2024 USSSA WOMEN’S NEW YORK STATE Softball Tournament.

NEW USSSA/GSL RULES

Batter 

Initially, the batter has 10 seconds to enter the batter’s box after the pitcher has the ball and the umpire signals, “PLAY BALL”.  A strike will be called for every delay over 10 seconds.

If the batter refuses to take his position in the batter’s box, delays longer than 10 seconds during his time at bat or both feet leave the batter’s box after taking position in the box, the umpire shall call a strike on the batter. The ball is dead, no runners may advance. After the penalty, the batter may take his proper position and the regular ball and strike count shall continue. If the batter delays and a second strike is called, the batter shall be declared out.

If the batter intentionally leaves the batter’s box and delays play, and none of the exceptions apply, the umpire shall award a strike without the pitcher having to deliver the pitch.

The batter shall remain in the batter’s box between pitches with these exceptions:

1. When the ball is batted fair or foul.
2. When forced out of the box by a pitch. Any pitch that causes the batter to move their feet.
3. On a wild pitch or passed ball.
4. When a play or appeal is attempted.
5. In the judgment of the umpire(s), weather conditions or play, warrant an exception.
6. When TIME is called, or a substitution is made.

Umpire may warn a batter for violation of one of the exceptions.

If the batter leaves the batter’s box and delays play, for any other reason.

than 1-6 above:

1. The ball is dead.
2. Call a strike.
3. Any number of strikes can be made with each batter.

Pitchers

All pitchers are required to toe the rubber (Pitchers must have a part of their foot touching the rubber) There is no more pitchers’ box.

Substitutions 

All substitutions must be announced to the home plate umpire and be recorded.  Any unannounced substitutions that have been appealed by the opposing manager/team will result in the ejection of the illegal player. A new substitute may then be allowed to take the place of the illegal substitute. An illegal substitute appeal must be done before a pitch is delivered.

Bat Testing

All bats must conform and continue to perform within the current USSSA 240 Bat Standards.  All bats will be checked-in prior to the first game played in Qualifiers, Regionals & State events.  All teams will be allowed to check 20 bats total (meaning 15 pass and 5 don’t, that’s the total).  The manager is required to make sure all bats being tested comply with the new USSSA 240 bat standard.  These bats must have the new USSSA stamp.

• Teams must be there to test bats 30-40 minutes prior to the 1st game.
• Teams that have the 1^st group of games DO NOT wait until 5-10 minutes before game time to test your bats.
• Teams can test up to 20 bats only.
• Only the manager and one team rep can be present while bats are being tested.
• Bats will be tested one time only and stickered, no retest or turn the bats.
• If less than 20 bats pass out of 20, those are the only bats that can be used for the tournament.
• If a team does not show up on time to test bats, they will only be able to test Five (5) bats to use for the entire tournament.
• Each field will have two buckets. The bats that are stickered must go into the bucket for the entire game. Buckets will be marked by the umpire before the game to confirm the number of bats in the bucket.
• If a player shows up late, they will only be allowed to use bats that were already tested. Their individual bats will not be tested nor allowed in the tournament.
• If a player is playing in a Saturday and Sunday tournament, bats will be tested on Saturday and stickered, and will be tested again on Sunday and stickered with a new sticker.
• Managers are responsible for discussing this Bat procedure with all players on their team.

Penalty:

Any bat without the 240 Thumbprint will be removed and the user/owner of the bat and the manager on the roster will be ejected for the duration of the tournament.  If no owner can be identified, the manager of that team will be ejected for the tournament. All ejection rules will apply to this ejection, so the offending player/coach/manager will not be allowed to attend the tournament.

• You cannot use or bring bats into the dugout. If caught the player & bat will be ejected from the game.
• If a player is caught using a non-stickered bat or stickers are altered in any way, that player will be ejected from the tournament and possibly suspended from USSSA.
• Failure to comply with any of these rules will result in ejection from the tournament and possible USSSA suspension.

Code of Conduct

Unsportsmanlike Conduct and Inappropriate Language

Any player caught using an cursing at an umpire, director or any USSSA Tournament employee will be subject to immediate removal from the game.  Any cursing from the dugout will require the removal of the Team Coach if the guilty party cannot be identified by the umpires. Inappropriate gestures or taunting may be the cause for immediate removal from the game.  For any other use of profanity, the game will be stopped, and the offending Team Coach will be warned.  Any further foul language from the offender will be the cause for removal from the game under the “unsportsmanlike conduct” rule.

Foul Language

In keeping with our “Family” atmosphere, foul language will be dealt with immediately.  NO warning will be given, and an ejection will occur. Further action by the USSSA National Office may also be included.

Threatening Remarks

Threatening players, coaches, sponsors, umpires, fans or making disparaging remarks toward anyone connected with USSSA will be reason for immediate ejection and may also include further action by the USSSA National Office.

Damaging Equipment

Damaging equipment, water coolers, bat buckets, or outward displays of uncontrolled anger will be grounds for immediate ejection.  Offending player/Team will be responsible to pay for any damaged item.

Fighting

Fighting of any kind is not allowed in USSSA/GSL.    All penalties will be assessed by TD and UIC and a representative from USSSA National Headquarters.  For severe fighting further sanctions may be handed down from USSSA National office.

Ejections and Disqualifications

In the event a player, coach or manager is ejected from a game, he or she must leave sight and sound of the playing field immediately.  The Tournament Director, UIC and Umpire(s) directly involved in the situation will determine how long the player, coach or manager must sit out.  Their decision is final and non-appealable.  All ejections will be sent to the Utah State Director for further review, with possibly providing a suspension and/or probation.

Rosters

Rosters must be filled out and approved Online @ usssa.com by the Friday before the event. All pending players will be removed and will not be able to play after 9pm. Rosters will be locked up until the Monday following the event.

There may be an emergency add-on at the State director’s approval. Each player must sign/approve the roster ONLINE to be eligible to play. * No Players at a higher player ranking (PRV) can be added to the team.

State Director/Tournament Director Can ask at any time for a player’s ID with or without a protest.

No Forfeit rule: At game-time, the game will start with as few as 9 players present. If there is less than 10, there will be an automatic out for the missing player.

A $100 protest fee must be filed with each protest. A protest is for a player NOT a team protest. Example: 1 Non-roster or Higher PRV = $100.00 Protest 5 player = $500.00 (This will be refunded if the protest is upheld). Protest will be handled on the spot, and the game will not continue until the protest has been settled.

Any Classic W stamped ball can be used in ANY qualifier event.

Regionals, USSSA & GSL State events the only ball allowed to be used is- TBD

Extra balls will be available at every event, cost $35.00 for 6 balls or $70.00 a DZ

Runner for pitcher is optional and may be anyone on the roster.

Re-Entry’s: Double re-entry is allowed. Teams may substitute all players a maximum of 2 times per game into the same batting position. (GSL ONLY)

Pitching Arc: 3’ from release and max 10’ from ground (USSSA)

5’ from ground and max 10’ from ground (GSL)

Home-Run Rule:

2 Home Runs, all others are inning ending outs. (USSSA EVENTS)

1 Home Runs + 1 DHH, all others are inning ending outs. (GSL EVENTS)

Spotted Runs:

• E team plays D Team Choices are, home team OR start a runner on 2 Base for the 1^st 4 innings.
• E team plays C Team Choices are, home team OR start a runner on 2nd base & 3^rd base for the 1^st 4 innings.
• E team plays B Team Choices are, home team & start a runner on 2nd base & 3^rd base for the 1^st 4 innings.
• D team plays C Team Choices are, home team OR start a runner on 2 Base for the 1^st 4 innings.
• D team plays B Team Choices are home team OR start a runner on 2nd base & 3^rd base for the 1^st 4 innings.
• C team plays B Team Choices are, home team OR start a runner on 2 Base for the 1^st 4 innings.

Umpire will keep score.

Home team is required to have a score book, if there is a question, Umpire /Director will ask for score book. If home team does not have a book, TD/umpire will go to the visiting team’s book for a decision. If no book is present, TD/Umpire will make the decision.

The team batting is responsible for retrieving balls which go out of play, including homeruns and foul balls.

PLAY USSSA!