Each summer the Diocese of Memphis Office of Youth Ministry sponsors a summer softball league for parish youth groups. All games are played on our fields (St. Louis). Eight games are played on Monday nights in the summer starting on Memorial Day. The first game starts promptly at 5:40 pm and ends at 6:50 pm. Game 2 starts promptly at 7:00 pm and ends at 8:10 pm. Trophies are awarded at the end of the season to the three teams that showed "Outstanding Christian Spirit" as voted by their peers. These awards are presented at an end of the season dance usually held the first Friday in August. Check the calendar for exact date and location.
Practices:
Before May 26th: Mondays at 6 @ St. Louis
After May 26th: Sunday's
at 7:15p (after 6:00 mass)
At the End of the year we have a cookout on the last Monday game night - come to the games for details on how to play!
Rules:
1. I expect EVERYONE on the team (and in the stands) to be on their utmost
best behavior at all times. If I think you are in any way not behaving
in an appropriate manner, I will ask you to leave the field immediately.
This includes inappropriate language, dress, etc. You must display sportsmanship
at all times. DO NOT argue with the umpire, the other team, or me at any
time during the game. If something happens that you don't like, keep your
mouth closed and be calm about it. We're just here to have fun.
2. You must be at the field at least 15 minutes prior to game time. I cannot
put you in the starting lineup if you get there right at game time.
3. Prayer before & after each game (off the field). Remember to allow youth to prepare and lead.
4.
No infield practice before the games. NO PETS ALLOWED on St. Louis grounds.
5. Abide by the OFFICIAL SOFTBALL RULES (American Softball Association).
6. Rosters and books are to be kept.
7. First three (3) innings - eight (8) run limit per inning. No limit thereafter.
8.
Games will be played at 5:40 pm 6:50 pm and 7 pm 8:10 pm. If you are in the middle of an inning when the time is called, you must go back to the score at the end of the last completed inning. Time limits will be strictly enforced!
9. No sliding nor aggressive base running, umpire's decision. No base blocking. The base runner is responsible to avoid contact.
10. NO FOUL LANGUAGE! (Youth or adults.) Warning issued first time out of game second time. Umpire's call with support of the coaches.
11. T shirts with numbers on the back will be worn.
12. Diocesan Dress Code to be strictly enforced! NO JEWELRY (earrings, bracelets, rings, watches, hair ornaments, etc.) Medical bracelets may be left on but with tape around them
13. Minimum of five (5) girls, if available, must be on the field at all times (can be flexible upon agreement of both coaches). If a team shows up without enough to play, again, upon the agreement of coaches, players may be borrowed. Alternate sexes on batting order. The coach may take the option of batting the entire roster, alternating sexes throughout. Please inform the other team.
14. Batters must be male and female. No more than two (2) males in outfield.
15. Some fields share outfields, so when a ball (either in the air or on the ground) goes into one of the opposite fields while other teams are playing, an automatic ground rule double will be called. Umpires need to announce the possibility of a ground rule double, and be sure the ball is going into the other field of play before making a ground rule double call. Please remind your youth to show respect for the other teams and do not chase the ball down. The umpire needs to stop the play when this occurs.
16. The home team (1st team listed) supplies the bases and each team supplies a ball (.44 core required). Use regulation softball bats…no baseball or adult ‘high powered’ bats allowed.
17. Runners may not leave the base until the bat hits the ball.
18. NO steel cleats, absolutely, positively!!!! Athletic shoes must be worn no sandals.
19. Face masks are required for ALL catchers! We recommend catchers wear chest protectors.
20. All outfielders will stay 20 feet behind the base path until the ball is hit. Otherwise, the batter is safe.
21. Anytime a pitcher walks a male batter (without throwing at least one strike), and if the next batter is a female, she (not the coach) has the option, prior to entering the batter's box, to bat or to walk.
22. Pitcher's mound is 50' from back of home plate. Bases are 65' apart.
23. Coaches must have a completed Health & Medical Release Form (original with coach, copy on file at parish) and, if transportation is being provided, Permission Form for Field Trip (copy with coach, original on file at parish), for EACH AND EVERY player, regardless of age. Accident Forms must be completed and a copy given to Youth Office. All of these forms can be obtained by clicking here.
22. Each team is responsible for the clean up of the field and dugout/bench area when each game is over.
23. If you must forfeit a game, please notify the other coach by 4 pm. Games are called if there is a severe weather (tornado warning) from the National Weather Service. Call Larry Ichniowski at 569-1788 cell or 758-2428 home for rainouts/field conditions.
24. It is your option and we encourage you to pick up on it to schedule games with the teams that you are not on the schedule to play.
Dress Code:
Appropriate dress will be strictly monitored. Anything immodest or degrading
that espouses drug/alcohol or violent themes is not appropriate. We reserve
the right to judge appropriateness.
Please remember the following rules:
- Appropriate language and/or graphics on clothing
- Skirts must be no shorter than fingertip length
- No fishnet or see-through clothing
- Shirts and sweaters must be long enough to cover the midriff area at all times. No belly buttons on display. Stand in front of a mirror at home and raise your arms above your head. If any skin shows, change clothes.
- No backless, strapless, or spaghetti straps dresses or tops
- Appropriate undergarments must be worn at all times and must not be visible.
- No short shorts