SMYRNA SENIOR SOFTBALL (SSS)2024 RULES AND REGULATIONS____________________________________________________________MISSION STATEMENT“TO HAVE FUN, EXERCISE WITHIN OUR CAPABILITIES, ENJOY THE COMPETITION, AND SOCIALIZE WHILE SHOWING RESPECT FOR AND HONORING THE GAME WE LOVE.”
1. GOVERNING STRUCTURE1. The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Division Representatives, one from each division along with the Rules Administrator. The officers and Division Representatives will be elected to two (2) year terms, or until their successor is elected. Any player including team managers or team representatives may be an officer.2. The Executive Committee will set league policy and conduct all league business.3. The Governing Body of Smyrna Senior Softball (SSS) will be composed of the Executive Committee and all team managers.4. The Governing Body will handle all the activities relative to the administration and enforcement of the rules and regulations of the SSS as they pertain to the teams and league play.5. An individual must be a team manager or a player to be a member of the Executive Committee or the Governing Body.6. A team manager may appoint a team representative to represent the team in the absence of the team manager. The team representative can be any player on the team’s roster. Each team manager or his team representative will be the legal voting member of the Governing Body.7. Each Governing Body member will have only one vote on all matters calling for a Governing Body vote. If a member of the Executive Committee is also a team manager, that person still has only one vote in Governing Body votes. As an example, if the Green Team manager is also the league president, the Green Team still has only one vote.8. Any decision of the Executive Committee may be challenged by requesting the League President to hold a Governing Body meeting and vote on the issue. Any decision of the Executive Committee may be overridden by a 2/3 vote of the Governing Body members in attendance at the meeting.
1. DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS1. The President will schedule and preside over all league meetings and functions, determine league and tournament awards, appoint replacements for Executive Committee members unable to complete their terms, deal with vendors used by the league, interpret the league’s Rules & Regulations, and rule on various business matters during the course of the season.2. The Vice President will preside over meetings and functions in the absence of the President, coordinate the development and use of all channels of communication such as newspapers, periodicals and websites for publicity purposes or for providing information to the league members, and coordinate special projects assigned by the Executive Committee.3. The Secretary will prepare or oversee the preparation of the league game schedule and updates, maintain the league player database, prepare forms and reports requested by external and internal sources, prepare and distribute league meeting minutes, and track and report/post league standings as needed.4. The Treasurer will receive and disburse all league monies, maintain the league’s financial records, maintain the league’s checking account, insure the league has a sufficient number of members with check signing authority, determine the cost of operating the league each season, work with other Executive Committee members to determine league/player fees, and prepare financial reports requested by the Governing Body.5. The Division Representatives will oversee the operation of their assigned division, serve as a liaison between the players and the Executive Committee, review the age verification document of each new player in the division, oversee and report on each team’s plan to add or delete players, vote on player additions as defined in the league’s Rules & Regulations, provide all player data to the league Secretary in order to maintain the player database, communicate and insure the implementation of league rules applicable to their division, and coordinate the league’s player assignment procedure in an attempt to balance teams and insure teams have s sufficient number of players.
1. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY1. All players new to the league are ineligible to participate until they have (1.) completed a PLAYER REGISTRATION FORM, (2.) provided proof of age to the Division Representative, and (3.) paid any required fees. A player’s age must be substantiated by a driver’s license or other photo ID deemed acceptable by the Executive Committee.2. In the Monday and Wednesday Division, a player must be 50 years old or become 50 during the current calendar year. 3. The Wednesday Division will be a recreation division. No "A" players will be allowed. 4. When age limits are changed by the Executive Committee from one year to the next, players already on a team who do not meet the new eligibility criteria may continue playing on the team, unless the Executive Committee requires all players to meet the new eligibility criteria.5. When eligibility due to age is in doubt, it must be reported to the division’s Division Representative within 48 hours of the game being played. If not reported within that time limit, the game will be considered official; except that a willful violation of this rule may always be addressed.6. Any player whose age eligibility is in question must provide acceptable proof of age to the respective Division Representative before that player can continue playing in the league.
1. ROSTERS1. All rosters will be submitted on the form furnished by the league with full name, address, year of birth, and at least one phone number for all players.2. A team shall be limited to 15 players on its roster at any one time. The coaches do not have to play. In addition, coaches will not count towards the roster limit nor will they have to pay entry fees. Coach must designate himself as either a “player/coach” or as a “non player/coach” If he is a “player/coach”, he is not counted in the roster size but must play before adding pick-up players for a game. 3. During the first half of the season and through the third game of the second half, managers can add age eligible players with only their signature and the signature of the Division Representative.4. After the third game of the second half of the season, roster additions may be made only with the unanimous approval of all the managers in the division.5. The Division Representative must be advised of all roster changes (additions and deletions) before the changes are made. The Division Representative will then advise the league Secretary so that the player database can be updated.6. The league does not want teams dropping players from their rosters merely to add more skilled players. The Division Representative must insure this doesn’t happen.7. Individuals looking to play on an SSS team and who have not been recruited by a manager should be referred to the SSS President who will notify the appropriate Division Representative(s) to coordinate team assignments.8. A player who wants to change teams within a season can do so only if the manager of the team he wants to leave notifies the Division Representative that he releases the player.
1. EQUIPMENT1. Starting in 2017, only bats that are USA-Certified and bear an USA certification stamp will be legal for regular season and post-season play. All non-USA stamped bats are illegal. Bats that bear the USA-certification stamp but are currently listed on the “USA Non-Approved Bat List with Certification Marks” are also ineligible for use. A player found using an illegal bat will be ejected immediately from the game and will be assessed a subsequent two game suspension. 2. Starting in 2025, ON MONDAY NIGHTS ONLY, Senior bats will be allowed. Bats must be marked with the new 2025 SSUSA/NTS logo. Older bats must be marked SSUSA approved (or have SSUSA logo), with 1.21 BPF or less.3. Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department will furnish two new yellow Dudley .44 core, 375 compression softballs and up to two such used softballs in playing condition per game. The umpires will determine whether or not a ball is in playing condition.4. When a strike zone mat with a painted on home plate is used, a catcher can be touching ANY part of the mat in order to force out a runner at home.5. A pitcher’s safety net will be used in both divisions. The safety net will be placed 10 feet in front of the rubber so that the pitcher is actually pitching over the net. (See Section 6, articles n through q for rules regarding pitchers, batters and fielders hitting the net.)6. All players must wear similar colored numbered shirts. This rule may not be used to protest the outcome of a game. There will be a two week grace period for teams at the start of the season. Coaches are encouraged to have a supply of shirts that can be issued to players added during the season, however, there will be a two week grace period if additional shirts need to be ordered.7. Steel spikes are not allowed. A player may not play shoeless.8. Bases will be placed at 70 feet for both divisions.
1. GAME PLAY RULES1. All games will be played under USA Slow Pitch Rules, except specifically modified herein.2. Lineups must be turned into the official scorekeeper 5 minutes prior to the scheduled game time. A proper lineup card consists of both last name of player and initial and uniform number. Games will not start at their scheduled time without a lineup, but the clock shall run.3. Games will consist of 7 innings with a time of 55 minutes. The game clock will start when the home team pitcher has begun his warm up pitches. Umpires retain the right to instruct the timekeeper to start the time clock if, in their opinion, players are delaying the start of a game.4. The open inning rule will be called by the umpire. An inning has ended at the time the last out is made or when the 5th run is scored. One full inning is played after the expiration of time using a one pitch format. All extra innings will be played with the international tiebreaker rule, the one pitch rule and the open inning rule.5. Under the international tiebreaker rule, teams start each half-inning with a runner on second base. The runner is the last batter of the previous inning whose turn at bat had been completed. No substitute or courtesy runner may replace him until he has reached third base. If the last batter of the previous inning cannot continue to play because of injury, illness, etc., he will be declared out of the game and cannot re-enter the game. In such a case, the next previous batter will be the tie-breaker runner.6. A maximum of 5 runs can be scored in any half of an inning, except the last inning of the game, when there is no scoring limit whether it is the 7th or the umpire declared last inning, aka “open inning”. The “flip,” whereby a team that is behind is directed by the umpire to bat twice in succession, is in effect.7. In both divisions, there is a 15 run rule after 5 complete innings and 12 runs after 6 complete innings.8. In the event of rain, 5 complete innings will constitute an official game, or 4½ innings, if the home team is leading the score. If the game has not gone enough innings to make it an official game, the entire game will be replayed at a different date. Light failure or other mechanical failures will be treated in a manner determined by the Governing Body.9. There will be 2 bases located at first base, one on the playing field, the other base placed beside it, on the outside. If there is a play being made at 1st base, the runner must tag the outside bag when running to 1st base. If the runner touches the inside bag, the runner is called out. If there is no play being made on the runner at 1st base, the runner may touch the inside bag. The defensive player must play the inside bag only. If the defensive player touches the outside bag, the runner is called safe. The runner can be tagged out running to 1st base. Once a runner has reached 1st base safely then either base may be used by the runner or fielder making a subsequent play.10. A player may not overrun 2nd or 3rd base without liability of being put out. Sliding is permitted. Running into and/or over a player on purpose is not permitted; nor is pushing a runner off base permitted.11. Home plate is a force out. The catcher may not tag out a runner trying to score if the runner is past the commitment line. A second home plate will be used for the runner, the catcher uses the home plate on the playing field as his base to make the play from. If the runner touches the field home plate, the runner is called out.12. A runner going from 3rd base to home must continue on toward home if he crosses the commitment line; he cannot go back to 3rd base. If the runner, after crossing the commitment line, attempts to return to 3rd base, he is automatically out.13. Verbal interference will be enforced by the umpire. A defensive player cannot interfere with the batter (Example – catcher yells on the pitch to the batter “too high” or “illegal pitch”), and a runner cannot shout up close and loud as a defensive player attempts to make a play. All verbal interference calls are judgment and at the discretion of the umpire.14. Monday night home run (out of the park rule). Either team can go “two-up” on its opponent at any time during the game; including the last inning. For example, if the visitors hit a 2 home runs in the first inning, the home team may hit 2 home runs in the bottom of the first inning to get even. Excessive home runs count as an out and runners in force positions do not advance.15. The pitcher must be in contact with the rubber when releasing the ball and remain behind the screen until the ball is batted. If either of these conditions is violated, the umpire will immediately call “dead ball illegal pitch” and award a ball to the batter’s count. Each pitcher will receive two warnings per game. On the third occurrence and all subsequent occurrences, the batter will be awarded first base. Only runners in force position will advance.16. Any ball hitting the pitcher’s safety net on a pitch being delivered by the pitcher will be an automatic ball.17. Any batted ball hitting the pitcher’s safety net will be considered a foul ball on the first or second strike. A batted ball hitting the net on the third strike will be considered a dead-ball out.18. Once a batted ball is in play, the safety net becomes a part of the playing field. Any throw or loose ball that hits the net will result in play continuing as if the ball had hit the ground. 19. One-pitch inning. If a batter hits the pitching net on his first swing. The ball is dead and he is awarded a second pitch. If he hits the net again on the second pitch he is out. 20. Home runs are not allowed in the Wednesday night league. Any ball hit over the fence is an out.
1. PLAYER MANAGEMENT RULES1. A team cannot start or continue to play with fewer than 8 players listed on the team’s roster. If a team is playing with 8 team-rostered players and a team-rostered player leaves the game for any reason, including ejection or injury, the game will be forfeited.2. For games scheduled to start at 6:30, if a team does not have 8 team-rostered players at game time, the team will be given a 10 minute grace period, after which the game will be forfeited. The time of the grace period will be kept by the official scorekeeper. The game clock will not start until after the grace period ends or until the requisite number of players needed to start the game have arrived, whichever comes first. For games scheduled to start at 7:30 or 8:30, if a team does not have 8 team-rostered players at game time, the game will be forfeited.3. If a team is playing with team-rostered players only, team-rostered players who arrive after the start of a game may be added to the lineup as the last batter in the batting order at any time (up to 14 batters).4. Both Monday and Wednesday Division teams may play up to 11 defensive players.5. In the Monday Division, a team with 8 team-rostered players at game time may pick up two additional players and a team with 9 team-rostered players may pick up one additional player. In the Wednesday Division, a team may pick up the number of players needed to field 11 on defense. In both divisions, the player(s) being picked up is not subject to the approval of the opposing manager. If a team-rostered player arrives after the start of the game, the team-rostered player must replace one of the picked up players and not enter as an additional player in the lineup.6. Players registered in one division but not the other can only be picked up in the division in which they are registered.7. Picked-up players must bat last in the batting order and shall only play right field, catcher or first base.8. Teams that lose a player (with no substitute available) during the course of the game due to injury and do not go below the minimum number of players required to finish the game will record an automatic out for that player’s first missed turn at bat only. Subsequent at-bats for that player will be skipped in the batting order with no penalty. Once a player’s at-bat has been skipped, that player is ineligible to return to the lineup for that game. Teams that lose a player (with no substitute available) during the course of the game due to ejection and do not go below the minimum number of players required to finish the game will record an automatic out for all of that player’s subsequent turns at bat.9. Any number of pinch runners may be used in an inning subject to two constraints: The same runner may not pinch-run twice in one inning and a player who has had a pinch-runner may not pinch-run in the same inning. A player not in the lineup may pinch-run.10. As many as 14 players may be listed on the batting order. Teams are encouraged to bat all players that show up (up to 14 at a time). Designated hitters must be on the lineup card and must bat in that position. An out will be charged if the DH does not bat.11. Player re-entry is permitted. Entry and re-entry must maintain the integrity of the original batting order. 12. Adding players after season starts and initial rosters are set: Teams below roster limit are eligible to add players as follows: If more than one team is eligible, lower roster count will get first choice. If more than one team is eligible, the lower ranked team will choose first. If rosters are full, players will be added to the reserve list. Players on the reserve list will be added based on the date they are added to the list. Returning players from previous years are added to the reserve roster as stated above. 13. Dropping players Player, coach and league rep must agree and submit to board secretary. Player becomes eligible to be added to another team or go on the reserve list 14. Player trades Both players and coaches must agree. League rep must be made aware. League secretary must be notified in writing. Traded players must play 6 games with new team to be eligible for tournament. 15. Player play time All players must play a minimum of 2 innings. All players must have at least one at bat in a game. Teams not complyingwill forfeit the game once reported. 1. TOURNAMENT PLAY1. All regular season rules apply in tournament play unless specifically addressed in this section.2. The division champions will be decided by the best overall record in the current season.3. Teams will be ceded according to their regular season records. By unanimous vote of the Board and in agreement by the managers present, it was decided to break a tie in the standings to determine playoff seeding by head-to-head competition. If there is still a tie then seedings will be decided by a coin toss. In the event of a three way tie where all three teams have similar head-to-head records then the next tie breaker would be based upon run differential.4. The higher ceded team will be the home team in all games.5. To be eligible to play in a tournament game, a player must be listed in at least 6 regular-season games in the official scorebook, which is the same as batting in at least 6 regular-season games.6. Teams cannot pick up players for the tournament. Teams can only use their roster players for tournament play.7. The tournament champion in each division will be decided by a single elimination tournament. In the event that the tournament must be halted before completion, the team with the best record thus far in the tournament will be declared the winner. If two teams are tied for the best record, a coin flip will determine the tournament winner.8. The post season tournament will be held on the regular weeknight dates but be reduced to a single elimination tournament.
1. SMYRNA SENIOR SOFTBALL POLICIES1. Any player who is ejected from a game will be suspended from playing for the next 2 games. After a second offense, the player will go before the Governing Body which will rule on the length of the player’s suspension period. The Governing Body will have the authority to ban a player from playing in the league, after the 2nd offense. Exception – if city of Smyrna suspension rules are more strict, our league must abide by their rules.2. No foul language, profanity, or rowdy behavior or unsportsmanlike conduct will be allowed. If a player touches an umpire or a league officer in anger or threatens to do bodily harm, that player will be barred from participating in any program sponsored by the Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department for a time period to be determined by the Director of Parks & Recreation.3. Any player suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or other illegal substance, will be immediately removed from the game and will automatically be barred from participating in any program sponsored by the Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department for a time period to be determined by the Director of Parks & Recreation.4. Any player ejected or suspended from playing in the league, will not be allowed on the playing field or in the dugout area at any time before, during and after the game; and will not be allowed in the park as a spectator, if asked to leave by the umpire or league officer.5. The SSS reserves the right to bar any player or team from participating in the league for cause.6. The fee for playing will be based on the requirements of the SSS League and will be set by the Executive Committee in conjunction with the Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department regulations. The fee will be determined before each scheduled season.
1. PROTESTS1. A team manager or his representative has the right to question an umpire’s interpretation of a rule provided that the challenge is made immediately and before the next official pitch. The team manager or his designated representative is the only person to discuss rule interpretations with the umpire. There will be no discussion relative to a judgment call. The umpire is required to give a brief explanation of his call if the dispute involves a rule interpretation or the application of the rule to the play in question.2. Protests would go through the new Rules Administrator (unfilled position at this time - May 2021). Also, new players to be added to rosters would first go through the league reps and then on to the Rules Administrator for final approval. If a manager decides to file an official protest, the protesting manager must file a written protest with the Rules Administrator and the League President within 48 hours of the games conclusion.3. Upon receipt of the written protest, the league President will call a meeting of the Governing Body or survey the Governing Body to determine the validity of the protest. The decision of the SSS Governing Body is final.4. During an end-of-year tournament game, a manager or his representative may protest the eligibility of a player based on whether or not a player is listed in at least 6 regular-season games in the official scorebook. In order to determine the validity of the protest, immediately after the end of the game, the managers or their representatives of the two teams will examine the official scorebook to determine the eligibility of the player. If it is found that the player in question was ineligible to play in the end-of year tournament, his team will forfeit the game.
1. GOVERNING STRUCTURE1. The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Division Representatives, one from each division along with the Rules Administrator. The officers and Division Representatives will be elected to two (2) year terms, or until their successor is elected. Any player including team managers or team representatives may be an officer.2. The Executive Committee will set league policy and conduct all league business.3. The Governing Body of Smyrna Senior Softball (SSS) will be composed of the Executive Committee and all team managers.4. The Governing Body will handle all the activities relative to the administration and enforcement of the rules and regulations of the SSS as they pertain to the teams and league play.5. An individual must be a team manager or a player to be a member of the Executive Committee or the Governing Body.6. A team manager may appoint a team representative to represent the team in the absence of the team manager. The team representative can be any player on the team’s roster. Each team manager or his team representative will be the legal voting member of the Governing Body.7. Each Governing Body member will have only one vote on all matters calling for a Governing Body vote. If a member of the Executive Committee is also a team manager, that person still has only one vote in Governing Body votes. As an example, if the Green Team manager is also the league president, the Green Team still has only one vote.8. Any decision of the Executive Committee may be challenged by requesting the League President to hold a Governing Body meeting and vote on the issue. Any decision of the Executive Committee may be overridden by a 2/3 vote of the Governing Body members in attendance at the meeting.
1. DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS1. The President will schedule and preside over all league meetings and functions, determine league and tournament awards, appoint replacements for Executive Committee members unable to complete their terms, deal with vendors used by the league, interpret the league’s Rules & Regulations, and rule on various business matters during the course of the season.2. The Vice President will preside over meetings and functions in the absence of the President, coordinate the development and use of all channels of communication such as newspapers, periodicals and websites for publicity purposes or for providing information to the league members, and coordinate special projects assigned by the Executive Committee.3. The Secretary will prepare or oversee the preparation of the league game schedule and updates, maintain the league player database, prepare forms and reports requested by external and internal sources, prepare and distribute league meeting minutes, and track and report/post league standings as needed.4. The Treasurer will receive and disburse all league monies, maintain the league’s financial records, maintain the league’s checking account, insure the league has a sufficient number of members with check signing authority, determine the cost of operating the league each season, work with other Executive Committee members to determine league/player fees, and prepare financial reports requested by the Governing Body.5. The Division Representatives will oversee the operation of their assigned division, serve as a liaison between the players and the Executive Committee, review the age verification document of each new player in the division, oversee and report on each team’s plan to add or delete players, vote on player additions as defined in the league’s Rules & Regulations, provide all player data to the league Secretary in order to maintain the player database, communicate and insure the implementation of league rules applicable to their division, and coordinate the league’s player assignment procedure in an attempt to balance teams and insure teams have s sufficient number of players.
1. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY1. All players new to the league are ineligible to participate until they have (1.) completed a PLAYER REGISTRATION FORM, (2.) provided proof of age to the Division Representative, and (3.) paid any required fees. A player’s age must be substantiated by a driver’s license or other photo ID deemed acceptable by the Executive Committee.2. In the Monday and Wednesday Division, a player must be 50 years old or become 50 during the current calendar year. 3. The Wednesday Division will be a recreation division. No "A" players will be allowed. 4. When age limits are changed by the Executive Committee from one year to the next, players already on a team who do not meet the new eligibility criteria may continue playing on the team, unless the Executive Committee requires all players to meet the new eligibility criteria.5. When eligibility due to age is in doubt, it must be reported to the division’s Division Representative within 48 hours of the game being played. If not reported within that time limit, the game will be considered official; except that a willful violation of this rule may always be addressed.6. Any player whose age eligibility is in question must provide acceptable proof of age to the respective Division Representative before that player can continue playing in the league.
1. ROSTERS1. All rosters will be submitted on the form furnished by the league with full name, address, year of birth, and at least one phone number for all players.2. A team shall be limited to 15 players on its roster at any one time. The coaches do not have to play. In addition, coaches will not count towards the roster limit nor will they have to pay entry fees. Coach must designate himself as either a “player/coach” or as a “non player/coach” If he is a “player/coach”, he is not counted in the roster size but must play before adding pick-up players for a game. 3. During the first half of the season and through the third game of the second half, managers can add age eligible players with only their signature and the signature of the Division Representative.4. After the third game of the second half of the season, roster additions may be made only with the unanimous approval of all the managers in the division.5. The Division Representative must be advised of all roster changes (additions and deletions) before the changes are made. The Division Representative will then advise the league Secretary so that the player database can be updated.6. The league does not want teams dropping players from their rosters merely to add more skilled players. The Division Representative must insure this doesn’t happen.7. Individuals looking to play on an SSS team and who have not been recruited by a manager should be referred to the SSS President who will notify the appropriate Division Representative(s) to coordinate team assignments.8. A player who wants to change teams within a season can do so only if the manager of the team he wants to leave notifies the Division Representative that he releases the player.
1. EQUIPMENT1. Starting in 2017, only bats that are USA-Certified and bear an USA certification stamp will be legal for regular season and post-season play. All non-USA stamped bats are illegal. Bats that bear the USA-certification stamp but are currently listed on the “USA Non-Approved Bat List with Certification Marks” are also ineligible for use. A player found using an illegal bat will be ejected immediately from the game and will be assessed a subsequent two game suspension. 2. Starting in 2025, ON MONDAY NIGHTS ONLY, Senior bats will be allowed. Bats must be marked with the new 2025 SSUSA/NTS logo. Older bats must be marked SSUSA approved (or have SSUSA logo), with 1.21 BPF or less.3. Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department will furnish two new yellow Dudley .44 core, 375 compression softballs and up to two such used softballs in playing condition per game. The umpires will determine whether or not a ball is in playing condition.4. When a strike zone mat with a painted on home plate is used, a catcher can be touching ANY part of the mat in order to force out a runner at home.5. A pitcher’s safety net will be used in both divisions. The safety net will be placed 10 feet in front of the rubber so that the pitcher is actually pitching over the net. (See Section 6, articles n through q for rules regarding pitchers, batters and fielders hitting the net.)6. All players must wear similar colored numbered shirts. This rule may not be used to protest the outcome of a game. There will be a two week grace period for teams at the start of the season. Coaches are encouraged to have a supply of shirts that can be issued to players added during the season, however, there will be a two week grace period if additional shirts need to be ordered.7. Steel spikes are not allowed. A player may not play shoeless.8. Bases will be placed at 70 feet for both divisions.
1. GAME PLAY RULES1. All games will be played under USA Slow Pitch Rules, except specifically modified herein.2. Lineups must be turned into the official scorekeeper 5 minutes prior to the scheduled game time. A proper lineup card consists of both last name of player and initial and uniform number. Games will not start at their scheduled time without a lineup, but the clock shall run.3. Games will consist of 7 innings with a time of 55 minutes. The game clock will start when the home team pitcher has begun his warm up pitches. Umpires retain the right to instruct the timekeeper to start the time clock if, in their opinion, players are delaying the start of a game.4. The open inning rule will be called by the umpire. An inning has ended at the time the last out is made or when the 5th run is scored. One full inning is played after the expiration of time using a one pitch format. All extra innings will be played with the international tiebreaker rule, the one pitch rule and the open inning rule.5. Under the international tiebreaker rule, teams start each half-inning with a runner on second base. The runner is the last batter of the previous inning whose turn at bat had been completed. No substitute or courtesy runner may replace him until he has reached third base. If the last batter of the previous inning cannot continue to play because of injury, illness, etc., he will be declared out of the game and cannot re-enter the game. In such a case, the next previous batter will be the tie-breaker runner.6. A maximum of 5 runs can be scored in any half of an inning, except the last inning of the game, when there is no scoring limit whether it is the 7th or the umpire declared last inning, aka “open inning”. The “flip,” whereby a team that is behind is directed by the umpire to bat twice in succession, is in effect.7. In both divisions, there is a 15 run rule after 5 complete innings and 12 runs after 6 complete innings.8. In the event of rain, 5 complete innings will constitute an official game, or 4½ innings, if the home team is leading the score. If the game has not gone enough innings to make it an official game, the entire game will be replayed at a different date. Light failure or other mechanical failures will be treated in a manner determined by the Governing Body.9. There will be 2 bases located at first base, one on the playing field, the other base placed beside it, on the outside. If there is a play being made at 1st base, the runner must tag the outside bag when running to 1st base. If the runner touches the inside bag, the runner is called out. If there is no play being made on the runner at 1st base, the runner may touch the inside bag. The defensive player must play the inside bag only. If the defensive player touches the outside bag, the runner is called safe. The runner can be tagged out running to 1st base. Once a runner has reached 1st base safely then either base may be used by the runner or fielder making a subsequent play.10. A player may not overrun 2nd or 3rd base without liability of being put out. Sliding is permitted. Running into and/or over a player on purpose is not permitted; nor is pushing a runner off base permitted.11. Home plate is a force out. The catcher may not tag out a runner trying to score if the runner is past the commitment line. A second home plate will be used for the runner, the catcher uses the home plate on the playing field as his base to make the play from. If the runner touches the field home plate, the runner is called out.12. A runner going from 3rd base to home must continue on toward home if he crosses the commitment line; he cannot go back to 3rd base. If the runner, after crossing the commitment line, attempts to return to 3rd base, he is automatically out.13. Verbal interference will be enforced by the umpire. A defensive player cannot interfere with the batter (Example – catcher yells on the pitch to the batter “too high” or “illegal pitch”), and a runner cannot shout up close and loud as a defensive player attempts to make a play. All verbal interference calls are judgment and at the discretion of the umpire.14. Monday night home run (out of the park rule). Either team can go “two-up” on its opponent at any time during the game; including the last inning. For example, if the visitors hit a 2 home runs in the first inning, the home team may hit 2 home runs in the bottom of the first inning to get even. Excessive home runs count as an out and runners in force positions do not advance.15. The pitcher must be in contact with the rubber when releasing the ball and remain behind the screen until the ball is batted. If either of these conditions is violated, the umpire will immediately call “dead ball illegal pitch” and award a ball to the batter’s count. Each pitcher will receive two warnings per game. On the third occurrence and all subsequent occurrences, the batter will be awarded first base. Only runners in force position will advance.16. Any ball hitting the pitcher’s safety net on a pitch being delivered by the pitcher will be an automatic ball.17. Any batted ball hitting the pitcher’s safety net will be considered a foul ball on the first or second strike. A batted ball hitting the net on the third strike will be considered a dead-ball out.18. Once a batted ball is in play, the safety net becomes a part of the playing field. Any throw or loose ball that hits the net will result in play continuing as if the ball had hit the ground. 19. One-pitch inning. If a batter hits the pitching net on his first swing. The ball is dead and he is awarded a second pitch. If he hits the net again on the second pitch he is out. 20. Home runs are not allowed in the Wednesday night league. Any ball hit over the fence is an out.
1. PLAYER MANAGEMENT RULES1. A team cannot start or continue to play with fewer than 8 players listed on the team’s roster. If a team is playing with 8 team-rostered players and a team-rostered player leaves the game for any reason, including ejection or injury, the game will be forfeited.2. For games scheduled to start at 6:30, if a team does not have 8 team-rostered players at game time, the team will be given a 10 minute grace period, after which the game will be forfeited. The time of the grace period will be kept by the official scorekeeper. The game clock will not start until after the grace period ends or until the requisite number of players needed to start the game have arrived, whichever comes first. For games scheduled to start at 7:30 or 8:30, if a team does not have 8 team-rostered players at game time, the game will be forfeited.3. If a team is playing with team-rostered players only, team-rostered players who arrive after the start of a game may be added to the lineup as the last batter in the batting order at any time (up to 14 batters).4. Both Monday and Wednesday Division teams may play up to 11 defensive players.5. In the Monday Division, a team with 8 team-rostered players at game time may pick up two additional players and a team with 9 team-rostered players may pick up one additional player. In the Wednesday Division, a team may pick up the number of players needed to field 11 on defense. In both divisions, the player(s) being picked up is not subject to the approval of the opposing manager. If a team-rostered player arrives after the start of the game, the team-rostered player must replace one of the picked up players and not enter as an additional player in the lineup.6. Players registered in one division but not the other can only be picked up in the division in which they are registered.7. Picked-up players must bat last in the batting order and shall only play right field, catcher or first base.8. Teams that lose a player (with no substitute available) during the course of the game due to injury and do not go below the minimum number of players required to finish the game will record an automatic out for that player’s first missed turn at bat only. Subsequent at-bats for that player will be skipped in the batting order with no penalty. Once a player’s at-bat has been skipped, that player is ineligible to return to the lineup for that game. Teams that lose a player (with no substitute available) during the course of the game due to ejection and do not go below the minimum number of players required to finish the game will record an automatic out for all of that player’s subsequent turns at bat.9. Any number of pinch runners may be used in an inning subject to two constraints: The same runner may not pinch-run twice in one inning and a player who has had a pinch-runner may not pinch-run in the same inning. A player not in the lineup may pinch-run.10. As many as 14 players may be listed on the batting order. Teams are encouraged to bat all players that show up (up to 14 at a time). Designated hitters must be on the lineup card and must bat in that position. An out will be charged if the DH does not bat.11. Player re-entry is permitted. Entry and re-entry must maintain the integrity of the original batting order. 12. Adding players after season starts and initial rosters are set: Teams below roster limit are eligible to add players as follows: If more than one team is eligible, lower roster count will get first choice. If more than one team is eligible, the lower ranked team will choose first. If rosters are full, players will be added to the reserve list. Players on the reserve list will be added based on the date they are added to the list. Returning players from previous years are added to the reserve roster as stated above. 13. Dropping players Player, coach and league rep must agree and submit to board secretary. Player becomes eligible to be added to another team or go on the reserve list 14. Player trades Both players and coaches must agree. League rep must be made aware. League secretary must be notified in writing. Traded players must play 6 games with new team to be eligible for tournament. 15. Player play time All players must play a minimum of 2 innings. All players must have at least one at bat in a game. Teams not complyingwill forfeit the game once reported. 1. TOURNAMENT PLAY1. All regular season rules apply in tournament play unless specifically addressed in this section.2. The division champions will be decided by the best overall record in the current season.3. Teams will be ceded according to their regular season records. By unanimous vote of the Board and in agreement by the managers present, it was decided to break a tie in the standings to determine playoff seeding by head-to-head competition. If there is still a tie then seedings will be decided by a coin toss. In the event of a three way tie where all three teams have similar head-to-head records then the next tie breaker would be based upon run differential.4. The higher ceded team will be the home team in all games.5. To be eligible to play in a tournament game, a player must be listed in at least 6 regular-season games in the official scorebook, which is the same as batting in at least 6 regular-season games.6. Teams cannot pick up players for the tournament. Teams can only use their roster players for tournament play.7. The tournament champion in each division will be decided by a single elimination tournament. In the event that the tournament must be halted before completion, the team with the best record thus far in the tournament will be declared the winner. If two teams are tied for the best record, a coin flip will determine the tournament winner.8. The post season tournament will be held on the regular weeknight dates but be reduced to a single elimination tournament.
1. SMYRNA SENIOR SOFTBALL POLICIES1. Any player who is ejected from a game will be suspended from playing for the next 2 games. After a second offense, the player will go before the Governing Body which will rule on the length of the player’s suspension period. The Governing Body will have the authority to ban a player from playing in the league, after the 2nd offense. Exception – if city of Smyrna suspension rules are more strict, our league must abide by their rules.2. No foul language, profanity, or rowdy behavior or unsportsmanlike conduct will be allowed. If a player touches an umpire or a league officer in anger or threatens to do bodily harm, that player will be barred from participating in any program sponsored by the Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department for a time period to be determined by the Director of Parks & Recreation.3. Any player suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or other illegal substance, will be immediately removed from the game and will automatically be barred from participating in any program sponsored by the Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department for a time period to be determined by the Director of Parks & Recreation.4. Any player ejected or suspended from playing in the league, will not be allowed on the playing field or in the dugout area at any time before, during and after the game; and will not be allowed in the park as a spectator, if asked to leave by the umpire or league officer.5. The SSS reserves the right to bar any player or team from participating in the league for cause.6. The fee for playing will be based on the requirements of the SSS League and will be set by the Executive Committee in conjunction with the Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department regulations. The fee will be determined before each scheduled season.
1. PROTESTS1. A team manager or his representative has the right to question an umpire’s interpretation of a rule provided that the challenge is made immediately and before the next official pitch. The team manager or his designated representative is the only person to discuss rule interpretations with the umpire. There will be no discussion relative to a judgment call. The umpire is required to give a brief explanation of his call if the dispute involves a rule interpretation or the application of the rule to the play in question.2. Protests would go through the new Rules Administrator (unfilled position at this time - May 2021). Also, new players to be added to rosters would first go through the league reps and then on to the Rules Administrator for final approval. If a manager decides to file an official protest, the protesting manager must file a written protest with the Rules Administrator and the League President within 48 hours of the games conclusion.3. Upon receipt of the written protest, the league President will call a meeting of the Governing Body or survey the Governing Body to determine the validity of the protest. The decision of the SSS Governing Body is final.4. During an end-of-year tournament game, a manager or his representative may protest the eligibility of a player based on whether or not a player is listed in at least 6 regular-season games in the official scorebook. In order to determine the validity of the protest, immediately after the end of the game, the managers or their representatives of the two teams will examine the official scorebook to determine the eligibility of the player. If it is found that the player in question was ineligible to play in the end-of year tournament, his team will forfeit the game.