LVJLBL

From: Subject: LVJLBL Date: Mon, 3 May 2010 22:22:16 -0400 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/related; type="multipart/alternative"; boundary="----=_NextPart_000_000A_01CAEB0F.1662C910" X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.2900.5579 This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_000A_01CAEB0F.1662C910 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="----=_NextPart_001_000B_01CAEB0F.1662C910" ------=_NextPart_001_000B_01CAEB0F.1662C910 Content-Type: text/html; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Location: http://lvjlbl.org/ LVJLBL ------=_NextPart_001_000B_01CAEB0F.1662C910 Content-Type: text/html; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Location: http://lvjlbl.org/Title.htm LEHIGH VALLEY JUNIOR LEGION BASEBALL LEAGUE

LEHIGH VALLEY = JUNIOR LEGION=20 BASEBALL LEAGUE

------=_NextPart_001_000B_01CAEB0F.1662C910-- ------=_NextPart_000_000A_01CAEB0F.1662C910 Content-Type: text/html; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Location: http://lvjlbl.org/Menu.htm LEHIGH VALLEY JUNIOR LEGION BASEBALL LEAGUE CALL = SHEETS

2010 = League=20 Schedule

Past = League=20 Champions

League Info=20: League Directory=20; 2010 Meeting Schedule=20; Constitution = and=20 By-Laws=20; Directions to = Fields=20; Umpire Contract=20; Zones = and=20 Populations=20; Roster Night=20 Checklist=20; Historical Standings = (2001-)=20

Links=20: Bethlehem Umpires Assoc.=20; PA American = Legion=20 Rules=20; Lehigh Valley = Junior=20 Prep=20; PA=20 Birth Certificates

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LEHIGH=20 VALLEY=20 JUNIOR LEGION BASEBALL LEAGUE

CONSTITUTION AND=20 BY-LAWS

AS OF = FEBRUARY=20 2010

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I -=20 NAME

The name=20 of this association shall be the Lehigh Valley Junior Legion Baseball = League=20 (herein sometimes referred to as L.V.J.L.B.L.).

ARTICLE II -=20 PURPOSE

2.1 -=20 Health

To=20 organize, develop and direct an inter-community baseball program, which = will=20 promote, protect and conserve the health and physical welfare of all=20 participants.

2.2 -=20 Education

To=20 formulate and maintain policies that will safeguard the educational = values of=20 inter-community athletics and cultivate high ideals of=20 sportsmanship.

2.3 -=20 Competition

To promote uniformity = of=20 standards.

ARTICLE III -=20 MEMBERSHIP

3.1 -=20 Members

All=20 baseball teams which are accredited by the American Legion Junior = Baseball=20 Program of Pennsylvania and are in the Lehigh Valley area are eligible for=20 membership.

3.2 - Application for = Membership

Application for = membership in=20 the L.V.J.L.B.L. shall be made in writing to the President of the League = by the=20 January meeting of the new season year. =20 Each application for membership shall be made in writing by the = executive=20 officer of the sponsoring organization. Final approval must be granted = by a=20 two-thirds vote of League membership.

3.3 - Membership=20 Effectiveness

A) =20 Membership in this league shall become effective when teams application receives final approval of the = League=20 membership and the sponsoring organization has paid a current team = share. A=20 current team share must be paid by May 1st of the current year to = validate the=20 membership.

B) =20 Any new teams requesting membership will come to the January = meeting and=20 present their case to the league members at which time league members = will ask=20 questions (time limit 30 minutes). =20 The new teams will then go home, thus leaving 15 minutes for = discussion=20 among league members. The = new team=20 will return for the February meeting at which time all unanswered = questions will=20 be asked. After this = discussion,=20 the league will vote by ballot on each new team. If accepted the new team will = join the=20 league as soon as requirements in Article 3.3 Section A=20 are met. The new teams = can not vote=20 on league issues until the March meeting, this allowing a period for the = new=20 team to get familiar with the league.

3.4 - Withdrawal of=20 Membership

Requests=20 for withdrawal of membership from this League shall be made in writing = by the=20 executive officer of the sponsoring organization to the President of the = league=20 before the January meeting of the new season. The penalty for failing to = notify the=20 League of withdrawal will be forfeiture of team share. A team requesting withdrawal = shall be=20 paid its team share immediately upon acceptance by the League, and its=20 membership ceases effective immediately.

3.5 - Definition of = Lehigh = Valley

All teams=20 joining the league and new members requesting additional territory in = the zone=20 must be in Lehigh and Northampton counties. =91Existing = teams=92 current=20 status will be grand-fathered until they leave the Lehigh Valley Junior = Legion=20 Baseball League.

ARTICLE IV -=20 DUES

4.1 - Amount of=20 Dues

Dues in=20 the L.V.J.L.B.L shall be referred to as a team share or a portion of a = team=20 share. A team share in = the=20 L.V.J.L.B.L. shall be $70.00. = A sum=20 of $130.00 will be assessed new teams entering League. $60.00 returned if all games = that season=20 are played.

4.2 - Payment of=20 Dues

All=20 portions of a team share necessary to maintain a $70.00 team share are = payable=20 on or before March 1st. A = membership of the delinquent team shall lapse until such time as the = portion of=20 the team share has been fully satisfied. =20 New team membership shall not take effect until its share has = been=20 paid.

ARTICLE V -=20 OFFICERS

5.1 -=20 Officers

A) =20 The officers of this league shall be a president, vice-president, = secretary and treasurer and shall be elected at the January meeting of = the=20 current year.

B) =20 Election shall be by ballot with one vote per team=20 share.

C) =20 All league officers must attend 50 percent of league meetings to = be=20 eligible to hold office.

5.2 - Duties of=20 Officers

The President shall preside at all league and membership = meetings. He=20 shall have the right to appoint standing committees and all temporary=20 committees. He shall have the right to execute all decisions of the = membership.=20 He shall have no right to act on an important matter of his own accord = unless=20 authorized by the membership. He shall be an ex-officio member on every=20 committee. He shall sign with the Treasurer or Vice-President all legal = papers=20 and official documents in the name of the league. The President, along = with the=20 Vice-President and the Treasurer are authorized signors of checks or = drafts=20 drawn for required expenditures of the league. The President shall have = no right=20 while presiding to make any motion or to confirm any motion before the = decision=20 of the members unless he relinquishes the chair to the Vice-President = for the=20 purpose of any motion. The President also has responsibility of running = the=20 playoffs.

The Vice-President shall perform all duties of the President in = the=20 absence of the President and shall be entitled to all his prerogatives. = He shall=20 have the authority to sign with the President all legal papers and = official=20 documents in the name of the league. The Vice-President along with the = President=20 and the Treasurer are authorized signors of checks or drafts drawn for = required=20 expenditures of the league.

The=20 Secretary=20 shall keep a correct record of all proceedings at all meetings of this = league=20 and keep a correct and full roll of all members' names and = addresses. He shall attend to all = correspondence of=20 the league, including correspondence to the league members and the = membership=20 dealing with meetings, notices, etc. and any and all other = correspondence. He shall turn over to his = successor in=20 office all property of the League in his custody. The secretary shall = turn over=20 to the treasurer a list of teams absent at each meeting so the treasurer = can=20 collect the appropriate fine.

The Treasurer shall receive and collect all monies and = funds due to=20 L.V.J.L.B.L. and deposit all monies and funds received timely in a = checking=20 account with a bank under the name of Lehigh Valley Junior Legion = Baseball=20 League. He shall prepare all checks or drafts drawn for required = expenditures of=20 L.V.J.L.B.L. from such account to be signed, and by such authorized, by = two of=20 three authorized signors. Authorized signors are the President, the=20 Vice-President and the Treasurer. He shall keep careful and correct = records on a=20 calendar year basis of all monies and funds received, deposited and = expended in=20 the form of a month-end financial report which identifies receipts and=20 disbursements and cash balances and unpaid fines. Such report shall be = submitted=20 at each regular meeting of L.V.J.L.B.L. to be approved by the = membership. He=20 shall have the authority to sign with the President all legal papers and = official documents in the name of the league.

ARTICLE VI -=20 AMENDMENTS

6.1.=20 Approval

Amendments to this = Constitution=20 and By-Laws must be approved by majority votes, with each team allowed = one=20 vote. A quorum of = two-thirds (2/3)=20 of the membership must be present.

A) =20 Amendments to this Constitution must be read and approved at two=20 successive league meetings.

B) =20 Amendments to the By-Laws may be approved at a single regular = League=20 meeting.

6.2 - Submission of=20 Amendments

A) =20 Amendments to the Constitution to be considered during the = current year=20 must be presented by April 1st to the membership.

B) =20 Amendments to the By-Laws to be considered during the current = year must=20 be presented and approved prior to the start of the regular=20 season.

6.3 - Defeated = Amendments to=20 the Constitution

The=20 provision of a defeated amendment shall not be submitted for a vote to = the=20 League for two (2) League calendar years.

ARTICLE VII -=20 MEETINGS

7.1 - Annual=20 Meeting

An annual=20 election meeting shall be held no later than February 1st for the = purpose of=20 election of officers and re-organization.

7.2 - Other=20 Meetings

All other=20 meetings shall be called by the president as they are=20 required.

7.3 -=20 Quorum

A=20 majority of the league's members must be present for the transaction of = normal=20 business of the L.V.J.L.B.L.

7.4 - Meeting=20 Attendance

All=20 meetings are mandatory and if a team is not represented at a league = meeting by a=20 member listed on the current

years=92 directory = (minimum of 3 names=20 listed), a $50.00 fine will be assessed.

&nbs= p; =20 Any coaching changes will clear the slate of that team and all = slates=20 will be cleared on a yearly basis.

7.5 - Meeting=20 Etiquette

Smoking=20 is not allowed at league meetings.

ARTICLE VIII - VOTING = MEMBER

8.1 - = Team

Each=20 member team shall be entitled to one (1) vote. Name of the voting member must = be=20 declared at roll call.

8.2 -=20 Abstaining

At voting=20 role call, a member may either vote or abstain from voting. Abstaining is defined as = giving up your=20 voting privilege.

8.3 -=20 Players

No Player=20 under contract shall be a voting member.

8.4 - Tie=20 Vote

A) =20 The policy committee shall cast the deciding vote in case of a = tie. All other officers and = officials of the=20 league shall have no vote unless representing a = team.

B) =20 The president as ex-officio member of the policy committee meets = the=20 definition to satisfy quorum requirements.

ARTICLE IX - = RECRUITING=20 ZONES

9.1 - Freeze of = Recruiting=20 Zone

If in the=20 event a team should have difficulty in fielding a team for the following = season,=20 a team can request from the league a freeze of their recruiting = zone. This freeze of their zone = would be for=20 one (1) year only.

9.2 - Player=20 Eligibility

A) =20 Players eligible to play for the team who has requested and = received=20 permission from the league a one (1) year freeze of their zone, and = allowed to=20 play for the next nearest Junior Legion franchise of this league. Stipulations for this are as=20 follows:

&nbs= p; =20 1) =20 Players must return to their frozen franchise the following year = if that=20 team is fielding a team.

&nbs= p; =20 2) =20 The two (2) zones involved, the frozen = zone and=20 the next nearest zone, cannot exceed 40,000 population as of the last = current=20 census and/or disrupt the parity of the league.

&nbs= p; =20 3) =20 The next nearest team of the league interested in players from = the frozen=20 zone, are allowed to invite these players to try out with the = understanding they=20 must return to their own zone if that team is fielding a team as stated=20 above.

B) =20 Zoning Requirements Specifics:

1) =20 All teams must zone by area such as township, borough, tracts, = and wards=20 for city teams. =20

&nbs= p; =20 2) =20 If a team jumps over a territory to get to someone else they must = claim=20 and add all population to that area. =20 If two teams ask for the same area the one closest gets the=20 territory.

&nbs= p; =20 3) =20 If a territory is split for zoning purposes, boundary lines will = be given=20 to the league zoning committee.

4) = ; =20 4) &n= bsp; =20 All zone = changes=20 must be presented at the January meeting.

5) =20 All Junior Legion teams must zone within the State approved zone = of the=20 Senior Legion team that they feed.

9.3 - Team=20 Share

Team=20 shares for teams requesting freeze shall be determined on previous years = playing=20 calendar. This team share = is=20 determined at the annual reorganization meeting of the league each = January. Team share refunded by the = league at the=20 previous year share if team drops from league the following=20 year.

9.4 - Meeting=20 Attendance

Frozen=20 teams must attend the January meeting of the league to advise whether or = not=20 that team is re-entering a team to the playing schedule or dropping from = the=20 league.

9.5 - League=20 Activities

Frozen=20 teams are not allowed any participation in any activities of the league = while=20 they are frozen.

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I -=20 PENALTIES

1.1 -=20 Suspension

A) =20 A team shall be suspended for remainder of season and shall be = fined=20 $50.00 which has to be paid before January 15th of the following year in = order=20 for said team to be reinstated as a member of the League. Any one team which is = suspended in two=20 consecutive years shall be dismissed from the League and lose its = forfeit=20 money.

&nbs= p; =20 1) =20 For flagrant violation of the Constitution or By-laws of the=20 League.

&nbs= p; =20 2) =20 When the conduct of a team is unsportsmanlike and results in = actions,=20 which are detrimental to individual and public welfare and which are = prejudicial=20 to the purpose of this league.

&nbs= p; =20 3) =20 For forfeiting two (2) games in a season for any=20 reason.

B) =20 Suspension of Manager or coaches - When conduct of a manager or a = coach=20 is unsportsmanlike and results in actions which are detrimental to = individual=20 and public welfare and which prejudicial to the purpose of the = League. The League membership, upon = proper=20 notification, shall decide what constitutes unsportsmanlike=20 conduct.

C) =20 Suspension of player or players - When conduct of a player is=20 unsportsmanlike and results in actions which are detrimental to = individual and=20 public welfare and which are prejudicial to the purpose of the = League. The League membership upon = proper=20 notification shall decide what constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct. Suspension could be for the = balance of=20 current year.

D) =20 Ejections from games should be reported to the League President = by both=20 coaches immediately following the game.

1) =20 First = ejection of a=20 player, will result in a required one (1) = game=20 suspension of that player. = The=20 required suspension will be served the game immediately following the=20 ejection. There will be = no appeal=20 of the ejection allowed. = The=20 decision and the ejection of the player by the umpire=20 stands.

2) =20 The third = ejection=20 of a player will bring with it a ban from the league for the remainder = of the=20 season. The player/coach and/or team do have the right to=20 appeal.

3) =20 A coach = may appeal=20 an ejection immediately after the game. =20 The coach must notify the opposing coach at the end of the game = that he=20 will be appealing the ejection. = The=20 coach must notify the League President by telephone before the end of = the day=20 that he will be filing an appeal. =20 The coach must then file a written appeal with the League = President no=20 lather than noon the day following the ejection.

4) =20 In order = to appeal=20 an ejection the team or organization must put up a $100.00 fee. If the appeal is upheld the = fee will be=20 returned to the team/organization. =20 If the appeal is denied the processing fee is forfeited to the = league and=20 the suspension will be applied.

5) =20 If the = League=20 President determines that the actions of the player or coach may warrant = a=20 suspension or punishment that is more or less severe than that which is=20 determined, the President may refer the incident to the Policy Committee = for=20 further review. After = review by the=20 Policy Committee has the authority to take additional action as needed.

6) =20 Managers and/or = coaches who do=20 not report ejections: 1 game suspension.

7) =20 All slates will be = cleared=20 after each year regarding first and second violations for players and=20 coaches.

E) =20 If a Junior Legion team is scheduled to play on a date and a = player does=20 not appear at that game but does play elsewhere the following penalties = shall be=20 enforced:

&nbs= p; = ; =20 1st Offense - =20 Player suspended 1 game

&nbs= p; = ; =20 2nd Offense - = Player=20 suspended 3 games, manager 1 game

&nbs= p; = ; =20 3rd Offense - = Player and=20 Coach suspended for season, the team is placed on probation for the rest = of the=20 season.

&nbs= p; =20 In all cases a letter will be sent to the team's organization to = inform=20 them of the situation and also appeals are available for each=20 offense.

F) =20 All players on a team must wear the same uniform before games. = During and=20 after the reading of the Code of Sportsmanship all players must be in = full game=20 uniform.

1.2 - = Fines

Any=20 suspended team must pay the umpire's forfeit fee for all remaining=20 games.

1.3 - Forfeit of=20 Games

A) =20 Using an ineligible player.

B) =20 For other violation of the Constitution or By-Laws of this=20 League.

C) =20 Any team forfeiting a regularly scheduled game shall be = responsible for=20 the cost of the umpire's fee.

ARTICLE II -=20 UMPIRES

2.1 -=20 Umpires

The=20 league shall establish which umpire organization shall supply the = necessary=20 umpires, which meet Legion standards through a = contract.

2.2 -=20 Approval

All=20 umpires must be approved and certified by the Department of American = Legion of=20 Harrisburg.

2.3 - Method of=20 Selection

The=20 Umpire Assignor shall select and assign all umpires for the=20 League.

2.4 - Number of=20 Umpires

Two=20 umpires shall be used for each league game, one behind the plate and the = other=20 on the bases. The umpire = behind the=20 plate shall be designated umpire-in-chief. =20 When an umpire fails to report for a game the game must be played = with=20 one umpire.

2.5 - Umpire's=20 Fees

A) =20 Negotiate with the umpire assignor by the February meeting of the = current=20 year.

B) =20 Protested Games L.V.J.L.B.L. will go by State Guide Book = concerning all=20 protests to be heard by the Policy Committee.

C) =20 Each team will pay $15 annually to establish an umpire assignor = expense=20 fund. The assignor will = work with=20 the League Treasurer to get reimbursement. =20 Any unused funds will go to the general league fund and will be = included=20 when calculating the team share.

2.6 - Team Umpires=20 Fees

Member=20 teams shall pay umpire fees at the game, home team pays, as soon as the = game=20 becomes official.

ARTICLE III - PLAYER=20 CONTRACTS

At a=20 date, time and place established by the Regional Director each team = shall have=20 approved the contracts, Birth Certificates, Rosters according to the = guidelines=20 as set forth in the State Guide Book.

ARTICLE IV -=20 POLICING

Each home=20 team is required to police all games.

ARTICLE V -=20 SCORING

Each team=20 is to fill in two (2) batting order cards, one (1) for the = umpire-in-chief and=20 the other for the opposing manager.

ARTICLE VI- FIELD = TIME=20 ALLOTMENT

A) =20 The visiting team shall have use of the field as they wish for=20 thirty-minute period, thirty-five (35) minutes before game=20 time.

B) =20 Five minutes will be allowed for reading of the Legion Code and = the=20 ground rules of the field, five minutes before game = time.

ARTICLE VII -=20 COMMITTEES

7.1 - Policy=20 Committee

A) =20 The Policy Committee shall consist of three (3) League = Representatives=20 and two (2) alternates elected by the League voting membership. The policy committee shall be = formed at=20 the January meeting.

B) =20 The members of the Policy Committee shall serve for a period of = one (1)=20 year.

D) =20 The newly formed Policy Committee shall meet annually for = organizational=20 purposes only and at such other times thereafter as the president or a = majority=20 of members of the League may request.

E) =20 Powers and Duties include:

&nbs= p; =20 1) =20 To have general control over all League relations and League = athletic=20 contests in which a member team participates.

&nbs= p; =20 2) =20 To interpret the provisions of the Constitution, By-Laws and = Rules and=20 Regulations of play of this League as it may from time to time=20 adopt.

&nbs= p; =20 3) =20 To decide matters in dispute between member = teams.

&nbs= p; =20 4) =20 To fix and enforce penalties for any violation of the = Constitution,=20 By-Laws, and Rules and Regulations of play of this League within the = limits=20 prescribed by the By-Laws and Constitution.

&nbs= p; =20 5) =20 To authorize the return of membership dues and to exclude from = membership=20 or to suspend from membership in this League any team whose executive = officer=20 does not enforce the rules of this League.

&nbs= p; =20 6) =20 A majority of its members shall constitute a quorum for the = transaction=20 of business of the Policy Committee.

7.2 - Zoning=20 Committee

A) =20 To zone the league at the February meeting in accordance with the = Junior=20 Legion rule guidebook.

B) =20 Voted by league membership at the January = meeting.

C) =20 Submits zones to state for acceptance and whatever maps are=20 necessary.

7.3 -=20 Statistician

A) =20 Keep all statistics of league standings, schedule and any other = duties as=20 deemed necessary by the League President and league=20 membership.

B) =20 To be appointed yearly by League President.

7.4 - By-Laws=20 Committee

A) =20 Committee consists of two members in good standing of the = league. At the end of the current = season the=20 committee is to review all minutes from current season and add to the = by-laws or=20 constitution of the league.

B) =20 Appointed by the League President.

ARTICLE VIII - = ALL-STAR=20 GAME

The=20 League=92s All-Star Game will be determined by the League annually prior = to=20 scheduling night.

ARTICLE IX -=20 RULES

The=20 L.V.J.L.B.L shall be governed by:

A) =20 Official playing Rules of Baseball (National=20 League).

B) =20 Pennsylvania American Legion Baseball Guide pertaining to = baseball=20 rules.

C) =20 Constitution and By-Laws of the = L.V.J.L.B.L.

D) =20 Limited Substitution

&nbs= p; =20 1) =20 A starting player may return to the lineup, one time in his = original=20 batting position in the starting lineup. =20 The substitute player who batted in the starting players position = in the=20 batting order must be removed from the game and cannot return to the = lineup if=20 the starting player returns to the game.

&nbs= p; =20 2) =20 Pitchers shall be treated like any other starting=20 player.

&nbs= p; =20 3) =20 If a team has used all of its players in a game and then due to = injury or=20 ejection lose a player that can=92t be substituted for via the re-entry = rule, the=20 team can use another player in that spot to finish the game. The intent of this rule is to = encourage=20 teams to use all players without worrying about a forfeiture due to = injury or=20 ejection. The policy = committee will=20 determine any questions of abuse regarding this rule and may revoke the=20 privilege of any team.

E) =20 Pitching Rules

&nbs= p; =20 1) =20 Pennsylvania Baseball Guide Book limits a pitcher to no more than = ten=20 innings or three appearances in any four (4) consecutive calendar day=20 period.

&nbs= p; =20 2) =20 Official Baseball Rule 8.06 - This rule limits the number of = trips a=20 manager or coach can make across the base line for conferences with any = one=20 pitcher in one inning. A = second=20 trip to the same pitcher in the same inning will cause the pitchers = automatic=20 removal. The pitcher = cannot return=20 to the mound for the remainder of the game.

F) = ; =20 F) &n= bsp; =20 To = maintain a=20 standard within the league, there will be no catch and carry permitted = in the=20 league. Players must have = two feet=20 in play to make a good catch. = If a=20 player goes out of play with the ball, the ball is dead and runners = advance one=20 base.

G) =20 15 Run Rule =96 The league shall utilize a 15 run rule after five = innings,=20 unless the home team is ahead by 15 runs or more after 4 =BD = innings. The game will stop immediately = if the 15=20 run limit is reached anytime after five innings.

H) =20 Extra Hitter =96 A team can bat a tenth hitter following these=20 guidelines.

1) = ; =20 1) &n= bsp; =20 The = extra hitter=20 can hit anywhere in the lineup

2) = ; =20 2) &n= bsp; =20 The = extra hitter=20 position is treated like any other fielding position when it comes to=20 substitution

3) = ; =20 3) &n= bsp; =20 It is = optional for=20 each team but if you start the game batting ten you must end with = ten. If you start with nine you = must end with=20 nine. If a team starts = with the EH=20 and only has ten uniformed players and a player is ejected or can not = continue=20 due to injury, they may finish the game with nine but they will take an = out=20 whenever the extra hitter=92s batting position is = up.

4) = ; =20 4) &n= bsp; =20 It will = only be=20 used in the regular season.

5) = ; =20 5) &n= bsp; =20 It is = strongly=20 recommended that the same player not be used in consecutive games as the = EH. We are trying to = develop well-=20 rounded players not just hitters.

ARTICLE X -=20 SCHEDULING

10.1 -=20 General

A) =20 All league games shall be scheduled for seven (7)=20 innings.

B) =20 Schedule shall be determined by the league=20 annually.

C) =20 The season shall consist of no less than 18 games. The membership at a regular = scheduled=20 meeting prior to the schedule being prepared shall determine how many = games will=20 be played and the schedule format.

D) =20 League Expansion beyond 12 teams.

&nbs= p; =20 1) =20 (13 teams) The league will be split into two divisions (East and=20 West). Within the two = division,=20 each team will play all teams home and away. The teams will also play one = cross-fire=20 game against each member of the opposite division. To maintain the league minimum = of 18=20 games played, the division with six teams will play one more game within = its own=20 division with the teams playing four cross-fire road games automatically = the=20 home team. The pairings of these games will be determined by drawing out = of a=20 hat. In the following = years, a team=20 can not draw the same opponent for the second time without having played = all=20 other teams in the division. = Any=20 tie will be broken with a one game playoff with the home team determined = by a=20 coin toss.

&nbs= p; =20 2) =20 (14 teams) Depending on the location of the 14th team, they could = be=20 placed into either division with proper realignment; thus leaving seven = (7)=20 teams in both divisions. = The league=20 schedule will be 19 games, playing home and away within your division, = and once=20 across to all opponents in the opposite division. One year a team will have 10 = home games=20 and 9 away games and the next year this would be = reversed.

&nbs= p; =20 3) =20 (15 teams) Depending on the location of the new teams the = divisions will=20 be aligned with an eight (8) team division and a seven (7) team = division. The league would be play = everyone in=20 their division home and away and also have a cross-fire game with each = team in=20 the opposite division. = The seven=20 (7) team division would play an extra wild card within their division to = have a=20 total of 21 games. The = format of=20 this wild card is the same as the 13 team schedule in section 1=20 above.

&nbs= p; =20 4) =20 (16 teams) The divisions will be aligned to have eight (8) teams = in both=20 the east and west divisions. = This=20 alignment will be determined on the location of the teams. The league will play all teams = within=20 their divisions home and away and everyone in the other division once = rotating=20 home and away every year. = This will=20 give us a 22 game schedule.

&nbs= p; =20 5) =20 (17, 18 teams) Three divisions of 6-6-5 or 6-6-6 teams. Teams = will play=20 everyone in their division twice (home and away) and everyone else once=20 alternating home and away every year.

&nbs= p; =20 6) =20 (19, 20, 21 teams) Four divisions of 5-5-5-4, 5-5-5-5, or 6-5-5-5 = teams. Teams will play = everyone in=20 their division twice (home and away) and everyone else once alternating = home and=20 away every year.

7) =20 (22 teams) The league will split into two 11 team=20 leagues.

E) =20 (More than 16 teams) Divisions will be realigned every two years = (odd=20 numbered years). Teams = will be=20 ranked based on the accumulative record the past two seasons and snaked = through=20 the divisions to provide balance. =20 Home and Away games for non-divisional games will be reversed in = the=20 second of the two years (even numbered years).

NOTE: The=20 league has agreed to expand beyond 16 teams with the stipulation that = every year=20 we have more that 14 teams we will petition the State to change the = State=20 playoff setup to reward the bigger leagues with more=20 representation.

10.2 - Regular Season = and=20 Playoff Schedules

The=20 regular season schedule and playoff schedule will be drawn up by the = membership=20 at a scheduled League meeting.

A) =20 The dates of regular season games can only be changed by the = consent of=20 both teams. The home team = is=20 responsible for notifying the statistician and umpire=20 assignor.

B) =20 The dates of playoff games can only be changed by the consent of = both=20 teams and the League president.

10.3 - Changing of=20 Dates

All=20 requests for changing dates shall specify the new dates agreed upon and = be=20 forwarded at least 48 hours prior to the playing date to the person = responsible=20 for assigning the umpires.

10.4 - Tie/Postponed=20 Games

Postponed=20 games must be rescheduled within three (3) days of the originally = scheduled date=20 and must be played within ten (10) days. =20 If no new date can be agreed upon within the three day period = contact the=20 Vice President for help finding a date and site. If after six (6) days the game = is not=20 rescheduled, the Policy Committee will determine if any punishment = should be=20 given which could include fines or forfeiture if a team is not = cooperating in=20 rescheduling.

10.5 - Postponed=20 Games

If a game=20 is postponed because of inclement weather or wet grounds the home team = must=20 notify visitors and umpires at least two (2) hours prior to game = time. Notify=20 Statistician.

10.6 - Starting Times = of=20 Games

A) =20 30 minute grace for games.

B) =20 Starting time of games may be changed by mutual consent of teams=20 involved. The League = president and=20 umpire assignor must be duly notified.

C) =20 Weekdays and Weekends - no later than 6:00 = p.m.

D) =20 Night games - no later than 8:30 p.m.

E) =20 Use of lights to complete a game that is not designated as a = night game=20 needs to be agreed upon during the ground rules before the game. This agreement must be made = with the=20 consent of both coaches as well as the home plate umpire. The lights will be turned on = at the=20 request of the umpire. If = the=20 agreement is not made, the game will be over when called by the=20 umpire.

10.7 - = Ties

If a game=20 ends in a tie or if the away team ties or takes a lead in the top of an = inning=20 after the game is official

and the=20 bottom of the inning cannot be completed due to weather or darkness, the = game=20 will be considered

suspended=20 and will be continued on a date and site to be determined by the = league. Suspended and tie=20 games

will be=20 scheduled by the League President and umpires fees will be paid by the=20 league. Teams will be = provided=20

with 15=20 minutes for pre-game warm-up.

10.8 - Completion of=20 Season

All=20 League games must be played. = Any=20 team who does not complete their regular season schedule will be put on=20 probation for the following season.

ARTICLE XI -=20 PLAYOFFS

11.1=20 General

A) =20 (12 teams or less)

1. Format: = A four team playoff = to be held=20 between the first 4 place finishers in the season standings. First place team will play = fourth place=20 team and the second place team will play the third place team in the = League=20 season standings, in round one. = The=20 first and second place teams will be the home team in game one, the = third and=20 fourth place teams will be the home team in game two. Teams finishing regular season = play in=20 1st or 2nd position have home field advantage if a 3rd game(s) is=20 necessary. In the final = round of=20 the playoffs the 1st highest seeded team has the home field advantage. = Each=20 playoff series to be best of three games.

&nbs= p; =20 2. Tiebreakers: In = case of a=20 tie for either first or second, third or fourth, or fourth and fifth = places a=20 one game elimination is to be played. =20 Home team is to be determined by a toss of the coin. Expenses and = receipts to be shared on a 50-50 basis.

3.=20 If we have the = wildcard:=20 To=20 be determined

4.=20 If we have a host = team:=20 To=20 be determined

B) =20 (13, 14, or 15 teams, 2 divisions)

1.=20 Format: = The west division = winner will=20 play the east second place finisher and the east winner will play the = west=20 second place finisher in a best of three series. The winners will advance for a = best of=20 three championship series with the team with the better record having a = home=20 field advantage.

2.=20 Tiebreakers: = To=20 be determined

3.=20 If we have the = wildcard: If the league gets an = at large=20 bid to the Eastern Regional the playoff winner goes as league = champion. The two division winners will = play (1)=20 game for the at large bid.

&nbs= p; = ; =20 a) =20 Division winners should play on a neutral field. If none are available, home = team will be=20 determined by a coin toss.

&nbs= p; = ; =20 b) =20 Costs for this game will be split. =20 Neutral field maintenance will be the responsibility of the team=20 associated with the neutral field. =20 Gate receipts will be split.

&nbs= p; = ; =20 c) =20 If the winner of the divisional playoff game and the winner of = the league=20 championship series end up being the same team, the loser of the league=20 championship series will gain the at large bid.

&nbs= p; =20 4. If we have a host = team: If=20 a member (referred to as "host" team) of our league is hosting the = Eastern=20 Regional or State Finals and also qualifies to represent our league = through the=20 guidelines established, the following will happen:

&nbs= p; = ; =20 a) =20 the "host" team will go as host team.

&nbs= p; = ; =20 b) =20 if we do not have a wildcard, the team that lost to the "host" = team in=20 the league championship series will go as league = champion.

&nbs= p; = ; =20 c) =20 if we do have a wildcard,

&nbs= p; = ; = =20 i) =20 if the "host" team won the divisional &nbs= p;=20 playoff and does not reach the championship series, "host" goes = as host,=20 winner of league championship series goes as league champion, and loser = of the=20 league championship series goes as the wildcard.

&nbs= p; = ; = =20 ii) =20 if the "host" team won the divisional playoff and reaches the=20 championship series, the team playing the "host" in the championship = will go as=20 the league champion, the "host" will go as host team, and a three game = series=20 will be played, between the two first round losers, at the same time as = the=20 league championship series to determine who goes as=20 wildcard.

&nbs= p; = ; = =20 iii) =20 if =93non-host" team A wins the divisional playoff and faces the = =93host"=20 team in the league championship series. =20 The =93host" team goes as host, the team playing the =93host" = goes as league=20 champion, and a three game series will be played, between the two first = round=20 losers, at the same time as the league championship series to determine = who goes=20 as wildcard.

&nbs= p; = ; = =20 iv) =20 if "non-host" team A wins the divisional championship and the = "host" team=20 defeats =93non-host=94 team B in the league championship series, the = =93host=94 goes as=20 host team, the divisional winner goes as league champion and "non-host" = team B=20 goes as wildcard. =20

&nbs= p; =20 (NOTE: The extra = series will=20 only be necessary if the league championship series is between the = "host" team=20 and the divisional playoff winner or if the "host" team wins the = divisional=20 playoff and reaches the championship series.)

C) = ; =20 C) &n= bsp; =20 (16 teams, 2=20 divisions)

1.=20 Format: = The playoff will now = be between=20 the top four (4) finishers in each division in a double elimination = tournament,=20 games will be played in seven days (3 on, 2 off, 3 on). The initial pairings are based = on the=20 highest seeds playing the lowest seeds (1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. 6, 4 vs. = 5). The brackets will not = change=20 after each round. Seeding = will be=20 based on won-loss record overall at the end of the season and not by = division=20 finish. . Higher seeds are the = home teams=20 with the exception that the winner of the winner=92s bracket will play = at home=20 until they are beaten, then it will revert back to the higher seed being = the=20 home team.

&nbs= p; = ; =20

2.=20 Tiebreakers:

a) = Tie Breakers for Eligibility - there will only = be a need=20 for a tie breaker system if a tie for 1^st and 2^nd = place=20 occurs or a tie among teams for the 4^th place position would=20 occur. If this occurs the = following=20 tie breakers shall be used in order: Head to Head, Division Record, Coin = toss if=20 a tie for 1^st and 2^nd place, a playoff if tie for = the=20 4^th position occurs.

b) =20 Tie Breakers for Seeding - Head to Head results. If they split during the = regular season,=20 a coin toss will determine the seedings.=20

&nbs= p; = ; =20 3. If we have the = wildcard: If the league gets an at = large bid=20 to the Eastern Regional the playoff winner goes as league champion. The two division winners will = play (1)=20 game for the at large bid.

&nbs= p; = ; =20 a) =20 Division winners should play on a neutral field. If none are available, home = team will be=20 determined by a coin toss.

&nbs= p; = ; =20 b) =20 Costs for this game will be split. =20 Neutral field maintenance will be the responsibility of the team=20 associated with the neutral field. =20 Gate receipts will be split.

&nbs= p; = ; =20 c) =20 If the winner of the divisional playoff game and the winner of = the league=20 championship series end up being the same team, the loser of the league=20 championship series will gain the at large bid.

4.=20 If we have a host=20 team: If a=20 member (referred to as = "host" team)=20 of our league is hosting the Eastern Regional or State Finals and also = qualifies=20 to represent our league through the guidelines established, the = following will=20 happen:

&nbs= p; = ; =20 a) =20 the "host" team will go as host team.

&nbs= p; = ; =20 b) =20 if we do not have a wildcard, the team that lost to the "host" = team in=20 the league championship series will go as league = champion.

&nbs= p; = ; = =20 c) =20 if we do have a wildcard,

i) =20 if the "host" team won the divisional playoff and does not reach = the=20 championship series, "host" goes as host, winner of league championship = series=20 goes as league champion, and loser of the league championship series = goes as the=20 wildcard.

ii) =20 if the "host" team won the divisional playoff and reaches the=20 championship series, the = team=20 playing the "host" in the championship will go as the league champion, = the=20 "host" will go as host team, and a three game series will be played, = between the=20 two first round losers, at the same time as the league championship = series to=20 determine who goes as wildcard.

&nbs= p; = ; = =20

iii) =20 if "non-host" team A wins the divisional playoff and faces the = "host"=20 team in the league championship series. The "host" team goes as host, = the team=20 playing the "host" goes as league champion, and a three game series will = be=20 played, between the two first round losers, at the same time as the = league=20 championship series to determine who goes as = wildcard.

iv) =20 if "non-host" team A wins the divisional championship and the = "host" team=20 defeats "non-host" team B in the league championship series, the "host" = goes as=20 host team, the divisional winner goes as league champion and "non-host" = team B=20 goes as wildcard. =20

&nbs= p; =20 (NOTE: The extra = series will=20 only be necessary if the league championship series is between the = "host" team=20 and the divisional playoff winner or if the "host" team wins the = divisional=20 playoff and reaches the championship series.)

D) D)=20 (17, 18=20 teams, 3 divisions)

1.=20 Format: = The playoff will now = be between=20 the three division winners and the next 5 best records in the league in = a double=20 elimination tournament, games will be played in seven days (3 on, 2 off, = 3=20 on). The initial pairings = are based=20 on the highest seeds playing the lowest seeds (1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. = 6, 4 vs.=20 5). The brackets will not = change=20 after each round. Seeding = will be=20 based on won-loss percentage overall at the end of the season. Higher seeds are the = home teams=20 with the exception that the winner of the winner=92s bracket will play = at home=20 until they are beaten, then it will revert back to the higher seed being = the=20 home team.

2.=20 Tiebreakers:

a) =20 Tie Breakers to determine Division Winners =96 Head to Head = results,=20 division record, and then coin flip only if tie teams will qualify for = playoffs=20 otherwise a playoff is needed. =20 (Note: If we flip a coin to determine division winner all tie = teams=20 involved in the flip would receive a division winner=20 trophy.)

b) =20 Tie Breakers for 5 wildcards =96 Head to head, division record = only if all=20 tie teams are from same division, and then flip of coin if all tie teams = will=20 qualify for playoffs otherwise a playoff will be = needed.

c) &n= bsp; =20 The Policy Committee will handle = any=20 special cases that arise and will be responsible for establishing any = tiebreaker=20 playoff games. =20

d) &n= bsp; =20 No team involved in a tie can be = eliminated=20 from the playoffs by a flip of a coin.

&nbs= p; = ; =20 3.=20 If we have the = wildcard: The=20 team that lost to the final playoff game will go as the = wildcard.

&nbs= p; = ; =20 4.=20 If we have the=20 host: If a=20 member (referred to as "host" team) of our league is hosting the Eastern = Regional or State Finals and also qualifies to represent our league = through the=20 guidelines established, the following will happen:

&nbs= p; = ; =20 a) =20 the "host" team will go as host team.

&nbs= p; = ; = =20 b) =20 the team that lost to the "host" team in the final league playoff = game=20 will go as league champion.

E) =20 (19-21 teams)

1. Format: The playoff will now = be between=20 the four division winners and the next 4 best records in the league in a = double=20 elimination tournament, games will be played in seven days (3 on, 2 off, = 3=20 on). The initial pairings = are based=20 on the highest seeds playing the lowest seeds (1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. = 6, 4 vs.=20 5). The brackets will not = change=20 after each round. Seeding = will be=20 based on won-loss percentage overall at the end of the season. Higher seeds are the home = teams with the=20 exception that the winner of the winner=92s bracket will play at home = until they=20 are beaten, then it will revert back to the higher seed being the home=20 team.

2.=20 Tiebreakers:

a) =20 a) = Tie Breakers to determine Division Winners =96 = Head to=20 Head results, division record, and then coin flip only if tie teams will = qualify=20 for playoffs otherwise a playoff is needed. (Note: If we flip a coin to = determine=20 division winner all tie teams involved in the flip would receive a = division=20 winner trophy.)

b) Tie Breakers for 5 = wildcards =96 Head=20 to head, division record only if all tie teams are from same division, = and then=20 flip of coin if all tie teams will qualify for playoffs otherwise a = playoff will=20 be needed.

c) &n= bsp; =20 The Policy Committee will handle = any=20 special cases that arise and will be responsible for establishing any = tiebreaker=20 playoff games. =20

d) &n= bsp; =20 No team involved in a tie can be = eliminated=20 from the playoffs by a flip of a coin.

&nbs= p; = ; =20 3.=20 If we have the = wildcard: The=20 team that lost to the final playoff game will go as the = wildcard. &nbs= p; =20

&nbs= p; = ; =20 4.=20 If we have the=20 host: If a=20 member (referred to as "host" team) of our league is hosting the Eastern = Regional or State Finals and also qualifies to represent our league = through the=20 guidelines established, the following will happen:

a) =20 the "host" team will go as host team.

b) =20 the team that lost to the "host" team in the final league playoff = game=20 will go as league champion.

11.2 -=20 Scheduling

A) =20 The playoff schedule will be drawn up by the membership prior to = the=20 start of the regular season. = See=20 Article X, Section 2.

B) =20 Positional playoff (see Section 1, Paragraph C above) will be = scheduled=20 by the membership at the regularly scheduled League=20 meeting.

11.3 -=20 Umpires

A) =20 Two umpires shall be used for each playoff game, one behind the = plate and=20 one on the bases. The = umpire behind=20 the plate shall be the umpire-in-chief.

B) =20 No playoff game may be played with less than two (2)=20 umpires.

C) =20 The teams involved may choose to use three (3)=20 umpires.

11.4 -=20 Trophies

A) =20 A team trophy will be presented to the seasonal champion (12 = or less=20 teams) or division winners (13 or more teams). Trophies will be presented to = the=20 players of the teams in the finals of the League championship = playoffs. The Championship team and = runner-up will=20 get a team trophy also each team will get 21 trophies for its=20 team.

B) =20 The league championship trophy will be named the George Horwath Award. =20

ARTICLE XII - = MISCELLANEOUS=20 RULES

A) =20 Both teams must report the result of the game to the League = Statistician=20 no later than 12 noon the day after the game has been played. Results include score, = pitchers=92 names=20 and innings pitched for all pitchers involved in the game. Teams failing to report = results by the=20 required deadline will result in the following:

&nbs= p; =20 1^st Offense- =20 $5.00 fine

&nbs= p; =20 2^nd Offense- =20 $5.00 fine

&nbs= p; =20 3^rd Offense- =20 $10.00 fine

&nbs= p; =20 4^th Offense- =20 $10.00 fine

&nbs= p; =20

5^th Offense and thereafter will = result in a=20 $10.00 fine and one (1) game suspension of the = manager.

B) =20 In addition to the team share, each team will pay an additional = $10=20 fee. This money will be = donated to=20 any one of our teams who become eligible and qualify in the State = Finals. This is to help defer = cost. If no team qualifies than the = money is=20 carried over and becomes part of our general fund.

C) =20 Each team must have two officially announced tryouts. Proof of the announcements = will need to=20 be presented at roster night along with a list of players (and their = date of=20 birth) who attended the tryouts. = There is a fine of $25 for failure to do = so.

D) =20 If lightning is seen by either umpire, the field must be cleared = and a=20 wait of fifteen (15) minutes must take place. A fifteen (15) minute waiting = period=20 begins each time lightning is observed.

E) =20 A coaching box of the dimensions identified in the Major League = rulebook=20 must be clearly marked before the game can begin. A coach will receive one = warning for=20 being out of the coach=92s box. = A=20 second offense will result in the coach=92s ejection from the=20 game.

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