Woburn Men's Softball

Each coach is required to know these rules at all times.  Time and time again teams are unaware of some of the rules.  These are the ground rules managers and umpires need to discuss before starting the game.  This is where you protest or question anything you feel is unjust.

Ground Rules:  Managers and umpires are encouraged to discuss these rules prior to the start.  This will prevent any conflicts during the contest.

ASA point of emphasis this year:  No defensive player is allowed to block a base without possession of the ball.  Even if the ball is on the way, until the defensive player has possession of the ball, they MUST allow access to the bag.  If this obstruction occurs, the umpire will award the runner whatever base he feels the runner should be entitled to.

Dead Ball Rule:  (Each field has its own set of boundaries)

     Library 1:  (Right Field Out of Bounds) is an imaginary line connecting the backstop to each light pole.

                     (Left Field Out of Bounds) is an imaginary line connecting the backstop to each light pole.

    Library 2:  (Right Field Out of Bounds) is an imaginary line connecting the backstop to the light pole.  After the light pole (at a 90 degree angle) it is live territory.  Players cannot throw the ball inside of the light pole if their momentum carries them behind it.

                     (Left Field Out of Bounds) is an imaginary line connecting the backstop to the light poles. 

***If a live ball crosses any of these lines, a 2 base award to all base runners will be given by the umpire.  The award is based on last base touched.

*** Dead Ball Catch:  is when a fielder has successfully caught a live ball and then carries it beyond the field of play.  If caught in the air in live territory an out is recorded and all base runners may advance one base if less than two outs (tagging up is still required by rule).  If it is a ground ball carried into dead ball territory, all base runners are awarded one base past last base touched.

Ground Rule Triple:  (Field one only) is when a live ball bounces over or rolls under/through any portion of the fence that is in play.

Mercy Rule:  is when a team is more than 12 runs ahead after seven innings. Home teams are entitled to last at bat.

Grace Period:  15 minutes grace period will be given to the early game only. 

*** even if the grace period is used, no inning will be allowed to begin after 7:20.  If it is only a 5 inning game, tough luck.

*** no inning will begin within 10 minutes of the start time of the next game.  IF a game carries past the allotted start time, please adjust the last inning start time, from the time of the 1st pitch.

Ejection Rule:  is a 2 game suspension minimum, depending on the severity of the situation for any player ejected during a game.

Reasons for ejection:  any verbal or physical abuse of game officials, fighting with the other team, alcohol on the benches, using a banned bat (a list is posted on the WML site as well as asaboston-alfonse.net).

 *** any player who is ejected is to be substituted for or is an out each time their turn to bat is up.

Injury Rule:  if a player is injured and no longer can play the rest of the game, he can either be substituted for or is simply taken out of the line-up with no penalty.

Contact Information:  League phone:  781-933-3358

League Web site:  www.woburnmenssoftball.com