PLEASE NOTE – we follow ASA/USA Softball Rules with the following modifications. This is an instructional league. Rules have been modified according to the player's age and ability.

• PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES, EQUIPMENT:

  • ​Each team will roster 11-16 players as determined by the board after registration. Late registrants may be added to each team OR placed on a waiting list. This decision is determined by the board.

  • Teams must be able to field 7 players or forfeit the game 15 minutes after the scheduled start time.  A team may continue a game with less than 7 players, i.e. due to an injury.

  • All team members play defensively each inning.  There will be 7 infielders, including a catcher, a pitcher, and a fielder directly in front of 2nd base.  The remaining players are placed in the outfield which begins 15 feet beyond the baseline or on the edge of the grass.  All players will participate by playing infield and outfield positions each inning.

  • Free substitutions in positions, however, girls must play an equal number of innings in the infield and in the outfield.  Chose positions according to the ability of the player.

  • Coaches are responsible for the equipment assigned to them.  All equipment must remain in the dugout when not in use.

  • Batters/runners must wear a helmet with a facemask.

  • ​There is no color, size, or type of restriction on fielding gloves.

  • TRAVEL BALL GIRLS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SUB OR PLAY INHOUSE unless approved by the board of directors.  

• ​PLAYING FIELD

  • ​The pitching rubber is at 35 feet. Coaches may stand anywhere within the pitching circle to pitch. The fielding pitcher must stand in the circle until the ball is released.

  • The base distance is 60 feet.  An 11-inch ball will be used. 

  • The home team shall occupy the dugout on the third-base side, visitors on the 1st base side.  Each team is allowed 10-15 minutes of pre-game warm-ups if time allows. Pregame warm-ups will be performed on your respective side of the outfield and foul territory. Full-field warm-ups are not allowed. Game times will not be adjusted to allow time for warm-ups.

  • Only coaches, players, and umpires are allowed in the dugout and on the playing field. Dugout gates are to stay closed at all times.

  • Please do not allow children to climb on or sit upon the dugout walls or benches. Players must stay behind the fence in the dugout unless they are on deck and wearing a helmet. This is for the safety of the girls.

• PITCHING, CATCHING, FIELDING

  • ​One offensive coach or other adult pitches to their respective team.

  • Catchers must wear masks, throat guards, helmets, shin guards, and chest protectors.

  • Only the players, along with 1 offensive coach (a pitcher) and 2 defensive coaches are allowed on the field inside of the foul lines.  Other defensive coaches should remain in their dugouts.  The team at bat should have a coach at first and third base.  Exception:  to speed up the game, a coach or volunteer (must be an adult) may field passed balls behind the catcher.  

• BATTING, BASE RUNNING

  • ​All team members bat in consecutive order as determined by the batting order submitted by the coaches at the start of the game.  Late arriving players must be added to the bottom of the batting order.

  • Each batter gets a maximum of 7 pitches.  The batter only gets 3 swinging strikes. There will be no walks, called strikes, or hit batsmen. (The batter may keep batting if the last pitch is fouled off.)

  • The inning ends when 3 outs have been reached OR the run-rule applies. ***RUN RULE PER INNING – during each inning, the team at bat must take the field after scoring 5 runs, regardless of outs. (All runs scored on the final play of the inning DO count.)

  • Drop 3rd strike rule DOES NOT apply.

  • A batter will be called out for throwing the bat. A single warning will be given, then the batter is called out.

  • A batter will be called out if she stands/steps on home plate while batting the ball.

  • No leading off or stealing. Base runners may leave the base only after the ball is hit.

  •  Sliding is not allowed.

  • A base runner is out if hit by a batted ball, regardless of a spot of occurrence on the field.

  • Runners may advance only one base on batted balls that never leave the infield.  If a batted ball does not leave the infield, a runner, therefore, cannot score from second base in any situation. 

  • Runners may not advance an extra base on an overthrow. 

  • Runners may score only when batted in.   If a player passes the halfway mark on the third-base line they may continue home but the play becomes a force out.  The catcher does not have to tag the player regardless of the number of runners on base.  The line will be approximately half the distance to home and perpendicular to the baseline.

  • On batted balls into the outfield, runners may advance until the ball is attempted to be thrown back into the infield.  When the ball is thrown by the out-fielder, runners beyond a base may continue to the next base only.

  • No infield fly rule. Runners may not advance on a caught fly ball.

• GAME LENGTH, SCORING

  • ​Game length is 6 innings or 60 minutes.  No inning may begin 1 hour after the start of the game.  The home team head coach is the official timekeeper if an umpire is not present.  Two innings constitutes a complete game. 

  • Score will be kept during regular season. Both teams are to keep score and compare at the end of the game. Scores will then be reported to the league coordinator.

  • The coach closest to the play will have the final decision on the play.  Typically, the 1st and 3rd base coaches rule at their respective base.  The defensive coach rules at 2nd base and the pitcher rules home plate.  The benefit should go to the base runner on close plays. An umpire will be present after game 5 of the season and through the tourney.

  • Each team must supply a scorekeeper to keep the batting order and score for both teams.

  • During tournament play and the championship game, all regular season rules apply.

  • Tournament seeding is chosen by league standings.   

  • END OF THE SEASON, TIE BREAKING RULE – Ties for league standings at the end of the season will be determined as follows – head-to-head, win/loss records against the team above the tying teams in the standing, win/loss records against the team below the tying teams in the standing, then coin toss (the team that won the first game between the two teams calls the flip.)

• WEATHER, CONDUCT, PARK RULES

  • ​EXTREME WEATHER – At the first sound of thunder or sight of lightning, games will be suspended for 30 minutes. The 30-minute suspension of play restarts every time lightning is seen or thunder is heard. All players and coaches must leave the playing area, per park guidelines. This may include leaving the dugouts.

  • HEAT ADVISORY – Games will not be rescheduled or canceled due to heat advisory. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to hydrate the players before and during games, provide cooling towels during rest periods or notify your coaches if your player will not be attending.

  • NO PROTESTS ARE ALLOWED. If a coach feels an umpire has improperly enforced a rule or failed to enforce a rule, they must wait for a deal ball and request a time-out to discuss the play and call. The rule in question will then be reviewed by the plate and field umpires. Coaches should keep rules on hand at all times.

  • If a player is removed from the game for disciplinary reasons, the coach must notify the home plate umpire and the opposing coach. Once a player is removed from the game, they are not allowed to re-enter the game at any point. The player may remain in the dug-out for the remainder of the game, but may not participate. Both directors must be notified if this disciplinary action is ever warranted.

  • There shall be no harassment of a player by any coach, spectator, or player.  This will include “baiting” members of one team by a coach, spectator, or player (s).  This behavior can result in the forfeiture of the game.

  • WE WILL BE ENFORCING A ZERO-TOLERANCE TOWARDS OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE RULES. THIS WILL APPLY TO ANYONE ON THE PARK GROUNDS. Any coach or spectator that uses foul or abusive language or that is under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substance will be ejected from the park.  

  • Each organization is responsible for reviewing these rules with all coaches and umpires in the league. Rules may be distributed or posted on the internet with public access via the organization's website. 

  • Coaches are responsible for the safety, discipline, and sportsmanship of their players and the conduct of themselves, assistants, and spectators. 

  • Sportsmanship is the first step in developing our young athletes for their future careers. Anyone or anything that seeks to hinder this development will be asked to leave the premises immediately and may not return.

  •  Both teams are responsible for the liter in their dugouts and around their diamond.  We ask for your assistance in keeping the PARK LITTER to a minimum.

  • Please encourage patronage of the concession stand. WRA & NTRA use the proceeds from the concessions sales to help this program. Please do not bring store-bought treats for the teams.

• Covid 19 Guidelines

  • ​Per IDPH guidelines – (copied from Sports Safety Guidance | IDPH (illinois.gov) )

    • Players must maintain at least 6 feet apart in dugout areas or when players are seated in bleachers behind the dugout.

    • If a participant does have covid symptoms, they should wait to enter premises or participate in any sporting activity for a minimum of 10 days after symptom onset OR until feverless and feeling well (without fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours.

    • All attendees should refrain from handshakes, high fives, fist bumps, hugs, “go-team” hand raises, etc

  • If players can not maintain 6 feet apart in the dugout, standing on the fence line, or in the bleachers, a face mask must be worn.

  • Please follow any other specific guidelines that your organization may have in place regarding hand sanitizing, hand washing, cleaning of team equipment, etc.

  • Covid 19 guidelines may change at any time per the state, please follow all current state, IDPH, IHSA guidelines.

junior league - 4th & 5th grade

PLEASE NOTE – we follow ASA/USA Softball Rules with the following modifications. Select ASA/USA rules have been included below for clarification purposes only. This is an instructional league. Rules have been modified according to the players' age and/or ability while attempting to prepare some players for Junior High/IESA teams.

• PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES, EQUIPMENT

  • ​Each team will roster 11-16 players as determined by the board after registration. Late registrants may be added to each team OR placed on a waiting list. This decision is determined by the board.

  • The fielding team will consist of 10 players. (catcher, pitcher, 4 infielders, 4 outfielders)

  • Teams must be able to field 8 players or must forfeit the game 15 minutes after start time. In the event of injury during a game, a team may continue to play with less than 8 players.

  • Teams expecting less than 10 players may call up girls from the age group below. Coaches may not pull subs from an opposing team of the same age group unless approved by the other team AND the directors.  Any sub may not pitch unless approved by the opposing team AND the directors.

  • Each player must sit out once before any player sits out twice.

  • Each player must play one inning in an infield position and one inning in an outfield position, within the first 3 innings. To report an infraction, the coach must call time out, discuss with the umpire who will verify positions/rotation with the opposing coach. The coach will receive a warning upon the first infraction; the second infraction will result in automatic loss of the game.  Coaches will submit line-up cards with player names and jersey numbers to the opposing team. Directors are unable to verify infractions that are reported after the game is completed.

  • Players may be freely substituted at any position in any dead ball situation. This includes pitchers and catchers.

  • All players must wear tennis shoes or rubber cleats. Metal spikes/cleats are not allowed.

  • Coaches are responsible for the equipment assigned to them.  Equipment must remain in the dugout when not in use.

  • Batters/runners must wear a helmet with a facemask.

  • Pitchers must wear a fielder’s facemask and heard guard if provided by the organization.

  • There is no color, size, or type of restriction on fielding gloves.

  • B and C TRAVEL BALL GIRLS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SUB OR PLAY INHOUSE unless approved by the board of directors.  Approved travel ball players may not pitch.

• ​PLAYING FIELD

  • The pitching distance is 35 feet. The base distance is 60 feet. An 11-inch ball will be used.

  • The home team shall occupy the dugout on the third-base side, visitors on the 1st base side.  Each team is allowed 10-15 minutes of pre-game warm-ups if time allows. Pregame warm-ups will be performed on your respective side of the outfield and foul territory. Full-field warm-ups are not allowed. Start times for games will not be adjusted to allow time for warm-ups.

  • Coaches must remain in the dugout while their team is on the field. Exception: to speed up the game, a coach or volunteer (must be an adult) may field passed pitches behind the catcher.

  • Only coaches, players, and umpires are allowed in the dug-out and on the playing field. Dugout gates are to stay closed at all times.

  • Please do not allow players to climb on or sit upon the dugout walls. Players must stay behind the fence in the dugout unless they are on deck and wearing a helmet. This is for the safety of the girls.

• PITCHING, CATCHING, FIELDING

  • ​Kid pitch rules (only first and third inning)

    • Players will pitch following the ASA/USA guidelines which require both feet positioned on the pitching rubber. Both feet must remain in contact with the pitching plate (pitching rubber) at all times prior to the forward step. In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher must take one step with the non-pivot foot simultaneous with the release of the ball. The step must be forward and toward the batter within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate (pitching rubber) The pitcher must not make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the ball to the batter.

    • Three strikes constitute an out and four balls is a walk.

    • Hit by pitch: if a batter is hit by the pitch during kid pitch, the batter will take first base.

    • We advise coaches to work with at least 2 pitchers. There is no limit to innings pitched since kids only pitch 2 innings per game, but players get sick/injured or may miss games for vacations. This helps prepare your team for every game and helps develop the program for the following year. 

  • ​Coach pitch rules (all other innings)

    • Coaches will pitch following the ASA/USA guidelines which require both feet positioned on the pitching rubber. No exceptions.

    • Batters may only advance by a batted ball. No walks or hit by pitch apply.

    • Batter gets 3 swings or 5 pitches, whichever comes first. No called third strikes. Batter may continue batting if the fifth and subsequent pitch is deemed a foul ball. An out will be recorded after the 5th or final non-fouled pitch. 

    • Pitched balls must have a flat trajectory.

    • If a batted ball hits the coach pitcher, the result is a dead ball and the pitch is replayed. Runners may not advance.

    • If a coach intentionally interferes with a batted ball while pitching, the batter will be called out.

    • The defensive player/pitcher must have at least one foot in the pitching circle and must be equal to or behind the pitching rubber.

    • Coaches pitch to their own players.

  • Catchers must wear all gear, even during practice and warm-ups. This includes a helmet with mask and throat guard, chest protector, and shin guards. If catching gear is in use, additional catchers must wear a batting helmet.

  • The in-field fly rule DOES NOT apply. Runners may not advance on a caught fly ball.

  • Out-fielders must play at the edge of the grass or at least 15 feet beyond the baseline on the larger fields.

• BATTING, BASE RUNNING

  • ​All players will bat in consecutive order. Late arriving players will be added to the bottom of the batting order. In the event of injury, the player is removed from the batting order, or can be skipped and may return to the batting order in the same position. No penalty will be applied to injured batters removed or skipped.

  • Bunting is not allowed.

  • Drop 3rd strike rule DOES NOT apply.

  • A batter is automatically out for throwing the bat after a warning is given by the umpire. One single warning is given to both teams after the first occurrence.

  • A batter will be called out if she stands/steps on home plate while batting the ball.

  • No stealing. Sliding is allowed. Base runners may lead off the base, after the ball is released from the pitcher’s hand, with each pitch. Runners will be called out for leaving too soon after a warning is provided by the umpire.

  • Runners may advance to the next base(s) on a hit to the outfield but must stop at the closest base when the ball is in possession of an infielder, and within the infield. (I.E. the infield player can not run into the grass of the outfield to obtain possession of the ball to “stop the runners” from advancing.)

  • Base runners may advance ONLY ONE BASE on an overthrow while taking the risk of being put out at the next base. Any runner may attempt to advance to the next base at the time of the initial overthrow. The fielder can then choose to attempt a put-out on any advancing runner. Once this play is completed, the ball is then dead.  Only one over-thrown advancement is allowed per batted ball.

  • A base runner is out if hit by a batted ball, regardless of the spot of occurrence on the field.

• GAME LENGTH, SCORING

  • The game length is 6 innings or 75 minutes. When the time limit is reached – the current inning will continue until completed. A new inning will not begin after the time limit has been reached. Three innings constitute a game (2 ½ innings if the home team is ahead). Games ending in a tie will not be replayed.  

  • RUN RULE PER INNING – during each inning, the team at bat must take the field after scoring 5 runs, regardless of outs. (All runs scored on the final play of the inning DO count.)

  • A game will be called if there is a 15 run lead after 4 innings or a 12 run lead after 5 innings.

  • Each team must supply a scorekeeper. Final scores must be confirmed at the end of the game and reported to the league coordinator.

  • During tournament play and the championship game, all regular season rules apply, including time and run limit.

  • END OF THE SEASON, TIE BREAKING RULE – Ties for league standings at the end of the season will be determined as follows – head-to-head, win/loss records against the team above the tying teams in the standing, win/loss records against the team below the tying teams in the standing, then coin toss (the team that won the first game between the two teams calls the flip.)

• WEATHER, CONDUCT, PARK RULES

  • ​EXTREME WEATHER – At the first sound of thunder or sight of lightning, games will be suspended for 30 minutes. The 30-minute suspension of play restarts every time lightning is seen or thunder is heard. All players and coaches must leave the playing area, per park guidelines. This may include leaving the dugouts.

  • HEAT ADVISORY – Games will not be rescheduled or canceled due to heat advisory. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to hydrate the players before and during games, provide cooling towels during rest periods or notify your coaches if your player will not be attending.

  • NO PROTESTS ARE ALLOWED. On a judgment call, the umpire’s decision is final. If a coach feels an umpire has improperly enforced a rule or failed to enforce a rule, they must wait for a deal ball and request a time-out to discuss the play and call. The rule in question will then be reviewed by the plate and field umpires. The time clock is running during rule discussions. Coaches should keep rules on hand at all times. Balls and strikes are not to be protested, they are judgment calls, made by the umpire and the umpire decision is final. Any strike zone concerns must be addressed with directors.

  • Rules have been designed by and reviewed by all participating directors of each organization. Coaches may request rule clarification during the game, but ANY AND ALL RULE CHALLENGES and COMPLAINTS need to be addressed with the directors after the game is completed and will not change the outcome of the game.

  • If a player is removed from the game for disciplinary reasons, the coach must notify the home plate umpire and the opposing coach. Once a player is removed from the game, they are not allowed to re-enter the game at any point. The player must leave the park grounds upon removal from the game. Both directors must be notified if this disciplinary action is ever warranted.

  • WE WILL BE ENFORCING A ZERO-TOLERANCE TOWARDS OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE RULES. THIS WILL APPLY TO ANYONE ON THE PARK GROUNDS. Any coach or spectator that uses foul or abusive language or that is under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substance will be ejected from the park.  

  • There shall be no harassment of a player by any coach, spectator, or player.  This will include “baiting” members of one team by a coach, spectator, or player (s).  This behavior can result in the forfeiture of the game.

  • Each organization is responsible for reviewing these rules with all coaches and umpires in the league. Rules may be distributed or posted on the internet with public access via the organization's website. 

  • A program representative or board member must be present at each field/property during seasonal gameplay and tournaments. The director of each program is responsible for handling infractions and discipline of their league coaches and must remain involved throughout the entire season.   

  • Coaches are responsible for the safety, discipline, and sportsmanship of their players and the conduct of themselves, assistants, and spectators. 

  • Sportsmanship is the first step in developing our young athletes for their future careers. Anyone or anything that seeks to hinder this development will be asked to leave the premises immediately and may not return.

  • Both teams are responsible for the liter in their dugouts and around their diamond.  We ask for your assistance in keeping the PARK LITTER to a minimum.

  • Please encourage patronage of the concession stand. Washington Park District & NTRA use the proceeds from the concessions sales to help this program. Please do not bring store-bought treats for the teams.

• Covid 19 Guidelines

  • Per IDPH guidelines – (copied from Sports Safety Guidance | IDPH (illinois.gov) )

    • Players must maintain at least 6 feet apart in dugout areas or when players are seated in bleachers behind the dugout.

    • If a participant does have covid symptoms, they should wait to enter premises or participate in any sporting activity for a minimum of 10 days after symptom onset OR until feverless and feeling well (without fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours.

    • All attendees should refrain from handshakes, high fives, fist bumps, hugs, “go-team” hand raises, etc

  • If players can not maintain 6 feet apart in the dugout, standing on the fence line, or in the bleachers, a face mask must be worn.

  • Please follow any other specific guidelines that your organization may have in place regarding hand sanitizing, hand washing, cleaning of team equipment, etc.

  • Covid 19 guidelines may change at any time per the state, please follow all current state, IDPH, IHSA guidelines.

intermediate league - 6th thru 8th grade

• PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES, EQUIPMENT

  • Each team will roster 11-16 players as determined by the board after registration. Late registrants may be added to each team OR placed on a waiting list. This decision is determined by the board.

  • The fielding team will consist of 10 players. (catcher, pitcher, 4 infielders, 4 outfielders)

  • Teams must be able to field 8 players or must forfeit the game 15 minutes after start time. In the event of injury during a game, a team may continue to play with less than 8 players.

  • Teams expecting less than 10 players may call up girls from the age group below. Coaches may not pull subs from an opposing team of the same age group unless approved by the other team AND the director. Any sub may not pitch unless approved by the opposing team AND the directors.

  • Each player must sit out once before any player sits out twice. This rule applies to all positions – including pitchers and catchers. The coach will receive a warning upon the first infraction; the second infraction will result in automatic loss of the game.

  • Each player must play one inning in an infield position, within the first 3 innings.

  • Players may be freely substituted at any position in any dead ball situation. (Except pitching, see below.)

  • Batters/runners must wear a helmet with a facemask.

  • Pitchers must wear a fielder’s facemask and a heart guard is provided by the organization.

  • There is no color, size, or type of restriction on fielding gloves.

  • Players must wear tennis shoes or rubber cleats. METAL SPIKES ARE NOT PERMITTED.

  • Coaches are responsible for the equipment assigned to them. All equipment must remain in the dugout when not in use.

  • B and C TRAVEL BALL GIRLS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SUB OR PLAY INHOUSE unless approved by the board of directors. Approved travel ball players may not pitch.

• PLAYING FIELD

  • The pitching distance is 40 feet, the base distance is 60 feet, ball size is 12 inches.

  • The home team shall occupy the dugout on the third-base side, visitors on the 1st base side. If time allows, each team is allowed 10-15 minutes of pregame warm-ups. Pregame warm-ups will be performed on your respective side of the outfield and foul territory. Full-field warm-ups are not allowed. Start times for games will not be adjusted to allow time for warm-ups.

  • Coaches must remain in the dugout while their team is on the field. Only coaches, players, and umpires are allowed in the dugout and on the playing field. Dugout gates are to stay closed at all times.

  • Please do not allow players to climb on or sit upon the dugout walls. Players must stay behind the fence in the dugout unless they have been on deck and wearing a helmet. This is for the safety of the girls.

• PITCHING, CATCHING, FIELDING

  • Pitchers are limited to a maximum of 4 innings per game. If a pitcher is removed, she may re-enter only once but must stay within the pitching guidelines. In the event of extra innings, a pitcher may pitch a maximum of 2 additional innings.

  • Players will pitch following the ASA/USA guidelines which require both feet positioned on the pitching rubber. Both feet must always remain in contact with the pitching plate (pitching rubber) prior to the forward step. In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher must take one step with the non-pivot foot simultaneous with the release of the ball. The step must be forward and toward the batter, within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate (pitching rubber) The pitcher must not make any motion to pitch without immediately delivering the ball to the batter.

  • Catchers must wear all gear, even during practice and warm-ups. This includes a helmet with mask and throat guard, chest protector, and shin guards. If catching gear is in use, additional catchers must wear a batting helmet.

  • The infield fly rule applies.

  • Outfielders must play at the edge of the grass or 15 feet past the baseline until the ball is pitched.

• BATTING, BASE RUNNING

  • All players will bat in consecutive order. Late arriving players will be added to the bottom of the batting order. In the event of injury, the player is removed from the batting order, or can be skipped and may return to the batting order in the same position. No penalty will be applied to injured batters removed or skipped.

  • Bunting is allowed.

  • Drop 3rd strike rules apply. “When the catcher fails to catch the third strike before the ball touches the ground and there are fewer than two outs AND first base is not occupied at the time of the pitch OR any time there are two outs.” If the batter does run, the catcher must throw her out at the first base to complete the out. If the batter does not run and returns to the dugout, the batter is then called out.

  • A batter is automatically out for throwing the bat after a warning is given by the umpire. One single warning is given to both teams after the first occurrence.

  • A batter will be called out if she stands/steps on home plate while batting the ball.

• GAME LENGTH, SCORING

  • The game length is 6 innings or 90 minutes. When the time limit is reached – the current inning will continue until completed or the home team is ahead. A new inning will not begin after the time limit has been reached. If the game is tied at the end of the 90 minutes, ONE inning with be played with the International Tie Breaker rule. Four innings constitute a game.

  •  RUN RULE PER INNING – during the first 4 innings, the team at bat must take the field after scoring 5 runs, regardless of outs. (All runs scored on the final play of the inning DO count.) No run limit during the 5th & 6th innings.

  • A game will be called if there is a 15 run lead after 4 innings or a 12 runs lead after 5 innings.

  • During all tournament play, the regular season rules apply, including time limit, run limits, and run rules. Only the championship game will be a full 6 innings, with no time limit.

  • Each team must supply a scorekeeper. Final scores must be confirmed at the end of the game and reported to the league coordinator.

  • END OF THE SEASON, TIE BREAKING RULE – Ties for league standings at the end of the season will be determined as follows – head-to-head, win/loss records against the team above the tying teams in the standing, win/loss records against the team below the tying teams in the standing, then coin flip (the team that won the first game between the two teams calls the flip.)

• WEATHER, CONDUCT, PARK RULES 34. EXTREME WEATHER

  • At the first sound of thunder or sight of lightning, games will be suspended for 30 minutes. The 30-minute suspension of play restarts every time lightning is seen or thunder is heard. All players and coaches must leave the playing area, per park guidelines. This may include leaving the dugouts.

  • HEAT ADVISORY – Games will not be rescheduled or canceled due to heat advisory. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to hydrate the players before and during games, provide cooling towels during rest periods or notify your coaches if your player will not be attending.

  • NO PROTESTS ARE ALLOWED. On a judgment call, the umpire’s decision is final. If a coach feels an umpire has improperly enforced a rule or failed to enforce a rule, they must wait for a deal ball, and request a time-out to discuss the play and call. The rule in question will then be reviewed by the plate and field umpires. Time clock is running during rule discussions. Coaches should keep rules on hand at all times. Balls and strikes are not to be protested, they are judgement calls, made by the umpire and the umpire decision is final. Any strike zone concerns must be addressed with directors.

  • Rules have been designed by and reviewed by all participating directors of each organization. Coaches may request rule clarification during the game, but ANY AND ALL RULE CHALLENGES and COMPLAINTS need to be addressed with the directors after the game is completed and will not change the outcome of the game.

  • If a player is removed from the game for disciplinary reasons, the coach must notify home plate umpire and the opposing coach. Once a player is removed from the game, they are not allowed to re-enter the game and must leave the park grounds. Both directors must be notified if this disciplinary action is ever warranted.

  • There shall be no harassment of a player by any coach, spectator, or player. This will include “baiting” members of one team by a coach, spectator, or player (s). This behavior can result in forfeiture of the game.

  • WE WILL BE ENFORCING A ZERO TOLERANCE TOWARDS OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE RULE. THIS WILL APPLY TO ANYONE ON THE PARK GROUNDS. Any coach or spectator that uses foul or abusive language or that is under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substance will be ejected from the park.

  • Each organization is responsible for reviewing these rules with all coaches and umpires in the league. Rules may be distributed or posted on the internet with public access via the organization website.

  • A program representative or board member must be present at each field/property during seasonal game play and tournaments. The director of each program is responsible for handling infractions and discipline of their league coaches and must remain involved throughout the entire season.

  • Coaches are responsible for the safety, discipline and sportsmanship of their players and the conduct of themselves, assistants, and spectators.

  • Sportsmanship is the first step in developing our young athletes for their future careers. Anyone or anything that seeks to hinder this development will be asked to leave the premises immediately and may not return.

  • Both teams are responsible for the liter in their dugouts and around their diamond. We ask for your assistance in keep the PARK LITTER to a minimum.

  • Please encourage patronage of the concession stand. Washington Park District & NTRA use the proceeds from the concessions sales to help this program. Please do not bring store bought treats/food/drinks to the games.

• Covid 19 Guidelines

  • Per IDPH guidelines – (copied from Sports Safety Guidance | IDPH (illinois.gov) )

    • a. Players must maintain at least 6 feet apart in dugout areas or when players are seated in bleachers behind the dugout.
      b. If a participant does have covid symptoms, they should wait to enter premises or participate in any sporting activity for a minimum of 10 days after symptom onset OR until feverless and feeling well (without fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours.

    • c. All attendees should refrain from handshakes, high fives, fist bumps, hugs, “go-team” hand raises, etc

  • If players can not maintain 6 feet apart in dugout, standing on the fence line or in the bleachers, a face mask must be worn.

  • Please follow any other specific guidelines that your organization may have in place regarding hand sanitizing, hand washing, cleaning of team equipment, etc.

  • Covid 19 guidelines may change at anytime per the state, please follow all current state, IDPH, IHSA guidelines.