Milton Ladies Softball League will not in any way be liable for any loss or injury sustained/incurred to any player during the 2008 playoffs & tournament.

No person will participate in the M.L.S.L. tournament while knowing they are pregnant.  Failure to comply with this rule will result in this person’s immediate suspension from ALL 2008 playoff games and possible refusal of league registration privileges in the future.

Two umpires (home plate and bases) will be provided for all playoff games (Monday, September 8, 2008 through to and including Sunday, September 14, 2008).

1)	No player will participate in a game if they have not paid a registration fee and signed the league waiver form, OR played their mandatory minimum of 10 games, with the same team.  Failure to comply with this rule or the stipulations of the waiver will result in the forfeit of the game by the offending team.

2)	There will be no maximum number of players on the team roster.  If a team cannot field enough players by the start of a game, a 15 minute grace period will be allowed. Teams with 10 players in attendance will be required to take the field at game time; however, teams with 9 players may exercise the right to the grace period.  

In the event of a forfeit, the default score will be 7-0. 

When a player leaves early (due to injury only) they will NOT be considered an out.  If this player’s absence results in a team of less than eight players, the game will continue until complete, with the remainder of the players in attendance.

3)	The score of the winning team will be recorded to a maximum of a 15 run differential.

All teams are required to play the full 7 innings. In the event a game is not completed, the score will be recorded as is. It will not be considered a forfeit, nor will it be rounded up to +15.

Please note if the home team is winning by a differential of +15 there is no need to complete the bottom of the 7th inning.   

4)	For games played during the week the team ranked higher in the standings is responsible for preparing the diamond. The diamonds will be prepared by the executive on Saturday, September 15th and Sunday, September 16th.  

Please provide one new and one old ball to the umpire. White balls are to be used for day games and yellow at night. If no new balls are available please use your discretion in selecting the best that is available.

Home team will be decided by a coin toss.  The team with the higher ranking will call the flip, except during the final four games of the tournament (game #’s 31-34) which ultimately determine the consolation and championship winner.  During those games, the HIGHER RANKED TEAM (in tournament play) will be HOME team.
 
5)	The international tie breaking rule will be in effect. In the event of a tie, the last batter for each team will start at second base and both the top and the bottom of the inning will be played until a winner is declared. The tie break rule will be in effect for every subsequent inning until a winner is determined.

6)	The catcher must wear full equipment.  This equipment must include a chest protector, a throat protector, a mask, shin protectors and a helmet.

7)	Batters must wear helmets with chin straps and ear guards while batting and running or they will be considered an out.  There will be NO WARNINGS given.  This rule will be called by the umpire ONLY.

8)	There will be no lead-offs.  The runner cannot leave the base until the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand.  

9)	If a player is injured during a playoff game, a courtesy runner will be allowed. A courtesy runner will not be allowed once the batter has reached second base (unless injured between first and second base). The courtesy runner must be the last player out or the last batter in the line up if there is no one out.  A player with a chronic condition may warrant a courtesy runner. In addition, a catcher may be substituted with a courtesy runner if there are 2 out. Please declare injured players to the opposing team prior to the start of the game.

10)	The infield fly rule applies to all games.  

11)	No jewelry is to be worn by any player.  If a player on either team is found to be wearing jewelry, the umpire will ask this player to remove it.  This will be considered the first and only warning to the player and team.  If a person of the same team is found to be wearing jewelry, she will be considered an out.  Coaches and captains of both teams will be made aware of this as it happens.  MEDIC ALERT is O.K.

12)	The winning team must have their score sheets signed by the umpire. Please place the score sheets in the equipment bin for games played during the week. On the weekend please bring them directly to the gazebo. Please hand in score sheets right away so the score board can be updated accordingly.

13)	 If a dispute arises, the umpire’s call is final.  Only the coach or team captain may approach the umpire.  Any problems or protests on the field must be brought to the attention of any executive member. The mandatory written protest within 24 hours will be waived a protests may arise and require a prompt decision. The executive committee will decide a resolution to the problem.

14)	Pitchers may pitch orthodox, slingshot or windmill.  Sidearm pitching is not allowed.  Pitchers are expected to be in control of their pitch.  The umpire will decide if the pitcher is pitching in an appropriate manner.

15)	Games will be played rain or shine.  No rain dates are available.  In the event of rain, the schedule will depend on how many games have been played, and will be decided upon at the ball park (unless serious rain conditions occur) and by the league executive ONLY.  If weekday games (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday) are rained out, they will most likely be played on Thursday, (BUT COULD BE PLAYED ON ANY DAY) if diamonds are available.  Some weekday games MAY be bumped to Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.  If Friday is rained out, games will be bumped to Saturday night (6pm and 8pm time slots have been added to Saturday’s schedule).  Please be sure that ALL players are ready to play at ANYTIME (7 OR 9PM) during the entire playoffs starting from Monday September 8th right through to and including Sunday September 14th 2008, to accommodate any schedule changes.  NOTE:  All 12 teams WILL be playing on Sunday September 14, 2008.

16)	Should the tournament standings end in a tie (for position), the tie will be broken by the following criteria:

1)	Team with most # of games won is first …if still tied then
2)	Head to Head (only applies to teams that have played each other and are tied)…if still tied then
3)	Run differential (highest # wins the tie) ….if still tied then
4)	Runs for (highest # wins the tie) ………….if still tied then
5)	Runs against (lowest # wins the tie) ……..if still tied then
6)	A coin will be flipped for position. # (between 1 & 10) will be drawn by both captains/reps./coaches to determine who will call the flip of the coin. (the executive will initiate this)  The team that wins the toss wins the tie.  The same above criteria will be determined for BOTH divisions A & B.

GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN AND PLAY SAFE