House League Rules

Umpires are essential to the game.  Bias is unacceptable, but umpire calls are part of the game.  VMSA has a zero tolerance policy towards abuse of umpires.  Any abuse whether by coaches, players or the gallery will result in ejection from the game of the offender(s) or default of the game.

To guide coaches and players, bear the following in mind:

• you may ask for explanations of calls ("What was the call?") and as usual request appeals on swings.  Such requests should be respectfully phrased
• you may not question the judgement of the umpire (safe/out, strike/ball, etc.) by word or action within hearing/view of the umpires.  
• Coaches are expected to control their players and advise their gallery.  
• VMSA is especially concerned regarding intimidation of youth umpires by adults (whether coaches or gallery), and so the range of behaviours that are unacceptable is especially broad in this circumstance. 
• do not count on receiving a warning

Any issues with officiating are to be brought to the attention of the VMSA UiC, umpire coordinator or President, not addressed with the umpires themselves, providing as many specifics as possible.  

MITES RULES MAY BE FOUND HERE

Game Rules

We follow official Softball Canada Rules with the modifications below: Softball Canada Rule books are available from your Director - Mite and up.

1. Batting: All players bat.

2. Player substitutions: Unlimited.

3. Maximum no. of runs per inning: 5. The only open inning is the seventh.

4. Minimum no. of players: A team must have a minimum of 7 players. Failure of a team to field at least 7 players, 15 minutes after starting time will result in forfeiture. Upon forfeiture, the game could be played as an exhibition game. NOTE: In all Playoff games leading to a Provincial berth Softball BC Rules will apply. The Game may be started with 8 players but must be completed with a minimum of 9 players.

5. Player Rotation: Coaches are expected to rotate players in an equitable way between infield and outfield so that players gain experience and develop confidence. At Squirt and younger, no player should play the same position more than 2 innings. In all divisions, no player will sit out two innings in a row except for injury or illness.

6. Game Duration:

Weekend house (C level) games: No new innings after 1:30 minutes from the scheduled start time, with fields to be empty after 1:45, regardless. If there are no games or practices following, the game must end after 1:45 but teams may have their base relay after that.

Weeknight games (Wildcats and C level) : No new innings after 1:30 minutes from the scheduled start time, unless both teams and the umpires agree to extend to no new innings after 1:45. Games tied at the time limit will be recorded as ties.

As always, these times are subject to the umpires calling the game earlier on account of weather or darkness.

7. Pitchers may not pitch beyond the designated number of innings per game. Maximum of three innings per pitcher each game in Squirt. If a pitcher pitches one pitch in any inning, that inning is considered as one of the innings pitched. Violation of this rule will lead to forfeiture of the game.

8. Pickups: Teams may pick up players from lower category only to enable a 9 player team to be fielded. Teams can only pick up same player 3 times per season. Category Director to be advised of pick-up within 24 hours. Pick-up coach is to notify regular coach of player picked up. Pitchers may be brought up to play, but not to pitch.

9. Home Team:

• Bats last and has first option to occupy third base dugout
• Provides a new or almost new game ball for each home game.
• Marks out diamond 30 minutes BEFORE game time with whiting . Markings include the 8 foot pitching (16 feet diameter) circle, batters boxes, fair/foul lines and on deck circles. Please see either Softball Canada rulebook orSoftballBCbook for diagram and details.
• Is responsible to determine weather and field conditions (no later than 1.5 hours before game time) are acceptable. If unacceptable, the home team informs the visiting team and Umpire Allocator of game cancellation at least 1.5 hour before game time. However, if the visiting team cancels a game, the visiting team is responsible for informing home team and Umpire Allocator no later than 1.5 hour before game time.
• Puts away bases and tools to Equipment Box including properly locking it after the game.

10. Jewelry is not permitted, nor is taping of earrings or other jewelry. If jewelry is detected after the start of the game, the player will be asked to remove the jewelry. If the player refuses to remove the jewelry she will not be allowed to play.

11. Field Cleanup by both teams: All diamonds and surrounding areas must be raked and left clean after each game.  Take along a litterbag and have players help clean up after each game. Both teams (coaches or parents) are responsible to fill in and rake the pitching area and the batters boxes before leaving the field.

12. Protest: Protests will only be allowed in District Play Downs leading to Provincial Championship and the procedure in the Softball BC handbook will be the official guide.

Please Note:

• Infield fly & Dropped 3rd Strike rule in effect for Pee Wee & up.

 

Playoff Tie-breaker Rule

Playoff format will be determined by the Division coordinator in consultation with the executive, and shall have final authority on format.  Playoff games tied at the expiration of time will use international tie breaker rules until one team wins.  International tie breaker has the last player out in the previous inning start the 10th inning at second base. If the game is still tied after 10 innings, subsequent innings shall start with players on 1st and 2nd. These shall be the the two players furthest from the next batter in the order.