Fairfax Adult Softball - Reston Herndon Division

 

FAS-RHD

 

Rules Introduction

 

Welcome to this season in FAS-RHD!  Notice our new designation.  RHASC will now fall under Fairfax Adult Softball and be known at the Reston Herndon Division, hence FAS-RHD. We have incorporated some of the basic FAS rules as 2005 Rule changes to bring us in line with that league as we transition.  The league will essentially exists as it has before  except with the FAS organization managing the Rosters and all monies.  The transition will be completed at the end of 2005 with all organization being under control of FAS.  The spirit of RHASC will continue as teams will be able to select their night of play and remain on that night for the duration of the season.  The fields used under the RHD will remain, Lake Fairfax, Baron Cameron & Bready Park. The RHD will continue to have only two seasons a year, Spring & Fall. There will not be ability levels and forced switching at the end of a season.  Our league is very up on sportsmanship and treatment of all others on the field.  We have made it easier to be ejected from games and the league for verbal threats & physically aggressive behavior towards other players. Also remember that our umpires deserve the respect  from players and fans as any other person involved in the game.  The penalties are SEVERE for abuse toward umpires as well as players.  Allow your players the opportunity to review and learn our playing rules.  We all will function better as a cohesive league unit if we’re all on the same playing field.  This understanding will reflect positively in the way teams interact together and especially towards our umpires with whom we have a very important relationship. The umpires who work our games should be considered part of the league unit.  So… the word is Know Your Rules.  This, to you the players, is one of the Executive Committee’s ways to indicate that we are committed to the league and it’s continuing future success and organization.

Enjoy your season of ball playing, have fun and remember that you’re playing a game for competition and most of all recreation!

 

Thanks,

 

Steve Adamson

Commissioner


Table of Contents

 

2005 Rule Changes:

 

Constitution and By-Laws                             

 

Article I            Organization Name                   

Article II           Organization Purpose    

Article III         Officers                                   

Article IV         Organization Membership         

Article V          Committees                              

Article VI         Organization Hierarchy 

Article VII        Amending the Constitution        

 

Local RHD Procedures

 

Procedure One: Inclement Weather Policies        

 

Local RHD Playing Rules     

 

I.          Definitions

II.         Equipment

III.       Players and Substitutes

IV.       The Game

 

Administrative Rules

 

I.          General

II.         Protest

III.       Rules Committee

IV.       League Tie-breakers


FAS-RHD Rule Changes 2005: Permanently effective.

 

  1. This league now falls under Fairfax Adult Softball as the Reston Herndon Division.  It will be known as FAS-RHD. The rules contained here override any rules which govern the Fairfax Adult Softball League and may be referenced later in this document.
  2. If a team begins a game with less than 14 players, any player(s) can be added to complete the 14 and must be inserted at the end of the lineup. The lineup cannot have any blank slots imbedded in its order.  For coed, you may never have more male extra hitters in the lineup than female;
  3. All leagues shall utilize the FAS SCORING RUNS Rule. On any fair batted ball hit over the fence for a home run, or a four base award, the batter and all runners are credited with a score.  The batter and any runners on base do not need to run the bases.  This eliminates any runner appeal play.
  4. All leagues shall utilize the FAS COURTESY RUNNER Rule. One courtesy runner each half inning may be used.  Any player on the approved roster may be used as a courtesy runner.  A courtesy runner is in the game when they touch the base.  A courtesy runner whose turn at bat comes while on base will be out.  The courtesy runner will be removed from the base and come to bat.  A second courtesy runner cannot be substituted at this time.  A player may be a courtesy runner only once per inning.  A courtesy runner may not run for an existing courtesy runner except for an injury.  In all coed play, only a male courtesy runner may be used for a male base runner, and a female courtesy runner may be used for either a male or female base runner.  If a runner violates any of the above situations, they will be called out and removed from the base.
  5. Players must be at least 18 years old on or before the seasons roster deadline for the current season, Spring May 31st, Fall September 30th.
  6. LOAN-A-PLAYER Option: At  the legal team’s option, to avoid a forfeit by the opposing team, the legal team may loan enough of their own rostered players to the opposing team to bring their lineup to eight players for that scheduled game only. Players shall return to their own team immediately upon the arrival of late players.  Players returning to the loaning team may be added to their own team’s lineup and must be inserted at the end of the lineup.  Players arriving late to the team avoiding the forfeit, enter their own team’s lineups as substitutes within the parameters established by ASA substitution rules.
  1. Profanity on the ball fields will not be tolerated.  The judgment of profanity is determined by the umpire.  The umpire may:

1)      on the first offense of a game, issue a warning to both teams; and

2)      on the second offense of a game, the offending team is penalized with an out:

    1. If by the team at bat, and less than three outs are recorded after the violation, the umpire charges the team at bat with an out;
    2. If by the team at bat, and the violation occurs after a third out is called, the umpire charges the team at bat with an out in their next time at bat.
    3. If by the defensive team, the umpire will charge the team with an out in their next at bat.

 

7.    Double-First-Base Rule.  All leagues shall utilize a safety double base at first. Assuming that the Double Base is installed at our fields:   It is placed so that the white portion is where the first base normally would be and the colored portion in foul territory.  Whenever a play is being made on the batter-runner at first base, the defense must use the white portion and the batter-runner the colored portion.  The batter-runner is out when there is a play being made at first base and the batter-runner touches only the white portion, providing the defense appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to first base.  Once the runner returns to the white, no appeal can be made.  A batted ball hitting the white portion is declared fair and a batted ball hitting the colored portion is declared foul.  On any force out attempt from the foul side of first base, or an errant throw pulling the defense into foul ground, the defense and the batter-runner can use either the white or colored portion.  On extra base hits or balls hit to the outfield when there is no play being made at the double base, the batter-runner may touch the white or colored portion.  Should the batter-runner return, the runner must return to the white portion.  When tagging on a fly ball, the white portion must be used.  If, when using he double base, and there is a force play by an infielder on the batter-runner, who touches only the white portion and collides with the fielder about to catch a thrown ball while on the white, then interference is ruled, the ball is dead, the batter-runner is out, and all other runners are returned to the base last occupied at the time of interference.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Constitution and By-Laws

 

Article I

The name of the organization shall be the Fairfax Adult Softball –Reston Herndon Division referred to as the "RHD."

 

Article II

The purpose of the RHD is to assist organized adult softball teams in the Reston-Herndon area by such means as: coordinating the use of fields with the Town of Herndon, the Fairfax County Park Authority, and the Fairfax County Recreation Department; drawing up season schedules; contracting for the service of umpires; serving as a forum for agreement on rules; providing community publicity; and supplying related services.

 

Article III

The offices of the RHD shall consist of a Commissioner, a Deputy Commissioner, Secretary, Treasurer, Rules Chairman, Scheduler and Field and Maintenance Director.  These shall be volunteer positions.  Payment by the League is made to these individuals.  The current Executive Committee must approve individuals entering into new positions. The Executive Committee shall be comprised of the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Secretary, Treasurer, Field and Maintenance Committee, and the Scheduler.  One individual may hold multiple positions.  It is not mandatory that all positions are filled, but the functional duties must be covered.

 

Section 1.  Functions of Officers

A. Commissioner:  Preside over meetings, appoint chairpersons, represent the RHD with any private or public bodies, and carry out any activities necessary for the operation of the RHD not assigned to the other officers.

B. Deputy Commissioner:  Act in the absence of the Commissioner, and organize and supervise all RHD tournaments (i.e. Early Bird, and post season).

C. Secretary: Handle all correspondence within the RHD.

D. Treasurer:  Collect, safeguard, and distribute all monies of the RHD, as authorized by the Executive Committee.

E. Rules Chairman:  Handle all rules violations and organize meetings dealing with future rule changes.

F. Fields & Maintenance:  Coordinate maintenance programs for all fields and determine field-playing conditions.

G. Scheduler:  Coordinate, plan, and organize the schedules for all teams in the RHD, including regular season and make-up games.

 

Section 2.  Removal of Officers

A. If evidence is presented by a member of the Executive Committee that warrants removal of an officer, a committee shall be formed to investigate the matter.

B. Grounds for officer removal shall be any conduct, which in the view a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors (see Article IV), is contrary to the best interests of the RHD.


Article IV

Section 1.  Composition of Membership

The membership of the RHD shall be composed of all personnel on the teams that participate in the activities of the RHD.

Section 2.  Definition of a Charter Team

A Charter team is defined as an organization of softball players, at least 50% of whom have been listed on the official RHD roster within the last two seasons or current season, with or without  the team manager, coach, or assistant, or 30% of the players and either the team manager, coach or assistant.

Section 3.  Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall consist of the team manager or coach for each Charter team in good standing that participated in the RHD the preceding Spring or Fall season.  A team is in good standing if all past and present team dues have been paid in full.  Teams with outstanding balances are ineligible to vote on any league issues decided upon by the Board of Directors. These teams with outstanding balances are ineligible to play any games until all fees due are completely paid.

 

Article V

The RHD shall have whatever committees are deemed necessary by the Commissioner to carry out operations.  The Commissioner with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the executive committee will appoint chairpersons for these committees.

 

 

Article VI

The hierarchy of leagues within the RHD does not exist.

The placement of teams will be determined by the Executive Committee at the beginning of each season and will be based solely on the application that is submitted for league play.  This is a first come, first paid and first served prioritization.  Teams must rank their night selection.  First night choices will be awarded whenever possible. Once a night fills up with Eight teams maximum other applications for that night will be awarded their subsequent choices in order.  If a team can only play on limited nights that must be indicated on the application.  Once the schedule is published no changes will be allowed.  If a team must drop out prorated fees will only be returned if another team is available to take their place.

 

Article VII

The constitution and by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds majority of the RHD Executive Committee.

 


 Local RHD  Procedures

 

Procedure One:  Inclement Weather Policies

The RHD rainline is 758-4055.

The rainline will be updated by 4:00 P.M. (weekdays) on days of inclement weather.  If no message has been posted on the rainline by 4:00 P.M. - then assume that the game will be played as scheduled.  We are often times still checking and working the fields at 4:00 P.M. - we will make all attempts to get the fields playable and attempt to update the rainline accordingly. 

Occasionally (especially in the Northern VA area), rain will begin after 4:00 P.M.  In this event the rainline will not be updated and the decision to play or not to play will be made by the umpires at the fields.

On Saturdays & Sundays we will attempt to update the rainline two hours prior to an affected game.  Once an announcement has been made to cancel a field due to inclement weather - the announcement stays in effect for that field for the rest of that day unless otherwise noted.  NOTE:  The condition of each field may vary - just because Lake Fairfax is canceled does not mean that Bready is canceled, etc.  Listen carefully for your specific field(s).

A good rule of thumb is that if the rainline has not been updated by the time you would normally leave for the game - then leave for the game.  Do not assume, because it is raining where you are, that the games for that day are canceled.

Rain just prior to game time or during game time:

In the case of a passing storm, games are to be postponed for up to 20 minutes.  The umpires will then make a decision whether to postpone the game or continue play.  Sometimes thunderstorms pass through the area quickly enough to allow play to continue.  If rain is obviously imminent the game should NOT be started.  The umpire should recognize this and opt for postponement. For the first game(s) of the night - the 20-minute postponement rule starts at game time and not before, unless, in the opinion of the umpire(s) a field is truly not playable prior to game time.


Local RHD Playing Rules

The RHD adheres to the playing rules as stated in the official rule book issued by the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) with the following modifications and/or deletions.

I.  DEFINITIONS (Rule 1)

Replaces ASA Rule:  Catcher must take a position behind the plate so as not to interfere with any attempt by the batter to swing at the pitch.  Catcher may not have any part of his/her body in either batter's box. Essentially RHD waives the ASA Catching Rule.

 

II. EQUIPMENT (Rule 3)

1.       Full uniforms are not required.  Non-brimmed headwear to include headbands and bandanas are allowed.

     2.    The RHD does NOT purchase softballs for the teams participating in the league. The Executive Committee can decide at the beginning of any season to override this rule for that upcoming season.  Teams will be responsible for purchasing softballs to be used in RHD league and tournament play.  The home team in each game is responsible for providing a NEW ball(s).  Men's play requires a 12" ball .44 Core or less.  Co-Ed play requires a 12" ball .44 Core or less and an 11" ball.  The visiting team is responsible for providing "good" back-up ball(s).  The umpire for each game shall determine  the "goodness" or playability of the back-up balls.

The official ball(s) to be used in league and tournament play shall be:

Men's:

12" Restricted Flight, ASA approved, .44  core or less

Co-Ed:   Male:

12" Restricted Flight, ASA approved,  .44  core or less.

 

Female:

11" Restricted Flight, ASA approved,  .44  core or less

***If home team is unable to provide one new ball, the visiting team has the option to provide one new ball therefore becoming the home team. If neither team can provide new ball, suitable back-up balls will be used.

 

3.       Metal spikes are not permitted.

VIOLATION:  Player is ejected from the game immediately.  The game will not be delayed for players having to change shoes.

 

     4.    Bats:

RHD follows the 1.20 BPF rating on bats; No bats rated above 1.20 BPF shall be used. This means ANY bat meeting this requirement may be used.  See the list of Banned bats above and at www.dcasa.org.

 

III. PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTES (Rule 4)

1.       Teams must have at least eight (8) players present to start a game and to continue a game.  If a team starts a game with eight players, a ninth and tenth player may be added to the team line-up in the ninth and tenth position of the batting order.

2.       For purposes of starting a game, a player is considered present if he/she meets the following criteria:

          A. On foot and identifiable by name or his/her team's uniform.

          B. Vehicle in site and player is immediately identified by name by team manager or players.

3.   Teams which no longer have an eligible substitute and experience a player injury or ejection causing such player to leave the game will be charged with an out for the next turn at bat for said injured or ejected player.  After the first out noted above, the injured or ejected player's name will be removed from the batting order.  Subsequently, a tenth player may be added to the line-up in the batting order position of the removed player.  The injured or ejected player may not re-enter the game.   For Coed any female may substitute for a male player.  For coed a male may substitute for a female if less than half the players are male.  This must not result in disrupting the male-female batting lineup.  Coed lineups must start by alternating until it is not possible.

 

 

4.       Teams may use up to two (2) extra hitters (EH).  The EH is an eleventh or twelfth batter only, and may not assume a defensive position.  Therefore, any 11 or 12  players can bat and any ten may field.  The EH’s and any defensive player may exchange positions at any time.  This does not and cannot affect the batting order.  The starting EH’s may be withdrawn and re-entered once.

          An EH may be added to the line-up at any time prior to the first pitch of the game being thrown.  The first pitch of the game constitutes starting the game, not the umpire-coaches conference.

          NOTE:  Any team starting a game with less than eleven players may not use an extra player/ designated hitter during that game.

5.       For the first game of each weekday evening, teams will have up to ten (10) minutes (grace period) after the scheduled starting time to begin a game.  For all other games, teams must have a minimum of eight (8) players to start at the scheduled time, otherwise, the game is counted as a forfeit. 

          NOTE:  If a team has enough players (8 minimum) to start the first game of a weekday evening at the scheduled time - no grace period will be allowed.  The game will start at the scheduled time - NO EXCEPTIONS.

6.       Violation of the re-entry rule (Rule 4, Section 5c.), when brought to the attention of the umpire, results in the ejection of the illegal player only.

 

 

      7.   Co-Ed particulars

The RHD will follow all ASA rules for Co-Ed play  with the following local exceptions:

The RHD waives the minimum player and positioning rule for Co-Ed play - Rule 4, Section 1, Paragraph C, Number 5, which states that the defensive team must field five male and five female players to start or continue a game: two males and two females in both the infield and the outfield, and one male and one female as pitcher and catcher.

Females may outnumber males up to the 14 person limit.  Ex. 10 females/1 male, 9female/1male all are allowed.

 

A team may start the game with a minimum of eight players.  This may consist of a minimum of 3 females and 5 males. If the game is started with 3 females and 5 males, the team must take 2 outs in the line-up where the missing females would normally bat.  (If started with 4 females and 5 males, one out is charged in the line-up where the missing female would normally bat.)  The male/female alternating line-up is still in effect where possible.  In this situation, newly arriving female players will take the next available position in the line-up (you may wish to leave blank spaces in your score card to accommodate this).  After the newly arrived female player has entered the line-up, the out associated with that position is eliminated and the player bats as part of the normal rotation.  As soon as an equal number of males and females are in the line-up, or there are more females than males, the out penalty is eliminated.  This applies to the start of the game as well.  Note:  Females may outnumber males up to the 14 person limit with no penalty.

Examples

4 males/4 females in line-up - No out penalty

5 males/4 females in line-up - One out per batting rotation

5 males/3 females in line-up - Two outs per batting rotation.        4 males/6 females in line-up. No penalties.

Teams may play with more females than males in the line-up at any time without penalty.  The male/female alternating line-up is still in effect where possible.

NOTE:  Teams can position the defensive players however they wish to.  Teams are no longer required to balance the infield, outfield, and pitcher-catcher combinations.

 

Base on Balls Coed: When a male batter is walked he is awarded 2nd base.  The following female must bat unless there are 2 outs which then gives that female the option of batting or walking.

 

 

 

8.        Church League Composition:

 

Teams on the Men’s League may be composed of women.   Full Men’s rules apply in all situations.  This is not considered Co-Ed. 

 

9.        If an umpire is not present for the start of a game, the teams on the field may start the game on time and umpire it themselves ( it will be official) or wait for the umpire. Once an umpire arrives he may step in immediately.   Normal RHD time rules apply. There is a 10 minute grace to start the first game of the night.  The time comes off game time. Please note that umpires should be at the field minimum 15 minutes prior to the start time otherwise call 930-6650.

                    

 

10.  During a scheduled back-to-back double header, if no one from the other team shows up by forfeit time for the first game, the second game shall be automatically forfeited to the team submitting a legal lineup to the umpire.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IV. THE GAME (Rule 5)

1.       Games in which the trailing team has completed five (5) times at bat, has batted at least as many times as the leading team, and is behind by twelve (12) or more runs will be terminated by the umpire.

2.       The following shall constitute a regulation game:

          A.  Seven innings per ASA.

          B.  Slaughter rule (See item 1 above).

          C.  Time Limit - no new inning will be started after       60 minutes.  Umpires will have the official game watch and will inform coaches of exact starting time.

          NOTE:  See  local RHD rule #1 regarding the procedures for tie games at the end of regulation play.

3.       Any time-out during a game called by a team for consultation with a player or discussion with an umpire will be at the expense of the time allotted for the game.  Any injury during the game may provide cause for the umpire to extend the game time limit for the amount of time necessary to safely remove the injured player from the field.

          Should the umpire be required to call the game for any reason, which places the players or patrons in peril, the game time limit will be suspended until play is resumed.

Home Run rule: RHD will play with a three (3)  Home Run rule, with a one up clause.  The Home Run rule can be waived at the umpire’s conference if agreed to by both managers. The waiver will continue through the second game of the night between the same teams unless rejected by at least one manager prior to the start of the second game.   After the one-up has been reached additional home-runs are counted as Foul-Balls.  At the time of the Umpire Conference prior to the first game the teams have the added option to waive the Foul-Ball portion of the rule & turn extra home-runs into singles.  Both teams must agree.  In the situation where the option of Singles is chosen  all runners on base at the time of the single will advance one-base (they do not have to be forced).  In the 7th or later inning the home team may not go one-up.

 

Wednesday night Men’s division only,  will play with a five (5)  Home Run rule, with a one up clause

 

Example: Team A hits three home runs before team B, Subsequent home runs by Team A are foul-balls until Team B hits 3. From then on, home runs are allowed only if a team is trailing or tied in the home run count.

     

      5.   Tie Games

If a game is tied at the end of regulation play (7 complete innings) and the game time of 60 minutes has not expired, the game will continue in a one-pitch format until a winner is declared after a full inning of play, or until the game time of 60 minutes has expired.  In one-pitch format, the defensive pitcher for Team A will throw one pitch to the batter for Team B.  If the pitch is a called strike - the batter is out.  If the pitch is a ball - the batter is issued a walk.  If the batter fouls off the pitch - the batter is out.  Note:  The courtesy foul is waived in one-pitch format; a foul ball is an out.  Other than the one-pitch format the game continues as normal. 

Any inning started prior to the expiration of game time shall be completed, however, no new inning will start after 60 minutes regardless of whether the tie has been broken or not.

Example #1

At the end of 7 innings the score is tied and the game time of 60 minutes has not expired.  The game continues in a one-pitch format until a winner is declared or time expires (no new inning after 60 minutes).

 

 

Example #2

At the end of 7 innings the score is tied and the game time has expired.  Result:  The game is declared a TIE.

 

Example #3

At the end of 6 innings or less the score is tied and the game time has expired.  Result:  The game is declared a TIE.

 

  1. Game continuances:  Once a game begins then if the game is halted/cancelled for any reason prior to the point of being a full legal game (5inn) then the game will be replayed from the beginning.  If the game is halted/ cancelled after reaching the point of being a full legal game (5inn) then the game will resort to the last complete inning and be  considered officially complete.

 

V. ADDITIONAL LOCAL RHD PLAYING RULES

 

1.       The RHD uses a 3-2 batter count in all league play.  The batter shall assume a count of one ball and one strike when taking a position at the plate.  One courtesy foul will be awarded, except during tiebreaker innings.

2.              Field Nets:  If the ball flies into a net installed above the outfield fence and gets caught, the outfielder is to raise his/her hands and a ground rule double will be awarded.  If in the judgment of the umpire, the outfielder makes an attempt to retrieve the ball from the net, the ball will be considered live and runners may advance accordingly.

3.              Under Fences:  If a fair ball rolls under or through an opening in any fence into ‘out of play’ territory  and having not been touched by any fielder  a ground rule double will be awarded.

4.              A disqualified player, which will be differentiated by the umpire, will be allowed to participate in that player's next game with no further suspension applied.

5.               Illegal Bat:  Any player entering the batter’s box with an illegal bat shall be called out.  The player using the illegal bat shall be disqualified from that  game only.  If the use of the bat is noticed after a fair hit but before the next pitch to the succeeding batter, in addition to the above penalties, each runner that was on base at the time of the fair hit shall return to the base legally held at the time of the hit.  Umpires are required to inspect all bats prior to each game. If a dented bat does go through the ring, then it is a legal bat.

 


Administrative Rules

 

The RHD adheres to the following administrative rules:

1.       Teams will pay all league fees to the FAS-RHD Treasurer  by the date stipulated by the Executive Committee.  Fairfax County  ‘out of county fees’ must be paid directly to Fairfax County.

          VIOLATION:  The team will be dropped from theFAS-RHD and will be replaced by a team on the waiting list.

2.       At least 2/3 of each team's roster must reside in Fairfax County.

          VIOLATION:  The team is ineligible for play.  All games are forfeited until the roster is adjusted to meet the above stipulation.

3.       All players shall be eighteen (18) years of age or older.  A player will be considered eligible for play if his or her 18th birthday has occurred prior to opening game of the season in question.

          VIOLATION:  The team is ineligible for play until the under-age player is dropped from the roster; however, there will be no retroactive disciplinary action taken.

4.       Each team must have a roster ranging from 12 to 30 players.  Player’s names, home addresses, and telephone numbers must be listed on the rosters submitted to Fairfax County used to determine residency.  Separate RHD rosters, which include the RHD waiver, must be submitted to RHD and include players names and signatures only.  Players must be on the team's RHD approved roster to be eligible to play.

          Rosters must be in the hands of FAS-RHD Secretary no later than the date established by the Executive Committee prior to each season.  Additions to and/or deletions from rosters are allowed up to May 31 and up to September 30 of the fall season, for O40 teams of the spring season,. Accordingly, switching of players from one team to another are NOT allowed after May 31 (or September 30), nor may teams add players from any source after May 31 (or September 30).  Each team must carry an approved RHD roster with them for all games.

          NOTE:  Managers wishing to add new players prior to May 31 (or September 30) may do so by mail or in person.  Roster changes will be effective on the day the change request is postmarked (except the initial roster, which is due in the hands of FAS-RHD Secretary no later than the day established by the Executive Committee). This means that new players are eligible to play if they’re on the team’s updated RHD roster which is to be mailed to FAS-RHD Secretary and postmarked that day.  In case of protest by an opposing team regarding the addition of a new player, FAS-RHD Secretary will verify, by postmark (or receipt date if delivered by hand), as to whether or not said player was eligible. 

          No player can play on more than one team under the jurisdiction of the RHD except in the following circumstances:

          1.  A male player may play on one Over-40 League team in addition to one other men's league team within FAS-RHD.

2.       A male player may play on one men's league team and on one Co-Ed team. (A player over 40 could play in all three leagues if desired).

3.       Penalty for playing on Multiple Teams as described above:  Player will be suspended for remainder of the current season for the type team that is guilty, ie,  Men’s, Coed or O40.

 

5.       A team must not forfeit three (3) games within one season.

          VIOLATION:  Upon the third forfeit, the team will be dropped from FAS-RHD and lose its charter and all associated rights, privileges and Fees submitted for the current season.  Any team forfeiting three (3) games will not be allowed to participate in the End of Season Tournament.

          If possible, the dropped team will be replaced with a team on the waiting list.  In lieu thereof, all remaining games for the dropped team will be counted as wins for the opposing teams.

6.       No player shall play under an assumed name.

          VIOLATION:  The player may be suspended from participation in FAS-RHD for a period of up to two (2) years, subject to review by the Rules Committee.  In addition to forfeiting the game, the violating team will be ineligible for post-season play.

7.       A player is required to present a picture ID card to the opposing team manager upon request at any time during a game. This will be compared to the teams roster which is required to be present at all games.  Should the player have no such ID on his/her person, he/she is required to sign the opposing team's scorebook for purposes of protest evidence.  The player's signature will be compared to the signature on the team's official roster (as previously filed with FAS-RHD Secretary), or to the signature on the person's license or ID card at a Rules Committee hearing held for the purpose of resolving the protest.  If signature verification cannot be provided by said player, the game in question shall be forfeited by the violating team, and the player will be declared ineligible as stated in Rule 6 above.

          Should a player refuse to sign the opposing team's scorebook, the game will be forfeited immediately.  Upon signature, the game will resume under protest.

8.       Only the appropriate Umpires Association will do postponement of games.  In such cases where inclement weather dictates, teams may be notified by telephone, or pre-recorded message, of game postponements on the day of the game.

          NOTE:  In the event that a team does not appear for a scheduled game under the impression that the grounds are too wet, and the umpire declares that the game could be played, the game will be forfeited to the team with at least eight (8) players present. If neither team can field the minimum number of players, both teams will forfeit the game.

9.       A game may be started prior to the scheduled game time provided both team managers agree.

10.     Teams must not use a field after it has been declared unplayable.

11.     Excessive "bench hassle" directed toward either the umpire or the opposing team by any player, scorekeeper, or spectator is strictly prohibited. This includes severe profanity and verbal threats of physical harm  between any players.

          VIOLATION:  If, in the judgment of the umpire, excessive "bench hassle" occurs, one warning will be issued.  Should the person or persons continue to display excessive "bench hassle", they will be directed by the umpire to leave the ballpark.  Upon failure to leave the ballpark, the game will be forfeited.  No protest regarding such action will be considered by the Rules Committee.

12.     Any player or players before, during, or after games must not harass umpires.

          VIOLATION:  Subject to decision by the Rules Committee, players will be suspended from league play for a period ranging from one game to the entire season depending upon the severity of the action.

13.     No player, manager, or other team representative shall shove, push, strike, or otherwise have, or cause to have, bodily contact with another player, ump or team representative, before, during, or after any game.  No player, manager, or other team representative shall verbally abuse, use severe profanity or threaten to physically harm another player, spectator, ump or team representative, before, during, or after any game. 

          VIOLATION:  The guilty party or parties will be immediately ejected from the game and will be ineligible for the following game.  If, in the opinion of the umpire, the threat or fighting is flagrant, the party or parties involved may be declared ineligible to play for a period of 14 days, subject to review by the Executive Committee.  Further the guilty party or parties may be expelled fromFAS-RHD participation for a period of time to be determined by the Executive Committee.  Complaints regarding the above issues may be considered from any spectator when brought to the attention of FAS-RHD.

14.     The following is an integral part of the effective contract between RHD and the Fairfax County Umpires Association.

          In the event of an assault upon an umpire or umpires by a player, coach, manager, or any other official representing a team participating under the auspices of the RHD, the Association reserves the right to refuse the furnishing of its umpiring services for that team until action in regard to such player, coach, manager, or official is taken that will be satisfactory to the Association and the RHD.

          In the event that an umpire is bumped, pushed, shoved, grabbed, struck, threatened or verbally abused (profanity directed at the umpire) following an ejection, the offender(s) shall be immediately suspended from playing in any game played under the auspices of the RHD until the league conven