BRYC
GIRLS FASTPITCH SOFTBALL LEAGUE GUIDELINES
Revised
December 14, 2006
Amended August 13, 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Braddock Road Youth Club (BRYC) Softball Board of Directors reserves the right to modify these guidelines and rules, as may be required, at any time. Go to top
1.1 The BRYC Girls Fastpitch Softball program is intended to provide girls with the opportunity to experience softball at all levels in an atmosphere that encourages and promotes teamwork, friendships, and good sportsmanship. Go to top
2.1 Any girl who is 18 years of age or less as of
January 1st of the year in which she participates, is eligible to play in the
BRYC Girls Fastpitch Softball League for that coming year.
2.2 A team shall become a competing member of the BRYC Girls Fastpitch
Softball League upon compliance with each of the below-listed conditions:
a. Approval of the coaches by the Softball Board of Directors.
b. Registration of each player with BRYC Softball.
c. The team personnel agree to be governed by the rules established by the Softball Board of Directors.
d. Teams and all team personnel must be eligible to compete in conformance with current ASA rules and regulations and as amended by the BRYC Softball Board of Directors.
2.3 If eligible in all aspects according to current ASA rules, players will automatically acquire non-voting membership in the BRYC
Girls Softball League when their names are included on a team roster that has
been submitted and accepted in accordance with the rules established by the
Softball Board of Directors.
2.4 Any team and/or applicant who furnishes false or misleading information
to the BRYC Softball League may be removed from the league by the Softball Board
of Directors. The decision of the Softball Board may be appealed to the BRYC
Board of Directors. The league may retain any fees that were paid to the BRYC
Girls Softball League.
2.5 The BRYC Softball Board of Directors reserves the right to make any
decisions involving safety, general welfare, or overall league operations
(protests, forfeitures, etc.) In carrying out its responsibilities for the well
being of the league.
2.6 All coaches, assistant coaches, and those
having supervisory roles in practices, games, scrimmages or other team
functions, on or off the playing field, are required to file the BRYC Risk
Management Disclosure Form with the league every 2 years. Such form is filed in
confidence and kept by the BRYC Softball Commissioner.
2.7 BRYC Girls Softball will not recommend or knowingly allow
for placement in a position that would involve direct contact with a child any
person who has: (a) been convicted of any felony, crime of violence, or crime
against a person; (b) an arrest record for any offense involving sexual
misconduct; (c) a documented or demonstrated history of drug or alcohol abuse
within the past five years; (d) failed to complete the BRYC Risk Management
Disclosure Form; or (e) demonstrated a pattern of behavior that would have a
detrimental effect on children
2.8 BRYC Girls Softball will follow the BRYC Risk Management Policy as adopted in
June 2003. Go to top
3.1 BRYC Girls Softball offers house programs in the Spring and Fall. BRYC sponsors teams during the Summer Season in the Fairfax County Girls Softball League (FCGSL).
3.2 BRYC Girls Softball offers select programs in the Spring for age groups 10 and under, 12 and under, and 14 and under. During the Summer and Fall seasons BRYC sponsors select teams in all age groups from 10 and under to 18 and under in the Fairfax County Program. (See Select Team Guidelines for Spring, Summer and Fall programs) Go to top
4.1 The league expects coaches, players, fans and
umpires to exhibit courtesy and proper decorum at all times.
4.2 Coaches are responsible for assistant coaches, players and fans
representing their team. Umpires have the right to remove coaches, players and
fans for unsportsmanlike behavior or declare a forfeiture if coaches cannot
control their supporters or players.
4.3 Teams are encouraged to cheer to support their players as long as the
cheers are in good taste and are not derogatory to opposing players, coaches or
umpires.
4.4 The league has adopted the FCGSL guidelines for players are expected
to:
a. Be courteous to opposing coaches, team members, fans and umpires.
b. Retain their composure at all times and never leave their position in the field or on the bench to engage in a fight or altercation of any kind.
c. Respect the integrity of judgment of umpires and accept their decisions without any argument.
4.5 The league has adopted the FCGSL guidelines for coaches who are expected to:
a. Exemplify behavior that is representative of being an adult, a coach, a member of BRYC, and a leader of young women.
b. Demonstrate high ideals, good sportsmanship, and desirable attitudes in personal behavior and demand the same standards from his/her players.
c. Emphasize to his/her players and support personnel the importance of proper sideline behavior and the necessity of restraining from entering the playing field to engage in a fight or altercation of any kind.
d. Maintain self-control at all times.
e. Cooperate with and assist the BRYC Board of Directors and League Commissioners in the planning, scheduling, and conduct of league activities.
f. Utilize positive educational methods in coaching; giving all players an opportunity to develop and use initiative, leadership, and judgement.
g. Pay close attention to the physical condition and well being of players; refusing to jeopardize the health of an individual for the sake of improving his/her team’s chances of winning.
h. Discourage profanity or abusive language directed toward anyone involved with BRYC and it’s activities.
i. Discourage any forms of gambling.
j. Refuse to disparage an opponent, official, or others associated with BRYC or its activities.
k. Conduct himself/herself properly when raising a question about or discussing a call with an official. Go to top
1.1 BRYC’s house program is intended to provide girls with the opportunity to experience softball at an instructional and recreational level against other teams formed within BRYC. Go to top
2.1 The Spring Season begins
approximately the 2nd week of March and concludes the 2nd week of June.
There may be one game during the week and one or two games on
Saturday. Make up games may be during weekdays, as a Saturday double
header, or on Sundays.
2.2 The Fall Season begins approximately the last week of August and
concludes the first week of November. There may be one game during the week and
one to two games on Saturday. Make up games may be during weekdays, as a Saturday
double header, or on Sundays.
Go
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3.1 BRYC offers house programs in 4 age divisions, which are:
a. Coach Pitch: Ages 5, 6, 7, and 8
b. 10 and Under: Ages 8, 9, and 10
c. Pig Tail: Ages 11 and 12
d. Pony Tail: Ages 13 through 18
3.2 A players division will
be determined by her age as of January 1 of the year she wishes to participate.
Girls are encouraged to stay within their age classification.
3.3 Any player that is Coach Pitch, 10u or 12u and requests to play in the next age
level up, must have signed consent from a parent or guardian and
confirmation from the coach that the player moving up will be of similar ability
as players on that
new team. Commissioners of each age group must approve the request. Go
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4. Registration & Team Formation
4.1 Registration for players
is posted in newspapers, BRYC newsletter, on signs and on the BRYC hotline
(569-1466) and the BRYC WebPages at www.brycsoftball.org.
4.2 Players may request to be placed with a particular coach or on a team with a
friend. BRYC will make every effort to see that the request is honored, however,
there is no guarantee that we can accommodate every
request with the exception of
siblings.
4.3 Players who are new to the BRYC program and do not request placement,
will be placed in a general draft or assigned to teams by the commissioner of
the age group. Drafts are typically held 3 to 4 weeks prior
to the start of each season.
4.4 Players who do not sign up by the last regularly scheduled registration date
will be placed in the general draft or assigned to teams by the commissioner of
the age group, regardless of the specific team or coach
that player may have been associated with in the past.
4.5 Only players registered with BRYC may participate in winter clinics,
workouts, participate in Spring, Summer and Fall ball or any tournament.
(Registration is required for each season).
4.6 BRYC will attempt to keep the number of girls on each team as equal as
possible. No coach can refuse to accept or draft a registered player if that
team has fewer players than the team in the league that has the greatest number
of players.
4.7 No house team may have more than one select player from either BRYC or
another organization, until each team in that age level has one select player.
Once each team has one select player a second may be added until each team has
an equal number of select players. This will assure that no team has more than
one select player in excess of any other team.
Exception: Any house
player assigned to a team who is invited to participate on a select team for
that season is not counted as a select player for purposes of this rule.
4.8 If a house team has select players and there is a conflict between a
house game and select game, the select game will take precedence.
4.9 Requests by players, parents or coaches for girls to play outside of
their age classification shall first be directed to the league commissioner who
will assess the request and make a decision.
4.10 Teams forming and playing in the FCGSL for Summer and Fall will be
subject to the rules and guidelines as published by FCGSL.
4.11 The Commissioner of each age group will determine the conditions by which the general draft is conducted. Any coach can make an appeal to the BRYC Softball Commissioner that the draft does not follow the guidelines of team formation, who will then either affirm the draft process or establish replacement draft guidelines. As an alternative to a draft, the Commissioner of the age group may decide to assign players on teams.
4.12 In conducting a draft or assigning players, the Commissioner of each age group will consider at least player preferences for teams (see rule 4.2), the relative strength of teams, and the number of players on teams.
4.13 Should a player on a House team demonstrate softball skills characteristic of the select level, the coach of the House team should encourage the player to contact the Select Commissioner about play on a select team, or development team if one exists.
4.14 At the end of each season, each House coach should evaluate his/her players for the potential to play at the select level, and notify the Select Commissioner of any such player. Go to top
5.1 BRYC Girls Softball
League provides jerseys, bats, balls, batting helmets and catching equipment.
5.2 Players may provide their own bats, batting helmets and catching
equipment provided it is designed for girls fastpitch softball use and has the
appropriate approvals from the manufacturer.
5.3 Players are required to provide their own fielding glove and
appropriate shoes.
5.4 The wearing of metal spikes, football cleats, sandals or regular street
shoes by a player is not permitted. Bare feet are not permitted.
5.5 The catcher must wear a catcher’s helmet in accordance with
appropriate ASA rules, a mask with a throat protector, a chest protector, and
shin guards during play. Any player who takes a fielding position as a catcher,
either on or off the field, to warm up a pitcher, must wear a catcher’s
helmet, as a minimum.
5.6 The batter, on-deck batter, and all base runners must wear protective
headgear covering both ears and temples. The umpire will call out any base
runner that intentionally removes her batting helmet while the ball is in play
(live ball). Headgear must be properly worn with the brim parallel to the
ground.
5.7 Youth pitchers must wear either a face mask or mouth piece. BRYC Girls Softball League will provide face masks, but not mouth pieces. Go to top
6.1 All games will be played
in accordance with the latest edition of the ASA Softball rules, except as may
be modified by BRYC.
6.2 Prior to the start of the game, the home team shall provide the umpire
with one new game ball, and the visiting team shall provide the umpire with a
good used ball, acceptable to the umpire. Only softballs approved by ASA for
fastpitch play may be used.
6.3 On offense, only the batter, baserunners, and one on-deck batter may be within the
playing field fence line. The on-deck batter must remain in the designated area
until her time at bat.
6.4 A team may start with 7 players and continue with 7, unless specified
otherwise by the age level rules. If after the start
of the game the 8th player arrives, she must be placed in the 8th batting
position. Any
other player that arrives after the start of the game must be placed in the next
batting position.
6.5 In an effort to speed up the game, a courtesy runner for the catcher
may be used, when there are two outs. The courtesy runner will be the player who
made the second out in the inning.
6.6 Unlimited Substitution is required at all age levels.
6.7 Coaches are required to play all players on their roster in each game.
League commissioners will establish the minimum number of innings.
6.8 Coaches are required to bat all players on their roster in each game,
unless the player becomes injured. All players present will be placed in the
batting order and bat in turn. Players who arrive after the start of the game
will be added at the bottom of the batting order in the order in which they
arrive.
6.9 Players who are removed from the game due to injury or having to leave
the game site will be skipped over in the batting order with no penalty each
time their turn at bat comes up.
6.10 If a player is injured while on base and has to be removed from the
game, the player making the prior out in that inning or the last out in the
previous inning will replace the injured player.
6.11 On defense, players may be substituted freely when the ball is not in
play. It will not be necessary to notify the opposing team or umpire of any
defensive substitution. Go
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7. Game Times & Scoring Limits
7.1 League games will start
as scheduled, and any team not ready to play within fifteen minutes after the
scheduled starting time will forfeit the game, providing the opposing team has
at least eight players present.
7.2 The League Commissioner will establish time limits for
games prior to the start of the season.
7.3 The home plate umpire will enforce the time limit on games. If the time
limit is reached while a player is at bat, the player will be allowed to finish
her turn at bat and then the game will be declared completed.
7.4 A game may be started prior to the scheduled game time, provided both
managers and the umpire agree. The game time limit will be calculated from the
actual start time.
7.5 Should the time limit expire, in the middle of an inning, the winner
will be the team that was ahead at the end of the last completed inning. If the
time limit expires in the bottom of the inning and the home team is ahead, they
shall be declared the winner.
7.6 A game shall be called by the umpire and shall be a regulation game if
one team leads their opponent by ten or more runs after five or more complete
innings, or after the second team at bat has taken a lead of ten or more runs in
their half of the fifth or later innings.
7.7 After one specific warning to the head coach, a forfeited game may be
declared by the umpire in favor of the team not at fault if a team employs
tactics NOTICEABLY designed to delay or to hasten the game.
7.8 The League Commissioners and coaches shall establish a maximum run
limit per inning based on the age level of play. Go
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8.1 Due to limited number of
fields and availability of umpires, teams are encouraged to take whatever
measure necessary to see that games are played as scheduled.
8.2 Canceled games must be called into the league commissioner no later
than 3 hours before the scheduled game time so that umpires can be notified.
All makeups will be scheduled through the
league commissioner.
8.3 The Fairfax County Park Authority guidelines will be utilized to
determine if a field is playable, and may direct postponement of a game if the
field is not considered to be safe or will cause damage to the field. (See
Weather Policy)
8.4 It is the responsibility of each coach to call the BRYC Softball
information line and check the BRYC Softball web site for
weather updates and cancellations. DO NOT assume weather conditions are
the same for the field as they may be at your home or office. (See Weather
Policy) Go
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9.1 Do not attempt to move a
player that cannot leave the field under their own power, who appears confused
or dazed, was knocked unconscious or has a possible broken bone. Call 911 for
emergency services, which is a free service to the County.
9.2 There is a first aid kit at every BRYC Girls Softball field. The kit
contains
Band-Aids, cleaning solution, etc. to start the season. It is the responsibility
of any team using the field kit to notify the age level commissioner if the kit
needs restocking with supplies.
9.3 Players are not allowed to wear jewelry, except medical bracelets or
identification, onto the playing field. This includes watches, necklaces,
bracelets, earrings or any other article that the umpire may deem unsafe.
9.4 Coaches must use good judgment when assessing field conditions for practice and do not use fields when conditions are likely to cause injury to participants or result in damage to the playing surface. All practices and games must stop if anyone sees lightening. Players must immediately take cover (cars) and stay there until 15 minutes have gone by without seeing any lightening. Go to top
10.1 If a team fails to
appear on the field, with at least 7 players ready to play, within fifteen
minutes after the scheduled game time, the umpire shall declare a forfeited game
in favor of the team not at fault.
10.2 If neither team is able to field the required minimum number of
players to start a scheduled game, each team shall be credited with a loss.
10.3 If a team fails to appear for a regularly scheduled game under the
impression that the playing field is not playable, and the umpire declares that
the field is playable, a forfeit game will be awarded to the team that does
appear, provided that the team that is present is able to field at least 7
players.
10.4 If a team plays an ineligible player, all games in which that player
has participated will be forfeited. If a parent/guardian or player falsifies
records, the case will be presented to the BRYC Softball Board of Directors.
10.5 If a team forfeits a game due to having less players than allowed for in the age level rules ready to play within fifteen minutes after the scheduled game time, the team must then play the game as a scrimmage. The teams with sufficient players share players on defense so that both teams can field a full defense.
10.6 If a coach knows that he/she will not have sufficient players to play a game, he/she must attempt to reschedule the game with the coach of the opposing team and the League Commissioner rather than offering a forfeit.
Exception: This rule does not apply to end of season play off or tournament games. Go to top
11. Score Keepers & Score Books
11.1 Each team shall provide
a scorekeeper who shall maintain a score book throughout each game.
11.2 The HOME team scorekeeper and score book shall be the official record
of the game. Go
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12.1 Any coach ejected from a
game will not be allowed to participate in any aspect of the remainder of the
game from which he/she has been ejected. The ejected coach must go to the
bleacher area and remain a non-vocal, non-participating member of the team. If
the ejected coach does not adhere to these rules, then the umpire may declare a
forfeit in favor of the opposing team.
12.2 Any player ejected from a game will not be allowed to participate in
any aspect of the remainder of the game from which she has been ejected. The
ejected player must go to the bleacher area and remain a non-vocal,
non-participating member of the team. The player must remain within the control
area of the coach unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. In no case is an
ejected player to leave the playing site unless accompanied by a parent,
guardian or supervising adult.
12.3 Any coach that causes his/her team to be issued a forfeit for the
above infraction will be subject to a review of his/her actions by the BRYC
Board of Directors, and possible disciplinary action. Go
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13.1 Managers or coaches may
make protests to the umpire for misinterpretation of rules, failure to apply the
correct rule to a given situation, or failure to impose the correct penalty for
a given violation. Arguing balls and strikes, or other judgment calls is not
permitted.
13.2 Protests must be made prior to the next pitch. Every effort should be
made to resolve the problem prior to filing an official protest. In any event,
the game must proceed to completion.
13.3 All protests must be submitted in writing to the appropriate league
commissioner. The league commissioner may elect to form an ad-hoc committee to
review disputes and provide recommendations to the commissioner.
13.4 Appeal of the league commissioner’s decision can be made to the BRYC
Softball Board of Directors, who’s decision will be final. Go
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1.1 The Select Program is
designed to offer girls the opportunity to experience softball on a more
competitive level against teams throughout the metro DC area and mid Atlantic
region for the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons.
1.2 It is the intention BRYC to assemble at least one highly
competitive team at each age level. It is for this purpose that the
"A", "B" and "C" classification of team formations
is established in these guidelines. If there is interest, within the league, and
the appropriate number of qualified players, additional team(s) should be
encouraged to participate under the prescribed guidelines. Go
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2.1 Participation in the Select Program requires a commitment on the part of the coaches, players and parents. Coaches should discuss this commitment for practices, games and tournaments with the players and parents prior to signing a player to your team. If you are not willing to make the commitment and sacrifice as a coach, player or parent, the select program is not for you. Go to top
3.1 The Spring season offers
teams of 10u, 12u and 14u the opportunity to play double headers throughout the
metro DC area in both Virginia and Maryland on Sunday afternoon. Spring select
teams are required to play in a minimum of 1 tournament between April 1 and June
15. The Spring season traditionally begins the 1st or 2nd week of March and
concludes approximately the 15th of June.
3.2 The Summer season offers teams of 10u, 12u, 14u, 16u and 18u to play
against other select teams throughout Fairfax County as part of the FCGSL. The
Summer program also offers teams the opportunity to travel to tournaments of
their own choice throughout the region or country. Summer teams are required to
participate in a minimum of 3 tournaments between the June 1 and August 1. The
Summer season has for FCGSL play has traditionally started the week that school
lets out and the last week of August.
3.3 The Fall season is
typically used to start to develop teams for the following spring season. The
Fall season offers teams of 10u, 12u, 14u, 16u and 18u the opportunity to play
against other select teams throughout Fairfax County as part of the FCGSL. There
are a limited number of tournaments during the fall season and there is no
requirement for a BRYC select team to participate in a minimum number during the
fall. Go
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4.1 BRYC offers select
softball programs for girls 10 and under through 18 and under.
Teams at the 16u and 18
levels do not play games in the spring, but may practice.
4.2 RESERVED
4.3 RESERVED
4.4 RESERVED
4.5 Select Softball is highly competitive and coaches are encouraged to keep
players in their appropriate age group and to encourage parents to do the same.
4.6 No player may be placed on a roster in a division above her age
eligibility without submitting a formal letter of request to the Select
Commissioner. This request letter must be from the parent/guardian with
acknowledgment from the coach that the player wishing to move up a division will
be a starter on that team from the time the approval is made.
4.7 A select team may not play in an age division above their eligibility
when more than 50% of the players can stay at the lower level, without written
authorization from the Select Commissioner and confirmation that the players are
of a caliber to participate at the higher age classification. Go
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5.1 New coaches wishing to be
considered for the Select Program are required to have a letter or email of interest
submitted to the Select Commissioner by August 1st of each year along with the
age group you wish to coach.
5.2 Existing coaches are required to submit a letter or email stating their
intention of returning submitted to the Select Commissioner by August 1st of
each year. Returning coaches shall also designate the age classification that
they will be coaching for the coming year.
5.3 The Select Commissioner may appoint a committee to review each
applicant’s request and provide recommendations based on qualifications and
the need for coaches. A decision will be made by August 15th of each year.
5.4 Coach designation of "A", "B" or "C" for
the purpose of drafting players will be determined in August of each year.
Existing coaches will have priority status over new coaches coming into the
league as far as designation is concerned.
5.5 If an existing coach and team move up an age division and there is a
current coach in that upper age division, the coach moving up will be placed in
a "B" or "C" classification behind any remaining coach(es) in
that upper age bracket. Go
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6.1 Tryouts
6.1.1 Nothing in these guidelines is intended to prohibit the Select
Coaches from holding their own tryouts.
6.1.2 Formal tryouts for Fall shall be held Saturdays in
August if there are sufficient number of players trying out.
6.1.3 Spring tryouts will be held in conjunction with the BRYC house
tryouts. Dates will be published each year through the BRYC newsletter and web
page.
6.1.4 Before a coach can participate in a BRYC run tryout, all Select
Coaches shall furnish the Select Commissioner with a roster of girls committed
to the individual teams, one week prior to the scheduled tryout.
6.1.5 Select coaches who do not participate in the general tryout forfeit
their right to any player in the draft, based on their seniority or
classification.
6.1.6 Players committing to a particular select team must be registered no
later than the scheduled BRYC tryout or that team will forfeit their right to
protect that player. Go
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6.2 Team Formation
6.2.1 Team "A" is designated as the first team in a particular
age division or the team with seniority in that particular age division. Team
"A" will be given first right of refusal to any girl, not committed to
another team, who wishes to play select ball in a particular age division, until
his roster reaches 10.
6.2.2 The "A" team may temporarily protect players they are
considering for a period of 10 days from the coach’s contact so they can
participate in practices with the team. At the end of 10 days, that player must
either be listed on the "A" team’s roster or be made available for
other BRYC select teams to review.
6.2.3 In order to protect a player from other BRYC coaches making contact
until the 10 day grace period is over, the "A" team should keep the
Select Commissioner informed, in writing, with the names of individuals being
considered.
6.2.4 The "A" team coach must submit a preseason roster of girls
committed to returning to his team no later than the date determined by the
Select Commissioner for a particular season.
6.2.5 The "A" team coach must submit a final roster to the Select
Commissioner, signed by all players and parents one week prior to the start of
the season.
6.2.6 The "A" team coach shall attempt to limit their roster to
15 girls for the Spring and Fall season and 18 for the Summer season.
6.2.7 An "A" team player may not play for another BRYC select
team without being release from the "A" team. A written request from
the player or parent/guardian must be submitted to the Select Commissioner for
final approval.
6.2.8 Team "B" is designated as the second team in a particular
age division. Team "B" will be given the second right of refusal to
any girl, not committed to another team, who wishes to play select ball in a
particular age division, until his roster reaches 10.
6.2.9 Team "B" may be formed when:
a. When the "A" team reaches 10 players and it can be demonstrated that there are an adequate number of qualified select players for this additional team.
b. The Select Commissioner, with the majority approval of the Softball Board of Directors, if it is perceived that the addition of a "B" team will be in the best interest of the BRYC select fastpitch program.
6.2.10 All other formation
guidelines shall be those established above for the "A" team under
6.2.2 through 6.2.7.
6.2.11 Subsequent teams can be formed by the Select Commissioner, with the
majority approval of the Softball Board of Directors, if it is perceived that
the addition of an additional team will be in the best interest of the BRYC
select fastpitch program. Go
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6.3 Seniority Policy
6.3.1 Teams in each age division shall be designated "A",
"B" and "C" for seniority purposes. If a team moves up a
division and there is an existing team at the higher level that will remain; the
team in the higher level will have seniority over the new team, regardless of
the designation of the team at their previous lower level. Go
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6.4 Team Disbandment: In the event that a Stingray team disbands, the other Stingray coaches of that age group will be given the opportunity to pick up the players from the disbanded team. Should there be more than one Stingray team, the "A" team will have the first choice of players, then the "B" team, and then the "C" team. Should there be no Stingray team at that age level, the Stingray team at the next level will be given the opportunity to pick up the disbanded team players if their play is sufficient to play at the next level. All BRYC purchased equipment must be returned to the Select Commissioner for distribution to other select teams. In the even that this equipment is not wanted by select teams, the equipment must be returned to the BRYC Softball Equipment Manager for use by House teams. Go to top
7.1 In recruiting players,
coaches recruiting within BRYC should make the girls and parents aware of
additional options for their girls, if there is more than one select team within
BRYC at that age division.
7.2 Select coaches MAY NOT actively recruit players from
other BRYC select teams or allow others associated with their team from actively
recruiting players from other BRYC select teams.
7.3 Any select coach may recruit players within the house program, if their
intentions are first made known to the coach of the house team.
7.4 Any coach may recruit players from outside BRYC programs at any time.
7.5 A player MAY NOT be unilaterally pulled from one team for
the benefit of another.
7.6 Coaches MAY NOT contact a player that is on a protected
list before the 10-day grace period is over.
7.7 Each coach will submit a list of protected players under consideration
to the Select Commissioner and keep the list updated weekly, prior to the start
of each season. The list will include those committed, those protected and those
released.
7.8 A select player MAY NOT be on the roster of two select teams at
one time, and sharing of players between teams is not permitted as part of the
regular league schedule.
7.8 Any dispute regarding player recruitment shall be brought to the
immediate attention of the Select Commissioner for resolution. Go
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8. Select Players & House League
8.1 BRYC Girls Softball
League encourages players to expose themselves to as much softball as they and
their parents wish.
8.2 House teams can have no more than one select player until every other
team in their division has one select player. A second and subsequent select
players may be allowed in the house program until each team in turn adds a
select player. (See House Guidelines)
8.3 Coaches should make it known to their players, that when there is a
conflict between house games and select games, the select games will take
precedence.
8.4 Select teams may not play in the house league, as a unit, without
special permission of the BRYC Board of Directors. Select teams may never be
allowed in the house program at their designated age level. Go
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9.1 Select teams are expected
to play in a minimum of 1 tournament during the Spring season and 3 tournaments
during the Summer program. This tournament is included in the registration fee
paid to BRYC.
9.2 If one of the selected tournaments requires an overnight stay, BRYC
will pay for the tournament fee and each player and coach is responsible for all
travel related cost.
9.3 The Select Commissioner will publish a list of tournaments as soon as
they become available. Go
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10.1 All select teams within the BRYC program will operate under a common name (BRYC Stingrays). To the extent practical, all select teams will use the same uniform color and logo. Go to top
11.1 The
league will provide an annual budget to each select team each year. The budget
shows how registration fees and BRYC-operated tournament profits are distributed
to each team, and the fixed costs of insurance, BRYC league administration ,
winter gym rental, and PONY registration. For the registration fees for players
who are also playing on House Teams, the full registration fee
will be credited to the Select Team. The annual budget provides suggested
amounts for equipment, uniform, FCGSL registration, and tournament fees.
11.2 Each select team has
the discretion to change the distribution of the equipment, uniform, FCGSL
registration, and tournament fees within its budget. The net affect of any
change must not increase the total expenses.
11.3 All registration fees will be deposited by BRYC Softball and will be reflected in the annual budget for the Select Team. Any other funds collected by the Select Team from parents may be deposited with BRYC Softball, and if so, will be reflected in the annual budget for that team.
11.4 Nothing in rule 11.2 above prohibits any select team from augmenting its funds through fundraisers or additional fees for parents. However, any collection of additional fees must be explained to the parents of a select team player prior to the player joining the team.
11.5 All select coaches are required to account for the money received and provide a report to the BRYC Commissioner no later than the end of the fall season. No select coach may run a net loss for the year. Any net gain must be returned to the team by the end of the year. Go to top
12.1 Cost associated with
playing in the Select Program is higher than within the normal BRYC House
Program. The BRYC Softball Board of Directors will establish fees for a given
season.
12.2 Refunds will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to the BRYC Softball
Commissioner. Go to top
13.1 Any dispute that may
arise from regarding the formation of teams or any other BRYC select policy or
during the playing season will be forwarded, in writing, within 10 days to the
Select Commissioner for resolution.
13.2 The Select Commissioner may form an ad-hoc committee to review
disputes and provide recommendations to the commissioner.
13.3 The Select Commissioner may request disciplinary action, including but
not limited to forfeiture of games or the removal of a coach or player from the
league, to the BRYC Softball Board of Directors.
13.4 Appeal of the Select Commissioner’s decision can be made to the BRYC
Softball Board of Directors, who’s decision will be final. Go
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UNDER DISCUSSION
D. WEATHER POLICY AND PROCEDURES Supplement
All fields under BRYC’s usage are given to us by the Fairfax County Park and Recreation Department. All county field permits state:
"Fields
and facilities are NOT to be used when conditions are such that said use is
likely to cause injury to participants or result in damage to the playing
surface....”
A copy of the field permit was made for EACH coach and is available at the mandatory coaches meeting at the start of the season.
County fields are controlled by the Department of Community and Recreation Services. Inclement weather cancellations will be posted to their hotline at 703-324-5264.
Because of the time, effort and money BRYC Softball has invested in Canterbury Woods Elementary fields, we can often play with county facilities are closed. A determination is made by 3:30pm on weekdays and 7:00 am on weekends based on the conditions of the field at that time and not based on the "possibility" of rain. This is not an exact science, but is based on factors present at a given point in time. BRYC’s contract with the Northern Virginia Umpire’s Association requires that we provide them with a 2 hour notice of any field cancellations which dictates that fields be checked by 3:30 pm. Coaches should check the BRYC Softball hotline at 703-569-1466, daily, after 4:30pm on week days and after 8:00 am on weekends for field closures due to weather conditions or activities by Fairfax County or schools. Weather conditions at your office or home may not necessarily be those at the field at the time a decision is made on field conditions.
Once a determination has been made that a field is playable and teams show up at the field, the umpire is the sole judge as to the safety of the players and the suitability of the playing field for our Pigtail and Pony leagues. That is one of the primary functions of a professional umpire not only for weather situations, but to insure that playing rules are administered to mitigate potential injuries. The decisions should be communicated to the Pigtail or Pony Commissioners as applicable.
The coaches scheduled to play the game(s) for the Coach Pitch and 10U leagues will make this same determination. The results of these decisions should be communicated to the Coach Pitch/10U Commissioner. Go to top
10u Games: For these games, our umpire will be a teenage softball player who has been trained to umpire 10u games. She should arrive at your field at least 5 minutes before game time. If you are missing an umpire, please find a parent volunteer to umpire. We have an umpire mask and clicker in all 10u field boxes. Also call Jim Pendergast at 703-919-9315 to report the problem. Jim may be able to get hold of another ump for the game.
Pigtail BRYC Only Games: For most games, our umpire will be a BRYC Stingray 16u player who has been trained by NVSUA to umpire 12u games. She should arrive at your field at least 10 minutes before game time. If you are missing an umpire, please wait until at least game time and then call Jim Pendergast at 703-919-9315 to report the problem. Jim will try to get hold of another ump for the game.
Under normal conditions, you should see a NOVSU umpire arriving at or near your field at least 10 minutes before game time. If you are missing an umpire, please wait until game time to call the Northern Virginia Softball Umpire’s Association line at 703-350-5339 to see if there has been an unforeseen problem with the official. Identify yourself, the age group, the league and the field location. Either leave a number for them to call you back with information or arrange to call them at a specified time. In many instances, they can reach the official by car phone and determine his status. Please contact the League Commissioner about the missing umpire. Go to top