2017 WEST MICHIGAN AMATEUR SPORTS ASSOCIATION UPPER ...
2017 WEST MICHIGAN AMATEUR SPORTS ASSOCIATION UPPER LEAGUE DIVISION Ages 16-U UPDATED: 01/06/17 1)
PLAYERS a)
Maximum roster is 18 players i) All team rosters will be submitted to the West MI ASA, on the prescribed form prior to opening day. The board of directors has voted, if you do not have a roster on file you do not have an eligible team for participation and your game may be ruled a forfeit on appeal. (This is a no brainer directors, your coaches obviously know who is playing for them.) Players may be added to rosters by submitting a revised roster to West MI ASA. No lower division roster changes will be accepted after June 1 st. These rosters will also be posted on the website and will be utilized to determine All-Star eligibility. ii) All players present must participate in the game (obvious injury exclusions apply. Inform Umpire prior to start of game.) iii) Free defensive substitution
b) Rocket rule for batting. Any players arriving after the game has begun will be added to the end of the batting order. Once the first batter in the order has batted twice, no additional players may be added to the lineup. c)
Courtesy runner rule is modified to indicate that should a runner be needed to replace an existing runner, that runner shall be the last batter to have recorded an out. (Exception is the first inning where no outs have been recorded; the courtesy runner shall be the final batter on the line up card.) i) The Courtesy Runner shall only be used in the event of a player being unable to continue her base running. If a player is removed from the base for any reason other than as outlined in 1-d-ii below, she must be removed from the game or be charged with an out when her next turn at-bat happens. ii) The offensive coach has the option of replacing a catcher who is a base runner her with a courtesy runner at any time after she has successfully reached first base during her time at bat. The ASA rule applying to the pitcher and catcher will not apply in this league.
2)
PITCHING - Both ASA and MHSAA rules apply. A pitcher can do either. a)
3)
Pitching distance is 43 feet
RUNS RULE a)
No new batter may come to the plate after the fifth run by that team has been scored that inning.
b) Final inning does not have a run limit except that covered under the Run Ahead Rule. c)
4)
CONTINUATION OF PLAY – When the ball is returned to the pitcher inside the 8 foot circle and runners are no longer attempting to advance continuation of play has ended and all runners must return to their bases or the “Look Back Rule” will apply. This same rule applies If there are bases loaded and a walk is issued. In the event the walk forces in the fifth run of the inning and runners are attempting to advance, they do so at the risk of being put out.
GAME TIME LIMIT a)
All games are seven innings or 1:30 time limit. i) 1 minute between innings, anyone who has worked tournaments knows this is totally possible. The ASA rule says between innings the pitcher gets one minute to deliver not more than 5 pitches. At the end of one minute the umpire will call batter up. Batter has 10 seconds to assume position in batter’s box,
pitcher has 20 seconds to deliver pitch to batter once she is in the box. If the coach is meeting with players when the one minute is over, a charged conference may be declared. ii) Final Inning. No umpire will declare final inning unless the game time limit has been reached. Simply said Umpires may not call final inning even if there is five seconds remaining on the clock when the new inning begins. Both teams should be given their complete “At Bat” opportunity in the final inning. Visiting team gets their three outs. Home team will get their three outs unless they are in the lead. Please keep in mind that if the visiting team at bat was ended because of the “Run Ahead” rule, then they have not had a complete “At Bat.” The rule is simple, if you did not get your three outs, you did not have a complete at bat. iii) If the um umpire stops the game for cause in the final inning, ie; weather, darkness etc, then the score will revert to the last complete inning played. iv) Games can end in a tie. v) Time outs, offense or defense, will be restricted to :30 seconds. (1) If it was an offensive time out: Rule 7-3-C, Batter must assume position in batter’s box within 10 seconds after being instructed to do so by Umpire or ball is dead and a strike is called on the batter. (2) If it was a defensive time out: Rule 6-A-3-O, pitcher must deliver the next pitch within 20 seconds after the umpire signals the batter is ready. Failure to do so, Ball is dead and ball is called on the batter. 5)
EQUIPMENT a)
It is encouraged that all infielders wear the appropriate safety face mask for their position.
b) GAME BALL must meet ASA requirements for ASA JO 14U and 18U as applicable. Home team will provide new game ball; (12 Inch Optic Yellow ball will be used) visiting team will provide playable ball. 6)
RAIN OUT a)
May only be called by the Chief Umpire, League Representative or Field Manager. Rainouts will be made known at least one hour before the scheduled start of the game. If not notified, teams are expected to show up or face forfeit.
b) Games will be stopped immediately if lightening is seen from the field. In the event the game is being played at a complex of multiple fields, any game being canceled because of dangerous weather conditions shall be considered grounds to stop all games.
c)
Should the National Weather Service issue a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning for our area, all games in progress shall be stopped and all scheduled games during the duration of the warning shall be postponed.
7) RESCHEDULING - If a game must be rescheduled, it is the responsibility of the requesting coach to inform the opposing coach and an effort made by the “Home Team” to come up with a replay date. If the teams are scheduled to play a double header, the host field shall be considered the home team for the purpose of rescheduling. If the home team cannot come up with an amicable date the game could end up being scheduled at the opposing team’s field. Requests for a reschedule must come in e-mail form to the opposing coach and copying the “scheduler” on the communications. Anything not handled in this manner may be treated as if it did not exist. a) CONDITIONS FOR RESCHEDULE: may be knowing at least 48 hours in advance that you will not have enough players to play. School conflicts could apply here. b) Field Scheduling conflicts that are unavoidable d) Field conditions that have not improved since a bad weather situation
7)
SAFETY RULES - Rules enacted for the safety of the players may not be waived. Many are in effect because of league insurance rules and league officials may not act in direct defiance of these rules.
8)
THROWN BAT a)
9)
On a thrown bat call, a warning will be given to that player’s team bench and the next batter on that team to throw a bat will be called out. It shall be noted in the official book when a warning is given to the bench. If the batter throws the bat on a batted ball and is called out, runners may advance with jeopardy. (EXAMPLE) Batter throws bat when ball is hit to the infield on a ground ball. There are runners on first and second. Umpire will call "Batter Out" and the force on the runners is eliminated. (A thrown bat is a bat that leaves the batters hands on a batted ball or missed swing and travels in such a trajectory that it endangers any other player on the field. Any bat released by the batter and striking the catcher or home plate umpire will be an automatic out with no warning given. A bat deliberately thrown to the ground by the batter who is running toward 1st base is not a thrown bat, unless it meets the criteria outlined in this section.)
GROUND RULES – (ASA identifies this as local league rules) these are rules that specifically pertain to the playing conditions on the fields and may not alter the conduct of the game as outlined herein.
10) PROTESTS – shall be filed in writing with the WMASA Director or Umpire in Chief and must be done within 48 hours. 11) RULES CHANGES – These rules are reviewed annually during the League Director’s meeting in August. Modifications recommended during this meeting must have a majority support (WMASA Director is tie breaker) and will then take effect in the next year’s season. Rule changes requested for the current or upcoming season must have two-thirds majority to be enacted immediately. Any rule change enacted by ASA or MASA shall take effect immediately unless already modified herein.
ADDENDUM A Umpire Fees Umpires in the Junior and Senior leagues will be paid $35.00 per game for home plate and $25 per game for bases. If for whatever reason an umpire is faced with doing a game alone, he/she shall be paid $45 per game. Double headers are treated as two single games: 1. Game called more than 1 hour prior to scheduled start time with notification going out through one call. a. If Umpire is notified and does not show, no pay b. If Umpire is not notified and shows up $5.00 for gas 2. Game called at game time a. Umpire should get full pay 3. Game called while game is in progress a. Umpire gets full pay and there should be an effort to have the same umpires do the makeup game if it is scheduled. If they do the makeup game, then they would not be paid because they had already been paid for that one. Comment: If there is a double header scheduled and both games are cancelled, this amendment only applies to the first game and the second is considered ample notice for cancellation.
PLAYERS a)
Maximum roster is 18 players i) All team rosters will be submitted to the West MI ASA, on the prescribed form prior to opening day. The board of directors has voted, if you do not have a roster on file you do not have an eligible team for participation and your game may be ruled a forfeit on appeal. (This is a no brainer directors, your coaches obviously know who is playing for them.) Players may be added to rosters by submitting a revised roster to West MI ASA. No lower division roster changes will be accepted after June 1 st. These rosters will also be posted on the website and will be utilized to determine All-Star eligibility. ii) All players present must participate in the game (obvious injury exclusions apply. Inform Umpire prior to start of game.) iii) Free defensive substitution
b) Rocket rule for batting. Any players arriving after the game has begun will be added to the end of the batting order. Once the first batter in the order has batted twice, no additional players may be added to the lineup. c)
Courtesy runner rule is modified to indicate that should a runner be needed to replace an existing runner, that runner shall be the last batter to have recorded an out. (Exception is the first inning where no outs have been recorded; the courtesy runner shall be the final batter on the line up card.) i) The Courtesy Runner shall only be used in the event of a player being unable to continue her base running. If a player is removed from the base for any reason other than as outlined in 1-d-ii below, she must be removed from the game or be charged with an out when her next turn at-bat happens. ii) The offensive coach has the option of replacing a catcher who is a base runner her with a courtesy runner at any time after she has successfully reached first base during her time at bat. The ASA rule applying to the pitcher and catcher will not apply in this league.
2)
PITCHING - Both ASA and MHSAA rules apply. A pitcher can do either. a)
3)
Pitching distance is 43 feet
RUNS RULE a)
No new batter may come to the plate after the fifth run by that team has been scored that inning.
b) Final inning does not have a run limit except that covered under the Run Ahead Rule. c)
4)
CONTINUATION OF PLAY – When the ball is returned to the pitcher inside the 8 foot circle and runners are no longer attempting to advance continuation of play has ended and all runners must return to their bases or the “Look Back Rule” will apply. This same rule applies If there are bases loaded and a walk is issued. In the event the walk forces in the fifth run of the inning and runners are attempting to advance, they do so at the risk of being put out.
GAME TIME LIMIT a)
All games are seven innings or 1:30 time limit. i) 1 minute between innings, anyone who has worked tournaments knows this is totally possible. The ASA rule says between innings the pitcher gets one minute to deliver not more than 5 pitches. At the end of one minute the umpire will call batter up. Batter has 10 seconds to assume position in batter’s box,
pitcher has 20 seconds to deliver pitch to batter once she is in the box. If the coach is meeting with players when the one minute is over, a charged conference may be declared. ii) Final Inning. No umpire will declare final inning unless the game time limit has been reached. Simply said Umpires may not call final inning even if there is five seconds remaining on the clock when the new inning begins. Both teams should be given their complete “At Bat” opportunity in the final inning. Visiting team gets their three outs. Home team will get their three outs unless they are in the lead. Please keep in mind that if the visiting team at bat was ended because of the “Run Ahead” rule, then they have not had a complete “At Bat.” The rule is simple, if you did not get your three outs, you did not have a complete at bat. iii) If the um umpire stops the game for cause in the final inning, ie; weather, darkness etc, then the score will revert to the last complete inning played. iv) Games can end in a tie. v) Time outs, offense or defense, will be restricted to :30 seconds. (1) If it was an offensive time out: Rule 7-3-C, Batter must assume position in batter’s box within 10 seconds after being instructed to do so by Umpire or ball is dead and a strike is called on the batter. (2) If it was a defensive time out: Rule 6-A-3-O, pitcher must deliver the next pitch within 20 seconds after the umpire signals the batter is ready. Failure to do so, Ball is dead and ball is called on the batter. 5)
EQUIPMENT a)
It is encouraged that all infielders wear the appropriate safety face mask for their position.
b) GAME BALL must meet ASA requirements for ASA JO 14U and 18U as applicable. Home team will provide new game ball; (12 Inch Optic Yellow ball will be used) visiting team will provide playable ball. 6)
RAIN OUT a)
May only be called by the Chief Umpire, League Representative or Field Manager. Rainouts will be made known at least one hour before the scheduled start of the game. If not notified, teams are expected to show up or face forfeit.
b) Games will be stopped immediately if lightening is seen from the field. In the event the game is being played at a complex of multiple fields, any game being canceled because of dangerous weather conditions shall be considered grounds to stop all games.
c)
Should the National Weather Service issue a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning for our area, all games in progress shall be stopped and all scheduled games during the duration of the warning shall be postponed.
7) RESCHEDULING - If a game must be rescheduled, it is the responsibility of the requesting coach to inform the opposing coach and an effort made by the “Home Team” to come up with a replay date. If the teams are scheduled to play a double header, the host field shall be considered the home team for the purpose of rescheduling. If the home team cannot come up with an amicable date the game could end up being scheduled at the opposing team’s field. Requests for a reschedule must come in e-mail form to the opposing coach and copying the “scheduler” on the communications. Anything not handled in this manner may be treated as if it did not exist. a) CONDITIONS FOR RESCHEDULE: may be knowing at least 48 hours in advance that you will not have enough players to play. School conflicts could apply here. b) Field Scheduling conflicts that are unavoidable d) Field conditions that have not improved since a bad weather situation
7)
SAFETY RULES - Rules enacted for the safety of the players may not be waived. Many are in effect because of league insurance rules and league officials may not act in direct defiance of these rules.
8)
THROWN BAT a)
9)
On a thrown bat call, a warning will be given to that player’s team bench and the next batter on that team to throw a bat will be called out. It shall be noted in the official book when a warning is given to the bench. If the batter throws the bat on a batted ball and is called out, runners may advance with jeopardy. (EXAMPLE) Batter throws bat when ball is hit to the infield on a ground ball. There are runners on first and second. Umpire will call "Batter Out" and the force on the runners is eliminated. (A thrown bat is a bat that leaves the batters hands on a batted ball or missed swing and travels in such a trajectory that it endangers any other player on the field. Any bat released by the batter and striking the catcher or home plate umpire will be an automatic out with no warning given. A bat deliberately thrown to the ground by the batter who is running toward 1st base is not a thrown bat, unless it meets the criteria outlined in this section.)
GROUND RULES – (ASA identifies this as local league rules) these are rules that specifically pertain to the playing conditions on the fields and may not alter the conduct of the game as outlined herein.
10) PROTESTS – shall be filed in writing with the WMASA Director or Umpire in Chief and must be done within 48 hours. 11) RULES CHANGES – These rules are reviewed annually during the League Director’s meeting in August. Modifications recommended during this meeting must have a majority support (WMASA Director is tie breaker) and will then take effect in the next year’s season. Rule changes requested for the current or upcoming season must have two-thirds majority to be enacted immediately. Any rule change enacted by ASA or MASA shall take effect immediately unless already modified herein.
ADDENDUM A Umpire Fees Umpires in the Junior and Senior leagues will be paid $35.00 per game for home plate and $25 per game for bases. If for whatever reason an umpire is faced with doing a game alone, he/she shall be paid $45 per game. Double headers are treated as two single games: 1. Game called more than 1 hour prior to scheduled start time with notification going out through one call. a. If Umpire is notified and does not show, no pay b. If Umpire is not notified and shows up $5.00 for gas 2. Game called at game time a. Umpire should get full pay 3. Game called while game is in progress a. Umpire gets full pay and there should be an effort to have the same umpires do the makeup game if it is scheduled. If they do the makeup game, then they would not be paid because they had already been paid for that one. Comment: If there is a double header scheduled and both games are cancelled, this amendment only applies to the first game and the second is considered ample notice for cancellation.
