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South Jersey Senior Softball League

Sunday Divisions and Wednesday League Rules

(with proposed changes for consideration during the 2023 or 2024 seasons bolded)


CONTENTS


. INTRODUCTION

CODE OF CONDUCT (see Appendix)

COMPLETE GAME DEFINED
COURTESY BATTERS
COURTESY RUNNERS
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT OWNERSHIP
EXTRA HITTER
FIELD INSPECTIONS
FIELD SET-UP
Home Team Sets Up the Field
FIELDS
GAME CANCELLATIONS
GAME DELAYS
GAME REPORTS
GAME RULES
GAME SCHEDULES
LINE-UP SHEETS
MAKE-UP GAMES
PLAYER DRAFTING
PLAYER DEFENSIVE PLAY REQUIREMENT
PLAYER DRAFTING
PLAYER EJECTIONS PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
PLAYER RATING
PLAYER TRADES/REASSIGNMENTS
PLAYER UNRELIABILITY
PLAYOFFS
TEAM ELIGIBILITY (Rosters)
TEAM FORFEIT (Game Day)
UMPIRES


INTRODUCTION
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The South Jersey Senior Softball League (“the League”) program is designed to offer recreational play for anyone age 45 or over. All qualified participants in the program are required to abide by the rules of the League as well as the rules governing Senior Softball USA (“SSUSA”). The League has agreed to utilize the Official Senior Softball-USA Rulebook (SSUSA latest edition) as the basis for its playing rules, with the below rules representing exceptions to the published SSUSA Rules that are unique to SJSSL as well as rules that should be emphasized from the SSUSA Rules.

The Board of Directors of the League reserves the right to add or subtract to and from the SSUSA Rulebook in adapting to special League circumstances. The Mission Statement of the League is “TO PROVIDE EXERCISE, FELLOWSHIP AND BALANCED AND FRIENDLY COMPETITION IN A POSITIVE AND RESPECTFUL MANNER FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS AND VOLUNTEERS.”

CODE OF CONDUCT (see Appendix)


RULES GOVERNING ALL LEAGUE ACTIVITIES ARE DETAILED BELOW:


COMPLETE GAME DEFINED
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Games that have completed 5 innings (or 4.5 innings if the home team is ahead) shall be considered “official.”

COURTESY BATTERS
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Courtesy batters are permitted in the Diamond Division and the Wednesday League only, as follows:
  1. A courtesy batter must be announced to the umpire before the batter stands in to bat.
  2. A maximum of three players per game can be identified as a courtesy batter.
  3. A courtesy batter must be replaced once reaching base.
  4. A courtesy batter may run for extra bases at his own risk of being put out.
  5. A double play involving the courtesy batter is in play at all times, except:
  6. If the courtesy batter hits the ball and the ball reaches the outfield grass, the Courtesy batter cannot be thrown out at first base.
  7. Infielders (including the short fielder) may position themselves on the grass, but are then considered to be in the outfield and cannot make a double play on the courtesy batter going to first base.
  8. Infielders (inlcuding the short fielder) may position themselves on the grass but cannot throw out a courtesy batter running to first base if the hit ball reaches the grass.


COURTESY RUNNERS
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Courtesy runners are permitted in all divisions, as follows:
  1. (1a) Any player on a line-up sheet can be used as a courtesy runner; (1b) A player may run a maximum of one time per inning during a game, including extra innings. Thus, there is no maximum number of times a player can be a courtesy runner in a game; (1c) A player may run for himself in the same inning as he is a courtesy runner.
  2. If a potential courtesy runner goes onto the field and touches the base he is potentially reaching, he must inherit that base as a runner and cannot be replaced by another runner unless injured. If replaced, the second courtesy runner is declared an out.
  3. Any courtesy runner who is on base when his turn to bat comes up will be declared automatically out as a base runner. However, the same courtesy runner then immediately proceeds to take his turn at bat in the regular lineup, OR start the next inning should that out be the third out.


EQUIPMENT
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Bats
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  1. Bats must be marked with the ASA, SSUSA/senior softball sticker and/or 1.21 BPF stamps or lower (ex. 1.20 PDF) for use in all Sunday divisions and the Wednesday League. Titanium bats are illegal.
  2. A manager who wants to challenge the use of a bat by a player on the opposing team would ask the umpire to examine the bat for the above markings. As long as the bat is marked the ASA/SSUSA/senior softball sticker and/or 1.21 stamps, use of the bat shall be permitted.
  3. If a manager suspects that a bat has been illegally altered, SSUSA rules apply. The bat may be confiscated for testing. The owner of the bat will be reimbursed in an amount up to $350 to cover the cost of replacing the bat. A receipt for the new bat must be provided by the player. The League will absorb the cost of having the bat examined.
  4. SSUSA rules apply, except there will be no penalty for the team manager, subject to the Executive Board making the final decision.
  5. If a player is injured with a batted ball, the umpire/league should consider confiscating the bat, if appropriate, for inspection by the League. The batter must give the bat to the umpire or league official at a later time or face league penalties.

Balls
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Only League approved balls may be used.

Pitching Rubber
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The pitching rubber must be 24 inches in length.

Pitching Screen
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  1. The home team shall provide the pitcher’s protective screen.
  2. Pitching screens need to be anchored sufficiently so that they can withstand a hit from a batted ball and not be blown over by the wind. It is recommended to use small sand bags for this purpose so that the screen can be moved from side to side.


Protective Gear
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The catcher and umpire are encouraged to wear protective gear, although this is optional.

Softball Shoes
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Shoes with metal spikes are not permitted.

Uniforms
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  1. Teams are expected to have matching hats and shirts, although hats are optional.
  2. Team shirts must have numbers.
  3. Players must remain in full uniform throughout the game.


EQUIPMENT: OWNERSHIP
RETURN TO CONTENTS All game equipment (such as bats, bases, balls, scorebooks, screens or other miscellaneous items) purchased and paid for by the League are the property of the League.

All game equipment (such as bats, bases, balls, scorebooks, screens or other miscellaneous items) purchased and paid for by the manager are the property of the manager.

EXTRA HITTER (EH)
One Extra Hitter (EH) per game may be utilized by a team. This player will not play the field but can be in the batting lineup for that one game. This EH rule should be used for safety purposes, such as for an injured player, player struggling with the head or cold, age considerations, etc. This can only be used if the player wishes it. Although the manager will designate which player, the manager can only designate a player who wishes to be the EH. In other words, the manager cannot use the EH for a competitive advantage.

Any manager who forces a player to be the EH may be subject to the Code of Conduct Section III, Item C.

Two different players may be designated, one for each game of the double header, or the same player for both games. No substitutions can be made for the EH during a game. Once a EH, the player must remain the EH for the duration of the game, even if the team is short players in the field or other injuries occur. This is not to be confused with a designated hitter, one that replaces a defensive player in the batting lineup.

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FIELD INSPECTIONS: GAME DAY
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Game Day
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  1. The manager designated as the home field manager is required to inspect the field the morning of the games to determine field conditions.
  2. The field inspection is to be done no later than 8 a.m. on Sundays and 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays.
  3. If the field is considered unplayable, the home team manager must call the visiting manager first, then call the umpire to advise the games are cancelled.
  4. The game day manager may delegate the inspection to a player on his team who resides in close proximity to the field but must himself contact the visiting manager and the umpire if cancelling the games is warranted.


FIELD SETUP
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Home Team Sets Up the Field
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The home team manager for the first game shall be responsible for setting up the field and providing all necessary equipment, including one new ball and one other “usable” back-up ball. The visiting team shall provide the balls for the second game.


Bases
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Bases are set 65 feet from one another. The first base and third base are set with the back of the base at 65 feet from the back point of home plate. Second base is set at 92.5 feet from the back point of home plate.

Commitment Line
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SSUSA Rules apply: The commitment line is drawn 25 feet from the home plate (or 40 feet from third base).

Cones in the Outfield
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For Wednesday League and Diamond Divison games only:
  1. Cones will be placed 165 feet from home plate.
  2. Outfielders must position themselves behind the cones before a play begins but may move inside the cones after the batter has made contact with the ball in order to make a defensive play. However, the short fielder is considered an infielder and is not subject to this restriction. The short fielder may play anywhere on the field.
  3. At least one cone should be placed on foul lines to assist the umpire in making calls regarding a hit being in fair or foul territory.


First Base
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  1. A white and a separate orange base are utilized at first base. A minimum of twelve (12) inches is to separate the two bases (Note: The use of the “combined” white and orange bags is, therefore, prohibited).
  2. The white and orange bases should be as similar as possible in thickness and density to provide for the safety of players.


Home Plates
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There will be two bases at the home plate area, a “scoring” base located eight (8) feet to the left of the home plate in line with first base, and the “regular” extended plate or attached mat.

Pitching Screen and Pitching Rubber
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  1. The pitching screen shall be placed forty-five (45) feet from the back point of home plate.
  2. The pitching rubber shall be placed fifty (50) feet from the back point of home plate.
  3. The pitcher must pitch from a distance no greater than fifty-five (55) feet from the back point of home plate.
  4. The inner edge of the pitching screen must be flush to the edge of the pitching rubber, depending upon whether the pitcher is left-handed or right-handed. Two lines will be drawn from the pitching rubber to the screen and marked with chalk or flour. The screen must be flush next to the line drawn.
  5. The pitching screen cannot be moved once the defensive inning has started (see game day rules for additional details).
  6. A right-handed pitcher must pitch from the right side of the screen. A left-handed pitcher must pitch from the left side of the screen.


FIELDS
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Park Rules and Regulations
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  1. All rules established by the authorities for the parks and fields utilized by the League must be adhered to.
  2. Violation of park rules and regulations will result in ejection from the games that day. Additional violations will result in suspension from the League.


League Rules on Use of Alcoholic Beverages, Marijuana or Tobacco Products
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  1. Whether or not specifically prohibited by the authorities for the parks and fields, the use of alcoholic beverages or marijuana is prohibited during the games because of the risk of diminished capacity and the increased possibility of injuries.
  2. Smoking of cigarettes is prohibited in the dugout or bench areas. Players who do smoke are requested to do so a sufficient distance from other players.


GAME CANCELLATIONS
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  1. Games can be cancelled by the game umpire(s) or by mutual agreement of the game managers should conditions be deemed unplayable.
  2. Games may be cancelled for extreme heat or cold weather temperatures by the League President after input from other League officials.
  3. An umpire may cancel a game or games due to bad weather or bad field conditions.
  4. PROPOSED AMENDMENT: No games should be cancelled until the morning of the game. If the game is to be cancelled, the Home Team manager must notify the umpire coordinator no later than 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays and 8:00 a.m. on Sundays.
  5. In the event the games are cancelled, the players at their own discretion and risk may decide to come to the field and/or remain for batting practice.


GAME DELAYS
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Caused by a Player, Manager or Team
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The following rule is consistent with the SSUSA rulebook. It is included for emphasis:

If in the umpire’s judgment a team consciously attempts to delay the start or continuation of a game, the umpire may after issuing a warning, immediately begin to call balls and strikes.

GAME REPORTS
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Reporting to the League Webmaster
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  1. The home team manager for the first game shall communicate the scores by 4.p.m. of the game day to the League’s webmaster.
  2. Any problems concerning umpires or game-related issues are to be communicated by the home team manager to the League President.


GAME RULES
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At Bat Etiquette
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This rule confirms to the SSUSA rulebook. It is included for emphasis:
  1. At no time can a catcher or any opposing team member distract the batter once the ball is pitched. Specifically, talking or shouting out while the ball is in the air is prohibited.
  2. The umpire will issue a warning the first time this rule is violated. A second offense will result in disqualification of the offending player for the rest of that game.


Base Running at First Base
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  1. When there is a play made at first base, the batter/runner must touch the orange base ONLY.
  2. If any portion of the white base is touched, the batter/runner will be deemed “out” IF called out by the umpire; however, the ball will remain live.
  3. Appeals are not permitted in the event the umpire does not call the player out.
  4. The only exception to this rule occurs when an errant throw pulls the first baseman (or any player catching the ball at first base) into foul territory. In this case, the batter/runner may touch either base. The defensive player can only touch the white base in order for the batter/runner to be called out.


Base Running (leaving base before contact)
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The batter must make contact with the ball prior to a runner leaving the base. The umpire must see it and call the base runner out for leaving early. If the umpire does not see the runner leave early the runner is not out. Appeals are not permitted. Nor is reliance on the runner to state whether he had come off the base to be considered.

Batter has option to accept a walk
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The following rule applies to Wednesday games only:

A batter must be pitched at least one (1) strike per at bat. A batter can decide to take a walk after four (4) balls are pitched. It is the batter’s choice whether to wait for a strike or not. The batter who elects to continue to take pitches may be called out on strikes. If the batter does not want to walk after 4 straight balls, there is a NO ball count, and only strikes will then be counted. The batter is no long eligible for a walk. He must hit the ball or strike out at the third strike pitched. If the pitcher cannot throw strikes, the defensive manager should replace the pitcher for that batter.

The following difference in the above rule is in place in the Diamond division:

If the pitcher throws eight consequence balls with no strikes, the batter is automatically awarded second base. Any player already on first or second base advances as necessary to make room for the batter to reach second base.

Defensive Plays at Home
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  1. Runners will be called out at the home plate area when the defensive player in possession of the ball is in contact with any portion of the expanded “home plate area”.
  2. Touching the expanded “home plate area” is defined as the touching of any part of the expanded plate (including a mat, if utilized) by the defensive player in possession/control of the ball.
  3. Runners may not be tagged out after they pass the commitment line coming to the home plate area.


Extra Innings
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SSUSA rules (where a runner is placed at second base to start the inning) will not be used. Games will continue to be played until won by one team.

Five Run Rule
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  1. During innings 1 through 6, the maximum number of runs that can be scored by either team shall be five (5) runs.
  2. However, if a team batting is behind by more than five runs at any time during the first 6 innings, the batting team is permitted to catch up and tie the other team’s run total. For example, if a team is three (3) runs behind and the batter hits a grand slam home run, only 3 runs are counted.
  3. There is no run limit in the 7th inning and subsequent innings.


Game Ending Mercy Rule
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A 15-run rule will be in effect after the trailing team bats five (5) complete innings.

Infield Fly Rule
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When an “infield fly” is called by the umpire, the batter is out, the ball is considered dead and any runners on base MAY NOT advance.

PROPOSED ADDITION:SSUSA Rules define an "infield fly" as "A fair fly ball (not including a line drive) that can be caught by any fielder with ordinary effort when first and second bases or first, second and third bases are occupied with less than two outs. Any fielder can catch an infield fly."

Number of Players Required for an Official Game
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A team must have nine players present in order to begin a game. The opposing team will provide a catcher (who will make defensive plays). However, if a team has 10 players, the opposing team will not be required provide a catcher. Our reasoning is that the team with 10 players already has the advantage of getting through the batting order faster than the other team.

One-and-One Pitch Count for the Game
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A one-and-one pitch count is permitted under the following conditions: (a) weather conditions; (b) deteriorating field conditions; or (c) time constraints with regard to field use. Agreement by both managers is required. If both managers do not agree, a 0-0 count will be utilized.

Pitcher Safety
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Use of the pitching screen is MANDATORY. The pitcher should get behind the screen after releasing the ball. A pitcher who chooses not to move behind the screen should be encouraged to wear a defensive mask and other protective gear (such as chest and shin protectors). The League WILL NOT provide this equipment. The pitcher accepts the risks of injury if he does not get behind the screen.

Pitching Screen Rules for Balls that Hit the Screen
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  1. A batted ball striking any part of the screen, or its frame/container, shall be considered a strike and a dead ball.
  2. The first batted ball striking any part of the screen, or its frame/container, whenever there are two (2) strikes on the batter, is considered a dead ball, and no pitch. The next pitch hit into the screen (two in a row with two strikes) will be a third strike out and dead ball. This rule change remains in place during the 2023 season.
  3. A ball thrown or touched by a defensive player that comes in contact with any portion of the pitching screen shall be considered “in play”.
  4. A defensive player making contact with any portion of the screen shall do so at their own risk. The ball shall remain “live” and “in play.”


Pitching Screen Posiitoning After the Start of the Game
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  1. The pitcher may at the beginning of each inning move the Pitching Screen left or right but no further than the closest edge of the pitching rubber.
  2. Once placed, unless a new pitcher enters the game, the pitching screen cannot be moved once the defensive inning has started.
  3. If the pitching screen is moved away from its position after the start of the inning, the pitcher will be warned. In the event of a second violation during that game, the pitcher will be disqualified from pitching the rest of that day.


Protests
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Protests must be made by a team manager or designee. At the point of protest, the umpire must be immediately notified of a protest, and the umpire must sign the protesting manager’s score book. In the event there was no umpire present at the protested game, the opposing team manager must be made aware of the protest at the point of protest. A protest must be communicated by the protesting manager to the League President no later than 48 hours following the end of the game, followed by a written statement outlining the reason(s) for the protest. Upon receipt of the written protest, the League President must contact the umpire to discuss the situation. The Executive Board must render a decision within five (5) days.

Runner Passing the Commitment Line
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A runner on or rounding third base may not return to third base after passing the commitment line and must run to the home plate area.

Slide or Veer Requirement at 2nd and 3rd Base
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  1. A baserunner must not initiate contact with any defense player or is automatically out.
  2. A runner must either slide or veer to avoid contact with a defensive player at either second or third base AND to permit the defensive player to make a throw. To clarify the throw rule, a runner must slide or veer out of the way of an outgoing ball thrown by the fielder in an attempt to complete a double play. For example, a runner cannot stay in the baseline and try to block such a throw during a double play attempt. The runner must slide or veer (duck) away from the throw.
  3. Incidental contact, which is a judgement call by the umpire, shall not be subject to this rule.
  4. Managers should discuss the League’s slide or veer rule with umpires prior to the beginning of the game.
  5. REVISION OF THIS RULE IS UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE RULES COMMITTEE TO BE RECOMMENDED FOR A VOTE AT THE 14 JUNE, 2023 LEAGUE MEETING. THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WOULD REQUIRE THE UMPIRE TO DECLARE A DOUBLE-PLAY IF THE PLAYER ON FIRST BASE WHEN THE PLAY BEGINS FAILS TO SLIDE OR VEER SHOULD A DEFENSIVE PLAYER BE ATTEMPTING A FORCE PLAY AT SECOND BASE.


The following language is included from the SSUSA rules for emphasis:
Sliding or diving into first base or the scoring line or scoring plate is permitted ONLY to avoid a collision with a defensive player. This is an umpire’s judgment call and is not subject to protest or appeal. A player may slide or dive into second or third bases, or when returning to any base. A runner must make every effort to avoid colliding with opposing players while running the bases or sliding or diving. If in the umpire’s judgment a runner misses a base to avoid a collision, the runner will not be called out. If in the umpire’s judgment the runner fails to avoid a collision with a defensive player involved in the play, the ball will be declared dead and the runner called out. All base runners except for the batter will be returned to their previous base unless forced to advance. If in the umpire’s judgement the runner’s collision with the defensive player involved in the play negates a double play, the umpire may award a second out. See Code of Conduct for rough or aggressive playing tactics.

Stepping Off First or Third Base
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  1. Runners may place themselves in foul territory at 3rd and 1st base to avoid injury by being struck by balls hit in their direction. The runner should \ announce their intention to the umpire.
  2. Runners stepping off the base MUST re-touch their respective base before advancing. Failure to do so will result in an out, but the ball shall remain in play.


Third Strike Foul Ball or Foul Tip
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A foul tip on the third strike shall be considered an out. The height of the foul tip is of no importance.

Tie Games
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When a game must be called after 5 innings and the score is tied, the game is recorded as a tie game but the game does not count for or against either team’s season record. Games will not be made-up or later completed. The game is described as “No Decision” in the season records.

GAME SCHEDULES
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Starting Times
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  1. Double headers shall be played each Sunday and Wednesday as indicated in the League schedule.
  2. Games scheduled on Sundays during the month of April shall start at 9:30 a.m. Games in all other months shall start at 9:00 a.m.
  3. All games scheduled on Wednesdays shall start at 9:30 a.m.
  4. Games schedules, including playing sites and the playoff format must be submitted for Executive Board approval prior to the start of the season.


LINE-UP SHEETS
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  1. Line-up sheets shall designate the batting order of players. Providing the defensive position of the players is optional.
  2. Line-ups must be exchanged at the start of each game for official record-keeping to determine player playoff eligibility.


MAKE-UP GAMES
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No make-up games will be played unless there is an odd number of teams in the division and bye weeks occur in the schedule. If numerous rainouts, this should warrant consideration of make-up games to be scheduled and built in at the end of the season's schedule in that division as agreed to by a majority of managers and the VP/Commissioner at the start of the season.

NOTE: The reason for this rule is that make-up games interfere with the season’s schedule and will delay the holding of playoffs.

PLAYER DEFENSIVE INNING PLAY REQUIREMENT
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All players must play a minimum of three (3) defensive innings unless the player requests to be an Extra Hitter because of some physical problem that prevents the player from taking the field but does not prevent the player from remaining in the lineup as a Courtesy Batter.

PLAYER DRAFTING
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The Vice President(s) and Managers of each division shall annually decide upon the process by which players will be chosen for teams (with the final decision made by the Vice President), considering the following options or others mutually agreed upon:
  1. Rosters will remain intact from year-to-year, with players added based on the number of players needed to meet minimum roster requirements.
  2. A maximum number of players will be identified to remain on a team’s roster from year-to-year, the rosters filled out by means of an agreed-upon drafting procedure.
  3. All players who are age eligible and have committed to play in a division will be evaluated according to a 40-point rating system that rates each player from a high of 10 points to a low of 1 point in four skill areas: batting, running, throwing and fielding. Managers and assistant managers will then engage in a draft of players, one round at a time, to build a complete roster, choosing players based on their total point score as the managers deem appropriate.
  4. The league goal is to create teams with parity of talent to promote good competition.
  5. Players who are eligible to play in two divisions and have decided to change divisions from last year must notify the League Executive Board no later than February 1.
  6. A currently assigned player may voluntarily enter the pool after he has completed two consecutive seasons with his current team. A player may enter the pool playing one season if he secures the permission of his manager.


    7. PLAYER EJECTIONS
    RETURN TO CONTENTS Consequences to a Team After a Player Ejection
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    1. When a player is ejected, the manager may not replace him with another player. Thereafter, an out will be recorded for every scheduled at bat for the ejected player during the game in progress.
    2. There are no line-up restrictions on the ejected player’s team for the second game, when a player is ejected from game one. The second game is simply played without the ejected player.
    3. The ejected player’s team may use a substitute (poor player) for any subsequent games that the ejected player is forced to miss if the team needs a substitute to make 10 players.
    4. In the event a player is ejected during a Wednesday League first game, the gap in the second game line-up is filled simply by the remaining players moving up in accordance with the practice on Wednesday that the second game line-up begins with the player next scheduled to bat when the first game ends.


    Ejections by the Umpire for Cause
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    NOTE: Refer to the Code of Conduct section for specific conditions and behaviors that trigger ejections.

    PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
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    Age Determination
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    1. For eligibility to play in the Gold division of the League, a player must attain age 45 by the end of December.
    2. For eligibility to play in the Platinum division and in the Wednesday League, a player must attain age 60 by the end of December.
    3. For eligibility to play in the Diamond division, a player must attain age 70 by the end of December.


    Age Requirements
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    Player age requirements for each Sunday division is to be determined based on recommendations by a Sustainability Committee appointed by the President charged with evaluating the impact of any changes on each of the three divisions. (See Appendix 2)

    Age Verification
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    Team managers are responsible for age verifications for all players on their roster, in accordance with the following procedures:
    1. The age of all players active for the 2021 season was verified. For the current year, only players new to the League require verification of their age. The Executive Board will determine the date by which all age verifications must be completed. Players without age verification after that date will not be permitted to play until age is verified.
    2. To the extent possible, a League official shall at the earliest time possible at the beginning of the season arrive at the field early enough to confirm the age of each new player by examination of the player’s driver’s license or birth certificate. If a League official is not present, the Managers or Assistant Managers should perform the age verifications.
    3. Managers shall instruct new players to bring identification and be prepared to show it to the League official.
    4. The League official, Manager or Assistant Manager shall record the date of birth for each player for submission to the League’s Executive Board through the use of the League form created to capture player information and consent to the League terms for participation.


    Game Day Late Arrival
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    1. Any player on the roster who arrives after the start of the game is permitted to play but must be added to the bottom of the line-up for that game on Sundays. For Wednesdays the player remains in the same batting order as in game one; however (based on who made the last out in game one) his place in the line-up may be higher.
    2. No additional players can be added to a team’s game day roster on game day without VP/Commissioner approval.


    In-season Assignment of Players Not on a Team Roster, including Substitute/Replacement Players
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    In the event a manager determines that fewer than eleven (11) players will be available for the upcoming week’s games, the manager can contact the Division Vice President to request assignment to his team of a sufficient number of players not assigned to another division team, subject to the following restrictions:

    1. (a) Substitute pool players must be placed at the bottom of the line-up;
    2. (b) Substitute players are prohibited from playing more innings than any player on the regular roster, except if a regular roster player is injured or requests to be relieved;
    3. (c) For the Gold Division only: if the 12th player is a substitute (pool) player, that player must sit for a minimum of 3 defensive innings; and
    4. (d) The opposing team manager must be notified BEFORE the start of the game.
    5. In the event that players who were not scheduled to come out surprisingly show up and the team now has more than eleven (11) players, the substitute (pool) players will play but must bat at the bottom of the line-up.
    6. All players recruited during the season will go into the League’s pool of substitute players; and, when a team needs a player or players for its roster, the VP/Commission shall assign players of comparable ability (to the extent possible) to the team in need of players and communicate that assignment of player or players to all other managers.


    PLAYER RATING
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    As noted above, the system of player rating is determined by the Vice President and Managers of each division by mutual agreement. Three options are identified as useful, as follows, but their use if not mandated by the League:
    1. All players can be rated as A+/-; B+/-; or C+/- based on overall ability.
    2. All players can be rated A/B/C utilizing a point system ranging from a maximum of 9 points for an A+ player to 1 point for a C- player.
    3. All players can be rated by a point system of 10 as highest and 1 as lowest, in four areas: hitting, running, throwing and fielding. Under this rating system a maximum of 40 points is possible.
    4. The League recommends that managers meet sufficiently in advance of any player draft or other methods of assignment of players to team rosters to rate players in attempt to achieve a high level of initial parity for each team in the division.


    PLAYER TRADES/REASSIGNMENTS
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    During the roster building process, managers may engage in player trades/reassignments. No further trades/reassignments are permitted once the rosters are set (unless the division/Wednesday league (managers and VP/Commissioner) deems an emergency where a trade is required to keep a team viable). Trades must be approved by a majority of the managers in the division and the VP/Commissioner. The player(s) involved in the trade must also approve the trade.

    PLAYER UNRELIABILITYY
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    Unreliability Rule
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  7. Unreliability Rule: A manager may request approval from the division Vice President to remove a player from his roster if the player fails to show up (as a no show, meaning that he said he would show up, then no call and no show) for two consecutive sets of game or fails to advise the manager until the last minute that he is not coming on three occasions to that point in the season. A combination of three no shows or last- minute cancellations or, a player continues to call out as not playing week in and week out wasting a roster spot also applies. The player should receive a warning with a phone call from the league VP/Commissioner prior to removal to the substitute pool in order to correct the behavior. If removed from that roster, the player will be assigned to the substitute pool for the remainder of the season. The player will then be reassigned to a new team roster the following season. A second season of unreliability may result in possible permanent placement in the pool, as decided by the Executive Board. A player who quits the team during a game or during the season may face a possible suspension for the rest of the season. The division VP/Commissioner, in consultation with the EC, will make the determination if quitting the team warrants further action. Players who quit on teams two or more times over subsequent seasons may be required to play out of the pool until such time as the EC determines.
    8. Timely Payment of League Fees
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  8. Timely payment of League fees: Every member of the League is responsible for paying their team fees. Managers should notify the League President in the event the League fees are not paid by the fourth week of the season to explain the circumstances and discuss appropriate action.
PLAYOFFS
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  1. A player must have played in 50% of regular season games, plus one.
  2. Rain outs do not count for or against the total.
  3. An injured player is credited with games when injured.
  4. A player added to a roster during the season must have played in 50% of the remaining games, plus one.
  5. Non-roster players who have played when a team was short of roster players are not eligible to play on any team during the playoffs. In other words, no pool players are eligible for the playoffs; only players on the permanent team rosters are eligible.


TEAM ELIGIBILITY
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Rosters
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  1. All teams should strive to have a minimum of 16 players on their rosters.
  2. All teams must have a minimum of 14 active players on their rosters during the playing season.
  3. If a team falls below 12 active players on the roster, the manager and division VP/Commissioner will attempt to help find replacement rostered players.


TEAM FORFEIT
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Game Day
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  1. If a team fails to field at least 9 players by 15 minutes after the scheduled start time, the game will be forfeited.
  2. The second game must start no later than 15 minutes following forfeit of the first game or the second game is also forfeited.
  3. The score to be recorded for a forfeited game shall be 7 to 0.
  4. In the event of a forfeit due to insufficient players, all players from both teams present at the field shall receive credit for playing the game, to be applied to playoff eligibility.
  5. Players present are encouraged to play an exhibition game rather than just go home.


UMPIRES
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Game Management
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  1. Only managers are permitted to discuss issues with the umpire.
  2. Players on the defensive team shall not leave their field position to dispute an umpire’s call.
  3. A batter on the offensive team shall not leave the batter’s box to dispute an umpire’s call.
  4. Any other player on the offensive team shall not leave the dugout or bench area to dispute an umpire’s call.
  5. Managers are responsible to keep their players under control at all times.
  6. The League President or his designee shall be responsible for the coordination of umpire requirements.


Regular Season
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  1. Paid umpires are to be utilized by all divisions for the summer League games.
  2. Team managers will pay the umpire fees in cash at the beginning of each game.
  3. Should an umpire fail to show at a scheduled game, the involved teams are expected to provide their own umpires utilizing roster players.
  4. If a third-party agrees to umpire a game, the League is not responsible for any costs involved.
  5. If the umpire arrives at the field and the game is cancelled because one or both of the teams have forfeited because of too few players, the umpire fee will not be returned to the forfeiting team. The forfeiting team will pay the umpire fee for that game.


Playoffs
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During the championship round of playoffs, managers may mutually agree to use more than one umpire. Any additional cost shall be borne by the teams involved. However, the League, upon a vote in favor by the Executive Board, may agree to reimburse teams for extra umpire fees during the playoff games.

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APPENDIX: CODE OF CONDUCT
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SECTION I

A. No Participant (e.g., player), Team Manager or Spectator Shall: Verbally or visually demonstrate, in an aggressively disrespectful manner, disagreement with an umpire or league official’s decision. It shall be the right of the Manager to request, in a respectful manner, an explanation of a call or rule interpretation.

B. No Participant (e.g., player), Team Manager or Spectator Shall: Appear on the field of play under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or consume alcohol at the facility prior to or during the game.

C. No Participant (e.g., player), Team Manager or Spectator Shall: Use aggressive profane, obscene or vulgar language or gestures in any manner, at any time towards another player, umpire, coach or spectator.

D. No Participant (e.g., player), Team Manager, or Spectator Shall: Significantly harass, heckle, insult, jeer or use verbal tactics to embarrass or insult a league official and participant (e.g., teammate) at any time before, during or after a game.

E. No Participant (e.g., player), Team Manager, or Team Representative Shall: Use rough or aggressive playing tactics that could result in injury.

F. No Participant (e.g., player), Team Manager or Team Representative Shall: Give false or misleading information or fail to cooperate with a legitimate request from a league official.

G. Team Managers Shall: When requested by the game official, assist him or her in the enforcement of the Player Code of Conduct or rules and control players making threats.


Penalties for Section I Violations

  1. The umpire is in charge of the game and will use his/her judgment about conduct that warrants possible warnings or possible ejection of a player, coach, or spectator. This applies to all Sections of this Code of Conduct. If the umpire ejects a player form the first game of a double header, that player should not be allowed to play in the second game that day, as per umpire discretion. The umpire can require the ejected player to leave the field of play, meaning beyond the umpire's sight and hearing from the field for the remainder of the day.
  2. Possible (1-2) one two game suspension can be imposed by the Executive Council for each individual violation of Section I beyond the umpire's ejection, if imposed. Suspension can be appealed in writing, and submitted to the League President. If the violation occurs in the first game of a double header, and the player sat out the the second game that day, that game can count as game one of a subsequent EC imposed suspension. A two game suspension could be the second game that day and the first game of the next double header. If the violation occurs in the second game, the player sits out the remainder of the game as well as the next two games. The umpire will decide if the player must leave the field/facility so that the umpire cannot hear or see the player. One of the managers will inform the division VP/Commissioner. The division VP/Commissioner will inform the player and the league President.
  3. Penalty will be doubled if this is the second violation in a one-year period.
  4. A third violation within that playing year may result in up to a one year suspension.
  5. The Executive Board and Division VP/Commissioner reserves the right to increase this penalty as the situation warrants. Each incident will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
  6. SSUSA rules apply: The spot in the line-up vacated by the ejected player cannot be filled by another player. An out in the line-up occurs each time the removed player would have come to bat in that game.


SECTION II

A. No Participant (e.g., player), Team Manager or Spectator Shall: Be guilty of verbal threats either sexually or racially discriminatory directed at any other participant, team manager, player, spectator, umpire, or league official.

B. No Participant (e.g., player), Team Manager, or Spectator Shall: Engage in a continuous verbal attack upon an official, other participants or spectators after they have been ejected from a game and/or make a verbal threat of physical violence upon anyone.

C. No Participant (e.g., player), Team Manager, or Spectator Shall: Charge an official, or make incidental physical contact with the body, or kick dirt or other matter on the official when disputing a decision.

D. No Participant (e.g., player), Team Manager, or Spectator Shall: Fail to abide by an official’s decision. Player(s) must leave the facility if requested by the game official. Failure to do so will result in a forfeit by the ejected player(s) team for the remaining game(s) that day.


Penalties for Section II Violations:

  1. Possible (2-8) two to eight games suspension may be imposed for each violation of Section II. If the violationoccurs in the first game of a double header, the player will sit the second game that day. If the violation occurs in the second game, the player sits out the remainder of the game as well as the next two to eight games. The umpire will decide if the player must leave the field/facility so the umpire cannot hear or see the player. One of the managers will inform the division VP/Commissioner. The division VP/Commissioner will inform the player and the League President.
  2. Penalty will be doubled when it is the second violation in same year.
  4. A third violation within that playing year may result in up to a one to two year suspension.
  5. The Executive Board and Division VP /Commissioner reserves the right to increase this penalty as the situation warrants. Each incident will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
  6. SSUSA rules apply: The spot in the line-up vacated by the suspended player cannot be filled by another player. An out in the line-up occurs each time the removed player would have come to bat in that game.
  7. Appeal: See Code of Conduct Section IV, paragraph 2.


SECTION III

A. No Participant, Team Manager, or Spectator Shall: Be guilty of causing or intending to cause physical contact with an official, player or spectator when disputing a decision.

B. No Participant, Team Manager, or Spectator Shall: Perform battery (as defined in the NJ Penal Code) upon any game official, league representative, player or spectator at any time on or near a playing facility and/or at a meeting facility.

C. No manager or player shall: Purposefully manipulate their roster to gain a competitive advantage, such as calling players to stay home in order to have their best players only play.


Penalties for Section III Violations

  1. Participant is immediately suspended from further play until the incident is reviewed by the Executive Board and Division VP/Commissioner. A rest of the year or full year suspension is the recommended minimum penalty, although the Executive Board and Division VP/Commissioner has the final decision. Depending on the severity of the incident, past conduct and other factors, a participant may be suspended for up to 5 years by the Executive Board.
  2. Penalty may be doubled if this is the second incident of a serious nature.
  3. The Executive Board and Division VP/Commissioner reserves the right to increase this penalty as the situation warrants. The EC will determine if the altercatin is self defense or retaliation. Each incident will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
  4. SSUSA rules apply: The spot in the line-up vacated by the suspended player cannot be filled by another player. An out in the line-up occurs each time the removed player would have come to bat in that game.


No Participant, Team Manager, or Spectator Shall: Engage in or provoke a physical attack on another participant at the facility. This includes retaliation for the actions of another player. (Any person has the right to defend him/herself from a physical attack) See Section III, item A for further details if applicable. This action may be deemed a section III violation.


SECTION IV
REVIEW AND APPEAL PROCESS

  1. Game officials/managers will notify the Division VP/Commissioner and the league President of the incident. The Division VP/Commissioner will gather information and prepare a written incident report (including statements from players/managers/umpire) to the President.
  2. The Executive Board will review the incident and may impose additional penalties if warranted, as outlined in the penalty sections. The manager and involved players will be mailed written notification of any additional disciplinary action.
  3. The participants may appeal, in writing, any disciplinary action. Appeals for violations will be reviewed by the Division VP/Commissioner who will review the action with the Executive Board. The Executive Board will make a final decision.
  4. A third suspension within any two-year period will carry an automatic one-year suspension in addition to the penalty.
  5. Failure to abide with the suspension(s) will result in an automatic additional year penalty, and forfeit of any game participated in after the suspension was levied.
  6. Any player suspended for a year (or “rest of year”) or more must appeal to the Executive Board and Division VP/Commissioner for reinstatement. The player will appear in person at a closed meeting with the Executive Board and Division VP/Commissioner to make the appeal. The player may bring witnesses (e.g., existing league player support) to the meeting but no one else. Upon hearing the appeal, the Executive Board and Division VP/Commissioner will render a decision by a majority vote to allow reinstatement. Given the concept of rehabilitation, the Executive Board and Division VP/Commissioner should make every effort to support the player’s willingness to play and abide by the rules. This reinstatement could include a one-year probation period that includes no incidents of inappropriate behavior from the player.
  7. The Executive Board has the authority to suspend a player from both Sunday and Wednesday leagues for conduct if warranted.
  8. The Division VP/Commissioner will communicate to all managers all decisions relating the suspensions.


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APPENDIX 2: SUSTAINABILITY CRITERIA
(Effective in 2022)



What follows are the final recommendations of the Sustainability Committee for adoption by the League as of the beginning of the 2022 softball season. The objective of the recommended measures is to establish criteria consistent for all players who register to play in the League. We have provided for a uniform player rating system while also establishing an appropriate balance for determining divisional eligibility based on the combination of age and rated ability:

  1. Each of the League’s divisions should be organized so that players within a flexible age group who also share a relatively similar range of playing ability are assigned to the most appropriate division.
  2. It is recognized that age is not always the best measure of a player’s assignment to a League division.
  3. The playing ability of all players should be evaluated by division team managers based on a common point system applied to: (a) hitting: (b) running; (c) throwing; and (d) fielding.
  4. For each of the above ability categories points of 10 would be the highest rating and 1 would be the lowest rating. Players would be ranked from highest to lowest based on their total point score.
  5. Players who have not previously played in the League should be evaluated prior to player assignments and team drafts. As soon as weather conditions permit, managers should hold tryouts for potential new players to evaluate, as best as is possible, the ability of the player prior to division assignments and the filling of team rosters.


Players would be assigned to the Gold, Platinum or Diamond Division as follows:

  1. Gold Division: Ages 45 to 59. Ages 60 to 65 if a total point score of 28 or higher, at the discretion of the player. At 66, player must move up.
  2. Platinum Division: Ages 60 to 69. Ages 70 to 75 if a point score of 28 or higher, at the discretion of the player. At 76, player must move up.
  3. Diamond Division: Age 70 and older.


As indicated above, when a player’s age exceeds the maximum permitted in the Gold or Platinum division, that player must move up. The above criteria would also be applied as the basis for any player who wants to stay in a division or move up or down. Any player affected would have the right to appeal this mandate before the Executive Board.

League policies established in 2020 to protect players to the extent possible from contracting the COVID-19 should remain in force. This includes the requirement to wear face masks while in the dugout or bench area and to maintain social distancing. We recommend that all players be encouraged to be vaccinated prior to the start of the season, although the League cannot mandate vaccination as a condition for eligibility. The one exception to this policy relates to players who participate in out-of-state tournaments. In such cases, any player who has not provided evidence of being vaccinated must quarantine for a minimum of ten (10) days before being eligible to play in League games. This wording regarding tournament play, if approved, should be added to the League’s regulations.

Finally, player eligibility should be based on the player’s age as of the end of the month of October of the current season.

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