Downloadable PDF - Shenandoah Valley Umpires

1924 – 2012
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY
BASEBALL LEAGUE
9 Decades of Sandlot Ball
Celebrating Our 88th Season
Official
2012 Season By-Laws
Edited and Amended on 2/13/2012
1924 - 2012
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ROCKINGHAM COUNTY BASEBALL LEAGUE
Table of Contents
Page
Constitution
Article 1, Name.………………………………………………………..
Article 2, Purpose…………….…………………………………………
Article 3, Members’ Qualifications and Admission…….………………
Article 4, Officers and Directors…………..……………………………
Article 5, Amendments….………………………………………………
2
3
3
4
4
By-Laws
Article 1, Duties of Officers and Directors…………………………...… 5
Article 2, Compensation of the Association Officers…………………... 8
Article 3, Eligibility of Ball Players…..………………………………… 8
Article 4, Governing Games………………………………………….…13
Article 5, Playoffs……………………………………………………… 16
Article 6, Fines and Penalties………………………………………..… 18
Article 7, Miscellaneous……………………………………………….. 19
Appendix……………………………………………………………………… 21
Phone List for Officers and Directors…………………………………. 23
Phone List for Media………………………………………………….. 24
Umpire Compensation Request Form…………………………………. 26
Umpire Responsibilities & Expectations……………………………… 27
Player Contract Form…………………………………………………... 28
Team Roster……………………………………………………………. 29
Index…………………………………………………………………………..30-31
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ARTICLE II
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Association shall be to:
A.
Advance amateur baseball in the Shenandoah Valley. Therefore, monetary
compensation to players, coaches or managers is strictly forbidden.
B.
Unite in one local organization those individuals and organizations that are
interested in amateur baseball in the boundary area set up by the Rockingham
County League Directors.
C.
Set rules and guidelines for the members of the Association in order to foster a
closer relationship among said members.
D.
Act as central agency in clearing information relating to the Association, and to
help ensure success of each franchise member.
E.
Formulate standards of conduct for each member.
F.
Formulate a schedule of games to be played by member teams of the Association.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERS’ QUALIFICATIONS AND ADMISSION
Section 1:
Any individual or organization engaged, or interested, in amateur baseball in Rockingham
County and adopted border areas are eligible for membership in the Association.
Section 2:
Any organization may become a member of the Association upon approval by the Board
of Directors. Such approval is based upon an affirmative vote by two-thirds (2/3) of the
Board Directors.
Section 3:
Any organization approved by the Board of Directors for admission into the Association
must pay a one-time, one hundred dollar ($100.00) franchise fee. The franchise fee is
deposited into a Certificate of Deposit in the Rockingham County Baseball League
Treasury. This franchise fee is to be given to the Treasurer of the Association within six
(6) weeks following the first meeting of the Association for that year.
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ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Section 1:
The officers of this Association shall be:
Commissioner
Vice-Commissioner
Secretary
Treasurer
All of whom shall be engaged, or interested, in amateur baseball in the Rockingham
County Baseball League.
Section 2:
The Board of Directors shall consist of one representative from each member team, or
alternate, within the League to form the Association. These duly selected representatives
shall be entitled to one (1) vote each on any matter which comes before the Board of
Directors, and the Commissioner shall be entitled to vote only in the case of a tie-breaker.
Section 3:
The Board of Directors of the Association shall hold its initial season opening meeting on
the 2nd Sunday or Monday of January of each calendar year.
Section 4:
The League representatives shall elect the officers of the Association at the initial season
opening meeting as the first order of business in the new season. These officers shall serve
a term of one year in the Association.
ARTICLE V
AMENDMENTS
The Constitution and By-Laws of the Association are to be agreed upon by all Board of
Directors and a vote will be taken to adopt said Constitution and By-Laws for the upcoming season at the
first League meeting prior to the start of the new season. No amendments to the Constitution or By-Laws
will be allowed during the course of the season.
Proposed amendments to the Constitution or By-Laws of the Association shall be submitted in
writing to the Commissioner of the Association at either the last League meeting of the year or the first
League meeting of the following year. The Commissioner shall send a copy of the proposed amendment to
each director, along with the notice of a meeting for the purpose of voting on said proposal. The said
meeting to be the next scheduled League meeting.
A two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of those Directors present is necessary for approval of
proposed amendments and By-Laws. A quorum for the purpose of amending the Constitution or By-Laws
shall be simple majority of the voting Directors.
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BY-LAWS OF THE LEAGUE
ARTICLE I
DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Section 1:
Section 2:
Commissioner
A.
It shall be the duty of the Commissioner to preside at all meetings of the
Association, including Board of Directors meetings, and to enforce all laws
relating to the administration of the Association. All rulings by the
Commissioner shall be adhered to unless overruled by a majority vote of the
Board of Directors. A meeting of the Board of Directors shall be called if the
ruling is contested. Meeting to be held within 48 hours if possible.
B.
It shall be the duty of the Commissioner to hand down decisions on all protests
within three (3) days of the protested game.
C.
It shall be the duty of the Commissioner to impose a mandatory twenty-five dollar
($25.00) fine on all members of the Association not sending a Director or
alternate to a meeting of the Association, unless prior arrangements have been
made with the Commissioner or Secretary.
Vice Commissioner
A.
In the event of the absence of the Commissioner, the Vice-Commissioner shall
assume full duties of the Commissioner during the course of an Association
meeting.
B.
If both the Commissioner and Vice-Commissioner are absent from an Association
meeting, the Directors will choose one of the team representatives to preside over
the meeting.
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Section 3:
Section 4:
Secretary
A.
All resolutions and proceedings whether of the Association or have the Board of
Directors meetings, shall be entered in the proper books by the Secretary.
B.
The Secretary shall assist the Commissioner in conducting all correspondence
relating to the Association, issue all notices of meetings, and perform all duties
pertaining to the office of Secretary.
C.
It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep a register of the members of this
Association.
D.
It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep an eligibility list of all players and to
file all player contracts. Contracts shall be considered received on date that same
is presented to the Secretary, or if mailed, the date the postmark of the mailing.
The Secretary shall notify each member team by e-mail account once a week of
roster changes from the start of the season to the closing deadline of June 30th in
mid-season.
Treasurer
A.
The Association Treasury should be maintained by both the Commissioner and
Treasurer and maintained in a board approved financial institution. The franchise
monies of each ball club are in a Certificate of Deposit under both the Treasurer
and Commissioner. The Rainy Day Fund will be kept in a separate account.
Association officials should maintain this type of banking for the coming years.
B.
All money payable to the Association is to be paid by check and all monies should
go through the Treasurer of the Association, and also be endorsed by the Treasurer.
C.
The Treasurer shall report at each meeting of the Association the condition of the
Treasury, Rainy Day Fund and Certificate of Deposit.
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D.
Section 5:
The location of the annual All-Star Game shall be rotated amongst the member
teams as follows: Elkton, Broadway, Stuarts Draft, New Market, Bridgewater,
Clover Hill, and Montezuma. If a team declines their turn to host the All-Star
Game, then the next team in order shall have the opportunity to host the game.
Board of Directors
A.
It shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to determine the eligibility of all
players, subject to the provisions of these By-Laws, and their decision thereon
shall be final, from which there will be no appeal. If there is a dispute pertaining
to player eligibility, each of the teams involved shall state their case to the Board
of Directors. There shall then be a closed vote on the issue(s), from which all
teams involved in the dispute must abstain.
B.
It shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to take the initiative in determining
the policies of the Association. They shall also be responsible for the relations of
the Association with other leagues in the region.
C.
It shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to take charge, control, and manage
all property belonging to the Association and to control all monies spent for league
operations.
D.
The Board of Directors shall act as the following Committees:
1.
The Program Committee shall make all plans and arrangements for each
ten-year anniversary All-Star Game to be played during the course of a
given season. If possible, said game shall be close to the July 4th date.
2.
The Membership Committee shall receive all applications for membership,
pass on such applications, and make recommendations to the Association.
3.
The Ways and Means Committee shall make plans and arrangements for
monetary assistance for members of the Association.
4.
The Schedule Committee, made up of Team Directors, can be of any
number, and include the head umpire, and shall set up the season schedule
and to be approved by all team representatives.
5.
An Executive Committee consisting of the Commissioner of the
Association as Chairman, Vice-Commissioner, Secretary, Treasurer and
chairs of the Program and Membership Committees, shall have the duty of
supervising the finances of the Association and auditing all bills prior to the
payment of said bills.
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ARTICLE II
COMPENSATION OF THE ASSOCIATION OFFICERS
Section 1:
The Commissioner and Treasurer shall keep a detailed report of expenses made through
the course of a given season. At the season’s end they shall file said expenses with the
League and be compensated for it.
ARTICLE III
ELIGIBILITY OF BALL PLAYERS
Section 1:
Each member team of the Association shall be allowed a roster of twenty-six (26)
players, including the manager of the member team, which shall be filed with the
Secretary of the Association two (2) full days before the regularly scheduled games.
High school and college players ending their school seasons are eligible twenty-four
hours (24) after completion of their respective high school and college seasons.
Section 2:
Any changes to a member team’s roster shall be filed in writing with the Commissioner
or Secretary of the Association. Said player shall be eligible to play with the member
team two (2) days following the receipt of the player’s contract by the Secretary.
Finishing high school or college for the season is considered one day (1), once the
player’s contract has been received by the Secretary.
Section 3:
Rosters close at midnight on June 30th. Any player on the roster may play in the playoffs if he has appeared in three (3) official games during the regular season. (Forfeit
games count as official games for those persons present at said game). The three game
appearance rule is waived for all managers, as well as players called to active military
duty during the season, in order to be eligible to play in the play-offs.
Section 4:
High school and life-time resident college players within League boundary area who are
playing on the baseball team at their respective school are not eligible to play in the
League until their respective season is done, including play-offs. They must then wait
twenty-four hours (24) or one (1) full day before playing in the League.
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Section 5:
High school and life-time local resident college players within League boundary area
who are not playing baseball for their respective schools are eligible to play within the
League after having a written statement either from the Coach or Principal to the
Secretary of the League to that effect.
Section 6:
Each team shall be allowed three unrestricted free agents under contract. Once signed
to contract, a free agent can be replaced on the roster by another free agent ONLY if the
original free agent suffered a season ending injury. The Commissioner shall make the
final decision on the interpretation of "season ending injury." No roster changes can be
made after the June 30, deadline.( A “free agent” is defined as being a player not
playing in any other organized baseball league and not eligible to play in the RCBL
under other designations in the by-laws.)
A.
The roster deadline of June 30 applies to free agents with the following exception. Free
agents may be replaced prior to the deadline providing there are no more than three (3)
free agents on the roster at any one time.
B.
Any Collegiate League ball player the previous year, who wishes not to continue
Collegiate League ball the following year and wants to enter our League, must wait one
day after the official Collegiate League season opener unless he is a Senior and is not
eligible for Collegiate League ball. He then can start in the Rockingham County
Baseball League season opener.
C.
Any Collegiate League ball player who is still eligible to play Collegiate League ball,
but wants to manage in the County League, can do so but is not eligible to be a playermanager until the opening of the Collegiate League season.
D.
A local resident ball player playing in the Rockingham County League in past years,
who moves out of the boundary area, keeps his eligibility to play in future years.
However, once said player has moved out of the boundary area and does not play for
two consecutive years, he must re-establish his local residency in order to be eligible to
play.
Section 7:
Release and Reinstatement in Association
A.
Any member team, including an expansion team, is allowed to sign only three (3)
players from any one-member team within the Association during a given season.
Said players are required to obtain their release through the waiver procedure as
noted in Section 7 (E). However, if additional players from one member team
obtain their releases, and no other member teams claim them through the waiver
procedure, then said players may sign with a team who has already signed three
players from the same team.
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B.
A player may at any time during the season obtain his release from a member
team of this Association for the purpose of advancement into higher-class ball.
That player is eligible for reinstatement with his former team and eligible to finish
with same if he meets the following conditions:
1.
He properly follows the release requirements including the return of any
uniform, if so required, to the member team for which he previously
played.
2.
The proper release form and the standard player contract are received by
the Commissioner or Secretary of the Association on, or before, midnight
on June 30th.
3.
He must return to the same team that he played for previously. If he
decides otherwise and wants to play with another team, he must be
waived by the teams according to the previous year’s standings before
participating with the team he wishes to play for.
4.
He may return to his previous team; however, his team is not exempt
from the requirements of Article III, Section 6.
C.
All ball players are contracted to the team of the Association and not to the
managers who oversee the operation of said teams.
D.
During the course of a given season any decision regarding the release of any
player is the sole discretion of the manager. At the conclusion of the season all
contracts belong to the member team. If a change of managers occurs during the
course of a given season, all contracts are taken over by the new manager until
the end of the season.
E.
If a ball player is trying to get waived through the League, the manager or acting
manager of each team has the option to waive him or claim him. If he is waived,
said player can play for the team he chooses. If a player cannot obtain his release
from the manager of his team, or is released and is claimed by a team through
the waiver process, then the team claiming the player must place the player on
their roster for the remainder of the season. A season ending injury to said
player shall be the only exemption to maintaining the player on the roster for the
remainder of the season. If claimed, the ball player has three (3) options:
1.
Continue to play for original team.
2.
Play for the team he is being claimed by.
3.
Sit out the season and become a free agent the following season.
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F.
A ball player finishing a season with one team who then decides to join another
team within the Association the following season, must obtain a proper release
from that team he last played for and go through the waiver procedure according
to past season’s standings and use the three (3) options available under Section 7
(E).
G.
Any player who lies about obtaining his release in order to play for another team
shall receive a one (1) year suspension from the League.
H.
A ball player finishing a season with one team who then the following season
decides to manage another team within the Association must obtain a proper
release from that team he last played for; however, he is not required to go
through the waiver procedure.
I.
The Commissioner will decide any dispute regarding the release of a ball player
within the Association.
J.
A player that does not participate in any League games for a full season will be
declared a free agent in the League, even if said player’s contract has been turned
in during the previous season.
K.
All players are responsible for any equipment given to them by the member team
of the Association. If not returned, said player is liable for the cost of said
equipment at present market cost. Said player is ineligible to play for any other
team within the League until debt is settled.
L.
An expansion team that is accepted into the League shall assume the bottom
position according to the previous year’s standings for the purpose of waiver
procedures. Said team has first right to claim any free agent.
M.
Managers have 48 hours to answer a player’s request for his release. If after 48
hours the player has not received an answer, he may request in writing a release
from the Commissioner. The Commissioner will attempt to contact the manager
involved to resolve the issue. If there is no response from the manager within 24
hours, the player shall be declared released.
N.
Managers have 48 hours to either claim or pass any player attempting to pass
through waivers. After 48 hours the player is automatically waived by the team.
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Section 8:
Section 9:
Dates of Eligibility
A.
Players who participated in this Association, or who were non-participants in a
baseball league for the previous year, are eligible to begin playing with their
member team at the beginning of the regular season.
B.
Players who participated in Collegiate baseball leagues during the previous year
and maintain eligibility to play in such leagues shall be eligible to play with a
member team in the first game following the playing of the first regularly
scheduled game in the Collegiate League.
C.
A player who has participated in a league other than this Association, and who is
designated as manager of a member of this Association, can participate in that
role from the beginning of the season. However, his actual playing eligibility
will be governed by paragraph B, above.
Suspension
A.
If a player is ejected from a game, he shall serve a one-game suspension
effective the next scheduled game. If a player is ejected from a game by an
umpire for the second (2nd) time during the course of the season, he is
automatically suspended for the next three (3) games, which are played by his
team, even it that should include play-off games. If a player is ejected for the
third (3rd) time during the course of the season, he is suspended for the
remainder of the season, including play-off games.
B.
Any manager, including a player-manager, or coach who is not an active player
will be fined twenty-five dollars ($25) if ejected from two (2) games during the
course of the season. Said fine is to be paid to the League before said person is
entitled to any further participation. Additional ejections will carry a one game
suspension in addition to a progressive ten dollar ($10) fine, i.e., thirty-five
dollars ($35) for the third ejection, forty-five dollars ($45) for the fourth
ejection, etc.
C.
Any player, manager, or coach who makes any contact that is threatening to, or
perceived threatening by, an umpire or threatens to physically harm an umpire
will be ineligible for future participation for the remainder of the season.
Should such an incident occur after June 30th, the individual will not only be
ineligible for the remainder of the season, but an additional penalty for the
following season will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The
penalty for the following season shall be determined during the final League
meeting for the current season.
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D.
Any person suspended for any period of time shall not participate in any
manner, including warm-ups and games, and may not be in the dugout. If said
person participates in any manner said game will be forfeited.
Section 10:
All League Players shall be advised at contract signing they must make themselves
available for the All-Star game if selected. A player who is selected to participate in the
annual All-Star Game is expected to report, and be prepared to play in said game. Each
player must sign in as present for all-star game. If the player is not present and cannot
show sufficient reason to the Commissioner for his absence, his failure to participate
will automatically suspend him from the next game played by his team.
Section 11:
All players are required to sign the standard player’s contract in order to be eligible to
play with the member team of the Association filing said contract.
Section 12:
Any player signing a standard player’s contract with two (2) different member teams of
this Association for a given season, and having both said contracts received by the
Secretary of the Association, shall be ineligible for participation in the Association for
that season.
ARTICLE IV
GOVERNING GAMES
Section 1:
The official rules of Major League Baseball shall govern all play for the Association
unless an exception is otherwise noted within the By-Laws.
Section 2:
Two (2) visits to the pitcher’s mound by the manager, or acting manager, during the
course of an inning will automatically cause a pitching change. It shall be within the
umpire’s discretion as to what constitutes a visit to the mound by a manager. The
umpire should advise the manager following his first trip to the pitching mound. A
visit to the pitching mound by a manager, with prior permission from the umpire,
because of the physical condition of the pitcher will not constitute an official visit to the
mound. Any team with a player-manager must appoint an acting manager at the pregame umpires meeting.
Section 3:
The official ball to be used by the Association shall be adopted by the Board of
Directors each year. The ball adopted for a season shall be listed in the minutes of an
official meeting of that season.
Section 4:
The official bat to be used by the Association shall be either wood or solid wood
composite, which meets minor league standards.
Section 5:
The League shall abide by the American League’s designated hitter rule.
Section 6:
Umpires for the game must be in proper attire at game time. Violators of this rule will
be subject to a five-dollar ($5) fine by the League and additional penalties, as the
Umpires Association deems appropriate.
Umpires used for League play are required to call both the plate and bases.
Section 7:
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Section 8:
Ground Rules
A.
The umpire, or umpires, and the manager of the home team shall agree upon
ground rules.
B.
A ball field that has more than one ball team using same as a home field must
have standard ground rules for all teams.
C.
Home teams are required to have mound and home plate tarps.
Section 9:
The foul lines and the first base running line shall be properly marked as outlined in
Diagram 1 and 2 of the Official Baseball rules.
Section 10:
Playing Times
A.
All games shall begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. with the visiting team taking the
field at 6:40 p.m., if present. The home team shall take the field promptly at
7:10 p.m. and the field shall be clear for the umpires and grounds keeper at 7:25
p.m. No inning shall start later than 10:30 p.m., unless there is a tie. Sunday
games may begin at 2:30 p.m. The home team with agreement of the visiting
team will decide the specific time for the game and must decide and declare the
game time as part of the pre-season scheduling process. In the case of a 2:30
p.m., Sunday start time; the visiting team shall take the field 50 minutes prior to
game time, if present. The home team shall take the field promptly 20 minutes
prior to game time and the field shall be clear for the umpires and grounds
keeper 5 minutes prior to game time
B.
The time lost from the official starting time of a game, due to the tardiness of
umpires, will be made up at the end of the game if necessary. Time will also be
made up in ballparks in which the sun delays the start of a given game. The
time lost during a game due to rain interruptions, or lighting failure before or
during a game, will not be added to the time limit of the game.
C.
Time lost from the game due to a minor injury to a game participant shall not
have any effect on the curfew. However, if a serious injury occurs (i.e., a player
requires medical attention) and play of the game is halted, the time lost is not
counted against the curfew.
D.
The delay of the start of a game due to rain must not exceed one (1) hour or the
game is to be postponed. The game shall be rescheduled per Section 12.
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Section 11:
E.
The delay of the start of the game due to weather conditions shall be based
upon Major League rules. A 30-minute minimum is required unless deemed
unnecessary by both team managers and umpires.
F.
A ten-run (10) “slaughter rule” shall be in effect for all regular season games,
after the losing team has completed their at bat in the seventh inning. The
“slaughter rule” is not in effect during the play-offs.
All protests shall be submitted in writing within 48 hours of completion of the disputed
game. The protest must state the reason and rule involved in said protest. One copy of
the protest is to be submitted to the Secretary and one copy of the protest is to be
submitted to the Commissioner. Ten dollars ($10) must be attached to all protests sent
to the Secretary of the Association. If the protest is denied, the team forfeits the ten
dollars ($10) and it is placed into the Association Treasury. On the Monday following
the submission of the protest a meeting of the Commissioner of the Association,
representatives of the two (2) teams involved, and the umpire involved in the decision,
which led to the protest. Then, within seventy-two hours (72) the Commissioner shall
notify the managers of the two (2) teams, and the umpire involved, of his decision. The
Commissioner’s decision on the protest shall be final and there shall be no appeal of his
decision. All protests are subject to the following:
The manager of a team protesting a call by an umpire, which he feels is contrary to the
Official Rules of Major League Baseball, must bring the rule in question to the
Commissioner of the Association. The Commissioner of the Association will not
recognize any protest brought before him unless there was an attempt by the manager
involved to bring the particular rule to the umpire’s attention and an attempt to settle the
issue on the playing field in accordance with the protest procedures stated in the Official
Major League Rules.
Section 12:
In any dispute which occurs on the playing field, the player involved and his manager
may confer with the umpires. If players other than these two get involved in the dispute,
the umpire may voluntarily halt the dispute. If the other players refuse to leave the area,
after advance warning, the umpire may eject those players who were unnecessarily
involved in the dispute.
Section 13:
If a scheduled game is rained out, the home team manager shall reschedule the game for
the next open date of his team at his home park, within a seven (7) day period, provided
that the visiting team also has that date open, and the scheduling of the game on that date
does not conflict with any By-Laws. The make-up game must be played within fourteen
(14) days. The home team must notify the League of the rescheduled game date within
the seven-day period. Failure to reschedule within seven days or play within fourteen
days will result in the home team forfeiting the game and the home team will be
responsible for all umpire fees. All make-up games must be played by the last regular
season playing date.
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Section 14:
In the event of a rainout, umpires are to be notified one (1) hour or more prior to game
time by the home team manager. If the umpires arrive at the home field and the game is
rained out and notification had not been given, they shall received one-half (1/2) game
fee compensation. If said game is started and is rained out before it is an official game,
the umpires will receive one-half (1/2) pay for the unofficial game. In the event of an
official game that is ended by rain, umpires will receive full pay.
Section 15:
All teams must complete their regular season schedule prior to the start of the play-offs.
Any team failing to complete their schedule will forfeit their franchise money to the
Association and be fined fifty dollars ($50).
Section 16:
The Board of Directors of the Association will be the sole judge in deciding the penalty
imposed upon a member team that does not complete their play-off games and concedes
that play-off to their opponent.
ARTICLE V
PLAY-OFFS
Section 1:
The official schedule to be used by the Association shall be adopted by the Board of
Directors from year to year. The play-off schedule, adopted for a season, shall be listed
in the minutes of an official meeting prior to that season. The play-off series shall be
subject to the following rules:
A.
If there is a tie for the pennant, a special one (1) game play-off will determine the
top seed for the play-offs. If there is a tie for positions 2 thru 8, the next deciding
factor for seeding is head-to-head. If still tied, it goes to the head-to-head against
the No. 1 seed in the standings. If still tied it comes down the standing list headto-head to the next highest seed in the standings.
B.
All play-off games will be based on the final regular season standings. The
seven (7) teams in the League will compete on consecutive nights in the best 2
out of 3 quarterfinals, 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. 6, 4 vs. 5, and 1 has a “bye.” Higher seeds
will have home field advantage.
C.
Semi-Finals: The highest seeded team (No. 1) remaining from the quarterfinals
opens at home vs. the 4th highest seeded team. The following day, the 2nd
highest seeded team opens at home vs. the 3rd highest seeded team. Each of the
Semi-Finals series will be played on two consecutive playing dates followed by
an open date until a winner is determined.
D.
If at any time during the Semi-Finals a game is rained out, the rained out game is
to be played the next day allowable by weather and field availability. If after one
off day, a field is not available for any reason other than weather, the game will
be moved to the other team’s park but the original host team shall be the
“Home” team.
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Section 2:
E.
Finals: The winners of the Semi-Finals play each other with the home team
being determined by the final standings of the regular season. The Finals winner
will be the team that wins the best four (4) out of seven (7) games. If the Finals
go to a seventh game, the proceeds from the gate only will go to the League, to
be divided amongst the member teams after expenses have been paid. During the
Finals there will be two (2) consecutive playing dates and one open date. Since
Sunday is not a scheduled date to play, it is considered an open date unless
agreed to and changed by both managers. Rained out games fall under the open
date category.
F.
The curfew and “slaughter” rules shall be waived for all playoff games.
Trophies
The following trophies will be given during the course of the season:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Pennant Winner Trophy
Series Winner Trophy
Series Runner-Up Trophy
Most Valuable Player Plaque
Pitcher of the Year Plaque
Rookie of the Year Plaque
Manager of the Year Plaque
Championship Series MVP Plaque
The selection of the Most Valuable Player and Pitcher, Rookie of the Year, and Manager of
the Year is conducted by email and the Director of each member team selects his choice
(based on scoring and voting procedure determined by the Commissioner) and returns the
selections to the Vice-Commissioner and copied to the Commissioner. Each member team
must exchange season statistics at the playoff meeting prior to the start of the playoffs. Failure
to exchange team statistics at this meeting will result in loss in voting privileges. During the
final League meeting, the winners of the awards are announced. The awards shall be
presented to the winners at their respective teams’ opening home game the following season.
The MVP of the League Final Series shall be voted on by the two participating managers
immediately following the final game in the series. The winner shall be announced during the
trophy presentation immediately following the game.
17
ARTICLE VI
FINES AND PENALTIES
Section 1:
Any player, manager, coach, or umpire in uniform who appears for play under the
influence of intoxicants shall be punished by a fine of fifty dollars ($50). Individuals
involved shall not be eligible to participate until the fine is paid and they have been
reinstated by the Association Directors.
Section 2:
Any visiting member team forfeiting a game in violation of rules 4:15, 4:16, 4:17, or
4:18 of the Official Major League Rules League Rules, shall be fined the total cost of
the umpires’ fee. The fine shall be taken from the forfeiting team’s franchise fee and
transferred to the account of the member team to which the game is forfeited. If the
forfeiting team is able to field a team by use of an ineligible player and he plays the
game, the fine in violation of rule 4:17 shall not be imposed. If an umpire is called and
informed of forfeit and played under forfeit, only one umpire should officiate and will
receive half pay of two umpires.
Section 3:
Any player, manager, or coach receiving compensation for services, in any form, shall
be subject to fine and suspension as directed by the Board of Directors.
Section 4:
If a game is protested for the reason that the opposing team is using an ineligible player,
and the Commissioner upholds the protest, then the team that is using the ineligible
player shall forfeit the game in question. If the ineligible player has participated in
previous games, those shall also be forfeited.
Section 5:
When a player is ejected from a game, the umpire who removed the player shall give
verbal notification to the managers of both teams as to the reason(s) for said removal.
The umpire shall also file a written report to the Umpires’ Association Coordinator to
the RCBL Association Commissioner regarding the incident.
Section 6:
Umpires have total authority to eject players, managers, and coaches from the game
starting with the pre-game ground rules meeting until they leave the field after the
game, in a timely fashion. If at any time an altercation occurs off the playing field
between a player and an umpire, the umpire must file a report with the League. If a
report is filed, the Board of Directors will decide if any disciplinary action is required.
The Board’s decision shall be final.
18
Section 7:
The use of an illegal bat during a League game shall result in a three (3) game
suspension for the player using said bat. Adding any foreign substance besides tape,
pine tar, or rosin to the handle of the bat will constitute an illegal bat. A second offense
for the same player during the same season shall result in suspension for the remainder
of the regular season, as well as the play-offs.
Section 8:
During the course of any League game a team has the right to question the legality of an
opposing player’s bat. The umpires must examine the bat in question, and if they feel it
may be illegal for play, the bat is to be confiscated at that moment and given to the
Board of Directors for further examination. If the bat in question is found to be illegal,
the penalty shall be per Article VI, Section 7. The Board of Directors shall meet at its
earliest convenience.
ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 1:
A detailed report shall be given to the Daily-News Record by the winning team as soon
as possible after the completion of each game. The deadline by the Sports Editors is
11:30 pm. Contacting radio and TV stations should be done prior to 11:00 pm. Member
teams can still contact media after 11:00 pm for the morning sports review.
Section 2:
When a game is postponed or rescheduled, the home team manager is responsible for
contacting the following:
Web Site Administrator
Visiting Team
Umpires’ Association Chief
Daily-News Record
Radio and TV stations
Section 3:
The League determines admission charges. Game admission shall be a maximum of $5
per person for all regular season games, the All-Star Game, and all play-off games. The
home team has the option to charge less than $5 for regular season games. $1.00 of the
admission price for play-off Semi-Finals and Finals games shall be contributed to the
RCBL rainy day fund.
Section 4:
If the Finals Series goes seven (7) games, the total gate proceeds less game expenses
will be returned to the League treasury to be divided equally amongst the Leagues
member teams.
19
Section 5:
The League standings should be reported to the news media by the Secretary of the
League at least once a week during the course of the season.
Section 6:
Home teams are responsible for proceeds and expenses for all home games.
Section 7:
During the season, all umpires must work both behind the plate and on the bases.
Section 8:
The 2012 pay scale for umpires shall be $85 for the plate and $85 for the bases. By
contract with the Shenandoah Valley Umpires Association, the fee will increase to $90
per umpire beginning in the 2013 season.
Section 9:
All Managers, Officials of the League, and umpires will receive copies of the Official
RCBL By-Laws before the start of the regular season
Section 10:
Any player who throws equipment during any game is subject to immediate ejection
from said game.
Section 11:
Plays at Home Plate:
The College Collision rule will be used to interpret this situation. A copy of this
rule is located in the Appendix.
Section 12:
Any inquiries by anyone outside the Board of Directors of the Association, for
information concerning a player in the League, have to go directly through the Manager
of the team said player plays for. No information about said player may be given at any
time by officers of the Association, without the Manager’s permission.
Section 13:
The home team for each game shall be responsible for having both home plate and
pitching mound tarps in the event of inclement weather.
Section 14:
All home fields must be maintained to a level that insures the safety of all League
participants. If the visiting team manager and the head umpire concur that the field is in
an unsafe condition, then the game shall be forfeited to the visiting team. No game
shall be played on that field until the situation is resolved. The home team may be
subject to additional forfeits if the situation is not resolved in a timely fashion.
20
APPENDIX
21
22
This page is blank
25
2011
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY BASEBALL LEAGUE
9 Decades of Sandlot Ball
UMPIRE COMPENSATION REQUEST
In the event a scheduled RCBL game is postponed / cancelled without Umpire notification
by any home team or league official you are entitled to file a compensation request for for ½
of game fee.
Please complete the form below and forward to either of the Head Umpire within 48 hours of
game in question.
Name_____________________________________________
Game Date_________________________________________
Time you left for ballpark______________________________
Time you arrived at ballpark____________________________
Mileage to and from ballpark___________________________
Comments (briefly describe any specific events regarding this request):
Signature________________________________ Date_____________________
26
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY BASEBALL LEAGUE
UMPIRE RESPONSIBLITIES & EXPECTATIONS
Umpire Responsibilities
1.
Arrive at game site 30 minutes before game time
2.
Announce to teams that we are present to allow the managers to warm up their pitchers
3.
Take the field 10 minutes before game time
4.
Be in uniform
5.
Look and act professional
6.
Hustle
7.
Know the rules
8.
Be approachable to team managers
Game Assignments
1. Each team will be provided with a schedule of umpires that will be working games, both home
and away.
2. All umpire changes will be done through the Head Umpire, so he will be aware of who has been
assigned to every game
Head Umpire Responsibilities
The Head Umpire is hired by the Board of Directors for a period of one year. As an employee of the League
Officers, the Head Umpire is subject to the By-laws of this Association, and as an employee of this
Association, the Head Umpire maybe removed from his position at any point and time. All umpires working
RCBL games are employees of the Association, not of the Head Umpire.
The Head Umpire responsibilities include;
1.
Provide the best quality umpires possible for this Association
2.
Provide a list of umpires to the Board of Directors prior to the start of each season. This list shall
require the approval of the Board.
3.
Provide a schedule of umpire assignments for each game for the upcoming season
4.
Schedule all umpires with at least one game in each home ball park during the course of each
regular season (this should be done prior to the annual All-Star game to avoid conflicts during the
play-offs)
5.
Assure that all umpires working for this Association adhere to the American League Rule Book
and the By-laws of the RCBL
6.
Report to the Association in writing, all ejections that occur during the course of a given season.
7.
Require any umpire that is involved in any major conflict during the course of a given season to
attend Board of Directors meetings to resolve the issue.
8.
Submit in writing, to be approved by the Board of Directors, any and all changes to how umpires
in the Association govern games.
9.
Be accessible to discuss any issue that the Board of Directors deems necessary.
10.
During the course of a given season, any team may file a written request to remove certain
umpires from calling their games if the situation is warranted. The team requesting the umpire
removal must submit in writing to the Officers of the Association and the Head Umpire the
reasons for this action. The league Officers will call a meeting with the league member team, the
Head Umpire, and the umpire involved. This meeting will be presided over by the League
Commissioner and conducted within 72 hours of the receiving of the written request. The
Commissioner shall determine if removal of said umpire is warranted. The Commissioner’s
decision is final; there shall be no appeal.
27
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY BASEBALL LEAGUE
PLAYERS AGREEMENT
I, ___________________________________ , do hereby agree to play with the ____________________________________ of the
Rockingham County Baseball League during the season of 20_____. I agree not to play with any other team in this League during the existence
of this agreement, to abide by the rules governing the League, and return all playing paraphernalia upon my release, or at the end of the playing
season, or upon request to the above named team within a 72 hour period. Penalty will follow in a one (1) year suspension from the League and
financial liability for said uniform. I further agree to relieve the Team, League or Association of all responsibility for injuries sustained while
participating in, or as a result of participating in, any game under the jurisdiction of the Team, League or Association.
SPECIAL ELIGIBILITY NOTICE -- READ BEFORE SIGNING
A BALL PLAYER WHO SIGNS CONTRACTS WITH MORE THAN ONE TEAM IN THE ROCKINGHAM COUNTY BASEBALL
LEAGUE WITHOUT VALID RELEASE SHALL BE INELIGIBLE FOR ANY PLAY IN THE ROCKINGHAM COUNTY LEAGUE FOR
THE CURRENT SEASON. THE PLAYER WOULD BE A FREE AGENT IN SUBSEQUENT SEASONS.
All players must complete the following section detailing participation in any league during the previous two years:
Year_________ League Name: ______________________________ Team Name: ________________________________
Location: _________________________ Contact Name & Number: ______________________________
Year_________ League Name: ______________________________ Team Name: ________________________________
Location: ________________________ Contact Name & Number: _______________________________
THE FOLLOWING RULES AND REGULATIONS APPLY TO ALL PLAYERS IN THE ROCKINGHAM COUNTY BASEBALL LEAGUE
FOR 20______.
I.
The Rockingham County Baseball League shall operate during the 20_______ season in accordance with the current by-laws
with midnight, June 30 as the deadline for the signing of players.
II.
A Special Committee consisting of Elected League Officers and a Director from each ball team in the League will review any
exception or emergency circumstances in connection with Article III and rule accordingly.
III.
Any player terminating his connection with a ball team shall not be considered a free agent until:
(A) He has been absent from the League for a period of one (1) year
or
(B) He has obtained a release from the ball team holding his contract.
IV.
Any player with three (3) unexcused absences during a season shall sit out the following season. Unexcused absence will be
decided by the Team Manager. Player may appeal to the League.
Signed this _________ day of ______________________, 20________.
Witness _____________________________________________
(Manager as witness of signature here)
Signed ___________________________________________________
(Player’s signature here)
Home Address_____________________________________________
NOTE: Please fill in completely
and sign in ink.
_____________________________________ Zip _______________
Home Telephone __________________________________________
We hereby release _______________________________________ a member of the ___________________________________________
on this ___________ day of ___________________________, 20______.
28
________________________________________________
(Team Manager’s signature here)
1924 - 2012
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY BASEBALL LEAGUE
Team Roster for (team name): ____________________________________
1.
14.
Team Manager
2.
15.
3.
16.
4.
17.
5.
18.
6.
19.
7.
20.
8.
21.
9.
22.
10.
23.
11.
24.
12.
25.
13.
26.
Please list your players that fall under Article 3,
Section 6 (page 7) in the By-Laws:
1.
2.
3.
29
1924 - 2012
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY BASEBALL LEAGUE
Index
Page
All Star Game………………………………………………………………………………
7
Amendments Procedure…………………………………………………………………….
4
Committees
Program Committee………………………………………………………………..
Membership Committee……………………………………………………………
Ways and Means Committee…………………………………………………….…
Schedule Committee………………………………………………………………..
Executive Committee……………………………………………………………….
7
7
7
7
7
Compensation of Officers…………………………………………………………………..
8
Duties of
Commissioner………………………………………………………………………
Vice Commissioner…………….…………………………………………………..
Secretary/Treasurer…….…………………………………………….…………….
Board of Directors..……………………………………………………………..…
5
5
6
4,7
Fines and Penalties
Forfeits……………………………………………………………………………...
Illegal Bats………………………………………………………………………….
Illegal Compensation………………………………………………………………..
Ineligible Player……………………………………………………………………..
Pitcher Warning……………………………………………………………………..
Player Ejection………………………………………………………………………
Umpire Conduct……………………………………………………………………..
18
19
18
18
18
18
18
Governing Games
Completing Schedule………………………………………………………………. 15,16
Curfew…………………………………………………………………………..…. 14
Forfeits……………………………………………………………………………… 14
Protest……………………………………………………………….……………... 15
Rain Out Procedure…………………………………………………………………. 15
Slaughter Rule……………………………………………………………………… 15
Ground Rules………………………………………………………………………………
Manager
30
14
Player/Manager………………………………………………………………….… 10,11
Protest……………………………………………………………………………..
15
Rainouts…………………………………………………………………………… 15
Players
All Star Game………………………………………………………………………
Dates of Eligibility………………………………………………………………….
Eligibility……………………………………………………………………………
Free Agents…………………………………………………………………………
Local Residents……………………………………………………………………..
Release and Reinstatement………………………………………………………….
7
12
12
9,10
9,10
9,10
Playoffs……………………………………………………………………………………..
16
Postponing a Game………………………………………………………..………………..
17
Reporting Games…………………………………………………………………………… 17
Rosters……………………………………………………………………………………..
8
Suspension of
Coach………………………………………………………………………………
Manager…………………………………………………………………………….
Player……………………………………………………………………………….
12
12
12
Treasury…………………………………………………………………………………….
6
Trophies…………………………………………………………………………………….
17
Umpires
Attire…………………………………………………………………………….....
Conduct………………………………………………………………………….....
Ejections…………………………………………………………………………....
Illegal Bats………………………………………………………………………….
Pay Scale…………………………………………………………………………...
Playing Times……………………………………………………………………....
Protest……………………………………………………………………………...
13
27
12
13
20
14
15
31