Post by Marcus on Jun 2, 2005 16:20:20 GMT -5
Richlands Church Softball League Bylaws
ARTICLE 1
The name of this organization shall be the Richlands Church Softball League.
ARTICLE 2
The objectives of this league shall be
A. To exemplify the values and qualities of Christian life before every player and spectator;
B. To offer an outlet for Christian fellowship and encourage the growth of friendships among those who enjoy the sport of softball in our community;
C. To assist in the promotion of the game of softball among those who are in the sport solely for the pleasure and for the physical, mental, and social benefits they derive therefrom; and
D. To educate the public regarding the splendid qualities of softball for all individuals.
ARTICLE 3
A. The program shall be governed solely by the Richlands Church Softball League.
B. The governing body of the Richlands Church Softball League shall consist of one committee consisting of one representative from each team, either the team manager or an individual designated by said manager before the start of the playing season. The committee will elect a president and vice president at the first yearly meeting. A league director shall be appointed by the president at the first yearly meeting.
C. The committee shall also designate a treasurer. All league expenses shall be paid in full at the very earliest convenience by the league treasurer. Financial reports shall be available to every member of league committee for inspection and questions.
ARTICLE 4
Any person wishing to participate in the Richlands Church Softball League softball leagues must be at least 14 years of before the first game of the season.
ARTICLE 5
A. All team players must be registered on the roster provided by Richlands Church Softball League no later than entry deadline established for each season. All players must be on the roster prior to the first game played for that team. If the player is not registered and all information is not completed on roster or roster addition form, player will be declared ineligible and team will forfeit all games he/she has participated in.
B. The entry fee, established for each season, and Richlands Church Softball League roster must be submitted by each team to the designated league official by established deadline for that season.
C. The roster has no limits. Players wishing to play in the post-season tournament must play a minimum of two (2) of their team's games during the season to be eligible for post-season play. (amended 7/7/05)
D. Each player is obligated to attend at least two church services each month during the playing season to qualify for playing status. Players failing to meet such attendance requirements will still be considered on roster, however will be ineligible to play in a league-sanctioned game until such requirement is fulfilled. Team managers are responsible for adhering to this requirement. Allowing a non-eligible player to play shall result in forfeiture of any such games played wherein inelibible players participated. Subsequent offenses by the same team and or players will result in a penalty imposed by league officials up to and including forfeiture of remaining season games.
ARTICLE 6
A. The schedule will be drawn up and delivered to each head coach in time for the first league game.
B. Games will be played on days designated by the Richlands Church Softball League.
C. Games can only be cancelled for rain or lightning. The league director will reschedule rainouts. Games will be made up in openings during week and on weekends if necessary.
D. League standings will decide regular season championship. All league ties will be decided on the basis of:
1. Head to head competition.
2. Least amount of points scored against.
EXAMPLE: If A and B are tied for the league championship and A defeated B, then A will be awarded 1st place. If A and B played two games against each other and each won one (1) game, then the team that gave up the fewest points will be awarded 1st place. Three way ties will be decided on the same basis.
E. A double-elimination tournament will be played following the completion of the regular season. Each team not having required to forfeit remaining season games will participate in the post-season tournament.
ARTICLE 7
A. Games shall be played under the Amateur Softball Association Rules and/or specific changes for local situations as follows:
B. All leagues will play 7 inning games with one (1) hour 15 minute time limit. Five innings constitute a regulation game. Once a game has reached five innings game will stop at the time limit or seven innings, whichever comes first. The ten run rule will be in effect after five complete innings. The ten run rule will not be in effect the last inning of play if the following circumstance exists: The home team is down by more than ten runs when it comes to bat in the last inning. Through the course of the inning they score ten runs and still have a chance to score more and win the game play will continue until the inning is complete. The ten run rule per inning will be in effect every inning, i.e. Each team may score ten runs per inning or enough runs to be ten ahead. If this occurs before three outs are made, the umpire will declare side out. In the event seven runs have already been scored and the batter hits a home run with bases loaded, all four runs will count, giving that team 11 runs for the inning. The side will now change regardless of number of outs.
All games must be played for five innings. If team A is ahead of team B by less than ten runs after five innings, but before one hour and fifteen minutes has expired, then the game can continue until 7 innings are complete or the one hour fifteen minute time limit has elapsed, which ever occurs first.
C. Each team is limited to one over-the-fence home run per inning. After that, each ball hit over the fence that would have normally have been counted a home run shall be an out. Inside-the-park homeruns, however, are not affected by this rule.
D. No player will be allowed to play barefoot. No player shall wear metal spikes or cleats on the playing field at any time before, during or after the game. amended 1/15/07
E. League will use only ASA legal balls. Each team will be required to provide one ball per game. Umpire prior to game must approve all balls used. amended 1/15/07
F. Any player hitting a home run must circle and touch all bases. Player must circle at a consistent pace without causing unnecessary delay of game.
G. League games will use a 3 ball - 2 strike count.
H. Ground rules specific to the field of play shall apply in all instances.
I. Any rules adopted by the Richlands Church Softball League will supercede any ASA rules.
ARTICLE 8
A. An umpire will be furnished for each game, designated by league official. The Home team is responsible keeping score in official scorebook.
B. Protest must be made on a protest form with a $35.00 protest fee. Play will continue and the protest committee will review protest. Protest committee will consist of umpire, league designated official, and team representatives. The committee’s decisions are final. Protests on the playing rules only will be accepted.
C. Both coaches must sign the scorebook on a protested game for it to be valid.
D. Protests of games that shall be received and considered concern matters of the following type:
1. Misinterpretation of a playing rule.
2. Failure of an umpire to apply the correct rule to a given situation.
3. Failure to impose the correct penalty for a given violation.
F. If a protest is allowed, and has a bearing on the final standings, the game will be replayed from the point in which the incorrect decision was made with the decision corrected.
G. If a protest is allowed, the protest fee will be returned to the team concerned.
H. If a protest is not allowed, the protest fee will be forfeited to the Richlands Church Softball League.
ARTICLE 9
A. If a team is not ready to play when scheduled (with a 15 minute grace period for all 6 o'clock games only), the umpire will forfeit the game to the opposing team.
B. All league games will be played on the field indicated on the schedule. Game will be played as scheduled.
C. Acts of poor sportsmanship and misconduct on the part of players and coaches will not be tolerated. They will be reported to the Richlands Church Softball League for disciplinary action.
D. Any player or coach that lays a hand upon, pushes, shoves, or strikes an umpire will be automatically suspended for a minimum of one year from the time of the incident.
E. If a player is ejected from a game for any reason, he/she must leave the park. For the second such offense, the player will be suspended for a period of one year from the date his/her ejection from the game.
F. If fans of one team continue to heckle or use abusive language toward umpires or opposing players, the game will be forfeited to the opposing team. The umpire must notify the coach of the team that is at fault so he/she can adequately warn fans.
G. The league director, or designated individual by said director, shall have complete supervision of umpires and will assist them in controlling the game and spectators.
H. Each team, player and fan shall abide by all town ordinances and park rules regarding personal conduct on premises.
ARTICLE 10
A. The league, by majority of committee vote, shall enact any additional rules as deemed necessary to facilitate league play and express the spirit of these bylaws. No rule contrary to league bylaws shall be considered valid.
B. Should the committee desire to amend these bylaws, such proposed amendment shall be written and submitted to each member of committee. No less than 30 (thirty) calendar days shall pass before committee will be allowed to vote on such proposed amendment. A unanimous committee vote, then, shall be required to amend league bylaws.
ARTICLE 1
The name of this organization shall be the Richlands Church Softball League.
ARTICLE 2
The objectives of this league shall be
A. To exemplify the values and qualities of Christian life before every player and spectator;
B. To offer an outlet for Christian fellowship and encourage the growth of friendships among those who enjoy the sport of softball in our community;
C. To assist in the promotion of the game of softball among those who are in the sport solely for the pleasure and for the physical, mental, and social benefits they derive therefrom; and
D. To educate the public regarding the splendid qualities of softball for all individuals.
ARTICLE 3
A. The program shall be governed solely by the Richlands Church Softball League.
B. The governing body of the Richlands Church Softball League shall consist of one committee consisting of one representative from each team, either the team manager or an individual designated by said manager before the start of the playing season. The committee will elect a president and vice president at the first yearly meeting. A league director shall be appointed by the president at the first yearly meeting.
C. The committee shall also designate a treasurer. All league expenses shall be paid in full at the very earliest convenience by the league treasurer. Financial reports shall be available to every member of league committee for inspection and questions.
ARTICLE 4
Any person wishing to participate in the Richlands Church Softball League softball leagues must be at least 14 years of before the first game of the season.
ARTICLE 5
A. All team players must be registered on the roster provided by Richlands Church Softball League no later than entry deadline established for each season. All players must be on the roster prior to the first game played for that team. If the player is not registered and all information is not completed on roster or roster addition form, player will be declared ineligible and team will forfeit all games he/she has participated in.
B. The entry fee, established for each season, and Richlands Church Softball League roster must be submitted by each team to the designated league official by established deadline for that season.
C. The roster has no limits. Players wishing to play in the post-season tournament must play a minimum of two (2) of their team's games during the season to be eligible for post-season play. (amended 7/7/05)
D. Each player is obligated to attend at least two church services each month during the playing season to qualify for playing status. Players failing to meet such attendance requirements will still be considered on roster, however will be ineligible to play in a league-sanctioned game until such requirement is fulfilled. Team managers are responsible for adhering to this requirement. Allowing a non-eligible player to play shall result in forfeiture of any such games played wherein inelibible players participated. Subsequent offenses by the same team and or players will result in a penalty imposed by league officials up to and including forfeiture of remaining season games.
ARTICLE 6
A. The schedule will be drawn up and delivered to each head coach in time for the first league game.
B. Games will be played on days designated by the Richlands Church Softball League.
C. Games can only be cancelled for rain or lightning. The league director will reschedule rainouts. Games will be made up in openings during week and on weekends if necessary.
D. League standings will decide regular season championship. All league ties will be decided on the basis of:
1. Head to head competition.
2. Least amount of points scored against.
EXAMPLE: If A and B are tied for the league championship and A defeated B, then A will be awarded 1st place. If A and B played two games against each other and each won one (1) game, then the team that gave up the fewest points will be awarded 1st place. Three way ties will be decided on the same basis.
E. A double-elimination tournament will be played following the completion of the regular season. Each team not having required to forfeit remaining season games will participate in the post-season tournament.
ARTICLE 7
A. Games shall be played under the Amateur Softball Association Rules and/or specific changes for local situations as follows:
B. All leagues will play 7 inning games with one (1) hour 15 minute time limit. Five innings constitute a regulation game. Once a game has reached five innings game will stop at the time limit or seven innings, whichever comes first. The ten run rule will be in effect after five complete innings. The ten run rule will not be in effect the last inning of play if the following circumstance exists: The home team is down by more than ten runs when it comes to bat in the last inning. Through the course of the inning they score ten runs and still have a chance to score more and win the game play will continue until the inning is complete. The ten run rule per inning will be in effect every inning, i.e. Each team may score ten runs per inning or enough runs to be ten ahead. If this occurs before three outs are made, the umpire will declare side out. In the event seven runs have already been scored and the batter hits a home run with bases loaded, all four runs will count, giving that team 11 runs for the inning. The side will now change regardless of number of outs.
All games must be played for five innings. If team A is ahead of team B by less than ten runs after five innings, but before one hour and fifteen minutes has expired, then the game can continue until 7 innings are complete or the one hour fifteen minute time limit has elapsed, which ever occurs first.
C. Each team is limited to one over-the-fence home run per inning. After that, each ball hit over the fence that would have normally have been counted a home run shall be an out. Inside-the-park homeruns, however, are not affected by this rule.
D. No player will be allowed to play barefoot. No player shall wear metal spikes or cleats on the playing field at any time before, during or after the game. amended 1/15/07
E. League will use only ASA legal balls. Each team will be required to provide one ball per game. Umpire prior to game must approve all balls used. amended 1/15/07
F. Any player hitting a home run must circle and touch all bases. Player must circle at a consistent pace without causing unnecessary delay of game.
G. League games will use a 3 ball - 2 strike count.
H. Ground rules specific to the field of play shall apply in all instances.
I. Any rules adopted by the Richlands Church Softball League will supercede any ASA rules.
ARTICLE 8
A. An umpire will be furnished for each game, designated by league official. The Home team is responsible keeping score in official scorebook.
B. Protest must be made on a protest form with a $35.00 protest fee. Play will continue and the protest committee will review protest. Protest committee will consist of umpire, league designated official, and team representatives. The committee’s decisions are final. Protests on the playing rules only will be accepted.
C. Both coaches must sign the scorebook on a protested game for it to be valid.
D. Protests of games that shall be received and considered concern matters of the following type:
1. Misinterpretation of a playing rule.
2. Failure of an umpire to apply the correct rule to a given situation.
3. Failure to impose the correct penalty for a given violation.
F. If a protest is allowed, and has a bearing on the final standings, the game will be replayed from the point in which the incorrect decision was made with the decision corrected.
G. If a protest is allowed, the protest fee will be returned to the team concerned.
H. If a protest is not allowed, the protest fee will be forfeited to the Richlands Church Softball League.
ARTICLE 9
A. If a team is not ready to play when scheduled (with a 15 minute grace period for all 6 o'clock games only), the umpire will forfeit the game to the opposing team.
B. All league games will be played on the field indicated on the schedule. Game will be played as scheduled.
C. Acts of poor sportsmanship and misconduct on the part of players and coaches will not be tolerated. They will be reported to the Richlands Church Softball League for disciplinary action.
D. Any player or coach that lays a hand upon, pushes, shoves, or strikes an umpire will be automatically suspended for a minimum of one year from the time of the incident.
E. If a player is ejected from a game for any reason, he/she must leave the park. For the second such offense, the player will be suspended for a period of one year from the date his/her ejection from the game.
F. If fans of one team continue to heckle or use abusive language toward umpires or opposing players, the game will be forfeited to the opposing team. The umpire must notify the coach of the team that is at fault so he/she can adequately warn fans.
G. The league director, or designated individual by said director, shall have complete supervision of umpires and will assist them in controlling the game and spectators.
H. Each team, player and fan shall abide by all town ordinances and park rules regarding personal conduct on premises.
ARTICLE 10
A. The league, by majority of committee vote, shall enact any additional rules as deemed necessary to facilitate league play and express the spirit of these bylaws. No rule contrary to league bylaws shall be considered valid.
B. Should the committee desire to amend these bylaws, such proposed amendment shall be written and submitted to each member of committee. No less than 30 (thirty) calendar days shall pass before committee will be allowed to vote on such proposed amendment. A unanimous committee vote, then, shall be required to amend league bylaws.