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SSC SLO-PITCH LEAGUE RULES
Table of Contents
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Please click
here
for a printable PDF rulebook |
| 1.
RECENT REVISIONS & UPDATES |
Last Updated
May 14, 2008
1.
Legal Bats (section 9): The official NSA illegal bat list has
now been posted on their
site. SSC players cannot use these bats in game play.
2. Rosters (section 7): Clarified minimum number of
players for Recreational divisions.
April 16, 2008
1. Out of Play:
Clarified how this provision affects the hitter and the fielder. See
sections on hitting and defence.
2. Home
Run Rule: Has been redefined. Line drives and ground balls going
between fielders are not considered to be home runs. Players will use
four white cones to mark the ‘home run line’ at the start of each game.
3. Batting
Rotation: Significant changes – read carefully. If extra males are
at the game they do not need to sub for each other in the batting order,
previously resulting in less at bats for some male players.
4. Pitching
Mound: Clarification on the distance from home plate. Must be at
least 50’ from home plate.
5. Scoring
on a non-forced play: Added a rule stating that a run will count
on two outs if the third out is not a forced play.
6. Safety
Base: Clarified that it needs to be placed 6” from the 1st
base and how the safety base factors into base running.
7. Game
Balls (section 9): Only .44 and .47 core balls are allowed in the
games.
8. Field Markers: Each team will receive four white cones that
will enable a Home Run Line to be marked in the outfield, as well as
the Respect Line and the Foul Lines.
9. Home Base Line: Clarified where to mark this line in the shale,
and that the runner’s foot must be on the ground past the line before
the throw is caught in order to be safe.
10. Foul Balls: Clarified how to determine if a hit is fair or
foul.
11. Overthrow Rule: Clarified that all runners advance one base
past the next base they were headed towards.
12. Rover and Respect Line: The rover must also stay behind the
respect line – he/she cannot pinch in or become a 5th infielder.
13. Infield Fly Rule: Clarified that the entire shale surface
is the ‘infield’ and that the fielder does not have to make an attempt
on the ball.
14. Double Plays at 1st Base: Please read this rule in the Defence
and Fielding section.
15. Foul Tips Caught by the Catcher: Changed the height from
8’ to simply ‘above the height of the batter’ when deciding if a tipped
ball caught by the batter is an out.
16. Slo-Pitch Etiquette: A new section has been added to the
end of the rulebook that outlines important tips for having a sportsmanlike
game.
17. Throw to 1st Base: If the 1st baseman has a foot on the orange
safety base when the throw arrives then the runner will be declared
safe.
The SSC encourages
a fun-first, winning-second attitude in all leagues. All players are expected
to abide by the SSC sportsmanship policies, any player or team who does
not will be subject to suspensions or league expulsion.
| ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY |
| In
order to promote a safe and sportsmanlike environment for its
players, the SSC has clarified its stance on unsportsmanlike behaviour.
All players must understand the expectations for playing in SSC
leagues. Team Captains are required by the SSC to ask players
to leave the field if they are involved with any of the following
acts:
• Swearing
directly at another player or the Coordinator.
• Intentionally
pushing, shoving or making physical contact with another player.
• Making comments
to instigate an altercation with another player.
In addition
to being dismissed from the game, a one week suspension (or more)
may be assigned by the SSC to the involved player or team. |
SPORTSMANSHIP RATINGS
In order to encourage sportsmanlike play, each team must
choose and report a rating for their opponent directly after the game.
- The sportsmanship rating for
your opponent gets reported when the Team Captain submits the game results
online.
- If a team captain does not report
their score by 5:00pm the following day, their team will receive a 0 sportsmanship rating
(unless their opponent has given them a -1) and the score will be processed
as their opponent reported it.
- For a description of how to
rate your opponent, see below.
| Rating |
Explanation |
| (+1) |
The team was a lot of fun and made a genuine attempt to call their fouls. |
| (0) |
The team was OK. There are two scenarios: (1) they were average in both Fun
and Accountability; (2) They were strong in one area but weak
in the other area. |
| (-1) |
The team was not fun (too intense or aggressive) and generally did not follow
the rules and call their own infractions/penalties. |
The rating should combine
“accountability” and “spirit of the game”. Accountability is based on
how you felt your opponent took responsibility for calling their own fouls.
A team that does well on Accountability either: committed few or no fouls
so it was not an issue, or committed several fouls but made a genuine
attempt to call most of them. Spirit is based on how fun your opponent
was. A high rating would be for a team that appeared to have a fun-first,
winning second attitude and encouraged themselves and/or their opponent
in a positive way.
REPORTING SPORTSMANSHIP CONCERNS
- If during the game you have
a concern with the other team, address the issue respectfully with the
team captain at the appropriate time (during play on the sidelines or
at halftime).
- If at the end of the game you
do not feel that the issue has been resolved, report the details of
the issue to the SSC by 5:00pm the next day by using the online complaint form - Click
here.
- If you give a -1 and do not support
the rating with a complaint form by 5:00pm the next day, SSC staff cannot
properly act on the issue and the rating will be changed to a zero.
For full details on
the following topics, follow the links below:
- All players must sign a waiver
every season before playing their first game. The waiver can only
be completed online.
- Any player that subs in (even
if only for one game) must fill out a waiver prior to playing. Captains
are responsible to ensure that this is done.
- The waiver outlines the SSC’s
liability and sportsmanship policies.
| 4.
WEATHER POLICY FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS |
The SSC office
is not open on weekends so all Sunday games are subject to the rain or
shine policy!
Weeknight games are
played in most weather conditions and are rarely cancelled. In the event
that the SSC deems the fields unplayable, the weather update bulletin
on the SSC website will be updated no later than 5:00pm on game day. If games are cancelled, they will be
re-scheduled. If the weather bulletin states that the games are “on”,
the rain or shine policy will apply.
RAIN OR SHINE POLICY
- Teams must report to their field
regardless of weather conditions, or be subject to default rules.
- If it is raining or snowing
at game time, the SSC requires teams to wait it out for at least 20
minutes before deciding to call the game.
- If poor weather
or slippery field conditions are still a factor after 20 minutes,
you must discuss rescheduling options with your opponent prior to
leaving the field.
- The SSC will help
with rescheduling but the teams must provide two potential dates that
both teams can play on. Dates must be on a day other than your regular
league night and must be minimum of one week prior to the start of
playoffs.
- On nights with poor weather,
when games have not been cancelled by the SSC, if less than half the
teams in a division play their games then the SSC will automatically
reschedule all games from that night via a double-header or a season
extension. For games that were played, where both teams want their score
to count, they will not need to re-play that game.
- If there are multiple rainouts
in one season, the SSC may be required to shorten the season.
- The SSC may not always be able
to reschedule the games (due to field availability and amount of notice
time) so teams cancel at their own risk.
For complete details
on the weather policy, please click
here
SLO-PITCH SPECIFIC WEATHER GUIDELINES
- If poor weather causes the game
to be stopped before five innings are completed, the teams must wait
at least 20 minutes for the weather to pass. If less than five innings
have been completed, the game will be rescheduled and replayed at a
later date.
- After five innings are completed,
the game is eligible for a win or a loss in the standings. If after
five innings of play, the conditions become unplayable, the two captains
can meet and decide to:
- Call the game and
the score will stand as is (from the final complete inning). The team leading after the last full inning records
a victory. If the score is tied when the game is called, a tie is
awarded.
- Play out the inning
to completion and then call the game.
- Wait out the rain
for up to 20 min. and then the team that is losing can choose to have
both teams play out the inning to complete the game.
It can be very difficult to reschedule games. Don't call
games without good reason. Be prepared to play through ome poor weather!
- All teams are to be at the facility
15 minutes prior to their scheduled game time.
- At game time any teams not meeting
the minimum player requirements will default the game.
- Defaults are recorded as 20-0
with a sportsmanship rating of -1 for the defaulting team.
- The default fine is $50.
- Teams defaulted against will
be refunded $50 to the credit card that was used to register the team.
- Teams must provide the fee before
being allowed to play their next game. If a team defaults on a second
night, their status in the league will be under review.
- Singles players are not charged
a default fee if their team defaults. If a singles team is defaulted
against, they will receive a gift certificate to the Season Ending Party.
- Schedules are posted online 48 hours prior to the first game.
- If the schedules are not posted you may assume the schedule has not been
completed. Please do not contact the SSC regarding your schedule until
after it has been posted.
- Games can be played anytime between 6:00pm-11:00pm on weeknights and
8:30am-11:00pm on weekends.
- Singles team names are assigned by the SSC office staff. All individuals’
names will appear on the schedule with their team name.
- When registering a full team, there is no maximum limit to the number of
players that you can have on the roster.
- A full team on the
field consists of:
- Recreational
divisions: 9 players with a minimum of 3 females.
- Rec+ and Intermediate
divisions: 10 players with a minimum of 3 females.
- The minimum amount
of players required in order to avoid a default is:
- Recreational
divisions: 6 players including at least 2 females.
- Rec+ and Intermediate
divisions: 7 players including at least 2 females.
- A sub-list can be requested from the office. If you recruit a sub, it is
your responsibility to ensure they are ready to play (know the rules,
will play at the proper level and have submitted a waiver).
- A team may bring in subs that are not listed on the roster. They must fill
out a waiver prior to playing.
- In the spirit of sportsmanship, captains are expected to replace players
with a person of a similar skill level. Bringing in “ringers” for regular
season and particularly playoff games is discouraged.
- If you are playing in a league where there are other SSC teams playing
before you, your team may borrow players under this condition: to increase
your team to a minimum full line-up. The SSC considers it to be an unfair
advantage if a team borrows players to bolster their line-up.
- Teams may bring in subs for playoff games but these players must have played
at least one game during the regular season with the team.
- Individual team rosters will be e-mailed out 48 hours prior to game one.
Both teams are to
set-up the field according to the field
set-up instructions.
- The SSC rents facilities from Parks and Recreation or private establishments.
As tenants, players must respect the standards and rules of each facility.
- Consumption of alcohol is discouraged at the fields; players caught violating
this by-law are subject to fines from the city.
- Most fields do not have a port-a-potti or washroom. Players must not urinate
on public property.
- Players are expected to clean up after themselves, please do not leave
any garbage behind.
- Any player who causes the SSC to receive a complaint regarding a facility
may be ejected from the league.
- Facilities are chosen based on quality and location. Some leagues utilize
many facilities; the SSC always tries to ensure a fair distribution
of locations throughout the city in each division.
- Some fields have a short outfield or obstacles and it is necessary for
the Captains to agree ahead of time (or after any completed inning)
to implement “ground rule doubles’” to replace home runs.
- The SSC asks all players to arrive 15 minutes prior to the game start time.
This 15 minutes should be used to change shoes, stretch, set up fields,
and any other pre-game preparations.
- Players are not permitted to wear metal cleats.
·
Players are responsible for property damage.
ll team captains are
required to pick up their equipment at the equipment pick-up dates prior
to the start of the season.
- The first team to
arrive at the diamond is to set-up the field according to the field
set-up instructions click
here. The other team’s markers
will also be required to set-up the field. Four markers are used for
the Respect Line, with the two outside markers also marking the foul
lines past 1st and 3rd base. The same procedure is used to mark the
Home Run Line, with the outside markers also extending the 1st and 3rd
base lines into the outfield.
- Two lines need to
be drawn into the shale: one for the commitment line half-way between
home and 3rd base; and one for the home scoring line that is drawn perpendicular
to the 3rd base line and at the same point as the front of the home
plate.
- The SSC issues two
Wilson deMarini softballs
to each team with a .44 core (reduced flight). Please use these balls
in the game. Substitute balls are allowed but .44 or .47 are the only
legal balls in the SSC league.
- At the end of the
season, equipment return dates will be set by the SSC and will be e-mailed
to each team.
- If teams do not return
their equipment on the set dates, they may forfeit their refund, however,
please contact the SSC in this case.
- Full refunds are
issued for equipment that is returned in reusable condition. If there
are any missing items, you will not be fully refunded.
- All equipment must
be cleaned prior to returning it. If equipment is not cleaned a $15
fee will be taken from your deposit. Car washes work well for cleaning
the equipment.
- If you are continuing
in the Summer Leagues, keep your equipment and return it at the end
of the summer season.
- Teams are required
to bring their own bats, please click
here for a list of Illegal bats. If you are reported using an illegal bat, you may face suspension from
the Club.
RECREATIONAL
- A representative
from each team will pick up: three bases, one first base safety mat,
one home plate safety mat, four white boundary markers and two balls.
- Upon picking up the
equipment, a deposit of $40.00 is required via credit card. This deposit
will be fully refunded at the end of the season when the equipment is
returned.
- Metal cleats are
not allowed.
RECREATIONAL PLUS AND INTERMEDIATE
- A representative
from each team will pick up: three bases, one first base safety mat,
one home plate safety mat, one strike mat, four white boundary markers
and two balls.
- Upon picking up the
equipment, a deposit of $80.00 is required via credit card. This deposit
will be fully refunded at the end of the season when the equipment is
returned.
- Metal cleats are
not allowed.
- Team captains are
responsible to report the score of their game and the spirit rating
of their opponent to the SSC by 5:00pm the following day.
- All scores must be
submitted using the online score report form click here. The username and password will be emailed to
each team captain when the schedules are posted.
- If a team captain
does not report their score by 5:00pm the following day, their
team will receive a 0 sportsmanship rating (unless their opponent has
given them a -1) and the score will be processed as their opponent reported
it.
·
Mercy will be called when one team gains a lead of 20 runs.
The score will freeze and teams are encouraged to play the rest of the
game for fun.
For all SSC sports,
scores are to be reported by the Team Captain to the office by 5:00pm the day after the game. The SSC admin
staff will process scores and post the updated standings to the website
within 72 hours of the games. Each set of SSC standings will display notes
at the bottom outlining how the standings are calculated.
HOW TEAMS ARE RANKED
Recreational
- 1st criteria: Total
Points are derived from 2 points for a win and 1 point for a tie. Actual
spirit points are then added to your points earned from wins and ties
to result in your Total Points.
- PLS (Points lost
due to spirit rating) can negatively affect your Total Points. Each
time a team receives a -1 from two opponents over the season, they lose
1 point off their Total points.
- 2nd criteria: Differential
of runs scored vs. runs allowed (Mercy rule in effect in each game).
Recreational Plus and Intermediate
- 1st criteria: Total
Points are derived from 2 points for a win and 1 for a tie.
- PLS (Points lost
due to spirit rating) can negatively affect your Total Points. Each
time a team receives a -1 from two opponents over the season, they lose
1 point off their Total points.
- 2nd criteria: Actual
spirit points earned.
- 3rd criteria: Differential
of runs scored vs. runs allowed (Mercy rule in effect in each game).
- All teams qualify
for 2 playoff games/matches. The top 4 teams will play for the league
championship.
- League champs receive
T-shirts and need to attend the Season Ending Party to pick them up.
- Sportsmanship during
the playoffs is very important – a team that wins their playoff game
but has sportsmanship issues may have their win overturned and may not
be allowed to continue this season or in future seasons.
If the score is tied at the end of 7 innings, one or more extra innings will
be played.
- Both teams get a
chance to hit. If after 1 complete extra inning the game is still tied,
the next extra inning(s) will be played using the “International Scoring
Rule”.
- International Scoring
Rule: Each team (when hitting) will start with the player who was the
final out of the previous inning on 2nd base, then proceed as normal
from there.
| 13. LEAGUE SPECIFIC RULES |
GAME FORMAT
Game Times
- Teams are expected
to arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled start time in order to
warm up and set up the field.
- Games are 7
innings, unless darkness prohibits a full game. If darkness may
potentially end the game, the captains must confer on an inning
by inning basis as to when the last inning will be called.
- If a game is
called because of darkness, the final score will be as it stood
at the completion on the last full inning played.
- Some diamonds
will have 6:30pm and 8:00pm games. The two captains in
the early game must ensure that the game gets started on time and
is finished by 8:00pm. A new inning may not be started
after 7:50pm.
Keeping Score
- A coin toss will
determine who the Home Team is and therefore which team gets the last
bat.
- Both captains will
bring a scoresheet
to every game.
- Teams must track
the batter results each inning for their own team as well as runs scored
by the opposing team.
- Please confirm the
score with the other captain at the end of each half inning. Confirm
the score with the other captain at the end of the game to ensure that
both teams report the same score.
- If there is a discrepancy
at the end of the game, figure it out at the field so that both teams
report the same score to the SSC.
- A team can score
and count a maximum of 7 runs in one inning with the exception of the
final inning where there are unlimited runs.
- If the team due to
bat in the bottom of the 7th inning is leading the game, the game is
over and the score will stand as is. There is no situation where this
rule does not apply.
- In the bottom
of the 7th inning, once the batting team has scored the winning
run the game is over. The final score will stand as the winning
team winning by 1 run.
- Playing extra innings
to break a tie is not encouraged, but the captains may decide on this
issue if time permits.
- Mercy will be called
when one team gains a lead of 20 runs. The score will freeze and teams
are encouraged to play the rest of the game for fun.
PITCHING
- The pitching mound
should be ~50 feet from the home plate (~17 paces). Captains decide
on the exact pitching mound location prior to starting the game.
- Recreational teams
pitch to their own players - each batter will receive a maximum of 3
pitches regardless of if they are balls/strikes/fouls.
- In the recreational
league only, the pitcher does not field the ball. If the pitcher
on a hit inadvertently touches the ball, the play is cancelled and
re-pitched.
- To stop a play,
the infielder will throw the ball to the pitcher.
- Recreational Plus/Intermediate
teams pitch to the opposing team:
- Each batter
will receive up to 3 strikes and/or 4 balls.
- The pitch must
be between 6 and 12 feet or it will be deemed a ball.
- If the ball
arcs less than 6 feet or more than 12 feet and the batter swings,
the ball is in play and the pitch counts.
- A strike occurs
on: a foul ball, a swing and a miss, or if the batter takes the
pitch and it lands on the strike mat. On the third strike, the batter
is out.
- If the ball
hits any part of home plate it is deemed a 'ball'. On the fourth
ball, the batter walks to 1st.
- If a male batter
is walked with balls on each of the first 4 pitches, and is followed
by a female batter, the male batter will automatically advance to
2nd base on the walk. The female batter up next has the option to
bat or automatically take first base. Other runners already on base
will advance only if the walked batter forces them (forced play).
HITTING
There
are three components to the batting order rule that all players must understand:
1.
Male/female placement in the batting rotation:
- A typical batting
rotation is M-M-F assuming there are twice as many guys as girls
- In the Rec divisions
there can never be more than two male batters in a row.
- In the Rec Plus/Int
divisions, 3 male batters may bat in a row in one (and only one) part
of the batting order.
Example: M-M-F-M-M-M-F-M-M-F
– this is a legal batting order.
M-F-M-M-M-F-M-M-M-F – this is NOT a legal
batting order.
- There is no limit
on the size of a batting order as long as the male to female ratio
stays intact.
2.
Male batters in the batting order:
- Rec Divisions:
If there are more than 6 males, they can all have a permanent position
in the batting order.
- Rec Plus/Int
Divisions: If there are more than 7, they can all have a permanent
position in the batting order.
- In the event
that there are more than 6 males (Rec) or 7 males (Rec Plus/Int) and
all of them want to have a regular turn batting, the team is to record
each of their names onto the score sheet ensuring that the male to
female requirements in section 1 above are met. This is achieved by
pencilling in the word ‘female’ for every third batter (with the one
exception where 3 males may bat in a row as outlined in section 1
above). In this scenario the females remain in the same sequence and
would hit as required to maintain the proper male to female ratio.
- Example:
Mo, Zak, female, Bill, Jed, female, Bob, Mat, female, Dan, Hal, female,
Rob, Von, female
- In the example
above if you had only 3 females they would bat more often than once
per full rotation.
Example: Starting
in the first inning Ruth would bat 3rd, Mary would be 6th, Jen 9th, Ruth
12th, Mary 15th, Jen 18th, etc. as the innings progress.
3.
Female batters in the batting order:
- 3 females must
appear in the batting order and be in the first 9 batters (Rec division)
or 10 batters (Rec Plus/Int)
- If only 2 female
players are present at the game then every 3rd female spot
is an automatic out.
- If
there are more than three females all of them are to be placed into
permanent positions in the batting order
- There is no bunting
allowed in any SSC Slo-Pitch division.
- When any player is
hitting, the ball does not have to pass the pitcher to be live, but
the batter must have taken a full swing at the ball (i.e. a bunting
motion is not allowed).
- Traditional Slo-pitch
hitting rules will apply to the Recreational Plus and Intermediate divisions.
This means that any batter who has two strikes and then hits a foul
ball is out.
- The infield fly rule
applies - if there are less than 2 outs and runners on 1st and 2nd or
1st, 2nd and 3rd, then on an infield fly the batter is automatically
declared out (the infielders do not have to make an attempt to catch
the ball). This prevents the fielder from purposely dropping the fly
ball in an attempt to force runners out. An infield fly is defined as:
the hit must be 8' or higher, must have an up and then down arc (line
drives are exempt), and does not go past the infield. The entire shale
is considered the infield when determining if this rule applies. Note:
in some other leagues, the infielder must be able to catch the ball
with ‘ordinary effort’ for it to be deemed an infield fly. This is not
the case in SSC leagues because there are no official umpires to make
this determination.
- Out of Play: any
hits (infield or outfield) that fall outside of the ‘out of play’ lines
are not catchable for an out. The corners of the backstop are the most
common reference point for designating the Out of Play lines. These
lines are in effect to the end of the outfield; therefore, if a fly
ball is outside of these lines it is not catchable for an out.
- Clarification on
Foul Balls:
- If a ground ball starts out
foul but curves back into fair territory before it passes 1st or
3rd base then it is a fair ball, as long as it is not touched by
an infielder while in foul territory.
- If a line drive passes 1st
or 3rd base outside of the base line but then curves back
in and first touches the ground in fair territory in the outfield,
then it is a fair ball.
- If a ball is hit into fair
territory and then rolls outside the 1st or 3rd base line once it
has passed the bases then it is a fair ball.
- If the ball is hit and first
touches the home plate (NOT the strike mat) and then rolls into
fair territory it is considered a fair ball. If the ball is hit
and touches the home plate or the strike mat and then rolls into
foul territory it is considered a foul. If the ball first touches
the strike mat and then rolls fair, it is a foul ball.
- If the ball is hit and touches
the batter’s body (e.g. foot) and then rolls into fair territory
it is a dead ball strike, if the player is still in the batter’s
box when it hits them. If they are outside the batter’s box and
running towards 1st base and it then hits their body while the ball
is in fair territory, then they are out.
- If a batter steps
across, or onto the home plate and/or strike mat to attempt to hit a
ball, it is an automatic out.
- Home Runs are limited
to 5 per game for each team. Before the game, the captains will designate
a ‘home run line’ using four white cones at the edge of the outfield.
A hit is considered a homerun when it travels in the air, over the home
run line. It is NOT considered a home run if the defence commits errors
and a player is able to score or if a line drive or grounder passes
between the fielders and past the Home Run line. If a ball passes the
home run line in the air, it automatically becomes a dead ball and cannot
be fielded to make a play. If a ball first touches the ground and then
rolls over the line, it is a live ball. Any long hits (home runs) hit
after the 5 per game limit has been reached will be considered doubles
(player stops at second base).
- Deciding on the home
run line: mark the cones at 300 feet (100 paces) if there are no obstructions.
- Note: some SSC diamonds are too short to mark
a home run line, and therefore
no cones are required in one or both outfields and any long balls
will be deemed ground rule doubles. Captains should decide before
the game starts if this will be in effect at their field. A rule
of thumb is any edge of field that is 240 feet (80 paces) or less
from home plate must apply the ground rule double rule.
BASE
RUNNING
- Lead-offs are not
allowed - the runner is called out if they leave the bag before the
bat makes contact with the ball.
- The orange safety
base is beside the white 1st base to protect both the runner and the
infielder. The safety base is to be placed 6 inches from 1st base. There
are two possible scenarios:
- A single base hit:
If the batter will not be running past first base, they must step
on the orange safety base. If the runner touches any part of the
white 1st base then they are out. If the 1st baseman touches any
part of the orange safety base as they catch the throw, then the
runner is safe.
- If the runner is
rounding 1st base on a hit where there will be no throw to 1st base,
they are allowed to touch the white base instead of the safety base.
The 1st baseman must move out of the runner's path as he/she rounds
1st base.
- When running from
3rd base towards home plate the runner is to keep outside of the baseline
and is considered safe if he/she passes the home base line (the
runner must have one foot on the ground past the line) before the catcher
has the ball while touching home plate. If a base runner touches the
home plate while attempting to score it is an automatic out.
- To record an out
at home, the catcher cannot tag the runner, they must touch home plate
with possession of the ball before the runner touches down with one
foot past the home run line. The runner will be out if they touch home
plate rather than passing the home base line.
- A commitment line
will be drawn halfway between 3rd base and home plate. Once a runner
passes this line by touching the ground beyond the line they must proceed
to the home line (they cannot run back to 3rd). The runner is out if
the back-catcher catches the ball before the runner touches home plate.
- Sliding into 2nd
or 3rd base is permitted. Sliding into home is never allowed. Sliding
into 1st base is only allowed if the runner is returning
to 1st base, not on their initial hit and run to 1st base.
- Tagging up and running
on a caught outfield fly is permitted. The runner must stay on the base
until the ball contacts any part of the fielder’s body or glove.
- If the third out
occurs on a fly-out the inning is over. The fielders do not have to
field the ball in to make any plays and any runs scored do not count.
- With two outs, if
a runner scores before a non-forced third out is made, the run will
count.
- Pinch Running - Pinch runners are allowed for injured
players. A pinch runner can step in at anytime. If the batter is not
running at all, the pinch runner must start from behind the plane of
the plate.
DEFENCE
AND FIELDING
- A full Recreational
team in the field consists of 9 players: a catcher, 4 infielders, 3
outfielders and a rover.
- A full Recreational
Plus/Intermediate team consists of 10 players: a catcher, a pitcher,
4 infielders, 3 outfielders and a rover.
- Bases should be 65’
apart, unless limited by the size of the shale infield.
- On a throw to 1st
base, the 1st baseman must have at least one foot touching the white
base in order to register an out. If he/she has either foot touching
the safety base when the ball arrives then the runner will be safe (to
avoid collisions).
- The respect line
rule applies in all divisions. Infielders cannot pinch in, they must
stay along the base lines until the ball has been hit. Outfielders must
stay behind the respect line until the ball has been hit; the respect
line is 10 paces (30 feet) from the edge of the infield. The rover must
also abide by the outfield respect line.
- If an overthrow occurs
on a play and the ball rolls out of play:
- 'Out of play’ is
considered to be 10-12 feet beyond the base lines. A good marker
on most fields is the corners of the backstop and thus the line
that would extend parallel to the first and third base lines.
- For SSC non-umpired
leagues, all runners can advance one base beyond their next base
on an overthrow. For example, if the runner is running between 1st
and 2nd, then he/she can advance to 3rd base.
- For further clarification,
even if the runner is standing on 2nd base when the shortstop overthrows
to 1st base, that runner will proceed to home.
- Captains may choose
to extend the out of play infield boundary lines for overthrows all
the way into the outfield. If these boundaries are set, the hitter is
not out if the fielder catches the ball beyond the out of play line
(the hit would be considered a strike). The purpose of an outfield ‘out
of play’ area is to ensure players’ safety and is recommended.
- A foul ball exceeding
the height of the batter and caught by the catcher is an out (less than
this is simply a strike). Captains or umpires should quickly decide
if players are unsure. If an agreement cannot be made, the ruling will
be in favour of the batter.
- Interference/obstruction
must be avoided at all costs. There are two kinds of interference:
- Offensive interference
from the runner: a base runner is not allowed to collide with a
fielder, yell at them or screen them from being able to make a clear
throw or to field a hit (waving hands or blocking them from seeing
a play). If they do, and the play is not contested by either team,
then the runner is out. Regarding the other runners not involved
in the interference: if the base runner that interfered with the
fielder make physical contact, and the fielder was attempting to
make a play at another base, then the base runner where the fielder
was attempting to make a play will also be out.
- Defensive obstruction
from the fielder: the fielder may not block the bag by putting their
foot or body in front of it or stand in the line of the runner (unless
they are making a play on a hit). If they do this and it is uncontested
then the runner will be safe at that base. If the fielder on this
play throws out a runner at another base then that runner will be
out. In a case where the runner would have easily taken the next
base if they were not interfered with by a fielder, then they will
be awarded that base. E.g. the first baseman stands in the line
of the batter as they round first on play where there was clearly
no play to be made at 1st base.
- Interference is
difficult to call, even by sanctioned umpires. SSC players are expected
to avoid interference or body contact at all costs, and if a possible
interference foul does occur, the two teams need to resolve it quickly
and amicably. If the sides are not in agreement then there is an
option to replay the play. All base runners
return the bases they were at prior to the hit and batter will begin
his/her count from where it was prior to that hit.
- If there are less
than 2 outs with a runner on first and an infielder throws to 1st
base, there are three possible legal outcomes:
UMPIRING
- All SSC games are self-officiated. Teams playing in the
game supply the umps.
- Batting team must supply 1st and 3rd base umpires. These
umpires must know the rules and be willing to make the tough calls at
all bases. In the Recreational Plus and Intermediate divisions, the
hitting team must also provide a home plate umpire to call balls, strikes
and foul balls and any plays at home.
- If an umpire makes a wrong call because they didn't see
the play or know the rules, the two captains should quickly agree on
the call. Remember this league is for fun, players make mistakes and
so will umpires. If you are a player who cannot remain calm or
just walk away from a bad call without argument or getting upset - you
are playing in the wrong league!
SLO-PITCH ETIQUETTE
The SSC Sportsmanship policy is outlined in section 2 above.
There are specific Slo-Pitch etiquette guidelines that must be honoured
by all players:
- Players sitting on the bench/sideline must not chatter at
the fielders/base runners about missed calls, leading off, or other
possible rule violations. This behaviour always leads to frustration
and escalated tension. If your opponent seems unaware of a rule, please
discuss calmly amongst the captains between innings.
- It is unsportsmanlike for the majority of players on a team
to not know the rules. While a team may be ‘just out to have fun’, they
can ruin the experience for everyone if they are constantly violating
rules.
- While Captains are encouraged to know and bring the rulebook
to the games, it is unsportsmanlike to constantly refer to the rulebook
and continually remind your opponent about minor discrepancies.
- Public displays of anger such as bat throwing or kicking
equipment has no place in a SSC league. Players doing this are to be
removed from the game.
- Directing foul language at an opponent is cause for automatic
removal from the game. Captains MUST honour this rule and are obligated
to sit or remove from the field any of their players/spectators who
are not displaying proper etiquette.
- Drinking alcohol at the field is a fineable offence and
is not condoned by the SSC.
- Players must not leave any types of cans or garbage on the
field after the game – please leave the field as clean as it was when
you arrived.
- Community residents are particularly aware of Slo-Pitch
players urinating in public. Any complaints to the City will result
in the SSC losing the rights to use that field and the offending player
or team will be immediately removed from the league.
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