Ottawa Competitive Senior Slo-Pitch League
60+ League
Constitution and Rules (updated February 10, 2024)
Mission Statement
We, the Ottawa Competitive Senior Slo Pitch League, are committed to providing the best possible framework for senior men (60+) in which slo pitch is played safely and at a high calibre while fostering sportsmanship, camaraderie, fun and fitness.
Table of Contents (alphabetical – item)
Base Running – 16
Batting – 11
Courtesy Runners – 15
Defense – 12
Discipline Committee – 21
Equipment – 7
Financial Policy – 27
Games – 8
General – 1
League Standings – 9
League Executive – 22
Participation – 10
Past President – responsibilities – 23.5
Pitching – 13
Player Conduct – 19
Player Draft – 29
Players – responsibilities – 26
Playoffs – 18
President – responsibilities 23.1
Replacement Players – 6
Rosters – 4
Scoring – 17
Spares – 5
Sponsorship – 28
Sportsmanship – 20
Strike Board – 14
Team Captains – criteria – 24.1 and 24.2
Team Captains – responsibilities – 25
Umpires – 2
Uniforms – 3
Vice President – responsibilities – 23.2
Vice President of Finance – responsibilities 23.3
Vice President of Statistics responsibilities 23.4
1. General
1. For the purpose of brevity in this document, the Ottawa Competitive Senior Slo-Pitch League will be referred to the OCSSPL.
2. The following rules apply to the OCSSPL and where not specified, playing rules will be in accordance with Slo-Pitch Ontario (SPO) current year Rule Book.
3. Appeals, protests, incidents etc. requiring League follow-up, will be submitted in writing to the League Executive by the team captain within 3 days. The League executive will meet and a decision will be made within 14 days of receiving the written protest or sooner as the situation dictates.
2. Umpires
1. Home plate umpires will be supplied by the “batting” team.
2. There may be occasion when the League will supply certified Home plate umpires.
3. In the event of an umpire “rule misinterpretation”, the two captains only, may discuss the issue with the umpire to clarify the rule. Judgement calls will stand as ruled by the umpire.
3. Uniforms
1. The League will supply team shirts. Hats are optional.
2. The appropriate shirts are to be worn during all League games by players on the official team roster. Shirts, however, may be covered if the weather dictates.
4. Rosters (Player Eligibility)
1. Any experienced male slo-pitch player who attains a minimum age of 60 years during the current calendar year may submit an application to play.
2. All full time players, replacements and spares must complete and sign an annual player registration/waiver form.
3. Annual player fees will be determined by the League Executive to reflect annual costs, inflation and start-up costs for the next season.
4. Team rosters are set prior to the beginning of season.
5. If prior to the first game of the season, a player withdraws his application, a new full time player with similar skill sets, will be assigned by the League
6. Each team will be assigned 12 to 14 players and play with 10 or 11 players as determined by the League.
5. Spares
1. The League will provide a list of suitable players to serve as spares.
2. A spare is required only if a team roster falls below 10 or 11 players whichever number is determined as the playing roster.
3. Players should let their captains know as soon as possible if they will be unable to play. It is the responsibility of the team captain to contact a player on the spare list to replace the absent player.
4. Spares will be slotted into the last place in the batting order.
5. A back catcher will be supplied by the batting team, any time the fielding team has less than 10 (11) players.
6. If a regular player(s) who was expected to be absent shows up at game time, all players including the spares will be allowed to play.
7. In the playoffs, spares must be approved by the League Executive.
6. Replacement Players
1. If any player is expected to be away for an extended period of time or is unable to finish the season, the team captain must report the name and expected return date to the League Executive.
2. The League Executive will review the situation when notified and decide whether a replacement player will be provided.
3. Any assigned replacement player will play (including the playoffs) until the roster player returns and may be placed anywhere in the batting order.
4. If a replacement player is assigned for the remainder of a schedule that is greater than half the scheduled games, he will be required to pay on a pro-rated basis to join the league, the amount to be forwarded to the player who will be missing.
7. Equipment
1. The home team of the first game will occupy the third base dugout.
2. All bases, a hammer and strike board will be stored in a LOCK BOX which will be chained to the back stop.
3. Each captain will be issued a key for the lock box.
4. It is the responsibility of the home team to correctly install the bases and the strike board as well as to return them to the lock box at the conclusion of the games.
5. The OCSSPL will use the Worth Hot Dot Classic Plus as its official ball.
6. The League will supply each team sufficient new balls for each home game. Back up balls will be provided by the visiting team.
7. The OCSSPL will follow the USSSA Bat Certification Program which states that only bats bearing the USSSA logo located on the taper of the bat are allowed. This logo is known as the “Thumbprint” and is shown below.
USSSA
1.20
BPF
Bats with a BPF (Bat Performance Factor) of more than 1.20 such as Miken Ultra I and II, Combat Centenarian and other such Senior Bats are illegal for use in the OCSSPL . This includes titanium bats. Other bats that players have been using such as aluminum and previous composite bats are still legal and will be allowed with ASA Certified 2004 and 2000 designation. Wooden bats are always legal.
8. Games
1. Games will be played each Thursday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
2. In the event of adverse weather and/or sloppy field conditions, prior to game time, the League Executive will decide whether or not the games will be played.
3. It is always advisable to show up for the game. It may be raining at home but be playable at the diamond.
4. Notification of game cancellation will be made via email from the Executive.
5. Games will start promptly at !0:00 am with no grace periods.
6. Pre-game warm-ups on the field are limited to ten minutes for each team and must be completed before 10:00 am. Visitors first them home team.
7. The duration of the game is one hour and thirty minutes.
8. After the first inning, pitchers are allowed no more warm up pitches unless there is a new pitcher.
9. Each team will complete two complete 7 inning games unless the home team is ahead in the bottom of the seventh inning.
10. If a game in progress is called due to inclement weather, the game will be deemed complete if 5 innings have been played or 4 ½ innings if the home team is ahead.
11. If the minimum innings have not been played, the Executive, depending on the circumstances will make a decision to:
…..1. have the game replayed in its entirety
…..2. have the game restarted at the point it was called
…..3. have one 4 point game at a later date
…..4. not replay the game and award each team 1 point
12. In the event of a default, the non defaulting team will be awarded a 7-0 victory.
9. League Standings
1. Two points will be awarded to a team for a win.
2. If a game is tied at the end of 7 innings, each team will receive 1 point in the standings.
3. Mercy rules apply for all games including the playoffs:
…..1. A maximum of 5 runs per team will be allowed per inning, except for the 7th, which will be an open inning.
…..2. If a team is ahead by 12 runs or more at the completion of 5 or more innings, the game shall be declared a “mercy” win.
4. The following will be the Tie Breakers for the regular season:
…..1. the regular season record between the two teams.
…..2. Highest run differential (runs for minus runs against) during the regular season.
…..3. Fewest runs allowed during the regular season.
…..4. Most wins during the regular season.
10. Participation
1. The minimum number of players to start a game is nine (9).
2. Team must field a minimum of eight (8) players during the course of the game and finish with a minimum of eight (8) players.
3. If at any time during the course of the game, the number of fielders or batters on a team falls below the minimum of eight (8), the game shall be declared forfeit by that team. (Note: the opposing team will supply a catcher bringing the on-field total to 9)
11. Batting
1. All players must bat.
2. If you bat, you must be able to make it to first base on your own.
3. Players arriving after the first pitch must be added to the bottom of the batting order.
4. A player who misses a turn at bat (IE – due to illness or injury) must leave the game. When his turn to bats comes up, he WILL NOT be considered an out. The batting order compresses.
5. Note: a player who leaves the field due to illness or injury may return to the game provided he does not miss his turn to bat.
6. The Home Run Rule is ONE PLUS (+1).
…..1. No team can be more than one home run ahead of the other team.
…..2. If team A hits a home run, they become (+1) and cannot hit another home run until team B hits a home run.
…..3. Team B, in theory, could hit two home runs which would make them (+1).
…..4. If home runs are even then either team can hit one (1) home run.
…..5. If the (+1) team hits an additional home run then it will be ruled a strike. If it’s a third strike, then the batter is out. Runners on base are not allowed to progress.
12. Defense
1. Players may be positioned anywhere on the field.
2. Captains will do their best to provide players with equal playing time in the field. Pitchers may be excluded. Captains, however, retain the discretion to play their best players in the last inning/close game situations.
3. Which player plays what position is the responsibility of the team captain.
On Field Rules
13. Pitching
1. Pitchers may stand anywhere in a perceived rectangle measuring 50 to 60 feet from home plate by 2 feet wide. (SPO Rule)
2. A pitched ball must have a perceptible arc of between 6 and 12 feet.
3. A strike is called when a legally thrown pitch strikes the board.
4. Pitchers must stay within the 50′ to 60′ pitching box. Failure to do so will result in the umpire calling an illegal pitch and therefore a ball for each pitch made will be awarded to the batter.
5. It is mandatory that pitchers wear a safety mask in order to be allowed to pitch.
14. Strike Board
1. OCSSPL will use a “strike” board covering home plate and extending back to the catcher which is 24 inches wide by 40 inches long.
2. A strike will be called by the umpire if a legally pitched ball makes any contact with the strike board on its descent.
3. A pitched ball that hits the front part of the strike board and goes back toward the pitcher is a strike.
4. Contact with the board must occur prior to the ball striking the ground.
5. A legally batted ball that hits the board and goes fair is in play.
15. Courtesy Runners
1. There is no courtesy runner until a batter reaches first base.
2. Courtesy runners may be used at any time from first second or third bases
3. Each team will be allowed unlimited courtesy runners. (SPO Rule).
4. No player shall run as a courtesy runner more than once an inning.
5. A courtesy runner cannot be used for a previous courtesy runner if it is that runner’s turn to bat. The runner is out. He can bat unless the out is the third out of the inning.
6. A courtesy runner will be the last out.
7. Courtesy runners must be inserted at the time of the at bat.
16. Base Running
1. At first base, runners must touch any portion of the orange safety base if a play is going to be made at first base; otherwise the runner is out.
2. The fielder must play any portion of the white base; otherwise the runner is safe. Once the play is made, the white base is the only base in play.
3. Defensive players whether at first, second or third base must not interfere with the runner rounding the base (whether contact is made or not or it is intentional or not.) This is defensive obstruction and the runner may be awarded the next base. Umpire’s discretion.
4. An “anticipation” step is permitted once a pitched ball has reached, passed home plate or is batted. Failure to follow this rule will result in the runner being called out by the umpire for a lead-off. No warning need be given.
5. Runners may slide into second or third base.
6. Overrunning or running past second or third base puts the runner at risk if he is tagged off the base.
7. If a defensive player has the ball and is waiting for the runner and the runner deliberately, with great force, crashes into the defensive player, the offensive player is out and is automatically ejected from the game. The ball is dead and no runners may advance.
17. Scoring
1. The Home Plate Safe Line will be drawn from the front point of home plate nearest third base.
2. In order to score, a base runner must touch the ground beyond the safe line or touch the safe line before a defensive player, in control of the ball, touches the board covering home plate
3. Any player that touches the board or attempts to slide across the scoring line will be called out.
4. The base runner should avoid all collisions or be subject to being called out or subject to ejection.
5. The Commitment Line is twenty (20) feet from home plate. Once the runner touches or crosses the line he is committed too go home and cannot return to third base.
6. After crossing the commitment line, a runner cannot be tagged out. The out must be made with the defensive player, in control of the ball, touching the home plate strike board before the runner touches or crosses the Safe Line. A runner who has been tagged after crossing the Commitment Line is considered safe at the plate.
7. A runner may be tagged prior to crossing the Commitment Line.
18. Playoffs
1. At the end of the regular season:
…..1. There will be one more round robin where each team will play the other teams in a single game.
…..2. The first place team during the regular season will the home team for all round robin games (a reward for coming in first).
…..3. This will determine the order first to last.
…..4. Ties will be broken as follows:
……….1. The record between the two tied teams
……….2. The highest run differential (runs for minus runs against) in the playoff round robin.
……….3. Fewest runs allowed in the playoff round robin
……….4. Most wins during the playoff round robin.
…..2. There will be one game for the championship. It will pit first against second. First place in the round robin is the home team.
…..3. The championship game will consist of 7 innings. If the score is tied after 7 complete innings, extra innings will be played until there is a winner. All extra innings will begin with one out and a runner (last out) starting at second base.
…..4. Consolation rounds will be played with third vs fourth and fifth vs sixth. If there is an odd number of teams the last place team is eliminated from further play.
…..5. Consolation games end after 7 innings. If the score is tied at the end of 7 innings, it remains a tie.
…..6. The mercy rule is in effect for the playoffs.
19. Player Conduct
1. No alcoholic beverages are permitted by players or fans whether on the playing field, stands or parking lot.
20. Sportsmanship
1. While it is understandable that in the heat of competition, players may occasionally have heightened emotions and the OCSSPL by nature is competitive, it remains a recreational league and all players are expected to behave in a cordial and gentlemanly manner.
2. As such, only Captains or designated assistant captains should discuss “respectfully” questionable calls or rule interpretations with the umpire.
21. Discipline Committee
1. The Executive will make any decisions on any occurrences or matters regarding discipline.
2. Decisions made by the Discipline committee will be final.
22. League Executive
1. The League Executive will consist of the following elected positions:
…..1. President
…..2. Vice President
…..3. Vice President of Finance
…..4. Vice President of Statistics
…..5. Past President
2. The five person League Executive is empowered to direct, manage, supervise and control all operations and finance’s of the OCSSPL and as such are responsible for the proper running and maintenance of the league.
23. Responsibilities of Executive:
1. President
…..1. Term – 3 years
…..2. League advisories
…..3. Primary league contact
…..4. Call general and executive meetings
…..5. Schedule
…..6. League contact to send out rain outs and cancellations.
…..7. Preside over the draft
…..8. Player evaluation
2. Vice President
…..1. Term – 3 years
…..2. Park oversight (bookings and conditions)
…..3. Acquisition and distribution of balls ( and any other equipment that is deemed to be needed by the league).
…..4. Arrange for acquisition and distribution of uniforms.
…..5. Create, publish and maintain the spares list
…..6. Assume the duties of the President in his absence.
3. Vice President of Finance
…..1. Term – 3 years
…..2. Create a prospective budget for the upcoming year to determine fees.
…..3. Collect and deposit league fees and funds.
…..4. Set up and maintain a bank account.
…..5. Provide an annual financial statement to the league embers.
…..6. Pay all league expenses.
4. Vice President of Statistics
…..1. Term – 3 years
…..2. Take minutes of all meetings and distribute them in a timely fashion to the rest of the Executive.
…..3. Collect all scores, keep track of standings and distribute to teams. (Statistician/web master)
5. Past President
…..1. Term – 1 year
…..2. Serve as consultant to the league and executive
24. Team Captains
Criteria
1. Qualifications:
…..1. has been a regular playing member in the league for a minimum of three (3) years
…..2. has been recommended by a previous captain
…..3. has a reasonable knowledge of the current rules of slo-pitch
…..4. has slo-pitch background
…..5. has a reasonable knowledge of the game from a strategic point of view
…..6. has a solid reputation of cooperation as determined by the current executive
…..7. has been a captain or executive in another league
…..8. has the ability to slot players into positions where they will play their best and best help the team
…..9. can send and receive emails as well as access the internet
2. Leadership Attributes:
…..1. is a good communicator (verbal, written & computer literate)
…..2. has a positive nature
…..3. possesses a calm demeanor in awkward and/or difficult situations
…..4. needs to be respectful of umpires and all players in the league
…..5. needs to be friendly and outgoing
…..6. always has the well being of the league in mind when making decisions
…..7. puts the interests of the team ahead of his own
25. Responsibilities of Team Captains:
1. Term – none
2. Team captains will be a voluntary position.
3. Team captains will select a player from his team to serve as an assistant captain and advise the league executive of the name.
4. Communicate and support the league’s code of conduct and rules to their team members.
5. Be responsible for the on field management and actions of his team and their spectators and report any instances of objectionable conduct to the League Executive.
6. Assume control and responsibility for the League equipment and uniforms assigned to their team.
7. Attend meetings of the League as required by the Executive.
8. Provide player ratings and opinions at the end of the season to assist in the following year’s draft.
9. As a group the Team captains will take the lead under the direction of the President and Executive, in drafting each of the teams for the upcoming year. Upon completion of the draft, teams will be assigned to each captain through a random draw selection.
26. Responsibilities of Players:
1. Enjoy the game as it was intended to be played when you were a kid.
2. Agree to abide by the Code of Conduct and Rules of the League.
3. Report any injuries or illnesses that will affect a player’s ability to play to the Team Captain.
27. Financial Policy
1. An annual operating budget shall be established prior to the beginning of each slo-pitch season in order to forecast anticipated expenses and to project projected revenues.
2. The League Executive will develop an annual operating budget (including the recommended player registration fees) and maintain audit-able records of all transactions.
3. The League account may be accessed and disbursements made via cheques and/or e-transfers with receipts and explanations.
4. Any cheque issued requires the signatures of two members of the League Executive.
5. As a non-profit organization, surplus operating funds from one fiscal year will be rolled over to the following fiscal year.
6. Any deficit will be made up through loans or other means and will be reimbursed the following year./
7. In the event of the dissolution or winding up of the league, all its remaining assets, after payment of all its liabilities, shall be distributed to a recognized charity as selected by the Executive Committee.
28. Sponsorship
1. To defray operating expenses of the League, the League may seek financial support from businesses, organizations or individuals for a fee and length of time as determined by the League Executive.
2. Sponsorship may be:
…..1. a single sponsor for the entire league
…..2. multiple sponsors for the entire league
…..3. sponsors for individual teams
3. Payment of sponsorship fees from any business, organization or individual will entitle same to have their name/logo on the uniforms or other league materials.
4. The League Executive and Team Captains will do their best to endorse and promote player support for League Sponsor(s).
29. Player Draft
1. The League Executive in consultation with Team Captains will rate all players according to offense and defense:
…..1. Offense (3 to 17)
……….1. Hitting (2 to 10)
……….2. Power (0 to 3)
……….3. Mobility (1 to 4)
…..2. Defense (2 to 13)
……….1. Fielding (1 to 5)
……….2. Throwing (1 to 4)
……….3. Versatility (0 to 2)
……….4. Attitude and Knowledge (0 to 2)
…..2. The captains and the League Executive will select the number of teams that reflect the number of players who have joined.
…..3 The selection group will endeavour to balance the teams.
…..4. At the conclusion of the draft, the captains will then choose their team by lot using playing cards.
…..5. Adjustments to the teams will then take place to reflect the movements of the captains.
…..6. At this time, captains may choose to make trades with approval of all those present, including the other captains and the executive. No further trades will be permitted after this date.
…..7. Once the season has progressed, a balancing process may have to take place, if it appears that one or more teams is too strong.