CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

OF THE LIVERPOOL GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE, INC.

AMENDED January 2009 (approved 02/11/2009)

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1. The organization shall be known as the Liverpool Girls Softball League, Inc. ( i.e., LGSL). The organization is a Type A not-for-profit corporation, the address of which is P.O. Box 645 Liverpool, New York 13088. The organization’s fiscal year is the calendar year.

2.  In addition to the general purposes recited in the organization’s Certificate of Incorporation, this organization is established for the specific purposes of providing the sport of girls softball in the Liverpool School District, Liverpool, N.Y. area, to promote sportsmanship, close harmony, community spirit, good citizenship, and well being among the youth of our community. This league will be for girls residing in the Liverpool School District bounded as follows: starting at the intersection of the District Boundary and the southeastern shore of Onondaga Lake; thence proceeding northerly along the eastern District Boundary to its intersection with Buckley Road at Woodward; thence westerly along Buckley Road to John Glen Boulevard; thence along John Glen Boulevard and its projections to the junction of the District and boundaries of Clay and Geddes; thence along the southwestern boundary of the District to the point of beginning. Girls from outside these boundaries may register and play with the consent of the Executive Board. This organization shall be divided into five divisions: Senior, Junior, Development, Instructional, and Fast Pitch.

3. THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

A. The organization shall be governed by a Board of Directors, which shall also be known as the Executive Board or the Board.

B. The Executive Board will consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Publicity Coordinators, Equipment Coordinator, Division Coordinators, Sponsor Coordinators and Members at Large. The officers of the organization shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

C. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the members of the Executive Board present at a regular scheduled meeting.

D. No person or persons shall be a member of the Executive Board or an officer unless they show and maintain an interest in the organization and its goals and purposes. Any member missing three consecutive meetings without a valid reason shall be considered an uninterested party and no longer a member of the Executive Board or an officer.

E. The Executive Board shall annually review and approve a budget by January 1st.

F. Each Board Candidate may be asked to provide, prior to election, a registration form to include but not restricted to their: A. Complete name. B. Date of birth C. Home address and work address D. Home phone, work phone, facsimile number and e-mail address E. Driver’s License Number F. Record of any felony, misdemeanor and/or convictions G. Spouse’s name. New Board member’s shall execute a Code of Ethics statement prior to the commencement of league activities each season.

4. DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS AND THE EXECUTIVE BOARD: At an election to be held annually on or before December 1st, the following shall be elected to serve as members for a term of one calendar year from January 1 to December 31 of the same year, or until such time as their successor is elected.

A. PRESIDENT: The President shall preside at all meetings and shall have a voice and a vote. The meetings shall be held at the discretion of the President. The President shall have authority to authorize and coordinate the disbursement of funds by the Treasurer for all budgeted items. The Executive Board will approve all disbursements. The board must approve any unbudgeted items. The President will be responsible for the overall administration of the organization.

B. VICE PRESIDENT: The Vice President, in the absence of the President, shall assure all those duties normally performed and in lieu of the President. The Vice President will maintain a master list of all players in the league. This list will be generated from divisional player lists provided by coordinators.

C. SECRETARY: The Secretary must maintain a complete record and file to include but not restricted to A. Annual budget B. Treasure’s report C. Minutes D. LGSL at-a-glance E. Rosters and registration forms for the current year and the last three years F. Insurance info G. Electronics Park Priority Use Agreement and current field requisitions; and H. Insurance policies/binders for the last four years. Such records in their entirety must be transferred to each subsequent Secretary.

D. CONCESSION STAND COORDINATOR: The Concession Stand Coordinator (CSC) shall be responsible for all coordination for purchasing necessary items to run and operate the concession stand.  This individual will also be responsible to insure that required people are scheduled to operate the stand on a weekly basis during the operating season.  Each coordinator will be responsible to set up a weekly schedule for the CSC and to follow up to ensure the stand has coverage each scheduled night.

E. TREASURER/PURCHASING/INSURANCE AGENT: The Treasurer/ Purchasing/ Insurance Agent shall maintain all of the financial records of the League, maintain a checking account and savings account, receive and disburse all moneys of the League as directed by the President or the Executive Board, and in accordance with 3E above, develop a budget annually by March 1, and report periodically to the Executive Board as to the financial status of the League.              

As the Purchasing Agency he/she will submit a budget of estimated costs and equipment of the playing year to the Executive Board or approval no later than March 1, which budget, must be approved by the Executive Board no later than April 1 of that year. The Purchasing Agent will also be responsible for purchasing equipment subject to disbursement authorization by the President of the Executive Board. As the Insurance Coordinator, he/she will coordinate insurance coverage and provide the Secretary with appropriately procured policies and binders.

F. EQUIPMENT COORDINATOR: The Equipment Coordinator shall supply all equipment necessary for the games. The Equipment Coordinator will collect, inventory and maintain all equipment for all teams. The Equipment Coordinator will submit an inventory tally at the end of the calendar year to the Executive Board.

G. DIVISION COORDINATORS: The Coordinators will be responsible for season length; practice, game and field scheduling as assigned by the Field Coordinator, for all games and all rain dates or approved non-weather related rescheduled games; and serve as LGSL liaison to his/her division, its managers, coaches, players and parents of players. The Division Coordinators will be responsible for team formation, intra and inter division administration and coordination. The Divisional Coordinator will also maintain a master list of all players in his or her Division in a form such that one can generate mailing labels there from. This list shall be also provided to the Vice President prior to league play.

H. SPONSOR COORDINATOR: The Sponsor Coordinator will be responsible for procuring sponsors and shall be the liaison between LGSL and the sponsors.

J. MEMBERS-AT-LARGE: The Members-At-Large, the number of which shall be determined by the Executive Board, shall perform duties so directed by the Executive Board. The immediate past President is automatically granted membership on the Board as a member-at-large.

K. FIELD COORDINATOR: Will coordinate field usage for all divisional scheduled and make up games.

L. UMPIRE COORDINATOR: Will serve as LGSL liaison to the Umpires Association. Provide umpires for all LGSL scheduled and make-up games.

M.  HEALTH AND SAFETY COORDINATOR:  Will be responsible for issues concerning the health and safety of players.  Will monitor and maintain sufficient first aid supplies for entire league.

N. All of the above members of the Executive Board will be entitled to one vote, which vote may be exercised only if present in person and without proxy.

O.  Rules and Ethics Committee:  The Rules and Ethics committee (committee) is responsible for the maintenance of the Bylaws and will provide updated versions NLT January 1 of the playing year for review and adoption by the Executive Board.  The committee shall be comprised of a representative from each division within the LGSL (league).  The committee will be chaired by a member of the Executive Board (not the league President) who is senior in tenure in the league.  ByLaw (Rule) violations:  The committee is responsible for reviewing all rule violations reported to the board and supplying a recommendation to the Officers of the Executive Board for action.  Code of Ethics (Code) Violations:  The committee is responsible for reviewing all Code violations and making a recommendation for action to the Officers of the Executive Board. Rule and Code violations do not require a quorum decision of the entire Executive Board but will be decided by the Officers of the Executive Board whose decision is final.  Decision will be identified to the committee for in-season inclusion/modification to the Bylaws. 

5. ELECTIONS: The election of officers and the Executive Board shall be held on or before December 1st annually. The outgoing Executive Board will elect the incoming or new Executive Board and the new Executive Board will elect officers. Officers who are elected will take office as of January 1 of the following year.

6. Upon dissolution of the organization, the Executive Board shall, to the extent allowed and/or approved by law and after paying or making provision for the payment of all liabilities of the organization, dispose of assets of the organization exclusively for organization(s) established for similar purposes as a first priority, then as a second priority for those charities and educational purpose organizations that qualify as an exempt organization under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 ( or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

7. These articles can only be amended by majority vote of a quorum of the Executive Board at any meeting thereof.

8. Assignment of girls to a division of the organization shall be determined by the Liverpool Girls Softball League Executive Board and shall generally be done in accordance with the following Division Structure:

A. The Instructional Division shall be for players in grades K, 1 & 2. The maximum number of players on an Instructional Division team shall be 12.

B. The Development Division shall be for players in grades 3, 4 & 5. The maximum number of players on a Development Division team shall be 13.

C. The Junior Division shall be for players in grades 6, 7 & 8 before March 1st of the playing season. The maximum number of players on a Junior Division team shall be 13.

D. The Senior Division shall be for players in grades 9, 10, 11, &12 before March 1st of the playing season, or up to and including age 19.  Players with birthdates of Dec 31 of that season will be the cutoff for age 19. (i.e.; Girls must not have achieved their 20^th birthday prior to January 1^st of the Registration year.)  The maximum number of players on a Senior Division team shall be 15.

E. The Fast-pitch Division shall be for players 12 and under, 16 and under as of March 1st of the playing season.

9. Players may be allowed to move up only one division, provided they are in their last year of the current division structure and a written request by the legal guardian is submitted to the LGSL president prior to last day of registration and receives board approval. For good cause shown and at its discretion, but consistent with the organization’s purpose, the Board may make exceptions to division assignments.

10. Each player who will be less than eighteen years of age during the season of play shall have written consent from her parent or guardian to play. Each player shall submit a

properly executed “Authorization for Medical Treatment of Minors” form naming her manager and one coach as the appointee to act in behalf of the player’s parent or legal guardian. Each player shall have also registered to play with the organization and paid or had waived any associated fees. All players will execute a Code of Ethics statement prior to being eligible to play in any games.  Player Code of Ethics statements will be maintained by the team Manager and will be readily available at all games and official practices. Playing is a privilege granted by the organization and this privilege may be revoked or suspended at the discretion of the League’s Executive Board or it’s designees.  

11. The Executive Board, Managers, Coaches, and Umpires are leaders of growing girls and shall conduct themselves as an example of good character, coaching the team to play hard but with sportsmanship like conduct, and in accordance with Rules of Conduct, Code of Ethics or the like established by the Board or, if designated, its Division Coordinators, attached hereto. All complaints against the Executive Board, managers, coaches, umpires, players and/or spectators shall be in writing and given to the President or to any member of the Executive Board.

A. Managers are recruited, selected and assigned by the Division Coordinator, with notice to and approval by the Executive Board.

B. All candidates for Managers and Coaches may be required to provide a registration form to include but not restricted to information of: 1. Complete name, 2. Date of birth,  3. Home address and work address 4. Home phone, work phone, facsimile number, and e-mail address E. Driver’s license number 5.  Record of any felony, misdemeanor and/or convictions G. Spouse name. All candidates for Managers and Coaches will execute a Code of Ethics statement prior to participation in league practices or games.  These statements will be on file and readily available from the division coordinator of the affected division.

12. Any notice provided by the Executive Board as regards disciplinary actions will be in writing and served by mail.

13. Initial disciplinary action may be taken by the coaches, manager, Division Coordinator, or an umpire against any player whose actions are insubordinate, are inconsistent with the specific purposes of the organization as set forth in Paragraph 2A, the Rules of Conduct, Code of Conduct, any player using profanity or found smoking or consuming alcoholic beverages during the games and practices and in any other case after warning to the coach by the umpire. This disciplinary action authorization includes the time periods within 45 minutes before or after games and practices at the playing field.   It shall be the responsibility of each Manager to solicit a Code of Ethics statement from each parent or spectator supporting their team.  This is a non-mandatory statement, however, content of the statement should be made known to all parents and spectators as it affects the roles and responsibilities of players, coaches, managers, umpires, and board members alike.

14. NO TOBACCO, ILLEGAL DRUGS OR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES are permitted at games or practices by players or coaching personnel in the field of play and bench area.

15. Any player missing any officially scheduled practice or game without a valid reason shall be considered an uninterested party and the Manager shall take appropriate action. (For example: no participation in next game-player can sit on bench.) (Action must be noted in writing and provided to the division coordinator) Managers will have the home plate umpire sign the official score book at the completion of every game.  This official record must be maintained and made available to the Executive Board immediately upon request. 

16. Only one player, manager, or coach may be permitted in the coaching box during the games, to direct players from the coach’s own team, while batting and running bases, provided the coaches remain in the coach’s box. The first and third base coaches boxes shall be ten (10) feet distant and parallel to the base line, have a length of ten (10) feet, extending toward home plate from the base and be three (3) feet in depth.

17.  Weekday games will start at 6:30 p.m. with players, managers and coaches arriving by 6:00 p.m. for warm-up. There will be a 15 minute grace period for players.  

The visiting team will be on the first base side and the home team will be on the third base side. The AWAY team will have the practice field first at 6:00 p.m. and the HOME team will have the practice field at 6:15 p.m.                                   

18.  All decisions regarding league by-laws and operation of the league shall be determined by a majority vote of the Executive Board.

19.  Protests must be made to Home Plate Umpire and opposing manager before next pitch. Home Plate Umpire must make entry in scorebook and sign score book.

20.  All non-judgment protests must be submitted in writing within 48 hours to the President or Vice-President of the LGSL. The Executive Board will rule and pass judgment, which will be binding.

21. SCHEDULING:

A. All scheduled games must be played as scheduled.

B. Division coordinator is responsible for all scheduling.

22. CANCELLATIONS:

A. Weather conditions prevailing, all games must be played on scheduled dates. The game schedule may be altered for non-weather related rescheduled games provided they are approved by the Divisional Coordinator. (Refer to 21 F)

B.  If an all-day rain occurs, division coordinators may cancel all games by 5:00p.m.

C. If managers are not called by 5:00p.m., the teams must show up at the field.

D. If rain conditions prevail after 5:00p.m., the teams show up at the field. A decision not to play a game because of rain conditions must be agreed upon by both managers by the scheduled starting time. If this decision cannot be agreed upon, the game must start. The home team manager must contact the Division Coordinator when a game has been cancelled.

E. Prior to the start of the game, the home team coach is responsible for addressing field conditions based on weather conditions. Once the game starts, the home plate umpire will decide if the game should be cancelled or played due to weather conditions or darkness.

F. The Division Coordinator will reschedule rain games with field assignments given by the Field Coordinator, and umpire assignments by Umpire Coordinator. The Division

Coordinator will contact both managers.  The intent of the league is for rain games to be rescheduled and played at the earliest possible date so as to avoid schedule elongation and/or impacting play off schedules.

G. Should rescheduled games also be cancelled because of rain, managers will refer back to the coordinator for rescheduling.

H. Failure to follow rules will result in a forfeit.

23. UMPIRES: For the Instructional Division, each team will provide one umpire. The home team will provide the Home Plate Umpire and the visiting team will provide the Base Umpire. This will be any responsible person, agreeable to both teams. For Development, Junior, and Senior Division games, should the umpire not show, 2 responsible people will be selected agreeable to both managers and coaches. The Fast-pitch Division will require a minimum of one USSSA umpires.

24. PLAY-OFFS: DEVELOPMENT, JUNIOR, SENIOR DIVISIONS and FAST-PITCH DIVISION

A. The Division Coordinators, within reasonable schedule constraints, should strive to include all teams within a division for the post-season play-off tournament.

B. All byes will go to the highest seeded team(s). The Division Coordinator will determine brackets and format with guidance from the Executive Board. Bracketing will be based on standard format, i.e. higher seed playing lower seed for the initial rounds.

C. Seeding will be based on order of finish for the regular season. Any ties will be broken using head to head record. If still tied, use head to head record against highest available seeded team until tie is broken. If still tied, tie will be broken by coin flip.

25. CATCHERS’S EQUIPMENT: In the Instructional, Development Divisions and Fast-pitch Division the catcher must wear all of the catcher’s equipment. In the Junior, and Senior Divisions the catcher is required to wear the facemask at all times. The rest of the catcher’s equipment is optional but strongly recommended for wearing.

26. ALL-STARS

A. All-Star selections for the Development Division shall consist of all sixth graders in the Development Division.

B. All-Star selections shall be made in the Junior, and Senior Divisions with an equal number of selections per team; the number being determined by the total number of teams in the Division. The number of selections shall be determined by the number necessary to form the All-Stars selected into two teams for purposes of playing each other in an All-Star game for the Division.

C. The manager shall make all-Star selections with the advice of coaches and such other personnel as the manager desires.

D. The criterion for All-Star selection is based on attaining and exhibiting the highest levels of skill, athletic ability, teamwork and sportsmanship on an individual player’s team, as determined by the manager.

E. For purposes of the intra-division All-Star game, the manager of the first place team shall manage one team and manager of the second place team shall manage the other team as determined by the regular season. Managers and coaches from other than the first and second place teams are expected to assist, as requested, by their respective All-Star team managers.

F. In the event that the league schedules All-Star games with other league(s), the All-Stars selected for the intra-divisional All-Star game, plus no more than five “at-large” picks of any divisional player by the All-Star team’s manager, shall form a pool of players from which the Divisional All-Star roster of players (not to exceed 15) shall be competitively selected. The same criteria shall be employed for the selection of the Divisional All-Star team as is set forth in “C” above. The manager of the first place team will coach this All-Star team as determined by the regular season or, if unavailable, as designated by the Divisional Coordinator.

G. Substitutions from lower divisions are not allowed for All-Star

27. RULES:  The latest version of the Official United States Softball Specialty Association (USSSA) Rules shall be used as a guideline for play in the LGSL, however, the ultimate rules of play shall be determined by the Executive Board. The Fast-pitch Division is bounded by the rules of the USSSA with applicable exceptions noted here.

A. PLAYING FIELD

1.   The distance from the pitcher’s mound to home plate shall be 35 feet for Instructional, Development 35-40 feet with division coaches approval, 46 feet for Junior and Senior Divisions, and 40 feet for the Fast-pitch Division.

2.  The base line for the Instructional and Development Division shall be 55 feet, and for the Junior and Senior Divisions shall be 65 feet. The base line for the Instructional Division may be shortened to 48 feet for the first 4 games of the season upon agreement

of both managers. The Fast-pitch Division shall have base paths of 60 feet.

3.  Ground rules for each particular league field shall be established by the Home Plate Umpire before the start of each game after discussion with both managers and assigned umpire.

4. If the location of the bases must be moved in order to play the game, the bases may be moved only upon agreement of both managers.

B. EQUIPMENT

1.  An official Little League baseball bat may be used for Instructional Division only. Development, Junior’s, and Senior’s need to use official softball bats. Aluminum bats are acceptable. All bats must be taped or with rubber grip and USSSA or ASA approved.

2.  All players will wear footwear in accordance with the rulebook with the exception of metal shoes, metal heel plates, and metal spikes, which will not be permitted in LGSL competition.

3. The 11inch softball shall be used in all Divisions except Fast-pitch Division where a 12 inch ball will be mandatory. See current USSSA Rules Book for current 12” ball specifications.

4. The “Safety Base” (double first base) shall be used in all divisions.

C.  LEAGUE UNIFORMS: It is the intent of this league that each team be similarly dressed. LGSL will supply a uniform as defined by the Executive Board for each year to each team member.

1. Team shirts must be worn by each player in game participation.

2. The shirts should not be defaced in any way, i.e. sleeves should not be removed and shirts should not be cut down.

3. If a substitute player, authorized by LGSL, participates on a team as needed, she should wear a color similar to the color of the team for which she will be playing. In this case, her number should be identified as 0.

4. Sweatshirts- On occasion it may be necessary to wear a sweatshirt along with the team shirt. In this situation, sweatshirts are to be worn under the team shirt.

5. All exposed items that are judged to be hazardous or potentially dangerous by managers, coaches, or umpires, such as sunglasses, neck chains, watches, bracelets or earrings that extend below the ear lobes may not be worn during practices, games, or warm-ups.

D.  PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTES

1. A defensive team for the Development, Junior and Senior Division may consist of as many as 10, but no fewer than 9, players at the start of the game. After the start of game play can resume with 8 players. If the number drops below 8 then umpire shall declare the game a forfeit and award the other team the victory. A defensive team for the Fast-pitch Division is limited to a maximum of 9 players. The game however may be played with as few as 8 players. However if the number of participants on a team drops below 8, a forfeit shall be declared by the umpire, and other team awarded the victory.     

2. All team members present when the line-up is submitted to the opposing manager shall be listed in batting order and shall take their turn at bat in that order whether or not they have assumed a defensive position in the game. Team members who arrive after the submittal of the line-up shall be placed at the end of the batting order. Changes to the line-up for late arriving team members shall not be made 45 minutes after the scheduled start of the game. All line-ups are to be submitted five (5) minutes before the scheduled start of the game.

3. Each team member listed in the batting order as submitted must play a minimum 4 (Defensive) innings (not necessarily consecutive) in the Junior and Senior Divisions (assuming a complete game will be played).  In the Development Division, each team member listed in the batting order as submitted must play a minimum of two defensive innings, not necessarily consecutive, in any game. In the Fast-pitch Division each player must play a minimum of 3 defensive innings. This does not apply to players arriving after the start of the game.

4. If a player is prevented from continuing the game, all players following her in the batting order shall move up one position in that order. If she reenters the game later on, she will be placed last in the batting order.

5. If a team’s roster drops below 12 players, additions may be added at any time during the regular season to bring the roster back up to the maximum. This must be done by contacting the Vice President. (No girl will be added for play-off games or All-Stars.) Managers must maintain a copy of each registration for each player on his/her roster.  These forms must be available at all official practices and games. Any player failing to compete in a minimum of 4 games during the regular season is identified as an ineligible player for post season play.  Should a player have a medical condition that prevents her from participating in the required minimum number of games a waiver may be granted by the executive board.  This waiver must be received at least one week prior to the date requested for participation in post season play.  Any player or manager failing to adhere to this rule will be suspended immediately and will resume only after review by the executive board.  If discovered, after the fact, that an ineligible player was utilized in post season play, the games during which this player participated will be forfeit and any/all awards will be revoked. Board decisions are final.

6. To avoid forfeits, the League may establish a Player Pool; Instructional Division girls for the Development Division, Development Division girls for the Junior Division, and Junior Division girls for the Senior Division. This will only be in effect during regular season of play.

7. For the Fast-pitch Division free substitution of players is allowed. A base runner may be substituted for a pitcher or catcher when 2 outs exist. The substitute runner shall be the person who made the last out.

E. THE GAME

1.  A regulation game shall consist of 3 innings for the Instructional Division game, 5 innings for the Development Division game, 6 innings for a Fast-pitch Division game and 7 innings for the Junior, and Senior Division games. a. Batting through the entire line-up will comprise an inning in the Instructional Division. b. Five runs or three outs (whichever comes first) will comprise an inning in a Development Division game; except the 5 run rule will not apply in the 5th and extra inning(s). A 15 run mercy rule is in effect after 4 completed innings. c. Ten runs or three outs (which ever comes first) will comprise an inning in a Junior Division game; except the 10 run rule will not apply in the 7th and extra inning(s). d. For the Fast-pitch Division a 15 run mercy rule is in effect after 4 complete innings. e. A scheduled double header in the seniors divisions shall consist of two six-inning games with the 15 run mercy rule applying after 4 full innings of play. The junior division double header will consist of two five-inning games with no mercy rule applying. In each junior division double-header, each inning will be limited to a 6 run limit except after 5 and extra innings of which is unlimited. Note: all breaks between double headers should be limited to 20 minutes after completion of the first game.

2. A game shall be regulation if three (Development Division) or five (Junior and Senior Division) or four (Fast-pitch Division) or more innings are completed before being called by the umpire except for play-off games which must be played in their entirety in accordance with the innings referred to in 27.D.1. A regulation game that is tied when suspended (ex. darkness, rain etc.), shall be continued from the point of suspension to completion. A play-off game that is started and then suspended will be continued from the point of suspension and is to be played immediately before the next scheduled game, or such earlier time as mutually agreed upon by each Manager and Division Coordinator.

3. Games will only be canceled due to weather conditions. (See cancellations.)

4. In the Instructional Division, in order to avoid forfeits in a situation where a manager is unable to field a team of 9 players, the Player Pool Coordinator may provide a substitute(s)--if the player pool is in existence.

5. In the Development Division, infielders must be positioned either in line with the pitcher or behind the pitcher. All outfielders, including the short fielder must be

positioned at least 10 feet beyond the base lines (imaginary straight line between bases).

6. All team managers shall report scores to the Division Coordinator on the same day the game is played. The Division Coordinators will send results to Webmaster.

7. The Instructional Division is a ‘coach pitch’ division, therefore the coach must stand a safe distance from home plate when pitching. The player in the defensive position of pitcher can stand to the right or left of the pitching rubber and not more than 6 feet forward of the pitching rubber before the pitch reaches home plate.

F. BASE RUNNING

1. Sliding is only allowed in the Fast-pitch, and Seniors Divisions.

2. Stealing is not permitted in slow pitch divisions. For Fast-pitch division stealing is allowed from bag once ball crosses home plate. The stealing of a base will be limited to one base per pitch.

3. Relaxed Step - Runner on base may leave the base when the ball crosses home plate. Runner must return immediately if there is no contact, or steal base if in Fast-pitch Division.

4 The third strike drop rule will not apply.

5. Stealing of home on passed or dropped balls is not allowed.

G. PITCHING IN DEVELOPMENT, JUNIOR, SENIOR, and FAST-PITCH DIVISIONS SLOW PITCH.

1. SLOW PITCH.  The ball must be pitched underhanded at slow speed. The pitched ball must arc at least 3 feet from the pitchers hand (point of release) before it passes any part of the home plate. The pitched ball shall not rise higher than 10 feet above the ground. The plate shall be live UPON UMPIRES DISCRETION.

2. Every batter must be pitched to. There are no intentional walks.

3. Preliminary to pitching, the pitcher shall take a position with her pivot foot firmly on the ground and in contact with the pitching rubber. The pivot foot must be in contact with the pitching rubber when the pitched ball is released.

II. FAST-PITCH.

1.  Windmill style is preferred, however sling-shot method may be used with approval of the Fast Pitch Coordinator.

2.  Pitcher must start with both feet in contact with the rubber.

H. INFIELD FLY RULE: The infield fly rule will be in effect in the Junior and Senior Divisions only.

I. 15-RUN RULE: The 15-Run Rule will prevail after 4 full innings of play in the Developmental, and Fast-pitch division; after 5 full innings in the Juniors and Senior Divisions excluding double headers. For double-header rules in the Juniors, and Seniors Divisions refer to Section 27 D.e.

28. The rules and regulations set forth in this Constitution and By-Laws are binding and must be upheld. No deviation from this Constitution and By-Laws will be allowed without prior knowledge, discussion and proper evaluation by the Executive Board of the LGSL as set forth in article 7 of the Constitution and By-Laws.

Parents/Spectators' Code of Ethics and Conduct

I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child participating in youth sports by following this Parents'/Spectators’ Code of Ethics
I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game and practice,.
I will place the emotional and physical well being of all the children participating ahead of a personal desire to win.
I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.
I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
I will remember that the game is for youths - not adults.
I will do my best to make youth sports fun for my child.
I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect, regardless of race, creed, sex, or ability.
I will require that my child's coach up holds the Coaches' Code of Ethics.
I will help my child enjoy the youth sports experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectful fan, assisting with coaching, at the fields, in the concession stand, or providing transportation.
I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and will refrain for their use at all youth sports events.
I will make certain that my child upholds the Players' Code of Ethics.

Print Name: __________________________

Signature: _____________________________

WARNINGS AND EJECTIONS

Any spectator engaged in profane, rude or threatening speech, gestures or actions or the use of alcoholic beverages or drugs are subject to ejection by the umpires or a member of the Board of Directors. The game may be suspended until or terminated unless the violator ceases his or her conduct or leaves following an ejection.

Players' Code of Ethics

I herby pledge to be positive about my youth sports experience and accept responsibility for my participation by following the Players' Code of Ethics:

I will attend every practice and game that I can, and will notify my coach if I cannot.
I will do my very best to listen and learn from my coaches.
I will show good sportsmanship before, during, and after games and practices.
I will treat all coaches, players, officials, and parents with courtesy and respect.
I will treat equipment and playing fields with care and respect.
I deserve to have fun during my sports experiences and will alert parents or coaches if it stops being fun.
I will encourage my parents to be involved with my team in some capacity because it is important to me.

I will remember that sports are an opportunity to learn and HAVE FUN!

Athlete’s Name: _________________________

Athlete’s Signature:__________________________

Coaches'/Managers’ Code of Ethics and Conduct

Commitment to the Athletes/Players

• Coaches/Managers shall put the safety and welfare of their athletes above all else.
• Coaches/Managers shall ensure that the activity being undertaken is suitable for the age, experience, ability, and fitness level of the athletes with whom they work.
• Coaches/Managers shall know and abide by the laws/bylaws of the game and teach them to their athletes.
• All practices and games shall be conducted within the letter and intent of the national governing body rules and Bylaws of the LGSL.
• Coaches/Managers shall encourage the athlete to always exhibit good sportsmanship. 
• Coaches/Managers shall help maintain a climate of enjoyment among spectators by discouraging negative remarks and/or harassment of players, umpires, and other teams or spectators.
• Coaches/Managers shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, national or ethnic origin, or qualified handicapped or disabled persons. 
• Coaches/Managers shall follow the LGSL Bylaws and national governing body rules and state and local laws regarding drug, alcohol and tobacco use.  (Tobacco, drugs, and alcohol are prohibited at all LGSL events.)
• Coaches/Managers shall support talented and non-talented players with equal vigor and shall direct comments or criticisms at the performance rather than the athlete.

Commitment to the Umpires

• All game umpires shall be treated in a professional and respectable manner at all times.
• Any displeasure with an umpire's actions or conduct shall be addressed through the proper channels and not through public opinion or demonstration.
• All coaches/managers shall strive to develop positive working relations with the umpires

Commitment to Other Coaches

• A coach/manager has an obligation to be honest and forthright with other coaches/managers in the program.
• Coaches/managers shall treat their colleagues with dignity and respect.
• Coaches/managers shall not use profanity.
• Coaches/managers shall refrain from making derogatory remarks about others.

Commitment to LGSL

• Coaches/managers behavior shall bring credit to the League and themselves.
• Coaches/managers shall exhibit professionalism in their actions, words, and attire.
• Coaches/managers shall act in full accordance with the program, national governing body, and sanctioning body rules.
• Coaches/managers shall report any violations of law, any violation of program rules or the appearance of coach misconduct to the LGSL Board of Directors.

Coaches/Managers Name: ___________________________________

Coaches/Managers Signature: ________________________________

Board Members Code of Ethics and Conduct

Commitment to the Girls

• Board Members shall put the safety and welfare of their athletes above all else.
• Board Members shall ensure that the activity being undertaken is suitable for the age, experience, ability, and fitness level of the athletes with whom they work.
• Board Members shall know and abide by the laws of the game and support the teaching of them to our athletes.
• Board Members shall encourage the Managers, coaches, parents, officials, and athletes to exhibit good sportsmanship at all times. 
• Board Members shall help maintain a climate of enjoyment among spectators by discouraging negative remarks and/or harassment of players, umpires, and other teams or spectators.
• Board Members shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, national or ethnic origin, or qualified handicapped or disabled persons. 
• Board Members shall follow the organization and national governing body rules and state and local laws regarding drug, alcohol and tobacco use.  Tobacco, drugs, and alcohol are prohibited at all LGSL events where athletes are present.
• Board Members shall insure the support of talented and non-talented players with equal vigor.

Commitment to the Umpires

• Insure game umpires are treated in a professional and respectable manner at all times.
• Insure any displeasure with an umpire's actions or conduct be addressed through the proper channels and not through public opinion or demonstration.
• Insure all coaches strive to develop positive working relations with the umpires

Commitment to Other Coaches

• A Board Member has an obligation to be honest and forthright with other members of the LGSL community and shall treat their colleagues with dignity and respect.
• Board Members shall not use profanity.
• Board Members shall refrain from making derogatory remarks about others.

Commitment to LGSL

• Board Members shall behave in a way that they shall bring credit to the League and to themselves and shall exhibit professionalism in their actions, words, and attire.
• Board Members shall act in full accordance with the program, national governing body, and sanctioning body rules.
• LGSL Board of Directors shall immediately respond to any reports of violations of law, violations of program rules or the appearance of misconduct on the part of the LGSL Community and/or it’s membership.

Board Members Signature: ____________________________________