LEAGUE RULES 2024
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PICKERING MEN’S SLO-PITCH LEAGUE
LEAGUE RULES 2024
(changes for current season are denoted in green font)
Conduct
Members must abide with all City of Pickering and League By-Laws, including but not limited to: “While in any park, no person shall consume, serve or sell alcoholic beverages unless authorized by permit and with the approval of the Liquor Licence Control Board of Ontario.”
Members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively upon the community. Unsportsmanlike conduct, or conduct that is detrimental to the objectives of the League, will be dealt with by the Executive Committee. If warranted, temporary or permanent suspensions will be issued.
Eligibility
The minimum age to join the League is eighteen (18) years of age by December 31st of the current year.
Members are allowed to register and play for only one team within the League (including tournaments).
To participate in the league playoffs, members must play a minimum of six regular season games.
Eligibility exception: Applies to “M” Division, please refer to Division specific rules.
Waiting List
Teams
Any team wishing to join the league must meet the following conditions:
- Advise the registrar of their intention to submit an entry prior to the league payment dues meeting
- Complete an electronic roster and submit their roster to the convener for the division to which they would prefer to compete in
- Make payment of dues in accordance with league policy at the league payment dues meeting
Providing there are sufficient openings, teams applying will be accepted
Should there not be any openings (as returning teams have first priority), league membership dues will be fully refunded.
Individuals
The League will maintain a list of available players, from which vacancies in the League will be filled.
Structure
The League is divided into six divisions. The first five divisions are open divisions. The sixth division is a Masters division, where an age restriction applies.
To be eligible to compete within the Masters division, members must be forty (40) years of age as of December 31st of the current year.
Divisional Assignments
The League will assign teams to each division including but not solely based on prior years performance.
At the annual registration night, teams in the following categories, whom believe they should not be promoted or demoted, must provide their rationale in writing.
- Finished 1st to 3rd in their division the previous year, and/or
- Finished 1st to 3rd in the playoffs the previous year and/or-
- Won one of the league tournaments
- Finished in the bottom 2 within their division the previous year
If no such representation is made by a team in these categories, it will be assumed they have no concerns with promotion/demotion.
The league will make decisions based on League/Divisional needs, prior years performance and any input provided by teams. These decisions are final. Teams affected will be advised as soon as possible thereafter.
Umpiring
The League utilizes NSA Canada sanctioned Slo-Pitch umpires to officiate all league games.
League members are eligible to provide their services as an umpire however they are prohibited from umpiring games within their own division.
Sponsorship
Each team is responsible for their own sponsorship.
Roster
Key dates
Annual Team Dues Payment Day:
An initial team roster (electronic) must be submitted along with league entry payment before team will be accepted for the upcoming season.
July 1st (Prior to): A team may add players to their roster by electronically submitting a roster change electronic document to the league roster mail box. Player may participate in games immediately providing all mandatory data has been submitted.
July 2nd (and after): A team may request additions to their roster by electronically submitting the revised roster to the league roster mail box. These additions are subject to Executive approval and player cannot participate in a game until approval is granted.
Each team roster must be comprised of a minimum of 14 players with a maximum of 30 players.
Should a team roster not be in compliance with the required minimum, the League reserves the right to assign players to meet the minimum
Should any team repeatedly be short players, the League will add players from the player waiting list.
Players participating in a league game for a team must be on the team roster.
Any team found using a player not on their team roster will forfeit game points earned in each game where the ineligible player participated. The forfeited points will be awarded to the opponents in the game.
A team found to be utilizing an ineligible player in a tournament or league playoff game will be disqualified from the event and any prize monies won will be forfeited.
The league disciplinary committee will further review all roster violations and will impose additional suspensions to both the team representative and the offending player.
Call Ups
Teams are allowed to call up players (maximum two per game) from a lower division when the team is unable to field a team of ten players. A team may employ call ups on five separate calendar days. Call ups are only permitted during the regular season (including tournaments). All call ups must be clearly marked on the score sheet including his regular team and division. The call up must wear his regular team uniform. Players in the lowest Recreational Division may utilize calls ups from within their division.
“M” Division may call players from any Recreational Division providing the call up meets the minimum age criteria (at least forty years old as at December 31st of the current year).
Score Sheets
It is the responsibility of the team representative (or appointed designate) of each team to maintain a detailed score sheet for each game played,
The following information must be clearly documented on every score sheet:
- Players last name and first initial as well as uniform number
- Full names of both teams
- Division, date, game time and location.
- Name and signature of umpire (on each teams score sheet)
- Final score
All teams must electronically submit their fully completed and legible scoresheet for all games played within forty-eight hours following the completion of the game. Completed score sheets must be submitted via email to scoresheets@pickeringmensslowpitch.ca. The league reserves the right to enforce monetary penalties to for teams that are delinquent several times during the season. Please ensure that the quality of your photo is clear. Teams should note it is this scoresheet that will be used to track games played for play-off eligibility.
Reporting Scores
All scheduled regular season and playoff games must be submitted using the electronic report-a-score form on the league website. An e-mail confirmation of submission will be sent to the address provided by the submitter. Should confirmation not be received within an hour of submission, the submitter must advise both the league webmaster and division convener via email.
It is the responsibility of the winning team (or in the case of a tie, both teams) to report the result prior to the deadline.
Scores for regular season and play-off games must be reported to the League via the electronic Report a Score function on the website by 11:59 p.m. on the Monday following the game played. Scores reported after this deadline will result in financial charges for tardiness.
Should a game be postponed for any reason, one or both teams must report the cancellation.
A replay of a postponed game will only be considered, if either team makes a request for rescheduling on the electronic report-a-score submission prior to the submission deadline.
Points
The winning team will be awarded two (2) points. Should the game be tied, then one (1) point will be awarded to each team.
Field Conditions
The City of Pickering has stringent guidelines for the usage of fields and has the authority to close all fields when necessary. Field closures are clearly communicated to all Leagues (adult and youth) and all Leagues are expected to comply with park closures as a condition of the field permits. Once the City has closed a field, the use of the facility (infield or outfield) is strictly prohibited until such time that the City rescinds the closure announcement. Failing to abide with City instructions could result in the revoking of all permits.
The City has provided general guidelines to determine field suitability should inclement weather occur in close proximity to game time. (Example, if walking on an infield clearly shows footprints being left, the diamond should not be used until the ground has dried out.)
The City prohibits the use of rakes, squeegees and any other similar items by League members to remove standing water from the field surface.
In the event of inclement weather, the League will attempt to post a game day status on the web site (www.pickeringmensslowpitch.ca).
Unless advised otherwise by the divisional convener or via a web site posting, teams are expected to report to the diamond and be ready to play at the scheduled start time of each of their games. Should a team not have enough eligible players to commence a game, they will forfeit the game, regardless of field condition.
If the City has not closed the fields, umpires, who have been briefed regarding both City and safety requirements for games to be contested, have the final decision in declaring rainouts.
Under no circumstances are teams to practice on a field that has been declared unsuitable or unsafe by an umpire.
PICKERING MEN’S SLO-PITCH LEAGUE
PLAYING RULES 2024
(changes for current season are denoted in green font)
Governing Rules
N.S.A. rules will apply except unless overruled by League rules.
Please be aware of rule changes that have been introduced in recent years. Examples
-players hit by batted balls are automatic outs
– runners cannot tag up on a caught third strike foul ball
Facility Responsibilities (Start and end of day)
First game of the day: Home team is responsible to set up the home plate board and bases (using the measuring tape and hammer provided by the League) as well as any cones, if used, at the field (example: for foul lines or safety issues). Umpire to open bunker box and supervise removal of bases, measuring tape and hammer. Umpires should be on site, twenty minutes prior to game start time. Measuring tape and hammer must be returned when field set up is completed.
The distance between bases is sixty-five feet.
Home plate will be a board with a length of forty-eight (48) inches and a width of twenty-four (24) inches.
The safe line will be an extension from the home plate board.
The commitment line will be eight feet from the safe line. Exception: Applies to “A” Division, please refer to Division specific rules.
Last game of the day: Home team is responsible to return all bases, cones and the home plate board to the bunker box. The team is also responsible to that the bunker box has been securely locked.
The presiding umpire is responsible to oversee opening and closing activities.
Default
Any team unable to field a team of eight (8) players ten (10) minutes after the scheduled start of the game will default.
If both teams fail to meet the minimum requirement, a double default will apply.
Note: A fee will be levied to teams that default. Exception: No fine is levied if 48 hours advance warning of the default is given to the division convener. An additional fee of $50 will be levied should a team default and have no players present for a scheduled game.
Game Length
A new inning cannot commence seventy-five (75) minutes after the start time of the game.
Open innings will be declared by the umpire when a full inning ends after one hour (60 minutes) of play.
Should there be additional time remaining after the conclusion of an open inning, an additional open inning will be played.|
Should eight innings be completed in under 60 minutes, the ninth inning will be played as an open inning.
Once an inning commences, it must be played to completion even if it means the time will be overrun. Exception: Weather issues.
Should nine (9) innings be played in less than seventy-five (75) minutes, the game is over.
Equipment
Uniforms:Participating players on every team must wear jerseys of similar colour with unique numbers. Exception: Soiled uniform due to player uniform.
Shoes: Metal spikes are not permitted.
Jewelry: It is strongly recommended that no jewelry of any type be worn in league play. If worn, each player is solely responsible for any injury/damage that may be caused by his wearing of jewelry.
Should an umpire deem a player’s jewelry to be dangerous, he will ask that the offending jewelry be removed. Should a player refuse to comply, the player will be immediately removed from the game. In this situation, any time the removed player is due up to bat an automatic out will be recorded, unless there are two out.
Medical Alert bracelets or necklaces are exempt from the dangerous jewelry guidelines.
Knee Braces: Knee braces must be covered.
Game Balls: Only game balls authorized by the league (stored in the bunker) may be used. It is the responsibility of the offensive team to retrieve any ball that is hit out of play during the game. A reasonable effort in locating the ball is expected. All game balls must be returned to the umpire at the conclusion of each game.
Defense
Free substitution in the field is permitted. The League strongly recommends regular rotation to provide maximum involvement for all participants.
Offense
All players at the game are to be placed in a continuous batting order.
A player, listed on the team roster, can be added to the bottom of the batting order at any time during the game without penalty.
Courtesy Runners
Those players who require a runner from the plate (backstop) because of their inability to run can have a “courtesy runner” from the backstop. The intent of utilizing a courtesy runner must be made known to the opposing team and the plate umpire prior to an at-bat. Once a player utilizes a “courtesy runner” then that player must use a “courtesy runner” every time they are at-bat thereafter in the game. The courtesy runner will be the last player scheduled to bat as marked on the score sheet. Should a “courtesy runner” still be on base when he is due up to bat, he will be skipped in the batting order with no penalty, and the following player in the batting order will bat.
Courtesy runner exceptions: Applies to “A” and “M” Divisions, please refer to Division specific rules.
Pinch Runners
Each team will be allowed three “pinch runners” throughout the game. A “pinch runner” is a team player who replaces a base runner after attaining a base, subsequent to an at-bat.
i.e. – a batter hits the ball and is now on base. He may be replaced by a “pinch runner”. The base runner being replaced by the “pinch runner” may be a “courtesy runner” who ran from the backstop for a player unable to run. If a base runner becomes injured during the game and the team has already utilized their three “pinch runners” then the injured player may use a “courtesy runner” and must use a “courtesy runner” from the backstop for the remainder of the game. If a “pinch runner” is on base when it is his turn to bat he may be replaced by another “pinch runner” to take his turn at-bat. If the team has already used their allotted three “pinch runners” then the batter will be declared out and go to the next batter in the batting order.
Pinch runner exceptions: Applies to “A” Division, please refer to Division specific rules.
Pitch
An illegal pitch will be called if, in the judgment of the umpire, the delivered ball fails to obtain a minimum height of six (6) or exceeds a maximum height of twelve (12) feet.
A pitch will be a called strike, providing it meets the rules of delivery and hits a portion of the board prior to contacting the ground.
Intentional Walks
At any time during a player’s at-bat, the pitcher may point towards first base and the runner will proceed directly to first base. Pitches do not need to be delivered.
Home Runs
No team can have more than three (3) over the fence home runs than the other team has at any time during the game.
Should a batter hit an over the fence home run when his team is three (3) home runs ahead of the other team, an out will be called.
Any player hitting an over the fence home run has the option of walking off the field without touching the bases. Exception: Applies to “M” Division, please refer to Division specific rules.
Safe Line
A play at home (board) is treated the same as a force play at first base.
The fielder must have control of the ball while touching the board prior to the runner touching or crossing the safe line for an out to be recorded otherwise a run will be recorded.
Base Running
Anticipation: Base runners may not leave their base until a pitched ball is batted or reaches the home plate board. The base runner must immediately return to the base should the batter fail to make contact with the ball.
Players advancing to first base and home cannot slide. Penalty: Automatic out and all other runners are returned to last base touched.
Once a runner crosses the commitment line, he must continue toward the safe line in an attempt to score a run. Should a runner re-cross the commitment line by retreating to third base he will be ruled out. Exceptions: A base runner returning to tag following a caught fly ball or returning to touch third base after failing to touch the base while running the bases. Commit Line exception: Applies to “A” Division, please refer to Division specific rules.
A runner be tagged by a defensive player between the commitment line and the safe line the runner will be ruled safe at home.
Should a runner touch any portion of the board, or run or jump over the board while attempting to score, he will be ruled out. Exception: Runner will be called safe if attempting to avoid a collision.
Ejections
Any player who is ejected from the game must leave the playing area within two minutes. Failure to do so will result in the offending team forfeiting the game.
Should any ejected player be due to bat at any time following the ejection, an automatic out will be recorded.
Exception: The automatic out cannot end an inning and therefore the rule is waived should there be two out.
A further review of all ejections will be conducted by the League disciplinary committee and additional penalties may result.
Scoring
A maximum of six (6) runs may be scored in any inning with the exception of the open inning(s), in which an unlimited number of runs can be scored.
Mercy Rule
There is no mercy rule. A team does have the option of concede should the run differential be greater than fifteen runs.
Protests
Any team representative who wishes to register a protest must advise the umpire at the time of the occurrence. The coach then has forty-eight (48) hours to formally advise his division convenor that a protest has been filed.
“M” Division Specific Rules
LEAGUE RULES
Eligibility
The minimum age to participate in this division is forty (40) years of age by December 31st of the current year.
Members are allowed to register and play for only one team within the League (including tournaments).
All players listed on a team roster are eligible to participate in the league playoffs
PLAYING RULES
Courtesy Runners
Those players who require a runner from the plate (backstop) because of their inability to run can have a “courtesy runner” from the backstop. The intent of utilizing a courtesy runner must be made known to the opposing team and the plate umpire prior to an at-bat. Once a player utilizes a “courtesy runner” then that player must use a “courtesy runner” every time they are at-bat thereafter in the game. The courtesy runner may be any player marked on the score sheet. If a “courtesy runner” is still on base when he is due up to bat, skip him in the batting order with no penalty, and go to the next batter in the batting order.
Courtesy runners from the plate cannot advance beyond first base on a fairly batted ball.
Exceptions: Courtesy runners may advance: two bases on a ground rule double and all four bases on an over the fence home run. Should there be an award of bases on the play, the courtesy runner shall advance to the appropriate base (examples: ball thrown out of play, batted ball contacted by a dislodged glove).
Home Runs
No team can have more than three (3) over the fence home runs than the other team has at any time during the game.
Should a batter hit an over the fence home run when his team is three (3) home runs ahead of the other team, an out will be called.
Any player hitting an over the fence home run must touch all the bases, including passing the safe line.
“A” Division Specific Rules
LEAGUE RULES
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PLAYING RULES
Courtesy Runners
Courtesy runners are not permitted.
Pinch Runners
Each team will be allowed five “pinch runners” throughout the game. A “pinch runner” is a team player who replaces a base runner after attaining a base, subsequent to an at-bat.
i.e. – a batter hits the ball and is now on base. He may be replaced by a “pinch runner”. If a base runner becomes injured during the game and the team has already utilized their five “pinch runners” and the injured player is unable to continue, he will be declared out. If a “pinch runner” is on base when it is his turn to bat he may be replaced by another “pinch runner” to take his turn at-bat. If the team has already used their allotted five “pinch runners” then the batter will be declared out and go to the next batter in the batting order.
Commit Line
The commitment line is not used. Tagging is permitted for plays at home.
Base Runner Stops
Any base runner advancing from third to home who stops prior to the safe line in an attempt to delay a play where the catcher has control of the ball on the home plate board, must immediately reverse direction. Should he continue to stand still, the umpire will declare time and all runners will be placed on the base last touched. A runner returning to third will force any runner on third to return to second base.
“B”, “C”, “D”, “E” Division Specific Rules
LEAGUE RULES
| None
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PLAYING RULES
| None
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