Hollister Heat Local Rules and Policies · Hollister Heat Local Rules and Policies Section 1....

Hollister Heat Girls Fastpitch Softball league Revised 2017

Hollister Heat Local Rules and Policies

Section 1. Authority

All rules and regulations will be based on ASA, Nor Cal, and Hollister Heat rules, with Nor Cal

superseding ASA, and Hollister Heat superseding Nor Cal. Hollister Heat Board of Directors reserves the

right to add to, amend, modify or eliminate game rules or policies at any time.

Section 2. Registration

Girls must present a birth certificate at time of registration. Birth certificates will be kept on file for all

returning players. Registration forms require the signature of a parent or legal guardian. Registration

information will be available to associate personnel only. Girls will not be considered registered without

receipt of all required information including registration form, fees, and birth certificate. All outdated

registration information will be shredded and disposed of.

Registrations will be closed off 30 days after opening ceremonies. That is no new players will be

registered or added to any team, once 30 calendar days have passed since opening ceremonies. The only

exception to this rule will be if a team loses players and does not have enough to field a team and finish

the season.

For the Rookie and A divisions, this will not apply. Any girl 4-8 years of age will still be allowed to

register and play if there are openings in their age appropriate divisions.

Section 3. Disciplinary Action

The President may immediately suspend any person with a serious enough charge against them to warrant

such action, until after a special meeting is held. Persons who fail to comply with all rules and regulations

set forth in these rules and policies or who falsify any records or applications are subject to disciplinary

action. Every effort will be made that such action will not be at the expense of players. It is the

responsibility of MANAGERS and COACHES to inform all players and parents of the rules.

If there is an issue that needs to be addressed with a manager, coach, or parent, a letter must be submitted

in writing to the President or Vice-President. At which time, it will be brought to the board’s attention and

the board will discuss what type of action will need to be taken. All members participating at practices or

games are required to complete the ASA ACE Certification.

Section 4. Sponsors

Sponsor names will be advertised on team shirts. Additional sponsorship is available. Sponsor name must

be on team banners. A sponsor with a daughter on a team may be that team’s sponsor, if one is not

already established. As a last resort, a child may be re-assigned if another team in that division needs a

sponsorship.

Section 5. Scheduling

A. No practices will begin prior to draft.

B. Each team will have an equal number of home games, when possible.

C. Regular season games will start the last week of February or the first week of March, weather

permitting.


Section 6. Local Age Divisions

A. The division a player will play in is determined by their age on December 31st of the prior year

for which they are signing up to play.

B. Rookie Division will consist of girls ranging in ages from 4-6. Siblings may submit a written

request to be placed on the same team if proper age/skill level applies.

C. A Division will consist of girls ranging in ages from 7-8. Siblings may submit a written request to

be placed on the same team if proper age/skill level applies.

D. AA Division will consist of girls ranging in ages of 8-11. Siblings may submit a written request

to be placed on the same team if proper age/skill level applies.

E. AAA Division will consist of girls ranging in ages of 10-13. Siblings may submit a written


F. Major Division will consist of girls ranging in ages of 11-14. Siblings may submit a written


G. Senior Division will consist of girls ranging in ages of 14-18. Siblings may submit a written


H. The Major division may be moved into the Senior Division based on the number of players in

each division, which will be decided by the board prior to the draft.

I. Individual cases will be brought to the Board through the affected Division Representatives and

the Player Agent. The Board at a parent’s request may make exceptions. 4-5 year olds must play

in the Rookie Division with no allowances to advance to single A. If the parent of an older girl

wants their child to play up a division, they must show up to the January meeting to present their

request to the board. After which their child must tryout to be considered to play up one division.

All players must attend their ASA age appropriate tryout as well as the requested age bracket

tryout.

J. Managers cannot recruit for their player vacancies; they must take girls from the waiting list. If

no players are on a waiting list, player agent will notify manager of available players.

K. All players drafted to Majors with the exception of 14 year olds, which must play Majors or

Seniors, need to participate in the try-outs. All 8 year olds must participate in a tryout in order to

be eligible for the AA Division.

Section 7. Safety

A. No jewelry of any kind is to be worn during games or practices, due to the potential for injuries.

Taping of any piercing is not allowed.

B. Players should wear rubber cleats. Steel cleats are not allowed.

C. Hair should be secured or braided out of the player’s face. Only rubber bands can be used for

holding hair (NO barrettes, clips, etc.)

D. Team members must be kept within designated areas during play. (i.e. dugouts)

E. Any player under a doctor’s care must have a doctor’s release before she can resume playing or

practicing for the League.

F. All injuries that occur during practices or games must be reported to the Player Agent via the

team manager.

G. Catchers must wear a helmet with face guard when warming up pitchers.

H. Batting helmets must not be removed from a batters head while on the playing field. If an umpire

feels a batting helmet is intentionally removed, the batter/runner is out.

I. Batting helmets are to be worn by all batters. Chinstraps and face masks are required on all

helmets including form-fitting helmets.


J. The double-base (orange section) at first base must be used by the batter as a condition of

insurance under all circumstances.

Section 8. Local Rules – All Divisions

A. Pitching

1. The President or Vice President will select a committee for the purpose of rating the pitchers. The

duty of the committee is to rate the pitchers for each division, discuss possible pairing (A, B) of

pitchers to create more balanced teams.

2. In A, AA, AAA, Majors, and Seniors: If a pitcher hits 3 batters in one inning, she will be

removed from the pitching position if the umpire feels it is necessary to insure the safety of all

players.

B. Scorebooks

1. Home team will be responsible for recording the official scorebook. Each team must present the

lineup to the opposing team prior to game/start time and report all substitutions.

2. Lineup card must show batting order of the girls including name and jersey number.

3. If the scheduled home team does not have a scorekeeper, the visiting team can provide a

scorekeeper, at which time, the visiting team will then become the home team.

C. Cancellation/Rescheduling

1. Only the Umpire-In-Chief, Field Coordinator, or President has the authority to cancel a game

prior to game time due to field and/or weather conditions. Only games cancelled because of field

and/or weather conditions shall be rescheduled. Regularly scheduled games shall not be

rescheduled unless both teams are unable to field a team for good cause within seven (7) days

notification to the President. Both teams must agree to reschedule.

2. The President and/or Vice President will coordinate the rescheduling of games after discussion

with Umpire-In-Chief and Field Coordinator. The Managers of the respective teams will be

notified of game time and field. The rescheduled games will be played on the date and time

provided to each team unless there has been sufficient notification of the reasons prohibiting

either team to appropriately field a team. Failure to provide sufficient notification or justifiable

reason, as determined by the President and/or Vice President, Umpire-in-Chief, and Field

Coordinator, may result in a forfeit by the team unable to field a team. Priority of rescheduling of

games will be limited to acts of nature.

3. The Managers are not to coordinate rescheduled games amongst themselves. Games suspended

because of weather will resume from the exact point of suspension. If a game is called for the

above reason and 1 hour and 20 minutes, or 5 innings (4 innings in Rookies and Tee Ball) have

been played, the game will be considered complete and scores will be based on last full inning

played. All rescheduled games will start with all players of record according to the suspended

games scorebook.

4. The President or Vice President will do their best to reschedule all suspended games. If the game

is tied and weather or darkness ends the game and the game is considered complete, the game will

be scored a half game in the standings unless it is the championship berth. Games will be

rescheduled on the first available date after suspension of play in chronological order. At some

point however it may become necessary to simply cancel those suspended games altogether

especially if they are preseason games.


D. Tie Games

1. Tie games will be allowed in the regular season.

2. If the game is tied and weather or darkness ends the game and the game considered complete, the

game will be scored a half game in the standings unless it is the championship berth.

3. Compare win / tie / loss record of tying teams against each other only;

a. Compare runs allowed of tying teams against each other only;

b. Total runs scored; or

c. Coin toss between tying teams.

E. Fields

1. Home team shall take the third-base side of the field, and visitors will take the first-base side.

2. After each game or practice, each team is responsible to make sure the dugout areas are clean and

not littered with debris. Visiting team is responsible for returning all bases to the first base dugout

at the end of the last game scheduled of the day. Home team is responsible for returning all score

keeping equipment to the umpire’s cabinet.

3. The use of vulgar language, alcohol, drugs, or tobacco on the playing field, dugout areas or stands

during practices or games is forbidden.

4. Home team is responsible to prep/chalk fields prior to game time. Visitors are responsible

for picking up bases and locking fields.

F. Games

1. Forfeit time is game time plus ten (10) minutes.

2. Managers and Coaches are prohibited from instructing and/or coaching the players while they are on

the field or at bat from any location other than the dugout or field of play as defined by the Umpire.

3. Games will start at the scheduled time. If a team fails to start play within ten minutes after the Umpire

calls “play ball” that team will forfeit the game.

G. Uniforms

1. Players must wear the uniform as furnished by the League. Players will supply their own sliding

pants, a glove, and cleats. Shirts must be tucked in at all times while on the playing field. If not,

this could be cause for the team to be charged with a delay-of-game penalty, as set by ASA

standards. No player will be allowed to play out of uniform. Any alterations of uniforms by a

team can be cause for forfeiture of the game. Team players are required to wear black athletic

pants. The color of each teams’ uniforms will be determined by sponsor preference or decided by

the Fundraising Coordinator(s) and/or the Player Agent. All draws are final. There can be no

trading.

2. Sweatshirts should be solid color, either black or the color of the uniform shirt, with no markings.

Hollister Heat sweatshirts are preferred.

3. In extreme weather, players are encouraged to wear appropriate long-sleeve garments under their

uniform shirt, so that the uniform number is always visible.

4. The game umpire will have final approval for any temporary alteration to the approved uniform.

H. Equipment

1. The League will not be responsible for any personal equipment and/or items of the players, nor

assume any liability for players using personal equipment. Personal equipment is required to meet

the specifications and safety standards set by ASA.


I. Medical

1. Manager must always have each player's medical release and the team issued first aid kit with

her/him at every function, practice, and game, in case of injury. Umpire will call for 1st Aid Kit at

the onset of the first game. First offense will be a documented warning. Any additional offenses

will result in two runs being awarded to the opposing team.

Section 9. Protest – All Divisions

A. Protests will be discharged through the Executive Board.

B. If any Executive Board members are unable to attend, or are involved directly or indirectly in the

protest, they will be replaced by other Board members at the discretion of the President.

C. Umpire-in-Chief will present the written protest.

D. Each team will present its case to the committee separately, beginning with the team that filed

the protest.

After all presentations are made, the committee will decide the issue with a closed-door vote.

Section 10. Playing Rules – All Divisions

A. DIVISIONS

Division Age Limits Recommended Team Size

Seniors 14 to 18 years 12 players/team

Majors 11 to 14 years 12 players/team

AAA 10 to 13 years 13 players/team

AA 8 to 11 years 13 players/team

A 6 to 8 years 12 players/team

Rookies 4 to 6 years 10 players/team

Note: The Board at a parent’s request may make exceptions. 4-5 year olds must play in the Rookie

Division with no allowances to advance to single A. If the parent of an older girl wants their child to play

up a division, they must show up to the January meeting to present their request to the board. After which

their child must tryout to be considered to play up one division. All players must attend their ASA age

appropriate tryout as well as the requested age bracket tryout. Players in AA, AAA, Majors and Seniors

will be placed through a player Draft.

Intent: To form teams based on ability, not necessarily age. This structure is meant to increase

competition, develop stronger players and create a greater interest for spectators. This structure will allow

league play to begin earlier and offer something for high school, middle school and grammar school

players.

B. MANAGER


1. The team leader shall be called the Manager. A single Manager will be responsible for coaching

and managing the team. 2 Managers will be held accountable for the behavior of their coaching

staff, peer coaches, players and fans.

C. RULES OF PLAY

1. Seniors, Majors, AAA, AA, A and Rookie

Division Maximum Weekly

Innings Pitched

Pitching

Distance

Pitcher

Maximum

Age

Ball Size Game

Duration

Seniors 8 43 feet 18 years 12” 1 hour 45 mins

Majors 8 40 feet 14 years 12” 1 hour 45 mins

AAA 8 40 feet 12 years 12” 1 hour 30 mins

AA 6 35 feet 10 years 11” 1 hour 30 mins

A 2 35 feet 8 years 11”Softie 1 hour 15 mins

Rookies NA NA 11”Softie 1 hour 15 mins

*Note: The maximum inning allowance may be used as needed for the entire week Monday through

Sunday. One pitch is equivalent to an entire inning.

a) Minimum Players: Teams may start with 7 players, but must have 8 players by the start of the

3rd inning to prevent forfeit.

b) Pitching Rules refer to chart above for maximum distance and maximum number of innings

allowed weekly.

Ex) Pitchers on an AAA team scheduled for 2 games would be limited to 8 innings that week. If

one AAA pitcher throws 4 innings on Wednesday she may only pitch 4 innings the remainder of

the week. During opening week when only 1 game is scheduled for the week; a AAA pitcher

would only be eligible for 4 innings.

Intent: To increase the number of pitchers in the league by decreasing dependence on a single

strong pitcher. The innings pitched limit will provide a balance giving strong pitchers the innings

they need to improve while allowing a second or third pitcher to develop their pitching skills.

c) Sliding: Umpire will determine potential play at home plate.

d) Minimum Play: All players must play a minimum of one at bat and 6 defensive outs per game. If

a player does not complete the minimum, that player must play the entire next game. Failure to

comply with this rule will result in forfeiture of both games.

e) Loss of Player: If, for any reason, a team loses a player for the year, the manager must report the

player loss immediately to the Player Agent through the Division Representative. The Player

Agent will provide the manager with a list of available players. If the manager does not select a

new player from the list by the third game after the loss of player the Player Agent will assign a

player to the team.

f) An inning will not start if time has expired prior to the end of the previous inning. (Including

regular season tie games) Innings that have been started must be completed.

g) The Seniors, Majors and AAA Divisions will play 9 defensive players; the AA and A will play

10 defensive players.

h) Mercy Rule: Games will end on a 10 run mercy rule after 5 innings or 4 1/2 if the home team is

in the lead.


i) Maximum Runs: A half inning will end when 5 runs are scored, except in the last regulation

inning. In the last inning teams will be allowed to tie the game if more than 5 runs are needed.

Ties are accepted.

j) No base stealing will be allowed by a team that is up by 8 runs or more. This also includes the

advancing of bases on passed balls. First offense is a warning with the runner(s) returning to the

original base, second offense will result in the runner(s) being called out.

k) Double elimination tournaments shall be played at the end of each regular season. Tournament

seating shall be based on regular season standings.

l) Defensive Interference:

a. Blocking ANY base without the ball in the player’s glove will NOT be allowed. This

will be considered interference and the runner will be allowed to advance as many bases

as deemed achievable by the Umpire.

b. Multiple infractions by a player will be grounds for ejection and/or suspension of that

player.

c. Multiple infractions by a team will be grounds for ejection and /or suspension of the

team manager.

2. . AAA/Majors Division Additional Rules will be played according to ASA tournament rules, the rules

outlined above and superseded by the following:

a. All players will bat 1-13 (entire roster must be in the lineup).

b. Players must not sit out two defensive innings in a row.

c. Pitchers are allowed a maximum of 8 innings per week. For example, a pitcher who

pitches 6 innings on Friday night may only pitch 2 innings on Saturday.

d. Duration of game is 1 hour and 45 minutes

e. Teams will play with 9 defensive players.

f. Dropped 3rd Strike is in effect.

g. Run Rule is unlimited for every inning

h. Players must play in 50% of the games to compete in playoffs and championship games.

i. Slide rule at home plate is at umpire’s discretion.

3. AA Division Additional Rules will be played according to ASA 10U Tournament Rules, the rules

outlined above and superseded as follows: FIRST 4 Games:

a. Time Limit: There is a 90 minute time limit per game. Pitching distance is 35 Ft. 11 inch ball.

b. General Rules:

a. Runs per inning will be 4, 5, unlimited, unlimited=7 innings or 90 minute/no new inning

will start with less than five minutes remaining in the game.

b. Ten run-rule is in effect after the 4th inning if the home team is ahead.

c. Players must not sit out two defensive innings in a row.

d. Players must play 50% of the games to compete in playoffs and championship games.

c. Pitching: No walks

a. Pitchers may pitch a total of 6 weekly innings. For example, if a pitcher pitches 4 innings

on Wednesday night, she may only pitch 2 innings on Saturday. 1 pitch equals one

complete inning pitched.


b. A coach/pitcher will enter the circle when 4 balls have been called by the umpire. Coach

must pitch from inside the circle with one foot on the rubber. (slingshot is allowed,

windmill is preferred)

c. The coach/pitcher will resume the player/pitcher strike count and will throw no more

than three (3) pitches. Foul balls count towards the 3 pitches.

d. If the pitch is not put into play by the third coach/pitch, the batter is out.

e. Batter will NOT be awarded a base on a Hit by Pitch from the coach/pitcher, but will by a

player/pitcher.

f. Pitchers must defend the area near the pitching circle and must leave one foot in the

pitching circle during the coach’s pitch.

g. If a batted ball hits the coach/pitcher the ball is dead and the batter is out. At no time shall

the coach/pitcher obstruct play.

h. Player/Pitcher must have one foot in the circle at the time of coach/pitcher is pitching.

i. Coach/Pitcher must stay in the circle during play.

d. Batting: Entire roster must be in the lineup.

a. Bunting is allowed off the player pitcher

b. No dropped 3rd strike

c. A batter will NOT be awarded a base when hit by a pitch unless the batter made a

reasonable effort to avoid getting hit by the pitch. Reasonable effort is umpire’s

discretion.

e. Base Running: Players attempting to steal must not leave the base until the ball is released from the

pitcher’s hand. If a runner leaves early, they will be called out.

a. Once the pitcher is in control of the ball, in the circle, the runner may only advance to the

base in which she was running to. For example, an overthrow at first base, runners may

advance with liability, but cannot continue home. There is no stealing home.

b. There is no stealing home.

c. If a catcher tries to back door a runner at 3rd base and the fielder misses the ball the runner

can advance home and other base runners may only advance one bag.

d. If there is a 1st and 3rd situation and the catcher throws down to 2nd base, the runner on 3rd

may NOT steal or go home on throw down to 2nd base.

e. Sliding rule at home plate is at the umpires discretion.

REMAING GAMES

a. All of the above rules will apply in addition to the following:

b. There is no coach pitch

4. A Division Rules of play will be in accordance to ASA 8U Tournament Rules except where superseded as follows: FIRST 4 Games

a. Time Limit: There is a 75 minute time limit per game

b. General Rules: no score will be kept

a. Coaches will umpire the games.

b. Half inning is over when three outs have been made or entire roster has batted.

c. Pitching: There are no walks


a. Pitching distance is 30 Ft.

b. Maximum weekly innings is 2 per scheduled game.

c. Batters will play under a 4-3 format: 4 Player pitches (slingshot pitching allowed,

windmill pitching encouraged), 3 coach pitches.

d. Pitchers must defend the area near the pitching circle and must leave one foot in the

pitching circle during the coaches pitch.

e. A batted or thrown ball hitting a coach while inside the pitching circle will be considered

live and in play. Batted balls contacting a coach while outside the circle will be

considered dead, the batter is out, no runners may advance. Thrown balls contacting a

coach while outside the circle will be considered dead and the batter/runner being played

on is out. No runners may advance.

f. There are no walks off of the coach.

g. There are no strike-outs under this format.

h. Coach pitching must be inside the circle with one foot on the pitching rubber. (Slingshot

or windmill pitching only)

d. Batting: Entire Roster must be in the line up.

a. Batter can be put out on the field

b. If the batter does not hit the ball fair, then they are out (7 pitch maximum on every batter)

c. A ball hit to the infield and thrown to 1st base stops all play. There will be no base

advancement on any over throw at any base.

e. Base Running: No Base stealing is allowed.

a. Lead-offs are allowed. Players attempting to lead off must not leave the base until the ball

is released from the pitcher’s hand, they may not advance on a passed ball or wild pitch.

b. Once the pitcher is in control of the ball, in the circle, the runner may only advance to the

base in which she was running to.

INTENT: To prepare girls to steal and work on their timing.

REMAINING GAMES

All the above rules apply in addition to the following:

a. Pitching: There will be 4 player pitches (must pitch windmill style), 3 coach pitches.

a. The strike count from the player pitcher carries over to the coach.

b. There are strikeouts. There is no dropped 3rd strike rule.

c. Coaches will continue to perform umpire duties but are now responsible for calling

pitching strikes. They will not assist the catchers on pass balls during the remainder of the

season.

b. Base Running: Base stealing is allowed.

a. Players attempting to steal must not leave the base until the ball is released from the

pitcher’s hand. If a runner leaves early, the runner will be required to return to base and

will not be called out or if a ball is hit, the runners may advance only as far as they are

forced.

b. A runner attempting to steal may only advance to the base they were attempting to steal.

For example,

c. There is no stealing home.

d. No stealing when coach is pitching.

INTENT: To prepare our catchers and baserunners for AA Heat softball.


5. Rookie Division Additional Rules will be played according to the A Division rules outlined above

superseded by the following:

a. No score will be kept.

b. Coach will pitch a maximum of 3 pitches per batter. If the batter does not make contact with the

ball from the coach pitcher than the batter will be allowed 2 attempts to hit off of a batting tee. If

contact with the ball is not made off of the batting tee than the batter will be awarded a walk.

c. Half inning is over when the last batter has completed her turn at bat. All players will bat each

inning.

d. No batter or batter runner will be put out, even if a defensive out is made.

e. All players will play defense, with only a pitcher, first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, buck

short and third baseman in the infield. All remaining players shall play in the outfield. Coaches

shall serve as catchers.

f. Rules may be modified by agreement between all coaches in the Division. The Division

Representative will communicate rule changes to the Board.

6. DRAFT

a. The draft will include all eligible players between the ages of 8 and 18 years. All players from the

age of 8 to 18 years must tryout. All teams will be disbanded at the end of each season and new

teams will be formed.

b. The Hollister Heat Youth Softball (HEAT) in the conduct of its player draft will use the following

procedure:

7. GENERAL

a. Separate drafts shall be held for:

Spring – Seniors, Majors, AAA and AA.

Summer – Seniors, AAA and AA. (Depending on registered players.)

b. Manager option -Managers must use their option by the fourth round. The “optioned” player can

only be the manager’s daughter. There will be no coach’s option.

1) Sister option must be used by the fourth round. Additional sister options must be used in

secession.

c. If any player wants to be protected from being called up or down to a division they, do not want

to play in their parents may officially petition the Board by written request.

d. No player will be placed on a team by the Board, Player Agent or by any other means than the

draft; with the exception of the Rookies and A Divisions.

e. The Board, under special circumstances will allow trades. The parents of the player involved, the

manager, and the Board must approve all trades unanimously.

8. PRE-DRAFT TRYOUTS

a. Mandatory tryouts will be held for all players between the ages of 8 and 18 years. Players will be

graded on their skills at pitching, infielding, outfielding, timed run and hitting. No tryouts are

necessary for the A or Rookie Divisions.

b. In order to be drafted to the Majors player must participate in one tryout. The only exception to

this rule will be 14 year olds and players who have Board approval prior to the try out dates.


c. All 8 year olds wanting to be eligible for AA need to attend one try-out. All 8 year olds not

participating in a try-out will be automatically placed in the A Division.

9. DRAFT SEQUENCE

a. A separate draft will be conducted for Seniors Division. The Senior Draft activities will be

conducted in the same manner as those set out for Majors, AAA and AA.

b. To provide an even distribution of pitchers, the Board may choose to conduct the first round of

each or any division draft as a “pitchers” round and require the Managers to select from a Board

supplied list of pitchers.

10. DISTRIBUTION OF PLAYERS:

a. A minimum of one round for Senior pitchers will (if directed by the Board) be followed by 11

rounds for Senior players.

b. A minimum of one round for Major pitchers will (if directed by the Board) be followed by 11

rounds for Major players. All 14 year olds will play majors.

c. A minimum of one round for AAA pitchers will (if directed by the Board) be followed by 12

rounds for AAA. All 12 and 13 year olds must be drafted to AAA.

d. A minimum of one round for AA pitchers will (if directed by the Board) be followed by 12

rounds for AA. All remaining 9, 10, and 11 year old players must be absorbed in the AA

Division.

e. All remaining players (8 years old) will be placed in the A Division.

11. CONDUCTING THE DRAFT

a. The draft order will be determined by lottery draw.

b. The draft will be serpentine (i.e. First round 1,2,3,4, and second round 4,3,2,1 and so on).

12. MISUSE OF DRAFT

Any deception or manipulation by a manager during the draft or season may, at the Board’s

discretion, result in suspension or expulsion of that Manager.

Intent: It is the intent of the HEAT Board that these procedures assure fairness in the assignment

of players to teams. The HEAT Board wishes to promote a high level of competition between all

teams and wishes to avoid any single team dominating the season. It is felt that the season

formation of new teams will help keep the teams more even.

Section 11. Manager, Coaches, or Spectator Ejection

A. An umpire may eject a player, manager, coach, or parent from the game when, in their opinion,

the individual is intentionally placing themselves or someone else in jeopardy, creating a safety

hazard or displaying unsportsmanlike conduct.

B. Within 24 hours of the end of the game, any game Umpire who ejects a Manager, Coach, or

spectator will, in writing, report the incident to the Umpire-In-Chief and/or the Division

Representative, identifying the ejected individual and the team with which the individual is

associated.

C. Within 48 hours after being notified by the game Umpire, the Umpire-In-Chief and/or Division

Representative will, in writing, report the incident to the President, at which time the President


will notify the ejected Manager, Coach, or spectator of the term and conditions of his/her

suspension.

D. If it is his/her first ejection of the season, any Manager, Coach, or spectator ejected from a (1)

game by the game Umpire will be suspended from the next game played by his/her associated

team, in addition to the game from which the Manager, Coach, or spectator was ejected.

E. If it is his/her second ejection of the season, any Manager, Coach, or spectator ejected from a

game by the game Umpire will be suspended from the next three (3) games played by his/her

associated team, in addition to the game from which the Manager, Coach, or spectator was

ejected.

F. If it is any Manager, Coach, or spectator’s third ejection of the season, they will be suspended for

the remainder of the season.

G. If during the term of his/her suspension, a Manager, Coach, or spectator is present at any game

played by the team with which the individual is associated, any completed game(s) will be

forfeited to the opposing team.

Section 12. Playing Fields

A. The baseline for all divisions will be 60 feet according to ASA rules. Diamonds will be chalked

as described by ASA rules. Refer to Rules of Play Chart for division pitching distances.

Section 13. Tournament Play

A. Tournament play will be held at the end of the season; unlimited innings for pitchers throughout

the tournament.

B. Home team is determined by a coin toss. The highest seed will occupy the third base dugout.

C. All attempts will be made to obtain one adult ASA certified umpire per game.

D. League tournament will be played under the regular season time limit for Majors, AAA, and AA.

Major’s championship game will be determined by playing all seven innings.

E. All protests during Tournament Play will be resolved immediately. Game time and play will be

halted and 3 impartial Board members, preferably the President, Umpire-in-Chief and Vice-

President will make a determination. Play will then resume.

Section 14. Adult Responsibility

A. Manager

1. Team managers will be women/men at least 18 years of age. Managers can have a maximum of 2

assistant coaches of either sex, and must be at least 18 years of age.

a. There must manager or coach supervision at all times.

b. b. Teams may have up to two (2) “Peer coaches” in place of one of their assistant

coaches.

c. Peer coaches are 15-17 years old, must have prior ASA experience, for at least 3

years.

d. Peer coaches must be registered with Hollister Heat for current season.

e. Must follow league rules, i.e. wear batting helmet while acting as base coach or

warming up a pitcher.

2. Each manager should have a team parent meeting at the beginning of the season to explain safety,

discipline, substitutions, League activities and their own goals.

3. For disciplinary reasons only, the manager may suspend a player from game play, not to exceed

one full game, but must notify the opposing team manager and Player Agent prior to the game,


along with the President and Umpire-in-Chief and record the action in the scorebook. This is the

only form of discipline by a Manager permissible under the rules of Hollister Heat.

4. Only ACE certified, and Board approved, managers, coaches and team players are to be in the

dugout during their game times.

5. The manager will be given the original “Medical Form in Case of Injury” forms for all of the

players and must have these forms present at all practices and games. These forms are needed

should a player require medical aid.

6. Team managers must notify the Player Agent within 24 hours when a player drops from the team.

No team may fall below the minimum number of players determined by that season’s Board for

each division.

7. Prepare the team lineups, and positions.

B. Team Responsibility

1. Obtain a chaperon and scorekeeper.

2. Understand your team players and your responsibilities.

3. Select a team captain, if you desire, be fair, assign duties for safety, cleanup, etc.

4. Establish good sportsmanship, whether winning or losing, set a good example.

5. Respect the umpire and his/her decisions.

6. Keep spare bats, balls and other equipment away from the playing area.\

7. Know rules of the game.

8. Be prompt to games, practices and meetings. Promote parent participation, promote your sponsor

and arrange for the team banner to be made.

C. Equipment

All equipment received from the League at the beginning of the season must be kept in good

condition and returned at the end of the season. Do not loan equipment to other managers. If

additional equipment or repair is needed, contact the Equipment Coordinator.

D. Coach/Peer Coach

1. Coaches will help teach the players softball fundamentals.

2. Know the rules of ASA and of the Hollister Heat Girls Fast Pitch Softball League.

3. Be fair, impartial, and patient. Give constructive criticism and advice to all team players.

4. Promote safety and instill good sportsmanship and respect. Conduct his/her self with professional

and sportsmanlike conduct at all times.

5. Assist with any player needing first aid.

6. Be aware of safety hazards, and stress safety at all times.

7. Attend team functions, coaching clinics and League meetings.

E. Team Parent

1. Assist the manager in assigning treats and snack bar duty, making phone calls, creating team

banner, help with team pictures, picnics, parties, and promote fundraising.

2. Work with manager and coaches to achieve a good team organization.

3. Encourage sportsmanship, cooperation, and good team spirit.

F. Scorekeeper


1. Will keep accurate records of each game, keeping the scorebook neat and legible using a pencil at

all times.

2. Attend the scorekeeper’s clinic, if necessary.

3. Keep track of balls, strikes, and outs and may assist Umpire when asked.

4. Record all illnesses, absences, benching, suspensions, and injuries in the scorebook.

5. Keep track of innings pitched for each pitcher.

6. The official score keeper must be at least 15 years of age or older.

G. Parents

Parents should conduct themselves in an orderly manner at all times. They should support the

League, players, umpires, coaches, and managers. The League is a voluntary organization of

people who work together to make it successful. ENCOURAGE – don’t DISCOURAGE! The

presence of parents is encouraged by the League and is a source of encouragement to do well.

This is the League’s philosophy:

1. We advocate through our program ATHLETES FIRST, WINNING SECOND. By this statement

we mean that every decision you make as a coach should first be in the best interest of your

young athletes, and second the desire to win. The League hopes that helping young girls to

develop physically, psychologically, and socially will always be more important to you as a coach

than winning at all cost.


2. ATHLETES FIRST, WINNING SECOND does not mean winning is unimportant, or said more

accurately that striving to win is unimportant. You should instill in your players a desire to win,

to strive to do their best, to pursue excellence. However, the outcome of the game, the winning or

losing, is not the most important objective. The most important objective is that your players try

to win, that they try their best and have fun! If they do their best, they will have been successful

regardless of the outcome of the game.

3. This philosophy is reflected in how you present yourself to the players on your team. As a coach,

you are in an influential position. Thus, HOW you teach will be as important as WHAT you

teach. To implement the League philosophy, consider the following points:

a) Be a good role model. Present a model for behavior that you want emulated. Set

positive examples at practice and games.

b) Everyone is important. Treat each player as an important human being. Each player

will have a different personality and different needs. Be sensitive to these differences

and show interest and concern for each team member.

c) Consider the age and skill levels of your players. Your athletes will be full of energy

and eager to try many skills. However, they are also young and not yet capable of

performing as adults. This means you must approach your athletes at their skill level.

Do not expect them to play at your level.

d) Consider individual differences. Teach fundamental softball skills according to the

ability of each player. Some players will be fast learners with whom you can progress

rapidly. Other players will not learn, as quickly, so you will need to progress more

slowly with them.

e) Keep everyone active. Organize your practices and games so that each player is able

to participate as much as possible. Young players want to play softball for many

reasons; one of the most important is to have fun participating. If they are not kept

active in practices, or allowed to play in games, they will quickly lose interest.

f) Include athletes in the decision making process. Ask your players what they need to

work on, and what positions they would like to play. Naturally, young athletes should

not control the practice, but do consider their interests and ideas when designing

practices and playing games.

g) Be patient. You will need to have patience with beginning players who are learning

softball. Softball skills require timing, coordination, and glove control that can only

be developed by repeated practice. Encourage your players to develop their skills,

and reinforce players for their effort and skill development. When young players

learn new skills, both you and your players will be proud.

Hollister Heat Local Rules and Policies · Hollister Heat Local Rules and Policies Section 1....

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