|
Rule Book |
Official Wiffleball Rule Book of the Wiffleball Association
Revision A—21 June 1988
|
|
Table of Contents Issue and Approval Record Foreword 1. Scope 2. Applicable Documents 3. The Field 4. The Equipment 5. The Players 6. Putting the Ball in Play 7. Hits 8. Outs 9. Game Format 10. Baserunning 11. Scoring 12. Special Plays 13. General 14. Glossary of Common Wiffleball Colloquialisms  Downloadable PDF file. (If you don't have Adobe Acrobat) |
| REVISION AND APPROVAL DATE | DESCRIPTION | PAGES AFFECTED |
| BASIC ISSUE 21 July 1986 |
Prepared by Ike Robbins and Associates to support Wiffleball Weekend 1986, the first WBWE to be held in San Diego. The rule book describes Wiffleball played at the Serengeti. |
| Revision A 21 June 1988 |
Updated for WBWE 1988. Changes innings per game to four, pitches per at bat to two. Clarifies some rules, corrects typographical errors, and adds terms to the glossary. |
ALL |
| Foreword |
I can still remember the first time I held a Wiffleball bat. I was four years old and my dad took me out in the backyard and showed me how to hold the bat and explained that he was going to throw the ball to me and I should try to swing the bat and "make contact." I hit his first pitch over the neighbor’s house. His next pitch was a fastball that nailed me in the side of the head.
From this early experience I learned a couple of things. First, hitting a Wiffleball is one of the purest joys that a person can know. Second, Wiffleball is a game you play to win. Such is the attitude take toward the game as it is played in the Wiffleball Association. As Commissioner, I have always tried to maintain the balance between playing the game for fun and playing the game competitively.
In order to achieve a lasting tradition of fair, competitive Wiffleball, I have ordered the preparation of this rule book. My thanks go out to Isaac Robbins for his monumental achievement in writing this rule book. Its creation should help all players better enjoy the game, and it will at last put an end to the complaint I have heard throughout my career: "You’re making up the rules, you’re making up the rules!" There is nothing worse than hearing that from some pip squeak who has a bad memory.
I would also like to point out that, although these rules are tailored for a specific stadium, their intent and spirit can be adapted to fields having different configurations.
| 1. SCOPE |
1.1 Scope. This document contains the rules of Wiffleball as recognized by the Wiffleball Association. Authority to append this document or to waive a rule during a game situation lies solely with the commissioner. Questions and comments on this document should be directed to:
Mr. Harry Lockwood
Commissioner, WBA
4614 Edgeware Road #13
San Diego, CA
| 2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS |
2.1 Government Documents. The following documents of the exact issue shown form a part of this rulebook to the extent specified herein. In the event of conflict between the documents referenced herein and the contents of this rulebook, take the other documents and pound sand.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
- Reports
- 000-00496-3 (10 June 1986)
Report of the Presidential Commission on the Shuttle Challenger Accident - 001-88489-2 (14 July 1986)
The Meese Commission Report on Pornography
2.2 Non-Government Documents. The following documents of the exact issue shown form a part of this rulebook to the extent specified herein. In the event of conflict between the documents referenced herein and the contents of this rulebook, take the other documents and pound sand.
- Rule Books
- MLB-85-072 (26 July 1985)
The Official Major League Baseball Rule Book (pre-insertion of Drug Test Clause)
| 3. THE FIELD |
3.1 Definitions and Dimensions. The following descriptions apply to The Serengeti, which is currently the only accredited Wiffleball facility. Accreditation will only be granted by the commissioner to facilities that meet the criteria for frequency of usage and for a properly defined configuration. The term Zoo Stadium, applies to the Roosevelt Junior High School recreation area, and includes basketball courts, parking zone, and urinals, as well as the Serengeti. Zoo Stadium is bordered by Upas Street on the North, the Richmond Street Exit off Highway 163 North on the West, the San Diego Zoo on the South, and Park Boulevard on the East.
3.1.1 The Dirt. This area, referring to Figure 1, is the dirt or weed covered section that encompasses the Home Plate, the Pitching Blocks, and the Garbage Can. It includes all of the area, both fair and foul, that lies on the Home Plate side of the Line.
Figure 1. The Serengeti
3.1.2 The Home Plate. This is the point adjacent to which (within three feet to either side) the batter must stand to receive his pitches. The Home Plate is marked by a pile of empty, crushed wiffleball cartons.
3.1.3 The Pitching Blocks. These are the blocks of concrete that lie in the dirt area between which the pitcher must begin his pitching delivery. The edge of the blocks farthest from the batter, which is twenty-six feet, six inches (26’ 6") from Home Plate, is considered part of the boundary for fair territory.
3.1.4 The Garbage Can. This is Government Furnished Property (GFP). It shall be located on the dirt, approximately one foot (1 ft.) from the edge of the Tarmac, and centered between the Pitching Blocks. It serves as the target for double and triple plays (see Section 8.3 and 8.4) and as a repository for empty beverage cans. In the event that there are no available Garbage Cans, a beer cooler will suffice as a substitute.
3.1.5 The Line. This is the official nomenclature for the Tarmac/Dirt boundary and the imaginary plane it makes, perpendicular to the surface of the Tarmac, along that section of the boundary which lies in fair territory.
3.1.6 The Tarmac. This is the asphalt covered area that lies between the Home Run Territory and the Dirt. This is the lightly shaded area in Figure 1. It is forty feet (40 ft.) deep and contains both fair and foul territory as well as the Archipelago.
3.1.7 The Archipelago. This corner of Tarmac that would normally be considered as foul territory, is treated as fair territory.
3.1.7.1 La Bamba. This tiny corner of dirt is just east of The Archipelago and is in fair territory. (Note: Through four years of wiffleball, no ball has landed in La Bamba.)
3.1.8 The Apparatus. This is the collective term for the four basketball standards that are in fair territory. They are considered an integral part of the field, and any fly ball that hits any part of the Apparatus is still considered a live ball.
3.1.8.1 The Hoop. This is the collective term for the four hoops attached to the four basketball standards in fair territory. They are considered part of the Apparatus except in the case of a fly ball that drops through the Hoop and lands on the ground without being caught. This is known as a Grand Slam Through the Hoop (see Section 7.5).
3.1.9 The Fence. This is the eleven foot, nine inch (11’ 9") high and one hundred and sixteen foot (116 ft.) long chain-link barrier that separates the Tarmac from Home Run Territory. The two sections of fence that run perpendicular to the Fence and border the Home Run Territory on the two additional sides are considered part of the Fence only in the case of a batted ball that passes over the Fence and then impacts either of these other fences.
3.1.10 The Gate. This passage to Home Run Territory is three feet, three inches (3’ 3") wide and seven feet (7 ft.) tall. The actual gate portion of the Gate may be opened either into the Tarmac or Home Run Territory sections of the field, depending on the preferences of the fielding team.
3.1.11 Home Run Territory. This is the area that is separated from the Tarmac by the Fence, and is bordered on two more sides by sections of fence that are perpendicular to the Fence. In Figure 1, Home Run Territory is darkly shaded. A batted ball must fall, after passing over the Fence, on to the ground in Home Run Territory without being caught to be considered a Home Run (see Section 7.4). Exception: Grand Slam through hoop (see Section 7.5).
3.1.12 The Net. This section of chain-link netting, which is three feet, four inches (3’ 4") high, and its two support poles, are an integral part of Home Run Territory. They serve to separate the Right and Left Gatekeeper positions. A batted ball that bounces off the Net or its support poles without touching the ground is still considered a live ball.
3.2 Fair and Foul Territory. Fair territory consists of the union of four distinct areas: 1.) The Dirt area that is between the foul lines and between the Line and the edge of the Pitching Blocks closest to the Tarmac. This area is cross-hatched in Figure 1. 2.) The Tarmac area is between the foul lines. 3.) The Home Run Territory. 4.) The Archipelago. All other areas are considered foul territory.
| 4. THE EQUIPMENT |
4.1 The Ball. The only regulation Wiffleball is manufactured by The Wiffle Ball Inc., P.O. Box 193, Shelton, CT. 06484. (U.S. Patent No. 2,776,139). It is referred to as the Wiffle Ball, Regulation Baseball Size. The Wiffleball is made of a rubbery, white plastic and has eight oval-shaped holes in one of its hemispheres.
4.2 The Bat. There are currently two WBA-approved Wiffleball bats. The first is made by The Wiffle Ball Inc. of Shelton, CT. and is referred to as the Official Wiffle Bat. It is yellow, two feet, seven inches (2’ 7") long, and has a maximum circumference of five and one half inches (5½"). The second is the HG Industries of Long Beach, New York’s "Professional Official Super-Pro"(U.S. Patent Pending). This is a black plastic bat that is two feet, five inches (2’ 5") long, and has a maximum circumference of eight inches (8 in.) and is commonly referred to as "BIG BAT." Tape may be applied to either bat in any amount that a player considers practical.
4.3 Uniforms. These are strictly optional for WBA teams, and have been utilized only sparingly.
4.4 Gloves. There are no gloves allowed in WBA Wiffleball. The only fielding assistance that may be employed is the player’s regulation baseball cap (see Section 8.1.b).
| 5. THE PLAYERS |
5.1 The Roster. A team may carry only four players on its roster. This does not include players on the Disabled List, Waivers, or Leave of Absence. If a team puts a player on the Disabled List or on Waivers, they may fill that roster vacancy by contracting the services of another player for a period as short as twenty-five minutes.
5.2 Disabled List. A team may place an injured player on either the seven (7), fourteen (14), or twenty-one (21) day disabled list, allowing that team to acquire the services of another player for that period of time. The player must be off the disabled list for at least one week before he can be placed on the list again. The standard fee required to claim a player off waivers is one six-pack of Schaffer beer.
5.3 Waivers. If a team puts a player on waivers, they retain the rights to that player unless, while on waivers, another team claims him. A player put on waivers cannot be brought back on to the team's roster for a minimum of seven days. While on waivers, the player is a free agent and may negotiate with other teams.
5.4 Leave of Absence. A player must petition the commissioner's office twenty-four (24) hours in advance of a scheduled Wiffleball event in order to be granted a Leave of Absence. Urgent or compelling reason must accompany the request. Requests for Leave of Absences involving more than one week need to be submitted at least three days before the first Wiffleball event to be missed, however, Leaves of more than one week are given only in exceptional cases.
5.5 Eligible Players. There can be a minimum of two and a maximum of four eligible players for a Wiffleball game. However, there is a maximum of three Active Fielders during each game. These are players who may retire the batter through an action in the field. The fourth player on a team can remain eligible only if he continues to bat in proper order.
5.6 Substitution. To substitute a player into the place of another eligible player, the new player must assume the old player's place in the batting order. A player who is substituted for may not re-enter the game, unless the opposing team does not object.
5.7 The Infielder. This is an active fielder who takes his position on the Tarmac in fair territory. An infielder may not interfere with the delivery of the pitch.
5.8 The Gatekeeper. This is an active fielder who takes his position in the Home Run Territory. Positioning one active fielder in Home Run Territory is called the Single Gate or "Buffalo Soldier" defense, and having two active fielders in Home Run Territory is referred to as the Double Gate defense. Putting two players on one side of homerun territory is called the "double-double cheese-cheese whopper-whopper please" defense. The Gatekeeper on the batter's left-hand side as he faces the Fence from Home Plate is the Left Gatekeeper, and the one on his right-hand side is the Right Gatekeeper.
5.9 General Managers. Each franchised team within the WBA will appoint a General Manager from amongst its rostered players to represent that team in all official league meetings. The General Manager has the absolute responsibility for the decisions related to his team, including authority to engineer and approve trades, to fine or suspend his players, or to place players on the Disabled List. The General Manager is, however, subordinate to the WBA commissioner on league matters.
| 6. PUTTING THE BALL IN PLAY |
6.1 The Pitcher. This player must be a member of the same team as the batter, and must stand between the Pitching Blocks at the beginning of his pitching motion. The pitcher is considered an integral part of the field and any batted ball that impacts the pitcher is still considered a live ball and the rules that determine hits (see Section 7) are applied without special consideration. The pitcher is, of course, expected to make every effort to move himself from the path of the batted ball.
6.2 The Batter. The batter must be standing in the batter's box when makes contact with the pitch. The batter must use only one regulation Wiffleball bat during the swing and may only take one swing at the ball for each pitch.
6.3 The Pitch. The batter can receive a maximum of two pitches for each at-bat. A pitch must be hit before it touches the ground. Pitches thrown after the fielding team has called a time-out do not count toward the total of two.
6.4 Time-Outs. An unlimited number of Time-Outs are granted to the fielding team for changing defenses, strategy discussions, injury, etc., except in the Hurry-Up Offense situation. There are no Time-Outs for the batting team and the batter is responsible for making sure that a pitch is not delivered before he is ready.
| 7. HITS |
7.1 Singles. A batted ball is scored as a single when it meets any of the following criteria:
-
a.) While in the air, it touches a fielder in either fair or foul territory and then impacts the ground without being caught. Exception: see Section 7.4.
b.) It first impacts the ground in either the fair territory portion of the Tarmac or the Archipelago and does not break the plane of the Fence in foul territory. (For further plane-breaking rules, see Section 7.3.a)
c.) It impacts the Fence or the base of the Apparatus after first having hit the ground in either the fair or foul territory.
7.1.1 Judging a Ball Fair or Foul. The batter shall have the final authority to judge a ball fair or foul because his superior position allows him to line the ball up with Home Plate and the foul poles. It is expected that the batter will exercise this authority in a responsible manner.
7.2 Doubles. A batter ball is scored as a double if it impacts the Fences before it strikes the ground and is not caught by a fielder. Exception: see Section 7.4.
7.3 Triples. A batted ball is scored as a triple if it meets either of the following criteria:
-
a.) It breaks the plane of the Fence by passing through the Gate and is not caught before it first impacts the ground by a fielder.
b.) It strikes the Apparatus (as defined in Section 3) in flight before impacting any other inanimate object, and then impacts the ground without being caught by a fielder. Exception: see Section 7.4.
7.4 Home Runs. A batted ball is scored as a Home Run if it physically passes over the top of the Fence and then impacts the ground in Home Run Territory without being caught by a fielder. This rule takes precedence over any hits of lesser value.
7.5 Grand Slams Through the Hoop. A batted ball which passes downward through any of four basketball hoops that are in fair territory, and which impacts the ground without being caught by a fielder, is an automatic Grand Slam through the Hoop, scoring four runs in addition to the runners that are already on base.
| 8. OUTS |
8.1 Outs. A batter is considered to be out if any of the following criteria are met:
-
a.) If, after having received two pitches, the batter has not accomplished a hit, as described in Section 7.
b.) A batted ball is caught in the air by a fielder before it impacts the ground. A catch is defined as a ball being held in the bare hand(s) of a fielder or in the fielder's baseball-style head covering, known as a "cap," which in turn must be held in the fielder's hand(s). In establishing the validity of the catch, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove that he has complete control of the ball and that his release of the ball is voluntary and intentional.
c.) A batted ball impacts the ground on the Home Plate side of the Line, or anywhere in the foul territory, and a fielder subsequently touches the ball in fair territory.
d.) A batted ball impacts the ground on the Home Plate side of the Line, or in foul territory and comes to rest in fair territory.
8.2 Batting Out of Turn. Every team shall establish a regular batting order at the beginning of the game, and shall observe this order throughout the game. If this order is violated:
-
a.) A batter shall be called out, on appeal, when he fails to bat in his proper turn, and another batter completes a time at bat in his place. The proper batter may take his place in the batter's box at any time before the improper batter becomes a runner, or is put out, and the number of pitches already received by the improper batter shall count toward the total of two that the batter may receive.
b.) When an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out, and the fielding team appeals before the first pitch to the next batter of either team, or before any play or attempted play, the proper batter shall be declared out and any advance or score made because of a ball batted by the improper batter or because of the improper batter's advance to first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, or otherwise, shall be nullified.
c.) When an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out, and a pitch is made to the next batter of either team before an appeal is made, the improper batter hereby becomes the proper batter, and the results of his time at bat become legal.
d.) When the proper batter is called out because he has failed to bat in turn, the next batter shall be the batter whose name follows that of the proper batter thus called out. When an improper batter becomes a proper batter because no appeal is made before the next pitch, the next batter shall be the batter whose name follows that of such a legalized improper batter. The instant an improper batter's actions are legalized, the batting order picks up with the name following that of the legalized improper batter.
8.3 Double Plays. A double play, yielding two (2) outs is accomplished if any of the following criteria are met:
-
a.) With runner(s) on any base and less than two outs, a batted ball impacts the ground on they Home Plate side of the Line, or in foul territory, and is then cleanly (see Section 8.3.1 for definition) fielded while still in motion in fair territory, and is then thrown in one continuous motion to impact the Garbage Can. The throw may either be in the air or skipped along the ground. In this case, both the batter and lead runner are considered out.
b.) With runner(s) on any base, and less than two (2) outs, a batted ball impacts the Garbage Can and does not subsequently meet any of the criteria for a hit as specified in Section 7.
c.) With a runner at third base and less than two outs, a batted ball hit in the air is caught before impacting the ground by a fielder anywhere except in Home Run Territory, and with the pitcher yelling "Tagging!" or "He's going!", the ball is thrown in one continuous motion to impact the Garbage Can. Again, the throw to the Garbage Can may either be on the ground or skipped along the ground. The result in this case is that both the batter and the man that was at third base are considered out.
d.) With runner(s) at any base, and less than two outs, a ball hit either over the Fence or in the air through the Gate is caught by a fielder before impacting the ground, and in one continuous motion is thrown to impact the Garbage Can. The throw may be either through the Gate or over the Fence, and may either hit the Garbage Can on the fly or may roll to the Can. The result in this case is that both the lead runner and the batter are considered out. Exception: Triple Play (see Section 8.4). In the event of a Hit and Run play, the Gatekeeper's throw which hit the Can is considered to have beat the runner, who was going on the pitch, back to first base for a double play.
e.) With the Hit and Run play on (see Section 12.1), the batter either completely misses the pitch thrown to him or he fails to swing. In either case, both the batter and the runner who was at first base are considered out.
f.) With the Hit and Run play on (see Section 12.1), a batted ball hit in the air is caught before impacting the ground by a fielder who is standing anywhere except Home Run Territory. In this case, both the batter and the runner who was at first base are considered out.
8.3.1 Cleanly Fielded Ball. A ground ball is considered to be cleanly fielded for the purposes of a double play if the fielder picks up the ball, while it is still in motion, and without bobbling the ball to such a degree that time is lost, begins his throwing motion.
8.3.2 Throws to the Garbage Can. A ball which is thrown to the Garbage Can by a fielder with the intent of making either a double or triple play, must be allowed to resolve its course before being interfered with by a member of the batting team. If, at the discretion of the commissioner, interference took place, the batting team may be assessed for the number of outs that were prevented, and depending on the intent, an additional penalty out.
8.4 Triple Plays. A triple play, yielding three (3) outs, is awarded if, with no outs, and at least two runners on base, a batted ball physically passes over the Fence, and is caught by a fielder before impacting the ground, and in one continuous motion is thrown on the fly into the Garbage Can, with the ball coming to rest in side the Garbage Can.
| 9. GAME FORMAT |
9.1 Determination of Home Team. At the start of the first game between two teams, an "Official Wiffle Bat" shall be tossed by representatives of the teams playing. With the knob end of the bat pointing up, one player shall toss the bat to the other, who will catch it with one hand. By alternating the placing of hands on the bat, the players will work their way up the bat handle toward the knob, until the last player whose grasp covers the knob end is declared the winner. The winner of the bat toss has the choice of either being the home or visiting team. From this point on, throughout the day, the two teams will alternate being home team.
9.2 The Inning. Is the period of time it takes for the two teams to alternate their at-bats one time. A half-inning is the time it takes the batting team to make three outs. Exception: Interference with the Hurry-Up Offense (see Section 12.3).
9.3 Number of Innings. A normal game will last four (4) innings. If the game is tied at the conclusion of the four innings, extra innings will be played until the tie is resolved. The Home Team need not complete their half-inning if they either are ahead or go ahead in the bottom of the fourth inning or later.
| 10. BASERUNNING |
10.1 Ghost Runners. In WBA Wiffleball, both the bases and the baserunners are imaginary. There is no running required by the batter. A baserunner cannot be put out without the batter also being retired.
10.2 Advancing the Runners. All runners on base advance the same number of bases as the hit they are advancing on. For example, all runners on base move up on base on a single and two bases on a double. All runners on base score on a triple. There is no "Fielder's Choice" in Wiffleball. If the batter makes an out, the runners do not advance (except in the case of the Hit and Run play). There are no stolen bases in Wiffleball, and neither are there balks, wild pitches, or passed balls for the runners to advance on. On a Double Play, it is always the lead runner that is erased.
10.3 Tagging Up On Infield Flies. With less than two outs, and a runner at third base, the batting team can tag the runner at third on a fly ball that is caught in non-homerun territory. The person who is pitching for the batting team has the responsibility to yell "Tagging!" or "He's going!" just as the fielder is catching the ball. If the fielder hits the Garbage Can with his throw, made in one continuous motion, the runner is in effect thrown out at the plate. No other runners on base may advance on this play.
10.4 Automatic Tagging. On fly balls that go over the Fence, with less than two outs, all runners that are on base automatically tag. If the fielder in Home Run Territory who makes the catch can throw the ball in one continuous motion, either back over the Fence or through the Gate, and hit the Garbage Can, a Double Play is awarded, and the lead runner is erased.
| 11. SCORING THE GAME |
11.1 Errors. A fielder shall be given an Error if he allows the batter to reach base on what would normally be considered a routine out (e.g. by dropping a fly ball or letting a ground ball roll under his hands). An Error will not be given for balls fielded off the Fence in an attempt to stop a double. Not completing a Double Play shall not be considered an Error.
11.2 Great Plays. A fielder shall be awarded a Great Play if he makes an extraordinary effort to retire the batter. Additional consideration will be given to difficult plays that are made in game-critical situations. Great Plays, for instance, are generally awarded for Double Plays which are thrown to the Garbage Can from Home Run Territory. The importance of the game situation cannot be overemphasized.
11.3 Runs Batted In. A batter shall receive a Run Batted In if a run scores on a batted ball that he put into play. This includes runs scored on hits, errors, or sacrifice flies.
11.4 Automatic Double Plays. Automatic Double Plays that do not involve the action of a fielder (see Sections 8.3.b and 8.3.e) shall be awarded on the Scoreboard to the fielder who was closest to the ball when the Automatic Double Play was called.
11.5 Scorekeeper. The Scorekeeper shall be appointed from amongst the players who are on teams that are idle, or from the crowd of spectators. The Scorekeeper shall remain attentive to the game he or she is scoring, and be careful to note the cumulative statistics for each player in the game in a timely manner. Statistics that are kept track of are: games, doubles, triples, home runs, runs batted in, great plays, errors, and walks. A running score of the game shall be maintained, and the final score of each game duly recorded. Weather conditions should also be noted, especially wind speed and direction.
11.6 Rollins Index. This is the primary tool of measuring the offensive output of WBA players. There are six Rollins Index categories: Doubles, Triples, Home Runs, Runs Batted In, Bases on balls, and the Cumulative Index. To calculate the Rollins Index for any of the first four categories, take the total number of Intentional Walks, Doubles, Triples, Home Runs, or Runs Batted In that the player has, and divide by the total number of games that the player has participated in. To calculate the Cumulative Index, add the total number of doubles, triples, home runs, and runs batted in that the player has and divide by the number of games the player has been in.
| 12. SPECIAL PLAYS |
12.1 Hit and Run. A Hit and Run play can be called once per inning by the batting team only if there is a baserunner at first base. The person pitching for the batting team must clearly announce to the fielding team that a Hit and Run play will be executed on the following pitch. Time will be allowed for the fielding team to adjust their defense if desired. The following subparagraphs describe what may happen on a pitch that has been declared a Hit and Run:
-
a.) If the batter either completely misses the ball with his swing or does not swing the bat at all and there is less than two outs, a double play is called out and both the batter and the runner who was at first are called out (see Section 8.3.e).
b.) If the batter hits a foul ball or in any way tips the ball with his swing, the Hit and Run is called off and the runner goes back to first base. The Hit and Run may not be called again until the next inning.
c.) If, with less than two outs, the batter hits a ball which is caught by a fielder before it impacts the ground anywhere except in Home Run Territory, a double play results, which erases both the batter and the runner at first (see Section 8.3.f).
d.) If, less than two outs, the batter hits a ball that is caught by a fielder standing in Home Run Territory before it impacts the ground, the runner who was at first base is in effect given a chance to return to first, however, if the fielder throws the ball and hits the Garbage Can, the runner at first base is called out, resulting in a double play (see Section 8.3.d).
e.) If the batter is walked (see Section 12.2) by the fielding team, the batter moves to first base and the runner to second base, and the Hit and Run play cannot be used again until the next inning.
f.) If the batter hits a ball that impacts the ground first, and is then fielded in such a way that the batter is put out (see Section 8.1 on Outs), a double play cannot be completed, because the runner at first was running on the pitch.
g.) If the batter hits a single (see Section 7.1) or a double (see Section 7.2), the runner who was at first base, advances one base more than the batter, putting the runner at third base on a single and scoring the runner on a double. On triples or Home Runs, there is no distinction made for the results of the Hit and Run.
12.2 Base On Balls. The fielding team is allowed one Base On Balls per game. A Base On Balls can be given to the current batter in any situation. Any baserunners will advance according to whether or not they are forced to move to the next base.
12.3 Hurry Up Offense. This can be executed once at the beginning of every half inning (with the exception of the top of the first inning) by the team that is coming up to bat. The batter in a Hurry-Up must be one of the active fielders from the previous half-inning. The Hurry-Up offense is terminated when the first batter of the half inning makes contact with a pitch.
12.4 Interference. If the team heading out into the field interferes with the team executing a Hurry-Up Offense, a fourth out is awarded to the team coming up to bat. An interference call does not stop the execution of a Hurry-Up Offense. Interference includes the throwing of bats away from the Home Plate area or hindering the pitcher's efforts to obtain a ball to pitch. The pitcher and batter (only) have the right of way in executing the Hurry-Up offense. If their progress to the pitching/batting area is hindered, a fourth out is awarded.
| 13. GENERAL |
13.1 Commissioner's Stand-In. In the case of the commissioner's absence, another WBA player shall be invested with the commissioner's authority on the interpretation of the rules. This is the only of the commissioner's powers that may be delegated.
13.2 Penalties. This section covers penalties that can be delivered by the commissioner, and will not apply to penalties that are leveled by a team's General Manager.
13.2.1 Tardiness. An individual player cannot be penalized by the commissioner for tardiness, however, a team may be forced to play Shorthanded, that is, with only two active fielders, or forced to forfeit if two fielders are not present.
13.2.2 Absence Without Leave. A player may be penalized one (1) case of beer, to be delivered at the next week's event, for missing a Wiffleball event that they had pledged to attend.
13.2.3 Unsportsmanlike Conduct. While verbal and mental abuse of opposing players is encouraged, fighting or in any other way inflicting bodily harm on a fellow WBA member is grounds for a wide range of penalties, including expulsion from the WBA.
13.3 Awards. A Wiffleball Association Awards Banquet will be held at the conclusion of the Wiffleball season, at which recognition will be given to those outstanding teams and individuals that distinguished themselves through the course of the some eight months of competition.
13.3.1 Team Awards. There are three awards for WBA teams:
-
a.) The World Wiffleball Championships
This award is accorded to the team that wins the World Series of Wiffleball, which is held in October, parallel to the Major League Baseball World Series.
b.) The Commissioner's Trophy
This award goes to the team that has posted the overall best record in regular season Wiffleball action.
c.) Wiffleball Weekend Crown This award is given to the WBA team that reigns victorious over the midseason classic, the Wiffleball Weekend.
-
a.) The Roy Hobbs Award
Effectively a MVP award. Given to the player whose performance most exemplifies the spirit of The Natural's Roy Hobbs.
b.) The Billy Martin Award
Accorded to the player who, throughout the season, demonstrated more effectively than anyone else how much he hates to lose.
c.) The Kathy Ormsby Award
Given to the player who most demonstrates a desire to throw life and limb over a bridge.
13.4 Alcoholic Beverages. A twelve-pack of beer could technically be considered a pre-requisite for admission to a Wiffleball event. Twelve-packs of beer can be used in place of cash, as compensation in a player trade. The only suggestion is that aluminum cans be bought, as glass bottles are not suitable for the delicate habitat that the Serengeti represents.
| 14. GLOSSARY OF WIFFLEBALL COLLOQUIALISMS |
14.1 Glossary. This section shall cover words and terms that are frequently used to describe aspects of the game of Wiffleball and have not been defined up to this point.
- Anchor Boots
A player who has limited ability, especially in the Gatekeeper position. - Big Bat
The larger HG Industries Wiffleball bats. - Big Couch
A davenport (often used by Mike Leideker). - Big Rack
A woman with large breasts. Often used to point out a woman walking at the San Diego Zoo. - Binko Banko
A single which falls to the Tarmac a few feet beyond the Line and just out of reach of the infielder. - Charbo Shuffle
A defensive set-up in which all three fielders are positioned near the Line. Meant to intimidate weak hitters, especially near the end of the game. - Clubs
Bad hands. - Coffin Corners
The two sections of Home Run Territory that are on the far left and right hand sides of the field, near the corners of the Fence. - Court No.1
The Serengeti's restroom. - Dinger
Homerun. - Franky
A substitute for the word "pal" or "bub."
- Funny Guy
Term used to describe either a) A male who doesn't enjoy Wiffleball or b) A male whose motives and behavior are questionable (see - Funny Head
The beginnings of a hangover. - Funny Liquor Store
Term used to refer to the Cottage Liquor Store on Park Boulevard, the place with the sandwich-making midget. - Funny Shoes
A pair of "fashionable" shoes, usually unsuited to any practical use, including walking. - Funny Spin
A batted ball that curves while in the air (see "Pack of Trouble"). - "Get Funny"
A phrase used to express a desire for a fly ball to elude the fielder's grasp. - Go Cup
A paper or plastic vessel used to avoid "open container" laws. - Hat Catch
A catch made with a fielder's baseball-style headcovering known as a "cap."
- Hot Cakes
A player who grounds into tailor-made double plays. - Jai Alai Shot
A ball that hits first on the handle of the bat and is slung off the end of the bat in one continuous motion, often with a funny spin. - Liquorhead
A habitual drunkard. - Mini-goal
A milestone of limited significance. - Monkey Toss
A Binko Banko hit to left field. - No Wheels
An infielder who lacks the speed to play the position effectively. - Ookie-on-the-Cookie
A game played by pooftas. - Pack of Trouble
A wind-blown fly ball that may impact the Fence of Apparatus. - Package
Beer to go. - Piece of Hitting
A hit that was made off of what could only be described as an awful pitch. Especially applicable in second pitch situations. - Piece of Jimmy
A derogatory phrase used to describe a person or thing. - Pilsner
A can of beer. - Poofta
- Product
Alcoholic beverages. - Pull Boy
A player who almost exclusively pulls the ball. - Sandy Leideker Research Library
A series of publications featuring porn queen Traci Lords, usually kept in a green cooler near the player's bench. - Stealth Rack
Breasts which have been generally regarded as being small, but really are not - Stealth Sked
A secret plan. - Tiny Dancer
A player of diminutive stature with a tendency to go into a series of confused pirouettes on high, wind-blown fly balls. - Urals
The small, ridge-like ripples of earth directly north of the Pitching Blocks. - Wild Thing
An outrageously attractive female, usually with "Big Hair," often seen outside the Coast Saloon. - Williamfold
A wallet.
A male homosexual.
|
Rule Book |
Comments? Email Ice-Man.