Leominster Lassie League 2016 Rules & Coaches Responsibilities
Leominster Lassie League 2016 Rules & Coaches Responsibilities General 1. An Adult coach must not leave the field until "ALL PLAYERS" have left their practice or game.
2. All volunteers must be CORI cleared. No one who is not CORI cleared may be on the field with the players.
3. NO SMOKING OR TOBACCO PRODUCTS ALLOWED ON THE LEOMINSTER LASSIE LEAGUE PROPERTY. Per Leominster City Ordinance.
4. Coaches are to lock the equipment room, bathrooms, and field box after their practice or game before leaving the complex. This will help keep equipment from being stolen or vandalized. Coaches are also reminded to close and lock the gates on the field after their game or practice.
5. Helmets with face guards must be used while batting whether they are at a Lassie League complex or any other offsite complex for practice or game. Penalty- Referral to Disciplinary Committee.
6. All players shall dress properly for a game with matching softball pants or shorts. When wearing shorts, players must also wear sliding shorts underneath for their safety. (except in the Women’s division)Players must wear appropriate footwear and league issued shirts. Yoga style pants are not allowed. Players not following the uniform rule will not be allowed to play. Metal cleats are not allowed.
7. Coaches are responsible for having PLAYERS clean the dugout and surrounding areas after each game or practice. There should not be any water bottles or wrappers of any kind left in the dugout. Coaches are to empty the barrel from inside the dugouts into the large barrel outside the fence.
8. Coaches are responsible for raking around the pitcher’s mound, around the bases, and around home plate after each game and practice. If any areas of the infield are dug up rake them out.
9. No GUM allowed in the dugouts! 10. Mandatory Meetings - Coaches are expected to attend monthly League meetings during the season (January – June). If they cannot attend it is expected that an assistant coach will attend in their place. This is important so coaches are aware of what is going on in the league and so they can be present for discussions about changes or new ideas for the league. During the off season meetings are not mandatory but are strongly encouraged.
Games Home team is responsible for: a. Getting helmets for your team (from the appropriate field box) b. Getting the bases for your field (from the appropriate field box) c. Raking home plate and the pitcher’s mound after the game d. After the game coach is responsible for emptying the small trash barrel from the dugout into the large blue barrel outside of the field. e. *Home team will schedule 1 parent volunteer to work the concession stand from 5:30-8. On Sundays they will begin 30 minutes prior to their game time and until the game is over.* Visiting team is responsible for: a. Getting helmets for your team (from the appropriate field box) b. Returning your helmets and the bases to the appropriate field box c. Lining the fields and batter’s box prior to the game d. After the game coach is responsible for emptying the small trash barrel from the dugout into the large blue barrel outside of the field *On days with multiple games, the first team to arrive will get the equipment and the teams with the last game of the day will return the equipment *Home team coach will post the final score in the concession stand AND email the score to the player agent.
Rules Pitching distances ● Instructional coaches may adjust their pitching distance as needed. ● Women’s: 50 feet Majors: 43 feet Minors: 40 feet ● Intermediate & Instructional: 35 feet
1. All players under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet with a chin strap and face guard while batting, on deck, or coaching the bases. Players under 18 are strongly encouraged to wear mouth guards. Girls playing 1st base, 3rd base and pitching are STRONGLY encouraged to wear a face guard (mask). Visible jewelry is not allowed. Jewelry may be taped or covered with a Band-Aid and must remain on for the duration of the game.
2. Major division can start a game with 8, 9, or 10 players (if they use an extra hitter). If a team starts with 8 players, they will take an out in the 9th position in the batting order. A team must inform the umpire prior to the start of the game that they will use an extra hitter. 3. Minor Division can start a game with 8, 9, or 10 players. If a team starts with 8 players, they will take an out in the 9th position in the batting order. Minors will have 10 fielders and must use a continuous batting order with all those not playing the field.
4. Intermediate Division can start a game with 8, 9, or 10 players in the field. If a team starts with 8 players, they will take an out in the 9th position in the batting order unless otherwise agreed on between coaches. They may have 10 fielders and must use a continuous batting order with all those not playing the field.
5. All teams should encourage players to play in the infield for at least one inning during each game. This will allow all players to strengthen their skills.
6. In Intermediate and minor divisions, pitchers cannot pitch more than 5 innings per game. In Majors pitchers cannot pitch more than 4 innings per game. This will allow for all pitchers on the team to develop their skills during the season.
7. Instructional Division will have all players that are present bat and all players will play in the field.
8. Major, Minor, and Intermediate divisions, all players must play 6 consecutive defensive outs. Failure to do so will result in action taken by the Disciplinary Committee. The consecutive innings will start when reported to the umpire. If the player has not batted after the 6 defensive outs, they must remain in the line-up until they have one at bat.
9. Major players may re-enter the game multiple times. They may re-enter the game either in the same spot they were in or in another spot in the lineup. If they are going into another spot in the lineup, they cannot bat until their original spot has passed once.
10. If your team has less than 10 players for a game, you may pick players from the “call up “list in the immediate lower division. Players who are called up from a lower division cannot play more innings than the least amount played by any of your regular roster players. The call up player must be last on the batting line up. All teams will provide the name and contact information of 2 players to the player agent to create the “call up” list for each division. This will be distributed to all coaches.
11. Visiting team will have the infield practice from 15 minutes to 10 minutes prior to game time and the home team will have infield practice from 10 minutes to 5 minutes prior to game time. On Sundays, infield practice may not be allowed if games are running late.
12. Game Length - no time limit EXCEPT for the Sunday. For weeknights it’s the Umpires discretion in regards to darkness. Major - 7 innings with regulation at 4 1/2 innings if home team is ahead and 5 complete innings if home team is behind Minor - 7 innings with regulation at 4 1/2 innings if home team is ahead and 5 complete innings if home team is behind Intermediate - 6 innings with regulation at 4 1/2 innings if home team is ahead and 5 complete innings if home team is behind Instructional - One hour time limit (minimum). Both teams must get equal at bats. To be agreed by both coaches. Sundays - No new inning to begin after 1 hour 40 minutes.
13. Number of runs per inning: Majors and Minors - 5 runs per inning, except for the 7th inning. Intermediate - 4 runs per inning, except for the 6th inning. Instructional- scores will not be kept. Outs will be recorded but runs will not be counted. Exception - On a Home run OVER the fence, a team will be allowed to score more than the maximum number of runs (all runs count).
14. Mercy Rule Majors - 12 runs after 5 complete innings 17 runs after 4 complete innings (teams will play 1 more inning with unlimited runs) *If a team is ahead by 8 runs or more then they will no longer be allowed to steal. If a player steals, time out will be called and the players will be sent back. Minors - 12 runs after 5 complete innings 17 runs after 4 complete (teams will play 1 more inning unlimited runs) *If a team is ahead by 8 runs or more then they will no longer be allowed to steal. If a player steals, time out will be called and the players will be sent back. Intermediate - 10 runs after 5 complete innings 14 runs after 4 complete (teams will play 1 more inning unlimited runs) *If a team is ahead by 6 runs or more then they will no longer be allowed to steal. If a player steals, time out will be called and the players will be sent back.
15. There is no unlimited run inning except in the SEVENTH inning and beyond (Minors & Majors), SIXTH inning and beyond for Intermediate. The only exception to this rule is when the last inning is determined by both coaches due to time constraints. Coaches will agree on last inning and this inning will be unlimited runs.
16. Only the President or League Player Agent can cancel games. Teams may not cancel games on their own. a. The President and/or League Player Agent have the jurisdiction to cancel games due to inclement weather. The call will be made to Coaches by 5:00 pm on weeknights and 11:00 am for Sundays. A team will forfeit if a game is not cancelled and the team(s) do not show up. Make up games will be scheduled within 48 hours after a game is cancelled if possible. b. Only the President and/or League Player Agent have the authority to cancel games for reasons other than inclement weather. Teams may not cancel games on their own. Teams may not switch game time slots without prior approval from the President and/or League Player Agent.
17. Bunting and stealing are allowed in the Major, Minor, and Intermediate Divisions. Majors - will use ASA stealing rule Minors - runners can steal all bases ➢ Drop 3rd strike will be in effect –first base must be unoccupied before the pitch is thrown - runner to right side of foul line – ball touches ground before the catcher catches it is a drop 3rd. ➢ Runners may only steal 1 base at a time, not advancing on an over throw ➢ Runners can leave the base after the ball is released from the pitcher’s hand ➢ All other ASA rules apply Intermediate - will use the following stealing rule: ➢ Runners may only steal third base and cannot steal second or Home. ➢ Runners cannot leave until the ball crosses home plate. ➢ Should the runner continue to steal bases and reach the next base safely, time will be called and the runner will be returned to the previous base. ➢ Dropped third strike rule is not in effect. ➢ Batter-runner may only advance to first on a walk.
18. EH Rule for Majors ● The team must follow the two consecutive inning rule or face penalty ● Penalty for violation of this IS NOT a game forfeit. The coach may be suspended for 1 game minimum, subject to review by the Disciplinary Committee.
Selected A.S.A. Rules Lightning If lightning is seen by an umpire or brought to his attention, all play will cease for a minimum of 30 minutes. All players will seek shelter. Umpires will not instruct players and coaches where they should go. Double Base ● No play at first base: Runner can touch either color bag ● Play at first from fair Territory: Runner touches organs/Fielder touches white ● Play at first from foul territory - Runner and fielder can touch either bag ● Return throws to first - Runner and fielder may touch either bag Injuries During a live ball situation, when a player becomes injured, and in the umpire’s judgment requires immediate attention, the umpire shall call "DEAD BALL" and allow or seek first aid. The umpire will award any bases that would have been reached.
Obstruction Fielders must be in possession of the ball before blocking the base Interference Judged on interference and not on intent. Infield fly rule The infield fly rule will not apply to the Intermediate division. Hit by pitch 1. Batter MUST make an attempt to avoid being struck by a pitched ball to be awarded 1st base. 2. If the ball hits the ground before hitting the batter no base will be awarded. Sliding Base runners are strongly urged to slide on a play at a base, to avoid contact at all bases except 1st. Pinch Runner and Courtesy runner ● A pinch runner may be used in the Major, Minor, or Intermediate divisions for an injured player that has been identified to the umpire either prior to the start of the game or during the game. The pinch runner must come from the bench and cannot be in the current line-up (except for Intermediate and minor divisions where the player that made the last out will be the pinch runner because of the continuous batting order). If there are no bench players, the player making the last out will serve as the pinch runner.
● Courtesy runners are allowed for the catcher in order to keep the game moving (in Majors, Minors, and Intermediate) and will follow the Pinch runner rule above.
2. All volunteers must be CORI cleared. No one who is not CORI cleared may be on the field with the players.
3. NO SMOKING OR TOBACCO PRODUCTS ALLOWED ON THE LEOMINSTER LASSIE LEAGUE PROPERTY. Per Leominster City Ordinance.
4. Coaches are to lock the equipment room, bathrooms, and field box after their practice or game before leaving the complex. This will help keep equipment from being stolen or vandalized. Coaches are also reminded to close and lock the gates on the field after their game or practice.
5. Helmets with face guards must be used while batting whether they are at a Lassie League complex or any other offsite complex for practice or game. Penalty- Referral to Disciplinary Committee.
6. All players shall dress properly for a game with matching softball pants or shorts. When wearing shorts, players must also wear sliding shorts underneath for their safety. (except in the Women’s division)Players must wear appropriate footwear and league issued shirts. Yoga style pants are not allowed. Players not following the uniform rule will not be allowed to play. Metal cleats are not allowed.
7. Coaches are responsible for having PLAYERS clean the dugout and surrounding areas after each game or practice. There should not be any water bottles or wrappers of any kind left in the dugout. Coaches are to empty the barrel from inside the dugouts into the large barrel outside the fence.
8. Coaches are responsible for raking around the pitcher’s mound, around the bases, and around home plate after each game and practice. If any areas of the infield are dug up rake them out.
9. No GUM allowed in the dugouts! 10. Mandatory Meetings - Coaches are expected to attend monthly League meetings during the season (January – June). If they cannot attend it is expected that an assistant coach will attend in their place. This is important so coaches are aware of what is going on in the league and so they can be present for discussions about changes or new ideas for the league. During the off season meetings are not mandatory but are strongly encouraged.
Games Home team is responsible for: a. Getting helmets for your team (from the appropriate field box) b. Getting the bases for your field (from the appropriate field box) c. Raking home plate and the pitcher’s mound after the game d. After the game coach is responsible for emptying the small trash barrel from the dugout into the large blue barrel outside of the field. e. *Home team will schedule 1 parent volunteer to work the concession stand from 5:30-8. On Sundays they will begin 30 minutes prior to their game time and until the game is over.* Visiting team is responsible for: a. Getting helmets for your team (from the appropriate field box) b. Returning your helmets and the bases to the appropriate field box c. Lining the fields and batter’s box prior to the game d. After the game coach is responsible for emptying the small trash barrel from the dugout into the large blue barrel outside of the field *On days with multiple games, the first team to arrive will get the equipment and the teams with the last game of the day will return the equipment *Home team coach will post the final score in the concession stand AND email the score to the player agent.
Rules Pitching distances ● Instructional coaches may adjust their pitching distance as needed. ● Women’s: 50 feet Majors: 43 feet Minors: 40 feet ● Intermediate & Instructional: 35 feet
1. All players under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet with a chin strap and face guard while batting, on deck, or coaching the bases. Players under 18 are strongly encouraged to wear mouth guards. Girls playing 1st base, 3rd base and pitching are STRONGLY encouraged to wear a face guard (mask). Visible jewelry is not allowed. Jewelry may be taped or covered with a Band-Aid and must remain on for the duration of the game.
2. Major division can start a game with 8, 9, or 10 players (if they use an extra hitter). If a team starts with 8 players, they will take an out in the 9th position in the batting order. A team must inform the umpire prior to the start of the game that they will use an extra hitter. 3. Minor Division can start a game with 8, 9, or 10 players. If a team starts with 8 players, they will take an out in the 9th position in the batting order. Minors will have 10 fielders and must use a continuous batting order with all those not playing the field.
4. Intermediate Division can start a game with 8, 9, or 10 players in the field. If a team starts with 8 players, they will take an out in the 9th position in the batting order unless otherwise agreed on between coaches. They may have 10 fielders and must use a continuous batting order with all those not playing the field.
5. All teams should encourage players to play in the infield for at least one inning during each game. This will allow all players to strengthen their skills.
6. In Intermediate and minor divisions, pitchers cannot pitch more than 5 innings per game. In Majors pitchers cannot pitch more than 4 innings per game. This will allow for all pitchers on the team to develop their skills during the season.
7. Instructional Division will have all players that are present bat and all players will play in the field.
8. Major, Minor, and Intermediate divisions, all players must play 6 consecutive defensive outs. Failure to do so will result in action taken by the Disciplinary Committee. The consecutive innings will start when reported to the umpire. If the player has not batted after the 6 defensive outs, they must remain in the line-up until they have one at bat.
9. Major players may re-enter the game multiple times. They may re-enter the game either in the same spot they were in or in another spot in the lineup. If they are going into another spot in the lineup, they cannot bat until their original spot has passed once.
10. If your team has less than 10 players for a game, you may pick players from the “call up “list in the immediate lower division. Players who are called up from a lower division cannot play more innings than the least amount played by any of your regular roster players. The call up player must be last on the batting line up. All teams will provide the name and contact information of 2 players to the player agent to create the “call up” list for each division. This will be distributed to all coaches.
11. Visiting team will have the infield practice from 15 minutes to 10 minutes prior to game time and the home team will have infield practice from 10 minutes to 5 minutes prior to game time. On Sundays, infield practice may not be allowed if games are running late.
12. Game Length - no time limit EXCEPT for the Sunday. For weeknights it’s the Umpires discretion in regards to darkness. Major - 7 innings with regulation at 4 1/2 innings if home team is ahead and 5 complete innings if home team is behind Minor - 7 innings with regulation at 4 1/2 innings if home team is ahead and 5 complete innings if home team is behind Intermediate - 6 innings with regulation at 4 1/2 innings if home team is ahead and 5 complete innings if home team is behind Instructional - One hour time limit (minimum). Both teams must get equal at bats. To be agreed by both coaches. Sundays - No new inning to begin after 1 hour 40 minutes.
13. Number of runs per inning: Majors and Minors - 5 runs per inning, except for the 7th inning. Intermediate - 4 runs per inning, except for the 6th inning. Instructional- scores will not be kept. Outs will be recorded but runs will not be counted. Exception - On a Home run OVER the fence, a team will be allowed to score more than the maximum number of runs (all runs count).
14. Mercy Rule Majors - 12 runs after 5 complete innings 17 runs after 4 complete innings (teams will play 1 more inning with unlimited runs) *If a team is ahead by 8 runs or more then they will no longer be allowed to steal. If a player steals, time out will be called and the players will be sent back. Minors - 12 runs after 5 complete innings 17 runs after 4 complete (teams will play 1 more inning unlimited runs) *If a team is ahead by 8 runs or more then they will no longer be allowed to steal. If a player steals, time out will be called and the players will be sent back. Intermediate - 10 runs after 5 complete innings 14 runs after 4 complete (teams will play 1 more inning unlimited runs) *If a team is ahead by 6 runs or more then they will no longer be allowed to steal. If a player steals, time out will be called and the players will be sent back.
15. There is no unlimited run inning except in the SEVENTH inning and beyond (Minors & Majors), SIXTH inning and beyond for Intermediate. The only exception to this rule is when the last inning is determined by both coaches due to time constraints. Coaches will agree on last inning and this inning will be unlimited runs.
16. Only the President or League Player Agent can cancel games. Teams may not cancel games on their own. a. The President and/or League Player Agent have the jurisdiction to cancel games due to inclement weather. The call will be made to Coaches by 5:00 pm on weeknights and 11:00 am for Sundays. A team will forfeit if a game is not cancelled and the team(s) do not show up. Make up games will be scheduled within 48 hours after a game is cancelled if possible. b. Only the President and/or League Player Agent have the authority to cancel games for reasons other than inclement weather. Teams may not cancel games on their own. Teams may not switch game time slots without prior approval from the President and/or League Player Agent.
17. Bunting and stealing are allowed in the Major, Minor, and Intermediate Divisions. Majors - will use ASA stealing rule Minors - runners can steal all bases ➢ Drop 3rd strike will be in effect –first base must be unoccupied before the pitch is thrown - runner to right side of foul line – ball touches ground before the catcher catches it is a drop 3rd. ➢ Runners may only steal 1 base at a time, not advancing on an over throw ➢ Runners can leave the base after the ball is released from the pitcher’s hand ➢ All other ASA rules apply Intermediate - will use the following stealing rule: ➢ Runners may only steal third base and cannot steal second or Home. ➢ Runners cannot leave until the ball crosses home plate. ➢ Should the runner continue to steal bases and reach the next base safely, time will be called and the runner will be returned to the previous base. ➢ Dropped third strike rule is not in effect. ➢ Batter-runner may only advance to first on a walk.
18. EH Rule for Majors ● The team must follow the two consecutive inning rule or face penalty ● Penalty for violation of this IS NOT a game forfeit. The coach may be suspended for 1 game minimum, subject to review by the Disciplinary Committee.
Selected A.S.A. Rules Lightning If lightning is seen by an umpire or brought to his attention, all play will cease for a minimum of 30 minutes. All players will seek shelter. Umpires will not instruct players and coaches where they should go. Double Base ● No play at first base: Runner can touch either color bag ● Play at first from fair Territory: Runner touches organs/Fielder touches white ● Play at first from foul territory - Runner and fielder can touch either bag ● Return throws to first - Runner and fielder may touch either bag Injuries During a live ball situation, when a player becomes injured, and in the umpire’s judgment requires immediate attention, the umpire shall call "DEAD BALL" and allow or seek first aid. The umpire will award any bases that would have been reached.
Obstruction Fielders must be in possession of the ball before blocking the base Interference Judged on interference and not on intent. Infield fly rule The infield fly rule will not apply to the Intermediate division. Hit by pitch 1. Batter MUST make an attempt to avoid being struck by a pitched ball to be awarded 1st base. 2. If the ball hits the ground before hitting the batter no base will be awarded. Sliding Base runners are strongly urged to slide on a play at a base, to avoid contact at all bases except 1st. Pinch Runner and Courtesy runner ● A pinch runner may be used in the Major, Minor, or Intermediate divisions for an injured player that has been identified to the umpire either prior to the start of the game or during the game. The pinch runner must come from the bench and cannot be in the current line-up (except for Intermediate and minor divisions where the player that made the last out will be the pinch runner because of the continuous batting order). If there are no bench players, the player making the last out will serve as the pinch runner.
● Courtesy runners are allowed for the catcher in order to keep the game moving (in Majors, Minors, and Intermediate) and will follow the Pinch runner rule above.
