Official A/B Division Synagogue Softball Rules
2014 Season
OPENING DAY, FIELD
LOCATIONS:
The 2014 season will begin on
January 26, 2014. Our fields for the 2014 Season will be:
Woodland Hills Park, 5858 Shoup Ave., diamonds #1
and #3,
Mason
Park, 10500 Mason Ave., just north of Devonshire, diamonds #1 and #2,
Cheviot
Hills Park (Rancho Park) 2551 Motor
Ave., just south of Pico, West LA, diamond #3,
Barrington
Park, 333 S. Barrington Ave., just south
of Sunset, West LA, diamond #2.
Pan
Pacific Park, 7600 Beverly Blvd. just east of Fairfax
Starting in early April, the games assigned at
Cheviot Hills Park may be relocated to Pan Pacific Park and the games at
Barrington may also be relocated to a field TBD.
GAME DAY, GAME
TIMES, THE GAME:
All games are played on Sunday, with starting
times of 9:00 am, 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.
Games are scheduled for seven (7) innings, time
permitting. A game must play a minimum
of four (4) full innings. Due to time, a
game may be four, five, or six innings.
No new inning shall begin one hour and forty-five minutes (1:45) past
the games official starting time. The
umpire's watch shall determine any questions concerning the time limit, which
will be official.
No regular season game shall
exceed more than seven innings regardless of the score (tied) and/or amount of
time that may be available after seven innings are played. Playoff and Championship games will play
extra innings (if necessary) to determine a winner.
There is no mercy rule.
A game
interrupted by rain (or other weather event or unexpected element) shall be
considered complete if at least four (4) full innings have been played. If a game is interrupted due to an issue
described above, and four innings have been completed, the score at the end of
the last complete inning (4th inning or beyond) shall become the final
score.
AMOUNT OF
PLAYERS:
Voted in by the
managers prior to the 2014 Season, a team can play a game with eight (8) players. The maximum amount of players a team could
have on the field is ten (10). The
maximum amount of players a team may have in a starting line-up is thirteen
(13), see next page -" batting order." At game time, in the event a team has less
than seven players on hand, the Umpire shall permit a team a grace period,
not to exceed seven (7) minutes, for that team to field an eighth player. The grace period shall become part of the
playing time. Upon the failure to reach
eight players within the designated grace period by the team with seven
players, the game will be forfeited to the other team. A forfeit
by any team will result in a loss (one point in the loss column) for the
offending team. If a team forfeits a
second time, their
team will suffer a two point deduction in the standings and an
additional point.
If a team forfeits more than
two games, that team's Manager shall meet with the Commissioner and/or the Executive
Committee to discuss his/her team's problems and determine what steps will be
taken (if any).
Upon
the first pitch of a game, a team cannot alter their starting line-up with
regard to amount of players in said lineup, except if a team with only seven players
has an eighth arrive, that eighth player shall be inserted immediately in the
eighth position in the lineup. If a team is playing with eight or nine
players and one or more players show up at
any point in the game, that team will be permitted to insert a 9th
and/or 10th player immediately into the lineup and that
additional player(s) becomes that team's 9th or 10th batter
in the lineup.
A player (not in the
starting lineup) can come into the game at anytime, replacing a player in the
starting line-up. That replaced player
cannot return to that game.
TEAM ROSTER:
Voted in by the
managers prior to the 2011 Season, each team shall be permitted to carry as many as
twenty-six (26) players on their roster.
Each team Captain will be responsible to deliver to the League's office,
by December 31, 2013, signed waivers and an
original roster with each player's name, age, home address, phone numbers (including their
cell number) and email address clearly written or typed. Managers shall be allowed to deliver their
documents described above at the Manager’s Meeting held in January 2014. Players
who have not submitted waivers to their team captains are not eligible to play
in any game.
The
League has a ruling on what qualifies as a player on a team. A player on any team must be a
"member" of that Temple. The
League refers to a member as an individual who is a current dues paying member
of that Temple, in good standings with that Temple, or an immediate member
(spouse, child, sibling or parent) of a family who is a current dues paying
member of that Temple. A person playing
on a team must be a “Member In Good Standing,” meaning one who has applied for
membership, paid a regular published dues amount, participates within the
temple as they choose, and is not joining that congregation simply to play on
that temple’s softball team. Temporary or
discounted memberships are not accepted and those who enlist with a temple for
a short period of time (six months or so) and/or one who pays a discounted
membership amount, who is joining that temple simply to play softball, shall
not be permitted to participate in Synagogue Softball.
Eligibility verification is
the responsibility of each manager but eligibility may be checked via the
player in question’s birth date. A
manager who delivers a roster with illegal players is subject to a 1 point in
the standings in the first offense and two points after that. On the third
offense the board with make a decision as to if the team is eligible to
continue playing in the league that season. Any questions, one should contact
the Commissioner
Over the years, the league
has recognized certain teams have lost players and some teams have been forced
to withdraw from the League. The teams losing players have been permitted (on a
case-by-case scenario) to add players from other teams that are no longer
participating in the league.
The League’s Executive
Committee shall approve all players at its reasonable desecration. The Committee will confirm the status of each
player on each roster submitted. It is
the responsibility of the team Captain to conduct some level of clarification relating
to the background and history of all his/her players and to deliver a roster knowing
all names appearing on their roster fits the criteria/spirit of Synagogue
Softball rules.
The penalty for failing to
honor the rules regarding players on a team, if identified prior to the start
of the season (league play), is removal of the player in question. The Manager of that team will be fined
$100.00 and suspended for up to the first three (3) games of that team's
schedule. If said fine is not received
on or before 5:00 PM the fifth calendar day following the date of the notice
delivered to a Manager from the Commissioners Office, that team will forfeit
the next scheduled game, and every game thereafter, until said fine is
paid. If players are identified to be
illegal after league play has begun, the same penalty shall apply, with the
addition of that team forfeiting all games won by that team that had a player
participating who has been determined to be an illegal player.
The
minimum age for a player is one who turns 18 years old in 2014. There is no maximum age. Men and women are welcome to play. A team cannot have a total of more than three
(3) players twenty-seven (27) years old or younger on the field at one time.
If a legal player has played for two (2) years or more on a team and
for whatever reason is no longer a member of the temple for which he/she
played, that player is “Grandfathered.”
He/she may still play with that team.
If that player has joined another temple in our league, he/she has the
option of playing for the newly joined temple (team) or the team he/she had
been playing with.
The managers have voted to
allow a team to adjust their roster once the season has begun. A team will be allowed to add up to two (2)
players prior to the start of the third game of the season. If one or two players are added to a team’s
roster during that three-week period, that new player(s) cannot be a player
currently participating in Synagogue Softball.
If a player is dropped from his/her roster during that three-week
period, that player may not be added to any team in the league during the 2012
Season.
GAME CHECK IN:
All players must sign in on
their team’s official game-day sign up sheet.
Each player will sign their own name alongside their printed name. Managers will be responsible for bringing
their team's sign up sheet to each game.
Said sheet must be handed to the Umpire (completely signed) prior to the
start of the game, but no later than end of the first inning. The Executive Committee shall treat improper
signatures swiftly and seriously (see penalties above). The umpire will forward the sheets to the
Commissioner's Office, as pre-arranged.
Prior
to the start of each game, each Manager must deliver a line-up card to the
opposing Manager. Said card must have
the team’s starting line-up and the names of any other players not in the
starting line-up who may participate in that game. During the game, a Manager must inform the
opposing Manager (as well as the Umpire) of any line-up change. Managers need not report defensive changes if
those changes involve players who are in the starting lineup.
EJECTIONS/SUSPENSIONS:
Any player ejected from a game must leave the field (out of sight)
immediately. If an ejected player does
not leave the field immediately when required to do so, a forfeited game shall
be declared by the Umpire in favor of the opposing team, regardless of the
score. No financial penalty shall result
from this forfeit. That player will
receive a minimum one-game suspension, that being the next scheduled game, in
addition to the game he/she was just ejected from. The suspended player is not permitted to
attend his/her team plays following the game he/she was ejected from. Managers must report any player ejected from
a game to the Chairman of the Rules Committee and/or Commissioner within 48
hours of the completion of the game the player was ejected from. Based on the circumstances regarding an
ejection, The Executive Committee shall determine whether or not the player in
question will be suspended any additional games beyond the next scheduled
game. If a Manager is ejected from a game, in addition to the
same suspension, he/she may be asked to meet with the Executive Committee prior
to the next game he/she is scheduled to play in.
If
a suspended player plays in or attends a game during his/her suspended period,
that game he/she plays in or attends will be an automatic loss (forfeit) to that player's team, regardless
of the outcome of that game. The
Executive Committee will determine the additional suspension (if any) the
ejected player may receive, as well as any suspension its Manager may receive.
COURTESY
RUNNERS:
A team at bat may use a maximum of one (1)
courtesy runner each inning. Voted by
the managers prior to the 2009 Season, a second runner (per inning) may be
allowed in all C Division and D Division games.
The courtesy runner must be the player who made the last out prior to
the play for which a runner is needed.
If a player uses a courtesy runner in an inning, and bats for a second
time in that same inning, he/she shall be allowed the use of a runner
again. If a player needs a runner during
the first inning and an out was not yet recorded, use the player in the last
position of the starting line up. If
a batter who reaches base requires a courtesy runner, the request for a
courtesy runner must occur prior to the first pitch to the next batter. If not, that base-runner may not be allowed a
courtesy runner.
A
team of the A and B Divisions may request (from the opposing team's Manager) a
second courtesy runner in any inning, if truly necessary. That request may be approved or rejected by
the Manager being asked.
Please
keep the use of courtesy runners to the least possible. Please do not abuse the use of courtesy
runners.
BATTING ORDER:
The batting order (starting line up) must be
established before the start of the game.
Managers must deliver a copy of their lineup (along with players not in
the starting line-up) to the opposing Manager prior to the start of the
game.
The only time a batting
order is altered is when a non-starting player replaces a starting player. The replaced player may not return to that
game.
A team has the option to use
an extended batting order, more than 8, 9 or 10 players. The maximum amount of batters allowed in a
starting line up is thirteen (13).
Players within the starting lineup (beyond ten) may rotate in and out of
the fielding positions as desired, but may not alter their position in the
lineup.
All players listed in the
starting lineup and playing on the field must bat. If a player in the starting
lineup misses his/her time at bat for whatever reason, that batter will be
called out for the missed at bat. The
next time his/her at bat comes that player could take their at bat (if available),
or the team may skip that at bat without penalty.
DURING THE
GAME:
There is no base stealing. There is no bunting. If the Umpire feels a batted ball was bunted,
the ball is dead, all runners (if any at the time) return to the previous base,
and the batter will be called out.
Runners
may tag up on any ball caught in foul territory. Runners may advance one (1) base on a ball caught
in foul territory and that player who catches that foul ball is carried out of
play. The “out of play” boundaries should be determined before each game by the
umpires with the manager’s consent.
A
batter hit by a pitched ball will be awarded first base. The batter must make an attempt to avoid
getting hit by the pitched ball, if possible.
If the Umpire feels the batter could have avoided the pitched ball and
did not, he/she may not award the batter first base and will call the pitch a
ball.
A base runner cannot leave
the base until the pitched-ball has left the pitcher's hand. If a base runner(s) leaves the base prior to
the pitch leaving the pitcher’s hand, the pitched ball shall be called dead
ball, and the runner(s) who left the base “early” shall be called out.
If
the catcher throws to a base (following a pitch), the base runner will be
called out if the baseman tags the base with possession of the ball before the
base runner returns to the bag, or tags the runner before he/she returns to the
base. It is a force play. If the catcher throws to a base, any base runner
may advance once he/she has tagged up.
If a player is attempting to advance on a ground ball
and the defense is about to attempt a double-play, the lead runner MUST either
go down (slide) or run clearly out of the way (into short outfield). If that runner is close to the base and did
neither, the Umpire may determine the player violated this rule and call a dead
ball, awarding the defensive team a double play. In this situation, the Umpire must conclude
that a double-play could reasonably have been attempted. There is no need for
the fielder to attempt a double play if his/her play is obstructed by a player
who neither slides nor clearly runs out of the base path. This includes first
base, second base and third base.
A base runner or batter (running)
will be called out if he/she bumps or interferes with an infielder that the
Umpire believes has the right to make the play affected by the interference.
A
base runner must be on the base when the pitcher begins his/her delivery, or
they will be called out, and the pitch is a dead ball, no pitch.
If
a pitched ball rolls away from the catcher, the batter should not make contact
with the ball with his/her cleat or bat (tipping the ball back to the catcher). There is no penalty if a batter does tip the
ball to the catcher.
If
there is a close play at home
plate, involving a base runner and the catcher, that base runner must
slide. If such a play occurs (again, a
close play, as determined by the umpire) at home plate and the base runner does not slide, he/she may be
called out. It is the determination of
the Umpire to decide if the play (at home) is close enough to call for a
slide. This rule is an attempt to avoid
injuries. Understand we mean a close
play, here comes the runner and hear comes the thrown ball. And this applies only at home plate.
If there is a collision, at any base, that the Umpire
determines to be blatant, and unsafe by that runner, the base runner will be
called out and may be subject to ejection from the game, and may be subject to
further discipline from the Executive Committee.
No two-strike foul rule.
All fields will be equipped
with the orange extended first base. The
orange portion of first base is in play for the safety of a close play at first
base. When a batter hits a ball and a
play is about to be made on that batter at first base, the batter is only allowed
to touch the orange base, and the first-baseman is only allowed to touch the
white portion of the base. It is a
safety feature. The managers voted prior
to the 2011 Season to allow a batter to touch either the white or orange
portion of the base as he/she rounds first base on a single or in route to a
double, triple or homerun.
If
a ball is hit fair and travels past first or third base, then goes foul and
ultimately goes out-of-play, at the time the ball goes out-of-play, it is
called a dead ball. The runner(s) get
the base they were going to, at the time the ball was called dead, plus one
additional base. It is important to note that it will be the Umpire’s judgment
to determine the base(s) the runner(s) were going to at the time that the ball
went out-of-play.
TYPE OF
PITCHING:
Synagogue Softball is a modified fast-pitch
league. No high-arch, no loft, no side
arm, no three-quarters, no windmill, no complete revolution can be made in the
delivery. Delivery of a pitch will be a
simple straight "bowling" style. A “bowling type motion” requires the Pitcher to bring
the ball straight up, behind his/her back, at a 90 degree angle from the
shoulder. The ball must not be outside the
pitcher's wrist at the top of the back swing (during the back swing), and at
the top, the elbow must be locked -- the arm cannot be bent during the complete
forward delivery. The release must have
a complete smooth follow through, with no abrupt stop of the arm near the
hip. On the forward swing of the
pitching arm, the elbow must be locked at the point of release and the driving
hip must be squared (basically) to home plate when the ball is released.
An
illegal pitch is one that the Umpire has determined violated the league's
rule. The first illegal pitch called is
a dead ball and an automatic ball to the batter. It is also an automatic warning. On a second occurrence, if that team's pitcher is called for
another illegal pitch, it is an automatic ball and any base-runner(s) will
advance one base. If a third illegal
pitch is called on a pitcher, again, an automatic ball, runners again advance
one base and that pitcher must be removed from the mound (but not from the
game) at that point and may not return (as a pitcher) during that game.
There aren't balks in softball. Although, if a Pitcher does not have the ball
while on the mound and begins to go into his/her windup/delivery, the Umpire
shall call a dead ball (an automatic ball to the batter), and any base-runners
shall move up one base.
The Pitcher must start their
windup with at least one foot on the rubber.
The Pitcher is allowed to step back to begin his/her windup.
EQUIPMENT:
The participating teams must
furnish all personal equipment, such as bats, gloves, softball cleats,
etc. The League requires all catchers to
wear a catcher’s mask. Any additional catcher’s equipment, such as chest
protector, shin guards, etc. are optional.
The league supplies all game balls and bases. The league does not supply any other personal
or game equipment. The league is not
responsible for any equipment used by all players.
Bats:
No bat may exceed 36 inches long and no more than
2 ¼ inches in diameter at its largest part.
A bat must have a safety grip of cork, tape or composition
material. The safety grip shall not be
less than 10 inches long, and shall not extend more than 15 inches from the
small end of the bat. The handle/neck of
the bat may be made of a separate piece from the barrel of the bat. The Executive
Committee will provide a separate Banned Bat List to each Manager prior to the
start of the season. Use of a banned bat by any player, knowingly or
accidental, will result in an automatic out for the offending team. The second
time a banned bat is used by a team during the course of a game and/or season
will result in a one-point deduction in the standings, two points for the third
offense and so on. If a player uses a banned bat twice, he or she will be
ejected from that game and for one additional game the week after. If a player
uses a banned bat three times, he or she will be suspended from the league for
at least one season.
Cleats:
Standard softball plastic cleats only.
No metal cleats, or hard plastic
cleats (football cleats) are allowed. We recommend
tennis shoes not be worn due to slipping and injuries that may occur.
UNIFORMS:
All players are required to wear the team’s
T-shirt or jersey. All T-shirts/jerseys
must have the player’s number(s) on the front and/or rear. The purchase of all t-shirts/jerseys is the
responsibility of each respective team.
Additional uniform pieces such as baseball pants and caps are optional
and also the responsibility of the respective team. A player who does not have his/her jersey may
play but is required to own a jersey. Any
player repeatedly playing without a team jersey will be asked to wear their
jersey or will not be allowed to play.
Each Manager would be wise to carry extra jerseys to provide to players
arriving without their jersey.
Teams should maintain
apparel unity. Example: please try to
avoid a player wearing yellow shorts and a purple t-shirt when the rest of the
team is wearing the team’s red jersey and white baseball pants.
Due to the possible need to
slide, and potential injury, shorts are not recommended.
INJURIES/INSURANCE:
Synagogue Softball (“SS”) is very concerned
with avoiding all injuries. We are aware
of the “weekend athlete,” the person who comes out, hasn't played ball for many
years, and overdoes it and may end up with a serious and preventable injury. There is always the potential of an injury to
any player at any time during a game and SS is very concerned about avoiding
injuries. SS cannot and will not be
responsible for any injury that may occur during a game. SS does not carry a liability insurance
policy. SS does carry a specific
insurance policy required by the City but said policy does not cover any type
of injury, damage, los or death that may occur from participating in our
league.
Each team member will sign a
waiver/release disclosure statement prior to the start of the season. Said waiver shall hold Synagogue Softball,
its officers and agents, LA City Dept. of Parks and Rec., its officers and
agents, the respective Temple that is associated with his/her bteam, and any
player in the league, harmless from any loss or injury that may occur during
league play.
SPORTSMANSHIP:
Synagogue Softball (“SS”) requires that each and every player
conduct himself/herself in a mature and peaceful manner. Knowing how competitive sports can bring out
the vigor in someone, we welcome that positive, winning spirit that league
softball generates. But the spirit
of this league is not intended to create any
negative or destructive result whatsoever.
Players must maintain a cool head.
This league will maintain a
“zero tolerance rule,” and will not stand for any fighting or a display
of foul, abusive, or distasteful language or behavior. Any player engaged in any conduct
unacceptable to the spirit of SS will be ejected from the game by the Umpire and will be dealt with on a case-by-case scenario by the
League's Executive Committee, which may result in an extended or permanent
dismissal.
Players must maintain good
sportsmanship at all times. Managers cannot
always be responsible for their players’
behavior. However, the Manager is
expected to have control of their team, their players. We must all be aware of the spirit of
Synagogue Softball. If a player
continues to show a lack of sportsmanship, that player, along with his/hers manager,
may be asked to meet with the League’s Executive Committee to discuss the issue
and determine what actions or suspensions, if any, may be handed out. Managers are also responsible for reporting to the Commissioner
any player whose conduct is not within the spirit of Synagogue Softball.
EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE:
The Executive Committee was
formed in 2000 to aid and assist the day-to-day operations of the league. The committee consists five members: the
Commissioner along with four other League players and/or managers from each
division, A, B, C, and D elected by the Commissioner. Each committee member shall serve on the
committee for a one (1) year period.
Committee members may be asked to return for another year. The committee will discuss and vote on league
business and activities. Each member has
been assigned an area of activity they will be directly involved in with the
Commissioner. The League members joining
the Commissioner on the 2014 Executive Committee include: Jeremy Oberstein (AAE
– A Division), Ari Leisner (B Division), Brad Barnholtz (C Division) and Marc
Canter ( D Division) Protests must be filed to the executive
committee member representing your division by email within the first 24 hours.
It will be rules on within 72 hours of receiving it.
LEAGUE FEES,:
Te total cost for each team for the 2014 Season is $1,450.00. Team’s league
fees are due on or before December 31, 2013 or by January 7, 2014 at the
Managers Meeting.
The
fees collected cover the cost to run the league, which includes but not limited
to, the cost for all the fields for the regular season and playoffs, game balls
for the regular season and playoffs, all Umpires scheduled for the regular
season and the playoffs, all trophies and other special awards, scorebooks for
each team, team bags for those who need one, lineup cards for the season, new
bases, cost to line the fields, LA City Parks & Rec. annual bond, City
administration costs, City required insurance expense, league administrative
costs and other league miscellaneous expenses.
From each team’s fee collected, one
hundred dollars ($100.00) is dedicated to charity.
Late payments that are made may include a fine which
shall be paid prior to the start of the season. Non-payment will result in that team’s
suspension for the 2014 season.
FILING A
PROTEST:
Any Manager filing a protest may do so under
the following guidelines: A protest must
be established immediately during the game with the Umpire. A protest can be filed based on a perceived misinterpretation
of a play or rule during a game and not as a result of an umpire’s judgment
call. If the manager wishes to file a protest as a result of the last play of
the game, he must inform the umpire immediately. If the umpire has left the field, the manager
must inform the opposing manager of his intention to file a protest and he must
contact the Executive Committee member representing his or her division (as
listed above) by email.
If a protest is a result of
a "Player Eligibility" violation of a rule, that protest must be
established with the Umpire prior to the
third out of the fourth inning.
Exception: late arriving substitutes who enter a game after it has
started may be protested at any time before the game ends. In either case, a written explanation must be
sent to the Executive Committee member representing his or
her division by email
As always, a complete and thorough review will be
conducted with any protest filed. The Commissioner
and Executive Committee will respond to the protest prior to the next scheduled
games. All rulings regarding protests from the Executive Committee are final
and cannot be appealed.
DIVISION
BREAKDOWN AND PLAYOFFS:
We have four (4) divisions; A Division, B
Division, C Division and D Division.
There will be no inter-division play.
There will be four champions
or four playoffs. The top four (4) placing teams at the conclusion of the
regular season will enter the playoffs.
The first place teams will face the fourth place teams in the first
round while the second place teams will face the third place teams. Those two winners will meet in the
finals.
To qualify to
participate in the playoffs, a player must play in a minimum of four (4)
regular season games.
If two teams finish the
regular season in a tie for a playoff position, the determination of who enters
the playoffs will be handled as follows:
a) The won/lost of the respective head-to-head competition during the
regular season. If not settled, b) the
greatest margin of victory, between those teams, during the regular
season. If the matter is still not
settled, c) most runs scored during the regular season. Or, d) A coin toss.
The first place finishing team and/or championship
teams of each division will be considered for advancement to division above the
division it played in 2013. The last
place finisher of each division will be considered for transfer for the next
season to the division below the division it played in 2013. In
each case, the Executive Committee shall review all teams that fall in any of
the above-mentioned positions for final decision based on which team s
participate in Season 2014 along with new teams that may enter the League.
HOME TEAM:
The home team (the
team on the right column on the schedule) shall use the first-base side dugout.
MISC.:
A player cannot participate in a game if
he/she is wearing a cast of any type or an exposed metal hand, ankle, or knee
brace. It may further injure the player and/or harm another player.
A
team may place their fourth outfielder in a “normal position” anywhere on the
outfield grass. That 10th player cannot be positioned to play on the
infield. Infielders may play in a
defensive position located deep in the infield, or in shallow outfield grass.
Rules/situations not covered in these Synagogue
Softball Rules shall be guided by ASA Rules.
Official C/D Division Synagogue Softball Rules
2014 Season
OPENING DAY, FIELD
LOCATIONS:
The 2014 season will begin on
January 26, 2014. Our fields for the 2014 Season will be:
Woodland Hills Park, 5858 Shoup Ave., diamonds #1
and #3,
Mason
Park, 10500 Mason Ave., just north of Devonshire, diamonds #1 and #2,
Cheviot
Hills Park (Rancho Park) 2551 Motor
Ave., just south of Pico, West LA, diamond #3,
Barrington
Park, 333 S. Barrington Ave., just south
of Sunset, West LA, diamond #2.
Pan
Pacific Park, 7600 Beverly Blvd. just east of Fairfax
Starting in early April, the games assigned at
Cheviot Hills Park may be relocated to Pan Pacific Park and the games at
Barrington may also be relocated to a field TBD.
GAME DAY, GAME
TIMES, THE GAME:
All games are played on Sunday, with starting
times of 9:00 am, 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.
Games are scheduled for seven (7) innings, time
permitting. A game must play a minimum
of four (4) full innings. Due to time, a
game may be four, five, or six innings.
No new inning shall begin one hour and forty-five minutes (1:45) past
the games official starting time. The
umpire's watch shall determine any questions concerning the time limit, which
will be official.
No regular season game shall
exceed more than seven innings regardless of the score (tied) and/or amount of
time that may be available after seven innings are played. Playoff and Championship games will play
extra innings (if necessary) to determine a winner.
There is no mercy rule.
A game
interrupted by rain (or other weather event or unexpected element) shall be
considered complete if at least four (4) full innings have been played. If a game is interrupted due to an issue
described above, and four innings have been completed, the score at the end of
the last complete inning (4th inning or beyond) shall become the
final score.
AMOUNT OF
PLAYERS:
Voted in by the
managers prior to the 2014 Season, a team can play a game with eight (8) players. The maximum amount of players a team could
have on the field is ten (10). The
maximum amount of players a team may have in a starting line-up is thirteen
(13), see next page -" batting order." At game time, in the event a team has less
than seven players on hand, the Umpire shall permit a team a grace period,
not to exceed seven (7) minutes, for that team to field an eighth player. The grace period shall become part of the
playing time. Upon the failure to reach
eight players within the designated grace period by the team with seven
players, the game will be forfeited to the other team. A forfeit
by any team will result in a loss (one point in the loss column) for the
offending team. If a team forfeits a
second time, their
team will suffer a two point deduction in the standings and an
additional point.
If a team forfeits more than
two games, that team's Manager shall meet with the Commissioner and/or the
Executive Committee to discuss his/her team's problems and determine what steps
will be taken (if any).
Upon
the first pitch of a game, a team cannot alter their starting line-up with
regard to amount of players in said lineup, except if a team with only seven
players has an eighth arrive, that eighth player shall be inserted immediately
in the eighth position in the lineup. If a team is playing with eight or nine
players and one or more players show up at
any point in the game, that team will be permitted to insert a 9th
and/or 10th player immediately into the lineup and that
additional player(s) becomes that team's 9th or 10th
batter in the lineup.
A player (not in the
starting lineup) can come into the game at any time, replacing a player in the
starting line-up. That replaced player
cannot return to that game.
TEAM ROSTER:
Voted in by the
managers prior to the 2011 Season, each team shall be permitted to carry as many as
twenty-six (26) players on their roster.
Each team Captain will be responsible to deliver to the League's office,
by December 31, 2013, signed waivers and an
original roster with each player's name, age, home address, phone numbers (including their
cell number) and email address clearly written or typed. Managers shall be allowed to deliver their
documents described above at the Manager’s Meeting held in January 2014.
Players who have not submitted waivers to their team captains are not eligible
to play in any game.
The
League has a ruling on what qualifies as a player on a team. A player on any team must be a
"member" of that Temple. The
League refers to a member as an individual who is a current dues paying member
of that Temple, in good standings with that Temple, or an immediate member
(spouse, child, sibling or parent) of a family who is a current dues paying
member of that Temple. A person playing
on a team must be a “Member In Good Standing,” meaning one who has applied for
membership, paid a regular published dues amount, participates within the
temple as they choose, and is not joining that congregation simply to play on
that temple’s softball team. Temporary
or discounted memberships are not accepted and those who enlist with a temple
for a short period of time (six months or so) and/or one who pays a discounted
membership amount, who is joining that temple simply to play softball, shall
not be permitted to participate in Synagogue Softball.
Eligibility verification is
the responsibility of each manager but eligibility may be checked via the
player in question’s birth date. A
manager who delivers a roster with illegal players is subject to a 1 point in
the standings in the first offense and two points after that. On the third
offense the board with make a decision as to if the team is eligible to
continue playing in the league that season. Any questions, one should contact the
Commissioner
Over the years, the league
has recognized certain teams have lost players and some teams have been forced
to withdraw from the League. The teams losing players have been permitted (on a
case-by-case scenario) to add players from other teams that are no longer
participating in the league.
The League’s Executive
Committee shall approve all players at its reasonable desecration. The Committee will confirm the status of each
player on each roster submitted. It is the
responsibility of the team Captain to conduct some level of clarification
relating to the background and history of all his/her players and to deliver a
roster knowing all names appearing on their roster fits the criteria/spirit of
Synagogue Softball rules.
The penalty for failing to
honor the rules regarding players on a team, if identified prior to the start
of the season (league play), is removal of the player in question. The Manager of that team will be fined
$100.00 and suspended for up to the first three (3) games of that team's
schedule. If said fine is not received
on or before 5:00 PM the fifth calendar day following the date of the notice
delivered to a Manager from the Commissioner’s Office, that team will forfeit
the next scheduled game, and every game thereafter, until said fine is
paid. If players are identified to be
illegal after league play has begun, the same penalty shall apply, with the
addition of that team forfeiting all games won by that team that had a player participating
who has been determined to be an illegal player.
The
minimum age for a player is one who turns 18 years old in 2014. There is no maximum age. Men and women are welcome to play. A team cannot have a total of more than three
(3) players twenty-seven (27) years old or younger on the field at one time.
If a legal player has played for two (2) years or more on a team and
for whatever reason is no longer a member of the temple for which he/she
played, that player is “Grandfathered.”
He/she may still play with that team.
If that player has joined another temple in our league, he/she has the
option of playing for the newly joined temple (team) or the team he/she had
been playing with.
The managers have voted to
allow a team to adjust their roster once the season has begun. A team will be allowed to add up to two (2)
players prior to the start of the third game of the season. If one or two players are added to a team’s
roster during that three-week period, that new player(s) cannot be a player currently
participating in Synagogue Softball. If
a player is dropped from his/her roster during that three-week period, that
player may not be added to any team in the league during the 2012 Season.
GAME CHECK IN:
All players must sign in on
their team’s official game-day signup sheet.
Each player will sign their own name alongside their printed name. Managers will be responsible for bringing
their team's signup sheet to each game.
Said sheet must be handed to the Umpire (completely signed) prior to the
start of the game, but no later than end of the first inning. The Executive Committee shall treat improper
signatures swiftly and seriously (see penalties above). The umpire will forward the sheets to the
Commissioner's Office, as pre-arranged.
Prior
to the start of each game, each Manager must deliver a line-up card to the
opposing Manager. Said card must have
the team’s starting line-up and the names of any other players not in the
starting line-up who may participate in that game. During the game, a Manager must inform the
opposing Manager (as well as the Umpire) of any line-up change. Managers need not report defensive changes if
those changes involve players who are in the starting lineup.
EJECTIONS/SUSPENSIONS:
Any player ejected from a game must leave the field (out of sight)
immediately. If an ejected player does
not leave the field immediately when required to do so, a forfeited game shall
be declared by the Umpire in favor of the opposing team, regardless of the
score. No financial penalty shall result
from this forfeit. That player will
receive a minimum one-game suspension, that being the next scheduled game, in
addition to the game he/she was just ejected from. The suspended player is not permitted to attend
his/her team plays following the game he/she was ejected from. Managers must report any player ejected from
a game to the Chairman of the Rules Committee and/or Commissioner within 48
hours of the completion of the game the player was ejected from. Based on the circumstances regarding an
ejection, The Executive Committee shall determine whether or not the player in
question will be suspended any additional games beyond the next scheduled
game. If a Manager is ejected from a game, in addition to the
same suspension, he/she may be asked to meet with the Executive Committee prior
to the next game he/she is scheduled to play in.
If
a suspended player plays in or attends a game during his/her suspended period,
that game he/she plays in or attends will be an automatic loss (forfeit) to that player's team, regardless
of the outcome of that game. The
Executive Committee will determine the additional suspension (if any) the
ejected player may receive, as well as any suspension its Manager may receive.
COURTESY
RUNNERS:
A team at bat may use a maximum of one (2)
courtesy runner each inning. Voted by
the managers prior to the 2009 Season, a second runner (per inning) may be
allowed in all C Division and D Division games.
The courtesy runner must be the player who made the last out prior to
the play for which a runner is needed.
If a player uses a courtesy runner in an inning, and bats for a second
time in that same inning, he/she shall be allowed the use of a runner again. If a player needs a runner during the first
inning and an out was not yet recorded, use the player in the last position of
the starting lineup. If a batter who
reaches base requires a courtesy runner, the request for a courtesy runner must
occur prior to the first pitch to the next batter. If not, that base-runner may not be allowed a
courtesy runner.
A
team of the A and B Divisions may request (from the opposing team's Manager) a
second courtesy runner in any inning, if truly necessary. That request may be approved or rejected by the
Manager being asked.
Please
keep the use of courtesy runners to the least possible. Please do not abuse the use of courtesy
runners.
BATTING ORDER:
The batting order (starting lineup) must be
established before the start of the game.
Managers must deliver a copy of their lineup (along with players not in
the starting line-up) to the opposing Manager prior to the start of the
game.
The only time a batting
order is altered is when a non-starting player replaces a starting player. The replaced player may not return to that
game.
A team has the option to use
an extended batting order, more than 8, 9 or 10 players. The maximum amount of batters allowed in a
starting lineup is thirteen (13).
Players within the starting lineup (beyond ten) may rotate in and out of
the fielding positions as desired, but may not alter their position in the
lineup.
All players listed in the
starting lineup and playing on the field must bat. If a player in the starting
lineup misses his/her time at bat for whatever reason, that batter will be
called out for the missed at bat. The
next time his/her at bat comes that player could take their at bat (if
available), or the team may skip that at bat without penalty.
DURING THE
GAME:
There is no base stealing. There is no bunting. If the Umpire feels a batted ball was bunted,
the ball is dead, all runners (if any at the time) return to the previous base,
and the batter will be called out.
Runners
may tag up on any ball caught in foul territory. Runners may advance one (1) base on a ball
caught in foul territory and that player who catches that foul ball is carried
out of play. The “out of play” boundaries should be determined before each game
by the umpires with the manager’s consent.
A
batter hit by a pitched ball will be awarded first base. The batter must make an attempt to avoid
getting hit by the pitched ball, if possible.
If the Umpire feels the batter could have avoided the pitched ball and
did not, he/she may not award the batter first base and will call the pitch a
ball.
A base runner cannot leave
the base until the pitched-ball has left the pitcher's hand. If a base runner(s) leaves the base prior to
the pitch leaving the pitcher’s hand, the pitched ball shall be called dead
ball, and the runner(s) who left the base “early” shall be called out.
If
the catcher throws to a base (following a pitch), the base runner will be
called out if the baseman tags the base with possession of the ball before the
base runner returns to the bag, or tags the runner before he/she returns to the
base. It is a force play. If the catcher throws to a base, any base
runner may advance once he/she has tagged up.
If a player is attempting to advance on a ground ball
and the defense is about to attempt a double-play, the lead runner MUST either
go down (slide) or run clearly out of the way (into short outfield). If that runner is close to the base and did
neither, the Umpire may determine the player violated this rule and call a dead
ball, awarding the defensive team a double play. In this situation, the Umpire must conclude
that a double-play could reasonably have been attempted. There is no need for
the fielder to attempt a double play if his/her play is obstructed by a player
who neither slides nor clearly runs out of the base path. This includes first
base, second base and third base.
A base runner or batter (running)
will be called out if he/she bumps or interferes with an infielder that the
Umpire believes has the right to make the play affected by the interference.
A
base runner must be on the base when the pitcher begins his/her delivery, or
they will be called out, and the pitch is a dead ball, no pitch.
If
a pitched ball rolls away from the catcher, the batter should not make contact
with the ball with his/her cleat or bat (tipping the ball back to the
catcher). There is no penalty if a
batter does tip the ball to the catcher.
If
there is a close play at home
plate, involving a base runner and the catcher, that base runner must
slide. If such a play occurs (again, a
close play, as determined by the umpire) at home plate and the base runner does not slide, he/she may be
called out. It is the determination of
the Umpire to decide if the play (at home) is close enough to call for a
slide. This rule is an attempt to avoid
injuries. Understand we mean a close
play, here comes the runner and hear comes the thrown ball. And this applies only at home plate.
If there is a collision, at any base, that the Umpire
determines to be blatant, and unsafe by that runner, the base runner will be
called out and may be subject to ejection from the game, and may be subject to
further discipline from the Executive Committee.
No two-strike foul rule.
All fields will be equipped
with the orange extended first base. The
orange portion of first base is in play for the safety of a close play at first
base. When a batter hits a ball and a
play is about to be made on that batter at first base, the batter is only allowed
to touch the orange base, and the first-baseman is only allowed to touch the
white portion of the base. It is a
safety feature. The managers voted prior
to the 2011 Season to allow a batter to touch either the white or orange
portion of the base as he/she rounds first base on a single or in route to a
double, triple or homerun.
If
a ball is hit fair and travels past first or third base, then goes foul and
ultimately goes out-of-play, at the time the ball goes out-of-play, it is
called a dead ball. The runner(s) get
the base they were going to, at the time the ball was called dead, plus one
additional base. It is important to note that it will be the Umpire’s judgment
to determine the base(s) the runner(s) were going to at the time that the ball
went out-of-play. “C” and “D” divisions only, the league is instituting a
“mercy rule.” If, at the conclusion of 5 full innings of play, one team is
leading by more than 20 runs, the umpire shall call the game
and the leading team shall be declared the victor with that final score.
Notwithstanding a shortened game which has been called as a result of this
mercy rule, the teams may voluntarily elect to continue to play until time has
expired (1:45 min total time from start of game) but without the use of an
umpire crew (“Additional Play”). The umpire crew may not prevent the use of the
field by the teams should they elect to continue with Additional Play. Any Additional
Play is voluntary and will not alter the prior determination of the game based
on the mercy rule. [The 1:45 min total time for Additional Play,
however, is not extended in this instance in the event an
inning has started before expiration of the 1:45 min time limit, and
the teams shall be required to vacate the field of play immediately at the
expiration of the 1:45 time period to ensure a prompt start of any
following game.
TYPE OF
PITCHING:
Synagogue Softball is a modified fast-pitch
league. No high-arch, no loft, no side
arm, no three-quarters, no windmill, no complete revolution can be made in the
delivery. Delivery of a pitch will be a
simple straight "bowling" style.
A “bowling type motion” requires
the Pitcher to bring the ball straight up, behind his/her back, at a 90 degree
angle from the shoulder. The ball must not be outside the
pitcher's wrist at the top of the back swing (during the back swing), and at
the top, the elbow must be locked -- the arm cannot be bent during the complete
forward delivery. The release must have
a complete smooth follow through, with no abrupt stop of the arm near the
hip. On the forward swing of the
pitching arm, the elbow must be locked at the point of release and the driving
hip must be squared (basically) to home plate when the ball is released.
An
illegal pitch is one that the Umpire has determined violated the league's
rule. The first illegal pitch called is
a dead ball and an automatic ball to the batter. It is also an automatic warning. On a second occurrence, if that team's pitcher is called for
another illegal pitch, it is an automatic ball and any base-runner(s) will
advance one base. If a third illegal
pitch is called on a pitcher, again, an automatic ball, runners again advance
one base and that pitcher must be removed from the mound (but not from the
game) at that point and may not return (as a pitcher) during that game.
There aren't balks in softball. Although, if a Pitcher does not have the ball
while on the mound and begins to go into his/her windup/delivery, the Umpire
shall call a dead ball (an automatic ball to the batter), and any base-runners
shall move up one base.
The Pitcher must start their
windup with at least one foot on the rubber.
The Pitcher is allowed to step back to begin his/her windup.
EQUIPMENT:
The participating teams must
furnish all personal equipment, such as bats, gloves, softball cleats,
etc. The League requires all catchers to
wear a catcher’s mask. Any additional catcher’s equipment, such as chest protector,
shin guards, etc. are optional. The
league supplies all game balls and bases.
The league does not supply any other personal or game equipment. The league is not responsible for any
equipment used by all players.
Bats:
No bat may exceed 36 inches long and no more than
2 ¼ inches in diameter at its largest part.
A bat must have a safety grip of cork, tape or composition
material. The safety grip shall not be
less than 10 inches long, and shall not extend more than 15 inches from the
small end of the bat. The handle/neck of
the bat may be made of a separate piece from the barrel of the bat. The Executive
Committee will provide a separate Banned Bat List to each Manager prior to the
start of the season. Use of a banned bat by any player, knowingly or
accidental, will result in an automatic out for the offending team. The second
time a banned bat is used by a team during the course of a game and/or season
will result in a one-point deduction in the standings, two points for the third
offense and so on. If a player uses a banned bat twice, he or she will be
ejected from that game and for one additional game the week after. If a player
uses a banned bat three times, he or she will be suspended from the league for
at least one season.
Cleats:
Standard softball plastic cleats only.
No metal cleats, or hard plastic
cleats (football cleats) are allowed. We recommend
tennis shoes not be worn due to slipping and injuries that may occur.
UNIFORMS:
All players are required to wear the team’s
T-shirt or jersey. All T-shirts/jerseys
must have the player’s number(s) on the front and/or rear. The purchase of all t-shirts/jerseys is the
responsibility of each respective team.
Additional uniform pieces such as baseball pants and caps are optional
and also the responsibility of the respective team. A player who does not have his/her jersey may
play but is required to own a jersey.
Any player repeatedly playing without a team jersey will be asked to
wear their jersey or will not be allowed to play. Each Manager would be wise to carry extra
jerseys to provide to players arriving without their jersey.
Teams should maintain
apparel unity. Example: please try to
avoid a player wearing yellow shorts and a purple t-shirt when the rest of the
team is wearing the team’s red jersey and white baseball pants.
Due to the possible need to
slide, and potential injury, shorts are not recommended.
INJURIES/INSURANCE:
Synagogue Softball (“SS”) is very concerned
with avoiding all injuries. We are aware
of the “weekend athlete,” the person who comes out, hasn't played ball for many
years, and overdoes it and may end up with a serious and preventable
injury. There is always the potential of
an injury to any player at any time during a game and SS is very concerned
about avoiding injuries. SS cannot and
will not be responsible for any injury that may occur during a game. SS does not carry a liability insurance
policy. SS does carry a specific
insurance policy required by the City but said policy does not cover any type
of injury, damage, los or death that may occur from participating in our
league.
Each team member will sign a
waiver/release disclosure statement prior to the start of the season. Said waiver shall hold Synagogue Softball,
its officers and agents, LA City Dept. of Parks and Rec., its officers and
agents, the respective Temple that is associated with his/her team, and any
player in the league, harmless from any loss or injury that may occur during
league play.
SPORTSMANSHIP:
Synagogue Softball (“SS”) requires that each and every player
conduct himself/herself in a mature and peaceful manner. Knowing how competitive sports can bring out
the vigor in someone, we welcome that positive, winning spirit that league
softball generates. But the spirit
of this league is not intended to create any
negative or destructive result whatsoever.
Players must maintain a cool head.
This league will maintain a
“zero tolerance rule,” and will not stand for any fighting or a display
of foul, abusive, or distasteful language or behavior. Any player engaged in any conduct
unacceptable to the spirit of SS will be ejected from the game by the Umpire and will be dealt with on a case-by-case scenario by the
League's Executive Committee, which may result in an extended or permanent
dismissal.
Players must maintain good
sportsmanship at all times. Managers
cannot always be responsible for their players’ behavior. However, the Manager is expected to have
control of their team, their players. We
must all be aware of the spirit of Synagogue Softball. If a player continues to show a lack of
sportsmanship, that player, along with his/hers manager, may be asked to meet
with the League’s Executive Committee to discuss the issue and determine what
actions or suspensions, if any, may be handed out. Managers are also responsible for reporting to the
Commissioner any player whose conduct is not within the spirit of
Synagogue Softball.
EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE:
The Executive Committee was
formed in 2000 to aid and assist the day-to-day operations of the league. The committee consists five members: the
Commissioner along with four other League players and/or managers from each division,
A, B, C, and D elected by the Commissioner.
Each committee member shall serve on the committee for a one (1) year
period. Committee members may be asked
to return for another year. The
committee will discuss and vote on league business and activities. Each member has been assigned an area of
activity they will be directly involved in with the Commissioner. The League members joining the Commissioner
on the 2014 Executive Committee include: Jeremy Oberstein (AAE – A Division),
Ari Leisner (B Division), Brad Barnholtz (C Division) and Marc Canter ( D
Division) Protests must be filed to the executive committee member representing
your division by email within the first 24 hours. It will be rules on within 72
hours of receiving it.
LEAGUE FEES,:
Te total cost for each team for the 2014 Season is $1,450.00. Team’s league
fees are due on or before December 31, 2013 or by January 7, 2014 at the
Managers Meeting.
The
fees collected cover the cost to run the league, which includes but not limited
to, the cost for all the fields for the regular season and playoffs, game balls
for the regular season and playoffs, all Umpires scheduled for the regular
season and the playoffs, all trophies and other special awards, scorebooks for
each team, team bags for those who need one, lineup cards for the season, new
bases, cost to line the fields, LA City Parks & Rec. annual bond, City
administration costs, City required insurance expense, league administrative
costs and other league miscellaneous expenses.
From each team’s fee collected, one
hundred dollars ($100.00) is dedicated to charity.
Late payments that are made may include a fine which
shall be paid prior to the start of the season. Non-payment will result in that team’s
suspension for the 2014 season.
Any Manager filing a protest may do so under
the following guidelines: A protest must
be established immediately during the game with the Umpire. A protest can be filed based on a perceived
misinterpretation of a play or rule during a game and not as a result of an
umpire’s judgment call. If the manager wishes to file a protest as a
result of the last play of the game, he must inform the umpire
immediately. If the umpire has left the
field, the manager must inform the opposing manager of his intention to file a
protest and he must contact the Executive Committee member representing his or
her division (as listed above) by email.
If a protest is a result of
a "Player Eligibility" violation of a rule, that protest must be
established with the Umpire prior to the
third out of the fourth inning.
Exception: late arriving substitutes who enter a game after it has
started may be protested at any time before the game ends. In either case, a written explanation must be
sent to the Executive Committee member representing his or
her division by email
As always, a complete and thorough review will be
conducted with any protest filed. The Commissioner
and Executive Committee will respond to the protest prior to the next scheduled
games. All rulings regarding protests from the Executive Committee are final
and cannot be appealed.
DIVISION
BREAKDOWN AND PLAYOFFS:
We have four (4) divisions; A Division, B Division,
C Division and D Division.
There will be no inter-division play.
There will be four champions
or four playoffs. The top four (4) placing teams at the conclusion of the
regular season will enter the playoffs.
The first place teams will face the fourth place teams in the first round
while the second place teams will face the third place teams. Those two winners will meet in the
finals.
To qualify to
participate in the playoffs, a player must play in a minimum of four (4)
regular season games.
If two teams finish the
regular season in a tie for a playoff position, the determination of who enters
the playoffs will be handled as follows:
a) The won/lost of the respective head-to-head competition during the
regular season. If not settled, b) the
greatest margin of victory, between those teams, during the regular
season. If the matter is still not
settled, c) most runs scored during the regular season. Or, d) A coin toss.
The first place finishing team and/or championship
teams of each division will be considered for advancement to division above the
division it played in 2013. The last
place finisher of each division will be considered for transfer for the next
season to the division below the division it played in 2013. In
each case, the Executive Committee shall review all teams that fall in any of
the above-mentioned positions for final decision based on which team s
participate in Season 2014 along with new teams that may enter the League.
HOME TEAM:
The home team (the
team on the right column on the schedule) shall use the first-base side dugout.
MISC.:
A player cannot participate in a game if
he/she is wearing a cast of any type or an exposed metal hand, ankle, or knee
brace. It may further injure the player and/or harm another player.
A
team may place their fourth outfielder in a “normal position” anywhere on the
outfield grass. That 10th player cannot be positioned to play on the
infield. Infielders may play in a
defensive position located deep in the infield, or in shallow outfield grass.
Rules/situations not covered in these Synagogue
Softball Rules shall be guided by ASA Rules.
As we begin the 19th Season of Synagogue Softball, the Executive Committee wishes every player a safe and enjoyable season.