RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES
RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016 I.
GENERAL RULES – TEAMS A. The number of players per team will be determined each year depending on the number of players registered. Returning players are placed on the same roster as the previous season, providing they meet age requirements defined in Section II. If a player requests to transfer teams, the player must sit out one complete season, then re-enter the try-out and draft. Any exceptions must be approved by the Board. B. Option players are sisters of players already in the League, and the daughters of managers. Option players are exempt from the try-out and draft, and placed on the team of the sister or parent-manager. C. Junior Pixie and Pixie League teams shall be selected by the try-out and draft method. TriCounty teams will also use the pick-placement method in addition to the try-out and draft. The Tri-County High School team selection process is further detailed under Section VIII below. D. All Junior Pixie and Pixie League team rosters will be frozen at the February Board meeting. TriCounty High School team rosters will be frozen at the Tri-County deadline May 15th. Additional players may be added only through approval of the Tri-County Vice-President and the current Tri-Country managers.
II.
GENERAL RULES – PLAYERS A. Any girl that resides in or attends the Western Howard County School District and that meets the age requirements shall be eligible to play in the RGSL. Any player that participated in the previous season shall remain eligible to play in the RGSL until she exceeds the maximum age requirements for Pixie League. Any exceptions must be approved by the Board. B. Any girl that is at least 6 years of age on January 1 or attends Kindergarten at Western School Corporation is eligible to play in the Junior Pixie League. Any girl 9 years of age or older on January 1 will be ineligible for the Junior Pixie League. C. Any girl 9 years of age on January 1 is eligible to play in the Pixie League. (Age 9-10 eligible for 10U, age 11-12 eligible for 12U.) Any girl 13 years of age or older on January 1 will be ineligible for the Pixie League. D. Any girl 10 years of age through 18 years of age on January 1 is eligible to play in the Tri-County High School Division League. Any girl 19 years of age or older on January 1 will be ineligible to play in the Tri-County High School Division League. Other age restrictions are detailed below under the Tri-County High School Teams section. E. All players must have a birth certificate copy on file with the League by the time their league rosters are frozen to be eligible to play.
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RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016 III.
GENERAL RULES – TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES A. The home team will prepare the field before the first game played. B. The home team of the first game of the day is responsible for the raising of the flag. C. The home team of the last game of the day will put away the bases, turn off the scoreboard, lock the announcer's booth and storage garage, turn off the lights, and lower the flag. D. The visiting team will provide a responsible adult to operate the announcer's booth and scoreboard. Failure to provide an adult will result in the forfeit of their game. E. Both teams shall be responsible for picking up the trash around the dugouts and bleachers after each game and for emptying the trash barrels. F. The home team scorebook will be the official scorebook. It is encouraged that the scorekeeper for the visiting team compares scorebooks after each inning.
IV.
GENERAL RULES – UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT A. Any uniform purchased by the League will be worn, in full, at all times on the field. Any player not in uniform shall not be allowed to play. In inclement weather, appropriate additional clothing may be worn. B. The League will pay for a T-shirt for each player’s uniform. C. All catcher’s gear (throat protectors included) and batting helmets will be worn during game play on the field. Batting helmets must have an approved face guard and chin strap. D. Vinyl covered softballs are prohibited during game play. E. Tri-County uniforms will consist of white, two-button sleeveless t-shirts, black lettering, red shorts, and black socks. This will allow for easier movement between division teams. F. Any additional or new league team sponsors will be selected from the League waiting list. Sponsors will start out at the Junior Pixie level and work their way up through a seniority-based system. G. Pitchers, first and third base will be required to wear a fielder’s mask in 8U; all players (including outfield) will be encouraged to wear a fielder’s mask. H. The use of a fielders mask will be strongly encouraged for all infielders in the 12U and 10U divisions; all pitchers will be required to wear a fielder’s mask.
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RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016 V. RULES FOR JUNIOR PIXIE LEAGUE A. The playing field will have 35’ to the center of the pitching circle. The pitching circle will have an 8’radius. There will be a 40’ hash line between all bases except down the first base line. B. General Game Regulations: 1. Games will be six (6) innings or 75 minutes long, whichever occurs first. The inning in progress at the end of the allotted time will be completed. In this case, the beginning of an inning starts when the third (3rd) out or the six (6) run rule if applicable is reached in the previous inning. 2. A team will not start a game with fewer than eight (8) players. However, if both managers agree, a team may play with fewer than eight players and it will count as an official game. If the cannot agree, then the team with fewer than eight players will forfeit. 3. A game that is still tied at the end of the allotted time limit will be recorded as a tie. Exception: Tournaments will play an addition inning. C. Pitching Regulations: 1. Coaches pitch to their own team from the front of the 8’ radius pitching circle. The coach that pitches must start and finish with both feet in the circle. 2. The pitching coach must avoid all contact with the ball and players. The pitching coach MUST leave the playing field while the ball is alive. If, in the umpire’s judgment, interference by the pitching coach was intentional, the lead runner is out. If the interference is unintentional, it shall be ruled as a no pitch/dead ball. 3. The coaches shall not direct the batter in any way unless the ball is dead. The pitching coach will not direct runners in any way at any time. 4. The defensive player that is the pitcher position must stay in the circle until the ball is hit. 5. An 11” ASA approved non-vinyl softball shall be used for play. D. Batting Regulations: 1. Every girl bats whether she is in the field that inning or not. 2. The batting order will be provided and announced at the beginning of each game, and will remain unchanged, except as noted in 3 and 4 below. 3. Any player not present at the beginning of the game will become the last batter on the roster in the official batting order from the point at which she arrives. 4. Any player removed from the batting order due to illness or injury shall not result in an out.
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RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016 5. Any “official softball” or t-ball bat may be used. The umpire will be the final judgment if the player threw the bat excessively. Each player will receive one warning and then will be called out. E. Playing Rules: 1. A total of six (6) pitches or three (3) swinging strikes shall count as an out. Three outs per half inning. Exception: 6th pitch is foul, continue pitch until strike, ball or hit. 2. No walks. 3. Hit ball, all runners may advance at their own risk. No limit. Penalty of being put out. 4. The infield fly rule shall not apply. 5. The six run rule per inning shall apply. Mercy rule – Nineteen (19) after three innings, 13 after 4 innings, or 7 after 5 innings. 6. No stealing. (Penalty: runner is out.) 7. No intentional bunts. (Penalty: batter is out.) 8. No leadoffs before the ball is hit. (Penalty: One warning per team and then runner is out.) 9. Each team will play with six (6) infielders and all others must stay in the outfield grass until the ball is hit. The six (6) refers to the pitcher, catcher, first, second, third and shortstop positions. 10. Two defensive coaches are allowed in the outfield when their team is on the field. 11. The two base coaches shall not impede or assist the runner in any way. (Penalty: one warning per team and then runner is out.) 12. If a runner is hit by a batted ball: -If the ball hits the runner before the fielder had a chance to make a play (pitcher included): runner who was hit is out; batter is also out if fielder had a reasonable chance to make a play on ball and put batter out. All other runners advance one base. If fielder could not have made play on interfered with ball, batter is safe at first. -If the ball hits the runner after fielder had an opportunity to make a play: the hit runner is safe, the batter is allowed to advance and other runners can advance. All interpretation is relative due to skill level expected at the 8U level. F. Dead Ball Clarifications: 1. A dead ball will be called when the ball is held up by any defensive player and the lead runner has been forced back to a base. 2. A dead ball will be called when any defensive player carries the ball into the pitcher's circle and raises the ball above their head. 3. The placement of runners shall be determined by their location when a dead ball is called. If they have passed the 40' hash mark, they are awarded the next base. If they have not passed the 40' hash mark, they shall return to the last base legally touched.
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RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016 4. In the event of multiple runners, the lead runner shall govern the placement of all runners G. Overthrow Rule: RGSL does recognize “one base on an overthrow for the batter” rule. The batter will be granted one base on an overthrow to first base if the batter makes an attempt to go to second base. The defensive players first play/move must be to throw to first base. Example if shortstop picks up a grounder and checks the runner on second base this would be considered a defensive play and the batter is free to advance without limit. This rule only applies to the batter going to first base, all other base runners are free to advance. VI.
RULES FOR PIXIE LEAGUE Current year A.S.A. 12-U Fastpitch softball rules and regulations will apply except for the following League rules: A. General Game Rules 1. Games will be six (6) innings or one (1) hour fifteen (15) minutes long, whichever occurs first. The inning in progress at the end of the allotted time will be completed. In this case, beginning of an inning starts when the third (3rd) out or the six (6) run rule if applicable is reached in the previous inning. 2. Game times will be set at the time of scheduling. Any team that is not on the field ready to play within five (5) minutes of the scheduled time will forfeit the game. 3. In the event of inclement weather, four (4) innings shall constitute a game. (3-1/2 innings if home is leading.) Canceled games must be played at the first available date or the game will be a forfeit for the team who refuses to play at that time. Games called due to inclement weather will start where they were ended due to the inclement weather. If the two (2) opposing managers cannot agree to cancel a game due to inclement weather, the home plate umpire shall make the final decision. 4. A team will not start a game with fewer than eight (8) players. However, if both managers agree, a team may play with fewer than eight players and it will count as an official game. If the managers cannot agree, then the team with fewer than eight players will forfeit. 5. Every player on a team will play at least two (2) innings in the field, provided they are present when the game begins. 6. Unlimited substitution is allowed. 7. Each team will play with six (6) infielders and all others must stay in the grass until the ball is hit. The six (6) refers to the pitcher, catcher, first, second, third and shortstop positions. If available, each team must have (4) outfielders. 8. Games can end in a tie.
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RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016 B. General Rules of Play 1. No infield fly rule. (10u) 2. The dropped third strike rule will not apply for 10u. C. Batting Rules 1. Every girl bats whether she is in the field that inning or not. 2. The batting order will be provided and announced at the beginning of each game, and will remain unchanged, except as noted in 3 and 4 below. 3. Any girl not present at the beginning of the game will become the last batter on the roster in the official batting order from the point at which she arrives. 4. Any player removed from the batting order due to illness, or injury, shall not result in an out. 5. The six (6) run per inning rule shall apply, except for the sixth (6th) inning and beyond. D. Pitching Rules 1. The eight (8) foot circle shall apply, with the circle to be drawn around the pitcher's rubber before the game. Pitching rubber will be placed at forty (40) feet for 12u and thirty five (35) feet for 10u. 2. Defensive conferences shall be limited to two (2) conferences per pitcher per inning. At the third conference, the pitcher shall be removed from the pitching position for the remainder of that inning. 3. After a third hit batter by a pitcher during a game, at the discretion of the opposing manager and the home plate umpire, the pitcher can be removed as the pitcher for the remainder of the game. 4. A pitcher can pitch in no more than three (3) of the first five (5) innings (12u) and two (2) of the first three (3) for 10u. Twelve (12) inch ball for 12u and eleven (11) for 10u. E. Base Running Rules (10u): 1. Runners may leave the base only after the pitcher has released the ball. Penalty for leaving early: Runner is out. (one waning per team per game) 2. Hesitation rule is in effect. (Runner must return to the base, or advance (if allowed), once the pitcher has the ball in control, inside the pitching circle). Both feet inside of or on the white line is considered inside the circle. Penalty: Runner is out. 3. A runner may only steal (1) base per pitch. If any runner advances on a steal, no additional base can be gained, regardless of overthrow or play at another base.
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RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016
a. Example – runner steals from 2nd to 3rd for a lead off, catcher throws to 3rd base, runner cannot advance past 3rd to home. b. Example – Runners on 1st and 2nd, pitch is thrown, both runners steal, catcher throws to 2nd base to attempt to get runner out, runner that advanced to 3rd cannot run home. This would be two (2) bases. c. Purpose of this rule is to allow the development of catchers. We want to encourage them to throw to bases on steals, but with no penalty for an overthrow. Penalty: Dead ball, runners return to last legally gained base.
F. Base Running Rules (12u): 1. Runner may leave the base only after the pitcher has released the ball. Penalty for leaving early: runner is out. 2. Hesitation rule is in effect. (Runner must return to the base, or advance (if allowed), once the pitcher has the ball in control, inside the pitching circle). Both feet inside of or on the white line is considered inside the circle. Penalty: Runner is out. 3. No limits on steals. On overthrows runners can advance at their own risk. Runners can steal home. Reminders: 1. An attempt on a runner is defined as any action of throwing the ball. The ball does not have to be released for it to be an attempt. 2. Warnings can be issued by umpire on 1st infraction if they choose.
VII. RULES FOR ALL-STARS A. Management of the All-Star team is voluntary. B. The manager of the League championship team from the current season shall be offered an opportunity to manage an All-star team, in accordance with their League record. Each manager shall select their coaching staff from the current League managers and coaches. C. If All-Star managers are not filled by the League championship method, then each League manager will be offered the opportunity in order of their League record, until manager positions are filled. Coaching staffs will be selected as stated above. D. League Record Clarifications: 1. Overall League Record 2. Head-to-head record 3. Runs scored/allowed in head-to-head play 4. Conference Record
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RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016
E. Teams will be selected by try-out method. Following try-outs, the first 10 players are selected by ballot of League managers. The team manager will then select up to an additional two (2) players (team maximum of twelve). Only those players who try-out for all-star teams are eligible. Any exceptions to this must be approved by the balloting managers at the succession of the try-out. F. All-Star funding will be facilitated by the teams and their parents; the league will assist in tournament organization and sponsorship/fundraising drives. VIII. RULES FOR TRI-COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS All rules, guidelines, and equipment will be Tri-County and/or A.S.A. Fastpitch with the following exceptions: A. Roster Selection Clarifications: 1. The number of teams will be dictated by the number of girls registered to play in any given season, in accordance with the rules that follow. 2. The A team shall have first choice to fill their roster with the approval of the RGSL VicePresident High School Division. The league will have a maximum of one (1) Tri-County A Division team. 3. After the A team roster is full, the B team(s) shall have the second choices until their rosters are full with the approval of the RGSL Vice-President High School Division. The B team with the best record shall have first choice. The B-1 Team shall pick until their roster is full, followed by the B-2 team, (if applicable). The league will have a maximum of two (2) Tri-County B Division teams; the final number of B teams shall be set at the discretion of the RGSL Vice-President High School Division. 4. Returning players will be placed on the same team from the previous season if they are not picked to move up provided the player does not exceed the age requirements outlined in Section B below. 5. The league will have a maximum of three (3) Tri-County C Division teams. After the B team(s) have completed their roster selections, the C-1 team will pick until their roster is full. After the C-1 team completes its selection, the C-2 team will then select their players until their roster is full. Both the C-1 and C-2 team rosters must be selected from the registered Tri-County pool of players. 6. The third Tri-County C team will consist of the Russiaville 12U All-Star team. 7. At the time rosters are frozen, the Tri-County rosters shall consist of a maximum of twelve (12) players each. 8. First year Tri-County players will have the option to refuse placement on the A or B teams, unless they do not meet the age requirements outlined in Section B below.
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RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016 9. If a girl trying out for Tri-County gets picked up for a team, then she must go to that team without refusing. The A and/or B teams pick one night, and the C teams pick the next night. If a player does not wish to move up, she does not need to try-out for the higher level provided the player does not exceed the age requirements outlined in Section B below. For clarification purposes, once a player has been qualified for a certain division level, either via pick or by playing in five (5) games during the season, she shall remain at that level until one of the following occurs: a. The player re-enters the draft. b. The player sits out from the league for a complete season. c. The player’s team is dissolved. d. The player no longer meets the age requirements outlined in Section B below. 10. At no time may a player re-enter the draft and be picked up by a team on the same division level. B. Age Requirement Clarifications: 1. The A Division team will consist of ages eighteen (18) years of age and under. 2. The B Division team(s) will consist of ages sixteen (16) years of age and under. 3. The C Division teams will consist of ages fourteen (14) years of age and under. 4. Any girls not able to be placed on a team will be given a full refund. C. Manager Selection Clarifications: 1. The A and B team managers will be selected before try-outs. 2. The C team managers will be selected after try-outs.
IX.
RGSL DRAFT RULES FOR JR. PIXIE AND PIXIE LEAGUE A. The Order of Business for the RGSL Draft shall be as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Hand out team packets and go over the information therein. Conduct the try-outs. Finalize new registrations. Conduct the draft until all girls that are currently registered are picked.
B. Rules for the draft: 1. The draft picks must be conducted in the draft order provided. A team may not take a bye until its roster is full. A full roster is equal to the total number of players registered divided by the number of teams in the League (rounded down). 2. Players that are present for the try-outs are to be drafted first. Players not present for the tryouts may only be selected once all other players have been drafted.
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RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016 3. Manager’s daughters do not count as a draft pick and are automatically placed on the manager’s team unless the manager does not want this to occur. 4. Sister options do not count as extra draft picks. Only the initial selection will count as one (1) draft pick. Once a sister option player has been selected, that player’s sister will then automatically be placed on that team’s roster provided its roster is still not full and the team in question has openings in both age categories in order to draft those players. An exception to this Rule is provided in Rule #5 below. 5. Players of a given age category may only be drafted if the team in question has an opening in that age category. Each team will start with four (4) openings in each age category. The categories will first be filled with registered returning players. Any additional age slots will be left blank until they are filled by the draft. Once a team has filled-up an age category, that team will not be permitted to select another player in that age category unless the conditions in Rule #6 below apply. 6. If there are no players available in a team’s open categories, that team may then draft a player in any of the other categories, even though it would violate Rules #4 and #5 above. This includes sister options as well, provided that there are no other players in either age category to draft. 7. Once all teams have a full roster and if there are still additional players to be selected, those remaining players will be placed on teams according to a blind draw. The blind draw will be conducted by the Vice-President of that league randomly drawing a team’s name. That team will then randomly draw one of the remaining players. This will continue until all players are placed on a team. A team will only have to participate in the blind draw once. During the blind draw process, Rules #4, #5, and #6 above will not apply. 8. The draft order is based on last year’s League record standings in reverse order.
C. Rules for Late Registrations: RGSL understand the unique position many families, especially those new to softball, find themselves in as registration for a spring sport occurs in mid-January. The rosters will be locked at the February Board meeting; at this time, no player will be moved from a team unless both managers and parents agree and only in cases of facilitating balance of competition, roster size, and ages, specifically in 8U. Players registering late will be added only after all fees, including a late fee, are paid in full and only until all rosters are filled.
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GENERAL RULES – TEAMS A. The number of players per team will be determined each year depending on the number of players registered. Returning players are placed on the same roster as the previous season, providing they meet age requirements defined in Section II. If a player requests to transfer teams, the player must sit out one complete season, then re-enter the try-out and draft. Any exceptions must be approved by the Board. B. Option players are sisters of players already in the League, and the daughters of managers. Option players are exempt from the try-out and draft, and placed on the team of the sister or parent-manager. C. Junior Pixie and Pixie League teams shall be selected by the try-out and draft method. TriCounty teams will also use the pick-placement method in addition to the try-out and draft. The Tri-County High School team selection process is further detailed under Section VIII below. D. All Junior Pixie and Pixie League team rosters will be frozen at the February Board meeting. TriCounty High School team rosters will be frozen at the Tri-County deadline May 15th. Additional players may be added only through approval of the Tri-County Vice-President and the current Tri-Country managers.
II.
GENERAL RULES – PLAYERS A. Any girl that resides in or attends the Western Howard County School District and that meets the age requirements shall be eligible to play in the RGSL. Any player that participated in the previous season shall remain eligible to play in the RGSL until she exceeds the maximum age requirements for Pixie League. Any exceptions must be approved by the Board. B. Any girl that is at least 6 years of age on January 1 or attends Kindergarten at Western School Corporation is eligible to play in the Junior Pixie League. Any girl 9 years of age or older on January 1 will be ineligible for the Junior Pixie League. C. Any girl 9 years of age on January 1 is eligible to play in the Pixie League. (Age 9-10 eligible for 10U, age 11-12 eligible for 12U.) Any girl 13 years of age or older on January 1 will be ineligible for the Pixie League. D. Any girl 10 years of age through 18 years of age on January 1 is eligible to play in the Tri-County High School Division League. Any girl 19 years of age or older on January 1 will be ineligible to play in the Tri-County High School Division League. Other age restrictions are detailed below under the Tri-County High School Teams section. E. All players must have a birth certificate copy on file with the League by the time their league rosters are frozen to be eligible to play.
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RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016 III.
GENERAL RULES – TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES A. The home team will prepare the field before the first game played. B. The home team of the first game of the day is responsible for the raising of the flag. C. The home team of the last game of the day will put away the bases, turn off the scoreboard, lock the announcer's booth and storage garage, turn off the lights, and lower the flag. D. The visiting team will provide a responsible adult to operate the announcer's booth and scoreboard. Failure to provide an adult will result in the forfeit of their game. E. Both teams shall be responsible for picking up the trash around the dugouts and bleachers after each game and for emptying the trash barrels. F. The home team scorebook will be the official scorebook. It is encouraged that the scorekeeper for the visiting team compares scorebooks after each inning.
IV.
GENERAL RULES – UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT A. Any uniform purchased by the League will be worn, in full, at all times on the field. Any player not in uniform shall not be allowed to play. In inclement weather, appropriate additional clothing may be worn. B. The League will pay for a T-shirt for each player’s uniform. C. All catcher’s gear (throat protectors included) and batting helmets will be worn during game play on the field. Batting helmets must have an approved face guard and chin strap. D. Vinyl covered softballs are prohibited during game play. E. Tri-County uniforms will consist of white, two-button sleeveless t-shirts, black lettering, red shorts, and black socks. This will allow for easier movement between division teams. F. Any additional or new league team sponsors will be selected from the League waiting list. Sponsors will start out at the Junior Pixie level and work their way up through a seniority-based system. G. Pitchers, first and third base will be required to wear a fielder’s mask in 8U; all players (including outfield) will be encouraged to wear a fielder’s mask. H. The use of a fielders mask will be strongly encouraged for all infielders in the 12U and 10U divisions; all pitchers will be required to wear a fielder’s mask.
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RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016 V. RULES FOR JUNIOR PIXIE LEAGUE A. The playing field will have 35’ to the center of the pitching circle. The pitching circle will have an 8’radius. There will be a 40’ hash line between all bases except down the first base line. B. General Game Regulations: 1. Games will be six (6) innings or 75 minutes long, whichever occurs first. The inning in progress at the end of the allotted time will be completed. In this case, the beginning of an inning starts when the third (3rd) out or the six (6) run rule if applicable is reached in the previous inning. 2. A team will not start a game with fewer than eight (8) players. However, if both managers agree, a team may play with fewer than eight players and it will count as an official game. If the cannot agree, then the team with fewer than eight players will forfeit. 3. A game that is still tied at the end of the allotted time limit will be recorded as a tie. Exception: Tournaments will play an addition inning. C. Pitching Regulations: 1. Coaches pitch to their own team from the front of the 8’ radius pitching circle. The coach that pitches must start and finish with both feet in the circle. 2. The pitching coach must avoid all contact with the ball and players. The pitching coach MUST leave the playing field while the ball is alive. If, in the umpire’s judgment, interference by the pitching coach was intentional, the lead runner is out. If the interference is unintentional, it shall be ruled as a no pitch/dead ball. 3. The coaches shall not direct the batter in any way unless the ball is dead. The pitching coach will not direct runners in any way at any time. 4. The defensive player that is the pitcher position must stay in the circle until the ball is hit. 5. An 11” ASA approved non-vinyl softball shall be used for play. D. Batting Regulations: 1. Every girl bats whether she is in the field that inning or not. 2. The batting order will be provided and announced at the beginning of each game, and will remain unchanged, except as noted in 3 and 4 below. 3. Any player not present at the beginning of the game will become the last batter on the roster in the official batting order from the point at which she arrives. 4. Any player removed from the batting order due to illness or injury shall not result in an out.
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RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016 5. Any “official softball” or t-ball bat may be used. The umpire will be the final judgment if the player threw the bat excessively. Each player will receive one warning and then will be called out. E. Playing Rules: 1. A total of six (6) pitches or three (3) swinging strikes shall count as an out. Three outs per half inning. Exception: 6th pitch is foul, continue pitch until strike, ball or hit. 2. No walks. 3. Hit ball, all runners may advance at their own risk. No limit. Penalty of being put out. 4. The infield fly rule shall not apply. 5. The six run rule per inning shall apply. Mercy rule – Nineteen (19) after three innings, 13 after 4 innings, or 7 after 5 innings. 6. No stealing. (Penalty: runner is out.) 7. No intentional bunts. (Penalty: batter is out.) 8. No leadoffs before the ball is hit. (Penalty: One warning per team and then runner is out.) 9. Each team will play with six (6) infielders and all others must stay in the outfield grass until the ball is hit. The six (6) refers to the pitcher, catcher, first, second, third and shortstop positions. 10. Two defensive coaches are allowed in the outfield when their team is on the field. 11. The two base coaches shall not impede or assist the runner in any way. (Penalty: one warning per team and then runner is out.) 12. If a runner is hit by a batted ball: -If the ball hits the runner before the fielder had a chance to make a play (pitcher included): runner who was hit is out; batter is also out if fielder had a reasonable chance to make a play on ball and put batter out. All other runners advance one base. If fielder could not have made play on interfered with ball, batter is safe at first. -If the ball hits the runner after fielder had an opportunity to make a play: the hit runner is safe, the batter is allowed to advance and other runners can advance. All interpretation is relative due to skill level expected at the 8U level. F. Dead Ball Clarifications: 1. A dead ball will be called when the ball is held up by any defensive player and the lead runner has been forced back to a base. 2. A dead ball will be called when any defensive player carries the ball into the pitcher's circle and raises the ball above their head. 3. The placement of runners shall be determined by their location when a dead ball is called. If they have passed the 40' hash mark, they are awarded the next base. If they have not passed the 40' hash mark, they shall return to the last base legally touched.
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RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016 4. In the event of multiple runners, the lead runner shall govern the placement of all runners G. Overthrow Rule: RGSL does recognize “one base on an overthrow for the batter” rule. The batter will be granted one base on an overthrow to first base if the batter makes an attempt to go to second base. The defensive players first play/move must be to throw to first base. Example if shortstop picks up a grounder and checks the runner on second base this would be considered a defensive play and the batter is free to advance without limit. This rule only applies to the batter going to first base, all other base runners are free to advance. VI.
RULES FOR PIXIE LEAGUE Current year A.S.A. 12-U Fastpitch softball rules and regulations will apply except for the following League rules: A. General Game Rules 1. Games will be six (6) innings or one (1) hour fifteen (15) minutes long, whichever occurs first. The inning in progress at the end of the allotted time will be completed. In this case, beginning of an inning starts when the third (3rd) out or the six (6) run rule if applicable is reached in the previous inning. 2. Game times will be set at the time of scheduling. Any team that is not on the field ready to play within five (5) minutes of the scheduled time will forfeit the game. 3. In the event of inclement weather, four (4) innings shall constitute a game. (3-1/2 innings if home is leading.) Canceled games must be played at the first available date or the game will be a forfeit for the team who refuses to play at that time. Games called due to inclement weather will start where they were ended due to the inclement weather. If the two (2) opposing managers cannot agree to cancel a game due to inclement weather, the home plate umpire shall make the final decision. 4. A team will not start a game with fewer than eight (8) players. However, if both managers agree, a team may play with fewer than eight players and it will count as an official game. If the managers cannot agree, then the team with fewer than eight players will forfeit. 5. Every player on a team will play at least two (2) innings in the field, provided they are present when the game begins. 6. Unlimited substitution is allowed. 7. Each team will play with six (6) infielders and all others must stay in the grass until the ball is hit. The six (6) refers to the pitcher, catcher, first, second, third and shortstop positions. If available, each team must have (4) outfielders. 8. Games can end in a tie.
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RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016 B. General Rules of Play 1. No infield fly rule. (10u) 2. The dropped third strike rule will not apply for 10u. C. Batting Rules 1. Every girl bats whether she is in the field that inning or not. 2. The batting order will be provided and announced at the beginning of each game, and will remain unchanged, except as noted in 3 and 4 below. 3. Any girl not present at the beginning of the game will become the last batter on the roster in the official batting order from the point at which she arrives. 4. Any player removed from the batting order due to illness, or injury, shall not result in an out. 5. The six (6) run per inning rule shall apply, except for the sixth (6th) inning and beyond. D. Pitching Rules 1. The eight (8) foot circle shall apply, with the circle to be drawn around the pitcher's rubber before the game. Pitching rubber will be placed at forty (40) feet for 12u and thirty five (35) feet for 10u. 2. Defensive conferences shall be limited to two (2) conferences per pitcher per inning. At the third conference, the pitcher shall be removed from the pitching position for the remainder of that inning. 3. After a third hit batter by a pitcher during a game, at the discretion of the opposing manager and the home plate umpire, the pitcher can be removed as the pitcher for the remainder of the game. 4. A pitcher can pitch in no more than three (3) of the first five (5) innings (12u) and two (2) of the first three (3) for 10u. Twelve (12) inch ball for 12u and eleven (11) for 10u. E. Base Running Rules (10u): 1. Runners may leave the base only after the pitcher has released the ball. Penalty for leaving early: Runner is out. (one waning per team per game) 2. Hesitation rule is in effect. (Runner must return to the base, or advance (if allowed), once the pitcher has the ball in control, inside the pitching circle). Both feet inside of or on the white line is considered inside the circle. Penalty: Runner is out. 3. A runner may only steal (1) base per pitch. If any runner advances on a steal, no additional base can be gained, regardless of overthrow or play at another base.
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RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016
a. Example – runner steals from 2nd to 3rd for a lead off, catcher throws to 3rd base, runner cannot advance past 3rd to home. b. Example – Runners on 1st and 2nd, pitch is thrown, both runners steal, catcher throws to 2nd base to attempt to get runner out, runner that advanced to 3rd cannot run home. This would be two (2) bases. c. Purpose of this rule is to allow the development of catchers. We want to encourage them to throw to bases on steals, but with no penalty for an overthrow. Penalty: Dead ball, runners return to last legally gained base.
F. Base Running Rules (12u): 1. Runner may leave the base only after the pitcher has released the ball. Penalty for leaving early: runner is out. 2. Hesitation rule is in effect. (Runner must return to the base, or advance (if allowed), once the pitcher has the ball in control, inside the pitching circle). Both feet inside of or on the white line is considered inside the circle. Penalty: Runner is out. 3. No limits on steals. On overthrows runners can advance at their own risk. Runners can steal home. Reminders: 1. An attempt on a runner is defined as any action of throwing the ball. The ball does not have to be released for it to be an attempt. 2. Warnings can be issued by umpire on 1st infraction if they choose.
VII. RULES FOR ALL-STARS A. Management of the All-Star team is voluntary. B. The manager of the League championship team from the current season shall be offered an opportunity to manage an All-star team, in accordance with their League record. Each manager shall select their coaching staff from the current League managers and coaches. C. If All-Star managers are not filled by the League championship method, then each League manager will be offered the opportunity in order of their League record, until manager positions are filled. Coaching staffs will be selected as stated above. D. League Record Clarifications: 1. Overall League Record 2. Head-to-head record 3. Runs scored/allowed in head-to-head play 4. Conference Record
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RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016
E. Teams will be selected by try-out method. Following try-outs, the first 10 players are selected by ballot of League managers. The team manager will then select up to an additional two (2) players (team maximum of twelve). Only those players who try-out for all-star teams are eligible. Any exceptions to this must be approved by the balloting managers at the succession of the try-out. F. All-Star funding will be facilitated by the teams and their parents; the league will assist in tournament organization and sponsorship/fundraising drives. VIII. RULES FOR TRI-COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS All rules, guidelines, and equipment will be Tri-County and/or A.S.A. Fastpitch with the following exceptions: A. Roster Selection Clarifications: 1. The number of teams will be dictated by the number of girls registered to play in any given season, in accordance with the rules that follow. 2. The A team shall have first choice to fill their roster with the approval of the RGSL VicePresident High School Division. The league will have a maximum of one (1) Tri-County A Division team. 3. After the A team roster is full, the B team(s) shall have the second choices until their rosters are full with the approval of the RGSL Vice-President High School Division. The B team with the best record shall have first choice. The B-1 Team shall pick until their roster is full, followed by the B-2 team, (if applicable). The league will have a maximum of two (2) Tri-County B Division teams; the final number of B teams shall be set at the discretion of the RGSL Vice-President High School Division. 4. Returning players will be placed on the same team from the previous season if they are not picked to move up provided the player does not exceed the age requirements outlined in Section B below. 5. The league will have a maximum of three (3) Tri-County C Division teams. After the B team(s) have completed their roster selections, the C-1 team will pick until their roster is full. After the C-1 team completes its selection, the C-2 team will then select their players until their roster is full. Both the C-1 and C-2 team rosters must be selected from the registered Tri-County pool of players. 6. The third Tri-County C team will consist of the Russiaville 12U All-Star team. 7. At the time rosters are frozen, the Tri-County rosters shall consist of a maximum of twelve (12) players each. 8. First year Tri-County players will have the option to refuse placement on the A or B teams, unless they do not meet the age requirements outlined in Section B below.
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RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016 9. If a girl trying out for Tri-County gets picked up for a team, then she must go to that team without refusing. The A and/or B teams pick one night, and the C teams pick the next night. If a player does not wish to move up, she does not need to try-out for the higher level provided the player does not exceed the age requirements outlined in Section B below. For clarification purposes, once a player has been qualified for a certain division level, either via pick or by playing in five (5) games during the season, she shall remain at that level until one of the following occurs: a. The player re-enters the draft. b. The player sits out from the league for a complete season. c. The player’s team is dissolved. d. The player no longer meets the age requirements outlined in Section B below. 10. At no time may a player re-enter the draft and be picked up by a team on the same division level. B. Age Requirement Clarifications: 1. The A Division team will consist of ages eighteen (18) years of age and under. 2. The B Division team(s) will consist of ages sixteen (16) years of age and under. 3. The C Division teams will consist of ages fourteen (14) years of age and under. 4. Any girls not able to be placed on a team will be given a full refund. C. Manager Selection Clarifications: 1. The A and B team managers will be selected before try-outs. 2. The C team managers will be selected after try-outs.
IX.
RGSL DRAFT RULES FOR JR. PIXIE AND PIXIE LEAGUE A. The Order of Business for the RGSL Draft shall be as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Hand out team packets and go over the information therein. Conduct the try-outs. Finalize new registrations. Conduct the draft until all girls that are currently registered are picked.
B. Rules for the draft: 1. The draft picks must be conducted in the draft order provided. A team may not take a bye until its roster is full. A full roster is equal to the total number of players registered divided by the number of teams in the League (rounded down). 2. Players that are present for the try-outs are to be drafted first. Players not present for the tryouts may only be selected once all other players have been drafted.
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RUSSIAVILLE GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 2016 3. Manager’s daughters do not count as a draft pick and are automatically placed on the manager’s team unless the manager does not want this to occur. 4. Sister options do not count as extra draft picks. Only the initial selection will count as one (1) draft pick. Once a sister option player has been selected, that player’s sister will then automatically be placed on that team’s roster provided its roster is still not full and the team in question has openings in both age categories in order to draft those players. An exception to this Rule is provided in Rule #5 below. 5. Players of a given age category may only be drafted if the team in question has an opening in that age category. Each team will start with four (4) openings in each age category. The categories will first be filled with registered returning players. Any additional age slots will be left blank until they are filled by the draft. Once a team has filled-up an age category, that team will not be permitted to select another player in that age category unless the conditions in Rule #6 below apply. 6. If there are no players available in a team’s open categories, that team may then draft a player in any of the other categories, even though it would violate Rules #4 and #5 above. This includes sister options as well, provided that there are no other players in either age category to draft. 7. Once all teams have a full roster and if there are still additional players to be selected, those remaining players will be placed on teams according to a blind draw. The blind draw will be conducted by the Vice-President of that league randomly drawing a team’s name. That team will then randomly draw one of the remaining players. This will continue until all players are placed on a team. A team will only have to participate in the blind draw once. During the blind draw process, Rules #4, #5, and #6 above will not apply. 8. The draft order is based on last year’s League record standings in reverse order.
C. Rules for Late Registrations: RGSL understand the unique position many families, especially those new to softball, find themselves in as registration for a spring sport occurs in mid-January. The rosters will be locked at the February Board meeting; at this time, no player will be moved from a team unless both managers and parents agree and only in cases of facilitating balance of competition, roster size, and ages, specifically in 8U. Players registering late will be added only after all fees, including a late fee, are paid in full and only until all rosters are filled.
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