Island Slowpitch League Rules

REVISED 3.23.2023

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO
• ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE DUGOUT OR ON ANY FIELD AT ANY TIME

• ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, CANS OR BOTTLES SEEN IN THE DUGOUT AREA EITHER DURING PLAY, OR LEFT BEHIND AFTER PLAY, WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC TERMINATION FROM THE LEAGUE WITH NO REFUND

• SMOKING OR VAPING ON THE FIELD OF PLAY IS NOT PERMITTED. OFFENDING PLAYERS WILL BE WARNED THEN EJECTED MANAGER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

 

1. Team Roster and Liability forms signed and submitted to the League Office prior to play.

2. Payment of all League Fees prior to the first game.

3. Clean up the Dugout and the surrounding area that your team has occupied after every game.

4. Team Conduct

5. Report any injuries or incidents to the Island Slowpitch Office by phone and in writing to mike.islandusssa@gmail.com and keith.islandslowpitch@gmail.com

6. Communicating with the Island Slowpitch Office in the event of a problem or potential issue.

LYNBROOK DIVISION
Follow all Island Slowpitch League Rules and USSSA Rules with the following exceptions:

1. 6-10 Foot Arc

2. Mat will be used (mat and home plate counts as a strike)

3. Only Clinchers will be used with USSSA Bats and USA Bats

4. No DH but you may use AB EH

 

RULES
1. MASK RULE FOR PITCHERS
Every Pitcher is required to wear a One-Piece Helmet/Mask Combination covering the entire head.

2. BATTER RUNNING UP IN THE BOX
A batter that runs up from the back of the box will be called OUT if their BACK FOOT passes the FRONT of HOME PLATE.

3. TAGGING UP ON A FOUL BALL STRIKEOUT
A runner may now tag up on ANY foul ball regardless of the situation. (i.e., batter hits a second strike foul and the ball is caught in foul territory by a fielder. The runner may attempt to tag up at their own risk)

4. RUNNER LEAVING THE BASE TO RETOUCH
A runner is NO LONGER permitted to leave 1st or 3rd and then RETOUCH after the batter hits the ball.

While the runner may be hesitant to remain on the base for their perception of being safe, by doing so they void their protection under league insurance as they have altered set rules by the USSSA.

5. RUN RULE
20 After 3 Innings, 15 After 4 Innings, and 10 After 5 Innings. The Home team receives the last at-bat if necessary.

6. PITCH COUNT
USSSA: The pitch count will start 0-0 (1-1) with no extra foul.

7. HOME RUN RULES
All Divisions are permitted eight (8) over-the-fence home runs.  Once Home Run Max is reached, all subsequent home runs are Inning Ending (IE)  **Fireman’s Field in Lindenhurst and Town Hall are 6 Home Runs**

8. USSSA APPROVED BATS
All bats must have the USSSA 1.20 BPF Stamp

9. ALTERED BAT
Any player who is found using an altered bat, including adding weight to the bat, will be suspended from the League until further notice and forfeit possession of the bat to Island Slowpitch.

Island USSSA reserves the right to take possession of a bat that is in question of being altered at the discretion of the Umpire and League Office.

10. REPORTING SCORES
Official Scorekeepers will report scores for Spring, Summer, and Fall Seasons.  It is highly recommended that Managers confirm the Final Scores with the other Manager upon completion of the game to avoid conflicts.

11. PITCHING
Island Slowpitch follows the USSSA Arc rule of 3 feet from release and 10 feet from the ground.

12. ROSTER
25-Person Roster Maximum (Male, Female, or Both) Additions or Removals are only permitted prior to the date given by the League (ROSTER FREEZE)  Rosters must be submitted on the Island Slowpitch website with each player’s First Name, Last Name, and Cell Phone Number.  The League Office must have a copy of the Team Roster prior to the “ROSTER FREEZE” date. All players must be listed with first and last names.  Team Managers must keep a copy of their Roster for their records.

13. UNIFORMS
Uniform Jerseys are not required to play but are highly recommended.  No Metal Spikes are Allowed. Rubber or Molded Cleats Only.

14. FOUL LANGUAGE
Foul language will not be tolerated! Use of Profane Language may result in expulsion from the game.  If it continues with other teammates, the Umpire will forfeit the game, which may lead to termination from the League for the team or individual- WITH NO REFUND

15. FORFEITS
All teams have a 5 minute grace period for Game One.  The team has an additional 15 minutes to get to the field for Game Two.

(Example: 8:30pm Start- Forfeit First Game at 8:35pm, Forfeit Second Game at 8:50pm)

Once the 5 minutes are up the forfeiting team must pay the Umpire $100 Forfeit Fee. After two Forfeits the team will be terminated from the League. NO REFUNDS IF THIS OCCURS.

A minimum of Eight (8) Players must start and finish a game.  If you start a game with Eight (8) Players and a Player gets Ejected, that team will Forfeit.  If you start a game with Eight (8) Players and a Player gets Injured with no Substituted on the team, they will not be penalized and may continue with Seven (7) Players.

16. SCHEDULE CHANGES/CANCELLATION OF A GAME
All schedules will be based on the number of teams that register for a division per season.  There will be no schedule changes for any reason once the schedule is posted – NO EXCEPTIONS.

There will be no changes or schedule requests during the Playoffs.  Any team that cancels a game after the schedule is posted will result in a forfeit.  The manager must communicate with the League Office 48 hours prior to the start of a scheduled game to avoid being charged a Forfeit Fee.

17. SUSPENDED GAMES
Suspended games will be played at the earliest possible date when both teams are playing each other again or the next available date as agreed upon.  The game picks up from where it ended and the teams are responsible for umpire and scorekeeper fees.  Umpires receive $5.00 per team, per inning and Scorekeepers receive a flat fee of $15.00

18. RAINOUTS
Managers may call the new Rainout Line “Statusfy” at 631-50-7335 One Hour prior to Game Time to hear the status of Games.

Download the Statusfy App in the App Store and in Google Play. You may also visit Statusfy.com Search Island USSSA.

Do not call the League Office with questions about Field Conditions. Please refer to the Statusfy for Game Status due to weather.  Make-Ups for rainouts are dependent upon Field Permit Applications.  There will be No Refund or Credit for Games not played.

19. ELIGIBILITY OF PLAYERS
An individual is eligible to play if he/she has signed the Team Waiver/Roster Form.  The individual also must have the following game appearances to participate in the Playoffs:

• Spring Season: You must play 2 Games
• Summer Season: You must play 4 Games
• Fall Season: You must play 2 Games

For all Forfeits, Non-Forfeiting Roster Players will receive credit for games not played.  For games not made up, both teams will receive credit.

20. ROSTER CHALLENGE AFTER ROSTER FREEZE DATE
Please use the following procedure in the event you suspect an ineligible player is being used.

Prior to the first pitch of the game, the manager must file an Ineligible Player Protest with the Umpire and Scorekeeper.

The Umpire and Scorekeeper will immediately search the current Eligible Player List and render a decision.

If the player is declared Ineligible, yet the Offending Team feels this is an error, the game will commence and a final determination will be made by the League Office (See Penalties Below) All Appeals will be heard within 48 hours of the Appeal and representatives from both teams including the player named must meet with Island Slowpitch Officials or the Appeal will be denied.

If the player is determined to be Ineligible, the offending team will Forfeit any wins and the opposing team will be awarded those game(s) played. The player will be suspended for one year from Island Slowpitch.  The Manager will receive a six (6) Game Suspension.

21. LEAGUE RULES COPY
Each Manager must have the League Rules available at every Game.
This is necessary to support your claim to the USSSA Umpire
Any Island Slowpitch Rule must be observed by the USSSA Umpire.
As a Manager, you are responsible for knowing all Island Slowpitch Rules.
22. THREATENING AN UMPIRE
If a player or a team threatens an Umpire, that person or team will be Terminated from
the League.
NO QUESTIONS ASKED AND WITH NO REFUND.
23. FIGHTING
Any Player or Team fight with another Player or Team will be suspended for:
• First Offense: One (1) Calendar Year
• Second Offense: Banned from the League
24. PAYING FOR THE UMPIRE AND SCOREKEEPER
Teams must pay the Umpire and scorekeeper in full prior to the start of the Second
Game.
Regular Season Game: Double Header ($55 for a doubleheader per team)
Playoff Game: Double Header Two Man Crew. Playoffs are best 2 out of 3. Inclement
weather may result in a restructuring of schedules
Championship Game: Two-Man Crew
25. GAME BALLS
Game balls are included in your League Fee.
Additional balls may be purchased at the Island Slowpitch Office for $70 per dozen after
all balls have been distributed for the season.
26. INJURIES
Any injuries that occur on the field during a scheduled game must be reported
immediately.
First to the Umpire at the time of the injury.
Second in writing to the League office within 24 hours of the scheduled game.
27. COMMUNICATION WITH LEAGUE
If you have questions or concerns with the League, rules, or a specific Team, please
contact your Manager and have them contact the League Office.
We can only discuss League matters with the Registered Team Manager.
28. COMPLETE GAME
In order to be considered a complete game, Three (3) Innings must be completed
unless the home team is ahead.
In the event the game is not complete due to weather or darkness, we will try our best to
finish the game within your schedule.
You may have to finish the game on a night your team does not normally play on. This
would be discussed and agreed upon between the managers and the League Office.
Teams will Not receive Credit or Refund if the Game cannot be completed.
.
29. THE PLAYING FIELD
BOTH TEAMS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUPPLYING BASES.
Bases are 70 feet apart
Pitching Plate is 50 feet with an additional six(6) feet behind the width of the pitching
plate.
The double base must be used at First Base in All Divisions of Play to help avoid injury.
Full set of bases are available for purchase for $100
30. TIME LIMIT
6:00 pm Games NO LIGHTS (Twilight) Double Header: 1 Hour, 10 Minutes, Finish
Inning
NO NEW INNING may start within 10 minutes of a game that follows
For Example: No Inning may start after 8:15 pm if there is an 8:30 pm game to follow on
that field.
*Umpires: If no games are scheduled to follow on your field, Continue Play.
NO NEW INNING may start after 10:50 pm due to Light Restrictions set by the Towns.
31. PLAYOFF FORMAT
Top four teams of every Division qualify for Playoffs.
The League has the right to modify this at any time due to unforeseen circumstances.
The breaking of Ties will be determined by the following:
1. Head – Head, If still Tied then..
2. Run Differential, If still Tied then..
3. Record against highest seeds starting with #1, then #2, etc..
Summer League: Three Playoff Rounds (2 Rounds, Plus the World Series)
First Round: Division Series (Best 2 out of 3) – 1st Place vs 4th Place; 2nd Place vs
3rd Place. Winners advance to the Second Round.
Second Round: Championship Series Round (Best 2 out of 3) – Champions of this
round qualify for the Third Round.
Third Round: All Island Slowpitch Division Champions qualify for this round: The
Tournament of Champions.
All qualifying Division Champions who participate in this tournament style playoff event.
The final two teams will play in a single Championship Game to determine the Island
Slowpitch World Series Champion.
Playoff games will have two umpires per game
32. LITTER
Please keep the dugout and the surrounding areas free of trash. You are responsible
for managing your own trash.
33. RE-ENTRY RULE
USSSA SEC. 5 Page 28 “Any of the starting players may withdraw and re-enter once,
provided such player occupies the same batting position whenever he is in the
lineup. A substitute who is withdrawn may not re-enter.”
34. PROTESTING A RULING BY AN UMPIRE
As per USSSA Rulebook: Manager must notify the League Office in writing within 24
hours about a protest. There will be a $25 non-refundable fee for the protest.
35. COURTESY RUNNER
USSSA: Two courtesy runners per game is preferred. If teams agree to more it must be
mutually accepted.
36. FAKE TAGS
• There are no fake tags allowed in this league.
• Umpire will warn you the first time, after that you will be ejected.
37. WOMEN PLAYING IN MENS’ DIVISION
Women may play in the Men’s Division.
38. 6/4 CO-ED RULES
If a team is using the 6 male 4 female formats they must adhere to the following.
A. The batting order must start with a male and end with a male. Maximum 12
players. See Below.
B. You MAY HAVE A MALE OR FEMALE Catcher.
C. ONLY males preceding females receive 2 bases on a BB.
D. If a team plays anything other than 6/4 (7/5), they follow regular coed rules
throughout the game.
1. M (gets 2 bases on BB)
2. F
3. M (gets 2 bases on BB)
4. F
5. M
6. M (gets 2 bases on BB)
7. F
8. M (gets 2 bases on BB)
9. F
10. M (gets 2 bases on BB, if 12 players)
11. F
12. M
If a male player on a COED team is walked with two outs, and he is followed in the
batting order by a female player, he is awarded 2nd base and the female player that
follows him has the option of hitting or walking.
If a male player on a COED team is walked with two outs, and he is followed in the
batting order by a male player, he is awarded only 1st base and the male player
following him in the batting order must bat.
If a male player on a COED team is walked with less than two outs, and he is followed
in the batting order by a female player, he is still allowed 2nd base, but the female
player that follows him must bat.
Runners will advance only if they are forced by the walk.
If a male player on a COED team is walked with less than two outs and he is followed in
the batting order by a male player, he is awarded only 1st base and the male player
following him must bat.
Runners will advance only if they are forced by the walk.
All outfielders must remain a minimum of 75 feet beyond the base path when a female
is up to bat.
39. AWARDS
The following awards will be awarded at the end of the year as determined by the league:
Division Champions: Spring, Summer, Fall
MVP: Summer: Men, Coed Men, Coed Women. Fall: Men, Coed Men, Coed Women
Manager of the Year: Summer and Fall
Team of the Year: Men, Coed, Women
Pitcher of the Year
Golden Glove
Rookie of the Year
Comeback Player of the Year
Home Run Derby Champion
All-Star Game Champion
Island Slowpitch World Series Champion
40. HOME TEAM CHOICE
Regular Season: The winner of the coin toss decides to be home game one or two.
Playoffs: The team with the higher seed may choose to be home any two games.
41. LIGHT FAILURE
Should a game be called due to light failure, it will be considered a suspended game
and will be picked up from the point of suspension at a later date if 4 innings have not
been completed.
42. TAPE RULE
Island Slowpitch follows the USSSA tape rule.
43. STEALING
No stealing is permitted.
44. SHOES TO WEAR AT INDOOR
Only Sneakers or Turf Shoes are permitted for indoor softball.
NO CLEATS! NO METAL CLEATS!
45. PLAYING IN THE SAME DIVISION
Players are NOT permitted to play in the same division.
Violation results in one (1) calendar year suspension.
46. AGE REQUIREMENT
You must be 18 years of age to play in the league.
NO EXCEPTIONS.
47. PLAYER CONDUCT
Alcohol is not permitted in the dugout or playing area at any time.
Managers are responsible for the conduct of their players at the field.
Any player who makes physical contact with an Umpire or Official Scorer in any way will
be suspended for a minimum of one (1) calendar year from the date of the incident.
A hearing will take place following the incident and further action may be taken by Island
Slowpitch or USSSA
Island Slowpitch reserves the right to discipline participants for unsportsmanlike
conduct. If necessary, a written hearing will be conducted by the ethics committee
consisting of officials.
Individuals will receive written notification of any action taken by the Island Slowpitch
League.
Any player who throws his or her bat is immediately ejected from the game and
reported. A second offense will result in a one (1) calendar year suspension.
48. REFUNDS
There are NO refunds once the schedule has been created with your team on it. NO
EXCEPTIONS.
49. CATASTROPHE CLAUSE
With the approval of the league, a team that has a player who suffers a catastrophic
injury or is leaving for military service may add a player who is not active on the team
roster. Documentation must be provided to the league.
Additionally, if a player is currently on that team’s roster, but has not played the amount
of games required for that season, they are not to take the place of the injured player or
for the player leaving for military duty.
50. TEAM INSURANCE
All team managers are required to inform players regarding the insurance options.
Personal Injury and Liability Insurance are not included in the League Fee.
Do not take it upon yourself to decide whether or not your team wants the insurance. It
should be a team decision.
Liability and Medical Insurance may only be purchased for the entire team (not
individuals)
Liability and Medical Insurance may be purchased at any time. Applications (with
payment) must be sent to the Insurance company directly.
Do not send insurance applications or payments to the League Office. Applications
sent to the League Office will not be processed and are invalid.
For more information about Team Insurance visit USSSA.com
51. TWILIGHT LEAGUES
When you register for a “TWILIGHT” Division, you will not be playing on lighted
fields. This means you will be playing at 6:00 pm start time on unlit fields.