Double AA Sports Central Jersey Modified

SPORTSMANSHIP “IT’S A SPORT!” “BE A SPORT!”

Athletic competition, at the community recreation level, can be a rewarding lifetime activity. Central Jersey Softball Association endeavors to provide a safe and enjoyable experience that is worthy of the time and money expended and an activity which can be enjoyed by an entire family. The product, or the quality of the experience, will rest with the attitude each participant brings to the contest.  As a league, we hope the individual competitors will rely on an old standard------sportsmanship. Compete hard and compete within the rules. What society might see at the college or professional level does not necessarily enhance the experience at the community level. When the moment of frustration rears its ugly head ---experience the moment and move on with the contest. Remember, enjoy the recreational activity for just what it is----a game. Pursue victory with honor!

UPDATED RULES AS OF THE LEAGUE MEETING: MARCH 2024 
- Head First Sliding into Home Plate: teams voted to remove this rule and we will now allow head first slides at the plate (still in place is barrelling over the catcher in any capacity not permitted)
- Softballs - Each team is to supply a new ball to start each game, if no ball can be supplied it is a forfeit, if a used ball is being supplied than the team supplying the used ball must hit with that ball and if it goes out of play than the team supplying the used ball must provide a back up used ball and hit with that one.   
- Catch and Carry rule - teams, umpires and league decided to amend the rule if a player catches a ball and their momentum brings them into foul territory the player must come back into the field of play to throw the ball (NO DEAD BALL)
- Caught with or USING of Illegal Bats:  Any player caught tampering with the sticker/tape or using an illegal bat will face disciplinary actions as an individual as well as the team as follows:
- FIRST TEAM OFFENSE – Team player is Caught WITH an illegal bat, the batter is called out and ejected from the game and that bat is removed and all other team bats inspected immediately and then every team bat will be retested at the next game. 
- SECOND TEAM OFFENSE – Team player is Caught USING an illegal bat, the batter is called out, the inning is ended and the player is ejected with a 12 game suspension (if end of a season will carry forward), the entire team is on probabaton and disqualified from post seasn player if another infraction the team will be thrown out of the league.
- THIRD TEAM OFFENSE -   Same Team is Caught USING an illegal bat a again time, the game is forfeited and the team is disqualified from post season play, with the player suspended indefinitely and the team is thrown out of the league
- NO METAL SPIKES ARE PERMITTED

1.  ALL PARKS RULES MUST BE FOLLOWED by ALL PARTICIPANTS (NO EXCEPTIONS!)
- NO Maintenance or Physical Alterations of any Township or County Field or Property is permitted 
- NO Alcoholic Beverages Allowed (as per Township Ordinance Section 4-18.1)
- NO Drugs of any kind are permitted
- NO Profanity
- NO Public Urination
- NO Tobacco Products
- NO Physical or Verbal Abuse of Site Supervisors or Umpires is an AUTOMATIC season ending suspension and possible ban from all Central Sports Association (C.S.A.) sanctioned leagues
- All litter and debris must be picked up after each game/event
- The park must be vacated immediately following the last game
- Any damage to park/facility property is the responsibility of the Permit Holder
- Parking only in designated parking lot when using Geick Softball Field:
- Any vehicle(s) identified by site supervisor as belonging to league player(s)/Umpires which are parked in non-authorized spots will result in the following:
            - First offense: Game forfeiture for that player(s) team
            - Second offense: Expulsion from the league for the player(s) in violation
- Please be advised, the Township of Old Bridge has adopted Ordinance # 47 – 03 Athletic Code of Conduct. All leagues playing on our fields are bound by this ordinance. You may view it on our web site at www.oldbridge.com on the recreation web page.
**Any issues related to the fields (lights, playing conditions, etc., need to go throuugh the team managers and then to the league who will address them with the township directly. If this policy is violated and a player goes directly to the township officials then the league will have no choice but to suspend the player for breaking the protocol.
***These rules are a binding part of the permit; at the discretion of Parks & Recreation who reserves the right to revoke a league’s permit for violation of any rule(s); this includes the forfeiture of all permit fees for games not yet played and no refunds would be issued to the league or any team.

2.  NO ALCOHOLIC beverages will be consumed before or during game at field. This will be considered Unsportsmanlike conduct, and an automatic team forfeit. No exceptions!  The umpire can forfeit the game if determined that alcohol is being consumed in the dugout or on the field without warning.  

3. RAIN & WEATHER: - Teams should not take it upon themselves to cancel games. Such action could result in a double forfeit being assessed. Rain in one area does not mean that it is raining at the game site. Rainouts will be rescheduled within reason on the schedule and any rainouts that cannot be rescheduled will be deemed canceled. Sunday games teams will be notified either the night before or by 7am on Sunday morning.  Weeknight games teams will be notified by the league no later than 4pm of game status (if it rains after 5pm then the call is made at the field by the umpire or field super).  Teams will be notified via a posting on the league site: www.cnjsoftball.com, text or email. We will make every attempt to play it safe conditions permit.  On weather related days we ask that you have patience as a call will be made as soon as possible, many times we are waiting on the township officials to make an official call or have someone checking or working on the fields.  Once a call is made that a field is canceled due to weather ALL games for that day/night are canceled unless specified.

                                                                i.      Weeknight if the lights are not on at a field - Old Bridge in the Spring by 7:30pm, or the code at McMahon or Hazlet VMP does not work for any reason.  The umpire will notify the league and I will call and try and get the issue resolved as quickly as possible.  Please do not keep calling and/or text as once I am made aware, I am calling to get this resolved and cannot respond.        

4.   SOFTBALLS: Team must buy F12 Clincher Gold Softballs as they are not included in the league fees.  It is recommended a team purchase 18 balls for the weeknight and 24 balls for the Sunday leagues in the Spring and 12 for Fall weeknight and 18 Fall Sunday.  The Clincher F12 Gold Softballs can be purchased at Athlete’s Alley, 483 Broad Street, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702, phone: 732.842.1127, http://athletesalley.com, you can ask for Greg Ford or you can also purchase online at Peligro Sports at: https://peligrosportsnyc.com/products/debeer-clincher-gold-softball-12 and they will ship them directly to your address or where ever you can purchase them, but they must be Clincher Gold F12 .        
- On game day each team will supply 1 brand new softball F12 Clincher Gold softball per game.  Teams should have back up balls available in the event a ball is lost.  Teams must chase homerun and foul balls.  

5.   LEAGUE STRUCTURE:  SUNDAY MODIFIED:
THREE divisions B, C+ & C

                                         i.      All teams will play in division and if cross over games to another division that will be determined prior to the start of the season for the Spring regular season. Fall League division structure will vary.

                                         ii.      Playoffs: All teams will play within their own division, via best two of three series formats (Spring & Fall)

                                         iii.     Regular season will be 17-20 games for the Spring and 10-14 games for the Fall & Playoffs will be best of three series in one day by seeding each round 

  
LEAGUE STRUCTURE: OLD BRIDGE/MIDDLETOWN MODIFIED:
THREE divisions B+, B, C+, C & 40 & Over C level  
       a)–  All teams will play within division (B+,B & C+ TEAMS MAY CROSS OVER IN SEASON)
       b) - Playoffs ALL teams will play within their own division
       c) - Regular season will be up to 12 games in Spring and up to 10 in the Fall   
       d) - Playoffs will be double elimination format for the Spring and the Fall will be single elimination (unless time permits then it can be altered)

*** FOR ALL LEAGUES: If weather causes massive rain outs and cancellations the league has the right to alter the schedule to get the season completed in the allotted time frame the townships permit.  (This is more of an issue for Fall seasons as the townships close the fields prior to Thanksgiving) ***   

6.  ROSTERS: players must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for league play. 

                                           i.      All team managers are provided a sign on to the league site to enter the team roster and instructions with screen shots showing them how to perform each function required

                                           ii.      Rosters MUST be entered on the league site by opening day of the season!

                                           iii.     Teams can have up to 25 players on the roster (with a minimum of 11)

                                           iv.     The Weeknight 40 C Division (65% of your roster must be 40 year of age and older & 6 of the 10 fielders must be 40 years of age and older) For 2023 35 and Older teams can participate as we transition          v.      When entering the roster, it is required First and Last Name of the player, jersey number if applicable, positions they play and date of birth (can be added with photos)

                                          vi.      Teams can do drop adds to the roster in the Spring until they reach their 8^th game of the season. (After that point rosters are locked).  In the Fall until teams reach their 6th game of the season.

                                          vii.      Any team that does not have a roster on the league site or to the league before the roster is locked will be disqualified from playoff participation.

                                          viii.     You can have players that play in multiple divisions, but the player must qualify for any team they are on for each division to be playoff eligible.  A team cannot exceed 10 roster slots with players from the same league and only 5 players can be in the lineup at one time.  

7.  ELIGIBILITY:  To be eligible to participate in league playoffs, teams and player must have the following:

                                           i.      Players must appear in 5 of the 12 games in the Spring. Fall is 3 of the team games.  Pitchers need 24 innings pitched in Spring/Summer to qualify for playoffs and 17 innings pitched for Fall seasons 

                                          ii.      Rosters must be on the site with player full names and photos by the teams by the 8^th game for Spring, 6^th game for Fall (Initial roster needs to be up by opening game). A team can play a game with 8 players minimum.

                                         iii.      All league fees, MUST be paid to in full no later than your second game or your team will not be permitted to continue playing and will forfeit games until paid.  

8.   LEAGUE FEE: In your entrance fee, you will receive a score book with line up cards (softballs and umpire fees are NOT included in the league fee for the season or playoffs).  Teams will receive a username and password to the website: www.cnjsoftball.com and must use this to enter their team rosters, games results, pitchers innings and can keep player statistics on the site. Refunds are permitted prior to league play, minus any processing fees (i.e. PayPal credit card payments).  Once season play begins there are NO Refunds!   

9. GAME FEES:  We will use one umpire per game on Sunday morning and the Umpire is to be paid at the field by each team $40 per game.  For weeknight we use two umpires, and they are paid $55 per game (if we have a game with one umpire, they are paid $40) prior to the beginning of the game at ground rules via Venmo (ask the umpire for there Venmo name or exact cash) for all games including playoffs. In the playoffs, for Sunday we will use two umpires for the Semi Final and Finals and the teams will pay each umpire $55 per game. Failure to pay the umpire at ground rules can result in forfeiture of the game and require the forfeiting team to pay both umpire fees for that game.  

10.  FORFEITS:  A forfeit fee will apply to Sunday & Weeknight forfeits at the field or failure to notify the league For Weeknights prior to 4pm on game day. If the league is notified by 4pm for Weeknight games and Sunday games on Saturday night by 8pm then no fee will be applied, if after 4pm or at the field then the fee will be charged and the team must pay both team game fees so Two umpires $110.00, one umpire $80, as the umpire(s) must be paid in full before. The team must pay via Venmo to @CNJ-Softball or Zelle to 732.589.5709, if the team is not paid by its next scheduled game they will not be permitted to continue playing in the league.  If a team forfeits for a second time during the season they will be ineligible for the playoffs, if a third forfeit occurs the team is dropped from the league. 

                                      i.  Forfeit on game day (weeknight game) after 4pm (Sunday game, Saturday after 8pm) or at the field forfeiting team pays both team’s fee  

                                      ii.  Teams having less than 8 players at game time and after the grace period (if applicable) must pay both team umpire fees for that game.  

                                      iii.  To pay the umpire fee(s) a team must pay via VENMO (CNJ-SOFTBALL) or ZELLE to 732.589.5709 or Credit Card (league will invoice manager)  

                                      iv.   In the event an umpire ends a game due to an incident the team causing the forfeiture will lose the game . 

                                      v.   Exceptions: If a game is suspended for any reason and the league reschedules a continuation of the game the teams will each pay the umpire $20 to complete the game at resumption.

11.  FORFEIT GRACE PERIOD: is 15 minutes from scheduled starting time of first game.  After the first game of the night NO GRACE PERIOD is permitted and start time of the game is the start time.

12. MERCY RULE: Regular Season and Playoffs: If after 3 innings one team is ahead or goes ahead by 15 or more runs or after 4 innings if one team is ahead or goes ahead by 13 or more runs or after 5 innings if one team is ahead or goes ahead by 10 or more runs, the run rule applies and if the home is behind, they will bat one more time. The team that is ahead shall be awarded the victory. 

13. MANAGER/CAPTAIN: Each team will designate managers/captains to communicate to the umpire. Only those identified to the umpire will be permitted to communicate with the umpire.  If an argument occurs, please advise your players to tell the captain/manager so they can have a civil discussion with the umpire  

14. UNIFORMS – Each team needs to have matching color shirts for the Spring season.  

                                          i.      If the team has a multi-color uniform the team color that is the most relevant will be considered primary color

                                          ii.     If a player has a shirt that says the team’s name or logo on it then that satisfies the league rule and does not have to be a matching color

                                          iii.   The Fall season we do not enforce a uniform rule but encourage teams to have matching color shirts. 

15.  TIME LIMIT: ALL Games have a 90-minute time limit in the regular season and a 100-minute time limit in the playoffs (until the finals, then league will advise of the time allowance).  NO new inning can start once we hit the time limit meaning if the home team ties the game at the end of the inning the game ends in a tie (regular season only, playoffs we play until we have a winner).  Any inning that is started MUST be completed and the home team must bat if they are trailing. The umpire will issue a time warning as the game approaches the time limit and may advise this is the last inning of play at that point.

                                     If an umpire determines that the game is moving at a slow pace, he/she can invoke speed up rules

16 GAME PLAY:  All games will be regulation 7 innings (unless run rule applies). An official game is 5 full innings (4 1/2 if home team is ahead). If game goes past 4 1/2 or 5 innings and is tied, then the international tie breaker rule (REGULAR SEASON ONLY) will be used until there is a winner, or the time limit expires. Ties will be recorded as a Tie. An official game that the time limit has not been reached may be resumed from the point the game is stopped (regular season may not be resumed, playoffs will be resumed if at the official game point, if a game does not reach an official game and is stopped in most cases the game will not be resumed but a new game will be played).

17. WARMUPS/BATTING ORDER/MINIMUM FIELDERS/HITTERS/DESIGNATED HITTER

                                          i.      Batters can swing either Aluminum or Approved composite bats (see Legal bats area below)

                                          ii.      Pitchers will receive 5 warm-ups pitches the first inning and 2 thereafter.

                                          iii.      Players can warm-up infield/outfield until the 3^rd inning then no warmups are permitted

                                          iv.      Each team is allowed 10 defensive players

                                          v.      A team may play a game with 8 players and the team will receive an automatic out the first time through the line up at the 9^th batter position).  If your 9^th player shows up they can enter the game as the last batter (9) until the end of the third inning (but they must play the field first) the automatic out is stopped after the first time through or once a team has its 9^th player.  Teams cannot add a 10^th player if they start with 8.  If teams write a line up and submit a lineup card with 9/10 or 11 batters and those players do not show up an automatic out is given every time those spots in the order come up to bat.  

                                          vi.      The lineup is not established until the entire lineup has batted the first time around. After that point you can only add a 9th player if started a game with 8 until the end of the 3^rd inning or you may add a 10^th player only if you have taken an out for the missing 9^th and 10^th player in the line-up already  from that point on only substitutions may replace a starting player. At no point can you add an 11^th batter (EH) 

                                         vii.      An extra hitter may be used only when they are present to start a game (you can bat as many as 13 players in the order, however you must finish the game with the number of players you start with. If someone leaves early or is thrown out of the game then that spot in the order is an automatic out every time it comes up in the order going forward).      

                                         viii.      A Designated Hitter (DH) is permitted for any one player in the field of play, if the player being designated hit for leaves the game the player that is the DH can replace them in the field, but the DH cannot be used any longer or for another player in the same game.       

                                         ix.      Players who have been substituted for may once re-enter the game but only in the batting order position they were previously at

                                         x.      Players CANNOT wear metal spikes. Plastic or rubber cleats ONLY

18. LEGAL BATS – Aluminum bats must have a GREEN sticker on them. Composite bats must be approved ASA/USA 2004 or higher, not on the non-approved listed and tested by the league.  If a composite bat does not have a sticker on it that it CANNOT be used in the league.  An Aluminum bat without a sticker can be shown to the umpire so they can verify it is Aluminum and used in a game, but after the first time the player/team must notify the league to get the appropriate sticker. (USSSA BATS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE LEAGUE, ANYONE CAUGHT WITH A TAMPERED BAT WILL BE THROWN OUT OF THE LEAGUE)

                                          i.      Teams will only be permitted to use bats that have a 2004 ASA/USA Stamp or higher, passes the compression test and are not on the banned USA/ASA bats list which can be found on the inside cover of your teams scorebook or on the league site at:  https://usa.asasoftball.com/e/BB1P2000.asp

                                          ii.      The league follows the approved USA/ASA bat list for league play

                                          iii.      Senior Bats & USSSA Bats are NOT permitted in league play

                                          iv.      ALL bats will be tested prior to use in league play (Exception for 2021 season due to Covid, bats will be tested during season and Bats 2004 or higher ASA/USA and not on non-approved list can be used.  Testing will be completed by the end of April 2022 and then teams will have until May 15th to get an new bats tested for the Spring/Summer season. We will resume testing in the Fall for that season) 

                                          v.      Once the bat is tested a C.S.A. approved sticker/tape will be adhered to the bat.  (The league can at any time retest team bats during the season without notice)

                                          vi.      A legal bat cannot have any cracks or dents and the label must be able to be seen, if a bat cannot be clearly identified as a legal bat then it cannot be used

                                          vii.      Wood bats are permitted and do not require testing

                                          viii.      At the beginning of the game please line up the bats so the umpire can check to see if they have the legal sticker on them and have no dents or cracks. The umpire can remove a bat even if it is having an approved sticker if he/she determines a safety issue with the bat.

                                          ix.      If a player arrives to the game late, they must show the bat to the umpire prior to batting to ensure compliance

                                           x.      If a team notices an illegal bat, they MUST point it out immediately, not after it has been used   

                                           xi.      Any player caught tampering with the sticker/tape or using an illegal bat will face disciplinary actions as an individual as well as the team as follows:
- FIRST TEAM OFFENSE – Team player is Caught WITH an illegal bat, the batter is called out and ejected from the game and that bat is removed and all other team bats inspected immediately and then every team bat will be retested at the next game. 
- SECOND TEAM OFFENSE – Team player is Caught USING an illegal bat, the batter is called out, the inning is ended and the player is ejected with a 12 game suspension (if end of a season will carry forward), the entire team is on probabaton and disqualified from post seasn player if another infraction the team will be thrown out of the league.
- THIRD TEAM OFFENSE -   Same Team is Caught USING an illegal bat a again time, the game is forfeited and the team is disqualified from post season play, with the player suspended indefinitely and the team is thrown out of the league

19. PITCHING RULES:

                                        i.      Pitchers must pitch in accordance with modified pitch rules for all B, C+, C & C35 Divisions)

                                        ii.      B+ division are considered open and Sling and off the hip is permitted in these division only

                                        iii.      Pitching distance is defined as 46 feet  

                                        iv.      Pitcher must start delivery with one feet in contact with the rubber

                                        v.      The non-pivot foot MUST be on or in contact with the rubber

                                        vi.      NO Windmill motion, crow hoping, side arm, step back and being beyond 10 inches outside the hip on release will not be allowed

                                        vii.      In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher shall not take more than one step, which must be forward (NO STEP BACKWARDS) and towards the batter with simultaneous delivery of the ball toward home plate.  Release can be no more than 10 inches from body

                                        viii.      Hips & Shoulders must be square to home plate at release

                                        ix.      What is done on the backswing is irrelevant if the arm does not drop over the front of the head

                                        x.      “Square” is defined as the landing foot not crossing over the push off foot. EX: An imaginary line is drawn from the push off foot to the plate. If the landing foot crosses that imaginary line, the pitch should be called ILLEGAL.

                                         xi.      The pitching arm may not contact the hip or any body part on the pitch, the release of the ball must be a smooth delivery.

                                         xii.      Balls and Strikes will be called by the umpire in accordance with modified pitch rules   

                                         xiii.      The pitcher shall not wear any item on the pitching hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, or thighs, which may, in the umpire’s judgment, be distracting to the batter.  White shirts with a white ball are prohibited and must be removed or pitcher is ejected from the game (unless the team uniform shirt is white, however a long white sleeved shirt cannot be worn). Umpire may use judgement in a circumstance that he deems distracting.

                                         xiv.      If a pitcher hits three batters in a game they must be removed from the game as a pitcher, they are not ejected and can play another position but cannot pitch. EXCEPTION: For the 3 hits batsman to count the batter must be hit with a thrown ball that does bounce prior to hitting and the batter attempting to get out of the way.

                                         xv.      If it is deemed a pitcher deliberately throws at a batter, the pitcher will be ejected from the game and suspended.  If there is a second occurrence in the season with the same pitcher, he/she will be suspended indefinitely

20. ILLEGAL PITCH INFRACTION
IF an illegal pitch is called, base runners will all move up one base and a ball will be called.  If a pitcher is called for a third illegal pitch in a game that pitcher must be removed from the mound, not the game.  

21 BASE RUNNING:

                                        i.      A base runner must avoid contact with any fielder

                                        ii.      Sliding is not mandatory, but a runner must avoid contact with the fielder.  Sliding into first base (running from home plate to first base) is not permitted at any time (this is a safety rule). If a runner does slide head first into first base the runner is automatically out regardless of the result of the play.  If a catcher is blocking the plate and the ball is not coming home then the runner will be called safe, if the ball is coming in then the runner must avoid contact with the catcher.   

                                        iii.      Any runner who in the judgement of the umpire makes deliberate contact with a fielder will be automatically called out and is ejected from the game with a minimum suspension of one game pending a review of the incident to be determined by the League's director.

22. LEADING & STEALING is prohibited

                                         i.      If a catcher/pitcher attempts a pick off a runner from any base, any runner may advance at their own risk as the ball is live. 

                                         ii.      A player can take a lead only after the ball is released from the pitcher’s hand on a pitch, if the runner leads before the ball leaves the pitchers hand they will be considered out and the play ruled

23. BUNTING:
   i.   Each team is allowed 3 PLAYABLE bunts per game. The term “playable” means when the batter is retired or reaches base safely. 
   ii’   If the batter squares to bunt they MUST bunt.  If you square to bunt you CAN NOT pull back & swing away. (This does not mean you have to stay in the bunting position as you can take the pitch for a ball or strike)
   iii.  If a batter attempts to swing after squaring to bunt or after 3 playable bunts have occurred, the batter will automatically be called out. After 3 bunts, just “squaring” will be an OUT
   iv.  Foul balls do not count unless it is for strike 3

24. COURTESY RUNNERS:

                                  i.      Injured players may remain in the game defensively and have a courtesy runner each time they reach base.

                                  ii.      The courtesy runner must be in the batting order and will be the player who made the last out

                                  iii.      A team may have 4 courtesy runners designated for per game

25. RE-ENTRY - All players may be substituted and re-entered for one time during the game.  Once this happens the sub is out of the game and if the original player who was replaced for comes out again then he/she will be out for the rest of the game.  The only exception to this rule is if the sub is injured and unable to play and the team has no other roster players in attendance to replace the injured sub, then they can re-enter again.

26. BASES:  Teams will supply the bases (for fields that do not put bases out, i.e., McMahon 1 & 4, Hazlet VMP, Ross 1 & 2, Dorsett, Kunkel, Lower Geick & Phillips Park) and it is recommended they wipe them down before putting them back in their vehicle. Bases for league play are set at sixty five feet and the home and visitor should bring bases to each game to ensure there is always a set available to play. The umpires will measure the proper distance (sixy five feet) and may or may not have a backup set of bases.  Note: Old Bridge Veterans Park fields will put out 2B & 3B out at sixty five feet and teams need to supply the double first base.  (Home teams would be responsible for the bases, but both teams should have them in case someone forgets so we can play).

27a. If you need a set of bases you can try Athlete's Alley in Shrewsbury (732.842.1127 you can call to see if in stock).  Each team needs a set and home team is responsible for the game they are home, away team should have their set available in case home team does not have them.  In a double header situation both teams need to have the bases as they are required, if neither team has bases they can ask the umpire if the umpire has bases (they may or may not) and if the umpire does then those games the umpire fee will be $35 for one umpire games and $55 for two umpire games per game per team for the use of the bases. 

28. PROTESTS: If this process is not followed, then the protest will not be allowed  

                                          i.      Must be made verbally to the umpire immediately before the next legal or illegal pitch (otherwise even if a rule is misinterpreted the protest is not valid). Protest cannot be made after a game is complete.. 

                                          ii.      At the point the protest occurs the umpire will advise the other team that a protest has been made and will sign both score books at the point where the protest occurred.

                                          iii.      It is also required that the team protesting send an email to: cnjsoftball@aol.com within 48 hours of the game detailing exactly what is being protested. 

                                          iv.      For a Roster protest - Any starting players MUST be protected by the end of the third inning, all substitutes must be protested at the end of the inning they enter the game.

                                          v.      If a roster player is protested and it is deemed the player is not qualified the team will lose the game regardless of the outcome of the game played

                                          vi.      If an interpretation of a rule is found incorrect, the game reverts to the point in the game the protest took place and will be resumed from that point.

                                          vii.      In the event of the protest the game should be played in full and if the protesting team wins the game the protest in voided out. In the playoffs the same rule applies the game must be played

                                          viii.      IMPORTANT: a protest decision will not be made on the spot unless it determines if a team plays again in the same night.   

                                          ix.      The league, umpires and teams will provide a thorough review of the incident and a decision will be made prior to both teams’ next game

                                           x.      Umpire judgement calls (such as balls and strikes, out or safe are not permitted to be protested)

29. ARGUING/FIGHTING/THREATS - ZERO TOLERANCE
- As we are all aware officials all over the country have been viciously attacked, verbally and in some cases physically.  Our league is no different we have had grown ups throw equipment, hats and yes even a ball at an official as well as verbally assault them.  TO BE CRYSTAL CLEAR - UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL THIS BE TOLERATED.
- If any player throws any item, verbally assaults or touches an umpire they are gone for the season & possible banned permanantley. This means that no suspension is necessary, no leniency will be given and the information will be shared with other leagues that C.S.A. officiates.  Furthermore the team will be placed on probabtion and other any incidents will result in the team being dismissed from the league no exceptions & no refunds.
- So you maybe asking what is considered a "threat" well here are some examples:
      - "Next time I won't miss"
     - " I will kick your F***ING ass"
     - " I will see you in the parking lot"
     -" Hope you get a blow out on your way home"
- All of the above are THREATS and will be treated as such, so as Managers be mindful of this and the players you add to your team as one bad apple can and will ruin it for all on your team.  Many of the teams have been in the league and understand this behavior is not acceptable and we all understand teams get caught in the heat of the moment, which is different they threats so please control your team and understand the umpires are not professionals and even if they were they are human and will get things wrong from time to time everyone does but they always try and get it right.  Players make many mistakes as well, but no one deserves to be harrased, threatened or abused especially over recreational sports.   
- Teams that fight each other, before, during, or after a game for any reason will also be suspeneded and both the team and individuals will deal with severe consequences. If it is the intention of players on your team to fight then kick them off your team now or the league will as this behavior is not acceptable.

30. PLAYER EJECTIONS & NO TOLERANCE:
Players ejected from a game MUST leave the playing area immediately.  Any player ejected get an automatic minimum one game suspension no matter the infraction.  Depending on the incident & upon review the length of the suspension can be more.
**** If a player that is thrown out of the game refuses to leave the playing area in a reasonable amount of time (gather belongings etc., the umpire can end the game as a forfeit for the team the player is on ***** 

 31.     DUGOUT AREA & FIELD RULES: 

                                                               i.      All teams MUST clean up their team benches when exiting the field after your game is completed. 

                                                              ii.      Teams if working on a field cannot push water into the OF on to the grass, we must use buckets or field pumps to remove the water.

32. UMPIRE RESPONSIBILITIES:

                                     i.      Enforce ALL the league rules as outlined

                                     ii.      Check all Bats to ensure properly stickered and safe for league play

                                     iii.     Check the base distances (65 feet), pitching distance (50 feet), put out the home plate extension mat and bases at fields the town does not have bases set.

                                     iv.     Call a home plate meeting to discuss ground rules - Ground rules for all fields can be found at: https://www.leaguelineup.com/topnews.asp?url=cnjsoftball&itemid=2106895

                                     v.      Provide a courtesy time limit warning to both teams

                                     vi.      Report any ejection, forfeit, injury, protest within 24 hours of the incident (must include players info full name and provide a report of the incident)

                                     vii.      If a player curses at an umpire they will be ejected and suspended (no warning)

                                     viii.      If a player argues balls and strikes that is grounds for an ejection   

                                      ix.      In the event an umpire's does not show up (managers should notify the league). The two teams may agree to play the game anyway. Should this be the case, each team must clearly lay out ground rules and be in full agreement of them. Balls and Strikes should be a part of the game.

                                      x.      If during the game an umpire shows up, the inning in progress shall first be completed before allowing the umpire to assume his/her post.

                                      xi.      In this case, the captains should get together with the umpire to clarify the ground rules.

                                      xii.      A team is not at risk of forfeiting a game if it so chooses not to play without an umpire present. If this situation occurs, the game may be rescheduled at either team's option

                                      xiii.      If an umpire mis-quotes a league rule a team manager/captain can point out the league rule to the umpire in a respectful manner so the call can be made correctly.  If a player does this in a disrespectful manner, they are ejected.

33. INJURIES:

                                      i.      Softball is a game in which injury occurs and in some cases death.

                                      ii.      It is a game that each player enters at their own risk.

                                      iii.      A player struck by a batted or thrown ball is considered a softball play (accident). 

                                      iv.      All serious injuries need to be reported to the league office by the umpires and team manager as soon as possible. 

                                      v.      The league is not responsible for injuries to players because of a softball play.(however the league has specific safety rules in place to avoid infjuries by using a double first base, and no sliding into first base or sliding at         home head first due to uneven home plates and batters box, we also have a give yourself up rule to avoid collisions when a base is occupied)     

                                      vi.      League insurance does not cover individual player medical bills because of an injury. 

                                      vii.      All players are aware they are playing with a risk of being injured by being listed on a team roster.

                                      viii.      In the event an injury occurs, please notify the league by going on the website: www.centralsportsassociation.com and complete the online injury report under online forms.

34. TEAM ACCIDENT INSURANCE:

                                      i.      Is not provided by the league

                                      ii.      Teams can purchase accidental medical insurance by clicking on this link: https://www.chappellinsurance.com/central-sports-association-chappell-insurance your team deals  directly with the insurance company and will have its own team policy which will cover your team players in the event of an injury.

                                      iii.      C.S.A. / CNJ Softball are not in the insurance business and offer this as a courtesy to all sanctioned teams.

                                      iv.      The league highly recommends that teams investigate this policy to protect themselves from injuries that may occur  

35. GAME RESULTS:

                                    i.      Winning teams must report game score on the league website (www.cnjsoftball.com) within 48 hours of the game being played

                                    ii.      It is important to communicate an accurate score since tiebreakers could be based on run differential

                                     iii.    All teams must enter a game played for each player that played in the game, this will allow teams to see who has played and qualified for the playoffs.  The games played must match the lineup card for that game.  If they are not, then no one will receive credit for playing in that game. 

36. STANDINGS & TIE BREAKERS:

                                    i.      The league uses a points system (2 points for a win, 1 point for tie and no points for a loss). 

Tie breakers will be as follows:
- Most Points
- Head-to-Head
- Combined Division Record (if three teams tied we use total record against each other, i.e. one team goes 1-1 & 2-0 they are 3-1 so they would have the edge and get higher seed, if other teams were 2-2 or 1-3)   
- Run Differential
* If tie is not broken by any of the above, we may have a one game playoff or coin flip to determine the seeding

37. PRIZES THIS IS NOT A CASH PRIZE LEAGUE. 
(PRIZES ARE AWARDED SEASON TO SEASON: SPRING CHAMP CAN USE FOLLOWING SPRING SEASON, FALL CHAMP CAN USES FOLLOWING FALL SEASON)     

WEEKNIGHT & SUNDAY LEAGUES :
          - CHAMPION receives a team trophy & Free Entry off the following Spring or Fall season 
                                   

38.     PAYMENT POLICY:  

                                                                i.      All league fees are due before first game is played.

                                                              ii.      NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN ONCE LEAGUE PLAY BEGINS.  

                                                             iii.      If a team pays by check and it is returned, they will be charged a $50 fee for bank and processing fees in addition to the balance owed. 

                                                             iv.      Any team that does not pay the league fee by opening day will be charged a $25 late fee per month and will be subject to pay all legal and collections fees that are incurred by Central Jersey Softball Association, LLC to collect the debt that is owed.

 

Please click on the Home plate image to view the current NON Approved bat list!

The problem of players using altered bats is most rampant in adult slow-pitch softball. Although we are a sanctioned C.S.A. , we follow the ASA/USA (NOT USSSA) Legal bat list for league and tournament play (this list does include some composite bats). Any Non-ASA/USA approved non-wood bat is not permitted and Managers need be emailed the attached list.  USSSA BATS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN ANY LEAGUE PLAY

* Any bat on the list or that does not have a 2023 C.S.A. approved WHITE sticker for a composite bat or GREEN Aluminum sticker is not eligible for any C.S.A./CNJ league until it is tested or labeled.

All bats must be tested and pass the 1550 threshold in order to be approved.  If the bat is non linear - A non-linear bat is a bat whose structure deviates from the traditional single wall, multi wall and/or layered composite designs. IMPORTANT: Team members need to advise bat testers that a bat is non linear so it can be looked up before testing.  Other wise the bat will be held to the 1550 threshold.  

The bats' performance will consistently and repeatedly produce BCT results softer than the existing threshold and have not produced a BBS over 98.    To see which bats are non linear please go to: Non Linear Bats List

Video on bat testing and how it works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IqVEkYsxdI

The following is the C.S.A. Bat policy.

ALL BATS MUST PASS THE COMPRESSION TEST (pre-loaded at 500 they must exceed 1550 in order to be eligible for league play).  Exception: Non Linear bats (see above)

Anytime a pitcher is hit by a ball (that is not deflected), the umpire(s) MUST inspect bat and remove it from the game if in their opinion, the pitcher has been injured. The pitcher does not have to leave game, but an umpire or director must ascertain that the pitcher was bruised or sustained any degree of injury. If upon inspection it is not judged to be altered, the bat will be removed from game or tournament. The bat will be returned once game or tournament is completed. A bat judged to be altered will NOT be returned and result in a player being ejected and suspended.

Although we are a sanctioned C.S.A. league, we follow the ASA/USA (NOT USSSA) bat list for league play. Any Non-ASA approved bat is not permitted and Managers need to down load this list which can be found at the link above or at: https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball/Certified-Equipment/Equipment-Bats and have a copy of it with them at the games.

Managers will have a copy of the non-approved list on the league provided score book. A legal bat cannot have any dents or cracks. If it does it cannot be used in league play. IMPORTANT – If a Bat cannot be clearly identified as a legal bat then the bat cannot be used.

ALL LEGAL BATS – MUST have the ASA/USA 2004 Certified Logo stamp (NOT USSSA) on it and can not be on the non-approved list. They must also not exceed BPF 1.20. BPF means the BAT PERFORMANCE FACTOR or the liveliness of the bat. The higher the number the more recoil a bat has which translates to the ball coming off the bat with more speed and inertia. C.S.A. limits the BPF typically to a 1.20 BPF or less.

IMPORTANT! - Any player caught using a non-approved ASA/USA bat or Altered Bat will receive an automatic 5 game suspension.

All bats in league play : USSSA BATS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE LEAGUE

1. MUST pass the psi test and exceed 1550 (unless Non Linear) view non-linear bats for 2023 at: Non Linear Bats List

2. MUST bear either the USA/ASA approved 2004 certification mark or higher as shown below, and must not be listed on an USA/ASA non approved list: NON-APPROVED BATS

3. MUST be included on a list of approved bat models published by the USA/ASA National Office; or

4. MUST, in the sole opinion and discretion of the umpire, have been manufactured prior to 2004 and if tested, would comply with the USA/ASA bat performance standards then in effect.

For a list of bats that have been tested and found to comply with the USA/ASA bat performance standards, and therefore are authorized to bear the USA/ASA 2004 certification mark and/or are authorized for use in USA/ASA Championship Play beginning January 1, 2004, please click on the image above or the highlighted NON-APPROVED BATS. Manufacturers continue to submit additional bat models for testing, and the USA/ASA will update this list as test results become available.

At Central Jersey Softball Association, we not only invite full teams to join, but individuals looking to join a team, meet new friends and enjoy playing the game regardless of level we have a place for you.  To be listed below please complete the Free Agents form on the league home page or click Free Agents. You will then be listed and team managers will contact you directly as they form their teams for the Spring leagues (run April-August) and Fall leagues (run September-November) .

If you are someone who likes to manage/run things then here is a great opportunity to do so by organizing a group of players. Thank you for your interested in Central Jersey Softball Association and have fun and play ball! 

* You must be 18 years or older to join & once you join a team, please notify: cnjsoftball@aol.com to be removed from the list*

2024 Free Agents: (Player listed from NEWEST add to OLDEST added) 

In addition to our list below you can check out this Facebook Group (NJ Softball Free Agents), which will also help to find Free Agent players: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351388268981891

FALL:

- Brian Nealon, Age: 29, positions: P, Any
Email: bnealon999@gmail.com, phone: 908.907.4620 (best way to contact: Email)    

- Luis Alfonso, Age: 34, positions: Any
Email: lalfonso8917@gmail.com, phone: 908.400.3814 (best way to contact: Email)  

- Ryan Gissom, Age: 37, positions: P, 3B, SS, 2B
Email: grissomryan27@gmail.com, phone: 704.995.3262 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Luis Rodriguez, Age: 42, positions: LF, RF, 3B, 1B
Email: armandorodriguez2201@gmail.com, phone: 862.591.9968 (best way to contact: Call or Text)  

- Vincent Fyfe, Age: 51, positions: 1B, 3B
Email: vfnyg@aol.com, phone: 917.696.1722 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

_____________________________________________________________________________________

SPRING/SUMMER:
- Kenneth Oldak, Age: 35, positions: SS, CF
Email: alexken9876@gmail.com, phone: 848.226.9805 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Vincent Amato, Age: 26, positions: 1B & OF
Email: vamato1298@gmail.com, phone: 732.998.3917 (best way to contact: Email) 

- Matt Troccoli, Age: 35, positions: Any, except P, C or 1B
Email: trivers62920@gmail.com, phone: 914.419.0860 (best way to contact: Call or Text) 

- Christian Chavez, Age: 27, positions: 1B, 3B, LF *Brother Pedro Chavez, 2B, SS, Any OF, phone: 732.328.5005 also looking to play 
Email:  nyyankees4301996@gmail.com, phone: 732.595.6981 (best way to contact: Call or Text) 

- Christian Shelley, Age: 25, positions: Any
Email: cshelley87@gmail.com, phone: 732.514.2830 (best way to contact: Email)

- Lance Hilfman, Age: 65, positions: P, 1B, 2B
Email: hilfman@aol.com, phone: 732.277.0097 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Chris Holmes, positions: 2B, OF
Email: ch09248723@gmail.com, phone: 732.895.9560 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Gregory Vanmyers, Age: 19, positions: 1B, 3B, OF, C
Email: gregvanmyers43@icloud.com, phone:  732.309.4352 (best way to contact: Call or Text) 

- Dominick Laborante, Age: 39, positions: Any, except P or C
Email: d.j.laborante@gmail.com, phone: 732.948.9754 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Scott Wall, Age: 45, positions: Any, except P
Email: walnuts18@protonmail.com,  phone: 732.609.2058 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Garrett Keers-Flood, Age: 29, positions: Any, except P
Email: garrett.keersflood@gmail.com, phone: 732.318.2849 (best way to contact: Email)  

- Jeremy Felder, Age: 39, positions: Any, except P
Email: jeremy.felder@gmail.com, phone: 848.992.2803 (best way to contact: Call or Text) 

- John Territo, Age: 40, positions: Any, except P
Email: jdterrito@yahoo.com, phone: 908.783.5276 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Salvatore Caronna, Age: 38, positions: Any, except P *Has Joseph Bencivnga also looking to play
Email: salcaronna1994@gmail.com, phone: 609.271.1374 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Bryant Snyder, Age: 42, positions:   1B, 2B, SS, OF
Email: bryantsnydermusic@gmail.com, phone: 346.595.5121 (best way to contact: Email)

- Ethan Collins, Age: 27, positions: 1B, OF (lefty)
Email: ethancollins45@gmail.com, phone: 862.268.6350 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Victor Lopez, Age: 32, positions: Any, except P
Email: victorl2009@icloud.com, phone: 917.932.6529 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Nick Mink, Age: 21, positions:  Any OF *Has Friends also looking to play
Email: nickmink226@gmail.com, phone:  732.692.0028 (best way to contact is: Call or Text)

- Josh Rainone, Age: 40, positions: SS, 3B, 2B & OF
Email: jrainone@gmail.com, phone: 732.610.8729 (best way to contact is: Email)

At Central Jersey Softball Association, we not only invite full teams to join, but individuals looking to join a team, meet new friends and enjoy playing the game regardless of level we have a place for you.  To be listed below please complete the Free Agents form on the league home page or click Free Agents. You will then be listed and team managers will contact you directly as they form their teams for the Spring leagues (run April-August) and Fall leagues (run September-November) .

If you are someone who likes to manage/run things then here is a great opportunity to do so by organizing a group of players. Thank you for your interested in Central Jersey Softball Association and have fun and play ball! 

* You must be 18 years or older to join & once you join a team, please notify: cnjsoftball@aol.com to be removed from the list*

2024 Free Agents: (Player listed from NEWEST add to OLDEST added)

In addition to our list below you can check out this Facebook Group (NJ Softball Free Agents), which will also help to find Free Agent players: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351388268981891

FALL:

- Luis Alfonso, Age: 34, positions: Any
Email: lalfonso8917@gmail.com, phone: 908.400.3814 (best way to contact: Email)  

- Ryan Gissom, Age: 37, positions: P, 3B, SS, 2B
Email: grissomryan27@gmail.com, phone: 704.995.3262 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Luis Rodriguez, Age: 42, positions: LF, RF, 3B, 1B
Email: armandorodriguez2201@gmail.com, phone: 862.591.9968 (best way to contact: Call or Text)  

_____________________________________________________________________________________

SPRING/SUMMER:
- Michael Santiago, Age: 35, positions: 3B, 2B, 1B
Email: michael.santiagony@gmail.com, phone: 347.552.4486 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Kenneth Oldak, Age: 35, positions: SS, CF
Email: alexken9876@gmail.com, phone: 848.226.9805 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- George Roessner, Age: 39, positions: Any except for P
Email: georger81984@gmail.com, phone: 908.415.5332 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Matt Troccoli, Age: 35, positions: Any, except P, C or 1B
Email: trivers62920@gmail.com, phone: 914.419.0860 (best way to contact: Call or Text) 

- Christian Chavez, Age: 27, positions: 1B, 3B, LF *Brother Pedro Chavez, 2B, SS, Any OF, phone: 732.328.5005 also looking to play 
Email:  nyyankees4301996@gmail.com, phone: 732.595.6981 (best way to contact: Call or Text) 

- Jack Matoske, Age: 33, Positions: C, 1B, 2B
Email: jmatoske1028@icloud.com, Phone: 732.619.9303 (best way to contact: Text) 

- Lance Hilfman, Age: 65, positions: P, 1B, 2B
Email: hilfman@aol.com, phone: 732.277.0097 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Danny Sanchez, Age: 57, positions: P, 1B & 2B
Email: danny@dannysanchez.com, phone: 732.216.1667 (best way to contact: Call or Text) 

- Chris Holmes, positions: 2B, OF
Email: ch09248723@gmail.com, phone: 732.895.9560 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Gregory Vanmyers, Age: 19, positions: 1B, 3B, OF, C
Email: gregvanmyers43@icloud.com, phone:  732.309.4352 (best way to contact: Call or Text) 

- Bud Baker, Age: 56, positions: P 
Email: budb49th@yahoo.com, phone: 908.414.3274 (best way to contact: Call or Text 

- Dominick Laborante, Age: 39, positions: Any, except P or C
Email: d.j.laborante@gmail.com, phone: 732.948.9754 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Scott Wall, Age: 45, positions: Any except P
Email: walnuts18@protonmail.com,  phone: 732.609.2058 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Jeremy Felder, Age: 39, positions: Any, except P
Email: jeremy.felder@gmail.com, phone: 848.992.2803 (best way to contact: Call or Text) 

- John Territo, Age: 40, positions: Any, except P
Email: jdterrito@yahoo.com, phone: 908.783.5276 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Salvatore Caronna, Age: 38, positions: Any, except P *Has Joseph Bencivnga also looking to play
Email: salcaronna1994@gmail.com, phone: 609.271.1374 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Bryant Snyder, Age: 42, positions:   1B, 2B, SS, OF
Email: bryantsnydermusic@gmail.com, phone: 346.595.5121 (best way to contact: Email)

- Ethan Collins, Age: 27, positions: 1B, OF (lefty)
Email: ethancollins45@gmail.com, phone: 862.268.6350 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Ryan Jerry, Age: 25, positions: 1B
Email: rcjerry93@gmail.com, phone: 732.597.1262 (best way to contact: Call or Text) 

- Kenneth Oldak, Age: 34, positions: CF, OF
Email: alexken9876@gmail.com, phone: 848.226.9805 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Victor Lopez, Age: 32, positions: Any, except P
Email: victorl2009@icloud.com, phone: 917.932.6529 (best way to contact: Call or Text)

- Josh Rainone, Age: 40, positions: SS, 3B, 2B & OF
Email: jrainone@gmail.com, phone: 732.610.8729 (best way to contact: Email)

Leagues are played in Old Bridge during the weeknight.  In the Spring/Summer on Friday nights and in the Fall on Wednesday nights. We also have a league that plays on Monday nights during the Spring and Fall in Ocean County.  For more information and to be directed to the Central Jersey Softball Associations Co-ed League Home page please click on the image below.

The leagues play in Monmouth County on the weeknights, Sunday mornings, and Sunday nights.  The weeknight and Sunday morning league is a double header league.  The Sunday night league is a 30 and over league.  The leagues have free agents list for individuals looking to join a team.  All leagues have a Spring/Summer and Fall leagues.  Form more information and to be directed to the Central Jersey Softball Associations Men's Slow Pitch League please click on the softball.