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GAME MANAGEMENT MANUAL

B A S E B A L LS O F T B A L L20

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S E C S P O R T S . C O M

A N D

SEC STAFF DIRECTORY Game Management Contacts

(Baseball & Softball)

Name Sports Email Cell PhoneHerb Vincent Baseball [email protected] (225) 235-9999

Byron Hatch Softball [email protected] (832) 259-4385

SEC COORDINATOR OF OFFICIALSName Sports Email Cell PhonePaul Guillie Baseball [email protected] (504) 491-0870

Christie Cornwell Softball [email protected] (336) 202-3083

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SEC EVENT MANAGEMENT AND CROWD CONTROL

The Presidents and Chancellors of the Southeastern Conference member institutions are committed to excellent crowd control at all athletics events. They have passed several resolutions stating their aims and objectives for promoting mutual trust and friendly relations between conference members and other institutions by emphasizing the need for coach, student-athlete and spectator sportsmanship at athletics contests. The host institution is responsible for assuring that crowd control and game management are exercised in the best interest of safety and fair play for the participants, as well as for spectators.The responsibility for crowd control and event management at Southeastern Conference athletics events rests with the director of athletics of the host institution. The athletics director shall designate a full-time staff person (or persons) to serve as event management director; however ultimate responsibility remains with the A.D. The home institution shall supply the visiting coach and game officials with the name and location of the individual responsible for event management and crowd control.The athletics directors of each institution are expected to communicate with their student-athletes, coaches and fans to encourage enthusiastic support within the confines of good sportsmanship. Host institutions must provide adequate security and ushers, preferably in uniform, for effective crowd management. Attention should be given to seating arrangements that will alleviate crowd-control problems. In addition, evacuation and emergency plans should be in place and reviewed on a regular basis.

SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE Commissioner Greg Sankey

2201 Richard Arrington Boulevard North Birmingham, AL 35203-1103

OFFICE NUMBER: 205/458-3000 FAX NUMBER: 205/458-3031

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SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE INSTITUTIONS

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA – Tuscaloosa, AL Athletics Director – Greg Byrne (205) 348-3620 Game Management Contacts

Baseball: Brian Edmiston (205) 348-6464 (O); (205) 331-1384; [email protected]

Baseball Press Box: (205) 348-4927Softball: Lindsey Jones (205) 348-3667 (O);

(256) 627-3520 (C); [email protected] Softball Press Box: N/A

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS – Fayetteville, ARAthletics Director – Hunter Yurachek (479) 575-7641Game Management Contacts

Baseball: Roy Jacobson (479) 575-3865 (O);(479) 200-4773 (C); [email protected]

Baseball Press Box: (479) 575-4141Softball: Julie Cain (479) 575-3134 (O);

(479) 283-3343 (C); [email protected] Softball Press Box: (479) 575-7256

AUBURN UNIVERSITY – Auburn, ALAthletics Director – Allen Greene (334) 844-9891Game Management Contacts

Baseball: Bob Grant (334) 844-9810 (O);(334) 740-0934 (C); [email protected]

Baseball Press Box: (334) 844-2800Softball: Sarah Stallkamp (334) 844-9622 (O);

(334) 321-1820 (C); [email protected] Press Box: (334) 844-8232

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA – Gainesville, FLAthletics Director – Scott Stricklin (352) 375-4683 ext. 6000Game Management Contacts

Baseball: Matt Goss (352) 375-4683 x 6028 (O);(352) 317-4720 (C); [email protected]

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Softball: Will Kraus (352) 375-4683 x 6048 (O);(352) 318-5428 (C); [email protected]

Softball Press Box: (352) 379-2879

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA – Athens, GAAthletics Director – Greg McGarity (706) 542-9037Game Management Contacts

Baseball: Dave Williams (706) 542-8274 (O); (706) 206-8773 (C); [email protected]

Baseball Press Box: (706) 542-6161Softball: Rachel Simons (706) 542-7804 (O);


UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY – Lexington, KYAthletics Director – Mitch Barnhart (859) 257-8000Game Management Contacts

Baseball: Scott Geisinger (859) 218-1777 (O); (317) 439-0410 (C); [email protected]

Baseball Press Box: (859) 257-9011Softball: Ana D’Amborgi (859) 323-8535 (O);

(443) 823-0058 (C); [email protected] LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY – Baton Rouge, LA

Athletics Director – Joe Alleva (225) 578-3600Game Management Contacts

Baseball: David Taylor (225) 578-8428 (O);(225) 270-8427 (C); [email protected];Richard Dempsey (225) 316-4534 (C);[email protected]

Baseball Press Box: (225) 578-4149Softball: Julie Cribbs (225) 578-5245 (O);


UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI – Oxford, MSAthletics Director – Ross Bjork (662) 915-7546Game Management Contacts

Baseball: Neal Mead (662) 915-1811 (O);(662) 816-2699 (C); [email protected];

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Kevin Blank (662) 816-5376 (C); [email protected] Press Box: (662) 236-1931Softball: Annalyn Smith (662) 915-1076 (O);


MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY – Starkville, MSAthletics Director – John Cohen (662) 325-8082Game Management Contacts

Baseball: Brent Frey (662) 325-0958 (O);(662) 418-7004 (C); [email protected]

Baseball Press Box: (662) 325-3074Softball: Suzanne McCormick (662)325-0958 (O);

(662) 418-0631 (C); [email protected] UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – Columbia, MO

Athletics Director – Jim Sterk (573) 882-2055Game Management Contacts

Baseball: Jeff Franta (573) 882-5195 (O);(314) 662-6088 (C); [email protected]

Baseball Press Box: (573) 884-8912Softball: Brittany Kuehl (573) 882-0640 (O);

(573) 289-8351 (C); [email protected] UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA – Columbia, SC

Athletics Director – Ray Tanner (803) 777-8881Game Management Contacts

Baseball: Shawn Burke (803) 777-7864 (O); (803) 240-2513 (C); [email protected]

Baseball Press Box: (803) 777-6648Softball: Megan Kennington (803) 576-9055 (O);


UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE – Knoxville, TN Athletics Director – Philip Fulmer (865) 974-4886Game Management Contacts

Baseball: Angie Doyle (865) 974-2206 (O);(865) 207-8175 (C); [email protected]

Baseball Press Box: (865) 974-3376Softball: Jordan Bearden (865) 974-3556 (O);

(865) 321-0062 (C); [email protected]

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TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY – College Station, TX Athletics Director – Scott Woodward (979) 845-5129Game Management Contacts

Baseball: Steve Miller (979) 862-2564 (O);(979) 777-2721 (C); [email protected]

Press Row Phone: (979) 862-6944Baseball Press Box: (979) 458-3604Softball: Cole Reed (979) 862-7330 (O);


VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY – Nashville, TNVice Chancellor-Student Athletics – Malcolm Turner

(615) 322-4831Game Management Contacts

Baseball: Trae Holthouse (615) 936-0887 (O);(615) 238-4131 (C); [email protected]

Baseball Press Box: (615) 320-0436

The Southeastern Conference will enforce bylaws 10.4, 10.5 and 30.22.15 in the SEC Manual, which deal with playing conditions, sportsmanship, game administration and the conduct of coaches, players and support personnel.

SEC BYLAW 10.4 - GAME MANAGEMENT10.4.1 Each contest shall be played and administered according to the prescribed rules set forth by the Conference and the NCAA.

10.4.2 The host member institution shall ensure the visiting team has an equal opportunity to compete successfully. The host member institution is solely responsible for providing adequate and appropriate crowd control, bench safety, access for press box communication and locker room security.

SEC BYLAW 10.5 - SPORTSMANSHIP10.5.1 All institutional staff members and student-athletes of a member institution, shall conduct themselves with honesty and good sportsmanship. Their behavior shall at

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all times reflect the high standards of honor and dignity that characterize participation in the collegiate setting. For intercollegiate athletics to promote the character development of participants, to enhance the integrity of higher education and to promote civility in society, coaches, student-athletes and all others associated with these athletics programs and events should adhere to such fundamental values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty and responsibility. These values should be manifest not only in athletics participation but also in the broad spectrum of activities affecting the athletics program.

It is the responsibility of each member institution to establish policies for sportsmanship and ethical conduct in intercollegiate athletics consistent with the educational mission and goals of the institution. Furthermore, member institutions are responsible for educating all constituencies about these policies on a continuing basis.

10.5.2 Coaches and administrators shall refrain from public criticism of other member institutions, their staffs or players. Coaches and administrators shall also refrain from making public statements and accusations with regard to infractions concerning member institutions and their personnel. In response to questions by the media, it is appropriate to state that infractions are reported, investigated and addressed in accordance with established Conference and NCAA procedures.

10.5.3 Coaches, players and support personnel shall refrain from all public criticism of officials, which shall include making public any specific communications with the Conference office related to officiating.

10.5.4 Coaches and support personnel shall provide favorable examples in appearance, conduct, language and sportsmanship and shall refrain from personal conduct that may incite spectators.

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SEC BYLAW 30.22.1.5 - PLAYING CONDITIONS(a) The host institution is charged with the responsibility

of providing satisfactory playing conditions, providing the best possible protection for the public and officials, and using its facilities for producing an atmosphere of good sportsmanship. The Commissioner will periodically distribute information regarding crowd-control procedures;

(b) The host institution or conference office shall set the starting times of all contests and so notify the visiting team well in advance;

(e) In sports other than football, the use of artificial noisemakers shall be governed by the Commissioner’s Regulations for each sport. Penalties for violations of this provision are also set forth in the Commissioner’s Regulations for each sport.

COMMISSIONER’S REGULATIONSSection headings in this Game Management Manual designated by an asterisk (*) are Commissioner’s Regulations that have been formally approved by the appropriate governing bodies of the Southeastern Conference. The Commissioner’s Regulations Manual is the official record of all Commissioner’s Regulations and may contain additional information.

BA

SEB

ALL

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BASEBALLACCESS TO COMPETITION AREA*In all sports, institutions shall limit access to the competition area to participating student-athletes, coaches, officials, support personnel and properly-credentialed individuals at all times. For the safety of participants and spectators alike, at no time before, during or after a contest shall spectators be permitted to enter the competition area. It is the responsibility of each member institution to implement procedures to ensure compliance with this policy.

Institutional penalties against individuals who improperly enter the competition area must include, but not be limited to, expulsion from the facility, arrest for trespassing, and the loss of future ticket privileges. In addition to these three penalties, violators who are students shall be subject to institutional student disciplinary measures.

Each institution shall publicize this policy, as well as the penalties associated with violations, through appropriate means, such as ticket back statements, public address announcements, video/matrix announcements, facility signage and other means available. It is likewise the responsibility of each head coach to publicly discourage spectators from entering the playing area at any time.

Penalties for Institutional Violations – For the safety of participants and spectators alike, the Commissioner may (in his or her sole discretion) impose the following penalties: 1st offense: an institutional fine of $50,000; 2nd offense: an institutional fine of up to $100,000; 3rd or subsequent offense: an institutional fine of up to $250,000. The Commissioner may also impose additional penalties as he or she deems appropriate.

ALCOHOL POLICYNo alcoholic beverages shall be sold or dispensed for public consumption anywhere in the facility and the possession

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and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the public areas of the facility shall be prohibited. These prohibitions shall not apply to private, leased areas in the facility or other areas designated by the SEC.

There shall be no advertising displays mentioning or promoting alcoholic beverages in the facility.

ARTIFICIAL NOISE MAKERS*Artificial noisemakers shall not be permitted to be brought into or used in any sports venue during games between member institutions. Each institution must have statements printed on tickets and notices to the effect that such noisemakers will not be permitted inside its competition areas.

Penalties for violations – The game umpires shall enforce the Conference ban on artificial noisemakers.

The first time the home plate umpire detects the significant use of artificial noisemakers by those in the crowd, he shall call a timeout and request that the public address (PA) announcer make a verbal warning through the public address system.

Thereafter, the home plate umpire will work with home game management to enforce the SEC Artificial Noisemaker policy and report any violations to the conference office.

Artificial noisemakers and sound systems brought to competition sites by participating teams and team personnel are restricted to the locker room and training room areas only.

BARREL COMPRESSION TESTING*The regular season and the Conference tournament will be governed by a Barrel Compression Testing Protocol, which will be maintained at the Conference office.

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Barrel compression testing (BCT) will be conducted prior to each Conference series. For more specific information related to BCT, see the SEC Barrel Compression Testing (BCT) Protocol.

Coaches and administrators of Conference institutions are reminded that they are obligated by the NCAA Baseball Rules to play with legal equipment and to remove any illegal equipment from play regardless of whether a bat testing program has been implemented.

The SEC will provide each institution with a bat testing device to conduct the testing and the home team’s device will be used for testing prior to each Conference series.

BASEBALLS*The home team shall deliver a supply of official SEC official baseballs to be prepared by the umpires prior to the start of the game. Every effort should be made to get as much use of a baseball as possible before discarding it as unfit. The official SEC baseball is SEC stamped baseball that is consistent with the specifications used for NCAA Championship competition.

BATTING PRACTICE*No team or any member of a team is permitted to take batting practice in any location while a game is in progress.

BATTING PRACTICE TOPS* All student-athletes are required to wear numbers on batting practice tops.

COACHES/SUPPORT PERSONNELThe coaches and assistant coaches are charged with a responsibility that reaches beyond the game. Their behavior directly affects the conduct of other bench personnel, players and spectators. Their job is two-fold (1) to prepare the team for the game and (2) to conduct themselves in such a manner during the game to ensure good crowd control. Displaying a positive attitude before,

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during and after each contest helps to guarantee a healthy environment for competition. Head coaches are responsible for the conduct of all persons in the dugout area.

DRESSOUT LIST*In SEC vs. SEC series, the home team is allowed to dress 35 student-athletes. The play list will be 27. The 27-man play list for the weekend series must be turned into the umpires before the start of the first game of the series and cannot change for the remainder of the series. The extra eight student-athletes dressing for home games can warm-up participating players, serve as bullpen catchers and take part in pre-game practices ONLY. For SEC teams traveling to road conference series, the dress list would remain at 27.

DUGOUTSAll players and substitutes for both teams must be in their team’s dugout area or bullpen and remain there until the ball has been declared dead or the side has been retired. This excludes the batter, the on-deck batters, base runners, base coaches and nine defensive players. During a game, no one except players in uniform, coaches, managers, trainers, physicians, scorekeepers and bat persons shall occupy a team’s dugout. All loose equipment must be kept in the dugout or in a clearly marked dead-ball area. Product placement in visiting team dugout:The visiting team shall have the right to utilize its choice of isotonic beverage (product and equipment) in the dugout area during SEC regular season competition. If the visiting team does not arrange to have its own product and equipment at a contest, the home team will supply the isotonic beverage (product and equipment) of its choice in the visiting team dugout area. Equipment utilized in the visiting team dugout area must be standard size..

EQUAL ACCESS TO LOCKER ROOMSEqual access must be given to all media representatives (regardless of gender) at any time interviews with coaches and/or student-athletes are conducted, including after

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games. Equal access is defined as access to coaches and/or student-athletes at the exact same time and at the exact same place. Bringing players to a separate area for reporters of the opposite gender is not considered equal access. The exact method of ensuring equal access shall be determined by the institution

FIGHTINGThe SEC believes there is no place in college baseball for physical abuse of officials or fighting among opponents. A fight rule penalizes offending team representatives (e.g., players, coaches, trainers, managers) for physical abuse or fighting. However, coaches must understand that they are responsible for the actions of their players. Cooperation is needed from players, coaches, administrators and game officials to prevent fighting and physical abuse. When applying this rule, penalties shall carry over from fall to spring and from regular-season to postseason competition. Further, suspended player(s) or coach(es) shall be restricted to an area that is outside of sight or sound from the baseball playing area and prohibited from any communication or contact, direct or indirect, with the team, coaches and/or bench personnel from the start of the contest to its completion — including all extra innings. Penalties will be enforced by the game umpires.

1. Fighting – Any physical abuse of an opposing player, including attempting to strike with the arms, hands, legs, feet or equipment in a combative manner, or intentionally spitting at an opponent.

2. Physical Abuse of Game Officials or Umpires – Any threat of physical intimidation or harm to include pushing, shoving, bumping, kicking, intentionally spitting, throwing at or attempting to make physical contact.

3. Team Personnel Leaving Position – Team personnel leaving their position to participate in a physical confrontation (e.g., pushing, shoving, bumping) or a fight (see 5-16-a) shall include players, coaches, trainers and managers.

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The position of various team members is determined by where the individual is located (e.g., dugout, bullpen, coaching box, on base, at bat, defensive position) at the time a confrontational situation develops.

GAME CLOCK*The SEC follows the NCAA Game Clock Protocol, with the exception that the clock will be located on the outfield wall in each SEC stadium. In addition, thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of each game, the individual responsible for the operation of the game clock must meet with the umpiring crew to review the protocol. Emphasis should be places on in-game communications (signals, etc.) from the field to the individual operating the clock.

GAME MANAGEMENT DIRECTORThe Athletics Director will serve as the Game Management Director or appoint an individual knowledgeable in game management and crowd control to supervise and plan for all games. This person should review the Commissioner’s Regulations on Baseball in the SEC Manual. It is a conference requirement that this person visit briefly with the umpires and the visiting coach prior to the game (each and every game) and inform them of their availability if they need to be contacted during the game. The game manager is responsible for the control of the entire operation of the stadium. This individual should provide supervision prior to and during each contest and continue supervision until at least one-half hour after the game or until all groups have dispersed.

GAME TIMESThe starting time for all games will be determined by the home team. Each coach must submit game times to the commissioner’s office prior to the start of the regular season. It is the goal of the commissioner’s office that no game times need be changed once the season starts

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OFFICIAL VIDEO REVIEW*The NCAA Baseball Rules Committee, working in conjunction with the NCAA Division I Baseball Committee, has approved the use of the Video Review rule in regular season games in addition to conference tournament games. The SEC Athletics Directors have approved the use of the video replay rule for all regular season games that are televised and the SEC Baseball Tournament.

Video Review is a video process which falls within the NCAA Baseball Rules in Appendix E: Getting the Call Right. It can be used to either let stand a ruling on the field by the game officials or to change or reverse that ruling. The Video Review process operates under the fundamental assumption that the ruling on the field is correct. Only if there is indisputable video evidence to remove all doubt that a ruling was incorrect will a call be changed. Absent that evidence, the original call will stand.

Game Managers should refer to the SEC Video Review Protocol for details on process for implementation of this policy and required technology at each facility.

INSTITUTIONALLY-CONTROL AUDIO/VIDEO EFFECTS 1. Once the pitcher takes his place on the rubber, there

shall be no P.A. announcements, music or other amplified sounds.

2. Once the hitter takes his place in the batters’ box, there shall be no P.A. announcements, music or other amplified sounds.

3. The P.A. system is allowed to utilize encouraging music, supportive sounds and other positive P.A. responses between pitchers and hitters assuming their ready positions. Also, these actions are allowable after a play in the field, a hit ball or other plays that occur in a game.

4. At no time shall music, sounds or announcements on the P.A. be made that will incite or reflect negative actions towards players, coaches or umpires.

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5. Scoreboards and video boards must not be used to “show up” an umpire, visiting team members, incite the crowd, or distract a player.

6. It is recommended that the host team’s game management director, PRIOR TO THE GAME, meet with the umpire crew chief in the umpires dressing quarters. At this time, the game management director has an opportunity to preview the program, which will be utilized during the game. If the material is deemed inappropriate at this time it should be altered prior to the beginning of the game.

INTERRUPTED GAME PROCEDURES*All personnel, including Athletics Directors, game management personnel, game officials, coaches, players and conference office staff, are required to use best effort to see that each conference game is played to its conclusion. The conference recognizes, however, that emergencies may arise that make a game’s completion impossible or inadvisable. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, severely inclement weather, natural or man-made disaster, power failure and spectator interference.

Games should be delayed, relocated, suspended, canceled, postponed or terminated (see definitions below) when circumstances exist such that commencement or continuation of play would pose a threat to the safety of game participants.

1. Definitions

A. Delay. To delay a game is to delay the start of a game until a later time on the same date.

B. Relocate. To relocate a game is to change the location of the competition.

C. Suspend. To suspend a game is to temporarily halt play for a short duration after the contest begins.

D. Cancel. To cancel a game is to nullify it either before or after it begins and to make no provision for rescheduling it or for including its score

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or other performance statistics in conference records.

E. Postpone. To postpone a game is to (a) defer its starting time to a later date, or (b) suspend it after play has begun and make provision to resume it at a later date with all scores and other performance statistics up to the point of postponement added to those achieved in the resumed portion of the game.

F. Terminate. To terminate a game is to end it short of a full designated time of play, officially record it as a completed game, and make no provision to resume it at a later date.

2. AuthorityAuthority to delay or relocate a game is vested in the home institution’s athletics director or designated senior level administrator. Authority to suspend or postpone a game is vested in the umpires. Authority to cancel or terminate game is vested only in the Commissioner or designee.

3. Guidelines

A. The home institution’s athletics director or designated senior level administrator shall have the authority to determine whether a contest should, prior to its start, be temporarily delayed until a later time on the same date. Once a contest has started, the decision to suspend play is the responsibility of the umpires.

B. If extenuating circumstances occur that necessitate the relocation of the game site within the same city, the home institution’s athletics director or designated senior level administrator shall have the authority to make the decision. The decision should be made in consultation with the visiting team. The alternate site must be in full compliance with all NCAA playing rules and regulations governing that particular sport

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C. If a game is postponed prior to its start for any reason, the two participating institutions, in consultation with the Commissioner or designee, shall attempt to reschedule the game at a later time or date. If the game cannot be rescheduled, it will be considered a canceled game.

D. If a game is suspended for any reason after play has begun, it should be resumed as soon as conditions are deemed safe by the umpires, in consultation with home team game management personnel.

E. A suspended game shall not be resumed after midnight or two hours following the point of suspension, whichever is later, for Friday or Saturday games. For Sunday games, if a game begins and is suspended, it must resume by 6 p.m. (local time) to avoid a rainout. If the visiting team is not scheduled to leave the host city until Monday and there are no prior travel limitations for the game’s umpires that would dictate departure to enact these deadlines, with conference approval, it would be permissible to waive the 4 p.m. deadline for the start of a game and a 6 p.m. deadline for the resumption of the game.

F. If a game is suspended after play has begun and cannot resume before midnight local time for Friday or Saturday games, the umpires, in consultation with the two head coaches, shall attempt to declare the game postponed, and resume it at a later date. If a game is suspended on Friday or Saturday, the game shall be completed from the point of interruption on the following day prior to the regularly scheduled game. In the event the regularly scheduled game is to be televised, the continue game may be played afterward.. If a suspended game is resumed on Sunday, the regularly scheduled game shall be seven innings.

Once a suspended game is resumed, the game will

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be complete if one team has a lead of 10-or-more runs after seven innings of play (NCAA Rule 5.8) If weather prevents playing both the Friday and Saturday games, or if the Saturday game does not begin because of rain, there shall be two seven-inning games on Sunday. If a Friday game is suspended and no games are played on Saturday, the suspended game shall be resumed on Sunday, followed by a seven-inning game

See Commissioner’s Regulations for Baseball (Inclement weather) for other weather-related information.

G. In the event the game cannot be resumed at a later date, the following will apply: • If the game has been suspended prior to the

completion of five innings, it shall be declared a canceled game.

• If the game is suspended after the completion of five innings, it shall be declared a terminated game.

In the event a game is delayed or suspended and it does not appear play will be able to be resumed on that date, the athletics directors (or designated representatives) of both participating institutions, game management personnel and the conference office representative (if available) shall meet with the game officials in the officials’ dressing room, or another suitable location nearby. The conference office representative will be responsible for communicating with the Commissioner, who has the sole authority to declare a game canceled, postponed or terminated. If a conference office representative is not on-site, it shall be the responsibility of the home institution’s athletics director or designated senior level administrator to contact the appropriate conference office staff person. The home team game management, in consultation with the conference office representative, shall be responsible for disseminating information regarding such a decision to the teams, media and general public.

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LIGHTNING POLICY*Each member institution shall be responsible for having the capability to determine when lightning strikes are within specified distances from the competition site. When lightning is detected within 10 miles of the competition site, home team game management shall utilize the public address system to inform those in attendance that inclement weather including lightning is within 10 miles and that should patrons vacate the facility for safe shelter, they will be allowed to re-enter with a ticket stub.When lightning is detected within eight (8) miles of the competition site, the competition shall be suspended. Competition may be resumed after 30 minutes of no detected lightning strikes within an eight mile radius. A 10-minute warm-up period may be granted following this 30-minute suspension. Additionally, the crew chief should be notified when lightning is detected within 15 miles of the competition site. In cases of severe weather being detected prior to the start of competition: A maximum of 10 minutes could be used for the national anthem or introductions, immediately following the 30 minute time period of no detected lightning strikes. The home institution would have the option of whether the 10 minute time period is added.

LIGHTS*After a game has been started, the crew chief is to be the sole judge as to when field lights are to be turned on. In the event that the crew chief is not the plate umpire and if the plate umpire so needs the lights turned on to avoid hazardous play, he may do so. The turning on of lights should be called for before the beginning of a full inning unless some extraordinary condition or abnormally long inning prompts otherwise.MASCOTS*If a home or visiting team has a mascot, the following guidelines shall be observed.

1. Mascots may be on the field PRIOR TO THE START

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of the game, but only when such action involves the team represented by said mascot.

2. Mascots MAY NOT be on the field at any time, once the game begins, with the exception of between-inning promotions and only allowed to be in front of the team dugout that the mascot represents, or to participate in a seventh inning stretch promotion such as running the bases.

3. At no time are mascots allowed to direct uncomplimentary attention toward the opposing team, its fans, players, coaches or the umpires.

4. Mascots are not allowed in the dugout, once game begins.

5. Mascots are allowed to be on top of dugout (team mascot represents) as long as mascots’ actions conform to policy.

6. If mascots’ actions do not conform to SEC guidelines, the umpires have the authority to remove the mascot from the playing field area.

MOUNDS*At the beginning of each series, the umpires’ crew chief shall measure the mound on the playing field, to ensure compliance with NCAA Baseball Playing Rules. Any variation from the required height must be reported immediately to the SEC office.

NON-TRADITIONAL PLAYING DATESFor conference series that do not start on Friday or do not conclude on Sunday, policies will reflect similar dates as those of regular conference series (i.e., Thursday dates reflect Friday policies; Saturday dates reflect Sunday policies). An exception would be start time following length of weather-related delay if final game of series is on Saturday.

OFFICIAL SCORERThe host institution shall be responsible for furnishing a

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qualified official scorer for each game. Duties of the official scorer are explained in the NCAA Baseball Rules.PEP BANDSPep bands may attend regular season games and must adhere to the following policies:1. Must be seated behind coinciding team’s dugout; 2. Once the pitcher takes his place on the rubber, there

shall be no music; 3. Once the hitter takes his place in the batter’s box, there

shall be no music; 4. Must utilize encouraging music between pitchers and

hitters assuming their ready positions. Also, brief (three seconds or less) pieces of music are allowable after a play in the field, a hit ball or other plays that occur in a game;

5. At no time shall music be played that will incite or reflect negative actions towards players, coaches or umpires;

6. Music must not be used to “show up” an umpire, visiting team members, incite the crowd, or distract a player;

7. It is recommended that the host team’s game management director, PRIOR TO THE GAME, meet with the umpire crew chief in the umpires dressing quarters. At this time, the game management director has an opportunity to preview the pep band’s music program, which will be utilized during the game. If the material is deemed inappropriate at this time it should be altered prior to the beginning of the game.

PLAYER ACCESS TO STANDS / SPECTATOR AREASIn both non-conference and conference competition, it is an institutional decision as to whether or not to allow the home team participants access to the stands/spectator areas. However, at no time may the visiting team participants be allowed access to the stands/spectator areas.PRACTICE – PRE-SERIESWeather permitting, for conference vs. conference series, visiting teams have the option of practicing on the field the night prior to the first game of an SEC series or the morning

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of the first game of an SEC series. A night practice will last no longer than two hours. A morning practice will last no more than 30 minutes, players may not wear spikes during the practice and the practice must conclude no later than Noon local time. PUBLIC ADDRESS*The public address announcer plays a vital role in the management of a game. The following policies should be followed by the public address announcer:

1. Once the pitcher takes his place on the rubber, there shall be no P.A. announcements, music or other amplified sounds.

2. Once the hitter takes his place in the batters box, there shall be no P.A. announcements, music or other amplified sounds.

3. The P.A. system is allowed to utilize encouraging music, supportive sounds and other positive P.A. responses between pitchers and hitters assuming their ready positions. Also, these actions are allowable after a play in the field, a hit ball or other plays that occur in a game.


5. It is recommended that the host team’s game management director, prior to the first game of a series (or game), meet with the umpire crew chief in the umpires dressing room. At this time, the game management director has an opportunity to preview the program to be utilized during the game. If the material is deemed inappropriate at this time, it can be altered prior to the beginning of the game. The SEC also follows NCAA policies for scoreboard, video board and audio operations (Appendix B of NCAA Rulebook).

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SEC STAFF LIAISONSUmpires: Paul Guillie Cell: (504) 491-0870;

email: [email protected] Sylvia Hagan Cell: (205) 936-4721;

email: [email protected] Mgmt: Herb Vincent Cell: (225) 235-9999;

email: [email protected]: Charlie Hussey Cell: (205) 936-8104;

email: [email protected]

SEATING BEHIND DUGOUTS*The home institution shall not seat its students closer than four rows behind the visiting team’s dugout.

SUNDAY DEPARTURE TIMESPrior to the start of the regular season schedule, the visiting head coach must notify the proper game management official (who will notify the umpire in chief) at the competition site and the SEC office of his team’s designated departure time from the facility on the third day of each Conference series (Sunday). If the visiting team is utilizing commercial air travel and has set a departure time, a Sunday game shall start no later than 1 p.m. local time unless approved by Conference Office.

If the visiting team’s travel conflicts with a Sunday game that would start before noon, and if the two participating institutions cannot work out an equitable start time, both institutions could petition the conference office to play a Saturday doubleheader. If the visiting team does not have classes on Monday, it may petition the conference office for a Monday departure.

If a contest is called due to travel arrangements, the following procedures will be used:1. No half-inning shall start with less than 15 minutes

remaining until the designated departure time.2. If the contest is called and is a regulation game

according to NCAA Rule 5.6, the contest and all averages will count in the final playing record.

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3. The contest will be considered a regulation tie game if it meets the conditions set forth in NCAA Rule 5.10 and all averages will count in the final playing record.

4. If the contest is called prior to reaching regulation game status per NCAA Rule 5.6, the contest will be considered “No Game” (NCAA Rule 5.12).

In all travel situations, the visiting team should make arrangements to depart via the last available flight, bus, etc., leaving that day which will connect to the visitor’s final destination. In no case shall the departure time of umpires be a factor in completing games on Sunday. The conference office will assist in any travel predicaments.

SUSPENSION/EJECTION POLICY*1. The game officials may eject a student-athlete,

coach or team representative for misconduct or unsportsmanlike conduct.

2. If an individual is ejected from the contest, the ejected individual shall leave the dugout and field area immediately without further communication with the teams or game officials. The ejected individual must remain out of sight and sound of the contest for the remainder of the contest. “Out of sight and sound” means that the ejected individual(s) may not view the contest, communicate with his or her ream, or be in a location where the game officials can hear him or her. The ejected individual may not return to the dugout, field, or grandstands until all game officials are escorted to their dressing area by security or game management. In the event that an ejected individual does not comply with the ejection policy set forth in this subparagraph 2 in a timely manner (as determined in the game officials’ sole discretion, the game will be forfeited.

3. Upon first offense, a coach ejected for misconduct or unsportsmanlike conduct shall receive a written warning cautioning further like conduct. Upon second and subsequent offense(s) in the same academic year, a coach ejected for misconduct or unsportsmanlike

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conduct shall be suspended for the team’s next previously schedules and completed contest. If a previously scheduled contest is postponed or halted, that make-up contest against the originally scheduled opponent will count as a regularly scheduled contest. Contests may not be added after the incident in order to fulfill the requirement of this policy. End of season suspensions will be carried forward to the next season.

4. A suspended individual shall remain out of sight and sound of the applicable contest (as defined in subparagraph 2).

Additionally, a suspended individual may not:A. Be dressed in game uniform;B. Communicate with any team personnel or

umpires;C. Take part in any pregame activities at the site of

competition; orD. Be in the stadium or on the field once pregame

activities have started.

In the event that a suspended individual does not comply with the suspension policy set forth in this subparagraph 4 in a timely manner (as determined in the game official’s sole discretion), the game will be forfeited, in the event that a suspended individual participates in a game during the prescribed suspension, the game will be forfeited.

5. This policy is in effect for all regular season games and the Southeastern Conference Tournament only.

TELEPHONESThe use of telephones, cellular phones, walkie-talkies, etc., is permitted for two-way communication between a team’s dugout/bench or bullpen. Any other form communication and any other communication between other areas shall not be allowed.

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TEN-RUN RULEThere is no 10-run rule in SEC vs. SEC games. In nonconference games, by mutual consent of both head coaches, a game may be stopped only after seven innings if a team is ahead by at least 10 runs. Each team must play an equal number of innings unless shortened because the home team needs none or any part of its half of the final inning.TICKETS*The home team shall provide up to 75 complimentary tickets to the visiting team for each game in a Conference series. The visiting team must notify the home team of its needs no later than 3:00 p.m. the Monday prior to the weekend series.TOBACCO POLICYThe use of tobacco-related products by players, coaches, support personnel (e.g. managers and trainers), game personnel (officials, table crews) and staff during practice and competition (including press conference, postgame interviews and all arena facilities) shall be prohibited. This prohibition shall be applicable to all activities in athletic competition and practice, including press and locker room areas.1. The intent of the zero-tolerance policy is to eliminate

tobacco and the appearance of tobacco in college baseball. If a player, coach or other team personnel is using tobacco of any type, they are to be ejected immediately.

2. If a player, coach or other team personnel is using something that has the appearance of tobacco, it should be removed immediately. The offending person is not to be ejected. The appearance of tobacco includes tins, pouches, mint leaves and any substance that mimics a tobacco product

3. Umpires are asked to remind team personnel of the tobacco policy when they arrive on-site.

4. Tobacco usage during warm-ups, batting practice, etc., will not be tolerated. Coaches should be advised that they are to instruct players to remove any tobacco and tobacco-like products during warm-ups and batting

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practice. If home team game management should come across any violators of the tobacco policy, it is to advise the head coach of the participating team who is to instruct the player(s) to remove the product immediately.

5. Once game umpires arrive at the stadium, they will assume control of this policy. Game umpires must witness any violations of this policy in order to eject someone from the contest. Violators will be ejected with no warning.

UMPIRESThe umpires have been instructed to be approachable, but are not going to allow head coaches, assistant coaches, players, managers or others to be disruptive or to question their decisions. ARGUING BALLS AND STRIKES IS AN AUTOMATIC EJECTION, NO EXCEPTIONS! Unsportsmanlike conduct is also an automatic ejection, as well as the use of profanity.

Player(s) suspended from a game shall be restricted to a designated area and prohibited from any communication or contact, direct or indirect, with the team, coaches and/or bench personnel from the start of the contest to its completion, including all extra innings.

AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE GAME, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF GAME MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE SECURITY AND AN ESCORT FOR THE UMPIRES TO THEIR DRESSING QUARTERS. REPORT ANY ABERRATIONS TO THE SEC OFFICE.

The umpires’ dressing room should be secure, conveniently located and set up as suggested below:1. Towels and soap;2. Chairs and a table;3. Soft drinks, isotonic beverages and water (in a cooler

of ice) and cups;4. A DVD player and television monitor;5. Sandwiches, fruit and light snack before and after the

game.

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VIDEO BOARDS/REPLAYS*Institutions must follow NCAA rules that govern scoreboards and video boards (NCAA Rules, Appendix B):1. Scoreboards (and monitors) must not be used to

“show up” an umpire or visiting team members, incite the crowd, or distract a player. The following situations may not be shown: (a) No replay may be shown during a dispute with an umpire; (b) Replays showing balls or strikes (Exception: In stadium replays of swinging third strikes are allowed, if shown immediately and before the next batter for either team); (c) Brushback pitches; (d) Fights or disputes between or among uniformed personnel on the field; (e) Any episode or event that would embarrass or denigrate an umpire, visiting team member, visiting team official, or official scorer; (f) The likeness of an umpire or an umpire’s name used in any way to embarrass an umpire; and (g) Fans or other unauthorized persons running onto the field. Exciting plays such as spectacular catches or players circling the bases after home runs may be shown more than once.

2. Replays may not delay the game. The next batter is expected to immediately enter the batter’s box.

3. Any instance in which an umpire has made a judgment call may be replayed only one time at regular speed and must be replayed before the next batter (for either team) enters the dirt area around home plate.

4. No live game action may be displayed. Close-ups of the batter in the on-deck circle are permitted, but once a player enters the dirt circle, all live action must stop. A still shot, statistics or other nonmoving pictures must remain on the screen until the batter finishes the plate appearance.

5. Arguments or disputes between umpires and players or coaches may not be shown.

6. Live shots of fans are permitted during dead-ball periods, but good judgment must be used. Unacceptable behavior should never be shown.

Procedure for stoppage for an official review:When a stoppage occurs for an official review, the in-stadium video board operator must use the unaltered

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television network program feed as the exclusive video source for replays of the play under review. No replays from any other video source may be shown on the in-stadium video board during stoppage for an official review. No live coverage of any coach, student-athlete, or fan reaction may be shown from the program feed during the review. Replays of plays under review are permitted only during actual stoppage of play for the official review. During the review, the stadium video board is permitted to replay the play in question only one time and at regular speed. While this is contrary to the SEC’s video board rules for football and basketball as adopted under the SEC Fan Experience Working Group initiatives, the SEC is bound by existing NCAA rules governing replays on video boards in the sport of baseball. (This replay during the review is in addition to the one replay at regular speed allowed following any play according to Appendix B of the NCAA Baseball Rules. This makes a total of two replays of a play that is reviewed by the umpires – one immediately after the play but before it is determined there will be a review of the play, and one during the review of the play. Please note that once the umpires have left the replay bunker and are headed back to the field, no replay may be shown.)

VIDEO CAMERASRule 5, Section 2. FThe use of video cameras is restricted to the area behind home plate - defined as that area from the outfield cutout behind first base to the outfield cutout behind third base. Filming from beyond this area toward the outfield or any point beyond the outfield fence or wall is not permitted - with the exception of television cameras for the broadcast of the game. Monitors for viewing live or taped video during a game are prohibited from the dugout or bench area, as well as all adjacent areas (i.e., training rooms, locker rooms, etc.).

Non-uniformed team personnel (civilian clothes, no team uniform) may sit in the stands for the purpose of charting pitches or videotaping a contest. A team may film or videotape its own game, but not games involving other teams. Games and individuals shall not be videotaped from the team’s dugout. Any scouting information involving

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current opponents shall not be transmitted to the playing field or to team personnel.

Penalty - the umpire first should warn the violator(s). If the violator(s) does not immediately comply with the rule, the individual(s) shall be removed from the stands.

SOFT

BA

LL

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SOFTBALLACCESS TO COMPETITION AREA* In all sports, institutions shall limit access to the competition area to participating student-athletes, coaches, officials, support personnel, and properly-credentialed or authorized individuals at all times. For the safety of participants and spectators alike, at no time before, during or after a contest may spectators enter the competition area. It is the responsibility of each member institution to implement procedures to ensure compliance with this policy.

Institutional penalties against individuals who improperly enter the competition area must include, but are not limited to, expulsion from the facility, arrest for trespassing, and the loss of future ticket privileges. In addition to these penalties, violators who are students must be subject to institutional student disciplinary measures.

Each institution shall publicize this policy, as well as the penalties associated with violations, through appropriate means, such as ticket back statements, public address announcements, video/matrix announcements, facility signage, and other means available. In addition, each head coach shall publicly discourage spectators from entering the playing area at any time.

Penalties for Institutional Violations - For the safety of participants and spectators alike, the Commissioner may (in his or her sole discretion) impose the following penalties: 1st offense: an institutional fine of $50,000; 2nd offense: an institutional fine of up to $100,000; 3rd or subsequent offense: an institutional fine of up to $250,000. The Commissioner may also impose additional penalties as he or she deems appropriate.

ALCOHOL POLICYNo alcoholic beverages shall be sold or dispensed for public consumption anywhere in the facility. The possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the public areas of the facility is prohibited. These prohibitions do not

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apply to private, leased areas in the facility or other areas designated by the SEC. There shall be no advertising displays mentioning or promoting alcoholic beverages in the facility.

ARTIFICIAL NOISEMAKERS*Artificial noisemakers shall not be brought into or used in SEC softball stadiums. Member institutions shall not distribute or sell any item(s) that may be used as artificial noisemakers (e.g., “thunder sticks,” megaphones, clackers, etc.) Each institution should have statements printed on tickets and notices to the effect that such noisemakers will not be permitted inside its competition areas. The umpires shall be responsible for enforcing the conference ban and NCAA rule on artificial noisemakers.

If an umpire detects the significant use of artificial noisemakers in the crowd, he/she will call a timeout and request the PA announcer to issue a verbal warning to the crowd through the public address system. The umpires will work with game management to enforce the policy.

Artificial noisemakers and sound systems brought to competition sites by participating teams and team personnel are restricted to the locker room and training room areas only.

BARREL COMPRESSION TESTING (BCT Protocol)*Southeastern Conference institutions shall follow the NCAA Bat Compliance Testing Program. The SEC Barrel Compression Testing (BCT) protocol is meant to work in concert with the NCAA Bat Compliance Testing program except where policies are specific to the SEC. Barrel compression testing will be conducted prior to each Conference game in the SEC regular season and only the first game of a double header. For more specific information related to BCT, please see the SEC Commissioner’s Regulations - Softball.

BATTING PRACTICEWHILE A GAME IS IN PROGRESS, NO BATTING PRACTICE may occur by either team in cages or in a batting tunnel.

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COACHES/SUPPORT PERSONNELThe coaches and assistant coaches are charged with a responsibility that reaches beyond coaching the game. A coach’s behavior directly affects the conduct of bench personnel, players and spectators. A coach’s job is two-fold (1) to prepare the team for the game and (2) to conduct him/herself in such a manner during the game to ensure good crowd control. Maintaining a positive sportsmanship before, during and after each contest helps to maintain a healthy environment for competition. Head coaches are responsible for the conduct of all persons in the dugout area.

DOUBLE HEADER WARM-UP*Access to the batting cages must be split equally between both teams during the time between games of a double-header.

DUGOUTSDuring a game, only players in uniform, coaches, managers, trainers, physicians, scorekeepers and bat persons shall occupy a team’s dugout. All players and substitutes for both teams must be in their team’s dugout area or bullpen and remain there until the ball has been declared dead or the side has been retired. This excludes the batter, the on-deck batters, base runners, base coaches and nine defensive players. All loose equipment must be kept in the dugout or in a clearly marked dead-ball area.

Product placement in visiting team dugout:The visiting team shall have the right to utilize its choice of isotonic beverage (product and equipment) in the dugout area during SEC regular season competition. If the visiting team does not arrange to have its own product and equipment at a contest, the home team shall supply the isotonic beverage (product and equipment) of its choice in the visiting team dugout area. Equipment utilized in the visiting team dugout area must be standard size.

EQUAL ACCESS FOR MEDIAEqual access must be given to all media representatives (regardless of gender) at any time interviews with coaches

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and/or student-athletes are conducted, including post-game locker room. Equal access is defined as access to coaches and/or student-athletes at the exact same time and at the exact same place. Bringing players to a separate area for reporters of the opposite gender is not considered equal access. Each institution is charged with ensuring equal access for all members of the media.

FIGHTINGThe SEC believes there is no place in college softball for physical abuse of officials or fighting among opponents. A fight rule penalizes offending team representatives (e.g., players, coaches, trainers, managers) for physical abuse or fighting. However, coaches must understand they are responsible for the actions of their players. Cooperation is needed from players, coaches, administrators and game officials to prevent fighting and physical abuse.

The SEC fight rule includes the following:When applying this rule, penalties shall carry over from fall to spring and from regular-season to postseason competition. Further, suspended player(s) or coach(es) shall be restricted to an area that is outside of sight or sound from the softball playing area and prohibited from any communication or contact, direct or indirect, with the team, coaches and/or bench personnel from the start of the contest to its completion - including all extra innings.

Penalties will be enforced by the game umpires. 1. Fighting – Any physical abuse of an opposing player,

including attempting to strike with the arms, hands, legs, feet or equipment in a combative manner, or intentionally spitting at an opponent.

2. Physical Abuse of Game Officials or Umpires – Any threat of physical intimidation or harm to include pushing, shoving, bumping, kicking, intentionally spitting, throwing at or attempting to make physical contact.

3. Team Personnel Leaving Position – Team personnel leaving their position to participate in a physical confrontation (e.g., pushing, shoving, bumping) or

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a fight shall include players, coaches, trainers and managers.

The position of various team members is determined by where the individual is located (e.g., dugout, bullpen, coaching box, on base, at bat, defensive position) at the time a confrontational situation develops.

GAME MANAGEMENT DIRECTORThe Athletics Director of the host institution shall assure that crowd control and game management are exercised in the best interests of safety and fair play for the participants, as well as for spectators. The Athletics Director shall designate a full-time staff person (or persons) to serve as game management director; however, ultimate responsibility remains with the Athletics Director.

The softball game manager should review and be familiar with the Commissioner’s Regulations specific to softball. It is a conference requirement that the designated game manager visit briefly with the umpires and the visiting coach prior to each and every game. He/she should inform everybody of his/her availability if needed during the game. The game manager is responsible for the control of the entire operation of the stadium. This individual should provide supervision prior to and during each contest and continue supervision until at least one-half hour after the game or all groups have dispersed.

GAME TIMESThe start time(s) for all games will be determined by the home team. Each coach must submit game times to the Commissioner’s office prior to the start of the regular season. It is the goal of the Commissioner’s office that no game times be changed once the season starts. If a start times changes, the home team is responsible for IMMEDIATELY communicating with the visiting team and the Conference office.

INCLEMENT WEATHER*See Commissioner’s Regulations for Softball (Inclement Weather) for weather-related information.

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INSTITUTIONALLY- CONTROLLED AUDIO/VIDEO EFFECTSInstitutions must adhere to the policy outlined in Appendix H of the NCAA Softball Rules - Video, Audio or Matrix Boards. In addition to the policy outlined in the NCAA Softball Rules, institutions must also adhere to the following:

1. Once the pitcher takes her place on the rubber, there shall be no P.A. announcements, music or other amplified sounds.

2. Once the hitter takes his place in the batter’s box, there shall be no P.A. announcements, music or other amplified sounds.

3. The P.A. system is allowed to utilize encouraging music, supportive sounds and other positive P.A. responses between pitchers and hitters assuming their ready positions.Also, these actions are allowable after a play in the field, a hit ball or other plays that occur in a game.


5. Scoreboards and video boards must not be used to “show up” an umpire, visiting team members, incite the crowd, or distract a player.

6. It is recommended that the host team’s game management director, PRIOR TO THE GAME, meet with the umpire crew chief in the umpires dressing quarters. At this time, the game management director has an opportunity to preview the program, which will be utilized during the game. If the material is deemed inappropriate at this time it should be altered prior to the beginning of the game.

INTERRUPTED GAME PROCEDURES*All personnel, including Athletics Directors, game management personnel, game officials, coaches, players and conference office staff, shall use their best effort to ensure each Conference contest is played to its conclusion. The Conference recognizes, however, emergencies may

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arise that make a contest’s completion impossible or inadvisable. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, severe inclement weather, natural or man-made disaster, power failure, and spectator interference.

Contests should be delayed, relocated, suspended, canceled, postponed or terminated (see definitions below) when circumstances exist such that commencement or continuation of play would pose a threat to the safety of game participants. The following procedures shall apply to any sport which does not have sport-specific Inclement Weather or Interrupted Game Procedures.

1. Definitions

A. Delay. To delay a contest is to delay the start of a game until a later time on the same date.

B. Relocate. To relocate a contest is to change the location of the competition.

C. Suspend. To suspend a contest is to temporarily halt play for a short duration after the contest begins.

D. Cancel. To cancel a contest is to nullify it either before or after it begins and to make no provision for rescheduling it or for including its score or other performance statistics in Conference records.

E. Postpone. To postpone a contest is to (a) defer its starting time to a later date, or to (b) suspend it after play has begun and make provision to resume it at a later date with all scores and other performance statistics up to the point of postponement added to those achieved in the resumed portion of the contest.

F. Terminate. To terminate a contest is to end it short of a full-designated duration of play, officially record it as a completed contest, and make no provision to resume it at a later date.

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2. AuthorityAuthority to delay or relocate a contest is vested in the home institution’s Athletics Director or designated senior level administrator. Authority to suspend a contest is vested with the officials. Authority to cancel, postpone or terminate contest is vested only with the Commissioner or his/her designee.

3. GuidelinesA. The home institution’s Athletics Director or

designated senior level administrator shall have the authority to determine whether a contest should, prior to its start, be temporarily delayed until a later time on the same date. Once a contest has started, the decision to suspend play is the responsibility of the game officials.

B. If extenuating circumstances occur that necessitate the relocation of the contest site within the same city, the home institution’s Athletics Director or designated senior level administrator shall have the authority to determine whether and where the contest should be relocated. The decision should be made in consultation with the visiting team. The alternate site must be in full compliance with all NCAA playing rules and regulations governing that particular sport.

C. If a contest is postponed prior to its start for any reason, the two participating institutions, in consultation with the Commissioner or his/her designee, shall attempt to reschedule the game at a later time or date. If the contest cannot be rescheduled, the Commissioner shall cancel the contest.

D. If a contest is suspended for any reason after play has begun, the contest must be resumed as soon as conditions are deemed safe by the officials in consultation with the home team game management personnel.

E. A suspended contest may not be resumed after midnight local time, or two hours following the point of suspension, whichever is later.

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F. If a contest is suspended after play has begun and cannot resume before midnight local time, the two institutions, in consultation with the Commissioner, shall attempt to declare the game postponed, and resume it at a later date.

G. In the event the contest cannot be resumed at a later date, the following will apply:

• If the contest is suspended prior to the completion of one half of play (halftime), the Commissioner shall declare the contest canceled.

• If the contest is suspended after the completion of one half of play (halftime), the Commissioner shall declare the contest terminated.

In the event a contest is delayed or suspended and it does not appear play will be resumed on that date, the Athletics Directors (or designated representatives) of both participating institutions, game management personnel and the Conference office representative (if available) shall meet with the game officials in the officials’ dressing room, or another suitable location nearby. The Conference office representative shall communicate with the Commissioner, who has the sole authority to declare a game canceled, postponed or terminated. If the Conference office representative is not on site, the home institution’s Athletics Director or designated senior level administrator shall contact the appropriate Conference staff liaison. The home team game management, in consultation with the Conference office representative, is responsible for disseminating information regarding such a decision to the teams, media and general public.

LIGHTNING POLICY*Each member institution must have the capability of determining when lightning strikes are within specified distances from the competition site for all outdoor events. When lightning is detected within a minimum of 10 miles from the competition site, home team management shall utilize the public address system to inform those in

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attendance that inclement weather including lightning is within 10 (or more) miles and that should patrons vacate the facility for safe shelter, they will be allowed to re-enter with a ticket stub.

When lightning is detected within eight (8) miles of the competition site, the competition shall be suspended. Competition may be resumed after 30 minutes of no detected lightning strikes within an eight (8) mile radius. A 10 minute warm-up period may be granted following this 30-minute suspension.

Additionally, the home institution shall notify the head referee/umpire when lightning is detected within 15 miles of the competition site.

In cases of severe weather being detected prior to the start of competition: A maximum of 10 minutes may be used, at the discretion of the home institution, for the marching band, national anthem and introductions, immediately following the 30 minute time period of no detected lightning strikes. The home institution would have the option of whether the 10 minute time period is added.

LIGHTSAfter a game has started, the crew chief is the sole judge as to when field lights are turned on. In the event the crew chief is not the plate umpire and the plate umpire needs the lights turned on to avoid hazardous play, he/she may do so. The turning on of lights should be called for before the beginning of a full inning unless some extraordinary condition or abnormally long inning prompts otherwise.

MASCOTSIf a home or visiting team has a mascot, the following guidelines shall be observed.

1. Mascots may be on the field prior to start of the game, but only when such action involves the team represented by said mascot.

2. Mascots may not be on the field at any time once the game begins, with the exception of between-inning promotions and only allowed to be in front of the team

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dugout that the mascot represents, or to participate in a seventh inning stretch promotion such as running the bases.

3. At no time are mascots allowed to direct uncomplimentary attention toward the opposing team, its fans, players, coaches or the umpires.

4. Mascots are not allowed to incite the crowd or demonstrate actions that demean their opponents.

5. Mascots are not allowed in the dugout, once the game begins.

6. Mascots are allowed to be on top of the dugout (team mascot represents) as long as the mascot’s actions conform to policy.

7. If the mascot’s actions do not conform to SEC guidelines, the umpires have the authority to remove the mascot from the playing field area.

OFFICIAL SCORERThe host institution shall be responsible for furnishing a qualified official scorer for each game. Duties of the official scorer are explained in the NCAA Softball Rules.

PEP BANDSPep bands may attend regular season games and must adhere to the following policies: 1. Be seated behind coinciding team’s dugout;2. Once the pitcher takes her place on the rubber, there

shall be no music;3. Once the hitter takes her place in the batter’s box,

there shall be no music;4. Utilize encouraging music between pitchers and

hitters assuming their ready positions. Also, brief (three seconds or less) pieces of music are allowable after a play in the field;

5. At no time shall music be played that will incite or reflect negative actions towards players, coaches or umpires.

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6. Music must not be used to “show up” an umpire, visiting team members, incite the crowd, or distract a player;

7. It is recommended that PRIOR TO THE GAME, the host team’s game management director meet with the crew chief in the umpires dressing quarters. At this time, the game management director has an opportunity to preview the pep band’s music program, which will be utilized during the game. If the material is deemed inappropriate it should be altered prior to the beginning of the game.

PLAYER ACCESS TO STANDS / SPECTATOR AREASIn both non-conference and conference competition, it is the institution’s discretion to allow the home team participants access to the stands/spectator areas. However, at no time may the visiting team participants be allowed access to the stands/spectator areas.

PLAYING FIELD – INFIELD MAINTENANCEIt is recommended that the positional areas (from baseline to baseline) behind the mound shall be dragged by hand at the end of four complete innings.

PLAYING RULE – NUMBER OF CONFERENCESNCAA rules shall govern the number of conferences a team is permitted and the associated penalties for a violation.

PRACTICE FOR VISITING TEAMS*The visiting team representative is responsible for contacting the home team’s representative to coordinate practice time on the field the day before the series begins. Visiting teams shall be limited to two hours of practice time; weather permitting, no other restrictions shall apply. Due to field preparations on the day of the game, game day field access may be limited or restricted.

Additionally, a coach, administrator or trainer from the visiting team must be on site during its team’s on-the-road practices.

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PRE-GAME PROTOCOL*All contests shall follow the Pre-Game protocol as specified in Supplement B of the Commissioner’s Regulations that allows both the home team and visiting team a 35-minute batting practice/warm-up period and a seven-minute field period. The pre-game protocol will also include a period for player and coach introductions and the National Anthem. Coaches are required to turn in line-ups 30 minutes prior to the start of the game.

The home team shall designate the space provided for home and visiting teams to conduct their 35-minute batting practice/warmup. Home and visiting teams shall be permitted to do offensive and defensive drills, or any combination thereof, during its designated 35-minute batting practice/warm-up. If the home team designates the playing field as the batting practice/warm-up area, they must provide a suitable and convenient alternative site for the visiting team to stretch and throw during the home team’s batting practice/warm-up period. This site will be available for stretching and throwing only. During a team’s seven-minute field period, the team shall have access to the entire playing field (infield and outfield).

Each institution may establish field rules related to permissible activities for a team not in a designated warm-up period. This will assist the home team with implementing a policy that is respectful of the grounds’ crew time to prepare the field for play. As an example, if Team A (home) is in the designated 35 minute batting practice/warmup at the one hour and 45 minutes prior to first pitch, then Team B (visitor) will follow Team A’s established protocol for what activities may or may not occur on the field, inside/outside the lines, etc. However, during a team’s seven-minute field period, the opposing team may warm-up on the playing field in foul territory.

The established pre-game protocol must be followed by the home and visiting team. Additionally, the institution’s established stadium protocol must be the same for each visiting SEC institution. Home teams must provide visiting teams with the established pre-game rules and regulations at the same time practice times are coordinated.

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Lastly, there is a two minute “turnover” period that occurs between home and visiting team warm-up. The home team MUST BE free and clear of the field and batting cages following this two minute warm-up period in order for the visiting team to receive a full 35 minute warm-up period. Please be respectful of your colleague’s time in preparing his/her team for play.

POST-GAME PROTOCOL*Participating coaching staff members (head coach, full-time assistant coaches, and the volunteer coach only) shall shake hands at home plate following the conclusion of games one and two of a conference series. Participating student-athletes and coaching staff members shall shake hands via a handshake line following the conclusion of the third game of the series.PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCER*The public address announcer plays a vital role in the management of the game. The public address announcer must be objective and not emotional in fulfilling his/her duties. The announcer must be impartial and give only necessary information in good taste and acceptable language. The announcer must be in control the public address system and permit no one to use the microphone except those authorized by the game management director. The announcer must be aware of the stadium layout so that calm and accurate directions can be given in case of an emergency. The announcer is not to criticize umpires, directly or indirectly.The following policies should be followed by the PA Announcer:

1. Once the pitcher takes her place on the rubber, there shall be no P.A. announcements, music or other amplified sounds.

2. Once the hitter takes her place in the batter’s box, there shall be no P.A. announcements, music or other amplified sounds.

3. The P.A. system is allowed to utilize encouraging music, supportive sounds and other positive P.A. responses between pitchers and hitters assuming their

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ready positions. Also, these actions are allowable after a play in the field, a hit ball or other plays that occur in a game.


5. It is recommended that the host team’s game management director, prior to the first game of a series (or game), meet with the umpire crew chief in the umpires’ dressing room. At this time, the game management director has an opportunity to preview the program to be utilized during the game. If the material is deemed inappropriate at this time, it can be altered prior to the beginning of the game.

SEC STAFF LIAISONSUmpires: Christie Cornwell Cell: (336) 202-3083;

email: [email protected] Sylvia Hagan Cell: (205) 936-4721;

email: [email protected] Mgmt: Byron Hatch Cell: (832) 259-4385;

email: [email protected]: Charlie Hussey Cell: (205) 936-8104;

email: [email protected]

SOFTBALLSThe home team shall deliver a supply of SEC official softballs to the umpires prior to the start of the game. Every effort should be made to get as much use of a softball as possible before discarding.

SQUAD SIZE*The home team may dress all eligible student-athletes in uniform, but only 22 student-athletes may participate in a Conference contest. The visiting team is limited to a travel squad size of 22 eligible student-athletes.

STUDENT SEATINGNo students from the home team shall occupy the seats four rows behind the visiting team’s dugout.

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SUNDAY DEPARTURE TIMESThe visiting team shall complete and return a Conference Departure Form to the proper game management official at the competition site and to the Conference office by January 10th. This form will indicate the visiting team’s designated departure time from the competition site following the final game of each Conference series. Once the departure time is established, the host institution will set a game time that provides a reasonable amount of time for completion of a seven inning game.

If the visiting team is utilizing air travel and has a set departure time, a game shall start no later than 4 p.m. local time unless approved by the Conference Office. A visiting team’s departure time as designated on the Conference Departure Form may not be modified without approval from the Conference office.

If a contest is called due to travel arrangements, the following procedures will be used:

1. If the contest is called and is a regulation game according to NCAA Softball Rule 6.12, the contest and all averages shall count in the final playing record.

2. The contest will be considered a regulation tie game if it meets the conditions set forth in NCAA Softball Rule 6.14 and all averages shall count in the final playing record.

3. If the contest is called prior to reaching regulation game status per NCAA Softball Rule 6.12, the contest shall be considered a “No Game” (NCAA Softball Rule 6.18).

In all travel situations, the visiting team should make arrangements to depart via the last available flight leaving that day which will connect to the visitor’s final destination. In no case shall departure time of umpires be a factor in completing games.

SUSPENSION/EJECTION POLICY*1. Any game official may eject a student-athlete,

coach or team representative for misconduct or unsportsmanlike conduct.

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2. If an individual is ejected from the contest, the ejected individual shall leave the dugout and field area immediately without further communication with the teams or game officials. The ejected individual shall remain out of sight and sound of the contest for the remainder of the contest. “Out of sight and sound” means that the ejected individual(s) may not view the contest, communicate with his or her team, or be in a location where the game officials can hear him or her. For the avoidance of doubt, an ejected individual may stand in a location where he or she can hear the sounds of the game, but must have left the confines of the dugout, field, and grandstands. The ejected individual may not return to the dugout, field, or grandstands until all game officials are escorted to their dressing area by security or game management. In the event that an ejected individual does not comply with the ejection policy set forth in this subparagraph 2 in a timely manner (as determined in the game officials’ sole discretion), the game will be forfeited.

3. Upon first offense, a student-athlete, coach or team representative ejected for misconduct or unsportsmanlike conduct shall receive a written warning cautioning further like conduct. Upon second and subsequent offense(s) in the same academic year, a student-athlete, coach or team representative ejected for misconduct or unsportsmanlike conduct shall be suspended for the team’s next previously scheduled and completed contest. If a previously scheduled contest is postponed or halted, that make-up contest against the originally scheduled opponent will count as a regularly scheduled contest. Contests may not be added after the incident in order to fulfill the requirements of this policy. End of season suspensions will be carried forward to the next season.

4. A suspended individual shall remain out of sight and sound of the applicable contest (as defined in subparagraph 2). Additionally, a suspended individual may not:

A. Be dressed in game uniform; B. Communicate with any team personnel or

umpires;

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C. Take part in any pregame activities at the site of competition; or

D. Be in the stadium or on the field once pregame activities have started.

In the event that a suspended individual does not comply with the suspension policy set forth in this subparagraph 4 in a timely manner (as determined in the game official’s sole discretion), the game will be forfeited. In the event that a suspended individual participates in a game during the prescribed suspension, the game will be forfeited.

5. This policy is in effect for all regular season games and the Southeastern Conference Tournament only.

TELEPHONESThe use of telephones, cellular phones, walkie-talkies, etc., is permitted for two-way communication between a team’s dugout/bench and bullpen. Any other form of communication and any other communication between other areas shall not be allowed.

TIE-BREAKER*In regular season conference games, the NCAA tie-breaker rule outlined in NCAA Softball Rules 6.15 will not be in effect.

TICKETS*The home team shall provide up to 75 complimentary tickets/admissions to the visiting team for each game in a Conference series.

UMPIRESThe Conference office shall assign umpires for all non-conference and home Conference contests.

Notification of game officials and all information pertaining to officiating can be found at www.spotfoul.com. Access to the website can be obtained by contacting Sylvia Hagan. Nonconference game officials are assigned through a local assignor or association determined by each institution.

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During conference games, umpires shall administer and address the NCAA Softball Playing Rules as written without requiring the opposing coach to bring the issue to the umpire’s attention.

The umpires have been instructed to be approachable, but to not allow head coaches, assistant coaches, players, managers or others to be disruptive or to question decisions or judgments.

ARGUING BALLS AND STRIKES IS AN AUTOMATIC EJECTION, NO EXCEPTIONS! (Requesting assistance of the base umpire on a checked swing is not considered arguing and should not be penalized, as long as it is done in a professional manner, non-demeaning manner.) Unsportsmanlike conduct is also an automatic ejection, as well as the use of profanity.The following procedures shall be utilized regarding umpires at all Southeastern Conference softball games:

1. Each institution will provide a dressing room for umpires closely located to the softball facility. When male and female umpires are assigned, two separate dressing rooms should be provided, if possible. Admittance to this room shall be limited to game officials and Conference office representatives. No guests, visitors or institutional personnel (other than a trainer or manager upon request or conference office representative) shall be admitted.

2. AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE GAME, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF GAME MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE SECURITY AND AN ESCORT FOR THE UMPIRES TO THE FIELD AND BACK TO THE THEIR LOCKER ROOMS. REPORT ANY DEVIATIOS TO THIS POLICY TO THE SEC OFFICE.

3. The umpires dressing rooms should be secure, conveniently located and set up as suggested below:A. Towels and soap;B. Chairs and a table;

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C. Soft drinks, isotonic beverages and water (in a cooler of ice) and cups;

D. A DVD player and television monitor;E. Sandwiches, fruit and light snack before and

after the game.4. Criticism of officials or the officiating program by

institutional personnel is prohibited. Comments on officiating are to be directed to the Conference office only. All reports or comments pertaining to officiating or game management responsibilities, or concerning players, coaches or officials, shall be directed to the Conference office only. Public comments related to officiating by officials, coaches or institutional personnel are prohibited.

5. Films, videotapes, and DVD’s shall not be used by coaches or other institutional personnel for public criticism of officials or officiating (e.g., the use of game films to produce clips for television or newspapers depicting officiating calls). No reference to officiating matters shall be permitted on coaches’ radio and/or television shows.

6. Coaches shall not directly contact officials through correspondence or telephone and all matters pertaining to officials or officiating must be directed to the Conference office only. Likewise, this policy precludes officials from contacting coaches in a similar manner.

7. The list of game officials assigned to a game shall not be announced to the media and/or public prior to the distribution of pre-game information packets.

8. Compensation – Payment of officials will be handled by a third-party service (Dwolla). Each institution will be invoiced for their share of the compensation and travel/expense reimbursements for the game officials. The Conference office and Athletics Directors shall set the fees and travel/expense policies.

9. Tickets – Each official assigned to a competition is entitled to a maximum of two complimentary tickets to that competition. Officials shall contact the ticket office directly. The deadline for ticket requests is ten days prior to the competition.

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UNIFORMS*During Conference series, the home team shall wear its light/white uniform on the first day of the series, its dark uniform on the second day, and its light/white uniform on the final day. The visiting team will wear its dark uniform on the first day of the series, its light/white uniform on the second day, and its dark uniform on the final day. Head coaches will verify the color of uniform to be worn when they discuss practice times.

VIDEO BOARDS/REPLAYS*Institutions are not limited in the use of replays (including number of replays shown), except as set forth in the NCAA Softball Playing Rules (See Appendix H – Rules for Video, Audio and Matrix Boards). The time during which permissible replays may be shown is from the end of the play until the next batter enters the batter’s box. Replays may also be shown at a later time during the game as part of a package of highlights during a middle-of-inning or end-of-inning break. In no circumstances will the in-stadium video system be used to embarrass, humiliate, or disgrace an umpire, visiting team or coaches, incite the crowd, or distract a participant or coach. Each school must designate a fulltime staff member with a high-degree of accountability to be responsible for determining what video appears on the in-stadium video board.

Procedure for stoppage for an official review:When a stoppage occurs for an official review in a televised game, the in-stadium video board operator must use the unaltered television network program feed as the exclusive video source for replays of the play under review. When a stoppage occurs for an official review in a non-televised game, the in stadium video board operator must use the unaltered in-stadium feed as the exclusive video source for replays of the play under review. No replays from any other video source may be shown on the in-stadium video board during stoppage for an official review. No live coverage of any coach, student-athlete, or fan reaction may be shown from the program feed during the review. Replays of plays under review are permitted only during actual stoppage of play for the official review.

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VIDEO AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT*During regular season and conference games, the NCAA Softball Rule 5.9 Electronic Equipment Used for Scouting will be in effect. 1. An institution may only videotape its own contests.2. The home and visiting teams may video the contest

from a centerfield camera location. The home team may also video the contest from any location outside the team area. If the home team elects to video from a location or angle other than centerfield, the home team must video the game in its entirety from that location or angle.

3. The home team shall provide the same video including all angles (centerfield and non-centerfield locations) to the visiting team. The home team shall provide a video feed from its equipment to the visiting team or, if providing the video feed is not possible, a DVD or external drive copy of the video captured during the contest to the visiting team.

4. If the home team does not utilize a camera angle or a camera is not operating properly, the home team must cover the camera to indicate that the angle is not available and neither team has access.

5. When the visiting team elects to video from a centerfield camera location, the visiting team shall provide a video feed from its equipment to the home team, or, if providing the video feed is not possible, a DVD or external drive copy of the video captured during the contest to the home team if this video is requested by the home team.

6. Cameras may not be manned during play.7. Teams may only access such cameras during warm-

up and between innings.8. Under no circumstances may institutional

videographers capture film for scouting purposes.9. The home team must provide video produced on the

digital platform to the visiting team, when available.10. No electronic equipment (e.g., phones, tablets,

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palm pilots, iPhones, iPads, etc.) is permitted inside the dugout. Exceptions shall be limited to medical personnel for medical necessity and credentialed media (e.g., television cameras). Information (e.g., tagging video, etc.) from training programs such as Right View Pro and Dartfish may only be gathered from outside the team areas.

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SOFTBALL PRE-GAME TIMING PROTOCOL (UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2018)

• When the competition venue has two separate batting cages that are similar size, a team may begin its initial 35-minute batting practice/warm-up at any time prior to the initial field prep. The initial field prep begins 33 minutes prior to first pitch.

• If possible, institutions should combine field prep and umpire meeting.

Home Team Batting Practice/Warm-up (35 mins)1 Hour, 45 Minutes prior to first pitch

Turnover (2 mins)1 Hour, 10 Minutes prior to first pitch

Visiting Team Batting Practice/Warm-up (35 mins)1 Hour, 8 Minutes prior to first pitch

Field Prep (3 mins)33 Minutes prior to first pitchHome Team Field (7 mins)

30 Minutes prior to first pitchVisiting Team Field (7 mins)23 Minutes prior to first pitch

Field Crew Prep (6 mins)16 Minutes prior to first pitch

Umpire/Coaches Meeting (2 mins)10 Minutes prior to first pitch

National Anthem (3 mins)8 Minutes prior to first pitch

Intros (4 mins)5 Minutes prior to first pitch

Home Team Field Warm-Up (1 min)1 Minute prior to first pitch

First PitchPLAY BALL!

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• As a reminder, intro videos are limited to 60 seconds in length.

• If televised game, media relations and marketing will work with the producer to adjust pre-game timing protocol to accommodate timing requested for first pitch. In most cases, the National Anthem and intros will be reversed as to allow time to conclude the anthem before the start of the live broadcast.

• Weather issues may dictate a need to adjust the recommended protocol. For example, if there is rain or has been raining, then the field crew may need more than 5 minutes to prepare the field for play. Coaches, umpires, field crew media and marketing will need to work together to coordinate any adjustments to the pre-game protocol.

• If mutually agreed upon, senior day or special activities may occur prior to the start of intros. The timing sheet will need adjustment to account for these activities.

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NOTES

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