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2017 LEAGUE EXECUTIVE...........................................................................................................................1AJAX WOMEN'S SLO-PITCH ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION...........................................................2
Article 1............................................................................................................................................................2Name, Affiliation and Boundaries...............................................................................................................2
Article 2............................................................................................................................................................2Objectives....................................................................................................................................................2
Article 3............................................................................................................................................................2Membership.................................................................................................................................................2
Article 4............................................................................................................................................................3Executive and General Council...................................................................................................................3
Article 5.........................................................................................................................................................4/5Duties of the Officers................................................................................................................................4/5
Article 6............................................................................................................................................................5Meetings.......................................................................................................................................................5
Article 7.........................................................................................................................................................5/6Amendments to Consititution and By-Laws..............................................................................................5/6
Article 8............................................................................................................................................................6Order of Business........................................................................................................................................6
Article 9............................................................................................................................................................6A.W.S.A. Responsibility and Release of Liability........................................................................................6
Article 10..........................................................................................................................................................6Liability and Secondary Accident Insurance...............................................................................................6
Article 11..........................................................................................................................................................6Honorariums................................................................................................................................................6
Article 12..........................................................................................................................................................7Dissolution...................................................................................................................................................7
Article 13..........................................................................................................................................................7Fiscal Year and Financial Reporting..........................................................................................................7
Article 14..........................................................................................................................................................7Record Keeping and Record Retention........................................................................................................7
BYLAWS.............................................................................................................................................................8Bylaw I.............................................................................................................................................................8Rosters/Membership.........................................................................................................................................8Bylaw II...........................................................................................................................................................9Suspensions and Defaults.................................................................................................................................9Bylaw III....................................................................................................................................................9/10Playoff Championships...............................................................................................................................9/10Bylaw IV...................................................................................................................................................10/11Reasons Eligible For Protest Review........................................................................................................10/11Bylaw V.........................................................................................................................................................12Tournament Play............................................................................................................................................12
PLAYING RULES......................................................................................................................................12/16IMPORTANT DATES AND MEETINGS.....................................................................................................17FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS..........................................................................................................18/19DIRECTIONS TO THE AJAX SPORTSPLEX............................................................................................20
`2017 LEAGUE EXECUTIVE and IMPORTANT NUMBERS
PRESIDENT – Chantal HouleCell: (416) 629-2013
1ST VICE PRESIDENT – Amanda N. Lymer Cell: 416-723-5848
2ND VICE PRESIDENT – Krista BurdenCell: 905-999-5747
SECRETARY – Amanda Sutcliffe(416) 809-6654
ADMINISTRATOR – Shania HodgensCell: (905) [email protected]
SCHEDULER – Chantal Houle
TREASURER – Amanda Lymer
Town of Ajax Rain Line before 5 P.M – (905) 619-2529 x 4124
Rain Line after 5 P.M – (416) 629-2013
A.W.S.A Score reporting – [email protected] or text (416) 629-2013
A.W.S.A Web Site – www.awsaajax.com
Light Difficulties at Night: Ajax Fire Department (905) 683-3011
AJAX WOMEN’S SLO-PITCH ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION
Article 1Name, Affiliation and Boundaries
1.01 The name of this organization shall be known as Ajax Women's Slo-Pitch Association (hereinafter referred to as the A.W.S.A.). It is an independent association within the town of Ajax. The A.W.S.A. is a non-profit organization.
1.02 Affiliations with the A.W.S.A. will be accepted annually, subject to the approval of the A.W.S.A. Executive Council.
Article 2Objectives
2.01 The objectives of the A.W.S.A. shall be:
a) To develop the ideals of good sportsmanship and fair play in players through a well regulated softball program in the Town of Ajax in accordance with the regulations of the Slo-Pitch National Inc.
b) To have and exercise general care, supervision and direction over all playing interests and to conduct the teams and players in the A.W.S.A.
c) To annually institute and administer a Slo-Pitch program for teams within the A.W.S.A. Annually, based on standings, teams and at the discretion of the Executive, teams may be moved up or down within divisions to ensure appropriate placement within the league.
d) To annually institute and regulate a league program and playoff championships and conduct internal tournaments as deemed appropriate by the executive.
Article 3Membership
3.01 Membership within the A.W.S.A shall be composed of such Slo-Pitch teams as abide by and comply with the adopted rule book and the A . W . S . A . Constitution.
3.02 Each member in good standing shall hold a franchise from the A.W.S.A to operate a Slo-pitch club for the current year.
3.04 All members agree to accept the A.W.S.A. Executive’s placement of their team in a particular division.
Article 4Executive and General Council
4.01 The Executive of the A.W.S.A. shall be elected for a three-year term of office by a majority vote of the delegates present at the annual general meeting. Voting for said positions would alternate on even and odd years, as to not leave the league in the future with a new Executive. We would begin the cycle for the odd year season (i.e. 2016) with the President, Secretary and 1st Vice President Positions. The Administrator and 2nd Vice President positions would be voted on for the even year season (i.e. 2017).
4.02 The Executive of the A.W.S.A. shall be comprised of the following elected officers:
PRESIDENT1st VICE PRESIDENT2nd VICE PRESIDENT
SECRETARYADMINISTRATOR
4.03 The General Council of the A.W.S.A. shall be comprised of the following appointed officers:
EXECUTIVE TEAM REPRESENTATIVES
(2 per team exclusive of the executive)
4.04 Each member of the Executive and General Council has the power to vote at all team representative meetings. There is only one vote per team.
4.05 No member of the Executive has the power to vote at the annual general meeting.
4.06 The Executive has the power to appoint a non-voting executive member to the general council to act as chairperson of any committee, or perform other duties as they deem fit.
4.07 The Executive has the power to appoint replacements of any member of the Executive who resigns during their term of office. The Executive shall be further empowered to make non-voting appointments to the Executive to cover specialized duties.
4.08 The Executive has the power to enforce the provision of the constitution, bylaws and playing rules of the A.W.S.A.
4.09 The Executive shall authorize all expenditures of the A.W.S.A. It shall be responsible for auditing of the books of the A.W.S.A. It shall look after the general welfare of the A.W.S.A.
4.10 The Executive shall establish the annual fees for teams affiliated with the A.W.S.A.
Article 5Duties of the Officers
5.01 PRESIDENTThe President shall be the chief executive officer and shall preside over all executive and annual general meetings. She/he shall ensure that the executive are fulfilling their responsibilities. The President shall be responsible for any publicity of the league. The President will act as a liaison for the league with all external parties. She/he is responsible for acquiring permits for the league. She/he will also be appointed as a signing officer.
NOTE: In order to be elected as President, you must be an existing member of the Executive.
1ST VICE PRESIDENTThe 1st Vice President will be responsible for the equipment for the playing season. She/he will purchase and distribute the game balls to the umpire and chief and will ensure the ongoing good working order and availability of all required game equipment. She/he will help organize our annual general meeting.
2ND VICE PRESIDENTThe 2nd Vice President will be responsible for assisting with organization and completion of the awards banquet. She/he shall be responsible for the registration of all teams with Slo-Pitch National and waiver completion.
SECRETARYThe Secretary shall provide an agenda and record the minutes of all executive, annual general meetings and Representative meetings.
ADMINISTRATOR The Administrator will assist the 2nd Vice President with the awards banquet and provide assistance to any other executive member if so required.
TREASURER The treasurer shall keep complete and accurate records of all receipts and disbursements and report on the financial situation of the A.W.S.A. at the annual general meeting and Rep. Meetings. The treasurer may be an elected position or one appointed by the Executive in a given two year period.
SCHEDULER The scheduler shall make the league schedule for all divisions for the upcoming season. The scheduler will be responsible for receiving scores and maintaining and updated standings. In addition, the scheduler will make note of any forfeits reported and record these in the standings. Ensure the Treasurer deducts the forfeit fee from the team. The scheduler will be an appointed position and will be performed by an executive member.
PAST PRESIDENTThe Past President shall act in an advisory capacity (as deemed otherwise) to the President and other Executive Council members.
Duties Of Team Representatives
a. Team Representatives are responsible for ensuring that their team is represented at meetings, that all required documentation is completed and submitted by their team members and that all fees are paid by the dates set out by the Executive.
b. Team Representatives will check the master schedule to determine that their team has the correct number of games and to ensure that all of their team members are informed of the scheduled games and the location of the master schedule. Team Representatives will assist the Executive as requested.
PROTEST COMMITTEE
The protest committee will be made up of two Executive members and the residing Umpire-in-Chief (UIC). If an executive member or the UIC is directly involved in the protest or is on a conflict of interest, another A.W.S.A member or umpire will be appointed. Please refer to By-law IV regarding protests.
Article 6Meetings
6.01 All team representative meetings of the A.W.S.A. shall consist of at least one team representative or any member of their team. Failure to do so will result in a $25.00 fine payable to the A.W.S.A. before their next scheduled game.
6.02 At the annual general meeting, a nominee to be elected to the executive must secure a simple majority of the total votes cast. If there is only one candidate for an executive position, the candidate will be acclaimed and will fill the available position.
6.03 The Executive shall meet as often as is necessary to efficiently carry out the business of the A.W.S.A.
6.04 Each member of the Executive, having obtained the approval of any other three (3) members of the Executive, shall have the right to call a special meeting of the Executive. Due notice must be given to all members of the Executive.
6.05 An executive member cannot represent their team at the annual general meeting, but can represent their team at the team representative meetings.
6.06 A designated member of the Executive shall notify all team representatives of the date, time and place of the Annual General Meeting, Team Representative meeting and any other schedule meetings.
Article 7Amendments to Constitution and By-Laws
7.01 Amendments or alterations to any part of this constitution shall only be made at an annual general meeting of the A.W.S.A. and require a two-thirds majority of the total votes cast. Notice of any proposed alteration or amendment must be submitted in writing to the Secretary of the A.W.S.A. at least fourteen (14) days prior to the annual general meeting.
7.02 Notice of any proposed alteration or amendment to this constitution which has been received by the Secretary (as per Article 7.01) shall be forwarded by e-mail to each team at least seven (7) days prior to the annual general meeting.
7.03 Amendment to the constitution and bylaws may be made at the annual general meeting by a majority of two thirds of the members present at the meeting.
Article 8Order of Business
8.01 The regular order of business for each meeting of the A.W.S.A. and Executive Council will be carried out in an orderly and acceptable manner as indicated on a prepared agenda including amendments to the constitution, rule change requests and new business by the Secretary.
Meeting agenda:
o Welcome by the Presidento Roll callo Minutes of the last general meeting and any business arising from the minutes (you can also
have minutes from the last executive meeting to be reviewed, it’s up to you)o President’s reporto Secretary’s reporto Treasurer’s report o Committees (SPN, umpires, scheduling, protests, tournaments, banquet, etc.)o Election of officers (only at the Annual General Meeting)o Amendments to the Constitution (only at the Annual General Meeting) o Unfinished businesso New business o Adjournment
Article 9A.W.S.A. Responsibility and Release of Liability
9.01 The A.W.S.A. does not accept any responsibility or liability for any injury to players, management, executive, spectators or officials.
9.02 The A.W.S.A. does not accept any responsibility or liability for debts incurred by any league, team, individual or official, other than those approved by the Executive.
Article 10Liability and Secondary Accident Insurance
10.01 It is compulsory that all teams be covered by liability and secondary accident insurance. The A.W.S.A. will ensure that arrangements with Slo-Pitch National to secure such coverage subject to the terms and conditions of their policy and procedures.
Article 11Honorariums
11.01 The Executive shall have the power to grant an honorarium or gift to any officer, members or other individuals who, in the opinion of the Executive, merits such an award. A submission must be made to the executive in writing. The executive will discuss the submission and provide an answer in writing within 7 business days. If the submission is granted, it will be voted on at the next meeting of the executive and team representatives.
Article 12Dissolution
12.01 If the A.W.S.A. disbands, all equipment and available funds will be transferred to the Town of Ajax to be held in trust for a period of 5 years. If the league has not reinstated itself by that time, the equipment and assets will be transferred to the children’s softball program.
Article 13Fiscal Year and Financial Reporting
13.01 The fiscal year for the A.W.S.A. will be from December to November of each year.
13.02 A budget will be prepared annually by the Treasurer. The draft budget will be presented at the annual general meeting for review and the final budget will be presented at the first team representative meeting of the playing year, at which time it will require the approval of a 2/3 majority of total votes cast.
13.03 A complete financial statement of the year’s financial activities will be prepared annually by the Treasurer. The interim financial statement will be presented at the annual general meeting for review and the final financial statement will be presented at the first team representative meeting of the playing year.
Article 14Record Keeping and Record Retention
14.01 Essential documents (team rosters, meeting agendas/minutes and financial documents) will be kept for a seven year period. Hard copies of the team rosters, meeting agendas and minutes will remain with the league Secretary and will be transferred in the event a new Secretary is appointed. Financial documents hard copy’s will be kept by the Treasurer and will be transferred in the event a new Treasurer is appointed. A second copy of all records will be stored electronically with the 1st Vice President.
14.02 The privacy of each player’s personal information will be maintained and under no circumstance will the personal information of any player be provided to anyone, without their express written consent.
BYLAWS
These bylaws are intended to define the rules and regulations governing the game of slo-pitch played under the jurisdiction of the Ajax Women's Slo-Pitch Association (herein after referred to as the A.W.S.A.) and shall apply to all persons affiliated with the A.W.S.A. in any capacity. These bylaws are subject to amendment as provided in Article 9 of the Constitution of the A.W.S.A.
Bylaw IRosters/Memberships
1.01 All players affiliated with the A.W.S.A. (Articles 3 & 4 of the Constitution) must, in ink, sign the slo-pitch roster and complete the online waiver with Slo-Pitch National (herein after referred to as SPN) before playing their first game. A hard copy or emailed copy of the online rosters is to be handed to the league secretary as required in sections 1.02 and 1.03.
1.02 Each team must submit a hard copy or emailed copy of the online roster form to the A.W.S.A. league secretary by May 1st of the playing year together with their league entry fee to the treasure.
1.03 The final hard copy or emailed copy of the online roster form is due to the league secretary no later than July 1st of that playing year. Players may only be added following this date if they are a replacement for a pregnant or injured player or lack of players to have a complete team. During playoffs, substitutions due to injury or pregnancy will only be allowed if the team cannot field a team (i.e. less than 10 players) “Any player added with the permission of the executive must complete the SPN online roster and waiver before playing their first game. An updated copy of the roster must be submitted to the league secretary.”
1.04 Failure to hand in your final roster by July 1st will result in a $25 fine payable to the A.W.S.A. and suspension from further competition in the A.W.S.A. until the final roster has been received. This is in addition to the default fine of $50 per game that the team will incur while suspended.
1.05 Players who are brought in during the playoffs for injured or pregnant players can only play catcher or right field and are to be last batter in the lineup.
1.06 Teams below the competitive division may not add any players registered on any competitive division team to the playoff roster to replace an eligible player due to pregnancy or injury. If it is determined that a player from a competitive division has been used to replace a pregnant or injured player, all games they have played will be forfeited and any winnings as a result will be revoked.
1.07 A player can only be registered and play for one team within the league. After playing a minimum of one (1) game with a team on which they are a registered player, cannot switch to a new team without the approval of the Executive. Both teams and the player involved will have the opportunity to discuss with the Executive why this change should or should not be allowed, but the final decision will rest with the Executive.
1.08 All players must complete the Slo-Pitch National Release, Waiver and Assumption of risk and for release from liability agreement on the Slo-pitch National website in order to be eligible for insurance coverage prior to playing their first game. A player will not be allowed to play a game without this requirement being completed
1.09 All teams will use roster sheets for every game. Rosters will be filled out by each team and exchanged with the opposing team. The white copies are to be handed to the umpire and updated throughout the game to reflect any late coming players.
Bylaw IISuspensions and Defaults
2.01 Any team having defaulted two (2) regularly scheduled league games shall be fined $50 per game payable before the next scheduled game or forfeit. If the fee has not been paid before the next scheduled game, this will result in an additional fines being applied. Any team that refuses to pay their fines teams will be ejected from the league.
2.02 Any team not submitting a final team roster by July 1 of the playing year (as per sections 1.03 and 1.04) will be fined $25 and suspended from further competition in the A.W.S.A. until the final team roster has been received. During the period of suspension from play, the team will post a loss for each regularly scheduled game.
2.03 Any member of the A.W.S.A., including the Executive, manager, coach and player willfully violating the Constitution, Bylaws, playing rules of the A.W.S.A. and refusing to abide by the decision of the Executive or Executive Committee, shall be subject to suspension.
2.04 Any team using an ineligible player during any league regular season, playoff or championships game will be fined $25. The team will forfeit all games played with that player and will forfeit any winnings they would have otherwise been entitled to receive.
2.05 Any of the above suspensions shall have the right of appeal to the Executive.
2.06 Any member of the A.W.S.A. found consuming alcoholic beverages on the premises at any A.W.S.A. game shall be subject to suspension by the Executive.
Bylaw IIIPlayoffs Championships
3.01 The A.W.S.A. shall conduct playoff series in all divisions under its jurisdictions to declare champions.
3.02 Only teams registered in the A.W.S.A. can compete for the league championships. Only players that have played 25% of regular season games will be eligible to participate in league championships. The roster sheets filled out for regular season games will be used to clarify any playoff legibility. If the player was not eligible to play in league championships or the eligibility of the player cannot be verified by the Executive (due to the inability to provide score sheets or missing score sheets), the team will forfeit all playoff games in which the indelible player was used, will be fined $100 and will forfeit any winnings they would have otherwise been entitled to.
3.03 In the event of a tie at the end of any regular season series, the winner of the games between the tied teams in question will be awarded the higher placement in the standings based on the tie-breaking formula outlined in the SPN rule book.
3.04 In the event of a tie between the teams in the deciding games (Section 3.03), the winner shall be the international tie breaker rule as per the SPN rule book.
3.05 The home team in the playoffs will be determined by the team with the higher standing from the regular season until prior semi finals. In the semifinals and the finals, the home team will be determined by a coin toss
3.06 Playoff semi final games will be extended to an hour and a half time limit. Playoff final games will be extended to one hour and forty-five minutes time limit.
Bylaw IVProtests
Reasons for protest review:
4.01 A protested game can only result when there is a difference of opinion between the protesting team and an umpire regarding the application or interpretation of the official printed playing rules, specially adopted ground rule or specially adopted league rules or with respect to player eligibility.
4.02 Protest shall not be considered if they are based solely on a decision involving a judgment call on the part of the umpire.
4.03 Protests shall be received and considered concerning matters of the following types:
a) Misinterpretation of a playing rule,
b) Failure of an umpire to apply the correct rule to a given situation,
c) Failure to impose the correct penalty for a given violation, or
d) Player eligibility.
Procedure during the game:
4.04 The following procedure is mandatory for a protest to be accepted for consideration by the protest committee:
a) In regular season league play, a protest will be settled upon completion of the game, as well as any protest concerning player eligibility. Both the team representative and the umpire will notify the Executive (by voice email, text or email) that the game is being played under protest on the game day.
b) In playoff games, a protest will be settled upon completion of the game, as well as any protest concerning player eligibility. Both the team representative and the umpire will notify the Executive (by voice email, text or email) that the game is being played under protest on the game day.
c) Any rule protest must be made before the next legal pitch, intentional walk, and illegal pitcher action or before all fielders have left fair territory, and must be accompanied by a $150 protest fee in cash on hand and given to the umpire.
d) The manager or acting manager of the protesting team shall immediately notify the plate umpire that the game is being continued under protest. The plate umpire shall in turn notify the opposing manager. All score sheets must be marked as of the point of the protest.
e) All interested parties shall take notice of the conditions surrounding the decision that resulted in the protest in order to aid the protest committee in the correct determination of the issue.
Submitting a written protest:
4.05 The official written protest must be filed within 24 hours of the protested game along with $150 in cash.
4.06 The formal written protest must contain the following information:
a) The date, time and place of protested game.
b) The names of the umpire(s) and scorekeeper(s) (if applicable)
c) The rule and section of the official rules or league rules under which the protest is being made.
d) The decision and conditions surrounding the cause of the protest.
f) All other essential facts involved in the matter of the protest.
g) Supporting documentation shall be provided for matter of player eligibility including the full (first and last) name of the player(s) whose eligibility is in question and the score sheet with the umpire’s signature.
Decision and response time:
4.07 The decision made on a protested game must result in one of the following.
a. If the protest is upheld, the game shall resume, from the point of protest, with the protested decision correctly reversed. All players’ positions, ball and strike count and game factors to that point shall be resumed according to details as recorded on the officially recognized score sheet. The protest fee will be refunded to the protesting team.
b. If the protest is found to be invalid, the game shall be resumed from the point of protest as in “d” above, with the protested decision standing as called. The protest fee will be retained by the A.W.S.A.
c. If a protest with respect to player eligibility is upheld, the game shall be forfeited by the offending team. The protest fee will be refunded. If the protest if found to be invalid, the protests fee will be retained by the A.W.S.A
d. The protest committee will make a ruling on protests made during the regular season within 7 days or receipt of the written protest. During playoff games, the ruling must be made before the next game in the series can be played or a champion declared.
Bylaw VTournament Play
5.01 Closed league tournaments or tournament divisions will be restricted to A.W.S.A. teams approved by the A.W.S.A. Executive.
5.02 Open league tournaments can include A.W.S.A teams and other teams approved by the tournament convener in as per the regulations and guidelines of Slo-Pitch National.
5.03 An entry fee, as determined by the tournament committee is required for participation in any tournament and is not included in the league fees for a particular season.
5.04 All teams entering a tournament are eligible for a share of the profits earned from the tournament. To be eligible for tournament profits your team must consist of 7 or more league players.
PLAYING RULES
All Slo-Pitch National (herein after referred to as SPN) rules will apply unless otherwise stated herein. Umpires are in complete control of all games sanctioned by the A.W.S.A.
Equipment:
1. Pitching distance: 50 ft. - 65 ft.Baseline distances: 65 ft.Strike Zone: A ball delivered with an arc between 6 and 12 feet and touching any part of
the mat will be called a strike.
Ball Size & Color: Worth 11” optic yellow
2. The updated bat policy can be found on the SPN website (www.slo-pitch.com)
3. No metal or hard plastic spikes are allowed
4. The pitcher’s zone shall be 2 feet wide and 15 feet long. The front edge of this box shall be centered on the direct line from home plate to second base. The front edge shall be 50 feet from the rear corner of home plate. The line marking the pitcher’s box is to be considered to be within the box.
5. Double base/Safety bag rule: If a play is made at first base, the batter-baserunner’s first attempt to reach first base must be to touch some portion or the entire orange base. If the batter-baserunner touches only the white portion she will be called out. Once the batter-baserunner has attained first base and time is called, she must only use the white base. If a batter-baserunner is continuing directly past first base, she only needs to touch the white portion. A defensive player must only use the white base or some portion of it at all times. If the defensive players touch only the orange base, the runner will be called safe.
Player responsibilities:
6. All players must be 18 years of age on or during the current calendar year. Any player who has not reached the age of 18 must have a parent permission form signed and submitted to the league secretary prior to playing their first game.
7. New players will not be accepted after August 1st unless a pregnancy or injury requires a team to add a player as a replacement. All players must be registered with the Secretary and added to the SPN online roster and waiver for the regular season.
8. ALL PLAYERS MUST:
a) Bat in turn whether playing or sitting out an inning
b) In the competitive and intermediate divisions only, players are allowed to bat with no requirements to play in the field.
c) May be added to the end of the line up and be allowed to play when arriving after the start of play. All attempts must be made to allow for 3 defensive playing innings if time permits based on how tardy the player was.
d) Play a minimum of 25% of the regular season league games in order to qualify to play in league playoffs/championships. The team must be able to demonstrate this to the Executive by a game score sheets in the event of a dispute. “See By-Law III for the criteria required to meet the 25% of games played.”
e) Wear the same color shirts, in all scheduled league and playoff games. If a player is not wearing a matching shirt, the opposing team coach or manager must notify the umpire who will record it on the game. In order to play in a game without the required shirt, each player will be subject to a $5.00 penalty due to the Executive before the next schedule game. Matching color shirts will be in affect by June 1.
Home team:
9. Home teams are responsible for:
a) Supplying one good backup ball
b) Leaving a message on the phone line or texting or via e-mail for rain out games
General game information:
10. Regulation game and mercy rule:
a) All regular season games will be a maximum of 7 innings or 75 minutes. No new inning will begin after 65 minutes from the official start of game. If the home team is winning, they will not bat in the bottom half of the final inning. In the playoffs, the semi-final and championship games will play 7 innings unless the mercy rule applies.
b) If a team is ahead by 12 runs after 5 innings (4 ½ innings if the home team) a mercy will be in effect. The team that is winning will not bat in the bottom of the inning if they are the home team.
11. Forfeit Rules:
a) If a team has LESS than 8 roster players at the official start time of the game, they may pick up an AWSA registered player from any division. They may pick up a maximum of 2 non roster players to form a maximum of 10 players. The pick up players must play catcher or right field and both must be placed on the bottom of the batting order. Should the regular roster team player(s) arrive after the start of the game, they may be substituted in to replace the non-team member at any point of the game and be placed in the same batting position of the player that they are substituting for in the line up.
b) Any team that cannot field a minimum of 8 players within 5 minutes of the official or adjusted scheduled start time will forfeit the game. There will be a $50.00 default fine, payable to the league before the next scheduled game. In the event that the previous game runs late, the official start time of following game times will be adjusted at the umpire’s discretion.
12. A winner may be declared after the completion of 4 innings, or 3.5 innings if the home team is winning.
13. In unfavorable weather conditions where the permits have not been cancelled by the City of Ajax prior to game time, it shall be the sole discretion of the umpires as to whether a field is playable.
14. A minimum of a two (2) week notice must be given to the executive if your team needs to default a regular season game without incurring fine. A fine of $50.00 will only be enforced to any team that does not give the required 2 week notice. The team will be given a loss and forfeit any points.
Start of the game and pitching changes:
15. An infield ball can only be used at the beginning of each half of the first inning.
16. At the beginning of each half of the first inning, up to 5 practice pitches will be allowed. Up to three (3) warm up pitches are allowed every inning thereafter. When a new pitcher enters the game, up to one minute may be used to deliver up to 3 pitches.
Game play:
17. There will be unlimited defensive substitutions as long as the player is listed on the batting order.
18. All teams must field a pitcher and catcher. Other than the pitcher and catcher, players in the field may be stationed anywhere they choose on fair ground as each pitch is delivered. No defensive player can stand closer than 50 feet in fair territory as each pitch is delivered. The pitcher, in delivering the ball must be in legal position within the pitching zone. As each pitch is delivered, the catcher must be in the catcher’s area.
19. A player can leave the game for injury or illness without being an automatic out. Any player leaving the game for any reason other than injury or illness will be an automatic out for the remainder of the game. This decision could change at the discretion of the two playing teams involved.
20. Each team is allowed five (5) courtesy runners at any time in each game. The courtesy runner may be any member of the team listed on the batting order. The courtesy runner must be announced to the umpire. If the courtesy runner is on base and it is her turn at bat, she may bat as long as the team has not used up all courtesy runners and another courtesy runner can be put in her place. If the team has used up all runners she will be automatically out. Failure to notify the plater umpire that a courtesy runner is being used, and there is an appeal by the opposing team, the courtesy runner will be called out”
21. Each team will be allowed one (1) injury runner per game, if applicable. The injury runner must be identified before the beginning of each game. The injury runner may receive a runner from first base for every at bat without using any courtesy runners. If the runner goes past first base, an injury runner cannot be used and the team must use a courtesy runner.
22. Anticipation on the bases is allowed as the ball crosses the plane of home plate. There are no lead-offs permitted.
23. A runner will be called out if they touch home plate or pass over home plate in fair territory, whether or not a play is being made. There will be no sliding at home plate at any time. Any player will be called out if she slides into home plate or over the scoring line. The runner must run across the scoring line away from home plate. The runner at home will be considered an out if the defensive player has control of the ball and is touching any part of the mat covering home plate before the runner’s foot is on the ground and in contact with or across the scoring line in foul territory.
24. There will be a commitment line between third base and home plate. The commitment line is drawn 20 feet from the closest corner of home plate and perpendicular to the third base line and shall extend a minimum of 6 feet or more from the base line. Once the runner has touched or crossed this line, she must continue home and cannot go back to third base. If she returns to third base, she will be called out.
25. A maximum of six (6) runs per inning will be in force until the last inning is called by the umpire at which point it will be an open inning.
26. If a ball contacts the ground before clearing the fence it shall be a declared ground rule double.
27. If a ball contacts the fence first without going over the fence and is caught by a player off the fence before contacting the ground it is ruled a live ball.
28. Rule books are not permitted on the field of play. If this occurs, whoever brought it on the field is the one who is automatic ejection.
29. Undue intentional or malicious physical contact shall be dealt with by the umpire using his/her discretion. Deliberate attempts to injure will result in suspension from league play as ruled by the Executive.
End of the game:
30. All game score sheets, for both teams, must be signed by the umpire at the completion of the game.
31. The winning team shall be responsible for reporting the final score to the scheduler by voice mail, text or e-mail within 24 hours of game completion. Points are as follows: (2 point for a win, 0 points for a loss, and 1 point each team for a tie). Failure to submit in score will result in all points being forfeited.
Umpires:
1. Umpires must announce the official start of the game.
2. Umpires will be aware of A.W.S.A. Constitution, Bylaws and Playing Rules.
3. Umpires will be carded with Slo-Pitch National and remain in good standing.
4. Umpires will notify the Executive of any ejections
5. Umpires are responsible for completing the any injury/incident reports and ensuring that they are given to the Exceptive within 24 hours.
IMPORTANT DATES AND MEETINGS
Tuesday March 8th, 20177:00 P.M.
$100 Bond Due Hop House
Tuesday April 12th, 20177:00 P.M.Hop House
May 1, 2017 Initial team rosters are due
May 31st, 2017 All Team Fees Due
August 1st, 2017 Final Rosters are due
Tuesday October 4th, 2017Annual General Meeting
7:00 P.M.Hop House
Any requests for AWSA Handbook changes must be submitted to Chantal no later than Tuesday September 23rd, 2017
Friday October 20st, 2017Banquet and Dance
OTHER MEETINGS MAY BE CALLED THROUGHOUT THE PLAYING SEASON, AS NEEDED
FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS
Q. How to report game scores?A. The winning team must report the score within 24 hours by either telephone or text (416-629-2013) or
via e-mail at [email protected]. Voice mail messages, text and e-mail messages must contain the date, winning team name, your score, losing team name, their score.
Q. Who is responsible for reporting the score for a tied game?A. The home team must report the score within 24 hours by either telephone or text (416-629-2013) or
via e-mail at [email protected]. Voice mail messages, text and e-mail messages must contain the date, winning team name, your score, losing team name, their score.
Q. It's raining out or it rained all day! Are the games cancelled?A. Not necessarily. There is very good drainage at the diamonds. Most games will be played. To find
out if the games are rained out, call the phone line after 5 p.m. at (416) 629-2013 or the Town’s line before 5 p.m. at (905) 619- 2529 ex 4125. If there isn't a message about a rainout, the games are still on.
Q. The umpire called the game due to rain, fog etc. What do we do?A. The home team must phone/text the phone line (416) 629-2013 or e-mail [email protected]
and leave a message that the game was called due to rain, fog, etc. Please see the FAQ below to determine if the game was complete or not. If the game wasn’t completed, it will be rescheduled.
Q. We didn't play a complete game. What do we do?A. If the home team was winning and you completed at least 3.5 innings, it is considered to be a
complete game. If the home team is losing you must play 4 complete innings to be considered a complete game. If it is considered a complete game, report the scores via phone or e-mail as above. If the game wasn’t complete, it will be rescheduled, and this must still be reported to the phone line or e-mail.
Q. One of our team members was injured during the game. What do we do?A. Inform the umpire immediately. If it is an emergency, call an ambulance. Have the umpire fill in
an injury/incident report. Call the phone line at (416) 629-2013 or e-mail to [email protected] to let us know what has happened and leave the injury report in the A.W.S.A. box in the storage unit or fax the injury report to 905-940-3457 Attn: Chantal Houle
Q. We just realized that we are not going to have enough players for one of our games. What do we do?
A. Call the phone line at 416-629-2013 or e-mail to [email protected]. You must give two week’s notice to forfeit a game without being fined.
Q. What if I can't attend a Team Representative meeting or Annual General Meeting?A. Someone from your team must attend the meeting whether it is one of the representatives or any
member of your team. Failure to do so will result in a $25.00 fine payable to the A.W.S.A. before your next scheduled game.
Q. We are about to start our game and we only have seven players. What do we do?A. Any team that cannot field a minimum of 8 players within 5 minutes after the official scheduled or
adjusted start time will forfeit the game. There will be a $50.00 per game default fine, payable to the league before the next scheduled game. In the event that the previous game runs late, the following game times will be adjusted as per the umpire’s discretion. (See playing rule #7 for substitution rules).
Q. We have already started the season and just picked up a new player. Can she still play?A. She may still play but she must be registered with the Secretary and on the Slo-Pitch National website
no later than July 1. She must be registered before she is eligible to play. Any players added with the permission of the executive need to complete the SPN online registration and waiver.
Q. We want to protest our game. What do we do?A. See protest rules in Bylaw IV
Q. We had a problem with our umpire. What do we do?A. Please call the phone line at (416) 629-2013 leave details of the problem, the umpires name and state
the date, time and diamond of the game where the issue occurred so that we can inform the Umpire-in-Chief. If you do not report problems, please don't complain about the umpiring.
DIRECTIONS TO THE AJAX SPORTSPLEX
The Sportsplex is on the southeast corner of Audley and Taunton Roads. The main entrance is on Audley Road just south of Taunton Road on the east side.
Please arrive at the park early, as it is a fair walk to the diamonds.
Directions to Miller Creek North & South Diamond’s
Miller Creek North and South Diamonds are just behind the McLean Community Center at 95 McGill Drive in Ajax off of Westney Rd. just north of hwy 2 on the east side. Go to the back of the parking lot of the Community Center around the east side of the building and you will see the North diamond there. The South diamond can be seen in the distance. There is a small additional parking lot located closer to the South diamond that can be accessed off Westney Road located between Hwy 2 and McGill Drive.
