The Villages Recreation Department s (VCDD) softball program is designed to offer recreational play in an organized and structured format to residents of The Villages. The VCDD Recreation Department Regulations, the Official Softball USA Rules and The Villages Division Softball Rules govern play. All participants are required to abide by these rules hereafter known as South Division IV Rules. Participants are reminded that softball is a game to be enjoyed. Exercise, fellowship and friendly competition are our goals. Negative comments about fellow players, opponents or umpires are not in keeping with the spirit of the sport. Disagreements between managers and players should be expressed with respect and consideration by both parties, preferably in private. No one should be disparaged or criticized in front of teammates and spectators. Recreation Division IV Webpage Link: http://www.allprosoftware.net/division_iv A QUALIFICATIONS and ELIGIBILITY The Villages softball program is a senior program and all current residents of The Villages, who have completed the softball evaluation process, meet senior softball age requirements, have proper identification, and are eligible to participate. 1. Players must be residents or certified renters of The Villages. 2. Must be at least 50 years of age during the calendar year eligible to play. 3. Players must sign a release form before being eligible to practice or play. 4. New Players must attend three official practices within 6 months (evaluations) for play eligibility. 5. Players must sign up during a posted enrollment period to be drafted for team assignment. a. Each player must participate in the division they were evaluated as either a roster player or substitute for their initial season. Players may decide to move up or down one (1) division per season after their initial season. b. After their initial season any player who is not drafted has the option to either stay in that division as a substitute or to drop down to the next lower division where they will be placed on a roster. c. A player who signs up for a division higher than the one they just participated in and goes undrafted will be put the previous levels draft pool. If they go un-drafted in the lower draft pool they will be placed on a team in the next lower division than the one they previously participated, or become a substitute. d. Any player, or the Division IV Board, may request a One-Day Re-Evaluation. All requests must be re-evaluated and assigned to that division. B ATTENDANCE 1 1. 70% Rule: Roster players who do not attend 70 percent of their scheduled games during the season without making the proper request for Leave of Absence (LOA) and obtaining approval (see B2), will be suspended from playing or substituting for the remainder of the season. If this event occurs after the fourteenth (14 th ) game of the season, they will be suspended from playing or substituting for the remainder of the season plus the first fourteen (14) games of the next season in which they play.
2. Roster players may request a leave of absence (LOA) for absences of more than six consecutive games if caused by injury, illness, family emergency or other acceptable reason. Their request must be in writing to the team manager who will forward to a Board member. The Board will review and SRC member will submit to the Recreation Facilities Manager at Saddlebrook, with Division IV Board recommendations. (see B.3) 3. If the leave of absence request is approved, the affected manager may choose to; a. retain the player on the team roster, or b. replace the player with Board approval (see Section E) 4. Players returning to the league from a leave of absence (LOA) will be placed in Replacement Pool 2 and will have an S2 substitute classification. Games accrued under an approved LOA will not count in the 70% rule computation. 5. Any scheduled games cancelled due to weather or any other reason will count as a played game for the 70% requirement. 6. Softball games will be cancelled due to weather for the following reasons; (also see H.1) a. Wind chill of 35 degrees or below b. Outside temperature of 95 degrees or above (Official Temperature) c. Excessive rain, wind, lighting or any reason that compromise the safety of the players C SUBSTITUTES SUBSTITUTE PLAYERS MUST RUN FOR THEMSELVES AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED A COURTESY RUNNER. IF A SUBSTITUTE IS INJURED DURING THE GAME AND IS UNABLE TO RUN, THEY WILL BE REPLACED IN THE LINEUP WITH THE NEXT AVAILABLE SUBSTITUTE. When a player is still participating in their game prior to the subsequent game that they have been selected to substitute on an opposite field, the start of the subsequent game will not be delayed indefinitely while waiting for the player s availability. The game in which the selected substitute is participating must be in the 7 th inning and not over a 10 minute delay for start of the game when the umpires, scorekeepers and both teams are ready to start. If the player will not be available, a new substitute will be selected from the existing sub list. The subs for the time slot will not be redistributed; a new sub will replace the unavailable previously selected player. A PLAYER S FIRST PRIORITY IS TO THEIR ASSIGNED TEAM. IF A PLAYER IS PARTICIPATING IN A GAME AS A SUBSTITUTE PRIOR TO THEIR OWN TEAMS GAME AND THAT GAME IS READY TO START, THE PLAYER WILL LEAVE THE SUB GAME AND REPORT FOR THE REGULAR SCHEDULED GAME. THIS PROCESS IS ALSO APPLICABLE TO UMPIRES. SUB REPLACEMENTS WILL BE SELECTED FROM EXISTING SUB LISTS, SUB UMPIRES WILL BE PROVIDED USING AVAILABLE UMPIRES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE GAME. 2
3 The Villages Daily substitutes will be assigned on an A for an A, B for a B and C for a C rating category basis including Pitchers. Within each rating category (A, B and C) the following sub classifications will be used for selection of substitute players; S1 New players; initially rated as C S2 Undrafted and Sub-Only applicants; rated as per most recent draft rating S3 Roster Players; rated as they were in the draft S4 Lower Division Sub-Only; rated as C S5 Any S1-S2-S3-S4 player, who has previously subbed on this play date; same as initial rating. THE BOARD MAY ALTER ANY PLAYER RATING DURING THE SEASON IF REQUIRED. D - PROCEDURE OF SELECTING SUBSTITUTES 1. Players wishing to substitute must sign up on the correct Rating category sheet(s) (A, B or C) for the corresponding game time slot(s) that they wish to participate. The player must enter their Sub Classification (S1-2-3-4-5) on this sheet. Pitching subs may enter either Pitch-Only or Pitch-Any. 2. Players signing up to sub as pitchers must meet one of the following requirements: a. Active current season roster pitcher b. Player not drafted but has played as a roster pitcher within the last 3 seasons. c. Player that have had their pitching skills evaluated and in the evaluation process or simply desiring to pitch. In both of these cases, the player must demonstrate his pitching skills to the Board before being permitted to substitute as a pitcher. This permission may be revoked if dictated by subsequent performance. Note: Managers may choose to allow any player on their roster to pitch if they so desire, regardless of their previous experience or evaluated skills. 3. Managers must provide a count by rating category to the Board member(s) responsible for the sub selection process. The absent players including their Rating category can be identified on the Division IV Official Lineup Form. The Lineup form is available on the Division IV web site. Current roster lists and updated Daily Sub sheets will be available for Board member use. 4. Managers may request one or more subs only when he has fewer than 11 roster players available. Pitcher is the exception, in which a manager may get a 12 th player (pitcher) as a sub. 5. Subs will be selected 20 minutes prior to the scheduled game start time. 6. Sub selection will utilize random drawing of numbered pills and the subsequent assignment in ascending order according to the Classification within Rating schematic with specific team placement as follows: a. Field 1 Visitor Field 1 Home b. Field 2 Visitor Field 2 Home c. Field 3 Visitor Field 2 Home
d. Field 4 Visitor Field 4 Home Subs will be assigned by cycling through a-b-c-d as many times as required. 7. If the substitute list becomes exhausted, an effort will be made to solicit subs. Both managers must agree to the selections of a substitute in this case. 8. Pitchers will be selected first using the rating category and sub classification (S1-S2-S3-S4-S5). Roster Pitchers will be selected before non-roster pitchers, regardless of rating category. 9. Subs will then be selected from the A rating category by sub classification (S1-S2-S3-S4-S5) next. If there aren t any A s available; then the B category will be used; if no B s then C s will be used. 10. Selections for B and C rating category replacements will follow in order. 11. Managers will place the selected subs on their roster following the roster players in the order they were selected as subs. The lineup sheets should be turned in to the scorekeepers 10 minutes prior to the start of the game. 12. After subs have been selected and assigned to a team, the manager will not be allowed to remove the sub and insert a roster player that arrived late. 13. If a player becomes ill, injured or must leave due to emergency, the replacement player will be selected using the Classification within Rating schematic in 6 thru 10 above. Players selected as Emergency replacements will not have their sub classification changed to S5, as the emergency replacement does not count as a full game replacement. 14. No substitute player will be allowed for a player who has been ejected. Whenever the ejected player is scheduled to bat, the team will be charged with an out. E - REPLACEMENT OF ROSTER PLAYERS 1. REPLACEMENT POOL (S) defined: Players will be assigned to Replacement Pools on the following basis: a) REPLACEMENT POOL 1 - consist of new evaluated players wishing to be placed on a team b) REPLACEMENT POOL 2 - consist of un-drafted players, returning players, Seasonal Subs and players returning from LOA who desire to be placed on a permanent team roster for the remainder of the season. 2. Each Manager will be required to maintain a roster of: at least ten (10) players. If a manager is aware that any player will miss more than six (6) consecutive games without an approved LOA (see section B), that player must be replaced. 3. Managers written request for a player replacement must be submitted to the Board Member responsible for Player Replacement. The following methodology will be used; a. Replacement Pool-1: Once approved, the manager may select any player from pool list provided. Once this pool has been exhausted a manager must request a player from Replacement Pool 2. (See E.3.b) 4
5 The Villages b. Replacement Pool 2: Once approved, the manager may select any player from the Undrafted Players within Pool 2. At such a time the Un-drafted Players have all been assigned, returning players and players returning from LOA will be assigned based on their date of availability as determined by the Board. The list of, Date of Availability players, will not be published or made available for viewing. The player will be assigned to the manager requesting a replacement. c. In the event a Designated Pitcher must be replaced on a roster, the manager may select from either replacement pool. The manager will be allowed to have a try out before making a selection. This rule applies to Designated Pitcher replacement. A manager may not move a player that was identified as the designated pitcher for the purpose of making this type of selection. F EQUIPMENT 1. Only the following are allowed: Rubber spikes or sneakers; regulation sized gloves: and bats approved by Senior Softball-USA. (Also See Sec.8.6) 2. THE OFFICIAL BAT shall measure not more than 34 inches long and not more than 2 1/4 inches in diameter at its largest part and its weight shall not exceed 31 1/2 ounces including tape or grip addition to bat and Bat Performance Factor (BPF) of 1.21 or less. The bat shall have a safety grip of tape to facilitate holding during the batter s swing. The safety grip shall not be less than 10 inches long, nor exceed more than 15 inches from the small end or handle of the bat. (Also See Sec. 6.2) 3. SAFETY BASE (RED OR ORANGE) The safety base should be positioned with the white portion located where first base normally is set in fair territory and the orange/red portion in foul territory. Any ball striking the white portion is fair and any ball striking the orange/red portion is foul. (Also See 13.3.1) 4. SCORING PLATE The scoring plate shall replace the home plate strike zone mat and is located in foul territory. Base runner must only touch the scoring plate to score a run. (Also See 13.8 & 13.9) 5. PITCHERS SAFETY SCREEN Pitcher may elect to use the safety screen under sun and/or safety conditions. When the safety screen in put into play, the following rules will apply; a) The team utilizing the screen is responsible for placement and removing the screen. An agreed upon location for storing the screen will be determined by the Board and/or Umpires. b) A batted ball that hits the screen is a live ball, the batter and all base runners advance at their own risk. b) Pitcher must still meet the legal pitch requirements as stated in Sec. 11.3 with use of safety screen, and attempt to move behind the screen after pitch is delivered until the ball hits the ground or is batted. c) Placement of safety screen on the playing field shall be perpendicular to the pitching plate on right or left side. The distance in front of the pitching plate will be determined by pitcher s normal windup and release of the ball but not to exceed 24 inches. d) A batted ball that hits the screen is a live ball and all base runners advance at their own risk.
e) A batted fly ball to the infield that strikes the screen is a live ball even if caught as stated in subsection (d) above. f) A thrown ball that hits the screen remains live and in play, runners may advance at their own risk. This is in effect with the screen on the playing field or on the sidelines. g) The safety screen will not be considered Interference if a defensive player makes contact with screen in attempt to make a play on the ball. G- PLAYERS 1. Each team shall field a minimum of eleven players. A team with more than eleven players will have one or more designated hitters (DH). No one may volunteer to be the designated hitter(s) as all players must rotate on the field. All players have turn at bat and can sit out defensively only one inning. 2. Players unable to participate in a game must notify their manager as soon as possible. 3. Players should be present 30 minutes prior to game time. Any team member arriving after a substitute has been chosen as their replacement will not play in that scheduled game. A player that has been listed on the official lineup, but not present at the scheduled start of the game will not play in game. No substitution will be allowed and the team will be charged with an out whenever the missing player is up to bat. The missing player s statistics may reflect his at-bats or outs which will be reviewed and determined by the Board. (Also See Section C.5) 4. A team with fewer than seven (7) players (six (6) in summer season, will not be allowed to select substitutes and will forfeit the game. Playoff games shall always have seven (7) team members present in order to avoid a forfeit. 5. Players should not start a game knowing they can not complete it. Unless an injury or other emergency occurs, a team losing a lineup player will be charged with an out each time the missing player is scheduled to bat. (Also See Sections C.5 ) 6. Decisions regarding the batting order and defensive assignments are the exclusive responsibility of team managers. Division IV will try to honor a players preference, it may not always be possible. 7. Any ejection will be reviewed for possible disciplinary action by The Villages Recreation Department. In addition to The Villages Recreation Department s disciplinary action, a mandatory one day, suspension for ejection by an umpire will be imposed under these rules. (See Section 4 Umpires) 8. Any player engaged in hassling, verbal abuse, any threat or act of physical aggression towards a player, umpire or scorekeeper shall receive the same mandatory one day suspension as stated in Section G.7. 9. Player, Coach, Substitute or umpires continued participation due to injury, bleeding, open wound, or blood on his uniform shall be prohibited until appropriate treatment can be administrated. The length of time considered reasonable is left up to umpire s judgment. 6
7 The Villages H GAME RULES 1. CANCELLATIONS Prior to commencement of play for the day The Recreation Department will determine if games are to be cancelled due to weather or field conditions that would impact the safety and well being of participants. The Recreation Department will notify a representative of the Division when these cancellations occur. a) The Division will establish and utilize a notification system (phone or email) within the Division to notify the appropriate personnel of these cancellations. The Recreation Department will also contact THE RADIO STATION (WVLG 640 AM) regarding these cancellations which will be announced after the 7:00 AM news. This system is implemented to minimize calls to Saddlebrook Recreation Center or the radio station. b) Once play has started the Umpires will determine if a game will be stopped or cancelled. c) Games will be cancelled; by the umpires under the following conditions, when the temperature is above 95 degrees or below 35 degrees. d) If both managers determine that any condition exists which threatens the health, safety or well being of the players; the managers may agree to stop playing the game. EFFECT: Sec H.1.b-d.The umpire(s) are empowered to call or delay a game due to weather conditions such as rain, fog, darkness, injury or other conditions that places the Umpire, Players and Spectators in peril. 2. MERCY RULE If a team is leading by 15 or more runs after the 5 th inning of play (4-1/2 if home team is ahead), the game will be considered complete. If the visiting team is ahead by 15 or more runs after the 5 th inning, the home team must bat in the bottom of the inning. 3. RUNNERS a) A runner may leave his base only when a pitched ball is batted, the batter swings or the ball crosses home plate. A runner leaving the base too soon can be called out on appeal. EFFECT: This is an appeal play, unless appealed by defensive team, an umpire does not call a runner out for having left a base too soon, on a fly ball caught, or failing to touch the base(s) as required. (Also See Section 6.1a&b) b) There are no rundowns, a runner caught off base may only attempt to return to previous occupied base once and must retouch this base before attempting to advance again or be subject to being called out. When a runner is forced to advance in a forced play situation, he may not turn and attempt to return to previous occupied base before the batter-runner or a succeeding runner have been put out. EFFECT: Sec.H.3.b. This must be a run-down situation with a defensive play in progress on the runner. c) Each team is responsible for keeping the dugout gates closed during play. If the team at bat leaves the dugout gate open and a live ball lands into the dugout, there will be no runner advancement awarded. EFFECT: Sec.H.3.c. A batted ball which first strikes any person, object, fence, bench, screen, bat or other equipment, or which goes into pre-determined out-of-play area in Foul territory remains a Foul ball regardless of where it may go.
4. UMPIRES Sec 4.1: Powers and Duties, Umpires are the representatives of Division IV Softball League for which they have been assigned to a particular game. As such they are authorized and required to enforce every section and all parts of these amended rules. Failure of umpires to adhere to Rule H.4 is not grounds for protest. These are guidelines for the umpires. The plate umpire shall have the authority to rule on any situation not specifically covered in these rules. The umpires have the power to order a manager or player to do or refrain from doing, any act that is necessary to enforce any of these rules, and to inflict any penalties prescribed. a) Substitute for ejected player(s) is not permitted and ejected player(s) team will be charged with an out each time his at bat comes up after being ejected. b) Any disagreement or appeal with the Umpire s decision or play must be expressed by the team manager or his designate. Players will not engage in discussions, disputes or badger Umpires in any way. Verbal abuse, any threat or act of physical aggression toward an Umpire will result in player s ejection and possible suspension. c) Umpires are responsible for maintaining a proper demeanor and treating players with respect. d) Use of profanity by a player may result in ejection from the game and possible suspension. Use of profanity by an Umpire may result in suspension. e) Umpires may eject a player smoking on the playing field or in the dugout and anyone who throws equipment in a display of anger. f) Umpires must order any pet to be removed from the dugouts during a game. g) The Villages Recreation Department Incident/Ejection Report must be completed for all ejection of player and/or infraction of rule submitted to a Board Member or The Villages Recreation Department the day of the incident. h) On an appeal play, the force out is determined when the appeal was made not when the infraction occurred. i) Time is called by the plate umpire when the ball is held by a player in the infield area, and in the judgment of the umpire, all play has ceased. j) Each umpire shall have the power to make decisions on violations committed anytime during playing time or suspension of play until the game is over. k) No umpire has the authority to set aside or question decisions made by another umpire within the limits of his respective duties. l) An umpire may consult with his partner(s) at anytime, however, the final decision shall rest with the umpire whose authority it is to make the decision. 5. PROTESTS There are no protests. Umpires judgment decisions may not be appealed on grounds that the call was incorrect. All decisions by the Umpires are final on the following calls: a) DECISIONS INVOLVING BALL OR STRIKE b) BALL BEING FAIR OR FOUL c) BASE RUNNER BEING SAFE OR OUT d) GAME CALLED FOR CONDITIONS STATED IN SECTION H.1.b-d 8
Exception: Umpire making the call did not have a clear view of the play may honor protest. SECTION 6: SENIOR SOFTBALL USA RULES The following SSUSA rules, as amended, apply to games in the Recreation National League South Division IV and supersede SSUSA and all other Divisions Rules. DEFINITIONS 6.1 APPEAL PLAY a) A play in which an Umpire may not make a decision until requested by the manager of the DEFENSIVE OR OFFENSIVE TEAM. This appeal must be made before the next legal pitch, intentional walk, illegal pitcher action, or before all the defensive fielders have left fair territory. On the last play of the game an appeal may be made until the Umpires leave the field. b) Types of appeals: 1. Missing a base 2. Leaves a base early to advance to the next base (See Sec H.3.a) 3. Batting out of official team lineup order. (See 6.5.1) EFFECT: Sec. 6.1.b.1-3. Appeal play made by the defensive team manager. The force out is determined when the appeal was made, not when the infraction occurred. 6.2 ALTERED BAT is one that has had its physical structure changed, including but not limited to: 1. The bat has had the surface of the barrel or taper changed such as sandpapering or applying a solvent to the surface. 2. The bat has had the plug or knob removed, replaced or changed in any way. 3. The bat has had anything removed, added or inserted to the inside/outside of the bat other than tape at the handle or knob. The excessive use of electrical or similar tape is not permitted, except 1 of tape is permitted to repair safety grip at each end. Replacing the safety grip with another safety grip is not CONSIDERED ALTERING A BAT. EFFECT: Sec.6.2.1-3: Cracked, worn, unauthorized tape or damaged bats are not altered bats, but will also be removed from play by Division Director and Umpires. Such cracked, worn, or damaged bats will not result in suspension unless the bat is also altered. Paint or lettering wear shall not result in a bat being considered an altered bat as long as the bat can be identified and has the appropriate BPF marking. However, the Division Director or Umpire may remove from play a cracked, worn, or damaged bat. (Also See Sec. F.2) 6.3 BASE PATH The base path is an imaginary line three (3) feet to either side of a direct line running between two bases. 6.5 BATTERS BOX The batter box is the 3 foot by 7 foot (3x7) area to which the batter is restricted when they take the batting position. Prior to the pitch, and after hitting the ball, the batter s foot may not be completely outside the lines. The lines are considered part of the box. EFFECT: Prior to the start of the pitch the batter should be warned, after the start of pitch and before hitting the ball the batter is subject to being called out. 9
6.5.1 BATTING ORDER The official batting order is the team lineup of offensive players submitted by team manager to official scorekeeper prior to start of their scheduled game. a. If an incorrect Batter is discovered before he completes his turn at bat, the correct Batter may take his proper place, assuming any accumulated balls and strikes. b. If the mistake is discovered after the incorrect Batter has completed the turn at bat, and before a pitch has been made to a succeeding Batter, the Batter who should have batted is called out. All base runners, if they have advanced, must return to the base occupied at the time the incorrect Batter took position in the batter s box. The next batter is the player whose name follows that of the batter called out for failure to bat. c. If the mistake was not discovered until after a pitch is made to the next Batter, the turn at bat of the incorrect batter is legal. All bases advanced or runs scored are counted. The next following batter shall be the one whose name follows that of the incorrect Batter. No one is called out for failure to bat, and players missing their turn must wait until their next scheduled at bat. 6.5.2 BLOOD RULE Refers to a player, coach, or umpire who is bleeding or who has blood on his uniform and treatment is required. (G.9) 6.6 CATCH A catch is valid when the fielder holds the ball long enough to prove the player has complete control of it or the release of the ball is voluntary and intentional. If player drops the ball after reaching into his glove to remove it or while in the act of throwing, it is considered a valid catch. A ball, which strikes anything other than a defensive player while it is in flight is ruled the same as if it had struck the ground. 6.6.1 COACHES BOXES Boxes shall be established at both First and Third bases 10 from and parallel to the base lines. They shall be 15 feet long starting at the outside corners of the bases and extending towards home plate. The width of the box shall be three feet forming a rectangle 15 feet long and 3 feet wide. Only one coach is permitted in each box to direct the players of his team while batting and running the bases. Coaches are not restricted to this area, providing they are not in the base line or running towards Home Plate when the ball is live and in play. Effect: Offensive Interference In Live Ball Situation: when a coach leaves the coaches box in a live ball situation and; enters the base line to impede the runner or, intentionally makes contact with runner off base or, runs in or near the base line which could confuse a fielder making a play on a batted or thrown ball; Interference Dead ball is called, and the most advanced runner is OUT. 6.7 EJECTION An ejection is the result of an incident that requires removal of player(s) from the game by an Umpire. A flagrant act will require the ejected player or coach to leave the Softball Complex for the remainder of the game. When the player who has left the game because of an ejection is scheduled to bat, an out shall be declared for each turn at bat. Any ejected player discovered participating or returning to the grounds after being told to leave by umpire will constitute a forfeit. (Also See Sec.G.7&8) 10
11 The Villages 6.8 FAKE TAG Making the motion of a tag without the ball is considered a form of obstruction by a fielder who neither has the ball nor is about to receive the ball which impedes the progress of a runner either advancing or returning to a base. Merely slowing down when a fake tag is attempted would constitute an obstruction. (Also See Sec.6.12) 6.8.1 FORCE OUT FORCE PLAY A force play results when a base runner is forced to vacate the base he is occupying when a batter becomes a batter-runner and before the batter runner or a succeeding runner has been put out. 6.9 ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL An illegally batted ball is when the batter hits the ball fair or foul and or the following conditions: a) The entire foot is completely outside the lines of the batter s box and on the ground. b) Any part of the player is touching home plate and hits a fair or foul ball. c) Bunts or Chops the ball when deliberately hitting a pitched ball EFFECT: 6.9.a-b. The batter is out and ball is dead. (Also See Sec.6.5) d) An illegal or altered bat is used. EFFECT: 6.9.c. The batter is out and may be ejected from the game. (Also See Sec.6.2) 6.10 INFIELD FLY BALL The Infield Fly Rule was rescinded and removed from Division IV Game Rules which supersedes Senior Softball-USA Rulebook. This rule section has been replaced with the following sub-sections. a) A fair infield fly ball will be treated the same as any fair fly ball batted into the air. The ball is live and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught. The runner may tag-up and advance once the batted ball is touched (prior to being caught) as with any fly ball. b) In an infield Pop-Up situation, a defensive player shall not purposely let a fair infield pop-up drop without making an attempt to catch it. This is Umpire Judgment call. Only one (1) out may be made on the play. c) When a defensive infielder intentionally drops a fly ball, including a line-drive which may be caught with ordinary effort with runner(s) on; first, first and second, first and third, or first, second and third bases, the batter is out. This is Umpire s judgment call. A trapped ball shall not be considered as been intentionally dropped. EFFECT:( b & c) the batter is out, the ball is dead, and all runners must return to the last base touched at the time of the pitch. 6.11 INTERFERENCE Interference is the act of an offensive player or team member, spectator, or umpire which impedes or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play. A base runner must get down or out of the way of a fielder making a play. a) If a fair batted ball strikes the umpire before passing a fielder other than a pitcher, the ball is dead immediately and the batter is entitled to first base. Base runners advance only when forced. (Also see 13.11) 6.12 OBSTRUCTION The act of obstruction:
a) A defensive player hinders or prevents a batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball. EFFECT: The batter is awarded first base because of the obstruction and ball is dead. b) A fielder, not in possession of the ball, not in the act of fielding a batted ball, nor about to receive a thrown ball, which impedes the progress of a runner. c) The obstruction does not have to be intentional and may be vocal. EFFECT: 6.12.b-c. The obstructed runner is awarded one base beyond the base legally touched before the obstruction, if the umpire believes the runner would have made without the obstruction. Note: When an obstruction occurs, the umpire shall call OBSTRUCTION and give a delayed dead ball signal for obstruction. Failure of the umpire to call Obstruction does not negate the obstruction. 6.13 RETOUCH (TAG) The act of a runner returning to touch a base as legally required. 6.14 TIME Time is the term used by the umpire to order the suspension of play during which interval the ball becomes and remains dead until legally put back into play. a) The umpire shall call TIME when base runners cease to advance and all play has stopped. SECTION 8; PLAYERS GEAR 8.1. Only the following are allowed: Rubber spikes or sneakers; regulation sized gloves: and bats approved by Senior Softball-USA. (Also See Sec.8.6) 8.2. THE OFFICIAL BAT shall measure not more than 34 inches long and not more than 2 1/4 inches in diameter at its largest part and its weight shall not exceed 31 1/2 ounces including tape or grip addition to bat and Bat Performance Factor (BPF) of 1.21 or less. The bat shall have a safety grip of tape to facilitate holding during the batter s swing. The safety grip shall not be less than 10 inches long, nor exceed more than 15 inches from the small end or handle of the bat. (Also See Sec. 6.2) 8.5 HEADWEAR Ball caps are mandatory and must be worn properly except when specially designed masks prohibit wearing a cap. Any offensive and defensive player may wear a face mask if in the umpires judgment would not present a safety hazard to the wearer or apposing players. SSUSA uniform code permits mask to be worn without a cap. Headwear having a front only brim with added material to cover the neck from sun exposure is authorized to be worn. Hats with a full brim will be discouraged. 8.6 GLOVES & MITTS Gloves may be worn by any player, but mitts may be used only by the catcher and the first baseman. SECTION 10; THE GAME 10.4.2. TIE BREAKER RULE When the score is tied after seven innings, teams will begin each succeeding inning with a runner on second base. The base runner is the last player at bat from the previous inning who did not require a courtesy runner. 12
10.5 GAME LIMITATIONS 1. Games are limited to nine (9) innings. Exception playoff games will be unlimited. 2. Teams are limited to five runs per inning, except when the team is behind by more than five runs, the team may catch up by scoring the necessary runs for the tie. Exception 10.5.3&4 below. 3. In the seventh and subsequent innings when the team batting in top of inning is ahead or tied they may score seven (7) runs and if behind they may catch up by scoring the necessary runs to tie and score an additional 7 runs only. When the team batting in bottom of inning is behind, they may catch up by scoring the necessary runs to tie and score an additional run to win. EXCEPTION: 10.5.3, Playoff games will be unlimited in innings 7-until winner determined. 4. If over-the-fence home run scores an existing base runner as the fifth or tying run, only the batter s home run will be allowed as the sixth run of the inning. THIS IS THE EXCEPTION TO THE 5 RUN RULE. 10.6. FLIP-FLOP RULE When the Visiting Team is ahead by 10 or more runs after completing the sixth inning; the Home Team will remain at bat and start a new at bats (beginning their seventh inning at bat), meaning all runners on base will return to the dugout. It will be an open inning. If the Home Team fails to tie or pull ahead, the game ends and Visiting Team wins. If the Home Team ties or pulls ahead, the Visiting Team comes up to bat in the bottom of seventh inning. Effect: When this situation exists, the home plate umpire will call a conference with both managers to inform them the Flip-Flop Rule will be applied. This reverses the seventh inning normal play from when the Home Team is ahead and game ends after 6 ½ innings and could shorten the length of the game. Note: Flip-Flop rule not applied in Playoff Games. SECTION 11: PITCHING REGULATIONS 11.1 STRIKE ZONE MAT Legal pitches striking any portion of the strike mat or home plate will be strikes. A defensive player making a play at the plate is permitted to touch any portion of the strike mat. (Also See Sec.13.9) 11.2 THE ARC The height of a legal pitch must be from six (6) to twelve (12) feet above the playing surface. 11.3 LEGAL POSITION OF PITCHER S FEET The pitcher may pitch from the pitching plate or from pitching area. Pitching area is the width of pitching plate and up to six feet behind (24 x6 ). a) At least one foot must be in contact with the pitcher s plate or pitching area at start of pitch and when the pitched ball is released. b) Must come to a complete stop (1-second) with the ball in front of the body. 11.4 WIND OR SUN AFFECTING BOTH PITCHERS In emergency wind, sun or safety condition, if in the opinion of the Umpire, the wind or sun condition is having a discernible effect on the accuracy of both pitchers the Umpire may declare that only strikes 13
count. In the case of sun interference, the Umpire may lower the height of a legal pitch. A pitcher may elect to use the safety screen under sun or safety conditions which must comply with Sec. F.5 in these rules. 11.5 NO PITCH No pitch shall be declared when; a) The pitcher pitches during suspension of play. b) The pitcher attempts to Quick Pitch the batter. c) The pitcher pitches before runner retouched base after foul ball. d) The ball slips from the pitchers hand during back swing or windup. Effect: (a-d) the ball is dead, and all subsequent action on that pitch is cancelled. Note: No player or manager shall call Time, employ any other word or phase, or commit any act while the ball is live and in play for the obvious purpose of trying to make the pitcher commit an illegal pitch. Effect: a warning issued to offending team and a repeat shall result in the offender being ejected from the game. SECTION 13: BATTER/RUNNER REACHING FIRST BASE 13.3.1 DOUBLE BAG/SAFETY BASE a) The safety double bag shall be used at first base; the (orange/red) portion of the bag is located in foul territory. If there is a play on a batter-runner going to first base, the batter-runner must touch only the orange/red bag in foul territory. The batter-runner stepping on any portion of the white bag while a play is being made on him is out. The player is at risk of being called out if he fails to do so: with the exception of collision avoidance as deemed by the Umpire. This is not an appeal play. The defensive player has only the white bag inside fair territory to make the out; the defensive player s touch of only the orange/red bag in foul territory will not result in an out. EFFECT (13.3.1.a) a hit fair ball with no play made on batter-runner, the runner may touch either bag on first attempt to first base. (Refer to Effect b below) b) This rule is in effect only on the initial play at first base. This does not include; returning to base after over running, or running on a base hit to the outfield (batter-runner may touch either bag, or re-tag to advance on a caught fly ball). Any batted ball hitting the white portion is fair and any ball hitting the orange/red portion only should be foul. EFFECT (13.3.1.b); If the base-runner uses the orange/red portion at any time after the first attempt at first base and is not in contact with the white portion, player is considered off base and in jeopardy. 13.3.2 BATTER/RUNNER CARRYING BAT A batter/runner is out when after hitting a fair ball, and while the ball is still live, carries his bat and touches first base or runs beyond first base while still carrying his bat. If this action results in the third (3 rd ) out of an inning, no runs shall score. EFFECT: In this situation, the ball remains live and in play and other runners are in jeopardy. This does not apply to walks or foul balls, as the ball is dead. 14
13.4 COURTESY RUNNERS 1. Players that require a courtesy runner must be designated when the lineup is submitted to the scorekeepers. No other pinch runners will be allowed except in cases of injury. 2. Players requiring a courtesy runner will have an ASSIGNED PLAYER for the entire game. The courtesy runner will be used exclusively and solely for the plate appearances for that individual. This courtesy runner should be so designated on the roster sheets provided to the scorekeepers and made available to the opposing manager. This runner may be a roster player or a sub. 3. Subs may be used as courtesy runners for a roster player, but only for that player and all of his plate appearances. 4. A courtesy runner can only run for one player during a game. 5. All batters are required to reach first base safely. A batter requiring a courtesy runner may advance beyond first base when hitting a fair ball. However, if the batter chooses to proceed beyond first base and is safe at a subsequent base, he forfeits his right to a courtesy runner for that plate appearance. The player must run for himself for the remainder of that turn at bat. 6. A player who utilizes a courtesy runner may not be used as a courtesy runner for another player. 7. A courtesy runner may not be replaced by another courtesy runner except for injury causing removal of the original courtesy runner permanently from the game. 8. A Courtesy runner on base when batting rotation causes that player to be the next batter, will result in the player that required the courtesy runner being declared out, and the courtesy runner permitted his turn at bat. 9. The opposing manager must agree for a player that has not used a courtesy runner in previous plate appearances, and subsequently requests a courtesy runner later in the game. 10. A courtesy runner is in the game when player touches the base last occupied by the batter requiring a runner. This exchange will occur when the Umpire calls time-out immediately following the batter s at-bat. 13.5 SLIDING Sliding or diving into any base or the scoring plate is NOT permitted and such players will be called out. Players may slide or dive when returning to any base except the scoring plate. 13.6 CONTACT-AVOIDING COLLISIONS Runners may be called out for contact with a defensive player if; in the Umpire s judgment, the contact was deliberate or the runner could have reasonably avoided contact and failed to do so, the runner is out. If the Umpire rules obstruction or deliberate contact on the part of the defensive player not in progress or making a play, the runner shall be called safe. 13.7 OVERRUNNING BASES a. Players are not permitted to over-run second and third base without being in jeopardy of being called out. A batter-runner may over-run first base unless the base runner makes an attempt to advance to second base; the runner is in jeopardy and must be tagged or put out. A runner who overruns any base when returning to retag is in jeopardy and may be put out. A base runner may slide or dive when returning to any base except the scoring plate. 15
b. If in the Umpire s judgment, a runner misses a base in an attempt to avoid a collision, the runner will not be called out. EFFECT: (13.7.b) when a defensive player is blocking the base, the runner must stop in close proximity to base or may run around the base in attempt to advance to the next base without touching the base. 13.8 COMMITMENT LINE A commitment line (20 feet from the scoring plate) will be used. In the event a runner s foot touches the ground on or past this line, the runner is committed to advance to the scoring plate. If the runner recrosses the commitment line, runner will be declared out and the ball remains live. 13.9 RETIRING RUNNER AT HOME Tag of the runner after he crosses the commitment line (13.8) by a defensive player is not allowed and a runners touch of scoring plate will be called safe and the ball remains live. A runner must touch scoring plate only and is called out if a touch or cross-over occurs on any portion of either home plate or the strike zone mat. Defensive player may touch any portion of strike mat to make the play. 13.10 FOUL THIRD STRIKE Upon hitting a foul ball on a third strike the batter is out. If the ball is caught in the air in playable territory, the ball is live. 13.11 BASE RUNNERS ARE OUT a) When a base runner is struck by a fair batted ball on fair ground while off the base and before it touches a fielder, or passes a fielder. This does not include a base runner struck by a batted ball while in contact with the base. In this case, the runner is not out and the ball is live. b) When a base runner intentionally kicks a live ball, or intentionally interferes with a ball in play, whether or not the runner is in contact with legally occupied base. c) When a batter-runner is hit by own batted (fair) ball after leaving the batter box. Effect: a-c. Ball is Dead and involved runner is out. d) When a base runner physically passes a preceding runner before that runner has been put out. EFFECT: d) The ball remains live, the involved base runner is out and other base runners are in jeopardy. 13.12 WHEN A FIELDER DELIBERATELY MAKES ILLIGAL CONTACTS THE BALL a) If a fielder deliberately contacts a batted or thrown ball with cap, glove, or any part of the uniform or equipment; while it is detached from its proper place on the fielder s person will result in following action: EFFECT; Ball is dead and All Base Runners are entitled to advance. 1. On a fair batted ball - advance 3 bases from the time of the pitch. 2. On a thrown ball advance 2 bases from the time of pitch. Amended: 12/22/08 Amended 09/01/09 (In part) 16
Amended 03/15/10 Amended 09/01/2010 Amended 12/20/2010 Amended 05/09/2011 Amended 09/08/2011 Amended 01/09/2012 17