To All ESSA Players, Spares, Scorekeepers and Umpires!
As you are aware Qualifying Rounds (last 14 games per your schedule) begin on Wednesday July 10th. These games will determine the 4 teams that will make the Semi Final Games on Wed Sept 4th.
In the first 14 games some of the rules were modified as these games do not count towards the playoff standing. The following rules will be applied specifically in the qualifying round/playoffs. Your captains should cover these and if you have any questions, please let them know.
#4 The Game
· 4(A) Playoff qualification round, semi-final and final games must determine a winner so extra innings are played; the International Tie-Breaker Rules are used for all extra innings.
o The tiebreaker method starts in the top of the first extra inning and continues each inning thereafter. The offensive (at bat) team shall begin
its half inning with one out and with the player whose name precedes the next legal batter in the batting order starting as a runner at second
base. [This would normally be the last batter from the previous inning.
Regular substitution rules will apply to this runner.
· 4 (E) If a rainout occurs, a double-header will be used on the next game day. (Game one will be for the rained out game and game two will be those previously scheduled for that date). Teams will play 2 X 7 inning games
#7 The Players
- # 5(D) If fewer than 11 players are expected, a team should call up a Replacement Spare.
- Replacement Spares must be selected prior to selecting from the Bye Team.
- Replacement Spares must of the same rank or lower than the player to be replaced. If replacement spare is not found, an automatic out will occur.
- Spare players in the playoffs must be approved by the Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner and Past Commissioner
- #5 (F) For the playoff qualification round/playoffs: When a team has fewer than 11 players at game time, automatic outs must be added to the batting order to reach a roster of 11 players.
- It is the captain’s choice where the automatic outs are assigned. (Once assigned cannot be moved to another spot during that game)
- If a player is injured during a game and it takes the team below 11 no automatic outs will apply.
- #5(K) For the playoff/qualification round/playoff players in the batting order must also play in the field.
#6 Pitching
- #6 (B) (b) The pitcher must move behind the screen once the pitch has been thrown.
- Consequences for not moving behind the screen: if the ball comes in contact with the pitcher, the ball is dead the batter is awarded 1st base, and all other base runners advance one base.
#7. Batting
- #7(D) A batted ball hitting the plate is a dead ball and a strike is called. If it is the third strike the batter is out.
Heat related Decisions
- If there is situation where heat becomes a factor the captains will decide whether 7 or 9 innings will be played. All teams will play the same number of innings.
Your ESSA Board