Home | Support | Contact

Milton Sports Club
Play Hard, Have Fun
 
 
 
 


2011 Modified Slo-pitch Softball Rules

 

Executive Committee

 

President:        Shannon McCrae  (Blue Ballers)       

Rules Coordinator       Steve McCrae (Sons of Pitches)

Forward all inquiries to:          info@miltonsportsclub.ca

 

League Executive Members:

 

Comp. Division           Mandy/Laurie Chalmers         Long Shots

                                    Jonathan Jaber                        Sons of Pitches

                                    Scott/Cathy Urwin                             

Intermeiate &

Rec. Divisions            

                                    Boyd Hardie               O’fer Gophers

                                    TBA

 

  1. League rules are those of the Slo-Pitch Ontario Association Handbook and Softball Canada Rules.  Exceptions to those rules follow.

 

Batting and Base Running Rules

  1. Bases will be placed at a distance of 60 feet (60’).

 

  1. Home plate is NOT live.  The base runner must pass beside the plate.  If the base runner touches the plate, the runner will be called out.  The fielding player must touch the plate with possession of the ball before the runner crosses the safety line at the plate.  There is no commitment line between 3rd base and home plate so a runner can return to 3rd base as long as they have not crossed the safety line at home plate. 

 

  1. A base runner can be tagged out at any base including home plate. 

 

  1. Batting order must be a straight order consisting of all players present.  The same sex cannot bat more than 3 times consecutively.  If for any reason more than three (3) batters of the same sex come to plate consecutively, an out must be taken between the third and fourth batter of the same sex each time through the order.  The 3 batters of the same sex rule also applies to the batting order when going from the bottom back to the top of the batting lineup. With the exception being that the out must taken between the last batter at the bottom of the order before restarting at the top of the order.

 

  1. Homerun differential will be +2.  This means no team can hit more than 2 homeruns more than the opposing team has hit.  After a team gets to a +2 differential all homeruns will be considered ground rule single meaning all runners advance only 1 base.  An example of this is if Team A hits 2 homeruns in the first inning, they will count ground rule singles until Team B hits a homerun.  Team A can then hit more homeruns until they reach the +2 barrier again. For this rule a homerun is considered any ball hit over the outfield fence in fair territory. 

 

  1. If a player hits a homerun and only a portion of the base runners count before the 6 run per inning max is reached, the hit still counts as a homerun.

 

  1. All players must bat. A player not in the batting order cannot field. 

 

  1. Players cannot sit on the bench for more than 2 consecutive innings without fielding.  If they are to hurt to field they must be removed from the game completely. Follow rule 15 to remove injured player from lineup.

 

  1. Player(s) can be added to the lineup until one rotation of the batting order has been completed  This new player must be placed in the last spot(s) in the batting order.  If that causes more than 3 batters of the same sex see rule #5.  Once a complete rotation of the batting order has occurred no new player may be added.

 

  1. Pinch Hitting is not allowed.

 

  1. No switch-hitting in one trip to bat.  If pitcher changes, batter must finish the at bat from the same side of the plate as they started the at bat.

 

  1. The batter will not advance to any base on a ball ruled dead by the umpire.  Base runners will also be governed by this rule.

 

  1. Each team’s trip to bat will conclude after three (3) outs have been recorded or six (6) runs have been scored in that inning.  Runs scored in the final inning are unlimited so 3 outs must be recorded to end the inning.

 

  1. An injured player may be removed from the game at any time.  The next time the player’s spot in the batting order comes up and out will be recorded.  The umpire must be advised that the player has been taken out of the game due to injury.  If a player is injured during an at bat and the ball is not in play, the out is counted on that at bat.  No out will be recorded in that players next scheduled trip to bat.

 

  1. All batters and base runners MUST wear a batting helmet that covers their ears while on the field.

 

  1. Base stealing of second and third is permitted.  Runners cannot leave a base until the ball crosses home plate.  When a catcher returns the ball to the pitcher, a stopped runner must return to the base from which they last occupied.  Runners may advance if:
    • The ball is hit.
    • After tagging up on a caught flyball.
    • When the catcher puts the ball in play by throwing it to any position player other than the pitcher. (If a throw back to the pitcher is high, low or wide and the pitcher misses the ball, that throw will be considered for the pitcher and no stealing may take place).
    • The base runner is forced to move forward by a walked batter.
    • The base runner is advanced by an umpires call.
    • Runners may continue to advance on any hit or thrown ball until such time as their forward progress stops or the umpire calls time. 
    • Any throw from an outfield position back to the pitcher is considered live.  If the throw is wild, runners may continue to advance until the pitcher has possession of the ball in the pitching area.
    • After tagging up on any caught foul ball.
    • If, in the umpire’s judgment, a base runner does steal home, that runner will be called OUT.  Any other base runners will be returned to the base they left if they advance during the attempt to steal home.

 

  1. No Lead-offs from any base until the ball crosses home plate.  If in an umpire’s opinion, the runner has lead off, that runner will be called OUT.

 

  1. Courtesy runners: during a game, each team will be permitted the use of three (3) courtesy runners.  The courtesy runner must be of the same sex as the person being replaced.  In place of a fourth substitution, an out shall be recorded.  A courtesy runner may be any player of the same sex listed in the batting order.  These runners may be used due to injury or for strategic purposes.  No runner will be replaced without consent of the player being replaced.

 

  1. If any batter that receives 4 consecutive balls with no strike thrown, that batter is walked and awarded second (2nd) base. Base runners advance only if being forced.  The batter next in the lineup must still bat.  If a single strike is thrown, it is a 1 base walk only.

 

  1. Bunting is permitted by female players only.  If in the umpire’s opinion, a male player intentionally bunts a ball they will be called out and runners will return to their base.

 

Rules relating to the use of a Safety Base

  1. One half of the base is white and is to be fastened in fair territory and the other half is orange and is to be fastened in foul territory.  The following rules apply to the use of the safety bag:
    • If a batted ball hits any portion of the white half of the base it is a fair ball. If the batted ball hits completely on the orange half of the base it is a foul ball.
    • If a play is being made at the safety base on a ball hit in the infield, the batter/base runners first attempt must be to the orange portion of the base, otherwise the batter/runner will be called out.
    • A defensive player must use the white portion of the base at all times.
    • Once the runner has attained first base safely, they must use the white portion of the base.  This includes:

-          After over running first base.

-          After rounding first base in an attempt to continue.

-          When tagging up or returning to the base.

 

Pitching Rules

  1. Warm-up pitches will be limited to:

·         5 pitches for the first inning

·         Each inning after will be 3 pitches

·         3 pitches for the first substitute pitcher in an inning.  No warm-up pitches for additional pitchers in that same inning.

 

 

  1. The maximum height of an acceptable pitch is 8 feet at peak.  Any pitch exceeding this height will be called a ball with the umpire advising illegal pitch.  If the pitcher continues to through above the height cap, the umpire shall issue a warning to the pitcher.  If the height violations continue, the pitcher will be removed from the position for the balance of the game.  The removed pitcher may remain in the game in any other position(s) for the balance of the game.

 

  1. The pitch must be delivered in a slow, underhand delivery with the ball being in view at all times. The pitchers hand/arm may not break the plain of their shoulders during windup or delivery in an attempt to gain speed on the pitch.

 

  1. A female batter may ask the umpire to have the pitcher slow down their pitches.  This request can be made as the batter approaches the plate or at any time during the at bat.

 

  1. Spinning or curving the ball is not allowed.  If in the umpire’s opinion the pitcher is spinning or curving the ball or the speed of the pitch remains too fast after being asked to slow the pitches down, the pitch will be called a ball and the pitcher will be warned.  If this behavior continues, the pitcher will be replaced at the request of the umpire.

 

  1.  A marking will be made forty feet (40') from home plate.  The pitcher must have one foot on or behind this 40 foot (40') mark when a pitch is released.  This rule is in place to protect the safety of the pitcher, and to allow the batter a fair opportunity to put the ball in play without fear of injuring the pitcher.         

 

 

Fielding Rules

  1. Rules relating to infield flyball have been implemented for this season. 

 

Infield fly is defined as a ball hit in the air with base runners at first and second, or with bases loaded and less than 2 outs, that through ordinary effort should be caught by the infield positioned player.  This rule applied by an umpires discretion.  The umpire will call infield fly batter is out.  At that point the batter is out and the runners must return to their base.  If the infield fly rule is applied and the ball drifts into foul territory and is dropped by the fielding player, the at bat will continue as with any other foul ball. Infield fly is not be applied to a line drive.  The purpose of this rule is not to provide advantage to fielding or hitting team, but to eliminate an easy multiple out situation caused by poor sportsmanship.

.

 

  1. Catchers must wear all protective equipment.  This equipment is defined as: a mask, a helmet, and chest protector during the game.  The league has provided this equipment for player safety.  Shin guards/pads are optional.

 

  1. At no time will a defensive team have more than seven (7) male players on the field.  There is no maximum restriction on female players, but there must be a minimum of two (2) female players on the field.  If only two (2) female players are on the field, then only six (6) male players can be on the field.  Any less than 2 females on the field causes a forfeited game.

 

  1. No more than six (6) players will play in the infield until the ball is put into play.  The infield is defined as the gravel area between the first and third base foul lines, from home plate to the grass line between the gravel and the outfield.

 

  1. No player positioned in an outfield position of right field, centerfield, rover, or left field can throw a runner out at first (1st) base on the initial hit unless the runner turns into the field of play in an attempt to advance past first base.

 

  1. A trapper/catchers mitt may only be used for the following fielding positions:

First base, catcher, pitcher.  No other positional player may use a trapper/catchers mitt to field.   

 

Roster Rules

35.  A team must have eight players present at the scheduled start time of the game. A five (5) minute grace period will be given. (See rule #31 for ratio of male to female players).

 

35. Spares must be from within the league for insurance purposes.  Any non-registered person who plays will not be covered under league policy.  Any use of non-registered players will result in a forfeit of the game by the offending team.

 

36. Captains may call for spare players if they have less than 10 available players. Each captain will be given a list a players from within the league that wish to spare.    A league member spare is a player registered as a full time player on another team and may not sub for the same team more than two (2) consecutive weeks. Once a spare is requested that player must play in the game sitting no more than 2 innings.

 

37. Spare players are not permitted in the play-offs.  Players must have participated in at least 5 regular season league games for 1 team to be eligible for the play-offs.

 

General Rules

  1. Proper footwear is required. No metal spikes or open toed footwear are permitted.

 

  1. No jewelry is to be worn.  If an article of jewelry can be removed it must be prior to the start of the game.  If an umpire sees jewelry, the fielding player will be asked to leave the field and the game continues without the player until the next stop in play.  A batting player will be sent back to the dugout and an out will be recorded.  The next batter will then come to bat. Any permanent piercing(s) must be taped to the satisfaction of the umpire.

 

  1. Players must notify their captains if they are going to be absent so that spares can be requested if required. This is a courtesy to all players involved in MSC, as they want to play the scheduled games.

 

  1. Each game will consist of seven (7) innings maximum.  If a game is discontinued for any reason the game will be considered complete if 4 innings have been played.  If the home team is leading after 3-1/2 the game shall be considered complete.  Any cancellation prior to that time and MSC will attempt to re-schedule the games. 

 

  1. No new inning can start after one hour twenty minutes based on the announced start time of the game.  The umpire will advise the captains of the start time when they meet at the start of the game.  It is the responsibility of each captain to note the start time incase there is an issue at the end of the game.  It is also the captain’s responsibility to monitor time and confer with the umpire as time limit gets close.

 

  1. If the home team leads in the last inning they do not bat.

 

  1. Extra innings are not played for regular season games.Regular season games can end in a tie.

 

  1. Teams should check between each inning to ensure they have the same score.

 

  1. Play-off brackets will be based on final regular season standings.

 

  1. The umpire will deal with all on-field disputes with the team captains.  If no umpire is present, the captains will appoint a person(s) to fill the roll until an umpire or replacement can be found.  (Please contact league at 416-571-3812 (Steve’s Cell) if there is no umpire 5 minutes prior to the scheduled start time).

 

  1. If the umpire cannot resolve the on field issue a formal protest can be launched.  The complaining captain must advise the umpire and opposing captain of their intention to protest the game including the reason for the protest.  There is a $75.00 protest fee that must be submitted with the written protest.  Only written protests received by any league executive member within 48 hours of game’s completion will be considered.    The protest fee will be refunded if the protest is upheld.  The decision by the executive committee is final.

 

  1. If an umpire ejects a player from the game, that player’s team captain must contact the league line at 905-878-1934 to report the incident.  The executive will discuss this issue and decide if further disciplinary action is required.

 

  1. Contact between base runners and fielding players may occur accidentally.  If in the opinion of the umpire either party showed intent to injure, then the umpire will use discretion and call the play accordingly.  The aggressor will receive one warning and will then be ejected from the game for a second (2nd) infraction.

 

  1. Each player is provided with a team shirt that should be worn while playing.  If for some reason you cannot wear the shirt provided, a shirt of similar colour is required.  Spares should wear their regular team’s shirt.

 

  1. Any team forfeiting a game must notify the league line by 7:30PM Friday evening to avoid the $50.00 penalty fee to offset wasted umpire and field costs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rules Regarding Alcohol Consumption and Player Intoxication

 

The aim of this league is to provide a safe and fun environment for all participants.  Therefore, no team or player is to consume alcohol at the diamonds. If an umpire is witness to any player consuming alcohol, that player is to be immediately ejected from the game.  If in the umpire’s opinion, there are multiple (3 or more) players on a team consuming alcohol, then the umpire is to eject the team and award the win to the opposition by default. If the player’s ejection causes the team to not be able to field a legal team, a default occurs and the game is over.  (A minimum of 2 Female and 6 Male players are required to field a legal team).

 

If a player is ejected, his/her team must take an out each time the ejected player(s) spot in the batting order comes up.  The captain of the ejected player(s) team must contact the league within 48 hours of the ejection with details of the incident as should the opposing team’s captain.

 

If a team is ejected, a $100.00 fine is to be paid prior to re-instatement.  The team is not eligible to play until the fine has been paid in full.  If any future games are missed due to the suspension, wins will be awarded to the opposition by default.  Any funds collected through this process will be added to the year end tournament's prize fund. 

 

While it is nice to have fans watch our games, Town of Milton By-laws do not allow for drinking at the diamonds.  Umpires can temporarily suspend a game if spectators are seen drinking.  The game will not restart until the spectator(s) in question leave or dispose of all alcohol. The umpire can

stop the game if threatened and the offending team will therefore default the game.  Captains will speak to their spectators and advise them of the consequence of non-compliance. 

 

In addition, if in the umpire’s discretion, a player appears intoxicated, the player will be ejected. The umpire does not have to witness any consumption of alcohol; they just have to feel that the player is not in control due to intoxication.

 

 

League contact info:

 

info@miltonsportsclub.ca or the league phone number is 905-878-1934.

 

Umpire or field issues call Steve at 416-571-3812

 

 





Milton Sports Club- BEACH VOLLEYBALL GAME RULES 2010
 
1.      Games will be played according to MSC rules (which are based on current OVA Rules unless otherwise stated).
2.      All games will use rally point  scoring to 25 pts.
3.      The Libero player is not permitted
4.      Let serves (serves that his the top of net and still go over) are permitted and must be played.
5.      There are no uniform requirements.
6.      Each team is responsible for providing game volleyballs.  The MSC does not provide volleyballs.  The facility volleyballs are NOT to be used or removed under any circumstances.  Any team(s) using school volleyballs will automatically default their games.  Any team(s) removing school volleyballs or equipment will be suspended from the league with no refund.
7.      A) A Legal Team in the in the co-ed 6 on 6 divisions shall not have more men than women on the court, and no more than 3 men. A minimum of 4 people must play to be considered a legal team, otherwise a forfeit is recorded.                                                                                                                  B) A legal Team in the coed 4 divisions shall not have more men than women on the court. The only exception being an outdoor Coed 4 s team may choose to start playing a game with 3 players.  If the team consists of 2 males and one female a 5-point penalty will be instituted.  The minimum number of players is 3 for any 4’s team.
8.      A Legal Team (above) must be present on the court, in view of the opposing team, and dressed in an appropriate manner to play at the scheduled start of their game.
9.      A team may chose to use either a continuous rotation or standard OVA substitution in a game. Only one method can be used per game, (e.g. a team which starts the game using continuous rotation cannot switch to substitution during the same game.) Definition - Continuous Rotation: All team members (on the court and on the bench) must be played in a game where the bench player rotates in for the player who served last in a continuous circle. No player may be skipped when using this option.
10. No player may deliberately kick a ball. This action will end the rally and a point will be awarded.
11. A time-out may not be called with less than five minutes remaining in a match.
12. It is your team’s responsibility to start your match on time. This applies even if no referee is present or if there is another community group on the court. Our permits entitle us to take over the court at the exact time specified. The games will end at the appointed time regardless of when play began.
13. A game goes to 25 points (27 max). A team may win 27-26.  The last game in a match may have to be played to a time limit instead of 25 points.
14. A match is all the games in your scheduled time against one team.
15. If there is less than ten (10) minutes remaining in a match and the final game has not started, the current game will be ended and the score will be recorded. If the current game is a tie, then a last rally point will be played in all divisions. The final game will then be started. If time is called and the score is tied, then a last rallypoint will be played in all divisions. There are no ties.
16. The team captains will determine when a game has been defaulted. The team captains must advise the participants that the game has been defaulted. A team defaults their first game from the official scheduled start time if a legal team cannot be supplied (see Rule #9). The second game is defaulted five minutes later. The third game is defaulted five minutes after the second. For the first scheduled game of the evening, teams will be given an additional 5-min. grace period before a team officially defaults.
17. Score sheets should be handed into the Milton Sports Centre front desk with the score flip charts at the end of the evening. All late game teams are responsible to make sure these are handed in.
18. It is your team's responsibility to play against the team identified on your schedule for that specified night. Playing any other team will result in both teams receiving zero wins for that night.  Make-Up games may be rescheduled before the end of the round, at the discretion of the MSC, based on timing and court availability.
19.Unless otherwise stated, tie breakers will be:
A. win/loss percentage
B. wins, head to head versus tied teams
C. records versus the first place team, second place team etc.
D. plus/minus (+/-) points differential between the tied teams
E. coin toss.
20. One player may serve only five consecutive times.  After this, a team must rotate, but they retain service.
21. In 6's you cannot utilize a rotation which has all three men in the front row.
22. When a 6's team plays with 4 players, the server is considered the back row player and is the only player who may not attack the ball from the front court.
23. Despite an injury, you must field a legal team. Inability to do so will result in a default.
All divisions will use these rules.  Conveners may choose to amend rules/format for a specific Division in order to facilitate play.  Copies of such changes must be provided and require executive approval prior to institution or start of the season.
 
 

 

 

 

 

  








Home | Sports | Rules | Schedules | Map | Sponsors | Photos | Contact Us