ODU Intramural Sports
Slow-Pitch Softball Rules and Regulations Player Eligibility Below are the guidelines that participants must follow in order to be eligible to play in ODU Intramurals.
ODU Undergraduate/Graduate students: enrolled continuously in 3 credit hours at ODU are eligible for intramural competition.
Faculty and Staff: Must have a valid membership to the Student Recreation Center to be eligible for intramural competition. *Note: Spouses of all part-time/full-time faculty and staff are NOT eligible to participate.
Current Sport Club members: Players listed on a sport club roster with the Recreation and Wellness office are limited to two players (2) per single gender team roster, (3) for Co-Rec Roster and are ineligible for individual/dual activities in his/her related sport. Club Members are defined as individuals who meet any one of the following criteria: Name appears on sports club team roster during the academic year. Signed a participation waiver and is actively participating in club functions. Actively participating with the club during their season.
EVMS Students: Starting in May of 2014 EVMS Students are now required to purchase a semester membership and pay an additional fee to participate in ODU intramural events. They must purchase both the membership and pay the fee to be eligible. Current members of ODU varsity roster: These students are not eligible to participate in that same sport or a related sport for that academic school year. Individuals who are trying out for an intercollegiate team but who are not on a permanent roster will be permitted to participate until they are placed on a permanent roster, at which time, they are ineligible. Red shirted athletes or anyone who practices with a team regularly but does not participate in intercollegiate competition will not be eligible to play that same or related sport.
Former Varsity Athletes: Any athlete from any institution will be ineligible to compete in that sport for the current academic school year. Such individuals are limited to one player per team roster.
Other Eligibility Requirements:
Players must be on the IMLeagues.com/odu roster at game time to be signed-in. Players CANNOT leave a team once they’ve played a game for that team. A player can only play for one (1) single gender team and one (1) co-rec team within a single sport season. o Penalty: Any game(s) in which the illegal player has participated in will result in a FORFEIT.
The following groups are NOT eligible to participate:
Professional Athletes: Those participants with professional rank will be ineligible for five (5) years from the date professional career ended. (This does not include try-outs for a professional team).
Alumni/Former Students Community Members with Valid SRC Membership Old Dominion Recreation & Wellness
Intramural Sports
IMLeagues.com/ODU
(757)683-3384
Gender Identity Policy When creating an account on IMLeagues.com, all participants are asked to declare a gender identity of either female or male. If a participant chooses to change that gender identity after their account is created, they must do so prior to being on site for a game. *Intentional misuse of this policy to gain a competitive advantage will result in an immediate suspension from all Intramural Sports programs for 1 year and the student(s) involved will be referred to The Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity for further disciplinary action.* Player Eligibility Protests The eligibility of an opposing player, or roster, can be made at any point prior to the game and within 24 hours after the game ends. If the protest is upheld, the offending team will forfeit the game. *Player Eligibility Protests during Playoffs/Tournaments If the eligibility protest is made prior to the game taking place, the protesting team will be allowed to advance in the tournament if the protest is upheld by the Assistant Director of Intramural Sports. If the protest is made after the game, neither team will not advance if the protesting team lost the contest if the protest is upheld. *Protests are a means of ensuring fair play but are not meant to be used as a loophole for losses.*
I.D. Policy All Participants must show a valid University ID card at the time of player check-in. Without the University ID Card, you will not be allowed to play. If a participant uses an I.D. that does not belong to them, they will be suspended from participation. Intramural Managers and Officials can ask for identification at any point to ensure fair play and to document any issue. Failure to properly identify yourself, by providing a false name, UIN, or other information will result in sanctions against your and possibly your entire team.
Facilities Games will be played at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex on Powhatan Avenue.
Start Time Policy The time listed on IMLeagues.com is the start time for your game. If your team does not have the minimum number of players required to start the contest at that time then it is a forfeit.
Forfeit Policy The Forfeit Fee of $25 will be charged if a team forfeits a game regular season or post-season play. If a team knows they will not have enough players for their scheduled game, they must call the Recreation and Wellness Office by 12pm the day of their game; this will result in a default, instead of a forfeit and your team will not be charged the Forfeit Fee. If a game is scheduled on Saturday or Sunday, notice of cancellation must be provided by Friday 4pm.
*If a team has 2 Forfeits in one season, they will be removed from the league for the remainder of the year.* A Forfeit Constitutes As: Not providing proper notice of cancellation (see above policy) No-show to a scheduled contest A team does not have the minimum number of players required to start the game. (2) defaults (default = providing proper notice of cancellation) Old Dominion Recreation & Wellness
Intramural Sports
IMLeagues.com/ODU
(757)683-3384
Game Time and Time Regulations Regulation Game
All games will be limited to 7 innings or 50 minutes in duration. If a team fails to appear at the scheduled location at the scheduled time, the official will declare the contest a forfeit. A game will be considered regulation after 3 complete innings. The Mercy Rule will come into effect during the following situations: o When a team is ahead 20 runs after the completion of the 3rd inning o When a team is ahead 15 runs after the completion of the 4th inning o When a team is ahead 10 runs after the completion of the 5th or 6th inning
The Team
Ten (10) players constitute a team. Eight (8) are required to begin a game and avoid a forfeit. If eight players are not present at the allotted game time, the game will be declared a Forfeit.
Extra Player
A team may bat eleven players using the extra player rule. Players arriving late can only be added to the batting order if the team has not gone through the order once. Teams can play with 12 for Co-Rec.
Substitutions/Re-entry
Free substitution provided an individual bats and fields at least one inning. If the team is unable to maintain nine players, the official’s judgment will determine if the game is to continue. Players lost due to injury may be replaced with a legal substitute. If no substitute is available, the team takes an automatic out for that slot in the batting order. At no time can a team batting 11, go to 10 and not have an out recorded.
Player Equipment
Only IM Departmental bats will be allowed. Any player using a non-IM bat will be called out. Game balls will be provided by IM Dept. 12” balls will be used in all games. No metal cleats.
Rules Section Pitching Regulations
New pitchers are allowed 8 warm-up pitches to begin a game and one warm-up pitch for each inning thereafter. A ball must be delivered from a starting point below the hip, with a perceptible arc of 6 to 12 feet, with one foot in contact with the rubber at all times. During the pitch the ball may only cross the hip forward one time. No windmills. Any pitch not meeting the legal delivery requirements shall be called an “illegal pitch” by the umpire. The pitch is still live and will act as a normal pitch if swung at or contacted by the batter. No pitch shall be declared when the pitcher pitches during the following: Old Dominion Recreation & Wellness
Intramural Sports
IMLeagues.com/ODU
(757)683-3384
o o o o
Suspension of play. The runner is called out for leaving the base too soon. The pitcher pitches before a base runner has retouched his base after a foul ball and the ball is dead. When the ball slips from the pitcher’s hand during his windup or during the back-swing.
Batting Starting Count
Each hitter will start with a 1 ball and 1 strike count. Once a batter reaches 2 strikes in their count, they have 1 courtesy foul ball. Any additional foul balls after the courtesy foul, will be a dead ball and the batter will be out.
Batting Order
Teams will be allowed up to 11 players hitting on the lineup at once. 10 defensive players plus an extra hitter. Co-Rec Rule: Teams can have up to 12 players in their batting order but they must alternate in gender. If a team has an odd number of batters, they will take an out at the point in the order where they do not alternate gender. Batting Out of Order o If a batter bats out of order and it is detected while the incorrect batter is at bat, the correct batter assumes the count and all plays made will stand. o If it is detected while the incorrect batter has completed their turn at bat and before the next pitch, the batter who should have batted is OUT; the ball is dead and all the runners return. If it is detected AFTER the next pitch, it is too late and no one can be called out. No runner shall be removed from the base occupied to bat in their proper place. o If it is detected while the incorrect batter is still batting, the correct batter will take the place of the incorrect batter and assume the count. If a team bats eight, there will be an out recorded in the 9th and 10th positions.
Strike Zone
Any pitched ball that hits the strike mat. If a pitch is declared illegal, and the batter swings and misses, or fouls the pitch off, it is a strike or potentially an out
Batter-runner
is a player who has finished his/her turn at bat but has not yet been put out or reached base safely.
Multiple contacts
A batter is out when he/she hits a fair ball with the bat a second time in fair territory. o EXCPETION: If the batter is standing in the batter’s box and contact is made while the bat is in the batter’s hands, a foul ball is ruled even if the ball is hit a second time over fair territory. NOTE: If the batter drops the bat and the ball rolls against the bat in fair territory, and, in the umpires judgment, there was no intention to interfere with the course of the ball, the batter is not out and the ball is in play.
Additional Rules Old Dominion Recreation & Wellness
Intramural Sports
IMLeagues.com/ODU
(757)683-3384
Bunting or chopping the ball is an out. The infield fly rule is in effect. A fair fly ball (not line drive) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort when 1st and 2nd or 1st, 2nd, and 3rd are occupied before two are out. The batter is automatically out and the ball is live. The batting team is responsible for retrieving all balls hit out of the playing area (over the fence, foul territory, etc.)
Fair Ball A ball is said to be fair when it:
Settles or is touched on or over fair territory between home and first base or between home and third base. Bounces over or past first or third base, which is in fair territory, regardless of where the ball hits after going over the base. While on or over fair territory, touches the person, attached equipment, or clothing of a player or umpire. Touches first, second, or third base. Falls to the ground or is touched on or over fair territory beyond first, second, or third base. While over fair territory, passes out of the playing field beyond the outfield fence.
Foul Ball A ball is considered foul when it:
Settles or is touched on or over foul territory between home and first base or between home and third base. Bounces or rolls past first or third base on or over foul territory While over foul territory, is touched by a player, attached equipment or clothing of a player or an umpire, or any object foreign to the natural ground. First hits the ground or is first touched over foul territory beyond first or third base. A caught fly ball in foul territory is an out. Touches the batter or the bat in the batter’s hand(s) a second time while the batter is within the batter’s box.
Base Running
All sliding should be an attempt to avoid contact with a defensive player. Sliding to create contact or interfere with a defenders play will result in an immediate ejection. Stealing and leading ARE NOT ALLOWED. Interference – any player who runs over a defensive player in legal position to play a ball will be called out and o Delayed dead ball occurs. Runners will be placed at the judgement of the umpires. Obstruction – the act of: o A defensive players or team member who hinders or prevents a batter from striking or hitting a pitched ball. o A fielder, who is not in possession of the ball, in the act of fielding a batter ball, or about to receive a thrown ball, which impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running bases. o Delayed dead ball occurs. Runners will be placed at the judgement of the umpires. Faking a tag will result in immediate ejection.
Old Dominion Recreation & Wellness
Intramural Sports
IMLeagues.com/ODU
(757)683-3384
Any overthrow from the infield or outfield which goes out of play will result in two bases awarded from the position or runners at the time of the release. A batted ball which is knocked or carried out of play by the defense will result in bases being awarded from positions at the time of play (intentional – 2, unintentional-1).
Co-Recreational Rules
Ten (10) players constitute a team. Eight (8) are required to begin a game and avoid a forfeit. At least four individuals of each gender are required to begin a game. Teams may bat 8, 9, 10 or 12. Males and females must alternate in the batting order. If a male batter walks, the female has the option of hitting or taking a base on balls. If a team bats eight, there will be an out recorded in the 9th and 10th position and any other spot where the same sex bats back to back.
Definitions Dead Ball
A ball that touches any player or object located out of play, that becomes lodged in an umpire’s gear or in an offensive player’s clothing, or that the umpire rules dead. A line that marks a dead ball is considered in play.
Foul Tip
A batted ball that travels directly from the bat to the catcher’s hands, glove, or mitt and not higher than the batter’s head, and is legally caught by the catcher. A foul tip is a strike. The batter is out if the foul tip occurs when the batter has two strikes. A foul tip is a live ball.
Illegal Pitch
A pitch that does not meet the stipulations of a fairly delivered pitch.
Sportsmanship Mission Old Dominion University and the Intramural Sports program are dedicated to promote and enforce positive sportsmanship among all ODU participants. Through each contest participants must portray fair play, respect for opponents, and intramural staff, as well as, graciousness in winning or losing. In order to encourage proper conduct during games, officials, managers, and administrative personnel will make decisions to warn, penalize and/or eject players, coaches, teams and/or spectators for poor sportsmanship. The decisions made by these individuals are final and will be reviewed by the Assistant Director of Intramural Sports. All captains are responsible for the conduct of their teams during an intramural contest. The sportsmanship rating can be affected by actions occurring before or after a contest.
Sportsmanship Criteria and Ratings Based on this philosophy, the following system will be used to evaluate a team’s sportsmanship during each contest by intramural sports officials and managers. Teams will receive a rating each game that will create an average at the end of the season. Teams in must have an average of 3.0 at the end of their regular season to continue play and be eligible for playoffs. Old Dominion Recreation & Wellness
Intramural Sports
IMLeagues.com/ODU
(757)683-3384
Excellent Sportsmanship: (5 points)
Display absolute respect for opponents, officials, supervisors, and administrative staff. Accept all decisions by officials without question. Responsible for their actions and do not respond negatively. Encourage other to participate and do not segregate teammates. Teams recognize good sportsmanship among their team and the opponent. State positive comments of encouragement towards teammates and opponents. Show concern for an injured player, regardless of team. Accept a loss and congratulate the opponent on their success. Receive no warnings, ejections, yellow cards, unsportsmanlike penalties or technical fouls.
Good: (4 points)
Mostly display respect for opponents, officials, managers, and administrative staff. Accept all decisions by officials with some questions. Responsible for their actions with some negative responses. Encourage others to participate and do not segregate teammates. State some positive comments of encouragement towards teammates and opponents. Show concern for an injured player, regardless of team. Teams accept a loss and congratulate the opponent on their success. May receive a warning, but displays good sportsmanship after the confrontation. Players curse at themselves in a low tone voice. Teams/players receive no ejections or technical fouls.
Average: (3 points) Note: All teams that request to cancel within 24 hours of their next contest will receive a 3.0 rating.
Displayed some respect for opponents, officials, supervisors, and administrative staff. Accepted some decisions by officials with questions. Deny some responsibility for their actions with some negative responses. Do not encourage others to participate and segregate teammates. State few positive comments of encouragement towards teammates and opponents. Players curse at themselves in a loud tone that bystanders can over hear. Show concern for an injured player, regardless of team. Accept a loss but, do not congratulate the opponent on their success. Received multiple warnings, multiple unsportsmanlike penalties or technical fouls, but no ejections.
Below Average: (2 points)
Teams displayed no respect for opponents, officials, supervisors, and administrative staff Accept some decisions by officials with multiple questions Responsible for their actions with multiple negative responses Do not encourage others to participate and segregate teammates State no positive comments of encouragement towards teammates and opponents Players curse at teammates and opponents in a low tone voice Ignore an injured player, regardless of team Do not accept a loss and do not congratulate the opponent on their success Old Dominion Recreation & Wellness
Intramural Sports
IMLeagues.com/ODU
(757)683-3384
Purposely strive to score as many points as possible to embarrass opponent Received unsportsmanlike penalties, technical fouls, or ejections
Unacceptable: (1 point) Note: Teams that forfeit through a no show will automatically receive a 1.0 rating. Teams that receive a player ejection will automatically receive this rating.
Blatant disregard for the philosophy of sportsmanship, officials, and opponents Play is dangerous with occasional intent to injure opponent Players curse at teammates and players in a loud tone that bystanders over hear Captain has no control of team conduct Participants received ejections, unsportsmanlike penalties or technical fouls Game is stopped prior to normal ending due to player/fan conduct
Sportsmanship Sanctions The intramural department contains the right to address all issues that pertain to sportsmanship issues. Players that are ejected from an event will receive an automatic one game suspension and will have to meet with the Coordinator of Intramural Sports. The captain of the team will have to attend this meeting to discuss the sportsmanship issue and the rating system. The intramural department also reserves the right to contact Judicial Affairs to resolve extreme disciplinary situations. All situations will be handling individually and sanctions may vary.
Tobacco/Alcohol Policy The following policies apply to all players, coaches, and fans: Smoking or using any smokeless tobacco products at an intramural site will result in removal from facility site and surrounding area, and a suspension from participation. Consuming an alcoholic beverage at an intramural site will result in removal from facility site and surrounding area, and a suspension from participation. Consuming or using any mind altering substance PRIOR to attending a game will result in removal from facility site and surrounding area, and a suspension from participation.
Old Dominion Recreation & Wellness
Intramural Sports
IMLeagues.com/ODU
(757)683-3384
ODU Undergraduate/Graduate students: enrolled continuously in 3 credit hours at ODU are eligible for intramural competition.
Faculty and Staff: Must have a valid membership to the Student Recreation Center to be eligible for intramural competition. *Note: Spouses of all part-time/full-time faculty and staff are NOT eligible to participate.
Current Sport Club members: Players listed on a sport club roster with the Recreation and Wellness office are limited to two players (2) per single gender team roster, (3) for Co-Rec Roster and are ineligible for individual/dual activities in his/her related sport. Club Members are defined as individuals who meet any one of the following criteria: Name appears on sports club team roster during the academic year. Signed a participation waiver and is actively participating in club functions. Actively participating with the club during their season.
EVMS Students: Starting in May of 2014 EVMS Students are now required to purchase a semester membership and pay an additional fee to participate in ODU intramural events. They must purchase both the membership and pay the fee to be eligible. Current members of ODU varsity roster: These students are not eligible to participate in that same sport or a related sport for that academic school year. Individuals who are trying out for an intercollegiate team but who are not on a permanent roster will be permitted to participate until they are placed on a permanent roster, at which time, they are ineligible. Red shirted athletes or anyone who practices with a team regularly but does not participate in intercollegiate competition will not be eligible to play that same or related sport.
Former Varsity Athletes: Any athlete from any institution will be ineligible to compete in that sport for the current academic school year. Such individuals are limited to one player per team roster.
Other Eligibility Requirements:
Players must be on the IMLeagues.com/odu roster at game time to be signed-in. Players CANNOT leave a team once they’ve played a game for that team. A player can only play for one (1) single gender team and one (1) co-rec team within a single sport season. o Penalty: Any game(s) in which the illegal player has participated in will result in a FORFEIT.
The following groups are NOT eligible to participate:
Professional Athletes: Those participants with professional rank will be ineligible for five (5) years from the date professional career ended. (This does not include try-outs for a professional team).
Alumni/Former Students Community Members with Valid SRC Membership Old Dominion Recreation & Wellness
Intramural Sports
IMLeagues.com/ODU
(757)683-3384
Gender Identity Policy When creating an account on IMLeagues.com, all participants are asked to declare a gender identity of either female or male. If a participant chooses to change that gender identity after their account is created, they must do so prior to being on site for a game. *Intentional misuse of this policy to gain a competitive advantage will result in an immediate suspension from all Intramural Sports programs for 1 year and the student(s) involved will be referred to The Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity for further disciplinary action.* Player Eligibility Protests The eligibility of an opposing player, or roster, can be made at any point prior to the game and within 24 hours after the game ends. If the protest is upheld, the offending team will forfeit the game. *Player Eligibility Protests during Playoffs/Tournaments If the eligibility protest is made prior to the game taking place, the protesting team will be allowed to advance in the tournament if the protest is upheld by the Assistant Director of Intramural Sports. If the protest is made after the game, neither team will not advance if the protesting team lost the contest if the protest is upheld. *Protests are a means of ensuring fair play but are not meant to be used as a loophole for losses.*
I.D. Policy All Participants must show a valid University ID card at the time of player check-in. Without the University ID Card, you will not be allowed to play. If a participant uses an I.D. that does not belong to them, they will be suspended from participation. Intramural Managers and Officials can ask for identification at any point to ensure fair play and to document any issue. Failure to properly identify yourself, by providing a false name, UIN, or other information will result in sanctions against your and possibly your entire team.
Facilities Games will be played at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex on Powhatan Avenue.
Start Time Policy The time listed on IMLeagues.com is the start time for your game. If your team does not have the minimum number of players required to start the contest at that time then it is a forfeit.
Forfeit Policy The Forfeit Fee of $25 will be charged if a team forfeits a game regular season or post-season play. If a team knows they will not have enough players for their scheduled game, they must call the Recreation and Wellness Office by 12pm the day of their game; this will result in a default, instead of a forfeit and your team will not be charged the Forfeit Fee. If a game is scheduled on Saturday or Sunday, notice of cancellation must be provided by Friday 4pm.
*If a team has 2 Forfeits in one season, they will be removed from the league for the remainder of the year.* A Forfeit Constitutes As: Not providing proper notice of cancellation (see above policy) No-show to a scheduled contest A team does not have the minimum number of players required to start the game. (2) defaults (default = providing proper notice of cancellation) Old Dominion Recreation & Wellness
Intramural Sports
IMLeagues.com/ODU
(757)683-3384
Game Time and Time Regulations Regulation Game
All games will be limited to 7 innings or 50 minutes in duration. If a team fails to appear at the scheduled location at the scheduled time, the official will declare the contest a forfeit. A game will be considered regulation after 3 complete innings. The Mercy Rule will come into effect during the following situations: o When a team is ahead 20 runs after the completion of the 3rd inning o When a team is ahead 15 runs after the completion of the 4th inning o When a team is ahead 10 runs after the completion of the 5th or 6th inning
The Team
Ten (10) players constitute a team. Eight (8) are required to begin a game and avoid a forfeit. If eight players are not present at the allotted game time, the game will be declared a Forfeit.
Extra Player
A team may bat eleven players using the extra player rule. Players arriving late can only be added to the batting order if the team has not gone through the order once. Teams can play with 12 for Co-Rec.
Substitutions/Re-entry
Free substitution provided an individual bats and fields at least one inning. If the team is unable to maintain nine players, the official’s judgment will determine if the game is to continue. Players lost due to injury may be replaced with a legal substitute. If no substitute is available, the team takes an automatic out for that slot in the batting order. At no time can a team batting 11, go to 10 and not have an out recorded.
Player Equipment
Only IM Departmental bats will be allowed. Any player using a non-IM bat will be called out. Game balls will be provided by IM Dept. 12” balls will be used in all games. No metal cleats.
Rules Section Pitching Regulations
New pitchers are allowed 8 warm-up pitches to begin a game and one warm-up pitch for each inning thereafter. A ball must be delivered from a starting point below the hip, with a perceptible arc of 6 to 12 feet, with one foot in contact with the rubber at all times. During the pitch the ball may only cross the hip forward one time. No windmills. Any pitch not meeting the legal delivery requirements shall be called an “illegal pitch” by the umpire. The pitch is still live and will act as a normal pitch if swung at or contacted by the batter. No pitch shall be declared when the pitcher pitches during the following: Old Dominion Recreation & Wellness
Intramural Sports
IMLeagues.com/ODU
(757)683-3384
o o o o
Suspension of play. The runner is called out for leaving the base too soon. The pitcher pitches before a base runner has retouched his base after a foul ball and the ball is dead. When the ball slips from the pitcher’s hand during his windup or during the back-swing.
Batting Starting Count
Each hitter will start with a 1 ball and 1 strike count. Once a batter reaches 2 strikes in their count, they have 1 courtesy foul ball. Any additional foul balls after the courtesy foul, will be a dead ball and the batter will be out.
Batting Order
Teams will be allowed up to 11 players hitting on the lineup at once. 10 defensive players plus an extra hitter. Co-Rec Rule: Teams can have up to 12 players in their batting order but they must alternate in gender. If a team has an odd number of batters, they will take an out at the point in the order where they do not alternate gender. Batting Out of Order o If a batter bats out of order and it is detected while the incorrect batter is at bat, the correct batter assumes the count and all plays made will stand. o If it is detected while the incorrect batter has completed their turn at bat and before the next pitch, the batter who should have batted is OUT; the ball is dead and all the runners return. If it is detected AFTER the next pitch, it is too late and no one can be called out. No runner shall be removed from the base occupied to bat in their proper place. o If it is detected while the incorrect batter is still batting, the correct batter will take the place of the incorrect batter and assume the count. If a team bats eight, there will be an out recorded in the 9th and 10th positions.
Strike Zone
Any pitched ball that hits the strike mat. If a pitch is declared illegal, and the batter swings and misses, or fouls the pitch off, it is a strike or potentially an out
Batter-runner
is a player who has finished his/her turn at bat but has not yet been put out or reached base safely.
Multiple contacts
A batter is out when he/she hits a fair ball with the bat a second time in fair territory. o EXCPETION: If the batter is standing in the batter’s box and contact is made while the bat is in the batter’s hands, a foul ball is ruled even if the ball is hit a second time over fair territory. NOTE: If the batter drops the bat and the ball rolls against the bat in fair territory, and, in the umpires judgment, there was no intention to interfere with the course of the ball, the batter is not out and the ball is in play.
Additional Rules Old Dominion Recreation & Wellness
Intramural Sports
IMLeagues.com/ODU
(757)683-3384
Bunting or chopping the ball is an out. The infield fly rule is in effect. A fair fly ball (not line drive) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort when 1st and 2nd or 1st, 2nd, and 3rd are occupied before two are out. The batter is automatically out and the ball is live. The batting team is responsible for retrieving all balls hit out of the playing area (over the fence, foul territory, etc.)
Fair Ball A ball is said to be fair when it:
Settles or is touched on or over fair territory between home and first base or between home and third base. Bounces over or past first or third base, which is in fair territory, regardless of where the ball hits after going over the base. While on or over fair territory, touches the person, attached equipment, or clothing of a player or umpire. Touches first, second, or third base. Falls to the ground or is touched on or over fair territory beyond first, second, or third base. While over fair territory, passes out of the playing field beyond the outfield fence.
Foul Ball A ball is considered foul when it:
Settles or is touched on or over foul territory between home and first base or between home and third base. Bounces or rolls past first or third base on or over foul territory While over foul territory, is touched by a player, attached equipment or clothing of a player or an umpire, or any object foreign to the natural ground. First hits the ground or is first touched over foul territory beyond first or third base. A caught fly ball in foul territory is an out. Touches the batter or the bat in the batter’s hand(s) a second time while the batter is within the batter’s box.
Base Running
All sliding should be an attempt to avoid contact with a defensive player. Sliding to create contact or interfere with a defenders play will result in an immediate ejection. Stealing and leading ARE NOT ALLOWED. Interference – any player who runs over a defensive player in legal position to play a ball will be called out and o Delayed dead ball occurs. Runners will be placed at the judgement of the umpires. Obstruction – the act of: o A defensive players or team member who hinders or prevents a batter from striking or hitting a pitched ball. o A fielder, who is not in possession of the ball, in the act of fielding a batter ball, or about to receive a thrown ball, which impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running bases. o Delayed dead ball occurs. Runners will be placed at the judgement of the umpires. Faking a tag will result in immediate ejection.
Old Dominion Recreation & Wellness
Intramural Sports
IMLeagues.com/ODU
(757)683-3384
Any overthrow from the infield or outfield which goes out of play will result in two bases awarded from the position or runners at the time of the release. A batted ball which is knocked or carried out of play by the defense will result in bases being awarded from positions at the time of play (intentional – 2, unintentional-1).
Co-Recreational Rules
Ten (10) players constitute a team. Eight (8) are required to begin a game and avoid a forfeit. At least four individuals of each gender are required to begin a game. Teams may bat 8, 9, 10 or 12. Males and females must alternate in the batting order. If a male batter walks, the female has the option of hitting or taking a base on balls. If a team bats eight, there will be an out recorded in the 9th and 10th position and any other spot where the same sex bats back to back.
Definitions Dead Ball
A ball that touches any player or object located out of play, that becomes lodged in an umpire’s gear or in an offensive player’s clothing, or that the umpire rules dead. A line that marks a dead ball is considered in play.
Foul Tip
A batted ball that travels directly from the bat to the catcher’s hands, glove, or mitt and not higher than the batter’s head, and is legally caught by the catcher. A foul tip is a strike. The batter is out if the foul tip occurs when the batter has two strikes. A foul tip is a live ball.
Illegal Pitch
A pitch that does not meet the stipulations of a fairly delivered pitch.
Sportsmanship Mission Old Dominion University and the Intramural Sports program are dedicated to promote and enforce positive sportsmanship among all ODU participants. Through each contest participants must portray fair play, respect for opponents, and intramural staff, as well as, graciousness in winning or losing. In order to encourage proper conduct during games, officials, managers, and administrative personnel will make decisions to warn, penalize and/or eject players, coaches, teams and/or spectators for poor sportsmanship. The decisions made by these individuals are final and will be reviewed by the Assistant Director of Intramural Sports. All captains are responsible for the conduct of their teams during an intramural contest. The sportsmanship rating can be affected by actions occurring before or after a contest.
Sportsmanship Criteria and Ratings Based on this philosophy, the following system will be used to evaluate a team’s sportsmanship during each contest by intramural sports officials and managers. Teams will receive a rating each game that will create an average at the end of the season. Teams in must have an average of 3.0 at the end of their regular season to continue play and be eligible for playoffs. Old Dominion Recreation & Wellness
Intramural Sports
IMLeagues.com/ODU
(757)683-3384
Excellent Sportsmanship: (5 points)
Display absolute respect for opponents, officials, supervisors, and administrative staff. Accept all decisions by officials without question. Responsible for their actions and do not respond negatively. Encourage other to participate and do not segregate teammates. Teams recognize good sportsmanship among their team and the opponent. State positive comments of encouragement towards teammates and opponents. Show concern for an injured player, regardless of team. Accept a loss and congratulate the opponent on their success. Receive no warnings, ejections, yellow cards, unsportsmanlike penalties or technical fouls.
Good: (4 points)
Mostly display respect for opponents, officials, managers, and administrative staff. Accept all decisions by officials with some questions. Responsible for their actions with some negative responses. Encourage others to participate and do not segregate teammates. State some positive comments of encouragement towards teammates and opponents. Show concern for an injured player, regardless of team. Teams accept a loss and congratulate the opponent on their success. May receive a warning, but displays good sportsmanship after the confrontation. Players curse at themselves in a low tone voice. Teams/players receive no ejections or technical fouls.
Average: (3 points) Note: All teams that request to cancel within 24 hours of their next contest will receive a 3.0 rating.
Displayed some respect for opponents, officials, supervisors, and administrative staff. Accepted some decisions by officials with questions. Deny some responsibility for their actions with some negative responses. Do not encourage others to participate and segregate teammates. State few positive comments of encouragement towards teammates and opponents. Players curse at themselves in a loud tone that bystanders can over hear. Show concern for an injured player, regardless of team. Accept a loss but, do not congratulate the opponent on their success. Received multiple warnings, multiple unsportsmanlike penalties or technical fouls, but no ejections.
Below Average: (2 points)
Teams displayed no respect for opponents, officials, supervisors, and administrative staff Accept some decisions by officials with multiple questions Responsible for their actions with multiple negative responses Do not encourage others to participate and segregate teammates State no positive comments of encouragement towards teammates and opponents Players curse at teammates and opponents in a low tone voice Ignore an injured player, regardless of team Do not accept a loss and do not congratulate the opponent on their success Old Dominion Recreation & Wellness
Intramural Sports
IMLeagues.com/ODU
(757)683-3384
Purposely strive to score as many points as possible to embarrass opponent Received unsportsmanlike penalties, technical fouls, or ejections
Unacceptable: (1 point) Note: Teams that forfeit through a no show will automatically receive a 1.0 rating. Teams that receive a player ejection will automatically receive this rating.
Blatant disregard for the philosophy of sportsmanship, officials, and opponents Play is dangerous with occasional intent to injure opponent Players curse at teammates and players in a loud tone that bystanders over hear Captain has no control of team conduct Participants received ejections, unsportsmanlike penalties or technical fouls Game is stopped prior to normal ending due to player/fan conduct
Sportsmanship Sanctions The intramural department contains the right to address all issues that pertain to sportsmanship issues. Players that are ejected from an event will receive an automatic one game suspension and will have to meet with the Coordinator of Intramural Sports. The captain of the team will have to attend this meeting to discuss the sportsmanship issue and the rating system. The intramural department also reserves the right to contact Judicial Affairs to resolve extreme disciplinary situations. All situations will be handling individually and sanctions may vary.
Tobacco/Alcohol Policy The following policies apply to all players, coaches, and fans: Smoking or using any smokeless tobacco products at an intramural site will result in removal from facility site and surrounding area, and a suspension from participation. Consuming an alcoholic beverage at an intramural site will result in removal from facility site and surrounding area, and a suspension from participation. Consuming or using any mind altering substance PRIOR to attending a game will result in removal from facility site and surrounding area, and a suspension from participation.
Old Dominion Recreation & Wellness
Intramural Sports
IMLeagues.com/ODU
(757)683-3384
