Article Date: Sat 21st Jan 2012
Rules 2012
The main rules remain unchanged and are available here:
Rules and things you really need to know!
Please note our extra rules have been amended this year to keep the games a little more even:
1. Runners: A runner can be provided from the Home Plate – the fielding side must be made aware.
2. Mercy Rule: No team may score more than 10 runs per innings.
A "maximum 20 runs ahead rule" will apply from the top of the 4th innings. If the team at bat first is at (or reaches) 20 runs ahead in the top half of the 4th innings, "side away" must be called and the opposition must be given the chance to bat.
If the opposition does not reduce the difference to less than 20 runs then "ball game" is called. Conversely if the team to bat first are 20 runs or more behind their opposition AFTER their turn at bat (or at any point in the opposition's turn at bat) in the 4th innings then "ball game" is called and the opposition has won the game. The same principle applies in the 5th innings.
3. All games are to be played with 5:5 ratio. If a team is short, other teams with extra players must be willing to help out and keep the ratio. A maximum of 3 players may be borrowed. A team left with 9 players (using the 5:5 ratio rule) will take an automatic out for the missing batter and only field 9. The 6:4 ratio no longer applies under any circumstances.
4. In case of bad light, or rain, a result may be declared and stand after each side has completed 3 innings. If 3 complete innings have not been played the game shall be rescheduled and start from scratch. If a game is called part way through innings 4-5 the score will revert to the last completed innings.
5. All games are to be played over 5 innings subject to the above. Any game called early due to the Mercy Rule should have the remaining innings played out as a friendly (with no effect on the final score) - we're there to play softball after all!!
6. Neither the Foul Tip nor Infield Fly rules will be played:
a) A ball caught by the catcher after hitting the bat will be considered a "catch" in all cases and the batter is out.
b) In the event that an umpire determines a fly ball to be intentionally dropped to gain an infield advantage, "Dead Ball" will be called, there will be no outs and the runners will be returned to the last base held at the time of the pitch. The batter will resume on the same count that they had at the time of the last pitch.
7. Bats must be dropped not thrown. In the interests of safety any player throwing their bat as they run to 1st will automatically be given out. Continual bat throwing will result in sending off.
8. Anyone behaving in an abusive / aggressive manner on field can be sent off at the discretion of their Captain, Vice Captain or the League Chairman. Aggressive physical contact will result in immediate sending off and possible suspension.
9. No player is allowed to take food or drink within the confines of the diamond or fair ball line. This includes the catcher. It really is common sense as cans/bottles/cartons/packets can cause a slip and potentially serious injury.
10. You must adhere to the byelaw preventing BBQs on The Downs. Any team (including their friends/visitors) ignoring this law will lose their league slot. BBQs towards the season end will result in a stripping of all points/awards and a ban for the next season.
Rules and things you really need to know!
Please note our extra rules have been amended this year to keep the games a little more even:
1. Runners: A runner can be provided from the Home Plate – the fielding side must be made aware.
2. Mercy Rule: No team may score more than 10 runs per innings.
A "maximum 20 runs ahead rule" will apply from the top of the 4th innings. If the team at bat first is at (or reaches) 20 runs ahead in the top half of the 4th innings, "side away" must be called and the opposition must be given the chance to bat.
If the opposition does not reduce the difference to less than 20 runs then "ball game" is called. Conversely if the team to bat first are 20 runs or more behind their opposition AFTER their turn at bat (or at any point in the opposition's turn at bat) in the 4th innings then "ball game" is called and the opposition has won the game. The same principle applies in the 5th innings.
3. All games are to be played with 5:5 ratio. If a team is short, other teams with extra players must be willing to help out and keep the ratio. A maximum of 3 players may be borrowed. A team left with 9 players (using the 5:5 ratio rule) will take an automatic out for the missing batter and only field 9. The 6:4 ratio no longer applies under any circumstances.
4. In case of bad light, or rain, a result may be declared and stand after each side has completed 3 innings. If 3 complete innings have not been played the game shall be rescheduled and start from scratch. If a game is called part way through innings 4-5 the score will revert to the last completed innings.
5. All games are to be played over 5 innings subject to the above. Any game called early due to the Mercy Rule should have the remaining innings played out as a friendly (with no effect on the final score) - we're there to play softball after all!!
6. Neither the Foul Tip nor Infield Fly rules will be played:
a) A ball caught by the catcher after hitting the bat will be considered a "catch" in all cases and the batter is out.
b) In the event that an umpire determines a fly ball to be intentionally dropped to gain an infield advantage, "Dead Ball" will be called, there will be no outs and the runners will be returned to the last base held at the time of the pitch. The batter will resume on the same count that they had at the time of the last pitch.
7. Bats must be dropped not thrown. In the interests of safety any player throwing their bat as they run to 1st will automatically be given out. Continual bat throwing will result in sending off.
8. Anyone behaving in an abusive / aggressive manner on field can be sent off at the discretion of their Captain, Vice Captain or the League Chairman. Aggressive physical contact will result in immediate sending off and possible suspension.
9. No player is allowed to take food or drink within the confines of the diamond or fair ball line. This includes the catcher. It really is common sense as cans/bottles/cartons/packets can cause a slip and potentially serious injury.
10. You must adhere to the byelaw preventing BBQs on The Downs. Any team (including their friends/visitors) ignoring this law will lose their league slot. BBQs towards the season end will result in a stripping of all points/awards and a ban for the next season.