RAINOUT # 330-848-6784

May  2012


SILVER LEAGUE SLO-PITCH SOFTBALL 2012 RULES


 

PURPOSE OF THE SILVER LEAGUE:

The purpose of the Silver League is to give men 45 years of age and older the opportunity to compete in the great game of softball within the guidelines of fun, fitness and competitive sportsmanship.


 

PERSONAL LIABILITY:

The Silver League does not provide liability insurance. It is the responsibility of each player to purchase insurance to protect himself.


 

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES:

Alcoholic beverages in open containers are not permitted at any field where a Silver League game is being played.


 

DRESS CODE:

Complete Silver League uniforms must be worn for each game. The uniform will include the League assigned cap (All Star or Special Event Hats are not considered as being in uniform) and shirt, which must be tucked into the pants, approved solid gray shorts/pants, white socks, and shoes (molded plastic, hard rubber cleats are acceptable). Metal spikes are not permitted.


 

Managers are responsible for their team players following the Dress Code. If the Silver League Uniform is not worn, the player will be considered out of uniform and deemed to be ineligible to play by the umpire at the start of the game. An out will be recorded each time that players at bat occurs and / or the player will be removed from the field of play. Once eligibility is reestablished, the player will take their original spot in the line-up or defensive position in the following inning. The only exception will be if a part of the uniform such as the hat contributes to unsafe playing conditions such as glasses fogging. The ruling will be made by the umpire for that game.


 

Practical application:

Offense - If a player is in the dugout or even on deck without a hat, the rule would not apply, once the player comes to the plate without a hat, he is then called out and is ineligible for play until he is in compliance. All subsequent at bats are recorded as outs if he isn't able to comply.

Defense - If a player takes the field defensively without a hat, the player is declared out of uniform and can't take their defensive position until the next inning once they are in compliance.


 

Our league must, and will present a good appearance at all times. Any perceived intentional and persistent Dress Code deviations should be referred to the Board of Directors for further action.

SSUSA RULES:

Silver League rules will super-cede SSUSA rules.

 

THE PLAYING FIELD:

Twenty Foot Commitment Line – A three foot line will be drawn in foul territory perpendicular to and abutting the third base line, 20 feet from home plate. A runner from third base who touches or crosses this 20 foot line must continue to the runner’s home plate and cannot return to third base. A runner cannot be tagged out after crossing the 20 foot line, and can only be forced out by a defensive player in possession of the ball touching the pitcher’s home plate or the strike zone mat before the runner touches his home plate/line.


 

A runner from third base will use the Runners Home Plate/Safety Line - a scoring home plate, 65 feet from third base and 8 feet from the back tip of home plate on an extended line from first base. Or, a safety line may be drawn from the home plate perpendicular to third base, extending 8 feet into foul territory for the runner to cross.


 

First Base/Double Bag – A double bag of equal size totaling (15”x30”) shall be used at first base. The double portion of the bag shall be orange in color and be in foul territory abutting the original. A batter/runner must use the orange bag on any first play on them at first base, or be called out. Defensive players must use the original bag at all times. Batters/runners may use the original bag when not being played on.


 

PRE-GAME:

Prior to the start of the game, both managers and the umpire will discuss ground rules.

Each team is responsible for keeping its own score book, except in instances where scorekeepers are provided. Both scorekeepers must agree on the score at the end of every half inning in which the score changes.

Each manager will exchange line-ups with the opposing manager/scorekeeper 10 minutes prior to the scheduled game starting time.


 

THE GAMES:

Length – All Blue and Gold Division games are scheduled for 7 innings, or 1 hour and 30 minutes in duration. At 1 hour and 15 minutes after the umpire starts the game and when the next inning is not the seventh inning, the umpire shall declare the next inning to be the last inning. Makeup games resulting in a double header may be shortened to 5 innings as long as both managers agree and confirm with the umpire prior to the start of the game. If one manager prefers the full game of 7 innings, then 7 innings is the required length.


 

All Red, White and Silver Division games are scheduled for 7 innings, or 1 hour and 15 minutes duration. At 60 minutes after the umpire starts the game and when the next inning is not the seventh inning, the umpire shall declare the next inning to be the last inning.


 

Completed Games – A completed game is 7 innings, 6.5 innings if the home team is ahead. A game called by the umpire due to time, darkness or bad weather, will be a completed game if 5 innings (4.5 innings if the home team is ahead) have been played. Games stopped before 5 innings are not completed and shall be replayed in their entirety.


 

Suspended Games – A game stopped because of bad weather or darkness with the score tied at the last complete inning, will be a Suspended Game. If the game is suspended after 5 innings and the score is tied after the last complete inning, the game will be completed from the point of suspension. If a game is suspended after the completion of 7 innings and the score is tied, the tie breaker procedure will be used when the game is resumed.


 

Five Run Rule – When a team scores 5 runs in its half inning, their turn at bat is ended. This Five Run Rule does not apply to the 7th inning or beyond, or to a last inning imposed by a time limit.


 

HOMERUNS – All Divisions will play under a 3 home run then out rule.


 

It is not necessary to advance to the next base, or touch first, on balls hit over the fence that are counted as home runs or if a ball hit over the fence exceeds the five (5) run limit.


 

In all divisions, a ball hit over the fence will NOT count as a homerun if the hitter’s run exceeds the five (5) run limit. This rule shall continue throughout the entire game.


 

Tie Breaker – At the conclusion of the seventh inning or last inning, and the game is tied, the two managers and the umpire will meet at home plate and review the Tie Breaker Procedure. If the correct tie breaker is not followed, the eighth or extra inning will be restarted. When the game is tied after completion, each team will start their half inning by placing a designated runner on second base. This player may be the designated runner only once in any extra inning game. The designated runner is defined as different than a pinch runner in the same game. This procedure will continue until an inning is completed and the score is not tied. No manager, or member of the Board of Directors, should allow a team to start the tie breaker incorrectly.


 


 

PLAYERS:

Number of Players – Red and White teams must have 8 Players available to start. Gold, Blue and Silver teams must have 9 players available to start. If a team has less than minimum players to start on time, a grace period of 10 minutes for a late start time will be permitted. If a team is using the grace period to acquire their minimum number of players, that time is considered part of the game time. If a team has the minimum number of players to start, the opposing team will provide a catcher.


 

If an injury, sickness or any other reason except for being ejected from the game causes a team to fall below the maximum number of defensive players (10 – Red, White, 11 – Gold, Blue, Silver) the opposing team will provide a catcher.


 

Red and White Divisions- Maximum of 10 players may play defense. Managers are to call the designated representative 24 hours prior to their scheduled game for a 10th player, if the manager sees he will have less than 10 players.


 

Gold, Blue and Silver Divisions- Maximum of 11 Players may play defense.

Managers are to call the designated representative 24 hours prior their scheduled game for an 11th player, if the manager sees he will have less than 11 players.


 

Substitute Player –

  1. All substitutes must be age eligible to play in the division they’re substituting in and must be in a Silver League uniform.

  2. Each team, Division Representative and Designated Player Substitution Coordinator will have a complete roster of all teams. The Division Representative and Designated Player Substitution Coordinator will also have a sheet with the rating for each player.

  3. In addition, each Division Representative and Designated Player Substitution Coordinator will have a sub list. On that list will be the names of players willing to sub in that division along with their telephone number and rating.

  4. Substitutes will only be assigned by the Designated Player Substitution Coordinator.

  5. To request a sub, a team must be one under the allotted playing number of fielders for that division. That means that a team of 14 players that is allowed 11 fielders must be down to 10 players before getting a sub.

  6. The Designated Player Substitution Coordinator will have the requesting team give him the names of the players that will be missing the game, at least 24 hours prior to the game. The Designated Player Substitution Coordinator will then try to get the subs needed, keeping in mind the rating and position of missing players. In an attempt to balance the quality, the sub will be equal to the average of all missing players. Ex: If missing an A, B and C player, you’ll get a “B” player.

  7. The Designated Player Substitution Coordinator will let both managers know prior to the start of the game of the subs that will be allowed for that particular game along with a list of players suppose to be missing. If any other players enter the game, it will go as a forfeit. The assigned player is for only that game.

  8. If a sub has been assigned and one of the players that was supposed to miss the game shows up, the sub will play the entire game and the player who said he wasn’t going to be there will only play a maximum of three innings. However, this player will continue to bat the entire game. This player may bat anywhere in the lineup.

  9. If a manager fails to notify the Designated Player Substitution Coordinator 24 hours prior to the game (or a player doesn’t show), no player will be assigned. In that situation the opposing team will be required to supply a catcher. Only players assigned by the Designated Player Substitution Coordinator may be picked up.

  10. All subs must bat last in the batting order.

  11. PERMANENT SUB: If a player is injured and can’t play the rest of the season, the Designated Player Substitution Coordinator will try to assign an appropriate player of equal talent or position to that team. This player will come from the established league substitution list, or late registration list and the original player will be removed from the roster, thus becoming ineligible to play without Board action.

  12. No more than 2 subs will be provided to any team


 

Defense Catcher – If a defensive catcher is allowed and a regular team member shows up and provides the team with the correct amount of fielders. (10 in the Red and White Divisions and 11 in the Gold, Blue and Silver Division) the defensive catcher will no longer continue in the game. Catchers will be in complete Silver League uniform.


 

Defensive Players – Free substitution is permitted. Defensive players may leave the game and return later at the same or different positions. Team managers are responsible for each team member playing at least three defensive innings per seven inning game. Failure by managers to comply with the 3 out of 7 defensive innings rule may result in action by the Board of Directors up to and including the game being forfeited.


 

Injured Player – A player injured during the course of the game and unable to continue to play will not be declared out when it is his turn to bat. The other players shall move up a line in the batting order.

A player who declares himself unable to play at the beginning of the game is ineligible to enter the game after it started. Any player unable to play defense shall not bat.


 

Batting – All team members reporting to the game will be in the batting rotation. Players arriving after the game has started shall be added after the last batter in the original starting batting order. An intentional walk is done verbally with the umpire. Bunting is prohibited. A batter will be called out on the first foul ball after two strikes. Balls and strikes are judgment calls and as such cannot be appealed. Any un-hit, legal pitch hitting home plate, or the mat, will be called a strike.


 

A strike zone mat shall be used and shall have a vee-shaped notch (90 degrees) that conforms to the backside of home plate. Bats imprinted with “BPF 1.20” may be used. Titanium alloy and Miken Ultra I bats have been ruled to be illegal. Bats imprinted with “Exceeds BPF 1.21” are not legal. Wooden bats so marked “Official Softball” that meet the 2.25” ring test shall also be considered a legal bat. Any player ejected for using an illegal bat will be suspended for that game and one more.


 

Blue Division - If the batter hits a fair ball that hits the ground in the outfield, the batter-runner is entitled to first base without liability to be put out. If the batter-runner advances beyond first base, the exemption is cancelled and is he liable to be put out. All other runners are liable to be put out during the play.


 

Base Running – A pinch runner is a substitute runner from the same team. A pinch runner may be used after a batter has safely reached first base. The batter is allowed to remain in the game. In the Red and White Divisions you may only have two pinch runners per inning. An individual player may be a pinch runner only once per inning. In the Silver, Blue and Gold Divisions, an individual may be a pinch runner an unlimited number of times, but is limited to only once per inning.


 

In order to be replaced by a pinch runner, the batter, after reaching base, must raise their hand and ask to be replaced by a pinch runner. If he so chooses not to be replaced, a pinch runner may not be used at that time.

A request for a pinch runner must be made prior to the first legal pitch to any subsequent batter. Once the first legal pitch is delivered, you may not sub for a runner until that batter has concluded their time at bat.


 

In the event the pinch runner on base is scheduled to bat, an automatic out will be declared. The runner is out at the base he reached and he may take his turn at bat, unless there are three outs.

No substitution of a courtesy runner by another courtesy runner is allowed unless he gets hurt. An injured player may not re-enter the game. Also, if the batter or base runner requires a courtesy runner, the batter or base runner may not be a courtesy runner for another player in that inning.


 

Any runner must hold his base until the batter makes contact with the ball. Runners should not be called out if a batter swings and misses. Runners should return promptly to their base when required.


 

If above procedures are violated, the runner is considered illegal and will be called out.


 

APPEAL PLAYS:

Time Limit – All appeal plays are governed by the playing rules and as such must be made before the next pitch or before all the fielders, including the pitcher, have crossed the foul line.

GENERAL RULES:

Protests – A protest must be based on a misrepresentation or misapplication of the rules and not on the umpire’s judgment. Only the manager and player involved can discuss the questionable play; others will be considered as misconduct. Any protest will be settled with the umpire during the game before play is resumed. If the protest cannot be settled at the game, a written protest may be submitted to the Board of Directors within 48 hours. A $20.protest fee must accompany the letter. If the protest committee rules against the protest, the money will be placed in the Silver League treasury.


 

Misconduct – Misconduct is any act by a manager, coach, or player that brings discredit to the league.

  1. The penalty for misconduct is ejection from the game and

Forfeit of his right to play in his team’s next game to follow.

  1. An ejected manager, coach, or player must leave the playing area.

  1. All ejected players names will be provided to the Division Representative, immediately. He will then notify the opposing manager of the next scheduled game. Failure to do so will result in forfeiting of the game if ejected player is involved.

The umpire’s judgment determines the misconduct or gross misconduct.


 

Gross Misconduct – Gross misconduct is pushing, shoving, striking, fighting, dangerous or violent play, or any other act by a manager, coach, or player involving an opponent, spectator, or umpire.


 

The penalty for gross misconduct is ejection from the game and suspension for the next four games. The ejected player or players must leave the playing area.

The umpires have the authority to forfeit a game, if, in their judgment, the offense warrants that action.

Situations – If a player experiences a situation that he believes would inhibit his being part of the Silver League, he may ask that the situation be reviewed by the Grievance Committee (Appointed by the President). This application and reason must be in writing.


 

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS:

League champions will be determined by a single game playoff between the winners of each half. If the same team is the winner of each half, they will be declared the league champion. The winner of the half is the team with the best win/loss record. If two or more teams are tied with identical records, the tie breaker will be as follows:

1. Head-to-head competition.

2. Run differential head-to-head.

3. Run differential overall.

 

Home team determination in playoff game will be by coin flip.


 

TOURNAMENT

The Division Champion will be omitted from the post season tournament. The team with the best regular season record will have choice of home team or visitors. In the event of identical records a coin flip will determine home team.


 

PITCHERS BOX:

A pitchers box consisting of the area from the front of the pitchers plate, 50 feet from home plate, and extending back six feet perpendicular to the pitchers plate shall be used. The pitcher must release the ball after coming to a complete stop with one foot or both feet in contact with the pitchers plate or within the pitchers box. One foot must remain in contact with the plate/box when the pitch is released with an underhand motion. A step simultaneous with the release of the ball may be taken in any direction, with the free foot. The pitcher must be facing the batter with the ball in front of his body and is required to deliver a pitch within ten (10) seconds after the batter is set in the batter box. The catcher must remain within the lines of the catcher’s box until the pitched ball is batted, touches the ground or home plate/mat, or reaches the catchers box.

Effect – Allows the pitcher to release the ball from 50 feet to 56 feet from home plate.

According to SSUSA officials, Rules 3.7.A.1 and Section 6.17 regarding pitcher mandated safety equipment does not apply to league play. However, we do encourage pitchers to provide for themselves as they see fit.


 


 


 

PITCHER’S SCREEN GAME RULES

POSTION OF SCREEN

The screen must be fifteen (15) directly in front of the pitching rubber. The screen cannot be moved from that position at any time during the game. If struck or knocked out of position it must be moved back to the proper position before the start of the next play. For definition “the Screen” includes the frame, stand, netting and any attachments.


 

PITCHERS PLAY

Pitchers must throw from behind the screen. Any pitch that strikes the screen will be called a “ball”. Pitchers must be in the “Pitcher’s Box” per League rules

There are no rules restricting the Pitcher’s fielding other than those outlined in the “Fielding” portion of the rules.


 

BATTING RULES

A batted ball that strikes/hits any portion of the screen will be called a foul ball. This includes balls that hit the ground before hitting the screen.


 


 

BLUE DIVISION MANAGER PHONE

1 Mayor Don Robart Bill Burkins 330-923-5029

2 Barberton Moose John Johnston 330-657-2687

3 Adolph Optical Bob Erbse 330-854-1877

4 Welfley Technologies Don Welfley 330-929-2281

5 Guy’s Party Centre Art Bailey 330-666-5461

6 Peninsula Pythons Adrian Achtermann 330-686-9210

7 Cypress Colts George Reese 330-867-2845


 

GOLD DIVISION

1 Tire Source Bob Carbaugh 330-733-3969

2 Russ Pry Summit County Executive Larry Thompson 330-898-3997

3 Great Clips Jack Russell 330-794-0597

4 ECSM Properties Jim Holderbaum 330-715-4419

5 Akron Monument & Granite Co Bill Cinadr 330-730-6563 6 Cottage Muffler Ron Meffley 330-524-1644

 

SILVER DIVISION

1 Alan Brubaker Engineer Joe Marcoaldi 330-866-5207

2 Amercian Printing Tom Shaffstall 330-699-0638

3 Rapid Auto Jim Holderbaum 330-715-4419

4 Pronio Sports Harvey Simon 330-666-1787

5 Family Hearing Center Jack Williams 330-530-6404

6 The Greenview Inn Larry Deibel 330-644-1531

7 Hummel Funeral Home Denny Shaffer 330-699-4611


 

WHITE DIVISION

1 Don Nelson – Physicians Mutual Jeff Sloan 330-329-0637

2 Team Silver Wayne Steiner 330-683-2419

3 Stride Lite Dave Caplinger 330-673-3198

4 Angies Italian Restaurant Louie Munoz 330-296-3532

5 River Room Bob Hanshaw 330-745-9858

6 DiDonato State Farm Insurance Mel Arndt 330-242-6336


 

RED DIVISION

1 Jennifer Hailey’s Coin Laundromat Jim Adams 330-806-6464

2 Bearware Inc Ed Berichon 330-313-8066

3 Drs Sterman & Steinberger Jerome Bloodworth 330-628-5717

4 Mas Marauders Paul Brown 330-665-1553

5 Kaiser Permanente Gary Busson 330-658-8714

6 Judge Teodosio Len Huddleston 330-819-4010

7 Jim & Sons Transmission Ted Martin 330-297-1332


 


 


 


 


 


 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS


 

President – Tom Shaffstall (330-699-0638)


 

Vice President – John Eustice (330-346-0542)


 

Treasurer – Tom Koch (330-867-7295)


 

Division Representatives


 

Blue Division – Bob Jenkins (330-836-5850)

Gold Division – Dave Froelich (330-575-0341)

Silver Division – Larry Ashbaugh (330- 825-8999)

White Division – Mark Klein (330-628-4168)

Red Division – Ed Schepp (330-338-7420)

At Large (Day) – Joe May (330-620-7435)

At Large (Evening) – Jeff Brenneman (330-612-1122)

Past President – Mike Cairns (330-699-1246)

President Emeritus – Mike Staschak (see address below)

Address: Ohio Veterans Home 3 North

3416 Columbus Ave. Sandusky, Ohio 44870-5598


 


 

Designated Player Substitution Coordinator

Mornings - Joe May (330-620-7435)

Evenings – Jeff Brenneman (330-612-1122)


 

At least 24 hours in advance for all divisions


 

 

 

Underlined items are new rules or new language for 2012.

 


 


 


 

www.silverleaguesoftball.com


 

May 07, 2012


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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