PLUM SENIOR SOFTBALL RULES

ASA Rules apply unless otherwise noted

 

THE PLAYING FIELD

  1. 65 foot bases
  2. Pitchers’ mound distance is 46 feet or 50.  Mark 2 lines.
  3. From the back tip of home plate to the center of 2nd base is 91 feet 11 inches
  4. Use double bag at 1st.

 

NUMBER OF INNINGS

  1. A game consists of  7 innings unless terminated by the umpire.
  2.  The 15-run rule will be in effect after 5 complete innings.
  3. Any game that does not reach regulation length shall be resumed from the exact point of curtailment.  Mark pertinent details in your scorebooks.  A 5-inning game (darkness, rain, etc.) is a legal game.

 

PITCHING

  1. There will be no INTENTIONAL walks until the 7th inning/extra innings.  Any infraction will result in the removal of the pitcher from the pitching position for the remainder of the game.  This is a judgment call by the umpire.  Make the umpire aware of this rule during pre-game discussion.
  2. Once a pitcher starts at 46 or 50, they must stay there.  A new pitcher has her choice.

 

BATTING

  1. Any player who throws her equipment in anger can be removed from the game by the umpire.
  2. Continuous batting order.

 

BASERUNNING

  1. A base runner cannot leave the base until the ball is hit.  Any runner off the base before the ball is hit will be called out.
  2. Base runners SHOULD slide at any base in which a play is being made, except 1st base.
  3. Deliberately crashing into a defensive player holding the ball the runner will be called out and the ball is dead.  If the act is determined to be FLAGRANT, the offender will be ejected.
  4. Wearing the batting helmet improperly or removing it intentionally during a live ball play and judged so by the umpire, the violator will be declared out and the ball remains alive.  Use the chin straps.

 

BY-LAW HIGHLIGHTS

  1. All members of teams in our league MUST play at least 2 consecutive innings in the field.  Any manager not abiding by the rule shall automatically FORGEIT the game, and be subject to disciplinary action by the board.
  2. All games will be played at the scheduled time except for inclement weather or unplayable field conditions.  Games have been rescheduled in the past due to a MAJOR school event.  Do not attempt to do so without the league rep’s permission.
  3. Make-up games are USUALLY played on Saturday or Sunday of the same week.  We have used doubleheaders.
  4. To avoid forfeiting a game, a manager may “bring up” a player from a lower league to be used for a game provided:
    1. Permission is obtained from the lower league manager.
    2. The team cannot field ten players.  A team may play with nine.
    3. The player brought up must bat last, play the outfield or catch, cannot pitch or be the EP.  They can be an infielder if all 4 OF positions and the catching position are filled with call-ups.
    4. If a team member arrives prior to the start of the game, they shall be immediately be substituted for the brought up player.

 

 

    1. If a team member arrives after the start of the game, the brought up player should play two innings and then be replaced by the regular team member.  DO NOT RESUBSTITUTE THE BROUGHT UP PLAYER FOR A REGULAR LATER IN THE GAME!
    2. If you call someone up, please play them for two (2) innings.  DON’T STOCKPILE CALL-UPS.
  1. The start time for each League game on weeknights is 6PM.  (15 minute grace period)
    1. On lighted fields, no new inning of the 1st game may start after 8:15.
    2. Teams for the 2nd game should be available to start play by 8 PM or as soon as the umpire is ready.
    3. No between game batting or fielding practice is permitted after 8 PM.
    4. The 2nd game shall start no later than 8:45 PM, with no new inning starting after 11 PM.
  2. During a game, only managers, coaches, scorekeepers, and players are permitted on the field or in the dugout area.  Players not on the field, at bat, or on deck MUST remain in the dugout.  The respective team managers are RESPONSIBLE for their players and coaches.  Keep coaches and players under control.
  3. CLEAN UP YOUR DUGOUT AFTER THE GAME!!!

 

MISCELLANEOUS

  1. Outfielders must play approximately 20 feet behind the infield.
  2. The INFIELD FLY RULE is utilized.  Educate your players on this rule.
  3. You cannot appeal or protest an umpire’s judgment call.  Do everything possible to avoid a protest.  If you do protest, you must notify the umpire before any succeeding play begins.  Any protest for any reason must be submitted to the League Rep or President within 24 hours.  The Board of Directors shall hear and resolve any protest.  If the protest is allowed, the game shall resume from the exact point at which the infraction occurred.

 

HOME TEAM DUTIES

  1. The home team is responsible for the field preparation except in the case of inclement weather when both teams are expected to help get the field ready for play.  Show up early on bad weather days.  The home team is responsible for physically checking the field before canceling any game due to inclement weather.  Notify the League Rep before the game is determined as canceled.
  2. The home team is responsible for getting and returning bases and other items used for field preparation.
  3. The home team is responsible for leveling off the dirt in the batter’s box, pitcher’s mound, and around the bases after each game.
  4. The home team will supply one new ball and one decent used ball for every home game.  If more than two balls are needed, both managers will select decent balls from their used game balls.
  5. The home team will reside on the 1st base sideline dugout and the visitors on the 3rd base sideline dugout.
  6. Teams may practice at these designated times prior to the start of each 6 o’clock game.  The home team may take the field prior to 5:30 at which time the visitors take the field until 5:55.  The last five minutes are reserved for the managers and the umpire to go over ground rules.
  7. Pay the umpire before the start of the game.
  8. The WINNING TEAM MANAGER is RESPONSIBLE for calling me after the game.  (724-325-3689)
  9. League Standings will be updated each Sunday.

                                        clarkjoe@hotmail.com