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WSFL X Rules

Williamsburg Softball Fall League

Rules & Regulations
(Updated Sept 17, 2024)

 

 

 

 

Official Williamsburg Softball Fall League Rules

2024 Edition
________________________________________

Commissioner

Holland M. Cowger
________________________________________

Copyright © 2024 by the Office of the Commissioner of the Williamsburg Softball Fall League

All rights reserved.

No part of the Official Williamsburg Softball Fall League Rules shall be changed or updated without the express written permission of the Office of the Commissioner of the Williamsburg Softball Fall League.

 

 

Table of Contents

 

FOREWORD.. 4

IMPORTANT NOTES. 5

RULE BOOK.. 6

LEAGUE FORMAT & PLAYOFFS. 7

GAME FORMAT & SCHEDULE. 9

EQUIPMENT. 12

BAT RULES. 13

ROSTERS. 15

GUEST PLAYERS. 16

GAME MANAGEMENT. 17

PITCHING.. 21

STRIKE ZONE. 23

BATTING.. 25

BASE RUNNING.. 27

COURTESY RUNNERS. 31

FIELDING.. 33

FAIR/FOUL. 35

UMPIRES. 38

SOUND/PLAYING MUSIC.. 41

CLEANING UP. 42

CODE OF CONDUCT BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE GAME. 43

THE GOLDEN RULE(S) 45

WSFL FACEBOOK PAGE. 46

 

FOREWORD

This code of rules governs the playing of softball games by teams and players of the Williamsburg Softball Fall League. All teams and players in the league have agreed to compete under these rules.

We recognize that we are an amateur (i.e., non-professional) organization and play our games under the rules found in this document. We are happy to make our rules available as widely as possible to the larger softball community.

It is well to remember that specifications as to fields, equipment, etc., are modified to meet the needs of the Williamsburg Softball Fall League. Monetary fines, long-term suspensions and similar penalties imposed by these rules are not practicable for all groups or leagues, but officers and umpires of organizations who have chosen to use our rules should insist on strict observance of all the other rules governing the play of the game.

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

·      The Williamsburg Softball Fall League (WSFL) was established in 2013. Initially, most rules were cobbled together but were updated over time to add as much clarity as possible.

·      There will always be questions and suggestions, but in no part does that allow for teams, managers, umpires, or players to change any rule on a whim.

·      Any rule not covered in this rule book, the WSFL will default to the rules covered in Major League Baseball’s (MLB’s) Rules.

·      By agreeing to play in the WSFL, you have agreed to play by the rules in this rule book. Teams, managers, and players who do not agree to play by the rules included in this document are not welcome to play.

·      It is incumbent upon all teams, managers, players, umpires, officers, and other stakeholders in the WSFL to read, comprehend and follow the rules listed herein. Any failure to do so can result in suspension or removal from the WSFL.

 

 

 

 

RULE BOOK

1.    WSFL Rule Book:

·      Managers must be able to readily access the WSFL Rule Book while managing a game at McCarren Park. All managers have been issued a print copy which should be brought to the field every Sunday.

·      Please note that there could be extenuating circumstances such as personal issues, a bag being lost/stolen, etc. The point is, please have a copy readily available.

·      If the Commissioner has previously provided a copy of the Rule Book and a manager loses it, another copy will be supplied at the manager’s expense.

 

 

LEAGUE FORMAT & PLAYOFFS

1.    The WSFL Is a Draft League: The current version of the WSFL has 16 teams. Each team shall have two managers – a male and a female. There will be 224 players allowed to sign up and they shall be drafted. Each team will draft 14 players. Each team shall have 14 players and two managers for a total of 16 players per team.

·      Draft night will be held at a location suitable for a draft with plenty of room.

·      The draft shall be serpentine (ex: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 – 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8…etc…)

·      Draft order shall be determined the night of the draft.

2.    League Format: As of 2024 there will be two Conferences. Each Conference shall have eight teams for a total of 16 teams in the WSFL.

·      The Ronnie Ortiz Conference – 8 teams total

·      The Charlie Wilson Conference – 8 teams total

3.    Seeding Teams into Each Conference: As of 2024 teams in the WSFL are seeded by draft order.

·      Example: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 will go in the Ronnie Ortiz, Jr. Conference; 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 shall go in the Charlie Wilson Conference.

4.    Playoff Format: As of 2024 the following format shall apply:

·      All teams make the playoffs.

·      It shall be a normal 16 team tournament bracket with 8 teams on each side, seeded 1-8. The winner of each Conference shall play each other for the championship.

·      All playoff games will be 9 inning games.

·      Please Note: Playoff format is subject to change depending upon weather events, permits, locusts, etc.…and can be changed without notice or approval of the league, managers or players by the Commissioner or a higher authority (Parks Department, the Mayor, God).

5.    Picking Fields: Higher seed teams shall pick their field and times for playoff games.

·      Please Note: There will be playoff games on the asphalt in the first round of the playoffs.

6.    Two Umpires for All Playoff Games: Due to the importance of playoffs, two umpires will be assigned to each playoff game so that every play can be viewed from multiple angles and to allow for collaboration on the interpretation of league rules and circumstances on the field. On close, difficult or controversial plays, umpires may take time to consult with each other before making a definitive call.

·      Collaboration is encouraged. If an umpire makes a call that one of the managers feels is incorrect, they have every right to request the two umpires discuss it. From this collaboration, umpires can either reverse or stand by the original ruling.

7.    Choosing Umpires for Semi-Finals and Championship: Each team in the semi-finals and the championship will have the right to choose one umpire from the pool of qualified and highly rated umpires. Both managers may have a civilized discussion about who they are choosing. However, each manager still has the right to stick with their choice. Any unresolved dispute will be settled by the Commissioner.

8.    Home/Away: For each playoff game, the higher ranked team will be the home team in the Conference playoffs.

·      In the Championship, the higher seed will be the home team. In the event that both teams are the same seed, and due to the fact that these teams will not have played each other in the regular season, the tie breaker will be overall Runs Against.

·      The WSFL Championship shall ALWAYS be held on Dirt Field 2 unless in the event of a catastrophic disaster or issue related to Dirt Field 2.

9.    Field Dimensions: As of 2024, the WSFL uses the following dimensions:

·      It is exactly 60 feet from base to base.

·      It is 45 feet from the pitchers’ rubber to home plate.

·      The Lady Line is 100 feet beyond each base.

 

 

GAME FORMAT & SCHEDULE

1. Game Format: As of 2024 the WSFL game format shall be a 9-inning game with no ties and no mercy rule.

·      Games are allotted roughly 2 hours to complete. However, if a game goes over 2 hours, it will not be stopped. That said, it is incumbent upon the umpire to keep the game moving and do their best to stay within the 2-hour window.

2.    Umpires: Each regular season game shall have a minimum of one umpire.

3.    Bench: The home team will always use the 1B bench/dugout and the away team will always use the 3B bench/dugout.

4.    Bases, Chalk, Paint for the Lines: Before games begin on Sunday, the league shall provide bases and a pitcher’s rubber on each field. They will also chalk the foul lines extending from home to 1B and home to 3B, paint the outfield lines, and the “Lady Line,” for each field.

5.    Number of Games Per Season: As of 2024, each team shall play 7 regular season games. They will play every team in their own division once (7 games).

6.    Regular Season Schedule: The schedule is posted on https://www.leaguelineup.com/wsfl It has been made as fair as possible with every team playing in each of four time slots: 11am on dirt, 1pm on dirt and asphalt, and 3pm on dirt. Each team will play a minimum of 2 games per slot.

7.    Rainout/Makeup Regular Season: As of this writing there are NO makeup games for rainouts in the WSFL due to the shortened season.

8.    An Official Game: If rain, snow, or another weather event stops a game, we follow MLB’s rule:

·      If the home team is winning in the bottom of the 5th and poor weather prevents the game from continuing, the game will be considered over unless it is a tie game at which point it will be completed later. The home team does not need to complete their final at-bat in the bottom of the 5th.

9.    If the Game Is Suspended and Less than 5 Innings Have Been Played: The teams can decide either:

·      Before starting the game, teams will agree that if the game is threatened by rain, snow, political upheaval, if they start the game and it does not go 5 innings it will not count and if they start the game and it goes to the bottom of the 5th inning, it’s an official game.

·      If teams cannot decide, the Commissioner shall decide.

10. Rain-Out/Makeup Playoff Game: All playoff games must be played a full 9-innings unless a team will not be able to field a team the following week and therefore must forfeit.

·      If the game is paused before the 5th inning, then the game shall start over.

·      If the game is paused after the conclusion of the 5th inning, then the game will continue where it left off.

·      The makeup game will be played the following Sunday.

·      If the game is being continued:

1.    The game shall pick up exactly where it left off.

2.    If a player(s) that was in the original game is not there, the team may substitute in players who were NOT in the game.

3.    All substitute players must have been on the regular season roster and qualify for playoffs.

4.    The lineup shall remain the same. They cannot “reorder” their lineup.

11. Tie Game/Continuation of Regular Season Game: There are NO tied games in the WSFL. If a game is stopped due to rain, darkness, riots, etc.…and needs to continue at a later date due to a tied score, the following shall apply:

·      The game shall pick up exactly where it left off.

·      If the player(s) that were in the original game are not there, the team may substitute players who were NOT in the game.

·      The lineup shall remain the same. Managers cannot “reorder” their lineup.

·      If players who were in the lineup are not there, they can be substituted by players who were NOT in the game.

·      The only time games will not be made up is in the event the losing team is getting blown out when the game is called, and they won’t be able to field a team the following week. This qualifies as a forfeit.

12. Postponements/Moving Games:

·      With the shortened WSFL season there are no postponements of games or moving of games to create a double header, etc…

·      If a team would like to move a game earlier or later on a specific date, that team must contact all the teams and work it out. It is NOT up to the Commissioner to figure this out.

13. Mercy Rule/Blowouts: As of 2024, there is no such thing as a mercy rule in the WSFL. All teams are expected to play a full 9-innings. Technically, all games play within a 2-hour window. This is the expectation, but it is understood that there are many factors that come into play.

·      If a team is getting blown out it is incumbent upon the umpire to move the game along quickly. This means limiting the number of warm up pitches, not throwing the ball around between outs etc.

·      If a team is getting blown out, the umpire has every right to politely ask both teams if they’d like to give up their at bats to keep the game within the 2-hour window.

·      This DOES NOT allow the umpire to call every pitch a strike, make poor and egregious calls on the basepaths or do things that are clearly wrong just to move the game along. The integrity of the game still matters.

 

 

 

 

EQUIPMENT

1.    Game Equipment: Each team must bring the following to each game:

·      Each team must bring one new 12” Clincher.

·      The umpire will introduce one at the beginning of each game.

·      The umpire shall introduce a new ball in the bottom of the 5th inning.

2.    Approved Bats: Please refer to the WSFL Bat Rules for detailed rules on bats, approved bats, penalties, etc.…

3.    Approved Gloves for Fielders: Pitchers, catchers and 1B are the ONLY players allowed to use an official first baseman’s glove.

·      If a player is using a 1B glove in any of the other positions, they will be asked to replace it with another glove. This will be considered a warning.

·      If the player continues to use the 1B glove while playing another position (other than the legal ones mentioned above) and any play made by that  player while using a 1B glove, the hitter will be considered “safe” and the hitter shall NOT be out regardless if the player makes the play.

·      If a player is playing in any one of these legal positions mentioned above and then in the middle of the inning switches to a different position, they must switch gloves. If they do not and a play is hit to them and they complete the play, the hitter shall be considered safe.

·      All subsequent outs made by this player shall be negated whether they made the out personally or assisted in any form. The hitters or runners are NOT out.

·      It is incumbent upon the opposing manager to spot this immediately after the play was made to enforce the penalty. To be clear, a penalty will NOT be enforced once a subsequent play is made (a pitch, a hit or an out).    

4.    Cleats: Metal spikes are not permitted. Any player wearing metal spikes will not be allowed to play. Only rubber cleats are allowed. If a player is asked to remove his/her spikes and he/she does not do so and is found to be playing with metal spikes, the player is out of the game and will serve a 1 game suspension.

5.    Returning Bases to the Shed After Games Are Over: After the final games of the day, the home team on each field is responsible for gathering the bases and bringing them to the shed behind Turkey’s Nest.

·      To Get into the Shed: As of 2024 there is a lock on a gate to get into the Turkey’s Nest area. The Commissioner has the lock combination, and you can get it from him by texting him. There is a lock on the Turkey’s Nest shed. You can get the combination from the Commissioner as well. The bases go INTO the shed and not left out.

BAT RULES

1.    Bats Not Listed in the Rule Book: A bat that is NOT listed in the Approved Bat List is not necessarily illegal. If the bat is 100% aluminum, or alloy, it is legal whether it is listed or not.

1.    If the bat has a composite handle but an aluminum barrel it is LEGAL.

2.    If a bat has an aluminum handle but a composite barrel it is ILLEGAL.

2.    Penalties for Violating Bat Rules: All rules listed in the Rule Book regarding penalties for using an illegal bat apply to each player, not an entire team.

1.    Example: If Player A is caught using an illegal bat that’s the first offense. If Player B is caught, later that game, using an illegal bat, that is the first offense. If Player A is caught a second time during the same game, that is the second offense.

3.    League Supplied Bats: As of 2024, the WSFL will not be supplying league bats. A list of approved bats can be found in the Appendix section of the rules. For questions about a particular bat please contact the Commissioner at: wslcommish@gmail.com.

4.    Borrowing Bats: Players are allowed to borrow bats from other teams/players, with the understanding that the person borrowing said bat will not damage/break it. Should a player break/damage someone else’s bat, they are responsible for replacing it. If a dispute arises over a broken bat, the owner and/or the borrower must reach out to the Commissioner who will issue an official ruling.

5.    MALE BAT RULES:

·      Legal Bat:

·      Aluminum or metal alloy.

·      Single or multi-wall.

·      One piece or two piece (the handle can be composite – which may be titled as ‘hybrid’).

·      Women’s fastpitch bats are also allowed as long as they meet the above criteria.

·      Wood bats are legal but must be “softball” bats.

·      A softball bat is 34″ long and 2 1/4″ in diameter at the barrel.

·      Illegal Bat:

·      Titanium or composite barrel.

·      Any bat that has been tampered with or “enhanced” in anyway, including, but not limited to, shaving and/or rolling.

·      Altering bats that would otherwise conform to the official rules.

·      Baseball bats, whether metal or wood, are NOT allowed.

6.    FEMALE BAT RULES:

·      Legal Bat:

·      Females are allowed to use composite bats.

·      The bats must be marked with bright colored tape.

7.    PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING BAT RULES:

·      Managers and umpires are to report any offenses to the Commissioner.

·      Penalties for using an illegal bat are as follows:

·      1st Offense: Results in an automatic end to the inning. Runs prior to that at bat will count but any runs scored by that specific player do not.

·      2nd Offense (in Same Game) for Individual: First penalty applies and then player is asked to leave the game immediately. The game will not count toward their individual playoff eligibility.

·      3rd (or more offense in same game) for Individual: Results in 2+ game suspension for the individual and at least a 1 game suspension for the manager.

 

 

ROSTERS

1.    Roster Size: Teams can carry a max of 16 players on their rosters (14 drafted players and 2 managers).

2.    Illegal Players: Only players who have signed up and have been drafted can play in the WSFL. There is no “filling in” or “helping out.” If a team is short, they must ONLY use players who are already in the league. No exceptions.

·      If a team uses a player who was NOT drafted, the game is a forfeit.  

3.    Playoff Qualifications: Every player that has signed up and drafted into the WSFL qualifies for the playoffs.  

4.    Trades: All trades are open and legal. If one team needs a pitcher and another team needs a shortstop, and they can come to an agreement on a swap they can trade. Players signing up for the WSFL understand that by signing up, you have the option of being traded at any time.

5.    Trading Deadline: As of this writing the trading deadline is Week 6.

·      The traded player must be on the new team roster with at least one game left in the regular season.

·      ALL TRADES MUST BE APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER.

6.    Playoff Rosters: Teams CANNOT pick up, borrow, use any player in the playoffs that are NOT on their roster.

·      If a team uses a player in the playoffs that is not on their roster, the game is a forfeit.

7.    Players CANNOT Be on Multiple Rosters: A player cannot be listed on multiple rosters. A player can ONLY be listed on one roster at a time.

 

 

 

GUEST PLAYERS

1.    Guest Players: Teams may recruit guest players ONLY from other WSFL rosters to avoid forfeiting or playing with less than 10 players.

·      Teams cannot pick up or use players who have not been drafted.

·      If a team uses a player that has not been drafted, the game is a forfeit.

2.    Qualified Guest Players: The league respectfully asks captains recruiting guest players to find players whose talents do not greatly exceed that of the average player. Each guest player must be approved to play by the opposing team’s captain.

·      Harassment from the team that is short players, due to the opposing manager not approving the guest, is not permitted.

3.    Where to Play Guest Players: Guest players must bat at the end of the lineup and play catcher or other positions approved by the opposing manager.

·      If a team picks up more than one guest player, the opposing manager can tell the team where these players can play and bat.

·      The team who is picking up the guest player CANNOT argue, fight, criticize or antagonize the opposing team for telling them where the player can play and bat.

GAME MANAGEMENT

1.    Trading Lineups: It is not mandatory, but if requested by one of the managers, teams may trade lineup cards before the start of the game. No questions asked.

2.    Batting Lineup: A team may use a 10, 11, 12, 13 player lineup, or bat all of players present at the field (whether that be 14, 15 or 16 players) in their lineup without having to request permission from the opposing manager.

·      It should be noted that if a team bats all their players (16) and there are no players on the bench, if a player leaves in the middle of the game and that slot in the batting lineup is now vacant, that spot is an OUT. There are no exceptions for this.

3.    Two Women in the Lineup:

·      At least two of the players must be women. If they only have one woman, please refer to the 1-Lady Lineup rule below.

4.    Minimum Lineup: A team must have a minimum of 10 slots in the batting order.

·      As noted above, an order with 10 slots must include at least 2 women.

·      If a team can only bat 9 players, the 10th slot is an automatic out.

·      Teams can pick up guest players to bring their total to 10 players.

·      If a team can only bat 8 players, the 9th and 10th slots are automatic outs.

·      Teams can pick up guest players to bring their total to 10 players.  

·      If a team can only bat 7 players, they must forfeit the game.

·      Teams can pick up guest players to bring their total to 10 players.

5.    1-Lady Lineup: A team that has only one woman, and are unable to pick up a guest player, must use a “10” player lineup where one position in the batting order is an automatic out.

·      Example: 8 men, 1 woman and the last (10th) slot is an automatic out.

·      They cannot bat 9 men and 1 woman.

·      They cannot bat 10 men and 1 woman. 

6.    Batting Through a Lineup: After a team goes through their lineup once, the lineup is now set, and they CANNOT add additional players.

·      Example 1: If a team is batting 10 and all 10 batters have already batted when the 11th player shows up, the player arriving late must take the slot of a player in the lineup. They cannot be added to the end of the lineup.

·      Example 2: If a team bats through their lineup and one or more of their players leave during the game, and there is no replacement to fill that slot(s), each time that slot(s) comes to bat, it is an automatic out.

·      Example 3: If a team has 10 players and is waiting for their 11th player, they can have an 11-player lineup and take the 11th slot as an out if the player doesn’t show up in time for his/her at-bat. If they player shows up, they can insert the player into this 11th slot. However, if this player never shows up, that 11th slot will be an out for the duration of the game.

7.    Designated Hitter: All teams have the option to use a Designated Hitter (DH). This allows teams to use another player to bat in place of the pitcher or another designated fielder.

·      The DH must be selected prior to the game, and this selected hitter must come to bat at least one time.

8.    DH Declaration: Any team that decides to use a DH must announce the DH to the umpire prior to the start of the game.

·      If a DH “illegally” takes the field on defense, it is the responsibility of the opposing team to bring this to the attention of the umpire.

·      Should this happen, the DH will remain in the game on defense and the person they were designated to hit for is out of the game.

·      A team that chooses not to select a DH prior to the start of a game is barred from using a DH for the rest of that game once everyone in the lineup has batted once.

·      If you elect to use a DH, the person the DH is hitting for must always be in the field.

·      The DH must always hit for someone. As noted above, that someone must always be in the field (whether this “someone” is another player or the DH who has at some point taken the field. *See next bullet point).

·      The DH can take the field on defense, but once they do, they must remain in the field for subsequent innings, or the remainder of the game, unless removed completely from the game (this prevents the DH from acting as a third EH). This player no longer functions as a DH and no other player can serve as a DH. The previously appointed DH will continue to bat in the same lineup spot.

·      A player who enters the game in place of the DH -- either as a pinch-hitter or a pinch-runner -- becomes the DH in their team's lineup thereafter.

·      Women can DH for men.

·      Men can DH for women as long as there are two women hitting in the lineup.

9.    Extra Hitter: Teams may use a maximum of two extra hitters (EHs) when they have two women in the lineup. Teams can also add a third woman to the lineup as an EH (see 13 player lineup).

·      An EH can come in to play the field at any time.

·      If a team has only 1 woman in the lineup, they are not allowed to use any EHs.

10. Pinch Hitter: Pinch hitters are allowed but must be of the same sex as the person they are hitting for.

11. Men’s Re-Entry Rule: Once removed from the game there is no re-entry for men.

·      Example: If a manager brings in a pinch-hitter (Player B) for a batter (Player A), then Player A cannot re-enter the game.

·      Injured Player: There is one exception to this rule in the event a player is substituted in, and then needs to exit the game due to injury, he can be replaced by a man who was removed. The player must be verified to be injured by the umpire.

12. Women’s Re-entry rule: Women may enter or rotate, within the women’s spots in the batting order, or in the field, as many times as they like.

·      If a team has 4 (or more) women, at least two of those women must be in the lineup in separate slots. If there are more than two women, they can rotate within those two slots in the lineup as many times as they want, however, they must STAY in the original slot they were locked into.

Example: Woman 1 and Woman 2 are hitting in the 10th slot. Woman 3 and Woman 4 can hit in the 11th slot. Woman 1 and Woman 2 can rotate batting opportunities but must stay in the 10th slot. Likewise Woman 3 & Woman 4 can also rotate batting opportunities, but must stay in the 11th slot. Managers CANNOT have a Woman batter hitting in the 11th slot one inning, then hit in the 10th slot in a later inning and then go back to the 11th slot. Once the woman is locked into her slot in the lineup this is where she hits. It's the same thing as a man hitting in the lineup, the only difference is they are sharing that slot with another woman. 

13. Announcing a Sub: If a team is subbing in a hitter or fielder, it must be announced to the umpire and opposing manager.

14. Batting out of Turn: If a team bats out of turn, the onus is not on the umpires to notify either team of the transgression. The consequences of batting out of turn vary depending on the timing of the appeal.

·      If the opposing team makes its appeal or the offensive team realizes its error before the incorrect batter's plate appearance has concluded, then the correct batter can take his place at bat while assuming the incorrect batter's count.

·      If the appeal occurs between the conclusion of the incorrect batter's plate appearance but before the next pitch or attempted play, the correct batter is called out. Furthermore, any score or advancement caused by the incorrect batter batting a ball or reaching 1B is nullified.

·      If no appeal is made before the next pitch or attempted play following the conclusion of the incorrect batter's plate appearance, the incorrect batter is now considered to have batted in turn and all scores or advancements made during or as a result of his plate appearance are counted. The offensive team continues batting in its designated order from that point and places the skipped batter back into his original lineup spot the next time around.

15. Grace Period for 11am Games: Games scheduled to start at 11am must start by 11:15 to allow for all of the day’s other games to be played.

16. Grace Period Post-11am Games: Teams have a grace period of 15 minutes after game-time to get all their players to the field or to pick up guest players if they have less than 10. If a team has 10 players and they are waiting for their 11th (or 12th) they cannot delay a game waiting for additional players. Once teams have a minimum of 10 players, the game begins.

 

·        

PITCHING

1.     Starting Position: The pitcher must face home plate with at least one foot on the “rubber,” or the place designated as the pitching area (a chalk line). The pitch must be delivered in one continuous, underhand, forward motion with at least one foot on the rubber when the ball is released. The pitcher may take only one step toward home plate.

·      Prior to forward motion, or if the pitcher freezes or pauses, the batter has the right to ask for timeout. The umpire shall grant the timeout requested by the batter, but the batter must ask for it loudly and clearly so that the umpire can hear the request.

2.    “Trick” Pitch: 

·      Pitchers may throw knuckleballs, spinning balls or backhanded pitches.

·      Quick Pitch: A pitcher may throw a “quick pitch” meaning immediately upon receiving the ball from the catcher, as long as their foot is on the rubber and the batter has both feet IN THE BATTER’S BOX. If the batter has both feet in the box and is not prepared to hit, they must have their hand up and ask the umpire for timeout.

3.    Illegal Pitch:

·      Fast Pitch: A pitch that is thrown at high velocity, has no arc and is intentionally thrown to deceive the hitter.

·      Umpires should watch for this pitch being thrown with two strikes or to lesser hitters with the intention of getting them due to increased speed.

·      Stuttering or Pausing During the Pitch: If a pitcher pauses, stutters, or freezes after his/her forward motion begins, in order to deceive, this is illegal.

·      Please note: Some pitchers have a natural hitch or funky motion. If it’s not done in an effort to deceive or fool the batter, this is considered OK.

·      Foreign substances: It is illegal to throw a ball covered in any foreign substance, including clumps of dirt.

 

 

4.    Flat Pitch: The umpire should not yell “flat pitch” while the pitch is on the way to the hitter. A flat pitch is not an illegal pitch. Because it is low and has no/very little arc, it is a ball. By yelling “flat pitch” the umpire is liable to confuse the batter. It’s not illegal, it’s simply a ball, which means the hitter has the option to swing. After the pitch is delivered (if the batter did not swing) it is fine at this point for the umpire to say “that was a flat pitch” so that everyone is aware.

5.    Illegal Pitch Enforcement: If the pitcher delivers an illegal pitch, it is the responsibility of the umpire to yell “Illegal Pitch!” and it immediately becomes a dead ball. No matter if the batter gets a single, a homerun or swings and misses, the play is dead. The pitch is called a BALL, and the pitcher is given a warning.

6.    Punishment: There is a “three strike rule” for pitchers who throw illegal pitches. On the third violation, the player can no longer pitch in that game. The player is not kicked out of the game, but they are no longer eligible to pitch for the remainder of that game.

 

 

STRIKE ZONE

1.    As of 2024, the WSFL is a slow-pitch, lob softball league.

2.    As previously noted, the ball must be delivered underhand with one foot remaining in contact with the pitching rubber until released.

3.    For a pitch to be considered a strike, it must travel in an arc reaching a minimum height of 4 feet, with a maximum height of 8 feet.

4.    The ball must cross some part of the plate between the batter’s front shoulder and back knee, assuming they are standing in line with the plate.

5.    Any pitch that hits any portion of the plate as it descends to the ground is a ball, even if it passes through the strike zone.

6.    A Note About the Strike Zone Relative to Home Plate: The strike zone is always relative to the plate. As stated above, it extends from the batter’s front shoulder to their back knee when the batter is standing in line with the plate. If the batter moves up or back in the box, the zone does not move with them.

·      Example: A batter can choose to “run up” so that he/she hits the ball in front of the plate. However, this does not change the strike zone. If this same batter takes a pitch that crosses a few inches above their front shoulder, it can be called a strike because it would have entered the zone at or below their shoulder had they remained even with home plate.

 

 

**See diagrams on the following page to help identify the strike zone.

While the ball is traveling to the batter it must not go any higher than 8 feet nor any lower than 4 feet.

 

 

 

 

 

BATTING

1.    Legal Bat: The batter must follow the bat rules as laid out in this document.

2.    Starting Count: Every at bat begins with an 0-0 count.

3.    Courtesy Foul: There are NO courtesy fouls.

4.    4 Balls: Four balls are a walk.

5.    4 Straight Balls: If a man is walked on four straight balls, without receiving a strike*, and a woman is on deck, the man goes to 1B and the woman has the option to automatically walk or take her at bat.

·      If the woman takes the automatic walk, the man advances to 2B as do any other runners who are forced to advance.

·      If the woman chooses to take her at bat, the man goes to 1B as he normally would and that is it.

*If a pitcher throws a strike to a man and then delivers 4 straight balls, this does not give the woman on deck the option to take an automatic walk.

6.    Courtesy Runner from Home Plate: There are no courtesy runners allowed from home plate. The batter must make it to 1B (or 2B or 3B) before he/she can have a courtesy runner.

7.    Bunting/Chopping: Bunting, or “chopping” of any kind is not permitted. Any attempted bunt, half swing or chop intended to cause the effect of a bunt or a chop, results in an automatic out. Runners do not advance.

8.    Homerun on the Asphalt: Any ball that is hit OVER any section of the fence in fair (i.e. not foul) territory on the asphalt is considered a homerun.

·      A ball that is hit by a batter on Asphalt Field 2 that rolls all the way through the open fence is considered LIVE and not a dead ball and so can end up being a homerun.

9.    Batter Stepping on Home Plate While Hitting the Ball: If a batter steps on home plate and hits the ball (fair or foul), the batter is OUT. However, it should be clear, that if a batter swings at the ball and steps on the plate, but does not make contact with the ball, the batter is NOT out. The ball is immediately dead, and all runners are returned to the base occupied at the time of the pitch.

10. Batting Team Giving Up their Inning(s) to Hit: If a team has given up their offensive inning, they cannot ask for that inning back.

·      Example: In the top of the 8th inning, the away team is up 10 runs. The away team says they will not bat in the top of the 8th inning because they have a significant lead. The home team then comes to bat in the bottom of the 8th inning and scores a lot of runs. The away team cannot now choose to play the top of the 8th inning. Once a team forgoes their at-bats, the decision is final.

11. If a team has given up their offensive inning, they can choose to hit in the remaining inning(s):

·      Example: A team gives up their offensive inning in the bottom of the 6th inning. They can choose to take their at-bats the next inning, and/or all subsequent innings, until the end of the game.

 

 

 

 

BASE RUNNING

1.    Safety First: The primary goal on the base paths is to avoid dangerous collisions between runners and fielders.

2.    No Leading: There is no leading. Runners must stay on their bag until the hitter makes contact.

·      If a runner leaves early, (i.e., before the batter swings) the runner is given a warning. If the runner leaves early and the batter puts the ball in play, the runner may be called out at the umpire’s discretion.

·      If a runner leaves early again, he/she is out. For the remainder of the game, every time any runner on the offending team leaves the bag early, he/she will be called out.

3.    Runner’s Base vs. Fielder’s Base: A double base (or two bases) will be used at 1B. The orange base (or the outside base in foul territory) is designated as the “runner’s base” and the white base (or the inside base in fair territory) is designated as the “fielder’s base”.

·      If there is a play at 1B, the runner MUST step on the orange base (outside base in foul territory) and the first baseman must step on the white base (inside base in fair territory). Only when the runner is rounding 1B or going for multiple bases can he/she use the white base (or the inside base in fair territory).

·      If the first baseman steps on the orange base (or the outside base in foul territory) and does not use the white base (or inside base) by the time the runner gets to 1B, the runner is safe.

·      If a fielder touches the white base and the orange base the runner is out. If the fielder only touches the orange base, the runner is safe.

4.    First Baseman Obstructing Path to 1B: If the first baseman obstructs the baserunner headed to first in a way that puts the runner in danger or prevents the runner from reaching the base, the runner is awarded first base. 

5.    First Baseman Obstructing Path to 2B: On a base hit, when there is clearly no play at first base, the first baseman must allow the runner the opportunity to round the base and try for extra bases. It is the responsibility of the first baseman to get out of the runner’s way.

·      Collisions which result from the first baseman failing to clear the way for the runner when there is no play at first base may result, according to the judgment of the umpire, in the next base being awarded to the runner.



6.    Baserunner Interfering with First Baseman: A baserunner heading to 1B must run in the runner’s lane on the foul side of the 1B line. A baserunner who runs on the fair side of the line and prevents the first baseman (or any other player) from fielding the 1B position is automatically out.

7.    After the Runner Reaches 1B: After passing first base, the runner can turn right into foul territory or left into fair territory, and they are not considered “live.” It is only when the runner makes a motion to advance that they are considered “live” and can be tagged out.

8.    Fielder Obstructing a Runner: If a fielder, not in the act of fielding, obstructs the base path in a manner that causes a collision or significantly impedes the runner’s progress around the bases, the umpire should rule the runner automatically safe and award the base they were advancing towards.

9.    Runner Interfering with a Fielder: Fielders have a right to occupy any space needed to catch or field a batted ball. Runners may not hold, hug, slap the ball away or interfere with the fielder making a play. If a runner on the base path collides or interferes with a fielder who is in the act of fielding, thus preventing them from completing the play, the runner is out.

10. Runner Colliding into a Fielder from ANOTHER Game: With the fields as they are set up, if a runner on one field, collides with a fielder who is playing in the OTHER game, the runner is still deemed “live” and can be tagged out, unless the runner is PURPOSELY and EGREGIOUSLY interfered with by a player from the other game.

·      If a runner is in a pickle or a run down, or sure to be out, if they then peel off and “collide” with a fielder from another game, they could conceivably be called “safe” because they are interfered with. Umpires must be diligent with this. The runner is still considered live and if is on the ground, etc.…can be tagged out.

·      The only time the runner could be deemed “interfered with” is if a player from the other game purposely and egregiously interferes with the runner. In this case, the runner is deemed safe and will be sent to the base in which they were running to.

·      The fielder who purposely interfered with the runner is immediately EJECTED from the game on the OTHER field.

11. Runner Passing Another Runner: If a runner passes the runner ahead of him, the trail runner is out. The ball remains alive and the lead runner (who was passed) may continue to run, but at his own risk. If passing the runner is the third out and there is a runner is attempting to score it is a timing play.

12. Sliding: Controlled feet-first sliding on close plays is strongly encouraged, as it is generally a safer method than head-first sliding. Sliding is recommended but not mandatory.

13. Take Out Slides: Take out slides are NOT allowed in the WSFL. This is a co-ed softball league, and sliding hard to take out a player making a play is not only dangerous, but also stupid.

·      In the event of a take-out slide and the umpire sees it, the player is automatically out.

·      If egregious enough, as determined by the umpire, the player who slid can be removed from the game and even suspended.

14. Aggressive Base-Running: If a runner aggressively or purposefully collides with a fielder, runs into a fielder, or slides with cleats up in a manner the umpire determines was intended to harm or injure anyone in the base path, the runner is out and immediately ejected from the game.

15. Avoiding Collisions on Close Plays: To avoid interfering with the play of infielders and to avoid collisions, runners are strongly encouraged to slide on close plays, but doing so is not mandatory.

16. Runner Not Sliding on a Close Play: A baserunner who chooses not to slide on a close play must ease gently into the base standing up or avoid contact with the fielder by going around him/her. The runner may also simply give themselves up so as to avoid making contact with the fielder.

·      A runner who goes into a base standing up and makes hard contact with the fielder will be ruled out, with the possibility of being ejected from the game, regardless if it was on accident.

17. Force Out Rule: When a player is forced out, they must peel out of the base path, slide, or duck - essentially get out of the way! A runner is not allowed to stand in the base path, wave their arms, run into the fielder, or interfere with a thrown ball. If the runner does not get out of the way, the player is out and so is the batter who hit the ball. It is a double play. If a runner does not get out of the way, they are at their own risk of being injured by a thrown ball.

18. Running to Home Plate: Safety is of crucial importance around home plate. Ideally, the runner should slide to avoid a collision. If the runner does not slide, he or she must ease into home plate or avoid contact with the player covering home. If they do not, he/she is automatically out.

19. Avoiding Collisions: Avoiding collisions is mandatory. Typically, the on-deck batter has the responsibility to let the runner know whether or not to slide into home and teams are encouraged to teach all players to understand and use this system. But take care not to crowd the area around home plate.

20. No Play at Home Plate and Catcher Obstruction: If there is no play at home plate and the catcher (or another fielder) is standing on or in front of home plate, thereby blocking the base path, the runner is awarded the vicinity around home plate and is safe.

·      The runner should not barrel into the catcher or other fielders if they are in the way, but the umpire should be aware that the fielder/catcher is standing on the plate and so the runner should be awarded the plate.

21. Runners Obstructing Home Plate: Once a runner(s) has scored, it is his/her responsibility to clear the area and allow the defense the opportunity to make a play at home if another runner is attempting to score. If runners are conglomerating around home plate and have obstructed the fielder, thereby making it impossible for them to make a play at the plate, the runner attempting to score is out.

22. Runner Is Hit by a Batted Ball: If a runner is hit by a batted ball while running in fair territory, the runner is out. This includes being hit by a batted ball while standing on ANY of the bases. The ball is dead, and all other runners return to their base of origin.

·      If a runner is in foul territory and not on a base and is hit by a ball, he/she is not out, and it is declared a foul ball.

·      If a runner is on 2B and they are hit by a batted ball, they are OUT. 2B is not a safe haven for runners. This is still considered in fair territory.

·      A runner on 3B or 1B may stand off the base in foul territory, parallel to the base. The umpire must be notified if the runner intends to stand off the bag. Once the ball is hit in play, the runner must step on the base and then proceed to the next base.

23. Runner Dragging the Base: If a baserunner goes into a base and the base slips or slides away, as long as the runner is in the general vicinity of where the base should be, the runner is safe. However, the bases not being stationary does not give the baserunner the right to drag the base. If the runner runs past the base and uses his/her foot to drag the base from where it should be, the runner is considered off the base and therefore “live”.

 

 

COURTESY RUNNERS

1.    A courtesy runner must be the last batted out or...

·      A courtesy runner can be a player on the bench who is not in the game.

2.    In the event there is no last out (such as in the 1st inning) and there is no player on the bench, the courtesy runner can be the last batter in the lineup.

3.    Each team is allowed 3 courtesy runners per game.

·      A team can use 2 courtesy runners for men and 1 courtesy runner for women.

·      A team can use 2 courtesy runners for women and 1 for men.

·      A team CANNOT use 3 courtesy runners for just men or just women.

·      If a team already has three courtesy runners and one of their players gets hurt and wants a FOURTH courtesy runner, this is not allowed. The injured player either runs or they are out of the game.

4.    There are no courtesy runners allowed from home plate. The batter must make it to 1B (or 2B or 3B) before he/she can have a courtesy runner.

5.    Once the batter reaches base safely and time has been called, the courtesy runner may enter for the batter.

6.    The player(s) who needs a courtesy runner can be designated before the game, before the player’s at-bat or after they reach base safely.

7.    If there are no runners who have been designated and a player gets injured and cannot run, this player can now have a courtesy runner.

·      Once this player is announced as needing a courtesy runner, they must have one for the rest of the game.

8.    The courtesy runner must be of the same gender as the player they are running for.

9.    If there are no female players available to courtesy run for a female, the opposing team has the right to choose the runner.

10. If an “all-time” courtesy runner comes in to play the field, they are no longer an “all-time” courtesy runner (unless they happen to be the last batted out). If that player is then taken out of the game, they cannot re-enter as a courtesy runner.

11. If a player who previously needed a courtesy runner is on base and there are no available courtesy runners for some reason (the last batted out also needs a courtesy runner, lack of players, etc.…) then the opposing team has the right to choose who will be the courtesy runner.

 

 

 

 

12. Illegal Courtesy Runner:

·      It is NOT the umpire’s responsibility to know who was the last batted out, or who is on the bench and not in the game, or who qualifies as a courtesy runner.

·      It is incumbent upon the teams playing to know who is being used as a courtesy runner.

·      If an illegal courtesy runner is used, meaning a player who is not the last batted out, or not in the game, not the same gender or not a player who is agreed upon by both teams, this must be brought to the umpire’s attention. If this is in fact the case, then a warning is issued to the offending team and the illegal runner is taken off the bases (this player is not out or removed from the game) and replaced with a legal courtesy runner.

                                     i.         However, if an illegal courtesy runner is used again (after a warning has been issued) in the same game and is on the bases when a ball is put in play, this runner is OUT. The outcome of the play doesn’t matter – the runner is OUT. (Note: This player is not removed from the game).

                                    ii.         Every subsequent time an illegal courtesy runner is used, the runner shall be called out once the ball is put into play.

 

 

 

 

FIELDING

1.    Maximum Players in the Field: Teams can have a maximum of 10 fielders, 2 of which must be women.

2.    Minimum Players in the Field: If a team fields less than 10 players (9 or 8), there must be a catcher and at least 1 woman on the field.

3.    Defending Home Plate: On plays at home plate, the fielder taking the throw should be positioned to one side of the plate, giving the runner a clear lane to the plate. The fielder cannot stand on top of home plate or block the path to home plate to make a play.

·      The fielding team should have no more than two players near home plate. The fielder backing up the play should be standing near the backstop. If the fielding team has a conglomeration of fielders in front of the plate, which prevents the runner from having a clear path to home plate, then the runner is deemed automatically safe.

4.    Lady Line: As of 2024, the Lady Line shall be 100 feet beyond the bases into the outfield. This will be the mandatory starting point for all outfielders regardless of if the outfielder is male or female.

·      The outfielders cannot play shallower than 100 feet beyond 1B, 2B and 3B base and into this zone.

·      There must be 4 outfielders when a woman is at the plate. All 4 outfielders must be behind the Lady Line and cannot begin forward of the Line or in the infield.

·      All infielders must be on the infield and NOT in the outfield.

5.    Lady Zone: The area between the bases and the Lady Line is designated as the Lady Zone.

·      Outfielders cannot creep past (or charge) the Lady Line and enter the Lady Zone when the ball is pitched. They must wait until the woman has hit the ball.

·      Infielders must start in the infield and cannot run backwards into the Lady Zone when the ball is pitched. They must wait until the woman has hit the ball.

6.    Enforcement of the Lady Zone: If outfielders are too close, or infielders are too deep, the umpire must order the fielders to play further back (or in) to comply with the rule. Opposing managers have the right to request the umpires move outfielders back. The umpire may warn the fielders and the managers after the first violation. After multiple warnings, it is at the umpire’s discretion to award the woman first base regardless of the outcome of her at-bat.

7.    Infield Fly Rule: An infield fly is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive) hit in the infield or in the shallow outfield. The rule is in effect when 1B and 2B, or 1B, 2B and 3B are occupied and there are less than two outs. The batted ball must be one that can be caught with ordinary effort.

·      Once “infield fly” is called (loudly & clearly) by the umpire, the batter is automatically out.

·      After the ball is caught, runners may advance after they tag up at their own risk.

8.    Intentional Drop: When an infielder (or outfielder playing close to the infield) intentionally drops a line drive to set up a double play, the umpire should call “intentional drop”. The batter is out, the ball is dead, and runners return to their original bases.

9.    Fake Tags: Fake or “phantom” tags, are strictly prohibited. If a fielder makes a fake tag, he/she is immediately given a warning. On the second offense, the runner is awarded the next base. On the third offense, the runner is awarded the next base and the fielder is out of the game.

10. Distracting/Yelling at Fielders: Any behavior by any member of the hitting team, intended to serve as a distraction to a fielder(s) attempting to field a ball, including but not limited to shouting, making noise or yelling, “I got it” is strictly prohibited. Any player who engages in this type of behavior will be immediately ejected and the game will not count toward his/her playoff eligibility. Additionally, the play will be deemed dead, the batter will be called out and runners will return to their base of origin.

11. Calling Timeout: Fielders can only be granted timeout when a fielder in the infield has control of the ball.

·      Timeout should only be granted when runners are safely on their bases.

·      If runners are moving forward, in a run-down or advancing, timeout should not be granted until all runners are on their respective bases.

·      A player in the outfield with or without the ball cannot be granted timeout.

·      Please Note: Asking/calling for timeout does not mean it has been granted. Timeout is not in effect until declared by the umpire.

12. Umpire Timeout: An Umpire can declare an “umpire timeout” even if the fielding team has not asked for it, in the event the umpire is going back to behind home plate, and their back is to the field.

13. Umpire is part of the field: If any batted ball hits the umpire, the ball is live and shall be played live. This is NOT a dead ball.

·      If the umpire obviously and egregiously interferes with the ball, the play is considered dead, and the umpire shall be removed from the game.

 

 

FAIR/FOUL

1.    In Play: Everything within the foul lines on each field is in play: rocks, park benches, garbage cans, players from other games, empanada purveyors and hipsters. If a batted ball hits any of these objects in play and remains playable, fielders must play the ball accordingly.

2.    Interference: Play ceases and bases are awarded to the batter if a ball hit into fair territory is picked up, thrown, or otherwise intentionally deflected by a bystander, a player in another game, or if a ball becomes completely impossible to play as a result of some impediment or obstruction such as a hole in the ground, fence, rabid animal etc.

·      If a ball hits a fan, spectator, or a player on the other field, the ball is live. Only if a fan or other player picks up the ball, kicks the ball, purposely deflects the ball, throws the ball away, keeps it, etc. will the runner be awarded bases.

·      The number of bases awarded is at the discretion of the umpire. This will be determined by how far the ball was hit and how far the batter had run at the time of interference. Other runners on the base paths advance from their starting points based upon the number of bases awarded to the batter.

·      Please note that a ball hit out of the park and into the street is not considered unplayable. This, in most cases, would be a HR and a live ball and not considered a ground rule double.

3.    Tree Balls: If a ball hits a tree (including a branch, twig, or leaf) and is caught by a fielder the batter is out. It does not matter if the ball’s trajectory was altered.

·      If a ball hits the tree in fair territory and goes into foul territory, it is still considered a fair ball.

·      If a ball hits the tree in foul territory and goes into fair territory, the ball is still considered a foul ball.

·      If a ball gets STUCK in a tree and does not come out, it is a dead ball. Even if the fielder reaches up into the tree to get the ball, the ball is dead and it’s a foul ball.

·      If the ball is stuck in the tree, the fielders cannot shake the tree, the trunk, the branches, etc.…to dislodge the ball from the tree. The umpire must deem the ball dead.

4.    Foul Ball Caught by Catcher: A ball that has been hit by a batter MUST go OVER the batter’s head and caught by the catcher before it lands on the ground to be considered a foul ball out.

·      If the batted ball hits the backstop, the dugout fence, a light pole, it is considered dead.

·      Only a ball hitting a tree is considered LIVE and catchable. Please refer to the Tree Ball rule for more detailed explanation.

5.    Runners Advancing on Overthrows: This rule relates to any ball that is thrown beyond the 1B or 3B line that cannot be immediately picked up by a defensive player.

·      When a ball in the infield, or from the outfield, is thrown beyond the 1B or 3B line, all runners on the base paths may advance a maximum of one base beyond the base toward which they were running.

·      However, if they are retreating back to the base from which they came, they can only gain the next base.

·      Runners advance at their own risk as the ball is still live and the base is not awarded automatically.

·      Bases are determined by the location of the runners when the ball was released by the fielder. The rule is the same regardless of whether the throw came from the outfield or the infield!

·      Example 1: If a runner is running to 1B and an errant throw goes out of bounds, the runner may attempt to advance to 2B only.

·      Example 2: If a runner is headed toward 2B and an errant throw goes out of bounds, that runner may attempt to go to 3B.

·      Example 3: If a runner is headed towards 3B and an errant throw goes out of bounds, that runner may attempt to go home.

·      Please Note: In all the above examples, if there are trailing runners – for example the batter who hit the ball - they may attempt to advance one base beyond the base toward which they were running as well if the ball goes beyond the 1B or 3B line.

·      Retreating Runner: If a runner is heading towards a base and then retreats to the base from which they came when the ball is released and the throw goes beyond the lines, the runner can only get the base they were going to and one more.

·      Example: Runner is on 1B, there is a single to the outfield, the runner makes it to 2B and is headed for 3B. The runner decides not to keep going to 3B and turns back and runs towards 2B. The ball is released by the outfielder and goes beyond the 3B  line. The runner is given the opportunity to get 2B and 3B. They do not get the opportunity to go home.

6.    Safely Retrieved Ball: A safely retrieved ball is any ball a defensive player can pick up without intentional intervention by a bystander or player who is not also playing defense. This includes a ball that hit a tree, pole or garbage can and bounced back. If a fielder safely retrieves the out of play ball while the runner(s) is advancing, the runner(s) may be put out as a result of a throw or tag.

7.    Illegally Retrieved Ball: If a fielder retrieves a ball that is tossed or handed to them by a bystander, spectator, the hotdog lady or anyone else, the ball is dead, and the fielder cannot get the runner(s) out. The runner(s) will be awarded bases at the umpire’s discretion.

8.    1B and 3B Coaches: There should be just one 1B coach and one 3B coach. Managers must make sure their players are not gathering in foul territory near the bases. Not only can this interfere with an attempt to field a ball but with running the bases as well. Umpires can ask players to relocate. Should an umpire determine that a coach/player on the hitting team affected the outcome of a play, they can factor that in when making a call on the field.

·      The umpire can issue a warning when there are too many players gathered down the 1B or 3B line. On the second warning, the umpire can call an immediate out.

UMPIRES

1.    WSFL Rule Book: Umpires should have a print copy of the rules and have them readily available when they are umpiring a game. If an umpire has not been given a print copy of the rules, they must reach out to the Commissioner who will provide one. In lieu of this, umpires should have the rule book saved on their phone.

·      If an umpire does not have a copy of the rule book, they are at risk of not being asked to umpire again.

·      Please note that there could be extenuating circumstances such as a last-minute request to ump, a bag being lost/stolen, etc. The point is, please have a copy readily available. If an umpire does not have a print copy, please ask the Commissioner to provide one.

·      If the Commissioner has previously provided a copy of the Rule Book and an umpire loses it, another copy will be supplied at the manager’s expense.

2.    Umpires Showing Up on Time: It is incumbent upon the umpire to be at their assigned game before the scheduled start time to ensure it begins on time. Umpires who are repeatedly late to games are at risk of losing umpire assignments.

3.    Umpires Keeping Score: Umpires must keep score as the game is being played. This is very important in case there is a discrepancy between the teams’ scorebooks.

·      At the end of each half inning, the umpire should confirm with the batting team how many runs (if any) were scored.

·      After confirming with the batting team, the umpire should ANNOUNCE the score so that both teams know how many runs were scored so that any discrepancies/questions will be raised then, and not later in the game.

4.    Announcing Fair or Foul: The umpire ONLY announces a batted ball when it is FOUL. When a batted ball is fair, the umpire ONLY signals (with their arm) that the ball is fair.

5.    Moving Games Along: Due to the substantial number of games that are played in the WSFL each Sunday, there is always the risk of running out of daylight. As such, it is important for the umpire to move the game along. This means:

·      In the 1st inning (top and bottom) the pitcher is allowed as many warm-up pitches as possible (within reason) to get warm.

·      From the 2nd inning on, the pitcher is allowed four warm-up pitches.

6.    Indicator/Clicker: Umpires should always have an indicator/clicker.

7.    Be Loud: McCarren Park has become quite popular over the years and can be very busy on game day. As such, it is extremely important to be loud when making a call so that all players can hear you.

8.    “DH” Declaration: Any team who decides to use a DH must announce the DH to the umpire prior to the start of the game. If a DH “illegally” takes the field on defense, it is the responsibility of the opposing team to bring this to the attention of the umpire. Should this happen, the DH will remain in the game on defense and the person they were designated to hit for is out of the game.

9.    Umpire Selection: Umpires are selected based on knowledge of the rules, temperament, and reliability.

10. Umpire Compensation: As of 2024, umpires in the WSFL are to be compensated $40 by each team immediately after the end of the game for a total of $80.

11. Rules on the Umpire’s Person: Every umpire MUST always have a copy of these rules in their bag or on their person when umpiring at all times. They need to have quick access to these rules in the event of a discussion, confusion, etc.…so they can quickly refer to the official rules.

·      If after reviewing the rules after a call was made, and the umpire understands that the wrong call was made, it is imperative that the umpire correct his/her call to follow the rules. We are not a professional baseball league whereby a call cannot be changed even if it was made. Please ALWAYS make the correct call.

12. Respect the Umpires: Managers and players should not treat umpires with disrespect, yell, curse or threaten umpires. Umpires have a difficult job and should be treated with the same fairness and respect that players give their teammates. Managers and players who continuously berate, yell, scream or threaten umpires will be given a warning and their conduct will be communicated to the Commissioner and the Heads of the Umpires. Based on the assessment by the Commissioner, these players, and their manager, can be suspended or kicked out of the league.

13. In the Event of a Conflict: Managers and umpires need to confer with each other, but the umpire will make the final decision on any given ruling. It is the responsibility of each manager to maintain control of his/her team and convey the umpire’s decision.

·      Umpires can consult other non-participating umpires on a call where they had a bad angle or are unsure of the rules.

14. Umpires Handling Difficult Players: Umpires have the right to warn and/or eject any player from a game due to poor behavior, dirty play, aggressive actions and/or fighting. Umpires will field complaints and identify players that are causing trouble and will communicate this to the Commissioner and the Head of the Umpires. These players and their manager will be given warnings by the Commissioner. If the player continues to be difficult, they may be suspended or removed from the league.

15. Arguing Balls & Strikes: Continuously arguing balls & strikes is not allowed.

·      It must be noted that a batter, pitcher, manager can ask politely where the pitch was (High? Low? Outside? Inside?) to determine what the strike zone is as all umps are known to have their own strike zones. Simply asking where the pitch is/was should NOT be considered a detriment and should not get a warning from the umpire.

·      Managers may file a complaint after the game with the Commissioner and Head of Umpires if they believe the umpire consistently called pitches incorrectly.

16. Umpire Behavior: If you, as a manager or player, feel that an umpire is bad, difficult, or not performing his/her duties, you have every right to email the head of the umpire crew to let them know. The email address is: wslumps@gmail.com. Please write a detailed email explaining what happened so that it can be discussed and resolved with the umpire.

17. Drinking/Drugs While Umpiring: Umpires are expressly forbidden from consuming any recreational drugs or alcohol while umpiring a game. If an umpire is reported for consuming recreational drugs or alcohol during a game, the umpire will be suspended from umpiring upon their first offense.

·      If an umpire is reported for consuming recreational drugs or alcohol during a game for a second time, that umpire will be banned from umpiring for the remainder of the season.

·      Any umpire that is visibly intoxicated/high during a game should immediately be reported to the Commissioner and Head of Umpires. They will make necessary changes to ensure the game is called appropriately.

18. Umpire Uniform: WSFL umpires are required to wear their umpire shirts at all times while umping. (An extenuating circumstance is if an umpire is NOT scheduled to ump and they're filling in for someone. Not having a shirt in this instance is acceptable).

·      The first time an umpire is scheduled to ump, and they do not have/do not wear their shirt, they will be issued a warning.

·      The second time an umpire is scheduled to ump, and they do not have their shirt, they will be fined $10. They will still be allowed to umpire that game. The fine MUST be paid before they can umpire again.

·      The third time an umpire is scheduled to ump, and they do not have their shirt, they will be replaced by another ump at the field, who either has or does not have their shirt.

·      The fourth time an umpire is scheduled to ump, and they do not have their shirt, they will be dropped from the list.

19. When to Wear the Umpire Shirt: If you are an ump and are playing a game, please DO NOT wear the umpire shirt while playing. While it may look cool, we don't want to introduce any additional confusion into a game that is already confusing because, you know, it's the WSFL.

 

 

SOUND/PLAYING MUSIC

1.    Please play music at a “reasonable” volume.

2.    McCarren Park is a public space and the field permit states: AMPLIFIED SOUND IS PROHIBITED: YOU MUST HAVE A SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT AS WELL AS NYPD SOUND PERMITS FOR AMPLIFIED SOUND.

·      This means the speaker volume should be kept at a reasonable level unless you have written, authorized permission from the NYPD that you are allowed to play music at a higher volume.

·      Additionally, we want to avoid playing music too loudly as it can present a safety issue. If music is played too loudly, players may be unable to hear their teammate calling for the ball which can result in a collision.

·      If a team requests that their opponent turn down the volume or turn the music completely off, the other team MUST COMPLY.

 

 

 

CLEANING UP

To remain in good standing with the Parks Department, we need to keep the fields and surrounding areas clean BEFORE and AFTER each game. This means that teams playing at 11am may need to do some cleaning before warm-ups/batting practice. This may mean that at the end of the day, the 3pm games may need to do some cleaning after their game. It may not sound fair, but that’s the way it is. As permit holders, we are responsible for the entire field once we are there.

 

 

CODE OF CONDUCT BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE GAME

1.    Code of Conduct: Everyone involved in the Williamsburg Softball Fall League is expected to show respect towards fellow players and others in the park. Show good sportsmanship. Disagreements and arguments are bound to happen. Don’t let them simmer and don’t let them boil over. Act like an adult and get over it. It’s softball. Foul, abusive, or threatening language directed at anyone, be they umpires, opponents, teammates or spectators, is totally unacceptable.

2.    Unacceptable Player Behavior: Using racial or homophobic slurs, making threats, fighting, threatening physical harm, throwing bats, etc... is cause for immediate ejection.

3.    Ejections: An umpire can eject from the game a person who continually violates the code of conduct or plays in a manner that is a danger to other players and/or spectators.

·      A person ejected from the game must take off his/her jersey and leave the park.

·      Managers who do not make their players leave will be suspended 1 game.

·      If an ejected player does not leave the park, it is a 10-0 forfeit, the player is banned from the league and the manager gets a 1 game suspension.

·      If the player has 2 ejections (overall) the player is banned from the league.

·      Ultimately, the decision to ban/suspend players & managers will rest with the Commissioner. Remember, such childish behavior puts the league’s playing permit in jeopardy! Additionally, any game a player is ejected does not count towards their playoff eligibility.

·      Any game a player is ejected will not count towards their playoff eligibility.

4.    Suspended Player:

·      A player can be suspended for any number of reasons as listed in the WSFL Rules.

·      If a player is suspended, they have the right to appeal the suspension with the Commissioner.

·      There is no specific number of games that a player is suspended for in most cases. For example, a player could be suspended for a game, two games, four games, etc.…depending upon the severity of the infraction.

·      Once a player has been suspended, they must pay a $40 fine to return to the league OR if they can offer to assist the Commissioner or the League to work off the fine, e.g.: set up the fields, donate time for a tournament, etc.…

5.    Multiple Suspensions: If a player is suspended more than once, they are out of the league permanently.

6.    Throwing of Equipment: Especially bats, is strictly prohibited. Putting other players in danger is absolutely against the rules. There is no warning for throwing bats - the player is immediately out of the game.

7.    Slurs: Racial/Sexual/Homophobic slurs will not be tolerated.

8.    Social Media Violation: Facebook violation rules also apply to playing games. If a player violates the Code of Conduct on Facebook, they are at risk of being suspended from the league.

9.    Removing a Team from the WSFL: A team can be removed by the Commissioner without having to call a vote from managers. This can be done without warning if it is deemed that the team is detrimental to the league, its permits, safety or to the community. No team, or player, is bigger than the league. The Commissioner can decide if he wants to return the team fee or not. Teams that sign up for the WSFL do so by choice and are therefore participating under the rules of the league.

10. Players of Teams Who Have Been Removed from the League: In the event a team is removed from the league, all players on their roster will also be suspended from the league for the remainder of the summer and fall seasons - no exceptions.

·      All players will also be removed from the league’s Facebook page.

·      If the player wants to return to the league the following year, they will have to petition the Commissioner who will decide whether this person is allowed back in the league or not.

 

 

THE GOLDEN RULE(S)

1.    Remember, at its heart, this league was, is and forever will be, laid-back and fun. Rules and regulations notwithstanding, let’s remember not to take things too seriously. Be fair. Be mindful. Be nice. As always, teams are encouraged to invite their opponents out for drinks after each game. The main objective is for everyone to have a good time.

2.    As stated above, this league was, is and forever will be, laidback and fun. Therefore, the website, social media, etc.… will follow the same creed. It’s about fun, hanging out, softball, networking, having a good time and competing. At the end of the day, this is beer league softball. Let’s remember not to take things too seriously.

3.    Play ball!

WSFL FACEBOOK PAGE

1.    The WSFL Facebook page is the public face of the WSFL. The page is moderated as little as possible so as to encourage everyone to get involved. Whether you’re a new player, or a gritty veteran, the Facebook page is open to all to post, share ideas, laugh and have a good time.

2.    In order to keep it this way, we are instituting rules to ensure that the Facebook page is a safe place for everyone. Please note that the league, Commissioner, and others associated with the league are not held liable for anything said in the group. We will not punish the entire league due to the actions of a few people (aka: idiots).

3.    Please note the following rules:

·      All posts should be fun, smart, creative, or informational in nature. Feel free to post if you are seeking players to fill-in or if you are looking to join a team. If you want to post something funny, non-offensive and good natured, go for it!

·      Soliciting our players and posting on the page without the express permission from the Commissioner will result in immediate suspension from the page.

·      Fighting, arguing, etc. on the page is not allowed. If you have a problem with someone and want to fight, feel free. But do not do it at the fields, do not do it at any of the bars who sponsor teams, and do not do it on the Facebook page! Find somewhere else - get their number and take care of your business personally.

·      Instigating fights or arguing is not allowed. Challenging people to physical altercations, whether in jest or not, is prohibited. It can be difficult to decipher whether a challenge is a joke or not, so it’s best to leave that off Facebook. Again, get their number and take care of business away from the league.

4.    Sexist, homophobic or racist comments and pretty much any remark you know shouldn’t be said, should not be said. It’s quite simple.