PC Kids Inc

Ponca City Kids Inc.

Official Rule Book 2022

 

The enclosed rules have been approved by the Ponca City Kids Inc., Board of Directors to govern co-ed t-ball and softball ages 3-14 years of age. The rules dated 07/16/2022 supersede all previous rules, verbal agreements, traditional practices, etc. It is the policy and intent of the Board of Directors to strictly enforce these rules in all Pre-Season, Regular Season, and Post Season competition. All rules are governed by Ponca City Kids Inc., and USA (Softball). Ponca City Kids Inc. rules supersede USA rules. Any variances must be presented in writing to the Board of Directories. No rules shall supersede Ponca City Kids, Inc. by-laws. Any Rule not covered will be governed by USA rules.

I. FORMATION OF TEAMS:

SIGN-UPS: All sign-ups are processed by the Board of Directors of Kids Inc. Each spring and fall, widespread public notice will be given via social media concerning the sign-up location, cost, and deadline. The Board of Directors may extend the cutoff date for the sign-ups if the overall number of sign-ups is low and additional time is necessary. Sign-ups will not be extended to accommodate a given individual/s. Players who sign-up before the cutoff date will be placed on teams. Sign-ups will not be accepted if fund raiser or goods have not been turned in from a previous year. Absolutely no new sign-ups will be accepted after the start of pre-season tournament begins (or start of regular season if no pre-season tournament is scheduled.)

LATE SIGN-UPS: A $5.00 late fee will be assessed to all individuals who submit sign-up after assigned deadline. Rosters must be set and submitted to Board of Directors prior to start of pre-season tournament or regular season play if no pre-season tournament is scheduled.

TEAM SIZE: Teams will normally have 12 players in order to ensure more playing time for all children. The one exception to this rule is that the Board may, at its discretion, add an extra player to one or more teams if circumstances indicate that such placement is desirable and is fair and equitable to all involved. Such instances will be decided on a case by case basis after careful study of individual circumstances. Teams will be limited to 12 players unless determined by the Board.

ROSTER: All coaches must turn in completed roster with players name and number to the league commissioner prior to start of the pre-season tournament.

ROSTER CHANGE: Any roster change must be made through the commissioner of the league and approved by the Ponca City Kids Inc. Board prior to play. Unauthorized roster changes result in forfeiture of all games played with an unauthorized roster.

DROPOUTS: It shall be the responsibility of the Coach to submit to the commissioner a signed note indicating the reason for the dropout as soon as possible after a player drops. There will be NO refunds issued after pre-season tournament play begins or the season begins.

CERTIFICATION OF AGE: A player may not participate in a group younger than the player’s official age group (league). Coaches must provide proof of any player’s age if requested by the Commissioner. Birth certificates will be acceptable as proof of age. Coaches may challenge through the Commissioner, the age of the players on other teams. The name of the challenging Coach will be kept confidential by the Commissioner.

CHALLENGES: Challenges must be made at least 24 hours prior to game time to have an impact on the game. If a player is proved to be older than the age cutoff date, all games will be forfeited in which the player has participated in. 

II. COACHES

SELECTION AND APPROVAL OF COACHES:

Ponca City Kids Inc. encourages interested parents to volunteer for Head and Assistant Coaching positions. Extensive knowledge of the game is not a prerequisite. A simple working knowledge of t-ball and softball coupled with a genuine interest in children many times gives the best result. Individuals interested in coaching should notify a Commissioner or Board Member or indicate such interest on their child’s sign-up form. 

RESPOSIBILITIES TO PONCA CITY KIDS INC.

Ponca City Kids Inc. is very appreciative of individuals who are willing to give generously of their time and energy to work with young people. More than any other group, coaches affect the attitudes of the players and parent toward t-ball and softball. Ponca City Kids Inc. is interested in encouraging quality competition. A winning attitude is valuable to a child throughout his/her lifetime; however, the quest for winning must be kept in perspective during all Ponca City Kids Inc. activities. Coaches must recognize that Ponca City Kids Inc., was established for the children, not as an instrument for any coach’s self-indulgence. Acceptance of a coaching position carries with it responsibilities, some of them are:

COACHES DO'S:

Submit a yearly background check.

Follow all Ponca City Kids Inc. rules.

Consider players interest first.

Conduct yourself and your team in a sportsmanlike manner at all times.

Be a good example for young children both on and off the field.

Work with the team parents to foster good sportsmanship in the stands.

Encourage team to support the Concession stand.

Responsible for coordinating with Fund-Raiser Director.

Schedule practices/scrimmages on Ponca City Kids Inc. fields through Commissioner.

Report dropouts/suspension to the Commissioner. When a head coach finds it necessary to suspend a player(s) from a game, the Commissioner and Vice-President must be notified of the details immediately. They will investigate and take any disciplinary action. After the action is decided, the parents will be informed BEFORE that action is taken. The board will be notified at the next regular meeting.

Provide official scorekeeper when your team is home team. Visitors should also keep a book for accuracy.

Post-Game Duties for both teams: cleaning out dugout and picking up litter around fan area.

Post-Game Duties for home team: turn in score to concession stand, and pulling all the bases.

NOTE: NON-COMPLIANCE OF THESE DUTIES COULD RESULT IN THE SUSPENSION OF THE COACH.

 

COACHES DON'TS:

ABUSE OF THE UMPIRES WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! 

Must not smoke on or near the playing field.

Must not use loud or abusive language. 

Must not form unauthorized teams.

 

III. FAN PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES

Ponca City Kids, Inc. wants parents and friends of players to attend every game possible. Fans are an important part of this organization. Each parent or guardian has signed a Ponca City Kids, Inc. participation form for their son or daughter. We expect each parent or guardian to uphold the rules and regulations of Ponca City Kids, Inc. and discourage and outbursts of temper, heckling remarks, or actions unbecoming of a good sport. The head coach will be given a warning from the umpire if any such behavior happens, it is then the Coaches responsibility to make sure it doesn't continue.

Any person who acts in an un-sportsmanlike or abusive manner, uses foul language, or consumes alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on the premises is subject to ejection from the park by the Board and the Ponca City Police Department, if necessary. Repeated incidents can lead to a permanent barring of individuals. Any individual player, coach, umpire, and/or fan who is ejected from any portion of the complex will be subjected to ejection from that game plus 1 future game.

Team coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, parents and should contact a Board Member immediately if any rules are being broken. The head coach will be subjected to the same ejection as their parent/fan, plus 1 future game.

 

IIV. FIELD PROCEDURES AND OFFICIALS

UMPIRES: The head umpire of softball will provide a list of all umpires to the board for approval. All umpires will report to their respective Head Umpire. It is the decision of the Board of Directors that the umpire behind the plate be so empowered that he/she can enforce both USA and Ponca City Kids, Inc. softball rules.

Umpires will furnish their own equipment and uniform. Uniform shall consist of a powder blue T-shirt, with a collar of button-up style. Navy blue shorts or long pants (navy or gray) are the official pants. Umpires will maintain a professional appearance on the field.

In the event of a forfeit, the umpire will remain on the field to call a possible scrimmage game.

The umpire behind the plate will be the Umpire in chief of the game being played. At the time the Chief Umpire steps onto the field, he/she becomes in complete control on that field. Should a problem arise he/she will see the Umpire director or the appropriate league commissioner if the Umpire director is not available.

By referring to Ponca City Kids, Inc. regulations and the USA softball and Ponca City Kids, Inc. rule books, he/she should be able to properly administer his/her official duties. Ponca City Kids, Inc. rules supersede USA, and any others. The Umpire shall also make sure that both score books remain out of the field of play and in close proximity to each other. The dugout is part of the playing field.

The Umpire Director and one or two board members, not in conflict with the infraction can remove an umpire from a game for these fractions.

Foul or abusive language

Outbursts of temper

Visual evidence of impairment

Failure to enforce or comply with Kids Inc. rules

A suspension of two or more games can be administered by the Board of Directors. 

 

PROTESTS: Only approved coaches may file formal protests. No protest will be allowed on umpire judgment decisions. No protest will be allowed on misinterpretation of rules, unless the protest is made at the time of the disputed play and before play is resumed.

Hopefully, most disagreements will be settled quickly on the spot without an official protest. In either event, coaches and umpires shall not allow a lengthy argument to continue in front of the players or fans.

If a protest is believed necessary, an approved coach must:

Notify the umpires and official scorekeeper that the game is being continued under protest.

Within 24 hours after the game the approved coach of the protesting team must supply the commissioner a written description of the protest.

The scorekeeper will:

Indicate the time of the protest in the official score book and mark the point in the game at which the protest occurred.

The scorebook will be given to the respective Commissioner following the game.

The Commissioner will bring the score book and written protest to the Board of Directors. The final decision will be rendered and the affected coaches will be notified of the secession within one week.

Exception: Tournament games must be settled by Tournament Protest Committee before any other games proceed.

 

EXPLANATION OF GROUND RULES:

Special ground rules or field regulations will be discussed by the Head Umpire with the coaches from both teams prior to each game

 

WARM UP PERIOD PRIOR TO THE GAME:

Each team will be allowed a 5 minute warm up period if feasible prior to each game. The umpire shall determine if a warm up period will be allowed. Field preparation, warm-up, and other preliminary activities shall be started sufficiently early to allow starting of games at officially scheduled times. GAME TIME IS FIRST PITCH.

GAME FORFEITURES 

Games shall start on time if at all possible; no more than 15 minutes deviation shall be allowed by the Head Umpire and only then from genuine hardships such as car trouble experienced in route to the game. The Head Umpire will exercise his/her judgment in declaring an approved delay, after first consulting with the Coaches present. If a team cannot field 7 players 15 minutes after scheduled game time, the Head Umpire will declare forfeit. A team that starts with 7 players cannot finish with 6, a forfeiture will be declared. 

If neither team can field (seven) 7 players, an attempt will be made to reschedule, or play on make-up day.

The home team coach will report any forfeit to the League Commissioner within 24 hours. A 72 hour notice will be required to be eligible for rescheduling due to a school function.

ADVERSE WEATHER: In case of adverse weather, the field conditions will be checked by the President or Grounds Director, decisions of postponement will be made by 3:00 p.m., and commissioners will be notified, and in turn will notify the appropriate coaches of cancelations. 

OTHER POSTPONEMENTS:  League games must be played unless postponed by mutual agreement and with the Commissioner’s approval. Otherwise they will be considered a forfeited game.

DUGOUT PROCEDURES:During any game, all players must be seated on the bench behind the protective fence. The only players allowed outside are the base runners, batter, and 1 player in the “on deck” circle. The bat boy/girl may perform their duties as required; however, when a batter is in the batter’s box, the bat person must be behind the fence. A maximum of 3 adults (Approved coaches and/or helping parents) a bat boy/girl may be within the dugout and playing area. While their team is in the field, coaches will remain in the dugout unless a time out is called. The 3rd base dugout is considered the dugout for the home team. 8 & under leagues will have a maximum of 4 adults. For co-ed T-ball, see co-ed T-ball league rules. Only individuals described above may be on the field during the game. 

GAME BALL: The Head Umpire will provide a game ball for every game, which is provided by the Equipment Director.

OFFICIAL SCOREKEEPER: The first team listed on the schedule is the home team and is responsible for designating an official scorekeeper before each game and informing the head umpire of the scorekeeper’s location. During tournaments, “HOME” team will be decided by the toss of a coin. Both coaches are responsible for submitting lineups to the official scorekeeper no later than 10 minutes before game time. The scorekeeper will also be responsible for recording protests as stated in above and record field playing time for players on both teams. The scorekeepers will position themselves in near proximity to the home plate umpire, outside of the playing field. DUGOUT IS PART OF PLAYING FIELD.

V. GAMEPLAY AND TOURNAMENT COMPETITION - USA AND PONCA CITY KIDS, INC.

INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM AWARDS: Each year Ponca City Kids, Inc. presents individual and team awards to various championship teams. Nothing seems to brighten the eyes of a young child more than winning an award. Ponca City Kids, Inc. attempts to present modest, yet reasonable awards. The number and the amount spent varies each year and is dependent on funds available. Board of Directors approval is required for appropriation of funds each year.

Individual Awards are presented as follows:

Three (3) Team League: 1st place only.

Four (4) to five (5) Team League: 1st and 2nd place only.

Six (6) or more Team League: 1st through 3rd place.

At the end of season play, a “Participation” Award will be given to Co-ed four (3) through (5) year’s old league only.

  

TIE BREAKERS FOR TEAM STANDINGS:

Tiebreakers will be determined by the following:

The first tiebreaker method will be head to head competition in league play.

The second tiebreaker method will be total runs allowed for the season in league play. 

The third tiebreaker method will be total runs scored for the season in league play.

 

VI. RULES OF LEAGUE PLAY: These are general rules for all USA Softball leagues. T-ball will be covered in its entirety in a separate section.

Automatic Outs: If a player is not present at the beginning of the game, the Coach must put the player’s name in the scorebook if he feels the player is coming. If the player is not present when due to bat the first time, the Coach may either remove them from that frame or take an automatic out. If an out is taken the first time at bat, it must be taken every time until the player is available to bat.

If during the game a player becomes ill or is injured and cannot continue to play, they should be removed from the roster. If they are left on the roster, an automatic out is incurred when the ill or injured player is scheduled to bat. Once they are removed from the roster, they cannot re-enter the game.

Run Rules: 

12 runs after 3 innings

10 runs after 4 innings 

8 runs after 5 innings 

Game Tie Breaker: League play will end in tie and tournament play will be international tie breaker until winner is determined.

Minimum Playing Times: The unlimited substitution rule will be applied to help give each player more playing time (each player must play at least one (1) inning on defense). Penalty for not abiding by the rule will be forfeiture of game. Substitutes playing time will be recorded in the official scorebook; i.e. Player/innings in the field.

In the event a Coach wishes to remove a child from a game in progress for flagrant misconduct, he/she must notify the Home Plate Umpire. The Umpire will issue the child a warning. If misconduct continues the Home Plate Umpire will have the authority to eject the player from the game. A second occurrence must be reported to the appropriate Commissioner.

The team roster must be recorded in the assigned home teams official score book at the start of the game, including substitutes.

Teams will bat entire roster order.

No player may coach any base at any time.

No team will take an out for only having seven players fielded in regular season. 

An out will be taken during tournament play each at bat that the missing 8th player would have taken.

In tournament play, game time must have expired before the final out of the inning and be announced by the Home Plate Umpire, “Game time has expired, we will finish the inning.” If not game will continue for one final inning.

In tournament play losers bracket - a coin flip will decide home team

 

COACH PITCH 8 & UNDER GIRLS SOFTBALL

I. GAME LENGTHS: 60 minutes for games. When time limit is reached, the current inning will be completed unless the home team is ahead by more than the run limit allows.

II. LEAGUE RULES: 

10 players are allowed on the field, with 4 being outfielders, they must remain behind the base lines. Only 6 players, including the pitcher and the catcher may play in the infield.

The infield fly rule does not apply.

The batter is out if the catcher drops the ball on the 3rd strike.

Infielders must stay behind the 35 ft. arc until the ball is batted.

In routine play situations, the ball must be thrown or the batter/runner will be safe. We are trying to teach throwing and catching the ball. It will be left to the judgement of the umpire and only the Head coach may ask for clarification of any judgement call. (Note: Good rule of thumb is anytime a defensive player runs more than 3-4 steps to tag an offensive player it would be considered a run down, resulting in the offensive player to be safe.)

An outfielder may not make an infield out.

Play does not stop until the lead runner has stopped advancing.

There is a 6 run limit per half inning per team.

Teams must bat entire line up.

T Ball bats may be used during games in this age group.

Base lengths will be 60 ft.

Distance to pitcher’s mound will be 35 ft.

Bunting is not allowed in Coach Pitch.

There is no tie breaker for League Play Games.

International Tie Breaker Rule is in effect during tournament play.

No metal cleats allowed

III. NUMBER OF PITCHES:

5 pitches or 3 missed swings, whichever comes first. If the 5th pitch is hit foul, the pitcher will pitch again until the batter misses the pitch; hits the ball fair or fouls out to a defensive player in the game. Walks are not allowed, including intentional walks. (FOR EXAMPLE: If the batter has one strike after four pitches and hits a foul ball (a foul ball that is not caught or a foul tip that the catcher catches) on the fifth pitch he/she is allowed another pitch.)

In the event the coach pitching is struck by a batted ball, it will be declared a dead ball and the batter/runner is awarded first base and all additional runners are awarded one base. Subsequently, if the coach pitching, does not make an effort to avoid getting hit by a batted ball or interferes with a defensive play the batter will be called out, and all base runners will return to the previous occupied base.

Coach Pitcher must have contact with the pitching rubber upon beginning each pitch.

One defensive player must begin each pitch even with or behind, but no closer than 3 ft. as determined by the umpire, of the pitching rubber. This player must remain in this starting position until the ball is hit by the batter. No other players may play in front of the 35 ft. arc. (PENALTY: The batter/runner is awarded first base and all additional runners are awarded one base.)

A minimum of 7 players is required on a team to play a game. No automatic outs will be taken when there are fewer than 9 players on a team.

If a player at bat cannot continue, an out will be taken. If a player on base is injured and cannot continue playing, a courtesy runner will be inserted for them. The courtesy runner will be the teams last out.

The batting lineup cannot change during the game except when a player arriving late for a game can be added to the bottom of the batting order. The umpire must be notified before a player can be added.

Free substitution in the field is allowed.

All players in the line-up must play in the field and be in the field for a minimum of 3 outs before the end of the game. 

Pitcher, 1st baseman, and 3rd baseman will always wear a facemask in the field.

 

10 & UNDER GIRLS FASTPITCH SOFTBALL

 I. GAME LENGTHS: 60 minutes for games. When time limit is reached, the current inning will be completed unless the home team is ahead by more than the run limit allows.

 II. LEAGUE RULES:

10 players with 4 being outfielders. (Outfielders may NOT be pulled in)

The infield fly rule does not apply.

Dropped 3rd strike rule does apply.

Kid pitcher will pitch until ball 4 is reached then the coach will come in and complete the remaining strikes.  (For example: if the batter has 2 strikes on her, the Coach has one pitch) 

Foul balls will be played as usual.

No stealing or bunting will be allowed while coach is pitching.

Stealing multiple bases is allowed once the ball leaves the pitchers hand while kid is pitching. Stealing home is allowed.

Pitcher is limited to 2 consecutive inning (pitcher then must sit out pitching 1 inning prior to returning).

Pitching distance will be 35 feet.

Base lengths will be 60 feet.

11 inch ball will be used.

6 runs scored will end the half inning.

In the event the coach pitching is struck by a batted ball, it will be declared a dead ball and the batter/runner is awarded first base and all additional runners are awarded one base. Subsequently, if the coach pitching, does not make an effort to avoid getting hit by a batted ball or interferes with a defensive play the batter will be called out, and all base runners will return to the previous occupied base.

Coach Pitcher must have contact with the rubber upon beginning each pitch. Base runners must have contact with the base until the ball is batted while the coach is pitching. If the runner leaves the base before the ball is batted while the coach is pitching that runner will be called out. 

Pitcher, 1st baseman, and 3rd baseman will wear a facemask at all times in the field.

No metal cleats

 

12 & UNDER GIRLS FASTPITCH SOFTBALL

I. GAME LENGTH: 60 minutes for games scheduled. When the time limit is reached, the current inning will be completed.

II. LEAGUE RULES:

Base Length will be 60 feet.

Pitching distance will be 40 feet.

12 inch ball will be used.

Unlimited pitching.

9 players with 3 players being outfielders.

6 runs scored will end the half inning.

Infield fly rule is in effect.

Run Rule is in effect.

Pitcher, 1st baseman, and 3rd baseman will wear a facemask at all times in the field.

Earrings will need to be removed or covered.

No metal cleats allowed 

 

14 & UNDER GIRLS FASTPITCH SOFTBALL 

I. GAME LENGTH: 60 minutes for games scheduled. When the time limit is reached, the current inning will be completed.

II. LEAGUE RULES:

Base Length will be 60 feet.

Pitching distance will be 43 feet.

12 inch ball will be used.

Unlimited pitching.

6 runs scored will end the half inning (League Games Only)

9 players with 3 players being outfielders.

Infield fly rule is in effect.

Run Rule is in effect. There is no per inning run limit.

Pitcher, 1st baseman, 3rd baseman will wear a facemask at all times on the field.

Earrings will be removed or covered.

Metal cleats are allowed.

 

CO-ED T-BALL BOYS AND GIRLS 

I. GAME LENGTH: Length of game will be limited to one (1) hour time limit. The game will be umpired and each team bats entire lineup minimum of one (1) time.

II. LEAGUE RULES:

After all the players have been signed up and it is determined how many teams there will be, teams will be put together. 

Teams will normally consist of 12 players. All players will play on the field each inning, with 6 of them being infielders.

To develop each child, they will play a different position every game. No child can play the same position, until all team members have played both infield and outfield. This rotation is to continue throughout the season. The purpose is to give each child a chance to experience the many different positions on a team.

The visiting team will bat first after the ball is hit from the tee. If the fielder attempts to throw to first base, the runner cannot run to second base. If no throw is attempted, the runner will be allowed to run the bases until a throw is attempted, they are tagged out, or reach home plate. When a throw is attempted, the runner will have to remain on the base they are closest to. The half inning will end when three (3) outs are recorded or six (6) runs are scored.

Base lengths will be 45 feet. Pitching distance will be a minimum of 15 feet. Pitching rubber is 30 feet.

BATTERS:

T-BALL BATS ONLY. Batters must wear headgear all around the bases. Batters will receive four (4) swings at the ball placed on the T-ball tee. If the ball is not hit, the batter will be called out. The ball must be hit in fair territory between 1st and 3rd base. 

RUNNERS: Runners will remain on base until the ball is hit. Runners must touch all applicable bases. Runners will advance only one base per play.

FIELDERS: Infielders will not be allowed to be pulled in excessively prior to the hit. (Example: Shortstop may not play next to the Pitcher). Infielders may not move more than 5 feet in front of the base line prior to the hit. Player/Pitcher must have BOTH feet in contact with the pitching rubber or no pitch is called and the ball is returned to the tee. Outfielders must play a minimum of 5” behind the baseline.

CATCHERS: The catcher must wear a batting helmet. It is the coach at home plate responsibility to protect the catcher while a player is at bat. Once the ball is in play the catcher assumes his/her defensive position.

BATTING TEE:

The coach shall place the batting tee on home plate and remove immediately when the ball is hit.

A foul ball hit gets one more swing.

A legal hit from the tee is any ball not touching home plate that has a forward motion away from home plate in fair territory.

COACHES:

Offense: 2 in the Coaches boxes and 1 at home plate to return the ball to the Coach Pitcher or to the T-Ball stand and removal of the Tee after the ball has been hit.

Defense: 1 or 2 Coaches/parents may be on the field to float around and position players.

THERE WILL BE KEEPING OF SCORE DURING LEAGUE PLAY.