1. Game time is 6:15pm
   Your team should be there with enough time to warm up and to set up the field if you are the home team. The umpire has the option at the beginning of the game to limit it to five innings if the game begins after 6:30pm.
   
   
2. NO drinking
   No drinking alcohol during games. No drinking at the tournament until all games are finished.
   
   
3. Home Team
   The home team is responsible for bringing the bases, a new game ball, and paying the umpire.
   
   
4. Paying the Umpire
   The home team should have the money ready to present to the umpire before the game begins.
   
   
5. Fast-pitch Rules
   The league abides by fast-pitch rules but with a modified fast-pitch. Each team should play with ten players (a minimum of nine unless discussed with the other team).
   
   
6. Pitching Rule
   See 1985 ASA rule. If there are any questions, the pitching rule should be discussed with the other team before the game begins.
   
   
7. Pinch Runner
   A pinch runner can be used only in case of injury to a player. This rule should be enforced and we should be able to use good judgment and good sports ethics on this and not abuse the privilege.
   -- Be sure to tell the scorekeeper of the other team.
   -- If you find that you need a pinch runner, the team rep should tell the other team's rep and the umpire at the beginning of the game.
   -- The pinch runner should not be a player that is in the game (unless you don't have enough players).
   -- The umpire is to make a line where the runner should stand (to the right of the umpire at a safe distance of four or five feet). If the runner goes beyond this line before the ball is hit, the umpire can call the runner out.
   -- There is no bunting or drop-3rd strike when you have a pinch runner.
   
   
8. Sliding
   Be careful about sliding. If you are not sure how to do it properly, then don't try it. In the past it has caused injury to the person sliding as well as the person on the base. The base player should also be aware of where she should be standing.
   
   
9. Infield Fly Rule
   Infield fly rules will be enforced. Be sure that all players understand this rule. The rule prevents infielders from purposely dropping a fly-ball ball and then completing a double play. If the umpire calls the infield fly rule, the batter is out. The ball is not dead, so runners can advance.
   
   The conditions for the rule are:
   -- Less than two outs
   -- Runners on first and second or bases loaded
   -- An easily catchable pop fly hit to the infield
   
   
10. Game Balls
    The home team is responsible for providing a new, unused ball at the start of the game. Red dot balls should be used.
    
    
11. Equipment
    Shoes must be worn during a game if you are playing. Catchers must wear a mask. Other required equipment is a glove. Clothes must be worn on all plying fields at all times.
    
    
12. Calling for the Ball
    The habit of calling for the ball is important for each player to know and put into practice. Players not calling for the ball caused many unnecessary injuries in previous years.
    
    
13. Number of Players
    If your team is short a player or two, try to call the other team before the game to see if they are willing to play with less than nine players.
    
    
14. Directions to Fields
    The home team should either call or send directions to the other team as to the location of their Home Field a few days before the game. Please send this information out early.
    
    
15. Attitude
    Watch your attitude. Softball is not a contact sport! Don't heckle the other team ("She can't hit," etc.). Sometimes teasing your friends can make them nervous while they are at bat. Be encouraging.
    
    
16. Blowouts
    If a team has over ten runs and the other team has none, the winning team should have gracious sensitivity toward the losing team. Don't be condescending, etc. Consider a change of strategy: change players around, don't steal, etc.
    
    
17. Pitching
    If the pitch is too fast, the team rep or an individual player should speak to the umpire about it; she will then ask the other team to slow the pitch down. Be reasonable. The umpire can call a "no pitch" if the pitcher still throws too fast.
    
    
18. Make-up Games
    If you schedule a make-up game with another team, follow up on it.
    
    
19. Scorekeepers
    Scorekeepers deserve respect, too. Beginnings of games are sometimes hectic, but we should not be rude to the scorekeepers (or to anyone else).
    
    
20. Dogs
    Dogs are allowed on reasonably short leashes on the Sheldon, Jackson Street, Leeds, and Ryan Road School fields. If you bring them to other fields, make sure they are in control and on a leash.
    
    
21. Field Use
    -- All teams are responsible for cleaning up their area after each game or practice, especially if using the Northampton fields. Please clean up bottles, cans, papers, etc. If possible, use a butt can for cigarettes. Clean up after your dog.
    
    -- Use the correct field in Northampton. (Sheldon 2 = near plowed field; Sheldon 3 = airport end of road)
    
    -- If your game is cancelled for reasons other than rain and you have a field reserved at Sheldon, call Mary V. (587-1241) or the Rec Dept. (587-1040). Letting one or both of these parties know that a reservation for a field has been cancelled is very important.
    
    
22. Spectators and Fans
    Spectators are welcome, but they should not interfere with the game.

Any behavior that interferes with the spirit or progress of the game, including but not limited to, abusive statements, unsportswomyn-like comments or endangering behavior. These actions will elicit a warning from the umpire to the team reps. The second violation will result in a forfeit by the offending team.