The objectives of this association shall be to provide the sport of softball to girls, to teach them to work as a team and to learn sportsmanship. Managers shall enforce good safety practices and strongly encourage sportsmanship, especially by example.

The current year’s ASA/USA OFFICIAL GUIDE, as published by the Amateur Softball Association of America, 2081 NE 50th Street, PO Box 11436, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111-7203, shall be the official rules of the RRGSA.

Should the current Association membership fail to act on the local rules prior to February 1st, those rules adopted during the previous year shall remain in effect.

This constitution or any section thereof may be amended or replaced by a two-thirds majority vote of the attending membership prior to February 1st of any given year.

SECTION 1
Managers, coaches, players, or spectators will be removed from a game or from the
Association for disciplinary reasons that include:

- The use of any tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances on the field or in the dugout during practice or games.

- No alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances will be allowed in the stands.

- Being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances at practice or games.

- The use of profanity at any time during practice or games

- Committing threatening actions or undue harm to umpires, managers, coaches, players, or spectators during practice or games.

- A second offense of any of these reasons will result in the expulsion of participation for the remainder of the regular and post-season and removal from RRGSA.


SECTION 2:
Time will be called immediately when a player is hurt, and bases will be awarded at the umpire’s discretion.

SECTION 3
Coaches are responsible for providing lineups with jersey #’s to the official scorekeeper, with copies available for the umpire and the opposing team before each game.

SECTION 4
Forfeit times are ten minutes after game time. Game time is set by the current year’s schedule.

SECTION 5
Three innings or 45 minutes will constitute a complete game in the event of weather or other uncontrollable situations. No more than 6 innings will be played (exception: during the end-of-season tournament.)

SECTION 6
A team is allowed only 6 runs per inning in 6U and 8U and 5 runs per inning in 10U, 12U, or 14U.

SECTION 7
Run (mercy) rule will be in effect. A game will be called completed when a team is ahead by:

15 after 3 innings
10 after 4 innings
7 after 5 innings

SECTION 8
You may start or finish with only six players in 6U and 8U.
You may start or finish with only eight players in 10U and up

Any player arriving more than 20 minutes after the start of the game MAY NOT enter that game.

PICK-UP PLAYERS:

Why: If a team will not have enough players to field a full defensive team for a game, the Team Manager may request the use of not more than two pool players to field a full defensive team on the requesting team. Every request for a pool player must include the reason for absence, and the right to obtain a pool player must be approved by the Player Agent or the Division Representative in which the pool player is requested. No games will be rescheduled due to an absence of a player.

How: The Team Manager must use all efforts to notify the Player Agent no later than 2 pm the day of Thursday games or by 8pm Friday night for Saturday games regarding the need to use a pool player(s). If you are aware of the need in advance, submit the request early. The approval of the pool player shall be made by the Player Agent without input from any Manager. This approval is given on a game-by-game basis and based on need.  Any use of a pool player or substitute player that has not been assigned by the Player Agent or Division Representative shall result in a 6‐0 forfeit by the offending team.

A Pool Player is an RRGSA registered player from the age division below the requesting team’s age division (i.e., a 10U team may have an 8U player, a 12U team may have a 10U player or an 8U player…etc) in order to meet the
minimum number of players allowed to take the field in a game. If a 6U team needs an additional player to meet the minimum number of players, the coach will need to get with the 6U Representative and Player Agent to have player(s) approved to be added for the game(s).   The pool player must always play the outfield and bat last. The pool player must play at least six (6) consecutive outs and bat at least once. In the event a "rostered" player shows up after the start of a game but before 20 minutes have passed, the pool player must meet this rule, and then the regular player must be inserted into the lineup and the pool player removed.

Pool players are not allowed if it means the team will have extra players on the bench or to just add batters to your lineup. No pool players are allowed for post‐season tournament play.

SECTION 9
The manager of each team shall have the responsibility of maintaining order, discipline, and good sportsmanship from all who are associated with or representing his/her team. Coaches are to wear issued coaches’ shirts. Coaches shall not alter the uniform. Coaches must wear caps and visors correctly.

SECTION 10
Players' shoes shall be closed-toe, with no metal spikes or metal cleats. Rubber cleats are acceptable.

Exception: Games exclusively held within the 14U division (NOT mixed 12/14U), are allowed to wear metal cleats. Ordinary metal sole or heel plates may be used if the cleats on the plates do not extend more than 3/4 of an inch from the sole or heel of the shoe. Shoes with round metal spikes are illegal. Shoes with detachable cleats that screw on are not permitted; however, shoes with detachable cleats that screw INTO the shoe are permitted.

SECTION 11
No girl shall be allowed to play unless in proper uniform, which consists of only those items approved by the RRGSA, including but not limited to: Cleats or other appropriate footwear, Fielder’s mask, softball glove, batting helmet with mask, & approved bat per USA Softball regulation. EXCEPTION: With the permission of the plate umpire.

SECTION 12
If a player is being disciplined, she may be withheld from one or more games for the following reasons:

1. Two missed practices in a row or excessive absences from both practices and games. An example would be a No Show, No Call situation; EXCEPTION: An excused absence.

2. Unsportsmanlike conduct or any other activity that discredits the Rose Rich Girls Softball Association. This is based on the umpires', coaches’, or board members' hearing and or seeing poor sportsmanship.

A coach is not allowed to take disciplinary action against a child player without the approval of the Executive Board, addressed through the Division Rep. Any instance will be addressed on a case-by-case basis and reviewed by the Executive Board.

SECTION 13
Each team is responsible for the following:

Cleanup:
Each team is responsible for leaving the dugouts, fields, and spectator area clean after each game and practice. (See Penalty below) Litter and glass are strictly prohibited.

Field Maintenance:
RRGSA will schedule official workdays before opening day. Each team will provide at least two representatives on each workday. Failure to fulfill your obligations shall result in the suspension of the team manager for 2 games without a required repeat offense. Suspended managers shall not be present at games.

Scorekeeping: The home team will supply an official scorekeeper at least 18 years of age.

Penalty: Unless otherwise noted, a first offense will constitute a warning to the manager. Repeat offenders MAY be suspended as outlined.  Any team failing to fulfill its obligations shall result in the suspension of the team manager for two (2) games. Suspended managers shall not be present at games, or perform any of the above duties, and MAY be required to forfeit their next league game and four (4) scheduled practice times on the fields.  The scheduler will find a replacement team for this forfeited game.

SECTION 14
The catcher, batter, and base runners must wear all required protective equipment during all games and practice sessions. Appropriate catcher’s gear is provided by the league to each team. Batters are required to have a batting helmet with a facemask and may be equipped with a chin strap. All fielders are REQUIRED to wear a facemask during the games and practices. When batting, ALL batters must have a helmet on their head, regardless of the type of ball being used. Bat in hand, Helmet on head – always. Please communicate this to ALL coaches and players.

SECTION 15
All able players shall not sit out consecutive innings of play.  Failure to play all girls, is an automatic out for the offending team when they start to bat the next inning.
Exception: Games not lasting four innings, Players being disciplined under SECTION 12, or Injured players no longer batting under SECTION 20.

SECTION 16:
All leagues/divisions will have a minimum of one USA Softball-certified umpire for each game.  However, every effort will be made to furnish two umpires per game.  Umpires are prohibited from calling a game involving his/her daughter's division, or in his/her division he/she manages or coaches.
EXCEPTION:
The T-ball division will not have umpires. 
One umpire for the JR PIXIE (6U) and PIXIE (8U) LEAGUES.
If both managers agree, an adult who is acceptable to both managers may umpire a game in the absence of a USA Softball umpire.  The results of the game will be final, and no protests will be allowed.

SECTION 17
All defensive players not on the playing field must remain in the dugout.  All offensive players, other than the base runners, the batter, the on-deck batter, and the base coaches, must remain in the dugout.  The umpire’s discretion is used to determine the result of the infraction.

SECTION 18:
No one except players, coaches, the team scorekeeper, Team Mother, or league-registered volunteers will be allowed in the dugouts.  All dugout volunteers over the age of 18 must have a background check submitted to the league.  All adult on-field volunteers must have completed SafeSport training.  In the absence of a manager or coach, a temporary alternate assistant may be used.

SECTION 19:
The team at bat shall be responsible for retrieving bats from the playing field.

SECTION 20:

An injured player removed from the field shall take her at bat unless officially removed from the game.  If removed from the game, the girl's position in the batting order will be skipped without penalty.

SECTION 21:
Girls are not allowed to leave the base they are on, in stealing, or lead off until the pitcher releases the ball.  If a girl does leave prior to the time the pitcher releases the ball, the umpire may issue a warning or call the runner out.  Based on the umpire's judgement.

SECTION 22:
"International Tie Breaker (ITB)"  When a softball game is tied at the end of six innings, or time expires, the International Tie Breaker rule goes into effect.  At the start of the overtime inning, a runner is placed on second and third base with one out.  The assigned runners are the last to complete an at-bat.  One full inning is played, allowing each team the same chance to score.  If the score remains tied, then the game will be recorded as a tie in the standings.

End-of-season International Tie Breaker will have the same start as the regular season ITB in the first inning.  If a second inning of ITB occurs, then each team will start with 2 outs, and ITB will continue until the game has a winner.

SECTION 23:   Pitching and Base Distances

Bases for all divisions shall be 60 feet in length.

Pitching in the 10U division will be from 35 feet.
Pitching in the 12U division will be from 40 feet
Pitching in the 14U division will be from 43 feet

Intentionally left blank.

International Tie Breaker is NOT in Effect. EVERY DIVISION

JR. PIXIE MODIFICATIONS (AGES 5 & 6)

1.       ONE base is awarded to all the base runners from their position at the time of the throw. The runner is only awarded the base they were attempting to make when the ball is thrown. For example, if the runner has not made an attempt to proceed to 2nd base before the ball is thrown, the runner is only awarded 1st base and may not advance to 2nd.

2.       The “T” will be removed during a point in the season deemed appropriate by the division representative and discussion amongst the board.

3.       Once the “T” is removed, the batter will receive a maximum of 7 pitches. A batter will receive no more than 7 pitches, even if the 7th pitch is a foul ball. All fair balls must be played; bunts and deliberate half swings are ruled illegal and count as a pitch. A batter is out even if player fouls the 7th pitch. The batter will be allowed 5 strikes during an at-bat. The batter will strike out or hit the ball fair.

PIXIE MODIFICATIONS (AGES 7 & 8)

1.       1st inning (player pitcher):  The defensive team will have a player pitcher during the 1st inning. The player pitcher will pitch from the 35 ft pitching plate.  The player pitcher will pitch three pitches to each of the first 4 batters.  Balls and Strikes are not counted. If a batter is hit by a pitch the batter will be awarded 1st base.  A batter may hit the ball, and the ball will be considered a live ball.  If the batter does not hit off the player pitcher, the coach pitcher will come in to pitch a maximum of 3 pitches to the batter, with an existing 1 strike count. The batter is allowed up to 2 additional pitches if fouling off the third pitch. After 2 foul balls, the batter is out.

10 & UNDER MODIFICATIONS (AGES 9 & 10)

1.       Dropped third strike IS NOT in effect in the first 50% of season games, dropped third strike IS in effect in
the second 50% of season games and EOS Tournament.

2.       Players can steal 1 base per pitch in the first 50% of season , players can steal multiple bases in
the second 50% of season . Stealing home will be allowed all season.

12 & Under, 14 & UNDER/OPEN MODIFICATIONS

1.       No Different Modifications from Spring

Select (Class A, B, or C) Teams will be a part of the Association. A Select team that is not registered will not be allowed to use the Association name, fields, or claim any connection to the same. In order for the league to sanction an “A” Team it must adhere to the following guidelines.

SECTION 1   Class “A” Tournament teams will be sanctioned annually by the Association with Board-approved managers. Sanction fee for the year will be determined annually by the Board.

SECTION 2   Managers hand-pick players. Non-League Class “A/B/C” (Select) teams are not allowed to recruit girls who are actively involved with an RRGSA league team. This includes Spring Season, All-Stars, Fall Season and any Winter Ball rosters. This includes in-person, phone calls, emails, text, and any form of social media. Failure to abide may result in forfeiture of sanctioning.

SECTION 3   Registration fees for Class A Tournament teams will be determined annually by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 4   Players that participate on a Class A team may not be eligible to play on any Class B or Class C (All-Star) Tournament Teams, but may play league ball.

SECTION 5   All tournament fees, traveling expenses, uniforms, and equipment expenses are borne by the players and their parents.

SECTION 6   The Association will provide Class A/B/C teams with practice fields. All practice times will be scheduled through the Association Scheduler.

SECTION 7   Each Non-League tournament team will be insured under all Association insurance policies after a USA/ASA registration roster has been submitted and all applicable league fees have been paid in full.

SECTION 8   Each Non-League tournament team will have the opportunity to request use of the complex to host two fundraising tournaments annually. All dates must be approved by the Board.

SECTION 9   Each Non-League Tournament team will have the same responsibilities as any league team, including, but not limited to, participation in field and complex maintenance.

SECTION 10  Within 21 days of completion of a tournament, the hosting Select team must submit documentation to the Board, in such format that is acceptable to the Board, along with any fees owed.

SECTION 11  If any Select team is considered to have violated any of our by-laws or other rules and regulations of the Association, the Board shall have the right to either temporarily or permanently revoke the Manager’s sanction and the Select team’s affiliation with the league. In such a case, no fees shall be returned to the team, and all team funds deposited with the league shall be forfeited.

SECTION 12 Sanction periods are from September 1st through August 31st of the following year.

SECTION 13  All currently sanctioned RRGSA Select teams and any new potential Select Team candidates requesting sanctioning by RRGSA must submit player/parent commitment letters in person by the Team Manager at the time of sanctioning for at least 7 committed players to be eligible for sanctioning by RRGSA.

SECTION 14  All Select teams sanctioned at the August board meeting must have full payment, full roster, and completion of registration forms to the RRGSA Treasurer per above by October 1st. Failure to pay on time will result in the RRGSA sanction being revoked. Should new players be added after this date, the form needs to be completed and emailed to the RRGSA Select Team Representative. Extensions past October 1st are allowed if agreed upon by the Executive Board.

SECTION 15  All Select coaches must abide by rules regarding team fundraising and the use of such funds, to include the proper use of the RRGSA Tax ID number. A copy of the sponsor/donation form must be approved by the league treasurer before distributing for collections. All Sponsor checks must be made payable to RRGSA and deposited into the league account. The reason for this is that you are using the RRGSA 501 (c) (3) non-profit status. Failure to follow proper procedure can cause RRGSA to lose its 501 (c) (3) status. All sponsor money, money collected, donated, raised, etc., must be used for players and coaches only. It can be used to purchase equipment, uniforms, pay hotel expenses, meals for girls and coaches (NO ALCOHOL), tournament fees, and hitting/pitching lessons. It cannot be used to cover meals for parents, team parties, entertainment, or anything along those lines. You can use the tax number to purchase items such as equipment and uniforms and save the sales tax. You can also use the number at Texas hotels and save on room tax. Do not use for personal use. Misuse of the RRGSA 501c3 information for any other item(s) noted above could result in a loss of sanction. Further, failure to post any and all sponsor/fundraising monies through the league account will result in a loss of sanction and suspension from the league and its fields.

SECTION 16 Financials are due NO LATER THAN THE END OF THE FIRST WEEK IN OCTOBER each year. The board may request a receipt and proof of financials at any time. They should always be made available for any parent on your team who may ask to see them. Part of the 501 (c) (3) status is that all books must be open to the public. You cannot deny a parent from knowing the financials. When a Select Team disbands, you need to notify the Select Team Representative and the Treasurer as soon as possible. You will still be sanctioned until August 31st of the respective sanction period, and at that time, your final financials, along with any leftover money, will be due to RRGSA.

SECTION 18 Each Select coach must read, understand, and follow the by-laws of RRGSA. Any failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in loss of practice time, coaching privileges, and/or permanent suspension from RRGSA. Team Manager should ensure that all coaches, parents, and players understand these as well. He/She will be held accountable for the actions of the entire team.

SECTION 19 All Non-League Tournament teams will have the opportunity to host fundraising tournament(s) at the RRGSA Complex. The Select Team Representative will keep the calendar, and requested dates must be approved by the Board. A fee of $10.00 dollars per team will be due to RRGSA per tournament within 10 days of event's close. Field dry is available for teams at a cost of $10.00 per bag. Teams are responsible for providing all paper products for the tournament. No one under the age of 16 is to drive any of the field equipment at any time.

SECTION 20  Prior to the tournament start, the head coach and a RRGSA representative will walk the complex. At that time, the team will submit a deposit of $250.00 for damages. At the conclusion of the tournament, a walk-through will be repeated, and should no damages be reported, the deposit check will be returned to the team. Any and all damage to equipment, buildings, use of the field dry, and/or failure to clean the park will be taken out of this deposit.

SECTION 21  All rules and regulations set forth by the RRGSA must be followed. It is the team manager/head coach’s duty to inform all assistants of these guidelines and codes of conduct. When batting, ALL batters must have a helmet on their head, regardless of the type of ball being used. Bat in hand, Helmet on head – always. Please communicate this to ALL coaches and players.

SECTION 22 Misconduct by any Select team coach or assistant such as being thrown out of 3 or more games in one season, may result in suspension for the remainder of the season and/or review by the RRGSA Board.

SECTION 23  Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while involved with the team results in permanent suspension as a coach.

SECTION 24  Violating the posted practice schedule will forfeit your next practice at RRGSA. Use of another team’s field MUST be approved with the RRGSA Scheduler, President, or Vice President by the head coach prior to usage. Any and all additional practice days must be approved and communicated through the RRGSA Scheduler.

SECTION 25  RRGSA appreciates your support and pride in our organization and complex. Failure to abide by the RRGSA bylaws may result in the loss of sanctioning for the remainder of the season. A quarterly meeting will be set up with each sanctioned coach to review and discuss any issues, ideas, or comments.

SECTION 1   All-Stars Tournament teams are selected via try-out. Starting with players from 6U Division through 14U.

SECTION 2    Each player will pay a tournament team registration fee, which will be determined by the Board annually.

SECTION 3  Only League Managers and Assistant Coaches are eligible to manage an all-star team. The managers of the same division will rate the players at all-star tryouts, including their daughter(s). 

SECTION 4   Parent/Player commitment letters must be turned in before being allowed to attend all-star tryouts. The player must participate in 60% of their team’s regular season games to be eligible for all-star play and not have participated in any USA Softball tournaments with another team prior to All-Stars.

SECTION 5   All-Star Tryouts will be invitational only from each manager per their respective division.

SECTION 6   Managers give their list of recommended all-stars to the Player Agent prior to the initial Blue Manager selection meeting. The compiled list from all managers per division will determine who is invited to the all-star tryout. 

SECTION 7   The managers per division will vote for and select the Blue Team manager at a meeting after approximately 3/4 of the spring season is completed. One vote allowed per team. The official date and time will be determined by the Executive Board. During this initial meeting, the coaches will nominate the Gold Team manager if there is enough interest from coaches and if the division has the pitching and catching talent. A follow-up second meeting of the managers will vote on the Gold manager being selected.

SECTION 8   If a manager needs to add a player to the invitational list after the initial meeting, they must do so through the Executive Board. 

SECTION 9   Additional teams (after Blue and Gold) may be formed per division, but will not be considered an all-star team. They will be considered a league tournament team and will pay their own way.

SECTION 10  There will be no fewer than 11 and no more than 14 players on a Tournament team.

SECTION 11  The all-star manager may select 3 to 4 coaches based on board approval.

SECTION 12 The all-star tournament team(s) can participate in various tournaments in the greater Houston area.  Traveling beyond this area requires board approval.

SECTION 13  They will participate in the Texas State Tournament and, upon qualifying, the National Tournament.

SECTION 14 The Association will provide Tournament fees for the State, Regional, and National Tournaments for all RRGSA all-star Teams. Uniforms for all RRGSA all-star Teams will be selected and provided by the Association, the cost of which will be reimbursed to the league by each respective team.

SECTION 15 Traveling expenses for their families and parents will be covered by the parents.

SECTION 16 Outside play, including practices, cannot interfere with league play.

SECTION 17  The President or Treasurer must be notified of all fundraising events held by an all-star team and such activity will be approved by the Board. These funds will be accounted for separately for each all-star team. All teams or individual expenditures must be in full compliance with the current IRS tax codes, and conform to rules and regulations that may from time to time be established by the Board, so as not to jeopardize the Association’s non-profit status. The team will be responsible for submitting all fundraising receipts for expenditures to the treasurer immediately. All excess funds will revert to the general fund of the Association at the end of the tournament season, which is on or before August 1st.

SECTION 18  All-Star Team Managers and or treasurers will be required to maintain an accurate receipt of all funds collected (parent monies, sponsorship, fundraising, expenses etc.) during the duration of tournament play. An accurate balance sheet is to be sent once a week to every parent of that all-star team, and a copy is also to be sent to the league treasurer.

Location:

Dates and times for all-star tryouts will be determined annually by the Board.

TRYOUT FORMAT:

Any all-star candidate must attend tryouts. The division representative can only grant excused absences with the approval from the Executive Board on a case-by-case basis, with at least 24 hours’ notice given. Excused absences need to be a doctor’s written excuse or a note from the parent due to a death in the family and submitted to the division representative 24 hours prior to the tryout date.

Pitcher and catcher tryouts will be scheduled separately from general tryouts and will be scored independently. Initially, the pitchers will throw to a parent approximately ten pitches. They will be evaluated as a group at this time. Next, the catchers will catch 5 to 10 pitches from a pitcher, and the pitchers will rotate so that each catcher has the chance to catch each pitcher trying out. The catcher will then take their position behind the plate and catch a ball tossed by a parent and throw down to second base 3 times to a tryout volunteer.

SELECTION AND FINALIZING TEAMS:

Selection of all-star teams shall be determined by each respective division’s managers and elected Head Coach; the process will be as follows:

6U and 8U:

The approved All-Star coach for the 6U and 8U Blue Team would be given the top-ranked eight (#1-8) players from tryouts, and the approved All-Star coach would then choose 3 to 6 more girls from the remaining pool of players, including players with an Executive Board-approved excused absence. A team must have a minimum of 11 players and no more than 14 players. Any successive teams would be selected by the division’s managers and the elected head coach in order to field as many teams as talent and coaching allow.

10U, 12U,14U:

The approved all-star blue team coach for each specific age group will be given the #1 and #2 ranked pitcher and the #1 ranked catcher from tryouts. From the overall rankings, the coach will be given the top 7 players and then allowed to choose 4 to 7 players from the remaining pool of players, including players with an Executive Board-approved excused absence. A team will have no more than 14 players. Any successive teams would be selected by the division managers and the elected head coach in order to field as many teams as talent, pitching, and coaching allow, with the direction and final approval being made by the Division Representative and Executive Board.
 (i.e. Pitchers/Catchers)

SANCTION CLASSIFICATION:

All-star teams shall compete in the District 43 Regional Tournament, if it is held. At this tournament, the district commissioner shall determine and approve each all-star team’s classification as a “B” or “C” sanctioned team. The breakout tournament location and date will be announced when determined by USA/ASA Division #43 representatives. The District 43 USA/ASA breakout tournament will establish the classification of B or C to determine which state tournament that team is eligible to play within.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

●       The All-Star fee is determined annually by the board and is a cost by the parent per player. This registration fee will include the purchase of (2) full uniforms.

●       League dues must be paid in full and have a zero balance to be eligible for all-stars.

●       If you have a player “plays up” a division, they are not eligible for their age-eligible “lower” division All-Star team.  The player is eligible for the higher age division All-Star team that they played in that season.

●       RRGSA pays the entry fee for the USA/ASA State tournament per team in each division.

●       League-approved coaches should submit an All-Star Coach application indicating their interest in coaching an All-Star team, along with written qualifications to their division representative.

●       Approved All-Star Managers must be USA/ASA ACE certified.

●       Approved All-Star Managers do not determine assistant coaches until the All-Star draft concludes..

●       Coach nominees presented to the Executive Board and division representative and will be approved by the RRGSA Board.

●       Approved players, parents, and coaches shall follow and sign the established all-star guidelines.

●       All potential all-star selections MUST put their league team duties FIRST. This includes all practices and games as all-star and league practice in case of overlap. If a player does not show for her league practices and games, then that child will be removed from her all-star team. It is a league-first mentality until the regular season is completed.

NOTE: If a player chooses to leave an all-star team, that player forfeits All-Star play and the All-Star fee for that season. No Refund.

********************

The selection process set forth may be subject to change as deemed necessary by the Executive Board.

SECTION 1   Tournament (Winterball, All-Stars, or otherwise) teams are selected via try-out. Starting with players from 6U Division through 14U.

SECTION 2    Each player will pay a tournament team registration fee, which will be determined by the Board annually.

SECTION 3  Only USA/ASA-licensed and ACE-certified coaches who are registered with the league are eligible to manage a league tournament team.  League Managers and Assistant Coaches from the immediate previous season are primarily eligible to manage Winterball (or other league-affiliated) tournament teams.  Approval of the Tournament Team manager and coaches is subject to the RRGSA Board, with expressed guidance by the respective Division Representative and the Player Agent. Selection of players for non-All-Star tournament teams is at the discretion of the approved manager and must consist only of currently registered players from the league who tried out.

SECTION 4   Parents must complete and submit all team registration forms before players are allowed to attend tournament team tryouts. The player must participate in 60% of their team’s regular season games to be eligible for tournament team play.

SECTION 5   Tournament teams are recognized by the league and may use their logos and emblems, but will pay their own way after paying the required registration fees. Registration with the league ensures that tournament teams are eligible to be covered under the league insurance policy. 

SECTION 6  There will be no fewer than 11 and no more than 14 players on a Tournament team.

SECTION 7  The tournament managers may select 3 to 4 coaches based on board approval.

SECTION 8  If playing in the summer, they may participate in the Texas State Tournament if they are eligible, and upon qualifying, the National Tournament.

SECTION 9  Uniforms for all RRGSA League Tournament Teams will be selected and provided by the Association, the cost of which will be reimbursed to the league by each respective team.

SECTION 10 Traveling expenses for their families and parents will be borne by the parents.

SECTION 11 Outside play, including practices, cannot interfere with league play.

SECTION 12  The President or Treasurer must be notified of all fundraising events held by the league tournament team and such activity will be approved by the Board. These funds will be accounted for separately for each tournament team. All teams or individual expenditures must be in full compliance with the current IRS tax codes, and conform to rules and regulations that may from time to time be established by the Board, so as not to jeopardize the Association’s non-profit status. The team will be responsible for submitting all fundraising receipts for expenditures to the treasurer immediately. All excess funds will revert to the general fund of the Association at the end of the tournament season.

SECTION 13  League Tournament Managers and or treasurers will be required to maintain an accurate receipt of all funds collected (parent monies, sponsorship, fund-raising, expenses, etc.) during the duration of tournament play. An accurate balance sheet is to be sent once a week to every parent of that league tournament team and a copy is also to be sent to the league treasurer.

Location:

Dates and times for league tournament team tryouts will be determined by the Board.

TRYOUT FORMAT:

Any league tournament team candidate must attend tryouts. The division representative can only grant excused absences with the approval from the Executive Board on a case-by-case basis, with at least 24 hours’ notice given. Excused absences need to be a doctor’s written excuse or a note from the parent due to a death in the family and submitted to the division representative 24 hours prior to the tryout date. 

SELECTION AND FINALIZING TEAMS:

Selection of league tournament teams shall be determined by each respective division’s approved tournament team Manager, and the process will be determined by the respective coaches themselves.  These coaches will work with their respective division representative and/or player agent to devise what tryout format works best for them.  Tryouts will be conducted fairly and equitably for all registrants, but the format and procedures are fully at the individual league tournament team manager’s discretion and may not be uniform across each division.  Coaches will act in the best interest of the league in devising their fair tryout standards.  Additionally, the selection of tournament team rosters is solely the discretion of the approved league tournament manager and coaches, with assistance and guidance from their respective division representative.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

●       The tournament team fee is determined annually by the board and is a cost to the parent per player. This registration fee will include the purchase of 1 league-designed jersey.

●       League dues must be paid in full and have a zero balance to be eligible for league tournament teams.

●       League tournament teams should consist solely of players who actively play in that age division in league play.  There will be no “playing down” on league tournament teams.

●       League-approved coaches should submit interest in coaching a League Tournament Team Coach through their division representative, and then be approved by the RRGSA Board.

●       Must be USA/ASA ACE certified.

●       Approved players, parents, and coaches shall follow and sign the established league tournament team guidelines.

●       All potential lead tournament team selections MUST put their league team duties FIRST. This includes all practices and games, as tournament teams and league practices may overlap.  If a player does not show for her league practices and games, then that child will be removed from her league tournament team.  It is a league-first mentality until the regular season and end-of-season tournament is completed.

NOTE: If a player chooses to leave a league tournament team, that player forfeits league tournament play and league tournament team fees for that season. No Refund.

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The selection process set forth may be subject to change as deemed necessary by the Executive Board.

SECTION 1   All protests will be handled by the Grievance Committee.
(See PART ONE BY-LAWS, ARTICLE XIV, A, SECTION 1)
Their decisions will be final and may not be overruled by the Board of Directors or any officer of RRGSA.

SECTION 2   Playing rule protests will be per USA Softball rules and procedures. The protest must be in writing and filed within 48 hours with the League Commissioner.

SECTION 3   The opposing manager will be given the opportunity to respond in writing to the Grievance Committee before a decision can be reached. He will be given 48 hours from notification of a protest to respond.

SECTION 4   Judgment calls cannot be protested.

SECTION 1 Make-up games consist of games missed due to weather conditions, or severe situation, which causes the league/division commissioner to cancel a scheduled game(s). 

SECTION 2 The commissioner of each league/division, along with the schedule,r must reschedule make-up games at the next open slot that is available to both teams. The scheduler shall notify the commissioner and managers involved no later than 48 hours prior to the rescheduled game.

SECTION 1
If 2 teams tie in league standings, the following tiebreakers will be used: 

               Tiebreaker 1: Head-to-Head Record
               Tiebreaker 2: Total Runs Allowed
               Tiebreaker 3: Total Runs Scored

If 3 or more teams tie in league standings, the following tiebreakers will be used:

               Tiebreaker 1:Total Runs Allowed
               Tiebreaker 2: Total Runs Scored

SECTION 1 Negative Cheering and Behavior: While RRGSA encourages positive cheering supportive of team play, negative cheering directed at or to distract the opposing players or team or the umpire will not be tolerated. The Umpire or Director-in-Charge is empowered to declare a forfeit, if necessary, after a team has been given a warning. A manager or coach ejected from the game for failing to enforce League Standard of Conduct Rules must come before the RRGSA Board of Directors at their next scheduled meeting. Failure to appear shall result in immediate dismissal from the league.

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