WBYAA: Constitution, Rules & ByLaws

West Bridgewater Youth Athletic Association, Inc.

(W.B.Y.A.A.)

House Rules and Individual Sport Rules

Incorporated June, 1975

(Revised – August 2007)

West Bridgewater Youth Athletic Association

CONTENTS                                                                   PAGE

HOUSE RULES                                                              1-9                                         

SOCCER                                                                       10-12

BASEBALL                                                          13-17

TOURNAMENT                                                            18

BASKETBALL                                                               19-21

SOFTBALL                                                                             22-25

West Bridgewater Youth Athletic Association

HOUSE RULES

I.          REGISTRATION

A.  TIME

1a.  All sports registration will take place on three consecutive weekends.

1b.  An officer or Executive Board member will assist will be present at all registrations.  Amended 10/2006

B. NOTICES

1.  Signs will be placed in key stores in the town and announcements will be made      over the P.A. systems in the schools, if possible.

2.  A handout will be given at registration asking parents to work one shift during

tournament.

C.  AGES       

1.  Baseball - A player must be at least (7) seven years old by April 30^th,September 1st and cannot be (16) before April 30^th  September 1^st.  Amended 8/2007.1a. Any child attending Grade 6 and or (12) twelve years old will be allowed to play YAA.  Deleted 10/2006

1.a.  Players who are 9 before September 1^st will be eligible to advance to Minors and players who are 11 before September 1^st are eligible to advance to Majors.  Players who turn 13 before May 1^st are not eligible to play in the majors.  Add 10/2006

1.b.  Players who are 10 years old prior to May 1^st are eligible to play on the minor league tournament team (This coincides with Little League Regulations).  Add 10/2006

2. Softball - A player must be at least (7) seven years old by September 1st and cannot be (16) before September 1st.

3.  Basketball - A player must be at least(8) eight before September 1^st, (9) nine years old before January 1st, and not older than (16) sixteen years of age before September 1st January 1st of that playing year.  Amended 8/2007

4.  Fall Soccer - A player must be at least (5) five years old by September 1st, and cannot be (16) sixteen years old before January 1st of the coming year.

5.  Spring Soccer—A player must be at least (7) seven by September 1st.

D. SIGN-UPS

1.  A birth certificate or its equivalent must be presented for first registration in all sports.  A copy will be attached to the permanent record card. 

2.  Fees will be set by the Board of Directors prior to the Sign-Ups of the corresponding sport.  Any family member who works a 2 hour shift during tournament will receive a voucher for $15.00 off the next sport their child signs up for.  One voucher per family.  Added 10/2006  The fee for Baseball and Softball is $50.00.  Any family member who works the (2-hour shift)         tournament will receive a voucher for $15.00 off the next sport signed up for.  One per family.  The fee             for the second child is $10.00, the third or more children have no charge.  The fee for Basketball and     Fall Soccer is $50.00 for the first child, $10.00 for the second, third or more children - no charge.  Deleted 10/2006

3.  A $10.00 late charge (per family) after the final sign-up.  A late fee will be charged (one per family) after the final sign-up.  The amount of the late fee will be voted on by the Board of Directors prior to the sign-ups.  Amended 10/2006

4. Families that are new residents to West Bridgewater after sign-ups are complete will not be charged the late fee. 

5.  A waiting list of players will be made up after the completion of registrations.   Moved from soccer 10/2006

6.  New registration from people who move into town will be placed on a team when space is available or the waiting list if they are late and there is no room.  Add 10/2006

II.        TRYOUTS

1.  New sign-ups will try out for baseball, softball, basketball and soccer.

2.  Any traveling team sponsored by the W.B.Y.A.A. shall have tryouts.

3.  Each Tournament team will be selected by a written ballot to be cast by each Manager of that division and will be put in a sealed envelope and returned to the president by a specific date and time.  Manager involved will vote upon ties.  Baseball and Softball Tournaments.  Moved 10/2006

4.  An All Star/Tournament team will be picked each year – by each manager of that division via a written ballot that will be placed in a sealed envelope and returned to the division commissioner b a specific date and time.  After ballots are turned into the commissioner, a discussion will take place between the commissioner and the managers prior to the final roster being turned into the President.  Moved from Baseball 45 and Softball 33

III.      DRAFT

A. PROTECTION  

1. Only a Manger’s child will be protected.

1a. A manager’s child will be drafted by such Manager after an evaluation has been      

made on said child.

2. The Executive Board will act upon special cases.

3. No player will be dropped a division without the permission of the Executive Board.

4. The W.B.Y.A.A. will make every effort to have the names of Sponsors assigned to the team of players requested by the sponsor, but cannot make any guarantees.  Add 10/2006

5.  Sponsorships cannot be used as protection in the draft to assure multiple players are on the same team.  Add 10/2006

B. PROCEDURE

1.  All draft positions will be done by draw.

2.  If no manager or representative is present at the draft, the Commissioner will appoint someone not affiliated with that division to draft.

3.  The President or his designated representative has the right to block the open draft.

4.  There will be no guarantee that brothers and/or sisters will be placed on the same team.

5.  There will be no parental interference in any affairs of the W.B.Y.A.A.

6.  A standard draft procedure for all sports will exist, with the exception of Division IV and V Soccer and Instructional Baseball..

7.  All players will go into a pool at the end of the year and next year all new teams will be drafted.

8.  Assistants in all sports (coaches, scorers, helpers, etc.) may not be chosen prior to the draft.

9.  Upon completion of the draft, managers will notify all players that were selected/assigned to his/her team within 72 hours.  He/she will in turn inform the Divisional Coordinator of his/her division when all players have been contacted.  The Divisional Coordinators shall notify their Commissioner when all managers have reported to them.

10.  Sign-up sheets will be posted on the bulletin board in the clubhouse for potential manager candidates in all sports.  They will have a definite cut-off date and time written on them and will be made available during the player sign-up period. Moved to VII

10.  When drafting co-ed teams, the coach may select any player available without consideration to gender.  Add 10/2006

IV. EQUIPMENT - All sports

1.  Equipment will be returned as governed by the By-Laws.  Participants will be blocked from registration for the next sport if uniforms are not turned in.

2.  Any lost or willful destruction of equipment or uniforms will result in the family receiving a bill for the damages.  If the bill is not paid the child involved will be banned from all Y.A.A. sports.

3.  Players must be in full uniform for all scheduled games except the last game of the regular season, or by waiver of the president. 

4.  All players must play last game of regular season dressed in a manner in which the Manager or Coach can and must collect all issued uniforms at the conclusion of said game.  Note: This rule should be read and explained at all rules meetings prior to each sport season. 

5.  W.B.Y.A.A. equipment may not be used by teams not sponsored by the W.B.Y.A.A.  Add 10/2006

V.   ROSTERS - All sports

1.  Any player whose name is on a waiting list will be placed on a team in the order that his/her name appears on the waiting list.  (With commissioner’s approval).

2.  All teams participating in inter town leagues must adhere to that leagues roster policy.  Add 10/2006    All teams participating in inter-town leagues must carry the maximum possible roster allowed by that league.    Deleted 10/2006 

VI.  MISCELLANEOUS - All sports

1.  No bike riding will be allowed on the Y.A.A. fields during scheduled games.  If any school fields are being used by the Y.A.A. this rule will apply.

2.  No member of the Y.A.A. is to render first aid to an injured player other than placing an ice bag or Band-Aid on the wound.

3.  A team will have one (1) Manager only.

4.  A player may be benched for the remainder of a game for misbehavior.  This must be reported to the Divisional Coordinator for further action within 24 hours who in turn shall notify the commissioner.

5.  There will be no play-offs: ties for first place will be co-winners.

6.  No player may advance more than one (1) level.

7.  If a player misses two (2) games in a row or a total of three (3) games, the manager must report it to the commissioner. 

8.  Smoking will not be allowed by players, managers or coaches during practices and games inside or outside of the dugout.

9.  No awards will be given to players who do not show up for or participate in a minimum of half the games.  Exceptions ruled on by the Executive Board.

10.  Any person ejected from a game will be given a one (1) game suspension.  The person is entitled to a hearing before the Executive Board at his/her option before the suspension takes place.  The Executive Board hearing shall take place within 2 weeks or the appeal shall be dismissed and the suspension is served the next game.  Two (2) technical or warnings to a player will result in same.  An adult can be asked by the Official to leave the playing area,  (i.e. gym, baseball, softball, or soccer fields of the W.B.Y.A.A. complex) if official deems it necessary.  One game suspension will be served next scheduled game.  Player is to sit out complete game in uniform.

11.  Any player using foul or abusive language to a referee will be instantly ejected from the game and will receive a one game suspension. 

12.  If a player quits or is pulled out by a parent, the player must re-register the following year.  The registration fee may be returned to the parents at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

13.  Baseball and softball will bat their roster.

N.  Each Tournament team will be selected by a written ballot to be cast by each Manager of that division and will be put in a sealed envelope and returned to the president by a specific date and time.  Manager involved will vote upon ties.  Baseball and Softball Tournaments. Moved to Try Outs II

14.  The President, Vice President, Umpire in Chief (added 10/2006) or Commissioner in charge will be empowered to over rule an umpire in deciding whether to continue a game or not during inclement weather or expanding darkness.  This rule will apply in baseball and softball.

15.  Transportation:  Transporting youths in cars to and from games will be limited to the number said car is insured for.  No riding in back of pick-up trucks.

16.  To be eligible for a jacket, a participant must play 75% of scheduled games for each of the four years.  (Exceptions decided by the Executive Board).

17.  Any player of any sport who misses two games without good reason will not be allowed to play in post-season play.

18.  No manager is allowed to transport a team out of town for a game or practice without permission of the president. 

19.  Instructional baseball and softball, and third, fourth & fifth division soccer will not receive trophies, but each child will receive recognition of participation.

20.  No double headers will be allowed in any sport.  EXCEPTIONS: Senior League baseball make-up game.

21.  Any player of any sport may not play more than one-half an additional game on any given day.  EXCEPTION: made to allow a team sponsored by the YAA to participate in its affiliated league.  (Example: to allow a spring soccer team permission to play during baseball season AM/PM).

22.  A person may not manage more than one team per sport, unless no one else is available to manage.  Subject to Grandfather Clause

23.  Managers/Coaches will distribute schedules to their players one-week prior to the first scheduled game.

24.  All sports - At the beginning of each season, for each sport, the coaches and Managers will meet their respective Commissioners/Divisional Coordinators to discuss rules, etc.

            1.         Before appointment as a manager, assistant manager, coach, or assistant coach, a CORI Request Form must be completed and submitted to the WBYAA.  Moved to VII 10/2006

25.  In the opinion of the Office of the President any child whose health or safety is in danger can be placed in an appropriate division, with the Executive Board being the appeal process.

26. a.) Any Rewards and/or Gifts (presented to teams or team members) except those specifically excluded, will be those that are officially sponsored by the WBYAA.

            1. Season is defined as the anniversary year of same sport.

            b.) Exclusions to exist as grand fathered items:

                        1.  End of the season parties; i.e. pool parties and/or Pizza parties.

                        2.  Sodas/refreshments from the snack bar.

                        3.  Snapshots of teams or team members, not to exceed 5”x7” (unframed)

27.   The Service to Youth Award shall be given each year as part of opening day ceremonies.  This award is intended for one individual per year but can be extended to two (2).  The award is to be determined by the majority vote of the Executive Board.  Added 10/2006

28.  There will be equitable balance in schedules and field assignments for both softball and baseball Instructional Divisions.

29.   Two adults shall be present at all pizza parties held in a private residence, all pool parties and at any other team function conducted at a private location.  If at all possible, two adults should be present at all practices and games.  No manager or coach shall leave a team at practice or game exclusively with an adult who has not had a criminal records check as defined in the Constitution.

VII      COACHES AND MANAGERS SENIORITY RULE Deleted 10/2006

1. All managers and coaches are to manage in a manner that will meet the objectives as noted under Article II, Purpose and Objectives section of the By-Laws. 

2.  Seniority will be preserved in a sport for a period of two-year absence from the Y.A.A. without loss of any seniority.  Absence for any period longer than two years will be penalized by a loss of seniority for one year for every year over two years absence.  In case of conflict, the Executive board will decide.      

3.  Sign-up sheets will be posted on the bulletin board in the club house for potential manager candidates in all sports.  They will have a definite cut off date and time written on them and will be made available during the player sign-up period.  Moved from Procedure 10/2006 

4.  Before appointment as a manager, assistant manager, coach or assistant coach, a CORI Request Form must be completed and submitted to the WBYAA.  Moved from VI 10/2006

5.  Seniority is determined by the following guidelines and all discrepancies will be resolved by the Executive Board.  Seniority will be determined by a point system and the most points will determine seniority.  Points will apply as noted below:  Add 10/2006

A. Selection of a manager should be based upon an active child participating in                          the sport.

B. Manager’s seniority based upon sport not other sports. I.e.. Baseball and Softball - Soccer for Soccer, Basketball for Basketball

C. .Manager must reside in West Bridgewater. (We will “grandfather” all current active managers/coaches.) 

D. .Final selection would be other service to the league in case of a draw

a. Two points for each managing the prospective sport within the prospective WBYAA league or sponsored league.

b. One point for each year managing the prospective sport within another WBYAA league or sponsored league.

c. One point for a child participating in the sport (Any age group) (This does not apply when tryouts are required for participation)

d. One point for a child participating on the team to be managed (this does not apply when tryouts are required for participation)

e. One point for the manager residing in West Bridgewater.

f. In the case of a draw the decision will be made by the executive board.  Other services to the league will be the first criteria and other services to the WBYAA will be the second. The second is only used if the first does not result in a change of status.

6.  In accepting a management position, managers/coaches must meet the obligations to the players, parents and the WBYAA as noted:  Add 10/2006

A.     Maintain good communication with players, parents and the WBYAA.

B.     Give every effort to attend every game and practice.  When you can not make a game or practice you must assign an assistant to manage in you absence (the executive board must be notified of a manager misses three (3) games).

C.     Work to instill the ideals of honesty, loyalty, confidence, self-respect and good sportsmanship in the WBYAA youth.

7.  Any manager not meeting the objectives set forth may be disqualified from managing by a majority vote by the Executive Board.  Refer to rule X, “Rules and Regulation” rule 10b for the disciplinary procedure format.

West Bridgewater Youth Athletic Association

SOCCER RULES

1.   If a player is ejected, he cannot be a substitute for that quarter.

2.  All dropped balls will be taken outside penalty area.

3.  The referee may change his/her decisions at all times, when young referees are officiating; coaches and Managers must accept their decision.

4. a.  Penalty kicks in Division III will be taken from a mark 14 yards from the center of the goal line. (Conforms to South Shore League U-10rules.)

5.  When a player is injured, they must be returned to play as soon as he is able, as they are injured on their playing time.

6.  a. The number of players in Divisions I will be fourteen (14) players per team, if available.  If a team has less than (14) fourteen players, managers must accept additional players.  Players will be drawn from a waiting list.

      b. The number of players in Divisions III will be a maximum of ten (10) players per team and Division IV will be a maximum of (8) players, if available.  If a team has less than that, managers must accept additional players.  Players will be drawn from a waiting list. 

      c.  Division II will play 8 vs. 8.  The maximum number of players in Division II will be twelve players per team, if available.  If a team has sell than twelve players, managers must accept additional players.  Players will be drawn from a waiting list.  ADDED 10/06

8.  Team replacements will be drawn from the top of the list, with commissioner’s approval.

9.  New registration from people who move into town will be placed on a team.  Deleted  10/2006

9.  All 5 year olds will play in Division V.  All 6 and 7 year olds will play in Division IV.  All 8 and 9 year olds will play in Division III.  All 10, 11 and 12 year olds will play in division II.  All 13, 14 and 15 year olds will play in Division I.  (12 swing age.)

10.  a.  Should not enough players show up for Division I or II  Deleted 10/2006 to make a legal game (8 players) and there are no other players available from the same or the next lower division, or will not play later that day, players will be drawn from the opposing team - which must have a minimum of ten players prior to sending a player to the opposite team.  The referee may not forfeit a game to the other team.

            b.  Should not enough players show up for Division III to make a legal game (4 players) and there are no other players available from the same or the next lower division, or will not play later that day, players will be drawn from the opposing team - which must have a minimum of six players prior to sending a player to the opposite team.  The referee may not forfeit a game to the other team.

c.  Should not enough players show up for Division II to make a legal game (6 players) and there are no other players available from the opposing team which must have a minimum of seven players prior to sending a player to the opposite team.  The referee may not forfeit a game to the other team.  Added 10/2006

11.  Any player brought up from a lower division must play one quarter and no more than one if 12 or more players attend that game, unless there is an injury.

12.  A maximum of three (3) coaches will be allowed on the field during a game.  Coaches will remain within the area of their team benches.  No coaching will be allowed from behind the goal lines except one (1) coach in Division IV.

13.  Any player using foul or abusive language or playing dangerously will receive one official warning and his coach notified.  The second warning in one game will mean ejection from the game.

14.  Fighting will mean ejection from the game.

15.  Any two ejections can mean dismissal for the rest of the season after an Executive board hearing.

16.  A game that completes 1/2 game will be a legal game.  A game that does not exceed 1/2 game and stopped, due to weather or darkness will be played in its entirety. 

17.  If after two warnings by an official, any spectators who do not leave the field, the game will stop.  The Executive Board will decide the decision on the game.

18.  Sliding tackle will not be allowed in Divisions III, IV and V.

19.  Division IV and Division V will use size 3 game balls.  Divisions II and III will use size 4 game balls.  Division I will use size 5 game balls.

20.  No player may play four quarters until every player has played three.  A player must play a minimum of 1/2 the game and may not sit out two quarters in succession.

21.  If the referee has stopped the game due to an injury and one team has clear possession of the ball, that team shall be awarded an indirect free kick at the point of stoppage of play.

22.  Mangers/Coaches will check equipment before game starts.

23.  Players not wearing shin pads or are wearing square or dangerous cleats will not play. 

24.  During regular season, Division III and IV will play six-on-six with goalies Amended 8/2007, Division IV will play four-on four, Division V will play four on four, no goalies Amended 8/2007 three on three, on a field approx. 50 yards by 34 yards, with goals 6’ by 12’ using the same rules as Division I and II, except as noted. (Goals and field size per USYS recommendations)

25.  Division I and II shall allow free substitutions on all throw-ins, goal kicks and when goals are scored. 

26.  Division III and Division IV - no offside will be called.

27.  All other rules as per FIFA Regulations.  FIFA rules will also be distributed along with above rules.

            a. Exception:  No mandatory overtime for any division.

West Bridgewater Youth Athletic Association

BASEBALL RULES

1.  Each player must play (3) three innings.  No player will sit out more than (3) three innings before all players have sat out (3) three innings. (6 innings etc.)  At no time can a player be taken out of a game during his three-inning stint except for an injury and rule 3 ADDED 10/06.  Little League Rule will not apply. 

            a.  A player not attending a game is not considered sitting out and cannot be used as such.  A player must attend the game and sit on the bench to meet their required time to sit out if necessary.  Added 10/06

2.  Each player that is a substitute one game, will be a starter the next game.

            a. Each player must play a complete game.  Minimum being half (1/2) of the schedule.

            b. Each player in Instructional must have an opportunity to play each position for an inning (3 outs), sometime during the season.  The child may pass on his/her turn if they are uncomfortable in a given position.

3.  All substitutions are made at the beginning of the fourth inning.  Exception: If (2) two managers agree an exceptionally long (2) two innings have taken place, then substitutions may enter in the third inning. 

            a. Instructional league must rotate a different substitute every inning.

            b. No player on an Instructional team may play the same position for more than 3 consecutive innings.

4.  All (12) twelve-year-olds must play Major League Baseball.

5.  A pitcher, once removed from pitching, cannot come back to pitch. 

            a. A pitcher is eligible to pitch (6) six innings per week.  A week starts on Monday and ends on Sunday (Little League only).

            b. Major Added 10/06 and Minor division pitchers may pitch (9) nine innings in a scheduled (3) three game week.

6.  All new pitchers are allowed eight warm-ups.

7.  Four innings constitutes a regulation game unless the home team is leading after the visitor’s half of the fourth is over.

8.  No part of the uniform shall include the pattern of a baseball.  All pitcher gloves must be uniform in color and not white or yellow.  Catchers and first basemen’s gloves are to be used at those positions only.  The pitchers will wear no wristbands.

9.  No metal spikes are to be worn.

10.  Base stealing in Major League: Runner leaves base after the ball reaches catcher’s mitt.  There is no running on a dropped third strike.

11.  Base stealing in Minor League: Same as Major League except there is no stealing from third base to home.

12.  Passed ball: Over the fence - on base.  If passed ball remains in fair territory or open field - all you can make.  Passed ball in foul territory - all you can make.

13.  Injury to players: Ball is dead and runners on base get the base they are going to, in the judgment of the umpire.

14.  Only the batter, coach, manager, and the man on deck will be allowed outside the dugout. (4 people).

15.  Managers and/or coaches are allowed (2) two trips to the mound to talk to the pitcher.  The third trip he must be removed.  Instructional League excluded.

16.  If a team fails to field a full team, the opposing team must supply available players one of its players Deleted 10/06 at its choice.  A player must not be sent over more than twice in a season or consecutively.

17.  All protests must be settled immediately by the President, Vice President, Umpire-In- Chief, Commissioner, Divisional Coordinator or Executive Board member on duty.  If none of the above are available, game will stop until a ruling is received.

18.  It is not a catch if a fielder touches a fly ball, which then hits a member of the offensive team or an umpire and then is caught by another defensive team member.

19.  An illegally batted ball is one hit by the batter with one or both feet on the ground entirely outside the batter’s box.

20.  The infield fly rule is in effect in the Major and Minor Leagues.

21.  If the game is called during an incomplete inning, the score will revert to the previous inning.    For games that are not complete, refer to rule #25.  Added 10/06

22.  If a thrown ball hits an umpire or base coach, the play is alive.

23.  Pitching eligibility: Major League - 11-12.  Minor League - 9-10

            a. Senior League - 15 years old - 2nd half of the season, 3 innings per game, maximum 6 innings per week.

24.  A pitcher can pitch the next day if he pitched three or less innings. 

            a. A pitcher in Senior Division can pitch the next day if he pitched two or less innings.

            b. One (1) thrown pitch constitutes an inning pitched.  Added 10/2006

25.  If a game, which is not a legal game, is called for any reason, the make-up game will be played from the point of stoppage.  (To completion if possible)   Four innings is a legal game.  Added 10/2006

26.  All canceled or make-up games will be made up to the best of the organizations ability before the end of the season.  Amended 10/2006   If the make-up game has no impact on the standings, 1st place only, then the game does not need to be made up.  Deleted 10/2006.  The President and Baseball Commissioner may give an extension for weather delay.  Make-up games can be played on Sunday, except Memorial Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

            a. The regular season cannot extend beyond June 30^th.  Added 10/2006