Rainbow League 2016 League Rules & General Information

Rainbow League 2016 League Rules & General Information 1 Page

Field Conditions/Rain out Information General Information Field conditions/rain out information will be available via the rainout text line or for local field conditions, these numbers are for your information. The league coordinator will do it s best to communicate rainout information to your as quickly as possible. This will come from your PPS commissioner. Papillion Rainout 402 597 2061 Monday through Friday after 3:30 pm. Saturday play, information available by 7:30 a.m. La Vista Rain Out: 402 697 7756 Updated Mon Fri by 3:30 PM; Saturday/Sunday by 7:30 AM St. Columbkille Fields Rainout Des Connolly 402 630 42840 2 hrs prior to games on Saturday by 4:00 pm on weekdays PLEASE ENCOURAGE ALL OF YOUR PARENTS TO SIGN UP FOR THE RAINOUT TEXT SERVICE BELOW. THIS WILL HELP MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER. https://www.rainedout.net/team_page.php?a=1c499aaa9392ff79f09e Weather need to sign up for text or e mails Emergency Number The weather is the single most unpredictable factor affecting any softball season. Rainbow League umpires will use following criteria for canceling games in progress as taken from Appendix D of the NCAA rule book and as recommended by the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL): "Thunder always accompanies lightning, even though its audible range can be diminished because of background noise The current recommendation of the NSSL is to consider terminating play when the lightning is six miles away ("flash to bang" time of 30 seconds or less). This was developed as a practical way to make a judgment in situations where other resources are not available." 2 Page

General Rules for Rainbow League Play All Rainbow League rules will follow the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) code with the exceptions and clarifications that follow for specific age groups. Tie Breakers Rainbow does NOT use tie breakers in the REGULAR season games may end in a tie. During tournament play the following International Tie Breaker rule applies. Each half of the extra inning starts with the last official batter from the previous inning on 2nd base. If the game is still tied, extra innings continue in the same format until one team wins. There are no automatic outs assessed at the start of each half inning. Roste r all of the players at the beginning of the game. If a player comes late and the are not on the roster the other team could object to them entering the game. Just let the other coach know you will have a late player. Pitching changes coaches may approach the pitcher two times for conference. The THIRD approach will result in an automatic pitching change. This follows the ASA softball rules. A pitcher may return to the mound after being relieved she has not been taken out of the batting order. Eligibility Rainbow league is open recreation league. Players listed or participating on any Metro Class A, B, or C rosters are not eligible to play on a recreational league without written consent from the Rainbow League Director. Violation of this rule will result in the head coach and ineligible player being ejected from the game. Repeated offense will result in the team being removed from the Rainbow League. Schedules, Field Information, and Rules can be found at www.rainbowsoftball.org Questions or concerns can be emailed to RainbowSoftballLeague@gmail.com Reporting Scores/League Standings 3 Page

Coach Pitch 8U The emphasis will be on teaching FUNdamental skills and basic understanding of the game, in preparation for more advanced play in the older age groups. This division consists of girls 8 years old and younger. League age is that age of a player on January 1st of the current year. Bases will be 50 feet apart. The player playing the pitcher will position herself at least 25 feet from home plate. Games will be played with an 11 inch C0R47 ball. A double 1st base shall be used if available. Games will be 1 hour in length. Coaches are not allowed to cancel games. This is up the commission to make this decision if weather is a factor. We will lose field time if fields are not used for scheduled practices and games. Each team will use all of it s players defensively. All extra players will be paced in the outfield. Free substitution on defense, including the pitcher. There will be no penalty for playing with less than 9 players. Every player will be listed on the lineup for batting. One half inning will consist of batting through the offensive line up one time. On the last batter of the inning, the hit ball will be a home run and the players run the bases. Between the half innings, coaches will have 3 minutes to A) position your defensive players on the playing field and B) have the correct lead off batter in the batters box. It is mandatory for batters, including on deck batters and base runners to wear a batting helmet with a fact mask. Catchers must wear full protective gear. To include helmet with face mask with throat protector, shin guards and chest protector. The coach of he defensive team shall be the back up catcher. If anyone under 18 is used to be back up catcher they are required to wear a helmet withe a face mask. The player in the pitcher position shall wear a helmet with a face mask. Only rubber cleats are allowed they must be permanently attached (cannot be screw in type). Bunting is not allowed. This refers to how the ball is struck not how far the ball travels. Base stealing is not allowed. Players must maintain contact with the base until the ball is hit. There are no walks. BEFORE MEMORIAL DAY there is a 5 pitch maximum. After 5 pitches if the batter has not made contact with the ball, the coach will bring out the tee. The batter will have 3 additional attempts to hit the ball on the tee. If no hit is made in 3 attempts the batter is then deemed out. This rule will be enforced. No flip pitches and no more than 5 pitches will be allowed. AFTER MEMORIAL DAY the coach pitcher will pitch 5 pitches, if there is no hit after 5 pitches the batter is then deemed out. No tee will be used. If a double play is possible (the batter hits the ball to the outfield) go ahead and send your runners If a field makes an out the base runner MUST leave the field. All outs count but there is no maximum number of outs in any inning. Please teach the girls Pop flies and what needs to be done Forced outs To never stop running unless the coach says How to properly tag someone out Ball in glove and protecting the ball Line up Start with player #1 in the first inning, player #2 in the second inning, etc. Next game starts with the next number that was in line up. 4 Page

Field Rules for 10U (Grades 3 rd & 4 th ) League 11 inch ball No bunting No base stealing Runners can leave base when the ball leaves the pitchers hand. Pitcher should properly address home plate when preparing to pitch. This means the pitcher should have both feet on the rubber, all motion must be forward, pitchers may not step back. BEFORE MEMORIAL Day The pitcher will throw a maximum of 6 pitches. If the batter has not hit after 6 pitches the batter is deemed out. There will be no walks. If the pitcher throws 4 called balls in a row, the offensive coach may step in and pitch for a hit or 3 strikes. Pitchers are able to strike out batters if the batter swings or receives a called strike. AFTER MEMORIAL DAY The pitcher pitches as normal balls and strikes will be called normally. No advancing on dropped third strike No intentional walks Ten (10) players may play defense All players bat one rotating batting order (this includes players that did not play in the playing field every player in the dugout will bat and they have to bat in order of submitted line up). Six (6) run maximum per inning PLUS the result of the hit May borrow up to three (3) players but they from any team. Borrowed players cannot substitute for your pitcher or your catcher. Borrowed players must wear the uniform of their own team. Must be placed at the end of your batting order. Must have eight (8) players to begin the game No negative cheers/chanting toward opponent Each team will provide an ADULT to stand behind the catcher to help retrieve pitches as needed. The Adult will not interfere with any pitch or throw that is part of a play. Example the 3 rd baseman throws the ball home for an out. If the catcher misses the ball the ADULT will not interfere with the play. Pitchers plate 35 feet (move the pitcher s mound if not at the correct distance) Bases 60 feet Time Limit Tie Breaker 65 minute time limit. If the home team is behind in the score when the time limit expires, then the inning will be completed. Time limit begins at the conclusion of the coach umpire pre game meeting Tie breaker will be used in tournament play or when the time limit has not been reached after the 6 th inning during regular season play. Overthrows ball leaves the live play area Runner gets the base they are going to when the throw is made, plus one more base Runner may be put out if the ball is still live, in a live ball area and they are being played on If no throw is made toward the next base, the ball is dead and play is stopped Controlling Base Runners Once the ball is returned to the pitcher and the pitcher is in control of the ball within the 8 foot pitcher s circle the ball is dead. Runners more than half way between bases must stop at the base they are running toward when the ball is declared dead. If they are not halfway, they must return to the base last touched. If the pitcher immediately makes a play on the runner after securing the ball, the play remains alive. This play must be immediate or the ball should be declared dead. Equipment The Rainbow League is a closed league. Teams will not be penalized for what you might be construed as an illegal bat or other equipment that is not quite proper (unless, in the umpires judgment, the equipment poses a danger). Runs Ahead Rule 12 runs after the 3 rd inning 10 runs after the 4 th inning 7 runs after the 5 th inning 5 Page

Rules for 12U (Grades 5 th & 6 th ) League 12 inch ball May not steal home Runners can leave base when the ball leaves the pitchers hand. Pitcher should properly address home plate when preparing to pitch. This means the pitcher should have both feet on the rubber, all motion must be forward, pitchers may not step back. No advancing on dropped third strike No intentional walks Ten (10) players may play defense All players bat one rotating batting order (this includes players that did not play in the playing field every player in the dugout will bat and they have to bat in order of submitted line up). Eight (8) run maximum per inning PLUS the result of the hit May borrow up to three (3) players from any team. Borrowed players cannot substitute for your pitcher or your catcher. Borrowed players must wear the uniform of their own team. Must be placed at the end of your batting order. Must have eight (8) players to begin the game No negative cheers/chanting toward opponent No metal spikes allowed Field Pitchers plate 40 feet (move the mound if it is not at the correct distance) Bases 60 feet Time Limit Tie Breaker 65 minute time limit. If the home team is behind in the score when the time limit expires, then the inning will be completed. Time limit begins at the conclusion of the coach umpire pre game meeting Tie breaker will be used in tournament play or when the time limit has not been reached after the 6 th inning during regular season play. Overthrows ball leaves the live play area Runner gets the base they are going to when the throw is made, plus one more base Runner may be put out if the ball is still live, in a live ball area and they are being played on If no throw is made toward the next base, the ball is dead and play is stopped Controlling Base Runners Once the ball is returned to the pitcher and the pitcher is in control of the ball within the 8 foot pitcher s circle, the ball is dead. Runners more than half way between bases must stop at the base they are running toward when the ball is declared dead. If they are not halfway, they must return to the base last touched. If the pitcher immediately makes a play on the runner after securing the ball, the play remains alive. This play must be immediate or the ball should be declared dead. Equipment The Rainbow League is a closed league. Teams will not be penalized for what you might be construed as an illegal bat or other equipment that is not quite proper (unless, in the umpires judgment, the equipment poses a danger). Runs Ahead Rule 12 runs after the 3 rd inning 10 runs after the 4 th inning 7 runs after the 5 th inning 6 Page

Rules for 14U (Grades 7 th and 8 th ) League*** 12 inch ball Infield fly rule WILL be used Stealing bases is allowed to any base including stealing home on a throw to second or a passed ball Runners can leave base when the ball leaves the pitchers hand Pitcher should properly address home plate when preparing to pitch. This means the pitcher should have both feet on the rubber, all motion must be forward, pitchers may not step back. Dropped 3 rd Strike rule WILL be used No intentional walks Only nine (9) players may play defense All players bat one rotating batting order (this includes players that did not play in the playing field every player in the dugout will bat and they have to bat in order of submitted line up). Eight (8) run maximum per inning PLUS the result of the hit May borrow up to three (3) players from any team. Borrowed players cannot substitute for your pitcher or your catcher. Borrowed players must wear the uniform of their own team. Must be placed at the end of your batting order. Must have eight (8) players to begin the game No negative cheers/chanting toward opponent A teams head coach will be ejected if he/she does not control his/her fans and players Field Pitchers plate 43 feet (move the mound if it is not at the correct distance) Bases 60 feet Time Limit Tie Breaker 65 minute time limit. If the home team is behind in the score when the time limit expires, then the inning will be completed. Time limit begins at the conclusion of the coach umpire pre game meeting Tie breaker will be used in tournament play or when the time limit has not been reached after the 6 th inning during regular season play. Overthrows ball leaves the live play area Runner gets the base they are going to when the throw is made, plus one more base Runner may be put out if the ball is still live, in a live ball area and they are being played on If no throw is made toward the next base, the ball is dead and play is stopped Controlling Base Runners Once the ball is returned to the pitcher and the pitcher is in control of the ball within the 8 foot pitcher s circle, the ball is dead. Runners more than half way between bases must stop at the base they are running toward when the ball is declared dead. If they are not halfway, they must return to the base last touched. If the pitcher immediately makes a play on the runner after securing the ball, the play remains alive. This play must be immediate or the ball should be declared dead. Equipment The Rainbow League is a closed league. Teams will not be penalized for what you might be construed as an illegal bat or other equipment that is not quite proper (unless, in the umpires judgment, the equipment poses a danger). Runs Ahead Rule 12 runs after the 3rd inning 10 runs after the 4th inning 7 runs after the 5th inning 7 Page

Rules for 16/18U (Grades 9 th 12 th ) League*** 12 inch ball Infield fly rule WILL be used Stealing bases is allowed Runners can leave base when the ball leaves the pitchers hand Pitcher should properly address home plate when preparing to pitch. This means the pitcher should have both feet on the rubber, all motion must be forward, pitchers may not step back. Dropped 3 rd Strike rule WILL be used No intentional walks Only nine (9) players may play defense All players bat one rotating batting order (this includes players that did not play in the playing field every player in the dugout will bat and they have to bat in order of submitted line up). Eight (8) run maximum per inning PLUS the result of the hit May borrow up to three (3) players from any team. Borrowed players cannot substitute for your pitcher or your catcher. Borrowed players must wear uniform of their own team. Must be placed at the end of your batting order. Must have eight (8) players to begin the game No negative cheers/chanting toward opponent A teams head coach will be ejected if he/she does not control his/her fans and players Field Pitchers plate 43 feet (move the mound if it is not at the correct distance) Bases 60 feet Time Limit Tie Breaker 65 minute time limit. If the home team is behind in the score when the time limit expires, then the inning will be completed. Time limit begins at the conclusion of the coach umpire pre game meeting Tie breaker will be used in tournament play or when the time limit has not been reached after the 6 th inning during regular season play. Overthrows ball leaves the live play area Runner gets the base they are going to when the throw is made, plus one more base Runner may be put out if the ball is still live, in a live ball area and they are being played on If no throw is made toward the next base, the ball is dead and play is stopped Controlling Base Runners Once the ball is returned to the pitcher and the pitcher is in control of the ball within the 8 foot pitcher s circle, the ball is dead. Runners more than half way between bases must stop at the base they are running toward when the ball is declared dead. If they are not halfway, they must return to the base last touched. If the pitcher immediately makes a play on the runner after securing the ball, the play remains alive. This play must be immediate or the ball should be declared dead. Equipment The Rainbow League is a closed league. Teams will not be penalized for what you might be construed as an illegal bat or other equipment that is not quite proper (unless, in the umpires judgment, the equipment poses a danger). Runs Ahead Rule 12 runs after the 3 rd inning 10 runs after the 4 th inning 7 runs after the 5 th inning 8 Page

Games in Progress Called due to Inclement Weather Any game that is called due to threatening weather and/or rain will be considered a complete game if: a) 4 complete innings were played, or ½ of allotted game time. b) 3 ½ complete innings were played and the home team is ahead. If the game does not meet these two conditions, we will attempt to re schedule the game from the point that the game was suspended. In this case, teams MUST record the number of outs remaining, pitch count and identify the batter so the game can continue correctly. c) If a game is called in the top of inning 6 or 7, then the score will revert back to the last complete inning played for the purpose of determining a win/loss. Rainout Dates Due to the short window of opportunity to play games, the ability to make up rained out games is limited. However, EVERY attempt will be made to schedule rained out games IF field space is available. To do so may require that teams play an additional night during the week. First two rained out games will not be rescheduled. A major determining factor will be whether a particular game (or games) will have an impact on the league championship. Lineups and Keeping Score Teams should exchange lineups at the start of the game. Lineups should also be given to the umpires. However, umpires will only become involved in lineup issues IF a batting out of order situation occurs. The home team score book will be the official score book. Umpires will become involved in score of the game issues only if there is a conflict between the score books of both teams. At such time, the umpire will confer with both managers and resolve the situation before the game will continue ( the clock will NOT be stopped during the discussion ). If the issue cannot be resolved, then the score in the home team score book will be the official score. Teams should periodically check the score with each other to avoid the potential of conflicting score information. Player Eligibility If a team has a reason to question the eligibility of a player, an inquiry must be filed in writing to the Rainbow League Coordinator at RainbowSoftballLeague@gmail.com. The inquiry and any other resulting activity will be handled by League designees if required. A player and coach of the team in question may be called to attend a special hearing. In such cases, umpires WILL NOT become involved in handling any dispute. This is strictly an administrative matter. Umpires will instruct teams to contact the Rainbow League at the address noted above. Umpire Pay on Games Called Due to Rain /Other Threatening Weather/Darkness If three (3) complete innings OR one half the time limit are completed, the umpire is entitled to keep the game fees. If the umpire works less than three (3) complete innings OR less than one half of the time limit, the game fees will be returned. In this situation, IF both teams involved agree to re schedule the game, umpires will be paid a full game fee. Forfeited games If a team does not have the required number of players to start the game under the short handed rule, the umpires will start the game clock at the proper time and allow 10 minutes to elapse before calling the game a forfeit. If a player arrives during the 10 minute waiting period, then the clock will continue to run and the game will start from that point. For all other starting times game time IS forfeit time. For any forfeited games, umpire fees will be deducted from the forfeit fees paid at registration. Umpires will NOT work a game if the teams involved in a forfeit still wish to play a practice game. 9 Page

Unable to Play Scheduled Game If your team is unable to play its scheduled game, the League must be notified 72 hours in advance. DO NOT CONTACT THE MANAGER/COACH OF THE OPPOSING TEAM. If a team provides notification THE SAME DAY of the scheduled game and reports it cannot play its scheduled game, the team will automatically receive a loss for that game. Umpire Fees All Age Groups Umpires are paid $30 per game which is covered by your fees and Rainbow pays all umpires All regular season games will have 1 umpire per game. Short handed Player Rule for ALL Leagues Teams MUST have eight (8) players to start a game. It does not matter if your team is the home team or visiting team. If through injury or ejection a team drops to 7 players, then the game is ended. If a team forfeits a game, the umpire will turn in the score as a 7 0 win for the opposing team. The forfeit fee that the team paid earlier will be used to pay the umpire(s) for that game. A team may add a player to bring their team to full strength ANY time during the game. THAT PLAYER MAY ENTER THE GAME AT ANY TIME AND WILL BE LISTED LAST IN THE BATTING ORDER. The game will not be delayed to wait for a player to arrive from the parking lot or while the player is on the bench preparing to play. Reporting Scores/League Standings Tournament is seeded based on score reports. Win=3 points Tie= 2 points Loss = 1 point No report = 0 points Disciplinary Code 10 Page

The Rainbow League will follow a general "three strikes and you're out" rule in ALL youth leagues. Remember, team managers/coaches are responsible for the actions of their players, parents and fans before, during and after games. A PLAYER, COACH or Parent who is ejected in the first game of a doubleheader league will NOT be allowed to play/coach or attend the second game. A PLAYER, COACH or Parent who is ejected in the second game of a doubleheader league will NOT be allowed to play/coach or attend the next regularly scheduled league game. A PLAYER, COACH or Parent who is ejected in the single game leagues (10U 12U 14U) will not be allowed to play/coach the next scheduled league game. A PLAYER, COACH or Parent who is ejected for the second time in a season will be suspended for the next two consecutive league games. A PLAYER, COACH or Parent who is ejected for the third time in a season will be suspended for the season. FIGHTING At a minimum, players, coaches or parents involved will be suspended for one year from the date of the incident. Fighting shall be defined as any altercation in which ANY TYPE of physical contact occurs. EXCESSIVE VERBAL ABUSE/THREAT TO AN UMPIRE minimum three (3) game suspensions. ANY PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH AN UMPIRE minimum one year suspension from the date of the incident. DELIBERATELY CAUSING AN INJURY TO A GAME OFFICIAL OR ANOTHER PLAYER Lifetime suspension. It is the responsibility of the team coach/manager to insure that the suspension(s) are appropriately served. Failure to do so will result in one additional game being added to the suspension until the disciplinary action is satisfactorily served. Failure to comply will result in additional disciplinary action being taken against the coach and team involved. If a player/coach/parent wishes to have any suspension action repealed, then an appeal must be submitted in writing within 48 hours of the incident that led to the suspension. The Rainbow League will then review the appeal, uphold or reverse the disciplinary action or recommend another appropriate course of action. Special note for all youth league games: If the parent ejected in a youth game is also the COACH of the youth team, he/she will be considered the coach and not a parent for purposes of the administration of the Rainbow League discipline code. Note: The Rainbow League maintains the right to issue disciplinary action on a case by case basis. The Rainbow League Executive Committee consists of one person from each suburban group and the Rainbow League Coordinator. This Committee will meet and decide on any disputes regarding protest, eligibility disputes and anything else that may require a decision. If you have a concern or a dispute please feel free to contact us at RainbowSoftballLeague@gmail.com. 11 Page

Rainbow League Other Special Considerations for 2016 Profanity and Sportsmanship In 2015 the Rainbow League will continue to enforce the Nebraska Softball Association (ASA Hastings) Procedural Code(s) with respect to Casual Profanity and Sportsmanship. The NSA Code states: 11.07 Casual Profanity Rule The umpire has the authority to assess ONE OUT against the offending team for the use of CASUAL PROFANITY which shall be defined as expletives (Vulgar or Profane Language) not directed at umpires or opposing players, uttered by a player, manager/coach, on the field or individual within the dugout involved with the play of the team, frustrated with themselves, or a teammate or fan. All outs will be assessed to the offending team during their term to bat. Only ONE Casual Profanity out may be assessed per play with a maximum of two (2) per term at bat. Incidents of vulgar or profane language exceeding these limits will subject the individuals responsible to ejection from the game for unsportsmanlike conduct. A player ejected from the game for exceeding these limits will have a casual profanity out charged to the team. The casual Profanity penalty out will be assessed as a team and will not affect any batter or base runner. For scoring purposes the put out will be credited to the catcher. ANY PROFANITY OUT(S) ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF AN INNING TO EITHER THE OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE TEAM WILL CARRY OVER INTO THE NEXT INNING THAT EITHER TEAM IS BATTING. 11.08 Sportsmanship Rule The umpire has the authority to assess ONE OUT against the offending team for the excessive protest, arguments, complaints or behavior not appropriate in a recreation sports setting, throwing bat, glove, gestures, whining etc. Such conduct exhibited by a player, coach, or team representative will be penalized. All outs will be assessed against the offending team during their term at bat. Only ONE unsportsmanlike out may be assessed per play with a maximum of two (2) per term at bat. Incidents of continued or excessive unsportsmanlike conduct will subject the individual(s) responsible to be ejected from the game. A player/coach/team representative ejected from the game will not have a un sportsmanship out called against them. The unsportsmanship out will be assessed as a team and will not affect any batter or base runner. For scoring purpose the out will be credited to the catcher. ANY PROFANITY OUT(S) ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF AN INNING TO EITHER THE OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE TEAM WILL CARRY OVER INTO THE NEXT INNING THAT EITHER TEAM IS BATTING. The Rainbow League Executive Committee consists of one person from each suburban group and the Rainbow League Coordinator. This Committee will meet and decide on any disputes regarding protest, eligibility disputes and anything else that may require a decision. If you have a concern or a dispute please feel free to contact us at RainbowSoftballLeague@gmail.com. 12 Page

Papillion Softball Items The following days are considered BLACKOUT days due to tournaments being held. Practices may not be held at your normal field. Practice at any green space or field in a public park perfectly acceptable. You may NOT use a school in the Papillion LaVista School District without prior approval from that school. Just remember that these spaces are first come first served. April 1 3 April 22 24 May 20 22 June 17 19 13 Page

FIELD NAMES AND LOCATIONS Papillion Fields Peterson East and West (8U) 1001 E 1st St Papillion, NE 68046 Practice Field North 400 W Lincoln St (behind Legion) Papillion, NE 68046 Blondy Ruff, Volunteer Field, Backstop East and West 603 Halleck (Halleck Park) Papillion, NE 68046 Papillion Rainout 402 597 2061 Monday through Friday after 3:30 pm. Saturday play, information available by 7:30 a.m. Kelly East & West (8U) 7601 S. 85 th St. (87 th & Park View Blvd.) La Vista, NE 68128 LaVista Fields City Park Fields (10U Jr/Sr) 7629 Josephine St. (78 th & Josephine St.) La Vista, NE 68128 This is NOT the LaVista Sports Complex LaVista Sports Complex (12U Jr/Sr) 7346 S 66th St LaVista NE 68128 La Vista Rain Out: 402 697 7756 Updated Mon Fri by 3:30 PM; Saturday/Sunday by 7:30 AM St Columkille 3 (McKay, Aerts, Volpe) 84th Street South of Hwy 370 at Fairview Rd Omaha Fields 14 Page