Playing and Operating Rules

Softball B.C. and Softball Canada rules shall apply in all cases that are not covered below.

Player's Rules

  1. Players are to wear N.L.D.S. issued uniforms and hat or visor. Sliding shorts for Squirt level and up are suggested. Players are required to wear their own helmet-cages are suggested.
  2. Helmets must be worn by all players from dugout to dugout.
  3. Shirts are to be tucked in at all times.
  4. All players will conduct themselves in accord with N.L.D.S. "Players Code".
  5. Exposed jewelry such as wrist watches, bracelets, any type of earrings, neck chains, or any other items judged dangerous by the umpire may not be worn during the games. Medical alert bracelets or necklaces are not considered jewelry but if worn, must be taped to the body.
  6. For league play a pick up is a registered player from the division below (i.e. U14 C can pick up from U12 C). A player may be picked up with the permission of her coach by the same team for a maximum of four (4) games throughout the season. House teams can not pick up from Rep teams.

Field Rules

  1. Boundaries of the playing field are to be considered as regulation by the coaches and the umpire before the game starts.
  2. Home team is responsible for field preparation. The regulation playing field shall be laid out in agreement with measurements provided in your diagram.
  3. The home team is responsible for putting away and locking up all the equipment.

Game Rules – U12, U14 and U16

  1. The home team will occupy the 3rd base dugout, the visiting team 1st base dugout.
  2. A team may start a game with a minimum of 8 players and must maintain a minimum of 7 layers throughout the game. If a team is unable to field 8 players after 15 minutes of the official starting time, the game will be forfeited, the score being 7-0. The ream unable to field 9 players has the option to forfeit the game in the interest of safety with every effort taken to notify all parties prior to arrival at the field.
  3. Before the game begins the coach must give a copy of the batting line-up to the opposing team, All players are listed on the batting line-up in the order of which they will bat the entire game.
  4. Batting line-ups must rotate each game. (i.e.- if a player is #5 and was the last better up, then in the next game, the #6 batter gets to bat first.)
  5. Any number of substitutions may be made (except for pitchers see rule #9). Substitutions do not have to be reported to the other team. Batting order does not change.
  6. All players should be given the opportunity to play all positions and all players are to play no less than 2 innings in the infield unless otherwise agreed upon by the player and parents.
  7. Four innings constitute a game if adverse weather or darkness occurs. For U12 players, no new innings after 1 ½ hours of play. If the game start time is 6:30 pm then no new innings are to start after 8:00 pm. For U14 and U16 players, no new innings to start after 1 ¾ hours of play. If the game start time is 6:30 pm then no new innings to start after 8:15 pm.
  8. The 6th inning is the open inning for U12 level and the 7th is the open inning for U14, U16 and U19 levels.
  9. In U12 and above a pitcher will be limited to pitching for only 3 innings per game. However, after 6 innings of play this rules will be waived. Any pitcher who pitches all or part of an inning has pitched one complete inning.
  10. N.L.D.S. pitching and base distances:

Division / Pitching / Baseline / Ball
U10 / 30' / 45' / 11"
U12 / 35' / 55' / 11"
U14 / 38' / 60' / 12"
U16 & up / 40' / 60' / 12"
  1. All teams will use the 4th run rule (i.e. as soon as the 4th run crosses the plate, the side will retire). Except the open inning where runs count until there are three outs.
  2. Base runners can steel, including home. A base runner can leave a base when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. Leaving before the ball leaves the pitcher's hand is considered a "lead off:
  3. The dropped third strike rule and the infield fly rule applies in the U14, U16, and U19 divisions.

General Rules

  1. Coaches will control their respective team's spectators. If not controlled, the umpire will give the coach a warning. If unsportsmanlike conduct continues, the offending team will forfeit the game.
  2. At the discretion of the umpire, any players and coaches may be removed from the game for the use of profane language, unsportsmanlike conduct, or harassment of the other team, verbal or physical. When the offender is asked to leave the field, he or she must be off the field or the playing area within 1 minute. Failure to comply with the above will cause forfeiture of the game to the team not at fault.
  3. In cases of players exhibiting poor conduct, the coach has the option of disciplining the player by benching her.
  4. All coaches will conduct themselves in accordance with the NLDS "Coaching Code".
  5. All parents will conduct themselves in accordance with the NLDS "Parents Code".
  6. Any coach reported abusing umpires will receive a verbal and written warning. A second occurrence will result in being called before a committee to explain why their coaching privilege should not be revoked at that time. The committee will be representative of the executive, and holds all discretion in disciplining coaches.
  7. All coaches found not to be following NLDS "Playing Rules" will be disciplined as follows: First offence, a written warning, second offence, a written warning, third offence, a suspension for the reminder of the season at the sole discretion of the Executive disciplinary committee.
  8. Rained out games are to be cancelled by the home team coach as soon as possible, notifying the Umpire in Chief, the visiting team, and the Division Coordinator. When weather is tentative, game cancellation is done at the field by the umpire. All attempts to cancel any game should be made in as much time as possible, as NLDS still pays umpires who show up at the field.
  9. Forty-eight (48) hours notice prior to the game will be required to cancel a game for reasons other than weather. Unless such notice is given, the game must be played as scheduled. A team unable to field a team will forfeit the game. Weekly events such as Brownies, Gymnastics, Choir etc. won't be accepted as reasons for cancellation. Only activities such as school plays or outings will be accepted. Cancelled games must be reported to both the Umpire in Chief and the Divisions Coordinator. Games are to be re-scheduled by the Division Coordinator on the next available open field time.

Miscellaneous

Equipment and Uniforms

Every coach will be assigned their team's equipment and uniforms at the start of the year by the Equipment Manager, and will be responsible for the care and maintenance of these during the season. Before returning the equipment, please clean the equipment and bag properly. All jerseys and shorts are to be washed and on hangers when returned,. Socks and hats/visors are to be kept by the player.

Raffle Tickets

Each child will be given raffle tickets to sell. This is an important fund-raiser for the association. All tickets and monies must be returned o the division coordinators no later then June 1st.

Codes of Conduct

Fair Play Code

  • Integrity, fairness, and respect – these are the principles of fair play. With them the spirit of competition thrives, fuelled by honest rivalry, courteous relations, and graceful acceptance of the results. A fair play coach believes and teaches that sport is an ethical pursuit, which builds character and shapes attitudes. As a coach, your fair play aim should be able to:
  • Help your athlete develop a positive self-image.
  • Promote respect for the rules, officials, and their decisions, and opportunities.
  • Encourage a constructive attitude toward competition.
  • Develop a sense of dignity under all circumstances.
  • Provide an equal opportunity for all to learn skills.
  • Encourage these individuals to continue participation in sport.

You are one of the most influential people in a child's life. Your job is not only to teach how to hit a ball, but also to teach how to win and lose graciously. You must also remind them that sport is meant to be fun. The athletic skills these young people learn from you may be only used for a few years The attitudes they develop toward themselves and others will last a lifetime.

North Langley Diamond Sports endorse the Fair Play Codes and consider this an important part of our softball program.

Parent's Code

  1. Do not force an unwilling child participate in sports.
  2. Remember, children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, not yours.
  3. Encourage your child to always play by the rules.
  4. Teach your child that an honest effort is as important as victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
  5. Turn defeat into victory by helping your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
  6. Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team.
  7. Do not question the official's judgment and never their honesty.
  8. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sporting activities.
  9. Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child.

Remember…..Where does a child learn to be a "good sport"? At home. By the time a child puts on a glove or joins a team, a sense of sportsmanship (o lack thereof) is already well established.

Official's Code

  1. Modify rules and regulations to match the skill level of the players.
  2. Use common sense to ensure that the spirit of the game for children is not lost by over calling the game.
  3. Actions speak louder than words. Ensure that both on and off the fields your behaviour is consistent with the principals of good sportsmanship.
  4. Compliment both teams on their good plays whenever such praise is deserved.
  5. Be consistent, objective, and courteous in calling all infractions.
  6. Condemn the deliberate good foul as being unsportsmanlike, thus retaining respect for fair play.
  7. Publicly encourage rule changes which will reinforce the principals of participation for fun and enjoyment.
  8. Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound officiating principles and the principles of growth and development of children.

Spectator's Code

  1. Remember that children play organized sports for their own fun. They are not there to entertain you, and they are not miniature pro athletes.
  2. Be on your best behavior. Don't use profane language or harass players, coaches, or officials.
  3. Applaud good plays by your own team and the visiting team.
  4. Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them there would be no game.
  5. Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during a competition.
  6. Condemn the use of violence in all forms.
  7. Respect the official's decisions.
  8. Encourage players always to play according to the rules.

Player's Code

  1. Play for the "fun of it", not just to please your parents or coach.
  2. Play by the rules.
  3. Never argue with official's decisions. Let your coach ask any necessary questions.
  4. Control your temper – no "mouthing off", throwing bats, or other equipment.
  5. Work equally hard for yourself and your team – your team's performance will benefit and so will your own.
  6. Be a good sport. Cheer all good plays, whether your team's or your opponent's.
  7. Treat all players as you yourself would like to be treated. Don't interfere with, bully, or take unfair advantage of any player.
  8. Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills, and feel good.
  9. Cooperate with your coach, team mates, and opponents for without them you don't have a game.

Coach's Code

  1. Be responsible in your demands on the young player's time, energy and

enthusiasm. Remember that they have other interests.

  1. Teach your players that the rules of the game are mutual agreements which no one should evade or break.
  2. Avoid confrontations with officials, opposing coaches, players and parents.
  3. Avoid over-playing the talented players at the cost of the other players. The "just average" players need and deserve equal time.
  4. Remember that children play for the fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it. Never ridicule or yell at the players for making mistakes or losing a competition.
  5. Ensure that the equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players.
  6. The scheduling and length of practice times and games should take into consideration the maturity level of the players.
  7. Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgement of officials and opposing coaches.
  8. Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to play again.

Remember…. Children need a coach they can respect. Be generous with your praise when it is deserved and set a good example.

Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and principles of growth and development of children. The successful coach invests more in the well-being and interests of the players than their win/loss record.

Team Parent

The team parent should prepare a schedule for each game outlining the various duties of the parents (ie scorekeeping, field prep). Younger divisions would need help dressing the catcher, dugout control, pitching machine operator/parent pitcher, snacks etc.

Games

Pre-Game Schedule:

Make sure that you are organized on game day:

  1. Ensure that your line-up is ready before arriving at the park.
  2. Ensure that you or the Team Parent has arranged volunteers for scorekeeping and field prep.
  3. If you are home team, ensure that someone is at the field 30 minutes before game time to do the field prep.
  4. Ensure that the equipment is organized and readily accessible.
  5. Examine field for potential dangers.
  6. Hang batting and position rosters in the dugout.
  7. Ensure that there is a parent to organize the players in each inning for their batting order.
  8. Give line-up to the scorekeeper – copies to the opposing team and umpires.

Post-Game Schedule:

  1. Team cheer. Shake hands with opposing team.
  2. Assign one girl to thank the umpires for their time by shaking their hand.
  3. Umpires to sign score sheet.
  4. Post game discussion about the game, and announcements of upcoming games and practices.
  5. Players, coaches, and parents to put away equipment (bases, equipment bag etc.).
  6. Clean up dugout and field of any litter.
  7. Check field for any left over equipment.
  8. Ensure equipment is safely locked.
  9. Playing field must be raked after the game
  10. Make sure all players have departed for home before the coaches leave.
  11. Home team coach calls or emails in scores to their Division Coordinator. Coordinators in the U12, U14 and U16U19 divisions are responsible for keeping track of the standings. The standings are either posted in the lock box at the home field or emailed to the coaches on a regular basis. Remember, if you don't get the scores to the coordinators they can not update the standings.

Practices

Establish a regular practice schedule conducive to standards acceptable within the division, at least one per week. The frequency and length of the practices should be based o the needs of players, interest of players, parental involvement, player effort and attention. Try to choose a location central to the residence of the players on the team.

Clarify expectations of parents concerning practices i.e. player attendance, player effort, and attention, and parental involvement. A "work station" approach is recommended in order to keep the players active at all times. Practices should maximize time, parental help, and player interest. Fields for practices cannot be booked….it is first come, first serve.

Rain Outs

For days that it is obvious that the game will be called off, contact the Umpire in Chief (UIC) to cancel the umpire for your game and contact your Division Coordinator to reschedule the game. (Failure to contact the UIC will result in the umpire showing up at a field where there is no game and the league will have topay for the umpire for that game.) Rained out games should be rescheduled by your Division Coordinator for the second week after the missed game.

On questionable days, games will be called at the field by the coaching staff and the umpire. For rescheduling games, contact the Division Coordinator.