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Constitution and Rules
CONSTITUTION - KINGSTON MEN’S FASTBALL LEAGUE
2004
The Rules of this League are governed by the 2004 Softball Canada Official Guide and Rule Book.
Certain Rules have been changed and or amended to suit the needs of this League.
RULE 1. PITCHING - Softball Ontario – 2004
Sec. 1.1 PRELIMINARIES. Before commencing the delivery (pitch), the pitcher:
1.1.1 May not take the pitching position on or near the pitcher's plate without having the ball in his possession.
1.1.2 Shall not be considered in the pitching position unless the catcher is in position to receive the pitch.
1.1.3 Must have both feet on the ground within the 61.0 cm (24 inch) length of the pitcher's plate. The hips shall be in line with first and third bases and both feet must be in contact with the pitcher's plate.
1.1.4 Must, while standing on the plate and with the ball in either the glove or the pitching hand, take the signal, or appear to be taking a signal, from the catcher with the hands separated.
1.1.5 Must, after taking the signal, bring his whole body to a full and complete stop with the ball held in the hand or glove with both held together in front of the body. This position must be held for not less than one (1) second and not more than ten (10) seconds before releasing the ball.
Sec. 1.2. STARTING THE PITCH. The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of his wind-up.
Sec. 1.3. LEGAL DELIVERY.
1.3.1. The pitcher must not make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the ball to the batter.
1.3.2. The pitcher must not use a pitching motion in which, after having the ball in both hands in the pitching position, he removes one hand from the ball, takes a backward and forward swing, and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body.
1.3.3. The pitcher must not use a windup in which there is a stop, or reversal, of the forward motion.
1.3.4 The pitcher must not make two revolutions of the arm on the windmill pitch. However, he may drop his arm to the side and to the rear before starting the windmill motion. This allows the arm to pass the hip twice.
1.3.5. The delivery must be an underhanded motion, with the hand below the hip and the wrist not farther from the body than the elbow.
1.3.6. The release of the ball and follow through of the hand and wrist must be forward and past the straight-line position of the body.
1.3.7 Both feet must remain in contact with the pitching plate at all times prior to the forward step.
1.3.8 In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher may take one step with the leading, non-pivot foot simultaneous with the release of the ball. The step must be forward toward the batter and within the 61.0 cm (24 inch) length of the pitcher's plate.
NOTE: It is not a step if the pitcher slides his foot across the pitcher's plate, provided contact is maintained with the plate. Lifting the pivot foot off the pitcher's plate and returning it to the plate, creating a rocking motion, is an illegal act.
1.3.9 The pivot foot must remain in contact with, or may push off and drag away from, the pitcher's plate prior to the stepping (non-pivot) foot touching the ground, provided that the toe of the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground.
1.3.10. Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcher's plate before the stepping (non-pivot) foot has left the plate is considered a “crow hop” and is illegal.
1.3.11. The pitcher must not continue to wind up after releasing the ball.
1.3.12 The pitcher shall not deliberately drop, roll or bounce the ball in order to prevent the batter from hitting it.
1.3.13. The pitcher has 20 seconds to release the next pitch after receiving the ball, or after the umpire indicates, "Play Ball."
1.3.14 The hand must be below the hip on wind up and delivery, (no side arm/slingshot delivery.)
1.3.15 2 feet must be on the rubber to begin delivery.
Sec. 1.4 Any infraction of the above is an ILLEGAL PITCH
1.4.1 The umpire shall give a delayed dead ball signal.
1.4.2 If the illegal pitch is not hit
a) An extra ball is awarded to the batter (first base if ball four), and
b) Runners are advanced one base.
EXCEPTION: If a runner legally advances on the illegal pitch (passed ball or wild throw by the catcher or a wild pitch), any extra bases obtained may be retained.
1.4.3 If the illegal pitch is hit, the manager of the offensive team has the option of taking -
The award for the illegal pitch, or
The result of the play.
EXCEPTION: If the batter hits the ball, or swings for strike three, and reaches first base safely, and if all other runners have advanced at least one base on the batted ball, the illegal pitch is nullified. All actions as a result of the batted ball stand and no option is given.
1.4.4 If the manager does not take the result of the play, the illegal pitch is enforced by awarding a ball to the batter (first base if ball four) and advancing all runners one base. The ball is dead.
1.4.5 When an illegal pitch hits the batter, the ball is dead, the batter is awarded first base and all runners are advanced one base. No option is given.
1.4.6 NOTE: An illegal pitch shall be called immediately when it becomes illegal. If called by the plate umpire, it shall be called in a voice so that the batter and catcher will hear it. The plate umpire will also give the delayed dead ball signal. If called by the base umpire, it shall be called so that the nearest fielder will hear it. The base umpire will also give the delayed dead ball signal. Failure of the players to hear the call shall not nullify the illegal pitch.
1.4.7 The pitcher is allowed two infractions, the pitch will be called a "BALL", unless "HIT" if HIT the play will continue, if the runner reaches first base safely, the play will stand, if the runner does not reach first safely, then the pitch will be called a BALL
The pitcher will be removed from the pitching position upon the third infraction. This pitch will also be called a "BALL".
1.5 Pitching Distance is 46 feet from the back of home plate to the front of the pitching plate.
RULE 2. PLAYERS
2.1 A Team may bat all players in the lineup.
2.2 Any player arriving late may be added to the bottom of the lineup.
2.3 A player removed from the game, may not be allowed back into the game.
2.4 All players may be rotated in and out of the field, as long as they remain listed in the batting order.
2.5.1 A. team may replace an injured runner with another player without permission of the opposing team, provided the team with the injured runner has 9 or less players on the bench.
If the team has more than 9 players in the lineup, then the team may ask the opposing team for permission to have a runner for an injured player.
2.5.2 If the opposing team agrees, then the injured player may stay in the game. If the opposing team denies the request, then the team with the injured player may still put in a replacement runner. However in this case the injured player is removed from the game.
2.5.3 In any case, the runner must be replaced with the last person who was called out on the team.
2.6 If a team does not have 7 or more players by 15 minutes after game time, the game will be forfeited.
2.7 If a team has at least 8 players, they may play the game. However, when the 9th player position is due to bat, an automatic OUT will be called.
2.8 If a team has 7 players, they may ask the opposing team to lend them some players.
If the opposing team agrees, the game will be played.
If the opposing team denies the request, the game is forfeit.
RULE 3. OFFICIAL GAME and SCHEDULE
3.1. Games will consist of 7 innings.
3.2 The winning team will be awarded 2 points.
3.3 If a score is tied after 7 innings or called by darkness (during the regular season); each team will be awarded 1 point.
3.4 Games may not be cancelled or rescheduled except in the case of inclement weather.
3.6 In the case of INCLEMENT WEATHER, the two team managers must call each other and decide whether the game on the day in question, is to be played.
If the game is cancelled, the HOME TEAM manager must call Sean Smith at 547-6382
Or [The Umpire Scheduler] at least 1 hour before game time, two hours is preferred, to inform the umpires. If this does not happen, then the HOME TEAM will be billed for the cost of the umpires.
3.7 Rained out games will be rescheduled by Sean Smith at 547-6382 or 539-2461 (Cell)
RULE 4. HOME TEAM/VISITING TEAM
4.1 The Home team will supply their own bases, home plate, and be responsible for turning the lights on and off for late games.
4.2 The Home team as indicated on the schedule is responsible for supplying the bases and lining the diamond.
Failure to do so before the scheduled game start time will result in a $10.00 fine. The umpire will sign the game sheet to indicate the field was improperly prepared.
4.3 The home team will supply a pitching rubber.
4.4 The Home team will supply a double safe base First Base. Failure to do so will result in a $10.00 fine for the Home team.
4.5 All field equipment is available in the lock box at the back of the Portsmouth Tavern. The home team from the late game is responsible for returning all items to the lock box.
4.6 Each team must keep their own score and the score of the opposing team during the game.
4.7 The Home team will supply at least one new official ball per game. The official ball for the League is a Core .50 12 inch Leather Dynaflite.
4.8 The Visiting team will supply a secondary ball. The ball may be used; however, the condition of the ball must be acceptable for play and must be agreed upon by the Home team, and the umpire.
4.9 The WINNING team will e-mail sean.s@sympatico.ca the scores or phone 547-6382, 539-2461. In the case of a TIE, the home team is responsible for calling. Game sheets will be dropped off at The Portsmouth Tavern within 48 hours of the conclusion of the game.
4.9.1 Each team will pay the umpires $ 30.00 per game ($60.00 total). In the event of only 1 umpire present – the fee is $45.00 total.
RULE 5. FORFEITS
5.1 All forfeit games will carry a score of 7 to 0.
5.2 The forfeiting team, whether home or away will pay for the umpires.
5.3 If a team forfeits more than 2 games per season, they will automatically lose their performance bond.
RULE 6. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
6.1 Team rosters will be handed in to Garth Amey by June 1, 2004. Roster information must include players name, phone number, and date of birth. If a roster is not submitted by June 1st, the offending team’s games will be counted as a Forfeit until the roster is submitted.
6.2 Players who are absent for work purposes, on vacation, or injured may be noted on the bottom of the score sheet. It should also be initialed by the umpire.
6.3 Additional players may be added with the approval of the Executive in the case of injured players or players not available for the remainder of the season.
6.4 Players must play a minimum of 10 games to be eligible for post season play.
6.5. Maximum of 20 players on each team's roster.
6.6 Minimum age limit for players is 19 as of the first day of the season.
6.7 NO PLAYER IN THIS LEAGUE MAY PLAY IN A HIGHER CALIBRE FASTBALL LEAGUE. If a player begins the season in the Loughborough League, he must make a commitment to Kingston Men’s Fastball League no later than the team’s third game. Continuation of play in both leagues will result in forfeit of all league games in which that player has played from that date past the third game.
6.8 The team scorebook, must be available to the League Convenor upon request should a question about the eligibility of a player for playoffs arise.
RULE 7. UNIFORMS and PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
7.1 All teams must supply ball shirts (same co lour) for their players, and they must be worn at all games.
All players MUST wear team shirts of the same colour by June 1st or a fine of $10.00 will be removed from their performance bond.
7.2 Batting helmets must be worn at all times, while batting or running the bases.
ONLY DOUBLE EAR FLAP HELMETS ARE ACCEPTABLE – BASEBALL STYLE BATTING HELMETS ARE NOT PERMITTED
7.3 The catcher must wear a protective helmet.
7.4 Full metal cleats are allowed by all players.
RULE 8. PLAYING RULES
8.1 THE TEAM CAPTAIN (S) ARE THE ONLY INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE TO SPEAK TO THE UMPIRES. THE CAPTAIN (S) WILL IDENTIFY THEMSELVES TO THE UMPIRE, BEFORE THE START OF THE GAME. MAXIMUM OF 2 INDIVIDUALS
8.2. Team Captains or Managers are to keep a copy of the constitution with themselves at each and every game. This will be used to resolve any differences or discrepancies.
8.3.1 A time limit of one and a half hours is applicable to all games, except the playoffs.
No new inning is to start after one hour and twenty minutes.
8.3.2 The First Pitch for the early game will be at 6:30 and 8:30 for the late game.
8.3.3 A maximum of 1 minute will be allowed for warm up between innings. Teams must hustle on and off the field at all times.
8.4 A $25.00 dollar deposit is required for filing a protest. A protest must be filed with the League Convenor within 24 hours of the game in question. Protests will be heard by the League Executive. The deposit will be returned is the protest is awarded.
8.5 Before any major changes are made to the league rules, that could affect the leagues ability to survive, the league Convenor and/or the League Committee must approve.
8.6 LEAD OFF RULE - A player may not leave an occupied base until the ball has left the pitcher’s hand. A runner leaving the base before the pitcher has released the ball will deemed to have lead off and will be called OUT. The runner is OUT, and all other runners who advanced will return to the base previously occupied and a NO PITCH will be declared on the batter.
8.7 BUNTING RULE - Any batter who squares to bunt and then swings away, will be automatically called "OUT" whether contact is made or not.
8.8 CATCHER ON BASE RULE - When the offensive team has 2 OUT and the Catcher is on base, the last person to be declared OUT for the offensive team will run for the Catcher. The Catcher must proceed to the Bench to put on equipment for the next ½ inning.
RULE 9. PLAYER CONDUCT
9.1.1 A Player ejected from a game for foul language, bat throwing, intent to injure, unsportsmanlike conduct, or impairment, will be required to leave the ball diamond area.
9.1.2 The League Director, Executive, or Committee will not tolerate any abuse, verbal or other wise, towards any Umpire, Spectator, or Player.
9.1.3 Players will be ejected for any such offence. All ejections will appear on the Score Sheet.
9.2 If a VERBAL report is received from the umpires, concerning the conduct of a player, the player automatically receives a one game suspension for his first offence and three games for the second offence. A third offence will result in suspension for the remainder of the year and any post season play. The League Committee and the Executive will determine the player’s eligibility for the following season.
9.3 If a WRITTEN report is received from the umpires, the player is automatically suspended until The Executive holds a meeting to deal with the situation. A second written report will result in suspension for the remainder of the season and any post season play. The League Committee and the Executive will determine the player’s eligibility for the following season.
9.4 No drugs, alcohol, or other impairing substance will be consumed at the diamond.
9.5 Upon such occurrences, offenders are suspended for that game, if the offence occurs a second time, the team faces suspension.
9.6 If an Umpire deems that a player is impaired, that player will not be allowed to play, and will be ejected from the game.
9.7 TEAM CONDUCT
In the event a team is not upholding the league rules or not representing our league through proper conduct, sportsmanship, etc...
The team could be suspended or removed from the league. No money will be refunded.
A full investigation into any allegations will be made by the Executive and the League Committee.
RULE 10. EXECUTIVE
10.1 The League Committee will be made up of one representative from each team, or a designate. Each member of the League Committee will have one vote.
10.2 The League Executive will be made up of:
10.3 The Rules Committee will be made up of The League Committee Executive plus the Convenor.
RULE 11. PLAY OFFS
11.1 The play offs will begin one week after the end of the regular season.
11.2 The 9th place team will not be eligible for post season play
11.3 The play offs will begin with the following draw – 1 vs. 8; 2 vs. 7; 3 vs. 6; 4 vs. 5. The series will be a best –of- 3 series.
11.4 The winning teams will advance to “A” level and the losing teams will advance to the “B” level. The highest ranking winning teams in the “A” level will play the lowest ranking winning teams in a best- of- 5 series. The “B” level will be a best-of-3 series.
RULE 12. LEAGUE FEES
12.1 League fees are $500.00. This will include 1 dozen new balls plus the umpire assigning fee.
12.2 League fees will be split into two payments. $250.00 is due on April 29/04. $250.00 is due on June 1/04.
12.3 Each team’s Performance Bond must be maintained at $100.00 at all times.
 Rules
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