NEW PLAYING RULES 2007

Table of Contents

Rule 1 – P= laying Field

Rule 2 – E= quipment

Rule 3 – P= layers and Managers

Rule 4 – T= he Game

Rule 5 – P= itching Regulations

Rule 6 – B= atter-Runner and Runner

Rule 8 – P= rotests

Rule 9 – Umpires

Rule 10 – Scoring=

Rule 11 – Fair Play and Safety Rules

RULE 1 – THE PLAYING FIELD

1. Base Line and Base Path<= /b>: A base line is imaginary line directly between bases.&nbs= p; 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 th= an 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 attemp= ting 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.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>3.      = Double First Base: The double base (white/orange) sha= ll be used at first base in all play. The following rules shall be enforced:=

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>a.      = A batted ball hitting or bounding over the white portion is fair.<= /span>

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>b.      A batted ball hitting or bounding over the orange portion is foul.=

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>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.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>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.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>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.<= /o:p>

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>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.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>f.      =    On balls hit to the outfield with no play on t= he batter-runner advancing to first base, the batter-runner may touch the whit= e or orange portion. Should the batter-runner return, the runner and defense can use the white or orange portion.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>g.      When tagging up on a fly ball, the white or orange portion of the base may be us= ed.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>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.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>i.   EFFECT: = The umpire shall call Interference on the batter-runner. The ball is dead, the batter-runne= r is out and runners must return to the last base occupied at the time of interference.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>4.      = Run Scoring Line: A run scoring line shall be used f= or scoring runs. The line extend= s from the 3^rd base side of home plate, parallel to the 1^st = base line, to the 3^rd base fence line. A run is scored when a runner̵= 7;s foot touches the ground on or past the run scoring line.<= /p>
<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>5.      = Batter Box:   The batter’s box consi= sts 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.&n= bsp; The batter shall be called out if he/she swings and hits the ball fa= ir or foul while one or both feet are completely outside the batter’s bo= x or the batter’s foot comes in contact with home plate while making conta= ct with the ball. The batter sha= ll 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.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>6.      = Twenty (20) Foot Commitment Lin= e: A line will be drawn from the 3rd base line extending to the 3^rd 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.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>7.      = Outfield Limit Line<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:T= ahoma'>: A line will be drawn from the firs= t 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 m= arked by colored cones on the left and right field side fences up against the fen= ce 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 2^nd base. Outfielders must position themselv= es behind the line and infielders must position themselves in front of the line until the ball has been hit by the batter.

a.   PENALTY: If in the jud= gment of any umpire an outfielder is “encroaching” in front of the 16= 5' line when the ball is hit AND THEN CATCHES THE BALL, it is a dead ball, the batter/runner is awarded TWO bases, and any runners on base are moved as fo= rced.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>8.      = Strike Zone: The strike zone is a zone where a pitched ball strikes or lands upon the one piece home plate before it touch= es the ground provided the height of the pitched ball’s height is between six and twelve feet from the ground.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>9.      = Pitchers Zone: The pitchers zone will be a rectan= gular box 24” wide by 6 feet long. The box shall start at the front edge of the pitcher’s plate a= nd 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, (fai= r 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 fiel= d 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) are preferred. Denim sh= orts or pants should NOT be worn.

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 r= esult in ejection.

3.       Official Bats: = All bats must be certified and approved by ASA. The bat must meet a= ll the ASA specifications and the requirements of ASA Rule 3, Section 1, and:<= o:p>

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 l= ist by ASA and are not legal for ASA Play.

d.      Be on the ASA list of “approved” b= ats, and

e.      Not be an altered bat.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>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 b= at following will take place:

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>1.      = The batter and both team managers shall be warned by the umpire.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>2.      = The bat will be removed from the game. <= /span>

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>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 pri= or to the play.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>4.      = A second offense shall result in ejection of the player found using the bat. Examples of altered bats are – excessive wraps of tape, bats with con= es placed on the knob end of the bat, sanded bats, etc.

NOTE:<= /b> Bat warming is allowed, but only using solar power. No electrical connections will be allowed in or around the dugouts for safety reasons.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>f.      =    Not be an illegal bat.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>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:

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>1.      = The batter and both team managers shall be warned by the umpire.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>2.      = The bat will be removed from the game. <= /span>

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>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 pri= or to the play.

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>4.      = A second offense shall result in ejection of the player found using the bat.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> Examples of illegal bats are ̵= 1; 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 t= he umpire’s judgment; the article will not present a safety hazard to the wearer or opposing players. A= ll pitchers must wear protective shin guards while pitching. All players should wear baseball s= hoes 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 o= rder determined by the manager on the official lineup. If requested by the umpire or oppo= sing 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 wi= ll consist of the pitcher, catcher, 1^st, 2^nd and 3^r=
d basemen and shortstop. The ou= tfield 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 minim= um 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 defe= nse then that player cannot play in the game.&= nbsp; However, that player may serve as a base coach.   No player will be encouraged= to stay away from a game. If a p= layer 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 play= er isn’t on the roster they cannot play.

d.      Replacement Players

i.   Replacement players shall be obtained from the player waiting list. The Play= er representative will provide the manager requesting a replacement player from the waiting list that is within a rating point, plus or minus, of the origi= nal player. Players on the wai= ting 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 tak= e an out for the missing player. T= he 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 n= ine (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) p= layers regardless of the reason that team shall then forfeit the game.<= /span>

c.      =      Player Arriving Late –= If a player arrives after a game has started they may enter the game with the following provisions: 1. They must arrive PRIOR to the START of the 4^t=
h inning; 2. They must be scheduled to play at least 3 innings (if the game e= nds early because of the time limit or the mercy rule, it is not counted against the player; and 3. The player must bat in the last position on the roster.<= o:p>

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.&nbs= p; 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 ambit= ions to the best use of their talents on the softball team.

d.      Know and adhere to LHSSL softball playing rule= s 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 thro= wing abilities.

f.         Act as the custodian of LHSSL softball equipme= nt 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 s= tay 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 aft= er each game.

m.     Request rule clarifications from the umpire du= ring 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 main= tain 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) inni= ngs; six (6) five-run-limit innings and one (1) open inning.

a.       Exception:&nb= sp; At the completion of one hour (60 minutes) the umpire shall notify b= oth teams that the current inning, if it is not the open inning, will be comple= ted and the following inning will be the open inning. The game will be complete at the e= nd of the open inning.

Note: If at the completion of the open i= nning, 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:&n= bsp;

i.   After 6 innings: If a team, after their at bat in t= he 6^th inning, trails by ten (10) or more runs the game will be considered complete. <= /p>
ii. After 5 innings: If a team, after their at bat in t= he 5^th inning, trails by fifteen (15) runs or more, it shall be declared that thei= r 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 fi= xed for an inning.

iii.         = ;            &n= bsp; Flip/Flop Inning<= /p>
1.       The Flip/Flop inning is used to speed up the g= ame.

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

a.       Flip/Flop Inning Rule - If the “homeR= 21; team is behind by 15 after their at bat in the 5^th inning then t= he visitors will remain on the field and start the 6^th inning on defense. The home team will b= at first in the 6^th (their open) inning. If they score less than 15 runs th= e game will be over. If they score 1= 5 or more runs in the inning then the visiting team will bat in the bottom half = of the 6^th inning. At= the completion of the inning, no matter the score, the game will be over.<= /o:p>

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.&= nbsp; 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 s= eventh inning, there will be no run limitation.&n= bsp;

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:&= nbsp; 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:&nb= sp; 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.&n= bsp; 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 f= or the runner placed on 2nd base.

6.       Forfeit Time: Game time is forfeit time, or five minutes a= fter completion of the previous game, whichever is the later.<= /p>
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-o= ut 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 reac= hing 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 b= ase 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 bas= e.

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. (T= he base runner must have passed the commitment line and not yet reached the ru= n 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 commi= tment line and the run scoring line, it will be ruled obstruction.

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

9.       Throws from the outfield: NO OUTFIELDER CAN THROW OUT A BATTER-RUN= NER AT 1ST BASE. Primarily for safety reasons, as the throw is often unexpected= and neither the runner nor the first baseman is prepared for the throw. In addi= tion to those 2, there are 4 others potentially in harms way: the umpire, the fi= rst base coach, the pitcher, and the second baseman. It is felt that it is not right to penalize a slow batter-runner for what would ordinarily be a base = hit.

a.     The batter MUST be running to first or making an honest effort to get there.

b.     If the ball is thrown to an infielder as= the “cut-off” player, then it can be relayed to 1^st base= .

c.     This would be a delayed dead ball situat= ion, as the ball would be live if overthrown. (Batter-Runner would be protected = to first base only.)

d.    .PENALTY: 1^st time =3D team warning, 2^nd time =3D two base awar= d to batter/runner (NO courtesy runner would be allowed), and 3^rd tim= e =3D ejection of the outfielder.

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

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

RULE 5 – PITCHING REGULATIONS

1.       Warm-Up Pitches2.       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 an= d 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 ca= lls “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 contin= ue 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 aft= er the umpire has called “Play Ball” or after the pitcher receives= the ball.

a.       PENALTY: The umpire may call for the pitche= r to start pitching and all pitches will be called strikes until the batter is in the batter’s box and ready to hit.&n= bsp; Unsportsmanlike conduct may also be called and the batter may be eje= cted from the game.

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

RULE 7 – BATTER-RUNNER AND RUNNER

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

2= .      = Courtesy Runnersa.       Eligibility:

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

i= i. 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 i= n 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 obtai= ns second or third base they cannot be replaced with a courtesy runner.

i= i.      = A runner that has been replaced on base by a courtesy runner cannot be a courtesy runner for the remainder of the game.<= o:p>

i= ii.      A player may be a courtesy runner only once per inning.

i= v.     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 a= fter all play has stopped, the offensive manager has received time-out and the courtesy runner has touched first base (o= r the fence if it is a runner from the plate). The runner being replaced n= eed 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:<= /o:p>

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

ii.       The courtesy runner will take their place at b= at.

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 runn= er 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 certificati= on 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 comi= ng together at the same time is inevitable but should be avoided whenever possible. In LHSSL running th= rough all bases is allowed.   <= o:p>

a.       Home Plate:&n= bsp; 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 resu= lt in the runner being called out.

b.      First Base:&n= bsp; Running through first base is allowed and is addressed under the dou= ble first base rules described in Rule 1 - Playing Field.

c.       Second and Third Base:

i.   Running through the base is allowed at seco= nd and third base. The runne= r, 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 unabl= e 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 base̶= 1; 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 (doub= le play) then the runner closest to home shall also be called out and if no ru= nner 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 re= turn to the prior base but is again in jeopardy of being put out when legally ta= gged by a defensive player. <= /o:p>

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.         = ;            &n= bsp; before all infielders have left fair territory= , or if

iv.         =             &nb= sp; On the last play of the game, before the umpir= es 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.<= /o:p>

Note: In a. and b. an umpire cannot reve= rse a decision after a pitch, legal or illegal.&= nbsp; The protest opportunity is no longer available since a pitch has occurred.

c.       Ineligible player – Can be made any time. Eligibility is the deci= sion 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 not= ify the opposing manager and official scorekeeper. To aid in the correct determinatio= n of the issue, all interested parties shall take notice of the information, det= ails and conditions surrounding the decision to protest. The plate umpire must make sure bo= th 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 wai= ved 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) membe= rs of the Rules Committee.

6.       Lodge A Protest: To lodge a protest, Time-Out must be requested. It is not necessary to know the nu= mber 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 pers= on filing the appeal and from the Protest Committee, and will make the final decision.

8.       Invalid Protest

RULE 9 – UMPIRES

<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-fareast-font-famil= y: "Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:"Arial Narrow"'>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 pla= yer, 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.”&n= bsp; 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 man= ager, 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 discuss= ion 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 so= lely 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” f= rom 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 t= hen may the Manager walk on the field to discuss the call. If the umpire that made the call d= oes 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 opinio= n is of value he/she may ask for it. If not, the umpire who made the initial call shall stand by their original cal= l. Only the umpire that made the orig= inal call may change the call. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES CAN ONE UMP= IRE 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 resolv= ed 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. <= /span>

b.      Keep score.

c.       Note the time a game ends.

d.      Give information on batting order only when as= ked 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 pro= test 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 cour= tesy 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 excepti= on shall be made and the game will be played under normal circumstances.<= /o:p>

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 “fa= ir 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 un= iform 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 manager= s, umpires, players, and league officials.&nb= sp; In the event a temperature reading of 98 degrees is reached in the s= hade during a LHSSL recreation game the following will occur:<= /p>
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 schedu= le 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.