1. REGISTRATION
1.1. League Registration fees plus $100 performance bond for 6&4 division teams and 7&3 division teams, contact Treasurer Bobbi for current registration fee. bobbileach@shaw.ca.
1.2. N.S.F cheques must be replaced immediately by cash or certified cheque with an additional $25.00 service charge.
1.3. The VSL LEAGUE ROSTER must be received no later than the second Sunday in May to receive insurance coverage. The roster must have full name and email address of each player. Please email roster form to Secretary-Treasurer bobbileach@shaw.ca. Additions and deletions may be made via email to the VSL Secretary-Treasurer. You cannot play with out insurance, do not jeopardize your players or others, submit your roster on time.
2. EQUIPMENT
2.1. The official balls are the Worth Super Gold Optic Yellow 12 inch and 11 inch to be used throughout for League play.
2.2. Bat Policy-the league will provide a list of banned bats.
2.3. The VSL will be purchasing the softballs for each team registered in the league.
2.4. It is the responsibility of each team to supply a first aid kit for their team.
2.5. Slo-pitch Footwear - No metal cleats or screw-in cleats are allowed in the VSL
2.6. NEW-All divisions-When a female is at bat the 11” ball will be used (the batter retains the option to use the 12” ball)
3. RULES AND REGULATIONS
3.1. Have fun, enjoy yourselves and please respect the umpires calls.
3.2. The umpire will be in full charge of the game and will be given due respect. The umpire will exercise their authority in accordance with VSL Rules first then Softball Canada Official Rules when necessary. Only the coach or captain will be allowed to make representation to the umpire and this must be done in a courteous manner. Intent to injure is a discretionary call by the Umpire and will be reported to the VSL executives.
3.3. Any player so charged by the Umpire will be suspended for the balance of the game and shall be suspended from play in the next succeeding game. The incident will be recorded and reported to the Executive. A second infraction will result in the player and coach appearing before the Executive for further action. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.
3.4. Any infractions that may jeopardize property or the safety of residents will not be tolerated. Offenders will be called before the Executive for further action.
3.5. Teams are not to remain on the fields after the completion of the game, especially at RoyalAthleticPark, ensure area is clean of garbage. Note: Of particular importance is Work Point Fields, please do not leave any garbage behind and keep to speed limit in the area. At Work Point Water field please park as far away from the house as possible and avoid any confrontation with the resident.
3.6. Players are not to jump or go through any fences to retrieve foul balls. They are to go to the front of the residence and receive permission from the resident or neighbor before entering the yard. If either is not available, then the ball is to be left where it is. The umpire will have a key to unlock gate to retrieve balls outside of RAP. The umpires will also have the key for bases at the Topaz field (Blanshard)
3.7. Teams are responsible for the conduct of all their spectators with regard to the above-mentioned rules.
3.8. Fielding Team:
6&4 divisions Each team will field a total of 10 players consisting of a maximum of 6 males and a minimum of 4 females. A team may play with minimum 9 players, provided at least 3 players are females. In the event that a team plays with 9 players, the tenth batting position on the game roster shall be considered an automatic out until the tenth player arrives. The umpire shall be informed of this prior to the batter in the ninth batting position coming to bat. Substitutions: A male or female may replace a male but only a female may replace a female. A maximum of 2 male batters in a row.
7&3 divisions Each team will field a total of 10 players consisting of a maximum of 7 males and a minimum of 3 females. A team may play with a minimum of 9 players provided at least 2 players are females. In the event that a team plays with 9 players, the tenth batting position on the game roster shall be considered an automatic out until the tenth player arrives. The umpire shall be informed of this prior to the batter in the ninth batting position coming to bat. Substitutions: A male or female may replace a male but only a female may replace a female. A maximum of 3 male batters in a row.
New 7&3 divisions only - If team A has only 8 players, team B has the option of lending 1 player to team A.The game would count as an official game.
3.9. New - All divisions: A $50 fine will be levied for forfeiting both games of a double-header. More than 2 instances of fines being levied may result in the team being suspended. Failure to field a team at the official START TIME on the schedule will result in a default with the opposing team being awarded the win by 7 runs and two points for the win. Failure to field a team to play the 2nd game of the double-header within 30 minutes of the official start time of the 1st game, will result in a 2nd default with the opposing team being awarded the win by 7 runs and two points for the win.
3.10. Extra Hitters. Teams may start 12 batters, the additional players must be at least one female. The entire game must then be played with 12 batters. If one player is removed and can’t be substituted, then automatic out. Substitutions: A male or female may replace a male but only a female may replace a female.
3.11. All exposed jewellery, such as watches, bracelets, any type of earrings, neck chains or any other item/s judged dangerous by the umpire may not be worn during the game. Only Medic chains or bracelets are the exception.
3.12. Courtesy runners. Unlimited courtesy runners with the exception that the base runner can’t have the same courtesy runner more than once unless all eligible courtesy runners have been used. Only players (including spares on bench) submitted at start of game on line-up sheet are eligible to be a courtesy runner.
3.13. An umpire calls “illegal pitch” when a pitch is below 6 feet or above 12 feet. If a batter doesn’t swing, the pitch is counted as a ball; if the batter swings, the play is live. If the umpire calls “no pitch”, the play is dead (even if the batter swings). The count does not advance and the runners do not advance.
3.14. Home plate rules.
6&4 divisions: For a play at home plate, the catcher must tag the plate or runner. The runner must only touch the second home plate, otherwise will be called out. No commitment line; runner may go back to 3rd base.
7&3 divisions: For play at RAP same as above with the addition of a commitment line. Runner crossing commitment line must proceed to either touching 2nd home plate when at RAP or crossing line drawn from home plate to back stop when at any park other than RAP.
All divisions : if runner touches home plate, will be called out. At RAP runner must touch 2nd home plate only.
3.15. Walk Rule; female following male batter.
6&4 divisions only: If a male batter is walked and a female batter is following, he will be awarded second base, female MUST bat .
7&3 divisions only: If a male batter is walked and a female batter is following, he will be awarded second base, female can bat or take 1st base.
3.16. The home team will provide a NEW game ball and a back-up ball.
3.17. The batter will be called out fouling on third strike.
3.18. Rain-out games will be called at the field of play by the umpire. Teams must be present and prepared to play or a default will be charged. For play at RoyalAthleticPark, management may cancel the use of the field earlier in the day, Team reps will be contacted by email.
3.19. All games will consist of 7 innings, games may end in a tie. The game will end after 5 or 6 innings of play if there is a difference of 10 runs. NOTE: The umpire has the authority to call a game because of time, the official time is taken from a cell phone.
3.20. Innings 1 through 6 are restricted to 5 runs per team; the 7th and overtime innings are played as open innings.
3.21. The arc of the pitch must be a minimum of 6 feet to maximum 12 feet from the ground. Pitching distance is 50ft – 60ft from home plate
3.22. A player must play in a minimum of 6 league games and be listed on the roster to be eligible for play in the league playoffs. Be prepared to substantiate any complaints that are made against you or that you are making.
3.23. Players are not allowed to play on more than team in the VSL. Exception: If the player is a contact rep of a lower division team, then is allowed to play in a higher division. If this player plays at least six games and is therefore eligible for playoffs, the player must ONLY play on one team for the playoffs.
3.24. A strike zone will be used to call balls and strikes. The strike zone covers the area over home plate, which is not higher than the batter's highest shoulder nor lower than his/her knees. If the ball makes contact with the plate, it is a ball. For C and D divisions; any legal pitch landing on any portion of the mat will be called a strike. The mat used is the “V” mat, any pitched ball hitting the plate is a ball.
3.25. A pitcher can only take one step when pitching. The pivot foot must be kept stationary.
3.26. BLOOD RULE: Injured or Bleeding Players
a . Any player who is injured or is bleeding from an injury and is assumed to be able to continue to play in the game will be given a reasonable amount of time(determined by the umpire) to tend to the injury or bleeding. Any blood stained clothing must be removed.
b . if 911 is called at RAP, give directions for the ambulance to pull in at Cook and Pembroke entrance (Diamond 2). Ensure gate is open.
3.27. PREGNANCY RULE: If it is evident and/or confirmed to an official that a player is pregnant then for safety reasons the VSL will not knowingly allow pregnant women to play.
3.28. LEADOFF RULE: A base-runner will NOT be called out for stepping off a base following a pitch that has crossed home plate.
4. UNIFORMS
4.1. No player should wear ragged, frayed or slit sleeves.
5. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
5.1. All protests must be brought to the attention of the appointed committee. The committee will consist of a minimum of 3 executive members. Both Teams must submit a written letter within 72 hours of the game.
5.2. Line-up card handed to umpire prior to start of the game must have full given name and surname.
6. INSURANCE
6.1. It is up to the individual player to file an Incident Report within 30 days of the injury and request a Claim Form. It is the responsibility of each team or member to be familiar with the accident claim procedure. File a claim regardless of nature of injury as the injury may re-surface at a later date. Contact bobbileach@shaw.ca for assistance if required. No deductible is charged.
