ASA has adopted a base stealing rule. The rule is that all leagues will be allowed to steal any base. Any runner on base will be allowed to leave the bases to steal after the ball reaches the plate. Any ball not reaching the plate or hits a batter is dead and no advancement will be allowed as in the past. Any runner not attempting to steal must return to their base when the pitcher receives the ball in the vicinity of the pitching area as before. This rule is only in effect for all mens leagues.

Each league will consist of eight ( 8 ) teams with a top four tournament at the end of the season to determine league champions. These top four finishers will play a four-team tournament based on league standings on the final night.

We have a 1 ball-1 strike count on the batter to start their time at bat and each batter will be allowed a foul ball with two strikes before any other foul balls being declared an out. Also, all tie games after time has expired or extra innings will be finished with each batter receiving one pitch, with no extra foul ball.

ASA adopted the .44 core ball for use in its regular season play. The legal ball for all mens and coed balls will have to have the ASA approved logo and the core reading must be .44 with .375 compression. The womens ball will also have a core reading of .44 with a .375 (red stitch).

All bats that are on the banned bat list from ASA will be illegal for league play. This list is on the ASA website. The bats on the illegal list must have the exact name and any numbers on the bats to be illegal. All approved bats must have the proper certification ASA stamp on it.



Participation Fees:

The Lewisville City Council has an ordinance instructing a participation fee for all participants involved in adult and youth sports. The fees are assessed in an effort to defray costs associated with these activities.

During registration week, August 4-8, 2008, every name listed on the roster will have a $4.00 per person participation charge assessed at registration time and the $4.00 charge will be effective for any player added to the roster throughout the season.

Below are examples of how early registration will be beneficial to your team in the total cost picture.

Example: This team cost is based on a team roster of 15 players:

Monday through Friday

$ 17.00 – umpire
+ 4.00 – scorekeeper
21.00 – per team per game
x 7 - games
$ 147.00
25.00—Playoff Tournament Fee (all teams eligible-no refund if you do not qualify)
25.00 – ASA & TAAF registration
40.00 – awards
23.00 – miscellaneous materials & maintenance
$ 260.00

Registration: After Registration:

$ 4.00 – per player $ 4.00 – per player
x 15 - players
+60.00—total participation fee
$320.00 TOTAL COST TO PLAY



TO: All Softball Teams

The athletic fields at Lake Park and Vista Ridge are restricted to league play and field reservations only (City Ordinance #1628-8-91).

Any person or teams playing on these fields without a reservation through the P.A.L.S. offices or not affiliated with P.A.L.S.-sponsored leagues will be asked to leave or face being fined.

The intent of this ordinance is to protect the fields from overuse. The fields will be marked by signs to inform the public of their intent. The restrictions are designed to control who uses the fields and to control usage of fields that may be closed due to repairs or for league play.

We appreciate your efforts to inform your participants of this ordinance and we hope this will follow in making the athletic complexes continued great places to play.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call.



Teddy Gibbs,
Athletic Supervisor
City of Lewisville
972-219-3554
LEAGUES AVAILABLE – All games will be played at Lake Park and Vista Ridge Athletic Complex (south of Vista Ridge Mall in Lewisville)
1. Mens Commercial – (8 teams per division)

E Division – Wednesdays – L/P #10

2. Mens Commercial D – Mondays – V/R #1 – (8 team league)
3. Mens Commercial – Thursdays – V/R #1 (8 team league)
4. Mens Church – (8 teams per division)

Church Division – Fridays - L/P #9
Church Division- Saturdays- L/P #9

5. Coed – (8 team division)

D Division – Tuesdays - L/P #10
D Division – Wednesday - V/R #1

The City of Lewisville reserves the right to change a league or its format due to lower registration.

NOTES: (A) Games begin at 6:45 p.m. each evening (except for Saturdays, which will start at 5:45 p.m.)
(B) Church teams need to submit by August 15, 2008 any special schedule requests due to activities involving the entire church congregation.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

1. Sign-up will begin Monday, August 4, 2008, at 7:30 a.m., through Friday, August 8, 2008. The first eight (8) teams to register, depending on league size, will constitute the league. Registration is one week only. Registration for church teams is now open to all church teams at the beginning of registration.
2. All teams must sign up in person with completed rosters.

Registration will be as follows:
Monday, August 4-8 - 7:30am-5:30pm PALS offices located at 1197 W. Main

3. League fees must be paid in full at the time of registration. Full refunds will be issued to teams if they are not placed in a league. Checks payable to: City of Lewisville.
No team will be accepted after 5:30 pm Friday, August 8, 2008, unless needed.
4. Once a league has filled, no teams will be accepted in that division or league.
5. Teams registering after leagues are filled will be offered a waiting list to sign up and be allowed entrance only as needed to fill the leagues.
6. Teams will play a 7-game season. Some leagues will have doubleheaders on their game nights. At the end of the regular season, the top four teams will compete in a one-night tournament for the league championship and awards.
7. Leagues are scheduled to begin September 2, 2008.

$ 17.00 – umpire TOTAL FEE IS DUE
+ 4.00 - scorekeeper AT TIME OF REGISTRATION.

$ 21.00 NO CHECKS WILL BE HELD

X 7 – games FOR ANY REASON.
$147.00
25.00—Playoff Tournament Fee NO REFUNDS GIVEN ONCE
25.00 – ASA & TAAF registrations SCHEDULES ARE ISSUED.
40.00 – awards
23.00 – miscellaneous materials & maintenance

$260 .00 - TOTAL

Participants Fee: $4.00 per person Monday-Friday of registration week; through the regular season.
Rosters and total fee (including participant’s fee per number on roster) are due at time of registration.

ROSTERS
1. A roster is included in this packet – extra roster forms are available upon request.
2. Only PALS/TAAF roster forms will be accepted.
3. All rosters must be filled out in full including church leagues with pastor’s signature.
4. Number of players for local play is unlimited as long as they meet eligibility requirements. Players may not change teams after the season begins.
5. Players added once the original is turned in must be done in person on or before the day they are to participate. Players may be added to commercial and church rosters throughout the season ALL required information must be filled out on the player added. In addition, a $4.00 participant’s fee per player added will be due at that time.
6. Roster will not be accepted incomplete.
7. Team captains will be responsible for updating all information concerning players and informing players of all rules and regulations.GENERAL LEAGUE RULES (ALL LEAGUES)
1. All players must be at least 16 years of age at the time they participate.
2. All players must have a picture ID in their possession should a protest occur concerning eligibility. Any player not having this is ineligible to play until proof is provided.
3. Players playing under an assumed name or playing without being on the official roster will risk suspension from league play and games forfeited in which they are involved.
4. Players may participate in more than one league. (Divisions are not considered leagues.) However, the player may not compete in different divisions within the league, i.e. a
player may not play for a C Division and a D Division within the same league. Those

players found in violation will be removed and both teams will forfeit the games in which that player had played in the case of simultaneous play. Players and coaches could face suspension in those games in which an infraction is exposed.

5. Each batter will have a 1 strike-1 ball count to start their turn at bat and each batter will be allowed a foul ball with two strikes before any other foul balls being declared an out.
6. In mens leagues stealing will be allowed. Runners may not leave the base until the ball reaches home plate. The double first base will be used.
7. Time limits will be no new innings to begin after 55 minutes, with the exception to break a tie. Any game tied at the end of the time limit or after seven (7) innings will proceed to the next inning with the batter receiving one pitch, with no extra foul ball. The clock to begin the game will be at the umpires’ discretion. In the case of inclement weather or power failure, four innings will constitute a regulation game (3-1/2 with home team leading). Tie games stopped after regulation will resume at the exact point where they are stopped. Any game not considered regulation (4 innings) would be played over from the beginning.
8. Run rule will be 20 runs or more after 3 (2-1/2) innings; 15 runs or more after 4 (3-1/2) innings or 10 or more runs after 5 (4-1/2) innings.
9. All leagues will have a four (over the fence) home run limit. All others will be an out.
10. Home team is determined prior to each game. Lineups are due to be turned in to the scorekeeper at least five minutes prior to each scheduled game time. In second games of doubleheaders, lineups are due immediately after preceding game.
A. If both teams turn in their lineups to the scorekeeper at least five minutes prior to scheduled game time, a coin flip by the umpires will determine home team.
B. If only one team turns in a lineup before the given minute deadline, that team will receive the choice of home or visitor.
C. If both teams turn in their lineups after the five minute deadline, the first team to do so will receive choice of home or visitor.
D. If a team has nine players at the start of the game, the option of home or visitors will rest with the other team. If both have nine, it would revert back to Options A-C.
11. Rainout procedure: Decision of field status will be made daily. A recording will be available when a decision has been made to inform managers of the status of fields by calling 972-219-3555 after 3:30pm. Umpires have the jurisdiction to cancel games at 6:45pm and during the course of play due to inclement weather or unsafe playing conditions. Some Saturday game decisions may have to be made at the fields at game time.
12. Protests cannot be made on the judgment calls of umpires. Protests must be submitted in writing within 48 hours of filing. Umpires must be notified the game is being protested in order to log the protest properly in the scorebook. A $25.00 fee must accompany written protest (if upheld, fee is returned and game resumed from point of infraction.) Protest of eligibility may be made at any time.
13. Legal balls for local play must have red or gold stitching with the ASA stamp with a .44/.375 core on it. This ball will be used in all mens and mens coed games. The womens ball will also be the .44/375. Mens leagues will use the 12” inch red stitched softball and women will use the .44/375 in coed play. The .47 ball is no longer legal for league play.
14. All players must wear shoes (sandals unacceptable). No metal spikes, boots, or open-toed shoes are legal. Umpires have jurisdiction to dismiss any player felt to have shoes unsafe for themselves or other players. See www.softball.org for ASA equipment standards.
15. Any equipment not meeting ASA Softball Standards or considered dangerous by the umpire, may not be worn during the game. Medical alert bracelets or necklaces are not considered jewelry, but if worn, they must be taped to the body. Wedding bands may be worn if tight to the skin and smooth, or they will need to be taped over.

NOTE: Players must be asked to remove jewelry and if they fail to do so, will be ejected from the game.

16. Game time is forfeit time (all games) - no exceptions. The clock will start upon umpires’ direction. Any team that forfeits three times due to insufficient number of players at the start of the game will be removed from the league.
17. Drinking of alcoholic beverages and the use of glass containers in all City of Lewisville athletic properties (including parking lots) are prohibited by law.
18. The gate leading to Fields #9 and #10 at Lake Park will be locked at 11:00 p.m. each night. Anyone left inside will be subject to damages done after these hours.
19. (1) Any player ejected from a game will receive an additional game suspension. The additional game suspension will be the next played game by the player’s team. (2) Any player ejected for a second time during the season will receive an additional 3-game suspension and a player ejected for a third time, will be suspended for one calendar year. (3) All players ejected must leave the premises (including parking lots). Refusal to leave will constitute team forfeit and/or extension of the penalty imposed. (4) If ejected player returns to the fields for any reason after being ejected, they risk further suspensions. (5) The aforementioned suspensions will be the minimum penalty enforced and may be increased in each situation based on the player’s attitude and actions by the PALS Department. Pre-game and post-game behavior is also subject to suspensions.
20. Physical assault on an official (scorekeeper and/or umpire) will result in immediate removal of that player(s) from the league and possible suspension up to three (3) calendar years and possible legal actions. Verbal threats to harm officials on or outside facilities of play will result in the player's immediate removal from the league and possible suspensions up to one calendar year.

SPECIFIC RULES BY LEAGUE
1. Mens & Womens Commercial (Open) Leagues
(A) All jerseys must match in color (same color). All players must have a number; no two players may wear or have worn the same number. Numbers must be permanently mounted to shirt. All jerseys must have a 6-inch minimum number on the back. Numbers and size of numbers on the front are optional. Color of jerseys and numbers may be deemed unsuitable by the umpires, meaning the jersey would need to be changed or fail to participate. Tape may not be used to alter a number.
(B) Only single or double-digit numbers are allowed. No fractions, Roman numerals, decimals, etc. are acceptable.
(C) A minimum of 9 players in uniform must be present from start to finish of each game. Teams may play with 9, 10, or 11 players. If a team begins with 9 players, they may add a player (10^th); however, the 10^th batter may not bat until at least one out has been charged to the first vacant batting position. If a team starts with 9 players, they may add a player (10^th). If a team starts with 9, they may add to 10 but not to 11 players. If a team starts with 10 or 11 players, they may drop to 9, but may add back to 10 with proper substitutions. The position in the batting order will be an automatic out if unfillable by substitution. If the player arrives, they may play immediately and after at least one out is registered in his/her batting position (at the start of the game), they may then bat without penalty. The out only occurs once unless the batting position continues to be vacant. If a team begins with 11 players, they may drop to 10, with the vacant position becoming an automatic out and may drop to 9, with a 2-out penalty-one out for each vacant position. Teams listing 11 starters may use any combinations of those players in the field.

2. MENS & WOMENS CHURCH LEAGUES
(A) All players must meet one of the following requirements:
(1) Be a member of the church where they play; (2) be approved by the pastor by his/her signature on the official team roster.
(B) The pastor’s signature must be located on the official roster indicating the approval of the players listed.
(C) Teams are limited to members of that represented church only.
(D) A minimum of 9 players in uniform must be present from start to finish of each game. Teams may play with 9, 10, or 11 players. If a team begins with 9 players, they may add a player (10^th); however, the 10^th batter may not bat until at least one out has been charged to the first vacant batting position. If a team starts with 9, they may add to 10 but not to 11 players. If a team starts with 10 or 11 players, they may drop to 9, but may add back to 10 or 11. The position in the batting order will be an automatic out if unfillable by substitution. If the player arrives, they may play immediately and after at least one out is registered in his/her batting position (at the start of the game), they may then bat without penalty. The out only occurs once unless the batting position continues to be vacant. If a team begins with 11 players, they may drop to 10 with the vacant position becoming an automatic out and may drop to 9 with a 2 out penalty-one out for each vacant position. Teams listing 11 starters may use any combinations of those players in the field.
(E) All jerseys must match in color (same color). All players must have a number. No two players may wear or have worn the same number. Numbers must be permanently mounted to shirt. All jerseys must have a 6-inch minimum number of the back. Numbers and size of numbers on the front are optional. Color of jersey and numbers may be deemed unsuitable by the umpires, meaning the jersey would be ineligible; therefore, the player’s option would be to change the shirt or fail to participate. Tape may not be used to alter a number.
(F) Only single or double digit numbers allowed. No fractions, Roman numerals, decimals, etc. are accepted.
3. SPECIAL RULES FOR COED

(A) All players must meet age and other eligibility requirements. (See eligibility of players).
(B) Coed players may not play for two coed teams within a league or division or switch teams in coed league for any reason. EXCEPTION: Players may play Open and Church separately.
(C) Batting order must be female/male alternation. No stealing in coed
(D) If the male batter walks, he receives a two base award and the female batter must bat with less than two outs. If the male batter walks with two outs, the female batter has the option of batting or walking.
(E) Defensive alignment shall be: battery (pitcher/catcher) – 1 female & 1 male/infield – 2 females & 2 males/outfield – 2 females and 2 males.
(F) Coed teams may start with nine players, but when and if another player arrives (of correct gender missing), that player must be inserted into the line-up at the first or second batting position (depending on vacant spot by alternating gender.) The on-the-field alignment is listed in the packet and will stay the same with regard to the missing player. A team may not start shorthanded with 11 players; only nine players will involve playing short. An EP position is for both male and female.
(G) Teams may use their EP as defensive substitution as long as the battery order does not change.
(H) The balls for coed will be both the 11” ball for women and the 12” ball for males. Males will hit the 12” and women the 11” (.44/375 both genders). Each team will be responsible for making sure the balls are switched during the game. All aspects of the game will be the same except for what a player will hit. If a player hits the wrong ball, play will continue with no penalty. All legal balls are described on General Rules Section #10.
(I) All players must wear matching (same) color shirts. All players must wear a permanent number on the back of each jersey with no two players wearing or have worn the same number. Tape cannot be used to alter the number.
(J) Any player using excessive force in contacting any player will be immediately ejected.
(K) Outfielders will not be allowed to play on the dirt of the infield at any time.

ANY RULE NOT COVERED ABOVE WILL BE BASED ON THE CURRENT ASA RULE BOOK.

RESERVING FIELDS FOR PRACTICE (ALL TEAMS)

1. Teams may have only one (1) practice or reservation at a time.
2. Reservations may be made for local league teams two (2) working days in advance.
3. Reservations must be done in person only – not over the phone or by mail.
4. On any reservation canceled due to weather, a new reservation may be obtained by returning the reservation receipt in person and reservation of equal value or refund will be granted. See #2. The PALS Department retains the right to deny refunds if determined the fields were playable. Reservation must be paid for WITH EXACT CHANGE at time it is made. Checks acceptable made payable to: City of Lewisville.
5. Teams are limited to 1-1/2 hour reservations. However, the PALS Department reserves the right to have specific 1-1/2 hour block times for reservations during peak periods.
6. Coaches and/or representatives may make reservations for one team only. Exception: 1 in mens church-1 in womens church would be allowed; 2 mens teams from the same church would NOT be allowed to be made by the same person.
7. Fees for unlighted fields are $7.50 for 90 minutes. Fees for fields with lights are $15.00 for 90 minutes Lights are only available prior to the spring season.

AFTER READING YOUR PACKET, ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE CONCERNING ADULT SOFTBALL LEAGUES MAY BE DIRECTED TO:

Teddy Gibbs, Athletic Supervisor
972.219.3554
Monday – Friday – 8 am – 5 pm
Reservations must be paid for WITH EXACT CHANGE at the time they are made. Personal checked accepted made payable to: City of Lewisville. We now take Visa and MasterCard credit cards.

Reservations must be done in person only – no over-the-phone or mail reservations will be accepted.

City of Lewisville leagues can reserve field two days in advance of use date. For example:
can come in Monday for a Wednesday reservation
can come in Tuesday for a Thursday reservation
can come in Wednesday for a Friday reservation
can come in Thursday for a Sat./Sun./Mon. reservation
can come in Friday for a Tuesday reservation

A team may have only one reservation on the book at a time.

Non-City-sponsored leagues can reserve fields the day of the reservation.

Lights – available Monday through Thursday only – SPRING SEASON ONLY
Unlighted field reservations may be made 7 days/week.

On the day of a reservation, lighted fields cannot be obtained after 4:00 p.m. for that evening’s lighted fields. (Field representative has already called in for lighting schedule.)

Fees: Practice Field 1-1/2 hours rental = $7.50 without lights, $15.00 with lights (90 minutes)

NOTE: Gates going into Fields #9 and #10 are locked at 11:00 p.m.

The following procedures will be followed in breaking ties in all leagues whether it involves moving team up or down for trophy positions or positioning for the post-season tournament if used.

A two-way tie will be based on head-head competition between the two teams. If they split the season series, then the point difference of the games between the two teams will be used.

In three-way ties, the best record among the involved teams will determine the first break, and then the other two teams will revert back to the two-way tie. The second option is the point difference between the three teams, with the winner having the greater winning margin.

Any ties involving more than three teams will be determined with the above procedures. If you have any questions, please feel free to call.
The following league awards allocations will be used in determining which teams will receive team awards. Individual awards will be t-shirts.

LEAGUES –

8 teams and above – 1^st , 2^{nd and 3rd} individuals (15 total)
6-8 teams – 1^st and 2^{nd and 3rd} individuals (15 total)
4-5 teams – 1^{st and 2nd} individuals (15 total)

Team trophies will be available on request.


This will be a one-night tournament. The schedule below will be standard for all levels of play. Saturday games would be one hour earlier.

7:45pm - 1^st place vs. 4^th place

Places are determined by regular season records. League awards will be determined from this tournament.

All regular season rules and regulations will apply with the exception that the highest seeded team will have the option of home or visitors before each game.

The tournament will be held on the week after the regular season has been completed.

Any questions, call 972-219-3554.

Click on the link below for the Registration Form.
Registration Form