GROUND RULES
Softball Maryborough Inc
Dated: November 2016
SOFTBALL MARYBOROUGH INC
ABN 60 702 700 426
Po Box 928, Maryborough Q 4650
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.maryborough.softball.org.au
Facebook: Maryborough Softball Association
Affiliated with Softball Queensland Inc and Softball Australia Ltd.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
Behaviour and Conduct
3
2.
Uniforms
3
3.
Toss
3
4.
Warm Up
3
5.
Disruptions
3
6.
Bench
3
7.
Pitching
3
8.
Scorecards
4
9.
Protests
4
10.
The Game
4
11.
Mixed Competitions
5
12.
Dual Registrations
6
13.
Registrations – General
6
14.
Pick Up Players
6
15.
Short Rule
6
16.
Mercy Rule
7
17.
TeeBall Rules
7
18.
DiamondBall Rules
8
19.
Under 11 Playing Rules
20.
Under 13 Playing Rules
9
21.
Under 15 Playing Rules
9
22.
Senior Women’s Playing Rules
9
23.
Eligibility for Finals
10
2
GROUND RULE 1.
BEHAVIOUR AND CONDUCT
1.1
All Coaches, Players, Umpires, Parents, Administrators and Spectators shall abide by
the relevant Code of Ethics.
1.2
All Volunteers require a blue card if their activity with SMI or an affiliated Club
includes, or is likely to include, providing services that are directed mainly towards
children under 18, or conducting activities that mainly involve children, unless an
exemption applies.
GROUND RULE 2.
2.1
UNIFORMS
All players must wear their full club uniform (with shirt numbers optional) as per the
SAL rule book, this includes all caps/visors and socks to be the same. All players
must wear club hats/caps/visors of their club except the catcher.
GROUND RULE 3.
TOSS
3.1
The team named first in the draw shall occupy the first base bench and shall call the
toss.
3.2
An official from each team shall be responsible for deciding the toss 5 minutes prior to
the scheduled starting time.
GROUND RULE 4.
WARM UP
4.1
Teams shall use the outfield or other allocated area to warm up.
4.2
Pitchers and Catchers only shall be permitted to use the infield area to warm up.
4.3
All persons receiving warm-up pitches, shall be dressed in full catching protective
gear. (ie: helmet with throat protector, body protector and leg protectors)
GROUND RULE 5.
DISRUPTIONS
5.1
In the event of adverse conditions, the decision to cancel or defer play shall be the
responsibility of the Plate Umpire or an SMI Executive Committee Member.
5.2
Any games suspended due to inclement weather shall be continued from the point of
suspension.
5.3
Suspended games shall be played within eight (8) days, or at a date as specified by
Management.
5.4
A regulation game shall be declared as per the SAL rule book.
5.5
Where a game is disrupted for a short period due to poor weather or protest, and
recommences within the normal allocated time for the game, no additional time shall
be added and the game will finish on-time.
GROUND RULE 6.
6.1
BENCH
Only official team members are permitted in the bench area.
GROUND RULE 7.
PITCHING
7.1
Pitching distances shall be:


Under 11 Girls
Under 11 Boys
30 ft
30 ft
9.14m (Coaches option to pitch at 38 ft, 11.58 m)
9.14m (Coaches option to pitch at 40 ft, 12.2 m)
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





Under 13 Girls
Under 13 Boys
Under 15 Girls
Under 15 Boys
Senior Women
Masters Women
7.2
Where players of junior age play in a higher competition, the pitching distance shall
be the same as designated in the higher competition.
7.3
If the pitching mat becomes unsuitable during the course of the game, it may
be removed at the discretion of the Plate Umpire in conjunction with the Umpiring
Director or their nominee.
7.4
Under 14 boys (turning 14 during the season) may not be included in the battery in
the Women’s’ Competition. Boys 14 and over may not play in the Women’s’
Competition. Boys may not be included in the Battery in the Women’s competition.
7.5
Pitching – Under 13 Rules
38 ft
40 ft
40 ft
43 ft
43 ft
40 ft
11.58 m
12.20 m
12.19 m
13.11 m
13.11 m
12.19 m (playing in the Senior Womens’ competition)
7.5.1 Pitchers shall be limited to fifty (50) pitches per game. (Penalty: removal of
pitcher from the pitching position).
7.5.2 A record sheet or the scorebook shall be used to count off the pitches.
7.5.3 After forty (40) pitches the recorder notifies the opposition recorder “10 to go”.
7.5.4 Should the opposing recorder differ on the count, the plate umpire adjudicates.
The umpire’s decision is final.
7.6
Pitching – Under 15 Rules
7.6.1
Pitchers shall be limited to fifty (50) pitches per game. Pitchers must then be
replaced. (Penalty: removal of pitcher from the pitching position).
A record sheet or the scorebook shall be used to count off the pitches
7.6.2
After forty (40) pitches the recorder notifies the opposition recorder “10 to go”.
Should the opposing recorder differ on the count, the plate umpire
adjudicates. The umpire’s decision is final.
GROUND RULE 8.
8.1
The Plate Umpire is responsible for the accuracy of the result of the game as
recorded on the scorecards of both teams before signing them at the conclusion of
each game.
GROUND RULE 9.
9.1
SCORECARDS
PROTESTS
Protests are to be undertaken as per the SAL Rule Book and as per Bylaw 14.
GROUND RULE 10.
THE GAME
10.1
Each team shall supply a leather game ball in good condition as per the approved
balls as designated in the Softball Queensland Inc State Championship guidelines.
10.2
After there have been two out in an innings and the catcher is a base runner, any
other player may be substituted for the catcher on base, so that the catcher may
prepare for the next innings by putting on the appropriate protective equipment. This
is not classified as a substitute under the SAL rules.
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10.3
Any team that forfeits three (3) consecutive games for non-attendance of players
shall be required to show cause to the Management Committee why they should not
be excluded.
10.4
Game length for regular season games are as follows:
a.
b.
c.
d.
10.5
Diamond Ball – 40 minute game;
Tee Ball – 1 hour game;
Under 11, 13 and 15 – 1 hour 15 minute game;
Seniors –– 1 hour 20 minute game.
The following relate to game time:
a.
b.
c.
If the pitcher has not released the ball within 20 seconds of the Umpire calling
play ball, a ball will be called;
If the batter is not ready to receive the pitch within 20 seconds of the Umpire
calling play ball, a strike will be called;
A game will be forfeited if a team does not take the diamond within 10 minutes of
the relevant starting time.
10.6
Where a regular season game starts later than the advertised time, no additional time
will be played and the game will finish at the allocated time.
10.7
Game length for finals are as follows:
a. Game length as per Ground Rule 10.4 and 10.5, but complete the innings in
progress;
b. Do not start a new innings with less than 5 minutes to play (having regard to the
actual starting time of the game;
c. In the event of a tie in games where the 9th batter rule applies, the tie breaker will
commence in the first innings after the allocated time for the game;
10.8
Where a finals game starts later than the advertised time because of the failure of
one team to take the field, including due to insufficient players, the disadvantaged
team (that is the team that were ready to play on time) will have the right to seek an
extension of the playing time to enable the relevant game length detailed in 10.4, and
will finish the innings in progress.
10.9
Where a finals game starts later than the advertised time because of previous game
extending beyond the expected finishing time, the actual starting time will be used to
determine the length of the game.
GROUND RULE 11.
MIXED COMPETITIONS
11.1
The Association shall ensure a Duty of Care is afforded to all participants, to ensure a
fair and safe competition for the health and well being of its players.
11.2
Male players competing in a predominately female division, shall be individually
graded on their skill, ability, strength and game sense, for suitability to compete in
that division.
11.3
Female players competing in a predominately male division, shall be individually
graded on their skill, ability, strength and game sense, for suitability to compete in
that division.
11.4
Should an entire team of junior males be registered to compete in a female division,
then the Grading Committee shall grade the team on their combined skill, ability,
strength and game sense, for suitability to compete in that division.
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11.5
Any underage player must be assessed by the Grading Committee to play senior
fixtures.
GROUND RULE 12.
DUAL REGISTRATIONS
Dual registrations exist so that clubs can constitute the seven (7) players necessary for
registration of a team in a specific grade.
12.1
Players may dual register into a higher level team within their own Club. Note: It is the
club’s responsibility to grade players according to their skills level. E.g. the ‘best 7
players must be registered in the A Grade etc. The Grading Committee has the
authority to upgrade players where they believe that appropriate grading has not
occurred by the club.
12.2
Once dual registered into a higher level team, players are not permitted to
interchange between teams of the same division.
12.3
Only 3 dual registered players may be nominated per team to make up the 7 players
needed for registration of a team.
GROUND RULE 13.
REGISTRATIONS - GENERAL
13.1
When a Club fields two (2) or more teams in the same grade, players shall be
registered into a nominated team.
13.2
Players are not permitted to interchange between teams of the same grade.
Penalty: The team in which the player is not registered, will forfeit the game in which
that player participated.
13.3
Players shall not be permitted to play higher than one (1) grade above their registered
level unless assessed to do so.
13.3.1 Clubs may make written application to SMI for individual approval of players wishing
to compete in two (2) or more levels higher than their registered level.
GROUND RULE 14.
PICK UP PLAYERS
14.1
Teams may pick up a maximum of three (3) players from a lower graded team of
another club. Players in Diamond Ball, Tee Ball and Men’s Divisions may be pick
up players from other teams in their Division, including teams within their own club.
14.2
The letters “PU” along with the grade normally played by the pickup player shall be
recorded next to that players name on the score card.
14.3
With exception of Tee Ball, Pick up players must not play in the pitching or catching
positions.
14.4
Pick up players who play against their registered Club must wear a designated bib/
team shirt or contrasting shirt.
14.5
An official of the team that requires a pick up player must approach the pick up
player’s Club officials to seek clearance each time they are required to play.
GROUND RULE 15.
15.1
SHORT RULE
Teams may take the field with seven (7) players to avoid a forfeit. Three of these 7
players may be pick up players as detailed at rule 14 or a team may already have 7
players and subsequently use 2 pickup players to constitute their 9 players.
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15.2
Players can be bought up from lower grades to make a team. (Note ground rule
13.3) (Coaches are reminded of the Coaches’ Code of Ethics and must be assured
that the player is not completely out of their skills capacity that might place that
player at risk by playing them in the higher grade.)
15.3
Where a combined competition has been constituted (E.g. A and B Grade
combined with a single finals series), registered players from within that grade must
not interchange between teams.
15.4
A player who is suspected of a late arrival may be listed on the team card and the
game may commence providing that 7 other players are available. On their arrival
can take the diamond at any time up to and including the bottom of the second
innings with no penalty. Their turn as bat is simply ignored. They cannot take the
field after the completion of the second innings. Players not listed on the team card
at the commencement of the game are not eligible to play.
15.5
Should a player suffer an injury/illness during the game or leave the game for any
purpose, they may be substituted by another player, or the team may play short
provided the number of active players does not reduce below seven (7). Their turn
at bat will be declared an automatic out.
GROUND RULE 16.
16.1
MERCY RULE
The Mercy Rule shall be applied as per SAL Rule Book in both regular season and
finals games.
GROUND RULE 17.
TEE BALL PLAYING RULES
The normal Tee Ball rules shall apply, incorporating the following rules:
17.1
Game are non-competitive, however, catching and home runs awards will be
awarded.
17.2
Equipment shall include an incrediball, a normal bat, a glove for each fielder and
batting helmets with chin straps optional.
.
17.3
A Team can play with 5 of their own players and may use pick up players as per
rule 14.
17.4
All players must rotate at least three (3) positions at the start of each fielding
innings and must not return to the original fielding position until the 4 th innings. (E.g.
A player may commence the game in the pitchers position, in the next innings they
may play in the short stop position and then in the next innings they may play at 3rd
base and then they may return to the pitching position at the commencement of the
4th innings.)
17.5
A Team may field 10 players at any one time but only 6 on the infield.
17.6
A Team may bat all players on the team card.
17.7
The 9th batter rule applies. This means that the innings ends when 3 outs are made
or the 9th batter gets out or play continues until the 9th batter crosses home plate.
17.8
The bat must make contact with part of the ball to be a hit to be judged fair or foul
hit.
17.9
The ball must pass the marked semi-circle to be a fair ball.
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17.10
Four (4) foul strikes and the batter is out. An ‘air’ swing which does not connect with
anything is not classified as a foul ball for the purpose of this rule. The swing is
classified as a strike.
17.11
Three (3) strikes and the batter is out. Foul balls are classified as swings up until
the 2nd strike as per the SAL rule book.
17.12
Any player throwing the bat in a dangerous manner is out.
17.13
Batting helmets are compulsory and must remain on batter/runner's head until back
behind the dead ball area.
17.14
The pitcher and catcher must wear a helmet when fielding - catching gear does not
have to be worn but teams may do so.
17.15
Runners can advance until a ball is fielded by an infield player and a play is made
or the ball is controlled in the infield and is held up above the head in the infield.
Example- The ball is hit to the outfield- the ball is thrown to second base who runs
and stands infield and raises the ball - if the runner was between second and third
base then they must remain on 3rd base
17.16
Only 1 extra base is allowed to a base runner on an over thrown ball at 1st base.
Example - The runner can advance until a player fields the ball and overthrows first
base then the runner may advance to second base only- unless they have made no
attempt to do so before the fielder picks up the ball.
17.17
Coaches are allowed on the field while their team is fielding but may only assist the
players verbally. Coaches are not allowed to participate in the plays.
17.18
17.19
Coaches are to be in the allocated coaching area when team is batting.
Coaches must wear covered footwear when ' on the diamond'.
17.20
Recommended age limit is turning five by 31 December. Application can be made
by Clubs to have younger players graded to be allowed to play.
17.21
Maximum age limit is under 10 as at 31 December of the relevant year.
17.22
A t-ball player will not be assessed to play 2 grades higher.
GROUND RULE 18.
DIAMONDBALL PLAYING RULES
18.1
Players shall be under seven years of age at 31 December.
18.2
A team consists of five registered players, but a team may use between five and
ten players.
18.3
Equipment shall include an incrediball, a normal bat, a glove for each fielder and
batting helmets with chin straps.
18.4
A game lasts for 40 minutes with each team batting and fielding two times per
game. One inning goes for 10 minutes regardless of the number of outs.
18.5
All players should field and bat during the game. All players must rotate at least
two positions anti-clockwise each innings.
18.6
A fielding coach is the umpire each inning, placing the ball on the Tee. Up to two
coaches are permitted on the field but are only allowed to be positioned behind the
infield area when their team is fielding. Coaches in the field may not interfere with
the ball in play, nor physically assist players in the act of fielding.
8
18.7
The batting Tee should be placed in front of home plate. Once the ball has been
hit, the batter (who now becomes the batter-runner), must run to first base and
touch the orange part of the double base. The batter-runner can advance beyond
first base if they wish until the ball is fielded and thrown in the direction of home
plate.
18.8
A strike occurs when the batter swings and misses the ball on the Tee. All foul
balls are counted as strikes. A foul ball occurs when the batter hits more Tee than
ball; when the batter doesn’t take a normal swing; and/or when the batter hits into
foul territory. A foul ball can be caught and counts as an out. The three strikes rule
does not apply.
18.9
When a team is fielding, there must be at least two fielders in the outfield and all
players must play in the outfield once every two weeks.
18.10
An out is made when a batted ball is caught on the full.
18.11
A base runner may only advance when a team member hits a fair ball (base
stealing is not permitted). A base runner may advance if forced to do so by any
advancing team members. An unforced base runner may elect not to run when a
team member hits a fair ball. All base runners must keep their foot touching the
base until the ball is hit off the Tee. All base runners must stop at the next base
after the ball has been thrown towards home plate (infield hit) or towards the infield
(outfield hit). On a fly ball, runners must stay in contact with the base until the ball
is caught, touched by a player or touches the ground before they advance.
18.12
One point is scored for each base touched while batting.
18.13
No finals are played and the games are played in a non-competitive spirit.
18.14
A Diamond-ball player will not be assessed to play 2 grades higher.
GROUND RULE 19.
UNDER 11 PLAYING RULES
The normal Softball rules shall apply, incorporating the following rules:
19.1
19.2
19.3
19.4
19.5
19.6
19.7
19.8
19.9
Game are non-competitive, however, catching and home runs awards will be
awarded.
Equipment shall include an incrediball size 11.
A Team can play with 5 players and may use pick up players as per rule 14.
Recommended age limit is turning eight by 31 December and under 11 as at 31
December of the relevant year. Application can be made by Clubs to have younger
players graded to be allowed to play.
Bases shall be 60 feet in distance.
A player who pitches one innings or part thereof, may not pitch again until they have
had a full innings break.
The 9th batter rule applies. This means that the innings ends when three outs are
made or the 9th batter gets out or play continues until the 9th batter crosses home
plate.
A Team may field between five and nine players at any one time but only a
maximum of six on the infield.
No fielder may be closer to the batter than the Pitcher.
GROUND RULE 20.
UNDER 13 PLAYING RULES
The normal softball rules shall apply, incorporating the following rules:
20.1
See rule 7.5 for pitching regulations.
9
20.2
The 9th batter rule applies. This means that the innings ends when 3 outs are made
or the 9th batter gets out or play continues until the 9th batter crosses home plate.
20.3
An 11” softball shall be used in the Under 13 grade.
GROUND RULE 21.
UNDER 15 PLAYING RULES
The normal softball rules shall apply, incorporating the following rules:
21.1
See rule 7.6 for pitching regulations.
21.2
An 11” softball shall be used in the Under 15 grade.
21.3
The 9th batter rule applies. This means that the innings ends when 3 outs are made
or the 9th batter gets out or play continues until the 9th batter crosses home plate.
21.4
Assessment: Any under 15 player must be assessed by the Grading Committee to
play senior fixtures.
GROUND RULE 22.
SENIOR WOMEN RULES
The normal softball rules shall apply, incorporating the following rules:
22.1
If there is a combined A/B Grade competition, when ‘A’ grade teams are playing ‘B’
grade teams the 9th batter rule applies. This means that the innings ends when 3
outs are made or the 9th batter gets out or play continues until the 9th batter crosses
home plate.
22.2
A pitcher meeting the requirements to play Masters may pitch from 40 feet (12.19
m) in the senior women’s competition.
GROUND RULE 23.
ELIGIBILITY FOR FINALS
23.1
A player must play 3 games for their registered club to be eligible to play in the
finals. Where a player is permitted to another club to make up a combined club
team in a specific grade, the player must play 3 games for that team to be eligible
to play in the finals.
23.2
Pick Up players from another Club must have played 3 games for the team for
which they are being picked up to be eligible for play for that team in the finals.
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