2017-18 WHAC SOFTBALL HANDBOOK

Updated6/28/17

Chair:Laura Klutsarits, Siena HeightsRater: Jim Farrell, Cornerstone

I. Season Defined

  1. The WHAC Softball teams will follow NAIA Guidelines regarding:
  2. Length of Season (24 weeks).
  3. Weeks of Contact (24 weeks).
  4. Number of Contests (28 playing dates).
  5. Number of Scrimmages (2).
  6. Participating schools: Aquinas, Concordia, Cornerstone, Indiana Tech, Lawrence Tech, Lourdes, Madonna, Michigan-Dearborn, Northwestern Ohio, Rochester, and Siena Heights

II. Schedule

  1. Conference schedule will be single round robin (20 games)
  2. Playing dates for conference games will be mostlyWednesday, Saturday and Sunday (Friday for when school cannot play on Sunday).
  3. Game schedule with non-conference opponents must be cancelled to accommodate conference make up games.
  4. A week of conference play is defined as Monday through Sunday.
  5. During a week of play, no team shall be required to play more than four (4) conference doubleheaders, unless it is final week of the season and rescheduled games must be played.
  6. Conference weekday doubleheaders will start at 3:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. on weekends.
  7. Conference games may be played during final exam week, if mutually agreed upon by both institutions.
  8. For inclement weather procedures, see Article III, Section G.
  9. All regular scheduled games must be completed by April 30, 2018

III. Rules of Play and Procedures

  1. NCAA rules are to be used during conference play.
  2. The Rawlings softball (NAIAFB.47 core) is to be used in all conference contests.
  3. The 8-run rule will apply after trailing team has batted five (5) times for a 7-inning game.
  4. All bats used must meet the following:
  5. Must be listed on the most recent published NCAA approved list
  6. Host institution designated as “home” team for both games of conference doubleheader
  7. Any procedures not covered or non-conformance to WHAC rules shall be forwarded to conference commissioner for appropriate action.
  8. Rainout procedures:
  9. Visiting coach to call for verification of game prior to departure
  10. Call while traveling if inclement weather starts after departure
  11. A game that has been suspended due to weather after 4.5 innings (if home team is in lead) or 5 full innings will be treated as a complete game.
  12. In the case of inclement weather during the scheduled doubleheader for conference play any game not completed must be rescheduled.
  13. Rainout dates are the next available date that does not adversely affect class attendance.
  14. Games will be made up at the original home location.
  15. During a doubleheader, in the second game, if the two teams are tied after 5 innings, and the game is suspended due to weather, field conditions, or darkness, the game will end in a tie. If the tie affects the regular season championship and/or determines who may or not make the conference tournament, the game must be completed on another date determined by the commissioner.
  16. Every effort will be made to play conference games on the date of and location of the original schedule. However, in the case of inclement weather on a scheduled conference date, if the home teams’ field is not playable, but the visitors’ field is playable, the games may be moved to the visitors’ field. Both coaches and both athletic directors must agree to the change and have the change approved by the conference commissioner. The original home team shall remain the home team for both games unless the teams agree to swap home locations for the next season. The team who did not travel will be responsible for paying the umpires.
  17. In the event that a teams’ field is not playable, if there is another field nearby that is playable which meets the official field requirements of the NAIA, a game may be moved to the alternate location if agreed upon by both coaches and both athletic directors.
  18. Sequence of priorities for hosting a game when inclement weather is pending or has taken place:
  19. Host at original site
  20. Move to a site in the geographical area of original site
  21. Move to site of visiting team
  22. Teams have the option of moving a conference game up or back one day from the originally scheduled date if they have approval from both athletic directors, both coaches, as well as the conference commissioner.
  23. Protest procedures:
  24. Protest must be filed in regards to a rules situation.
  25. All judgment calls and/or interpretations are deemed final.
  26. Protest must be filed prior to the next pitch or play of said game.
  27. Protest must be registered with the home plate umpire (UIC) and recorded in each scorebook.
  28. Protest must be filed in writing to conference commissioner by protesting school’s athletics director within 48 hours of said game.
  29. Conference commissioner will contact umpires involved, softball supervisor of officials and any resources deemed appropriate.
  30. Should protest be denied, game will stand as played.
  31. Should protest be upheld, said game will be played from spot of protest.
  32. Games protested will only be rescheduled if they have a bearing on conference championship or championship qualification.
  33. Officials selected by assignor will be responsible to umpire WHAC games.
  34. Forfeit may be granted if:
  35. A team fails to show up for a scheduled game(s).
  36. A team does not have enough players to compete (per ASA rules).
  37. A team uses an ineligible player(s) per NAIA eligibility rules.
  38. A team commits any other infraction of NAIA rules and/or WHAC rules.
  39. Playing field must be regulation size according to NCAA rules.

IV. Officials

A.Each regular season WHAC doubleheader will be officiated by two umpires

  1. Umpires will be assigned by Bill Gomoluch.
  2. Office (419) 346-3249.
  3. E-mail address: .
  4. Umpires will be paid as follows for the 2018 season. (Payment is expected at the event).
  5. $115 for a single game.
  6. $190 for doubleheaders.
  7. Host institution should make every effort to provide a comfortable environment for the umpires including:
  8. Changing area (where available).
  9. Water during and between games of a doubleheader.
  10. Payment Policy – weather, cancellation situations:
  11. If umpire does not leave home before notified of cancellation, no pay is awarded
  12. If umpire is en route to game when notified of cancellation, they will be paid fee for ONE game worked.
  13. If umpire gets to site and game is not played, or is partially played, umpire is paid in full.

V. Championship Defined

  1. All teams must play their 20 conference games to qualify for regular season championship.
  2. Only records in league games will determine WHAC standings.
  3. If at the conclusion of the regular season any teams have the same conference record a tie will be declared but for tournament seeding the tie breaking process will be used (VII. C.)

VI. Contest Procedures

  1. Host school will be home team for both games of double-header.
  2. The home team will furnish game balls and pay the umpires.
  3. Home team should provide communication to visiting team regarding pre-game schedules, procedures, and umpires.
  4. The home plate umpire will make decisions in regard to stoppage of play.
  5. For suspended game guidelines see Section III Article G.
  6. A date may be played on a neutral site or at the opposing site if the host site is unplayable. The change must be agreed to by both schools.
  7. Suggested starting times will be 1 p.m. on weekends, 3:30 p.m. weekdays
  8. If an umpire faces problems in administering a game, due either to improper or inadequate facilities or unsportsmanlike player or coach behavior, the umpire should contact the league commissioner immediately.
  9. Teams should share numerical rosters and schedules with fellow WHAC schools.
  10. During batting practice in pregame warm-ups, for safety reasons, no hard balls should be hit on the field of play unless they are being hit to a specific fielder for defensive warm-ups. Hard balls may be hit beyond the outfield fence, in the batting cage, or into a net. Balls hit on the field of play should be foam or whiffle ball types.
  11. If only one cage is available and times are designated, the visiting team will take batting practice second.
  12. Fields should be available for team warm up at least one hour prior to game time. The only exception would be if inclement weather is taking place.

VII. Postseason Tournament

  1. Tournament dates for 2018 season will be May 2-4, with May7as a rain date if needed.
  2. Teams will be seeded one through eight, based on regular-season finish as defined in Article V.
  3. Following will be used to determine conference seeds in tournament:
  4. Head-to-head competition between all teams tiedin conference games.
  5. Head-to-head run differential between all tied teams in conference games.
  6. Victories verses first place team, second place team, etc in conference games.
  7. Net run differential in all conference games (capped at =/- eight runs per game).
  8. Net runs scored in conference games (max of 8 runs per game).
  9. Fewest runs allowed in conference games.
  10. Coin toss
  11. If more than two teams are tied, once one team advances or eliminated based on tiebreaker, revert back and start process again from #1 tiebreaker with the remaining teams.
  12. Same procedure is to be used for all ties.
  13. Tournament to be played at Pacesetter Park in Sylvania, Ohio
  14. All teams will be responsible for their own travel, hotel and meal money expenses.
  15. Tournament will begin play at 6 p.m. on Wednesday,2 pm on Thursday and 3 p.m. on Friday.
  16. Two teams will be eliminated on Wednesday
  17. Four teams will be eliminated on Thursday
  18. Tournament protest procedures:
  19. Handled by a committee of three (3).
  20. Committee shall consist of the two off-game officials along with the umpire of the game in question.
  21. Committee will handle protest immediately and a decision is to be made based upon available information.
  22. Game will be stopped until ruling is made.
  23. Official book will be kept by sports information directors in attendance.
  24. In the first round of the conference tournament, the higher seed will have the option of being the home teams or choosing to be visitors. All games beyond the first round of play, the home team will be decided by a coin flip.
  25. Inclement weather procedures:
  26. If Wednesday games are unable to be played – Thursday, Friday and Monday will be used.
  27. If Wednesday games are played and Thursday games are unable to be played – Friday and Monday will be used.
  28. If Wednesday and Thursday games are played and Friday games are unable to be played – Monday will be used
  29. If Wednesday thru Friday games are unable to be played – a single-elimination format will be played on Monday.
  30. If on the last possible day, 6 teams still remain (2 in the winners bracket, 4 in the losers bracket) move to a single elimination tournament; teams with one loss are eliminated. Undefeated teams remain in a single elimination tournament.
  31. If no games are played – the regular-season champion and regular season runner up will represent the conference at the NAIA National Championship Tournament.
  32. If the conference tournament begins but cannot be completed, the highest remaining seed in the winner’s bracket will represent the conference at the NAIA National Championship Tournament along with the regular season champion.
  33. In the case of rain delays/cancellations, the on-site administrator is to handle all delays/cancellations with the groundcrew and the umpire in chief.
  34. Each team to provide one game ball per game.
  35. Each team will provide one ball in each of their games with a third game ball coming from the home team allotment.
  36. Game times will be adjusted accordingly if any day is delayed but not cancelled entirely.
  37. Conference Commissioner, Sport coordinator/site supervisor and/or conference chair or conference rater if their respective team has been eliminated will dictate new game times as warranted.
  38. Tournament bracket – see Appendix A.

VIII. Awards

  1. Regular season and tournament championship trophies awarded by conference.
  2. All WHAC Postseason Awards are to be submitted via an online nomination process by position listed below as described in Appendix B.
  3. The All-Conference Team will be selected as follows:
  4. Each team may consist of up to 20 players.
  5. First Team to consist of three (3) pitchers, two (2) catchers, five (5) infielders, four (4) outfielders, one (1) designated player, one (1) utility player, and four (4) at-large positions.
  6. If no DP and/or Utility player is nominated, up to two additional at-large players will be selected.
  7. Second Team will consist of 20 players in any positions.
  8. Preliminary voting will be done via an online voting system.
  9. Coaches are NOT allowed to vote for their own players during online voting.
  10. Preliminary results are to be provided for coach’s meeting/conference call.
  11. Coach or school representative must be present at coaches meeting to have players eligible for selection.
  12. Coach must provide current stats of WHAC and overall games of each nominated player.
  13. Verbal vote may be taken during coaches meeting/call.
  14. Coaches are NOT allowed to vote for own players during verbal vote.
  15. Failure of a coach to vote for required awards will result in a warning for the first offense and a two-game suspension for the second offense. Such suspension may be applied to following season if all current regular season games are completed.
  16. Player/Pitcher of the Year
  17. Coach of the Year
  18. Newcomer of the Year
  19. Champions of Character Team/Coach
  20. Each coach will pick one player from their roster that best exemplifies the NAIA Champions of Character initiative.
  21. Those players will make up the WHAC SoftballChampions of Character team.
  22. All nominations must be submitted online.
  23. Coaches will vote upon one coach who best exemplifies NAIA Champions of Character philosophy to be Coach of Character award winner.
  24. All-Academic Team
  25. Minimum of 3.25 cumulative GPA and limited to juniors and seniors in academic standing.
  26. All nominations must be submitted online.
  27. All Defensive Team
  28. Ten members with one member at each defensive position (P, C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, OF (x3) and UT).
  29. Nominations done by positions.
  30. Best defensive player at each position as voted by the coaches.
  31. Trophy Breakdown
  32. 1st Team All-Conference receives plaque (20 total).
  33. Player of the Year & Pitcher of the Year each receives plaques (2 total).
  34. Newcomer of the Year receives plaque (1 total).
  35. Coach of the Year receives plaque (1 total).
  36. All-Academic Team, Second Team All-Conference, and All Defensive Team receive certificates.
  37. Champions of CharacterTeam and Coach receive medals.
  38. WHAC Regular Season Champion and WHAC Tournament Champion receive championship trophies (2 total).
  39. Awards Ceremony to announce All-Conference, All-Academic, All Defensive Team, Champions of Character, and regular season champions will take place on a predetermined field between the first and second round of games at the conference tournament.
  40. Ceremony will take place 10 minutes after the completion of the final first round game.
  41. Site supervisor in conjunction with the commissioner will be in charge of award distribution.
  42. Awards will be supplied by WHAC office and distributed to host of event.
  43. Special attention should be paid to announce ALL award winners... starting with All-Academic Team and moving up.
  44. Script for awards ceremony will be supplied to host school by WHAC office prior to event.

IX. Automatic Qualifiers for NAIA National Tournament

  1. The regular season champion and the conference tournament champion will earn the automatic berths to the NAIA National Championship Tournament.
  2. In the event that the same team wins both the regular season and the tournament, the following will happen:
  3. Should the regular season champion have won the regular season and the tournament, the team who played in the championship game and lost in the conference tournament final will receive the second automatic bid.
  4. If two teams tie for the regular season championship, the team seeded #1 for the tournament will get the first automatic berth to NAIA Nationals.


APPENDIX A

2018 WHAC SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT BRACKET

Team #1
GAME A / Day 1
6:00 PM
Team #8
Day 1
GAME G / 8:30 PM
Team #4
GAME B / Day 1
6:00 PM / Day 2
Team #5 / 4:30 PM
GAME K
Team #2
GAME C / Day 1
6:00 PM
Team #7
Day 1
GAME H / 8:30 PM / GAME N
Team #3 / Loser to Game O
If 1st Loss
GAME D / Day 1
6:00 PM / Day 3
Team #6 / Loser Game K / 3:00 PM
Day 3
LOSER'S BRACKET / Day 2 / 30 minutes after GAME N
Loser Game H / 7:00 PM
GAME M / GAME O / Overall Champion
Loser Game A / GAME I
Day 2
GAME E / Day 1 / 2:00 PM
8:30 PM
Loser Game B / Day 2
4:30 PM
GAME L
Loser Game C / Loser Game N IF 1st Loss
GAME F / Day 1
8:30 PM / Day 2
Loser Game D / 2:00 PM
GAME J
Loser Game G
Each Team will play 2 games on day 1 with two teams being eliminated day one
Day two, another four teams will be eliminated, leaving the championship game(s) for day three

APPENDIX B

WHAC Softball Postseason Honors Procedures

Team Awards

All-Conference Team

First Team All-Conference – 20 players

3 pitchers

2 catchers

5 infielders

4 outfielders

1 designated player

1 utility player

4 at-large positions (up to two additional at-large if no DP and/or Utility player is nominated)

Second Team – 20 players at any position

All-Academic Team

Indefinite number of players named

Junior or above in academic standing

Cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale

Must have been in attendance one-full year at nominating institution

Champions of Character Team

One player from each team who best exemplifies the five core character value of the NAIA’s Champions of Character initiative.

All Defensive Team

Ten players, nominated and voted on by the coaches. One player at each of the following defensive positions (P, C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, UT) and Three players as OF position