U.S. House Softball League

House Ethics Rules FAQ's

The below is solely intended to provide guidance for players and teams in the league. No information should be taken as an official ruling from either the House of Representatives or Senate. We strongly urge anyone employed in the House or Senate to call or write the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct with any questions regarding the propriety of matters related to their individual or team's actions as they relate to their participation in the U.S. House Softball League.

House Ethics Manual - http://ethics.house.gov/Media/PDF/2008_House_Ethics_Manual.pdf)

1.      Teams representing congressional offices or organization

a.      If your team represents a congressional office or organization you may take a gift at a maximum

        of $49.99 per year for the entire team so long as the gift does not come from a registered

        lobbyist, agent or a foreign principal, or private entity that retains or employs such individuals.

               i.     The $49.99 maximum remains the same regardless of the number of congressional

                      offices or organizations represented on a team.

               ii.     None of those funds may be applied to the league registration fee. 

               iii.    You may not accept additional items through the season. For example beverages for

                      games, equipment, trophies.

b.      Teams representing congressional offices and organizations may accept discounts or specials at

         restaurants/bars for softball teams so long as those specials are available to all teams

         sponsored by the establishment or all softball teams in general.  You may not  accept discounts

         or specials if they are only being offered to your team exclusively due to your congressional

         affiliation.

2.      Congressional Staff on teams not affiliated with Congressional Offices

a.      Individual congressional staff participating on a team not affiliated with a congressional offices

        or organizations may receive a gift not to exceed $49.99 per year so long as the gift does not

        come from a registered lobbyist, agent or a foreign principal, or private entity that retains or

        employs such individuals.

b.      Congressional staff may not join together to form a team in a manner which may be perceived

        as intending to avoid the $49.99 per year maximum for congressional office or organization

        teams.

               i.      A disconnected from a congressional office or organization cannot be in name alone.

               ii.     Even a small number of congressional staffers on a team may suffice to establish an

                      intent to avoid.