kitsap peninsula bylaws -...

KPYFCConstitutionandBylaws

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Kitsap Peninsula

Youth Fastpitch

Council

Constitution, Bylaws, and Playing Rules

2011

Updated: March 2013


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Updated: March 2013

Constitution, Bylaws and Playing Rules

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1. Organizational Name. The name of the organization shall be Kitsap Peninsula Youth

Fastpitch Council, hereinafter called “KPYFC” or “Council”. The KPYFC is unaffiliated, but

maintains ties to several external softball sanctioning authorities to include: United States

Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), Washington Amateur Softball Association, (W.A.S.A.), and

the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) International.

Section 2. Objective. The objective of the KPYFC shall be:

A. To promote amateur softball for all persons regardless of race, color, creed, religion,

sex, national origin, or ancestry.

B. To establish uniform softball rules and regulations.

C. Promote competition, recreation, and sportsmanship.

D. To encourage the union of all local associations to advance the cause of amateur

softball.

E. To promote and conduct annual softball championships.

F. To educate and train in the proper skills of amateur softball play and rules of the

game through promoting, organizing and conducting clinics, seminars and training

courses.

G. To affiliate with the national sanctioning authority that provides the greatest benefit

to the membership of this council.

Section 3. Boundaries. High school service area shall be used for recreation team registration.

Exceptions need to be presented to the KPYFC for a waiver. No boundaries are in effect for

select teams.

A. Bremerton: Bremerton High School service area.

B. North Mason: North Mason High School service area.

C. North Stars: North Kitsap and Bainbridge High school service area.

D. Port Orchard: South Kitsap High School service area. Includes: Gig Harbor Fastpitch

Association. (Gig Harbor, Key Peninsula)

E. Silverdale: Klahowya Secondary School, Central Kitsap High School and the two

feeder junior high schools ( Central Kitsap Junior High and part of Ridgetop Junior

High)


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F. Tracyton: Olympic High School and the two feeder junior high schools that feed

Olympic High School (Fairview Junior High School and part of Ridgetop Junior High

School).

Section 4. Play Sponsorship. The KPYFC shall sponsor and support play in the following

categories:

A. Opening day Tournaments

B. Invitational Tournaments

C. Regular League play

D. End of Season Recreational League “Peninsula Championship” Tournament

E. Championship Tournaments

Article II: Membership

Section 1. Each actively involved association will be represented by the KPYFC Representative

of their local association. Voting privileges shall be in accordance with Article V.

Section 2. Any individual may be dropped from the membership in this council by majority vote

at a regular meeting provided written recommendations is sent to their home association

within KPYFC district.

Section 3. Teams must register in the area where the greatest percentage of their players

resides, determined at the roster deadline date.

Article III: KPYFC Structure

Section 1. KPYFC. The KPYFC is made up of four (4) distinct entities. They are the general

assembly or Associations, Association Presidents, KPYFC Representatives and the KPYFC

Executive Board. Membership at every level is voluntary and unpaid.

Section 2. General Membership. The basic level is the general membership which is composed

of individual association members, coaches, parents and friends of the associations.

Section 3. Association Presidents. Each Association shall elect a president who will be the

primary elected figure and motive force at the association level. Nomination and election shall

be by individual association bylaws. The association president shall also serve as a non‐voting

member of the executive board. They are the representative(s) of their associations/club and

assume the voting role in the absence of their KPYFC Representative.

Section 4. KPYFC Representative. KPYFC representatives shall be the liaison between the

KPYFC Associations/Clubs and the KPYFC Executive Board. They are the primary voting


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members for their association. Representatives also participate as members of the

reclassification committee.

Section 5. KPYFC Executive Board. The KPYFC Executive Board, hereinafter called the

“Executive Board” or “Board”, is a body consisting of the KPYFC representatives from each

association. The purpose of the board is to: study, recommend, and carry out policy as decided

by the general council.

A. An annual budget shall be prepared by the end of November for approval during the

January general meeting. Requests for expenses not covered require passage of a

motion at a general meeting.

B. KPYFC CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS shall be ratified annually at the February

general meeting and become effective after the March general meeting.

Section 6. KPYFC Executive Board Member Duties and Responsibilities.

Executive Board Chair. The Board shall elect a Chairperson. The chairperson is elected at the

November meeting by the board representatives and shall serve an office of one calendar year.

Duties include:

1. Presides at all regular and special meetings of the KPYFC and the Executive Board.

2. Call meetings of the board.

3. Designates the recording of the meeting minutes.

Council Secretary. The secretary of the council is elected at the November meeting by the

board representatives and shall serve an office of one calendar year. Duties include:

1. Take and keep the minutes of all board and general membership meetings of the

council;

2. See that notices are given in accordance with provisions of these Bylaws;

3. Maintain a record of membership present at all meetings;

4. Inform the Board of each monthly meeting by telephone, email or mail and the general

membership by appropriate means of any special meetings called by the council.

5. Prepare and distribute a typed copy of the prior meeting’s minutes to all board

members;

6. Sign with the president any resolutions or other written directives requiring a formal

approval of the Council; and

7. In general perform all duties incident to the office of secretary and such other duties as

time to time may be assigned to the secretary by the Executive Board.


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Council Treasurer. The Treasurer of the council is elected at the January November meeting by

the board representatives and shall serve an office of one calendar year. Duties include:

Subject to the direction and control of the Executive Board, the treasurer shall: have custody,

control and disposition of the funds of the council, and shall account for the same at all regular

meetings. At the expiration of the treasure’s term of office, he or she shall turn over to his or

her successor all funds, account books, monthly activity statements and check registers of the

Council in the treasurer’s possession. Additional duties include:

1. Receive, receipt and deposit all Council funds into the Council banking account;

2. Receive all statements representing bills owing by the council and report the same to

the Executive Board for approval;

3. Pay all statements approved for payment by the Executive Board and maintain record of

payment;

4. Maintain a simple ledger of receipts and disbursements;

5. Be responsible for filing and payment of all taxes as required by law;

6. Maintain and update bank account signature cards and post office box requirements.

UMPIRE IN CHIEF

The duties of the Umpire in Chief shall be as detailed in Appendix G.

Section 7. Vacancies. The Board may conduct elections at any time to fill open positions on the

Board. Term of tenure shall end at the normal cycle date.

Article IV: Meetings

Section 1. Executive Board Meetings

A. Executive Board Meetings are routinely scheduled or called at the discretion of the

Board Chairperson and or a majority of Board Members.

B. Quorum: A quorum shall consist of the Board Chairperson and 51% of the participating

associations.

Expectations of the Council meeting are that the association representative,

president, or proxy will be present at all meetings.

C. General meetings shall occur on the 2nd Tuesday of every month or as scheduled.

a. Time: 6:30pm

b. Place: To be determined

D. Motions need a simple majority of the voting members in attendance.


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Section 2. Emergency Meetings. Emergency Meetings may be called at the discretion of either

the Board Chairperson or the Executive board. Telephone contact and Email voting is

permitted for matters that require a timely decision(s).

Article V: Voting

Section 1. General Meeting

A. The KPYFC representative from each association shall be the voting member.

B. Association presidents, in absence of the KPYFC representative, shall assume the voting

responsibility.

C. In the absence of both the KPYFC Representative and the Association President, a

written proxy with the KPYFC representative’s signature is acceptable.

Section2. Executive Board

A. The KPYFC representative from each association is the primary voting member of their

association.

B. Association presidents, in absence of the KPYFC representative, shall assume the voting

responsibility.

C. In the absence of both the KPYFC Representative and the Association President, a

written proxy with the KPYFC representative’s signature is acceptable.

Article VI: Sanctioned Teams

Section 1. Sanctioned Teams. This council will sanction teams of selected players at age levels

where qualified coaches and local association support is available. Age divisions without

qualified coaches will not be sanctioned.

Section 2. Points of Emphasis

A. Coaching Qualifications to be considered are as followed:

1. Athletic Experience

2. Education

3. Clinic and/or other certification level

4. Coaching experience

5. Coaching and all other volunteers will submit a WSP background check to

their registering association. Independent team coaches are accountable

to the Board for a WSP background check. If a fee is involved, it will be

the responsibility of the coach or their host association. Internet

location: www.http\\watch.wsp.wa.gov


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B. It is suggested that each association interview potential coaches. Suggested

interview questions for coaches include:

1. What were the team rules of the last team you coached? What were your

consequences? Did they apply to your star players as well as your least skilled

players?

2. How would you deal with a player who resists placement in a particular position

and exhibits a negative attitude?

3. Discuss how you would deal with a parent or parents who constantly question

coaching decisions on and off the field.

4. How do you get the idea of a “Team concept” across to your players, parents,

and assistant coaches?

5. How do you involve your parents?

Section 3. Monetary Support. There is no monetary support funding of Select or district

independent teams except by special vote of the board.

Section 4. Moneys Collection. The host association will collect all registration moneys. All

higher association fees, umpire fees, and/or equipment are to be the host associations and/or

independent team’s responsibility. The council is not liable for any debt incurred by association

teams.

Article VII: KPYFC Tournaments

Section 1: Play Day. The opening weekend of the season shall be a play day for all teams, and

will be held on approximately the 2nd weekend of April for 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U. Play

day is a preseason one day jamboree sponsored by KPYFC. All teams are encouraged to

participate in the jamboree.

Umpires will be volunteer players and/or coaches from KPYFC teams in the older divisions or

may be provided gratis by the State/National Affiliate. All teams provide their own Equipment

and one game ball.

Section 2: Invitational Tournaments. Any KPYFC association may host an Invitational

Tournament. An application and fees must be submitted to the sponsoring national authority

or as determined by the respective National Commissioner. The form provides sanction rites

and ensures publication of the tournament in the State/Regional Tournament Book.

A. Fees are to be determined by the sponsoring authority.


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B. Sponsoring authority will develop a tournament committee to work their

tournament.

C. Ages of play are determined by the sponsoring authority.

D. All KPYFC associations are encouraged to participate in tournaments.

Section 3: Recreational League End of Season (Peninsula Championship) Tournament. At the

conclusion of the recreational league schedule, the KPYFC will host a tournament for all age

groups.

A. Team prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place teams for each classification and age

starting at 10 and under. Prizes for 1st place will be larger and identical at all ages.

B. There will be no team entry fee.

C. Each association will pay umpire fees incurred during league tournament play. Umpire

fees will be prorated base on the number of teams competing.

D. 6 and under and 8 and under tournaments shall have umpires provided by each team. If

a minor is officiating on the field, one adult shall also be officiating.

E. 10 and under, 12 and under and above tournaments shall have paid umpires.

F. KPYFC league rules will apply. As modified by the council.

G. National Affiliation Tie Breaker Rule shall be in effect.

H. All teams will be seeded based on win‐lose records for regular season.

Section 4: District Championship Play..

A. State tournament: State tournament in the second level of championship way or only “A”

and “B” division of play. Recreational level and All‐Star teams must register and “B” Level

teams.

B. Higher Level Tournaments. Regional, western nationals, nationals, and world tournaments

are offered by various authorities to stimulate higher level competition. A level of

championship play is dependent on skill and the ability of the team to attend the

competition. The KPYFC will not provide financial support beyond the End‐of‐Season

tournaments.

ARTICLE VII: LEAGUE PLAY

KPYFC will provide league games for all age levels where interest is evident based on a team registration.

Within each age level of play, divisions will be established at the league scheduling meeting.

Section 1 North/South division. Depending on the number of teams in an age bracket, those teams may

be divided into a North/South division. The South division will include South Kitsap, North Mason and

Gig Harbor. The North division will include Bremerton, Tracyton, Silverdale, and North Kitsap/Bainbridge

Island.


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Section 2. Level of play. Teams classified as “B” will not be allowed to play in the recreational.

Exceptions will be addressed to the KPYFC executive board.

Section 3. Right to classify. The KPYFC reserves the right at to classify the division(s) of play for any and

all teams and or individuals seeking to play within this Council. Classification shall be based on overall

defensive and offensive strength and overall experience of the team players and coaches. National

affiliation/authority standards for team classification shall be used.

Section 4. Select Rule. Any player that is on the roster of a “club” team that has open tryouts and cuts is

not eligible to play on a Recreational team in the KPYFC league. School teams do not count as “club” teams.

ARTICLE IX: RECREATIONAL TEAM AND PLAYER REGISTRATION

Section 1. Team Fees. Each team participating in Council play shall pay Affiliation and tournament fees.

The fee schedule will be determined by each year’s budget and is payable to the KPYFC by March 15.

Any amount or each year shall be set by the Council and include registration/affiliation and tournament

fees.

Section 2. Insurance. All teams practicing prior to their association’s payment of player insurance must

provide an unofficial team roster (to include player names, addresses, and birth dates, and the team

name) to the KPYFC prior to holding practices.

Section 3. Registration. Prior to participation in any tournament or game, teams must be registered

with the state office. All rosters are due to the KPYFC prior to play day or their first game. The

allocation of seats for state tournaments are based on total team registrations within a district. Rosters

need not be notarized.

Section 4. Late registration. Any player not listed on an initial roster may register with a team until

March 30.

Section 5. Player fees. Individual player fees are to be determined by the local association.

ARTICLE X: SCHEDULING OF LEAGUE PLAY

a. League structure will be established at the March general meeting.

b. A League scheduling meeting will be held to set schedules for all leagues. The first Monday in April will be the last day to notify of field availability, blackout days and number of teams in each age division. Meeting date: 2nd Tuesday in April for ages 12U, 14U, and 16U. 2nd Thursday in April for all younger ages.


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c. League season will begin the week following play day.

ARTICLE XI: LEAGUE PLAYING RULES

League playing rules or each age division are contained in appendixes A through E. All rules apply for each age division except as noted in each appendix.

ARTICLE XII: UMPIRE FEES

A. Monthly bills from the Umpire Association will be resolved and paid monthly. Discrepancies in the bill not resolved prior to the next monthly meeting, will be paid.

B. Umpire fees for league play will be determined and paid by the local association. Each association will pay the full fee for every home game their teams play, unless determines otherwise by the Executive Board.

C. Umpire fees for district championship play or league championship play will be prorated based on the number of teams registered and paid by their association.

ARTICLE XIII: AMENDMENTS

Amendments or Changes Proposed amendments, additions or changes to this document will be presented in writing at any general meeting of the KPYFC. Such proposals may be adopted at the following meeting of the KPYFC by approval of the majority of voting members present. Such proposals shall not take effect until 90 30 days after passage.

ARTICLE XIV: ISSUES NOT COVERED

Issues not covered shall be in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.


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Appendix A

6 years and under

5 and 6 year olds

Section 1 Game Rules

1. Base distances: bases shall be 45 feet apart. (Home to 2nd – 63’ 7 ½”) 2. Pitching Distances: Pitching rubber shall be 32 feet. 3. Lines: All appropriate line shall be marked on the field (i.e. 32’ arc, 20’ arc, 8’ radius

pitching circle, batter’s box, and foul line.) 4. Batter’s Box: The batter’s box will be marked and batter must be positioned in the

batter’s box. A coach may position a batter only once per inning. 5. Ball: 11 inch Incrediball TM Optic Yellow. The home team shall furnish one new or good

used ball and the visiting team one good used ball per game. 6. Game composition: a game shall be a maximum of 5 innings. There will be a one hour

time limit. (The game is ended after one hour of play) 7. Batter Rosters: All players shall be listed in the batting roster and take a turn at bat. 8. Substitutions: Defensive substitutions are unlimited. 9. Inning Composition: An inning shall consist of 9 batters for each team. 10. Continuation Rule: If 3 outs occur before 9 batters reach the plate, the bases will be

cleared prior to the next batter and the inning will continue until all 9 batters have batted.

11. Defensive: 10 defensive players may play on the field at one time. All “Outfielders” must take their defensive position beyond the baselines.

12. Thrown Bat: A thrown bat is always an out.

Section 2 Playing Rules

1. Batting Tee: The ball shall be hit of a batting tee set in front of home plate. The umpire is responsible for moving the batting tee for a play at the plate.

2. Fair Ball: A ball beyond 20 feet and between the foul lines. A ball on a line is FAIR! 3. Foul Ball: A ball that travels less than 20 feet or outside the foul lines and is touched or

stops in foul territory. All balls are alive until called “foul” by the umpire. 4. Strike outs: there are no strike outs in this age division. 5. Hitting: a batter shall not be allowed to bunt or take a half‐swing or swinging bunt. If, in

the umpire's judgment, the batter did not take a full swing, the batter shall be called back and hit again.

6. Pitcher: shall stay on the pitching rubber until the ball has been hit. 7. Defensive players: shall hold their normal positions, no closer to the plate than the 32

foot arc until the ball had been hit. 8. Limited bases: a batter WHO BECOMES a Runner AFTER hitting from the BATTING tee

shall be limited to (1) base and all runners shall be equally limited. 9. Stealing not permitted: following a called “time” by the umpire, no runners may be

leaving a base until the ball has been hit. If a runner leaves a base before the ball has


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been hit, the umpire shall call “no pitch” and return the offending runner to the original base.

10. Coaches on the field: only two defensive coaches shall be permitted on the field. They must remain in the outfield (beyond the base path) and not obstruct play. Two (2) defensive coaches are permitted on the field during post season play.

11. Infield Fly Rule: The infield fly rule shall NOT be enforced. 12. Tee Ball Bats: Tee Ball (Baseball) bats are permitted. 13. Overthrows: Balls thrown out of play by any fielder will be declared a “dead ball” and

shall NOT advance any runner. “Out of Play” is the area of the playing field designated by the umpire as being beyond the boundary lines of the playing field. Balls thrown beyond the bases, but remaining in the playing field, fair or foul, our alive and not considered overthrows!

14. A home game batter. See section 4: umpires. 15. Practice swing: each batter is limited to 3 practice swings per time at bat. 16. Pitching circle: shall be marked or all games. This shall be an 8 foot radius with the

center of which is 32 feet measured from the back of home plate. 17. Hitting the batting tee: if while attempting to hit a ball positioned on the tee, a batter

strikes the tee and dislodges the ball, it shall be declared a “dead ball”, a ball shall be replaced and the at‐bat continued.

18. Batting order: all players shall be listed on the batting roster and take a turn at bat. The batting order never changes and all players will bat the entire game, unless injury prevents further participation in the game.

19. Injury rule: in case of injury, the previous player in the lineup who was recorded as an “out” may substitute for the injured player. The injured player they reenter the game in their normal position on the batting order. No “out” is given.

20. Late arriving player: after play has started, late arriving players shall be placed at the bottom of the batting order.

Section 3 General rules

1. Rain outs: notice of cancellation shall be given the opposing team, a minimum of two hours prior to schedule play time. The home team is responsible for notifying the visiting team. The home team shall reschedule the rain out and notify the visiting team of the new time and date within 24 hours from the original game.

2. Game time shall be 6:00 PM unless otherwise listed on the Master schedule.

Section 4 Umpires

The home team is responsible for the plate umpire or each league game. It is also recommended that the team furnish a field umpire or each league game.


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Appendix B

8 years and under

(Coach Pitch)


1. Base Distances: bases shall be 55 feet apart. (Home to 2nd – 77’ 9 ¼ “) 2. Pitching Distance: pitching rubber shall be 34 feet. 3. Lines: all appropriate lines shall be marked on the field(I. E., 20’ arc 8’ radius pitching

circle, batter's box, and foul lines) NOTE: 20’ arc is not used at the age level, therefore, any ball hit between the foul line is fair and in play. ARC of 8’ is used now at 8U.

4. Ball: 11 inch Incrediball TM optic yellow. The home team shall furnish one new or good used ball and the visiting team one good used ball per game.

5. Game Composition: a game shall be a maximum of five innings. An inning shall consist of five runs or three outs until the last inning. Only the 5th inning shall consist of 8 runs or three outs. If, at the completion of the 4th inning, a team is ahead by eight runs, they are declared the winner. If the score is tied at the end of the fifth inning or at the end of the time limit, the game is complete with a tied score.

6. Time limit: 1 ½ hours from the officials are time. A NEW INNING BEGINS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE LAST OUT OF THE PREVIOUS INNING! The game ends promptly at 8 pm.

7. Batting roster: All players shall be listed on the batting roster and take their turn at bat unless discipline is being administered under local association or team rules. The batting order never changes and all players bat the whole game unless injury prevents further participation. Defensive substitutions are unlimited.

8. Defensive Limit: only nine defensive players shall play in the field at one time. All outfielders must take up their defensive positions beyond the baseline.

9. Defensive Players: shall hold their normal positions, no closer to the plate than the 32 foot arc until the ball has been hit.

10. Injury rule: In case of injury, the previous player in the lineup who was recorded as an “out” may substitute for the injured player. The injured player may reenter the game in their normal position on the batting order. Until the injured player returns, she is skipped on the batting order. No “out” is given.

11. Strikeout/walks: there are no strikeouts or walks at this age level. 12. Live Ball: a ball shall be alive until the pitcher has control of the ball in the 8 foot circle

or play has ceased. The umpire shall then call “time” and the pitcher shall return the ball to the adult pitcher.

13. Base Stealing: BASE STEALING IS NOT PERMITTED in either a recreational league play or the end of season tournament. Following a called “time” by the umpire, no runner may leave a base until the ball has been hit. If a runner leaves a base before the ball has been hit, the umpire shall call “no pitch” and return the offending runner to the original base.

14. Overthrows: balls thrown out of play by any fielder will be declared a “dead ball” and shall NOT advance any runner. “Out of play” is the area of the playing field designated by the umpire as being beyond the boundary lines of the playing field. Balls thrown


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beyond bases, but remaining in the playing field, fair or foul, our alive and not considered overthrows!

15. Thrown Bat: a thrown bat is ALWAYS an out. 16. Infield Fly Rule: The infield fly rule shall NOT be enforced. 17. Bunting: Bunting is not allowed at this age division. 18. Late arriving player: after play has started, late arriving players shall be placed at the

bottom of the batting order.

Section 2 Pitching Regulations: COACH PITCH

1. An adult representative of the offensive team shall deliver three pitches to the batter. 2. If the batter hits a fair ball before or on the 3rd pitch, the ball is in play and all runners

advance with the risks to be put out. 3. If the batter is hit by a pitched ball, the batter shall remain at‐bat and the pitch shall not

count towards the 3 pitch total. 4. If the batter fouls the 3rd pitch, the batter continues the turn at bat until a fair ball is hit

or the pitch is swung at and missed. 5. If, after the 3rd pitch, the batter has not hit a fair ball, the batting Tee shall be set up and

the batter shall swing at the ball until a fair ball is hit. 6. Hitting the batting Tee: if while attempting to hit a ball position on the tee, the batter

strikes the tee and dislodges the ball, it shall be declared a “dead ball”, the ball shall be replaced and the at‐bat continued.

7. A batter WHO BECOMES A runner AFTER hitting from the BATTING tee shall be limited to one (1) base and all runners shall be equally limited.

Section 3 General Rules


2. Game time shall be 6:30 PM unless otherwise listed on the Master schedule.

Section 4 Umpires



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APPENDIX C

10 YEARS AND UNDER


1. Base Distances: The bases shall be set at 60 feet. (Home to 2nd – 84’ 10”) 2. Pitching Distance: the pitching distance shall be 34 feet. 3. Ball: 11 inch Incrediball TM optic yellow. The home team shall furnish one new or

good used ball and the visiting team one good used ball per game. 4. Game composition: a game shall be a maximum of six innings. Each team shall be

limited to five runs or three outs per inning except the 6th inning with shall be limited to eight runs or three outs. In, at the completion of the fifth inning, one team is ahead by eight runs they are declared winner. If the score is tied at the end of the 6th inning or at the end of 1 1/2 hour time limit, the game is complete with a tie score.

5. Time limit: 1 ½ hours from the official start time. No new inning shall be started after 7:50 PM. A NEW INNING BEGINS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE LAST OUT OF THE PREVIOUS INNING! The inning in progress at 7:50 PM shall be completed.

6. Protests: no protests shall be heard. 7. Infield Fly Rule: The infield fly rule shall NOT be enforced. 8. Bats: Little League bats are legal for this age in league and play at the end of the

season. 9. Dropped 3rd strike: The dropped 3rd strike does NOT apply. The ball is dead and the

batter is out. 10. Base Stealing: Base stealing is permitted, but limited to 1 base per pitch and only

from 2nd base to 3rd base. Runner may only advance from 2nd to 3rd as a steal regardless of throwing attempts. Base stealing is not permitted while coach is pitching.

11. Leading Off: base runners may lead‐off when the pitch leaves the pitchers hand. 12. Overthrows: Balls thrown “Out of play” by any fielder will be declared a “Dead Ball”.

Base runners shall be awarded 2 bases and will be governed by the position of the runner(s) when the ball left the fielders hand. “Out of Play” is the area of the playing field designated by the umpire as being beyond the boundary lines of the playing field. Balls thrown beyond bases, but remaining in the playing field, fair or foul, our alive and not considered overthrows!

13. Batting Roster: All players shall be listed on the batting roster and take their turn at bat unless discipline is being administered under local association or team rules. The batting order never changes and all players bat the whole game unless injury prevents further participation. Defensive substitutions are unlimited.

14. Late Arrivals: After play has started, late arriving players shall be placed at the bottom of the batting order.


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15. Injury rule: In case of injury, the previous player in the lineup who was recorded as an “out” may substitute for the injured player. The injured player may reenter the game in their normal position on the batting order. Until the injured player returns, she is skipped on the batting order. No “out” is given.

16. Bunting: Bunting is not permitted while a coach is pitching

Section 2 Pitching Regulations

1. For each at bat, a youth pitcher will pitch until: a. The batter strikes out or… b. The pitcher throws 4 called “balls” or… c. The ball is hit in fair territory

2. The player/pitcher pitches until there are either 4 balls, 3 strikes (called or swinging), or a ball is put in play. If there are 4 balls thrown, the parent/pitcher takes over with the strike count intact. The parent/pitcher has a maximum of 5 pitches to finish the at bat. The parent/umpire continues to call balls/strikes when the parent/pitcher is pitching. The at bat is complete when the batter reaches 3 strikes (called or swinging), puts a ball in play, or the parent/pitcher throws 5 pitches, whichever comes first. The at bat is continued if the batter fouls off the last pitch.

3. If a batter is hit by a YOUTH pitcher, the batter is given the option to take first base or continue the turn at bat. A batter hit by the adult pitcher, shall remain at bat.

4. There shall be no walks at this age level. 5. Safety Rule: A pitcher who hits 3 batters during any one inning shall be immediately

replaced. Pitcher may stay on the field only if moved to another position. The player may return to pitch in the next inning.



2. Game time and date as indicated on the master schedule. 3. All rules in this appendix apply during the Peninsula and play. All other affiliation rules

apply unless altered by KPYFC.

Section 4 Umpires



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APPENDIX D

12 YEARS AND UNDER

Section1 Game Rules

1. Base Distances: The bases shall be set at 60 feet. (Home to 2nd – 84’ 10”) 2. Pitching Distance: The pitching distance shall be 40 feet. 3. Ball: 12‐in Optic Yellow. Core .47. Home team shall furnish one new ball and the visiting

team one good used ball per game. 4. Game Composition: A game shall be a maximum of 7 innings. Each team shall be limited

to 5 runs or 3 outs per inning except in the 7th inning which shall be limited to 8 runs or 3 outs. If, at the completion of the fifth inning, one team is ahead by eight runs they are declared winner. If the score is tied at the end of the 7th inning or at the end of 1 1/2 hour time limit, the game is complete with a tie score.

5. Time limit: 1 ½ hours from the official start time. No new inning shall be started after 7:50 PM. A NEW INNING BEGINS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE LAST OUT OF THE PREVIOUS INNING! The inning in progress at 7:50 PM shall be completed.

6. Protests: no protests shall be heard. 7. Batting Roster: All players shall be listed on the batting roster and take their turn at bat

unless discipline is being administered under local association or team rules. The batting order never changes and all players bat the whole game unless injury prevents further participation. Defensive substitutions are unlimited.

8. Rules: The Infield Fly and Dropped 3rd Strike rules apply. 9. Late Arrivals: After play has started, late arriving players shall be placed at the bottom of

the batting order. 10. Injury rule: In case of injury, the previous player in the lineup who was recorded as an

“out” may substitute for the injured player. The injured player may reenter the game in their normal position on the batting order. Until the injured player returns, she is skipped on the batting order. No “out” is given.

11. Safety Rules: a. All batting helmets shall be equipped with a face mask. b. The catcher shall use either a catcher’s mitt, 1st base glove or functional mitt that fits

the catchers hand and is controlled easily. c. A pitcher who hits 3 batters during any one inning shall be immediately replaced.

Pitcher may stay on the field only if moved to another position. The player may return to pitch in the next inning.


1. Rain outs: notice of cancellation shall be given the opposing team, a minimum of two hours prior to schedule play time. The home team is responsible for notifying the


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visiting team and calling the officiating service. The officiating service should be called first to avoid fees. The home team shall reschedule the rain out and notify the visiting team of the new time and date within 24 hours from the original game.

2. Game time and date as indicated on the master schedule. 3. Reporting: Following each game (including rainouts and rescheduled games) each team

shall notify its own Association representative and report whether or not an umpire was present.

4. Rescheduled Games: Rescheduled games may carry a cost penalty. The Association Representative shall be contacted for rescheduling of fields and umpires. Games should only be rescheduled due to inclement weather!

Section 3 Umpires

1. If paid umpires are provided and a game is cancelled, the umpire officiating service must be contacted before 4:00pm of the game day.

2. If paid umpires are not provided the home team is responsible for the plate umpire for each home game. The visiting team must furnish a field umpire for each game.


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Appendix E

14, 16, 18 years and under

Section 1 game rules

1. Base distances: The bases shall be set at 60 feet.(Home to 2nd – 84’ 10”) 2. Pitching distance: pitching distance shall be 43 feet. 3. Ball: 12 inch optic yellow core .47. Home team shall furnish one new ball and the visiting team one good used ball per game.

4. Game composition: a game shall be a maximum of seven innings. Each team shall be limited to five runs or three outs per inning except the seventh inning with shall be limited to eight runs or three outs. If, at the completion of the fifth inning, one team is ahead by eight runs they are declared the winner. If the score is tied at the end of the seventh inning or at the end of 1 1/2 hour time limit, the game is complete with a tie score.

5. Time limit: 1 ½ hours from the official start time. A NEW INNING BEGINS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE LAST OUT OF THE PREVIOUS INNING! The inning in progress at the 1 1/2 hour time limit shall be completed.

6. Protests: no protests shall be heard. 7. Batting Roster: All players shall be listed on the batting roster and take their turn at bat unless discipline is being administered under local association or team rules. The batting order never changes and all players bat the whole game unless injury prevents further participation. Defensive substitutions are unlimited.

8. Late Arrivals: After play has started, late arriving players shall be placed at the bottom of the batting order

9. Safety Rules: a. All batting helmets shall be equipped with a face mask. b. The catcher shall use either a catcher’s mitt, 1st base glove or functional mitt that

fits the catchers hand and is controlled easily. c. Safety Rule: A pitcher who hits 3 batters during any one inning shall be

immediately replaced. Pitcher may stay on the field only if moved to another position. The player may return to pitch in the next inning.

d. Metal cleats are not allowed.

Section 2 General requirements

1. Rain outs: notice of cancellation shall be given the opposing team, a minimum of two hours prior to schedule play time. The home team is responsible for notifying the visiting team and calling the officiating service. The officiating service should be called first to avoid fees. The home team shall reschedule the rain out and notify the visiting team of the new time and date within 24 hours from the original game.

2. Game time and date as indicated on the master schedule.


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3. Reporting: Following each game (including rainouts and rescheduled games) each team shall notify its own Association representative and report whether or not an umpire was present.

4. Rescheduled Games: Rescheduled games may carry a cost penalty. The Association Representative shall be contacted for rescheduling of fields and umpires. Games should only be rescheduled due to inclement weather!

Section 3 Umpires

If paid umpires are provided and a game is cancelled, the umpire officiating service must be contacted before 4:00pm of the game day.


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Appendix F Pitching Rules

Section I Pitching Rules

A. Preliminaries 1. Prior to the pitch, the pitcher shall take a position with both feet in contact with the pitcher's plate, on the ground and within or partially within the 24 inch length of the pitcher's plate. The hands must be apart.

2. Preliminary to the pitch, the pitcher must take a position with the shoulders in line with the first and third base. The ball may be in either glove or pitching hand, with the hands separated

3. While in this position, the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the catcher.

4. After completing “2” above, the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball. The hands may be motionless or moving.

B. THE PITCH 1. The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands had been brought together.

2. Once the hands are brought together the pitcher shall not take more than one step, which must be forward, toward the batter and simultaneous with the delivery. Note 1: Toward is interpreted as within or partially within the 24 inch length of the pitcher's plate. 3. The pivot foot may remain in contact with or may push off and drag away from

the pitching plate prior to the front foot touching the ground, as long as the pivot foot remains in contact with the ground. Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcher's plate is illegal. Note 2: it is not a step in the pitcher slides the foot in any direction on the pitcher's plate, provided contact is maintained Note 3: techniques such as the “Cow hop” and “the leap” are illegal.

C. Legal delivery‐ shall be a pitched ball that is delivered to the batter with the underhand motion. 1. The release of the ball and the follow through of the hand and wrist must be

forwarded past the vertical line of the body. 2. The hand shall be below the hip in and the wrist not farther from the body then

the elbow. 3. The pitch is completed with a step toward the batter.


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D. Windup – the Pitcher may use any windup desired provided: 1. No motion to pitch is made without immediately delivering the ball to the batter. 2. The pitcher does not use a rocker action in which, after having the ball in both hands

in pitching position, she removes one hand from the ball, takes a backward and forward swing and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body.

3. The pitcher does not use the windup in which there is a stop or reversal of the forward motion.

4. The pitcher does not make more than one revolution of the arm in the windmill pitch. A picture may drop the pitching arm to the side and to the rear before starting the windmill motion. The ball does not have to be released the first time past been hip. NOTE 4: one revolution is interpreted as “not to revolution, “provided the pitching arm is dropped to the side and to the rear before starting the windmill motion.

5. The pitcher does not continue to windup after taking the forward step or after the ball is released. Note 5: continuation of the windup is considered any action that, after the ball is released, causes the arm to continue to rotate past the shoulder.

E. Restrictions ‐ the pitcher shall not wear any item on the pitching hand, wrist, arm or thigh that may be distracting to the batter. 1. Batting helmets‐ if a pitcher wears a batting helmet while on defense, the outer

covering and shield shall be a non‐glare surface. F. Deliberate acts ‐the pitcher shall not deliberately drop, roll, and bounce, etc., the ball

while in the pitching position in order to prevent the batter from striking it. G. Pitch timing‐ Once the ball has been returned to the pitcher, the pitcher has 20 seconds

to release the next pitch, “after the umpire says play ball”. H. Warm‐up pitches‐ at the beginning of an inning or when a pitcher relieves another

pitcher, one minute may be used to deliver not more than five practice pitches to the catcher, or some other teammate.

I. Safety Rule: A pitcher who hits 3 batters during any one inning shall be immediately replaced. Pitcher may stay on the field only if moved to another position. The player may return to pitch in the next inning.


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Section 2 Penalties

1. Violations of section 1 A through G. Penalty: an illegal pitch is called immediately. The ball has declared dead immediately. The batter is awarded a ball and the base runners are awarded one base without liability to be put out.

2. Violations of section 1H Penalty: or excessive warm‐up pitches a ball shall be awarded to the batter for each pitch in excess of five.

1. The catcher shall be inside the line of the catcher's box when the pitcher takes a position to pitch and when the pitch is released. Penalty: An illegal pitch is call.

2. The catcher shall return the ball directly to the pitcher after each pitch, except after a strikeout or a put out made by the catcher, or to a base runner. Penalty: The batter is awarded a ball. Exception: intentionally violating the rule in order to walk the batter without pitching shall not resolve in a ball being awarded to the batter. Section 3 USSSA Pitching Rule All pitchers will follow the pitching rules set by USSSA, guidelines.


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Appendix G Umpire in Chief

Rules and game conduct contact: UIC Jon Briggs (360) 621‐5422 [email protected] The UIC and keep a record of questions, complaints, concerns and resolution for review by the Kitsap Peninsula Youth Fastpitch Council. Article I. Rule Questions Rule questions will go first to the Association president. If the Association cannot satisfactorily answer the question, it is then forwarded to the UIC for research, action and resolution. The original question and the results of the research will be posted to all Association. Section 1. Game Calls Made by Umpires The UIC will NOT field questions concerning disputed calls on the field. Calls made by umpires on the field stand as called. Issues of judgment are not subject to review. Only those issues relating to interpretation or questions on rules will be accepted. The Association representative shall present the issues for clarification per “rule questions” above. Section 2. Scope of UIC Actions While questions on rules should be routed through the Associations, direct communications to the UIC may be made by phone or e‐mail or the following issue:

1. Team, official, coach or league conduct affected the: timeliness, safety, conduct and/or rules of the game;

2. Presentation of the competition to the athletes and parents; 3. Overall quality of the game due to officiating, parental involvement, coach

attitude. Section 3 dispute resolution and disposition The first action by the UIC will be to forward a summary of the complaint to the affected Association president and the Kitsap Peninsula Council president. If the issue is beyond the scope of determination by the UIC, he/she will present the complaint to the USSSA UIC with a request for interpretation and recommendation and actions need. The USSSA will provide a formal response. The UIC will pursue closure to each issue as quickly as possible, providing feedback directly to the individual submitting the complaint and to each Council member. Article II. General requirements. All coaches shall call the opposing coach 1 to 2 days prior to competition to verify game time and field location. It only takes one miscommunication for a team to show up, after traveling to an away field and have no one show for a game to create bad feelings for


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the team, Association, umpires, and the league. Basic communications can resolve most problems. Section 1 Game issues: Rescheduling, counseling, rain outs, failure to show. Umpire Association contact phone number for all games: 990‐8727. When calling out all information ready and be specific, including a call back number. All teams should understand the following: home team pays for umpire. If umpires are not properly informed, the home team will pay the umpires for a scheduled game unless they had been notified per the following guidelines.

A. Rescheduling the game. Only the home team made reschedule a game. Home team should inspect conditions field conditions prior to 5:00 PM. If the fields are unsatisfactory, the umpire must be called prior to 5:00 PM to cancel the games. Home team must also call the visiting team to inform them of the game cancellation. Rescheduling the game is the responsibility of the home coach and should be coordinated within the home coaches Association.

B. Canceling a game. A team desiring to cancel the game in advance of its original date must coordinate with the home team. HOME TEAM HAS THE FINAL SAY ON RESCHEDULING A GAME! Factors affecting rescheduling include: team, field, and umpire availability the parent Association of the home team shall be contacted to provide a list of available dates and venues for a rescheduled game. If the teams cannot coordinate an acceptable date and venue a game shall be considered a forfeit. Regardless, the home team shall notify the umpires Association of cancellation or reschedule.

C. Rain outs and failure to show. If a game is called or cancelled after 5:00 PM, the game is a forfeit. The home team pays for the umpires for the games on their fields so, the umpires Association must be notified on or before 5:00 PM. The home team is responsible for notifying all the umpires and the visiting coach. If the visiting team cancels the game, home team is still responsible to call the umpires.

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