MCSL League Rules Exceptions to ASA Rulebook Spring 2017
Game Start Information, Weather Delays
Rule #
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Normal Game Start Times
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Game Duration and Limits
2 DH / Field: 6:30 PM and 8:40 PM
1 DH / Field: 7:00 PM
3 Single Games/field (3 team Round Robin) : 6:45 PM
Single games: per schedule (for example: rain makeup of single game)
2 DH scheduled per field: 2 Hours to play two games. Clock starts at scheduled DH start time (6:30 and 8:40)
Game 1: no new inning after 55 min.
Game 2: Play until completion or hard stop.
Hard stops at 8:30 and 10:40.
1 DH or 3 team round robin scheduled per field: No new inning after 1:10 min. Clock starts at scheduled game start times
All Schedules: - 2nd (& 3rd games) starts after a reasonable break time
Minimum number of innings are NOT required for game to be official
When game ends by hard stop, the score reverts to the last completed inning when home team is behind and did not complete an equal number of at bats
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Tie Games
Coaches are encouraged to use time wisely to maximize game time available (hustle in and out between innings, have on deck batter ready, etc.).
Play out extra innings if time limits permit. Games may end in a tie.
Continue play until winner is determined within time limits, Games may end in a tie
a. All games must stop no later than 10:40pm. At Valley View and Stadium Complex lights will go out automatically at 10:45.
b. Ben Lomond: Lights must go out no later than 10:45. Coaches must turn on/off lights manually and report the light on/off times with score report.
c. Winning team coach of last game responsible for calling/texting league officials to advise that the lights can be turned out, include field name, team name, and
coach name in text message.
d. Contacts for turning off field lights at Valley View and Stadium if last game finishes >5 min early
• Joe Sak 540 326 1653 • Fred Lewis 703 220 1710 • Jeff Brown 703 220 1633 • Phil Carmichael 703 307 6181
Double Headers (early DH AND late DH): 10 min Grace for 1st game only.
3 Single Game Round Robin: 10 min Grace for games 1 and 2 only.
1 Single Game: 10 min grace period
Grace Period
Grace Rules:
- Game must start when both teams have at least 8 players at field. Delay counts against time limits.
- If 1st game is forfeit, 45 min grace period for game 2 from umpire declaration of 1st game forfeit. - Game 2 may start early if both teams have 8 players at the
field, and time available for game 2 is increased accordingly.
Contact complex UIC to report issue and/or League Official. Teams shall start play using volunteer or self-umpire, umpire picks up when arrives. Report time of
No Umpire at Scheduled Start
late arrival on score report form.
Umpire waits 30 minutes from last lightning event. Delay counts against game time limits.
Umpire or league official may postpone game(s) if delay becomes too long to finish games on time.
Lightning/Weather Delays
Teams who have players leave before an announced cancellation could risk a forfeit if the umpire feels the game(s) can continue.
Games suspended due to weather will be rescheduled and play will continue from the point of suspension.
Turning off Lights
MCSL League Web Site: http://www.manassaschurchsoftball.org
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Revision March 24, 2017
MCSL League Rules Exceptions to ASA Rulebook Spring 2017
Lineups and Uniforms
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Players Required to Start /
Continue
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Loaning Players
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Adding Players after game
start
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Extra Hitters (EH)
Game must start if both teams have 8 players at the field, no penalty outs for lineup spots not filled. Game is declared a forfeit if less than 8, or ejections result in
less than 8 players in lineup. Team will take an out for a vacated slot in the batting order as a result of an ejection.
Games must start at the scheduled time if both teams have 8 players at the field with no penalty outs for the vacant spots in a typical 10 player lineup. Game is
declared a forfeit if either team has less than 8 players at the end of the grace period (Rule 5) or if an injury or ejection results in less than 8 players in the lineup.
An out will be recorded when a vacant slot in the batting order occurs as a result of an ejection.
Teams may borrow player(s) from other team(s) within league to fill lineup up to 10 players.
• Borrowed players must be on another MCSL team roster.
• Borrowed players are allowed to finish the game with the borrowing team even if enough rostered players arrive late.
• Opposing coach approval required prior to start of each game.
Failure to disclose borrowed players prior to the game start is to be reported to league officials and may result in forfeiture of the game(s) and an additional 2
game suspension of both the coach and the player(s)
If a team starts a game with less than 10 players, players may be added to the bottom of the lineup at any time during game up to a maximum of 10 players in the
lineup.
• Each team may begin a game with any number of extra hitters and they may be placed anywhere in the lineup.
• Teams can add unlimited EHs after game starts ONLY UNTIL 1st batter in lineup (top of the order) bats 2nd time. Additions must go at bottom of the batting
order.
• All players in the lineup must have uniform shirts by the first scheduled game in May. Shirts must be matching color and style with commercial numbers (no
magic marker) and must identify host church name. Exceptions made for teams that are combination of multiple churches.
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Uniforms
Metal Cleats
Hats
• Failure to have matching shirts results in loss of home field advantage. If neither team has matching shirts, home team decided by coin toss prior to 1st game.
• Any shorts, baseball, or sweat pants allowed.
• Extremely loose fitting jeans and "wildpants" are safety issues and not allowed. “Safety” will be determined by the umpire or MCSL official.
Not allowed; no metal cleats, metal spikes, metal tips, or any exposed metal.
Optional. Must be worn properly with brim facing forward. Hats do not have to match team shirts.
Game Play Rules and Regulations
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Home team
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Balls and Strikes
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Infield Player Limits
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Base Stealing
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Home Run Limits
Set by umpire coin flip for all DH; reversed for second game. Refer to schedule for home team when playing 3 team round robin. Subject to uniform rule
compliance.
All at bats start with 1-1 count. In Divisions 3 and lower one additional "courtesy" foul ball is allowed with 2 strikes. A second foul ball with two strikes is an out.
Divisions 1-2 will not use a courtesy foul.
At least 4 players must be positioned in the outfield grass at the time of the pitch. If encroachment occurs, dead ball, Batter awarded 1st Base, runner advance
one base if forced.
Base stealing is not allowed.
All divisions use limit then 1-up rule, no 1-up in bottom of last inning when declared by umpire. Division limits: Div 1-2: 5; Div 3-4: 4; Div 5-6-7: 3
Excess home runs are dead ball, batter is out, runners do not advance.
MCSL League Web Site: http://www.manassaschurchsoftball.org
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MCSL League Rules Exceptions to ASA Rulebook Spring 2017
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Not required to run out Home Runs, Clear the bases and continue play.
Runner Hit with Batted Ball Off Base:
After touching any fielder; or after passing fielder other than pitcher and no other fielder has opportunity to make an out: ball remains live.
Runner hit with batted ball in Before passing fielder (excluding pitcher) without being touched; after passing fielder and another fielder has chance to make a play: runner out, dead ball, batter
fair territory
gets 1st base and any other runners advance if forced.
Runner Hit with Batted Ball and in Contact with Base:
- Runner not out. Play is live or dead depending on position of fielder closest to the base. See ASA Rule 8.1, 8.7, 8.8
Teams may use a courtesy runner 1 time per inning. Runner can be anyone on the roster. If player is on base as a courtesy runner when turn at bat; player is out
as a base runner and assumes turn at bat.
Courtesy Runner Rule
• Courtesy runner must be announced by a coach. Coach’s first verbal announcement of who runner will be to the umpire is official and cannot be changed.
Running out Home Runs
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Substitute Runner Rule
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One pitch
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Official Game
Run Ahead Rule
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Flip - Flop Rule
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Interference / Obstruction
Rule
Collisions between players
Pitching Arc
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Pitching Distance
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Pitching Mat
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• Note: A courtesy runner may be used at any time for any card-carrying ADA disabled player without counting towards 1 time/inning limit. See ASA Rule 4.2.I
Team may substitute a player not in lineup as a runner at any time as an official substitution. Substitute runner runs for batter/runner and takes their position in
the lineup. Both players are then subject to substitution rules with regards to re-entry.
If a game has not started the 4th inning at the 45 minute mark of the game, umpire will implement one-pitch at the top of the next inning. Both coaches will be
notified before one-pitch begins.
All games are "official games" regardless of number of innings played with the exception of games suspended due to weather.
20 runs after 3 innings, 15 runs after 4 innings or 10 runs after 5 innings (or 4½ if home team is ahead)
When one team has a significant lead, the game is approaching the time limit and the run ahead rule has not been satisfied; the teams may flip-flop their turns at
bat. The team ahead would stay in the field and the team behind would take their next turn at bat. If the team behind assumes the lead, team who played two
innings in the field will make up their missed turn at bat. Implementation requires mutual consent of both coaches. Only suggested if run ahead rule limits have
not been reached and game is approaching time limits.
The umpire will assess whether the play involves interference or obstruction and apply the ASA specified "effect" (runner is out; runner is awarded base). See
page 29 of ASA rulebook.
If determined to be flagrant, the player initiating collision will be subject to ejection. See page 29 of ASA rulebook.
Minimum: 6' - Maximum: 10' arc. Umpire will call "illegal" pitches out of this range
Pitcher may take a position up to six feet directly behind, and within the lateral limits of the pitcher's plate when coming to a full and complete stop prior starting
delivery.
MCSL will use a "pitching mat" to determine balls and strikes.
Any legal pitch that lands on/strikes any part of the pitching mat is a strike. Any legal pitch that misses the mat completely is a ball. If a legal pitch strikes any part
of home plate it is a ball even if it also touches the mat.
Equipment
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Softballs
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Softballs, unapproved
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Altered Softballs
Hit your own .52 COR/300 (ASA) or .52/275 (NSA) compression softball. Team may throw in a new ball at any time. Women have option to hit 11" softball, using
.44 COR ball.
ASA or NSA association stamp and COR/compression must be clearly visible at time ball enters play or umpire will discard.
Pitcher is responsible for confirming ball meets league requirement, refer to umpire if unsure. If an illegal softball is pitched and later discovered, result of the
play stands and the ball is removed from play.
1st offense: The coach of the offending team is warned 2nd offense: Coach is ejected from the game.3rd offense: game forfeit.
If pitcher suspects an altered ball (such as "chilled" or "frozen") is submitted for play, the ball should be given to umpire for confirmation. If umpire determines
the ball is altered the current game is forfeit, offending coach is ejected for both games of the DH. League will review for additional suspension if coach is ejected
from second game of DH.
MCSL League Web Site: http://www.manassaschurchsoftball.org
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MCSL League Rules Exceptions to ASA Rulebook Spring 2017
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Bats
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Altered Bats
Any bat that is ASA, NSA or USSSA approved and not on NSA or ASA banned bat list is legal for play.
http://www.teamusa.org/usa-softball/play-asa/certified-asa-equipment http://playnsa.com/ApprovedEquipment.aspx
Batter and bat owner are responsible for knowing if a bat is legal. Use of a non-approved bat will result in an ejection of the batter and bat owner from the
current game plus additional two game suspension(s). No warnings.
Any mechanical altering of the bat; not limited to repainting, rolling or shaving. See ASA rule 1 Definition of Altered Bat. Penalty: Game forfeited. Batter and Bat
Owner subject to a minimum one season suspension.
Field Info
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Double First Base
If the batter-runner steps on ONLY the white portion base during an infield play at first base, the batter-runner is out upon live ball appeal. See ASA rule 8.7.F.
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Double (Safety) Home Plate
All divisions use the safety home plate and commit line. All plays at home plate are called as force outs. Once a runner passes the commit line (within 20' of
home plate) they may not retreat past the line toward 3rd base. Runners retreating past the commit line or making contact with the batting home plate are
automatic outs, no appeal is needed.
Eligibility and Rosters
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Minimum Age
Players must turn 15 during calendar year to be eligible. Under 18: require parental consent form turned into MCSL officer prior to player entering game.
A player must attend his/her team's church service on a regular basis, at least twice a month during the softball season (April through August) unless meeting the
Players Eligibility
criteria of rule 41 or 42.
Each team may have "other-church" players on the roster, with approval of the MCSL board. Players must be listed as such on team's league roster, with their
Other-Church Player Eligibility
home church name identified.
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Outreach Plater Eligibility
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Players that Umpire
Each team may have up to 3 "outreach" players not currently attending a church. Players must be listed as such on team's league roster, subject to all MCSL
league roster requirements, before they play. These 3 players may not be affiliated with any other softball league or tournament team anywhere.
Players may umpire MCSL games but will NOT be scheduled to umpire any games in a division that contains a team from their home church. If it is unavoidable,
both coaches will be notified before game start.
MCSL League Web Site: http://www.manassaschurchsoftball.org
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Revision March 24, 2017
MCSL League Rules Exceptions to ASA Rulebook Spring 2017
Team rosters are used to determine eligibility for the cross-county championships, updates may occur up to and including May 31. On June 01 individual team
rosters are locked for remainder of season. Players must be added to the roster a minimum of 48 hours in advance of a game by submitting written notification
and updated roster sheet to the league. Pickup players are allowed without adding them to the roster within the confines of Rule 9.
• Teams must submit an initial roster before beginning league play. All players who participate in an MCSL game must be on an MCSL roster with the league
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League Roster
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General
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Non-players
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Sportsmanship
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Alcohol
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Ejections
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Reporting of Ejections
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Push/Hit/Threaten: Any
Person(s)
• If after the final roster is submitted, someone new begins to attend your church and they have recently moved into the area, you may apply to league officials
to add them to your roster. The coach and church pastor must provide written notification to league officials verifying that this individual is new to the
community and church. League officials will then provide updated rosters to all teams who will be affected by the addition
• A player on a team's roster must play a minimum of six (6) games for that team in the regular season to become eligible for end of season (EOS) tournament
play. At time of EOS tournament, coaches are required to carry scorebook evidence of meeting 6 game eligibility requirement in case eligibility is questioned.
Loaning of players (rule 9) is not allowed in EOS tournament.
• Team rosters will be made available to all coaches within the division upon request.
• Protests for illegal players must be made to the umpire during the game, immediately after the game, before the start of the second game or before the umpire
leaves the field (if after the last game of the night). Additionally, a written complaint of the roster violation must be sent to the MCSL President and Vice President
within seven days of the occurrence.
In the event of problems at the field, perceived or otherwise, stop the game immediately and report incident to the umpire and/or League Official.
Non-players or fans shall not interfere with the game or umpires. If they do, they will be asked to leave the park.
Arguing w/ umpires, league officials, members of the opposing team, and use of obscene language will not be tolerated. Incident reports are reviewed by league
officials and players may be suspended even when not ejected. Suspension of a minimum of 2 games and up to permanent suspension are possible after formal
review and/or hearing with the League Officials. "F-bomb" is immediate ejection. No exceptions.
Not permitted on PWC or City Park grounds. 1 year ban from all parks.
Players ejected will incur an immediate suspension for the next two games to include the second game of the DH if the ejection occurs in the first game. All
ejections will be reviewed by league officials and discussed with the umpire's association to determine if additional suspension is warranted. Illegal substitution,
obscene language and accidental bat throwing ejections are exempted from the two game suspension.
Ejection information is to be included on the game score report form "incident" section. And email to the league Vice President is also requested.
Player suspended until further notice pending League hearing. This applies to all confrontations occurring anywhere on PWC/City Park grounds in connection with
MCSL events.
MCSL League Web Site: http://www.manassaschurchsoftball.org
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MCSL League Rules Exceptions to ASA Rulebook Spring 2017
Administrative
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Cancellations
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Board Contacts
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Injuries and Reporting
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Game Reports
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League Tie Breakers
Rain Lines updated daily at 3 PM
Valley View Complex: 703-792-3294;
Ben Lomond 3 and Fairmont: 703-792-3281
Stadium Complex: 703-792-3291
After 3 PM any game cancellation decisions will be made at the field by an umpires or an MCSL official. No team will be penalized if they do not field a team based
on errant recorded Park Authority/City messages.
Manassas Church Softball League also has a Facebook page. Field conditions and cancellations are frequently posted there also
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MCSLGroup/
Jeff Brown – President (Copy on all correspondence)
Phil Carmichael – Vice President; (Equipment, Umpires, Rules)
Crystal Terrant – Treasurer; Accounts Receivable
Fred Lewis – Co-Treasurer; Accounts Payable
Terri Jenkins – Secretary/Administrator; (Rosters, Meeting minutes)
Joe Sak – Scheduler (Preseason Practice, Regular Season, EOS Tournament)
Injury information must be completed by coach of injured player, included on the game score report form "incident" section. . Injuries are reported to the PWC
softball council, PWC Parks & Rec, and the governing league association.
If a player leaves the game as a result of an injury from a batted ball, the umpire will confiscate the bat and the ball for later analysis to confirm they are both
legal equipment. Either may be sent to the respective manufacturer for analysis if deemed necessary.
Game reports are to include the scores of games, umpire rating and any additional comments. For games at Ben Lomond, reports must also include lights on/off
times. Reports are submitted via the league website: www.softballtech.com/mcsl.
Coach of the winning team is responsible for submitting game reports to the league website within seven (7) days of the game played. Failure to submit the game
report will result in a warning from League Officials. Repeated failure to report the game score could result in score being recorded as a 0-0 double loss/forfeit to
both teams. In the event of a tie or split, coaches are to decide between themselves before leaving the field who will submit the game reports for both games to
the league website
Tie-Breakers for determining finishing position for the end of the season (tournament and county championship representation) are as follows:
1. Head-to-head record
2. Run scored/allowed differential
3. League Play Total runs allowed
4. League Play Total runs scored
5. Coin toss
MCSL League Web Site: http://www.manassaschurchsoftball.org
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Revision March 24, 2017