THE RESEARCH
TRIANGLE PARK
Research Triangle Softball League
Official Rules and Regulations
2015
Page 1
RESEARCH TRIANGLE SOFTBALL LEAGUE
INFORMATION PACKAGE
REVISED MARCH 2013
1. TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
TABLE OF CONTENTS..............................................................................................................................................2
2.
LEAGUE PHILOSOPHY .....................................................................................................................................3
3.
CODE OF CONDUCT ..........................................................................................................................................5
4.
LEAGUE PROCEDURES ....................................................................................................................................5
5.
PLAYING RULES ................................................................................................................................................6
6.
RTSL 7/3 COED LEAGUE ADDITIONAL RULES ...........................................................................................8
6.1
Equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 10
6.2
Game Time ................................................................................................................................................. 11
6.3
Umpiring .................................................................................................................................................... 11
6.4
Home Run Rule .......................................................................................................................................... 11
6.5
Arguments .................................................................................................................................................. 11
6.6
Ejections ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
6.7
Rainouts, Darkness, Cancelling, Rescheduling, or Forfeiting a Game ...................................................... 12
6.8
Mercy Rule ................................................................................................................................................. 13
6.9
Score Reporting, League Standings ........................................................................................................... 13
6.10
Removal of Teams from the League .......................................................................................................... 14
7.
REVISION HISTORY............................................................................................................................................... 15
8.
BANNED Bats ....................................................................................................................................................... 18
9.
FIELD INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................................... 22
Page 2
2. LEAGUE PHILOSOPHY
The Research Triangle Softball League is a RECREATIONAL softball league run
by and for the Research Triangle community. It was originally formed by the
Research Triangle Federal Employees Association (RTFEA) of the
Environmental Protection Agency in the early 1970’s. In the beginning it served
only the EPA personnel, and later included EPA contractors. Finally, in 1980, the
RTFEA relinquished control of the league to the newly formed RTSL.
It is important that all players recognize that this is a recreational league.
Participants should have as their goals: fun, friendship and exercise.
Competitive spirit must be tempered with good sportsmanship and avoidance of
injury. Individuals who cannot translate these goals into attitudes and actions on
the field should not play in this league.
Participants in the RTSL must recognize that, as in any sport, there is a potential
for serious injury. Players should also recognize that some of their teammates
and opponents might have little or no experience playing softball, which makes
injuries more likely. For their own safety, all players should learn proper
techniques of batting, fielding and base running, and instruct less skilled players
in the proper techniques.
ALL PLAYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PLAYING THE GAME AS SAFELY
AS POSSIBLE.
SCORING OR PREVENTING A RUN IS SECONDARY TO AVOIDING
COLLISIONS AND PREVENTING INJURY.
It is the responsibility of the team captains and umpires to monitor the conduct of
the players and to take appropriate actions to correct objectionable behavior.
Teammates of the offending players should exert pressure to stop offensive
behavior. Peer pressure is our most effective means of enforcement. Umpires
are charged with ejecting players if, in their opinion, the situation warrants it.
Permission to use the playing fields is contingent upon our respect for the facility
and our behavior on and off the fields. Follow all the regulations regarding
drinking and parking. You are expected to remove all trash from the field when
you leave.
The Research Triangle Softball League was organized to allow softball players in
the Research Triangle area an opportunity to have fun playing softball. At any
time during the season, the officials that run the league can change any rule that
might affect the safety or sport of the game. It takes a majority of the officials to
change any rule. In order to facilitate a consistent level of play in each league the
following rule for realignment of teams between seasons will be enacted.
Page 3
The following team switch may be carried out between leagues depending on the
situation.
1. The last place team (previous year) from the A league will drop down to the B
league.
2. The last place team (previous year) from the B league will drop down to the C
league.
3. The last place team (previous year) from the C league will drop down to the D
league.
4. The last place team (previous year) from the D league will drop down to the E
league.
5. The regular season champion from the B league will move up to A league.
6. The regular season champion from the C league will move up to B league.
7. The regular season champion from the D league will move up to C league.
8. The regular season champion from the E league will move up to D league.
In the event a team drops out of the A league, the open slot will be filled by the
highest seeded team from the B league.
In the event a team drops out of the B league, or is moved into the A league, the
B league team slot will be filled by the highest seeded team from the C league.
In the event a team drops out of the C league, or is moved into the B league, the
C league team slot will be filled from the highest seeded team from the D league.
In the event a team drops out of the D league, or is moved into the C league, the
D league team slot will be filled from the highest seeded team from the E league
or from the pool of new teams joining the league at the beginning of the season.
In the event a team drops out of the E league, or is moved into the D league, the
E league team slot will be filled from the highest seeded team from the pool of
new teams joining the league at the beginning of the season.
Page 4
3. CODE OF CONDUCT
The following is a list of rules compiled as a result of previous incidents. It is not
all-inclusive. Avoidance of injury and good sportsmanship should dictate proper
behavior.
3.1
A persistent problem in this league has been collision of base-runners with
fielders. The base runner and the fielders have a shared
responsibility to avoid collisions. See the Playing Rules section for
further details.
3.2
Abusive language and/or profanity and vulgar behavior will not be
tolerated and can result in player and/or coaches being suspended.
3.3
Individuals will not verbally insult opposing players or umpires.
3.4
Players should park only in the designated parking lots. This includes
motorcycles and vans. Do not park on the grass.
3.5
Do not broadcast music. Audio equipment, radios, recorders, etc. should
be left at home.
3.6
Fighting constitutes automatic suspension for one calendar year.
3.7
No smoking, drinking or unused equipment is allowed in the playing area
or the coaching boxes.
3.8
No alcoholic beverages, grilling or open flames are allowed on RTP
Foundation property to include any parking area adjacent to the fields.
4. LEAGUE PROCEDURES
4.1
All correspondence with the league should be through e-mail. Addressed
to Chad Johnson ([email protected]) and Michael Rudd
([email protected]) in addition to your league commissioner.
4.2
Rosters
a) Rosters will be limited to a maximum of 35 players and a minimum of
14 players.
b) Captains will be required to exchange lineup cards before the start of
the game.
c) Captains are required to have copies of their roster on hand for every
game with all players listed; the opposing coach has the right to
question if a player is on the opposing team’s roster. Players will need
to provide photo id as proof of identity if questioned. If the player is
Page 5
found to be an illegal player (in the lineup and not on the roster) the
player and the coach will be ejected and serve a 1 game suspension.
d) Players are only allowed to play on only one team in the entire RTSL.
e) Players may be added or deleted prior to June 1st. No roster changes
are permitted after June 1st.
f) New employees arriving after June 1st may be added within three
weeks of arrival at RTP. The league may request proof of the new
employee’s hire date.
g) Roster changes should be in a typed form and then e-mailed to the
commissioner.
h) Waivers are mandatory with no exceptions and need to be received via
electronic means before any player participates in their first game of
the season.
i) Any player that participates in a game who is not on that team’s roster
or has not signed a waiver will cause their team to forfeit the game.
Contact your commissioner via e-mail if there is any doubt.
5. PLAYING RULES
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
League rules will be given to all team captains at the coaches meeting.
Ignorance of the rules will not be an excuse for violating them.
In the RTSL, 3 strikes is an out, 4 balls is a walk
There is no courtesy foul in effect, after the second strike, a foul ball is an
out.
During double-header games, each batter will begin his or her at-bat with
a 1-1 count. During single games, by default each batter will begin his or
her at-bat with a 0-0 count. However, prior to the start of a single game,
Captains from both teams may agree to begin each at-bat with a 1-1
count.
A game is official if a team supplies 8 or more players. The opposing
team may supply a catcher whose only duty is to return pitched balls.
It is the base runners responsibility to run around fielders to avoid
collisions. Umpires will not call such a diversion by a runner an out for
running out of the base path. The runner may be called out for running
out of the base path if, in the judgment of the umpire, he/she was doing so
only to avoid the tag.
A runner should make every attempt to avoid a fielder in possession of or
making a play on the ball. If a collision does occur, the runner will be
called out if he/she could have avoided the collision. The runner is out
even if the fielder losses control of the ball. This rule especially applies to
plays at home plate. If collision occurs and is called so by the umpire the
ball is dead and no other runners can advance. If a runner deliberately
Page 6
5.8
5.9
5.10
5.11
5.12
5.13
and forcefully runs into a fielder, the runner is called out and will be
ejected immediately.
Some collisions are inevitable. When a runner sees that a collision is
inevitable, he should slide or slow down. A runner can be called out, but
not ejected, if he/she did not slide or otherwise try to reduce the impact of
an inevitable collision. If the runner slides, he might be tagged out, but will
not be called out because of this rule.
A runner must try to avoid a collision, or reduce the force of an inevitable
collision. A runner may be called out because of the no-collision rule. This
rule will be enforced at the umpire’s discretion.
The fielder also has a responsibility to avoid collision whenever possible. If
the fielder appears to have purposefully made contact with a runner
according to the umpire, that runner will be awarded an extra base and the
fielder may be ejected.
These rules are not meant to apply to incidental contact
The rule against obstructing base runners is in effect. The runner is
awarded an extra base if obstructed by a fielder in the base path, unless
the fielder is trying to defensively field the ball, or has the ball in his
possession ready to tag the runner.
The following are rules regarding the double first base:
A. The intent of the double first base is to reduce the chance of a
collision between the first baseman and the runner during the initial
force out attempt by giving them separate targets, the white part for
the first baseman, and the orange part for the runner. Every runner
must try to avoid a collision at any base, including both the orange
and white parts of the double first base, as described in the section
of the Playing Rules regarding collisions.
B.
A batted ball hitting or bounding over the white portion is declared
fair and a batted ball hitting or bounding over the orange portion is
declared foul.
C.
On any force out attempt from the fair side of first base, the defense
must use the white portion and the batter/runner the orange portion.
The batter/runner is out when there is a play being made at first
base and the batter/runner touches only the white portion.
D.
On any force out attempt from the foul side of first base, or an
errant throw pulling the defense off the base into foul ground, the
defense and the batter/runner can either use the white or orange
portion.
E.
On extra base hits or balls hit to the outfield, the batter/runner may
touch the white or orange portion.
Page 7
F.
After the batter/runner passes first base, whether overrunning or
toward second base, the color no longer has significance, and the
batter/runner can return to either part of the double base.
5.14
Pitching Arc. This is a slow pitch league. The ball must be delivered at a
moderate speed from below the hip with an arc of at least 6 feet from the
ground to a maximum of 10 feet.
5.15
Bunting or chopping is not allowed. Attempts to bunt or chop will be an
automatic out; runners will return to their bases.
5.16
Base stealing is not allowed, nor is leading-off from the base. Pickoff plays
are also not allowed.
5.17
If a runners foot leaves the bag prior to the ball crossing the plate, the
runner will be called out.
5.18
If a batted ball rolls under the outfield fence it will be ruled a double; the
fielder should raise his hand indicating to the umpire this has occurred.
5.19
All players must wear close toed shoes, no sandals, boots or bare feet.
Players are NOT allowed use metal spikes. If any player is found with
metal spikes (or any single metal spike) on the field of play, he or she will
be ejected and must serve a one-game suspension.
5.20
Courtesy runners for injured players may be allowed. In the event that a
courtesy runner is being requested for a non-game-related injury, both
coaches should discuss this prior to the start of the game. A courtesy
runner should be the last person that made an out for a male batter and
the last female out for a female batter. If no batter has made an out in the
game it shall be the last batter in the lineup for a male runner and the last
female batter in the lineup for a female runner.
5.21
The infield fly rule is in effect. The infield fly rule is described as when
there are fewer than two outs and there is a force play at third base (i.e.,
when there are runners at first AND second base, or the bases are
loaded), the batter will be called out immediately.
6. RTSL 7/3 COED LEAGUE ADDITIONAL RULES
6.1
There must be a minimum of 2 women in defensive positions to start a
game.
6.2
A maximum of 7 men are permitted in defensive positions.
Page 8
6.3
A team may play 7 men and 2 women if a third woman is unavailable.
There must be a minimum of 8 players to start a game, including 2
women.
6.4
The RTSL co-ed rule is in effect: if a man is walked (intentionally or not)
with less than 2 outs and the next batter is a woman, the male batter
automatically gets second base and the female batter has to bat. If there
are 2 outs the female batter has the option to bat or to take a walk.
6.5
There can be no more than 3 men batting in a row regardless of the
bottom and the top of the order. For example if a team has 11 men and 4
women and is batting the whole team, the order cannot be as follows:
WRONG: MMW1MMW2MMMW3MMW4MM
This is disallowed because there would be 4 men batting in a row (bottom
to top of lineup).
Instead, you would want to arrange the lineup as follows:
RIGHT: MMW1MMW2MMMW3MMMW4M
In this case the woman’s place must be moved up in order to prevent 4
men from batting in a row
If a team starts with a full lineup (10 players in the field with at least 3
women), it can choose to have a 10-position batting order or to have a
longer batting order including any number of additional hitters (A.H.) so
long as this rule is fulfilled.
6.6
In the RTSL, if a team has three or more women playing, then any
numbers of additional hitters (A.H.) are allowed. The intended effect of
this rule is to allow batting orders of any length as long as a team has
enough women to accommodate the additional men. A rotating female
batter is not allowed. For example, a 12-position batting order includes the
starting ten players and two A.H., and a 16-position batting order includes
the starting ten players and six A.H. The additional hitters can take any
places in the batting order.
6.7
When using a longer batting order including additional hitters, it is
permissible to have some players that bat, but do not play defense.
6.8
All players that play on defense must be in the batting order. There is no
“designated hitter” rule like there is in Major League Baseball.
6.9
If a team starts with only two women the game can be started with 12
people in a lineup. If the 3rd woman arrives in before the 10th spot in the
Page 9
batting order comes up to bat, the full 12-person lineup can be used. If the
10th spot comes up to bat and the third woman has not yet arrived, the
affected team will be have to drop the 11th and 12th spots in the batting
order and will be forced to use the 10-person lineup: 9 players, all of
whom must play in defensive positions, and an automatic out for the 10th
spot in the batting order where the missing woman would have been.
Additional hitters (A.H.) are not allowed if a team has only two women.
Substitution is allowed, but there must always be a minimum of 2 women.
If the third woman comes late, she takes the place in the batting order
where the automatic out was.
6.10
Once a team has batted through its entire line up the lineup cannot be
altered to facilitate late players. Substitutions may be made but players
shall not be added to the bottom of the lineup.
6.11
Substitutions and re-entry are done after a team completes its at-bat, not
while at bat. This is to make it easier for the other team to update their
scorebook. The team captain must tell the opposing team captain when a
substitution is made, and which place in the batting order the new player
takes. Any of the starting players may withdraw and re-enter once,
provided such player occupies the same batting position whenever he or
she is in the lineup. A substitute who is withdrawn may not re-enter
6.12
For safety, no jewelry is allowed, including watches, earrings, or bracelets.
There is an exception for wedding bands and necklaces that can be kept
under the shirt collar, which are allowed. Failure to comply will result in an
out or ejection.
6.13
Player injuries, If a player is injured and cannot continue to play a team
may replace that player with a substitute player from the roster without
penalty. The injured player may no longer participate in play once
replaced. If the injury results in a team only having 7 remaining
participating players that team will forfeit the game.
6.14
6.15
6.16
6.17
Distance from home plate apex to pitching plate edge is 50 feet.
Distance from home plate apex to base outside corner is 65 feet.
The black border that outlines the plate is NOT considered part of Home
Plate.
Home team occupies the dugout on the first base sideline.
6.1
Equipment
A.
B.
Only official softball equipment may be used.
Bats – No bats may be used that are banned in any way per ASA
web site:
Page 10
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
6.2
Game Time
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
6.3
B.
C.
D.
Umpire coordinator is Denis Rives, [email protected]
465-8509. Cell 271-4498, Home 919-880-8503.
Umpires will be supplied by the RTSL.
Umpires will discuss ground rules before the game starts at 5:45
p.m.
Email to [email protected] the preferred method of
contact.
Home Run Rule
A.
B.
C.
6.5
Games are scheduled to start at 5:45 p.m.
If a team is not ready to start at 5:45 p.m., a forfeit will be called in
favor of the team that is ready to play.
A single game will have a duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes;
double header games each have a duration of 1 hour.
The umpire will give a 10 minute warning for the end of game time.
No new inning will start once the umpire has announced the time.
No exchange of players is allowed with the exception of a catcher
for throwing balls back to the pitcher only.
Umpiring
A.
6.4
http://www.softball.org/about/certified_equipment.asp
Bats will be inspected by the umpires to insure they meet
specifications set forth by ASA. Any player that is caught using a
banned bat in competition will be an automatic out, that player will
be ejected for that game as well as for a next game. The coach will
also be suspended for that game and the next game.
Metal spikes are NOT allowed; failure to comply will result in
ejection.
Balls – Must conform to the following specifications:
 Men/Woman - 12” circumference, max .52 COR, max 300 lbs.
compression. This will be the only certified ball allowed in the
RSTL.
Game balls will be distributed to each of the team captains at the
start of the season. Home teams are responsible for bringing two
new balls; home and visiting team should bring suitable used balls
as backup.
Any missing or damaged equipment should be reported to the
league immediately.
There is a limit of 4 over-the-fence home runs per team.
Any over-the-fence hits after that will result in an out.
Inside-the-park home runs do not count against the 4 HR limit
Arguments
A.
B.
Judgment calls cannot be argued.
All decisions of the umpires are FINAL.
Page 11
C.
D.
E.
6.6
Ejections
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
6.7
Rules interpretations may be challenged, but only by team
captains. Players are not allowed to discuss matters with umpires.
There is a protest rule. A coach may protest a game if and only if
one of the two following circumstances occurs:
i. An opposing team has players on the field that are found not to
be on the roster.
ii. An opposing team uses an illegal bat that has been determined
so by challenging the ASA banned bats list.
All formal protests need to be emailed to the commissioners no
later than 24hrs after the completion of the game. The email must
contain the reason for the protest and the circumstances of the
situation. The protest will be reviewed by the commissioners. If the
protest is found to be upheld, the protesting team will be rewarded
a victory and the team that was found to be in violation will be given
a loss.
If an umpire incorrectly interprets the rules, the commissioners
should be notified in writing via email. The outcome of the game
cannot be changed but the league will try to clarify the rule,
especially to the umpire who incorrectly applied it.
The umpires and commissioners have the right to eject any person
from a recreational facility within their jurisdiction.
Umpires should report ejections to the RTSL commissioner.
Any player or coach ejected from a game will not be eligible to play
in their team’s next game.
Any player ejected from two games will be suspended for the
remainder of the season, including tournaments.
Any ejected player or participant who does not leave the field within
two minutes or who continues to harass other participants shall
cause the game to be forfeited by his/her team.
Minor violations may result in a warning, one time only, from the
umpire.
Rainouts, Darkness, Cancelling, Rescheduling, or Forfeiting a Game
A.
B.
C.
Before 4 pm on any game day, in case of rain or unplayable field
conditions, the head umpire or the commissioner will declare a
rainout of games that will not be played by sending email to the
team captains. After 4 pm, go to the field.
If the umpire rules the field unplayable at game time, the game will
be declared a rainout and rescheduled.
The team responsible for calling a forfeit prior to the scheduled
game time, must inform the league commissioner, the team
effected and the head umpire of the decision in the event prior to
game time.
Page 12
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
6.8
Mercy Rule
A.
6.9
If the game is in progress, the umpire has the right to suspend play
due to rain, lightning, darkness, or unplayable field conditions.
If a game is stopped after 5 complete innings or 4 ½ if the home
team is winning then the game is official.
If a game is stopped before 5 innings, the game will be resumed
where it was left off.
If a team has to cancel a game for any reason, they must inform
commissioner and the other team at least two weeks before the
game via e-mail. Any later notice will result in a forfeit.
Forfeits will result in a 7-0 score in favor of the wining team.
The league commissioners will reschedule all cancelled or
suspended games. The league will notify the teams involved
through the weekly email or web site. The league will NOT phone
the teams involved.
If a team has forfeited two games for any reason, the RTSL
commissioner may remove the team from the league after
appropriate review.
If a rained-out game cannot be played before the end of the
season, then each team is awarded +0.5 points in the league
standings.
Games that are suspended due to rain or darkness are resumed at
the point they were suspended. A different set of players may play
in the resumed game, but the male-female sequence in the original
batting order should be maintained in the resumed game, or as
close as practical, through the first eight positions of the batting
order.
If the home team is up by 12 or more runs after 4½, then the game
is over. If the visiting team is ahead by 12 or more runs after 5
complete innings, the game is then officially over.
Score Reporting, League Standings
A.
B.
The official scorer is the home team, but both teams should keep
score and check with each other after every inning.
The HOME Team is responsible for updating the online score sheet
within two workdays.
Give the following information:
1) The Name of the person reporting the score
2) The Names of Both Teams
3) The Date of the Game
4) The Score of the Game
Page 13
C.
If two or more teams are tied at the end of the season, the
following tie breaker(s) will be used in order to determine the
regular season champion and seeding for the tournament:
1) The team with the best record in head-to head competition.
2) The team with the most runs scored in head to head
competition.
3) The team with the best divisional record.
4) If the above does not break the ties, then a coin toss will break
the tie.
D.
6.10
One exception to the above tiebreak rules, forfeits will be cause for
forfeiting any tiebreaker rules. For example, if there are two teams
that are tied in head-to-head records but one of those games was
decided by forfeit, the team who forfeited the game forfeits the
tiebreaker.
Removal of Teams from the League
This rule outlines a procedure for removing teams that consistently display
poor sportsmanship.
PROCEDURE FOR REMOVAL (INVOLUNTARY) OF TEAM(S) FROM LEAGUE
If in the opinion of a team captain, and opposing team appears to be in flagrant
and repeated disregard on the stated Objectives and/or Code of Conduct of the
Research Triangle Softball League (RTSL), the following procedure will be used
to determine the expulsion of the offending team from the league:
1) The team captain wishing to initiate the ejection of a team will file a LETTER
OF COMPLAINT with the RTSL Commissioners. The LETTER OF
COMPLAINT will describe why the team is question should be expelled from
the league. Upon receipt of the LETTER, the RTSL Commissioners will issue
a NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF LETTER OF COMPLAINT to cited team. This
letter of NOTICE will only state that a LETTER OF COMPLAINT has been
received by the RTSL Commissioners and will not detail the specifics of the
complaint nor its source.
2) Receipt of a second LETTER OF COMPLAINT by the RTSL Commissioners.
Definition: A second LETTER OF COMPLAINT can refer to- A) a LETTER OF
COMPLAINT from the same captain filling the first LETTER only if the
complaint is the result of a game subsequent to that cited in the first LETTER
(this can be either another meeting with the cited team or the result of
umpiring a game involving the cited team) or B) a LETTER from another team
captain involving a separate game from that described in the first LETTER OF
COMPLAINT. Upon the receipt of a second LETTER OF COMPLAINT, the
Page 14
RTSL Commissioners will issue a BALLOT to all the other teams within the
cited team’s Division. This BALLOT will ask each team captain if he/she
wishes to retain or expel the cited team. The league will not supply details of
the complaints against the cited team but will only state in general terms the
nature of the complaints. Individual captains will decide based on their
experience with the cited team.
3) If more than 50% of the teams polled vote to expel the cited team, the cited
team will be removed from the schedule for the balance of the season without
refund of team entry fee. Furthermore, the cited team (offending team) will
not be permitted to enter the RTSL the following season but may reapply
thereafter. During the period of expulsion all players on the roster of the
ejected team are ineligible to play for other teams in the Research Triangle
Softball League.
If the necessary vote to expel the cited team is not achieved, further
BALLOTS will be issued with each additional LETTER OF COMPLAINT
received.
7. REVISION HISTORY

March 2011
o Section 2
 Added provisions for moving first and last place teams between D, E, and F Leagues.
Previously, provisions for moving teams had only included A, B, and C Leagues.
o Section 4.2
 Proof of date-of-hire may be requested by the league for new hires added to rosters after
June 1st.
o Section 4.10
 Added 20-run mercy rule after 3½ innings
o Section 4.11
 Captains are responsible for updating the online score sheet within 2 business days.
Previously, captains were responsible for notifying the commissioner of the results.
o Section 5.2
 Double headers will be played with a 1-1 count at the start of each at-bat.
o Section 5.5
 Pitching arc changed from 5-12’ to 6-12’.
o Section 6 i
 Clarified rules regarding re-entry and substitution.
o Waiver form
 Added GlaxoSmithKline to Exhibit A.

March 2012
o
o
o
Section 2
 Removed items 5 and 10 to reflect the fact that there is no F league in the RTSL this
season.
 Modified the last section of the league drop down list to show that only new teams will
flow into the E division as there is no F division this season.
Section 3
 3.2 Changed verbiage to reflect the following, Abusive language and/or profanity
and vulgar behavior will not be tolerated and can result in player and/or coaches
being suspended.
Section 4
 Section (b) changed to; Captains will be required to exchange lineup cards before the
start of the game.
Page 15





Section (c) changed to; Captains need to have copies of their roster on hand with all
players listed; opposing coach has the right to question if a player is on their roster.
Players will need to provide photo id as proof of identity if questioned. If the player
is found to be an illegal player (in the lineup and not on the roster) the player and the
coach will be ejected and serve a 1 game suspension.
Section (g); deleted Waivers need to be mailed or dropped off
Section (h) changed to; Waivers are mandatory and need to be mailed to the
commissioner or dropped off. All player waivers must be in the commissioner’s
hands before the first game of the season or before a players first game which ever
comes first.
Section (J) added; any player that’s ends up on the field who is not on the team’s
roster or has not signed a waiver will cause their team to forfeit the game. Contact
your commissioner via e-mail if there is any doubt.
March 2013
o
Section (3.4)

o
Section (4.1)

o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Added Addressed to Ed Hutchins ([email protected]) and Chad Johnson
([email protected]) in addition to your league commissioner.
Section (4.2)

o
removed if you cannot walk to the field, you should not be playing softball. Added please
do not park on the grass.
Added before they play to existing rule
Section (5 rule 16)
 added If a runners foot leaves the bag prior to the batter making contact with the ball, the
runner will be called out.
Section 5 (rule 19)
 Changed rule to read Courtesy runners for injured players may be allowed, with consent
of opposing manager. A courtesy runner should be the last person that made an out for a
male batter and the last female out for a female batter
Section 5 (rule 20)
 Explained the infield fly rule
Section 6 (rule 5)
 Clarified the lineup rule, took out the rotating woman part and made it more clear
Section 6 (rule 9)
 Deleted At this point, the lineup can be expanded to 12 players.
Section 6 (rule 10)
 Added Once a team has batted through its entire line up the lineup cannot be altered to
facilitate late players. Substitutions may be made but players shall not be added to the
bottom of the lineup
Section 6 (rule 13)

Added injury rule
Section 7 (rule 5)
 Only ball allowed in the RSTL will be the .52cor 300 comp
Section 10 (Rule 1)
 Increased home run total
Page 16
o

o
Section 10 (Rule 2)
 After home run limit has been reached an over the fence will result in an out
Section 11 (Rule 3)
 Protest rule added
o
Section 17 Removed
March 2014
o
Section (3.1)

o
Section (3.8)

o
Added if a collision occurs and is called by the umpire to the existing rule.
Section 5 (Rule 9)

o
Added runners and fielder have shared responsibility to avoid collisions.
Section 5 (Rule 7)

o
Changed to reflect all waivers need to be in electronic format and need to be turned in
prior to player participating in first game.
Section 5 (Rule 6)

o
Added No alcoholic beverages, grilling or open flames are allowed on RTP Foundation
property to include any parking area adjacent to the fields.
Section 4 (Rule H)

o
Runner and fielder have responsibility to avoid collision
Added at umpires discretion.
Section 5 (Rule 10)

o
Added The fielder also has a responsibility to avoid collision whenever possible. If the
fielder appears to have purposefully made contact with a runner according to the umpire,
that runner will be awarded an extra base and the fielder may be ejected.
Section 5 (Rule 16)

o
Section 5 (Rule 20)

o
Courtesy runner rule clarified.
Section 6 (Rule 4)

o
Changed rule to read Base stealing is not allowed, nor is leading-off from the base.
Pickoff plays are also not allowed
Removed automatic out from the rule and changed the verbiage.
Equipment section (Rule 3)
Page 17

o
Added bats will be inspected by the umpires to insure they meet specifications set forth
by ASA. Any player that is caught using a banned bat in competition will be an automatic
out, that player will be ejected for that game as well as for a next game. The coach will
also be suspended for that game and the next game.
Game Time Section (Rule 5)

o
Section G

o
Mercy rule changed to 12 runs after 4 ½ or 5 innings.
Score Reporting Section (Rule 2)

o
Added rule 8 Forfeits will result in a 7-0 score in favor of the wining team.
Mercy Rule Section

o
Added The umpire will give a 10 minute warning for game time.
The home team is responsible for score reporting.
Score Reporting Section (Rule 3)

Additional tie breaker added The team with the best divisional record.
8. BANNED Bats
The RTSL follows the ASA guidelines to ensure safe play for all.
The official bat in ASA Championship Play must meet all of the requirements of Rule 3,
Section 1 and:
1. Must bear either the ASA approved 2000 certification mark the ASA 2004
certification mark or the 2013 ASA certification mark as shown below, and
must not be listed on an ASA non approved list, or
2. must be included on a list of approved bat models published by the ASA
National Office; or
3. must, in the sole opinion and discretion of the umpire, have been
manufactured prior to 2000 and if tested, would comply with the ASA bat
performance standards then in effect.
Page 18
Beginning January 2013, all bats in ASA Championship Play must pass the ASA 2013 bat standard. All
bats having the 2004 certification mark will be allowed in ASA Championship Play. Bats that have the
2000 certification mark will not be allowed in ASA Championship Play unless they are listed on an
approved bat list on the ASA website. For convenience, the ASA website has a listing of bats that do
not pass the ASA 2004 bat standard.
2004 and Beyond Approved Bats
For a list of bats that have been tested and found to comply with the ASA bat
performance standards, and therefore are authorized to bear the ASA 2013
certification mark and/or are authorized for use in ASA Championship Play beginning
January 2013, please go to the following webpage http://www.softball.org/about/certified_equipment.asp
Manufacturers continue to submit additional bat models for testing, and the ASA will
update this list as test results become available.
ASA Non-Approved Bat List with Certification Marks 3/17/2015
Combat VIRSP3 Lady Virus
Easton SCX2
Synergy Easton SCX22 Synergy 2
Louisville Slugger FPC305 Catalyst (-8)
Louisville Slugger SB304
Louisville Slugger SB34 Genesis
Page 19
Louisville Slugger SB404
Louisville SluggerSB73V TPS Voltage
Miken MSF Freak
Miken Ultra
Miken Ultra II Miken
Ultra Maxload
Nokona Tomahawk
Schutt Red/Silver Schutt Bat
Worth EST9
Worth QESTFP
Worth SBWK(Wicked)
Worth SBWKA
Worth WWSC Wicked Comp. (SP Only)
Worth WWSCA
Worth XEST9X
Worth XGold
Worth XPST4
Worth XRed
Worth XWICKX Wicked (SP Only)
Page 20
For a complete list of approved bats go to the certified equipment section of
www.asasoftball.com
Last Updated: April 11th, 2014
Page 21
9. FIELD INFORMATION
RESEARCH TRIANGLE FOUNDATION FIELDS (#1 and #2)
LOCATION: The RTSL fields are located at the corner of Cornwallis Road and Davis
Drive, near I-40. Parking is available either at the Science and
Technology Center parking lot, behind the building, entrance is located on
Davis Drive; Research Triangle Foundation or Research Triangle Institute
parking lots off Cornwallis Road and Institute and Hanes drives. DO
NOT PARK on Cornwallis Road, access roads or grass-DESIGNATED
PAVED AREAS ONLY! There are footpaths from all parking lots to the
fields.
TRASH:
BOTH TEAMS are responsible for keeping the area free of trash.
ALCOHOL: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THIS
PROPERTY. THESE FIELDS ARE PRIVATE PROPERTY. IF WE
LOSE THE USE OF THIS FIELD(S) BECAUSE OF A DRINKING
VIOLATION, THE RESPONSIBLE TEAM WILL BE EJECTED FROM
THE RTSL.
N
Exit 6
IBM
Cornwallis Road
Parking
RTF
250'
250'
250'
V-Ball
ST
Davis Drive
Parking
Hanes Drive
Institute Drive
RT 147
T. W. Alexander Drive
#1
250'
#2
250'
RTI
250'
I-40
I-40
Exit 280
Exit 279B
Page 22
RESEARCH TRIANGLE FOUNDATION FIELDS (#3 and #4)
LOCATION: The RTSL fields #3 and #4 are located off Cornwallis Road near Troxler,
on S. Tricenter Blvd.
TRASH:
BOTH TEAMS are responsible for keeping the area free of trash.
ALCOHOL: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THIS
PROPERTY. THESE FIELDS ARE PRIVATE PROPERTY. IF WE
LOSE THE USE OF THIS FIELD(S) BECAUSE OF A DRINKING
VIOLATION, THE RESPONSIBLE TEAM WILL BE EJECTED FROM
THE RTSL.
Exit 7
DuPont
N
Cornwallis Road
Exit 6
Troxler
South
Tricenter
Parking
285'
South Alston
Highway 55
#3
270'
270'
#4
285'
270'
Highway 54
Page 23
P
a
r
k
i
n
g
T. W. Alexander Drive
270'
RT 147