SCARBOROUGH BLUFFS SLO-PITCH ASSOCIATION      

2007 LEAGUE RULES (Co-ed Divisions)

A.     LEAGUE REGULATIONS:

1a. The Scarborough Bluffs Mixed Slo-Pitch League (S.B.M.S.P.L.) will be regulated by a combination of the “N.S.A.“, “S.P.N.” rulebook and the “Softball Ontario” rulebook.  The team captain/assistant and any players that are sent to act as umpires should upgrade their knowledge of the rules, to alleviate any problems on judgment calls, as well as rule interpretation.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of each captain to be sure that all possible umpires read and understands each rule in the league official rulebook.

2a. The League Executive will settle any grievances, or problems. Only roster protest will be received, umpire judgment is final and cannot be protested.  All protests that are brought before the executive must be in writing, stating the player that is being protested and why they are being protested. The protest must by accompanied by Two Hundred dollars ($200.00) cash for each player being protested. If the protest is upheld, the money will be refunded.  If the protest is denied, the Two Hundred dollars ($200.00) will go to the league treasury. At time of protest, both teams will have the umpire record and sign their scorebooks, before the next pitch or the protest will not be considered.   A protest may be lodged by a Team captain or co-captain only.

3a. Alcohol Rule; Any player or coach associated with a team who is found drinking alcohol before, during, and after a S.B.M.S.P.L. game or in the park vicinity by an umpire or Convenor HE/SHE will be ejected from the game and fined Seventy-five dollars ($75.00), and given a Five (5) Games suspension. Second offence the player or coach will be suspended from further league play. Committee ruling final. Any spectator caught drinking and found to be associated with a league team will result in a forfeited game being issued to that team and the team captain will be suspended for (1) one game. It is the responsibility of the team captains to enforce our NON ALCOHOL policy, and make sure his/hers team follows the league rules.  Scarborough Parks & Rec. expects the league to enforce the NON ALCOHOL policy at all League Tournaments. (Exception; Designated areas at East Point Park. No Alcohol in Dugouts or in Parking Lot.)

4a. Registration Fees. Registration fee for each team _______________________________, and a bond of _________________________ dollars.  The bond money will be used to pay fines and is refundable the month of May, the year after the Team leaves the League minus any team fines and league overdrafts.  The Bond Money must be kept at this level throughout the season.  Failure to do so will mean loss of Bond Money and next game points and exclusion from playoffs and banquet. Total payment of the registration fee must be made prior to a team’s first regular season game or forfeit that game and each and every game after this until the fee are paid. Total payment of the registration fee is due prior to a team’s first regular season game. There will be a One Hundred dollars ($100.00) late fee payment fine for payments made after June 1st, 2007. League fees include balls, equipment and field costs. Each Team will receive (10) Ten Awards Banquet tickets. Additional tickets can be purchased at an extra cost of  ($20.00) Twenty dollars per Ticket. Each team that attends banquet is asked to supply one $25.00 value door prize.  Each team is to enter at least one of S.B.S.P.A’s tournament in the season, if there is a division available at an extra cost.

 5a. All team franchises are owned by the Scarborough Bluffs Mixed Slo-Pitch league (Assoc.).                           

6a. A team captain operates the team franchise until replaced by the league executive.

7a. Every team must have their permits with them.  Make sure NO OTHER team is on the field, either playing or practicing, during S.B.S.P.A. games.

8a. Only the team captain or assistant captain (not both) may question the umpire(s).  The umpire(s) may eject anyone from the game if they are being abusive towards an umpire, player and or spectator.  Foul language will not be tolerated by any umpire at any time, regardless who it is directed at. The player can be asked to leave the playing field/park at the umpire’s discretion.  Failure to do so will warrant forfeiture of the game.  A sixty second warning will be given.  A team’s spectators are also responsible to that team.  Any player ejected from a game will have ejection reviewed by a League Committee pending further suspension. (See suspensions 14a).

9a. Umpires. The league will supply one umpire for each regular season game.  It is each team’s responsibility to have its` share of the Umpire’s payment before the start of each game.  If a team cannot field enough players they are still responsible for their share of payment for the umpire. Team Captains should know the League's rules as in emergency situations might be called to umpire.

10a. Defaults. If a team is charged with a default for any reason (missed game, missed captain’s meeting, etc.), the following penalties will apply: 1st game Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) fine; 2nd game Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) fine; 3rd game the team is out of the league and will default the balance of team’s bond to the league treasury.  Playoffs do not count as defaulted games but you must still come up with your half of umpire’s money for games defaulted.

11a. Game Points. Games to be scored as follows 2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, and 0 points for a loss.

12a. Tiebreakers. In case of Two or more teams being tied at the end of regular season play, place of finish will be determined as follows: (A) most wins, (B) then least losses, (C) then wins between tied teams, (D) then higher differential between runs scored and runs against between tied teams, (E) flip of a coin.

 

 

13a. Captain’s meetings. The league will hold regular meetings that all captains are expected to attend. If you cannot attend please make sure someone else from your team attends.  All of the meetings the captain's attendance is mandatory and the team will be fined Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for missed meetings.  The list of those meetings will be supplied at the start of season. If you do not attend the captain’s meeting it is up to you to get any information missed from that meeting and pass it on to your team.

14a. Captains can make exceptions to rules prior to the start of the game if both agree.  Umpire notes rule change and records it in both scorebooks. (No Protest) No exception to League regulation A #3a, League rules C #2c and Park ground rules established by the Executive.

B. SUSPENSIONS
1b. Suspensions: All player suspensions shall be for a minimum of Five (5) games.  Any act of rough play will draw an automatic ejection from the game as a player.  Further action by the league committee may be taken. Minimum Five (5) game Suspension for any violent act, which includes fighting, or intent to injure.
 

2b. Suspensions:  A player, team, and or teams may be suspended from the Scarborough Bluffs Slo-Pitch Association for conduct which casts a shadow on the league’s integrity. The suspension will be a minimum 1 game to a maximum lifetime suspension. Decisions are to be made by a suspension committee, which will be made up of the league executives. Suspended player(s) may not participate in any form with their team while under suspension.  This includes being spectator and or coach etc.

3b. Using suspended players: Any team found using suspended player(s) in the Scarborough Bluffs Slo-Pitch Association, the team will be suspended for (5) five games, and Captains will be advised of any of their player(s) that are under suspension.

4b. Appealing Suspensions: Player and team suspensions are handed out from time to time and player and teams may appeal suspensions 1/3 of the time served. Lifetime suspensions may be appealed after 5 Five years.  Team suspension may cover teams as whole or individuals.

5b. Game ejections: Abusive language, act of rough play, and or the threatening of officials or players will draw a game ejection and if this continues during the next game and they are ejected again the player will be suspended and the team fined $25.00. The team will then will be put on probation. Fines will increase for further ejections during the season.

C. LEAGUE RULES:

1c. Time limit.  7 innings per game.  5 innings constitutes an official game if halted in progress by rain.  If the game is called before the end of an inning then the score reverts back to last complete inning; unless home team is ahead. Official Game will be judged after fifty (50) minutes.

2c. Game Called. Once started, a game can only be called by the umpire(s).

3c. Time of Play.  Game starting times at lit diamonds will be Monday East Point ark #1 7:30 p.m., 8:50 p.m. and Monday East Point Park #2  7:00 p.m., 8:20 p.m., and 9:40 p.m. with a 10-min. grace period and are scheduled to end after one hour fifteen min. (1hr. 15 min.) No new inning can begin after one hour and ten minutes. (1hr. 10 min.) Grace period to be deducted from playing time.  Default will be granted it not started within the grace period.   Lights go out at 11:00 p.m. sharp at East Point Park.

 

4c. Rained-out Games. A majority vote of the 2 opposing captains and the umpire of the game will decide rained-out games.  The decision on whether to play the game should be made at the playing field just before game time. (Because it may be raining where you are but not at the playing field, also do not continue to play the game if thunderstorms are close by). Park officials will have the final say as to whether the games can be played.  The league must also be notified.

5c. Re-scheduling. Rained out games, or games that did not complete 5 innings, will not be re-scheduled by the league executive.  League will pay umpire $12.00 per field for being at the field for rain out games. Each team will be awarded (1) one Point. (No Exceptions on Re-scheduling)  Teams do not pay umpires for rainouts league does.

6c. Exchange Of Line-Ups. Captains must exchange line-ups prior to the start of the game and must notify each other and the umpire of substitutions.

7c. Teams Re-scheduling Games.  Teams will only be allowed to re-schedule games under extenuating circumstances (player shortage not acceptable) and only if other team agrees.  Teams will only be allowed to re-schedule 1 (one) week before schedule date. If not done in that time the team defaults game and the league will collect the umpire fees from team bond

8c. Jewelry rule. Some Jewelry is allowed. Plain wedding bands, plain necklaces free of pendants and charms worn under the uniform, medical alert ID bracelets and necklaces are legal but should be worn or taped to the body as not to present a hazard.  All body piecing (permanent or otherwise) must not be looped in any way.  A body piercing that is a “Post” type piercing with no dangling parts and no looping parts and  no loops whatsoever are legal if judged by the umpire to not present a danger to any participant. Cast (plaster, metal, or other hard substances), or other items judged dangerous by the umpire may not be worn during the game.

Note 1: Unexposed jewelry is legal as long as it remains unexposed.  If any illegal type jewelry continues to become exposed the umpire can ask the player to remove it. 

Note 2: The NSA strongly recommends that any type of jewelry not be worn in any NSA play.

Note 3: First warning will be issued at the pre-game conference.  For the second offense if the offending player refuses to remove the jewelry the player will be ejected from the game.

9c. Defaulted Games.  When a team defaults its’ game due to not enough proper players or by not showing up for the game, the winning team will pay the umpire its’ share of the game fees or they will not receive credit for the win. The team defaulting will also pay their share of the umpire’s fees. If they cannot or are not there to pay their share of the umpire’s fees.  The league will pay the umpire’s fees, and collect from the defaulting team’s bond or from other sources. Note: See rule under League regulations A 10a

D. TEAM ROSTERS:            

1d. Rosters.  Each team must supply the S.B.S.P.A. with a team roster.  All players must sign the league waiver before they start playing in the league.  The league roster and waiver list must include player's name, address (city and postal code) and player's signature, and must be turned into league headquarters by Monday May 14th.  Roster, waiver list must be made up of 90% Toronto residents. Additional roster, waiver sheet may be used for any unsigned players and must be turned in the night the player plays.  Players must be 16 years or older as of May 14th. 2007. From Time to time teams may use younger players, but the players must be dealt with on a individual basis. Player must have parents or guardian permission and have their own sports injury insurance, and show the league proof of insurance.  Teams will also supply the league with a photocopy of their N.S.A. Approved roster. Every S.B.S.P.A. team’s official roster may contain only two (2) players from another S.B.M.S.P.A. league’s team’s official roster.  League players may only play on two (2) teams within the S.B.S.P.A.. Each Co-ed Division 1 team may only carry 1 (one) carded “A “ player. Carded A players are not allowed in Divisions 2.

2d. Adding players. Teams may add players up to July 16th, 2007.  If player(s) added put the team over 25 players the team must drop enough player(s) to bring the team back to 25 players.  The player(s) dropped from the team are then eligible to play for any other team in the league.  All teams will be supplied with player(s) eligibility forms, which all new player(s) must sign before they can start to play in the league.  The form must be signed by the player, team coach, league executive (Ian Gray) and turned in at 91 Muir Dr. #71 before they can start their first game.  If a player ceases to play for a league team, and wishes to play for another league team within S.B.S.P.A. they must receive permission from the league executive. After approval their eligibility passes to the new team.

                                     

3d. Team rosters for playoffs. The captains will supply the league executive with a team roster of eligible players for the playoffs.  Each of the players must have had played 6 regular season games to play.  Team rosters will be checked before the start of playoffs.

4d. Ineligible players. Any team that is found using ineligible players during regular season's and playoff's games will forfeit the games in which the ineligible player played and receive a fine of $75.00 per game.

5d. Short Players. A team must have at least nine (9) players on the field to start or continue a game.  If a team has only nine players, they can use 3 or more female players, and whatever number of males are necessary to field a team, (max. 6 males/females) but must bat with at least one (1) out as 10th player on score sheet.  If the tenth player shows up before the 5th inning he/she may start at the 10th spot and the out is stopped at the point he/she arrives.  (This rule may not be substituted)

6d. Rule 5d is only to be used as an emergency just to get the game played.

7d. Minimum 4 female or males per team on the field at any time. (Except if rule 5d is in use).

               

8d. Maximum 6 males/females per team on the field at any time.  Other combinations 7 males/5 females or 8 males/6 females.  You can always play more females that males. 

9d. Player Eligibility.  Player must show up and sign waiver sheet during 6 REGULAR SCHEDULE GAMES to be eligible to play in playoffs.

10d. Batting order.  The batting order can only have 2 men batting in a row, before next women batter. If a team is found batting more than 2 men in a row and the third male has not batted, the player is removed from the batting order and becomes an eligible substitute. However, his place in the batting order is an automatic out and can only be removed by the addition of a female. If the player has batted and then is found to be the third male in a row he is declared out, all runners return to their original bases and the player becomes a substitute player. In order to avoid this situation it is recommended that the last place in the order be a female. (See rule G. 1g for additional hitter rule)

11d. Waiver Sheets.  All Teams must turn in the scores to the league office by Thurday of each week. Failure to do so will mean team will be charged with a default.  This includes both winning and losing teams. Wins will not be credited until the paperwork follows. No Paperwork both teams will be charged with a default.  Waiver sheets may be faxed to____-____-_____, or the scanned page may be E-mailed to our web site ian@bluffs-slo-pitch.com/ NOTE: Players will not receive credit for games played for their playoffs eligibility without confirmation from the original waiver sheet.

12d. League Awards. Winning Teams will receive prizes to a maxium of 14 prizes per team. Additional awards may be purchased by the team at  the league purchased cost. The number of prizes will be determine by the number of players on the official team roster as of Monday July 16, 2007

E. PLAYING FIELD

1e. Field Dimensions. Bases are to be 65 feet apart, to be measured from the back corner of the home plate to the back edge of the 1st and 3rd bases.  1st base is to be a "safe-base".

2e. Pitching plate. Pitching plate is 2 ft. long by 6 in. wide, 50 feet from back corner of home plate, and on a line with home plate and 2nd base.  Pitcher may stand back maximum of 10 ten feet if so desired. This area will now be known as pitching zone. Pitcher may take one step forward and beyond the pitching line before releasing the ball.  After the release of the pitch, the pitcher may not move forward towards the batter until the ball is hit. Pitcher may now use a trapper to field his/her position.

3e. Safe base. The league uses a safe base at first; the runner runs through the orange side of the base on a single, the first base person touches the white side of the base.  If the first base person touches or leans into the orange side of the base the runner is safe.  The runner may only touch the white side of the base if the ball is hit into the outfield, or there is no play at first.  If the base runner interferes with the first base person on the white side of the safe base they are out.  When on a hit single the base runner must return to the white portion of 1st base, after over running the base.  (Before proceeding to the 2nd base).  If the base runner makes an attempt towards 2nd base they are considered live and are eligible to be tagged.  (If the base runner turns away from second base they are not eligible to be tagged).

4e.  Home Run Rule. This Rule doesn’t apply to East Point Park or any other fenced diamond of over 275’ (ft.).   Teams playing in fenced in diamonds less than 275’ (ft.), the home run rule applies, Teams may designate their home run hitter or leave it for the 1st player who hits it out, any player who hits it out afterwards will be rewarded with a single.

5e. Strike mat. Strike mat is to be 2 ft. wide by 3 ft. long with a "V" cut out; new mats will not have “V”.  The mat will be placed over Home plate to the front edge home plate.  There will be a commitment line drawn in the dirt 30 ft. from home plate.  Once crossed the runner cannot return to 3rd base or any other base. Exception; Tag up on Fly ball.  There will also be a safe line drawn in the dirt parallel to with the first base line and front corner of home plate, the runner crosses this line to be safe at home.  All plays at home are force-outs and the runners are not to touch home mat, home plate, or the catcher, or jump over the mat and home plate.  If they do they are out (no sliding at home). Catcher or any other player with the ball must touch home plate, and or mat once player has crossed commitment line (NO TAGS AT HOME). If runner is tagged they are safe.

6e. No batter’s box exists, but you may not switch from one side to another during the pitch.  If the batter contacts the ball (with the bat) while having one or both feet contacting the mat or plate, he/she is out, and the ball is dead.  The batter is not allowed to step in front of or across home plate to make contact with the ball.  The batter is not allowed to stand and or step back past the back end of the home mat. Result:  the batter is out and the ball dead.

7e. The ball is out of play when it crosses the dead ball line. This line is the extension of the backstop screen to the end of the playing field.   Once the ball has passed the screen (line) it is dead. 

8e. Overthrows. All overthrows that go into out of play territory will advance base runners two (2) bases from last base legally touched.

F. BASE RUNNING:

1f. The base runners should avoid all collisions or be subject to ejection based on umpire’s judgment.

2f. Courtesy Runners: There will be a total of 4 courtesy runners per game. The courtesy runner will only be allowed after the batter has reached 1st base. Exception: master player over 50 or physically challenged may have unlimited courtesy runners, and they may have runner from home plate.  The courtesy runner shall be man/man, female/female, female/male and any player from the bench.

3f. A runner on base, may not leave that base until the BALL IS HIT, or force to leave base because of walk.  The runner is OUT if he/she leaves the base before the ball is hit, the base runner's FOOT must be in contact with the TOP of the base to ensure visibility for the umpire.

G. BATTING:

1g. Note: This year women will bat a 11” ball and men will bat a 12” ball.  It is the defensive team’s responsibility to know whether or not the wrong ball is in the game.  Only the team at bat shall be allowed to make the appeal on the wrong ball being pitched.

2g. Additional Hitter Rule.  Teams may insert additional hitters into its line-up.  The batting order must remain constant, however any ten of the 12 players can take a defensive position throughout the game.  If the A.H. is used, and if the male or female player cannot continue the game, then the team reverts back to the 6 males and 4 females batting order. It is not mandatory that a team uses the A.H. but failure to declare such hitters prior to the game precludes the use of the A.H. in that game.  In the mixed program when the A.H. is used a male and a female must be used. Example: 7 males 5 females. Teams may use extra female but not male.  Example: 6 males 5 females

3g. Note: This year bunting is only allowed by women.  No fake bunts.  If the batter does fake bunt then they are out.

4g. Infielders may not come in past the 30-foot line before ball is hit. Outfielders may not come inside the base paths until the ball is hit. Outfielders may also not come within a 150 feet of Home Plate when a women is at bat until the the ball is hit. Women may not be thrown out at 1st base by the outfielders.

5g. Substitution Rule. There will be 2 types of substitutions allowed.

1) Player A and player B may substitute inning by inning in the batting order, with player B substituting any player in the field. (Male with Male and Female with Female) Player B may only substitute another player in the batting order, if that player has to leave the game do to an emergency.

2) Player A starts the game then is sub. by player B.  Player A may return back into the game but only into their original batting position-replacing player B.  Player B may only return to the game to replace an injured player or one that has to leave the game do to an emergency. All substitutions must be reported to the scorekeeper before the start of the game or inning and if substitution rule #1 is going to be used.

6g. Chopped Ball. Is a ball, which the batter strikes downward so that it hits the ground within the infield with the INTENT (NOT THE RESULT) that the ball bounces high into the air.  Batter is out, ball is dead and all Base-runners return to base they occupied when batter came to bat.

7g. Third strike rule. Third strike foul batter is out.

8g. Maximum run rule.  Maximum number of runs scored per inning is 10.

9g.  Mercy rule. If a team is down 15 or more runs after 5 innings the game will end officially.  Teams may continue to play if time allows with leading team at bat stopping at the end of their batting order in each inning.  The score will be reported as 7 to 0 game.   

10g. Last at bats. Home Team does not get their last at bat if game is already won after 6 ½ innings.

11g. No intentional walks.  When a male batter is walked, intentionally or unintentionally, the male batter is awarded first and second bases and the following female batter has the option to bat or walk. 

H. EQUIPMENT:

1h. Home Team Rule. The Home team is determined by the schedule which is the last team listed.  The league has supplied all teams with bases and balls for the season. It is the home team’s responsibility to have the bases down and in place 10 minutes before game time.  Penalty; loss of home field advantage. (And 2 points if it happens again). If both teams don’t have their bases, then they both default the game. Note: the umpire must be paid. UMPIRES ARE TO RECORD THIS ON THE SCORE SHEET.

 

2h.(i) Uniforms.  All teams must wear matching tops with a minimum 6” number on the back by June 25/07.  If a team does not have matching tops by this date a letter from the league president or V. P. will have to attained in order to play.  

2h.(ii) Jersey rule. All new team jerseys must match the team name given for use on the final league schedule. If the league schedule shows for example that the team is named Team B, then the name Team B must be on the Jersey somewhere. Also all Scarborough Bluffs teams must have the Scarborough Bluffs Logo on their Jersey somewhere. This rule applies to all new and replacement uniforms only as of the 2000 season.

                                                                       

3h. Official Ball. All the teams in the league will be supplied with enough game balls for the season, it is the responsibility of home team to have a league supplied Demarini Optical Yellow C.O.R. 47 11” ball and C.O.R. 44 12” ball for each game. Visiting team should have a good backup balls. PENALTY: The team that does not supply  new game balls will be fined $25.00.  (UMPIRES ARE TO RECORD THIS ON THE WAIVER SHEET.) (New Rule)

 

4h. Official Softball Bats.  Bats must be official softball.  Bats that leave large marks on the balls are not to be used. Any bat(s) that does leave marks on the balls will be taken out of the game and no longer be used. Bats that exceed BPF 1.20 will not be allowed.  No hardball bats. Titanium labeled bats are not to be used. *** NO EXCEPTION.***

NSA BAT POLICY
NSA BAT POLICY
Effective Febuary 22, 2007

Scarborough Bluffs will follow the NSA Bat Approval list. An up-to-date list of approved certified bats can be found here: www.nsacanada.ca  NOTE: Any bat that is not on the NSA certified list or doesn’t display a 2007 certified sticker will be considered as illegal for SBSPA play in 2007

NOTE:  See page 7 Rule3-Euipment SECTION 1-7 in the 2007 NSA Canada Slo-pitch Rule Book

 

5h. Altered Bat. If a player or team is found using an altered bat they are out and you and the coach will be ejected from the game.

 

6h. Approved Shoes. Metal or hard plastic, or detachable cleats are banned. Sandals are also prohibited. The sole shall may be either smooth or have soft or hard rubber or polyurethane cleats.  Metal cleats or any type of shoe that has exposed metal on the sole, other than the rivet, may not be worn in any division on play.  Shoes that have steel or any type of metal tips on the cleats such as (but not limited to) soccer shoes, golf shoes, football, and track shoes are illegal.

PENALTY: No player will be allowed to compete in NSA Canada play who is not wearing proper shoes.  If it is discovered during the game that a player is wearing improper shoes, or no shoes, the team must use a substitute until such time as the player puts on  the proper shoes.

7h. Helmets. Batting helmets are optional but the league strongly recommends the use of them.

 

8h. Pitcher’s Helmets. Pitchers may use a helmet while pitching if he/she so desires.

9h. Braces (Knee, Elbow). Braces must be constructed of plastic, if not and brace has exposed joints or screws all must be covered so nothing can get caught up in them. Tenser bandages and or long enough clothing must cover them so they do not present a hazard to the other players.

 

10h. First-aide and first-aide kits. Due to the HIV rule all teams must carry and know how to use a first-aide kit, a spare shirt, and as spare pair of pants to cover the injury and not allow to blood to show through.

 

I. PITCHING:

1i. The pitching arc regulation is a minimum of 6 feet and a maximum of 12 feet. Illegal pitches to be called by the umpire before the ball reaches the plate.

2i. Pitcher is allowed one step in any direction and a follow through step, during the delivery of the pitch but may not proceed further towards home plate until the ball has been hit. Pitcher may now use a trapper to field his/her position.

 

3i. For safety reasons the pitcher may stand behind the pitcher plate up to 10 ten feet if he/she desires.

4i. The Pitcher May Use Any Wind-up Desired Providing:

A.       He/She does not make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the ball to the batter.

B.       His/ Her’s wind-up is a continuous motion.

C.      He/She does not use a wind-up in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion.

D.      He/She delivers the ball toward home plate on the first forward swing of the pitching arm past the hip.

E.       He/She does not continue to wind-up after He/She releases the ball

5i. Legally Pitched Ball. A strike is a legally pitched ball that makes contact with the mat, and or home plate any pitched ball swung at and missed by the batter, or a batted ball that is ruled a strike. A ball is a legally pitched ball that lands outside the strike mat and not swung at by the batter; or an illegally pitched ball that the batter does not swing at.

6i. Batter-Base runner - Walk rule. If a male batter who bats before a female batter is walked on four (4) pitches or less, he is award second base, and the following female batter has the option of batting or accepting a walk up until the delivery of the first pitch.

 

8i. Warm up Pitches. AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH HALF INNING OR WHEN A PITCHER RELIEVES ANOTHER NO MORE THAN 1 MINUTE MAY BE USED TO DELIVER NO MORE THAN 3 (THREE) PITCHES TO THE CATCHER OR OTHER TEAMMATE.  Play shall be suspended during this time.  For excessive warm-up pitches, a pitcher shall be penalized by awarding a ball to the batter for each pitch in excess of 3 (Three).            

 

J.RULES TO REMEMBER:

1j. Game times will be as follows: Note lights go out at 11:00 P.M. at East Point Park, Burrows Hall                                             

Monday East Point Park 1 7:30 p.m., 8:50 p.m. Ten minutes grace period. Default will be declared

Monday East Point Park 2  7:00 p.m., 8:20 p.m., and 9:40 p.m. Ten minutes grace period. Default will be declared

Grace  period will come out of game time.

Games are 1 hour 15 minutes with no new inning starting after 1 hour 10 minute.

2j. If the game is tied after seven (7) innings and there is time remaining, the last recorded out shall go to second base and the game shall continue until a winner is declared or the MAXIMUM GAME TIME is exceeded. (See rule above)

3j. The umpire’s judgment is not to be questioned.

4j. Waiver Sheets.  All Teams must turn in the scores to the league office by Thursday of each week Failure to do so will mean team will be charge with a default.  This includes both winning and losing teams. Wins will not be credited until the paperwork follows. No Paperwork both teams will be charged with a default. Waiver sheets may be faxed to ______________, or the scanned page may be  E-mailed to our web site ian@bluffs-slo-pitch.com/ NOTE: Players will not receive credit for games played for their playoffs eligibility without confirmation from the original waiver sheet.

5j. MERCY RULE: If a team is down by 15 or more runs after 5 innings the game will end officially.  Teams may continue to play with leading team at bat stopping at the end of their batting order in each inning.  The score will be reported as a 7 to 0 game.  Player statistics will be for the whole game and not the 7-0 game.

 

6j. INJURIES: If any player is injured during the game the play will stop until the extent of the player’s injury can be determined.  If a player is injured during the course of the season they are still eligible to play in the playoffs without qualifying in 6 games.

7j. The league will supply umpires for the games, it is the responsibility of each team to have 1/2 the umpire’s total fee of $24.00.  PENALTY: The team that cannot supply the money losses 2 points and forfeits the game.

8j. In order to help speed up the games there will not be any infield practice after the 2nd inning.

9j. The pitching arc is regulation 6 feet to 12 feet.  A strike is a legally pitched ball that makes contact with the mat, and or home plate.

10j. Teams must be able to field 9 players or default will be declared.  This shall be made up of a minimum of 3 female players and maximum of 6 male players, or a maximum of 6 female players and a minimum of 3 male players.

11j. Standard batting order shall consist of 6 males and 4 females. Other options; If A.H. is used 6 males and 5 females or 7 males and 5 females. Maximum number of males on the playing field at any time is (6).

12j. Courtesy Runners: There will be a total of 4 courtesy runners per game. The courtesy runner will only be allowed after the batter has reached 1st base. Exception: Master rule player over 50 or players that are Physically challenged may have runners from home plate. Teams must identify player before start of game. The courtesy runner shall be man/man, female/female, female/male and any player from the bench.

 13j. No sliding or tagging at home! Home plate is a force out once the base runner crosses/touches the thirty (30) foot commitment line. Catcher or any other player with the ball must touch home plate, and or mat.

14j. NO LEAD OFF! If a base runner leaves the base before the ball contacts the bat he/she shall be called out and no pitch called on the batter.    

15j. Only women are allowed to bunt.  No fake bunts are allowed.  The batter would be called out.

16J. Infielders may not come in past the 30-foot line before ball is hit. Outfielders may not come inside the base paths until the ball is hit. Outfielders may also not come within a 150 feet of Home Plate when a women is at bat until the the ball is hit. Women may not be thrown out at 1st base by the outfielders.

16j. Maximum run rule. Maximum number of runs scored per inning 10. 

 

HIV TRANSMISSION PREVENTION

PREFACE

The risk of HIV transmission in a sports setting is exceedingly low.  Even in the health care setting, the risk of transmission of HIV is low.  Because of the nature of sport it is highly unlikely that the virus will be transmitted.  To date there has been no confirmed case of an athlete acquiring the HIV infection through participation in sport.

     Participants in sport, however, are subject to the same risks of HIV infection as any one else.  The greatest risk of transmission continues to be through sexual activity with an infected person.  Athletes traveling should be aware that they may be exposed to a population that may be more likely to be infected with HIV. While traveling, an athlete may also be offered medical treatment for example, unscreened blood transfusion or injection with a contaminated needle, that may put them at increased risk of acquiring HIV.

     There are several steps that the athlete and others involved in sport, including coaches, officials and medical personnel, can take to further reduce the risk of transmitting any virus infection or infectious disease in the sport environment.

     In response to the issue of athletes having open wounds and wearing bloody uniforms, the following is intended to further reduce the minimal risk of transmission of HIV in the sport of softball.

 

SOFTBALL-SPECIFIC HIV PREVENTION

1. Prevention of bloody injuries includes the use of appropriate safety and protective equipment. Protective equipment should be designed and maintained to prevent bloody injuries.

 

2. Dealing with a Bloody Wound

       i)       If bleeding occurs where other participants, (including the official(s) of the game) may be exposed to blood, the             individual’s participation must be interrupted until the bleeding has stopped.  The amount of time taken to treat the would should be left to the umpire.  The player may have to leave the game, and have a substitute take the place of the injured athlete until the bleeding stops.  The wound must both be cleansed with antiseptic and securely covered before the athlete can return to the game.  If no substitute is available, and a reasonable amount of time has been given for the injured athlete to be treated and meet the requirements to return to the game, the game is considered forfeiture.

 

      ii)       All clothing soiled with blood must be replaced prior to the athlete resuming training or competition.  If any part of the uniform is soiled with blood, have the athlete exchange it regardless whether it may be jersey, undershirt,    or pants (shorts).  Note that there will be no violation for wearing a replacement uniform of a different team colour. Clothing soiled with blood or other body fluids must be washed in hot, soapy water.

 

     iii)        All equipment and surfaces (especially note softballs) contaminated with blood and other body fluids should be cleaned with a solution of one part household bleach to nine parts water.  This solution should be prepared fresh daily.

 

      iv)      While cleaning blood or other body fluid spills, the following must be done:

                - wear waterproof gloves

                - wipe up fluids with paper towel or disposable cloths

                - disinfect the area, if required

                - place all soiled waste in a plastic bag for disposal

                - remove gloves and wash hands with soap and water.

 

3.  Other wounds including abrasions, blisters, and all skin lesions and rashes on athletes coaches and officials should be reviewed by medical personnel.  All wounds, blisters, skin lesions, rashers must be confirmed as non-infectious and be securely covered prior to the athlete starting or continuing to participate.

 

Playoff Rules

 

1.       All Playoff games Home team is the team with the best regular season record until second game of the finals home team will be the team that won 1^st game of the finals. (Double Knockout Format)

 

2.       All Scarborough Bluffs Rules apply unless specified otherwise, NO EXCEPTIONS.

 

3.       All games are played rain or shine unless Thunderstorms or Lighting are in the area or a rainout is declared by field convenors or executives.

4.       Game Time; 10 minute grace. Double Knockout and single elimination games will try and keep to the 1 hour and 15 minutes timetable if possible, but the game should complete 7 innings unless mercy rule in effect. 10 second rule in effect for all games.  NO TIME LIMIT FOR FINALS OR SEMI FINALS mercy rule in effect. Playoff mercy rule Ten (10) runs or more anytime after five (5) innings (4 1/2 if home team is winning).

5.       No infield practice between games or innings.

 

6.       All Co-ed Divisions will play a double knockout style playoffs. All teams will make playoffs.

 

7.       Any Coach, Player, or spectator associated with any team found with alcohol at the park (parking lot included) will be disqualified from the playoffs and will default all games even if they have been completed.

8.       All teams are responsible to pay their share of umpire's fees; we will be using 1 umpire during the playoffs for all games. If 2 umpires are used in finals or semi-finals the league will pay for second umpire.

9.       Home Run Rule: This Rule doesn’t apply to East Point Park or any other fenced diamond of over 275’ (ft.).   Teams playing in fenced in diamonds less than 275’ (ft.), the home run rule applies, Teams may designate their home run hitter or leave it for the 1st player who hits it out, any player who hits it out afterwards will be rewarded with a single.

10.   All winning teams must report their scores signed by the umpire, into Headquarters after their game, unless they are playing a double header.

 

11.   Any team caught using ineligible players will be disqualified from the playoffs.The next team with the best record will replace any team, which cannot continue on during the playoffs.  If you know you cannot continue please inform the league executive in plenty of time so that they can find a replacement for your team. The team that does not continue will default all games and prizes for the playoffs. Playoff weekends are set far enough ahead that all teams can make arrangements to attend.

 

12.   If your Team cannot attend playoffs due to other commitments you must inform the league executive in plenty of time so that they can schedule around your team’s inability to attend.  Playoff weekends are set far enough ahead that all teams can make arrangements to attend.

 

13.   Tiebreakers: Tiebreaker is a method used to speed up the breaking of a tie game. The tiebreaker method starts in the top of the eight (8) inning and continues each inning thereafter. The offensive team shall begin its half of the inning with the player, whose name is in front of the next legal batter’s name, starting out as a base runner on second base. Normal substitution applies to this base runner.

 

14.   Mercy rule is in effect during the playoffs 10 runs after 5 innings. Home Team doesn’t bat if ahead after 41/2 innings

15.   10 second rule in effect during playoffs.