Field Line: 490-7100

Website: FIELD CONDITON

MEMBERS OF THE LEAGUE:

• Aces
• Astral Elites
• Classics
• Friday Nite Girls
• Jays
• Our Friends Pub
• Quest Realty Crush

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GENERAL

B. PLAYERS

C. LEAGUE MEETINGS

D. THE GAME

E. LEAGUE RULINGS

E. PLAYOFF TOURNAMENT

G. THE BANQUET

H. FIELD AND EQUIPMENT

I. HOW TO MEASURE A FIELD

1. The maximum number of teams in the League is eight (8). New teams wishing to join the League must agree to abide by the League rules as set out in this Constitution.

2. Each team is required to notify the League President of their intent to resubmit their team in the league by April 15^th. Registration fee must be paid on or before May 1. The annual registration fee will be determined by the League Executive at the first league meeting of the season.

3. All teams will be provided with a copy of the Constitution and minutes from the Annual General Meeting at the spring meeting. A list of team reps and coaches will be provided to each team by May 15.

4. Each team is to keep score for both sides during league games. Copies of each team line-up for every game is to be initialed by both team reps and submitted by hand or faxed to the Statistician within the month, or preferably the next day. Team line-ups not submitted by the 5^th of September will not be counted towards a player’s 10 games minimum. The only exception to this will be for rained out games played after the 5^th of September. There will be a fine of $5.00 per line up sheet for late submissions. The Umpire’s name, coach’s name, date and place of game is to be included on the line up sheets.

5. When a game is forfeited at the field, a line-up sheet will be submitted for the players who were at the field, ready and willing to play. The team who forfeits will be responsible to pay the umpire fees. If neither team has the required number of players, the teams will split the cost of the umpire. If the game is forfeited prior to arriving at the field, lineup sheets for the team not at fault are to be submitted (entire roster). The home team is responsible for cancelling the umpire.

6. Teams incurring costs of umpire fees for a game called by the umpire for rain once the teams have arrived at the field or commenced playing, will be reimbursed for half the umpire fee by the league.

7. The League will determine the schedule of games for the season. Each team will be provided with a schedule at the Spring Meeting. Games will begin at scheduled times with 15 minutes grace allowed to field a team. As of August 15^th games will commence at 6:15 pm. Each team shall accept the schedule at the beginning of the season. If the schedule is affected because a team is playing in a tournament, the affected games will be rescheduled.

League standings will be tabulated throughout the season for league games, two (2) points awarded to the winning team The winning team is responsible for advising the Statistician of the game results. One (1) point per team if a game is called by the umpire for darkness or rain and is tied at the time it is called. Rule 5, sec.3 (b, c, d) 47 -2004 rule book. No team shall EVER play for double points, unless voted on by the reps and executive, and then not until every other avenue has been exhausted. The Scheduler should book the games whenever she can get fields and umpires, and the teams involved have two choices, be there, or forfeit.

8. If a game ends in a tie, the home team is responsible for advising the Statistician. All scores must be reported to the Statistician by 4:30 pm the next day. If a game is played Friday night, the score can be submitted on the following Monday. If the score is not submitted within the time limit, the team will lose the points.

9. At the end of the season, there will be a trophy awarded to the teams finishing 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place in the League standings. If there is a tie, then best record between the teams involved will be considered. If there is still a tie, Softball Rules will prevail.

10. Drinking of alcoholic beverages by players, coaches, or umpires prior to or during games is prohibited.

11. Only players, coaches, and umpires allowed in the playing area. Teams with children at the game are responsible for keeping those children out of harms way. If a team has a complaint about children, the umpire will be requested to warn the offending player.

1. Players must be 23 years of age as of December 31 of the current season. Each team may carry 2 players on their roster who are 19 yrs to 22 yrs as of January 1 of the current year. Use of an underage player or more than 2 players 19 - 22 years old, will result in forfeiture any game that player played in. If a team suspects another team of using an underage player, they should request that the Executive verify said players age. The Executive will ask the player to show proof of age by showing drivers licence or birth certificate.

2. All players must be registered with the League. Name and birth date are mandatory for registration. Team rosters must be submitted to the Statistician by June 20; she will forward all rosters to the President by June 30, after which there will be no additions or changes. A player, regular or spare, may only be registered with one team in the league. Games played with non-registered players will be forfeited. Roster information is to include name, date of birth, and home phone number.

3. A player wishing to transfer to another team must have her team release her, and the new team request she be put on their roster by informing the Statistician of the change. After June 30, no transfers are allowed.

4. Each player on a team must play in at least 10 league games to be eligible to play in the playoff tournament.

5 If a team cannot field 10 players for the tournament, ineligible players will be allowed, starting with the player with the most games played, to bring the team to 10 players. The League President must be notified when this exception is required to be used by a team.

C. LEAGUE MEETINGS

1. All league meetings will consist of the seven members of the executive plus a representative of each team. Teams not represented at a league meeting will pay a fine of $10. Meetings can not be held in a pub/tavern.

2. Voting will be done by team reps (one vote per team). In case of a tie, the Executive will have the tie-breaking vote. All teams must abide by decisions passed at league meetings.

3. Each team shall have a two (2) player representation (not including any member of the executive or coaches) at the Annual General Meeting, henceforth referred to as the AGM; or no vote for that team. Coaches are welcome to attend and participate in discussions at the AGM.

4. Agenda items for the AGM must be submitted to the President in writing by August 30. Amendments will be accepted up to the end of the Play-off tournament. The President will compile and distribute an agenda to each team prior to the end of the Play-off tournament.

5. If a team rep cannot or will not make a decision on any item discussed at a league meeting, they will let this be known at the meeting. That team will be given 48 hours to advise the President of their vote. If the President does not hear from the team within the allotted time period, that team will forfeit their vote on the item under discussion.

6. The Treasurer will present a financial report to the League at the AGM and the Spring Meeting. Also, the Treasurer may be asked to report at any other League Meeting.

7. The Secretary will record minutes at all League Meetings. Minutes from the AGM will be distributed at the Spring Meeting. Team reps are to take notes for their own teams.

8. Changes to the Constitution will only be made at the AGM.

9. All fines owed by a team must be paid before the Play-off Tournament or that team is not eligible to play in the tournament. For fines occurring during the last week of league play, the League will inform the team that the fines can be paid before the tournament.

D. THE GAME

1. The League will be governed by Softball Canada’s Official Guide and Rule Book and the current year League Constitution. "Slo Pitch Rules with Orthodox Pitching Style" will apply with the following exceptions>

All definitions apply, used strictly for interpreting the rule book

Rule 2 applies with the addition of the following league rulings:

Omit Sec 4 -Base distance League rule – Bases to be 60’

Pitching distance League rule - Pitching distance 40’

Omit Sec 4 (f) The Commitment line League rule – Not used

Omit Sec 4(g) – The Safe Line League rule – Not used

Omit Sec 4(j) - Double Bases League rule - re-instated 2007. All pegs to be anchored in the ground.

Rule 3 - Equipment

Rule 3 applies to our league

Rule 4 – Players & Substitutions

Rule 4 applies with the addition of the following league rulings:

Omit Section 1- Players

Omit Section 2b, c, & d – A team shall consist of Players in the positions.

Omit Section 3 – Extra Player rule

Omit Section 4 - Re-Entry rule.

E. LEAGUE RULINGS

1. There will be 10 players on the field with a minimum of 9 required to start a game. If a team starts a game with 9 players and during the game one player is injured so as to leave the playing field, that team may continue to play with 8 players.

2. Each player must play a minimum of 3 innings per game. The penalty for non-compliance with this rule is forfeiture of the game. If a player begins a game but cannot complete 3 innings for medical reasons, the team must notify the opposing team immediately. (the game will count towards that players 10 game requirement.)

3. There will be 5 runs allowed per team per inning, except for the 7^th inning which there will be no limit.

4. A mercy rule (Rule 5, Sec 3h) of 10 runs as opposed to 15 or 7. (Pg 117-118 Rule book) will apply.Courtesy Clause: When a team is 10 runs ahead, they shall cease to bunt until such time they are no longer 10 runs ahead.

5. Guidelines for rain out games are as follows:

a) The HRM field line/web site – 490-7100

Field Line Website takes priority. If the fields are open, teams are obligated to appear at field. At that time, it is the Umpire’s decision whether the game will be played. If the umpire does not wish to make that decision, the home team will decide.

b) If the game is called at the field, and both teams have enough players to field a team, the game will be re-scheduled. When a game is being rescheduled, verbal confirmation must be given to the Scheduler to verify all teams involved have received the new date.

c ) If either team is short players (less than 9) that team forfeits the game. If both teams are short players, both teams forfeit, no point are awarded, and the game is not re-scheduled.

d) If the field is closed according to the field line/web site, Home team must cancel umpires by 5pm. Don’t assume he/she has checked with HRM. Messages can be left on Brian McDow's answering machine. Failure to do so will result in the home team paying the umpire fee to the scheduled umpire. Refer to "Umpire Fees and Rules" listed in TEAM NEWS

Rule 6 does not apply. Additional league ruling follows:

League Rule: Orthodox Pitching Style will apply – Refer to Rule 6, page 122 Softball Canada Rule Book 2004

Rule 7 applies with the addition of the following league ruling:

League Rule: the batter is not out on 3^rd strike foul.

Rule 10 applies with the addition of the following league rulings:

League Rule: All umpires will be official umpires. The league will use the one-umpire system for league games. Home team will be responsible to pay the umpire. For the Final Tournament, the league will use the 2-umpire system paid by the league.

Rule 11 – Protests does not apply. League ruling follows:

League ruling: No game shall be protested (League or Tournament)

Rule 12 – does not apply to our league

1. The League Executive will oversee the Playoff Tournament. A hosting team will be selected for assisting the executive with the Playoff tournament and for organizing the year-end Banquet. The hosting team will be selected on a volunteer basis. Teams who have been hosts will not be eligible to host again for three (3) years. If there is no volunteer, names of eligible teams will be put in a hat and a draw will be made. Canteen service is the choice of the hosting team.

2. A record will be kept following year-end banquet(on the website) of who has trophies and such trophies are to be returned to the next year’s host team at the pre-tournament meeting.

3. There will be a League meeting during the week preceding the Tournament. The League Executive and team reps must attend.

4. Choice of fields for the Playoff Tournament will be up to the Executive and hosting team, but there must be 2 fields within walking distance of each other and washroom facilities must be available. (permanent or portable)

5. Home teams for games in the Tournament will be decided by a coin toss.

6. The Tournament draw will be determined by the league standings at the end of league play. The league will be divided into two divisions as follows:

Division A: 1-4-5-8 Division B: 2-3-6-7 (to be amended if less than 8 teams).

Each division will play a Round Robin. The 1^st and 2^nd place teams in each division will advance to the Championship Round. 3^rd and 4^th place teams of round robin play will enter the Consolation Round.

7. All tournament games will have official score keepers. Score Keepers must sit in a neutral place as designated by host team.

8. All teams will contribute 2 new balls and 1 used ball for the tournament. These will be turned in to the hosting team before the Tournament Friday night games.

9. Tournament Friday night games will start at 6pm with no grace period. If the game is tied when called by the Umpire due to darkness, it will be completed Saturday morning before the scheduled games begin. If possible, the same umpire will be used on Saturday morning.

10. The bottom of the 7^th inning is not to be played if the home team is ahead in runs.

11. The mercy rule applies to Tournament games. A game called by the umpire shall be regulation if five (5) or more complete innings have been played and one team is leading by 10 or more runs. In case of a tie after 7 innings, International Tie Breaking rules will apply.

12. Tournament winners will receive a trophy for 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Place. As well, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd will receive cash rewards.

G. The BANQUET

1. The hosting team decides where the banquet will be held. The location must be able to accommodate all the teams in such a way that all teams remain together. The banquet should only be held in a bar if it is the absolute last resort.

2. The hosting team will receive $775 for the cost of the banquet. They are free to spend these funds as they see fit (ei. Hall, band or dj, decorations, munchies etc). The funds will be provided to the hosting team during the tournament weekend.

H. FIELD AND EQUIPMENT

1. The home team is responsible for lining the field. Fields shall be lined for each game, including batters boxes, 1^st & 3^rd base lines, the 3’ bunt line, and coaches boxes. See "Rules for Lining Fields" Penalty for unlined fields is $5.00 payable to the league. It is the responsibility of the visiting team to report to the league if a field is not lined.

2. The home team is responsible for providing the bases with a safety base at first, and ensuring there is a pitching rubber. All bases and pitching rubber must be securely anchored to the field.

3. The type of Ball used shall be decided at Spring Meeting depending on cost and availability. Home team supplies one new ball, visiting team supplies one good used ball. Penalty for not complying is $10.00 payable to the League.

4. Teams must make every effort to have uniforms (team shirts and pants or shorts) for all players. If a player does not have a uniform, team colors must be worn. Tank tops are not permitted. Shorts are to be part of the team uniform.

5. No metal cleats allowed. Soccer shoes are permissible. Helmets are not mandatory but it is strongly suggested that they are worn.

6. Pitchers are not allowed to wear a white sweater or have a white sleeve showing.

7. Batting gloves, other than white, may be worn in the field. If a player is wearing a white glove, they will be required to remove it.

8. If a team has complaints about the condition of their home field, that team is responsible for contracting whoever is in charge of maintaining that field to ensure maintenance of the field is kept up.

9. If a team is planning to change their team colors, the League President must be advised so that duplication is avoided.

1. Take a line 120’ long. Mark it at 40’, 60’ 84’10 ¼ ". Place line on back point of home plate.

2. Stretch line directly forward, at the 40’ marker, stake center of pitchers rubber.

3. Continue line out and stake 2^nd base at 84’10 1/4" marker.

4. Holding line on home plate, place 120’ mark on 2^nd base. Take the 60’ marker and move to the right – stake 1^st base. This will be the outside corner of the 1^st base and the line will now form lines to 1^st & 2^nd bases.

5. Holding the 60’markder walk to the left – stake 3^rd base, again this is the outside corner, and the line forms lines to 2^nd & 3^rd bases.

6. To check: place home plate end on 1^st base, and 120’marker on 3^rd base, 60’ marker should now check at 2^nd base and home plate.

7. Batters boxes are 3’ wide, 4’ front from side points of home plate, and 3’ back from home plate. Front outside corner should line up with 1^st & 3^rd base lines.

8. Half way up 1^st base line, and 3’ to the right mark a line parallel to 1^st base line to where 1^st base is pegged. This becomes the 3’ line used by batters who bunt.

9. Coach’s box on 1^st base side is to be drawn 5’ from the bunt line and a distance of 15’ from 1^st base toward the batter box and 3’ deep. Third base coach’s box is the same size, and 6’ from 3^rd base line.