Adult Softball
Manual

Melas Park

This 35 acre park is fully equipped for you, your friends and your families to enjoy. At this facility there are four lighted softball fields, two sand volleyball courts, a playground, picnic area and concession stand.

This park is located just east of Busse on Central Road.

The concession stand is open from 5:30-9:30 pm on evenings when games are played. Popcorn, hotdogs, pizza, nachos, candy and pop are sold at the stand; so bring your appetite.

We know you'll enjoy the park!

League Description

"A" League

This league is for the serious softball team whose main goal for the season is a winning record. Teams competing in these leagues should be the best teams playing in Arlington Heights. Teams who played in 2007 and finished first or second in their league or whose record was 7-3 or better, could probably compete in this league.

"B" League

This league is for teams who finished with records below 7-3 in 2007 or teams new to the Arlington Heights program who are still interested in a competitive softball league, but who are not ready for the highly competitive league.

"C"/Co-Rec

These leagues are for the teams that look at softball as a once a week time to get out and enjoy a non-pressure game of softball. While we realize everyone plays to win, the emphasis in these leagues should be on having fun. Examples of teams in these leagues would be: neighborhood teams, teams made up of friends from school, or teams made up of people who work together.

Registration Information

Registration Timeline	Fall
Resident teams (70% or more residents)	June 18 - July 2
Returning teams (75% or more previous year's roster)	July 3 - July 17
Non-resident and new teams	July 18 - August 11

 

Registration Dates - View Fall Overview	Fall
Register with a deposit of $150*	June 18 - July 25
Captain billed with balance	July 25
Pay in full to register	July 26 - August 11
Balance Due	August 11
Contact Brien for availability in leagues	After August 11

*Non-refundable unless you are on the waitlist and don't get entered into the program.
A $150 deposit will be charged to be placed on a waitlist if your choice is full. Brien will attempt to accommodate teams on the waitlist, so don't hesitate to register!

Methods of payments:

1. Cash (drop-off only)
2. Credit cards (Visa, Discover, and Mastercard) (payments are not taken over the phone)
3. Cashier's Check/Money orders
4. Personal Check/Sponsor Check*
   *$25 fee for returned checks
   
   

• All registrations fees will be processed at the time of registration.
• Refunds will be given to teams if leagues are unavailable.
• Receipts will be available upon request.

Additional Procedures

Teams may only sign-up for one league per night.

Players are allowed to play on multiple nights, but they are only eligible to be rostered on one team per night.

Please be ready, at the time of registration, to supply the Park District with the captain's and co-captain's names, addresses, home and work phone numbers and where a receipt of payment should be sent.
 

• Rosters are due by the first game of the season.
• The Arlington Heights Park District is not responsible for incorrect information on registration or roster forms. Please inform the Park District of any change in address or phone number so you will receive correct information about changes, meetings or make-ups.
• The Fall season will begin the week of August 18.

Official Rules and General Rules

After in-house rules, ASA rules apply.

Co-rec softball rules are available upon request.

Pitching:

League	Pitching	Base
12"	53	70
12" Tues. ISA	50	70
14"	38	60
16"	38	60

All leagues will play with a one and one count. Every batter will start with one ball and one strike.

12 Inch - the pitcher shall take a position with one foot firmly on the ground and one or both feet in contact with the pitcher's plate. The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher's plate until the pitched ball leaves the hand. The pitch must have a 6' to 10' arc and must clear the white of the plate. A pitch may hit the black on the back of the plate and may drop in the well for a strike.

14 and 16 Inch - the pitcher shall take a position with both feet firmly on the ground and one or both feet in contact with the pitcher's plate.

The pitcher may not use more than two hesitations or windmill motions. After the second hesitation, the pitcher may deliver the ball to the batter or make any legitimate play on a base runner. The pitch must have a 6' to 12' arc and be pitched with moderate speed. The ball may hit on the black of the plate and fall in the wells for a strike.

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Appeal Play

An appeal play is one in which an umpire cannot make a decision until requested to do so. (Examples: missing a base – leaving too soon on a caught fly ball). The appeal may be verbal or non-verbal, may be made when the ball is live or dead, and must be made before the next pitch.

Infield Fly

An infield fly is a fair fly ball which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort when 1st and 2nd, or 1st, 2nd and 3rd bases are occupied, before two are out. The pitcher, catcher and any outfielder who positions him/herself in the infield on the play shall be considered infielders. The ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught or tag up, and advance after the ball is touched.

Interference

An act of an offensive player (batter, batter-runner, baserunner, on-deck batter, coach, or team mate) which impedes, hinders or confuses a defensive player. Defensive players must be given the opportunity to field the ball anywhere on the playing field.

Obstruction

The act of a fielder while not in possession of the ball or not in the act of fielding a batted or thrown ball, which impedes the progress of a base runner who is legally running bases. The obstructed runner and any other runners affected by the obstruction will be awarded the base(s) he/she would have reached had the obstruction not occurred.

Overthrow

If a ball is thrown out of play, time will be called. The umpire shall award the base runners two bases from the base last touched when the throw was made.

Rule Protests

Teams may protest rule interpretations only. Judgment calls cannot be protested. The team captain must inform the umpire of their intent to protest prior to the next pitch. At that time the protesting team must notify the opposing team and the Park District representative. If possible, the protest will be settled immediately. If not, the protesting team must submit a written statement within 24 hours to the Park District. The protest must explain in detail the events and the rule that was violated. A protest fee of $25.00 is to be submitted with the written protest and there will be no refund. If a team does not follow the above procedure, the protest will not be considered.

Eligibility Protests

Eligibility protests may be made at any time prior to the end of the game and are encouraged. Eligibility protests should be made as soon as the ineligible player is discovered. It is very difficult to prove ineligibility if the player has left the field. Therefore, we encourage teams to contact the Park District representative immediately. No fee is required for eligibility protests.

Rosters

A complete roster must be turned in prior to the first game of the season.  Signatures must be included.  If a roster is not turned in, every team member will be considered ineligible.  The Park District is not responsible for collecting completed rosters. Players may play for only one team per night.

Substitution/Re-entry

Any starting player may be withdrawn and re-entered once, provided players occupy the same batting positions whenever in the line-up. Substitutions may not re-enter once withdrawn. The starting player and substitute may never be in the game simultaneously.

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Courtesy Runner

• Must be designated prior to the game
• Those designated to have a runner can only:
  • Walk
  • Hit a Home Run
  • Hit a Single
  • Make an Out
• If they reach base, those designated players are allowed a courtesy runner.
• Players who run for the designated players are only allowed to move up one base at a time unless a home run is hit.
• If a player is injured during the game, they can be added to the list at the time of the injury.

Batting

Teams may bat a minimum of 9 players and a maximum of 12 players.
Exception: For the 1st game of the day, teams may start with 8 players. They have until the completion of the second inning to reach 9 players. A forfeit is declared if the 9th player is not present.
 

The batter must take his position with both feet inside the batter's box. This is the umpires discretion. Only official bats may be used. (maximum barrel diameter should be 2¼", 34" in length, and 38 ounces in weight).

Base Running

12 Inch - there are no lead-offs allowed.

14 Inch - there are no lead-offs allowed.

16 Inch - lead-offs are allowed.

Game Length and Rescheduling

All scheduled games will be seven innings in length. In the event the game takes longer than 1 hour 14" and 16" games; no new inning will be started at that time. No new inning will be started after 65 minutes for all 12" games.

If the game is tied after seven innings, extra innings will be played until a winner is decided. A 2-2 count will be used for all extra innings.

A game called by the umpire due to rain or darkness shall be regulation if five or more complete innings (4½ if the home team is ahead) have been played. A team that is ahead by 20 or more runs at the end of 4 innings,  15 or more runs at the end of 5 innings (4½ if home team is ahead), or 10 runs at six innings shall be declared the winner.

An unofficial game will be picked up from the exact point that the games was cancelled.

Official Score Book

To avoid confusion throughout the game, the home team will have the official score book. Any questions regarding scores, outs, or innings will be the responsibility of the home team. All teams will receive one score book prior to the season's start. The home team will be listed first on the schedule.

Game Ball

Game balls must be returned to the umpire.

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Rainout Information

All game decisions will be made by Park District staff. On questionable days, call 847-577-3003 ext. 6 (softball information) after 4:00 pm for game decisions and rescheduling information. If the weather changes after 4:00 pm on weekdays or 1 hour before game time on Sundays, please report to your game where the umpire will make the decision. Please do not call the office.

Melas Park rainouts could be made up on Sunday mornings, afternoons and evenings.

Starting Time/Player Eligibility

Game time, as indicated on the schedule, is forfeit time.

For the first game ONLY, teams may start with 8 players. The 9th player must be present by the completion of the second inning. No other player can be added after you reach the minimum of 9 players. Players may be subbed in but at no time after the 9th player is present can a 10th, 11th, or 12th person be added.

For 7:30, 8:35, and 9:40 games teams must start with 9 players. After the start of the game, no additional players will be added to the line-up. Those players become subs.

Forfeits

If at any time a team does not have at least nine players, the game will be forfeited. The umpire's decision is final on all forfeits. For the first game only, teams may start with 8 players. The 9th player must be added by the end of the 2nd inning.

Teams must pay a $50.00 forfeit fee before they will be allowed to play another game. This fee may be paid to the field coordinator or at the Park District Administration Center (M-F, 9-5 pm).

Any team that forfeits three games during the season will forfeit their entry fee and will be ejected from the league for the remainder of that season. If a team knows in advance they must forfeit, they should contact the softball coordinator at the Park District Administration Center at least one day before the scheduled game so the umpire and opposing team can be notified. Teams doing so will not be charged the $50.00 fee.

Information Boards

Information boards are located at all parks. They provide information on standings, make-ups and tournaments for all players.

Alcoholic Beverages

No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the parks at any time. If any member of a team or the team's fans are seen consuming alcohol before, during or after their game, their team risks forfeiting that week's game or their following game. Teams are responsible for their fans. It is up to the team to inform their fans of this policy. Alcohol is only allowed if approved by the Park District Board of Commissioners and sold by the Arlington Heights Park District.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Any team or individual exhibiting unsportsmanlike acts towards members of another team, any umpire, or any Park District representative before, during, or after the game, risks forfeiture of the game. The Park District reserves the right to forfeit any game following complaints by the umpire's association or Park District representatives even if the umpire does not do so. Any team or individual which the Arlington Heights Park District feels does not display the high degree of sportsmanship that the Arlington Heights Park District have built up in our leagues will be suspended or expelled and will possibly lose their rights to participate in the Arlington Heights Park District Adult Softball Program.

League Fines and Suspensions

Listed below are fines and suspensions for players, managers, and coaches in all Arlington Heights Park District programs:

1. Fighting anywhere on facilities or grounds of Park District sponsored events: Season suspension plus $50 fine for each individual involved.
2. Under the influence or possessing alcoholic beverages: One game suspension plus $25 fine except if sold by the Arlington Heights Park District.
3. Involvement in rough tactic: Two game suspension plus $25 fine for each individual involved.
4. Threatening an official or supervisor: Season suspension plus $25 fine.
5. Ejection from game:
   1. First offense - $25 fine and at least 2 game suspension
   2. Second offense - $50 fine and at least 4 game suspension
   3. Third offense - $50 fine and one full year suspension from all Park District athletic programs (effective date of this offense)
6. Team forfeiting:
   1. First offense - $50 forfeit fee (to be paid by your next scheduled game)
   2. Second offense - $75 fine
   3. Third offense - Suspension from league for remainder of season.
      $100 fee must be paid in order to sign-up for the next season.
7. Improperly listed as Park District resident, not listed on roster or playing without signing roster: Two game suspension for player plus $25 team fine.
8. Touching, pushing or striking an official or supervisor: Two year suspension from all Park District athletics plus a $50 fine.
9. Any player caught participating in a league during a suspension:  One year suspension plus $50 fine.

* Ejected players must leave the premises immediately. Team forfeiture will result from non-compliance. (premises means the facility or Park District grounds where programs are being held.

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Liability Statement

The Arlington Heights Park District, its employees or appointed agents assume no responsibility for any personal injury or loss that any team member or spectator may incur as a result of this program. Individuals are encouraged to have their own personal health/accident plan for any such injuries which occur.

Eligibility

1. Players must be 18 years of age as of the start of league play to be eligible.
2. If a player is ruled ineligible, all games in which he/she participated will be forfeited and the player will be suspended for the remainder of the season.
3. No player will be allowed to be rostered on more than one team per night.

Game Cancellation/Postponements

We do not like to postpone or cancel games, but if in our judgement one of the following situations exist, we will be forced to postpone games:

1. Fields are so wet they will receive great damage.
2. The player's safety is in question due to condition of weather and/or fields.

Games will be played on whatever fields the grounds crew can get ready for play. Please listen for the fields that games will be played on and those fields where games have been cancelled/postponed. Please don't call the office to see if games are cancelled/postponed. We will not make a decision until 4:00 pm. When a decision is made, the game status information will be put on our hotline number, 847-577-3003 ext. 6. Please call the hotline number, but do not call our general office number.

Rescheduled games will be updated on the Web site only!

We will not jeopardize the long-term condition of the field on nights when games have been cancelled, we expect all players to stay off the field.

Softball Field Locations - View a map

Centennial Park

Located north of Hintz. Take Windsor to Burr Oak. Centennial Park is located on Burr Oak just east of Riley School.

Methodist Park

Located south of Euclid on the corner of Miner and Prindle.

Melas Park

Located on Central Road east of Busse Road. It is west of Northwest Highway east of Arlington Heights Road.

Captain's Meeting

Fall Season - Captains do not meet for the fall softball season. Schedules will be available one week prior to the first game.
 

Spring Season - Captains do not meet for the spring softball season. Schedules will be available one week prior to the first game.
 

Summer Season - There is a mandatory meeting before the season begins.

Location:	Date: TBA
Arlington Heights Park District Administration Center 410 N. Arlington Heights Rd. Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004	6:45-7:30 pm   Men's 12" Leagues 7:30-8:00 pm   Men's 16" Leagues 8:00-8:30 pm   Women's Leagues 8:30-9:00 pm   Co-Rec Leagues

The Arlington Heights Park District reserves the right to move League winners/runner-ups up a class/division.

IMPORTANT RULE!!!

All Arlington Heights leagues will be using the ASA sanctioned rules. Exception: Tuesday ISA league.

Approved Bats

For the 2008 softball season, the Arlington Heights Park District will adhere to the ISA rule for approved bats. Please note: Any bat type or bat model that cannot be determined will be deemed illegal.

League Suspensions for teams using an illegal bat.

1. Team first offense - player is ejected and suspended for the following game.
2. Team second offense - same as above plus the team will forfeit the game.
3. Team third offense - team is suspended from the league for the remainder of the season.

Players caught using a shaved, painted, or altered bat will be suspended for a minimum of one year.

These rules will be strictly enforced!!!!!!!!!!!!

For more information regarding approved bats, log onto isasoftball.com.

The Arlington Heights Park District reserves the right to ban any bat at anytime.