Rainbow League
2017 League Rules
& General Information
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General Information
Field Conditions/Rain-out Information
Field conditions/rain-out information will be available via the rainout text line or for local field conditions, these
numbers are for your information. The league coordinator will do it’s best to communicate rainout information to
your as quickly as possible. This will come from your PPS commissioner.
Papillion Rainout 402-597-2061
Monday through Friday after 3:30 pm. Saturday play, information available by 7:30 a.m.
La Vista Rain Out: 402-697-7756
Updated Mon-Fri by 3:30 PM; Saturday/Sunday by 7:30 AM
St. Columbkille Fields Rainout - Jim Horacek ​703-725-0316.​ 2 hrs prior to games on Saturday by
4:00 pm on weekdays. Rainout texts available as well sign up at
https://www.rainedout.net/team_page.php?a=e47d569f99ff1507a939​.
PLEASE ENCOURAGE ALL OF YOUR PARENTS TO SIGN UP FOR THE RAINOUT
TEXT SERVICE BELOW. THIS WILL HELP MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER.
https://www.rainedout.net/team_page.php?a=1c499aaa9392ff79f09e
Weather – need to sign up for text or e-mails
Emergency Number
The weather is the single most unpredictable factor affecting any softball season. Rainbow League umpires will
use following criteria for canceling games in progress as taken from Appendix D of the NCAA rule book and as
recommended by the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL):
"Thunder always accompanies lightning, even though its audible range can be diminished because of background
noise … The current recommendation of the NSSL is to consider terminating play when the lightning is six miles
away ("flash-to-bang" time of 30 seconds or less). This … was developed as a practical way to make a judgment
in situations where other resources … are not available."
End of Season Tournament
There will be a random draw end of season tournament held the last week of June. This week
there will be games held during the week. June 26th-July 2nd 2017
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General Rules for Rainbow League Play
All Rainbow League rules will follow the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) code with the
exceptions and clarifications that follow for specific age groups.
Tie Breakers ​- Rainbow does NOT use tie breakers in the REGULAR season - games may end in a tie. During
tournament play the following International Tie Breaker rule applies. Each half of the extra inning starts with the
last “official” batter from the previous inning on 2nd base. If the game is still tied, extra innings continue in the
same format until one team wins. There are no automatic outs assessed at the start of each half inning.
Roste​r all of the players at the beginning of the game. If a player comes late and the are not on the roster the
other team could object to them entering the game. Just let the other coach know you will have a late player.
Pitching changes​ - coaches may approach the pitcher ​two​ times for conference. The ​THIRD​ approach will
result in an automatic pitching change. This follows the ASA softball rules. A pitcher may return to the mound
after being relieved she has not been taken out of the batting order.
Eligibility​ - Rainbow league is open recreation league. Players listed or participating on any Metro Class “A”,
“B”, or “C” rosters are not eligible to play on a recreational league without written consent from the Rainbow
League Director. Violation of this rule will result in the head coach and ineligible player being ejected from the
game. Repeated offense will result in the team being removed from the Rainbow League.
Schedules, Field Information, and Rules can be found at ​www.rainbowsoftball.org
Questions or concerns can be emailed to ​[email protected]
Reporting Scores/League Standings
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Coach Pitch 8U
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The emphasis will be on teaching FUNdamental skills and basic understanding of the game, in
preparation for more advanced play in the older age groups.
This division consists of girls 8 years old and younger. League age is that age of a player on January 1st
of the current year.
Bases will be 50 feet apart. The player playing the pitcher will position herself at least 25 feet from home
plate.
Games will be played with an 11 inch C0R47 ball. A double 1st base shall be used if available.
Games will be 1 hour in length. Coaches are not allowed to cancel games. This is up the commission to
make this decision if weather is a factor. We will lose field time if fields are not used for scheduled
practices and games.
Each team will use all of it’s players defensively. All extra players will be placed in the outfield. “Free
substitution” on defense, including the pitcher. There will be no penalty for playing with less than 9
players.
Every player will be listed on the lineup for batting. One-half inning will consist of batting through the
offensive line-up one time.
Between the half-innings, coaches will have 3 minutes to A) position your defensive players on the
playing field and B) have the correct lead-off batter in the batters box.
It is mandatory for batters, including on-deck batters and base runners to wear a batting helmet with a
face mask.
Catchers must wear full protective gear. To include helmet with face mask with throat protector, shin
guards and chest protector. The coach of the defensive team shall be the backup catcher. If anyone
under 18 is used to be back up catcher they are required to wear a helmet with a face mask.
The player in the pitcher position shall wear a helmet with a face mask.
Only rubber cleats are allowed - they must be permanently attached (cannot be screw in type).
Bunting is not allowed. This refers to how the ball is struck - not how far the ball travels.
Base stealing is not allowed. Players must maintain contact with the base until the ball is hit.
There are no walks.
BEFORE MEMORIAL DAY​ there is a 5 pitch maximum. After 5 pitches if the batter has not made
contact with the ball, the coach will bring out the tee. The batter will have 3 additional attempts to hit
the ball on the tee. If no hit is made in 3 attempts the batter is then deemed out. ​This rule will be
enforced. No flip pitches and no more than 5 pitches will be allowed.
AFTER MEMORIAL DAY ​the coach pitcher will pitch 5 pitches, if there is no hit after 5 pitches the
batter is then deemed out. No tee will be used.
If a double play is possible (the batter hits the ball to the outfield) go ahead and send your runners
If a field makes an out the base runner MUST leave the field. Batting line up picks up where inning
ended.
teach the girls
Pop flies and what needs to be done
Forced outs
To never stop running unless the coach says
How to properly tag someone out
Ball in glove and protecting the ball
Start pitching basics
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Rules for 10U League
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11-inch ball
No bunting
No base stealing
Runners ​can​ lead off and leave base when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand.
Pitcher should properly address home plate when preparing to pitch. This means the pitcher should have
both feet on the rubber, all motion must be forward, pitchers may not step back.
BEFORE MEMORIAL Day​ - The pitcher will throw a maximum of 6 pitches. If the batter has not hit
after 6 pitches the batter is deemed out. There will be no walks. If the pitcher throws 4 called balls , the
offensive coach may step in and pitch for a hit or 3 strikes (finish the count). Pitchers are able to strike
out batters if the batter swings or receives a called strike.
AFTER MEMORIAL DAY​ - The pitcher pitches as normal - balls and strikes will be called normally.
No advancing on dropped third strike
No intentional walks
Ten (10) players may play defense
All players bat one rotating batting order (this includes players that did not play in the playing field –
every player in the dugout will bat and they have to bat in order of submitted line up).
Six (6) run maximum per inning – PLUS the result of the hit
May borrow up to three (3) players but they from any team. Borrowed players ​cannot substitute for
your pitcher or your catcher. Borrowed players must wear the uniform of their own team.
Must be placed at the end of your batting order.
Must have eight (8) players to begin the game
No negative cheers/chanting toward opponent
Each team will provide an ​ADULT (non coach) ​to stand behind the catcher to help retrieve pitches as
needed. The Adult will not interfere with any pitch or throw that is part of a play. Example – the 3​rd
baseman throws the ball home for an out. If the catcher misses the ball the ​ADULT​ will not interfere
with the play.
Field
Pitcher's plate – 35 feet (move the pitcher’s mound if not at the correct distance)
Bases – 60 feet
Time Limit-Tie Breaker
65 minute time limit. If the home team is behind in the score when the time limit expires, then the inning will be
completed.
● Time limit begins at the conclusion of the coach-umpire pre-game meeting
● Tie breaker will be used in tournament play or when the time limit has not been reached after the 6​th
inning during regular season play.
Overthrows - ball leaves the live play area
● Runner gets the base they are going to when the throw is made, plus one more base
● Runner may be put out if the ball is still live, in a live ball area and they are being played on
● If no throw is made toward the next base, the ball is dead and play is stopped
Controlling Base Runners
Once the ball is returned to the pitcher and the pitcher is in control of the ball within the 8-foot pitcher’s circle the
ball is dead. Runners more than half way between bases must stop at the base they are running toward when
the ball is declared dead. If they are not halfway, they must return to the base last touched. If the pitcher
immediately makes a play on the runner after securing the ball, the play remains alive. This play must be
immediate or the ball should be declared dead.
Equipment
The Rainbow League is a “closed” league. Teams will not be penalized for what you might be construed as an
illegal bat or other equipment that is not quite proper (unless, in the umpire's judgment, the equipment poses a
danger).
Runs-Ahead Rule
◆ ​12
runs after the 3​rd​ inning
​◆ ​10 runs after the 4​th​ inning
​◆ ​7 runs after the 5​th​ inning
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Rules for 12U League
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12-inch ball
May not steal home
Runners can leave base when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand.
Pitcher should properly address home plate when preparing to pitch. This means the pitcher should have
both feet on the rubber, all motion must be forward, pitchers may not step back.
No advancing on dropped third strike
No intentional walks
Ten (10) players may play defense
All players bat one rotating batting order (this includes players that did not play in the playing field –
every player in the dugout will bat and they have to bat in order of submitted line up).
Eight (8) run maximum per inning – PLUS the result of the hit
May borrow up to three (3) players from any team. Borrowed players ​cannot substitute for your
pitcher or your catcher. Borrowed players must wear the uniform of their own team. Must be
placed at the end of your batting order.
Must have eight (8) players to begin the game
No negative cheers/chanting toward opponent
No metal spikes allowed
Field
Pitcher's plate – 40 feet (move the mound if it is not at the correct distance)
Bases – 60 feet
Time Limit-Tie Breaker
65 minute time limit. If the home team is behind in the score when the time limit expires, then the inning will be
completed.
● Time limit begins at the conclusion of the coach-umpire pre-game meeting
● Tie breaker will be used in tournament play or when the time limit has not been reached after the 6​th
inning during regular season play.
Overthrows -ball leaves the live play area
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Runner gets the base they are going to when the throw is made, plus one more base
Runner may be put out if the ball is still live, in a live ball area and they are being played on
If no throw is made toward the next base, the ball is dead and play is stopped
Controlling Base Runners
Once the ball is returned to the pitcher and the pitcher is in control of the ball within the 8-foot pitcher’s circle,
the ball is dead. Runners more than half way between bases must stop at the base they are running toward
when the ball is declared dead. If they are not halfway, they must return to the base last touched. If the pitcher
immediately makes a play on the runner after securing the ball, the play remains alive. This play must be
immediate or the ball should be declared dead.
Equipment
The Rainbow League is a “closed” league. Teams will not be penalized for what you might be construed as an
illegal bat or other equipment that is not quite proper (unless, in the umpire's judgment, the equipment poses a
danger).
Runs-Ahead Rule
◆ ​12
runs after the 3​rd​ inning
​◆ ​10 runs after the 4​th​ inning
​◆ ​7 runs after the 5​th​ inning
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Rules for Jr/Sr League
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12-inch ball
Infield fly rule WILL be used
Stealing bases is allowed to any base
Runners can leave base when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand
Pitcher should properly address home plate when preparing to pitch. This means the pitcher should have
both feet on the rubber, all motion must be forward, pitchers may not step back.
Dropped 3​rd​ Strike rule WILL be used
No intentional walks
Only nine (9) players may play defense
All players bat one rotating batting order (this includes players that did not play in the playing field –
every player in the dugout will bat and they have to bat in order of submitted line up).
Eight (8) run maximum per inning – PLUS the result of the hit
May borrow up to three (3) players from any team. Borrowed players ​cannot substitute for your
pitcher or your catcher. Borrowed players must wear the uniform of their own team. Must
be placed at the end of your batting order.
Must have eight (8) players to begin the game
No negative cheers/chanting toward opponent
A team's head coach will be ejected if he/she does not control his/her fans and players
Field
Pitcher's plate – 43 feet (move the mound if it is not at the correct distance)
Bases – 60 feet
Time Limit-Tie Breaker
65 minute time limit. If the home team is behind in the score when the time limit expires, then the inning will be
completed.
● Time limit begins at the conclusion of the coach-umpire pre-game meeting
● Tie breaker will be used in tournament play or when the time limit has not been reached after the 6​th
inning during regular season play.
Overthrows- ball leaves the live play area
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Runner gets the base they are going to when the throw is made, plus one more base
Runner may be put out if the ball is still live, in a live ball area and they are being played on
If no throw is made toward the next base, the ball is dead and play is stopped
Controlling Base Runners
Once the ball is returned to the pitcher and the pitcher is in control of the ball within the 8-foot pitcher’s circle,
the ball is dead. Runners more than half way between bases must stop at the base they are running toward
when the ball is declared dead. If they are not halfway, they must return to the base last touched. If the pitcher
immediately makes a play on the runner after securing the ball, the play remains alive. This play must be
immediate or the ball should be declared dead.
Equipment
The Rainbow League is a “closed” league. Teams will not be penalized for what you might be construed as an
illegal bat or other equipment that is not quite proper (unless, in the umpire’s judgment, the equipment poses a
danger).
Runs-Ahead Rule
◆ ​12
runs after the 3rd inning ​◆ ​10 runs after the 4th inning ​◆ ​7 runs after the 5th inning
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Games in Progress Called due to Inclement Weather
Any game that is called due to threatening weather and/or rain will be considered a complete game if:
a) 4 complete innings were played, or ½ of allotted game time.
b) 3 ½ complete innings were played and the home team is ahead. If the game does not meet these
two conditions, we will attempt to re-schedule the game from the point that the game was
suspended. In this case, teams MUST record the number of outs remaining, pitch count and identify
the batter so the game can continue correctly.
c) If a game is called in the top of inning 6 or 7, then the score will revert back to the last complete
inning played for the purpose of determining a win/loss.
Rainout Dates
Due to the short “window” of opportunity to play games, the ability to make up rained-out games is limited.
However, EVERY attempt will be made to schedule rained-out games IF field space is available. To do so may
require that teams play an additional night during the week​. ​Rained out games will only be rescheduled if
the number of played games falls below 10.
Lineups and Keeping Score
Teams should exchange lineups at the start of the game. Lineups should also be given to the umpires. However,
umpires will only become involved in lineup issues IF a batting-out-of-order situation occurs.
The home team score-book will be the official score-book. Umpires will become involved in score-of-the-game
issues only if there is a conflict between the score-books of both teams. At such time, the umpire will confer with
both managers and resolve the situation before the game will continue (​the clock will NOT be stopped
during the discussion​). If the issue cannot be resolved, then the score in the home team score-book will be
the official score. ​Teams should periodically check the score with each other to avoid the potential of
conflicting score information.
Player Eligibility
If a team has a reason to question the eligibility of a player, an inquiry must be filed in writing to the Rainbow
League Coordinator at [email protected]. The inquiry and any other resulting activity will be
handled by League designees if required. A player and coach of the team in question may be called to attend a
special hearing.
In such cases, ​umpires WILL NOT become involved in handling any dispute​. This is strictly an
administrative matter. Umpires will instruct teams to contact the Rainbow League at the address noted above.
Umpire Pay on Games Called Due to Rain /Other Threatening Weather/Darkness
If three (3) complete innings OR one-half the time limit are completed, the umpire is entitled to keep the game
fees. If the umpire works less than three (3) complete innings OR less than one-half of the time limit, the game
fees will be returned. In this situation, IF both teams involved agree to re-schedule the game, umpires will be
paid a full game fee.
Forfeited games
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​If a team does not have the required number of players to start the game under the short-handed rule, the
umpires will start the game clock at the proper time and allow 10 minutes to elapse before calling the game a
forfeit. If a player arrives during the 10-minute “waiting period,” then the clock will continue to run and the
game will start from that point. For all other starting times … game time IS forfeit time. For any forfeited
games, umpire fees will be deducted from the forfeit fees paid at registration. ​Umpires will NOT work a
game if the teams involved in a forfeit still wish to play a “practice game.”
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Unable to Play Scheduled Game
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If your team is unable to play its scheduled game, the League must be notified 72 hours in advance. DO
NOT CONTACT THE MANAGER/COACH OF THE OPPOSING TEAM.
If a team provides notification THE SAME DAY of the scheduled game and reports it cannot play its scheduled
game, the team will automatically receive a loss for that game.
Umpire Fees
Umpires are paid $35 – per umpire for 10u and 12u and $30 per umpire for Jr/Sr with 2 umpires per game. All
umpire fees are covered by your fees and Rainbow pays all umpires.
Short-handed Player Rule for ALL Leagues
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Teams MUST have eight (8) players to start a game. It does not matter if your team is the home team or
visiting team. If through injury or ejection a team drops to 7 players, then the game is ended. If a team
forfeits a game, the umpire will turn in the score as a 7-0 win for the opposing team. The forfeit fee that the
team paid earlier will be used to pay the umpire(s) for that game.
A team may add a player to bring their team to full strength ​ANY​ time during the game. ​THAT PLAYER
MAY ENTER THE GAME AT ANY TIME AND WILL BE LISTED LAST IN THE BATTING ORDER.
The game will not be delayed to wait for a player to arrive from the parking lot or while the player is on the
bench preparing to play.
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Disciplinary Code
The Rainbow League will follow a general "three strikes and you're out" rule in ALL youth leagues.
Remember, team managers/coaches are responsible for the actions of their players, parents and
fans before, during and after games.
● A ​PLAYER​, ​COACH or Parent​ who is ejected in the first game of a doubleheader league will NOT be
allowed to play/coach or attend the second game.
● A ​PLAYER​, ​COACH or Parent​ who is ejected in the ​second game​ of a doubleheader league will NOT
be allowed to play/coach or attend the next regularly scheduled league game.
● A ​PLAYER​, ​COACH​ ​or Parent​ who is ejected in the single game leagues (10U-12U-14U) will not be
allowed to play/coach the next scheduled league game.
● A ​PLAYER​,​COACH​ ​or Parent​ who is ejected for the second time in a season will be suspended for the
next two ​consecutive​ league games.
● A ​PLAYER​, ​COACH​ ​or Parent​ who is ejected for the third time in a season will be suspended for the
season.
FIGHTING – At a minimum, players, coaches or parents involved will be suspended for one year
from the date of the incident. “Fighting” shall be defined as any altercation in which ANY TYPE of
physical contact occurs.
EXCESSIVE VERBAL ABUSE/THREAT TO AN UMPIRE – minimum three (3) game suspensions.
ANY PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH AN UMPIRE – minimum one year suspension from the date of the
incident.
DELIBERATELY CAUSING AN INJURY TO A GAME OFFICIAL OR ANOTHER PLAYER – Lifetime
suspension.
● It is the responsibility of the team coach/manager to insure that the suspension(s) are appropriately
served. Failure to do so will result in one additional game being added to the suspension until the
disciplinary action is satisfactorily served. Failure to comply will result in additional disciplinary action
being taken against the coach and team involved​.
● If a player/coach/parent wishes to have any suspension action repealed, then an appeal must be
submitted in writing within 48 hours of the incident that led to the suspension. The Rainbow League will
then review the appeal, uphold or reverse the disciplinary action or recommend another appropriate
course of action.
​Special note for all youth league games: If the parent ejected in a youth game is also the COACH of
the youth team, he/she will be considered the coach and not a parent for purposes of the
administration of the Rainbow League discipline code.
● Note: The Rainbow League maintains the right to issue disciplinary action on
a case-by-case basis.
The Rainbow League Executive Committee consists of one person from each suburban
group and the Rainbow League Coordinator. This “Committee” will meet and decide on
any disputes regarding protest, eligibility disputes and anything else that may require a
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decision. If you have a concern or a dispute please feel free to contact us at
[email protected]​.
Rainbow League
Other Special Considerations for 2017
Profanity and Sportsmanship
In 2015 the Rainbow League will continue to enforce the Nebraska Softball Association (ASA-Hastings) Procedural
Code(s) with respect to “Casual Profanity” and “Sportsmanship.” The NSA Code states:
“11.07 Casual Profanity Rule​ – The umpire has the authority to assess O
​ NE OUT​ against the offending team
for the use of​ CASUAL PROFANITY​ which shall be defined as expletives (Vulgar or Profane Language) not
directed at umpires or opposing players, uttered by a player, manager/coach, on the field or individual within the
dugout involved with the play of the team, frustrated with themselves, or a teammate or fan. All outs will be
assessed to the offending team during their term to bat. Only ONE “Casual Profanity” out may be assessed per
play with a maximum of two (2) per term at bat. Incidents of vulgar or profane language exceeding these limits
will subject the individuals responsible to ejection from the game for unsportsmanlike conduct. A player ejected
from the game for exceeding these limits will have a casual profanity out charged to the team. The casual
Profanity penalty “out” will be assessed as a team and will not affect any batter or base runner. For scoring
purposes the put out will be credited to the catcher. ​ANY PROFANITY OUT(S) ISSUED AT THE
CONCLUSION OF AN INNING—TO EITHER THE OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE TEAM—WILL CARRY
OVER INTO THE NEXT INNING THAT ​EITHER​ TEAM IS BATTING.
11.08 Sportsmanship Rule​-​ The umpire has the authority to assess ​ONE OUT​ against the offending team for
the excessive protest, arguments, complaints or behavior not appropriate in a recreation sports setting, throwing
bat, glove, gestures, whining etc. Such conduct exhibited by a player, coach, or team representative will be
penalized. All outs will be assessed against the offending team during their term at bat. Only ​ONE
“unsportsmanlike” out may be assessed per play with a maximum of two (2) per term at bat. Incidents of
continued or excessive unsportsmanlike conduct will subject the individual(s) responsible to be ejected from the
game. A player/coach/team representative ejected from the game will not have a un-sportsmanship out called
against them. The unsportsmanship “out” will be assessed as a team and will not affect any batter or
base-runner. For scoring purpose the out will be credited to the catcher. A
​ NY PROFANITY OUT(S) ISSUED
AT THE CONCLUSION OF AN INNING—TO EITHER THE OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE TEAM—WILL
CARRY OVER INTO THE NEXT INNING THAT ​EITHER​ TEAM IS BATTING.
The Rainbow League Executive Committee consists of one person from each suburban
group and the Rainbow League Coordinator. This “Committee” will meet and decide on
any disputes regarding protest, eligibility disputes and anything else that may require a
decision. If you have a concern or a dispute please feel free to contact us at
[email protected]​ .
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Papillion Softball Items
The following days are considered BLACKOUT days due to tournaments being held. Practices
may not be held at your normal field. Practice at any ‘green space’ or field in a public park
perfectly acceptable. You may NOT use a school in the Papillion LaVista School District
without prior approval from that school. Just remember that these spaces are first come first
served.
April 7-9
April 21-23
June 2-4
June 16-18
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FIELD NAMES AND LOCATIONS
Papillion Fields
Peterson East and West (8U)
1001 E 1st St
Papillion, NE 68046
Blondy Ruff, Volunteer Field, Backstop East and West
603 Halleck (Halleck Park)
Papillion, NE 68046
Papillion Rainout 402-597-2061
Monday through Friday after 3:30 pm. Saturday play, information available by 7:30 a.m.
LaVista Fields
Kelly East & West (8U)
7601 S. 85​th​ St. (87​th​ & Park View Blvd.)
La Vista, NE 68128
City Park Fields (10U – Jr/Sr)
7629 Josephine St. (78​th​ & Josephine St.)
La Vista, NE 68128
This is NOT the LaVista Sports Complex
LaVista Sports Complex (12U - Jr/Sr)
7346 S 66th St
LaVista NE 68128
La Vista Rain Out: 402-697-7756
Updated Mon-Fri by 3:30 PM; Saturday/Sunday by 7:30 AM
Omaha Fields
St Columkille 3 (McKay, Aerts, Volpe)
84th Street - South of Hwy 370 at Fairview Rd
Westgate/Westside fields will be announced as soon as wel know.
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