West Carleton Minor Softball Association

Constitution 2011 Softball Season

WCMHLSA Article I: NAME

  The name of the organisation shall be the West Carleton Minor Softball Association (WCMSA). 

 

WCMHLSA Article II: OBJECTIVE

  The primary purpose of the WCMSA shall be to organize minor house league softball leagues for teams submitted to it by recognized Community Associations in West Carleton. To this end, the responsibilities of the WCMSA are:

a)  Scheduling:

To schedule all games for teams submitted to it by the Community Associations.

b)  Rules:

To establish a set of rules for leagues organised by the WCMSA The rules of play shall be those defined by "The Canadian Amateur Softball Association", herein after referred to as "Softball Canada".

  The WCMSA shall, where possible, assign season‑end tournaments to individual Community Associations for each of the leagues organized for that season.

  The WCMSA shall protect and promote the mutual interests of the members.

 

WCMSA Article III: MEMBERSHIP      

  Membership in the WCMSA shall be composed of such softball teams which:

i)       Are registered with and accepted by the WCMSA from a recognized Community Association in West Carleton.

ii)     Which agree to abide by and comply with the Constitution and by-laws of the WCMSA

iii)    Only the following Community Associations in West Carleton are recognised by the WCMSA:

a.    The Constance/Buckhams Bay Community Association

b.    The Dunrobin Community Association

c.    The Fitzroy Harbour Community Association

d.    The Huntley Community Association

e.    The Kinburn Community Association

f.    The Corkery Community Association

 

i)       Additional Community Associations will be recognised in the event that:

a.      They are a Community Association recognized by the City of Ottawa.

b.      They have a sufficient number of players in order to register teams with the WCMSA.

c.      They are capable of supplying adequate diamond time for their registered teams.

d.      They supply a voting representative to sit on the executive of the WCMSA.

e.      They are accepted by vote into the WCMSA.

 

WCMSA Article IV: OFFICERS

a)  Each recognized Community Association affiliated with the WCMSA shall appoint at least one representative. Such appointed representatives shall form the Executive of the WCMSA.

b)  The Executive shall elect or appoint annually a President, Vice-president, Umpire in Chief, Secretary and a Treasurer (or Secretary‑Treasurer in lieu of the latter two positions) from among its members.

c)  Executive voting privileges are extended to a single representative from each of the recognized community associations. The President shall not represent a Community Association. The President shall abstain from voting unless required to break a stalemate. If a stalemate occurs, the president shall vote to break the tie.

d)  The Executive shall have the right to create any additional non‑voting positions that they deem necessary.

e)  The President of the WCMSA will meet as required with other recognized minor ball associations.

 

WCMSA Article V: AMENDMENTS

  The Constitution of the WCMSA shall not be altered except at a meeting of the Executive and a notice of the proposed amendments shall be provided by the Secretary in writing prior to the date of the meeting. All proposed amendments to the Constitution or By-laws require a two third's majority of the voting members for approval.


WCMSA By-laws: RULES OF ORDER

  Rules of Order to be followed are laid down by the By-laws of Softball Canada. Unless otherwise stated, Softball Canada Rules will govern all games.

  Age groups will be as follows:

League Name

Birth Year

Distances

Pitching   Bases

Ball Size

Innings

Atom

2004, 2003

  22’

  40’

11”*

5

Mite

2002, 2001

  25’**

  45’

11”*

5

Squirt

2000, 1999****

  32’**

  50’**

11” 

6

Peewee

1998, 1997****

  35’**

  55’**

11” 

7

Bantam Girls

1996, 1995***

  38’**

  55’

11” 

7

Midget Girls

1994, 1993***

  38’**

  55’

11” 

7

Bantam Boys

1996, 1995***

42’

  60’

12”

7

Midget Boys

1994, 1993***

42’

  60’

12”

7

Overage

1992***

  42’

  60’

12”

7

 

 

*   Incredi-ball-soft training softball.

 

**  Distances differ from those specified in Softball Canada Rule

    Book.

*** Bantam/Midget age differs from Softball Canada rules. Anyone born 1992 is an overage player.

**** For the 2011, due to Squirt/PeeWee girls registration, girls born in 2001 will be playing Mites and girls born in 1999 are playing PeeWee.

 

Note:  Any of the above age groups can be combined based on registration numbers of the current season.  Therefore pitching and bases distances, ball size and innings would adhere to the older age group specifications.

 

 

WCMSA By-law I: REGISTRATION

  The following rules shall govern the registration of the players.

i)       The number of players on any team registered with the WCMSA shall not have less than 7 or more than 15 players. Teams with a larger roster will be accepted upon approval of the voting members of the WCMSA Executive.

ii)     All players must register at their community centre before the player is allowed on the playing field.

iii)    A maximum of two (2) overage players will be allowed on any given team provided that:

a.      There is not a team available in their league (age group) within their Community Association.

b.      Each overage player must be approved by the voting members of the WCMSA Executive.

c.      Each overage player is not more than one year older than the age category of the league in which they will play.

iv)     During the playing season, overage players will be restricted in their defensive positions as follows:

a.      An overage player may not pitch or catch

b.      Only one overage player may play in the infield at any given time.

v)       Teams failing to comply with the above rules shall be considered in default and any games played in default shall be automatically forfeited to the opposing team.

vi)     A player cannot play both house league baseball and softball.

vii)    A player may be a spare on a competitive fastball team and play for a WCMSA house league.

 

WCMSA By-law II: GENERAL

i)       The Executive shall determine the format of league, play-off and/or tournament games.

ii)     A game called by the umpire on account of darkness, rain, etc., shall be a regulation game providing four or more complete innings have been played or if the home team shall have made more runs at the end of its third inning or before the completion of its fourth inning, than the visiting team has made in four complete innings.

iii)    Unless otherwise ordered, all games shall start at the following times with a fifteen minute grace period in which to field a team.

a.      Games on unlighted diamonds

‑ 6:30 p.m.

a.      Games on lighted diamonds

i.                                                  ‑ early game ‑ 6:30 p.m.

ii.                                                ‑ late game  ‑ 8:30 p.m. 

No inning shall begin after 8:00 pm unless agreed upon by umpire and both coaches.

A team may field a minimum of seven players with no penalty.

If no team has been fielded at the end of the grace period the team at fault shall forfeit the game.

i)       Should a player arrive after the start of a game, his name shall be put at the bottom of the roster and the player may enter the game.

ii)     The home team shall provide the plate umpire and the base umpire.

iii)    Junior umpires shall be at least one (1) year older than the players on the competing teams. Level I umpires can umpire at any level.

iv)     Both the home and visiting teams shall provide a suitable ball for each game. For Squirt level and up the home team must provide a new ball.

v)       Each team shall elect a captain to represent them on the field.

vi)     If a team is unable to meet a league commitment for any reason and they know beforehand, they should phone the coach of the opposing team:

a.      At least 1‑hour prior to game time in the event of inclement weather, or,

b.      At least 2‑days prior to the game date for other reasons.

A forfeit will apply unless a mutual agreement is reached by both teams to re‑schedule the game.

The home team must notify the umpire(s) of the game cancellation.

i)       Each player must play at least two innings on the field.

ii)     It shall be the responsibility of the home team coaches to keep score sheets until the end of the season.

iii)    Should a player choose and be accepted to play on an adult team, the player forfeits the privilege of being a player in a team under the auspices of the WCMSA community league at the same time.

iv)     Steel cleats are not allowed.

v)       A player may play in one age group only during an individual season. If a player plays in the age group above, even for only one legitimate game, then they are ineligible to play at their normal age group.  Any exception to this rule must be approved by the voting members of the WCMSA executive.

WCMSA By-law III : RULES MODIFICATIONS

  The following modifications to the rules as defined by Softball Canada will be followed for league, tournament and/or playoff games for the following leagues. These rules will override By-law II.

 ATOM

i)       Nine players are on the field.  The “pitcher” may play beside or behind the batting team’s adult pitcher. Three outfielders must be stationed 10 feet outside the base paths.  This is to eliminate stacking the infield and to encourage and instruct the children in position play.

ii)     Half-way through the season, about week 4, the coach may allow the boys and girls to try pitching.  A helmet and mask are mandatory for the youth pitchers for safety reasons.

iii)    Players are to be encouraged to throw and catch the ball. The excessive practice on the part of the player, especially the pitcher, of running the ball to first base or home or of rolling the ball will result in the runner being called safe.

iv)     All players on a team bat in their specified order.

v)       An inning is over when:

a.   all the players on a team have batted

vi)     When the number of players on opposing teams are unequal the team with the lesser number of players shall bat for the purposes of “a” above the same number of players as the team with the more players.

vii)    A batter is out after five pitches, this also pertains to the last batter.

viii)  The children must be taught not to throw their bat after hitting the ball. A player who throws a bat should be warned the first time and the reasons for the rule explained. If the player throws the bat again during the game they are to be called out.

ix)     The runner can only run when the ball is in play. A runner cannot lead off a base or steal a base.

x)       The ball is dead when returned to the infield. Runners can proceed to the base to which they were advancing at their own risk.

xi)     When a team bats through the order the coach of the team at bat must announce that the last batter is up when they come to the plate.  On the last play, the play at home is a forced play.

xii)    A runner may not advance on any overthrown ball (it does not matter if the ball is in fair territory or out of play).

xiii)  The coach of the defensive team shall be allowed on the playing field to instruct the players on all aspects of defensive softball.

 

Note:  Pitching by players may be introduced at the discretion of the coaches, halfway through the season.  This should be limited to 2nd year players moving up to Mites next year.

WCMSA By-law III : RULE MODIFICATIONS

  The following modifications to the rules as defined by Softball Canada will be followed for league, tournament and/or playoff games for the following leagues. These rules will override By-law II.

MITE  

i)       The coach of the defensive team shall be allowed on the playing field to instruct the players on all aspects of defensive softball.

ii)     As in softball three outfielders are employed. These players must be stationed 10 feet outside the base paths. This is to eliminate stacking the infield and to encourage and instruct the children in position play.

iii)    There is no stealing on a pitched ball.

iv)     The batter is automatically out on a third strike.

v)       The infield fly rule does not apply.

vi)     A player may not pitch more than two innings during a single game.

vii)    The pitcher may not use a windmill in his/her windup.

viii)  Pitcher must have at least one foot on the mound and the second foot on or behind the mound with only a one step delivery of the ball.

ix)     Each team will bat a maximum of 8 batters in an inning or 3 outs.  The last batter cannot be walked, he/she must hit or strike out. If the last batter hits, the play is a force play to home plate to end the inning unless a 3rd out play is made in the field. 

x)       The ball is dead when returned to the infield. Runners can proceed to the base to which they were advancing at their own risk.

xi)     A runner may not advance on any overthrown ball (it does not matter if the ball is in fair territory or out of play).

xii)    At the umpire’s discretion the pitcher can be removed if not throwing strikes.

 WCMHLSA By-law III : RULE MODIFICATIONS

  The following modifications to the rules as defined by Softball Canada will be followed for league, tournament and/or playoff games for the following leagues. These rules will override By-law II.

SQUIRT

i)       A team will be allowed to make unlimited substitutions at any stage of the game except when the ball is in play.

ii)     The in‑field fly rule does not apply.

iii)    A player may not pitch more than three innings during a single game (9 outs).

iv)     A pitcher may only appear on the mound twice. If a pitcher starts the game and is relieved in the second inning then reappears in the fourth inning they must finish their nine outs or be removed from pitching totally. 

v)       If a pitcher comes in during an inning and the inning ends on the 8th batter rule that pitcher will be charged with the remaining outs left in that inning.

vi)     The pitcher may use a windmill providing he/she can control the delivery of the ball to avoid injury to other players.

vii)    Pitcher must have at least one foot on the mound and the second foot on or behind the mound with only a one step delivery of the ball.

viii)  Each team will bat a maximum of 8 batters in an inning or 3 outs.  The last batter cannot be walked; he/she must hit or strike out. If the last batter hits, the play is a force play to home plate to end the inning unless a 3rd out play is made in the field. 

ix)     At the umpire’s discretion the pitcher can be removed if not throwing strikes.

x)       One base can be stolen on a pitched ball. On a throw to any base a runner on third may steal home. A runner on third may not steal home on a pitched ball. An errant throw of the ball from the catcher to the pitcher is not an overthrow and the player on third cannot steal home.

xi)     The batter is out on the third strike.

WCMHLSA By-law III : RULE MODIFICATIONS

  The following modifications to the rules as defined by Softball Canada will be followed for league, tournament and/or playoff games for the following leagues. These rules will override By-law II.

 PEEWEE

i)       A team will be allowed to make unlimited substitutions at any stage of the game except when the ball is in play.

ii)     A player may not pitch more than three innings during a single game (9 outs).

iii)    A pitcher may only appear on the mound twice. If a pitcher starts the game and is relieved in the second inning then reappears in the fourth inning they must finish their nine outs or be removed from pitching totally.

iv)     If a pitcher comes in during an inning and the inning ends on the 8th batter rule that pitcher will be charged with the remaining outs left in that inning.

v)       The pitcher may use a windmill providing he/she can control the delivery of the ball to avoid injury to other players.

vi)     Pitcher must have at least one foot on the mound and the second foot on or behind the mound with only a one step delivery of the ball.

vii)    Each team will bat a maximum of 8 batters in an inning or 3 outs.  The last batter cannot be walked; he/she must hit or strike out. If the last batter hits, the play is a force play to home plate to end the inning unless a 3rd out play is made in the field. 

viii)  At the umpire’s discretion the pitcher can be removed if not throwing strikes.

ix)     The infield fly rule is in effect.

x)       One base can be stolen on a pitched ball.  A runner may steal home.

xi)     The batter may run on a dropped third strike.

SQUIRT/PEEWEE GIRLS AND BOYS

Same rules should be followed as per PEEWEE Rules except for the following:

i)       A single squirt pitcher may not pitch more than three innings during a single game (9 outs).

ii)     If only using PeeWee pitchers, a PeeWee pitcher may not pitch more than two innings during a single game (6 outs).

 

WCMHLSA By-law III : RULE MODIFICATIONS

  The following modifications to the rules as defined by Softball Canada will be followed for league, tournament and/or playoff games for the following leagues. These rules will override By-law II.

 BANTAM/MIDGET RULE MODIFICATION

i)       A team will be allowed to make unlimited substitutions at any stage of the game except when the ball is in play.

ii)     A single Bantam pitcher may not pitch more than four innings during a single game.

iii)    Midget pitchers may not pitch more than three innings during a single game.

iv)     If only using midget pitchers, a midget pitcher may not pitch more than 2 innings during a single game.

v)       A pitcher may only appear on the mound twice. If a pitcher starts the game and is relieved in the second inning then reappears in the fourth inning they must finish their allowed number of outs or be removed from pitching totally. 

vi)     If a pitcher comes in during an inning and the inning ends on the 8th batter rule that pitcher will be charged with the remaining outs left in that inning.

vii)    The pitcher may use a windmill providing he/she can control the delivery of the ball to avoid injury to other players.

viii)  Each team will bat a maximum of 8 batters in an inning or 3 outs.  The last batter cannot be walked, he/she must hit or strike out. If the last batter hits, the play is a force play to home plate to end the inning unless a 3rd out play is made in the field. 

ix)      At the umpire’s discretion the pitcher can be removed if not throwing strikes.

x)       Only 3 Midget players may play in the infield at any given time (unless approved by the league before hand).

 

WCMSA By-law IV : PROTESTS AND SUSPENSIONS

a)  Any member of the league violating the Constitution or By‑laws or refusing to abide by the decision of the Executive shall be expelled or suspended.

b)  Any league member found guilty of striking an official shall be liable for suspension indefinitely. The length of suspension will be determined by the executive of the WCMHLSA.

c)  Umpires and coaches are requested to report any league member using obscene or profane language. As a means to deter violations of this rule, offenders may be suspended for the remainder of the season.

d)  A player or coach under the influence of any intoxicant, who arrives for a game, shall be suspended indefinitely at the discretion of the executive.

Offences incurred during play‑off/tournament games will be dealt with separately by the Executive.

WCMSA By-law V : TOURNAMENTS

a)  The executive shall determine the format of the tournament. In the event of a dispute during a tournament, the decision of the on site tournament co-ordinator shall be final.