Millbrook Girls Softball League: Rules
2005 MGSL Bylaws
MILLBROOK GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE
OFFICIAL BYLAWS 2005
CONTENTS
ARTICLE I.NAME
ARTICLE II. AFFILIATIONS
ARTICLE III. OBJECTIVES AND VISIONS STATEMENT
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERS
ARTICLE V.BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ARTICLE VI.COMMITTEES
ARTICLE VII. SAFETY
ARTICLE VIII MEETINGS
ARTICLE IX.PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
ARTICLE X. DRAFT/DRAW RULES
ARTICLE XI. COACHES
ARTICLE XII. FEES/REGISTRATION/SPONSORSHIP
ARTICLE XIII.SELECTION OF ALL STARS
ARTICLE XIV.TROPHIES AND AWARDS
ARTICLE XV.FUNDRAISING
ARTICLE XVI. ADMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
ARTICLE XVII. GENERAL RULES FOR ALL LEAGUES
ARTICLE XVIII. MODIFIED PLAYING RULES FOR LEAGUE PLAY
MILLBROOK GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE
2005 BYLAWS
ARTICLE I. NAME
1.1 This organization shall be known as the MILLBROOK GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE, hereafter referred to as MGSL. MGSL will operate under the supervision of the City of Millbrook, Al. The league is a nonprofit organization.
1.2 The mailing address of MGSL shall be: City Of Millbrook,
Attention: Millbrook P & R Director
P.O. Box 630
Millbrook, Al. 36054
1.3 The official phone number for MGSL shall be: 285-7277, Millbrook Parks & Recreation
1.4 The official web site for MGSL shall be: www.eteamz.com/mgslsoftball/
ARTICLE II. AFFILIATIONS
2.1 MGSL shall be affiliated with the National Softball Association, NSA ( Amended 2004)
ARTICLE III. OBJECTIVES AND VISION STATEMENT
3.1 Our primary objective is to foster, encourage, support and promote the game of fastpitch softball and to provide a recreational outlet for as many girls as possible with the emphasis on local league play. We shall strive to encourage and develop the qualities of honesty, loyalty, respect for others and good sportsmanship.
3.2 To establish and implement rules, policies and procedures that will be in the best interest of all girls involved with the MGSL program.
3.3 We will be recognized as a league of fair play giving all girls an equal opportunity to play.
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERS
4.1 Any girl between the league age requirements of 4 and 18 are eligible to participate in the MGSL programs.
4.2 Members of the MGSL Executive board and all members of the MGSL Board of Directors shall have voting rights during their term of service.
ARTICLE V. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
5.1 The purpose of the board is to be the voice of the public. The MGSL Board of Directors will draft and enforce rules, which govern the leagues entire operations.
5.2 The Board of Directors shall consist of the following elected positions and/ or appointed positions:
Commissioner
Vice-President Operations
Secretary
Treasurer
Player Agent
Millbrook Park & Recreation Director
Equipment Manager
Tournament Director
6 & Under Representative
8 & Under Representative
10 & Under Representative
12 & Under Representative
14 & Under Representative
16 & Under Representative
18 &Under Representative
Scheduler
Team Mom Coordinator
Umpire in Charge
Concession Stand Manager
(Amended Oct. 2004)
5.2 Other Board of Director Positions may be added if deemed necessary.
5.3 Board of Director Elections shall be conducted prior to closing day ceremonies of the regular season. Coaches and only people of 18 years of age or older who are parents and/or legal guardians of children who are or will be participating in the MGSL will be allowed to vote. (Amended 2003)
5.4 The term of office for all Board of Directors shall be for one year beginning on August 1st. and concluding on July 31st.
5.5 There shall be no limit of terms that a board member may serve.
5.6 There shall be a one-year minimum prior service prerequisite on the MGSL board for any person seeking the Commissioner position.
5.7 Board of Directors members shall serve without compensation, but they shall be reimbursed for all authorized expenses incurred on the behalf of MGSL.
5.8 Board members may coach a MGSL team; however the Commissioner is not permitted to be a head coach but may be an assistant coach. (Amended 2003)
5.9 In the event an argument, complaint or a situation occurs, in the softball complex, a board member shall not attempt to handle the problem by him/her self. They shall attempt to contact another board member for help in correcting the problem. (Amended 2003)
5.10 All MGSL Board Members are subject to an annual criminal background investigation including but not limited to: Elmore, Montgomery and Autauga counties criminal records check, State of Alabama criminal records check, State of Alabama registered offenders register.
5.11 A board member can be removed from the Board of Directors, for just cause, by a 2/3rds majority vote of the Executive Board. An Executive Board member can be removed form the Executive Board, for just cause, by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. A Board member will be asked to step down if he/she misses five meetings throughout the year or three consecutive meetings. If a board member leaves his/her position before their term has expired, the board will appoint someone to replace that person. (Amended June 2004)
ARTICLE VI. COMMITTEES
6.1 Executive Committee shall be composed of the MGSL Commissioner, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Player Agent and Millbrooks Park and Recreation Director. This committee shall meet periodically to discuss the current status of the organization and if necessary make policies or take care of urgent business in between regular Board of Director Meetings. (Amended 2003)
6.2 Rules Committee will establish local league playing rules and coordinate with other leagues for the purpose of interlocking league play. They shall mediate and render decisions on protest and mediate and render decisions on disciplinary matters.
6.3 Uniform/Trophy/Picture Committee will assist in obtaining prices of uniforms and trophies from approved venders. They will submit these prices to the Board of Directors for their approval. They will assist in scheduling teams for their pictures and assist in distributing pictures to players and parents. (Amended 2003)
6.4 Equipment Committee will be responsible for assisting the Equipment Manager in accounting, tagging and distributing the necessary equipment needed to play the game of fast-pitch softball. They will help the Equipment Manager in ensuring that all equipment is serviceable and safe for use. (Amended 2003)
6.5 Board and Committee Responsibilities: To bring to the meetings business that is pertinent to the program. To vote on rules and issues that will affect the league. To maintain the league for the girls, not for the spectators, parents or coaches. It is our responsibility to communicate with the coaches any unsafe act, changes in rules, practices or games.
ARTILCE VII. SAFETY
7.1 Safety is the responsibility of all Parks and Rec. Staff, umpires, coaches, parents, players and Board Members. If at any time an unsafe act or condition is observed, it is the responsibility of the observer to bring the act or condition to the attention of the Parks & Rec. staff, a Board Member, umpire or a law enforcement officer for resolution.
ARTICLE VIII. MEETINGS
8.1 The board of Directors shall have an annual meeting in August to induct new MGSL Board members.
8.2 The Board of Directors shall meet regularly once a month through out the year. A seven-day notice will be given for such meetings. (Amended 2003)
8.3 The Commissioner may call special meetings when deemed necessary. The purpose of the meeting shall be stated. At least three days notice shall be given. All board members will be given a seven-day notice for the monthly meeting as required by Art. 8.2. (Amended 2003)
8.4 Five Board members shall constitute a quorum at any MGSL meeting. The Commissioner or presiding officer shall count as part of the quorum. The act of the majority of the voting members present at any meeting shall be the act of MGSL except as may be otherwise specifically provided by these bylaws. A previously adapted resolution can be amended or rescinded with a two-thirds majority vote or a majority vote if there was a prior notice at the previous meeting.
8.5 All Board Members shall have one vote during a meeting except for the Commissioner or the presiding officer, who may only vote in order to break a tie. Usage of proxies shall not be permitted.
ARTILCE IX. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
9.1 The rules contained in the current edition of ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER shall govern MGSL in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the bylaws and any special rules of order that MGSL may adopt.
ARTICLE X. DRAFT/DRAW RULES
10.1 The head coach and /or his assistant must be present for the entire draft/draw process. In the event the head Coach and /or his assistant are unavailable a board member, appointed by the coach, may select the team for the absent coach. (Amended Dec. 2003)
10.2 The Commissioner, Vice-President, or other league officials of MGSL will advise the round sequence at which each team will commence their draft/draw choices. They shall oversee the draft/draw process until all available players have been selected. They shall assist all new coaches coming into the league or moving up in a different age division.
10.3 At the actual draft /draw there will be a limit of two representatives from each team. A designated spokesperson will be chosen for his/her team. For the year 2004 there will be try-outs, coaches looks, or player evaluations for girls of all ages. (Amended Jan. 2004).
10.4 Siblings will be assigned to the same team in the same age division unless parents request otherwise. A team will not participate in a draft/draw round in which a player has already been chosen through the freezing of the player or sibling, or through the drafting/drawing of the sibling. Drafted/drawn siblings of the same age group will be considered as consecutive choices. The younger sibling of a drafted/drawn player will be considered the first round pick in the younger age group.
10.5 Playing up or down in an age division will be allowed under special circumstances and must have the approval of Board. The parent or guardian must formally request in writing, that their daughter be allowed to play up or down and state the reasons for their request. A player will be allowed to play down an age division for one year with the understanding she will not be eligible for All Stars. Players will not play up or down just to accommodate car-pooling or special request for coaches.
10.6 Draft positions will be randomly drawn. This position will remain the same throughout the entire draft. (Example: 4 team draft. 1st. round draft order: 1, 2, 3, 4: 2nd. round draft order: 4, 3, 2, 1: 3rd. round draft order: 1,2,3,4 and so on.) This procedure will continue until all players have been selected. (Amended 2003)
10.7 The coachs child(s) will count as a first round draft choice(s). The assistant head coachs child(s) will count as the second round draft choice depending on the circumstances. (Example #1: head coach has no child, assistant head coachs child(s) count as a first round pick. Example #2: Head coach has a child and the assistant has a child, this would result in a first and a second round draft choice. (Amended 2003)
ARTICLE XI. COACHES
11.1 Starting the year 2003 all head coaches, assistant coaches, officers and board members must be certified by an approved certification body designated by the MGSL Board of Directors. They must be willing to submit to a background check. Coaches must also provide at least three references if requested. (Amended 2003)
11.2 All head coaches will be chosen, prior to the season, by the MGSL Board of Directors. If the board cannot agree final and sole discretion will be that of the MGSL COMMISSIONER. The head coach will be allowed to select one assistant head coach prior to the draft/draw process. All other coaching positions should be filled from a list of perspective parents of players on that team. (Amended Oct. 2004)
11.3 Head Coaches and their assistant head coach will be required attend a preseason meeting to review rules and procedures. The Commissioner, Player Agent and Age Rep will hold this meeting. (Amended 2004)
11.4 Coaches will have the responsibility of safety and teaching the game of softball, team play, sportsmanship, fellowship and the humility of winning and the tolerance of losing. The coach must set the example for his/her team. A teams conduct is directly reflected in the coaches conduct. Coaches should be sure that their conduct as a coach is in the best interest of the team.
11.5 Teams will practice a minimum of 6 times prior to their first game. If this is not adhered to then the coach will receive disciplinary action. The Executive Board will determine the disciplinary action to be taken. Coach's who fail to use their scheduled practice times (weather & field conditions permitting) on city fields may forfeit future practice times. (Amended 2004)
11.6 Unacceptable behavior of a coach could lead to their removal from the league. Examples of unacceptable behavior includes but not limited to, smoking on the field, drinking alcohol in the presence of players, swearing, uncontrolled temper, inappropriate contact with a player, degrading a player and rude treatment of parents.
11.7 After receiving verified complaints concerning a coachs unacceptable behavior, lack of coaching ability, demeanor, attendance, etc. the MGSL commissioner, league presidents and Players Agent can recommend to the Board that the coach be removed for cause. (Amended 2002)
11.8 A coach using profanity will be suspended from play for the remainder of the game.
Harassment by coaches toward the opposing team or officials will not be tolerated. Violators of this rule will be immediately removed from the playing area. Ejection of a coach or player from a game will result in suspension of that individual from participating in the next scheduled game. A second violation of this rule will be cause for removal of that individual for the remainder of the season.
11.9 Coaches will be issued equipment for practices and games as required. The equipment must be returned in the same condition as issued (consideration must be given to the usual wear and tear) at the end of the practice or season. Coaches will replace or pay to replace any equipment issued to them that they fail to return upon request or at seasons end. Coaches must sign an equipment release form prior to receiving any equipment.
11.10 Coaches must return their team's assigned equipment on the day of the All Star selections. If the equipment is not returned the coach will lose his All Star vote and the terms outlined in the equipment agreement signed by the Coach will be implemented. (Amended 2004)
ARTICLE XII REGISTRATION/FEES/SPONSORSHIP
12.1 All fees and sponsorship shall be made payable to the City of Millbrook.
12.2 Registration dates will be set at the discretion of the board. (Amended Oct.2004)
12.3 A fee determined by the MGSL Board of Directors shall be charged for the 1st. child and a $10.00 reduction for each child there after, shall be accessed to participate in the MGSL program. (Amended 2003)
12.4 Sponsorship fees will be $300.00 per team. Sponsorship of a team will help off set the cost of uniforms, equipment and the cost of umpiring. The sponsor will be allowed to choose team colors and team name if so desired. (Amended 2003)
12.5 Any girl wishing to sign up after Officia1 sign ups have been closed may do so as outlined below. There will be a penalty fee accessed for late sign ups of $50.00. This fee must be paid at the time the player or players put their name on an Availability List. The players name will be added to the Availability List by sign up date and age division. Only the Commissioner and the Player Agent will have access to the Availability List. At no time should any prospective players on this list be discussed with anyone. A registration fee will be due upon placement of the player on a team. (Added Oct.2004)
12.6 Coaches must notify the Age Rep. within 48 hours when a player quits their team. The Division Rep. will immediately notify the Executive Board. Upon verification by the Board the first player on the Availability List will be used to replace the player.
12.7 The number of players on each team will be limited to 12. If during the initial sign up & draft, there are teams with more than 12 players then so be it. Each team must maintain 12 players as long as there are players still on the Availability List. If a team has more than 12 players and one quits then this team would not receive another player because the team would not be under the 12-player mandate. (Added 2003)
12.8 If a player quits a team and that team falls below the 12-player mandate, that team will receive the first player from the Availability List in the age division that the player applied. Players selected from the Availability List must understand that they have no choice about which team they will be placed. If after being placed on a team and they refuse to play for that team, the player will be dropped from the Availability List and the next player on the list will be assigned to the team. The late sign up fee is non refundable in this equation. (Added 2004)
12.9 If there are multiple teams under the 12-player mandate then the assignment process will be as follows. The team with the fewest players would get the first player from the list to even out the players on all teams. If there are teams that are still under the 12-player mandate then the selection process will be as follows. The team with the worst record of play would receive the next player from the list & so forth as long as players are available and are needed. (Added 2003)
12.10 If a player is injured during the season but will return to the team and would be able to play, the team for which she played would not get to add to their roster. If a player is needed, they must be pulled up from the younger age division until the injured player has been released for play. (Added 2003)
12.11 Late fees will be refunded in the following instances: If at the end of the season a girl has not been assigned to a team, from the Availability List then the late sign-up fee of $50.00 will be refunded. If the player decides she has no interest in playing prior to placement on a team the late sign-up fee would be refundable. If the player placed on a team can wear the uniform of the player that has quit the $50.00 late fee will be waived. (Added 2004)
ARTILCE XIII. SELECTION OF ALL STARS
13.1 The tournament director and the Players Agent will oversee the selection of All Stars for each age division. In the event either of the above cannot perform their duties the league Commissioner will act in their behalf.
13.2 Coaches will insure that anyone nominated for All Stars from their team will be available to participate throughout the entire All Star team schedule. Failure of a player to complete their obligation to the All Star team may cause the player to forfeit their eligibility for All Stars the following year. (Amended 2004)
13.3 The head coach and one assistant coach per team shall have a vote on the selection of All Stars. Proxy voting will not be allowed. Secret ballot voting will be done and two non-voting board members will tally the votes and oversee the selection. Full team rosters per age division will be given out to the voting coaches. Eleven or twelve girls will be chosen from that list to represent their perspective age divisions. All Stars will be chosen using the following criteria: batting averages, performance on the field and sportsmanship. In the event of a tie there will be round table discussions involving the players that resulted in the tie to determine the players selected for all stars.
13.4 All players chosen as All Stars will practice for tournament play. If a player is selected as an All Star, and for some reason cannot play, an alternate player will be selected by the coaches of the All Star team. The head coach of the All Star team will have sole discretion to determine which player he/she wants to place on the All Star roster. (Amended 2004)
ARTICLE XIV. AWARDS AND TROPHIES:
14.1 A trophy provided By MGSL will be given to all members of the first and second place teams in the following age divisions (8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 & Under). All players in the 6 & Under Division will receive a trophy. All other players will receive a medallion for recognition of their play. (Amended 2004)
14.2 Additional trophies will be awarded to each player being recognized as an All Star in their age division.
ARTICLE XV. FUNDRAISING
15.1 The Board of Directors will determine yearly events or products to sell in order to raise funds for league use.
ARTICLE XVI. ADMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
16.1 These bylaws may be amended at any regular MGSL meeting by a majority vote, provided the amendment change has been submitted in writing at the previous regular meeting.
ARTICLE XVII. MGSL GENERAL RULES FOR ALL LEAGUES
17.1 All players, coaches, parents, board members, and umpires shall conduct themselves in a sportsmanship like manner at all times. Arguing with and or badgering of the umpires will not be tolerated and will result in ejection from the softball complex and possible forfeiture of the violating team. (Amended 2004)
17.2 No alcoholic beverages will be allowed on the premises at any time.
17.3 Players, coaches, parents and umpires will refrain from using profanity. The use of tobacco products will not be allowed while on the playing field.
17.4 Chatter and chants will be allowed as long as it is neither profane nor directly targeted at any individual player, coach or umpire in a negative manner. Abuse of this rule will result in forming a no chatter rule.
17.5 Any violation of the above rules will result in disciplinary action from the MGSL Board of Directors.
17.6 If a team fails to appear within fifteen minutes after the official scheduled time or the availability of the playing field in case of overtime, a forfeit will be declared. (Amended 2003)
17.7 All players will wear a consistent uniform jersey and pants (or shorts). Jerseys must be tucked in at all times during games. (Amended 2002)
17.8 All teams shall clean up their dugout area of all trash and dispose of it properly at the end of each game. Failure to do so may result in forfeit of previous or future games.
17.9 All catchers and batters are required to wear protective helmets. Catchers must wear throat guards, chest protectors, and shin guards. Batters must have a helmet on when leaving the dugout and it cannot be removed until they return to the same dugout. Any violation could result in the player being called out. Metal cleats are prohibited.
17.10 Any conflicts with a scheduled game other than weather related delays must have approval from the MGSL Commissioner and League Representative to be rescheduled.
17.11 The following time shall be allowed for games:
6 & Under, 5 innings or I hour
8 & Under, 5 innings or I hour and 15 minutes.
10 & Under, 5 innings or I hour and 15 minutes.
12 & Under, 6 innings or 1 hour and 15 minutes.
14 & Under, 7 innings or 1 hour and 15 minutes.
16 & Under, 7 innings or 1 hour and 15 minutes.
18 & under, 7 innings or 1 hour and 15 minutes. (Amended 2005)
17.12 No new inning will start after each leagues game time limit has expired. If the game is tied after time limit has expired or the maximum innings have been played, then a tiebreaker inning will be played using International rules. If the game is still tied after the inning is completed then each team will record the tie as a half win for their league standings. (Amended 2004)
17.13 All teams all ages will have perpetual batting. All teams all ages all players will play 2 complete defensive innings. Substitution must be made by the beginning of the third inning and all players must have played two complete innings by the end of the fourth inning. (Amended 2002)
17.14 If a team cannot field enough players from their roster for a regular game the coach may promote a player(s) from the age division directly below their own, (example: a coach in 12& Under may choose a player from 10 & under division). Exception: Teams in the 6 & under age division may pull across to field a team due to the fact there is not a younger age division to pull from. The coach must obtain permission from the players parents. The promoted player cannot be used as a pitcher or catcher during regular season play. The coach may only promote enough players to fill a roster equal to one player above the amount required to field a team. (Example: 8 & Under, 10 players are needed to field a team, coach can promote enough players to fill a roster of 11 players.) When using a promoted player, a regular team player cannot sit more than two innings per game. If a coach has two promoted players, the coach can substitute the promoted players for one another and does not have to substitute a regular team player. (. Amended Oct 2004)
ARTICLE XVIII. MODIFIED PLAYING RULES FOR EACH LEAGUE
18.1 Ages 4-6
A. All players on the roster shall play on defense in local league play. Only ten defensive players will be allowed to participate per inning during interlocking games. (Amended Oct.2004)
B. A half inning will consist of three outs or each batter must have completed a time at bat.. If one team has more players than the other, the team with the fewest players will continue to bat until the turns at bat equal the number of players on the opposing team or three outs have been made.
C. It is the responsibility of the offensive teams coach to notify the umpire when the last batter comes to bat and the umpire shall notify the defensive team.
D. A coach-pitcher will be used; they will pitch from a distance of 30 ft. Each batter will be allowed 5 pitches to be thrown to them in which to either strike at and miss and/or foul off or hit into fair territory. If the fifth pitch is fouled off the batter will continue batting until they hit the ball into fair territory or swings and misses.
E. If a defensive player has possession of the ball and is standing on any base or standing in the pitchers circle, the ball is considered dead and all baserunners must stop at the base the umpire rules them entitled. This rule will be within the umpires judgment and cannot be protested.
F. If a player reaches any base safely they may advance to the next base with the possibility of being put out. The baserunner shall not advance to the next base if, they have not passed the base before a defensive player has possession of the ball and the defensive player is standing on any base or inside the pitchers circle.
G. If there are only two teams in the division, No scores are to be kept. If there are more than two teams, scores may be kept to determine a division champion.
H. Two defensive coaches will be allowed to be in the outfield to direct and coach their defensive players. Any coaching of an offensive player by a defensive coach is prohibited. (Amended 2002)
I. Defensive infield players must take a defensive position 30ft. from home plate at the time the ball is hit by the batter. All outfielders must be at least 10 ft behind the base line at the time the ball is hit by the batter.
J. The offensive team will have only two base coaches. The base coach cannot touch the offensive player until they reach base safely or they are put out. They cannot physically push or stop the offensive player from advancing or retreating. Violation of this rule will result in the offensive player being called out.
18.2 Ages 7-8
A. Length of games shall be I hour and 15 minutes or 5 innings whichever comes first. (SEE ARTICLE 17.11 & 17.12)
B. There shall be perpetual batting.
C. A half inning shall consist of 11 runs or three outs whichever takes place first.
D. All players must play at least 2 complete innings of defense.
E. 8 & under will play coach pitcher / player pitcher.
F. After four walks in an inning, the pitcher will be replaced by the coach-pitcher for the remainder of the inning. A pitcher who hits 3 batters with a pitched ball within 2 consecutive innings will be removed from the mound. (Amended 2004)
G. Bunting will be allowed when playing player pitch.
18.3 Ages 9-10
A. Length of games shall be 1 hour and 15 minutes or 5 innings whichever comes first.
B. There shall be perpetual batting.
C. All players must play at least 2 complete innings of defense.
D. A pitcher who hits 3 batters with a pitched ball within 2 consecutive innings will be removed from the mound. (Amended 2004)
18.4 Ages 11-12
A. Length of games shall be 1 hour and 15 minutes or 6 innings whichever comes first.
B. There shall be perpetual batting in this age division.
C. All players must play at least 2 complete innings of defense.
18.5 Ages 14, 16 and 18 & Under
A. Length of games shall be 1 hour and 15 minutes or 7 innings whichever comes first.
B. There shall be perpetual batting.
C. All players must play at least 2 complete innings of defense.
D. If there arent sufficient players in the 18 & under division to form a team, the players in this division will interlock with the 16 & under division.
E. In selecting an All Star tournament team for the 18 & Under division, all players between the ages of 17-18 must be chosen prior to selecting any players form the 16 & under age division.
