Lincoln Hills Senior Softball League (LHSSL)

PLAYING RULES – 2009 Revision

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE LINCOLN HILLS SENIOR SOFTBALL LEAGUE (LHSSL) IS GOVERNED BY THE AMATEUR SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION (ASA) RULES AND REGULATIONS (CURRENT EDITION) WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Rule 1 –           Playing Field

Rule 2 –           Equipment

Rule 3 –           Players and Managers

Rule 4 –           The Game

Rule 5 –           Pitching Regulations

Rule 6 –           Batter-Runner and Runner

Rule 8 –           Protests

Rule 9 –           Umpires

Rule 10 –         Scoring

Rule 11 –         Fair Play and Safety Rules
RULE 1 – THE PLAYING FIELD

1.      Base Line and Base Path: A base line is imaginary line directly between bases.  A base path is a line directly between a base and the runner’s position at the time a defensive player is attempting to tag that runner.

a.      The runner is out when running to any base in regular or reverse order and the runner runs more than three feet from the base path to avoid being tagged by the ball in the hand(s) of a fielder.

2.      The Three-Foot Line:  A line drawn in foul territory parallel to and three feet from the baseline, starting at a point halfway between home plate and first base.

a.      The batter-runner is out when the batter-runner runs outside the three-foot lane and, in the umpire’s judgment, interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base; however, the batter-runner may run outside the three-foot lane to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball. When the defensive player uses the colored portion of the double base, the batter-runner can run in fair territory when the throw is coming from the foul side of first base, and if hit by the thrown ball, it is not interference. If interference is ruled, the runner is out.

3.      Double First Base:  The double base (white/orange) shall be used at first base in all play. The following rules shall be enforced:

a.      A batted ball hitting or bounding over the white portion is fair.

b.      A batted ball hitting or bounding over the orange portion is foul.

c.      When a play is being made on the batter-runner, the defense must use the white portion and the batter-runner the orange portion of the base. 

                                                    i.     On a force play to first base with the defensive player tagging the base while in possession of the ball and if the batter-runner misses either base they are considered to have “missed” the base and shall be called out by the umpire without the necessity of an appeal by the defense. 

d.      On any force out attempt from the foul side of first base the defense and the batter-runner may use either the white or orange portion of the base.

e.      On an errant throw pulling the defense off the white portion of the base into foul ground, the defense and the batter-runner can use either the white or orange portion.

f.       On balls hit to the outfield with no play on the batter-runner advancing to first base, the batter-runner may touch the white or orange portion.  Should the batter-runner return, the runner and defense can use the white or orange portion.

g.      When tagging up on a fly ball, the white or orange portion of the base may be used.

h.      It shall be interference on the batter-runner on plays at 1B when the batter-runner touches only the white portion and collides with the fielder about to catch a thrown ball while on the white portion of the base.

                                                    i.     EFFECT:  The umpire shall call Interference on the batter-runner.  The ball is dead, the batter-runner is out and runners must return to the last base occupied at the time of interference.

4.      Run Scoring Line:  A run scoring line shall be used for scoring runs.  The line extends from the 3rd base side of home plate, parallel to the 1st base line, to the 3rd base fence line.  A run is scored when a runner’s foot touches the ground on or past the run scoring line.

5.      Batter Box:   The batter’s box consists of two 3’ by 7 foot boxes, one located on the right side of the plate and the other located on the left side of the plate.  The inside line shall be 6 inches from the plate and the front line shall be placed 4’ feet from the center of home plate.  The lines are considered “inside” the box.  The batter shall be called out if he/she swings and hits the ball fair or foul while one or both feet are completely outside the batter’s box or the batter’s foot comes in contact with home plate while making contact with the ball.  The batter shall not be allowed to leave the box and then re-enter and hit the ball.  Doing so will result in the batter being called out.

6.      Twenty (20) Foot Commitment Line:  A line will be drawn from the 3rd base line extending to the 3rd base line fence twenty (20) feet from home plate.  A runner touching the ground on or beyond the commitment line has committed themselves to attempt to score and must continue on to the scoring line.  He cannot return to third base. 

7.      Outfield Limit Line:  A line will be drawn from the first base foul line 165’ from home plate and describes an arc behind 2nd base, 165’ from home plate, to 165’ from home plate on the third base foul line.  The line will be marked by colored cones on the left and right field side fences up against the fence and strategically placed on the outfield grass to identify where the line is for outfielders and umpires.  There will also be a chalk line at 165’ drawn behind 2nd base.  Outfielders must position themselves behind the line and infielders must position themselves in front of the line until the ball has been hit by the batter.

8.      Strike Zone:  The strike zone is a zone where a pitched ball strikes or lands upon the one piece home plate before it touches the ground provided the height of the pitched ball’s height is between six and twelve feet from the ground.

9.      Pitchers Zone:  The pitchers zone will be a rectangular box 24” wide by 6 feet long.  The box shall start at the front edge of the pitcher’s plate and extend backwards six feet toward 2nd base.  The pitcher may start their pitch provided one foot is touching the pitcher’s plate or is within the pitcher’s zone.

 

RULE 2 – EQUIPMENT

1.      Playing Equipment:  All team equipment, when not in use, will be kept out of the playing area, (fair or foul).  ASA blocked ball rules will govern playing equipment being left on the field.

2.      Uniform & Caps: 

a.      The uniform for the LHSSL players consists of a league provided team shirt and hat which shall be worn properly and as designed.  Players on the field must wear the uniform shirt as the outermost garment. 

                                                    i.     Under special circumstances this rule may be waived by implementing a fair play agreement between both managers and the plate umpire. 

b.      Managers, as the league deems necessary, may be issued a different colored hat so as to identify them from non-managerial players. 

c.      Black or dark colored shorts or pants (black or navy blue) shall be worn.  Denim shorts or pants will be NOT allowed. 

d.      It is highly recommended that softball/baseball cleats/turf shoes be worn for safety reasons. 

e.      Non playing coaches must wear the uniform shirt and cap issued by the LHSSL. 

Penalty:  If a player is found in violation of the uniform rules, he/she must change or correct the problem before any further play.  Refusal to comply may result in ejection.

3.      Official Bats:  All bats must be certified and approved by ASA.  The bat must meet all the ASA specifications and the requirements of ASA Rule 3, Section 1, and:

a.      Bear the ASA certification mark , and

b.      Not be made up of any composite materials, and

c.      Not be listed on an ASA Non Approved Bat List.  A bat that bears the certification mark is not to be considered automatically approved.  There are bats that have the ASA certification mark that have subsequently been placed on the non-approved list by ASA and are not legal for ASA Play.

d.      Be on the ASA list of “approved” bats, and

e.      Not be an altered bat.

                                                    i.     An altered bat is considered to be a bat that has the physical characteristics changed.  When a batter enters the batter’s box with or is discovered using an altered or non-approved bat following will take place: 

1.      The batter and both team managers shall be warned by the umpire.

2.      The bat will be removed from the game. 

3.      If the bat is discovered after the batter obtains a base the batter will be declared out and all runners shall be placed back to the bases occupied prior to the play. 

4.      A second offense shall result in ejection of the player found using the bat.  Examples of altered bats are – bats artificially heated, excessive wraps of tape, bats with cones placed on the knob end of the bat, sanded bats, etc.

f.       Not be an illegal bat.

                                                    i.     An illegal bat is considered to be a bat that does not meet the requirements (ASA’s) of an official bat.  When the batter enters the batter’s box with or is discovered using an illegal bat the following will take place:

1.      The batter and both team managers shall be warned by the umpire.

2.      The bat will be removed from the game. 

3.      If the bat is discovered after the batter obtains a base the batter will be declared out and all runners shall be placed back to the bases occupied prior to the play. 

4.      A second offense shall result in ejection of the player found using the bat.  Examples of illegal bats are – bats on the non-approved list, composite bats, baseball bats, etc.

4.      Official Softball:   LHSSL will use either a white or yellow optic cover 12 inch softball with COR not greater than .44 and compression not greater than 375 lbs. for regular league play.

5.      Masks, Shin Guards, Helmets:  Players may wear protective masks, shin guards, and helmets, if in the umpire’s judgment; the article will not present a safety hazard to the wearer or opposing players.  All pitchers must wear protective shin guards while pitching.  All players should wear baseball shoes with soft or hard rubber cleats.  This is for your safety and for the safety of other players.  It is also recommended that rings or wrist watches not be worn during the game.

 

RULE 3 – PLAYERS AND MANAGERS

1.      Team Rosters:

a.      Offense - All players will bat in the order determined by the manager on the official lineup.  If requested by the umpire or opposing manager, a copy of the lineup shall be provided to the requester.

b.      Defense:  All players will play at least three (3) innings on defense.  The defensive infield positions will consist of the pitcher, catcher, 1st, 2nd and 3rd basemen and shortstop.  The outfield will consist of left and left center, right and right center fielders.  There will be no rover position.

                                                    i.     Minimum Play Time:  All team members will play a minimum of three (3) innings on defense.  Failure to comply may result in the player and/or manager being suspended from playing in the next scheduled game.

NOTE:   If a player cannot play defense then that player cannot play in the game.  However, that player may serve as a base coach.   No player will be encouraged to stay away from a game.  If a player is requested to stay away from a game, the manager will be suspended for a minimum of one (1) game for each infraction.

c.      Substitute Players

                                                    i.     There are no substitutes allowed.  Only players on the official team roster may play in a game.  If a player isn’t on the roster they cannot play.

d.      Replacement Players

                                                    i.     Replacement players shall be obtained from the player waiting list.  The Player representative will provide the manager requesting a replacement player from the waiting list that is within a rating point, plus or minus, of the original player.  Players on the waiting list are selected based upon which player signed up first provided they are within a rating point of the player being replaced.

2.      Starting a Game:

a.      Starting Rosters - All teams may have at least nine (9) players to start a game.  If nine players are not present to start the game the game will be declared a forfeit.

b.      Player Leaving Game - Once the game starts, batting order cannot be changed unless a player is injured or otherwise incapacitated and unable to continue to play.  In this instance the player will be skipped in the order and the offense will not be penalized by having to take an out for the missing player.  The lineup simply reduces by one player.  If a player is ejected from the game, their spot in the batting order will not be skipped and will result in an out each time the ejected player’s turn at bat arises.

Note:  If the team starts the game with nine (9) players and a player leaves the game due to injury or illness, the team may continue to play with eight (8) players and not be penalized.  If a team cannot field eight (8) players regardless of the reason that team shall then forfeit the game

3.      Missed games:  If a player misses two regular season games without notifying his manager in advance, the manager may request the Commissioner to investigate and remove the player from the team, if appropriate, and provide a replacement player list for the manager to select the replacement.  The removed player is now placed on the waiting list.

4.      Manager Duties and Responsibilities:

a.      Select and draft the best possible players for their team from the list of eligible players.

b.      Demonstrate sportsmanship qualities and request the same from his/her players, both on and off the softball field.

c.      Become very knowledgeable of all team players’ softball abilities, physical limitations, and softball ambitions to the best use of their talents on the softball team.

d.      Know and adhere to LHSSL softball playing rules of the game and review these rules with all team members.

e.      Hold team practices/meetings for the purpose of improving team members’ softball batting, fielding, running, and throwing abilities.

f.       Act as the custodian of LHSSL softball equipment and supplies provided to the team.

g.      Keep team members advised of game schedules and locations and any changes there to.

h.      Furnish each team member with a LHSSL team hat and jersey.

i.       Attend team managers’ meetings when held and offer ideas and suggestions to help improve softball activities.

j.       Constantly communicate with team players and stay updated on their physical condition, playing abilities, and availability.

k.      Select and appoint at least two team members to act as team coaches. 

l.       Keep the dugout clean and remove all items after each game.

m.    Request rule clarifications from the umpire during any game.

n.      Request replacement players when necessary to fill team requirements.

o.      Make a year-end evaluation of all team members and turn in evaluation forms to the Board of Directors at season end.

p.      Use good judgment management authority to maintain control of assigned team members to further the enhancement of Lincoln Hills Senior Softball activities.

 

RULE 4 – THE GAME

1.      Game Duration:   There shall be a time limit of 65 minutes to complete seven (7) innings; six (6) five-run-limit innings and one (1) open inning. 

a.      Exception:  At the completion of one hour (60 minutes) the umpire shall notify both teams that the current inning, if it is not the open inning, will be completed and the following inning will be the open inning.  The game will be complete at the end of the open inning.

Note:  If at the completion of the open inning, if the game is tied, the game will end and one half (1/2) of a win will be given to each team.

b.      Mercy Rule: 

                                                    i.     After 6 innings:  If a team, after their at bat in the 6th inning, trails by ten (10) or more runs the game will be considered complete. 

                                                   ii.     After 5 innings:  If a team, after their at bat in the 5th inning, trails by fifteen (15) runs or more, it shall be declared that their at bat in inning six will be their open inning. 

1.      The trailing team must tie or go ahead during this at bat or the game will be over. 

2.      If the trailing team ties or goes ahead, their opponent will then have their open inning.  Regardless of the outcome of their at bat, the game will be over at the conclusion of the inning.

3.      This supersedes the five run limit normally fixed for an inning.

                                                  iii.      Flip/Flop Inning

1.      The Flip/Flop inning is used to speed up the game.

2.      The Flip/Flop inning can be used in conjunction with the 15 run mercy rule.

a.      Flip/Flop Inning Rule - If the “home” team is behind by 15 after their at bat in the 5th inning then the visitors will remain on the field and start the 6th inning on defense.  The home team will bat first in the 6th (their open) inning.  If they score less than 15 runs the game will be over.  If they score 15 or more runs in the inning then the visiting team will bat in the bottom half of the 6th inning.  At the completion of the inning, no matter the score, the game will be over.

 

2.      Canceled Games:  If all games of a single day league play are rained out or where some games are played and some games are not due to weather, power failure, etc, the games may be rescheduled as determined by the Commissioner.

3.      Home Run Rule:  A home run shall be declared if the ball clears the fence as prescribed in the ASA rules.  This includes the left field fence and center field clock. 

4.      Five Run Limit Innings:  No more than five (5) runs may be scored by any team in any of the first six (6) innings of the game.  In the seventh inning, there will be no run limitation. 

EXCEPTION:   More than 5 runs may be scored in other than 7th inning, if umpire declares a different inning as the open inning.

5.      Play-Off Games:

a.      Time Limits:  There will be no time limit placed on play-off games to determine the champion.   Playoff games will be scheduled for seven (7) innings.

b.      Tie Games:  There will be not tie games.  If, after seven (7) complete innings, the game is tied, the game will continue using the ASA tie-breaker rule.  A runner will be placed on 2nd base at the start of each team’s extra inning(s).  This runner will be the last batter scheduled to bat in the extra inning.  It is NOT the player that made the last out in the previous inning.  A courtesy runner cannot be used for the runner placed on 2nd base.

6.      Forfeit Time: Game time is forfeit time, or five minutes after completion of the previous game, whichever is the later.

7.      Force-out:  A defensive player must touch the base with the ball in his/her possession before the runner  touches the ground on or past the run-through line.  The force-out rule is in effect on all plays where the runner is attempting to advance whether or not the runner is forced by a trailing runner.  Once a runner has established reaching the base safely by running-through they are now “protected” and may return to the base without liability to be put out.  If the runner touched the base and continued past the base or rounded the base, the runner is not protected and may be tagged out by the defensive player prior to returning to the base.

8.      Forced Play/Tag at Home Plate:  A defensive player must touch home plate with the ball in his/her possession before the runner touches the ground on or past the run scoring line.  (The base runner must have passed the commitment line and not yet reached the run scoring line before it can be termed a force play).  A defensive player who is making a play at home plate cannot tag a base runner attempting to score a run.  If a tag is made between the commitment line and the run scoring line, it will be ruled obstruction. 

a.      PENALTY:  Obstruction, dead ball.  The run will score and all other base runners will be placed, in the umpire’s judgment, on the base they would have attained had there not been obstruction.

9.      Identical Win/Loss Records: Teams having identical win/loss record for determining playoff positions will have the tie broken in the following order:

a.      1st, Head to head competition; 2nd, Record within the division; 3rd, Common opponents.

 

RULE 5 – PITCHING REGULATIONS

1.      Warm-Up Pitches:  At the beginning of each half inning, or when a pitcher relieves another pitcher, not more than one minute may be used to deliver not more than three pitches.   Play shall be suspended during this time.   For excessive warm-up pitches, a pitcher shall be penalized by awarding a ball to the batter for each pitch in excess of three.  This does not apply if the umpire delays the start of play due to a conference, injuries, and other umpire responsibilities.  A pitcher returning to pitch in the same half inning will not receive warm-up pitches.  There is no limitation as to the number of times a player can return to the pitching position as long as the player is legally in the game.  Outfielders and infielders may toss a ball between each other as time permits.  The umpire is not required to allow any warm-ups if he feels that the game is being delayed.

2.      Strike:  If a ball delivered to the batter from the pitcher travels at least six (6) feet from the ground and not more than twelve (12) feet from the ground (umpire’s judgment) and strikes any part of home plate or the mat, will be called a strike.  There will be NO argument on ball or strike calls.

a.      PENALTY:    The first offense will result in a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct; second offense may result in an ejection.

3.      Ball:  Any pitch that is not struck at and hit and/or does not meet the requirements of a strike described above.  The only exception is a pitch that is considered a “no pitch”. 

4.      Pitcher’s Time Limit:  The pitcher has ten (10) seconds to deliver a pitch from the time the umpire calls “play ball” or when the ball is received by the pitcher.

a.      PENALTY:  The umpire may call time, declare a ball and instruct the pitcher to again throw a pitch.  The clock with start again with a new 10 seconds.  If the pitcher fails to pitch within the time limit another ball will be called and this may continue until the pitcher complies with the umpire’s request to pitch.  Unsportsmanlike conduct may also be called and the pitcher may be ejected from the game.

 

RULE 6 – BATTING

1.      Batter’s Time Limit:  A batter has ten (10) seconds to take his place in the batter’s box after the umpire has called “Play Ball” or after the pitcher receives the ball. 

a.      PENALTY:  The umpire may call for the pitcher to start pitching and all pitches will be called strikes until the batter is in the batter’s box and ready to hit.  Unsportsmanlike conduct may also be called and the batter may be ejected from the game.

2.      Starting Count:  Each batter begins their at-bat with a 0 ball/0 strike count.  Once the batter receives two strikes the batter shall be called out on a 3rd strike foul ball whether caught or not.

 

RULE 7 – BATTER-RUNNER AND RUNNER

1.      Slide/Dive/Crawl:  A runner in jeopardy may slide, dive, or crawl when returning to a base.  A runner may never slide into the base on the initial attempt to reach the base.

2.      Courtesy Runners: 

a.      Eligibility:

                                                    i.     Any player in the batting order can be used as a courtesy runner.

                                                   ii.     No player can be a courtesy runner more than twice per game.

1.      Penalty:  The courtesy runner will be declared out and removed from the base in i and ii above.

b.      Restrictions:

                                                    i.     Courtesy runners may be used to replace a runner on first base only.  If a batter-runner or runner obtains second or third base they cannot be replaced with a courtesy runner.

                                                   ii.     A runner that has been replaced on base by a courtesy runner cannot be a courtesy runner for the remainder of the game.

                                                  iii.     A player may be a courtesy runner only once per inning.

                                                  iv.     A courtesy runner cannot run for another courtesy runner unless there is an injury and it is approved by the plate umpire and opposing manager.  (Fair Play rule.)

                                                   v.     There is NO free courtesy runner for the pitcher.

c.      Courtesy Runner in the Game:  A courtesy runner is in the game after all play has stopped, the offensive manager has received time-out and the courtesy runner has touched first base.  The runner being replaced need not remain on the base until the courtesy runner arrives.

d.      Courtesy Runner’s Turn at Bat:   Should a courtesy runner be on base when it becomes their turn to bat the following will take place:

                                                    i.     The courtesy runner will called out and removed from the base.

                                                   ii.     The courtesy runner will take their place at bat.

e.      A Courtesy Runner from the Plate:   A courtesy runner is allowed for a batter and may run from the plate provided a medical certificate**** from a doctor is on file indicating the player’s inability to run.

                                                    i.     If the courtesy runner does not reach first base the courtesy runner is considered not to have run and the attempt will not count toward the number of times run.

**** Note:  Medical certification must be on file with the LHSSL and be at the field.  If a player files such certification and thereafter recuperates they must file another doctor’s certification indicating they are now fit to run.

3.      Running-Through the Bases to Avoid Collisions:  Runners and defensive players coming together at the same time is inevitable but should be avoided whenever possible.  In LHSSL running through all bases is allowed.  

a.      Home Plate:  A one piece extended home plate is used.  A base runner touching any part of the one-piece home plate mat will be called OUT.  Running inside the corner of the run-through line but not touching the plate may also result in an out if in the umpire’s judgment the runner caused a collision or otherwise impeded or interfered with the defensive player attempting to make a play.  If there is not play at home the situation will result in a team warning and subsequent violations will result in the runner being called out.

b.      First Base:  Running through first base is allowed and is addressed under the double first base rules described in Rule 1 - Playing Field.

c.      Second and Third Base:

                                                    i.     Running through the base is allowed at second and third base.  The runner, when there is a possible play at the base, must run at least 3 feet wide of the base, away from the incoming throw, so as to avoid making contact or interfering with the fielder making the play.  If, in the umpire’s judgment, contact is made with the defensive player, or the defensive player is unable to make a play because the runner didn’t run wide of the base the umpire may call interference on the runner.  If the runner runs-through without touching the base the runner must return to and touch the base ran-through before advancing to the next base.  If, in the umpire’s judgment, the runner touches the base and runs beyond or, touches the base and rounds the base, the runner is not considered to have “run-through the base” and is in jeopardy of being put out when legally tagged by a defensive player.  

1.      Effect:  If, in the judgment of the umpire there was interference, whether or not there was contact, by the runner, the umpire will call “dead ball; interference” and call the runner out.  If another play was possible (double play) then the runner closest to home shall also be called out and if no runner was ahead of the play the trailing runner shall be called out resulting in two outs.

2.      If a runner stops short of the base, he may return to the prior base but is again in jeopardy of being put out when legally tagged by a defensive player. 

RULE 8 – PROTESTS

1.      Types of Protests:  There are three (3) types of protests.

a.      Misinterpretation of a playing rule.  The protest must be made

                                                    i.     before the next pitch, or

                                                   ii.     before the next play, or

                                                  iii.     before all infielders have left fair territory, or if

                                                  iv.     On the last play of the game, before the umpires leave the field of play.

b.      Illegal player – Must be made while the player is in the game and before the umpires leave the playing field.

Note:  In a. and b. an umpire cannot reverse a decision after a pitch, legal or illegal.  The protest opportunity is no longer available since a pitch has occurred.

c.      Ineligible player – Can be made any time.  Eligibility is the decision of the protest committee. 

2.      Who Can Protest:  The manager, acting manager or captain of the protesting team shall immediately notify the plate umpire that the game is being player under a protest.  The plate umpire shall in turn notify the opposing manager and official scorekeeper.  To aid in the correct determination of the issue, all interested parties shall take notice of the information, details and conditions surrounding the decision to protest.  The plate umpire must make sure both managers understand what happened and exactly what is being protested.  They do not have to agree that the situation falls under the purview of a protest.

3.      Eligibility Protests:  Protest of eligibility can be made or appealed at any time.  Eligibility protests cannot be waived by the LHSSL protest committee.

4.      Submitting Protests:  All protests must be submitted (or postmarked) to the Commissioner, in writing, within forty-eight (48) hours of the end of the game.  The Commissioner or the Protest Committee will render a decision within fifteen (15) days.

5.      Protest Committee:  The Protest Committee will consist of the League Commissioner and two (2) members of the Rules Committee.

6.      Lodge A Protest:  To lodge a protest, Time-Out must be requested.  It is not necessary to know the number of the rule violated. 

7.      Appealing Protests:   Appeals of the Protest Committee’s decisions may be made, only in writing, to the Board of Directors.  Three directors will hear the appeal, taking testimony from the person filing the appeal and from the Protest Committee, and will make the final decision.

8.      Invalid Protest:  If all of the above conditions are not met, the protest will become invalid.

 

RULE 9 – UMPIRES

1.      Power and Duties:  The umpires are the representatives of the league and are assigned to a particular game and, as such, are authorized and required to enforce each section of these rules as well as the ASA rules (current edition). They have the power to order a player, coach, captain or manager to carry out or to omit any act which, in their judgment is necessary to give force and effect to one or all of these rules, and to impose penalties as prescribed herein or in the ASA Rules, Current Edition. The plate umpire shall have the authority to make decisions on any situations not specifically covered in these rules.

2.      Time-Out Situations:  Only an umpire may call “Time-Out.” Any player in a game may request the umpire to call a “Time-Out.”  A Time-Out isn’t assumed by a player/manager and does not occur until the umpire grants “Time-Out”.

3.      Disputed Calls:  Only the team manager may discuss disputed calls with the umpire. 

a.      PENALTY:  Any team member, including the manager, who persists in complaining or arguing about an umpire’s call, may be considered to be behaving in an unsportsmanlike manner and may be warned once.  Any further discussion may result in ejection from the game and suspension from the next regular scheduled game.   The Commissioner and the Umpire-in-Chief will be notified of all ejected players.  Each ejected player’s name will be noted on the score sheet.

4.      Dispute Call Procedures:  If a Manager wants to discuss a call (No discussions will be considered based solely on a decision involving the accuracy of judgment on the part of an umpire) the Manager must do the following:

a.      Request and receive a “Time-Out” from the plate umpire.

b.      Request and obtain permission from the plate umpire to discuss the call with the umpire that made the call.  When permission is granted, only then may the Manager walk on the field to discuss the call.  If the umpire that made the call does not want to discuss the call the call stands and no further discussion is required.

                                                    i.     If the Manager desires another opinion on the call he may ask the umpire who made the call to consult with their partner(s).  If the umpire feels another opinion is of value he/she may ask for it.  If not, the umpire who made the initial call shall stand by their original call.  Only the umpire that made the original call may change the call.  UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES CAN ONE UMPIRE OVERULE ANOTHER UMPIRE’S CALL.

Note:  Under no circumstances is an umpire obligated to enter into a discussion about a call.  Should the situation not be resolved then the Manager may protest the situation if it falls under protest guidelines.

RULE 10 – SCORING

1.      Scorekeeper Duties: 

a.      Note starting time of game as provided by the home plate umpires signal to play ball. 

b.      Keep score.

c.      Note the time a game ends. 

d.      Give information on batting order only when asked and only when a batting order was provided at the start of the game. 

e.      Note the point of the game when a protest is lodged, which team lodged it and a brief synopsis of the reason for the protest as provided by the plate umpire. 

f.       Keep track of the outs in each inning. 

g.      Note all ejected players.

h.      Keep running tally of the number of times courtesy runners run and who they run for.

i.       Be a backup timekeeper for the plate umpire.

 

RULE 11 – FAIR PLAY AND SAFETY RULES

1.      Fair Play:  To play under a “fair play rule” the rule must be by mutual consent and approval of the plate umpire and both managers prior to the start of the game.  If no agreement can be reached regarding the proposed “fair play rule” then no exception shall be made and the game will be played under normal circumstances.

                                                    i.     Fair play rules may, but it is recommended they not, take precedent over established rules. 

                                                   ii.     It is important to note that a team should not gain an unfair advantage over other teams in the league because a “fair play rule” was allowed in a given game.  Fair play rules should be allowed in circumstances that will not impact the game such as:

1.      Allowing a player to wear a different hat.

2.      Allowing a player to wear a coat over their uniform or allowing a player to play without a team shirt.

2.      Heat Rule:  A professional grade thermometer is available and placed in the shade at Del Webb Field on days the heat could affect players while playing.  It will be in view for all managers, umpires, players, and league officials.  In the event a temperature reading of 98 degrees is reached in the shade during a LHSSL recreation game the following will occur:

a.      The game will be stopped immediately. 

b.      Any games scheduled later in the same day will not be played that day. 

c.      Those games will be placed on a make-up schedule assigned by the league President. 

d.      There will be no discussion as to whether a manager or managers agree to continue to play the game. 

e.      No play will be allowed and the field will be closed immediately.