UNITY LEAGUE CHURCH SOFTBALL 2014 LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS 1.0 MISSION STATEMENT 1.1 Unity League’s mission is to create an opportunity for local churches and their communities to come together in faith, fun and fellowship. Our goal is to create a link between our churches’ congregations and community members who are not part of those churches to develop a positive relationship between the two. 2.0 VISION STATEMENT 2.1 The vision of Unity League is to create a FAMILY atmosphere that encourages Christian fellowship. To accomplish this, the league utilizes the team sport of softball to create good sportsmanship and fellowship. 2.2 Unity League pledges to be actively involved in its communities through charity and community events. (Food drives, school supplies, collections, etc.) 3.0 LEAGUE GOVERNANCE 3.1 ADVISORY COMMITTEE An advisory committee consisting of one representative of every team in the league shall govern Unity League. The committee is responsible for electing a president, vice president and secretary-treasurer. 3.1.1 Duties of the representative. Each team’s designated representative gets to vote on all issues that come before the advisory committee. A majority vote rules. 3.1.2 Who can be the representative. Team representatives may be a team coach or player and may be rotated on a monthly or yearly basis. 3.2 PRESIDENT The Unity League advisory committee shall elect a president at the beginning of each calendar year who wields a tie-breaking vote on all of the issues that come before its committee. 3.2.1 Duties of the president The president presides over all league meetings and is responsible for organizing league events, the scheduling of games and submitting necessary league documents. 3.3 VICE PRESIDENT The Unity League advisory committee shall elect a vice president at the beginning of each calendar year who’s responsible for assuming the duties of the president if he or she is absent from a meeting or physically unable to perform his or her duties. 3.4 SECRETARY-TREASURER Unity League advisory committee shall elect a secretary-treasurer at the beginning of each calendar year who is responsible for keeping a ledger of the leagues finances, receiving bank account information and keeping the league up-to-date on its financial situation. 4.0 SCHEDULING AND CANCELLATIONS 4.1 The president establishes the league’s master schedule prior to the start of each season based on field availability and the number of teams. 4.2 The league’s scheduling consists of a 10-week season. 4.3 Each team plays a doubleheader each week against a scheduled opponent. 4.4 There will be a playoff tournament two weeks after the final game is played. The playoff seeding is determined by the number of teams and the final standings of those teams. 4.5 Known scheduling conflicts MUST be reported to the president in advance. 4.6 Scheduling conflicts that occur during the season must be discussed between the respective teams’ coaches and approved by the president. 4.6.1 Coaches making a game cancellation due to rain should make contact with the president and opposing coach no later than two (2) hours before game time. Failure to do so results in a forfeit. 4.6.2 Coaches making a game cancellation due to a church-related event should make contact with the president and opposing coach no later than (2) days before the game is scheduled. Failure to do so results in a forfeit. 4.7 The president should be contacted via phone or e-mail requesting a reschedule date of all postponements. The president will then contact both teams’ coaches with available dates and times. 5.0 ELIGIBILITY 5.1 PLAYER ELIGIBILITY All players (male or female) must reach the age of 15 prior to the start of the season. 5.2 TEAM ELIGIBILITY A roster consisting of 12 players is recommended. 5.2.1 Team rosters must consist of a core group or majority of players belonging to their church. 5.2.2 Rosters must be submitted by each team’s coach and submitted to the advisory committee prior to the first game of the season. Failure to do so will result in a forfeiture of all games until it is turned in. 5.2.3 Teams must pay any league fees in full prior to the first game to eligible to participate. Any team who has not paid these fees will forfeit games until they are paid. 5.3 PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY Players must participate in at least half (½) of the regular season games, if physically able, to be eligible for playoff participation. Special circumstances may be brought before the advisory committee for consideration in the form of an appeal. The advisory committee reserves the right to approve or deny such appeals. 5.3.1 Players missing more than half (½) of the regular season games may only play in the playoffs if the opposing coach and advisory committee approve. 5.4 PLAYOFF WAIVERS OF ELIGIBILITY Rules 5.3 and 5.3.1 may be waived if the players have not participated due to: injuries or physical conditions, enrollment in college, or church-related outings such as church camps or mission trips. The advisory committee reserves the right to make these determinations. 5.5 TEAM PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY All Unity League teams are eligible for the playoffs. 6.0 EQUIPMENT 6.1 CLOTHING Teams must wear matching or closely colored shirts; no sandals or flip-flops. 6.1.1 Any logos or names to be screen printed or worn as part of a team’s uniform, other than those affiliated with Unity League or your church, should be submitted to the advisory committee for approval prior to being worn or displayed on a uniform during Unity League games. 6.1.2 Clothing should NOT contain vulgar or obscene language. Shirts advertising alcohol or tobacco products are not permitted. Such shirts should be removed or turned inside out. 6.2 SPIKES No metal spikes ... period! Anyone using metal spikes will be EJECTED from the game for their first offense. A second offense will result in expulsion from the league. Players may appeal a second offense expulsion under rule 12.3. 6.3 BATS For insurance purposes, players may only use ASA-approved bats. Using a non-ASA approved bat results in forfeiture of the game for your team. 6.3.1 No wooden, titanium or fast pitch bats. Use of these bats results in forfeiture of the game. 6.4 BALLS The league will provide each team with game balls. 6.4.1 The home team shall provide two (2) league-approved balls for each doubleheader. 6.4.2 League approved balls shall be a 12", .52 core, 300 compressions model. These balls are available at Philipsburg True Value and Jim’s Sports Center. 6.5 BATTER’S BOXES Batter’s boxes shall be drawn according to ASA regulations. 6.6 FIELDS Home teams are responsible for field set-up and maintenance prior to all scheduled games. This includes putting in bases, drawing out of play lines and foul lines and mowing the grass. 6.7 LOANING EQUIPMENT - MUTUAL AID Any church that doesn’t have its own equipment may ask the opposing team for permission to use its equipment. This is at the discretion of the opposing team. Please try to accommodate one another as best as you can. 7.0 UMPIRES 7.1 Effective 3-29-11, a home plate, first base, and third base umpire shall be provided by the team that is batting unless a designated umpiring crew is otherwise available. If a team forgets to provide an umpire at one of these positions, the onus falls on the nearest position player to make a call in that umpire’s absence. The league president will schedule umpires for all playoff games. 8.0 PERSONAL CONDUCT 8.1 SPORTSMANSHIP All players shall conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner before, during and after every game. Shaking hands before and after games, remaining reverent during prayers and simply telling someone they did a good job is expected and encouraged. Keep it fun folks! 8.2 UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT Unsportsmanlike conduct will result in a one (1) game suspension on first offense. Additional instances may result in expulsion from the league pending a decision from its advisory committee. No excuses! Players may appeal this suspension under Section 12.3 8.2.1 Player expulsions for unsportsmanlike conduct are considered a “permanent probation” for all players of that players’ team. Anyone committing repeat violations of personal conduct subjects themselves and possibly their team to expulsion from the league. Unity League is a family environment. Please act accordingly, thank you! 8.3 TOBACCO USE Tobacco use is not permitted at any Unity League field or parking lot at games or practices. No exceptions. 8.3.1 First violation - benched for the game that the offense occurs in. 8.3.2 Second violation - two (2) week suspension from league activities. Players can appeal a suspension under Section 12.3 8.3.3 Third violation - expulsion from the league. Players can appeal an expulsion under Section 12.3 8.4 ALCOHOL Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at any time prior to or during games or practices for the safety of our players. No exceptions. 8.4.1 First violation - immediate expulsion from the league. 8.5 LANGUAGE Players should refrain from using disparaging or insulting remarks, obscene gestures and profanity. 8.5.1 First violation - benched for the game the offense occurs in. 8.5.2 Second violation - two (2) week suspension from league activities. Players can appeal a suspension under Section 12.3 8.5.3 Third violation - season-long suspension from league activities. 8.5.3a Upon a third violation, the advisory committee will rule on whether this player may be readmitted into the league under Section 12.3. 8.6 THREATS Players shall not make threatening remarks about opposing players or umpires. 8.6.1 First violation - benched for the game and suspended five (5) additional games. Players can appeal this suspension under Section 12.3. 8.6.1a The advisory committee shall rule upon whether the player in violation of 8.5 may be readmitted into the league following their 5-game suspension under Section 12.3. 8.6.2 Second violation - immediate expulsion from the league. Players can appeal an expulsion under Section 12.3. 8.7 FIGHTING Players and fans shall not physically assault anyone. This will result in the player or fan’s immediate expulsion from all league activities. Players can appeal an expulsion under Section 12.3. 8.8 ARGUING THE CALL OF AN UMPIRE Arguing the call of an umpire is not permitted. Asking for clarification of a rule is fine. For anything more a timeout should be called and the coaches may review a play with the umpire. Remember judgment calls are just that ... judgment calls. 9.0 PREGAME/POSTGAME 9.1 LINEUPS Managers will exchange lineups prior to the competitive game. 9.1.1 Last names of players and the position they are playing are necessary and should be included. First initials should also be included, if possible. 9.1.2 Effective 2-25-11, coaches shall submit the past month’s lineups at each league meeting. 9.2 PRAYER There will be a pregame and postgame prayer. Anyone that wants to is permitted to offer prayer. The home team is responsible if no one volunteers. 9.3 DEVOTIONS There will be a sports-related devotional between games. Please be reverent during this time. The home team is responsible for this unless someone volunteers. Fans are permitted and encouraged to participate if they want to. 9.4 REPORTING RESULTS Coaches from the home team shall report the results of their competitive game to the president following the game. This aids with playoff positioning, so be accurate. 9.4.1 It is recommended both coaches review the results before contacting the president. 9.4.2 Results may be submitted via e-mail, phone call or text message. 10.0 GAME PLAY 10.1 GAMES Doubleheaders consisting of two 7-inning games shall be played by all Unity League teams each Saturday at 5 p.m. 10.2 RAIN-SHORTENED GAMES Five (5) innings constitutes an official game in a rain-shortened game. 10.3 MERCY RULE The mercy rule shall be twenty (20) runs after three (3) innings, fifteen (15) runs after four (4) innings and ten (10) runs after five (5) innings. 10.3.1 The losing team may elect to play the game in its entirety if it wishes; however, the game and score stand as official when the mercy rule is invoked. The score should not be kept during any additional innings that are played once the mercy rule is declared. 10.4 FORFEITS Teams that cannot play due to a short roster will forfeit the game unless both coaches can agree on amenities. 10.4.1 In the event of a forfeit, the winning team credits all players with a game played. The losing team does not credit anyone, unless amenities have been made. If so, then all those present get a game credit. 10.4.2 Teams forfeiting three (3) consecutive games will surrender its remaining schedule. All attempts should be made to, at least, reschedule to another week. 10.5 SHORT-HANDED LINEUPS Teams starting the game with fewer than eight (8) players must have at least eight (8) players by the fifth inning at the opposing coach’s discretion. 10.5.1 If both teams start with less than eight (8) players and neither receives eight (8) players by the end of the fifth inning, the game will stand as official. 10.5.2 Teams taking the field with eight (8) players must omit their catcher. All other positions besides that of catcher will be filled. 10.6 PLAYING TIME Playing time is for everyone. Players who wish to participate in the competitive game shall get at least, but not limited to, one (1) at-bat and one (1) inning in the field. This makes it fair and enjoyable for all those involved. Coaches must give ample playing time to EVERYONE. 10.7 ROVERS Rovers (a 10th position player) must be used if 10 or more players are present. 10.8 PITCH COUNT 2-1 count. Players come to the plate with a pitch count of two (2) balls, one (1) strike. A player must receive two (2) additional balls before drawing a walk. Two (2) additional strikes result in an out. A fouled third strike results in an out. 10.9 BUNTING Bunting is prohibited. Bunting results in an automatic out. 10.10 LEADING OFF Leading off of first, second, or third base is prohibited. Leading off results in an automatic out. 10.11 STEALING Stealing is prohibited. Stealing results in an automatic out. 10.12 INJURIES If a player leaves the game due to an injury and there are only eight (8) players remaining the games continues to stand as official. 10.12.1 Anyone that has been substituted for can re-enter for an injured player, unless there are others that have not yet been entered into the line-up. 10.12.2 When a team loses a player to injury and there are no available players on the bench, that spot in the lineup is NOT charged an out when the batting order comes around to it. The next in order comes to bat. 10.13 COURTESY RUNNERS Courtesy runners may be used for those not physically able to run due to injuries or physical conditions. The player must reach first base before the courtesy runner may enter. 10.13.1 The courtesy runner shall be the last person to make an out in the last inning OR a player who is designated as the courtesy runner prior to the start of the game. 10.14 DESIGNATED HITTERS Designated hitters may be used for the pitcher. 10.15 EXTRA HITTERS Unlimited extra hitters may be used if both teams have enough players (more than nine) to allow for it. If one team has more players, the opposing team must approve of the extra hitter option. 10.16 OVERTHROWN BALLS Overthrown balls leaving the field of play will award the runner one base in addition to the one they were moving towards. (i.e. if the runner is heading to first base and the ball goes out of play, the runner is awarded second base). 10.17 BALLS HIT OUT OF PLAY Balls hit by the batter that go out of play give the runner the same scenario as an overthrow. (i.e. A ball goes under or through a fence or bounces out of the field and into the woods) 10.18 SLIDING A player must either slide or give themselves up in close plays at the bases and home plate. 10.19 BLOCKING HOME PLATE The catcher is only permitted to block the plate if they have received the ball. A catcher may NOT block the plate as a throw is coming into home plate. If the catcher blocks the plate prior to receiving the ball, the runner shall be called safe regardless of the outcome of the play. 10.20 HOME RUNS Home runs are balls that travel over the outfield fence in fair territory through the air OR balls that travel through the air, hit a position player or top of the fence and continue over the fence in the air. 10.21 PITCH HEIGHT Pitches shall be thrown at a maximum height of 16' (sixteen feet) and minimum of 6' (six feet). This is a judgment call. 11.0 LEAGUE MEETINGS 11.1 League meetings are held the last Sunday of every month at 1:30 p.m. and are mandatory for all teams. A representative from every team should be present. It is encouraged any/all players attend meetings. 11.1.1 A team may miss only two (3) consecutive meetings. Upon the fourth consecutive meeting missed the team will be expelled from the league. 12.0 COMPLAINTS, PROTESTS AND APPEALS 12.1 COMPLAINTS Complaint forms will be made available to all members of the advisory committee. Rule violation complaints against specific teams or players should be lodged with the advisory committee using one of these forms. The committee will review the forms at its monthly meeting. 12.2 PROTESTS All protests should be submitted via e-mail to the league president and should give a brief explanation of the reason for the protest. The advisory committee shall review all protests as soon as possible to ensure fair and prompt rulings. 12.3 PLAYER APPEALS OF SUSPENSIONS Players may submit a request for an appeal of a suspension for game misconduct to the league president via text or e-mail. The suspended player then has the opportunity to attend the next monthly league meeting to offer an explanation. The advisory committee will vote on appeals and all decisions are final. 13.0 OTHER RULES 13.1 ASA rules apply to all game situations not specifically outlined in this document including player substitutions. 14.0 AMENDMENTS 14.1 All parts of this document are designed to serve as a guideline for Unity League’s seventh season. They may be changed or amended to fit the needs of the league if a proper advisory board vote is taken.