Junior Men's Baseball Sponsored by B.C. Minor Baseball RULES

B.C. Minor Junior Men’s Baseball

Policies and Playing Rules

Divisions

(a)     The Junior Men’s Division shall offer play in one league, namely “18 to 23 Calendar years of age” providing there are a minimum of 4 teams .

(b)     For the 18 -23 division, players need to have turned at least 18 within the previous calendar year.



Financial Policies

(1)     All teams entering the Junior Men’s Division are required to meet financial commitments as set by the membership.

(2)     A portion of the league fees will be in the form of a performance bond.

(A)    Deductions will be made from team performance bonds to cover any fines incurred by individual teams.

(B)    Teams exceeding their performance bond during the season will be required to submit additional funds as determined by the Junior Men’s Membership.

(C)    At the conclusion of the playing season, teams will be remitted amounts remaining in their performance bond fund.

Junior Men’s Division Playing Rules and Policies

                 (1) Term ‘Membership’ is one team one vote

                   (2)     Rules for the Junior Men’s games will be those stated in the B.C. Minor Baseball Association 2009

Rule Book and amendments thereto. Any exceptions, additions, or changes to B.C.M.B. rules shall be noted in the Junior Men’s Rule Guide.

Section 1-Philosophy

Playing Rules and Policies are intended for the purposes of:

(1)     Keeping the game fun and enjoyable for all players regardless of their ability.

(2)     Ensuring the game proceeds properly and with a consideration of time.

(3)     Ensuring all players are able to make contributions to their team. Some players may be “more equal” and receive more playing time. Managers should be informative to those “unequal” players. Proper understanding of this factor is an important responsibility of managing a team.

(4)     Playing rules of the Junior Men’s Div. are designed to maximize participation. Winning is important but not everything.

(5)     Playing rule amendments are designed to emphasize the recreational nature of the Junior Men’s League

Section 2 – Team Rosters

(1)     A team roster shall consist of a adult manager over the age of 25.who will be held responsible for on and of the field conduct of their baseball team, regardless of presence at teams game., and coach(es) and active players. The roster shall consist of a minimum of 14 players and a maximum of 24 players.

(A)    Teams shall submit a minimum roster (14 players) before the start of the league schedule. Failure to do so may result in application of league discipline policies or game cancellations

(2)     .

(A)    The Membership of the Junior Men’s Division will have the final decision regarding player eligibility.

                                         Player registration is the responsibility of the team manager. One copy of the player registration

                                         form shall be submitted to the Registrar and the team manager shall retain the second copy.

(B)    Team rosters listing all active players shall be submitted twice during the season – (1) sent to B.C. Minor Base ball before commencement of start of season. (2) Final roster before July 2

(C)    Teams may not sign any players after July 1^st.



(3)     In order for an individual to be eligible to participate in league play-offs, a player shall have appeared in six Junior Men’s regular league games or half the team’s completed regular season games, whichever is the least. Players who are injured and are unable to participate in the required number of games may appear in the play-offs upon application by their teams to the Membership. The Membership shall have the final decision in these matters.

(A)    Team managers are to keep a cumulative record of games played by each player.    This form must be presented, along with team scorebook at the official play-off meeting.

(4)     No player may transfer to another team during the playing season without notice to and approval of the Junior Men’s Membership.

(5)     Ineligible Players – Teams using ineligible players are compromising Junior Men’s Division insurance requirements.

(A)    Teams having concerns about eligible players can make a protest.

(B)    Teams using ineligible players are subject to disciplinary measures from the Junior Men’s Executive. The Junior Men’s Division will suspend such players, forfeit any game results and fine the offending team.

(C)    It is recommended that all teams carry copies of their team rosters to games.

                                       (D) Player must show proper ID (e.g. Drivers license) if requested.

Section 3 – Playing Facilities

(1)     Home teams are to ensure the field is properly prepared and ready at game time. Both teams are responsible for cleaning their dugouts and stands at the conclusion of the game. Failure to adhere to these rules will result in fines or discipline.

(2)     All Junior Men’s teams are to play on facilities properly allotted to member teams or to the league. Facilities for which allotments have not been obtained are not to be used. It is further recommended that all teams ensure they have allotments for practice purposes.

Section 4 – Equipment

(1)     Baseballs – Home team is to supply the umpire with new game balls. Failure to supply game balls. In the event of extraordinary conditions teams may need to supply additional baseballs to complete the game as a matter of safety.

(2)     Bats –

(A)    18 to 23 Junior Men’s Division – Use Wood bats or all Composite wood Bats. No Metal allowed.

(3)     Junior Men’s Division allows metal spikes or plastic cleats.

(4)     Uniforms – it is required that teams be in uniforms. Uniforms should include matching tops with numbers, hats and baseball pants.

(A)    For new players or call ups, every effort is to be made to have the player in proper uniform.

(B)    All teams should have extra team jerseys .

                                        (C) Wearing shirts from other baseball teams or organizations is not recommended.

(5)     All batters and base runners must wear a protective helmet with two ear flaps.

(6)     Catchers must be properly equipped with their own protective gear. It shall not be shared with the opposing team except in case of emergency.

Section 5 – Length of Play

(1)     At present, the Junior Men’s Division is a recreational league and preferred playing days are on Saturdays and Sundays. Holiday weekends may be used at the discretion of the member teams.

(2)     A game shall consist of nine innings provided the last inning begins before 2 hour 40minute mark. No new inning shall begin after this time. In the event of a tie game after nine innings, extra innings may be played providing they begin before 2:40.

(3)     Game Start Time Not Scheduled Time For 2 Hrs 40 Minutes

(a) All innings will have a six run limit except for the last inning which is an open inning.

                             (b) After 6.5 or 7 Innings Team Behind by 10 or more Runs has option of Tapping Out at any time

                             (c) There is no mercy rule

(4)     Games postponed due to inclement weather or field unsuitability will be rescheduled subject to the availability of playing facilities. Postponement is the responsibility of the managers and/or umpires involved. Be aware that potential damage to playing facilities or possibility of player injury takes precedence over playing in order to complete the game. League Executive encourage teams to reschedule rain outs.

Section 6 – Commencement of Play

(1)     Games will not be delayed for late players. Eight players must be present at game time.

(2)     A team shall be permitted to play with eight players. The ninth spot in the batting order shall be an automatic out.

(3)     Prior to the start of the game a line-up card must be presented to the umpire, opposing manager and scorekeeper. Full names (first and last) shall be written on the line up along with proper uniform number. Both teams should supply a scorekeeper. It is not the umpire’s responsibility to keep score.

(4)     Include all eligible players on the line-up regardless of attendance at game time, as some may arrive late. Do not, however, include player’s names if you know they are not attending.

Section 7 – Line-up rules

Junior Men’s Division

(1)     Teams may follow either

(2)     (a) a nine man batting order with proper re-entry provisions, or

(3)     (b) a batting order of more than nine players with proper re-entry provisions or

(4)     (c)a “bat everyone” order.

(A)    The choice of batting order shall be indicated before the start of the game to the umpires and the opposing manager. The choice must be adhered to throughout the game.

(B)    Batting order line-ups shall be properly filled out. Each player’s first and last name shall be entered and uniform numbers should be included. Managers and coaches must also be listed and identified on the line-up.

(C)    All substitutes must be inserted into the batting order by the end of the 6^th inning.

       (D)   Batting All - Late Arrival Scratch From Line Up Or Record An Out.

(5)     Injured Players (Offense) – may be replaced with (a) substitute not already used – in this case, the substitute assumes the injured player’s position in the batting order and must bat at least once before the injured player can return. (b) If all substitutes have batted, a player no longer in the batting order may assume the injured player’s spot and the injured player may not return for the duration of the game.   (c) If an injury or ejection results in a team being left with eight players, they may complete the game. The empty batting spot shall be declared an automatic out. (e) In a “bat everyone” order, the batting position shall remain vacant without an out being declared. The injured player may not return to the order. (f) The first ejected player shall be treated as an injured player for batting purposes. If a second player is ejected, and all substitutes have been used, the game is a forfeit and umpires shall terminate the game.

(6)     Catchers – (runners) may be replaced with two outs. The replacement shall be the last recorded out. Teams not replacing the catcher are required to warm up their pitcher while the catcher is putting on his equipment. The player catching the warm up must wear a mask. The pitcher shall not exceed the allowed number of warm up pitches.

(5) Bodily Fluids Rule (Blood)

(A) Any player during a game who is bleeding or who has an open wound, shall be removed from the field of play by the umpires. The player may return to the game only after the bleeding has stopped and the affected or open wound has been completely and securely covered to the satisfaction of the umpires.

(B) Should the same player start bleeding again or the affected area shows signs of bleeding, the umpires may remove the player for the duration of the game.

(C) Should any blood be on the players uniform, it must be cleaned to the satisfaction of the umpire prior to the player returning to the game.

(D) The substitute player is only a courtesy player until the original player returns.

(E) If a pitcher, while pitching, suffers an injury referred to in paragraph (a) above, the umpire will call a courtesy time for no longer than fifteen (15) minutes. If the pitcher cannot return in this time a pitching change must be made.

(F) Should a team only have eight players available at the time of an injury referred to in paragraph (a) above a courtesy time will be called for no longer than fifteen (15) minutes. If the affected player is unable to return after this time then the game will be forfeited.

Section 8 – Pitching Rules

(1)     A pitcher shall be limited to a maximum of 5 consecutive innings. The rule shall apply to both starting and relieving pitchers. One pitch thrown constitutes a full inning. Once a pitcher is removed from that position, he may not re-enter the game as a pitcher. He may appear elsewhere in the defensive line up after pitching.

       All pitchers shall be subject to following the accepted rules for pitchers including appearance and equipment.

(2)     Pitchers using illegal motions will be warned. Repetition of such illegalities will result in removal from the game.

(3)     Pitchers are expected to observe accepted forms of delivery.

(4)     Pitchers using illegal substances or applying them to the ball will be removed from the game and be subject to league discipline procedures.

(5)     The pitcher is a defensive player and may or may not appear in the batting order. In the event of injury to the pitcher, his substitute must be allowed reasonable time to warm up. Depending upon the situation, the umpire may add time to the playing time limit.

(6)     A maximum of five warm up pitches is permitted between innings. Relief pitchers may receive 10 warm up pitches.

Section 9 – Defense

(1)     The Junior Men’s Division has a policy of unlimited fielding substitution. Substitution is open but all players shall play a minimum of three innings in a defensive capacity.   A player may be playing defensively but not be present in the batting order.

(2)     Gloves worn by defending players shall be appropriate for their position.

(3)     Defensive players must not block their base until they have possession of the ball.

(4)     Anti-crash rule

1)      Defensive players must not block their bases until in possession of the ball. FAKE TAGS are not allowed – Umpires may apply obstruction rules and/or eject a defensive player if his actions endanger the offensive player.

2)      A runner is required to avoid a collision with a fielder making a tag unless the fielder is completely blocking the base. If a collision does occur, it is interference if the runner could have avoided the collision, intended to dislodge the ball, or makes flagrant contact. If the collision is flagrant, the runner is also ejected. A runner advancing on a force to a base where a play is being made must slide directly into the base or move away from the fielder. If he slides to the side of the base in the direction of the fielder, it is interference and an automatic double play (with less than 2 outs), even if the double play was no longer possible.

Section 10 – Playing Time

(1)     Due to the recreational nature of the Junior Men’s Division, rule amendments have been included to facilitate maximum playing time for its members. All players must receive one official batting appearance and a minimum of three innings of defensive play.

(A)    Failure to give attending players one official batting appearance will result in forfeit of the game and a fine.

(B)    Clear violations of the minimum defense rule may result in a fine after review by the Executive.

(C)    Play-off games should be tracked by both teams. Failure to have all players receive minimum batting appearances will result in game forfeiture. Clear violations of defensive appearance may result in forfeiture.

(D)    League championship games will be tracked by official scorekeepers. Violations of minimum batting or defensive requirements will result in forfeiture.

(2)     Pitchers may not pitch for more than 5 consecutive innings. Following their pitching appearance, they may play in any other defensive position but they cannot return to the pitching position.

(3)     Maximum number of games for Graduating Midget or Senior Big League and Big League call-ups is (6) games.

Section 11 – Umpires

(1)     All games will be allocated two umpires – one for home plate and one for bases. If only one umpire is present, he will receive 75% of the total game fee.

(A)    A second umpire may be volunteered if the two teams and the lone umpire are in agreement

(2) Teams responsible for forfeits must cover the umpire fees for that game. Such payments will be deducted from the team performance bond, then transferred to the home teams performance bond

(A)    Cancellations should be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled game.

(3) Umpires are responsible for collecting team line-ups prior to the start of the game.

(4)     The umpires will be supplied with new baseballs from the home team.

(5)     Umpire Reports must be submitted to the Umpire – in – Chief within 24 hours of the ejection or incident. The report may be made in writing or via e-mail. The Umpire – in – Chief will forward this report to the Disciplinary Council .

(6)     Umpires are to be treated with respect and league members displaying poor conduct towards umpires will be subject to league discipline.

(7)     If you have a complaint about an umpire, talk respectfully to him, your manager, or the Junior Men’s Division Executive.

(8)     Concerns about umpires should be directed to the Junior Men’s Membership.

(9)     Umpires are responsible for terminating games if they consider this procedure necessary.

Section 12 – Game Results

(1)     Team managers are responsible for recording game results and reporting them along with any problems or concerns. Winning team reports

(A)    The game result shall be reported to the Junior Men’s Division web master by the home team manager within 48 hours.

(B)    Any team that has had a member ejected during a game must have the manager submit a report to the Disciplinary Commitee within 48 hours of the Ejection. The report may be made in writing or via e-mail.

(C)    Umpire concerns should be reported to your Umpire Allocator. This includes the non-appearance of umpires.

(D)    Managers are responsible for recording all Junior Men’s Division games in a scorebook. Lack of such recording may affect decisions regarding player eligibility.

(E)    Cancelled games must be reported to the Junior Men’s web master and your Umpire Allocator. The Junior Men’s Schedule Allocator, in consultation with the non-cancelling team shall determine a date, time, and location for the re-scheduled game. In the event the game is unable to be completed, the team initiating the cancellation shall be assessed a loss in the league standings and the opponents will be awarded the win.

Section 13 – League Championship Play-Offs

(1)     Play-offs shall be arranged at the conclusion of the regular season. All Junior Men’s Division Teams are eligible to participate.

(2)     Positions for participation in the play-offs shall be determined by draw from a hat

(3)     The Membership will determine the sites for all play-off games.   The Membership will determine the park to be used.

(4)     All teams participating in the play-offs must submit playing rosters at pre tournament meeting prior to the games. The Membership shall determine the eligibility of all players.

(5)     Game length:

a): Play-off games shall be nine innings with 2 hour 40 minute Time limit. Extra innings may be played to determine a winner. The six run rule is in effect for the first eight innings. The ninth inning and any extra innings are “open innings.” All other Junior Men’s Division rules are in effect.

Section 14 – Behaviour and Discipline

(1)     Due to the recreational nature of the Junior Men’s Division, intense forms of behaviour are not expected. The Junior Men’s Membership expects its players, managers, Executive, and spectators to exhibit a co-operative spirit of conduct and sportsmanship at all times.

(2)     The purpose of the Junior Men’s Division is to have fun, accepting we are adults and can appreciate decisions are not always perfect.

(3)     No alcoholic beverages are permitted on the field or in the parking lots before, during or after games. Teams are encouraged to select appropriate places for consumption of alcoholic beverages. Failure to comply with this rule will result in fines, discipline or expulsion for offending players or teams.

(4)     The Junior Men’s Membership shall not permit smoking or tobacco products in the dugouts or on the playing field before or during games.

      (5) Ejections

(A) Upon review of both the Umpire’s and Manager’s reports, the Disciplinary Committee will follow the following process:

Render a Discipline Ruling including any suspensions/fines. The Disciplinary Committee can fine offenders up to $100 and suspend them for up to 3 games.

If the offence is considered serious or it is determined that the resulting penalty may exceed the Disciplinary Committees limits, they will convene a Larger Discipline Committee made up of 3 more executives. The Discipline Committee will then render a Discipline Ruling on suspensions/fines. Serious incidences may include, but are not limited to fighting, abuse of umpires, intent to injure, and gross misconduct.

All Discipline Rulings will be communicated to the alleged offender’s manager via e-mail prior to the alleged offender’s next game. Managers have the option of asking to see the Umpire’s Reports.

Managers will be responsible for administering any suspensions and settling any fines with the league.

(B) Penalty for 1^st Ejection of the Current Year



After every first ejection of the current year, the player or manager ejected will be subject to a 1 game suspension, to be served during his team’s next league or playoff game. If the team’s next league game is the beginning of the next year, the suspension will be served at that time.

Note: All penalties remain subject to the decision of the Discipline Committee and 1^st ejections can result in greater or lesser penalties if deemed appropriate.

(C)Appeals

Once notified of the Discipline Ruling, a Manager can file an Appeals Notice. The Appeals Notice must be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner within 48 hours of receiving the Discipline Ruling.

Depending on the seriousness of the incident, a decision by the Deputy Commissioner or Discipline Committee will be made whether or not an alleged offender will be permitted to manager or play while the Appeal is being heard. This will be communicated to the alleged offender in the Discipline Ruling.

Note: Any appeals that are not successful will result in 1 game added to the original suspension. Managers must consider the consequences of failed appeals prior to their Appeals Notice submissions.

(D) Appeals Process:

An Appeals Notice is submitted to the Disciplinary Committee.

The Committee will convene an Appeals Committee comprised of 2 Junior Men’s members (not involved with the original Discipline Ruling) that alleged offender’s team is NOT a member of. The composition of the Appeals Committee may vary if there are not enough Junior Men’s executives available (i.e. 2 Managers and 1 Executive)

All appeals will be heard within 1 week of the Appeals Notice being submitted.

Alleged Offenders retain the right to appear before the Appeal Committee, an arrangements will be made to accommodate both the Committee members and the Alleged offender

The Appeals Committee will render a decision on the Appeal. This decision is final.

(E) Process for Discipline other than Ejections

Anyone, including an executive member that feels discipline is in order for a team or participant may submit a complaint to the Disciplinary Committee . The Committee will inform the alleged offender of the compliant and offer the opportunity for the offender to reply.

Once all information is received by the Disciplinary Committee, the same process for handling ejections will be followed.

(F) Serving Suspensions

Offenders must be present at the suspended game or games and their attendance must be noted on the line up card. An offender will have served their suspension by having the plate umpire confirm their presence during the line up exchange between managers.

Note: Suspended managers or players are NOT permitted to remain on the bench or participate in any way.

(G) Protests

If a protest is based on an interpretation of the Junior Men’s Division playing rules or bylaws, the objecting manager must at the time the play occurs, notify the head umpire and the opposing manager that the game is being played under protest, and submit the protest in writing or by e-mail to the Protest Committee within 48 hours of the completion of the game.

Umpires should make a public announcement to the crowd when a game is being played under protest.

Once a Protest has been received, the Protest Committee will:

Convene a Protest Committee comprised of Two non bias membership . In the event one of the members is involved in the protest, they must not participate on the committee and their place be taken by one other Junior Men’s Member

The Protest Committee may decide to hear the participants involved or they may make a ruling in committee. The committee may consider its view of the likelihood that the matter affected the outcome of the game in question.

All decisions regarding protests involving Junior Men’s Division playing rules or bylaws made by the Protest Committee are final.

(7)     Performance Bonds – As a condition of joining the Junior Men’s League, all teams will be required to post a performance bond. The amount of the bond will be set by the membership and is due before the start of the season.

(A)    Instances where an application will be made against the bond include: forfeitures, team and player fines

Failure to attend meetings, damages to playing facilities and other instances deemed harmful to the well-being of the Junior Men’s Division.

(B)    The minimum level of a performance bond is $100.00 balance. Failure to maintain the bond at this level shall result in cancellation and forfeiture of the next scheduled games.

(C)    Performance bond balances will be returned to all teams at the conclusion of the playing season.

B.C. Minor Junior Men’s Division – Entry Requirements

(1)     A playing roster of 14 to 24 players. All players to be properly registered under the terms to be set by the Registrar. A minimum of 14 registered players is required to begin the season.

(2)     Adherence to the Junior Men’s Division Constitution, Policies and Playing Rules. These are contained in the annual hand out.

(3)     Payment of Division fees and costs as set by the Junior Men’s Division Membership. Payment shall be paid in full by March 30.

(4)     Support of league sanctioned events in the form of financial or volunteer commitments.

-          Each team must endeavor to secure a park and playing times in their locality.

(5)     A team representative must be present at each league meeting.

(6)     A willingness to supply help for league committees necessary for the development of the league.

(7)     A willingness to work on behalf of the league in individual member districts.

-          Park allotments and playing times

-          Work co-operatively with other baseball groups in their locality

      (8)     No Boundaries or Re-leases required in Junior Men’s League

The Membership of the Junior Men’s Division will act on behalf of its members to determine the entry of teams into the league.

JUNIOR MEN’S DIVISION

Code of Conduct

Introduction:

The Junior Men’s Division has been established as a recreational yet competitive baseball league. The Junior Men’s Division will not tolerate teams or individuals being involved in fighting, verbal or physical abuse, bringing and consuming alcoholic beverages and/or drugs to Junior Men’s Division fields, and fields not being maintained properly. Many families and fans of all ages attend our games and it is everyone’s responsibility to represent the Junior Men’s Division in a positive manner. Therefore, a Code of Conduct for all Junior Men’s Division members has been adopted and must be adhered to at all times.

Manager’s Responsibilities:

¨     Managers are responsible for their teams, their players and spectators. Failure to attempt to control team members or fans may result in forfeiture of the game and possible suspension from the league.

¨     Managers are responsible for controlling their teams and their players’ behavior. Managers of teams who have more than one disciplinary action related to fighting, abuse of officials or alcohol/drugs may be subject to suspension and removal from the manager role.

¨     Adhere to the Junior Men’s Division Code of Conduct

Junior Men’s Division Code of Conduct:

¨     It is EVERYONE’S responsibility to avoid any and all physical altercations.

¨     It is EVERYONE’S responsibility to contribute to a safe playing environment by treating teammates, coaches, managers, umpires, opponents and spectators with respect and courtesy. This includes no throwing or abusing of equipment, and refraining from using abusive language and profanity.

¨     ANY Manager, Coach or player involved in any fight at an Junior Men’s game or event, prior to, during or after the game or event, will be subject to ejection and further discipline to be determined by the Junior Men’s Division executive.

¨     ANY verbally abusive attack on a game official, Manager, Coach or Player by another Manager, Coach or Player will result in an ejection and further discipline to be determined by the Junior Men’s executive.

¨     If both teams leave their dugouts and/or fight, both teams will be ejected and receive a loss for that game, as well as further discipline to be determined by the Junior Men’s Division executive.

¨     Umpires are not to be physically or verbally abused.   Any player or manager ejected for verbal abuse of an umpire will be suspended for at least one game, and may be subject to further discipline to be determined by the Junior Men’s executive.

¨     Players are to refrain from any objectionable demonstration of dissent at an umpire’s decision. ONLY MANAGERS are to argue any questioned calls! Any player involved in said play must step aside and let their manager handle the situation.

¨     Discussions with umpires are to be done on the field. If any player, manager and/or spectator follows an umpire off the baseball field (as defined by fence lines) to confront, verbally abuse or threaten an umpire, they will face discipline up to and including expulsion from the Junior Men’s League.

¨     A member ejected more than once in a season may not be allowed to continue as a member in the Junior Men’s League subject to a review by the Junior Men’s League executive.

¨     Discipline may be applied for violations of the Code of Conduct regardless of whether the violation resulted in an ejection from a game.

¨     Alcohol or illegal drugs are NOT allowed on ANY fields at ANY time.

¨     Neither alcohol nor illegal drugs will be allowed at ANY Junior Men’s League event nor field, prior to or during any Junior Men’s League sponsored game or event. This will apply to all Teams, Managers, Coaches, Players and Spectators.

¨     Junior Men’s League teams will be held responsible for their fan’s actions prior to and during all their games. Any spectators or anyone else possessing illegal drugs or alcohol will be informed of Junior Men’s League policy. Failure to comply with requests to remove the banned substances may result in forfeiture of games and/or law enforcement being notified, resulting in possible arrest