1.	No player will participate in a game if they have not paid a registration fee, completed and signed the PLAYER registration form as well as the league waiver form.  Failure to comply with this rule or the stipulations of the waiver and registration form will result in the forfeit of the game by the offending team.

2.	EACH PLAYER HAS SIGNED THE M.L.S.L. WAIVER, AND THEREFORE HAS AGREED TO THE FOLLOWING: Milton Ladies Softball League will not in any way be liable for any loss or injury sustained/incurred to any player during the 2008 season, including exhibition, practice, regular season and playoffs.

3.	All persons participating in the M.L.S.L. must be 18 years of age or older.

4.	FULL refunds will ONLY be given to players who are injured, ill or pregnant prior to playing in their first game.  There will be no partial refunds given to any player for ANY reason if they have already played their first game.  There will be ABSOLUTLEY NO EXCEPTIONS.  However,  If any team has a player that has already paid their registration fee, played in a game or games but needs to leave the team due to injury, illness or pregnancy, the team representative will be able to obtain a replacement player ON THEIR OWN.  This replacement player will take over for the player that left due to injury, illness or pregnancy.  The fee that is paid by the NEW replacement player will be paid to the outgoing injured, ill or pregnant player.  NO FUNDS WILL BE EXCHANGED WITH THE LEAGUE FOR THIS REPLACEMENT PLAYER, as well no REFUNDS will be issued to this replacement player from the League.  Please note:  the new replacement player does not have to play in 10 games to make the playoffs.  There is no time limit to replace injured, ill or pregnant players.  The NEW replacement player will be given attendance credit for any of the games that the outgoing player has participated in.  If attendance does get transferred to the new player, the player that was replaced will NOT be permitted to participate in any games for the remainder of the season unless they return to the league and pay a registration fee.  All team representatives MUST submit injured and replacement information to the executive so attendance can be updated.  Once your banquet ticket has been purchased, banquet fees are NON-REFUNDABLE but are transferrable.

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

6.	In the event that user fees, which are decided by the Town of Milton, are increased substantially as to cause financial restraints on M.L.S.L., each player will remit a further minimal registration fee to cover the cost.

7.    There will be no maximum number of players on the team roster.  There will be a minimum of eight players required to play a game.  When a player leaves (due to injury ONLY) they will not be considered an OUT, providing they remain at the game.  If a player (UN-INJURED) has to leave before the game is complete, BOTH TEAMS MUST BE in agreement.  If both teams are in agreement, then the UN-INJURED player may leave and be removed from the roster without being considered an OUT.  However, if both teams CANNOT AGREEE, the UN-INJURED player may leave the game but their name will remain on the roster and they will be considered an OUT each time it is their turn at bat.  If these players' absence (INJURED OR UN-INJURED) results in a team of less than eight players, at the end of 5 innings, the game will be over and the score will revert back to the last completed inning.  If there are less than eight players before the end of the 5th inning, the game will be over and considered a forfeit.  Players that leave due to injury MUST remain at the game to avoid being considered an out.  If the injured player has to leave to be taken to the hospital for treatment etc., this will be acceptable.

8.	Home team is responsible for preparing the diamond before the game, and must supply one new and one (good) second 12-inch ball. (both taken from league bins) WHITE BALLS-EARLY GAMES, YELLOW BALLS-LATE GAMES

9.	Bases 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd measure 55 feet apart.  Home plate to pitching rubber measures 40 feet.  Home plate to 2nd base measures 77ft. 9in.

10.	All game times are as follows:
a)	Early:	7:00 p.m. start.  Innings may not begin after 8:45 p.m. (white balls used)
b)	Late:	9:00 p.m. start.  Innings may not begin after 10:45 p.m.(yellow balls used)
c)	There will be a 15 minute grace period allowed for game starts.  NOTE: The ball usage is a guideline only and if both teams agree on white for late games this will be acceptable.
*NOTE: The Town of Milton gives a 10 minute grace period on either side for the lights, e.g.: in early spring and late summer the lights are scheduled to come on @ 7pm, but can be turned on @ 6:50pm.  For 9pm games the lights are scheduled to come on @ 8:30pm, but can be turned on @ 8:20pm.  In order to activate the lights, you MUST PRESS THE GREEN ON button.  

11.	Games consist of 7 innings.  However, 5 complete innings will constitute a game.  A mercy rule of 5 runs per inning will apply, except in the last inning (as called by the umpire), which will be open. 

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

13.	Batters must wear helmets with chin straps and ear guards while batting and running or they will be considered an out. *NOTE:  NO WARNINGS WILL BE GIVEN. THE UMPIRE WILL MAKE THE CALL.

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

15.	The infield fly rule applies to all games.  An infield fly is a fair ball (not including a line drive) which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first, second and third bases are occupied, before two are out.  The pitcher, catcher or any outfielder who positions himself in the infield on the play shall be considered infielder for the purpose of this rule.  When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an infield fly, the umpire shall immediately declare “INFIELD FLY: IF FAIR, THE BATTER IS OUT” for the benefit of the runner.  The ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught or they may retouch and advance after the ball is touched, the same as on any fly ball.  If the hit becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any foul.  If a declared infield fly is allowed to fall untouched to the ground and bounces foul before passing first or third base, it is a foul ball.  If a declared infield fly falls untouched to the ground outside the baselines and bounces fair before passing first or third base, it is an infield fly.

16.	No jewellery is to be worn by any player.  If a player on either team is found to be wearing jewellery, the umpire will ask this player to remove it.  This will be considered the first and only warning to the 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.  MEDICAL ALERT is O.K.

17.	Only ONE courtesy runner will be allowed due to chronic injury or illness NOT caused during the current game that they are playing in; however, a pinch runner will NOT be allowed once the player has reached second base.  If a player or players are injured during the current game, they will be allowed a pinch runner, however, a pinch runner will not be allowed once the batter has reached second base.

18.	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. 

19.	Games will be cancelled due to rain only when the following conditions apply:
		All teams and players are expected to show up to each game RAIN OR SHINE.  All players that are present will have their names added to a score sheet for attendance purposes.  If the game is called due to rain or bad weather conditions BY THE UMPIRE ONLY, if both teams have a minimum of eight players present when the game has been called the home team representative is responsible for contacting a member of the executive within 24 hours so that the game can be rescheduled.  If one team does not have a minimum of eight players once the game has been called, it will be considered a forfeit and the opposing team will be awarded two points.  Should both teams not have a minimum of eight players once the game has been called, no points will be awarded to either team.  Please note that games will only be rescheduled if both teams show up with 8 or more players, or if the games were called due to rain from an executive member prior to showing up @ the park.   Once a rescheduled date has been provided by the executive, it must be accepted.  Please keep in mind that the executive will try to reschedule ALL games on regular season days (i.e.:  Monday and Tuesday) usually within two weeks of the cancellation.  Keep in mind that sometimes games will have to be played on other days of the week.  If either team cannot make the rescheduled date, no points will be awarded to either team.  If only one team is able to make the rescheduled date, they will be awarded one point.  Should the Town of Milton be unable to provide a rain date, both teams will receive one point each. If there is rain or unsuitable weather conditions, a member of the executive will notify each team representative the day of the game by 6:00 pm for early games and 8:00 pm for late games.  The executive will be responsible for canceling the umpires.  If a member of the executive does not call the team reps. by the above times, please proceed to the diamond for the umpire’s discretion.  Please note that a member of the executive will physically inspect both diamonds at the ball park to check the conditions.

20.	Players must be on record as having played a minimum of 10 games with the same team, to be eligible to play in the playoffs.  Registered players names will be recorded on the score sheet when they play in a game.  There will be an exception for injured, ill or pregnant players.  If players are injured, ill or pregnant they do not have to play or be present for ten games. They will automatically be eligible to play in the playoffs.  All of these players must have paid their registration fee (full price) regardless if they play at the beginning of the season or at the end.  All injured, ill or pregnant players must have their names submitted to the league executive by their team representative to ensure that they have paid their league registration fees and are able to participate in the playoffs and/or regular season games.  Since teams lose players during the season due to injury, illness or pregnancy all teams will be able to add new players to their roster, as authorized by the league executive.

21.	If any new and or existing player does not meet the minimum requirement of 10 games per season with the same team, (unless due to INJURY/ILLNESS/PREGNANCY) they will not only be ineligible for the playoffs but may be out for the remainder of the season with no refund given.  At the same time, if any new and/or existing player fails to show up for 3 or more consecutive games (without notifying their team rep. or coach) they may be removed from their team and the league for the remainder of the season.  If a new and/or existing player has been removed from the league, the effected team may take on a new player at any time, (this player DOES NOT have to play in 10 games to be eligible for the playoffs) providing this player’s eviction renders the team with less than 12 players.  This will be at the discretion of the team rep. /coach as verified by the statistician and the executive.  Evicted players will be able to re-join the league the following season, but will have to follow the same code of conduct.

22.	The winning team must submit the score sheet (with game # indicated) immediately following the game by placing it in the equipment bin at the diamond in which the game took place.  The winning team is also responsible for obtaining the losing score sheet from the opposing team and placing both sheets in the equipment bin.  This must be done no later than Thursday following the game or points will be forfeited.  In the event of a tie, it is the home team’s responsibility to submit both score sheets (one from each team).  If the score sheet is not handed in, the home team will be contacted by the statistician so a copy can be obtained.

23.	If a team cannot field enough players for a regularly scheduled game, they must advise the opposing team and an executive member, a minimum of 8 days prior to their scheduled game.  The Town of Milton requires 7 days notice for all cancellations, so these time lines must be adhered to.  The executive will arrange a makeup date with the Town of Milton.  If this date is not suitable to one of the teams, each team will receive a point.  Each team will be allowed a maximum of ONE cancellation.  Each subsequent cancellation will be considered a forfeit and 2 points will be awarded to the opposing team.  If the Town of Milton is unable to provide a diamond, each team will be awarded one point.  If a team cannot field enough players for a regularly scheduled game but gives less than 8 days notice, that team can notify the opposing team.  The team that was unable to field enough players will forfeit and the winning two points will be awarded to the able team.  NOTE:IF LESS THAN 8 DAYS NOTICE IS GIVEN, M.L.S.L. WILL STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE DIAMONDS AND LIGHTS, SO PLEASE TRY TO KEEP THIS IN MIND WHEN CANCELLING GAMES. 

24.	First and last names (or initials) are to be used and printed on the score sheet for all duplicated names, or player will not get attendance.  Nicknames are okay as long as the real name is accompanied.

25.	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 put in writing and submitted to the league President within 48 hours.  The executive committee will decide a resolution to the problem.

26.	Each team must appoint a team representative or an alternate to attend each meeting: failure to attend by a team representative/alternate will result in one point being taken off their standings.

27.	Foul or abusive language by any player, coach, directed at the Executive, Umpire, opposing team, team spectators will result in ejection from the game. All members (players, coaches, umpires and executive) of the M.L.S.L. are to conduct themselves in a professional manner, in all situations and at all times (i.e., games, meetings, etc.). 

NOTE* Milton Ladies Softball League plays under the guidelines of Softball Canada Rules and Regulations.