All -

There has recently come to my attention some issues that need to be clarified before the Millennium playoffs begin.

These rules and regulations will be enforced without hesitation or compromise by the league commissioner and its umpires.

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1.) Too many times this season teams are playing loud music during their games which is illegal in USA Softball and with most of the league's permits not allowing this action - which could jeopardize our field permits.

What is really disturbing is the music that is being played sometimes includes lyrics that are laced with the N-word and F-word.

Umpires have the ultimate authority to remove any distraction or equipment (including loudspeakers) that interferes with normal game procedures or unsportsmanlike conduct policies.

There is no place for this in Millennium Softball and it will not be tolerated. If you want to test me on this go right ahead and you'll see how quickly you won't be playing in the league.

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2.) Here's another USA Softball rule that needs to be followed is that when it is discovered the bases or pitcher's plate were not measured at the correct distance after the game has started, the umpire will set the field equipment to the correct distance immediately.

There will be no agreement made by the teams to ask the umpire to finish the inning before the correct distance is set.

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3.) NOTE: When a team has nine (9) players available at game time, then they must be ready to take the field.

There is no stalling while waiting for players to arrive.

Remember teams can always add a tenth player at any time during the game - but never an extra player once the game has started. The EP must be on the field and in the lineup prior to the start of the game.

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4.) Almost every week I hear from teams about the umpires strike zone and I am tired of it - so it is going to stop.

What is the common theme ... these teams all lost their games - but when they win their games with the same umpire later in the season there was no issue with strike zone.

The umpire is not costing your team the game - he doesn't swing the bat of field the ball, so stop making excuses.

In fact, a pitcher got ejected yesterday for arguing balls and strikes and is suspended for the first game of his teams important doubleheader this Sunday that has "playoff implications."

So don't be surprised if more ejections follow if your team goes too far questioning balls and strikes going forward.