YTS Rules ~ YTS

IMPORTANT:

The commissioner is unavailable during all team’s gameplay to argue calls on the field. Please resort to the umpires assigned to the game and YTS specific rulebook to address any concerns.

Please make sure your team is ready to take the field at your assigned START time. If a team is not ready after 20 mins after the start time, that team will be charged 1 loss. You have 45 minutes from the start time of Game 1 to field at least 9 players (3 girls must be included) Both teams are responsible for their ump fees. Ump fees are $60 per team per doubleheader if one ump is available. $90 for two umps. Managers/coaches are to acknowledge and sign a waiver that they have read and understood the rules set forth. There is to be no BBQ, alcohol in cans or glass (red solo cups are ok for consumption) or smoking on or near the fields or in the dugouts. (Rules set by NYC Parks Department)

GENERAL

Start with 1-1 count. 2 swings on 2 strikes to get the ball in play otherwise it’s a strikeout.
Arguing balls and strikes with the umpire is not allowed. A manager, coach or player from either team may not enter the field during a live play if they are NOT in the game as a fielder, batter or runner. Time must be granted before they may do so.
Jersey Rules in effect as of Week 4 of the season. Failure to do so will result in batter starting with 1-2 count. Pitcher without a jersey on will result in an automatic out after the 9th person in the lineup. Putting on a jersey after first pitch does not nullify this rule.
No composite (corn dogs) bats for the men or women. Only straight wood bats and “ASA”/“USA Softball” aluminum bats for the women.
Wood bats have to be labeled for softball use.
Batters running to First Base must touch the orange base portion of the bag/base. Failure to do so will result in an out called by the umpire. After reaching first base, the white portion of the base is in play to use. The orange base is ONLY for home to first, bang bang plays.
The white portion of first base is ok to touch from batter if they are proceeding with the intent to go to second base.
Out of play will be determined by the umpires prior to each game to ensure both teams have the same understanding. There will a designated marker to reflect this (cone, line, paint).
A pop up/flyball caught anywhere without interference from the trees/building structures will be deemed an out.
If there is a play at any base, the base runner must go down (slide) or avoid the play (get out of the way). In the eyes of the umpire, if he believes interference occurred, the batter and/or base runner can be called out.
Players are not to subbed in and out off the bench by players not in the starting lineup. Once a player has been removed from the game entirely, he/she cannot be reentered into the game.
A DH can only be used if the pitcher is not hitting. In this situation, the DH and a fielder can swap positions. This does not affect the lineup. If the pitcher hits for themselves then no DH is allowed in the lineup.
Up to 12 hitters are allowed in a lineup. Either 10 fielders/2 EH or 9 fielders/1 DH (pitcher not batting)/ 2 EH.
EH can not take the field.
The pitcher is the only player on the field who can have someone hit for them.
The DH and Pitcher are allowed to interchange twice per game. Any change after that will result in the team losing the DH spot in the lineup resulting in an automatic out every turn at bat that the DH was slotted for.
ILLEGAL ENTRY , The opposing Team must appeal the wrong courtesy runner, after the first pitch is thrown by the opposing team.
Each game is 7 innings. Extra innings are allowed if necessary. There will be a 2B ghost runner in extra innings.
Mercy rule : 12 runs after 4 full completed innings. Either team can walk off the game once the mercy rule has been reached.
Umpires must consult with eachother upon manager’s request.
No umpire(s) can issue warnings before the game without incident. A warning can only be issued upon an incident on the field of play.
No throwing of bats. 1 warning will be issued. Next occurrence will result in an automatic out.
No stealing. Lead off after the release of the pitch (ball is out of the pitchers hand)
No metal spikes are allowed.
Teams can make trades amongst each other as long as it is agreed upon by each side.
A game is declared official after 4 full innings are completed.
Wood bats (labeled for softball use) for men/ “ASA” or “USA Softball” aluminum bats for women are allowed. Any obstruction of this will result in an automatic out for that particular at bat where the proper bat wasn’t used.
Up to 12 batters are allowed in the lineup. 1 DH and 2 EH is allowed. A pitcher hitting is optional. If a DH takes the field, the fielder he/she replaced will now assume the DH role. Gender specific.
An EH can not play the field. Two EH can be used in a game.
If a DH is used at the start of the game and a pitcher comes into the game and hits for themselves, the team will lose the DH for the remainder of the game. Lineup remains intact.
A baserunner can avoid an opposition’s attempt at a tag but cannot run egregiously out of the baseline to avoid the tag. It is at the umpire’s discretion to call the baserunner out.
In event of a rain out, teams will continue on with their schedule as it originally states prior to Opening Day. Makeup games for rain outs will be decided on by the commissioner.
Rain Out Policy: All Games will be made up to the best ability of the teams involved. If no agreement is made by the end of the season to make those games the teams will be awarded a 1-1 spilt for those rained out games.
All 9am doubleheaders must conclude by 12:15pm so the afternoon doubleheader can start by 12:30p. Failure to do so will result in continuing the game at a later date. If no agreement is in place to finish the game by the two teams, the commissioner will decide on the date/time for continuation.
Each team is required to supply 1 new softball each week BEFORE first pitch. Failure to do so will result in the team supplying the new softball with the ability to choose their home/away status for each game.
Bases are to be 65’ away and Pitchers mound should be 45’.

FEMALES:

There must be 3 females in the lineup with 3 on the field at all times in each game. If a team doesn’t have 3 females in the lineup, then an automatic out is given after the 9th batter in the lineup and that team must play with 9 fielders for the game.

A female must courtesy run for a female. If not enough females are available that female must run for herself.
A walk to the batter in front of a female batter will receive two bases and the female will automatically be awarded first base. The team and female batting can forego the walk and have the female hit. If the female decides to hit, the walked batter will still be awarded second base.
No outfielders are permitted in front of the designated cones during a female at bat.
You can not throw a female out at first base from the outfield. Attempting to do this will result in the female runner being awarded second base.
Females are to bat 3,6,9 in the lineup and must play the field. If only two females are present then team will play with 9 fielders and 9 hitters in the lineup. An out will be issued after the last batter in this scenario. The females will bat 3,6.

BASERUNNING:

Tag up from any base. Runners advancing on their own will be at risk of being tagged/forced out. Runner(s) can go halfway in case the ball drops but if caught must make an attempt to go back to the base. Failure to do so will result in an automatic out. If a throw to double up runner is wild, runner(s) on base can advance after they return to the base and touch the base they were on. The ball/play is live. Runners cannot advance on routine thrown ball to the infield/pitcher with no intent to at pursuing the runner regardless if ball is not caught properly.
A ball thrown out of play is ONE base regardless of where the overthrow was made from.
Out of play will be determined by the umpires prior to each game to ensure both teams have the same understanding. There will a designated marker to reflect this (cone, line, paint).
Pick Off attempts are allowed by catcher. Runner(s) must make an attempt to go back to the base. Failure to do so will result in an automatic out. If pickoff throw is wild, runner(s) on base can advance and ball/play is live. A player on another base can not advance on a pick off attempt unless the ball thrown is wild.
Batters running to First Base must touch the orange base portion of the bag/base. Failure to do so will result in an out called by the umpire. After reaching first base, only the white portion of the base is in play to use. If a player goes to use the orange portion and are tagged they will be deemed out.
A baserunner can avoid an opposition’s attempt at a tag but cannot run egregiously out of the baseline to avoid the tag. It is at the umpire’s discretion to call the baserunner out.
If there is a play at any base, the base runner must go down (slide) or avoid the play (get out of the way). In the eyes of the umpire, if he believes interference occurred, the batter and/or base runner can be called out.
Catchers can NOT block the plate. The runner must be given a path to touch the plate. Blocking the plate can result in the umpire awarding the base to the runner.
Two courtesy runners (situational runners) per game (gender specific). 2 men/1 female per game. The courtesy runner will be the last batted out. A female can run for a male but a male CAN NOT run for a female.
Medical Runner: Aside from your two regular courtesy runners, ONE designated player off the bench will be allowed to be a medical runner OR you may use the last batted out all game. For example, if you have a medical runner- you bat, run to first, and then call time to allow your medical runner to swap with you. Medical runners MUST be clarified with the ump and opposing team managers during ground rules and/or before the game.
Failure to notify the umpire and opposing manager of using a designated runner or last batted out for the medical runner will result in the medical runner being nullified. In the event of injury, the batter is out of the game (unless it is a blood related/temporary issue. This will be determined by the umpires.) Injury replacement runner will be last batted out (gender specific).

GROUND RULES

Field 4

A ball over the fence to the right field side of the green generator is a ground rule double. Anything to the center field side and beyond is a HR.
Any ball that is touched by a non player in the outfield after it has touched the ground that passes the outfielder will be deemed a ground rule double. Anyone on base will advance two bases from the base they previously occupied.

Field 5

A ball over the left field fence is a ground rule double.
Any ball that is touched by a non player in the outfield after it has touched the ground that passes the outfielder will be deemed a ground rule double. Anyone on base will advance two bases from the base they previously occupied.

Field 3

Any ball hit over the fence is a HR.
Any ball that is touched by a non player in the outfield after it has touched the ground that passes the outfielder will be deemed a ground rule double. Anyone on base will advance two bases.

Field 7

Any ball hit into the trees from LF to CF is a ground rule double. Anyone on base will receive two bases from the base they previously occupied.

ROSTERS

Final Opening Day rosters must be submitted by April 3rd 4p. Rosters must include name,number and picture.
Teams dropping players must inform the commissioner of the player(s) to be dropped. That player becomes a free agent and can sign with any team but has to go through waivers. No manager can hold a player hostage. Doing so will result in forfeiting home field for the following 3 weeks of play and unable to add any free agents during that time.
No player can quit a team just to play with another team. They must request a trade from their manager and alert the commissioner. The team then has 72 hours (3 days) to work out a trade to receive compensation. At the end of the 72 hours the team must inform the commissioner of the player’s release or agreement to stay onboard with the team. A player that quits/gets released from a team will ineligible to play for 3 YTS scheduled playable weeks. They will unable to sign with another team without going through waivers. The free agent will have a 24 hour window to sign with each team based on the standings going bottom to top. (Ex: John Doe quits the Bombers on 4/1/24, he is a free agent as of 4/2/24. He will be ineligible to play on 4/7, 4/14 and 4/21. He can return on 4/28).
Players must have played on the team for at least 14 games or have played in team’s last 10 games in order to be eligible for the Postseason roster.
All players must wear 2024 team jersey top, if no jersey, player starts with 1-2 count
Roster max 25 players. Opening Day rosters must be submitted by April 4th, 5p.
If a player is added after Opening Day there will be a $25 league fee submitted for each player added. Money must be paid in order for player to be eligible to play.
If a team has 25 players and adds a player after Opening Day then they must release a player from the 25 man roster. That released player will be ineligible for reinstatement to the roster for the following 3 weeks of play. If player gets reinstated.
Managers who are also playing on the team are part of the 25 person roster.
TRADE DEADLINE: Tuesday July 2nd 5p.
A traded player’s stats will carry over with their new team. Jersey rule will be waived for first 3 weeks being with the new team.

POSTSEASON ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS :

Men (14 games/ last 10games)One at bat or three outs on the field defensively is considered one game played.
Women (8 games)
Pitchers (8 games pitched of at least 1 inning/3 outs). They can not hit in playoffs unless they make the 14 game/Last 10 game’s qualifications.
In the event of a pitcher(s)being unavailable to pitch, each team is allowed one emergency pitcher.
No new female players can play in the postseason.
In order to receive credit for games played each team MUST send the commissioner a photo of both games lineup cards or books. It must include when substitutions were made. Failure to do so will result in the entire team not getting credit for the 2 games that week. Those photos will then be uploaded to the managers gc/IG for everyone to keep track of. Those photos will also be available upon request to ensure playoff rosters are correct.
Emergency Pitcher : if a team does not have their qualifying pitchers on game day they are allowed to designate one postseason qualifying player to pitch. If this happens, that player can NOT bat and the team can only field 9 players. (6 men/3 women) if only 2 women present, then team must field 8 players (6 men, 2 women)
Jersey Rules are in effect unless 95 degrees or more. Jerseys must be worn, not halfway on or hanging off body.

PLAYOFFS:

Every team will make the playoffs
Playoff rosters are to be submitted by July 31st 5p
See playoff bracket shared with the group chat
Playoff brackets will elaborate further.
World Series Championship will be played on Sunday August 18th 12p first pitch. In the event of a rainout or potential rainout the World Series Championship will be played the following Sunday (August 25th 11a first pitch

CONDUCT :

Umpire fees must be paid in cash at the conclusion of every doubleheader. Failure to do so will result in 2 losses for the team that didn’t pay. If unpaid team already lost both games, two losses will be added to the team’s record.
An player/manager ejected from a game will be ejected from the remaining games that week and the following week’s games. 2 ejections will result in ejection from the league. No refund to the player(s) thrown out of the league.
There is no smoking/drinking allowed in the dugout or on the field. Permits are at risk of being revoked by the city if not followed. Have red solo cups if drinking and smoke away from the field/dugout. Failure to do so will result in a one warning followed by an ejection by ump and/or commissioner.
No fighting. Fighting is subject to ejection of players involved and removal from league. League/Players/Umps/Fan safety is #1 priority.
Players can not go to commissioner during games to overrule an umpire’s decision. During gameplay, the umpires have full authority of calls made. Teams can present disagreements and discrepancies to the commissioner after the game.
Any altercation involving any weapons will result in automatic ejection from the league for the team and/or individuals involved.
Should permits be revoked for conduct detrimental to the league and players not adhering to the rules set by the NYC Parks Department there will be no refunds.
All teams are to clean up any mess they have made at all fields.

All Star Game:

ASG will be played on Saturday June 15th. Winning team will play on Sunday June 16th 11a vs EMS.
One 9 inning game.
Team Q/Jimmy vs Team Chino/Ricco(last year’s World Series managers).
Q will receive first pick in the draft as defending champion. Drafting the men.
Chino will get first pick drafting the women.
Men will get drafted first, then the Women.
Each team will select 4 players (3 male/1 female) to represent their team.
Each team will consist of 16 players.
All Star selections are to be sent to the commissioner by Thursday June 6th 6pm.
3 girls must be in the lineup. 3,6,9 lineup protocol remains intact.
Players can rotate/sub in and out at any time.
All Star Managers can not play in the game.
All Star Draft will be Tuesday 11th 730pm.

PITCHING:

All pitches must have a perceptible arc. We are playing lob.
Illegal Pitch - If an illegal pitch is called by the umpire, the batter may swing at his/her own discretion. The umpire must signal with their left hand and yell illegal pitch. Its a live ball. The offense can choose the result of the play or accept the penalty ( which is a ball awarded to batter)
Pitcher will have three pitches between innings (in no more than 1 minute) unless there is a pitching change.