Sunday, January 29, 2012

Replacement Players: Any player who is assigned as a permanent or temporary replacement player will play the game. If the replaced player shows up for the game without prior notification to his Mgr. and the Replacement Player Coordinator, he doesn’t play. (9/19/2011)
ROYAL PALM BEACH SENIOR SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES
REVISED AS OF NOVEMBER 18, 2011

ASA RULES - Current SSUSA, then 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.

THE GAME, THE ROSTER
1...All games will be nine (9) innings, except tie games, which will be decided in extra innings.
2...A team must have nine (9) players to start and to continue a game of which seven (7) must be roster players.
3...Forfeiture will occur if #2 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.
4...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 shall be resumed at the exact point where they were stopped. Games that are regulation tied games shall be resumed at the exact point where they were stopped.
5...A full team is defined as 11 players. A team must play with 11 players if replacement players are available.
6...If a team has less than a full playing team (11 players), the manager must notify the Commissioner (or his designee) at least 24 hours before the scheduled game. If replacement player(s) are available they will be assigned (see replacement players).
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...If opposing teams have less than a full team of 11 players that is 9 or 10 players, and all efforts has 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.
9...Team rosters will be frozen TEN games INTO the regular season. Therefore, no permanent replacement player will be assigned.

REPLACEMENT PLAYERS
1...The Commissioner (or his designee) 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). The replacement player provision in our rules is NON-PROTESTABLE.

2…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. (1/11/12)
3...If there is no bye team or there is no appropriate player available from either the bye team or substitute players, the opposing team’s manager shall provide player(s) of his choosing, if available. For example, if team A has 9 players and team B has 13 players; team B gives team A two (2) players. If necessary, replacement player(s) may be made available from other teams playing on that day. These players will come from the team with the most players. If teams have the same number of players, the replacement player will come from the team with the worst record. In addition, prior to the start of a game, if a team has 11 players, and the opposing team has 13 players, the opposing team may give one (1) player to the other team for competitive balancing. The same player can only be given to another team once per season. (This rule shall supersede THE GAME, THE ROSTER – Paragraph 5.)
4…A team with 11 players shall not provide a replacement player(s) to any team.

BATTING, BATTERS & PITCHING
1...4 balls and 3 strikes. If a foul ball occurs after strike two, the umpire will call the batter out (exception see screen rule #9.)
2...A batter is automatically out if 1st base is touched with bat in-hand.
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...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. A 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.
6...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.
7...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.

8...During the game, a player may receive one walk. 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 and the opposing manager of his intention before stepping into the batting box. Balls will not be called; however if the pitcher throws four (4) balls again, the umpire will warn both the pitcher and manager that if four (4) balls are thrown without a strike, the pitcher will be removed and replaced by another player. If a pitcher is removed for not throwing a strike to a specific batter, he can return as the pitcher when the batter has completed his at bat.

9...A pitching screen must be used. It must be positioned for protection of the pitcher and physically located within three (3) feet in front of the designated pitching rubber. It must also be positioned no more than eleven (11) inches to the left or right of the rubber.  A pitcher must start his pitch within three (3) feet from the back of the rubber.

10…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. In the process of fielding, if the ball hits the screen the ball remain in play until the umpire calls time-out.
11...Any intentional bat throwing may result in a player being ejected from the game.
12…All SSUSA approved softball bats will be accepted, unless specifically denied by league officials.

BASE RUNNING & RUNNERS
1...There will be two first bases. The additional (outside) first base, which is positioned in foul territory, will be adjacent to the original first base located in the playing field. A batter who is running towards first base must touch the outside first base for all balls that do not reach the outfield; otherwise, the umpire will call the batter out unless touching the white bag was to avoid a collision.
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 below), the umpire will call the runner safe. If the 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. 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.
3...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.
4...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 can only run once per inning, and the replaced runner cannot return as a courtesy runner during the same inning. You cannot be a courtesy runner if you are not on the game’s roster.
5...A courtesy runner is officially in the game upon touching the base. If a courtesy runner is illegally inserted into the game, 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.
6...Sliding is permitted for all bases. However, if a runner is clearly forced out at a base, the runner must veer away from the play in progress. If, in the umpire’s judgment, interference occurs the umpire can call both the runner and the batter out.
7...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.
8...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.

9…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. (3/4/10)



MERCY RULE
1...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.

2...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.

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 and bat (EH) during the entire game.
3...A manager may assign one player as a Designated Hitter (DH) when a roster consists of fourteen (14) players. The DH is not required to play in the field.
4...If a player is injured or ill during a game an EH may replace the injured player in the field.
5...If a player is seriously injured or ill, a replacement player (less comparable) will be assigned (if available) after a four (4) game waiting period. When a player returns from an injury, the replacement player is removed from the roster.  A 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.


6…If the injured or ill roster player returns without notifying the manager, the replacement player will remain on the roster for that game day only. Afterwards, the initial roster player will be activated, and the replacement player removed from the roster.
7...If a team is assigned a replacement player(s) and a roster player shows up unexpectedly at game time, both players will be placed on the roster for that game day.
8...If a player resigns from the league, a replacement player of equal or lesser equivalence will be assigned (if available) as soon as possible.
9...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.
10...Player trades may be made, with the Commissioner’s approval, until January 1st for winter league and June 15th for summer league. Players traded will assume the vacated draft position of their current team.
11…An ejected player must leave the field and surrounding areas.
12...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.
13...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 the altercation.
14...All league participants must sign waiver forms.

15…Non-league participants are NOT allowed in the dugout, on the field as coaches or to umpire. This must be enforced by all managers.

16…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.

GAME TIMES, UMPIRES, PROTESTS AND FORFEITS
1...Games will start at a time determined by the Board when the schedules are prepared. Forfeit time will be 15 minutes after the start time.

2...A team must have a minimum of 9 players to start a game including a player (or more) as provided by the Assistant Commissioner or by the opposing team (refer to “Definition of Whole Team”); otherwise, the game is forfeited.
3...The home team manager is responsible to notify the umpire within forty-five minutes of start time of game cancellation. The umpire will not be paid if properly notified ahead of time.
4...If an 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.
5...Managers will exchange lineups at home plate five (5) minutes before game time. At this time ground rules will be explained and the umpires will be paid. All roster players must be accounted for at this time.
6...A roster player 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.

7...A protest must be submitted by the manager, in writing, to the Commissioner within 72 hours after the game in question has been completed. There will be a “Protest Fee” of $25, which will be returned if the protest is upheld. 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. Note: The replacement player provision in our rules is NON-PROTESTABLE.

8...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.
9...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.
10...A decision made by the non-paid umpires may be reversed if the two managers agree to the change.

EQUIPMENT
1...The league will supply managers with new balls for each game.
2...The home team manager shall supply a new ball.
3...Managers (or their designees) are responsible for removing the home plate (board or mat), the scoring home plate and extra first base, and the pitcher’s screen and return them to the proper area.

SCORES AND MAKE-UP GAMES
1...The winning manager (or designee) is responsible to report the final score via email or by telephone to Wayne Lotoza on the day the game was completed. (WayneSoFl@aol.com) or (561-499-4155). The scores as well as the standings will be posted on the website (www.rpbssl.blogspot.com).
2...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. Game time for double headers will start at 9:00 a.m.

PLAYOFFS
1...All team rosters will be frozen TEN (10) games prior to the end of the regular season. The Commissioner will establish the date of when the first playoff games will begin.
2...The playoff format will be determined by the Board at the time the schedule is published.

3...During playoffs, all roster players must play, unless a roster player is injured, ill or justifiably unavailable.
4...No permanent replacement player(s) will be assigned during playoffs.
5...A manager must request a replacement player or players if the team has less than a full roster.   The method used for assigning the replacement player(s) will be:

When possible the player(s) will be replaced with a similar draft position.  If more than one player with draft position 1 thru 10 are missing, and all positions cannot be filled, the average of the missing players will be used.  If a team is missing any of the last three round picks they must be replaced with the same draft position if possible.

If more then one team needs the same draft number, and only one player with that standing is available, the team that requests a player first will get that player and any team after that requesting a similar draft position will receive a larger number position as close to the requested position as possible. (This rule shall supersede THE GAME, THE ROSTER – Paragraph 5.)
6... 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.

7…The Commissioner or his designee will assign all replacement players.

MANAGERS – 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.  No gentlemen’s agreements between managers that are contrary to the league rules are permitted.

RULES HAVE BEEN UPDATED AS OF  NOVEMBER 18, 2011























ROYAL PALM SENIOR SOFTBALL

CODE OF CONDUCT



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 or umpire.

·      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.



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, 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.



The Appeal Process:

For any penalty issued, the alleged offender can appeal the action by providing a written explanation to league President. The RPBGOLD Board of Directors will review the matter and make a final resolution.



I have read the above and will abide by this code of conduct:

_______________________________________ Date: _________________________