WEST ISLIP LITTLE LEAGUE (WILL) SUPPLEMENTARY RULES

Transcription

1 WEST ISLIP LITTLE LEAGUE (WILL) SUPPLEMENTARY RULES All administrators and playing rules as stated in the official Little League Rule Book shall apply with the exceptions and additions as follows: 1) PLAYER PARTICIPATION A. Player Conduct 1) Severe breach of discipline as described by the following will not be tolerated: a. Continuous absence from practice (two or more) without a valid excuse b. Continuous absence from games (two consecutive regularly scheduled games) without a valid excuse c. Offensive or detrimental language during any league activity d. Disrespect to adults during any league activity e. Fighting during any league activity f. Vandalism or destruction of WILL, Town of Islip, West Islip School District, or any other property/equipment used in the operation of the WILL or under the care of the WILL g. Deliberate attempt to injure another player or others during any WILL activity 2) Absence Infraction: a. If a player misses two consecutive regularly scheduled games or scheduled practices, and the Manager is not notified, the Manager must attempt to contact the parent/guardian within 24 hours. If such attempt is unsuccessful, the Manager must immediate notify the Division Vice President/Player Agent, who will then determine the player s future eligibility to continue play. Legitimate Absences: Absence due to school activities or illness are legitimate and the player shall not be penalized provided the Manager is notified in advance of such game or practice. 1

2 3) All Other Infractions: a. All other player infractions must be reported to the Vice President/Player Agent in writing within 48 hours of such infraction. The Vice President/Player Agent and Umpire-in- Chief of the Division will review the infraction and determine the player s future eligibility to continue play. All such decisions must be approved by the President. B. Playing the Field Mandatory Play Rule 1) Senior (Softball), Majors, Minor A, B, and C Baseball and Softball The WILL uses and enforces a must play rule (in and out). Each player must play the field at least every other inning and a minimum of three (3) innings per game or half the game if less than six (6) innings are played. The rule does not apply to tournament play or intradistrict play where other rules may apply. 2) Senior League Boys Each player must play a minimum of six (6) consecutive defensive outs per game and bat at least one (1) time. All subs must enter the game by the 4 th inning. C. Batting All Divisions The batting order shall be made up of every player that comes to the game. Players will bat in this order regardless of who is playing or who has played the field. ***Note: 1C supersedes Little League Rule 7.14 *** Managers will make up the batting order at the beginning of the game and shall not change it during the game. Players that arrive after the lineup has been exchanged will be added to the end of the batting order. 2

3 ***Safety Issue regarding uncontrolled release of bats: - If, in the Umpire s judgment, an offensive player has released a bat either intentionally or unintentionally (e.g. bat is thrown to backstop, fencing, hits catcher, hits umpire, etc.) without demonstrating proper bat control (i.e. dropping the bat) during his/her follow-through swing, the Umpire shall issue one (1) warning to the OFFENSIVE team - Penalty: Upon the 2 nd offense by that team, the batter shall be called Out and runners are not permitted to advance, regardless of the outcome of the hit NOTE: The team/batter will be issued a warning/called out, whether or not the pitch has been put in play. In other words, a batter who merely swings and misses, and whose bat was propelled on the follow-through swing, will be warned or called Out (if a warning has already been issued)*** D. Penalty for Violations of 1B and 1C above: Penalty: The player(s) involved shall start the next scheduled game and play no less than the mandatory time that should have been played in the game in which the violation occurred plus the mandatory time that the player is required to play in the game. The Manager shall for the: 1) First offense receive a written warning 2) Second offense receive a suspension for the next scheduled game 3) Third offense receive a suspension for the remainder of the season All violations of the above rule must be reported to the Divison Vice President/Player Agent in writing within 24 hours for review. The Division Vice President/Player Agent shall present the facts concerning the violation to the President and Umpire-in-Chief of the division to evaluate the violation and determine the severity of the infraction and to enforce the above penalty. NOTE: If the violation is determined to have been intentional, a more severe penalty may be assessed by the Executive Board. However, forfeiture of a game may not be invoked. 3

4 E. Seniority A player may not be assigned to play a lower level than the child s age grouping unless a specific parental written request is furnished to the Division Vice President/Player Agent. The Division Vice President/Player Agent shall review this request with the President and Executive Board for action. Restrictions: Senior League players can not play in Little League, Big League players can not play in Senior League, and Major/Minor League players can not play in T-Ball. F. Player Drop Out In the event a player drops out, the Manager shall notify the Vice President/Player Agent immediately in order that another player may be assigned and an official roster change made. 2) INELIGIBLE PLAYERS A. Only those players that are legitimately registered in the WILL program are eligible to participate in WILL activities. B. Any member of WILL who knowingly misrepresents information on the registration form (i.e. date of birth, residence address) C. Registered players are assigned to a specific team and are members of the official team roster. Only those players that are on the official team roster are eligible to play for the team, except when conditions under Rule 4D herein (Game Forfeits) apply. The Manager of the team is responsible to ensure that only players that are on the official team roster play in the team games. Rule Violations: D. Playing a player who is not on the team roster. 1) The game in which the ineligible player played may be forfeited or replayed upon review by the President and Executive Board. 2) The Manager shall receive for the: a. First Offense a suspension for the next scheduled two (2) games. 4

5 b. Second Offense a suspension for the remainder of the season. NOTE: If the violation is determined to have been intentional, a more severe penalty may be assessed by the Executive Board. E. Playing a player that is not registered with the WILL. 3) RECORD OF GAME 1) The Manager will be suspended from participating in all WILL activities. A. Batting Orders: Prior to the start of the game, the Manager of each team shall complete a batting order of all players that come to the game. The batting order shall include the last and first names of each player, as well as their numbers. Both names and numbers will be entered into the scorebook. Entering of only names is not acceptable. The Manager of both teams shall exchange batting orders at least 10 minutes before the scheduled game starting time. B. Score sheets: The Manager of each team shall be responsible for the accurate scorekeeping of each game. The scorekeeping shall be prepared on the score sheets provided by the WILL. Score sheets shall contain the following accurate information: 1) Record of score 2) Names of players and innings played by each player 3) Names of players that did not play because of absence or other reason. The reason for not playing shall be entered next to the player s name prior to exchange of score sheets. 4) Names of all pitchers who pitched and the number of pitches thrown. (Refer to 12B for Pitch Count Rules) 5) Score sheets shall be signed by both Managers and the home plate umpire. 5

6 4) GAME/FIELD RULES Completed score sheets must be turned in immediately after the game to the Officer of the Day in the equipment room. Special arrangements will be made for Senior League. The win/loss record will only be updated by either the Division Vice President/Player Agent (or his/her designee), or the Officer of the Day. No manager or coach may update these records. Infraction of these rules may result in disciplinary action against the violating Manager or party. A. Game Starting Times: Monday to Friday Saturday and Sunday 6:00PM, or as established Times to be established B. Starting Time Grace Period: There is a 15-minute grace period that applies to all game starting times if the required number of players are not present to start the game at the scheduled time. C. Required Number of Players: Baseball Nine (9) Softball: Minors & Majors Ten (10) players must start and finish the game Seniors Nine (9) players must start and finished the game D. Game Forfeits: If a Manager or coach are not present, and there is no other WILL member available at that time to assume the Manager s responsibilities, the scheduled game is subject to forfeit upon review by the President and Executive Board. If less than seven (7) players are present, the scheduled game is subject to forfeit, pending review by the President and Executive Board. 6

7 If seven (7) or more players are present, the scheduled game is not subject to forfeit. In such cases, the team short players will be assigned one or two players from the other team. The players assigned will be the last one or two batters. The assigned players will play outfield positions. These players will continue to bat in the same place in the batting order of their team and will be replaced in the field by other players when their scheduled batting turn comes. NOTE: Assigned players playing time does not count toward mandatory playing time as stated in 1B. All efforts shall be made to have the required number of players present. Only scheduled school activities can interfere with WILL scheduled games. Managers are responsible for notifying the other team Manager and the Vice President/Player Agent of all possible conflicts at least 48 hours before the scheduled game. NOTE: Any Manager who fails to notify opposing team and Division Vice President/Player Agent of the impossibility to field a team on gameday at least 24 hours before game time may be subject to a fine equal to the umpire fees paid upon forfeiture. All forfeits shall be determined by the Officer of the Day, Division Vice President/Player Agent, and the Umpire-in-Chief, subject to the approval of the President. E. Game Time Limit: 1) No inning shall start two hours after the official start time of the game. Official start time of the game shall be agreed upon by both Managers and Umpire(s) during the pre-game meeting and recorded on the Pitch Count cards. If an inning begins before the two hours is reached, the inning shall be completed in its entirety, unless unsafe lighting conditions occur. If the game is called due to unsafe lighting conditions, the score of the game shall revert to the last full played inning. All pitches thrown by pitchers will count towards that pitchers pitch count total regardless of the need to revert to the previous full played inning. NOTE: The next inning starts immediately after the third out of the prior inning. The first pitch of the next inning does not determine the start of the next inning. 7

8 2) In the event that the game is not official or is tied at the time limit, the completion will be rescheduled. 3) The home plate umpire shall keep the official time and shall be the interpreter of the 2-hour time limit. 4) Minor B and C games shall become official after the 2-hour time limit regardless of the number of innings played. 5) T-Ball games will have a 90-minute time limit. F. Ground Rules: 1) The playing area will be the field area that is enclosed by fence. Openings in the fence will be considered to have fence. 2) A pitched ball which is trapped, stuck in, or rolls under the backstop will be a dead ball with no advance of the runners. 3) A thrown ball leaving the playing area shall allow advancement in accordance with the Little League Baseball, Inc. Official Regulations and Playing Rules. 4) All playing equipment not in use shall be kept in the dugouts. 5) All Managers, coaches, and players not in the field, at bat, on deck (for Senior and Big Leagues), on base, or coaching must be in the dugouts. 6) All spectators must remain behind the fences and are not allowed in the dugouts. No spectators are allowed in the backstop area directly behind home plate. 7) No Manager or coach will be allowed on the playing field during the game unless a time-out has been granted by the umpire. NOTE: Should a player appear to have been severely injured, the umpire must suspend play to ensure the safety of the injured player. However, the umpire must also award to the base runners any bases that the base runners would have advanced if the injury had not occurred. G. Bases: 8) The umpire shall strictly enforce these rules. It is the Manager s responsibility to ensure that his/her coaches, players, and spectators follow these rules. Non-conformance by a team may result in disciplinary action to the violating Manager or party. The Manager of the home team is responsible for the following: 1) Picking up the bases from the equipment room prior to the start of the game. 2) Installation and removal of bases. 8

9 3) Washing and returning of bases to the equipment room promptly after the game. H. Field Playing Conditions: 5) UMPIRING 1) The Manager and coaches of both the visiting and home teams are responsible for getting the fields in playing condition. 2) Wheelbarrows, rakes, shovels, and quick-dry will be available for your use. Clean and return this equipment after the game. This equipment should be stored neatly in the storage shed. 3) On inclement days, get to the fields early to get the field you are playing on in a safe, playable condition. 4) Police the fields for holes, broken glass, and other safety hazards. Correct all safety hazards before the game starts. 5) Leave the field area in a condition you would expect to find it when you are scheduled to play CLEAN 6) Safety is everyone s business. Think and enforce safety at all times. A. Questioning Umpire Calls and Protests 1) Questioning of umpire calls and protests will not be tolerated or considered if they are based solely on a decision involving the accuracy of judgment on the part of an umpire Examples of Judgment Calls are as follows: a. Whether a batted ball is fair or foul b. Whether a base runner was safe or out c. Whether a pitched ball was a strike or ball d. Whether a pitch was legal or illegal e. Whether a base runner did or did not touch the base (unless properly appealed) f. Whether a base runner left the base too soon on a caught fly ball (unless properly appealed) g. Whether a fly ball was or was not caught legally h. Whether there was or was not an infield fly i. Whether the field is fit to continue or resume play (unless the Officer of the Day rules otherwise) j. Whether there is sufficient light to continue play (unless the Officer of the Day rules otherwise) k. Any other matter involving only the accuracy of the umpire s judgment 9

10 2) Managers and/or coaches may not leave the dugout for any reason, other than an emergency, without the specific approval of the Umpire-in-Chief. An emergency might be that of a hurt player, and the Manager/coach may attend to the player after time has been called. 3) In games where the umpiring is being done by one or both umpires who are under the age of 21, in addition to the above #2, no Manager/coach may approach any umpire without both umpires (if there is a field umpire) and also the opposing team s Manager or acting Manager at this conference. 4) Umpires may only be conferenced for rule interpretations. This conference can only take place at home plate, and only the Manager (or acting Manager) may approach the umpire. They must first receive approval by the Umpire-in-Chief to leave the dugout. There are to be no questions from the dugout to the umpire, from anyone. The Manager is responsible for keeping coaches, players, and parents in line conforming to these rules. The following items are valid questions that shall be received and considered: a. Misinterpretation of a playing rule b. Failure of an umpire to apply the correct rule to a given situation c. Failure to impose the correct penalty for a given violation For any violation of the above supplemental rules, the umpire in charge of the game will provide in writing a report to the Umpirein-Chief, Division Vice President/Player Agent, and the President within 24 hours. The incident will be reviewed and it will be determined if a 2-game suspension for the first offense is warranted. For a second offense, the MANAGER and/or COACH shall be subject to removal from the league by the Executive Board according to the governing rules of the WEST ISLIP LITTLE LEAGUE. B. Substitute Umpires In the event that a WILL umpire is not available for a scheduled game, the Managers shall agree on a substitute. The substitute umpire shall have the same authority as a WILL umpire, and this shall be made clear to the umpire prior to the start of the game. The Managers shall acquaint the umpire with various ground rules and special WILL or Little League rules with which the umpire 10

11 may not be familiar. The substitute umpire shall sign the score sheet at the conclusion of the game and include his telephone number. C. Protests In addition to the Little League rules, the following procedures shall also be followed: D. Umpire Equipment If a game is protested, immediately after the game, both Managers and the umpire shall meet with the Officer of the Day to resolve the protest, if possible. The Manager protesting the game will deposit a $25 fee with the league. If after this meeting the Manager continues the protest, it will be submitted to the Protest Committee for expeditious disposition. The fee shall be refunded if the protest is upheld. The Protest Committee shall be comprised of the President, Division Vice President/Player Agent, and the Umpire-in-Chief. The following equipment is required to be worn by WILL umpires: 1) Mask with throat guard 2) Umpire shin guards 3) Umpire chest protector 4) Protective cup 6) POSTPONEMENT OF GAMES E. Should weather conditions be inclement, the Officer of the Day shall decide if the game shall be started. F. Once the first pitch is thrown, calling the game as a result of any adverse condition will be left to the discretion of the umpire in charge of the game. Either or both Managers may request that the umpire consult with the Officer of the Day for a final decision. G. SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS SHOULD SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARISE (ANY VISIBLE LIGHTENING OR THUNDER HEARD), ALL GAMES, PRACTICES, AND ACTIVITIES ON ALL FIELDS MUST BE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND ALL PLAYERS REMOVED FROM THE FIELD. 11

12 7) RESCHEDULING OF GAMES H. No Manager or coach has the authority to reschedule or cancel any scheduled game for any reason. These decisions will be made by the President and Vice President(s). Violations of this rule will result in disciplinary action against the Manager. I. Games postponed due to rain or by wet fields, or called prior to being an official game will be rescheduled by the Division Vice President/Player Agent. Every attempt shall be made to reschedule and play these games within two (2) weeks of the postponement. The postponed games shall be made up in the chronological order that they were postponed. J. Tie Games 8) PLAYER TRYOUTS 1) Tie games will be concluded at the convenience of the WILL and in accordance with Section 4E 2) Score sheets for tie games must be turned into the equipment room as usual, immediately after the tie game. These score sheets will be available for use on the date the game is to be continued. This score sheet must be utilized for the tie game. 3) Tie games will be governed by the Official Little League, Inc. Playing Rules. All players are required to tryout every year. If a player can not make the tryout for a legitimate reason as defined in Section 1 herein, an effort will be undertaken by the Division Vice President/Player Agent to rate the player based on previously displayed abilities. If this can not be accomplished or if the player is new to WILL, then the player will be a hat-pick during the draft. 9) PLAYER DRAFT a. The draft will be conducted in accordance with the Uniform Draft Procedures as established by the Draft Committee and approved by the President and Executive Board. b. Draft Date The date of the draft will be set by the Division Vice President/Player Agent. 12

13 c. Manager The Manager is responsible for selection of the team players in the draft. If the Manager or his representative is not present at the draft, the picks for the Manager will be made by a representative appointed by the Division Vice President/Player Agent. d. Player Registration After the Draft 10) EQUIPMENT Players signing up subsequent to the player draft will be placed on a waiting list. These players will be assigned by the Division Vice President/Player Agent when openings exist. The assignment will be, where possible, based on age grouping and player ability in order to maintain or establish a balanced league. a. Managers will be issued equipment and uniforms for the operation of the team. b. The Manager is responsible for the inspecting, verifying, signing for, and accepting responsibility for the equipment and uniforms. c. At the end of the season, the Manager is responsible for the collection and return of the equipment at the time specified by the equipment manager(s). d. The returned equipment will be checked against the list of equipment that was signed out by the Manager at the beginning of the season. e. The Manager is solely responsible for all WILL property assigned to the team. 11) TOURNAMENT TEAM SELECTION GUIDE a. All tournament team Managers will be selected based on merit and ability and must be approved by the Executive Board. b. Players for the tournament teams will be selected by the tournament team Manager. Selection will be based on merit, ability, and a player s availability (Major Baseball and Softball) during the scheduled tournament play. All of the players must have played at least 60% of the season s scheduled games. 13

14 c. Parents of players selected for Williamsport all-star play shall receive a letter from the WILL advising them of the WILL policy in regard to tournament games. The letter shall state that the Manager s chief goal is to win each game fair and square and that the Manager is bound only to play all players in accordance with the respective tournament minimum play rules, if applicable. The tournament team Manager must use, in his best judgment, the best players available at all times. If any parent can not accept this policy, their child will be removed from the roster and a replacement sought by the WILL. The replaced player will receive any and all awards by our league to the team. 12) PLAYING RULE EXCEPTIONS a. Should circumstances necessitate the removal of the starting pitcher from the mound, the relief pitcher can come from the bull pen as opposed to a player already in the lineup. b. Minor B and C Playing Rule Exceptions i. Pitching: 1. The Manager must remove the pitcher when said pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age group as noted below, but the pitcher may remain in the game at another position: League Age # of Pitches Rest 14 and under - 66 or more 4 days days days day days 15 and older - 76 or more 4 days days days day days NOTE: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed for his/her league age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until that batter reaches base or is put out. 14

15 NOTE 2: any player who has been removed as a pitcher in a game is prohibited from playing the position of catcher for the remainder of that day if that player has thrown more than 40 pitches. ii. Bunting: iii. Stealing: 2. Only three (3) walks per inning will be allowed in the Minor B and C Divisions. For the C Division, after the third walk of an inning and the count is ball four for any subsequent batter, the batter s Manager or coach will pitch up to four consecutive pitches in relief of the pitcher. If the batter is not successful in advancing with a hit within those four pitches (whether balls or strikes), the batter is out. The pitcher is then to return and face the next batter. 3. Pitchers in all Divisions pitch from 46 feet. 1. In the Minor C Division, an attempt to bunt, in the umpire s opinion, is an automatic out. 2. Bunting in the B Division is limited to two (2) bunts per inning and six (6) for the game. Bunts in excess of these limitations will be automatic outs. 1. There shall be no stealing in the B and C Minor Divisions, except for the stealing of third base in the B Division. In such case, that runner can not advance past third base and no other runners may advance any base. 2. In the Minor B and C Divisions, the no stealing rule is interpreted to mean that a pitched ball is considered dead after is has crossed the plate and until the pitcher is on the rubber to deliver the next pitch. c. Minor A Division and Majors Exceptions: i. Pitching: 1. The Manager must remove the pitcher when said pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age group as noted below, but the pitcher may remain in the game at another position: League Age pitches per day pitches per day 15

16 pitches per day pitches per day pitches per day Rest Requirements: League Age # of Pitches Rest 14 and under - 66 or more 4 days days days day days 15 and older - 76 or more 4 days days days day days NOTE: any player who has been removed as a pitcher in a game is prohibited from playing the position of catcher for the remainder of that day if that player has thrown more than 40 pitches. NOTE 2: any player who has played the position of catcher in four (4) or more inning in a game, is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day. d. Wild Pitchers and Hit Batters All Divisions: i. If a pitcher hits three (3) batters in one inning, or five (5) batters in a game, the pitcher shall be automatically removed from the game as a pitcher. The player that is removed may play another position. 13) FIELD DECORUM/SPORTSMANSHIP a. The actions and conduct of players, Managers, coaches, spectators, umpires, and league officials must be above reproach. b. The use of tobacco and alcoholic beverages in any form, as well as foul language, is strictly prohibited on the playing fields, surrounding areas, benches and dugouts. 16

17 14) SAFETY c. The practice of using younger children, not members of a team, as bat retrievers can have serious consequences to the WILL in the event of injury. Therefore, batboys and/or batgirls are not permitted. d. Any Manager, coach, umpire, league official, and other volunteers whose conduct is found to be detrimental to the standards of the WILL or the WILL program will be subject to disciplinary action by the Executive Board of the WILL. Managers, coaches, spectators, and all other WILL personnel will be subject to: 1) First Offense 2-game suspension or greater, subject to review by the President and Executive Board 2) Second Offense minimum 2-game suspension and possible dismissal from the WILL, subject to review by the President and Executive Board. SAFTEY IS EVERYONE S BUSINESS THINK AND ENFORCE IT AT ALL TIMES. Please refer to the WILL Safety Code for the safety items to be considered. The above rules have been revised and approved by the WILL Executive Board in March ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR UMPIRES 1. Minimum player requirement for all age groups is seven (7) players. No game can start with less than 7 players on each team. Teams will borrow the necessary players (last batted out) from the other team. If a team does not have the minimum player requirement 15 minutes after scheduled start time, the result will be a forfeit. Under no circumstance can a team play with less than 9 players. 2. time limit - no inning may start after 2 hours from first pitch. All innings started, will be played to completion. If darkness should preclude the end of a game, the score will revert to the previous full played inning. 3. Only authorized Managers/Coaches are permitted to be in the dugout and on the field. Authorized Managers/Coaches will be supplied with identification badges. Also, at least one (1) Manager/Coach must be in the dugout at all times. Please notify the Umpires of this rule, as it tends to be violated on a consistent basis by our Managers/Coaches. 17

18 4. Regarding lightening - as the fields at our complex do not face in the same direction, there is a chance that an Umpire may see lightening that another does not, and vice versa. We recommend that if one game is suspended due to lightening, that that Umpire notify the other Umpires and have their games suspended as well. This also goes for darkness. If in the judgment of one of the Umpires that it is too dark to continue playing, that he contact the Officer of the Day (will be located around the food concession) and have them make the call as to how to handle the remaining games. 5. Absolutely no jewelry is permitted to be worn, with the exception of medical bracelets. 6. Pitchers are not permitted to wear white long-sleeved shirts. As our fields are located by the water, it tends to be cold during the evening games. Please make sure that the Umpires enforce this rule to the letter, as some teams are disadvantaged when they follow the rule, but others do not. 7. All catchers must wear the following equipment: a. "dangling" throat guard - all teams are supplied with this b. long-modeled chest protector - all teams are supplied with this 18