All players participating in MSC’s softball league must abide by all rules stated in this documented. Any breaking of the rules will not be tolerated and will lead to immediate expulsion as per the discretion of the MSC board.
GENERAL RULES
1.1 FIELDS – Keeping our fields clean is a priority. All teams are required to keep their area of play, their benches, and the surrounding areas free of garbage. Captains/owners are responsible for their individual teammates. We are considered fortunate to have access to the fields that we have and must be respectful of the property in order to maintain access.
1.2 ROSTERS – Maximum roster size is 20 players. A final roster is to be set after the team has played 4 games or the start of week 3 of the season. Forfeits will count towards the games played for final roster deadline. From the start of the season to 4 games played or the start of week 3, players may be added or dropped from the roster as teams finalize their players. During add/drop period teams can exceed the 20 player limit.
No trades will be allowed for MSC’s inaugural season once the season begins.
1.2.1 DISABLED LIST – Players that are injured must be reported to the board via email (admin@muslimsportsclub.com). The board will then approve eligibility for the playoffs based on the player’s circumstances. A player that is injured must return with a doctor’s note indicating that he is clear to play without potential of re-injury or aggravation of the injury.
1.3 CAPTAINS – A designated captain must introduce himself to the umpire and opposing captain before every game or doubleheader. Only captains are permitted to hold discussions with the umpires.
1.4 LINEUPS – Captains will exchange batting orders at the beginning of each game. Batting out of order or substitution infractions can be appealed directly with the umpire by the team’s captain. If found as an infraction, the batting team will be assessed an automatic out.
Lineups can only be a maximum of 20 players long. Lineups can be added to but not subtracted from (i.e. if you start the game with 15 players in your lineup, captains can add to that number but can not subtract).
Players can be substituted for but the number of batters must remain the same. Players that are substituted for can not return to the game.
If a player must leave early, the team will be assessed an automatic out when that player spot in the lineup comes up for bat.
1.5 FORFEITS – All teams must field at least 7 players for the game to begin and be official. If a team has fewer than 7, the game will be postponed for 15 minutes from the scheduled start time after which a forfeit will be called. At 15 minutes after, the 7th player must be within sight of the field.
1.5.1 In the event of a double header, a team who has forfeited the first game is permitted to wait until the start time of the second game which is 60 minutes from the start of the first game.
However if a team is committing to the second game, they must verify the minimum number of players will be present. If the second game is forfeited after waiting 60 minutes, the team will be assessed a $100 fine payable to the league. The team may also determine that they are unlikely to field a complete team and forfeit both games at the beginning of the double header and receive a $50 fine.
1.5.2 If a team does not meet the minimum 7 players required for a game, they must notify administration of forfeit 12 hours beforehand. Failure to do so results in a $50 fine. Forfeit of the first game only results in a $25 fine.
1.5.3 Any team playing with 7 players will be permitted to use a catcher from the opposing team. The catcher will not be allowed to participate in any balls that are in play. He solely returns the ball to the pitcher.
1.6 GAME LENGTH – Each game will be 7 innings; unless it’s called early due to rain, which is at the umpire’s discretion. In order for a game to be official, 3 1/2 innings of play must be completed. In the event that a team takes a lead in the top half of the 4thinning, the opposing team will get the opportunity to bat in the bottom of the inning. If the team that is ahead had the lead prior to their at bat in the 4th, the game can be called officially by the umpire after the top half of the inning is complete. Ultimately, game time is at the umpire’s discretion. Games will go into extra innings in the event of a tie score at the end of 7. If a team takes a lead in the top half of any inning, the opposing team will have the opportunity to bat. If the game is called due to weather and the score is tied, it will be considered a suspended game. The game will resume from the point it was suspended and all stats and scores will be saved.
1.7 UMPIRES – An umpire is scheduled for every game. However, in the event of a missing umpire, the captains can mutually decide to proceed to play using either themselves as umpires or requesting an unofficial umpire from the league. The game cannot be rescheduled because of a missing umpire. If there is no unofficial umpire, the pitching mat can be utilized to determine the majority of balls and strikes and any disputes will resolved by coin toss. In this case, the batting teams’ captain is the umpire for each half inning.
1.8 INJURIES – If you sustain any type of injury, seek assistance from medical personnel immediately. If a player has a medical condition or uses prescription drugs, it would be his responsibility to consult a physician to assess physical competence.
1.9 SCORING – Each batting team will be allowed to score a maximum of 7 runs per inning. Upon scoring 7 scores, the batting team will then play the field regardless of how many outs have been recorded.
The 7 run rule will be suspended for inning 6 and 7 for the losing team only. This will allow the team that is behind by more then 7 to potentially catch up in late innings. However, the Mercy Rule as stated below will still be in effect.
1.91 MERCY RULE – A 20 run differential between teams invokes the mercy rule in favor of the leading team once 5 full innings have been played. The mercy rule can only go into effect once a team has been given at least one chance at bat to diminish the 20 run differential. Though, the rule goes into effect after 5 full innings have been played, the trailing team can forfeit at any point before the four innings have been completed at their discretion.
1.11 UNIFORMS. Every team must have MSC approved uniforms consisting of the MSC logo. Multiple players may wear the same jersey number. Players in the lineup at the same time cannot share jerseys even if one or more are EH only. In the event a player does not have a uniform and is in the lineup, the opposing team will be awarded two runs for each player out of uniform. This penalty will be automatically assessed and is not at the discretion of the captains of both teams.
SAFETY AND BEHAVIOR
2.1 ILLEGAL BEHAVIOR – Alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs are absolutely prohibited on the fields and during games.
2.2 COMMUNICATION – The chain of communication between teams to resolve disputes is Team A player to Team A captain to umpire to Team B captain to Team B player. There is no direct player-to-player argument between different teams.
2.3 DISTRACTIONS – Base runners and fielders cannot distract each other, verbally or physically. Taunting is not permitted. Batters may not distract pitchers while ball is being released. Good sportsmanship must be observed at all times. Guests of teams will also be held to these standards and can be ejected from the area of play by umpires, or necessary law enforcement. Ultimately the conduct will be monitored at the discretion of the umpire.
2.4 LANGUAGE – Refrain from abusive and obscene language. Cursing is highly discouraged.
2.5 FIGHTING – Physical altercations will not be tolerated. Anybody who strikes another will be expelled from the league. Any shoving, physical taunting, or similar abuse will result in suspension.
2.5.1 All managers are responsible for the actions of their players. Further, an owner may be subject to suspension based on the actions of a player or guest that result in a suspension for that player, as determined by the board on a case by case basis. To illustrate, such a suspension is unlikely to be levied on an owner for a player who is suspended for a first time offense and has no prior incidents. An owner is more likely to be suspended for a player who is suspended for a second or third offense, or for a new player whose offense is so egregious as to shock the conscience of the board. In each instance, such a suspension shall be determined by the board on a case-by-case basis after review of the situation and discussion with all interested parties.
2.6 ENCOURAGING TEAMMATES – Encouraging your own teammates is permissible as long as taunting does not occur towards the opposing team. Cheering on your team is encouraged.
2.7 EJECTIONS/SUSPENSIONS – Anybody ejected by an umpire is also suspended from playing in the next game and subject to a minimum $25 fine.
2.8 EQUIPMENT SAFETY – The pitcher must wear protective gear when on the field. The protective gear must be able to prevent the ball from striking the player in the eyes and forehead.
Any team caught using a “senior league” or other non-ASA certified bat will be fined $250 and forfeit the game. Teams must appeal to the umpire after a player is seen using an illegal bat.
“Using” the bat refers to a batter facing at least one pitch with the illegal bat in the batter’s box.
Senior league bats are extremely dangerous for use by men ages 20-50 in a slow pitch softball league. The use of metal cleats is also prohibited and results in a fine of $200.
2.9 FANS – Guests are welcome. They are permitted to be in the dugout but are subject to the same standards as players in terms of etiquette. A team is responsible for their guests. The league prides itself in cultivating a family atmosphere.
FIELDING & PITCHING
3.1 DEFENSIVE POSITIONS – Teams are allowed to field a maximum of 10 defensive positions anywhere they choose but must have a catcher. If a team has only 7 fielders, the opposing team will provide a catcher that will NOT field the ball during plays. For teams who have 8 or 9 players, a catcher does not have to be provided by the other team as it is an unfair advantage to the shorthanded teams batting lineup. If the team wishes to provide a catcher they may do so at their own discretion.
3.2 GROUND RULES – Before beginning the game, teams will learn the ground rules from the umpires. Teams are encouraged to walk through and practice on the field in order to be aware of any holes, ruts, depressions, troughs, sprinkler heads, etc.
3.3 DOUBLE FIRST BASE – First base will use a typical two-base softball system at first base unless the two captains agree not to use the runner’s base due to safety concerns. When the safety base is being used, the runner must run to the outside base to beat out a throw to first.
3.3.1 This base will be in foul territory and used only when the batter is running through the base.
3.3.2 This base is not to be used once the runner has safely reached first base. For all subsequent plays the white base in fair territory is used unless there is another batted ball that requires a runner to run through the base. For example, tag up plays will only involve the white base which is in fair territory. However, when running out an extra base hit, the runner may use either base to avoid confusion.
3.3.3 If a batted ball hits the runners base (base in foul territory), it is a foul ball. If the ball hits any part of the regular 1st base, it is a fair ball.
3.4 EXTRA HITTER SUBSTITUTIONS – If a team uses the EH position (Extra Hitter) in which they bat 11+ players but field only 10, they are permitted to switch the EH in an effort to allow more players to use the field. Once an EH is used, it cannot be removed even in event of injury.
Captains are instructed to use their bench wisely as they cannot reduce the batting order. If a team must bat 10 players after starting with 11 or more, they will be penalized with an automatic out at the spot in the batting order that creates the infraction. If an injury occurs, the spot will be skipped over with no penalty for the regular season only. For the postseason, an automatic out will be assessed for any reduction of the lineup including injuries.
3.5 There is no DH permitted. All players on the field must hit.
3.6 ADDING FIELDERS – If a player arrives late to a game and his team is batting, he can only be added to the bottom of the lineup. If his team is fielding, he must wait until the next half of the inning to take his position in the field unless the opposing captain gives him permission to enter before the inning complete.
3.7 PITCHING
3.7.1 MAT – The league will be using a balls and strikes mat. The mat is ASA certified 24 inches by 36″ with a triangle missing from the top of the mat to be placed behind the protruding triangle of a pentagonal home plate. The total area covered with the mat and home plate is 24″ by 46″. A ball that lands on the plate or mat is a strike as long as it reached a minimum of 6 feet and a maximum of 12 feet. All other pitches are balls including those that hit the mat but do not meet the height requirements.
3.7.2 COUNT – Batters start with a 1-1 count (one ball and one strike)
3.7.3 FOUL BALLS – Foul balls are considered strikes. A foul ball with two strikes on the batter will result in an out.
3.7.4 DISTANCE – The pitching distance is 46 feet from the rubber to the plate.
3.7.5 PITCHING METHOD – A pitcher cannot take more than one step to deliver the ball and must keep his pitching arm within 6 inches of his body to deliver the ball. He must also be square towards the plate and cannot angle his body to alter the angle of the ball. He is permitted to use both sides of the rubber but must have one foot on the rubber otherwise it will result in an illegal pitch. A pitcher may stop his windup in an event of a slip or trip to avoid injury with no penalty.
Abuse of this may result in a warning from the umpire with subsequent warnings leading to removal of the pitcher from the position. There are no balks in this league. If there is any uncertainty regarding which is the correct pitcher’s rubber to use, the umpire will decide.
3.7.6 RELIEF PITCHERS – In the event a relief pitcher is brought in the middle of an inning, he will have a maximum of 5 warm up pitches. If there is a pitcher change before the start of an inning, he may use as much time as allowed by the umpire to warm up.
3.8 OBSTRUCTION – Obstruction is called when fielders hinder the advancement of a runner.
3.8.1 FAKE TAGS – Any attempt by a fielder to deceive the runner by applying a fake tag results in an Obstruction call. An obstruction call will result in awarding the runner(s) with a minimum of at least one additional base with the possibility of more as determined by the umpire depending on the severity of hindrance. It is not necessary for a runner to stop or slide in order for an obstruction call to be made. The simple act of a runner slowing down is enough for the umpire to call obstruction on fielder’s deception.
3.8.2 OBSTRUCTION WITHIN BASE PATH – In the event of a fielder’s interference
(Obstruction) on a runner as he runs the bases, the play continues until the runner stops at a base or is tagged out with the ball. It is up to the umpire’s discretion to award an additional base to the runner. In no event can an obstructed runner be called out for any reason other than a batted fly ball or obvious force play. In the event the obstructed runner is tagged out, he can only be sent back to the previous base or awarded that current base. Depending on the level of obstruction, an additional base may be awarded should the runner be knocked to the ground on such an obstruction.
3.8.2 INTERFERENCE – The fielder has the right to the ball even if he is in the baseline between bases. The runner must allow the fielder to make a play on a batted ball. A runner is not allowed to intentionally hinder the player’s ability to field the batted ball. Interference can be called on the runner. Likewise, a fielder is not permitted to interfere with runner on advancing to the next base otherwise Obstruction will be called on the runner as stated above in Rule 3.8.
3.9 ENDING A PLAY – Once an infielder has control of the ball and the runners are on bases, he can end the play by throwing or rolling the ball to the pitcher’s mound. The play is still live if runners are between bases.
BATTING
4.1 COACHES – 1st and 3rd base coaches cannot come in contact with runners in an attempt to keep them from moving forward. Coaches must remain within the designated coach’s box as per field ground rules. If they are hit with a ball while in their proper spot, they are considered part of the field of play and the ball is considered live and runners may advance as their own risk
4.2 SUBSTITUTIONS – Pinch-hitters and pinch-runners replace the players they come in for as substitutes in the lineup and on the field. Once a player has been substituted, he cannot return to the game. The batting order cannot be reduced for any reason other than an injury during the regular season. The injury will result in the player being removed from the game permanently.
During the postseason, it would result in an automatic out even in the event of an injury if there is no replacement.
4.3 COUNT – Every batter will start with a 1-1 count (one ball and one strike). A foul ball on the 3rd strike, results in an out. A batter has a maximum of 2 swings to put the ball into play. 4 balls including the initial 1 ball results in a walk.
4.4 THROWING THE BAT – If a player unintentionally throws the bat during or after his swing the player will be given a warning. If he intentionally throws the bat, he may be called out automatically by the umpire and subject to ejection. Penalties regarding throwing the bat are at the umpire’s discretion. If a catcher interferes with the swing of a batter through glove contact or otherwise on the initial forward swing, it results in catcher’s interference and the batter is awarded 1st base.
4.5 SWITCH HITTING – Switch hitting during the middle of an at bat is not permitted. The batter must bat from the same side of the plate during the entire at bat.
4.6 BUNTING – Bunting is not permitted. A hitter must commit to a full swing through the pitch for the ball to be considered in play. An attempted bunt will result in an automatic strike.
4.7 INTENTIONAL WALKS – Intentional walks can be issued by a pitcher by stating the intent to the umpire. It is not necessary to throw the 3 balls to the plate.
4.8 EXTRA HITTER (EH) – An EH may be used to increase the batting order to 20 players.
Once an EH is entered into the game, the position in the batting order cannot be removed. If a team cannot replace an EH with a bench player that has not entered the game yet, his spot in the batting order will be an automatic out for the remainder of the game. An EH allows the team to change fielding positions with a bench player to allow for additional playing time. A DH (Designated Hitter) is not permitted in this league. All players who play the field must bat. An
EH allows a player on the bench the additional opportunity to bat. A team cannot reduce the number of batters in their lineup for any reason.
BASE RUNNING
5.1 COURTESY/PINCH RUNNERS – Courtesy runners are not permitted in MSC. Pinch runners may be used to replace runners on the base paths but as a substitution. The replaced player cannot return to the game.
5.1.1 During the regular season: In the event of an injury to a base runner who cannot continue, if there are no bench players available to replace the runner, the last batted out can replace the runner. The injured runner is now out of the game and cannot re-enter. His spot in the batting order will be skipped with no penalty unless there are only 7 players left in which case an automatic out is issued.
5.1.2 During the post season: In the event of an injury to a base runner who cannot continue, if there are no bench players available, the runner will leave the game as an out. His spot in the order is still intact; therefore if he is unable to continue his time at bat, he forfeits his at bat with an out each time his spot in the order comes up. Since he is still in the game from a lineup standpoint he can take his turn at bat if he so chooses. Once he leaves the base paths without a replacement he is considered out.
5.2 SLIDE OR AVOID CONTACT – MSC uses the “slide or avoid contact” rule as used in most little leagues and high school baseball. Sliding feet first into all bases except 1st is considered the safest way to approach a base with a potential play. It is never recommended to slide at all into first. Proper sliding technique is crucial to avoiding injury and must not be confused with a feet first jump into the fielder. A properly slide is low to the ground during the entire duration of the slide. A runner will not get penalized for sliding feet first at any base as long as the base is within arm’s reach of the runner. This is especially crucial in disrupting plays at 2nd base on potential double plays. Coming in standing up at a base is dangerous for both the fielder and the runner. Any collision as a result of failure to “slide or avoid contact” will result in an automatic out for the runner. The same principle is applied to plays at home. A runner must slide or avoid contact. In such an event the runner must slide at the plate or avoid contact. The runner may not attempt to dislodge the ball by attempting to kick the ball out of the player’s glove.
5.3 INTERFERENCE ON A BATTED BALL. A runner that makes contact with batted ball in the field of play is out while the batter goes to first base. The ball is dead and the runners may not advance except where forced. If it is determined that the runner intentionally made contact with the ball, the batter and runner are BOTH out. An exception to this rule occurs when the runner is standing with at least one foot on a base and the contact is unintentional; in this situation the ball is live and runners may advance. A ball that hits a runner in foul territory results in a foul ball. Please note this only pertains to batted balls. Balls thrown by defenders are live and are played off of runners as they are considered part of the field of play.
5.4 TAGGING UP – Tagging up is permitted. The runner must wait until the defensive player touches the ball (not when he catches it) before he runs to the next base.
5.5 COMMIT RULE – After you touch or cross the Commit line (appx. ½ way from 3rd base to home plate) you must continue home. It is always a force out at home plate. This only applies for home plate. You must always use the “safety home plate” or you will be out. If there is a fly ball in the outfield you must not cross the commit line or you have committed home. The “safety home base” is considered the MAT as defined in rule 3.7. The base runner must touch the safety home base to be considered safe at home.
5.6 LEADING AND STEALING – There is no leading or stealing bases. The runner can only leave the base once the batter makes CONTACT. If the batter swings and misses, the play is dead. Runners are permitted to step off the base when the play is dead. Runners caught leading or leaving before contact on a live ball will be called out.
5.7 INFIELD FLY RULE – If the ball is popped up to an infielder for what an umpire considers a high chance play, with runners on 1st and 2nd or bases loaded, the batter is automatically called out. Runners still have the option to advance. An umpire will call out infield fly immediately when this occurs. It is up to the umpire’s discretion to call the infield fly rule.
5.7.1 In situations where the infield fly rule is not in effect, a fielder may not deceive the runners by controlling a catch and purposely dropping the ball in a controlled fashion. However, allowing a ball to drop in the event of a batter not running to first base is permissible as long as the fielder does not control the ball on the drop. (ie. using glove contact to guide the ball, etc).
5.8 RUNNING THROUGH FIRST BASE – If a runner steps on 1st base and turns toward the field, he’s still in play and can be tagged out. If a runners steps on 1st base and runs straight through the base or towards his right he cannot be tagged out unless he makes a distinct attempt to move towards the next base.
5.9 OVERTHROWS – Overthrows beyond the field of play result in 1 extra base as per the umpires discretion.
EQUIPMENT
6.1 TEAM RESPONSIBILITY – Teams are responsible for bringing their own bats, balls, gloves, coolers, drinks, ice, cups, and first aid kits. Do not impose on the opposing team, who are within their rights to refuse. Teams may share equipment at their own discretion.
6.2 GAME BALLS – The game balls will be provided to each team prior to the start of the season. All teams are responsible for bringing one brand new softball each day your team plays.
Used balls will not be used for game play. Each team is required to provide one to the umpire at the beginning of the double-header. Failure to do so results in a $20 fine. It is crucial for all captains to have extra softballs in the event this happens. The team that supplies the extra ball will get reimbursed from the league when the fine is assessed.
6.3 BATS –All ASA approved slow-pitch softball bats will be permitted. If a bat does not have the “ASA” stamp, it can still be used if it appears on the list of accepted ASA bats online. If this is the case, a printout of this list must be brought to each game that the bat is used. If the legitimacy of a bat is questioned by the opposing team and this printout isn’t available, the bat can’t be used that day. Umpires will inspect all bats prior to games. Any team caught using an illegal bat will be subject to $250 fine and forfeiture of the game in progress. It is particularly important to recognize that some popular bat models come in two formats – ASA and Senior League. In many cases these bats will share the same logos, names, colors and markings. It is important to understand that Senior League bats will not be permitted in our league and are NOT ASA CERTIFIED even though the model may look very similar to a known ASA certified bat.
6.4 PITCHER’S MASK – Each team must provide their own pitcher’s mask. The mask must cover the pitchers eyes and forehead from being impacted by the ball. The league is giving the teams the benefit of the doubt for following these guidelines to protect their pitchers instead of selecting a standard mask for all teams to use.
6.5 CLEATS – Metal cleats are banned. If a player is caught wearing them during the game, they will ejected for that game and will receive a $200 fine.
6.6 PROTECTIVE GEAR: All players are encouraged to wear a cup to protect their sensitive areas.
POSTSEASON
7.1 SEEDING – Not every team is expected to make the playoffs. Each playoff round will consist of a best of 3 matchup. The seeding will be adjusted each round to arrange the highest seed against the lowest seed, and so on.
7.3 SUBSTITUTION RULES – During the postseason, teams will not be permitted to remove players from their lineup for any reason including injury. If a player must be removed from the game without a replacement, it will result in an automatic out every time that player’s spot is due in the lineup.
7.4 TIE BREAKER – If there is a tie between two teams with identical records, the tie breaker is the score of the game played between the two teams. (Head-to-head result). If there are two teams, and no clear victor can be determined through head-to-head competition, the second tie-breaker will be division record and third tie-breaker will be total number of defensive runs given up, divided by the number of innings played on defense, is computed for each team involved in the tie.
If a three-or-more-team tie exists and one team has defeated all of the other teams tied through head-to-head competition, that team will advance.
NOTE A: If a team only plays part of a half-inning on defense before the game is ended, that partial inning will count as a full half-inning for the purpose of computing ERA.
ADMINISTRATIVE
8.1 DISPUTES AND REQUESTS – All disputes and special requests will be reviewed by MSC board. Any issues that concern other owners in the league will be voted on as needed.
8.2 FEES – All fees must be paid in full by Opening Day or will result in late fees. Fines must be paid within 5 business days of assessment.
8.3 RULES – All rule changes will be communicated to the owners. It is the captain’s responsibility to communicate all rules line by line to their teams including any changes to the rules.
8.4 Stats – Teams are expected to track their own stats. Each owner will update their stats on the provided excel sheet.
8.5 ADDITIONAL RULES/ASA – Rules not covered in the MSC Rulebook will defer to general ASA rules. The umpire will discuss with the captains of any on the field rulings. These rulings will be documented and added into the MSC rulebook as needed.