2007

Handbook of

GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

and

PLAYING RULES

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

Adult softball, as played under the aus­pices of the Athletic Services Division of the Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services, is administered by and through Fairfax Adult Softball, Inc. (FAS).

 

FAS is comprised of representatives from all leagues, which elect to join together for their collective common good.  FAS exists to promote the general welfare of the adult softball program within Fairfax County, on behalf of the in­dividual participants, at all levels of organiza­tional emphasis and play.  To this direc­tion, therefore, the following rules, procedures, and guidelines are presented for the benefit of all participants and interested individuals and for the effec­tive implementation and maintenance of the adult softball program in Fairfax County.

 

Fairfax County law prohibits alcoholic beverages at all game locations.  Violation of this law will lead to forfeiture, player and/or team expulsion from the FAS program, and/or criminal prosecution.

 

The rules, procedures, and by-laws governing Fairfax Adult Softball, Inc. are determined by vote of the FAS Board of Directors and are available for review by any interested party.  If you would like to view a copy of the Procedures Manual, the FAS By-laws or this Handbook, please visit the FAS website and look under Rules.  Every attempt has been made to avoid typographical and grammatical errors in this document; however, should one occur, FAS reserves the right to apply the intent of the ruling rather than the clerical mistake.

 

Any media programs or broadcasts involving FAS-sponsored play must be approved in writing by the FAS Executive Committee and signed by the FAS President, or in the absence of the President, an authorized officer.  Officers are authorized signatories in the following order:  President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.  All media broadcast rights of all FAS-sponsored play are exclusively those of FAS. 

 

For program information, tournament schedules, team schedules, game results, division standings, etc, please visit our website.

 

Fairfax Adult Softball

14701 Lee Highway, Suite 302

Centreville, VA   20121

Telephone: 703 815-9007     FAX: 703 815-9009

Online @ www.fairfaxadultsoftball.com

E-Mail: office@fairfaxadultsoftball.com

Field Status Line:  703 550-4111

 

UMPIRE NO-SHOWS:  Call 703-772-1899

An Umpire Will Be Dispatched To Your Game As Quickly As Possible

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I.  PROGRAM FORMAT............................................................ 5

LEAGUE STRUCTURE.................................................................... 5

Structure................................................................................................................ 5

Placement of Teams.......................................................................................... 5

PART II.  PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES........................................ 6

ADMINISTRATION.......................................................................... 6

Player Eligibility................................................................................................. 6

Team Eligibility................................................................................................... 6

Roster...................................................................................................................... 7

Roster Restrictions............................................................................................. 8

Roster Adjustments........................................................................................... 8

Roster Checks and Penalties......................................................................... 9

CONDUCT.................................................................................... 10

Player/Manager/Spectator............................................................................ 10

Penalties............................................................................................................... 11

Umpire Relations.............................................................................................. 12

PROCEDURES FOR PROTESTS, HEARINGS, AND APPEALS........ 13

Protests of Playing Rules.............................................................................. 13

Allowable Protests........................................................................................... 13

Filing of Protests.............................................................................................. 13

Protest Resolution............................................................................................ 14

Protest Appeal................................................................................................... 14

Hearings............................................................................................................... 14

Hearing Procedures......................................................................................... 14

Hearing Appeal................................................................................................. 15

TOURNAMENTS AND PLAYOFFS................................................. 15

Affiliation with National Softball Organizations................................. 15

FAS-Sanctioned Tournaments................................................................... 16

Tournament Rosters........................................................................................ 16

Tournament Protests....................................................................................... 17

PART III.  PLAYING RULES.............................................................. 17

HIERARCHY OF RULES................................................................ 17

GENERAL FAS PLAYING RULES.................................................. 17

Scheduling......................................................................................................... 17

Field Conditions and Playing Cycles....................................................... 18

Game Times....................................................................................................... 18

Game Determination....................................................................................... 19

Notification......................................................................................................... 19

Final League Standings................................................................................ 20

PLAYING RULES.......................................................................... 20

Scorekeeping.................................................................................................... 20

Lineups................................................................................................................. 20

Players Who Are Physically Challenged.................................................... 21

Game Play........................................................................................................... 21

Legal Team....................................................................................................... 21

Extra Hitter Rule................................................................................................ 21

Loan a Player Option....................................................................................... 21

Pitching Rules................................................................................................... 21

ASA Catching Rule........................................................................................... 21

ASA Stealing Rules.......................................................................................... 21

1-1 Rule.............................................................................................................. 22

Double First Base Rule................................................................................... 22

Courtesy Runner Rule..................................................................................... 22

Home Run Rule................................................................................................ 22

Scoring Runs Rule........................................................................................... 22

Slaughter Rule.................................................................................................. 23

One-Pitch Extra Inning Rule........................................................................... 23

Blood Rule......................................................................................................... 23

Equipment.......................................................................................................... 23

Uniforms............................................................................................................ 23

Bats..................................................................................................................... 23

Game Balls........................................................................................................ 24

Cleats................................................................................................................. 24

GROUND RULES.......................................................................... 24

SAFETY........................................................................................ 24

LEAGUE ADDENDA....................................................................... 25

Coed League...................................................................................................... 25

Defensive Positioning..................................................................................... 25

Injuries................................................................................................................ 25

Switching of Game Balls................................................................................. 25

Legal Lineup..................................................................................................... 25

Extra Hitters....................................................................................................... 25

Substitutions..................................................................................................... 26

Base on Balls.................................................................................................... 26

Rule Differences............................................................................................... 26

Lockheed Martin............................................................................................... 26

APPENDIX A – Major Rule Changes for 2007.......................... 27

New From ASA For 2007................................................................ 27

APPENDIX B – FIELD AND LIGHT BOX LOCATIONS........................ 28

APPENDIX C – CONTACT LIST........................................................ 30

 

 

PART I.  PROGRAM FORMAT

 

LEAGUE STRUCTURE

 

        Structure

 

1.       The FAS program is divided into the following categories:

 

Spring/Summer season                                   

Early Open: Coed, Men’s, Women’s, Reston Men, Reston Coed, Reston Church, Special Olympics

Late Open: Coed, Corporate Coed, Men’s, Men’s Masters, Men’s Seniors

 

Mini-season

Coed, Men’s, Women’s

 

Fall season

Coed, Men’s, Women’s, Men’s Masters, Corporate Coed, Reston Men, Reston Coed, Reston Church

 

2.       League Coordinators will be appointed by the FAS President to coordinate the structured placement of teams within the respective categories.

 

Placement of Teams

 

3.       In order to arrive at the most balanced level of competition within each division of play, the following guidelines will be observed:

 

Each League Coordinator shall hold a meeting, on a date determined by the FAS office, for the purpose of placing teams in appropriate leagues and divisions for the Spring/Summer season. These placement meetings will be held as soon as possible after the application deadline. Those invited should include, but is not limited to, the League Coordinators of the previous year.

 

When seeding teams, it is the policy of FAS to consider the previous year’s division or league record and postseason finish (championship play) and any personnel changes that have occurred since the past season. Team placement will be structured by filling the highest divisions first, and each team will be placed in a division with other teams with which it will be competitive.

 

4.    League Annual (Organizational) Meetings will be held after initial placement of teams for purposes of electing the Board of Directors and for reviewing new rules and the division options.  Changes other than those which would result in additional team fees must be agreed upon by a majority of division meeting participants. Changes which would result in an increase in team fees may be made only by unanimous vote of the division meeting participants.

PART II.  PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

 

ADMINISTRATION

 

Player Eligibility

 

5.       Players must be at least 18 years old on or before December 31 of the current year. Players in the Masters Leagues must be at least 35 years old on or before December 31 of the current year. Players in the Men’s Seniors League must be at least 50 years old on or before December 31 of the current year. There is no maximum age for any league. Age restrictions do not apply to the Special Olympics League.              

 

6.       For the Spring/Summer season, a person may be on the roster of no more than two (2) teams from each of the following leagues provided the two teams are not in the same division and provided players play on only one team in any one tournament:

Men’s Early Open                  Reston Men                                Men’s Late Open

Coed Early Open                   Reston Coed                  Coed Late Open             

Women’s                                Reston Church              Corporate Coed

                                                  Men’s Masters               Men’s Seniors

 

For the Fall season, a person may be on the roster of no more than two (2) teams from each of the following leagues provided the two teams are not in the same division and provided players play on only one team in any one tournament: 

Men                                                Reston Men                          Women

Coed                                        Reston Coed                  Men’s Masters

Corporate Coed                     Reston Church

 

7.       No individual or team shall participate in any capacity in the FAS program if they owe money to FAS, or if such individual or team is responsible for the payment of such monies.

 

8.       All men’s leagues, including Fall, are restricted to male players only. All women’s leagues, including Fall, are restricted to female players only.

 

Team Eligibility

 

9.       A “returning team” shall be defined as (a) any group of ten or more players from a given team in the prior year or (b) team manager of record from the year and six returning players from the same team.

 

10.    A “legal team” shall be defined as the grouping of 12 players who have submitted a legal roster as required by the FAS program.

 

11.    Any team that forfeits four or more games in one season or drops out of the league after its league play has begun must be immediately suspended from the program for one year.  They may be replaced with a team from the waiting list. Upon notification of suspension, a team has 72 hours to appeal to FAS. A team which appeals will be permitted to play its scheduled games until a final outcome is reached. If the decision is upheld, then all fees paid by the team will be forfeited to FAS. Games played prior to or scheduled after this action will not count in the division or league final standings.  Exception: If the fourth forfeit occurs in the team’s final two games, then all game results will count in the final standings.

 

12.    FAS will collect forfeit fees from registered teams at the beginning of each season. Teams that do not forfeit any games during the season, including league playoff tournaments (not buy-in tournaments), will receive a full refund of the forfeit fee; teams that forfeit one game will be refunded one-half of the fee; and teams which forfeit two or more games will relinquish the entire fee.  If a team is found guilty of fraud, the team’s entire forfeit fee deposit may be forfeited to the FAS general fund.

 

Roster

 

13.    Each team roster must be received by FAS or it’s designate for verification no less than two business days prior to that team’s first regularly scheduled game.  Each player on the roster must give his or her consent to be placed on that roster (player signature is not required).

 

14.    Rosters and roster change forms must be signed by the team’s manager or assistant manager of record, attesting to the validity of the supplied informa­tion.

 

15.    When submitting team rosters to FAS, three copies of the roster, completed in its entirety, are required and must be accompanied with the appropriate total non-county fee as calculated from the roster form, in one check, made payable to FAS.  Proofs of county residency are NOT to be submitted with rosters.  A legible proof of residency for each county resident verifying the exact address listed on the roster must be available at all games.  Acceptable proofs of residency include a current and valid driver’s license, DMV photo id, current military identification, utility bill, lease/rent agreement, or tax receipt.  The $20 non-county residency fee ($21 by credit card) is payable per person/per team/per sport/per season and the season is defined as spring (FAS early open), summer (FAS late open and mini seasons), and fall (FAS fall season.)

 

16.    Any team that fails to comply with Rule 13 or Rule 14 will be charged with a 7-0 loss for each game scheduled during the period in which it does not have a proper complete roster on file with FAS.  A team that has not met the requirements of Rule 13 and Rule 14 and has not played its first scheduled game(s), may pay a $50 penalty fee to avoid the 7-0 losses and play the game(s) as scheduled. This penalty fee must be paid during scheduled business hours prior to their first scheduled game. This option is available only for the first scheduled game. FAS will notify the appropriate league officials of the canceled games. The affected teams are not required to report to the field.

 

17.    The maximum number of players on a team’s roster shall be 30. (National softball organizations may have different roster restrictions for their tournaments.)

 

18.    At all times, at least two-thirds of the players on a roster must be legal residents of, or property owners in, the County or City of Fairfax, or active military and reserve personnel and their immediate family members.  At no time may more than a total of eight (8) non-county players be on a roster.

 

Exception: In accordance with guidelines established by the Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services (CRS), the residency requirement (NOT the non-county payment) will be waived for any team comprised entirely of full-time employees from one Fairfax County-based company or a team comprised entirely of full-time employees of the County of Fairfax. Any such business must submit written verification on company letterhead with a list of all roster names signed by an authorized representative who is not on the team as a player or manager. 

 

19.   No player may participate in a scheduled game for a team until properly registered on that team’s roster (see Rules 13 and 24).  This involves the entry of the player’s name and other pertinent information on FAS forms. Violation of this rule may result in punitive action against the player and/or manager. See Rule 40.

 

20.    No person while on suspension may be added to an FAS team roster.

 

21.    A copy of the approved team roster and any approved roster change forms must be carried to all games.

 

Roster Restrictions

 

22.    Corporate Coed: All players must be full-time employees of one company or one city or one county government or one military installation. To qualify as a full-time employee, a player must work the minimum number of hours per week normally worked in the industry by a full-time employee. A letter signed by an official of the sponsoring firm, other than a team manager or player, must be submitted with the roster verifying the full-time status of all rostered players.

 

23.    Church: Rosters may include both males and females.  There is no requirement for a minimum or maximum number of males or females for any game provided a legal team is fielded.  For the purpose of lineups and playing rules, female players will follow all male rules (e.g., no requirement for alternating batting order, no automatic walks for females, and no use of an 11-inch softball for female batters.)

 

Roster Adjustments

 

24.    Once the initial team roster has been filed, any changes to the roster must be done by submitting a Roster Change Form, completed in its entirety, to FAS with any applicable non-county residency fee.  FAS accepts roster change forms in person, or you may submit by U.S. mail, fax, or email provided these two conditions are met: 1) a Fax number is included for return of approval, and 2) if payment is required, credit card authorization is provided, or if U.S. mailed, then a check or credit card authorization accompanies the form.  An approved copy is required before a player is eligible to participate in any game.  An approved copy must be carried to all games with the applicable proof of residency if the player is a county resident.  FAS is responsible for forwarding copies, with applicable payments, to CRS.

 

25.    A rostered player shall not transfer to another team until the player or new manager/assistant manager files a Roster Change form deleting said player from the original team, and the new team manager files a roster change form adding said player to the new team. The added player may play for the new team as soon as FAS approves both Roster Change forms and notifies the original team manager.

 

26.    All roster changes must be completed before the last four scheduled games of the team.  Exceptions for regular-season play or buy-in tournaments only may be granted on a case-by-case basis by majority approval of the Executive Committee.

 

Roster Checks and Penalties

27.    CRS will conduct random roster audits, including visits to fields and matches with various Fairfax County databases.  Teams found in violation of an audit check will be assessed a $100 fine from CRS, payable before the team is allowed to continue in the FAS program, and will be subject to FAS disciplinary action.

 

28.    A player may be asked to verify his name on the official team roster.  A team manager has the right to challenge a player’s roster spot; however there is a potential for delaying the game and therefore each manager is limited to two separate requests per game.  Requests are to be made in the form of a protest to the home plate umpire between innings.

 

Failure of a questioned player to show an original or legibly photocopied valid military, DMV, or passport photo identification to the opposing manager and umpire will, at the option of the challenged team’s manager, result in the questioned player, and the manager or acting manager:

a.       Being immediately ejected from the game being played; OR

b.       Continuing to play but the questioned player must show the valid identification to the opposing team manager and umpire before the last out of the game, or the questioned player’s team will forfeit the game.

 

Failure of a manager to show proof a questioned player is on the team roster may result in the questioning team filing a protest according to FAS procedures.

 

29.    A hearing may be held to determine if a player, manager, or team should be disqualified from further play for violation of the roster rules. A request for such a hearing must be made in writing to the 2nd Vice President (Rules), who will determine the need for a hearing. FAS may also initiate appropriate action if evidence is found that indicates a possible roster violation.

 

30.    Any FAS participant who believes that a team has used an illegal player in a game (e.g., one who is not on that team’s roster or is on suspension) may report this allegation, in writing, to the FAS office for investigation. The written report must be received within three business days of the conclusion of the game in question and when submitted by a manager from the game in question, must be accompanied by a copy of the scorebook from the game that includes the challenged players in the lineup. FAS will review its internal documents to see if they substantiate the claim. If the allegation proves to be true, the player and manager in question shall be subject to sanctions in accordance with established FAS policy. The team will incur a 7-0 loss for any game(s) in which the player participated on the day in question.

 

 

CONDUCT

 

Player/Manager/Spectator

 

31.    Participants in the FAS program (players, coaches, managers, and spectators) shall be expected to maintain at all times the highest level of personal conduct and sportsmanship.

 

32.    A team manager or coach participating in any FAS-sponsored play must abide by all published rules and procedures regarding the FAS program. A manager or coach must attempt to control the conduct of team members during FAS-sponsored play. The manager or coach may be held responsible for, and therefore may be liable for, the conduct of team members during FAS-sponsored play.

 

33.    FAS will not tolerate misconduct or any acts which are judged to be detrimental to the game of softball. FAS reserves the right to take whatever action it deems necessary to ensure the smooth and sportsmanlike conduct of its program and player participation therein. Misconduct may include, but is not limited to, physical and verbal abuse and commission of fraud. The judgment of miscon­duct is usually determined by the umpire at the time of the incident. Should, in the umpire’s judgment, the incident require action, the umpire may:

a. Eject the person for the remainder of the game;

b. Eject the person for the remainder of the day;

c.  Eject the person for the remainder of the day and ask FAS (or tournament director, if it’s an FAS tournament) to take addi­tional action; and/or

d. Make a written request to FAS that further action be taken.

 

34.    After an umpire ejects a person from an FAS game for misconduct, the ejected person must leave the field and playing area (at least 150 yards from the field.)  Failure to do so within two minutes of being informed shall result in an immediate forfeit of the ejected person’s team. Identification of an ejected person must be provided to the umpire and the opposing manager immediately following the ejection. The umpire and both managers must report any ejected person(s) to FAS within 48 hours. Three or more incidents by one in­dividual will mandate a hearing.

 

35.    An ejected person shall not confront the umpire who ejected him at that facility during and especially after the game without risk of suspension from FAS.

 

36.    FAS will not tolerate the use of profanity at the ball fields.  The judgment of profanity is determined by the umpire.  Use of profanity may result in the penalties outlined in Rule 39 or the umpire may:

a.    On the first offense of a game, issue a warning to both teams.

b.    On the second offense of a game, the offending team is penalized with an out:

                        i.      If by the team at bat, and less than three outs are recorded after the violation, the umpire charges the team at bat with an out;

                       ii.      If by the team at bat, and the violation occurs after a third out is called, the umpire charges the team at bat with an out in the next time at bat;

                     iii.      If by the defensive team, the umpire will charge the team with an out in their next at bat.

 

37.    “Unloading of the benches” (i.e., in a confrontational situation, a team comes to the aid of its player, en masse) shall result in game forfeiture; if both benches “unload,” then it’s a double forfeit.

 

Penalties

 

38.    Participants who violate the laws of Virginia and/or Fairfax County concerning battery, assault, the consumption, possession, etc., of controlled substances and/or alcoholic beverages shall, in addition to state and county penalties and/or criminal prosecution, be subject to FAS disciplinary action, including ejection, forfeiture, and/or expulsion from the FAS program. Individuals are encouraged to bring infractions of these laws to the attention of police, park personnel, or the umpire(s).

 

39.    For the following acts, a team manager, coach, team, or team member shall be penalized at the discretion of the hearing panel, or the 2nd Vice President (Rules) or his designee, at the conclusion of a thorough and complete investigation with all parties involved.  If sufficient evidence is obtained by the 2nd Vice President, or his designee, from a thorough and complete investigation with all parties involved, the 2nd Vice President may, unless a hearing is requested, impose a penalty without a hearing.

a.          Unsportsmanlike conduct.

b.          Verbal abuse (including cursing or taunting).

c.           Failure to respond to a written notice to appear before a hearing panel.

d.          Any act deemed detrimental to the game of softball or the administration thereof, as determined by FAS.

 

40.    In addition to the discretionary penalties outlined above, the following acts may result in a loss of eligibility for a period of at least one year:

a.          Fraud (e.g., the use of illegal and/or non-rostered players).

b.          Receiving money by capitalizing on athletic ability or by promotion of softball goods, with the exception of the FAS-sponsored Home Run Derby.

c.           Use of altered, doctored, loaded, or banned bats or softballs.

 

41.    Complaints alleging commission of fraud may, at the discretion of the FAS President, result in the immediate suspension of those involved until the outcome of a hearing is determined.

 

42.    In addition to the penalties outlined previously, some acts, including but not limited to the following, are so dangerous to the public health and safety and are so detrimental to the integrity of the program as to require severe action by the hearing panel:

a.     STRIKING WITH A FOREIGN OBJECT

A team manager, coach, or team member shall be suspended for at least one (1) year for striking any individual with any foreign object or equipment, including but not limited to bat, ball, glove, base, dirt, and stone, other than in the normal course of play.

b.     PHYSICAL CONTACT

A team manager, coach, or team member shall be suspended for at least five (5) years for physical contact including but not limited to grabbing, pushing, bumping, striking with a part of one’s body, throwing any individual to the ground, or any acts outlined in Part a.

c.    ATTEMPTED PHYSICAL CONTACT

A team manager, coach, or team member shall be penalized for a substantial period of time for attempting any of the acts outlined in 42 a. or 42 b.

d.    THREATS

A team, team manager, coach, or team member shall be suspended for a substantial period of time for written or verbal threats to an umpire or other participant in the FAS program.

 

43.    Any participant accused of violating Rule 42 or any act involving physical violence shall be immediately suspended from all activities of the FAS program until such time as a hearing panel is convened and renders its final decision.  Upon notification of the complaint, FAS shall immediately notify the involved individual, team manager, and appropriate umpire associations, as necessary.

 

 

Umpire Relations

 

44.    Games shall be officiated only by umpires assigned through written contract between FAS and the respective umpire/umpire association(s), and all dealings with any umpire association under agreements with FAS shall be in accordance with the signed contractual agreements.

 

45.    Umpires are required to courteously discuss a disputed call, but ONLY with team managers, or their designee, at their request, with the understanding that discussion will be brief and to the point.

 

46.    Complaints (not protests) about an umpire’s failure to impose proper rules or about an umpire’s demeanor or conduct should be made in writing and directed to the FAS 1st Vice President for investigation and action.

 

47.    Complaints against umpires under contract to FAS where a hearing is justified require the findings of the hearing panel to be forwarded in writing to the President of the appropriate umpire organization requesting that the matter receive review under the code, rules, or guidelines of the umpire organization. A report from the associa­tion in question is to be directed to the chair of the Umpires Committee outlining what action, if any, was taken.

 

 

PROCEDURES FOR PROTESTS, HEARINGS, AND APPEALS

 

Protests of Playing Rules

 

48.    The 2nd Vice President, or his designee, shall adjudicate protests of playing rules. The 2nd Vice President shall mediate any league competitive disputes, serving to resolve any such questions or problems related to FAS rules.

 

Allowable Protests

 

49.    Protests will be received and considered on the following items only:

a.       Failure to comply with rules.

b.       Umpire misinterpretation of a playing rule.

c.        Umpire failure to apply the correct rule to a given situation.

d.       Umpire failure to impose the correct penalty for a given situation.

 

Note: The umpire’s actions during the game must reflect his professional responsibility and ability. The umpire’s demeanor during the game is not justifiable grounds for a formal protest; however, it is justifiable grounds for a written complaint to both FAS and/or the umpire association.

 

Filing of Protests

 

50.    The team manager must make protests to the umpire after play has stopped and before the next pitch is delivered. The umpire shall note in both score books the point of play at which the protest is lodged and must sign both scorebooks attesting to this protest at the time of the protest. Protests for field conditions must be made prior to the first pitch of the game unless conditions change during the game.

 

51.    The protesting manager shall submit the protest in writing and deliver it along with the $20 ($21 by credit card) protest fee to be received (not postmarked) by the FAS office within three business days of the date of the protested game. Verbal protests will not be accepted.

 

52.    A valid protest shall consist of the following (failure to provide this information will in­validate the protest):

a.       A statement of the facts of the game (date, time, location, teams, umpire[s], etc.).

b.       A statement of the facts surrounding the protest.

c.        A statement of specific protest, including the applicable rule(s).

d.       A photocopy of the signed score book pages of the protested game.

e.       Payment of $20 ($21 by credit card).

 

 

 

 

Protest Resolution

 

53.    The 2nd Vice President will review the protest with those involved and submit findings and recommenda­tions in writing within one week of receipt of protest to the teams and/or individuals involved, and to FAS for filing.

 

54.    If the protest is upheld, the fee shall be returned to the protesting team. If the protest is disallowed, the fee shall be deposited in the FAS general fund.

 

Protest Appeal

 

55.    A team manager may file a written review request to the FAS President within 10 days of the date of the letter stating the original protest decision.

 

56.    A new $20 ($21 by credit card) protest fee is required of the team requesting the review. If the outcome reverses the original protest findings, all fees will be refunded. If the appeal is disallowed, the fee shall be deposited in the FAS general fund.

 

57.    The President’s findings and recommendations shall be made in writing within one week to all concerned and will be added to the original file of the protest.

 

Hearings

 

58.    Upon receipt of a written complaint, FAS shall conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine whether a hearing regarding the incident is appropriate. If sufficient evidence is obtained by the 2nd Vice President, or his designee, from a thorough and complete investigation with all parties involved, the 2nd Vice President may, unless a hearing is requested, impose a penalty without a hearing. 

 

59.    A complaint may originate from:

a.       Any umpire/umpire association under contract to FAS;

b.       Any FAS Officer;

c.        Any individual involved in the FAS program holding a responsible position;

d.       The Fairfax County Park Authority.

 

60.    The nature of the complaint may include:

a.       Conduct of a manager, coach, team, team members, or spectators of a team on or off the field of play;

b.       Conduct of an umpire or umpires on or off the field of play from umpire associations under contract to FAS.

 

Hearing Procedures

 

61.    If, as a result of the written complaint, FAS determines that a hearing is required:

a.     Individual(s) involved will be suspended from participation in any FAS program until a hearing is held and a decision regarding the incident is made.

b.     Notification of time, date, and location of the hearing shall be furnished to all principals by certified mail not later than seven days prior to the scheduled date.

 

62.    Membership on the hearing panel shall consist of:

a.       The Protest Committee chair or the 2nd Vice President (Rules), or a designate appointed by the FAS President, as chair.

b.       Not less than four FAS representatives, a majority of who are members of the Board of Directors. Team managers may also be selected.

c.        If the hearing involves an umpire-related issue, one of the four FAS representatives shall be an umpire representative as appointed by the 1st Vice President.

 

63.    An umpire representative under contract to FAS may be invited to the hearing, provided no conflict of interest exists. Each representative shall serve in a non-voting, advisory capacity only.

 

64.    One representative from each complainant and defendant shall be permitted to sit in during testimony; however, it is understood that these representatives forego the right to testify and must remain silent during the testimony of others. The hearing board may grant relevant statements and/or questions from these representatives after initial testimony.

 

Hearing Appeal

 

65.    Any person suspended pending a hearing may appeal that suspension to FAS. FAS shall then conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether the suspension should be revoked. FAS shall notify all concerned parties of its actions.

 

66.    Any person(s) penalized by an FAS hearing panel or the 2nd Vice President (Rules) may appeal any such decision to the FAS President, or his designee in the following order of succession: 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, who shall determine if a fair hearing was held and an equitable decision reached. Any person who desires to appeal must notify the FAS President in writing of the intention to appeal within ten (10) days after the postmark of the notice of penalty. The FAS President, or his designee, will then notify each involved party as to the request for appeal.   The decision of the FAS President, or his designee, shall be final.

 

 

TOURNAMENTS AND PLAYOFFS

 

Affiliation with National Softball Organizations

 

67.    Teams involved in any non-FAS tournament program shall be classified by the sponsoring national association under a category that reflects their level and intensity of play. For information regarding tournaments sponsored by national associations, contact the group’s local representative, listed in Appendix C of this handbook.

 

68.    Eligibility for any postseason tournament(s) sponsored by a national softball organization as a result of league play will be determined by the organization representative.

 

FAS-Sanctioned Tournaments

 

69.    All tournament games shall be conducted under FAS rules or under special rules distributed prior to play. Any special rules must be approved by the tournament committee chair and cannot conflict with any signed umpire contracts. Any such distribution will be considered addenda to these rules and will be so interpreted if protested.

 

70.    The FAS-appointed tournament director is empowered to act on behalf of the 2nd Vice President Rules in adjudicating and administering conduct penalties during tournament play, as deemed appropriate within the bounds of FAS and ASA rules.

 

71.    Playing cycles and field conditions for tourna­ments will be determined by the tournament directors and the assigned umpires.

 

Tournament Rosters

 

72.    A team playing in an FAS playoff tournament may only use players who are currently on its roster; up to two additional players may be added provided the add-on players have been approved by FAS on the official roster change form prior to the start of its first game.  The non-county resident fee will not be charged when a non-county resident is being added to a roster to participate ONLY in an FAS-sanctioned tournament.  EXCEPTION:  Men’s Masters League teams are required to use only players who are currently on its roster and no players may be added after the FAS roster change deadline.

 

73.    No player may play on more than one team in any one tournament.

 

74.    The team manager must bring an approved copy of the team roster and roster change forms to each of the team’s games. The tournament director, or his/her designate, reserves the right to question the identity of any player at any time during the tournament.

 

Failure of a manager to provide proof a questioned player is on the team roster, or failure of a questioned player who is on the roster to verify the roster spot by showing an original valid military, DMV, or passport photo identification before the last out of the game, will result in:

The immediate ejection of the questioned player and the manager or acting manager, AND

The game in question will be immediately forfeited, AND

The remaining players of the offending team may continue to play in any subsequent games that day.

 

75.    For all games preceding the championship game, a coin toss shall be used to determine the home team. The winner of the winner’s bracket final in an FAS playoff double elimination tournament has the choice to be either home or visiting team for the championship game. A coin toss will determine the home team for the “if” game.

 

Tournament Protests

 

76.    The protest procedures vary with the type of protest and are as follows:

a.       Playing Rules: Protests on interpretations of playing rules must be settled on the field, and the umpire’s decision will be final.

b.       Other Protests: Other protests shall be handled by the tournament director or the director’s designated agent at the time of protest.

 

 

PART III.  PLAYING RULES

 

HIERARCHY OF RULES

 

77.    In general, all leagues within FAS play under the softball rules adopted by the ASA. The rules contained in this document are intended to supplement the ASA rules by providing information unique to the FAS program.

 

78.    It is the intent of FAS not to adopt local rules which interfere or conflict with the overall rules of ASA unless it is determined by FAS that such rules are in the best interests of the overall adult softball program within Fairfax County

 

79.    The following hierarchy of rules shall apply:

a.       FAS rules take precedence over ASA rules.

b.       League rules take precedence over FAS and ASA rules.

 

 

GENERAL FAS PLAYING RULES

 

Scheduling

 

80.    Field assignment, playing dates, game scheduling, and postponements (except umpire cancellation of a game or series of games at the field due to inclement weather or playing conditions) shall be handled by FAS or its designated agents.

 

81.    The Recreation Department or Park Authority will postpone games at their discretion.  In the event of inclement weather, team managers should contact the FAS field status line for a report on the status of their games that day.

 

82.    Teams are to play games as scheduled or rescheduled by FAS.  Requests for rescheduling of games may be considered provided the request is received with at least two (2) business days notice.  (For example: to reschedule a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday game, FAS must be notified of the mutually agreeable alternative date by close of business the preceding Wednesday; to reschedule a Tuesday game, the preceding Friday.)

 

83.    Postponed league games will be rescheduled through FAS.  Team Manager or Assistant Team Manager of FAS record will be notified at least three (3) business days in advance of the reschedule date via the FAS website.

Exception: During the last week of regular-season play, rescheduling notification may be reduced to two (2) business days at the discretion of FAS.

 

Field Conditions and Playing Cycles

 

84.    The umpire shall review the status of the field prior to the first game of the scheduled cycle. If the umpire feels that the game should not be played, the umpire may delay the game, cancel the game, or cancel the entire playing cycle on that field, according to his judgment. The playing cycle for regular league play is in two-game blocks.

85.    Fields provided for play in the FAS program are expected to be ready for play and shall include home plate, three bases properly secured and dimensioned, and an aligned pitching plate. If these criteria are not met, the game will be postponed by the umpire and rescheduled. There will be no exceptions to this rule.

 

86.    At game time, the umpires (with the advice and consent of the park field manager) are the judges as to the playing condition of the field.

 

87.    Any game delayed 20 minutes at any point shall be rescheduled, unless Rule 95b applies.

 

Game Times

 

88.    The umpire shall keep the official time and shall notify managers prior to the start and throughout the game (upon request) of the time.

 

89.    Scheduled game time is forfeit time.

Exception: Weeknight games scheduled to begin before 6:45 will have a forfeit time 10 minutes past the scheduled start time. The game must begin as soon as both teams meet the minimum requirement of a legal lineup. No new inning shall begin after 60 minutes from the scheduled start time, except as outlined in Rule 91.  NOTE: The grace period will come out of the game time.

 

90.    There must be five minutes between games, unless both managers and the umpire(s) agree to shorten the break.

 

91.    A game shall begin with the first pitch (delivered or called). Except in games starting late under circumstances covered previously, no new inning shall begin after 60 minutes from the scheduled start time or the actual start time, whichever is later. (A game may begin before the scheduled start time if umpires and both managers agree.) Any inning begun shall be played to completion, unless injury, weather, or field conditions necessitate otherwise.

 

Examples of the effect of this rule:

a. A scheduled 7:35 game begins at 7:35; no new inning shall begin after 8:35.

b. A scheduled 7:35 game begins at 7:25; no new inning shall begin after 8:35.

c.  A scheduled 7:35 game begins at 7:45; no new inning shall begin after 8:45.

 

92.    The final game of the cycle on lighted fields shall not continue past 11:30 p.m. at Braddock Park, 10:30 p.m. at Poplar Tree Park and Bready Park, and 11:00 p.m. at all other lighted fields.

 

93.    If a team forfeits the first game of a scheduled doubleheader and knows in advance that they will not be able to field a team for the second game, the umpire may declare both games a forfeit at the forfeit time for the first game. Should such a circumstance occur, the cycle of games remaining to be played at the field will start at their scheduled times, or sooner as per Rule 91.  During a scheduled back-to-back double header, if no one from the other team shows up by forfeit time for the first game, the second game shall be automatically forfeited to the team submitting a legal lineup to the umpire.

 

Game Determination

 

94.    The umpire is responsible for the calling of the game. If the conditions surrounding the playing of the game jeopardize the safety of the players, it is the responsibility of the manager(s) to request that the game be terminated. If play is continued and the umpire does not take remedial action, the manager may file a protest and withdraw the team from play at the risk of forfeiture being declared if the Protest Committee disallows the protest.

 

95.    An official game shall consist of seven innings, except as noted below:

a.       A game played to the legal time limit with no interruptions due to weather, field conditions, or injuries, regardless of the number of innings played past the first inning;

b.       A game interrupted by weather, field conditions, or injuries, which lasts at least five innings (4‑1/2 innings if the home team is ahead).

 

96.    Official games called before the inning is completed shall be decided as follows:

a.       Home team fails to bat. Score reverts to last complete inning.

b.       Home team bats (less than three outs) but fails to at least equal the score. Score reverts to the last complete inning.

c.        Home team bats and equals score when game is called. Score is recorded as a tie.

 

97.    Any game that is not official shall be rescheduled and replayed from the beginning.

 

98.    If a team fails to appear for any game (including make-up games) at which the appearing umpire declares the field playable, the game shall be awarded by forfeit to the appearing legal team. Forfeits will be official only if the team awarded the victory submits a legal lineup to the umpire at the time the forfeit is announced. If neither team appears, the game will be declared a double forfeit and each team will be charged with a loss.

 

Notification

 

99.    Each team shall notify FAS of the result or other status (i.e. incomplete, rainout) of their scheduled game (either by telephone, email, or the FAS website reporting form) within 72 hours of the scheduled game. Any team that fails to report the result of an official game will be charged with a loss.  A one-time exception per team per season to the 72-hour reporting rule will be granted, upon request from the offending manager.

 

Final League Standings

 

100.A tied game counts as 1/2 win and 1/2 loss in the standings.

 

101.Winning percentage shall be used to determine division standings.

 

102.The following procedures, in the following order, shall be used to break ties between teams with identical records:

a.       Head-to-head records;

b.       Playoff game(s) among tied teams, when necessary to establish tournament berths or trophy recipients, and time and field allocations permit;

c.        Least runs allowed between tied teams;

d.       Least runs allowed for league play against all teams;

e.       Coin toss.

 

 

PLAYING RULES

 

Scorekeeping

 

103.The home team shall provide the official scorekee­per, who will maintain an accurate and detailed record of the game’s play and its final score. Such detailing shall be kept on a player-by-player basis. In the event the home team has insuffi­cient personnel available to serve as the official scorekeeper, the visiting team shall so serve if sufficient personnel are available.

 

104.If no intelligible records of a game exist and a protest regarding the official score arises, the 2nd Vice President reserves the right to assign the outcome of the game as s/he sees fit.

 

Lineups

 

105.Upon request, team lineups must be presented to the opposing team prior to the start of the game and must include at a minimum each player’s first initial and last name (official line-up cards are not required).

 

106.Managers may make changes to their lineups at any time prior to the first pitch of the game, either delivered or called, without penalty of substitution rules.

 

107.The initial game lineup must reflect only those players present at the start of the game.

 

108.If a team begins a game with less than 14 players, any player(s) added to complete the 14 must be inserted at the end of the lineup. The lineup cannot have any blank slots imbedded in its order except as noted in Coed League Addenda.   Note: For coed, you may never have more male than female extra hitters in the lineup; and for corporate coed, at no time shall males exceed females in number by more than four.

109.Should a lineup be reduced for any reason, the spot becomes vacated. Each time a vacated spot occurs in the batting order, it shall result in an out. Should an eligible rostered player become available while a vacated spot exists, that player may be added only at the vacated spot.

 

110.Players Who Are Physically Challenged: A physi­cally challenged player (as determined by the Americans with Disabilities Act) who participates either on offense only or on defense only may be added to a legal lineup.

 

 

Game Play

 

111.A LEGAL TEAM shall consist of eight players who play both offense and defense; a game is forfeited if at any time the number drops below eight.

 

112.All leagues shall utilize the FAS EXTRA HITTER Rule: A team may optionally add an 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th player to the lineup at any time.  The player(s) will be referred to as the extra hitter(s) and may bat anywhere in the order unless added after the start of the game, at which time they must be inserted at the end of the lineup. The player(s) may also switch roles with any other player in the lineup and become a fielder during the game. The player replaced in the field would then become the extra hitter, and both players would remain in the game and bat in their original positions in the batting order. The switching of roles may occur as often as desired with as many different players as desired. The extra hitter may also be removed from the game and replaced by a new player. Should a lineup that originally included extra players be reduced because of injury or any other reason and a replacement is not available, that spot vacated in the batting order will result in an out (see Rule 109.) The FAS extra hitter is also subject to regular ASA substitution rules.  Please see page 25, Coed League Addenda, for additional coed options.

 

113.LOAN-A-PLAYER Option: At  the legal team’s option, to avoid a forfeit by the opposing team, the legal team may loan enough of their own rostered players to the opposing team to bring their lineup to eight players for that scheduled game only. Players shall return to their own team immediately upon the arrival of late players.  Players returning to the loaning team may be added to their own team’s lineup and must be inserted at the end of the lineup.  Players arriving late to the team avoiding the forfeit, enter their own team’s lineups as substitutes within the parameters established by ASA substitution rules.

 

114.All leagues shall utilize the ASA PITCHING requirements with the following exception: At least one foot must remain in contact with the ground or the pitcher’s plate within the area defined by the width of the pitcher’s plate and up to six-feet behind the pitcher’s plate, until the pitched ball leaves the hand.

 

115.The ASA catching rule shall not be enforced.

 

116.The ASA stealing rules shall not be enforced.

 

117.FAS shall use the FAS 1-1 Rule: the batter begins each turn at bat with a count of 1 ball and 1 strike.  The batter walks on four balls and is considered out on the third strike, unless the third strike is fouled off, in which case the batter gets one more strike.  If the next pitch is a strike or fouled off, the batter is out.

Exception for Women’s League: The women’s league shall not use the FAS 1-1 Rule. Batters will walk on four balls and are considered out on the third strike or third strike foul.

 

118.DOUBLE FIRST BASE Rule.  All leagues shall utilize a safety double base at first.  It is placed so that the white portion is where the first base normally would be and the colored portion in foul territory.  Whenever a play is being made on the batter-runner at first base, the defense must use the white portion and the batter-runner the colored portion.  The batter-runner is out when there is a play being made at first base and the batter-runner touches only the white portion (this is an automatic call by the umpire and not an appeal play.) A batted ball hitting the white portion is declared fair and a batted ball hitting the colored portion is declared foul.  On any force out attempt from the foul side of first base, or an errant throw pulling the defense into foul ground, the defense and the batter-runner can use either the white or colored portion.  On extra base hits or balls hit to the outfield when there is no play being made at the double base, the batter-runner may touch the white or colored portion. If, when using the double base, and there is a force play by an infielder on the batter-runner, who touches only the white portion and collides with the fielder about to catch a thrown ball while on the white, then interference is ruled, the ball is dead, the batter-runner is out, and all other runners are returned to the base last occupied at the time of interference.

 

119.All leagues shall utilize the FAS COURTESY RUNNER Rule. One courtesy runner each half inning may be used.  Any player on the approved roster may be used as a courtesy runner.  A courtesy runner is in the game when they touch the base.  A courtesy runner whose turn at bat comes while on base will be out.  The courtesy runner will be removed from the base and come to bat.  A second courtesy runner cannot be substituted at this time.  A player may be a courtesy runner only once per inning.  A courtesy runner may not run for an existing courtesy runner except for an injury.  In all coed play, only a male courtesy runner may be used for a male base runner, and a female courtesy runner may be used for either a male or female base runner.  If a runner violates any of the above situations, they will be called out and removed from the base.

Exception:  In Coed play (not Corporate Coed), a courtesy runner may be used for one male base runner and one female base runner each half inning.

Exception: In Seniors play, unlimited courtesy runners are allowed each inning and a runner who is replaced with a courtesy runner may not be used as a courtesy runner for the remainder of the inning.

 

120.All  leagues shall utilize the Five (5) Limit HOME RUN Rule: For each game, all home runs in excess of five over-the-fence home runs per male batters, and five over-the-fence home runs per female batters will be scored as a single and each base runner advances one base, whether forced or not, without liability of being put out. 

 

121.All leagues shall utilize the FAS SCORING RUNS Rule. On any fair batted ball hit over the fence for a home run, or a four-base award, the batter and all runners are credited with a score.  The batter and any runners on base do not need to run the bases.  This eliminates any runner appeal play.

 

122.All  leagues shall utilize the FAS SLAUGHTER Rule: If after 4 innings (3 ˝ if the home team is ahead), a team is leading by 20 runs or more, or if after 5 innings (4 ˝ if the home team is ahead), a team is leading by 15 runs or more, the game shall end and be considered a complete game.

 

123.All leagues shall utilize the FAS ONE-PITCH EXTRA INNING Rule: If a game is tied after a complete inning AND THE TIME LIMIT HAS EXPIRED, the game will continue for a single extra inning as follows:

a.       Each batter will be permitted one pitch during the extra inning. If the pitch is a ball, the batter is awarded a walk. If the pitch is a strike or the ball is hit foul, the batter is out.

b.       Should a game still be tied after the extra inning, the result will stand.

c.        The one-pitch extra inning will not be played if Rule 92 applies.

 

Note: If the game is tied and there is time left, a regulation inning(s) is played before the inning of one-pitch in an effort to break the tie; one-pitch only occurs when time has expired.

 

124.A player, coach, or umpire who is bleeding or whose uniform is saturated with blood shall be prohibited from participating further in the game until the appropriate treatment can be administered. If medical care or treatment is administered in a reasonable length of time, the person will not have to leave the game. The length of time considered reasonable is left to the umpire’s judgment. The umpire shall:

a.       Stop the game and allow treatment if the injured person would affect the continuation of play.

b.       Immediately call a coach or other authorized person to the injured player.

c.        Apply the rules of the game regarding substitutions, re-entry, and shorthanded play as necessary.

 

Equipment

 

125.Except as noted, all equipment used in league play shall meet ASA specifications for softball use and may be reviewed for appropriateness by the umpires at any time.

 

126.There is no uniform requirement for any league.

 

127.Bats: For all leagues, only bats on the approved ASA bat list will be permitted.  Bats approved by ASA for girl’s fast pitch are permitted for all divisions of FAS play.  Use of altered, doctored, loaded, or banned bats is not permitted and is subject to penalties outlined in the Penalties section of this book.

Penalty: Any player entering the batter’s box with an illegal bat shall be called out.  The player using the illegal bat shall be ejected from the game and the resulting vacated spot in the lineup may never be substituted for and each time the vacated spot occurs in the batting order, it shall result in an out.  If the use of the bat is noticed after a fair hit pitch and before the next pitch to the succeeding batter, in addition to the above penalties, the batter is called out, the bat is removed from the game, any runner(s) put out prior to discovering this infraction remain out, and return any runner(s) who advanced as a result of the batted ball to the base legally held at the time of the pitch.

 

128.Game balls: Each team shall supply and hit its own approved softballs. Should it be discovered after a hit and before the next pitch that an unapproved softball was used, the defensive team may accept the result of the play or require the batter to hit again with the same ball-strike count as before the hit.  The team at bat shall provide all further balls for use as necessary for the completion of the game. 

 

The approved softball for FAS play will be those approved by ASA for each division of play, and stamped by ASA, ISA, NSA, SSAA or USSSA (USSSA must be stamped USSSA “Elite” and it may not have the COR and Compression requirements on the softball itself, however it is legal and permitted in FAS play for the year 2007 only; it will NOT be permitted in FAS play beginning in 2008).  Use of altered, doctored, loaded, or banned softballs are not permitted and is subject to penalties outlined in the Penalties section of this book.

Men in any division of play must hit a 12-inch, .440 max COR,

  375.0 lbs max Compression softball.

Women in any division of play must hit an 11-inch, .440 max COR, 375.0 lbs max Compression softball.

Exception for Women’s League: The home team shall supply a new softball for each game, and the visiting team a good used softball subject to approval by the umpire.  The team at bat shall provide all further balls for use as necessary for the completion of the game.

 

129.Cleats: No metal cleats are allowed. A person found wearing metal cleats will be ejected.

 

 

GROUND RULES

 

130.Eakin 2: The first-base bench area ends as the fence defines and encloses it.

 

131.The umpire shall be the authority for and shall define additional ground rules prior to any play. No protests will be allowed on such temporary rules.

 

 

SAFETY

132.All injuries are to be reported to the FAS office.

LEAGUE ADDENDA

 

Coed League (Early Open, Late Open, Corporate, and Fall)

 

133. Defensive Positioning. Players may be positioned anywhere in the defense as long as no more than five males play defensively at any one time. Exception for Corporate Coed: No more than seven males may play defensively at any one time and at least three females must play defensively at all times.

 

134. Injuries. If a female is injured and there are no replacements available, this will result in a vacated spot in the lineup (see Rule 109). However, a male does not have to leave the lineup as well. The female must start the game, and it only applies to the game in progress.

 

135. Switching of Game Balls. The umpire shall handle the switching of game balls between the male and female batters.

 

136. Legal Lineup. A legal lineup will consist of at least eight players, including no less than two (2) males and three (3) females at all times.  Starting with the first position in the lineup, the batting order must alternate between males and females or females and males, until you can no longer alternate (except as noted in ‘Exception’ below and in the ‘Extra Hitter’ section).  Except as noted below, males may never follow males in the batting order, and first and last batters cannot both be males.  When a lineup has less than 11 players, any combination of males and females which satisfies these requirements will be allowed (in no event may the team lineup contain any vacant spots when the game begins except at the end of the lineup):

a. Five males and three females. The team will be charged an out in the lineup at each of the missing female positions. The team may later add female player(s) to fill the first vacant position in the lineup.

b. Five males and four females. The team will be charged a single out in the lineup at the missing female position. The team may later add a female player at the vacant position.

c. Any other combination of a least eight players will not result in an out being charged to the team.

d. More females than males. A lineup may contain more females than males; if so, females may follow females in the batting order. However, except as noted previously, males may never follow males in the batting order.  If a game begins with more females than males, the team may later add male player(s) between the first two consecutive female players in the lineup. 

Exception for Corporate Coed: a legal lineup shall consist of at least eight players, including no less than two (2) males and three (3) females (the game is forfeited if at any time there are less than 2 males or less than 3 females in the lineup and playing defensively).  Up to 10 batters, in any order (alternating batters is not required) shall constitute the batting order.

 

137.Extra Hitters. Up to four (4) extra hitters, either 1 female and 1 male, 1 female and no male, 2 females and 2 males, 2 females and 1 male, 2 females and no males, 3 females and 1 male, 3 females and no males, 4 females and no males, can be used; otherwise none are allowed. An EH may switch roles with any other player in the lineup and become a fielder during the game. The player replaced in the field would then become the EH, and both players would remain in the game and bat in their original positions. Switching roles may occur as often as desired with as many different players as desired. The EH may also be removed and replaced by a new player. Exception for Corporate Coed:  Up to four (4) extra hitters are allowed provided that at no time shall males exceed females in number by more than four.

 

138. Substitutions. In making a substitution during the course of a game, this guideline applies: if the substitution creates a lineup that, in number and gender, would have been a legal starting lineup, then the substitution may be made. A manager may not change a lineup in such a way as to create a lineup that would not have been legal to start the game.

 

139. Base on balls. When a male player is walked, he is awarded second base, but must touch the bases in the proper order. The following female batter then has the option to hit or also accept a walk prior to the next pitch, either delivered or called. Runners advance only as far as forced.  Exception for Corporate Coed:  When a male player is walked, he is awarded second base provided the scheduled following batter in the lineup is a female.  If the scheduled following batter in the lineup is a male, the male batter is only awarded first base.

 

140. RULE DIFFERENCES. A corporate coed division comprised entirely of teams from one company/business may have additional rules or exceptions unique to their division for division play only as approved by the Board of Directors prior to beginning play for that current season.

 

141. Lockheed Martin. The Lockheed Martin Corporate Coed Division uses all FAS Corporate Coed rules EXCEPT teams are required to have only two females (minimum) in their lineup and playing defensively at all times to avoid a forfeit.

APPENDIX A -- MAJOR RULE CHANGES FOR 2007

 

The FAS Board of Directors approved the following new rules and rule changes for our 2007 spring, summer and fall.  Please note, that in general, all leagues within FAS play under the softball rules adopted by the ASA, except when superseded by FAS rules.  Please review the following changes to the 2006 Rule Book and plan your 2007 season accordingly.

 

Page 15, Added new rule under FAS-Sanctioned Tournaments

The FAS-appointed tournament director is empowered to act on behalf of the 2nd Vice President Rules in adjudicating and administering conduct penalties during tournament play as deemed appropriate within the bounds of FAS and ASA rules.

Page 17, Rule 80.  Amended the rule because there are times when staff cannot              allow the rescheduling (i.e.: allowing a single game rescheduling that     leaves a single game, which is in conflict with umpire contracts.)

Requests for rescheduling of games may be considered provided the request is received with at least two (2) business days notice.

Page 18, Rule 87.  Adding for clarification as often times teams believe they still                have 60 minutes of game time after using up to 10 minutes for the grace    period.  Add the following at the end of the paragraph.  Note: The 10-    minute grace period will come out of game time.

Page 21, Rule 110.  Amended to clarify lineup order for late arriving players.

Add at the following italics at the end of the second sentence:  …. may bat anywhere in the order unless added after the start of the game, at which time they must be inserted at the end of the lineup.

Page 21-22, Rule 116.  Amended to be consistent with ASA.

Delete the following two sentences from the middle of the rule:  Should the batter-runner return, the runner must return to the white portion.  When tagging on a fly ball, the white portion must be used.

Page 24, Rule 126.

The Baden USSSA “Elite” softball will be allowed in FAS league play for 2007 only.  If you have any of the “Elite” softballs, please use them in 2007 because they will not be permitted for FAS play in 2008.

Page 25. Legal Lineup. a.

Amended to change the last sentence under “a.” as follows:  The team may later add female player(s) to fill the first vacant position in the lineup.

Page 25. Legal Lineup. d.

Amended to add new section d. to include: If a game begins with more females than males, the team may later add male player(s) between the first two consecutive female players in the lineup.

 

NEW FROM ASA FOR 2007

·    Batter’s box will measure 4 feet wide x 7 feet long instead of 3 feet by 7 feet. 

·    The pitcher’s glove may be of one solid color or multicolored as long as the color(s) are not the color of the ball being used in the game being played.

·    When a batter enters the batter’s box with or is discovered using an altered or non-approved bat, the batter shall be ejected form the game and if in a tournament shall be ejected for the remainder of the tournament.

·    Removed intention from many rules to allow umpires to judge interference and not intent.

APPENDIX B -- FIELD AND LIGHT BOX LOCATIONS

 

Baron Cameron Park (BCP) 11300 Baron Cameron Avenue, Reston 20190

        Take Route 495 to the Dulles Toll Road West to Wiehle Avenue.  At the intersection of Baron Cameron Avenue and Wiehle Avenue proceed West on Wiehle Ave. Make first left into park area. Make first right into parking lot and proceed to field on left.

Beulah Park (BEU)   7119 Beulah Street, Alexandria  22315

        Fairfax County Parkway South (changes to Franconia/Springfield Parkway at Rolling Road) to Beulah Street. Turn right and go quarter mile. Park entrance is on the left behind Anthony Lane Elementary School.

        LIGHT BOX:  ONLY umpires or FCPA authorized personnel are permitted to operate light box functions. Located on the gray concrete building between the fields, behind the left field foul pole of Field #2.  The switches are inside the metal cabinet on the side of the building facing Field #1 to the right of the door.

Braddock Park (BRD)   13241 Braddock Road, Clifton  20124

        Take Route 66 West to Route 50 West; second right onto West Ox Road south; right onto Route 29/211; left onto Clifton Road; right onto Braddock Road, to park 1/3 mile on left. OR: Fairfax County Parkway to Braddock Road West. Park entrance is 5 miles on left.

        LIGHT BOX: ONLY umpires or FCPA authorized personnel are permitted to operate light box functions. Located on the outside wall of the stone building located adjacent to right field of Braddock Park, Field #4.  The switches are inside the metal cabinet on the side of the building facing Field #4 to the left of the building door.

Bready Park  (BRE)

        From Elden Street, turn north onto Ferndale Ave. Proceed approximately 1/5 mile, go past the Herndon Community Center on right to next right at softball field. The Herndon Public Golf Course is on left side of Ferndale immediately across street from Bready

Eakin Park (EAK)   Tobin Road, Annandale  22003

        From Inner Loop of Beltway: Take Gallows Road West, left at the traffic light onto Woodburn Road; right onto Tobin Road, to park on left.

        From Outer Loop of Beltway: Take Gallows Road exit; at traffic light at end of ramp, go straight onto Woodburn; right onto Tobin Road, to park on left.

 Franconia Park (FRN2)   Bowie Street, Springfield  22150

        Take Route 95 South to Franconia exit; east on Franconia Road, left onto Thomas Drive, right onto Bowie Street; park entrance is at end of street.

Lake Fairfax Park (LFP)  1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston  20190

        Take Beltway Exit 47A which is Route 7 or Leesburg Pike west.  Turn south on Baron Cameron Drive: Precede about 1/4 mile and make left onto Lake Fairfax Drive. Proceed into Lake Fairfax Park. Go past The Water Mine Swimming Pool to stop sign and make left. Cross over creek to next stop sign. Make sharp right and proceed up windy hill to stop sign. Bear left to next stop sign. Make left and proceed to softball fields on the right. The first field you arrive at #5; the second field #3.  

Mason District Park (MASN)   6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale  22003

        Take Little River Turnpike/Route 236 East exit off beltway; go 2 miles, then left onto John Marr Drive; turn right onto Columbia Pike (244), follow about 1.5 miles to park entrance on right.

        LIGHT BOX:  The lights are turned on and off by staff at Mason District Park.

 Nottoway Park (NOT)   9601 Courthouse Road, Vienna  22181

        Take Route 66 West to Route 243 north exit (Nutley Street); right onto Nutley Street; left onto Courthouse Road, to park entrance on left.

        LIGHT BOX:  ONLY umpires or FCPA authorized personnel are permitted to operate light box functions. The lights are turned on and off by staff at Nottoway Park.

Ossian Hall Park (OSS)   7830 Heritage Drive, Annandale  22003

        Take Little River Turnpike/Route 236 East exit off beltway; turn right onto Heritage Drive, then left onto Four Year Run (across from Heritage Mall), to park entrance on left.

        LIGHT BOX:  ONLY umpires or FCPA authorized personnel are permitted to operate light box functions. There is a box behind Field #1 that has two small boxes on the right side.  One is locked and one is unlocked.  The unlocked box has both a start and stop button. 

Poplar Tree Park (POPT)   Stringfellow Road, Chantilly  20151

        Take Route 66 West to Fairfax County Parkway North exit; left onto Fair Lakes Parkway, right onto Stringfellow Road, then immediate left into park entrance OR: Take Route 66 West to Route 50 West. Go about 3.5 miles to left onto Stringfellow Road, then 2 miles to park entrance on right.

        LIGHT BOX:  ONLY umpires or FCPA authorized personnel are permitted to operate light box functions. The light box is located on the exterior of one of the green electrical buildings clustered together at the top of the circle of the parking lot between the restrooms and the soccer fields.  The on/off switches are inside an exterior box and the softball fields are the uppermost set of switches (hidden from view unless you bend down and look up into the box.)

Rolling Valley West Park (RVW)   6512 Sydenstricker Road, Burke  22015

        Take Route 95 South to Springfield exit; go west on Old Keene Mill Road; follow about 8 miles, then go left onto Sydenstricker Road; park is on right. OR: Fairfax County Parkway from the west to Old Keene Mill Road exit. Right on Sydenstricker Road. Park is on right.  OR: Fairfax County Parkway from the east to Sydenstricker Road exit; park is about 2 ˝ miles on left.

        LIGHT BOX:  ONLY umpires or FCPA authorized personnel are permitted to operate light box functions. There are two buildings located behind the basketball court.  The first building is the lighthouse and the on/off switches are in an exterior box facing the tennis court.

South Run District Park (SRUN)   7550 Reservation Drive, Springfield  22153

        From beltway, take Braddock Road West; turn left on Burke Lake Road and left again onto Lee Chapel Road. Turn left onto Fairfax County Parkway and follow to park entrance on right.

        From the west, take Fairfax County Parkway south to park entrance on right (just passed intersection with Lee Chapel.)

        LIGHT BOX:  ONLY umpires or FCPA authorized personnel are permitted to operate light box functions. The light box is located across the dirt path behind the backstop of field #3.  There is a white box on the outside of the brown lighthouse building with on/off push buttons.

Wakefield Park (WAK)   8100 Braddock Road, Annandale  22003

        Take Braddock Road West exit off beltway; 1/4 mile to park entrance on right.

        LIGHT BOX:  ONLY umpires or FCPA authorized personnel are permitted to operate light box functions. The box is located on the back of the building in the center of the park to the right of the transformer.  In the box is an on/off button for Fields 1,2,3,4.

APPENDIX C -- CONTACT LIST

 

 

FAS OFFICERS

 

President                              John Carney                                               703 425-6705

                                                president@fairfaxadultsoftball.com

1st Vice President             Jason Yovich                                              703 590-8960

      (Umpires)                                       1stvp@fairfaxadultsoftball.com

2nd Vice-President            Scott Semmler                                           703 930-0181

       (Rules)                                            2ndvp@fairfaxadultsoftball.com

Treasurer                             Chris Voss                                                  703 451-0816

treasurer@fairfaxadultsoftball.com

Secretary                             Tica O’Brien                                                703 433-5277

secretary@fairfaxadultsoftball.com

 

FAS STAFF

Administrator                                                                   Sharon Sealock          

Administrative Assistant                                                   Lisa Peterman

               

 

FAS OFFICE

Mailing Address                                                                            Fairfax Adult Softball

                                                14701 Lee Highway, Suite 302

                                                Centreville, VA  20121

Telephone                     Noon to 5:00 p.m., Mon-Fri            703 815-9007

FAX Line                                                                          703 815-9009

Web Site Address                                        www.fairfaxadultsoftball.com

E-Mail Address                                        office@fairfaxadultsoftball.com

 

 

FIELD STATUS LINE:                                 703 550-4111

 

UMPIRE NO-SHOWS:                                  703 772-1899                

 

 

UMPIRE COMMENTS/ISSUES:        umpires@fairfaxadultsoftball.com

 

Questions/Concerns/Issues to:         office@fairfaxadultsoftball.com

 

TO REPORT GAME RESULTS USE THE WEBSITE REPORTING FORM ON THE FAS HOMEPAGE

 

LEAGUE COORDINATORS

 

MEN’S EARLY OPEN COORDINATORS

 

David Blake                          703 830-7185                                   dmblake@cox.net

Jon Erickson                       703 860-2169             jon.erickson@valueoptions.com

Joe Morice                                                                            joe.morice@centurum.com

Steve Wells                           703 396-8425                        swells@fairfaxcounty.gov

 

 

RESTON MEN / CHURCH

 

Steve Adamson                   571 333-4796              steve@smartneighborhood.net

 

 

MEN’S LATE OPEN

 

Fred Smith                            703-201-7434                                    fmith001@cox.net

 

 

COED EARLY OPEN

 

Wayne & Betsy Brady          703 790-1274                                    bbrady@mitre.org

Mike Gilbert                           703 352-1730                            m.gilbert4@verizon.net

Jason Yovich                        703 590-8960                         jason.yovich@gmail.com

  

                                                             

RESTON COED

 

Jeremy Dove                        703 932-6616                          jdove@itsgroup-inc.com

 

 

COED LATE OPEN

 

Carl Coan                             703 266-3322                                      sftbll23@aol.com

 

 

CORPORATE COED

 

Terri Coco                             703 222-3455                               tcoco14@yahoo.com                                

 

WOMEN

 

Chris Voss                            703 451-0816                               chrisevoss@aol.com

 

 

MEN’S MASTERS

 

Bill Sikes                               703 691-4007                                      wssikes@cox.net

 

SENIORS

 

Dale Corey                            703 690-7585                          dale_corey@verizon.net

 

 

FAS COMMITTEE CHAIRS

 

Fields                                     Mike Gilbert                                                 703 352-1730

                                                                m.gilbert4@verizon.net

Protests                                                 Scott Semmler                                           703 930-0181

2ndvp@fairfaxadultsoftball.com

Tournaments                       Sharon Sealock                                         703 830-2254

office@fairfaxadultsoftball.com

Umpires                                Jason Yovich                                              703 590-8960

1stvp@fairfaxadultsoftball.com

 

OTHER AFFILIATES

 

Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services (CRS)

                12011 Government Center Parkway, 10th Floor                  703 324-5533                Fairfax, VA  22035

                               

Washington Metropolitan Slow Pitch Softball Hall of Fame Commission

                Gay Ashley                    office@gayashley.com                     703 849-0034

                Adrienne Coleman       acesoftball@juno.com                    703 754-1403               

                Mark Ingrao                   mingrao@verizon.net                       703 536-9692

                Tom Tudor                    tomtudor@cox.net                             703 978-5378

 

Amateur Softball Association (ASA)

     Henry D. Pollard, Commissioner                                                                     804-569-0532

henry.pollard@virginiaasa.org  

 

Independent Softball Association (ISA)

     Tim McElroy, State Director          softballmd@yahoo.com           301-514-2676

National Softball Association (NSA)

     Tommy Zehmer, State Director     nsava@aol.com                                      757-223-5889

 

Southern Softball Association of America (SSAA)

     Russ Ramsey, Area Director         rramsey3@verizon.net           410-258-7255               

 

United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA)

      Brian Denisar, NoVa Director     bdenisar@vausssa.com         703-928-7713

 

 

 

FOR UMPIRE NO-SHOWS,

(An umpire will be dispatched to your game as quickly as possible.)

 

Call:  703-772-1899