Rules
1. Teams should have 10 players (with 4 being females). Teams can play with 8 or 9 players, as long as 4 of them are females. The team must play, short in the field but there is no automatic out. A team may play with only 3 females, but they must play, one short in the field, and that spot in the batting order is an automatic out. If a team only has 8 players, the opposing team must supply a catcher for the sole purpose to throw balls back to the pitcher (pitcher or another player must make all other plays at home). Visiting Team can start with 7 Players as long as the 8th Player is at the park or on the way but the 8th Player must be able to be dressed and ready to take his turn at bat and/or be ready to take the field with his team in the bottom of the inning. Failure to do this will result in a Default.
2. If a team only has 2 females or 7 or less players, they will default the game.
3. If a team defaults, it is scored as a 7-0 score and the defaulted team loses $100.
4. Fifteen (15) minute grace allowed from official start time. (15 min. is inc/ in start time).
5. Home team of the first game, must get equipment bag from umpire and put in the bases, bring back hammer to the bag (Bases are 65 feet - where available). Home team of the late game must pick up the bases and bring them to the booth so Umpire can lock them up.
6. All games will be 7 innings or 1 hour and 15 minute time limit. Once the inning starts, the inning must be completed. If tied after regulation time, the game remains a TIE. If tied after 7 innings and there is time remaining, then the teams will play until there is a winner or until time permits. There will be NO TIES IN PLAYOFFS. Any extra inning games in Regular Season or Playoffs will use the INTERNATIONAL TIEBREAKER RULE with the last batter from the previous inning starting at second base with 1 out.
7. The Safe-Base will be used at first and all Safe-Base rules will apply.
8. No sliding or diving at home. (You can slide or dive at 2nd or 3rd and 1st if on orange).
9. MERCY RULE: 12 runs after 5 innings or 4 ½ if home team is winning. (Home team must bat in the bottom of the inning if being mercied).
10. ANTICIPATION will be allowed. (Once a pitched ball has reached or passed or bounced in front of home plate, you may leave the base). If you leave the base before, you will be called out for a LEADOFF. (No pitch is declared, ball is dead, runner, is out).
11. No BUNTING, it must be a full swing or you are automatically called out.
12. No CHOPPED BALLS. A chopped ball is a batted ball whereby the batter swings the bat downward with a chopping motion with intent. If this is done the batter with automatically called out and all runners must go back to the base held prior to play.
13. If a male is walked and a female or an automatic out in a female spot is batting directly behind him, he will be awarded second base. Base runners only advance if forced.
14. At Dentonia or Blantyre Park any ball that hits the road in the air will be an automatic Home Run. Any Male batter that hits the road in leftfield only not in the air (bounce, roll or deflection) will be given a ground rule double (all base runners will advance 2 bases). Any Female batter that hits the road on a bounce, in the air or otherwise will be given an automatic Home Run. Any Male Batter that hits the road not in leftfield, (center and right field) on a bounce, deflection or otherwise will be given a Homerun, the same as in the air (ask umpire for clarification of poles for double/homerun). Any ball that hits any branches of any tree will be a
ground rule double, all other certain situations will be live and umpire has the final decision. Please note that the curb or sidewalk is considered part of the road.
15. Home Plate will be a rectangular board 24 inches by 36 inches (2X3). All rules apply.
16. Uniform rule will be in effect after the 3rd week. All players must have matching tops (same body colour) or have the Team Name on the shirt. For example if one player is wearing the Home white’s and the other player is wearing the Away darks that is fine as long as the Team Name is on the shirt. Any player that does not have a matching shirt will be fined $5.00 by Umpire. Certain situations may be okay under very hot, extremely cold or rainy conditions.
17. No Fake Tags, Metal spikes or Intent to Injure, players will be ejected.
18. All regular strike, balls, illegal pitches, etc.. will be taken from SPN Official Rule Book, if you foul your third strike off, you will be called out. (and probably have to buy a case!)
19. COMMIT LINE will be used. All commit line rules will apply. All plays at home will be force plays. NO TAGGING runners between the commit and scoring lines, if this is done runner is automatically called SAFE. Runners can, not touch home plate or mat, if they do, they will be called out. (if you touch the line you are considered safe but foot must be down)
20. Three (3) courtesy runners per game. (Any one in line-up, same person can run more than once, male for male, female for either sex).
21. Six Runs per inning Rule. (Except – 5th, 6th, 7th and extra innings are Open)
22. If a game is called due to poor field conditions, power failure or otherwise, the game will be replayed. If the game was called after 4 complete innings or 3 ½ if the Home team was winning than it is considered a complete game. If the Home Team was batting when the game was called and they were winning or the game was tied, then the Score will be Official. If the Visiting Team did not complete there ½ of the inning or if the Home Team was losing and did not complete there ½ of the inning when the game was called, then you must revert back to the previous inning and that will be the Official Score. In Playoffs, games may be suspended and played at a later date. Any suspended game will start exactly where the game was suspended.
23. NO TITANIUM BATS, NO BATS BANNED BY SPN according to SPN Rule Book are allowed. Any one that comes up to bat with one of these bats will automatically be called out (same as jewellery rule). If done twice in a game the batter and coach may be ejected. A list will be given to the coaches and you can also check the SPN website for the list as well. (please note that as of 2008, all 100mp/h bats previously grand fathered by SPN are now considered illegal). NO TAPE WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE BOTTOM OF ANY BAT.
24. You can never bat more than 2 guys in a row (this includes the wrap around). If you have 4 girls, you can bat 6-8 guys. If you have 5 girls you can bat 6-10 guys. If you have 6 girls you can bat 6-12 guys. If you only have 3 girls to start a game than you must use an automatic out and you can only bat 6 guys, other male players must sub in using the SPN re-entry rule. You can always bat more women if you wish. If your 4th woman has to leave the game due to injury, ejection or otherwise her spot will be an automatic out in the order, however since you started the game you may still bat every male in the line-up, meaning you can still bat 7 or 8 males. This rule also applys if any female has to leave the game due to injury, ejection or otherwise. The line-ups will remain the same, all male and females will stay in the same batting order and an automatic out will placed in the order for any female who has to leave the game due to injury, ejection or otherwise. If a Team falls to 2 females or less anytime in the game, then the game will be defaulted (see Rule # 2).
25. You can, not add anyone to the batting order once the team has batted through the order unless it is your 9th or 10th Player or your 4th Female. You can add them up to the bottom of the 5th inning. Once Top of 6th inning starts, no players can be added to the line-up. You can substitute them in the game using the SPN re-entry Rule. Substitutions can be made at anytime using the SPN Re-Entry Rule. Woman may sub for either, Men must sub for Men unless a Woman is playing in a Male spot.
26. Pitchers rubber will be 55 feet from home plate but pitchers have an option to pitch anywhere they want from 55-70 feet and 2 feet from either side of the rubber.
27. If a Player in the batting order can not continue to bat, due to injury, ejection or otherwise and you have no substitutes, they will be an automatic out (except for Rule #28).
28. NOTICEABLE INJURY: If a player gets a noticeable injury (broken leg, etc.) the coach may ask the opposing coach or umpire if they can remove the player from the line-up due to noticeable injury, if one of them agree than the player is removed from the line-up and no automatic out is given. This rule is only in effect for guys and a team with 5+ girls. (You must still always follow Rule #24 and never bat more than 2 Guys in a Row).
29. A player may only change a defensive position, once an inning, if a 3rd Baseman moves to shortstop he/she must stay at shortstop the rest of the inning (this includes rovers and outfielders). Infielders can do a Delgado shift but you can only physically take over another person’s position, once an inning. (excludes pitchers)
30. Outfielders can’t throw the ball to first base to record an out on a base hit. If they do the batter will be called safe and the outfielder will be warned and could be ejected. However once the batter reaches 1stbase they are now a base runner and can be thrown out from the outfield at 1st if they attempt to go to 2ndbase. An outfielder can throw the ball to 1stbase to make a double play on a fly ball or line drive. NO RELAYS ARE ALLOWED.
31. Outfielders and rovers must be even or behind pylons until the ball has crossed home plate. Once the ball has passed through the strike zone, outfielders and rovers can move in. If an outfielder or rover moves in past the pylons before the ball crosses the strike zone, umpires may call time, award batter first base and all runners move one base if forced. If the umpire notices it before the pitch is made, he will just warn the player and if they player keeps moving in, they may be ejected. UMPIRE JUDGMENT CALL.
32. Any player ejected from a game will automatically be suspended from next game.
TEAMS MUST LET LEAGUE KNOW IF ONE OF THEIR PLAYERS HAS BEEN EJECTED within 24 hours or the player and coach may be ejected for 2 games each.
ANY PLAYER SUSPENDED CAN NOT PLAY IN ANY OTHER COED DIVISION (A,B,C,D,) or CAN NOT PLAY IN THE MENS LEAGUE until THEIR SUSPENSION IS UP.
33. Any player ejected twice in a season will automatically be suspended for the next (3) games. Any Player ejected (3) times in one season will be suspended for the Season.
34. Any player ejected from a game may be suspended for more depending on severity. Any player or coach who physically or verbally threatens, makes a racial slur or touches an umpire, player or executive member during or after a game or at a League Banquet, Meeting, Tournament or Function will get a minimum 10 game suspension and possibly a Life Time Ban depending on a League Review. They also will be written up to SPN and face a possible 5 Year Suspension. Any Player that owes the League money will be banned by League & SPN.
35. Alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs are strictly prohibited on park property. Any player caught drinking during the game will be Ejected, they may also get a 2 game suspension, Coach may also get a 2 game suspension. Any player who the umpire feels is under the influence will be ejected from the game. Anyone caught drinking after the Game on Park Property may get a 2 game suspension, the coach may also get a 2 game suspension.
36. Jewellery Rule will be in effect. Taping may be allowed on certain situations.
37. Pregnancy Rule: No one pregnant will be allowed to play.
38. NO PROTESTS: UMPIRE DECISION IS FINAL.
39. Games are played Rain or Shine. Umpire has final decision on Field conditions.
40. Umpire or Executive may make up ground rules, that is in the best interest of the League.
41. NEW RULE THIS YEAR – Umpire has the right to confiscate any bat that they feel is Altered. The Bat will be taken to the SPN Headquarters for proper testing. If the results show that the bat has been altered. The Bat will not be returned and the offending Team will forfeit the game 7-0, the Player that was using the bat as well as the Team Rep will be Suspended from Our League and from all SPN Tournaments and Leagues for a minimum of 3 Years.
42. All other rules not listed will be taken from SPN OFFICIAL RULE BOOK.
ROSTERS
1. Anyone can play on a Team as long as they are 18 years of age and not on the League/SPN/SPO Ineligible or Suspended list. Players under the age of 18 must be approved by League and have parents consent form signed to be eligible for League Play.
2. All Players should sign official SPN roster. Only players that have signed official SPN roster and have handed it back to the League will be eligible for Insurance. (20 Max)
3. You can use other people that are not on your official SPN roster, to avoid a default but they must be 18 Years of age and follow Rule #1 and they must not play on any other Team in the League or follow Rules #4 and Rule #5. In order to be eligible for Insurance purposes you must add them to your SPN roster. You can add Players to your SPN Roster throughout the year but they must get enough games in to be eligible for Playoffs. (see Rule #8)
4. Any player that has played for one Team in the same Division, can not play on another team that season unless they get permission from the League. If a player does change teams he can’t go back to his original team until next season and he must get enough games with his new team in order to be eligible for playoffs. Any Team that is caught using players from other teams will forfeit games that the ineligible player played and face severe suspensions. (This also includes games that count in the Standings in the League Mandatory Tournament).
5. Any Player that would like to play on another Team in the League in a different Coed Division, must First get permission from the League and sign a Multiple Team Player Acceptance Sheet. Upon acceptance from the League, the player can play on another Team in a different Coed Division in the League but he must get enough games in with each team in order to be eligible for Playoffs. Players can not go down a level , but a player can go up as many levels as they want. (For example an A Division player can only play A but a D Division player could come up and play in the A Division). Each Team is only allowed to have 2 players come up from another level per season. Special Scheduling requests will not be given for Players Playing on more than one Team, so Please do not ask.
6. Winning Teams must email scores to the League or submit the scores themselves online at least 3 days after the game or possibly forfeit the game. Both teams must hand in a line-up card to the Umpire before every game for playoff eligibility. Line-up Cards must be readable with first and last names (no nicknames). Games will not start until line-up card is handed in.
7. If a player is Injured or Pregnant and present at a game, they may have there name listed on the Line-up Card for Playoff Eligibility. (mark injured or pregnant beside their name), you must also point out the player to the umpire to confirm that the player is present at the park.
8. In order to be eligible for Playoffs, you must have played 8 League Games. You are allowed one female player and one male player with less than 8 games but they must have played at least 4 Regular Season Games. (you must designate who these players are before the Playoffs begin). If a game is cancelled and not replayed, all players on the roster will get credit with a game played. If a game is forfeited, defaulted or started but called because of rain, poor field conditions, darkness or otherwise, only players present at the park will get a game played.
9. Scores and Line-up Cards should be checked at the end of the game, if teams can not agree on score and umpire can not figure it out, than the home team score will be used.
10. Teams will now have their own password and will be able to put in the scores of their games as well as list their roster. Games played will now be counted by League Executive. An Official Playoff Roster will be given to all Teams before the Playoffs start. Only players listed on this roster will be eligible to play in the Playoffs. If a player plays in a game that is not on the Official roster, the Team using the illegal player will forfeit the game 7-0 and the Player will be ineligible for rest of the Playoffs and the Team Rep will get a 10 Game Suspension.
11. During Rain, if Teams have not heard from League Executive they must show up to the ballpark. The Parks Department usually cancel the permit for poor field conditions by 4:00pm. If they do we will try to email or call Team Reps by 5:00pm. If Permits are not cancelled and it rains after that, the Umpire will have Final decision on all playing conditions. If he calls the game, due to poor field conditions than, teams do not have to have enough players present. If the Umpire calls “Play Ball” and one or both Teams do not have enough players than the game will be defaulted. (see Rule # 3 in Rules Page). Umpire will also decide if games should continue or not during Rain, it is his Final Decision, be prepared to play in Rain (see Rule #22 in rules). All Rained Out games will be re-played at NO EXTRA CHARGE TO THE TEAMS. However if we have rained out games in late August and they do not mean anything in the Standings and we need to start the Playoffs. Certain games will not be re-played and it will be recorded as a 7-7 Tie. If your involved in a Rained Out game that is not re-played you will get $50 awarded to your Team account. All Rained Out Playoff Games will be re-played and Playoff Games suspended for Rain, darkness or otherwise will be re-scheduled and picked up where the game left off. Teams will not have to pay extra for Rained Out or Suspended Playoff Games. League will cover it.
12. Once the Schedule is made there will be no changes to it. If a Team can’t make a game for any reason they must give the League 48 hours notice. If they do they will lose the game 7-0 and be fined $50. If a Team does not give the League 48 hours notice and the opposing Team shows up to the Park than the Team will lose the game 7-0 and be fined $100. $50 will go to the League and the other $50 will go to the account of the team that showed up to the Park. This Rule will also apply to the Mandatory Tournament on all Round Robin Games and Sunday Playoff Round Games. If both teams default, both Teams must pay $100 to the League. A 7-7 Tie will be recorded in all double default situations. Once a Team defaults they must top up their default fee to the League by their next scheduled game or forfeit their next game.
13. If an Umpire decides to end the game because of bad conduct from a Team, they will lose the game 7-0 and be fined $100. If the Umpire ends the game because of bad conduct from both teams than both Teams will be fined $100 and the score will be a 7-7 Tie. Suspensions can also follow for several players. Teams and players may also be expelled from the League.
If a Team Forfeits, Defaults or is expelled from a Game for Bad Conduct in a Tournament or a Playoff game, NO PRIZES OR PRIZE MONEY WILL BE AWARDED TO THAT TEAM.
14. There will be 4 Meetings a Year. The 1st and last meeting will not be Mandatory, Teams do not have to show up as long as they pay there Payments 1 week before the Meeting. If they do not pay there payments 1 week prior to the meeting they must show up to the meeting or face a $50 fine. 2nd and 3rd Meetings are MANDATORY, any Team that does not have a Team Rep present at the Meeting will be fined $50 (NO EXCEPTIONS). There will also be a $50 fine all all NSF Cheques, all fines will be taken out of Default Fee.
15. If there is a tie in the Standings, the following Tiebreaker Formula will be used:
1) Wins
2) Head to Head
3) F-A Differential (whole season)
4) F-A Differential (between all Teams Tied)
5) Least Runs against (whole season)
6) Most Runs for (whole season)
7) Flip of a coin
* Please note, that if more than 2 Teams are tied, Head to Head will only be used if 1 Team beat all the other Teams tied, if not disregard Head to Head).
16. League Executive will decide Playoff Format, Prizes, Prize Money and Rules each year.
17. Each Team must play in the Mandatory Tournament as some of the games will count in the Standings. If Teams can’t play in the Tournament for any reason they can have their 3 games from the Tournament made up later in the Year but they must pay an extra $300.
18. If Teams decide to Leave the League, they will have their Default Fee returned to them (providing they did not Default). If a Team decides to Leave the League or is expelled from the League after they have paid a Deposit for the following Season or Current Season at the October or Winter Meetings. The Deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE and will not be returned.
19. Any Player, or Coach who verbally assault a League Executive or Umpire via Phone, email, text or Live in Person regardless if it is a League Game, Meeting, Banquet, Function or not will automatically be Given a minimum of a 2 Game Suspension and possibly more depending on a League Review.
20. SUSPENSIONS
Any Player Ejected for any reason will automatically be suspended for their Next Scheduled Game. (NO APPEALS). Any player ejected twice in a season will automatically be suspended for the next (3) games. Any Player ejected (3) times in one season will be suspended for the Season. If the Suspended Player plays in a game that he is suspended for, the offending Team will forfeit the game 7-0, the Player will get an extra 5 game suspension and the Team rep will get a 5 Game Suspension. If a Player gets Ejected from a Game, The Team Rep has 24 hours to let the Executive know or the Team Rep and the Player Ejected will get a 2 game Suspension.
21. Any player ejected from a game may be suspended for more depending on severity. Any player or coach who physically or verbally threatens, makes a racial slur or physically touches an umpire, player or executive member during or after a game or at a League Banquet, Meeting, Tournament or Function will get a minimum 10 game suspension and possibly a Life Time Ban depending on a League Review. They also will be written up to SPN and face a possible 5 Year Suspension from ALL SPN TOURNAMENTS, LEAGUES AND FUNCTIONS. POLICE WILL ASLO BE NOTIFIED. Any Player that owes the League money will be banned by League & SPN and will be unable to participate in any League or SPN Sanctioned Tournaments, leagues, Provincials or Functions until the Money is Paid.
22. All suspensions, protests and rules rulings will be reviewed by President, Rules Committee and Division Coordinators. All Final decisions will be decided by them. If the President, Division Coordinator or anyone on the Rules Committee is affiliated with any Team involved in a suspension, protest or a rule ruling they will not be able to make a Vote, they will have to sit out and let the rest of the members come up with the final decision.
23. Teams will be given 5 Free Tickets for the Banquet included in League Fees. If they would like additional Tickets, cost are $20 each. Teams must pay for extra tickets at the October Meeting. Any Team that orders tickets, must pay for them regardless of players showing up.
24. If any Team still owes money after the Season has started, they will forfeit all games 7-0 until all the money is paid. Teams may also be expelled from the League and all Teams that had games scheduled against them will be awarded 7-0 victories. Any League Teams that enter a Hammertime Tournament and cancel less than 48 hours before the Tournament, will have to pay the full cost of the Tournament by their next League Game of they will lose all games 7-0 until Money is Paid and possibly be expelled from the League.