GIRLS SOFTBALL SEASON & PLAYOFF BULLETIN. CHSAA SOFTBALL INFORMATION:

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1 GIRLS SOFTBALL SEASON & PLAYOFF BULLETIN CHSAA SOFTBALL INFORMATION: Important Reminders: All helmets must have NOCSAE approved face mask / guard Competition may begin August 15 No 5-day practice required in softball. Scrimmages may be held immediately. Rosters and Game-by-Game results reporting instructions Games can end with 10 run rule after 5 innings, or 15 after 4, or 20 after 3. NOTE: Please consult the NFHS Sports Medicine Handbook for Specific information on Softball injuries. CHSAA CONTACT: RULES INTERPRETER: Bud Ozzello Glenda Bates bozzello@chsaa.org softballcolo@gmail.com

2 Seeking Excellence in Academics, Activities and Athletics E. 2nd Ave. Aurora, CO (303) Fax (303) August 2014 Dear Softball Athletic Director and Coach: The Colorado High School Activities Association would like to welcome you to the 28 th fall season of interscholastic girls softball competition. We are excited that our CHSAA softball community is preparing for another successful season. Our online Bulletin is developed to offer informational guidelines, rules, and bylaws that will enable you to share with student athletes, school personnel, fans and the public. The published file is separated into easy to read sections and it is our hope that with this format, this document becomes an integral part of your season and is beneficial when referencing relevant items. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO BECOME ACQUANTED WITH OUR ONLINE DOCUMENT Enclosed you will find the general policies that will be in effect during the 2014 regular and post-season games, along with a summary of the CHSAA and National Federation Rule changes. Important Regional and State Playoff procedures and formats that have been written by the Softball Committee and approved by the Legislative Council are contained in a separate section. Please check your school calendar and meet with your administration, players and coaches about special holidays, homecoming events, SAT, ACT and PSAT testing dates, etc. By notifying them of possible conflicts of calendar dates, you will be able to help avoid potential scheduling problems. Note: The CHSAA cannot change the playoff dates approved by the Legislative Council to accommodate any of the types of conflicts. We will again enjoy the atmosphere of the State Softball Tournament scheduled to be played at the Aurora Sports Park. The Softball Committee has worked diligently on behalf of all teams to provide a fair and equitable format for the 2014 season and this site only enhances the experience for all student athletes, coaches and fans. The principal and/or athletic director can answer most questions you might have in regards to our upcoming season. If they are unable to do so, do not hesitate to contact me by at bozzello@chsaa.org or our Administrative Assistant Audra Cathy at acathy@chsaa.org. Best wishes on a successful season and thank you for your contribution to high school activities and the support of Colorado s student athletes. Sincerely, Bud Ozzello Assistant Commissioner

3 CHSAA Softball Committee Information Softball Calendar Important Season Reminders Colorado Softball State Champions Regular Season Game Management Reminders

4 MAJOR BY-LAW CHANGES SPECIALIZED SPORTS TRAINING SCHOOLS -- Administrative & General By-laws, Article 6, Rule page CLASSIFICATIONS -- Administrative & General By-laws, Article 15, Rule Page WRESTLING CLASSIFICATIONS MODIFIED DIFFERENT THAN ALL OTHER SPORTS -- Administrative & General By-laws, Article 15, Rule page HAZING REPORTING AND DOCUMENTATION -- Administrative & General By-laws, Article 17, Rule page SCRIMMAGE DATES -- Administrative & General By-laws, Article 23, Rule page FALL SPORTS SEASONS MOVED UP ONE WEEK -- Administrative & General By-laws, Article 31, Article 32, Article 33, Article 35, Article 39, Article 41, Article pages 116, 120, 123, 124, INCREASED NUMBER OF QUARTERS/HALFS (FIELD HOCKEY, LACROSSE AND SOCCER) -- Administrative & General By-laws, Article 32, Rule page Administrative & General By-laws, Article 37, Rule page Administrative & General By-laws, Article 39, Rule page SPEECH AWARDS -- Administrative & General By-laws, Article 48, Rule page 136 MAJOR COMMITTEE REPORT CHANGES 9. BASKETBALL COMMITTEE REPORT Teams Qualify to State in 4A Basketball 10. TRACK & FIELD COMMITTEE REPORT -- Track Qualifying Meets allows a school to send a team to only one meet in week 12

5 MAJOR CHANGES FROM LAST YEAR S COMMITTEEE REPORT: A. The 3A Classification is reducing the number of Regional Qualifiers to 18 teams. B. The 3A Regional/State Tournament will be seeded according to the information documented in the 3A Playoff Bracket information contained within this report. C. The 3A Classification will utilize the criteria of the Regional Champions (6) are guaranteed to receive a seed of numbers 1-6 for the State Tournament. D. Defined the 4A/5A Regional and State Tournament seeding procedures SOFTBALL COMMITTEE Kelley Eichman, Chair, Fountain Ft.-Carson ( ) Bruce Wright, Highlands Ranch (2015) Todd Potestio, Brighton (2015) Ken Howell, Roosevelt (2016) LeRoy Lopez, Abraham Lincoln (2016) Leslie DiLorenzo, Gunnison (2016) Tanya Ramsey, Discovery Canyon (2016) Craig Lyle, Vista Peak (2017) Steve Longwell, Eaton (2017) Date of Committee Meeting: 9:00 AM, November 20, 2015 CHSAA office. How to get recommended for a committee: Contact your league president or Legislative Council Representative in February and request to be nominated. From nominations received, the CHSAA Staff makes the selections based on balance of classifications, geographical regions, and other areas to help balance representation SOFTBALL CALENDAR August First formal practice August First contest October SAT Test Date October 4... Regular season games must be completed October 4... Roster/game-by-game form due to CHSAA October 5.CHSAA Regional Pairings Committee Meeting October A/4A/5A Regional Tournaments October Deadline for reporting STATE qualifiers to CHSAA October CHSAA State Pairing Committee Meeting (CHSAA Office) October A/4A/5A State Tournament, Aurora Sports Park, Aurora

6 Colorado Softball Champions 1987 Uncl Boulder 1988 Uncl Boulder 1989 Uncl Fruita Monument A-5A Green Mountain 6A Boulder A-5A Poudre 6A Boulder A-5A Douglas County 6A Arvada West A-5A Ponderosa 6A Gateway A-5A Pueblo South 6A Arvada West A Pueblo County 5A Arvada West A Mullen 5A Arvada West A Lakewood 5A Chatfield A Erie 4A Lakewood 5A Fort Collins A La Junta 4A Mullen 5A Arvada West A Erie 4A Pueblo South 5A Arvada West A Erie 4A Mullen 5A Dakota Ridge A Erie 4A Ralston Valley 5A Wheat Ridge A Erie 4A Conifer 5A Wheat Ridge A Erie 4A Pueblo West 5A Loveland A Erie 4A Pueblo West 5A Eaglecrest A Holy Family 4A Windsor 5A Rocky Mtn A Erie 4A Ralston Valley 5A Legacy A Erie 4A Wheat Ridge 5A Legacy A Erie 4A Wheat Ridge 5A Legacy A Valley 4A Erie 5A Legacy A Valley 4A Wheat Ridge 5A Legacy A Strasburg 4A Pueblo East 5A Loveland A Strasburg 4A Wheat Ridge 5A Legacy

7 MAXIMUM TEAM CONTESTS No member school shall permit any of its softball teams to participate in more than 19 games, exclusive of regional and state contests. MAXIMUM INNINGS INDIVIDUAL No individual may participate in more than 143 innings, exclusive of games extended because of ties, and exclusive of games in qualifying or state championship tournaments. Exception: A student may participate in a maximum of 157 innings provided she competes in no more than 129 innings at any one level (Varsity, JV, Sophomore, etc.)

8 Officials CHSAA REGULAR SEASON GAME MANAGEMENT REMINDERS Dressing Room - Restrictions/Supplies. Where possible the official s dressing room should be located in an area with the most direct access to the playing field and or court. The officials dressing room shall be used as a changing area for game officials only. No other individuals shall have access to this area for any purposes unless they can be identified as game management, CHSAA personnel, and/or the officiating observer. The room shall be stocked with water. It is recommended that a sign be placed on the door the states: Officials Dressing Room. No admittance per CHSAA. It is also only recommended that soft drinks and/or isotonic beverages be made available. Security - It is the responsibility of game management to provide security escort for game officials to and from the playing field or court. If possible, the officials should be escorted to the parking lot. Arrival at Site - Game officials are required to arrive at the game site per their officiating association s policy. If an official arrives at the game site within 15 minutes of the start of the game, game management should contact the CHSAA office after the game. Communication with Officials - Except for contact as is necessary by game management all others are prohibited from talking to the officials before, during, at halftime or after games concerning matters related to the game. Officials are asked to report any such violations to the CHSAA office. Coaches Sporting Behavior Cards - The Officials shall provide each varsity coach with a business size card with their sports officiating association s sportsmanship statement. This card, which also contains the names of the officiating crew, shall be presented at time that is designated by that sports pre-game procedure. Both opposing coaches are asked to evaluate the crew of officials after each game. Click on the coaches tab at the chsaa.org site to find the convenient interactive link. An evaluation can also be done through the Arbiter Sports website ( This is very important for the selection of post season umpires. Introduction of Starting Lineups - Leagues shall create a standard introduction-of-teams procedure. For interleague play, the visiting coach should be contacted prior to the day of the game to get agreement on the use of the home team s introduction procedure. CHEER FOR YOUR TEAM, NOT AGAINST THE OPPONENT Softball Specific Sportsmanship Items Noisemakers are prohibited in the dugouts, including shakers, cowbells and anything that is prohibited in the stands; Over the past several seasons, a disturbing trend has emerged in softball. Teams have taken up the habits of cheering for their teammate at bat in such a raucous manner as to disrupt the opposing team s pitcher. In some cases, this appears to be a rehearsed action and only occurs when the pitcher is in her windup. This attempted disruption whether intentional or unintentional is not acceptable and will be addressed by game management should it become apparent that activities of this type are being employed; Any kind of taunting is prohibited by rule and umpires continue to be responsible for what they deem to be taunting and/or enticing an illegal pitch.

9 NFHS 2014 NFHS Softball Rule Changes 2014 NFHS Major Editorial Changes 2014 NFHS Points of Emphasis 2014 NFHS Softball Rules Interpretations Colorado State Rule Adoptions NFHS Playing Rules Website for list of CHSAA/NFHS/ASA approved Bats NFHS Hit by Pitch Press Release

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13 1-2-1 Note: A double first base is NOT permitted. COLORADO STATE RULE ADOPTIONS Note: 1. Speed up rule. If, after five complete innings of play, a team is ahead by 10 runs the game will be declared official. If, after 4-1/2 innings of play, the home team is ahead by 10 runs, the game will be declared official. (15-runs after 4, 20 runs after 3) Protests are not allowed b The umpire considers the weather or ground conditions unfit for play. Note: After 30 minutes, the umpire may declare the game suspended. The game will resume and continue from the point of interruption. NATIONAL FEDERATION PLAYING RULES All games -- regular season through playoffs -- shall be played under National Federation and CHSAA rules. Please be aware that neither a league nor competing schools have the authority to modify rules. BENCH AND FIELD CONDUCT Please emphasize this information to your coaches and players. This will help alleviate some of the pressure put on umpires. (N.F. Rule 3 Section 6 Articles 1-20, page 37 in rulebook.) REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULING Schools are responsible for their own schedules during the season. SHORTENED CONTESTS In regular season tournaments, regional and state play: 1. If, after 1-½ hours of play, a team has a 10-run lead, no new inning will begin and the game will be declared official regardless of how many innings have been played. 2. If, after five complete innings of play, a team is ahead by 10 runs the game will be declared official. If, after 4-½ innings of play, the home team is ahead by 10 runs, the game will be declared official. (15-runs after 4, 20 after 3) 3. We do not use international tie breakers in high school softball. NOTE: Regular season tournaments may elect to use a 1-½ hour time limit without the 10-run difference. CHSAA/NFHS approved bat list can be found on the following website:

14 Hit By Pitch Procedure Revised in High School Softball FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Theresia Wynns INDIANAPOLIS, IN Batters in high school softball no longer will have to make an attempt to avoid being hit by a pitch in order to be awarded first base. This revision to Rule was one of four rules changes approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball Rules Committee at its June meeting in Indianapolis. All rules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors. A batter will be awarded first base if a pitched ball is entirely within the batter s box and it strikes the batter or her clothing. No attempt to avoid being hit by the pitch is required; however, the batter may not obviously try to get hit by the pitch. Theresia Wynns, NFHS director of sports and official s education and staff liaison for softball, said this rules change clears up the gray area of whether the batter made an attempt to get out of the way of the pitch.

15 Since a batter is penalized for prohibiting a pitch from entering the strike zone, the committee thought there should be a penalty when the pitcher hits a batter when the pitch is completely inside the batter s box, Wynns said. In Rule 6-1, the committee approved the following exceptions to the penalty for an illegal pitch: 1) If the batter reaches first base safely and each other runner advances at least one base, the illegal pitch is nullified. All action stands and the illegal pitch is canceled. 2) If the batter does not reach first base safely or if any base runner fails to advance at least one base, the coach of the team at bat shall have the option of the result of the play or the penalty of the illegal pitch. 3) If the batter is hit by an illegal pitch out of the strike zone, the batter is awarded first base and each base runner is awarded one base. 4) If ball four is an illegal pitch, the batter is awarded first base and each base runner is awarded one base. A change was approved by the Softball Rules Committee regarding the color of gloves/mitts. As a follow-up to the change last year that required the color of all softballs to be optic yellow, the committee revised language in Rule to state that gloves/mitts must not be entirely optic yellow or have that color of marking on the inside or outside of gloves/mitts that would give the appearance of the ball. The final rules change was Rule , which will allow stopwatches to be used in the coach s box. A complete listing of all rules changes approved by the committee is available on the NFHS Web site at Click on Athletics & Fine Arts Activities on the home page, and select Softball. Fast-pitch softball is the fourth-most popular sport for girls at the high school level, according to the NFHS Athletics Participation Survey, with 373,535 participants

16 nationwide. The sport ranks fourth in school sponsorship with 15,338 schools sponsoring the sport.

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19 OFFICIALS Letter from the CHSSUA President Use of Registered Officials CHSAA Rate Your Contest Official CHSAA Regional/State Softball Umpire Playoff Voting Information

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22 USE OF REGISTERED OFFICIALS All CHSAA member schools must use only officials registered with the CHSAA for all varsity and junior varsity contests (strongly recommended for sub-junior varsity contests). All registered officials receive a registration card each year, with their names appearing in the official softball directory. Both of these lists are mailed to all member schools. In circumstances in which registered officials are not available, permission to use nonregistered officials must be received from the CHSAA. The CHSAA office and members of the CHSSUA stand ready to aid you in obtaining competent officials for your games. Both organizations are also always on the alert for new officials. If you have a high school student in the senior class, who expresses an interest in officiating and who appears to have the desirable qualifications, encourage him or her to become a registered official by calling Tom Robinson or Monica Tillman at the CHSAA Officials Office Neither the program, the players nor the development of quality officials, benefit from the use of unqualified officials. Make every effort to use registered officials. Officials Fees for 2014 (As adopted by the CHSAA Legislative Council) VARSITY (2 umpires) $55.00 SUB-VARSITY (2 umpires).. $41.00 VARSITY (3 umpires). $47.50 SUB-VARSITY (3 umpires).. $35.50 VARSITY DOUBLEHEADER... $ SUB-VARSITY DOUBLEHEADER (7-7).... $ Mileage 40 cents per mile. Exception see note 1 that follows: Note 1: The Confluence (except Campion); The 5280 (except Gilpin County); The Colorado 7(except Fort Lupton, Elizabeth, Fort Morgan, Weld Central); The Jefferson County (except Conifer & Evergreen), Denver, Continental, East Metro, Front Range (except Fort Collins, Loveland, Poudre and Rocky Mountain), Frontier (except Bennett, Clear Creek, Lake County, Middle Park and Platte Canyon), Metropolitan, and Centennial leagues and Broomfield, Denver Academy, Denver Christian, and Valor will not pay mileage between league cities, but will pay a mileage travel stipend of $2 to each official between league cities per day of assignments. Colorado Springs schools will pay mileage travel stipend of $2 per day of assignments to officials selected from the Colorado Springs Officials Association. An official that is assigned to two or more contests at a given site on the same day shall be paid one travel stipend or reimbursement. 2. Only ONE driver will be paid the mileage reimbursement for each contest. It will be paid to the official on the crew who travels the farthest. Issues with multiple drivers must be solved between the officials and the assignor prior to the game. 3. In lieu of per diem, a rider fee of $10 is paid to officials, non-drivers only, who are riding on trips of 75 miles or more one-way. 4. It is recommended that, during the regular season only, assigners assign officials to a contest whose travel miles to a school is less than or equal to 75 miles round trip, thus resulting in a payment of no more than $30 for travel. If an official travels miles more than 75 miles round trip the official should be paid at the $.40/mile rate as listed above unless other arrangements are made with the officials by the school. Some suggestions on the employment of officials: a. Mutually agree on acceptable officials within your league or with each individual school. b. Attempt to employ these officials early. (Officials in some geographical areas are not permitted to accept contracts until after the assignment meetings are over.) c. Attend your area assignment meeting. d. Do not hire officials who actively seek games or who are unethical in other ways. e. Have a written agreement with each official. Contract forms for this purpose are available from the

23 CHSAA. f. Pay them promptly, preferably before the game. g. Keep good records on all officials!! From these records you may wish to re-employ in future years. h. Report immediately to the CHSAA Office any conduct on the official's part which is in violation of the officials' code of ethics (check the softball officials' directory). i. In an emergency, contact the area director (check the softball officials' directory). He/She can help you secure an official. j. Live up to your contract with the official. Do not attempt to "remove" him/her after a controversial ball game. k. Use a variety of officials. It is inappropriate for the official and inappropriate for the school to use the same official over and over again. Usually, two times a season is more than enough. l. Make officials feel that they've stepped into a quality softball program. Have a person greet the officials upon their arrival. Provide a clean, secure room for their pre-game conference, if possible. m. If a game is suspended and new umpires are assigned when the game resumes, those new umpires should receive a full game fee. If a game is suspended and the same umpires return to complete the game, a game fee can be negotiated up to a full fee. A school may be expected to pay full game fees to two different officiating crews when a game is suspended. CHSSUA "NO SHOW" POLICY If an official fails to attend an assignment, the following steps will be taken: A. The offending official must write a letter of explanation regarding the instance to the local area director within one (1) week of the offense. B. The Area director will conduct internal investigations and will determine the status of the violation. 1. Valid explanation/reason, no consequences. Letter of apology suggested to be written by official to CHSSUA and forwarded to offended schools. 2. First offense ½ game fee paid to CHSSUA for reimbursement to official s payer to offset ½ game fee paid to other assigned official. 3. Second offense Full game fee paid to CHSSUA of which ½ game is for reimbursement to official s payer and ½ for CHSSUA for recruitment budget. C. Member subject to By-laws of CHSSUA, Article V, and Section 2 grounds for discipline. GOOD FAITH RULE POSTPONEMENTS: Umpires who have not been notified of the postponement before leaving for the game site, or if the postponement occurs after arriving at the game site, should receive 50% of the game(s) fee plus any allowable travel expense; or Umpires who are notified of the postponement in adequate time can expect no remuneration but should expect to have first opportunity to umpire make-up game(s). SUSPENDED GAMES: Suspended game pay is to be worked out between the schools and the umpires.

24 2014 Regional/State Softball Umpires Playoff Voting Information Three weeks prior to the end of the season look for notification regarding umpire voting instructions for the 2014 playoffs. This is your opportunity to vote for the umpire you will see in the playoffs. Please take a moment to vote for the best umpires. Neutrality Priority When Assigning Officials to in Post Season/Travel Cost an Impact Every effort will be made to cut the travel cost when assigning officials in the post season though the priority of assigning will be to maintain neutrality. In general, if two teams are competing from different areas of the state, the officials will not be assigned from either of the areas of the competing teams. However if the teams are from the same area, the officials could be assigned from the same area or any combination of areas. Below is the legend for area softball officials and a couple of examples: Areas: 1 Denver; 2 Boulder/Longmont; 3 Northern (Greeley/Fort Collins); 4 Northeast; 5 Colorado Springs (inc. Canon City); 6 Pueblo (inc. southeastern Colorado); 7 Western Slope; 8 La Junta Example 1: If Pine Creek from Colorado Springs is playing Highlands Ranch from the metro Denver area, the officials will be selected from any of the other areas. Therefore a crew from Grand Junction, which is from the Western Slope, could be selected whether the game is played at Highlands Ranch or Pine Creek. Some Exceptions to the Rule If George Washington from Denver plays Fairview from Boulder, the officials could be selected from any area. If this is high profile semi-final game the three officials may be selected from three different areas or any combination of areas. This would be true if the two teams were from Durango and Fort Collins. The concept of mixed crews is important in softball where the teams come from all areas of the state. In many cases it is simpler to ensure neutrality by having umpires from two or three different areas of the state on a game. Following these guidelines, a school can determine on its own from which area playoff officials could be assigned.

25 CHSAA Post-Season Regional and State Tournament Information Playoff Host Responsibilities Regional and State Softball Pairing Criteria 3A, 4A, 5A Qualifying Format and Conference Assignments 3A, 4A, 5A Regional & State Brackets Regional Sites Post Season Policies Gate List Information Sample Line-Up Card State Tournament Information (Directions, Dates & Ticket Prices)

26 REGIONAL AND STATE TOURNAMENT INFORMATION OUTSIDE COMPETITION Players certified to participate as members of any high school sport may not compete on any other team or in any nonschool activity or event in that sport during that sports season without written permission of the principal. CHSAA Form 24 EXCEPTION: The sports season ends for a member of a high school athletic team on the day following the completion of his or her school s competition at the level at which the student competes. PRACTICE ON REGIONAL AND STATE TOURNAMENT SITE Schools will not be permitted to practice or play at the regional/state site. (Teams that normally practice and/or play on these sites are exempt from this policy.) ROSTERS Each team is limited to an 18-player roster during the regional and state tournaments with a 25 person limit in the dugout area. Rosters, team photos and results for 3A, 4A, 5A schools must be received at the CHSAA by Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 8:00 PM; This is necessary for regional pairing purposes and for programs. (See CHSAA website for entering this information on online.) SCHOOLS MUST ALSO SUBMIT A COPY OF THE TEAM GATE LIST TO THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR ADMITTANCE PURPOSES. An injury or illness of a player does not entitle a school to add an additional player to its roster after the roster is submitted for the first game of the tournament (regional or state). A player may be replaced on the roster after each level s tournament has been completed. OFFICIAL BALL Wilson Sporting Goods, through the CHSAA, will provide the tournament game balls for the regional/state tournaments. (Substitute softballs cannot be used) It is strongly encouraged for schools to use the A9011BSST official ball in the regular season. HOME TEAM The committee determined the higher seeded team on the Regional through the State Championship bracket game will be referred to as the home team and will have the last at bat. The home team will occupy the third base dugout. DUGOUTS The home team shall use the 3rd base dugout and the visitors the 1st base dugout. LINE-UP CARDS A sample line-up card can be found within this bulletin. Please feel free to make copies. NOTE: The Coach is responsible for correctly proving accurate line-ups and lists of subs. (3-1-3, 3-1-1)) A. On lines 1 through 9 or 10 (if using a DH/ flex and /or ED), list your starters. B. List the remaining substitutes on lines 9 or 10 through 18. C. The designated player and the player for whom she is batting need to be bracketed together. D. List the first initial, last name, jersey number, position and batting order of each starter. E. List the first initial, last name, jersey number, position and batting order of each eligible substitute. OFFICIAL SCOREBOOK The official SCOREBOOK shall be kept by an official scorekeeper designated by the tournament director. The official scorer's rulings on hits and errors shall be final. INFIELD PRACTICE A maximum 10-minute infield/outfield practice is available to each team prior to each regional and state game. The home team will warm-up first. If one team does not want to use the warm-up period, the other team is still limited to 10 minutes. Places to warm-up prior to game time will be designated by the tournament director. REST BETWEEN GAMES A thirty (30) minute break between games may be requested by the team that is playing back-to-back games. Warm-ups for the next game would then begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of the previous game.

27 FIELD MAINTENANCE The 1st and 3rd base lines, batter's box and pitching area should be touched up between games. If media are allowed on the field, then an area must be designated. That area becomes a dead ball area if it is occupied. HUSTLE IN, HUSTLE OUT The tournament format dictates the need for games to move at a fast, efficient pace. Umpires will be instructed to limit the time between innings. We ask the coaches to help us with this important aspect of the tournament. Fast-paced games played by hustling teams will do a great deal to promote softball as the wonderful spectator sport that it is. At the beginning of each inning or when a pitcher enters the game in relief, no more than one minute may be used to deliver no more than five balls to the catcher or other teammate. NOTE: Each team should notify the umpire, prior to the start of the game, of its intention to use the courtesy runner option. NATIONAL ANTHEM & PLAYER INTRODUCTIONS The National Anthem will be played prior to the first games of the day at the regional and state tournaments. (If the National Anthem is not available, the Pledge of Allegiance will be recited). All players should be introduced prior to the first round games each day. For the championship games, players will be introduced as they take the field and come to bat. The visiting team will be introduced first in descending order from the line-up card (substitutes first) and shall line up along the first baseline, starting at home plate and filling in the space toward first base. The coaches will be introduced after the players and should also line up. Players will face the crowd as they stand along the line. The home team will be introduced in a like manner and will line up on the 3rd base line. POSTPONED GAMES The tournament director and grounds crew shall decide whether the grounds and conditions are suitable for starting the game. After the game starts, the umpires and grounds crew will determine whether conditions are suitable for play. ENDING A GAME National Federation Rule 4, Section 2, Articles 1-6 (page 41): ART. 1: A game ends when the team behind in score has completed its turn at bat in the seventh inning or in any extra inning. If the home team scores a go ahead run in the bottom of the seventh inning or in any extra inning, the game is terminated at that point. ART. 2: If a game ends because weather conditions, or darkness interferes with play so that the game is called (ended) by the umpire, it is a regulation game provided: (a) Five full innings have been played; or if the home team has scored an equal or greater number of runs in four or four and a fraction turns at bat than the visiting team has scored in five turns; or (b) Play has gone beyond five full innings and is called when the teams have not had an equal number of completed turns at bat. The score shall be the same as it was at the end of the last completed inning; unless the home team, in its half of the incomplete inning, scores a run (or runs) which equals or exceeds the opponent's score, in which case, the final score shall be as recorded when the game is called. ART. 3: A state association may adopt game-ending procedures that determine how games are ended, including suspended games. However, if a state association does not adopt game-ending procedures, by mutual agreement of the opposing coaches and the umpire-in-chief, any remaining play may be shortened at any time or the game terminated. Examples of situations where games may be shortened are listed below, but are not all-inclusive. (a) 15 runs after 3 innings or 10 runs after 5 innings (Colorado is 10 after 5, 15 after 4, 20 after 3) (b) 1 1/2 hour time limit or other time limit if a public park is used (League Option) (c) Game is terminated prior to three innings if one team is leading by a substantial margin (d) Emergency Note 1: If a state association has adopted game-ending procedures, only those game-ending procedures may be used should the opposing coaches wish to terminate a game. Note 2: By state association adoption, the number of innings for one or both games in a doubleheader may be scheduled for five innings. Current state association game-ending procedures still apply. ART. 4: If a game is called before completion of the number of innings and conditions as specified in 4-2-2, the umpire shall declare the contest no game unless play is terminated by

28 ART. 5: If a regulation called game has a tie score when ended as in 4-2-2, it is a tie game unless the state association has any prescribed game-ending procedures. Batting and fielding records are counted, but the game is not counted in computing percentages of games won and lost. ART. 6: By state association adoption, the tie-breaker procedure may be instituted at a point in the game specified by the state association. No International tie breakers are used in Colorado High School Softball, expect in sub-varsity tournaments after the 8 th inning or after the established time limit has expired. SUSPENDED GAMES A game called for any reason, where a winner cannot be determined, or any game called at any time for mechanical failure (i.e., artificial lights, water systems, etc.) will be treated as a suspended game. If the game is to be completed, it will be continued from the point of suspension, with the lineup and batting order of each team exactly the same as the lineup and batting order at the moment of suspension subject to the rules of the game. (N.F. Rule 4, Section 2, Article 3, page 41 in rule book.) INCLEMENT WEATHER If inclement weather postpones or suspends regional or state tournament play, the first available date, including Sunday, will be used for continuation of play. The same time schedule will be in effect unless changed by the tournament director/committee. UNIVERSAL TIE-BREAKING PROCEDURE In all team sports where a league or conference tie breaker for league standings to determine state qualifiers has not been developed and submitted to the CHSAA office before the beginning of the competitive season, the following tie breaker will be used: TIE BREAKER -- When a tie in league/conference standings exists after the conclusion of league play, the following criteria will be applied in order. In a three or more way tie, if one team is determined to be a qualifier by applying one of the following tie breakers or if one of the three teams is eliminated by a tie breaker, the remaining teams would revert to the #1. Schools would revert back to the #1 tie breaker to resolve remaining ties. 1. Head to head competition. 2. Whoever beats the highest finishing team in the league, other than the tied teams, is the first qualifier among the tied teams. 3. Fewest points, runs, goals given up by the tied teams against the tied teams only. 4. Fewest points, runs, goals given up by the tied teams against all league opponents. 5. Fewest points, runs, goals given up by the tied teams against all opponents. 6. League vote. ADMITTANCE Passes will not be issued to players or team support. Players in uniform and those individuals listed by the school on the gate list (gate list instructions listed within this bulletin) will be admitted at the pass gate. No more than 18 players and 7 coaches, trainers or managers will be admitted without charge. Any additional will require a ticket. BANNERS Cloth school banners may be displayed at the regional and state tournaments upon approval of the director. Signs may not block the view of spectators. (Due to fire codes, paper banners or signs are not permitted.) AWARDS State Qualifier plaques will be given to the four state qualifying teams in each class at the conclusion of each semifinal game. Following the state championship games, a runner-up plaque will be presented to the second place team at home plate. Immediately following, the championship team will be presented the state championship trophy at home plate. Please keep your teams on the field for the presentation. TRAINER A trainer will be provided at state tournament sites. School trainers should be encouraged to attend regional tournaments in which their schools are playing. CHSAA trainers are hired for injury and emergency care, not to tape participants. Teams should make prior arrangements for taping of athletes. UMPIRES/TOURNAMENT UMPIRES NOMINATION REGIONALS/STATE: All umpires will be selected through a statewide vote. There is an expectation that all schools/coaches vote for the umpires who will work the playoffs. Additional information on the voting process will be forwarded to schools in late September.

29 PLAYOFF HOST RESPONSIBILITIES Hosting CHSAA playoff events correctly is a major responsibility. The hard work and conscientious efforts of the site host is greatly appreciated by not only the CHSAA administrative staff but also all the schools, participants and fans at these events. While at times, hosting events is an addition to your already full schedule, it does provide opportunities for your school and teams. Hosting playoff events at your school provides for the following: 1. An opportunity to put your school at center stage. 2. An opportunity to display your administrative style and competence. 3. Allows your teams to maintain a normal routine prior to the contests by staying at their own homes. 4. Allows your fans to maintain a normal routine by not having to travel and incur the cost associated with this travel. 5. There may even be a competitive advantage to playing at a familiar site with no travel. 6. Hosting can be financially attractive, if for no other reason than for concessions sales and no travel expense for the host school. 7. Gives your school an opportunity to build a program. With the above advantages stated, a host school may lose money covering the expenses necessary to host. When considering the cost for school travel, even for short trips, the host school is ahead financially when the 20% of the gate allowed for host expenses does not cover all the costs to host. As a result of the above, when a school hosts a playoff event it is not normally acceptable to bill other participating schools for expenses if the gate is not sufficient to cover these expenses. The many advantages of hosting, both financially and competitively, should cover the costs of hosting over the 20% allowed. In order to cover any expenses that exceed the 20% of the gate given to host a playoff event, the host school can seek volunteers to conduct the event, seek agreement from all schools involved to raise ticket prices, off set expenses with concession money, get corporate support or find many other creative ways to help finance the event, so that it can be held in your school and community. The above is stated with an understanding that each sport and situation is individual. Schools at site may all choose to rent a gym, a piece of equipment, a timing system, etc., and agree to share the cost of this extra expense. Any agreement of this type should be accepted by all schools involved and communicated to the CHSAA administrator in charge of that sport. In some cases, it is possible that hosting is not right for you or your school. Please inform all involved with playoff organization so that your school is not considered as a potential host. CHSAA REGIONAL/STATE FINANCIAL INFORMATION Please refer to the Legislative Council Minutes for information regarding the financial regulations. 4A, 5A REGIONAL SITES The top eight (8) 4A seeded teams and the top eight (8) 5A seeded teams on the seeded tournament bracket will play as the Regional Tournament host sites. The following criteria must be met in order to host a 4A or 5A Regional Tournament: The site must have two (2) fields for play The site must be able to charge a gate admission The outfield fence on both fields should be set at the NFHS recommended ft. (Exceptions can be made if necessary) Backstops and field dimensions are recommended to meet NFHS Rules Book notations. The site must have all game related materials submitted to the CHSAA office on Monday October 6, :00 a.m. Game time for Regional Tournaments will remain: 10:00; 12:15 and 2:30

30 PAIRING COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLITIES PAIRING COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES: The CHSAA Tournament Committee is charged with establishing the fairest competition for the schools and student participants in Colorado. Individual members represent, not a specific school, classification or geographic areas, but all the schools and their students. All viewpoints within the committee should be voiced and discussed, but the majority shall rule. The strength and integrity of the committee rests with each of its members accepting the will of the majority and not communicating individual opinions following the meeting. Once the pairing committee has completed the bracket, the CHSAA has established the game times for each classification. These times are listed on the playoff brackets contained in this Bulletin. The final (16) 4A and 5A teams, plus the (12) 3A state qualifying teams will be re-seeded for the state tournament. Note: The Class 3A/4A/5A State Tournament will be paired on Monday, October 13,

31 QUALIFYING FORMAT AND CONFERENCE ASSIGNMENTS BY CLASS: A. Class 3A (Enrollment: 1-600) 34 Teams 18 Teams Qualify for the Regional Tournament District 1 (8) (9) District 2 (6) District 3 (8) The Academy Faith Christian 413 Dolores Huerta 273 Brush 442 Jefferson 569 Florence 465 Eaton 502 Machebeuf 353 La Junta 367 *Greeley Central 1407 Manual 406 Lamar 416 Lyons 221 Peak to Peak 596 Rocky Ford 200 Platte Valley 333 Platte Canyon 299 St. Mary s 308 Sterling 565 Sheridan 333 Strasburg 357 *Skyline 1352 Valley 528 District 4 (6) District 5 (5) Akron 117 Aspen 555 Burlington 232 Basalt 373 Holyoke 176 Cedaredge 239 Limon 135 Grand Valley 291 Wray 196 Gunnison 326 Yuma 225 *=play down James Irwin 411 = playing JV The Regional Tournament will be scheduled for Saturday, October 11, Reduce the number of 3A Regional qualifying teams to eighteen (18). The qualifiers for the Regional Tournament will be: five (5) Regular Season District Champions; thirteen (13) At-Large teams 18 total teams. All Regular Season District Champions will serve as host sites for the Regional Tournament (5) plus one (1) At-Large team selected by the pairing committee. General Class 3A Regional Playoff Policies teams will qualify to the Regional Tournament, 5 District Champions (Regular Season) and 13 At- Large teams determined by the Max Preps ranking system. 2. Every District Champion and one (1) At-Large will host a Regional Tournament. The higher seeded team will be the home team throughout the Regional Tournament. The Regional Tournament host sites must have one adequate field with a fence at a dimension of the NFHS recommended feet. A. The District Champion will be the host team, but is not guaranteed the highest seed in the Region; teams will be seeded according to Max Preps Ranking Systems. The seeding committee can move up or down district champions in order to be a top 12 seeded team. The committee can also move teams ranked up or down to help with geography for the regional tournament. The seeding committee will try and following the rankings to perfection unless geography or District Champion conflicts. 3. District Champions will be guaranteed a top 12 seed in the Regional Tournament in order to host. 4. Regionals will be seeded based on: Max Preps Ranking system. 5. The top two teams in each region will advance to a 12 team state championship bracket. 6. Regional Champions are guaranteed a top 6 seed at the State Tournament; the state tournament will be re-seeded following the completion of the Regional Tournament. 7. The top 4 seeds in the state tournament will have a bye the first round. State Championship Bracket games will begin at the 12:15 time slot. 8. Teams must have scheduled a minimum of 17 regular season games to be considered for Regional play. The Maxpreps Rankings published the Sunday of the seeding committee meeting will be the primary consideration.

32 Class 3A Regional Softball Bracket Saturday, October 11, 2014 Region 1 Region Game #2 Game #1 (Regional Champion) 9. Game #2 Game #1 (Regional Champion) 13. Loser #1 16. Loser #1 (If Game) Game #3 (Qualifier) (If Game) Game #3 (Qualifier) Region 2 Region Game #2 Game #1 (Regional Champion) 8. Game #2 Game #1 (Regional Champion) 14. Loser #1 17. Loser #1 (If Game) Game #3 (Qualifier) (If Game) Game #3 (Qualifier) Region 3 Region Game #2 Game #1 (Regional Champion) 7. Game #2 Game #1 (Regional Champion) 15. Loser #1 18. Loser #1 (If Game) Game #3 (Qualifier) (If Game) Game #3 (Qualifier) The Regional Champions (6) are guaranteed to receive a seed of numbers 1 through 6 for the State Tournament The top four seeded teams, by the seeding/pairing committee on the State Tournament bracket, will receive a bye in the first round of play. (See State Tournament bracket) Preferred Game times for Regional Bracket: Use of 1 field for play: Game 1 10:00 am, Game 2 12:15 pm, Game 3 2:30 pm The If Game (Game #3) will only be played if the higher seeded team (Seeds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) loses game number two. The winner of game two and game three will then be the state qualifiers. If the higher seeded team (Seeds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) wins game number two, game number three will not be played and the two participants in game two will be the state qualifiers. Note: The higher seeded team on the Regional/State bracket will be the home team and have the last at bat for all tournament games. The higher seeded team or home team shall occupy the third base dugout.

33 2014 3A STATE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

34 B. Class 4A (Enrollment: ) 67 Teams 32 Qualifiers for the Regional Tournament Colorado 7 (7) CSML 4A (8) Denver (5) Jefferson County (9) 2 Qualifier 2 Qualifiers 2 Qualifiers 3 Qualifiers Alameda Int l 884 Canon City 1019 Denver North 680 Arvada 905 Elizabeth 762 Classical Academy 618 Denver South 1380 Conifer 819 Englewood 611 Harrison 815 Denver West 576 D Evelyn 642 Ft. Lupton 601 Mesa Ridge 1330 JF Kennedy 1259 Evergreen 1009 Skyview 780 Mitchell 1215 Thomas Jefferson Golden 1289 Vista Peak 877 Sierra 877 Green Mountain 1105 Weld Central 609 Widefield 1240 Standley Lake 357 Woodland Park 881 Valor Christian 847 Wheat Ridge 1307 Pikes Peak (8) South Central (6) South Western (3) Northern (8) 2 Qualifiers 2 Qualifiers 1 Qualifier 2 Qualifiers Air Academy 1402 P. Centennial 1251 Durango 1075 *Boulder 1939 Cheyenne Mtn Pueblo Central 827 Montezuma-Cortez 664 Centaurus 1017 Discovery Canyon 1009 Pueblo County 833 Montrose 1361 Longmont 1180 Falcon 1253 Pueblo East 1030 Mountain View Lewis-Palmer 1033 Pueblo South 1357 Niwot 1311 Palmer Ridge 1095 Pueblo West 1368 Northridge 1046 Sand Creek 1231 Silver Creek 1129 Vista Ridge 1239 Th. Valley 1238 Western Slope (4) Centennial (1) Continental (1) Tri-Valley (7) 1 Qualifier Mullen 723 Ponderosa Qualifiers Delta 626 Berthoud 678 Eagle Valley 711 Erie 770 Palisade 1049 Frederick 969 Rifle 720 Holy Family 619 Mead 767 Roosevelt 817 * = play down Windsor 1225 The seeding committee will be made up of one (1) administrator from each District (3A) or League (4A/5A). The administrator shall be selected by the District/League president and nominated to the CHSAA office for approval. Each League (4A/5A) will automatically qualify 30 % of all teams competing during the regular season and listed in the Softball Bulletin. Note: When figuring the automatic qualifiers.4 and below of the whole number will be rounded down to the nearest whole number;.5 and above will be rounded up to the nearest whole number (Example 3.6 = 4). The automatic qualifying numbers will be listed below the League name in the Bulletin. Multi-Class League Qualifiers A team participating in league play during the regular season in a higher classification, has the opportunity to receive an automatic qualifying bid if they finish in the top 30% + 1 of

35 the teams listed in the league. An At-Large Bid for Multi-Class Leagues can be selected by the seeding committee during the seeding meeting. The seeding committee will utilize the same criteria listed for the tournament selection below. The Regional Tournament seeding committee shall select and place teams on the 4A/5A bracket by establishing the teams and the bracket seeding based on the following criteria (but not limited to): Each League will receive automatic qualifiers equaling not more than 30% of the number of teams in the league. In the case the percentage of teams results in a non-whole number the number of qualifiers will be rounded to the nearest whole number. (Example 3.6 = 4) All leagues are guaranteed a minimum of one automatic qualifier. Automatic Qualifiers 4A: 19 (nineteen) Automatic Qualifiers with thirteen (13) At-Large Bids to be determined by the seeding committee; 5A: 18 (eighteen) Automatic Qualifiers with fourteen (14) At- Large Bids to be determined by the seeding committee. At-Large teams will be selected using the following resources (in no particular order): MaxPreps Ranking; head-to-head competition; and common opponents. The seeding committee shall honor league finish when identifying teams that are selected to be placed on the bracket. Teams will be selected and placed on the tournament bracket by the seeding committee during the Seeding Committee Meeting on Sunday, October 5, MaxPreps Ranking System The MaxPreps Ranking System will be utilized by the seeding committee as a data tool for the purpose of selecting and bracketing teams. The information contained in the MaxPreps Ranking System will aid the committee with identifying the: head-to head competition; strength of schedule and common opponents. The MaxPreps Ranking System will not be the final determining factor when selecting and placing teams on the 4A/5A brackets. The seeding committee shall honor league finish when identifying teams that are selected to be placed on the bracket. The committee will utilize geography as a consideration in the placing teams on the bracket for regional play. The Maxpreps Rankings published the Sunday of the seeding committee meeting will be the primary seeding consideration STATE SOFTBALL BRACKET PAIRING Following the conclusion of the 4A/5A Regional Tournament, the State Tournament Bracket seeding will be determined by the committee through assigning teams on the bracket based on the following criteria (but not limited to): Regional Champions will be seeded on the State Tournament Bracket as #1-8. If the top (8) eight seeded teams win their Regional Tournament, no changes would be made to the original bracket for teams listed as numbers 1-8. State qualifiers from each region should not be paired together during first round play. If an upset occurred that involved a top (8) eight seeded team, the upset would create the original top (8) seeded team to be placed at a seed from number The seeding committee will place the teams on the State Tournament Bracket on Monday, October 13, 2014.

36 Class 4A Regional Softball Brackets Saturday, October 11, 2014 Region 1 Region Game 1 Game Game 4 State Qual. 14 Game 4 State Qual. Game 2 Game SF Loser SF Loser L Game 1 Game 5 L Game 1 Game 5 Game 3 State Qual. Game 3 State Qual. L Game 2 L Game 2 Region 2 Region Game 1 Game Game 4 State Qual. 11 Game 4 State Qual. Game 2 Game SF Loser SF Loser L Game 1 Game 5 L Game 1 Game 5 Game 3 State Qual. Game 3 State Qual. L Game 2 L Game 2 Region 3 Region Game 1 Game Game 4 State Qual. 10 Game 4 State Qual. Game 2 Game SF Loser SF Loser L Game 1 Game 5 L Game 1 Game 5 Game 3 State Qual. Game 3 State Qual. L Game 2 L Game 2 Region 4 Region Game 1 Game Game 4 State Qual. 15 Game 4 State Qual. Game 2 Game SF Loser SF Loser L Game 1 Game 5 L Game 1 Game 5 Game 3 State Qual. Game 3 State Qual. L Game 2 L Game 2 Regional Game Times - Games 1 and 2 will be played at 10:00 a.m.; Games 3 and 4 at 12:15 p.m.; Game 5 at 2:30 p.m.

37 2014 4A STATE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT All times are approximate Note: The higher seeded team on the Regional/State bracket will be the home team and last at bat for all tournament games. The higher seeded team or home team shall occupy the third base dugout.

38 C. Class 5A (Enrollment: 1411-up) 61 Teams 32 Qualify Centennial (7) Continental (10) CSML 5A (7) Denver (4) 2 Qualifiers 3 Qualifiers 2 Qualifiers 1 Qualifier Arapahoe 2188 Castle View 1850 Coronado 1498 Abraham Lincoln 1517 Cherokee Trail 2633 Chaparral 2105 Doherty 2064 Denver East 2433 Cherry Creek 3512 Douglas County 1824 Ftn. Ft. Carson 1714 G. Washington 1436 Eaglecrest 2513 Heritage 1668 Liberty 1576 Montbello 2160 Grandview 2588 Highlands Ranch Palmer 1986 Overland 2282 Legend 1978 Pine Creek 1467 Smoky Hill 2141 Mountain Vista 2100 Rampart 1524 Regis Jesuit 704 Rock Canyon 1948 ThunderRidge 2019 EMAC (10) Front Range (12) Jefferson (8) South Western (3) 3 Qualifiers 4 Qualifiers 2 Qualifiers 1 Qualifiers Adams City 1768 Broomfield 1428 Arvada West 1703 Central (GJ) 1452 Aurora Central Fairview 2128 Bear Creek 1729 Fruita Monument 1706 Brighton 1841 Ft. Collins 1517 Chatfield 1805 Grand Junction 1694 Gateway 1680 Fossil Ridge 2090 Columbine 1660 Hinkley 1923 Greeley West 1518 Dakota Ridge 1545 Northglenn 1796 Horizon 1917 Lakewood 2091 Prairie View 1794 Legacy 2178 Pomona 1448 Rangeview 2305 Loveland 1521 Ralston Valley 1748 Thornton 1770 Monarch 1624 Westminster 2390 Mountain Range 1964 Poudre 1780 Rocky Mountain 1934 The seeding committee will be made up of one (1) administrator from each District (3A) or League (4A/5A). The administrator shall be selected by the District/League president and nominated to the CHSAA office for approval. Each League (4A/5A) will automatically qualify 30% of all teams competing during the regular season and listed in the Softball Bulletin. Note: When figuring the automatic qualifiers.4 and below of the whole number will be rounded down to the nearest whole number;.5 and above will be rounded up to the nearest whole number (Example 3.6 = 4). The automatic qualifying numbers will be listed below the League name in the Bulletin. Multi-Class League Qualifiers A team participating in a league play during the regular season in a higher classification can receive an automatic qualifying bid if they finish in the top 30% + 1 of the teams listed in the league. An At-Large Bid for Multi-Class Leagues can be selected by the seeding committee during the seeding meeting. The seeding committee will utilize the same criteria listed for the tournament selection below.

39 The Regional Tournament seeding committee shall select and place teams on the 4A/5A bracket by establishing the teams and the bracket seeding based on the following criteria (but not limited to): Each League will receive automatic qualifiers equaling not more than 30% of the number of teams in the league. In the case the percentage of teams results in a non-whole number the number of qualifiers will be rounded to the nearest whole number. (Example 3.6 = 4) All leagues are guaranteed a minimum of one automatic qualifier. Automatic Qualifiers 4A: 19 (nineteen) Automatic Qualifiers with thirteen (13) At-Large Bids to be determined by the seeding committee; 5A: 18 (eighteen) Automatic Qualifiers with fourteen (14) At- Large Bids to be determined by the seeding committee. At-Large teams will be selected using the following resources (in no particular order): MaxPreps Ranking; head-to-head competition; and common opponents. The seeding committee shall honor league finish when identifying teams that are selected to be placed on the bracket. Teams will be selected and placed on the tournament bracket by the seeding committee during the Seeding Committee Meeting on Sunday, October 5, MaxPreps Ranking System The MaxPreps Ranking System will be utilized by the seeding committee as a data tool for the purpose of selecting and bracketing teams. The information contained in the MaxPreps Ranking System will aid the committee with identifying the; head-to head competition; strength of schedule; common opponents. The MaxPreps Ranking System will not be the final determining factor when selecting and placing teams on the 4A/5A brackets. The seeding committee shall honor league finish when identifying teams that are selected to be placed on the bracket. The committee will utilize geography as a consideration in the placing teams on the bracket for regional play. The Maxpreps Rankings published the Sunday of the seeding committee meeting will be the primary seeding consideration STATE SOFTBALL BRACKET PAIRING Following the conclusion of the 4A/5A Regional Tournament, the State Tournament Bracket seeding will be determined by the committee through assigning teams on the bracket based on the following criteria (but not limited to): Regional Champions will be seeded on the State Tournament Bracket as #1-8. If the top (8) eight seeded teams win their Regional Tournament, no changes would be made to the original bracket for teams listed as numbers 1-8. State qualifiers from each region should not be paired together during first round play. If an upset occurred that involved a top (8) eight seeded team, the upset would create the original top (8) seeded team to be placed at a seed from number The seeding committee will place the teams on the State Tournament Bracket on Monday, October 13, 2014.

40 Class 5A Regional Softball Brackets Saturday, October 11, 2014 Region 1 Region Game 1 Game Game 4 State Qual. 14 Game 4 State Qual. Game 2 Game SF Loser SF Loser L Game 1 Game 5 L Game 1 Game 5 Game 3 State Qual. Game 3 State Qual. L Game 2 L Game 2 Region 2 Region Game 1 Game Game 4 State Qual. 11 Game 4 State Qual. Game 2 Game SF Loser SF Loser L Game 1 Game 5 L Game 1 Game 5 Game 3 State Qual. Game 3 State Qual. L Game 2 L Game 2 Region 3 Region Game 1 Game Game 4 State Qual. 10 Game 4 State Qual. Game 2 Game SF Loser SF Loser L Game 1 Game 5 L Game 1 Game 5 Game 3 State Qual. Game 3 State Qual. L Game 2 L Game 2 Region 4 Region Game 1 Game Game 4 State Qual. 15 Game 4 State Qual. Game 2 Game SF Loser SF Loser L Game 1 Game 5 L Game 1 Game 5 Game 3 State Qual. Game 3 State Qual. L Game 2 L Game 2 Regional Game Times - Games 1 and 2 will be played at 10:00 a.m.; Games 3 and 4 at 12:15 p.m.; Game 5 at 2:30 p.m.

41 2014 5A STATE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT All times are approximate Note: The higher seeded team on the Regional/State bracket will be the home team and last at bat for all tournament games. The higher seeded team or home team shall occupy the third base dugout.

42 CHSAA POST SEASON POLICIES V. POLICIES (ALL CLASSES): A. National Federation uniform rules are in effect throughout the regular season, along with the regional and state tournaments. B. The 10-run rule (15 after 4, 20 after 3) will be in effect for all tournament games during the regular season, the regional tournament, and the state tournament. If a team has a 10-run lead, following the completion of 5 innings, no new inning will begin and the game will be declared official. (Example: Team A - 22 runs, Team B - 2 runs, 3rd inning, game over. If the home team is behind then the inning must be completed). If a team has a 10-run lead and the losing team has batted 5 times the game will be declared official. C. Should inclement weather or darkness postpone regional or state tournament play, the first available date, including Sunday, will be used for continuation of play. Suspended Game: A halted or suspended game is a game that is temporarily suspended by the umpire with the intent that it will be continued at a later time or date. Colorado has adopted the suspended game procedure; the game shall be resumed from the point of suspension. D. The 4A, 5A regional tournaments are a modified double elimination. The state tournament for the 3A/4A and 5A classifications is a single elimination tournament. Class 3A regional tournament (18 teams) will provide 12 qualifiers to the state tournament. Classes 4A and 5A will qualify 32 teams to the regional tournament on Saturday, October 11, 2014, with 16 advancing to the state tournament. The regional tournament brackets will be seeded by the tournament seeding committee on Sunday, October 5, The 16 teams qualifying for the state tournament in the 4A and 5A classifications and the 12 teams qualifying in the 3A classification will be reseeded/paired using the seeding/pairing criteria listed in the Softball Bulletin on Monday, October 13, 2014, for the state tournament. NOTE: Those schools that play host to the Regional Tournaments in 3A/4A and 5A will have the financial obligations including (but not limited to): Umpires; facilities; site workers; security and insurance. E. The seeding committee will be made up of one (1) administrator from each district (3A) or League (4A/5A). The administrator shall be selected by the District/League president and nominated to the CHSAA office for approval. The softball committee also determined the higher seeded team on the Regional through the State Championship bracket game will be referred to as the home team and will have the last at bat. The home team will occupy the third base dugout. F. The Regional Tournament will be scheduled for Saturday, October 11, Reduce the number of 3A Regional qualifying teams to eighteen (18). The qualifiers for the Regional Tournament will be: five (5) Regular Season District Champions; thirteen (13) At-Large teams 18 total teams. All Regular Season District Champions will serve as host sites for the Regional Tournament (5) plus one (1) At-Large team selected by the pairing committee G. Class 3A Regional Playoff Policies teams will qualify to the Regional Tournament, 5 District Champions (Regular Season) and 13 At- Large teams determined by the Max Preps ranking system 2. Every District Champion and one (1) At-Large will host a Regional Tournament. The higher seeded team will be the home team throughout the Regional Tournament. 3. The Regional Tournament host sites must have one adequate field with a fence at a dimension of the NFHS recommended feet. 4. The District Champion will be the host team, but is not guaranteed the highest seed in the Region; teams will be seeded according to Max Preps Ranking Systems. The seeding committee can move up or down district champions in order to be a top 12 seeded team. The committee can also move teams ranked up or down to help with geography for the regional tournament. The seeding

43 committee will try and following the rankings to perfection unless geography or District Champion conflicts. 5. District Champions will be guaranteed a top 12 seed in the Regional Tournament in order to host. 6. Regionals will be seeded based on: Max Preps Ranking system. 7. The top two teams in each region will advance to a 12 team state championship bracket. 8. Regional Champions are guaranteed a top 6 seed at the State Tournament; the state tournament will be re-seeded following the completion of the Regional Tournament. 9. The top 4 seeds in the state tournament will have a bye the first round. State Championship Bracket games will begin at the 12:15 time slot. 10. Teams must have scheduled a minimum of 17 regular season games to be considered for Regional play. (Inclement Weather) H. The following criteria will be used to pair the regional and tournaments for Classes 4A and 5A. Membership on the pairings committee shall be administrators. No coaches shall be used as part of this process. (Please refer to the pairing criteria for the 3A classification located in the Softball Bulletin) 1. The 4A/5A regional tournament pairing committee will seed/pair by establishing the bracket based on (but not limited to) the following: Each League (4A/5A) will automatically qualify 30% of all teams competing during the regular season and listed in the Softball Bulletin. Note: When figuring the automatic qualifiers.4 and below of the whole number will be rounded down to the nearest whole number;.5 and above will be rounded up to the nearest whole number (Example 3.6 = 4). The automatic qualifying number of teams will be listed below the League name in the Bulletin. Multi-Class League Qualifiers A team participating in league play during the regular season in a higher classification can receive an automatic qualifying bid if they finish in the top 30% + 1 of the teams listed in the league. An At-Large Bid for Multi-Class Leagues can be selected by the seeding committee during the seeding meeting. The seeding committee will utilize the same criteria listed for the tournament selection listed below. The Regional Tournament seeding committee shall select and place teams on the 4A/5A bracket by establishing the teams and the bracket seeding based on the following criteria (but not limited to): Each League will receive automatic qualifiers equaling not more than 30% of the number of teams in the league. In the case the percentage of teams results in a non-whole number the number of qualifiers will be rounded to the nearest whole number. (Example 3.6 = 4) All leagues are guaranteed a minimum of one automatic qualifier. Automatic Qualifiers 4A: 19 (nineteen) Automatic Qualifiers with thirteen (13) At-Large Bids to be determined by the seeding committee; 5A: 18 (eighteen) Automatic Qualifiers with fourteen (14) At-Large Bids to be determined by the seeding committee. At-Large teams will be selected using the following resources (in no particular order): MaxPreps Ranking; head-to-head competition; and common opponents. The seeding committee shall honor league finish when identifying teams that are selected to be placed on the bracket. Teams will be selected and place on the bracket by the seeding committee during the Seeding Committee Meeting on Sunday, October 5, MaxPreps Ranking System The MaxPreps Ranking System will be utilized by the seeding committee as a data tool for the purpose of selecting and bracketing teams. The information contained in the MaxPreps Ranking System will aid the committee with identifying the; head-to head competition; strength of schedule; common opponents. The

44 MaxPreps Ranking System will not be the final determining factor when selecting and placing teams on the 4A/5A brackets. The seeding committee shall honor league finish when identifying teams that are selected to be placed on the bracket. The committee will utilize geography as a consideration in the placing teams on the bracket for regional play. 2. League and district opponents may be paired against each other. League finish must be honored when the seeding committee is selecting At-Large teams and during the bracket placement in the 4A/5A classifications. Once the pairings have been determined, the CHSAA will establish the game times. Umpires will be assigned by the CHSAA for all regional and state tournament games. SPECIAL SEEDING NOTE: The committee shall not be bound by the above criteria when placing the number 25 through 32 seeds in the 4A/5A classifications. The committee shall pair these teams with geography taking primary priority. I. The Wilson Optic Yellow Softball A9011 is the official ball and will be used at all levels of the Regional and State Playoff Bracket. J. End of regular season The committee recommends that the regular season schedule will reflect that all games should be completed by Thursday prior to the last date listed on the CHSAA Sports Calendar. This will enable teams the opportunity to complete regular season scheduled play postponements due to inclement weather. VI. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: A. The committee recommended the following state association adoption: The International Tie Breaker may be implemented, at the site director s discretion, for sub-varsity tournaments after the 8 th inning or after the established time limit has expired. Note: This recommendation is for tournament use only. B. CHSSUA President Scott Cochran gave report to committee via conference call. CHSSUA had 315 umpires throughout the state. This number was a slight drop (retirements, age, moving, etc.) from last year and Cochran anticipated this number to stay same for next year. Pretty successful season. 3 man mechanics at state level the umpires appreciated it and thought it lead to a successful tournament. There will be continued training every year in 3 man mechanics to help improve all mechanics. Cochran thanked the committee for their time and asked for questions from the committee. No questions came from committee. C. 4A/5A Host Regional Format to include Backstops and fields are preferred to meet the NFHS Rules Book recommended distance.

45 The gate list/roster form is NOT included in this bulletin. We have developed an interactive form that can be found on the CHSAA web site: To access the roster/gate list click on Sports/Activities - a drop down box will appear - click on Softball. Fill out the form completely. Click on the Submit button, which will the form back to the CHSAA. NOTE: An will be coming from the CHSAA office with information on what program distributor we will be using this upcoming season. The information needed for team photo and program information will be included within this . DEADLINE DATE: OCT 11, 2014

46 SAMPLE LINE-UP CARD Girls Softball Team Player Position Number Please feel free to duplicate

47 Directions to State Site AURORA SPORTS PARK E. Sports Park Drive Aurora, CO FROM I-70 EAST: I-70 East to Tower Road. Tower Road South to Colfax Avenue. Colfax Avenue East to Dunkirk and Aurora Sports Park. FROM I-70 WEST: I-70 West to Colfax Avenue. Colfax Avenue West to Dunkirk and Aurora Sports Park STATE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT 3A/4A/5A SITE DIRECTORS: Bud Ozzello, CHSAA E 2nd Ave. Aurora, CO bozzello@chsaa.org Karen Higel, DPS 2700 W. 7th Ave Denver, CO Karen.higel@dpsk12.org FRIDAY & SATURDAY OCTOBER 17 & 18, A/4A/5A State Tournament Aurora Sports Park, Aurora 4A, 5A Regionals (Oct. 11) Adult General Admission $8 K-12 Students and senior citizens $5 State Softball (Oct ) Adult General Admission $9 K-12 Students and senior citizens $6 TICKET PRICES Note: Preschool (Infant to age 4) no charge Senior Citizen=60 years and older

48 Miscellaneous CCGS All-State Information CHSCA All-State Information CHSAA Host Hotel Information

49 Attn: From: High School Softball Coaches Khara West, Chair, CCGS Softball Committee For the past 27 years, the Colorado Coaches of Girls Sports (CCGS) has honored outstanding senior female softball players at the CCGS All-State Softball Games. This year s events will take place on Sunday, November 2, The day will consist of an awards banquet, complimentary team pictures & an all-state game for each classification. Enclosed is a nomination form for your league. The deadline for nominations is Friday, October 17 (absolutely no ballots will be accepted after this date). The nominations must be received by Friday so our committee can properly place players for the selection meeting. The CCGS All-State Softball Selection Meeting will be held on Sunday, October 19 at 9:00 a.m., at Monarch K-8; 263 Campus Drive, Louisville, CO Items to Think About: 1. There will be three (3) games 3A, 4A and 5A. Leagues with both classifications must separate nominations by classifications. 2. You may nominate up to eleven (11) senior athletes in each league and classification (3 pitchers and 8 other players by position). Please only nominate those athletes that are All-State material. Players should be ranked in the nonpitcher positions & positions 6-8 will be used as back up/alternates. 3. Your nominations must be on the form provided and must have a majority of league coach s signatures. We cannot accept a phone call from a league coach/commissioner or a form without league coach s signatures. If you do not hold an end of the season league meeting and cannot get signatures, contact me for an alternative option so that we are able to represent the entire state of outstanding athletes. 4. Select by priority and position. Place your best league player as #1 (as the #1 person will be an automatic selection). The second through fifth positions are used for voting purposes. Break ties at your league meeting. 5.!!!PLEASE!!! Come to the CCGS All-State Softball Game Selection Meeting and support your athletes on voting day. The coaches do not know all the players and need help with the selection process. All CCGS member softball coaches are eligible to vote and may speak on behalf of their athlete, however, only one vote is allowed per school. 6. Voters are limited to head coaches with a current membership. CCGS Membership is $30.00 (head/voting) and $15 (assistants). Membership is renewed annually at the Selection Meeting. 7. Coaches for the games will be chosen during this selection meeting. In order to participate in this honor a coach must have been a head coach for at least 3 years (at anytime during their career). We look forward to seeing all of you at the Selection Meeting. If you have any questions relative to the above, call me on my cell (303) Khara

50 Colorado Coaches of Girls Sports (CCGS) All-State Softball Ballot 2014 League: Classification: 3A, 4A or 5A (Please Circle One) Person filling out this ballot: Phone: School: Contact Nominate eleven (or fewer) outstanding senior athletes per league. Use one ballot per classification. Your #1 listed will be an automatic into the all-state games and should represent your top non-pitcher player in your league. The players in position #2-5 will be voted on at selection and players in positions #6-8 will be used for alternates. Select pitchers separately in the separate section. your ballot(s) to Khara West by Friday, October 17, khara.west@bvsd.org Contact Khara to confirm receipt of ballot Khara.west@bvsd.org. PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT -- THIS INFORMATION IS CRITICAL FOR CONTACTING ATHLETES Jersey # Name School Position Coach Pitchers placed in any above entry will be moved down into the below section (if space is available). If there is no space, they will be dropped from the ballot. ~~~ PITCHERS ONLY ~~~ Jersey # Name School Position Coach NOTE: CCGS Selection Voting will take place Sunday, October 19, 9:00 a.m., at Monarch K Campus Dr Louisville, CO 80027). Coach s Signature Print Coach s Name (Please print clearly) School Contact Information Ballot to: Khara West by Friday, October 17, Khara.west@bvsd.org Contact Khara in cases where there is no end of the year coaches/league meeting(due to distance of schools) for an alternative solution to turning in a ballot from the collective league. ( /khara.west@bvsd.org)

51 Game Director - Bob Bledsoe Erie High School 3180 WCR5 Erie, Colorado To: From: Re: Colorado High School Softball Coaches Bob Bledsoe, CHSCA Softball President All-State Softball Game Selection Date: July 24, 2014 The meeting for selection of the CHSCA Senior All-State Softball Game has been set for Sunday, October 19th at 10:30 am at Monarch Middle School, located just west of Monarch HS in Lafayette/Superior. Go west on Dillon Rd., turn left to Monarch HS. Our meeting will follow the C.C.G.S. All-State Selection Meeting. You need to mail, or fax the enclosed League Nomination Form back to me by October 13th. This form needs to be signed by a majority of the coaches in your league. My address is 1379 Lombardi St. Erie, CO 80516, my address is bobbledsoe80516@gmail.com, and the Erie HS fax number is It is your League's responsibility to make sure that I have your nomination list by October 13th. Please feel free to call me at , if you have any questions. We will select 24 players and two coaches for the 2015 game that will be played on June 10, 2015 at the softball field at Adams State College in Alamosa. Nominated players will be placed on the ballot and the ballot will be voted on by those coaches attending the meeting, and who are members of CHSCA, with one vote per school. Coaches may pay their membership at the meeting. Sincerely, Bob Bledsoe CHSCA Softball President Head Softball Coach Erie High School

52 COLORADO HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ASSOCIATION SENIOR ALL-STATE SOFTBALL GAME JUNE 10, 2015 NOMINATION FORM League: League Rep Player Name School Position Player cell # Player Home phone # LEAGUE COACHES School Coach s Name Coach s Coach s cell or home # FAX TO BOB ERIE HS, fax # or Send by to bobbledsoe80516@gmail.com BY OCT. 13, 2014

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