VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010

Dates of Event
Sunday, 1 August - Friday, 6  August 2010  
 

Venues 

• Sportpark Muengersdorf-Vorwiesen, Olympiaweg, 50933 Cologne-Muengersdorf (located directly at the RheinEnergieStadion, 5.9 km from Neumarkt)
• Softballanlage am Reitstadion, Aachener Strasse 800, 50933 Cologne-Muengersdorf (6.3 km from Neumarkt) 

Transportation
Take tram 1 (direction Junkersdorf/Weiden) to station "RheinEnergieStadion"   

Categories and Divisions of Competition

Division A: competitive players
Division B: advanced players
Division C: recreational players and beginners

Participation
Each team may consist of 9-18 players; all players may only compete in one category and in one division.
 

Rules
The Softball games will be played according to the rules of the International Softball Federation (ISF).

Questions and Answers / Softball / Games Cologne 2010

Which rules apply to the tournament?

All tournament play follow the rules of the ISF (http://www.internationalsoftball.com). In addition, there will be Tournament rules that may differ from ISF.
Can I wear metal cleats or shoes with screw-in studs during the competition? No, metal cleats or screw-in studs are not permitted in any division.
Are helmets and safety equipment for catchers required?
Fastpitch: yes, according to the ISF Rules. Slowpitch: No. However, helmets and catcher mask are recommended for safety reasons

Are there any restrictions on titanium bats?
Yes, the tournament will follow ISF & ASA rulings on bats.

What is the minimum number of players a team can start and/or finish a game with?
A team may start and/or finish a game with a minimum of nine (9) registered players.

Are there any guidelines for team uniforms that needed to be followed?
All players on a team must wear uniforms alike in color, trim and style. Strict uniform compliance will be enforced. Uniforms must be numbered, using numbers 01 – 99.

What sized balls will be used for Slowpitch and Fastpitch
Women SP: 11 Inch
Women FP: 12 Inch
Men SP: 12 Inch

Will there be a facility at the venue to store team equipment bags overnight?
No, the softball venue does not provide any storage facilities.

Which division is right for my team?
Divisions follow international standards.
The following will help participants determine their correct division:
Division A: The Competitive division is primarily for highly skilled and experienced softball players in good physical condition;
Division B: The Recreational division is for moderately skilled and moderately experienced softball players in average physical condition;
Division C: The Beginners division is for players developing their skill and with little experience.

The following may help participants familiar with the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA) softball divisions to identify the correct division for their team. The Gay Games VII division "A" is similar to a combined NAGAAA "A" and "B" division. The GGVII "B" division is most similar to the NAGAAA "C" division and the GGVII "C" is most similar to the NAGAAA "D" division.

Are NAGAAA ratings required?
No, ratings are not required. Please choose the division that most closely matches the skill level of your team taken as a whole. Although we will do our best to honor the division you have requested, if necessary the Games reserves the right to move your team to a different division than the one in which you registered.

Can I register as an individual if I have no team?
Yes, the Games will try to match you with a team that needs players. Please check on www.qubesport.net for open teams/players.

Can I register my team if I don't yet have a full roster?
Yes, the Games will try to match individual players with incomplete teams. Please check on www.qubesport.net for open teams/players.

Do I need to be available to play on the first day of the softball competition to be eligible for the rest of the tournament?
No, as long as you are on the roster you can begin play at any time.

How will I know my team's schedule of play?
We will post the schedule online as well as at the fields

What if there is bad weather?
We will provide a rain number you can call in case of inclement weather.

How long are the games?
There will be a 70 minute time limit.

Is there a Mercy rule?
Yes, the Mercy Rule according to ISF
Fastpitch Women: Twenty (20) runs after three (3) innings, fifteen (15) runs after four (4) innings or seven (7) runs after five (5) innings
Slowpitch  Women/Men: Twenty (20) runs after four (4) innings, fifteen (15) runs after five (5) innings

Can games end in a tie?
Yes, round robin games can end in a tie. In double elimination the International Tie-breaker rule will be used.

Are courtesy runners permitted?
Yes, one courtesy runner is permitted per inning.

What count will the hitter begin with?
The hitter will begin with a 1-1 count. Fouls are considered a strike and a third strike foul is an out.

Is base-stealing permitted in the slow pitch competition?
No, base stealing will not be permitted.

How will teams be seeded?
Teams will be seeded based on their pool play records. Teams with like records will be placed in a blind draw.

How is home team determined?
During pool play, home team is determined by a coin toss. In double elimination, home team is the higher seeded team. In the medal rounds, home team in the "if" games are decided by a coin toss.

Can I wear jewelry?
No, all jewelry must be removed prior to play.

Will medical assistance be available at the fields?
Yes.

What will the standard of the tournament be like?
Competition will range from beginner to world-class levels, with participants bracketed according to level. In accordance with the Gay Games principles of Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best, there are no qualifying standards. Participants of all levels are encouraged to participate.

Will I be able to play in more than one sport?
There are no strict policies against competing in another sport, however individuals should check the tournament timetables in advance to make sure that schedules for sporting competitions will not conflict.



Equipment
No equipment will be provided. The event organizers will provide only the required playing fields. Teams must bring their own softballs, bats, helmet, etc. 
The softball games will be played on grass fields without dirt-infield.
 

Services 
Food service is available at the cafeterias and cafés at Sportpark Muengersdorf. 

First-Aid
First-aid stations and paramedics will be available at the venue. 

Tickets
Entrance to softball games is free for all spectators.    

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