The Big Book o' Rules --------------------- "So it shall be said, So it shall be written SO IT SHALL BE DONE!" Section I - Rules of the Game: Introduction: The rules of a regulation game of the Hillcrest Softball League will be the same rules as a standard regulation softball game, unless the rule is in conflict with, or supplemented by this document. Requirements for the Game: Article I - Number of Players: All teams will be allowed to play with nine fielders and one designated or extra hitter. Should a team show up with only eight or nine players then that team is still eligible to play, although that team will forfeit their ninth fielder (catcher) as applicable. If a team fails to produce at least eight players from their team, then that team forfeits that game. Article II - Game Length: All games shall be nine innings long, although should a game be interrupted after the seventh inning by an act of g-d (such as earthquake, flood, cheerleaders in mini skirts, etc.) the game will count. Should a game be interrupted before the conclusion of the fifth inning then the decision to make up that game will lie with the commissioner. Batting: Article III - Strike Zone: The league's proscribed strike zone shall be between the batter shoulders and knees, and the two sides of home plate. The ball must cross the plate on a fly. Note: Should a batter try to shorten the strike zone by squatting or crowd the plate, etc., this will have no bearing on the size of the strike zone. Article IV - Caught Foul Ball: Should a ball be fouled backward and caught by the catcher, then it must reach six feet in height above ground to count as an out. Article V - Third Strike: Should a batter foul tip a third strike into the catcher's glove, the batter is not out, and this counts as a foul ball. Should a batter swing and miss at a third strike, the batter is out regardless of whether or not the ball was caught by the catcher. Article VI - Bunting: Should a batter bunt a ball, then it counts as a strike. Should a batter with two strikes bunt a ball, then it counts as the third strike and that batter is out. Article VII - Delay of Game: Should a batter intentionally or unintentionally delay the game that batters team may be penalized one out (at most) at the umpire's discretion. Base Running: Article VIII - Base Leading 1: The league's position regarding leading off any base is that it is NOT allowed. (We don't care if you can't run) Should a batter from any team be caught leading from any base (except home plate wisenheimer!) it is up to the umpire whether he is out or gets a warning. Article IX - Base Leading 2: Runners are allowed to run on the SWING, not on the pitch. If at any time a runner is off the base (because he ran on the swing etc.) The batter must return to the base which he left. If the ball arrives at that base before he does, the runner is out. (The fielder need only step on the base.) Article X - Sliding: At Grass/Dirt Fields: For any close play at a base other than first base, a base runner should slide into the base. If the runner does not, and he noticeably interferes with the fielder's ability to make the play, then the runner is out. What constitutes interference will be determined by the umpire. At all other Fields: Sliding is optional, although not recomended. Fielding: Article XI - Infield Fly Rule: The infield fly rule IS in effect in all games, although whether or not this rule has been violated shall be determined by the umpire. (The umpire shall call "Infield Fly.") Article XII - Interference by a Tree: Should a ball hit a tree in foul territory, that ball shall be rendered foul and unplayable. But should a ball hit a tree over-hanging the homerun fence then the ball is played as an automatic home run. Note: If the ball hits the homerun fence, then that ball is still in play, even if you catch it on a bounce off the fence. Lineup Changes: Article XIII - Relief Pitchers: If a captain makes the decision to replace his pitcher, that same pitcher may not at any time re-enter the game as a pitcher. The relief pitcher is allowed ten pitches to warm up and then the game must resume. Article XIV - Pinch Hitters and Runners: To the rule regarding pinch runners, and batters: A captain is allowed to use them if he has the extra players on his bench. However, either the pinch runner/batter or the original runner/batter shall not be allowed back into that game. Section II - Equipment, Dress Code, Injury and Conduct: Article I - Gloves and Safety Equipment: All players are required to bring their own softball/baseball glove to every game. Any safety equipment required shall be provided by you! (The league will NOT provide any safety equipment) Article II - Bats and Balls: Bats shall be provided, however we encourage that you bring your own. Only metal bats are allowed, wooden and plastic ones are not. The league shall provide the game ball, however, you shall provide any practice balls. Article III - Captains and Equipment: It is the captains job to ensure that his team brings the necessary equipment to each game. Article IV - Dress Code: The league's dress code is as follows: League shirts are mandatory, although hats (of any kind) are not! Article V - Injury: WARNING!!! The league is not responsible for any injures! You are playing at your own risk! All safety equipment you require should be brought by you, with you to all games. The league will not be held liable for any and all injures. Article VI - Discrimination: Should any player be unfairly discriminated against regardless of ability or otherwise then that player may address his/her complaints with the commissioner. Should that person's complaints prove valid, then that person may accept the commissioner's address and rectification of their problem, or accept a refund. Section III - The Season Schedule: Article I - Number of Games and Rain Outs: Each team shall play eight games, two against each of the other teams in the league. Should there be rain, and the game is unable to be played, the Commissioner will decide if and when the the game is made up. There are rain dates in the schedule to account for rain outs. Since rain is an unexpected occurrence, please check with you captain as to whether or not the game will be played on a rainy day. Article II - The Playoffs: At the end of the regular season, the team in first place will be decalred "Regular Season Champions." The top four teams will make the playoffs. In the semifinals, the Regular Season Champions will play the fourth seeded team at their desired time. The second and third seeded teams will play each other. The two winners will play in the championship game to determine the "League Champions." In all playoff games, the higher seeded team has the home field advantage. Article III - Standings: These are the rules for determining the order of the league standings: 1) The overall record (winning percentage) is the chief factor in determining the standings. A better record means a higher ranking. 2) If two teams have the same record, then the team that has a better head-to-head record is the higher ranking team. Should the two teams have the same head-to-head record, then the team with the better head-to-head runs scored vs. runs allowed differential is the higher ranking team. In the case that that statistic is tied, then the team with the better overall runs scored vs. runs allowed differential is the higher ranking team. In case of a tie, then the team with the better head-to-head scoring differential against the hightest already ranked team is the higher ranking team. Should there still be a tie, then the tie breaker will be runs scored alone (in the same order as described above). 3) If three or more teams have the same record, then the team that has the best record against the other two teams is the highest ranking team. If that statistic is tied then the team with the best scoring differential among the tied teams is the highest ranking team. If this is still tied, then use the same procedure as described above for two teams. Now, after the highest ranking team is decided, then the same procedure is used to rank the other remaining teams with the same record. Section IV - The Important Rules: Article I - The Commissioner : Commissioner Ariel Cohen shall be forthwith referred to as: "commish", Hey you!", or "His Highness". Article II - Shaq: Forthwith Avi Schacter shall be known as "Tomahawk chop" as his homerun swings resemble one! Article III - Intentional Walks: Intentional walks are allowed, although any team that uses them runs the risk of being perpetually thought of as "pansies". Section IV - Final Note: These rules absolve the league of any liability and are subject to change at any time, and cannot be used in a court of law, or against commissioner Ariel Cohen and any of his not named conspirators at any time, place, or event. ---------------------------------------------- Last Updated on : March 31, 2002 at 7:30 PM ET