By Laws
SPOKANE VALLEY GIRLS SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION (SVGSA)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BY LAWS
Article I - INTERPRETATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Section 1 – Governing Rules
Article II - PLAYER REGISTRATION AND ROSTERING
Section 1 - Eligibility
Section 2 - Team Divisions
Section 3 - Player Registration
Section 4 - Team Rostering
Section 5 - Team Size
Section 6 - Rostering Interference
Article III - PARTICIPATION RULES
Section 1 - League Season
Section 2 – Coaches’ Responsibilities
Section 3 - Dress Code
Section 4 - Equipment and Uniforms
Article IV - CONDUCT OF PARTICIPANTS
Section 1 - Parent/Spectator Code of Conduct
Section 2 - Player Code of Conduct
Section 3 - Coaches Conduct
Section 4 - Enforcement
Article V - FIELD CONDITIONS
Section 1 - Fitness for Play
Section 2 - Field Clean-up
Article VI – UMPIRES
Section 1 - Umpire Unavailability
Article VII - SCHEDULING AND TIME LIMITS
Section 1 - Cancellation and Rescheduled Games
Section 2 - Forfeit Time
Section 3 - Time Limit
Section 4 - Tie Games
Article VIII - GENERAL RULES
Section 1 - Home Team
Section 2 - Line-up Sheets
Section 3 - Player Playing Time
Section 4 - Substitution and Re-entry Rule
Section 5 - Pitching
Section 6 - Designated Player
Section 7 - Mercy Rule
Section 8 - Five Run Rule
Section 9 - Protests
Article IX - TOURNAMENTS
Section 1 - Intra-League Tournaments
Section 2 - Invitational Tournaments
Article X - AMENDMENTS
Section 1 - General Public
Section 2 - Executive Board and Executive Committee Chairpersons
Article XI - PLAYING RULE MODIFICATIONS TO ASA RULES
Section 1 - 14U Division
Section 2 - 12U Division
Section 3 - 10U Division
Section 4 - 8U Division
Section 5 - 6U Division
Revision Date 2011
BYLAWS OF THE SPOKANE VALLEY GIRLS SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION
ARTICLE I – INTERPRETATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Section 1. Governing rules
1. The Executive Board and Division Commissioners shall interpret, enforce and abide by the Constitution, Bylaws, rules, and regulations of the SVGSA.
2. Any violation of the following rules will be subject to a disciplinary hearing.
3. Current Amateur Softball Association (ASA) “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 Article II, 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.
· 6U -Players who will be at least five years old, and who will not yet be seven years old through the end of season play. Four-year-olds may play with approval of the board.
· 8U -Players who will be at least seven years old, and who will not yet be nine years old through the end of season play.
· 10U-Players who will be at least nine years old, and who will not yet be eleven years old through the end of tournament play.
· 12U-Players who will be at least eleven years old, and who will not yet be thirteen years old through the end of tournament play.
· 14U-Players who will be at least thirteen years old, and who will not yet be fifteen years old through the end of tournament play.
· 18U-Players who will be at least fifteen years old by the beginning of play, and who must be eighteen through the end of tournament play.
Section 3. Player Registration
Every player shall register on-line. Payment will be made by on-line service, mail, or hand-delivery to SVGSA. Registration must be completed and payment made 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 registration cut-off date. If a team count falls below the minimum player count, we will accept registrations up to minimums as laid out in Article 2, 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:
a. Player Age
b. School Attending
c. Previous team
d. Registration cut-off date
3. Special rostering requests from a parent will be considered and ruled upon by the Rostering Committee.
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 size may be made with the approval of the Executive Board on a case by case basis.
Section 6. Rostering Interference
1. No 10U, 12U, 14U, or 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 will 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. 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:
a. The team with the better record from games played between the tied teams during the regular season.
b. Last game - if the two teams tied, winner of the final scheduled game.
c. 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.
a. All equipment must be returned on each division’s designated date at the end of the season.
b. A $75 deposit will be required from all coaches before receiving equipment. Said moneys will be returned after equipment has been returned.
c. If equipment is not returned by end of tournament the $75 deposit will be cashed.
3. The coach of each team will be responsible for:
a. Their team’s conduct before, during and after each game.
b. Their team’s promptness at the game site.
c. Acquainting their team with these Bylaws and all ASA rules which affect players in the SVGSA.
d. Turning in score report form to the Snack Shack immediately following the game.
e. 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.
a. 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.
b. Exceptions will be made for medical items (e.g. medic-alert items), but such items must be readable and 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:
2. Long pants or shorts w/slider pad – 10U, 12U, 14U, and 18U.
3. Any equipment issued by the league must be worn.
4. All appropriate safety equipment must be worn in all practices, regulation games, and tournament games. (Intra-league and invitational)
5. Anyone under the age of 18 warming up the pitcher must wear a catcher’s mask.
6. All players must wear regulation shirts issued by SVGSA for the current year.
7. All bats not distributed by SVGSA must meet applicable ASA parameters.
8. All batting helmets for 8U and up shall be equipped with a NOLSAE approved face mask/guard as per 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:
I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child participating in SVGSA
softball by following this Parents’ Code of Ethics:
· I will remember that my child is involved in organized sports for her enjoyment, not mine.
· I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice- or other SVGSA event.
· I will place the emotional and physical well being of my child ahead of my personal desire to win.
· I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.
· I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
· I will not publicly question an officials’ judgment, and never their honesty.
· 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.
· I will do my very best to make SVGSA softball fun for my child.
· I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or ability.
· 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:
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:
· I will play for the “fun of it,” not just to please my parents or coach.
· I will play by the rules.
· I will never argue with the officials’ decisions and will let my coach ask any necessary questions.
· I will control my temper - no “mouthing off” or throwing equipment.
· I will work equally hard for myself and my team.
· I will be a good sport and cheer all good plays, even my opponents’.
· I will treat all players as I would like to be treated. I won’t interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player.
· I will remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve my skills, and feel good.
· I won’t be a show-off or always try to make the most plays.
· I will cooperate with my coach, teammates, and opponents, for without them I don’t have a game.
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, or being under the influence of, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
Section 3. Coaches Conduct
1. All coaches are responsible for their own personal conduct, the conduct of their players, and the conduct of their spectators.
2. 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.
3. The following behaviors are unacceptable and can lead to forfeiture of the game and possible Disciplinary Board action:
a. Parent interference
b. Foul language or heckling
c. Use of, or being under the influence of, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs by spectators, coaches, or players
d. Dangerous playing tactics
e. Arguing with the umpire or with the other coach
f. Holding less than four (4) practices before league play begins
g. Leaving bench area littered
Section 4. 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
1. Each team is responsible for cleaning their side of the field after a game, including dugout and spectator areas.
2. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.
ARTICLE VI. UMPIRES
Section 1. Umpire Unavailability
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 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 an SVGSA game ends in a tie, the 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
and tournament play.
Section 2. Line-up Sheets
1. Each coach will be responsible for presenting the line-up sheet (with substitutions in 18U) 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 shall play at least three (3) total innings of offense and three (3) total innings of defense if she is on the roster. An exception will be made if the game is called by the umpire.
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. 18U will have no pitching limits.
Section 4. Substitution and Re-entry Rule
1. The umpire must be notified at the time of any player substitution.
2. In the event of an illegal substitution, the batter may remain in the game, but the batter will be called out.
3. 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. 12U and 14U - The five run rule will not be in effect after the completion of the 4th inning. (See Article VII, Section 3, C)
3. 18U - There is no 5 run rule in force for this division.
Section 9. Protests
1. Protests are allowed during end-of-the-season tournament play only, as per ASA rules. 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.
2. 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:
a. Time limit will be established by the Tournament Director.
b. Tie games will be played off.
c. High seed will be home team and occupy the third base side.
d. The 10 Run Rule will be in effect during tournament play.
e. 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.
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:
a. Approval of the SVGSA and the pick-up player’s coach must be obtained first.
ARTICLE XI. AMENDMENTS
Section 1. General Public
1. Any article section, or part thereof, of the Bylaws may be amended by a petition of the membership provided:
a. Petition must be submitted to the President for voting on at the Annual General membership Meeting in the fall.
b. 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. 7 day notice can be waived by majority vote of the Executive Board.
ARTICLE XII. PLAYING RULE MODIFICATIONS TO ASA RULES
Section 1. 14U Division
1. Continuous batting order involving all team members. If a girl comes late, she will be added to the bottom of the batting order.
2. Free substitutions, with every player playing defense at least 3 innings.
Section 2. 12U Division
1. Continuous batting order involving all team members. If a girl comes late, she will be added to the bottom of the batting order.
2. Free substitutions, with every player playing defense at least 3 innings.
3. 10 players – the 10th player being an outfielder, but not a rover. 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.
Section 3. 10U Division
1. Base lines – 60 feet
2. Ball – 11 inch ‘Incredi-ball’
3. 10 players – the 10th player being an outfielder, but not a rover. 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.
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. Free substitutions, with every player playing defense at least 3 innings.
6. Time Limits- All games will consist of 6 innings. There will be a 1:50 time limit for all games.
a. 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.)
b. If the time limit expires during an inning, play is stopped immediately and the score after the last completed inning is the final score.
c. 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.
d. In the event of a tie after 6 complete innings, the official score will be recorded as a tie.
7. Pitching Machine will be used in all games.
a. A pitching machine will be set at approximately 35 feet. A 10 foot pitching circle will be in place around the machine. Only the offensive coach will be inside the circle, and operating the pitching machine. The game official will call outs at the bases and home plate
b. Each batter gets a maximum of five pitches to put the ball in play. The batter is out if after the fifth pitch the ball is not put in play. Three swings constitute a strike out and the batter will be out.
c. There is no base on balls.
d. Any ball landing and staying in the pitching circle or striking the machine will be a ground rule single. This will be called by the game official. All base runners will advance one base only. Fielders are not allowed inside the pitching circle at any time to make a play on the ball. If this occurs, the ball will be deemed dead and the batter will be safe at first base.
e. 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.
f. 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. 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. The Five (5) Run Rule will be in effect in all 6 innings.
11. Four (4) coaches are allowed.
12. One (1) Parent/Coach may be in the outfield area to verbally encourage the defensive players for the first (1st) and second (2nd) game only.
Section 4. 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. If a girl comes late, she will be added to the bottom of the batting order.
5. An inning shall consist of once through the batting order or 3 outs, whichever comes first.
6. 5 innings or a maximum of 1½ hours constitutes a complete game.
7. Pitching Machine will be used in all games.
a. A pitching machine will be set at approximately 35 feet. A 10 foot pitching circle will be in place around the machine. Only the offensive coach will be inside the circle, and operating the pitching machine The inning umpire will call outs at the bases and home plate. Balls and strikes will not be called.
b. Each batter gets a maximum of 5 pitches to put the ball in play. The batter is out if after the fifth pitch the ball is not put in play. Balls and strikes will not be called.
c. There is no base on balls.
d. Any ball landing and staying in the pitching circle or striking the machine will be a ground rule single. This will be called by the game official. All base runners will advance one base only. Fielders are not allowed inside the pitching circle at any time to make a play on the ball. If this occurs, the ball will be deemed dead and the batter will be safe at first base.
e. 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.
8. 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.
9. There will be no advancement on an overthrow.
10. 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.
11. Infield fly rule is waived.
12. The Five (5) Run Rule will be in effect all 5 innings.
13. Two parent/coach(s) may be in the outfield area to verbally encourage and assist the girls on defense.
14. Scores may be kept by teams, but no divisional standings will be kept.
15. 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. The umpires from each team will alternate innings as the game umpire. (Remember that 8U is an instructional division and not a competitive one.)
20. Coaches are encouraged to stop the game, after time has been called, to provide instruction and encouragement.
Section 5. 6U 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. If a girl comes late, she will be added to the bottom of the batting order.
5. Each player will play offense and defense; with a maximum of 1½ hour play time.
6. The batter will hit the ball from a stationary ‘tee’ on home plate.
a. Batters must take a full swing at the ball.
b. A coach/parent may assist at the tee, but may not touch the batter during her swing.
7. Runners may advance without restriction while the ball is in fair play.
8. Runners do not advance on overthrows.
9. No leading-off, stealing bases, or walks.
10. 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.
11. An inning shall consist of once through the batting order or three outs.
12. Infield fly rule is waived
13. No more than four (4) parent/coach(s) may be on the field to verbally encourage and assist the girls.
14. Scores may be kept by teams, but no divisional standings will be kept.
15. 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.)
20. Coaches are encouraged to stop the game, after time has been called, to provide instruction and encouragement.
Revised 02/11
|