These Rules will supercede all rule books & will be enforced at all times
Revised January 1,2009

1. Run Rule 8-6-5 starting in the 3rd, 4th & 5th innings in all games Pool or Bracket.

2. There must be contact for interference to be called, no contact there will be no call. Exception is deliberate verbal interference.

3. The double base will be treated as one large base on the initial play at all times per the 2006 ASA Rules Book.

4. If a batted or thrown ball enters one of the tarps located on each field, and if the defense raises their hands to indicate to the umpires that the ball is blocked /lodged in the tarp, the ball is dead & bases will be awarded to runners according to book rule. If the defense elects to play the ball it is live and played just as any other.

· A defender may lean on but not elevate on/against the tarp to make a catch. BOTH feet must remain in contact with the ground prior to the catch. Otherwise it is simply a “ dead ball, foul ball - no catch “.

· If the ball is caught prior to either foot leaving the ground and then the defender elevates on or against the tarp/roller then the “Catch & Carry” rule will apply.

5. The on deck batter may elect to go to either side. This is a safety consideration.

6. Coaches will not be required to remain in the dugout unless an umpire has restricted them. Please be aware the umpires on the field will enforce the “Blocked Ball or Interference” penalties if a coach is struck with a live ball and “should have been in the dugout” or “Interferes with a play or potential play and should have been in the dugout”.

7. If a coach or fan is ejected from a game, they MUST go to the parking lot until that game is over. There are no exceptions to this policy. A failure to comply within a reasonable amount of time according to the umpires on the field could/will result in the offending team losing by forfeit 7-0 regardless of the current score.

Game clock starts when home team is established. It does not need to be announced.

The UIC or his designee in consultation with the Tournament Director if necessary, reserves the right rule on anything not specifically covered in the Rule Book or in these local ground rules. That ruling is final...No protest or appeal and will remain in effect for the entire tournament from that point forward.

Tarp Policy

In a continued effort to provide the best playing facility, Softball USA “The Yard” has purchased tarps to cover the infields on all the fields. We ask coaches and teams for their assistance when needed to cover the field they are participating on. Many times we experience a short rain delay and if the field has been covered the games can continue with little or no field maintenance, as soon as the tarp is removed by the coaches and players. Our goal is to play every scheduled game. We know “mother nature” does not always cooperate, however, with the tarps, the teams will benefit by getting as many of their games in as possible.

Tarp Procedures:

NO METAL CLEATS are to be worn when working with the tarps.

A Softball USA “The Yard” representative or Tournament UIC will try to alert all coaches before the time to tarp the field. If you have not be alerted to tarp the field and you observe the other fields being covered, please stop the game and begin covering the field.

Tarps are to be rolled out with as many persons as possible, then unfolded and start pulling the tarp to cover the infield area. After the field is covered, place the white PVC weights along the perimeter. Try to place more weights on the area pointing in the direction the wind is blowing.

When removing the tarp. Pull the tarp with as many persons as possible toward the outfield area where the culvert will be rolled to the foul area. Fold the tarp as many times as it takes to fit the culvert. These areas are designated by the no grass area along the left or right foul line fence.