2016 Annual Meeting
LEAGUE CONTACT Raquel Bushman,
League Director
Umpire: NCAA DI, NAIA, NJCAA, USA, NFHS Recreation Supervisor for City of Hutchinson
League rules and interpretations Playing rules and interpretations Roster questions
(320) 583-9039 TEXT for fastest response [email protected]
WELCOME TO OUR NEW COMMUNITIES
Waite Park Hanover Eden Valley / Watkins
10U & 12U TRAINING OPPORTUNITY Sponsored by the premier fastpitch softball club in the midwest. This 2.5 hour clinic is open to players of all skill levels. First year players and returning player are all invited. We will work on: Saturday, June 3rd 1:30pm to 3:00pm Linden Fields, Hutchinson
Cost: $25 Hutchinson Rec Center will be used as a rain location.
Register at: www.hutchinsonprce.com
Hitting Bunting Throwing Outfield Infield
NEW NAME / SAME ORGANIZATION
HOW IT WORKS
CONCUSSION TRAINING Required by Minnesota law for all coaches and bench personnel involved in youth sports (paid and volunteer). Required by Minnesota law for all youth sports officials (paid and volunteer). Certificate is good for three years.
http://www.cdc.gov/HeadsUp/youthsports/training/index.html
2017 NUMBERS 10u – 17 12u Tier I – 9 12u Tier II -19 14u Tier I – 8 14u Tier II – 10 High School – 7 (16u-4 & 18u-3)
Due June 15, 2017 Players may be double / triple rostered for league play only.
ROSTERS
All overage players must be approved by the League Director prior to playing. They may NOT be pitchers and they are not eligible to play in tournaments, qualifier or the State tournament.
http://www.minnesotasoftball.com.prod.sportngin.com/
SCHEDULES 17 communities 6 divisions 70 teams EVERY schedule is intertwined based on field availability given to us by each community.
REPORTING GAME SCORES Click on “Administration” Username: scores (case sensitive) Password: softball2017 (case sensitive) Select “game results” Both Select “quick entry by day” coaches are responsible Enter your scores for reporting scores Save, exit & log out www.crowriverfastpitch.com
UPDATING YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION Click on “Administration” Username: scores (case sensitive) Password: softball2017 (case sensitive) Select “teams” Both Select “edit” coaches are responsible Update your information for reporting scores Save, exit & log out www.crowriverfastpitch.com
CLASS B NORTHERN NATIONALS 18U, 16U, 14U Tier I & 12U Tier I are eligible 18U in Watertown, WI on July 26-30 16U in Blue Springs, MO on July 27-30, 2017 14U in Mankato, MN on August 2-6, 2017
12U in Eau Clair, WI on August 2-6, 2017 The cost is 100% responsibility of the team attending. If you are interested in taking your team, let the League Director know as soon as possible to begin paperwork.
STATE QUALIFIERS Coaches will turn in a copy of their USA roster with the participating player’s names highlighted prior to their first game. Random roster checks may be done.
A player may only play in one qualifier and/or league tournament. A team found to have an illegal player will be disqualified from the tournament.
NEW LEAGUE SHIRTS
A runner is never required to slide.
A double 1B is mandatory.
Chinstraps are optional.
A FEW REMINDERS
WEATHER RELATED -7 days to reschedule. -If neither coach attempts to reschedule it will be a double forfeit for each team. -Keep an email trail.
NON-WEATHER RELATED -The opposing coach has the option to take the wins.
-Contact your league director if a coach isn’t responding. -If one coach is trying to set a date and the other will not agree, it will result in a double win / double forfeit.
-When a new date is agreed upon it becomes THE date of the game.
-Please make every effort to play the games for the girls.
MAKEUP GAMES
2017 rules are posted on the website. They are also posted by age and class.
-A team more than ½ hour late will forfeit the game.
-Teams will flip/flop home & away on double headers.
-Home team provides the umpire. They must be USA sanctioned for 14U and High School divisions.
-5 run limit per inning for innings 1-4 (10u, 12u & 14u). The 5th inning or the last inning declared due to time is open. In 10U innings 5-7 are open.
-Home team will provide the game balls. -Home team is the official score book.
-Run rules: 5 inning games: 15 runs in 3 innings 7 inning games: 10 runs after 5 innings
LEAGUE RULE REFRESHER
2017 rules are posted on the website. They are also posted by age and class.
-Any player warming up a pitcher MUST wear a catcher’s helmet (batting helmets are not allowed).
-If an error in field setup is found, it is to be corrected immediately and play resumed.
-A pitching circle is required.
-A game is complete after three innings. A suspended game is continued from the point at which it stopped, including score, inning, outs, base runners and pitch count on batter.
-Pitching distance: 14U & HS = 43’ 12U = 40” Measured from the point of home plate 10U = 35” to the front of the pitching plate.
LEAGUE RULE REFRESHER
-The league will NOT cancel play due to extreme heat. -Take proper precautions to ensure player safety. -Keep cold towels in coolers with ice water. -Make sure players are drinking water in days prior to anticipated heat as well as during games. -Players need to be prepared to play a number of games in the heat in anticipation for tournament play.
LEAGUE RULE REFRESHER
This stamp is illegal in Womens & JO fastpitch.
All bats must have the ASA approval stamp and not be listed on the banned list.
www.teamusa.org/usa-softball/play-usa-softball/certified-usa-softball-equipment
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
All batting helmets and the facemask must have the NOCSAE stamp.
Not mandatory but highly recommended.
DEFENSIVE FACEMASK
The last day to make up games is July 25th. Season ending tournament is July 29th in Hutchinson. -May play four outfielders.
-Runners may only advance one base on an overthrow at 1B. -The look-back-rule is in effect.
-NO dropped 3rd strike. -Baserunners may be put out on a pickoff attempt at any base by the catcher or the pitcher. They may not advance.
-Coaches must use a windmill delivery from the pitching plate when pitching. -Infield fly is not enforced. -Outfielders must play 10” beyond the baseline (not necessarily in the grass). -NO stealing.
10 & UNDER
The last day to make up games is July 25th. Season ending tournament is July 29th in Dassel/Cokato. -May play four outfielders.
-Teams have the option to play by 10U pitching rules during the month of June. Beginning in July 12U rules apply. If the coaches can not mutually agree to the pitching rules, the 12U are the default.
-Dropped 3rd strike: *Batters may attempt to advance to 1B. *All base runners may attempt to advance.
-Batter may not attempt to advance to 2B on a walk.
-Infield fly is enforced.
-Runners may only steal one base per pitch. -A baserunner may steal home on a pick-off attempt at 3B.
12 & UNDER TIER II
-The look-back-rule is enforced.
State Qualifier is June 23-25 in Norwood/Young America. State Tournament is July 8-9 at TBD. The last day to make up games is July 25th. Season ending tournament is July 29th in Hutchinson.
-May play four outfielders during league play. Must play three outfielders during Qualifier and State.
NEW FOR 2017 -Teams will end the season with a season ending tournament similar to the State Qualifier. All teams will play at least three games.
12 & UNDER TIER I
The last day to make up games is July 11. State Qualifier is July 14-16 in _____. State Tournament is July 22-23 at TBD.
-May wear metal cleats.
-Tier II only: No player may sit for more than two consecutive innings.
14 & UNDER TIER I & TIER II
The last day to make up games is July 18. State Tournament is July 22-23 at TBD. -May bat the bench and use open substitution during league play. Must play straight 9 or DP/Flex at the State tournament.
NEW FOR 2017 -All teams will automatically advance to the State tournament with no Qualifier. Teams will be placed in the appropriate tier by the League Director.
HIGH SCHOOL 16/18
State tournament sites are determined by the State. We do not know the locations until approximately 5-7 days prior to the tournament. If the sites are not posted on our website they have not been announced. Please do not email/call/text asking for them. You will know when we know.
COACHES RESPONSIBILITY Report your scores on a weekly basis. Update your schedule if a game is cancelled/postponed/forfeited. Contact the opposing coach if a game is canceled for any reason (75 minute rule). Reply in a timely manner to opposing coaches about reschedules. Ensure that your players have legal and safe equipment. Ensure that your field is properly groomed and ready for play. Ensure that you players are having a GREAT experience.
COACHES RESPONSIBILITY Set the example for your players and fans with proper behavior. Fight for your players in the proper manner and maintain control. Make sure that your body language and words are not demeaning or threatening. You are teaching players how to treat umpires as well as other authority figures. Your fans will take your lead.
The next time you are yelling at the umpire for not calling that illegal pitch or that runner leaving early, keep in mind, everything she/he is responsible for at THE MOMENT OF THE PITCH…while working ALONE… 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
Are the pitcher’s hands legal? Are the pitcher’s feet legal? Is the pitcher staying within the 24” pitching plate? Is the pitcher delivering within the given 20 seconds? Is the batter in the batter’s box and set? Was the batter in the batter’s box on contact with the pitch? Is the catcher in the catcher’s box? Was there catcher’s obstruction? Did the runner(s) leave early? Did the batter attempt to bunt, slap or check her swing? Did the batter get hit by the pitch? If yes, did she attempt to move? Was she swinging? Was the ball on the plate, just off the plate or completely in the batter’s box when she got hit?
12. OH…YEAH…Was that pitch a ball or a strike?
• Bunting: • USA: batter does not need to pull the bat back for the pitch to be ruled a ball. • NFHS: batter must pull the bat back to take a pitch. • Pitching: • USA: Pitcher must begin with both feet in contact with the pitching plate and may only move forward. • NFHS: Pitcher may back-step and/or begin with one foot on the pitching plate. • Hit by pitch: • USA: Batter must make an attempt to avoid being hit. • NFHS: Batter does not need to make an attempt to avoid being hit. • Jewelry: • USA: Umpire judgment • NFHS: No jewelry
RULE DIFFERENCES
We had eight teams comprised of 96 players. Parents registered their players and paid through our website. Individual player fee for 2016 was $75. Fee included shirt, league play, State tournament & State gate fee. Teams were put together based on player position and geographics. Teams had 11-12 players. 12 players were turned away due to full teams.
FALL BALL
All games are played on Sunday afternoons at either 12p/1:30p or 3p/4:30p. The locations vary each week. Hutchinson will be a host this season. 2017 Schedule: · August 20th - Week 1
· August 27th - Week 2 · September 10th - Week 3 · September 16th - Week 4 (10U & 12U) · September 17th - Week 4 (14U, 16U, & 18U) · September 23th - 10U/12U Fall State · September 24th - 14U, 16U, & 18U Fall State The 2017 fee will be $85 per player to cover the additional cost of game balls and gate fees which were not charged for in 2016. A player not needing a new shirt will pay $75. We will get 2017 season information out by mid- June and begin taking registrations in early July.
-Report your scores every week.
-Communicate with your opposing coach. -Open your rule book. Contact Raquel with questions: [email protected] (320) 583-0681 HAVE FUN. LET YOUR PLAYERS SEE AND FEEL YOUR LOVE OF THE GAME. TEACH THEM POSITIVE LIFE LESSONS ALONG THE WAY.
If you never lose then you can never appreciate the victories.
League Director
Umpire: NCAA DI, NAIA, NJCAA, USA, NFHS Recreation Supervisor for City of Hutchinson
League rules and interpretations Playing rules and interpretations Roster questions
(320) 583-9039 TEXT for fastest response [email protected]
WELCOME TO OUR NEW COMMUNITIES
Waite Park Hanover Eden Valley / Watkins
10U & 12U TRAINING OPPORTUNITY Sponsored by the premier fastpitch softball club in the midwest. This 2.5 hour clinic is open to players of all skill levels. First year players and returning player are all invited. We will work on: Saturday, June 3rd 1:30pm to 3:00pm Linden Fields, Hutchinson
Cost: $25 Hutchinson Rec Center will be used as a rain location.
Register at: www.hutchinsonprce.com
Hitting Bunting Throwing Outfield Infield
NEW NAME / SAME ORGANIZATION
HOW IT WORKS
CONCUSSION TRAINING Required by Minnesota law for all coaches and bench personnel involved in youth sports (paid and volunteer). Required by Minnesota law for all youth sports officials (paid and volunteer). Certificate is good for three years.
http://www.cdc.gov/HeadsUp/youthsports/training/index.html
2017 NUMBERS 10u – 17 12u Tier I – 9 12u Tier II -19 14u Tier I – 8 14u Tier II – 10 High School – 7 (16u-4 & 18u-3)
Due June 15, 2017 Players may be double / triple rostered for league play only.
ROSTERS
All overage players must be approved by the League Director prior to playing. They may NOT be pitchers and they are not eligible to play in tournaments, qualifier or the State tournament.
http://www.minnesotasoftball.com.prod.sportngin.com/
SCHEDULES 17 communities 6 divisions 70 teams EVERY schedule is intertwined based on field availability given to us by each community.
REPORTING GAME SCORES Click on “Administration” Username: scores (case sensitive) Password: softball2017 (case sensitive) Select “game results” Both Select “quick entry by day” coaches are responsible Enter your scores for reporting scores Save, exit & log out www.crowriverfastpitch.com
UPDATING YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION Click on “Administration” Username: scores (case sensitive) Password: softball2017 (case sensitive) Select “teams” Both Select “edit” coaches are responsible Update your information for reporting scores Save, exit & log out www.crowriverfastpitch.com
CLASS B NORTHERN NATIONALS 18U, 16U, 14U Tier I & 12U Tier I are eligible 18U in Watertown, WI on July 26-30 16U in Blue Springs, MO on July 27-30, 2017 14U in Mankato, MN on August 2-6, 2017
12U in Eau Clair, WI on August 2-6, 2017 The cost is 100% responsibility of the team attending. If you are interested in taking your team, let the League Director know as soon as possible to begin paperwork.
STATE QUALIFIERS Coaches will turn in a copy of their USA roster with the participating player’s names highlighted prior to their first game. Random roster checks may be done.
A player may only play in one qualifier and/or league tournament. A team found to have an illegal player will be disqualified from the tournament.
NEW LEAGUE SHIRTS
A runner is never required to slide.
A double 1B is mandatory.
Chinstraps are optional.
A FEW REMINDERS
WEATHER RELATED -7 days to reschedule. -If neither coach attempts to reschedule it will be a double forfeit for each team. -Keep an email trail.
NON-WEATHER RELATED -The opposing coach has the option to take the wins.
-Contact your league director if a coach isn’t responding. -If one coach is trying to set a date and the other will not agree, it will result in a double win / double forfeit.
-When a new date is agreed upon it becomes THE date of the game.
-Please make every effort to play the games for the girls.
MAKEUP GAMES
2017 rules are posted on the website. They are also posted by age and class.
-A team more than ½ hour late will forfeit the game.
-Teams will flip/flop home & away on double headers.
-Home team provides the umpire. They must be USA sanctioned for 14U and High School divisions.
-5 run limit per inning for innings 1-4 (10u, 12u & 14u). The 5th inning or the last inning declared due to time is open. In 10U innings 5-7 are open.
-Home team will provide the game balls. -Home team is the official score book.
-Run rules: 5 inning games: 15 runs in 3 innings 7 inning games: 10 runs after 5 innings
LEAGUE RULE REFRESHER
2017 rules are posted on the website. They are also posted by age and class.
-Any player warming up a pitcher MUST wear a catcher’s helmet (batting helmets are not allowed).
-If an error in field setup is found, it is to be corrected immediately and play resumed.
-A pitching circle is required.
-A game is complete after three innings. A suspended game is continued from the point at which it stopped, including score, inning, outs, base runners and pitch count on batter.
-Pitching distance: 14U & HS = 43’ 12U = 40” Measured from the point of home plate 10U = 35” to the front of the pitching plate.
LEAGUE RULE REFRESHER
-The league will NOT cancel play due to extreme heat. -Take proper precautions to ensure player safety. -Keep cold towels in coolers with ice water. -Make sure players are drinking water in days prior to anticipated heat as well as during games. -Players need to be prepared to play a number of games in the heat in anticipation for tournament play.
LEAGUE RULE REFRESHER
This stamp is illegal in Womens & JO fastpitch.
All bats must have the ASA approval stamp and not be listed on the banned list.
www.teamusa.org/usa-softball/play-usa-softball/certified-usa-softball-equipment
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
All batting helmets and the facemask must have the NOCSAE stamp.
Not mandatory but highly recommended.
DEFENSIVE FACEMASK
The last day to make up games is July 25th. Season ending tournament is July 29th in Hutchinson. -May play four outfielders.
-Runners may only advance one base on an overthrow at 1B. -The look-back-rule is in effect.
-NO dropped 3rd strike. -Baserunners may be put out on a pickoff attempt at any base by the catcher or the pitcher. They may not advance.
-Coaches must use a windmill delivery from the pitching plate when pitching. -Infield fly is not enforced. -Outfielders must play 10” beyond the baseline (not necessarily in the grass). -NO stealing.
10 & UNDER
The last day to make up games is July 25th. Season ending tournament is July 29th in Dassel/Cokato. -May play four outfielders.
-Teams have the option to play by 10U pitching rules during the month of June. Beginning in July 12U rules apply. If the coaches can not mutually agree to the pitching rules, the 12U are the default.
-Dropped 3rd strike: *Batters may attempt to advance to 1B. *All base runners may attempt to advance.
-Batter may not attempt to advance to 2B on a walk.
-Infield fly is enforced.
-Runners may only steal one base per pitch. -A baserunner may steal home on a pick-off attempt at 3B.
12 & UNDER TIER II
-The look-back-rule is enforced.
State Qualifier is June 23-25 in Norwood/Young America. State Tournament is July 8-9 at TBD. The last day to make up games is July 25th. Season ending tournament is July 29th in Hutchinson.
-May play four outfielders during league play. Must play three outfielders during Qualifier and State.
NEW FOR 2017 -Teams will end the season with a season ending tournament similar to the State Qualifier. All teams will play at least three games.
12 & UNDER TIER I
The last day to make up games is July 11. State Qualifier is July 14-16 in _____. State Tournament is July 22-23 at TBD.
-May wear metal cleats.
-Tier II only: No player may sit for more than two consecutive innings.
14 & UNDER TIER I & TIER II
The last day to make up games is July 18. State Tournament is July 22-23 at TBD. -May bat the bench and use open substitution during league play. Must play straight 9 or DP/Flex at the State tournament.
NEW FOR 2017 -All teams will automatically advance to the State tournament with no Qualifier. Teams will be placed in the appropriate tier by the League Director.
HIGH SCHOOL 16/18
State tournament sites are determined by the State. We do not know the locations until approximately 5-7 days prior to the tournament. If the sites are not posted on our website they have not been announced. Please do not email/call/text asking for them. You will know when we know.
COACHES RESPONSIBILITY Report your scores on a weekly basis. Update your schedule if a game is cancelled/postponed/forfeited. Contact the opposing coach if a game is canceled for any reason (75 minute rule). Reply in a timely manner to opposing coaches about reschedules. Ensure that your players have legal and safe equipment. Ensure that your field is properly groomed and ready for play. Ensure that you players are having a GREAT experience.
COACHES RESPONSIBILITY Set the example for your players and fans with proper behavior. Fight for your players in the proper manner and maintain control. Make sure that your body language and words are not demeaning or threatening. You are teaching players how to treat umpires as well as other authority figures. Your fans will take your lead.
The next time you are yelling at the umpire for not calling that illegal pitch or that runner leaving early, keep in mind, everything she/he is responsible for at THE MOMENT OF THE PITCH…while working ALONE… 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
Are the pitcher’s hands legal? Are the pitcher’s feet legal? Is the pitcher staying within the 24” pitching plate? Is the pitcher delivering within the given 20 seconds? Is the batter in the batter’s box and set? Was the batter in the batter’s box on contact with the pitch? Is the catcher in the catcher’s box? Was there catcher’s obstruction? Did the runner(s) leave early? Did the batter attempt to bunt, slap or check her swing? Did the batter get hit by the pitch? If yes, did she attempt to move? Was she swinging? Was the ball on the plate, just off the plate or completely in the batter’s box when she got hit?
12. OH…YEAH…Was that pitch a ball or a strike?
• Bunting: • USA: batter does not need to pull the bat back for the pitch to be ruled a ball. • NFHS: batter must pull the bat back to take a pitch. • Pitching: • USA: Pitcher must begin with both feet in contact with the pitching plate and may only move forward. • NFHS: Pitcher may back-step and/or begin with one foot on the pitching plate. • Hit by pitch: • USA: Batter must make an attempt to avoid being hit. • NFHS: Batter does not need to make an attempt to avoid being hit. • Jewelry: • USA: Umpire judgment • NFHS: No jewelry
RULE DIFFERENCES
We had eight teams comprised of 96 players. Parents registered their players and paid through our website. Individual player fee for 2016 was $75. Fee included shirt, league play, State tournament & State gate fee. Teams were put together based on player position and geographics. Teams had 11-12 players. 12 players were turned away due to full teams.
FALL BALL
All games are played on Sunday afternoons at either 12p/1:30p or 3p/4:30p. The locations vary each week. Hutchinson will be a host this season. 2017 Schedule: · August 20th - Week 1
· August 27th - Week 2 · September 10th - Week 3 · September 16th - Week 4 (10U & 12U) · September 17th - Week 4 (14U, 16U, & 18U) · September 23th - 10U/12U Fall State · September 24th - 14U, 16U, & 18U Fall State The 2017 fee will be $85 per player to cover the additional cost of game balls and gate fees which were not charged for in 2016. A player not needing a new shirt will pay $75. We will get 2017 season information out by mid- June and begin taking registrations in early July.
-Report your scores every week.
-Communicate with your opposing coach. -Open your rule book. Contact Raquel with questions: [email protected] (320) 583-0681 HAVE FUN. LET YOUR PLAYERS SEE AND FEEL YOUR LOVE OF THE GAME. TEACH THEM POSITIVE LIFE LESSONS ALONG THE WAY.
If you never lose then you can never appreciate the victories.
