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 Rules |
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GENERAL PLAY RULES
SIBA will adopt a zero-tolerance policy in regards to behavior detrimental to the league, its players, coaches, and fans.
I. LEAGUE OFFICIALS, MANAGERS, COACHES, AND ASSISTANT COACHES
1) All league officials, managers, coaches, and assistant coaches must:
a) Be a Member of SIBA, in good standing.
b) Be approved by the SIBA Board of Directors.
c) Maintain the highest integrity.
d) By precept and example demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.
e) Discipline team members when it becomes necessary in such a manner as to
bring about the desired response without attacking the team member's character
f) Never imply, directly or indirectly, by action or comments that any particular
player was responsible for the loss of a game.
2) All league officials, managers, coaches, and assistant coaches will:
a) Follow all park rules.
b) Set a good example.
c) Notify the league commissioner or SIBA board of directors of any act that may
affect their eligibility to continue as a league official, coach, or assistant
coach.
d) Keep the player’s best interest in mind, not winning or one’s own personal
interest.
e) Work with all parents and players to make the sport a positive experience.
f) Support education as a foundation to all sports and encourage good grades.
g) Treat all players equally and fairly.
h) Attend league and coaches meetings.
i) Teach each player the game of baseball and the meaning of playing together as
a team.
j) Teach each player the meaning of good sportsmanship by precept and example.
k) Develop, to the best of his or her ability, the overall athletic skill of each
player on the team.
l) Provide a qualified scorekeeper for each scheduled game and be responsible for
the submission of game scores to the league commissioner or their
representative.
m) Maintain discipline at all practices and games for the players, parents and
spectators of the team under his/her jurisdiction.
n) Publish a practice schedule and notify parents of canceled practices and
games.
o) Ensure parent participation in keeping areas around bleachers and dugouts
clean.
p) Maintain a current summary of player participation; i.e., games, innings
played, at bats, etc. This may be for your own benefit should a problem arise.
q) Maintain order in the dugout by having a coach, assistant coach, or self in
the dugout at all times during play.
r) Layout the field when designated as home team in the league schedule.
s) Clean up the dugout and field at the conclusion of the game.
t) Assure that equipment in their possession is in serviceable condition.
u) Be accountable for his or her team's equipment, which will be made available
to the manager within two days after the completion of the draft and must be
returned within one week after the end of the regular season.
3) NO league official, manager, coach, or assistant coach shall:
a) Physically or verbally abuse a league official, coach, player, parent, or
umpire
II. PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
1) SIBA is a parent-supported organization, and all parents of youths playing must
assist the association in attaining the objectives of SIBA.
2) At least one parent of each ball player participating in league play might be
expected to perform one of the following team support functions:
Coach or Assistant Coach
Scorekeeper
Assistant Scorekeeper
Field Layout
Sponsor Liaison
Team Parent
3) Snack Bar. (Pocasset) In addition to the team support functions above, every
parent of each player participating in league play will be required to donate
one game of his or her time to the operation of the Pocasset Snack Bar. The
consequences of a parent failing to fulfill his or her required game in the
snack bar is that child will not be allowed to participate in their next
scheduled game until the obligation is fulfilled. An additional $20 may be paid
at registration which exempts parents of that player from being required to
work snack bar duty.
4) Conduct. The conduct of parents when in contact with the team manager,
coaches, players and especially when at the games will be that of a responsible
adult. Any parent, or spectator, ordered removed from the field area by the
umpire after one warning is suspended from attending the remainder of that
game, and their actions are then subject to reviewthe League Commissioner and
the SIBA Board.
5) Dealing with Managers. Problems between managers or coaches and parents will
be discussed at a meeting between the parent and manager or coach. If a further
meeting becomes necessary, the manager will arrange a meeting between the
parties involved and the League Commissioner to resolve the problem. The final
step is to take the problem before the SIBA Board of Directors, if required.
6) Uniforms and Equipment. Parents and managers are responsible for uniforms
and equipment issued to players and managers. Said equipment must be returned
at the end of the season. If equipment is not returned, those responsible will
be billed at the current rate of replacement and shall be excluded from further
participation in the SIBA program until such bill is paid or equipment is
returned.
7) Fund Raising. Should the Board of Directors decide that a fundraiser will be
needed in order for the program to remain fiscally sound, all parents are
responsible for making a reasonable effort to support that activity.
III. SUSPENSIONS
1. A Manager, Coach, Parent or Player may be suspended for the following
transgressions:
a) When the team parents do not work the concession, as scheduled, the child is
suspended from the team's next regularly scheduled game.
b) Failing to turn in all SIBA equipment issued.
c) Breaking park rules.
d) Displaying behavior not of the highest integrity, including but not limited to -
throwing of equipment, obscene language, threats, verbal and physical abuse,
failure to attend games or practices in a habitual manner.
e) For falsifying league documents.
f) When placing a player’s safety in question.
g) Upon being ejected from a game, there will be a one-game suspension added.
2) League officials can temporarily suspend a head or assistant coach when they
feel that it is in the best interest of the league, parents, and/or players.
Head coaches may and can remove assistant coaches for the same reason.
3) When a coach is suspended the assistant coach will take over as the head
coach. If the coach and assistant coach is suspended, the league commissioner
can appoint a replacement coaching staff.
4) If a coach and the assistant coach are ejected from a game, the game will be
judged as incomplete and stopped by the umpire to be completed at a later date
pending a review of the ejection.
5) Coaching staff suspended from a team must be notified within 24 hours of the
suspension. Coaching staff may file a protest of suspension. Protest must be
filed within 24 hours of suspension.
7) Protests to a suspension must be made immediately to the SIBA board of
directors.
a) The SIBA board of directors must approve any suspension that exceeds 2 games.
b) All umpire reports relating to ejection, suspension, or other disciplinary
actions must be filed with the SIBA Board of Directors immediately following
the game in question.
8) Disciplinary measures for rule violation or misconduct:
a) The League Commissioner has the authority to suspend managers and/or coaches
for one game because of violations of the SIBA general play and park rules.
b) The League Commissioner shall notify the Board of Directors of any
violation and disciplinary action, proposed or taken.
c) A manager, coach, player or spectator ordered removed from the game by the
umpire after a warning shall not instruct or manage his or her team for the
remainder of that game and is automatically suspended for the following game,
subject to appeal to the League Commissioner and the SIBA Board. Umpires shall
submit a written report to the League Commissioner if required. Penalty: If
sideline coaching or umpire harassment continues, the manager or coach shall be
subject to suspension or dismissal by the League Commissioner in addition to
the forfeiture of the game if the umpire so rules.
9) Procedures for dismissal:
a) The League Commissioner shall first discuss the violation with the manager
and/or coach and attempt to correct the complaint.
b) If the League Commissioner is unable to correct the violation, the manager
and/or coach will then, together with the League Commissioner, meet before the
Board of Directors in a further attempt to resolve the complaint.
IV. PLAYING FIELDS
1) After the final practice of the day, teams will prepare the field for the next
team.
2) The Home Team is responsible for preparing the field prior to the scheduled
game start time. This includes: dragging or raking the playing field, lining
the field, installing or moving bases (as required), and trash pickup.
3) After a game has been played, BOTH teams will help the home team prep the
field for the next scheduled game.
V. MINIMUM PLAY RULES
1) All players present must play at least two (2) defensive innings and have one
(1) time at bat.
2) A manager who has made timely substitutions in a game which is shortened for
any reason is not in violation of this rule, however he must START the player
so denied his field time in the next scheduled game to fulfill his playing
obligations.
3) Penalty for Non-Compliance: A manager who violates this rule intentionally or
not intentionally; must start the player who is denied his field time the next
scheduled game and play him the entire game.
4) Possible forfeiture of game in question may result. The manager may also be
subject to 1 game suspension or dismissal from the league upon review by the
SIBA Board of Directors.
VI.PROTESTS
1) Protest Board. The Protest Board will consist of all three SIBA board members,
and the head umpire of the town in which the protest occurs. The Protest Board
shall concern itself only with game protests and may solicit testimony and
advice from any source it chooses, but actual decisions shall be based on its
majority vote. Decisions of the Protest Board are final and are not subject to
appeal.
2) Protest Procedures. Any protest will be made to the Protest Board within 24
hours of the time of protest. The representative of the umpiring organization
shall also submit a written or oral report immediately. A protest based on a
play which involves an umpire's judgment is not permitted. When protests are
based on an interpretation of the rules, the objecting manager must, at the
time the play occurs, notify the head umpire, the opposing manager and official
scorer that the game is being played under protest. Umpires should make a
public announcement to the crowd when a game is being played under protest.
Any team manager who withdraws a team from the playing field under any
circumstances prior to the official completion of the game shall forfeit all
rights to protests as described in this Article.
3) Decision Time. The Protest Board will make every effort to render a decision
within 24 hours of the receipt of the protest from the protesting manager.
4) Game Replay Considerations. Any game that is protested, and the protest upheld,
will be replayed from the point of the protest with each team having the same
lineup in effect at the time of protest. Pitchers' eligibility shall be
determined by the number of innings pitched during the game at the time of
protest and the week the protested game is completed.
5) Game Replay Date. If a protested game is replayed, it will be replayed as soon
as possible. Replayed games shall be scheduled by the league commissioner.
WARNING: No protest shall ever be permitted on judgment decisions by the
umpire. Therefore, valid protests must indicate the specific rule the protester
considers the umpire has misinterpreted or failed to apply in his or her
decision which prompted the protest.
UNIFORMS
All players on a team shall wear uniforms identical in color, trim and style and shall have a minimal 6" number on its back.
Teams shall wear the same type of hats at every game. These are the hats issued by the team manager.
Baseball spikes and/or rubber cleats are allowed. No football or golf-type spikes are permitted.
NO EARRINGS, CHAINS, BRACELETS, RINGS, WATCHES OR OTHER JEWELRY IS TO BE WORN DURING GAMES. THE UMPIRE WILL DIRECT YOU TO REMOVE THEM BEFORE YOU ARE ALLOWED TO PLAY.
Should a player arrive at the game directly from another scheduled game (i.e., high school game) he may be allowed to play in that uniform only if he is not in possession of a SIBA uniform. This practice however, will NOT be encouraged.
GLOVES
The catcher may wear a leather mitt not more than thirty eight inches in circumference, nor more than fifteen and one half inches from top to bottom. Such limits shall include all lacing and any leather band or facing attached to the outer edge of the mitt. The space between the thumb section and the finger section of the mitt shall not exceed six inches at the top of the mitt and four inches at the base of the thumb crotch. The web shall measure not more than seven inches across the top or more than six inches from its top to the base of the thumb crotch.
The first baseman may wear a leather glove or mitt not more than twelve inches long from top to bottom and not more than eight inches wide across the palm, measured from the base of the thumb crotch to the outer edge of the mitt. The space between the thumb section and the finger section of the mitt shall not exceed four inches at the top of the mitt and three and one half inches at the base of the thumb crotch. The web of the mitt shall measure not more than five inches from its top to the base of the thumb crotch.
Catchers and first basemen are not allowed to wear those types of gloves while playing another position.
Each fielder, other than the first baseman or catcher, may use or wear a leather glove. The measurements covering size of glove shall be made by measuring front side or ball receiving side of glove. The tool or measuring tape shall be placed to contact the surface or feature of item being measured and follow all contours in the process. The glove shall not measure more than 12'' from the tip of any one of the 4 fingers, through the ball pocket to the bottom edge or heel of glove. The glove shall not measure more than 7 3/4'' wide, measured from the inside seam at base of first finger, along base of other fingers, to the outside edge of little finger edge of glove.
The pitcher's glove should be uniform in color, including all stitching, lacing and webbing. The pitcher's glove may not be white or gray in any area and no design resembling a baseball shall be attached. Two-toned-colored (black, brown, tan) gloves will be used at the discretion of the umpire.
No pitcher shall attach to his glove any foreign material of a color different from the glove.
HELMETS
Helmets are to be worn by all players when:
1. On Deck
2. At Bat
3. While a base runner
4. Serving as base coaches
5. During batting practice
All players in SIBA shall wear a double ear flap helmet while at bat.
No defective helmet will be used in a game. Any helmet that is cracked or damaged shall be removed from the dugout immediately. Only when the umpire is staisfied it HAS been removed will play continue. Failure to do so shall result in ejection after a warning and disciplinary action by the league if necessary.
All bat/ball boys or girls shall wear a protective helmet while performing their duties. If the umpire observes any violation of these rules, he shall direct the violation to be corrected. If the violation is not corrected within a reasonable time, in the umpire's judgment, the umpire shall eject the offender from the game, and disciplinary action, as appropriate, will be recommended.
CATCHER'S MASK / PROTECTION
All catchers shall wear a catcher's protective helmet of the cage or hockey-type, with throat guard, while fielding their position. Skull caps ARE permitted.
Any player warming up a pitcher MUST wear a mask/helmet at the plate or while warming up on the sideline.
Catchers MUST wear protective cups before they are allowed to take their position in games OR practices.
BAT / BALL BOYS OR GIRLS
Must wear a protective helmet AT ALL TIMES while performing their duties, whether inside or outside the dugout.
Must wait INSIDE the dugout until play has been stopped before going on to the field of play to perform their duties. Any violation of this rule may result in the umpire declaring an out on the offending team after a warning to both teams.
RE-ENTRY RULE
Any of the ten STARTING players (including EH) may withdraw and re-enter ONCE, providing such player occupies the same batting position whenever he is re-inserted in the line-up. A substitute for a starting defensive player must bat once and play six consecutive defensive outs before the starter can be re-inserted. A substitute who is withdrawn may NOT re-enter the game at any point, except for injury.
A starting player removed from the game more than once cannot re-enter, except for injury.
WITHDRAWAL AND RE-ENTRY TAKES PLACE ONLY WHEN A PLAYER HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE GAME.
PITCHERS
If a pitcher is replaced while on the mound, his replacement must pitch to the first batter until he is retired or reaches base. The original pitcher may the re-enter as long as he remains in the lineup either at a defensive position or EH.
A pitcher may change to another position only once during the same inning. (e.g. He will not be allowed to assume a position other than pitcher more than once in the same inning.)
If a pitcher is removed from the game due to a second trip to the mound by a coach in the same inning, he MAY re-enter the game in any position with the EXCEPTION of pitcher, but must bat in his orginal spot in the order.
TRIPS TO THE MOUND
A manager or coach may visit a pitcher LEGALLY only once per inning. A second trip will result in withdrawal of pitcher.
A manager or coach may NOT visit the pitcher twice during the same at-bat. This will result in manager's removal from the game. (He should be warned by the umpire first before he sets foot on the playing field.)
A manager or coach will wait until the play is dead before walking out on the field. If after a base on balls, the batter-runner must reach first base before time is called.
A manager or coach shall not meet with his pitcher on the field beween innings while switching sides. This shall constitute a trip to the mound.
A manager may not relay messages to his pitcher through another player on the field. This will count as a visit and a warning from the home plate umpire.
TIE-BREAKERS
TIE-BREAKERS (LEAGUE CHAMPIONS)
1. Record in head-to-head competition
2. Least runs allowed in head-to-head competition
PLAYOFF SEEDINGS
1. Head-to-head competition
2. Total runs allowed vs. each other
3. Total runs allowed vs. common opponents
4. Coin toss (to determine playoff seedings)
MERCY RULE
If the score reaches a differential of 12 runs with the home team ahead after 4 1/2 innings or the home team behind after 5 full innings, (regulation game) the game WILL be conceded by the team that is behind due to the "mercy rule". The same will be in effect for every inning that follows.
The exception is for playoff games, where the "mercy rule" will be a 10-run differential in the same scenarios.
CONTACT (SLIDE) RULE
If a runner attempting to reach home plate (or any base) intentionally and maliciously runs into a defensive player, he will called out on the play and ejected from the game. Obviously, this is an umpire's judgement call.
A runner has to avoid contact with a player in possession of the ball either by; A) sliding or; B) trying to get around the tag in an attempt to avoid contact while staying in the baseline.
In the event a runner leaps over a player attempting a tag and does NOT initiate contact with the defensive player, he shall be ruled safe if not legally tagged out before safely reaching the base.
GAMES CALLED BECAUSE OF DARKNESS
No new inning may start after 8pm.
If a game is called due to darkness, and has reached the requisite amount of innings to be considered a legal game, the result will stand.
If it has NOT gone the required amount of innings, it will be replayed from the point that the game was called before the next regularly scheduled game between both teams or another acceptable time.
BENCH PERSONNEL
Only starting players, substitutes, a manager, two coaches and one (1) bat boy/girl shall occupy the bench during the game. All coaches must be approved by the league. Only coaches listed on team rosters are allowed inside bench areas.
The umpire shall direct the manager to remove all non-game personnel from the dugout area immediately. Failure to do so or to maintain the number of legal personnel on the bench for the remainder of the game shall result in ejection of the team manager or possibly a forfeit of the game.
Players shall confine themselves to the dugout. There will be no sitting in the stands or playing catch outside the bench area unless it is for the purpose of warming up to enter the game.
EXTRA HITTER (EH - 10TH BATTER)
We will adopt the "EH" rule as a local rule. The purpose is to allow more players in the game and reduce a manager's pressure to play 14 or 15 kids in a single game.
The EH WILL be allowed to enter the game defensively and can be replaced as EH by a player in the field or a non-starter from the bench. The EH CAN be re-entered if replaced, provided the substitute has one (1) plate appearance.
If a team starts the game with only 9 players, they will be allowed to enter an EH in the last spot in the order if and when a 10th player shows. If a team starts with 10 or more players, they MUST use the EH.
Once the defensive team has taken the field to begin the top of the first inning, the batting orders cannot be altered to reflect the 10th player arriving late. He MUST be inserted in the 10th spot in the order.
VARSITY/JV/FRESHMAN PLAYERS
Varsity, Junior Varsity, Freshman and elementary school team players are allowed to participate in league games during their school's season unless their coach has established a contrary rule.
However, Varsity, JV, Freshman and elementary school NON-PITCHERS ONLY may pitch three innings per game until their respective school seasons are completed. A sore arm is a sore arm and getting one while pitching in a SIBA game will adversely affect a player's status on his school team no matter what position he has to throw from. The spirit of the rule is meant to protect the player.
High School catchers ARE be allowed to catch SIBA games with permission from their coach.
Players MUST appear in 1/2 the league games they are eligible to play in order to participate in tournament play.
LIMITED BALK RULE
Balks will not be called on 13 year old pitchers until the high school seasons are finished and high school pitchers become available. This rule is to assist those young pitchers who lack game experience at this level.
Managers shall declare their 13 year olds before the start of the game to the umpires and opposing coaches so there is no confusion. Therefore, a level of leniency will be in effect
Exception 1: Should a balk or non-balk call adversely affect the baserunning of the offensive team, a dead ball shall be called with no penalty to the offensive team. For example, should a player attempt a steal and a balk result in the runner being put out at a base, he shall be awarded that base. No bases will be awarded on any subsequent overthrows.
Should a runner be caught off base on a balk call and is in peril of being put out, the ball is declared dead and the runner will return to his original base with no penalty.
Exception 2: Repeated balks of the same nature that impede the progress of the game may result in a consultation with the manager and removal of the pitcher. It is the responsibility of the coaching staff to work with their pitchers and eventually put into place the proper legal mechanics required of the position. It is reasonable to expect constant improvement in this area game-to-game.
Balks will not result in a ball being called on the batter.
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