RUSSELL ARTHUR SENIOR SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION (RASSA) RULES OF PLAY AND LEAGUE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR MORNING LEAGUES League games will be played in accordance with the Senior Softball USA Rules for the current year with the following local rules, exceptions, clarifications or points of emphasis. Rule 1: The Playing Field: Section 1: League games will be played at Greensprings George Ward Park Field #6. Start times will be determined by the Board of Directors (the Board). Section 2: Base length will be 70 feet; pitching distance will be 50 feet. Pitchers may pitch from up to 6 feet directly behind the pitching rubber. Section 3: Home Plate for purposes of balls and strikes will be modified by a rubber, removable plate which extends the length of the plate to 36 inches and the width to 19 inches. A second home or scoring plate will be placed in line with the main Home Plate, approximately 8 feet from Home Plate. Section 4: The field will be marked with an arc at 170 feet from Home Plate. The four outfielders may not cross inside this arc before the ball is hit. Outfielders may not throw the batter/runner out at first base. Section 5: The Home Team of the first game will set up the field equipment for play, while the Home Team for the second game will dismantle and store the field equipment, making sure that the storage room is locked. Section 6: All infielders must begin their defensive play on the infield dirt, but may move anywhere after the ball is hit to make a play. Rule 2: Equipment: Section 1: Any bat approved by SSUSA may be used. Fast pitch bats may not be used. Section 2: The 12-inch softball used by the league will be an optic yellow,.44 Core, 375 compression balls. One new ball will be used per game, with backup balls selected from balls used in previous games. Section 3: Metal cleats or spikes are not allowed. Section 4: A pitcher s net must be used. The net is to be placed approximately 3 to 5 feet in front of the pitching rubber and must cover ½ of the pitching rubber on the glove side of the pitcher. 1
Rule 3: Teams, Substitutes and New Players: Section 1: A team will consist of 10 roster players in the field (unless both Managers agree to playing 11 players in the field) and at least 10 or more players in the batting order. Section 2: Managers are responsible for assuring that a sufficient number of players are available. All roster players attending the game who are able to play will be put in the batting order and given the opportunity to play relatively equal time on defense, even if it means playing them out of their normal position. If a team has fewer than 10 players available, Substitute Players of the same classification (or lower) as the missing players may be picked up from other teams. The two Managers and the League Director will meet at Home Plate 5 minutes prior to each game to make sure substitutes are replacing missing players in accordance with the above stated rule. These Substitute Players must be placed at the end of the batting order. Section 3: If a roster player arrives late, he will replace his Substitute at the start of the next half-inning and must bat in his Substitute s place in the batting order. If a team has fewer than 10 players at a given point in a game due to an injury, illness, disqualification for misconduct or any other reason. a player of equal or lower classification may be picked up if one is available. This player will bat in the spot occupied by the departing player. If no Substitute Player is available, an out will not be recorded when the vacant position in the lineup is due at bat. Section 4: If a team does not have a player capable of playing shortstop or pitcher, the Manager may pick-up a player for either or both positions, even if the team has 10 or more players present. The regular shortstop being replaced typically will be in the higher rated player group, so there is no issue in replacing him. On the other hand. the regular pitcher being replaced could be in any of the player rated groups. Therefore, the substitute pitcher should be a player of equal or lower classification. As always, each Manager and the League Director must be in agreement with any such pick-up prior to the beginning of the game. If a player on the team is present and capable of playing shortstop or pitcher, but might normally play another position, the team will be required to put the player in as shortstop or pitcher and not pick-up Substitute Player for either position. Section 5: If a player joins the league during the season, he or she will be temporarily assigned to a team until evaluated and assigned a rating by the Commissioner and League Directors. Once the rating is determined, he or will be assigned to a permanent team by the Commissioner in consultation with the League Directors and Managers. Rule 4: The Game: Section 1: Games will normally be 7 innings. When the offensive team has scored 5 runs in an inning, they must take the field, unless it is the 7 th inning or open inning where the number of runs scored is unlimited. Section 2: If the game is tied after seven innings, the game will be declared a tie for record purposes. 2
Section 3: Teams will flip/flop batting if the visiting team has at least an eight-run lead at the end of the sixth inning. In other words, the team behind (the Home Team) will bat twice consecutively (taking its 6 th inning at-bats AND its 7 th inning at-bats in succession). If the team behind should take the lead or tie, the other team (the visitors) will get its 7 th inning atbat that was skipped. Section 4: During the hottest part of the season (typically July and August) the game may be limited to 6 innings; and all of the above referenced 6 th and 7 th innings, will apply to the 5 th and 6 th innings of the shortened game. Section 5: If one team is ahead by 15 runs after five full innings, the game will be declared over, unless the team behind requests to continue playing. Rule 5: Pitching: Section 1: Any pitch that reaches its highest point above the playing surface at less than 6 feet or more than 12 feet is declared an ILLEGAL PITCH by the plate Umpire and will be called a ball. It will be at the discretion of the batter as to whether or not he swings at the pitch. If the ball is hit, it is in play. Section 2: There will be no intentional walks. In other words, pitchers must pitch to each batter. Rule 6: Batting: Section 1: A strike is called by the Umpire for each legally pitched ball that lands on, before bouncing, any portion of the entire extended Home Plate (19 inches by 36 inches). Section 2: A ball is called by the Umpire for each legally pitched ball that does not land on any portion of the entire extended Home Plate. An illegal pitch is also a ball, unless swung at by the batter. Section 3: Each batter will start his turn at bat with a count of 1 ball and 1 strike. If a batter has 2 strikes and then hits a foul ball, the batter gets another strike. If the batter then hits another foul ball, the batter is out. The ball is dead, and the Runners may not advance, unless a fielder catches the foul ball. Section 4: Any ball that is hit outside either foul line will be called a foul ball by the Umpire. If a fielder is attempting to catch a ball in foul territory, it is still a foul ball based on where the ball is (not the player). Section 5: Any foul tip caught by the catcher will be declared an out by the Umpire, regardless of how high in the air it goes. Section 6: The batter is out if he carries his bat to first base. 3
Rule 7: Runner: Section 1: No leading off is allowed. Runners must stay on the base until the ball is hit. If the ball hits the ground without the batter swinging, or if the batter swings and misses, the Runner is allowed one (relax) step off the base. Section 2: When overrunning first base, the batter must touch the alternate red/orange base outside the regular white base if a play is made on him, unless he utilizes the regular base to avoid a collision (Umpire s decision). Section 3: When running to second base, it is the Runner s responsibility to stay out of the way of the defensive player attempting a double play by ducking, sliding or running to either side of the base. Rule 8: Pinch Runner Section 1: A Pinch Runner is in the game when announced by the offensive team Manager. Section 2: There is no limit on how many times a Pinch Runner can run either during an inning or during a game. \ Section 3: If a Pinch Runner comes up to bat while he is on base, another substitute runner can pinch run for him. Section 4: When running for a batter, the Pinch Runner will start behind a chalked line, which will be drawn parallel to and 5 feet back from the 3 rd base foul line. The Pinch Runner is under the honor system to not step over the line until the ball is struck by the batter. Rule 9: Home Plate: Section 1: Defensive Players can only touch the original Home Plate (the batter s Home Plate) and Runners can only touch the second Home Plate (the scoring Home Plate). Section 2: In order to be safe at home, Runners must touch the second Home Plate located adjacent to the right-handed batter s box, located 8 feet from the original Home Plate. Section 3: Should a defensive player with the ball touch any portion of the original Home Plate (either the white or the black portions) before the Runner reaches the second Home Plate, the Runner is out. Section 4: If the Runner touches the original Home Plate, the Runner will be out and the ball will remain live. 4
Section 5: Once the Runner crosses the commitment line (located on the 3 rd base foul line, 20 feet from Home Plate), the Runner cannot return to third base. If the Runner crosses back over the commitment line going back toward third base, he will be called out and the ball remains live. Rule 10: Infield Fly Rule: There is no infield fly rule; however, if in the judgment of the Umpire, an infielder intentionally drops a line drive that results in a double-play, he will credit that infielder with a catch/out, and the Runners will return to the bases they occupied before the play. Rule 11: Throws to First Base: Section 1: When a batter hits a ball that results in a throwing or fielding error at first base (including a bad throw by an infielder or any ball missed by the first baseman), the batter can only advance as far as second base at his own risk regardless of where the ball ends up on the playing field. There is no limit to how far a runner (or runners) already on base can run as long as the ball is in play. Section 2: If the ball goes outside the playing field (e.g., inside the dugout), it is a dead ball. In that case, the batter running to first base automatically gets second base; and the other base runners get the bag they are running toward plus one more base or home plate. Rule 12: Home Run Rule: Two Home Runs over the fence by the same team will be allowed in a game. subsequent fair ball hit out of the park by that team will be recorded as a single. Any Rule 13: Umpires: Section 1: One paid Umpire will be provided for each game. Section 2: The Umpire will see that games keep moving and allow no unnecessary delay. Section 3: The Umpire is responsible for calling balls and strikes, plays at Home Plate and all bases, foul balls, or a base Runner leaving early. Section 4: When a force out at second base is possible, the Umpire needs to make sure that the defensive player actually touches second base before throwing the ball to first base for a double play. Failure to do so will result in the Runner being called safe at second base. Section 5: If a paid Umpire is not available, two volunteer players will substitute as Umpires. The Home Plate Umpire will call balls and strikes and make calls at Home Plate and third base; and the Field Umpire call plays in the in the outfield and at first and second base. 5
Rule 14: Year End Tournament Section 1: The standings for the Tuesday and Thursday Morning Leagues will be kept throughout the season and will be posted on the RASSA Web Site (bamaseniorsoftball.org). Section 2: A single elimination round robin Year End Tournament will be played at the end of the season with pairings based on the standings for the total season. Section 3: It is very important to remember that the Year End Tournament and the games leading up to it are intended to encourage fun competition. Therefore, it is further important for both Managers and Players to keep this in perspective and behave accordingly. Rule 15: League Responsibilities for Commissioner, Board of Directors, League Directors, Managers and Players: Section 1: The Commissioner serves as the Chairman, as well as a voting member, of the Board. He is responsible for: leading the Board in achieving RASSA s short and longterm goals and objectives; being the face of the league to the public; representing RASSA in negotiations with the City Parks and Recreation Representatives; managing the overall financial and operational aspects of the league through the League Directors; and bringing up any key league issues to the Board for their review, input and vote regarding any required decision. Should the Commissioner choose to no longer serve or become incapacitated, a replacement will be selected by the Board. Section 2: The Board of Directors will be made up of seven members including the Commissioner, two League Directors and four other members elected by the Players. They will meet at the call of the Commissioner and be responsible for: attending meetings on regular basis; providing ideas and input (their own and that of Players) for improvement of the League; voting on key decisions brought to them by the Commissioner; and taking disciplinary action regarding any Player s violation of the Code of Conduct. Prior to the beginning of each season, the RASSA BY-LAWS, CODE OF CONDUCT and RULES OF PLAY AND LEAGUE RESPONSIBILITIES will be reviewed, updated as required, and approved by the Board. Also, any other procedural changes considered during the season will require Board approval. All Board decisions will be determined by a majority vote. Section 3: There will be two League Directors: one for the Tuesday League and one for the Thursday League. The League Directors serve as the other two Officers of the League reporting to the Commissioner and are voting members of the Board. In addition to assisting the Commissioner in his role, they primarily are responsible for being present for all games in their assigned league or to get another Board Member to substitute for them when absent; meeting with both Managers before each game to ensure that any Substitute Players meet the requirements established under Rules of Play; making every effort to ensure that games move along efficiently; and making sure that their respective Morning League game day operations are run in accordance with the Rules of Play, League Responsibilities and Code of Conduct. When issues or disputes arise or disciplinary action is required, the League Directors may ask for direction from another Board Member, but they are responsible for making the final on field decision. They also are responsible for: bringing ice to each game; and coordinating sessions following each game to make announcements, share news, have prayer, etc. 6
Section 4: Managers will be approved by the Board and must have a good knowledge of the game. They will be responsible for: making every effort to ensure that their Players comply with the Code of Conduct, as well as an Umpire s decisions; discouraging their players from getting involved in controversy with an Umpire or other Players, reminding players of scheduled games; making sure that there will be at least 10 players available for each game by getting appropriate substitutes before game day when needed; making sure that they and their players set up the equipment when they are Home Team in the first game and take down the store the equipment when they are the Home Team in the second game; get a Player well ahead of time to substitute for him when he cannot be present; and ensure that all available Players on the team are placed in the batting lineup and each player is given relatively equal field playing time. The Manager of the winning team of each game is responsible for reporting the final score to their League Director. Section 5: Players are encouraged to participate in RASSA beyond just being a player. Various volunteer opportunities are available to all players, including the various League administrative and management positions. In addition, there will be other opportunities to help the League, such as volunteering to take part on clean up days, the annual picnic, etc. Players are responsible for: abiding by the Rules of Play and Code of Conduct; making every effort to show up regularly and on time for scheduled games; informing the Manager well in advance if they will be absent for a game; warming up adequately before a game to avoid unnecessary injuries; arriving early to help set up the equipment when they are on the Home Team for the first game; and staying after the second game when they are on the Home Team to store the equipment; 7