Springlake Sports League ::||:: Soccer, Baseball and Basketball

S.L.S.L. SOFTBALL/T-BALL/BLASTBALL
GENERAL RULES

The following rules and regulations apply to all house softball leagues. Official Softball rules published by the Amateur Softball Association will be applicable, except where there is a specific exception listed in these regulations. Subsequent sections will identify additional rules that pertain to softball only and then regulations that apply to specific leagues. Any questions regarding softball rules and regulations and their interpretations should be directed to the Director of Umpires.

GAME PROCEDURES

The home team is responsible for setting up the field prior to scheduled game time. It is also the home team’s responsibility to secure field equipment in the locker after the game, unless another game follows immediately. In case of rain, it is the responsibility of both teams to prepare the field for play.
The home team will supply two new game balls and other spare balls acceptable to the umpire for play, as needed.
The home team will occupy the third base dugout.
Batting orders will be exchanged by managers of both teams before the game begins. All teams will bat their entire roster as present in each game. For example, if 12 players are present, the batting order will consist of 12 players.
Only fully uniformed players will be permitted to participate or coach. The uniform will be properly worn and will include those items issued by SLSL for that team. The uniform may also include personal jackets worn in the field.
If another game follows on the same field, the first game will be completed before the next one starts. Umpires are directed to apply necessary provisions of the Rules and Regulations to prevent late starts or delays in the progress of the game.
The legal minimum number of players for a game will be eight (8). A team can play defense or offense with seven (7) players during the first inning only. For a team with seven players with less than three (3) outs, the players in the first inning will come to bat only once, after which the umpire will declare the side “out” with teams exchanging field positions. At the start of the second inning, the legal minimum number of players must be ready for play, or the game is forfeited. If the legal minimum number of players starts the game, and one player is forced to leave during the progress of the game, play may continue without a forfeit.
Any player who arrives at a ball park with, or who during the game incurs, an injury which prevents him or her from safely participating will not be used as a player.
An umpire may stop play at any time for an injured player. The umpire determines placement of base runners after stopping play for the injured player.
A courtesy runner may be used as a base runner if the original base runner has incurred an injury and is unable to continue. The courtesy runner will be the player who made the last batted out.
A manager or coach’s second trip to visit the same pitcher in the same inning will cause the player’s automatic removal from the pitching position for the remainder of the game. An exception to this rule will be allowed in case of injury to the pitcher.

REGULATION GAME DEFINITION

In games of 6 or 7 innings, a regulation game will be declared when 4 innings have been completed (or 3½ when the home team is ahead). In games of 5 innings, a regulation game will be declared when 3 innings have been completed (or 2½ when the home team is ahead).
When a time limit is defined, no new inning may start after the time limit has elapsed from when the first pitch was thrown to start the game. An inning is considered to have started immediately following the final out of the previous inning. Any inning that has started will be allowed to finish even if that means going over the time limit. The umpire shall be the sole determiner of when the first pitch was thrown.
If, for any reason, the game ends and the regulation number of innings has not been played, it will be a suspended game. A suspended game shall be continued from the exact point at which it was stopped, on the earliest possible date. Immediately upon game suspension, the managers shall compare scorebooks and agree on the amount of time left until the time limit is reached and the initial setup of the field when the continuation of the game proceeds. During the continuation of a suspended game, the time limit, batting orders, pitching limits, and substitution limits are the same as they were at the time the game was suspended. A player who is not present for the continuation will be removed from the lineup. A player who was not present in the initial innings but is at the continuation will be added to the end of the batting order. A runner who was on base at the time of game suspension but is not present at the continuation will be replaced on base by the player who made the last batted out.
If, for any reason, the game ends and the regulation number of innings has been played the score reverts back to the last complete inning if the home team is not ahead. If the score is tied, it will be declared a tie game.

DIAMOND DIMENSIONS

League	Home Plate to Base to Base	Home Plate to 2nd Base	Home Plate to Pitcher’s Plate
SOFTBALL
Green 7-8	60’	84’ 10¼”	40’
Intermediate 5-6	60’	84’ 10¼”	35’
Junior 3-4	55’	77’ 9⅜”	35’
Midget 1-2	50’	70’ 8½”	35’
T-ball	45’	63’ 7”	30’
Blastball	30’	na	na

GENERAL

1. Two bases are awarded when, with no spectators in the playing field, a thrown ball goes into the stands, into a bench (whether of not the ball rebounds onto the field), over or under or through a field fence, on a slanting part of the screen above the backstop, or remains in the mesh of a wire screen protecting spectators. The ball is dead. When such a wild throw is the first play by an infielder, the umpire, in awarding such bases, will be governed by the position of the runners at the time of the pitch. In all other cases, the umpire will be governed by the position of the runners at the time the wild throw was made. If all runners, including the batter, have advanced at least one base when an infielder makes a wild throw on the first play after the pitch, the award will be governed by the position of the runners when the wild throw was made.
2. One base is awarded if a ball, pitched to the batter, or thrown by the pitcher from his or her position on the pitcher’s plate to a base to catch a runner, goes out of play or through the backstop. The ball is dead.

UMPIRES

Each umpire will wear the approved SLSL umpire shirt and display proper decorum in the performance of duties. Teenagers may wear long blue jeans. Frayed, soiled or cut off jeans are not acceptable.
The Umpire-in-Chief will decide the suitability of the field when teams are present and ready for play.
The Umpire-in-Chief is responsible for starting a game at the scheduled time. If a team is not ready to play within 15 minutes of the scheduled starting time, the game will be forfeited.
The Umpire-in-Chief will confirm applicable ground rules, lineups, start time, etc., during the pre-game conference with the team managers.
Umpire(s) must not interfere, criticize, instruct, or assist any player, manager, or team representative during the period of play.
Each umpire has the authority to rule on any point not specifically covered in the applicable rules governing play.
There shall be no arguments over any umpire decision. Rule interpretation questions may be discussed with the umpire between innings provided both managers agree to talk to the umpire. In the event that both managers do not agree, the matter shall not be discussed with the umpire. Regardless of the discussion, the original call shall stand. Under no circumstances shall there be any discussion of a judgment call. The express purpose of this rule is to help educate the managers and umpires as to the Rules and to avoid umpire abuse or harassment.
Managers and umpires shall meet prior to the start of the game to review the rules.
No regular season game will be automatically canceled for lack of an umpire. On agreement from both coaches a parent volunteer may umpire from behind the pitcher.

PROTESTS

There are no protests allowed for any reason. Any problems should be brought to the attention of the League President, director of Baseball or Softball, or the Director of Umpires, as appropriate.

SAFETY PROCEDURES

It is the responsibility of the team manager to see that all players remain seated on the bench unless they are playing in the field, batting, on-deck, coaching, or warming up in a playing area well away from the field or spectators. Players will not be permitted to swing bats except when batting or in the on-deck position.
No equipment will be left lying on or near the playing fields. Bats and balls will be recovered and returned tot he dugout before the first pitch is thrown to the following batter.
No equipment, clothing, or jewelry will be worn by players, managers, or coaches, which, in the opinion of the Umpire-in-Chief, constitutes a safety hazard.
Metal spikes are not permitted, molded rubber spikes are encouraged.
Approved batting helmets will be worn by all batters, base runners, on-deck batters and players acting as base coaches. Any base runner that, in the umpire’s opinion, intentionally knocks or takes off his or her helmet while running the bases will be called out.
No player will be permitted to play the position of catcher in a game, including the warming up of a pitcher, or practice without a suitable mask, helmet, chest protector, and shin guards.
When a pitcher is warming up in the bullpen, a third player will be present to protect the catcher from being hit with a thrown or batted ball.
If a player accidentally throws a bat, the umpire will warn the player and his or her team. Any other bat-throwing incident by a player on that team will cause that player to be out. All subsequent action as a result of the hit will be nullified, and the ball will become dead.
If, in the opinion of the Umpire-in-Chief, a safety hazard exists concerning any of these rules and the offending player and manager have been warned, the player and/or manager may be ejected from the game.
A game in progress will be stopped if, in the opinion of the Umpire-in-Chief or both managers, the weather causes field conditions to constitute a safety hazard. In the event of audible thunder or visible lightning, the Umpire-in-Chief will immediately pause the game and all players and coaches will be required to seek shelter in cars or nearby buildings. If there is not another occurrence of thunder or lightning for a minimum of 20 minutes, the game can be resumed. Otherwise it will be suspended or terminated as appropriate. Should the game resume and there is another occurrence of either thunder or lightning, the game will be suspended or terminated as appropriate.
At any base, the runner MUST take necessary action to avoid colliding with the defensive player if the defensive player has the ball ready to make a play or is about to receive the ball. If there is any significant contact, the runner is automatically out. If the defensive player does not have the ball or is not about to receive it, he should not block the base or be near enough to impede the base runner. This may be called interference on the defensive player, and the umpire may award additional bases, if appropriate.
If a player is injured while playing, the umpire will call time and play stops. A runner may advance to the next base only if that runner was advancing prior to the umpire’s call of time out. The dead ball rule applies.

S.L.S.L. GENERAL SOFTBALL RULES

FOR ALL HOUSE LEAGUES

All softball leagues will operate under the Official Softball Rules – Fast Pitch, published by the ASA and USSSA. Certain exceptions listed below and additional special rules apply (Special Rules take precedence over General Rules):

Teams will bat the entire roster in good standing who are present in uniform. Players are not considered “in uniform” if barefoot or attired in sandals or slipper type footwear, for reasons of safety. Metal spikes are prohibited. Gym shoes or molded rubber spikes are permitted. Players shall not wear jewelry including earrings, necklaces, or rings. EXCLUSION: Medical alert bracelets worn as a medical warning to emergency technicians.
Bats must be marked by the manufacturer “Official Softball” or be issued by SLSL, and must have approved tape on the handle.
There is unlimited substitution in fielding positions. No player shall sit twice until all other players have sat once. No player shall sit three times until all other players have sat twice, etc.
On an overthrow of the established playing area, the ball is dead and runners are awarded bases in accordance with the rules covering the prevailing situation.
Adult coaches are permitted in the coaching boxes. A manager, coach or parent may not stand behind the backstop.
When, in the opinion of an umpire, all immediate play is completed, he/she will call “Time.”
A runner may advance after a fair or foul fly is caught (with less than two outs) if the runner tags the base after the catch.
Any ASA approved form of underhand fast pitch shall be permitted, including slingshot and single-rotation windmill. The pitcher must keep two feet in contact with the rubber from the start of the windup and may take one step forward prior to the release of the ball. The pitcher shall not step backward as part of the windup or release. The pitcher shall not jump or hop forward as part of the release. The strike zone is that space over any part of home plate between the batter’s armpits and the top of the batter’s knees when the batter assumes a natural batting stance. Any pitch that fails to meet this rule is automatically a ball unless offered at by the batter. If an illegal pitch is hit into play the ball shall be declared live and in-play.
Any pitch at which the batter has not offered, and which strikes any part of home plate on its first impact, shall be declared a ball regardless of whether or not it has passed through any part of the strike zone.
An injured player may be returned to her original spot in the batting order. The opposing coach and scorekeeper should be notified of the change before the player bats or returns to the field.
Double 1st bases: There shall be two bases placed at 1st base, one in fair territory and the second in foul territory. The fielder shall use the base in fair territory to make the put out. The runner shall use the base in foul territory, unless the runner is making the turn to second base and can do so in a safe manner to avoid collision with the defensive player at first base.

SPECIAL RULES FOR T-BALL (Kindergarten) AND BLASTBALL (Pre-school) RULES

This is a non-competitive league solely for the enjoyment of the players. The purpose is for the player to learn how to play the game. With this purpose in mind, all games will end in a tie.
All players will wear gym shoes. No jewelry is permitted.
Each game will last 3 full innings, 1 hour or until managers determine that everyone has lost interest (or is freezing), whichever comes first.
The offensive team will bat the roster. Once through the roster, a half inning will conclude and the teams will switch sides. Three outs do not constitute an inning. However, if a player is out batting or running the bases, they will be sent back to the bench.
The batter will hit the ball off the tee. Each batter will be allowed one practice swing. The player will be allowed to bat until he or she hits the ball. If the bat strikes the tee, it is a foul ball.
For Preschool Teams: Teams play Blastball.
a. The distance between the tee and the base is 30’ along the first base line.
b. The distance between the tee and the cone is 30’ along the third base line.
c. A line marker is placed 15’ in front of the tee. Only balls hit past this line and between the baselines are fair.
d. When a fair ball is fielded, the player yells “BLAST.” If the batter has not reached the base, he or she is out. If the batter reaches the base first, a run is scored. In either case, the runner returns to the bench.
For T-ball Teams: There is to be no pitching prior to the 6th week. At that point, either manager (or both) may choose to pitch to his or her team. Mutual consent is not necessary.
a. Decision to begin pitching is within the Manager’s/Coach’s discretion. If after 3 attempts that the player is unable to hit a pitched ball, the player will be allowed to hit off the tee.
All players on the roster must play the field each inning. One player will stand at the pitcher’s position, five players are in the infield, one player is catcher, and the rest are in the outfield. All players are to switch positions each inning. There are no set players for any position.
If a team has eight players or less, they are not required to field a catcher. If a team has nine or more players, they are required to field a catcher.
Infielders are to play outside of the base path. Outfielders play 10 feet beyond the infielders.
A player, at the discretion of the manager, may be excluded from playing first base if the player cannot catch the thrown ball well enough to protect him or herself.
A hit ball must reach the grass beyond the dirt batting circle on the infield to be a fair ball (approximately past a 9 foot radius).
If a batter strikes the Tee with the bat and the Tee falls over, it is a foul ball, no matter where the ball goes.
If a batter takes three strikes (clean miss of both the Tee and ball), a coach may assist batter from behind.
There will be NO base on an overthrow awarded. We want to encourage the fielders to throw the ball.
When a hit ball is under CONTROL of any player in the infield, the ball is dead and the play stops. Players less than half way to the next base when the ball is under control in the infield must return to the base previously occupied. Runners tagged out while the ball is in the infield before the umpire calls the end of the play are out.
The offensive team will have a coach at first and third bases and a batting coach to line up the tee and assist the player coming to bat. Once the ball is hit, the coach removes the tee from the plate area.
The defensive team will be allowed coaches in the field, but they are not to interfere with play.
Base runners must hold their bases until the ball is batted. No base runner may advance on an overthrow.
Fly balls caught in the air shall be ruled out. Base runners must return and cannot be doubled off.
The offensive team will be warned when a batter throws his or her bat carelessly when running to first base. On the second occasion by the same team, the batter will be declared out.
No SLSL umpires are provided for these games. Coaches of the playing team will umpire. The coach, either offensive or defensive, nearest to the play will make the call. There will be no arguments over any call.
At the conclusion of the game, each team will give a cheer for the other team. Team members and coaches will then line-up and shake hands with the opposing team.
In the event of inclement weather, managers will determine whether teams play and will notify their team members accordingly. If opposing managers agree, a make-up may be scheduled accordingly. Make-ups can also be scheduled during scheduled practices, if desired.

SPECIAL RULES FOR S.L.S.L. MIDGET LEAGUE (1st/2nd GRADE SOFTBALL)

All players will play in the field and bat.
Seven infielders. All other players will play outfield, behind base path.
Infielders besides catcher, will play behind diagonal line between first and third base.
If a team has eight players or less, they do not have to field a catcher. If a team has nine or more players, they must field a catcher.
Coach will pitch to own team. Coach has obligation to avoid contact with batted ball or inhibiting fielder. If contact is made, or fielder is inhibited, batter will be awarded first base and all other runners will be awarded next base.
Batter will get up to seven "hittable" pitches to hit a fair ball. If this does not occur, batter will be awarded first base.
Batting team will bat one time through.
Defensive team may have 2 coaches positioned in the outfield.
Games will last 4 innings but no inning will start after 70 minutes of play. Games will be called for darkness or if the weather turns inclement. Safety of players is paramount.
NO SCORE WILL BE KEPT. ALL GAMES END IN A TIE.
The “Infield Fly Rule” shall not apply.
No player will play outfield two consecutive innings. A player may only play first base or pitch once until all players have played either position.
Player will rotate positions every inning.
Bunting is prohibited.
Leadoffs are prohibited. Runners cannot leave the base until the ball is hit.
Stealing a base is prohibited.
If the ball is hit into the infield, the batter shall go no farther than 1st base and each other runner shall advance no farther than one base.
If the ball is hit into the outfield, all runners may continue to run until the ball has been thrown into the infield. All runners will stop at the base to which they were on their way once the ball reaches the infield.
An 11-inch safety softball will used.
After the 6th week 3 strikes/out and 3 outs/inning can be called. Mutual consent by both team coaches is required
Umpires are not supplied by SLSL.

SPECIAL RULES FOR S.L.S.L JUNIOR LEAGUE (3rd/4th GRADE SOFTBALL)

The defensive team may field as many as 10 players. There is no minimum number of players necessary for the defensive team
When players are fielded in accordance with Rule 1, there shall be no more than 5 infielders at any time, not including the pitcher and catcher.
Games are 5 innings or 1½ hours, whichever occurs first. No inning shall start after 1½ hours from the first pitch.
The 15 run rule will prevail after 4 innings of play, or 3½ innings if the home team is ahead, or at any similar point in subsequent innings.
The “Infield Fly Rule” shall not apply.
Each player must play a minimum of three (3) innings in the field. Players must play a minimum of two (2) innings in the infield per game. Catcher and pitching positions are considered infield positions.
If a batter is hit by a pitched ball, it shall constitute a ball; the batter is not automatically awarded first base.
After ball four, the batter will receive up to 3 pitches from one of the team coaches. If the batter fails to hit the pitches, batter is out and the ball is dead. Each foul ball entitles the batter to another swing. When the coach is used, the pitcher shall play a defensive position behind/side of the pitching rubber and on a line parallel with first and third bases.
A side will be out after three outs or after having scored 7 runs in an inning. The “seven run rule” will apply in all but the last inning. If it is apparent that because of the approaching time limit (as set forth in Rule 3) the last inning shall be declared by mutual agreement of the managers prior to the start of the inning. Extra innings will not be played; a game can end in a tie.
An eleven-inch ball shall be used.
Bunting is prohibited.
Runners may leave their bases once the pitched ball crosses the plate.
Stealing is prohibited.
Defensive team may have one coach in the outfield.
A player may not pitch more than two innings in one game. One pitch thrown in an inning counts as an entire inning. Pitcher does not have to pitch in two consecutive innings.
Courtesy runners-the player who made the last out with two outs should substitute as a base runner for the catcher if the catcher is on base.
Borrowing of Players-In order to field a team for a specific game a team may “borrow” players from another 3rd/4th grade team. Stringent borrowing rules must be followed:
a) A 3rd/4th grade player from your assigned sister may be asked to play. All players from your assigned team must have the opportunity to play before a specific player can play again, or a player from a different sister team.
b) All coaches needing to borrow players from a sister team must notify the 3rd/4th grade Commissioner who will verify the need and coordinate the call-up
c) All borrowed players must e identified to the opposing team, play at least 3 innings in the field but no more than any regular player and bat at the bottom of the order.
d) No borrowed player is allowed to pitch.
e) The penalty for violating these borrowing rules is forfeit. The league commissioner will invoke the forfeit at the time the discrepancy is discovered.
No standings shall be kept and no tournament shall be played.

SPECIAL RULES FOR S.L.S.L. INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE (5th/6th GRADE SOFTBALL)

The defensive team may field as many as 9, with no official short center position. There is no minimum number of players necessary for the defensive team
When players are fielded in accordance with Rule 1, there shall be no more than 4 infielders at any time, not including the pitcher and catcher.
Games are 6 innings or 1 hour and 45 minutes, whichever occurs first. No inning shall start after 1 hour and 45 minutes from the first pitch.
The 15 run slaughter rule will apply after 5 innings of play, or 4½ innings if the home team is ahead, or at any similar point in subsequent innings.
The “Infield Fly Rule” shall be in effect.
A side will be out after three outs or after having scored 7 runs in an inning. The “seven run rule” will apply in all but the last inning. If it is apparent that because of the approaching time limit (as set forth in Rule 3) that the last inning will be an inning other than the 7th inning, the last inning shall be declared by mutual agreement of the managers prior to the start of the inning. Extra innings will not be played: a game may end in a tie.
An eleven-inch ball shall be used.
If a batter is hit by a pitched ball, the batter shall be awarded first base, provided that the batter has made an effort to avoid being hit.
Bunting is permitted.
Stealing of third base shall be permitted. Runners may not advance to home on a steal play.
Runners shall not leave their bases prior to the release of the ball by the pitcher. Pick off attempts by the catcher shall be permitted, and the runners may advance, however no runner shall be allowed to advance if on 3rd base.
Courtesy runners-the player who made the last out with two outs should substitute as a base runner for the catcher if the catcher is on base.
Borrowing of Players-In order to field a team for a specific game a team may “borrow” players from another 5th/6th grade team. Stringent borrowing rules must be followed:
a) A 5th/6th grade player from your assigned sister may be asked to play. All players from your assigned team must have the opportunity to play before a specific player can play again, or a player from a different sister team.
b) All coaches needing to borrow players from a sister team must notify the 5th/6th grade Commissioner who will verify the need and coordinate the call-up
c) All borrowed players must e identified to the opposing team, play at least 3 innings in the field but no more than any regular player and bat at the bottom of the order.
d) No borrowed player is allowed to pitch.
e) The penalty for violating these borrowing rules is forfeit. The league commissioner will invoke the forfeit at the time the discrepancy is discovered.
No dropped third strike.
Pitching-A player may pitch a maximum of two innings in one game. One pitch thrown in an inning counts as an entire inning. The two innings need not be consecutive.
Intentional walks are not allowed.
Each player must play a minimum of three (3) innings in the field. Players must play a minimum of two (2) innings in the infield per game. Catcher and pitching positions are considered infield positions.
A pitcher shall be removed from that position after hitting 3 batters and may not return as a pitcher during the same game.
No standings shall be kept. The tournament shall be a non-seeded tournament.

SPECIAL RULES FOR S.L.S.L. SENIOR LEAGUE (7th/8th GRADE SOFTBALL)

The defensive team may field as many as nine (9). There is no minimum number of players necessary for the defensive team. A team may draft enough players to make a roster of nine (9).
When players are fielded in accordance with Rule 1, there shall be no more than five (5) infielders at any time, not including the pitcher and catcher.
Games are seven (7) innings or two (2) hours, whichever occurs first. The exception to these limits is made during tournament play, when no game may end in a tie.
The 15 run slaughter rule will apply after 5 innings of play, or 4½ innings if the home team is ahead, or at any similar point in subsequent innings.
The “Infield Fly Rule” shall be in effect.
A side will be retired after three outs or after having scored seven (7) runs in an inning. The “seven run rule” will apply in all but the last inning. If it is apparent that because of the approaching time limit or darkness that the last inning will be an inning other than the seventh inning, the last inning shall be declared by mutual agreement of the managers prior to the start of the inning.
A twelve-inch ball shall be used.
If a batter is hit by a pitched ball, the batter shall be awarded first base, provided that the batter has not made an attempt to strike at the ball and has made an effort to avoid being hit.
Bunting is permitted.
Stealing of second and third bases is permitted, one base at a time. Any runner who attempts to steal two bases at a time, or steal home, must return to the last base that she was entitled to, and is in jeopardy of being tagged out until she returns.
Runners shall not leave their bases prior to the release of the ball by the pitcher. A runner who leads off a base prior to the release of the ball by the pitcher shall be called out and the ball declared dead.
Pickoff attempts by the catcher shall be permitted. All runners are free to attempt to advance one base following a pickoff attempt.
No dropped third strike.
A player may pitch a maximum of two innings in one game. One pitch thrown in an inning counts as an entire inning. The two innings need not be consecutive.
Standings shall be kept for the purpose of seeding the tournament at the end of the season. Both managers shall report the final score to the league president within 48 hours of the completion of the game.