YAWKEY BASEBLL LEAGUE RULE BOOK
Updated 2014 Season
Rules Committee
David Treska
YBL RULES UPDATED – OFFICIAL 2014 SEASON
1.00 NAME & PURPOSE
1.01 Name The Yawkey Baseball League, Inc. (YBL) is a non-profit amateur baseball organization organized and incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
1.02 Purpose The purpose of the league is to protect, promote and stimulate competition among amateur baseball teams and leagues in the Greater Boston area.
1.03 Agreement
All franchises and team members agree to abide by the rules, regulations, bylaws and guidelines of the Yawkey Baseball League.
2.00 MEMBERSHIP / FRANCHISES 2.01 Members
The membership of the YBL shall consist of duly elected and accepted baseball teams, each of which shall hold a franchise in the league.
2.02 Franchise
Teams are defined as “Franchises”. They are owned and operated by a registered and identified principal person known as the “Franchise Owner” or “Franchise Holder”.
2.03 Franchise Owner
The franchise owner has all right, title and interest in the team.
2.04 Compliance
The franchise owner is responsible for compliance with all rules, regulations, guidelines, conduct, ethics, financial requirements and operating procedures of the Yawkey Baseball League.
2.05 Registration
All franchises must register and be approved for participation in the YBL annually in a format established by the board of directors.
2.06 League Meetings
The franchise holder or a team representative appointed by the franchise holder is required to attend all Yawkey Baseball League meetings.
2.07 Franchise Transfer
A franchise may be sold or transferred upon the approval of the executive board of directors and ratification from the registered franchise holders.
3.00 FRANCHISE REMOVAL
3.01 Financial Obligations
A) Teams that fail to pay league dues and fees or fail to meet other financial responsibilities of the league will be subject to removal from the league.
B) Teams that fail to commit to the YBL in that they have no active applications to join another league will be subject to removal from the league.
3.02 Multiple Forfeits
A franchise will be terminated from the league if it has forfeited games on two separate occasions during a season. A team removed for forfeits will have its remaining schedule declared forfeit losses and its membership in the league revoked. (Note: teams that are terminated may reapply for entry but will be considered a new team and if accepted they will be under probation for three seasons )
3.03 Behavior at YBL Fields
A) Public Drinking – The drinking of alcoholic beverages before during or after a game is prohibited. Violators will be severely disciplined and multiple infractions will be grounds for termination of membership in the league.
B) Field Decorum – Teams and players are guests at the fields we use during the season. Each franchise are asked to be mindful of their surroundings when it comes to cleaning their benches, obeying local parking rules and dressing behind cars or on bench at the parks before, during and after YBL Games.
C) Smoking – No person while in uniform should be smoking at anytime during the course of a YBL Baseball Game at any YBL field.
3.04 Non-Performance
Teams that are deemed to be underperforming or deficient in competitive or management skills or whose participation in league events or functions is lacking or who are found to be disrespectful of the league’s objectives or public image are subject to removal by the league.
3.05 Revocation of Membership
Members whose franchise is in jeopardy will be notified by e-mail, by the president or the membership officer, and allowed an opportunity to address the board of directors regarding deficient areas in question. The membership of a franchise shall be revoked upon the vote of 67% or greater of the board of directors to terminate membership.
3.06 Appeal
Franchises removed under Rule 3.00 may appeal the decision to the membership of franchise holders. To overturn the vote of the board of directors, at a meeting called for that purpose, a membership vote of 67% or greater is required to rescind the board vote to remove.
3.07 Appeal Format
The board of directors will determine the format, ground rules and logistics necessary to accomplish the league’s obligations and objectives during any hearing or appeals process.
4.00 TEAM RESPONSIBLITIES
4.01 Dues & Fees
A) Teams are responsible to commit to participation each season and to pay all established league dues and fees and to follow the schedule of payments to be eligible to participate in league games. The executive board establishes fees annually.
B) Each December at the meeting where the next seasons league elections take place each team must 1. Declare they have no active applications to join any other leagues are will return/participate in the upcoming season.
2. pay a non-refundable deposit of $250.00 for the upcoming season as part of their dues.
C) Failure to meet the duties under rule 4.01a or 4.02b the YBL board of directors may result in the termination of a franchise’s membership in the YBL.
4.02 League Meetings
Each team is required to send their franchise holder or representative to all scheduled league meetings.
4.03 Home Fields / Lights
Each team is required to obtain the use of a home field for its regular season and postseason games( and pay for lights if applicable ). Weeknight games must have lights.
4.04 Home Field Maintenance
Home teams are asked to perform routine maintenance on fields so as to have them ready for play. (Exception for fields where the city or field provider prohibits them from doing so.) It is recommended that home teams have equipment (shovels and rakes) to assist in providing maintenance before and during a game.
4.05 Both Teams Maintenance
In the event of inclement weather conditions BOTH teams are asked to assist in performing maintenance necessary to have fields ready for play. It is recommended that both teams have equipment (shovels and rakes) to assist in providing maintenance before and during a game.
4.06 Forfeit Fees
Any team, which forfeits a game, shall pay to the YBL a $200 fine plus umpire fees and other additional expenses incurred by the non-forfeiting team for lights or field usage.
4.07 The 400 Hitter Web Site
A) Roster – Team management is required to update the 400 Hitter Web Site with a complete active roster in accordance with guidelines set up each season. No team can have more then 25 players active at anytime.
B) Game Scores/Stats – Team management is required to update the 400 Hitter Web Site with scores and stats within 24 hours of the completion of an official game.
4.08 Winning Teams
Within 15 minutes of the completion of an official game the winning team’s management is required to contact the league’s HOT LINE to report the line score. This must be done in the format provided by the league to efficiently convey the information to the news media for the following morning.
Additional information, such as ejections, poor field conditions, or other unusual or unexpected circumstances should also be reported on the hot line.
5.00 MEETINGS & VOTING PROCEDURES 5.01 Meetings
The league president will schedule and run all meetings. The president by e-mail communications may make notification of meetings with information as to date, time, purpose and location of a scheduled meeting. All teams are to be represented ( see rule 4.02 ). Failure to attend a meeting where a quorum of teams is in attendance could result in votes being taken without your input.
5.02 Franchise
Each member franchise in attendance at a league meeting is entitled to one vote on all matters brought before the membership. The franchise holder or team rep will make or delegate will make the teams vote when multiple members of a franchise are in attendance.
5.03 Quorum
A quorum for the transaction of any league business is established as 50% of the membership.
5.04 Majority Vote
Matters brought to a vote at a league meeting will be decided by a simple majority of members present and voting unless otherwise stated in these bylaws.(Note: when there is an instance a franchise can not be in attendance, they may communicate their proxy vote to the league president/Exec BOD prior to a the vote)
6.00 OFFICERS / EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
6.01 Election of Officers
Annually, at the end of the calendar year, the league secretary will accept nominations for positions on the board of directors by or / for a franchise holder or their representative. Nominations may be made by e-mail or other acceptable communication to the league secretary.
6.02 Nomination
Any franchise holder, or their designated representative, may be nominated for a position on the board and shall be placed on the ballot by the league secretary upon their acceptance of the duties of that office, if elected.
6.03 Election Process
When the deadline for nominations has closed and there are no contested positions for the board of directors the league secretary will cast a single vote for the slate of candidates assembled.
If any positions on the board are contested then a duly called meeting of members will be held for the purpose of electing a board of directors. Additional nominees for any board position from the floor may be accepted at this election meeting.
The league secretary will poll voting members by paper ballot for each contested position on the board and the winner will be the candidate who obtains the majority of votes.
6.04 Ex-Officio Board Member
Ex-Officio board member(s) may be appointed by the president and ratified by the board of directors. The ex-officio board member would be someone who holds a special talent, skill or expertise or be someone who may be asked to perform a special task, assignment or project for the league. The ex-officio member need not be a franchise holder.
An ex-officio board member will have no voting rights but may provide input on matters that come before the board.
6.05 Term
The term for each office on the board of directors is one year.
6.06 Vacancies
Should a vacancy on the board of directors occur for any reason the board would appoint, from the membership, a replacement director. Said replacement’s term will be temporary and expire at the next election period.
6.07 Duties of the President
a. Serve as the executive head of the YBL and preside over its meetings.
b. Call membership and special meetings in accordance with the bylaws.
c. Appoint committees as deemed necessary.
d. Ensure that league officers discharge their duties impartially, accurately, faithfully, and promptly. e. Enforce adherence to the rules, guidelines, directives and code of ethics of the league.
f. Handle correspondence and communications with local and national media sources. g. Supply reports as may be requested or required from the board of directors.
h. Perform any other duties and powers assigned by the league.
6.08 Duties of the Vice-President/Membership Officer
a. Perform the duties of the president in his temporary absence or disability.
b. Serve as the liaison between the YBL and local leagues and teams and alumni members, teams and players and Hall of Fame inductees.
e. Examine performance and compliance issues of each franchise annually and report to the president and the board any problem areas that need to be reviewed.
f. Supervise the application process of potential new franchises and establish guidelines and logistics for the board to interview and examine new applicants for membership.
g. Perform additional duties and powers assigned by the league.
6.09 Duties of the Treasurer
The treasurer receives and expends, as duly authorized, all monies of the league and must keep an accurate account of the same in a standardized accounting system. The treasurer must supply financial reports to the league on a regular basis or as requested by the president and/or the board of directors. The treasurer may be assigned additional duties and powers as requested by the league.
6.10 Duties of the Secretary
a. Record the minutes of all league meetings and record the votes of decisions made at membership and board of directors meetings.
b. Read into the minutes all official communications affecting the status of the league.
c. Collect, count, tabulate and record all votes taken at league meetings.
d. Take nominations and conduct elections of officers at a duly called election meeting. e. Cast a single vote for all uncontested board positions annually.
f. Perform other duties and powers as may be assigned by the league.
6.11 Duties of the Member(s) at Large
The member at large is expected to assist board officers in the execution of their duties properly and promptly. Additional duties will be assigned members at large as needed by the board of directors.
7.00 SCHEDULE 7.01 Schedule Deadline
The regular season schedule of games shall be completed between April 15th and May 1st of each season. All member franchise must submit to the league their home field locations, dates available, and any dates they will be unable to play, in advance so as to assure that the schedule deadline is met. The board of directors may adjust the deadline date should it become necessary or required.
7.02 Changes to Schedule
Once the schedule has been declared official no changes may be made without the express approval of the league scheduler. The YBL Scheduler may move games that he deems are in the best interest of t the YBL. The YBL President and/or the board of directors may review for cause.
7.03 Starting Times
The starting time of weekday regular season games will by 7:30 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. starting times for Saturday and Sunday games may not be earlier than 12:00 p.m. or later than 8:00 p.m.
7.04 Length of Schedule
The YBL regular season schedule will be determined each season based on factors that affect the organization of the YBL for that season( ex: amount of teams ). As a guide when we have had 15 teams we have played 32 games, and 16 teams 33 games. Our goal is to maintain a standard that will keep us around this amount that matches teams/permits/costs.
7.05 League Format
The league format will be two conferences adjusted buy the number of teams to match the number of games. Ideally each team will play every opponent twice, one home game and one away game.
7.06 Format & Schedule Changes
The board of directors may adjust the number of games or teams in the league should circumstances require adjustments to either or both situations before or during the season of play.
7.07 Shortened Season
The board of directors may cut short the season and/or the playoffs in order to complete the season and/or playoffs in a timely manner in the event of unusual circumstances, such as weather, going past planned end of the regular season for unforeseen conditions or events that might necessitate doing so.
7.08 Make-Up Games
All regular season games must be played unless rule 7.07 has been implemented. The league scheduler will directly supervise the re-scheduling of postponed or cancelled games.( note: neutral sites can and will be used to best complete the season when needed ) Failure to complete your make up schedule will result in forfeits for any make up games that are scheduled and not played.
7.09 Forfeits
Games must be played as scheduled. Failure to show for a scheduled game inconveniences others and damages the reputation of the league. See Rule 4.06. Consideration may be given for a team that makes an effort to inform the league prior to 24 hours of the start time that a forfeit will result and such notice enables the league to notify the opponent and the assigned umpires in advance. Please note we cannot guarantee that all requests can be honored.
8.00 ROSTERS & PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
8.01 Player Eligibility
No player shall be paid for his playing services. Anyone found in violation of this rule will be suspended for the season. A team will forfeit all games that any player participated in for pay.
8.02 Preliminary Roster
Each team shall submit a copy of its preliminary roster of not more than 25 active players, plus coaches/staff, to the membership before or at the May preseason league meeting. Rosters must also be posted on the 400Hitter website prior to the May meeting. Failure to meet these requirements may result in the punitive actions and possible suspension of team membership.
8.03 Additions/Changes to Active Roster
Additions or changes to a team’s preliminary or subsequent active roster must be made by entry into 400Hitter website, or by notifying the Member at Large on the YBL Hotline or by email. Any player who participates in a game without the compliance with the above rule is to be considered an illegal player and game may be declared a forfeit. To play in a game a player must be listed as “active” on the YBL site the day and prior to the start of the game. Adjustments will also need to be made to deactivate anyone as well to maintain a 25 man active roster.
8.04 Final Regular Season Active Roster
Each franchise will submit a Final Regular Season Active Roster of all potential playoff eligible and active players with not more than 25 active players, plus coaches, by email to the Member at Large and/or his designee, with a copy to the Board of Directors, prior to playing its 23rd game. See playoff eligibility rules 9.08 and 9.09. Rule 8.03 still applies hereafter.
8.05 Playoff Roster
Each franchise qualifying for the league championship tournament shall submit and select their Playoff Roster of not more than 25 active players, plus coaches, by email to the Member at Large and/or his designee, with a copy to the Board of Directors, prior to the league playoff manager’s meeting, or by the date as designated by the President prior to the start of the playoff manager’s meeting. Players eligible for 25 man playoff roster must be submitted on the Final Regular Season Active Roster (see 8.04 above).
Editions or changes to the playoff roster, from 8.04 above, can be submitted the Member at Large and/or his designee, for approval. No changes to the 25 man active roster can be made during the postseason.
8.06 The 400 Hitter Web Site
The 400 Hitter website must include the player’s full name, uniform number, DOB, address, phone number(s) and biographical information. No alias or non legal names may be used.
8.07 Player Movement
No team may accept more than 3 players from any opponents’ prior season playoff eligible players/rosters. The franchise holder of the team losing the players and the board of directors must expressly authorize the transfer of more than 3 players from any one YBL team to any other YBL team. This rule is limited to players who have qualified for the postseason the prior season for a team. ( ex: if a player from the red sox qualified for the postseason he is bound to the red sox for the next season and fall under the limit of players that can move. If a player for the red sox did not qualify for the postseason there are no restrictions on their movement under this rule )
8.08 Player Movement Period
An YBL player may voluntarily transfer or move to another YBL team from the date of completion of the league playoffs in one season until the May Preliminary Roster has been submitted for the upcoming season. A grace period for which a player on one team’s roster may move to another team’s roster is before the 8th game of that season. This transfer may only be done upon the full agreement of the managers of both teams. A player transfer after the 8th game of the season may only be done upon the approval of the president and the ratification of the board of directors for cause.
8.09 Compound Rosters
Players may play on any YBL team they wish in compliance with rules 8.07 & 8.08 and may not be listed on more than one team’s roster at any time. A player who appears on more than one roster must declare which team he is on, if said player is in attendance and listed on a team’s lineup card in a game he shall officially be on that team’s roster.
8.10 Return of Uniforms / Equipment
Any player or coach or staff member, who leaves any YBL team to join another team, including a non- YBL team that is a party to a reciprocal agreement with the YBL, must return all uniforms and equipment belonging to the team left behind. These individuals are ineligible to participate in any YBL game until the issue is resolved satisfactorily.
8.11 Conflict
The board of directors shall adjudicate any conflict or dispute that might arise in compliance with rules 8.07 thru 8.10. The decision of the board is final and no appeal is allowed.
8.12 Line-up Card Guidelines
The completed line-up card of both teams brought to home plate prior to the start of the game, reviewed by both umpires and each manager. The umpire is given a copy as the official record at the start of the game. Players can be added to the cards as the game continues by notifying the home plate umpire and the opposing coach. Once the game has become official no one else can be added to the card for the purposes of attendance/eligibility( note: players can play still but won’t get credit towards eligibility ). Teams are advised to keep their line-up copy as well as their scorebooks as the league will use the line- up cards to determine players’ eligibility status for playoff participation.
Both may be needed to challenge the accuracy of the league’s count. If a team cannot support a claim with documented evidence it will be denied.
Teams will be given 20 copies of the line-up card before the beginning of the season. The home team is required to provide a line-up card for each home game. It is suggested that visiting teams should bring a few extra copies to a game in the event the home team is unable to provide one.
The line-up cards should not be completed until the team has finalized its lineup. The cards should not be used as scratch paper. The extra copies may be needed later for rainouts, cancelled games or if the home team is not able to provide one.
To be included on a line-up card a player must meet the following conditions: 1. Be present at the game.
2. Be in full uniform. (Unless visibly injured and unable to play.)
3. Be in attendance prior to the game becoming official.
Note: A player who arrives after the game is official may not be added to the line-up card but may participate in the game( player will not get an attendance for the game either ).
In the event of a forfeited game the forfeiting team’s players receive no credit for any player in attendance. The non-forfeiting team will get credit for all active players on its roster on the day of that game per 400 hitter and by completing a line-up card and submitting it to the umpire or to the league( note: pitchers will not get credit for a start or innings, but will get credit for attendance only ).
No more than 25 players may be listed on the line-up card.
8.13 Line-up Card Compliance
Any team that does not comply with rule 8.12 by submitting false data on the line-up cards will have its players ruled as ineligible for the game and for playoff credit and the team will face appropriate sanctions for inappropriate unsportsmanlike actions.
9.00 POST SEASON FORMAT / PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
9.01 Playoff Games
Prior to the beginning of the regular season the board of directors, with the approval of the membership, will designate a playoff format.
9.02 Playoff Meeting
The president shall call a meeting of the managers of all the teams in the YBL for the purpose of arranging a playoff schedule and to approve each team’s final roster of playoff eligible players.
9.03 Playoff Format
The YBL championship will consist of three rounds of play. Rounds one and two will be best of 5 games series and the final round shall be a best of 7 game series. In all series the home team will be the highest seeded team. The first 2 rounds will be 2-2-1 format and the finals will be either 2-2-1-1-1 or 2-3-2. In all cases changes can be made by the league scheduler based on permits or any situation that would be needed to be complied with to complete the postseason.
9.04 Teams Qualification for Postseason Play
The first place team in each conference or division will earn automatic entry into the postseason tournament and will be seeded as the top seeds. The next teams with the best overall records during regular season play will earn wildcard berths into postseason play and will be seeded behind the conf/division champions through the 8th and final playoff slot. The format will be announced in the preseason planning depending on the amount of team and format for the championship season.
9.05 Seeding
Seeding will be determined by seeding the conference/division champions with the teams with the most points as the 1 seed. Each team will follow by the other conf/div champs with the most points, followed by the wild card team with the most to least amount of points. There will be 8 teams seeded at the start of the postseason. Round 2 match ups will be paired up as with the highest seed from round 1 remaining playing the team with the lowest round 1 seed remaining.
9.06 Tiebreakers
Home fields and seeding for teams tied for the 1
head records, when possible, by record versus tied opponents; then by record versus playoff teams in the order of finish. If not resolved by these methods the board of directors will determine the method needed to resolve the tie including a coin toss.
th
9.07 Tie for 8
Place
st th
through 7 playoff spots will be determined by head to
If there are two teams tied for the final playoff spot a single elimination game will decide which team advances. If more than two teams are tied for the final playoff spot a “round robin” single game elimination will be played. Match-ups will be determined by coin flip. Dates at the end of the regular season will be left open for this possibility each season and used if needed. The game is a considered a regular season game for the purposes of stats for the season, but the roster will be limited to your active playoff roster.
9.08 Player Eligibility
Players must do one of the following to be playoff eligible
- A) A player must have been in attendance for at least 51% of his team’s games and have participated in at least 4 of those games to qualify for participation in the league championship
st
tournament. A player must be listed on the team’s Final Roster due before the team’s 21
- B) Pitcher Exception – Any player who does not qualify under 9.08A may qualify for the postseason eligibility if he starts or enters in at least 8 of his team’s games as a pitcher and who pitches for at least 32 total innings will qualify for the playoffs as a player on the teams roster and is eligible to play any position without restriction.
- C) Military Waiver – Any veteran YBL player on a team’s roster whose participation in league play is interrupted by active duty requirements in the military will be granted a waiver of the 51% eligibility rule upon return from such service. Team management is responsible for notifying the league president promptly to be granted a military waiver.
- D) Injury Waiver – Any veteran YBL player on a team’s roster whose injury or illness prevents him from attending and participating in league games may be granted an injury waiver. Provided however, a medical doctor validates the waiver request and a release or clearance to return is subsequently provided by a medical doctor. Team management is responsible for notifying the league president and for obtaining proper documentation to be granted an injury waiver. Note: A “veteran” YBL player is defined as any player, who has earned playoff eligibility in a prior season. A player in his is first season would not be able to obtain a waiver for that years postseason, nor would he be able to get one until a season after this player gets eligible under 9.08C and 9.08D
Any player who meets 1 of these requirements under 9.08A, B, C or D will be eligible for postseason play and allowed to play without restriction.
game.
9.09 Tracking
Designated members of the board of directors will verify and tally the line-up cards submitted for each league game. The line-up cards will be crosschecked with the 400 Hitter web site to substantiate and verify the eligibility of players.
9.10 Playoff Schedule Changes
See Rule 7.02, 7.06 & 7.07.
10.00 LEAGUE STANDINGS
10.01 Regular Season Standings
Standings shall be determined by the awarding of two points for a win, one point for a tie and no points for a loss.
10.02 Score and Stats Reporting
A) The winning team is responsible for calling the YBL and updates the 400 hitter website with final scores and line scores immediately following the conclusion of a league game.
B) Team management is required to update player and game stats on the 400 Hitter web site within 24 hours of the completion of a league game. See Rules 4.07 and 4.08.
YBL HOT LINE: 617-282-4073
400 HITTER WEB ADDRESS: http://www.yawkeybaseball.com
400 HITTER MANAGER LOG IN PAGE: http://manager.400hitter.com/login.asp?dest=%252FDefault%252Easp%253F
11.00 BASEBALL PLAYING RULES
11.01 Yawkey League Rules of Play
The major league baseball rulebook shall govern the playing of all league games except for the following rules adopted for use in the YBL. Additional exceptions may be added as needed or necessary. Any rules not covered in this rule book will default to the MLB rules.
11.02 Postponements
Games will be played as scheduled unless postponed by the league for weather or field conditions or due to unforeseen circumstances. Postponements will be announced via email and on the YBL facebook page and the YBL site/400 hitter. Managers, coaches, players and umpires should check these placed prior to every game to verify that the game has not been postponed.
Games not postponed by 6pm on the day of the game via these methods must be played unless cancelled for cause by the umpires assigned to the game. If your team fails to attend a scheduled game a forfeit can be awarded regardless of the fields playing condition. Teams or the YBL can not postpone a game 6pm of a weeknight game and within 1.5 hours of a weekend game. After these times the games are considered in the hands of the umpires and decisions will be made at the field by the assigned umpire crew.
11.03 Postponed Announcements
League officials will record postponements on the league website( or similar methods ) by 6:00 PM for weekday games and an hour and a half before scheduled times of weekend games.
The league may employ other methods to inform teams or officials in addition to, or in the event of, a malfunction of the YBL Hot Line. Such methods may include e-mail notification, phone calls or other methods deemed expedient.
11.04 Called Game is Official
Games that are stopped as a result of inclement weather or for a scheduled light shutdown will be considered official if the losing team has completed five turns (innings) at bat.
11.05 Light Failure
In the event of an unscheduled light failure the game will be considered a suspended game to be continued at a later date. The league will schedule the replaying of a suspended game.
11.06 Curfew
No inning shall start 15 minutes before the scheduled time for the field lights to be shut down or for the scheduled start of another permitted game on the same field.
11.07 Grace Period
The YBL allows a 15-minute grace period beyond the start time of a scheduled game. Should a team fail to field a team by the end of the grace period then the game may be declared a forfeit. A forfeited game will be reported as a 7 -0 score on the YBL Hot Line and in the 400 Hitter web site.
11.08 Pre-Game Warm-ups
Warm-up by both teams shall end five minutes before the scheduled start time of the game. The home team must provide the visiting teams the use of the field for at least 15 minutes of warm-ups.
If, because of a prior game using the field, there is not enough time for either team to warm-up for 15 minutes apiece then the warm-up time remaining will be split evenly between the two teams. (e.g. 25 minutes to game time, then 10 minutes for each team.)
11.09 Game Rules
a. The length of a game shall be 7 innings( starting pitcher must pitch 5 innings to earn a victory ). b. Games tied after 7 innings will continue as time allows( ties are allowed for official games ).
c. Designated Hitter under MLB Rule 6.10 is allowed.
d. NCAA College Slide Rule will be in effect at all YBL games.
11.10 Mercy Rule
Games that are official( each team has batted 5 times or the home team is winning after visiting team has batted 5 times ) will be ended when the following criteria are meet and will be considered complete
- A) After the 5th Inning a team holds a 12 run lead
- B) After the 6th Innings a team holds a 10 run lead
11.11 Rain Delays/Restart of the Game
Once a game is started the umpires are the sole judge on weather a game is to be stopped for unsafe weather conditions. When a delay is called, team’s players/coaches are to stay at the park in a safe area in uniform during any and all delays during any game. When the umpires determine it is safe to resume the game and the ball is put back into play each teams is expected to have their teams ready for play. If a team cannot field 9 players when the game is restarted, the umpires will rule a forfeit of the game.
12.00 CODE OF ETHICS / PLAYER CONDUCT
12.01 Ejections
Players ejected from a game are subject to penalties including fines, suspensions and expulsion from the league. Each ejection shall be examined for its severity to determine appropriate sanctions, if any.
12.02 Abuse of Officials
Disputing an umpire’s judgment, striking or jostling an umpire, engaging in or directing unsportsmanlike contact toward an official, will not be tolerated. Players or team personnel involved in such behavior will face disciplinary action up to and including permanent removal from the league.
12.03 Fighting
Any player or coach that participates in a fight will be ejected and suspended for the team’s next three consecutive games. Additional sanctions may be assessed.
12.04 Intentionally Throwing at a Batter
Any pitcher that is ejected for intentionally throwing at a batter shall be suspended for the team’s next four consecutive games. Additional sanctions may be assessed.
12.05 Verbal Abuse / Bench Jockeying
Game personnel will not use language that reflects negatively on opposing players, coaches, umpires or spectators. The umpire will issue a warning and if the abuse continues will eject the offending person(s).
12.06 Appeals
Suspension for one game and/or fines of $50.00 may not be appealed and will not be heard. Penalties that are greater than a one game suspension and/or $50.00 fine may be appealed.
12.07 Appeals Process
The franchise holder or team manager must make appeals to the league president and the executive board in person, by phone or by e-mail within 24 hours of the penalty being announced. The decision of the appeals committee will be final and no further appeal allowed.
12.08 Suspensions
Suspension(s) will begin with the next game played following the YBL ruling that a suspension is assessed. If a suspension is under appeal it will not begin until the game following finalization of the appeal. No player can receive attendance credit while under suspension. If a suspension goes past the end of the last game of the regular season it will be continued into the postseason( if the team qualifies ) or will be continued the next season until completion.
12.09 Payment of Fines
A fined player may not participate in any league games until the league treasurer has received the fine in hand. Any player in violation of this rule will be considered an ineligible player and subject their teams to a game forfeit.
13.00 UNIFORMS / EQUIPMENT
13.01 Uniforms
All YBL teams must have complete matching baseball uniforms. A uniform will consist of cap, jersey, pants, socks and cleats. Jerseys must have a player name or number or both for identification purposes. Coaches are also required to be in a complete uniform. Any uniformed member of a team must stay in uniform for the duration of the game( note: any player not in game or coach may wear a team jacket, fleece pullover or BP style jacket, no t-shirts are allowed ). Coaches are required to wear a coaches shoe or sneakers( no sandals or flip flops are permitted ).
13.02 Baseballs
The home team is required to provide a supply of officially approved baseballs necessary to complete a game. The league will approve the brand of baseballs to be used annually and have a name or logo stamped on each ball. In the event a team’s stock of YBL stamped balls is depleted a team may substitute using the same brand of approved ball without the stamp.
13.03 Helmets
All batters, base runners, catchers and base coaches must wear protective helmets that are in good working order and free of defects.
- a) Batters must have at least one earflap on the side facing the pitcher. Base runners may not switch the batting helmet to a catcher’s helmet.
- b) Catchers must wear a helmet when on the field( or a “goalie” style mask may be used ), no softcaps are to be worn
- c) Base Coaches must wear a protective helmet. A “catchers” style( no ear flaps ) maybe used while performing duties of a coach in the coaching boxes during games.
13.04 Wood Bats
Wood bats that meet the specifications of MLB bats will be used. The use of aluminum and composite bats are prohibited. Any illegal bats will be removed and the player will be ejected. The league will review each case and may impose additional fines/suspensions.
13.05 Bases
The home team must supply MLB sizes bases for play (15”x15”x3”).
14.00 PROTESTS & PROCEDURES 14.01 What can be protested?
Protests for a misapplication of the rules or for player eligibility are the only protests given consideration.
14.02 What cannot be protested?
No protest of an umpire’s judgment will be allowed.
14.03 Protests at Game
A protest of an umpire’s misapplication of the rules must be made in accordance with Major League Baseball/ Yawkey Baseball League rules to be valid. Managers or coaches should ask the umpire for instructions on how to properly lodge a protest immediately following a questionable play. Requests and protest to the umpire must be made in a courteous manner.
14.04 Protest Procedure
A description of the protest must by made in writing (e-mail) to the league president within 24 hours of the incident. A protest fee of $30 must be delivered or mailed to the treasurer within 24 hours.
14.05 Consultation
Team managers may contact any member(s) of the board of directors by phone or e-mail to request an informal opinion as to the likelihood of the validity of the protest. If after such consultation the team drops the protest the fee will be returned and the protest withdrawn.
14.06 Investigation of Protest
If the appeal is made in compliance with the rules regarding protests the league president will investigate the matter by consulting with the umpires, umpire in chief, and members of both teams in order to gather information to assist in making a ruling. All parties are required to cooperate fully in any investigation.
14.07 Protest Decision
After the president has ascertained the needed information he may decide the following:
a. The protest is invalid or that no misinterpretation of the rules occurred.
b. The protest is valid and a misinterpretation of the rules was made. If in the president’s opinion however, the misapplication of the rule did no affect the outcome of the game, the game will not be replayed or continued but the results will stand.
c. The protest is valid and a misinterpretation of the rules was made. In the opinion of the president if the misinterpretation affected the protesting team’s chances of winning the game, he may order the game be continued from the point of the protest.
14.08 Protest Ruling
The president’s ruling on any protest is final and no further appeal is allowed.
14.09 Playoff Protest
The president may designate a league officer or name a special representative to supervise playoff games. Said officer or representative at the scene will adjudicate any protest that may arise during the game. Any decision made will be final.
15.00 NEW TEAM APPLICATION PROCESS
15.01 Process
The board of directors shall annually appraise new teams wishing to gain entry into the Yawkey Baseball League. The membership officer will establish the format, ground rules, logistics and other necessary requirements to accomplish the task.
15.02 Application Fee
A non-refundable $50.00 application/interview fee plus a $200.00 deposit of a franchise fee will be required of all new applicants. The deposit fee will be refunded to teams not accepted into the YBL. Upon acceptance in the league the deposit will be credited towards the upcoming seasons franchise fees.
15.03 Compliance
Teams wishing entry into the YBL must comply fully with any and all requests for information from the membership officer on a timely basis. Failure to do so may jeopardize the team’s chances for entry into the league and result in the loss of the application fee.
15.04 “New Team” Requirements
A new team gaining entry into the league must pay a supplementary “new team” franchise fee assessed over a three-year probationary period after which the franchise fee will be equal to that of existing franchises. Additional financial requirements may be added for other league events or undertakings. The board of directors will determine the supplemental fees to be assessed annually.
Here is the current schedule for new teams in the YBL.
- Year 1 – 75%
- Year 2 – 66%
- Year 3 – 50%
o NOTE: For example if the league fee is set at $1,000.00 for the three seasons during the probationary period the team would pay $1750.00 in year 1, $1660.00 in year 2 and $1500.00 in year 3.
16.00 Umpires
16.01 Umpires / Commissioner of Umpires
The YBL will hire a Commissioner of Umpires to assign, track, supervise and account for umpires who will work our games. The league will negotiate umpire and commissioners fees with the appropriate parties on a regular basis.
16.02 Regular Season Games
Two umpires will be assigned to work each game during the regular season. A game may start and proceed with one umpire should it become necessary to do so.
16.03 Post Season / All Star Games
A minimum of two umpires will be assigned to work each post-season game. The league may request additional umpires to be assigned to work post-season games or all-star games as needed. The maximum for any post-season or all-star game will be six.
17.00 BYLAWS AND AMENDMENTS
17.01 Approval
These by-laws will be effective upon the approval of the board of directors and by the membership at a duly called league meeting for that purpose. A majority of members present will constitute approval.
17.02 Amendments
Amendments to these by-laws may be made if approved by a two-thirds majority vote of league members present at a duly called meeting of members. The membership must be notified, in writing (e-mail), of any proposed amendments as a part of the agenda for the meeting.
17.02 Editorial Changes
The board of directors without notice may make editorial, spelling or grammatical changes to these by- laws that serve to clarify, illuminate or explain a rule more thoroughly from time to time.