Article I. Interpretation and Enforcement

Section 1. Governing rules

• The Executive Board and Division Commissioners shall interpret, enforce and abide by the Constitution, Bylaws, rules and regulations of the SVGSA.
• Any violation of the following rules will be subject to a disciplinary hearing.
• Current Amateur Softball Association "Fastpitch" rules govern all games with all of the following deviations.

Article II. Player Registration and Rostering

Section 1. Eligibility

This is an open program for all girls according to Section I and 2 of the Constitution of the SVGSA.

Section 2. Team Divisions

Players are placed into the following divisions according to their age.

1. 6U -Players who will be at least five years old, and who will not yet be seven years old thru August 31st. Four-year-olds may play with approval of the board.
2. 8U -Players who will be at least seven years old, and who will not yet be nine years old thru August 31st.
3. 10U-Players who will be at least nine years old, and who will not yet be eleven years old thru August 31st.
4. 12U-Players who will be at least eleven years old, and who will not yet be thirteen years old thru August 31st.
5. 14U-Players who will be at least thirteen years old, and who will not yet be fifteen years old thru August 31st.
6. 18U-Players who will be at least fifteen years old by August 31st, and who must be eighteen thru July 31st.

Section 3. Player Registration

Every player shall fill-out and mail, or deliver to, the SVGSA a registration form and fee. This form and fee shall be filed with SVGSA before a player is eligible to be rostered to a team.

1. Coaches are not to collect, mail, or turn-in registrations for their players unless otherwise instructed by the SVGSA Board.
2. A copy of each player’s birth certificate, or legal verification of date of birth must accompany registrations and remain on file with the SVGSA.
3. No registrations will be accepted after the coaches’ meeting has been held. If a team count falls below the minimum player count, we will accept registrations up to minimums as laid out in Article 1, Sec. 5.

Section 4. Team Rostering

1. Team rostering will be executed by the Rostering Committee.
2. Teams will be balanced as closely as possible using the following criteria:
   • Player Age
   • School Attending
   • Previous team
   • Registration cut-off date
3. A written rostering request from a parent will be considered and ruled upon by the executive board.
4. No new teams will be formed after the Spring Coaches Meeting.
5. Decisions by the rostering committee are final.

Section 5. Team Size

1. All divisions shall consist of teams having a minimum of 11 and a maximum of 14 girls.
2. Exceptions to team may be made with the approval of the Executive Board, on a case by case basis.

Section 6. Signed Team Rosters

1. Every player shall sign a team roster with the team they are assigned to before participating in any game.
2. This roster must be on file with the SVGSA before the first game.

Section 7. Rostering Interference

1. No 10U, 12U, 14U, and 18U coach or team representative shall contact any player in any school geographic location with the intent of soliciting the player to participate on any one particular team.
2. No league sanctioned practice to be held before the Spring Coaches Meeting
3. If any of the preceding rules are violated, charges will be brought before the Disciplinary Hearing Board.

Article III. Participation Rules

Section 1. League Season

1. All teams, except those designated by the Board, will be involved in an end-of-season tournament to decide the champions of each division.
2. All teams, except those designated by the Board, will be involved in an end-of-season tournament to decide the champions of each division.
3. Tournament seeding will be decided by regular season standings. In the case of a tie in the standings, seeding will be determined by the following:
   1. The team with the better record from games played between the tied teams during the regular season.
   2. Last game - if the two teams tied, winner of the final scheduled game.
   3. Coin flip if a) and b) don’t apply.

Section 2. Coaches’ Responsibilities

1. A person may coach only one team unless approved by the Executive Board.
2. Coaches are financially responsible for all league equipment assigned to them.
   1. All equipment must be returned at the end of the season.
   2. A $50 deposit will be required from all coaches before receiving equipment, said moneys will be returned after equipment has been returned.
   3. If equipment is not returned by end of tournament the $50 deposit will be cashed.
3. The coach of each team will be responsible for:
   1. Their team’s conduct before, during and after each game.
   2. Their team’s promptness at the game site.
   3. Acquainting their team with these Bylaws and all ASA rules which affect players in the SVGSA.
   4. Turning in score report form to the Snack Shack immediately following the game.
   5. Failure to do any of the aforementioned will result in forfeiture of the game.
4. Anyone under the age of 18 may not be a head coach, except by approval of the Executive Board.
5. There may be no more than three coaches in the dugout, or on the bench during a league or tournament game.
6. Anyone under the age of 18 who is coaching bases must wear an official batting helmet.
7. Washington State Patrol background checks are mandatory for all coaches.
8. At least two adults must attend every practice and or team event.
9. SVGSA reserves the right to determine, on an ongoing basis, the eligibility of any individual to coach.
10. SVGSA reserves the right to remove any individual from a coaching position based upon a determination of eligibility.

Section 3. Dress Code

1. Regulation shirts issued by the SVGSA must be worn during all league and tournament games by all players and head coaches.
2. Shirts must be tucked in at all times.
3. No jewelry of any sort (e.g. necklaces, rings, watches, earrings, etc.) may be worn during games.
   1. Exceptions will be made for items required to be worn by religious faith, but such items must be secured in such a manner as to prevent hazard to the player wearing them, and to other players.
   2. Exceptions will be made for medical items (e.g. medic alert items), but such items must be secured in such a manner as to prevent hazard to the player wearing them, and to other players.

Section 4. Equipment and Uniforms

1. Regulation uniforms are not required, however, the following are required:
   1. Long pants or shorts w/slider pad – 10U, 12U, 14U, and 18U.
   2. Any equipment issued by the league must be worn by the players as it is meant for, and be worn properly.
   3. All appropriate safety equipment must be worn in all practices, regulation, and tournament games. (Intra-league and invitational).
   4. Anyone under the age of 18 warming up the pitcher must wear a catchers mask.
   5. All players must wear regulation shirts issued by SVGSA for the current year.
   6. All bats must have the ASA logo, OR be deemed to be legal by passing through the game umpire’s bat ring and meeting applicable ASA parameters.
   7. All batting helmets for 8U and up shall be equipped with a NOLSAE approved face mask/guard as per new ASA regulations.

Article IV. Conduct of Participants

Section 1. Parent/Spectator Code of Conduct

All parents and spectators are required to adhere to the following code of conduct:

1. I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child participating in SVGSA Softball by following this Parents’ Code of Ethics:
   1. I will remember that my child is involved in organized sports for her enjoyment, not mine.
   2. I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice or other SVGSA event.
   3. I will place the emotional and physical well being of my child ahead of my personal desire to win.
   4. I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.
   5. I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
   6. I will not publicly question an officials’ judgment, and never their honesty.
   7. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco and alcohol and will refrain from their use at all SVGSA events.
   8. I will do my very best to make SVGSA softball fun for my child.
   9. I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.
   10. I will help my child enjoy the SVGSA softball experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectful fan, assisting with coaching, or providing transportation.

Section 2. Player Code of Conduct

All players are required to adhere to the following code of conduct:

1. I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for myself and others participating in SVGSA Softball by following this Players’ Code of Ethics:
   1. Play for the "fun of it", not just to please your parents or coach.
   2. Play by the rules.
   3. Never argue with the officials’ decisions. Let your coach ask any necessary questions.
   4. Control your temper - no "mouthing off", throwing equipment.
   5. Work equally hard for yourself and your team – your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own.
   6. Be a good sport. Cheer all good plays, whether your team’s or your opponents’.
   7. Treat all players as you yourself would like to be treated. Don’t interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player.
   8. Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills, and feel good.
   9. Don’t be a show-off, or always try to make the most plays.
   10. Cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents, for without them you don’t have a game.

Section 3. Coaches Conduct

All coaches are responsible for their own personal conduct, the conduct of their players, and the conduct of their spectators. Coaches will uphold the standards of conduct put forth in both the SVGSA Parent/Spectator Code of Conduct, and in the SVGSA Player Code of Conduct. The following behaviors are unacceptable and can lead to forfeiture of the game, and possible Disciplinary Board action:

1. Parent interference
2. Foul language, or heckling
3. Use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs by spectators, coaches, or players.
4. Dangerous playing tactics
5. Arguing with the umpire, or with the other coach.

Section 4. Player Conduct

Players will uphold the standards of conduct put forth in the SVGSA Player Code of Conduct. If a player commits any of the following offenses during a game, it is mandatory for the coach to replace her:

1. Intentional throwing of the bat
2. Unnecessary rough or dangerous tactics
3. Unsportsmanlike conduct
4. Flagrant intentional collisions
5. Fighting with another player
6. Foul language
7. Use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco.

Section 5. Enforcement

Umpire has full responsibility for enforcing the Players’ Code of Conduct, the Parent/Spectator Code of Conduct, and the Coaches Code of Conduct. Misconduct could be enforced by ejection from the game/field, and/or disciplinary action by the Board.

Article V. Field Conditions

Section 1. Fitness For Play

The following league officials are authorized to determine the fitness of a field for play, either before or during a game:

1. Game Umpire
2. UIC – Umpire in Chief
3. Director of Fields
4. League President
5. In the absence of any of the above named officials, the opposing coaches may confer, and reach agreement on the fitness of the field for play.

Section 2. Field Clean-up

Each team is responsible for cleaning their side of the field after a game, including dugout and spectator areas. Failure to comply will result in the disciplinary action of field preparation by entire team; failure to participate will result in forfeiture of next winning game.

Article VI. Umpires

If an umpire is not available 10 minutes after scheduled game time, the home team will supply the home plate umpire. The visiting team will have the option to provide a base umpire. Between these two volunteers, changing positions at the end of each inning can be determined. Noncompliance will result in a forfeiture.

Article VII. Scheduling and Time Limits

Section 1. Cancellations and Rescheduled Games

1. Games that are canceled, rained out, or needing to be rescheduled due to poor field conditions, must be re-scheduled through the Director of Fields.
2. Games must be made up within 10 days, weather permitting.
3. 48 hours notice of the make-up game shall be given to both teams, weather permitting.

Section 2. Forfeit Time

Forfeit time will be 15 minutes after scheduled game time.

Section 3. Time Limit

1. The one hour fifty minute time limit will start with either notification by the umpire or the first warm-up pitch.
2. All games in all divisions will carry a 1:50 time limit, meaning that no inning will start after 1:50, but an inning in progress will be completed.
3. In 12 and 14U only - When 4 innings are completed or in the umpire’s judgment the last inning has been reached, the five run rule will be waived.

Section 4. Tie Games

In the event a League game ends in a tie, ASA Universal Tiebreaker will be used.

Article VIII. General Rules
(Division modifications override the general rules section)

Section 1. Home Team

The home team shall be listed first on the schedule and shall occupy the third base bench or dugout for league play only.

Section 2. Line-up Sheets

1. Each coach will be responsible for presenting the line-up sheet, with substitutions to the umpire before game time.
2. The umpire will exchange the line-up sheets with each coach and it will then be the responsibility of the home team to keep the official score-book.

Section 3. Player Playing Time

1. Each girl will be scheduled to play 1/2 game of offense and defense if she is on the roster. All subs must enter the game after the 3rd inning or the 1st inning after the one hour mark – whichever comes first.
   1. Waived if player has not attended practice regularly.
   2. Waived if player has demonstrated a poor attitude.
2. 12U and 14U: pitching time for these divisions will be restricted to a maximum of 4 innings (one pitch constitutes an inning) per game.
3. 16-18U will have no pitching limits.

Section 4. Substitution and Re-entry Rule

1. Coaches must notify the umpire and both teams’ scorekeepers at the time of any substitutions.
2. New batter should inform umpire of substitution
3. In the event of an illegal substitution, the batter may remain in the game, but the batter will be called out.
4. Any player may be withdrawn and re-entered once, provided they occupy the same position in the batting order whenever in the line up. The original and the substitute cannot be in the line up at the same time, except in the event of an incapacitating injury.

Section 5. Pitching

Position and delivery as per ASA fast-pitch (f.p.) rules.

Section 6. Designated Player

Not allowed in any division during regular season play, or during end-of-season tournament play.

Section 7. Mercy Rule

If either team is ahead by 10 or more runs after the completion of 5 innings or more, the game is over.

Section 8. Five Run Rule

1. A third out will be called after a team has scored no more than 5 runs in one inning.
2. 16U and 18U - there is no 5 run rule in force for these divisions.
3. The five run rule will not be in effect after the completion of the 4th inning. (See Article VII, Section 3, C)

Section 9. Protests

Protests are allowed during end-of-the-season tournament play only, as per ASA. A cash fee of $100.00 will be given to the umpire, who will immediately stop the game and call a meeting with both coaches. NOTE: You may not protest a judgment call.

Article IX. Tournaments

Section 1. Intra-League Tournaments

1. Each division, except those designated by the Board, will have a play-off tournament at the completion of the regular season. All games will be the same as the regular season in regards to playing rules, except the following:
   1. Time limit will be established by the Tournament Director.
   2. Tie games will be played off.
   3. The 10 Run Rule will be in effect during tournament play.
   4. In order for a player to be eligible to play in the season end tournament, she must have played in 60% of her teams scheduled games. Special circumstances may be reviewed by the Board of Directors.
2. A completed roster of eligible players will be due prior to the beginning of tournament play. Each team will sign in before each game.

Section 2. Invitational Tournaments

1. Any team that is contacted by any other league or association to participate in a tournament must notify and obtain permission from the SVGSA in order to compete in that tournament.
2. Pick-up players, as defined in ASA, may be obtained by using the following procedure:
   1. No girl will be contacted without approval of the SVGSA and the pick-up player’s coach.

Article X. Representatives

Section 1. Parent Representative

Each team will name a responsible parent or adult to represent their team to the league.

Section 2. Player Representative

1. The team members, excluding the coach or coaches, will elect a player to represent their team to the league.
2. The purpose of these representatives will be to:
   1. Form a liaison between the league officers and the parents and players.
   2. To give league officials input from the teams.
   3. Any other duties deemed necessary by the Executive Board.

Section 3. Division Commissioners

1. SVGSA will have a commissioner for each division, these commissioners will be appointed by the Executive Board. The duties of the Division Commissioners are:
   1. To act as a liaison between their division and the Executive Board.
   2. Any other duties deemed necessary by the Executive Board.

Article XI. Amendments

Section 1. General Public

Any article section, or part thereof, of the Bylaws may be amended by a petition of the membership provided:

1. Petition must be submitted to the President for voting on at the Annual General membership Meeting in the fall.
2. Any petition must include a precise statement of what the amendment is, and what article, section, or subsection is to be changed.

Section 2. Executive Board and Executive Committee Chairpersons

1. The Executive Board reserves the right to amend the Bylaws as needed in order to provide a better program for the membership.
2. Executive Board Members and Executive Committee Chairperson must have seven (7) days notice prior to voting on changes in the Bylaws.
3. Seven (7) day notice can be waived by majority vote of the Executive Board.

Article XII. Playing Rule Modifications To ASA Rules

Section 1. 10U Division

1. Base lines – 60 feet
2. Ball – 11 inch ‘Incredi-ball’
3. 10 players – the 10th player being an outfielder, the team may play the game with 9 players. If there is an injury or a player is taken out of the game for misconduct, you may end the game with 8 players, every time that player comes up to bat it is an automatic out.
4. Continuous batting order involving all team members. If a girl comes late, she will be added to the bottom of the batting order.
5. Time Limits- All games will consist of 6 innings. There will be a 1:45 time limit for all games.
   1. If the time limit is not in jeopardy of being breached, the game will be played in its entirety, allowing each player maximum playing time no matter the end score. (Complete the full inning regardless of the score.)
   2. If the time limit expires during an inning, play is stopped immediately and the score after the last completed inning is the final score.
   3. The only exception is if the home team is leading and batting in the bottom of the inning. Then the game is over, and the score at that time is final.
   4. In the event of a tie after 6 complete innings, the official score will be recorded as a tie.
6. 5 Run Rule - The 5 run rule will be in effect in all 6 innings.
7. Pitching Machine will be used in all games.
   1. A pitching machine will be set at approximately 35 feet. A 10 foot pitching circle will be in place around the machine. Only the game official will be inside the circle, and operating the pitching machine. A protective screen will be in place for safety purposes. The game official will feed the pitching machine, pitch to each player, and call outs at the bases and home plate. Rules are as follows:
   2. Each batter gets a maximum of five pitches to put the ball in play. The batter is out after the fifth pitch. (If the fifth pitch is hit foul, the batter is out.) Three swings constitute a strike out and the batter will be out.
   3. There are no base-on balls.
   4. Any ball landing and staying in the pitching circle is a ground rule single. This will be called by the game official. All base runners will move up one base. (Fielders are not allowed inside the pitching circle at any time)
   5. Pitcher Position - A player is placed on the outside of the circle, assuming the defensive position of the pitcher. One foot must be touching the edge of the circle at the time of the pitch.
   6. Stealing will not be allowed. Base runners may lead off when the ball leaves the pitching machine, but must return to the base if the ball is not hit or risk being put out. If a play is made on the runner, the runner must return to the base or risk being forced out at the base. The runner may advance after tagging up, if the ball is dropped or over thrown.
8. Infield fly rule is waived
9. One (1) Parent/Coach may be in the outfield area to verbally encourage for the first (1st) and second (2nd) game only.

Section 2. 8U Division

1. Base lines – 45 feet
2. Ball – 11 inch ‘Incredi-ball’
3. 10 players - the 10th player being an outfielder.
4. Continuous batting order involving all team members
   1. If a girl comes late, she will be added to the bottom of the batting order.
5. Pitching Machine will be used in all games.
   1. A pitching machine will be set at approximately 35 feet. A 10 foot pitching circle will be in place around the machine. Only the game official/coach will be inside the circle, and operating the pitching machine. A protective screen will be in place for safety purposes. The game official/coach will feed the pitching machine, pitch to each player, and call outs at the bases and home plate. Balls and strikes will not be called. Rules are as follows:
   2. Each batter will get 5 pitches to hit. Balls and strikes will not be called. If the batter does not hit a fair ball, the batter is out.
   3. Any ball landing and staying in the pitching circle is a ground rule single. This will be called by the game official. All base runners will move up one base. (Fielders are not allowed inside the pitching circle at any time)
   4. Pitcher Position - A player is placed on the outside of the circle, assuming the defensive position of the pitcher, one foot must be touching the edge of the circle.
   5. Stealing will not be allowed. Base runners may lead off when the ball leaves the pitching machine, but must return to the base if the ball is not hit.
   6. There will be no advancement on an overthrow.
6. Infield fly rule is waived
7. Five (5) Run Rule each inning
8. 5 innings or a maximum of 1½ hours constitutes a complete game.
9. Two parent/coach(s) may be in the outfield area to verbally encourage and assist the girls.
10. Scores can be kept by teams, but no divisional standings will be kept.
11. A tie stands as a tie.
12. No end-of-season tournament.
13. All girls will receive a participation award.
14. No official umpires will be provided by the league.
15. Each team will choose a parent, or coach as umpire, and the umpires from each team will alternate innings as the game umpire. (Remember that 8U is an instructional division, and not a competitive one)

Section 3. 6U Division

1. Base lines – 45 feet
2. Ball – 11 inch ‘Incredi-ball’
3. The batter will hit the ball from a stationary ‘tee’ on home plate
4. Batters must take a full swing at the ball.
5. A coach/parent may assist at the tee, but may not touch the batter during her swing.
6. 10 players - the 10th player being an outfielder.
7. Continuous batting order involving all team members
   1. If a girl comes late, she will be added to the bottom of the batting order.
   2. An inning shall consist of once through the batting order, or three outs
8. Each player will play offense and defense; with a maximum of 1½ hour play time.
9. The umpire will call time immediately when the ball is controlled in the infield by a defensive player, providing that player is not attempting to make a play.
10. Runners may advance without restriction while the ball is in fair play.
11. Runners do not advance on overthrows.
12. No leading-off, stealing bases, or walks.
13. Infield fly rule is waived
14. No more than four parent/coach(s) may be on the field to verbally encourage and assist the girls.
15. Scores can be kept by teams, but no divisional standings will be kept. A tie stands as a tie.
16. No end-of-season tournament.
17. All girls will receive a participation award
18. No official umpires will be provided by the league.
19. Each team will choose a parent, or coach as umpire, and the umpires from each team will alternate innings as the game umpire. (Remember that 6U is an instructional/fun division, and not a competitive one)
    1. Coaches are encouraged to stop the game, after time has been called, to provide instruction and encouragement.