Bylaws of the Grantsville Youth Baseball Association

Transcription

1 Bylaws of the Grantsville Youth Baseball Association Article I NAME This organization shall be known as the Grantsville Youth Baseball Association (hereafter referred to as Association ) Article II PURPOSE AND POWERS Section 1 Purpose The purpose of the Association is to teach basic baseball skills and a love for the game of baseball, as well as to instill within the youth character traits and principles that will assist them in becoming responsible and successful adults, such as good sportsmanship, hard work, achievement, self-control, physical fitness, and respect for authority, rules, teammates, and opponents. Section 2 Powers The Association shall have the authority to organize and operate the community baseball league for boys and girls within the geographic area of Grantsville, UT. Article III AFFILIATION AND RULES Section 1 The Association shall be affiliated with the Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth organizations with the principles, rules and regulations prescribed by that league and its respective state organization. In case of conflicting rules, the Association shall follow, in order of specificity: 1) the Association bylaws, 2) The Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth Rules and Regulations, and 3) the Official Baseball Rules (as published by the National Baseball Congress, Inc.) Article IV MEMBERSHIP Section 1 Youth Youth permanently (permanently is defined as enrolled in Grantsville schools and/or has a mailing address with zip code 84029) residing within the geographic boundary outlined by the Babe Ruth District Commissioner between the ages of four (4) and eighteen (18) may participate as players in one of the various leagues by complying with the prescribed sign-up and fee requirements. The Officers Committee ( Committee as outlined below) shall have discretion to waive certain participation requirements in special cases. The Officers Committee shall also have the authority, after notice and an opportunity to be heard, to withhold, suspend, or withdraw the privilege of participation by individual youths who s conduct, or parent s conduct, is unbecoming as a member of the Association, or is contrary to the purpose of the Association. Section 2 Adults Adults residing in the Grantsville, Tooele County area who have an immediate family member participating as a player in the current or upcoming season; or who have served as a league officer, manager, coach, or official during the most recent season; or who desire to serve in such a position in the current or upcoming season, and who have attended at least one meeting of the Association are granted membership in the Association. Article V BOARD OF DIRECTORS 1

2 Section 1 Composition and Tenure The Association shall be governed by the Board of Directors comprised of the Association Officers Committee and all Team Managers of the various leagues. Board members shall serve only as long as they hold one of the qualifying positions, as hereinafter set forth. Section 2 Powers The Board shall have all authority reasonably necessary to organize and operate the various leagues, including, but not limited to: the power to make and enforce rules of operation and participation, alter Association By-laws once per year at the annual meeting, to charge participation fees, to form teams, to arrange all-star competition, to hold necessary meetings, etc. Section 3 Decisions The Board of Directors in attendance shall constitute a quorum for conducting business at any meeting, if all Boards Members received reasonable advance notice of the meeting and of the subject of the meeting. Any action taken by the Board shall have the concurrence of at least a majority of the Board Members present. Meetings shall be conducted by Robert s Rules of Order, unless waived by a majority vote. Article VI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS COMMITTEE Section 1 Composition and Tenure The Association Officers Committee ( Committee ) shall include a President, Vice President, Commissioner of each League, Secretary/Player Agent, Controller, and such other officers as may be designated by the acting Association President. One or more of these offices, other than the President, may remain vacant in the discretion of the Board of Directors. All elected officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the Association members who attend the annual organizing meeting. The term of office for each elected Committee member shall be three (3) years; however, any Committee member may be reelected for an unlimited number of terms. Any Committee officer may be suspended or removed from office by the Board of Directors, after notice and an opportunity to be heard, for conduct contrary to the purpose of the Association. Section 2 Powers The Committee shall have all authority reasonably necessary to organize and operate the various leagues, including, but not limited to: arranging registration, ensuring that all teams have qualified managers and coaches, suspending or otherwise disciplining any player, manager, coach, or officer for misconduct, procuring umpires and scorekeepers, operating a snack bar, making purchases necessary for operation (uniforms, equipment, insurance, affiliation fees, etc.) and holding necessary meetings, etc. Section 3 Decisions The Committee members in attendance at Committee meetings shall constitute a quorum for conducting business, if all Committee members received reasonable advance notice of the meeting and of the subject of the meeting. Any action taken by the Committee shall have the concurrence of at least a majority of the Committee members present. Meetings shall be conducted by Robert s Rules of Order, unless waived by a majority vote. Section 4 Elected Officers and Functions President The President shall act as chairman, chief administrator and representative of the Board of Directors and the Association. The President shall be ultimately 2

3 responsible for the proper functioning of the Association and leagues. The President shall call and publicize Association, Board, and Committee meetings; preside over and carry-out all business of the Board; and perform such other business as may be delegated by the Association, Board, or Committee. Vice President- The Vice President shall have authority to act in behalf of the President when the President is unable to conduct Association business for over twenty-four (24) hours. The Vice President shall assist the President and Committee in carrying out various assignments as assigned by the President. Commissioner(s) of each league (Major, Minor, Rookie, Farm, T-ball) Commissioners of each league shall act under the direction of the President to organize and operate his or her assigned league, and shall perform such duties as assigned by the President. The Major League Commissioner shall not have a son or daughter playing in the Major League, and the Minor League Commissioner shall not have a son or daughter playing in the Minor League in order to avoid the appearance of favoritism towards any team. Each Commissioner shall organize and oversee the player tryouts, draft, and all-star selection for his or her assigned league. Secretary The Secretary shall keep minutes of each Association, Committee, and Board Meeting, conduct player registration, collect registration fees, certify each player eligibility, maintain complete and accurate records of all registered players, maintain accurate rosters of all teams, and perform other duties as assigned by the President. Controller The Controller shall handle all accounting/financial activities, including, but not limited to: creating and maintaining a league budget, establishing and maintaining the Association s non-profit status, establishing an asset inventory, maintaining the Association s bank account, reconciling monthly bank statements against budgeted spending, filing any appropriate tax information, tracking revenue and expenditures, maintaining internal controls, paying Association bills/obligations, and conducting payroll activities for individuals contracted by the Association. Section 5 Appointed Positions and Functions Under the direction of the Association President, and in an effort to successfully conduct the affairs of the Association, the Committee may designate one or more positions that are not subject to a majority vote by the Board of Directors. These positions may include, but are not limited to the following: Babe Ruth League Coordinator, Equipment Manager, Field Supervisor, Treasurer, Head Umpire, Player Representative, and Snack Bar Supervisor. Duties and functions of these and other appointed positions shall be under the direction of the President. Article VII MANAGERS AND COACHES Section 1 Appointment and Tenure of Managers Individuals interested in managing a team shall complete a coaching application form and submit it to the Association Secretary. The Committee shall have authority to screen applicants, and then present Team Managers to the Association members at the annual spring organizing meeting for a ratifying vote of application 3

4 acceptance. After serving as a team manager for one year, a manager has the option to continue to serve as a manager of that team in successive years, and is subject to removal by the Board of Directors only for misconduct or other good and sufficient cause. Section 2 Managers Duties Team Managers (head coaches) shall serve as primary instructors and role models to assist players in achieving Association objectives. They shall draft a team, coordinate assistant coaches for their team, conduct regular practice sessions for players, finalize game line ups, assign player positions and substitutions, appropriate playing time in an equitable manner, and be responsible for assigned team equipment. Section 3 Assistant Coaches Assistant Coaches shall not be named for any team or league prior to each league s draft. Team Managers can select as many assistant coaches as they would like; however, only two (2) assistant coaches will be allowed on the playing field during games. The Committee shall have authority to screen assistant coaches, and deny participation as needed. Managers are responsible for the conduct of the coaches. Section 4 Certification All Team Managers and Coaches must complete the required coach s course and become certified according to Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth requirements. Team Managers and Coaches will not be allowed to participate until their certification is complete. Section 5 Limitations In an effort to accomplish the Association objectives and to provide each player the attention he/she needs, an individual may serve as a Manager or as a Coach on one (1) team, and one (1) team only, within the Association (including all leagues/divisions) per calendar year. Article VIII MEETINGS Section 1 Organizing Meeting The Association shall hold an annual organizing meeting in the Spring of each year to organize the league and to revise the by-laws (as needed) for the upcoming season of play. The date, time and place of the annual meeting shall be publicized in the local paper and by other available means at least one week prior to the meeting. The President or the Board of Directors may call additional meetings of the Association. Section 2 Mid Year Meeting The Association shall hold a meeting after approximately onehalf of the regular season games have been played. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss pertinent issues with the current season. Any existing by-law may be altered, clarified, or adjusted by the Board of Directors after argument has been heard and after a vote of the Board of Directors has been taken. A two-thirds majority vote will be required to alter, clarify, or adjust a by-law during the Mid-Year Meeting. Section 3 League Executive Committee Meetings Commissioners of each League have the authority to host Executive Committee Meetings for their respective leagues on an as-needed basis. Members of each League Executive Committee are outlined in articles All League Executive Committee members must be notified prior to the meeting, and changes to any playing rule must be ratified by unanimous decision among League Executive Committee Members present. 4

5 Section 4 Officers Committee The Committee shall meet on a regular basis, as needed throughout the baseball season to discuss pertinent issues and to make decisions as outlined under Article VI. Article IX FINANCIAL POLICY Section 1 General Policies All Association income, including registration fees, snack bar proceeds, donations, and other sources shall be deposited in a single bank account at a local commercial bank. This bank account must be assigned to the Association and shall not be a personal bank account. Two signatures shall be required on each check written by the Association. Separate records and balances shall be kept for each different source of income and each different category of expenditures so that the accounting may be made of all income and expenditures on a regular basis. The Association shall obtain bids on all major expenditures in order to best utilize the Association s funds. All Association bills shall be paid with reasonable promptness. Section 2 Registration Fees and Refunds Registration fees for the 2012 season shall be as follows: Players ages 4-5 = $45.00, Players ages 6-8 = $55.00, Players 9-12 = $65.00, Players = $98.00 (or the fee charged by Tooele Babe Ruth). No player may receive a refund of the registration fee after the player draft. No player shall be permitted to enter the player draft (team selection) until the player s registration fees have been paid. Section 3 Late Registration Fees A late registration fee of $20.00 per player will be assessed for all players registering past the Final Registration deadline. Section 4 Return Check Fee The Association will accept personal checks for player registration fees; however, if a personal check is returned due to insufficient funds, a return check fee of $20.00 per occurrence will be applied. Section 5 Snack Bar A snack bar will be operated by the Association under the direction of the Committee for the sole purpose of generating revenue necessary for the operation of the leagues. Contracted or volunteer workers, or a combination of both may staff the snack bar. The Committee will determine menu, pricing, hours of operation, etc. All daily revenues will be accounted for by a minimum of two (2) Committee members and deposited in the Association bank account, less petty cash left in the snack bar to begin the next day s operations. Section 6 Fund Raising The Association may choose to sponsor one or more fund-raising activities throughout the season. Players may be asked to participate in an effort to raise appropriate funds for the Association. Article X GENERAL LEAGUE RULES Section 1 Playing Divisions There will be three (3) playing divisions within the Association. Babe Ruth Division Players ages 13-18* may participate in the Babe Ruth Division. This Division shall participate with other Babe Ruth teams in Tooele County and shall be governed by the by-laws of the Tooele Babe Ruth organization. 5

6 National Division Players ages 9-12* shall participate in the National Division, which will include the Major League and the Minor League. All players who are 9 years old shall participate in the Minor League. Players who are 10, 11, or 12 years old shall participate in either the Minor League or the Major League, depending on their skill level. The Major League shall consist of four (4) teams only, and the Minor League shall have as many teams as needed in order to accommodate the remaining players ages Players who are 12-years-old may play any position on a Minor League roster except pitcher (12-year-old players cannot pitch). American Division Players ages 4-8* shall participate in the American Division, which will include the T-ball League, the Farm League, and the Rookie League. Players who are 4 and 5 years old shall participate in the T-ball League. Players who are 6, 7, or 8 years old shall participate in either the Farm League or Rookie League, depending on their skill level. The Rookie League shall consist of four (4) to six (6) teams only (depending on the number of players registered), and the Farm League shall have as many teams as needed in order to accommodate the remaining players. * Age shall be determined by the player s age on May 1 as outlined by Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken policy. Section 2 Use of the Game Field - The game field at the Grantsville City Park shall not be used for team practices after the annual spring clean-up day. The game field may be scheduled, through the Secretary, for practice sessions or games up to the annual spring clean-up day. Section 3 Rules of Play Unless specifically noted within the Association By-laws, all teams participating in the Association will follow the Rules and Regulations as outlined in the current year s copy of Babe Ruth League, Inc. Baseball Rules and Regulations and Official Playing Rules. Section 4 Pitching Limitations Players in any league are limited to pitching in 6 innings per week. The definition of a week is Sunday through Saturday. One pitch constitutes an inning when determining pitching limitations. For additional clarification, please consult Babe Ruth League, Inc. Baseball Rules and Regulations and Official Playing Rules, section 0.06 for additional clarification regarding pitching rules. Section 5 Location of Games Unless directed otherwise by the Committee, leagues will play in the following locations and at the following times: T-ball and Farm League: Games shall be played at the Grantsville City Park, northeast field, primarily on Tuesdays and Thursdays (other days as deemed necessary by the Committee). Two games will be played each day, with the first game beginning at 5:30 PM and the second game beginning at 6:45 PM. Coaches shall hold practices on one (1) or two (2) additional nights during the season, and more frequently prior to the opening day of the season. It is anticipated that each team will play regular season games. 6

7 Rookie League: Games shall be played at the Grantsville City Park, field location to be determined, primarily on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (other days as deemed necessary by the Committee). Two games will be played each day, with the first game beginning at 5:30 PM and the second game beginning at 6:45 PM, or otherwise if indicated on the official game schedule. Coaches shall hold practices on one (1) or two (2) additional nights during the season, and more frequently prior to the opening day of the season. It is anticipated that each team will play regular season games, followed by a League Championship tournament. Minor League: Games shall be played at the Grantsville City Park, northwest field, primarily on Tuesdays and Thursdays (other days as deemed necessary by the Committee). Two games will be played each day, with the first game beginning at 5:30 PM and the second game beginning at 7:30 PM. Major League: Games shall be played at the Grantsville City Park, northwest field, primarily on Mondays and Wednesdays (other days as deemed necessary by the Committee). Two games will be played each day, with the first game beginning at 5:30 PM and the second game beginning at 7:30 PM. Section 6 Rescheduling Games Any games canceled due to weather or other reasons (force majeure) shall be made-up on the next available Friday. In case of inclement weather on the next available Friday, team Managers and the League Commissioner will determine a mutually agreed upon date for the reschedule. Any rescheduled games shall follow the guidelines in the Babe Ruth rulebook concerning where the game picks up, if a portion of the game was played prior to the game being postponed. Section 7 Umpires The Association shall supply umpires for each Major, Minor and Rookie League game. Umpires shall be trained and certified through the Association, and shall be dressed in uniform for each game. Section 8 Roster All team rosters will be finalized by the first game of the season for T-ball, Farm, and Minor League teams. Rosters for the Rookie League and Major League teams will be finalized at the draft date (there will be no additions to Rookie League or Major League rosters once the draft is complete). If a player moves into the league boundaries after the player draft, that player will be permitted to play in the T-ball League, Farm League, or Minor League only (league assignment will be based on age), so long as all registration fees and applicable late fees have been satisfied. Team Managers of the appropriate League (based on age) will meet and draw straws for the said player. Requests for players in any division or league to participate on a given team, or with a given Manager/Coach will not be granted. Section 9 Season Schedule Numbers of games, dates of games, and the frequency of games shall be determined by the Committee, and a schedule will be provided to each Team Manager no later than two weeks prior to the opening day of the season. Section 10 League Championship Tournament Following the final game of the season, a double-elimination tournament to determine League Champion will be held for the Major, 7

8 Minor, and Rookie Leagues. Teams will be seeded in the tournament according to their regular season records. Tournament rules (as outlined in the Babe Ruth Rule Book) will apply regarding pitching, length of game, substitutions, playing time, etc. Section 11 Equipment The Association will provide each team the necessary equipment needed to compete in league play; however, players and/or coaches may wish to utilize their own equipment in some instances. Personal equipment will be used at the risk of the individual, and is not insured or endorsed by the Association. If personal equipment is damaged, lost, or stolen, the Association will not be held liable for replacing it. All equipment must meet Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken specifications, including, but not limited to bat specifications ( big barrel bats are currently not allowed under Babe Ruth rules). Article XI ZERO TOLLERANCE SPORTSMANSHIP POLICY Section 1- Purpose As stated previously, the purpose of the Grantsville Youth Baseball Association is to instill within the youth character traits and principles that will assist them in becoming responsible and successful adults, such as good sportsmanship, hard work, achievement, self-control, physical fitness, and respect for authority, rules, teammates, and opponents. As such, the Association will not tolerate any unsportsmanlike conduct from any player, manager, coach, parent, or fan. Section 2- Behavior Towards Umpires - Team Managers shall be the only persons on the field to have contact with the home plate umpire during the course of a game. Spectators, coaches, and players are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship towards umpires at all times. In the event the umpire deems comments or behavior from spectators, coaches, or players are harsh, and/or inappropriate, the Umpire shall contact the Team Manager to explain the infraction and ask for the Manager s cooperation in resolving the situation. The Team Manager will speak with the person(s) causing the infraction, and to warn them that if they do not discontinue their behavior, they will be asked to leave the game area. If the behavior continues, the Umpire will request that the Manager remove the individual from the game area, and the game shall not continue until the person has been removed. If play does not resume within ten (10) minutes (because the person will not leave the game area), the game will be discontinued (called), and the team causing the infraction will automatically forfeit the game, regardless of the inning. Game area shall be defined by the Umpire. Section 3 - Conduct of the Team Manager - If the person causing the unsportsmanlike infraction is the Team Manager, the Umpire shall issue two (2) verbal warnings. If the Team Manager does not change his/her behavior, a third warning will result in an automatic ejection and the Team Manager will be asked to leave the game area. Play will not resume until the Manager has been removed from the game area, and if play does not resume within ten (10) minutes (because the person will not leave the game area), the game will be discontinued, and the team causing the infraction will automatically forfeit the game, regardless of the inning. Game area shall be defined by the Umpire. Any manager who is ejected from a game shall serve a one (1) game suspension and will not be allowed in the game area for one (1) game. 8

9 Section 4 Conduct of Players Players shall show respect in word and action towards all adults and fellow players within the Association. Any player caught showing disrespect towards an Umpire, Manager, Coach, Spectator, Committee Member, or fellow player shall be issued a verbal warning by an Umpire or Manager. A second warning shall be made in writing and submitted to the League Commissioner. A third warning will result in an automatic suspension, and the player shall not be allowed to participate in the Association for the remainder of the season. Section 5 Enforcement Any Manager, Coach, or Player who receives more than two (2) game ejections during the course of a season for unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended from the Association and will not participate for the remainder of the season. Any Manager, Coach, or Player who makes physical contact during an emotional exchange with another Manager, Coach, Player, or umpire will automatically be suspended from the Association and will not participate for the remainder of the season. The Manager, Coach, or Player may be granted access back into the Association the following season after meeting with the Officers Committee, and the Officers Committee votes to allow access as demonstrated through a twothirds majority vote. Section 6 Manager Liability- Team Managers are expected to manage the conduct of their Coaches, Players, and fans; however, Team Managers shall not be held legally responsible for the conduct of any Coach, Player, or fan. Article XII ALL-STAR PLAY Section 1 Participation Following the season, the Association may choose to participate in All-Star tournaments hosted by the Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth Association. Number of all-star teams, uniforms, and other decisions relating to the All-star program will be at the discretion of the Committee and will be determined by talent level and ability to compete, as well as funds available for all-star play. Section 2 All-Star Balloting Team Managers can nominate an unlimited number of players to the All-star ballot. All-Star balloting shall run for approximately one (1) week. Nominations shall be made via correspondence and to a designated address as provided by the Committee. Section 3 All-Star Clinic Once the nomination period has expired, all players who have been nominated for the All-Star team shall meet for an All-Star Clinic. Players shall be given an equal opportunity to display their abilities in fielding, hitting, base running, and any other baseballrelated skills. The Team Manager and one (1) assistant coach from each team are required to attend. If Managers/Coaches do not attend the All-Star clinic(s) for their respective league, those Managers/Coaches will not be allowed to vote for the All-Star team. Section 4 All-Star Voting The Committee shall create and distribute All-Star ballots to each Team Manager and one (1) assistant coach (two ballots total for each team). The ballot shall provide the names of nominated players in alphabetical order, with an open box next to each name. Managers and Coaches will cast an anonymous vote by placing a 3 (sure selection), 9

10 2 (marginal selection), or 1 (poor selection) in the open box next to each nominated player. Absentee ballots will not be granted, nor will coaches or managers be allowed to vote in advance (must be present to vote). Section 5 All-Star Selection Once all votes have been cast, Association Officers will tally the votes in the presence of Team Managers and Coaches. Once tallied, the list shall be sorted by point total (greatest to least), and the twelve (12) players with the highest point totals (based on 1-3 vote system from managers and coaches) will be granted roster spots on the All-star team. Section 6 Alternates Once the roster spots have been identified (above), the next three (3) players in the list (#13, #14, and #15) shall receive alternate spots on the team. Alternate spots shall not be assigned in any particular order, and the use of alternates (if needed), shall be at the digression of the All-Star Team Manager. Alternates shall be used if, and only if, a roster player is absent, injured, or unable to participate. Section 7 All-Star Team Managers The All-Star Team Manager for the 8-year-old All-star team will be the Team Manager whose team has the best regular season record (wins the regular season by virtue of the best win/loss record) in the Rookie League. The All-Star Team Manager for the 10-year-old All-star team will be the Team Manager whose team has the best regular season record (wins the regular season by virtue of the best win/loss record) in the Minor League. The All-Star Team Manager for the 12-year-old All-star team will be the Team Manager whose team has the best regular season record (wins the regular season by virtue of the best win/loss record) in the Major League. Any Manager who earns the right to manage an All-star team may forfeit the management of any team and become the third assistant on any other team (example: Manager of the Angels has the best win/loss record in the Major League, but wishes to coach on the 10-year-old team because his son is playing on the 10-year-old team. The manager with the best record in the Minor league will be the team manager for the 10-year-old All-star team; the manager whose team wins the League Championship tournament in the Minor League shall be the second assistant on the 10-year-old All-star team; the Manager of the Angels shall become the third assistant on the 10-year-old All-star team). Section 8- All-Star Team Assistant Coaches- The first assistant coach will be the Team Manager from the team that wins the League Championship Tournament. Babe Ruth allows for two Assistant Coaches, and the second assistant will be chosen by the All-Star Team Manager (unless designated by Section 7 above), but must be chosen from the group of managers/coaches who participated in the Association during the current season. All-Star Managers or Coaches may participate with one (1) All-Star team only per calendar year. Article XIII MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYING RULES Section 1 Authorization and Governance Creation and operation of a Major League is authorized for boys and girls who are age ten (10) through twelve (12) on or before May 1 st of the current year. Rules, matters, and procedures of sole or primary relevance to the operation of the Major League shall be decided by the Major League Executive Committee, comprised of the Association President, Major League Commissioner, Player Agent, and Team Managers. All 10

11 matters shall be decided by a majority vote of the Executive Committee, with reasonable and fair advance notice of meetings and matters to be decided. Section 2 Teams The Major League shall be compromised of four (4) teams with a minimum of eleven players on each team. Section 3 Try-out Sessions All players, ages must attend at least one try-out session in order to be eligible for a Major League team. Try-out sessions will be held at a pre-determined date set forth at the spring organizing meeting. If a player does not attend at least one (1) tryout session they will remain in the Minor League. If a player who would otherwise be eligible for the Major League (players ages 10-12) wishes to remain in the Minor League, regardless of skill level, the player s parents must make their intentions know to the Officers Committee, in writing, prior to the beginning of try-out sessions. Section 4 Option Players Each team can select up to three (3) option players that will automatically remain on the same team s roster from the previous season. Option players must be designated from the previous season s roster, no exceptions (for example, a player cannot play for the Yankees one year, and the following year become an option player for the Angels). If the Team Manager has a son or daughter on the team, that player automatically becomes the first option player for that team. The Team Manager will designate any other option players, in writing, prior to the Try-out Session. Should there be fewer than three (3) returning players from the previous year, or the Team Manager wishes to option fewer than three (3) returning players, that Team Manager(s) will receive the first pick(s) in the draft until all teams have the same amount of players. Section 5 Player Draft Team rosters shall be filled by means of drafting players from the Major League draft pool (players ages 10-12). The draft order shall be determined by random selection, with Team Managers pulling numbers (for placement) from a hat (#1 shall be first, #2 shall be second, and so on). The draft shall be a snake draft in which the team with final selection in round 1 has first selection in round 2, and so on. All players shall re-enter the draft each year, unless designated as an option player as outlined in section 4. In the event that siblings are in the same league, the siblings will remain on the same team, unless otherwise requested, in writing, by the player s parents. In this event, the manager that picks one sibling will draft both siblings, and the Manager of said team will forgo the next draft pick for that team until balanced between all teams. Section 6 Playing Time All Major League players shall play three (3) full innings (nine total defensive outs) in each game. A team player who enters the game in the fourth inning, but whose team does not play the field in the sixth inning because of having the lead will be deemed to have played 3 innings. All teams will bat up to a 12 player batting order. Rotations will only be made on the field not in the batting order. Section 7 Pitching Time Each Major league team must have an 11-year-old player pitch at least three full innings (nine defensive outs) per calendar week during a two-game week, and at least two (2) innings (six outs) during a one-game week. Pitching eligibility for games rescheduled after postponement or suspension, for any reason, shall be the same as if the 11

12 game were played when originally scheduled (example: team is scheduled to play on Monday and Wednesday, but the Wednesday game is rained out. When the rescheduled game is played, an 11-year-old player must pitch nine outs if he did not do so in the Monday-game of the original week). Section 8 General Rules The game will be called as a complete game when a team is ahead by 10 or more runs after 4 innings played (3 ½ for home team lead). Section 9 Game Time Limit While school is in session (until May 25, 2011), the first game of each evening shall not start a new inning after 7:00 PM, and the second game of the evening shall not start a new inning after 9:00 PM. In the event of a tie when time has expired, the game shall be finished under the Rescheduled Game clause (Article X section 6). Once the school year is complete, there shall not be a time limit in effect. Section 10 Stalling Clause It is the Umpire s responsibility to ensure that teams rotate offense/defense positions in a timely manner. If the Umpire feels either team is taking too much time between innings, the Umpire will first issue a verbal warning to the offending team (warnings must be noted in the official scorebook). If, after a first (verbal) warning, the Umpire feels the team is again taking too much time between innings, a three-minute rule will be put into effect for the offending team. If the team then takes longer than three (3) minutes to change sides, the Umpire will begin awarding base-on-balls, or strikes to the opposing team. The threeminute-rule applies only to the game at hand and will not roll-over to the team s next game. Article XIV MINOR LEAGUE PLAYING RULES Section 1 Authorization and Governance Creation and operation of a Minor League is authorized for boys and girls who are age 9-12 on or before May 1 st of the current year. Rules, matters, and procedures of sole or primary relevance to the operation of the Minor League shall be decided by the Minor League Executive Committee, comprised of the Association President, Minor League Commissioner, Player Agent, and Team Managers. All matters shall be decided by a majority vote of the Executive Committee, with reasonable and fair advance notice of meetings and matters to be decided. Section 2 Teams The Minor League shall be compromised of any number of teams with a minimum of eleven players on each team. Section 3 Try-out Sessions All players, ages 9-12, must attend at least one try-out session in order to be eligible for a Major League team. Try-out sessions will be held at a pre-determined date set forth at the spring organizing meeting. If a player does not attend at least one try- out session they will remain in the Minor League. If a player who would otherwise be eligible for the Major League (players ages 10-12) wishes to remain in the Minor League regardless of skill level, the player s parents must make their intentions know to the Board of Directors, in writing, prior to the beginning of try-out sessions. Section 4 Option Players There is a maximum of one (1) option player per team in the Minor League. If the Team Manager has a son or daughter on the team, that player automatically becomes the option player for that team. If neither the Team Manager or assistant coach has a 12

13 son or daughter on the team, there are no option players designated for that team, but that Team Manager will receive the first pick in the draft order is set, until all teams have the same amount of players prior to the draft starting. Section 5 Player Draft Team rosters shall be filled by means of drafting players from the Minor League draft pool (players ages 9-12 who were not selected for a Major League team). The draft order shall be determined by random selection, with Team Managers pulling numbers (for placement) from a hat (#1 shall be first, #2 shall be second, and so on). The draft shall be a snake draft in which the team with final selection in round 1 has first selection in round 2, and so on. All players shall re-enter the draft each year, unless designated as an option player as outlined in section 4. All players shall be drafted; however, any player that did not attend at least one try-out session shall be randomly selected by a draw from the hat. In the event that siblings are in the same league, the siblings will remain on the same team, unless otherwise requested, in writing, by the player s parents. In this event, the manager that picks one sibling will draft both siblings, and the Manager of said team will forgo the next draft pick for that manager s team until balanced between all teams. Section 6 Playing Time All Minor League players shall play at least half of the innings in each game. All teams will bat up to a 12 player batting order. Section 7 General Rules Ten (10) players shall be used in the field on defense, but a team can start a game with 8 players and add additional players to the bottom of the line up as they arrive. Only 12 batters may come to the plate in each inning. If the 12 th batter walks, the ball is dead and the player takes 1 st base. Players can steal any base any time of the season, including home base. Games will be called after 4 innings (3 ½ for home team) when a team is ahead by 10 or more runs. Section 8 Game Time Limit While school is in session (until May 25, 2011), the first game of each evening shall not start a new inning after 7:00 PM, and the second game of the evening shall not start a new inning after 9:00 PM. In the event of a tie when time has expired, each team will be awarded one-half (½) of a win towards the league standings. Ties will only be broken at the end of the season, and only if two teams are tied for first place. In this event, a regular, 90-minute game will be played to determine the seeding for the league championship tournament. If other teams are tied for placement beyond first place, the head-to-head records of the tied teams will be used to determine tournament seeding. All pitching eligibility will be based on the current week s activity during the week of the tie-breaking game. Section 9 Stalling Clause It is the Umpire s responsibility to ensure that teams rotate offense/defense positions in a timely manner. If the Umpire feels either team is taking too much time between innings, the Umpire will first issue a verbal warning to the offending team (warnings must be noted in the official scorebook). If, after a first (verbal) warning, the Umpire feels the team is again taking too much time between innings, a three-minute rule will be put into effect for the offending team. If the team then takes longer than three (3) minutes to change sides, the Umpire will begin awarding base-on-balls, or strikes to the opposing team. The threeminute-rule applies only to the game at hand and will not roll-over to the team s next game. 13

14 Article XV ROOKIE LEAGUE PLAYING RULES Section 1 Authorization and Governance Creation and operation of the Rookie League is authorized for boys and girls who are age six (6) through eight (8) on or before May 1st of the current year. Rules, matters, and procedures of sole or primary relevance to the operation of the Rookie League shall be decided by the Rookie League Executive Committee, comprised of the Association President, Rookie League Commissioner, Player Agent, and Team Managers. All matters shall be decided by a majority vote of the Executive Committee, with reasonable and fair advance notice of meetings and matters to be decided. Section 2 Teams The Rookie League shall be compromised of 4-6 (depending on the number of players registered) teams with a minimum of twelve players on each team. Section 3 Player s Clinic All players, ages 6-8 must attend at least one session of the Player s Clinic in order to be eligible for a Rookie League team. Player s Clinics will be held at a pre-determined date set forth at the spring organizing meeting. If a player does not attend at least one Clinic session they will remain in the Farm League. If a player who would otherwise be eligible for the Rookie League (players ages 6-8) wishes to remain in the Farm League regardless of skill level, the player s parents must make their intentions know to the Board of Directors, in writing, prior to the beginning of Clinic sessions. Section 4 Option Players There is a maximum of one (1) option player per team in the Rookie League. If the Team Manager has a son or daughter on the team, that player automatically becomes the option player for that team. If the Team Manager does not have a son or daughter on the team, there will be no option players designated for that team, but that Team Manager will receive the first pick in the draft until all teams have the same amount of players prior to the draft starting. Section 5 Player Draft Team rosters shall be filled by means of drafting players from the Rookie League draft pool (players ages 6-8). The draft order shall be determined by random selection, with Team Managers pulling numbers (for placement) from a hat (#1 shall be first, #2 shall be second, and so on). The draft shall be a snake draft in which the team with final selection in round 1 has first selection in round 2, and so on. All players shall re-enter the draft each year, unless designated as an option player as outlined in section 4. In the event that siblings are in the same league, the siblings will remain on the same team, unless otherwise requested, in writing, by the player s parents. In this event, the manager that picks one sibling will draft both siblings, and the Manager of said team will forgo the next draft pick for that manager s team until balanced between all teams. Section 6 Pitching Rules Players will pitch to one another in the Rookie League beginning the first game (there will not be a coach-pitch period). Regular baseball rules will apply, including strike-outs, base-on-balls, hit batsman, etc. Section 7 Base Running Base runners may advance one (1) base on pass balls at home plate (example: a base runner is on first base and the pitch gets by the catcher. The base runner may advance to second base, but may not advance to third base on the same play). In 14

15 the case of an overthrown ball at one of the bases, base runners may advance according to regular baseball rules. Base runners are not allowed to steal bases. Section 8 General Rules The offensive team shall continue batting until each roster player has been allowed an at-bat, or the defensive team records three outs, whichever comes first. Each team will play ten (10) players on defense. Section 9 Game Time Limit All Rookie League games will have a time limit of ninety (90) minutes. All games will be counted as a complete game after 90 minutes, regardless of the number of innings played. In the event of a tie when time has expired, each team will be awarded one-half (½) of a win towards the league standings. Ties will only be broken at the end of the season, and only if two teams are tied for first place. In this event, a regular, 90-minute game will be played to determine the seeding for the league championship tournament. If other teams are tied for placement beyond first place, the head-to-head records of the tied teams will be used to determine tournament seeding. All pitching eligibility will be based on the current week s activity, during the week of the tie-breaking game. Section 10 Stalling Clause It is the Umpire s responsibilities to ensure teams rotate offense/defense positions in a timely manner. If the Umpire feels either team is taking too much time between innings, the Umpire will first issue a verbal warning to the offending team (warnings must be noted in the official scorebook). If, after a first (verbal) warning, the Umpire feels the team is again taking too much time between innings, a three-minute rule will be put into effect for the offending team. If the team then takes longer than three (3) minutes to change sides, the Umpire will begin awarding base-on-balls, or strikes to the opposing team. The threeminute-rule applies only to the game at hand and will not roll-over to the team s next game. Article XVI FARM LEAGUE PLAYING RULES Section 1 Authorization and Governance Creation and operation of the Farm League is authorized for boys and girls who are age six (6) through eight (8) on or before May 1 st of the current year. Rules, matters, and procedures of sole or primary relevance to the operation of the Farm League shall be decided by the Farm League Executive Committee, comprised of the Association President, Farm Vice President, Player Agent, and Team Managers. All matters shall be decided by a majority vote of the Executive Committee, with reasonable and fair advance notice of meetings and matters to be decided. Section 2 Teams The Farm League shall be compromised of any number of teams with a minimum of eleven players on each team. Section 3 Player s Clinic All players, ages 6-8 must attend at least one session of the Player s Clinic in order to be eligible for a Rookie League team. Player s Clinics will be held at a pre-determined date set forth at the spring organizing meeting. If a player does not attend at least one Clinic session they will remain in the Farm League. If a player who would otherwise be eligible for the Rookie League (players ages 6-8) wishes to remain in the Farm League regardless of skill level, the player s parents must make their intentions know to the Board of Directors, in writing, prior to the beginning of Clinic sessions. 15

16 Section 4 Option Players There is a maximum of one (1) option player per team in the Farm League. If the Team Manager has a son or daughter on the team, that player automatically becomes the option player for that team. If the Team Manager does not have a son or daughter on the team, there are no option players designated for that team, but that Team Manager will receive the first pick before the draft order is set, until all teams have the same amount of players prior to the draft starting. Section 5 Player Draft Team rosters shall be filled by means of drafting players from the Farm League draft pool (players ages 6-8 who were not drafted on a Rookie League team). The draft order shall be determined by random selection, with Team Managers pulling numbers (for placement) from a hat (#1 shall be first, #2 shall be second, and so on). The draft shall be a snake draft in which the team with final selection in round 1 has first selection in round 2, and so on. All players shall re-enter the draft each year, unless designated as an option player as outlined in section 4. All players shall be drafted; however, any player that did not attend at least one Clinic session shall be randomly selected by a draw from the hat. In the event that siblings are in the same league, the siblings will remain on the same team, unless otherwise requested, in writing, by the player s parents. In this event, the manager that picks one sibling will draft both siblings, and the Manager of said team will forgo the next draft pick for that manager s team until balanced between all teams. If a player moves into the community during the season, that player will be assigned to a team by a draw from the hat. Section 6 Hitting Guidelines Players shall hit from a pitching machine, with the Team Manager or Coach feeding balls into the machine. The Farm League Executive Committee may elect to play with Coach Pitch rather than with the pitching machine. If the coach-pitch option is selected, each player will ONLY be allowed 5 hittable pitches, or three swinging strikes, whichever comes first- NO EXCEPTIONS. In the event of the 5 th pitch is a foul ball, normal playing rules will apply and the player will continue to hit until he swings and misses. Section 7 General Rules Each team will play 10 players on defense with the 10 th position being a rover position in the outfield. An offensive inning will constitute all players on the offensive team being afforded an at-bat, or the defensive team recording three outs, whichever comes first. Team Managers will determine outs. Players are not allowed to steal bases at any time during the season, nor are they allowed to advance bases on pass balls, other than overthrown balls at a base, in which a player is allowed one (1) pass ball per overthrow. Section 8 Game Time Limit All Farm League games will have a maximum time limit of sixty (60) minutes or six (6) innings, whichever comes first; however, games can be ended prior to the time limit if mutually agreed upon by both Team Managers. Article XVII TBALL LEAGUE PLAYING RULES Section 1 Authorization and Governance Creation and operation of the T-ball League is authorized for boys and girls who are age four (4) through five (5) on or before May 1 st of the current year. Rules, matters, and procedures of sole or primary relevance to the operation of the T-ball League shall be decided by the T-ball League Executive Committee, comprised of the Association President, T-ball League Commissioner, Player Agent, and Team Managers. All 16