District 8

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  • 1.  Ball Field Homerun Rules

    Posted 20 days ago

    Hello D8,

    The City of Paso Robles is in a predicament where one of our Softball Fields is about 270' from Home Plate to the outfield fence (which is short for adult play), and just outside the fence is a soccer field. I am trying to think of ways to deter homeruns on 1 of the 4 ball fields at our complex here as we just now are receiving complaints of a lot of homeruns that are endangering the youth that play on the soccer fields on the outside of the ball field fence. The cost of adding height to the outfield fence/net is unfortunately a lot.

    So far I am leaning on implementing a "homerun = out" rule for this field. Down in L.A. this is a common rule as ball fields are usually built in a residential-esque area. 

    Other ideas for this include:
    1. Forcing the purchase of specific core ratio balls for the field
    2. Pushing back ball field play until noon and let soccer play in the morning.
    3. Bat compression testing for any bat that hits a homerun. (this ultimately destroys the bat used)
    4. Have ball field hosts sign language that forces all liability onto the homerun hitter.
    5. Implement a 1-up home run rule. (this is currently in use)

    I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter as every City does things a little different.

    Thank you for all your help!
    Robbie Hoag - City of Paso Robles
    rhoag@prcity.com
    805-237-3992



    ------------------------------
    Robert Hoag
    Administrative Assistant
    City of El Paso Robles Community Services Department
    Paso Robles CA
    (805) 237-3988
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  • 2.  RE: Ball Field Homerun Rules

    Posted 20 days ago

    Hey Robert,

    #5 is definitely a good rule to have when you are less thank 275 feet. Its also spot on with SCMAF rules which is what the City of Santa Maria follows. I would recommend pulling the managers and reminding them of the 1-up rule and have them sign-in to the meeting showing that they were present for the rule reminder. I would also see if you can add it to any liability/player paperwork if you want to enforce #4. 

    Not sure if you purchase the current balls, but I assume on #1 you would increase the team fee to cover the new balls. I feel this is fair. Bats might be a bit of a challenge since I know, as an ex-fast pitch player, my bat was my baby. 

    Hope this helps and good luck!



    ------------------------------
    Stephanie Saucedo
    Recreation Supervisor
    City of Santa Maria Recreation & Parks Dept.
    Santa Maria CA
    (805) 925-0951
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Ball Field Homerun Rules

    Posted 19 days ago

    Hi D8,

    Just wanted to give an update as I have received a lot of responses, maybe this will help you all or anyone else looking for a similar answer. And I will summarize the responses for all of our sakes. Some of these rules are field specific as well so keep that in mind (I will note that and clump them at the end so they are together).

    1. 1-up homerun rule.
    2. Use restricted flight ball. (Cor to Compression ratios to mitigate flight and speed)
    3. One homerun allowed per inning.
    4. One designated homerun hitter per team.
    5. Wooden bats only.
    6. Homerun = out
    7. Waivers that transfer ALL liability to the hitter, not the host. (Field Specific)
    8. Homerun = player ejection AND end of inning. (Field Specific)
    9. Painted pole on outfield fence line in right-center field, homeruns to the right of the pole is not only an out, but inning ending as well. (Field Specific)

    Thank you to the cities and organizations that helped contribute to this list!



    ------------------------------
    Robert Hoag
    Administrative Assistant
    City of El Paso Robles Community Services Department
    Paso Robles CA
    (805) 237-3988
    ------------------------------

    Original Message