a full playing team (11 players), the manager must notify the Replacement Player Coordinator via phone or email at least 24 hours before the scheduled game. If replacement player(s) are available they will be assigned.
3. If a bye team is available, this will be the primary source for replacement players. The method used in choosing replacement player(s) will be to average the missing draft picks. For example, if the following draft picks are absent (#2, #10, #11) = 23. Divide by the number of missing players, which is 3 (23/3= 7.7). Round the fractionated number down to the whole number…in this case it is a 7. In addition, subtract one whole number from this rounded down number and that will be the ranked player available. In this example the team would be entitled to receive a #6 pick, or higher draft pick of the managers choosing if available.
4. If opposing teams have less than a full team of 11 players that is 9 or 10 players, and all efforts have been exhausted to obtain additional replacement players for both teams, then the batting team will provide a courtesy catcher for the fielding team. If either team has a full team of 11 players then the courtesy catcher will not be used.
1. The Replacement Player Coordinator will assign replacement players (if available) when a team has less than eleven (11) players. Replacement players may come from the bye team, from the opposing team or substitute players (if available).
2. If a team has less than a full playing team (11 players), the manager must notify the Replacement Player Coordinator via phone or email at least 24 hours before the scheduled game. If replacement player(s) are available they will be assigned.
3. If a bye team is available, this will be the primary source for replacement players. The method used in choosing replacement player(s) will be to average the missing draft picks. For example, if the following draft picks are absent (#2, #10, #11) = 23. Divide by the number of missing players, which is 3 (23/3= 7.7). Round the fractionated number down to the whole number…in this case it is a 7. In addition, subtract one whole number from this rounded down number and that will be the ranked player available. In this example the team would be entitled to receive a #6 pick, or higher draft pick of the managers choosing if available.
4. If opposing teams have less than a full team of 11 players that is 9 or 10 players, and all efforts have been exhausted to obtain additional replacement players for both teams, then the batting team will provide a courtesy catcher for the fielding team. If either team has a full team of 11 players then the courtesy catcher will not be used.
5. If there is no bye
team or there is no appropriate player available from either the bye team or
substitute players, and if one team only has 10 players, the Replacement Player
Coordinator will first try to get a player from “the other field.” If both
teams on the other field have the same number of players, then the team with
the lowest record will send a player. If no one is available, then the opponent
with more than 11 must send one of their players to their opponent. Players are
encouraged to make every effort to attend all games so his team is never left
with 10 or less players to start a game. If all teams have at least 11 players
at game time it will never be necessary to move a player from one team to
another. (09/11/14 ).
6. If a player is
seriously injured or ill, or has a family crisis or other serious issue that
prohibits him from playing, a “permanent” replacement player of comparable
draft status, if available, may be assigned following the manager’s formal
request/notice to the League Commissioner or the Assistant League Commissioner
if so designated by the Commissioner. (Also see under Managers #7). If a
permanent replacement player is available, then that player will be assigned
unless the manager has a legitimate reason for refusing the player as
determined by the Commissioner. The replaced player must sit out 4 games
(excluding byes and postponed games). Depending on when the permanent
replacement player is assigned will determine how many games he will have an
“opportunity” to play. The replacement player will be informed of the number of
games and has the option to accept or reject the assignment. If and when the
replaced player returns to play, the replacement player will be removed from
the roster and made available for future assignments by the Replacement Player
Coordinator and/or Commissioner or his designee.
7. A permanent
replacement player added to a team because of an injury or illness is assigned
temporarily if the players ranking is not comparable to the injured player.
When a more comparable player becomes available, that player is assigned to the
team and the original replacement player goes back to the replacement pool. The
draft status of permanent replacement players will be decided by the BOD.
8. A team with 11 players shall not provide a replacement player(s) to any team.
9. All team rosters will be frozen TEN (10) games prior to the end of the regular season. Thereafter, no permanent replacement players can be assigned.
8. A team with 11 players shall not provide a replacement player(s) to any team.
9. All team rosters will be frozen TEN (10) games prior to the end of the regular season. Thereafter, no permanent replacement players can be assigned.
10. Any player who is
assigned as a permanent or temporary/daily replacement player will play the
game. If the replaced player shows up for the game without prior notification
to his Manager and the Replacement Player Coordinator, the original roster
player will not play. (09/19/11 )
11. If a player
resigns from the league, a replacement player of equal or less equivalence will
be assigned (if available) as soon as possible.
12. Further, if a
roster player resigns from the league during the last five games of the season,
a non-permanent replacement player of less comparable ability will be assigned,
if available. This non-permanent replacement player can change with each game.
13. When a manager
voices a complaint to the Commissioner and the team in question has one or more
of their weakest players absent excessively (missing 4 or more consecutive
games), the Commissioner will evaluate, and at his sole discretion a less than
comparable player may be temporarily or permanently assigned to the team, if
available. After missing 4 consecutive games, the Commissioner may assign a
comparable player for any subsequent absence by this player.
POST SEASON TOURNAMENT: (9/11/14 )
1.In
a “Post Season Round Robin Tournament” the regular season replacement
player formula system will be used by the Player Replacement Coordinator.
2.
“Permanent” Replacements will only be allowed if the player has already been
assigned to a team “prior” to the end of the “regular season”. No “NEW”
permanent replacements may be assigned.
3.
In the event of team “TIES” in the final league standings the tie will be
decided by a one game play-off. If more than two teams are tied the BOD
will then develop a play-off format involving those teams.
#4 Awards (shirts, etc.) are to go to Team Roster Players - not replacement players. (4/20/12).
#4 Awards (shirts, etc.) are to go to Team Roster Players - not replacement players. (4/20/12).
PLAY-OFFS
(including the final league standings “tie-breaker”):
1. The play-off format
will be determined by the Board at the time the schedule is published.
2.
In the event of team “TIES” in the final league standings the tie will be
decided by a one game play-off. If more than two teams are tied the BOD
will then develop a play-off format involving those teams (9/11/14 )
3.
For “Play-offs” the team with the best league record will be the home team in
the first round only. Thereafter home team will be decided by coin flip.” (3/2/12 )
UMPIRES and PROTESTS (04/29/13 ):
1. When using “paid” umpires, the Commissioner or his designee is responsible for notifying the umpire within forty-five minutes of start time of game cancellation. The umpire will not be paid if properly notified ahead of time.
2. If a “paid” umpire is not called for a cancelled game and shows up at the field, the umpire will receive half of the fee. Once a game starts an umpire will be paid in full.
3. Managers will exchange lineups at home plate five (5) minutes before game time. At this time ground rules will be discussed (11/01/13 ). All roster players must be
accounted for at this time and/or Managers must take this time to inform each
other if a player is arriving late or leaving early.
4. If there are two non-paid umpires, the home plate umpire can reverse any decisions made by the base umpire (after a discussion with the base umpire), without an appeal being necessary from a manager.
5. A decision made by the non-paid umpires may be reversed if the two managers agree to the change.
6. PROTESTS: Umpire judgment calls cannot be protested. There are, however, two types of protests than will be honored:
a. Misinterpretation of a playing rule: The protest must be made before the next pitch, or, if it is on the last play of the game, before the umpires leave the playing field.
1. When using “paid” umpires, the Commissioner or his designee is responsible for notifying the umpire within forty-five minutes of start time of game cancellation. The umpire will not be paid if properly notified ahead of time.
2. If a “paid” umpire is not called for a cancelled game and shows up at the field, the umpire will receive half of the fee. Once a game starts an umpire will be paid in full.
3. Managers will exchange lineups at home plate five (5) minutes before game time. At this time ground rules will be discussed (
4. If there are two non-paid umpires, the home plate umpire can reverse any decisions made by the base umpire (after a discussion with the base umpire), without an appeal being necessary from a manager.
5. A decision made by the non-paid umpires may be reversed if the two managers agree to the change.
6. PROTESTS: Umpire judgment calls cannot be protested. There are, however, two types of protests than will be honored:
a. Misinterpretation of a playing rule: The protest must be made before the next pitch, or, if it is on the last play of the game, before the umpires leave the playing field.
b. Ineligible player: A protest may be made any time
during or after the game. Eligibility is the decision of the League
Commissioner/Assistant Commissioner/BOD.
1. Only team managers may
notify the umpire of their intent to protest.
2. All umpires and team
managers should have on their person or within reach, copies of the league
rules.
3. The game should be halted
and every effort should be made at the time of the incident, to resolve the
situation in question, with a discussion between the umpires and both team
managers. If it cannot be resolved at that time, then a manager may notify the
plate umpire that the game is being played under protest.
4. At the time of the protest
and before the game resumes, the plate umpire will record the inning, the number of outs, men
on base and player at bat or coming up to bat. He will also check both team scorebooks
to make sure they agree and note in the scorebook the exact place when the
protest was declared.
5. The
manager must file a protest in writing to the Commissioner/Assistant
Commissioner within 48 hours after the game in question has been completed. The
filing must describe the protested incident and rule misinterpretation in
detail as well as the inning, number of outs, men on base, and player at bat or
coming up to bat.
6. There will be a “Protest Fee” of $25, which will be returned if the protest is upheld. If the League Commissioner/Assistant Commissioner cannot resolve the protest, he will refer the protest to the League Protest Committee.
6. There will be a “Protest Fee” of $25, which will be returned if the protest is upheld. If the League Commissioner/Assistant Commissioner cannot resolve the protest, he will refer the protest to the League Protest Committee.
7. A
Protest Committee will consist of managers not involved and the Commissioner
and Assistant Commissioner. The Commissioner and the Assistant Commissioner
will recluse themselves if their team(s) is involved. If the protest is upheld
the game will be played from the point of the protest, at some future date. *
*Noted 11/27/13 : The penalty for the use of an
“ineligible” player is a “forfeit.” Also, game(s) technically start with the
first pitch of the game(s), therefore should an ineligible player be identified
“before” the start of the game and resolved, the result would be “no forfeit.”
8. A protest may be "withdrawn" by
notifying the base umpire after the game ends.
9. Any
deviation of the procedure/process as stated above may result in the protest
not being honored.
The objective of
this code is to promote and ensure an enjoyable and favorable environment for
ALL players. Additionally, this code is to encourage a high standard of
practice by all players in their dealings and communications with other league
members.
The following activities are unacceptable and can lead
to suspension or expulsion:
·
Any communications intended to harass,
belittle, humiliate, threaten or cause embarrassment to a fellow player,
manager, coach, umpire or league official (1/19/15).
·
Statements that are bigoted, hateful or racially
offensive.
·
Any excessive use of language that is vulgar, obscene
or profane.
·
Threats or actions of physical harm by a player toward
another player, manager, coach, or umpire.
·
Conduct or behavior on or off the field
that is considered detrimental or injurious to our league, including any act of
malice. The severity of this conduct as determined by league management may
lead to immediate expulsion.
·
All league players, managers, umpires and league
officials’ personal information including email addresses, phone numbers and
home addresses may only be used for official league business and with the
approval of the RPBSSL Commissioner or BOD (1/19/15).
Guidelines and
Actions:
·
Managers shall inform and distribute the Code of
Conduct to all members of his team.
·
These guidelines will apply to all league members: (Players,
Managers, Coaches, and Umpires).
·
On first non-physical infraction, umpires or managers
will provide a verbal warning.
·
On 2nd occurrence, a 2-game suspension; on 3rd
occurrence, a 5-game suspension. Any subsequent occurrences shall lead to
suspension or expulsion from league for the complete year.
·
Any threats or actions of physical harm
shall lead to immediate suspension or expulsion.
Steps
in the warning system process above as well as game ejections may be
intensified or skipped at the Commissioner’s discretion (or the Asst
Commissioner in his absence). The Appeal Process:
For any penalty
issued, the alleged offender can appeal the action by providing a written
explanation to the League Commissioner. The matter will be reviewed by the RPBSSL
Board of Directors and a final resolution will be made in a timely manner.
I have read the
above and will abide by this code of conduct:
Signature:
_____________________________________
