A true champin is smene wh wants t make a difference, wh never gives up, and wh gives everything she has n matter what the circumstances are. A true champin wrks hard and never lses sight f her dreams. Dr. Drthy ( Dt ) Richardsn Olympic Gld Medal Winner NGSA Handbk 1 02/15/2017
Table f Cntents Presidents Message... 3 Missin Statement & Mtt... 3 Abut NGSA... 4 General... 5 Leagues... 5 Travel Teams... 6 NGSA Overview... 7 Park Rules... 7 Weather... 9 Safety... 9 Equipment... 9 Umpire & Caches Behavir... 10 Team Selectin... 11 Plicy Change Request... 11 NGSA General League Rules... 12 Apprpriate Unifrm... 12 Games & Practices... 12 League Turnament... 12 NGSA Game Rules... 13 Game Safety... 13 Field Rules... 13 Playing Time... 14 Team Line Up & Substitute Players... 14 Pitching Rules... 15 Sliding Rules... 16 Interference & Obstructin... 16 Curtesy Runner... 17 Special Rules... 17 General Play Table... 19 Appendices NGSA Handbk 2 02/15/2017
Message frm Yur NGSA Executive Bard: Dear Players, Parents, and Caches; Nblesville Girls Sftball Assciatin (NGSA) appreciates the individual vlunteers, caches, umpires, and parents wh are dedicated t wrking with and teaching the girls in the NGSA prgram. Our number ne gal is t prvide the girls f NGSA the fundamentals f sftball t learn, grw and lve the game. By wrking tgether, we can help all girls achieve success by teaching them thrugh ur example hw t have gd sprtsmanship, be leaders and gain friendships and memries that will last a lifetime. Remember, we are all here fr the girls and t be an example t each ne f them. The NGSA bard wuld like t thank yu fr yur dedicatin and supprt fr NGSA. Jennifer Thmpsn Darren Bauer Melissa Lawsn Katrina Tillman President Vice President Secretary Cmptrller MISSION STATEMENT: It is the missin f Nblesville Girls Sftball Assciatin, Inc. (NGSA) t prvide prgrams fr girls t have fun and develp friendships, while learning teamwrk, sprtsmanship, leadership, and athletic skills thrugh the sprt f sftball. Our Mtt: Our prgram. Our teams. Our kids. NGSA Handbk 3 02/15/2017
Abut NGSA NGSA is recgnized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 charitable rganizatin that prvides girls frm Nblesville and surrunding cunties the pprtunity t play fast-pitch sftball in instructinal, recreatinal and cmpetitive prgrams. NGSA prgrams are managed by a bard f directrs wh vlunteer their time t fulfill the missin f the rganizatin, and we sincerely appreciate: the girls in ur prgrams wh play hard and have fun; the dedicated parents and vlunteers wh serve as caches r therwise dnate their time and talents t supprt ur prgrams; lcal businesses and individuals wh generusly supprt NGSA thrugh dnatins and spnsrships Nblesville Schls fr prviding facilities fr ur girls t play sftball. NGSA prvides 3 levels f sftball prgrams fr girls age 4 thrugh 18. Each level is designed t prvide a higher level f cmpetitin and skill. Each is a separate entity and funded accrdingly, althugh all are Nblesville Girls Sftball prgrams. This handbk addresses the huse league play. Please see the travel handbk fr details f ur travel prgrams. The huse league is pen t every girl between the ages f 4 and 18 wh resides in Nblesville. Recreatinal League: This is ur base where girls learn the basic fundamentals and rules f the game beginning with instructin and becming mre cmpetitive as the girls get lder. League play is fllwed by ur In-Huse r cunty leagues. All Stars: Selected frm the Recreatinal League, these girls shw higher skill level and desire t advance. The All-Stars prgram prvides Class C level playing pprtunities beynd the Recreatinal League regular seasn. Travel (Elite): These girls exhibit the highest level f skill and desire t represent NGSA and all f its participants in Class B travel team turnaments. NGSA Handbk 4 02/15/2017
General Leagues Age is determined by the girl s age as f January 1, 201. Example: If a girl turned 9 n February 5th, she is eligible t play in the 8U Divisin. (She was 8 years ld n January 1st). If a girl turned 9 n December 31st, she must mve up t the 10U Divisin. (She was 9 years ld n January 1st). 6U: This is an instructinal league that teaches the girls the fundamentals f sftball utilizing bth cach s pitch and a tee. Teams cnsist f 6-8 players t allw fr mre ne n ne instructin. Players have ptin t hit ff cach pitch r T with the gal t have all girls hit ff cach by end f seasn. There will be ne game played during the in-huse turnament week fr this league n the Varsity/JV fields. Players in the league must turn 4 by January 1 st t be eligible t play. 8U: This league will usually place 9-11 players n each team. The gal f the league is t give each girl as much playing time and quality instructin as pssible while intrducing the girls t pitching at this level. Pitching distance is 30 feet. A duble eliminatin turnament will take place at the end f the seasn. 10U: This league will usually place 9-12 players n each team. The gal f this league is t gain additinal experience in the game f sftball while fine tuning the skills gained frm previus years. All girls pitch ccurs at this level and pitching distance is 35 feet. A duble eliminatin turnament will take place at the end f the seasn. 12U: This league participates in the cunty leagues. This league des require travel. Pitching distance is frm 40 feet and the league fllws the rules f the Cunty leagues league. A duble eliminatin turnament will take place at the end f the seasn. 14U: This league participates in the cunty leagues. This league des require travel. Pitching distance is frm 43 feet and the league fllws the rules f the cunty leagues. A duble eliminatin turnament will take place at the end f the seasn. High Schl: This league will be frmed with surrunding cmmunities and will fllw NSA/Cunty Rules. This league des require travel t surrunding cunties fr play. Pitching is frm 43 feet. All-Stars: This league will be selected frm the Recreatinal League. These girls shw higher skill level and desire t advance. The All-Star prgram prvides Class C level playing pprtunities beynd the Recreatinal League regular seasn. These teams are chsen frm the 6U thrugh 14U recreatinal leagues via tryuts. Practices are typically held n Sunday afternns during the regular seasn. Play begins after the regular seasn, typically participating in 3-4 turnaments, including the Summer Grind in Nblesville. Turnaments are decided n by the All-Star caches and All-Star Cmmissiner with apprval frm the bard. **Requests t either mve up r dwn a divisin are strngly discuraged, but may be cnsidered. Any request must be submitted in writing t the NGSA Cmpetitin Cmmittee via the Vice President. NGSA Handbk 5 02/15/2017
Travel Teams Our travel teams are referred t as the Nblesville Elite and are ffered fr teams f 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U and 16U. All NGSA recreatin players are eligible t tryut as are any girls frm Nblesville and the surrunding areas. Please see the Elite Travel Handbk fr detailed infrmatin n the Elite travel teams and plicies. NGSA Handbk 6 02/15/2017
Nblesville Girls Sftball Assciatin (NGSA) Overview As with all rganizatin, we must have rules, requirements and regulatins that gvern ur prgram. All players, parents and caches are t becme familiar with these, and if yu have any questins r cmments please cntact the Cmmissiner f the apprpriate league. Park Rules The NGSA fields are maintained by NGSA bard members and vlunteers. We are privileged t be able t use these fields fr ur sftball prgram. It is very imprtant prper respect fr the facility be displayed by the athletes, parents and ther visitrs at all times. This includes that the duguts, fields, spectatr areas, restrms, etc are left the way that they were fund and that all trash is remved and prperly discarded. The nging maintenance f ur facilities is a huge task. NGSA des nt pay nr can we affrd a paid staff fr this wrk and therefre must slicit vlunteers. We ask all parents and players t pick up the trash after every sftball event. When every parent and player des his r her part, the tasks are simple & expedient. N tbacc r e-cigarette will be permitted n NGSA/NOBLESVILLESCHOOL prperty at any time. N alchl will be permitted in the park at any time. Anyne under the influence f alchl will be asked t leave the park. N pets are t be n premises per Nblesville Schl plicy. Please make arrangements t have yur dg(s) taken care f away frm the facility; therwise, yu will be asked t leave with yur dg. N glass cntainers. Please place trash in prvided cntainers. N prfanity. Park nly in designated areas and bey all psted speed limit signs. Nte parking n the access rad adjacent t field 4 is prhibited. N parking in the grass. Unauthrized vehicles are nt allwed n the fields. All players, caches, parents and spectatrs will shw gd sprtsmanship at all times. Abslutely n ball playing f any kind arund any building structure. N ball smaller than a sftball will be allwed, unless used fr team training. N batting n any unsupervised fields (Parent r Cach in the fenced area). Only wiffle balls may be hit int the fence. During games, nly the caches and players are allwed in the dugut r n the field. Weather We d ur best t ntify all parents, players and caches in a timely manner f pstpned/cancelled games. Caches have the discretin f calling ff practices; hwever the NGSA Bard Member n Duty (BMOD) is the ne wh will call ff games. Yur child s safety is will always be ur first cncern. N teams shuld be n the field r in the duguts when lightening is seen r thunder is heard. See NGSA Weather Guidelines belw. The safety f ur players, spectatrs, fficials and ther league persnnel is paramunt and the sle purpse f this plicy. We expect all invlved t understand and adhere t its requirements. Please refer t ne f the fllwing surces fr infrmatin n the status f the day s activities: Website: www.nblesvillesftball.cm NGSA Handbk 7 02/15/2017
Facebk: Nblesville Girls Sftball Twitter: #ngsasftball THUNDER OR LIGHTNING RAIN This rule is fr all leagues and all divisins and is nt ptinal. Games/practices will be stpped immediately if lightning is seen r thunder is heard frm the field. If a game/practice is being played at a multi-field cmplex, any ne game/practice being halted shall stp all games/practices. Yu must wait 30 minutes befre allwing play t resume. If there is anther clap f thunder r lightning is seen again, the clck is restarted. If the game delay exceeds ne hur, the game r games are pstpned and everyne must leave the field. Fr practices, any additinal delays after the first 30 minute sessin will result in the end f practice. Shuld the Natinal Weather Service issue a Severe Thunderstrm Warning r Trnad Warning fr ur area, all games in prgress shall be stpped and all scheduled games during the duratin f the warning shall be pstpned. Player safety is ur first pririty. With this in mind, the Umpire and/r Bard Member n Duty (BMOD) has the full authrity t immediately delay, cancel r suspend games as they determine necessary. After play is halted due t weather, all players, caches and fans shuld remve themselves frm the fields/duguts. Once the umpire r BMOD stps play during games r practices all activity ceases n the fields. THIS IS NOT OPTIONAL!! Rain, in the absence f thunder r lightning, will be mnitred by the umpires and Bard Member n Duty (BMOD) as t severity and impact n the game being held. Games may cntinue if deemed acceptable by league fficials and n safety cncerns exist. SEVERE WEATHER Watches Trnad Watch: Cnditins are favrable fr the develpment f trnades in and clse t the watch area. Severe Thunderstrm Watch: Develpment f severe thunderstrms in and clse t the watch area. Watches are usually in effect fr several hurs, with 6 hurs being the mst cmmn. Warnings Trnad Warning: Trnad is indicated by radar r sighted by strm sptters. Severe Thunderstrm Warning: Issued when a thunderstrm prduces hail ¾ f an inch r larger in diameter and/r winds which equal r exceed 58 mph. WARNING issued by the Natinal Weather Service, this means that a trnad r severe thunderstrm has been detected by radar r bserved by trained strm sptters r public fficials. These warnings are fr shrt-fuse events that nly last an hur r lnger. Bard Member n Duty (BMOD), Cmmissiners and Caches shuld immediately clear the fields and have spectatrs, players, and fficials mve t the parking lt r pint f safety depending n cnditins. N games r practices will begin with a STORM WARNING in effect. NGSA Handbk 8 02/15/2017
TORNADO SIRENS: In the event trnad sirens are sunded, seek immediate shelter. If n shelter is available leave the facility immediately. All play will be suspended. Game Cancellatins/Field Cnditins (due t weather): Rain uts will be rescheduled; schedule permitting. * Sunday games are a pssibility. Suspended Games: Games will be suspended at the discretin f the BMOD and/r the Umpire in Charge. In the case f suspended games: The umpire will ntify the caches f the time that play is suspended. Screkeepers will recrd this time in the screbk. The amunt f time left will be nted if play resumes. Caches, screkeepers, and umpires will meet and recrd n the screbk, the cunt n the batter and the scre. All incmplete games will be rescheduled and cmpleted (schedule permitting). The game will be restarted at the pint f the suspensin. See General Rules Sectin fr cmplete games. Clsed Fields: If fields are clsed, there is t be NO ACTIVITY in the infield. Safety Safety is a number ne pririty fr NGSA. When yur ther children attend the games please make sure they are supervised. Team members nly are allwed n the bench and in the dugut area during games. Equipment NGSA will prvide, with assistance frm the spnsrs, a sftball jersey. Girls are asked t prvide black shrts/pants, scks, a glve and batting helmet with faceguard and a sftball glve. Sftball cleats are ptinal, NO METAL CLEATS except fr 14U, and high schl leagues ONLY. NGSA supplies the necessary sftballs fr bth practice and games. The cach is respnsible fr all equipment that will be handed ut. This equipment is t be used fr practice and games nly. When a piece f equipment needs repair it is the cach s respnsibility t turn it in t the league s equipment directr. If an equipment bag is nt returned at the end f the seasn, the cach will be charged $50. Until all equipment is accunted fr, they will nt be able t cach at any level, in any capacity. All caches will receive frm NGSA: Aluminum bats Catcher's equipment: mask, helmet with thrat guard, chest guard and shin guards (8u and up) Practice balls Duffel bag Face Masks (2) Heart Guard (2) [ 6u, and 8u Divisin Only] Nte: All bats must be fficial (NSA, ASA, Babe Ruth) sftball bats. The umpires may apprve r disapprve the use f any bat. NGSA Handbk 9 02/15/2017
**If any child des nt have equipment (i.e. glve, prtective gear) due t financial cnstraints, the family shuld cntact an Executive Bard Member fr assistance. Umpires and Caches Behavir and Respnsibilities General Expectatins: Be prfessinal, this is fr the girls, nt the caches. Get as many innings played as pssible Dress respectable, n flip flps Head caches are respnsible fr the cnduct f their Asst. Caches, players and fans. Caches are respnsible fr reviewing these rules and Cde f Cnduct with players, caches, parents and fans. Each head cach, assistant cach and league cmmissiner must submit and pass a backgrund check befre they will be allwed t participate as a cach r cmmissiner. NGSA pays fr the backgrund check. There will be n prtests r appeals. The hme plate umpire shall be in charge f the game and may be assisted by a base umpire. Treat each player fairly and impartially. Placing yur daughter ahead f the team will cause yu prblems and cntribute t bad feelings amng ther players and parents. Equally imprtant is the reverse scenari where yu require mre f yur child than that f ther players. The missin f ur prgram is t prvide recreatinal sftball fr all wh wish t participate. Yu shuld never veremphasize winning as yur team s gal. It is the cach s respnsibilities that this attitude is thrughut his r her team. Remember these are just children learning a game. Under NO circumstances will any cach ever verbally r physically abuse a player. Any cach wh attempts t embarrass a player r in any way abuses a player will be IMMEDIATELY remved frm their rle as a cach. Any persns wh d nt share this belief r d nt cntrl their emtins and intensity level shuld nt serve as cach. Participatin Behavir: This rule applies t all attendees. Any persn being ejected frm a game must immediately leave the prperty. They will be autmatically suspended fr the next game. The suspended persn may nt be n park prperty. This ne game suspensin may be appealed t the executive cmmittee f the bard. Scial Media Use Plicy: While NGSA supprts the use f scial media utlets; (Facebk, LinkedIn, MySpace, Instagram, and Twitter, amng thers), individuals may use such media in any way they chse as lng as such use des nt prduce any adverse cnsequences such as harassing, demeaning, creating a hstile envirnment, r harming the gdwill and reputatin f the league r in the cmmunity at large. Dghuse Rule: Only the head cach (chief assistant if head cach is nt present at game) shall have standing t discuss calls with umpire. If there is a questin f rule applicatins r interpretatin; it will be calmly and quietly discussed at hme plate by bth head caches. Ump's call. Warn first. If any cach misbehaves, they are designated t dugut nly and cach must remain silent. If cach breaks silence, cach can be remved frm game. Safety always cmes first and shall verride any ther rule r regulatins f the league.. NGSA Handbk 10 02/15/2017
Team Selectin Prcess 6U and 8U We will try t limit the number f children n each team s each girl receives mre batting and fielding chances. Once the caches are selected, the league cmmissiners put teams tgether. Requests will be reviewed but nt guaranteed. Head Cach and his Asst. Cach (1) will have their daughter(s) assigned t their team. The hnring f all ther requests will be reviewed and are accmmdated, IF POSSIBLE. Many f ur enrllment frms have a special request. The League Cmmissiner has the final decisin n all special requests. 10U, 12U, 14U and High Schl Leagues Teams are assembled by the League cmmissiner based n the ratings f the previus year and/r the pre-seasn evaluatins if available with an effrt t balance ut the teams as best we can. Head Cach and his Asst. Cach (1) will have their daughter(s) assigned t their team. We will make every attempt t accmmdate special requests but cannt guarantee requests because we try t balance the teams in these leagues. Travel Teams Please see the Elite Travel Handbk fr detailed infrmatin n the Team Selectin Prcess. Plicy Changes Request A request t change a rule may be written and sent t the league cmmissiner. It will be given cnsideratin fr the fllwing seasn unless there are significant safety issues that affect the current seasn. These exceptins will be addressed by the Rules Cmmittee f the bard. NGSA Handbk 11 02/15/2017
NGSA General League Rules Apprpriate Unifrm All league players must dress fr the games apprpriately. NGSA prvides a unifrm shirt. This is the unifrm that shuld be wrn fr all games. It is recmmended that each girl wear sftball apprpriate pants r shrts. N cut ffs r similar inapprpriate shrts. Girls may wear lng, sftball pants instead f the shrts. While nt required, it is recmmended fr the 10u Divisin and abve players wear sliding shrts and a sliding pad when wearing shrts fr a game. *(The use f the sliding shrts and pad greatly reduces the risk f injury while sliding. NGSA des nt prvide sliding shrts r pads.) Games and Practices Each team will be assigned specific times and fields t practice n each week during preseasn. Each divisin will play a minimum f 10 games in a seasn (weather permitting). Additinal practice times can be scheduled via yur League Cmmissiner; fields permitting. Only defensive players, batter, n deck batter, umpire and base caches allwed ut f dugut and n the field. Use f NGSA s pitching machines (2) can be scheduled thrugh the Equipment Directr. Only Caches can perate the machines. Practices and/r make-up games can be held n Sundays after 12pm 6U are permitted n mre than 2 events in ne calendar week. 8U and up are permitted n mre than 3 events in ne calendar week. Events are defined as practices and games. Duble Headers scheduled by NGSA are cnsidered 1 event. Teams can scrimmage anther team prir t the seasn. NGSA will nt prvide umpires fr scrimmage games. All Scheduling cnflicts shuld be directed t the Vice President and League Cmmissiner. Practice and game schedules will be psted n the NGSA website. The hme team will be defined per game schedule League Turnament A duble-eliminatin league turnament will be held fr all divisins except 6u. The In-Huse turnament games will be determined by recrd during the recreatin seasn fr 10U, 12U, 14U, and High Schl. Each team will be seeded based n their win/lss recrd. Fr teams with the same recrd, head t head will be used fr the tie-breaker if applicable. Otherwise we will flip a cin The 8U turnament will be based ff a blind draw. The cunty leagues 12u, and 14u turnament games will be determined by a blind draw, gverned by the hst cmmunity. Awards: First and Secnd place turnament trphies will be awarded in each divisin. All girls that dn t receive a turnament trphy will receive an award recgnizing their participatin in the seasn. NGSA Handbk 12 02/15/2017
NGSA Games Rules Game Safety Befre the game starts: Players must tuck in shirts. Players must take ff all jewelry, including pierced jewelry. Metal spikes are nt permitted except fr high schl ONLY. During the game: It is highly recmmended by NGSA, that all players in the field f play wear muth guards, r a face mask. Helmets w/facemasks are mandatry fr batters, base runners and n-deck batters. (Each player must prvide their wn batting helmet w/faceguard.) N lanyards fr muth guards. Pitchers and Pitchers Helpers must wear either a face mask r helmet w/facemask. A face mask is required fr 6u, 8u, and 10u divisins. 6u, and 8U must wear heart guards while n the mund. Tw face masks, and tw heart guards are prvided by the league fr each team. (Girls may chse t purchase their wn facemask/heart guards.) Face mask are recmmended fr 12u, 14u, and HS. Anyne under 18 year s ld serving as Base Cach, must wear a helmet with Face Mask. During game play, all players, and caches must be in the Dugut. Any girl nt behind the fenced area must wear a helmet with facemask r facemask, i.e. in the dugut entrance. Catchers will wear full gear, i.e. facemasks with thrat guard, shin guards and a full chest prtectr. If a player thrws her bat, the fllwing rules apply: First time a warning will be given t the player and cach Secnd time The player will be autmatically called ut Third time the player will be dismissed frm the game. Field Rules Pregame: Games will start at their scheduled time. The Umpire will be respnsible fr enfrcing a prmpt start. If there are any reasns nt t start n time, the Bard Member n Duty (BMOD) must be cnsulted t apprve any variatin n the start time. The BMOD will have final say. Arrive a minimum f 30 minutes befre game. Visiting team warms up fr 10 minutes first; starting 20 minutes befre game time. Hme team warms up fr 10 minutes after visiting team. Hme team will ccupy 3rd base line dugut. Umpires have game balls. One new and extra ne in gd shape. Umpire will be fficial timer. Umpire must turn in scre t the BMOD immediately after cmpletin f the game. Game and Pst Game Screkeeper s respnsibility t cnfirm scre with each ther. Fix disagreement befre next pitch. Hme team fficial screbk. Outfielders must be n the grass when ball crsses hme plate. Return game balls t umpire after game. Caches may nt questin pitches but may questin a rule nly. Field Maintenance Base caches help umpire by keeping bases clean. Caches are respnsible fr cleaning ut the dugut f all trash after each game r practice. NGSA Handbk 13 02/15/2017
Caches and parents are respnsible fr any trash n r arund the field. Please keep yur fields clean. Lining, grming and maintenance is the respnsibility f NGSA Please bring t the attentin f the BMOD any items that need immediate remedy. Playing Time Caches at all levels must take care t play all girls in a variety f psitins and give meaningful playing time. Every effrt shuld be made by caches t see that each girl gets a rtatin in the infield. This is mst imprtant in the yunger ages (T-Ball 10u Divisin). In the 12u Divisin and abve, there is sme discretin t develp utfielders and prevent injury. N player shuld sit ut mre than ne inning defensively in a rw, r mre than tw fr the entire game. Reasnable exceptins may be made (injured player, ill player, player request, etc.) Team Line-Ups and Substitute Players Team Line-Ups: Minimum Players: Minimum players fr league play is 8 start, play and finish with 8 players. If by game time a team des nt have at least 8 players, a frfeit will result unless bth caches agree t extend the time limit and the BMOD allws the later start time. Minimum players fr in-huse turnament play is 9 may play with 8 th (9 batting psitin is an autmatic ut). When a team is left with a vacant spt in the lineup because f nly having 8 players, the ppsing team may nt, with tw uts, intentinally r unintentinally walk the previus batter in rder t get the "AUTOMATIC OUT" created by the vacant spt in the batting rder. 7 players r less is a frfeit. 6u, and 8u: n minimum (share players if needed t equalize). 10u : If either team is nt able t play at least 8 players, a practice game can be played if bth teams agree. Umpire des nt have t be present. 12u, 14u, and High Schl: Cunty Rules will apply. Call Ups r Substitute Players: All substitutes must be registered league players, and n a recreatin team rster. All caches will be prvided a list f eligible substitute players t call up t play during the regular seasn. The substitutin list will be prvided by the respective league cmmissiner at the start f the seasn. The league cmmissiner r BMOD must be ntified f the substitute player prir t the start f the game. All substitutes must als be reprted t the ppsing cach prir t the start f the game. If a cach has a player that wuld like t play up and the cach feels that the player shuld be eligible t play up the cach may ntify their league cmmissin t add the player t the apprved substitutin list fr the apprpriate league. All substitute players are required t bat at the bttm f the lineup. Substitute players may nly pitch r catch after the nrmal rster players have exhausted the maximum number f allwed innings played in thse psitins. Substitute players will nly be used t fill a team t 9 players. 8u: 6u players may be brught up t play if there is a shrtage f players. They can play any psitin, but must NOT play in frnt f a grade divisin player. 10u: 8u players may be brught up t play if there is a shrtage f players. They can play any psitin, but must NOT play in frnt f a grade divisin player. 12u: 10u players may be brught up t play if there is a shrtage f players. They can play any psitin, but must NOT play in frnt f a grade divisin player. 14u: 12u players may be brught up t play if there is a shrtage f players. They can play any psitin, NGSA Handbk 14 02/15/2017
but must NOT play in frnt f a grade divisin player. High Schl: 14u players may be brught up t play if there is a shrtage f players. They can play any psitin, but must NOT play in frnt f a grade divisin player. A batting rder will be established prir t the beginning f the game, and exchanged by the respective caches/screkeepers with all substitute players listed at the bttm f the lineup. All players wh are present fr the game shuld bat. Players wh arrive late shuld be added t the bttm f the rder, with ntice given t the ppsing cach. 8u, 10u, 12u,14u, HS Divisins: All games may be played with 10 players defensively (4 utfielders) prviding each team can field the 10 th player. Otherwise, bth teams will play with 9 players defensively. This will be enfrced by the umpire. Each utfielder s feet must be in the grass until the ball is batted. In-Huse Turney play with 10. Cunty Turney play with 9. In an effrt t speed up the exchange between defense and ffense, Caches are expected t have a prepared line-up fr the entire game. Pitching Rules A pitcher will be allwed 5 warm-up pitches when the game starts with the 5 th pitch t be thrwn t 2 nd by the catcher nly. Between innings the same pitcher will be allwed 3 warm-up pitches with the 3 rd pitch t be thrwn dwn by the catcher and a max f 2 pitches t be caught by a cach. Any new pitcher will be allwed 5 pitches their first inning. The pitchers windup must start with bth feet in cntact with the rubber, facing the batter. N step back is allwed. Illegal Pitches 8u: Illegal pitches will nt be called. Pitchers may pitch a maximum f 2 innings per game, with an emphasis n caches t develp multiple pitchers. Umpire will enfrce the pitch cunt and innings per game rules. 10u: Pitchers will be given 2 warnings fr illegal pitches and shwn prper mtin. Illegal pitches will be called after 2 warnings is given. 12u and 14u: Fllw cunty league rules. High Schl: Fllw cunty league rules Penalty: A ball is awarded t the batter and all base runners advance ne base withut liability t be put ut. One pitch in an inning is cnsidered an inning. During the game, the pitcher may nt use tape r ther substances n the ball, pitching hand r fingers; nr shall any player apply any freign substance t the ball. With the umpire s apprval, pwdered resin may be used t dry the hand. At the umpire s apprval, the pitcher may use a twel during inclement weather t dry their fingers and the ball. The pitcher must tuch their leg after using the twel, but befre grasping the ball t pitch. Cnferences: Only ne charged cnference between the manager and pitcher in an inning. The secnd charged cnference shall result in the remval f the pitcher frm the pitching psitin fr the remainder f the game. The pitcher can remain in the game in any ther psitin excluding the pitching psitin fr the remainder f the game. Players can call time and hld a cnference. Cach may nt g thrugh catcher t pitcher. Only the starting pitcher may return t the game t pitch, prviding that player cmpleted the 1 st inning. N stalling. Pitchers must warm-up in designated area, alng each ful line, within the playing field fence. Sptters are required. Catchers under age 18 must have helmet w/ facemask. D nt warm-up arund spectatrs. NGSA Handbk 15 02/15/2017
Sliding Rule In judgment f the umpire...lf a runner attempting t reach 2nd base, 3rd base r hme plate intentinally and maliciusly runs int a defensive player in the area f the base, she will be called ut n the play and ejected frm the game. There must be a play at the base. If a runner unintentinally runs int a defensive player with n attempt t slide, the runner will be called ut fr nt sliding. If there is a clse play at 2nd base, 3rd base and hme plate, the runner must avid cntact if n slide. If n slide; cntact must be avided when catcher is tagging the runner. Runner must avid cntact with any defender If runner attempts slide, there is n cntact rule in place. N head first slides at any base; hwever, the runner can return t a base head first. Interference / Obstructin Obstructin (Umpire judgment call) Is the act f a defensive team member wh hinders r impedes a batter s attempt t make cntact with a pitched ball, r wh impedes the prgress f a runner r batter-runner that is legally running the bases, unless the fielder is in pssessin f the ball r is fielding a batted ball. The act may be intentinal r unintentinal, physical, r verbal. Fielders must stay ff base if n play stay ut f runner's way. If bstructin, runner advances ne extra base. Interference (Umpire judgment call) When the base runner interferes with a fielder attempting t field a batted ball r intentinally interferes with a thrwn ball. If this interference, in the judgment f the umpire, is an bvius attempt t prevent a duble play and ccurs befre the base runner is put ut, the immediate succeeding runner shall als be called ut. Taunting r Hesitatin Rule Hesitatin is defined as a baserunner wh is legitimately ff the base (in ther wrds mving ff a base after a pitch r runding a base after a hit r walk) and wh, nce the pitcher has the ball in either hand in the pitchers circle, must mve directly tward the next base r the last base tuched. The base runner cannt stand mtinless r lean t g tward the next base and then return t the previus base while the pitcher is in the circle. Exceptin is if the pitcher is making a play n the base runner which is defined as the thrwing arm raised r if any frward mvement f the bdy is made tward the baserunner. If runner taunts r hesitates they are called ut. Runner must advance r return t base when pitcher has cntrl f ball in circle If pitcher makes mtin t runner while bth feet are cmpletely in pitchers circle they can stand ff base until pitcher stps mtin twards runner. NGSA Handbk 16 02/15/2017
Curtesy Runner (10u and Abve) The player in the batting rder where the last ut was recrded may replace the current pitcher r catcher as a curtesy runner at any time. The pitcher r catcher will remain in the game and the curtesy runner will retain all substitutin rights (if the curtesy runner has substitutin rights). A player can be used nly nce per inning as a curtesy runner. Caches shuld encurage players t run the bases. Special Rules 6U: Instructinal League N scres r statistics will be kept. This is an instructinal league nly A fair ball is ne that has been hit between the baselines and traveled at least 4 feet r s. If a batter kncks ver the tee during the swing, the ball is ruled ful n matter hw far it travels. Bunting is nt allwed. All players bat every inning. Batting rder is reversed every inning. The last player t bat will circle the bases until thrwn ut r she crsses hme plate Stealing r leading ff is nt allwed. Players may nt advance n an verthrw. Players will advance nly ne base n each hit. Defensive uts are recgnized. The player thrwn r tagged ut will be remved frm the base. Players shuld be encuraged t thrw t first r any base t stp the runner. Players shuld nt be encuraged t thrw the ball int the pitchers psitin All players will play in the field defensively. There is n catcher's psitin. Caches shuld be psitined in the field t instruct players. A cach shuld be psitined in the mund area. All players shuld be rtated t as many psitins as pssible during the game 8u: Batter / Pitcher: We are trying t encurage the batter t swing. Yet reward strng pitching effrts. A girl frm the ppsing team will thrw 4 pitches t each batter. The umpire will call strikes if the pitch is deemed wrthy. If the ball is nt put in play during these 4 pitches, the hitting teams cach will have up t 2 pitches (depending n the strike cunt) remaining fr his teams' batter t put the ball in play. The at-bat cannt end n a ful ball. Cach cntinues pithing until batter is ut r reaches base. Caches must start n the pitching rubber and stay in the circle. While the ppsing teams' girl is pitching, any swinging strikes will nt cunt as a strike against the batter. Hwever, a called strike will cunt as a strike. Overthrw: When a ball is hit int play, n an verthrw runners may cntinue t advance ne base at a time until reaching hme, including if the 1 st verthrw is directed at the pitcher. Runners may nt advance if a 2 nd verthrw ccurs (during the same play) that is directed at the pitcher. Overthrw - any thrw which sends a ball untuched past its intended recipient r target. General Hash Mark Rule: A hash mark will be placed n the infield drawn halfway between 1 st & 2 nd base, 2 nd & 3 rd base, and 3 rd & hme plate. A base runner is entitled t cntinue t advance n a batted ball until the ball becmes dead. The ball is dead when: NGSA Handbk 17 02/15/2017
A thrwn ball reaches the pitcher within the pitchers circle and that player calls time ut. The base runner advances nly t the base t which she was heading if the base runner has crssed the hash mark prir t the time ut call. If the base runner has nt crssed the hash mark, the runner must return t the previus base unless the runner is frced by the batter t secnd base. All infielders can be n clser than 3 feet in frnt f the base line at any time befre the ball is hit. The pitchers helper is the nly exceptin. She must have at least ne ft in the pitchers circle and be even r behind the pitcher. 10u Runners stealing may nly advance ne additinal base n an verthrw, if the verthrw ccurs frm the catcher making a thrw dwn t secnd base. We are trying t encurage catchers t make the thrw t secnd. 12u, 14u, High Schl Mst rules defer t the cunty league. HS: Refer t cunty rules NGSA Handbk 18 02/15/2017
General Playing Rules Item 6u 8u 10u 12u 14u Game Length Game Ends Cmplete Game *(In the event f weather r dark) Inning 4 Innings r 60 min. Drp Dead Time Limit 3 innings* r time limit. Discretin f the BMOD Once thrugh the line-up. (All players will bat even if they are nt playing in the field.) 6 Innings r 60 min Drp Dead. 5 ½ innings if hme team is ahead (Games can end in a tie) 3 innings* r time limit. (If inning nt cmplete, revert back t scre f the previus inning) 3 uts r 5 runs. (All players will bat even if they are nt playing in the field.) 6 Innings r 75 min. Whichever cmes first. Finish the inning 5 ½ innings if hme team is ahead (Games can end in a tie) 3 innings* r time limit. (If inning nt cmplete, revert back t scre f the previus inning) 3 uts r 6 runs. (All players will bat even if they are nt playing in the field.) 6 Innings r 90 min. Whichever cmes first. Finish the inning. 5 ½ innings if hme team is ahead (Games can end in a tie) 3 innings* r time limit. (If inning nt cmplete, revert back t scre f the previus inning) 3 uts r 7 runs. (All players will bat even if they are nt playing in the field.) 7 Innings r 90 min. Whichever cmes first. Finish the inning. 6 ½ innings if hme team is ahead (Games can end in a tie) 3 innings* r time limit. (If inning nt cmplete, revert back t scre f the previus inning) 3 uts r 7 runs. (All players will bat even if they are nt playing in the field.) High Schl 7 Innings r 90 min. Whichever cmes first. Finish the inning. 6 ½ innings if hme team is ahead (Games can end in a tie) 4 innings* r time limit. (If inning nt cmplete, revert back t scre f the previus inning) 3 uts Run Rule per Inning N/A 5 6 7 runs per inning 7 runs per inning N Restrictin Mercy Rule N / A N / A N / A Cunty Rules Apply Cunty Rules Apply Cunty Rules Apply Infield Fly Rule Nt in effect Nt in effect In effect In effect In effect In effect Bunting Stealing (Stealing als applies t advancing n a wild pitch, passed ball, catcher s verthrw back t the mund, r advancing past first base n a walk.) Nt permitted Nt Permitted Nt permitted Permitted Permitted Permitted Permitted Nt Permitted Permitted. *see special rules Permitted Permitted Permitted NGSA Handbk 19 02/15/2017
Item 6u 8u 10u 12u 14u High Schl Leading Off When a pitched ball crsses hme plate When a pitched ball crsses hme plate Upn release frm the pitchers hand Upn release frm the pitchers hand Upn release frm the pitchers hand Upn release frm the pitchers hand Base Running Overthrw Drpped 3rd Strike Pitching Limitatins (Only starting pitcher may return t pitch. One pitch is cnsidered an inning. N limit n substitutins.) Pitching Distance Play will stp when batter reaches 2nd base r runners are stpped. - Lead runner cannt advance hme n an verthrw. They must be batted in. Play will stp when the lead runner is stpped at the base they ccupy See Special Rules N Restrictin N Restrictin N Restrictin N Restrictin N Restrictin N Restrictin N Restrictin N Restrictin Nt in effect Nt in effect Nt in effect In effect In effect In effect 6 Pitches Ttal: Minimum Cach Pitch (2) Maximum Tee Pitch (4) Based n skill level Player is ut if ball is nt hit within the (6) ttal attempts 30' (Cach must be inside the pitching circle) Player: (4) pitches per batter Cach: (3) pitches per batter Pitchers may pitch a maximum f 2 innings per game, with an emphasis n caches t develp multiple pitchers. Umpire will enfrce the pitch cunt and innings per game rules. 30 (Girls) 30 (Caches) A pitcher may pitch a maximum f 2 innings per game during regular seasn with n limit per week. A pitcher may pitch a max f 3 innings during turnament play. A pitcher may pitch a maximum f 4 innings per game with n limit per week. A pitcher may pitch unlimited innings/game. See Cunty League Rules 35' 40' 43' Senir: 43' Strike Zne Nne See Special Rules Space ver any part f the plate between the batter s highest shulder and her frnt knee. Space ver any part f the plate between the batter s highest shulder and her frnt knee. Space ver any part f the plate between the batter s highest shulder and her frnt knee. Space ver any part f the plate between the batter s highest shulder and her frnt knee. Umpires Offensive Base Caches Hme Plate Only Hme Plate Only Hme Plate 1 Infield Hme Plate Hme Plate Only Silent Cach Yes Pitcher Defensive Cach silent when ball is in play Yes Pitcher N/A N/A N/A N/A NGSA Handbk 20 02/15/2017
Appendix A: General Cde f Cnduct 1. All Nblesville Girls Sftball Assciatin (NGSA) parents, caches, players and bard members are t cnduct themselves in an age apprpriate manner at all games, practices and ther league events. 2. Caches are t adhere t the Caches Cde f Cnduct Plicy (separate dcument) at all times. Failure t d s may result in disciplinary actin. 3. Players are t exhibit gd sprtsmanship at all times. a. N player shuld make dergatry cmments t the ppsing team, players caches r parents. b. Players shuld supprt ther members f their team by wrd and actin. c. Caches are respnsible fr their players cnduct. Onging disciplinary actin with a player shuld be reprted t the cmmissiner r ther league fficial by the cach. 4. A parent/spectatrs rle during games and ther events is t supprt and cheer fr the team and players. N parent/spectatr shuld behave in a manner that calls negative attentin t them. a. Parent/spectatrs are nt t use vulgarity during games r ther events. b. Alchl is nt permitted at ANY NGSA game r event. c. N tbacc r e-cigarette will be permitted n NGSA/NOBLESVILLE SCHOOL PROPERTY at any time. d. Parents are nt t interfere with caches during games. Questins regarding caching decisins shuld be addressed after the game, preferably after a 24-hur cling ff perid. e. Parents are nt t heckle umpires r ppsing team s players and/r caches. f. NGSA Bard Member n Duty (BMOD) r umpires have the right t eject players, caches, parents r spectatrs frm games where these guidelines are nt fllwed. Additinal disciplinary actin may be taken by the NGSA bard. g. N player will be discriminated against in the NGSA prgram base n parental actins. 5. NGSA bard members may be present at games as spectatrs, parents, umpires, caches r NGSA bard representatives. a. Parents and caches are encuraged t apprach bard members with questins r cncerns. b. NGSA bard members will nt interfere with caching r umpiring decisins when the game is in prgress. An exceptin t this will be made if an umpire has a questin regarding NGSA rules interpretatin. c. Any prblems r cncerns nted by NGSA bard members during the games shuld be directed t the apprpriate cmmissiner r the NGSA bard. 6. While NGSA supprts the use f scial media utlets (Facebk, LinkedIn, MySpace, Instagram, Twitter, amng thers) individuals may use such media in any way they chse as lng as such use des nt prduce any adverse cnsequences such as harassing, demeaning, creating a hstile envirnment r harming the gdwill and reputatin f the league r in the cmmunity at large. NGSA Handbk 21 02/15/2017
Appendix B: Caches Cde f Cnduct 1. Caches will nt discriminate against players r ther participants based n race, creed, belief, natinality, disability r parental behavir. 2. Caches will place the physical and emtinal well-being and safety f their players befre winning. 3. Caches will teach gd sprtsmanship by wrd and example. 4. Caches will knw and adhere t all rules and regulatins f NGSA. 5. Caches will nt use tbacc prducts in and arund players during games r practice. N tbacc r e- cigarette will be permitted n NGSA/NOBLESVILLE SCHOOL PROPERTY at any time. 6. Caches will nt partake f alchl r illegal substances prir t r during games and practices. Failure t adhere t this plicy will result in immediate dismissal as cach. 7. Caches will nt use prfanity r vulgarities during games r practices. 8. Caches are expected t be in cntrl f their player and parents during the game. Caches are strngly encuraged t hld a parents meeting prir t the first game t review apprpriate behavir and t discuss the Cde f Cnduct. 9. Caches will adhere t the NGSA Child Prtectin Plicy. 10. Caches will behave in a manner that will bring credit t NGSA and themselves. 11. Caches will refrain frm public criticism f fellw caches r ppnents. 12. Caches will treat umpires in a curteus manner at all times and express any dissatisfactin with an umpires ruling calmly and quietly with the umpire. 13. I will remember that I am a yuth sprts cach and the game is fr them, nt the adults. 14. Ejectin frm a game by any cach will result in the fllwing penalties: a. 1st ffense: Suspensin frm next game b. 2nd ffense: Suspensin frm next tw games, nt eligible t cach All-Star team and review by the cmpetitin cmmittee fr pssible additinal sanctins that may include lss f caching duties. 15. While NGSA supprts the use f scial media utlets; (Facebk, LinkedIn, MySpace, Plax, and Twitter, amng thers), individuals may use such media in any way they chse as lng as such use des nt prduce any adverse cnsequences such as harassing, demeaning, creating a hstile envirnment, r harming the gdwill and reputatin f the league r in the cmmunity at large. Appendix C: NSA Refer t the NGSA website under the dcuments sectin fr NSA Rules http://www.nblesvillesftball.cm playnsa.cm NGSA Handbk 22 02/15/2017