League Rules

VOGT
MEN'S SOFTBALL LEAGUE
2018 RULES




GENERAL RULES:

1. The league is governed by USA softball rules, except where stated as a house rule.

2. Coaches are responsible for the behavior of anyone (players or spectators) sitting on or near the vicinity of the team's bench. This responsibility extends from the start of the game to anything that happens after the game at the field.

3. USA insurance does not cover windshields or broken windows. Vogt can not be held responsible for broken windows. 
 
4. Forfeit fees are $50 per game. Forfeit fee is NOT included in your league fee. If you forfeit, you must pay your fee before your next game.


GAME RULES: 

Pitching arc is ASA rules 6-10ft. Strike mat (plate and mat is a strike)

Each batter will start with a 1-1 count.  ***No courtesy foul given***


1. A regulation game is when there are 2 1/2 innings played with the home team ahead, or 3 innings played with the visiting team ahead. The Coach Must take the Grounds Rules before the Begining of the Game. He is the only one on or Off the Field who is Allowed to Speak to The Umpire About A Call Or Ruling in the Game. Anyone Else is Subject to Ejection. 

2. Mercy Rule 15 after 3 innings, 10 after 5 innings. The home team will ALWAYS bat in the bottom of the inning to try to get within the run rule.

3. A team must have 9 players to start a game.

4. You may also use a DH for a defensive player. That person will bat in the defenders place but can never play the field.

5. Fouled third strike is in effect.

6. A caught foul ball by the catcher is an out as long as the ball has a hump. No longer has to go 6ft high. This will be up to the umpires discretion

7. Courtesy runners. You may use 1 runner per inning, at any base. Courtesy runner must be currently in the game.

8. The umpire will go over ground rules before each game. Certain fields have different ground rules. A representative from each team must be present at ground rules.
 

PROTESTS: 

1. A protest may only be made against am interpretation of a rule or an illegal player.
Judgment may never be protested. In the case of a legitimate protest the league director may appoint an impartial board to rule on the matter.

2. To protest a game, a coach must tell the umpire he wishes to protest the game at the time of the incident.The umpire should be told to write a brief description of the umpire's version of the incident in the protesting team's scorebook. The umpire should block off what he has written and sign it. The coach is to call Vogt within 24 hours of the incident to let us know the game is under protest.

EJECTIONS:

1. If a player or coach has been ejected he must immediately leave the playing field. If the player is still being a nuisance, he may be asked to leave the premises. 

2. Suspensions (if needed) will go on a case by case basis

3. Players, coaches, or fans that strike an umpire will be automatically expelled from the league. This includes anytime before, during, or after the game.

4. Any rule not covered, the league directors will make the final decision.



EQUIPMENT:


1. The official ball is the Tattooball 52. 300. Optic yellow ball. Home team needs a new ball for each game.

2. We are a wooden bat league. Teams can use any wooden bat that has softball stamped on it by the manufacturer.

3. The home team must supply bases, mound, and home plate. Failure to do so warrants a forfeit. No exceptions. Base Distance is 70ft.

4. Metal spikes and Metal tiped spikes & Football Spikes are not allowed.

5. Each Team will pay the umpires $25 before the start of each game.

6. All league fees are non-refundable

7. The 10 and 15 run rule will apply in all playoffs.

8. "Playoff Only" Inclement Weather, If a game is stop for any reason other then a team forfeiting, the Game will resume from point of stoppage.