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SUNDAY & WEEKNIGHT league playing rules: (UPDATED FOR 2023)
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!
ALL PARKS RULES MUST BE FOLLOWED by ALL PARTICIPANTS (NO EXCEPTIONS!)
- NO Maintenance or Physical Alterations to any Township or County Field(s) 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
** 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.
1. 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.
2. 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.cnjsoftballslowpitch.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 - Hazlet by 7-7:30pm or the code at McMahon 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 continue to call or text me as once I am made aware, I am calling to get this resolved and cannot respond.
3. SOFTBALLS: Each Team will supply 1 brand new softball the AD STARR TATTOO “YELLOW” 52 cor/300 softball per game (IF you have the BADEN SPORTS FIRE softballs, they can also be used as they are also .52 cor/300) Teams should have back up balls available in the event a ball is lost. Teams must chase homerun and foul balls. If you run out of softballs during the regular season, then you can purchase additional balls at $5 per ball. If a team has any softballs that are 12 inches and have the same 52 cor/300 softballs, they can be used if you have no other softballs.
i. Weeknight Clincher Division – teams will supply 1 F12 Clincher GOLD softball per game. If you run out of clincher softballs during the regular season, then you can purchase additional balls at $10 per ball. Cross over games will be Clincher ball for thosee game and the clincher team will supply both balls for those games..
4. LEAGUE STRUCTURE:
SUNDAY LEAGUE: - Regular one division and you will play an 18-22 game regular season. At the end of the regular season the teams will be divided based on record as follows (6 seeds will become the A level playoffs and play for free entry and a team trophy). 6 seeds will make up the be the B level playoffs and play for free entry and a team trophy to the champion. All playoffs will be a best of three series in the same day. FALL WILL BE UPDATED BEFORE WE BEGIN SEASON BASED ON HOW MANY TEAMS
WEEKNIGHT LEAGUE: - Regular season will be one divisions (Clincher Division for Spring). One division and for playoffs will split the division into A & B based on seeding.
i. Playoffs: All teams will play within their own division with a best two of three series each round
ii. Regular season will be 18-20 games for the Spring and 12-16 games for the Fall
iii. Playoffs will be best two of three format in the Spring and Fall
*** If weather causes massive rainouts 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) ***
5. 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. 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)
v. Teams can do drop adds to the roster in the Spring until they reach their 10th game of the season. (After that point rosters are locked). In the Fall until teams reach their 6th game of the season.
vi. 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.
vii. You can have players that play in both divisions no more than (6) players but the player must qualify for both teams for playoffs eligibility (does not pertain to weeknight, being it is two leagues a yellow ball league and clincher league)
6. ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible to participate in league playoffs, teams and player must have the following:
i. Players must appear in 8 of the 18-20 games in the Spring. Fall is 6 of the 12-16 games
ii. Rosters must be on the site with player full names by the teams 12th game for Spring, 6th game for Fall
iii. All league fees,MUST be paid in FULL no later than your second game
7. LEAGUE FEE: In your entrance fee, you will receive 24 softballs in the Spring/Summer leagues & 18 softballs in the Fall leagues and a score book with line up cards (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.cnjsoftballslowpitch.com and must use this to enter their team rosters, games results 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!
8. GAME FEES: We will use one umpire per game and the Umpire is to be paid at the field by each team $25 per game prior to the beginning of the game at ground rules for all games including playoffs. In the playoffs, we will use two umpires in the Finals and the teams will pay each umpire $50 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.
***** Umpire(s) are to be paid before a pitch is thrown or the game will not be played *****
*** CASH or VENMO is acceptable, so ask the umpire which they prefer, if they do not have Venmo then it is cash and a team member should have the cash available and you can Venmo your team member to reimburse if needed. ***
* Once a game begins the umpire is paid for the game, even if a game is stopped for weather, etc. regardless of the inning. When the game is resumed the teams would pay $10 per team to the umpires for the completion of that game.*
9. FORFEIT FEE & FORFEITS: Teams are required to pay the game fees (both teams so if you forfeit one game you pay $50, if your forfeit two games $100) for any forfeit at the field on Sunday mornings or failure to notify the league no later than 8pm on Saturday Night. For weeknights it is 4pm on game day. If the league is notified by 4pm then no fee will be applied, the team must pay the game fees for any forfeit prior to playing the next game (either cash to the umpire at the field or they must Venmo @CNJ-Softball so we can get the fee to the umpire. If a team forfeits for a second time during the season they will be disqualified for the playoffs and if a third time dropped from the league.
i. Forfeit on game day after 4pm or at the field forfeiting team pays both team’s fee
ii. To pay the game fee a team must pay via VENMO (CNJ-SOFTBALL) or Credit Card (league will invoice manager) or pay the umpire cash directly
iii. In the event an umpire ends a game due to an incident the team causing the forfeiture will lose the game and their half of their team forfeit fee on file and must replenish the balance before their next game.
iv. 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 $10 to complete the game at resumption.
10. 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.
11. MERCY RULE: Regular Season and Playoffs: If after 3 innings one team is ahead or goes ahead by 20 or more runs or after 4 innings if one team is ahead or goes ahead by 15 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.
12. 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
13. UP THE MIDDLE: (UPDATED FOR THE 2023 SEASON)
- Umpires will mark out a 5 foot area with cones (a Halo).
- Any ball hit into the coned area (Halo) line drive will be an automatic out and the umpire will call ‘Dead Ball’
- Any ground ball hit into the coned area will be an automatic out and the umpire will call ‘Dead Ball’
- Any ground ball fielded before the cones by the pitcher is a live ball
- If the pitcher reaches for a ball, then the ball is considered live (this means they reach to the right, left or above their head)
- If the pitcher vacates the coned area then the ball is live regardless of line drive or ground ball
- Once an infraction happens a warning will be issued to both teams of the infraction, noting the player who went up the middle
- If the same player in the same game goes up the middle again (accidental or not) then that player is ejected from the game,
- if at any point the umpire feels the ball was shot through the middle intentionally then that player is ejected immediately.
- If a player states they are going up the middle and it is heard by the umpire then that player is to be immediately ejected and will be suspended for a minimum of 3 games & potentionally for the season.
i. It is strongly recommended (not required) that pitchers wear shin guards and a helmet for safety
ii. The first offense of " the umpire will call a dead ball and an out. The umpire will then notify each team with a warning and note the player who went up the middle..
iii. The second offense by the same player in the same game (accidental or not) will be a dead ball, automatic out and that player is ejected from the game and posisbly suspended.
iv. If the umpire deems an intentional hit through the middle then the player is ejected and suspended no matter when the incident occurs (length to be determined by CSA board review of the incident)
v. Any player heard stating they will shoot the middle or advising their team to shoot the middle the game is to be stopped and that player is to be ejected from the game (NO EXCEPTIONS). Saying you are going to shoot the middle and if it then happens can be a criminal charge as that is a serious threat and if anyone follows through after it being heard then the game is forfeited regardless of the score and the player hit can press criminal charges.
14. COMMIT LINE
The umpire will create a line, halfway between home plate and third base. Once a runner passes this line they must continue home. The play becomes a force play and the catcher is only required to touch home plate to record the out, the runner must run to the base off to the side. The catcher will us home plate and the runner will use a base off to the side, all plays will be force plays, if the Catcher touches the base off to the side the runner is safe and if the runner goes to the home plate the runner is out. The rules applies to only plays at the plate. NO SLIDING AT THE PLATE WILL BE PERMITTED AS IT IS NOW A FORCE PLAY WITH THE COMMIT LINE, A SLIDE WILL BE AN OUT. The purpose of this rule is to avoid serious injuries and sliding at the plate as we all know the fields are not always flat and batters boxes could be dug out causing a potential injury.
15. UNIFORMS – Each team needs to have matching color shirts for the Spring season by May 1st,
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 require a uniform rule but encourage teams to have matching color shirts.
16. TIME LIMIT: ALL Games have a 75-minute time limit in the regular season and an 80-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.
i. If an umpire determines that the game is moving at a slow pace, he/she can invoke speed up rules
17. 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.
18. WARM UPS/BATTING ORDER/MINIMUM FIELDERS/HITTERS/DESIGNATED HITTER
i. Batters can swing either Aluminum or Approved composite bats (see Legal bats area below)
ii. All batters will start the count at 1-1 with no courtesy foul, if a foul is hit with two strikes the batter is out via a strike out.
iii. Pitchers will receive 5 warm-ups pitches the first inning and 2 thereafter.
iv. Players can warm-up infield/outfield until the 3rd inning then no warm ups are permitted
v. Each team is allowed 10 defensive players (minimum is 3 female fielders)
vi. A team may play a game with 8 players and the team will receive an automatic out per inning for the entire game at the 9th batter position). If your 9th and 10th player show up they can enter the game as the last batters (9 & 10) until the end of the third inning (but they must play the field first) the automatic out per inning is then stopped once a team has its 9th player.
vii. The lineup is not established until the entire lineup has batted the first time around. After that point you can only add two players (if 9 you can add 10th, if 8 you can add 9th & 10th) until the end of the 3rd inning from that point on only substitutions may replace a starting player. At no point can you add an 11th batter (EH)
viii. An extra hitter may be used only when they are present to start a game
ix. 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.
x. Players who have been substituted for may once re-enter the game but only in the batting order position they were previously at
xi. Players CANNOT wear metal spikes. Plastic or rubber cleats ONLY
19. 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 with out 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.
i. Teams will only be permitted to use bats that have a 2004 ASA 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://www.leaguelineup.com/topnews.asp?url=cnj_coed&itemid=1157804
ii. The league follows the approved USA/ASA bat list for league play (USSSA stamped bats are not permitted)
iii. Senior Bats are NOT permitted in league play
iv. ALL COMPOSITE or NON-STICKERED ALUMINUM bats will be tested prior to use in league play *IF YOUR BAT HAS A GREEN STICKER IT DOES NOT NEED TO BE TESTED
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
20. HOMERUN RULE LIMIT:
i. Any batter that hits a home run over the fence only have to touch first base (if no fences then they must run the bases to get all you can get)
ii. Batters are permitted to hit 5 over the fence home runs.
iii. All balls hit over the fence by a team more than 5 we will use the one (1) up rule. Meaning if both teams have hit 5 home runs and one team’s hits a 6th home run then the other team is permitted to hit another home run.
iv. Once a team hits the limit of 5 home runs if they hit a 6th or more before the one up comes into play, the result of hitting that home run will cause the inning to end regardless of when hit for the team that hit the home run.
Exception: If fields have no fences the Homerun rule remains the same. Ground Rule: Any ball hit into the woods or parking lot on a fly is a Home run any ball that bounces into the woods or parking lot is a ground rule double – this applies to Geick Park
21. PITCHING RULES:
i. Pitchers must pitch in accordance with slow pitch rules
ii. The pitcher must face the batter before delivery
iii. The Pivot foot must be in contact with the pitching rubber when ball is released
iv. The ball may be held in any matter during delivery
v. Pausing is allowed on the back swing
vi. Pitching distance is 50 feet (6 –12-foot arc)
vii. The ball MUST be pitched at a slow rate of speed
viii. Any pitch higher than 12 feet will be declared an illegal pitch
ix. Pump Fakes are NOT permitted
x. No behind the back or between the legs is allowed
xi. Balls and Strikes will be called by the umpire in accordance with slow pitch rules
xii. Any pitched ball that hits the mat or plate is a strike
xiii. All batters will start the count at 1-1 with no courtesy foul, but if a foul is hit with two strikes the batter is out via a strike out.
22. 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
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.
23. LEADING, BUNTING & STEALING is prohibited
i. Base runners may neither steal bases nor lead off bases before the batter contacts ball (should this happen, the runner will be considered out and the play ruled dead)
ii. If a batter swings and misses a pitched ball, any runners that came off their occupied bases AFTER the batter’s swing-and-miss are OUT
iii. Base runners may tag up and advance on fly balls. Exception: Tagging up - if a catch is in foul territory on a hit that causes a strikeout, the ball is dead as with any other strikeout in slow pitch
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. The courtesy runner must be male for male, female for female
iv. Teams are permitted 4 courtesy runners per game and they must be identified at ground rules
25. RE-ENTRY - Any and 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 player’s in attendance to replace the injured sub, then they can re-enter again.
26. BASES:
Teams will supply the bases for all fields McMahon 1 & 4, Hazlet VMP, Ross 1 & 2, Dorsett, Cambridge (Lloyd Road), & Lower Geick and it is recommended they wipe them down before putting them back in their vehicle. Both home and visitor should bring them to each game to ensure there is always a set available to play. The umpires will measure the proper distance and may or may not have a backup set of bases. (Home teams would be responsible for the bases so each game they should be switched out. Bases are a Double First Base and 2 single bases, pitching rubber may not be at the fields so if you have one you can bring it and it will be measured out.
* If a team forgets the bases and is the HOME team and the VISITING team has to use their bases then the HOME team game fee is $30 to the Umpire and the VISITING TEAM pays $20 to umpire
** If both teams forget the bases then they can ask the umpire if they have a set of bases for the game to be played, if the umpire does have bases then each team will pay $30 to the umpire for those games.
27. PROTESTS
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).
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. If this process is not followed, then the protest will not be allowed.
v. For a Roster protest - Any starting players MUST be protested by the end of the third inning, all substitutes must be protested at the end of the inning they enter the game.
vi. 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
vii. 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.
viii. 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
ix. IMPORTANT: a protest decision will not be made on the spot, unless it determines if a team plays again in the same night.
x. 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
xi. Umpire judgement calls (such as balls and strikes, out or safe are not permitted to be protested)
28. UNSPORTSMEN LIKE CONDUCT of any league official, township official, umpire, player or spectator will not be tolerated.
i. Excessive abuse of an umpire or malicious contact with officials or opposing players is grounds for EJECTION and or team forfeit.
ii. Trash talking will not be tolerated and can be grounds for an ejection.
iii. Any ejection from a game is an AUTOMATIC 1 game suspension of the teams next playable game (rain outs do not consist of the next game) NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule.
iv. Any player or coach who strikes an umpire will automatically be suspended for the remainder of season.
v. The league has a right to suspend any player or coach upon umpire's recommendation.
vi. Two ejections of the same player will be automatic suspension for season.
vii. Fighting will result in the umpire immediately ending the game and both teams will forfeit the game
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 can be found at: https://www.leaguelineup.com/topnews.asp?url=cnj_slowpitch&itemid=2107132)
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 as a result of a softball play.
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.cnjsoftballslowpitch.com) within 48 hours of the game being played
ii. It is important to communicate an accurate score since tie-breakers 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).
1. Tie breakers will be as follows:
- Most Points
- Head to Head
- Division Record
- 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: ALL LEAGUES: (PLEASE NOTE PRIZES ARE SEASON TO SEASON SPRING CHAMP DISCOUNT FOLLOWING SPRING, FALL FOLLOWING FALL)
MIDDLETOWN SUNDAY LEAGUE: (One division which will split into A & B)
- A Bracket (Seeds 1-6) Play for Free Entry the following Spring or Fall season and a team trophy,
- B Bracket (Seeds 7-12) Play for 75% off the following Spring or Fall seasin and a team trophy,
* If a C Bracket is established they will play for 50% off the following Spring or Fall season and a team trophy
JACKSON SUNDAY LEAGUE:: (Currently one division)
- Champion will receive a team trophy and FREE entry off the following Spring or Fall season
WEEKNIGHT LEAGUE: (Currently one division, which will split into A & B)
- Champion for each division will recieve a team trophy and 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.
