Equipment Information:

USA Softball Non-Approved Bat List with Certification Marks

USA Softball Equipment Site - Bats

Christian Fellowship Softball League Rules and Regulations (Established in 1981)

1.0-  Governance and Administration

1.1-  Structure

The Christian Fellowship Softball League (CFSL) is comprised of 8 Teams in a single competitive Men’s Softball League. Only Men will be allowed to play in our Softball league.  At the conclusion of the 14 Game Regular Season, The CFSL will host an 8 Team Playoff format.

1.2-   League Officials

The CFSL is governed by the Board of Directors(Commissioner-Treasurer-All Team Captains). The Board of Directors have final majority vote on all League rules, regulations and any financial decisions.

Commissioner- Responsible for coordinating CFSL Activities with Fairfax County, including facility use permits and park authority field issues. Also Responsible for creating a 14 Game Regular Season for each team, and a 8 Team Playoff Schedule. Rescheduling postponed games, maintaining the league website.

Treasurer- Responsible for maintaining the CFSL bank account, coordinating CFSL material purchases(softballs-championship shirts). Handling County League fees and Rosters.

Head Umpire- Responsible for providing rules to all Team Captains. Providing a suitable replacement in his absence. Supplying Softballs/Second Home Plate-Ball/Strike Mat and marking the Commit line between 3rd and Home.

1.3-   Team Eligibility

Qualification for participation in the CFSL is based upon the following criteria.

a)  Teams are affiliated with a church or independent from their church. If you decide to go independent. Affiliated or independent the league decision making will come from your Team Captain(Board of Director) there will be no outside interference from Church leadership. The independent teams would change their names for example(Burke United Methodist Church will be named Burke United).

b)   All Teams would use Church members or Outreach players from outside the church.

1.4- League Meetings

A League meeting will be held each March prior to the start of the regular season. Topics discussed will be any rule changes, league rules and League fees and Team Rosters.

Attendance at the meetings is MANDATORY for ALL Team Captains 

1.5- League Fees            

 a) Umpires fees for Regular Season and Playoff Games                  

 b) Game Softballs

 c) Championship Shirts

 d) Registration and facility user fees and out of county players.

2.0- Team Captains

2.1- Definition of the Team Captain

        The Coach or Team Leader designated that night to manage the team.

2.2- Responsibilities of the Team Captains

         a) Attending All League Meetings (or send a team representative)

         b) Inform team members of any information provided at the team meeting

         c) Knowing all league rules and informing players of those rules.

         d) Reporting Scores from the field to the Commissioner via text.

         e) Controlling the language and conduct of his players and spectators.

         f) Submitting Fees and Rosters to league officials in the established deadlines

3.0- Umpires Responsibilities for the CFSL

a)  The second homeplate and will keep the official game clock and announce the game start time prior to first pitch.

b)  The umpire will keep each team informed as to the time remaining in the game when requested.

c)  Each umpire is a representative of the CFSL, and is authorized and required to enforce all rules. Each umpire has the authority to instruct a team captain, player or spectator to do, or refrain from doing anything that affects the administering of these rules, and to enforce the appropriate penalty.

d)  The umpire has the authority to eject a player. But needs to follow our "3 step policy". Step 1-A Warning given to the player. Step 2- The Umpire informs the Team Captain of the warning so this gives the Captain an opportunity to talk to his player. Step 3- if the player continues to ignore all warnings the player will be ejected. And suspended for 2 games.

4.0- Player Eligibility

The CFSL is an adult Men’s softball league; the players will be males and by county rules females will not be allowed to play even if a team is short of the 8 player requirement. Teams are encouraged to use this sports program as an outreach to the community for promoting Christian Fellowship. The minimum age for a player is 16 years old. So if a player turns 16 during the season he becomes eligible on his 16th birthday. Players questioned by the umpire in charge, in reference to their age, must be able to produce an ID that proves age before that player is eligible to play in the game.

4.1- Injuries

 A player, coach, or umpire who is bleeding or who has blood on their uniform shall be    prohibited from participating further in the game until proper treatment can be administered. If medical care or treatment is administered in a reasonable time, the individual will not have to leave the game. The length of time considered reasonable is the umpire’s judgment.

4.2- The Christian Fellowship Softball League is not liable for any player, umpire or spectator on or off the field during the season.

5.0- Uniforms and Equipment

Team Jerseys

Team Jerseys does not have to be the same color as team shirts. Even though we recommend all players wearing the same color shirt.

Game Balls

The CFSL umpires will provide a new ball and multiple back up balls for each doubleheader.

Shoes/Hats

No Metal Spikes allowed-Hats can be worn front or backwards.

Bats

ASA 2000-2004-2013 approved bats (umpire has final say on all bats) Bats with broken pieces on the outside or inside will be illegal.

Bases

Two home plates – A second plate will be located 8 feet away and equal distances from the original homeplate. A commitment line will be made in the dirt at the end of the 3rd base dugout about 15 feet from second homeplate. If the runner exceeds the line he must continue on to the second homeplate. If runner touches the regular homeplate he will be called out. If a runner slides into the second homplate he will be called out. Run through the second homeplate.

Double first bases- The fielder must use white base, the runner must use the orange base. On an errant throw, either player can use either base. The purpose of the double base is to avoid collision.

HR-Walk Rule-During a HR no one needs to touch the next base. Any player who Walks needs to touch first base in all cases.

6.0- PRE-GAME- PLAYER RULES

6.1- Pregame Instructions and Prayer

Approximately five minutes prior to the schedule start time of the first doubleheader. The umpire will gather both teams at the pitcher’s mound for a prayer prior to the start of the games. The second doubleheader(8:45-9:45) the teams will gather behind the homeplate bleachers and conduct the prayer prior to their games at 8:30pm.

6.2-   Required Number of Players

 A team is required to have 8 players at the field to start a game. There will be a 15 minute grace period before a forfeit is announced. There will be a penalty for each minute the team can not start the game on time(1- 5 minutes- 1 run penalty(1-0)-(6-10 minutes- 2 run penalty(3-0)-(11-14 minutes- 3 run penalty(6-0). At the 15 minute mark a 7-0 forfeit in enforced. An opposing team can provide player or players to the opposing team. But only enough to get to the 8 player start requirements.

6.3- Extra Hitters (EH’s)

a) Players placed in the batting lineup who are not taking a field position at the start of the game are referred to as Extra Hitters. Teams may have unlimited batters in their lineup.

b) EH positions when used in a lineup will remain in that position in the batting order for entire game.

c) EH’s may enter the game on defense for any other player in the lineup without reporting to the umpire. Both players remain in the game and bat in their original batting order. The insertion of an EH on defense for any of the fielding ten(10) players in the lineup may occur as often as desired.

d) Whenever an EH is replaced by a player who has not yet been in the game, the player substituting becomes an EP and the original EH becomes eligible for re-entry.

e) During the game if a player gets hurt and can’t return to the game. That player will just be removed from the batting order with no penalty. If a second player gets hurt then that player will be an out the next time his place in the batting order comes up to the plate. This will only happen if the team does not have an extra player on the bench to replace the injured player.

6.4-   Designated Hitter/Designated Fielder Rule

Designated Hitter only bats and the Designated Fielder only fields. Two players using up one roster spot in the order. If the Designated hitter gets hurt during the game and can’t return. The designated fielder replaces him in the batting order. If the Designated Fielder gets hurt during the game and can’t return to the game. The Designated hitter becomes either a EP or goes into a spot in the field. The designated hitter doesn’t have to play the same position as the designated fielder was playing. This rule can be used twice at the start of a game. Basically 2 lineup spots used by 4 players.

6.5-  Designated Runner Rule

A team can use up to two pinch runners in an inning. For example (Player A runs for Player B) and (Player C runs for Player D) for that whole inning and can’t run for anyone else in the lineup. This rule resets after each inning.

6.6-   Substitutions

a) Player substitution may occur whenever time is out and the umpire is notified.

b) Players may be substituted and re-entered once during the course of the game. A player re-entering the game must return to the lineup in the same batting position that the player originally occupied.

7.0- Game Rules

7.1-   Game Time Limit/Extra Inning Rule

All games have a (55) minute time limit. No new inning after 50 minutes. If Game is tied after 50 minutes we will go to extra innings. Rules in section(e)

a)Any portion of the 15 minute grace period used prior to the start of the first game will be deducted from the 55 minute time limit.

b)If weather or lights require suspending a game in progress. Lightning delay will be 10 minutes and after 10 minutes both captains and the umpire will meet to decide if to resume play or take more time to allow the weather to leave the area. Players and spectators safety comes first in any umpires/captains decisions.

c) Lights go out or rain stops a game. We revert back to the score from the last completed inning.

d) Regular Season Rule-If 3 full innings or 30 minutes is completed before the game is canceled that game will be considered a complete game. During the Playoffs the game will resume the next available night exactly where we left off(inning-score-outs-runners on base) with each team starting from the top of their new batting order and using bottom of the order players for base runners if needed.

e) Extra Inning Rule- we place the last official batter from previous inning from each team at 2nd base and we go to the one pitch rule. During the regular season we will play only 2 extra innings and if the game is still tied after two extra innings the game will be declared a Tie. The Playoffs will use the same rule on night’s that have 4 games scheduled but we will play until a winner is determined. On nights where 3 games or less are scheduled we will use 1-1 count and no one starts on second base and we will play until a winner is determined.

7.2- Forfeits

If a team provides the Commissioner/Opposing Captain/Umpire a 24 hour notice. That team will not receive a financial penalty (paying the umpires 2 game salary). But the games will be recorded as a (7-0) Forfeit losses for that team. If a team shows up short players and can not get the 8 player limit at the field during their doubleheader. They will pay the umpires game salary for the night and a second offense will result in dismissal from the league for the remaining part of the season.

7.3-   Mercy Rules

 (4 innings-20 Runs) (5 innings-15 Runs) (6 innings-10 Runs)

7.4-   Batting

The batter begins their at bat with a 1-1 count. If the batter with a two strike count fouls off a pitch. The umpire will award the batter a courtesy foul. After the batter fouls off his courtesy pitch. The batter will be a strike out.

7.5-   Pitching

The ASA pitching arc rules will be (6) feet from the ground and a maximum arc (12) from the ground. If the umpire deems the pitch illegal. The umpire will declare “Illegal Pitch”. The batter still has the option to swing at the pitch. If he doesn’t swing the pitch will be a “BALL”.

8.0- Regular Season Scheduled Games-Captains Reporting Scores

All 8 Teams will play 14 Regular Season Games and qualify for the Playoffs. The Winning Captains will text the scores from the field after their games are completed to the "Captains Group Text". The League website will be updated every week.

8.1- Postponements

Games will not be postponed for any reason other than inclement weather or playing conditions that render the field unfit or unsafe for play. If the county does not cancel the games at 3pm. Then it will be up to the two captains and umpire to make the final decision on playing.

8.2-  Scorekeeping

The Home team is responsible for maintaining the official scorebook.  Both teams are to check after each half inning to confirm a score.

8.3- League Standings

If teams are tied at the end of the season here are the tie-breakers;

1)  Head to Head

2)  Head to Head (Run Differential)

3)  Overall League Standings (Run Differential)

4)  Runs For

5)  Runs Against

9.0- Code Of Conduct (On and Off the Field)

Team Captains are responsible to see that all team players and spectators at the field will conduct themselves in a manner that is of exemplary Christian Character in all circumstances.

9.1- Removal of a Team or Player from the League the "Integrity Act"

a) Any Player or Team who uses the Christian Fellowship Softball League Name for their own financial benefit without the approval of the Board of Directors will be removed from the league effective immediately.

b)  Any person who questions a (Umpire-Captain or Player) integrity to our league will be removed from our league effective immediately.

9.2- Contact with Officials

Players, Captains and Spectators shall not at any time, lay a hand upon, push, or shove an official. Penalty: Ejection from the game. Which brings on an automatic season long suspension. Team Captain will not be punished for player’s actions.

9.3- Physical Attacks

Players, Captains, Spectator or umpire shall not at any time, strike or physically attack an official, a player, or spectator: Penalty- Permanent Suspension from the league

9.4-   Verbal Attacks

No one at the field(players-spectators) will make abusive verbal attacks upon any official, player or spectator. Penalty: Ejection from game with a two game suspension. Second Ejection will lead to a Season Long Suspension.

9.5-  Abiding by Umpire Decisions

Players, Captains or Spectators shall not refuse to abide by the officials decision. Penalty: Ejection from the game with two game suspension.

9.6-  Rough Tactics

No offensive or defensive player shall use unnecessary rough tactics during a game against an opposing player. Penalty: The player will be warned against further such tactics. If the act is determined to be flagrant or a second infraction, the player will be ejected from the game and will serve a two game suspension.

9.7-  Fake Tags

“Fake Tags” and other actions that make unnecessary reactions from the opponent will not be tolerated. Penalty: Warning on the first infraction and or an ejection if in the opinion of the umpire, an opposing player was placed in unnecessary peril; ejection is mandatory for a second infraction. NOTE- Second infraction does not have to be in the same game.

9.8-  Ejections  

Any player, captain or spectator ejected from the game must leave the playing area and Rolling Valley West within 2 minutes after being told to leave. Failure to leave the area will result in a forfeit of the game and a (4) game suspension.

9.9-  Suspensions

A player or captain is ejected from the game is automatically suspended from his team’s next (2) games except where the period of suspension for the infraction is specified as greater. A Second Suspension will result in a season long suspension from the league. The Board of Directors will vote at the end of the year to reinstate or remove player from the league.

10.0- Spectator Control-

Team Captains are responsible for the conduct of their spectators. Failure to attempt to control disruptive spectators will result in the forfeit of the game.

“Christian Fellowship Softball League Established in 1981”