2011-05-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

BOCA SENIOR SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES, 2011

(Revision date 5/26/11)

ASA RULES - Current ASA Softball Rules shall govern all rules not covered by this supplement.

RULES – Rules shall not be changed and adopted unless it is voted upon by two-thirds (2/3) of the Board. Any resolution made by the Commissioner which is either contrary or is outside the guidelines established by our by- Laws or Rules also requires a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board.

ELIGIBILITY- All players must be 55 years of age during the year in which we play the winter or summer league.

THE GAME, THE ROSTER –

Scheduled games will be nine (9) innings, except games that are shortened due to inclement weather (see #4 below) or tie games, which will be decided in extra innings.
A team must have nine (9) players to start and to continue a game of which seven (7) must be roster players.
Forfeiture will occur if #2 is not in place, and replacement players are not available. A forfeit can occur before a game is scheduled to start or during the game.
In the event of inclement weather occurring during play, an official game may be called by the commissioner or his designee after five (5) complete innings or four and a half (4½) innings, if the home team is ahead. Games that are not considered regulation shall be resumed at the exact point where they were stopped. Games that are regulation tied games shall be resumed at the exact point where they were stopped.
A full team is defined as 11 players. A team must play with 11 players if replacement players are available.
If a team has less than a full playing team (11 players), the manager must notify the Commissioner (or his designee) at least 24 hours before the scheduled game. If replacement player(s) are available they will be assigned (see replacement players).
Once the playing rosters are established or exchanged between managers, and a player(s) is provided to the opposing team, there cannot be any recall of the player to the original team during the game.
If opposing teams have less than a full team of 11 players that is 9 or 10 players and all efforts has been exhausted to obtain additional replacement players for both teams, then the batting team will provide a courtesy catcher for the fielding team. If either team has a full team of 11 players then the courtesy catcher will not be used.
At game time, if a team has less than 11 players, and the opposing team has more than 11 players the team with more than 11 players will provide players to the team with less than 11 players. For example, 12 v 10, 13 v10, 13 v 9, etc.

REPLACEMENT PLAYERS –

The Commissioner (or his designee) will assign replacement players (if available) when a team has less than eleven (11) players. Replacement players may come from the bye team, from the opposing team or substitute players (if available).
The method used in choosing replacement player(s) will be to average the missing draft picks. For example, if the following draft picks are absent (#2, #10, #11) = 23. Divide by the number of missing players, which is 3 (23/3= 7.7). Round the fractionated number down to the whole number…in this case it is a 7. In addition, subtract one whole number from this rounded down number and that will be the ranked player available. In this example the team will be entitled to receive a #6 pick.
If there is no bye team or there is no appropriate player available from either the bye team or substitute players, the opposing team’s manager shall provide player(s) of his choosing, if available. For example, if team A has 9 players and team B has 13 players; team B gives team A two (2) players. If necessary, replacement player(s) may be made available from other teams playing on that day. These players will come from the team with the most players. If teams have the same number of players, the replacement player will come from the team with the worst record.
Prior to the start of a game, on a 13-man roster, if a team has 11 players, and is missing the 12^th or 13^th draft pick, and the opposing team has 13 players, the opposing team’s manager at his option, may give one (1) player to the other team for competitive balancing. On a 14-man roster, this rule will be in effect if a team has 12 players and is missing the 13^th or 14^th draft pick, the opposing team’s manager at his option may give one (1) player to the other team. The same player can only be given to the opposing team once per season. (This rule shall supersede THE GAME, THE ROSTER – Paragraph 5.)
On a 14-man roster, if a team has all 14 players and the opposing team has 11 or less players, the team with the 14 shall provide one or more players to the opposing team.
A team with 11 players shall not provide a replacement player(s) to any team.
A team that has drafted shared players (two players chosen at the same time) shall not be able to play both players in the same game. They can be assigned as replacement players for other teams.

BATTING, BATTERS & PITCHING –

4 balls and 3 strikes. If a foul ball occurs after strike two, the umpire will call the batter out (exception see screen rule #9.)
A batter is automatically out if 1^st base is touched with bat in-hand.
A team can score a maximum of 5 runs per inning with the exception of the 9^th inning (or agreed upon last inning) and all extra innings where each team can score as many runs as possible.
If a courtesy runner is on base when he is scheduled at bat, the umpire will declare the runner out at that base and be removed. He will then be allowed to bat. A batter (or more) who qualifies for a walk can be intentionally walked in order to get to the batting position of the courtesy runner on base.
In the event a player needs to leave the game before its completion both managers and the umpire shall be informed prior to the start of the game. If a valid replacement roster player is not available then all batters will move up and bypass the vacant spot. This player cannot return to play during the game. A player who leaves without proper prior notification or a player who is ejected from the game, the umpire will declare the batting spot for that player an automatic out.
In the event a player needs to leave the game due to an injury or illness, and there are no roster players available, then all batters will move up and by pass the vacant spot.
When the team is batting, only the manager, the two coaches in their boxes, the batter, and the two on-deck batters are permitted on the sidelines of the playing field. All other players must be in the dugout or off the playing field.
During the game, a player may receive one walk. Optionally, a player who has been walked once can accept or reject subsequent walks. If he rejects another walk, the count will return to zero balls and zero strikes. If the pitcher throws 4 balls again, the umpire will warn both the pitcher and manager that if four balls are thrown without a strike, the pitcher will be removed and replaced by another player.
A pitching screen must be used. It must be positioned for protection of the pitcher and physically located within three feet of the designated pitching rubber. Once placed by the pitcher during that inning, the pitching screen cannot be replaced. If the batter hits the pitching screen a strike will be called. A batter will receive one courtesy strike when he hits the screen for the third strike, and will be called-out when he hits the screen again. In the process of fielding, if the ball hits the screen the ball remain in play until the umpire calls time-out.
A pitcher shall pitch from the designated pitching rubber or up to 5 feet behind the designated pitching rubber.
Any intentional bat throwing may result in a player being ejected from the game.
All softball bats will be accepted, unless specifically denied by league officials.

BASE RUNNING & RUNNERS –

There will be two first bases. The additional (outside) first base, which is positioned in foul territory, will be adjacent to the original first base located in the playing field. A batter who is running towards first base must touch the outside first base for all balls that do not reach the outfield; otherwise, the umpire will call the batter out.
There will be two home plates: a batter’s (original) home plate and a scoring home plate positioned in foul territory 8 feet from the batter’s (original) home plate. All plays at home will be on a force basis with the fielder using the batter’s home plate and the runner using the scoring home plate. There is no tag play at home. If the fielder makes a tag on the runner, who has passed the “NO RETURN LINE” (see below), the umpire will call the runner safe. If the runner does not touch the scoring home plate, the umpire will call the runner out only if the fielding manager makes an appeal to the umpire. If a runner touches the batter’s home plate, the umpire will call the runner out.
There will be a “NO RETURN LINE” positioned 20 feet from the batter’s home plate towards 3^rd base. If a runner touches or crosses this line, the runner must continue forward towards the scoring home plate. If the runner touches or crosses the “NO RETURN LINE” heading back towards 3^rd base, the umpire will call the runner out. If a runner has not touched or crossed this line, the runner can return to 3^rd base or be tagged out by the fielding team.
A courtesy runner is permitted before the first pitch to the next batter, and must get the umpire’s approval before touching the base. If a courtesy runner touches the base without the umpire’s approval, the umpire will call the runner out and remove the runner from that base. A courtesy runner is allowed at any time at any base. A courtesy runner can only run once per inning, and the replaced runner cannot return as a courtesy runner during the same inning. You cannot be a courtesy runner if you are not on the game’s roster.
A courtesy runner is officially in the game upon touching the base. If a courtesy runner is illegally inserted into the game, the fielding manager must make an appeal to the umpire prior to the first pitch to the next batter. If the umpire verifies the courtesy runner is illegal, the courtesy runner will be called out and removed from the base.
Sliding is permitted for all bases. However, if a runner is clearly forced out at a base, the runner must veer away from the play in progress. If, in the umpire’s judgment, interference occurs the umpire can call both the runner and the batter out.
At all times verbal interference will not be tolerated by either team while the game is being played. For verbal interference, the umpire will have the discretion of making appropriate calls as well as issuing a warning or an ejection of a player as deemed necessary.
Base runners on first base and third base may stand up to 5 feet off the base in foul territory, but no closer to the next base, when a batter is at bat. On a base hit, the base runner(s) can advance directly to the next base. On a tag up play, the base runner(s) must return to their base before legally advancing to the next base.

MERCY RULE –

If a team is ahead by 15 or more runs at the end of either the 7^th or 8^th inning for a nine-inning game, the umpire will declare the game over and the team ahead as the winner. Mercy Rule will not be in effect in a scheduled seven-inning game.

PLAYER REQUIREMENTS –

All players must submit a completed application with payment to play in the league. Once team rosters have been formed, the Commissioner may assign a new player to a team as the need arises.
All players who are placed on the roster must play the field for a minimum of three (3) full innings and bats (EH) during the entire game.
A manager may assign one player as a Designated Hitter (DH) when a roster consists of 14 players. The DH is not required to play in the field.
If a player is injured or ill during a game an EH may replace the injured player in the field.
If a player is determined to be injured or ill and a replacement player is available, he will be assigned [i] as soon as possible. The replacement player added to the team is assigned temporarily if that player’s ranking is not comparable to the missing player. When a more comparable player becomes available, that player is assigned to the team and the original RP goes back to the replacement pool. This RP will remain to the assigned team until the original roster player returns. The injured or ill player can return only after a four (4) game waiting period. When a player returns from an injury, the replacement player is removed from the roster.
If the injured or ill roster player returns without notifying the manager, the replacement player will remain on the roster for that game day only. Afterwards, the initial roster player will be activated, and the replacement player removed from the roster.
If a team is assigned a replacement player(s) and a roster player shows up unexpectedly at game time, the replacement player will play and the roster player will not play.
If a player resigns from the league, or his work schedule precludes him from playing on a particular day, a replacement player of equal or lesser equivalence will be assigned (if available) as soon as possible.
When a team has one or more of their two weakest draft round picks absent for 4 or more consecutive games, the Commissioner at his sole discretion will assign a comparable or less comparable draft round pick temporarily or permanently to the team, if available. Any subsequent absenteeism, the Commissioner may assign a player to the team.
Player trades may be made, with the Commissioner’s approval, until January 1^stfor winter league and June 15^th for summer league. If the Commissioner denies the trade and both Managers approve the trade, the members of the Board who are not associated with either team, will vote on the trade. Players traded will assume the vacated draft position of their current team.
An ejected player must leave the field and surrounding areas.
Any member of our league, who leaves his team without permission of the manager, may be suspended from future games or the entire season at the discretion of the Commissioner.
Each team member shall abide by the League’s Code of Conduct (see attached). If any league member, during the course of discussion with the umpire, put his hands on the umpire, the member will be suspended for the remainder of the year and possibly the following season. The umpire may eject a player from the game who uses abusive or foul language on or near the playing field. Any unacceptable behavior that is stated in our “Code of Conduct” may also lead to ejection from the game, and suspension from the league. The Commissioner can levy a suspension or possible expulsion on the player(s) involved in the altercation.
All league participants must sign waiver forms.

GAME TIMES, UMPIRES, PROTESTS AND FORFEITS –

1. By the umpire’s watch, games start at 9:30 AM and forfeit time is 9:45 AM.

2. A team must have a minimum of 9 players to start a game including a player (or more) as provided by the Assistant Commissioner or by the opposing team (refer to “Definition of Whole Team”); otherwise, the game is forfeited.

3. A team must have a minimum of seven (7) roster players to start a game, otherwise the game is forfeited.

4. The home team manager is responsible to notify the umpire by 8:45 AM of game cancellation. The umpire will not be paid if properly notified ahead of time.

5. If an umpire is not called for a cancelled game and shows up at the field, the umpire will receive half of the fee. Once a game starts an umpire will be paid in full.

6. Managers will exchange lineups at home plate by 9:25 AM. At this time ground rules will be explained and the umpires will be paid. All roster players must be accounted for at this time.

7. A roster player who shows up at the field by 10:00 AM can be added to the game roster and placed at the bottom of the batting order. If the opposing team provided a player, the player will remain with that team for the completion of the game.

8. A protest must be submitted by the manager, in writing, to the Commissioner within 72 hours after the game in question has been completed. A protest committee will consist of board members. Those board members will recluse themselves if their team(s) is involved. If the protest is upheld the game will be played from the point of the protest, at some future date.

9. Only the manager or his designated person will discuss any on field disputes involving rules, alleged violations, or umpire decisions. A player getting involved may be disciplined.

10. If there are two non-paid umpires, the home plate umpire can reverse any decisions made by the base umpire.

11. A decision made by the non-paid umpires may be reversed if the two managers agree to the change.

EQUIPMENT –

The league will supply managers with new balls for each game.
The home team manager in conjunction with the league equipment manager shall supply a new ball and at least two good back-up balls as well as the home plate mat, the scoring home plate, and the pitcher’s screen.
The home team manager is responsible to remove the home plate mat, the scoring home plate, and the pitcher’s screen and return them to the storage room if the equipment manager is unavailable.

SCORES AND MAKE-UP GAMES –

1. The winning manager is responsible to report the final score directly or by telephone to Wayne Lotoza on the day the game was completed. This can be in person, by e-mail (WayneSoFl@aol.com), or by telephone (561-499-4155). The scores as well as the standings will be posted on the field bulletin board and the website (www.brseniorsoftball.blogspot.com).

2. All postponed or rained out games (if necessary), may be made up on days scheduled by the league with limitations determined by field access. If necessary, double headers of two seven-inning games may be scheduled. Game time for double headers will start at 9:00 AM.

PLAYOFFS –

All playoff games shall be 9 innings except tie games which will be decided in extra innings.
The Commissioner will establish the date of when the first playoff games will begin.
At the end of either the winter or summer season, for a league with nine (9) teams, the first seven (7) team qualify for the playoffs. The 4^th place team will host the 7^th place team and the 5^th place team will host the 6^th place team in a one game elimination. The winner of these games will play a one game elimination. The winner will play the 1^st place team, and Team #2 place team will host Team #3 place team in the best of two out of three. The Championship will be the winners in the better of two out of three. The first place team receives a two game bye. The second and third place team will receive a one game bye.
For a league with seven team, the 4^th place team will play the 5^th place team in a one game elimination. The winner will play the 1^st place team, and the 2^nd place team will play the 3^rd place team in the better of two out of three.
The winners will play the best of three for the championship.
The team with the best record during the season shall be the home team for game #1and #3, if necessary. If they are tied, the winner of the head-to-head competition will be the determining factor. If the head-to-head competition is a tie, the number of total runs scored against each other will be the determining factor. A toss of a coin will be used if the number of runs is the same.
During playoffs, all roster players must play, unless a roster player is injured, ill or justifiably unavailable.
No permanent replacement player(s) will be assigned during playoffs.
A manager can request a replacement player (or more) if the team has less than 11 players. The method used in choosing a replacement player(s) will be to average the missing draft picks. If this number has a fraction, round this fractionated number to the closest whole number.
If a team is missing any of the last three round picks, and the opposing team is not missing an equal number of comparable picks, the Commissioner will assign to that team comparable or less comparable players, if available. Also, prior to the start of a game, if a team has 11 or 12 players and the opposing team has 13 or 14 players, the Commissioner will assign a minimum of one or two players, if available, to the team with 11 or 12 players for competitive balancing. (This rule shall supersede THE GAME, THE ROSTER – Paragraph 5.)
Each Manager shall provide to the Commissioner, game roster at least 24-hours before the game is scheduled to be played. Any changes the this roster must be immediately called to the Commissioner.
The Commissioner (or his designee) will assign all replacement players.