The Franklin Senior Softball League is a recreational League founded in 2006 to promote co-ed softball. The goal of the league is to provide its players with a safe and friendly environment to play softball with an emphasis on participation and sportsmanship. Team managers are responsible for promoting a healthy balance between fun and competition and a fair allocation of playing time throughout the season. They are also responsible for following all league rules and for the proper conduct of their team’s players and fans.
USA (ASA) rules apply to any situation not covered by league rules.
In these rules, the word “he” is gender neutral.
1. Game Days- Games are traditionally played on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings. Games scheduled for Fridays shall be scheduled to start at 6:15 p.m. before May 15 and 6:30 thereafter. Games to be played on Sundays shall be scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. Make up games may be scheduled as part of a Friday or Sunday doubleheader. Double headers may be two 5 inning games when both teams agree to it. In all cases, forfeit time shall be 15 minutes after the scheduled start time.
2.
Players-A maximum of eleven fielders may be
positioned in the field. One of the
extra fielders must be in the outfield.
The minimum number of fielders shall be nine. A team with only nine
players at the scheduled start time must start the game on time. Late arriving
players can be added at any time provided they either replace someone else in
the batting order or are added at the end of the original batting
order.
3. Borrowing
players-During the regular season, a team with only 9 players can borrow one or
two players from the opposing team. The shorthanded team can either (1) borrow
them for the duration of the game whereas they can play the field and bat with
that team at the bottom of the batting order or (2) borrow any available player
or players each inning to fill a position in the field in which case the
borrowed player(s) remain in their own team's batting order. A team with only 9 players may
also borrow a player from one of the other teams in the league with the
permission of the opposing manager.
4.
Playing time-There are no league rules for
mandatory individual playing time either for innings in the field or times at
bat. However, team managers should make every effort to be fair and give
sufficient playing team to all team members. Every player attending a game is
expected to be given the opportunity to play and get to bat. Complaints about
playing time can be directed to the league commissioner.
5.
Forfeits-A forfeit can be declared by the umpire
in favor of the team not at fault in the case of insufficient players, the
minimum is (9) to either start a game or continue a game or in the case of
gross violation of league or Township park rules. Teams have a 15 minute
"grace period" from game time to have sufficient players to
start.
6. Batting Order- each team may establish its own number of batters in the order up to a maximum of 22, so long as all fielders appear in the batting order.
7. Players leaving a game early: Before the start of a game, a team manager must inform the opposing team of any players planning to leave the game early. No penalty will then be imposed.
8.
Any player removed from a batting order
during the game whether from an injury, emergency or other circumstances can
result in an automatic out for their next scheduled at bat unless a pinch
hitter is available and used. In the case of an injury, when the effected
player’s turn comes up in the batting order, he must bat in that slot unless a
pinch hitter is used as provided for in Rule 28 or an out shall be recorded.
However, the opposing Manager can and should agree (unless he feels the injury or
emergency is not legitimate) that the player’s turn in the batting order can be
skipped for the remainder of the game with no out recorded, in which case that
player cannot re-enter the game in any capacity (provided that team can still field a minimum of 11
fielders without him). See rule 31 for injured baserunner.
9. Late arriving players or players left out of the original batting order can be added to the end of the batting order at any time or they can take the place of someone else.
10. Legal Pitching-Pitches shall be
underhand of any speed, bowling style – slow, lob or fast. However, *no
wind mill pitching: the backswing of a pitchers arm shall not rise more than 90
degrees to his torso (arm-hip-shoulder)….no slingshot pitching: pitchers arm
must follow through in a smooth continuous motion past his hip, no stop motion……no
whip pitching: The ball may be brought behind the back on the backswing but the
shoulders and hip must be square to the batter upon release. The ball can be
released away from the body but no more than at a 45 degree angle to the hips
and as long as the palm is facing forward or towards the body. It cannot be
released while outside of the wrist. “Arc ball” pitching is not
allowed. A legal pitch will not rise over the batter’s head. The pitcher’s
rubber shall be no closer than 45 feet from home plate. In delivering his pitch
the pitcher shall begin the pitching motion with a pivot foot being in contact
with the pitching rubber within two feet on either side of an imaginary
straight line determined by the umpire that runs between home plate and second
base. *Illegal pitches will be called ‘balls’ by the umpire. Pitchers
will be allowed 8 warm up pitches before the start of the game and 4 warm up
pitches between innings. New pitchers will be allowed 4 warm up pitches.
11. Umpires-All
umpires will be made available by the League. Teams cannot request a certain
umpire or request that a certain umpire be removed from a game. They can
however, complain to the Commissioner who can investigate.
12. Umpires/Safety-An
umpire can call off any game or end a game at any time if he feels that the
actions of participants or weather and field conditions warrant it. In the
course of applying any rule or generally managing the conduct of a game, the
umpire shall be mindful at all times of safety considerations and act at all
times to avoid or minimize the risk of injury to any player.
13. Strike
Zone-The strike zone shall extend from the top of the batter’s shoulders to the
bottom of his knees when he takes his normal batting stance. The initial count
on each batter shall start at 0-0. No “plate extender” shall be used. If a
batter is hit by the pitch, it shall be called a ball. A maximum of 3 walks per
inning shall be allowed. After the third walk, strikes only shall be called.
Intentional walks are allowed, but the pitcher must throw four pitches that are
out of the strike zone.
14. Foul
Balls-In all cases: A foul tip that does not rise higher than the batter’s head
and is caught by the catcher with less than two strikes on the batter shall
count as a strike only. A foul on any count that rises higher than the batter’s
head and is caught by the catcher is an out. If the batter hits a foul ball on
the third strike (unless it is a foul tip caught by the catcher, thereby
resulting in an out), the batter gets one more strike only (called or foul).
15. Equipment:
The home team must supply regulation bases, stuffed not plastic, plus two home
plates and one stuffed orange colored auxiliary first base. Also, a pitching
rubber is optional. If not provided the game is forfeited to the visiting team.
Teams should also have a First Aid Kit at every game including cold packs.
16. Bases-Bases
shall be 65 feet apart and not tied down (unless the field being used has
permanent bases in which case the permanent bases shall be used regardless of
the distance between bases). For
safety reasons, an auxiliary home plate and an orange-colored stuffed auxiliary
first base for the runner shall be used.
17. Commitment
Line- A commitment line shall be established halfway between third base and the
regular home plate. If the runner passes that line they must proceed to the
auxiliary plate. If the runner advances to the regular home plate, the umpire
will call him out.
18. Force
at any base rule-For safety reasons, a fielder does not need to tag a runner advancing
to any base. An out shall be recorded if the ball arrives in possession of the
fielder while he is touching any base including the regular first base or home
plate before the runner touches the auxiliary first base, auxiliary home plate
or regular second and third base. However, a fielder
still has the option to tag a passing runner or in a traditional run down play
and any fielder covering a throw to any base except home maintains the option
of tagging the runner. On a ball hit into the
outfield, a runner may touch the regular first base when running to second on a
continuous play. A runner who is judged to have rounded a base with the
intention of possibly advancing rather than having run through the base can be
tagged out. Any player caught between bases can be tagged out as in a
traditional “run down” play.
19. Collisions/NO
Sliding -In the interests of safety, a runner is out if he intentionally
collides with a fielder. Also
a runner is out if he intentionally slides into a base; this includes the act of diving back to a
base. An obvious trip shall not be considered an intentional slide. A
decision by the umpire that a collision was incidental or unintentional shall
be final and not appealable. If a collision is deemed flagrant by the umpire or
both Managers, the runner shall also be ejected from the game. No tagging of a
runner coming from third is allowed if he has crossed the commitment line; to
record an out the regular home plate must be tagged. If a runner touches the
regular home plate before or without touching the auxiliary home plate, the
runner is out automatically.
20. Interference-Verbal
interference by the team at bat or anything that distracts or deters a team or
player from making a play will result in a warning and subsequently in an
ejection. Umpire may also call a batter out. In the umpire’s judgement if an
injury results from any interference then an immediate ejection will result.
Also, obstruction may be called on the defense based on a fake tag or any
verbal interference and base runners awarded bases.
21. Over
Running Bases Rule-For reasons of safety, “overrunning” of bases (either going
toward or returning to a base) is allowed; provided,
however, that if a fielder completely blocks the base, the runner must pull up
or go around the base even if the fielder is technically at fault, and the
umpire shall make sure this rule is strictly enforced. In such situations, the
umpire shall have the discretion to call the runner safe or to award the runner
an extra base if he feels the runner would have advanced safely had he not been
required to avoid a collision. Decisions made by the umpire in accordance with
the preceding sentence shall be final and not appealable. While overrunning
a base, the runner can be tagged out if he makes an obvious commitment to attempt
an advance to the next base. If the runner chooses to advance to second
base after an overrun of first base, he need not retag first base. A runner who
overruns second or third must retag the base he overran before proceeding to
the next base. If a runner is advancing to a base that has been moved for any
reason, to be safe the runner must tag the spot where the base was originally
located, such spot to be determined in the sole judgment of the umpire.
22. Baserunners-No
bunting or base stealing is allowed. Runners may not take a lead off any base
and may only leave a base when the pitched ball arrives at the plate. If the umpire catches a runner leaving early,
he shall call “no pitch” and call the runner out; if the batter hits the pitch
anyway, it does not count. Runners may not advance on a passed ball, wild pitch
or errant return throw from the catcher that is dropped or missed by the
pitcher. A batter is automatically out if a third strike is dropped by the
catcher; no throw to first base is required. Overthrows to first, third or home
that go out of play: runners can proceed to the base to which they are
advancing, plus one more. The infield fly rule shall be applicable. If in the
discretion of the umpire, a fielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball that
can be caught with normal effort when a base is occupied by a runner, he may
call the batter “out” automatically and the runner(s) shall be allowed to
safely return to the base occupied before the play began.
23. Regulation Game-A regulation game will last 7 innings unless cancelled sooner by the umpire or both Managers due to weather, darkness or other unsafe playing condition. An official game in the regular season shall be any game where the losing team has had at least 5 at bats; a game that has not become official that is called for any reason shall be replayed in its entirety from the beginning. During the regular season managers may agree to end a game in a tie after 7 innings or play extra innings. They may also agree to resume a game that is tied in extra innings at a later date. Rule for playoffs: A game that must be called before it is complete and regardless of whether it is yet an official game shall be resumed at the point at which it was stopped as soon as conveniently possible thereafter and played to completion. In the event of a tie game after regulation play, play shall continue into extra innings until one team is ahead at the completion of an inning. A game that has become official that remains tied but then is called for any reason, and any incomplete playoff game that is resumed as provided above, shall resume at a later date from the exact point where the game was called, using the same players, position in the batting order then at bat, base runners, etc. as closely as possible as they were in effect when the game was called, any disagreement about which is to be determined by the Managers in a good faith, cooperative manner upon consultation with the umpire if necessary.
24. Mercy Rule-There will be a mandatory 15 run “mercy rule,” that is, if one team leads the other by 15 runs or more at any time after five complete innings have been played, the game is over. The mercy rule is in effect for playoff games.
25. Five Run Rule-In any inning, except the last inning or extra innings: A team tied or in the lead can score no more than 5 runs in that inning; a team that is losing can score as many runs as possible but cannot take the lead by more than 5 runs. In the last inning or extra innings, there is no limitation on the number of runs that can be scored.
26. Scorekeeper-Each
team shall designate a scorekeeper. The scorekeepers shall compare scores after
each half inning. Any discrepancy in the score between scorekeepers shall be
resolved by the Managers before the next half inning begins. Scorekeepers/managers
are responsible for reporting game results to the League Secretary/Commissioner
within 24 hours.
27. Free
substitution of fielders-Changes in the field shall be made by the managers on
the honor system. There is no need to advise the other team's scorekeeper when
a change is made. This is permitted so long as the batting order is maintained.
Players removed from the field to 'sit out' may return so long as they keep
their same place in the batting order and may do so any number of times.
28. Pinch
Hitter-At any point a Manager may, with notice to the other Manager and the
umpire, insert a player who has not yet entered the game into the batting order
as a designated pinch hitter for another batter, such player to be permanently
removed from the game after he bats and runs the bases.
29. Courtesy
Runners-A courtesy base runner is permitted to substitute for any batter
(whether or not injured) who has reached base safely, but only may be
inserted immediately after the batter safely reaches base. Managers need not
designate which batters will have courtesy runners beforehand. As a courtesy
base runner, a player may run any number of times per game but can only run
once per inning. A player used as a courtesy base runner may also run for
himself as a batter in the same inning. However, if a courtesy runner's regular
slot in the batting order comes up while he is on base, the manager must choose
either to lose the runner and no out recorded or the courtesy base runner can
remain on base and an out is recorded. A player may be used once per inning as
either a courtesy runner or designated runner but not both in the same inning.
Designated runners and courtesy runner must be players who are in the batting
order. As a courtesy base runner, a player may run any number of times per game
but can only run once per inning.
30.
Runners from Home-One batter from each
team below age 75 so designated before the start of the
game in the discretion of the manager and (b) any other designated
batter who has reached or will reach age 75 in 2019, may have a courtesy base
runner from home plate, such runner to start from a point behind the regular
home plate chosen by the umpire. A courtesy runner for each such
“designated batter” must be used each time that batter is up. To avoid
confusion on the part of the fielders, if a batter who has a courtesy runner
from home plate nevertheless begins to run to first base after a pitch is
struck, the umpire shall call the batter “out.” A player used as courtesy runner from home if he reaches
base cannot then have another courtesy runner replace him. He must complete his
turn on the bases.
31. Injured
Baserunner-If a courtesy base runner, or a batter who is no longer eligible for
a courtesy base runner becomes injured while on base or advancing to a base, he
either must remain there or he may be removed from the base with no out
recorded (in which case he may not re-enter the game in any capacity provided his team can still
field a minimum of eleven fielders without him). In this situation no
courtesy base runner for the injured runner is permitted.
32. Weather-Cancellation
of a game before it begins due to poor weather or playing field conditions
will be made by 4:00 PM on weekdays and 8 AM on weekends. If due to unforeseen
circumstances or poor field conditions, the umpire can also make the decision
to cancel the game and inform the Commissioner within 24 hours. The Franklin
Township Recreation Dept. shall have the final say in the use of township
fields. The League Commissioner shall schedule a makeup game for a game
cancelled either pre-game or before it becomes an official game, or
continuation of a tie game that has gone at least 5 innings, as soon as
possible thereafter.
33. Legal
bats- Only bats approved for play in Franklin Township Softball Leagues are
acceptable. Only bats stamped as ASA approved or stickered by the league can be
used. Bats manufactured after 2013 will be clearly and permanently marked
“Approved for ASA Use”. No bats marked as 'Seniors' may be used. Inspection
of bats- Before every game each team must line up all bats so the umpire can
inspect them for legality. Additional bats brought to a game after the
grounds rule meeting between managers and umpires will not be allowed in that
game. The decision of the umpire as to the allowance of a bat for use in a game
shall be final and not appealable. A player who uses or attempts to use a bat
not approved by the umpire shall be called out. No altered bat will be allowed
on or near the field of play for any reason. Any violation of this rule against
altered bats by any player shall result in the player’s immediate suspension
for the rest of the season, including playoffs. League will provide stickers to be applied to inspected
bats in order to make it easier to inspect bats.
34. Softballs-Each
team shall supply one new ball for use at the start of each game. Game balls
are restricted to those provided by the league.
35. Uniforms-Uniforms
and softball spikes, while not required, are encouraged. Spikes shall not be
metal. Any type of glove may be used at any position.
36. Catcher’s
gear-protective gear is in the discretion of the catcher except that the
catcher shall always wear a protective mask.
37. Waiver
Form- No person shall be permitted to participate as a team member unless and
until he signs a waiver legally releasing all parties from liability in the
event of an injury. Team Managers shall be responsible for enforcing this rule
and should have all signed waivers available at all team activities for
inspection by other parties if asked.
38. Game results-All scores shall be promptly reported by the home team Manager to the League Commissioner and/or to his designee, who shall keep the official record of league standings updated and distributed weekly.
39. Playoffs
for the League Championship shall be held after the conclusion of the regular
season. A 5th place team shall play a one game elimination
round against the fourth place team. The 4th
place team shall be the home team. Then to follow will be two semifinal
rounds, the first place team will play the fourth place team and the
second place team will play the third place team, with the two winners
advancing to the final round. In a three team league the playoffs shall
follow a round robin format.
40.
Player eligibility for playoffs shall be a minimum of 6
games played during the regular season. The League Council can waive this
requirement in cases of injury, illness or other extenuating circumstances by a
unanimous vote.
41. Regular
season standings will be decided by a point system awarding three points for a
win, two points for a tie and one point for a loss. (no point is awarded for a loss by forfeit).
At the end of the regular season in the case of a seeding tie, the first tie
breaker shall be the number of wins in head-to-head competition between the two
teams. The second tie-breaker shall be the number of runs scored against the
other teams that are tied. In case of a continued tie, the managers of the
teams involved shall decide the matter via one coin flip.
42. Each
playoff round shall be decided in a best two-out-of-three format in games
played on separate days (no doubleheaders). In each playoff round, the higher
seeded team shall be the home team in games one and three (if necessary); in
game two, the lower seeded team shall be the home team. Winner of the final
round shall be declared League Champions. All playoff games must be played
until a winner is decided, extra innings if necessary. All playoff games must
be played to completion. If called a game must be resumed at the point it was
stopped.
43. The throwing of a bat or losing a bat during a swing that hits the catcher and/or umpire is an immediate ejection from the game. If there is no replacement available that player may remain in the game to play the field but will be skipped in the batting order with no automatic out recorded. Intentional throwing of the bat will result in an immediate ejection from the game (no option to remain in the field if there is no replacement player available). Second ejection from an intentionally thrown bat at any time will result in an immediate ejection from the game and from league play for the remainder of the season.
44. No Gentleman Agreements-Managers cannot make a separate agreement between them to use rules different or altered from league rules for their games.
45. NO Home Run Limits-There will not be a home run limit for balls hit over the fence at Middlebush Field. However, teams hitting home runs or foul balls are responsible for retrieving the balls.
46. Protesting a call-The only call made by an umpire that can be protested is a misinterpretation of a rule. Judgement calls cannot be protested. All such protests must be made to the umpire and opposing scorekeeper before the next pitch after the incident.
47. Protesting player eligibility-All player eligibility protests must be made to the league commissioner.
48. All game protests must be made to the league commissioner by the end of the next business day in writing, by text or email.