Page 1 of 13 CITY OF KIRKLAND PARKS and COMMUNITY SERVICES TEAM MANAGER S BOOKLET RESPONSIBILITIES EXPECTATIONS GUIDELINES SOFTBALL ALL MEN S DIVISIONS GENERAL POLICY The objectives of the Kirkland Parks and Community Services Softball League shall be to foster, develop, promote and regulate amateur softball; to provide proper safeguards in accordance with the spirit of true sportsmanship; to encourage the unification of all amateur teams; to advance the cause of amateur softball; and to promote and conduct annual softball programs. The Kirkland Parks and Community Services Department will make decisions on any points not specifically covered in the rules; or revise any rule that is impractical or, if the intent of the rule is being misused.
Page 2 of 13 RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES OF ADULT SPORTS MANAGERS 1. Register the team. You may register online at www.kirklandparks.net. For more information contact Jessi Vandiver at 425-587-3355. Registration fees are due in FULL at the time of registration. 2. Championship prize. The first place team in each division will receive either championship t-shirts or a trophy/plaque. 3. Submit the roster/waiver on time. Ensure the roster is completed, legible and signed by every player and received at the first game. ALL PLAYERS must complete the roster/waiver before they are eligible to participate in the league. Any team without a roster on file by the league deadline is in jeopardy of forfeit sanctions and/or other disciplinary proceedings. 4. Share league information with your team. Team Managers (TMs) are the liaison between their team and the league. If your contact information should change, please contact the League Coordinator (425.587.3331). All league communication will be through the Team Manager (TM) and managers are expected to disseminate league information to their team. As a general rule, please have all communication from the team to the League Coordinator come from the TM. 5. Know the rules. Managers are expected to know and adhere at all league rules and sport specific league and tournament rules. It is also expected and REQUIRED that TM s inform their team of any league rule changes, announcements, and park or facility rules. 6. Uphold Sanctions. The TM is responsible for the conduct of their team and spectators. TMs are expected to uphold all disciplinary sanctions levied by the league and the City of Kirkland. 7. Mandate Sportsmanship. You are the example for your team. It is expected that Managers control their team, themselves and spectators from unsportsmanlike behavior. 8. No Alcohol, Marijuana or Illegal Substances. Alcohol, marijuana and illegal substances are prohibited in City of Kirkland or Lake Washington school district parks and facilities, parking lots and bleachers (Park Rule 11.80.210). Anyone suspected of consuming alcohol, marijuana or illegal substances before, during or after the match while on park property will be removed from the premises, and the league coordinator will be informed. Team sanctions may result. Police may be called if necessary. All adult sports leagues are non-smoking leagues. It is the TMs responsibility to monitor his/her players and spectators.
Page 3 of 13 9. Have proper uniforms and equipment. Teams should have a minimum of ten (10) like shirts per team. No metal or detachable cleats are allowed. New balls will be provided for the entire season. The home team manager is responsible for bringing two new balls to each game as well as the official scorebook. See Equipment section for further details. 10. Visit the league website frequently. The league website, www.kirklandwa.gov/softball will be updated weekly with results, standings and important information. Give the website address to your players and encourage them to visit the site. I. GENERAL INFORMATION INHERENT RISK 1. By participating in our league you confirm that you understand that there is an inherent risk to physical activity that could lead to injury or death. For more information review the indemnification clause on your team roster. ORGANIZATION 1. Kirkland Parks and Community Services (KPCS) Softball League rules will be consistent with current ASA or USSSA rules (depending on the division) except for the following modifications and clarifications. Any situations that arise during a game that are not covered in the League rules are at the discretion of the game umpire. 2. The City of Kirkland does not provide insurance coverage for league participants nor accept responsibility for injuries. Medical bills incurred will be the responsibility of the individual. The City of Kirkland and Lake Washington School District and its employees assume no responsibility of injuries incurred. REGISTRATION 1. Team spots are secured when teams are registered and payment in FULL is received. Spots will not be held without payment, regardless of a team s history or standing within the league. Submit check, credit card or money order payable to the City of Kirkland. Fees must be paid online (Kirklandparks.net), via phone or one of our community centers. 2. New players may sign up prior to the 3 rd doubleheader (6th league game), except in the event of an emergency and with permission of the league coordinator. Tip: Have all players (potential or otherwise) sign the roster at the start of the season. Remember, Players must play in a minimum of 50% of the league games to be eligible to participate in the playoff tournament.
Page 4 of 13 3. For adult athletic leagues, a refund/credit less the $10.00 withdrawal fee will be granted if withdrawal is received two weeks before the current season s scheduled Team Manager Meeting. Refunds will not be given after the Team Managers Meeting date.
Page 5 of 13 4. There will be no refund of player s fees for any players dropped from a team s roster (preliminary or final) for any reason. 5. All players registering with the KPCS Softball Program will be registered with either the ASA or USSSA. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY 1. All players registered on a team must be 18 years of age. 2. Players may only play on one team per division in the City of Kirkland leagues. For transfers, see Player Roster section. a. Penalty: Forfeit of all games played by the ineligible player(s) from the time the ineligibility occurred. 3. League officials can restrict an individual from participating due to an injury that could become worse with further play. PLAYER ROSTER 1. The number of players on a team shall not exceed 20 registered players, including the team manager. There must be a minimum of 12 players on each team roster. 2. Signed rosters are due at the first game. All additions to the roster must be submitted to the office via the Add/Delete Form prior to a player actually playing in a game. The deadline for adding/dropping players is prior to or at the 3 rd doubleheader (6 th league game). 3. No roster or roster additions will be accepted via phone and/or at game locations. 4. Teams must have eight (8) or more players to begin a game. 5. A player may not transfer from one team to another unless he has been released from the manager of the team of which he is a member. This written release must be delivered to the league coordinator. 6. Penalty for any rule violation of team roster and/or player eligibility will result in game(s) forfeiture, upon proper written protest by the violated team s TM. Responsibility for correcting a roster and player eligibility shall rest with the TM. 7. Players must be able to prove their identity at any time to the officials or a representative of the City. Rosters will be made available for inspection upon request. Players unable to provide identification will be automatically suspended for the remainder of the game in question.
Page 6 of 13 8. Players must play in a minimum of 50% of the league games to be eligible to participate in the playoff tournament. LEAGUE STRUCTURE 1. A regulation game shall consist of seven (7) innings or one hour and 15 minutes of play, whichever comes first. No new innings shall begin after one hour and 10 minutes from the SCHEDULED start time. When there is no game scheduled to follow, no time limit shall be enforced, this includes the championship game(s). 2. There is a 10 minute grace period. Teams not ready to begin play 10 minutes after their scheduled start time will forfeit the game. 3. A game called by the umpire shall be regulation if five or more completed innings have been played, or if the team second at bat has scored more runs in four innings that the other team has scored in five or more. If the game is halted by the umpire after five (5) innings, the final score will be the score recorded at the completion of the last full inning. 4. Incomplete games of less than 4 innings will be rescheduled and must start from the beginning of the game. 5. In the event a game cannot be completed for proper cause (limited to events outside the team s control, i.e. Rain, injury, etc.) four and one-half innings if the home team is ahead or five innings if the visiting team is ahead, both team managers must contact the KCPS office within 24 hours to request a make-up game. The game will be replayed from the point it was stopped. 6. League games must be officiated by umpires from either the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) or the Seattle Metro Softball Umpires Association (SMSUA) to be considered a legal contest. In the event an umpire fails to show up for a scheduled league game, the TMs may agree to play the game for the record using a person that is acceptable to both teams. Otherwise, the game will be rescheduled. GAME FORFEIT PROCEDURES 1. Forfeited games shall be declared in the following cases: a. Forfeits will be called by the umpire on the field. b. If a team fails to appear on the field within 10 minutes after the scheduled game time. c. A forfeit will be called by the umpire if both teams don t have the minimum number of players at least 10 minutes past the scheduled start time. The team with at least the minimum amount of players will be declared the winner. The second game of the double header between the same teams will be declared a
Page 7 of 13 forfeit if both teams don t have the minimum number of players at 30 minutes past the scheduled starting time of the FIRST game. d. A team has players that are not officially on the roster. e. A team participates in a game without having first turned in a completed roster form. 2. Teams are encouraged to notify the league coordinator and opposing team manager in advance of game time if they need to forfeit (due to lack of players, etc.). Games will not be rescheduled. The score will be officially entered as 0-10 for the opposing team. 3. If a team forfeits two (2) doubleheaders (4 games) in a season without proper notification, they shall be dropped from the league with no refund and the remaining games declared a win for the opposition. They will also receive LOW priority when registering for the next season. 4. Other cases subject to forfeit will be followed as stated in the ASA or USSSA Official Rule Book. STANDINGS AND PLAYOFF 1. The top four teams in each division will advance to the playoffs. 2. Playoff qualifiers and seeding will be determined by: i. Season Record ii. Tie breaker 1. Head to Head record 2. Margin of victory in head to head 3. Margin of victory between common opponents 4. Coin Toss 3. Winning percentage (not points) will be used to determine the standings in the event an unequal amount of games are played. Teams with the same percentage will be considered tied for a position in the standings. See #2 above for information regarding a tie breaker. FIELD CONDITIONS 1. Most rainouts will be called on the playing field by the umpire. Some games may be cancelled by the parks coordinator by 4:00pm on weeknights and/or by 10:00 am on Sundays. You can also call the Field Conditions Line 425-587-3300 to confirm cancelations. Games cancelled due to weather will be rescheduled by the league coordinator.
Page 8 of 13 EQUIPMENT The League Coordinator has the authority to ban any bat or other equipment deemed unsafe or inappropriate. 1. Balls. Depending on the division. Teams will be notified at the manager meeting as to which association will be officiating their games. ASA certified- Men s softball size: 12, Core Rating of.44 OR USSSA certified- Men s softball size: 12, Core Rating of.40 The home team manager is responsible for bringing two balls to each doubleheader as well as the official scorebook. If the home team does not supply game balls, they lose home field advantage. The visiting team shall furnish two backup balls. The backup balls need not be new but must have the same core and color of stitch. 2. Bats. Each team must provide its own bats. A list of banned bats will be posted on the league website. Players are forbidden to use any bat on this list. In addition, all Titanium bats that are marked exceeds 1.2 are not allowed. It is the TMs responsibility to verify that all bats used by his team are ASA or USSSA approved bats with respect to their division/ump association. a. Penalty. Any player entering the batting box with a banned bat during a game will be ejected and the umpire is required to award a defensive team an out. In addition to the ejection from the current game, the player will be suspended for 1 (one) additional game. A player caught using these illegal bats a second time will be suspended for the season. 3. Footwear. No metal or detachable cleats allowed. Rubber cleated shoes are strongly recommended. RULES AND REGULATIONS The official ASA and USSSA and KPCS rules shall govern all league play and league sponsored tournaments. The league coordinator has the authority to arbitrate and make final decisions and to act on policy questions not covered by these rules. The coordinator may call special meetings of the managers and/or team representatives to assist with these decisions. 1. Players. Teams must have at least 8 players to begin a game. A legal game can be played entirely with the minimum number of players. If a team begins with 8 players or less and the 9 th or 10 th player arrives, they may be added to the bottom of the batting order. There will be no automatic out for teams with fewer than 10 players present. 2. Lineup. Prior to the start of the game, teams must either elect to bat 10 players or to bat through all players present. TMs must notify the opposing team if you will be
Page 9 of 13 batting through the entire roster or if you will be using a standard 10 player batting order with substitutions. NOTE: if you are batting only 10 players, you must comply with ASA or USSSA substitution rules. a. TMs must notify the other team prior to the inning upon removal of a batter from the lineup. b. If a team is only batting 10 players, any player that starts a game may reenter the game once but must retain their original spot in the order. c. If a player suffers an injury or needs to leave during the course of a game, they may be dropped from the order without penalty, assuming the team has 8 players remaining. d. If a player is ejected from a game leaving a team with fewer than 10 players, an automatic out will be charged when it is that person s turn in the batting order. e. Courtesy runners are allowed with consent from the umpire. The courtesy runner must be the last player to make an out OR the furthest player away from the current batter in the batting order that does not require a courtesy runner. If one of those players is not available to be a courtesy runner then no courtesy runner may be used. f. Once the fourth inning has started, no new players can be added to the batting line-up, unless there are less than 10 players. If there are less than 10, then new players may be added to the line-up and must be placed on the bottom of the batting order. If there are more than 10, new players may enter the game only as substitutes. 3. Substitution. Unlimited substitution is allowed and must be agreed upon prior to the start of the game. In addition, players must remain out of the game (but remain in their original batting order) for one (1) full inning. 4. Twelve (12) Run Rule. If, after five (5) complete innings of play any team is ahead of its opponent by twelve (12) or more runs, the game shall be considered complete. 5. Third Strike Foul/Courtesy Foul. There is no courtesy foul in any division game. 6. Ground Rules. Ground or special rules establishing limits of the playing field may be agreed upon by teams whenever backstops, fences, stands, vehicles, spectators, or other obstructions are within the prescribed area. 7. Base Obstruction. The baseperson may NOT block the base when a runner is approaching them UNLESS they have the ball in their mitt and are making a tag.
Page 10 of 13 8. Pitching distance for slow pitch. For safety purposes, a pitcher may elect to pitch from a distance up to 10 behind the standard 50 pitching rubber. The pitcher will establish the pitching distance on the first pitch of each at-bat. The pitcher must remain at that distance throughout the entire at-bat. All regular pitching rules will apply with the exception of the pitchers foot being in contact with the rubber. 9. Base Distance. All leagues at 65 10. Progressive Home Run Rule. No team can be more than one home run ahead of their opponent. If a team hits a home run such that they are two home runs ahead of their opponent; that second home run shall be ruled a ground rule double. 11. Tie games. During regular season play, tie games are allowed. During the playoff tournament, games tied at the end of the allotted time will be determined by the International Rule (the last out from the previous inning starts at 2 nd base). 12. Full Count. All Men s divisions will be played with a full count (4 balls, 3 strikes). 13. Crestwoods Field Rules: Due to these fields being near a neighborhood the home run and ground rule double has been adapted. Subject to umpires call: a. North Field, Field #2. The tree in center field. Anything to the left is good unless it lands in one of the two trees in left field, which shall be ruled doubles. To the right of the tree, anything that rolls into the bushes is a ground rule double and anything on the fly is a home run. This is because it is dangerous to have players fielding balls over an asphalt path. Balls that roll between or through the trees and beyond will be deemed a ground rule double. b. South Field, Field #1. Anything that rolls into the bushes is a double, anything on the fly (or over the fence) will be deemed a home run. ADDITIONAL RULES 1. Umpire notification. TMs shall inform the umpire of league rules which differ from ASA/USSSA and our rules regarding behavior of players and spectators and other pertinent regulations. 2. Be courteous. TMs shall make every reasonable effort to play games expeditiously as a courtesy to these teams following them on the field. 3. Discussion of Official s Decision. Only TMs or the assistant TM shall discuss, in any manner, an official s decision. Offenders shall be given one warning by the umpire. Continued discussion shall be judged as unsportsmanlike conduct and will be subject to the penalties explained in the Player Conduct section.
Page 11 of 13 4. Noisemakers and Heckling. Artificial noisemakers are prohibited. Heckling of the opposing team is also prohibited. Direct all chatter to your teammates. Teams are responsible for the behavior of their spectators. Uncontrolled behavior on the part of spectators, if not corrected, may result in a forfeit, called by the umpire. 5. Removal of Players. TMs are responsible for removing members of their team who use abusive language, etc. 6. Trash. Each team shall leave their dugout and playing area as clean as it was before use. DEFINITIONS OF VIOLATIONS/PENALTIES 1. Interference. It is the responsibility of the base runner to avoid contact with the ball and/or defensive player and not interfere in any way with the completion of the play. Contact is not always necessary- arm waiving may be interference. Penalty: Base runner called out. 2. Roll/Block. IE. Take out slide. Illegal. All base runners must slide directly to the base and/or attempt to avoid all contact with the defensive player. This type of play can be very dangerous and will not be tolerated. Penalty: Ejection with the strong possibility of additional penalties. 3. Bat Throwing. Any player that deliberately throws a bat will be ejected from the game. In the case of an accidental bat throwing, the umpire will issue a warning. SCORING 1. Each team must supply a scorekeeper. Scorekeepers should double check with each other after each inning of play. 2. Each player s name and the position(s) he has played shall be listed in the order in which he batted or would have batted unless he is removed from the game or the game ends before his turn at bat. 3. Each team shall be provided a scorebook prior to the season. 4. Winning teams are REQUIRED TO EMAIL SCORES to the League Coordinator s inbox at Ssandquist@kirklandwa.gov by 12 noon the following day. This enables the department to keep standings current. The umpires DO NOT report scores. 5. Games cancelled due to rain or other circumstances should be reported to the same email address as winning scores.
Page 12 of 13 II. PLAYER CONDUCT This Player Code of Conduct applies to all participants including, players, team managers/coaches, spectators and sponsors involved in KPCS sponsored or co-sponsored adult leagues and tournament. This Code will be strictly enforced and applies to all participant conduct before, during and after all league and/or tournament games and practices. Participants will be held liable for damages caused by willful and destructive conduct. 1. Casual Profanity. Pertains to expletives and verbal unsportsmanlike language which is NOT directed at umpires or opposing players, but rather is uttered by a player out of frustration. This type of behavior is penalized by outs being declared against the offending team. a. If the team is at bat and unsportsmanlike language is used, the next batter will be declared out. b. If the act is committed by a player remaining at bat, they will be called out. c. If the act is committed by the defensive team, the first person to bat in the next inning will be declared out. d. The outs will be treated as a delayed dead ball situation. e. If the violation occurs in the bottom of the last inning where the fielding team may not bat again, apply the ejection rule. If the team has an eligible substitute they can continue the game. f. The game may be ended by a casual profanity out. 2. Treatment of City officials and player conduct. No Participant Shall Before, During, or After the Game: a. At any time lay a hand upon, push, strike or threaten to strike an official. b. Use abusive verbal attacks upon any staff, official, player or spectator. c. Use physical attacks upon any staff, official, player or spectator. d. Use equipment in a dangerous manner. e. Participate in any game if that player has been determined to have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 3. Unnecessary Roughness. Intentional rough tactics in the play of the game directed toward another participant shall be defined as unnecessary roughness. This shall be judged to be unsportsmanlike conduct and is subject to the penalties described below. 4. Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Any verbal abuse directed at an umpire or participant, or any other objectionable behavior, including demonstrations of disagreement with an umpire s decision, shall be defined as unsportsmanlike conduct. Penalty: Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Player(s) or manager(s) that are ejected for unsportsmanlike behavior will be removed from the field and the grounds
Page 13 of 13 for the remainder of the game and will automatically be suspended for the next two (2) scheduled games. The player must leave the premises immediately within two minutes or a forfeit will be called against the team Those refusing to abide and continue unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended from ALL Kirkland Parks and Community Services sponsored leagues for one calendar year. 5. Physical Violence. At any time lay a hand upon, push, or strike an official. The use physical attacks upon any staff, official, player or spectator. Penalty: Physical Violence. Any player, TM or team official who commits physical abuse toward an umpire, staff, or player shall be suspended for a minimum of one (1) year and the team placed on probation for the remainder of the season. In the event the team has a second player, manager or team official disqualified due to physical abuse within the probationary period, the team itself shall be suspended indefinitely. 6. AN EJECTED PLAYER IS INELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE UNTIL MEETING WITH THE LEAGUE COORDINATOR. IT IS THE MANAGER S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THE PLAYER MEETS WITH THE LEAGUE COORDINATOR. THE TM MUST ATTEND THE MEETING AS WELL. a. If a player is ejected from a game twice in one season, the second ejection will result in removing the player s name from the team roster and from further competition for the remainder of the season and/or banned from further play in Kirkland softball leagues. All decisions made by the KPCS department are final. PROBATION 1. Any team or individual may be placed on probation for a maximum of one (1) season. The league coordinator will be responsible for assessing the probationary period. Any further judgments upon the assessed team will result in permanent removal from the league. 2. Teams or individuals will be notified, in writing, as to their probationary status. 3. Teams may appeal a probationary judgment by submitting a statement, in writing, to the league coordinator. PROTESTS 1. Any protests of a game must be declared by the team manager to the umpire immediately after the protested incident has occurred or before the next pitch is made.
Page 14 of 13 2. For a protest, after the game has ended, written notification must be given to the League Coordinator by 5pm the next business day following the game. Protests are to be initiated in accordance with ASA or USSSA rules- on the field and at the time of the protested event. 3. All protests shall be ruled on by the League Coordinator or the Division Representative not involved in the protest. 4. The League Coordinator is available to hear constructive concerns regarding the league. Communication regarding team issues must come through the TM. PHONE NUMBERS AND CONTACT INFORMATION League Coordinator, Sarah Sandquist: 425.587.3331 Program Assistant, Jessi Vandiver: 425.587.3355 Email (report scores): Ssandquist@kirklandwa.gov Field Conditions Line: 425.587.3300 League Website: www.kirklandwa.gov/softball City Website: www.kirklandwa.gov To register for a class/league: www.kirklandparks.net