1. The slow pitch softball rules of the UNITED STATES SPECIALTY SPORTS ASSOCIATION (USSSA) will be used for this program. These rules are supplemented and explained further in the following paragraphs. Where there is a discrepancy between a USSSA rule and the BYSA supplement, the supplement takes precedence.

2. Some rules in this supplement apply to all leagues, while others apply to specific leagues. These will be coded in the left hand column as follows:

Code	League	Current Grades
K	Minor	Kindergarten
R	Rookie	1 - 2
J	Junior	3 - 4
P	PreTeen	5 - 6
T	Teen	7 - 8
M	Major	9 - 10
S	Senior	11 - 12
A	All Leagues	K - 12

II. BASE AND PITCHING MOUND DISTANCES

LEAGUE MOUND BASES

Minor 25 Feet 55 Feet

Rookie 30 Feet 55 Feet

Junior 35 Feet 55 Feet

PreTeen 40 Feet 65 Feet

Teen 46 Feet 65 Feet

Major & Senior 50 Feet 65 Feet

(Pitcher's mound distance is measured from the back (tip) of home plate to the front of the pitching plate. Base distance is measured from the back of home plate to the back of the bases). In Minor and Rookie leagues, pitching distance may vary to improve the batter’s chances of hitting the ball.

III. SPECIAL RULES

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1. At least 8 players from the same team are needed to constitute a legal team. (a) During the regular season, if one team is short players and the opposing team has extra players, the opposing team may loan the "short" team players of the opposing team's choosing. Should the opposing team not have players to loan, the team short players may borrow other BYSA registered players from the same league or from younger leagues to play the game, as long as the opposing coach agrees. In both cases, the game will be played and an umpire will call the game, but the game is considered a forfeit. (b) During Tournament play, if a team does not have the required 8 players, it forfeits and the game will not be played/umpired. (c) If a team is discovered at any time using ineligible players (Section XIX defines ineligible players), the game will be forfeited by the offending team and the umpire will no longer call the game.

2. Every player present for the game will be placed in the batting line-up and will bat. If a player shows up late they will be placed at the end of the batting line-up and will bat in that order.

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3. The intent for these leagues is for teams to play even if they have very few players. If a team has more than 10 players available to play, the extra players, at the coach’s option, may be placed in the outfield, rather than sit on the bench during defensive play. Teams can put up to 12 players on the field to play defense.

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4. No less than 8 and no more than 10 players are allowed on the field to play defense. The defensive players should remain in the same defensive position that they occupied at the start of the inning (especially during regular season play), except for injury or pitcher substitution. Players on the bench at the start of the inning should not be substituted in except for injury or pitcher substitution.

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5. Any gender mix of players can take the field during each inning. If a team only has 8 or 9 players, then all 8 or 9 must play on defense. If a team starts an inning with only 8 or 9 players on defense and one or more players show up late to play, then the 1 or 2 vacant fielding positions may be filled during a time out. In situations where a player is injured or has to leave and cannot continue play, his/her turn at bat will be passed over without any penalty such as an out; however, if he/she has been ejected from the game, an out will be taken.

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6. Every player present for the game will be placed in the batting line-up and will bat. These leagues must play by the following BYSA Gender Rule. At least 4 of the defensive positions must be filled by girls. At the minimum, there must be at least 2 girls playing defense at all times for the game to be played. Teams that are short the required number of girls will have to play without all their defensive positions filled. Teams that are short the required number of girls must also take a corresponding number of automatic outs in the 1^st ten batting positions of the offensive lineup. Prior to the start of the game, the opposing coach will designate which batting positions will be taken as automatic outs. Should the girl-short team have a girl or girls show up during the game, a time out will be called and the girl(s) can immediately enter the game in the vacant defensive position(s) and will be inserted into the offensive lineup in the first available spot where an automatic out is being taken. If the team has 4 girls on defense and other shows up during the game, that person or persons will be placed at the end of the lineup.

EXAMPLE: A team is present with mostly or all boys. The basic rule is that 4 of the 10 defensive positions must be filled by girls. If the team has 1 or no girls present for the game, the team must forfeit but the game will be played/umpired if the team obtains additional girls from the opposing team or from other BYSA teams, in accordance with Section III Special Rule 1 above, in order to have at least 2 girls playing. If the team has only 2 girls when the game starts, their team must play only 6 boys and the 2 girls on defense. Offensively, the team must take 2 automatic outs within the 1^st ten batting positions in the lineup.

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7. Each player shall play a minimum of 2 defensive innings.

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8. Each player shall play a minimum of 3 defensive innings.

9. If a player does not play the minimum innings in a game in which he/she was available from the start, the player must start the next game regardless of whether the game ended early due to run rule or was suspended.

10. A coach may discipline a player by withholding playing time. The coach will report any such disciplinary action to his/her league coordinator and to the parent(s) or guardian of the player.

11. There will be no intentional walks, steals, lead-offs, or bunting in any league.

12. There shall be no more than 4 infielders and they must stay on the dirt area (pitchers and catchers are not considered infielders). In keeping with the spirit of this being a recreational program, coaches should strive to keep a gender balance in both the outfield and infield.

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13. All infielders should play within a reasonable position of their playing position.

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14. There shall be no more than 6 outfielders and they may play on the dirt area within 3 feet of the grass line.

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15. There shall be no more than 4 outfielders and they must stay on the grass area. (NOTE: Diamond 11 and 12 in fields is not cut as deep as diamonds 5-8, so coaches are expected to honor the intent of this rule on these 2 smaller diamonds. If problems crop up, a line may be drawn in on the outfield grass to mark the demarcation line.)

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16. A coach or parent must be in your team's dugout at all times. This will help speed up the games and also monitor your team's activity during the games.

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17. These games will be coach-pitch (or parent). Coaches will pitch to their own team. Although the stated pitching distance is 25/ 30 feet, the pitcher may move closer to the batter if that will help the batter hit the ball. The intent is for batters to make contact with the ball. The fielding team will position a player (pitcher), who will stand near the pitcher's mound, and be responsible for any plays in that area. The coach-pitcher will step aside and allow all hit balls to be fielded by the players on the field.

18. These games should be coach-catch (or parent). The intent of the coach-catch is to reduce the amount of time spent retrieving the ball. Meeting this intent will provide more actual playing time. When there is a coach-catcher, the fielding team will position a player (catcher), who will stand near the coach-catcher, and be responsible for any plays in that area. The coach-catcher will step aside and allow the fielding team’s catcher to make the plays at home plate. However, the coach may assign one of his/her players to catch.

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19. The intent is that the batter learns to hit the ball. Each batter will receive up to 7 pitches. (a) If the batter puts the ball in play on any of the 7 pitches that will constitute his/her turn at bat; (b) The batter’s turn is up after the 7^th pitch if he/she puts the ball in play (fair ball) or fails to make contact with the ball; (c) If a batter hits a foul ball on the seventh pitch, the batter will get an additional pitch. This applies to all foul balls after the seventh pitch; (d) There will be no walks or strike outs.

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20. Ten (10) batters will constitute a complete inning, even if none or all 10 get out. If the tenth batter hits the ball fair and makes it safely to first base, any runs scored during that at-bat will count. However, if the tenth batter hits the ball fair but is put out on a force play, or if any base runners are put out on a force play, then no runs will be counted during the last at-bat. (The official scorer should assume there are two outs when the tenth batter comes to the plate).

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21. Overthrows/Running the bases: It is the BYSA intent that base runners at this age level not be permitted to rampantly run the bases. The intent is that runners learn the game as it is played at higher levels where runners are easily put out if they attempt to run when their chances of success are low. It is also our intent to have the infielders try to throw the batter-base runners out on ground balls, thus learning the game as it is played at higher levels. Therefore, batter-base runner and/or base runners will not advance on overthrows.

22. Overthrows/Running the bases: It is the BYSA intent that base runners at this age level not be permitted to rampantly run the bases. The intent is that runners learn the game as it is played at higher levels where runners are easily put out if they attempt to run when their chances of success are low.

A. If the ball is hit in the infield, in keeping with this intent, the umpire will rule if the ball is dead or not based on the following: if the overthrow from a defensive player to any base remains in the dirt area of fair territory or if it does not reach the fence in foul territory, the umpire will call time and the runner(s) will not be advanced. Should the overthrow reach the grass area of fair territory or if it reaches the fence in foul territory, the runner may advance one base at their own risk of being put out. The umpire will call time after the one base advance. (EXAMPLE: if an infielder throws the ball to a base to make a put out but an overthrow occurs, the advancing runner may continue on assuming the ball will roll to the grass or fence. But if the ball stops in the dirt area (which means the ball is not that far from the defensive player at that base), the umpire will immediately call time and the runner will be returned to the base in question.)

B. On a ball hit to the outfield right at a fielder, the runner(s) should be held to one base. If the outfielder has to move to get the hit (i.e. the ball goes past or beyond the outfielder), then the runner(s) may advance until the outfielder retrieves the ball and a throw is made to a base or he/she runs it in to the infield. If there is an overthrow at that base, then the above overthrow rule applies.

C. Coaches may, at their discretion, hold any runner(s) to one base.

D. The umpire's decision as to when to let the runner(s) advance at their own risk is final and shall not be disputed or protested.

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23. Three outs or 10 runs, whichever comes first, will constitute a complete inning.

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24. A 1-1 count will be in effect for all games. When taking the batter's box, the batter automatically has one ball and one strike on him/her.

IV. START TIMES/LENGTH OF GAME/RUN RULES

1. Normal game times are 6:00 PM, 7:20 PM and 8:30 PM for Fields 5-8. 9:40 PM games are also scheduled for fields 5 and 6 once school is over. Game times at the adult fields (A1-A2) are generally at 8:20 PM and 9:30 PM. However, times may vary. Check your schedules.

2. There will be a 10 minute grace period allowed from the original starting time of a game before a forfeit is declared (Game time will be reduced according to the number of minutes late starting). For example, 6:00 PM games shall start no later than 6:10 PM, unless authorized by a BYSA Commissioner for weather or other extenuating circumstance.

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3. These games are 70 minutes long or 5 innings, whichever comes first. If the 5 innings have not been completed once the time limit is reached, the game will be over, no matter who is batting. This 70 minute limit assumes starting the game on time. If the game is delayed starting because of awaiting players, then the 70 minutes will be reduced accordingly, as per Section IV Rule 2 above. If there are delays for reasons other than waiting players, a BYSA Commissioner, the Field Supervisor, or the umpire (in that order) will make the decision on the length of the game. The umpire will announce the decision to both coaches. However, when time is called and the game stopped, the final score shall be based upon the last complete inning and that score shall be reported.

4. These games are 70 minutes long or 5 innings, whichever comes first. If 5 innings have been played before the time limit expires and there is a tie, the game will continue until there is a winner or the time limit is reached. (Refer to Time Rules below for additional rules concerning time limits and ties). Games may be shortened if extenuating circumstances such as weather so dictate. A BYSA Commissioner will make the decision when to shorten a game and the umpire will announce the decision to the coaches.

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5. These games are 70 minutes long or 7 innings, whichever comes first. If 7 innings have been played before the time limit expires and there is a tie, the game will continue until there is a winner or the time limit is reached. (Refer to Time Rules below for additional rules concerning time limits and ties.) Games may be shortened if extenuating circumstances such as weather so dictate. A BYSA Commissioner will make the decision when to shorten a game and the umpire will announce the decision to the coaches.

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6. For 6:00 PM scheduled games, no new inning shall start after 7:10 PM. If the score is tied when an inning is completed, and the time is after 7:10 PM, the game may be extended up to an additional 15 minutes before a tie is declared. The same ruling applies for a 7:20 PM scheduled game. For the last scheduled game of the day, ties will be played to conclusion if possible, taking into consideration that the target time to have all lights turned off is 11:00 PM on weekdays. During the tournament, time limits are in effect, but should the game be tied at the time limit, play will continue until a winner is determined. This may be overruled by a BYSA Commissioner in special situations. For example, Juniors will not play past 10:30 PM and PreTeens will not play past 11:00 PM as the general rule. Play should be suspended and completed later, or if the championship game, then co-winners may be declared. Games may also be shortened if extenuating circumstances such as weather so dictate. A BYSA Commissioner will make the decision when to shorten a game and will announce the decision to the coaches.

Situation #1: The 6:00 PM game is in the top of an inning and still has innings to play when the clock reaches 7:10 PM. When the top half of that inning is complete, the game will be declared over if the home team is ahead. If the home team is behind, then the bottom half of the inning will be played until complete or the home team takes the lead. If the game is tied when the 7:10 PM point is reached or passed, the game will continue until there is a winner or until an additional 15 minutes have been played. If a regular season game is still tied after the extended time is concluded, the game is considered a tie. In tournament play, however, the teams will play until a winner is decided.

Situation #2: A 6:00 PM game completes the bottom half of an inning when the clock reaches 7:10 PM but still there are innings to play. The game is called and the team leading is the winner.

7. A team that is behind by 15 runs after 4 innings will be considered run-ruled and the game complete.

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8. A team that is behind by 20 runs after 4 innings, 15 runs after 5 innings, or 10 runs after 6 innings will be considered run-ruled and the game complete.

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9. Flip Flop Rule. This rule goes as follows: In the inning where the Run Rule is met (Rule 8 above) and the home team is losing, the home team will remain at bat and become the visiting team (and the visiting team becomes the home team). If after three outs the losing team does not score enough runs to reduce the run difference below the Run Rule, the game is over. Should the difference be below the Run Rule, then the new “home” team bats and if it scores enough runs to meet the Run Rule, then the game is over. This will continue until there is a winner or time expires. Should the new “visiting” team score a lot of runs and then is in Run Rule position over the home team, then the teams would flip flop again.

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10. Three innings of any 5 inning game or 50 minutes is a complete game should a weather event stop play.

11. Should weather or other event stop the game, 3 innings of any 5-inning game is a complete game; 2½ if the home team is ahead.

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12. Should weather or other event stop the game, 4 innings of any 7-inning game will be a complete game; 3½ if the home team is ahead.

V. SUSPENDED/RAINED OUT GAME

Rained out/suspended games will be rescheduled when and where possible by the BYSA. The BYSA commissioner in charge of scheduling rainouts is Steve Robinson at 429-4994. Please contact him with any makeup requests you may have. The capability to make up games lost to weather is in itself a function of time and the number of games to be made up; therefore, not all games may be made up. During end of year tournaments, rainouts may cause scheduling changes in order to get the games done by season end.

VI. FORFEITED GAME

1. All efforts will be made to avoid forfeits. Forfeits occur when the 10 minute grace period has expired and:

A. Both teams have 7 players or less (Double Forfeit).

B. One team has the required number of players and the other team does not. The team with less than 8 players forfeits.

2. A team that forfeits must accept it as a loss.

VII. BATTING OUT OF TURN

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1. There is no penalty for batting out of turn, no matter when discovered. The offending team will return to the most reasonable batting order when this is discovered.

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2. Rule 7 of the USSSA rulebook applies and is repeated here:

A. If an incorrect batter is discovered before he/she completes his/her turn at bat, the correct batter may take his proper place, assuming any accumulated balls and strikes.

B. If the mistake is discovered after the incorrect batter has completed the turn at bat, and before a pitch has been made to a succeeding batter, the batter who should have batted is called out. All base runners, if they have advanced, must return to the base occupied at the time that the incorrect batter took a position in the batter's box. The next batter is the player whose name follows that of the player called out for failure to bat.

C. If the mistake was not discovered until a pitch has been made to the next batter, the turn at bat of the incorrect batter is then legal. All bases advanced or runs scored are counted, and the next following batter shall be the one whose name follows that of the incorrect batter who just finished a time at bat. No one is called out for failure to bat, and players missing their turn at bat, have lost that turn and do not bat again until reached in the regular rotation.

VIII. INFIELD FLY RULE

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1. The Infield Fly Rule is not in effect.

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2. An INFIELD FLY is defined as a fair batted ball (not a line drive) which can be caught in flight by an infielder with ordinary effort. Any defensive player may catch the ball in the infield area (this includes the edge of the outfield grass in instances of a very high pop up). The INFIELD FLY RULE is in effect where there are runners on first and second base or first, second and third base and there are less than two outs, and the batter hits an infield fly. The home plate umpire makes the judgment and will call "Infield Fly Rule, batter is out" when he judges it to be an infield fly. The base runners may advance, but at their own risk. NOTE: Advancement is still dependent on whether the fielder catches the ball in the air. If caught, the runner must tag-up to advance, and if off the base before the ball is caught, risks being forced out at the base. Likewise, if the infield fly ball is not caught by the fielder, the runner does not need to tag up or return to the previous base.

Situation #1: Runners are on first and second and less than two outs and the ball is popped up to the pitcher. The umpire judges it to be an infield fly and he yells out "Infield Fly Rule, batter is out". The pitcher catches the ball and the runners hold (this is the situation that should normally result).

Situation #2: Same as above, except the pitcher drops the ball. The runner on second panics and tries to make it to third base because he thinks he must advance or be forced out. The pitcher picks the ball up and throws to the third baseman who tags the runner before he touches third base. The umpire calls the runner out (this situation happens at least once each year).

Situation #3: Same as above, with the exception that the third baseman panics when the pitcher throws him the ball and he likewise thinks there is a force play and he steps on third and takes a bow for making the play. The umpire calls the runner safe (remember the batter has been called out, there is no force in effect) (this too happens at least once every year).

Situation #4: Some infield flies will be close to the foul lines or others may have excessive backspin. In such cases, the umpire is to yell out "Infield Fly Rule, batter is out, if fair". If the ball is not touched and it goes foul between home plate and first / third base, the infield fly rule is not put into effect and the batter continues to bat (unless it is the second foul ball on the third strike, then the batter is out in the Teen, Major, and Senior leagues).

IX. THIRD STRIKE FOULS

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1. Fouls on the third strike are only considered foul balls.

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2. Two fouls on the third strike are to be outs. When this occurs, play is declared dead, and no runners advance.

X. INTERFERENCE/OBSTRUCTIONS OR COLLISIONS

USSSA rules regarding this will be strictly enforced by the umpire.

XI. BAT THROWING

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1. Bat throwing will not be tolerated. For each individual throwing a bat, the umpire will issue a warning for the first offense. On the second and subsequent offenses in the game, the batter will be called out. There will be a "dead ball effect" for the second and subsequent offenses.

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2. Bat throwing will not be tolerated. For each individual throwing a bat, the umpire will issue a warning for the first offense. On the second offense in the game, the batter will be called out. On the third offense, the batter will be called out and not allowed to bat in that game again; no out will be taken when it is that individual’s turn to bat---the position will be simply passed over. The player may play defense. There will be a "dead ball effect" for the second and third offenses.

XII. PITCHING AROUND BATTERS

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1. In general, the pivot foot must be in contact with the pitching rubber when the pitching motion is started and the ball is released. However, some leeway is allowed for Junior and Preteen pitchers by allowing them to start beyond the pitching rubber in a walking motion toward home plate. The arc must be perceptible and it cannot exceed 10 feet off the ground. It becomes an umpire’s judgment on the amount of arc and whether or not the pitch was thrown too much of a line. In the Teen and above leagues, pitchers are expected to be able to meet the basic requirements of a minimum three foot arc from the release point and should start at the rubber.

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2. If, in the official's judgment, a batter is deliberately walked, the batter will be awarded second base and the next batter will be given the choice of batting or receiving first base. Deliberately walked is defined by being very obvious such as rolling the ball to the plate, throwing it high in the air, etc. If the pitch is around the plate, that is not considered deliberate.

XIII. DEAD BALL/SUSPENSION OF PLAY

It is not necessary to return the ball to the pitcher after a batted ball to stop base runners from advancing. Play will be deemed suspended, at the call of the umpire, once control of the ball has been maintained, usually within the framework of the infield. Time will not be called if the runner is moving and a play can be made, except in the Minor, Rookie, and Junior leagues when applying the overthrow rules.

XIV. PERSONNEL OTHER THAN PLAYERS ON THE FIELD

1. Coaches, Assistant Coaches, parents (when assisting coaches or in the case of an injury or illness to their child), umpires, and other when needed (BYSA Commissioners, medical staff, etc.).

2. Only 1 coach from each team may approach an umpire to discuss a call.

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3. Coaches may have up to two (2) adults in the outfield behind the players to instruct the defensive players.

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4. USSSA dictates that coaches are to remain in the dugout areas except when on the field for official purposes, such as a defensive conference, an injury, or coaching bases. All players except the batter and on deck batter are not to be on the field; the umpires will strictly enforce this rule.

XV. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

1. All coaches will be held responsible for all derogatory remarks made by team members. A coach will be required to appear before the BYSA Commissioners for unsportsmanlike conduct by him/herself or team members. The player or players making the remarks will also be present. Disciplinary action for players making derogatory remarks range from an oral or written reprimand up to suspension of playing privileges, especially when there are repeat offenders. The penalty will be decided by the Commissioners in consultation with the League Coordinator.

2. All coaches ejected from a game by an umpire must appear before the BYSA Commissioners and League Coordinator before resuming their position as coach. The Commissioners shall determine if the coach can continue to act as a coach of a team.

3. Rough, unsafe play, and arguing with an umpire are prohibited. Any offensive player responsible for rough play will be called out and ejected. In addition to the ejected player being called out, the umpire will also rule that the offensive player nearest to home plate is out as well. Any defensive player responsible for rough play will be ejected. When a player is ejected from a game for rough or unsafe play or arguing with an umpire, the player must leave the ball field area (no closer than the parking lot). Furthermore, the ejected player will also have to sit out the next game—sitting out a game is defined as physically being on the bench for the entire next game. If the umpire deems that the rough play was deliberate, the player will be suspended for the remainder of the season. No refunds will be given to any player that is suspended for the remainder of the season. If a player is ejected more than once a season for arguing with an umpire, that person will be suspended for two games on the second and subsequent offenses.

4. Players are expected to respect game traditions at all times. Disrespect include such actions as continually goofing off, throwing gloves when upset, running bases backwards, making a mockery of the game and inappropriate dress—such as no shirts, pants slit to the waist, shirts cut in half. The umpire will stop the game when instances occur and have the authority to tell the offender to correct the noted deficiency. Failure to comply with the umpire’s direction can result in player ejection for the game and if ejected, the player will be reported to the League Coordinator. If another similar offense happens, then the player will be suspended not only for that game but the next game as well. If a player commits a 3^rd similar offense, the player will be suspended for the remainder of the season with no refund. When a player is ejected for disrespect, they will be told to leave the ball field area. If they commit the 2d offense, they must sit out the next game on the bench before allowed to enter the following game.

5. If conditions warrant, the Head Commissioner may petition the City Parks and Recreation to issue a NO Trespassing order against players who are repeat trouble-makers.

XVI. OFFICIAL SCOREKEEPER

1. The home team will provide a scorekeeper who keeps the official game score. The umpire will also keep score. It is the scorekeeper’s responsibility to confirm the final score with the visiting team’s coach or scorekeeper, and to confirm the final score with the umpire. The umpire will report game results to BYSA officials.

2. The official scorekeeper shall record the time the game started when requested by the umpire.

3. The last name, first initial (or first name and last initial), and shirt number of each player shall be entered in the scorebook.

XVII. PROTESTS

PROTESTS ARE ONLY ALLOWED FOR INELIGIBLE PLAYERS. See Section XIX below. Protests made after the game is completed will not affect the outcome of that game or previous games. It is recommended to make a protest during the game to the umpire. When made during the game, the umpire will note the protest and the protesting coach should send someone to notify the BYSA officials. In the interest of time, the game will continue until BYSA officials arrive at the game and make a decision as to eligibility.

XVIII. ELIGIBLE PLAYERS

All players must be officially registered for the 2010 BYSA season to be considered eligible. Each league coordinator will maintain a complete, up-to-date list of team rosters in their league.

XIX. INELIGIBLE PLAYERS

1. Anyone who submits a falsified registration.

2. Anyone playing who has not registered. See Section XVIII above.

3. Anyone playing for a team to which they were not assigned, without the consent of the coaches of both teams involved in the game.

4. When an ineligible player is discovered and protested, and the protest upheld, the game in which he/she was playing will be forfeited by the team using the ineligible player.

XX. NEW PLAYERS

The league coordinator or head Commissioner may add players to team rosters on a space available basis from a waiting list in the order of their addition to that list for that league.

XXI. UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

1. Metal cleats are prohibited.

2. Each player is to wear the team shirt at all games. Exceptions may only be granted by a BYSA Commissioner. If a Commissioner is not available, the player(s) without an official team shirt may play if both coaches agree. Use good sense here. Remember, the basic rule is that this is recreational softball and players are here to play and have fun. Only if the player’s eligibility is in question should this become an issue requiring Commissioner intervention.

3. Catchers must wear catcher's masks and helmets. The batter’s helmets with attached face masks are also acceptable.

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4. Chest protectors are mandatory.

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5. Chest protectors are optional, but recommended for safety.

6. All base runners and batters must wear helmets. Any player intentionally removing the helmet during a live ball situation to gain an advantage, in the judgment of the umpire, will be called out and the play stopped.

7. 10-inch "softie" softballs will be used.

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8. 11-inch softballs will be used.

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9. 12-inch softballs will be pitched to male batters and 11-inch softballs will be pitched to female batters.

XXII. TOBACCO/ALCOHOL

1. Tobacco products are prohibited from the playing field, dugout areas, under the covered bleacher areas and restrooms. No Smoking signs are prominently displayed per state law.

2. State Law does not permit alcohol in Rotary Park.

XXIII. TOURNAMENT PLAY

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1. The Minor and Rookie leagues will not have a season ending tournament.

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2. For these leagues, the BYSA plays a regular season and then concludes the year with a tournament. The results of the regular season are used to place the teams into a stronger (Gold) division and a weaker (Silver) division. The purpose of this is to make tournament play more competitive within each division.

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3. All tournament games will begin with a coin toss to decide the home team. Tournaments will for most part be in an elimination type format, such as single elimination or double elimination where possible. A round robin may be used if that is deemed the best format for the specific case.

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4. Rules from the regular season also apply to tournament, with the exceptions that: (1) if a team does not have the required number of players, it forfeits--all players must be assigned to the team to be considered eligible, (2) tie games will be played to completion. See Section III. Special Rules for additional clarifications.

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5. The BYSA will make any and all changes to complete tournament play on schedule.