MUNSTER GIRLS SOFTBALL

TOWN RULES

I. MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of this organization is to encourage participation in girl’s softball and to develop a spirit of good sportsmanship and fair play. Managers, coaches and parents should keep in mind at all times that gaining exceptional athletic skill or winning games is less important than building future good citizens.

II. DEFINITIONS

A. Age/Grade Cutoff - The date or grade that determines the division in which a player participates.

B. Board of Directors - The Munster Girls Softball Board of Directors.

C. Continuous Batting Order - All players get a turn at bat regardless of whether they are playing on the field.

D. Disciplinary Status - A number of games for which a player has been suspended as discussed in Section IV.I below.

E. Home Team Side - The third base side of the field.

F. Program - Munster Girls Softball (MGS).

G. Protest Committee - This committee consists of the Chief Commissioner, the Chief Umpire, and the President of the Board of Directors or his/her designee.

H. A Travel player shall be defined as any player who:

1. Is currently on the roster of any travel team, AND

2. Has played in any sanctioned or tournament game (not a practice game) for that travel team during the current calendar year.

III. DOCUMENT HIERARCHY

A. Munster Girls Softball follows the National Softball Association (NSA) rules. The Munster Town Rules are in addition to the NSA rules. In case of conflicts between the Munster Town Rules and the current official NSA Rule Book, the Munster Town Rules take precedence.

B. Interpretation of the Munster Town Rules lies with the President of the Board of Directors.

C. Any changes to the Munster Town Rules must be approved by the Board of Directors.

IV. GENERAL

A. Residency

1. All girls (players) from the age of 5.5 years (as of January 1) or grade kindergarten through the age of 17 years (as of January 1) are eligible to compete in Munster Girls Softball. First priority will be given to residents of Munster. The Munster Girls Softball Board of Directors reserves the right to close or limit the registration of out of town participants should the Munster Girls Softball League or any division of the Munster Girls Softball League have more out of town participants register than the league can accommodate. Out of town participants shall have a higher registration fee-as set by the Munster Girls Softball Board of Directors-than residents of Munster.

B. Age/Grade Cutoff

1. Regular Season Play - The age or grade cutoff date is based on the age of the player as of January 1 or the grade the player will enter the following fall, whichever the parent specifies:

a. No girl under the age of 5.5 years or aged 18 years as of January 1 is eligible to play, regardless of grade.

b. Instructional League B:
Age: 5.5 to 6 years as of January 1.
Grade: K or First Grade

c. Instructional League A:
Age: 7 to 8 years as of January 1.
Grade: Second or Third Grade.

d. Junior Miss League:
Age: 9 to 10 years as of January 1.
Grade: Fourth or Fifth Grade.

e. Minor League:
Age: 11 to 12 Years as of January 1.
Grade: Sixth or Seventh Grade.

f. Major League:
Age: 13 to 17 as of January 1.
Grade: Eighth to Twelfth Grade

2. Tournament Play - The age cutoff date for Munster players in inter-city tournaments is determined by the rules of the organization sponsoring the tournament.

a. American Softball Association (ASA): Date is January 1. Anyone who has a birthday before this date must play in the division for the age they will be by January 1.

b. NSA - Date is the player's birth date on January 1.

C. All players and player parents/guardians, managers, and coaches shall be required to acknowledge and sign a “code of conduct” prior to being permitted to play in any MGS regular, post season, and/or all-star game. The signed “code of conduct” must be turned in to the team manager who in turn must return it to MGS (any board member) before the player, manager, or coach may participate.

V. APPLICABILITY

A. The Munster Town Rules apply to the Instructional, Junior Miss, Minor, Major, and, in some instances, the Cross Town Division.

B. The Munster Town Rules apply to Intra league All-Star teams and all Intra league all-star games.

C. The Munster Town Rules do not apply to ASA, NSA or United Girls Softball Association, Inc. (UGSI) tournaments.

D. In addition to its General Rules and NSA Rules, Munster Girls Softball shall have Fall League Rules that apply solely to the Fall League.

VI. MANAGERS AND COACHES

A. Qualifications

1. Managers and coaches should possess leadership abilities and the know-how to deal with children, training them in teamwork, good sportsmanship and discipline.

2. A manager must be a resident of Munster or have a child in the program.

3. A manager shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

4. A manager will be of sound character as determined by the Board. The Board may use any legal means to ascertain a manager’s character.

5. Managers must complete training as may be required by MGS or Munster Parks and Recreation.

6. Manager and coaching candidates are subject to criminal background checks.

B. Manager Selection

1. All managers shall be reviewed and voted on by the Board of Directors.

2. The Board of Directors shall select managers by vote at the start of each new season.

3. Each team shall have only one manager.

4. A manager may not switch teams from year to year within a division.

5. A manager is allowed to manage a maximum of two teams per season, including Travel teams.

C. Training - The manager or at least one coach for each team must complete the NYSCA or equivalent training program or the Munster Town Rules Training before the season begins.

D. Coach Selection

1. A manager may have only two (2) official coaches for a team.

2. A coach must be a resident of Munster or have a child in the program.

3. The Board of Directors has the right to review and approve the selection of all coaches.

E. Conduct

1. No manger or coach shall enter into an argument or act in any manner detrimental to the league either on the field or on any of the league's premises.

2. No one, including but not limited to Managers, Coaches, Umpires, Spectators and/or anyone associated with Munster Girls Softball shall subject ANYONE associated with Munster Girls Softball to physical, emotional, verbal, or mental strain.

3. Profane or obscene language may not be used in the presence of a player at any time.

4. Verbal interference, including harmful, abusive, or derogatory remarks or gestures (as interpreted by the umpire) to umpires, opposing team players, managers, or coaches is prohibited for managers, coaches, spectators and players.

5. If in an umpire's judgment a manager or coaches conduct during the game is considered detrimental to the game, the individual may be ejected from the game. An umpire shall file an incident report, on forms supplied by the league, each time a manager, coach, spectator or player is ejected from the game or in any other circumstance where the umpire, using his/her discretion, feels conduct is exhibited which is detrimental to the game or not in the best interest of the players, coaches or umpires.

6. Ejection by the umpire of a manager, coach or player will result in the following:

a. First ejection shall result in a subsequent one (1) game suspension.

b. Second ejection shall result in suspension for the remainder of the season.

7. The fact that an ejection of a person from a game has occurred shall serve as and constitute notice of suspension pursuant to MGS Rule VI (E) (6). The ejected person may appeal his/her suspension of the next game scheduled after the ejection in writing to the MGS Protest Committee before their next scheduled game is played or within 48 hours of the ejection. E-mail shall be considered “in writing” for purposes of this rule. A hearing on the appeal of suspension shall be held within 48 hours of the time of filing the protest.

Any person sanctioned under these rules shall be entitled to present his/her protest of suspension in writing before the Protest Committee and shall reserve the right to notice of any hearing on the suspension. The decision of the Protest Committee shall require a simple majority vote. The decision of the Protest Committee shall be FINAL. Any person sanctioned by the League shall first file a protest of suspension and exhaust all hearing procedures as provided by the MGS Rules before taking any other action against the league.

Pending the hearing of an appeal on any suspension, the manager or coach may continue to participate until there is a decision of the MGS Protest Committee.

8. Only managers, coaches and score keepers are allowed in the dugouts during a game.

9. If a team is short of help, the manager can seek a parent to assist him/her during a game. This temporary assistant will be deemed a coach and the manager must take full responsibility for the temporary assistant's actions, behavior, and language.

10. Managers, coaches or temporary assistants found in violation of any rules in this document shall be subject to immediate dismissal from the league by a vote of the Board of Directors.

11. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, managers or coaches may be permanently barred from further participation in the league if they:

a. are repeatedly found in violation of the rules;

b. take any action that puts player safety in jeopardy, and/or;

c. take any action that puts the league at risk of liability.

F. Responsibilities

1. Home Team Manager's Responsibilities

a. Set up the field for play (bases, pitcher's mound, foul lines, when necessary, etc.);

b. Take out and return all equipment for each game;

c. Make sure all equipment boxes are locked.

2. All Managers' Responsibilities

a. Managers and coaches are responsible for any league equipment and uniforms issued to them. All equipment must be turned in to the Equipment Manager within thirty (30) days after the last game.

b. All managers and coaches are responsible for policing their areas (dugouts and bleachers) of all trash.

c. The manager of the winning team of each game must turn in a win/loss card within 24 hours of the end of the game or a loss will be recorded in the standings for both teams.

d. All managers and coaches are expected to provide additional assistance to the league to conduct on-going maintenance and during special events as requested (e.g., field maintenance, tournaments, fundraisers, etc.).

e. A manager must immediately report a player termination to the Chief Commissioner.

f. A manager must have their players remove any jewelry including earrings while they are practicing or playing. This rule shall not apply to stud earrings (only), which may be worn during practice or games if and only if, they are covered by tape and/or a band-aid.

g. Prior to the town tournaments, each Jr. Miss, Minor and Major Division manager must turn in a league awards form to the Division Commissioner. (See Attachment B). The three (3) players selected cannot be on a traveling All-Star team. The award categories are as follows:

· Pride, Hustle, Desire

· Most Valuable

· Most Improved

3. Instructional A & B Managers’ Responsibilities

The primary goal for all Instructional managers and coaches is to provide an equal opportunity for ALL players to learn the fundamentals of the game at ALL positions, both infield and outfield.

G. Umpire Substitution

1. In the event that the scheduled umpire or a replacement does not show up for a game, an umpire mutually agreed upon by both teams may be recruited from the coaching staff or fans.

2. If no person can be recruited and mutually agreed upon, the game shall be called and rescheduled.

H. Protests

Protests for infractions of playing rules, rescheduled games or forfeiture of games must be filed in writing with the Chief Commissioner within twenty-four (24) hours after the completion of the game. The decision will be made by the Protest Committee within forty-eight (48) hours, if possible, after the receipt of the formal protest by the Chief Commissioner.

I. Player Disciplinary Action

1. A manager shall have the right to take disciplinary action against a player who is repeatedly absent from team practice or games or whose conduct is unbecoming to girl’s softball.

2. When a manager wishes to place a player on disciplinary status, the manager must notify the Division Commissioner in writing. The Division Commissioner must review and approve the disciplinary action. The Division Commissioner must notify the Chief Commissioner of the action who may accept, alter or reverse the action.

3. When a disciplinary action is approved, the manager must notify the player and her parents or guardian of the disciplinary action prior to the team's next game.

4. When a player is on disciplinary status, the manager must notify the opposing manager verbally at the time of exchanging starting lineups. This rule overrides the rules concerning the number of innings played outlined in Section VII (H) (3) – (5).

VII. PLAYER CONDUCT

A. Prohibited Conduct

1. No player shall enter into an argument or act in any manner detrimental to the league either on the field or on any of the league’s premises.

2. No player shall subject ANYONE associated with Munster Girls Softball to physical, emotional, verbal, or mental strain.

3. No player shall use profane or obscene language in the presence of anyone associated with Munster Girls Softball at any time.

4. Verbal interference, including, but not limited to, harmful, abusive, or derogatory remarks or gestures (as interpreted by the umpire) to umpires, players, managers, coaches, or spectators is prohibited for players.

5. No player shall participate in any unsportsmanlike conduct (in the opinion of an MGS Board member, umpire, manager, or coach).

6. No player shall be insubordinate to a manager or coach (in the opinion of an MGS Board member, umpire, manager, or coach).

B. Sanctions for Prohibited Conduct

1. If, in an umpire’s judgment a player’s conduct on the softball field is considered detrimental to Munster Girls Softball, the player may be ejected from the game. An umpire shall file an incident report, on forms supplied by the league, each time a player is ejected from the game or in any other circumstance where the umpire, using his/her discretion, feels conduct is exhibited which is detrimental to the game or not in the best interest of Munster Girls Softball.

a. On the softball field is defined as starting when the first player steps onto the softball field for pre-game warm up (entering the dugout is considered pre-game warm up) until when the last player steps off of the softball field after the “game” has been completed.

b. Detrimental conduct that occurs after the final out of the “game” is made shall result in an EJECTION for the next scheduled game.

c. Any type of ABUSE, including, but not limited to, harmful, abusive, or derogatory remarks or gestures (as interpreted by the umpire) directed at an umpire while the umpire is on the softball field or after the umpire has left the softball field until the time that the umpire has left Community Park shall result in an immediate EJECTION for the next scheduled game upon receipt of an incident report filed by an umpire.

2. Ejection by the umpire of a player will result in the following:

a. First ejection shall result in a subsequent one (1) game suspension.

b. Second ejection shall result in a suspension for the remainder of the season.

3. Inappropriate Conduct

a. Unsportsmanlike Conduct (in the opinion of an MGS Board member, umpire, manager, or coach)

1. First occurrence shall result in a one (1) game suspension.

2. Second occurrence shall result in a suspension for the remainder of the season.

b. Insubordination to a Manager or Coach (in the opinion of an MGS Board member, umpire, manager, or coach)

1. First occurrence shall result in a one (1) game suspension.

2. Second occurrence shall result in a suspension for the remainder of the season.

c. Fighting: Any fighting (in the opinion of an MGS Board member, umpire, manager, or coach) that occurs on the softball field shall result in a suspension for the remainder of the season.

C. Appeal Process

1. The fact that an ejection of a player from a game has occurred shall serve as and constitute notice of suspension pursuant to MGS Rule VII (B) (2). The ejected player may appeal her suspension of the next game scheduled after her ejection in writing to the MGS Protest Committee before her next scheduled game is played or within 48 hours of the ejection.

2. Email shall be considered “in writing” for purposes of Rule VII.

3. A hearing on the appeal of suspension shall be held within 48 hours of the time of filing the protest.

4. A player sanctioned under these rules shall be entitled to present her protest of suspension in writing before the MGS Protest Committee and shall reserve the right to notice of any hearing on the suspension.

A player sanctioned by the league shall first file a protest of suspension and exhaust all hearing procedures as provided by the MGS Rules before taking any other action against the league.

Pending the hearing of an appeal on any suspension, the player may continue to participate until there is a decision of the MGS Protest Committee.

5. The decision of the MGS Protest Committee is FINAL.

VIII. GENERAL RULES

A. Field Condition

1. The Chief Commissioner or any board member present shall decide whether a field is playable before game time.

2. The home plate umpire shall decide whether a field is safe or playable at any time prior to or during the game.

3. It is prohibited for any team to use the infield for infield practice or warm-ups prior to any game. This rule does not apply to Instructional League games.

B. Called Game

1. The home plate umpire can call a game at any time because of darkness, rain, panic, temperature, or any other peril.

2. In the event of lightning, the game will be suspended immediately until the playing area is ruled safe by the umpire. The umpire will be governed by the safety rules posted by Munster Parks and Recreation.

3. A called game will be considered a regulation game when the losing team has completed three full innings at bat or the time limit is satisfied.

4. No game shall start if the temperature is below 50 ^oF or above 95 ^oF at game time as shown on the Munster Girls Softball Thermometer.

5. The home team manager must contact the Chief Commissioner within twenty-four (24) hours to reschedule a called game.

C. Rescheduled Games

1. All rescheduled games will be played on the first Sunday following the called game on which a field is available for play or at a time agreed to by the managers and approved by the Commissioner.

2. The Chief Commissioner shall notify both managers of the date and time of the rescheduled game.

3. Any team that cannot play a rescheduled game determined by the Chief Commissioner shall forfeit the game.

4. When a game is called after it has begun, the rescheduled game must be restarted from the beginning.

D. Number of Players

1. Major and Minor Division teams shall play with a maximum of nine (9) players on the field.

2. Jr. Miss and Instructional A Division shall play a maximum of ten (10) players on the field provided at least ten players are present to play. Teams playing with ten (10) players in the field must have at least four (4) players positioned on the outfield grass. Three (3) outfielders must stay in the outfield until the ball is put into play and the 4^th outfielder must stay on the outfield grass until the ball crosses home plate.

3. Teams must have at least eight (8) players to start or to continue a game. Failure to field at least eight (8) players shall result in a forfeit.

4. A player who arrives after the start of the fourth inning shall not be allowed to play. This rule does not apply to the Instructional Divisions.

5. A manager has fifteen (15) minutes from the scheduled starting time to field a team. Failure to field a team within the time limit shall result in a forfeit.

6. Cross town teams shall play shall play with the number of player per cross-town rules.

7. Any player that is known to be leaving a game early must:

a. Bat last in the batting order.

b. The opposing manager must be made aware (prior to the start of the game) that the player will be leaving early.

Provide these conditions are met then there is no penalty for a player leaving early.

However, if the opposing manager is not made aware of a player leaving early prior to the start of the game then the missing player will count as an out (each time she should come up to bat) for the remainder of the game - as per NSA Rule 4, Sec 4C [see below].

Sec. 4

c. When a team is left with a vacant spot in the lineup because of a player as described in Sec. 4 (b), the opposing team may not, with two outs, intentionally or unintentionally walk the previous batter in order to get the "AUTOMATIC OUT" created by the vacant spot in the batting order. This would also include catcher obstruction to the previous batter or the previous batter being hit by a legal or illegally pitched ball. If the previous batter is walked or hit by a legal or illegally pitched ball, the vacant spot is skipped, the "AUTOMATIC OUT" is waived, and the next batter is the player whose name follows the vacant spot in the batting order. This only applies when there are two (2) outs.

c. This rule shall also apply to Instructional A tournament games.

E. Short Team

1. A short team is a team, which cannot field eight (8) players for a given game.

2. The Board of Directors will compile a move-up list of players who have signed permission forms allowing them to play in the division above their own on a limited basis.

3. The approved move-up list is compiled prior to the start of the season. Players may be added to the list during the season only if the required permission form is completed, signed by a parent or guardian, and turned in to the Chief Commissioner. Under no circumstances may a player play on a move-up basis without a signed permission form on file.

4. In the event a manager cannot field an eight (8)-player roster, the manager may borrow a player from the approved move-up list with the permission of the Division Commissioner as follows:

· Junior Miss Division - Eight (8) year olds from the Instructional A Division;

· Minor Division - Junior Miss Division players;

· Major Division - Minor Division players.

· Cross Town - Major or Minor Division players.

5. Instructional A & B Teams may field a Team of a minimum of 6 (six) players and may use players from the same Division as “fill-in Players”. THIS RULE DOES NOT APPLY TO TOURNAMENT PLAY.

6. Players within the same division may not be used as move up players (Exception - Cross Town Teams playing Cross Town Games).

7. Move-up players must play outfield positions only and have their turn at bat.

8. A maximum of three (3) players may be borrowed for a game from the approved move-up list.

9. Once a player is called and shows up for the game, the player must play.

F. Player Substitutions

When an injury or illness forces a player from a game, and there is no substitute because all remaining players have already played in the game, the manager can replace the player with anyone on the bench. If a player misses a turn at bat due to injury, illness, or absence that player shall not play a defensive position in the next ½ inning.

G. Time Limit - The time limit for games shall be as follows:

1. Instructional Divisions: One (1) hour and thirty (30) minutes.

2. Junior Miss, Minor, Major, Cross Town Divisions: One (1) hour and forty (40) minutes.

3. No inning shall start after the time limit has expired.

4. The next inning officially starts after the third out is made in the previous inning.

5. Teams have three (3) minutes to take the field and be prepared to play. Teams that are not prepared to play at the end of the three-minute limit will be penalized as follows:

· Offense: One (1) strike called on the batter.

· Defense: One (1) ball called on the batter.

6. A team has the option of replacing a pitcher and/or a catcher at any time with a replacement runner.

7. The umpire shall keep the official time. The umpire must advise both managers of the official start time at the beginning of the game.

8. The umpire may suspend the clock when time is called by the leading team or if stalling tactics are used by the team that is leading (stalling in the judgment of the umpire) during the last ten (10) minutes of the game.

9. The time limit is waived for town tournament championships or division championships games. This rule shall apply to Instructional A Tournament games.

H. Number of Innings Played

1. All divisions excluding Instructional - A regulation game shall consist of:

· Seven (7) complete innings; OR

· Reaching the time limit specified in Section G.2; OR

· The slaughter rule has been satisfied.

2. Instructional - A regulation game shall consist of:

· Five (5) complete innings; OR

· Reaching the time limits specified in Section G.1.

I. Curfew Rules for Fields with Lights

1. If a game scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM is delayed, the game must start by 6:30 PM if there is an 8:00 PM game scheduled for the same field. If the game does not start by 6:30 PM it must be rescheduled.

2. If a game scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM is delayed, the game must start by 9:00 PM. If the game does not start by 9:00 PM it must be rescheduled.

3. For games played on evenings before school days, no inning shall start after 10:00 PM.

4. No inning shall start after 11:00 PM.

5. If, due to curfew rules, a game is not a regulation game, the manager of the home team must notify the Chief Commissioner to reschedule the game.

6. If a game is tied after the regular number of innings have been completed and time remains on the clock, one complete extra inning is to be played.

J. Tie Games

1. A tie game, which falls under the time limit rule, shall be counted in the standings as a tie (i.e., ½ game won and ½ game lost). This rule does not apply to the Instructional Divisions, which do not maintain standings.

2. Tournament game tie-breakers will be governed by NSA Rule 1, Sec. 52:

After the completion of seven (7) innings or when the time limit has expired and the score is still tied, the tie-breaker procedure will begin. This would involve the last batter of the previous inning, whose turn at bat had been completed, assuming a position on second base. This would be done at the beginning of each half inning; until, at the conclusion of a full inning, a winner is determined.

K. Ten, Fifteen and Twenty Run Rules (Slaughter Rules)

1. Slaughter rules are not applicable to the Instructional Divisions during the regular season because they do not keep score.

2. Slaughter rules apply to all tournament games, including Instructional A Division.

3. Jr. Miss, Minor, and Major Divisions:

a. If a team is behind by twenty (20) runs or more after completing three (3) full innings at bat (2½ for the visiting team), the game is officially over.

b. If a team is behind by fifteen (15) runs or more after completing four (4) full innings at bat (3½ for the visiting team), the game is officially over.

c. If a team is behind by ten (10) runs or more after completing five (5) full innings at bat (4½ for the visiting team), the game is officially over.

L. Lineup

1. All managers must provide a written lineup card to the opposing manager before the game starts.

2. Instructional Division managers must also designate anyone who did not play two (2) consecutive innings or bat at least once during the player's previous game.

M. Batting Order

1. The batting order must remain the same for the entire game, except for injury.

2. Continuous batting order is in effect for all divisions. If a manager intentionally bats a player out of order, the half inning shall immediately end.

3. When a player arrives late to a game, they must be placed at the bottom of the batting order.

N. Coaches Box

1. For the Instructional Division B, as many adults as a team desires may coach in the outfield to assist the players.

2. For the Instructional Division A, two (2) adults may coach in the outfield to assist the players.

3. For the Instructional and Junior Miss Divisions, one designated person may coach outside the dugout in a defensive coaching box, which shall not extend more than six (6) feet from directly adjacent to the dugout.

4. When a team is on offense for Junior Miss, Minors, and Majors Divisions, coaches shall remain in the coach's box as per NSA Rule 1, Sec. 18. Coaches shall not touch the base runner in any manner that can or will assist the runner in running the bases. If, in the opinion of the umpire, a coach touches a base runner in the above prescribed manner, the base runner shall be declared out.

Rule 1, Sec. 18
COACH: A member of the team at bat who takes his/her place in the coach’s box to direct his/her players in running the bases. Two coaches are allowed, one positioned at 1^st base and one positioned at 3^rd base. One coach can have in his/her possession, a scorebook and an indicator that shall be used for scorekeeping purposes only. A defensive coach or manager must remain in the dugout at their normal position. If the manager or coach does not comply after a warning from the umpire, he/she will be ejected from the game.

O. Pitcher's Mound

There shall be an eight-foot radius marked (not necessarily chalked) around each pitcher's mound.

P. Equipment

1. Bats - Only official softball bats may be used during all games. All bats must comply with current NSA standards and be listed on the NSA approved bat list.

2. Batting Helmets - Batting helmets with facemasks must be worn by all players in all games sanctioned or supported by Munster Girls Softball. Batting helmets must be worn by all league players in the batter's box, on the bases, in the on-deck circle and in the coach's box.

Q. Bat Throwing

If in the judgment of the umpire, a bat is thrown in anger, the batter may be ejected from the game. No warning is necessary. If the bat is thrown accidentally, the player will be given a warning.

R. Out of Play

Extensions of the screened backstop are the boundary lines. Any ball beyond the boundary lines is not playable (fly ball, overthrow, etc.). An overthrown ball out of boundary lines will be governed by NSA rules.

S. Hit by Pitch

The pitcher must be removed after hitting three batters in one inning or a total of 5 batters in any one game. The removed pitcher may not pitch for the remainder of the game. The removed pitcher may assume any other fielding position as per the official rules.

T. Between Inning Practice

Pitchers will be given five (5) practice pitches at the start of the game or prior to their first inning pitched and only three (3) thereafter.

U. Cross-town rules will apply to all cross-town games.

V. Tournament Home Team Selection

1. Instructional A Division - Tournament play bracket will be determined by hat draw. Home team will be determined by coin toss.

2. Junior Miss, Minors, and Majors - “In town” tournament games, the number #1 seeded team is the highest seeded team. Higher seeded teams shall be the home team in all tournament games.

W. Slide Rule:

Sliding will be governed by NSA Non-Contact Rule 8 (t).

8 (t). When a defensive player has the ball and is waiting for the runner and the runner remains on his/her feet and deliberately, with great force, crashes into the defensive player, the runner is declared out. The ball is dead and all other runners must return to the last base touched at the time of the collision, unless Rule 8, Sec. 8 (j) or Rule 8, Sec. 8 (s) applies.
PENALTY: If the act is determined to be flagrant, the offender is ejected from the game.

8 (j). In running or sliding for home plate, he/she fails to touch home plate and makes no attempt to return to the base, when a fielder holds the ball in his/her hands while touching home plate and appeals to the umpire for a decision.
EFFECT: Rule 8, Sec. 8. (g-j), These are appeal plays and the defensive team loses the privilege of putting the baserunner out if the appeal is not made before the next legal or illegal pitch. If an appeal is made after the ball is dead, and before the next pitch is made, the ball remains dead and the runners may not advance. The pitcher must have the ball in his/her possession inside the 16’ circle. Any manager, coach, or player may then make an appeal by announcing to the umpire, which runner is being appealed, which base has been missed, or which base has been left too soon. Any player in the game may also make an appeal while the ball is still alive and before the ball becomes dead by tagging the runner or the base being appealed with the ball.

8 (s). When a runner, after being declared out or after scoring, interferes with a defensive player's opportunity to make a play on another runner. The runner closest to home plate at the time of the interference shall also be called out.
EFFECT: Rule 8, Sec. 8. (k-s), The ball is dead and the base runner is out. Other runners must return to the last base legally touched at the time of the illegal action.

IX. DIVISION SPECIFIC RULES

A. Instructional Division B

Note: Instructional B rules are intended to encourage instruction and increase play speed.

1. Field Distances

a. Bases shall be fifty (50) feet apart.

b. The pitching mound shall be thirty (30) feet from home plate.

c. A retaining circle with a radius of twenty-five (25) feet shall be marked in front of home plate with the plate as the center of the circle.

2. Type of Softball: The eleven (11) inch softie Junior Olympic size optic yellow ball shall be used.

3. Pitching

a. Players will hit off the tee exclusively for the first half of the season. After mid-season the tee is optional, and a coach may pitch up to a maximum of 5 pitches to a batter. After the fifth pitch the batter will be asked to hit from a tee. The pitcher's position will be a fielding position only.

b. When a batter is hitting off of the tee, the pitcher must stay on the pitching mound until the ball is struck.

4. Batting – The entire batting order will bat each inning with no official outs. However, any batter / runner that is declared out must return to the dugout.

5. Base Stealing - No stealing is allowed.

6. Base Running

a. A base runner may proceed only after the batter hits the ball.

b. A runner may leave the base line a maximum of three (3) feet in either direction to avoid a collision with a fielder.

c. Runners cannot advance when the pitcher has possession of the ball in the pitcher's circle or when the ball is thrown in the direction of, to, or through the circle by a fielder.

d. No bases may be taken on an overthrow.

e. Mandatory safety base at 1st base shall be used.

7. Fielding – Only six (6) Players shall be allowed to play in the infield at any one time. All additional players shall be positioned in the outfield.

B. Instructional Division A

Note: Instructional A rules are intended to prepare girls for more competitive play.

1. Field Distances

a. Bases shall be fifty (50) feet apart.

b. The pitching mound shall be thirty (30) feet from home plate.

c. A retaining circle with a radius of twenty-five (25) feet shall be marked in front of home plate with the plate as the center of the circle.

2. Type of Softball: The eleven (11) inch softie Junior Olympic size optic yellow ball shall be used.

3. Player Rotation

a. Players must play at least two (2) complete, consecutive innings and bat at least once. If, because of game conditions, a player has not played the minimum number of innings specified, the player must start the next game and play at least two (2) complete, consecutive innings and bat at least once.

b. Failure to comply with these requirements shall result in the suspension of the manager for the next two (2) games. A second violation of the rules will be reviewed by the Board of Directors and necessary action shall be taken.

4. Pitching

a. Any player shall be allowed to pitch from the beginning of the season provided that player demonstrates reasonable pitching ability. A coach may also pitch at any time if he/she feels the available players are not ready or able to pitch. Any coach will pitch underhand, i.e. "soft toss,” from or as close to, the regulation pitcher's rubber as circumstances may warrant.

b. A player pitcher will pitch underhand the first four pitches to each batter. The Pitcher will pitch from the regulation pitcher's rubber. After the fourth pitch, if the batter is still at bat, a coach will pitch the remainder of the time at bat. The batter will get 5 pitches in the strike zone, and then be asked to return to the bench and an out will be counted. A coach may instruct/coach a player while they are pitching as long as play is not inhibited or delayed.

c. There will be no walks in Instructional A Division.

d. When a coach is pitching, the player pitcher must stay within the pitching mound's imaginary circle and play defense.

e. A pitcher may pitch a maximum of three (3) innings in a game.

f. One pitch to a batter constitutes an inning.

g. A Mandatory larger home plate shall be used.

5. Base Stealing - No stealing is allowed.

6. Base Running

a. A base runner may proceed after the batter hits the ball. Base runners will be called out for leaving the base early.

b. A runner may leave the base line a maximum of three (3) feet in either direction to avoid a collision with a fielder.

c. Runners cannot advance when the pitcher has possession of the ball in the pitcher's circle or when the ball is thrown in the direction of, to, or through the circle by a fielder.

d. A base runner shall only advance one (1) base on a batted ball that does not leave the infield.

e. A base runner may advance multiple bases on a batted ball that is hit into the outfield.

f. No bases may be taken on an overthrow.

g. Mandatory safety base at 1^st shall be used.

7. Batting

a. A coach will pitch whenever a pitch hits a batter. No base will be taken.

b. Swinging strikes count against the “5 strike zone” count for any batter. (see Inst A rule 3-B above).

c. Any strikes a batter receives before the coach begins pitching will remain when the coach begins pitching. (Example: A batter has a count of 3 and 1 when the coach begins pitching. The batter then has two remaining strikes when the coach begins pitching.).

d. There are automatically two outs when the 6^th batter comes to the plate.

e. The half of an inning is over when:

· the defensive team makes three outs; OR

· the 6^th batter crosses the plate.

8. Bunting is not allowed.

9. Infield Fly Rule - No infield fly rule applies.

10. Dropped Third Strike - The dropped third strike rule does not apply.

11. Umpire Equipment - It is mandatory for anyone performing the duties of umpire to wear proper umpire equipment. Umpire equipment is available in the equipment lockers.

12. Managers, Coaches shall encourage batters to swing at all pitches in and near the strike zone.

13. One umpire will be used for all Instructional A games.

14. Instructional A Division shall play a maximum of ten (10) players on the field provided at least ten players are present to play. Teams playing with ten (10) players in the field must have at least four (4) players positioned on the outfield grass, 3 outfielders must stay in the outfield until the ball is put into play and the 4^th outfielder must stay on the outfield grass until the ball crosses home plate.

15. TOURNAMENT PLAY-All Instructional Rules shall apply to Tournament Play unless shown hereafter in this section as specific tournament rules.

a. Regular tournament games - play by time limit.

b. Championship game- no time limit.

c. All Instructional teams will participate in tournament play.

d. MGS Rule VIII (D) (3) requiring a minimum of 8 players to start or continue a game applies for tournament play.

e. If a team cannot field the minimum of 8 players, that team may borrow up to 3 players from another Instructional A team to reach a maximum of 8 players. Borrowed players must play outfield positions only and be placed at the bottom of the batting order. If a team cannot reach the minimum of 8 players, even with 3 borrowed players, that team will forfeit the game.

f. MGS Rule VIII (D) (7) applies for any player that is known to be leaving a game early during tournament play.

g. Coaches will pitch continuously for all tournament play.

h. No coaches (other than the one pitching) are allowed on the field of play.

i. All other Instructional A rules apply.

C. Junior Miss Division

1. Bases and Pitching Distances - The bases shall be sixty (60) feet apart and the pitching mound shall be thirty-five (35) feet from home plate.

2. Type of Softball - The eleven (11) inch Junior Olympic size optic yellow ball shall be used.

3. Player Rotation

a. If there are extra players on the bench, they must be rotated into the field each inning of the game. No player will sit two consecutive innings. No player will sit out a second inning until all other players have sat out one inning.

4. Pitching

a. A player may pitch a maximum of three (3) innings in regular season games and a maximum of four (4) innings in tournament games.

b. Travel Pitchers may pitch no more than two (2) innings per game. A travel pitcher is defined as a travel player who has pitched in three (3) or more games (Practice games not included) in the current or previous year combined for any travel team. Pitching in a game is defined as throwing one or more pitches to a batter.

c. Mandatory larger home plate shall be used.

5. There are automatically two outs when the 6^th batter comes to the plate. The half of an inning is over when:

· the defensive team makes three outs; OR

· the 6^th batter crosses the plate.

· For all tournament games, there shall be no limit to the amount of runs that can be scored in the 7^th inning only. However, there are automatically two outs when the 6^th batter comes to the plate.

6. Batting and Base Running

a. Bunting is allowed.

b. A base runner may step off the base after the ball crosses the plate. Base runners will be called out for leaving the base early.

c. Mandatory safety base at 1^st shall be used.

7. Base Stealing

a. Base stealing is allowed under the following NSA guidelines:

1. Runners starting at first base or second base are entitled to steal one base only per pitch with liability to be put out.

NOTE: Runner(s) are not allowed to advance more than one base per pitch even in the event of an overthrow at any base.

2. Runner starting at third base may not steal home, but are liable to be put out if they are off the base.

3. A runner(s) attempting to advance beyond the one base they are entitled to steal may be put out while between bases or in contact with a base to which they are not entitled to.

4. After all play ceases and the ball becomes dead, if a runner(s) occupies a base beyond the one they were entitled to steal, the runner(s) will be returned to the correct base without liability to be put out.

5. A batter/runner who has received a base on balls can attempt to steal second base.

NOTE: NSA “Look Back Rule”, Rule 8, Sec. 8 (x) applies.

6. Awarded bases will apply to all runners. This would include an overthrow into dead ball territory.

7. Runner can only score on:

· A batted ball.

· A base on balls.

· A hit batter with bases loaded.

· An awarded base when the ball goes out of play.

· An illegal pitch.

· When a play is made on her.

b. A baserunner who advances one (1) base on a past ball is considered to have stolen that base. A baserunner may not steal home, but is liable to be put out if they are off the base.

8. Infield Fly Rule - No infield fly rule applies.

9. Dropped Third Strike - The dropped third strike rule does not apply.

10. Players must wear official MGS uniform shorts, black athletic shorts, or white softball pants along with the uniform shirt. If shorts are worn, the player must also wear a regulation sliding pad.

11. Jr. Miss Division shall play a maximum of ten (10) players on the field provided at least ten players are present to play. Teams playing with ten (10) players in the field must have at least four (4) players positioned on the outfield grass, 3 outfielders must stay in the outfield until the ball is put into play and the 4^th outfielder must stay on the outfield grass until the ball crosses home plate.

12. Players, who are on the roster of the Munster Girls Softball 10U travel team, may play town ball on a Jr. Miss team if they desire to, but they are not compelled to. If they play town ball, they must pay the same registration fees as all town players.

D. Minor Division

1. Bases and Pitching Distances - The bases shall be sixty (60) feet apart and the pitching mound shall be forty (40) feet from home plate.

2. Type of Softball - The twelve (12) inch Junior Olympic size optic yellow ball shall be used.

3. Player Rotation

c. Pitching in an inning is defined as throwing one or more pitches to a batter.

4. Pitching - During the regular season, prior to the start of the fourth inning, another pitcher must pitch a minimum of 2 consecutive outs or face at least six consecutive batters. This may be accomplished in one inning, or over two contiguous innings. After the second pitcher has pitched at least the minimum requirement, another pitcher may be inserted following the rules for pitcher substitution. For the purposes of pitcher substitution, any pitcher relieved for by another pitcher, may be reinserted once. The rule does not apply to post-season play.
PENALY: The first pitcher is not allowed to pitch for the remainder of the game.

5. Batting and Base Running

a. Bunting is allowed.

b. Stealing - Stealing is allowed. A base runner may step off the base after the ball passes the batter. Base runners will be called out for leaving the base early.

c. Mandatory safety base at 1^st shall be used.

6. Infield Fly Rule - The infield fly rule applies.

7. Dropped Third Strike - The dropped third strike rule applies.

8. Players must wear official MGS uniform shorts, black athletic shorts, or white softball pants along with the uniform shirt. If shorts are worn, the player must also wear a regulation sliding pad. A player not wearing proper equipment or a proper uniform may not be allowed to play.

9. Travel players playing in this division shall not be permitted to play pitcher, catcher and/or the infield for more than 3 innings in any game. Travel players may pitch no more than 3 innings per game. No travel pitcher shall be allowed to pitch in this division.

A travel pitcher is defined as a travel player who has pitched in three (3) or more games (Practice games not included) in the current or previous year combined for any travel team. Pitching in a game is defined as throwing one or more pitches to a batter.

E. Major Division

1. Bases and Pitching Distances - The bases shall be sixty (60) feet apart and the pitching mound shall be forty (40) feet from home plate.

2. Type of Softball - The twelve (12) inch Junior Olympic size optic yellow ball shall be used.

3. Player Rotation

c. Pitching in an inning is defined as throwing one or more pitches to a batter.

4. Pitching - A player may pitch as many innings as the player's ability allows.

5. Batting and Base Running

a. Bunting is allowed.

b. Stealing - Stealing is allowed. A base runner may step off the base after the ball is released by the pitcher. Base runners will be called out for leaving the base early.

c. Mandatory safety base at 1^st shall be used.

6. Infield Fly Rule - The infield fly rule applies.

7. Dropped Third Strike - The dropped third strike rule applies.

9. Travel players playing in this division shall not be permitted to play catcher and/or the infield for more than 3 innings in any game. A Travel player, including one who is a Travel Pitcher, may pitch as many innings as the player's ability allows, in this division.

X. TRAVEL RULES

A. Travel Commissioner - The Travel Commissioner shall be selected by the Board of Directors.

B. A Travel Committee shall be formed consisting of members of the Board of Directors and all the Travel Managers. The Travel Committee shall screen and recommend all Travel Teams, in existence or newly proposed and all Travel managers to the Board of Directors for approval. The Travel Committee shall hear and evaluate all comments and complaints about: managers, coaches, travel team development, player discipline, parent/spectator misbehavior, financial misbehavior and any concerns related to any travel team. The Travel Committee shall audit the financial records of all Travel Teams. The Travel Committee shall submit Notices of Tryouts to the Board of Directors for approval.

C. Travel Teams

1. The structure and number of the Travel teams shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

2. Travel teams, managers and coaches shall be governed by this document, Board of Director policies and any decisions made by the Board of Directors.

3. Travel Meeting - The Travel Commissioner shall conduct a quarterly meeting of The Travel Committee to cover all issues concerning the Travel Teams and may conduct emergency meetings when the need arises. The Travel Commissioner shall conduct monthly meetings of The Travel Committee for the months of May, June, July and August.

4. Travel team rosters shall be submitted by all managers to the Travel Team Committee Board of Directors for final eligibility approval before any roster is posted or published in any way.

D. Travel Managers

1. Travel managers shall be selected by the Board of Directors.

2. Any manager or coach can solicit the Travel Committee to be considered for managing a Travel All-Star team.

3. Travel managers are determined in the off-season. It is up to the interested party to find out when this will occur. The Travel Committee may advertise for managers and shall make its recommendations to the Board of Directors by the June meeting.

E. Travel Coaches

1. Travel managers shall select their coaches from within that specific division or choose a parent of a girl in the program.

2. Travel managers must notify the Travel Committee and/or Board of Directors in writing of their selection of coaches. This notification shall include the addresses and telephone numbers of the coaches. This information shall be forwarded to the Board of Directors.

F. Player Selection

1. The minimum number of players on a Travel team is eleven (11). The maximum number is: