Ladies Softball League

ST.CATHARINES LADIES SOFTBALL LEAGUE

COACHING HANDBOOK

Revised April / 09 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Cover Page page 1 2. Table of Contents page 2 3. Executive List page 3 4. Coach’s Conduct page 4 5. Player’s Conduct page 5 6. General Rules page 6-7 7. Variances/Playing Rules page 8-11 8. Inclement Weather Procedures page 11 9. Use of Playing Fields page 12 10.Base & Pitching Distances page 12 11.Park Locations page 13 12.List of Available Resources page 14 13. Discipline Committee Procedures page 15 14.Appeals Committee Procedures page 16 15.Player Rotation Sheet page 17 16.Play-off Rules page 18 17.Hit/Run/ Throw (Golden Glove) page 19 18.Most Sportsmanlike Player Award page 20

2 3 Coach’s Conduct

1. Coach’s Responsibilities: Coaches are responsible for their team’s conduct during the game and will maintain order, including the seating of all players on the bench when not otherwise occupied at bat, on deck, or on the field. A game forfeit is at risk if a coach cannot calm an abusive player.

2. Coach’s Behaviour: Coaches are expected to exhibit exemplary behavior, setting a good example for the players. Remember that this game is for the players. Coaches are not to antagonize opposing players, coaches, or umpires. Coaches must remember that our umpires are sometimes young and are learning how to umpire and they will make mistakes. It is unacceptable for anyone to embarrass an umpire. Both coaches for the offensive teams must remain in their respective coaching boxes and all bench staff must remain in the bench area when their team is batting.

3. Score Sheets: The coach of the winning team must ensure that the game card and their score sheet are submitted to the convenor after the game. The coach of the losing teams must submit their game sheet either through the winning coach or directly to the convenor. This must be done within 24 hours of the game.

4. Player Training: It is the job of the head coach to ascertain that the players on his/her team are receiving proper training. The head coach is also responsible for making certain that all times of practices are coordinated, supervised, that players and other coaches have these rules and regulations made available to them, and that the games are properly supervised.

5. Hustle: Coaches, umpires, and players are jointly responsible for keeping the game moving briskly. This is accomplished by hustling players on and off the field, preparing for games in advance, and generally encouraging players to keep hustling to and from their respective positions. Do not delay the game. Failure to begin play after the umpire has called “Play Ball” may result in forfeiture or expulsion if such a delay exceeds 2 minutes.

6. Player Participation: Coaches are responsible for ensuring that each player participates in every game that she attends and that all players receive playing time as set out in the S.C.L.S.L. Variances.

7. Alcohol: Alcohol will not be allowed in any ball park (including the parking lot).

4 PLAYER’S CONDUCT

1. Uniforms: Players shall wear the shirts provided for that season. Each player must be properly dressed. Cleated shoes or any apparel that would cause injury will not be permitted. Short pants can be prohibited by a team’s rules, but are best not worn for the player’s safety. Coaches have the right to bench a player who is not and cannot be properly dressed or equipped to play safely. Players may only wear running shoes or shoes with soft rubber cleats.

2. Game Arrival: Players are required to arrive at games and practices promptly, at the times specified by the coach. It is important that players attend all practices and games for their personal development. When a player is unable to attend, she (or the parent) must contact the coach so that plans can be made knowing she will not be in attendance.

3. Exposed Jewellery: Exposed jewellery such as wristwatches, bracelets, any type of earring or nose ring, neck chains, piercings are not permitted. Medical alert jewellery may be worn but may not be taped. Any other items judged dangerous by the umpire may not be permitted on the field.

4. Good Sportsmanship: Players are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship on and off the field of play. Use of foul language or abusive language, rowdy behaviour, disrespectful conduct during the post game handshake or any other time, fighting, smoking, abusing equipment or other excessive behaviour is not acceptable. Cheering shall be done in a positive manner ONLY. Coaches and parents are reminded to set a good example.

5. Discipline Committee: Participants who fail to comply with these guidelines may be required to appear before a discipline committee to explain their actions.

6. Registration: All players must be duly registered with the S.C.L.S.L. Registrar before participating in any event. Coaches will discourage anyone from participating until he/she has confirmed their registration on the team.

5 GENERAL RULES

1. Fair Hit Balls: Each park has its particular ground rules. The umpires at home plate before the game will discuss these. If you have any questions, this is the time to ask.

2. Protests: Legal protests, in accordance with Softball Canada Rules, will be permitted if made in writing to the S.C.L.S.L. Secretary, and accompanied by a $10.00 fee within 48 hours of the game. In order to file this formal request, the coach must have advised the home plate umpire at the time of the play in question. Make sure that you check out the grounds for the protest and then if you have a viable case, file the letter and fee within the time limit. Play-offs do not allow protests.

4. Umpires: Umpires are assigned games by the Umpire-in-Chief. When an umpire does not show, contact your convenor immediately following the game. If someone fills in, put their name & phone number on the game sheet, so that we know who did the game if there are any questions. This does not just denote that they wish to be paid, so complete this information, regardless.

5. Umpire’s Duties: Umpires will arrive at the playing field no less than 15 minutes before the scheduled game time, properly dressed in appropriate shirt and dark trousers (preferably blue). Umpires will inspect the field to determine the presence of obstructions and/or debris. Umpires must start their games at the scheduled time after explaining the ground rules to the coaches and captains of the teams. The umpire’s watch/or designated watch will be he official timepiece for the game. At the end of the game, the umpire shall check the game sheets to see that the scores are the same and sign the game sheet, and then leave the diamond promptly. Umpires will be paid by the S.C.L.S.L. biweekly in accordance with its established fee schedule.

6. Umpires’s Age: Umpires shall have completed the training program and test as prescribed by the Umpire-in- Chief. It is the responsibility of the U.I.C. to determine an umpire’s proficiency in assigning the umpires to their games.

7. Game Ejections: Smoking, abusive language, throwing or misusing equipment and generally behaving in an overly aggressive manner will result in ejection from the game and/or park. Coaches may be replaced if unsportsmanlike behaviour persists.

8. Uniforms: All players and coaches shall wear the shirts provided for that season. Players are encouraged by many coaches not to wear shorts, for the player’s own protection. Trophies, uniforms, awards or other considerations may not be solicited/accepted from parents or sponsors without the authority of the S.C.L.S.L. Executive. Players may wear their own ball pants and caps, but stirrups are prohibited.

6 9. Sportsmanship: In the interest of promoting good sportsmanship, players and coaches must shake hands at the end of each game.

10. Common Sense: Coaches are reminded that they must remain at the diamond until the last minor player has gone home or is properly supervised. This applies to all team activities. No activity should continue while there is lightning. Seek shelter in vehicles until it ceases, or the umpire officially “calls” the game. All coaching staff should be aware of the way to speak to players and any physical contact, i.e. arm around the shoulders is discouraged.

11. Discipline Committee: Coaches who fail to comply with the above guidelines may be required to explain their actions to a Discipline Committee.

12. Team Discipline: Coaches are encouraged to set down team rules and file a copy with their convenor for some input before distribution to the players and parents. These rules will allow a player to be benched for not showing up at games and/or practices without prior notification and must be followed consistently for all players.

7 PLAYING RULES All rules will be governed by Softball Canada Official Rule Book unless changed by the Provincial Women’s Softball or noted otherwise by the St.Catharines Ladies Softball League.

St. Catharines Ladies Softball League Variances

All Divisions

All games will have a 1hour and 25 minute time limit. No new inning will start after 1 hour and 25 minutes has been played from the time the game started. Umpires will inform both teams of the starting time. Umpires watch will be considered the official time.

Umpires will be instructed not to call last inning. Umpires will keep coaches informed regarding playing time remaining in the game.

5 or 7 RUN RULE

 If Visiting team achieves the mercy rule..... If Visiting team scores 5 or 7 runs or achieves the mercy rule per inning the umpire will check time left in the game.....  If playing time exceeds 1 hr and 15 min the inning will continue until a 3rd out is recorded. Home team will hit until 3 outs are recorded or Home team is ahead.  If playing time is less than 1 hr and 15 minutes the inning stops and home team hits. This will require another full inning to be played as

It is required that the final inning of all games is played until 3 outs are recorded Only exception is when Home team takes the lead.

 If Home team achieves the mercy rule..... If Home team scores 5 or 7 runs or achieves the mercy rule per inning the umpire will check time left in the game....  If playing time exceeds 1 hr and 25 min inning will continue until a 3rd out is achieved or Home team leads.  If playing time is less than 1 hr and 25 min. Inning is over and another inning is played until 3 outs are recorded.

Only exception is when Home team takes the lead

Mite Division

8  Soft touch Balls to be used  Players are to be rotated – each player must rotate to various positions both infield and outfield during a game  A player will pitch every other inning beginning with the 1st inning. Players will pitch innings 1, 3, 5, and 7.  An offensive team’s coach will pitch innings 2, 4, 6.  Players are encouraged to swing at any pitch that would be a strike  5 run mercy  play called by the umpire when an outfielder has picked up the ball – umpire stops runners at base going to when play stopped  there is no 3rd strike rule ( running on 3rd strike)  a game will be played on every scheduled date- if a team is below 5 players – the game is ruled a forfeit but still played with borrowed players to even out the teams – stats will be kept for the newspaper  Earrings and any other jewelry must be taken off before participating.  No infield Fly Rule  When 4 balls are called on the batter, she is awarded 1st base  Overthrows in the infield – players advance 1 base if an overthrow results in the ball going out of play  Batted ball hits the coach(pitcher) – play continues as it is a “live” ball  Encourage “HUSTLE”- get volunteers to prepare the catcher’s as quickly as possible  Emphasis on Fun!

Squirt Division

Regular season only

1. A player will pitch every inning with a maximum of 3 innings each and a limit of twice per inning. 2. Players will follow all pitching guidelines as set out in the Softball Canada Rulebook. i.e. 2 feet on the pitching mound, 1 step forward. 3. Home plate umpire will keep balls and strikes. 4. 4 balls on a batter will result in the batter being awarded 1st base. 5. Batters will be encouraged to swing at strikes. 6. Players will each be permitted to pitch in a maximum of 3 innings per game. 7. The third strike rule, which enables the batter to become a base runner if the catcher fails to catch the ball on third strike, is to be disregarded. 8. Base runners can only advance to home plate on a batted ball or bases loaded walk. 9. Base runners will be permitted to steal 2 nd and 3 rd base.

More Squirt Division Variances

9 1. Softball Canada Conference Rule, as per their Playing Rules, will be waived i.e. the team coaches may make several trips to the mound if necessary. The umpire’s judgment will prevail. 2. Minimum number of players required to play will be reduced from 9 to 7. Teams having less than 7 players will result in a game being played but will be considered a forfeit and a loss in the standings. 3. 5 Run Rule: If 5 runs are scored in a half inning, without 3 putouts being recorded, the team at bat will switch and, after play has finished, take the outfield. A maximum of 5 runs will count towards the official score but the play finishes and any extra base hits will be counted for newspaper results. See 5 Run Rule for explanation. 4. Each player must play a minimum of every other inning only exceptions are physical injuries. 5. No call-ups allowed during playoffs (unless deemed necessary by the appropriate convenor and liaison.) 6. In the case of an injury to a player, where, in the opinion of the umpire, play needs to be stopped, it will be done so immediately. At that point, the home plate umpire may allow any runner on base to advance one base only, past the base she was on when the incident occurred

Novice Division

1. Softball Canada Conference Rule, as per their Playing Rules, will be waived i.e. the team coaches may make several trips to the mound if necessary. The umpire’s judgment will prevail. 2. Minimum number of players required to play will be reduced from 9 to 7. Teams having less than 7 players will result in a game being played but will be considered a forfeit and a loss in the standings. 3. 7 Run Rule: If 7 runs are scored in a half inning, without 3 putouts being recorded, the team at bat will switch and, after play has finished, take the outfield. A maximum of 7 runs will count towards the official score but the play finishes and any extra base hits will be counted for newspaper results. See 7 Run Rule for explanation. 4. Each player must play a minimum of every other inning only exceptions are physical injuries. 5. No call-ups allowed during playoffs (unless deemed necessary by the appropriate convenor and liaison.) 6. In the case of an injury to a player, where, in the opinion of the umpire, play needs to be stopped, it will be done so immediately. At that point, the home plate umpire may allow any runner on base to advance one base only, past the base she was on when the incident occurred

Bantam / Midget and Ladies Division

1. Pitching and base distance will be 40’ and 55’ respectively.

10 2. Pitching Rule: A player, who has pitched “Rep Team or All-Star” category ball, must wait 3 seasons before she can pitch in the Ladies Division in the house league. (A player can qualify for her 3 seasons before she reaches the age to play in the Ladies Division.) Any discrepancies will be handled by the Ladies Convenor. 3. Minimum number of players required to play will be reduced from 9 to 7. Teams having less than 7 players will result in a game being played but will be considered a forfeit and a loss in the standings. 4. 7 Run Rule: If 7 runs are scored in a half inning, without 3 putouts being recorded, the team at bat will switch and, after play has finished, take the outfield. A maximum of 7 runs will count towards the official score but the play finishes and any extra base hits will be counted for newspaper results. See 7 Run Rule for explanation. 5. Each player must play a minimum of every other inning only exceptions are physical injuries. 6. No call-ups allowed during playoffs (unless deemed necessary by the appropriate convenor and liaison.) 7. In the case of an injury to a player, where, in the opinion of the umpire, play needs to be stopped, it will be done so immediately. At that point, the home plate umpire may allow any runner on base to advance one base only, past the base she was on when the incident occurred Inclement Weather Procedures

** Coaches must instruct players not to call, but to show up at the park unless called to do otherwise.

** Do not call anyone before these procedures can be followed, so that lines are not tied up. This is very important.

Procedures for uncertain park conditions are: A/ Rain during the day or for a couple of days previous (before 3:00 p.m.) 1/ Parks Convenor will call Parks & Recreation 2/ If park(s) are out of commission, the Parks Convenor will call the divisional convenor(s) involved. DO NOT CALL PARKS & REC. 3/ Divisional Convenor(s) will then call the coaches of the teams involved. 4/ Parks Convenor will call the Umpire-in-Chief. 5/ Coaches will then call players.

B/ If it rains between 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – divisional convenors will check out the diamonds (personally or call someone to check). If the diamond is a lighted diamond she/he will make sure that the parks attendant knows of any decision to cancel a game or not. The Divisional Convenor will also contact the Parks Convenor if any games have been cancelled, as well as notifying the Umpire-n-Chief.

C/ After 5:30 p.m. teams must show up at the regular time and the umpire(s) will call the game if necessary.

11 TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR THE USE OF PLAYING FIELDS

1. No Alcoholic beverages are permitted in any public park or public school yard, and parking lot. 2. Parks or schoolyards are to be left litter free. 3. No vehicles are permitted on grass areas. 4. The user is restricted to only the playing field and date and time as stated on their Park Permit. 5. The user agrees to cooperate with the members of the Parks and Recreation Department staff and other groups using facilities. 6. The Parks & Recreation Department has the right to cancel the use of any playing field as a result of inclement weather. 7. The user accepts the responsibility for providing adequate supervision during the entire time that the group makes use of the field. 8. The user agrees to pay for any damages to equipment or premises. 9. The user agrees to indemnify the City of St.Catharines against all manner of claims and actions arising from the use of the playing field. 10. Provision and installation of the bases is the responsibility of the individual teams. The Parks attendant will not install bases. 11. Non-Attendance Penalty: Where the Parks and Recreation Department is required to prepare a field and the teams fail to show up, the team will pay a penalty, unless 24 hours notice is given to the Parks Convenor of St.Catharines Ladies Softball. 12. Should the league or a team require extra work, they will be responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses. 13. The Parks & Recreation Department, or those authorized by the Parks & Recreation Department shall have the sole and exclusive right and control over all food and beverage concessions. 14. Permits may be cancelled if any of the above terms and conditions are not complied with.

Base & Pitching Distances DIVISION BALL SIZE PITCHING BASES

Ladies 12” 40’ 55’ Bantam/Midget 12” 40’ 55’ Novice 12” 38’ 60’ Squirt 11” 35’ 55’ Mite 11” 30’ 45’

12 PARK LOCATIONS

Community #2 (Merritton) – Hartzel Road near Oakdale Avenue – behind old Merritton High School on Seymour Avenue beside pool

Grapeview – Martindale Road to Grapeview Avenue – left onto Grapeview to 1st Street Louth – turn right onto 1st street to Grapeview School on the right OR take First Street Louth at Harvest Barn and Fourth Avenue – turn right to Grapeview School

Lions – (Grantham Lions) – Niagara Street at Parnell near Lakeshore Rd.

Lancaster #1 & #2 – Geneva Street near Fairview Mall – just north of Q.E.W. on right, turn at Parks & Recreation Department (Wood Street). Park on right hand side OR enter Wood Street from Carlton just east of Geneva Street

Berkley Park – Bunting – north of Welland Avenue – on right hand side when coming from Welland Avenue – all that can be seen is the parking lot

Bogart Park – Niagara & Lakeshore Road – turn left from Niagara onto Lakeshore to Arthur Street – turn right onto Arthur to the second street on the right – turn right and park on left hand side

Cameron Park – St. Paul West – over Burgoyne Bridge to just before railway bridge, turn right park on right hand side on corner

Lakebreeze School – Niagara Street North to Lakeshore – turn left onto Lakeshore – go to Willcher Drive – turn right onto Wilcher – school on left

Lakeport High School – Lake Street north of Q.E.W. – left onto Lakeport Road past Linwell Rd. – park on right hand side

Queen Mary School – Lake street from Welland Avenue – north onto Lake Street to Carlton Street – right onto Carlton to Queen Mary School on left hand side

St. Patrick’s Park – Welland Avenue – east of Lake Street to Catherine Street – turn l left – go past St.Catharines Collegiate – park is on the right hand side

Lockview School – Bunting Road – north of Scott Street just before Linwell Road on left hand side

Pinegrove School – Lake Street north of Lakeshore Road on right hand side

Wembley Park – Glendale Avenue east of Merritt Street – over Railroad tracks going towards canal – turn left onto Wembley Drive – park on the left hand side

McCaffery (Vansickle) Park – Vansickle Road close to Pelham Road

13 AVAILABLE RESOURCES

This organization has resources available for you to check out and utilize. They are available through the Equipment Convenor. VIDEOS

Practice Organization – Higher Ground – Bobby Simpson Fielding Basics – Higher Ground Series – Bobby Simpson Defensive Drills for Every Position – Higher Ground Series – Bobby Simpson Hitting Mechanics – Breaking Down the Swing – Bobby Simpson Solving Hitting Problems – Bobby Simpson Developing a Winning Pitcher in Fast Pitch Softball – Bobby Simpson Drills to Develop a Winning Pitcher – Vol. 1 – Bobby Simpson Championship Softball Pitching – Volume 1 & 2 Development of the Total Pitcher – Sandy Fischer Pitching Fundamentals – Eddie Feighner The Art of Hitting .300 – Charley Lau

BOOK/MANUALS

Winning Softball Drills – Baker/Cole The Women’s Softball Book – Johnson/Wright Girls’ Softball – Linde/Hoehn The Science of Hitting – Williams/Underwood Inside Softball – Walsh Softball Rules on Pictures – McCrory The Beginner Pitcher – Step by Step – Kim Bromley Getting Started in Softball – Softball Canada Grass Roots Coaching Clinic – Softball Ontario

14 Discipline Committee Procedures

1. The Discipline Committee will convene at such time as the S.C.L.S.L. President/Designate receives a written request. 2. It is the responsibility of the S.C.L.S.L. President/Designate to notify any person(s) involved of their responsibility to ensure that the committee has all pertinent information submitted of their perusal within 48 hours of this notification. 3. The Discipline Committee shall be appointed by the S.C.L.S.L. President/Designate and comprised of three (3) persons. These persons may be from the S.C.L.S.L. Executive or from other non-involved members of the association, who have no pre-set attitude or apparent interest in the result of the complaint. 4. The Discipline Committee will convene within 72 hours after the notification as noted in #2 has been completed. 5. The Discipline Committee will make a decision on whether there should be discipline taken and what the parameters should be, based on the information collected from individuals involved (coaches, players, umpires, spectators, etc.). 6. The Discipline Committee will appoint a Chairperson for this meeting. The S.C.L.S.L. President/Designate will take the minutes for such a meeting and make available to the committee any letters, or other information they deem necessary to make a decision in the matter. 7. The members shall hold discussion, information, and findings expressed during the course of a Discipline Committee in the strictest confidence. Specific findings will be made available to the Executive, Appellants and Respondents in the form of written directives. 8. The decision of the Discipline Committee will be delivered in written form only by the S.C.L.S.L. President/Designate or by courier or registered mail as time permits. 9. Minutes and any correspondence of this committee will be confidential to the committee members and the S.C.L.S.L. President/Designate and Secretary.

15 Appeals Committee Procedures

1. The Appeals Committee will convene when a written request for an appeal, including the reason(s) for the appeal, is filed with the President/Designate of the S.C.L.S.L. A request for an appeal can only be filed by the person (if a minor then parent/guardian) who was assessed the Discipline Committee decision. 2. It is the responsibility of the person requesting the appeal to compile letters and other information, which substantiates the reason for the appeal. It is the responsibility of the S.C.L.S.L. President/Designate to notify any other interested parties of the appeal, so that they can provide further information if they deem necessary. The Discipline Committee’s ruling will stand while awaiting an Appeals Committee decision. 3. The Appeals Committee shall be appointed by the S.C.L.S.L. President/Designate and comprised of five (5) p[persons. These persons may be from the S.C.L.S.L. Executive or from other non- involved members of the association, who have no pre-set attitude or apparent interest in the result of the complaint. The members of the original Discipline Committee cannot be members of the Appeals Committee, but do have the right to speak at the hearing if they so wish. 4. The Appeals Committee will convene within two (2) weeks of receipt of the appeal and appoint a Chairperson from the five members. The S.C.L.S.L. President/Designate will act as Secretary for the committee and make available any letters, etc. the committee deems necessary. 5. The Appeals Committee shall conduct research, hearings and render a decision on whether the appealed question needs to be reviewed. If the decision of the Appeal Committee is such that a greater or lesser action is warranted, so be it. 6. The members shall hold discussion, information, and findings expressed during the course of an Appeals Committee in the strictest confidence. Specific findings will be made available to the Executive, Appellants, and the Respondents in the form of written directives. 7. The decision of the Appeals Committee will be delivered in written form only by the S.C.L.S.L. President/Designate or by courier or registered mail as time permits. 8. Minutes and any correspondence of this committee will be confidential to the committee members and the S.C.L.SL. President/Designate and Secretary.

PLAYER ROTATION SHEET

DATE: OPPONENT:

16 POSITION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Pitcher Catcher First Base Second Base Third Base Short Stop Left Field Centre Field Right Field Sitting Out 10 11 12 13 14 15 Batting Order 1 ABSENT 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

ST.CATHARINES LADIES SOFTBALL LEAGUE

PLAY-OFFS

17 - No protests are allowed.

- The regular time limit is in effect in all divisions.

- Tie games must be broken by playing out complete innings until the tie is broken.

- Any game called by the umpire will be continued from that point when the game can be scheduled by the convenor to resume. Umpires must make sure that they keep track of all pertinent information such as time elapsed, outs, count on batter, runners, and score.

- First round home field advantage is awarded to the highest team in the standings (or pick of the draw if no standings kept). All other games will be decided by a flip of the coin by convenor/representative. If a team has the bye for the first round, they will start with flip of coin for home team in their first game.

- Rules are the same as per the division throughout the whole year, unless approved by the executive and the division before the commencement of the playoffs.

- In a game that does have extra innings, whether by tie or innings, the pitchers start the pitching rotation as a new game. I.e. a pitcher may pitch only up to 3 extra innings. (If Rose pitches 3 innings in regular game, she can pitch her 3 innings in extra innings also.) NOTE: If a pitcher has not pitched before the extra innings, she is eligible to pitch in the extra innings (to her limit of 3 innings).

- Call ups can only be used in extraordinary circumstances, with prior approval by the convenor.

- No infields when warming up. Prior to game start, please stay off the infield entirely.

Hit, Run & Throw/Golden Glove Competition

Each team must name one candidate for each event. The Hit and Throw must be in Fair Territory. Each event will take place until completed, before beginning another event.

18 Coaches or their representatives will be sent out to act as judges for distance, or touching bases for the run competition. If everyone agrees on the furthest distance, measurement will not be needed.

Regulations:

HIT Mite/Squirt – 1 practice & 5 fair ball hits, coach will pitch – farthest will be marked (measured from home plate straight to the ball) – ball is marked where it stops rolling Novice/Bantam/Midget – 3 practice & 5 tries – pitching machine used, if available, otherwise coach will pitch – all pitches at the same speed – ball bounces in infield inside the baseline (1 point), – ball bounces between bases and edge of the outfield grass (3 points) , – ball bounces on outfield grass (5 points) – highest point total wins RUN All Divisions – 2 tries around the bases – all bases must be touched – fastest time counted will be the winner THROW Mite/Squirt – girls will be given 1 practice and 3 tries – the furthest throw will be the winner (measured from home plate straight to the ball) – ball is marked where it stops rolling GOLDEN GLOVE Novice/Bantam/Midget – pitching machine or designated hitter at home plate – fielder takes short stop position – ground ball sent to each competitor at relatively the same speed in each round – machine or designated hitter will be sped up or difficulty increased in each round – a clean pick up will allow the participant to continue to the next round – miss and you are out – last remaining fielder must make a clean pick up to complete the round to be declared the winner – 1 practice before beginning If a division wishes to have a variance of the above procedures in one or more categories, executive approval is required. These contests should not take place between Championship Games.

19 MOST SPORTSMANLIKE PLAYER AWARD

ONE CANDIDATE PER TEAM, ONLY!

Each year this organization awards a Most Sportsmanlike Player award to one player per team. This girl is not necessarily the best, most popular, or the leader of the team, but could have all or some of these attributes.

The coaching staff should select this award with input from the players, if desired. This award should go to the player who shows determination, good sportsmanship, dedication, patience, and enthusiasm for the game. It is an award that hopefully recognizes what playing is all about.

Presentation will be made at a designated time and hopefully will be a surprise for all of the recipients when their names are announced.

The selected player’s name must be given to the convenor so that the awards can be prepared beforehand. Please submit your MSP to the convener before July 31st.