It is the captains’ responsibility:

• inform their players concerning all rules and regulations prior to the first game and as many times thereafter as necessary to make sure that no violations occur
• for the conduct of their team members and any team spectators
• to make sure all league fees are paid
• to make sure all roster and waivers are submitted
• notifying the Carol Stream Park District of players change of address, phone number, or email address
• inform players of scheduled games, schedule changes, make-ups, and standings
• check the score to ensure accuracy
• check the final score which is listed on the home team’s official score sheet

Captain Unavailable

If it is known that the captain is unavailable during a certain period of time, it is the responsibility of that captain to call or email the Athletic Supervisor and submit another contact name, if other than the assistant captain.

Ejections

Players or captains in violations of the following shall be ejected from the game in which they are participating:

• Use of illegal bat
• Throwing bat or other equipment
• Smoking on the field
• Team members, other than the captain, discussing disagreements or arguing with the umpire(s)
• Intoxicated – Any player under the influence of alcohol, or mind-altering substances, is ejected with a suspension for the next game. The captain is also ejected for the remainder of the game.
• Players must avoid contact. If a player fails to avoid contact and there is substantial physical contact in the judgment of the umpire, the runner shall be declared out and immediately ejected.
• Use of excessive foul language or any individual being under the influence of alcohol or any mind-altering substance while on park property results in the ejection from the game, as well as from the team’s following game.

Any player who is ejected from a game must leave the facility immediately, and the ejected player suspended from playing the next scheduled game or possibly more depending on the situation. The captain must supply the ejected player’s name to the umpire. Failure to provide the ejected player’s name or a false name is given for the ejected player causes the captain to be suspended for a minimum of two games. Any player ejected from a game is automatically suspended for a minimum of one game at the League Coordinator’s discretion.

All fines must be paid for by the next scheduled game or when the player returns from suspension. If an ejected player doesn’t pay a fine then the team is charged.

• First offense – at least 1 game suspension
• Second offense – $25 and at least 1 game suspension
• Third offense – $25 fine and at least 2 game suspension

Fake Tags

Fake tags are not tolerated. (A fake tag is a delayed dead ball. After the play has finished the faked runner and all other runners may be awarded the bases they would have received had the obstruction not occurred. It is a warning to the defensive player and could be an ejection if it caused the guy to slide or get hurt.)

Suspensions

Any ejection results in at least a 1 game suspension. Any player caught participating during a league suspension results in at least a 2 game suspension additional to what was provided.

• Physical conduct or fighting – result in an automatic 6 game suspension from any leagues that the player currently plays in. Player(s) are issued a $25 fine to be reinstated back into the league.
• Any player under the influence of alcohol, or mind-altering substances, is ejected with a suspension for the next game. The Carol Stream Park District and the Village of Carol Stream ordinances prohibit any alcoholic beverages on Carol Stream Park District property. Players and captains are subject to game suspensions or team forfeitures. Teams are held responsible for fans.
• Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in forfeiture of games or suspensions from the league. Teams are responsible for the conduct of their spectators. Spectators’ behavior can result in a suspension.

Team Forfeiting

Each offense is one game forfeited.

• First Offense – loss of game
• Second offense – $50 fine and loss of game
• Third offense – $50 fine, loss of game, and eliminated from postseason play
• Fourth offense – $50 fine, loss of game, eliminated from postseason play, and eliminated from rest of season (no refunds).

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

• Fair play and sportsmanship are the responsibility of every player and captain.
• Players must respect the umpire, Carol Stream Park District officials, and other players.
• The Player’s behavior is the responsibility of the player and captain of that team.

• Players must be at least age 17 at the team’s first scheduled game.
• All players must have their names, home addresses, and home phone numbers on the team roster and waiver form before they can participate in any Carol Stream Park District game.
• All players must have a photo ID at all games to verify that they are a rostered player
• A player may only play on one team per league per day.
• If a player is on more than one team’s roster, is declared ineligible for all teams on that day.

An ineligible player is:

• A player who is not age 17 on or before the first scheduled game.
• A player using a false name.
• A player using an improper address.
• A player with no photo ID.
• A player with incomplete roster information.
• A player on more than one roster.

Bats

• Usable bats can be found at and playnsa.com for NSA leagues.
• Bats must be covered with a non-slip tape or other approved material (minimum of ten inches).
• All bats must be approved for the governing association.
• Titanium bats are not allowed.
• Carol Stream Park District staff reserves the right to make any and all judgments regarding bats, all decisions are final.
• The use of an illegal bat shall result in suspension for the remainder of the season and tournament.

Cleats

• Metal or detachable cleats are not allowed.

Game Balls

• Game balls provided by the Carol Stream Park District.
• Game balls must be returned to the umpire after each game (12” leagues only). This is to ensure that we have plenty of game balls for each game.

Noise Playing Devices

• No boom boxes or other music or noise playing devices

Scorebooks

• Scorebooks provided by the Carol Stream Park District and are given out at the captain’s meeting.
• Any questions regarding scores, outs, or innings are the responsibility of the home team.

Appeal Play

• An appeal play is one in which an umpire cannot make a decision until requested to do so. (Example: leaving too soon on a caught fly ball or a courtesy runner overrunning a base).
• The appeal may be verbal or non-verbal, but must be made before the next pitch.

Base Running

• No stealing.
• No lead-offs. Base runners may leave the base if the pitched ball hits the ground, is short, or is hit.
• Courtesy runner rule (Comp and Comp/Int Leagues) – May only be used once per inning and can be used unlimited times for that player in that inning. Can be anyone on the roster, but it comes up in the order they are called out. They may run unlimited bases.
• Courtesy runner rule (Recreational Leagues or any combined leagues) – Can be used up to twice per inning and can be used unlimited times for that player in that inning. Can be anyone on the roster, but it comes up in the order they are called out. They may run unlimited bases.
• Base paths: 70 feet – 12” Men’s leagues and 12” Co-ed leagues. 60 feet – 14” Co-ed leagues, Women’s league, and 16” Men’s league.

Batting

• Each batter begins with a 1-1 count: 2 strikes = an out. 3 balls = a walk.
• The batter is out if they throw the bat and ejection is possible and no warnings are necessary.
• Bunting is not allowed.
• A batter is out if they hit one foul ball after the second strike.
• The batter is called out upon contact with the ball if their foot is completely across (in front or behind the) the home plate or any part of their foot is contacting the home plate.
• Designated Homerun Hitter (DHH) (GSL League Only) – is the player who, without penalty, may hit a home run every time at-bat. Teams must designate their DHH prior to the start of the game, or there won’t be a DHH for that team. Should DHH be walked, whether intentional or not, the next person to hit a homerun may do so without penalty, until the DHH’s spot comes back up in the line-up.

Fielding

• Infield balls are not allowed after the 2nd inning.
• Infield Fly – An infield fly is a fair ball that can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort when 1st and 2nd, or 1st 2nd, and 3rd base are occupied, before 2 outs. The pitcher, catcher, and any outfielder who positions themselves in the infield on the play shall be considered infielders. The ball is live and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught or tag up, and advance after the ball is touched.
• No climbing over fences to retrieve a ball.

Number Of Players

• A team consists of ten players and up to twelve players NSA if the extra player (EP) is used. In order to start a game, at least eight (8) players must be present. If a player is ejected for inappropriate conduct, the player’s place may not be taken by another player, and an automatic out is assessed.
• A team must have at least eight (8) players to start a game and may add a ninth or tenth whenever they arrive.

Pitching

• The pitcher shall take a position with both feet on the ground with one or both feet in contact with the pitching rubber. The ball shall be held in one or both hands in front of the body.
• Pitching Distance – 53 feet – 12” Men’s league (2nd Stripe). 50 feet – GSL League (1st Stripe) with up to 6 feet behind the rubber. 50-53 feet – 12” Co-ed and Women’s league (players choice). 43 feet – 14” Co-ed leagues. 38 feet – 16” Men’s league.
• Arc Limits – NSA rules state: The ball must be delivered to the batter at a height of at least six (6) feet from the ground to a maximum of ten (10 feet from the ground). GSL rules state: The pitched ball must arc at least 5 feet from the ground after leaving the pitcher’s hand before it passes any part of home plate (“clearly identifiable hump”), and shall not rise higher than 10 feet.

Rules

• NSA (or GSL for Wednesday night league) rules apply to all leagues, except where the Carol Stream Park District has made adaptations.

Safety-base

• A red “safety-base” is located at first base.
• All runners must run to the red portion of the base; otherwise, the runner is called out on all in-field plays that he interferes with.

Substitutions

• Substitution is allowed for any starting player and sub.
• Any starting player and sub may re-enter once, provided that the player occupies the same position in the batting order.
• If a player gets injured and can no longer play they are considered out unless a rostered sub can take their place.
• If a player gets ejected, they are out of the lineup and cannot be replaced with a sub.

• Teams are reminded that the Carol Stream Park District does not carry insurance covering injuries incurred while participating in the Carol Stream Park District Softball League.

Co-Rec 12” Softball Rules

NSA rules and Carol Stream Park District house rules are followed with the exception of the following 12” co-ed rules.

• All outfielders must remain in the outfield grass until the ball is hit. No short-center fielders may play in the infield.
• On a walk to a male player, he continues past first to second base taking away the force. The female player batting next must now bat except when there are 2 outs the female has the option to bat or to walk.
• A strike mat is used.
• Substitutions: a. A male must replace a male and a female must replace a female.
• Base Paths: 70 feet
• Pitching Distance: Between 50 and 53 feet. All distance between 50 and 53 is legal. Pitcher choice.
• Arc Limit: a. 6 feet – 10 feet
• Home Run Limit: a. 3 for Comp/Upper. 1 for Rec Leagues. Any home run hit after the home run limits in a game is ruled out.
• Courtesy runners may be used in case of injury. The courtesy runner must be the last out of the same sex, and courtesy runners are allowed only 2 bases (See base running, rule 3 for the full rule).

Fielding Positions

• Two (2) males and two (2) females in the infield (any positions)
• Two (2) males and two (2) females in the outfield (any positions)
• The pitcher or catcher combination must be male and female. Same-sex can never be catchers and pitchers.
• Once a player has occupied a position at the start of the inning, that individual must occupy the same position till the end of the inning.
• If using a short-center position, the short center must occupy directly behind 2nd base and cannot shift from right-center to left-center based on the batter.
• If a team starts with 9 players, the odd combination must also be in the outfield. If 5 male and 4 female players, then the female must play center field.

Batting Order

• The batting order must alternate between male and female players.
• The lineup may begin with either male or female.
• When starting the game with nine (9) players, the ratio MUST be 5:4 (female: male). The 1st and 9th batters must be female. If the ratio is 4:5 (female: male) then the 10th spot in the order is an out.
• Cases, where there are more guys or girls teams, should create 2 batting orders and continue to follow those batting orders throughout the game, alternating sexes.

Co-Rec 14” Softball Rules

NSA rules and Carol Stream Park District house rules are followed with the exception of the following 14” co-ed rules.

• All outfielders must remain in the outfield grass until the ball is hit. No short-center fielders may play in the infield.
• Only women may wear a glove. Batting gloves in the field are not allowed for men as well.
• All outfielders must remain in the outfield grass until the ball is hit. No short-center fielders may play in the infield.
• On a walk to a male player, he continues past first to second base taking away the force. The female player batting next must now bat except when there are 2 outs the female has the option to bat or to walk.
• Batters start with a 1 strike and 1 ball count. The 2nd foul ball after 2 strikes is an out.
• A strike mat is used.
• Substitutions: A male must replace a male and a female must replace a female.
• Base Paths – 60 feet
• Pitching Distance – 43 feet
• Arc Limit – 6-10 feet
• Courtesy runners may be used in case of injury. The courtesy runner must be the last out of the same sex, and courtesy runners are allowed only 2 bases (See base running, rule 3 for the full rule).
• The home team receives the game ball.

Fielding Positions

• Two (2) males and two (2) females in the infield (any positions)
• Two (2) males and two (2) females in the outfield (any positions)
• The pitcher and catcher combination must be male/female
• Once a player has occupied a position at the start of the inning, that individual must occupy the same position till the end of the inning.
• If using a short-center position, the short center must occupy directly behind 2nd base and cannot shift from right-center to left-center based on the batter.
• If a team starts with 9 players, the odd combination must also be in the outfield. If 5 male and 4 female players, then the female must play center field.

Batting Order

• The batting order must alternate between male and female players.
• The lineup may begin with either male or female.
• Batting orders do not require an equal number of guys and girls and can bat up to 16 players.
• Cases, where there are more guys or girls teams, should create 2 batting orders and continue to follow those batting orders throughout the game, alternating sexes.
• When starting the game with nine (9) players, the ratio MUST be 5:4 (female: male). The 1st and 9th batters must be female. If the ratio is 4:5 (female: male) then the 10th spot in the order is an out.

Women’s 11” Softball Rules

NSA rules and Carol Stream Park District house rules are followed with the exception of the following 11” women’s rules.

• There is a one – (1) hour time limit on all games.
• All outfielders must remain in the outfield grass until the ball is hit. Can play with 11 women on the field.
• Batters start with a 1 strike and 1 ball count.
• A strike mat is used.
• Base Paths: 60 feet
• Pitching Distance: 50 feet
• Arc Limit: 6 feet – 10 feet
• Home Run Limit: 3 home runs. Any home run hit after the home run limits in a game is ruled out.
• No stealing, no leadoff. Runners may leave the base as the batter makes contact with the pitch.
• Courtesy runners may be used in case of injury. The courtesy runner must be the last out. (See base running, rule 3 for the full rule).
• Game balls are provided by the Carol Stream Park District, and the game balls must be returned to the umpire after each game.

A post-season tournament is conducted at the end of the league play. Regular season and post-season tournament awards vary.

Rainout

• Playoff games that get rained out before they are made official, start from where left off.

Tournament Format

• League standings determine the seeding of each team in the tournament.
• Several games may be played in succession, which is common in tournament play.
• Tournament rules are the same as regular-season rules unless noted.
• Games do not have a time limit in the semi and championship rounds of the playoffs unless otherwise noted.

Changes

• No changes to the roster allowed after midseason. Except in the case of an injury. A doctor’s excuse is required and the replacement player must be of similar ability to the injured player. Advanced approval by the Athletic Supervisor is required for any change(s).

Checks

• Each week has at least 1 or 2 games roster checked prior to game time, both teams rosters are checked.
• Random roster checks start week 3.
• Teams may request a roster check prior to the game time. Roster protests must be made prior to the first pitch of the game.
• If that player does not have a valid ID and the team cannot prove they are on the roster, that player is not allowed to participate.

Deadlines

• Rosters are due before the team’s first scheduled game.
• Filling Out
  • Teams are required to fill out a game roster with player name and number each game.
  • All roster information must be complete for a player to be eligible for league play. If any information is incomplete the player is ineligible until all information is completed on the roster form.
  • Any team giving false information on a roster shall be dismissed from the league without any money being refunded.
  • No nicknames are to be used on the roster.
  • Any player not complying is declared ineligible.

Player Maximum

• Roster maximum of 16 players.

Forfeits

• If a team fails to have at least 8 rostered players by game time, or after the 5-minute grace period, the game is awarded to the opposing team.
• Once an umpire declares a game forfeited, the game cannot be played.
• If a team forfeits at least 3 games, they are not eligible for the post-season tournament, and 4 games forfeited the rest of the season. Carry enough rostered players to not forfeit during the season.

Home Run Limits

Any home run hit after the home run limits in a game is ruled out.

• Comp/Int Leagues – Homerun limit is 3. After any team hits 3 home runs, each additional home run is an out unless the other team gets 3 home runs. At that point, each of the teams can go “one-up” on the other team, except for the home team in the bottom of the last inning.
• Recreational Leagues – The home run limit is 3. No one up for rec leagues.
• GSL Wednesday League – Homerun limit is 4 home runs plus DHH (C Tournament Rules).

Protests

• No protests.
• All referee decisions are final.

Slaughter Rule

• After the 4th inning – twenty (20) runs (three and one-half if the home team is ahead)
• After the 5th inning – fifteen (15) runs (four and one-half if the home team is ahead)
• After the 6th inning – ten (10) runs (five and one-half if the home team is ahead)

Ties

• If the score is tied after seven innings or one hour, the game is counted as a tie.
• If a game is tied, and the game has not yet reached the 60-minute time limit:
  • The game continues until the time limit is reached
  • The last out in the previous inning goes to second base.
  • The batter has a full count.
• If the time limit has been reached, the game ends in a tie.
  • Due to the nature of the game and that, no inning is comparable to another, umpires and Carol Stream Park District staff reserve the right to announce the time or last at-bats depending on a given situation.

Standings are calculated by the highest winning percentage. Standings updated weekly.

Tiebreaker Policy

Tiebreaker Policy for playoff seeding are the following procedures, in order, until all ties are broken:

• Head to head competition between the tied teams. The team must beat all other teams tied in standing to with this tiebreaker.
• Any team with a forfeit during the regular season automatically loses all ties even for the head to head tiebreaker.
• Least points allowed for the entire season.
• Point differential for the entire regular season.
• Strength of schedule if not all teams have played each other.
• Coin flip.

Grace Period

There is a five (5) minute grace period for the first game of the night only. Games shall be 55 minutes in length if the grace period is used.

Innings

• Games are scheduled for seven innings. In case of rain or darkness, a four-inning game is official (three and one-half innings if the home team is winning).
• A new inning may not begin after 60 minutes.

Do not assume games are canceled because of weather conditions. Every effort is made to play the games, even in light rain.