MCIRA MEN'S, COED & WOMEN'S SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL

RULES AND REGULATIONS

GENERAL REGULATIONS

1.1 All participating companies should be current MCIRA members.

1.2 MCIRA member companies can only combine teams if:

a. Neither MCIRA member company has men's/women's/coed team already participating in the league.

b. A maximum of 2 MCIRA companies can only combine to make a team.

1. Separate rosters are required.

2. Each company’s personnel dept. or MCIRA Rep must sign each roster.

1.3 Rosters are required.

a. At any time during the course of the season, a team may add or delete from their roster, as long as that change is in writing (Participant Waiver Form) and into the MCIRA office prior to the next scheduled game. (ALSO SEE RULE 2.3)

b. An authorized signature from your personnel dept. or MCIRA Rep. is required.

c. In situations where a company has more than one team in the men's or women's MCIRA league, the players

are bound to the roster of the team their name first appears on during league play.

1.4 A participant waiver must be on file in the MCIRA office for and individual to be eligible to play.

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

2.1 Employees must be continuously employed by the MCIRA member company for the complete softball

season (including any playoffs) for a minimum of 20 hours per week.

2.2 The minimum age requirement to participate in MCIRA Softball is 18 yrs. of age.

2.3 In order for a player to be eligible for the playoffs, he/she must actively participate in at least 3 regular season games.

2.4 Men are eligible to play in both the men's league and coed league. Women are eligible to play in both the women's league and coed league.

2.5 INELIGIBLE PLAYERS

a. Once a name is deleted from a roster, he/she is ineligible to return.

b. No "Contractors" or "Suppliers" in any company are eligible to compete in any league games.

This includes any MCIRA league suspended players.

c. Any player who, during the course of the season, is no longer employed by the company

(I.e. - permanent layoff; termination).

d. If a team were found guilty of using an ineligible player(s), that team would thus forfeit that particular game. That team would also lose all rights for any playoffs and/or divisional trophies.

e. A player who fails to comply with the MCIRA participant waiver requirements.

f. In the event of any player(s) in violation of MCIRA Rule 10.10 A through D he/she shall thus become an

ineligible player. NOTE: In order for MCIRA Softball to survive, it is of the utmost importance that good

sportsmanship prevail. When one team has a catcher's mask, chest protector, strike zone mat, or bases, it is

incumbent on the team to share equipment in the name of sportsmanship.

f. Prior to the start of the game, both team managers shall inform each other and the umpire of any player(s) (this includes late arrivals) in violation of MCIRA Rule 10.9 B. The opposing team(s) manager shall decide on whether these individuals are Eligible/ineligible to play. (Also see Rule 10.5) .

FORFEITS

3.1 Drinking of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES either prior to, during, or after any league game is illegal.

MCIRA umpires shall forfeit game. Coaches, managers, players and spectators are included.

Also see directive and Regulation 4.1

3.2 It will be the discretion of the MCIRA office if a forfeit will be awarded concerning:

a. Failure to reschedule past games. (MCIRA office will investigate.)

b. Failure of team to attend scheduled games.

c. See MCIRA Regulations concerning eligible/ineligible player.

PROTEST

4.1 In order to file a legal protest, the notification of intent to protest must be made immediately before the next pitch to the plate umpire. The umpire shall in turn notify the opposing manager and official scorekeeper. NOTE: All interested parties shall take notice of the conditions surrounding the making of the protest that will aid in the correct determination of the issue. The next step would be to SUBMIT IN WRITING within 48 hours of the dispute, please send to: MCIRA Softball Protest Committee, MCIRA, Inc., 1007 State Rt. 94, Blairstown, NJ 07825

A protest will only be accepted in writing. All protests must be accompanied with a $25.00 protest fee. The protest fee is non-refundable. All protests during the playoffs must be submitted to the Protest Committee 24 hours after the dispute. NOTE: A condition, which must be met prior to any protest regarding the violation of the ALCOHOL DIRECTIVE, is that both team managers and the umpire present attempt to resolve the situation in a logical manner. If this condition is not met, the protest will not be accepted. No Calls will be taken by the MCIRA office regarding a protest

The formal written protest should contain the following information:

a. The date, time, and place of the game.

b. The names of the umpires and scorers.

c. The rule and section of the Official Rules or MCIRA Rules & Regulations under which the protest is made.

d. The decision and conditions surrounding the making of the protest.

e. All essential facts involved in the matter protested.

NOTE: VCR tapes are not acceptable unless the League Director feels that it would be helpful in determining player eligibility only.

RAINOUTS/ RAIN MAKE UPS/ REQUIREMENTS TO PLAY GAME.

5.1 All games shall be played as scheduled with the ONLY exception being rainouts.

5.2 When a game is postponed due to rain or for any other unforeseen reason , the make-up date for this rain-out

will AUTOMATICALLY be rescheduled as a double-header for the next time the two teams play. Once

again, the make-up will be for the next time the two team play regardless of any lost home field advantage.

5.3 For late season game rain-outs (last two games of the regular season) postponed, the one week period past

the regular season will be used for replaying those games.

a. IMPORTANT: The one week period past the regular season is also utilized to eliminate a tie(s) within a division. (See League Championship Regulation #7.1 and Playoff Qualifiers #8.6) Thus, any team(s) in playoff contention should reschedule rainouts as soon as possible. Preferably prior to the one week period past the regular season.

5.4 Any situation where a team(s) is in contention for a possible play-off berth and the season is after the 12^th

week of play (men), 10th week of play (coed), 10th week of play (women), the League Director has the right

to intervene and reschedule any outstanding games. If any of the outstanding games involve any team that

chooses not to play the game, the League Director may substitute an opponent that might be impacted by the

outcome of the game. The League Director's decision on this matter will be final & binding for all parties.

5.5 All teams will be required to play during a company strike.

5.6 Teams will be required to play during a plant shutdown, unless proper notification is given with their registration form.

5.7 FIELD PLAYABILITY Condition of playing field (home team). IMPORTANT: The home team manager

shall decide by 2:30 p.m. on the date of the game, as to the playability of the field.

The Morris Township Recreation Dept. and The Morris County Park Commission shall decide as to the

playability of their fields. The home team manager shall immediately notify the MCIRA office (908-362-7005) in

the event of a rain postponement. A phone call to the appropriate Dept. listed below will settle the issue.

Notice Morris Township is not determined until 3:30pm.

MORRIS TOWNSHIP FIELDS (CALL 973-326-7370 press #4 AFTER 3:30 PM)

Butterworth #1, Butterworth #2, Frelinghuysen #1, Frelinghuysen #2, Frelinghuysen D, Ginty #2, Ginty #3, Green, Harter Rd., Hillcrest, Kiwanis, Mennen, Saunders, Twin Oaks, Veterans, Vail, Woodland #1, Woodland #2

MORRIS COUNTY PARK COMMISSION FIELDS (CALL 326-7616 AFTER 2:30)

Concord Road - Hedden Park, Ford St. - Hedden Park, Kitchell Rd. - Loantaka Brook Park, Old Troy, South St. "A" & "B" - Loantaka Brook Park, Doe Meadow, Sugarloaf, Sunrise Lake - Lewis Morris Park, Tourne – Tourne Park .

5.8 In the event a league assigned umpire fails to show and both team captains agree to play (prior to the start of a game), a substitute umpire will be allowed. The game result will be counted

6.1 TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES

Necessary equipment to be supplied by the team (a through h):

a. Bats b. One New Ball – Worth PX44RSA3 Gold dot.

c. Bases (home team) d. Score Keeping e. Catcher's Mask f. Chest Protector (women only)

g. First Aid Kit h. Any additional safety equipment for catchers, baserunners, or fielders

i. Strike Zone Mat (home team) j. ALSO SEE RULE 8.1

6.2 The winning team manager is required to sign the umpire's invoice for proof of score.

6.3 Single games start at 6:05 p.m. Doubleheaders start promptly at 5:30 p.m. (Also see schedule for any special

game times! ) Home team has first practice on field until 5:50 p.m., visiting team then has field practice until

6:05 p.m. (Also see Playoff Regulation 8.2 & 8.3. A 15-minute allowance is made for illegal lineups; (See

MCIRA Rule 10.5)

6.4 It is the responsibility of each team captain to notify his/her team of the rules and regulations that govern league play.

6.5 Standings: Standings are computed on the best win/loss record. Go to MCIRA's web site for updated league standings!

www.MCIRA.com

6.6 Awards: Team trophies to 1st place teams in each division. Team trophies also awarded to the overall playoff champion and overall playoff runner-up. The overall playoff champion in Tournament #1 in the men’s and coed playoffs will receive a maximum of 20 individual awards.

DIVISIONAL TIES:

7.1 The best win/ loss record determines the championship in all divisions during the regular season.

a. In the event of a two way tie for 1st place, the best win/loss record between the tied teams during the regular season will

determine the champion. A split of the regular season games between the tied teams would result in a playoff game.

b. In the event of a three or more way tie for 1st place, a playoff will determine the champion. The method to

determine the bye or common opponents for this playoff is as follows:

1. If each tied team has played an equal amount of games between the tied teams, the team with the most number of wins would receive a bye or top position.

2. If the tied teams have played an unequal amount of games between the tied teams, the team with the best

winning percentage among the tied teams would receive a bye or top position. Example: A 4 win - 0 loss tops

a 3 win - 0 loss team.

3. (As a result of #7.1 b-1) A run average will be used to determine a split of regular season games between tied teams. The method to compute the run average is: a run scored minus runs against divided by the number of games officially played between the tied teams. NOTE: All reported scores of the MCIRA umpires are official and binding

c. In the event of a tie for 2nd or 3rd place (see Playoff Qualifiers) and the tied teams have all clinched a

playoff position, there will be NO playoff games to determine their playoff positions. The method to

determine the tied teams position in the playoffs are as follows:

1. (2 way ties) The tied team with the most number of wins between the tied teams would receive the higher

playoff berth. NOTE: A split of regular season games: go to #2.

2. (3 way ties) A run average will be used to determine playoff positions. (See MCIRA Regulation #7.1-B3)

d. In the event of a 2 way tie that involves the last playoff position (See Playoff Qualifiers), Regulation #7.1a

would determine the playoff qualifier.

e. In the event of a three or more way tie that involves the last playoff position, Regulation 7.1 b-1 would

determine the playoff qualifier. (NO PLAYOFF GAMES)

IMPORTANT: Only if a split of regular season games or an unequal amount of games played among the tied teams would result in playoff games. (See Regulation #7.1-B2 & 7.1-B3 for procedures.)

f. The League Director shall rule on any additional tie breaking possibilities.

Playoff Regulations:

8.1 All playoff teams will be required to supply one new game ball and bases for each playoff game they participate in.

8.2 August playoff games will start at 5:45 p.m.

8.3 September playoff games will start at 5:30 p.m.

8.4 The overall playoff championship will be the best two wins out of three game competition.

8.5 A coin flip will decide on the home/away team in the playoffs. In the best 2 out of 3 game competition, a coin

flip will occur for home/away in game 1 and in game 3, the home/away teams would be the opposite of game

8.6 Playoff Qualifiers: To Be Determined

9.1 All teams will abide by the rules adopted by the International Joint Council, except when MCIRA Rules are

stated. (See Rules 10.1 through 10.15)

9.2 Intentional Collision - In order to prevent injury, when a defensive player has the ball or is about to receive a thrown ball and the runner REMAINS ON HIS/HER FEET, crashes into the defensive player, the runner will be called out. The ball is dead and all runners will return to the last base touched at the time of the collision.

NOTE: If the act is determined to be flagrant, the offender shall be ejected. IMPORTANT: If the umpire calls "OBSTRUCTION" the collision rule would be nullified.

9.3 Prior to the start of a game each team must exchange line-ups. The lineups must have each starting player’s first and last name and the batting order that they will appear. All substitutes must report to the umpire prior to entering the game and to the opposing team’s scorekeeper.

Directive

It is essential that all teams participating in the MCIRA Softball League adhere to the following:

1. Alcoholic Beverages will not be permitted on or near the playing field by players, Coaches,

Managers, or any MCIRA member.

2. Rowdyism or unsportsmanlike conduct will not be permitted.

3. Please note that the League does not provide any Accident/Health Insurance.

PAGE 5

SPECIAL MCIRA GAME RULES

10.1 The arc of the pitch will be 6 feet from the ground to unlimited arc. Pitched balls that are not the minimum of 6 feet from the ground (umpire's judgement) will be called an illegal pitch.

10.2 The base paths (home plate to 1st base, 1st base to 2nd base, 2nd base to 3rd base, 3^rd base to home plate) are 60 feet.

10.3 A foul ball on a third strike is an out.

10.4 A 15 run rule will be in effect for all games after an official game.

10.5 A team may not start or continue a game with less then 9-roster/eligible players, forfeit otherwise.

A. In Coed softball only, the ratio of men and women for these 9 eligible players will be a minimum of

5 men and 4 women or a minimum of 4 men and 5 women. A team may add a 10th player to the game but

only prior to the first batter batting a second time.

B. (Coed softball only)

If a Coed team does not have the minimum of 4 women or 4 men, that team will be permitted to play the

game with only 3 female/male players, but in the accordance with the terms listed in 10.5 item C

(Less than 3 of either sex forfeit).

C. Penalty for not meeting the minimum of 4 women or 4 men ratio.

1. The penalty for a team playing a game with only 3 women/men will be that team must take an out in the

batting order every time that missing person comes to bat.

2. The missing person must be placed first in the batting order.

3. Your team will also not be permitted extra players' (10.6) under these circumstances.

4. Defensively you may only use nine players in the field.

10.6 Teams will be allowed to employ up to a maximum of 16 batters ("EXTRA PLAYERS") in the line-up. Adding extra batters to the line-up is optional. To employ a "EXTRA PLAYER (S)" into the line up, your team must do so at the start of the game.

A. (Coed League only)

Teams who employ "EXTRA PLAYERS" into the line up must keep a proper ratio of women/male players

in the line-up. Up to 12 batters in the line-up the minimum number of male/female players is 4 of any one

Sex. The 13 and 16 players in the line-up must be female.

B. If a team would employ 10 players through 16 players into the line up and only if someone gets injured:

CRITERIA #1: If all substitutes have been used and declared ineligible an ineligible player can then

re-enter the game for the injured player.

CRITERIA #2: If your team started the game playing with 10 players through 16 players and there were

no substitutes available (everyone available is in the line up),and if ONLY SOMEONE GETS INJURED,

your team may drop the injured player from the line up and continue the game. The minimum number of

players to continue a game are 9 players.

C. (NON-INJURED PLAYER) If a team would employee 10 players through 16 players into the line up and there were no substitutes available, and a player had to leave the game (non-injury), a team could continue to play with 1 less player. If this player would leave the game due to non-injury the consequences for his/her team would be:

1. If the player leaving the game is a runner, he/she shall be declared out.

2. When the player who has left the game is scheduled to bat, an out shall be declared for each turn at bat.

3. The player who has left the game cannot return to the line up.

PAGE 6 MCIRA Rules continued

10.7 RE-ENTRY. Also see MCIRA rule 10.5. & 10.6

Any of the starting players, including the EP, may be substituted and re-entered once, provided players occupy the same batting positions whenever in the line-up. The starting player and the substitute(s) may not be in lineup at the same time. If a manager removes a substitute from the game and re-enters the same substitute later in the game, this is considered an illegal re-entry.

A violation of the re-entry rule is handled as a protest when brought to the attention of the umpire by the offended team and may be made anytime during the game. The protest need not be made prior to the next pitch. The illegal player is ejected. All play that occurred while the illegal re-entry was in the game will stand.

A starting player removed from the pitching position by the umpire and substituted for can re-enter the game at another position, but cannot return to the pitching position. Effect: If an illegal pitcher returns to the pitching position and has thrown one pitch he is ejected from the game.

10.8 A courtesy runner will be allowed. However, the runner must be the person who made the last out in the inning.

10.9 The pitching distance will be 50 feet for all men's & Coed teams, 46 feet for all women's teams.

10.10 MCIRA Uniform Requirements

A. All teams are allowed to wear short pants. Men’s team are not allowed to wear GYM SHORTS.

B. All teams are required to wear company game shirts. NOTE: There is a two week grace period for teams who

have uniforms on order.

C. Metal spikes are not allowed.

D. All team catchers are required to wear a face mask. Women's team catchers are also required to wear chest

protectors. Any additional safety equipment for catchers, baserunners, or fielders is legal.

10.11 A Strike Zone Mat (SZM) will be required for all games. Any pitched ball landing on this SZM or landing on home plate will be declared a strike by the umpire. Catchers should NOT attempt to catch a pitched ball before the ball first hits the ground. A pitched ball caught by the catcher will be declared an automatic ball in the count unless the batter swings at this pitched ball.

10.12 (Playoffs only) All games will be a complete 7 inning game unless MCIRA Rule 10.4 is enforced. A game suspended for darkness, rain, etc., whether a regulation game or prior to a regulation game, will be continued from the point of suspension. The batting order will continue from the point of suspension. See MCIRA Rule #10.6 for substitute players. The makeup date will be scheduled by the League Director and remain binding

Special COED Rules 10.13 , 10.14 , 10.15

10.13 Batting Order: No more than 3 men can bat in a row.

10.14 Batting: On any walk to a male batter (intentional or not), and if the next batter is a female, this female batter has her choice of also walking or hitting. The female batter only has this choice up until the first pitch is delivered to the next batter. This rule may only be utilized 1 (one) time per inning.

10.15 Fielding:

A. The pitcher and catcher must be of opposite sex.

B. There must be at all times a minimum of 4 women in the field, unless rule 10.5B&C is enforced. There are no requirements on where the women play defensively other than the pitcher and catcher must be of opposite sex.