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 Carnival Rules 2009 |
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Carnival Rules 2009
They can holler at the uniform all they want, but when they holler at the man wearing the uniform, theyre in trouble
Umpire Joe Brinkman
VICTORIAN MASTERS BASEBALL CARNIVAL
Geelong 2009
TOURNAMENT RULES
The following modifications and additions are designed
to respond to the changing needs and expectations of Masters baseball players.
Accepted Rules of baseball as applied by national and state governing bodies will apply in all circumstances other than those that follow.
1. MINIMUM AGE. All players shall meet the minimum age requirements as set from year to year (for example, 35 and over, 40 and over, 45 and over). To play in any age group, a player is required to reach the minimum age at any time during the year of competition. Date of birth is required on Entry Forms and proof of age may be requested. For 2009 ONLY, the competition will be a "38 plus", in two groups - Blue Pool and Red Pool. However, it understood and accepted that sides entered in the proposed 35 plus competition may have some players aged 35-37, who will be required to use wooden bats.
2. All preliminary and qualifying games are to be of One hour and 30 minutes or seven (7) innings duration, with the 5 Minute Rule in all games and the Ten Run Mercy Rule to be invoked after five innings in all games. (EXCEPTION: Numbers of teams in age groupings may in certain circumstances require that Preliminary Game length be varied to 90 minutes and an extra game be played. Teams will be informed well before the series if this is to happen).
3. Finals are to be of TWO HOURS, or seven innings, with the Five Minute Rule and the Mercy Rule (after five completed innings).
4. A maximum of seven (7) runs can be scored in any batting innings in any game before the umpire calls an end to that innings. If a team has scored 6 runs in and a batter hits for extras (eg home run) with runners on base, only the first run (the seventh) counts for scoring purposes.
4. WET WEATHER. In the event of wet weather during preliminary games, umpires will be instructed to make every effort to ensure that legal games (IE 65 minutes) are completed, without compromising player safety. If any preliminary game(s) cannot be completed at the scheduled time, organisers will attempt to reschedule at another time. Any rescheduled matches must be completed by noon on the final day. If it is not possible to reschedule such matches, a point and a 0-0 draw will be awarded to each affected team. Results count towards final standings. For pitchers, reschedules are deemed played at their original time.
In the event of finals games being WASHED OUT (if a legal game cannot be played prior to series close on Sunday), then the final standings will be declared by those at the end of the preliminary rounds. First, by points. If equal, then by head-to head record between the teams on even points. If again equal, then by percentage (runs FOR divided by the total of runs FOR and AGAINST). If again equal, then by total of runners on base in all completed played, whether those runners scored or not.
6. If, in any game, the scores are tied at the completion of time and/or equal innings, extra equal innings will be played to achieve a result, as a TIE BREAKER. The last out of the previous batting innings is to be placed on second base as a runner, with no outs. In the equaliser, the same situation is to be effected and the game played out and a winning result is achieved after equal innings have been played.
7. Pitchers in any age grouping are to throw a maximum of FOUR innings per game, including finals. Although it is possible, in a double-header situation, to throw eight innings per day, managers are encouraged to provide common sense rest time. For any rescheduled game, refer to Rule 5.
8. Each team is allowed to intentionally walk any opposition hitter once in a game. The total number of intentional walks each team is allowed in any game is one. If, in the plate umpires judgment, a team attempts an intentional walk for the second time in a game, he must stop play and have the catcher resume his defensive position behind the plate. A balk will be called and any runners will advance one base. The count on the batter will be re-started at 0-0.
9. If a pitcher hits four (4) batters in one game, he must be replaced on the mound. No other penalty applies.
10. Designated Runners MUST be used for all pitchers and catchers. Two additional Courtesy Runners are allowed for any other runners in one innings. Designated and Courtesy Runners can be in the playing line-up, as long as no delay nor disruption is caused to the game.
11. The Designated Hitter is optional for all games.
12. To involve greater numbers of players, a maximum of three extra hitters can be added to the batting line-up. A side can thereby have up to twelve players batting, if it wishes. However, all extra hitters must be included on the team sheet prior to the game and all batters must follow in the specified order, with normal procedures and penalties for batting out of order to apply. Substitutions for extra hitters can be made according to usual baseball practices. If an extra hitter is injured during a game, he may be replaced by another player from the bench. If the umpire is satisfied that no other players are available from the bench (for example, if there is a squad of twelve only, with all already batting), then he will instruct that the players to follow are all lifted one spot in the order. The blank rule will not apply in this case and there will be no penalty to the batting team.
13. A minimum of eight players are to take the field for a team to start a game. If there are only eight players available and one is injured after play has commenced, the game will continue, with two blanks for the batting side. In this event, the opposition is encouraged but not required to offer fielding substitutes.
14. Team squads are limited to twenty (20) players, unless special consideration has been given by organisers. Squad names are to be submitted to series organizers prior to a team playing its first game. No interchange or addition is to occur after names have been submitted.
15. All players, including Designated Runners and Courtesy Runners, are to appear on team sheets at the commencement of each game to be eligible to play in that game.
16. It is the responsibility of all players to be registered with Baseball Victoria, VPBL or an interstate equivalent. All players are to have their own BV, VPBL or equivalent playing insurance. The Victorian Masters Carnival, Baseball Geelong, organizers and host clubs neither offer nor accept liability for health problems or injury suffered through playing participation in the Carnival.
17. Players must appear in at least one third of the preliminary games played by their team to be eligible for finals. This modest requirement recognises that not all players are available at all times (especially Friday). Designated Runners and Courtesy Runners are deemed to have played for these purposes. Designated Hitters and Extra Hitters are deemed to have played after they have made one plate appearance. Organisers may vary the eligibility rule in exceptional circumstances (EG where a person had a concurrent commitment to another recognised tournament as a player or coach).
18. Players may be replaced and they may re-enter the game, but ONLY in the batting spot of the replacement player (IE their original spot). Replacement players must play at least one full innings (IE batting and fielding), unless injured, when they may be replaced immediately.
19. All teams are to supply their own equipment. All players while on the field and managing must wear their nominated uniform and colours. Uniforms are to be of a baseball nature, including caps. In the event of an All Star or celebrity team, organizers may choose to allow that team to play in a range of baseball or club uniforms consistent with the aforementioned. Batters and runners are to wear two-eared helmets at all times on the field.
20. BATS. For 2009, ONLY wood and composite bats may be used by players aged 35-37. Players 38 and older may use wood, composite or aluminium bats, PROVIDED THAT in the case of aluminium they observe the minus 3 differential between length and weight. A bat of 34 inches may weigh no more than 31 ounces; a bat of 33 inches may weigh no more than 30 ounces. This will be discussed with team managers prior to games, with penalties for infractions being made clear.
21. If a team fails to appear with fifteen (15) minutes of the scheduled game time, then a forfeit will be claimed, with match points and a 7-0 score awarded to the team in attendance, provided that it has the eight players required for it to otherwise start the match. If neither side has enough players after the fifteen minute grace period, then there will be no points awarded and no score recorded for either team.
22. Time wasting tactics will not be tolerated. Umpires will be instructed to enforce this.
23. Teams are expected to observe reasonable sporting ethics and to present Masters baseball in its best possible light. Whilst not diminishing the competitiveness of the contest, players are encouraged the recognise the efforts of opposition players and are urged to refrain from strategies or behaviour that might belittle, embarrass or endanger their opposition. As always, Team Managers have a crucial role to play in this.
24. Each team is to supply a scorer and regulation scorebook. Teams are encouraged to supply accredited umpires for the series, but should first contact Umpires Coordinator Don Stephens (0352555016) prior to the series. A modest payment drawn from player entry is made to tournament umpires.
25. In the event of a protest, usual baseball procedure will be followed at the time (consulting with the umpire and marking the scorebook). Protests during any scheduled matches will be heard by the series Disputes Committee (a three person panel nominated by Tournament Organisers) immediately and only before resumption of the game. Because of the playing disruption caused by protest, Team Managers and Umpires are encouraged to resolve the problem on field if at all possible.
26. Match Cards will be supplied and collected by umpires at the conclusion of games for submission to tournament organisers.
27. Match Balls will be provided and should be returned to umpires at the conclusion of each game. Tournament organisers may use their discretion to allow balls going foul during gold medal games (only) to be retained by spectators.
28. Medals as such will not be presented. The first-placed team in each age grouping will receive the Perpetual Shield for its safekeeping over the ensuing twelve months.
29. Wherever possible, each side will play a minimum of five preliminary or qualifying games prior to the finals, although an uneven number of teams may render this difficult. Efforts will be made to consider the scheduling preferences of teams, although time constraints and the need to be fair to all must be considered. All sides will have two double-headers in their preliminary games.
30. Two points will be awarded for a win, one point each for a washout or a no result. A loss will earn no points. In the event of a forfeit, the team in attendance (provided that it has the minimum of eight players) will be awarded two points and a 7-0 scoreline for percentage. The forfeiting side will be recorded with a 0-7 loss.
31. Finals Format.
SIX OR SEVEN TEAMS (any age grouping)
Standings will be determined under procedure outlined in (6).
First will play second to determine the series winner of each Pool.
32. The venue for all matches will be Geelong Baseball Centre. Draw, Rules and ground allocations will be provided for Managers and on website in mid to late March (www.eteamz.com/golddiggers/).
33. The normal Rules of Baseball apply in all circumstances other than those mentioned here.
34. Team Managers are asked to alert players to Tournament Rules prior to the series. If clarification is required, it should be sought prior to a team playing its first game.
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