Revised 2-9-2014
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 July 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 2014 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, 2015 is eligible
14U Division: 14 and Under – A player who is 14 years or less on Sept. 1, 2015 is eligible
12U Division: 12 and Under – A player who is 12 years or less on Sept. 1, 2015 is eligible
10U Division: 10 and Under – A player who is 10 years or less on Sept. 1, 2015 is eligible
8U Division: 8 and Under - A player who is 8 years or less on Sept. 1, 2015 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 March 15, 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 2015
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 or tryouts will be allowed. If a town does not have a team at her age level, she may play for an adjacent town, with board of directors approval. This is effective beginning with the 2008 season and is not retroactive. {added 2/08} All eligible players must submit a valid birth certificate or other confirming information in order to be eligible to play. These must be turned into the league at the time of the registration or the player will be ineligible for any games until it is presented and verified. (added 11/11)
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. 8U time limit is 1.5 hours {revised 11/11}
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 after the completion of the game 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 $250.00 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}
31. Thunder/Lightning policy-
Prior to the game if thunder or lightning is present the game will be delayed 30 minutes. Each time a new occurrence of thunder or lightning happens the 30 minutes starts over. This holds true for in game weather issues. However once the game starts the umpire may suspend the game based upon incoming weather and/or field conditions. (added 3/14)
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 4 complete innings (10U and 12U only)
14U- 12 runs after 3rd and 4th inning, 10 runs after 5 complete innings.
(revised 02/15)
3. No designated hitters are allowed. Courtesy runners allowed for pitcher or catcher at any time.
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. All levels must use continuous batting order and all players must play a minumum of 2 defensive innings. (revised 11/11)
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 or pitcher at any time regardless of the number of outs. See rule #10 above for courtesy runner. {revised 11/11}
13. All pitchers in 10/12/14u must wear a protective mask. (added 2/14)
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.
5. If a player is not present at the start of the game and is on the line-up, but does not show up, she will be counted as an out.
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. Coach Pitch- After 5 walks in an inning by any combination of pitchers, the team at bat coach will pitch for the remainder of that inning. The umpire still calls balls and strikes, a player can strike out, but a player may not walk. The pitcher remains on the diamond to field her normal pitching position. When the next inning starts a player must pitch until there are 5 walks in the new inning for the coach pitch to begin again.
17. Games will begin at 6:00pm
18. If a player is not present at the start of the game and is on the line-up, but does not show up, she will be counted as an out.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS PRINCESS LEAGUE
U12 RULES
1. No dropped third strike
2. May field 9 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. Free substitution with no restrictions. (This refers to any position).
15. Courtesy runner allowed for the pticher or catcher at any time.
16, If a player is not present at the start of the game and is on the line-up, but does not show up, she will be counted as an out.
U14 Rules
1. Games start at 6:00
2 Dropped third stride and infield fly rule apply
3. Continuos batting order
4. Courtesy runner allowed for the pitcher or catcher at any time
5. Slaughter rule - 12 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 5 innings
6. If a player is not present at the start of the game and is on the line-up, but does not show up, she will be counted as an out.
7. 43’ pitching distance and 60’ base distance
8. Everyone must play 2 defensive innings
9. Free substitution with no restrictions. (this refers to any position)
10. Must bat everyone, not just defensive players. Batting order must remain the same for the entire game.
11. 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.
12. Stealing – will be allowed during ALL innings and from ALL bases. Lead offs will be allowed when the pitched ball leaves the pitchers hand.
13. Bunting IS allowed.
14. 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.
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 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.