GENERAL LEAGUE RULES 2019

2019 PARKVILLE FASTPITCH SOFTBALL RULES

RULES FOR ALL DIVISIONS

 

1.       All leagues shall adhere to the official ASA Fast Pitch Softball Rules for Region 3 except for the modifications specified for each individual league.

2.       Unless otherwise specified in the individual league rules, all leagues will play a seven-inning game.   A game is official if at least three (3) innings have been played, or if the team second at bat has scored more runs in two (2) innings than the other team has scored in three (3) innings.

3.       If a game is stopped prior to completion but at least 50 minutes have been played, the game will be declared an official game. The final score reverts back to the last completed inning (or half inning if the home team is ahead). Otherwise, the game will be replayed in its entirety.

4.       The umpire is empowered to call a game at any time because of darkness, rain, fire, panic, or other causes which place the patrons or players in peril.

      In all age groups, the last inning is unlimited and determined by the umpire and acknowledged by both managers.

5.       Rainout Info: Parkville Rec Weather Line: 410-372-8169. If the Rec office has called a game, there is no discretion left to the umpire or coaches to play a game or hold a practice.

Baltimore County rules require that all players leave the field for thirty minutes following any episode of thunder or lightning.  Each episode of thunder or lightning requires an additional 30 minute delay.  A game will be terminated if any episode occurs with less than 30 minutes to go in the game.

6.       Pitching Distances / Base Distances 

Minors 33 feet (min) / Minors 55 feet

National 35 feet / National 55 feet

American 40 feet / American 60 feet

Stars 43 feet / Stars 60 feet

7.       Players on all teams will play at least 2 innings, as time permits, if they are present at the start of the game.

NOTE: This is not an umpire’s jurisdiction.

All players will be included in the batting order. There is unlimited substitution in all age groups.

8.       Each team will have the opportunity to warm up on the field prior to game time.  The visiting team will have the field for 15 minutes starting 30 minutes prior to game time.  The home team will have the field for 15 minutes starting 15 minutes prior to game time.  

For the Minor and National Leagues, games will start at 6:00 pm and forfeit time will be 6:15 pm.  

For the American League, games will start at 6:00 pm and forfeit time will be 6:15 pm.

For the Stars League, games will start at 6:00 pm and forfeit time will be 6:30 pm during the high school season.  At the conclusion of the high school season, the forfeit time will be 6:15 pm.

 No new inning is to start after 8:00 pm prior to 6/1.  Starting 6/1, no new inning will start after 8:15 pm.  The slaughter rule is not in effect in any age group.

9.       If a school extra-curricular activity may cause a known forfeit, the game can be rescheduled provided notice is given to the chairperson one week (7 days) in advance. The coach must provide the chairperson with the function and a list of the players who cannot attend the game in order for the game to be rescheduled.  If the chairperson approves of the request, then the game is treated as a postponed game.

10.   If a game is postponed due to rain, or any other cause, the coaches involved in the postponed game should reschedule the game at the next available open date, but with at least 7 days notice to the Chairperson for the American/Stars; and at least 4 days for the Nationals/Minors. If the game is not replayed within 2 Saturdays following the date of the original game, then the game is declared cancelled. If a coach agrees to a makeup game and that game is scheduled to be played but then does not have enough girls for the game, it is considered a forfeit.

11.   Players are to stay on their team bench when batting, unless specifically excused by their coach. No spectators or parents are allowed on the benches or playing field without the express approval of the coach.

      There is to be no one behind the backstop at any time during the game for any reason.

12.   A double first base will be used in ALL leagues.

13.   In all leagues, batting helmets equipped with face masks must be worn by the offensive team at all times while in-between the dead ball lines.

       Runners must give way to any fielder making a play on a batted ball.

       The fielders who are not making a play on the ball are not to obstruct a runner.  Fielders may not block a base path or base thus hindering the runner.

14.    All jewelry MUST be removed prior to all games. This includes, but is not limited to, watches, rings, earrings, and necklaces. Medical I.D. bracelets will be allowed but MUST be taped.

      No electronic devices of any kind are allowed on the field, on the bench, in the coach's box or directly behind the backstop.

15.   The team shall be warned once if the bat is thrown. The second time anyone on the team throws a bat, the batter will be called out. If in the UMPIRE’S judgment, a batter throws a bat, slings or in any manner endangers anyone’s safety with a bat, the batter will be called out, with NO warning. Play is dead at the time of the call.

16.   ALL MANAGERS AND COACHES MUST BE APPROVED BY THE CHAIRPERSON. In the case of a temporary vacancy, the league chairperson must approve the manager.

17.   Sportsmanship Rules

a)      All parents and players must comply with the terms and conditions of the Code of Conduct.

b)      The ASA Sportsmanship Rules (12 and 13) are attached. All references to "Tournament Director" shall mean umpire. Rule 13 Section 2 is amended to read, "If a coach, player, or spectator is ejected from a game they must sit out the remainder of that game; and if a coach is ejected the coach of the opposing team must report the offending coach to the League Chair of their division for an investigation by the Sportsmanship committee to determine what further sanction, if any, is appropriate. In the event that a player, parent, or spectator is ejected, it is the responsibility of the Coach to report the offending person. Failure to report such conduct is cause to lose coaching privileges."

c)       There are no protests for any umpire decision. The only protests which are allowed are those which address eligibility of a player, i.e. the use of a non-roster player. An eligible player includes the roster players and any player from a younger age group who has been approved to play as a replacement player by the league chair of the older group. The League chair person shall implement a system to determine how the younger girls are fairly distributed.

18.   If a coach advises his team to leave the field to protest a game decision by an umpire, he is ejected from that game and the next game. The opposing coach always has the obligation to report all ejections of players, coaches or parents.

19.    TOBACCO USE IS NOT PERMITTED ON BALTIMORE COUNTY PROPERTY. THIS INCLUDES ANYWHERE ON SCHOOL PROPERTY!!

20.   SPORTSMANSHIP AND RULES COMMITTEE

a)      Suggested rule changes will be presented annually at a meeting of the Rules Committee. The decision to adopt, reject, or amend the proposed rules will be determined only by the Board of Directors. Said decision is to be determined, after discussion, by a majority of the Board Members present.

b)      Any parent, player or spectator who has a concern over the appropriateness of behavior of any person is encouraged to bring that concern to any member of this Committee. The Commissioner is Chris Martin and his phone number is 410-274-1711. All complaints will be considered confidential and limited to the Committee

 

STARS RULES 2019

Stars League Rule Modifications for 2019

 

The league will operate under ASA Fastpitch Playing Rules for Region 3 and the Parkville Fastpitch Softball Rules with the following exceptions.

 

·         Start time is 6:00. Forfeit time is 6:30 during the high school season.  Once the high school season ends, the forfeit time will be 6:15.

·         A game is officially completed once 7 innings are played (score not tied).   

·         In the event a game must be stopped before completion (rain, etc.), the game is declared official if at least 3 innings has been played (or 2 1/2 innings if the home team is ahead).  If a game is stopped prior to completion, the final score reverts back to the last completed inning (or half inning if the home team is ahead). There is no 50 minute game completion rule in this league. Any games not declared official will be replayed in their entirety.

·         Up to ten players may play in the field.  All players present will bat even if they do not play in the field that inning.

·         The minimum number of players required to start the game without forfeit is seven.  A team may finish the game with a minimum of seven players.  Once play has begun, any time a team has less than 9 players, no out is declared for any "open" position in the lineup unless a player has been ejected from the game.  In that case, an out is called every time that player is scheduled to bat.

·         Players that arrive after the game has started may enter immediately and should be entered at the end of the batting order.

·         Unlimited substitution is allowed.

·         Pitching distance is 43 feet. There is a seven (7) inning limit per week (or 2-game set in the same week in the case of make-up games) for each pitcher.  All pitchers must wear the protective face mask provide by the league or one of similar quality.  Note: There is no innings limit during the playoffs.

·         Stealing of second, third and home is allowed.  There is no limit on the number of steals per inning.  Runners may leave the base once the ball leaves the pitcher's hand.

·         The infield fly and dropped third strike rules will be used.

·         An inning ends when 3 outs are made or 5 runs are scored (up to a maximum of 8 if the runs result due to a continuation of the final play.  Walking in run #5 ends the inning-unless it is deemed an intentional walk by the umpire- in which case the remaining base runners will automatically score and the defensive coach will be charged with unsportsmanlike conduct).  (Note: There is no run limit in the final inning of play.)

·         A courtesy runner may be inserted for the pitcher or catcher at any time.  This is optional, not mandatory.  The runner will be the last player declared out.

·         On an appeal play, no throw is required.

Pitcher- Should a pitcher hit 2 batters in an inning she must be removed from that position for the balance of the inning.  Hitting 2 more batters in the game will result in her removal from that position for the completion of the game.

      The look back rule IS in effect.

 

AMERICAN LEAGUE RULES 2019

American League Rule Modifications for 2019

 

The league will operate under ASA Fastpitch Playing Rules for Region 3 and the Parkville Fastpitch Softball Rules with the following exceptions.

 

·         Start time is 6:00. Forfeit time is 6:15.

·         Up to ten players will play in the field. All players present will bat, even if they do not play in the field that inning. Players that arrive after the game has started may enter immediately and should be entered at the end of the batting order.

·         The minimum number of players required to start the game without forfeit is seven. A team may finish the game with a minimum of seven players. Once play has begun, any time a team has less than 9 players, no out is declared for any "open" position in the lineup unless a player has been ejected from the game.  In that case, an out is called every time that player is scheduled to bat.

·         The pitching distance is 40 feet from back point of home plate to pitching rubber. The pitcher must start with both feet on the pitching rubber. The pitcher may rock back, but the first step must be forward. Unlimited re-entry is allowed. All pitchers must wear the protective face mask provide by the league or one of similar quality.

·         A pitcher may not pitch more than seven (7) innings per week (or 2-game set in the same week in the case of make-up games). Additionally, a pitcher may not pitch more than five (5) innings per game.  (Note: Any out recorded is considered 1/3 of an inning).  (Note: During the playoffs, a pitcher may not pitch more than 5 innings per game or more than 8 innings per week or 2-game set.)

·         Stealing of second, third and home is allowed.  There is no limit on the number of steals per inning.  Runners may leave the base once the ball leaves the pitcher's hand.

·         A batter can advance to first base on a dropped third strike.

·         The infield fly rule will be used.

·         Play ends when the ball is under control within the designated 16 foot circle. In the event that no circle has been marked on the field, the ball must be under control by a player within the diamond formed by the bases and home plate. If, in the discretion of the umpire, a runner is at least half way to the next base, she will be awarded that base when play is stopped.

·         An inning ends when 3 outs are made or 5 runs are scored (up to a maximum of 8 if the runs result due to a continuation of the final play.  Walking in run #5 ends the inning - unless it is deemed an intentional walk by the umpire -  in which case the remaining base runners will automatically score and the defensive coach will be charged with unsportsmanlike conduct).  (Note: There is no run limit in the final inning of play.)

      There is no run limit in the final inning of play. (Note: This rule will also be used for the playoffs.)

·         Outfielders must begin play on the outfield grass and stay on the grass until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand.

·         A courtesy runner may be inserted for the pitcher or catcher at any time (optional, not mandatory). The runner will be the last player declared out that inning.

·         No throw is necessary on an appeal play.

Pitcher- Should a pitcher hit 2 batters in an inning she must be removed from that position for the balance of the inning.  Hitting 2 more batters in the game will result in her removal from that position for the completion of the game.

      The look back rule is NOT in effect.

 

 NATIONAL LEAGUE RULES 2019

National League Rule Modifications for 2019

 

The league will operate under ASA Fastpitch Playing Rules for Region 3 and the Parkville Fastpitch Softball Rules with the following exceptions.

·         PITCHING - The pitching distance is 35 feet, and the pitcher must start with both feet on the pitching rubber. All pitchers are required to wear a League provided face mask or one of equal quality.

      PITCHER - A pitcher can pitch at most 6 innings per game and not more than 6 innings per week (or two game set if more than two games are played in a week). All pitchers are required to wear a League provided face mask or one of equal quality.

STEALING - Stealing  is permitted only upon the release of the ball by the pitcher.  Only steals of 3rd base are allowed.  There is no limit on steals.  Once a player attempts to steal 3rd base, there is no further advance by any baserunner on the throw to 3rd from the catcher.  The play ends with the steal attempt.

·         INFIELD FLY RULE - There is no infield fly rule.

·         INFIELD - The infield is defined as the diamond formed by the bases and home plate. The infielders must start at the traditional position until the ball is released by the pitcher. Traditional positions are first base, second base, short stop, and third base. Any violation will result in a dead ball.

·         OUTFIELD - The outfielders must be positioned within three feet of the grass area of the outfield. They cannot move towards the infield until the ball is released by the pitcher.

·         OVERTHROW - There is no extra base awarded on an overthrow regardless of whether or not the ball goes out of play. The umpire should stop the play when the ball is in the infield, and under control, or as soon as the ball goes out of play.

·         SLIDING - Sliding is permitted.

·         BUNTING - Bunting is permitted.

·         CATCHER - If the batting team's pitcher or catcher is on base, the batting team may put in a courtesy runner (optional, not mandatory). The runner will be the last player declared out that inning.

·         GAME - A game must begin with a minimum of 7 players, and can finish with a minimum of 6 players. No out is called if a player has to leave before the game is finished.  In the event a game must be stopped before completion (rain, etc.), the game is declared official if at least 3 innings has been played (or 2 1/2 innings if the home team is ahead) or 65 minutes have been played. If a game is stopped prior to completion, the final score reverts back to the last completed inning (or half inning if the home team is ahead). An inning ends when 3 outs are made or 5 runs are scored (up to a maximum of 8 if the runs result due to a continuation of the final play). (Note: There is no run limit in the final inning of play.)

Pitcher- Should a pitcher hit 2 batters in an inning she must be removed from that position for the balance of the inning.  Hitting 2 more batters in the game will result in her removal from that position for the completion of the game.

      The look back rule is NOT in effect.

 

·         PLAYOFFS - If after the last inning the game is still tied, one (1) extra inning will be played. The player who made the last out in the last inning will be placed on third base to begin play.

 

 MINOR LEAGUE RULES 2019

Minor League Rule Modifications for 2019

 

·         PITCHING - Girls will pitch the first five (5).  Then the batting teams coach will pitch remaining four (4). The Defensive team will call strikes, but not balls. If the ball is not put into play or the batter is not called out on strikes, then the BATTING teams coach will pitch the next four (4) pitches. The strike count is inherited. The batter must put the ball in play in those next four (4) pitches or she is out. If the ninth (9) pitch is fouled, the batter remains at bat. The pitching distance is 33 feet. The pitcher must start with both feet on the pitching rubber. All pitchers are required to wear a League provided facemask or one of equal quality. 

·         STEALING - There is no stealing. There is no advancing on a passed ball.

·         INFIELD FLY RULE - There is no infield fly rule.

·         OVERTHROW - There is no extra base awarded on an overthrow regardless of whether or not the ball remains in play. The umpire should stop the play when the ball is in the infield, and under control, or as soon as the ball goes out of play.

·         INFIELD - The infield is defined as the diamond formed by the bases and home plate. The distance between bases shall be 55 feet. The infielders must start at the traditional position until the ball is released by the pitcher. Traditional positions are first base, second base, shortstop, and third base. Any violation will result in a dead ball.

·         OUTFIELD - The outfielders must be positioned within five feet of the grass area of the outfield. They cannot move towards the infield until the ball is released by the pitcher.

·         SLIDING - Sliding is not permitted.

·         BUNTING - Bunting is not permitted. Any attempted bunt will result in a called strike against the batter.

·         CATCHER - A coach from the batting team should act as catcher to catch pitched balls. However, a defensive player must cover home plate on plays at the plate.

·         PITCHER - The defensive youth pitcher must position themselves within 5 feet of the pitching rubber, but under no circumstances shall the pitcher be closer to home plate than the pitching rubber when the offensive coach is pitching. The offensive coach who is pitching cannot intentionally interfere with a play. Intentional interference shall result in the batter being called out and all runners returned to their original positions.

·         GAME - A game must begin with a minimum of 5 players, and can finish with a minimum of 4 players. No out is called if a player has to leave before the game is finished. A game is officially completed once 5 innings are played (score not tied).

·         In the event a game must be stopped before completion (rain, etc.), the game is declared official if at least 3 innings has been played (or 2 1/2 innings if the home team is ahead) or 65 minutes has been played. If a game is stopped prior to completion, the final score reverts back to the last completed inning (or half inning if the home team is ahead). An inning ends when 3 outs are made or 5 runs are scored (up to a maximum of 8 if the runs result due to a continuation of the final play). (Note: There is no run limit in the final inning of play.)

·         PLAYOFFS - If after the last inning the game is still tied, one (1) extra inning will be played. The player who made the last out in the last inning will be placed on third base to begin play.