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PLAYING RULES
KIDS AND KUBS PLAYING RULES
December, 2018
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Senior Softball-USA rules shall govern play except where specifically changed or supplemented by these Kids and Kubs rules.
A. UMPIRES & DEAD BALL
1. On any normal two (2) game day the home team shall provide two (2) umpires for the other game. Each player umpires one (1) time a month. (11/15/18)
1. a. An umpire’s judgment call is final.
2. Only a captain or co-captain may confer with the umpire.
3. Because the Kids and Kubs use inexperienced and unskilled umpires, there is no ‘Infield Fly Rule.’ The ball is in play on any pop fly.
4. When a defensive player is injured, an immediate ‘Time Out’ shall be called, and the ball is dead. When a runner is injured he/she may be tagged out if not on base. The ball is live until all play is completed. Then Time Out is called.
5. The ball is dead and time is ‘out’ whether or not called by the umpire when a fielder has the ball in or near the infield and play is apparently completed. Runners may not advance.
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B. PLAYERS & LINEUPS
1. Up to fifteen (15) batters shall constitute the offensive lineup. Extra players shall remain in a pool and play as needed. No teams should have over fifteen (15)members. All players reporting to play, up to 15, shall be listed sequentially in the lineup and must bat, in turn, as listed. No more than twelve (12) players shall constitute the defensive team. If both teams have 12 players available to play, then 12 must play. If there are more than 12 on a team, some players must sit out while others play defensively. All players should take turns in sitting out. No player shall sit out more than one inning per 7 inning game. All players shall play on defense at least (six) 6 innings in a seven inning game. The exception to this is if there are 15 players on a team. In this case, some players will have to sit out two innings per seven (7) inning game. .(10/17/2013)
1. a. Any pool player available and desiring to play must be added to a line-up before another player. The pool players shall play in either the first or second game of the day, providing a team has less than 13 players. The adding of pool players will be determined by the team coordinator. .(10/17/2013)
1. b. Alternate players (not members) selected on a case by case decision, shall be designated as "A" players. They shall adhere to all Kids and Kubs Bylaws and Playing Rules except age (11/1/18). They shall wear a team "T shirt" during games.
1. c. Added pool player and non-pool players to a team must bat after scheduled regular team players in line-up. "A" players are to bat last. (11/1/18)
2. All players shall be designated by the Player Coordinator or his/her back-up.
3. A player who has notified the team captain that he/she will not play a game and is replaced, cannot then play if he/she arrives at game time, unless the team is short a player.
4. A player injured during a game may be replaced by another ‘comparable’ (if possible) player, if less than eleven (11) players remain on the team.
5. Players arriving late before completion of the third (3rd) inning may bat, but last in lineup. They can’t play if they arrive after the third (3rd) inning.
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C. PLAYERS/SUBSTITUTION
1. A fielding player must play a position assigned by his/her Captain or not play. (11/8/2012)
2. Player departs playing field:.
2. a. Non-Emergency: If player leaves for a non-emergency reason, the player is not replaced and will be called out each time he/she comes to bat.
2. b. Emergency, Short Term: A player who needs to temporarily leave the game due to unexpected circumstances, such as bathroom, minor injury or other short term problems shall not be called out when his/her turn at bat comes up. The rotation shall skip to the next player in the batting order. When the absent player returns, he/she will resume their normal batting order. A missing player will be replaced on defense, if needed, by a player from the opposing team until they return. (10/17/2013)
2. c. Emergency, Long Term: There is no penalty if a player leaves a game permanently for any emergency. A valid emergency will be determined by the two Captains and Player-Coordinator. The Player-Coordinator will replace the player by an equivalent player from those available. Or, if no player is available, departing player will be removed from the batting order and the opposing team will supply a defensive player.(10/17/2013)
3. Each team shall be allowed unlimited pinch-runners, but only once per inning per individual. Any pinch runner on base when his/her turn at bat comes up shall be immediately called out and shall take his/her turn at bat if there are still less than three outs.
4. No player shall be replaced on base unless it is his/her desire to do so. .(10/17/2013)
D. REGULATION GAME
1. A regulation game shall be seven (7) innings unless changed by agreement of the captains due to extra players, inclement weather, or other cause.
2. If the score is tied at the end of a regulation game, one (1) extra inning shall be played, with the player who batted last in the previous inning starting on second base. The runner starting on 2nd base must reach 3rd base safely before another runner may substitute for him/her. If the teams tie after the extra inning is completed, then the game is declared a tie.
3. FLIP-FLOP Rule: This rule shall be in effect when the Home team is behind by 10 or more runs after batting in the next to last inning of play (normally the end of the 6th inning). The Home team shall immediately bat again for its last inning, with unlimited runs permitted. If the Home team ties or goes ahead, the Visiting team takes its turn at bat. (9/17/2015)
4. Mercy Rule: After five innings if the visiting team is behind by ten (10) runs, they will bat again before the hone team. If the visiting team does not score anymore runs, the game is over. If the visiting team scores, the game continues.
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E. SCORING
1. No catch-up rule: Team scoring is limited to 5 runs per inning except during the last or extra inning.
2. If a home run over the fence results in more than 5 runs in an inning, the extra runs count in the score.
F. BATTING & PITCHING
1. While batting, a batter must have both feet touching the batter’s box (chalk line is part of batter’s box). If a batter warned by the umpire does not comply, a strike will be called. A batter who steps completely out of the box while hitting a pitched ball shall immediately be called out by the umpire.
2. A pitched ball hitting the ground or batting plate is dead and is called a ball or a strike.
3. A batter is out on a foul third strike. The ball is in play if caught on the fly. The batter is out if the catcher catches any foul tip. Runners may tag and advance at their own risk.
3. a. A pitching screen shall be used. A batted ball striking the pitcher’s screen is a strike. With two strikes, a batted ball striking the screen is an out.
3. b. A batted ball that stops within a twenty-five (25) foot arc from home plate is considered a foul ball. With two strikes, a batted ball that stops within a twenty-five (25) foot arc from home plate is an out. (11/15/18)
4. Intentional walk. The pitcher will notify the umpire to intentionally walk a batter.
4. a. A player can only be walked once per game. On subsequent at-bats, the player will be pitched to until he strikes out or hits the ball, putting the ball in play for an out or a hit. (12/20/2012).
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G. RUNNING BASES
1. A runner to first base must touch the outside (orange) base except to avoid a collision. The bases shall be placed one foot apart. If no defensive play is made at first base, the runner may touch the regular (white) base. The fielder may touch only the inside (white) base. A runner is automatically out at 1st base if he or she touches the white base while a defensive play is made there. .
2. Runners are entitled to advance when a ball is in play and is overthrown beyond the foul lines into a dugout, beyond a fence, or blocked by another object. EFFECT: All runners will be awarded two bases, and the award will be governed by the positions of the runners when the ball left the fielder’s hand. If runners are between the same bases, the award is based on the lead runner.
3. Short Base Rule 12-21-2015
This rule is to enhance a markedly slowed batter to safely reach first base.
(for whatever reason; age, permanent injury, or inability )
3. a. Batters with short first base designation cannot be thrown out at first base if the batted ball reaches the green before being touched by any defensive player. 2/16/2017
3. b. Players eligibility to use the short-base for first base is determined as follows:
3. b. 1 Player must petition the Board of Directors of the Kids and Kubs to use
the short base as their first base. Each player's eligibility request is to be determined by the Board of Directors.
3. c . A flat base or a white line just outside the first base line, the leading edge to
be 15 feet short of first base.
3. d. If the batter reaches the short-base before the ball is caught at the regular first base,
the batter is safe and advances automatically to the regular first base.
3. e. Score keeper will announce: Short 1st Base Eligible Batter each time he/she comes to bat. Rosters for each game should designate Short 1st Base Eligible Batter. 1/21/2016
4. A runner forced out at any base must avoid the throw of the fielder attempting to make another out. If the forced runner obstructs the throw, the other runner is out as well. Umpire decision.
5. Over-running of second or third base puts the runner in jeopardy. The runner is out if tagged while off the base.
6. Sliding to any base in either direction is not allowed. Runner is out.
7. A runner who has completely passed the commitment line between 3rd base and the scoring plate may not return to 3rd base and cannot be tagged out. To get the runner out, a fielder with the ball must touch any portion of the batting plate before the runner touches the scoring plate.
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H. SPECIAL RULES AND INFORMATION
1. Applicants to the club during the probationary period shall demonstrate at least the minimum ability to catch and field a batted softball, to throw overhand from one base to the next, and to run around the bases in 23 seconds or less.
2. Teams and team captains shall be selected by representatives appointed by the Board of Directors.
2. a. A player-coordinator and his back-up shall be designated by the Board of Directors (10/17/2013.) Four (4) teams called Kids(1), Kubs(2), Kats(3) and Kits(4) will be scheduled when there are enough club players to support this scheme. (11/1/18)
2. b. After regular season play has begun, whenever the difference in number of wins between the first place team and the last placed team reaches 5 games, a trade shall take place between the first place team and the last place team.. The first place team can protect the captain and two (2) players and the last place team can protect the captain and all but two (2) players.
3. Someone will check the field if weather and field conditions warrant. The club uses a phone ‘call-in’ number to inform players whether or not games will be played on that day.
3. a. The number is 727-893-7155. Every player is responsible to learn if there is a game on any day and to be present in time for his/her scheduled game.
4. During a game, only special visitors or players participating in the game shall be in their respective dugouts. There shall be no smoking in the dugouts or within the fenced area of the playing field.
5. Any team representing the Kids and Kubs in a special game or tournament shall be approved by the Board of Directors from the paid-up members and prospective members who have completed two (2) months of play.
6. Any softball GLOVE or MITT may be worn at any defensive position with the same rules applying to use of any normal softball glove. .(12/18/2014)
7. Outfielder and Rover location restraint at North Shore Field: Before the pitcher pitches the ball, all designated outfielders and rovers shall be behind a white line. Once the ball is hit or the batter swings and misses, these players may then cross the line to execute a play.
7. a. A white line 120 ft from home plate on the baselines shall arc from these end points centered on the pitcher's mound. .(12/18/2014)
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I. DRESS CODE
1. – Playing Uniform
The club regular season playing uniform shall be blue shorts or long blue pants with belt loops, blue or black belt, white socks, white numbered shirt for the home team, red numbered shirt for the visiting team, and the currently approved ball cap. If suspenders are worn, they may be white or black in addition to the belt.
Dark blue softball pants will be purchased for the 2015-2016 playing members to be used for intra-club games only. 2/18/2016
Under-garments that are visible to the eye, except sweatshirts, shall be white, and shirttails must be inside of pants (except for personal reason). A blue or white long- sleeved sweat shirt may be worn under either a red or white uniform shirt. A red long-sleeved sweatshirt may be worn under a red uniform shirt.
By agreement with team captains, players may wear a warm garment over the uniform shirt on uncomfortably cold days.
Members of the Board of Directors or the captain of a team can keep a player out of the game if the player or coach is not in the proper uniform.
2. – Formal Uniform
The formal uniform for group activities such as church services, funerals, parades and team photographs shall be long white dress pants, blue or black belt, white uniform shirt, black bow tie, and the current player’s ball cap. If suspenders are worn, they may be white or black in addition to the black belt. At a General Membership meeting at which a quorum is present, a majority of the members may approve changes in the uniform requirements.
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J. DUTIES OF TEAM CAPTAINS
1. Name a co-captain.
2. Submit a line-up before game to the score-keeper.
3. Have team players arrive before the game to stretch, warm up, or take batting practice.
4 .Both teams are responsible for policing the dugouts and field after the second game including, bases, bats, balls, water containers, trash pick-up and leftover items. (11/8/2012)
5. Control your players during the game. They should not verbally abuse another player or the umpire. If a situation does arise, the captains or co-captain should handle the situation. If they do not, then a board member may have to enter the picture. This is NOT an action they want to take. The penalty is greater if Board Members enter in.
6. Advise your players as to what is expected of them during the game.
K. DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF PLAYERS
1. Be present to play whenever possible unless ill or hurt.
2. Be in proper uniform to play.
3. Be respectful to your fellow ballplayers.
4. ** Notify your captain at least a day in advance if you know you are not going to be able to play. Substitute players may be selected if a team is down to ten players the day before a game if possible; however in an emergency situation, players needed, may be selected the day of the game. The selection of substitute players shall be made by the player coordinator or his/her back-up.
5. While waiting to play your game(s) or after you have played, you are encouraged to mingle with the spectators and do a little PUBLIC RELATIONS for the club. We do get people there for the first time and they are interested in hearing about the club. Pass out brochures to the fans.
L. FIELD AND EQUIPMENT CARE
1. Pick up equipment after final game (note duties of the captain). This includes the flag, score board equipment, bulletin board and other miscellaneous items.
2. Help clean up your dugout after the game.
3. BATS Must be approved by Senior Softball-USA (SSUSA).
RED tape means bat may be used ONLY with the bat owner’s permission.
GREEN tape means team bats to be used by team batters.
KIDS AND KUBS
SUMMER LEAGUE PLAYING RULES
Revised April 7, 2015
1) Regular season rules prevail unless herein added, altered, or deleted.
2) Due to excessive summer heat games shall begin at 9:30 am. instead of 10:00 am
3) Uniforms are not required. Any decent attire is permitted.
4) Games shall be 8 (eight) innings. Batting teams shall play two innings before changing sides, normally called “two sets.” The 5 runs-per-inning limit is extended through the 7th inning. Teams may score an unlimited number of runs in the 8th inning, or if tied, the 9th inning.
5) The Summer League coordinator shall pick the teams and name the captains for each game.
6) Both teams shall use the first base dugout.
7) There shall be no walks issued. Strikes only shall be called on batters. Two strikes is out.
8) A substitute runner may be substituted for any runner, including a substitute runner.
9) If less than twenty players participate, the field may be divided and only the left portion of the field shall be fair territory. The new right foul line shall be designated by a series of cones or 5 or 6 extra balls laid in a straight line based on home plate. If very few players participate, the right foul line may be moved closer to the left foul line, still a straight line based on home plate.
10) A batted ball falling on dirt or grass to the right side of the line of balls is a foul ball. If fair territory is less than half the regular field, the pitcher is in foul territory, A batted ball in foul territory touched by the pitcher on the left side of the rubber is a live ball.
11) If only a portion of the field is used, the pitcher becomes the first baseman and the pitching rubber becomes first base. An extra orange base or line shall be placed fifteen feet from first base toward home plate. To be safe, the batter-runner must touch this extra base or line before the pitcher receives the ball with his foot on the rubber. A batter-runner, ruled safe at the orange base, then proceeds safely to the regular first base. Touching the orange base is optional for the batter-runner attempting to reach second base or further.
12) If only a portion of the field is used, an extra scoring base shall be placed one foot toward home
plate at third base. To be safe the runner must reach the scoring plate before the fielder with the
ball touches third base. If the fielder beats the runner, the runner is out; no tag is required; the run
does not score. Except to avoid a collision, if the runner touches third base instead of the scoring
plate, the runner is out whether or not a defensive play was made on him.
13) With the pitcher acting as first-baseman, base-runners must beat a throw to the pitcher in returning to their bases after a caught fly-ball, but not after a dropped fly-ball or ground-ball.
14) The outfield restrictive white line is in effect only if the defensive team has 10 or more players.