Signal Mountain Youth Sports

LEAGUE ~ 5/6 and 7/8

Signal Mountain Girls Softball Association (SMGSA) has adopted the AMATEUR SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (ASA) SOFBALL (FASTPITCH) rules with some modifications and exceptions as delineated in these Articles for “B” and “C” competition. It is incumbent upon each coach to join the ASA and obtain the Official Guide and Rule Book for the current year. A complete knowledge and interpretation of the rules cannot be obtained use of these Articles. Other elements of these Articles of Organization may also apply to this division.

Playing field must be established as on the attached diagram. (APPENDIX A) Base paths are sixty (60) feet.

Pitching rules of the ASA do not apply because of coaches pitches. Pitching coach must pitch past the twenty foot (20) arc and not past the thirty foot (30) arc, between the limits of the pitching circle.

Area inside the twenty foot (20) arc of home plate is foul territory. No defensive player will be allowed within the thirty foot (30) arc of home plate until after the ball has been hit.

Each team will play a regular six (6) girl infield, 1b, 2b, 3b, ss, pitcher, and catcher. Outfielders must stay behind the three foot (3) outfield line until the ball has been hit. Violation of this rule will give the offensive coach the option of batting over or taking the results of play. SS, 1b and 3b players will be allowed to position themselves anywhere on the playing field between foul lines.

The player playing the position of pitcher shall keep both feet within the sixteen foot (16) diameter pitching circle until the ball has been hit. Violation of the rules will result in the team having the option of taking the results of the play or declaring no play. EXCEPTION: The defensive coach, for safety reasons(s), may at their option move the pitcher completely out or vacant the circle. This player must remain in fair territory at all times.

When the defensive team stops the progress of the front runner, the umpire will call “Time: play will stop and the ball will be dead. Any other runner(s) pass the halfway marker will continue to the next base unless occupied. Any other base runner(s) not the halfway marker will go back to the previous base. Base runner(s) do not have to be on base to establish ‘stopping of progress’. Umpires decision.

In the 7 and 8-year-old, play each batter will be allowed three (3) strikes in seven (7) pitches to hit the ball. After the seventh (7TH) pitch, the batter is out unless she fouled the ball on the seventh pitch. In the 5 and 6-year-old play the batter will be allowed five (5) strikes in five (5) pitches to hit the ball. After the fifth (5th) pitch put the ball on the tee. All girls get on base.

Seven (7) runs per half inning maximum allowed in 7/8.

Two (2) pickup players will be permitted per game to avoid forfeit for a maximum of nine (9) players. Teams shall field at least seven (7) players from the regular season roster. If a team uses pickup players, the coach must notify the opposing coach, umpire, and scorekeeper before the start of game by noting pickups on the lineup card. Pickup players must play outfield (in the grass) and bat last. Pick-up players that are not already registered must complete a registration form PRIOR to playing.

No more than two (2) defensive coaches allowed on the playing field at one time. Defensive outfield coaches must stay behind the three foot (3) outfield lines when the ball is in play and out of the way of advancing runner(s). 1st offense draws a warning or ejection based on the severity. Second offense draws ejection. Any actual obstruction is governed by ASA rules.

Offensive teams will be allowed three (3) coaches as follows: One first base coach, one third base coach and one coach serving as pitcher to their team. One other coach/volunteer may be in the dugout to keep score or organize batting order.

If the batted ball hits an adult pitcher, the ball is dead. An adult pitcher must make an effort to keep from being hit by the batted ball. (Umpires judgment, if no effort is made than the batter is out.) First offensive draws a warning or ejection based on the severity. Second offensive draws ejections.

Any coach touching the base runner(s) while the ball is in play will cause the runner(s) to be out; other runner(s) may advance at own risk.

The umpire has complete control of the game after he or she call ‘Play Ball’ and has the authority to eject any player, coach, assistant coach, parent, or spectator from the ball park. Failure to abide by the umpires decision constitutes forfeit of the ball game and/or the removal of the offender from the game.

Coaches, assistants, and players will not be allowed to argue with judgment calls, such as, balls being fair or foul, runner(s) being out or safe, etc.

If a question should arise as to rule interpretation during a game, only the coach in charge may appeal. This appeal must be made to the umpire in chief.

All players present must play each inning with a maximum of fifteen (15) players.

Prior to the start of the game, each coach or manager will give the batting order by name and number to the coach or manager of the opposing team.

Any player arriving after the beginning of the game will assume the last position in the batting order.

Each team must let all players bat according to their batting order. If a player is sick, hurt, or refuses to bat, this must be brought up to the attention of the other coaches and scorekeeper. Failure to bat constitutes a team out. EXCEPTION: If the illness, injury has occurred during the game play and not prior to coming to the field, it will not constitute an out. Coaches must concur. The individual batters will resume their correct position in the batting order.

A base runner(s) must be in contact with the base until a legally pitched ball reaches home plate. Violation constitutes an out and ball is dead.

Catcher may play anywhere from the catchers box to the back screen. Catchers MUST wear an approved mask until the ball is hit, then it may be discarded to field the ball.

Batters and base runners must wear ASA approved helmets.

No play shall be declared if a batter hits the ball while standing with one or both feet outside the batters box.

Throws must be attempted to be made overhand (intent is not to bowl the ball). Violation of this rule will give the offensive coach the option of batting over or taking the results of the play.

Base runner(s) shall be entitled to the base they are going plus one (1) when the ball is overthrown into the dugout or over, under, through, or beyond the fence line.

If a player is hurt or injured after the ball is batted, the offensive team may advance only one base (1) and then time is called to attend to the injured player.

An injured player may reenter the game but must return to the same position in batting order.

For safety reasons, coaches will caution players about slinging the bat. Each child will receive one (1) warning from the umpire for slinging the bat. Second offensive per child results in an automatic out. Umpires decision.

A regulation game is five (5) innings. Both teams will play five (5) innings regardless of the score, provided both coaches agree before the start of the game. If coaches cannot agree then the game will be called when the team behind cannot tie or score more runs then the team ahead before the end of four and one half (4 ½) or five (5) innings or the time limit is up.

If a game is ‘called’ before three (3) complete innings of play, the game shall be played from the beginning, at a later date. If the game is ‘called’ after three (3) innings of play, the game will be declared a completed game unless it is tied in which case it is a regulation tie game and handled by ASA rules.

Games will not end in a tie regardless of time limits unless the game is ‘called’. Games tied after zero (0) extra innings will have subsequent innings started with the player making the last out of the previous inning placed on second base. Regulation tie games are addressed in ASA rules.

One (1) time out will be allowed per one (1) inning per team one (1) minute each. Time outs as a result of injury shall be an official time out and will not be counted against that team’s number of allotted time outs.

A team failing to field at least nine (9) players within ten (10) minutes after the game time shall forfeit the game. When both teams fail to field nine (9) players within ten (10) minutes after game time, a double forfeit shall be declared, resulting in a double loss.

A base runner hit by a batted ball, before it passes an infield player (other than the pitcher) in the infield, is out.

Unaltered wood or aluminum bats may be used. Baseball bats over twenty-six inches (26) will not be allowed. Any bat over twenty-six (26) inches must be a softball bat. Bats over thirty-two (32) inches in length will not be allowed.

The official ball of the 5 and 6 year old division shall be the WORTH 11’ LEVEL R.I.F. BALL. This ball is to be used in all games, league and /or tournament play by the 5 and 6-year-old division. The official ball of the 7and 8-year-old division shall be an eleven inch (11) softball (red stitch or white stitch). Home team provides a new ball and visitors provide a playable ball. Home team also provides the official scorekeeper.

No bunting allowed. Umpires judgment.

There will be no base on balls.

Hit batters are not allowed a base.

Infield fly rule does not apply.

Clarification: The efforts of SMGSA to adopt ASA rules was not intended to invoke all the rigor associated with player uniforms and coaches attire found in the ASA official Guide and Rules Book. Accordingly, pickup players are not expected to have uniforms, ball caps, sweatbands, and visors can be mixed, and coaches can dress as they please. Should a player end up at the field with a uniform problem, work it out and play ball.

Clarification: The ASA words ‘deliberately wearing the helmet improperly or deliberately removing the helmet during a live ball play and seen by the umpire as a deliberate act, shall cause the violator to be declared out immediately’, does not apply when the helmet accidentally comes off. It is the umpire judgment.

Clarification: Whenever possible, play the ball and protest whether or not the game should have been played later. If you think you have a legitimate protest, inform the umpire and the coach from the other team that you are playing under protest, note the circumstances on the scorebook and play ball. Resolve your protest in accordance within the allowable time limits.

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LEAGUE ~ 9/11

I, Signal Mountain Girls Softball Association (SMGSA), has adopted the AMATEUR SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (ASA) SOFTBALL (FASTPITCH) rules with some modifications and exceptions as delineated in these Articles for ‘A’ and ‘B’ and ‘C’ competition. It is incumbent upon each coach to join ASA, obtain the official guide, and rule book for the current year. A complete knowledge and interpretation of the rules cannot be obtained by use of these Articles alone. Other elements of these Articles of Organization may also apply to this division.

Ten (10) players shall constitute a playing team; however, a team may play with nine (9) players to avoid forfeit.

Two (2) pickup players will be permitted per game to avoid forfeit for a maximum of nine (9) players. Teams shall field at least seven (7) players from the regular season roster. If a team uses pickup players, the coach must notify the opposing coach, umpire, and scorekeeper before the start of game by noting pickups on the lineup card. Pickup players must play outfield and bat last. Pick-up players that are not already registered must complete a registration form PRIOR to playing.

Playing field must be established as on the attached diagram. (APPENDIX A) Base paths are sixty (60) feet.

A regulation game is seven (7) innings. Games shall be considered complete, if at the end of the 5th inning, a team is ahead by eight (8) or more runs.

Time limit shall be 1 ½ hours. Third out constitutes the beginning of the next inning.

If a player is removed from a game while her team is on defense due to sickness or injury, the coach may make one (1) of two (2) choices. He may remove the girl from the lineup completely and move his batting order up one batter (OR) he may leave the girl in the lineup and take an automatic out each time the sick or injured player comes to bat until the coach returns the player to the game while her team is on defense. (The above applies only if a team has only ten (10) players available.) EXCEPTION: If the illness, injury has occurred during the game play and not prior to coming to the field, it will not constitute an out. Coaches must concur.

If a game is ‘called’ before four (4) complete innings of play, the game shall be played from the beginning, at a later date. If a game is ‘called’ after four (4) complete innings of play the game will be declared a completed game unless it is tied in which case it is regulation tie game and is handled by ASA rules.

Games will not end in a tie regardless of time limits unless the game is ‘called’. Games tied after zero (0) extra innings will have subsequent innings started with the player making the bat of the previous inning placed on second base. Regulation tie games are addressed in the ASA rules.

Designated Player (DP) and Defense Only Player (DEFO) will not be used.

Home team provides a new ball and visitors provide a playable ball. Home team provides official scorekeeper.

It is recommended (but not required) that two (2) umpires be assigned to each game and both umpires shall be certified by some commonly recognizes certifying organization.

No infield rule.

No dropped third strike rule. Base stealing refer to ASA rule.

The official ball is the 11’ white stitch per ASA 1989 or red stitch or any ball approved by the ASA.

A seven (7) run per half inning limit.

For safety reasons, the coaches will caution players about slinging the bat. First offense, player will receive a warning from the umpire. Additional offenses, player is automatically out. Umpires decision.

Clarification: The efforts of SMGSA to adopt ASA rules was not intended to invoke all the rigor associated with player uniforms and coaches attire found in the ASA official Guide and Rules Book. Accordingly, pickup players are not expected to have uniforms, ball caps, sweatbands, and visors can be mixed, and coaches can dress as they please. Should a player end up at the field with a uniform problem, work it out and play ball.

Clarification: The ASA words ‘deliberately wearing the helmet improperly or deliberately removing the helmet during a live ball play and seen by the umpire as a deliberate act, shall cause the violator to be declared out immediately’, does not apply when the helmet accidentally comes off. It is the umpire judgment.

Clarification: Whenever possible, play the ball and protest whether or not the game should have been played later. If you think you have a legitimate protest, inform the umpire and the coach from the other team that you are playing under protest, note the circumstances on the scorebook and play ball. Resolve your protest in accordance within the allowable time limits.

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Senior Division (Teens)

Ten (10) players shall constitute a playing team; however, a team may play with nine (9) players to avoid forfeit.

Two (2) pickup players will be permitted per game to avoid forfeit for a maximum of nine (9) players. Teams shall field at least seven (7) players from the regular season roster. If a team uses pickup players, the coach must notify the opposing coach, umpire, and scorekeeper before the start of game by noting pickups on the lineup card. Pickup players must play outfield and bat last. Pick-up players that are not already registered must complete a registration form PRIOR to playing.

A regulation game is seven (7) innings. Games shall be considered complete, if at the end of the 5th inning, a team is ahead by eight (8) or more runs.

Time limit shall be 1 ½ hours. Third out constitutes the beginning of the next inning.

If a player is removed from a game while her team is on defense due to sickness or injury, the coach may make one (1) of two (2) choices. He may remove the girl from the lineup completely and move his batting order up one batter (OR) he may leave the girl in the lineup and take an automatic out each time the sick or injured player comes to bat until the coach returns the player to the game while her team is on defense. (The above applies only if a team has only ten (10) players available.) EXCEPTION: If the illness, injury has occurred during the game play and not prior to coming to the field, it will not constitute an out. Coaches must concur.

If a game is ‘called’ before five (4) complete innings of play, the game shall be played from the beginning, at a later date. If a game is ‘called’ after four (4) complete innings of play the game will be declared a completed game unless it is tied in which case it is regulation tie game and is handled by ASA rules.

Games will not end in a tie regardless of time limits unless the game is ‘called’. Games tied after zero (0) extra innings will have subsequent innings started with the player making the bat of the previous inning placed on second base. Regulation tie games are addressed in the ASA rules.

Designated Player (DP) and Defense Only Player (DEFO) will not be used.

Home team provides a new ball and visitors provide a playable ball. Home team provides official scorekeeper.

It is recommended (but not required) that two (2) umpires be assigned to each game and both umpires shall be certified by some commonly recognized certifying organization.

The official ball is the 11’ white stitch per ASA 1989 or red stitch or any ball approved by the ASA.

A seven (7) run per half inning limit included in ‘B’ division play.

Clarification: The words ‘A’ competition used ASA rules without exceptions were not intended to prevent the use of the pickup rule. Accordingly, the provisions of the pickup rule permitted in ‘A’ competition.

Clarification: The efforts of SMGSA to adopt ASA rules was not intended to invoke all the rigor associated with player uniforms and coaches attire found in the ASA official Guide and Rules Book. Accordingly, pickup players are not expected to have uniforms, ball caps, sweatbands, and visors can be mixed, and coaches can dress as they please. Should a player end up at the field with a uniform problem, work it out and play ball.

Clarification: The ASA words ‘deliberately wearing the helmet improperly or deliberately removing the helmet during a live ball play and seen by the umpire as a deliberate act, shall cause the violator to be declared out immediately’, does not apply when the helmet accidentally comes off. It is the umpire judgment.

Clarification: Whenever possible, play the ball and protest whether or not the game should have been played later. If you think you have a legitimate protest, inform the umpire and the coach from the other team that you are playing under protest, note the circumstances on the scorebook and play ball. Resolve your protest in accordance within the allowable time limits.

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PARENTS/GUARDIANS CODE OF ETHICS

I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child participating in youth sports by following this Parent’s Code of Ethics:

Responsibilities to My Child:

I will place the emotional and physical well being of my child ahead of my personal desire to win.
I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.
I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child.
I will train my child to treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect and sportsmanship regardless of race, sex, creed, or ability.
I will help my child enjoy the youth sports experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectful fan, assisting with coaching, or providing team support.
I will train my child in his/her responsibilities to the coach, to the teammates, and to the team. This includes: attending practices and games; listening to the coaches; encouraging the team members; striving to improve; and respecting league officials and referees.

Responsibilities to My Team:

I will require that my child’s coach be trained in the responsibilities of being a youth sports coach and that the coach upholds the Coaches’ Code of Ethics.
I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs and alcohol and will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
I will remember that the game is for youth – not adults.

Responsibilities During Games and Practices:

I will accept the decisions of the coaches, referees, and league officials without arguments or derogatory comments or intimidating tactics.
I will use only positive encouragement to either team from the sidelines.
I will avoid interference in the play of games by remaining behind the designated spectator lines.
I will conduct myself with honor and dignity recognizing that I am setting an example to all children and adults.
I will refrain from the use of alcohol and illegal drugs at practices, games, or league functions.
I will refrain from verbal abuse, intimidation, or physical altercations at any softballl venue or event.

Responsibilities to the League:

I will obey both the letter and the spirit of the laws and rules of the game and the league.
I will treat all officials, players, coaches, referees, and other spectators with respect.
I will never tolerate inappropriate behavior from players, spectators, or other coaches. This includes abusive or derogatory behavior and language.
If I have a problem or grievance with a coach, player, parent, or official, I will follow the appropriate procedure for correcting that grievance. I will go “up the chain of responsibility:” Coach, Commissioner, President of league, Board of Directors. If problems with a referee, I will first approach the Referee Assignor, then the President, then the Board.

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PLAYERS CODE OF ETHICS

Responsibilities to My Team:

I will attend every practice and game that I can and I will notify the coach if I cannot attend.
I will expect a fair amount of playing time during games, approximately one-half of every game.
I will expect attention and instruction from my coach during practice.
I will listen to my coach and participate in practice, always striving to improve my personal skills.
I will not be a distraction to other players during practice or games.
I will alert my coach when the softball experience stops being fun.
I will encourage my parents or guardians to be involved with my team and with the league in some capacity because it is important to me.
I will do my very best in school, recognizing that my schoolwork takes precedence over my extracurricular activities.
I will work for the good of my team and I will honor my commitment to my team and to the league.
I will not use abusive, derogatory, or profane behavior or language.

Responsibilities to the League:

I understand that my participation in this league is an opportunity to compete, to learn, to improve, to be part of a team, and to have fun.
I will obey both the letter and the spirit of the laws and rules of the game and the league.

Responsibilities in Games and Practices:

I will be generous when my team wins and I will gracious when my team loses.
I will treat all officials, players, coaches, referees, and other spectators with respect. I will accept the decisions of the coaches, referees, and league officials without arguments or derogatory comments or intimidating tactics.

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COACHES CODE OF ETHICS

Responsibilities to the League:

I will read the rules of the Signal Mountain Softball Association (SMGSA) and the ASA rules of play (available on our website) and will abide by them. Failure to read or understand these rules will not excuse me from penalties.
I will attend all coaches meetings or send a representative for me. I am responsible for understanding any information discussed at each meeting.
I agree to abide by findings and disciplinary actions of the SMGSA Board of Directors
As a coach, I agree to do my part to maintain all facilities, fields, and equipment to the best of my abilities.
I understand that all officers of the association, committee chairpersons, age division coordinators and commissioners, and board members are volunteers and thus receive no financial remuneration for their many hours of work on behalf of me, my players, and my team’s supporters. I will therefore make no request of them, which will bring additional work, hardship, burden, or expense to them or their families.
I will seek to honor those who uphold the highest standards and principles of softball and shall use appropriate protocol to oppose and eliminate all behavior that brings disrepute to the sport: violence, abuse, dishonesty, disrespect, and violations of the laws of the game and the rules governing competition and oversight of the league
I will accept and abide by the decisions of the coaches, referees, board members, league commissioners, and/or league officials.
As I require continual training of my players, I agree to continue to learn to be a better coach.
If I have a problem or grievance with a coach, player, parent, or official, I will follow the appropriate procedure for correcting that grievance. I will go “up the chain of responsibility:” Coach, Age Commissioner, League Commissioner, and Board of Directors. If problems with a referee, I will first approach the Referee Assignor, then the President, then the Board.

Responsibilities to My Team:

I will communicate my goals and expectations as well as those of the SMGSA to parents, guardians, spectators, and players regarding their responsibilities and behavior.
I will place the emotional/physical well being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win.
I will do my utmost to allow each player maximum participation in each game, at least each player playing approximately half of a game.
I will organize practices that include the involvement and participation of all players and that are fun, challenging, and constructive. I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players.
I will teach the rules of softball to my players.
I will remember that I am a recreational sports coach and the game is for children and their enjoyment and development. The game is not for the adults.
I will obey both the letter and the spirit of the laws of the game and I will instruct my players and team supporters to do the same.
I will always demonstrate a working knowledge of the laws and rules of the game and behave in such a manner that the principles of integrity and dignity of the sport are maintained. I will provide a responsible role model for others.
I will never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players. I will never put a player at risk by returning the player from injury prematurely or forcing play while injured. Winning should be the result of preparation, discipline, and conditioning with emphasis placed on the highest ideals and character traits.
I will motivate my players to pursue excellence in academics as well as athletics.
I will refrain from the use of alcohol or drugs around my players and I will refrain from verbal abuse, intimidation, or physical altercations.

Responsibilities in Games and Practices:

I will refrain from the use of inappropriate, offensive, or abusive language whether or not it is directed toward another coach, referee, player, or spectator.
In both victory and defeat, the behavior of a coach shall model grace, dignity, and composure.
Coaches shall refrain from all manner of personal abuse and harassment of others, whether verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual, and shall oppose such abuse and harassment from anyone at all levels of soccer.
I will never seek unfair advantage by teaching deliberate unsportsmanlike behavior to players or intimidating opposing players, coaches, or supporters. I will not intimidate referees or league officials. Being responsible for my players’ actions on the court means not permitting them to perform with the intent of causing injury to other players.
I will never tolerate inappropriate behavior from players, spectators, or other coaches. This includes abusive or derogatory behavior and language.