Softball Handbook

Message from the League Director

Purpose
The purpose of HINGHAM GIRL'S SOFTBALL is to develop and promote girl's softball within the Town of Hingham. This program strives to provide girls with the opportunity to learn and play with their peers with the hope that each girl will develop individual skills, teamwork, knowledge of the game, and a sense of fair play.

Rules of the Game
All players, coaches and parents are expected to be familiar with this handbook and the league rules for their respective division.

Parent Concerns
If a parent has a concern about team management, he or she should talk to the Coach of their child's team first on an individual basis. If the parent does not feel that is possible, then he or she should talk with the Division or League Director.

Parent's Responsibility
Your children are your responsibility before, during and after each practice and game. If you are unable to attend, please make arrangements with another adult. Notify the coaches or umpires of any hazards on the field, or indications that your child should be removed from the game.

Umpires
Umpires will enforce the rules of the game, taking into account the skill levels of the players in each division. Umpires are primarily experienced older girls and boys who have received some training on the league rules. In limited instances coaches may be asked to act as umpires with alternation between teams each inning. Coaches filling in as umpires are expected to be fair and impartial and should be treated no differently than any other umpire as detailed in the league rules. The umpire will control the game and negative action or verbal abuse of umpires will not be tolerated and will result in warnings, ejection from the game/field, suspension from future games, or ejection from the league.

Sportsmanship
Good sportsmanship is required of all players, parents, coaches and spectators. Coaches are responsible for their players' conduct and well-being on the field. Parents are always responsible for their children's conduct on and off the field. Umpires are instructed to foster good sportsmanship. Any player, parent, coach or spectator not acting in a sportsmanlike manner, as determined in the sole discretion of the umpire, may be subject to ejection from the field. If ejected you should quietly and appropriately remove yourself from the area and thereafter address any concerns to the Division or League Director for review of the incident and to determine the appropriate course of action.

Playing time
HINGHAM GIRL'S SOFTBALL intends that all players be afforded the opportunity to bat and play in the field. All players will bat in a set order and no player should sit out on defense for more than one inning during a game unless all other players have sat at least one inning. Although the coach is not expected to play a player at their desired position in every game, the coach is responsible for assuring that all players are provided an opportunity to play and learn different positions including infield and outfield.

Pitching
In Divisions 2 and 3 the players will pitch and there will be coach pitching in Division 1 as detailed in the rules of play. Also, while the coaches should try to give every player that desires to pitch an opportunity to pitch in a game, players and parents should understand that they must be able to pitch from the pitcher's rubber according to the rules for each division. Coaches must be able to use their judgment when selecting or removing pitchers so that the pace of play remains reasonable. Additional information in this regard is contained in the rules of play for each division.

Skill Development
In an effort to develop greater skill levels for all players, the batting cage area at the High School near the lower parking lot is available for practice and player development. Since teams will only play two games each week on Monday Wednesday or Friday, coaches may conduct voluntary practices on the off day. All teams conducting voluntary practices are expected to share the practice area and automatic pitching machine. Coaches on hand should make sure that all players get a turn in the batting cage regardless of their team or division assignments.

Non-profit
HINGHAM GIRL'S SOFTBALL is a strictly volunteer non-profit organization. All parents are encouraged participate in the running of HINGHAM GIRL'S SOFTBALL and volunteers are welcome to assist the Division and League Directors.

REGISTRATION
All players must be registered before participating. Registration includes payment of the appropriate registration fee and completion of the registration form, which includes the parent's signature on the Injury Waiver Section. Player eligibility and team placement shall be determined in the sole discretion of the League Director.

The Division Director must approve any change of a team roster. To the extent possible team, coach and "buddy" requests were considered when organizing teams. However, the overriding goal was the formation of fair and balanced teams with comparable numbers from the each grade. Player switching is not permitted unless there are exceptional circumstances as determined by the League Director.

Submission of a registration application or request (or agreement) to coach shall be deemed consent to all of the terms and conditions of this handbook.

No refunds shall be made after order of a player's shirt and visor, or the first game, whichever is earlier. Refunds are made at the discretion of the League Director.

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
The registration fee will entitle each player to a team shirt and cap which should be worn during games. Each player is responsible for keeping her uniform clean.

A player shall not wear anything that is considered by the umpire to be dangerous to themselves or other players. The umpire will check each player prior to the start of the game and the coaches are expected to support the umpire in the enforcement of this rule.

Players are strongly encouraged to wear long pants or baseball pants during games as sliding is permitted and proper techniques will be taught. Cleats are also permitted and all players are encouraged to wear cleats.

Each team will be given the following equipment, all of which the coach is responsible for returning at the end of the season (with the exception of player's uniforms):

Assorted regulation softball bats and helmets
A set of catcher's equipment (mask, shin guards, and chest protector)
Several new and used softballs, an equipment bag, and four bases
The league will maintain training equipment for practice sessions including a pitching machine, hitting tees, hitting nets and a supply of extra balls and bats. Coaches should review their equipment and notify the Director of Equipment of additional needs.

GAME POSTPONEMENT
HINGHAM GIRL'S SOFTBALL will attempt to play all games unless postponed due to inclement weather. Coaches should not take it upon themselves to postpone games in advance without notifying and receiving the approval of the League Director. The League Director will determine if weather or playing conditions warrant postponement prior to the 6:00pm starting time. All coaches are expected to notify their players when games are cancelled and coaches are expected to use common sense when conditions change during the day and no play shall occur if there is lightening in the area.

In some cases the weather may become inclement just before or during the game. When this occurs, the coaches and the umpire shall confer about the weather and make a determination about the suspension or postponement of play. After the completion of three full innings, or when the trailing team has completed at least three at bats, the game is considered "official" and the final score shall revert to the last complete inning unless the home team is ahead during the final incomplete inning. Every effort should be made to play complete games and mildly inclement weather should be tolerated. The home team coaches are responsible for reporting the final outcomes of all games. Outcomes include completed full games, completed shortened games, and incomplete games.

If games must be postponed in advance because of weather or for any other reason, the League Director will contact the coaches and establish a "telephone tree" to minimize the number of calls that need to be made by any one person. Postponed games will not be made up and future games should proceed as scheduled. In some cases the League Director may reschedule games if time and field availability permit.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
All persons responsible for a team and all the spectators shall support the umpire. Failure to do so will undermine the umpire's authority and has the potential of creating a hostile and dangerous environment for players, the umpire, coaches and all other participants and spectators.

HINGHAM GIRL'S SOFTBALL has adopted the following rules and procedures regarding communications with umpires:

NO ONE OTHER THAN THE COACHES SHALL ADDRESS THE UMPIRE
DURING THE GAME AND FOUL LANGUAGE IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN!!
During the game ONLY coaches may communicate with the umpire when:
- responding to an umpire initiating communication
- making defensive substitutions
- pointing out emergencies or safety issues
- requesting an interpretation of a call or ruling
- At no time may a coach, player or spectator
- question the calling of balls and strikes
- call out balls and strikes from the sideline
- yell or argue loudly about a call on the field
- address an umpire in an unfriendly or confrontational manner
- attempt to harass or intimidate an umpire, player or coach
- be disrespectful to an umpire, player, or coach
- Exceptions for communications with umpires by non-coaches including spectators:
- responding to a umpire initiating communication
- pointing out emergencies or safety issues
- In between innings (or after the game) ONLY a coach may communicate feedback or review league rules with an umpire in a polite, friendly, constructive manner with absolutely no sarcasm, harassment or intimidation.
Parents and spectators should not communicate with the umpires before, during or after the game. If a spectator desires an interpretation of a rule or call they should address their question or concern through the coach of their girl's team in a polite and friendly manner.
Penalties for coaches and players:
- 1^st minor infraction-umpire should ignore
- 2^nd minor infraction-umpire should politely give a verbal warning
- 3^rd minor infraction-umpire should caution offender
- 4^th minor infraction-umpire should eject offender
- 1^st serious infraction (which includes the use of foul or abusive language)-the umpire should caution or eject offender in the umpire's sole discretion
- The umpire always has the power to eject a coach or player at any time he or she determines appropriate.

Penalties for spectators:

1^st infraction-umpire should stop the game and ask the coach or coaches to quiet the offending spectator
2^nd infraction-umpire should stop the game and politely request that the coach or coaches give the offender a verbal warning that the next infraction will result in the ejection of the offender and/or abandonment of the game and imposition of a forfeit upon the offending parties' team.
3^rd infraction-umpire should stop the game and politely instruct the coach or coaches to direct that the offender leave the field. If the offender fails or refuses to leave the area, then the umpire should forfeit the game to the opposing team.
If the umpire forfeits the game, directs a person to leave the field or issues a caution, the umpire shall attempt to contact the League Director or a Division Director immediately and send a report to the League Director for further review.
Coaches must support the umpire and follow the umpire's instruction. Failure to do so may result in suspension or ejection from HINGHAM GIRL'S SOFTBALL. Any dispute should be resolved in a professional manner with the focus being on the well-being of the players. All unresolved disputes should be reported to the League Director. The umpire is given broad authority to forfeit or suspend games in the event any of the game rules (or requirements for conduct) are being ignored by players, coaches or spectators.
Any player, coach or spectator that is ejected from a game is automatically suspended from the next game. A player, coach or spectator that is ejected for a second time will be suspended from the league for the remainder of the season, including playoffs. Any game that is played with an illegal player, coach or spectator will be forfeited.
The League Director has full power and authority to impose sanctions (e.g., suspensions, forfeits, or expulsion from the league) in its sole discretion. The League Director shall review and investigate all umpire reports and other complaints addressed to it and shall issue sanctions as it deems appropriate. Sanctions may include forfeit of the game, forfeit of games, exclusion from playoffs and other contests, suspension, or ejection from HINGHAM GIRL'S SOFTBALL. All decisions of the League Director shall be final.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS

The Coach

to teach and instruct the players about the game of softball
to be on time for practices, skill sessions and games
to conduct practice sessions and plan for the game (i.e. batting order, etc.)
to give players an opportunity to play and learn multiple positions
to encourage and be positive in correcting faults
to respect the umpire and assist with conduct enforcement when necessary
know the rules of the game and to pass that knowledge on to your players
to organize team procedures and pass on league information by
providing copies of rules and this handbook to all players and parents
providing a team list with addresses and telephone numbers
providing a practice and game schedule and cancellation notices
to discuss player progress with parents and provide practice suggestions
to complete player evaluations to be used in choosing teams for the following year.

The Parent

to make sure the player arrives at practices and games on time
to make sure the player has proper equipment and attire
to stay at practices and games whenever possible
to support the player and the team and help whenever asked
to inform the coach if a player cannot attend a practice or a game
to encourage all participants and never insult or discourage the opposition
to be enthusiastic and to acknowledge the oppositions good plays

The Player

to arrive at practices and games on time with proper equipment and attire
to perform to her potential (by the player's standards; not those of adults)
to have ample playing and instructional opportunity
to enjoy the game without undue pressure from the coach or parents

The Umpire

to fairly administer the rules of the game with sensitivity to the level and quality of play reasonably anticipated in each division
to be free from harassment and inappropriate conduct on the part of players, coaches, parents and spectators

LEAGUE AND DIVISION GOALS

Each division has different goals and priorities. However all girls will be instructed in the important the rules of the game as well as skills such as:

throwing and catching techniques
base running and sliding
defensive stance and positioning
proper stance for hitting and pitching motions
Division 1 (1^st & 2^nd graders): In Division 1 the emphasis shall be on introducing each player to the fundamentals of softball. The priority at this level is not winning games or keeping score but rather to teach the girls the basic skills and rules of the game. Remember this may most likely be the girls' first introduction to softball and it will have been a very successful season if your players develop a greater interest in and liking for the game.
Division 2 (3^rd, 4^th& 5^th graders) and Division 3 (6^th, 7^th & 8^th graders): In Divisions 2 and 3, continuing to teach the fundamentals of softball shall be the main priority. The players at this level will be introduced to the advanced concepts such as backing up plays, hitting to all fields, throwing to the right bases, double plays, tagging up, and sliding techniques. In addition to the advanced concepts above the players at these levels will also be introduced to fast pitching and windmill deliveries.

REMEMBER

BEFORE YOU ACT, SAY OR DO SOMETHING, THINK ABOUT HOW YOU WILL FEEL ABOUT YOUR WORDS AND ACTIONS TOMORROW.
MOST OF ALL HAVE FUN!!

Contact Information

Last Name	First Name	Position	Address	Telephone
Genovese	William	League Director	27 Isaac Sprague Road	749-7846
Gorman	Stephen	Division 3 Director	2 Catha Lane	740-2536
Hartnett	Jackie	Division 2 Director	34 Maryknoll Drive	740-2535
Fay	Pat	Division 1 Director	6 Maryknoll Drive	740-8005
Seelen	Jerry	Equipment Director	166 Hersey Street	740-2491
London	Ken	Director of Umpires	248 Gardner Street	740-4262