PRIME TIME SENIOR SOFTBALL LEAGUE

PRIME TIME SENIOR SOFTBALL LEAGUE

Rules and Regulations and Mission Statement

September 1, 2019

Mission Statement

Our purpose is to provide a recreational senior softball environment in the spirit of  

camaraderie for seniors age 55 and over. A NON-voting elected commissioner, and

assigned committee members hereafter referred to as the BOARD OF DIRECTORS will

govern the league. Teams will be made up of players with a balanced skill level and will

adhere to the Rules and Policy adopted by the league.

Prime Time Senior Softball League will be governed by playing rules from the “Official

Senior Softball ISA Rulebook” and the league’s “Rules & Policies” except as otherwise

modified by the Board of Directors.

Rules

I. Definitions

A. available player- a player is available if assigned to a team, present at game

time, sufficiently healthy to play, and not under suspension.

B. borrowed player - a player who temporarily plays for a team other than his

regular team.

C. Replacement player - a player from the sub list that meets our rules

D. Substitute player - a player from the duty teams or sub list. That meets our rules

E. Short-handed team - a team that cannot field at least eleven (11) players from

its roster.

II. Player & Roster Rules

A. Team Rosters

1. Roster sizes will be determined at the draft that will be conducted as

provided by the drafting requirements. Managers are responsible for

coming to the field with enough players to play the opposing team. Any

manager found guilty of using the “I’ll call you if I need you” scenario

will be dropped from the league and another manager assigned to

replace him. It is the responsibility of all players to notify the Board if

they have been told to show up to play only when called. Managers are

responsible to advise the board of a player who intends to drop out from

their respective team for any reason.

ADDITIONALLY MANAGERS CALLING OTHER TEAM’S PLAYERS TO CHECK ON IF

MANAGERS ARE ADVISING PLAYERS TO STAY AWAY WILL BE

DROPPED FROM THE LEAGUE. ALSO MANAGERS ARE NOT ALLOWED

TO CALL A SUBSTITUTE FOR THERE TEAM.

2. In order to be eligible to play, each player must reach the age of at least

fifty five (55) years of age during that calendar year and must sign a Player

Waiver/Contract.

3. All players will be assigned a point value rating by the board. The Board

of Directors shall allocate the league players to establish competitive

balance between the teams. The highest player rating possible is ten (10)

points and the lowest permitted rating is one (1) point. The numerical

ratings are assigned based on hitting, fielding, throwing, running

abilities and knowledge of the game. 

4. Managers will draft their own team players in accordance with the Prime

Time Senior Softball draft procedures. Managers may not have an assistant

helping during the draft process unless they are a first time manager. After

the drafting process is complete with an equal number of players on each

team, any excess players will be place on the sub list.

5. During the FIRST THREE WEEKS AFTER THE DRAFT managers may

propose player trades provided that the trades consist of an equal number of players,

maintain competitive balance and are agreed to by the involved players, all involved

managers and approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors, by majority

vote, may void a trade on the grounds that the competitive balance of the league is

adversely affected. The board will make reasonable effort to accommodate

a player who requests to be assigned to a different team for personal reasons.

6. In the event that the managers fail to reach agreement on any issue

during the draft, the League’s Board of Directors will resolve any

disagreements by majority vote. The draft shall be attended by each

manager (or a representative chosen by any manager who is unable to

attend), the commissioner and the at-large members of the Board of

Directors.

7. Players selected for a team and placed upon a roster will remain assigned

to that team throughout the entire league season except as provided by these

rules. Injured players that will be out for the remainder of the season will

be placed on the inactive list and the manager  will request a

comparably rated replacement.  Playerinjuried for a short period of time

will be made to sit out for 4 games and a replacement will be named.

When that player is able to return from his injury, he will return to the team

and the replacement will be returned to the reserve list. All assignments of

replacement players shall be the responsibility of the pool person

 and must stay within the rules of fair play. If the board feels a mistake

has been made a majority vote by board members will be needed

to correct  said error.

ADDITIONALLY IF A MANAGER DOES NOT REQUEST TO

REPLACE AN INJURED OR MISSING PLAYER TO GAIN A

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE THE BOARD WILL ASSIGN A PLAYER

OF COMPARABLE VALUE.

8. Non Playing managers may not play in league games as a substitute

under any circumstances. Non Playing rated managers may play in league

games as a replacement player for a rostered team player of equal rating.

9. In the event that a team is regularly shorthanded while another team

regularly has a surplus of players, one or more players may be assigned to a

different team with the consent of the managers of the respective teams and

the player(s) to be reassigned.

10. In the event the league has an odd number or excessive number of

teams the league will utilize these teams each week for substitute players to

fill in on the playing teams. The bye team or teams will be called the Duty

Teams. Playing team managers are responsible to poll their players by

Sunday evenings requesting they reply by Wednesday night as to their

availability to play the following Sunday. Playing managers must contact

the pool chairman by Wednesday night with their request for substitute

players. Playing managers are advised to list any player that has not

responded to the manager’s availability request as a missing player. If the

player that had not responded or had responded stating he will not be

available to play and was declared missing by the manager shows up at the

field he will not be allowed to play if the manager was issued a substitute

player for the player. He will only be allowed to play for his team if no

substitute players were issued or at game time the team has 10 or less

players with both managers consent

Only playing teams having ten (10) or less players will be awarded equally

or lower rated substitute players from a duty team if available. The intent is

to bring the playing team up to an 11 player roster. No additional substitute

players will be awarded once the playing team roster reaches a total of 11

players. If both teams have 11 or more players there will be no supplying a

catcher to either team. If a team loses a player due to injury reducing their

roster to 10 or less, the other team is required to supply a catcher. If both

teams have 10 or less players each team will supply a catcher for the other

team. If one team has 10 players at the start of the game, the other team

does not have to supply a catcher and the shorthanded team must eliminate

the shortfielder position.

If required during a tournament week, adjust the number of players required

to field a team from 11 to 10 in order to make substitute players available to

more teams.

The pool chairman will assign a comparable player of equal rating or 1

point less of the missing player. It is the Pool Chairman’s responsibility to

call players on the Duty team roster first and sub list second by Friday and

or Saturday to solicit their participation when needed to substitute for

missing players on shorthanded teams. Pool players will be assigned to

teams by Friday or Saturday at the discretion of the Pool Chairman and not

on a “first called first served” basis. Priority shall be given to teams who are

missing their first and second pitchers. In addition, each team requesting a

player shall not obtain more than one player until each team requesting a

player has been assigned a player. No team should be able to improve

themselves by replacing a roster player with a substitute from the duty

team. The substitute coordinator will continue to fill vacant slots for teams

that qualify for a substitute with players of an equal rating.

11. Late registered players will be placed on a sub list and be utilized as per

Paragraph 7. When sub list players are assigned to a team they will then pay

their sub fee.  Sub list players can be utilized as substitute

players by the pool chairman without incurring any cost above there sub registration fee.

12. Uninjured players absent without being excused for more than three (3)

consecutive games will be removed from the team roster and placed on the

sub list. An existing comparable sub list player will be placed on the roster

of the team losing the uninjured player. In the event a sub list player is not

available to replace the roster player the roster player will remain on the

team but will not be eligible to participate in any playoff games unless that

player participates in the required number of games or meets the exceptions

listed in these rules.

13. If a player is taken to the hospital by the EMT, a representative from

PTSSL, if available, should follow in their car as soon as possible. Player’s

manager must fill out accident report and submit it to PBCPR DIRECTOR

Fields Chairman who will submit it to PBCPR Recreation Services all

IMMEDIATELY BY PHONE AND FAX within 24 hours.

14. If a player is new to the league (first season and not known to the board

before the draft) or on the substitute list and arbitrarily assigned a rating, he

may be re-rated at a board meeting. Any board member may request that a

qualified player be re-rated. The board member will make a motion to

change the rating to a specified number. It will be voted on and if the

majority of the board agrees, his rating will be changed.

16. Ratings will not be changed during the season for roster players in the

league due to injury or a slump or improved play.

17. All players will be discussed and may be re-rated at last board meeting

prior to each season’s draft.

18. Board members and managers should come to the draft prepared to

discuss the ratings of any player who requires re-rating before the draft

begins.

B. Player Utilization

1. The maximum number of players who can play in the field

(defensively) at one time is eleven. Managers are required to play each

available player on defense for at least three innings per game. Except if

the team has 12 players. The 12th player may be a EH only, but the

player must agree and the opposing manager and umpire must be notified.

The EH may play the field if another player becomes injured. Each

available player is to be placed in the batting order.

2. Managers are required to provide the opposing team manager with a

signed and dated written copy of their line-ups not later than ten (10)

minutes prior to game time.

3. A player who arrives after the start of the game may be put in the lineup

without removing another player but must be placed last in the batting

order. The player will not be permitted to play if his team has batted their

first batter a second time. The player at that point may be able to be used

as a sub. The player he would replace would be out of the game and can only

re-enter for the player he sub'd for

4. A late arriving player on the roster of a team that is using a borrowed

player will be inserted in the line-up in place of the borrowed player at the

beginning of the next half inning providing his team’s leadoff batter has

not batted twice. The borrowed player will return to his team and may be

inserted in the line-up at the beginning of the next half inning anyplace in

the batting line-up. The late arriving player will be placed last in the

batting order.

5. A player who is injured during the course of a game may be removed

from the field and from the batting line-up without being declared an out

at his next intended turn at bat providing his team’s batting order has at

least nine (9) players remaining or is at even strength with the opposing

team. Players so removed from the line-up may not return to the line-up,

serve in a defensive position, or serve as a courtesy runner during the

balance of the game.

6. In the event a player needs to leave the game before its completion both

managers and the umpire must be informed prior to the start of the game

to eliminate the automatic out when the player would have come to bat.

The umpire will call an automatic out for the batting spot of any players

who leaves without proper notification or for players that have been

ejected from the game. Any player who leaves his team without

permission of his manager or is ejected from the game by the manager or

umpire may be suspended from future games or the entire season at the

discretion of the board.

C. Borrowed Players

1. If a team cannot field at least eleven (11) players from its roster, that

team must borrow league players from the pool, to the point that it can

field eleven (11) players. Requesting a 12th or more player is not an

option. Players must be borrowed and utilized only as provided in these

rules section.

2. Teams that have more than eleven (11) players available at game time

may but are not obligated to offer to allow one or more of its players to

play for a shorthanded team. The shorthanded team must accept the

offered player until their roster reaches eleven (11) players. No player may

be borrowed without that player’s consent. Shorthanded teams will first

look to borrow a an equally rated or lower rated player from a team on

another field or a player sitting in the bleachers with the approval of

 pool chairman, LEAGUE COMMISSIONER OR ASSISTANT COMMISsioNER before

going to the opposing team. This is because the league prefers not to have

a player play against his own team.

3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the managers may agree for the non-shorthanded

team to provide a catcher. This format should be utilized

when the shorthanded team is missing two or more players rated 7 and

above. A borrowed player, if available, should be utilized when the shorthanded

team is not missing two or more players rated 7 or higher.

4. The point value rating of the borrowed player from the opposing team

may be more or less than the rating of the missing player being replaced.

5. Replacement and substitute players may play and bat at the discretion

of the manager. Borrowed players must bat at the end of the batting order.

III. Schedules

1. Season - During the season each team will be scheduled to play a minimum of

ten (10) games or a maximum of twenty-four (24) games per session or as

determined by the Board of Directors.

2. Dates of play – Season and game schedules may be adjusted by a vote of the

board. Fall/Winter season games shall begin on the first available Sunday in

October OR EARLY NOVEMBER and be played on fields assigned by the Palm

Beach County Parks and Recreation. In the event of one single nine (9) inning

game, the warm up session game shall begin at the time the field assignment

permits require 8:30AM or as close thereto as possible with no time limit in

effect. In the event of doubleheaders, the first game shall begin after the warm up

session at the time the field assignment permits require or as close thereto as

possible. The second game will follow the completion of the first game. The time

limit for each game of a doubleheader shall be one hour and fifteen minutes. Each

game of a doubleheader shall consist of seven (7) innings. If the final out in the

bottom of the fifth inning has not yet been recorded, at sixty (60) minutes after the

actual start game of the game, the umpire shall announce that the inning will be

finished and one more inning shall be played. The match-up and field assignment

for the first and second games will remain the same. Home team and visiting

team for each game will be indicated on the schedule. In a 7 inning game the

batter will begin with a count of one ball and one strike (1-1) and no courtesy foul

is permitted.

3. Postponements – Postponed or suspended games may be rescheduled at the

discretion of the Board of Directors. Rescheduling priority shall be given to any

game(s) having a direct bearing on a session’s playoff situation or final standing.

Whether a game is to be postponed due to inclement weather may be determined

by the representative of the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation, league

Board of Directors or the lead umpire appointed by the board based on

appropriate time frames. Each field umpire can suspend their game due to weather

conditions and both teams are required to wait in the dugouts for 30 minutes or

until the game is called by the umpire in order to allow the lead umpire to make

the determination to call the games or continue to play if the weather improves. If

the lead umpire calls the games, each field umpire is to advise each manager as to

the status of the game. No team is to leave the field until the lead umpire has

officially called the game off. If a team does leave before the umpire officially

calls the game off and the game is allowed to proceed after a period of time due to

a change in the circumstances, the team that left the field will forfeit the game.

4. Attendance – All players are required to show at the field regardless of weather

conditions unless a cancellation notice is posted on the league website or they

receive a call from their manager to let them know the game has been cancelled.

Once a game has started (completion of one pitch) it is the Umpires responsibility

to make the decision to call a game at the field due to adverse weather conditions.

A game is considered complete if the visiting team is behind after it has batted 3

½ innings in a seven inning game and 4 ½ innings in a nine inning game. A game

is also complete after 4 innings in a seven inning game and after 5 innings in a

nine inning game if the home team is behind and has batted. Any game called

before meeting this requirement will be rescheduled and will be started over. Any

team arriving at the field early must warm up on the assigned field. Both teams

are to use the field together during the warm up period.

5. PROTESTS - All games played utilizing unpaid “volunteer” umpires will not

be subject to any “protests” being filed. All calls made by the “volunteer” umpire

during the game will be considered as final. ELIMINATE AS NO

VOLUNTEERS

All games played utilizing paid umpires will be eligible for protests and will be

reviewed and settled by the League Commissioner. Protests may be made when

the team making the protest becomes aware of the problem before the first pitch

of the start of the next inning.  The League Commissioner’s decision on all

protests will be final. Protests will be resolved at time of protest if possible.

If the team making the protest looses the protest, There will be a 50 fee to that team.

6. Playoff Games

a. All players are required to have played in 50% of their regular season

scheduled games in order to be eligible to play in the playoff games. If

questioned, proof of eligibility will be provided by all other team managers by

utilizing the written copy of the team in question’s line-ups for every game

signed and dated by the manager. If a player has not played in 50% of

scheduled games due to an injury or extended vacation the Board of Directors

will determine the player’s eligibility. The playoff formula will follow the

highest seed vs lowest seed format. Highest seed always has home team

advantage. In cases of ties, the highest seed will be determined first by head to

head comparisons. If the head to head comparison is tied the second method to

determine highest seed will be the comparison of the number of total runs

scored against each other. If they are still tied the third method to determine

highest seed will be a comparison of the better net run differential as

determined by the total runs for and against all the teams. If they are still tied

the fourth method of highest seed will be a coin toss to determine the highest

seed.

b. Substitutions for playoffs will be limited to two players per team at a rating

no greater than the players being replaced. All additional substitutions

may be made at a rating of .50 or more below the players being replaced if at all

possible.

7. PLAYOFF PROTEST PROCEDURE - A League Commissioner or his

designee will serve as “Playoff Chairman” and will, if possible, be onsite or

available by phone for all playoff games in process. When lodging a protest

during playoff games, play in the protested game will be temporarily halted in

order for the “Playoff Chairman” to review the protest. The “Playoff Chairman”

will render a final decision prior to the resumption of the game in question. If the

protest is upheld, the ruling of the “Playoff Chairman” is final and no further

appeal will be considered.

IV. Playing Field

1. Bases shall be sixty-five (65) feet apart.

2. The distance from the back of home plate to the front of the pitcher’s rubber

shall be fifty (50) feet.

3. A rectangular wood plate 19” X 34” home plate to establish the strike zone.

4. A separate scoring plate in line with first base and ten (10) feet from home plate

is to be utilized as home plate for the runner. A commitment line shall be

established twenty (20) feet from home plate. Runners must continue to their

designated home plate once they cross the commitment line. A runner may not be

tagged out by any defensive player once he crosses the commitment line. The

defensive player must touch any part of home plate in order to get the runner out

after the runner passes the commitment line.

5. To avoid collisions a double first base consisting of two juxtaposed bases - one

white inner base in fair territory and an outside orange base in foul territory - shall

be utilized.

6. The home team is responsible for setting up the field and appropriate

equipment. Each  team provides one new ball, one back up ball, The Home 

team will also set up the pitching screen, score board, home plate and the runner’s home plate.

7. Each team will hit the ball they supply to the umpire. If balls get lost of hit over 

the fence and are not found or retrieved. The manager can purchase a new ball

from Equipment chairman at $5.00 a ball. If team has no balls left the game will be 

a forfeit.

V. Game Rules

A. Pitches

1. To be legal, a pitched the ball must reach a maximum height of between

six (6) feet and twelve (12) feet above the playing surface. A pitch that is

illegal shall be vocally declared as such by the umpire as soon as the

umpire has determined that the pitch is illegal. An illegal pitch is ruled a

ball unless the batter swings at it.

2. A legal pitch that lands on home plate or the strike zone plate shall be

called a strike.

3. Any pitch that is swung at and is not hit into fair territory shall be 

be called a strike, including the third strike.

4. In a 9 inning game the batter shall begin with a count of  1 balls and

1 strikes (1-1) and no courtesy foul is permitted. In a 7 inning game the

batter will begin with a count of one ball and one strike (1-1) and no

courtesy foul is permitted.

5. There will be unlimited walks per inning. If a batter has walked once in

a previous inning and receives four balls during his current at bat the count

reverts back to 1 balls and 1 strikes. A batter that has walked once in a

game does not have to accept a second walk but the manager will make

the decision. This decision can be made at any time during the at bat, but

before the first pitched ball to the next batter. If a batter has been walked

previously and the manager decides not to accept a walk after the batter

receives 4 balls, Upon receiving a second walk in a subsequent inning

which the batter does not accept, the umpire shall warn the pitcher that

another walk to the same batter will cause his disqualification as pitcher

for the remainder of the inning.

6. If a batter foul tips a ball, the batter is out if the catcher catches the ball

regardless of the height of the foul.

7. All batters are required to swing through the pitched ball. It will be at

the umpire’s discretion to call a bunt or chop swing.

8. A batter who qualifies for a walk can be intentionally walked in order to

get to the batting position of the courtesy runner on base at the time.

9. Decisions to intentionally walk a batter may be made only by the

defensive manager and or the defensive pitcher (as per Rule B, 5 10) who

is acting on the instructions of the manager. The defensive pitcher or

manager may ask who the next batter is. The offensive manager must

answer the question and place the correct next batter in the on deck circle.

The defensive manager may request a protest to the umpire at any time if

the defensive team was misinformed. If the protest is upheld by the

Commissioner the game will be forfeited by the team supplying the

incorrect information.

11) If a batted ball comes in contact with the screen, it will be called a

strike. If the batter hits the screen on his third strike, the batter will be

called out. If a fielded ball comes in contact with the screen, the ball is in

play.

12) The pitcher when making his delivery, must be in contact with the

pitching rubber when he releases the ball

13) The pitching screen shall be placed no less the 4 feet in front 

of the pitching rubber and the edge of the screen must cover a least half

of the pitchers rubber

14) The pitcher can not pitch the ball over the top of the net.

15) The Pitcher must get behind the net with his whole body after the pitch.

once the ball is hit he may try to field the ball. If he does not get behind the net

and makes a play on the ball, either catching or deflecting the ball, the

play will be called dead and the batter will get 1st base and all forced runners

will move up one base.

B. Base running

1. The batter-runner must run to at least first base without the aid of a

courtesy runner except when the batter receives a walk and a courtesy

runner is announced after the walk is issued.

2. After reaching a base safely, and after time-out is called, a courtesy

runner may take the place of the original batter-runner. There is no limit as

to how many times any player may serve as a courtesy runner per game

and no limit on how many courtesy runners may be utilized per inning.

However, a courtesy runner may run only once per inning. Courtesy

runners may be installed at any time in a game. Any batter that has been

run for by a courtesy runner during a game will not be eligible to serve as

a courtesy runner during the remainder of the game. In the event that an

ineligible player serves as a courtesy runner (physically comes in contact

with the base) the runner will be called out by the umpire.

3. A courtesy runner who is on base when it is his turn to bat will be called

out, removed from the base and allowed to go to the plate and take his turn

at bat. If he is the third out he will than lead off in the next time his team

comes to bat. Then such player will take his normal turn at bat. No

replacement courtesy runner may take the place of the original on the base

he vacated.

4. A courtesy runner who has touched a base may not be replaced by

another courtesy runner or the original player for whom he was running.

However, if a courtesy runner is injured and removed from the game, a

second courtesy runner may be utilized. The injured courtesy runner may

continue to play in the game but may not run as a courtesy runner for the

duration of the game. If the umpire observes a violation of this rule, the

runner will immediately be declared out. If an infraction of this rule is

brought to the attention of the umpire, the umpire shall confirm the

violation prior to declaring the out.

5. An opposing team player may not yell out any instructions meant to

disorient a player on the other team or wave their hands meant to distract

an opposing player. If the umpire is aware of such action by an offensive

runner he may call a runner out. If the same opposing team player does it a

second time during the game the umpire may remove him from the game.

6. A base runner must comply with the “no contact” or “no crash” rule

which will be strictly enforced. Interference by a runner will be an

automatic out  and obstruction by a defensive player will result in extra

bases awarded by the umpire. Runners must use every effort to avoid

colliding with opposing players while running the bases. If the defensive

player determined by the umpire that he or she blocked the base without a

play being made, the umpire may award the runner an extra base. Sliding

into second and third base is permitted in order to avoid contact with the

defensive player. Sliding back to second and third base is allowed and

sliding back to first base is allowed.

The veer left or veer right rule gives the runner the option to veer left or

right if he determines that he has the potential of creating contact with the

defensive player. The runner will have the option to run past the base in a

left or right line. If the runner decides to advance after veering, the runner

must go back and tag the base and then advance. If a runner veers the

runner cannot be tagged out as he returns to the base. It will be totally up

to the umpire to decide if the runner reached the virtual base in time for

the out or safe call. If the runner runs straight over the base or steps on the

base while veering without stopping on the base the defensive player may

tag the runner out as he returns to the base.

7. Throw interference: When running to any base, an out will be recorded

if the umpire determines that a runner deliberately or unintentionally

interfered with a throw. A runner may not disrupt a potential double play

by physical contact or deliberately running into the intended path of the

relay throw. The oncoming runner must either veer left or right away from

the defensive player’s throwing lane. Failure to do so will result in the

runner being called out and also the next base runner closest to home base

will also be called out for a double play.

8. When the umpire declares an “Infield Fly” the batter is out and all

runners may advance at their own risk. The intent is to prevent a defensive

player from intentionally letting the ball drop to make a double play, but

the runners may advance as soon as the call is made without waiting to see

if the ball is caught. If the defensive player lets the ball drop the runners

can advance without tagging up. This makes it advantageous for the

defensive player to catch the ball requiring the advancing runner to return

to the base and tag up before advancing to the next base.

9. The batter must make contact with the pitched ball or the ball must

hit the ground before a base runner leaves the base. If the base runner leaves

the base before either sanerio the runner will be called out. there will be

no warnings. the base runner shall be issued a warning.  On a subsequently

pitched struck ball, if in the umpire’s judgment, the runner attempted to gain

an unfair advantage by leaving the base early, the umpire may call the runner out.

10. The defensive pitcher or manager may ask who the next batter is. The

offensive manager must answer the question and place the correct next

batter in the on deck circle. The defensive manager may request a protest

to the umpire at any time if the defensive team is misinformed. (Is

repeated elsewhere)

11. The on deck batter and the two base coaches are the only three (3)

offensive players allowed on the field other than the batter and the base

runners. All the equipment for both teams will be kept in the respective

dugout.

12. Base runners on first and third base may stand up to 3 feet off the base

in foul territory, but no closer to the next base, when a batter is at bat. On a

hit ball or tag up play the base runner on first base must tag the base

before continuing on to the next base. A runner on third base must stand

behind the base in foul territory and must touch the base on a tag up play

before advancing safely to home plate.

C. Double first base

1. When a batted ball produces a play at first base, the batter shall touch

the outside/orange base or be called out. The runner having tagged the

wrong base is subject to being called out by the umpire. The fielder at first

base must touch the inside/white base or tag the runner in order to make a

put out. There will be no penalty to the defensive team when a bad throw

draws the defensive player into the runner. If the defensive player is drawn

into foul territory the runner is allowed to touch the white bag and the

defensive player is allowed to touch the orange bag to keep from a

collision. This is for safety. In this situation safety always overrules the rules.

2. When the batted ball does not produce a play at first base the batter may

touch either of the two bases but in all cases shall attempt to avoid contact

with a defensive player.

3. A runner returning to first base must use the inside/white base.

4. A batter touching first base with a bat in hand shall be called out.

D. Home Plate and Scoring Plate

1. On a play at the plate, a defensive player records an out if he is contact

with any part of the strike zone wood plate or mat and in possession of the

ball after the runner has passed the commitment line and before he touches

the additional scoring plate. Tag plays are not permitted at the plate.

2. A runner who touches home plate or the strike zone wood plate before

touching the scoring plate is “out.”

3. A commitment line twenty (20) feet from the scoring plate will be used.

Once the runner’s foot touches the ground on or past this line, the runner

is committed to advancing to the scoring plate. If a runner re-crosses the

commitment line heading back to third base, he will be declared out and

the ball remains alive.

E. Scoring

1. When a team scores five (5) runs in their half inning the scoring is

complete for the half inning except that this rule shall not apply in the

announced last inning of a game. OPEN INNINGS HAVE NO RUN

LIMITATION.

2. A game will be terminated by the “mercy rule” when the visiting team is

behind by fifteen (15) or more runs after the top half the top half of the

seventh inning in a scheduled nine inning game. In a seven ining game

the mercy rule will be in effect, 15 runs after the 5th  Inning.

3. Unlimited scoring is allowed in extra innings. Extra inning games will

be a regular continued game with unlimited runs allowed. No base runners

will be added to any base at the start of each half inning and no outs will

be assigned at the start of each half inning.

F. Pitching Screen

1. Prime Time Senior Softball Pitcher’s Mandated Minimum Safety

Equipment Rule. Pitchers are encouraged to wear approved head gear and

have the option of wearing shin guards. Pitchers are REQUIRED to use

the pitching screen. Approved pitching screens will be used at all games.

If a batted ball comes in contact with the screen, it will be called a strike.

If the batter hits the screen on his third strike, the batter will be called out.

If a fielded ball comes in contact with the screen, the ball is in play. The

edge of the screen must be HALF WAY TO the edge of the front rubber on

the glove side of the pitcher and will be placed from three feet forward of

the rubber and at least 1/2 way covering the pitchers rubber. The pitcher must

get behind the screen after releasing the ball. As in above rule the pitcher can

move out from behind the screen to make a play. In the umpires eye if

the pitcher does not move behind the screen and come in contact with the hit

ball, the play is called dead. The batter gets 1st base and all forced runners 

move up one base.

G. Bats and Balls

1. The Official League softball shall be as approved by the board. The

Board reserves the right to change ball specifications in the

future. Effective May 1, 2015, all slow pitch senior softball bats shall be

considered eligible bats and may be used in league play, practice sessions

and "pick up" games. Any batter entering the batters' box with an illegal,

altered or modified bat shall be declared "out", ejected from the game and

an out shall be recorded in that batting position for the balance of the

game. The ejected batter may be subject to further action at the Boards'

discretion. ILLEGAL: An illegal bat in the Prime Time Senior Softball

League is any slow pitch senior softball bat that is modified in any way in

which it deviates from the normal striking power that the manufacturer

intended. Bats used in our league must not be tampered with to increase

power, increase or decrease length, cut or modified or hollowed out and/or

filled with any or all substances that will alter its original composition.

2. Any batter who does not own a bat shall ask permission of the owner of

the bat to be used before batting.

H. Forfeits

1. Summer Rule: A team must have 8 players to avoid a forfeit.

2. Winter Rule: A team must have 9 players to avoid a forfeit.

3. Forfeits should be avoided whenever possible.

VI. DRAFT PROCEDURES

1. Each season the previously formed teams are broken up and entered

back into the draft.  Prior to the draft meeting the entire Board of Directors 

will review player ratings by the following  players ability of each player

who is eligible for the draft. As each name is called the players ability

 based on the criteria listed in the Rules and Regulations, Section II,

Player and Roster Rules, and a general consensus

of opinion is agreed upon for a rating to be applied.

2. The draft starts with a complete list of all registered players indicating

their rating, position and tournament status. For the first two rounds of drafts

the manager’s will pick a card to deceide their draft position with the second

round being the reverse order.(as in a snake draft)  The managers will pick

themselves in the round that all the board members and the mangers agree on that they

would be picked. The following rounds will be done on averaging the

first two rounds and then managers will pick lowest to highest

until all players are choosing. . If a tie in the ratings happen the manager

that picked first the round prior would pick after the manager he is tied with.

3. The team with the lowest total points will start off the third round.

In cases of a tie in the number of points, the running list of the picking

order of each team will be reviewed and the team or teams tied will be

adjusted to have the team that pick last be placed above the team that pick

first This procedure will continue through the entire drafting process. This

procedure maintains the numeric team balance after each round and it is

expected the total points per team will be similar at the close of the draft

process.

4. In the event any drafted player cannot play in the coming season, a

replacement player will be provided at the manager’s request as noted in

Article II (A). Pool chairmen will place the player on that team following our

replacement rules. If there is any questions as to the replacement players rating

it will be brought up to the board and voted on.

5 No player will be placed or selected at the draft if they are not

registered.

VII. Code of Conduct

A. The umpire has the authority to eject, without warning, any player or manager,

whether in the line-up or not, for unsportsmanlike conduct. In the absence of

umpire action, each manager has the authority to remove from the line-up a player

who is engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct. A manager who removes a player

for unsportsmanlike conduct will immediately inform the umpire and the manager

of the opposing team of the removal. A player removed by the manager but not

ejected by the umpire shall not count as an out at his turn to bat. A player ejected

by the umpire shall count as an out at his turn to bat. A player or manager ejected

under this rule shall depart the dugout and immediate playing area.

B. Umpires are instructed to enforce all existing league rules and managers may

not agree to change or modify any existing rule(s) for any game. Any violation could 

result in a double loss

C. Unsportsmanlike conduct includes, but is not limited to, using or threatening to

use force or violence; uttering fighting words, racial epithets, or similarly

offensive insults; spitting on or toward another person; or other conduct

reasonably deemed by the umpire to be intolerable given all circumstances.

D. Unsportsmanlike conduct does not include good-natured banter between

members of the same or different teams.

E. Only the manager may discuss any call by the umpire with the umpire. All

players are advised that any words called out due to a call by the umpire is

considered unsportsmanlike conduct and after one warning subject to expulsion

from the game.

F. The Board of Directors has the authority to take appropriate corrective action,

including but not limited to, suspension and expulsion of players who engage in

unsportsmanlike conduct. In determining the appropriate corrective action, the

Board of Directors may consider all relevant factors including the seriousness of

the matter, prior conduct by the player, and the player’s willingness to comply

with league rules. A player may request a hearing in front of the Board of

Directors should he be issued a suspension of more than one (1) game or having

been expelled.

G. The Rules of Conduct do not supersede nor limit the authority of the Palm

Beach County Parks and Recreation Department to impose sanctions, including

ejection and criminal prosecution for unacceptable or unlawful conduct.

H. Managers are responsible for controlling their players. In the event of repeated

warnings, the player may be ejected. If the player is ejected, the manager may

only be ejected if he did not attempt to control his player(s).

VIII. Board of Directors

I. The league will have a board of directors consisting of a non-voting

commissioner, A VOTING ASSISTANT COMMISIONER and 8 OTHER

FUNCTION OR COMMITTEE HEADS.  BY DEFINITION

COMMISSIONER ONLY VOTES TO BREAK TIES. Unless otherwise specified

in these rules the Board of Directors shall act by majority vote of the directors

present or by email ballot but in no event is the Board authorized to complete an

action requiring a vote with less than 50% of attending or email ballot concurring

directors. All board members, are allowed one vote in all decisions discussed

at any board meeting.

B. NOMINATIONS WILL OPEN IN October for any player in good standing 

looking to be on the board. the board shall nominate and elect the Commisioner AND

ASSISTANT COMMISIONER who will serve for 3 years. All other board members will 

Serve the leauge with 1 member being replaced yearly

C. Managers  ARE INVITED TO ATTEND AND

PARTICIPATE IN BOARD MEETINGS. They DO NOT get a vote If more persons seek to be named

managers than there are teams, the existing board members will determine the

method for selection of the managers.

D. In order to promote the greatest possible cooperation between the league and

Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, the Board of Directors is

authorized to appoint a liaison to represent the board and the league in

communications with the County. THIS LIAISON IS THE ONLY CONTACT

WITH PB RECREATION FROM PRIMETIME. ANY OTHER CONTACT IS

STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION FROM THE

LEAGUE.

Code of Ethics

Article 1: Abide by the “Official Prime Time Senior Softball League Guide and

Playing Rules” to the best of my ability.

Article 2: Accept the decision of the umpires and my team manager in a good

sportsmanship manner.

Article 3: Neither taunt nor degrade my opponent.

Article 4: Avoid bodily contact that may cause injury to others or myself.

Article 5: Never direct abusive or profane language at officials or opponents.

Article 6: Exercise control over family members and friends to the extent of

Articles 3 and 5.

Article 7: Not commit any act that could be considered unsportsmanlike conduct.

Article 8: Agree to play the position chosen in league application.