General Rules of Play
1. The first game of the night will be allowed a 10-minute grace period to have 8
players. Succeeding games shall be ready immediately after preceding game if
after time scheduled. If prior to scheduled time they will start if in agreement with
both teams; if not, then wait for no later than time on schedule. In Leagues with
time limits, when the time limit is reached regardless of innings played, the game
is considered a complete game. If score is tied, game will continue beyond the
time limit, until a winner is determined. If umpires determine that an injury on the
field is serious enough to delay continuing a game, discretion should be used to
allow a reasonable amount of time to offset delay. If a player can be removed,
play should be continued through replacement of player. If games are delayed by
rain, umpires are required to wait at least 30 minutes unless, prior to the 30
minutes, the fields have, in their opinion, become unplayable because of rain. At
that point the game becomes a suspended game and will continue at a later date
from the exact point of suspension. If the home team is leading at end of 4 1/2
innings and the game is called it due to rain it will be considered a completed
game. For light failure, rain or fog, umpires will delay game a maximum of one
hour. In case of fire, panic or other causes, which places patrons as well as
players in peril, umpires are empowered to suspend the games. Suspended
games will be played from the exact point of suspension in these cases.
No league games will postponed because of tournaments or other league
schedules. However, they may be rescheduled with the League Secretary and
played in advance with the agreement of the opposing team. The WASA
schedule will be posted on the bulletin board at Sunnyvale, Games not played
due to rain, suspension etc. will be rescheduled at the end of the season with
those affecting standings given priority. No rules exceptions will be granted for
end of season or playoff games. If a team decides it will forfeit any scheduled
league game they must advise the Secretary in writing at least 3 days
before the scheduled game to eliminate paying a forfeit fee. If this notice is
not given, penalties will apply. Penalty for forfeits will be $50.00 per forfeit. If any
forfeit fee is not paid before the affected team's next game, the team will be
dropped from that league. When the field is used for a practice game after a
forfeited game, at least one WASA umpire and the WASA scorekeeper are
required to supervise while the teams are on the field. The two umpires should
equally share in handling this practice game. Warnings should be issued for
unnecessary fooling around by players in these practice games and a report of
any such incidents should be given to the Secretary by the umpires.
For TORNADO WARNING, when sirens sound at SV see TORNADO PAGE in
this book. Games at this point are also considered a suspended game and
continued from that point at a later date regardless of innings played.
2. The new game ball will be provided by the scorekeeper at the start of the
game. The home team
Manager must use official WASA league ball and furnish a good second ball. The
better ball will be used at all times and umpires will use their judgment in
enforcing this rule. Time will be allowed to purchase a ball from the concession
stand at Sunnyvale if necessary. Only WASA approved balls may be used as
second balls.
3. No teams will be allowed infield practice. Batting practice and warm-ups must
take place in outfield areas, not near the bleachers. Pitchers in slow pitch, both
men and women will be allowed 2 warm-ups and fast pitch, 3 warm-ups. Relief
pitchers in slow pitch 3 warm-ups, and in fast pitch 5.
4. Casts or other hard substances will be illegal unless covered by soft material
and taped.
5. Players, except play-batter on deck, and equipment, must stay off the area
where ball can be played. Batter and all players on base must run the bases
after a home run is hit.
6. Consumption of alcoholic beverages by participants, playing or non-playing is
not permitted during any game by ANYONE in dugouts. Players, whether playing
or subs and coaches managers, or scorekeepers, are not permitted any alcoholic
beverages at any time in dugouts, adjacent to dugouts, or stands, during any
game. Umpires will use discretion but be firm. Any warnings given will be
reported to the scorekeeper who will record warning for Board action.
7. Any team who forfeits a game in any tourney will be barred from competing in
tourney the following year, and if a member of one of our leagues, will also be
barred form competing in the league the following year. This action is appealable
to the WASA Board.
8. Line-ups must be ready and managers are required to exchange line-ups
upon request before game time. Team must start with a minimum of 8 players
and not have less than 8 players on the field at all times. Any late-comers go to
the bottom of the batting order. Team line up can expand or contract freely within
league limits. No delays will be tolerated.
9. Every roster member will be furnished a copy of schedule which includes rules
of the
Association and managers list. PLEASE READ IT!!
Profanity, Ejection, Suspensions
10. Players, managers, scorekeepers for teams, swearing boisterously, will be
ejected from the game if playing, or from any area associated with the team if
other than a player. NO warning is required. Anyone ejected must evacuate area
100 feet from playing area. This and other ejections will require an umpire's
report. 2nd ejection will result in a two game suspension, umpires report, and
notification of the Board. 3rd ejection is suspension for season and if after 9th
game of season, player is out for the following season. An umpire's report is also
required. In addition, fighting between players will result in suspension for the two
succeeding games (carrying over to the next season) and physical contact to
umpires will result in suspension for one calendar year from date of suspension
from all WASA activities. In line with this, the Association also rules that the
managers are responsible for the actions of their players and fans and that the
umpires should also be instructed to take action regarding this matter. Fans
supporting their teams who use abusive language should be challenged and the
team's manager advised to try and curtail such activities. Umpires shall have the
power to evict fans from 100 feet of playing area. If unsuccessful, it should be
reported to the WASA board for action, securing name, if possible.
WASA has adopted a CASUAL PROFANITY RULE. This rule provides a lesser
penalty for the gray area between accepted conduct and those situations where
the offender must be ejected. This rule will be enforced as follows,
VIOLATION:
Expletives not directed at an umpire or opposing player, but spoken by a player,
manager or coach frustrated with themselves, a teammate or a fan.
PENALTY:
A. If the offending team is at bat the umpire will declare a team out and play will
continue.
B. If the offending team is on the field, the umpire will declare a team out to be
assessed when their team comes to bat in their half of the inning.
C. It is possible to incur more than one team out per inning. In this case the
offending team could come to bat with more than one or two outs, or lose their
half of the inning entirely.
D. Team outs will be treated as delayed dead ball situations.
Profanity directed at opposing players or umpires will be penalized by
ejection as before.
11. In WASA league or tournament play WASA will not allow the use of any bat
on the ASA Banned Bat List. See www.softball.org. Penalties will be assessed
per ASA rules regarding illegal bats.
12. A division will consist of a minimum of 4 teams and a maximum of 12 teams.
If entries for any Division exceeds 12 teams the Division will be divided.
Assignments to divided Divisions will be made by the league director with the
help of the WASA Board. Any exceptions must be approved by the WASA Board.
13. Winners will be determined by won/lost record.
14. Playoff rules:
A. Two teams tied: One game with flip of coin to decide home team.
B. Three teams tied: Numbers are drawn to determine 1, 2 & 3. Team I
plays team 2.
The winner plays team 3. The two losers play for second if one team wins
both games.
C. Four teams tied: 1 plays 2 and 3 plays 4.
D. In all Leagues and Divisions, for playoffs, ALL REGULAR LEAGUE
RULES APPLY.
15. Playoffs will be played only in case of ties for individual awards. No playoffs
for 3rd and 4th.
16. The Official ASA Rule Book given to all managers will govern any area that is
not specifically mentioned in the WASA Rules.
17. Additional rules may be drawn by the WASA Board on a year to year basis
for specific leagues as conditions warrant.
18. Check your schedule for game times. They are staggered.
Used
League
12” Men’s Slow Pitch
Gold Dot/Hot Dot
Grandmasters
PN14
Fast Pitch/Church FP
C12RYLAH Dream Seam
Women’s Fast Pitch
C12RYLAH Dream Seam
Co-Ed Slow Pitch
YS44RSA3 Gold Dot
Women’s Slow Pitch
YS11RSA3 Green Dot
WAGSA Rookies
YS11RSA3 Green Dot
WAGSA Minors
YS11RSA3 Green Dot
WAGSA Juniors
Field Setup
Bases Pitching Plate
70’
50’
60’
50’
60’
46’
60’
43’
70’
50’
65’
50’
45’
32’
45’
32’
60’
40’
Ball
Worth
YS11RSA3 Green Dot
WAGSA Seniors
YS11RSA3 Green Dot
60’
40’
The Slow Pitch Strike zone mat is 17” wide and 27”
Long.
LEAGUE SPECIFIC RULES OF PLAY
MEN’S FAST PITCH, WOMEN’S FASTPITCH & CO-ED CHURCH FAST
PITCH:
1. Throat protectors for catchers are required in Fast Pitch (men and women) and
Church League. Also, helmets are mandatory in all Fast Pitch games for man or
women on base, batter, or on deck batter. Base Coaches are exempt unless
under the age of 18.
2. Fast Pitch will field 9 players and Church and Women’s Fast pitch, 10 players.
Minimum of 8 is required. Men’s Fast Pitch teams will be allowed the use of an
additional outfielder when playing games on long fence fields. 10 Batters plus
DH will be allowed. Both leagues will use the ASA DP and SP rules.
3. In all Fast Pitch and Church Fast Pitch if a game is tied after 7 innings the
team batting first in the 8th inning will put a player on second base who will be
the last completed batter of the prior inning, with the same procedure for the
team batting in the bottom of the inning. This will continue until a run is scored.
(Rule 5.11.A)
4. 7 inning, 1 1/2 hour time limit games. Any team leading by 15 runs after 3
innings or 8 runs after 5 innings will be declared winner.
5. No pitcher is allowed to pitch in more than one division in a league.
6. Illegal pitching will be enforced.
7. Pitchers, starters and relievers, are allowed 5 warm ups to start, 3 between
innings.
8. Per ASA Rule, Metal or plastic spikes are allowed in all fastpitch leagues.
WOMEN'S SLOW PITCH:
1. Per ASA Rule, Metal spikes are not allowed. Violation is automatic removal
from the game.
2. 10 players may be fielded during the game, minimum of 8 is required. Any
number of players may bat as long as they stay in rotation. This rotation will be
agreed upon by the managers before the game. The umpire is not responsible
for enforcing proper rotation. If a player is injured and drops out of the batting
rotation, it is reduced by that number. The injured player is not counted as an out.
3. There will be free substitution of defensive players.
4. 7 inning games, no time limit. Any team leading by 20 runs after 4 innings or
12 runs after 5 innings will be declared the winner.
5. The strike zone shall consist of the strike zone mat only. 3 ball, 2 swinging
strike,
1strike on the mat, ball /strike count will be used.
6. The pitched ball must have an arc between 6 - 10 feet, which is measured
from the ground. Judgment of the umpire will be final.
Co-ed Slow Pitch
1. Per ASA Rule, Metal Spikes are not allowed.
2. 7 inning, no time limit games. Any team leading by 20 runs after 4innings or
12 runs after 5
Innings will be declared the winner.
3. The strike zone shall consist of the strike zone mat only. A 3 ball 2 swinging
strike,
one strike on the mat ball/strike count will be used. A pitched ball hitting home
plate is not a strike.
4. The pitched ball must have an arc between 6 and 10 feet measured from the
ground. The Umpire’s judgment will be final.
5. 10 Players will play defense, 5 male 5 female. If less than 10 are played there
must be at least 4 female players used. A minimum of 8 players is required to
start the game. It must include 4 guys and 4 girls. If only 9 players are present, 5
male and 4 female are allowed, however an out must be taken in the batting
order when 2 males bat in consecutive order. If the preceding male makes the
final out of an inning that team will start the next inning with 1 out.
6. 12 players may bat, alternating male/female. If a male batter is walked, the
following female batter has the option to also walk.
7. All games will have a 3 home run rule. Each succeeding home run will be
declared an out.
8. Free substitution of players will be allowed.
MEN’S GRANDMASTERS:
1. All players must be 45 years old or older during the current calendar year
2. Metal spikes are not allowed. Violation is automatic removal from game.
3. Courtesy Runner will be allowed subject to:
A. Runner must enter prior to the first pitch to the next batter.
B. Must be the player who made the last out.
C. Any runner may run only one time per inning with the next runner being the
previous out.
4. 9 inning, 1 hour time limit games. Any team leading by 15 runs after 5
innings or 10 runs after 7 innings will be declared winner.
5. The strike zone shall consist of the strike zone mat only. Three balls is a
walk. Two swinging strikes, (this includes a second swing foul ball), is an out.
One strike on the mat, (this includes a swing and a miss), is an out. A pitched ball
hitting home plate is not a strike.
6. Pitchers, starters and relievers, are allowed 3 warm ups to start and 2
between innings.
7. The pitched ball must have an arc between 6 - 12 feet, which is measured
from the ground. Judgment of the umpire will be final.
8. All games will have a limit of 3 hit over the fence home runs. Each succeeding
hit over the fence home run over the limit will be declared a single.
9. Runners may overrun any base without being tagged out as long as no
attempt to advance is made.
10. TEN players may be fielded on defense during the game. A minimum of 8 is
required. Additional bench players may bat as long as they are listed in the
batting rotation and must stay in that batting order rotation. This rotation will be
agreed upon by the managers before the game. The umpire is not responsible
for enforcing proper batting order rotation. If a player is injured and drops out of
the batting rotation, the batting rotation is reduced. The injured player is not
counted as an out.
10. There will be free substitution of defensive players.
11. For the 2014 season, all games will be played using the 14” PN14 ball and
wood bats for all teams.
12. A team trophy will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, (per WASA
guidelines). However, the league has agreed to not receive individual awards for 1st or 2nd place.
MEN’S 12” SLOW PITCH :
1. The pitched ball must have an arc between 6 - 10 feet, which is measured
from the ground. Judgment of the umpire will be final.
2. 7 inning NO TIME LIMIT games. Any team leading by 20 runs after 4 innings
or 12 runs after 5 innings will be declared winner.
3. The strike zone shall consist of the strike zone mat only. 3 ball, 2 swinging
strike,
1 strike on the mat, ball/strike count will be used. A pitched ball hitting home plate
is not a strike.
4. All games will have a limit of 3 home runs. Each succeeding home run over
the limit will be declared an out.
5. 10 players can be fielded during the game, minimum of 8 is required. Each
starting player may reenter the game for the player that substituted for him.
6. Per ASA Rule, Metal Spikes are allowed in Men’s Slow Pitch.
WAGSA DIVISION GENERAL RULES FOR ALL
LEAGUES
1. All girls who sign up will definitely play with the following exception: Any girl who misses half
or more of the practices without a sufficient excuse can be deleted from the roster at the
coach’s discretion.
2. Good sportsmanship shall be required at all times. No booing, harassing, or razzing of the
umpires, coaches, or players [especially the batter] is allowed. Team coaches are required to
set a good example by quietly talking things over in the event of a rule conflict. If no decision
can be reached, consult the Softball Rule Handbook. If a player or spectator becomes
abusive toward umpires, coaches, or players, the plate umpire should suspend the game
[play] until offender leaves the playing area. The umpire can eject a player or spectator for
unsportsmanlike conduct. The umpire shall report any situations to the League Board. If a
second ejection or report occurs, the player or spectator is out for the season. This decision
can be appealed to the League Board. Under NO circumstances is a Coach allowed to make
physical contact with a runner and they need to remain in the designated coach’s box at first
and third base line.
3. There will be no deliberate bunting, no base stealing, and no pinch-hitting. Sliding is allowed.
One base is automatically given on any non-fenced overthrow entering in the diamonds foul
territory.
4. All bats MUST be “Official SOFTBALL” bats approved by ASA. Catchers must wear a mask
behind the plate. Each player must have a glove, which she will provide. Catcher’s mitts are
not permitted. All players must wear tennis or athletic shoes, rubber cleats are also allowed.
No metal spikes, sandals, or bare feet are allowed. No jewelry of any type , except medical
bracelets, is allowed. New in 2012 a girl’s 11” softball will be used going forward.
5. After the first warning, throwing the bat constitutes an out and a dead ball.
6. Ten players fill all positions of the field. Less than eight players will result in a forfeit. A roster
will consist of up to the maximum number of players set by the Board in any given year. Any
team starting the game with less than ten-will put players in the game as soon as arrival, up
to 10 players.
7. No tobacco products or alcohol will be permitted at games or practices. Parents shall not
bring beer into the stands at the Sunnyvale Park diamonds during games and
absolutely no food or beverage carry-ins are permitted at the park. There is a
concession stand on-site and we encourage all to use it in support of the WASA and
WAGSA.
8. Coaches, team members and interested parents are responsible for the care of equipment
and transportation of players to and from games. All equipment must be turned in
immediately after your team’s last tournament game at a designated location.
9. Games will be played according to the published schedule. Be prompt. A ten minute grace
period is allowed for first game only on that field. If the late team is not on the field by the
allowed 10 minutes, the game is forfeited to the opposing team. All games have a 1 hour time
limit unless tied, home team bats last. It is recommended that coaches confirm game start
time with home plate umpire.
10. The INFIELD FLY rule does not apply in the Rookie, Minor or Junior WASA/WAGSA League,
11. The INFIELD FLY will apply according to the WASA/WAGSA rules for the senior league.
12. All girls must have a WAIVER of INJURY signed by a parent of legal guardian absolving the
WASA/WAGSA Board and coaches of any/ all liability.
13. A player who is in the legal batting position within the batter’s box and is hit by a pitch does
not advance to first base in slow pitch, rather, it is called a ball by the umpire.
14. The decision to call the game OFF because of weather will be made by a designated WASA
official. Only managers are to call one hour before each day’s scheduled start times for rainout or delayed starting time information. Once the games have started, the umpire will decide
on continuation. When a game is rained out, the teams affected will be allowed 8 days to
contact the standings manager (Kevin Meier 842-5710) to reschedule the make-up game.
After the 8 day period, if the managers have not rescheduled the game, the WASA will
schedule the make-up game to be played on an available field on any night. Rain make-up
schedules will be posted on the bulletin board at Sunnyvale on an on-going basis.
15. Only the ten players filling the positions on the field can be legal batters. The batting order
must be followed until one player substitutes for another. The substitutes then take the place
of the replaced players’ batting order. Upon re-entry, a player must go back to their original
batting position, but field position may be changed. A copy of the batting order must be
followed throughout the game. Substitutions and position rotations should be indicated on the
score sheet. Coaches will exchange line-ups prior to the start of the game and when
substitutions are made. For rules regarding batting out of order, see the rules handbook. The
umpire supplies the game ball. Home team supplies a good back-up game ball.
16. The umpires are qualified WASA officials. Their decisions are final.
17. A base runner may leave her base when a pitched ball has been hit or swung at, but she
must return to the base after each pitch not hit by the batter. If a fly ball is hit to the outfield
and caught, the runner who has left the base, MUST go back and tag that base first, and
then they may advance to the next base [if she feels she can make it without being put out].
UNDER NO CONDITIONS CAN A BASE RUNNER STEAL A BASE.
18. Once league rosters are set by the board, players can be added to rosters by
contacting a WAGSA board member at least 24 hours before the game. The player will
be required to pay the $40.00 fee to WAGSA and sign the waiver of injury form
BEFORE she plays. All waivers must be turned in to a WAGSA board member. There
will be no Additions to rosters after June 30, 2012.
19. A 4 sided mat will be used in determining balls and strikes. The ball must be delivered with an
arc, of at least 6 feet and not exceeding a height of 10 feet. For the Minor and Junior leagues,
if the ball is swung at or the pitch falls on any area of the 4 sided mat it is a STRIKE. If the
ball fails to contact the mat and is not swung at, it is a BALL.
20. For the Senior League: Three balls constitute a walk and one strike on the 4 sided mat or 2 swinging
strikes is an out.
If the ball hits the strike zone mat with or without a swing, the batter will be considered out. If the batter hits
three fouls
or ticks, the batter is out. See Women’s Rules #5
21. PROTESTS will be ALLOWED!!!!! ( See protest procedure in Rule/Schedule Book)
22. Minors-Juniors-Seniors. If the batter hits three fouls or ticks, the batter is out.
Updated 3/15/12 TEB
ROOKIE LEAGUE RULES [1ST AND -2nd ] GRADE
Statement of purpose: The purpose of this league is to teach girls the fundamentals of softball,
help them to work as a team, and most of all to provide them with an opportunity to have fun as
they play. The first four weeks will be a period of time to teach the girls about softball. The
final four weeks will be to put the teams in controlled game playing situations.
1. Girls currently in the first grade and second grade are eligible to play in the Rookie league.
2. Three balls constitute a walk and two strikes an out. An inning consists of 3 outs or 10 batters, which ever
comes first.
All players that show up for the game will be put on the batting line-up and batted in that order. All players
must bat
th
through the whole game. The inning is over after the 10 batter bats, and an out is made, or play stops.
Once the
th
10th batter is up, it is considered 2 outs. The 10 batter will bat until the ball is hit or there is a strike-out.
th
There will be NO WALKING of the 10 batter, intentional or otherwise!
3. ROOKIE LEAGUE DISTANCES:
Front of pitcher’s mound to back tip of home plate=32 feet
Distance between bases= 45 feet
The pitchers’ same foot must start and end on the rubber.
th
4. In the rookie league, a game that is played until the bottom of the 4 inning and is rained out is a regulation
game.
th
The team that is ahead at this point is declared the winner. If the score is tied at the bottom of the 4 inning, a
new
game would have to be rescheduled. Tie games that are re-scheduled, MUST be resumed from the EXACT
point
where play halted. The line-up and batting order for both teams must be the same as when game was halted.
The
th
game shall continue until the end of the 6 inning, unless tied.
th
5. A game that is called off prior to the bottom of the 4 inning is to be replayed based on the
procedures published in the general rules for rain-out games.
6. Batting helmets must be worn by all batters while hitting and running bases. Helmets are provided
to each team by WAGSA.
Updated 3/15/12 TEB
MINOR LEAGUE RULES [3rd-5th] GRADE
Statement of purpose: The purpose of this league is to teach girls the fundamentals of softball,
help
them to work as a team, and most of all to provide them with an opportunity to have fun as they
play.
1. Girls currently in the third grade and through the summer after fifth grade are eligible to play in the minor
league.
2. A 4 sided mat will be used in determining balls and strikes. The ball must be delivered with an arc, of at least
six
feet and not exceeding a height of ten feet. If the ball is swung at or the pitch falls on any area of the 4 sided
mat,
it is a strike. If the ball fails to contact the 4 sided mat and is not swung at, it is a ball.
3. Balls pitched “straight in” [without the 6 foot minimal arc] or pitched fast are automatically called balls, even if
they
do contact the 4 sided mat ; UNLESS swung at. The umpire will make an “Illegal Pitch” call in which the player
should
not swing. On the minor league level, the umpire warns the pitcher once to arc the ball, after this, any ball
pitched
straight in or fast is called a ball.
4. Six innings equals an official game. Extra innings due to a tie, will be played until the tie is broken. There is a
15 run
rule after 5 innings and applies to ALL games. The STARTERS will play the first 3 consecutive innings. The
th th th
SUBSTITUTES will play the last three consecutive innings [4 ,5 ,6 ]. If the coach willfully fails to play each
team
member three consecutive innings, the game will be forfeited. The only exception to this is, if the home team
is ahead
and does not have to have last bats, or the 15 run rule applies. If a player does not get to play three
consecutive
innings due to the game being called, those players WILL START the next game.
5. Three balls constitute a walk and two strikes an out. An inning consists of 3 outs or 10 batters, which ever
comes first.
All players that show up for the game will be put on the batting line-up and batted in that order. All players
must bat
th
through the whole game. The inning is over after the 10 batter bats, and an out is made, or play stops. Once
the 10th
th
batter is up, it is considered 2 outs. The 10 batter will bat until the ball is hit or there is a strike-out.
There will be NO WALKING of the 10th batter, intentional or otherwise!
6. MINOR LEAGUE DISTANCES:
Front of pitcher’s mound to back tip of home plate=32 feet Distance between bases= 45 feet
The pitchers’ same foot must start and end on the rubber. NEW in 2012 – an 11” softball will be used .
7. PROTESTS will be allowed. If there will be a protest, the game must be halted immediately and
documented with the
plate umpire. Action must be submitted within 48 hours to WASA and procedure followed per the
Rule/Schedule book.
th
8. In the minor league, a game that is played until the bottom of the 4 inning and is rained out is a regulation
game.
th
The team that is ahead at this point is declared the winner. If the score is tied at the bottom of the 4 inning, a
new
game would have to be rescheduled. Tie games that are re-scheduled, MUST be resumed from the EXACT
point
where play halted. The line-up and batting order for both teams must be the same as when game was halted.
The
th
game shall continue until the end of the 6 inning, unless tied.
th
9. A game that is called off prior to the bottom of the 4 inning is to be replayed based on the procedures
published
in the general rules for rain-out games.
10. Batting helmets must be worn by all batters while hitting and running bases. Helmets are provided to each
team
by WAGSA.
Updated 3/15/12
TEB
JUNIOR/SENIOR LEAGUE RULES
1.
Any girl at registration time in grades 6-8 may sign up for the junior league and girls in grades 9-12 are
eligible for
the senior league.
2.
There are no town boundaries or division lines for determining where any given player must play, as long
as the
balance of leagues ages is maintained. A game consists of 7 innings with extra innings to break a tie.
3.
Junior/Senior league distances:
Front of pitcher’s mound to back tip of home plate= 40 feet
Distance between bases= 60 feet
NEW in 2012 – an 11” softball will be used .
4.
st
nd
rd
A game consists of seven innings. Starters will play the first three consecutive innings ( 1 ,2 ,3 ) and
the
th th th
substitutes will play the next three consecutive innings (4 ,5 ,6 ). If the coach willfully fails to play each
team
member three consecutive innings, the game will be forfeited. The coach can decide if he/she wants to
put his/her
th
starters in or leave the substitutes in for the seventh inning. If any substitutions are made in the 7
inning, the
player MUST be assigned the same batting order as she originally had in the first three innings. The 20
run rule
applies after five innings (JUNIOR AND SENIOR LEAGUES).
5. For the Junior League: Three balls constitute a walk and two strikes an out. If the batter hits three fouls
or ticks,
the batter is out. Only the 4 sided mat is considered to be the strike zone.
6. For the Senior League: Three balls constitute a walk and one strike on the 4 sided mat or 2 swinging
strikes is an
out. If the ball hits the 4 sided mat with or without a swing, the batter will be considered out. If the batter
hits three
fouls or ticks, the batter is out. See Womens Rules #5
7. PROTESTS will be allowed. If there will be a protest, the game must be halted immediately and
documented
with the plate umpire. Action must be submitted within 48 hours to WASA and procedure followed per
the
rule/schedule book.
8. In the Junior/Senior league, a game that is played through the bottom of the fifth inning and is
subsequently rained
out is considered a regulation game. The team that is ahead is declared the winner, only if the score is
tied at the
bottom of the fifth inning would a game have to be rescheduled. Tie games that are rescheduled must be
resumed
from the exact point when play was halted. The line-up and batting order for both teams must be the
same as the
moment the game was halted. The game shall continue until the end of the seventh inning, unless tied.
9. A game that is called off prior to the bottom of the fifth inning is to be replayed based on the procedures
published
in the general rules for rain-out games.
10. Junior and Senior league girls must wear batting helmets when batting and running bases. Helmets are
provided
to each team.
11. The INFIELD FLY will apply for the Senior League only
Updated 3/15/12-tb
AWARDS
League awards will be presented as follows: No cash Awards.
4 Team Leagues or Divisions: 1st Team only.
6 Team Leagues or Divisions: 1st & 2nd Team and 1st & 2nd Individuals.
7 - 9 Team Leagues or Divisions: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Team and 1st & 2nd
Individuals.
10 & over Team Leagues or Div.: 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Team and 1st & 2nd
Individuals.
Exceptions must be approved by the WASA Board of Directors.
Winning teams will receive awards per roster plus one for batboy. A maximum of
19 Individual
awards will be allowed.
Awards will be T-shirts, trophies or plaques by manager’s vote during the
managers meeting.
PROTESTS
PROTESTS: Must be sent to WASA, PO Box 285, Wausau, WI 54402 within
48 hours, explaining reason for protest and section of ASA Rule book applicable
with $25.00 Protest Fee. See Rule Book Rule 9 for proper protest procedure.
A protest committee MUST act on a legal protest within one week after protest is
received by the Secretary. President is to appoint a committee of 3,
non-members. Committee should identify teams involved as A and B and
eliminate team names. Decision is appealable to the WASA Board
Eligibility Rules & Regulations
The Wausau Area Softball Association is operated as a non-profit organization,
chartered under the laws of the State of Wisconsin. A constitution and by-laws
have been adopted and approved by members of the Association. A membership
fee is required to play, coach or manage for each team associated with. All Non
Playing coaches in all divisions of play must pay a $5.00 membership fee to be
allowed to participate in WASA games. Non Playing coaches must be listed as
such on the team roster.
EXCEPTION: Membership fee for opposite sex coaches in the Women's Slow
Pitch League and Men's Slow Pitch Leagues has been eliminated, IF THEY
ALREADY HAVE A WASA MEMBERSHIP in another WASA league. They must
be listed, however, on the rosters noting that fact.
For players added after the season begins, an add form must be filled out and
payment made to Secretary, League Director, or Concession Manager. A 3 part
form is available for this purpose. The same form is used to drop any member.
Exchanges to replace inactive members may be made but no refund will be
allowed and replacement must pay the full membership fee. If a member is listed
on more than one roster within the same league, the team the member plays with
first will be the governing factor. EXCEPTION: In 12" Men's Slow Pitch, and
Church Fast Pitch, a member may play on more than one team, see #3 below.
ANY player added to a WAGSA division team must submit the player add slip to
the WAGSA LEAGUE DIRECTOR only, THE CONCESSION STAND CANNOT
ACCEPT WAGSA DIVISION PLAYER ADD FORMS.
ELIGIBILITY
1. Any player is eligible to play in any league provided he or she meets the
eligibility requirements
described in these rules. A player may play in more than one league by paying
an additional
membership fee for that league.
2. Leagues: Men’s Fast Pitch, Women’s Fast Pitch, Men’s 12" Slow Pitch, Men’s
Masters and Grand Masters, Women’s 11” Slow Pitch, all open play. WAGSA
division see #4 below.
Church League Fast Pitch:
Monday Division Team members will consist of members (as listed on the
church rolls) of the church(es) the team represents PLUS up to 4 players who are
not members of the church(es) the team represents. These non-member players
for the Monday night Division cannot be on another WASA Church League roster
but may play in other WASA or area leagues Non-member players cannot be a
member of a church that is represented by an existing Church league team in the
division that the non-member player would be playing in. Any two Churches can
combine to form a team regardless of membership size. Three or more
Churches with an eligible membership (members 14 years old and older) of less
than 1500 people may combine to form one team. Pastor signatures are
required on all Monday Division rosters verifying Church membership. All
Division 2 pitcher eligibility is subject to League Directors approval and
may be restricted.
Thursday Division is open to all players and has no congregational
requirement.
Pitchers are subject to League Director approval and may be classified as
“restricted” limiting them
to pitching 4 innings per game. Teams with more than 1 “restricted” pitcher will
be limited to a total
of 4 “restricted” pitched innings per game. Any pitcher that pitched in Church 1 in
2005 will be allowed to pitch in 2006 and shall not be classified as “restricted”.
As long as the above eligibility rules are followed, Church League players may
play in both Monday and Thursday night divisions. Co-ed play is allowed in both
Church League divisions.
12" Slow Pitch players may play on more than one night of play. See number 3
below.
Grand Master division is 40 and older in D1, 45 and older in D2. Masters division
is 35 and older. Players may play in both Grandmasters and Masters divisions
and are eligible to play in the year they reach the required age, not the exact birth
date.
3. 12" Slow Pitch players and Church League players playing on more than one
night are subject to the following rules:
a. A player may not play on more than one team in the same division or on
the same day.
b. The league director will have the final decision to deny any roster addition if
it would result in a
change of the classification of the team.
d. The standard add/drop slip should be used to add players to any roster.
Payment of the full
league membership fee is required for each additional team.
4. A member must be at least 14 years of age to participate in WASA leagues,
except special youth
divisions. A parental signature on each roster is required for any player
under the age of 18.
WAGSA Rookie League – girls in 1st and 2nd grades.
WAGSA Minor League - girls in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades.
WAGSA Junior League - girls in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.
WAGSA Senior League - girls in 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.
5. UNPAID MEMBERSHIP
Any team found to have a player playing without a paid membership for that
division in the Wausau Area Softball Assn. will forfeit that game. The forfeit fee
of $50.00 per game will not be waived and shall apply.
This infraction must be brought to the attention of the umpires in the form of a
protest during the game (by rule no protest can be filed once a game has ended
see ASA rule 9). At the time of the protest the umpires will request verification of
identity, a drivers license or picture ID, and proof of paid membership, roster or
add on slip. It is the responsibility of each player to verify his or her identity and it
is the responsibility of the manager to have verification of paid memberships for
each team member.
If the player in question cannot verify his or her identity the game shall not
continue and be deemed a forfeit.
The game will continue under protest if the identity of the player in question is
verified but no proof of paid membership is available. The umpires will note the
player’s name and give this information to the scorekeeper to be forwarded to the
League Director for review by the officers of the Association.
6. Violations of membership rules can result in forfeits of affected games.
Fees
1. 2014 team fee is $125.00 for 12" Men’s Slow Pitch, Women's Slow Pitch, CoEd Slow Pitch, Men’s Fast Pitch, Co-ed Church Fast Pitch, Modified Pitch and
WAGSA. $150.00 for Men’s Grand Masters. $75.00 for Women’s Fastpitch.
2. 2014 player fees are $40.00 for 12" Men’s Slow Pitch, 11” Women's Slow
Pitch, Men’s Grandmasters Slow Pitch, and $45.00 for Men’s Fast Pitch,
Women’s Fast Pitch, Co-ed Church Fast Pitch and Modified Pitch.
3. WAGSA, $40.00 for first girl, $35.00 for second, $25.00 for third per family.
Coach fee $5.00 with
a limit of 3 per team.
Rosters
1. Entries in all leagues are due as announced by the Board, accompanied by a
roster of at least 8 players, plus the appropriate team entry fee. Player
membership fees are due when supplies are distributed. Coaches, managers,
whether playing or non-playing, and players are required to have a membership
or game will be forfeited. However, see exception for opposite sex coaches
(Eligibility Rules & Regulations). All others are eligible for membership if they so
desire.
2. Each team will be limited to a maximum of 20 playing members, 5 non-playing
coaches or managers. The regular add/drop form is to be used. Games started
with 8 players must continue and/or end with a maximum of 8 players. In Church
League or Fast Pitch, no pitchers may be added. League Directors may deny an
addition that would change the classification of a team.
3. Players may be added or dropped at any time, subject to eligibility rules.
Players may not transfer within the same league within the same season. New
players may be added at any time up to roster maximum but cannot be added for
playoffs. The League Director will have the final decision to deny any roster
addition if it would result in a change to the classification of that team. Violations
could also result in a forfeit.
4. A single night player addition has been allowed as follows;
FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING A TEAM TO AVOID A
FORFEIT.
Up to 2 players may be added to play ONE NIGHT ONLY to have the required 8
players needed to start a game, for a fee of $10.00 each player. If this player is
an existing WASA member, this player MUST BE from another division of play,
and cannot play on any other team on the same night and same type of play
as the night for which he or she are substituting. For example, a Sunday slow
pitch player cannot play on another Sunday slow pitch team. The regular
add/drop form is to be used. A team that starts a game with 8 players must
continue and/or end with a maximum of 8 players. In Church League or Fast
Pitch, no pitchers may be added. League Directors may deny an addition that
would change the classification of a team. Add on players must be turned in
before a game begins.
5. Service personnel on leave from military service may be added to roster (if
within the 20 limit)
with a free membership.