CSL Constitution
Rules and Regulations 2011
1. All teams that participate in the Woodstock Christian Men's Softball League must be affiliated with a known, local church. A church may have more than one team entered into the CSL. If numbers are too small, two churches may combined to form one team.
2. Games start at 7:00pm, with a grace period of 10 minutes to allow for the 8th player. If an 8th player cannot be produced at that time, a forfeit will result.
3. Home team will supply a game ball and will pray prior to the game.
4. Games last 7 innings (minimum of 5 innings to be deemed official).
5. A knowledgeable team representative will umpire during their teams at bat.
6. There is to be a 6-run limit in each of the first 6 innings, with the last inning being an open (unlimited run) inning.
7. Third strike foul results in an out and runners may not advance.
8. Lead offs or anticipation prior to the ball being contacted with the bat will result in an out.
9. No sliding. A player must be standing upright and tag the bag with his foot when going to, or back to a bag (not with his hand). If a player slides, he is out.
10. Players may overrun each of the bases, provided no attempt is made to turn left or proceed to the next base. The orange bag must be contacted when running to first, unless attempting to advance to second base. Players may be called out if there is a play at first and the runner makes contact with the white side of the bag.
11. This is a Christian league…swearing, smoking, drugs, consumption of alcohol and “unsportsmanlike” behaviour will not be tolerated (consideration to fans, friends and family will be demonstrated).
12. New players may not enter the game once the batting rotation has been completed. However, players may be substituted at this point.
13. A foul ball will be called if, after contacting the bat, the ball hits the plate.
14. A courtesy runner may be inserted for an injured player after that player has made it safely to 1st base (the previous last out will be inserted).
15. If a player is unable to continue in the game and no legal substitute is available when he is due up to bat, he is declared out and play continues with the next batter in the batting order. If, with 2 out, the batter before the missing player is walked (intentional or unintentional), the automatic out is waived and the next batter will bat. After which, that player will be stricken from the batting order.
16. A committal line will be placed 2/3 of the way between third base and home plate. Once a player touches or crosses that line, he must proceed home. Once the line is crossed, it is a force play at home. A tag will not constitute an out.
17. North Diamond ONLY
If a fair ball hits the road first, or clips a tree then lands on the road (or further), a home run will be called. If the ball hits any part of the tree (leaf, trunk, etc.) and lands on the ground, or rolls onto the road, a ground rule double will be called.
South Diamond ONLY
If a fair ball is hit into the cenotaph, a ground rule double with be called. No call will be made if a ball is hit fair into the trees. A home run will be called if the ball rolls onto the road.
For both diamonds
If a batted ball rolls or bounces and comes in contact with a tree, the ball is considered live and the batter can advance as many bases as they can.
18. No bunting (a full swing must be taken). A strike will be called.
19. Steel cleats are allowed, however they must not be spiked.
20. Automatic infield flies will not be called.
21. We follow the ASA 2004 Testing and Certification program for bats. Eligible bats must appear on the ASA Approved Bat List. the only exception would be for a bat that was produced pre-2000. Any bat that is used during a game that is not an approved bat will result in a forfeit for that game, plus any other games in which that bat was used. The Honour System will be used to determine if the bat was used.
22. Players must play a minimum of 4 games to be deemed eligible for the year-end tournament (currently, the honour system is in play for this rule).
23. Players may play for one team only. Players cannot play for a North team and a South team. A forfeit will result if a team has used a player who was already established on another team.
24. Players must be 16 years of age or older to play. However, with the coach’s discretion, exception may be given to athletes aged 13-15 (parental permission must be obtained).
25. When the ball is overthrown and goes out of play, two bases are awarded from the time of the throw. All awarded bases are from the last base legally touched.
26. When a defensive player obstructs the runner as he progresses around the base path, the umpire will award the placement he felt the runner would have made had there been no obstruction.
27. A runner is out and the ball is dead if while off the base, he is hit by a fair-batted ball before it has passed an infielder and no other fielder is in a position to make a play.
28. A runner is out and the ball is alive if he overtakes a preceding runner.
29. Safe Line - A line drawn in foul territory starting at the top left-hand corner of home plate perpendicular to the third base line. A runner attempting to reach home must do so by touching the ground in foul territory on or beyond the SAFE line. Sliding into home plate is not allowed. The runner is out if he touches home plate whether or not a play is being made. A runner is not out if the plate is touched in an attempt to avoid a collision. Home plate is played the same as a force play (no tag is needed).
30. Pitching – While delivering the pitch, one foot must be in contact with the pitching board (this is a minimum). Pitchers may stand further back from the board to a maximum of 6 feet if they wish.
31. Pitching – to speed up the game, the pitcher is limited to 5 practice pitches to start the game (or if a new pitcher enters game), and 1 practice pitch between innings.
32. Pitching - must be lobbed over 6’ with an unlimited arch.
33. Interference - An offensive team player may not do anything to confuse, distract or hinder a fielder making a play. A runner is out and the ball is dead if he interferes with an attempt to field a ball or with a thrown ball.
34. Obstruction - A defensive player may not hinder or restrict a runner from progressing from base to base unless fielding a batted ball, holding the ball, or about to catch the ball.
35. Foul tip rule – The player is out if the ball is foul tipped (at any height), and is caught.
36. It is suggested that teams use a pylon outfield to mark the out of play line (fence extended). This will help the umpire when making “out of play/out” calls.
37. If neither team can make a game, both teams forfeit and no points are awarded.
38. If a player running the bags reaches and touches a bag, he now occupies that bag, and cannot go back to the previous bag.
Eligible Bats
If you would like to use your own bat, or are considering purchasing a bat that you would like to use in the CSL, please endure that it is an approved bat. The CSL is not responsible for any costs if you purchase an unapproved bat. For more information about approved and unapproved bats, please visit www.asasoftball.com/about/certified_equipment.com. coaches are encouraged to verify that all of the bats their team uses are legal. If you have further questions, speak to a coach of a team.
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