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 Rules |
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OPENING STATEMENT
CHAT-O-CATS
CHATEAUGUAY GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE
CHAT-O-CATS is organized to help provide enjoyable recreation for all concerned. Coaches, players, umpires and spectators play an important part in the results obtained. CHAT-O-CATS house rules shall govern play and conduct of the players and coaches in all league games. These rules have as their basis the development and teaching of good sportsmanship and fair play.
These shall be considered the Official CHAT-O-CATS Rules and Regulations. These rules will be published and distributed annually to all directors and coaches. The executive committee can recommend improvement to the rules. Changes to all rules require the majority vote of the executive committee.
There has never been a set of rules nor laws that are completely without so called "loopholes". When it is apparent that an individual or team is basing a protest or defense on merely a minor technical point or loophole which is contrary to tradition, accepted practice, fair play or good sportsmanship, the spirit of the law will be considered as well as the letter of the law.
A reminder that the coaches and spectators have a responsibility to themselves, the team, and the League to maintain a spirit of good sportsmanship. Please do so at all times.
CHAT-O-CATS CODE OF CONDUCT
GENERAL POLICY
Any initiation and/or acts of physical violence or abuse
(i.e. pushing, shoving, physically blocking the departure of an individual from any area, hitting, etc.) will result in automatic suspension of the privilege of attending any CHAT-O-CATS function for a period determined by the disciplinary and executive committee. This includes regular tournament games, practices, award ceremonies or any other related CHAT-O-CATS functions.
Any spectator, coach, or player, who verbally abuses players, coaches, umpires or other fans, will be removed from the game. The umpire is responsible for the control of the environment at the game site and has full discretion to make these judgements.
Any acts of demoralizing a team player by any Coach, player or spectator will not be allowed. This will result in ejection of the Coach, player or spectator from the game at the discretion of the umpire.
The disciplinary or executive committee may take further disciplinary action.
PLAYERS
If a player is ejected from a game by the umpiring staff, then that player is automatically ejected from the next game. The director of that division will notify the player's coach of the suspension. The severity of the suspension will be decided by the Executive Committee, depending upon the severity of the violation
COACHES
Coaches removed by an umpire from a game are automatically ineligible for the next regular season game. Coaches removed a second time from a regular season game are suspended for three-(3) regular season games. A third removal results in suspension for the remainder of the season or a minimum of 10 games bridging into the following season.
NOTE: The coach will be notified of any suspensions and will be responsible for insuring compliance with any suspensions, and will incur a ONE (1) game forfeiture for each instance of non-compliance.
UMPIRES
I. UMPIRES
Umpires shall be in charge of all games and must enforce all rules. No umpire-baiting by any team members are allowed. All disputes must be handled by the Coach and the umpire in a quick , gentlemanly and orderly manner. Coaches will see that no player on their team enters into disputes with the umpire.
An umpire cannot officiate a game in which such person has a relative playing or coaching. Only the Umpire in Chief under extraordinary circumstances can overrule the above.
CHAT-O-CATS will try, as much as possible, to promote umpires from within the organization.
GENERAL CHAT-O-CATS LEAGUE RULES
III. GENERAL CHAT-O-CATS RULES - ALL TEAMS
1. Each team will carry a minimum of eleven or a maximum of 14 players. Exceptions with Executive approval only.
2. All teams must follow a rotating batting order and all players must play a minimum of three (3) innings per game. No player shall sit out any part of two consecutive innings. Any team, on appeal, found in violation of this rule, will have six (6) runs awarded to the offended team. Any violation of this rule in the last inning will result in forfeiture of the game.
EXCEPTION: If the player is hurt or ill, the coach shall notify the umpire immediately.
3. A reserve player called up to Atom/Peewee to make ten (10) players and ends up being the eleventh (11), will not play. This rule for Mosquito will read " eleventh (11) being the twelfth (12). Benjiman/Cadet will read ninth(9) being the tenth(10).
4. A traveling team may only draw a player from a house league team after receiving approval from the Executive Committee.
A house league team cannot draw players from a CHAT-O-CATS travelling team.
5. The windmill pitching style is accepted in Mosquito, Benjiman and Cadet house league.
6. The home team shall occupy the bench on the 3rd base line.
7. A player cannot play up a division if she has a game to play in her own division.
8. When a player/batter is injured, the player who made the last out will run for the injured player.
9. The Official Scorekeeper will be the home team's scorekeeper.
10. All teams must choose a team name and give to their Director . The team name must include some reference to cats such as black panthers, loony cats, tiger cats etc. Names with violent overtones such as killer kats, man-slaughter cats, bride of chucky kittens will not be permitted.
11. All teams must show up for all regularly scheduled games regardless of the weather, unless otherwise notified.
12. Mound and base distances for each division are as follows;
DIVISION BASES MOUND
Novice 40ft 25ft
Atom 45ft 28ft
Peewee 55ft 35ft
Mosquito 55ft 35ft
Benjiman 60ft 38ft
Cadet 60ft 40ft
13. If seven players are available in all categories, the game must start as scheduled with no 15 minute grace period.
14. Time limits for games are as follows;
Field#1 Usually Benjamin or Cadet
6:30pm start of game
8:15pm no new inning
8:30pm no new batter
Field#1 Late Game - Benjamin or Cadet
8:45pm start new game
No new inning after 1 hour 45 minutes
No new batter after 2:00 hours
Peewee and Mosquito divisions
6:30pm start of game
8:15pm no new inning
Novice and Atom divisions
6:30pm start of game
8:00pm no new inning
Please note: Mosquito/Benjamin/Cadet Maximum six runs will be allowed per ½ inning, with the exception of the sixth inning or any other new inning starting after
1-1/2 hours of play where here is no maximum of runs allowed.
15. The umpire has the authority to terminate a game before its completion for reasons of bad weather, lightning, darkness, dangerous field conditions etc.
DRAFT RULES
IV. DRAFT RULES
1. Players will be rated before every draft by the existing Coaches, directors and executive members, to the best of
everybody's ability.
2. Players will be grouped into first year and second year players.These players will then be grouped into A, B, C categories.
From Mosquito division and up, the known pitchers and catchers will be segregated and drafted separately. They will also be grouped into A,B,C categories.
3. First year "C" rated players may have the option (at the parents request and executive committee discretion) to remain in the lower division for one year.
4. One head coach and one assistant coach allowed to protect their children at the draft table.
5. The draft will be conducted as follows:
a. Each Coach will pick a number of selection at random.
b. The last number will have first selection in the next category.
c. A coach must select protected players within the group being drafted.
d. Any trades must be completed at the draft before the coaches leave the room.
e. All teams are final once the draft is completed.
Note: The above draft rules to be reviewed and agreed upon by the coaches involved at draft time in order to keep the draft as fair as possible. Subject to change.
COACHES
V. COACHES
1. The executive committee shall have the authority to approve or disapprove all entries for coaching.
2. All coaches are required to fill a background check form and submit the
to their director.
3. Coaches are expected to participate 100% in fundraising, restaurant work duty, uniform/equipment control,league promotion and other duties.
4. Coaches are responsible for their players and assistants being informed of all the regulations and playing rules. Coaches are also responsible for the conduct and sportsmanship displayed by the players and assistant coaches during games. (see Chat-O-Cats code of conduct)
EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS
VI. EQUIPMENT
1. Catchers must wear a mask, chest protector, throat protector and a
protective cup while working behind the plate.
2. Batting helmets must be fastened at all times. Batting helmets must have two ear flaps and must be worn by all batters, runners and on deck batters, except for helmets that do not require straps.
3. All players must wear gloves, except first basemen and catchers, who may use a mitt instead of a glove.
4. Any player may use their own personal bat as long as it is approved by the Umpire in Chief and it conforms to the following regulations. OFFICIAL SOFTBALL bat, no longer than 34"long or more than 2-1/4" diameter at its largest part.
5. All coaches are responsible for all equipment issued to them by the
League. No awards will be presented to any team who has not turned in its equipment at the end of the playing season.
6. All equipment must be returned at the end of the playing season. NO EXCEPTIONS
VII. UNIFORMS
1. A twenty-dollar uniform deposit is mandatory for all players. A check, post dated for September 30 of the current playing year is acceptable and will not be cashed if the uniform is returned.
2. All players must wear their team uniform and league cap with the sweaters tucked in properly at every game. Players who show up for games without the above will not be allowed to play the game. Umpires will be enforcing this rule vigorously. Coaches are responsible for ensuring that this rule is abided to by his players.
2. Metal spikes are prohibited.
PROTESTS
VIII. PROTESTS
1. Decisions on protest, violations or interpretations of the rules shall be decided by the Umpire in Chief. The Executive Committee will resolve disputes and protests when the Umpire in Chief is not available.
2. Protests will be heard only if the following procedure is followed;
a. Notification to the Home Plate Umpire before the next pitch.
b. The protest must be registered onto the Official score sheet.
c. Protest to be filed in writing, giving a full explanation and details within 48 hours following the scheduled time of the game in question. All protests to be forwarded to the Grievance and Discipline Person in Charge.
d. Protests on judgement calls will not be heard.
e. Appeals regarding interpretations or violations of administrative rules will be heard by the Executive Committee when said appeals are presented in writing and no more than five days has elapsed since the alleged violation.
3. Umpires shall be in charge of all games and must enforce all rules. No umpire-badgering by any team members are allowed. All disputes must be handled by the Coach and the umpire in a quick,gentlemanly and orderly manner. Coaches will see that no player on their team enters into disputes with the umpire.
FUND-RAISING
IX. FUND RAISING
1. No CHAT-O-CATS team or individuals are allowed to hold fund raising projects in the name of CHAT-O-CATS without prior approval of the Executive Committee.
PLAYER CALL-UPS
X. PLAYER CALL-UPS
1. A reserve player called up to Atom/Peewee to make ten (10) players and ends up being the eleventh (11), will not play. This rule for Mosquito will read " eleventh (11) being the twelfth (12). Benjiman/Cadet will read ninth(9) being the tenth(10).
2. Player call-ups are subject to the following rules;
a. Must not have a regularly scheduled game in their own division at the time.
b. Must wear a CHAT-O-CATS uniform and cap.
c. Can pitch.
d. Must be reported to the opposing team's coach before the start of the game.
e. Coaches who call up a player must insert that player into the line up as if they were a regular player.In the Atom and Peewee divisions, the callup must bat at the top of the batting order.
f. Call up players must be called from the division below.
Teams cannot call up players from two divisions down.
Preference should be given to second year players as much as possible.
g. Every callup has the right to play at least half the game ex: three innings in benjamin and cadet
Even if the regular team player that she is replacing shows up to play after the game starts.
NOVICE TEEBALL RULES
1. There is no score keeping in the novice tee ball level.
2. There are no balls and strikes in the novice tee ball level.
3. A dead ball is a legally batted ball that, in the umpires opinion, will not or could not have crossed the playing line, even if the ball is fielded. EXCEPTION: If the ball is caught in flight, then the play is live and the batter is out.
4. The batters feet must be in the batters box when the ball is hit.
5. Batters must not throw their bats after hitting the ball. The umpire will warn the players.
6. After a fair hit ball, the play will be stopped by the umpire when any infielder has control of the ball with her hand raised showing the ball. Time will be called and the base runners, in the best judgement of the umpire, will be held on the base that they previously occupied or the unoccupied
base ahead of them.
7. A rotating batting order will be used and every batter will bat in every inning. Any player who shows up late may bat in the
next inning as last batter. Unless their name is on the scorecard, they will bat in that order.
9. The pitcher must remain inside the circle beside or behind the pitching rubber. If a batted ball is fielded within the circle, the player fielding the ball must roll the ball to a base or hold onto the ball with hand raised to stop the play from continuing. If the player fields the ball in the circle and tries to run down a player, time will be called by the umpire and the runner will be awarded first base. Other base runners will be forced accordingly.
10. No bunting allowed. The infield fly rule does not apply.
11. REGULATION GAME FOR NOVICE ONLY IS THREE
(3) INNINGS.
12. Outfielders shall play on the outfield grass or just behind the designated white line in front of the infield and cannot enter the infield until the ball is hit. Outfielders cannot stop the play. The ball must be in the possession of an infielder in order to stop the play.
8. The umpire shall call "LAST BATTER" for every last batter per half inning.
9. Coaches are allowed on the field in order to give instruction to the players for the first five games of the year.
ATOM TEEBALL/PITCHBALL RULES
1. Games will consist of four (4) innings. A game will be official after two(2) innings, or one and one half innings if the home team is winning.
2. A rotating batting order will be used and every player will bat in every inning.
3. Each batter will receive three (3) pitches per at bat. If the batter does not hit the ball fairly after three pitches, She automatically receives two strikes. The batter shall then hit off of the tee.
One swing and a miss off of the tee and the batter is out.
4.Any player who throws their bat will be called out.
5.The umpire shall call "LAST BATTER" for every last batter per half inning.
6. Each defensive team must have five (5) infielders at all times besides the pitcher and the catcher. The fifth (5th) infielder
must take her position behind the baseline and in front of the outfield grass, between first and second base.
7. Only the offensive coaches in the coaches box, situated beside first and third bases
may give directions to their batters or
runners when the ball is in play. Base runners who are touched by a base coach while the ball is in play will automatically be called out.
8.The "PITCHER COACH" for the offensive team cannot give runner instructions while the ball is in play. If the "PITCHER COACH" does give instructions while the ball is in play, the umpire shall call time and declare the runner closest to home plate out. If the "PITCHER COACH" continues to give instructions, the above penalty will be applied and he will be removed from the game.
9. If the "PITCHER COACH" interferes with a player fielding the ball, the umpire shall signal delayed dead ball, and if the defensive team makes an out the play will stand.If no out is made the play will be replayed.
10. If a fair batted ball hit by the last batter rolls under the outfield fence, a HOMERUN will be awarded by the umpire.
11. On the last batter, the pitcher must remain inside the pitcher's circle and all infielders must remain in the infield.
12. Base stealing is not permitted in Atom. Any player leaving her base before the ball is hit will be declared out.
13. Balls must be thrown to the intended target for an out. Balls that are rolled to the target will not count. Batter and
all runners will be declared safe by the umpire.
14. Coaches are obliged to use different players at the pitcher and first base positions every inning throughout the game. Coaches are also encouraged to do the same
at other key positions such as shortstop, second base etc.throughout the game. Umpires will be enforcing this rule.
15. The pitcher must remain inside the circle beside or behind the pitching rubber. If a batted ball is fielded within the circle,the player fielding the ball must make a throw to a base or hold onto the ball with hand raised to stop the play from continuing. If the player fields the ball in the circle and tries to run down a player, time will be called by the umpire and the runner will be awarded first base. Other base runners will advance one base. If the ball is fielded outside the circle, then it becomes a fielder's choice.
16. The umpire will stop the play and call time when the ball is in the possession of an infielder and her hand is raised with the ball.
17. Coaches are allowed on the field in order to give instruction to the players for the first five games of the year.
PEEWEE RULES
1. Games will consist of five (5) innings. A game will be official after three(3) innings, or two and one half innings if the home team is winning.
2. A rotating batting order will be used and every player will bat in every inning.
3. Each batter will receive five (5) pitches per at bat. If the fifth (5th) pitch is a foul ball that is not caught, the batter will receive another pitch. If in the umpires judgement the fifth pitch to the last batter is an obvious attempt at a wild pitch all runners will be declared out and the pitcher coach will be warned.
4. The umpire shall call "LAST BATTER" for every last batter per half inning.
5. The umpire shall call "LAST PITCH" for the fifth (5th) pitch. Failure of the umpire to call out "LAST BATTER" or "LAST PITCH" will not result in the play being replayed.
6. Each defensive team must have five (5) infielders at all times besides the pitcher and the catcher. The fifth (5th) infielder
must take her position behind the baseline and in front of the outfield grass.
7. Only the offensive coaches in the coaches box , situated beside first and third bases may give directions to their batters or runners.Base runners who are touched by a base coach while the ball is in play will
automatically be called out.
8. The "PITCHER COACH" for the offensive team cannot give runner instructions while the ball is in play. If the "PITCHER COACH" does give instructions while the ball is in play, the umpire shall call time and declare the runner closest to home plate out. If the "PITCHER COACH" continues to give instructions, the above penalty will be
applied and he will be removed from the game.
9. If the "PITCHER COACH" interferes with a player fielding the ball, the umpire shall signal delayed dead ball, and if the defensive team makes an out the play will stand. If no out is made the play will be replayed.
10.If a fair batted ball hit by the last batter rolls under the outfield fence, a homerun will be awarded by the umpire.
Any other batter will be awarded a ground rule double.
11. On the last batter, the pitcher must remain inside the pitcher's circle and all infielders must remain in the infield.
12. Base stealing is not permitted in PeeWee. Any playerleaving her base before the ball is hit will be declared out.
13. All players will play on offense and on defense. Ten runs will count in each inning, if ten players are present on each team. It is the coaches responsibility to call up spares in order to fill his/her roster to the required ten. In house league play, a reserve called up to make ten (10) players and ends up being the eleventh (11), will not play.
14. Play will be stopped when, in the umpire's judgement, an infielder has
control of the ball and there is no further advancement of the runners.
The umpire will use his/her best judgement to advance runners or send runners back to their previously occupied base, based upon their position in-between bases at the moment that time is called.
MOSQUITO RULES
1. Games will consist of (5) innings. A game will be official after (3) three innings or two and one half (2-1/2) innings if the home team is winning.
2. Pitchers/catchers can only pitch/catch a maximum of (2) two innings.
3. Rotating batting order will be used and every player must play a minimum of three (3) innings defensively.
4. A maximum of eleven (11) players will be on the field defensively including two (2) rovers situated on the outfield grass.
5. Base stealing is permitted only after a pitched ball has crossed the home plate. EXCEPTION: Stealing of home plate is not permitted. Any base runner who arrives safely on third base or who rounds third baseand returns to tag shall be declared safe and is ineligible to continue to home plate. The runner on third must now be walked in or batted in. If the runner leaves third base for any other reason, she will be declared out.
6. Batters are automatically out on a dropped third (3rd) strike.
7. A maximum of six (6) runs per ½ inning will be allowed, with the exception of the fifth (5th) inning or any new inning starting after 1-1/2 hours of play where there is no maximum of runs allowed.
8. The batter who was at bat when the sixth run scored will bat first in the next inning.
9. Since this is the first year that players are allowed to pitch, the umpires in this level will be instructed to widen their strike zone in an effort to render the game more interesting to all involved. Coaches are asked to be more understanding of this
fact and are asked to instruct their batters accordingly.
BENJIMAN/CADET RULES
1. Games will consist of six (6) innings. A game will be official after four (4) innings, or three and a half innings if the home team is winning.
2. Pitchers may only pitch three(3) innings.
3. BENJIMAN DIVISION ONLY: CATCHERS may only
catch for three(3) innings.
4. CADET DIVISION ONLY: CATCHERS may catch the complete six (6) inning game.
5. A rotating batting order will be used and every player must play at least three(3)innings defensively. Absolutely no player shall sit out in any part of two consecutive innings. If a player does sit out in any part of two consecutive innings, the offending team shall forfeit maximum runs that inning. EXCEPTION: If the player is hurt or ill, the coach shall notify the umpire immediately.
6. Maximum of 9 players will be allowed on the field defensively.
7. Base stealing is permitted once the pitcher has released the ball.
8. The batter can gain first base on a dropped third strike.The catcher must tag the batter out or make a successful throw out at first base.
9. A maximum of six runs will be allowed per ½ inning, with the exception of the sixth inning or any other new inning starting after
1-1/2 hours of play where here is no maximum of runs allowed.
The batter who is at bat when the sixth run is scored will bat first in the next inning.
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