Rules

Rules for the 2024 season

Section 1 – Slo-pitch National

Section 2 – Team and Player Eligibility

Section 3 – Division Structure

Section 4 – Scheduling

Section 5 – Game Length

Section 6 – Game Commencement

Section 7 – Game Cancellation

Section 8 – Official Score

Section 9 – Standings

Section 10 – Ties for Positioning

Section 11 – Playoff Eligibility

Section 12 – Home Team Responsibilities

Section 13 – Protests

Section 14 – Unacceptable Behavior

Section 15 – Suspensions/Fines

Section 16 – League, Tournament and Playoff games

Section 1 – Slo-pitch National

  1. The Riverway Slo-pitch League will be affiliated with Slo-Pitch National for the purpose of obtaining all updated information on the sport of Slo-Pitch and to allow any of our teams to participate in the Provincial and National Slo-Pitch tournaments
  2. Slo-Pitch National Rulebook (latest edition) will be used by the League and will hold authority over all situations with the exception of Riverway Slo-pitch League specific “Game Rules”.

Section 2 – Team and Player Eligibility

  1. To be eligible to play on a sanctioned team, a player must meet the following requirements
    1. All players must be at least 18 years of age.
    2. Exception: Seniors league players must be 50 years old in the current calendar year.
    3. Players must be registered and have played in at least 8 league games with 1 team to be qualified to play in the Playoffs.
    4. Players can only play for one team in the league with the following exception: Teams may “borrow” up to two (2) players from another team in our league if they do not have enough players to field a team. Teams MUST play their entire bench BEFORE using a borrowed player i.e. if there is a female on the bench, a male could not be borrowed. Teams may only “borrow” from their own division and any division lower with the exception of the lowest division which can borrow from (1) division higher. There will be NO spare list.
    5. Scorebooks and lineup cards provided by the league are for Riverway use only, and subject to inspection, by any executive member.
    6. Lineup cards are to be completed with the first and last names of the player and must be submitted to the umpire at the start of the game.
  2. A City of Burnaby roster form must be completed by each team and returned to the exec no later than the Spring AGM to the new season.
  3. A team’s SPN roster must be completed online, prior to the start of the season.
  4. Players can only be listed on one (1) team’s roster.
  5. Inclusion of an individual’s name on the roster is an indication that the individual is aware of the contents of the Constitution and Bylaws, and will abide by its rules, regulations, and intent.
  6. Individual players are eligible to spare for another team as long as their name is on the team roster and the team in question has insufficient players to field a team.
  7. Teams may add and delete players on the official SPN Roster up to July 1, but the league executive must be advised in writing.
  8.  Players may transfer (once during the season) from one team to another provided that the team the player wishes to transfer to has space on their SPN roster. The Executive must be notified of this transfer. Failure to do so will nullify the transfer.
  9. All teams are required to supply 2 volunteers, to work at one of 4 tournaments throughout the year. This is to be coordinated with the Events Coordinator. If a scheduling request has not been made by the Spring AGM, the date and times will be assigned. Failure to complete your assigned time will result in a fine of 50.00

Section 3 – Division Structure

  1. The Riverway Slo-pitch League will provide an opportunity for its members to participate in different divisions of play.
  2. The divisions will be created with every effort to maintain harmony and fairness to all members. Based on the final standings from League play in the previous year, each New Year may see the top teams of each division compete in the next highest division and the bottom teams of a division compete in the next lowest division.
  3. Any team can request to be placed in a particular division with the Executive making the eventual decision.
  4. Divisions may be affected by the number and caliber of new teams joining the League.
  5. The Executive reserves the right to change any team’s placement.

Section 4 – Scheduling

  1. Every effort will be made to meet the requirements of each team. The assignments of diamonds, dates and times will be as fair and as equitable as possible.
  2. Playoff schedules will be handled in the same manner.
  3. If any team has conflicts that the Executive should be aware of, that team must make this known in writing by January prior to season start. The league cannot guarantee that all conflicts will be dealt with to the satisfaction of the team.

Section 5 – Game Length

  1. Game length is a maximum of 7 innings. At 60 minutes, time will be called, you will finish current inning plus 1 open inning. If the game is tied after time expires, the score stands as a tie for league and round robin games. All knockout games will go to international tie breaking rules.
  2. If due to rain, darkness, time limit, or other reasons as determined by the umpire(s), the game is called before seven innings, but after five (5) completed innings (or 4 ½ innings if the home team is ahead), the score at the end of the last complete inning will be used.
  3. Games that are called before time is used up and NOT meeting the criteria in Section 5.2 will be rescheduled.
  4. In 2024, the league has moved to a 1:1.5 count for all games. Batters will start with a 1 ball and 1 strike count. Should a batter hit a foul ball/tip with 2 strikes, they will receive two and a half strikes and will be allowed to continue their at bat. A foul ball hit with two and a half strikes will be an out.

Section 6 – Game Commencement

  1. League games will start at 6:25 PM and 7:40 PM.
  2. Games on Saturdays and Sundays (for tournaments and the co-ed weekend play) will start at the time designated on the schedule.

Section 7 – Game cancellation

  1. Teams will be informed about canceled games by 4 PM on game day. Coaches to check website.
  2. Games to be rescheduled for Rainouts. If there is inclement weather on game day it must be assumed that there is still the possibility of play. Unless the Executive has informed the coach, everyone should show ready to play. If, at game time or during the game, the umpires feel play is unsafe, the game is called and is subject to the ruling in Section 5.2
  3. Games that were cancelled by a team coach with at least 48 hours’ notice, and the opposing coach is willing to reschedule, all attempts will be made to reschedule the game. Otherwise the game is a forfeit with a 7-0 win. No fine is applied.
  4. Any game canceled within 48 hours will NOT be rescheduled. AND it shall be recorded as a forfeit, except a rainout, and the game will be subject to a fine. Opposing team may apply for a credit on the missed game via E-mail.
  5. All efforts will be made to reschedule the games at the earliest available date.

Section 8 – Official Score

  1. In all games, each team is required to supply the opposing team and the umpire a copy of the lineup card, complete with the full names and (positions or numbers) of all the players.
  2. Scorekeepers are encouraged to verify scores during the game.
  3. In the event of discrepancies which cannot be resolved at the game site, the Home Team’s score sheet shall be considered official.
  4. It is the HOME team’s responsibility to enter the score on the website.

Section 9 – Website Standings

  1. The standings on the Website will be sorted by, Points, Games won, Games lost, Games tied, Runs against and Runs for. These are not the official standings.
  2. Coaches are required to enter their scores within 24 hours of the completion of the game.

Section 10 – Ties for Positioning

  1. In case of a points tie for positioning at the end of the regular season or a tournament. The following will be considered, in order listed, to break the tie.  Total points,  most games won, least games lost, most games tied, head to head wins.
  2. If Still tied Least runs against, Most runs for,
  3. If still tied, Highest run differential between the teams, with the highest differential taking ( runs for minus runs against = differential)
  4. If still tied the Executive will hold a coin toss.

Section 11 – Playoff Eligibility

  1. See section 2, item 1.c
  2. The executive has the final approval on picking up players for teams that have extenuating circumstances. Team representatives must advise the executive in writing prior to playoffs.

Section 12 – Home Team Responsibilities

  1. Pre-game diamond preparation will include, supplying and securing the bases, raking and leveling the base areas, setting up field markers, establishing the 20’ commitment and foul line markers.
  2. NEW and USED game balls must be supplied by the home team and must be of the type supplied by the League.
  3. Post-game cleanup of the diamond area. Make sure any league equipment and or property have returned to the PROPER lockboxes and the box secured. Any garbage should be removed from the diamond and dugout areas.
  4. If the home team fails to store the league equipment and the result is the loss of the equipment, the team will be responsible to the league for the replacement of the lost equipment.

Section 13 – Protests

  1. Protests will not be accepted or considered when concerning judgment calls of the umpire.
  2. Tournament Protests as to the official rules of play shall be dealt with immediately (before the next pitch) by the umpires.
  3. Official league game protests – the umpires MUST be notified that the game is being played under protest and the protest must be submitted, within seventy-two (72) hours and in writing, to the Vice-President accompanied by a one hundred and fifty ($150) dollar fee. The fee will be returned if the protest is upheld.
  4. Protest resolution procedures:
    1. Within twenty-four (24) hours of an Executive committee member being made aware of a protest, the President shall be informed. The President will, within 48 hours, arrange a committee of three team representatives, none of who will be on the teams involved in the protest.
    2. The committee will be responsible for obtaining all the factual information regarding the protest
    3. Within ten (10) days of being assigned that task, the committee will gather information, make their decision and forward the package on to the President in writing.
    4. The President will deliver his/her binding decision to the parties involved.
    5. The protest committee is an ad hoc committee and may vary with each new protest.

Section 14 – Unacceptable Behavior

  1. A physical strike by any member of the Riverway Slo-pitch League as a result of league activities shall result in the suspension of that member for a period of three (3) to five (5) years from the date of the incident. Following the suspension, re-admission may only be granted through a general meeting vote with a majority league affirmative vote.
  2. Any member, who threatens to strike someone as a result of league activities, will be suspended for the balance of the season including the year-end tournament. Following a suspension, re-admission may only be granted through a general meeting vote with a majority league affirmative vote.
  3. Verbal abuse or general threat will result in a penalty ranging from a warning to a one-year suspension, depending on the extent, the severity, and the nature of the abuse.
  4. Drunken players, at the umpire’s discretion, shall be ejected from the game and/or park
  5. Any team member, person, or fan consuming alcoholic beverages at a league sanctioned event which was NOT purchased and consumed in a league-authorized beer garden, will result in a minimum $600 fine to the Team, or the team will be ejected from the league.
  6. Managers/coaches are expected to promote sportsmanlike behavior within our leagues and slo-pitch in general. Failure to do so may result in the Manger/coach and the entire team placed on probation or expelled from the league.
  7. Resolution procedures:
    1. The plaintiff should report unsportsmanlike conduct, verbally to any member of the executive. This is to be followed by a written report to the President before any action will be taken. Such reports should be fully documented and signed by the game umpire, if applicable. Reports must be submitted within seventy-two (72) hours of the infraction.
    2. Riverway Slopitch League disciplinary committee will be struck to discuss each report. The Plaintiff and the Accused may be invited to attend and give their side of the story. In their absence, the Executive will rule on the matter. The committee will be made up of 2 executive members, 4 players or coaches from 4 different teams to be determined by the executive and 1 umpire.
    3. The Riverway Slopitch League Disciplinary Committee decision will not be put to a general league meeting.
    4. Any member of the Riverway Slopitch League who feels they have been unjustly penalized may appeal the decision, in writing, to the President, within 48 hours of his notification. After reviewing the situation, the President’s decision will be final.

Section 15 – Suspensions/Fines

  1. Fines
  2. Failure to have a team representative at an AGM Function – $50.00
  3. No Show at a game ( less than 9 people at the diamond at game time ) – $50.00
  4. Game cancelation within 48 hours – $50.00
  5. Any Drinking offense – $600.00
  6.  Riverway Slopitch League reserves the right to withdraw the membership of any team or individual who is determined to be acting contrary to the best interests of the game of slo-pitch and/or the Riverway Slopitch League
  7.  Upon request, Riverway Slopitch League will consider enforcing suspensions imposed by other sporting organizations and all such suspensions shall be dealt with through the Riverway Slopitch League Disciplinary Committee.

Section 16 – League, Tournament and Playoff games

  1. League Play
    1. Run Limit
      1. There will be a Catch up +5 run rules applied to all divisions, with the last inning being open.
      2. Exceptions: Seniors are 5 runs max per inning, with the last inning open
    2. Time Limit
      1. All games will have a time limit. At 60 Minutes, the umpire will call time. You will finish your current inning plus 1 open inning.
    3. Bat Rule
      1. Official SPN bate rule to be followed.
    4. Courtesy runners
      1. SPN Rule book applies.
      2. Exception: Seniors have unlimited runners. The same runner can only run once per inning.
    5. Ground Rules
      1. Diamond 1&2 – Balls hit into the trees in air HR. Into the trees on the ground is a triple
      2. Diamond 5 – If a fair batted ball touches a tree or its branches prior to being played, the ball will be called DEAD and the batter/base-runner will be awarded a ground-rule double.  If the ball is in foul territory, the ball will be DEAD and a strike will be called on the batter-base runner
      3. Diamond 6 – Left Field – Balls hit in the trees in the air is home run, on the ground is ground-rule double
    6. Riverway 9 Rule 
      1. A Coed team may start with 9 players and the 10th player can be added when they show up. An auto-out is recorded in the batting position.
      2. They CAN NOT play with 9 and NO Auto Out
      3. COED must always have a minimum of 10 people in the batting order.
      4. Men’s and Ladies teams can OPT to play the entire game with 9 players, and NO AUTO out. If the 10th Player arrives they can only be SUBSTITUTED in.
      5. The teams MUST inform the umpire at the pregame conference.
    7. Alcohol
      1. Any player caught drinking alcohol at the PARK will receive an ejection from the umpires.
      2. The team will also receive a $600.00 fine for the first offense.
      3. In the 2nd infraction, the ENTIRE TEAM will be EJECTED from the league.
      4. Teams ARE responsible for their fans as well
    8. Home Plate / Strike Mat
      1. All divisions will use the commitment line and scoring line.
      2. Touching the strike mat or jumping over it will result in the runner being called OUT.
      3. A base runner can still be TAGGED out at home.
    9. Home/away
      1. League games are determined by the schedule.
      2. Icebreaker round-robin games, coin toss winner has the choice.
      3. In playoff round-robin games, the higher-seeded team from the season has a choice.
      4. Knockout games – top of the bracket supersedes seeded position.
    1. Coed 6/4
      1. Teams will play 6 males and 4 females.
      2. No more than 2 males may bat in a row.
      3. Clerical Errors on the Lineup card can be fixed at the Umpire/Coaches pregame conference.
      4. If there is a third male batter in a row, he will be recorded as an OUT when he comes to the plate for the duration of the game (he can still play in the field) no matter which batting position is the third male.
      5. Teams can play with higher female ratios. IE: 5/5
      6. A female player shall NOT be thrown out at first base from a first touch outfielder’s position. Except when relayed to an infielders position, other than first base.
    2. The Coed Big ball / Small ball.
      1. Females can opt to hit a big if they choose.
      2. It is the defensive team’s responsibility to ensure the right ball is being used irrespective of who gives the ball to the pitcher. 
      3. Only the offensive team can appeal prior to a legal/illegal pitch to the following batter.
      4. If appealed while the batter is at bat, just change balls with no change in the count.  
      5. If appealed after the batter completes her/his turn at bat and before the next legal/illegal pitch, the offensive team has the choice of accepting the result of the at-bat or batting again with the original count.
      6. Games balls will be exchanged by the catcher.
    1. Seniors Division
      1. Any team with all members 65 & over can play with eleven (11) defensive players or 5 runs. to be determined at the home plate meeting.
      2. Runners shall be called out for contact with a defensive player if the Umpires judgment is that the contact was deliberate or the runner could have reasonably expected to avoid contact but failed to do so.
    2. Men’s
      1. All players participating in the game MUST wear matching uniforms consisting of the same color and crested jersey or shirt.  All uniforms must be individually and clearly numbered.  Only baseball-style hats can be worn but do NOT need to match.  Violation of this rule does NOT constitute a forfeit of the game as the team will be fined by the league for this infraction.
    3. Divisional structure
      1. The executive will determine the structure and divisions for all league events.