Twin City Men's Adult Baseball League Rulebook

I. WELCOME TO THE TCMABL

1. INTRODUCTION ______3

2. MISSION STATEMENT ______5

3. BYLAWS ______6

II. RULES

1. ORGANIZING YOUR TEAM

A. Manager Responsibilities ______10

B. Managing Your Team ______11

C. Managing Tips ______11

D. Team Responsibilities ______16

E. Tryout and Draft Information ______17

F. Team Names and Roster Size ______18

G. Sportsmanship ______18

H. Player Transfers ______19

I. Player Eligibility ______20

J. Failure to Abide by Eligibility Regulations ______20

2. FIELDS AND FIELD MAINTENANCE ______21

3. UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT ______22

4. RAINOUT POLICY, GAME LENGTH AND RUN RULE

A. Rainout policy ______23

B. Run Rule ______23

5. EIGHT PLAYER START RULE AND FORFEITS

A. Eight Player Start Rule ______24

B. Forfeits ______24

6. PLAYING THE GAME

A. Lineup Cards ______25

B. Offensive Lineup ______25

C. Injury Substitution Rule ______26

D. Roster Batting Rule ______26

E. Courtesy Runners ______26

F. No Collision Rule ______27

G. Hit Batsmen Safety Rule ______27

H. Defensive Lineup ______27

7. CODE OF CONDUCT AND LEAGUE ADMINISTRATION

A. Prohibitions ______29

B. Penalties ______30

C. Grievance Protests and Appeals ______30

D. New Team Applications ______30

E. Meeting Attendance ______30

F. Score, Umpire Evaluation Reporting ______30

G. Roster Requirements ______31

8. PLAYOFF GAMES, ALL STAR GAMES ______32

I. Welcome to the Twin City Men's Adult Baseball League

1. Introduction

The Twin City Men's Adult Baseball League was organized in 1997. The league is affiliated with the national organization The Men's Senior Baseball League and The Men's Adult Baseball League. The Men's Senior/Adult Baseball League is headquartered in Melville, New York, and is a national organization for baseball players18 years of age and over.

What is The Men's Senior/Adult Baseball League?

Using the motto "Don't Go Soft, Play Hardball", The MSBL and the MABL are the national organizations representing over 280 individual baseball leagues formed to promote adult baseball and fraternity among men throughout the United States and other countries. Some leagues are for men 40 and over, 30 and over, or 18 and over. In 1997 the MSBL/MABL national membership was over 40,000 players. The MSBL began in 1986 on Long Island with four teams, and due to significant national media attention (Sports Illustrated, Today Show, Good Morning America, USA Today, etc.) the league has expanded at an unprecedented rate for an amateur organization.

What is the organization structure of the MSBL/MABL?

The national organization has worked to initiate and develop the majority of existing leagues. Many leagues had already existed and have aligned and affiliated with the MSBL/MABL. Each league has it's own President and if it so desires, a Board of Directors. The national organization supports each league in several different ways, but does not dictate individual policy or procedure. The leagues are are locally organized and they have autonomy in making decisions. The MSBL has set the precedence with national rules and by-laws, but individual leagues can deviate as they see fit.

On a national scale there exists a National Board of Directors and Board of Advisors that meet annually to decide issues and other matters that need addressing.The MSBL, in addition to the President, has a salaried Vice-President, administrative staff, international director, tournament director, public relations director and magazine staff. The address for the MSBL national headquarters is:

Men's Senior/Adult Baseball League

One Huntington Quadrangle

Suite 3No7

Melville, NY 11747 Att: Steve Sigler, President

PH: (516) 753-6725 FAX: (516) 753-4031

What is the organizational structure of the TCMABL?

The Twin City Men's Adult Baseball League was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1997. The goal of the league is to provide a community service by offering amateur athletic opportunities to adults. The Twin City Men's Adult Baseball League consists of a league President and a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will be made up of all managers currently in good standing with the league. All managers as well as the league President will have an active vote in all matters pertaining to the league, such as league rules, schedules, fields, etc. In order to keep your vote in league matters the team manager (or designated alternate) must attend all managers meeting. If a team does not send a representative, any policy or rule changes that are voted on will be decided without a vote from that team and they will have lost any input in the decision. Teams that are not represented at league meetings are dismissed from the league and will have to re-apply as a new team to return to good standing.

For Section 1: Section 1: Board Membership, Role, Size, and Compensation. Each team within the TCMABL will be allowed to nominate one person to sit on the Board of Directors to make decisions representing that team and take responsibility for the operation of the league. Each team may also name one Alternate to serve as proxy should their representative be unable to attend a meeting and shall have all rights and responsibilities given to a Director including voting. Both the Director and the Alternate must be approved by majority vote of the other Directors whenever a team may seek a change in representation. The Board is responsible for overall policy and direction of the league. Responsibilities for day-to-day operations are delegated to the President and committees. Unless otherwise expressed, business can be transacted or motions passed by simple majority of participating Directors. The Board shall have no fewer than three members. The Board receives no compensation other than reasonable expenses.

For section 4: All Board members shall serve consecutive one-year terms, but are to be continued forward without vote providing their team is in good standing, or unless they seek to be replaced. Each Director (the primary team representative) will have the authority to remove his team's Alternate without vote. Replacement of any Alternate will be subject to league approval as would any change in Director (as stated in Section 1).

2. Mission Statement

The Twin City Men's Adult Baseball League is a non-profit volunteer based corporation dedicated to providing a quality baseball experience to it's participants and to promoting amateur baseball. ______

Strategic Goals

* Provide a balance of competition, recreation and physical fitness.

* Foster and provide unique playing opportunities.

* Build institutional excellence.

* Be accessible to allow future growth.

* Expand at a rate that is consistent with our mission statement.

* Position the organization to provide opportunities to build partnerships with local municipalities and organizations.

* Promote sportsmanship among players and between teams.

3. Bylaws as of 2005 Season

BYLAWS OF THE TWIN CITY MEN’S ADULT BASEBALL LEAGUE

ARTICLE I - NAME, PURPOSE

Section 1: The name of the organization shall be the Twin City Men’s Adult Baseball League (TCMABL).

Section 2: The TCMABL is organized exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes, more specifically to provide an opportunity for individuals to continue their athletic development in an amateur organized baseball program.

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Membership shall consist only of the members of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE III – ANNUAL MEETING

Section 1: The date of the regular annual meeting shall be set by the President, who shall also set the time and place.

Section 2: Special meetings may be called by the President or the Executive committee.

Section 3: Notice of each meeting shall be given not less than four days before the meeting.

ARTICLE IV – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1: Board Membership, Role, Size, and Compensation.

a. Each team within the TCMABL will be allowed to nominate one person to sit on the Board of Directors to make decisions representing that team and take responsibility for the operation of the league.

b. Each team may also name one Alternate to serve as proxy should their representative be unable to attend a meeting and shall have all rights and responsibilities given to a Director including voting.

c. New teams seeking approval for representation to the Board and teams seeking a change in representation shall be subject to a one-year probation period. While it is expected that this one-year probation will be required in most situations, the probation period can be extended or waived at the discretion of the Board of Directors. All teams under probation will have the same duties and responsibilities of teams that are represented by the board.

d. Both the Director and the Alternate must be approved by majority vote of the other Directors whenever a team may seek a change in representation.

e. The Board is responsible for overall policy and direction of the league. Responsibilities for day-today operations are delegated to the President and committees.

f. Unless otherwise expressed, business can be transacted or motions passed by simple majority of participating Directors.

The Board shall have no fewer than three members. The Board receives no compensation other than reasonable expenses.

Section 2: Meetings. The Board shall meet at times and locations designated by the President.

Section 3: Board Elections. Election of new officers or re-election of current officers will occur at the annual meeting of the corporation. Officers will be elected by a majority vote of participating Directors. If current officers are unopposed, formal elections may be waived, should those current officers agree to continue in their positions.

Section 4: All Board members shall serve consecutive one-year terms, but are to be continued forward without vote providing their team is in good standing, or unless they seek to be replaced. Each Director (the primary team representative) will have the authority to remove his team's Alternate without vote. Replacement of any Alternate will be subject to league approval as would any change in Director (as stated in Section 1).

Section 5: Quorum. A quorum must be attended by at least three Board members before business can be transacted or motions made or passed, by majority vote.

Section 6: Notice. An official Board meeting requires notice be given at least four days in advance.

Section 7: Officers and Duties. There shall be four officers of the Board consisting of a President, a Vice- president, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. Their duties are as follows: The President shall convene regularly scheduled Board meetings, serve on committees, and preside or arrange for other members of the executive committee to preside at each meeting.

The Vice-president will chair committees on special subjects as designated by the Board.

The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping records of Board actions, including overseeing taking minutes of each meeting, distributing copies of the minutes, sending out notices and agendas, and assuring that corporate records are maintained.

The Treasure shall make sit on the finance committee, assist in the preparation of the budget, help develop fund raising plans, and maintain financial records.

Section 8: Vacancies. When a vacancy on the Board exists, nominations for new members may be received by the Secretary.

Section 9: Resignation, Termination and Absences. Resignation from the Board must be in writing and received by the Secretary. A Board member may be dropped for excess absences from the Board if he or she has any unexcused absences from Board meetings. A Board member may be removed for other reasons by a three- fourths vote of the remaining Directors.

Section 10: Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board shall be called upon the request of the President or one-third of the Board. Notice shall be given at least four days in advance.

ARTICLE V – COMMITTEES

Section 1: The Board may create committees as needed, such as fund raising, etc. The President appoints all committee chairs.

Section 2: The four officers serve as the members of the Executive Committee. Except for the power to amend the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws, the Executive Committee shall have all the power and authority of the Board of Directors in the intervals between meetings of the Board of Directors, subject to the control and direction of the Board of Directors.

Section 3: Finance Committee. The Treasurer oversees, and sits on the financial committee, which includes the other members of the Executive Committee. The Financial Committee is responsible for developing and reviewing fiscal procedures and annual budget. The Board or the Executive Committee must approve any major change. The fiscal year shall be the calendar year.

ARTICLE VI – AMENDMENTS

Section 1: These Bylaws may be amended when necessary by a majority of the Board of Directors in attendance. Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Secretary in advance of a vote.

These Bylaws were approved at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Twin City Men’s Adult Baseball League on November 15th, 1997. The members in attendance are: Jon Garbacz, Jason Perry, and Brent Anderson These Bylaws were revised at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Twin City Men's Adult Baseball League on January 30th, 2005. The members in attendance were: Jon Garbacz, Jason Perry, Michael Conrad, Nick Main, Travis Mills, Paul Hipp, Bill Peterson, Jeff Wilson, Mike Norgaard, John Remakel, Bob Gordon, Jeff Olson, Jeff Labahn, and Tony Newman.

TCMABL Board of Directors

Jon Garbacz (Giants) Jason Perry (Pirates) Michael Conrad (Reds) Nick Main (Tornados) Kenny Richmond (Twins) Paul Hipp (Ravens) Bill Peterson (Ducks) Jeff Wilson (Snappers) Chris Belair (Mets) John Remakel (Cardinals) Bob Gordon (Indians) Cory Klinge (Mudhens) Jason Sievert (Blue Ox) Tony Newman (Knights) Michael Scott (Cubs) Dan Hargraves (Padres) Joe Masrud (Diamondbacks)

Alternates to the Board

William Hausmann (Giants) Alex Tichnor (Reds) Greg Doeden (Tornados) Moe Morgan (Twins) Brandon Schimke (Ravens) John Devries (Ducks) Josh Hamilton (Snappers) Dustin Sirny (Mets) Rob Peterson (Cardinals) Tom Genrich (Indians) Mike Schladweiler (Mudhens) Christian Iverson (Blue Ox) Vince Murphy (Knights) Dustin Faulkingham (Cubs) Joe Hargraves (Padres) Tony Dzik (Diamondbacks)

II. RULES

1. ORGANIZING YOUR TEAM

A. Manager Responsibilities

As a team manager, you represent your team to the other TCMABL teams and to the local community. Be a responsible manager. Control yourself and your players. The team manager is responsible for the players on his team and for the condition of the dugouts and playing fields. Bring your rule book and grounds keeping tools to the game. If you have questions about rules, field locations, or other problems, call your league President. The role of the President is to facilitate league functions.

The manager must also collect money from the players or a sponsor and pay all league and umpire fees. The players need to sign the medical waiver form and a player contract. All league fees and an alphabetized roster must be turned in to the league President at least two weeks prior to the scheduled first game of the season. Read the contracts and learn the league rules. Become informed about how the league works. Keep updated on league standings, upcoming tournament or playoff information and other league issues. The manager is the main link between the players and the league. Attend all of the league meetings or make sure that your team is represented. Keep your players informed and take part in all of the league activities. Review the rules of baseball for your own information. It is the best way to help your team and have fun too. Our goal is to offer a quality baseball experience to all of the players.

A team manager is basically responsible for organizing, collecting fees, choosing team name and uniform, disseminating league information/rules to players and use his best efforts to uphold league rules and sportsmanship guidelines.

It is not an easy job, but it is one that can offer great personal satisfaction. To see players come together and embellish your philosophies will make your hard work worthwhile.

The basic responsibilities of a manager include:

1. Organizing team meetings and practices.

2. Talking with coaches and athletic directors to arrange for field usage.

3. Attending all scheduled league meetings.

4. Communicating league information to the players.

5. Collecting all league/team fees.

6. Maintaining the objectives of the league by supporting the rules and regulations and having your players do likewise.

B. Managing Your Team

1. Designate players to serve as team captains or coaches. Try to build an organized team structure.

2. Keep in touch with your players. Use your coaches to help making calls during the week.

3. Keep records and forms. Use a 3-ring binder to keep all player contracts, newsletters, lineup cards, schedules, rules, and player addresses and phone numbers. Keep a master list of everyone's uniform number and positions.

4. Conduct well organized team practices on a regular basis. Some teams practice more than others, but it is necessary to sent up some sort of practice schedule so that your players can attend. Remember to take care of the field during practices. Do not use a varsity field for practice.

5. After each game and after your players have cleaned up the field, let them know the location of next weeks practice or game. This will minimize phone calls and alert you to absences that might be upcoming.

6. Try to keep all players "in the game" at all times. Don't let players sit too long before getting them into the game, either offensively or defensively.

7. Collect all team fees up front, with or without a sponsor. Try to avoid "installment plans" or "pay as you go" methods. This is risky and causes extra record keeping. It is recommended to charge a player fee, even if you have a sponsor. Experience has shown that when a player is relieved of financial commitment, their participation and commitment to the team suffers.

8. Get all players to help in cleaning the field and other areas. Most players won't mind keeping fields in order, if everyone else is also helping.

C. Managing Tips

How to Best Help Your President

It is not the most commonly asked question by managers, but from time to time a manager will sincerely ask how he can serve the league. Here are some ways that managers can help their league:

1. Attend all scheduled league meetings. The league will only survive if everyone connected with the league does their part. Keep in touch with the league President. Notify him if you change addresses.

2. Submit deposits and fees on a timely basis.

3. Submit rosters and waivers on a timely basis.

4. Use your best efforts to secure a home field.

5. Be thoroughly knowledgeable on league rules.

6. Exhibit exemplary sportsmanship so your teammates parallel your actions.

7. Use your best effort to support league activities, All Star Games,etc.

8. Call in scores/statistics in appropriate manner.

9. Keep your teammates involved as much as possible and keep them informed of league activities.

If a manager asks “How can I help?” The answer is “By being a responsible manager.” The above accurately depicts what is meant by “responsible”.

How to Secure a Home Field

Securing a home field is most advantageous not only to your team, but the league as well. In many instances, league growth is limited only by field capacity. With more fields and more teams, greater competition can be introduced to the league.

Best Way to Approach, Secure and Maintain Fields

Various types of fields are utilized by our league, including high school, college and city/community parks. In many instances, fields are secured through current or prior relationships, but for the most part, fields must be secured by sustained efforts and persistence.

As a manager of a team, you would want to secure a field close to you and one that meets the standards of the league. Before proceeding further, check with your league president to make sure that another manager hasn’t already duplicated your effort. Your incentive is having a home field that limits your travel with a probable 50% or more of your games at your field.

Call the appropriate representatives for fields close to you. Sometimes several calls must be made before you can track down the person in charge of scheduling time on that field. The contact people will usually be either the school Athletic Director or the Head Baseball Coach, or the City Park and Recreation Department.

When introducing yourself, try to immediately establish residency in that area, credibility of the league, fact that you can present a certificate of insurance, and that you will pay for field costs. By requesting Sundays, you are most likely;y not to conflict with their other programs. Let them know of all the other fields that your league is using.

Ask for an application for field use and when returning, include information about your local league and maybe even a Hardball magazine. Be courteous and be persistent. Try to differentiate yourself from other organizations.

If you are successful in securing the desired home field, a thank you letter would be in order. You might even consider putting the person responsible for giving you the field on the team roster, so that he may receive a copy of Hardball magazine.

How to Deal With Disatisfied Players

Whether your record is 20-0 or 2-18, as a manager, you could still have dissatisfied players. The reasons are numerous why a player would be unhappy and hold you responsible. Here are some reasons for dissatisfaction:

1. Not enough playing time (offensive or defensive).

2. Blames you for the loss of a game.

3. Their position in the batting order.

4. Game strategies employed.

As a manager, you do it all from calling team practices, bringing equipment, fixing/grooming fields, collecting money/rosters/waivers, to calling in scores. Players just show up and play. Unfair, unjustified, and unbelievable could be some of your comments reflecting on your dissatisfied players’ actions or words.

Perhaps the best way to deal with player dissatisfaction is to not address the player individually, but to address the team collectively. You must count on your allies to support you in a group meeting. Try to explain in general your managing philosophies and what you hope to accomplish as a team.

Always try to meet head on any problems that you sense. Don’t let it fester. Hopefully, once your dissatisfied player sees the big picture, he will become an ally as well.

Dealing With Umpires

Balls, strikes, safe or out calls always make the difference between wins and losses. The competency of the man who makes these calls varies significantly and how you deal with them will greatly reflect on you and your team. Here are some suggestions:

1. Always have a copy of your league rules with you.

2. At the pregame meeting at home plate, try to establish a tone for the game. Try to decipher their tolerance level, what acts would constitute reasons for ejections, etc. Inform your team what they are so there will be no later misunderstandings.

3. As a manager, take the lead in arguing a point. Don’t let your players do the arguing.

4. Try to eliminate or keep to a minimum yelling at the umpire from the dugout. This constant agitation usually makes for an unpleasant day for everyone.

Your actions as a manager set the tone for everyone on your team, not only for the game, but for the whole season. Act professionally and remember that you set an example that others will follow.

How to Secure Sponsorship

Teams may want to secure sponsorship to help offset the costs of running a baseball team. From early experience, the most likely businesses to support our league include:

* Car Dealers

* Banks

* Restaurants/Bars

* Beverage Distributors

* Radio Stations

* Orthopedics/Chiropractors

* Sporting Goods Stores

The league has prepared a sponsorship letter that you may want to use. Feel free to request the leagues presidents assistance when seeking sponsorship.

Some Helpful Guidelines

1. Find a sales person to do the calling. Sales people are comfortable with the rejection you will face in this process.

2. Be professional when you make a call. You may want to wear a jacket and tie.

3. Always follow up. If you tell a sponsor that you are going to do something, be sure to do it.

4. Sponsors like to know that the players are invested in the process. If your team needs $3,000 for the year. Ask the sponsor for $1,500 and be sure they know the players are putting up the rest.

5. Remember, you are selling advertising, not asking for a donation. Highlight the benefits of this type of advertising. Understand the objections and overcome them with benefits.

6. Tell a sponsor about the benefits, deliver the benefits, and then remind him over the year that you delivered the benefits. Say “thank you” whenever you see him and be sure to nurture the relationship over the year. It is much easier to renew a sponsor every year than find a new one.

Cold Calls

As mentioned, this is the toughest part. Be ready. Have copies of Hardball magazine, the brochure, the league newsletter, the national tournament programs, any articles that you might have on your league the MSBL promotional video, a list of all the benefits of sponsoring your team, and all the things that you can do for him if he sponsors the team. Here are some benefits for the sponsor:

1. Weekly scores in the paper (sponsors name).

2. Sponsors name in the paper every time there is an article about the league.

3. Names and addresses of the players as potential clients.

4. Name in Hardball magazine and national tournament program when your team is mentioned.

5. Free advertising in your league newsletter.

Remember you are selling a product, not asking for a donation. Anything that you can get printed or said about your league will help legitimize your effort. You have to believe that what you are selling is worth the price. This is what makes a successful salesperson.

Companies

Any organization is a prospect. The ones that work best are the ones who want to do business with adult men and families. We have had investment firms, car dealers, bars, restaurants, leasing companies, orthopedic offices, computer companies, beer distributors, hospitals, life insurance companies, pizza parlors and more. Look for companies that are starting out new in your market area. The amount is not critical. How big an amount is not a factor. If you are straight forward and honest with your sponsor and deliver exactly what you promise, you should have no problem maintaining the relationship.

Look for companies that do a lot of sponsoring in the community. Contrary to popular belief, the ones that do a lot of sponsoring are used to spending money in this way. Also look for companies that do a lot of advertising.

D. Team Responsibilities

The Twin City Men’s Adult Baseball League is an incorporated non-profit organization. The league has no paid employees and is run by efforts performed by volunteers. As such, each team, each manager and all players are expected to assist in performing the duties and responsibilities that are necessary to play games. The goal of the league is to provide a community service by offering the best possible baseball playing opportunities. The rules listed below are some of the responsibilities that are required of each team and are only designed to meet that goal. For more information, please check the TCMABL Rules and Regulations.

1. Each team must send a representative (that has authority to make decisions for that team) to all league meetings throughout the year. Teams that fail to send representation will result in dismissal. The team would have to apply as a new team to be reinstated.

2. Each team is responsible for the condition of the dugout and the playing field at the conclusion of each game. If there is no access to bases, rakes or other field maintenance equipment, each team is responsible to provide their own. Failure to maintain fields could result in suspension or dismissal from the league.

3. Each team must have at least eight (8) players at each game. Teams with less than 8 players will receive a forfeit loss. Two (2) forfeited games by any team will result in dismissal from the league with no money refunded to the team, or alternatively, teams may be required to apply as a new team to be reinstated the following season.

4. Each team is required to play games following the rules listed in the TCMABL Rules and Regulations. Failure to do so could result in penalties.

5. Each team is required to e-mail games scores and highlights to the designated web master to allow posting on the league web site. (http://www.eteamz.com/TCMABL)

E. Tryouts and Draft Information

The purpose of the tryout is to assist players in joining a team and to assist managers who are looking for one or more players to fill out their roster. Managers who are content with their team do not need to draft players. All managers should attend the tryouts to assist in organizing them even if they are not planning to draft players. Teams are encouraged to carry large rosters to avoid game forfeits.

All managers should get to the location of the tryouts early to assist in tryout preparation. They should reaffirm their draft position before tryouts begin.

The draft positions will be determined by the regular season results from the previous year with the last place team picking first. If there is a tie, then the tiebreaker is runs scored. (Note: please be aware that the draft order may be altered for managers recruited by the league at the tryout venue, normally new teams draft after existing teams.)

All managers are required to stay in foul territory and off of the playing field during the tryout period.

No manager is allowed to speak with players before or during tryouts. Any manager doing so may lose his first round draft pick.

A Team drafting a player is committed to that player. You are making a commitment to give that player an opportunity to make your team and to participate in games.

The tryouts will follow this format:

1. Registration and warm-ups.

2. League President introduction to players - Approximately ten minutes introducing the players to the TCMABL, discussing the tryout procedure, schedules, games, costs, etc. Volunteer managers may be recruited if the number of players trying out exceeds the number of players that existing managers are seeking.

3. Tryout procedure - outfield, infield, pitching, catching and hitting.

a.) Outfield: Each player will receive 2 fly balls. First attempt will be to 2nd base and the second attempt will be to 3rd.

b.) Infield: Each player will get two opportunities to field a grounder from shortstop. They will throw to 1st base. There players trying out as first basemen will alternately take the throws. The 1st basemen will throw to third base or home.

c.) Pitching/Catching: Each pitcher will get 8 pitches of their choice. Catchers will receive the pitches and throw down the last pitch to 2nd base.

d.) Hitting: Each hitter will get 7-10 pitches. The other players will shag balls.

After players have finished hitting, the tryout procedure is over and the draft will begin. Players may leave at this time, but are encouraged to stay so they can find out what team drafted them. The team finishing last the previous year will select the first pick and the other teams will select in sequence. The league President will keep track of the draft results.

When all of the managers in the league are done drafting, the league President will call out to the players the numbers of those that have been drafted by the managers in the league. Managers must wait until all drafting is done, before introducing themselves to their draftees, and giving them their team name, fees, and next meeting or practice. Each manager should also pick up a copy of the tryout contract for each player they drafted. If there is a drafted player who has already left, managers will have their name, address and phone number for future contact. Players who were not drafted will be placed in a player pool by the league President, and are free to join any team.

F. Team Names and Roster Size

All new teams joining the league, as well as existing teams opting to change their name should contact their league president before committing to the expense of new uniforms. The intent is to eliminate the possibility of two or more teams with the same name.

The TCMABL reserves the right to refuse a team name on the grounds that it may offend community standards. Traditional baseball names or names reflecting team sponsorship are preferred, but innovative or creative names are welcome subject to approval by the TCMABL.

Each team must carry one (1) manager and at least eleven (11) players on it's roster at all times to remain eligible to compete in league games. There is no limit to the number of players on a team roster. A team may be refused admittance to the league if the Board of Directors decides that a team does not have enough players on its roster.

A team may designate 2 bat boys or girls, but they must be at least 7 years of age or older and must wear protective helmets at all times. They must remain in the dugout except when retrieving equipment after an at bat or other play in the field.

G. Sportsmanship

(See "Code of Conduct".) Good sportsmanship is expected of every player. It is up to each player to make the game competitive and enjoyable for the other players, managers, umpires and spectators. The league has the right to suspend or expel any team or individual 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.

Only players, managers and coaches are allowed on the field or in the dugouts. Only players, managers and coaches under contract with the TCMABL and in complete uniform are permitted to coach bases.

An umpire has sole discretion to expel any player or manager from the game.

Umpires are not to be verbally abused. Remember, as with players, umpires are not perfect. Some are better than others. It is the manager’s responsibility to deal with the umpires. Try to keep players from arguing calls with the umpires.

There will be no beer or alcoholic beverages permitted at the field before, during or after the game. Alcoholic beverages are specifically prohibited on school campuses and city parks by a variety of municipal, county and state codes. This includes parking lots and ancillary areas.

Many school districts, city or county ordinances may prohibit all forms of tobacco use (cigarettes, dip, chew, etc.) on campus. It is important to observe these rules whenever and wherever they may be in force.

Teams are to police their players, fans, friends, family members or spectators for violations of league rules. Both team mangers should attempt to persuade any person or persons participating in or watching the game and who are violating the alcohol codes to leave the premises.

H. Player Transfers

The TCMABL's general policy is to make it as easy as possible for a manager to field a team. Players may be added at any time during the season. The added player's name must be added to their team web site or submitted to the league President no later than the day before the game in which the player is to participate.

No player can move from team to team within the league without his manager's release and/or approval of the league. While the league would like to place few restrictions on player movement, the TCMABL is committed to protecting existing teams that may have a financial or other stake in a player. A player is bound to a team once the Player Contract has been signed. A player can move from one team to another team if he has the release (approval) of his current team. A player wishing to change teams without permission from his current team must bring his request to the league directors and requires approval of a majority of the other teams. If a player wishes to leave his existing team and form a new team, he may do so, providing he has a release from his manager and approval of the league. No other player can be taken from the existing team without the consent of the existing team's manager. No other players can be taken from any other team without the respective team manager’s approval.

Players are free to join any team if they have ‘sat out’ one season. To have ‘sat-out’, player must have paid any outstanding fees to his old team, returned any equipment or uniforms, and not been selected in the tryout and draft by another team the year before he joins a new one.

I. Player Eligibility

Players are eligible to play in the TCMABL on the dates of their eighteenth (18th) birthdays. Players may not sign a contract before their 18th birthday.

All players, prior to participating in a league game, must have signed waiver forms on file with their team. All players should be prepared with a valid picture ID in the event a player's age comes into question. Any player unable to produce a valid ID will be ineligible to continue in that game. Any substitute player must enter the game under the rules governing player ejection. All Players must be listed on the leagues web published roster.

A player must be out of professional baseball for 3 complete seasons before becoming eligible to participate in the TCMABL. Professional baseball refers to major and minor leagues. Independent leagues are to be considered separately. The Northern League has been determined to be a professional minor league, and its former players are subject to the league’s ex pro rule.

J. Failure to abide by eligibility 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 any time lodge a protest concerning a players eligibility. If a player is determined to be ineligible, penalties, whether to the team or that individual, will be decided by the league President and the Board of Directors. The penalties could range from forfeiture of games to expulsion from the league.

2. FIELDS AND FIELD MAINTENANCE

Obtaining, proper use and maintenance of playing fields is of critical importance to the welfare of the league. If you know of a field you would like to use, or that you feel the league could use, please contact the league President. If you are instrumental in bringing a field to the league, you can be assigned to that field.

Fields must be put into playing condition both before and after use. Managers and players should bring rakes and other field maintenance equipment to the game. The field must be left in good condition before teams leave the field. This includes raking the mound and home plate area, dragging the infield dirt and raking the base paths, cleaning up each dugout, and cleaning up litter on the field and in the stands. Field maintenance duties are assigned to teams as follows:

The "Home" team takes care of the mound and home plate, cleans up litter on the fields and stands, and cleans up its own dugout.

The "Visiting" team drags the infield and rakes the base paths, and cleans its own dugout.

All fields will require regular maintenance upon completion of a game or practice, either before or during a season. Failure to perform this work after a game or practice can result in loss of the field to the team involved, and potential loss of the field to the league if the fields are abused. Teams are subject to league suspension or expelled for failure to take proper care of the fields.

If a field is wet, do not haul dirt or any other material on or off a field to make it playable. If the field cannot be made playable, do not play on it.

Respect for fields

All players and managers are reminded that pre-game stretching and throwing should be done on the outfield grass, not on the infield or in front of the dugouts.

Hitting drills against any fences are prohibited because it damages chain link fences and jeopardizes player safety.

Do not pitch batting practice from in front of the mound.

No climbing or jumping over fences to gain access to a field. Cutting locks or removing gates to get onto a field or to obtain equipment is expressly prohibited.

Stay off dugout roofs and back stops.

3. UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

All teams must have full baseball uniforms consisting of caps, numbered jerseys, baseball pants, belt, sanitary socks and 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.

No player out of uniform will be allowed to play without the opposing managers consent.

All teams should have their uniforms by their first game. A grace period should be extended for newly activated players or for new teams to complete their uniforms.

All batters runners must wear helmets for both at bats and on base. There is no option to this rule. All helmets must have at least one ear flap facing the pitcher. Full double ear helmets are encouraged.

All catchers must wear a protective helmet while playing their position.

Wood and metal bats are allowed. Metal bats should not be lighter than 3 ounces less than their length.

Baseballs approved for use by the TCMABL are Diamond D1-PRO, D1 or Rawlings RO, R-100, or RMSBL.

Metal cleats are permitted. Any player found to be wearing deliberately sharpened spikes will be subject to ejection and possible suspension from the league.

No pitcher may pitch while wearing white or gray sleeves, or a batting glove or wrist band. There is no regulation as to how many innings a pitcher may pitch in a game or week.

4. RAINOUT POLICY, GAME LENGTH, RUN RULE AND FORFEITS

A. Rainout Policy

All games, to be officially counted toward team standings, must be played to their scheduled number of innings. Final league standings will be determined by won/lost percentages.

The umpire may suspend, cancel or call a game if, in their opinion, the safety of the players is compromised due to rain, darkness or time limits. The managers of both teams may agree to postpone starting a game or completion of a game because of potential damage to the playing field. The umpire will charge a full fee for partial games.

Any games rained out will not be rescheduled by the league, but may be made up at any time not conflicting with previously scheduled games. Games will be completed or made up at a mutually agreed upon date and location. If the game is called in the middle of an inning, the game will resume at the top of the last inning played.

In the event of rain, it is the responsibility of both managers to notify the umpires of cancellation, at least 1 hour prior to scheduled game time. In the event such notification does not take place both teams will split the umpire fees.

Game Length

All games will be played to these lengths:

Regular season single games are 9 innings.

Regular season games played in double headers are 7 innings.

All playoff games are 9 innings.

B. Run Rule

There is a 10 run mercy rule that take effect at the completion of the 7th or any ensuing inning (in a 9 inning game). If the home team is ahead by 10 runs after 6 1/2 innings, the game is complete. The same rule applies after 5 innings in a 7 inning game. There is no mercy rule for playoff games, unless both managers agree otherwise.

5. EIGHT PLAYER START RULE AND FORFEITS

A. Eight Player Start Rule

Since everyone has come to play ball, eight players will be sufficient to play an official league game. When a game is started with eight players on one team, the ninth position in the batting order will be automatically recorded as an out. They must play their first inning without a ninth player, no matter when that ninth player arrives. The ninth player may not take their defensive position on the field upon their arrival once their team has started their defensive half of any following inning. If a team with eight players loses a player due to injury, or due to ejection by the umpire, the game becomes a forfeit loss.

B. Forfeits

A forfeited game occurs when one team is unable to field at least eight (8) players at game time. The grace period for forfeiture of a game is 15 minutes after the regularly scheduled start time. The forfeiting team is responsible for all umpire fees for all forfeited games. When the first game of a scheduled doubleheader is forfeited, the forfeiting team manager will be given an additional one hour grace period to produce additional players and play the second game. This game should be 9 innings and the umpire fees of the second game shall be split between the teams. If the forfeiting team does not have at least 8 players within the grace period, than a second forfeit is declared and the teams are encouraged to play a scrimmage game.

Two (2) forfeited games by any team could mean immediate expulsion from the league with no money refunded to the team. All sanctions will be decided by the league Board of Directors.

Teams canceling games due to lack of players is not acceptable and will not be tolerated by the league. Teams may not cancel games because their best player is unavailable that week. Teams canceling games will be charged with a forfeit loss and subject to league action.

6. PLAYING THE GAME

A. Lineup Cards

Each team is required to provide a lineup card to the home plate umpire and to the opposing manager before the start of the game. The lineup card must list the player's first initial, last names and their uniform number. An incomplete lineup card invalidates a protest. It must also include the names of any substitutes expected to be available for the game. This, however, is not cause for forfeiture of the game. If the lineup is incomplete, it must be completed before the start of the game. Umpires and opposing managers will not accept an incomplete lineup card. A player in the game who is not listed on the lineup card will be removed from the game per major league rules. List all of your players on your lineup card as a precaution.

Although managers are eligible to play, they must be listed as a starter or a substitute just like any other player.

Managers must notify the umpires and the opposing team of all offensive substitutions and pitching changes when they are made. If a change is not announced, the game will be stopped and both benches notified of the change.

B. Offensive Lineup

A team may elect, for the entire game, to bat 9 or more players. (See "Roster Batting Rule".) If a player is forced to leave a game due to injury, commitment, or if a player is ejected from the game, a reserve player, not previously in the game as a batter, must hit in that position in the lineup. If no reserve is present, that spot is recorded as an automatic out.

A starter in the batting order may be removed and a substitute may bat in that player's place at any point during a game providing that the starter has had one plate appearance. The starter may return to bat again, but only in the original spot in the batting order, and only after the replacement has had at least one plate appearance. The substitute may not bat again once removed from the batting order. Only the starter may reenter the game. The exception to this rule is in the event of an injury (see Injury Substitution Rule).

The starter and substitutes are locked into the same spot in the order and cannot bat anywhere else. They become ineligible to bat in any other position in the batting order and the game can be forfeited due to the use of an ineligible player. The starter and substitutes are considered "in the game," and may not be used as pinch runners as they are already in a spot in the lineup.

A pinch runner (as opposed to a courtesy runner) must be someone who has not been in the batting order and will be treated under the offensive lineup rule, i.e., that player must have at least one plate appearance before the starter reenters.

A starter (not designated as a non-runner) who is replaced by a pinch runner while on base is removed from the batting order. Once that runner has one plate appearance that starter may reenter. A starter reentering the batting order unannounced will be treated as batting out of order.

C. Injury Substitution Rule

If a team is unable to bat the original number of batters that began the game due to injury of a player, then in order to prevent a forfeit, a previously used player not currently in the batting order may take the injured player's place in the order. This switch in the batting order is contrary to the reentry rule and may be only used for an injury (where continuing to play per umpire's discretion, would further affect the injury) and not an ejection. If there are no other available players the position in the order would be an automatic out, unless there is less than 8 players, then the game would be forfeit.

D. Roster Batting Rule

Each team must bat at least 9 players in their lineup. Teams that play with 8 players will receive an automatic out for the ninth batter in the order. At the manager’s discretion, the team may decide to bat more than nine players. They may bat all of the players on their team or any number over 9.

Players may also be added to the bottom of the batting order at any time in the game (provided that the other team is notified).

If a team decides to bat their entire roster, they will not be penalized if a player must leave the game for any reason (provided they still have at least 9 players in their lineup).

If a team does not bat their entire roster, they must put a replacement in the lineup if a player must leave the game.

E. Courtesy Runners

Two players per team per game may have another player run for them in the event they reach base. Those that require courtesy runners are called non-runners. Their manager must notify the opposing manager before game time (list non-runners on the lineup card). If not notified, the opposing manager may deny the request. The player to make the last batted out must be the courtesy runner, with the exception of the current pitcher and the current catcher. If a non-runner is needed before there has been a batted out in the game, then the courtesy runner must be the last player in the batting order. There is no speed up rule allowing runners for the pitcher or catcher. This rule only applies to the player and not to that spot in the batting order.

Once the game begins and the full compliment of courtesy runners has not been used, only by an obvious injury can an additional courtesy runner be used. In the event a player becomes injured during the game and 2 courtesy runners have already been designated, a pinch runner must be used and no courtesy runner is allowed. If a batter (designated as needing a courtesy runner) opts to run, he will lose his courtesy runner for the remainder of the game. Any improper use of the courtesy runner shall result in the non-runner being scored as an out.

F. No Collision Rule

The TCMABL has a No Collision Rule defined as follows:

Players shall not intentionally collide with any other players. A runner trying to advance to a base must either slide or attempt to go around a fielder if the fielder has the ball in their possession or in the umpires judgment, is about to receive the ball. A player sliding into a base must try to go to the base and avoid collision with the fielder. A runner colliding into a defensive player in an intentional attempt to jar the ball loose will be called out and ejected from the game.

It is the judgment of the umpire whether a collision intentionally violates this rule. This is not a "must slide" but a No Collision rule. This includes using elbows or lowering a shoulder in an attempt to cause a fielder to drop the ball. The umpire may eject any player who makes contact with another player with the intent to cause injury.

The TCMABL would like to remind all managers and players that a player may not block the base path or a base without possession of the ball. For example, a catcher may not block the plate without the ball. Under these circumstances the defensive player shall be responsible to avoid a collision. The defensive player will be ejected from the game if the action is intentional and may be expelled from the league if the obstruction is judged to be flagrant. The right of way belongs to the runner, unless the fielder has the ball. Most defensive players know how to offer the runner part of the base to make him slide inside or out.

G. Hit Batsman Safety Rule

If a pitcher hits four batters in one game, he will not be allowed to continue pitching. He may continue to play at a different position. The umpire has the discretion to eject the player, if he decides that the pitcher is intentionally throwing at a batter. The pitcher may also be subject to discipline form the league according to the rules and penalties listed in the Code of Conduct.

H. Defensive Lineup

All team’s players may be substituted for defensively, at any time, without affecting the player's offensive status in the lineup with the exception of the pitcher. If the pitcher is removed, he may reenter to pitch only one time in the course of the game. The removed pitcher may play other positions after being removed or no position at all.

Free substitution on the field does not affect the batting order. Defensive positions need not be listed on the lineup card.

7. CODE OF CONDUCT AND LEAGUE ADMINISTRATION

A. Prohibitions

Managers and players shall conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. No manager or player shall commit the following:

1. Lay a hand upon, shove or strike, or threaten an official. Players and mangers guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until his conduct is reviewed by the Board of Directors.

2. Refuse to abide by an officials decision. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from further participation in the game and shall remain suspended until his conduct is reviewed by the Board of Directors.

3. Be guilty of objectionable demonstrations of dissent at an officials decision. Players and mangers guilty of such conduct shall be subject to suspension of further participation in that game.

4. Discuss with an official or officials the decisions 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.

5. 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 subject to suspension from participation in that game and shall be subject to probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.

6. 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 that game and shall remain suspended until their conduct is reviewed by the Board of Directors.

7. Be guilty of verbal abusive attack on any player, manager, official or spectator, before, during, or after a game. Players guilty of such conduct shall be immediately suspended from participation in that game and shall remain suspended until their conduct has been reviewed by the Board of Directors.

8. 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 that game and be subject to prohibition or suspension for the remainder of the season.

B. Penalties

1.The Board of Directors may, by vote of the majority of the directors, suspend any manager or player for such a period and upon such terms as it may propose, for the conduct which in its opinion is prejudicial to the welfare, interest, reputation, or charter of the league.

2. Except as otherwise provided, the directors shall determine the appropriate action required for violations of the codes of conduct.

C. Grievances Protests and Appeals

1. Grievances may be filed by an individual player or by the manager of a team.

2. All protests or grievances should be lodged to the league President within 24 hours after the game for which the protest is made. The president will direct issues to the league grievance committees.

3. An appeal of a grievance committee decision may be filed with the Board of Directors by an individual or a manager. All decisions by the Board of Directors are final and not subject to appeal.

D. New Team Applications

All new teams must pass an application process that includes an interview before the league directors. The new team needs a majority of the directors to vote in their favor to be allowed into the league.

E. Meeting Attendance

Each team must send a representative (that has authority to make decisions for that team) to all league meetings throughout the year. Teams that fail to send representation are removed from good standing and can be dismissed. To be readmitted, the team would then have to apply as a new team and be approved.

Meeting attendance is defined as arrival at the meeting within 15 minutes of meeting start time, and presence until adjournment. Board members can leave early and be noted as present if the board approves their excusal.

F. Score, Umpire Evaluation Reporting

All teams are required to report their scores and submit their umpire evaluations using the leagues reporting form on the internet.

Game scores and evaluations are due no later than the morning of the teams’ next scheduled game. Each Wednesday through the season the Vice president shall publish a warning list of teams who have not submitted their last scores. Failure to submit scores by deadline will incur a $15 fine for each occurrence, due to the league treasurer the morning playoffs start. Failure to bring your team current will result in playoff ineligibility and forfeiture of playoff games.

G. Roster Requirements

An alphabetized roster must be turned in to the league President at least two weeks prior to the first league game of the season.

During the season, teams must maintain updated rosters on a web page on the internet. The scores of teams playing without published rosters can be challenged to the grievance committee. Players not appearing on the teams web published roster are ineligible for league games without the consent of the opposing manager.

Teams must submit complete rosters to the league Vice President following completion of games on the leagues 8th Sunday game date, and before the 9th Sunday's games begin.

Teams must submit roster of playoff eligible players to the league Vice President immediately upon the conclusion of the regular season.

Failure to submit rosters on the required dates results in team non-eligibility for the playoffs, though that can be appealed to the grievance committee.

8. PLAYOFF GAMES AND ALL STAR GAMES

A. Playoff Games

At the conclusion of the regular season, the TCMABL will conduct playoffs to determine the overall league champion. All regular season rules apply. All games will be 9 innings in length and can not end in a tie.

The regular season won/loss record of each team will determine seeding in the playoff tournament. The team with the best overall record will play the team with the worst overall record. All playoff positions will be decided on winning percentage. The winning percentage is decided by dividing a team's total wins by their total games played. Ties are broken using the following system:

1. Head to head. Who beat whom when they played each other.

2. Fewest runs allowed, head to head. Score of head to head games.

3. Winning percentage within the division.

4. Run differential, head to head.

5. Fewest runs allowed, per game average.

For the purposes of a tie breaker, forfeit losses are recorded as a 9 to 0 score.

Players must play in at least eight (8) regular season games to be eligible for playoffs. A game played is defined as appearing in the field while a pitch is thrown, or appearing for an at bat during the game.

B. All Star Games

The league President will attempt to schedule the all star game for mid-week. At this time (2005) managers for the All Star game are drawn from each league at a meeting prior to the beginning of the regular season. Each team may send two representatives to the All Star game. Each team can determine their own method of deciding who should represent their team in the all star game, but it is encouraged that each team take a vote.

All players and managers on the all star team are to be in full uniform for the game. League players and managers who are not in the game should be encouraged to attend to show league support. Additionally, all family members of the all star players will be encouraged to attend. This is a family oriented league and their attendance is important.