Rules (Copy) — McCarren Softball

+ UMPIRES

Umpires are to be compensated $35 from each team immediately after the game ($66 total).
Umpires have the right to warn and/or eject any player from a game due to behavior, dirty play, aggression and/or fighting.
Managers and players must treat umpires respectfully. Disagreements should be handled in a manner that avoids cursing, intimidation or aggression.
In the event of a conflict, managers and umpires will need to confer with each other. It is the responsibility of each manager to take control of his/her team.
If you as a manager (or player) feel that an ump is either difficult or not performing his/her duties effectively, then a manager has every right to contact the commissioner to let them know of the situation. Please write a detailed email explaining what happened so that it can be resolved with the umpire. Send it to: mccarrenstats@gmail.com.
Managers and players who continuously berate, yell, scream or threaten umpires will be given a warning and could eventually be kicked out of the league.
Using racial slurs, homophobic slurs, threats, throwing bats, etc are all cause for immediate ejection. An ejected player will be required to leave the park. We cannot risk losing our permits over someone getting physically or emotionally abusive while playing softball. Managers who do not or cannot make their players leave the park after an ejection will forfeit the game.
Umpires will be responsible for taking a picture of each team’s scorebook at the end of the game. They will email those pictures to the league at: mccarrenstats@gmail.com

• It is the manager’s responsibility to ensure the ump takes a picture of your score sheet at the end of every game and sends it in. The league would suggest the manager also take a picture of the scorebook at the same time, so there is a potential backup.

• It is the manager’s responsibility to use legible handwriting. If the league cannot read the writing, they are in danger of having player(s) lose playoff eligibility due to poor penmanship.

• If managers did not score the game with a score book, or score sheet, and the umpire has nothing to take a picture of, the manager is in danger of having player(s) lose playoff eligibility due to the league’s inability to track games

+ Equipment

Cleats: Metal spikes are not permitted. Only molded or rubber cleats or sneakers are al lowed. A player wearing metal spikes may not play at all. No questions asked.
Other Equipment: Each team must bring at least one new DeBeer F12 Clincher softball to each game. The league will provide bases, chalk, and paint for the grass.
Scorebook: Each team MUST have a scorebook, or a score sheet, and a way to track the game they are playing in.
Returning Bases to the Shed:After the final game of the day, the home team on each field is responsible for gathering up all the bases/homeplate/pitching rubber/chalker/rakes/etc and bringing them to the shed behind the Turkey’s Nest.
To get the key to the shed: Go into the Turkey’s Nest, ask the bartender for the key to the gate. Go outside and around to the side of the Nest. There is a gate there. Use the key to un lock the gate. Walk into the parking lot area and the shed is in the left rear corner. Please lock the gate behind you. Return to the bar and give the key back to the bartender. Thank them!

+ Pitching

Strike Zone is determined by a pitch that crosses the plate in the hitter’s strike zone with a minimum arc of 5’ and a maximum arc of 8’. The hitter’s strike zone is determined from the front shoulder to the back knee, relative to the area over the plate.
Starting Position: The pitcher is facing home plate with at least one foot on the “rubber” or place designated as pitching area (a chalk line or rope). When the batter is ready, the pitch must be delivered in one continuous underhand forward motion. Prior to forward motion, or if the pitcher freezes or pauses, the batter has the right to call timeout. The umpire, however, must grant this timeout. The batter must ask for it loudly, and clearly enough and the ump must grant it. The pitcher may take one step toward home plate only.
Illegal Pitch: A flat & fast pitch is a pitch that does NOT have a “bump” or “arc” in its travels to home plate as defined by above. Umpire will call illegal if they determine there was intent to deceive the batter with the pitch; otherwise, the pitch may simply be called a “ball”.
Stuttering or pausing during the pitch: If a pitcher pauses, stutters or freezes after his FOR WARD MOTION has begun, this is also considered an illegal pitch.
Enforcement: There is a “three strike rule” for pitchers who violate the “illegal” pitching rules. On the third violation, the player can no longer pitch. The player is not kicked out of the game; he/she is just no longer eligible to pitch for the remainder of that game.
If the pitcher delivers an illegal pitch, it is the responsibility of the umpire to yell “Illegal Pitch!” and it is IMMEDIATELY a dead ball. No matter if the batter gets a single, a home run, or swings and misses, the play is dead, it is called a BALL and the pitcher is given a warning. This is counted as a violation. Again, three violations means the pitcher can no longer pitch.
"Trick” Pitches: Pitchers may throw knuckle balls, spinning balls, or backhanded pitches. However, it is illegal to throw a ball that contains any foreign substances, including clumps of dirt, on the surface of the ball.

+ HITTING

This league operates with a standard of 4 balls and 3 strikes count.
A batter gets three strikes, before they are called out. Once a batter has 2 strikes, any 3rd swing (that does not result in a fair ball in play) will result in the batter being called out. A batter may also strike out looking at a 3rd strike.
4 Balls: Four called balls, before receiving 3 strikes, is a walk. 1. In the case of impending darkness, the umpire may request that that the teams move to be gin each at bat with a 1-1 count. In this scenario, the batter will be granted an additional strike on a fouled off 3rd strike. (Example: First pitch on the AB results in a called strike, which brings the count to 1-2. A batter may then foul off the next pitch and still be granted an additional strike. The next foul or strike call will result in an out.)
If a male batter walks on four straight balls immediately before a female batter, the male batter automatically advances to second base and the female batter can chose to take the base on balls or hit.
Courtesy Runner from Home Plate: There are NO courtesy runners allowed from home plate. The batter MUST make it to first base (or 2nd, 3rd) before he/she can have a courtesy runner.
Courtesy Runners: Two courtesy runners are allowed per game – that is it. If a team already has two courtesy runners and then an additional player gets hurt and wants a runner, this is NOT allowed. The injured player either runs for himself/herself, or he/she is out of the game. Once the batter reaches base safely, the courtesy runner may now enter for the batter. The player(s) who need a runner can be designated before the game, or before the player’s at-bat. If there are no runners who have been designated and a player gets injured and cannot run, this player can now have a runner. Once this player has been announced that he/she needs a cour tesy runner, the player must ALWAYS have the designated runner run for them for the remain der of the game. Again, each team has a maximum of two allowed. No exceptions.
The LAST BATTED OUT is always the courtesy runner. If the last batted out also has a cour tesy runner, then it’s the last batted out before that player.
The courtesy runner must be of the same gender as the runner they are replacing. If there are no other females available to be a courtesy runner for a woman, the opposing team is given the right to choose the courtesy runner from the other team’s eligible players in the game.
Bunting or “chopping” of any kind is not permitted. Any attempted bunt, half swing, or chop, intended to cause the effect of a bunt or a chop, results in an automatic out. Runners may not advance.

+ base running

Safety First: The primary goal on the base paths, above all, is to avoid dangerous collisions between runners and fielders.
No Leading Off: There are NO leadoff’s. Runners must stay put on their bag until THE BALL IS HIT. This means the batter must make CONTACT with the ball before the runner can run. If a runner leaves early, or runs and the batter did NOT swing, then the runner is given a warning. If the runner does it again, the runner is out.
First Base: Double bases will be used at first base. The orange base (or the outside base in foul territory) is designated as the “runners base” and the white base (or the in side base in fair territory) is designated as the “fielders base.”
Runners Base vs. Fielders Base: If there is to be a play at first base, as the batter is running from home to 1B, the batter MUST step on the orange base (or the outside base in foul territory) and the first baseman must step on the white base (or the base in fair territory). Only when the batter is rounding first base or going for multiple bases should he/she use the white base (or the inside base in fair territory).
First baseman stepping on orange base: If the first baseman steps on the orange base (or the outside base in foul territory) and does not use the white base (or inside base) by the time the batter gets to first base, the runner is safe.
First baseman obstructing path to first base: If the first baseman obstructs the base runner headed to first without the ball, the runner is awarded first base.
First baseman obstructing path to second base: On a base hit, when there is clearly no play at first base, the first baseman must allow the runner the opportunity to round the base and run for extra bases. It is the responsibility of the first baseman to get out of the runner’s way. Colli sions which result from the first baseman failing to clear the way for the runner when there is no play at first base may result, according to the judgment of the ump, in the next base being awarded to the runner.
Base runner interfering with first baseman: A base runner heading to first base must run in the runner’s lane on the foul side of the first base line. A base runner, who runs on the infield side of the line and prevents the first baseman (or any other player) from fielding the first base position, is automatically out.
After the runner reaches first base: After passing first base, the runner can turn right into foul territory or left into fair territory and he is not considered “live.” It is only when the runner makes a motion to advance is he considered “live” and can be tagged out.
Fielder obstructing a runner: If a fielder, while NOT in the act of fielding, obstructs the base path in a manner that causes a collision or severely impedes the runner’s progress around the bases, the umpire should signal a delayed dead ball. After the play is dead, the umpire will award the runner the base they were going to.
Runners interfering with fielders: If a runner on the base path collides with a fielder who is in the act of fielding, preventing him from completing the play, the runner is out.
Aggressive base running: If a runner aggressively or purposefully initiates contact, collides, slides with cleats up or intends to injure a fielder; the runner is OUT and immediately ejected from the game.
Avoiding Collisions on close plays: Runners are strongly encouraged to slide on close plays to avoid obstructing the play of infielders and to avoid collisions, but it is not mandatory. A base runner who chooses not to slide on a close play MUST ease gently into the base standing up, OR avoid contact with the fielder by going around him/her and NOT making contact, or simply give himself/herself up. A runner, who goes into a base standing up and collides with the fielder, will be ruled out. If the umpire determines the collision was deliberate, the runner may be eject ed from the game. SAFETY FIRST!
Runner obstruction: Runners may NOT hold, hug, slap the ball away, or obstruct the fielder from making a play. If an umpire determines these actions were deliberate, the runner will im mediately be called out.
A player who is forced out must peel out of the baseline, slide, duck or get out of the way of the fielder and any further potential plays before time is called. A runner is not allowed to stand in the base path, wave arms, run into the fielder or interfere with a thrown ball. If the player does not get out of the way, the player is out. In the case of a potential double play, the umpire will determine if the interference impeded the defense from completing the play. The umpire can then rule that the batter is also out, based on the runner interference.
Home plate avoiding collisions: Safety is of crucial importance around home plate. Con trolled feet-first sliding on close plays is strongly encouraged, as it is generally accepted as a safer method than head-first sliding. Sliding is recommended but not mandatory. Avoiding colli sions is MANDATORY. Typically the on-deck batter has the responsibility to let the runner know whether or not to slide. Teams are encouraged to get all players to understand and use this sys tem. But take care not to overcrowd the area around home plate.
A play at home plate: Ideally the runner should slide to avoid a collision. If the runner does not slide, he or she must ease into home plate, or avoid contact with the player covering home, or he/she is automatically out.
No play at home plate: If there is NO play at home plate at all and the catcher (or another fielder) is standing on or in front of home plate blocking the path, the runner is awarded the vicinity around home plate and is safe. Keep in mind this is when there is NO play at home plate. This is in effort to avoid injury. The runner should NOT barrel into the catcher or other fielders if they are in the way.
Runners obstructing home plate: Once a runner(s) has scored, it is his/her responsibility to clear the area and allow the defense the opportunity to make a play at home if another runner is attempting to score. If runners are conglomerating around home plate and have obstructed the fielder, and made it impossible for them to make a play at the plate, then the runner scoring is out due to interference.
Runner on the base paths, and is hit by a batted ball: If a runner is running around the bases and in fair territory and is hit by a batted ball, the runner is out.
Runner on a base: If a runner is on ANY base, and is hit by a batted ball, the runner is out. Being on a base does not automatically make the runner safe. The ball is now dead and no runner may score, nor runners advance, except runners forced to advance.
Runner in foul territory: If a runner is hit with a batted ball in foul territory, while not on a base, they are not out and the ball is merely ruled “foul” by the umpire.
Runner Dragging the Base: The bases not being stationary does not give the base runner the right to drag the base. If a base runner goes into a base and the base slips, or slides away, as long as the runner is in the general vicinity of where the base SHOULD BE, then the runner is safe. If the base runner runs past the base, but uses his foot to grab the base and drag it FURTHER than where it should be, then the runner needs to be considered OFF the base and therefor “live.” Runners cannot drag the base multiple feet and be considered safe, since if the base was stationary, he would be off the base. 1. First and Third Base Coaches: There can be a maximum of two first base coaches and two third base coaches. There cannot be a conglomeration of multiple players and base coaches in fair territory obstructing the path of the runner.
Too many players down the line: The umpire can give a warning when there are too many players gathered either down the first base or third base line in fair territory. On the 2nd warning the ump can call an immediate out. When not playing, please stay in foul territory, out of the field of play.
Players in foul territory obstructing a player: On a pop up in foul territory, and a player is at tempting to make a play and is purposefully obstructed by an opposing player, fan, spectator, the ump has the right to call the batter out.

+ fielding

Max players in the field: Teams may have a maximum of 10 fielders, 2 of which must be women. 1.Minimum players in the field: If a team fields less than 10 players (9, 8) there must be at least 1 woman in the field and a catcher. A team cannot play with zero women.
Lady Line: The outfielders must play no more shallow than 100 feet (160 feet from home) beyond 1st and 3rd base not 90 feet (175 feet from home) behind second base. If they are too close, the umpire must order the outfielders to play further back to accommodate the rule. Opposing managers also have the right to request the umpires move outfielders back, should they not be in compliance.
Creeping on the Pitch to a female batter: Outfielders cannot creep past (or charge) when the ball is pitched to a female batter. Forward movement is allowed on the swing or hit. The umpire may warn the outfielders and the managers of this. After multiple warnings, it is up to the umpire’s discretion to allow the woman first base regardless of outcome of her at-bat.
Home plate: On plays at home plate, the fielder taking the throw should be positioned to the side of home plate in fair territory, giving the runner a clear lane to the plate. The fielder must NOT stand on top of home plate, or in the basepath, to make a play. The fielding team should have no more than 2 players near home plate. The fielder backing up the play should be standing near the backstop. 1. Impeding home plate: If the fielding team has a conglomeration of fielders at home, in front of the plate, etc…which prevents the runner from having a clear path to home plate, then the runner is deemed automatically safe.
Infield Fly Rule: An infield fly is a fair fly ball in the infield (not including a line drive) or in shallow outfield, and in the case of a female, within the Girl Line Zone, which can be caught with ordinary effort, where the fielder is camped out underneath it, when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied, when there are less than two outs. The umpire shall immediately declare “Infield Fly!” loudly enough for everyone to hear, for the benefit of the runners, and the batter is out. The runners may advance, or “tag up” after the ball is caught at their own risk.
Fake Tags: Fake, “phantom” tags, are strictly prohibited. If a fielder does a fake tag, he is immediately given a warning. On the second offense, the runner is given the next base. On the next offense, the runner is given the next base and the fielder is out of the game.
Fielders Calling Timeout: Fielders can ONLY call timeout and will ONLY be granted timeout, when a fielder has control of the ball and is in the infield. To be clear: A player in the outfield with or without the ball, cannot be granted timeout. The ball must be in the infield and in the possession of a fielder. Fielders can call timeout when runners are on the bases, HOWEVER, it should only be granted when runners are safely on their bases. If runners are moving forward, in a run-down, or advancing, timeout should NOT be granted until the runners have retreated to their respective bases.

+ fair/foul

In play: Everything within the foul lines is in play. If a batted ball hits any object in play and remains playable, fielders must play the ball accordingly.
Interference: Play ceases and bases are awarded to the batter if a ball hit into fair territory is picked up, thrown, or otherwise intentionally deflected by a bystander, or if a ball becomes com pletely impossible to play as a result of some impediment or obstruction. It is up to the umpire’s discretion the number of bases awarded due to how far the ball was hit and how far the batter had ran at the time of the obstruction. Other runners on the base paths may advance from their starting points depending upon the number of bases awarded.
Clarification: If a ball hits a fan, or a player playing on the opposing field, the ball is live. Only if a fan picks up ball, or other player does, and throws ball away, keeps it, etc. will the runner be awarded bases depending upon how far the ball was hit and how far the runner had run.
If a batted ball hits a light pole, tree, bench or other large obstruction beyond the dugout fences AND is caught by a fielder before hitting the ground; the batter is out. A ball hitting a player from the opposing field, may not be caught for an out.
If a ball is overthrown by a fielder to the area extending beyond the dugout fences or behind the backstop, all runners on the base paths may advance a maximum of one base beyond the base toward which they were running; at their own risk. The ball is not considered dead, so the base is not awarded automatically.

+ lineups

Trading lineups: It is not mandatory, but if requested, teams may trade line-ups before the start of their games if opposing manager’s request. No questions asked.
Using a line-up of 12 or 13 players: A team may use a 12 player line-up or a 13 player line up. In a 10 player line-up 2 of those 12 players MUST be women. Example: 10 men, 2 women. A team can ALSO use a 13 player line up, but ONLY if they bat 3 women. Example: 10 guys and 3 women = 13 players. 2 women must still play in the field.
Woman Line-up: A team that has only 1 woman may only use a 10 player line-up. They CANNOT bat 11 guys and 1 woman. They can only bat 8 guys and 1 woman, with the last slot (10th) being an automatic out.
Minimum line-up: A team must use a minimum line-up of 10 players. 2 of those 10 players MUST be women. If they can only bat 9, the 10th slot is an automatic out, if they can only bat 8, the 9th and 10th slots are automatic outs. A team with only 7 players must forfeit the game.
Batting Through a Lineup: After a team goes through their lineup once, their lineup is SET. The team may add in players to fill the automatic out slots at any point throughout the game, but may not add extra hitters beyond the original 10 spots.
Forfeits: A team that cannot field 8 players forfeits by a score of 10-0. 1. *No woman forfeit: A team that cannot field 1 woman forfeits by a score of 10-0.
The umpire will award a forfeit at 15 minutes after the scheduled start time,* if a team does not meet the minimum lineup requirements.
DH: A DH is permitted.
Extra hitter: EH’s may play the field as well.
Pinch Hitter: Pinch hitters are allowed, however, only batters of the same sex can pinch hit for him/her.
Re-entry rule: There is NO re-entry rule for male players. A female player can re-enter into the lineup in the original slot they were in. (i.e. 2 women may rotate in the lineup and field as many times as they wish.)
Subbing in a hitter/fielder: If a team is subbing in a hitter or fielder, it must be announced to the umpire and opposing manager.

+ guest players

Guest Players: Teams may recruit guest players to play in order to avoid forfeiting or avoid playing with less than 10 players, or the requisite number of females.
Male / Female Guest Players: a) If a team has zero women, then the first two guest players they pick up must be female. b) If a team has one woman, then the first player they pick up must be female. c) If a team has two women, they can pick up enough male or female players to make it to 10 total, but ONLY if the team already has two women. d) A team with 10 players (8 guys, 2 females) cannot pick up any additional players.
Qualified Guest Players: The league respectfully asks captains recruiting “guests” to find players whose talents do not greatly exceed that of the average player. To that end, each “guest” must be approved to play by the opposing team’s captain. Harassment from the team that is short players, due to the opposing manager not approving the guest, is NOT permitted.
Where to play Guest Players: Guest players must bat at the end of the lineup and play catch er or positions approved by the opposing manager.
Team Warnings for Guests and Forfeits: Picking up Guest players is not the solution for teams who are continuously short on players. Teams and players pay a fee in order to play games. When opposing teams do not have enough players to field teams, this means people who have come to play are not being compensated for their money. A team that forfeits or adds Guests players will only get 3 chances. After the 3rd chance they will be at risk not to be asked back into the WSL for the following season. There are thousands of players in NYC who want to play softball, and the league is one of the most popular leagues in the city. There is no excuse for not having enough players.

+ ROSTERS

Roster Size: 20 player maximum playoff-eligible roster. Teams may carry up to 25 on their opening day roster, but must be down to 20 by week 9 of the season.
Rosters submission: Rosters MUST be submitted on Week 1 of the season AND Week 9 to the league at: mccarrenstats@gmail.com.
Playoff eligibility: Men must appear in at least 7 games and women must appear in 5 games to be playoff eligible. The league may make exceptions for injuries or special circumstances. Any potential issue must be brought to the league as soon as it arises, so that a determination on eligibility can be made.
Players switching teams: Players are allowed to leave one team and join another at any time during the season. A player switching teams can qualify for playoffs if they play in a mini mum of 5 games for the team he/she switches TO. The player must meet the league require ment of 8 or 6 games for the entire season between both teams.

+ schedule

Regular Season Schedule is posted on the league website: mccarrensoftball.com 1.Byes/Schedule:Each team has 2 bye weeks throughout the season. Each team plays every other team twice, alternating home and away status.
Rain out/make up: Rain outs will be played at the end of the year and/or double header weekends throughout the season. The Commissioner will do his best to work with all teams to ensure everyone is treated fairly. Please understand, it’s not easy rescheduling games, so managers are asked to work with each other and show patience.
What Constitutes an Official Game?: In the event of rain, snow, or other weather event that stops the game, we use the MLB Rule you can see here. Essentially, the HOME TEAM needs to have 5 at-bats for the game to be considered official. If the home team is winning in the bottom of the 5th and weather stops the game, the game can be considered over as they do not need their final at-bats.
What if the game is suspended and less than 5 innings have been played?: In the event of rain or another weather event that stops a game after it has begun, but they have yet to complete 5 innings, the teams can decide to either: • A) Start the game over from the beginning at a later date. • B) Pick up from where the game left off at a later date. Both teams need to agree. If the teams cannot agree to one of those two items, the Commissioner will have final say.

+ playoffs

Playoff Format: The top 8 teams in the regular season will make the playoffs. Teams are seeded by record. Ties will be settled by the following criteria: head-to-head wins, total runs allowed, and finally a coin flip. There will be a play-in game between the 8th and 9th place teams for playoff contention.
Two umps for semi-finals and championship: Due to the importance of both the semi- finals and finals, having two umpires is, of course, ideal to ensure that each play can be viewed from multiple angles and to ensure that two minds can collaborate on interpretations of league rules and circumstances on the field. On close or controversial plays, umpires may take time out from the game to consult with each other before making a definitive call on a difficult play.
Home/Away: The higher ranked seed in the playoffs is deemed home team.

+ Before, During, and After The Game

Code of behavior: Everyone involved with the league is expected to behave with respect to ward each other and others around the park. Show good sportsmanship. Disagreements and arguments are bound to happen. Don’t let them simmer; don’t let them boil over. Act like an adult and get over it. It’s softball. Foul, abusive, or threatening language directed at any one, be they umpires, opponents, teammates, or spectators, is totally unacceptable. a) Throwing of equipment, primarily bats, is strictly prohibited. Putting other players in danger is absolutely against the rules. There is no warning for throwing bats; the player is immediately out of the game.
Violation of the code: An umpire can eject from the game a person who continually violates the code of behavior or plays in a manner that is a danger to other players and spectators. A person ejected from the game must take off his jersey and leave the park. Not doing so will re sult in the team forfeiting the game with a score of 10-0. Remember that such childish behavior puts the league’s playing permit in jeopardy.
Cleaning up: To keep in good standing with the Parks Department, we need to keep the fields and its surroundings clean BEFORE and AFTER each game. This means that teams play ing at 1pm may need to do some cleaning before doing warm ups and batting practice. It may not sound fair but that’s the way it is. As permit holders, we are responsible for the entire field once we are there. Teams playing the late games must do the same after their games.

+ The Golden (Rules)

Remember, this league was, is, and forever will be, at its heart, laid-back and fun. Rules and regulations notwithstanding, let’s remember not to take things too seriously. Be fair. Be mindful. Be nice. Teams are, as always, advised to invite their opponent out for drinks after each game, and, as always, the point of this all is for everyone to have a good time.
Play ball.