MAJOR DIVISION

1. TEAMS

A. Each team will field (10) players to start the game. The tenth position will be designated as short fielder.

B. Each player must play defense at least 3 innings per game. Defensive changes will be made prior to the bottom of the 4^th inning. When a violation is identified, it will immediately be corrected. ASA batter out of order rules will be enforced, if applicable. EXCEPTION 1: Injury or illness during game: a player may be removed at any time because of injury or illness. If a manager has made all of her/his defensive changes, (s)he may choose a player to replace the injured or ill player in the field. If no substitute is available, the game will continue with 8 or 9 players without penalty and the batter is removed from the batting order. EXCEPTION 2: Player is not present or available for play for full 3 innings may play less than 3 innings.

C. If a team has 10 or more players, it must start and play the game with 10. Per ASA 1999 rule change (Rule 4, Sec. 1-d(1)), if a team has either 8 or 9 players at any time it will be allowed to start and/or continue with 8 or 9 players without penalty.

D. There will be no designated hitter.

2. PITCHING

A. A Play week is defined as Sunday through Saturday

B. Each pitcher may pitch no more than 7 innings in two consecutive games in one play week. (One pitch constitutes an inning pitched) EXCEPTION: A pitcher may pitch beyond 7 innings in one game without it counting. (extra innings due to tie) Stat sheet will be provided for each game to be signed by both managers and turned in to the division president.

C. Pitching distance between pitcher’s plate and home plate shall be 40 ft.

2. RULES VIOLATIONS

A. Alleged violations of Rule #1 (TEAMS) must be presented to the Division president within 24 hours of the end of the game.

B. Confirmation of the rules violation will be handled appropriately and according to the League’s by-laws.

3. EQUIPMENT

A. In addition to catcher’s equipment per ASA rules, catchers will wear a throat protector and ear protection.

4. LINEUPS

A. Each manager will give the opposing manager a lineup card.

B. The lineup card will list all players and their numbers

5. MISCELLANEOUS

A. The only people allowed in the dugout are: team, manager, 2 coaches, and one scorekeeper. If manager, coaches and scorekeeper are all men, one woman must also be in the dugout. Any others associated with the team (parents, small children, etc.) are to be outside the fence.

B. Intentionally throwing the bat – batter is out, ball is dead, player is out of game (umpire’s judgment).

C. Base coaches may request time out only when coaching bases. The manager is the only one allowed to discuss plays, etc. with the umpire.

D. Omit sections in ASA rule book pertaining to the glove and bat.

E. Double Forfeit – in the event that neither team can field a complete team (8 or more players), it will be called a double forfeit and considered a loss for both teams.

F. ASA re-entry rule will not apply.

G. Any fly ball hit over the fence in fair territory is a home run regardless of field size.

H. When a team has scored 5 runs in an inning, that team’s turn at bat will be terminated. EXCEPTION 1: home run over the fence – all runs count – inning ends. EXCEPTION 2: 5-run rule will not apply in the 7^th inning or thereafter for either team.

I. Games that are not considered regulation or regulation tie games shall be resumed at point of suspension. Lineups shall remain the same on resumption of game. Players not available may be replaced by any other available team player.

J. Per ASA rule (Rule 4, Sec 9-B), any arguing of balls and strikes will constitute a team warning. Any repeat offense shall result in the ejection of that team member. A team member includes the players, manager, coaches, scorekeeper, substitutes, and anyone in the dugout.

3/2002