A. Team - Uniform
For 2009...uniform rule will NOT be enforced! (the League DOES expect teams to try and maintain some order to uniforms...)
For 2009...uniform rule will NOT be enforced! (the League DOES expect teams to try and maintain some order to uniforms...)
B. Team - Defense
1. If starting with 8 or 9 players, you may only play defence with same number of players
1. If starting with 8 or 9 players, you may only play defence with same number of players
C. Team - Offence
1. Unlimited offensive batting order permitted. The MINIMUM offensive line-up is eight.
2. In case of injury, ejection, or player leaving, that player is an automatic OUT, unless a substitution is made. If the injured or departed player returns, he may be inserted back into the original position in the offensive line-up.
3. Any additional players may be substituted into the offensive line-up.
4. Players may not be added to the line-up if they are not on the original line-up card as a substitute.
1. Unlimited offensive batting order permitted. The MINIMUM offensive line-up is eight.
2. In case of injury, ejection, or player leaving, that player is an automatic OUT, unless a substitution is made. If the injured or departed player returns, he may be inserted back into the original position in the offensive line-up.
3. Any additional players may be substituted into the offensive line-up.
4. Players may not be added to the line-up if they are not on the original line-up card as a substitute.
5. Line-up cards must have the first AND last name of each player.
6. If you start the game with 9 and list 10 on the batting order, and the missing players turn comes up in the batting order (and he does not arrive), the game is over.
NOTE:
1. If starting with 8, the team must finish with 8.
2. If starting with 9, the team must finish with 8, with the 9th position being an automatic out.
3. If starting with 10 or more, the team must finish with 9, with the 10th position being an automatic out.
4. If the line-up is 11 or more, the unlimited offence rule is in effect.
5. There is a 12-run mercy rule after 4 1/2 innings for the 8-player team, and every inning after. (revised March 31, 2004)
6. If, with 2 outs, the batter before the automatic out is walked, intentionally or unintentionally, the out is waived, and the next batter will bat. This does not apply if the player is declared unable to continue just prior to the team's offensive half of the inning.
7. 5 warm up pitches at the beginning of game. NO pitches thereafter.
6. If you start the game with 9 and list 10 on the batting order, and the missing players turn comes up in the batting order (and he does not arrive), the game is over.
NOTE:
1. If starting with 8, the team must finish with 8.
2. If starting with 9, the team must finish with 8, with the 9th position being an automatic out.
3. If starting with 10 or more, the team must finish with 9, with the 10th position being an automatic out.
4. If the line-up is 11 or more, the unlimited offence rule is in effect.
5. There is a 12-run mercy rule after 4 1/2 innings for the 8-player team, and every inning after. (revised March 31, 2004)
6. If, with 2 outs, the batter before the automatic out is walked, intentionally or unintentionally, the out is waived, and the next batter will bat. This does not apply if the player is declared unable to continue just prior to the team's offensive half of the inning.
7. 5 warm up pitches at the beginning of game. NO pitches thereafter.
D. Game Times
1. Start times - 7:00pm, 8:15pm, and 9:30pm.
2. No new inning will start after 1 hour and 5 minutes.
3. No grace period for any games.
4. If the first or second game surpasses the schedule time, only 5 minutes will be allowed between games. Any time over the 5 minute limit will be deducted from the 1 hour 5 minutes.
5. There will be warm-ups IF TIME PERMITS.
6. Clarification that games can only start early if BOTH teams consent.
1. Start times - 7:00pm, 8:15pm, and 9:30pm.
2. No new inning will start after 1 hour and 5 minutes.
3. No grace period for any games.
4. If the first or second game surpasses the schedule time, only 5 minutes will be allowed between games. Any time over the 5 minute limit will be deducted from the 1 hour 5 minutes.
5. There will be warm-ups IF TIME PERMITS.
6. Clarification that games can only start early if BOTH teams consent.
E. Strike Zone/Pitching
1. The strike zone will consist of a plywood mat only (SPOA mat) (revised Feb. 25, 2004)
2. Uses a 2-foot X 3-foot mat that covers the entire home plate area. With a cut out mat, ball landing on the plate becomes a strike.
3. Pitcher can be anywhere in a 10-foot X 2-foot zone, 50 to 60 feet from home plate.
4. Pitcher may use a trapper.
1. The strike zone will consist of a plywood mat only (SPOA mat) (revised Feb. 25, 2004)
2. Uses a 2-foot X 3-foot mat that covers the entire home plate area. With a cut out mat, ball landing on the plate becomes a strike.
3. Pitcher can be anywhere in a 10-foot X 2-foot zone, 50 to 60 feet from home plate.
4. Pitcher may use a trapper.
F. Commitment Line/Score Line
1. Both lines will extend from the foul line to the fence.
2. Tags are NOT permitted between the two lines. No sliding or running over mat - OUT. Catcher must be in contact with the mat. Once a runner has crossed the commitment line, the runner MUST continue home. If runner re-crosses the line, the umpire will call runner out immediately. To score, the runner must have any part of their body on the ground, on or over the score line, before the defensive player holds the ball.
1. Both lines will extend from the foul line to the fence.
2. Tags are NOT permitted between the two lines. No sliding or running over mat - OUT. Catcher must be in contact with the mat. Once a runner has crossed the commitment line, the runner MUST continue home. If runner re-crosses the line, the umpire will call runner out immediately. To score, the runner must have any part of their body on the ground, on or over the score line, before the defensive player holds the ball.
G. Courtesy Runners
1. 3 per game - anyone on the roster.
1. 3 per game - anyone on the roster.
H. Anticipation
1. Anticipation is permitted with a 1 or 2-man umpiring system.
1. Anticipation is permitted with a 1 or 2-man umpiring system.
I. Ball
SPO Gold Dot Classic (teams caught trying to bring a non-approved call into play could face possible forfeit of game This will be an Executive decision)
SPO Gold Dot Classic (teams caught trying to bring a non-approved call into play could face possible forfeit of game This will be an Executive decision)
J. Bat Rule
A batter shall be ejected from the game if he is discovered to be using an altered bat or a non-approved bat after entering the batter's box. The ejected player is suspended for the remainder of the game with a review by the League Executive. A second offence will result in a minimum of one year suspension.
NOTE: An altered bat is one that has had it's physical structure changed, including, but not limited to:
1. The bat has had the surface of the barrel or the taper changed in any way, such as by sandpapering or applying a solvent to the surface such as fingernail polish remover or by any other means.
2. The bat has had the plug or the knob removed/replaced or changed in any way.
3. The bat has had anything removed or added or inserted to the inside or outside of the bat other than tape at the handle or knob.
4. The bat has been repainted.
Other examples of an altered bat would be changing or replacing manufacturers' markings or replacing the handle of the metal bat with a wooden handle. Cracked, worn, or damaged bats are not altered bats, but will be removed from play. Such cracked, worn, or damaged bats will not result in a player suspension, unless the player returned the offending bat into play after it has been removed.
Only bats on the published list will be legal for USSSA play. In addition, no bat shall be legal in USSSA play unless it is marked "USSSA BPF 1.20`; bats manufactured before Jan. 1, 2004, are to be marked `1.20 BPF`or BPF 1.20.
A batter shall be ejected from the game if he is discovered to be using an altered bat or a non-approved bat after entering the batter's box. The ejected player is suspended for the remainder of the game with a review by the League Executive. A second offence will result in a minimum of one year suspension.
NOTE: An altered bat is one that has had it's physical structure changed, including, but not limited to:
1. The bat has had the surface of the barrel or the taper changed in any way, such as by sandpapering or applying a solvent to the surface such as fingernail polish remover or by any other means.
2. The bat has had the plug or the knob removed/replaced or changed in any way.
3. The bat has had anything removed or added or inserted to the inside or outside of the bat other than tape at the handle or knob.
4. The bat has been repainted.
Other examples of an altered bat would be changing or replacing manufacturers' markings or replacing the handle of the metal bat with a wooden handle. Cracked, worn, or damaged bats are not altered bats, but will be removed from play. Such cracked, worn, or damaged bats will not result in a player suspension, unless the player returned the offending bat into play after it has been removed.
Only bats on the published list will be legal for USSSA play. In addition, no bat shall be legal in USSSA play unless it is marked "USSSA BPF 1.20`; bats manufactured before Jan. 1, 2004, are to be marked `1.20 BPF`or BPF 1.20.
K. Park
Midhurst Complex - enclosed park.
Midhurst Complex - enclosed park.
L. Playoffs
1. In all playoff series, the team with the higher league standing will have the choice of first game home/visitor decision. Each subsequent game in the order they are played will alternate home/visitor. The home team, for each game, must supply one (1) "new" ball. The visiting team must supply one (1) ball that is approved by the umpire. The home team must place bases for all playoff games in the series, as required.
Tie-breaking formula: if teams in league standings are tied in points
1) Most wins
2) Record against each other during season.
3) Best run differential (max. of +7 or -7 per game)
4) Flip of coin.
2. SPOA Tournament format including all rules specific to BMSPL.
3. Schedule - all teams must be prepared to play ANY night of the week, regardless of the nights that you usually played during the season. This MUST and WILL be enforced, so, advise your players before the playoffs.
4. All games, excluding finals - time limit will be in effect for all games, any "suspended" game will continue from where halted (score/outs/line-up, when possible) if more than four (4) innings have been completed, otherwise the game is to be replayed as a new game. Ties will be broken by placing the last out as a runner at second base for each inning after the seventh. Complete innings to be played until a winner is declared.
5. Finals - 7 innings, unlimited time. Any games with less than four (4) innings will be replayed (as a new game). All games with four (4) complete innings or more, will be classified as a complete game. Division One will have a time limit throughout playoffs. Final series for Division One to be 1 1/2 hours. (Revised April 25, 2005) Ties will be broken as outlined above.
1. In all playoff series, the team with the higher league standing will have the choice of first game home/visitor decision. Each subsequent game in the order they are played will alternate home/visitor. The home team, for each game, must supply one (1) "new" ball. The visiting team must supply one (1) ball that is approved by the umpire. The home team must place bases for all playoff games in the series, as required.
Tie-breaking formula: if teams in league standings are tied in points
1) Most wins
2) Record against each other during season.
3) Best run differential (max. of +7 or -7 per game)
4) Flip of coin.
2. SPOA Tournament format including all rules specific to BMSPL.
3. Schedule - all teams must be prepared to play ANY night of the week, regardless of the nights that you usually played during the season. This MUST and WILL be enforced, so, advise your players before the playoffs.
4. All games, excluding finals - time limit will be in effect for all games, any "suspended" game will continue from where halted (score/outs/line-up, when possible) if more than four (4) innings have been completed, otherwise the game is to be replayed as a new game. Ties will be broken by placing the last out as a runner at second base for each inning after the seventh. Complete innings to be played until a winner is declared.
5. Finals - 7 innings, unlimited time. Any games with less than four (4) innings will be replayed (as a new game). All games with four (4) complete innings or more, will be classified as a complete game. Division One will have a time limit throughout playoffs. Final series for Division One to be 1 1/2 hours. (Revised April 25, 2005) Ties will be broken as outlined above.
M. Umpires
1. Umpires will keep score.
2. It is the umpires responsibility to speed up the game between innings.
3. Regular Season Uniform - as per umpire association. Don't start game without starting time being announced. Each team to pay $22 each for 2-umpire system. Each team to pay $15 each for 1-umpire system.
1. Umpires will keep score.
2. It is the umpires responsibility to speed up the game between innings.
3. Regular Season Uniform - as per umpire association. Don't start game without starting time being announced. Each team to pay $22 each for 2-umpire system. Each team to pay $15 each for 1-umpire system.
N. Tournament Dates
TBA at spring meetings
All sanctioning body and rules will be in effect.
TBA at spring meetings
All sanctioning body and rules will be in effect.
O. Special Rules
1. If a team forfeits because of insufficient players, that team shall pay BOTH umpires.
2. The umpire will keep score. Both line-up cards will be deposited together at the secured container at the Midhurst Complex. The umpires will perform this duty.
3. If a player, coach, or manager is removed (ejected) from a game, that player will receive an automatic additional one-game suspension. If the infraction (in the opinion of the umpire) warrants further discipline, the umpire should document the incident (form in current Handbook), and forward the report to the President or Umpire-In-Chief, so further action may be taken by the League.
1. If a team forfeits because of insufficient players, that team shall pay BOTH umpires.
2. The umpire will keep score. Both line-up cards will be deposited together at the secured container at the Midhurst Complex. The umpires will perform this duty.
3. If a player, coach, or manager is removed (ejected) from a game, that player will receive an automatic additional one-game suspension. If the infraction (in the opinion of the umpire) warrants further discipline, the umpire should document the incident (form in current Handbook), and forward the report to the President or Umpire-In-Chief, so further action may be taken by the League.
P. Blood Rule
1. The player may be replaced by a player who is not considered a substitute for the rest of the inning, plus one additional inning. After a full inning, a substitute must be inserted into the line-up. If no player is available, that position will be skipped in the batting order, without penalty. (Revised April 25, 2005)
1. The player may be replaced by a player who is not considered a substitute for the rest of the inning, plus one additional inning. After a full inning, a substitute must be inserted into the line-up. If no player is available, that position will be skipped in the batting order, without penalty. (Revised April 25, 2005)
Q. Home Run Rule
1. Unlimited
1. Unlimited
R. Profanity/Cursing
1. Ejection if flagrant. If first time, warning. Second occurence results in an out.
1. Ejection if flagrant. If first time, warning. Second occurence results in an out.
S. Serious Injury
1. Umpire will call "time" immediately, and place runners according to his judgement. Batter/runner must achieve first base or be called out. If batter/runner reaches first, he will be awarded first, and other runners are placed.
1. Umpire will call "time" immediately, and place runners according to his judgement. Batter/runner must achieve first base or be called out. If batter/runner reaches first, he will be awarded first, and other runners are placed.
T. Payment
1. February Meeting - $600 deposit and outstanding League fines. March Meeting - $600 payment (at this point, $600 deposit is non-refundable). April Meeting - remainder of League fees.
1. February Meeting - $600 deposit and outstanding League fines. March Meeting - $600 payment (at this point, $600 deposit is non-refundable). April Meeting - remainder of League fees.
U. Cancellation procedures
1. When schedule has been finalized, Executive will organize NO CHANGES in schedule.
2. If 48 hours notice is given to the umpires, fees for umpires will not be charged, but League fines still are to be applied.
3. If a game is to be rescheduled, it is the responsibility of the team doing the rescheduling to get written approval from all teams affected. Under no circumstance will a agame be played at an alternate diamond, or night than already scheduled.
1. When schedule has been finalized, Executive will organize NO CHANGES in schedule.
2. If 48 hours notice is given to the umpires, fees for umpires will not be charged, but League fines still are to be applied.
3. If a game is to be rescheduled, it is the responsibility of the team doing the rescheduling to get written approval from all teams affected. Under no circumstance will a agame be played at an alternate diamond, or night than already scheduled.
V. Player Registration
1. Players must be 18 years of age. Online player registration must be completed by last Saturday before regular season starts, and additions can be made up to June 1st. (under certain circumstances, with league approval, late roster additions may be accepted) Rosters shall be a maximum of 20 players!
2. No player that is ranked higher than men's "C" or Masters Intermediate, in any slopitch organization in Ontario, is eligible to play in League...without League approval. Teams in first division are allowed a maximum of 2 "A", "B", or Masters Comp players on their rosters. It is the responsibilty of Team Rep to insure all players signed meet these requirements. ( A men's "A", "B" or Masters Comp. player will be anyone who has been on a roster in the past 3 years, or the current year, of any recognized slopitch organization in Ontario)
1. Players must be 18 years of age. Online player registration must be completed by last Saturday before regular season starts, and additions can be made up to June 1st. (under certain circumstances, with league approval, late roster additions may be accepted) Rosters shall be a maximum of 20 players!
2. No player that is ranked higher than men's "C" or Masters Intermediate, in any slopitch organization in Ontario, is eligible to play in League...without League approval. Teams in first division are allowed a maximum of 2 "A", "B", or Masters Comp players on their rosters. It is the responsibilty of Team Rep to insure all players signed meet these requirements. ( A men's "A", "B" or Masters Comp. player will be anyone who has been on a roster in the past 3 years, or the current year, of any recognized slopitch organization in Ontario)
W. Registering Winning Scores
1. Winning teams to email scores within 24 hours from end of game.
2. In case of a tie, both teams to email score.
1. Winning teams to email scores within 24 hours from end of game.
2. In case of a tie, both teams to email score.
X. Fines
1. Cancelled games - $25.00
2. Forfeit games - $40.00 to umpires & $25.00 to League (after 3rd forfeit - $100.00)
3. Phoning in late scores - $10.00
4. NSF cheques - $100.00
5. Missed League meetings - $25.00
6. Drinking at the Complex - $100.00/team (and subject to expulsion by complex)
1. Cancelled games - $25.00
2. Forfeit games - $40.00 to umpires & $25.00 to League (after 3rd forfeit - $100.00)
3. Phoning in late scores - $10.00
4. NSF cheques - $100.00
5. Missed League meetings - $25.00
6. Drinking at the Complex - $100.00/team (and subject to expulsion by complex)
Y. Walkoff Home Run
In any "over the fence" home run, the batter will not run the bases, but will instead return to the dugout. Any runners on base will also return to the dugout, and umpire will let both scorekeepers know the total runs scored on said play.
In any "over the fence" home run, the batter will not run the bases, but will instead return to the dugout. Any runners on base will also return to the dugout, and umpire will let both scorekeepers know the total runs scored on said play.
Men's Rules: