Men s Softball Constitution 2017

DOFASCO POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS Men s Softball Constitution 2017 1) F.H. Sherman Zero Tolerance Policy of Behavior to prevail at all times. Any display of unsportsmanlike conduct, obscene language or delay of game by any player or coach may result in ejection from the game at the discretion of the umpire. Any physical contact or threatening gestures toward the umpire can result in suspension. Umpires are to report any incidents of this nature to the Executive within 24 hours. The league executive will notify any ejected players or coaches of further disciplinary action. 2) Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) Any personal information collected, used or disclosed, is solely for the purpose of administering the Dofasco Men s Softball League. 3) No pets are permitted inside the grounds of the recreation park. 4) The recreation park is a Tobacco free environment. Smoking and chewing are not permitted within any part of the park. Exhibition games involving visiting teams must be approved in advance by the Executive and the Recreation Department (in writing). Release forms must be signed by the visitors' coaches/managers. No team entering a tournament may use the Dofasco league name or shirts without the approval of the Executive and the Recreation Office. THE CONSTITUTION 1. Player Requirements a. Any male Dofasco employee (sons or grandsons 18 years of age or older) will be eligible to play in the Dofasco Men s Softball League b. All players must play at least five (5) of the regular season games to be eligible for the playoffs. c. Managers must keep & produce game sheets as required. Managers must also carry a upto-date roster, and be able to produce as required. d. Any Dofasco employee (part-time, student or permanent) leaving the employment of Dofasco must have taken part in 50% of the league schedule before being considered eligible to complete the current schedule. e. To receive consideration, the employee must have left Dofasco in good standing. Each executive is required to check with the Recreation Office for clearance on employees leaving Dofasco. If clearance is received, the participant MUST SIGN A WAIVER FORM PRIOR TO FURTHER PARTICIPATION if he expresses a desire to continue in the Recreation activity. U n c o n t r o l l e d C o p y 2 0 1 4 P a g e 1

2. Associate Players a. Each team will be allowed to carry four (4) associate players but the League must approve them. Managers are responsible to provide the appropriate documentation. b. A team can sign a maximum roster of sixteen (16) players. c. Teams with more than four (4) associate players or more the sixteen (16) players on the roster must receive approval from the executive. 3. Team Sweaters a. All new team sweaters require the approval of the Dofasco Recreation Park. b. Everyone must have a team sweater. c. Dofasco Sweaters are not to be worn for any other league or tournament play without consent from the executive. 4. Team Fees a. The entry fee will be determined by the league executive prior to the first general meeting. b. Payment by personal cheque or money order. Make cheques payable to Dofasco Men s Softball League. c. Rosters must be accompanied by league fees. Updated rosters can be submitted at a later date. Regular Season Play 5. Number of Players a. A full team (fielded) consists of at least 10 players. There is unlimited substitution. All players listed on the line-up card are to bat. b. To be eligible for a game, a team must field at least 7 players. See?? for less than 7 players. c. If one team has less than 7 players but more than 5 and the other team has enough players that team will lend them enough players to make at least 7, the game will also count as an official game. U n c o n t r o l l e d C o p y 2 0 1 4 P a g e 2

d. If a team has less than 5 players the opposing team can still lend them players but that team will be charged with a default. i. 5 or more players plus (2) from other team count as an official game. ii. 4 or less players will be charged with a default. iii. Team providing the players are not to fall below 9 players and are only obligated to supply 2 players to the under staffed team. e. If a team has only 7 players and one of these players is ejected from the game his team will automatically forfeit the game. f. If a team has 8 players or less, the opposing team will supply a catcher for the full game if requested. The catcher is obligated to make a play during the regular season and play-offs. 6. Game Ball a. Game balls will be put in the yellow bin to be used for practice by all teams before games. b. There is no preference for what color ball is used. We have a number of new white balls reaming from last year, and will be purchasing yellow balls this year. The intent is to use one new white ball for early games, and one new yellow ball for the later games. The team fielding can request a change in ball. Additional balls can be retrieved from the yellow bin as required. 7. Game Conditions a. The Recreation Centre Co-ordinator will update the field conditions at 4:00 pm and each hour after. Humidex is at the descression of the Captains and the Umpire. i. To check field conditions, call 548-7737, then press 4 then 2. ii. If in doubt, all teams involved should go to the park. iii. Re-scheduled game times will be available from the Scheduler or on the Softball Bulletin Board. iv. All teams members should check the board for re-scheduled game times. v. The Softball Bulletin Board is located in the breezeway between the washrooms and change rooms by the Food Trailer. 8. Umpires a. One umpire will be supplied for each regular season game. b. Two umpires will be supplied for each division and league championship games. U n c o n t r o l l e d C o p y 2 0 1 4 P a g e 3

c. A team which has to supply an umpire due to unforeseen circumstances will have the umpires fee taken off of their team fees for the following year. 9. League Divisions a. The league will consist of 1 division during regular season and our goal is to separate into 2 divisions for the playoffs. (based on number of teams) b. Play-offs will be round robin format with top 2 teams in each division playing for the championship. 10. Team Spokesman a. Before each game, one man from each team will declare himself to the umpire as the team spokesman. b. Only the manager or the team spokesman has the right to question a decision and seek its reversal on a claim that it is a violation of one of the rules. c. Any other player attempting question the umpire may be ejected from the game. d. Under no circumstances shall a manager, spokesman, or player dispute the accuracy of the umpire's judgment on a play. 11. Field Configuration a. The distance between the bases shall be 65 feet. 12. Changes to ground rules. a. The 2 spokesmen must agree with the umpire's alterations to existing ground rules before the game begins. 13. Player equipment a. Soft shoes are required footwear. b. No metal spikes, barefoot, or sandals are allowed. c. If a player is found to not be in compliance with these rules, they must leave the field immediately. d. Gloves are mandatory. U n c o n t r o l l e d C o p y 2 0 1 4 P a g e 4

e. Team shirts must be worn by all players. if a player doesn't have a shirt, they can field, so their team doesn't default, but cannot bat. 14. Bats a. The league now uses a common set of bats owned by the league. b. Under no circumstances is a team or player to bring a non community bat into the game, a player getting caught will be called out and there will be no advancement of runners. 15. Pitching a. A pitcher can pitch the entire game b. A strike pitch is one that hits the designated plate at a moderate rate of speed with an arc that is at least 6 feet off the ground. c. No arc will be called by the umpire as the pitch is being delivered, if the pitch is not 6ft high this is still a live pitch and the batter can swing at his own discretion d. A pitch is called a strike by the umpire at his discretion. e. The balk rule does not apply in this league. f. Four (4) balls constitute a free base. g. The pitcher must pitch from within the pitching box. h. The pitching box will be marked out by the grounds keeper. i. The box will be 15 long x 2 wide. j. The ball is dead and not in play when: i. A bunt is called by the umpire. ii. A quick return pitch is called by the umpire. iii. A leadoff is called by the umpire (see rule #21). Base runners may not advance. iv. The ball goes beyond the out of play line. 16. Batting a. The batter is out after: i. He has 3 strikes called against him. ii. The second third strike foul; U n c o n t r o l l e d C o p y 2 0 1 4 P a g e 5

1. i.e., the batter is allowed 1 foul ball on the third strike. 2. The runners may advance if the third strike foul is a fly ball that is caught in foul territory. b. A bunt is called by the umpire. i. A bunt is a ball that does not pass the 5 line in front of home plate. ii. This would be a foul ball. 17. Commitment Line a. A commitment line will be used. b. A perpendicular line will be drawn from the third base line to the out of play line (dugout screen). c. The line will be half way between home plate and third base (30 feet). Any runner crossing this line cannot return to third base, but must go to home plate. Exception: The case where the runner leaves third base prior to a fly ball being caught and crosses the commitment line, he will be allowed to return to third base to retag; however, he must then proceed to home plate. d. Team Managers or Spokespersons should check before the game begins to ensure that the Rec Park has drawn this line in the correct position. 18. Safe Line at Home a. A safe line at home plate will be used. b. A perpendicular line will be drawn from the front of home plate to the backstop screen. c. A runner need only cross this line (break the plane); he must not touch home plate/rubber. d. If he touches home plate/rubber, he is automatically out. 19. Play at home a. Plays made at home must be made at the plate/rubber only. b. No tags are to be made between the commitment line and home. c. The defensive player must touch the plate/rubber prior to the runner crossing the safe line for an out to be made. U n c o n t r o l l e d C o p y 2 0 1 4 P a g e 6

20. Sliding a. Sliding (feet first) is permitted on all bases except home plate. b. Diving will only be permitted when returning to a pre-occupied base 21. Live Play c. Any player who slides or dives into home plate is automatically out. d. A player who slides or dives with intent to injure the defending player will be called out and ejected from the game. e. Intent to injure is determined by the sole discression of the umpire. The play does not need to result in an injury for the umpire to feel that he acted with intent. a. A runner may advance only after a hit ball. b. Any runner called for a leadoff will be out and the play will be dead. c. A runner must maintain contact with the based until a swing is performed. d. If the batter swings but does not make contact with the ball, and base runners step off the base, this is not considered a leadoff. e. The ball remains in play until returned to the pitcher. f. If the ball is hit and is fair and comes into contact with the base runner before making contact with a defending player, the base runner is out. The hitter advances to first base, and the play is scored as a fielder s choice. g. If a player is standing on base and is hit by the ball, the play is live, and runners must advance to avoid a force out. U n c o n t r o l l e d C o p y 2 0 1 4 P a g e 7

22. Infield Fly a. Infield Fly - The batter is out if, with less than 2 out, and while first and second, or first, second, and third are occupied, the batter hits a fair fly ball, other than a line drive, that is easily playable by an infielder. b. The umpire will call "infield fly, batter is out". If the fly ball is close to the foul line, the umpire will include "if fair" in his call. Runners may advance at their own risk. 23. Fly Ball a. Fly Ball in the air that lands in the bushes or a ball that bounces into and or through the bushes will be considered a fair ball. 24. Overthrows a. In the event of an overthrow the following rules apply: i. If the ball goes beyond the out of play line, which is an extension of the front edge of the players' bench, the players will be awarded 2 bases by the umpire. ii. If the throw is the first throw by an infielder after a hit ball, the bases are awarded from the last base held at the time of the pitch, unless all runners including the batter have reached the next base prior to the throw, then (iii) applies. iii. With subsequent throws, or on a throw from an outfielder, the award is based on the last base held at the time of the throw. Not when the ball rolls out of bounds. Note: The number of bases awarded to runners behind the lead runner is dependent on what is awarded to the lead runner. iv. If the ball remains inside the out of play line, runners may advance as many bases as they can at their own risk. This includes the ball hitting either dugout screen or the overthrown screens at first and third base. 25. Charging and Baseline Interference a. If in the opinion of the umpire, a runner charges a baseman or catcher, the runner is ruled out. b. If in the opinion of the umpire, a baseman or catcher blocks the baseline without having possession of the ball, the runner will be ruled safe at any of the bases or home plate. U n c o n t r o l l e d C o p y 2 0 1 4 P a g e 8

26. Runner Substitute Rule Men s Softball Constitution 2017 a. Any player needing a substitute runner must do so for the rest of the game. b. The umpire will then notify the manager of the opposing team. c. This runner and any other player requesting a runner due to injury or illness, throughout the remainder of the game, on subsequent bats, batter may advance the number of bases he can make safely d. The substitute runner will take his place at that base after the play is dead. e. This rule does not affect any other runners on base at the time of the pitch to the declared batter. f. The substitute runner must be the last player out on that team. 27. Calling the game a. It is the umpire's decision to call a game because of time, darkness, weather, and/or field conditions. b. Umpires decision will be reviewed with the team managers. If a consensus can t be reached, the umpire in chief should be consulted. 28. Regular Season Games a. A regular season game will consist of 9 complete innings b. The early game start time will be 6pm with a 15 min grace period if both teams have less than 7 players. c. The late game start time will be 8pm with a 15 min grace period if both teams have less than 7 players. d. 2 hour game limit is to begin when the game is started by the umpire and not based on scheduled time. Teams have 1hr 50mins to start the last inning from the time the game is officially started by the umpire. Teams have 15 minutes from scheduled start time to field a team or they will forfeit the game. No new inning to start after 1 hour 50 minutes. U n c o n t r o l l e d C o p y 2 0 1 4 P a g e 9

e. The score of a called regulation game shall be the score at the end of the last complete inning, unless the home team has scored more runs than the visiting team in the incomplete inning. In this case, the score shall be that of the incomplete inning. f. If a game is called because of inclement weather before 5 innings, (4 1/2 if the home team is winning), the game will be rescheduled and played later. g. Umpire and managers to decide between them if the game should continue remembering that the safety of all players is the concern here and not the score of the game. h. If the game is called because of inclement weather after 5 innings have been played, then the score at the last complete inning shall constitute the final score of the game, unless the home team has scored more runs than the visiting team in the incomplete inning. In this case, the score shall be that of the incomplete inning. i. If the score was tied at the last complete inning, then each team will get 1 point in the regular season's standings. j. Any time after 7 complete innings (6 1/2 if the home team is winning) if there is a 15 run difference, the game will be suspended and awarded to the team leading at that time. The home team will always get their last at bats if it is possible for them to get to within 14 runs of the winning team. 29. Re-scheduled Games & Defaults a. Teams will be permitted 1 re-scheduled game. Any re-schedule after that will be counted as a loss. 48 hours notice is required to re-schedule a game. b. Defaults - 1 default per team with no penalty. Any further defaults and the umpires fees will be added to the following years entrance fee. 30. Protest a. Any intention of protest must be given verbally to the umpire at the time of the incident. b. Then a letter of protest must be filed with the League Executive within 24 hours of the protested game. c. The game will not stop because of a protest unless stopped by the umpire. U n c o n t r o l l e d C o p y 2 0 1 4 P a g e 10

d. After a letter of protest is filed with the league executive a review will be done with the umpire and team mangers (as required).the outcome will be communicated to all parties involved. In the event of a protest being upheld, then the game in question will be replayed. 31. Exhibition games a. Exhibition games involving visiting teams must be approved in advance by the league executive and the Recreation Office (in writing) and a release form signed by the visitor's manager/coach. 32. Entry of Late Players a. A player shall be officially in the game when his name has been entered on the score sheet or has been announced. b. This can take place at any point in a game regardless of the inning. c. The entered player can only take a position on the field if his team has less than 10 players. d. He may not act as a substitute until the middle or the end of the entered inning. e. The entered player will assume his batting position on the submitted line-up card unless his position in the line-up has been passed. In this case, his name will be added to the bottom of the line-up card. 33. Limitation of runs scored a. The number of runs scored in any inning, other than the last inning, will be limited to 5 runs maximum per team. b. When 5 runs are scored, the inning will terminate and the teams shall change sides. The final inning will remain as before with unlimited runs allowed. 34. Rules a. Teams playing in the Dofasco Men's Softball League for this season will be governed by the O.A.S.A. rules with the above exceptions. U n c o n t r o l l e d C o p y 2 0 1 4 P a g e 11

Playoffs 35. Playoff schedules a. The League will decide the start date for the Play-Offs. b. Only games critical to the play-off picture will be re-scheduled. All other games will be split awarding each team 1 point. 36. Requirements for playoff games a. During the playoffs, 7 innings is the minimum number to constitute a complete game. b. If the game is stopped for any reason before 7 innings (6 1/2 if the home team is winning), the game will be rescheduled. c. Teams must have a minimum of 7 players for playoff games. d. If a team has 8 players or less, the opposing team will supply a catcher for the full game if requested. The catcher will make the play at home during the playoffs. e. 9th inning: home team bats ONLY if losing. Game is over if and when home team takes the lead. 37. Tiebreaker for playoffs a. The tiebreakers for determining the top 2 teams in each division are: i. Head to Head play (does not count in a three way tie) ii. Run differential (difference between runs for and runs against) iii. Runs for U n c o n t r o l l e d C o p y 2 0 1 4 P a g e 12

38. Championship Games Men s Softball Constitution 2017 a. Each team must have 9 players minimum. b. No Catchers will be provided. c. Must complete 9 innings. i. If tied after 9 innings, a 10 th inning will be played. ii. The 10 inning will have a 5 run limit. iii. If the game is still tied after the 10 inning, the game will be declared a tie. iv. Two points will be awarded for a win, one for a tie. d. Two game series will determine the winner. i. If tied after two games, a third will be played. ii. If the third game ends in a tie, the team with the best record will be declared the winner. e. Home Team i. The team with first place standings will be considered the home team for the first and third games. U n c o n t r o l l e d C o p y 2 0 1 4 P a g e 13

Revisions updated header date 2015 9/ League divisions (a) removed "8 teams" replaces "number of teams" 26/ Runner substitution rule (c) removed "shall be limited to a single" replaced "the batter may advance the number of bases he can make safely" (d) removed "first" replaced "that the substitute runner will take his place at "that" base after play is dead 28/ Regular season games (f) removed 7 innings and 6 1/2 replaced 5 innings and 4 1/2 (h) removed 7 innings replaced 5 innings 36/ Requirements for playoff games (e) removed teams must complete same number of innings replaced 9th inning: home team to bat ONLY if losing. Game is over if and when home team takes the lead Revised April 8/2015 Gord Robertson updated header date 2016 Revised April /2016 Gord Robertson updated header date 2017 13. Player equipment (e) Added Team shirts must be worn by all players. if a player doesn't have a shirt, they can field, so their team doesn't default, but cannot bat. 15. Pitching (f) Added No arc will be called by the umpire as the pitch is being delivered, if the pitch is not 6ft high. This is still a live pitch and the batter can swing at his own discretion 16. Batting (c) removed a 5th pitch can be requested by the batter on a 4-0 count. Revised April /2017 Gord Robertson U n c o n t r o l l e d C o p y 2 0 1 4 P a g e 14