GENERAL ASA RULES APPLY *
This is a slow pitch, 6'-14', men's wood bat only league. There is NO EXCEPTION starting in 2016. Wood bats must be used by all players.
ASA REGISTRATION AND LEAGUE ROSTERS
Every team must be registered with USA softball prior to the beginning of each season. A team cannot participate in the league unless they are registered with USA softball. For more information on how to become registered please feel free to contact us. Team rosters for the league are submitted before the season begins. Teams may have between 10-20 players. Players may be added to the roster during the regular season at any time prior to the start of a game as long as your roster does not exceed 20 players and as long as the added player signs the Waiver, Release of Liability and Indemnification Agreement Roster before the game begins. Players cannot be part of more than 1 roster at any given time.
* Players may switch teams during the season but the following rules apply:
1. Only one switch per season per player
2. Players cannot switch teams after June 1st
3. Players must re-establish playoff eligibility with their new team. Any AB's or games played with old team are null and void in regard to individual player stats or individual playoff eligibility.
4. If dropped player goes on to play in any USA softball tournaments outside of the DWBL he will require a signed release consent form from his original captain.
HOME/AWAY
Decided by coin flip prior to start of game. In-division matches will switch home/away side on 2nd matchup - no coin flip will be needed.
LINEUPS-(read carefully)
SHORT-HANDED TEAMS:
Teams may not take the field with less than 8 players. A team starting a game with 8 players must take a batting out for the missing 9th batter's spot in the line-up even if they know a 9th batter is not coming and they will continue to take an out as many times as the 9th batter's spot is passed in the lineup until that batter has arrived. (see "LATE ARRIVING PLAYERS" below for more information on teams expecting late arriving players) When the team with 8 players takes the field, the opposing team must supply a catcher to return the pitched ball to the pitcher. (CLARIFICATION- a team fileding 9 players must supply their OWN catcher). A 15-minute grace period will be observed if both teams have fewer than 8 players present. If one team has 8 or more and the other has fewer than 8, the short-handed team will become visitor, absent players will be dropped to the bottom of the line-up, and play will begin on time. Teams (one or both) that cannot field 8 players or more after the grace period has expired OR after the game has begun will take a 7-0 forfeit loss. For playoff eligibility purposes - the entire roster of players from the non-forfeiting team only will be credited with (3) AB's each and/or 1 game played to count towards their playoff eligibility requirements at the end of the regular season. Rained out games that are not made up by the end of the season (in the rare event) will also count as (3) AB's each for BOTH teams' entrire rosters towards their playoff eligibility requirements.
LATE ARRIVING PLAYERS:
Before the start of the game, a manager must place an absent player at the bottom of the line-up. If the player’s batting slot comes up and he/she has not arrived, the manager can: 1) take a batting out and leave the player in the line-up in anticipation of that player arriving, or 2) remove the player from the batting order and take no batting out as long as the team has at least 9 or more players. Late-arriving roster players not originally on the lineup card may be added to the bottom of the batting order providing the batting line-up has not turned over once yet or at any point during the game if the team already has at least 10 players in the lineup.
EXAMPLES FOR CLARITY:
You start the game with 9 guys but you think you will have a 10th guy (or more) arriving. You place the absent player(s) at the bottom of the lineup. When he/they is/are due up he/they have still not arrived. At this point you can decide to leave them on the lineup card and take outs in their spots or remove him/them from the game without penalty. If you remove these players from the lineup card the lineup will turnover, NO out(s) will be recorded, but when/if that/those player(s) arrives he/they CANNOT enter the game and you will finish the game playing with 9 players only.
You start the game with 8 guys. You place the absent players at the bottom of the lineup. If no player has arrived and you cannot bat a 9th guy, you will AUTOMATICALLY take an out for the 9th batter spot and the lineup will turn over. If absent players arrive after the lineup has turned over, NO MORE THAN ONE of those absent players CAN enter the game in the 9th spot. Moving forward, no outs will be recorded as the player will be batting in the provided 9 spot, HOWEVER NO MORE LATE ARRIVING PLAYERS can be added after this point. (I.E.- A game starts with 8 roster players and that team anticipates they may have 10 or more guys showing up but the 8-man lineup turns over before any absent player arrives, 1 out will be automatically recorded and ONLY 1 arriving roster player will be allowed to enter the game later.)
COURTESY RUNNERS may be used providing an actual injury to a player has occurred during or prior to a game. Any batter using a courtesy runner cannot legally advance beyond 1B on any batted ball other than an over-the fence home run, ground-rule double, or out of play situation where extra bases are awarded by the umpire. If the batter/runner rounds 1B or attempts to move on to another base, that batter/runner shall be liable to be put out. Any successful advance beyond 1B will be nullified and the batter/runner will be returned to 1B. Managers must specify on their line-up card before the start of the game which player(s) will need courtesy runners. If a courtesy runner is used, then one must be used for that player for the remainder of the game. Players 55 years of age or beyond need not be courtesy runners if that is their choice; however, this must also be declared on the line-up card before the start of the game. The courtesy runner will be the last player to make an out, regardless of their status, whether as a result of an at-bat or on the base paths. Teams shall be limited to 2 courtesy runners (2 players for the entire game). If an injury to a player occurs during a game and a courtesy runner is needed over the limit of 2, a manager may petition the umpire for exception to the limit. Any player using a courtesy runner may not play a position in the field other than 1st, 3rd, pitcher, or catcher.
PLAYER INJURY: If a team has chosen to start all roster players leaving no subs on the bench and one of the players gets hurt to the point where he/she obviously can’t continue, that player shall be passed over in the batting line-up without penalty as long as the team has at least 9 remaining players or more on the lineup card. If said player re-enters the game, he/she will be declared an illegal player. The re-entering player and the manager will be ejected. Re-entry consists of facing a pitch or being on the field when a pitch is thrown.
THROWING EQUIPMENT (BATS)
If any player at any time throws, abuses, or destroys ANY equipment other than a bat the umpire will have sole discretion to determine if that player has acted in a manner that puts his Safety or the Safety of those around him at risk. If the umpire determines that the player has indeed acted in an unsafe and disregarding manner the umpire has the right to immediately eject that player from the game. An ejection resulting from such manner DOES NOT carry with it a following game suspension.
If any player THROWS his bat the player is automatically ejected from the game. NO QUESTIONS ASKED. An ejection resulting from such an incident DOES NOT carry with it a following game suspension. If a player abuses or attempts to destroy his bat by other than throwing it the umpire will have sole discretion regarding penalties that the action will carry albeit a warning or an ejection.
IF any player shows a consistency of equipment abuse and a disregard to player safety the umpire and league officers will decide if further action needs to be taken against said player.
RE-ENTRY
Players in the batting lineup can change defensive positions in the field at any time during the game and without limits. Players may also choose to "sit out" defensively during an inning as long as 10 other defensive players are available to play the field. Players who "sit out" may re-enter and play the field defensively at any time. However, the player(s) who sit out will never be skipped in the batting lineup. A player that is skipped from the batting line-up (regardless of their defensive position in the field at the time - including one who is sitting out) will be removed from the batting line-up and cannot re-enter under any circumstance.
DESIGNATED HITTER
THe DH is NOT allowed. A player who plays the field must also bat. If more then 10 players are available the extra players may bat even if they are not playing the field and will be designated as EXTRA HITTERS.
PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY
A player is eligible for a team's playoff roster as long as he has accomplished at least one of the following items for that particular team:
1. Had at least (1) plate appearance in 6 or more regular season games
2. Had a total of (20) or more plate appearances during the regular season
12-RUN RULE
If any team takes a 12 run lead after 5 completed innings of play (or home team takes 12 run lead in home half of the 5th inning), the game will end immediately. (Mercy Rule)
RAINED OUT GAMES
After a game has been called due to weather it will be considered complete if:
4 1/2 innings were completed and the home team has the lead OR 5 innings were completed
RAIN MAKE-UP GAMES
Games that are rained out will be made up in their entirety regardless of the point in which the game was rained out.
All batters will begin with a 1-1 count. No new innings will start after 1 hour of play however at least 5 innings must be completed (4 1/2 innings if the home team has the lead).
Exceptions:
- If the home team has a lead of 12 runs or more after 1 hour of play the game will be called before the start of the bottom half of the inning regardless of the inning
- If either team has a 12 run lead and 1 hour has expired a new inning will NOT begin and the game will end regardless of the inning
RAIN GAME SPECIAL RULE
If at any point during a game, the umpire feels that the fielding team is willfully and intentionally misplaying balls or delaying game progress in order to lengthen an inning of a current unofficial game in which they are losing, in hopes of getting a game cancelled and rescheduled from the beginning due to weather conditions, the umpire will automatically end the game and declare the batting team victors.
RAIN DELAYS
Games are scheduled for 6:30, 7:45, and 9 PM start times on Tue, Thursday, and Friday (no 9 pm). If the 1st game has not started due to rain or lightning we will limit the wait time for game start to 75 minutes. IE – if the 1st game does not start by 7:45 then ALL games are cancelled for the night (IE-if we’ve waited an hour and it still doesn’t look good then chances are it wouldn’t be good for the later games either).
If the 1st game starts 45 -75 minutes late (7:15-7:45) then that game, along with the rest of that night’s games will be played using the rain make-up rules. 1 hour limit / 1-1 count.
ASA rules of a mandatory 30 minute delay after any lightning strike will be upheld in this league.
Any rain delay scenarios not mentioned above will be at the umpire's discretion.
EJECTIONS
EJECTIONS (NON PHYSICAL): An umpire (DAVE) may eject a player with or without a warning before, during, or after a game for conduct(non physical) or language deemed unbecoming of the league (instigating, foul, inappropriate, intimidating or any other language or conduct deemed unnecessary by the umpire that’s either direct or indirect to an opposing team, spectator, or player). If you were lucky enough to receive a warning the 1st time, a second warning will result in automatic ejection. Ejected players must leave the grounds immediately. Any individual ejected from a game shall receive an automatic and irreversible suspension for the following game as well. Suspensions during playoffs will carry the same penalty as described here-in. The umpire has the right to add game suspensions (not to exceed 5 games but that can carry into playoffs) if an ejected player refuses to cooperate. An ejected player may be substituted for with only an available roster player. An ejected player CANNOT be substituted for in the batting lineup and an out will be taken in lieu of any upcoming at bats for that player’s position in the batting lineup. If a non-roster player or coach is ejected from a game, any resulting suspension is to be served by the team manager the following game. An individual receiving a second ejection in the same season will be suspended from all league play for the remainder of the current season and playoffs. Any and all league fees will be forfeited.
If you feel you or your team is being personally attacked with conduct or language unbecoming of the league and the umpire has not responded do not take matters into your own hands. Make the umpire aware so that he can handle it appropriately if it happens again and so that he knows what to look for.
FAIR WARNING TO ALL TEAMS: Because of the historic number of altercations this year(2010), Dave (or filling umpire) is, as of now, encouraged to warn or eject players immediately for any reasons as described above in order to reduce the possibility of physical altercations.
EJECTIONS (PHYSICAL): At any point before, during, or after a game a team or team individual (for any reason) is deemed responsible (at umpire’s discretion) of committing a physical altercation (even if verbally instigated), the game will automatically end, the team responsible will be ejected and the game forfeited. (The player who was responsible for the verbal instigation that may have started the “rumble” will be dealt with under the “Ejections-non physical” rules). If the team at fault for committing the physical altercation has the lead or has already won they will receive an automatic 7-0 forfeit loss. (If they have already lost or are losing that will be the actual final score) If both teams are at fault they will each receive a 7-0 forfeit loss. The entire team will be ejected and given a verbal warning for physical altercation regardless if the actions were by only one ore more individual(s) on that team. There will not be future further suspension, however, ****if at any time during the season a second physical altercation ejection occurs to any individual on the same team, it will result in automatic team suspension from the league for the remainder of regular season play, playoffs, and at least 1 year thereafter. Any and all league fees will be forfeited.
**** If the league reps on their own or along with any other officials (The Maennerchor, Police Reports, Board Members) can clearly identify specific individuals that in their opinion, if removed, would enable teams to play on without incident then the League may choose to NOT suspend an entire team but rather just the individuals responsible for the physical altercation (s)
PHYSICAL ALTERCATION DEFINITION: Ultimately, the umpire will have full discretion in defining physical altercation and naming the team or teams responsible. The following guidelines will be used by the umpire when defining “physical altercation”:
An entire team is responsible for a physical alteration ejection when one or more players on their team:
1. Throws a punch, pushes, or is physically aggressive and intimidating to any player or spectator on ball field grounds before, during, or after any game
2. Makes contact with a player or spectator from any team as the aggressor (breaking up a fight or self defense contact is not included)
3. Enters the stands, another teams bench area, or another team’s playing field forcefully with intent of physical harm whether by contact or non-contact intimidation or threats
4. Any other reason deemed a physical altercation as per the umpire’s discretion.
SPECIAL RULES
If any player is responsible for a physical altercation with an umpire that player is automatically suspended for the season and will receive an indefinite ban from all league play. The team will receive a physical altercation warning.
If any player throws a punch he is automatically suspended for the season and will receive an indefinite ban from all future league play. The team will receive a physical altercation warning.
SUMMARY- WHAT YOU NEED TO REMEMBER
If you are individually ejected for non-physical reasons (as described above) you will also be suspended for your team’s following game. If you are individually ejected twice for non-physical reasons (as described above) you are suspended for the remainder of that entire season and playoffs. You WILL be eligible to return the following year. This rule is now in place to reduce the possibility of instigating physical altercations.
If a team member, or any number of team members, from any team is found responsible of a physical altercation, the entire team or teams will be ejected from that game alone. A second physical altercation is an automatic suspension of all league play for the entire team that season and the following 2 seasons.
WHY THE RULES?
Everyone needs to learn to keep their mouths shut no matter how much a team may annoy you or might rub you the wrong way. Keep your comments to yourself. Not everyone reacts to smart ass comments the same way. Remember, a simple smart ass comment directed at another team is reason enough for the umpire to give you a warning or even an automatic ejection without a 1st warning.
On that note, any team that takes matters into their own hands, and reacts physically to an instigating or smart ass comment, may end up having committed a physical altercation as defined above. Remember, if this happens twice your team is eliminated form all league play for the entire year and the next 2 years.
SPIKES
No metal spikes allowed. Any player caught wearing metal spikes either while batting or while playing the field during a game will be automatically ejected for that game and the following game.
PROTESTS
If you want to file a formal protest it has to be at the time in the game that the rule is in question so that lineups, game score, players on base, and outs can be recorded.
The umpire has to record all of this information and then make both teams aware that the game is now being finished under protest and the game will continue on. After the game is over, REGARDLESS of the outcome, the protested rule in question will be brought to the League’s attention.
If the game is deemed a legitimate protest (collaboration of League President and Umpire) it will be replayed at the point it was protested with the same lineups and game scenario at the time it was protested even if the protesting team would have won. So protesting CAN be a double edged sword.
* Any rules not described above will be followed in accordance with the general ASA Participant Manual. League President and Head Umpire have collaborative final say on any rule in question.
This is a slow pitch, 6'-14', men's wood bat only league. There is NO EXCEPTION starting in 2016. Wood bats must be used by all players.
ASA REGISTRATION AND LEAGUE ROSTERS
Every team must be registered with USA softball prior to the beginning of each season. A team cannot participate in the league unless they are registered with USA softball. For more information on how to become registered please feel free to contact us. Team rosters for the league are submitted before the season begins. Teams may have between 10-20 players. Players may be added to the roster during the regular season at any time prior to the start of a game as long as your roster does not exceed 20 players and as long as the added player signs the Waiver, Release of Liability and Indemnification Agreement Roster before the game begins. Players cannot be part of more than 1 roster at any given time.
* Players may switch teams during the season but the following rules apply:
1. Only one switch per season per player
2. Players cannot switch teams after June 1st
3. Players must re-establish playoff eligibility with their new team. Any AB's or games played with old team are null and void in regard to individual player stats or individual playoff eligibility.
4. If dropped player goes on to play in any USA softball tournaments outside of the DWBL he will require a signed release consent form from his original captain.
HOME/AWAY
Decided by coin flip prior to start of game. In-division matches will switch home/away side on 2nd matchup - no coin flip will be needed.
LINEUPS-(read carefully)
SHORT-HANDED TEAMS:
Teams may not take the field with less than 8 players. A team starting a game with 8 players must take a batting out for the missing 9th batter's spot in the line-up even if they know a 9th batter is not coming and they will continue to take an out as many times as the 9th batter's spot is passed in the lineup until that batter has arrived. (see "LATE ARRIVING PLAYERS" below for more information on teams expecting late arriving players) When the team with 8 players takes the field, the opposing team must supply a catcher to return the pitched ball to the pitcher. (CLARIFICATION- a team fileding 9 players must supply their OWN catcher). A 15-minute grace period will be observed if both teams have fewer than 8 players present. If one team has 8 or more and the other has fewer than 8, the short-handed team will become visitor, absent players will be dropped to the bottom of the line-up, and play will begin on time. Teams (one or both) that cannot field 8 players or more after the grace period has expired OR after the game has begun will take a 7-0 forfeit loss. For playoff eligibility purposes - the entire roster of players from the non-forfeiting team only will be credited with (3) AB's each and/or 1 game played to count towards their playoff eligibility requirements at the end of the regular season. Rained out games that are not made up by the end of the season (in the rare event) will also count as (3) AB's each for BOTH teams' entrire rosters towards their playoff eligibility requirements.
LATE ARRIVING PLAYERS:
Before the start of the game, a manager must place an absent player at the bottom of the line-up. If the player’s batting slot comes up and he/she has not arrived, the manager can: 1) take a batting out and leave the player in the line-up in anticipation of that player arriving, or 2) remove the player from the batting order and take no batting out as long as the team has at least 9 or more players. Late-arriving roster players not originally on the lineup card may be added to the bottom of the batting order providing the batting line-up has not turned over once yet or at any point during the game if the team already has at least 10 players in the lineup.
EXAMPLES FOR CLARITY:
You start the game with 9 guys but you think you will have a 10th guy (or more) arriving. You place the absent player(s) at the bottom of the lineup. When he/they is/are due up he/they have still not arrived. At this point you can decide to leave them on the lineup card and take outs in their spots or remove him/them from the game without penalty. If you remove these players from the lineup card the lineup will turnover, NO out(s) will be recorded, but when/if that/those player(s) arrives he/they CANNOT enter the game and you will finish the game playing with 9 players only.
You start the game with 8 guys. You place the absent players at the bottom of the lineup. If no player has arrived and you cannot bat a 9th guy, you will AUTOMATICALLY take an out for the 9th batter spot and the lineup will turn over. If absent players arrive after the lineup has turned over, NO MORE THAN ONE of those absent players CAN enter the game in the 9th spot. Moving forward, no outs will be recorded as the player will be batting in the provided 9 spot, HOWEVER NO MORE LATE ARRIVING PLAYERS can be added after this point. (I.E.- A game starts with 8 roster players and that team anticipates they may have 10 or more guys showing up but the 8-man lineup turns over before any absent player arrives, 1 out will be automatically recorded and ONLY 1 arriving roster player will be allowed to enter the game later.)
COURTESY RUNNERS may be used providing an actual injury to a player has occurred during or prior to a game. Any batter using a courtesy runner cannot legally advance beyond 1B on any batted ball other than an over-the fence home run, ground-rule double, or out of play situation where extra bases are awarded by the umpire. If the batter/runner rounds 1B or attempts to move on to another base, that batter/runner shall be liable to be put out. Any successful advance beyond 1B will be nullified and the batter/runner will be returned to 1B. Managers must specify on their line-up card before the start of the game which player(s) will need courtesy runners. If a courtesy runner is used, then one must be used for that player for the remainder of the game. Players 55 years of age or beyond need not be courtesy runners if that is their choice; however, this must also be declared on the line-up card before the start of the game. The courtesy runner will be the last player to make an out, regardless of their status, whether as a result of an at-bat or on the base paths. Teams shall be limited to 2 courtesy runners (2 players for the entire game). If an injury to a player occurs during a game and a courtesy runner is needed over the limit of 2, a manager may petition the umpire for exception to the limit. Any player using a courtesy runner may not play a position in the field other than 1st, 3rd, pitcher, or catcher.
PLAYER INJURY: If a team has chosen to start all roster players leaving no subs on the bench and one of the players gets hurt to the point where he/she obviously can’t continue, that player shall be passed over in the batting line-up without penalty as long as the team has at least 9 remaining players or more on the lineup card. If said player re-enters the game, he/she will be declared an illegal player. The re-entering player and the manager will be ejected. Re-entry consists of facing a pitch or being on the field when a pitch is thrown.
THROWING EQUIPMENT (BATS)
If any player at any time throws, abuses, or destroys ANY equipment other than a bat the umpire will have sole discretion to determine if that player has acted in a manner that puts his Safety or the Safety of those around him at risk. If the umpire determines that the player has indeed acted in an unsafe and disregarding manner the umpire has the right to immediately eject that player from the game. An ejection resulting from such manner DOES NOT carry with it a following game suspension.
If any player THROWS his bat the player is automatically ejected from the game. NO QUESTIONS ASKED. An ejection resulting from such an incident DOES NOT carry with it a following game suspension. If a player abuses or attempts to destroy his bat by other than throwing it the umpire will have sole discretion regarding penalties that the action will carry albeit a warning or an ejection.
IF any player shows a consistency of equipment abuse and a disregard to player safety the umpire and league officers will decide if further action needs to be taken against said player.
RE-ENTRY
Players in the batting lineup can change defensive positions in the field at any time during the game and without limits. Players may also choose to "sit out" defensively during an inning as long as 10 other defensive players are available to play the field. Players who "sit out" may re-enter and play the field defensively at any time. However, the player(s) who sit out will never be skipped in the batting lineup. A player that is skipped from the batting line-up (regardless of their defensive position in the field at the time - including one who is sitting out) will be removed from the batting line-up and cannot re-enter under any circumstance.
DESIGNATED HITTER
THe DH is NOT allowed. A player who plays the field must also bat. If more then 10 players are available the extra players may bat even if they are not playing the field and will be designated as EXTRA HITTERS.
PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY
A player is eligible for a team's playoff roster as long as he has accomplished at least one of the following items for that particular team:
1. Had at least (1) plate appearance in 6 or more regular season games
2. Had a total of (20) or more plate appearances during the regular season
12-RUN RULE
If any team takes a 12 run lead after 5 completed innings of play (or home team takes 12 run lead in home half of the 5th inning), the game will end immediately. (Mercy Rule)
RAINED OUT GAMES
After a game has been called due to weather it will be considered complete if:
4 1/2 innings were completed and the home team has the lead OR 5 innings were completed
RAIN MAKE-UP GAMES
Games that are rained out will be made up in their entirety regardless of the point in which the game was rained out.
All batters will begin with a 1-1 count. No new innings will start after 1 hour of play however at least 5 innings must be completed (4 1/2 innings if the home team has the lead).
Exceptions:
- If the home team has a lead of 12 runs or more after 1 hour of play the game will be called before the start of the bottom half of the inning regardless of the inning
- If either team has a 12 run lead and 1 hour has expired a new inning will NOT begin and the game will end regardless of the inning
RAIN GAME SPECIAL RULE
If at any point during a game, the umpire feels that the fielding team is willfully and intentionally misplaying balls or delaying game progress in order to lengthen an inning of a current unofficial game in which they are losing, in hopes of getting a game cancelled and rescheduled from the beginning due to weather conditions, the umpire will automatically end the game and declare the batting team victors.
RAIN DELAYS
Games are scheduled for 6:30, 7:45, and 9 PM start times on Tue, Thursday, and Friday (no 9 pm). If the 1st game has not started due to rain or lightning we will limit the wait time for game start to 75 minutes. IE – if the 1st game does not start by 7:45 then ALL games are cancelled for the night (IE-if we’ve waited an hour and it still doesn’t look good then chances are it wouldn’t be good for the later games either).
If the 1st game starts 45 -75 minutes late (7:15-7:45) then that game, along with the rest of that night’s games will be played using the rain make-up rules. 1 hour limit / 1-1 count.
ASA rules of a mandatory 30 minute delay after any lightning strike will be upheld in this league.
Any rain delay scenarios not mentioned above will be at the umpire's discretion.
EJECTIONS
EJECTIONS (NON PHYSICAL): An umpire (DAVE) may eject a player with or without a warning before, during, or after a game for conduct(non physical) or language deemed unbecoming of the league (instigating, foul, inappropriate, intimidating or any other language or conduct deemed unnecessary by the umpire that’s either direct or indirect to an opposing team, spectator, or player). If you were lucky enough to receive a warning the 1st time, a second warning will result in automatic ejection. Ejected players must leave the grounds immediately. Any individual ejected from a game shall receive an automatic and irreversible suspension for the following game as well. Suspensions during playoffs will carry the same penalty as described here-in. The umpire has the right to add game suspensions (not to exceed 5 games but that can carry into playoffs) if an ejected player refuses to cooperate. An ejected player may be substituted for with only an available roster player. An ejected player CANNOT be substituted for in the batting lineup and an out will be taken in lieu of any upcoming at bats for that player’s position in the batting lineup. If a non-roster player or coach is ejected from a game, any resulting suspension is to be served by the team manager the following game. An individual receiving a second ejection in the same season will be suspended from all league play for the remainder of the current season and playoffs. Any and all league fees will be forfeited.
If you feel you or your team is being personally attacked with conduct or language unbecoming of the league and the umpire has not responded do not take matters into your own hands. Make the umpire aware so that he can handle it appropriately if it happens again and so that he knows what to look for.
FAIR WARNING TO ALL TEAMS: Because of the historic number of altercations this year(2010), Dave (or filling umpire) is, as of now, encouraged to warn or eject players immediately for any reasons as described above in order to reduce the possibility of physical altercations.
EJECTIONS (PHYSICAL): At any point before, during, or after a game a team or team individual (for any reason) is deemed responsible (at umpire’s discretion) of committing a physical altercation (even if verbally instigated), the game will automatically end, the team responsible will be ejected and the game forfeited. (The player who was responsible for the verbal instigation that may have started the “rumble” will be dealt with under the “Ejections-non physical” rules). If the team at fault for committing the physical altercation has the lead or has already won they will receive an automatic 7-0 forfeit loss. (If they have already lost or are losing that will be the actual final score) If both teams are at fault they will each receive a 7-0 forfeit loss. The entire team will be ejected and given a verbal warning for physical altercation regardless if the actions were by only one ore more individual(s) on that team. There will not be future further suspension, however, ****if at any time during the season a second physical altercation ejection occurs to any individual on the same team, it will result in automatic team suspension from the league for the remainder of regular season play, playoffs, and at least 1 year thereafter. Any and all league fees will be forfeited.
**** If the league reps on their own or along with any other officials (The Maennerchor, Police Reports, Board Members) can clearly identify specific individuals that in their opinion, if removed, would enable teams to play on without incident then the League may choose to NOT suspend an entire team but rather just the individuals responsible for the physical altercation (s)
PHYSICAL ALTERCATION DEFINITION: Ultimately, the umpire will have full discretion in defining physical altercation and naming the team or teams responsible. The following guidelines will be used by the umpire when defining “physical altercation”:
An entire team is responsible for a physical alteration ejection when one or more players on their team:
1. Throws a punch, pushes, or is physically aggressive and intimidating to any player or spectator on ball field grounds before, during, or after any game
2. Makes contact with a player or spectator from any team as the aggressor (breaking up a fight or self defense contact is not included)
3. Enters the stands, another teams bench area, or another team’s playing field forcefully with intent of physical harm whether by contact or non-contact intimidation or threats
4. Any other reason deemed a physical altercation as per the umpire’s discretion.
SPECIAL RULES
If any player is responsible for a physical altercation with an umpire that player is automatically suspended for the season and will receive an indefinite ban from all league play. The team will receive a physical altercation warning.
If any player throws a punch he is automatically suspended for the season and will receive an indefinite ban from all future league play. The team will receive a physical altercation warning.
SUMMARY- WHAT YOU NEED TO REMEMBER
If you are individually ejected for non-physical reasons (as described above) you will also be suspended for your team’s following game. If you are individually ejected twice for non-physical reasons (as described above) you are suspended for the remainder of that entire season and playoffs. You WILL be eligible to return the following year. This rule is now in place to reduce the possibility of instigating physical altercations.
If a team member, or any number of team members, from any team is found responsible of a physical altercation, the entire team or teams will be ejected from that game alone. A second physical altercation is an automatic suspension of all league play for the entire team that season and the following 2 seasons.
WHY THE RULES?
Everyone needs to learn to keep their mouths shut no matter how much a team may annoy you or might rub you the wrong way. Keep your comments to yourself. Not everyone reacts to smart ass comments the same way. Remember, a simple smart ass comment directed at another team is reason enough for the umpire to give you a warning or even an automatic ejection without a 1st warning.
On that note, any team that takes matters into their own hands, and reacts physically to an instigating or smart ass comment, may end up having committed a physical altercation as defined above. Remember, if this happens twice your team is eliminated form all league play for the entire year and the next 2 years.
SPIKES
No metal spikes allowed. Any player caught wearing metal spikes either while batting or while playing the field during a game will be automatically ejected for that game and the following game.
PROTESTS
If you want to file a formal protest it has to be at the time in the game that the rule is in question so that lineups, game score, players on base, and outs can be recorded.
The umpire has to record all of this information and then make both teams aware that the game is now being finished under protest and the game will continue on. After the game is over, REGARDLESS of the outcome, the protested rule in question will be brought to the League’s attention.
If the game is deemed a legitimate protest (collaboration of League President and Umpire) it will be replayed at the point it was protested with the same lineups and game scenario at the time it was protested even if the protesting team would have won. So protesting CAN be a double edged sword.
* Any rules not described above will be followed in accordance with the general ASA Participant Manual. League President and Head Umpire have collaborative final say on any rule in question.