2017 Seward Adult Co-Ed Softball League
Competitive Division & Recreation Division
Rules and Regulations
4.10.2017
Contents:
I.
The League
II.
Team Composition
III.
Players & Eligibility
IV.
Game Officials
V.
Manager Responsibilities
VI.
Protests
VII.
Forfeitures
VIII. Sportsmanship & Discipline
IX.
Special Rules
X.
League Divisions & Classifications & Advancement
XI.
League Length & Play
I.
THE LEAGUE
A.
The League shall be known as the Seward Adult Co-Ed Softball League (SACSL) and will consist of two
divisions: Recreational and Competitive. The League will be operated under the authority and guidance of
the Seward Parks and Recreation Department.
B.
The purpose of the SACSL is to provide recreation for citizens seeking involvement in the sport of softball.
C.
The SACSL committee will consist of a commissioner appointed by the Seward Parks and Recreation
Department and an advisory committee that will be composed of the managers from each team. One
committee will serve the needs of both divisions.
D.
The commissioner shall:
1. Make any and all decisions pertaining to the operation of the SACSL with advisory input provided by
the advisory committee, enforce prescribed rules, regulations and policies;
2. Act upon all allegations and incidents not conducive to good sportsmanship and league integrity;
3. Make final decisions on any appeals not covered by SACSL rules and regulations;
4. Make final decisions on any protests properly filed;
5. Schedule league games, fields, umpires, practice times, etc…
6. Collect all funds and provide for payment of league expenditures.
The Advisory Committee shall:
1. Assist the commissioner on any requests for league guidance;
2. Act as an appeals board for any decision made by the commissioner.
3. Appeals must be made within ten (10) days after the said decision.
4. Members of the Advisory committee shall be the managers from each team. (The assistant manager
represents the manager in his/her absence and may vote in the manager’s absence, but otherwise is not on the
Advisory committee.)
5. Managers are bound to represent the wishes of their team, not necessarily their personal views
6. Players are encouraged to talk to these leaders with comments, concerns, and questions and vice versa.
E.
League Definition: The league will not exist until a minimum of four (4) teams have submitted the required
paperwork, team fees and player fees. No schedule shall be written or presented until the minimum number of
teams are registered. No team will be included in the written schedule until required paperwork, team fees
and minimum (12) player fees have been paid.
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2017 Seward Adult Co-Ed Softball League
Competitive Division & Recreation Division
Rules and Regulations
4.10.2017
II.
TEAM COMPOSITION
A.
Definition: A team is not registered until: A. the team fee has been paid; B. the team registration form has
been filled out completely and signed by the manager; C. the minimum required (12) amount of player
contracts are filled out completely; and D. the minimum number of player fees have been paid. E. a team
roster with a minimum of 12 players has been completed and signed by players. No team shall be scheduled
for scrimmages or games without first being registered.
B.
In SPRD Co-Ed Softball, no more than five players of one sex may appear on a
game roster at a time, except in substitution and EH situations.
C.
Teams which do not submit paperwork and fees by league deadlines may or may
not be allowed to register for league play. Teams registering late may be placed in
a league not of their first choice. See item X. below.
D.
Recreational Division (E)– the goal of this division is to have fun with less
emphasis on skill and winning.
1. A team may have an unlimited maximum roster, and a minimum of twelve (12) paid and active players on
its roster, provided the players are eligible for play under league rules. The minimum in this league also
requires at least six (6) women and at least six (6) men.
2. A team may or may not have a sponsor. A sponsor may enter as many teams as desired, provided the team
fee is paid for each team. All fees must be made payable to: SEWARD PARKS AND RECREATION
DEPARTMENT.
3. Regulation softball uniforms are not required. Team t-shirts are encouraged for fun.
4. Each team must designate a manager whom shall serve as the team’s official representative to the
commissioner and advisory committee. An assistant manager must also be designated by each team. The
manager may or may not serve as team captain or coach.
E. Competitive Division (D)– the goal of this division is friendly competition, an
elevated level of play and to develop the individual’s skills. All teams are registered with the Amateur
Softball Association which enables play in area tournaments. Emphasis in this league is placed on skill and
good sportsmanship.
1. A team may have a maximum roster of eighteen (18) players and a minimum of twelve (12) paid and
active players on its roster, provided the players are eligible for play under league rules. The minimum in this
league also requires at least six (6) women and at least six (6) men.
2. A team may or may not have a sponsor. A sponsor may enter as many teams as desired, provided the team
fee is paid for each team. All fees must be made payable to: SEWARD PARKS AND RECREATION
DEPARTMENT.
3. Numbered softball uniforms (shirts) will be required as of the 2012 season.
4. Each team must designate a manager, who shall serve as the team’s official representative to the
commissioner and advisory committee. An assistant manager must also be designated by each team. The
manager may or may not serve as team captain or coach.
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2017 Seward Adult Co-Ed Softball League
Competitive Division & Recreation Division
Rules and Regulations
4.10.2017
F. Bat Boy/Girl – as of 2013 teams may designate one team bat boy or bat girl per season. Minimum age 9 years
old. Manager assumes responsibility of the bat boy/girl at all times, ensuring appropriate behavior and providing
required safety. Completed player contract signed by parent / guardian required. Bat boy/girl required to wear
team jersey.
III.
PLAYERS AND PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
A.
Recreation Division
1. All players in this, adult league must be a minimum of sixteen (16) years of age or older.
2. An eligible player is considered to be on one team’s roster after he/she has submitted a signed player
contract form and has paid the player fee to SPRD. The player contract form must be signed by the team
manager. The team fee must also be paid before any players are considered part of the league. A new player
may sign up on a game day. However the paperwork and player fee MUST be submitted directly to an SPRD
employee, not the team manager or umpire, prior to play.
3. In Recreation Division, eligible players are allowed to temporarily play on another team on a game-bygame basis if the other team needs additional players in order to participate.
4. A maximum of two (2) Competitive players, a combination up to: only one (1) women and/or only one (1)
man from any Competitive Division team(s) may sign-up on any one Recreational Division team’s roster or
play in any league game. In other words, no more than one (1) Comp Div man may play on any Rec team. No
more than one (1) Comp Div women may play on a Rec team. No more than two (2) total Competitive
Division players on any one Rec team. No Comp league players are required on any Rec team. [Note: these
changes are in enacted in 2015 to further promote the recreational, just-for-fun attitude of rec-league and
continue to promote safety for new and returning players.]
5. Each and every Competitive Division player(s) who play in the Recreational Division must umpire/call a
minimum of at least three (3) recreational games behind the plate.
6. Use of an ineligible or suspended player will result in forfeiture of the game(s) in which the illegal player
participated.
7. Teams which consistently use ineligible players may be written out of the schedule, no refunds will be
awarded for such abuses.
8. Player fees are not transferable and non-refundable.
9. In order to play in the season-end tourney, an eligible player must have submitted a signed contract and
paid, and have played for three weeks in a minimum of three (3) regular season games (except in the case of a
forfeit).
C. Competitive Division
1. All players must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
2. An eligible player is considered to be on a team’s roster when: A. he/she has submitted a signed, player
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2017 Seward Adult Co-Ed Softball League
Competitive Division & Recreation Division
Rules and Regulations
4.10.2017
contract form; B. the player fee and the established team fee has been paid to SPRD, and C. the player
contract form has been signed by the team (or assistant) manager.
3. SPRD Adult competitive softball league is competing at the D-Division Level or lower. Beginning in 2015,
Seward teams may not exceed more than three C, B or A players on one roster. Teams with more than three
C, B or A players will not be accepted until the advanced player limit is reduced to three.
4. A new player may sign up on game day. However the paperwork and player fee MUST be submitted
directly to an SPRD employee, not the team manager or umpire, etc…
5. In Competitive Division, eligible players are NOT allowed to transfer to another team on a game-by-game
basis if the other team needs additional players in order to participate.
6. Player Transfer: If a player or manager wishes to transfer a player to another team during the season, the
manager must sign the player release first (found at the bottom of player contract). Once the contract release
has been signed and submitted to SPRD staff, the player must wait 48 hours to play on his/her new team. A
player may transfer to a new team only one time in a season.
7. Use of an ineligible or suspended player will result in forfeiture of the game(s) in which the illegal player
participated.
8. Teams which consistently use ineligible players may be written out of the schedule, and no refunds will be
awarded for such abuses.
9. Player fees are not transferable and non-refundable. If a team manager or sponsor pay for x number of
player fees, a signed, player contract must be assigned to each of the player fees paid, prior to the season’s
start. If, after the first official league game, a player quits or drops and a new player signs up, a new player fee
must be paid.
10. In order to play in the season-end tourney, an eligible player must have submitted a signed contract and
paid, and have played for three weeks in a minimum of three (3) regular season games (except in the case of a
forfeit).
IV.
GAME OFFICIALS
Intent: Good sportsmanship is expected and required in all SPRD leagues. Officials are either paid, certified or are
volunteers. SPRD can schedule umpires, but cannot create umpires or coerce people into calling games. It is each
team’s responsibility to provide at least one person from their team each season to call games. That individual may
opt to attend our umpire clinic to become certified. Certification means a higher rate of pay when calling Competitive
League games. SPRD officials are provided to assist teams, NOT to be abused, ridiculed or badgered. Teams or
players exhibiting poor sportsmanship will be disciplined, up to and including expulsion from the league.
A.
Recreation Division
1.
Each team must designate one, volunteer umpire from their team to call games during the season. The
team umpire may call games for his/her own team as well as others. Any player may get certified through
SPRD to call Competitive League games and receive payment for their services.
2.
Competitive Division player(s) who play in the Recreational Division must umpire/call a minimum of at
least three (3) recreational games behind the plate
3.
Each team must provide their own scorekeepers. Home team has the “official book.”
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2017 Seward Adult Co-Ed Softball League
Competitive Division & Recreation Division
Rules and Regulations
4.10.2017
B.
Competitive
1. Each team will be responsible for recruiting at least one umpire each season to call games. Each will be
trained, ASA certified and paid for their services. The team umpire may call games for his/her own team as
well as others.
A. If teams are not prepared to provide an umpire, teams should fully expect to play un-officiated
games.
2. Each team must provide their own scorekeepers. Home team has the “official book.”
V.
VI.
VII.
MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES
A.
Team managers are responsible for ensuring that a player contract for each player is correctly filled out,
signed by the player, signed by the manager or assistant manager and properly submitted to the league office.
B.
Managers are responsible for the proper recruitment of players and seeing that eligibility rules are upheld.
C.
Managers are responsible for the conduct of their team members before, during, and after any league
activities.
D.
Managers are responsible for collecting and submitting player fees and contracts. Players who participate
with outstanding fees will be considered illegal, and cause a forfeited game.
E.
Manager’s and assistant manager’s duties are outlined in the team registration form, which must be signed
prior to a team’s admittance into the league.
PROTESTS
A.
A protest must be submitted in writing to the commissioner by 4:00 p.m. of the following work day. It must
be accompanied by a twenty-five dollar ($25) protest fee. This fee will be returned if the protest is upheld.
B.
Protests and complaints regarding officials must be submitted in writing to the commissioner.
FORFEITURES
A.
Forfeiture will occur when a team does not have a sufficient number of players
ready to play at scheduled game time.
B.
A forfeit fee of $25 will be payable to SPRD for all forfeitures to cover costs
associated with staff time and field prep.
C.
Each team must have ten players ready at game time: five (5) men and five (5) women. A team may start with
nine, but the 10th player’s spot is an out. No more than five players of one sex on a fielding team at one time.
Recreational Division Only: To prevent forfeiture, if a team is short a player, the opposing team or any other
Rec League team may provide a sub for that team to bring their roster to 10.
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2017 Seward Adult Co-Ed Softball League
Competitive Division & Recreation Division
Rules and Regulations
4.10.2017
VIII.
SPORTSMANSHIP / DISCIPLINE
Intent: The intent of these rules is to discipline a player who acts outside the parameters of good sportsmanship.
Knowing that generally when a player “loses their cool,” they often cannot be reasoned with, we place the burden of
enforcement on the team manager and the other team players. Each player should assist in keeping all team mates’
attitudes in the vein of good sportsmanship, no matter the level of competition. A team manager should never allow
someone on their team that they feel they could not control in a heated situation. Any player with that extreme of
temper should be dropped from the team by the manager, so that the discipline step never reaches SPRD.
A.
Unsportsmanlike conduct:
Any player ejected from a game for reasons of unsportsmanlike conduct is suspended from any further league
activity until he/she and his/her manager schedule, and appear at, a hearing before the league commissioner.
Further suspension may result from the hearing. If the ejected player is the manager, the team’s assistant
manager will assume the role of manager.
B.
Officials are required to report any acts of unsportsmanlike conduct to the commissioner by 4:00 pm of the
following work day. The commissioner may ask for reports from scorers as to the facts of expulsions or
suspensions, pending or occurred.
C.
If any player or team is suspended from the league for unsportsmanlike acts committed before, during or after
any league activity, there shall not be any refunds of fees.
D.
Any overt or vicious acts committed against players or officials may result in expulsion from the league for
the remainder of the season.
E.
Any player who is deemed to have committed unsportsmanlike behavior will be fined twenty dollars ($20)
payable to SPRD. The twenty dollar ($20) fine is due before the next game, and must be paid at the league
office, not on the field, during regular business hours. The player is considered ineligible for play until the
fine has been paid. The player and manager are equally responsible for ensuring this fee is paid in a timely
manner.
F.
Any player who is deemed to have committed unsportsmanlike conduct must leave
the game immediately and may not return to the game for no less than one (1) inning.
G.
Any player who accumulates five (5) unsportsmanlike conduct violations in a season will be suspended from
any further league activities and/or local tournaments. Entry into the next season and/or local tournaments is
denied until the player and manager schedule and appear at a hearing before the commissioner. (The player is
responsible to schedule the hearing, not SPRD.) Further suspensions may result from the hearing.
H.
Any player who receives two (2) unsportsmanlike conduct violations in a game will be required to leave the
game and the softball complex for the remainder of the game(s). The player’s team manager is responsible for
ensuring that the player leaves the field and complex in the appointed time, or the offending team will forfeit
the game. Other team players should assist in the manager in enforcing the offending player’s removal.
Intent: The intent of this rule is to ensure the player does not stay around the field to harass other players, the umpire,
other umpires, the team manager or other players after the violation. A situation in which a player must be “tossed”
generally notes the player has lost his/her composure to the point of lack of control. If a double-header is scheduled this
day, the player is suspended for all future games that day.
IX.
SPECIAL RULES
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2017 Seward Adult Co-Ed Softball League
Competitive Division & Recreation Division
Rules and Regulations
4.10.2017
Amateur Softball Association (ASA) rules will govern play with the exceptions, modifications, and/or notations below
and throughout this document. ASA rulebooks can loaned to managers upon request. Players, coaches, and managers
are responsible for the knowledge of rules and rule changes.
1. Smoke-Free Complex
Smoking is not allowed on any Borough school grounds or the Jon Perry-Citizen’s Field Softball Complex.
Players may smoke outside the complex area, at the South gates to enter the parking area, and must dispose of
the cigarette butts in an appropriate manner. Containers are not provided. (Do not smoke North of the
complex on private property or Elementary School property.)
2. Alcoholic Beverages
Per City Code section 8.05.015 (a), alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the Jon Perry/Citizens Field
Complex (JPCFS), except by permit signed by the Police Chief, or his agent. This permit must be
accompanied by a paid, pavilion reservation. Section 8.05.050 of Seward City Code gives SPRD the authority
to evict persons violating section 8.05.015 (a). A team will forfeit if any member of the team has alcohol and
the SPRD representative has to address this issue.
3. Drug-Free Zone
Per Alaska State law, the JPCFS Complex is a Drug-Free Zone. This allows for more severe charges, fines
and penalties for persons accused of drug-related crimes.
Special Playing Rules:
A. Batting
1. Batting shall alternate between the sexes.
2. In the Competitive League, more than one (1) out of the park home run is only allowed if teams alternate.
In other words, if Team A hits a home run and then Team B hits a home run, Team A is allowed another
home run. Teams are not allowed to hit out of the park home runs back to back.
3. In the Recreational Division, out of the park home runs are not allowed and will result in an automatic
out. You can hit the ball in the park, run all the bases and complete an in the park home run.
4. If the batter bunts or chops the ball, the batter will be declared out.
5. The batter is out if the player hits a foul tip on the third strike.
B. Base-running
Base stealing is not allowed. A runner may leave the base when a pitched ball is batted, touches the ground, or reaches
home plate, but must return to the base immediately after each pitch not hit by the batter.
C. Fielding
1. There will be ten players: four outfielders (two men and two women), four infielders (two men and two
women), a pitcher and a catcher (one must be male, the other female). If playing with nine players, 3
outfielders shall be used where both sexes are represented.
2. The “infield fly” rule applies to both leagues.
D. Pitching
1. A 12” ball will be used when pitching to men,
2. An 11” ball will be used when pitching to women.
3. If a man batter is walked (intentionally or not), a two-base walk will be awarded to him.
A. If there are two outs in the inning, the very next woman batter then gets to choose a free walk to first
base or to bat.
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2017 Seward Adult Co-Ed Softball League
Competitive Division & Recreation Division
Rules and Regulations
4.10.2017
B. In all other circumstances, the next batter MUST bat.
4. In the event of a low-arc pitch, the umpire may call “illegal pitch.” The batter always retains the option to
swing at an illegal pitch. If it is hit successfully, the play shall continue. If the batter misses the ball, or if the
batter hits a foul ball, it is a strike.
5. The umpire may call “no pitch” if the umpire did not signal the pitcher to begin.
E. Equipment
1. No metal cleats are allowed.
2. Teams must supply their own gear.
3. Only ASA-approved bats allowed. Recreational Division may only use aluminum bats.
4. Recreational Division league teams may check out some SPRD equipment through the league office.
F. Game length
There is an hour and half time limit on Recreational League games and an hour and fifteen minute time limit
on Competitive League games. Exceptions are in the case of a tie or to finish a started inning.
10 Run Rule
G. Field Maintenance
1. Players are encouraged to arrive ahead of their scheduled game time to assist in picking rocks out of the
outfield and infields. Please throw them over the field fence, not in the warning tracks or other baselines.
Players in the late game can assist in staying after the games.
2. A volunteer field clean up day shall be scheduled prior to each season.
3. Players who are interested in volunteering in field maintenance may contact the Parks and Campgrounds
office, 224-4055 to sign-up.
4. Coaches and players are not allowed on the fields during regular maintenance.
5. Coaches and players are not allowed on the fields when they are closed before season starts or after the
season ends. Participants can assist the turf health by encouraging others who may be on the fields early or
late, by informing them they may damage the field by playing on a closed field.
X. LEAGUE DIVISIONS & CLASSIFICATIONS
A. Divisions
SPRD will host two divisions - rather than one - to promote their individual goals: 1. Rec Division for fun, physical
enjoyment; and 2. Competitive Division for elevating the game, the player’s skill and the skill of the teams. Due to the
nature of the Competitive League, teams should be required to “prove themselves” in the Recreational League to
prevent injuries and promote parity in both leagues.
B. Classifications
1.
2.
3.
4.
In 2013, the team managers may classify their own teams as they feel is appropriate.
In 2013, SPRD will schedule only the top teams in the Competitive Division to that Division. The number of
“top teams” will be determined by SPRD staff, based on team performance and the overall number of teams
registered.
In 2013, all new teams will start in the Recreational Division, unless the team is comprised of a majority of
“proven” players formerly from the Competitive Division.
In 2013, the top one or two teams in the Recreational Division may or may not advance to the Competitive
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2017 Seward Adult Co-Ed Softball League
Competitive Division & Recreation Division
Rules and Regulations
4.10.2017
5.
Division.
In 2013, teams deemed to have a number of players of the caliber of Competitive Division players may be
“forced” by SPRD to the Competitive Division, if it would be best for either Division.
C.
Classifications of Players
1.
2.
In 2013, all players in Competitive Division are considered D Division players for ASA play.
In 2013, all players (see exception 3 below) in Recreation Division are considered E Division players for
ASA play.
In 2013, any player playing in both Rec and Competitive Divisions are considered D Division for ASA play.
SPRD reserves the right to reclassify players or teams in 2013 for appropriate parity in state play. Teams or
players may be bumped up to C Division.
In 2013 SPRD reserves the right to “spot” teams a certain number of runs if playing a higher Division team.
(Example: if a D teams plays a C team in league play in 2013, perhaps D would begin the game with a score
of 5 to 0.)
In 2013 SPRD reserves the right to further limit the number of D and C division players from the E Division,
Recreation Division.
In 2013, SPRD reserves the right to limit the number of C Division players from the D Division, Competitive
Division.
In 2013, all players should be 16 years or older in the E Recreation Division and 18 years or older in the D
Competitive Division by the first day of the season. Players under 18 years of age are required to acquire a
parent or guardian’s signature on their contract prior to play.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
XI. League Length and Play
A. Competitive Division:
1. SPRD generally schedules sports leagues in 8-games series, regardless of the number of teams registered.
In the 2013 season, the league will consist of 12 games, plus the free, season-end tourney.
2. Teams are required to provide umpires to cover the additional 5 games beginning in 2012
3. Only teams eligible for the season-end tourney will be scheduled.
4. Teams are not required to participate in the season-end tourney.
5. For placement in next season’s Competitive Division, the top Recreation Division team may or may not
be invited to participate in the Competitive Division season-end tourney.
6. Teams that have acquired 3 or more forfeitures during the regular season are ineligible to play in the
season-end tourney.
7. Seeding for the end-of-season tournament will be based on wins. If two teams are tied, head-to-head
competition results will be the next deciding factor. If there is still a tie, run differential between the two
teams will be the next deciding factor. Then if there is still a tie the team’s overall defensive points
allowed will be compared.
B. Recreation Division:
1. SPRD will host an 8-week schedule. In the event of an odd number of teams or late registering teams,
teams may be required to play doubleheaders or receive a bye.
2. There is an optional season-end tourney for Recreation Division.
3. For placement in next season’s upper Division, the top team may or may not be invited to participate in
the Competitive Division season-end tourney. Teams interested in this option should notify SPRD staff
early in the season. SPRD will determine which team will qualify.
4. Teams that have acquired 3 or more forfeitures during the regular season are ineligible to play in the
season-end tourney.
5. “Seeding for the Recreation League’s, end-of-season tournament will be based on teams’ win/loss
records. If teams are tied for a seeding standing, head-to-head competition results will be the deciding
factor. If there is still a tie, a witnessed, coin-toss will decide the seeding.”
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2017 Seward Adult Co-Ed Softball League
Competitive Division & Recreation Division
Rules and Regulations
4.10.2017
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