BSSC SOFTBALL GAME RULES
LEAGUE EXCEPTIONS FOR SUPER EXTREME
2010 BSSC SOFTBALL TEAM RULES
SPORTSMANSHIP
BSSC is an organization that encourages members not to take winning or losing too seriously, and stresses that the social aspects of the league are really more important than a win or a loss. We expect all participants to behave in a sportsmanlike manner, on and off of the field. We strive to ensure that each member "shows that he or she has qualities of fairness, courtesy, and grace in winning and in losing."
PENALTY FOR UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
BSSC staff will have the right to have any player(s) sit-out for a series if necessary for a "cooling-off period." However, if the player's actions are considered unsportsmanlike, they will be removed from the game. The decision on whether to have a player sit-out or be ejected/suspended is dependent upon the severity of the infraction.
Cooling Off Period:
- Teams may replace the player on the field during a "cooling-off" period.
Ejected Player(s):
- Teams will lose a position on the field for any player that has been ejected for the duration of the game. If the removal of a player results in the team not having enough players, the game will be forfeited (no fine will be assessed).
Suspended Player(s):
- A suspended player is not only removed from the game in which the infraction occurred, the player will also not be eligible to play in the next scheduled game. Teams will lose a position on the field for any player that has been suspended for the duration of the game. If the removal of a player results in the team not having enough players, the game will be forfeited (no fine will be assessed).
- The suspended player will NOT be eligible to play in the next scheduled game. If the next scheduled game is a forfeit, then the suspension will extend to the following weeks' game.
- If that player is caught playing the next scheduled game, the team will forfeit all regular season games and a forfeit fine will be assessed.
- In addition, the coach of the team will sit out the next scheduled game. NOTE: If the removal of this unsportsmanlike player results in the team not having enough players, the game will be forfeited (no fine will be assessed).
- A photo will be taken of the suspended player. This photo will be referred by BSSC Staff during the next regular season game.
- The next regular season game after a suspended player was confirmed, the BSSC staff will institute an ID check for ALL team members.
Post Season Suspensions:
- Players will only be suspended in the post seasonl; no ejections will be handed out. Any player suspended will NOT be eligible to participate in any remaining post season game(s) their team may play.
Removal from the League:
- Any player who has been ejected two times during the season will be removed from the league. If that player is caught playing after being removed from the league, the team will not be allowed to play their remaining games for that season.
- Any player(s) who is involve in any physical confrontation during any BSSC activity, will be banned for LIFE. If this confrontation occurs during a game, all players will be removed from the field and the game will end. If it can be determined who started the confrontation, that player's team will have a loss recorded for the game.
PLAYER RESTRICTIONS
- All BSSC participants must be at least 22 years old before the season starts.
- Players that have participated in NCAA Division I sports must be five years removed from Division I participation if they wish to play in a similar BSSC sport (e.g., if a player played D I football in college you must wait five years to play BSSC football).
- Teams will forfeit all games if either of the above GAME RULES is broken.
- BSSC will have the right to request ID from any player throughout the regular and/or play-off season.
- Any player whose athletic ability exceeds league definitions may be removed from the league (e.g., a player with Social league ability playing in Super Extreme). If the BSSC determines that more than one player on a team should be in a higher league, the BSSC has the option to forfeit all future games for that team. (No refund will be given.)
ILLEGAL PLAYER
If a team does not have the minimum number of players needed to play on a particular night, they may NOT use someone to "fill-in" to complete team requirements. Using someone not on your roster is considered to be unsportsmanlike conduct by the BSSC.
Illegal Player definitions:
- A player who is on the roster for one BSSC team, but plays in a game for another team in the regular or post season.
- A player who is not a member of any current BSSC team, but plays in a regular or post season game.
- A player who has broken the age or division one (D I) requirements and has played in a regular or post season game.
- A player who is on the roster for more than one team in the same sport.
Illegal Player Penalties:
- Teams will forfeit ALL of their remaining regular season games and the coach and illegal player will be removed from the league.
- After the discovery of an illegal player, all wins will be removed from the team's standings and opponents' record will be reversed to reflect a win.
- The penalized coach will no longer be allowed to coach in the BSSC for any sport.
- If an illegal player is used in a play-off game, that team will not only lose the game, but will be suspended for one year.
PLAYER PARTICIPATION LIMITS
Each BSSC player must sign their team waiver/roster before participating in their first game. Players may only sign up for one team/league in any sport. Players will be considered as illegal players if they break this rule and penalties to both player and team will be assessed.
NUMBER OF PLAYERS ON THE FIELD
Go to GAME RULES for information about the specific numbers of players needed for a particular sport including the male to female ratio.
ROSTER LIMIT
There is no maximum number of players allowed on your roster for any BSSC sport.
ONLINE ROSTER MODIFICATIONS
- The ONLY way to add a new player to your roster after the final T-shirt order deadline has passed is by first dropping a player from your online roster, then adding the new player online.
- In order to do this it must be done by the 3rd week of the season.
- The new player must obtain the T-shirt from the dropped player in order to play (since the T-shirt order deadline will have passed, SEE ADDITIONAL SHIRTS).
- All changes must be sent to the BSSC and the new player must sign the roster/release at or before their first game.
- After the 3rd week of the regular season, ALL rosters will be frozen and NO additional players may be added.
ON-LINE ROSTER DEADLINES
- Night Before Happy Hour: Completed team online roster form (all full names AND valid personal email address for each player). Coaches may enter the kick-off happy hour for FREE.
- Before Start of First Game: All players’ names and valid personal email addresses must be on the online form BEFORE the start of the first regular season game in order for BSSC to check-off game day signatures. Teams will have a LOSS recorded if all players’ names are not online by the beginning of the first regular season game.
- First Monday After Third Week: In order for a team to become eligible for the POST SEASON, the online roster form (all names and valid personal email addresses) must be completed by this date. Teams will be allowed to play their full regular season schedule, but will not be allowed to participate in the play-offs.
FIELD/GAME EQUIPMENT
BSSC will provide all necessary equipment for each court, field or diamond (cones, bases, nets, etc.). Baltimore City Recs and Parks are responsible for lining the football, kickball or softball fields. Players must provide all equipment to play the game (gloves, bats, broom ball pads, footballs, etc.) unless otherwise noted in the BSSC GAME RULES.
GAME UNIFORMS
- BSSC T-shirts are your team's uniforms.
- All players must wear their current BSSC tee shirt to participate.
- Any player not wearing his/her T-shirt will be will be sidelined for that game. If the sidelined player(s) will cause the team to forfeit, they will be allowed to play in the game with the following stipulations:
- Players must show proper ID.
- Every player present from the team must print his/her name and sign a roster form.
- Players are not allowed to swap shirts. If players are caught exchanging shirts, both players will be suspended for that game. These players must sign a roster sheet to confirm roster eligibility. Signed names will be checked against the online form and signed roster. If the names do not match up, the illegal player penalty will be assessed.
UNIFORM ALTERATIONS
BSSC T-shirts must remain in the original color ordered.
Alterations that are allowed:
- Name of the player/team may be on the placed on the upper back of the shirt along the shoulders ONLY.
- American flag, team name patch, or player's number may be placed on the SLEEVE ONLY.
- Any addition must be minimal in size, not offensive in nature, or cover the BSSC or sponsors logo.
Alterations that are NOT allowed:
- Altering a shirt's general color through dyeing or bleaching, cutting of the shirt to make it unrecognizable, adding a company name/logo/patch, website address, phone number, etc
- Teams that break these rules must purchase new BSSC shirts @ $15 per shirt. Teams will forfeit all games until the balance is paid on the purchase of new shirts.
GAME FOOTWEAR
In order to participate in the BSSC, members must wear appropriate athletic footwear while playing in their game.
Dress shoes, sandals, flip flops, bear feet, socks, etc is not considered appropriate footwear. Wearing other types of footwear will be at discretion of the BSSC staff.
TEAM REFEREEING DUTIES
Certain sports are officiated by BSSC staff and/or outside organizations. Other sports will be refereed by BSSC teams participating in the sport. Reference the GAME RULES pages for clarification.
NO REFEREE FINES
If a referee is required, teams will be fined $75 for not providing a referee (or line judge if applicable) when scheduled to do so. In addition, the team will be awarded a loss for that week's game in which they were to provide a referee/line judge. Teams will be allowed to play the game and no forfeit fine will be assessed. The $75 fine will go be donated to the Sweet Baby Grace Fund to help find a cure for Krabbe Disease (see the social calendar for details). If you would like the BSSC to outline your refereeing duties, please email a copy of your schedule.
FORFEITS
A team must have the minimum number of players (see GAME RULE page) in order for teams to start play. Because of the large amount of teams playing in the league, game time is considered forfeit time. The BSSC will add 5 extra minutes to the start time if an unplanned traffic event has occurred. A $50 forfeit fine will be assessed if a team cannot begin play due to the number of players present at game time. This fine will go towards your opponent's bar tab to be used at our bar sponsor(s) the next week. Teams will be given their voucher by BSSC staff at their next regularly scheduled game. Teams that receive a forfeit fine must use it the following week or lose it.
NOTE: Once a game has been called in, it cannot be reversed. Forfeits will not be rescheduled for another date.
Forfeit Time Exemption:
If your team emails the BSSC prior to a forfeit (see GAME RULES for specific time frame), your team will not be assessed a forfeit fine. The deadline will allow for the BSSC to contact the coach and players of the opposing team.
Called in Forfeit:
Once a team has emailed the BSSC they cannot participate in a regular or post season game, that notice CANNOT be reversed. If your "called in forfeit" game was rained out, the forfeit stands. No forfeited games will be moved to a make up date, the opposing will recieve a win for the game.
Playing a Forfeited Game:
If the game has officially been called a forfeit, teams will have the option to play an officiated "FUN GAME". Whether a forfeiting team wins or loses a fun game does not affect the fact that the opposing team receives a win on its record and a $50 bar voucher.
PAYING LEAGUE FINES
All fines (forfeit/no-ref) must be paid before your next scheduled game by either cash or check. The BSSC will email the entire team to remind them about a fine owed from the previous week. Teams will not be allowed to participate in the next scheduled game until the fine(s) are paid. Teams that have any outstanding forfeit/no-ref fines from the last regular season game will not be allowed back into the BSSC for any sport until these fines are paid in full.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
- In case of inclement weather, the BSSC uses the following to communicate cancellations to it's members:
- a flash banner on the home page
- an email to coaches and league participants
- Voice message on the rain-out # 410-461-5550
- If a cancellation message is not made through one of these means, then all games are on. At times, inclement weather may occur after the first game has started. In this case, a cancellation message will be posted as soon as possible.
- If the BSSC sport is outdoors, ALL games will be immediately cancelled if lightening is spotted. If a storm passes rapidly, later games may be able to be played that day if field conditions allow. No games will begin until 30 minutes after the last lightening strike. Any cancelled games will be added to the "rain out" schedule on the website.
- If the game is called because of lightning ALL PLAYERS must retreat to their cars IMMEDIATELY and my not return to the field until instructed to do so by BSSC staff.
AFTER GAME TIME LIMITS
After teams have completed their game, they may stay in the park for one game after their game has been completed. This will limit the amount of community complaints filed to the police/BSSC about players loitering in the parks consuming "beverages." Teams will receive one warning from staff, but will have wins removed from their season total if time limit/warnings are ignored.
REGULAR SEASON POINTS AWARDED
Win - 2 points, Tie - 1 point, Loss - 0 points
PLAY-OFF TEAM ADVANCEMENT POLICY
The number of play-off teams that will advance to the next higher division will be based on the number of teams that played in the post season. This format will help balance out the caliber of teams in all BSSC sports leagues.
- 32 team play-off schedule, the "elite eight" will advance to the next higher league the next season.
- 16 team play-off schedule, the "final four" will advance to the next higher league the next season.
- 8 team play-off schedule, the "top two" will advance to the next higher league the next season.
- Any BSSC team may choose to move up to a higher league.
- Teams with a regular season record of 2 wins or less, may choose to move down to the next lower level
REGULAR/PLAY-OFF SCHEDULE DEVIATIONS
- The objective of the BSSC is to have every team complete their regular season schedule. Sometimes in order to achieve this, the number of teams participating in the post season will be affected. Occasionally, circumstances beyond the BSSC's control (inclement weather, field conditions, Recs and Parks equipment malfunction, etc.) dictates modifications in the regular/post season, which may cause the shortening of either the regular season or the post season schedule. Although every effort will be made to have each team play all of their regularly scheduled games, if circumstances dictate that all regular season games can not be completed, each team will receive a "tie" (1 point) on their record. This rule follows the spirit of the BSSC, which strives for the largest percentage of member participation.
- Make-up/play-off games may not be scheduled on the same days as teams play in the regular season. Example: Softball plays Monday thru Thursday, make up/play-offs games may be played on a weekend or another day. The make-up date(s) will be provided before the start of the season to allow players to make adjustments to their schedules.
- Neither refunds nor pro-rated refunds will be given if the season is shortened due to inclement weather or by actions taken by the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks.
PLAYOFF GAMES
- Play-offs will start after the completion of the regular season including any rescheduled games.
- Teams are awarded 2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, and 0 points for a loss during the regular season. Teams with the most points at the end of the regular season will make the play-offs.
- The number of play-off teams will be determined by the total number of teams in each league. A software program will randomly seed teams based on regular season point totals. Example: 5 teams are 8-0; the software will randomly seed each one of those teams 1 through 5. Alternatively, if there are 32 teams in the play-offs and 10 teams have the same record for the last seed, the software will randomly select the 32nd seed.
- In the spirit of the BSSC, random seeding by our software eliminates the issue of teams needing to focus on beating another team by a certain amount of runs or points, strength of schedule, head to head competition, etc. The seeding schedule will be found on the play-off link, however, team numbers will not be filled in until after the last regular season games are completed.
- The play-off schedule may deviate from the day in which your team played during the regular season.
- Play-off games will not end in a tie. Formats are in place to break ties at the end of a post season game
- Note: Super Extreme leagues will not have play-offs.
BEVERAGES
- The City of Baltimore prohibits both possession and/or consumption of any alcoholic beverage on city property. Players will be responsible for any citations given by the Baltimore City Police Department.
- NO alcoholic beverages are allowed in any of the BSSC indoor/outdoor venues.
- If, at their own risk, members transport beverages to the field:
- Beverages must be in a cooler and need to be in opaque cups or coozies only. Staff will revoke drinking privileges if beverage cans are visible during the game.
- If members are walking in sight of any BSSC venue with opened or unopened packaging that is not in a cooler or opaque container, the entire team will lose their drinking priviledges for the day and must return all beverages to their car.
- Players must drink beverages out of opaque cups or coozie.
- No beverages may be in glass containers. If a team has any glass containers, the team will forfeit all games for the season.
- Teams are also responsible for removal of trash before leaving the fields. BSSC and its members have the responsibility to leave all Recs and Parks venues in clean, trash-free condition. A local homeless shelter, BEANS & BREAD, recycles aluminum cans from our fields to exchange for food for their facility. In order to help the volunteers who collect the cans, we will have two sets of trash bags at every field. CLEAR BAGS will be used for cans (to recycle) and DARK BAGS for general trash.
INJURY
If a player is injured during the game, they must sit out one series (offense & defense) before reentering the game. A player can be removed from the game, if on the recommendation of BSSC or MedStar staff, their injury warrants such action.
GAME CLOCK FOR INJURIES
In the spirit of the BSSC, the number one concern is the care of an injured BSSC player. A player will only be moved off of the field/court, once they are stable enough to do so. The game clock will stop with the injury and will resume once the player has moved to the sideline. If in the event this extends past the allotted time for the entire game, the score will recorded from the time the clocked stopped. Time will not be added into the next scheduled time slot on that field/court. Example: Injury occurs at 11:45am ( game tied ) and the player is taken off of the field/court at 12:00pm. Fifteen minutes will not be added to play past 12pm. The game was tied at 11:45am when the injury occurred and it will be recorded as a tie.
BLOOD RULE
If an injury results in a bleeding/non-bleeding open wound, the player must immediately be removed from the field to receive medical attention. They may re-enter the game ONLY after the wound is bandaged and bleeding has stopped.
PREGNANCY RULE
For the safety of both mother and baby, pregnant women are not permitted to play in any BSSC sport. Even though the BSSC is a non contact league, accidents do occur. This does not prohibit a pregnant woman from managing a team. If this rule is ignored and a pregnant player is caught playing, that player will be suspended from play for the season and no refunds will be given.
BSSC SOFTBALL GAME RULES
SEC. 1 - OFFICIAL ONLINE TEAM ROSTER
A. Each team must have a minimum of 12 players.
B. There is no maximum number of players allowed on a roster.
NOTE: Please see “BSSC GENERAL TEAM RULES” for further information concerning the online rosters, including deadlines.
SEC. 2 - GAME EQUIPMENT
A. BSSC will provide all bases, first aid kits/ice for injuries, a catcher's mask and a new and playable ball for each game. Baltimore City Parks/Recreation
is responsible for field maintenance.
B. Bats and gloves are not supplied by the BSSC.
C. All bats used in BSSC play must have either the approved ASA 2000 certification mark or the ASA 2004 certification mark, and must not be listed on the
ASA non-approved list.
D. If the bat has been manufactured before 2000, it will be left to the sole discretion of the umpire whether the bat may be used in BSSC play.
E. A complete non-approved ASA bats list may be found at www.softball.org/about/certified_equipment.asp.
F. Catchers MUST wear either the mask provided or their own catcher’s mask at all times while behind the plate.
G. Teams may bring personal softballs for practice between games (if time allows), but they will not be used during the games.
H. Players MAY NOT practice on the field while being worked on by BSSC or Parks & Recs staff.
SEC. 3 - UMPIRES
A. The BSSC will provide a certified umpire for the Social/Extreme softball leagues.
B. BSSC staff or a certified umpire will umpire the Super – X league games.
NOTE: Only the coach or co-coach may discuss a softball rule with the umpire. Judgment calls will not be discussed by any players. A softball rule sheet
is provided at each field for reference.
SEC. 4 – FIELDING A TEAM
A. There is a maximum of 10 players allowed on the field at one time (standard, 6 men, 4 women).
1.There is no limit to the number of women allowed on the field at one time (10 women – 0 men).
2. No more than 6 men are allowed on the field under any circumstances.
B. To start a game, a team must have a minimum of 8 players, 2 of who must be women (see SEC. 29 - FORFEIT EXTENSION).
C. When starting a game with 2 women, a team is allowed to have 6 men on the field.
D. The fielding team may place late arriving players in the field as they arrive by alerting the umpire.
E. If less than 2 women are present to start the game, a forfeit will be assessed (see SEC. 28 -FORFEIT).
F. If one team has only 8 players, the opposing team may chose to play 8 on 8 or may play with a full team of 10 against 8.
SEC.5 – MANDATORY PLAYER PARTICIPATION
A. All players in attendance wearing a team shirt must bat and play the field during the game (unless injured).
1. Every player must be placed in the batting line-up.
2. Every player must play in the field a minimum of THREE innings during the game. Coaches will inform umpires which players that they are going to
limit to three innings in the field. When these players take the field, the coach will again inform the umpire.
B. A team will forfeit the game if the above rule is broken.
SEC. 6 - LINE-UP/LINE-UP CARDS
A. Line-up cards will be provided to coaches before the start of the game
B. Cards must be filled-out before the start of the game with the following team information:
1. BSSC Staff will enter the Coaches name/team color/ team # on the line-up cards.
2. Coaches will write players first names and last initial on the line up card. No nicknames please only first name and last initial.
C. Completed line-up cards must be handed to the umpire during ground rules.
1. Teams not handing in their card at this time will be penalized one out in their first at bat. 2. If the card is not handed in by the end of the 1st inning,
that team will forfeit the game.
D. The umpire's line-up card will be the official card for both teams.
E. There is no maximum to the number of players allowed on a team’s starting line-up.
F. No matter the number of players in a line-up, there must be a "2 men to 1 woman" ratio at all times.
G. If a team has less than enough women to accommodate 2 men to 1 women ratio, then the women that are present must bat twice in the order to obtain
that ratio. If that occurs, teams must designate which women will bat twice and where on their line-up card.
H. The inserted women must stay in their original batting order and may not rotate throughout the line-up. Only those women will be allowed to bat twice or
the “BATTING OUT OF ORDER” rule (see SEC. 9) will be enforced.
I. Late arriving players may be inserted at any time; however, that player must be inserted at the bottom of the batting order, unless it interferes with the
2-1 ratio. If this occurs, coaches will place that player closest to the bottom of the order to accommodate the proper ratio.
J. Starting players may move freely from one field position to another at any time during the game. The batting order must stay the same despite any
changes in field position.
K. All changes to a line-up must be reported to the umpire and the other team’s coach.
SEC. 7 - START OF THE GAME
A. The home team will be listed first on the schedule.
1. EXAMPLE: 12 vs. 32, team 12 is the home team. Home team will use the 1st base benches and the visiting team the 3rd base benches.
B. The umpires will call both teams' coaches to home plate to go over all ground rules and to collect line-up cards.
C. The home team will take the field and the visiting team will bat first.
SEC. 8 - LINE-UP WITH ONLY 2 WOMEN
A. If a team has only 2 women in the batting order the following format will be followed:
1.In a twelve player batting order, the woman batting 3rd in the order, will also bat 9th. An OUT will be assessed in the 12th position of the order.
2.In a fifteen player batting order, the woman batting 3rd in the order, will also bat 9th. In addition, the woman batting 6th in the order, will also bat 15th. An
OUT will be assessed in the 12th position in of order.
3.In an eighteen player batting order, the woman batting 3rd in the order, will also bat 9th. In addition, the woman batting 6th in the order, will also bat 15th.
An OUT will be assessed in the12th AND the 18th position of the order.
SEC. 9 - BATTING ORDER OPTIONS
A. Option # 1) – EXTREME AND SUPER-EXTREME LEAGUE: Unlimited amount of players allowed in the starting line-up.
1.Players can freely rotate between a field position and sitting on the bench anytime during the game. However, the batting order MUST NEVER change.
B. Option # 2) – SOCIAL LEAGUE ONLY: Limited amount of players in the starting line-up.
1. Teams will have the option of using an 11-player batting order with substitutions -10 fielders plus 1 DH.
2. Starting players can reenter the game one time but substitutes may not reenter once they are removed from the game.
3. Coaches must report ALL SUBSTITUTIONS AND PLAYERS REENTERING THE GAME to the umpire & opposing team.
SEC. 10 - INFIELD PLAYERS
A. The defensive infield must consist of a pitcher, catcher, 1st basemen, 2nd basemen, shortstop and 3rd basemen.
B. A shortstop is not allowed to rotate into a “short” outfielder position.
C. We encourage all infielders to stay 3' in front of or behind the base path until the ball is batted. This will help to eliminate a collision with the base
runner.
D. If a team does not have 10 players, then a player may move between the infield/outfield positions. However, the player must be set in their new position
before the ball is pitched.
SEC. 11 – OUTFIELD PLAYERS
A. Outfielders must play behind the outfield cones at all times before the ball is hit.
B. Once the ball is hit, the outfielder may make a play on the ball anywhere in the field.
C. If an outfielder is in front of the outfield cones (before the ball is hit) and catches the ball or makes a play on a runner, that runner will be awarded the base to which he/she was advancing.
SEC. 12 - BATTING OUT OF ORDER
A. If a player is caught batting out of order while at the plate; the player who was supposed to bat will approach the plate and assume the ball/strike count
of the player who was batting out of order.
B. If the player who was batting out of order is caught after reaching base safely, that player will be called “out,” and all runners will return to their original
base.
SEC. 13 - THE COUNT
A. Players will have a one-ball/one strike count when they come up to bat.
B. The player is out after a third strike, including a foul ball that is batted after two strikes.
C. If a player hits a ball into the air in foul territory on his/her third strike, and is caught by a fielder, the batter is out. The caught ball remains live until the
pitcher regains possession (umpire calls time out), and runners may advance at their own risk.
SEC. 14 - GAME CLOCK
A. All games will have a 55-minute time limit without inning restrictions.
B. The BSSC field clock is the official game clock. Both teams will be informed when the game clock has been started by the umpire/BSSC staff.
C. The umpire/BSSC staff will give both teams a “5-minute warning” before time expires.
D. All play will stop 55 minutes from the time the game begins, regardless of the game situation.
1. EXCEPTION: If the home team is batting and a player is in the batter’s box, that player will be allowed to finish his/her bat.
E. If the time expires in the middle of an inning, the score will revert to the last full inning played.
2. EXCEPTION: If the home team is ahead or ties the game when time expires, they will be awarded the win/tie.)
F. If a rainout occurs while a game is in progress, 3 innings must be completed for the game to count.
3. EXCEPTION: During the playoffs, 4 innings must be completed for the game to count.
G. One warm-up pitch between innings is allowed.
H. Teams need to hustle on and off the field so that as many innings as possible in the 55 minute timeframe may be played.
I. After a game is completed, all players must clear the fields/benches immediately to allow the next game to start on time.
SEC. 15 - A FAIR BALL
A. A legally batted fair fly, line drive or grounder shall be judged by the umpire according to the relative position of the ball and the foul line, including the
cone at the end of the foul line, and not with respect to the position of the fielder (on fair or foul ground) at the time the ball is contacted.
B. A ball that is touched in or over fair territory and rolls into foul territory.
SEC. 16 - A FOUL BALL
A. A batted ball landing out of bounds.
B. A batted ball landing in bounds, but traveling out of bounds on its own before passing 1st or 3rd base. NOTE: If the batted ball has passed 1st or 3rd in
the air, lands in fair territory, and then travels out of bounds, it is a live ball.
SEC. 17 - AN OUT
A. A count of 3 strikes at the plate.
B. A runner who interferes with a thrown ball. (No runners will advance on an interference call.)
C. Any batted ball (fair or foul) that is caught.
D. A tag on a base to which a runner is forced to run (a force out).
E. A runner caught off of his/her base before the ball is batted (no “leading-off” is allowed).
F. Any player who makes unnecessary contact with another player (see SEC. 18 - RUNNERS below).
G. A runner not touching the orange safety base (at 1st), when a ball is hit in the infield.
H. A batter who has “thrown” the bat after hitting the ball, instead of placing it in the batters box.
SEC. 18 - WALKED BATTERS
A. If a male batter is walked with a female batting next, the male batter will be awarded first if runners are occupying any of the bases.
B. If the bases are empty of runners, a male batter who is walked with a female batting next, will proceed to 2nd base.
1. The woman who is batting behind a walked male batter, must bat unless there are two outs. 2. If there are two outs, the female batter will have the
option to walk or bat.
NOTE: This rule may force in a runner from 3rd if bases are loaded.
SEC. 19 - HOME RUNS
A. Each team will be allowed ONE home run for a ball hit over the fence per game (where applicable).
B. Every ball hit over the fence after that will result in the batter being called OUT.
SEC. 20 - INFIELD FLY RULE
A. For an “infield fly rule” to be called, 1st and 2nd base must be occupied with LESS then 2 outs.
B. The batter is automatically out when the infield fly rule is called by the umpire and the ball will be declared a dead ball.
C. With 2 outs, a ball batted in the air to the infield the ball will remain live.
SEC. 21 - RUNNERS
A. Runners must stay within the baseline or they will be called out.
B. Runners may overrun 1st base and home plate only.
C. ON an over throw, runners are awarded 2 bases from teh last base touched at the time the thrown ball was released. Ex. Runner on 1st base on an over throw- the runner will be awared 3rd base.
D. Neither leading off base, nor stealing a base is allowed (see SEC. 17 - AN OUT). Leaving the base before the ball is hit is considered an out, unless
the ball is not hit at all.
E. At their own risk runners are entitled to advance with liability to be put out when a legally caught fly ball is first touched by a defensive player.
F. Runners will be declared safe, if there is a “tie” at any base.
SEC. 22 - RUNNERS SAFETY BASE
A. Runners advancing to 1st base must tag the outside orange runner's safety base if a ball is batted to the infield. Runners will be called out if the orange
base is not used.
B. The 1st baseman must use the white inside fielder's bag when fielding a ball thrown to get the runner out. If the 1st baseman uses the orange runner’s
safety base, the runner will be called safe.
C. The runner may use the white inside base to "round towards second" if the ball is hit to the outfield.
SEC. 23 - SLIDING
A. Head-first sliding is NOT allowed in BSSC softball at any base and the runner will be called out.
B. If a runner's momentum has caused them to overrun a base, they may NOT "dive back" in a head first manner to regain possession of that base.
C. If any slide is considered unsportsmanlike by the umpire, the player will be ejected or suspended from the game.
SEC. 24 - INJURED RUNNER
A. A pinch runner may be used if a player is injured while running the bases.
B. A player cannot bat and have another person run to first base for them. If a player is injured that severely, they will not be allowed to play.
C. The pinch runner must be the last player (same gender) who made an out in the proceeding inning.
SEC. 25 - OBSTRUCTION
A. When a fielder prevents the runner from getting to the base or impedes the progress of a runner who is legally running the bases, a "dead ball" will be
signaled by the umpire.
Examples:
1. A fielder who is standing on the base blocking the runner (only the fielder’s foot should be on the base if a play is being made at that base).
2. A fielder who pushes a runner off a base in attempt to gain an out.
3. A fielder making a fake tag (ejection from game, see “UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT” in “General Game Rules”)
B. An obstructed runner will be awarded the base they would have reached in the umpire's judgment, had there been no obstruction.
C. If an obstructed runner is thrown out prior to reaching the base they would have reached before the obstruction, they will be awarded that base.
EXCEPTION: If the base runner does not attempt to avoid contact, they will be called out (ejection from game, see “UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT” in
“BSSC GENERAL TEAM RULES”).
SEC. 26- SCORING LIMITS
A. After a team has score 9 runs in one inning, the offensive part of that inning will be stopped and that team will take the field. (See Super-X exception)
EXCEPTION: The bottom of the last inning if the team is behind more than 9 runs.
SEC. 27 - FORFEITS
A. The minimum number of players to start the game is 8 (2 of the players MUST be women.)
B. Due to the large amount of games scheduled, all games must start on time. GAME TIME IS FORFEIT TIME. (Five extra minutes will be added to the
start time if an unplanned traffic event has occurred.)
C. A forfeit will be called and a $50 fine will be assessed if a team is unable to start on time (unless prior notice was given – see SEC. 30 - FORFEIT
NOTICE).
1. This fine will go towards non-forfeiting team’s bar tab to be used at a BSSC sponsor bar(s) the following week.
2. The $50 voucher will be given by BSSC staff at their next scheduled game. Teams that receive a forfeit voucher must use it the following week or lose
it.
3. Please remember to add the $50 to your total team bar tab when figuring out the bartender’s tip.
SEC. 28 - FORFEIT EXTENSION
A. A forfeit extension will be allowed if the home team has a minimum of 6 players, 2 of whom must be women, at game time.
1. If this occurs, the visiting team will become the home team and take the field first.
2. If the original home team does not have the minimum number of eight, (2 of the 8 players must be women) by the completion of the top of the
inning, then a forfeit will be assessed.
B. If both teams have less than 8 players to start the game, a double forfeit will be declared and a tie provided to both teams.
SEC. 29 - FORFEIT NOTICE
A. The forfeiting coach/representative must contact the BSSC by NOON on the day prior to the scheduled game in order to avoid a forfeit fine. This deadline will allow the BSSC to contact the coach and players of the opposing team.
SEC. 30 - PRIOR FORFEIT NOTICE FOR A MAKE-UP GAME
A. A forfeit fine will NOT be assessed if prior notice is given to the BSSC through e-mail for a "rain-out" weekend game.
B. The BSSC must receive this notice no later then 3 p.m. on the Thursday BEFORE the game is to be played that weekend.
NOTE: This advanced notice will allow the BSSC to send an e-mail to the other team announcing a forfeit for the weekend and the head umpire time to
make his final assignments based on the total amount of games.
SEC. 31 - 2010 SOFTBALL MAKE-UP GAME DATES
A. Saturday, July 10th will include all make-up games from week 1-5.
B. Saturday, July 31st will include all make up games from week 6-8.
C. All make-up games will be played on fields throughout the BSSC network.
SEC. 32 - POST SEASON ELIGIBILITY/PLAY-OFFS
NOTE: Please see “BSSC GENERAL TEAM RULES” for further information concerning the play-off games.
SEC. 33- PLAY-OFF GAMES
A. Play-off games will have a 45 minute time limit, to allow for tie breaker inning(s).
B. If the home team is at bat when time has expired, ( tied or losing ) they will be allowed to finish the inning. Exception: If the home team is winning the game is over.
C. If the visiting team was at bat when time expires, the score will revert back to the last completed inning. If the game was tied in the previous inning, a play-off tie breaker will occur (see below).
D. If a game is tied at the completion of the final inning, a tiebreaker inning(s) will occur. Tie-breaking rounds will continue until one team has outscored the other team in a completed inning.
E. NOTE: All play-off games must have completed 4 innings for the game to count. If the game is called before four innings are completed, the make-up game will begin where the game ended.
EXCEPTION: If the home team is ahead after 3 ½ innings and the game is called, the game will count.
F. Play-off games will have a 10 run "mercy" rule after the completion of 4 innings.
SEC. 34 - CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
A. Championship games will be 55 minutes with no inning restrictions.
B. If the time expires in the middle of an inning, the game will continue until the inning has been completed.
C. If a game is tied at the completion of the final inning, a tiebreaker inning(s) will occur. Tie-breaking rounds will continue until one team has outscored the other team in a completed inning.
D. NOTE: The championship game must have completed 4 innings for the game to count. If the game is called before four innings are completed, the make-up game will begin where the game ended.
EXCEPTION: If the home team is ahead after 3 ½ innings and the game is called, the game will count.
E. Championship games will NOT have a 10 run "mercy" rule.
SEC. 35 – PLAY-OFF/CHAMPIONSHIP TIE BREAKER
A. If the game is tied when time has expired, and the home team is up with two outs, they will be allowed to finish that inning.
B. If a game is tied when time has expired with either the visitors at bat or the home team at bat with less than two outs, time will be called and a
tiebreaker inning(s) will occur. Tiebreaking rounds will continue until one team has outscored the other team in a completed inning.
C. Exception to A & B: Championship games in the middle of an inning.
1.The home team will take the field with the visiting team hitting.
2.ROUND # 1: The batting order will continue from the previous inning for both teams.
a.The player, who made the last out in the previous inning, will be placed on 2nd base.
b.Starting with 1 out in the top of the inning, each player will begin with a 2 balls/1 strike count.
c.At the completion of the top half of the inning, the home team will start the bottom half with the same format.
d. If the home team scores more runs in the bottom of the inning, they will win the game. If not, round 2 will begin.
3.ROUND # 2: The batting order will continue from the previous inning for both teams.
a. The players who made the last two outs in the previous inning will be placed on 2nd and 3rd base.
b. Starting with 2 outs in the top of the inning, each player will begin with a 2 balls/2 strike count (a foul in this situation is still an out).
c. At the completion of the top half of the inning, the home team will start the bottom half with the same format.
d. If the home team scores more points in the bottom of the inning, they will win the game.
4. ROUND # 3 (and subsequent rounds if needed): The batting order will continue from the previous inning for both teams.
a. The players who made the last 3 outs in the previous inning will be placed on 1st, 2nd and 3rd base.
b. Starting with 2 outs in the top of the inning, players will begin with a 3 balls/2 strike count (a foul in this situation is still an out).
c. At the completion of the top half of the inning, the home team will start the bottom half with the same format.
d. If the home team scores more points in the bottom of the inning, they will win the game.
SEC. 36 - UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
A. Unsportsmanlike conduct is not tolerated and may result in warnings, time-outs, ejections and suspensions.
NOTE: For detailed information concerning unsportsmanlike conduct, please see “BSSC GENERAL TEAM RULES.”
SEC. 37 - METAL SPIKES
A. Any player wearing metal spikes will be suspended from the game (see “UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT” in the BSSC GENERAL TEAM RULES).
B. If that player is caught wearing spikes a second time, they will be removed from the league – NO WARNINGS.
NOTE: Rules not covered/listed by the BSSC can be found in the ASA Rules of Softball
LEAGUE EXCEPTIONS FOR SUPER EXTREME SOCIAL
SEC. 1 - RUNNERS SCORING HOME PLATE
A. All plays at home plate will be forced and no tag is necessary for the runner to be called out.
B. The catcher will use the batter’s home plate to "force" advancing runners from 3rd.
C. Runners advancing from 3rd base must tag the "scoring plate" (located on the 3rd base side of the home plate) at all times, or will be called out.
D. Runners that are past the one-half line or more between 3rd and home must continue to home plate.
SEC. 2 - STRIKE MAT
A. A “strike mat” will be placed on the ground that extends past the conventional home plate.
B. When the ball contacts the "strike plate," the umpire will call a strike on the batter.
C. The ball must have a 6' arch when pitched at all times.
SEC. 3 - NO SLIDING
A. Sliding is not allowed in the Super-X league. (See Exception Below)
B. This includes "diving back" after rounding a base.
EXCEPTION: If the BSSC umpire considers the slide necessary in order to avoid injury or a collision.
SEC. 4 - BAT RESTRICTIONS
A. Double-wall bats are not be allowed in the Super Extreme.
SEC. 5 - INFIELD FLY RULE
A. Infield fly rule will NOT be in affect in the Super Extreme.
Exception: A fielder who deliberately drops a ball with runners on 1st & 2nd will less then 2 outs. Runners will be called safe by the umpire / BSSC staff.
SEC. 6 – PLAYOFFS
A. There are no playoffs in the Super Extreme.
SEC. 7 – WALK RULE
A. There is no walk rule in Super Extreme. (See Section 15)
SEC. 8 – SCORING LIMITS
A. There is no scoring limits to end an inning or game in Super Extreme.
SEC. 9 - HOME RUNS
A. Every ball hit over the fence will result in the batter being called OUT.
SEC. 10 – DUNDALK COMMUNITY COLLEGE FIELDS
A. Super Extreme will play at DCC because of the short fence at this field.
B. TEAMS MAY NOT BRING ALCOHOL TO THIS FIELD LOCATION.
C. Teams will FORFEIT ALL GAMES for the season, if alcohol is found on the field OR in the parking lot.
D. Player(s) who are caught with alcohol will be SUSPENDED for the ENTIRE season.
SEC. 11 - PITCHING
A. Pitchers must have control of the strike zone and may not walk an excessive amount of batters in a row.
B. If the pitcher continues to walk batters, BSSC staff will remove the pitcher from the game.
C. Teams will have the option of removing the pitcher from the game or replacing them with a player who is already playing the field.
BACK TO TOP
