Softball Rules

Barnabas Athletic Association

Softball Rules

Barnabas Athletic Association

General Rules & Supplemental Rules to the ASA rulebook

2010

All rules for softball from the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) rulebook apply to Barnabas Athletic Association (BAA) except as outlined in this document.

General:

The softball season begins on Saturday May 8, 2010.
The age groups are:
1. Mites Ages 6-8 4 Teams
2. Modified Ages 9-11 4 Teams
3. Juniors Ages 12-14 4 Teams
4. Seniors Ages 15-17(18) 4 Teams
Only designated coaches will run the team. Designated coaches will be present with their team at all times to ensure proper supervision and safety for their assigned team.
Practices are limited to the playing fields. As a common courtesy, coaches are urged to keep their practices to 1 hour if other coaches are waiting to use the field. Use of the parking lot or other venues for practice is strictly prohibited.
No jewelry is allowed. This includes starter earrings covered with a band-aid.
Since we are not an officially sanctioned ASA organization, there is no procedure to have official protests. Therefore you are not allowed to protest an in-house game. The decision of the Umpire and/or commissioner will be the final determination of any dispute.
All decisions by the Softball Commissioner (or his Assistants) regarding rules, application of rules or any other matters pertaining to softball are final.
If a Commissioner (or Assistant) is coaching a game, he/she may not make a ruling on that game.
Player rating sheets must be filled out completely and turned in no later than June 27, 2010.
All-Star selections and shirt sizes must be turned in to the Softball Commissioner by the last game on June 5^th.

The All-Star games are on Sunday June 27, 2010 at 6:00 P.M. All-Star selections are as follows:

Mites: 5 selections per team (2 or more females per team)
Modified 5 selections per team (2 or more females per team)
Juniors: 5 selections per team (2 or more females per team)
Seniors 5 selections per team (2 or more females per team)

Players must be properly registered with BAA for the current season to be eligible to participate in any games or practices.
Helmets must be worn during all batting practices.
Written authorization MUST be obtained from a player’s parent(s) in order for that player to participate in a higher division as a call-up player. The parent may place a “blanket” authorization with the Commissioner for the entire season, or may do so on a game by game basis. It is the responsibility of the older divisions coach to ensure a signed authorization is on file. A team playing a called-up player without prior written permission will automatically forfeit the game he/she has played in.
The telephone number for the snack stand is 685-9883.
Championship games and picnic are scheduled for Saturday July 17^{th, 2010}. The schedule (depending on weather) is:

Championship Games 10:00 AM
Picnic & Awards 12:00 PM

17. The home team, determined by a coin toss during the regular season, is responsible to turn in the box scores at the completion of each game.

18. Rainout games are made up as directed by the commissioner. Rain dates are scheduled on the game schedule and will be done so as soon as possible. Games are scheduled and played because they are fun to play and the parents / kids expect a certain amount of games during the season. The Commissioners will do everything possible to reschedule ALL games.

19. Equipment bags are to be returned to the commissioner immediately following the teams final game.

Conduct & Discipline:

20. Fighting and use of vulgar language from players, coaches and parents is strictly prohibited. Violation by players or coaches may result in ejection from that game and violation by parents may result in ejection from the playing field.

21. During the “heat of battle”, all players, coaches and parents are reminded to conduct themselves in a civil manner and refrain from making disparaging remarks about or to others.

22. Only Head Coaches may complain to the umpire(s). This means that the Assistant coaches, scorekeepers, players and fans are not allowed to place a complaint with the Umpire.

23. Umpires and Coaches are to keep non-players off of the benches during the games. This includes players from other teams or divisions. Only currently rostered players, coaches or scorekeepers are allowed on the benches.

24. Umpires and coaches are to attempt to keep the area behind the backstop clear from distractions.

25. Any ejection from a game shall result in an additional one-game suspension for the next played game from that player or coach’s team as follows:

Players must be present at the game served for the suspension, in uniform and on the bench. The coach must notify the opposing coach and the umpire at the captain’s meeting of the suspended player.
Coaches will be present at the field for the game served for the suspension, but will NOT be present at the bench or players area. The suspended coach will NOT participate in coaching the game other than to assist the Assistant or replacement coach in preparing the initial lineup.

Playoffs:

26. Tie breaker rules (in order of precedence):

Head to head competition
Total runs allowed against the tie breaker team
Record against other teams
Total runs allowed against all teams for the season in regular games
Coin toss

27. All teams in each division will meet in the playoffs

28. The playoff format will be according to the game schedule. Home team in all playoff games is the highest seeded team.

29. There will be no time limit on playoff games in the Modified, Junior and Senior divisions.

30. There will be a 2 hour time limit on playoff games in the Mite division.

The Game:

31. Switching of Players: Players are only allowed to switch positions at the beginning of innings, not during an inning. Pitchers may be switched once during an inning, but the replacement pitcher must finish out that current inning.

32. Shifting of Players: If a team is playing with 8 players, and only then, the coach of the team playing short may inform the umpire BEFORE the start of the game, which player (1 only) will be moving between positions, and which 2 positions that will be. Usually it will be a second baseman or shortstop shifting out to one of the 3 outfield positions. If playing with 9 or more players, the infield players must setup on the infield. On Diamonds 1 & 2, the infield is considered to be from the grass line in toward the plate. The outfield players must not set up within 10’ of the infield.

33. Game times are as per the Official Schedule. Game times and/or dates may never be rescheduled without the Softball Commissioner’s approval.

34. Game length will be 7 innings with a time limit of 1 hour 45 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes for the mites) beginning with the first pitch. No inning may begin after the 1:45 time limit (1:30 for the mites) unless there is a tie. No game will end in a tie. This time limit does NOT apply to post-season games. (see playoff section)

35. A 10 minute grace period is allowed from the scheduled or available starting time of the game (if the prior game extends beyond the next games starting time) in order that a team can acquire the required minimum number of players. If, after the 10 minute grace period, a team does not have the required minimum number of eligible players, a forfeit against the shorthanded team is declared by the umpire. The score shall be recorded as 7 to 0 in favor of the team that is not forfeiting.

36. The home team during the regular season is determined by a coin toss conducted by the umpire during the captain’s meeting. The home team during playoffs is the highest seeded team.

37. All players will wear the prescribed uniform, including league issued shirts and visors. Blue or Black baseball pants (white in the mites) must be worn. Sweat pants or any other pants are not to be worn. No other colors are allowed. During inclement or cold weather, a jacket is permitting (preferably under the uniform shirt). Socks must be worn, and must cover all exposed skin between the shoe and the pant.

38. There will be no altering of the uniforms.

39. Players arriving late must arrive prior to the last out of the 3^rd inning in order to be allowed to play. Late players must quickly and diligently be ready to play without any delay of the game, and will be inserted as the last batter in the batting order.

40. The infield fly rule is in effect for all divisions except the Mite division.

41. A no-crash rule, including home plate, is in effect for all age groups.

Any incident deemed to be inadvertent will result in an automatic out with all runners (except the player called out) returning to their last occupied base.
Any incident deemed to be intentional will result as in the penalty as in 29a. above and in addition, the offending player will be ejected from the game.

42. A no-contact rule is in effect for the senior division. (see Special Rules in the Senior Division rules)

43. There is no smoking on the field or team benches. Parents are not allowed on the field or bench during the game. Only authorized coaches and assistants should be behind the bench.

44. Batting

The premise of BAA Softball is to teach the players fielding and hitting. Coaches are not to make a blanket instruction to a player to not swing the bat.
Throwing of the bat is prohibited.

1. A first offense by either team will result in a warning to both teams.

2. Subsequent violations will result in an automatic out for the batter or batter-runner.

3. Throwing of the bat at another person or in anger is grounds for ejection from the game.

45. If a hit ball goes under or bounces over the fence, a ground rule double will be awarded.

46. The third baseman cannot set up past the leadoff line (6’) toward home, until contact has been made with the ball, even if the batter/runner squares around to bunt.

47. Double bases are used at first base (orange and white bag). The batter-runner should use the orange bag and the defensive player should use the white bag, for safety. Either bag may be used.

48. Injured Player: If a player is injured during a play, the umpire may call the play dead as soon as they aware of the injury. The Umpire will determine where each runner will be awarded based on His or Her opinion of where they would be if the play would have continued. The decision of the umpire if final and not open for discussion.

49. If a player is hurt/injured, they may sit out until feeling better. There is NOT an automatic out when their position comes up to bat. Rather, the batting order will just continue without that player until they can continue. Players may come back into the game when they feel better, but 1 full inning must have past.

50. Run-ahead rule:

If after 5 innings a team is 12 or more runs ahead, the run-ahead rule will be enforced and the game will be ended with the team ahead by 12 or more runs being recorded as the winning team.
The score at the time will be recorded as the official score.

51. Short handed play:

A team can play with a minimum of eight (8) players.
If a team starts a game with the minimum number of players and looses a player during that game (illness, injury or leaving the field), the team will be afforded a grace period as in rule 24. If the minimum number of players can not be fielded at the end of the grace period, then a forfeit is declared. If the team not at fault has scored more runs then the team at fault, the score will stand as the final. If the team not at fault has scored less runs than the team at fault, the team not at fault will be awarded as many runs as required to attain a 1 run lead over the team at fault and will then be recorded as the final score.
If a team starts a game with more than the minimum number of players and during the game looses a sufficient numbers of players (illness, injury or leaving the field) to be below the minimum number of required players, then the 15 minute rule shall be started by the umpire. If after the 15 minute period, the team can not call up or retain a minimum number of eligible players, then a forfeit is declared by the umpire.

52. The umpire is in charge of all matters relating to the game while on the field.

At no time will the Commissioner or his designee overrule or attempt to overrule an umpire in matters of judgment. If there is a disputed matter of a rule interpretation, the Commissioner may consult with the umpire to determine the proper ruling, however, the interpretation and application of the rule by the umpire is final.
When conditions are present which could cause serious injury or death to players, coaches or fans (i.e. dangerous weather conditions) the game shall be called by the umpire. If the 5 inning minimum has been played, it shall be determined a complete game. If 5 innings have not been completed, the game shall resume at the point of the interruption. The resumption of the game (Date and Time) shall be determined by the Softball Commissioner. The Commissioner or his designee may suspend a game, with the game to be resumed at a later date and time, but cannot “call” a game. That ability is only reserved for an Umpire.

53. Call-Ups

Teams may call up as many players as needed. If called up players are used in a game, the maximum amount of players on the field will be nine (9).

Players may only be allowed to move up one division. Players “called-up” should be of similar abilities as the player he/she is replacing. Called-Up players may only play the outfield, no matter what either coach wants. Called up players may bat anywhere in the lineup. If a regular team player shows up and is eligible to play (before the end of the 3^rd inning), they will replace the called up player in the lineup and the called up player will be removed from the game.

Responsibility for obtaining the written parental authorization is the older division coach who is utilizing the younger player. Permission slips are available in the snack stand or from the Commissioner.

*** If a coach calls up a player, and it is determined that the player did not have the proper written parental permission prior to the start of the game, the game the player played in will be forfeited.

In the mite division, call-ups would be made ONLY DURING POST-SEASON, from another team. Players “called-up” should be of similar abilities as the player he/she is replacing. Call-up players can only play the outfield but can bat anywhere in the lineup. The Commissioner of Softball has the final ruling on eligibility.

Pitching:

54. Pitchers will start each pitch with both feet touching the pitcher’s plate.

*Moderate Pitch - Pitchers may take one step toward the batter during delivery of the pitch and may drag the pivot foot during delivery.

*Slow Pitch - Pitchers may take one step toward the batter during delivery of the pitch, but must have one foot in approximate contact of the pitcher’s plate.

55. The umpire is the determiner of the adequacy of adherence to the moderate or slow pitch delivery and speed rules. His/her determination is final.

* Moderate pitching is to be a moderate speed. No fast pitching is allowed.

* Slow pitch requires a 6 – 12 foot arc on the delivery.

56. When a “no-pitch” is declared by the umpire, the ball is dead, regardless of the outcome.

57. When an “illegal” pitch is declared by the umpire, the batter may swing at and hit the ball. If the batter swings, the illegal pitch is nullified and all subsequent play is legal.

58. The pitcher will have possession of the ball and be inside the pitchers circle before the play is complete. This is in effect for the Modified, Junior and Senior divisions. In the Mite division, the play may be called complete when the attempt to get the ball back to the pitcher is made. However, only the Umpire can call the play complete.

* As per ASA.Rules. If a catcher catches a foul tip it is considered an out-no matter the height or strike count.

Special Rules for the Mite Division:

59. Coaches will pitch to their own team for the entire first game of the season. In the second game of the season, coaches will pitch the first three (3) innings only. Kids will pitch any innings past the third inning. In the third game of the season, coaches will pitch the first inning ONLY. Kids will pitch all innings past the first inning. From the fourth game on, ALL pitching will be done by the kids. Coaches will not pitch at all from the fourth game on.

60. When the coach is pitching, He/She will be pitching to their own players. When kids are pitching, they will be pitching to the opposing team.

61. There will be NO walks when the coach is pitching, but there will be walks when the kids are pitching.

62. Coaches cannot defend the hit at all. If any coach interferes with the defensive play, the umpire will award bases as he/she sees fit.

63. The coach will not be on the field when the kids are pitching.

64. Bases will be 55 feet.

65. Pitcher’s plate shall be 35 feet.

66. Pitching shall be moderate. Refer to the General section rules regarding pitching.

67. If pitchers are unable to reach the plate from the rubber, one step may be taken (Approximately 24”) toward the plate to begin their pitch. All pitching is to begin with both feet in approximate contact with the plate (or the imaginary rubber 24” in front of the actual rubber.)

68. Under no circumstance will a pitcher be allowed to begin any further toward the plate than the 24” (33’ from the plate)

69. Base runner lead-offs are not allowed. Runners may not leave the base until after the ball is contacted with the bat by the batter. If a runner violates this rule, the umpire shall call the runner out. There is no first warning for this rule.

70. All players shall play, with a minimum number required to conduct the game at 8 players.

71. The Infield Fly Rule IS NOT in Effect

72. There must be an equal number of male and female players in the infield.

73. Bunting is not allowed.

74. In the Mite division only, the playoff games and Championship games have been changed from a 7 inning game to a game with a 2 hour time limit. This change will allow the youth athletes to realize that there is more importance to these specific games, but still enable the coaches to keep the kids attention.

Special Rules for the Modified Division:

75. Bases will be 60 feet.

76. Pitcher’s plate shall be 40 feet.

77. Pitching shall be moderate. Refer to the General section rules regarding pitching.

78. Base runner lead-offs are allowed. Runners may leave the base after the ball is released on the delivery of the pitch by the pitcher. Lead-offs may be as far as the lead-off line and no further until after the ball is contacted with the bat by the batter. If a runner violates this rule, the umpire shall call the runner out. There is no first warning for this rule.

79. All players shall play, with a minimum number required to conduct the game at 8 players.

80. The Infield Fly rule IS in effect.

81. There must be at least three (3) female players in the infield.

82. Shrinking of the infield is not allowed.

83. Shrinking of the outfield is not allowed. A ten foot space is required between the infield and the outfield.

84. Bunting is allowed.

Special Rules for the Junior Division:

85. Bases will be 60 feet.

86. Pitcher’s plate shall be 40 feet.

87. Pitching shall be slow pitch. Refer to the General section rules regarding pitching.

88. Base runner lead-offs are allowed. Runners may leave the base after the ball is released on the delivery of the pitch by the pitcher. Lead-offs may be as far as the lead-off line and no further until after the ball is contacted with the bat by the batter. If a runner violates this rule, the umpire shall call the runner out. There is no first warning for this rule.

89. All players shall play, with a minimum number required to conduct the game at 8 players.

90. The Infield Fly rule IS in effect.

91. There must be at least three (3) female players in the infield.

92. Shrinking of the outfield is not allowed. A ten foot space is required between the infield and the outfield.

93. Bunting is allowed.

Special Rules for the Senior Division:

94. Bases will be 65 feet.

95. Pitcher’s plate shall be 50 feet.

96. Pitching shall be slow. Refer to the General section rules regarding pitching.

97. Base runner lead-offs are not allowed. Runners may not leave the base until after the ball is contacted with the bat by the batter. If a runner violates this rule, the umpire shall call the runner out. There is no first warning for this rule.

98. There shall be at least two (2) female players in the infield.

99. All players shall play, with a minimum number required to conduct the game at 8 players.

100. A no-contact rule, including home plate, is in effect for the Senior Division.

Any incident deemed to be inadvertent will result in an automatic out with all runners (except the player called out) returning to their last occupied base.
Any incident deemed to be intentional, with the exception of a normal slide, will result as in the penalty as in 29a above and in addition, the offending player will be ejected from the game (See Conduct & Discipline Section for further details). All calls will be at the umpire’s discretion.

101. Sliding is allowed, however, the no-contact rule is in effect.

102. Bunting is allowed.

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