**Starport Softball Rules:**

Unless otherwise stated in these rules, the league rules shall be the
official rules of softball, written by the Gilruth Athletic Department
and published by the Amateur Softball Association.

**[A. Field Equipment:]{.underline}**

1.  All balls will be supplied by the Gilruth. Inserting an illegal ball
    into a game will result in a disqualification.

**A batter using an illegal, altered, or non-approved bat shall be
called out and disqualified from the game, and the bat shall be removed
from the field of play.** During the game the Umpire(s) decision shall
be final and not subject to protest**. Runners may not advance on any
hit from an illegal, altered, or non-approved bat, and must return to
the original base reached prior to the use of that bat.**

2.  New policy: Any umpire has the authority to confiscate any bat at
    any time that he judges to be \"suspect\" or has been involved in a
    play when an infielder/pitcher has been injured with a batted ball.
    The bat will be examined and returned to the player once it is
    declared legal or confiscated and destroyed if it is deemed to be
    altered / illegal. NO EXCUSES WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR BRINGING ILLEGAL
    EQUIPMENT ON THE FIELD. FAILURE TO SURRENDER THE BAT IN QUESTION
    WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC LIFETIME BAN FROM PLAYING AT THE GILRUTH
    REC CENTER.

**First offense: 3 month suspension**

**Second offense: 1 year suspension**

**Third offense: Lifetime suspension**

**4.** Metal cleats or spikes of any kind may not be used, including
metal-tipped cleats. Players wearing such cleats (whether in the game or
not) shall be removed from the playing area (dugout, field, and coaches'
boxes) while wearing the illegal spikes. The offending player may
reenter the game once the spikes have been removed.

**[B. Scheduling and Completion of Games:]{.underline}**

1\. **Seven innings or 50 minutes** (which ever comes first) shall
constitute a complete game. All games will start at 6:00 PM. Forfeit
time is game time. If a team cannot field a team at 6:00 PM, it shall
have a 10-minute grace period to get the minimum number of players to
start a game. A 5 minute grace period is in effect for all other games.
After 6:00 PM, a team MUST begin play as soon as the minimum number of
players (8) is present.

2\. If a game is called due to weather conditions or safety reasons, the
losing team must have batted at least four (4) innings for the game to
be official. If less than 4 innings the game will be rescheduled and
resumed at the inning which it ended. If the game is tied after seven
(7) innings, then extra innings shall be played with an International
tie-breaker, 1 inning only, Regular count.

**[MAKE UP GAMES]{.underline}**

Make up games will be scheduled as following:

1.  A 2 week period at the end of the regular scheduled season has been
    designated for makeup games and rescheduling.

2.  All rescheduled games after designated 2 week grace period will be
    played as double headers (coed only)

If you are in doubt a game has been canceled, the following steps should
be followed:

1.  Call the rain out information line : **281-483-8655**

2.  Check the Starport Web site: http://www.starport.jsc.nasa.gov

3.  Show up at the field.

A game shall not be postponed or canceled due to weather conditions
unless agreed upon by the Gilruth Recreations Manager. Team members
should be warned that just because it is raining in their part of town,
it may not necessarily be raining at the ball field; or it may be dry at
the field by game time. All decisions will be made no later than 4:00 pm
on game day via List Server or Rainout hotline.

**[GAME RULES]{.underline}**

**[Team Rosters & Composition]{.underline}**

**Player Roster** -- All players must be listed on the registration form
submitted to the Gilruth along with the signature prior to competition.
No player on the roster will be aloud to play without a signature.

**Individual Player Eligibility:**

**[Regular Season]{.underline}**

1\. Players cannot be on multiple rosters for the same league, on the
same night. Players cannot be added to Rosters between end of season and
Playoffs.

2\. Players participating only in the Men's D and DD league are eligible
to play on one coed team during the regular season.

3\. Men participating in Coed play (only) will be eligible to play on 2
coed teams but on different nights.

4\. Women will be allowed to play on 2 coed teams (only) during league
play.

**[Playoffs]{.underline}**

1\. In order to be eligible for the post-season playoffs, a player must
participate in or be present for a minimum of three (3) games during the
regular season.

2\. For Competitive teams, ONLY players on that teams official roster
registered with the Gilruth will be allowed to participate in Playoffs

3\. **(COED ONLY)** During the playoffs pick up players may be selected
from the teams no longer eligible for the playoffs or from the free
agent list on the starport website.

4\. No players can be picked up from the Men's League to participate in
the Coed playoffs.

5\. Players whose teams have qualified in the playoffs may not be picked
up for substitution.

6\. If necessary, rosters will be checked during playoffs.

All teams are encouraged to use the free agent list for substitute
players. This list is updated on a weekly basis of eligible players. If
a player is added to the roster from this list please update this info
to the Gilruth Center so that player can be removed from the list.

**\*(For Coed Only) It is the judgment of the Recreations Manager and
the Umpire to deny any player of higher skill level to participate in
the Coed Recreational League for safety and integrity reasons.**

**Roster Requirements:**

a.  If at any time a team is unable to complete the season due to Govt.
    schedule conflicts, injuries or employee job transfer, the
    Recreations Manager may allow that team to add additional players.
    Permission to add a player under such circumstances must be
    requested before game day. Each request will be handled on an
    individual basis.

b.  Teams may not pick up players that are registered with another team
    in the same league**. (Exception for coed/2 team max)**

c.  If a player\'s identity is in question, a protest must be filed
    prior to the last out of the game. This player must provide proper
    identification during that game. Failure to provide proper
    identification may result in a forfeit of that game.

d.  Rosters are limited to 15 members.

e.  **(Competitive Only)**Participants may play on [one]{.underline}
    team per league per day.

f.  **(Coed only)** Participants may play on multiple teams provided the
    teams do not play on the same day. (Skill level). Special requests
    must be reviewed and approved by the Recreation Manager.

**[Team Composition:]{.underline}**

Each team shall be composed of 10 or fewer players on the field. There
is no maximum number of players for the batting order. A team must begin
a game with at least eight players. When beginning a game with fewer
than 10 players, a team may add players to the batting order from their
roster to the field as players arrive (in accordance with Rule 3.4).

All players must be sixteen (16) years of age to participate.

1\. If a player is ejected from a game, he/she must be replaced with a
legal substitute of the same gender. If a legal substitute is not
available the team shall end in a forfeit in favor of the team not at
fault.

2\. If a team **starts** with eight (8), nine (9) or ten (10) players,
they will **[not]{.underline}** be charged with an out for the missing
player(s).

**3. CO-ED teams must start a game with a minimum of 4 males and 4
females in the field of play.** A team may play with unequal numbers of
males and females, but must take an \"automatic out\" if doing so. For
example, if a team plays with 5 females and 4 males, an automatic out
will be recorded in the #10 position in the batting order.

4\. A team beginning play with less than ten (10) players may add the
ninth (9) and tenth (10) players at any time. The player need not appear
in the field before batting, but must assume the ninth and or tenth
position(s) in the batting order.

> .

**[Batting Order:]{.underline}**

The batting order of each team must be on the lineup card and must be
delivered before the game by the manager or captain to the official
scorekeeper of the opposing team **five (5)** minutes before game time

If an error is discovered while the incorrect batter is at bat, the
correct batter may take his place and legally assume any balls and
strikes. Any runs scored or bases run while the incorrect batter was at
bat shall be legal.

If a error is discovered after the incorrect batter has completed his
turn at bat and before a legal or illegal pitch has been made to the
following batter or before the pitcher and all infielders have clearly
vacated their normal fielding positions and have left fair territory on
their way to the bench or dugout area, the player who should have batted
is out. Any advance or score made because of a ball batted by the
improper batter or because of the improper batter\'s advance to first
base as a result of obstruction, an error, a hit batsman, walk, dropped
third strike or a base hit shall be nullified. The next batter is the
player whose name follows that of the player called out for failing to
bat. If the batter declared out under these circumstances is the third
out, the correct batter in the next inning shall be the player who
follows the legal batter in the line up.

**SPECIAL COED MODIFICATIONS**

1.  The batting order must alternate males with females\...

2.  A male batter who receives a walk (intentional or not) will be
    awarded second base. Runners advance if forced. The next batter (a
    female) will bat. Exception: With two outs, the female batter has
    the option to walk or bat

> **3. Courtesy runners will be allowed** for injured players. All
> courtesy runners must be the last player to have made an out. In coed
> play, the courtesy runner must be of the same gender.

**[FORFEITS:]{.underline}**

League umpires and Recreation Manager have the authority to determine
forfeits. Forfeits will result but are not limited to the following
reasons: ineligible player, absence from a scheduled event, or
unsportsmanlike conduct.

**[Grounds for forfeit:]{.underline}**

**1. A FORFEITED** shall be declared by the Umpire in favor of the Team
not at fault in the following cases: The score of a forfeited game shall
be 10-0 in favor of the team not at fault.

**A.** If a Team fails to appear on the Field, or refuses to begin the
Game for which it has been scheduled, at the time the Game was assigned.

**B.** If a Team uses tactics noticeably designed to delay or hasten the
playing of a Game.

**C.** If an ejected player does not leave the field immediately when
ordered to do so.

**D.** If for any reason a Team does not have the designated number of
Players to begin or continue the Game.

**E.** If, after a warning by the Umpire, any one of these Rules is
willfully violated.

**F**. All Umpire is encouraged to employ his best discretion to avoid
forfeiture of any Game, within the scope of good reasoning.

**[Team forfeit:]{.underline}**

A forfeit deposit is required; the amount will be enough to cover 2
games, \$36.00 for Coed teams, and \$64 for Men\'s teams.

When the forfeit deposit falls below this number it is the
responsibility of that team to bring the deposit back up to the minimum.
Questions regarding forfeit deposits should be directed to Terence Davis
@ 281-483-0304.

1\. If Starport is notified at least 24 hours in advance that your team
will not be playing you will not be charged Umpire fees for a forfeit.
If notified less than 24 hours in advance your team will be held
responsible for Umpires fees for BOTH teams.

2\. If a game has been officially declared a forfeit, teams may
scrimmage on the field but umpires and score-keepers are not obligated
to work the scrimmage.  Such competition will not be sanctioned as an
official contest, and participants will be playing at their own risk. 

3\. A double forfeit shall count as a full loss for both teams in the
standings.

**If a team forfeits more than twice in a season, they may be
disqualified from that season.**

**[PROTEST]{.underline}**

**A PROTESTED GAME** consist of a difference in opinion on the field
between the protesting team and the Umpire regarding the application or
interpretation

of either Official Printed Playing Rules, or Specially Adopted Ground
Rules.

Allowable protests should be first lodged by the team captain to the
game umpire prior to

the next pitch, legal or illegal. If unsatisfied with the ruling, the
captain must then lodge

his/her protest to the Recreations Manager. This should be done during
the same stoppage of the game that the initial complaint was made. The
Recreations Manager will then rule on the protest. A protest of the
ruling must be made verbally by the Recreations Manager before the next
pitch, legal or illegal. Failure to follow this procedure will
invalidate the protest.

**[Miscellaneous]{.underline}**

Fighting, Arguing with Umpires WILL NOT be tolerated and will result in
an ejection (for players or fans). All games will be conducted and ruled
by the umpires and all persons must respect their authority. 
Unsports-manlike conduct, profanity, abusive language, fighting,
intentional contact or any action or behavior that impedes umpires from
performing their duties will not be tolerated under any condition and
will be subject to penalties described below.

**a.**   **Violation:**   Unsportsmanlike conduct, profanity, or abusive
language, including verbal attacks or abuse directed at umpires or
scorekeepers.

**Penalty**: Minimum of ejection from game, with a possible maximum of
one year loss of eligibility, and possible forfeiture of game. 

**b. Violation:** Offensive and/or derogatory remarks made by players,
coaches and/or spectators directed at the opposing team or its fans.

### Penalty: Once the umpire has issued a warning to ANY team member or its fans, the first violation after such warning will result in ejection of the offending person (if a player or coach) AND  assessment of an administrative out to the offending team.  The second violation by ANY MEMBER of the same team or its fans will result in forfeiture of the game.* *

c.  **Violation:** Use of deliberate and/or unnecessary force when going
    into a base*.*

> **Penalty:** Immediate ejection from the game and suspension of the
> next two games played. 

**Report ALL injuries to your Umpire immediately**. **In the event of an
emergency please notify Starport Staff inside the Gilruth Center. If
there is need of an ambulance call 281.483.3333 from a cell phone or use
the Blue Phone located at field 3 or at the west end of the soccer
field. If using the blue phone stay on the line while EOC connects you
to EMS and be prepared to give clear details of your location so that
emergency personnel can arrive as quickly as possible to provide
assistance**

**[Miscellaneous]{.underline}**

**NO PETS ALLOWED ON GILRUTH FACILITY**

**NO CHILDREN IN DUGOUT.**

**[Updated 8/18/08]{.underline}**

**NO ALCOHOL IN DUGOUT**

The consumption of beer is allowed at the softball fields, but it must
be kept out of the team bench area. BEER IN CANS ONLY - No glass
bottles, wine coolers or hard liquor are allowed at or near the playing
fields. Player(s) consuming beer inside dugouts will result in a
forfeit. Teams in multiple violations anytime during the season after
will include expulsion from the league**.**

**[Updated 5/29/08]{.underline}**

**GLASS BOTTLES AND CONTAINERS**

***No glass bottles/containers are allowed near the playing fields*!
Even if you are pouring it into a cup. Any team found in possession of
glass containers WILL FORFEIT the game automatically. THIS IS YOUR
WARNING! No other warnings will be issued. NO EXCEPTIONS! If it is prior
to your game, you will forfeit your game. If it is after your game, you
will forfeit your next game. It doesn't matter if it is just one person
on your team and the rest have gone home.**

**Umpire Fees:**

\$9 per team for Coed Recreational.

\$16 per team all Men\'s Leagues w/2 Umpires.

\$10 per team all Men\'s Leagues w/1 Umpire.

**[Balls and Strikes:]{.underline}**

a.  Balls and strikes will be called with the assistance of a "strike
    mat" placed behind the plate. If the ball hits any part of the
    "strike" mat or home plate, it's a strike!

b.  In terms of pitch arc, it should be a 6-12 foot arc. For those
    unfamiliar with this rule, a pitch must go higher than six feet high
    at its highest point, but it is not to exceed 12 feet. Pitches that
    are deemed to be well outside the 6-12 foot parameter are deemed
    illegal pitches (by the umpire) and are counted as automatic balls
    in the batter's count, unless the batter swings.

c.  The catcher must allow the pitch to hit the mat or the ground before
    returning the ball to the pitcher. If the catcher catches the pitch
    before it hits the mat or in any way obstructs the umpire's view,
    the pitch shall be declared a ball. If the batter inhibits the ball
    from striking the mat in any way, the pitch shall be declared a
    strike.

d.  Any pitch, declared illegal by the umpire (not in the arc limit of 6
    to 12 feet), hit by the batter shall be a live ball.

**Coed Recreational Rules:**

Count: 3-2, 1 courtesy foul.

Home Runs: 2 - by female only. Men hitting ball over fence are out.

Max Runs/Inning: 6 run per inning, or enough to catch up.

Run Rule: 20 runs.

Walks: Male walks=2 bases. Male walks with 2 outs, female has option to
walk or bat.

Defense: 2/2 outfield, 2/2 infield, 1/1 battery. Only 1 female in front
of line when female is batting.

**Coed Competitive Rules:**

Count: 3-2, 1 courtesy foul.

Home Runs: 3 for men, unlimited for female.

Run Rule: 20 after 3 innings, 12 after 4 innings.

Walks: Male walks=2 bases. Male walks with 2 outs, female has option to
walk or bat.

Defense: 2/2 outfield, 2/2 infield, 1/1 battery. Only 1 female in front
of line when female is batting.

All Bat/All Play.

**Men\'s C Rules:**

Count: Full count, no courtesy foul.

Home Runs: 5+1

Run Rule: 20 after 3 innings, 12 after 4 innings.

Stealing Allowed.

12 players play/bat.

**Men\'s D Rules:**

Count: Full count, no courtesy foul.

Home Runs: 3+1

Run Rule: 20 after 3 innings, 12 after 4 innings.

Stealing Allowed.

12 players play/bat.

**Men\'s DD Rules:**

Count: 3-2, no courtesy foul.

Home Runs: 1+1

Run Rule: 20 after 3 innings, 12 after 4 innings.

NO Stealing Allowed

All Bat/All Play.