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NFHS	Softball	ASA
2010 NFHS Rules Changes & Interpretations	2010 ASA NFHS Rules differences	2010 ASA Rules Changes Unapproved Bats

NFHS

2010 NFHS SOFTBALL RULES CHANGES

1-1-2b	Changed the female fast-pitch pitching distance to 43 feet effective with the 2010-11 academic year. NOTE: Individual state associations are permitted to adopt the 43-feet distance in 2009-10, if desired.
1-5	Identified and specified guidelines for each part of the bat, including: knob, handle/grip, taper, barrel and end cap. In addition, the rule clarifies that the taper must be a solid surface.
3-2-12	Added an exception to permit hard, unadorned devices, such as bobby pins, barrettes and hair clips, no longer than 2 inches, to be worn to control a player’s hair.
9-6-6	Changed the required number of innings pitched to half of the total number of innings played in the game for a starting pitcher to be credited with a win.

2010 Major Editorial Changes

1-3-3	An eighth of an inch was added to the maximum circumference of both 11- and 12-inch softballs, to 11¼ and 12¼, respectively.
2-20-1f	Clarified that a batted ball is fair if it first falls or is first touched on or over fair territory beyond first, second, or third base.
3-1-3	Clarified that a team’s lineup card shall include the first initial and last name of each player.
8-2-9 Note	Added a note to clarify that the batter-runner is called out when she hits an infield fly even when the infield fly is not initially called, if brought to the umpire’s attention before the next pitch.

2010 and 2011 MAJOR MANUAL REVISIONS

1.  Navy blue slacks were added as a uniform option.

2.  Positioning for a field umpire was changed back to being no closer than 18 feet from the base for force plays.

3.  Between innings, the plate umpire will now take a position facing the field at the first baseline extended when the team in the first-base dugout is coming to bat and the third baseline extended when the team in the third base dugout is coming to bat.

2010 SOFTBALL Points of Emphasis

ILLEGAL PITCH ENFORCEMENT

When the pitcher completes the delivery of an illegal pitch, and the batter hits the ball fair or foul, or becomes a base runner, the coach of the team at bat has the option of the result of the play or the penalty for an illegal pitch. The penalty is a ball awarded to the batter and all base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out. A delayed-dead ball is signaled by the umpire by extending the left arm horizontally. If the illegal pitch is called by the plate umpire, it should be called in a voice loud enough for the batter and catcher to hear it. If the illegal pitch is called by the base umpire, it should be called in a voice loud enough for the nearest fielder to hear it. The failure of players to hear the call does not void the call. Batters should be coached to know they can swing at illegal pitches, which results in options for their team/coach.

THREE-FOOT RUNNING LANE

The three-foot running lane is a space defined by a line drawn 3 feet from and parallel to the first-base foul line starting halfway between home and first base and extending to first base in foul territory. In all situations when the batter-runner is entitled to run (i.e., a batted ball, a base on balls or a dropped third strike), she must use the three-foot running lane. An award of first base on a base on balls does not negate the requirement to use the three-foot running lane. The batter-runner is out if she runs outside the three-foot lane and, in the judgment of the umpire, interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base (there must be a throw); however, the batter-runner may run outside the three-foot lane to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball. A runner is considered outside the running lane if either foot is completely outside the lane and in contact with the ground. Players must understand that once they reach the running lane they should run completely inside it.

NON-TRADITIONAL EQUIPMENT

Many new equipment products continue to be introduced into interscholastic softball. Rule 1-8-1 states that, "non-traditional game equipment must be reviewed by the NFHS Softball Rules Committee before it will be permitted." NFHS staff and the committee continue to consider non-traditional equipment as it is introduced to the game. However, many new products seem to appear in competition without the committee being given an opportunity to review the items. Coaches and administrators should contact their state high school association to have non-traditional game equipment reviewed. Manufacturers are encouraged to contact the NFHS prior to introducing, distributing or selling non-traditional equipment to interscholastic programs.

DP/FLEX RULE

It is believed that many coaches and umpires still may not completely understand the DP/FLEX rule (3-3-6) since it was passed in 2004. The committee felt another “refresher” would be appropriate to more fully understand and utilize all the options available with the rule. The DP/FLEX rule was originally adopted because it provides more participation opportunities for student-athletes and more flexibility to coaches.

A. For Coaches – Basic Rules to Remember. Keep these basic rules in mind:

   1.  Decide the 10 players you want to be designated as starters: 1) list the nine players you want to have in the batting order on lines 1 through 9; 2) list the name of the remaining player (FLEX) on the 10^th line.

   2.  Fill in the defensive positions and list the player not initially playing defense as the DP.

   3.  When making lineup changes:

        a.  The DP cannot play defense only and the FLEX cannot play offense only.

        b.  When the DP spot in the batting order comes up, either the DP, FLEX or their legal substitutes must bat or run the bases. It is the only offensive spot the DP or FLEX player may hold.

        c.  The DP can replace anyone on defense any time, any number of times while the FLEX player may replace the DP any time, any number of times.

        d.  When any of the first nine players listed on the card leaves the batting order, she has left the game and when the FLEX player leaves the game on defense, she has left the game.

B.   For Coaches – Basic Utilization Strategies. The following are two basic strategies a coach might utilize to match the skills of the DP and FLEX players to complement one another. Further examples can be found on the NFHS Web site (www.nfhs.org).

1.  Objective: to utilize a fast runner who is a weak hitter (FLEX) to run for the solid hitting DP.

       a.  Matchup: assuming your pitcher can hit for herself, pair up an solid hitter (DP) with a player of exceptional speed but who is a weak hitter (FLEX).

        b.  Typical sequence: DP hits safely; FLEX enters to run for her; DP re-enters and hits safely; FLEX enters to run for her; sub #1 hits for DP (since the DP already used her one re-entry), FLEX enters to run for sub #1; sub #1 re-enters and hits safely; FLEX enters to run for sub #1; sub #2 hits safely; FLEX enters to run for her; and so on.

2.  Objective: list a power hitter as the FLEX player when you have a platoon of players who will be the DP’s.

        a.  Matchup: assuming your pitcher can hit for herself, pair up an average player (DP) with a good hitting, but slow runner (FLEX) who also plays defense.  Also used for a good hitting pitcher (FLEX) who you do not want running the bases unnecessarily.

        b.  Typical sequence: as the spot in the batting order comes up, enter the FLEX who hits safely; re-enter the DP to run; enter the FLEX who hits safely; sub #1 enters to run (since the DP already used her one re-entry); enter the FLEX who hits safely; sub #1 re-enters to run; FLEX hits safely; sub #2 enters to run; and so on.

C.      For Umpires. The following are helpful hints in properly maintaining your lineup card:

1.  A team may use the DP/FLEX option provided it is made known prior to the start of the game. 

2.  The DP’s name is indicated on the lineup as one of the nine hitters in the batting order. 

3.  The name of the player for whom the DP is batting (FLEX) is placed in the 10th position in the lineup. 

4.  The DP may be substituted for at any time by a legal substitute or the FLEX may play offense for the DP.  In either case, the DP has left the game. 

5.  The DP may play defense at any position.

6.  The FLEX may be substituted for at any time by a legal substitute or the DP may play defense for the FLEX.  In either case, the FLEX has left the game.

7.  Placing the FLEX into one of the first nine positions for someone other than the DP’s position is considered an illegal substitution.

8.  A team may go from 10 to nine players and back to 10 any number of times during the game; the game may also end with 10 or nine players.

9.  The DP and FLEX may never be on offense at the same time; however, they may play defense at the same time.

2009 NFHS Softball Rules Interpretations

Publisher's Note: The National Federation of State High School Associations is the only source of official high school interpretations. They do not set aside nor modify any rule. They are made and published by the NFHS in response to situations presented.
Robert F. Kanaby, Publisher, NFHS Publications 2009

Printing Errors and Corrections:
1. Page 37, 3-3-10, delete the last sentence that begins, "If there is an excessive...."
2. Page 48, Dead Ball Table, Awards or Penalties No. 38, rules reference should be 7-4-4.
3. Page 53, 6-2-3, the Exception and Note apply to Arts. 1 and 2 and should be moved up to under Art. 2.

SITUATION 1: B1, B2 and B3 all make outs and no one is aware of the third out. B4 walks; B5 gets a hit; B6 walks to load the bases. B7 has a 1-0 count when the mistake is discovered. RULING: Once the official scorekeeper confirms the three original outs, and all are in agreement that three outs occurred, cancel the activity after the third out (unless unsporting conduct, a major infraction or an ejection) and start that team's next at bat with the proper batter had there been no mistake. End the inning; B4 will lead off that team's next at bat.  (2-31)

SITUATION 2: With only one out and R1 on second base, B3 grounds out for what is thought to be the third out of the inning. All defensive players leave the playing field for the dugout and R1, who had advanced to third base, now enters her team dugout to get her glove and join the rest of her team on defense. While the teams are switching positions, the base umpires check with the official scorekeeper and verify there are only two outs. RULING: Since R1 abandoned her base by leaving the field of play and entered dead-ball territory, she is called out for the third out.  The batter who follows B3 in the batting order will lead off the next half-inning.  (2-31; 8-6-22)

SITUATION 3: In the top of the sixth inning with the bases empty and only one out in a very long half-inning, B7 grounds out for what is thought to be the third out. All defensive players leave the playing field for the dugout and the team that was at bat assumes the field on defense. The official scorekeeper notifies the umpires that there were only two outs and not three (a) before a pitch is thrown, or (b) after a pitch is thrown in the bottom of the sixth inning. RULING: In (a), the umpires should inform the coaches that the top of the sixth inning is not complete and have the teams switch positions and continue the game with the batter that follows B7 coming to bat with two outs. In (b), since the bottom of the sixth inning has begun with a pitch being thrown, it is too late to make a correction. When the top of the seventh inning starts, the lead-off batter will be the batter whose name follows B7 in the batting order.  (2-31; 10-2-3g)

SITUATION 4: The visiting team lists Johnson as the starting pitcher, batting third in the order. Johnson gets a base hit in the first and third innings; courtesy runner Adams runs for her both times. With the visiting team leading 6-0, Johnson is replaced as the pitcher in bottom of the fifth inning by Jones. Jones gives up two runs in the bottom of the fifth and three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. In the top of the seventh, with bases loaded, the visiting team's coach re-enters Johnson for Jones and tells the umpire that Johnson will pitch the seventh inning. Johnson singles to drive in two runs. The coach sends in courtesy runner Adams to run for Johnson. RULING: Illegal; Johnson was not the last player to physically play the position of pitcher, so Adams may not run for her. Johnson must run for herself or be replaced by a pinch-runner. If she is replaced by a pinch-runner, she is no longer eligible to re-enter and pitch the bottom of the seventh.  (3-3-5; 8-9-2)

SITUATION 5: R1 is at third and R2 is at first base; B3 steps in the batter's box. F1 holds the ball for longer than 20 seconds and the umpire awards a ball to the batter. F1 begins to engage in the same action on the next pitch. RULING: As soon as the umpire believes that F1 is attempting to intentionally walk B3, F1 will be directed to pitch and both F1 and the head coach will be issued a warning. The umpire should be able to detect after one "timing" violation F1's intent to intentionally walk the batter. If F1 does not pitch, she and the head coach shall be restricted to the dugout/bench or ejected. COMMENT: A player/team cannot violate one rule to circumvent another; this makes a travesty of the game and is NOT within the spirit of fair play.  (3-6-13c & Penalty; 6-2-3)

SITUATION 6: With R1 on third base, F1 throws a wild pitch that goes back to the screen. F1 comes in for a play at the plate as R1 attempts to score. F1 receives the tossed ball from F2 to apply the tag. The umpire calls R1 safe. When does the umpire begin the 20-second count for F1 to deliver the next pitch? RULING: The 20-second count begins for F1 when the umpire deems she is preparing for the next pitch, not when she receives the ball from F2 as part of a play at home plate. In this case, the count should begin when F1 is in a position on the field consistent with where she would typically receive the ball after a pitch from F2.  (6-2-3)

SITUATION 7: R1 is on first base with no outs and attempts to steal second base on a pitch to B2. B2 bunts the ball in fair territory directly in front of the plate. B2 heads for first base and as F2 picks up the ball and is getting ready to throw to first base, the plate umpire steps forward to make a fair-ball signal and accidentally knocks the ball out of F2's hand. By the time F2 retrieves the ball, both runners are standing on their respective bases. RULING: There is no rule provision for calling umpire interference in this situation; the runners are safe.  (5-2-2c; 8-5-6)

SITUATION 8: R1 is at second base. B2 hits sharply to center field. The ball could hit the ground or may be caught in flight. R1 takes off to third base, as R1 passes the umpire, the umpire cuts to the inside of the field, the coach instructs R1 to return as F8 made a diving catch. R1 turns around and starts back to second base and runs into the umpire. After the collision, she continues back to second and is tagged out. RULING: There is no rule provision for calling umpire interference in this situation; R1 is out.  (5-2-2c; 8-5-6)

SITUATION 9: R1 is on second base with two outs. B2 hits a sharp ground ball to F6. R1 takes off for third base as F6 fields the ball and prepares to throw to F3 for the force out at first base. Just after F6 releases the thrown ball, it hits R1 in the right shoulder and travels to the outfield. RULING:  Unless R1 intentionally interferes with the thrown ball (after the release), no infraction has occurred and the ball remains live.  (8-6-10d)

ASA 2010
Playing Rule Changes

2010 ASA Rules Changes

For information go to:
http://www.softball.org/umpires/rule_changes.asp

Rule 2, Section 1: The pitching distance for Junior Olympic Girls Fast Pitch 18U B and 16U A/B classifications will be 43 feet.

Comments: This adapts the ASA pitching distance with the ability of the Junior Olympic athletes.

Rule 2, Section 1H: The Double Base… Half of the base is white (over fair territory) and half of the base (over foul territory) is a contrasting color.

Comment: This allows the host of a National Championship more options with the foul territory portion of the base.

Rule 3, Section 1A: The official bat for ASA Championship Play must meet all the ASA specifications and the requirements of Rule 3, Section 1, and

1) The official bat shall be free of burs, dents, cracks, sharp edges, and audible rattles and show no signs of excessive wear. The official bat shall be marked OFFICIAL SOFTBALL by the manufacturer, be no more than 34 inches long nor exceed 38 ounces in weight. The official bat shall not be more than 2.250 inches in diameter at its largest part, including any tolerance expansion. The official bat shall be smooth and round to 0.050 inches in diameter and bear either the ASA 2000 certification mark or the ASA 2004 certification mark as shown below ( in the 2010 ASA Rule Book) and must not be listed on the ASA Non Approved Bat List. And

2) must be included on a list of approved bat models published by the ASA or

3) must in the sole opinion and discretion of the umpire, have been manufactured prior to 2000 and if tested, would comply with the ASA Bat Performance Standard.

Comments: Gives a better description of the approved ASA bat design.

Rule 3, Section 1B Safety Knob: The knob shall have a diameter of at least 1.6 inches with no sharp edges. The knob will be permanently attached to the bat and may be taped with safety tape

Comments: Describes the minimum knob used in ASA and allows a less restricted knob design.

Rule 3, Section 1C Handle: The region of the bat from the knob, not including the knob, to the start of the taper where the diameter increases. The handle will include a safety grip.

Comments: Adds a definition of a handle to the rule book.

Rule 3, Section 1D Safety Grip: Covers the handle region of the bat. The safety grip shall not be less than 10 inches and not more than 15 inches. There shall be no exposed metal in the 10 – 15 inch area. The safety grip may be a molded finger formed grip as long as it is permanently attached to the bat, or attached with safety tape. Resin, pine tar or spray substances are permissible on the safety grip only. Any tape applied to the safety grip must be a continuous spiral. A bat having a flare or cone shaped grip attached is legal.

Comments: Eliminates the extra tape issue and allows cone and flare grips.

Rule 3, Section 1E Taper: The transition area between the handle and the barrel. The taper shall have a generally conical shape. It starts where the barrel decreases in size and ends where the handle diameter becomes constant. The taper shall be free of burs, dents, cracks, sharp edges, and audible rattles and show no signs of excessive wear.

Comments: Adds a definition of a taper to the rule book and helps the bat manufacturers with their designs.

Rule 3, Section 1F Barrel: The region of the bat from the end of the taper to the end cap, not including the end cap. The barrel region shall be round within 0.050 inches.

Comments: Better defines the barrel of the bat.

Rule 3, Section 1G End Cap: The cap placed at the barrel end of the bat. The end cap shall be permanently affixed to the bat to prevent alterations to the interior of the bat. It shall be affixed so that it cannot be removed by anyone other than the manufacturer without damaging or destroying the end cap or barrel.

Comments: Adds a better definition of an end cap.

Rule 3, Section 1H Altered Bat: The official bat shall not be an altered bat. The distribution of weight and length of the bat shall remain fixed at the time of manufacturing and may not be altered in any way thereafter, except otherwise specifically provided in Rule 3, Section 1 or as specifically approved by the ASA. Inserting material inside the bat, or painting a bat other than the top for identification purposes are examples of altering a bat. Laser marking for ID purposes is not considered an altered bat. Engraving ID marking on the barrel end of a metal bat is considered an altered bat. Approved bats shall not be rolled, shaved or modified to change their characteristics from that produced by the manufacturer and shall be considered an altered bat.

Comments: Clarification of an altered bat.

Rule 3, Section 6G: Junior Olympic Fast Pitch Boys and Girls 18U A/B, Gold and 16U A/B classifications of play may wear metal cleats.

Comments: This allows the upper classifications of Junior Olympic Boys and Girls Fast Pitch players to wear metal cleats.

Rule 3, Section 7: Characteristics of approved equipment cannot be changed. Examples include icing or cooling of any equipment. In addition, approved bats shall not be rolled, shaved or modified to change their characteristics from that produced by the manufacturer. Warming sleeves on bats are now approved.

Comments: Changes the rules to allow warming sleeves used on bats and includes rolling or shaving of bats to be an illegal act.

Rule 4, Section 6C [3]: Replaces the words when reaches base safely with “when they complete their turn at bat and are discovered”

Comments: Clarifies the rule that previously stated when the batter reached first base safely.

Rule 4, Section 7C [5]: No electronic equipment to include cell phones, pagers, etc. is allowed to be worn or carried on the playing field.

Comments: This would change the rule from communication to electronic and eliminate the use of video equipment from the dugout.

Rule 6, Section 3H: The ball must be delivered with a perceptible arc and reach a height of at least 6 feet from the ground while not exceeding a height of 10 feetfrom the ground.

Comments: The Slow Pitch players wanted this change implemented into the Slow Pitch game.

Rule 6, Section 3K [1]: The 9 Man A Modified Pitching Rule now becomes the same as the 9 Man Major Modified Pitching Rule.

Comments: This allows for a single pitching rule in 9 Man Modified.

Rule 6, Section 6A: The pitcher may use an approved manufactured drying agent in Modified Pitch.

Comments: Is now consistent with Fast Pitch.

Rule 8, Section 10: Allow a courtesy runner in the game of Modified.

Comment: Is now consistent with Fast Pitch.

[Tips for Judging Interference]

In an effort to help umpires become more uniform in judging interference throughout the country, the ASA has addressed several rules relating to interference that contained the word “intentional”. Specifically, the word “intentional” has been removed from Rule 7, Section 7 Q; Rule 8, Section 2 F [3]; Rule 8, Section 7 J [3]; and, Rule 8, Section 7 P. Umpires now need only to base their decision on whether interference occurred or did not occur, and not the intentions of the offensive player. Moreover, removing the word “intentional” from these sections aligns these rules with the definition of INTERFERENCE in Rule 1.

SITUATION 1: With no outs and R1 on 2B, B2 swings at and misses the pitch. R1 breaks for 3B and while F2 is throwing to 3B in an attempt to retire R1, B2, while remaining in the batter’s box, backs up to readjust their footing and bumps into F2 causing an errant throw. RULING: B2 is guilty of interference. The ball is dead, B2 is out and R1 must return to 2B. (Rule 7, Section 6 Q)

SITUATION 2: With one out, R1 on 3B and R2 on 1B, B4 has a 0-1 count and on the next pitch R2 attempts to steal 2B. The throw is cut-off by F6 as R1 now attempts to steal home. F6’s throw to home plate strikes B4 who is standing out of the box preventing F2 from catching the ball and applying a tag on R1. RULING: B4 is guilty of interference. The ball is dead, B4 is out, R1 is returned to 3B and R2 is returned to 1B. (Rule 8, Section 2 F [3])

SITUATION 3: With no outs and R1 at 1B, B2 hits a ground ball to F6 who fields the ball and throws to F4 at 2B to start a double play. F4 steps on 2B and throws the ball to F3 in an attempt to retire B2. R1, knowing they are out, turns to go back to the dugout where the ball strikes them in the back and ricochets into foul ground. RULING: R1 is guilty of interference after being declared out. In this case, because B2 is the only runner and therefore closest to home plate, B2 is also be declared out. (Rule 8, Section 7 J [3])

SITUATION 4: With no outs, R1 at 3B and R2 at 2B, B3 hits a long shot to the outfield fence. By the time F8 retrieves the ball R1 and R2 have scored. B4 is rounding 3B and coming home when R2 moves back to the home plate area to instruct B3 to slide at home plate for a close play. In doing so, R2 is hit with the thrown ball and it deflects away from F2 as B3 scores. RULING: R2 is guilty of interference. Because R2 has already scored B3 is declared out and only the runs scored by R1 and R2 count.

ASA
Approved and
Unapproved Bats

The official bat in ASA Championship Play must meet all of the requirements of Rule 3, Section 1 and:

1.   must bear either the ASA approved 2000 certification mark or the ASA 2004 certification mark as shown below, and must not be listed on an ASA non approved list, and

2.  must be included on a list of approved bat models published by the ASA National Office; or

3. must, in the sole opinion and discretion of the umpire, have been manufactured prior to 2000 and if tested, would comply with the ASA bat performance standards then in effect.

Beginning January 1, 2004, all bats in ASA Championship Play must pass the ASA 2004 bat standard. All bats having the 2004 certification mark will be allowed in ASA Championship Play. Bats that have the 2000 certification mark will not be allowed in ASA Championship Play unless they are listed on an approved bat list on the ASA website. For convenience, the ASA website has a listing of bats that do not pass the ASA 2004 bat standard.

2004 and Beyond Approved Bats

For a list of bats that have been tested and found to comply with the ASA bat performance standards, and therefore are authorized to bear the ASA 2004 certification mark and/or are authorized for use in ASA Championship Play beginning January 1, 2004, please check the ASA web site: http://www.softball.org/about/certified_equipment.asp. Manufacturers continue to submit additional bat models for testing, and the ASA will update this list as test results become available.

ASA Non-Approved Bat List

The Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA) no longer displays every bat made by bat manufacturers that do not comply with current ASA bat standards. If you want to know what bats are approved for use in ASA Championship Play, follow one of the steps below.

· check the approved list located in the drop down boxes at the site listed above and search by the specific manufacturer or select “all”.

· check for either the 2000 or 2004 ASA Certification Mark (both depicted above) and then be sure the bat is not listed on the PDF's on the above site as a banned bat by ASA (Note: The lists above are broken up into two PDF's to help umpires in the NCAA and the NFHS because of their minor rule differences.)

2010 ASA/NCAA/NFHS
Rule Differences

For a chart with differences between ASA, NCAA, and FFHS rules go to the following location: http://downloads.asasoftball.com/umpires/pdf/NCAA_NHFHS_and_ASA_Rule_Differences.pdf

City Softball

FORFEITS:

• Any time a team cannot field 8 players, it is a forfeit.
• Teams are allowed a 10-minute grace period to have enough players show up to start a game before a forfeit is called.
  (see “Regulations for Lighted Fields”)
• In case of a forfeit the umpire should:

1. Check that all players are listed in the scorebook of the winning team.

2.  Have the winning team take the field and throw one pitch to seal the victory.

3.  Sign the winning team’s scorebook verifying that a forfeit has taken place.

• If both teams are short players and neither team can field a legal team before the grace period has ended, it is a loss for both teams.
  In this case, the umpire should notify the field supervisor (if available) and the assignor that a double forfeit has taken place.

LEGAL GAMES & MERCY RULE:

• A game must complete 5 innings (4½ innings if the home team is ahead) to be declared a legal game.
• A run ahead rule (Mercy Rule) will end all games if a team is ahead by 10 runs at the end of 5 innings (4½ innings if the home team is ahead by 10).
• Games that are suspended for any reason (weather, light failure, darkness, etc.) may be replayed, however, this will be determined by the League Commissioner and should not be of concern to the umpires.

REGULATIONS FOR LIGHTED FIELDS:

· Once a game has started it will be played to completion. Subsequent games will start five minutes after completion of the previous game, or at the scheduled start time, whichever is later. City of Binghamton fields with lights (1^st Ward, Valley Street, & MacArthur Little League fields) do not have a curfew. All Town of Union fields have an 11:00 pm curfew.

· Pre-game practice for warm-ups may be limited to adjacent areas. No practice or warm-ups should be allowed on the field after the game start time.

· Players must hustle at all times so that the time schedule is followed. Umpires should try to keep games moving along so that subsequent games can start as close as possible to their scheduled time.

· Only the first game of the evening is allowed a ten-minute grace period.  There is NO grace period for later games.  Lighted fields will have only three games per night scheduled.

REGULATIONS FOR USE OF THE MAT:

· The mat will be used at Valley Street and First Ward Parks. In addition, if teams have the mat at other locations and both coaches agree to use the mat, it is OK. If one coach agrees and one coach does not, the mat will not be used.