BYLAWS
The UMYBL By-Laws as approved by the Executive Committee on December 28, 2002.
By-Laws
2008 GENERAL BASEBALL PLAYING RULES:
Every player on the team roster must participate in each game. No player may sit out defensively more than one consecutive inning. Each player present at the beginning of the game shall be entered into a set batting order, and will remain in that batting position for the remainder of the game. Players arriving late will be placed at the end of the batting order.
Any player on the roster may pitch. A player once removed, as a pitcher may not pitch again in the same game.
The 10-Run Rule applies to all league games. The rule applies when at least 3 ½ innings of play have been completed and the trailing team has batted at least 4 times. This rule cannot be waived.
No metal spikes or metal cleats (12 years of age and under).
No new inning may be started after two [2] hours from the actual start time with the exception of playoff games. Even if the game is the last of the day on the field and no other games follow, this rule should be followed.
Any game that has completed one full inning of play and is not official, for all other reasons except time or darkness, will be played as a suspended game with all records, including pitching, counted for the week. Games called because of darkness or time will stand as a complete game regardless of number of innings completed.
If a game cannot be played because of the inability of either team to place nine players on the field before the game begins, this shall not be grounds for an automatic forfeit, but shall be referred to the board of directors for a decision. Our board has pre-determined that games will be started and or completed with eight [8] players. We should use players from a pool of players from the division below to make sure that 9 players could be fielded (i.e. American League can draw from the Rookie League for players).
Protests must be filed in writing within 24 hours of the completion of the game. The written protest must be submitted to a designated member of the rules committee. Please include both teams names, date of game played, coaches’ names, contact telephone numbers and description of protest. If possible, please state name of official umpiring game.
In the event of game cancellation, a designated league official shall have the responsibility of rescheduling the game and notifying coaches as to the time and field.
In the event of a tie score, the game shall be recorded as a tie. For playoff seeding purposes only, please observe the following:
Assign league point system for determining best team record. A win is awarded two points, tie is one point and a loss is 0 point. Standings will be determined based on the following:(Points Earned) / (Potential Points Given # Of Games Played By Each Team)
In the event of a tie, the team with the greatest winning percentage will be the higher seed.
Referring to the PONY /Cal Rule book, a manager or coach may have two defensive timeouts per inning. The third timeout in an inning requires removal of the pitcher. A manager or coach may only visit the pitcher three times in a game with the fourth visit requiring removal of the pitcher. Managers or coaches may not cross the foul lines during a defensive time out. No manager or base coach may touch a base runner. Referring to the PONY/Cal Rule Book, the umpire rules the play dead. The touched base runner is ruled out and other base runners must return to their original bases. Base coaches must stand in designated coaches’ boxes.
All travel players must play their in-house games in order to be eligible for travel games. Any travel manager playing an ineligible player will be suspended for one game on first offense, and permanently suspended on second offense.
2008 GENERAL SOFTBALL PLAYING RULES:
1st/2nd Grade (U8) Developmental League
Lambertville-West Amwell/
Amwell
Valley / Delaware/Solebury/Upper Makefield
Playing Time:
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4 Innings or 1 hr 45 minutes per game (whichever comes first)
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All players in attendance at a game will bat in continuous order. Players arriving after the start of the game will be inserted at the end of the lineup.
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Teams will bat through their order or until 3 outs, whichever comes first.
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If one team has more players than the other, the team that is short will bat the same amount of players as the opposing team.
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Teams will play minimum of 4 infielders (optional 5th infielder if no catcher), 1 pitcher. Minimum players for game- 5. If team is short, they can request players from other team for outfield. All other players must play behind the infield dirt edge (outfielders). Teams will play with a maximum of 10 on the field at one time.
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Play will be called dead when the ball is returned to the pitcher’s circle. Runners will go back to nearest base when play is called dead. Under NO circumstances should your pitcher/pitchers enter the circle with the machine !.. This is for their safety. If the ball rolls into the circle, it is dead.
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Runners cannot advance on an overthrow. As a catcher is optional and even if a player is in that position, players will not advance on a dropped ball by the catcher. We want to encourage them to try the position, rather than frustrate them.
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Players can be tagged out in any play. So even if there is not catcher, there can be plays made at home by the infielders.
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The infield fly rule will not apply
Pitching:
(NOTE- When playing Solebury & Upper Makefield, coaches may have to pitch as they do not use a machine )
April 12- May 1, 2008:
1. Pitching machine will be used for the first 6 pitches to every batter (manual or electric). After 6 swings (including foul tips), the coach may manually pitch 3 additional pitches before player is called out.
2. After May 1, 2008: 6 pitches, count swinging strikes for the out
3. Manager will feed the machine when their team is at bat. If the machine is not working, coaches will pitch to their own team.
4. Any batted ball that hits the machine is dead and the player advances to 1st base.
5. Players must be encouraged to swing.
6. No bases awarded on balls.
7. No Batter will be awarded a base if hit with the ball by the machine or coach. Every effort should be made to avoid. The emphasis is to get them to hit to get to base.
8. Player at Pitcher position must wear a batting helmet with faceguard and chin strap. They must stay behind the pitching machine and outside the circle.
9. OPTIONAL PITCHER: (After May 27, 2008) If you have a player who would like to try pitching and it is established they can consistently get the ball over the plate at 30 ft or more (no closer), they can pitch 6 pitches per batter. After 6 balls, coach will complete batters at bat with 3 more pitches.
Live Pitcher must wear a mouthguard !!! Helmet is not needed.
Batting:
1. Batting helmets with faceguards and chin straps must be worn by batters and base runners.
2. Bunting, leading and stealing are not permitted.
3. Runners do not leave their base until the ball is hit.
General Notes:
1. No score will be kept for this division.
2. Up to 2 fielding coaches will be allowed on the field during the game. These are in addition to the coach pitching and catching. (total of 4 adults on the field)
3. Team Parent will remain to supervise in dugout.
4. Home team supplies at least one new game ball. Game balls will be “softie” type.
5. Coaches should refer to their Notes regarding Home team responsibility
Minors Softball Rules for Girls 10 & Under (2008)
1. There must be a minimum of six (6) players in the field in order to start a game, otherwise a forfeit will be declared. A maximum of ten (10) players (six (6) infield and four (4) outfield) may play at anyone time. All outfielders must be on the grass beyond the infield cutout and at least ten (10) feet from the nearest base.
2. Six (6) innings per game, although both coaches may agree to shorten the game to a lesser number of innings. Maximum game time of two (2) hours. At the two hour mark, the final score reverts to that at the end of the last completed inning.
3. Eleven (11) inch softball.
4. Sliding is permitted, but not required at any base.
5. No bunting.
6. Stealing is permitted from second to third base only. The base runner must wait for the ball to pass homeplate before stealing third. The running can not advance on an over throw. This comes into effect on 05/12/2008.
7. No infield fly rule.
8. No intentional walks.
9. No bases awarded on an overthrow.
10. Runners may advance only one base on a hit ball that remains in the infield. Runners may try to advance more than one base if the ball goes into the outfield.
11. No leading. A runner may leave the base only after the ball has been put in play (hit). Each team will receive one (1) warning for players leaving the base early. Each subsequent runner leaving a base early will be called out.
12. No player may walk after four (4) walks have been issued in one (1) inning. Thereafter, all batters must remain at the plate until they strike out or hit the ball. Umpires should not change the strike zone after the four (4) walks are issued. The girls are learning to hit as well. Coaches must use their discretion in removing pitchers who are not able to get two (2) or more strikes in a ten (10)-pitch succession.
13. Coaches with a big lead are encouraged to teach good sportsmanship and exhibit common sense.
14. A hit batter will be awarded first base.
15. Peer pitch will be from a pitching rubber located 35’ from the back end of home plate. The pitcher must have at least one foot in contact with the pitching rubber when delivering a pitched ball.
16. Coach pitch is permitted the first two weeks of the season. Starting on 05/01/2008, peer pitching only will be permitted
17. A player may pitch no more than two (2) innings per game. One (1) pitch during an inning constitutes an inning pitched. Innings pitched do not have to be continuous.
18. All players on a team will bat continuously, even if not playing in the field that inning.
19. No more that ten (10) batters may bat in a single inning. After the 9th batter, play will be treated as though there are 2 outs. Balls and strikes will be called, but the 10th batter cannot be walked. A play may be made by tagging any base in front of any runner to make an out to complete the inning, even if there is no force at that base (tagging the runner is not required). Any runners who have not crossed home plate at the time the out is made are not considered to have scored. An overthrow or returning the ball to the pitcher do not complete the inning or stop play when the 10th batter rule is in effect.
20. For all plays except the 10th batter rule (see #19 above), play will be stopped when the pitcher has complete control of the ball within a ten (10) foot radius of the pitching mound, or in the event of an overthrow. However, runners who are half way or more to any base when play is stopped may continue their attempt to gain that base.
21. Free substitution in the field. Each player must play a minimum of four (4) innings in the field and no player may play more than three (3) innings at the same position. Players should be alternated in different infield and outfield positions to help them develop skills at every position.
22. A pinch runner may be used for a catcher on base with two (2) outs in the inning. This allows for the catcher to suit-up and prevents delays in getting the next half-inning started. The pinch runner shall be the last player to have made out during the inning.
23. One coach from the team in the field may stand in the area near second base and instruct his or her fielders from that position.
24. The home team is responsible for scheduling an umpire for each game. However, if an umpire is not available, a coach from the team in the field will be responsible for calling balls and strikes and the base coach(es) from the team at bat will be responsible for calling outs in the field.
2008 Inter-Township Softball League Rules
ALL AGE GROUPS: U12, U14, U18
1. All teams must submit a team roster prior to the start of the season. Any player on a travel team roster or playing for a travel team must be identified
2. All umpires and coaches will receive a copy of these rules prior to the start of the season.
3. The umpire’s judgment is final. There are no protests allowed at any time. Only the manager and one of the coaches designated by the manager prior to the game is permitted to discuss any play in question with the umpire
4. All discussions with the umpire must take place away from the players and spectators, so that the conversation may not be overheard
5. No game shall be permitted to begin without a home plate umpire
6. The umpire may eject and/or banish from the game and/or field area any player, coach, or spectator for un-sportsmanlike conduct
· This includes, but is not limited to:
· Use of profanity
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Arguing
Fighting
· Needling of the umpire
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Team coaches are responsible for the conduct of the players, parents, and spectators on his/her side of the field.
7. The assignment of the umpire is the responsibility of the home team.
8. At the first sign of lightning, or if thunder is heard, the game must be stopped and the players removed form the field immediately
· This is mandatory. No arguments, no judgments, no exceptions.
· The umpire may stop the game at any time due to unsafe field conditions. This includes inadequate lighting or adverse weather conditions.
9. The home team is responsible for preparation of the field prior to the game.
10. Any rule interpretation questions, suggestions for additions and/or revisions should be submitted to the Board. The Board may modify these rules during the season if deemed necessary. All coaches and umpires will receive a copy of any rule change(s) and the date the change(s) is effective.
11. Smoking is not permitted on or around the field by anyone on or associated with the team including coaches and score keepers.
12. Every girl bats for her team. The lineup remains consistent throughout the game. If a girl is injured and cannot bat when it is her turn, she is bypassed and the next batter in the lineup bats. The injured girl may be placed back in her original place in the lineup. Girls that arrive late are inserted at the end of the lineup.
13. Batting Helmets. In addition to the ASA rule requiring all offensive players to properly wear double ear flap NOCSAE-approved batting helmets; all offensive players must wear these batting helmets modified to have a face mask. These batting helmets will be provided by the club. If a player has her own batting helmet, it can be used provided it meets these requirements.
14. No player may participate wearing footwear other than sneakers or rubber spikes. Metal spikes are not allowed for the safety of the players.
15. The girls may wear no jewelry. This includes bracelets, earrings, necklaces, etc. Any earrings left in place must be taped over.
16. All players must have a fielding glove when taking the field.
17. All batters and base runners must wear a batting helmet at all times while on the field.
18. Only bats marked “Official Softball Bat” may be used. All wooden bats must be taped at the handgrip.
19. A courtesy runner can and should be used for the catcher and pitcher when she is on base and there are two outs. The courtesy runner should be the last girl at bat to make an out.
20. Any player identified on the team roster as playing for a travel team may not play the position of pitcher at any time. (12U and 14U only)
a) Game forfeiture will be the penalty for any team found in violation of the above rule. This penalty will be enforced during the mid-season and playoff tournaments.
b) If a team is found to be in violation of rule 20 during regular season play, the player must be immediately removed from the pitcher position.
21. A minimum of twenty-four hours notice must be given for rescheduling a game for any reason other than a rainout.
22. Rainouts or other inclement weather
o The home team coach is responsible for determining if the game is to be played
o The decision to postpone a game due to rain or other inclement weather must be made no later than two hours before the game time
o The home team coach must call the opposing team's head coach, and the head umpire. All required phone numbers would be provided to each coach.23. The home team coach must call the league commissioner as soon as possible, so that the commissioner can reschedule the game.
23. All games played will have a drop dead two hour time limit from the scheduled start time. If the score of a game is tied at the end of the two hours and the inning is not complete the game will end and the score will revert back to the last complete inning. The umpire will keep the official time.
24. All playoff seeding games will be determined from the results of the mid- season tournament. Any coach who can not field a full team during the mid-season and playoff tournament will forfeit the game.
25. With the exception of the Championship Game all playoff games will follow the tournament schedule and the tournament game time limit. If a game is interrupted by weather or other problems each team will be credit for a tie game. The Championship Game must complete 7 innings of play and the tournament game time limit will be waved. The Tie-Breaker Rule will be in effect.
26. Players must play at least 60% of regular season games to be eligible for the mid-season and play-off tournaments. Any coach is entitled to review the opposing team’s book to verify eligibility. (All age groups)
American Softball Association (ASA) rules will be used for play with the following modifications as specified for each age group.
14 & Under
1. A pitcher may pitch a maximum of four innings in a game. One pitch delivered in an inning will count as an inning pitched.
2. The inning ends when the team at bat has three outs or as a result of the ten batter rule.
12 & Under
1. The infield fly rule is not in effect.
2. A pitcher may pitch a maximum of four innings in a game. One pitch delivered in an inning will count as an inning pitched.
3. The inning ends when the team at bat has three outs or as a result of the ten batter rule.
4. Stealing is permitted only after the pitched ball crosses the home plate. runner is not permitted to advance on an overthrow by the catcher on an attempted steal.
5. The drop third strike rule is not in effect.
The Ten Batter Rule
1. If a team bats ten batters in an inning the tenth batter will be played as if there are two outs.
2. If a tenth batter in an inning hits a fair ball, play will continue until the third out is made at any base or at home plate.
3. If the tenth batter walks the inning is over. However, if the bases are loaded the runners will advance one base. The run at the plate will count and the inning is over.
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