Guelph 3-Pitch relies upon a spirit of sportsmanship that places the responsibility for fair play on the player. Highly competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of mutual respect among competitors, adherence to the agreed upon rules, or the basic joy of play. Protection of these vital elements serves to eliminate unsportsmanlike conduct from the field. Actions such as taunting opposing players, dangerous aggression, belligerent intimidation, intentional infractions, or other “win-at-all costs” behavior are contrary to the spirit of the game and must be avoided by all players.

At the end of each game, a spirit score is to be awarded to the opposing team on a scale from 1 to 5 (half scores are permitted). The team as a whole should have input on what spirit score should be awarded to the other team. At the end of the season, there will be a spirit trophy and prizes awarded to the team with the highest spirit average. In addition, if two teams are tied in points at the end of the season, then the team with the highest spirit point average will be placed higher. All teams should try to follow the guidelines set out below in order to keep the system equal for everyone.

Spirit rating = 5

The other team was a great team and we really enjoyed playing against them. They showed up on time and showed great sportsmanship throughout the game. During the game they played by the rules, but if we had a dispute they were open to discuss. This was one of the best spirited teams we have played against, and we are really looking forward to playing against them again.

Spirit rating = 4

The other team was a fun team and we enjoyed playing against most of their players. They showed up on time and showed decent sportsmanship throughout the game. During the game they generally played by the rules, but if we had a dispute they were pretty receptive to discuss. Not a bad team to play against.

Spirit rating = 3

The other team was an O.K. team and we enjoyed playing against only a few of their players. They showed up late and/or showed poor sportsmanship throughout the game. During the game, they really didn’t play by the rules and really didn’t want to learn them either. The captains should discuss what happened so it doesn’t happen again. This wasn’t a fun game and our captain will add a brief comment to the score submission explaining the low spirit score.

Spirit rating = 2

The entirety of the other team was not fun to play against. They showed up very late and/or showed very poor sportsmanship throughout the game. During the game they didn’t play by the rules and didn’t want to learn them either.  The captains should discuss what happened so it doesn’t happen again. This wasn’t an enjoyable game and our captain will explain what happened in the score submission.

Spirit rating = 1

The other team was terrible to play against. We did not enjoy playing against any of their players. They showed up very late and/or showed horrible sportsmanship throughout the game. During the game, they were very negligent of the rules and of the safety and enjoyment of our team. They had no desire to learn the rules. This is the least spirited team we have ever played against. Our captain is going to send a report to the league convener explaining what happened.

Any team that defaults a game (because they do not have enough players) will receive a spirit score of 4 for the game and the non-defaulting team will not receive a spirit score (their spirit average will not be affected).  

1. Equipment/Field Set-Up

• Teams will be provided with a set of bases and three softballs (12″ Worth Red Hot Dot) for the season.  It is the responsibility of the teams to bring their own gloves and bats to all games as well any extra softballs if the original three balls are lost.
• The home team (according to the schedule) will be responsible for set up the bases before each game.  Bases are placed roughly 60 feet apart (18-20 paces).  The bases must be pegged down securely by the home team before the game begins.  The home team is also responsible for marking the commitment line half way between 3^rdand home, the pitchers mound line (roughly 35 feet (12 paces) from home plate) and extending the line from home plate through to the backstop.
• Cleats are allowed but no bare feet or metal spikes are permitted. Shoes must be closed-toe.
• Only bats approved by the ASA or the USSSA which are not banned bats. No hard ball bats are to be used. If a batter uses an illegal bat, they will be called out and any base-runners must return to where they started at the beginning of the at-bat.
• Each player must sign a waiver before the first game. If you add a player to your team throughout the year, the player must sign a waiver before they play, even if it is only for one game.
• It is the responsibility of both team captains to submit the score of the game and spirit score online by 5:00pm the following day.

2. Start Time/Default

• Please arrive 15 minutes early to warm up and to start your games on time.
• Games are played rain or shine (but not during lightning and not if the city closes the fields). See cancellation policy below. 
• Teams are comprised of 10 players with a minimum of 4 males and 4 females on the field (catcher, 1st base, 2nd base, shortstop, 3rd base, right field, center field, left field & two rovers).  A team can play with a minimum of 8 people as long as 3 are male and 3 are female.  Should a team only have 3 females on their team, they can only play a maximum of 9 players total defensively forgoing a rover (maximum of 6 males in the field at anyone time).
• The opposing team captain may waive the minimum player requirement AND have the results of the match COUNT towards the standings. Agreeing that the results of the match COUNT must be made clear prior to the start of play by the team captains. Agreeing to play does not infer that the match counts unless this is explicitly decided by the opposing team captain.
• If a team does not meet the minimum player requirement 10 minutes after the official match start, a default will occur.
• Games are 7 innings in length with a time limit of 1 hour 30 minutes. 
• 7 runs maximum per inning, no maximum in the 7th inning. 
• If a team is winning after the top of the 7^thinning and is about to bat, the game is over.  Teams can play for fun the bottom of the 7th inning but just report the score at the top of the 7^th
• Two points will be awarded for each game won, one point for a tie.
• Playoff games cannot end in a tie.  If a playoff game is tied after 7 innings, please and extra inning(s) until a winner is determined.  (Please play quickly as there may be a game scheduled after your game)
• At the start of the game captains are to discuss any ground rules for the game including out of play lines and any other issues unique to the diamond.
• If teams have the same number of points (winning percentage is to be used instead of points in the event that teams have played an unequal number of games) at the end of the season, the tiebreaker is as follows:
  • Highest spirit score average
  • Head to head (If the two teams tied played each other, the winner of the games places higher)
  • Wins and losses counting only games against common opponents
  • Point Differentials 
  • Flip a coin

3. Batting Order

• Captains will play rock, paper, scissors to determine who bats/fields first
• Batting order must be set at the beginning of the game and any extra players must be added to the bottom of the order.  No additional batter can be added after the end of the second inning. 
• All players who will be playing at any time in the field must be included in the batting order.  Anyone in the batting order must field at least 2 innings unless they are injured during the game. 
• There must be a minimum of 1 female at bat for every 3 males at bat (even if a female bats twice in the same order).  If a female has to bat more than once, then they must take their second bats in the order they appear on the batting order.  However, if there are more females than a 3:1 ratio then the team should follow a standard batting order with no more than 3 males in a row.  Everyone on the team needs to bat once before a male player bats twice.

4. Pitcher/Pitching

• The team at bat provides their own pitcher. A batter is allowed 3 pitches regardless of the quality of pitch.  However, if the 3^rdpitch is foul ball or a tick, the batter will receive a final 4^th
• The pitching mound will be marked from roughly 35 feet (12 paces) from home plate. The line will be approximately 3 feet wide.  All pitches must begin their deliver from behind the confines of the line.
• All pitches are to be underhand only.  Fastball or “Windmill” pitches are not permitted.
• Pitchers may get two (2) warm-up pitches between innings or five (5) warm-up pitches if it is a new pitcher.
• Anyone on the batting team can pitch and substitutions may be made between batters.  Warm-up pitches are not permitted with a mid inning pitcher substitution.
• A pitched ball that comes in contact with the ground before reaching the batter is a dead ball and counts as a pitch
• Any pitched ball that hits the batter is a dead ball and counts as a pitch
• If a hit ball touches the pitcher, the ball is declared dead and the pitch is redone – base runners return to their pervious bases and the pitch court is restored.  (Pitchers should do their best to avoid contact with a hit ball).
• The pitcher must not interfere with the fielding team after the ball has been hit.
• All play stops when the ball is returned from within the gravel area to the pitcher’s mound in a controlled manner.
• Teams are permitted to use a pitching screen.  If a ball hits the screen off a hit of the bat, will be considered a dead ball and a strike is not counted.

5. Batters/Base Runners

• No sliding under any circumstances. Anyone sliding will be called out. A player may dive back to the bag if they have overrun it and a play is being made at that bag.
• A double bag will be used at first base.  The centre of the bag, separating the orange bag and the white bag will be placed on the base line.  The runner must touch the orange bag (which is in foul territory) before the 1^stbaseman touches the white bag with the ball.  If a runner touches the white bag, he or she is out unless there is no play at first.  The only exception is if the runner is trying for second and the runner may then touch the white bag safely.
• The team at bat should provide a first base and third base umpires to call outs. In addition, the catcher should call fair/foul balls as they have the best view. The 1^stbase umpire is responsible for calling outs at 1^st and home plate.  The 3^rd base umpire is responsible for calling outs at 2^nd base and 3^rd (Note: Should base umpires be unavailable, the pitcher will call all outs at each base and home plate).  A tie play on a base goes to the runner.  Please do your best to ensure that the game is being called in a fair manner.
• There is no base stealing and no leadoffs for base runners.  You must wait until contact with the ball is made first.  A lead-off will be called by the 1st and 3rd base umpires if the runner’s foot leaves the bag before the batter makes contact with the ball.
• There is no bunting or faking to bunt.  However, a ball that is hit with a full swing, but does not go past the pitcher is live and playable ball.
• Courtesy Runners: An injured player must make it safely to first base before a courtesy runner may replace them. The courtesy runner must be the last person out of the same sex as the player being replaced. Teams are permitted a maximum of three (3) courtesy runners per game.
• A commitment line must be marked halfway between 3rd base and home plate. Once the base runner has passed the line, he/she must continue on to home.  After the runner passes the commitment line tags are not permitted. Players who are tagged at home plate will be considered safe.
• For diamonds with home run fences, there is a limit of four home runs per game per team.  Once the home run limit has been reached then any additional home runs will be awarded as singles.  This regulation does not apply to diamonds that do not have a home run fence, therefore if a player runs out a home run (i.e. the ball is fieldable), it does not count towards the limit.  NOTE: If both captains establish ground rules prior to the game that enforce an automatic home run, similar to a home run fence (e.g., if the ball flies into the trees and is not fieldable, it is an automatic home run), the 4 home runs per game will apply.
• If a ball hits the ground first and then hops over the fence, rolls under the fence, or gets stuck in the fence is considered a Ground Rule Double and the batter may advance to second base.
• If a ball is hit in fair territory and hits a runner that is off the bag, the runner is automatically out.

6. Fielders

• Teams can play with one rover in the infield and one in the outfield or two rovers in the outfield and can change position at anytime during the game. Anyone in the outfielder must play in the outfield (grass area), and cannot enter the infield (gravel area) until the ball has been hit. Maximum of 5 fielders in the infield prior to the ball being hit (3 base persons, 1 shortstop and 1 rover).
• Infielders are allowed to stand up to 6 feet (2 paces) in front of the baseline before the ball is hit.
• To avoid collisions, runners must tag the safety base at first base, and cannot touch the home plate (runners must run past home plate). To get a runner out at home plate, the catcher must full possession of the ball and one foot on home plate before the runner touches the ground past the extended line passing from the 1st base line past home plate. If the runner touches home plate, it is an out.
• Fielders cannot block the base path from oncoming runners. If a fielder is in the base path and not making a play on the ball, the runner will automatically be rewarded the next base.
• No runner shall interfere with a player that is making a play on the ball.  If the runner causes interference, then the runner is out.
• If a batter hits a fly ball within the fair infield area and there is a forced play with runners on first and second or if the bases are loaded with less than two out, then the Infield Fly Rule is in effect and the batter is automatically out even if the ball isn’t caught.  Base runner may tag up and advance to the next base at their own risk.
• Captains should decide before the game a reference point on the backstop (ie. a bar in the middle of the backstop) that the ball must go above for foul ball behind home player caught by the catcher to be considered an out.  If a reference point is not picked then 10 feet will be the minimum.
• The catcher will determine whether a ball has gone out-of-play territory (outside the imaginary lines that are drawn from the edge of the backstop – imagine a line that keeps on going from the end of the backstop).  An overthrow is no longer in play if the ball goes into the out-of-play territory.  The player is awarded one base beyond the last base touched at the time the ball was thrown.  The batter is not out if a foul hit is caught when the ball has entered the out-of-play territory.

7. Playoff Eligibility

• Playoff Eligibility: Each player must play at least half of the regular season games in order to be eligible to play in the playoffs, unless it has been cleared with the league convener. This prohibits teams from adding “ringers” to their teams for the playoffs.

8. Spirit of the Game

• Guelph 3-Pitch has traditionally relied upon the Spirit of Sportsmanship, which places the responsibility for fair play on the player.
• Highly competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of the bond of mutual respect between players, adherence to the agreed upon rules of the game, or the basic joy of play.
• Protection of these vital elements serves to eliminate adverse conduct from the Guelph 3-Pitch Diamond. Such actions as the taunting of opposing players, dangerous aggression, intentional fouling, or other “win-at-all-costs” behavior are contrary to the spirit of the game and must be avoided by all players.
• When a novice commits a violation out of sincere ignorance of the rules, it is common practice to stop play and explain the violation. It is our hope that more experienced teams will assist in the promotion and clarification of the Spirit of the Game and the rules. If a team or person is unclear on something, explain it to them in order to enhance the Guelph 3-Pitch experience and not to put them at a disadvantage. This will ensure that all games that are played are heading to a higher and more enjoyable level!  At the end of each game, each team will vote on a spirit score for the opposing team (See Spirit of the Game). Half scores are permitted.

9. Weather Conditions

• Always show up to the game even if it’s raining as the weather can change very quickly. At the start of the game the captains are to make the decision if the games are to be cancelled.
• LIGHTNING POLICY: If thunder is heard within 30 seconds of seeing lightning, games will be postponed. All participants must leave the playing area and seek shelter in a building or an automobile. Never stand under trees, in an open field or under an umbrella. Games will resume 15 minutes after the thunder and lightning have moved away. If thunder and lightning are still present 15 minutes after, the game will be cancelled and the score is as it was when the game was stopped. Halfway point of the game must be reached (4 innings played) in order for the game to count towards the league standings or 3.5 innings if the home team is winning in the bottom of the 4^thinning, then the game still counts.  
• CANCELLATION POLICY: In the event that games are cancelled due to field closures or poor air quality, the following policy will be applied:
• In the event that a semi-final playoff game is cancelled the higher place regular season seed will advance.
  • • First Cancellation: Games are not rescheduled or refunded.
    • Second Cancellation: Games will be rescheduled as extra games on the night that they play or on another available date. If neither of these scenarios is viable, a partial team credit will be applied in the following season.
    • Third Cancellation or more: Games will be rescheduled as extra games on the night that they play or on another available date. If neither of these scenarios is viable, a partial team credit will be applied in the following season.

10. Abuse/Alcohol:

• Any abuse, whether it be physical, sexual, or mental is not acceptable in any manner. If any of these types of abuse are reported, the player or team will receive a verbal warning. If a second incident occurs, the player or team will be asked to leave the league or tournament without refund. Teams are responsible for other teammates’ actions; as a teammate, please encourage good sportsmanship at all times. Perpetual Motion Sports & Entertainment Inc. reserves the right to eject a player or team without a warning and without a refund. The Guelph 3-Pitch League is to be enjoyable and fun for everyone, let’s keep it that way!
• Alcohol is not permitted at any game or event, and offenders will be asked to leave the league without refund. Playing while intoxicated is also prohibited.