2017 Connie Mack League Rules A

2017 CONNIE MACK LEAGUE RULES A. TEAM ENTRY PROCEDURE: 1. Managers are required to submit their team entry card when entering their team.

B. GAME FEES: 1. The Cleveland Baseball Federation pays all game fees for City of Cleveland teams. 2. Non-resident teams may only enter if room is available and they pay their game fees. “ PLAYER ELIGIBILITY AND REGISTRATION ” C. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY:

1. City of Cleveland residents have first priority on participating in this league. - Residency is defined when either parent or legal guardian lives in Cleveland. 2. Age Limit: Ages 19 and under, cannot turn 20 years old before August 1, 2017. 3. Non-residents can play: Each team may have (7) non-residents on their roster. 4. More than (1) team: Each team may have no more than (5) players who play on 2 teams.

D. SQUAD SIZE: 1. The roster limit is 18 players for all leagues.

E. CONTRACT CARDS: 1. Any coach who plays an illegal player and the illegal player will be suspended for (4) games. 2. Verified and approved contract cards must be available at all games. 3. Two contract cards must be validated at the Division of Recreation administrative office prior to the team’s first game between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 4. Minors must have a parent or legal guardian sign the contracts. 5. NO PICTURES are required on the contract cards. 6. Players must have a photo I.D. with him at each game. 8. Signing Deadline to add players: Teams may add players before July 1, 2017.

F. CONTRACT MUST BE APPROVED: 1. Center Managers must initial each player’s contract before submitting for validation. 2. Other teams must have their organization head initial contract before submitting for validation.

G. HARDSHIP RULES: 1. Hardship status takes place after the signing deadline date of July 1, 2017. 2. A team’s roster becomes such that it lends itself to the termination of the team. Manager may apply for hardship to continue the season if the following procedures are met: a.) Request for hardship status must be submitted in writing. b.) Contracts of players no longer on the team must be submitted along with the reason for their dismissal. c.) Dropped players may be replaced at the discretion of the League Director. 3. The new players shall be allowed to participate for the remainder of the regular season but will not be eligible for any post-season play such as city playoffs.

H. PROPER COMPLETION OF PLAYER CONTRACTS – (2) Per Player

City of Cleveland Cleveland Baseball Federation Cleveland Indians Charities Youth Contract

Program Age Age Requirement

___Little F 9-12 Can not turn 13 year olds before May 1, 2017 (must be 9 prior to May 1st of the current year)

____Big F 13-14 Can not turn 15 year olds before May 1, 2017

___Mickey Mantle 15-16 Can not turn 17 year olds before May 1, 2017

_X_Connie Mack 17-19 Can not turn 20 year olds before August 1, 2017

SAMPLE CONTRACT FOR CONNIE MACK LEAGUE

Team Name: ____ESTABROOK RECREATION CENTER______

Center/Park: _____Leave Blank______

Player Name: ____JUAN RODRIGUEZ______

 Male Race:___H______Birth Date:___5-28-1999______ Female Ward Address: ___3030 WEST 52 STREET______City:____CLEVELAND______#:__14______Additional funding is Zip:__44144___ Home Phone: (216) 771-3935_____ based on participants School: __James F. Rhodes High School_ Homeroom: ___110_____ Ward #:____14______indicating their ward. Emergency Number: (216) 687-3555______

Parents Hospitalization:  Blue Cross Kaiser AFDC Other:______None Contract number: (____)______-______

Park Coordinator: __Leave Blank______Date: ______

On behalf of my team, I hereby agree to abide by all the rules and regulation set forth by the Cleveland Baseball Federation, Cleveland Indians Charities, Cleveland Division of Recreation, and all local and national affiliations.

Head coach signature: ___Team Manager signs on this line______Date: ____Put Date Signed___

2 Participant Agreement SAMPLE ** Please Read Carefully Before Signing**

In consideration of __PLAYER’S NAME HERE__ (“Participant”) being allowed to participate in any City of Cleveland (print name) Division of Recreation, Cleveland Baseball Federation and/or Major League Baseball RBI baseball program (collectively referred herein as the “Program”), the undersigned does acknowledge, appreciate, and agree to the following:

1. That there may be risk of injury from the activities involved in the Program, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist and cannot be eliminated without changing the nature of the Program; and, 2. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, hereby release, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Baseball Federation, Cleveland Indians Charities, Cleveland Indians Baseball Company Limited Partnership, Major League Baseball, and, the owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the Program, together with their respective officers, directors, agents, partners, employees, volunteers, coaches, umpires, transportation providers, sponsors, vendors, advertisers, subsidiaries, parent companies, and affiliates (collectively referred herein as the “Released Parties”), with respect to any and all injury, disability, death, or loss or damage to person or property arising from the Participant’s participation in the Program, whether caused by the negligence of the Released Parties, or otherwise (“Claim”), to the fullest extent permitted by law; and, 3. Participant knowingly and freely assumes all such risks in the Program, both known and unknown, even if arising from the negligence of the Released Parties, represents that he/she has no medical condition or physical restrictions that will limit his/her participation in the Program, and further assumes full responsibility for his/her participation in the Program; and, 4. Participant willingly agrees to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation in the Program and understands and agrees that any falsification of the stated information herein will render Participant ineligible from participating in the Program for at least one (1) calendar year. The undersigned further represents that the information provided below is accurate and understands that falsifying any such information may result in Participant’s expulsion from the Program and the possible forfeit of team games.

I have read this Participant Agreement, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing it, and sign it freely and voluntarily without any inducement.

Player Signs here __ 18_____ Today’s Date___ Participant Signature Age: Date Signed

3030 West 52 Street______Player’s Phone #___ Address Email Address Phone Number

FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF PARTICIPANT UNDER AGE 18 AT TIME OF REGISTRATION This is to certify that I, as parent/guardian with legal responsibility for this Participant, do consent and agree to the terms set forth in the Participant Agreement as provided above on behalf of myself and Participant, and, further for myself, my heirs, assigns, and next of kin, I release and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any and all Claims and liabilities incident to the minor child’s participation in the Program, even if arising from the negligence of the Released Parties, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Parent Signs here if participant is under 18______Parent/Guardian’s Signature Date Signed ______Address Email Address Emergency Phone # 3 I. RELEASED PLAYERS: 1. A released player who wishes to play with another team in the same league must sit out the first game his / her new team plays after his / her release has been finalized. 2. To release a player – Bring your contract down to the administrative office. 3. A coach may not deny a release unless property or fees are due.

“ GENERAL LEAGUE INFORMATION ” J. TO THE MANAGERS: All Managers are responsible for compliance to the rules. 1. Managers are to inform their players of the misconduct rules and regulations. 2. Managers are required to have a copy of the rules present at all games. 3. Please call the Division of Recreation if you have any questions (216) 664-2346. K. OFFICIAL GAME STATUS: 1. The game becomes official when five (5) complete innings have been played if the home team is losing or 4½ innings if the home team is winning. L. MANAGER’S COMMUNICATION:

MANAGER’S INFORMATION LINE (1-216-664-6004) ON THURSDAYS

Managers are TO CALL THE INFORMATION HOTLINE EVERY THURSDAY. During this time, the Hotline will notify managers of any important messages. Such as make-up games, standings and other information – Call every Thursday!

The office staff will not be calling managers or mailing make-up schedules to them. It is the MANAGER’S responsibility to call EACH WEEK. Messages/Make-ups will be repeated weekly until they are outdated. NO EXCUSES WILL BE ACCEPTED, if a team forfeits a game because the manager did not call to get the team’s messages.

M. RAIN OUT HOTLINE: **HOTLINE PHONE NUMBER IS (216) 664-6002 ** 1. Teams should call the Rain Out Hotline number: (For the status of games on rain days) A. Weeknight games Call after 4:00 pm for weeknight games. B. Saturday games Call after 8:00 am for weekend games. C. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE OFFICE FOR INFORMATION PRIOR TO 4:00 PM. 2. A game called because of rain or darkness is official if the losing team has batted five times. If a game is called before the losing team has batted five times, the entire game will be rescheduled. N. FIELD PERMITS: (This is based on field availability) 1. Baseball – Pre-season field permits are issued for practice. 2. Each team will be issued a 2-hour permit for a weeknight time and for a weekend time. O. TEAM BENCHES 1. Bench personnel will be limited to contracted players, one manager, two coaches, one scorekeeper, and one bat boy/girl. Overcrowding the bench area creates a potentially dangerous situation.

UMPIRE JURISDICTION The umpires’ jurisdiction begins one (1) hour prior to a game and one (1) hour after a game. The parking lots as well as the park grounds are part of their jurisdiction!

4 “ EQUIPMENT & UNIFORM GUIDELINES ”

P. UNIFORMS: 1. Players must have matching shirts with 6” numerals. 2. Each player must have his/her own uniform, no exchanging on the field. 3. Visors, bandannas, headbands and plastic helmets are prohibited. 4. If the umpire enforces the blood rule per our regulations, the uniform rule will not apply to the affected player(s) for the remainder of the day.

Q. BLOOD RULE: 1. Any player or coach who is bleeding or who has blood on their uniform shall be prohibited from participating further in the game until appropriate treatment can be administered. 2. The umpire will give adequate time for this treatment; however, the umpire reserves the right to beckon a substitute into the game. 3. If the umpire beckons a substitute, the player affected by the blood rule does not have to re-enter via our rules for re-entry. 4. If the player affected by the blood rule must change their jersey, they will not have to comply with the matching jersey rule for the remainder of the day.

R. EQUIPMENT: 1. Metal spikes are allowed in the league. 2. Each player must be properly equipped. 3. Each team must supply one new ball and a good used ball for each game. • CBF will provide each team with 24 baseballs for their games. 4. Team bases are needed for your games. 5. Donuts or metal rods are prohibited. Warm-up bat sleeves are permissible. The umpires, prior to the game, must approve all bats. Their judgment is final. 6. Legal Bats: BBCOR and wooden bats ONLY!

“ TIE BREAKER RULE & HOME TEAM GUIDELINES ”

S. TIEBREAKER RULE 1. Teams who are tied for a trophy position at the end of the season will have their final standing determined by the following tiebreakers: a.) Head to Head competition b.) One game playoff, date and time set by the league director.

Final Standings of other teams not in 1st place that are tied at the end of the season will be decided by the use of the following tiebreakers: a.) Head to Head competition b.) Least runs given up in head to head competition c.) Coin Flip

T. WHO’S THE HOME TEAM: A. Home team is listed second and is indicated on your season schedule. ➢ Home team bench is on the 3rd base side of field, Visitors on the 1st base side. B. During the post season playoffs: ➢ Team with the best record is the home team ➢ Home team will alternate if the teams play each other more than once. C. During the Championship Game: ❖ Team with best record is the home team. If identical records – coin flip.

5 U. JUST SOME REMINDERS

Managers Hotline – Call every Thursday – (1-216-664-6004)

Both copies of your player contracts are due before your first game.

Do not forget that you will need bases for your games.

Winning coach – Please call in the score after the game: - To the Plain Dealer at (216) 999-4370 (before 10:30 p.m.) - To league score line at (216) 664-2118, if the line is filled – call 664-2346

Note: The small laminated coach’s card is enclosed for your wallet, which has these telephone numbers for your convenience.

WEB SITE: www.cbfkids.org

“ GAME RULES FOR THE LEAGUE “

V. NO GRACE TIME FOR GAMES–League Director may waive if city van is the issue. 1. Games begin at their scheduled time. 2. Encourage your players to be at the field at least 30 minutes before their game time. 3. Teams must have 8 players start the game.

W. PRE-GAME WARM-UP: 1. Each team gets ten minutes of warm-up providing no game is scheduled ahead of them. 2. If one game is following another – then five minutes of warm-up is permitted. Note: If the games are running late, the umpire reserves the right to cancel warm-up practice.

X. PRE-GAME CONFERENCE WITH UMPIRE: 1. Managers are to provide items listed below to the umpire at the ground rule meeting:  Team Line-up sheet ➢ Line-up must include player first and last names and jersey numbers ➢ Include your substitute players and their numbers  1 new game ball and I good used baseball

Y. START OF GAME: 1. Each team must have at least eight (8) eligible players to start the game. 2. All games are seven innings or no new inning may start after 2 hours and 5 min. in length. ➢ No new inning may start after 2 hours and 5 minutes ➢ Manager and umpire should document the starting time of the game.

Z. RE-ENTRY RULE: 1. Starters may re-enter the game as long as it is in same spot of the batting order. 2. Once a starter re-enters the game, the substitute cannot play anymore.

AA. EMERGENCY RE-ENTRY RULE: 1. Any player may re-enter the game if a player must leave the game for an injury or an emergency and all the team substitutes have played. This does not include an ejected player! The ejected player must be replaced with an eligible substitute who has not played or the team forfeits the game.

“ GAME RULES FOR THE LEAGUE ” (Continued)

BB. LET THEM PLAY RULE: 1. Every player must bat and play the field. 2. We encourage all coaches to play each player a minimum of 2 innings in the field and bat at least once in each game. 3. Discipline problems are to be addressed at the pre-game conference by informing the umpire and the other coach that said player (Give jersey #) may not play.

CC. SPEED-UP RULES: 1. Intentional Walk - No Pitches thrown – Coach or Catcher tells the umpire. 2. Courtesy runner - For the Catcher – Mandatory with 2 outs, Optional with less than 2 outs. Subs may run – has no effect on their game status. If no subs are available – last man who made an out should run. 4. No throwing around after an out – The ball is to be returned to the pitcher after the play.

DD. RUN SPREAD AND MERCY RULES: 1. Run spread: 10 runs after 5 innings. ➢ Losing team must bat equal number of times. 2. Mercy rule: 15 runs after 3 innings. ➢ Losing team must bat equal number of times.

EE. Inclement weather Rule: The umpire will stop the game for 30 minutes if Thunder Or lightening takes place. Thus the game would be called for safety reasons.

FF. EXTRA PLAYER (EP): A) The EP must be listed on the starting line-up prior to the first pitch of the game and must be used the entire game. Failure to complete the game with the EP results in his spot being ignored for the remainder of the game. IT IS NOT AN OUT! B) If the EP is used – all 10 players must bat and any 9 may play defense. C) Defensive position may be changed but the batting order must remain the same. D) The EP may be substituted for at any time. The substitute must be a player who has not yet been in the game. The starting EP may re-enter.

GG. SHORTHANDED RULE: 1. If a team begins play with the required number of players, that team may continue a game with one less player than it started with if that player has left the game for any reason other than an ejection. 2. Teams cannot play with seven players. They must be able to bat eight (8) at all times. 3. If the player leaving the game is a runner or batter, they are declared out. 4. When the player who has left the game is scheduled to bat, an out shall be declared for each turn at bat. An inning or the game can end with an automatic out. 5. The player who has left the game cannot return to the line-up. Exception: A player who has left the game under the Blood Rule may re-enter without penalty.

HH. EXTRA INNING RUNNER ON SECOND BASE AT START OF THE INNING: (ONLY IN THE PLAYOFFS AND CHAMPIONSHIP) The visiting team will start with a runner on second base which is the last batted out player from the previous inning in any game that goes into extra time (Beyond time limit) or extra inning (due to a tied score).

“ MANAGER’S CHECKLIST ”

HH. MANAGER’S CHECKLIST  Game balls  Catcher’s gear  Mask  Shin Guards  Chest Protector  Throat Guard  Mitt  Catcher’s helmet  Practice baseballs  Bases for the game  Bats  First Aid Kit  Batting helmets  LINE-UP SHEETS  Give the white original to the umpire  Give the Pink Copy to the opposing scorekeeper  You keep the yellow copy.  Your Contract Cards  Copy of our League Rules  The Laminated Rule Modifications card - show it to the umpire before game.  Scorebook  Extra Jersey in case of an emergency  Water Cooler and Cups

II. CALL IN YOUR SCORES REMINDER FOR THE WINNING COACH 1. LEAGUE SCORE LINE (216) 664-2118 ➢ If league score line is full – call (216) 664-2346 and leave it there.

YOUR SCORE SHEETS MUST BE SENT TO THE LEAGUE DIRECTOR

THE R.B.I. OFFICE IS REQUESTING COPIES OF ALL SCORE SHEETS.

PLEASE TAKE A PHOTO AND E-MAIL IT TO [email protected]

SCORE SHEETS MUST HAVE PLAYER’S FIRST NAME AND LAST NAME.

“ UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT NOT TOLERATED ” JJ. PLAYER CONDUCT 1. It is the ultimate responsibility of the manager of the team to insure that his players display good sportsmanship prior to, during and after the game. By playing amateur baseball, each participant subscribes to the code of conduct for athletics.

KK. DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES: 1. The following penalties are punishable by ejection of the game and further disciplinary action administered by the Division of Recreation. 2. Any player ejected from a game is automatically suspended for the next game, more than one if deemed necessary by the League Director.

(a) Normal Ejection: Excessive complaining or complaints to the umpire or for other failure of good behavior deemed necessary by the umpire on the field. (Ejection & 1 game suspension) (b) Fighting: Any physical abuse or attempting to strike another player or umpire with arms, hands, feet or equipment in a combative manner. (Ejection and 3 game suspension). (c) Verbal Abuse: Any threat and/or intimidation that in any manner refers to or reflects negatively upon participating participants, spectators, umpires or league officials. (Ejection and 3 game suspension). (d) Physical Abuse of Umpire/League Official: Any threat of physical intimidation or harm to include pushing, striking, kicking, throwing at or attempting to make physical contact. (Ejection and suspended indefinitely). (e) Bench Clearing: Any team personnel leaving their position on the bench area to participate in or surround a fight. (Ejection and 2 game suspension) (f) Drinking Alcoholic Beverages in the Park: Any team personnel drinking alcoholic beverages in the park will be suspended. (1st offense-3 games, 2nd offense – indefinite suspension) (g) Using or bringing illegal drugs to the park: (Indefinite suspension) (h) Intentional throwing of equipment: (Ejection) ****************************************************************** LL. OTHER CONDUCT RULES: 1. NO SMOKING is permitted in the dugout. 2. The use of profanity by any team member carries the following penalties: a. First Offense – Warning b. Second Offense – Ejection 3. Arguing of balls and strikes will constitute a team warning. Any repeat offense by any team member will result in the ejection of that player. 4. Intentional “hurdling” (jumping over) the defensive player, by the runner, to avoid an out will result in the player being automatically out and subsequently ejected from that game only. 5. MUST SLIDE a. A base runner must slide or run in a normal stride if the defensive player has secure possession of the ball. The runner may not lower his/her shoulder or use excessive force in an attempt to dislodge the ball. If this occurs, the runner will be declared out and ejected from the game. 6. Ejected players must leave the field and not re-enter for the remainder of the evening/day. Likewise, any player suspended is not permitted to attend the ballpark on that given evening/day. Non-compliance could result in eventual forfeiture of the game that the ejected player participated in. 7. IN DUGOUT: All players must remain in the dugout area (exception: on deck hitter).

LINE-UP PROCEDURES

1. Submit your written line-up (PLEASE PRINT) to the umpire at the pre-game conference prior to game.

2. The requirements for a proper line-up are: a.) Print Team Name b.) Print Team Manager’s Name c.) Players – Print First and Last Name d.) Players’ uniform number & position

3. Once the line-up has been submitted to the umpire, it becomes Official.

4. Additional substitute players that are eligible to play are to be listed on the bottom.

5. The line-up sheet will come in triplicate. A.) Umpire gets the white original B.) Opposing Manager gets the pink copy C.) You get the yellow copy

EXAMPLE Team: Cleveland Indians

Manager: John Smith

1. Tom Jones 23 LF 2. Dave Smith 36 RF 3. John Davis 13 3B 4. Bill Johnson 44 1B 5. Larry Thomas 15 CF 6. Ray Jenkins 27 C 7. Pete O’Sullivan 7 SS 8. Rob Williams 47 P 9. Ron Jenkins 25 2B 10. Eric Thompson 35 EP