Playing Time

1. A defensive player may be substituted for whenever time is called.
2. A player may re-enter the game whenever time is called.
3. No player may sit out more than 2 innings in a six inning game.
4. Substitution is unlimited: the batting order does not change.
5. Positions should be rotated among players: Every player must play at least one full inning per game in the infield.
6. Every player must play at least one full inning per game in the outfield.
7. Managers are required to give each girl their turn in both the infield and outfield during the first four innings to avoid issues with shortened games. The only exceptions to this rule are in the case where a team has the minimum of seven players or for the visiting team in a 3 1/2 inning game. Each manager shall be required to keep a record of the defensive position played by each of their players, by inning. For your convenience click Player Time Record for form that you can print out and utilize.

 Pitching

1. Live (player) pitching will be phased in according to the following schedule:
   
   • Scrimmages - May 3: Pitching machine through first 4 innings, then live pitchers.
   • May 4 - May 24: Pitching machine for the first two innings and then live pitching for the remainder of the game. .
   • May 25 and onward: Live pitching for the first four innings, then the pitching machine for the remainder of the game.
   This season schedule can be modified only upon unanimous agreement of all division coaches. Coaches will confer on or before May 27 to determine if any modifications will be made for the final segment.
2. There are no walks or hit batters with the pitching machine.
3. A batted ball that hits the pitching machine, either directly or after coming into contact with a fielder, will immediately be declared "dead" by the umpire: no further play is permitted. The batter is awarded first base: other runners advance only if forced. If a thrown ball hits the machine, the umpire shall immediately declare the ball "dead." Runners in motion and not more than halfway to the base must return to the base last touched, unless a following runner is entitled to that base.
4. A pitcher may pitch no more than 3 innings per game. Delivery of a single pitch constitutes having pitched a full inning. If three games are played in one week, a pitcher will be allowed to pitch 9 innings in that week. A week runs from Monday through Sunday. Managers are encouraged to use multiple pitchers per game/week in order to aid in the development of more pitchers.
5. Pitchers are advised to wear mouthpieces/guards during live pitching and when fielding the pitching position while the pitching machine is in use.
6. The umpire shall simply call an unintentional illegal pitch a "ball". (Runners will not advance) If the umpire notices minor illegalities, the umpire and coaches will help the pitcher to learn the correct delivery.
7. Pitchers must pitch from 35 feet, never closer.
8. A batter hit by a pitch will be awarded first base, unless the pitch was delivered with significant arc (above the batter's head) or rolls into the batter. However, if a fast pitch bounces into the batter, the batter will be awarded first base. The batter MUST make an attempt to get out of the way. A pitcher who hits two batters in one inning or three batters in a game shall be removed from the pitching position for the rest of the game.
9. No walks will be awarded.  After the fourth ball to a batter, the offensive team’s coach will pitch to complete the batter’s at bat.  Any strikes on the batter will remain; however, only swinging strikes will be called when the coach is pitching. After the batter completes her time at bat, a regular pitcher returns with the same stipulation that after the fourth ball, the coach again pitches to complete the time at bat. When a coach is pitching, batters cannot walk or be hit by a pitch.  
   
10. Strict ASA rules are relaxed in that a pitcher is permitted to begin with any stance that conforms to established stages of fast pitch delivery as long as no unfair advantage is gained. At no time during the motion or delivery can a foot be on the ground entirely behind the rubber.
11. The coach of the team that is batting will umpire. (call balls and strikes for their own batters)

Batting

1. All players will be listed in the batting order and will bat even if they are not playing in the field. If a player is injured, leaves or is removed by an umpire because of the blood rule, that player's spot will be skipped and no out shall be called. A player who is taken out for an injury or blood rule is permitted to re-enter the game.
2. The batting team will bat until 3 outs are made or until 5 runs are scored, whichever comes first.
   
3. Bunting is not permitted. An attempted bunt that is missed, fouled, or hit on the ground will be called a strike. A bunt which is caught in the air, fair or foul, will be an out, and runners cannot advance.
4. A courtesy runner will be used for the catcher with 2 outs. The courtesy runner will be the last player put out.
5. The batter, all base runners, the on-deck hitters and any non-adult bat/ball "shaggers" within the fences must wear batting helmets.
6. A thrown bat will evoke a team warning from the umpire. The next batter from that team who throws a bat will be called out: the ball is immediately "dead," and no further play is permitted. Runners return to the bases they were on at the time of the pitch. Even on the first thrown bat (the one that gets the warning), the batter is still called out if the thrown bat hits a fielder and prevents her from making a play.
7. Any batting helmet used must have a full face mask/guard and a chin strap.

Fielding and Base Running

1. 10 players only (if available) will be used in the field: 4 outfielders and 6 infielders. All outfielders must start each play beyond the edge of the outfield grass. Outfielders must remain in the outfield until the ball is hit. One of the infielders shall be at the catcher's position during both live and machine pitching.
2. The infield fly rule will not be in effect.
3. Stealing will not be permitted.
4. A base runner cannot advance on a wild pitch or a passed ball.
5. On an overthrow that goes into foul territory, regardless of whether it returns to fair territory, runners may advance one base only, (i.e. two from point of release), and are liable to be put out. No additional bases may be taken, regardless of whether the defensive team makes a play on a runner. A runner who advances beyond one base must return, without liability to be put out. However, a runner who overruns or over slides in an attempt to reach a base may be put out.
6. When the pitcher, the catcher or an infielder has control of the ball in the infield, including the part of foul territory encompassed by the infield, runners who are still advancing at the time control is gained may continue to run to the next base only. A runner who stops less than halfway to the next base must return to the previous base, unless a following runner is entitled to that base, in which case play would continue. The umpire can declare play stopped and place runners on appropriate bases whenever control is gained in the infield.
7. When the pitching machine is being used, the pitcher must stay out of the pitching circle, including fielding a ball, and must play at or behind the pitcher's rubber.
8. All catchers must, at a minimum, wear a catcher's mask/helmet with throat protector, chest protector and shin guards.

Games

1. A team should have at least 7 players to begin. Late players are added to the bottom of the lineup as they arrive. No penalties for missing a turn at bat. The team scorekeeper shall notify the scorekeeper of the opposing team, and the scorer in the press box, whenever a player is added or dropped from the batting order.
2. A game is six innings long.
3. Games must start on time. A legal game shall consist of 4 full innings if the visiting team is ahead or the score is tied and 3 1/2 innings if the home team is ahead.
4. If there is a game scheduled after your game, no new inning may start after 1 hour and 45 minutes after the actual starting time. (i.e. 3:45 for a 2:00 game). The two managers shall agree to the actual start time to be used for the 1 hour and 45 minute limit at the start of the game.
5. There is no "Mercy Rule". All games shall continue for either six innings, or until the
   1 hour and 45 minute time limit is reached, whichever comes first.

Conduct

1. No abusive language or behavior will be tolerated on or around the field. The umpire will have the power to remove violators from the game or field area.
2. Sportsmanship and respect toward the other team will be expected of all players, managers, coaches, parents, and fans.
3. Cheering for your own team is allowed however you may not cheer against the other team.
4. Managers are responsible for their team's conduct in the dugout and on the field.

General Notes

1. Base coaches are reminded not to physically assist runners in any way. It is best for base coaches not to touch runners at all.
2. Runners are reminded to run to first base on the outside of the baseline, to step on the orange part of first base, and to run through the base when attempting to beat the throw.
3. Runners are reminded to avoid interference with infield players.
4. Fielders are reminded not to interfere with runners and to get out of the way of runners unless making a play.

Procedure

1. The manager of the home team shall declare rain outs no later than one hour before starting time, and will inform the opposing manager and the scheduler (John Rittley, 908-806-0055(W); 908-310-2525 (C); or jrittley@comcast.net) of the decision (All emails to the scheduler should be followed up with a phone call). Home team managers are encouraged to make their decision on rainouts as early as possible, in order to allow sufficient time for notification of the umpire and visiting team players. If the teams arrive at the field, the authority to declare a rain out is still the home team manager's.
2. All rainouts or postponed games must be rescheduled through John Rittley.
3. No request to postpone a game will be considered within 48 hours of game time.
4. The home team will line the field, run the concession stand and do the 50-50. After the game the home team must rake the field, clean the concession stand, empty the restroom waste baskets, and lock up. (Running the concession stand and doing the 50-50 are NOT required at Hansen)
5. The visiting team is responsible for the scorekeeping and announcing duties. They are also responsible for emailing the newspaper write up to the Hopewell Valley News (se@pacpub.com) and calling/emailing in the score to the division coordinator. An adult volunteer must supervise any children in the press box at Quarry Field.
6. Each team is responsible for cleaning up its own dugout and stands. This includes emptying trash cans in the immediate vicinity of the dugout and stands.
7. Everyone involved should help keep the game moving. Teams are expected to hustle on and off the field. The catcher should be ready to start the inning. The on-deck batter should be ready to go when it is her turn. Coaches are reminded to expedite the transfer of helmets between half-innings. Infield warm-up must not delay the game.