2026
Adult Sports
Handbook
carlsbadca.gov/CarlsbadConnect
Table of Contents Table of Contents...........................................................................................................................................2 T.R.U.S.T. Waiver...............................................................................................................................................3 Adult Sports Leagues Introduction...............................................................................................5 Adult Softball rules and regulations.............................................................................................6 Men's Basketball rules and regulations...................................................................................14
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Adult Sports Handbook
MISSION STATEMENT In our continuing effort to create community through people, parks and programs, the Recreation Department will strive to provide quality activities that are safe, fair and enriching for all of its participants, spectators and administrators. This philosophy will be implemented through the T.R.U.S.T. Program, which focuses on teaching respect, unity and sportsmanship through teamwork.
COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS The Carlsbad Recreation Department requires its staff, participants, spectators and neighbors to recognize the following expectations in order to maintain a healthy community: We T.R.U.S.T. that you will maintain a safe and positive environment We T.R.U.S.T. that you will treat every individual with courtesy and respect We T.R.U.S.T. that you will honor the rules established for each activity We T.R.U.S.T. that you will demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship at all times
“We Create Community Through People, Parks and Programs” Adult Sports Handbook
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CITY OF CARLSBAD RECREATION DEPARTMENT ENRICHMENT CLASSES CONTRACT
CODE OF CONDUCT The City of Carlsbad Recreation Department encourages a safe and healthy atmosphere by supporting an environment free from: DRUGS OR ALCOHOL VIOLENCE, INTIMIDATION, OR HARASSMENT GAMBLING OR SOLICITATION PROFANITY, OR ABUSIVE LANGUAGE VANDALISM OR PROPERTY DAMAGE I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care and encouragement for the individuals participating in the City of Carlsbad Recreation Department’s Enrichment Classes by following the Code of Conduct above. Besides the Code of Conduct, I understand and support the Enrichment Classes Program values and endeavors to develop the 5 “C’s”, creating a fair, secure and friendly place to learn through:
1. CARE
3. CONSIDERATION
Caring for self Caring for others Caring for the environment
Showing respect Tolerating others Thinking of the feelings/circumstances of others
2. COURTESY
4. COOPERATION
Speaking and behaving politely towards others Speaking and behaving kindly towards others Showing excellence in manners
Contributing to a positive school tone/image Accepting consequences when rules are broken Working, studying, playing cooperatively with others
5. COMMON SENSE Use common sense by stopping and thinking carefully before doing anything. Violation of the Code of Conduct outlined above may result in Disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from Carlsbad Recreation Programs and facilities, forfeiture of fees and financial restitution for any damage. In the case of a minor, parental responsibility will apply to all of the above actions. I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS CODE OF CONDUCT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENTS AND AGREE TO COMPLY.
Signature Date
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Adult Sports Handbook
Welcome to the City of Carlsbad Adult Sports Leagues We’re excited to have you join our community of athletes, friends, and sports enthusiasts. Our league is built on the principles of fun, fair play, and sportsmanship, and we strive to create a positive and safe environment for all players. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the game, this league offers a competitive yet enjoyable experience where everyone can improve their skills, meet new people, and enjoy the thrill of the game.
Our Mission • To provide a well-organized, inclusive, and competitive adult sport league for the community • To promote physical activity, teamwork, and sportsmanship • To ensure that every game is played safely, fairly, and with respect for all participants
What to Expect • Clear and consistent rules and guidelines to ensure fair competition • A structured season schedule, including regular-season games and playoffs • Opportunities to connect with fellow players, celebrate achievements, and enjoy a friendly community atmosphere
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Adult Softball
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Adult Sports Handbook
Rules and Regulations Games will be played utilizing ASA rules with the following modifications: League Format
Equipment
• Once placed in a league, a team will remain there. The decision to move teams is at the discretion of the Adult Sports Office.
• No titanium bats
• All postponed games (rainouts) will be made up. Games will be added to the end of the original published regular season schedule, before playoffs.
• No metal baseball cleats
• All batters will start with a one-one count.
• City provides 1 game ball (home team keeps at the end of the game)
• Regular season: no new inning after 65 minutes or completion of 7 innings. Drop dead time of 70 minutes. If the games end in a tie, the final score will be entered as a tie. If inning is not complete, revert back to last completed inning. No extra innings. Postseason: completion of 7 innings or drop-dead time of 70 minutes. • A game is considered legal and complete after 4½ innings.
• Multi-wall bats allowed if ASA approved (1.20 rating) • Only league-approved balls
Softballs
• Backup ball must be league-approved • Must be city-issued, 52 COR/300 lbs, 12” composite or synthetic
Run Rule • 12+ run lead after 4½ innings for the home team or after 5 innings for the visiting team ends the game
Umpires/Scorekeeper • $30 cash per team, per game for umpire • All league and postseason games require umpire fees
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Schedules
Game Delay/Rain Out / Light Policy
• All teams will receive a schedule of league games via email and/or posted on TeamSideline.
• Check rain-out network after 2:30 p.m. or www. cityofcarlsbadsports.com. Sports office will follow up with managers via email.
• Schedules will be played as published unless modified by the Adult Sports Office. The Adult Sports Office will alter schedules/reschedule games only in the event of inclement weather, unsafe field conditions, or other extenuating circumstances (if time permits). • If your team cannot make a regularly scheduled game, please inform the Adult Sports Office at least 24 hours prior to game time. A loss will be recorded in the standings, but no forfeit fee will be required. If contacted within 24 hours, the forfeit fee of $60 will need to be paid to the Adult Sports Office prior to your next scheduled game. • The Adult Sports Office is unable to accept requests from teams regarding game times and date changes. Schedules cannot be altered due to a team’s inability to make a scheduled game.
• Games complete after 4 innings (4½ if home team ahead) if lights fail. • Lights will not be extended past 10 p.m. in any circumstance. • If unsafe conditions occur before 4 innings, game is incomplete and won’t count towards overall standings. Regular season games won’t be continued, postseason games will be reviewed by the Adult Sports Office to be determined if needed to be resumed. • Umpires decide whether to continue/ postpone games. • If a game is called for any unforeseen or unsafe reason such as weather, light failure, or other conditions after it has become a legal game (four complete innings), it will be deemed complete and the score from the last fully completed inning will be recorded. If the home team is leading at the time the game is called, that score will stand. • Injury delays over 5 minutes add only 5 minutes to game time; substantial injuries may end the game.
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Player Eligibility • All players must be eighteen (18) years of age. • Players attempting to play under an assumed name or age will cause their team to forfeit the game and a suspension will be imposed. • After game time, only rostered players are eligible to play. • Player eligibility may not be protested after the 3rd completed inning that the player in question has played.
Player Conduct
• Players cannot participate on two different teams within the same league.
• Harassment of officials, players, managers, city personnel, or spectators will not be tolerated.
Ejections
• If a manager does not control their team’s actions, the team will forfeit.
• Any player ejected is suspended for a minimum of one game (next scheduled). • Upon a second ejection, a player may be suspended for the remainder of the season or longer. • Ejected players have 2 minutes to leave the premises or the game will be ruled a forfeit. • League officials may eject without warning for any conduct issue. • No appeals will be considered for ejections.
Addition/ Deletion of Players • Team managers are expected to turn an official team roster by the midway point of the season. • Players can be added to the team roster through the regular season by completing an Add/Delete form and returning the completed form to the Adult Sports Office.
• Good sportsmanship is expected at all times. • Profanity, derogatory remarks, and taunting will not be tolerated—umpires may eject without warning. • Fighting, verbal abuse, and physical abuse will result in at least a one-game suspension up to league expulsion. • Fans/spectators are considered part of the team for conduct purposes. • Sports office will review all ejection and code of conduct violations and determine disciplinary action.
Injuries / Ejections / Batting Rules • If a player is unable to bat, record one out (once only).
• All add-delete forms must be filled out completely, correctly, and legibly in ink. Any form not completed properly will be invalid. • Do not allow a player to participate who is not on the roster or added properly — this may cause a forfeit. • No players may be added after the game has started. • Only rostered players can be added to the lineup at any time.
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Baserunner and FieldersSlide and Avoid Contact • All runners must avoid contact with the fielder at any base. The runner has the responsibility to avoid contact and must do so. • Fielders cannot block the basepath. To avoid contact please keep the path clear to all bases, especially home plate. • If you are unsure, surrender or get out of the way to avoid any collision.
• Managers must create batting line-up weekly with first and last initial. • Late players will be added to bottom of line-up at any time. • Everyone bats — no pinch hitters. • Leaving game early = 1 automatic out (first time only)
Batters
• Failure to avoid contact may result in that player being called out and/or ejected from the game. In addition, other runners may also be called out.
• All players bat — no pinch hitters.
• Inexperienced players should not attempt to slide into bases, but are still responsible for avoiding contact with defensive players.
• All batters will start with a one-one count.
• Batting out of order must be protested at time it occurs by the opposing team.
Courtesy Runners
• All “avoid” situations are at the discretion of the game umpire.
• 1 per inning
• BOTH PARTIES MUST AVOID CONTACT AT HOME PLATE.
• For injured players only — abuse will end privilege
• Catcher should not fully block home plate.
Pitcher’s Box Rule • 48” wide × 6’ long from rubber toward outfield • Pitch may be delivered from anywhere in the box. • Line drives at/through box at pitcher’s head height or lower = dead ball/out. • Hit balls that are over the head of the pitcher at full height regardless if it passes through the “pitcher box” will be declared a fair ball and in play. • Pitcher MUST have one or both feet in the box or on the line and if the ball is hit, it will be declared an out. • If a pitcher is completely out of the box after the pitch and the ball is hit, it is live.
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Lineups
Adult Sports Handbook
• Must be last out in line-up (or last runner to score) • Four Foul Rule • 2nd foul on 2-strike count = strikeout
Leading Off and Strike Mat • Strike mat behind home plate—pitch landing on plate or mat = strike. • Strike mat is not an extension of home plate. Players must touch home plate when scoring. • Baserunners remain on base until ball leaves pitcher’s hand—no stealing. • Pick-off throw from catcher to base before runner returns = out. • If the attempted “pick off” throw from the catcher is errant (ball hits the ground and runner is safe), the runner and other runners on base may advance at their own risk.
Pitching Mound and Bases
Coed Division Rules
• Pitching: 50’
• Teams may start with the following: 5 males/4 females, 5 males/5 females, 4 males/5 females, and 4 males/4 females.
• Bases: 65’
Pitching Arcs • Men’s: Limited (6’–12’) • Coed: Males Unlimited (6’ min, no max), Females Limited (6’–12’) • Women’s: Limited (6’–12’)
Forfeits • Recorded as a 12–0 loss • No official shall start or officiate any contest when either team does not have the required number of players to start a game or the game is legally ruled a forfeit.
° A game will be ruled a forfeit and a forfeit fee will be required if any of the following apply: ° Failure to field 8 rostered players by the end of grace period results in a forfeit and will NOT be rescheduled. ° If neither team is ready to play, it will result in a double forfeit.
• A team fails to provide 24-hour notice prior to canceling a scheduled game • Forfeit fee: $60 (billed for officials/administration) — must be paid before next game or $20 late fee applies and forfeiture of all subsequent games until the full fee is paid. • A game will be ruled a forfeit, but no forfeit fee is required if any of the following apply:
• Batting order alternates gender. • Walk on 3 straight balls (no strikes) to male batter = 2nd base; female must bat. • If pitcher throws a strike, then three balls, batter does not take second base. • Only one outfielder (the rover) may position themselves in front of the 160' line, using either the provided cones or the light pole as the designated marker. • No restrictions on defensive positions, but no switching during inning (except pitcher/injury). • If a team is unable to field the required number of players (men-women), a forfeit will be declared.
Protests • Must be made before the next pitch. Disputes on final score must be made before 10 a.m. the next day. • Manager must notify the umpire immediately that the game is under protest. • A written statement must be submitted by 5 p.m. to the City the next business day. • Judgment calls cannot be protested— only rule misinterpretations or player eligibility. • All protested games will be completed from the point of protest if standings are affected (1st or 4th place only).
° Ineligible player use ° Continued delay of game • Continued harassment to officials, players, city personnel or spectators • If a manager cannot control his/her team
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Grace Periods
Team Insurance
• 5 minutes past game time to field 8 players; additional 5 minutes if opposing team agrees.
• Teams may purchase accident/liability insurance through ASA (Bollinger Insurance 1-800-446-5311). • City does not provide insurance — players participate at their own risk.
• Home/away may switch if agreed upon. • Games can start/finish with 8 players. No out is taken in the ninth spot. • Lights will not be extended past 10 p.m.
Alcoholic Beverages • Players may consume alcoholic beverages in moderation; however, intoxication, impairment, or disruptive behavior is strictly prohibited. • Any player deemed unfit to participate due to alcohol consumption will be ejected and issued a one-game suspension.
• International Tie Breaker: runner starts on 2nd base at start of each inning after regulation.
Awards • Individual awards for 1st place team in league standings. • Awards will be awarded based solely on league play.
Tie-Breakers
• Teams found in violation of this policy are subject to an immediate game forfeiture.
1. Winning Percentage
Playoff & Championship Games
3. Head-to-Head Differential
• Postseason tournament if time permits • Time limit and run rule apply to tournament games. • Championship games: 70 minute drop time, 15-run mercy rule, 7 innings. Whichever comes first. • All postseason players must be on team rosters prior to the start of playoffs. • Players must provide ID upon request.
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Playoff Tie-Breakers
Adult Sports Handbook
2. Head-to-Head
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Adult Sports Handbook
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Mens Basketball
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Adult Sports Handbook
Rules and Regulations Games will be played utilizing NFHS rules with the following modifications: League Format • The number of regular season games and playoff qualifications will vary depending on the number of teams and divisions established by the Adult Sports Office each season. Game totals and playoff formats are subject to adjustment to ensure balanced competition.
League Placement • Teams will be placed in the division they select during registration. • The City reserves the right to adjust division placement if necessary to ensure balanced and competitive league play.
Standings & Tie Breakers • Winning Percentage • Head-to-head record in league play (2-way ties only) • If teams split head-to-head competition, head-tohead point differential will be the deciding factor. • For 3-way ties, head-to-head between teams, then total point differential (offensive-defensive points) through league play. • More than 3-way ties, total points scored in league play will determine standings.
Referees/Scorekeeper • $40 cash per team, per game for referees $10 per team, per game for scorekeeper • All league and postseason games require official and scorekeeper fees
Schedules
Equipment
• All teams will receive a schedule of league games via email and/or posted on TeamSideline.
• Ball Size- 29.5 inches
• Schedules will be played as published unless modified by the Adult Sports Office. The Adult Sports Office will alter schedules/reschedule games only in the event of weather emergencies. Even though games are indoors, severe regional weather (like wildfires or heatwaves) can create dangerous conditions or impact indoor air control.
• The Adult Sports Office will provide the official game ball. If both captains and referees agree before the game, a different ball may be used as long as it’s men’s regulation size (29.5 inches) and in good condition. If no agreement is reached, the league-issued ball will be used.
• If your team cannot make a regularly scheduled game, please inform the Adult Sports Office at least 24 hours prior to game time. A loss will be recorded in the standings, but no forfeit fee will be required. If contacted within 24 hours, the forfeit fee of $100 will need to be paid to the Adult Sports Office prior to your next scheduled game. • The Adult Sports Office is unable to accept requests from teams regarding game times and date changes. Schedules cannot be altered due to a team’s inability to make a scheduled game.
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Player Eligibility • All players must be eighteen (18) years of age. • All players in Carlsbad Leagues may not have participated in, or be listed on the rosters of any professional, AAU, Collegiate, Junior College or High School athletic activities at the beginning of a desired league. • Any player attempting to play under an assumed name or age will cause that team to forfeit the game, and the player(s) will be suspended.
Addition & Deletion of Players • Players can be added to or deleted from the team roster at any time prior to their 5th league game by completing an Add/Delete form and returning the completed form to the scorekeeper prior to the game. • Players must have signed original roster or completed an add slip prior to that team’s 5th league game to participate in play-offs.
Post Season • All timing, player conduct, and league rules apply during playoffs. • All players participating in post season play must be on the official team roster that is submitted to the Adult Sports Office. • All players are required to show ID prior to the start of all playoff games at the request of the Adult Sports Office.
Player Conduct • Harassment of referees, players, managers, city personnel, or spectators will not be tolerated. • If a manager does not control their team’s actions, the team will forfeit. • Good sportsmanship is expected at all times. • Profanity, derogatory remarks, and taunting will not be tolerated—referees may eject without warning. • Fighting, verbal abuse, and physical abuse will result in at least a one-game suspension up to league expulsion. • Fans/spectators are considered part of the team for conduct purposes. • Sports office will review all ejection and code of conduct violations and determine disciplinary action.
Ejections • Any player ejected from a game will be automatically suspended for the team's next scheduled game. Upon a second ejection, that player may be suspended for the remainder of the season or longer. • League officials may eject a player from the game, and if deemed necessary the gym. If ejected from the gym, that player has two (2) minutes to leave the premises or the game will be ruled a forfeit.
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• League officials may eject any player, coach, or manager without prior warning for any player conduct situation regardless of the severity of the situation.
A game will be ruled a forfeit, but no forfeit fee is required if any of the following apply:
• No appeals will be considered for players that have been ejected from a game.
• A team uses an ineligible player or players
Protests • Managers should be thoroughly familiar with the procedures listed below to file a formal protest.
• Any player or manager consumes alcoholic beverages during the game • Continued delay of game • Continued harassment of officials, players, managers, city personnel or spectators
• At the time of the incident, the manager must immediately notify the official, scorekeeper and the manager of the opposing team that the game is continuing under protest. • The protesting manager must submit (in writing) a detailed statement of facts including all rules which were misinterpreted to the City of Carlsbad within 24 hours of the protested game. • Judgment calls cannot be protested, only misinterpretations of the rules and player eligibility can be protested. • All protested games will be completed from the point of protest at the end of the season and only if league standings are affected.
Forfeits A game will be ruled a forfeit, and a forfeit fee will be required if any of the following apply: • A team fails to field the required number of players (four (4) rostered players) by the end of the five (5)-minute grace period. • If neither team is ready to play: double forfeit. • A team fails to provide 24 hours notice prior to canceling a scheduled game. Any team that forfeits a game for one of the above reasons will be billed for payment of referees, scorekeeper and administrative processing. The amount billed for each forfeit is $100. All forfeit fee payments must be received by the sports office 24 hours prior to the next regularly scheduled game. Failure to pay the fee could result in the team forfeiting the next game.
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Time Limits • Games will be played in two, twenty (20) minute halves with running clock. • The last two (2) minutes of the game will be stopped clock. • Half-time is five (5) minutes. • The clock will continue to run in the last two minutes of the second half if a team is ahead by fifteen (15) or more points.
Forfeit Grace Period • There is a five (5)-minute grace period. • Teams who are unable to field at least four (4) players after five minutes must forfeit game. • Teams may start and play the entire game with four (4) players.
Overtime Periods • Overtime periods will be three (3) minutes. • Begins with a jump ball. • Stopped clock during the last one (1) minute. • Team fouls carry over from regulation. • If a team is already in the bonus situation at the end of regulation, the opposing team will continue to shoot free throws for applicable fouls committed during overtime. • No game will end in a tie. Therefore, overtime periods will be played until there is a winner.
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Time Outs
Uniforms
• Two (2) time outs per team per half
• All teams must have shirts of the same color with permanently attached numbers on the front and/or back of the shirt (tape is not permanent).
• One (1) additional time out for each overtime period. • Timeouts are not carried over from the first to second half or from regulation game to overtime periods.
Lineups • Prior to the first league game, each manager must verify the team roster and input all player’s numbers on the roster. For league games thereafter, the coach must fill out a line-up sheet and turn it into the scorekeeper. • Please have late arriving players check in with the scorekeeper.
Starting Lineup • Five (5) players start • Minimum four (4) players • Teams may start and play the entire game with four (4) players.
• Each player who does not have a matching shirt, a permanent number, or has a duplicate number will be assessed with a two (2) shot technical foul. • Players may not wear any kind of jewelry, hats, bandanas, or scarves while participating. • All technicals will be shot before the game or at halftime if needed.
Blood Rule • Any player who sustains an injury that results in bleeding or blood on them must exit the court immediately. The player will not be allowed back onto court until the bleeding has been stopped and the area of the bleeding is covered to the satisfaction of the referees.
Substitutions • All players entering the game must check in at the scorer’s table and be waived into the game by the referee.
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• Delaying the administration of the game. • Excessive player or team misconduct. • Leaving the bench area during an altercation. • The opposing team will receive two free throws. • The opposing team will be awarded possession of the ball. • Technical fouls will count as personal fouls and will count as a team foul if charged to an individual player. • Bench technical fouls do not count as a personal foul against any player but do count as a team foul. • The technical foul will be recorded against the individual player or team. • Two technical fouls charged to the same player will be immediate disqualification from the game.
Player Foul Limit
• Double technical fouls occur when two opponents commit technical fouls against each other during the same incident.
• Each player is limited to five (5) personal fouls per game.
• Free throws are not awarded when double technicals offset.
• A player who commits their fifth personal foul will be disqualified from the remainder of the game and must leave the playing area and sit on the bench.
Foul Shots • All bonus situations are in effect on the 7th team foul per half (1+1). On the 10th team foul, two (2) shots will be rewarded. • All technical fouls will be two (2) shot fouls. • All players may enter the lane upon the release of the free throw.
Technical Fouls • A technical foul may be assessed for unsportsmanlike conduct, including but not limited to: • Disrespectfully addressing referees, opponents, or league staff. • Excessive arguing or disputing calls. • Taunting or baiting opponents. • Profane, inappropriate, or abusive language. 20
Adult Sports Handbook
Flagrant Fouls
Miscellaneous
• A flagrant foul involves excessive, violent, or dangerous contact that presents a risk of injury or is considered unacceptable sportsmanship.
• No dunking is allowed during warm-ups, games or after games.
Examples include:
• The penalty for dunking is a technical foul and removal from the game.
° Excessive contact away from the play ° Fighting or attempting to strike another player. ° Dangerous contact involving excessive force. ° Deliberate acts intended to injure or intimidate ° The offending player will be immediately ejected from the game. ° The opposing team will receive two free throws. ° The opposing team will receive possession of the ball. ° Additional league disciplinary action may occur depending on the severity of the incident.
Backcourt • A team must advance the ball from the backcourt to the frontcourt within 10 seconds after gaining team control. • The penalty for a backcourt violation is loss of possession, with the opposing team awarded a throw-in.
Closely Guarded • A player in control of the ball in the frontcourt must pass, shoot, or dribble within five (5) seconds when closely guarded by an opponent. • A defender is considered closely guarding when: • The defender is actively guarding the player. • The defender is within approximately six feet of the player. • The offensive player is holding or dribbling the ball in the frontcourt. • Failure to comply results in a violation and possession is awarded to the opposing team. Adult Sports Handbook
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Adult Sports Handbook