East Meadow Baseball Softball Association

2009 Fastpitch Rulebook

Player Agent
Duties	Each league has a player agent who is the main contact point for managers. The player agent s responsible for running the draft recordkeeping and other team-related issues. Player agents work with the Softball Board on behalf of their coaches to resolve any issues that may arise.
Player Placement	Player eligibility is determined by the rules of each individual league. A committee of three Softball Board members resolves issues that arise regarding player eligibility (particularly with regard to playing up or down in age group).
Requests	In setting up teams, Player Agents attempt to meet reasonable team placement requests for girls in the Farms and Minor divisions. Some requests may not be fulfilled in the interests of making teams as competitive as possible.
Late Registration	Every effort is made to keep the number of players on teams equal. Players who register after teams are established are not guaranteed placement on their spring teams.
Draft	Drafting of players will conform to the drafting procedures adopted by the Softball Board.
Scheduling
Schedule	The times and locations of games are determined by availability of fields. Due to the fact that we have over 100 team using the complex request for dates cannot be accommodated.
Rain-outs	Managers should check the website for all rainouts and rescheduling of games.
Start of the Game
Williamsport Rules	Williamsport Rules rules are followed unless altered by these General Rules or individual Division Rules.
Warm-ups	All games must start promptly at the scheduled game time. Team warm-ups should be conducted off the field of play unless time permits on-field warm-ups. On-field warms-up should be conducted only in the outfield.
Home Team	Home and Visiting teams are listed on the master schedule. Home team on the right
Game Balls	Game ball are supplied at the start of each game by the umpire. Please make sure that game balls are given back to the umpire at the end of the game.
Player Issues
Uniforms	Players are expected to wear uniform shirts, pants and hats during the game. Shirttails must be tucked into pants. In cold weather, jackets and sweatshirts can be worn over the uniform. While wristbands and batting gloves are permitted, scarves and bandannas are not.
Jewelry	Jewelry cannot be worn on the field at any time, with the exception of starter earrings, which must be completely covered by tape.
Chin Straps	Chin straps and facemasks for helmets are now mandatory in all divisions.
Blood Rule	The ASA blood rule is enforced. A player with any visible blood on herself or her uniform will not be permitted to play until the bleeding is stopped and any visible blood is covered with bandages or tape.
Game Issues
Forfeits	A team is required to field 10( 9 in Juniors) players at all times during the game whenever eligible players are available. A team may not field less than 8 players at any time during the game. A five-minute grace period will be given to a team with less than 8 players at the start of a game. A team that cannot field a minimum number of players at game time or falls below the minimum during the game will forfeit the game. Exceptions: if a team only has 8 players and one is injured during the game, that team may continue play with 6 players.
Forfeiture Notification	A coach who knows of an impending forfeiture, should notify the Player Agent at least 24 hours before the scheduled game time. We can cancel an umpire up to 24 hours hours before game time, and also make the field available for another game.
Bad Weather Notification	If bad weather conditions exist, coaches should check the website. Cancelled games will be posted on the website as soon as possible. If fields are not closed prior to two hours before game time, teams are expected to show up at their field. When thunder or lightning is heard or seen, stop the game and seek shelter immediately. Await the ruling from the umpire or Director on as to the continuation of the game.
Play of the Game
Time Limit	All games will be a maximum of 1 hour and 55 minutes. No new inning can start after 1 hour and 45 minutes. Umpires and coaches must agree on the starting time of the game before the first pitch is made; scorekeepers should note the start time in their scorebooks.
Inning Limit	A game will consist of 6 innings (7 innings for Juniors and Seniors), if time permits. A game can end in a tie, unless it is a playoff game.
Official Game	A game is considered official when 3 innings (4 for Juniors and Seniors) are completed (2-1/2 innings if the home team is ahead).
Official Score and Outcome	When the time limit is reached or a game is called for other reasons, and the inning has not been completed, the score reverts back to the last complete inning to determine the outcome of the game. However, if the home team is at bat and winning when the game is called, the score at that time is the final score.
Run Limit	In the first 5 innings, a maximum of 5 runs per inning can be scored (except Juniors - no limit)
Speed Up Rule	Coaches are expected to keep the game moving quickly. To minimize down time between innings, catchers should put on their equipment before the last out is recorded. Coaches are strongly encouraged to pull their catcher from a base when there are two outs so she can put on her equipment. The last player to make an out will be the substitute runner.
Batting Out of Order/Injuries	All eligible players must be included in the batting line-up and they must bat in the order listed in the official scorebook. If an injured player taken out of the game cannot bat, the batting position is passed over and no out is recorded. The coach must notify the official scorekeeper and the opposing coach that a player is being skipped.
Courtesy Runner	An injured runner (a player who is injured while running the bases) can be substituted with the player who made the last out, without penalty.
Bunting	Bunting is allowed in all divisions except the farms and ponytails.
Maximum Number of Defensive Players	In intramural games (except Juniors/Seniors - 9), a maximum of 10 players can play on defense.
Look Back Rule	The Look Back rule is in effect at all levels of play except Farms. In the Farms division an offending runner should be returned to the base she should properly occupy before the violation occurred. A liberal interpretation of this rule should be used at the Minor League level. The Look Back rule states that, when the pitcher has possession of the ball within the 8' radius circle and is not making a play on a runner, a runner must immediately return to her base or proceed to the next base, without hesitation, or be liable to be called out by the umpire. No runner may leave a base when the pitcher has possession of the ball in the circle and is not making a play on a runner. If the circle is not marked, the umpire will approximate the circle radius when making this judgment call. Exception: when a batter receives a walk, runners on second or third can remain off their bases until the batter-runner reaches first base. As soon as the batter-runner reaches first base and the pitcher has the ball in the circle, the other runners must return to their base or commit to the next base.
Infield Fly Rule	The Infield Fly rule is in effect in the Junior and Senior divisions. This rule states that when a fly ball is hit that can reasonably be caught by a player in the infield, and runners are on first and second bases or on first, second and third bases, the umpire should call “infield fly.” If the ball is near foul territory, the proper call is “infield fly, if fair.” If it is determined to be a foul ball, the batter is out only if the ball is caught. Runners can advance on an infield fly whether the ball is caught or not. If the ball is caught, they must tag up before advancing to the next base. If the ball is not caught, they may advance without tagging up. This is a judgment call; if the umpire does not call “infield fly” the rule is not in effect and runners advance or remain at a base at their own risk.
Dropped 3rd Strike Rule	The Dropped Third Strike rule is in effect in the Juniors and Senior divisions. In the Majors and Minors divisions, a batter is out on a third strike even if the catcher drops the ball.
Pitching Rules	Coaches are encouraged to develop and use as many pitchers as possible. Therefore, the number of innings a pitcher can pitch in a game will be limited. See individual League Rules for pitching limitations.
Warm-up Pitches	Pitchers are allowed 5 warm-up pitches between innings and for a pitching change. Coaches must warm up pitchers between innings if the catcher is not ready. An umpire may reduce the number of warm-up pitches if the catcher or a coach does not immediately begin to warm up the pitcher. Also, see Speed-up Rule above.
Conferences	A coach may have one conference with a pitcher per inning. A second conference with the same pitcher in the same inning requires the coach to replace the pitcher.
Hit By Pitcher not Automatic	A player hit by a pitch will not automatically be awarded first base. If no clear attempt is made to avoid the pitch, and, in the umpire's judgment, the player could have avoided the pitch, then the player will not be awarded first base. For safety reasons all coaches should instruct their players to try to avoid being hit by a pitch.
Batter Interference	Batters can be called out for interfering with a play at home plate. The runner will be returned to third base if interference is called.
Stealing	Stealing is allowed in the all divisions except Farms. See individual League Rules for the specific variation of the rule for each league.
Collision/ Interference	Base runners are required to avoid collisions with fielders. While sliding into a base is not required, it is often the best way to avoid a collision. Runners cannot be called out for causing a collision if they slide into a base.
Obstruction	Fielders must avoid obstructing the progress of base runners. If a fielder, not in possession of the ball or not about to field a thrown or batted ball, interferes with the progress of a runner, the umpire may award that runner extra base(s). This is a judgment call.
Out of Play Situations	Coaches and umpires should review out of play areas prior to the start of the game. When a hit or thrown ball goes out of play, runners advance as follows: if a thrown ball goes out of play, all runners advance two bases from their position at the time the ball left the thrower's hand; if a fair batted ball rolls out of play, the runners advance two bases from their position at the time the ball left the pitcher’s hand; if a pitched ball goes out of play, all runners advance one base.
Smoking/ Drinking/ Drugs	Coaches and players are not permitted to smoke on the field or in the player dugouts. Any player, coach or spectator who arrives at a practice or game with alcohol, drugs or weapons of any kind, will be suspended for the remainder of the season.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct	Coaches are required to maintain control of their players and players' family members. Unsportsmanlike conduct by a player or family member will subject that individual to ejection from the playing area. A person ejected from the field cannot remain at or near the ballfield. If an ejected person fails to leave the area, the team the person is associated with will forfeit the game. All players, parents, and coaches must promote good sportsmanship at all times. Any problems during a game or practice must be reported to the Player Agent
Protests	A protest must be brought to the attention of the umpire and the opposing coach at the time of the perceived infraction and reported to the Player Agent within 24 hours. Remember: a coach cannot protest an umpire's judgment call. A committee of three Softball Board members, generally including the Player Agent will review protests. No Board member may sit on a Protest committee if that would present a clear conflict of interest (e.g., the Player agent is a coach or parent with a vested interest in the outcome). The decision of the Protest committee will be final.
Umpires
Duties	One umpire is required to start the game. If more than one umpire, the lead umpire will be stationed behind home plate and will determine how responsibilities will be divided between the umpires. The lead umpire determines the final decision of a play if both umpires make a call on the same play.
Assignment of Umpires	The Minors division use youth umpires; the Majors, Juniors and Seniors use ASA umpires. In the Minors and Majors division a parent will assist the youth umpires and umpire 1st base.
Conduct	Any umpire can make mistakes. Coaches must ensure that all individuals associated with their team (coaches, players, family members) conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on their team and the East Meadow Softball program.
Problems/ No-shows	Any perceived deficiencies in umpiring should be reported to the Player Agent, especially umpire no-shows. If an umpire does not show and both coaches mutually agree to proceed with the game, both coaches agree to accept the outcome of the game as umpired by parent volunteers. Notify the Player Agent that parent umpire(s) were used.
Reporting Game Results
Game Score	It is the responsibility of both coaches to report the game score to the website at the end of day.
Playoffs
Determining Tournament Seeding	Winning percentage will determine the final standings (i.e., a record of 9 wins, 6 losses is better than 9 wins, 7 losses). Teams tied for a position in the standings will have the ties broken as follows: Most wins in head to head competition between the teams that are tied. Total runs allowed in games between teams that are tied. Total runs scored in games between teams that are tied (maximum 12 runs per game). Average runs allowed in all games. Average runs scored in all games (maximum 12 runs per game). Coin flip.
Farms Division Rules
Balls	11" pitching machine balls are used.
Pitching	There is no pitching in this division. Pitching machines are set up approximately 35 feet away from home plate and each batter is given 5 pitches at approximately 35 MPH. If after the 5th pitch the ball in not put in play the batter is out. For safety please keep the girls away from all pitching machines. In order to keep the game at a constant pace, the pitching machine should not be adjusted for each batter, but may be adjusted if the pitches become erratic.
Batting	A Universal Batting Order is used in the Farms Division. Each Player present at the game gets a chance to bat. Because of the length of each half inning as described below, each player may not bat every inning but no player will be permitted to bat twice until every player has batted at least once.
Bases	Bases are 60' apart.
Stealing	NO stealing is permitted.
Running Bases	For the first portion of the season, each base runner is only permitted to advance one base at a time. For the second portion of the season, a base runner is permitted to advance a maximum of two bases from where she started during that play (ie. a batter may only advance as far as second base, a runner who started at first base may only advance as far as third base and a base runner who started at second base may reach home plate). All base runners are in jeopardy as they advance from one base to the next, the only exception is in the case of a "Dead Ball". There is no advancing on an overthrow.
Dead Ball	If a batted ball his either the pitching machine or the coach feeding the machine, each runner automatically advances one base. If there is no force then the runner shall not advance.
Scoring	Official Scores are not kept in this Division, accordingly there will be no standings or playoffs.
Minimum Number of Players	With the absence of an Official Score in this Division, there are no forfeits. Accordingly, both managers are expected to share players to insure that a game is possible for both teams, either by giving players (for that game only) to the team who is short players, or by rotating players in the field and at bat.
Innings	Each game will consist of a maximum of six innings (time permitting) with each half inning ending after either three outs or five runners crossing home plate.
Defensive Coach	A defensive coach (2 max) can be in the outfield when the coach’s team is on the field. The coach can instruct and position players at any time during play but cannot touch any player while play is alive.
Minors Division
Balls	11" regulation softballs are used.
Pitching Distance	The pitcher's rubber is 35' from the back tip of home plate.
Bases	Bases are 60' apart.
Pitching Limitations	Pitchers can pitch a maximum of 6 innings per game. 8 Innings per week
Strike Zone	The strike zone is larger than normal since the intent with this age group is to encourage players to swing at pitches. The strike zone extends from the top of the shoulders to just below the knees and one ball width on either side of home plate. Coaches must encourage batters to swing at decent pitches made by the player pitchers.
Walks	There is a 3 walk limit per inning, after that batter are there until they hit the ball our are called out on strikes
Thrown Bat	Umpires should warn both teams when a batter throws a bat after hitting the ball. On the second thrown bat, regardless of the team, the batter will be called out. Since many of the players in the league are new to the game, judgment should be used in determining whether a bat was thrown in a manner that can cause injury.
No Illegal Pitches	This is an instructional league, particularly with regard to pitching. Pitchers should be encouraged to throw legal pitches, meaning both feet in contact with the rubber; hands apart, then brought together; the throwing arm rotating no more than 1-1/2 times; the push foot staying in contact with the rubber or the ground prior to the pitch being thrown. Violations should be brought to the attention of the pitcher and the coach, but no illegal pitches will be called.
Stealing	Stealing of second base is allowed for a maximum of two times per inning, unlimited stealing of third base. A runner may leave after the ball crosses home plate
Infield-fly Rule	There is no infield fly rule in minors division
Majors Division
Balls	12" regulation softballs are used.
Pitching Distance	The pitcher's rubber is 40' from the back tip of home plate.
Bases	Bases are 60' apart.
Pitching Limitations	Pitchers can pitch a maximum of 6 innings per game. 8 Innings per week
Thrown Bat	Umpires should warn both teams when a batter throws a bat after hitting the ball. On the second thrown bat, regardless of the team, the batter will be called out. Since many of the players in the league are new to the game, judgment should be used in determining whether a bat was thrown in a manner that can cause injury.
Stealing	Stealing is permitted. Runners may leave after the ball crosses home plate
Infield-fly Rule	There is no infield fly rule.
Dropped 3rd Strike	There is no dropped third strike.
Juniors Division
Balls	12" regulation softballs are used.
Pitching Distance	The pitcher's rubber is 40' from the back tip of home plate.
Bases	Bases are 60' apart.
Pitching Limitations	Pitchers can pitch a maximum of 7 innings per game, 9 innings per week.
Thrown Bat	Umpires should warn both teams when a batter throws a bat after hitting the ball. On the second thrown bat, regardless of the team, the batter will be called out. Since many of the players in the league are new to the game, judgment should be used in determining whether a bat was thrown in a manner that can cause injury.
Stealing	Unlimited stealing is permitted. Runner may leave the base after it leaves the pitchers hand