Rules & Regulations
UpdatedWednesday March 4, 2020 byStephanie Krill.STAFFORD GIRLS SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
ADOPTED FOR THE 2020 SEASON (02/24/20 revision)
A. DIVISIONS
Player Divisions:
Note 1: (Pre-K exemption rule) Players wishing to register and play in the 6U Division shall reach the minimum age of four (4) on or before January 1stof the registration year.
B. GAME RULES
1) Defensive Players: Minimum number of Outfielders/Infielders (prior to pitch/Hit)
Total by Divisions:
*Note 4: Minimum of eight (8) players required to play in all divisions, to begin and end all games.
*Note 5: 18U and 10U/12U divisional players shall play a minimum of four (4) defensive innings per game. 8U divisional players shall play a minimum of three (3) innings per game.
EXCEPTIONS TO NOTE 5:
1) If a player becomes physically unable to complete the required innings due to injury or illness to the player.
2) The game is shortened because of darkness or weather conditions.
3) A disciplinary action by the manager, coach, or umpire which may result in the player not fulfilling this SGSA rule.
***When disciplinary action is initiated by the manager, the manager is to notify the umpire and the opposing team manager of such action prior to the start of the game, or as soon as such action is taken during the game.
*NOTE 6: 8U division shall be limited to six (6) infielders at standard infield positions.
2). Batting Line-Up:
*All teams will bat their full roster.
*Each inning will be ended with three (3) outs or the “Run Rule” for that division.
*The batting roster will be made prior to the start of each game, and a copy given to the opposing coach.
*NO CHANGE in the batting order can be made during any game.
*If a player arrives late, she will be placed at the bottom of the batting order and opposing coach notified.
*In the event of a player becoming injured or unable to continue play due to illness, the batting order will continue as listed except for the injured/ill player.
*If an injured/ill player re-enters the game, they shall be placed into the batting order in her original spot at the start of the game.
*NO OUT will be assessed to the batting team in this case for the missing player if the opposing manager/coach is notified of this change.
* This rule applies to players who leave the game/fields prior to the completion of the game to attend other functions or family event.
*Players remaining on the bench shall remain in the batting line up.
3). Substitution Rule
*Open and free substitutions shall be permitted with the exception of the 10U/12U/18U division pitching rule.
4). Pitching
8U:
*Players will be pitched to only by a member of the opposite team.
* If the pitcher throws 4 balls before throwing 3 strikes, the coach (for the batting team) will then step in and throw 3 strikes.
* If the player does not hit the ball then they are out.
*The coach/pitcher shall also act as the umpire when pitching.
*It is ONLY this person who can make the final rule of the game.
*The coach/pitcher, on the mound, serves only to pitch the ball and to call the plays and shall not touch the ball at any time if it’s in play.
* If the coach acting as the pitcher accidentally comes in contact with said ball, the play will continue with the ball considered live.
* At the midway point of the season, a player pitcher may be used by one or both teams.
***10U/12U:
***18U:
***NOTE 8:
• If a pitcher is taken from the mound, either to the bench or to another position, she MAY NOT return to the mound until the following inning.
• The pitching week begins on Monday and ends on the following Sunday.
• Maximum numbers of innings are to be enforced by that division’s player agent.
• Penalty for non-compliance is forfeiture of game.
• In the event of a team having three (3) games regularly scheduled in one week, non-travel/school pitchers may pitch an additional four (4) innings for that week only.
• One (1) or more pitches per inning counts as a full inning pitched.
• Managers/coaches are responsible to provide the league with their
pitchers’ name, numbers, and the number of innings pitched and shall
report with the game results at the concession stand at the completion of the game.
A text can be sent to the player agents with the information listed above.
• Any pitcher, who, intentionally or not, hits a batter with a pitched ball three (3) times during the course of one game, shall be removed for the remainder of the game.
5). Bunting:
6U: NOT PERMITTED
8U, 10U/12U and 18U: Sacrifice bunting and bunting for a base hit is allowed.
***Fake bunt-pull back swing is only allowed in the 18U Division.
6). Sliding:
6U: Sliding is NOT PERMITTED
8U: Sliding is encouraged
10U/12U: A runner must attempt a slide to avoid contact with the defensive player.
At the umpire’s discretion, a player may be called out for not sliding and making contact with a defensive player.
18U: A runner must attempt a slide to avoid contact with the defensive player.
At the umpire’s discretion, a player may be called out for not sliding and making contact with a defensive player.
7). Leading and Stealing:
6U: Leading and stealing is NOT ALLOWED.
8U: A runner may lead upon the pitchers release, and shall return to the base when pitcher/coach has possession of the ball.
Dancing or baiting of a defensive player between bases is NOT ALLOWED.
***NOTE 9: Stealing should be introduced and taught at this level of play, therefore, prior to the start of the game, the managers may agree to attempt stealing. If both managers agree, players may attempt to steal from 2nd base to 3rd base only.
***NOTE 10: If the player successfully steals 3rd base, the player is frozen until a batted ball is put in play. The runner shall not advance from a bad throw from the catcher. Catchers therefore should be encouraged to make throws without fear of runners advancing.
10U/12U:
*A runner may lead upon the pitchers release, and shall return to the base when pitcher has possession of the ball.
*Dancing or baiting of a defensive player between bases is NOT ALLOWED.
*The umpire shall issue one (1) warning per game per team, explain the rule, and call the runner out on the next rule infraction.
*Once the player has stopped their lead, their next move is considered their “committed” move and must continue to the next base, or return to the original base.
*If the runner stops their lead (pauses), then commits to the next base, it is counted as a steal regardless if the runner stops again prior to reaching the next base and returns to the “starting” base.
****Stealing:
18U: Open stealing is permitted upon the pitchers release.
8). THE CATCHERS RULE (10U/12U only)
a). During a steal attempt, if the catcher makes a bad throw to any base, the runner at that base is frozen to that base until the next pitch is delivered.
The runner can’t advance from the over throw.
b).During pick off plays from the catcher to any base, the runner cannot advance on an over throw from the catcher.
If the catcher makes a good throw and the ball is fielded by the defender, the runner may attempt to advance to the next base at the runners own risk.
If the runner proceeds to the next base safely, this will count as a steal against the offensive team for that inning.
If the offensive team has used their allotted steals for that inning, and the runner makes it safely to the next base, the runner will be returned to the original base at which the play began.
During this play, if the defensive team tags the runner out prior to reaching the base safely, the runner shall be called out.
c). When a catcher misses a pitch, it is considered a passed ball or a wild pitch.
If the runner advances, it will be counted as a steal for that inning.
9) Dropped 3rd Strike: The dropped 3rd strike rule applies to the 12U and 18U Divisions only.
10).Complete Game Rules (DIVISION: Maximum Innings: Minimum Innings)
****NOTE 11
****NOTE 12:
****NOTE 13:
****NOTE 14:
*6U: All games end in a tie. (NO WINNERS OR NO LOSERS)
*8U: Each team shall be awarded a ½ win.
*10U/12U: The games will continue for one (1) additional inning with the “International tie breaker” rule in effect until a winner is determined, the time limit is reached (2 hours) or the game is called due to darkness. If no winner is determined, each team shall be awarded a ½ win.
*18U: The games will continue for one (1) additional inning with the “International tie breaker” rule in effect until a winner is determined, the time limit is reached (2 hours) or the game is called due to darkness. If no winner is determined, each team shall be awarded a ½ win.
****NOTE 15:
****NOTE 16:
****NOTE 17:
11).Maximum Runs Per Inning (Divisions: All innings except last: Last)
12). Mercy Rules
13).Time Limits
14). Pitching Rubber Measurements (Division: Distance)
15). Regulation Softball Size (Division: Softball Size)
17). Infield Fly Rule
C. Existing Teams ***Valid Through 2020
D. Choosing of Coaches
1).Head Coaches
2). Assistant Coaches
3). Volunteers
4) Each team may have one (1) manager and three (3) assistant coaches.
E. Drafting Procedures
1). If more than one Expansion team is in the draft, order of the draft for the new teams only will be picked from a hat.
2). All girls that attend evaluation will be drafted first. Upon completion of the draft, the remaining girls’ names will be drawn from a hat continuing in order of the draft.
3.) Siblings (with guardian’s permission) have the choice to play on the guardian or sibling’s team.
4). Late sign ups shall be chosen from a hat in order of draft by those coaches needing additional players.
*Late sign ups shall be allowed a date to be determined by the Executive Board.
5). Children of all SGSA recognized coaches have the option to play on guardian/siblings team.
Any extended family relation or hardship case must be reviewed by the Executive Board on a case by case basis.
6). Any player not advancing as their age group requires to the next division must be evaluated and approved by the Executive Board.
7). New coaches of existing teams draft position is based on the previous year’s standings.
F. General Provision Rules
1). Inclement weather which causes unplayable field conditions as determined by the umpire, or official cancellation by the SGSA, are the only basis for game cancellation and rescheduling.
2). A team unable to field the minimum number of players within fifteen (15) minutes of the scheduled start time shall receive a forfeit for that game.
Should both teams be unable to field the minimum number of players, each team will receive a ½ loss.
3). Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited on Township playing fields and associated areas during all practices and games, or during any official activity sponsored by the SGSA.
4). Smoking is strictly prohibited on Township playing fields and associated areas during all practices and games, or during any official activity sponsored by the SGSA.
5). Protest is allowed in the 10U/12U and 18U.
6). Any person calling balls and strikes in any given game, whether he or she be paid or volunteer, will be considered the “Official Umpire” of said game, and is granted full authority as Umpire, and is required to follow the SGSA rules.
7). In addition to the foregoing, all other rules and regulations contained in the written agreement with the Township of Stafford shall be adhered to.
G. Safety Rules
Refer to current High School Softball rules.
These are supplemented as follows:
1) Wearing of approved regulation batting helmets is MANDATORY in all divisions to protect against possible head injuries.
2) Any batter who deliberately throws a bat or any other item or equipment may be ejected from the game at the discretion of the Umpire.
3) If the Umpire judges a player to have subjected another player, umpire, coach, or anyone on or off the field, to the risk of injury by unintentionally throwing a bat, the umpire shall notify a warning to the coaches of both teams.
4) In order to participate, a player must wear the full team uniform for all games.
5) Players, managers, coaches and volunteers authorized by the manager are the only people allowed in the dugout.
6) The total number of non-players allowed in the dugout including the manager, assistant’s coaches and volunteers is limited to a maximum of four (4).
7) Players are to remain in the vicinity of the dugout during the course of the game.
8) All coaches from both teams are responsible to make sure that the team’s dugouts are clean from debris/trash before leaving the playing area.
9) All coaches from both teams are responsible to return all field equipment to the equipment shed on completion of use.
10) All managers and coaches are to report any broken or missing field equipment to the SGSA equipment manager and are responsible for noting it on the field equipment discrepancy log.
11) Home teams are responsible for lining the fields prior to the start of the games.
12) All-purpose shoes may be worn by players in the 6U Division ONLY
In the 8U, 10U, 12U and 18U divisions, rubber cleats are encouraged.
13) At the discretion of the umpire, a runner may be declared out if she does not attempt to avoid a fielder who has the ball and is attempting to make a defensive play, or if she runs maliciously into any defensive player.
14) Only one (1) player at a time is allowed in the batters on deck circle.
15) Player’s jewelry is limited to post earrings only.
16) The catcher’s shall wear a head protector, a protective mask with throat protector, body protector and baseball/softball shin guards.
17) Spectators are prohibited from sitting or standing behind the backstop area.
18) The pitcher in the 8U division is required to wear a heart guard and facemask. The league will provide both to each team’s coach.
19) All players in every division will be required to wear a facemask. Additionally, heart guards are strongly encouraged for all infielders for the 12u+ divisions.
H. Approved Bats
Only official fast pitch softball bats may be used in the league.
*All bats will be laid out prior to start of each game for check by each team
Players may use their personal bats with the following exceptions:
I. Sportsmanship Rules
***All participants, managers, assistant coaches, volunteers, umpires, parents, guardians, relatives, guests, and any spectators SHALL abide by the Stafford Township Code of Conduct.
The following rules have been established to instill good sportsmanship:
1). Ridicule, disparaging remarks or acts by anyone is prohibited
2). Decisions of the Umpires are to be considered FINAL.
3). Use of profanity by anyone is strictly prohibited.
4). Violations of the above sportsmanship rules shall receive one (1) warning from the Umpire. After a second infraction, the Umpire has the authority to eject the violator from the field and surrounding areas.
5). All infractions are subject to review and action taken by the SGSA Executive Board.
J . Play Offs
1) The play-off format will be established by the SGSA Executive Board on an annual basis.
2) For seeding purposes, the first place team will be determined by the team with the highest winning percentage.
3) Pitching rules and inning limits apply.
K. 6U Rules
****6U is considered in nature and as such, a teaching and learning atmosphere and should prevail. Coaches should stress basic skills and team concepts so players can improve their game. It is more important to show the girls how to win and lose graciously by mixing in plenty of understanding and fun, than to teach them an obsession to win at any cost.
The 6U Division will follow the current SGSA rules with the following exceptions:
1). Only one (1) base shall be granted, per runner on any one (1) overthrow that goes into dead ball territory.
2). Each inning is complete when all players have batted once.
3). The team player/pitcher will stand in the vicinity of the pitcher’s mound.
4). Play is ended when the ball is in the pitcher’s circle.
5). Two (2) defensive coaches are allowed on the field to guide their players on all games through the first three (3) weeks from opening day.
6). Bunting, leading and stealing are NOT permitted.
7). If the field conditions are unplayable, it is the responsibility of the Field Safety Coordinator to cancel the game and contact the coaches.
It is then the responsibility of the coaches to contact their players.
8). No official score book or standings will be kept by any 6U team.
9). Aggressive base running is not permitted (i.e. the base runner is waived “home” on an outfield hit where the outfielder attempts to throw out the “hitting” base runner going to first base).
a). Prevent runaway scores.
b).Encourage skills other than just running and base running
c). No out will be declared when a player intentionally rolls the ball to any base to complete an out.
d). If a batter makes an out, she must leave the base.
For every three (3) outs, the bases must be cleared.
L. Miscellaneous
1) Managers in all divisions are responsible for ALL issued SGSA equipment during each season.
2) Any broken equipment shall be immediately reported to the SGSA equipment manager for repair or replacement.
3) At the beginning and end of each season, a date will be announced for equipment issue and equipment return.
4) When a team has outstanding equipment that is NOT returned, the SGSA Executive Board may disqualify said coach from further participation in the league.
5) No jewelry is to be worn by players in all divisions.
6) Recreational team jerseys must be worn by all players for all games.
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RULES REV 2020.pdf |