Memorial Ashford Girls Softball Association
Rules Agreement
The Board of Directors of Memorial Ashford Girls Softball Assoc. (MAGSA) seeks to ensure that all MAGSA players, coaches, parents, family and friends have a positive and safe experience. As such, we jointly expect all league coaches to adhere to the MAGSA Safety Rules Agreement.
These Safety Rules are included in and/or in addition to MAGSA’s League Rules.
Safety Rules
· Absolutely no batting practice in the common areas
· No hitting balls or soft toss against any fence
· Players cannot leave the playing field or dugout during the games except to got to the bathroom, get a foul ball or for an emergency
· Players cannot use the batting cage during their games
· Bats should not be held by any player in the dugout
INTRODUCTION.
The following rules will govern the operations and play of MAGSA and are intended to improve the quality of play within the league.
RULES OF CONDUCT.
1. All players, coaches, parents and spectators (hereinafter referred to collectively as “participants”) shall at all times observe and practice the highest standards of good sportsmanship and conduct. No participant shall engage in any course of conduct which would tend to violate this principle.
2. Participants must observe and obey all rules of MAGSA as well as laws of the state, city and county where any game is being conducted.
3. The use of alcoholic beverages or “non-prescription controlled substances” at any time, on or about MAGSA facilities, is strictly forbidden.
4. No participant shall engage in any course of conduct which is designed to, or which will result in, the harassment of any player, coach, umpire or other participant. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of profanity and verbal taunting designed to disrupt player(s). In addition, while players may “chatter” during a game, coaches and parents are forbidden to attempt to instruct players from an opposing team in an effort to confuse or disrupt the player during a game. This includes, but is not limited to, instructing an opposing player when to swing at a pitch, how to field the ball, etc.
5. Any use of tobacco products on the playing field, inside the fences, including the dugouts is prohibited.
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE.
1. Pursuant to MAGSA’s By-Laws, the Board of Directors, by a two-thirds vote of the director’s present at any duly constituted meeting, shall have the authority to discipline, suspend or terminate the membership of any participant when the conduct of the member is deemed, by the Board of Directors, to have been detrimental to the interests of the league. In extreme cases, the President of the league may temporarily suspend any player, coach, parent or umpire from WHGSA participation and facilities pending a full consideration of the matter by the Board of Directors.
2. Notification of Disciplinary Action.
a. Non-Players Members shall be notified of the meeting and informed of the general nature of the allegations, and be given the opportunity to appear at the meeting to present their comments and answers concerning the allegations.
b. Player Members shall be notified by the President of the league through the player’s team coach. As an advisor, the team coach shall appear with the player and player’s parents and/or legal guardians, before a committee duly appointed by the President. This committee shall have full power to discipline, suspend or revoke the player’s participation in the league.
c. Disclosure. Full disclosure of all disciplinary actions shall be documented and transmitted to the President.
PLAYING RULES BY DIVISION.
USA Softball playing rules shall apply unless modified hereunder. All games will be preceded by an umpire’s conference at home plate, five minutes in advance of the scheduled game time. Coaches will exchange their line-ups and umpires will discuss the rules, interpretations, playing conditions, etc.
A “mercy” run rule has been adopted for all divisions – if an opposing team is 11 runs ahead at the end of the third inning, the game will be called despite any time remaining on the clock. The five runs per inning per team will remain in effect.
6 and Under (6U)
1. Teams will consist of 6-8 players.
2. Players will use a 10-inch soft-touch softball.
3. Facemasks will be required for all girls playing an infield position; outfield is optional.
4. Regulation game may start with 6 players (without penalty). Up to 8 players may be placed in the field. A pitcher and catcher from the rostered team is required.
5. All players bat.
6. Line-Ups will be provided at umpire meeting at plate (Girl's name & Jersey Number)
7. Pickup players, teams may pick up 2 girls from another team (Total of 8) from another MAGSA team from the current league season of play. If a player is picked up from the same age division the pickup player must bat last and play the outfield.
8. Games played are 45 minutes finish the inning. Time will be called when 55 minutes has expired. If Home team does not have a chance to catch up game will be called.
9. There will be one umpire per game.
10. Players will not throw the bat after a hit; 1st time is a warning, 2nd will be an automatic out.
11. Bunting is not allowed.
12. A batter that hits the ball to the outfield shall not be allowed to advance past second base. Runners that are on base will be allowed to advance a maximum of two bases with liability to be put out.
13. Batters will bat balls thrown by a coach pitcher from the batters team.
14. The batter will receive 3 pitches. If the batter does not hit the ball into fair territory after the third pitch, the batter will be given 2 swings off of the tee. If the batter does not hit the ball into fair territory after the second swing, the batter will be out.
15. Five run limit per inning, per team.
16. T-ball, Little League & ASA bats may be used.
17. Lead offs are allowed when the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand with the chance of being picked off. The runner must return to the base if there is not a hit. If the runner does not return to their previous base, then the runner will be called out. The runner may not advance without a hit – no steals. If the runner leads off prior to the release of the pitch, the runner will be called out.
18. On a batted ball, the ball remains in play until the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle or umpires discretion that progression has been stopped. All base runners whom have advanced 3 of 8 less than half way to the next base must return to the last base occupied.
19. Whenever a play is being made on a runner and a thrown ball is missed by a defensive player, the advance by all base runners will be limited to one additional base beyond the base to which they are advancing at the time of the throw. When the missed thrown ball is the result of the first throw on the infield, maximum advancement will be two bases from that point occupied at the time of the hit (e.g., runner on first will be limited to third base; batter will be limited to second.) All advancement is with liability to be put out.
20. For plays going to 1st base, any hit ball fielded between the pitching rubber and the 3rd base line must be a thrown play instead of a tagged play.
21. The dropped third strike rule or the infield fly rule will not be observed.
22. The adult pitcher must make an attempt not to be hit by a batted ball. If hit and no attempt is made, the batter runner is out and the ball is dead with all runners returning to the base last occupied. If hit and an attempt was made not to interfere, the ball is dead and the runner will be awarded first base. Runners must return to the base last occupied unless forced home to score on bases loaded.
23. The defensive player who is the player pitcher will position herself to the right or left, even with or behind the pitcher’s plate. Adult pitcher must have one foot in the circle. Player pitcher cannot advance beyond pitching rubber/line until batter swings and or makes contact.
24. When a player is hitting from the tee no defensive player will pass the 30’ halfway marks towards home plate until the ball is in play. Players should be behind or even with the with 3 rd base hash mark.
25. The adult pitcher may coach the base runners without interfering with the game. Once the ball is hit into fair territory, the adult pitcher is required to immediately exit the playing field without interfering with the defensive players.
26. Base coaches must remain inside the coach’s box along the first and third base lines and under no circumstances enter the playing field during live play nor will they in any way disrupt or confuse a defensive player.
27. All Jerseys need to be tucked in at time of play.
28. End of game scores, Visitors scorekeeper is to sign Home book to verify score at end of game.
29. Scores are final when umpire calls game. (Do not go back to previous inning.)
30. No girls or parents will be allowed to yell; sing or chatter the word SWING while someone is at bat
31. Rainout - 2 complete innings is considered a complete game – go back to last completed inning after 2nd inning.
32. No loud negative parent cheering. No Noisemakers allowed.
33. Infielders- (A fielder who defends the area of the dirt field around first, second, third or shortstop areas) Outfielder- (A fielder who defends the areas in the grass field that the left, left-center, right center and right fielders normally play) Outfielders are to remain in the grass until the ball is hit into play.
34. Base running substitutions will only be allowed for serious injuries and at the umpire’s discretion. If substitution is needed, the player will be completely removed from the game and not permitted to play for the remainder of the game. An out will be recorded for the following at bat(s).
8 AND UNDER (8U)
1. Players will use an 11-inch .47 core softball.
2. Regulation game may start with 7 players (without penalty). Up to 10 players may be placed in the field. A pitcher and catcher from the rostered team is required. All players bat.
3. Facemasks will be required for all girls playing an infield position; outfield is optional.
4. Line-Ups will be provided at umpire meeting at plate (Girl's name & Jersey Number)
5. Pickup players, teams may pick up 2 girls from another team (Total of 9) from another MAGSA team from the current league season of play. If a player is picked up from the same age division the pickup player must bat last and play the outfield. If the pickup player is picking up in a higher age division than what they are registered for; they may play anywhere and bat anywhere in the lineup. ALL PICK UP PLAYERS MUST BE REGISTERED IN THE CURRENT MAGSA SEASON.
6. Games played are 65 minutes finish the inning. Time will be called when 65 minutes has expired. If Home team does not have a chance to catch up game will be called.
7. There will be 1 umpire for each game.
8. Bunting is not allowed.
9. Players will not throw the bat after a hit; 1st time is a warning, 2nd will be an automatic out.
10. Batters will bat balls thrown by a coach pitcher from the batters team. The batter will receive 5 pitches but only three swings unless fouled. No out will occur off a foul ball unless caught. If the 5th pitch is fouled, the batter will receive two courtesy foul balls; if last courtesy foul ball is not in play the batter is out. There is no stealing on a coach’s pitch!
11. Five run limit per inning, per team.
12. Little League & USA Softball bats may be used.
13. Lead offs are allowed when the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand with the chance of being picked off. The runner must return to the base if there is not a hit. If the runner does not return to their previous base, then the runner will be called out. The runner may not advance without a hit – no steals. If the runner leads off prior to the release of the pitch, the runner will be called out.
14. On a batted ball, the ball remains in play until the pitcher has control of the ball in the circle or umpires discretion that progression has been stopped. All base runners who have advanced less than half way to the next base must return to the last base occupied.
15. Whenever a play is being made on a runner and a thrown ball is missed by a defensive player, the advance by all base runners will be limited to one additional base beyond the base to which they are advancing at the time of the throw. When the missed thrown ball is the result of the first throw on the infield, maximum advancement will be two bases from that point occupied at the time of the hit (e.g., runner on first will be limited to third base; batter will be limited to second.) All advancement is with liability to be put out.
16. The dropped third strike rule or the infield fly rule will not be observed.
17. The adult pitcher must make an attempt not to be hit by a batted ball. If hit and no attempt is made, the batter runner is out and the ball is dead with all runners returning to the base last occupied. If hit and an attempt was made not to interfere, the ball is dead and the runner will be awarded first base. Runners must return to the base last occupied unless forced home to score on bases loaded.
18. The defensive player who is the player pitcher will position herself to the right or left, even with or behind the pitcher’s plate. Adult pitcher must have one foot in the circle. Player pitcher cannot advance beyond pitching rubber/line until batter swings and or makes contact.
19. The adult pitcher may coach the base runners. Once the ball is hit into fair territory, the adult pitcher is required to immediately exit the playing field without interfering with the defensive players. First offense is a warning; 2nd offense will result in a dead ball and runner closest to home will be called out. NO EXCEPTIONS.
20. Base coaches must remain inside the coach’s box along the first and third base lines and under no circumstances enter the playing field during live play nor will they in any way disrupt or confuse a defensive player.
21. All Jerseys need to be tucked in at time of play.
22. End of game scores, Visitor’s scorekeeper is to sign Home book to verify score at end of game.
23. Scores are final when umpire calls game. (Do not go back to previous inning.)
24. No girls or parents will be allowed to yell; sing or chatter the word SWING while someone is at bat. Players are encouraged to cheer their teammates on, negative cheering will not be allowed. No Noisemakers allowed.
25. Rainout - regular season - 2 complete innings is considered a complete game – go back to last completed inning after 2nd inning.
26. Infielders- (A fielder who defends the area of the dirt field around first, second, third or shortstop areas) Outfielder- (A fielder who defends the areas in the grass field that the left, left-center, right center and right fielders normally play) Your outfielders are to remain in the grass until the ball is hit into play.
27. Base running substitutions will only be allowed for serious injuries and at the umpire’s discretion. If substitution is needed, the player will be completely removed from the game and not permitted to play for the remainder of the game. An out will be recorded for the following at bat(s).
28. MAGSA RULE: No player will play more than two consecutive innings in the infield.
10 AND UNDER (10U)
1. Player shall use an 11-inch .47 core USA softball.
2. Regulation game may start with 7 players (without penalty). Up to 9 players may be on the field. All players will bat.
3. Facemasks will be required for all girls playing an infield position; outfield is optional.
4. Line-Ups will be provided at umpire meeting at plate (Girl's name & Jersey Number)
5. Pickup players, teams may pick up 2 girls from another team (Total of 9) from another MAGSA team from the current league season of play. If a player is picked up from the same age division the pickup player must bat last and play the outfield. If the pickup player is picking up in a higher age division than what they are registered for; they may play anywhere and bat anywhere in the lineup. ALL PICK UP PLAYERS MUST BE REGISTERED IN THE CURRENT MAGSA SEASON.
6. Pitching distance is 35 feet.
7. Games played are 65 minutes finish the inning. Time will be called when 65 minutes has expired. If Home team does not have a chance to catch up game will be called.
8. Five run limit per inning, per team.
9. Only USA Softball approved softball bats may be used. Little League bats are not allowed.
10. Players will not throw the bat after a hit; 1st time is a warning, 2nd will be an automatic out.
11. Infield fly rule will be observed. An Infield Fly is a fair fly ball (not a line drive or bunt) that, in the judgment of the umpire, can be caught by an infielder, pitcher, or catcher with ordinary effort and when there are runners on first and second or first, second, and third and less than two outs. At the discretion of the umpire.
12. Base runners may leave the base when the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. Base advancement will be allowed due to an overthrow of a base while stealing.
13. A runner may score on a batted ball.
14. USA Softball look back rule will be enforced. The look-back rule is triggered when the pitcher has control of the ball in the pitcher's circle and is not attempting to make a play on a runner (including a fake or threatened throw); any runner stopped on a base must stay on the base and any runner not on a base must immediately either advance toward the next base or return to the previous base. Any subsequent change in direction or stop by the runner while off the base will result in the runner being called out, so long as the pitcher does not attempt to make a play.
15. Dropped third strike rule will apply. This rule applies when first base is open, or if there are two outs. If the batter strikes out (swinging or looking) and the catcher does not catch the pitch before it hits the ground, the batter can run to first base. If the batter fails to run, she can be called out when she enters the dugout. If first base is occupied with less than 2 outs batter is immediately called out on a 3rd drop strike. If first base is occupied with 2 outs batter can run to first base on a 3rd drop strike.
16. Walks will be allowed. However, batters hit by a pitch will be awarded first base only in those instances where the batter made an attempt to avoid being hit in the batter’s box. No “take one for the team” will be permitted.
17. Pitchers will only be allowed to pitch three innings in one game. Any pitching by a player in an inning constitutes a full inning pitched. Consequence for pitcher pitching a 4th inning in the same game is: The team that committed the infraction will be awarded a loss of the game.
18. Two (2) walks per inning, per team will be allowed. After the two walks, and upon the fourth ball delivered by a player pitcher, an adult pitcher will deliver the remaining pitches from the pitching rubber. The batter will retain the strike count. The adult pitcher will be allowed to deliver up to three pitches. If no hit is achieved after three pitches the batter will be declared out. The defensive player who is the player pitcher will position herself to the right or left even with or behind the pitcher’s plate, of the adult pitcher with one foot inside the pitching circle. A batter hit by the adult pitcher will not be awarded first base. If hit by the adult pitcher and the batter swings at the pitch, it will be called a dead ball strike. In the event a player is hit by a player pitcher, she will be awarded first base only if the player made an attempt to avoid being hit.
19. Once adult pitcher has assumed the mound the batter must take a full swing at the pitches delivered from the adult pitcher. NO BUNTING WILL BE ALLOWED DURING ADULT PITCH. (Bunting will be a judgment call from the umpire)
20. The adult pitcher may not coach from the circle or interfere with a play on a batted ball.
21. Base runners may not steal when an adult pitcher is pitching.
22. Base coaches must remain inside the coach’s box along the first and third base lines and under no circumstances enter the playing field during live play nor will they in any way disrupt or confuse a defensive player.
23. All Jerseys need to be tucked in at time of play.
24. In the event a player pitcher hits three (3) batters with a pitched ball during a single inning, the player pitcher will be pulled from the position for the remainder of the game.
25. End of game scores, Visitor’s scorekeeper is to sign Home book to verify score at end of game.
26. Scores are final when umpire calls game. (Do not go back to previous inning.)
27. Rainout - 2 complete innings is considered a complete game – go back to last completed inning after 2nd inning.
28. No loud negative parent cheering. No Noisemakers allowed.
29. Infielders- (A fielder who defends the area of the dirt field around first, second, third or shortstop areas) Outfielder- (A fielder who defends the areas in the grass field that the left, left-center, right center and right fielders normally play) Your Outfielders are to remain in the grass until the ball is hit into play.
30. Base running substitutions will only be allowed for serious injuries and at the umpire’s discretion. If substitution is needed, the player will be completely removed from the game and not permitted to play for the remainder of the game. An out will be recorded for the following at bat(s).
31. MAGSA RULE: No player will play more than two consecutive innings in the infield.
SENIOR DIVISIONS (12U and HIGHER)
1. Players shall use a 12-inch .47 core ASA softball.
2. A regulation game may start with 7 players (without penalty). Only 9 players may be on the field. All players will bat.
3. Facemasks will be required for all girls playing an infield position; outfield is optional.
4. Line-Ups will be provided at umpire meeting at plate (Girl's name & Jersey Number)
5. Pickup players, teams may pick up 2 girls from another team (Total of 9) from another MAGSA team from the current league season of play. If a player is picked up from the same age division the pickup player must bat last and play the outfield. If the pickup player is picking up in a higher age division than what they are registered for; they may play anywhere and bat anywhere in the lineup. ALL PICK UP PLAYERS MUST BE REGISTERED IN THE CURRENT MAGSA SEASON.
6. Pitching distance is 40 feet for 12U and 43 feet for 13+.
7. Games played are 65 minutes finish the inning. Time will be called when 65 minutes has expired. If Home team does not have a chance to catch up game will be called.
8. Five run limit per inning, per team.
9. USA Softball approved and USSSA softball bats must be used.
10. Players will not throw the bat after a hit; 1st time is a warning, 2nd will be an automatic out.
11. Infield fly rule will be observed. An Infield Fly is a fair fly ball (not a line drive or bunt) that, in the judgment of the umpire, can be caught by an infielder, pitcher, or catcher with ordinary effort and when there are runners on first and second or first, second, and third and less than two outs. At the discretion of the umpire.
12. Base runners may leave the base when the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. Base advancement will be allowed due to an overthrow of a base while stealing.
13. A runner may score on a batted ball.
14. USA Softball look back rule will be enforced. The look-back rule is triggered when the pitcher has control of the ball in the pitcher's circle and is not attempting to make a play on a runner (including a fake or threatened throw); any runner stopped on a base must stay on the base and any runner not on a base must immediately either advance toward the next base or return to the previous base. Any subsequent change in direction or stop by the runner while off the base will result in the runner being called out, so long as the pitcher does not attempt to make a play.
15. Dropped third strike rule will apply. This rule applies when first base is open, or if there are two outs. If the batter strikes out (swinging or looking) and the catcher does not catch the pitch before it hits the ground, the batter can run to first base. If the batter fails to run, she can be called out when she enters the dugout.
16. Walks will be allowed. However, batters hit by a pitch will be awarded first base only in those instances where the batter made an attempt to avoid being hit in the batter’s box. No “take one for the team” will be permitted.
17. Pitchers will only be allowed to pitch three innings in one game. Any pitching by a player in an inning constitutes a full inning pitched. Consequence for pitcher pitching a 4th inning in the same game is: The team that committed the infraction will be awarded a loss of the game.
18. Base coaches must remain inside the coach’s box along the first and third base lines and under no circumstances enter the playing field during live play nor will they in any way disrupt or confuse a defensive player.
19. All jerseys need to be tucked in at time of play.
20. In the event a player pitcher hits three (3) batters with a pitched ball during a single inning, the player pitcher will be pulled from the position for the remainder of the game.
21. End of game scores, Visitor’s scorekeeper is to sign Home book to verify score at end of game.
22. Scores are final when umpire calls game. (Do not go back to previous inning.)
23. Rainout – 2 complete innings is considered a complete game – go back to last completed inning after 2nd inning. Tournament will be reviewed by board members.
24. No loud negative parent cheering. No Noisemakers allowed.
25. Infielders- (A fielder who defends the area of the dirt field around first, second, third or shortstop areas) Outfielder- (A fielder who defends the areas in the grass field that the left, left-center, right center and right fielders normally play) Your Outfielders are to remain in the grass until the ball is hit into play.
26. Base running substitutions will only be allowed for serious injuries and at the umpire’s discretion. If substitution is needed, the player will be completely removed from the game and not permitted to play for the remainder of the game. An out will be recorded for the following at bat(s).
DISPUTING CALLS
1. Calls can only be disputed by the head coach.
2. Calmly call time out. When the time out is granted, calmly approach the head umpire and ask for an appeal.
3. Unruly behavior, profanity, and unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.
4. The umpire has final authority and may remove any coach, player, or spectator from the premises.