Bradford Minor Softball Assoc. & York Simcoe Softball Loop: Rules
GENERAL HOUSE LEAGUE RULES (last checked May 30/05)
SECTION A: PRE-GAME RESPONSIBILITIES-
1. The home team is responsible for setting up the diamond which includes placing the pitching rubber and marking the 8 ft. circle.
2. Ground Rules, including the out of bounds lines, are to be established prior to the game by the umpire an both coaches.
3. Each team will supply the opposing team with a copy of their lineup prior to the start of the game.
SECTION B: GENERAL ITEMS
1. Players must remove all jewellery prior to entering the playing field. Only Medical Alert Identification is allowed.
a) Please ensure the umpire(S) are aware of players with medic alert identification before the game starts. Safety is of the utmost importance.
2. All bats used in a game must be marked OFFICIAL SOFTBALL or ones supplied by the Association; otherwise, the bat could be declared illegal and removed from the game. All legal bats are those that comply with Softball Canada Rules. No wooden bats allowed.
3. A minimum of 7 players is required to constitute a starting team. Conveners may bring up players (as per call up rules) from the next lower division to bring a team up to a maximum of nine (9) players. Any team not consisting of the required minimum number of players within 15 minutes AFTER the official starting time of a game shall forfeit the game.
4. Any player catching for a pitcher during warm-ups on or around the playing field MUST wear full protective equipment. Any adult catching for the pitcher must wear a mask.
5. The Softball Canada Rulebook cannot be brought onto the playing field. The person doing so will be ejected from the game.
6. All team members shall bat in the order designated at the beginning of the game on the Score Sheet. Batting out of order is an appeal play which may be made by the coach of the defensive team only.
a) If the error is discovered while the incorrect batter is at bat, the correct batter may take his place, assume any balls and strikes, and any runs scored of bases run while the incorrect batter was at bat shall be legal.
b) If the error is discovered after incorrect batter has completed his turn at bat and before there has been a pitch to another batter, the player who would have batted is out. Any advance or score made because of a ball batted by the improper batter or because of the improper batter's advance to first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, or a hit batter shall be nullified. The next batter is the player whose name follows that of the player called out for failing to bat.
c) If the error is discovered after the first pitch to the next batter, the turn at bat of the incorrect batter is legal, all runs scored and bases run are legal, and the next batter in order shall be the one whose name follows that of the incorrect batter. No one is called out for failure to bat. Players who have not bated and who have been called out have lost their turn at bat until reached again in the regular order.
d) Any latecomers above the minimum number of players will be added to the end of that batting lineup.
7. If a bat is thrown in a dangerous manner, the umpire shall have the discretion to record the batter as an out and base runners shall not advance.
8. Abusive Language by a coach/player or spectator may result in said person being ejected. (As per Canada Softball Rules)
9. Only positive cheering allowed.
10. No Rep players will be allowed to play on any House League team.
11. All games will be a maximum of 7 innings during regular season play, if the division time limit is reached, the Umpire will stop the game and the score will remain as of the last full inning.
12. Coaches will ensure that every player sits out one inning before any player sits out two innings.
Division: Pitching Distance Base Distance
ATOM 23' 42'
MITE 30' 45'
SQUIRT 35' 55'
PEEWEE 40' 60'
BANTAM 42' 60'
MIDGET/JUNIORS 46' 60'
SECTION C: UNIFORM
1. Shoes must be worn by all players and on field coaches/managers. A shoe shall be considered official if it is made with either canvas or leather uppers or similar materials. No metal cleats or shoes with detachable cleats of any material (hard plastic, nylon, polyurethane spikes/studs similar to metal sole and heel plate which could leave an exposed fastener)are allowed. (T-Ball - only flat soled or "standard" treaded running/turf shoes will be allowed.)
2. Players and coaches will wear the uniforms provided by the Association. Any player who does not wear his/her uniform will not be allowed to play in the game. for safety reasons, players shall wear NO shorts or cutoffs. A player in this attire will not be allowed to play. A player or coach does not have to wear a baseball hat, but if he/she does, it must be the one supplied by the Association. (Players: not tearaways or side zipper pants).
(All players must tuck in their shirts as per Canada Rules)
3. Players are required to ear athletic support with protective cup.
4. No player shall remove his or her helmet before entering the dugout. Premature removal of the helmet shall result in the offending player being recorded as an out. Any minor (under 18 years of age) or player acting as a coach, or entering the playing field for other reasons, MUST wear a helmet. For SAFETY reasons, this rule will be enforced. If a helmet is not worn, the said person will not be allowed onto the playing field and may be subject to further discipline.
EXEMPT: Youth age coaches that are registered with BDMSA, as coaches are not required to wear a helmet.
SECTION D: BLOOD RULE
1. Any player, coach or umpire showing evidence of external bleeding for any reason will be removed from the game until such time as the bleeding is stopped. Substitution for a bleeding player will be without penalty. If a substitute player is not available, the Umpire shall allow a reasonable amount of time for the player to resume.
2. Any portion of a player's coach's or umpire's uniform or clothing soiled by blood must be cleaned or removed. As with above rule #D1 sufficient time will be allowed for this purpose. A replacement uniform does not have to conform to team colours in this situation. (if blood cannot be removed)
3. A Softball soiled by blood must be removed from play.
T-Ball Rules (updated May 30/05)
1. Time Limits: 6:30 p:m to 8:00 p:m. No new inning after 7:45 p:m. In case of a rain delay, darkness, or any suspension of play for whatever reason, a minimum of one (1) full inning will constitute a full game. The score will stand as of the last full inning.
2. The home team will provide and place the bases and the pitching tee. The pitching tee need only touch home plate for placement.
3. The field shall be comprised of ALL players. Example: Pitcher, Catcher, First, Second, Third, Shortstop, Left, Right and Centre Field. All other members of the team shall take up the remainder of the outfield. An extra player may play between first and second bases, to allow an extra shortstop.
4. Coaches will strive to rotate ALL players.
5. Three (3) out or a maximum of five (5) runs shall constitute an inning by the team at bat.
6. A coach shall remove the batting tee from home plate immediately after a fairly hit ball.
7. During a game, the objective is to prevent the outfield from playing the infield and the infield from playing the outfield.
8. An outfielder cannot run into the infield to tag an out. For the purpose of fairness and to become a team player, coaches; please do not allow an outfielder to run a base runner down. The player must throw the ball in from the outfield to a player on the infield to make the out.
9. Two (2) coaches on the field team may coach their team from any position on the outfield.
10. The batter shall hit the ball off the batting tee placed on (or touching) home plate.
11. A strike shall be recorded if the batter missed the ball or strikes the batting tee.
12. If a batted ball does not travel past the six (6) foot "live play" line, it shall be recorded as a strike.
13. No stealing. No leadoffs.
14. If a bat is thrown in a dangerous manner, the umpire shall have the discretion to warn the batter and coach, or record the batter as an out, and the base runners shall not advance. Coaches please ensure that the players are aware of how to discharge a bat properly.
15. On a passed ball going "out of play" (leaving the playing) at first or third base, runners will be awarded the base they were running to. Base runners may advance on a passed ball into the outfield provided the ball is "live".
16. When a ball that has been fairly hit into the outfield, base runners may advance until the ball is CONTROLLED by an infielder. Time is called and base runners must remain on their bases.
17. If a batter accidentally knocks the ball from the tee for any reason other than an "official" swing, it shall not be recorded as a strike.
18. Once two (2) outs or four (4) runs are recorded the player that is to be the catcher in the next inning is to suit up. If on base, he/she is to be substituted with a pinch runner. (The last player out)
Atom House League Rules (June 28/05)
Time Limits: 6:30 p:m to 8:10 p:m. No new inning shall start after 8:00 p:m. In case of a rain delay, darkness, or any suspension of play for whatever reason, a minimum of three (3) full innings will constitute a full game. The score will stand as of the last full inning.
Section A: Offensive Team
1. The offensive team shall have their own player pitch to them from the circle, a distance of twenty-seven (27) feet from home plate.
2. The player who is pitching may wear a glove but cannot touch a batted ball or interfere with the play of the ball. (Effect: If the person pitching is hit, the ball is dead and the pitch count resumes as though the pitch had not occurred.)
3. The "player" pitcher shall be substituted when he/she is to be a batter in the "on deck" circle. (Once the player reaches home or is put out they may be put back in as pitcher.)
Section B: Defensive Team
1. The defensive pitcher plays the pitcher position for the fielding team. The defensvie pitcher must wear a helmet with the chinstrap done up. The defensive pitcher must stand within the back half of the pitching circle until the ball has been hit. Once the batter has hit the ball, the defensive pitcher may leave the pitching circle and field the ball.
2. To stop the play, the defensive pitcher must have CONTROL of the ball within the 8ft circle. Once the defensive pitcher has control of the ball within the 8ft circle, all base runners shall stop on the base to which they were going. Base runners are in jeopardy until reaching a base.
Section C: Defensive Team
1. The base runner will be awarded only the base going to on an overthrow. An overthrow is a ball thrown past the screeen along first or third base line. If the screen does not extend that far, then a visual extension of the screen is the rule.
2. No infield fly rule.
3. No stealing. No leadoffs.
4. The five-pitch program will be in effect. There will be no"walks" allowed. If after five (5) pitches the ball is not hit, the player is out.
5. A minimum of seven (7) players are required to constitute a starting team, a maximum on nine (9) players may be on the defensive field.
6. Players shall no play infield more than two consecutive innings or outfield consective innings. (The offensive pitcher is not considered an infield position)
7. Three (3) outs or a maximum of five (5) runs shall constitute an inning by the team at bat.
8. For the purpose of fairness and to become a team player, coaches, shall not allow a player to "run" the field. The umpire may award a base to the base runner at his discretion.
9. The offensive pitcher must remain in the 8ft circle unless avoiding a thrown or batted ball, or to avoid interfering with a play being made by the defensive pitcher.
10. The team coach is only allowed one (1) visitation to the field per inning (injuries exempt).
Mite House League Rules 2003
1. Time Limits - 6:30 - 8:10 p.m.
No new inning shall start after 8:00 p.m., no pitch after 8:10 p:m. In case of a rain delay, darkness, or any suspension of play for whatever reason, a minimum of three (3) full innings will constitute a full game and the score will stand as of the last full inning. This rule does not apply to playoff games.
2. No pitcher shall be allowed to pitch MORE than three (3) innings per game. At no time shall a player be allowed to pitch more than two (2) consecutive innings. A player who has pitched any portion an inning will be deemed to have pitched the entire inning unless removed due to injury.
3. Three (3) outs or a maximum of five (5) runs shall constitute an inning by the team at bat.
4. Base runners may steal on any legally pitched ball when it has passed home plate.
5. The batter is out on the third strike, regardless if the ball is caught, and the ball remains live.
6. There is NO "infield fly" rule in effect during any regular or playoff game in the MITE Division.
Squirt House League Rules (checked May 31/05)
1. Time Limits - 6:30 - 8:10 p.m.
No new inning shall start after 8:00 p.m., no pitch after 8:10. In case of a rain delay, darkness, or any suspension of play for whatever reason, a minimum of three (3) full innings will constitute a full game and the score will stand as of the last full inning.
2. No pitcher shall be allowed to pitch more than three (3) innings per game. At no time will any one pitcher be allowed to pitch more than two (2) consecutive innings. Any player who has pitched any portion of an inning will be deemed to have pitched the entire inning unless removed due to injury.
3. Three (3) outs or a maximum of five (5) runs shall constitute an inning by the team at bat.
4. Base runners may steal on ANY pitch after a legally pitched ball has left the pitcher's hand.
5. The batter is out on the third strike, regardless if the ball is caught, and the ball remains "live".
6. Infield Fly Rule applies.
Peewee House League Rules (amended May 31/05)
1. Time Limits - 105 minutes from SCHEDULED start time. No new inning shall start after 105 minutes. In case of a rain delay, darkness, or any suspension of play for whatever reason, a minimum of four (4) full innings will constitute a full game and the score will stand as of the last full inning.
2. Pitchers may only pitch 2 consecutive innings and maximum of 4 per game.
3. Three (3) outs or a maximum of five (5) runs shall constitute an inning by the team at bat.
5. Base runners may steal on ANY pitcher after it has LEFT the pitcher's hand.
5. Drop third strike rule applies.
6. Infield Fly Rule applies.
Bantam/Midget/Juniors Divisions (check May 31/05)
1. Time Limits - 105 minutes from SCHEDULED start time.
No new inning shall start after 105 minutes. In case of a rain delay, darkness, or any suspension of play for whatever reason, a minimum of four (4) full innings will constitute a full game and the score will stand as of the last full inning.
2. Pitchers may pitcher UNLIMITED innings. Coaches will ensure that every player, including the pitcher, sits out one inning before any player sits out two innings. If this is not the case and it is proven to the umpire, the situation must be corrected immediately, should the coach not correct the situation he/she will be ejected from the game. If the situation occurs a second time, the situation will be corrected AND the game will be halted while the offending coach is ejected.
3. Maximum runs per inning is 5. No open inning.
4. Base runners may steal on ANY pitch after it has LEFT the pitcher's hand.
5. Drop third strike rule applies.
6. Infield Fly rule applies.
7. Any player that is EJECTED from a game may not play the next scheduled game. (Ejections should be recorded on the game sheet).
Tuesday, April 15
Playoff Rules (updated May 30/05)
All Houseleague and Canada Softball Rules will apply except for any changes listed below.
1. Home Team Score sheet is the offical score sheet, but both scorekeepers MUST CONFER at the end of each inning. It is important that an accurate record be kept of all players left on base (see Rule No. 2)
2. In case of a tie, a runner (the last completed batter in the previous inning) will be placed on 2nd base and another complete open inning will be played.
If a tie still exists after one complete open inning, the tie will be broken by counting the number of runners left on 3rd base for each team; if a tie still exists, by counting the number of runners left on 2nd base; and if a tie still exists, by counting the number of runners left on 1st base.
4. ALL DECISIONS MADE BY THE UMPIRES ARE FINAL. NO PROTESTS ALLOWED.
5. Home team is the team which finished highest in the regular season.
6. POTENTIAL CHAMPSIONSHIP GAMES SHALL BE:
T-Ball & ATOM: 5 innings
All other divisions: 7 INNINGS
LAST INNING IS AN OPEN INNING.
Call-up Rules (check May 30/05)
1. A team with 8 or less players may use a call up player to bring the team to a maximum of 9 players. If at game time the team has 9 players or more, the pre-arranged call up player will be able to play. (Pre-arranged call up is a player that was contacted by the convenor of the division prior to game time.)
2. Only convenors may call up players. Each convenor is to provide the next highter division with a list of eligible call-ups.
3. The convenor of the called up player has final choice of the player(s) being called up.
4. Only 2nd year players in the next lower division may be called up. By mid season a 1st year player in the next lower division that shows proper capabilities may be added to the list.
5. In a forfeit situation, a younger player on site may play, providing the player is a registered 2nd year player in the next lower division and must have parental permission.
6. Parental permission must be given to the umpire and reported to the convenor A.S.A.P.
7. Call up players are to wear their regular team jersey and hat.
8. Call up players are to bat last in the order.
9. Call up players may only pitch one inning maximum.
10. A call up player whao has pitched any portion of an inning will be deemed to have pitched the entire inning unless the player is injured and cannot complete the inning.
York Simcoe Fast ball League (June 2005)
Age Divisions:
Mite 9 and 10 1995 & 1996
Squirt 11 and 12 1993 & 1994
Peewee 13 and 14 1991 & 1992
Bantam 15 and 16 1989 & 1990
Midget/Juniors 17, 18, 19, 20 & 21 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988
Rule 1:
The rules of play shall be as set down by Canadian Amateur Softball Association and as modified by the Ontario Amateur Softball Association or by the rules as contained therein.
Rule 2:
It is the responsibility of the home team/centre to provide carded umpires as follows:
a) Midget and above - Two (2) Sr. umpires holding the current season Softball Ontario Card
b) Bantam and below - Two (2) umpires with at least one (1) umpire holding the current season Softball Ontario card who shall be the Plate umpire
Rule 3:
a) All games shall be a maximum of 7 innings (or time limit)
b) Park curfew will be defined as the time at which the lights go out or the next game has to start. The park curfew time is to be discussed with the umpires and coaches prior to the start of the game. If park curfew is reached prior to the normal end of the game, the score used will bae as of the end of the last complete inning of play, regardless of the number of innings played.
Rule 4:
Any team that is not preapred to start a game withing 15 minutes of the scheduled start time shall be in default and the game awarded to the team that was prepared to start.
Rule 5:
In the event of rained out games, the coach of the visiting team and the diamond scheduler of the home team must reschedule the game within two eeks and advise the appropriate Convener of the new date. If the visiting team and the diamond scheduler fail to mutually agree on a date, the "executive" will schedule the game. In the event that a team fails to appear for the reschedule dgame, Rule 4 shall apply. (game does not need to be played with the two week period).
Step 1 - Home team delegate to contact the visiting coach to setup rescheduled date
Step 2 - Leave a message ont the Softball phone line stating the rescheduled date
Rule 6:
In the event of rain, it is the responsibility of the home team to attempt to notify the visiting teams coach that the field is unplayable. If possible, every effort should be made to prevent a needless trip.
Step 1 - Home team delegate to contact the visiting coach
Step 2 - Contact the scheduler at the number provided so that the rainout can be placed on the softball line and website (when possible)
Rule 7:
a) Players must wear a sweater of uniform colour with numbers on the back.
b) Hats need not be worn. If any players wear hats they must be uniform in colour and design. (only applicable if the players center supplies hats)
c) Coaches must have a uniform look
Rule 8:
a) game scores should be phoned in with 48 hours to the Softball phone line by the home team (905-775-4787)
b) BDMSA coaches should drop off game sheets (HOME team drop off BOTH white copies) within 4 days
c) any scores not submitted within that time will be entered as a win for the VISITING team
