1 The following are Fullerton Hills Supplemental Rules in effect for the 2018 playing season. Generally, these rules have been adopted to cover situations not specifically addressed in the League Bylaws, League Policy or the Official Rules of Softball and USA SOFTBALL Code. In cases of conflict between the Official Rules of Softball and USA SOFTBALL Code, the FHSB Supplemental Rules will apply. Please read your USA SOFTBALL rule book as well. Refer to FHS General Rules for league operating guidelines. Section 1: PURPOSE: It is the purpose of this program to achieve the following: A. To provide an organized, recreational softball program for all players. B. To provide an enjoyable & memorable experience for ALL players that participates in the program. C. To develop softball skills and to gain an appreciation and knowledge of the game. D. To develop good sportsmanship. E. To develop the qualities of citizenship, teamwork, and leadership through the game of softball. All adult volunteers who are involved are to work for the protection, guidance, well being and welfare of all participating players. Know your rules and abide by them. Section 2: PARENT COMPLAINTS A. All managers & coaches are encouraged to have any and all complaints submitted on the complaint form available in the Snack Bar or on the FHS website (www.fullertonhillssoftball.org). In-person complaints to a board member or the board member on duty may also require submission of a formal complaint. To ensure the effectiveness of a proper response it may be necessary to communicate with the complainant. Only upon the submittal of a complaint form will the Board address any issues by parents, managers and coaches. B. All formal (written) complaints shall be addressed and responses given by the board within 10 days of receipt, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Section 3: CONDUCT: Please refer to General rules Section VII for complete information. A. Managers and Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their team and spectators. B. Managers, Coaches, players and spectators may not say things which ridicule, harass, demean or interfere in an unsportsmanlike manner with the managers, coaches, players or umpires. C. All forms of tobacco use is prohibited at all facilities. D. Penalty: Repeated offenses of misconduct are grounds for ejection and/or forfeiture. E. No one shall participate in any league event under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any controlled substance. Violation of this policy will result in immediate removal from the site; repeated offenses are grounds for removal from the league. F. Equipment throwing in an unsportsmanlike manner will not be tolerated. 1. Equipment throwing by a player may be called intentional or unintentional at the discretion of the umpire or League official. a. No more than one warning per team per game will be given. 2. Penalty: a. Intentional equipment throwing in an unsportsmanlike manner will result in the ejection of the offending player. b. In case of unintentional equipment throwing, the Umpire has the option of letting the play stand or ruling a dead ball, calling the batter out and having all runners return to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch.
2 G. Conduct violation situations will be reviewed by the Conduct Committee, who will in turn determine appropriate actions to be taken. Section 4: TEAM ROSTER: A. Each team shall retain the number of players initially allocated to each team. B. Each manager shall immediately notify the Player Agent for their division when their team may lose a player or has a player who does not attend consecutive events unannounced. Section 5: FORFEITS: 1. Five minutes after official game time is forfeit time. A team forfeits the game if they cannot field eight (8) players at the beginning of the game (the eight players must be within sight of the umpire at game time). If only 8 players, the Ninth position is recorded as an automatic out the first turn at bat. The next time thereafter, the Ninth position shall be skipped. 2. Failure to play each player the required minimum number of innings will result in a forfeit. Section 6: PROTESTS: Official Rules of Softball and USA SOFTBALL Code: Rule 9 Sections 1-7 1. In the event an umpire s call (not a judgment call) is questioned regarding an application or misapplication of rules, the umpire will allow a reasonable amount of time (up to 2 minutes) for the questioning team to produce the League General or Supplemental Rules or USA SOFTBALL rule book for clarification. 2. In the event of a protest: a. The protest must be made known on the field to the umpire and opposing manager in accordance with USA SOFTBALL Rule 9, Sections 2 and 4 as appropriate. b. The protest must be submitted to a member of the Protest Committee within 48 hours from the time of infraction. A payment of $50.00 cash is due at this time. If protest is won, the $50.00 will be returned. 3. The protest committee will consist of at least four of the directors listed: Umpire in Chief, Director of Managers & Coaches, Player Agent representing the protesting division, the Director of Player Agents and the League President or Vice President(s). Any and all protest shall be dealt with in a timely manor, behind closed doors. The quorum of Board Members must include the President or one of the Vice Presidents. A decision will be determined after all facts are gathered and all parties have been interviewed. 4. The protest shall be resolved within 5 days from the date protest is received, unless under extenuating circumstances. Section 7: INNINGS REQUIRED: A. In Division 8U thru 12U: No player shall sit out (2) innings in a row. All players shall sit out at least one inning before any one player sits out a second inning. Violations will be referred to the Conduct Committee for review and action. B. Each team will bat the entire roster of players present for each game (i.e. Bat the Bench ). C. Exceptions: 1. Benched or injured players listed on the line-up sheet. 2. Players injured or ejected during the game. 3. If the player is unavailable to complete the game or arrives late.
3 D. Penalty: 1. If a player does not play the required number of innings, that team will forfeit the game. E. In Division 14U: All players shall play in the field on defense. If a team has more than nine players present for the game the players shall be rotated such that everyone has an opportunity to play defense. No player shall sit on the bench two innings in a row. F. Penalty: 2. If a player does not play in two consecutive innings, that team will forfeit the game. Section 8: LINE UP SHEETS: A. All players present must be listed, with their uniform number, on a line-up sheet and bat in that order. Any player present but not playing must be listed with the reason why they are not playing. Any team member not present must be listed on the line-up sheet in a separate area, with their uniform number and documentation of absence noted. B. The number of remaining pitching outs for all pitchers must be listed on the bottom of the Line-up Sheet at every game. C. Line-up sheets are to be presented to the plate umpire and the opposing team prior to the start of the game. D. No alterations may be made to the line-up sheet after the first ball has been pitched. 1. Exceptions: a. In the case of an injury preventing the player from completing the game. No out will be recorded when that player would have come to bat. b. If the manger advises the Umpire and the opposing team prior to the game that a player must leave early, there will be no penalty. If prior notice (recorded on the line-up sheet) is not given, an out will be recorded the 1 st time that particular player would have come to bat. It is the manager s responsibility to play her at the beginning of the game. c. If a girl is included in the line-up presented to the umpire but is never present or plays, the following rule applies: an out shall be declared for her first turn at bat where she was scheduled to bat. After that at-bat her spot shall be skipped. d. Players arriving late are to be added to the bottom of the line-up sheet. E. Penalty: Failure to adhere to batting in order is described in the USA SOFTBALL Rule Book. Rule 7, Section 2 will result in an out. Section 9: COMPLETE GAME: A complete game shall consist of the following innings or time, which ever occurs first, no new inning may begin after the stated time limit has expired (the new inning starts by time immediately after the third out of the prior inning is recorded): Division: Innings Time 6 & Under 4 1:00 drop 8 & Under 5 1:20 no new 1:30 drop 10 & Under 6 1:20 no new 1:30 drop 12 & Under 7 1:20 no new 1:30 drop 14 & Under 7 1:20 no new 1:30 drop
4 Section 10: TIME LIMIT/ PLAY STOPPAGE: A. Time limit is defined in FHS General Rules, Section 8. B. No new inning shall be started after 1 hour and 20 minutes. A new inning starts when the third out is recorded in the previous inning or a team scores the maximum number of runs allowed for the division. If an inning is in progress after the 1 hour and 20 minutes, the game will end either at the conclusion of the inning or at the 1 hour 30 minute mark, whichever occurs first. C. If drop time of 1 hour and 30 minutes is reached and the inning is not complete, then the following occurs: 1. If home team is ahead or has tied the game, the score stands and DOES NOT REVERT back to the last completed inning. Completed outs are counted against the pitcher when the score stands and DOES NOT REVERT back. 2. If the visiting team is up to bat, the score DOES REVERT back to the last completed inning. Completed outs are NOT counted against the pitcher when the score DOES REVERT back to the last completed inning. The score will revert to the last complete inning unless home team is at bat and is ahead or tied at drop dead time. D. If a game is called due to weather or other circumstances prior to the 1 hour 30 minute drop dead time and the game has completed at least four innings, the score will revert back to the score at the last completed inning. If score reverts back any pitcher that recorded outs in the uncompleted inning will not have those outs counted against their out limit established by the divisions. E. Tie games will end as ties and each team will receive a half win for purposes of win/loss records. One point for purposes of total points earned. Exception: 12 or 14 & under Division only: If a complete game has ended in a tie and there is still time on the clock, then USA SOFTBALL International tie Breaker Rule is in effect. Section 11: RUNS PER INNING & MERCY RULE: Division Max runs per Inning Mercy Rule 6U N/A- Max- Bat the Bench N/A Spring Break refer to 8U Rule Division Max runs per Inning Mercy Rule After Inning 8U 5 runs 1-4 innings 15 runs after 3, 12 runs after 4, 8 after 5 No limit 5th inning Described in the USA SOFTBALL Rule Book. Rule 5, Section 9 Runs Ahead Rule Division Max runs per Inning Mercy Rule After Inning 10U 5 runs 1-5 innings 15 runs after 3, 12 runs after 4, 8 after 5 No limit 6 th 12U 6 runs 1-6 Innings 15 runs after 3, 12 runs after 4, 8 after 5 No limit 7 th 14U No limit 15 runs after 3, 12 runs after 4, 8 after 5 All games in the 8U-14U divisions shall be completed through the final home team at-bat even if 1) one team is ahead by more runs than can be scored in an inning or 2) the game time limit expires during either side s at-bat. However, if both managers agree, the game may be terminated once the time limit has expired. This will give the managers the authority to end the game based on the circumstances at the time.
5 Section 12: PLAYING FIELDS: Divisions Pitching Distance Baseline Distance 6U 25 (coach pitch- front of circle) 55 8U 30 (includes coach pitch) 55 10U 35 60 12U 40 60 14U 43 60 Section 13: OFFICIAL UNIFORMS/GEAR: A. All players must be in the official uniform designated by the League, see General Rules. B. Players need to supply gloves and athletic shoes. Rubber cleats not metal cleats. Exception: 14U division may wear metal cleats an any dirt field location. However, all divisions must wear rubber cleats at Lions field. C. Optional items: 1. Non-hooded sweatshirt or sleeves may be worn under the shirt and should be nearly the same color for all team members. Optic/Bright yellow may not be worn by the pitcher while pitching. 2. Caps or visors may be worn by the player. These should be of the same color for all team members who are wearing them. Use by player is not required. 3. Player may wear a jacket, sweatshirt, or sweater during a game except when batting. Jackets, etc, must be zipped, buttoned or snapped. D. No jewelry may be worn by players E. Shirts must be tucked in at all time while on the playing field during a game. F. All Batters and base runners must wear protective batting helmets while in the on deck area, batting, and while on the bases offensively. Helmets will not be removed until the player returns to dugout. Chin straps are optional, however, if worn, the chin strap must be secured and not lose. All helmets must have a face guard. G. Catchers or any player warming up the pitcher between innings, on the sidelines or during practice must wear a protective catcher s helmet and catcher s mask. H. While not required, FHS encourages the use of fielders facemasks for all girls for added safety at all divisions. Section 14: NON-SANCTIONED RULE CHANGES: A. No changes, alterations, modifications, private deals or understandings either expressed or implied by conduct will be made by the Managers and/or coaches of opposing teams regarding rules, eligibility, field conditions or any other matter concerning league play. B. Penalty: Forfeiture of the game by both offending teams. Section 15: GAME RESCHEDULING PROCEDURES: A game may be rescheduled if the following conditions are met: A. The team requesting the reschedule must notify the Scheduler and the Umpire in Chief three (3) working days prior to the originally scheduled game. The request will only be considered for the inability to field a legal team, or because both the Manager and named Coach both being unable to attend. The team requesting the change must provide (to the division s Player Agent or the Director of Player Agents) the list of players that will miss the game as well as a justification for each. The division Player Agent or Director of Player Agents will verify the circumstance for each player and notify the Scheduler to proceed with rescheduling the game. MISREPRESENTING THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF ANY PLAYER OR COACH WILL BE GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND FORFEITURE OF THE GAME.
6 B. The requesting teams arrange a mutually agreed upon reschedule date and time which must be approved by the League Scheduler. C. The rescheduled date and time may not conflict with any previously scheduled game. D. The rescheduled game shall be played as soon as possible. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ABOVE WILL BE CAUSE FOR REQUESTING TEAM TO FORFEIT THE ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED GAME. E. Rain-outs rescheduling takes precedence over other rescheduling. Section 16: CALLING TIME OUTS: A. Only an official Manager, Coach or Player may call Time Out. Time-outs in accordance with the USA SOFTBALL rule book. Section 17: PITCHING: One (1) legal pitch or recorded out is all that is required to constitute an inning of pitching. 6U: Not applicable. 8U: 1. No Pitcher may pitch in more than 2 innings in a game until a second pitcher has pitched two full innings in the same game. Penalty: Forfeit will be declared if a legal pitch is thrown and protested by the opposing manager. 10U: 1. A player may pitch no more than 18 outs per consecutive games played (starting with the first game and ending with the last). Every pitcher may only return twice to the mound in a single game (A total of 3 appearances, with a maximum of two breaks). PENALTY: Pitcher will be removed from the game, for the inning, if a Legal Pitch is thrown. A forfeit will be declared if a game pitch is thrown and protested by the opposing manager. 12U: 1. A player may pitch no more than 21 outs per consecutive games played (starting with the first game and ending with the last). Every pitcher may only return twice to the mound in a single game (A total of 3 appearances, with a maximum of two breaks). PENALTY: Pitcher will be removed from the game, for the inning, if a Legal Pitch is thrown. A forfeit will be declared if a game pitch is thrown and protested by the opposing manager. 14U: There are NO pitching limits set. Section 17A: SCOREKEEPING PROCEDURES: Pitching Rules 10 & Under, and 12 & Under 1 Each Team is required to keep track of the number of outs pitched by each Pitcher per game. 2. An out is declared for a pitcher when the pitcher is on the mound and the following occurs: a. the batter is called out at the plate or is called out as a batter runner
7 b. A base runner is called out during a pitcher s time on the mound (an out is not declared to a pitcher until the umpire calls an out and the out has occurred). I.e. a team (defense) that is retiring to the bench due to the (offense) obtaining the maximum run limit, unless there were 1or 2 outs in the inning prior to the run limit occurring, there are no outs declared on the pitcher). 3. The home team is the OFFICIAL SCOREKEEPER of the game. Immediately at the end of each game the scorekeepers must summarize the outs recorded for each pitcher in the game and concur. Each Manager and the Umpire must sign the opponent s Scorebook, and the opponent s manager must initial the number of outs per pitcher at the end of the game. The signature indicates an agreement of score and the initial indicates an agreement for the number of outs pitched by each pitcher. 4. Upon request a Manager must provide proof of pitchers eligibility (i.e.: signed scorebook with the number of outs pitched). If unable to provide signed documented individual pitching outs, the following penalty applies: Penalty: Pitchers will be declared ineligible to pitch in the game during said pitching week or in the case of a dispute, a win may be declared as a loss. Section 18: PRE-GAME MEETING: A. Before each game manager and or coaches from both teams shall meet with the umpire to identify manager and coaches, deliver their official line-up sheets and verify the divisional rules and ground rules, and discuss any pertinent rules as necessary. In addition, everyone should verify the starting time of the game. Section 19: SUPPLEMENTAL RULES BY DIVISION: 6U: A. Ten inch (10 ) Worth RIF ball shall be used. B. Defensive team shall field its entire roster. Six players shall occupy the infield positions (catcher, Pitcher, 1 st base, 2 nd base, short stop, and 3 rd base). Excess players shall be placed in the outfield. Offensive team shall bat its entire roster in turn, i.e. bat the bench. C. A Coach Pitcher shall pitch in the game. The Coach/batter has the choice to hit coach pitch or start off at the tee. The coach pitcher shall pitch from the front of the pitcher s circle (25 feet from the plate). The player in the pitching circle shall stand to the left or right of the pitcher s line, so that view is not obstructed. 3 pitches only are allowed per batter for coach pitch (no extra pitches for a bad pitch). If the ball is not hit into play, the tee will be used. Four attempts maximum is allowed from the tee (either after coach pitch or for starting the at-bat from the tee). If the ball is not hit into play, it will be ruled a pass, and out is recorded and the next batter is up. Hit into play is defined as; past the 10 foot arc inside fair territory. There shall be no walks If a ball hits the coach pitcher, the play will be counted as a dead ball and no pitch will be ruled. If the coach pitcher interferes with the fielder s ability to make a play, an out will be recorded on the batter/runner. D. Up until spring break*, each team will bat the bench every inning. After spring break, the defense is to be rewarded and each team is to retire sides after 3 outs or after all batters have batted in the line-up, whichever occurs first. The last batter in the line-up shall continue running until they score or an out is recorded on them.
8 E. Two (2) coaches are allowed on the field with their defensive team, positioned in the outfield. F. There is no stealing of bases. G. Base runners may advance only one base on an overthrow when the ball has been put into play; or may continue to advance on a hit by a batter to the outfield and is in fair territory. Runners may not advance home from third on an overthrow out of play to third base. H. Runners can only advance to the next base they are proceeding to if they are not touching a base when the ball is thrown by the defense and enters near or through any part of the pitcher s circle, and play is then stopped. I. There shall be no infield fly rule. J. There shall be no forfeits due to the lack of players. Players may be borrowed from opposing team in order to balance the teams, or play short if at least 7 players are in attendance. K. Score shall not be kept for any game. Winning or losing shall not be emphasized. Players shall be rotated to different positions every inning to encourage the learning experience. Everyone should be regularly rotated to an infield position. 8U A. Ten inch (10 ) Worth RIF ball will be used B. Team will be fielded by 10 defensive players with 4 outfielders (no coaches on the defensive playing field). All players present will bat in turn, Bat the Bench. C. Each team is to retire sides after 3 outs or the maximum run limit, whichever occurs first. D. Players shall pitch to the opposing team. However, when the pitcher has pitched the fourth (called) ball to the same batter, a coach from the batter s team will pitch to the batter from the pitchers plate the batter resumes the same count. During coach pitch the umpire will continue to call balls and strikes until the batter either strikes out or puts the ball in play, there is no base on balls during coach pitch. E. One defensive player must have a foot within the pitcher s circle on each coach pitch, where her view is not obstructed. There will be no walks at this level prior to Spring Break*. If a ball hits the coach, the play will be counted as a dead ball and no pitch will be ruled. If the coach interferes with the fielder s ability to make a play, an out will be recorded on the batter/runner. F. After Spring Break*, when the pitcher has pitched the fourth (called) ball to the same batter, the batter will receive a walk from the umpire and proceed to 1 st Base. G. Any batter hit by a player pitcher shall immediately advance to coach pitch with any strikes removed. (If ball rolls on the ground and hits batter s feet, strike count is not removed OR if ball rolls on the ground and hits batter s feet, a ball is called and player pitcher continues to pitch). H. There shall be No infield fly or dropped third strike call. I. Base runners may NOT leave the base until after the ball is released from the pitcher s hand. Penalty: Base runner will be called out. J. Home plate is closed. A runner on third can only score on a hit ball or based on USA SOFTBALL Rules. K. A base runner may not advance past the base they are attempting to steal, i.e. base runner may steal one (1) base per pitch. L. The pitcher must have possession of the ball inside the pitcher s circle to stop play. M. No stealing or bunting shall be allowed during the coach pitch. Penalty for bunting: a called strike for each offense. N. Every player must play at least one inning of infield per two scheduled games. O. Hesitation Rule is not in effect. P. Score shall be kept. Standings will be compiled.
9 10U: 12U: 14U: Plays by USA SOFTBALL Rules with the following Exceptions: A. Eleven inch (11 ) RIF10 firm (or similar ball) ball shall be used B. Team will be fielded by 10 defensive players, with four outfielders. All players present will bat in turn, Bat the Bench. C. Base runners shall not leave the base until after the ball has left the pitchers hand. D. Hesitation rule is in effect. Penalty: base runner will be called out. E. Every player must play at least one inning of infield per two scheduled games. F. The pitcher must have possession of the ball inside the pitcher s circle to stop play. Plays by USA SOFTBALL Rules with the following Exceptions: A. Team will be fielded by 10 defensive players, with four outfielders. All players present will bat in turn, Bat the Bench. Based on player numbers per team at beginning of season the Board may determine 9 defensive players will be used for the season. B. Twelve inch (12 ) Dream Seam (or similar ball) ball shall be used. Plays by USA SOFTBALL Rules with the following Exceptions: A. All players present will bat in turn, Bat the Bench. B. Twelve inch (12 ) Dream Seam (or similar ball) ball shall be used. C. Inter-league play rules (if applicable) may require some changes as agreed to in preseason by all leagues involved in the inter-league play. No changes are to be made to these rules by the managers. * Spring Break or end of 1 st half, whichever comes first.