Page 404 - Revised Unified Sports Curriculum electronic version Rev. 8.1_2

SOFTBALL

SPORT RULES

14. COACHES, PLAYERS, & SUBSTITUTES
Coaches
The Head Coach is responsible for signing the line-up card.
Coaches must be neatly attired, including the wearing of suitable footwear, or dressed in
team uniform in accordance with the color code of the team. If a coach wears a cap, it must
be approved headwear.
An offensive team coach (base coach) is an eligible member of the team at bat who takes his
place on the field, within the coach’s box.
Two coaches are allowed to give words of assistance and direction to the members
of their team while at bat.
One shall be stationed near first base and one near third base and they are
obligated to stay within the confines of their respective coach’s box.
Exception: A coach may leave the coach’s box to signal a runner to slide, advance
or return to a base, or move out of a fielder’s way, as long as he does not interfere
with the play.
A base coach may address only his own team members.
One coach can have in his possession in the coach’s box, a score book, pen or pencil
and an indicator, all of which shall be used for score keeping or record keeping
purposes only
A defensive team coach/manager is an eligible member of the team in the field, who may be
either a non-playing coach who remains in the dugout, or a playing coach who takes his place
on the field. This coach may give direction and assistance to his team while they are playing
defense.
Coaches may not use language that will reflect negatively upon players, umpires or
spectators.
No communication equipment is allowed between:
The coaches on the field;
The coaches and the dugout;
The coaches and any player;
The spectator area and the field, including the dugout, coaches and players
Effect: Any infraction shall result on a warning for the first occurrence. Any subsequent
infraction by a coach/manager of the same team shall result in the ejection of that
coach/manager.
Line-Up Cards and Rosters
Official line-up cards are to be completed and submitted to the Official Scorerand the home
plate umpire, at the start of each game. The plate umpire retains the card for the duration of
the game.
A player’s name shall not be on the starting line-up, unless the player is present
in the team area and in uniform.
All available substitutes should be listed in the designated place, by their last
name, first name and uniform number.
Eligible roster members may be added to the available substitute list at any
time during the game.
The name of the head coach/manager must be listed on the line-up card.

49 VERSION: June 2018
© Special Olympics, Inc., 2018
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