Never let the fear f striking ut keep yu frm playing the game Babe Ruth 1
Table f Cntents Presidents Message... 3 Missin Statement & Mtt... 3 Abut CGLL... 4 General... 5 Leagues... 5 Travel Teams... 5 CGLL Overview... 6 Park Rules... 6 Weather... 7 Safety... 8 Equipment... 8 Umpire & Caches Behavir... 9 Team Selectin... 10 Plicy Change Request... 10 CGLL General League Rules... 11 Apprpriate Unifrm... 11 Games & Practices... 11 League Turnament... 11 CGLL Game Rules... 12 Game Safety... 12 Field Rules... 12 Playing Time... 13 Team Line Up & Substitute Players... 13 Pitching Rules... 14 Sliding Rules... 15 Interference & Obstructin... 15 Curtesy Runner... 16 Special Rules... 16 General Play Table... 19 Appendices 2
Message frm Yur CGLL Executive Bard: Dear Players, Parents and Caches; Center Grve Lassie League (CGLL) appreciates the individual vlunteers, caches, umpires, and parents wh are dedicated t wrking with and teaching the girls in the CGLL prgram. Our number ne gal is t prvide the girls f CGLL the fundamentals f sftball t learn, grw and lve the game. By wrking tgether, we can help all girls achieve success by teaching them thrugh ur example hw t have gd sprtsmanship, be leaders and gain friendships and memries that will last a lifetime. Remember, we are all here fr the girls and t be an example t each ne f them. The CGLL bard wuld like t thank yu fr yur dedicatin and supprt fr CGLL. Jerry Gebhart Chris Herman Chris Herman Ryan Mueller President Vice President Secretary Cmptrller MISSION STATEMENT: It is the missin f Center Grve Lassie League (CGLL) t prvide prgrams fr girls t have fun and develp friendships, while learning teamwrk, sprtsmanship, leadership, and athletic skills thrugh the sprt f sftball. Our Mtt: TALENT WINS GAMES, BUT TEAMWORK WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS. 3
Abut CGLL CGLL is recgnized by the IRS as a 501(c) 3 charitable rganizatin that prvides girls frm Jhnsn cunty and surrunding cunties the pprtunity t play fast-pitch sftball in instructinal, recreatinal and cmpetitive prgrams. CGLL prgrams are managed by a bard f directrs wh vlunteer their time t fulfill the missin f the rganizatin, and we sincerely appreciate: The girls in ur prgrams wh play hard and have fun; The dedicated parents and vlunteers wh serve as caches r therwise dnate their time and talents t supprt ur prgrams; Lcal businesses and individuals wh generusly supprt CGLL thrugh dnatins and spnsrships CGLL prvides 3 levels f sftball prgrams fr girls age 4 thrugh 18. Each level is designed t prvide a higher level f cmpetitin and skill. Each is a separate entity and funded accrdingly, althugh all are Lassie League Girls Sftball prgrams. This handbk addresses the huse league play. Please see the travel handbk fr details f ur travel prgrams. The huse league is pen t every girl between the ages f 4 and 18 wh wish t participate. Recreatinal League: This is ur base where girls learn the fundamentals and rules f the game beginning with instructin and becming mre cmpetitive as the girls get lder. All Stars: Selected frm the Recreatinal League, these girls shw higher skill level and desire t advance. The All-Stars prgram prvides Class C level playing pprtunities beynd the Recreatinal League regular seasn. Travel: These girls exhibit the highest level f skill and desire t represent CGLL and all its participants in travel team turnaments. 4
General Leagues Age is determined by the girl s age as f January 1, 2014. Example: If a girl turned 9 n February 5th, she is eligible t play in the 8U Divisin. (She was 8 years ld n January 1st). If a girl turned 9 n December 31st, she must mve up t the 10U Divisin. (She was 9 years ld n January 1st). ** 6U: This is an instructinal league that teaches the girls the fundamentals f sftball utilizing bth cach s pitch and a tee. Teams cnsist f 6-8 players t allw fr mre ne n ne instructin. Players have ptin t hit ff cach pitch r T with the gal t have all girls hit ff cach by end f seasn. There will be ne game played during the in-huse turnament week fr this league n the Varsity/JV fields. Players in the league must turn 4 by January 1 st t be eligible t play. 8U: This league will usually place 9-11 players n each team. The gal f the league is t give each girl as much playing time and quality instructin as pssible. A duble eliminatin turnament will take place at the end f the seasn. 10U: This league will usually place 9-12 players n each team. The gal f this league is t gain additinal experience in the game f sftball while fine-tuning the skills gained frm previus years. This level is a cmbinatin player/cach pitch and pitching distance is 35 feet. A duble eliminatin turnament will take place at the end f the seasn. 12U: This league is a girls pitch league. Pitching distance is frm 40 feet and the league fllws the rules f the USSSA. A duble eliminatin turnament will take place at the end f the seasn. 14U/18U: These leagues are girls pitch league s that d nt require travel. Pitching distance is frm 43 feet and the league fllws the rules f the USSSA. A duble eliminatin turnament will take place at the end f the seasn. All-Stars: This league will be selected frm the Recreatinal League. These girls shw higher skill level and desire t advance. The All-Star prgram prvides Class C level playing pprtunities beynd the Recreatinal League regular seasn. These teams are chsen frm the 6U thrugh 14U recreatinal leagues via tryuts. Play begins after the regular seasn, typically participating in 3-4 turnaments in the area. Turnaments are decided n by the All-Star caches and All-Star Cmmissiner with apprval frm the bard. **Requests t either mve up r dwn a divisin may be cnsidered. Any request must be submitted in writing t the CGLL Bard. Tra v e l Tea m s CGLL ffers travel leagues fr 8u, 10u, 12u, 14u, and 18u. If yu have questins abut the travel team prgrams please inquire with ne f the bard members. 5
Cen t e r G r v e L a s s i e L e a g u e ( CGL L ) O v e r v i e w As with all rganizatin, we must have rules, requirements and regulatins that gvern ur prgram. All players, parents and caches are t becme familiar with these, and if yu have any questins r cmments please cntact the Cmmissiner f the apprpriate league. Park Rules The CGLL fields are maintained by CGLL bard members and vlunteers. We are privileged t be able t use these fields fr ur sftball prgram. It is very imprtant the athletes, parents and ther visitrs display prper respect fr the facility. This includes that the duguts, fields, spectatr areas, restrms, etc are left the way that they were fund and that all trash is remved and prperly discarded. The nging maintenance f ur facilities is a huge task. CGLL des nt pay nr can we affrd a paid staff fr this wrk and therefre must slicit vlunteers. We ask all parents and players t pick up the trash after every sftball event. When every parent and player des his r her part, the tasks are simple & expedient. N tbacc r e-cigarette will be permitted n CGLL prperty at any time. N alchl will be permitted in the park at any time. Anyne under the influence f alchl will be asked t leave the park. N pets are t be n premises per park plicy. Please plan t have yur dg(s) taken care f away frm the facility; therwise, yu will be asked t leave with yur dg. N glass cntainers. Please place trash in prvided cntainers. N prfanity. Park nly in designated areas and bey all psted speed limit signs. Nte parking n the access rad adjacent t field 4 is prhibited. N parking in the grass. Unauthrized vehicles are nt allwed n the fields. All players, caches, parents and spectatrs will shw gd sprtsmanship always. Abslutely n ball playing f any kind arund any building structure. N ball smaller than sftball will be allwed, unless used fr team training. N batting n any unsupervised fields (Parent r Cach in the fenced area). Only wiffle balls may be hit int the fence. During games, nly the caches and players are allwed in the dugut r n the field. 6
Weather We d ur best t ntify all parents, players and caches in a timely manner f pstpned/cancelled games. Caches have the discretin f calling ff practices; hwever, the CGLL Bard Member n Duty (BMOD) is the ne wh will call ff games. Yur child s safety is will always be ur first cncern. N teams shuld be n the field r in the duguts when lightning is seen r thunder is heard. See CGLL Weather Guidelines belw. The safety f ur players, spectatrs, fficials and ther league persnnel is paramunt and the sle purpse f this plicy. We expect all invlved t understand and adhere t its requirements. Please refer t ne f the fllwing surces fr infrmatin n the status f the day s activities: Website: www.centergrvelassieleague.rg Facebk: www.facebk.cm/centergrvelassieleague THUNDER OR LIGHTNING RAIN This rule is fr all leagues and all divisins and is nt ptinal. Games/practices will be stpped immediately if lightning is seen r thunder is heard frm the field. If a game/practice is being played at a multi-field cmplex, any ne game/practice being halted shall stp all games/practices. Yu must wait 30 minutes befre allwing play t resume. If there is anther clap f thunder r lightning is seen again, the clck is restarted. If the game delay exceeds ne hur, the game r games are pstpned and everyne must leave the field. Fr practices, any additinal delays after the first 30-minute sessin will result in the end f practice. Shuld the Natinal Weather Service issue a Severe Thunderstrm Warning r Trnad Warning fr ur area, all games in prgress shall be stpped and all scheduled games during the duratin f the warning shall be pstpned. Player safety is ur first pririty. The Umpire and/r Bard Member n Duty (BMOD) has the full authrity t immediately delay, cancel r suspend games as they determine necessary. After play is halted due t weather, all players, caches and fans shuld remve themselves frm the fields/duguts. Once the umpire r BMOD stps play during games r practices all activity ceases n the fields. THIS IS NOT OPTIONAL!! Rain, in the absence f thunder r lightning, will be mnitred by the umpires and Bard Member n Duty (BMOD) as t severity and impact n the game being held. Games may cntinue if deemed acceptable by league fficials and n safety cncerns exist. SEVERE WEATHER Watches Trnad Watch: Cnditins are favrable fr the develpment f trnades in and clse t the watch area. Severe Thunderstrm Watch: Develpment f severe thunderstrms in and clse t the watch area. Watches are usually in effect fr several hurs, with 6 hurs being the mst cmmn. Warnings Trnad Warning: Trnad is indicated by radar r sighted by strm sptters. 7
Severe Thunderstrm Warning: Issued when a thunderstrm prduces hail ¾ f an inch r larger in diameter and/r winds which equal r exceed 58 mph. WARNING issued by the Natinal Weather Service, this means that a trnad r severe thunderstrm has been detected by radar r bserved by trained strm sptters r public fficials. These warnings are fr shrt-fuse events that nly last an hur r lnger. Bard Member n Duty (BMOD), Cmmissiners and Caches shuld immediately clear the fields and have spectatrs, players, and fficials mve t the parking lt r pint f safety depending n cnditins. N games r practices will begin with a STORM WARNING in effect. TORNADO SIRENS: In the event trnad sirens are sunded, seek immediate shelter. If n shelter is available leave the facility immediately. All play will be suspended. Game Cancellatins/Field Cnditins (due t weather): Rainuts will be rescheduled; schedule permitting. Suspended Games: Games will be suspended at the discretin f the BMOD and/r the Umpire in Charge. In the case f suspended games: The umpire will ntify the caches f the time that play is suspended. Screkeepers will recrd this time in the screbk. The amunt f time left will be nted if play resumes. Caches, screkeepers, and umpires will meet and recrd n the screbk, the cunt n the batter and the scre. All incmplete games will be rescheduled and cmpleted (schedule permitting). The game will be restarted at the pint f the suspensin. See General Rules Sectin fr cmplete games. Clsed Fields: If fields are clsed, there is t be NO ACTIVITY in the infield. Safety Safety is a number ne pririty fr CGLL. When yur ther children attend the games please make sure they are supervised. Team members nly are allwed n the bench and in the dugut area during games. Equipment CGLL will prvide, with assistance frm the spnsrs, a sftball jersey. Girls are asked t prvide black shrts/pants, scks, a glve and batting helmet with faceguard and a sftball glve. Sftball cleats are ptinal; NO METAL CLEATS except fr 14U and up ONLY. CGLL supplies the necessary sftballs fr bth practice and games. The cach is respnsible fr all equipment that will be handed ut. This equipment is t be used fr practice and games nly. When a piece f equipment needs repair, it is the cach s respnsibility t turn it in t the league s equipment directr. If an equipment bag is nt returned at the end f the seasn, the cach will be charged $50. Until all equipment is accunted fr, they will nt be able t cach at any level, in any capacity. 8
All caches will receive frm CGLL: Catcher's equipment: mask, helmet with thrat guard, chest guard and shin guards (8u and up) Practice balls Duffel bag Face Masks (1) Heart Guard (1) [6u, and 8u Divisin Only] Nte: All bats must be fficial (USSSA, NSA, ASA, Babe Ruth) sftball bats. The umpires may apprve r disapprve the use f any bat. **If any child des nt have equipment (i.e. glve, prtective gear) due t financial cnstraints, the family shuld cntact an Executive Bard Member fr assistance. Umpires and Caches Behavir and Respnsibilities General Expectatins: Be prfessinal, this is fr the girls, nt the caches. Get as many innings played as pssible Dress respectable, n flip flps Head caches are respnsible fr the cnduct f their Asst. Caches, players and fans. Caches are respnsible fr reviewing these rules and Cde f Cnduct with players, caches, parents and fans. Each head cach, assistant cach and league cmmissiner must submit and pass a backgrund check befre they will be allwed t participate as a cach r cmmissiner. CGLL pays fr the backgrund check. There will be n prtests r appeals. The hme plate umpire shall versee the game and may be assisted by a base umpire. Treat each player fairly and impartially. Placing yur daughter ahead f the team will cause yu prblems and cntribute t bad feelings amng ther players and parents. Equally imprtant is the reverse scenari where yu require mre f yur child than that f ther players. The missin f ur prgram is t prvide recreatinal sftball fr all wh wish t participate. Yu shuld never veremphasize winning as yur team s gal. It is the cach s respnsibilities that this attitude is thrughut his r her team. Remember these are just children learning a game. Under NO circumstances will any cach ever verbally r physically abuse a player. Any cach wh attempts t embarrass a player r in any way abuses a player will be IMMEDIATELY remved frm their rle as a cach. Any persns wh d nt share this belief r d nt cntrl their emtins and intensity level shuld nt serve as cach. Participatin Behavir: This rule applies t all attendees. Any persn being ejected frm a game must immediately leave the prperty. They will be autmatically suspended fr the next game. The suspended persn may nt be n park prperty. This ne game suspensin may be appealed t the executive cmmittee f the bard. Scial Media Use Plicy: While CGLL supprts the use f scial media utlets; (Facebk, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, amng thers), individuals may use such media in any way they chse as lng as such use des nt prduce any adverse cnsequences such as harassing, demeaning, creating a hstile envirnment, r harming the gdwill and reputatin f the league r in the cmmunity at large. Dghuse Rule: Only the head cach (chief assistant if head cach is nt present at game) shall have standing t discuss calls with umpire. If there is a questin f rule applicatins r interpretatin; it will be calmly and quietly discussed at hme plate by bth head caches. Ump's call. Warn first. If any cach misbehaves, they are designated t dugut nly and cach must remain silent. Safety always cmes first and shall verride any ther rule r regulatins f the league. 9
Team Selectin Prcess 6U Girls participating in this league will be placed n a team by the recreatinal league bard members. We will d ur best t accmmdate all caching and friends request in this league. 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U and 18U Evaluatins will ccur in the early spring befre the start f the spring seasn. Players that played n a team in the previus spring seasn will remain n that team and are nt required t be re-evaluated. If a player wishes t be n a different team than previus spring they will need t request change and be re-evaluated at Spring evaluatins. If player is mving divisins, they will be required t be re-evaluated. Plicy Changes Request Rules are subject t change at any time fr the betterment f the CGLL experience. Any rule changes will g thrugh the CGLL bard and be vted n befre implemented. A request t change a rule may be written and sent t the league cmmissiner. Mst rule changes will be implemented fr the fllwing seasn, unless they pse a safety risk; then they wuld be vted n and implemented in current seasn. 10
CGLL General League Rules Apprpriate Unifrm All league players must dress fr the games apprpriately. CGLL prvides a unifrm shirt. This is the unifrm that shuld be wrn fr all games. It is recmmended that each girl wear sftball apprpriate pants r shrts. N cut ffs r similar inapprpriate shrts. Girls may wear lng, sftball pants instead f the shrts. While nt required, it is recmmended fr the 8u Divisn players t wear a face guard. * *(The use f a face guard greatly reduces the risk f injury t player s facial area. CGLL des nt prvide facemasks.) While nt required, it is recmmended fr the 10u Divisin and abve players wear sliding shrts and a sliding pad when wearing shrts fr a game. * *(The use f the sliding shrts and pad greatly reduces the risk f injury while sliding. CGLL des nt prvide sliding shrts r pads.) Games and Practices Each team will be assigned specific times and fields t practice n each week during preseasn. Each divisin will play a minimum f 8 games in a seasn (weather permitting). Additinal practice times can be scheduled via yur League Cmmissiner; fields permitting. Only defensive players, batter, n deck batter, umpire and base caches allwed ut f dugut and n the field. 6U are permitted n mre than 3 events in ne calendar week. Events are defined as practices and games. Duble Headers scheduled by CGLL are cnsidered 1 event. Teams can scrimmage anther team prir t the seasn. CGLL will nt prvide umpires fr scrimmage games. All Scheduling cnflicts shuld be directed t the Vice President and League Cmmissiner. Practice and game schedules will be psted n the CGLL website. The hme team will be defined per game schedule League Turnament A duble-eliminatin league turnament will be held fr all divisins except 6u. The Turnament games will be determined by blind draw fr 8u, 10U, 12U, 14U, and 18U. Awards: First and secnd play turnament trphies will be awarded in each divisin. All girls that dn t receive a turnament trphy will receive an award recgnizing their participatin in the seasn. 11
CGLL Games Rules Game Safety Befre the game starts: Players must tuck in shirts. Players must take ff all jewelry, including pierced jewelry. Metal spikes are permitted nly fr 14U and 18U. During the game: It is highly recmmended by CGLL, that all players in the field f play wear muth guards, r a facemask. Helmets w/facemasks are mandatry fr batters, base runners and n-deck batters. (Each player must prvide their wn batting helmet w/faceguard.) N lanyards fr muth guards. Pitchers and Pitchers Helpers must wear either a facemask r helmet w/facemask. A facemask is required fr 6u, 8u, and 10u divisins. 6u, and 8U must wear heart guards while n the mund. Oneface masks, and ne-heart guards are prvided by the league fr each team. (Girls may chse t purchase their wn facemask/heart guards.) Facemasks are recmmended fr 12u, 14u, and HS. Anyne under 18 year s ld serving as Base Cach, must wear a helmet with Face Mask. During game play, all players, and caches must be in the Dugut. Any girl nt behind the fenced area must wear a helmet with facemask r facemask, i.e. in the dugut entrance. Catchers will wear full gear, i.e. facemasks with thrat guard, shin guards and a full chest prtectr. If a player thrws her bat, the fllwing rules apply: First time a warning will be given t the player and cach Secnd time The player will be autmatically called ut Third time the player will be dismissed frm the game. Field Rules Pregame: Games will start at their scheduled time. The Umpire will be respnsible fr enfrcing a prmpt start. If there are any reasns nt t start n time, the Bard Member n Duty (BMOD) must be cnsulted t apprve any variatin n the start time. The BMOD will have final say. The hme team will line the field and be ready t play five minutes befre game time. Fr every five minutes after the scheduled start f the game, an ut will be assessed against the hme team, if the equipment is available. Hme team will ccupy 3rd base line dugut. There will be n infield practice befre games There will be nt batting frm hme plate befre the start f the game Only wiffle ball and tee hitting will be allwed in the utfield prir t start f game. Umpires have game balls. One new and extra ne in gd shape. Umpire will be fficial timer. The visiting team will prvide a screkeeper fr the electrnic screbard, if available. Umpire must turn in scre t the BMOD immediately after cmpletin f the game. Game and Pst Game Screkeeper s respnsibility t cnfirm scre with each ther. Fix disagreement befre next pitch. Hme team fficial screbk. Outfielders must be n the grass when ball crsses hme plate. Return game balls t umpire after game. Caches may nt questin pitches but may questin a rule nly. 12
Field Maintenance Base caches help umpire by keeping bases clean. Caches are respnsible fr cleaning ut the dugut f all trash after each game r practice. Caches and parents are respnsible fr any trash n r arund the field. Please keep yur fields clean. Grming and maintenance is the respnsibility f CGLL. Please bring t the attentin f the BMOD any items that need immediate remedy. Playing Time Caches at all levels must take care t play all girls in a variety f psitins and give meaningful playing time. Every effrt shuld be made by caches t see that each girl gets a rtatin in the infield. This is mst imprtant in the yunger ages (6U 10u Divisin). In the 12u Divisin and abve, there is sme discretin t develp utfielders and prevent injury. N player shuld sit ut mre than ne inning defensively in a rw, r mre than tw fr the entire game. Reasnable exceptins may be made (injured player, ill player, player request, etc.) Team Line-Ups and Substitute Players Team Line-Ups: Minimum Players: Minimum players fr league play are 7 start, play and finish with 7 players. If by game time a team des nt have at least 7 players, a frfeit will result unless bth caches agree t extend the time limit and the BMOD allws the later start time. Minimum players fr Turnament play are 8 If yu play with 8 (9th batting psitin is an autmatic ut). When a team is left with a vacant spt in the lineup because f nly having 8 players, the ppsing team may nt, with tw uts, intentinally r unintentinally walk the previus batter t get the "AUTOMATIC OUT" created by the vacant spt in the batting rder. 7 players r less is a frfeit. 6u, and 8u: N minimum in regular seasn play (share players if needed t equalize). 10u: N minimum in regular seasn as lng as bth caches agrees t play. 12u, 14u, and 18U: In regular seasn play, there is n minimum requirement as lng as bth caches agree t play. Call Ups r Substitute Players (Turnament Regulatins): All substitutes must be registered league players, and n a recreatin team rster. All caches will be prvided a list f eligible substitute players t call up t play during the regular seasn. The substitutin list will be prvided by the respective league cmmissiner at the start f the seasn. The league cmmissiner r BMOD must be ntified f the substitute player prir t the start f the game. All substitutes must als be reprted t the ppsing cach prir t the start f the game. If a cach has a player that wuld like t play up and the cach feels that the player shuld be eligible t play up the cach may ntify their league cmmissin t add the player t the apprved substitutin list fr the apprpriate league. All substitute players are required t bat at the bttm f the lineup and play in the utfield. Substitute players will nly be used t fill a team t 9 players. Team must have a minimum f 7 f its wn players. 8u: 6u players may be brught up t play if there is a shrtage f players. They must play utfield and bat last. 10u: 8u players may be brught up t play if there is a shrtage f players. They must play utfield and bat last 13
12u: 10u players may be brught up t play if there is a shrtage f players. They must play utfield and bat last 14u: 12u players may be brught up t play if there is a shrtage f players. They must play utfield and bat last 18U: 14u players may be brught up t play if there is a shrtage f players. They must play utfield and bat last. A batting rder will be established prir t the beginning f the game, and exchanged by the respective caches/screkeepers with all substitute players listed at the bttm f the lineup. All players wh are present fr the game shuld bat. Players wh arrive late shuld be added t the bttm f the rder, with ntice given t the ppsing cach. 8u, 10u, 12u, 14u, and 18U Divisins: All games may be played with 10 players defensively (4 utfielders) prviding each team can field the 10 th player. Each utfielder s feet must be in the grass until the ball is batted. In an effrt t speed up the exchange between defense and ffense, Caches are expected t have a prepared line-up fr the entire game. Pitching Rules A pitcher will be allwed 5 warm-up pitches when the game starts with the 5 th pitch t be thrwn t 2 nd by the catcher nly. Between innings the same pitcher will be allwed 3 warm-up pitches with the 3 rd pitch t be thrwn dwn by the catcher and a max f 2 pitches t be caught by a cach. Any new pitcher will be allwed 5 pitches their first inning. The pitcher s windup must start with bth feet in cntact with the rubber, facing the batter. N step back is allwed. Pitching Guidelines (by Divisin): 8u: 10u: Caches will be respnsible fr pitching in this divisin. Pitching delivery and stance will attempt t cnfrm t USSSA rules. Leniency will be granted t pitchers in this divisin and any reasnable fast pitch underhand delivery will be acceptable. The game pitcher may pitch a maximum f 3 innings (9 uts) in any ne game f 6 innings. An inning is defined as 3 uts. Each Pitcher can nly pitch 2 cnsecutive innings. The starting and secndary pitcher may be remved and can be reinstated in the pitching psitins nly nce during the game. The secnd pitcher may nly be reinstated t the pitching psitin after a third pitcher has pitch t at least 4 batters. A starting pitcher that has been reinstated will nt be cnsidered the third pitcher. A pitcher will be remved after she has walked (r hit) any 4 batters in an inning. The ffensive s team s cach will then be allwed t pitch the remainder f the inning. The girl remved will be assessed the uts achieved by the pitching cach n her behalf. A pitcher that is ver her limit and has already pitched t a batter must be remved and a new pitcher inserted. The batter will be awarded first base and runners will advance ne base. 12u and 14u: Pitching stance and delivery will cnfrm t USSSA fast pitch rules. The game pitcher may pitch a maximum f 4 innings (12 uts) in any ne game f 7 innings. Only the starting pitcher may re-enter the pitching psitin. An inning is defined as 3 uts. A pitcher that is ver her limit and has already pitched t a batter must be remved and a new pitcher inserted. The batter will be awarded first base and runners will advance ne base. 18u: Fllw USSSA Rules One pitch in an inning is cnsidered an inning. During the game, the pitcher may nt use tape r ther substances n the ball, pitching hand r fingers; nr shall any player apply any freign substance t the ball. 14
With the umpire s apprval, pwdered resin may be used t dry the hand. At the umpire s apprval, the pitcher may use a twel during inclement weather t dry their fingers and the ball. The pitcher must tuch their leg after using the twel, but befre grasping the ball t pitch. Cnferences: Only ne charged cnference between the manager and pitcher in an inning. The secnd charged cnference shall result in the remval f the pitcher frm the pitching psitin fr the remainder f the game. The pitcher can remain in the game in any ther psitin excluding the pitching psitin fr the remainder f the game. Players can call time and hld a cnference. Cach may nt g thrugh catcher t pitcher. N stalling. Sliding Rule In judgment f the umpire...lf a runner attempting t reach 2nd base, 3rd base r hme plate intentinally and maliciusly runs int a defensive player in the area f the base, she will be called ut n the play and ejected frm the game. There must be a play at the base. If a runner unintentinally runs int a defensive player with n attempt t slide, the runner will be called ut fr nt sliding. If there is a clse play at 2nd base, 3rd base and hme plate, the runner must avid cntact if n slide. If n slide; cntact must be avided when catcher is tagging the runner. Runner must avid cntact with any defender If runner attempts slide, there is n cntact rule in place. N head first slides at any base; hwever, the runner can return t a base headfirst. Interference / Obstructin Obstructin (Umpire judgment call) Is the act f a defensive team member wh hinders r impedes a batter s attempt t make cntact with a pitched ball, r wh impedes the prgress f a runner r batter-runner that is legally running the bases, unless the fielder is in pssessin f the ball r is fielding a batted ball. The act may be intentinal r unintentinal, physical, r verbal. Fielders must stay ff base if n play stay ut f runner's way. If bstructin, runner advances ne extra base. Interference (Umpire judgment call) When the base runner interferes with a fielder attempting t field a batted ball r intentinally interferes with a thrwn ball. If this interference, in the judgment f the umpire, is an bvius attempt t prevent a duble play and ccurs befre the base runner is put ut, the immediate succeeding runner shall als be called ut. Taunting r Hesitatin Rule Hesitatin is defined as a baserunner wh is legitimately ff the base (in ther wrds mving ff a base after a pitch r runding a base after a hit r walk) and wh, nce the pitcher has the ball in either hand in the pitcher s circle, must mve directly tward the next base r the last base tuched. The base runner cannt stand mtinless r lean t g tward the next base and then return t the previus base while the pitcher is in the circle. Exceptin is if the pitcher is making a play n the base runner, which is defined as the thrwing, arm raised r if any frward mvement f the bdy is made tward the baserunner. If runner taunts r hesitates they are called ut. Runner must advance r return t base when pitcher has cntrl f ball in circle If pitcher makes mtin t runner while bth feet are cmpletely in pitchers circle they can stand ff 15
base until pitcher stps mtin twards runner. Curtesy Runner (10u and Abve) The player in the batting rder where the last ut was recrded may replace the current pitcher r catcher as a curtesy runner at any time. The pitcher r catcher will remain in the game and the curtesy runner will retain all substitutin rights (if the curtesy runner has substitutin rights). A player can be used nly nce per inning as a curtesy runner. Caches shuld encurage players t run the bases. Special Rules 6U: Instructinal League N scres r statistics will be kept. This is an instructinal league nly A fair ball is ne that has been hit between the baselines and traveled at least 4 feet r s. If a batter kncks ver the tee during the swing, the ball is ruled ful n matter hw far it travels. Bunting is nt allwed. All players bat every inning. Batting rder is reversed every inning. The last player t bat will circle the bases until thrwn ut r she crsses hme plate Stealing r leading ff is nt allwed. Players may nt advance n an verthrw. Players will advance nly ne base n each hit. Defensive uts are recgnized. The player thrwn r tagged ut will be remved frm the base. Players shuld be encuraged t thrw t first r any base t stp the runner. Players shuld nt be encuraged t thrw the ball int the pitcher s psitin All players will play in the field defensively. There is n catcher's psitin. Caches shuld be psitined in the field t instruct players. A cach shuld be psitined in the mund area. All players shuld be rtated t as many psitins as pssible during the game 8u: General Hash Mark Rule: A hash mark will be placed n the infield drawn halfway between 1 st & 2 nd base, 2 nd & 3 rd base, and 3 rd & hme plate. A base runner is entitled t cntinue t advance n a batted ball until the ball becmes dead. The ball is dead when: A Fielder has frced the lead runner t stp their frward prgress and initiate a return t a base, time is called immediately by the umpire and the runner may nt advance. The ball is thrwn t the pitcher inside the pitcher s circle and the pitcher calls timeut. Timeut will then be granted by the umpire. Girls wh are mre than halfway will be awarded the next base, girls wh are less than half way will return t previus base. All infielders can be n clser than 3 feet in frnt f the base line at any time befre the ball is hit. The pitcher s helper is the nly exceptin. She must have at least ne ft in the pitcher s circle and be even r behind the pitcher. 16
10u Batting: The batter may get up t six pitches t hit the ball. The batter will be called ut after the sixth pitch r three swinging strikes. If the sixth pitch is a ful ball, the batter will cntinue t bat until the ball is hit in fair territry r the next pitch they wuld swing and miss. BUNTING IS NOT ALLOWED IN THIS LEAGUE A maximum f 5 runs can be scred by each team per half inning. There will be n infield fly rule in the 8u Divisin. Pitcher s Helper/Cach Pitch: Girls that are designated as pitcher s helper must wear a mask and heart guard Pitching rubber will be lcated 35 feet frm the frnt edge f the rubber t the rear pint f hme plate There will be a circle arund the pitching mund 5 feet frm pitching mund Caches must stay inside this circle when pitching. If cach leaves the circle t pitch it will result in the fllwing: 1 st time Warning frm Umpire 2 nd time Team will be assessed an ut 3 rd time Team will need t prvide a different cach t pitch A girl may play nly tw f first six innings as pitcher s helper, first base r a cmbinatin f the tw psitins. This rule des nt apply after the sixth inning. Base Running: A Runner may nt leave the base until the ball is batted. A player wh leaves the base early will be given a warning. (Umpires will infrm Caches). If she cntinues t leave early, she will be called ut. Stealing f bases is nt allwed Bases will be 50 feet apart Overthrw: If a live ball is thrwn frm the infield past any base, the batter will nly be allwed t advance ne additinal base at their wn risk. This will be n the first thrw nly. Other runners can advance ne base at their wn risk als. The umpire will call time ut nce the batter/runner has reached the extra base. Overthrw - any thrw, which sends a ball, untuched past its intended recipient r target. Batting: A base will be awarded t a batter after the umpire has called 4 balls when a player is pitching There will be n infield fly rule in this divisin Bunting is NOT ALLOWED IN COACH PITCH When a cach is pitching: The batter will get 5 pitches t hit the ball. The batter will be called ut after the fifth pitch r three swinging strikes. If the fifth pitch is a ful ball, the batter will cntinue at bat until ball is hit in fair territry r the next pitch they wuld swing and miss. A maximum f 6 runs can be scred by each team per half inning. Base Running: Stealing f bases is allwed. A base runner may steal 1 base per pitch. The base runner cannt steal hme. When stealing, the runner cannt leave her base until the pitch has crssed hme plate. A batter may NOT attempt t reach first base after a called r swinging third strike that is drpped by the catcher. 17
When the cach is pitching, stealing is NOT allwed. Bases will be 60 feet apart Overthrw: USSSA Rules apply except when stealing; the abve rule will apply If a girl is injured by a batted ball and cannt cntinue with the play, the umpire will call time ut and advance the runners at his/her discretin. 12U 14u/18u A batter may NOT attempt t reach first base after a called r swinging third strike that is drpped by the catcher. A leadff may be taken after the ball has left the pitcher s hand. If the runner is seen leaving the base befre the ball leaves the pitcher s hand, the umpire will declare her ut. Stealing f any base is allwed Bases will be 60 feet apart. Base Running: A batter may attempt t reach first base after a called r swinging third strike that is drpped by the catcher. If there are less than tw uts, first base must be pen. A leadff may be taken after the ball has left the pitcher s hand. If the runner is seen leaving the base befre the ball leaves the pitcher s hand, the umpire will declare her ut. Stealing f any base is allwed. Bases will be 60 Feet apart. Overthrw: USSSA verthrw/dead ball rules apply. 18
General Playing Rules Item 6u 8u 10u 12u 14u 18U Game Length 60 min. Drp Dead 75 minute Drp Dead Time. 75 min. Finish the inning 6 Innings r 90 min. Whichever cmes first. Finish the inning. 7 Innings r 90 min. Whichever cmes first. Finish the Inning 7 Innings r 90 min. Whichever cmes first. Finish the inning. Game Ends Time Limit Time Limit Cmplete Game *(In the event f weather r time limit(8u) Inning 3 innings* r time limit. Discretin f the BMOD 3 uts r nce thrugh the line-up. (All players will bat even if they are nt playing in the field.) 4 innings* r 30 minutes after start time (If inning nt cmplete, revert back t scre f the previus inning) 3 uts r 5 runs. (All players will bat even if they are nt playing in the field.) Time Limit (Finish the Inning) 4 innings* r 30 minutes after start time (If inning nt cmplete, revert back t scre f the previus inning) 3 uts r 6 runs. (All players will bat even if they are nt playing in the field.) Time Limit (Finish the Inning) 4 innings* r 30 minutes after start time (If inning nt cmplete, revert back t scre f the previus inning) 3 uts r 6 runs. (All players will bat even if they are nt playing in the field.) Time Limit (Finish the Inning) 4 innings* r 30 minutes after start time (If inning nt cmplete, revert back t scre f the previus inning) 3 uts r 6 runs. (All players will bat even if they are nt playing in the field.) Time Limit (Finish the Inning) 4 innings* r 30 minutes after start time (If inning nt cmplete, revert back t scre f the previus inning) 3 uts Run Rule per Inning 6 5 6 6 6 N Restrictin Mercy Rule N / A N / A 12 After 3 innings 10 After 4 Innings 8 After 5 Innings 12 After 3 innings 10 After 4 Innings 8 After 5 Innings 12 After 3 innings 10 After 4 Innings 8 After 5 Innings 12 After 3 innings 10 After 4 Innings 8 After 5 Innings Infield Fly Rule Nt in effect Nt in effect Nt in Effect In effect In effect In effect Bunting Stealing (Stealing als applies t advancing n a wild pitch, passed ball, catcher s verthrw back t the mund, r advancing past first base n a walk.) Nt permitted Nt Permitted Nt permitted Permitted Permitted Permitted Permitted Nt Permitted Permitted. *See special rules Permitted Permitted Permitted Leading Off When a pitched ball crsses hme plate When a pitched ball crsses hme plate When a pitched ball crsses hme plate Upn release frm the pitchers hand Upn release frm the pitchers hand Upn release frm the pitchers hand 19
Item 6u 8u 10u 12u 14u 18U Base Running/Dead Ball Overthrw Drpped 3rd Strike Pitching Limitatins (Only starting pitcher may return t pitch. One pitch is cnsidered an inning. N limit n substitutins.) Pitching Distance Play will stp when batter reaches 1 st base r runner is ut. Players can nly advance ne base per play - Lead runner cannt advance hme n an verthrw. They must be batted in. Play will stp when the lead runner is stpped r the ball has been thrwn t any base n the infield and fielder has cntrl f ball, they can call timeut t stp play. Hash mark rule is in effect. See Special Rules N Restrictin N Restrictin N Restrictin N Restrictin N Restrictin N Restrictin N Restrictin N Restrictin Nt in effect Nt in effect Nt in effect Nt in effect In effect In effect 6 Pitches Ttal: Minimum Cach Pitch (2) Maximum Tee Pitch (4) Based n skill level Player is ut if ball is nt hit within the (6) ttal attempts 30' (Cach must be inside the pitching circle) Cach: (6) pitches per batter Batter will be ut after 6 pitches r three strikes. If batter fuls 6 th pitch they will cntinue t bat until ball is fair r next swing and miss. 35 (Caches must be within circle) A pitcher may pitch a maximum f 3 innings per game during regular seasn with n limit per week. Pitcher can nly pitch 2 cnsecutive innings. A pitcher may pitch a max f 3 innings during turnament play. A pitcher may pitch a maximum f 4 innings per game with n limit per week. A pitcher may pitch unlimited innings/game. See USSSA Rules 35' 40' 43' Senir: 43' Strike Zne Nne Nne Space ver any part f the plate between the batter s highest shulder and her frnt knee. Space ver any part f the plate between the batter s highest shulder and her frnt knee. Space ver any part f the plate between the batter s highest shulder and her frnt knee. Space ver any part f the plate between the batter s highest shulder and her frnt knee. Umpires Offensive Base Caches Hme Plate Only Hme Plate Only Hme Plate 1 Infield Hme Plate Hme Plate Only 20
Appendix A: General Cde f Cnduct 1. All Center Grve Lassie League (CGLL) parents, caches, players and bard members are t cnduct themselves in an age apprpriate manner at all games, practices and ther league events. 2. Caches are t adhere t the Caches Cde f Cnduct Plicy (separate dcument) at all times. Failure t d s may result in disciplinary actin. 3. Players are t exhibit gd sprtsmanship at all times. a. N player shuld make dergatry cmments t the ppsing team, player s caches r parents. b. Players shuld supprt ther members f their team by wrd and actin. c. Caches are respnsible fr their players cnduct. Onging disciplinary actin with a player shuld be reprted t the cmmissiner r ther league fficial by the cach. 4. A parent/spectatrs rle during games and ther events is t supprt and cheer fr the team and players. N parent/spectatr shuld behave in a manner that calls negative attentin t them. a. Parent/spectatrs are nt t use vulgarity during games r ther events. b. Alchl is nt permitted at ANY CGLL game r event. c. N tbacc r e-cigarette will be permitted n CGLL PROPERTY at any time. d. Parents are nt t interfere with caches during games. Questins regarding caching decisins shuld be addressed after the game, preferably after a 24-hur cling ff perid. e. Parents are nt t heckle umpires r ppsing team s players and/r caches. f. CGLL Bard Member n Duty (BMOD) r umpires have the right t eject players, caches, parents r spectatrs frm games where these guidelines are nt fllwed. Additinal disciplinary actin may be taken by the CGLL bard. g. N player will be discriminated against in the CGLL prgram base n parental actins. 5. CGLL bard members may be present at games as spectatrs, parents, umpires, caches r CGLL bard representatives. a. Parents and caches are encuraged t apprach bard members with questins r cncerns. b. CGLL bard members will nt interfere with caching r umpiring decisins when the game is in prgress. An exceptin t this will be made if an umpire has a questin regarding CGLL rules interpretatin. c. Any prblems r cncerns nted by CGLL bard members during the games shuld be directed t the apprpriate cmmissiner r the CGLL bard. 6. While CGLL supprts the use f scial media utlets (Facebk, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, amng thers) individuals may use such media in any way they chse as lng as such use des nt prduce any adverse cnsequences such as harassing, demeaning, creating a hstile envirnment r harming the gdwill and reputatin f the league r in the cmmunity at large. 21
Appendix B: Caches Cde f Cnduct 1. Caches will nt discriminate against players r ther participants based n race, creed, belief, natinality, disability r parental behavir. 2. Caches will place the physical and emtinal well-being and safety f their players befre winning. 3. Caches will teach gd sprtsmanship by wrd and example. 4. Caches will knw and adhere t all rules and regulatins f CGLL. 5. Caches will nt use tbacc prducts in and arund players during games r practice. N tbacc r e- cigarette will be permitted n CGLL Prperty at any time. 6. Caches will nt partake f alchl r illegal substances prir t r during games and practices. Failure t adhere t this plicy will result in immediate dismissal as cach. 7. Caches will nt use prfanity r vulgarities during games r practices. 8. Caches are expected t be in cntrl f their player and parents during the game. Caches are strngly encuraged t hld a parents meeting prir t the first game t review apprpriate behavir and t discuss the Cde f Cnduct. 9. Caches will adhere t the CGLL Child Prtectin Plicy. 10. Caches will behave in a manner that will bring credit t CGLL and themselves. 11. Caches will refrain frm public criticism f fellw caches r ppnents. 12. Caches will treat umpires in a curteus manner always and express any dissatisfactin with an umpires ruling calmly and quietly with the umpire. 13. I will remember that I am a yuth sprts cach and the game is fr them, nt the adults. 14. Ejectin frm a game by any cach will result in the fllwing penalties: a. 1st ffense: Suspensin frm next game b. 2nd ffense: Suspensin frm next tw games, nt eligible t cach All-Star team and review by the cmpetitin cmmittee fr pssible additinal sanctins that may include lss f caching duties. 15. While CGLL supprts the use f scial media utlets; (Facebk, LinkedIn, and Twitter, amng thers), individuals may use such media in any way they chse if such use des nt prduce any adverse cnsequences such as harassing, demeaning, creating a hstile envirnment, r harming the gdwill and reputatin f the league r in the cmmunity at large. 22
Appendix C: USSSA Refer t the CGLL website under the dcuments sectin fr USSSA Rules www.centergrvelassieleague.rg http://web.usssa.cm/usssa/usssa-general/2017_usssa_fprb.pdf 23
Ntes 24