The COVID-19 Rules remain in effect as of 02/08/2021. As things change and new information is available, updates from local health departments, changes in regulations and mandates occur, these rules may be finalized further before the start of the 2021 season.
2021 Season Additional Rules (COVID-19):
Safeguards for all phases
Social distancing of 6' for all players and spectators
Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially after touching frequently used items
Avoid touching your face
Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow
Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces, as much as possible
Face coverings are strongly urged by players and spectators
People who feel sick, have a fever of 100.4 or greater, or have other COVID-19 symptoms should stay home
Softball Complex Rules
Social distancing for players and spectators
Bleachers will be removed, tell your fans to bring chairs if they want
All food related garbage must be discarded in garbage cans only! This includes gum, sunflower seeds, and all tobacco products
Please refrain from spittingGame Play Rules
Game Play Rules
Keep 6 feet distancing, no more than 3 people in a dugout at a time
No team huddles
Pre-game coin flip - umpire and captains to maintain 6 feet distancing. No handshakes.
Teams are responsible for sanitizing shared equipment
Teams are encouraged to sanitize the dugout, prior to the game
Managers to keep a record of players names in case contact tracing is required (normal roster/scorebook is sufficient)
Catchers remain at least 6 feet from batter, allowing ball to bounce on the black mat
Catchers or anyone should not handle the opposing teams bat (you can gently kick it out of the runners way of course)
No stealing allowed in any league
Umpire will not switch balls out or handle any softballs
In Coed games, catchers will switch balls; extra ball stored against the back stop
Pitchers or catchers take ball(s) into dugout between innings, bring out when in field
At the start of each game, each team will be given one game ball.
Coed: GVSA provides one Men's and one Women's ball and teams supply the other one; winner of coin toss picks which new ball to receive
If a ball is hit out of play/not retrievable - batting team gives a sanitized ball to the pitcher (Balls should be the 52 COR 300 compression rating to comply with USA Softball regulations. 12" men's and 11" women's
Post-game "good game ritual" - do not meet at the plate for any sort of post game high fives, elbow bumps, etc. Teams are encouraged to line up by their own dugouts and wave/tip hats to perform the end of game sportsmanship ritual.
Teams to provide their own sanitizing materials
Additional Guidelines
Do not arrive for your games more than 15 minutes beforehand.
Leave promptly after you game is over. Do not hang out at the field.