10-U Thunder (Bejarano)

A. The League shall be composed of four divisions: Major, Minor, Rookie, and T-Ball. B. Any girl 5 through 15 years of age as of January 1 of the playing year, who meet the boundary requirement, is eligible to participate. C. Girls who want to play up in division must get approval from the President and Vise President. Girls will be assigned as follows: Division - (Ages) Major - (13 -15) Minor - (10 -12) Rookie -(7 - 9) T-Ball - (5 - 7)

Section 1. The President A. Presides at all regular and special meetings. B. Establishes and dissolves all committees. C. Shall countersign all checks and drafts. D. Serves as an ex-officio member of all committees, except Nominating and Protest Committees, and may call meetings of all committees. E. Has general supervision of League affairs. F. Shall prepare, with the Secretary, the League’s schedule of regular season games. G. Is responsible for obtaining field permits for season practice, League games, insurance, umpires, and registration with a softball sanctioning body (i.e. A.S.A., etc.). H. Shall be the custodian of the League’s Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and League Rules. I. Shall reserve a location for player registrations. Registration dates that are set by the Executive Board will normally be held on the last three (3) Saturdays in January. Section 2. The Past President A. Serves as an advisor to the President and the Executive Board and is the chairperson of the Nominating Committee. B. In the absence or disability of the Secretary, the President may request that the Past President perform those duties of the Secretary. Section 3. The Vice President A. Shall assist the President and shall act for (and in place of) the President in the event of the President’s absence or disability or at the President’s request. In the event of the President’s resignation, death, or removal, the Vice President shall assume the office of the President and serve for the remainder of the term. B. Shall assist all committee chairpersons and coordinate their activities. C. Shall serve as the Chairperson of the Audit Committee. D. Shall serve as the Chairperson of the League Rules Committee. E. Shall serve as the League Commissioner for Winter League. F. Act as the Publicity Manager. G. Coordinate the statistics for the League with the Player Agents. Section 4. The Secretary A. Shall keep a complete record of all proceedings of all League and Executive Board meetings and make such record of all League meetings available at the following regular League meeting. B. Shall notify the Executive Board and active coaches in writing of all regularly scheduled meetings. C. Shall preside over all regular and special meetings in the absence of the President and Vice President. D. May countersign checks and drafts. E. Shall be the custodian of all the League’s official books, records, papers, and correspondence. F. Shall keep a League register showing the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the members of the Executive Board, managers, coaches, players, A.S.A. Junior Olympic Commissioner, and the Recreations Specialist of the Southgate and Elk Grove Parks and Recreation District. G. Shall, in addition, perform all other duties that are incidental to the office of the Secretary. H. Shall prepare, with the President, the League’s schedule of regular season games. I. Will prepare a listing of all girls registered in each division. The listing will include player’s name, address, birthday, age, parental/guardianship information and assigned team. This information shall be furnished to the appropriate person responsible for obtaining insurance coverage for the League. Section 5. The Treasurer A. Shall maintain adequate and correct books and accounts of the property and business transactions of the League. Upon the request of an Executive Board member, the Treasurer shall permit the inspection of any or all of the books and accounts within five days after the request is made. B. Shall promptly deposit all funds of the League in such financial institution as shall be designated by the Executive Board. C. Issues and signs checks in payment of League bills that are chargeable against an approved budget appropriation or other authorization by the Executive Board. Such checks must be presented to the President or Secretary for countersignature. D. Prepares financial reports, including an income statement of financial conditions, for presentation at all regular League meetings and at such other times as directed by the President. The income statement will be in detail and at a minimum display each source of income and amount, and category of expenditure and amount. E. Shall, along with the Vice President, perform an annual audit of the books maintained by the Treasurer and present the findings in writing to the Executive Board before the regular September League meeting. F. Shall prepare a proposed annual budget to be presented to the Executive Board for review by the regular November League meeting. The President may call special meetings of the Executive Board to discuss the proposed budget and make necessary changes before the regular December meeting. The revised budget will be presented to the League membership for approval at the regular January League meeting. G. With the assistance of the President and Vice President, shall fulfill federal, state, and local requirements related to, and for the purpose of, maintaining nonprofit status and operations including the filing of annual information statements with the Internal Revenue Service and the Franchise Tax Board. Section 6. Player Agents A. Will work with the Secretary and the Executive Board to obtain and distribute necessary registration flyers to the various schools in the Elk Grove Girls Softball League boundaries. The flyers should be distributed at least one (1) week before the first scheduled day for registration. B. Shall be responsible for public announcements for player registration in local newspapers. C. Will be responsible for late registrations. Late registrations are defined as any application for registration received after the last approved date for registration in January. D. Will, with Executive Board approval, set dates and locations for the player draft. Will preside over player selections at the draft. E. Will conduct one mandatory meeting with managers and coaches for the purpose of: Coaches/Mangers Orientation and Risk Management, Safety, and Coaching Fundamentals To provide coaches/managers with information on team organization,the draft, Opening Day, Selection of post-season tournament coaches for All Star teams, select of All Star players, and their responsibility for League uniforms, equipment, etc. • To review the League rules with the coaches and managers. • To provide information on coaching ethics, risk management, safety, and to practice coaching skills, fundamentals and game techniques. F. Will create and maintain a waiting list of players who were not assigned to teams during the team formation meetings or who registered after the teams were formed. The full amount of the current year registration fee will be charged to any player registering before April 15. The registration fee will be pro-rated per game for any player who registers after April 15. G. Is responsible for team placement of any girls on the waiting list. In addition, the Executive Board must approve any player trades. Player trades will only be made for extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the player and parent in consultation with the affected coaches. All additions, changes and deletions must be reported to the Secretary. H. Is responsible for scheduling all League practices. I. All rescheduled games are the responsibility of the Player Agent. Only the Player Agent can cancel a game due to weather conditions, school field trips or school functions where the team would have less than eight players. The Player Agent will notify affected managers/coaches by posting cancellation of games to their answering machine. If not previously posted by the Player Agent, the umpire will decide cancellation of games due to weather or safety reasons. The Head of Umpires and Vice President will be notified of all canceled games and rescheduled dates by 4:00pm of the day scheduled. Canceled games will not bump regular scheduled games. J. Will preside over the selection of All-Star managers/coaches, the All Star player tryouts in each Division with Executive Board approval and will coordinate the date, time, and location. The manager/coach selection meeting and player selection tryouts shall be held no later than the second Sunday of June of the current year. The Player Agents are responsible for notifying all players of the tryout results. K. Will be responsible for providing the Vice President (Publicity Manger) with weekly statistics by Monday of each week for publication. Section 7. The Equipment Manager A. Will complete a physical inventory of all League equipment by October of each year. A summary of the inventory will be presented in writing at the regular November League meeting. B. Is responsible for ensuring that all equipment is kept in proper working order and is safe for use. C. Is responsible for proper storage of equipment. D. Is responsible for issuing all equipment. Equipment will be issued in a fair and impartial manner. A record will be kept of all equipment issued to managers/coaches including a detailed description, quantity, and replacement value to insure that the issued equipment is the same equipment that is returned at the end of the season. Coaches will sign for their equipment and will be responsible for all missing equipment. E. Is responsible for ensuring that all managers turn in their equipment in a timely manner at the end of the season. Equipment is to be returned to the League within 3 days of the end of the season. F. Will provide an estimate of equipment needs in numbers and dollars to the Treasurer by the regular November meeting so that the Treasurer can include these estimates in the proposed budget for the upcoming season. Section 8. The Uniform Manager A. Is responsible for issuing all uniform shirts. Uniforms will be issued in a fair and impartial manner. Records will be kept of all uniforms issued to managers including types, numbers, sizes, and other information. B. Uniforms will not be purchased without the approval of the Uniform Manager. C. Will be responsible for maintaining sponsorship information and collecting sponsor fees. D. Will be responsible for securing trophies and sponsor plaques. Section 9. The Head of Committees A. Shall recommend to the President the need for establishing committees (i.e. fund raising, trophy, and other committees as the League may warrant), finding volunteers to serve on committees, and recommending a Chairperson for each of the committees to the President. B. Will coordinate all committee activities and serve as an ex-officio member on all committees except for the Protest and Rules Committee. C. Will be responsible for all Opening Day and Trophy Presentation Day activities, which include the solicitation of prizes, getting the location, coordination of decorations, food, drinks, and other necessary items and/or supplies. D. Will provide an estimate of the costs of decorations, foods, drinks, and other necessary items for the Opening Day and Trophy Presentation Day to the Treasurer by the regular March meeting. Section 10. Board Members as Managers/Coaches A. Executive board members shall be allowed to manage or coach a team during the time they serve as a board member. B. A Player Agent may not manage or coach a team within the division he/she represents as a Player Agent without Executive Board approval.

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Section 1. Members Voting members for the purposes of implementing, modifying or deleting these League Rules shall mean each household of a current player in the League; each manager, coach, and assistant coach; and each director and officer of the Corporation. Note: that this definition of member applies to these League Rules and does not necessarily apply to the Corporate Bylaws. Section 2. Sponsors A. Final approval of all sponsors for the League will be by the Executive Board. B. Executive Board shall determine all fees payable to the League by a sponsor. All such fees or assessments shall be paid into the League treasury. C. No sponsor shall have any control or authority over the team they are sponsoring. D. Sponsors shall have the right to renew their sponsorships each season unless the Executive Board, for a good reason, deems the renewal inadvisable. E. All coaches are responsible for finding a sponsor for their team. Section 3. Approval of Contracts The Executive Board must approve all contracts executed in the name of the League.

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Section 1. Eligibility Any girl is eligible to play in the League if they meet the specified age requirement, reside within the Elk Grove Girls Softball League geographical boundary (a.k.a. Elk Grove Community Services District) and/or attend a school within the Elk Grove Unified School District. Any exception to these requirements must receive Executive Board approval for eligibility. If a player wishes to play in our league instead of their own league, a waiver must be obtained from their respective league and be approved by the Executive Board. Section 2. Participation The number of girls who may participate will only be limited by the availability of managers, coaches, field availability, and/or insurance requirements. Girls may participate after receiving parental or guardian approval, which is evidenced by their signature on an approved registration form, and paying the prescribed registration fee. The approved registration form, which includes a medical release, will be completed by the specified registration deadline. The registration fee is to be determined by the Executive Board before the beginning of the registration period. No girl shall be denied participation based on the inability to pay the registration fee. Section 3. Boundaries (See Map at end of League Rules) Elk Grove Community Services District and/or Elk Grove Unified School District.

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Section 1. Rule Book The current year EGGSL bylaws will govern all plays, except where not defined will revert to GEMS rules. Section 2. T-Ball Division A. Purpose - The purpose of the League’s T-Ball program is to provide an opportunity for girls less than eight years of age to learn and practice the fundamentals of softball in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. B. Equipment - T-Ball teams participating in the T-Ball program will use an 11-inch, synthetic covered softball/safety ball or other safety ball, provided by the League. Only those bats provided and approved by the League may be used in an official League game. All batters and base runners must wear batting helmets. C. Teams - A minimum of eight and a maximum of 12 players shall be played on each team’s roster. Whenever possible girls will be placed on teams of their choice where the primary player selection will be based by school, wanting to play with a friend, or other acceptable selection methodology. This only applies to T-Ball. The Player Agent responsible for the T-Ball Division will form the teams based on the preceding criteria. D. Base/Pitching Distances - The distance between bases shall be 45 feet. The distance between home and the pitching plates shall be 30 feet. These distances may be modified to conform to the conditions of the field or area available. However, under no circumstances will these distances be shortened by more than 5 feet. E. Number of Players Defensively - All players will be used defensively each inning. Until the ball is hit and put into play these players will be positioned as follows: Catcher (behind home plate), One pitcher (both feet in contact with the pitching rubber), four infielders (even with or in front of the base line), and the remaining as outfielders (beyond the base line). F. Number of Players Offensively - All of each team’s players who attend a game will bat each inning, only once per inning. G. Changing Positions Defensively - Defensive players may not change positions during the course of an inning. Once assigned positions at the beginning of an inning, the players must play that position for the entire inning. H. Batting First Half of Season - All balls will be batted off a tee during the first half of the season. (If there are more than 10 games, the first half of the season is the first five games.) The offensive team manager shall be responsible for ensuring that the defensive team is ready to play and then place the ball on the tee. It is also the offensive team manager’s responsibility to remove the tee from home plate after a batted ball, should there be a possibility of a player scoring on the play. The batter shall be allowed four swings to hit a ball into the playing area. I. Batting Second Half of Season -Starting with the 5th game of the season, as indicated in Rule I, the offensive team’s manager shall pitch to his/her own team. The pitching distance will be determined by the pitcher’s ability to get the ball over the plate. Each batter will be allowed four pitched balls to hit one into the fair playing area. If the third pitch is hit into foul ground, they shall be entitled to another pitch. If the batter fails to hit any pitched ball into the fair playing area, then they shall be permitted one swing at a ball placed on the tee. J. Ball in Play - Any batted ball must travel a minimum of 15 feet in the fair playing area to be considered a fair ball and in play. All such balls remain in play until play is stopped as indicated in Rule L. K. Dead Ball - A “dead ball” is defined to mean anytime that play is stopped. Base runners may not advance when the ball is dead. The ball is dead when, after being batted into the fair playing area, the player in the pitching position has the ball in her hand and is within three (3) feet of the pitcher’s plate (even on the last batter of an inning). L. Base Runner - Base runners must remain in contact with their base until the ball is hit. Once the ball is put into play, base runners may advance at their own risk until the ball becomes dead. Once the ball is in the hand of the player who is playing the pitcher’s position, and that player is within three (3) feet of the pitcher’s plate, the ball becomes dead and all base runners must return to the last base safely reached. Base runners will be removed from the bases for any out situation. M. Ball Hit to Infield - Any batted ball that is stopped or caught in front of the baseline is considered to have been hit to the infield unless fielded by an outfielder. Each base runner may only advance one base for any ball hit to the infield, regardless of whether or not there has been an overthrow. After a play or attempted play by an infielder on a ball hit to the infield, the ball becomes dead. Any batter and/or base runner, not removed form a base on the play, may advance no more than one base. The base runner is at risk in attempting to advance to the next base. N. Ball Hit to Outfield - Any ball hit past the baseline is considered to have been hit to the outfield. Any thrown ball from the outfield that goes out of bounds is a dead ball and the base runner will be entitled to advance one base past the last base safely reached. O. Infield Fly - The infield fly rule will not be in effect. P. Defensive Coaching - A maximum of two (2) defensive coaches may be on the playing field at once. The defensive coaches are required to be positioned in the outfield and may not enter the infield during live play. Q. Offensive Coaching - A maximum of two (2) offensive coaches may be on the field at once, except that a third will be added during the second half of the season, as indicated in Rule I, when the offensive coach will pitch to the offensive team. One offensive coach will be positioned in the third base coaching box, another in the first base coaching box. These coaches may not touch players during live play. The two (2) base coaches also will be responsible for umpiring the bases. During the second half of the season, as indicated in Rule I, any batted ball that strikes the pitcher will be an immediate dead ball. All base runners will return to their bases and the batters turn at bat is forfeited. The pitching coach must pitch from off to the left or right of the pitcher’s plate so as to not interfere with the defensive player in the pitcher’s position. R. Regulation Game - An official game shall consist of four (4) complete innings or no more than one (1) hour. S. Scoring - No scores or standings will be kept in the T-Ball Division. This is a Development Division that shall stress the instruction of softball skills and the promotion of sportsmanship. T. Protests - No protests or questioning of play will be permitted. Any coach, manager or fan who argues, disputes, questions, or voices dissent shall have to sit in center field, 150 feet behind second base for the remainder of the game. This area shall be known as the penalty box. Section 3. General Rules Governing the Major, Minor, and Rookie Division A. The unlimited substitution rule is not in effect except in an extreme emergency. Extreme emergencies will include, but not be limited to, the situation where Player B (substitute) is substituted for Player A (who started the game). During the game Player B or Player C (other player) receives an “on field” injury and cannot continue play. The only available player to replace Player B or C is Player A. Given these facts, Player A can be re-entered in the injured player’s defensive position. The original player will not count as an automatic out. B. An “on field” injury is defined as a situation when a player receives the injury on the field (not while on the bench) and is unable to continue play. The injured player’s manager will notify the umpire who will personally examine the player and query her on her condition. The umpire will make the final decision if the player is unable to resume play. C. Each player must play a minimum of 12 consecutive outs. The only exception (other than injury) is in the case of disciplinary action against a player by the manager. The manager must notify the umpire, the opposing manager, and the official scorekeeper of the disciplinary action before the start of the game. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of the game. D. A player may be benched for: coming late to games or practices; missing games or practices without permission; improper conduct at games; or any other legitimate reason. If the player is to be benched then the notification in Rule C will be followed. E. If a player, manager, or coach is ejected from a game, then the player, manager, or coach will sit out the next full game. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of the game. The home team scorekeeper shall record said disciplinary action on the game slip. The second time a player, manager, or coach is ejected, he/she will not be allowed to participate in the next scheduled game, but in addition, that individual must go in front of the Executive Board to determine if that individual will be allowed to continue to play manage or coach the team. F. A player will be called out if, in the umpire’s judgement, a bat is thrown that would cause injury to another player or person. G. No jewelry will be worn except for medical bracelets, which must be taped securely to the player’s arm. H. No smoking or other use of any tobacco product is allowed by any persons, including managers, coaches and scorekeeper, while performing duties on the playing filed and/or in the dugout area. I. No alcoholic beverages will be allowed at any League activities when players are present. J. Eight players are required for a game to start. A team may not finish with less than eight players. When a player must leave a game for any reason, other than ejection, no out will be declared in the vacant batting order. Ejection will result in an out being declared. Remember the twelve consecutive out requirement must be met except for injury, which will be waived by the umpire. K. Players may enter at the bottom of the batting order upon arrival, up to a maximum of a full playing roster, not later than first pitch of third inning. L. If a team cannot field the minimum required numbers of players within ten (10) minutes after scheduled start time of the game, then that team will forfeit the game. If both teams are unable to field the minimum number of players then both will be recorded a loss in the League standings. A certified umpire must be present to make that determination. M. Protests are allowed. If the need arises for a protest, all managers and coaches must conduct themselves in mannerly fashion and demonstrate good sportsmanship. Any protest, to be valid, must be filed with the umpire in charge before the next pitch is thrown. N. A written protest must be filed with the Player Agent within 48 hours of the end of the game being protested. A $25 fee must accompany the submitted protest. The Protest Committee must render a ruling within 14 days of receipt of the protest. Protests will not be allowed for judgment calls and for any situation not having a bearing on the outcome of the game. If a protest is deemed to be frivolous then the $25 fee will be forfeited. O. All players must wear uniform numbered jerseys of the same color. The Player Agent or umpire must approve any exceptions to this rule before the beginning of the game. If a girl does not wear the uniform then the girl will not be allowed to play in that game unless the opposing manager agrees. However, the rest of the player’s uniform must be appropriate sportswear. P. Plastic visors are not allowed. Hats are optional. Q. Metal cleats are not allowed, but athletic shoes must be worn. R. Batting helmets equipped with chin straps or a form-fitted helmet for a specific girl, which is completely lined, (Air or Schut) must be worn. Offensive players must wear a helmet while on the field. A player not wearing a properly equipped helmet when batting will be called out at home plate. S. Only positive cheering is expected from teams and fans. No noise from behind the backstop that is meant to rattle the batter or pitcher will be allowed. No coaching is allowed from behind the backstop. Managers are responsible for their sidelines. T. The catcher may remove her helmet and mask after the ball is hit. The catcher may not remove her helmet and mask when the batter is attempting to strike the ball. U. Either manager may end a game at any time. The manager terminating the game will be charged with the loss. V. The “home team” manger must furnish one (1) brand new game ball and one (1) used game ball to the umpire. If the home team manager cannot furnish the game balls then the “visitors” will be home team. The home team will occupy the third base dugout while the visitors will occupy the first-base dugout. W. Official record books will be kept of all games played and will show that each girl on each team has played the required number of innings as defined in Rule c and that the batting line up consisted of the entire roster of players. The record book will show all illnesses, absences, and disciplinary suspensions. Each team at each game will have a qualified person to keep the record book and that person will sign it. X. No new inning will begin after 1 hour and 30 minutes from the beginning of the game. If at the end of an inning time has expired and the score is tied, one (1) FULL INNING WILL BE PLAYED to try to break the tie. If the game is still tied, the game will end a TIE with one-half game being awarded to each team. Y. An umpire has the authority to have a pitcher replaced (pulled off the mound) for safety reasons. Safety reasons will be deemed as when a pitcher has hit three (3) batters during a game or if the umpire determines that the pitcher has erratic control and the batters are in danger of being hurt. The pitcher may still play in another defensive position. Z. When a tie exists between two teams in the same division at the end of the season, a complete game will be played to determine the championship. AA. If a batter is hit by a ball, and has made every attempt to get out of the way, then she is awarded a base. If the ball is pitched and hits the ground before hitting the batter then no base will be awarded. AB. Each team will have three (3) defensive charged conferences per game. No change in offensive charged conferences (one (1) per inning). AC. If parents fail to pick up a player within 15 minutes of the end of a game or practice, a first-time warning will be given. The second violation will result in the player’s removal from the team. AD. Pitchers can only pitch 7 innings per calendar week. Section 4. Rookie Division A. An official game shall be one (1) hour, thirty (30) minutes and no new innings shall begin after one (1) hour, thirty (30) minutes. A game called by the umpire shall be official if four (4) or more complete innings have been played. B. The distance between bases shall be 50 feet. The pitching distance shall be 30 feet. These rules may be waived to conform to the conditions of the playing field. However, under no circumstances will these distances be shortened by more than five feet. C. There will be no walks. After the fourth ball count, the batter’s count is cleared. The offensive team’s manager/coach will pitch two balls to the batter. The batter will either make a hit or will be out. D. The ten (10)-batter rule will be used. When the tenth batter is due up, the home team scorekeeper will tell the umpire, who notifies both teams. There are automatically two (2) outs when the tenth batter comes up to bat. Any out, including getting the ball to any base in advance of the base runner will end the inning. Rule C and Rule K also applies. E. The infield fly rule will not be in effect. F. Errors will not be recorded. G. The playing field and dugout area is defined to include four (4) feet behind the players’ bench and the backstop screen. H. There will be no stealing. Base runners must remain on the base until the ball is pitched. However, if played upon, runner can advance (at risk). I. Mandatory: Continual-batting order of all available players will be used. J. Player substitutions are mandatory at the top of the third inning. After the subs have played 12 consecutive outs, then starters may re-enter on defense. K. Players can continue to run after hitting the ball at risk of being tagged out or until the ball is in the pitcher’s control within the pitcher’s circle. (The runner must stop at the next base.) L. When bunting, the bat does not have to be pulled back. If the batter does not make an attempt to swing, but holds the bat stable, then no strike is incurred. Section 5. Minor Division A. An official game shall be one (1) hour, thirty (30) minutes and no new inning shall begin after one (1) hour, thirty (30) minutes. A game called by the umpire shall be official if four (4) or more complete innings have been played. B. The tenth batter rule will be in effect. The batter must hit or strike out. C. The distances between bases shall be 60 feet. The distance between home plate and the pitching rubber shall be 35 feet. These rules may be waived to conform to the condition of the playing field. However, under no circumstances will these distances be shortened by more than five feet. D. Mandatory: Continual-batting order of all available players will be used. E. Player substitutions are mandatory at the top of the third inning. After the subs have played 12 consecutive outs, then starters may re-enter on defense. Section 6. Major Division A. An official game shall be one (1) hour, thirty (30) minutes and no new inning shall begin after one (1) hour, thirty (30) minutes. A game called by the umpire shall be official if four (4) or more complete innings have been played. B. The distance between bases shall be 60 feet. The distance between home plate and the pitching rubber shall be 40 feet. C. Player substitutions are mandatory at the top of the fourth inning. After the subs have played 12 consecutive outs, then starters may re-enter on defense.

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