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Vancouver Womens Fastball League | Fastpitch Softball: Special Rules and Regulations
VANCOUVER WOMEN’S FASTBALL LEAGUE
SPECIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS 2014


The VWFL operates under Softball BC/ Softball Canada rules except for the following:
 
  1. LEAGUE STRUCTURE
.1   The selection of a scheduling option (i.e. interlocking with league, inter-divisional, interlocking with other leagues, etc) will be made by the team representatives at a team rep league meeting prior to the scheduling deadline.
.2   First half of league fees will be due at an April league meeting and the second half will be due prior to the start of the season with that deadline being set by the Executive. No less than 2 weeks prior notice will be given to all teams.
.3   A $100 team bond must be paid per team by way of post dated cheque dated July 15th of the current year. The cheque will either be destroyed or cashed depending on each umpire default. (Umpire defaults consist of defaulted games where the league is charged for umpires even though no game was played. This occurs when not enough cancellation notice was given or a team defaulted at the field). In an instance where a default cheque is cashed, a new $100 bond cheque must be insured, by the team in question, within a week of the original default game.
 
  1. ROSTER
.1   Each team shall be registered with Softball BC (or provide independent proof of insurance) and shall consist of a minimum of 11 players and a maximum of 21.
No changes of any kind may be made to the final league roster, after June 15 (which is due June 30th). All teams will receive equal consideration regarding exceptions for team members returning from pregnancy or injury. With regards to injury, a doctor’s note may be required. Permission must be obtained from the executive prior to the playoffs.
For all teams considering provincials, Softball BC/CASA rosters for each player must be submitted on June 15th to the District Coordinators and the secretary as per arrangements by Coordinator. Please note that if a Softball BC/CASA roster for each player is not submitted to the District Coordinator, the player will not be allowed to play until it is received. If a team fails to submit a CASA Roster, that team will be suspended from league play until such time. If a player signs a CASA in another district, a copy must be submitted to VWFL.
 
If a player signs a CASA in another district, a copy must be submitted to VWFL by June 30th. Failure to do so will result in that player being deemed ineligible for the VWFL and all of the resulting sanctions associated with such actions will be exercised by the VWFL.
 
Note: CASA roster = minimum 11, maximum 17 players, masters 20, including pickups [3 max.] - See Softball BC Handbook.
 
A substitution roster will be created for players who cannot commit to a team full time, or for players who do not have a team. These substitution players will be eligible for playoffs with a team as long as they have played the stated number of games (5) to make them eligible. These substitution players will be eligible for playoffs with a VWFL team provided they have signed that team's roster and have played the stated number of games with the said team to make them eligible.
 
In order to request substitute players, a team must have less than 9 eligible full-time players confirmed for the applicable game.
 
.2   The signing of the league’s official roster (coaches, managers and players) is an agreement in writing of the individual to abide by the rules and regulations of the league as set out and ratified by the league.
.3   Failure to submit a league roster by the date specified by the league will result in a two-point penalty and the forfeiture of any games played after the specified date.
.4   Failure to submit the names of any player signed to a Softball BC / CASA roster (or copy per Clause  .1) by June 30th  will result in cancellation and forfeiture of any games scheduled until the Secretary receives the roster.    
 
  1. PLAYER ELIGBILITY
.1   To be eligible to play in the VWFL a player must be signed on a Softball BC/CASA roster or provide independent proof of insurance. All players must be insured prior to the start of their first VWFL game.
.2   To play in the VWFL Playoffs, a player must have played at least 5 of the season’s scheduled games with the said team who’s roster they sign for playoffs or substitution roster in our league. However, they may sub for any VWFL team at any time during the regular season provided they adhere to general substitution rules (Section 2.1)
.1   Forfeited games will not be recognized as a game played.
.2   Tournament games will not be recognized as a scheduled game played.
.3   To determine a player’s eligibility, a coach of the opposing team may request identification of any player, together with the umpire’s initials. This may only be done at a break in play when approved by the umpire. Failure to abide by such request will result in forfeiture of that game.
.4   Any player who signed Senior A, who medaled the previous season in provincials can play in the VWFL but cannot pitch or catch until one full season has elapsed, Players of a former "A" level who wish to join the VWFL must provide proof of the previous year’s play prior to the start of the VWFL season. No player currently registered in another league that is playing at a senior "A" level or has signed a Senior "A" CASA is eligible to play in our league regardless of position in any one season.
 (removal of Senior B, Junior A, or Midget A)
.5   In the event of a game cancellation at the field, Teams must provide an umpire signed lineup sheet as proof of intent to play. This is only necessary if a team has a player that is getting their 5th game in to be eligible for playoffs.
 
  1. CONDUCT
.1   There is to be no alcohol consumed in Vancouver or North Vancouver Parks as per sections 40, 42 & 43 of the Liquor Control and Licensing Act. Alcohol may be consumed in the licensed and designated areas only, and not during the game under any circumstance. Anyone found in violation of this by-law is subject to the applicable fines and/or penalties.
A team member, who is dressed in uniform or in the team area, is also bound by this rule. An umpire may give immediate ejection, game forfeiture and game suspension for breaking this rule.
.2   Teams are responsible for their own spectators. (i.e., family, friends, pets). In the event that a belligerent spectator may appear to be with a team but in fact is not, teams are to make it known to the umpire immediately that the spectator is not one of their own.
.3   There will be no smoking in Vancouver and North Vancouver Parks. An umpire may give immediate ejection, game forfeiture and game suspension for breaking this rule. If found to be in violation of this by-law, the following actions may be taken according to the 2010 City of Vancouver Parks and Recreation By-law to Regulate Smoking in Parks:  An umpire may give immediate ejection, game forfeiture and game suspension for breaking this rule. If found to be in violation of this by-law, the following actions may be taken according to the 2010 City of Vancouver Parks and Recreation By-law to Regulate Smoking in Parks:
4.2 Every person who commits an offence against this By-law is punishable on conviction by a fine of not less than $250.00 and not more than $2,000.00 for each offence, except that a person who com m its an offence under section 3.2(a), 3.2(b) or 3.2(c) of this By-law is liable to a fine of not less than $500.00 for each offence.
 
  1. CLOTHING
.1   Numbered uniforms must be of common colour regardless of the style of clothing. Provincial Tournaments require numbers to be at least six (6) inches in height.
.2   Medical bracelets and wedding bands are the only jewelry allowed.  It doesn’t have to be taped down but is recommended that you do if at all possible.  All other jewelry must be removed or taped over.
 
  1.     EQUIPMENT
.1   A Dudley WTND 12 FP 47 core with raised seams white or optic yellow ball is to be used for all league games as per official Softball BC ball. The home team is responsible for supplying one new ball and at least one good back up ball, and for making the decision for the choice of ball colour. If no Dudleys are available we will use the ProStock ProNine 12” cor 47 with raised seams.
.2   No metal cleats allowed.
.3   All bats used during league play must be ASA approved.
 
  1.  FIELD PREPARATION & GAME TIME
.1   The home team is responsible for lining, set up and take down of the field. For dimensions refer to the rulebook.  Failure to prepare the field will result in a $25 fine to the home team if infraction is reported a minimum of three times by opposing teams. Report all incidences to the Rules & Protest Committee as soon as possible. Each incident will be documented and action will be taken as necessary.
.2   The field must be lined and ready for play 20 minutes prior to start of game. If the field is not ready, infields will be allowed at umpire’s discretion.
.3   Connaught games start times are 6:45 pm. Double-headers at Mahon Park will start at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm; single games at Mahon will start at 6:45 pm until June 15th. After June 15th single Mahon games will start at 7:00pm.  All league games will have 1.5-hour time limit except semi-final and finals. No new inning to start after 1.5 hours. League games start by the umpire’s determination of time. The game can be delayed for 15 minutes only if a team has only seven (7) players after which time, game will be forfeited by team not fielding required minimum of eight (8) players.
.4   If both teams fail to have the minimum of eight (8) players, the game is forfeited by both teams and the official score is 0-0.
.5   In the instance of fielding eight (8) players, the ninth position in the batting order is blank and causes an automatic out when that position is the “at bat” player. If a 9th player’s name is on the game score sheet at the start of the game, she can be played any time after the start of the game.
.6   If the number of fielded players drops below eight (8) any time during the game that team forfeits the game.
.7   If a team starts with nine (9) players and drops to eight (8) at any point in the game, the game will be allowed continue.
.8   A team may pick up a maximum of three (3) players from other available VWFL teams, the VWFL sub roster, or an eligible player outside the VWFL as defined by the 2014 rules if the team has less than nine (9) players prior to game start. If a team has 9 players ready and dressed to play, they may NOT pick up players.
.9   A work party for field maintenance will be held prior to the start of the season. Each team is required to supply volunteers for home diamonds.
.10  It is up to the teams to advise the umpires of any Special League Rules, at the pre-game meeting at home plate.  Please do not put the other team on the spot by asking them to make exceptions such as courtesy runners, playing longer than the time limit or mercy rule permits.
.11  Your team’s official batting order – starting line up card/sheet, must have all players listed by first and last names, jersey numbers and the position.  Substitutions and coaches should be listed at the bottom of line up card.  The top WHITE copy is for the Umpire.  No additions allowed without opposing team’s consent.
.12  Games at Connaught Park will have flags in the outfield.  They are there to direct people and dog owners away from our games.  Any fly ball caught between the flags is fair ground.
 
 
  1. EXTRA INNINGS, INCOMPLETE GAMES AND MERCY RULE
.1   A game that is tied at the end of 7 innings shall be continued by playing additional innings (maximum of 3).
.2   Should the game remain tied after 10 complete innings, it shall be recorded as a tie and the teams will split the game points.
.3   When the game cannot be completed due to weather or darkness, the game will be rescheduled unless 5 innings or time has been completed.  The team ahead by 7 runs after 5 complete innings is declared the winner, or if a team is ahead by 15 runs after four complete innings the game may be declared over by the Mercy Rule.  The Umpire is the only person to make the final decision to call the game.  (as per Softball BC Handbook and as adopted by VWFL league reps).
.4   A complete game is either a minimum of 5 inning, time, or a mercy.
 
  1. SCORE KEEPING
.1   Signed lineup cards for both teams must be kept by the home team and be signed by the umpires. If the game is protested and the umpire did not sign the lineup cards, the game will not be recognized in a decision by the protest committee. All lineup cards for the entire season are to be turned into the Secretary at the coaches meeting prior to playoffs. This is unconditional, and failure to do so will result in investigation and possible disciplinary action by the Rules & Protest Committee.
.2   First and last names of the player must be written on the score sheet AND lineup card in case of discrepancy.
.3   All MVP’s, score report, number of game officials, and field conditions are to be phoned or e-mailed in to the Vice-President in charge of scoring and to the Umpire Liaison within 24 hours by both teams. Failure of a team to do so will result in a loss of 2 points.
.4   If a game was not played or completed, both teams are responsible for notifying the Umpire Liaison within 24 hours of the original scheduled date.
 
  1. GAME CANCELLATIONS
.1   Rainouts:
.1   If a game is to be cancelled; the Umpire Liaison must be notified by 3:30 pm on the day of play. The home team is responsible for determining cancellations. The late game of a doubleheader at Mahon Park cannot be cancelled due to poor weather conditions until 5:30.
.2   If umpires are not notified of a cancellation, the two teams in question will be charged the umpire fees. To reschedule a game, contact the Umpire Liaison. The Umpire Liaison chooses the date.
.3   If the Umpire Liaison has rescheduled a game for any reason, and both teams are not able to field the required number of players, both teams will take a loss.
.4   When the game cannot be completed due to weather or darkness, the game will be rescheduled unless 5 innings have been completed.  The team ahead by 7 runs after 5 complete innings is declared the winner, or if a team is ahead by 15 after 4 innings or any inning thereafter the game may be declared over by the Mercy Rule.  The Umpire is the only person to make the final decision to call the game.  (as per Softball BC Handbook and as adopted by VWFL league reps).
.5   Reminder to always check your League’s web site (www.vwfl.ca) for any updates or changes in the schedules, due to rain outs, umpire-called games, for the new rescheduled date, plus any related info for the league and/or team fundraiser information.  Any team holding a fundraiser can email the Vice President or Secretary with the information and it will be put onto the League Web Site “Notice Board”.  Make sure you have VWFL on the subject line.
 
  1. PROTESTS
.1   Any violation of the Rules and Regulations/Constitution of the VWFL as well those covered by the Softball BC Handbook and the Softball Canada Rule Book can be protested by following the procedure in the Softball BC Handbook.
.2   A formal written protest shall be postmarked or e-mailed within 2 days of the game and mailed to the President. An exception will be made during a playoff situation (Address on Executive/Team Contact list).
.3   In order to qualify for consideration, a $25 fee [cheque payable to VWFL] must accompany the written submission. The Rules and Protest Committee will make a final and binding decision within 10 days of receiving the protest. Loss of the protest will result in forfeiture of the $25 that will be allocated at the discretion of the executive.
.4   In the event that less than 3 members of the committee are unavailable for immediate protest resolution, a sub-committee shall be formed from at least 2 executive members and team reps who are not directly involved with the protest in question.

 
  1. END OF REGULAR SEASON/ PLAYOFF STANDINGS
.1   When total points won are identical, playoff positions will be determined in the following manner:
.1   Win/loss record between teams tied.
.2   Runs for and against in the games played between the teams tied.
.2   Semi-finals:
.1   Home games for semi-finals playoffs will be awarded to the higher-ranking team, with remaining games alternating.
.3   Finals:
.1   A coin toss will determine home team for Game 1. Game 2 will alternate. A coin toss will determine home team for the final game.
.2   Tournament format will be determined at the playoff meeting.
 
  1. PENALTIES
.1   For any gross misconduct or violation of Rules and Regulations, penalties may be levied at the discretion of the Rules and Protest Committee.
 
  1. LEAGUE POLICY
.1   If a team asks an umpire for something the League does not allow, the other team should remind them of league policy.  If the umpire allows something contravening League policy, then the League’s Protest rule should be invoked (refer to VWFL Special Operating Rules & Regulations, Rule 11, Protests) if required.