NEW Rules for 2008!!!
Batting
· SAC FLY RULE – The SAC FLY rule has been amended. You can now achieve a SAC FLY with 0 or 1 out in an inning. With 1 Out and a runner on 3rd base if a batter flys/pops up and yells "Sac" as we have previously done - that runner can now score as the Inning ends (2 outs per Inning). The Fielder will still have a shot to throw the runner out by tossing it through the zone (see below). All runs scored in this fashion will be UNEARNED for the pitcher.
· Ball Landings – Where a ball lands ON IT'S FIRST BOUNCE is how it'll be scored. Examples: 1) Bounces on the deck then lands in HR territory is a Triple because the first bounce was on the deck. 2) Bounces in fair territory (in the air) over the Fair Play Line then rolls foul is a DOUBLE because it bounced in fair territory first. Exceptions are balls that hit off player's bodies.
Pitching
· Fastball Limit – A Pitcher will be limited to 3 fastballs per batter on a official basis for 2008. CY Young Winners and players with either 10+ years in the league or 400 Innings Pitched will be granted 4 fastballs per batter. If one of these types of Pitcher strikes out 8 hitters in a game… the fastball limit will reduce by one for the remainder of the game. For example – if Phil Shipos (former CY Young Winner) or Andy Waskie (former CY Young Winner) strikes out 8 dudes then the fastball limit decreases from 4 to 3 per hitter.
· A Pitcher is no longer allowed to possess 2 balls within 10 feet of their body and/or the pitching mound. The exception to this rule is if a Pitcher wishes to put a ball or two in their pockets. These balls cannot be exposed by any means whatsoever.
· Any "slow" pitch that crosses the plate and is not offered at will be deemed a strike. This will not affect the 1st Pitch of an At Bat. If it occurs on the 1st Pitch, it's simply a strike and not a 1PK. "Slow" pitches will be called by either a) the current game umpire or b) majority of players present.
Fielding
· No Fielder will have a Wiffleball within 30 feet of their position in the field.
· SAC FLY RULE II – A Fielder can gun down a SAC Fly attempt by either throwing a caught ball through the zone or by bouncing it in one time.
· REALM CHANGES – A Realm Fielder may now enter the field of play 1X per Inning. Once a Realm Fielder steps out of the Realm box it will be considered his "Step Out" for the Inning. The only instance where this doesn't count is on a ball stuck in the Chestnut Tree where a Realm Fielder may come out automatically.
· REALM CHANGES II – A Realm Fielder may now either leap over the HR fence or go through the gate (UP TO THE 1st BUSH) to ROB a player of a HR. He MAY NOT begin an AT BAT on the outside of this fence.
League Rules
· No Franchise is permitted to use ANY player from an opposing Franchise on their team at any time. The only exceptions where an opposing player can play on your Franchise is via special appointment by the LWA President or Commissioner.
Roster Rules
· Each Franchise is permitted a 10 Man Roster. However, only 5 Players may be in a lineup at any point. Those players not in a starting lineup may be used as pinch hitters, relievers, defensive replacements, etc. BUT they MUST APPEAR in every game. Essentially, everyone on your Roster present must appear in every game played. Starters can RE-ENTER 1x.
**** please note - some rules are not applicable in 2008 ***
Section I
The Government of the LWA
A. The President and CEO
1. The President/CEO of the Langhorne Wiffleball Association is the final overseer of the league, all its players, and its functions described among these pages. The President and CEO cannot be removed from power and will remain in power until death or resignation.
2. In the case of a new President/CEO being named, either the previous President/CEO names a successor or, in the scenario that the league is completely franchised with owners of every club, a vote amongst the owners will occur.
3. The President/CEO will control the documentation and the statistics of the league until an archive or a library can be completed.
B. The Commissioner
1. The Office of the Commissionership will be determined every year with an election or after an elected Commissioner’s term is up.
2. 1-Year term limits for any Commissioner initially. This we be re-evaluated in 2007.
3. Any Candidate for Commissioner found to be contaminating the voting audience or tampering with voting tools will be immediately dismissed from the running.
4. Examples of tampering include any, but not limited to the following:
a. Intercepting e-mails
b. Threats of violence against voters
c. Hard drive infiltration
d. Multiple voting
e. Random deceit
f. Treachery of any kind
g. Forceful intimidation and threat of murder
5. Methods of campaigning considered legal during the election process include any, but not limited to the following:
a. Propaganda Filtration
b. Creation of catchy slogans that may offend others
c. Use of controversial platforms in order to obtain a certain sector of voter
d. Loitering outside the Waskland Plateau
e. Proliferating signage and various fliers to random sections of the voting public
6. Duties of the Commissioner
a. Governor of the Game- Commissioner of the LWA is the guiding force behind the organization’s inner workings and public perception. The Commissioner must be an ambassador for the game at all times and be steadfast in achieving its desired goals of success and ultimately, the Olympics.
b. Cabinet Selection- It is the job of the Commissioner to select a Cabinet to assist them in governing the game and in the submission of ideas. These members will be his voice of reason. Their goal is to provide the Commissioner with information and suggestions pertaining to their areas of expertise.
c. Creation of Rules- Commissioner is responsible to help finalize the Langhorne Wiffleball Association Book of Rules and What Not. New additions to the Rulebook are recommended and encouraged.
d. Dedication of the first 8 Franchises- Along with the President/CEO/Founder of the Langhorne Wiffleball Association, the Commissioner will name the Original 8 Franchises. These Franchises will re-examined from year to year. Boo ya.
e. Matters of Final Review- The Office of the Commissioner has final review of all trades, contracts, player movement, game decisions, umpire strikes, and anything not mentioned that falls under the grand umbrella of Wiffleball. Basically, don’t fuck with the Commissioner. All league activity must be approved via the Commissioner’s Office before it can be instituted.
f. Suspensions- Commissioner will review all suspicious activity committed within the league and he has the sole right to assign suspensions and fines to these crimes. Exact crimes and wrongdoings will be mentioned in the section on Player rules.
7. Discipline of the Commissioner
a. Impeachment- A Commissioner may be impeached during his reign for a variety of reasons. Impeachment has to be organized by the Cabinet and then presented against the Court of the Special Master. The Special Master will then rule on the case.
C. Vice-Commissioner
1. The Vice-Commissioner will be appointed every year by the Commissioner. He may run on the same ticket as any Candidate or may be a Candidate himself who concedes the election and joins a campaign. The same election rules that apply to Commissioner apply to Vice-Commissioner also.
2. The Vice-Commissioner’s main responsibility is to assume the Commissionership if the Commissioner is imprisoned, injured, dies tragically or kills themself. In the threat of attack or any act of terrorism, the Vice-Commissioner must immediately hide in the basement of the Waskland Plateau. He may bring a friend.
3. If the Commissioner vacates his post for any of the following 3 reasons, then the Vice-Commissioner may not automatically assume his position, an emergency appointment by the President/CEO will decide a new course:
a. Impeachment
b. Retirement
c. Sexual Addiction
4. Duties of the Vice-Commissioner
a. Head of Umpiring- The Vice-Commissioner is responsible for appointing umpires and overseeing the job they do on the field. It will be under his discretion that umpires are assigned to games, assessed for their performance, and disciplined for missed calls. More on Umpires will be included in a later section.
b. Chief Decision Maker on Food- Must create the menu for all games and maintain a proper eating environment for all those who choose to eat.
c. Ruler of Fun and Games- Will head the division responsible to provide a fun and compelling environment for all those who attend games of the LWA. Such fun includes having board games easily approachable, toys for dogs, and the supervision of the installation of a basketball net. Since unfortunately, only two teams can play at any one time, keeping the fan base occupied is of the utmost importance. The Vice-Commissioner must promise to entertain and be a leader in the advancement of comedy.
d. Idea Provider- Should provide a bunch of ideas to the Commissioner.
5. Discipline of the Vice-Commissioner
a. Dismissal- the Vice-Commissioner can be dismissed for any reason at any time, by the Commissioner. If the Vice wants to dispute the charges against him, he may present his case to the Special Master of the Langhorne Wiffleball Association.
D. Director of the Game
1. The Director of the Game will be appointed every year by the election-winning Commissioner.
2. Duties of the Director of the Game
a. Overall Function- To provide a clear link between the Government of Wiffleball and the actual Game itself. Oversees the creation and maintenance of all rules contained in the Rule Book.
b. Game Coordinator- the Director of the Game will ensure that Offense, Defense and Pitching will equally complement each other rules wise and competition wise. Pitching cannot have more of an edge than Hitting and so forth.
c. Phases of the Game Mandate- If any time during the season, one phase of the game, whether it be Hitting, Pitching or what have you, becomes too dominant, the Director of the Game has the right to call an inquiry into the problems and may in fact, make changes to the rules midseason.
3. Discipline of the Director of the Game
a. Dismissal- the Director of the Game can be dismissed for any reason at any time, by the Commissioner. If the Director wants to dispute the charges against him, he may present his case to the Special Master of the Langhorne Wiffleball Association.
E. Director of Field Operations
1. The Director of Field Operations will be appointed every year by the election-winning Commissioner.
2. Duties of the Director of Field Operations
a. Overall Function- To create an acceptable guideline to preserve the field of play and to monitor/create rules pertaining strictly to the field of play.
b. Field of Play- Must do his best to ensure the field is monitored and nurtured into having the best and safest possible playing surface for the league and its players. This does not mean he has to mow the lawn every week. It means he simply must keep the Commissioner and the President abreast of problems that may arise with the field and possible solutions to fix them. The Director of Field Operations must give his final stamp of approval before any games are played on a specific day.
3. Discipline of the Director of Field Operations
a. Dismissal- the Director of Field Operations can be dismissed for any reason, at any time, by the Commissioner. If the Director wants to dispute the charges against him, he may present his case to the Special Master of the Langhorne Wiffleball Association.
F. Other Cabinet and Non-Cabinet Positions of Government
1. President of Advertising and Sales
a. Overall Function- To secure sponsors, advertisers, and all such media opportunities to assist the financial benefit of the LWA. Also responsible for recruitment of players outside the realm of the LWA and the overall advertising for the LWA. Breakdown of earned monies through sponsorships will be discussed in another Section.
2. Director of Merchandising and Apparel Creation
a. Overall Function- Will create all logos and uniforms for the entire Langhorne Wiffleball Association. This position acts separately from the regular Cabinet and at their own discretion. They are not required to take orders from GM’s or other Government officials. The only people who may order changes in Uniform design are actual Owners (GM’s).
3. Head of the Player’s Association
a. Overall Function- Will work closely with each and every player in the league to ensure a fair, safe, and equal working environment for them. Will provide a direct link from all players to the government of the Langhorne Wiffleball Association. In the case of a Player’s Strike, the Head of the Player’s Association will handle all negotiations for their side.
4. Owners
a. Overall Function- Basically, for a fee of a yet to be determined nature, any individual may actually purchase one of the Franchises. More on Ownership will be discussed in a later Section.
5. General Managers
a. Overall Function- The individuals are assigned a Franchise by the Commissioner of the LWA to act as their father, to build and create their team from the ground up. They are also responsible to sign players to contracts, participate in drafts, and attend meetings. The GM role will be defined greater in a later section.
6. Umpires, Statisticians, Cooks, Videographers
a. Overall Function- Exactly what their title implies.
Section II
The Player
A. The Role of the Player
Anyone willing to become a Player within the Langhorne Wiffleball Association may do so without question, by merely enjoying this great game and passing it on to others to enjoy as well.
B. Rules for a Player
1. Any individual who decides to participate in the Langhorne Wiffleball Association promises to abide by the rules contained herein or face the consequences as anyone who has broken a law would… with imprisonment! Maybe not imprisonment but via fines, suspensions and worst case scenario, expulsion.
2. As a Player you promise to adhere to the unwritten code of Wiffleball Sportsmanship. This code says that after all is said and done, it is still just a game and just a game it will remain. You promise to congratulate your opponent after every game and even, in between every Inning if you so choose. It goes without saying that any violence will not be tolerated and if such activity occurs, may God be on your side because asses will be toasted to Hell.
3. Drug use on the field of play anywhere is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. I said on the field of play. Alcohol abuse is encouraged and often times linked to social successes. Cigarette usage is not permitted on the field of play whatsoever but is permitted in the grandstands and the field boxes. Players may smoke in between Innings if they choose.
4. A player’s private parts must be covered at all times. This goes without any exception, well except for women who are encouraged to display all private parts publicly. This may even be rewarded.
5. Any fighting or physical provocation that breaks out between players will absolutely not be tolerated. Fines, suspensions and possibly a phone call to local authorities will occur. This is a gentleman’s game, not a Neanderthal’s game like boxing or hockey.
6. League Fees (NOT APPLICABLE IN 2007)
a. Each player is required to pay $50 as a League Fee . This amount is due by the All-Star Game of each particular season. Paying weekly is encouraged. This fee amounts to approximately .71 cents a game. A running record of who has paid/not paid will be kept by the Office of the President/CEO.
b. The League Fee is divided as seen below
League Fee Breakdown (Model assumes 40 players paying $50 each or $2000 total)
Recipient - Percentage - Amount (est.)
Langhorne Wiffleball Association - 10% - $200
General Managers (All 8 combined) - 20% - $400
Runner-Up for Championship - 10% - $200
Championship Winners - 60% - $1200
c. If a Player decides not to pay his/her League Fee, they will simply be exempt from any post season winnings, any tournament monies, and any after the season awards and ceremonies.
7. Fines, Suspensions and Exiles
a. The Commissioner’s Office has the final right to issue Fines, Suspensions, or Exiles after reviewing each particular situation.
b. Offenses punishable by Fines (The offenses contained herein are not a complete listing of crimes punishable with a fine. Basically, there are others so don’t try us.)
Offense - Fine Amount
Multiple verbal exchanges complaining about something, i.e. constant bitching - $1-5
Throwing equipment, i.e. bats and balls, whether accidentally or intentionally - $1-5
Unfairly indulging in more than 6 hot dogs or hamburgers in any one day - $5
Tracking mud into any of the bathrooms of the Waskland Plateau - $5
Multiple uses of a cell-phone while you are currently involved in a game - $5
Holding up a game for usage of herbal remedies - $5
Verbal altercations with opponents or any player of the LWA - $5-10
Making out with a girl at a game - $5-10
Missing games after previously committing to coming that day - $5-10
Verbal altercations with umpires or members of the LWA Government - $5-20
Missing games after previously committing to coming that day - $5-20
Physically touching a player while seated as a member of the audience - $5-25
Mistreatment of the playing field, its surface or the monuments contained within - $5-30
Blatant misuse of power as a member of LWA Government - $10-50
Inappropriate dealings with free agents (to be discussed later) - $10-50
Attempting to change the outcome of an official game - $10-100
Repeatedly not contributing to the food/alcohol donation of the league - varies
Breaking rules inherent to the game play of the League - varies
c. Offenses Punishable by Suspensions
Also, Suspensions will usually come along with a fine. This fine will be determined by the Office of the Commissioner.
Offense - Suspension Length
Blatant misconduct detrimental to the league - Varies
Intentionally changing the outcome of a game in which you are directly involved - Varies
Multiple games missed after previously vowing attendance - 1-10 Games
Lack of effort in realizing the LWA is created for everyone, by everyone - 1 Game
Multiple breaking of Offenses punishable by Fines - Varies
d. Offenses Punishable by Exile
1) The offenses contained herein are not a complete representation of crimes punishable by exile. Basically, there are others so don’t try us. Exile is a lonely world.
Offense - Exile Length
Anything involving the intentional throwing of a game - Um, LIFE!
Joining a competitive Wiffleball League in Langhorne - Situation varies
e. Where the League Fines Go:
1) 50% of The League Fines will be added to the general bank of the Langhorne Wiffleball Association and will be used to purchase food, beverage, gasoline for yard devices and what not.
2) 50% of the League Fines will be added to the Runner Up and Champions Share of the Championship money (must reach $500 or all 10% of fines go to the League). ***NOT APPLICABLE IN 2007***
8. If a league member has a recommendation on players to join the league, they are to have these potential recruits e-mail the President/CEO at awaskie@lwawiffleball.com and have them fill out the Player Registration Form on (coming soon). This form will assist the General Managers in determining their value for their prospective Franchises. During the season Try-Out Sessions may also be instituted.
Section III
The General Manager (GM)
A. The Role of the GM
A General Manager is ultimately responsible for the success and/or failure of the Franchise to which they are assigned. They are responsible for the day to day operations of their Franchise.
B. Rules for a GM
1. You can be hired as a General Manager in one of two ways:
a. Appointment from the Commissioner (or President)
b. Hiring from an Owner of a Franchise
2. During your tenure as a GM, you are required to treat your position with respect but at the same time, a GM is encouraged to be completely active by having fun within in the league in regards to player trades, free agency, etc.
3. A GM can be fired at any point by either the League Office or an Owner or even by consistent fan and media abuse. It’s a tough job and you are publicly responsible for the perception and results of your Franchise.
4. As mentioned in Section 2, Part 6b. of League Fees, each General Manager will receive approx. $50 as a GM allowance. This fee is to be used towards future free agents, equipment, and other miscellaneous items. *** NOT APPLICABLE in 2007 ***
a. This $50 is being urged to be used on equipment for your team. Balls, new Bats, etc. will all need to be purchased. The LWA will not purchase balls every week.
5. A General Manager is supposed to be cool at all times. This means suits during League functions, rad shades at the ball park and a really cool pair of binoculars to scout talent.
C. Drafting Rules of Drafting
1. The draft order for the first Player Draft will be determined by random draft lottery. No team is permitted to win a round more than once. If this occurs, the next selected team with earn the first pick of a round with the original winner then receiving the 2nd pick.
2. No team may select more than twice in any one round until the 4th Round when the amount of Draft Picks is unlimited. Not valid for future drafts.
3. No team may select twice in the First and Second Rounds, back to back. For example, it is illegal to draft twice in the first round and twice in the 2nd round. This is to encourage competition and prevent any one team from stacking players. You may select twice in back to back rounds after the First Round however. Not valid for future drafts.
4. After the Draft is complete, you must set your Roster at 5 Players. Any Player not placed on your Active Roster is then deemed “Unprotected.” You have until Midnight on the 2nd Monday following the Draft to either trade or decide to protect these Players. At Midnight, they become Free Agents.
5. Draft Process and Rules
a. The Draft Clock will begin precisely at 7:30pm, no exceptions
b. There will be 5 minutes allotted for each Franchise to make their selection
c. The General Manager, when making a selection, must write down on the index cards provided (called Draft Cards), the following:
1) Name of the Player Selected
2) Position of the Player
3) College or School attended
d. The General Manager must hand their Draft Card to the Commissioner BEFORE the timer runs out on your allotted time
e. If any General Manager does not make a selection BEFORE their timer has run out, the next Franchise on the clock can jump ahead and make their selection:
1) This skipping can occur until the subsequent Round is over, in which time the Franchise being skipped will be given the next highest ranked player
2) There will be NO EXCEPTIONS to the 5 minute allotted time
f. If any Franchise has failed to arrive or cannot make it due to unforeseen circumstances, the Commissioner of the Langhorne Wiffleball Association will make their selection for them
6. Additional rules will surface for subsequent drafts. These mostly apply only for the initial draft.
7. Beginning in 2007, the LWA Draft will be completed randomly (with the exception of the 4th and 5th rounds where GM’s can make their own choices) with all future drafts adhering to traditional draft policies. (Team with worst record picks first, etc.)
a. The above policies in #5 will adhere to all future drafts.
D. Rosters Roster Management
1. All Franchises are permitted to have a Roster comprised of 5 Players with an additional 2 on the Disabled List. Twins do not count as 1 Player. Women do not count as ½ a Player.
2. Initial Rosters must be set by Midnight the night before Opening Day. Changes can me made any time after that. This occurs because you may draft as many players as you want and we give you a few days to decide who to keep as well as to avoid a GM snatching up a player the night before Opening Day under the cloak of darkness.
3. After each season ends, you’re permitted to designate one Player as your Franchise Player.
a. Franchise Player
1) When deemed as a Franchise Player, your rights are completely held to that Franchise and your salary will be determined via a comprise between the Commissioner’s Office and the Player’s Association
2) Your rights are maintained for 1 Year and you may only be designated a Franchise Player for 1 Year, not for consecutive years
4. Rosters can be expanded to 7 on September 1 for teams more than 10 Games out of the Playoffs. This is to be used as a tool to give some other players a “look.”
5. Your Off-Season Roster can contain as few as zero players or simply your Franchise Player. Once the Free Agency period has ended, another Draft will occur in which your picks will be determined by Order of Finish in the previous year and by how many Free Agents you signed (see more about Free Agency below).
Payroll/Salary Requirements
1. There will be no Salary Cap initiated for the Langhorne WiffleballAssociation
2. During the first Season of the LWA (2005), players are required to play for the Franchise that Drafts them.
Refusal to Sign with a Franchise/ Holdouts
If a Player refuses to sign with the Franchise that selects them, several things can occur:
a) That player must sit out until the All-Star Break at which time he can negotiate with another Franchise OR he can suck it up and sign with the Franchise that selected him
b) If a Player chooses to sit out and eventually does sign with another team, the team that Drafted him will be awarded Draft Pick compensation as decided by the Commissioner of the LWA at the expense of the team who signed him. Basically, if you sign a Holdout, you will forfeit a Draft Pick
c) Players who are Holdouts may not participate in League Events like Home Run Derbies, Cookouts, meetings, and Award Ceremonies, etc. Contracts and Free Agency Free Agency will be deemed as the status of any Player currently registered with the Langhorne Wiffleball Association whose rights are not maintained by any Franchise.
Steps to Free Agency
1. An individual signs up for participation with the Langhorne Wiffleball Association by registering with the Office of the President and the LWA website at www.lwawiffleball.com
2. After the Player Draft, all Undrafted Players who are not Protected on a Roster will be declared Free Agents. These Players can be signed at any point during the year by any Franchise, as long as they clear room on their Roster and pass appropriately through Waivers.
a. After the season ends, a team has first negotiation rights with their players until December 18th. This is when a GM can use any means from their own pockets to re-sign players. Cases of beer, herbal remedies, and cigarettes, all are fair to use to lure free agents, whether they be your own or somebody else’s.
b. If a Franchise loses a Free Agent whether to claims of being a Small Market or by simply having their Player’s leave, they will be compensated based off the Class of Free Agent they lose. See breakdown below:
Franchise Compensation for lost Free Agents
Type of Player - Lost Compensation
Class A Player - Extra 1st Round Pick
Class B Player - Extra 2nd Round Pick
Class C Player - Extra 3rd Round Pick
Class D Player - Extra 4th Round Pick
3. During the First Season (2005), players are not technically signed to contracts for value. They are signed pledging their participation with that team for 2005 and, in the event they should win a monetary event (Championship, Tournament, All Star Game, etc.), they will be awarded an equal share with their teammates, the various monies won. For example, if your team wins the Championship, you split the winnings evenly between your 4 teammates and your General Manager.
Finance Breakdown for a Championship Team (Assume $1200 is the Winner’s Share)*** NOT APPLICABLE IN 2007 ***
Player - Percentage - Amount
Player A - 20% - $240
Player B - 20% - $240
Player C - 20% - $240
Player D - 20% - $240
GM - 20% - $240
Transactions
1. Trading
a. Players can be Traded can any point at any time.
b. If a Player obtains a No-Trade Clause through a Free Agent Contract, then he obviously cannot be Traded
c. All Trades must meet approval via the Office of the Commissioner
2. Waiver Wire
a. A Player can be placed on Waivers at any time. That Player immediately becomes a Free Agent.
b. If a Player who’s placed on Waivers is claimed by more than one Franchise at the same time, then he is awarded to the Franchise with the lower Winning Percentage.
c. To sign a Free Agent or a Player on Waivers, a General Manager must complete the Waiver and Free Agency Request Form, which will be given out to all General Managers.
3. Rule 5 Draft
a. The Rule 5 Draft will occur at the All Star Break every season. The General Managers of each Franchise are required to protect 3 of their 5 men on their Rosters. A Draft happens, with the team with the lowest Winning Percentage selecting first, of these unprotected players. However, this Player selected must remain on your ACTIVE Roster for the entire season or be offered back for $5.
4. Contraction
a. In the event that the LWA contracts one or more teams, existing Franchises will be given first option to fill any vacancies via a Contraction Draft.
5. Expansion
a. If this happens, cool. We’ll decide later what to do.
6. Retirement
a. If you plan on retiring, you must notify the Office of the President and then really listen to his pleas to stay. If you choose not to, we’ll decide whether or not to honor you.
7. Disabled Lists
a. Three types of Disabled Lists
1) 10 Day- Player must remain on the list for 10 Days
2) 30 Day- Player must remain on the list for 30 Days and you earn an extra Roster spot, a 6th Spot
3) Season- When a player cannot compete for an entire season but a team wishes to retain his rights
E. Forfeit Prevention Clause
1. A General Manager will be fined $10 for every forfeit their team commits. A forfeit is constituted by either deliberately or incidentally not being able to field a team of players after promising to do so. Multiple forfeits will be punished with increased fines and people being pissed off.
Section IV
The Game
A. The Playing Field
1. The Field: A semi-level surface. The angle created from the tip of home plate will be between 70 and 75 degrees from foul line to foul line or it will not be 70 and 75 degrees from foul line to foul line.
2. The Infield: An Infield Line will be drawn from foul line to foul line, and will extend from a distance of 45 feet from home plate. Cones will be placed on the infield line and the foul line, completely in fair territory, and will serve as a marker for ground balls. A Fair Play Circle will be drawn and run from foul line to foul line 6 feet from the tip of home plate.
a. Infield Line
1) The Infield Line will serve as the marker for singles/doubles on the field of play.
2) The Infield Line also designates between a fair and foul ball.
3) Quite simply, a ball that travels over the line (and lands beyond it) in the air is a double. A ball that travels past the line, crossing it on the ground (and isn’t fielded in time) is a Single. Any ball that doesn’t cross the line is a foul ball (but still can be fielded)
b. Fair Play Circle
1) A ball can be considered a single if it is BUNTED outside the Fair Play Circle and stops before it is fielded properly.
2) In the scorebook, this is a considered a Bunt Hit and is considered an official stat. Same bunting rules as MLB apply.
3. The Outfield: An oblong shape of corners and surprises with no set distances. Any ball landing on the patio or in the garden will be considered Triples. A Home Run is any ball that touches a roof and/or gutter on the structure of the house or a ball that clears the LF and RF fences.
4. The House That Otto Built: A ball hitting the roof and/or gutter of The House That Otto Built (the garage) will be considered a Double (if it’s hit in fair territory). A ball bouncing off the façade of The House That Otto Built will be a Single (if it’s hit in fair territory).
a. Fair Territory to RF is anything to the left of the October Maple Tree (see below).
5. October Maple and other Trees, Bushes, and Shrubs:
a. The October Maple/any tree
1) All balls becoming lodged in any tree become Free Game. This means that the Offensive team may try and dislodge the ball to their advantage while the Defense can do the same.
2) This can occur is both fair and foul territory
3) An umpire may step in and declare the ball dead for several reasons:
a) Too many unsuccessful attempts at it
b) Risk of danger due to the ball’s lodged location
c) Lack of attempt at the ball
d) General weakness of the balls location
e) Umpire feels like it
4) Any ball that strikes a tree and goes into fair territory will be played as normal as any other ball that goes into fair territory. The same rules apply there.
b. Bushes and Shrubs
1) Balls lodged in a bush or shrub or ones that simply glance off them are Dead Balls and will be ruled as Ground Rule Doubles.
2) A Single that rolls under a bush or shrub is a Dead Ball and thus still a Single.
6. The Pitcher’s Mound: The pitcher will throw from a distance of 48 feet from the tip of home plate. A pitching rubber will be used and will be exactly 48 feet from the tip of home plate.
7. The Batter’s Box: Batter's boxes are optional, but encouraged for appearance reasons.
8. Out of Play and Foul Territory: The playing field area will be kept clear of all objects and players.
9. Ground Rules: Will be discussed to all teams prior to the start of each game or before the beginning of a tournament.
10. Field Marking: Cones for markers and chalk or string for foul lines will be used. Distance on the left, right and center field walls will be marked clearly.
B. Pitching
1. The Mound
a. The Mound will be placed 48 feet from the edge of the strike zone.
b. A Pitcher must start from BEHIND the mound and their back foot must remain there until after the pitch is thrown.
c. Unnecessary stalling while standing on the mound will result in a Balk call.
1) Balks***NEW for 2007***
a) Balks have been introduced in 2007. Different from MLB rules concerning Balks, the LWA considers a Balk any rapid motion from one pitch to the next. A 5 second delay must occur between pitches.
b) A balk that is committed with a runner on base will result in an extra base for that runner. If nobody is on base and you commit this rapid fire style of pitching, a ball will be awarded to the Batter.
2. The Ball
a. Only the white baseball size Wiffle®Ball, (eight slots on one side) will be used for play. The LWA will allow the ball to be scuffed with sandpaper, wallpaper, newspaper, etc. prior to the start of the game. (see exceptions below)
b. If a ball is torn more than 1/4 inch it will be ruled illegal for play and will be removed from the game. A ball may be kept exclusively in the possession of a pitcher as long as it is ruled legal. No foreign matter can be added to the ball.
c. Gunking or Popping the Ball:
1) This is when a pitch is thrown with any side of the ball “popped” in, thus causing a wobbly, uncooperative, shitty pitch. This is highly illegal.
d. Grandfather Rule *** NOT APPLICABLE IN 2007 ***
1) All Pitchers appearing in their first ever game in 2007 will no longer be allowed to scuff, damage or affect the balls in any way, shape or form. Those who have done it in previous years may continue to do so until they retire. A list will be compiled of the all the pitchers who are eligible. These pitchers will be called “Scuffballers.”
3. Pitching Rules
a. The first pitch thrown to any hitter than enters the strike zone and is not offered at will result in an automatic strikeout. This will be scored in the stat sheets as a 1PK (First Pitch Strikeout).
b. Walks and Hit By Pitches
1) The batting team is now permitted 2 walks per Inning. However, after the first walk has been issued and a Full-Count is reached on the hitter… ANY BALL hitting the zone ANYWHERE will be considered a strike. This is to neutralize batters just taking pitches.
2) Walks are issued to the Offense after every Home Run hit per Inning. If you hit a Home Run 3 times in an inning, you're given 3 new walks. Unused walks CAN carry over from Inning to Inning. An umpire MAY NOT remind you how many walks you have left.
3) The only time a Batter can reach on a Hit By Pitch is if they are struck in the face or the head. The neck does not count. A Batter will not be awarded a base if he/she lunges into the pitch or intentionally attempts to be hit with the pitch.
4) If a batter sticks any part of his body in the path of an oncoming pitch, whether intentional or not, that pitch will be called a strike. However, not on the 3rd strike of an At Bat. We’re cool like that.
5) If a pitch hits a batter and then enters the zone, it is a strike. A 3rd strike can not be recorded in this fashion. If a pitch hits the Batter in the face or head and then enters the zone, it counts as a strike… not awarded as a free base.
c. A pitcher starting or entering a game must face one complete batter before leaving the mound.
d. A pitcher may not wear any type of distractive jewelry or clothing, such as; white long sleeve shirt under his uniform top. This is bullshit and won’t be tolerated for one minute.
e. Warm Ups: A pitcher will get 8 warm-up pitches before the start of the game once he takes the mound and 4 between innings. If a relief pitcher comes into the game due to a result of an injury to the active pitcher, a reasonable amount of time will be allowed for the relief pitcher to warm-up.
f. Inheriting a Count/Situation: A pitcher must face one complete batter before being replaced by a relief pitcher. When a pitcher is replaced by a relief pitcher and the batter already has a count or base runners on base, e.g. three balls and one strike and or base runners on first and second, the relief pitcher will inherit the 3-1 count NOT the base runners.
g. Pitchers are not permitted to have more than 1 ball in their hands at any time. Extra balls must either be placed in your pocket or set aside on the ground.
h. No more than 3 Personal Balls can be at your side during the course of a game. We lose too many balls due to carelessness and what not. 3 Balls ONLY.
C. Hitting
1. The Bat
a. Must be rounded on all sides, cannot exceed 38 inches in length, 2 1/2 inches in diameter, or have tape, etc. covering more than 45% of the length. Bats can be filled with any stationary non-metallic substance. A poorly constructed bat may be ruled illegal, if it is unsafe. Permitted tapes include scotch, duct, electrical, and VHS tape.
2. Batting Order
a. A team may choose to bat a maximum of five players and a minimum of two players. The team must choose to do this at the start of the game and continue that way until it's conclusion. If a player is injured during the game and cannot continue to bat, his turn at bat will be considered an out. A batting order will not be changed during the game and if a team bats out of order that batter is ruled out.
b. It is considered bad etiquette to continually ask the umpire who made last out. It can be allowable to do so 2-3 times maximum per game but anything beyond this and the umpire will be instructed to ignore your request.
3. Substitution
a. All five players may change positions at any time defensively, however once a player is batted for by a substitute, that player is out of the game and cannot re-enter. A pitcher must face one complete batter before changing positions defensively.
4. The Batter
a. Switch Hitting - The batter may switch sides at any time in the count before you have 2 strikes on you. The batter must notify the pitcher before doing so and may not switch sides during the delivery of a pitch, if so, the pitch will be ruled a strike.
b. Legal Positioning - A batter must have both feet completely in the batter's box. The "white lines" are part of the batter's box and if the batter has one or both feet on the white lines this is considered a legal stance. It is legal for a batter's feet to leave the batter's box during as long as the batter was legally positioned when the pitch was thrown. If a batter intentionally steps out of the batter's box during a pitch, the pitch is ruled legal and a ball or strike will be call accordingly.
c. Batter’s Hands - The hands of the batter are considered part of the bat. A ball hitting the batter's hand(s)s and landing in foul territory is ONLY a strike if the batter is in the act if swinging, if not the pitch is ruled a ball. If a ball hits a batter's hand(s) and lands into fair territory, the ball will be ruled a fair ball.
d. Foul Balls - The batter will not touch foul balls until they come to a complete stop. Foul balls have been known to spin back into fair play and are NOT too be touched until they stop spinning or moving in any way.
C. Fielding
1. Footwear Proper footwear should be worn. Spikes (metal or plastic) or turf shoes on grass or dirt. Sneakers or turf shoes on asphalt, cement and Astroturf. Teams will be informed on field surfaces ahead of time in order to bring the appropriate footwear.
2. Gloves Baseball gloves, winter gloves, basically any hand covering is not allowed. Batting gloves may be worn by the batter only when at bat.
3. Uniforms Matching shirts are kinda required for all teams. Names, numbers and pants are optional.
4. The Fielders: A fielder(s) will not line up in any manner that may, in any way, distract a batter. Showing parts of any one’s body will be considered gay.
D. Gameplay
1. The Game
(1) Seven innings equal a normal game. A 10 Run Rule is in effect after four complete innings, a 20 Run Rule after two complete innings.
(2) During Tournaments, a 5 Inning Game is an acceptable format. A 10 Run Rule is in effect after 3 complete innings, a 20 Run Rule after 2 complete innings.
(3) Outs - Three outs per inning for each team.
(4) The Count – Five balls to a walk, three strikes is an out, fouls are unlimited. A foul tip hitting the target or going through the target (hole) will result in an out WITH TWO STRIKES ONLY.
(5) The Strike Zone - A strike zone made out of any solid material with a hole in the center will be the choice of the LWA. A solid fixed target made out of almost any solid material is also acceptable. The hole (or target) will be no less than 20 inches wide and 30 inches high and no more than 24 inches wide and 34 inches high. Strike zones will start at no less than12 inches above the ground and no more than 16 inches above the ground. These dimensions must be followed to have a consistent strike zone. A solid strike zone must be used for consistency.
(6) Baserunners - There is no base running or base stealing. All runners will be imaginary like a nice Santa Claus.
(7) Infield Fly Rule - No infield fly rule will be called.
(8) Extra Innings - In extra innings, the beginning of the ninth inning runners start on first and second base. The 10th inning is started with bases loaded and the remainder of the game is played with bases loaded until a winner is determined.
(9) Protesting a Game - In a protested game, the decision of the LWA President or Commissioner is final. Judgment calls cannot be protested. A protest will only be recognized when the team protesting notifies the LWA President or Commissioner before the next pitch is thrown. If a game is in protest, the following information shall be recorded: the score, the number of outs, the batter, the position of any runners, and the count. If a replay of the game is ordered, the game shall resume at the point of the protest. The LWA President or Commissioner will meet with their staff and make a decision within one hour of the protest. All decisions made by the President are FINAL.
2. Game Situations
a. All batted balls must reach the fair play line to be playable; otherwise it is a foul ball.
b. A ground ball fielded before landing past the infield line is an out. Juggling or deflecting to the fielder in the air is an out, as long as the ball does not hit the ground. A player's position to the infield line does not matter, the ball is the key, it must land past the line to be ruled a hit. If the ball hits the line and is caught, it is still an out.
c. If a batted ball is dropped by a fielder and the ball falls on the ground, it will be ruled an error and the appropriate base will be awarded.
d. Any fair ball that goes past the infield line will be ruled single.
e. A ball hitting a cone is an automatic single, all runners advance one base.
f. Any ball that lands beyond the infield line in fair territory and bounces back into foul territory will be considered FAIR.
g. A fly ball hitting the fielder than the wall is ruled a Double. The exceptions to this rule are:
1) Hitting a player than landing for a Home Run is in fact, a Home Run (known as the Canseco Rule)
2) Hitting a player than landing on the deck (Grandstand Seating) will still be considered a Triple.
h. A ground ball that comes to a complete stop in the infield is ruled an infield single.
i. A fly ball hitting the wall first and then being caught by a fielder is ruled a Double
j. *** NEW FOR 2007 *** Any ball that reaches the wall on the ground or by bouncing and is untouched will be ruled a double.
3. Base Runners
a. Base runners move as follows: One base on a single, two bases on a double and three bases on a triple.
b. With a runner on third base and less than two outs a team may try and score the runner on third base on a fly ball. When the ball is in the air the offensive team can yell, "TAG" to activate the runner. The fielder must catch the ball and throw home attempting to hit the backstop (6 feet high by 8 feet wide) in the air, bounce or roll. If the throw hits the backstop the runner is out, if it misses, the runner scores. All other base runners stay where they are. The offensive team must yell, "TAG" as soon as the ball is hit, without delay. The fielder has three seconds and one step to make the throw after the catch. Known easily as the Tag Rule.
c. Double Play Rule - If the offensive team hits a ground ball in the infield with less than two outs (and at least 1 Runner on Base) the defensive team may attempt a DOUBLE PLAY. In doing so, the fielder must field the ball cleanly (not juggle) and throw the ball through the strike zone (20inch x 30inch hole). If the ball goes through the hole in the air the lead runner is out. If the throw misses the hole no runners advance. The ball must travel through the hole in the air only, NOT a bounce.
E. Umpires
1. Officiating and Score Keeping
a. Making Calls – Wiffleball is a gentleman’s game and must be played as such. Umpiring a game will be the responsibility of those involved. Any decision that requires an impartial opinion will be made by the on-duty Umpire.
b. Official Score – Usually handled by the Umpire and the President of the LWA.
F. Tournaments
All tournaments will be double elimination throughout the entire schedule. An undefeated team must lose twice to be eliminated.
COIN TOSS: A coin toss in the beginning of each game will decide the Home team and the Visiting team. The coin toss is worked out between the two teams at the start of each game.
There is absolutely NO refund on tournament fees once a team is registered.
Once a schedule is made, there will be absolutely NO changes in game times.
WEATHER CONDITIONS: Games will be played in all weather conditions unless the LWA President or Commissioner indicates otherwise.
LWA President makes ALL final decisions relevant to tournament play.
STARTING TIME: Games will begin no earlier than 8am and no later than 10pm.
Rules not stated herein, will follow the rules in accordance with Major League Baseball.
Copyright©2007, LWA
If you have any questions about the following rules or need to contact the LWA, Contact Andy at: Awaskie@lwawiffleball.com
