Wakulla County Cal Ripken Baseball League. Constitution & By-Laws

Transcription

1 Wakulla County Cal Ripken Baseball League Constitution & By-Laws Approved by Parks & Recreation Board: Jan/2012

2 CONSTITUTION ARTICLE I. NAME The name of this league shall be Wakulla County Cal Ripken with two divisions; Major 70 and Minor Cub. ARTICLE II. PURPOSE The purpose for which this league is organized is to develop and operate a baseball program in affiliation with Wakulla County Parks & Recreation and Babe Ruth League, Inc., a New Jersey corporation, in conformity with and pursuant to the principles, rules and regulations enunciated by both organizations. The objective of this league is through the medium of a supervised, competitive baseball program, this league will seek to implant in the youth of the community ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage and reverence, so they may be finer, stronger and happier youth who will grow to be good, clean, healthy adults. ARTICLE III. SITES OF PRINCIPAL OPERATION The principal operations of this league shall be in and about the County of Wakulla and State of Florida, but may extend into such areas as provided for by the State, Regional, and National Headquarters rules and regulations. ARTICLE IV. POWERS This league shall have the following powers in addition to the powers expressly or implicitly conferred on it. A. Adopt such policies, rules, and regulations for the conduct of its meetings and the Management of the league with prior approval of the Parks and Recreation Board of Directors. B. To make and enforce rules and regulations to govern itself on a local basis, but consistent with and not contrary to any rules and regulations promulgated by Wakulla County Parks and Recreation, Babe Ruth League, Inc., a New Jersey corporation, or by the Regional, or State echelons of said Babe Ruth League, Inc., to which this league is subject. C. Fill officer, director, and management vacancies as soon as possible after a vacancy D. Annually review, change and approve league constitution and by-laws on a majority vote of the board. These changes would then be submitted to the Parks and Recreation Board for final approval. 2

3 E. Enforce all rules governed by Wakulla County Parks and Recreation, and Babe Ruth League, Inc., a New Jersey corporation, or by the Regional, or State echelons of said Babe Ruth League, Inc., to which this league is subject. F. Appoint and approve Team Managers and Coaches G. Conduct any fundraising deemed necessary for the sole purpose of the baseball league H. With a majority vote of the Officers of this board and the approval of the Wakulla County Parks and Recreation board, remove or discipline any player, member, manager/coach, or board member, in accordance with League Conduct guidelines outlined in article ARTICLE V. OFFICERS An annual meeting will be called by the existing Board of Directors prior to the start of the season. New officers will be nominated and voted in by a simple majority vote of the board members present at the annual meeting. If the existing board fails to install new members then the responsibility will fall to the Recreation Board to nominate and elect a new board. A. President: 1. 1 Year Term. May be re-elected to same position for 1 additional term. 2. Elected by the members 3. Must be a member in good standing in the organization 4. Must show such traits outlined in the Code of Conduct. 5. May not be the manager of any team participating in this league but may be an assistant coach. 6. Must complete and pass the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) form background check B. Vice-President: 1. 1 Year Term. May be re-elected to same position for 1 additional term. 2. Elected by the members 3. Must be a member in good standing in the organization 4. Must show such traits outlined in the Code of Conduct. 5. May not be the manager of any team participating in this league but may be an assistant coach. 6. Is acting President in the absence of the President. Reasonable effort must be given to contact the President prior to enforcement. 7. Must complete and pass the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) form background check 3

4 C. Secretary 1. 1 Year Term. May be re-elected to same position for 1 additional term. 2. Elected by the members 3. Must be a member in good standing in the organization 4. Must show such traits outlined in the Code of Conduct. 5. May not be the manager of any team participating in this league but may be an assistant coach. 6. Is acting President in the absence of the Vice President and President. Reasonable effort must be given to contact the President and Vice President prior to enforcement. 7. Must complete and pass the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) form background check D. Treasurer: 1. 1 Year Term. May be re-elected to same position for 1 additional term. 2. Elected by the members 3. Must be a member in good standing in the organization 4. Must show such traits outlined in the Code of Conduct. 5. May not be the manager of any team participating in this league but may be an assistant coach. 6. Is acting President in the absence of the Secretary, Vice President and President. Reasonable effort must be given to contact the Secretary, Vice President and President prior to enforcement. 7. Must complete and pass the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) form background check E. Player Agent 1. 1 Year Term. May be re-elected to same position for 1 additional term. 2. Elected by the members 3. Must be a member in good standing in the organization 4. Must show such traits outlined in the Code of Conduct. 5. May not be the manager of any team participating in this league but may be an assistant coach. 6. Must complete and pass the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) form background check F. Major 70 Parent Director 1. 1 Year Term. May be re-elected to same position for 1 additional term. 2. Elected by the members 3. Must be a member in good standing in the organization 4. Must show such traits outlined in the Code of Conduct. 5. May not be the manager of any team participating in this league but may be an assistant coach. 6. Must complete and pass the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) form background check 4

5 G. Minor Cub Parent Director 1. 1 Year Term. May be re-elected to same position for 1 additional term. 2. Elected by the members 3. Must be a member in good standing in the organization. 4. Must show such traits outlined in the Code of Conduct. 5. May not be the manager of any team participating in this league but may be an assistant coach. 6. Must complete and pass the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) form background check ARTICLE VII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS: A. Composition: The board of Directors shall be comprised of the League Officers and Directors. Any midterm vacancy will be voted in as soon as possible by a majority vote of the members. B. Terms of Office: The officers shall assume their responsibilities following their election at the annual meeting and shall serve a one year term. C. Vacancies: The secretary shall notify the Board of vacancies. Any officer or board member shall fill vacancies on the Board upon nomination by a majority vote of the sitting members. Such Board members elected for a term that has not expired shall serve for the remainder of that term. D. Removal: Once elected to a term, the officers and directors may only be removed during that term by the Parks and Recreation Board. ARTICLE VIII. MEETINGS - The President of the Board shall call meetings of the officers and directors on an as-needed basis but with a minimum of 2 meetings per year. The President shall fix the date, time and place, with at least 3 days notice if possible. A. Order of business 1. Call to Order - by the presiding Officer 2. Roll Call - by the Secretary 3. Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting, by the Secretary. 4. Acceptance of Minutes 5. Treasurer s Report 6. Reports of Committee. 7. Unfinished Business 8. New Business 9. Adjournment B. Roberts Rules of Order shall be the parliamentary authority on all matters not covered by the Constitution and By-Laws of this league. 5

6 C. Annual Meeting: A regular annual meeting of the board shall be held prior to the season at a date, place and time set by the President. D. Quorum. A quorum is 50% of the board members present at any meeting. ARTICLE I BY-LAWS A. OFFICERS DUTIES: 1. PRESIDENT: a. Preside at all league meetings. b. Assume full responsibility for the operation of the local league. c. Coordinate and supervise all meetings and represent the League at the Wakulla county Parks and Recreation Board meetings when necessary. d. Nominate managers of all teams to be presented to the board for approval. e. Appoint all committees and supervise the activity thereof. f. See that his league adheres to the rules, regulations and policies of Babe Ruth League, Inc. g. Be sure the proper charter and insurance is obtained from Babe Ruth headquarters. h. Be responsible for local league protests and disputes i. Review finances with Treasurer and serve as one of the two signatures required to sign checks. j. If at any point in the season a situation arises where a decision must be made immediately, the President has the authority. k. Perform such other duties as the office requires. l. Present an updated Constitution and By-Laws to the board at the conclusion of the season. Any changes would be approved and implemented by a majority vote of the board pending final approval by the Parks and Recreation Board. 2. VICE PRESIDENT a. Is acting President in the absence of the President. Reasonable effort must be given to contact the President prior to enforcement. b. Perform assignments as may be delegated by the President or board of directors c. Serve as one of the two signatures required to sign checks. d. Perform such other duties as the office requires. 6

7 3. SECRETARY a. Records the minutes of meetings. b. Responsible for meeting notifications. c. Maintain an official record of the league s activities d. Prepare and distribute an agenda for each meeting e. Maintain any correspondences/websites/newsletters the board approves. f. Notify all officers of election and the names of newly elected members of the Board g. Serve as one of the two signatures required to sign checks. h. Securely collect and maintain birth document records and/or Cal Ripken Playing Cards i. Securely maintain manager/coaches applications and background check authorizations j. Perform such other duties as this office may require. 4. TREASURER a. Signs checks, (should be one of the two signatures required), b. Receive and safely keep all funds of the league, c. Dispenses league funds as approved by league officers, d. Reports on the status of league funds, e. Keeps financial records, f. Prepares an annual budget including an annual report of receipts and disbursements. g. Assumes the responsibility for all local league finances. h. Perform such other duties as this office may require. B. DIRECTORS DUTIES 1. PLAYER AGENT: This Director must be nominated with much care after thorough consideration of their ability to do the job as well as their impartiality and reputation for fairness. They must act without favor in dealing both with adult leaders and players. It is the responsibility of the Player Agent, as much as possible, to maintain a balance of strength among the teams of the league. a. Conduct registration of player candidates b. Conduct skills assessment of players at the board s discretion. c. Place any official notices of skills assessments. d. Preside over any draft. e. Supervises and coordinates any transfer of players, f. Keeps up-to-date records of team rosters, g. Submits final rosters to Cal Ripken headquarters, h. Checks players eligibility. 7

8 2. MINOR CUB PARENT DIRECTOR a. Act as a liaison between the parents, players and coaches of the Cub League and the Board of Directors. b. Perform such other duties as this office may require. 3. MAJOR 70 PARENT DIRECTOR a. Act as a liaison between the parents, players and coaches of the Cal Ripken League and the Board of Directors. b. Perform such other duties as this office may require. Note: Duties can be shared among board members as circumstances and resources dictate. ARTICLE II FEE POLICY / REGISTRATION ARTICLE III 1. The board will decide on the registration fee for the upcoming season prior to registration. 2. The President will obtain approval from the Recreation Board prior to registration. 3. Each player must have paid this fee before the season begins or they will not be allowed to participate. 4. If a player is unable to pay the fee, they may request a waiver. If approved by the board, a letter must be sent to the Recreation Department in order to waive the player s user fee. 5. The League s Constitution and By-Laws will be posted to the WCPRD website prior to registration. Each person signing up will be notified of the link on the website and advised to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations prior to the draft. SELECTION OF TEAM MANAGERS AND COACHES A. MANAGERS 1. Nominated by the President and elected by the board. 2. The President will nominate a manager based on the following protocol: a. Returning managers from previous season. b. Coaches from same division from previous season c. Parents from same division from previous season d. Coaches in league from previous season e. Parents in league from previous season f. Other 8

9 3. Must be a member in good standing in the organization 4. Must show such traits outlined in the Code of Conduct. 5. Selection as a Manager one year does not ensure selection in subsequent years 6. All managers must complete and pass the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) form background check. 7. All Managers must complete the Babe Ruth on line Coaches certification. B. COACHES 1. Coaches will be selected by the team manager and approved by the Board according to the following protocol: First opportunity to coach will be given to available parents of players already on the team. If no parents are available to coach then coaches may be selected from outside the confines of the team. 2. All coaches must complete and pass the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) form background check. ARTICLE IV TEAM COMPOSITION 1. Each team shall consist of no more than 12 to 15 players, a team manager and no more than 3 coaches. 2. The Major 70 division consists of 11 and 12 year old players. Younger players may be allowed to play upon approval by the board. 3. The Minor Cub division consists of 9 and 10 year old players. Younger players may be allowed to play upon approval by the board. ARTICLE V TEAM SPONSORSHIP 1. Each team manager is responsible for sponsorship of his team. The sponsorship fee will be a total of $ which will entitle the sponsor to have their name on the jersey and a 4x4 sign to display on the fence. ARTICLE VI PHYSICAL CONTACT SANCTION 1. Physical contact between umpires and team managers, coaches, players or parents is strictly prohibited. Anyone violating this rule will be subject to a one game suspension for the first offense and will be dismissed and barred from the league for a period of one year for any subsequent offense. The Board may also recommend additional sanctions to the Recreation Board. 9

10 ARTICLE VII SKILLS ASSESSMENT A. A skills assessment may or may not be held at the discretion of the board. B. If a skills assessment is held, attempts should be made to make sure all players are notified prior to the fact. C. The skills assessment shall be conducted in the presence of league managers, at which time every candidate should have the opportunity to run, throw, catch and hit. D. Failure to attend the skills assessment shall in no way prohibit a player from being eligible to play in the league. ARTICLE VIII PLAYER MOVEMENT A. Once players have been selected for the current season they may be released only for disciplinary reasons with the approval of the Player Agent and not for lack of playing ability. B. Managers are expected to maintain a full roster of players if possible. If a team loses players for any reason, the Player Agent can at his discretion review the league rosters and decide to add a player from another team. C. If a player registers late, he may be allowed to participate in the league (at the Players Agent s discretion). He will then be added to a team roster (at the Player Agent s discretion). D. Managers have the responsibility of notifying the player and parents concerned and the Player Agent when any player is released from the team roster for disciplinary reasons. Such releases must have the approval of the Player Agent. ARTICLE IX DRAFT 1. The Player Agent will conduct a draft to form teams. Only the President, Player Agent and Team Managers may be present during the draft. 2. Numbers will be picked from a hat in order to determine the procession of the draft. 3. A manager may only protect their own child. In the case of a manager having multiple children participating in the league then they may protect all of their children. If a manager protects his own child or children, then his initial pick(s) in the draft will be skipped until all teams have an equal number of players 10

11 4. If a manager has no children and therefore no protected players, he will be allowed a single draft pick prior to the selection of draft numbers in order to make himself equal with the other managers who have children. 5. The following is how the draft will proceed: Round 1 ( ) Round 2 ( ) Round 3 ( ) Round 4 ( ) ARTICLE X LOCAL PLAYING RULES The league is governed by the Babe Ruth League, Inc. Baseball Rules and Regulations as well as Official Playing Rules. However, Babe Ruth League, Inc. gives each local league the discretion to set local rules, as long as they do not conflict with any rules or regulations outlined by Babe Ruth League, Inc.. The following local playing rules apply to both the Minor Cub and Major 70 divisions. A. MISCELLANEOUS 1. If a player registers to play with the Wakulla Cal Ripken League, then the player is only allowed to play in the Wakulla Cal Ripken League. The player is not allowed to participate in any other leagues under the Wakulla County Parks & Recreation league programs during the same season. 2. A player that registers to play with the Wakulla Cal Ripken League can only play in one division. 3. Once a player is drafted onto a team in a particular division, he cannot be moved to another division. He can only play in the division he was drafted into. 4. If a player plays in a particular division of the Wakulla Cal Ripken League, then they are eligible for the All Star teams in that division only. B. PLAYING POLICY 1. A DH (Designated hitter) is not allowed. 2. An EH (Extra Hitter) is not allowed. 3. SHARED POSITIONS are mandatory. When a manager has more than 9 players available for a game (or 10 in the case of the Minor Cub division), he will designate one or more defensive positions as a shared position. The two players will then alternate defensive innings at the shared position and will alternate plate appearances. 11

12 4. If a player arrives late for a game, he can only be inserted as a shared player. 5. If in the course of a game a player in a non-shared position is lost from the game due to injury, illness or ejection, a player may be taken from a shared position and inserted into the lost player s position in the batting order. The player that left the game may not return. 6. If in the course of a game a player in a shared position is lost from the game due to injury, illness or ejection, the position will just revert to a nonshared position. The player that left the game may not return. 7. COURTESY RUNNER is allowed. Courtesy runners may be used for an injured player only. The courtesy runner will be the player that made the last out. C. SANCTIONS REGARDING PLAYING POLICY Since the Shared Positions rule is mandatory, there is no mandatory playing policy. However, all managers are expected to abide by the playing policy rules as stated. If a manager is found in violation of the playing policy rules, he will serve a one-game suspension at the next scheduled game. If the board feels like his violation of these rules gave him an unfair advantage during that game, the game can be declared a forfeit. This decision will be made solely at the discretion of the board. D. BORROWED PLAYER E. 10 RUN RULE F. TIME LIMIT A team must have 9 players in order to start a game. Should it become necessary for a team to borrow a player (or players) due to any reason in order to field a team, this will be allowed. The player(s) can only be borrowed from the opposing team and will be chosen by the opposing team s manager. The game will be terminated once becoming a regulation game if one team is ahead by 10 or more runs and have had equal times at bat or the home team is leading. 1. Major 70 Division No new inning may start after 2 hours. 2. Minor Cub No new inning may start after 1 hour 45 minutes. 12

13 3. Games called because of the time limit will be considered regulation games regardless of the number of innings played. G. ATTIRE 1. Each player will wear appropriate attire to each baseball practice 2. NO Jewelry shall be worn on the field by any player, unless for medic alert purposes. 3. Catcher must wear all protective equipment, including a cup. If he doesn t, he will not be allowed to catch. H. CONDUCT 1. Player shall be on time and dressed to play for all games. 2. Players will hustle during all game activities. 3. Players will use good manners at all times. 4. Players may not address the umpires, coaches, teammates, or officials in an inappropriate manner, nor will they become physically abusive. 5. Players will report all injuries immediately. 6. Players will hustle during all game activities on the field. 7. Neither players nor coaches will use any type of profanity. 8. Players and coaches will not chew, dip or smoke any tobacco substance, use any controlled substance or consume alcoholic beverages during any game or practice at any location. 9. Players and coaches will not abuse the equipment provided for them. 10. All players, coaches, and fans must exhibit good sportsmanship. a. Anyone violating this rule will be warned by the umpire or a board member, and their name and conduct will be noted by the official scorekeeper. b. If the behavior is so offensive or a second violation occurs, the person (player, coach, or fan) will be asked to leave the park and suspended from the next scheduled game. c. If the person is asked to leave the park, the game will be suspended until the said person has left the park. d. To be allowed back in the park to participate in the subsequent games (after serving the one game suspension), the offending party must submit a letter to the board with assurance that the behavior will NOT be repeated. 13

14 e. If behavior is repeated, the person shall be suspended from the league (if applicable) and expelled from the park without reinstatement. I. PITCHING RULES The pitching rules for the league are clearly stated in Rule 0.06 (Pitching Limitations) of the Babe Ruth League, Inc. Baseball Rules and Regulations, but are re-stated here for clarity total innings per calendar week (Monday Sunday). 2. One pitch constitutes an inning. 3. A pitcher must have 2 calendar days of rest between pitching assignments if he pitches more than 2 innings in any one game. 4. Local Rule A pitcher can pitch a maximum of 3 innings in any one game. J. SPECIAL RULES FOR MINOR CUB DIVISION Batter Maximum a. Ten is the maximum number of batters that can bat in an inning. b. If a team only has 9 or less batters in the lineup, then 9 is the maximum that can hit. c. If the last batter walks or is hit by a pitch, then all base runners and the batter advance 2 bases and the inning is over regardless of the number of outs. d. If the last batter strikes out and it is not the 3 rd out, no runners advance and that half of the inning is over. e. If the last batter gets on base by hit or error, play continues. A defensive out must be made to stop any base runners or the batter from scoring. The inning is over when an out is made or all base runners (including the batter) score Players on the field. 3. Halo Rule: If the pitcher has possession of the ball standing in the dirt on the Pitcher s mound, it is considered a dead ball and the runner may not advance. Since this is a local rule the enforcement of this rule is a judgement call of the umpire. K. SAFETY 1. No player shall be allowed to advance to a base or home plate by sliding head/hands first. A player is allowed to dive back to a base. Any player that slides head first will be called out. ARTICLE XI 14

15 ALL-STAR SELECTION POLICY AND RULES A. Each All Star team must have a separate account apart from the Wakulla County Cal Ripken League, designated specifically for All-Stars. Responsibility for all expenditures associated with the All-Star teams will reside with the managers of those teams. The manager must be able to produce records of revenues and expenses for audit. B. All-Star fundraising activities must be specifically identified as such and not associated with the League. C. The Wakulla County Cal Ripken League may contribute to each All-Star team by paying for all entry fees to each Cal Ripken sanctioned post-season tournament (cash, equipment, supplies). D. The All-star teams shall consist of Under team with12-15 players. Players must be selected from players rostered on one of the Cal Ripken League/ Major 70 division teams Under team with12-15 players. Players must be selected from players rostered on one of the Cal Ripken League/Major 70 division teams Under team with players. Players must be selected from players rostered on one of the Cal Ripken League/Minor Cub division teams Under team with player Players must be selected from players rostered on one of the Cal Ripken League/Minor Cub division teams. 5. To be eligible for an All Star team, a player must have played in at least half of his teams scheduled games for which he was eligible. E. Selection Process: 12-Under All-Star Team 1. Any regular season manager or coach in the Major 70 division may submit their desire to coach the 12-Under All-Star team. Their selection will be determined by a majority vote of the division managers and President. This vote will take place at the all-star selection meeting and should occur prior to the selection of the 12-Under players to be chosen by the coach. 2. Each Major 70 division manager shall vote for ten players for the 12-Under team. 3. The 10 players with the most votes will be selected for the team. 4. The next two to five players will then be selected by the All-star coach in order to complete the team. This should be done prior to the selection of players for the 11-Under team. 11-Under All-Star Team 15

16 1. Any regular season manager or coach in the Major 70 division may submit their desire to coach the 11-Under All-Star team. Their selection will be determined by a majority vote of the division managers and President. This vote will take place at the all-star selection meeting and should occur prior to the selection of the 11-Under players to be chosen by the coach. 2. Each Major 70 division manager shall vote for ten players for the 11-Under team. 3. The 10 players with the most votes will be selected for the team. 4. The next two to five players will then be selected by the All-star coach in order to complete the team. 10-Under All-Star Team 1. Any regular season manager or coach in the Minor Cub division may submit their desire to coach the 10-Under All-Star team. Their selection will be determined by a majority vote of the division managers and President. This vote will take place at the all-star selection meeting and should occur prior to the selection of the 10-Under players to be chosen by the coach. 2. Each Minor Cub division manager shall vote for ten players for the 10- Under team. 3. The 10 players with the most votes will be selected for the team. 4. The next two to five players will then be selected by the All-star coach in order to complete the team. This should be done prior to the selection of players for the 9-Under team. 9-Under All-Star Team 1. Any regular season manager or coach in the Minor Cub division may submit their desire to coach the 9-Under All-Star team. Their selection will be determined by a majority vote of the division managers and President. This vote will take place at the all-star selection meeting and should occur prior to the selection of the 9-Under players to be chosen by the coach. 2. Each Minor Cub division manager shall vote for ten players for the 9- Under team. 3. The 10 players with the most votes will be selected for the team. 4. The next two to five players will then be selected by the All-star coach in order to complete the team. F. Miscellaneous 16

17 1. Only the President, Player Agent, appropriate league managers and a Wakulla County Parks & Recreation Employee may be present during the All-Star Selection. However, the league president can (at his discretion) have another person available to assist in presiding over the vote count. 2. All-star coaches may not refuse a player voted on by the board. 3. The All-star manager and all assistant coaches must pass the coaches certification program required by Babe Ruth headquarters. 4. All-star managers must submit names of assistant coaches to the board for approval. Assistant coaching positions must be offered to coaches within the division first. If unable to find an assistant coach from within the division, the all-star manager must submit a written request to the board in order to get assistant coaches from another division within the league. 5. Once a player is selected to an all-star team, that is the team the player must play for. If the player chooses not to play for that team, they may not play for another all-star team. A replacement player may then be chosen to from eligible players not already on an all-star team. 17