Mabel League Playing & Operating Rules

2008 Mabel League Rules and Regulations

The current Softball Canada Rule Book will be adopted by the Mabel League and all rules and regulations of Softball Canada will be followed and applied to league play unless otherwise stated.

1.  Minimum 8 players to start or game is forfeit. 15 minute grace period from game time is permitted. If game is played with 8 players, the 9^th position in line-up is an automatic out. 9^th player may enter game at any time with notice to umpire.

2.   The official Mabel League ball will be used for all games: ProTeam SB200YR, .47 cor, 12� leather optic yellow.

3. Home team to supply both balls to umpire, one new regulation ball and one good used regulation ball or 2 new regulation balls.

4. No new inning to start after 1 hour 45 minutes into game time; last inning to be called by umpire.

5.  Run rule is 5 runs per inning for either side except for last inning which will be an open inning announced to both teams by umpire.

6.  Mercy rule to be 10 runs after 4 � or 5 innings of play regardless of time remaining.

7. Games may end in tied scores and points awarded accordingly; no tiebreaker rule in effect.

8.  All permanent non-removable jewellery must be taped and completely covered for safety.

9. Only softball shoes with rubber cleats and soles are to be worn by players and coaches; no exposed metal from soccer shoes permitted.

10. No bat throwing regardless of intention. First offence will receive a verbal warning. Second offence will result in ejection from the game.

11. Slap bunts are permitted in competitive division. Slap bunts will be permitted in intermediate division only when agreed upon by both teams. No slap bunts permitted in recreational division.

12. Batter-runners must run the bunt line if there is a play at first base.

13.  Courtesy runners are permitted in all divisions at any base in the spirit of good sportsmanship. Courtesy runner will be the last out from the batting order.

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2008 Mabel League Special Operating Rules

The current Softball Canada Rule Book will be adopted by the Mabel League and all rules and regulations of Softball Canada will be followed and applied to league play unless otherwise stated.

1.      The league will be considered a senior �D� level women�s orthodox league.

 

2.      The league will consist of 3 divisions: competitive, intermediate and recreational.

 

3.      All divisions will utilize orthodox pitching style as outlined in the current Softball Canada Rule Book, rule 6.

 

4.      Teams playing in the league are NOT required to follow uniform regulations outlined in Softball BC Operating Rules, section 16.6, unless they wish to play in provincial or national championships. It is each team�s responsibility to be aware of uniform requirements for championships and tournaments not sponsored by the Mabel League.

 

5.      Players must have played a minimum of five (5) league games to be eligible to participate in the playoffs or supply a doctor's certificate on appeal to the executive.

 

6.      NO ALCOHOL will be consumed on or near fields where the league holds playing permits.

 

7.      All teams will have current copy of all field permits in their possession for proof of field usage rights.

 

8.    Mabel League Umpire Funding

      To encourage the recruitment of umpires officiating for the Mabel League, the league will reimburse full or partial clinic and registration fees to a total of five (5) umpires who officiate a minimum of 5 league games during the regular season.

      First year level 1 umpires will receive full reimbursement for both clinic and Softball BC registration fees. Returning umpires will receive $50.00 towards their fees, regardless of level attained. New umpires will be given priority for reimbursement over returning umpires. Official receipts must be supplied and fees will be reimbursed at the end of the regular season at the last team rep meeting.

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Rules and Grievance Committee - March 2007

 

 

Softball Canada Orthodox Pitching Rule - Key Points

 

1. Preliminary to delivery, the pitcher must have possession of the ball in either hand or glove and take the signal with hands separated, both feet in contact with pitcher�s plate and hips in line with first and third base.

 

2. After taking the signal, the pitcher must bring the body to a full and complete stop facing the batter with the ball held in one hand or glove and both hands held together in front of the body. This position must be maintained for a minimum of one second.

 

3.  The pitcher may take the ball behind the back on the backswing but the elbow must not bend and the body must not turn toward first or third base.

 

4.  In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher shall not take more than one step, which must be forward with the other foot maintaining contact with the pitcher�s mound.

 

5.  The ball must not be outside the pitcher�s wrist and the wrist must not be farther from the body than the elbow on the downward motion and during the complete forward delivery.

 

6.  On the forward swing of the pitching arm, the elbow does not have to be locked at the point of release. The driving hip must be squared to home plate when the ball is released.

 

7.  The delivery must be an underhand motion with the hand below the hip; the palm may be pointing downward or upward.

 

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Softball Canada Official Rule Book, Pitching Regulations (Orthodox), Rule 6, Sec. 1 - 8, page 175.