SGSL General Rules

 

1.

 

GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP IS DEMANDED FROM ALL MEMBERS OF THIS LEAGUE. Absolutely NO harassment will be allowed

during the game play from coaches, parents or any fan attending our League games.

 

 

 

A.

All members of Summerville Girls Softball must sign the current SGSL Code of Ethics. Anyone refusing to do so will

not be permitted to participate in our league.

 

 

 

B.

Coaches will control players on the field and in the dugout.

 

 

 

C.

Coaches will be responsible for the conduct of parents and fans during the games.

 

 

 

 

1)

First Offense -- a warning will be issued.

 

 

 

 

 

2)

Second Offense – the coach and parent/fan will be ejected.

 

 

 

 

3)

Third Offense – suspension for the remainder of the season.

 

 

 

D.

The umpire has control and may eject any player, coach, or spectator for any infraction from what is considered good

sportsmanship.

 

 

 

E.

Any player or coach ejected from the game will miss that game and the next game.

 

 

 

 

1)

An ejected coach or spectator must leave the premises. An ejected coach may not assist outside the

premises during dismissed games. This will result in forfeiture.

 

 

 

 

2)

An approved assistant coach must be present or the game will be forfeited.

 

 

 

 

3)

An ejected player will be released to her parents or guardian if present. If a parent or guardian is

not present, she will remain in the dugout.

 

 

 

F.

No abusive, foul language or obscene gestures will be allowed at any time. This will be considered a penalty and

you will be ejected per the guidelines of rule 1-D

 

 

 

G.

Except as otherwise indicated, any infractions of the above rules will result in the following penalties:

 

 

 

 

1)

First Offense – a warning will be issued

 

 

 

 

2)

Second Offense – suspension for the remainder of the game and the next full game, to include playoff games.

 

 

 

 

3)

Third Offense – expulsion for the remainder of the season, to include playoff games.

 

 

 

H. No noise makers will be allowed while games are being played. i.e.: cowbells, radio, horns, duck calls etc.

 

2.

 

All coaches and players will follow ASA and League rules.

 

 

 

 

 

3.

 

8U will be 1:00 (One Hour) or five (5) innings in length, whichever comes first. If an inning is started, it must be finished, unless the

completion would not be a factor in determining the winner. Game start time is when the Home Plate Umpire says, “Take The Field” and

an inning is started when the last batter gets out.

 

10U, 12U & 14U will be 1:15 (One Hour and fifteen Minutes) or six (6) innings in length, whichever comes first. If an inning is started,

It must be finished, unless the completion would not be a factor in determining the winner.

 

 

 

 

A)

When a game has five (5) minutes or less remaining a new inning WILL NOT be started and the game will end.

 

 

 

 

 

4.

 

A SGSL Board Member will rule on field conditions before game time and the home plate umpire will decide on playing conditions once the

game is started. It is the coaches’ responsibility to check both pitching and base distances. All pitching and base distances will conform

to ASA Rule. Should it be discovered the distance is wrong, the inning will be completed and then the change made.

 

 

 

 

 

5.

 

A team may score a maximum of FIVE (5) runs per inning (innings 1 thru 5), for 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, & 18U divisions, with a maximum of 8

runs in the six (6th) inning. There will be a 10 run rule after completing 3-1/2 innings (bottom of 4th) and an 8 run rule will be enforced after 4-1/2

innings (bottom of 5th) if the home team is ahead. (For playoffs, see Rule 21).

 


 

6.

 

All players and coaches will wear complete uniforms. All players must have shirts tucked-in during game play.

 

 

 

 

A)

The league will furnish shirts with one (1) color print. One (1) additional color may be added provided the extra color

cost of $50.00 is paid prior to uniform deadline. If payment has not been received, shirts will be printed with

one (1) color. NO EXCEPTIONS. Teams must wear the shirts provided by the league for all games.

 

 

 

 

B)

Per ASA Rule 3, Section 6 B. All Players’ pants may be long, short, or mixed in style as long as they are alike in color.

Players may wear a solid color pair of sliding pants. It is not mandatory that all players wear sliding pants, but if the

sliding pants are showing; more than one player wears them; they must be like in color and style. No player may wear

ragged, frayed or slit legs on exposed sliding pants. Jeans may NOT be worn at any time.

 

 

 

 

 

C)

Players cannot play without complete matching uniforms. Coaches must wear matching team shirts.

 

 

 

 

 

D)

Hats may be worn as long as they are the same color and conform to the uniform. No dew rags, handkerchiefs or headbands

are allowed. (For League Play ONLY)

 

 

 

 

E)

Failure to adhere to Rule 6 in its entirety will result in the following:

 

 

 

 

 

1)

First Offense – a warning will be issued.

 

 

 

 

 

2)

Second Offense – suspension for the remainder of the game.

 

 

 

 

F)

In the event of a Health/Medical problem or an accident with a uniform, only a Board Official/Umpire can override this rule.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

 

Every player will play two (2) full innings (six (6) offensive outs and six (6) defensive outs) in a game. This means that starting players

CANNOT be substituted until the TOP OF THE THIRD INNING, this is mandatory for 10U, 12U, 14u and 18U. (See Division Rules)

When a game is called for time, then any player(s) that did not play two (2) complete innings will start the next game unless the

Coach benches that player for unexcused absence or disciplinary action, which has to be stated on the back of line-up card before the

game. Failure to play all players will result in the following actions.

 

 

 

 

A)

The winning team in violation will forfeit the game.

 

 

 

 

B)

The head coach will be suspended for the next game.

 

 

 

 

C)

The player(s) that did not play all of their two (2) full consecutive innings due to time being called WILL start the next game.

 

 

 

 

D)

The player(s) that did not play ANY of their two (2) full consecutive innings due to time being called WILL start the

next game and will play the entire next game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.

 

SUBSTITUTE PLAYERS CANNOT BE RE-ENTERED INTO A GAME, UNTIL THEIR SUBSTITUTE PLAYS THEIR TWO FULL INNINGS.

ALL PLAYERS MUST PLAY 2 FULL CONSECUTIVE INNINGS.

 

EXCEPTION: A starter and her sub may be in the game at the same time, only to avoid forfeit

due to injury/illness. When the starter returns to the game, the sub will move to the

injured/ill player’s batting order. A player substituting due to the “Blood Rule” may leave

and re-enter the game without penalty.

 

 

 

9.

 

Team lineup cards for the official scorekeeper MUST include the following: (Line-up card not filled out correctly, will be returned.)

 

 

 

 

A)

Starting lineup – Last name, first initial and uniform number.

 

 

 

 

B)

Substitutes – Last name, first initial and uniform number.

 

 

 

 

C)

Any player that is sick, injured, absent or on disciplinary action must be listed on the back of the lineup card.

 

 

 

 

D)

All coaches and adults in the dugout must be listed on the back of the lineup card.

 

 

 

 

E)

A coach at his/her discretion may play any player listed on the back of the lineup card.

 

 

 

 

F)

LINEUP CARDS MUST BE IN THE HANDS OF THE OFFICIAL SCOREKEEPER 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO GAME TIME,

WITH A COPY TO THE OPPOSING TEAM COACH.

 

 

 

 

G)

THE HEAD COACH MUST GIVE ALL CHANGES AND SUBSTITUTIONS TO THE OFFICIAL SCOREKEEPER AND

OPPOSING TEAM. SUBSTITUTIONS WILL BE MADE FROM THE PLAYING FIELD.

 

 

 

 

H)

Any coach not adhering to Rule 9 will receive one (1) warning for his/her first offense. The second offense will

result in a one game suspension. The Board will administer this rule.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.

 

All regular season teams may have only one (1) head coach and two (2) assistant coaches in any game situation. Only coaches, a team

mom and players, will be allowed in the dugout not to exceed a total of four (4) with team mom. This rule will be enforced in accordance

with ASA Rules. The only persons covered by League insurance are players, coaches, asst. coaches and team moms with approved

applications on file with the Board. 8U is not to exceed 5 coaching staff/team mom in the dugout.

ALL INDIVIDUALS IN DUGOUT MUST BE WEARING A TEAM SHIRT AT ALL TIMES.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.

 

The league will be responsible for the official scorekeeper. Once the game has started the official scorekeeper will not inform anyone of

a team that bats out of order. Only a coach may approach the plate umpire and request a ruling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.

 

The Press Box is off limits to everyone but the Official Scorekeepers, Head Coaches participating in a game in progress, and

League Officials. Unauthorized visitors will be asked to leave. (If head coach is not present, the asst. coach will act as the authorized agent.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.

 

A player’s number must be visible at all times. For all inclement weather condition, garments must be worn under jersey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.

 

Sunglasses may be worn as long as they have plastic frames and lenses. Prescription glasses with safety lens may be worn anytime.

Jewelry of ANY KIND is not allowed. (NO EXCEPTIONS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15.

 

Catchers will wear headgear, mask, shin guards, and chest protector during all warm-ups, practices on all fields and games. Face guards

are required on all batting helmets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16.

 

All coaches, but 1 will stay in the dugout. The Head Coach may stay within five (5) feet of the dugout opening while on defense. All players

not involved in game play must stay in the dugout during the game. NO SITTING OUTSIDE DUGOUTS ON BUCKETS.

Failure to adhere to this rule will result in the following:

 

 

 

 

A)

First Offense – Warning.

 

 

 

 

B)

Second Offense – One (1) game suspension

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17.

 

Any protest of an ASA Rule or League Rule Infraction (no judgment call) must be brought to the attention of the home plate umpire

and/or scorekeeper/SGSL Official at the time of the infraction by the head coach stating that they are playing the game under protest,

the game will continue to play thru time limit. Any protest that is pursued must be brought to the attention of the League President or

Vice President in writing within 24 hours from game completion time. Failure to do so will result in a dismissed protest.

A $100.00 cash fee must accompany all protests and will be refunded if the protest is upheld.

All parties involved may request a hearing with the League Board. If it is a rebuttal; it too must have $100.00 fee and be heard

by the Executive Board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18.

 

NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR ILLEGAL DRUGS WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE STANDS, DUGOUTS OR ON THE PLAYING OR

PRACTICE FIELD AT ANYTIME. THERE WILL BE NO DRINKING OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WHILE COACHING OR

CHAPERONING PLAYERS DURING SEASON PLAY. THERE WILL BE NO USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS OR E-CIGARETTES IN

THE SGSL PLAYING FIELD AND COMMON AREA (DUGOUT, PRACTICE FIELD, PLAYING FIELD OR PRESS BOX).

FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THIS RULE WILL RESULT IN THE FOLLOWING:

 

 

 

 

A)

Coaches:

 

 

 

 

1)

First Offense for alcohol and drug use – Immediate dismissal.

 

 

 

 

 

2)

First Offense for use of tobacco products, e-cigarettes will result in a written warning.

 

 

 

 

 

3)

Second Offense for use of tobacco products e-cigarettes will result in immediate dismissal.

 

 

 

 

B)

Parents, Fans and Supporters will be asked to leave the premises if found drinking, smoking or vaping around or near field

of play. Failure to do so will result in the Law Enforcement being contacted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19.

 

Our League will not use the EH (extra hitter).

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

20.

 

Head coaches will be responsible for all equipment that is issued to his/her team. All equipment must be turned in after the last regular

season game. Head coaches will be responsible for the cost of all missing or damaged equipment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21.

 

FOR LEAGUE PLAYOFF GAMES, WE WILL PLAY SIX (6) INNINGS with a time limit of 1:30 (One Hour and Thirty Minutes). If an inning

is started, it must be finished, unless the completion would not be a factor in determining the winner. THE TEN (10) RUN RULE WILL

APPLY AFTER FIVE (5) COMPLETE INNINGS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22.

 

There will be no infield practice for either team prior to games. Exceptions: pitcher/catcher can warmup outside the baseline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23.

 

NON-APPROVED BATS FOR LEAGUE PLAY: Double/Multi wall or greater, titanium alloy, composite (any part of bat) including

two (2) piece interchangeable construction bats and bats with greater than 1.2 bpi will not be allowed in league play including bats

listed on ASA list. Any bat in question must have Board approval. **PLEASE NOTE THAT ASA APPROVED DOES NOT EQUAL

SGSL APPROVED.

VIOLATION: As stated per ASA Rule 7 Section 6-B

Any bat removed from a game may be held by the SGSL President for 24 hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24.

 

All outfield players will be positioned behind the baseline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25.

 

NO COACH WILL BE ALLOWED TO HEAD COACH IN TWO DIVISIONS. (Exceptions MUST be approved by the SGSL Board.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26.

 

Requests for rescheduling of games may be CONSIDERED for church; school functions or death in family if it would put the team

below nine (9) players. Requests must be submitted IN WRITING to the SGSL BOARD AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR OF

SCHEDULED GAMES.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27.

 

Players may not serve as base coaches under any circumstances.

 

 

 

 

 

 

28.

 

Players who are being treated for an injury as a result of playing with SGSL, and who are/will be covered by SGSL's insurance,

must have a written doctor’s release before practicing and/or playing. All injuries must be reported to a SGSL Board Members

immediately via e-mail, text or call, and a follow-up in email or text message.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29.

 

Coach-Pitch, and Fast-Pitch teams will adhere to the Summerville Girls Softball League Rules, By-Laws and ASA Rule Book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30.

 

Players on any team forced to dissolve per SGSL By-Laws, Article 2, Section 1 will become eligible to be picked-up by any coach

prior to the draft. Exceptions to draft rules by Board approval only.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31.

 

Girls that are playing B-Team or Junior Varsity softball for their schools will be allowed to begin playing with the Summerville Girls

Softball League once the school season has ended. The following will apply to these players.

 

 

 

 

A)

They will pay the entire registration fee.

 

 

 

 

B)

These players will NOT be considered returning players to any team. They will be assigned in draft order as per SGSL

bylaws (Article 3, section 2)

 

 

 

 

C)

If a player is the coach’s daughter, they will be allowed to return to that team; however, the coach must use his protection

at the drafts to protect her to the team.

 

 

 

 

D)

These players will be allowed to late register up to ONE WEEK PRIOR to their school season ending

 

 

 

 

E)

Any other player that signs up after drafts will be picked up according to draft order.

 

 


 

 

 

32.

 

For All Divisions: ******** IMPORTANT FOR ALL COACHES TO KNOW ********************

A pitcher may not hit more than three (3) batters in any single inning or more than five (5) in a game. If a pitcher hits three (3)

batters in one inning, she must be removed from the mound for the remainder of that inning. She does not need to be removed

from the playing field; she just cannot pitch for the rest of that inning. If she returns to the mound and hits 2 additional batters,

she will not be allowed to pitch for the remainder of that game.

 

 

 

All coaches, players, and members of our League must follow all of the above rules. Any exceptions will bring disciplinary action

by the SGSL Officials.

 

ALL other League and ASA Rules apply!

Revised: 1/14/2015; 12/12/2016; 3/22/2018; 8/16/2018