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 Constitution |
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Thursday, March 30
OCSL 2007 Constitution
OCSL Constitution
OTTAWA CONVENTIONAL SOFTBALL LEAGUE
RULES AND REGULATIONS
1.0 CASA RULES
1.1 The CASA rulebook will govern any items not covered by these rules and regulations.
1.2 Any items not covered by these rules and regulations, or in the CASA rulebook, will be decided by the League Executive.
2.0 TEAM ROSTERS
2.1 Each team may sign as many male players. Players signed must be 18 years of age or older before the first game of the season.
2.2 It is the responsibility of each team representative to ensure that there team have submitted a maximum of 22 names to the League Executive. New players may be entered on their team list at any time.
2.3 A player can neither sign nor play for more than one team within the same division season except by trade or waivers or playing.
2.4 Teams are allowed to trade players as long as both teams have not played more than 12 games. The League Executive must be notified, in writing, by both teams involved in a trade before the traded players can play for their new teams. Players name will be added to the new team and removed from the other.
2.5 A player must participate in a minimum of one-third of the regular season games (8 games) to be eligible for the playoffs. A player must have at least one plate appearance in a game to qualify for participation in a game. When the DP option is used, the player who is the DEFO is counted as having a plate appearance when the DP position comes up. Players in attendance but not able to join a game shortened due to the mercy rule will be given credit for a game by being listed as substitutes on the score sheet which would be signed by the umpire (signature over the names).
2.6 All teams player list will be reviewed by the executive, prior to commencement of the OCSL playoff. If a team uses an ineligible player in the playoffs, that team will automatically forfeit the game. An official protest is not required.
2.7 Players unable to play because of injury may still acquire eligibility for playoffs if the games missed due to injury result in said player not participating in the required one third of regular season games. The Executive will render a decision, if necessary in this regard. The League Executive must be notified regarding injured players who might be short of games.
2.8 Once a player listed with a particular team in any OCSL division that player is obligated to play for said team unless traded. (See Trade Rules sec 2.4) This player is not able to play in any lower division unless he is considered to be a DOUBLE ROSTER PLAYER, or a DOUBLE ROSTER PITCHER.
Double Roster Player (DRP)
Any upper tier team is allowed to pick up to 3 players from a lower tier as Double Roster Players. These players are exclusive to one upper team only and must be listed with said team and are designated as a DRP. Teams still have to follow guidelines under the OCSL constitution. A DRP can play unlimited games with the team he is listed as DRP.
Double Roster Pitcher (DRPIT)
An upper tier player can pitch in any lower tier, must be declared to the league executive, and are subject to approval yearly. Any DRPIT must be listed with both their upper tier team, and their lower tier team. A DRPIT can pitch unlimited games with each team he is listed with. A DRPIT can only play with a maximum of two teams, in two different divisions. A DRPIT listed below can pitch and hit in a lower division team. These are the only pitchers in the league that will be allowed to move down to a lower tier. This is subject to league approval yearly.
2.9 Any pitcher who wishes to pitch in an upper tier can do so as long as the opposing team is aware of that pitchers status and is willing to allow him to pitch.
2.10 Some upper tier pitchers can pitch in C division to maintain a competitive edge with existing teams. These pitchers have to pitch 12 games to qualify for playoffs in C.
3.0 GAME REGULATIONS
3.1 For each regular season game, the home team will supply a new ball, and the visiting team will supply a “good” second ball. The home team has the option of providing the second ball. Both teams must supply a new ball for each playoff game. The approved ball is the Dudley/Spalding SB12/177s Cork Low Compression .47 or .44.
3.1 See pictured list of illegal bats on the OCSL web site.
At the same time ANY Composite or Titanium bat is illegal regardless of whether it's on these two lists or not as stated in the constitution and this has not changed. A Composite bat is defined as having a barrel or hitting area of the bat made of a composite material. So called half and half bats with a composite handle but aluminum barrel or hitting area, such as the Demarini White Steel is legal.
Note that the legality of bats can change over the course of the season and the league retains the right to add bats to the list, if they present a safety concern, or the bats saftey rating by either the ASA or Bomani should change.
But keep in mind that all composite & Titanium bats are illegal. If you are in doubt ask before you buy.
3.2 The home team is responsible for diamond layout and must supply pegged bases if necessary. Teams should have a hammer, tape measure, and short pins to do this. The home team is responsible for supplying a home plate if this is deemed necessary by the umpire. Diamond layouts are in accordance with CASA guidelines.
3.3 Each team must wear either a complete uniform or a team sweater (T-shirts are acceptable). A team is recommended to wear uniforms or sweaters by the sixth regular season game or be subject to a $10 fine at the discretion of the grievance committee. An exception may be made if a team can prove that uniforms or sweaters are on order. After a team has acquired uniforms or sweaters, a player will not be allowed to play unless they are wearing a matching sweater. In a dispute over matching sweaters, the League President will make the final decision concerning a player’s eligibility in a game. The opposing team must lodge any protest regarding uniforms before the beginning of the game or at the time the player in question enters the game.
3.4 Each team is to play with 10 players but can play with 9 or even 8.
At the beginning of each game a team must declare they are playing with 9 or 10. This must be declared at the captain's meeting before each game in front of the umpire. However, should a team declare 9, that team has to end the game with 9 even if a 10th player shows up.
Should a team start with 9 players and declare 10, that team will have until the 10th player comes to bat or the end of the first inning, whichever comes first, to add a 10th man. If the inning ends or the 10 at bat is reached, that team has to finish the game with 9 even if the 10 player show up.
If a team has less than eight players when a game is scheduled to start, it will be allowed 15 minutes to field 8 players. If after the 15 minute grace period the team cannot field eight players, the game will be forfeited; the opposing must have at least 8 players to be awarded a win in this situation. A team must start a game with 8 players, but the 9th player is an automatic out. If a 9th batter arrives, they can join the game at any time but they must bat in the 9th batter position. All games started with 9 players (10 when using the DP) must be finished with 9 players (10 when using the DP unless either the OP and DEFO can leave the game legally) unless a player leaves because of injury. If there is a dispute about the legitimacy of the injury, the umpire’s decision shall be final. In all other cases, if a player leaves a game or is ejected and their team cannot replace them, the team will forfeit the game. The missing 10th spot is not considered an out in the above situation.
If a team starts a game with 8 players, they may increase to a maximum of 9 players any time. No team can finish a game with less than 9 players (see above). Should a team start with 10, they are permitted to lose one player to ejection or injury and finish with nine. Should a team start with 8, they must finish with 8. Ejection or injury will forfeit the game in that circumstance.
3.5 Games will commence at 6:45 PM and 8:45 PM. In the first game, no inning can start after 8:30. Once an inning does start, you can finish it. In the second game, no inning can start after 10:30. Games are 1:45 minutes in the league standard.
3.6 In the case of rain or darkness, a regular season game can be officially ended if 5 complete innings have been played. If a playoff game that has gone 5 complete innings cannot be completed due to rain or darkness, it will commence before the start of the next scheduled game and started where it left off.
3.7 Rained out games will be cancelled and rescheduled by the League Scheduler. If it rains during a game, the umpires must wait at least 15 minutes before deciding whether to call the game. If a game is called due to rain or darkness before 5 complete innings have been played, the game will be rescheduled and started as a new game.
3.8 All teams have one week in which to reschedule cancelled games. The rescheduled games must be co-coordinated with the League scheduler. The League Scheduler will provide the teams with alternative dates if available. If an agreement cannot be made between the two teams for a new date, a new date will be chosen by the League President without recourse of an appeal. The League Executive reserves the right to reschedule all playoff games.
3.9 A regular season game can only be cancelled under two conditions: weather conditions; or, if both teams agree and notify the League President. An exception can be made if a team is involved in a tournament final and can get approval for cancellation from the opposing team. It is up to the teams to agree to a rescheduled date subject to the approval of the League Scheduler. Cancellations will not be allowed within the last month of the season.
3.10 A game will be ended under either of the following two conditions: one team is ahead by 9 or more runs after the fifth or sixth inning; or, if a team holds a lead of 15 or more runs after the end of the third inning and the game has been in progress for at least 1 hour.
3.11 The OCSL sanctions the use of the designated player (DEFO) rule. Refer to the CASA rulebook definition.
3.12 Definition of Orthodox Pitching:
PITCHING RULES (ORTHODOX/BOWLING STYLE)
PRELIMINARIES. The pitcher shall take a position with both feet on the ground and in contact with, but not off the side, of the pitcher's plate.
• The pitcher, while standing on the pitcher's plate, must take the signal from the catcher or look at the catcher. If the signal is taken, it must be taken while the pitcher has both feet with contact with the pitcher's plate. The ball must be held in one hand (either bare hand or glove) and the hands must be separated.
• Preliminary to starting the delivery, the pitcher must bring his whole body to a full and complete stop facing the batter with his hips in line with first and third base and with the ball held in one or both hands. This full and complete stop position must be maintained for a minimum of one second and not more than ten seconds before starting the pitch.
• The pitcher shall not be considered in the pitching position unless the catcher is in position to receive the pitch.
• The pitcher may not take the pitching position on or near the pitcher's plate without having the ball in his possession.
THE PITCH starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of his windup.
• In the act of delivering the ball, a pitcher will be allowed to step back. The league will allow some flexibility with regard to giving the opportunity for a pitcher to step back upon release, similar to Quebec Orthodox softball. This means that pitchers will still have to start with both feet on the plate but can do a small step back during the wind up. The league reviewed this rule as a means to attract more teams to the league (from nearby Quebec leagues) and to allow easier flow and improved pitching through technique and speed. This rule, however small, will be reviewed in the 2007 season to judge its effect, if any, on the competitive nature of the league.
• Pushing off the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcher's plate is illegal.
NOTE: It is not a step if the pitcher slides his foot across the pitcher's plate provided contact is maintained with the pitcher's plate. Raising the foot off the plate and returning it creates a rocking motion and is an illegal act.
A LEGAL DELIVERY SHALL BE A BALL WHICH IS DELIVERED TO THE BATTER WITH AN UNDERHANDED MOTION.
• The pitcher's arm should draw a figure eight during the complete motion or the pitcher may use a bowling style as long as the downward motion does not have an abrupt stop near the hip.
• The release of the ball must be on the first forward swing of the pitching arm past the hip. The release must have a complete smooth flow-through with no abrupt stop of the arm near the hip.
• The ball must not be outside the pitcher's wrist and the wrist must not be farther from the body than the elbow on the downward motion and during the complete forward delivery.
• On the forward swing of the pitching arm, the elbow does not have to be locked at the point of release. The driving hip must be squared to home plate when the ball is released.
• He may take the ball behind the back on the backswing.
• The delivery must be an underhand motion with the hand below the hip and the palm may be pointing downward or upward.
• The pitch is complete when the ball is released toward the batter.
• The catcher must remain within the lines of the catcher's box until the pitch is released.
• The catcher shall return the ball directly to the pitcher after each pitch, except after a strikeout or a put out made by the catcher.
• The pitcher has twenty (20) seconds to release the next pitch after receiving the ball or after the umpire indicates "play ball".
• The pitcher's arm should draw a figure eight during the complete motion or the pitcher may use a bowling style.
THE PITCHER MAY USE ANY WINDUP DESIRED PROVIDED.
• He does not make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the ball to the batter.
• He does 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 a forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body.
• He does not use a windup in which there is a stop or a reversal of the forward motion.
• He does not use a windmill or slingshot type pitch or make a complete revolution in the delivery.
• He does not continue to wind up after taking the forward step which is simultaneous with the release of the ball.
NOTE: A slingshot type pitch is defined as "turning the body toward the first or third base and bending the elbow during the backswing".
PENALTY/INFRACTION FOR AN ILLEGAL PITCH
• The umpires shall rule on whether a pitcher is using the correct style as per the constitution (Amendments underway) if approved. If a pitcher violates the pitching rule, a pitch is considered ‘illegal’ and the rule will be applied as per Softball Canada - Section 6.
• PENALTY/INFRACTION: In summary, a ball is awarded to the batter and all baserunners advance one-base. However, if the batter hits a fair ball and advances to first base and all base-runners advance at least one base the 'illegal pitch is nullified. If the batter-runner and all base-runners do not advance at least one base then the offensive team has the option of taking the result of the play or having the batter return to the plate with an additional ball awarded to the batter and all base-runners advance one-base from the time of the 'illegal' pitch.
o The pitching distance shall be 40’ measured from that back of the batters plate to the front of the pitcher’s plate.
o The game umpires shall rule on whether a pitcher is using the correct style as per the constitution. An illegal pitch is defined as a delayed dead ball situation. Once an illegal pitch as been called, a "ball" is awarded to the batter and everyone on base advances one base. If the ball is hit, the manager or coach, has the option of letting the play stand or taking the illegal pitch. The bottom line is: Umpires will be the final say on illegal pitching in the OCSL.
o It should be noted that the interpretation of the OCSL Orthodox Pitching Rules are not up to committee. It is the umpires and their enforcement of our rules that will dictate legal and illegal pitching in the league. The Executives are confident that umpires, now that the rules have been evaluated and assessed, will be able to fairly and accurately judge orthodox pitching in our league without bias or misinterpretation.
3.13 Playoff
(a) All teams make the playoffs.
(b) If teams are tied after the regular season, the team with the most wins will be awarded the higher position in the standings. lf the teams have the same number of wins, the regular season record between the two teams will be used to decide the higher position. If the teams are still tied, then the total run differential will be used: first in games between the two teams, or failing this, the total run differential in all regular season games of each team.
(c) The playoff draw for either division will match the highest-ranking team against the lowest ranking team. Ex.: 1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, etc.
(d) Playoff format will be as followed
i. Quarter Finals will be best of 5
ii. Semi Finals will be best of 5
iii. Finals will be best of 5
(e) If a playoff game is tied after 7 complete innings, the game will continue until the tie is broken, if the game is called due to darkness or rain, it will commence before the next scheduled game and be started where it left off.
3.14 Bad conduct on an umpire will not tolerate language. Failure to obey this rule will result in the suspension of the responsible player and/or their team.
3.15 Each team has the responsibility of keeping the parks used by the OCSL clean and tidy.
3.16 Metal spikes are not allowed as part of the footwear.
4.0 UMPIRES
4.1 A league game cannot be played without an official umpire present unless both teams agree upon an alternative solution. This agreement must be in writing and signed by each team representative. A copy of this agreement shall be given to the Umpires Liaison.
4.2 Terms and payment schedule will be determined before each season by agreement between the League Executive and the umpire association.
4.3 The plate umpires decision is final in any dispute regarding judgment calls.
4.4 An individual cannot both play and umpire within the same OCSL Division, including playoffs.
5.0 GAME or TEAM FORFEITURE
5.1 Forfeiture takes place when a team cannot field more than seven signed players. Normally, more than two forfeitures during the season will result in an automatic suspension from the league. If a team is suspended or withdraws from the league, all remaining games will be awarded to the opposition. The team will not receive a refund from the league except bonds unless these are necessary to cover any remaining debts.
5.2 A team will pay the league a fine of $50.00 for each game forfeited according to article 1 above. The fine will be paid from the teams bond according to section 10.1.1.
5.3 A game site defaulted or forfeited game counts as a game played by all verified players present, but not as win for the pitcher. When a game is forfeited in time to cancel the game and notify the players of the non-forfeiting team, all players of the non-offending team gets a one game credit for all players listed on the team’s roster. The final score for a forfeited game will be recorded as 7-0.
6.0 PROTESTS
6.1 To protest a game, a coach or manager must do the following:
(a) Announce the protest before the next pitch after the Incident;
(b) Have the plate umpire sign the game score sheet at the time of the objectionable incident or note it when it occurred;
(c) Deliver a written report of the incident to an executive member who was not involved in the incident within 48 hours of the occurrence; and
(d) Notify the Grievance Chairperson of the protest.
6.2 Enclose $10.00 cash with the protest report.
6.3 If the Grievance Chairperson agrees that the protest is “valid’, the Grievance Committee will meet and rule on the protest. The $10.00 will only be returned if the protest is “valid”.
7.0 STATISTICS
7.1 Each team must designate one person as the team statistician. The statistician will have to enter all the information on the OCSL web site. The team statistician will comply with League directives regarding statistics.
7.2 If you are unable to do so you will be asked to supply all your score sheets to a division representative and he will input the information on your behalf.
7.3 The league will publish a stat sheet at least four times a season with the teams standing, batting and pitching statistics, etc.
7.4 The league will decide at the start of each season the trophies to be awarded.
8.0 GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE GUIDELINES
8.1 The Grievance Committee will be asked to render a decision if a request for discipline is submitted to the League Executive by an opposing team or the Umpires Association. The coach of the opposing team must ask for an Umpire’s report when lodging a complaint.
8.2 The Grievance Committee has 5 members and is chaired by the President, who is allowed a vote. If a committee member cannot attend a meeting, they must provide a suitable replacement subject to approval by the Chairperson. The Committee cannot rule unless five votes are cast, if a Committee member is associated with a player in question, they are not allowed to cast a vote on the ruling. If a member does not attend a meeting and does not provide a replacement, they will be replaced by someone selected by the Chairperson. All rulings are final.
8.3 The Committee must meet as soon as possible after a request for discipline is submitted. A player may continue to play until the committee meets. A report will be made to the League Executive who will deliver the ruling to the affected player(s). If a suspension is issued, it will start when the player is notified and must be served in consecutive games.
8.4 The suspension guidelines are:
(a) Game ejection with report from game umpire for;
i. Bat swinging, or equipment throwing at or near an umpire, a player, or a fan in an aggressive manner - minimum 1 games suspension
a. For subsequent offences – minimum 3 games suspension with possible suspension for the balance of the season including playoffs.
ii. Fighting – minimum 3 games suspension
iii. Touching/hitting of an umpire – minimum 3 games with possible suspension for the balance of the season including playoffs. Player will have to be re-evaluated if he wants to re-enter the league for next season.
8.5 No member of the League Discipline Committee shall be allowed to vote or legislate on his or her behalf concerning disciplinary action.
9.0 LEAGUE BONDS
9.1 The team bond shall be determined by the League Executive by the second meeting of each season and shall carry over year to year while a team is a member of the OCSL. The bond will be used for the following purposes:
(a) General fines including forfeits missed meetings and other fines as deemed by the League Executive. Each team must maintain a minimum of $100 to cover the cost of a forfeited game. The team will forfeit each game until there is at least $100 in this account.
9.2 A team may collect any remaining bond in the following season if the team does not participate within the OCSL. The bond will be paid to the regular team representative. The league is not accountable for any bonds paid out the team representative.
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