Miami Valley Adult
Baseball League (MVABL) revised
March 31, 2010
OVERVIEW
This league was created to provide for adults 18
years old and over an alternative to softball and enable us to play the game we
all grew up playing. Adult attitudes must always prevail, no matter how
competitive any league is. The
responsibility that this ethic sustains will remain at the responsibility of
the League President and his officers, and anyone who abuses the league’s code
can be fined, suspended or expelled from the league.
League Government – The operation of the league is handled by
three league officers who may or may not be team managers. The league officers
(President, Vice-President, and Treasurer) will be responsible for budgeting,
scheduling, and resolving any protests or appeals during the season, as well as
assuring that the spirit and letter of the league rules (in that order) are
being followed. The League President will act as the league arbiter on matters
regarding sportsmanship and integrity of the league. The VP will act as the
President’s backup, if President is unavailable or if the President’s team is
referenced in a league decision. The Treasurer will be in charge of paying
league bills and reporting status of league balance at the end of each month.
League Board positions are one-year terms to be re-voted upon at season kickoff
meeting. League decisions that are put up for vote will be made only by a
team’s manager (or team representative) at league meetings. Voting results are
implemented based on majority. League president will be tiebreaker vote.
Coaches Meetings – At least one representative from each team in
the league is required to attend each league meeting. It is imperative that
each team is represented during the league meetings, as several key topics are
discussed, and the league needs to make sure that all teams’ opinions and votes
are accounted for. If a team representative is not present during a meeting,
the team’s voting opportunity will be denied.
RULES
1. LEAGUE FEES
1.1. League Deposit – The league deposit
(non-refundable) of $1000 is due by Selection Sunday (NCAA March Madness
selections) of each season. Exact dates will be emailed out to coaches each
season and will be posted on the league website for visibility.
1.1.1. If a team fails to pay the league deposit
plus any outstanding fees by the date mentioned in Section 1.1, the team will
not be allowed to participate in the upcoming season.
Fees for Players
1.2. Player Fees – Each player will pay $200 for
the league fee.
1.2.1. Additional fees (such as uniform, hat,
equipment, etc.) will be incurred by the player as requested by the team’s
manager.
1.2.2. Players will not be allowed to play until
the $200 league fee is paid in full. Exception: see description of prorated
league fees in Section 1.2.3.
1.2.3. Players who are added to the initial
roster after Opening Day will be required to pay league fees at a prorated
rate, based on the first game they play and the remaining number of games left
on the team’s league schedule. The pro-rated rate will be distributed to each
of the coaches prior to the start of the season.
Fees for Teams
1.3. League Fees – A team’s league fee is
comprised of the number of players on the initial roster multiplied by $200.
1.3.1. If your league fee is not paid by the
designated date, your next game will be counted as a forfeit and a forfeit win
will be awarded to the opposing team.
1.3.2. If fees are then not paid in full within 24
hours of your team’s 2nd scheduled game, your team will forfeit the
remainder of the season. All monies collected by the league up to that point
will not be refunded. (See Section 1.5 for description of team forfeitures and
standing within the league.)
1.3.3. Substitute players (those not listed on the player’s
initial roster) are not subject to paying a league fee, unless they play in at
least 4 league games. Upon playing the fourth league game, the substitute
player will be subject to a $10 per game league fee, retroactive to the first
time he played. For example, if a substitute player plays in 6 league games,
the team will owe the league an additional $60. This sub fee will be due to the
league by the end of the regular season in order for the team to be eligible
for the playoffs.
1.4. League fees cover the following
expenditures: Umpires, fields, baseballs, insurance, website upkeep, marketing
materials, and league awards.
Forfeit Fees
1.5. Two forfeits by any team will mean immediate expulsion from
the league with no money refunded to the team. Forfeits will be defined as any
of the following:
1.5.1. If your team must forfeit
one or more games on a scheduled game date, your team
will be required to pay a $130 reinstatement fee before your next scheduled
game. If the fee is not paid to the league before the next scheduled game, you
will be forced to forfeit your second game of the season, thereby ending your
season, with no monies returned.
1.5.2. In order for the team to return the next season, the team
must pay the $260 reinstatement fee due to forfeiting two games in the previous
season.
1.5.3. If a team forfeits an entire season or
the majority of the season, league officers have the right to rework the league
schedule to give teams more games as replacement games and therefore, the
affected teams will not receive compensation for having their game cancelled
due to a forfeit win.
1.5.4. For a game forfeited on game day, umpires
will still be compensated for showing up.
2. UNIFORMS, HELMETS, BASEBALLS, AND OTHER
EQUIPMENT
2.1. All teams must have full baseball uniforms
consisting of caps, numbered baseball jerseys, baseball pants, belt, sanitary
sox and/or stirrups - each player’s uniform must be of similar design to his
teammates’ uniforms. Teams having sponsorship will be allowed the sponsor’s
name on their uniforms via patch or uniform shirt (must meet approval from the
League Board). COLOR EXCEPTIONS: All uniforms must be approved by the League
President. Uniform vests must be worn with an undershirt.
2.1.1. No player on your roster out of uniform
will be allowed to play without the opposing manager’s consent. A player is
considered out of uniform if his hat and/or shirt do not match the team, and/or
they do not have baseball pants on, i.e., no sweats,
shorts, etc. Pants may NOT be of a different color, but they may differ in
piping; it is preferred that the complete uniform match.
2.1.2. All teams should have their uniforms by
their first game. A grace period of 2 scheduled games is extended for newly
activated players after the first scheduled game of the new season.
2.2. All batters and runners must wear helmets
for both at-bats and on base. There is no exception to this rule. Full
double-ear flap helmets are encouraged for at bats and are encouraged for the
bases. Catchers are also encouraged to wear a helmet underneath their mask.
2.3. All teams will use baseballs provided by the local
league. Each home team should bring a maximum of 3 new balls to each game.
Additional baseballs (previously used league baseballs, or other brand) may be
used (upon agreement of both coaches) during a game in which the maximum number
of league balls has been used up.
2.4. Wood and metal bats are allowed and both will be permitted
for the regular season and postseason. Exception: Only bats with a weight
differential no greater than -3 may be used in any MVABL league game or affiliated
tournament game. If a player is caught using an illegal bat,
- during the at-bat
before the first pitch is thrown: The
team must remove the bat from the game, the batter will need to find a legal
bat to use;
- during the at-bat after a pitch is thrown: The player will
be ruled out and no base runners will advance. The pitcher will be awarded a
strikeout. The bat will be removed from play;
- after the batter has put the ball in play and before the
next batter has received his first pitch: The batter using the illegal bat will
be ruled out. All base runners will return to the bases they occupied prior to
that batter’s plate appearance. The pitcher will be awarded a strikeout;
- any other time during the game: Bat will be removed from
field of play
2.5. Metal cleats are permitted.
3. GAME LENGTH, RUN RULE AND RAIN-OUTS
3.1. All single games are 9 innings – unless
they are weekday games which are 7. No
time limit will be invoked for weekend games unless noted. More often than not,
if more than two games are played at the same location, a time limit may be
invoked. In which case, each game will be played up until no new inning after 2
hours and 45 minutes as determined by the umpires. All
weekday games will begin between 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM. With the agreement
between coaches and umpires, some weekday games may start as soon as 6:30 p.m.
3.1.1. All double headers are 7 innings each with one exception: If a team plays two different opponents
in the doubleheader, then games will be 9 innings in length.
3.1.2. All playoff games will be 7 innings each with two
exceptions: a) game 3 of a best-of-three series will be 9 innings, and b) all
games in the championship series will be 9 innings. All league playoff games
must be played to completion.
3.1.3. Games may be ruled completed due to darkness/rain. Re:
darkness - 7 innings complete at umpires discretion;
Re: rain - 5 innings complete at umpires discretion.
The umpire may suspend or call a game if, in
their opinion, the safety of the players is compromised
due to rain, darkness or time limits.
3.2. Run-rules
3.2.1. If there is a 15-run discrepancy at the
end of 5 innings or greater in a 7 or 9 inning game, and the losing team has
had an opportunity to bat if they are the home team, the game will be ruled
final.
3.2.2. If there is a 12-run discrepancy at the
end of 7 innings or greater in a 9 inning game, and the losing team has had an
opportunity to bat if they are the home team, the game will be ruled final.
3.2.3 Run-rules will be in effect for playoff
games
3.3. Any games rained out will be re-scheduled
(if possible) by the league if they affect seeding for playoffs. All make-up
games will be played on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Sundays at the league’s discretion.
Other days/nights may be utilized for make-ups only at the discretion of both
teams involved. Rain out games will be made up if possible in order of
cancellations.
3.4 Tie games can be played to completion at a
later date (but is not required), with the agreement of both teams and league
notification. Note: Coordination with Head of Umpires will also be a factor in
making up tie games.
3.5. Forfeit wins will count as a Win for the
opposing team and a Loss for the forfeiting team.
3.6. Final league standings in each division
will be determined by divisional won/lost percentage. Ties will be decided by
overall record, head-to-head results, then scoring differential.
3.7. Playoff standings will be based on overall
won/lost percentage. Ties will be decided by divisional won/lost percentage (if
in same division), head-to-head results, then scoring
differential.
4. SCOREKEEPING AND STATISTICS
4.1. Submitting Scores – All scores should be
submitted to the league website developer within 24 hours of game completion.
If managers report different scores, the home team book will be used as the
official score.
4.1.1. It is encouraged that coaches/scorekeepers get together
after each game to compare books/statistics. Home team will always be official score,
unless the home team relinquishes that right prior to the start of the game.
4.1.2. If the home team does not have a scorekeeper, the visiting
team will be official book. If both teams do not have scorekeeper, it is
imperative that both coaches get together afterwards to complete both sides of
the score.
4.1.3. Each team will be required to email the league president
with the lineup used during your most recent game in order to keep track of
players’ eligibility status.
4.2. Game Recaps – Game recaps are not required
but they are encouraged as they provide visibility to your team and other
teams/players in the league. Game recaps should be submitted to the league
website developer no later than 48 hours from completion of the game. Monday is
the most frequently viewed day for the recaps on the website, so the sooner
they are received, the better.
4.3. Statistics – Managers are encouraged to
compile his team’s statistics each week and submit it to the league website
developer by the Friday of that week, so that they can be posted on the league
website by the weekend.
5. TEAMS, PLAYERS AND LINEUPS
5.1. A player is eligible to participate in an
official league sanctioned game on the date of his 18th birthday, and not
before due to liability reasons.
5.1.1. New Players – The League President
shall control the assignment to teams of all new players who have contacted the
league in response to advertising or who have been referred to the league by
any means. A player who has not played in any league game in either the current
or previous year shall be regarded as a new player.
5.2. Team rosters must be submitted to the
league by the first Sunday (unless designated otherwise in a coaches meeting)
in April in the current season, including date of birth and player waiver
forms.
5.2.1. Roster Extension – Players may be added
after the start of the season. However, rosters may not be changed after July
15th. Exception: See Section 5.7.2 and 5.7.3.
5.2.2. Rosters need to include the following
information: First Name, Last Name, Phone Number(s), Address, Email address
(optional), Birth date, and Uniform Number
5.2.3. Final team rosters must have no less than
14 players.
5.2.4. Only people that appear on a team’s
roster will be allowed on the field during games. If a team has a non-playing
coach, that person must also be listed on the roster. (Designated
coaches, who do not play, will not be required to pay league fees). It
is strongly encouraged to keep children out of the dugouts during the game. If
your children have to be in the dugout, they must wear helmets at ALL times.
5.3. All players, prior to participating in a
game, must have signed waiver forms on file with the league. (see Section 5.7.2 for additional stipulations on using
non-roster players)
5.3.1. If a player is on a team’s roster and is found to have
participated in a game without a signed/dated waiver form, that team will
forfeit that game in which the ineligible player was used. (see
Section 1.5 for more details on forfeitures)
5.4. A team manager may bat as many players as
he desires, with a minimum of 9 (subject to the number of players available, if
less than 9). Batters cannot be deleted or skipped over, regardless of their
batting position or when they were added during the game. Also, the coach at
his discretion may bat a 9a, and a 9b, and a 10a, and 10b if so desired. For example, when the 9th position in the hitting order
comes up for the first time, 9a bats. The second time around in the
order 9b bats, so on and so forth. You may add as many a and
b batters starting with the 9th hitting position. You cannot delete
these batters either!!
5.5. A manager may add batters to the bottom of
the lineup at any time but if a batter is pinch-hit or run for (except under
courtesy runners as outlined in section 7). The player may not re-enter the
game as a hitter but may remain in the game as a fielder or pitcher. Each team
has a hitting and a defensive lineup that are independent of each other.
Players may play in either lineup or both.
5.5.1. All teams must announce offensive
additions, substitutions and/or changes to the opposing team
manager/representative AND umpire. Only after this has been done will the added
player be deemed a legal substitution.
5.5.2. If a team fails to announce an offensive
addition/change, the player will be called out as soon as the first pitch is
thrown to that player and the lineup will revert back to the lineup in effect
prior to the player entering the game. The unannounced player will not have
officially entered the offensive lineup and is therefore still available
offensively even though an out has been assessed.
5.5.2.1. The out made due to the illegal
substitution will be registered for the player for which the substitution would
have been made.
5.6. If a player is forced to leave a game due
to injury or commitment or if a player is ejected from a game, a reserve
player, not previously entered into the game as a hitter, must hit in the
batter’s place. If no reserve is present, that spot is skipped and all batters
move up accordingly, with no penalty to the affected team.
5.7. A team must have 7 players for an official
game and may borrow up to two players from an opposing team with the opposing
manager’s consent or may borrow a player from another team, without the
opposing manager’s consent. If the team’s 8th or 9th player arrives after the
start of the game, the borrowed player reverts back to his team.
5.7.1. A team will not be allowed to borrow a
player from another team during the playoffs.
5.7.2. Only with the opposing coach’s consent
will a player not on a team’s roster be allowed to play in a league game. In
addition, any accepted player not on a team’s roster can only play if he has
signed the player’s waiver form. Said player’s form must be submitted to the
league no later than 7 days after the game begins and must be dated with the
date of the game. If a non-roster player is found to
have participated in a game without a signed/dated waiver form submitted in the
proper time span, that team will forfeit that game in which the ineligible
non-roster player was used.
5.7.3. A non-roster player, as mentioned in
Section 5.7.2., may be added to the team roster permanently following the
player’s first game played, but not after July 15th. If the player
is not added to the team roster after his first game played and subsequently is
needed to fill in a lineup for a later game, the player will be subject to the same
opposing coach’s consent laid out in Section 5.7.2.
5.7.4. A non-roster player (or sub) will pay $10 on a per-game
basis. So, if a sub is used 5 times during the season, the team will owe the
league $50. This sub fee will be due to the league by the end of the regular
season in order to be eligible for the playoffs.
5.8. All players may be substituted for
defensively, at any time, without affecting the player’s offensive status in
the line-up. If any pitcher is removed
(starter or reliever), he may re-enter to pitch only one time during the course
of the game, but not in the same inning. The removed pitcher may play any other
position after being removed or no position at all.
5.9. Playoff eligibility – In order for a player to qualify
and participate in his team’s local league playoffs, he must participate in at
least 25% of his team’s regular season games and have his league fee paid in
full and have any outstanding league balances paid in full. If such a player
fails to meet the requirements due to injury or unforeseen circumstances, an
email should be submitted to the League President explaining
non-compliance. League President will
have final say on eligibility.
5.9.1 For a non-roster player (sub) to be eligible for the
playoffs, he must meet the 25% games played minimum, have league fees paid for
the number of games played, and must pay a $25 exemption fee.
5.10. Player Contracts
5.10.1. Player
Invites: December 31st of each year is the deadline for
coaches to invite players back to the team. A list of spring training invitees
will be submitted to the League President at the end of each calendar year and
subsequently posted on each team’s page on the league website.
5.10.2. Player
Signing Period: Coaches have from January 1 until January 31st of the
current year to have invited players sign contracts for the upcoming season.
Invited players who sign the player contract are committed to the team for the
upcoming season.
5.10.3. Switching
teams: Players who sign a contract with a team
and, after January 31st, decide to play with another team in the league – the
player MUST get consent from both coaches and the league board. If the current
coach disapproves and the league approves the switch, the team losing the
player will be rewarded with the receiving team’s first draft pick of the
upcoming season. If the league does not approve the switch, the player will
either have to play out the season with the current team, or the player must
sit out one calendar year from competition, from
the last date of his playing, or re-enter the league’s next draft, making himself available to any team for selection.
5.10.4. Free
Agency: A player from a non-disbanding team, who does not sign the
player contract by January 31st, is welcome to re-enter the draft or
join any team in the league.
5.10.5.
Team Disbands: In the event a team disbands
during the season or at season’s conclusion, all the players will become
automatic free agents and will be permitted to play for any desired team.
However, a formal request to join a new team MUST be made to the League
President for a formal review. If the league approves the transition, the
player is free to join the new team immediately. If the league disapproves the
move, the player must re-enter the league via the draft, form a new team, or
sit out one season from league play.
5.10.6.
Generally, a transfer can be denied under these circumstances:
5.10.7.
The League President may choose to discuss the matter of player transfers with
members of the league board, but will ultimately make the final decision on
whether enough evidence presents itself that tampering may or may not have been
involved in recruiting a player. If tampering occurs, the team found guilty of
recruiting a player will lose all draft picks for the current season AND will
be issued a $100 fine payable to the league.
5.11. Trades
5.11.1. Player
trades may occur under the following scenarios:
5.11.2.
If Team B disbands after the current
season, then Team A will be compensated with a pick at the end of Round 1 of
next year’s draft (herein called the Compensatory Round).
5.12. MVABL Draft
5.12.1. Each year, all players on the league’s
waiting list will be invited to a draft. The annual draft will be conducted in
a manner to allow parity in leagues by having the prior year’s teams with the
lowest finishing records drafting first.
5.12.2. New teams will be added to the end of Round 1 of the draft
and will subsequently start off Round 2.
5.12.3. Any teams needing to draft players should submit, in
writing, no later than 1 week prior to the draft date on how many players the
coach will be drafting. If the coach states that he will be drafting three
players, then that coach will receive at least three players as a result of the
tryout, if at least that many players are available left to choose from.
5.13. Waiver Wire
5.13.1. The waiver wire will be set based on 1. Expansion
teams; 2. Lowest winning % from previous season; 3.
2nd lowest winning % from previous season; etc..
The waiver wire will go into effect immediately after the draft ends.
5.13.2. If during the season or after the draft,
a new player seeks to join a team in the league, the team at the top of the
waiver wire will be contacted to see if a spot is available on the team. If
this team agrees to take the new player, the team will thus be added to the
bottom of the waiver wire and will not be able to add additional new players
unless the remaining teams all pass on subsequent requests. If all teams pass
on a waiver claim, the player will be posted on the league website on the
Waiver Wire page to be eligible to be picked up by any team at any time during
the season.
6. PLAYERS BEHAVIOR AND TEAM RESPONSIBILITY
6.1. There will be no beer or alcoholic
beverages permitted at the field before, during or after the game. There will
be no smoking allowed in the dugouts or on the field. The field refers to the
general playing area and ancillary areas.
6.2. The league has the right to suspend or
expel any team member who abuses league rules or who does not exhibit a sense
of sportsmanship or who plays without regard to the safety of the umpires or
other players.
6.3. An umpire has sole discretion to expel any player or manager
from the game.
6.4. Fighting among players or aggressive
physical contact with an umpire will not be tolerated and players expelled from
the game for either violation will be subject to suspension or expulsion from
the league.
6.5. Players shall not intentionally collide
with any other players. In the case of a runner accidentally colliding with a
fielder, the runner will be called out, but will be allowed to remain in the
game. However, at the umpire’s discretion, if it is determined that the contact
was intentional the player may be expelled from the game. All base runners must
either slide or give up their right to a base (avoid a collision by stopping or
leaving a base path) if the defensive player (e.g. catcher) has possession of
the ball, is in the act of receiving the ball, or is about to immediately
receive the ball and will be able to make an apparent play on the base runner.
If a defensive player is not in possession of
the ball, is not in the act of receiving the ball, or is not about to
immediately receive the ball so that he is able to record an out (apparent
play. at any base), he cannot block the base (e.g. home plate) or be in the
base path so as to impede (obstruct) the base runner’s right to that base.
Under such circumstances, the defensive player shall be responsible to avoid
collision. If a collision does occur under these circumstances, the runner will
always be considered safe and the obstruction rule shall be enforced. The
defensive player may be ejected from the game (if the action is intentional, he
must be ejected), and will be suspended from league play if the obstruction is
judged to be flagrant.
6.6. Failure to abide by age regulations – the
managers must all recognize their responsibility to the league and the
perpetuity of it as to not cross the line where winning is more important than
playing. An opposing manager may at anytime have the right to question a
player’s age. If a manager wants to lodge protest, proof of age and residence
must be mailed to the manager who lodged his protest by Friday of the following
week. If an under age player is detected, penalties
whether to the individual or team will be decided by the league. As a national
precedent, the penalties will be forfeiture of all games in which the under-age
player participated in and a minimum two-year suspension. If the manager had
prior knowledge, he is subject to similar suspension.
7. COURTESY RUNNERS
7.1. Players that will need courtesy runners, must have their manager notify the opposing manager
before game time. If not
so notified, the opposing manager may deny the request. Each team will be
allowed the maximum of 1 courtesy runner per game. The player to make the last
batted out must be the courtesy runner. Once the game begins and the full
complement of 1 courtesy runner has not been used, only by obvious injury can
an additional courtesy runner be used. In the event a player becomes injured
during the game and the maximum number of courtesy runners (1) has already been
designated, the former courtesy runner will be forfeited, and the injured
player will become the new designated player needing a courtesy runner. If a
batter (designated as needing a courtesy runner) opts to run, or forgets to get
a courtesy runner and subsequently runs, he will lose his courtesy runner for
the remaining portion of the game.
7.2. Catcher/Pitcher Speed Up Rule – With the
catcher/pitcher on base and two outs, the player making the last batted out can
replace the catcher/pitcher on base as the runner.
7.3. If a courtesy runner ends up running for another player, is
on base, and is on deck to bat, the person making the last batted out will run
for the courtesy runner, so as not to deter from the player’s opportunity to
warm up to bat.
8. PITCHERS
8.1. No player while pitching may wear white or
gray sleeves, or be sleeveless, nor may a pitcher wear a batting glove or
wristband while pitching.
8.2. Intentional walks will be allowed.
8.3. If a pitcher hits 4 batters in any one game, the pitcher must
be removed on the fourth hit batsman.
8.4. There is no regulation as to how many innings a pitcher may
pitch in a game or a week.
9. FIELDERS
9.1. Infielders will NOT be allowed to decoy a throw or
catch. Penalties for decoying a throw or
catch are subject to high school interpretations.
9.2. Runners who intentionally try to screen an infielder from a
batted ball, will be ruled out, and a dead ball
situation will be in effect (subject to umpire’s discretion).
10. EX-PRO STATUS AND REGULATIONS
10.1. A player must be out of pro-ball for 1
complete MVABL season before becoming eligible to participate in our league.
Pro-ball refers to major and minor leagues. Independent leagues are to be
considered separately.
11. GENERAL LEAGUE RULES
11.1. Field Upkeep - Keep in mind that we are
guests on all the fields we use, and behave accordingly. Do not damage the
field or facilities in any way, and make every effort to clean the dugouts
after your games. This will go a long way toward assuring our continued use of
the best facilities and keeping our costs down.
11.2. All protests should be lodged to the League President within
24 hours after the game for which the protest is made. The league officers
shall decide all protests.
12. CODE OF CONDUCT
12.1. Prohibitions
Good sportsmanship and adult attitudes must prevail no
matter what the level of competition. Umpires will eject players before, during
or after games for any of the following infractions, which the league considers
to be unsportsmanlike behavior:
No manager or player shall commit the following:
a. Lay a hand upon, shove or strike, or threaten
an official. Players and managers guilty of such conduct shall be immediately
suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended
until the league reviews his conduct. Players and managers guilty of such
conduct shall be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season or
expulsion from the league for life.
b. Refuse to abide by an official’s decision. Ball and strike calls and judgment decisions are not
debatable. Players guilty of such conduct shall be
immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain
suspended until the league reviews his conduct. Players guilty of such conduct
shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.
c. Be guilty of objectionable demonstrations of
dissent at an official’s decision to include throwing
of equipment (bats, helmets, gloves, etc.). Players
and managers guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension or ejection
from further participation in the game.
d. Discuss with an official or officials the
decision reached by such official or officials, except for the manager or his
designee who are authorized to participate in such discussions. Players guilty
of such conduct shall be subject to suspension from further participation in
the game.
e. Use unnecessarily rough tactics in the play
of the game against the body or person of an opposing player. Players guilty of
such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the
game and shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the
season.
f. Be guilty of physical attack as an aggressor
upon any player, manager, official, or spectator, before, during, or after a
game. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from
further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until the league
reviews their conduct. Players guilty of such conduct shall be subject to
suspension for the remainder of the season or expulsion from the league for
life.
g. Be guilty of verbal abusive attack (such as profanity, name-calling, belittlement or excessive
harassment) upon any player, manager, official, or
spectator, before, during, or after a game. Players guilty of such conduct
shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall
remain suspended until the league reviews their conduct. Players guilty of such
conduct shall be subject to suspension for the remainder of the season.
h. Player(s) responsible for damage or vandalism to facilities
and/or property used by the league will be suspended from play, pending an
automatic review of his actions by the league officers. Player(s) may
also be financially responsible for repairs.
i. Consume alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs
during the game or be upon the field of play at any time in an intoxicated
condition. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from
further participation in the game and shall be subject to probation or
suspension for the remainder of the season.
j. Smoke on the field of play or in the dugout.
Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further
participation in the game.
k. Smoke, chew gum, use sunflower seeds while on
the turf at the Athletes in Action Sports Complex. Players guilty of such
conduct can be subject to suspension from future league play. Players may also
be subject to monetary fines put forth by AIA staff.
12.2. Penalties
a. The league may, by vote of the majority of
league officers, fine, suspend or expel any player or manager for such a period
and upon such terms as it may propose, for the conduct with
in its opinion is prejudicial to the welfare, interest, reputation, or
charter of the league.
b. Except as otherwise provided, the league
shall determine the appropriate action required for violations of the codes of
conduct, and shall report their decision to the player, manager and the league.
c. A player found in violation of any provision
delineated in the codes of conduct, after being placed on probation for the
remainder of the season shall be suspended for the remainder of the season.
d. Any player found in violation of any
provisions delineated in the codes of conduct, after being suspended from
further participation in a game shall be suspended for the remainder of the
season.
e. Any fines incurred throughout the season (regular or
postseason) must be paid in full prior to the next game being played.
12.3. Ejections
a. A player ejected from a game by an umpire will be fined $25. A
second ejection for a player will result in a $50 fine. A third ejection will
be a $100 fine. A fourth ejection will be an automatic expulsion from the
league for 1 calendar year.
b. If a player is ejected in the first game of a doubleheader, the
player will automatically not be eligible to play in the second game. The
player will still be fined $25 as well.
c. If a player or manager is ejected from a game, the manager is
REQUIRED to contact at least one of the league officers immediately after the
conclusion of the game to file a report. If a manager fails to comply with this
rule by neither calling nor emailing the league officers within 24 hours, the
team will be subject to a $25 fine in addition to the $25 fine for the
player/manager’s ejection.
d. In case of no ejection or where umpires are unaware of an
incident, managers need to report incident to the league officers for further
action.
e. Players, whose actions are disrespectful to the league
sportsmanship policy and yet are not ejected from a game, are to be reported by
the team’s coach to the league president and vice-president immediately
following the game, and player(s) may be subject to suspension.
f. If players/coaches, whose actions are disrespectful to the
league sportsmanship policy and yet are not ejected from a game, are reported
by an umpire/umpire assigner to the league president or vice-president, the
player(s)/coach(es) may be
subject to suspension.
g. The League President may elect to shorten or lengthen any
suspension stated in these rules as deemed necessary.
12.4. Grievances, Protests, and Appeals
a. Grievances may be filed by an individual
player or by the manager of a team provided that a grievance is formally
submitted to the league within 24 hours. The league shall adjudicate all such
grievances and shall report any action taken.
b. An appeal of any action or ruling may be
filed with the league by an individual player or by the manager of a team
provided that the appeal is formally submitted within 24 hours of the game.
Case will be taken up by the league arbiter – highest non-affected party
(President first, then VP, then Treasurer). Both
managers and umpires may be asked to provide their views on the ejection to the
league arbiter. A player or manager may see his penalty reduced, if the League
Board finds just cause. However, all decisions by the League President are
final and not subject to appeal.
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13. All-Star Game
Date: August 1, 2010
Time: All-Star Game @ 3pm
Location: Fifth Third Field, Dayton, OH
Coaches:
1.0 All-Star coaches will come from the teams who
are leading their respective MVABL divisions by the Team Standings lock (See
Section 2.0) based on divisional winning percentage, then overall record, then
head-to-head, then scoring differential.
1.1 If either coach is unable to commit to coaching the MVABL
All-Star game, the League President will select a replacement.
Team Standings:
2.0 The current season standings (as determined by
divisional winning percentage), from which to decide All-Star seeding, will be
locked on July 15th of the current calendar year.
2.1 The Team Standings lock can be lifted if the All-Star game is
set up in July. In this case, the league officers will designate a deadline for
team standings prior to the beginning of the season (if All-Star game date is
known by then).
2.2 If All-Star game date is not known prior to the current
season, but is held in July, a decision by the league president/vice-president
will decide the lock in team standings.
Umpires:
3.0 Umpires will be designated based on majority decision from the
board of directors, unless umpiring scheduling conflicts with this decision.
Otherwise, best available umpires will be selected from the Head of Umpires.
Roster (based on an 11 team league):
4.0 Size: Each All-Star team will be made up of 18 players.
Each team should attempt to have at least 6 pitchers on the team.
4.1 Format: Division with 6 teams – 5 from Tier 1 (1st
place team), 4 from Tier 2 (2nd place team), 3 from Tier 3 (3rd
place team), 2 from Tier 4 (4th place team), 2 from Tier 5 (5th
place team), 2 from Tier 6 (6th place team). Division with 5 teams – 5 from Tier 1
(1st place team), 4 from Tier 2 (2nd place team), 4 from
Tier 3 (3rd place team), 3 from Tier 4 (4th place team),
2 from Tier 5 (5th place team).
4.1.1. The All-Star roster for both teams will be filled in for each
All-Star team in such a manner as to coincide with the number of players each
team is allotted to give.
4.1.2. At the time of the Team Standings lock, each team will take
a vote to select one person from his team to go to the All-Star game. This selection
is a guaranteed selection for the All-Star game.
4.1.3. At the time of the Team Standings lock, each team should
submit a roster (with stats (optional but helpful), positions, phone numbers)
to the League President. The League President will forward the rosters to both
All-Star coaches.
4.1.3.1. Each All-Star coach will select his roster (among the
designated teams) from the remaining players available (i.e. besides the team
nomination) to coincide with the number of players each team is allotted to
give.
4.1.3.2. In case, a team does not or cannot provide players to be
represented at the All-Star game, the corresponding All-Star coach will select
replacements from among the rest of his designated teams. (Note: No more than 2
replacements can come from one team.)
4.2 Availability: If a person is chosen to be an All-Star,
but cannot attend the All-Star game, a replacement will be named from the same
regular season team that the person plays for. (Exception: See Rule 4.1.3.2)
Game Play:
5.0 The game will last 9 innings, unless there is a tie. In case
of rain conditions, a game is considered complete after 5 innings.
5.1 There is no run-rule in the MVABL All-Star game.
5.2 Both All-Star teams will bat 9 players. Hitting lineups and
fielding lineups can be different. It is strongly encouraged, but is not
mandatory, that all players get a chance to bat and field in the MVABL All-Star
game.
5.3 All MVABL League Rules are in effect for the MVABL All-Star
game.
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14. Homerun Derby
HR
1. A list of HR Derby participants (rough estimate) should be
submitted along with your All-Star team roster to the League President.
2. All participants must sign in no later than a half hour before
the start of the HR
a. If a player fails to sign in by the deadline, he will not be
eligible to participate.
b. If a player does not pay at the time of signups, he will not be
eligible to participate.
3. Participants need to bring their own pitchers to pitch to them.
4. First round – Everyone will get 10 outs (Outs being defined as
any pitch swung at and does not result in a ball going over the outfield
fence.)
a. Hitters with the top 4 HR counts from the first
round will advance to the second round.
b. If less than 4 hitters hit HRs during the first
round, then the second round will consist of those hitters who did hit HRs.
c. If there is a tie for the 4th spot to
advance to the second round, all hitters who are tied for the 4th
spot will advance.
d. If only 1 hitter hits a HR during the first
round, he will be crowned the HR Derby champion.
5. Second round – All remaining participants will get 5 outs.
a. All home run totals from round 1 carry over into
round 2.
b. The hitter with the most HRs at the end of the
second round will be crowned the HR Derby champion.
c. If there is a tie for the most HRs in the second
round, a Sudden Death tiebreaker will be enforced.
6. Sudden Death tiebreaker – All hitters participating in the
Sudden Death tiebreaker will be judged based on the quickest to hit his first
HR of the Sudden Death round (Quickest being defined as number of pitches until
first HR).
a. If during the Sudden Death tiebreaker, a hitter hits no HR
within his first 10 pitches, he will be given a “0” for the round and will not
advance unless all other participants record a “0” for the round. The next
hitter will get his turn to swing.
b. If multiple hitters hit their HR in the same number of pitches,
the Sudden Death round will go another round. This pattern will repeat until a
winner is crowned.
7. A prize/trophy will be awarded to the HR Derby Champion.
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15. League Awards
League awards will be handed out to players
following the end of the league’s postseason tournament. If there is a league
postseason awards banquet, league awards will be distributed at that time. Here
is a list of the possible awards and any criteria associated with the award:
Most Value Player (MVP): Awarded to the league’s top offensive player
Cy Young Award: Awarded to the league’s best pitcher
Rookie of the Year: Awarded to the league’s top newcomer (must not
have played in any games during any previous MVABL season)
Manager of the Year: Awarded to the league’s best manager
Most Improved Player
Award: Awarded a player who
has shown significant improvement over the previous season(s).
Postseason MVP Award: Awarded to a player from the postseason’s
winning team as selected by the winning team’s head coach.
Batting Avg. Leader: Awarded to the player with the highest league
batting average
Extra Base Hits Leader: Awarded to the player with the most extra-base
hits
Strikeout Leader: Awarded to the pitcher with the most
strikeouts
15.1. Voting
Ballots for League Awards will be distributed to
all managers immediately following the final regular season game. Ballot
nominations must be returned to the League President within one week of the
posted date.
13.1.1. The MVP, Cy
Young, Rookie of the Year, and Most Improved Player awards will be voted on by
the managers. Each manager will be required to nominate 2 individuals for each
of these awards. For each award, each manager may select at most
1 player from his team as a nominee. The other nominee must come from another
team. Each manager is not required to select a person from his team and
therefore may choose to select 2 players from other teams.
13.1.2. The Manager of the Year award will be
voted on by the managers. Each manager will be required to select a manager,
other than himself, to be a nominee for this award.
13.1.3. The All-MVABL Team will be selected by
the League President and/or Vice-President.
13.1.4. The League President and/or Vice-President
will record the votes for each nominee for all league awards. The winners will be announced at the league’s
postseason award banquet, unless distributed otherwise.
13.1.5. All managers will be required to submit team statistics
(from MVABL regular season league games only) to the League Website Developer
within one week of the conclusion of the regular season for the purpose of
distinguishing winners of the individual hitting and pitching awards.
13.1.6. Hall of Fame
ballots will be sent out at the conclusion of the postseason. New inductees
will be announced at the kickoff coaches meeting of the ensuing season.