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ALL BYLAWS AND RULES ON THIS PAGE ARE FOR 2012: Please note that adjustments to the rules are still in process so the bylaws and rules will be adjusted as get closer to season however, #7 Age in the bylaws is correct and udated for the 2012 season.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS PRINCESS LEAGUE BYLAWS
THE PURPOSE OF THIS LEAGUE IS TO PROMOTE SOFTBALL, ENCOURAGE SPORTSMANSHIP, AND GIVES YOUNG WOMEN A CHANCE TO SHOW THEIR ATHLETIC ABILITY, WHILE PROVIDING VALUABLE RECREATION.
1. Officers: The league’s governing board will consist of four officers:
President – Vice President – Secretary – Treasurer
Officers will maintain their office for one year, but may be re-elected. Officer nomination and election to be held at final meeting of the season, to be determined by current acting officers.
2. Rule Book: The National Federation of State High School Associations rulebook as used by the Illinois High School Association will be used. This league will use fast pitch rules only. No additions or subtractions of these rules will be permitted, unless otherwise stated in the bylaws. (See attachments) The town representatives will vote on all bylaw and rule changes by majority vote.
3. Dues: League dues will be sixty dollars ($60.00) per team per year.
4. Insurance: Each team must carry insurance to cover all girls participating. Policy number must be on the roster sheet. No team will be allowed to play until they have shown proof of insurance. Practice sessions prior to being insured will be at your own risk.
5. Season: The playing season may start in May before school is out. The playing season will end in August before school resumes. Dates are subject to change each year.
8U-12U-17U – will play Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
10U-14U – will play Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
6. League: This league will consist of five age divisions: 17U, 14U, 12U, 10U, and 8U. The number of teams in each division is unlimited, but must consist of at least four teams.
7. Age: Please change the year to the year of the season if it is not changed (for example 2012 season would replace Sept 1, 2011 etc. The website keeps going back to the old dates)
17U Division: 17 and Under – A player who is 17 years or less on Sept. 1, 2012 is eligible
14U Division: 14 and Under – A player who is 14 years or less onSept. 1, 2012 is eligible
12U Division: 12 and Under – A player who is 12 years or less on Sept. 1, 2012 is eligible
10U Division: 10 and Under – A player who is 10 years or less onSept. 1, 2012 is eligible
8U Division: 8 and Under - A player who is 8 years or less on Sept. 1, 2012 is eligible
8. Roster: The number of teams for each town, league dues, proof of insurance, conflict dates, field availability, and rosters must be turned in by April 1st, no exceptions. The roster should contain the following:
-Manager’s name, phone number and email address
-Player’s names, player’s birth date, jersey # and age as of Sept. 1 2011
No players may be added or changed to a different roster after the turn in date. Girls that move in after the roster deadline can be added to that town’s roster. No girl may be on more than one NIPL roster. She may play up (10U can play on 12U etc.) but if she is on a 12U roster, she may not play for a 10U team, even if her age makes her eligible.
A player must play for the team in her school district or for the private school she attends. No all-star teams will be allowed. If a town does not have a team at her age level, she may play for an adjacent town. The board of directors must approve any exceptions. This is effective beginning with the 2008 season and is not retroactive. {added 2/08}
9. Diamonds: The home team manager must provide a suitable playing field by game time, which includes having a safety base for first base. If the game is called because of inclement weather, the home team manager must call the visiting manager by 4:00 p.m. (unless last minute weather problems occur). The home team manager shall, at this time, set a date for the make-up game. Please make every attempt to have fields striped for all games at all levels.
10. Game Time: Each game is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. 14Uand 17U may have games start as late as 8:00 p.m. if a lighted diamond is available and both coaches agree to this time change. A 15-minute delay will be allowed; however, after 15 minutes, the team causing the delay will forfeit the game and the score will be logged as 7-0. {revised 12/09}
11. Infield: Each team should be allowed infield practice at least 10 minutes before game time.
12. Line-up: Line-ups must be given to the other team 10 minutes before game time.
13. Umpires: Home team should furnish two (2) umpires; 10U and 12U may play with only one. 10U and 12U umpires must be at least 16 years old. 14U are to use a patched umpire behind the plate if possible. 17U is encouraged to have a patched umpire behind the plate; otherwise the umpire must be at least 21 years old. 8U teams do not use umpires since scores are not kept.
14. Balls: The home team at all divisions will provide one new and one slightly used ball for each game played. 8U and 10U will use an 11inch regular ball (not a rubber or safety ball) – 12U, 14U and 17U will use a 12-inch ball.
15. Time Limit: No new inning may start after 8:00 pm, even in the event of a tie. In the case of an 8:00 p.m. start time, no new inning may start after 10:00 p.m. Game will be considered official after 5 innings or 2-hour time limit. No new inning can be started after 2 hours of play. Have the umpire announce the official game time and record it on scorebook. {revised 12/09}
16. Uniforms: The uniform is to be of decent and proper attire for softball. Shoes are to be tennis shoes or rubber spikes. No steel spikes will be allowed except for 17U, but no L-shaped or pointed spikes. A helmet, with a facemask, is mandatory for 17U, 14U, 12U and 10U. {revised 12/09}
17. Scores: The winning team manager must report game results to division rep at the completion of each game. Any games not reported one (1) week before the end of that division’s season will be marked as a loss for both teams.
18. Divisional Ties: In the event of a tie in standings, the following would apply in the order listed below:
· division record
· head to head
· point difference in head to head
· one game playoff on a neutral diamond with neutral umpires and a coin toss to determine home team {revised 12/09}
19. Post Season tournament: Format for the post-season tournaments will be determined as follows:
· overall record
· head to head
· point difference in head to head
· runs against (defense)
Forfeits will be recorded as 7-0. If game is not played, both teams will be recorded as a loss with a score of 7-7. The Board of Directors will act as the seeding committee for all postseason tournaments. {revised 12/09}
All Star Game: Format for the All-Star Game will be determined on a yearly basis.
20. Voting: One (1) team per town equals one (1) vote. Two or more teams per town will only be able to cast two (2) votes per town. The entire league will vote all bylaw and rule changes on. The rules committee will be responsible for enforcement of the bylaws and rules and handle any protests.
21. Awards: Individual trophies will be awarded to all divisional champs. A different trophy will be awarded to the league champs as a result of the Post Season Tournament. All star team members will also receive awards.
22. Secretary: The league secretary will receive $125.00 each year for his-her time.
23. Elections: Election of officers for the following year will be at the first meeting of the year.
24. Rescheduling: The home team will present the opposing manager with two (2) options for rescheduling a game within 1 week of the original date. If the game is not rescheduled or played within this time frame, the team causing the delay will forfeit. If a game should need to be rescheduled again due to inclement weather, it must be done within one (1) week or team causing the delay will forfeit. If the last game of the season is postponed, it must be played within 72 hours of the original date or the team causing the delay must forfeit. Rescheduling should only be done in the event of graduation ceremonies or inclement weather, unless the two teams decide otherwise. In the event of a dispute, the President and the Scheduling Committee will decide the deciding rule on forfeiture. {revised 12/09}
25. Protesting a Game: SEE RULE 4-4, page 41, AND 10-2-3i, page 78
YOU MUST MAKE YOUR PROTEST KNOWN AT THE TIME OF THE INFRACTION OR EVENT CAUSING THE PROTEST. NOTIFY OPPOSING COACH AND THE OFFICIALS YOU WISH TO PLAY THE GAME UNDER PROTEST –FOLLOW UP WITH NOTIFICATION OF THE RULES COMMITTEE.
A team wishing to protest a game must submit the protest to any member of the Rules committee within 24 hours via e-mail, faxes, or phone. This must be followed up in writing along with a $10.00 filing fee within 3 days. In the event your protest is upheld, your filing fee will be refunded. The opposing coach will then be notified by a member of the Rules Committee and will have three (3) days to submit their interpretation of the infraction. Failure to do so will result in an automatic forfeit. The rules Committee will review and notify both coaches of the decision made. All decisions are final and are not up for review.
26. NO SLIDE RULE: SEE RULE 8-6-13, Page 65-66 of NFHS RULE BOOK
In the middle of the page, it states: “NOTE: Runners are never required to slide, but if the runner elects to slide, the slide shall be legal.”
SEE RULE 2-52, page 26 of NFHS RULE BOOK for the definition of a legal slide.
27. HOME PLATE IS FAIR: SEE RULE 1-2-2, page 9.
28. SPORTSMANSHIP: Good sportsmanship will be a primary goal for all Princess League teams and their fans. While cheering your teammates on is a part of team sports, any negative chanting when the opposing team is batting will not be allowed. All chanting/cheering is to stop as soon as the pitcher is on the rubber. {revised 01/10}
29. TRAVEL LEAGUE PLAYERS: All travel league players must be identified by May 1st to ensure they meet the 50% minimum of games played in order to play in the post season tournament. {revised 12/10}
30. COACH’S CODE OF CONDUCT: Each coach participating in NIPL organized games must sign and adhear to the Coach’s Code of Conduct. The Coach’s code of conduct is attached to the By-laws as attachment #1. {revised 03/11}
ALSO SEE ATTACHMENTS FOR SPECIAL LEAGUE RULES AND SPECIAL DIVISION RULES FOR 8U, 10U AND 12U.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS PRINCESS LEAGUE RULES
1. You must have 9 players to start a game, but may continue with 8 if one is injured, etc. If at any time during the game a player who is in the batting line-up at the beginning of the game (continuous with all batters or just batting nine players) is injured and must be removed from the game the following applies: When the injured players next time at bat occurs – 1. She may be removed from the line up for the remainder of the game – No out will be charged for her at bats, but she may not return to the game. 2. She may forfeit her at bat for this round with the option of returning to the lineup at a later time if able – An out will be charged for each time she does not bat for the remainder of the game. This rule applies to 14U and 17U divisions. 12Uand 10U will not be charged an out for injured players not batting. (See 12U and 10U by-laws)
2. Slaughter Rule – 15 run rule applies after 5 complete innings - 20 run rule applies at the end of 3 or 4 complete innings
3. No designated hitters are allowed
4. You may borrow up players with notification to opposing manager prior to start of game.
5. Helmets with facemasks are mandatory for 17U, 14U, 12U, and 10U; to be worn while batting, while running bases, and by players coaching bases. {revised 03/09}
6 Umpires are required to wear a face mask and tennis shoes at all times when behind Home Plate. Base umpire must wear tennis shoes.
7. The number of scheduled games will be a minimum of 12 per season. (If possible)
8. 14U and 17U division teams may use a continuous batting order and free substitution. Opposing coach and umpire must be notified at the time of line-up exchanges.
9. GAMES ENDING IN A TIE – Use international tie breaking rules.
After the 6th or 7th inning (depending on the age group), if the game is tied and must go into extra innings to determine a winner, the following would apply:
--The visiting team would place their last out from the previous inning on second base, then that half of the inning would be played as usual. The same applies to the home team when they bat in the bottom of the inning. This would continue until one team has won. Please note, this is the last out of the previous inning, not the last batter of that inning.
10. Courtesy runner will always be the player who made the last out. {added 03/09}
11. Warm up pitches:1st inning: 5-7 pitches
Returning pitchers: 3 pitches to coach or catcher (not both)
New/Relief pitcher: Maximum of 10 pitches {added 12/09}
12. The coach can use a courtesy runner for the catcher at any time regardless of the number of outs. See rule #10 above for courtesy runner. {added 12/09}
NORTHERN ILLINOIS PRINCESS LEAGUE
8U FORMAT
Use regular 11” ball (not safety ball)
1. PURPOSE: To provide a level of play for girls who are not quite ready to play at the
10U Girls Softball level and to provide a more competitive level for older Tee Ball girls.
2. AGE : The ages of the present T-Ball and Girls Softball will remain the same so
that towns which do not have enough children to fill an extra roster can still compete at the old level, and families with more than one child on a team may stay together. Children with more advanced softball skills should be encouraged to move up to the next level.
3. FORMAT: This league will combine the rules of T-Ball and 10U Softball
a. The game will last no longer than 1 1/2 hours
b. Games will start at 6:00 p.m. {revised 12/09}
c. Each batter will have 7 pitches thrown by a coach after 7 pitches the batter is out unless the last pitch is fouled off.
d. There will be no walks, stolen bases or lead-offs
e. All players will bat in a continuous order
f. Field dimensions will be the same as 10U softball – 35 foot pitching plate, 60 foot bases h. A 5 run per inning rule (similar to 10U) will apply
i. No final score will be taken
j. KEEP IN MIND THIS IS STILL AN INSTRUCTIONAL LEAGUE – GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP, TEAM PLAY AND BASIC SOFTBALL FUNDAMENTALS SHOULD BE STRESSED!!! GAMES SHOULD BE PLAYED IN A FUN ATMOSPHERE.
4. The 8U League is excluded from any post-season tournament or All-Star Game.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS PRINCESS LEAGUE
10U RULES
1. All pitching must be done by the players.
2. Home team supplies 11” softball - one new and one slightly used – not a rubber or safety ball.
3. Maximum of 5 runs may be scored in an inning, except for the last complete inning as determined by the umpire. (If a player hits a home run, etc. with runners on, there may still be only 5 total runs scored for that inning). Regular games consist of 6 innings. In case of darkness, weather, etc., a complete game consists of 4 innings or 3 1/2 if home team is winning. {revised 12/09}
4. Use 35’ pitching distance – 60’ base distance
5. No stealing.
6. No dropped third strike
7. May field 10 players, all fielders may be anywhere in fair territory, except the catcher, which must be in the catcher’s box.
8. No infield fly rule
9. Bunting will be allowed. Rules will follow IHSA rules. {revised 03/09}
10. Everyone must play 2 defensive innings
11. Free substitutions with no restrictions. (This refers to any position)
12. Must bat everyone not just defensive players. The batting order must remain the same for the entire game.
13. If a team drops players from the original batting lineup due to injury at any time during the game – there will be no out charged for missed batters.
14. If a rule is on this page…IT IS A LEAGUE RULE AND THE GAME SHALL BE PLAYED ACCORDING TO THIS RULE. If the rule is not listed on this page, the IHSA Rule Book for the current year shall be the rule, which will be enforced.
15. NOTE: A runner may not leave the base until the pitch has left the pitchers hand. In other words, as soon as the ball leaves the pitchers hand, the runner may take no more than 2 steps off first base. Coaches should instruct their players in proper base running (watching for grounders, tagging on fly balls, and returning to the base by the time the pitcher has the ball and is in the pitchers circle or on the mound). There will be NO picking off of runners returning to the base after a leadoff. {revised 03/09}
16. If a batter is hit by a pitch after it has hit the ground, it is the judgment of the umpire if the batter made some attempt to get out of the way of the pitch. If the umpire feels the batter made an attempt, then the batter will be awarded 1st base. If the umpire feels no attempt has been made, a ball will be called.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS PRINCESS LEAGUE
U12 RULES
1. No dropped third strike
2. May field 10 players
3. No infield fly rule
4. Maximum of 5 runs may be scored in an inning, except for the last complete inning as determined by the umpire. (If a player hits a home run, etc. with runners on, there may still be only 5 total runs scored for that inning) Regular games consist of 7 completed innings. In case of darkness, weather, etc., a complete game consists of 5 innings or 4 1/2 if home team is winning. {revised 12/09}
5. 40’ pitching distance and 60’ base distance
6. Everyone must play 2 defensive innings
7. Free substitution with no restrictions. (this refers to any position)
8. Must bat everyone, not just defensive players. Batting order must remain the same for the entire game.
9. If a team drops players from the original batting lineup due to injury at any time during the game – there will be no out charged for missed batters.
10. Stealing – will be allowed during ALL innings and from ALL bases. Lead offs will be allowed when the pitched ball leaves the pitchers hand.
11. Bunting IS allowed.
12. If a rule is on this page… IT IS A LEAGUE RULE AND THE GAME SHALL BE PLAYED ACCORDING TO THIS RULE. If a rule is not listed on this page, the IHSA Rule Book for the current year shall be the rule that will be enforced.
13. NOTE: A runner may not leave the base until the pitch has left the pitchers hand. In other words, as soon as the ball leaves the pitchers hand, the runner may jump off the base she is on and begin running. Coaches should instruct their players in proper base running. (Watching for grounders, tagging on fly balls, and returning to the base by the time the pitcher has the ball and is in the circle or on the mound.) Each team will be awarded one warning about leaving early before the umpire begins to call the runner out.
14. If a batter is hit by a pitch after it has hit the ground, it is the judgment of the umpire if the batter made some attempt to get out of the way of the pitch. If the umpire feels the batter made an attempt, then the batter will be awarded 1st base. If the umpire feels no attempt has been made, a ball will be called.
ATTACHMENT #1
NIPL Softball Coaches Code of Conduct
NIPL is concerned about the conduct of all coaches during the games at all levels, from 8U through 17U. We want to ensure that games are fair, positive and enjoyable experiences for all the children and adults involved. A softball game should be friendly and unifying – a spirited
social and athletic occasion for players, coaches, umpires and spectators. To clarify expectations of coach conduct, we expect all coaches to conform to this code of conduct.
• Before, during and after the game, be an example of dignity, patience and positive spirit.
• Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the umpire.
• During the game, you are responsible for the sportsmanship of your assistant coaches and your players. If one of your assistant coaches or your players is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive, take the assistant coach or the player out of the game at least long enough for him/her to calm down.
• During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of the parents and spectators of your players.
• Encourage your assistant coaches, players, parents and spectators to applaud and cheer for good plays by either team. Discourage them from yelling at the other team’s coaches or players and the umpire.
• During the game, if you have a small issue, discuss it with the umpire calmly and patiently. Remember no matter how inexperienced or experienced an umpire is, mistakes can and will happen.
• If you have a major complaint or protest (please refer to the NIPL bylaws for how to handle a protest), make your objection known at the game before the game continues. Then report your complaint or protest (follow the NIPL bylaws for the protest rules) to your town rep who will contact the NIPL board.
• After the game, thank the umpire and ask your players to do the same.
Please note:
1. Your example is powerful, for better or worse. If you insist on fair play, if you concentrate on your players’ enjoyment of the game and their overall, long term development, and if you support the other team’s coaches and players and the umpire, your players and their parents will notice. If you encourage (or allow) your players to play outside the rules, if you’re overly concerned about results, and if you criticize the other coaches or players and the umpire harshly then your players and their parents will also notice and may follow your behavior.
2. Think about what you’re doing during a game! Uphold the Spirit of the Game! If you follow the expectations described above, the spirit of the game will be alive and well and will grow along with the enjoyment of all.
3. Umpires – especially young and inexperienced ones are like your players and yourself, in that they need time to develop. You can play an important role in helping them to improve by letting them concentrate on the game. You can help by encouraging them, by accepting their inevitable, occasional mistakes and by offering constructive postgame comments.
4. Coaches who do not follow the expectations described above will first be contacted by their town rep about their behavior. If there is an additional complaint after the first contact then the following steps will be taken:
1. NIPL board president will contact the town rep and request a formal meeting between the town rep and the coach.
2. At that meeting, the NIPL board president will review the code of conduct and the NIPL bylaws and rules for the coach’s age group.
3. If an additional complaint is made, the NIPL will contact the town rep and suggest further action. Including but not limited to suspension from a game or removal as coach.
Please note: the NIPL reserves the right to expedite this process in cases of gross unsportsmanlike behavior such as: foul language, aggressive behavior and personal threats.
.
I have read the Coaches Code of Conduct and agree to abide by the code of conduct at
all NIPL sanctioned events.
Coach’s Signature: _____________________________________________________
Town:___________________________________
Date: _________________
All copies of the NIPL coaches code of conduct are due to the NIPL by April 5th.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS LEAGUE IS TO PROMOTE SOFTBALL, ENCOURAGE SPORTSMANSHIP, AND GIVES YOUNG WOMEN A CHANCE TO SHOW THEIR ATHLETIC ABILITY, WHILE PROVIDING VALUABLE RECREATION.
1. Officers: The league’s governing board will consist of four officers:
President – Vice President – Secretary – Treasurer
Officers will maintain their office for one year, but may be re-elected. Officer nomination and election to be held at final meeting of the season, to be determined by current acting officers.
2. Rule Book: The National Federation of State High School Associations rulebook as used by the Illinois High School Association will be used. This league will use fast pitch rules only. No additions or subtractions of these rules will be permitted, unless otherwise stated in the bylaws. (See attachments) The town representatives will vote on all bylaw and rule changes by majority vote.
3. Dues: League dues will be sixty dollars ($60.00) per team per year.
4. Insurance: Each team must carry insurance to cover all girls participating. Policy number must be on the roster sheet. No team will be allowed to play until they have shown proof of insurance. Practice sessions prior to being insured will be at your own risk.
5. Season: The playing season may start in May before school is out. The playing season will end in August before school resumes. Dates are subject to change each year.
8U-12U-17U – will play Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
10U-14U – will play Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
6. League: This league will consist of five age divisions: 17U, 14U, 12U, 10U, and 8U. The number of teams in each division is unlimited, but must consist of at least four teams.
7. Age: Please change the year to the year of the season if it is not changed (for example 2012 season would replace Sept 1, 2011 etc. The website keeps going back to the old dates)
17U Division: 17 and Under – A player who is 17 years or less on Sept. 1, 2012 is eligible
14U Division: 14 and Under – A player who is 14 years or less onSept. 1, 2012 is eligible
12U Division: 12 and Under – A player who is 12 years or less on Sept. 1, 2012 is eligible
10U Division: 10 and Under – A player who is 10 years or less onSept. 1, 2012 is eligible
8U Division: 8 and Under - A player who is 8 years or less on Sept. 1, 2012 is eligible
8. Roster: The number of teams for each town, league dues, proof of insurance, conflict dates, field availability, and rosters must be turned in by April 1st, no exceptions. The roster should contain the following:
-Manager’s name, phone number and email address
-Player’s names, player’s birth date, jersey # and age as of Sept. 1 2011
No players may be added or changed to a different roster after the turn in date. Girls that move in after the roster deadline can be added to that town’s roster. No girl may be on more than one NIPL roster. She may play up (10U can play on 12U etc.) but if she is on a 12U roster, she may not play for a 10U team, even if her age makes her eligible.
A player must play for the team in her school district or for the private school she attends. No all-star teams will be allowed. If a town does not have a team at her age level, she may play for an adjacent town. The board of directors must approve any exceptions. This is effective beginning with the 2008 season and is not retroactive. {added 2/08}
9. Diamonds: The home team manager must provide a suitable playing field by game time, which includes having a safety base for first base. If the game is called because of inclement weather, the home team manager must call the visiting manager by 4:00 p.m. (unless last minute weather problems occur). The home team manager shall, at this time, set a date for the make-up game. Please make every attempt to have fields striped for all games at all levels.
10. Game Time: Each game is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. 14Uand 17U may have games start as late as 8:00 p.m. if a lighted diamond is available and both coaches agree to this time change. A 15-minute delay will be allowed; however, after 15 minutes, the team causing the delay will forfeit the game and the score will be logged as 7-0. {revised 12/09}
11. Infield: Each team should be allowed infield practice at least 10 minutes before game time.
12. Line-up: Line-ups must be given to the other team 10 minutes before game time.
13. Umpires: Home team should furnish two (2) umpires; 10U and 12U may play with only one. 10U and 12U umpires must be at least 16 years old. 14U are to use a patched umpire behind the plate if possible. 17U is encouraged to have a patched umpire behind the plate; otherwise the umpire must be at least 21 years old. 8U teams do not use umpires since scores are not kept.
14. Balls: The home team at all divisions will provide one new and one slightly used ball for each game played. 8U and 10U will use an 11inch regular ball (not a rubber or safety ball) – 12U, 14U and 17U will use a 12-inch ball.
15. Time Limit: No new inning may start after 8:00 pm, even in the event of a tie. In the case of an 8:00 p.m. start time, no new inning may start after 10:00 p.m. Game will be considered official after 5 innings or 2-hour time limit. No new inning can be started after 2 hours of play. Have the umpire announce the official game time and record it on scorebook. {revised 12/09}
16. Uniforms: The uniform is to be of decent and proper attire for softball. Shoes are to be tennis shoes or rubber spikes. No steel spikes will be allowed except for 17U, but no L-shaped or pointed spikes. A helmet, with a facemask, is mandatory for 17U, 14U, 12U and 10U. {revised 12/09}
17. Scores: The winning team manager must report game results to division rep at the completion of each game. Any games not reported one (1) week before the end of that division’s season will be marked as a loss for both teams.
18. Divisional Ties: In the event of a tie in standings, the following would apply in the order listed below:
· division record
· head to head
· point difference in head to head
· one game playoff on a neutral diamond with neutral umpires and a coin toss to determine home team {revised 12/09}
19. Post Season tournament: Format for the post-season tournaments will be determined as follows:
· overall record
· head to head
· point difference in head to head
· runs against (defense)
Forfeits will be recorded as 7-0. If game is not played, both teams will be recorded as a loss with a score of 7-7. The Board of Directors will act as the seeding committee for all postseason tournaments. {revised 12/09}
All Star Game: Format for the All-Star Game will be determined on a yearly basis.
20. Voting: One (1) team per town equals one (1) vote. Two or more teams per town will only be able to cast two (2) votes per town. The entire league will vote all bylaw and rule changes on. The rules committee will be responsible for enforcement of the bylaws and rules and handle any protests.
21. Awards: Individual trophies will be awarded to all divisional champs. A different trophy will be awarded to the league champs as a result of the Post Season Tournament. All star team members will also receive awards.
22. Secretary: The league secretary will receive $125.00 each year for his-her time.
23. Elections: Election of officers for the following year will be at the first meeting of the year.
24. Rescheduling: The home team will present the opposing manager with two (2) options for rescheduling a game within 1 week of the original date. If the game is not rescheduled or played within this time frame, the team causing the delay will forfeit. If a game should need to be rescheduled again due to inclement weather, it must be done within one (1) week or team causing the delay will forfeit. If the last game of the season is postponed, it must be played within 72 hours of the original date or the team causing the delay must forfeit. Rescheduling should only be done in the event of graduation ceremonies or inclement weather, unless the two teams decide otherwise. In the event of a dispute, the President and the Scheduling Committee will decide the deciding rule on forfeiture. {revised 12/09}
25. Protesting a Game: SEE RULE 4-4, page 41, AND 10-2-3i, page 78
YOU MUST MAKE YOUR PROTEST KNOWN AT THE TIME OF THE INFRACTION OR EVENT CAUSING THE PROTEST. NOTIFY OPPOSING COACH AND THE OFFICIALS YOU WISH TO PLAY THE GAME UNDER PROTEST –FOLLOW UP WITH NOTIFICATION OF THE RULES COMMITTEE.
A team wishing to protest a game must submit the protest to any member of the Rules committee within 24 hours via e-mail, faxes, or phone. This must be followed up in writing along with a $10.00 filing fee within 3 days. In the event your protest is upheld, your filing fee will be refunded. The opposing coach will then be notified by a member of the Rules Committee and will have three (3) days to submit their interpretation of the infraction. Failure to do so will result in an automatic forfeit. The rules Committee will review and notify both coaches of the decision made. All decisions are final and are not up for review.
26. NO SLIDE RULE: SEE RULE 8-6-13, Page 65-66 of NFHS RULE BOOK
In the middle of the page, it states: “NOTE: Runners are never required to slide, but if the runner elects to slide, the slide shall be legal.”
SEE RULE 2-52, page 26 of NFHS RULE BOOK for the definition of a legal slide.
27. HOME PLATE IS FAIR: SEE RULE 1-2-2, page 9.
28. SPORTSMANSHIP: Good sportsmanship will be a primary goal for all Princess League teams and their fans. While cheering your teammates on is a part of team sports, any negative chanting when the opposing team is batting will not be allowed. All chanting/cheering is to stop as soon as the pitcher is on the rubber. {revised 01/10}
29. TRAVEL LEAGUE PLAYERS: All travel league players must be identified by May 1st to ensure they meet the 50% minimum of games played in order to play in the post season tournament. {revised 12/10}
30. COACH’S CODE OF CONDUCT: Each coach participating in NIPL organized games must sign and adhear to the Coach’s Code of Conduct. The Coach’s code of conduct is attached to the By-laws as attachment #1. {revised 03/11}
ALSO SEE ATTACHMENTS FOR SPECIAL LEAGUE RULES AND SPECIAL DIVISION RULES FOR 8U, 10U AND 12U.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS PRINCESS LEAGUE RULES
1. You must have 9 players to start a game, but may continue with 8 if one is injured, etc. If at any time during the game a player who is in the batting line-up at the beginning of the game (continuous with all batters or just batting nine players) is injured and must be removed from the game the following applies: When the injured players next time at bat occurs – 1. She may be removed from the line up for the remainder of the game – No out will be charged for her at bats, but she may not return to the game. 2. She may forfeit her at bat for this round with the option of returning to the lineup at a later time if able – An out will be charged for each time she does not bat for the remainder of the game. This rule applies to 14U and 17U divisions. 12Uand 10U will not be charged an out for injured players not batting. (See 12U and 10U by-laws)
2. Slaughter Rule – 15 run rule applies after 5 complete innings - 20 run rule applies at the end of 3 or 4 complete innings
3. No designated hitters are allowed
4. You may borrow up players with notification to opposing manager prior to start of game.
5. Helmets with facemasks are mandatory for 17U, 14U, 12U, and 10U; to be worn while batting, while running bases, and by players coaching bases. {revised 03/09}
6 Umpires are required to wear a face mask and tennis shoes at all times when behind Home Plate. Base umpire must wear tennis shoes.
7. The number of scheduled games will be a minimum of 12 per season. (If possible)
8. 14U and 17U division teams may use a continuous batting order and free substitution. Opposing coach and umpire must be notified at the time of line-up exchanges.
9. GAMES ENDING IN A TIE – Use international tie breaking rules.
After the 6th or 7th inning (depending on the age group), if the game is tied and must go into extra innings to determine a winner, the following would apply:
--The visiting team would place their last out from the previous inning on second base, then that half of the inning would be played as usual. The same applies to the home team when they bat in the bottom of the inning. This would continue until one team has won. Please note, this is the last out of the previous inning, not the last batter of that inning.
10. Courtesy runner will always be the player who made the last out. {added 03/09}
11. Warm up pitches:1st inning: 5-7 pitches
Returning pitchers: 3 pitches to coach or catcher (not both)
New/Relief pitcher: Maximum of 10 pitches {added 12/09}
12. The coach can use a courtesy runner for the catcher at any time regardless of the number of outs. See rule #10 above for courtesy runner. {added 12/09}
NORTHERN ILLINOIS PRINCESS LEAGUE
8U FORMAT
Use regular 11” ball (not safety ball)
1. PURPOSE: To provide a level of play for girls who are not quite ready to play at the
10U Girls Softball level and to provide a more competitive level for older Tee Ball girls.
2. AGE : The ages of the present T-Ball and Girls Softball will remain the same so
that towns which do not have enough children to fill an extra roster can still compete at the old level, and families with more than one child on a team may stay together. Children with more advanced softball skills should be encouraged to move up to the next level.
3. FORMAT: This league will combine the rules of T-Ball and 10U Softball
a. The game will last no longer than 1 1/2 hours
b. Games will start at 6:00 p.m. {revised 12/09}
c. Each batter will have 7 pitches thrown by a coach after 7 pitches the batter is out unless the last pitch is fouled off.
d. There will be no walks, stolen bases or lead-offs
e. All players will bat in a continuous order
f. Field dimensions will be the same as 10U softball – 35 foot pitching plate, 60 foot bases h. A 5 run per inning rule (similar to 10U) will apply
i. No final score will be taken
j. KEEP IN MIND THIS IS STILL AN INSTRUCTIONAL LEAGUE – GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP, TEAM PLAY AND BASIC SOFTBALL FUNDAMENTALS SHOULD BE STRESSED!!! GAMES SHOULD BE PLAYED IN A FUN ATMOSPHERE.
4. The 8U League is excluded from any post-season tournament or All-Star Game.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS PRINCESS LEAGUE
10U RULES
1. All pitching must be done by the players.
2. Home team supplies 11” softball - one new and one slightly used – not a rubber or safety ball.
3. Maximum of 5 runs may be scored in an inning, except for the last complete inning as determined by the umpire. (If a player hits a home run, etc. with runners on, there may still be only 5 total runs scored for that inning). Regular games consist of 6 innings. In case of darkness, weather, etc., a complete game consists of 4 innings or 3 1/2 if home team is winning. {revised 12/09}
4. Use 35’ pitching distance – 60’ base distance
5. No stealing.
6. No dropped third strike
7. May field 10 players, all fielders may be anywhere in fair territory, except the catcher, which must be in the catcher’s box.
8. No infield fly rule
9. Bunting will be allowed. Rules will follow IHSA rules. {revised 03/09}
10. Everyone must play 2 defensive innings
11. Free substitutions with no restrictions. (This refers to any position)
12. Must bat everyone not just defensive players. The batting order must remain the same for the entire game.
13. If a team drops players from the original batting lineup due to injury at any time during the game – there will be no out charged for missed batters.
14. If a rule is on this page…IT IS A LEAGUE RULE AND THE GAME SHALL BE PLAYED ACCORDING TO THIS RULE. If the rule is not listed on this page, the IHSA Rule Book for the current year shall be the rule, which will be enforced.
15. NOTE: A runner may not leave the base until the pitch has left the pitchers hand. In other words, as soon as the ball leaves the pitchers hand, the runner may take no more than 2 steps off first base. Coaches should instruct their players in proper base running (watching for grounders, tagging on fly balls, and returning to the base by the time the pitcher has the ball and is in the pitchers circle or on the mound). There will be NO picking off of runners returning to the base after a leadoff. {revised 03/09}
16. If a batter is hit by a pitch after it has hit the ground, it is the judgment of the umpire if the batter made some attempt to get out of the way of the pitch. If the umpire feels the batter made an attempt, then the batter will be awarded 1st base. If the umpire feels no attempt has been made, a ball will be called.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS PRINCESS LEAGUE
U12 RULES
1. No dropped third strike
2. May field 10 players
3. No infield fly rule
4. Maximum of 5 runs may be scored in an inning, except for the last complete inning as determined by the umpire. (If a player hits a home run, etc. with runners on, there may still be only 5 total runs scored for that inning) Regular games consist of 7 completed innings. In case of darkness, weather, etc., a complete game consists of 5 innings or 4 1/2 if home team is winning. {revised 12/09}
5. 40’ pitching distance and 60’ base distance
6. Everyone must play 2 defensive innings
7. Free substitution with no restrictions. (this refers to any position)
8. Must bat everyone, not just defensive players. Batting order must remain the same for the entire game.
9. If a team drops players from the original batting lineup due to injury at any time during the game – there will be no out charged for missed batters.
10. Stealing – will be allowed during ALL innings and from ALL bases. Lead offs will be allowed when the pitched ball leaves the pitchers hand.
11. Bunting IS allowed.
12. If a rule is on this page… IT IS A LEAGUE RULE AND THE GAME SHALL BE PLAYED ACCORDING TO THIS RULE. If a rule is not listed on this page, the IHSA Rule Book for the current year shall be the rule that will be enforced.
13. NOTE: A runner may not leave the base until the pitch has left the pitchers hand. In other words, as soon as the ball leaves the pitchers hand, the runner may jump off the base she is on and begin running. Coaches should instruct their players in proper base running. (Watching for grounders, tagging on fly balls, and returning to the base by the time the pitcher has the ball and is in the circle or on the mound.) Each team will be awarded one warning about leaving early before the umpire begins to call the runner out.
14. If a batter is hit by a pitch after it has hit the ground, it is the judgment of the umpire if the batter made some attempt to get out of the way of the pitch. If the umpire feels the batter made an attempt, then the batter will be awarded 1st base. If the umpire feels no attempt has been made, a ball will be called.
ATTACHMENT #1
NIPL Softball Coaches Code of Conduct
NIPL is concerned about the conduct of all coaches during the games at all levels, from 8U through 17U. We want to ensure that games are fair, positive and enjoyable experiences for all the children and adults involved. A softball game should be friendly and unifying – a spirited
social and athletic occasion for players, coaches, umpires and spectators. To clarify expectations of coach conduct, we expect all coaches to conform to this code of conduct.
• Before, during and after the game, be an example of dignity, patience and positive spirit.
• Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the umpire.
• During the game, you are responsible for the sportsmanship of your assistant coaches and your players. If one of your assistant coaches or your players is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive, take the assistant coach or the player out of the game at least long enough for him/her to calm down.
• During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of the parents and spectators of your players.
• Encourage your assistant coaches, players, parents and spectators to applaud and cheer for good plays by either team. Discourage them from yelling at the other team’s coaches or players and the umpire.
• During the game, if you have a small issue, discuss it with the umpire calmly and patiently. Remember no matter how inexperienced or experienced an umpire is, mistakes can and will happen.
• If you have a major complaint or protest (please refer to the NIPL bylaws for how to handle a protest), make your objection known at the game before the game continues. Then report your complaint or protest (follow the NIPL bylaws for the protest rules) to your town rep who will contact the NIPL board.
• After the game, thank the umpire and ask your players to do the same.
Please note:
1. Your example is powerful, for better or worse. If you insist on fair play, if you concentrate on your players’ enjoyment of the game and their overall, long term development, and if you support the other team’s coaches and players and the umpire, your players and their parents will notice. If you encourage (or allow) your players to play outside the rules, if you’re overly concerned about results, and if you criticize the other coaches or players and the umpire harshly then your players and their parents will also notice and may follow your behavior.
2. Think about what you’re doing during a game! Uphold the Spirit of the Game! If you follow the expectations described above, the spirit of the game will be alive and well and will grow along with the enjoyment of all.
3. Umpires – especially young and inexperienced ones are like your players and yourself, in that they need time to develop. You can play an important role in helping them to improve by letting them concentrate on the game. You can help by encouraging them, by accepting their inevitable, occasional mistakes and by offering constructive postgame comments.
4. Coaches who do not follow the expectations described above will first be contacted by their town rep about their behavior. If there is an additional complaint after the first contact then the following steps will be taken:
1. NIPL board president will contact the town rep and request a formal meeting between the town rep and the coach.
2. At that meeting, the NIPL board president will review the code of conduct and the NIPL bylaws and rules for the coach’s age group.
3. If an additional complaint is made, the NIPL will contact the town rep and suggest further action. Including but not limited to suspension from a game or removal as coach.
Please note: the NIPL reserves the right to expedite this process in cases of gross unsportsmanlike behavior such as: foul language, aggressive behavior and personal threats.
.
I have read the Coaches Code of Conduct and agree to abide by the code of conduct at
all NIPL sanctioned events.
Coach’s Signature: _____________________________________________________
Town:___________________________________
Date: _________________
All copies of the NIPL coaches code of conduct are due to the NIPL by April 5th.
