SOFTBALL

Coordinator- Tammy Strausbaugh

Tournament Divisions- Gold, Red, Green, Blue

Location - behind Closson Gymnasium

Coaches Meeting: an adult representative must represent each team on Sunday morning meeting time is TBA.

RULES:

USSSA rules will govern play with the following exceptions:

1.   SPEC softball is coed. Teams will field 5 men and 5 women who bat in alternating order. There is no limit to a team roster or to the batting order. The coach is responsible for substitutions and maintaining an alternating batting order. A team may play with fewer players if necessary. In shortage situations a woman can substitute for a man but a man cannot substitute for a woman

2.   Each batter is allowed only 3 pitches. IF the batter fails to hit successfully with 3 pitches, the batter is called out. Each team will provide a pitcher who will pitch to their own team. The pitcher is not considered a fielder. If the pitcher interferes with a hit or thrown ball, the ball is dead, and the play is repeated.

3.   SPEC is slow pitch softball. The arc on the pitch must be at least 6 feet but not more than 12 feet high. This will be the umpire’s judgment.

4.   A team representative needs to check in at the Softball tent prior to game time. This representative should report if any of their players could be late due to a schedule conflict or another game running late. Don’t automatically assume you will be playing on the field showing on the schedule. Softball staff will move games around as needed.

5.   Games will start at the published time. Games will end 5 minutes before the published time with the last completed inning. An air horn blast will signal the start and finish of each game. Teams should warm-up on your own time prior to game time.

6.   There will be no base stealing or lead offs.

7.   The base runner must slide if the play is close at 2^nd base, 3rd or home plate^. Base runners shall not attempt to “take out the catcher. Such action will result in an automatic out.

8.   There will be a 12 run rule at the end of 3 innings and 10 runs at the end of 5 innings. Otherwise we will play as many innings as time will allow up to 7.

9.   A maximum of 3 over the fence “ home runs” will be permitted per team in a given game. Subsequent balls hit “over the fence” will be called an out.

10.   You must play in appropriate shoes & clothing - no flip flops or sandals. The will be no steel cleats permitted. No clothes that will ride up when sliding.

11.   Jewelry, plastic and metal hair accessories, and “dew” rags are not allowed.

12.   Balls will be provided, Bats and a few gloves can be checked out at the softball tent. All items must be checked out prior to game time.

13.   Each team is required to leave one player or coach to help with the following game. If you play the last game of the evening, you will provide help for the 1st game of the next day. Failure to compile with this rule will cause your team to begin its next game five points down.

14.   Unsportsmanship-like Conduct: Sportsman-like conduct is the expected norm of SPECTACULAR. Behavior any less than this will not be tolerated from players, coaches, or spectators. At the discretion of the official, offenders may receive an informal or formal warning. If this behavior continues, a penalty kick may be awarded by the official and the player or coach ejected from the match..

15.   Rule interpretation: should be directed to: (a) officials in charge at your field; (b) coordinator(s)

16.   Please play particular attention to the time schedule. You must make every effort to get your team to the field on time. We will operate with a 10-minute forfeit rule unless you have notified the field coordinators of extenuating circumstances.

17.   Tiebreaker: No matches will end in a tie. Ties at the end of regulation play will be declared this way: A new inning will start with the batting team having 2 outs and the last person out on 2nd base. This will continue until one team is ahead.

18.   Weather Conditions: Games will be played rain or shine. Lightning and heavy rain will prevent games from playing. The Coordinator & trainers will make judgment calls.

Trainer Function and Rules:

A trainer will be provided during competition. The trainer will do taping and any emergency first-aid needed. The trainer will be located at the Head softball tent and at the extreme east end of the Closson complex.

1.   Any person injured on the softball field even minor injuries must check in with the trainer at the softball tent (this especially goes for anyone hit in the head with a softball).

2.   No player will be permitted to continue playing in a game with an open wound until that wound has been tended to. The game will continue on, so the sooner you get to the trainer the sooner you will get back into the game.

3.   Every player will be required to have a bottled beverage of water or sports drink at the start of each game. A player w/o a bottled beverage will not be permitted to play until they have a bottle with water or sports drink. SPEC supplies water bottles so keeping them with you would be advisable and writing your name on the bottle. Any water bottles left behind and the end of the day will be kept at the lost and found at the softball tent.

4.   If a trainer or an official notices a person not consuming water. The player can be temporarily pulled from the game until the trainer feels they have consumed enough water or sports drink.