# 570 Church Softball League Rules
Vision: To see the churches of the area come together and have fun competing in slowpitch softball games!
Upfront details:
Season will be the beginning of May to the end of July
We will need Pastors approval for church goers and non church goers to join the league
Register at least 15 people, 5 may be free agents
$35 a person for the season. This will cover umps throughout the season
We will be playing at the Pine Brook field in Stroudsburg PA and at Tuscarora Conference Center Field
Guaranteed 9 weeks and 9 games of regular season softball (weather depending)
Churches are responsible for their own jerseys if they would like them
Bats, bases, and balls must be supplied by each church (link below)
Teams may have any amount of males and females
This is what we need from you
What day of the week works best for you to have games in the evenings at 6pm (minimum 3 weekday availability)
We will need each player to sign a liability waiver
A head coach from each team to be in direct contact with Aaron Tanner and Joel Fernandez
Payment and player rosters received by INSERT DATE HERE
Rules & Important Notes
Rosters. All players must be 18 years of age or older (unless a player has experience playing base/softball with a signed permission form.) Each team is permitted five (5) free agents on its roster. Other team members must be members or regular attendees; this must be verified with a signed roster from the minister/pastor/priest. Members/regular attendees can be added at any time during the season with signed written permission from the above. If a player’s name is not on the roster, or if that player does not possess a signed letter of permission from the minister/pastor/priest of his/her parish before a game begins, that player is not permitted to play. Use of such a player by any team will constitute a forfeit. All teams must present a roster each season to the League Secretary prior to playing any games.
Players. Teams may play with 8-10 players. If you have at least 8 players, the game must begin (do not wait for additional players). There shall be no penalty (i.e., an
automatic out in the batting order), for batting less than 10 players. If a team has less than 8 players, you have a grace period until 6:15 PM for the game, 6:35 PM for the second game. There is no limit to the amount of batters in a lineup. However, you can not add players to the lineup after the lead-off batter has entered the batter’s box for the second time in a game. (Exception – short-handed teams may add the 9th or 10th player provided that they have reserved the spot(s) in the batting order. In this case, if the player(s) are not available when their turn comes to bat, an automatic out will be recorded.) Extra hitters can switch and play a defensive position during the game. Note: ASA re-entry rule. A player may be substituted for an injury or emergency situation (not ejection). If a legal substitute is available, that player must be used. If no player is available, an automatic out will result. If an injury or ejection results in a team having less than 8 players that team will forfeit the game.
Head coach/ manager. Each team must have an appointed head coach who is a member of the represented church. They will be responsible for collecting each player's $35 at the beginning of the season, reporting final scores of each game, forfeiting at least 24 hr before game time, collecting teams info such as first/ last name, DOB, signed waiver forms, Pastoral approval, rosters, and equipment. There will be a head coach meeting sometime in the beginning of INSERT DATE HERE
Book Keeper. Each team will be required to have a book keeper present for both games. Book keepers may track the game on paper or on the Game Changer app by Dick Sporting Goods. Stats are not required for team seating, only the win loss ratio.
Courtesy catchers. If a team has only 8 players, the other team, if willing, can supply that team with a “courtesy catcher.” The courtesy catcher will retrieve and return pitched balls to the pitcher, and can not make a play or be involved in a play in any manner. Any of the idle players can be used as a courtesy catcher throughout the game. If an additional player or players show up for the 8-player team the courtesy catcher can no longer be supplied.
Courtesy runners. Each team is limited to three players in the lineup who may have courtesy runners. The names of these players should be given to the opposing team prior to the game when the lineups are exchanged. Any player in the lineup can be used as a courtesy runner. That player can only be used once per inning as a runner, unless running for the same player again in the same inning. If that player is on base when it is his/her turn to bat, the player will be out, and, provided that does not make the third out, then will be allowed to bat. Teams are reminded they should refrain from using the same players as courtesy runners simply to gain an advantage with speed.
Forfeits/forfeiting outs. The forfeiting team must pay the umpire. Five forfeits shall cause a team to be dismissed for the remainder of the season. There is no refund of league fees and the team can not participate in tournaments, etc. A team may forfeit outs at any time of their at-bat. The players whose turn it was when the outs were forfeited will lose their at-bats.
Prayer. The first home team is to have prayer before beginning the first game (and also supplies bases, etc.). Either team may stop play if additional prayer is needed (injury, high tense level, etc.).
Abusive language/fighting. There is to be no foul or abusive language, physical confrontation, taunting, harassing, trash talking, making fun of, arguing, verbal abuse, or fighting by players or spectators. Coaches must talk to players or fans having unintentional slips; coaches are responsible for maintaining discipline. If an umpire removes a player for bad language, he will be suspended by the league for three (3) games. This is a church league- Christian sportsmanship is more important than winning! If a player is ejected, he/she must be replaced; if no replacement is available, an automatic out results each time that player has an at-bat. Fighting will result in a one-year suspension for the first offense, and indefinite suspension for the second offense.
Tobacco/drugs/alcohol. These are banned in any form from the playing field, bench area, spectator areas, and field property. There is to be no consumption of alcohol at any games; no beverage or container of alcohol is to be seen at the fields or parking areas. (Note: failure to comply could result in the loss of the fields we use.)
Collisions. Runners must avoid all collisions with fielders preparing to tag them by sliding into the base or just giving yourself up. (Failure to do so will result in the runner being called out.) Fielders cannot fake a play (or a throw) at a base, causing a runner to slide unnecessarily. A catcher or any other fielder cannot block a runner’s access to a base or the plate. We want to avoid injuries as much as possible! Base runners must touch home plate, not the strike mat.
Coaches/contacts. Each team shall supply three (3) adults to contact for emergencies, rainouts, meetings, rescheduling, etc. All disagreements are to be resolved by team managers. You cannot protest judgement calls. Teams need to be represented at meetings!
Fields & games. Doubleheaders begin at 6 PM. “Home Team” on the schedule will be home for the first game; switch it for the second. Those arriving early can take turns for batting practice. When play is completed, areas are to be left clean. Be careful to watch our children- destruction of property is not allowed. Participants and spectators are prohibited from bringing pets unless they are on leash and cleaned up after. Practices are also held and organized by each church on their own.
9 inning rule: Due to imminent weather or impending darkness to where visibility is becoming hard, head coaches may agree to change the double header to one, 9 inning game. Games are regularly 7 innings.
Scheduling. No scheduling, cancellations, or rescheduling games are to be based on other league schedules or lack of players or “key” players. Only weather or church services and activities can be factors.
Rainouts. Either coach has the right to cancel due to bad weather. This must be done at least one hour before game time. At the field, only the umpire can call off the game. Reschedule games as soon as possible.
Game results. A representative from either team must call or text the game results to the league organizer (Aaron Tanner-570-507-6298). Simply indicate which team won the games. Scores are not necessary. We recommend using the app Game Changer and creating an account under a trusted member of the team's email. This will allow players to review stats of games and keep track of in game book keeping.
Bats/uniforms/spikes. All bats must have at least 9” of tape or other approved material on the handle to prevent slipping out of the batter’s hands. Bats must be: single wall and single piece, aluminum, or wood, NO composite. If there is any doubt, bat must be removed from the game until it can be inspected by church league officers. Uniforms are optional. Shoes and shirts must be worn. No metal spikes are permitted for warm-ups, practice, or games.
Ball regulations: There are multiple kinds of softballs used in slow pitch softball leagues. Instead of the 44 core at .375 compression, we are opting for the 52 core with .300 compression. The 52s opt for a softer impact in are better for a single wall bats.
Expenses. Each team provides all equipment- including gloves, bats, home base, pitching rubber, strike mat, uniforms, etc. money due per player and per church will go directly to Aaron Tanner (league organizer).
.
Here is a link to buy and customize jerseys per church. Each church is responsible for uniforms if they would like them. Custom Jerseys Baseball, Basketball, Football & Hockey at Fansidea
Here is a link for home plates if needed- Amazon.com: S&S Worldwide Home Plate Extension. Portable Rubber Target Creates an Automatic Strike Zone for Slow Pitch Softball Games. : Sports & Outdoors
Here is a link for correct softballs-
https://a.co/d/09egG7hj
Here is a link for correct style bat-
https://a.co/d/bMYtsGG
Mercy rule. Goes into effect after 3, 4, and 5 full innings of play (2 ½, 3 ½, 4 ½, if the home team is leading) by 20, 15, and 10 runs respectively. Compare scores every half-inning to make sure they are correct. Report any lineup changes to the other team.
Home run rule. When playing at any field where a fair fly ball that crosses an obstruction (such as a fence, wall, stream, hill, woods, etc.) is deemed to be an automatic home run, each team is limited to three (3) automatic home runs per game. After that, it will be counted as a walk, and any base runners will advance only if forced. There is no limit to the amount of home runs when the ball remains in the field of play (“inside the park” home runs).
Blood rule. Players with blood on any part of their uniform or exposed flesh must immediately leave the game until the problem is taken care of (it is recommended that you keep an extra change of clothes in your car).
Umpire & league by-laws. Each game will have an ASA umpire, who has complete authority, and will be played according to ASA rules. (Note: any league by-laws supercede the ASA rulebook.) If no umpire shows, either coach has the right to refuse to play and thus reschedule the game. Both head coaches may agree to play and officiate their own game (or get someone from another team, etc.).
Ground rule double. At Pinebrook if the ball rolls into the woods in the outfield off the bat and a player goes for and touches it it’s considered in play.
But if a player raises their hands and looks in field BEFORE touching the ball when the ball in the outfield rolls into the woods, it will be considered a ground rule double.
Playing rules and helpful hints. Each batter begins with a 1-1 count. 6-12’ arc, measured from the ground, on each pitch. The plate and strike mat are the strike area. If the umpire calls an illegal pitch: if you don’t swing, it’s a ball, if you swing, it’s in play. Although the new ASA rule is 70 feet, the league has agreed to leave the distance between bases at 65’ (back of home to back of 1st and 3rd). 91’11” from back of home to center of second and from first to third. Pitching rubber 50’ (back of plate to front of rubber). The pitcher may start from a position up to 10 feet behind the pitcher’s plate. The pitching rubber cannot be changed during the game. No bunting allowed. 10 second maximum between pitches. No leading off or stealing bases (base runners cannot leave base until the ball is hit). Third strike foul and the batter is out. Remember: our main purpose is to have fun, recreation, and Christian fellowship! Show good sportsmanship- encourage others (including the other team) when they make a good play or try their best. Be positive in attitude. Don’t harass the other team or the umpire.
Remember
Our main purpose is to have fun, recreation, and Christian fellowship. Show good sportsmanship—encourage others (including the other team) when they make a good play or try their best. Be positive in attitude. Do not harass the other team or the umpire.
Vision: To see the churches of the area come together and have fun competing in slowpitch softball games!
Upfront details:
Season will be the beginning of May to the end of July
We will need Pastors approval for church goers and non church goers to join the league
Register at least 15 people, 5 may be free agents
$35 a person for the season. This will cover umps throughout the season
We will be playing at the Pine Brook field in Stroudsburg PA and at Tuscarora Conference Center Field
Guaranteed 9 weeks and 9 games of regular season softball (weather depending)
Churches are responsible for their own jerseys if they would like them
Bats, bases, and balls must be supplied by each church (link below)
Teams may have any amount of males and females
This is what we need from you
What day of the week works best for you to have games in the evenings at 6pm (minimum 3 weekday availability)
We will need each player to sign a liability waiver
A head coach from each team to be in direct contact with Aaron Tanner and Joel Fernandez
Payment and player rosters received by INSERT DATE HERE
Rules & Important Notes
Rosters. All players must be 18 years of age or older (unless a player has experience playing base/softball with a signed permission form.) Each team is permitted five (5) free agents on its roster. Other team members must be members or regular attendees; this must be verified with a signed roster from the minister/pastor/priest. Members/regular attendees can be added at any time during the season with signed written permission from the above. If a player’s name is not on the roster, or if that player does not possess a signed letter of permission from the minister/pastor/priest of his/her parish before a game begins, that player is not permitted to play. Use of such a player by any team will constitute a forfeit. All teams must present a roster each season to the League Secretary prior to playing any games.
Players. Teams may play with 8-10 players. If you have at least 8 players, the game must begin (do not wait for additional players). There shall be no penalty (i.e., an
automatic out in the batting order), for batting less than 10 players. If a team has less than 8 players, you have a grace period until 6:15 PM for the game, 6:35 PM for the second game. There is no limit to the amount of batters in a lineup. However, you can not add players to the lineup after the lead-off batter has entered the batter’s box for the second time in a game. (Exception – short-handed teams may add the 9th or 10th player provided that they have reserved the spot(s) in the batting order. In this case, if the player(s) are not available when their turn comes to bat, an automatic out will be recorded.) Extra hitters can switch and play a defensive position during the game. Note: ASA re-entry rule. A player may be substituted for an injury or emergency situation (not ejection). If a legal substitute is available, that player must be used. If no player is available, an automatic out will result. If an injury or ejection results in a team having less than 8 players that team will forfeit the game.
Head coach/ manager. Each team must have an appointed head coach who is a member of the represented church. They will be responsible for collecting each player's $35 at the beginning of the season, reporting final scores of each game, forfeiting at least 24 hr before game time, collecting teams info such as first/ last name, DOB, signed waiver forms, Pastoral approval, rosters, and equipment. There will be a head coach meeting sometime in the beginning of INSERT DATE HERE
Book Keeper. Each team will be required to have a book keeper present for both games. Book keepers may track the game on paper or on the Game Changer app by Dick Sporting Goods. Stats are not required for team seating, only the win loss ratio.
Courtesy catchers. If a team has only 8 players, the other team, if willing, can supply that team with a “courtesy catcher.” The courtesy catcher will retrieve and return pitched balls to the pitcher, and can not make a play or be involved in a play in any manner. Any of the idle players can be used as a courtesy catcher throughout the game. If an additional player or players show up for the 8-player team the courtesy catcher can no longer be supplied.
Courtesy runners. Each team is limited to three players in the lineup who may have courtesy runners. The names of these players should be given to the opposing team prior to the game when the lineups are exchanged. Any player in the lineup can be used as a courtesy runner. That player can only be used once per inning as a runner, unless running for the same player again in the same inning. If that player is on base when it is his/her turn to bat, the player will be out, and, provided that does not make the third out, then will be allowed to bat. Teams are reminded they should refrain from using the same players as courtesy runners simply to gain an advantage with speed.
Forfeits/forfeiting outs. The forfeiting team must pay the umpire. Five forfeits shall cause a team to be dismissed for the remainder of the season. There is no refund of league fees and the team can not participate in tournaments, etc. A team may forfeit outs at any time of their at-bat. The players whose turn it was when the outs were forfeited will lose their at-bats.
Prayer. The first home team is to have prayer before beginning the first game (and also supplies bases, etc.). Either team may stop play if additional prayer is needed (injury, high tense level, etc.).
Abusive language/fighting. There is to be no foul or abusive language, physical confrontation, taunting, harassing, trash talking, making fun of, arguing, verbal abuse, or fighting by players or spectators. Coaches must talk to players or fans having unintentional slips; coaches are responsible for maintaining discipline. If an umpire removes a player for bad language, he will be suspended by the league for three (3) games. This is a church league- Christian sportsmanship is more important than winning! If a player is ejected, he/she must be replaced; if no replacement is available, an automatic out results each time that player has an at-bat. Fighting will result in a one-year suspension for the first offense, and indefinite suspension for the second offense.
Tobacco/drugs/alcohol. These are banned in any form from the playing field, bench area, spectator areas, and field property. There is to be no consumption of alcohol at any games; no beverage or container of alcohol is to be seen at the fields or parking areas. (Note: failure to comply could result in the loss of the fields we use.)
Collisions. Runners must avoid all collisions with fielders preparing to tag them by sliding into the base or just giving yourself up. (Failure to do so will result in the runner being called out.) Fielders cannot fake a play (or a throw) at a base, causing a runner to slide unnecessarily. A catcher or any other fielder cannot block a runner’s access to a base or the plate. We want to avoid injuries as much as possible! Base runners must touch home plate, not the strike mat.
Coaches/contacts. Each team shall supply three (3) adults to contact for emergencies, rainouts, meetings, rescheduling, etc. All disagreements are to be resolved by team managers. You cannot protest judgement calls. Teams need to be represented at meetings!
Fields & games. Doubleheaders begin at 6 PM. “Home Team” on the schedule will be home for the first game; switch it for the second. Those arriving early can take turns for batting practice. When play is completed, areas are to be left clean. Be careful to watch our children- destruction of property is not allowed. Participants and spectators are prohibited from bringing pets unless they are on leash and cleaned up after. Practices are also held and organized by each church on their own.
9 inning rule: Due to imminent weather or impending darkness to where visibility is becoming hard, head coaches may agree to change the double header to one, 9 inning game. Games are regularly 7 innings.
Scheduling. No scheduling, cancellations, or rescheduling games are to be based on other league schedules or lack of players or “key” players. Only weather or church services and activities can be factors.
Rainouts. Either coach has the right to cancel due to bad weather. This must be done at least one hour before game time. At the field, only the umpire can call off the game. Reschedule games as soon as possible.
Game results. A representative from either team must call or text the game results to the league organizer (Aaron Tanner-570-507-6298). Simply indicate which team won the games. Scores are not necessary. We recommend using the app Game Changer and creating an account under a trusted member of the team's email. This will allow players to review stats of games and keep track of in game book keeping.
Bats/uniforms/spikes. All bats must have at least 9” of tape or other approved material on the handle to prevent slipping out of the batter’s hands. Bats must be: single wall and single piece, aluminum, or wood, NO composite. If there is any doubt, bat must be removed from the game until it can be inspected by church league officers. Uniforms are optional. Shoes and shirts must be worn. No metal spikes are permitted for warm-ups, practice, or games.
Ball regulations: There are multiple kinds of softballs used in slow pitch softball leagues. Instead of the 44 core at .375 compression, we are opting for the 52 core with .300 compression. The 52s opt for a softer impact in are better for a single wall bats.
Expenses. Each team provides all equipment- including gloves, bats, home base, pitching rubber, strike mat, uniforms, etc. money due per player and per church will go directly to Aaron Tanner (league organizer).
.
Here is a link to buy and customize jerseys per church. Each church is responsible for uniforms if they would like them. Custom Jerseys Baseball, Basketball, Football & Hockey at Fansidea
Here is a link for home plates if needed- Amazon.com: S&S Worldwide Home Plate Extension. Portable Rubber Target Creates an Automatic Strike Zone for Slow Pitch Softball Games. : Sports & Outdoors
Here is a link for correct softballs-
https://a.co/d/09egG7hj
Here is a link for correct style bat-
https://a.co/d/bMYtsGG
Mercy rule. Goes into effect after 3, 4, and 5 full innings of play (2 ½, 3 ½, 4 ½, if the home team is leading) by 20, 15, and 10 runs respectively. Compare scores every half-inning to make sure they are correct. Report any lineup changes to the other team.
Home run rule. When playing at any field where a fair fly ball that crosses an obstruction (such as a fence, wall, stream, hill, woods, etc.) is deemed to be an automatic home run, each team is limited to three (3) automatic home runs per game. After that, it will be counted as a walk, and any base runners will advance only if forced. There is no limit to the amount of home runs when the ball remains in the field of play (“inside the park” home runs).
Blood rule. Players with blood on any part of their uniform or exposed flesh must immediately leave the game until the problem is taken care of (it is recommended that you keep an extra change of clothes in your car).
Umpire & league by-laws. Each game will have an ASA umpire, who has complete authority, and will be played according to ASA rules. (Note: any league by-laws supercede the ASA rulebook.) If no umpire shows, either coach has the right to refuse to play and thus reschedule the game. Both head coaches may agree to play and officiate their own game (or get someone from another team, etc.).
Ground rule double. At Pinebrook if the ball rolls into the woods in the outfield off the bat and a player goes for and touches it it’s considered in play.
But if a player raises their hands and looks in field BEFORE touching the ball when the ball in the outfield rolls into the woods, it will be considered a ground rule double.
Playing rules and helpful hints. Each batter begins with a 1-1 count. 6-12’ arc, measured from the ground, on each pitch. The plate and strike mat are the strike area. If the umpire calls an illegal pitch: if you don’t swing, it’s a ball, if you swing, it’s in play. Although the new ASA rule is 70 feet, the league has agreed to leave the distance between bases at 65’ (back of home to back of 1st and 3rd). 91’11” from back of home to center of second and from first to third. Pitching rubber 50’ (back of plate to front of rubber). The pitcher may start from a position up to 10 feet behind the pitcher’s plate. The pitching rubber cannot be changed during the game. No bunting allowed. 10 second maximum between pitches. No leading off or stealing bases (base runners cannot leave base until the ball is hit). Third strike foul and the batter is out. Remember: our main purpose is to have fun, recreation, and Christian fellowship! Show good sportsmanship- encourage others (including the other team) when they make a good play or try their best. Be positive in attitude. Don’t harass the other team or the umpire.
Remember
Our main purpose is to have fun, recreation, and Christian fellowship. Show good sportsmanship—encourage others (including the other team) when they make a good play or try their best. Be positive in attitude. Do not harass the other team or the umpire.