WILMINGTON RECREATIONAL DEPARTMENT INDUSTRIAL CO-ED SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES UPDATED APRIL 9, 2014 I. ORGANIZATION A. This league shall be known as the Wilmington Industrial Co-Ed Softball League (henceforth referred to as the Industrial League ) B. The purpose of the Wilmington Rec. Dept. sponsored adult league is to provide an opportunity for recreational activity to those qualified under the following regulations: 1. The player must work for the team sponsor (permanent, full-time employee of the company). 2. Five (5) Non-Company players are allowed to play on said sponsored team. These are players NOT employed at the sponsored company. Within this number you are allowed both male and female players. a. If a player leaves your company during an off-season, they can come back and play as one of the five Non-Company players. b. If a player leaves the company during a current season, they can continue to play as a company member until the end of the season. C. The league captains may, by majority vote, change these rules, as they deem necessary and/or suitable. D. The league Commissioner has the right to limit membership of teams or individuals due to time restrictions, scheduling problems, or past expressions of bad faith. Bad faith is defined as any action(s) executed by an individual or team in opposition to league rules. These rules of policy will be binding upon all teams, individuals, and sponsors of the various leagues as approved by the majority vote of Team Captains. II. MEETINGS
The Commissioner shall call an organizational meeting during March, and other meetings may be called when deemed necessary by the Commissioner III. PLAYING RULES AND REGULATIONS A. The Industrial League shall play all games in accordance with USSSA Rules, except where these rules have been modified by the league due to local conditions B. The Commissioner may cancel a contest before it begins no later than 4:00pm. Cancellations will be sent out via email to all League Captains. Once the game has begun, only the Chief Umpire may cancel the contest. If inclement weather causes postponement of a game, the Commissioner shall be responsible for rescheduling that game 1. In situations where games cannot be played due to field conditions at game time, the game can be cancelled at the field by either of the managers as long as both teams have at least 8 players at the field at game time (any team with less than 8 players will receive a forfeit.) When games are cancelled at the field, each team is responsible to pay the umpires 50% of their regular fee for that game. 2. In situations where a game is to be cancelled prior to 4:00pm, both team captains must agree, and the Commissioner and also the Chief Umpire (Rick Hill) must be notified via phone/text message (email is not reliable enough), and a response must be received acknowledging the cancellation. If a confirmation response is not received prior to 4:15pm, contact the Commissioner. C. Game times shall start as scheduled, but no later than 15 minutes after the scheduled time. (5:30PM start time / 5:45PM grace period) The end time for all games is scheduled to be 7:00PM, with any extension subject to approval of the Umpire and other teams present that may have rights to the field beginning at 7:00PM. D. The schedule and playoff procedure shall be decided by the League Captains. E. Games are a tie after 7 innings will extend to extra innings, as time allows. Any game interrupted by inclement weather prior to completing 5 innings will be replayed in its entirety, and postponed games will similarly be rescheduled by the Commissioner (Games become official after 5 complete innings) F. Teams will consist of ten (10) players defensively (minimum of 8) that include at least three (3) females. 1. Teams will have the choice of using all players offensively with free substitution defensively, which will include at least three (3) females defensively.
If a player cannot complete the game, he/she will be dropped from the batting order without penalty, unless the player lost reduces the number of females to less than three. In which case, the lost player would result in an automatic out at her point of the batting lineup. Also, If the total number of players drops to 7 or less the game will be forfeited. 2. Players arriving late can be inserted at the end of the lineup without penalty. Players arriving late may not be inserted into the field defensively during a player s at bat (but CAN be inserted into the field defensively in between batters.) 3. Teams that do not use all players offensively will announce their action to both the opposing team and to the umpire prior to the start of the game, and will hand a lineup to the opposing team when substitutions are made. However, a minimum of 3 females must be in the lineup at all times in order to avoid taking an automatic out. 4. Teams that only have 2 females may field 9 players defensively, and the number four (4) spot in the batting order will be an automatic out. 5. Teams that only have 1 female may field 8 players defensively, and the number four (4) and eight (8) spots in the batting order will be automatic outs. 6. Teams that lose a female player due to injury or for personal reasons, and that cause the number of female players currently in the game to become two (2) or less, will be charged an automatic out at that player s position in the batting lineup. As long as there are at least 3 females active in the game, no automatic outs will be enforced. 7. Teams that do not have any females present will forfeit the contest 8. When female batters are at bat, only four (4) defensive players will be allowed in the infield, with exception to the pitcher and catcher. Outfielders will only be allowed to make defensive plays after the ball crosses the outfield grass. Also, outfielders must position themselves at least forty (40) feet from the infield--this is to be enforced by the umpire. Violation or refusal to accommodate umpires request will result in an automatic single. G. NO BUNTING, NO STEALING. Base runners may leave the base after the pitched ball crosses home plate. Runners only advance after the ball is hit. H. PITCHING RULE -- 2013 The slow Pitch Rule will be the same as defined in the USSSA Rules handbook which states that the pitch must rise three (3) feet from the point of release of the pitcher, and rise no more than ten (10) feet from the ground. I. SCORING -- the Home Team will be responsible for keeping score. (If the home team does not have enough players to effectively keep score, they will reserve the right to decline the responsibility to the visiting team if they wish to accept it.) It is highly
encouraged that both teams keep score whenever possible in order ensure that an accurate report of the game is recorded. J. RUNNER SUBSTITUTION -- The substitute runner will be the last recorded out of the same sex (male for male, female for female). K. OUT RULE -- A pitcher cannot walk a male to get to a female player, or walk any player to get to an automatic out. If the batter is a male and a female is on deck, and the pitcher throws 3 straight balls, without throwing a strike or a foul ball during the entire atbat, the female on deck batter would be given the option to either bat or take a free walk. If the on deck batter would be an automatic out, the automatic out would be negated and play would continue (this rule only applies to a 3-pitch walk). L. HOME RUN RULE -- Progressive rule goes into effect after each team hits three (3) home runs. The first team is allowed to hit 3 home runs, then the opposing team must hit 3 home runs before the first team can advance to 4. After each team hits 3 home runs, then no team can be greater than 1 home run ahead of the other team (1-for-1 rule). If a team has met the maximum number of allowable home runs, any subsequent home run will be considered a ground rule single. M. TEAM ROSTER PER GAME -- Each team should give their game roster to the opposing team before the first pitch of the game is thrown. N. GAME SCORES -- Each team captain will email the score to the Commissioner (jmainini@hotmail.com) the day following the game regardless of win/loss. O. BASERUNNING 1. First base is a double-wide, orange and white base. Offensively, batters running to first base after a hit must run to the ORANGE base; defensively, the firstbaseman must step on the WHITE base when attempting to complete a force-out. (Safety issue) 2. In the event of a possible double play, if the runner advancing to secondbase is CLEARLY out due a force play, he/she must not interfere or obstruct with the defensive player attempting to complete the double play by throwing to first. (the runner should turn away from the basepath allowing the defensive player a clear line of sight to firstbase (Safety issue) 3. No defensive player should ever apply a fake tag. Simply put, if a runner will clearly make it to a base and no play would occur, concede the base. It is unsportsmanlike for any player to cause another player to slide unnecessarily. This action could result in a warning and/or ejection from the game at the discretion of the Umpire (Safety issue)
IV. FORFEIT A. A team may forfeit a game in these cases: 1. Failure to field the minimum number of prescribed number of players (8, one of which must be a female) 2. Failure to observe regulations pertaining to rosters (Ineligible players) 3. Abusive language or action toward another player, umpire, or spectator by one of more players as deemed by the umpire 4. The umpire will terminate the game if after 5 complete offensive innings if the losing team is behind by 13 OR MORE RUNS. However, the home team always gets last at bats. B. If a team forfeits a game, and a so-called exhibition game is played, no records are kept, and all fees are to be paid to the umpire. Also, per USSSA insurance regulations, umpires cannot officiate an exhibition game. C. Any team forfeiting 2 games during the regular season will be dropped from the league (pending a vote from the remaining team captains) 1. This may be appealed by contacting the Commissioner (in writing or by email) stating the reasons for the for forfeits, and requesting a vote by the rest of the Team Captains in the League as to whether or not they can be allowed to remain in the league V. PROTESTS A. No protests will be considered which involve judgment calls by the umpire B. All protests will be presented to the Umpire, and Captain of the opposing team by the Captain of the Protesting team prior to the first pitch of the game, or immediately following the incident prompting the Protesting action. C. Once presented to the umpire, all protests must be delivered in writing, or email, to the Commissioner within 72 hours, accompanied by a $10.00 fee which shall be returned if the situation causing the protests, as well as citing the specific rule whose violation caused the protest, is ruled in favor of the protesting team D. The Commissioner will hear and rule on all protests, with input from the Head of Umpires, as soon as possible, but within one week from the time that he received the
protest. Both managers may present their case, and they may call for supplementary information as they deem necessary. VI. UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT A. All teams are encouraged, but not required, to have uniform shirts B. All metal spikes will be considered ILLEGAL. Only rubber cleats, rubber sole shoes or sneakers will be allowed. No street shoes or work boots. C. The USSSA approved Classic M is the official ball. Each team will supply a new ball to the umpire prior to each game D. Upon completion of the game, one ball will be returned to each team. (Teams are responsible for retrieving balls that are hit out of play.) E. Each team may provide their own catchers masks and encourage that they are worn each game. F. All bats being used in a game MUST have the USSSA approved logo VII. ROSTERS A. All players participating in the Wilmington Industrial Softball League will be listed on the team roster before they compete. 1. There is a 30-player maximum per team 2. Rosters will be passed in by the first game of the season. Any changes to this roster must be made by the 3rd game of the season 3. After the 3rd game of the season, rosters will then be closed for the remainder of the season 4. Each team will select a Captain and an Assistant Captain who will assist their team s communications, scores reporting, and league communication. a. Each captain will provide the Commissioner his/her home address and contact info for the League records kept by the Head of Umpires.
b. Each captain will be responsible for making sure that the necessary equipment be brought to the field in a timely fashion. If the captain is unable to play in a game, he/she should make arrangements for the Assistant Captain (or another player) to take over the Captain s responsibilities in his absence. B. All players must be registered and must have participated in at least 50% of the regular season games in order to be eligible for the playoffs. Team Captains and the Commissioner will police this. C. Any violation of roster rules is cause for forfeiture of all games played to that point. VIII. CONDUCT A. Captains and players must conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner and as gentlemen/ladies. No abusive language or dangerous play. B. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted, at any time, within the Town Park property. The Town Park will be defined as any area within the gates near the main road. This rule applies to all players, umpires, and spectators. Team Captains are required to control this. Spectators will be asked to leave the premises, and the game will not resume until the offender has left the premises. C. Removal, warnings and/or suspension from the league will be enforced to conduct violations. D. Team captains must report any ejection to the Commissioner within 48 hours of completion of the game citing the situation and involved players E. Minimum penalties for ejection from the field of play, or bench: 1. Player ejected for the first time -- Warning 2. Player ejected for the second time -- One-game suspension 3. Player ejected for the third time -- automatic suspension indefinitely pending meeting of the Captains. i. The Commissioner/Captains may, at their discretion and majority vote of Captains, increase the penalty for flagrant violations F. No Smoking is allowed in the coaching boxes or on the field of play
G. Any player or team that has committed repeated offenses of conduct or other unreasonable actions can be considered for a lifetime ban from the Industrial Softball League. However, in order to approve such a motion, a unanimous vote by nonoffending team captains is required. IX. FEES A. Fees will be decided by the Commissioner. League fees will be determined prior to the annual Captain s meeting, and must be approved by a majority vote by Team Captains. Fees will be due at the annual Captain s meeting. 1. Non-payment of the fees will result in forfeits of games until the payment has been received in full by the Commissioner B. Each team will split the Umpire fees 50/50 prior to the start of each game C. In the event of a game that is cancelled due to inclement weather, prior to throw of the first pitch, the umpire will be due 50% of his normal rate D. In the event of a game that has to be forfeited by a team due not meeting the required minimum number of players, or having zero female players present--that offending team will be responsible for paying the umpire the entire ump fee, and will forfeit the game X. PLAYING AREA A. The field shall be considered to mean any area within the confined area of the exterior outfield fence, the wall along the first base side along an imaginary line straight back to the woods, and the fence along the third base side along an imaginary line to the woods. 1. These boundaries will be discussed prior to each game during the ground rules review between the two Captains and the Umpire B. INFIELD: All balls will be in play that do not go beyond the gravel/grass line, over the fences, into the dugouts, or into any area deemed by the Umpire to be Out-Of-Play C. OUTFIELD: All balls will be in play that do not go over the fence in fair territory (home run), or leave the field of play. A fairly hit ball that bounces over the fence, or that rolls beyond the confines of the fence will be considered a ground-rule double. Balls that get
stuck in any part of the fence must be IMMEDIATELY identified to the Umpire (by waving his/her hand) and a ground-rule double will be awarded. D. In the event of poor (but not unsafe or unplayable field conditions), Captains and the Umpire may agree on varying the ground-rules to account for small puddles or other varying field conditions. Any ground rules not specifically mentioned here should be discussed between the team captains and the umpire prior to the start of the game and anything not specifically covered during that conversation will be left to the discretion of the umpire. XI. MISCELLANEOUS A. Maximum number of teams allowed in the league will be ten (10) B. Selection of new teams--when an opening in the league arises, we will advertise that opening. Any team wishing to enter the league will submit a roster that fulfills the league eligibility requirements. The Commissioner will review the applicant s roster to verify eligibility prior to accepting the team s application. C. Starting times and forfeit times will be enforced as written. Since there is another league that uses the field after our allotted times, it is important that we start/end our games on time so that we do not delay others their rights to use the field. If the required number of players, male and female, are not in the bench area (not right field foul area) by 5:45pm at the latest, the game will be forfeited. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW IN THE TOWN OF WILMINGTON TO CONSUME ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON TOWN PROPERTY. THIS INCLUDES TOWN PARKS. PLAYERS OBSERVED ENGAGING IN PUBLIC DRINKING WILL BE WARNED AND/OR SUSPENDED. ---PER ORDER OF THE WILMINGTON RECREATIONAL DEPARTMENT