QUINCY WOMEN’S SOFTBALL 2024 LEAGUE RULES
1. ROSTERS
The master roster shall contain a maximum of twenty-two players plus the names of all coaches. The roster must contain the names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses and dates of birth of all players, player/coaches. The rosters will be due on or before April 1, 2024. A player registration fee of forty-five dollars ($45.00) per player and coach must accompany the roster. Rosters must contain no fewer than ten paid players. Players may be added to the roster until June 14, 2024. Any player wishing to change teams within the league may do so up to the June 14, 2024 roster deadline with no league approval necessary. However, the coach of the team the player has moved to must file a roster revision form notifying the league of the change. Players will not be allowed to change teams under any circumstances after this date. It is the responsibility of the teams to make sure that these rosters are correct. Anyone keeping score cannot partake in any on field instructions unless they are a rostered member of the team. Anyone found participating in such an activity, that is not a league member, will subject that team to a forfeit. Any team found using players or coaches not listed on their roster shall forfeit all games in which the illegal coaches or players participate.
2. FEES
1. Sponsor entrance fee will be three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00). The entrance fee is non-refundable once the season has started. Any team that drops out of league play, for any reason, shall not be entitled to a refund. If the sponsor fee is not received by a team’s first game, the team will forfeit that game.
2. Participant Fees – A registration fee of forty-five ($45.00) for each player, player/coach, and coach (non-refundable) must accompany each roster. This is non-transferable and cannot be applied from one player to another!
The names of any new players, player/coaches, or coaches that you wish to add to your roster must be submitted to QWSL@hotmail.com on a completed roster revision form along with the $45.00 registration fee. In an effort to make adding players to team rosters a simple process, coaches/reps may call or e-mail QWSL@hotmail.com to submit the new player information along with the $45.00 registration fee. This contact must occur before that player, player/coach will be allowed on the playing field. The fee may be submitted via Venmo and player information must be submitted by the night the new person takes the field. It is the responsibility of the coach/rep to get the new player info and registration fee to a league official within 24 hours of the contact. Any unregistered player, player/coach or coach found on the field will subject that team to a forfeit.
The bank charge for any bounced check will be passed on to the person who bounced the check. The amount due will then equal the amount of the original check plus the amount of the bank charge.
3. AGES
All players must be eighteen (18) years of age or older to participate in league play. Players under the age of eighteen (18) may be listed on a team roster but will not be allowed to play until they reach their 18th birthday.
4. INSURANCE
Individual teams wishing to purchase insurance may do so by contacting USSSA at www.usssa.com and click on insurance. The QWSL does not carry insurance and it is not liable for injuries.
5. PLAYERS
A minimum of nine (9) players must be on the field to start the game. Any team that does not have nine (9) players will be required to forfeit. Teams will not be allowed to continue a game with less than nine (9) players, regardless of injuries or unforeseen problems a team any incur. Doing so will constitute a forfeit. A 10th player may be added any time during the game. That 10th player MUST assume the 10th spot in the batting order. An eleventh or twelfth (11th or 12th) player may NOT be added at any time.
If a team cannot bat the same number of players they started with due to injury, ejection, or any other unforeseen circumstances, that person’s at bat will be recorded as an out.
Players must appear in the lineup for at least five (5) games during the regular season in order to be eligible for the playoffs.
6. PERMITS
Permits for the use of the fields are granted by the city and maintained by the league officials. If a problem should arise, please call Camille, Kelly or Nia.
7. QUINCY WOMEN’S SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES
1. Run rule – The team ahead by 12 runs by the completion of the 5th inning (4 ½ if home team is up 12 plus runs) or any subsequent inning shall be declared the winner. This applies to the playoffs as well. If the home team is trailing by more than 20 runs in the 4th inning, the “flip flop” rule will be enforced. (Home team continues to bat for 3 more outs and becomes the away team.) Should they not score the necessary runs to come within 12 runs, the game will be over. If they catch up or go ahead, the game will continue until one team goes 12 runs ahead or 7 innings are completed.
2. Players must appear in the batting line up in at least 5 (five) regular season games in order to be eligible to play in the playoffs. Prior to the start of the playoffs a list of names only must be submitted to the league of those eligible for the playoffs. If a player’s identity is questioned, a picture ID must be presented as proof.
3. The distance of the bases at first & third should measure sixty (60) feet.
4. At the conclusion of the 2024 season the league officials will determine the alignment for the 2025 year based on the outcome of the final divisional standings and playoff results.
5. At the conclusion of a season, the league officers may review and determine in what division a first year team will be placed for the following season. They have the discretion to move a team up or down for the good of league competition.
6. The 4-ball/3 strike count will be in effect for the 2024 season. The batter is out if they foul twice after their second strike.
7. Any games that are stopped by the umpire due to weather, power failure, or any other unforeseen events, before they are considered a complete game, will be resumed for the point of stoppage. When the game is resumed, it must start at the point of interruption with the same identical field situation that existed at the time it was stopped. Full roster substitutions can apply. A game is considered complete if after 4 ½ innings the home team is ahead or after five (5) complete innings if the home team is losing.
8. During the playoffs the game must go the complete seven innings or 6 ½ if the home team is ahead, except in a situation where the mercy rule applies. (Refer to Sec. 10, suspended game.) When a suspended game is resumed it must be started at the point of interruption with the same identical field situation that existed at the time it was suspended. Full roster substitutions can apply.
9. Courtesy runner rule is in effect and explained below in rule 11b.
10. All bats used must have the new permanent USSSA mark also known as The Thumb Print. All bats must be manufactured by an approved USSSA Bat Licensee.
11. QWSL Roster Rule - Each team has the option to place as many batters in the line up as they wish, as long as it is over the required nine. However, any batter that cannot bat, in her place in the batting order, will be recorded as an out.
12. If an unannounced substitution is made, there will be no penalty for this action.
13. Intentional Walks – Each team will be allowed two (2) intentional walks per game. Any other walks that occur will be determined by the ball/strike count on the batter called by the umpire.
14. QWSL PITCHING RULES
a. The pitcher may pitch from the pitching plate of from the “pitching area”, an area the width of the pitching plate and up to six (6) feet behind the pitcher’s plate.
b. Preliminary to pitching, the pitcher shall take a position with her pivot foot firmly on the ground and in contact with the pitching plate or pitching area when the pitched ball is released.
c. The other foot has no restriction on position and may be placed on, in front of, to the rear of, or to the side of the pitcher’s plate or pitching area.
d. The pitching rubber for the QWSL will be placed at 46 feet.
e. QWSL uses an unlimited arc.
If there are any questions concerning the above rules, please feel free to ask for clarification. League rules will supersede all other rules when applicable.
8. SCHEDULES
1. Schedules will be given out prior to the start of the season and posted on QWSL.net and will be strictly adhered to. 2. The second number indicated on the schedule is the home team.
3. Reschedules will not be allowed if you cannot field a team.
4. Exception – If a death occurs in someone’s immediate family, the league will reschedule any game in order for the team to attend the wake or any other type of service being held during a scheduled game. Any changes will be left to the discretion of the league officials.
9. TIME
1. Game times will be the time designated on the schedules. There will be a fifteen (15) minute grace period for players.
2. Any team unable to put nine (9) players on the field will be forced to forfeit.
3. Double-header Rule – The away team may not start an inning after 9:45 unless the game has not gone five (5) complete innings. In this case, the game shall continue until five (5) innings have been completed. In the event the score is tied at the completion of the five (5) innings, the game will be allowed to continue until a winner is determined. The teams playing the first game of the doubleheader will have 1 ½ hours to complete their game from the time the game begins. The umpire must sign the book of any team that does not start on time. If game 2 has not started by 10:15 the coaches of the second game have the option to have the game rescheduled to another 9:30 slot during the week. If this should happen, please contact Camille, Kelly or Nia.
10. UMPIRES
1. It is required to give the umpires a fifteen (15) minute grace period (until 8:30.) However, if the umpire has not arrived by 8:15, contact Camille, Kelly or Nia.
2. If in the event of a rainout before play has begun, umpires shall be paid full fee. The league will pay the umpire fee for the rescheduled rain out. Please contact Camille, Kelly or Nia if this situation occurs.
3. It is the responsibility of each coach to notify a league official in the case of poor officiating by an umpire. Please contact Camille, Kelly or Nia within 24 hours at QWSL@hotmail.com. Include the team name, date of the game, field where you played, umpire’s name, and the problem that occurred.
11. GROUND RULES
Ground rules will be discussed by the team coaches/representatives and umpire promptly before or at the 8:15 start time. Whoever takes the ground rules must identify to the umpire the person designated to discuss any situations that may arise during play. Each team will present an official line up to the umpire before play begins. This may be done during ground rules. The umpire will hold the line up sheets in case there are any questions in batting order or players. Please Note: At Collins on an overthrow to 1st base, the ball shall be deemed a live ball should it bounce off the wall. However, if on an overthrow the ball hits the fence or the cement area by the stairs, it will be declared dead, and the runners shall be awarded the appropriate number of bases. Also, if a batted ball hits a tree limb that is above the fence and in the playing area, it may be deemed a home run by the umpire.
It is the responsibility of the home team, but the obligation of both teams, to make sure the pitching rubber is measured and placed on the field at Collins & Welcome Young before every game. The home team needs to return the pitching rubber to the light box before they lock it up.
11a. SAFETY BASE – The safety base shall be 15” x 30” and not more than 3” high. The safety base should be positioned such that the white portion is located where first base would normally be (in fair territory) and the colored portion (red or orange) should be in foul territory. Any batted ball hitting the white portion should be fair and any ball hitting the red or orange portion should be foul. On the initial throw to first base from the infield or outfield, the batter-runner MUST TOUCH the red or orange portion of the base but not the white. If legally appealed by the defense during a live ball situation, the runner will be called out. The defensive player MUST always touch the white portion. This rule is in effect only on the initial play at first. This does not include:
1. Returning to the base after over running
2. Running on a base hit to the outfield (runner may touch the red or white part) or
3. Re-tag to advance on a fly ball.
4. On any attempt to force the batter-runner out at first on the initial throw that pulls the defense off first base into foul ground, the defense and the batter may use either the white of colored portion of the base.
11b. COURTESY RUNNER – Only one Courtesy Runner per inning (one time) may be used. The Courtesy Runner can be any player in the lineup. If the Courtesy Runner is still on base at the time her turn at bat comes up, that spot in the batting order will be an out.
12. PROTESTS
All protests will be handled within the league. The league director will review the circumstances of the protest and issue a ruling. The director will confer with the North Eastern Regional Umpire in Chief if necessary. USSSA rules will apply. Judgement calls by an umpire will not be grounds for protests. There will be NO VERBAL PROTESTS. All protests must be in writing and sent to the league director within forty-eight (48) hours of the infraction. It must be accompanied by a $25.00 check made payable to Q.W.S.L. In the event the protest is valid the money will be returned.
Before a protest will be heard the following must be done:
A. The game must be stopped, and the umpire notified of the protest.
B. All protests must contain the following:
1. Date and time
2. Teams involved & field played on
3. Umpire’s name(s) & signature(s)
4. Rule or rules applied incorrectly. Specify rule number and section or the Q.W.S.L. rule(s)
13. EJECTIONS
Any player, coach or manager that is ejected from a game by the umpire will be subject to an AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION of one (1) game to be served the game IMMEDIATELY following the ejection.
Any player, coach or manager that pushes, shoves or otherwise physically or verbally abuses an umpire will be suspended by the league for a MINIMUM OF THREE (3) GAMES and will be subject to a league hearing. Anyone found coaching during a game while on suspension would also be subject to a league hearing. The ejection of players or coaches by an umpire CANNOT BE PROTESTED!
Any player that has been ejected twice during the regular season must appear before the board for a hearing to determine if additional disciplinary action is necessary.
Any ejected player, coach or manager may not be anywhere in the vicinity of either playing field after the ejection or for the duration of the suspension. This includes all parking areas!
Any fan that is ejected must also totally leave the playing area as well as the parking lots.
14. MISCONDUCT
All members of this league are expected to be courteous and exhibit good sportsmanship at all times. Any player or team using verbal or physical abuse towards other player(s), team(s) or the league in general will be dealt with severely. This conduct rule will apply to all members of the league while playing in, or attending league games or functions.
15. UNIFORMS
All teams are required to wear matching shirts or jerseys by June 14, 2024 or furnish the league with a receipt indicating that uniforms are on order. After this time any player not wearing a matching uniform shirt may not be allowed to play! This is at the discretion of the opposing coach.
16. EQUIPMENT
1. For the first three (3) games of the season, each team supplies the umpire with a new ball.
2. The home team must provide the umpire with a new game ball that will be supplied by the league, for every game thereafter. After the initial three (3) games, the away team provides a used back-up ball.
3. The away team must supply the umpire with a good used back up ball. In order to do this, the home team must make it a point to retrieve their own ball at the end of each game.
4. Catcher’s masks and other team equipment must be supplied by the teams.
5. Score books for each team will be provided by the league.
17. TEAM PROPERTY
Any players found guilty of retaining property of her team, other teams or the league will be eliminated from all future play. Property issued to teams is the responsibility of the members of that team. This property MUST be returned to the league when requested in good working order. Teams who misplace, misuse, lose, damage, or otherwise mishandle league property will be responsible for reimbursing the league the monetary value of the item being replaced. League property includes, but is not limited to, keys, bases, rule books, trophies, and other issued items.
18. SAFETY
Catcher’s masks must be worn by all players when behind home plate. Any players found in violation of this rule will be suspended for one game.
19. LIGHTS
All teams will have keys to the lights, which are to be turned off immediately following the last game. The last home team leaving the field will be responsible for turning off the lights. At Collins, please make sure if you set the timer, you must also move the light switch to the off position! A $50.00 fine may be assessed to any home team found responsible for leaving them on.
20. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES/ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES
1. Any league member that is found to be drinking alcohol in the ballpark area, i.e., the field, stands, dugout etc., prior to or during a game, will be suspended from that game. A second offense will result in an additional game suspension, to be served the game immediately following the infraction. Further incidences will result in that person’s removal from the league. If a team member is removed, and the team cannot continue with at least nine (9) players, the game will be forfeited.
2. Any player deemed otherwise impaired by the umpire will be subject to the same penalties outlined above. 3. Each team is responsible for their fans. Teams will be subject to a forfeit if fans cannot be controlled.
4. Smoking is not allowed on the field or the team benches/dugouts.
21. LITTER
League games have always drawn a crowd, especially during the playoffs. Everyone is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the field and parking areas. In case of poor field conditions please contact Camille, Kelly or Nia.
22. SCORES
Each team must present an official line up to the umpire before play begins. This may be done during ground rules. The umpire will hold the line up in case there are any questions regarding the batting order of players. It is the responsibility of BOTH teams to report the scores of your games. Scores should be sent via e-mail to QWSL@hotmail.com within 24 hours of the game. Results and standing will be posted on the website at www.QWSL.net.
23. RAINOUTS
There will be no cancellation of regularly scheduled games unless it is raining, or field conditions are unplayable. Games will be cancelled as early as the weather permits or by approximately 6:30 pm so that the teams can contact their players prior to game time. League officers are the only ones that have the authority to cancel a game due to inclement weather before 8:15 pm. In the absence of a league officer’s presence at the field, the umpire has the responsibility to call the game at 8:15 pm, not before. If there is any question as to whether a game will be played, any team member may call Camille, Kelly or Nia up to the scheduled game time. Games will be rescheduled on available dates throughout the season.
24. FORFEITS
Any team that forfeits a game shall be responsible for paying the entire umpire fee of $50.00. In the event of a forfeit, the team present must contact Camille, Kelly or Nia that evening or the following day. The league will reimburse the team receiving the forfeit if they had to pay the umpire. Any team, that forfeits three (3) games during a season, will be ineligible for the playoffs. A team that forfeits three (3) games in a season will be placed on probation the following season. If they forfeit three (3) games while on probation, they will be suspended from the league for one year.
25. PLAYOFFS
In the event of a tie in the final standings, tiebreakers will be determined as follows:
1. Standings at the end of the regular season
2. Head-to-Head record
Any time the group of teams is broken down due to a rule breaking step above being applied, you must take the new group or groups that remain tied and reapply steps starting with step 2.
3. Record amongst the teams involved in tie only
4. Runs allowed
Rules:
1. Steps three (3) and four (4) will only be used to determine seedings. No team will be eliminated without a playoff game based on rules three (3) and four (4). If rules three (3) and (4) are applied and the seeding results in a situation where a tied team would be eliminated based on reseedings, a single game playoff format will be used.
2. If there are an even number of teams involved in the tie, they will be seeded in a “winner get in, loser goes home” one game playoff to fill the playoff spots. If there are an odd number to teams, the teams involved AND seeded below the last qualifying playoff spot will play only other teams within the tied group.
26. PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY
1. In order for a player to be eligible for the playoffs, she must have played in at least five (5) regular season games.
2. At the conclusion of the regular season, each playoff team is required to submit a roster of their eligible players to www.qwsl@hotmail.com.
3. League officers have the right to review each team’s scorebook for verification purposes. It is for this reason it is important to keep and accurate scorebook.
4. Any team found in violation of this rule will result in a forfeit for that playoff game.
Good luck to everyone and enjoy the season!
Contact Email: QWSL@hotmail.com
Venmo: @Quincy-WomensSoftball
Contact Numbers:
Camille 617-838-3078
Kelly 978-835-9659
Nia 781-534-3359
Revised April 2024