CENTENNIAL GIRLS FASTPITCH SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION
BY-LAWS AND PLAYING RULES
All business pertaining to the Association known as the Centennial Girls' Fastpitch Softball Association will be governed by a Board of Directors as follows:

         1. President
         2. Vice President
         3. Secretary
         4. Treasurer
         5. Equipment Manager
         6. Equipment/Uniforms
         7. Umpire-in-Chief
         8. Fundraising and Concessions
         9. Traveling Representative
       10. Groundskeeper

All decisions concerning Centennial Fastpitch Softball will be voted on by all members in attendance at meetings (simple majority prevails).

Centennial Girls' Fastpitch is affiliated with the Minnesota Sports Federation (ASA-MSF) and the Tri-County Softball League.



MISSION STATEMENT
The Centennial Girls' Fastpitch Softball Association's purpose is to create a league to improve the ability of the softball within the community.   We wish to increase the competitiveness of the individuals and of the teams.   We hope to support the school's athletics, promote the player's future athletics and to assist in building an increased level sportsmanship, responsibility, discipline and self-esteem within our young adults.   We hope our league will also assist in the development of future leaders.



GENERAL RULES

1. Players must be 18 years of age or younger on January 1 of the current playing year.
   
   
2. Due to insurance coverage, coaches, scorekeeper, batboy/batgirls and players are the only ones allowed in the team dugout or bench during the game.
   
   
3. Any league participant who is physically or verbally abusive will be warned and subject to suspension for the remainder of the season.
   
   
4. League participants under the influence of drugs or alcohol are not allowed at games or practices.   Violators will be required to leave the area immediately and are subject to suspension from the league for the remainder of the season.
   
   
5. To ensure good sportsmanship, all players and coaches will shake hands with opposing players and coaches after games.
   
   
6. Foul language will not be tolerated about the playing field by coaches, umpires, players or spectators.
   
   
7. BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS:
   
   1. Unsportsmanlike conduct by any player or coach will not be tolerated.
      
      First offense: verbal warning
      Second offense regardless if same player or coach will mean ejection from the game.
   2. The umpire has the right to call a game due to deliberate misconduct by anyone involved with the game. The umpire must give one warning before calling the game.
   
   
8. No smoking is allowed on the playing field, bench or dugout area at any time.   Us of any form of tobacco on school property is PROHIBITED.
   
   
9. Coaches may not hold the President and Traveling Representative positions on the board.
   
   
10. Grievance or complaint: Any player, coach or parent objecting to a procedure during a practice or game must file a written complaint to the Player Representative within 48 hours after the grievance.

PLAYER GUIDELINES

1. Absences:
   
   1. Players will notify the coach prior to any absence from a game or practice.
      
   2. Players will notify the coach at least one week prior to leaving when going on vacation.
      
   3. The player is subject to the coach's disciplinary action for unexcused absences.
   
   
2. Tennis shoes or rubber spikes are allowed, but not metal spikes.
   
   
3. Players warming-up a pitcher must wear catchers' masks.
   
   
4. Players must wear safety equipment at games and practices as follows:
   
   Catcher's mask, chest protectors batthing helmets when running, hitting, on deck or base coaching.
   
   
5. Long pants or shorts with sliding pads are mandatory at all practices and games.

COACH GUIDELINES

1. Head Coaches/Assistant Coaches must be 18 years of age or older.
   
   
2. The coach is responsible to see that equipment is not abused. During games, umpires will issue a warning to both player and coach if a player is observed abusing equipment, e.g. throwing a bat, helmet, or ball in frustration. If another violation by the same player occurs following the warning, that player shall be ejected by the umpire from the game.
   
   
3. Coaches are responsible to maintain orderly behavior by the players.
   
   
4. The head coach is the only member of the team to discuss rules, calls, etc., with the umpire.
   
   
5. Ground rules will be explained to coaches by the umpire before each game.
   
   
6. Two practices per week, minimum (unless team plays 3 games in a week). Practices are approximately 1-1/2 hours in length.
   
   
7. Coaches will be responsible to collect the uniforms and equipment following the last game of the season.
   
   
8. Home team coaches will call the Vice President for availability of fields for all make-up games. Make-up games must be scheduled within 5 days of cancellation. Make-up games must be played within 14 days of canceled game, unless scheduled otherwise by the Vice President due to lack of field space.
   
   
9. The Vice President will call the Umpire-in-Chief for umpires for all make-up games.
   
   
10. Coaches must hold a meeting, including players and parents, prior to any out of town tournaments, to clarify acceptable standards of behavior. Overnight accomodations will be closely chaperoned by an adult on all out of town trips.
    
    
11. Prior to the beginning of the season, coaches will determine and advise players of disciplinary action for unexcused absences for games and practices. Before the start of any game, the coach must notify the umpire and opposing team manager of disciplined players.

TRAVELING LEAGUE RULES
The traveling teams will play under ASA-MSF and Tri-County Softball League rules.