Turnpike Girls Softball League: 2008 17U+14U Rules and Bylaws

Turnpike Girls Softball League 2008 Rules for:
17U Division -&- 14U Division

Registration fees per team were eliminated. This applies to ALL TEAMS.
ASA rules to be followed with the exceptions noted below:

League Rules 17U and 14U Divisions:
1. Double First-base is mandatory starting in the 2005 season.
2. 'In-Field Fly' rule will be in effect for both divisions.
3. Instant Time-out for any injured player(s), with Immediate stoppage of play. Umpire will place the runners accordingly. Please review this rule with the umpire prior to the game.
4. Sliding to be allowed / book rule, collision must be avoided.
5. Pitching can be either windmill or slingshot, ASA or PIAA Pitching rules apply.
6. Pitching distance will remain at 40 feet for 17U and 14U division.
7. No run limit per inning.
8. Every player must play 2 innings and will bat at least once. Ten (10) players (max) on field defensively.
9. Catchers must squat, not allowed to go to one knee. Must be stressed by coaches & umpires. Forfeit of game can result if this rule is not abided.
10. Roster sizes recommended to be 15, but no less than 12. Each team is required to exchange line-ups (which will include players First & Last Name, along with the uniform number) prior to the start of each game. Changes must also be exchanged.
     Roster additions will be allowed until mid-season, cut-off date is _______________.
11. Must bring players up from 12U division for 14U (or 14U for 17U) to play, if short players. Please no forfeits.
12. Mercy Rule, 15 runs after 4 complete innings of play or
                          10 runs after 5 complete innings of play.
13. Seven (7) innings for both 14U and 17U division.
     14U now changed to 7 innings at 5-22-06 meeting.
14. One ASA certified umpire is required per game.
15. A 12”, Optic Yellow, .47 core, 375 Compression raised stitched ball is official for 17U and 14U divisions.
16. Bunting is allowed for both divisions.
17. Stealing is allowed on pitchers release of ball for both 17U and 14U divisions.
18. (14U Division) Players must be age 14 and under, ASA rules. The age of a player is on January 1st of the current year will determine eligibility. Ages would be 13 or 14, while 12U could be used only if skill level is adequate. 15 year olds are eligible if they turned 15 after December 31st. This would require towns to maintain a 12U division if possible.
19. (17U Division) Players must be age 16 and under, ASA rules. The age of a player is on January 1st of the current year will determine eligibility. Ages would be 15 or 16, while 14U could be used only if skill level is adequate. 17 year olds are eligible if they turned 17 after December 31st. This would require towns to maintain a 14U division if possible.
20. Dropped third strike is allowed, when less than two outs and first base is not occupied. NOTE: If the third out, out must be earned, regardless if first base is occupied or not.
21. Un-sportsman like conduct by a player, coach, or fan will result in the ejection of such person at the discretion of the umpire. That person can not participate in the next played game.
22. Courtesy runner for the catcher and pitcher at any time. If 10 players of less, courtesy runner will be the player who made the last out, unless pitcher or catcher.
23. ASA certified bats only.
24. NOCSAE Approved Helmets and Face Shield / Guards only and chin straps are mandatory, starting in the 2005 season.
25. Starting the 7th inning and beyond, International Rule will be in effect, last batter will start the next inning on 2nd base.
26.  There is no set number of time a pitcher can hit a batter in a given inning to be removed from pitching.  Manager and umpires are urged to use goo judgement in these situations.
27. Goal is real "Softball".
 
League By-Laws: 
1. ASA rules will be followed, except where noted by division.
2. The league will establish a "Review-Board" consisting of one representative from each town to decide disputes in a timely fashion. The Review-Board will cover all teams and all divisions in TGSL. (17U, 14U, 12U, and 10U).
3. Each town will have one vote on TGSL matters.
4. "Good-faith" money - Each town will put up $100 as "good- faith" money which will cover all teams in TGSL. This will be used to pay for the umpires in the event a team from the town forfeits a game. Games that are rescheduled with 48 hours notice will not be considered a forfeit. The balance of the "good- faith" money will be returned at the end of the season. Money may be carried over to the next year.
5. Entrance fee - Each team will pay a $25 fee per team plus a game ball. This will be used to cover the costs of a league "champion banner" and/or trophy and individual player "prize" (pin or trophy). The money may also be used to pay for balls and umpires for the opening day and/or playoffs (if the funds are sufficient).  $25.00 fee was eliminated in 2006.
6. New towns entering the TGSL association will be on a ONE year probationary period. During probation the town is not eligible to host opening day or playoff games. Also, any problems concerning the new town will go before the Review-Board, whose decision is final. Purpose: To prevent "loaded" teams and un-sportsman-like conduct from entering our organization.
7. The number of teams per town must be submitted at the Coaches' organizational meeting (usually the 1st week of April). No new teams will be admitted after ________. Final team rosters MUST be submitted at the scheduling meeting, prior to opening day. Your required to provide a copy of the roster to each team in your division and to the commissioner. No player can be added after the scheduling meeting unless approved by the League Commissioner. Rosters will include: First name, Last name, and date of birth. A copy of a players Birth Certificate must be made available to the League Commissioner within one week of a request. Each team may use "alternates", girls from their town's 10U division that may play in the event of absentees of regular players. Purpose: To eliminate the need for forfeits or unnecessary rescheduling of games.
8. Rosters should have a minimum number of 12 (15-recommended) but there is no upper limit. Ten players max, may be in the field. A team may start with 9, but if they drop to 8, but an out will be taken for that position. If a team drops to 7, will result in forfeit.
9. Season will run for approximately 7 weeks. The season will generally start May 1st and will conclude (including playoff games) before July tournaments. All games must be scheduled prior to June 26, 2005. If needed, the week of June 26th will be used for make-up games. The opening day "home" field will rotate in subsequent years.
10. League champion for 17U and 14U will be determined by a play-off format.
11. On weekday games, when there is school the next day, and a double- header is scheduled at a field…..there will be a 1 ½ hour time limit on both games. If you are in the top of an inning and the 1 ½ hour time limit has occured, finish the complete inning (providing the home team is not winning). If home team is winning you do not have to finish the bottom of the inning.    

12. Umpires for Opening Day and Playoff will be assigned by the League.  

13. Metal spikes will not be allowed in League play - added for 2008 season.

Umpires:
1. Jr. Umpires may be used to provide the on-the-job training. These umpires should also be paid the standard fee.   Umpire fee for all divisions is set at $25, starting in the 2007 season.  Approved $25 fee for the 2008 season.

Games & Equipment:
1. "Master ground rules" will prevail. An agreed upon amalgamation of each towns own local rules will be reviewed with the Umpire(s), prior to each game.
2. Latest time to start an inning will be _________ TBA.
3. Home team pays for umpire. (Except on opening day)
4. All teams in the league will play each other at least once. This will be determined based on the number of teams in each division, each year.
5. Batting lineup will be the roster, every player in batting lineup (12U & 10U division only). Substitutes can be used and re-entry is unlimited so long as players are in the same batting position (exception for an injured player).
6. Must have 9 players to start a game, 10 minute grace period will be allowed.
7. Backstops should be covered. (Purpose: to enhance pitcher concentration. fielding of hit balls and reduce fan disruptions.)
8. Catcher face mask must have throat protection and have properly attached.
9. Rain-outs: All rain-outs must be re-scheduled with 48 hours. Rainouts will be played on the next Saturday/Sunday and/or may be scheduled at a central field (field TBA and rotated). League president will set up the umpire for these games (on Central field) but it is the "home" team's responsibility to pay the umpire. Five complete innings for 14U & 17U is a complete game. Game less than this will resume play from the point the game was stopped. Notify League President & Commissioner of any discrepancies.
10. If required: Rain-outs will be scheduled for a all teams on a single date at a rotating "home" field.
11. Home Team Manager must notify League Commissioner of your division within 24 hours of any game that is cancelled, for any reason. (Rainouts, not enough players, etc.)
12. No jewelry of any kind. Umpires must enforce this rule.
13. The Manager of the Winning team is required to post the final score of his/her game using the our official league website http://www.eteamz.com/TurnpikeGirlsSoftball within 48 hours of the conclusion of the game. In the event you can not post your score to the official website, you are required to contact the commissioner of your division in the same 48 hours. If the winning manager does not post the final score and does not contact the Commissioner, both teams will receive a LOSE. This web site will contain a "CURRENT" team standings by division. The Commissioner will provide the ID and Password to enter score on the official website at the scheduling meeting. This website will be the official website of the Turnpike Girls Softball League (All Divisions).
14. There are no practice or scrimmage limits.
15. There are no limits on the innings a pitcher may pitch.