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Administrative Rules
I. LSGSA is composed of six
participation divisions. A.
T-Ball
Kindergarten and Pre-K (age 5) G. Womens Div. See section IX under rules PLAYER POOL: Players wishing to play softball after the registration will sign a contract and be awarded a position in the player pool in the order in which contracts are signed and received by the league. Registration fees will be collected at that time. II. Player Eligibility and Transfer A. Players and/or guardians must be residents of the cities
of B. Any player registered in LSGSA may not play for any other team outside LSGSA during the regular season. Players found to be playing for more than one leaguewill be suspended from LSGSA without refund. C. Any LSGSA Competitive team requesting a courtesy player from the league must notify the manager and LSGSA President in writing in advance of the tournament. Courtesy play cannot interfere with regularly scheduled practices and games (including make-up games). Violation of this rule will result in a suspension and/or fine effective immediately determined by the Board. The league Board will deal with further infractions. D. No team may be assigned a player after draft night without draft committee approval. E. The use of an ineligible player at any time shall result in forfeiture of all games in which the ineligible the player participated in. F. Within the terms of a player's contract, a player may play in any higher age bracket with Board approval. G. Players are not eligible to sign-up for league play, or continue to play if they are pregnant. III. Player Drafts A. LSGSAmanagers in T-Ball through Div.2 , bringing their own, new sponsor, will be able to lock up any 6 players within their division. LSGSA managers in Div.3 and Div.4, bringing their own new sponsor will be able to lock up any 8 players within their division. New managers, requested by the board, without 6 lock ups go to the top of the draft. Guidelines as to how the lock up procedure will operate: 1. Manager selection for each division will continue as in the past based on our stated criteria as described in Section VI and the number of teams required per division. 2. At sign-ups after an individual completes the team manager application and sponsor application, they will be given a six line player agreement that will need to be signed (see #3) and brought to draft night for verification. 3. Player's agreements may not be signed prior to the Board’s determination at to how many teams and which managers are selected to manage in the upcoming season. Agreements will need to be signed by the player and their guardian. 4. All locked players must have gone through the sign-up procedure prior to manager notification and will be rated as a 1, 1C or 1P. Any player from outside the league who is locked (player elsewhere - no rating available), will be rated a "returning 1" and drafted accordingly. If a manager/coach’s daughter decides to sign up after draft night then the manager must forfeit one of his/her locked up players. That player shall be returned to the player pool and assigned to the next available team. 5. Sponsors must be manager associated, and may not be recruited from current or
former general patrons of the league (Blackwell & Nill DDS, Putter's B. Each year, teams will be completed in each division by a blind draft. Players will be given a rating from 1 through 5 at the conclusion of each softball season. The team managers and the league representative of each team in the division will conduct the rating. C. Draft Procedures 1. Coach's Pitch Division Phase 1: Players remaining in the division are drawn 1 -5 2. Division 1 Phase 1: Starting pitchers remaining in the division are drawn 3. Divisions 2, 3 and 4 Drafts Phase 1: All players rated as a pitcher in the division will be
drawn from a pool. EXCEPTION: In the event there are not enough pitchers and catchers, the catcher draft will be started where pitchers draft left off. No team will have both unless locked up prior to draft. NOTE: After pitchers and catchers are drafted, their ratings are moved back to the right and then moved across to the left based on their numerical rating. No team may draft more than one pitcher or more than one catcher until every team has one - unless a player is locked up prior to draft; with exception to new managers with lock ups who is placed at the bottom of the draft. Phase 3: Players that stay in the division are drawn 1-5 D. After the draft, players must be contacted personally by the team manager within 48 hours. E. In the event a team that already has a sponsor draws a player tied to a sponsorship that player will be immediately returned to the player pool. F. Sisters will be placed on the same team within their age group, unless the parents before the draft request separation. This should be done at registration. The highest rated sister will be drawn first. G. THERE SHALL BE NO TRADES. *The only way a coach will not receive the blindly, drafted player is if the player’s contract states (in writing from sign ups) the player/parent does not wish to play for a specific coach. IV. Contracts A. The player's parent or guardian must sign each player contract. After selection by the team manager, one copy of this contract must be placed on file with the Board of Directors. All fees must be paid prior to player being assigned to a team. B. No player is eligible to compete in any game unless and until her contract has beenfiled with the Board of Directors. C. Any player who knowingly falsifies any information or signatures on her Association contract is ineligible to participate in the LSGSA program for the current year. V. Managers, Coaches, Sponsors A. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to approve all entries of managers,coaches, sponsors, and their team into participation in the LSGSA program. An individual will manage and or coach only one (1) team within the same division; the Board of Directors must approve any exception. B. With the approval of the Board of Directors, a sponsor can request a certainmanager or coach. Selection is to be in compliance with Section V, A. C. All managers and coaches will be current members of the LSGSA. D. All managers and coaches with LSGSA must attend the league designated coachingclinic(s) and submit background check request. VI. Managers/Coaches Conduct and Selection NOTE: In the event of there being more requests to manage within a division than there are teams; the LSGSA Board will use the following guidelines to select team managers. A. Guidelines for selecting managers 1. Must be at least 21 years old 2. Must submit to and pass background checks as the Board determines appropriate 3. Preference will be given for: a) previous experience and service within the LSGSA b) parents of girls in the LSGSA c) those who sponsor or bring a sponsor for their team d) past complaints from parents, managers, coaches, umpires, and board members will be considered on the basis of their merits e) if all is equal a coin toss will be used to break a tie NOTE: The decision of the Board is final, and will NOT be based on race, religion, or sex of the applicant. B. Rules of Conduct for Managers and Coaches 1. Must obey the Association rules. 2. No foul or abusive language in the presence of the players will be tolerated. 3. It will be deemed unsportsmanlike conduct if a manager or coach is found to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while at a practice or during a game. 4. Any unsportsmanlike conduct could be grounds for removal from the league. Refer to zero tolerance policy. 5. Ejection from a game by an umpire holds an immediate expulsion from the property and suspension from the next game. A second occurrence shall result in removal from the league and a meeting with the Board of Directors. 6. Must complete required paperwork after each game 7. Must cooperate with Board members on duty C. Complaints on Managers/Coaches/Umpires The Board of Directors will review complaints on any manager/coach/umpire for any inappropriate action. Complaints must be in writing giving as many details about the incident as possible. A complaint form will be available at the concession stand for documenting concerns. Complaints must be signed and contain a phone number of the complainant. Complaints may be given to any Board member or mailed to the Association's post office box. Complaints will be reviewed at the earliest possible convenience of the Board, and the Board President or his/her designee will administer any action deemed necessary. D. Parent/spectator conduct. Refer to zero tolerance policy. VII. Awards A. Special participation trophies will be given to all T-Ball players and a special participation award will be given to all players in all other divisions. B. In Coach's Pitch through Division 4, trophies will be given as follows: 1. Six (6) or less teams will receive first and second place trophies for the league and tournament 2. Seven (7) to eight (8) teams will receive first through third place trophies in league and tournament 3. Nine (9) or more teams will receive first through fourth place trophies in league and tournament C. A trophy will be awarded to the first place sponsor of league play and sponsor of the tournament champions. D. Blue Darter Award: This award for loyalty, sportsmanship, attitude, enthusiasm and desire will be given to a girl in each of the six divisions. The Blue Darter award is not an award for the MVP player from each team. The team managers of each division will do the selection. Each manager will nominate a girl from their team and one girl from another team. The manager will give a brief talk on their selections and a secret ballot will be conducted with each manager in the division voting for two girls on the same ballot. All ballots will be given to the President of the Board. The President shall review the ballots to determine that there are no ties. E. The nominee will be announced to the team after that team's final tournament game. VIII. League Tournament A. At the conclusion of all regularly scheduled games, a double eliminationtournament will be conducted for Coach's Pitch and Division 1 through 4 B. The teams will be placed in the tournament brackets according to predetermined seating to be made prior to the beginning of the season C. If weather conditions present a problem, the games may be limited to one (1) hour in length or the tournament will be a single elimination tournament. If necessary, Sunday morning games will be scheduled. D. All regular season rules are in affect for tournament play. The pitching rotation maybe started over at the start of the tournament play IX. Outside Tournament Play Any LSGSA manager or coach must notify the LSGSA Board of their intent to take a participation or select team to any tournaments outside of LSGSA, ASA sanctioned or not. Tournament play cannot interfere with any other regularly scheduled LSGSA practices or games (including make-up games). Violation of this rule will result in a one game suspension of the manager, coaches, and players. The league Board will deal with further infractions. X. Fundraising Activities A. No Association team or individual will be allowed to conduct any fundraising project in the name of the LSGSA without written permission of the Board of Directors. Any monies raised by a team (including league competitive teams) or an individual in excess of reasonable expenses will be placed in the LSGSA general fund. Complete records of monies received and spent will be presented to the LSGSA Board at the end of the year. B. All teams sponsored by the LSGSA will participate in the approved fundraisingactivities of the LSGSA. Managers and/or the players will be suspended from games until team monies or materials are turned in. Any player not turning in fundraiser monies is an illegal player. No player shall receive a team shirt and will not play until all monies have been paid. XI. Protests All protests must follow ASA rules. A written protest must be filed with the league President within twenty-four (24) hours of the game and be accompanied by a $50.00 fee. XII. Refund Policy Sign-up fees less $25 will be refunded up to the start of season play. No refunds will be made until fundraiser commitments have been satisfied. Refunds will be made ONLY for the following reasons: 1. Illness, injury, or pregnancy with a doctor's statement 2. Moving from the area XIII. Insurance Statement A. The Association provided accident insurance on each registered player, manager or coach. The policy required that a $50.00 deductible be paid on each accident. The player will pay this deductible. Benefits and limitations of the policy include but are not limited to the following: 1. Maximum amount payable $5,000.00 2. Accidental death benefit $2,500.00 3. Accidental dismemberment benefit $5,000.00 B. This policy does not cover replacing eyeglassesor jewelry, nor does it cover pregnancy. First aid at the scene is covered only if rendered by alicensed physician or surgeon. C. Claims must be filed within 20 days after the accident. Please contact the Secretary or President of the Board of Directors of the LSGSA to file a claim. D. The Association insurance is second-party coverage and will apply supplementarycoverage to any personal insurance covering the injured party. PLAYING/GAME RULES I. Playing Field Dimensions
II. Innings Played per Game A. Seven innings shall constitute a regulation game, except for T-Ball, where six innings constitute a game when the time limit has not expired. B. A game called by the umpire for rain, threatening weather, light failure, or circumstances beyond the control of the LSGSA shall be regulation after one hour of playing time.If the home team is at batting and leading, then the game shall be considered complete. If the visiting team is batting and leading or the game is tied, the game will be resumed later at the point of the suspension and played to the 1hour 15 minute time limit and/or completion of at bat. A regular season game halted, that is less than a regulation game (1 hour), shall resume at point of suspension. A Tournament game halted will be played from the point of suspension. The home team score book is official and must be signed by both managers and the home plate umpire upon suspension of a game. C. For Coach's Pitch through Div 4 a team's at bat ends after three (3) outs are recorded or five (5) runs have been scored per inning. A game shall be called if there is a spread of 11 runs after three (3) innings or 8 runs after five (5) innings. D. Time limit for all division league games is one (1) hour and 15 minutes, except T-Ball, which shall be one (1) hour. In the event a game is called for this reason, it must be at the completion of an inning, unless the home team batting and ahead. Tie games will be continued under international tiebreaker. The umpire shall notify the official scorekeeper as to the beginning time of play. This becomes the official clock. E. Tournament championship games will consist of seven (7) innings or a one- (1) hour and fifteen- (15) minute time limit. Games may be shortened to one (1) hour in the event of rain. All other games will have the regulation time limit. All other rules of Section 2, D applies. Coach’s Pitch Tournament Games: In the event of a tie after one inning of the international tie breaker, pitches will be dropped to 3 per player with a runner starting on 2nd base. In the 3rd inning of overtime, pitches will be dropped to 2 per player with a runner starting on 2nd base. In the 4th inning or more of overtime, pitches will be dropped to 1 per player with a runner starting on 2nd base. A batter cannot foul out on the last pitch. F. In the event of a tie for a trophy position within a division, it will be determined as follows: (a) Head-to-head record (b) Total runs allowed head to head (c) Total runs scored head to head G. If all else is equal, tied teams get same trophies. III. Equipment A. Playing field equipment (bases, home plate, and pitching rubber) for league games will be supplied by the Association. The teams playing the game must furnish all other equipment for the playing field. B. Metal spiked shoes are prohibited at all times. C. All catchers must wear an approved mask, catcher's helmet, chest protector, and shin guards. Protective headgear, with chinstraps in place and face shields must be worn while on deck, batting and when running the bases. The chinstrap rule will be enforced. All players providing their own helmet must have a face shield. Managers shall be responsible for returning all helmets free of hair paint. D. Any player warming up the pitcher must wear a catcher's helmet and mask. Failure to comply can result in a one game suspension for the manager. This is a safety precaution. E. All players, managers and coaches will wear league provided shirts. All uniform shirts of players, managers and coaches will be worn inside the pants/shorts. Socks will be worn. F. Players shall provide their own glove or mitt. G. The Association shall furnish a game ball for each game. All game balls shall be returned to the Association. H. One doublewide first base, see ASA Rule Book. Rule 2, Section 3, Paragraph H, sub-paragraph 1, subparagraph C. I. For all divisions, the official color for softball pants or shorts is black. All players must supply their own pants or shorts. It is strongly recommended that players wearing black shorts wear sliding shorts for their safety. J. Names on the back of shirts are permitted. The names must be placed on the back of the shirt above the number. Nickname's are permitted, but may not be offensive or lascivious. Shirts with nicknames considered offensive by the Board must be replaced at player's expense before player will be allowed to participate in any league games. K. All bat girls/boys must wear protective headgear while on the playing field. L. Softball equipment owned by the Association and checked out to the team manager cannot be altered in any way. The Manager is responsible for the care of the equipment and the return of all equipment. M. Safety bands for eyeglasses are strongly recommended. N. All jewelry must be removed before playing in any games with the exception of newly pierced ears where the earrings must be covered with tape or band-aids. Removable dental appliances arerecommended to be removed during practices and games. O. The throwing of equipment in the dugout area or playing field is prohibited. Violators may be ejected from the game at the discretion of the umpire. P. Mouth pieces are recommended. IV. Special Instructions, Forfeitures, Postponements A. No league game shall be held without an official umpire unless agreed to by the opposing managers. Any substitute umpire thus selected shall have the same standing authority as an official umpire, until such time as the official umpire arrives. The start of the game shall indicate agreement of the opposing managers. B. There shall be two (2)umpires assigned to officiate each game for Div 1 and up. T-Ball and Coaches Pitch shall only have one (1) umpire assigned. C. No league game for which two (2) umpires are assigned shall be postponed or protested because only one umpire is present. D. The home team manager must report the absence or tardiness of any umpire immediately after the game to the Board of Directors. E. The umpire should return the batting tee to the concession stand. F. The chairperson of thegrounds committee shall determine the conditions of theplaying field. He/she shall notify the division representative and the umpires as early as possible, but no later than one hour before game time, if the field is in no condition to play. Division representatives will notify team managers of scheduled games of cancellation and then rescheduling of games. Unless this is done, both teams shall appear at the scheduled time and place ready to play. Failure of either team to appear shall result in forfeiture of the game by the team who failed to appear. The President of the Board of Directors shall appoint the ground chairperson. If both teams appear ready to play, the home plate umpire shall decide at game time whether or not the game shall be postponed. EXCEPTION: In the event a division representative is unavailable the President of the Board may designate any other Board member to contact teams. G. No game shall be postponed or rescheduled for any reason other than the unfitplaying conditions of the field with the exception that all game play must stop no later than 10:50 pm due to lighting regulations. H. If games are suspended, they will be rescheduled for first available time. Additional suspended games will be rescheduled as they occur. Sunday will also be used if necessary with no games starting before 1:30 PM, if possible. Division representatives will contact the managers of make up games, as well as noted on the website. During the regular season (the final week may need an exception): Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday rainouts/suspensions may be made up as soon as the first Saturday following the rainouts/suspension. Thursday or Friday rainouts/suspensions will be made up at least one week in the future from the rainout depending on the park schedule. I. Game times are generally 6:00 pm, 7:30 pm and 9:00 pm with the exception of T-Ball and some CP games that may follow T-Ball games earlier in the night. The scheduled time is game time unless due to game situations or other circumstances, the scheduled time for succeeding games is disrupted. (In the event the first game is delayed, the starting time is game time). If the scheduled time is disrupted, the starting time for succeeding games shall be ten (10) minutes after completion of the previous game. The umpire shall notify each manager at start of 10 minute time frame. The umpire shall forfeit the game if a team is not ready to take the field at game time. The umpire may after consulting with the managers, start a game sooner than the scheduled time. J. All divisions will follow ASA rules. K. Any pitcher hitting a batter three times in the course of an inning must be pulledfor theremainder of that inning. Any pitcher hitting a batter five times per game may not pitch the remainder of the game. An illegal pitch shall be counted as a ball. The umpire shall advise the pitcher as to why the pitch was illegal. L. If there is a sufficient time proceeding game time, the visiting team shall take the field fifteen (15) minutes prior to game time for a five (5) minute period of infield practice. The home team shall then have five (5) minutes of infield practice. The remaining five (5) minutes shall be used for preparation of field, discussion of rules, etc. If there is less than fifteen (15) minutes prior to the game when both teams are available, the teams will split up the field for infield practice. Teams MUST be at the field and ready to play fifteen (15) minutes prior to game time. During warm-ups, there is no warm-up pitching inside fair territory until the home team is ready to start the first inning’s game warm-up pitches. There shall be NO BATTING PRACTICE OR USE OF HITTING STICKS allowed at the LSGSA game fields on game days. M. There will be no glass containers of any kind allowed on the playing fields or in the dugout areas. N. The use of tobacco products, including chewing tobacco, is prohibited bymanagers,coaches, players and umpires during the game. Violators are subject to a game suspension. O. The area around the player's bench shall be kept free of debris at all times. Managers are responsible to make sure dugout is clear of all debris after game. P. The area of the playing field and the players bench is restricted to the following personnel: 1. Registered team players 2. Registered team manager 3. Registered team coaches This rule is to be enforced by the umpire and/or the Board of Directors. Refusal of any unauthorized person to leave the above area within one (1) minute after they are notified, the umpire shall notify the scorekeeper that the team in violation shall have an out recorded in the scorebook. Play resumes at this point. Q. Warm upin designated areas only. No warm up practice by any team shall be allowed in the parking area, around the bleachers or concession stand. Warm up shall not exceed 30 minutes prior to scheduled starting game time anything earlier than that shall beconsidered as practice and subject to practices rules.Bats are to be swung in the on deck circle only during games. After one warning from a Board member, the responsible manager or coach shall be prevented from participating in his/her scheduled game that evening if a second offense occurs. R. Umpires shall enforce the one minute or up to five (5) pitch limit between innings. S. Decisions on eligibility (see Section IV), and violations (see Section XIV, XVIII) or interpretations of the rules shall be decided by the Board of Directors. The President of the Board, at his/her discretion, may poll the Board members in lieu of a formal meeting to settle any disputes. A quorum of Board members must be polled, and their votes documented. T. Any failure to comply with the ASA or LSGSA rules will be a forfeit and a loss given to the team or teams involved during the season as determined by the Board of Directors. U. There is free substitution between innings in all-participating divisions. V. Every player on the roster must bat in order. The entire roster of available players must be put on the official batting order that is presented to the official scorekeeper. No penalty for players leaving early, providing there are still seven (7) players. W. In case of player injury, the first manager, coach, or umpire to recognize such injury shall call time immediately. X. If a batter is injured during their at-bat, the next player in the line up takes over her count. If a runner is injured while on the base path, the player making the last out will become a pinch runner. Y. Games may start with no less than seven (7) players. Late arriving players must be put in the game as soon as they appear at the field (see BB). In case of player injury only, teams may finish a game with less than seven (7) players. In all other cases, teams with less than seven (7) players will forfeit. Z. Coach's Pitch through Division 4 must field ten (10) players if available. With 10 (10) players, four (4) must start in the grass. With nine (9) players, three (3) must start in the grass. The four players must start on edge of grass until ball is released. Less than nine (9) players are the discretion of the manager. AA. For all divisions, no player may sit out more than one (1) inning per game unless all other players, excluding the pitcher and catcher, have set out an inning. An inning is defined as three outs or 5 runs.******** Penalty for non-compliance is a game suspension. EXCEPTION: Players not attending two consecutive scheduled practice sessions may be exempted from this rule at the manager’s discretion. This must be pointed out before the game starts to the umpire and opposing team manager. This must also be reported to the division representative within 24 hours prior to game. All T-Ball and Coach Pitch players must play one (1) inning at an infield position per game. BB. Each team manager will submit a batting order to the official scorekeeper 15 minutes before game time. This batting order must include all eligible players on the team roster and shall include a full name and shirt number. Any player arriving after the first pitch will be inserted at the end of the batting order. The official scorekeeper must be notified when an absent player arrives. The home team scorekeeper will be the official scorer unless otherwise designated by the Board of Directors. CC. Umpires shall complete the front and back of each score card. Information to include: Score, opponents (by name or league number), each team’s first inningpitcher(s) andcatcher(s) and any ejections. Return all score cardsto the report box near the concession stand. Managers shall also report to their division representative after each game for the division standings to be updated. DD. Each team manager is responsible for cleaning the bench area after each game. Teams should vacate the bench area as soon as possible after the completion of their game. EE. No team shall conduct any planned celebration after any game sponsored by the LSGSA on or near the playing fields. FF. Practice Session Requirements 1. A registered manager and/or coach will be in attendance at EVERY practice. 2. No practices may be held prior to league scheduled practice start dates. Allpractices must be held only on authorized fields according to the league practice schedule. Any manager(s) caught in violation will receive a one game suspension for the first offense and shall be suspended for the remainder of the season for the second offense. Players are not insured on unauthorized fields. 3. Each team will be required to conduct two (2); one and one-half (1 1/2) hour practice sessions per week in preseason and one (1), one and one-half (1 1/2) hour practice session during the season, weather permitting. 4. Scheduled practices are the only ones to be considered in the league rule regarding the manager's right not to play a girl who does not attend practice. 5. Managers may call additional practice sessions during the season, but may not require attendance. 6. Managers are encouraged to schedule practice games with other teams in their division. GG. All managers will be required to fill out and turn in an umpire-rating sheet following each game. HH. The Board of Directors shall have the power to make any decisions on any points not specifically covered in the section and to impose penalties not specifically set forth. V. Special Rules for T-Ball Division A. The Board of Directors shall determine the number of players per team after registration is completed. 1. No score is kept for T-Ball games 2. Teams will field all players each inning 3. Teams may have only six (6) players on the infield. All outfielders must stay fifteen (15) feet behind the base paths or on the grass, whichever is closest, prior to the ball being hit 4. All T-Ball players must play one (1) inning at an infield position per game (1st, 2nd 3rd, SS or P) B. Inning Play 1. All players will bat in order each inning. 2. An inning shall terminate when: (a) the last batter completes their at bat and all play ceases or (b) the last batter of the inning hits a caught fly ball, fair or foul. 3. All players will bat until the ball is hit fair and leaves the 10’ arc. There will be no strikeouts. 4. Play stops as per said rule: (a) when the ball is in possession and control of the pitcher inside the circle of the pitcher's mound, (b) when the defensive player makes the properly attempted play in the umpire's discretion, and (c) runners advancing illegally shall be returned to their proper place. 5. Balls hit into the outfield (grass area of playing field) shall be thrown to an infield position (not run into the infield). Violation of this rule will result in the base runners being awarded one (1) extra base. 6. It is the umpire's judgment that a batter is out when the batter throws the bat after hitting the ball. 7. T-Ball division will use an 11-inch safety ball. C. Field and playing area 1. Bases shall be 55 feet apart 2. Pitcher's area is 35 feet from home plate 3. Second base is 77' 9.125" from home plate 4. The batting tee shall be placed on top of home plate 5. Fielding of a catcher will be optional 6. Any player acting, as catcher must wear a batting helmet with a protective mask. 7. Balls hit within the 10’ arc in front of home plate are considered “foul”. D. Managers and Coaches 1. Two base coaches for each team at bat 2. One offensive coach shall take a position behind the batter's box and out of line of play. He/she shall be responsible for removal of the batting tee from the playing area. Any player touching home plate prior to the batting tee being removed will be called out. A defensive coach may position himself or herself behind the baseline to assist his/her players. 3. A team may appoint another person to assist with the team in the dugout E. Game defined 1. A game shall consist of six (6) innings 2. No inning shall start after one (1) hour F. Pitchers must keep at least one foot in contact with the pitching rubber until the ball has been hit. If violated an illegal pitch will be called and runners advance one-base and batter bats again. VI. Special Rules for Coach's Pitch A. Coach's Pitch teams will field ten (10) players if available. B. On a dropped third strike, the batter will be automatically out. C. No more than 7 pitches per batter or the batter is out. Foul balls will be called strikes. The last pitch cannot be a foul ball. D. No walks will be allowed (No base will be awarded if batter is hit by the pitcher) E. No stealing will be allowed. Runners can not leave the base until the ball is hit, if player does leave early the umpire will call her out. F. Coach's Pitch will use an 11" safety softball. G. The offensive team will be responsible for providing a pitching coach. The pitching coach may pitch from anywhere inside the circle but must complete the pitch with both feet insidethe circle. The defensive team will be responsible for providing a catching coach, who will be placed behind and to the side (out of the way of play) of the catcher. This position is for the purpose of fielding balls, not to coach. The catcher is responsible for returning the ball to the pitching coach. H. If a batted ball touches the pitching coach, it is considered a dead ball and all runners will be awarded the base they were approaching at the time. I. If a thrown ball touches the pitching coach, it is considered a dead ball and all runners will be awarded the base they were approaching at the time. J. Defensive managers must designate a fielding pitcher prior to each inning. This player must be the only player in the pitching circle with the pitching coach prior to the pitch and play may be stopped only by this pitcher in the circle or on an attempted overthrow. *K. Play is stopped when (1) the pitcher has control in the circle or (2) an attempted throw is made from a fielder to a base or to the pitcher in the circle. (This rule is to encourage fielders to throw to the bases – not hold/run with the ball). An extra base will not be awarded on any overthrow incurred during an attempted play at any base or the pitcher. They will be awarded base they are advancing to. Runners may advance until an attempted throw is made (whether in the infield or outfield) L. All other rules conform to ASA and special rules of the LSGSA. M. A team's bat ends after three (3) outs are recorded or five (5) runs have been scored per inning. A game shall be called if there is a spread of 11 (11) runs after three (3) innings or 8 runs after five (5) innings. N. All Coach's Pitch players must play a minimum of one (1) inning at an infield position per game; (1 |
