By-laws of Little League Baseball
of Audubon, Inc.
Index
· Article I. – Name
· Article II. – Objective
· Article III. – Membership / Officers & Directors
· Article IV. – Duty of Officers
· Article V. – Meetings
· Article VI. – Committees
· Article VII. – Financial Policy
· Article VIII. – Playing Rules (all divisions)
· Article IX. – Amendment
· Article X. – Managers and Coaches
· Article XI. – Duties of Managers and Coaches
· Article XII. – Tournament Teams
· Article XIII. – Game Forfeits
· Article XIV. – Rules for Selection Rewards
· Article XV. – League Drafts
· Article XVI. – Little League Hall of Fame
· Article XVII. – Code Of Conduct
· Article XVIII. – Waiving of Fees
· Article XIX. – Sponsorship
Article I.
Name
The name of this organization shall be “Little League Baseball of Audubon, Inc.”.
Article II.
Objective
The objectives of the organization shall be to implant firmly in the youth of the community the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, courage, loyalty, and reverence, so that they may be finer, stronger, and happier children and will grow to be good clean, healthy adults.
Article III.
Membership
Any person interested in the objectives of Little League Baseball of Audubon, Inc., should be of good character may become a member. The membership shall become effective upon a successful background check and approval of the Board of Directors.
The current league year will be defined as running from October 1st through
September 30th.
New members will become eligible to vote after attending three meetings and/or scheduled work parties or volunteered and worked on any League committees. All other Members are eligible to vote on any issue brought before the membership until
April 30th provided they have attended five meetings and either a scheduled work party or have volunteered and worked on any League committee in the previous league year. After this date, a Member will be eligible to vote only if they have attended five meetings and either scheduled work party or have volunteered and worked on a League committee in the current league year.
All eligible Members can vote for League Officers. A proxy vote will be accepted for election of Officers if the eligible voting Member has a legitimate reason. Proxy must be submitted to the President prior to the day of the meeting.
To be approved to run for Board of Directors, the person must be considered a member in good standing.
Officers and Directors
The general management of the organization shall be vested in a Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors shall be composed of 14 members, consisting of four (4) elected Directors, four (4) Officers, two (2) Player Agents, the Umpire-in-Chief, the Senior League Commissioner, the Safety Director and the Field Director. Each
Member is a voting Member of the Board of Directors. The four (4) Directors shall be elected two (2) each year, at the Annual Meeting of the organization and shall serve a term of two (2) years each. If a member of the Board of Directors leaves the League during his/her term, the President, with the Board’s approval, will appoint a replacement to fill that position until the next General Election. All elected Directors shall take office at the first Directors’ meeting in October. The Player Agents, Umpire-in-Chief, Safety Director, Stand Director, Field Director and Senior League
Commissioner shall be nominated by the President and voted on by the General Membership during the November meeting, by a simple majority vote of the eligible members present.
The Officers shall be elected annually by the voting membership at the Annual
Meeting and shall serve for one (1) year, or until their successors are elected and have qualified for office.
An Officer’s or Board of Director’s voting privilege may be challenged for lack of interest, or lack of attendance. 2/3 majority of eligible voting members present of the general membership must approve the challenge.
The Officers and Directors shall meet each month subsequent to the general membership meeting. Six (6) members of Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum whenever the Board of Directors meets. All Officers and Directors must be notified of any special meetings called.
A Member may request attendance at a Director’s meeting to present a specific problem. Said Member may not be present during the vote.
Article IV.
Duties of Officers
The President shall preside at all general membership meetings and at all meetings of the Board of Directors. He/she shall be ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominating Committee. He/she shall appoint the members of all standing committees and he/she shall be empowered to appoint special committees as the occasion arises.
The Vice President shall assume all the duties of President in his/her absence and will assume the duties of Purchasing Agent.
The Secretary shall keep the minutes and track attendance of all meetings, oversee awards and issue all correspondence through proper channels.
The Treasurer shall have custody of all funds belonging to the organization. These funds are to be deposited in the name of the organization in a bank or trust company approved by the membership. He/she shall have custody of all securities belonging to the organization. He/she shall make a report of the financial condition of the organization at least once a month. He/she shall pay all bills approved by the Finance Committee. All disbursements require the dual signatures of both the current
President and Treasurer of the Audubon Little League. His/her accounts shall be audited annually by a committee appointed by the President.
The Safety Director shall be appointed by the President for a one (1) year term and shall assume the duties set forth by Little League International Headquarters,
Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The Senior League Commissioner shall be appointed by the President and approved by board of directors for a one (1) year term and shall assume the duties of Senior League as set forth.
A. Making a schedule.
B. Rescheduling games at earliest convenience.
C. Attend Senior League Draft.
D. Team rosters.
E. Responsible for Umpire scheduling.
The Players Agent will be in charge of the following duties:
A. Making a schedule for all games non related to Sr League.
B. Rescheduling games at earliest convenience.
C. Registration and all movement of players within the League.
D. All drafts and award selections.
E. All tryouts and player ratings.
F. Team rosters.
G. Verification of date-of-birth for all players within the League.
T-Ball, Coach Pitch, Minor and Major League schedules will be approved by the
Board of Directors and will be dependent on the number of teams in the League and input from the Player Agent.
The Player Agent must notify the President of all changes.
The Stand Director shall be appointed by the President and approved by board of directors for a one (1) year term and shall assume the duties of Stand Director as set forth.
The Stand Director is responsible for the following duties:
A. Ordering and maintenance of all food products, including the timely placement and delivery of such orders.
B. Proper rotation of foods to ensure quality
C. Cleanliness of entire stand are, including kitchen and bathrooms
D. Staffing of the stand during all games and activities; including sharing pertinent information for procedures and safety
E. Providing updates to Board of Directors as they arise for any disciplinary actions
F: For more in depth explanation for the operating procedures for the concession stand refer to details in the stand manual which will be updated each year by present and previous stand directors.
Umpire-in-Chief
To make umpire schedules for the majors and minors and to make calls when vacancies occur, if necessary, fill them himself.
Hold as many meetings as necessary before the season starts for the purpose of interpreting the rules both old and new. At this meeting, all new managers, coaches, current coaches are to review rule changes and umpires.
To serve on the protest committee, in his absents or if he is involved in the protest his representative should be present.
To inspect all league umpire equipment for wear and safety and to order replacements through the equipment manager along with clickers for those who need them. Rule books and shirts (with the Boards approval) should be ordered.
Recruit new umpires and when assigning umpires to games, try and match experienced umpires with umpires with minimal experience.
Be available as much as possible during season problems.
Article V.
Meetings
The general membership shall meet the first and third Monday, February through July; one meeting all other months.
These meetings will be held on the first Monday. Eight active members shall constitute a quorum for general membership meetings. Times for these meetings will be 8:00 p.m. or immediately after the games during the season through July and 7:00 p.m. for all other meetings.
The Annual Meeting of the organization shall be held the second Monday in September. Nominations will be held the first Monday in August. Further nominations and elections for Directors and Officers will be held at the September meeting.
Anyone nominated must be present to accept nomination or have previously submitted a letter to any Board member accepting nomination to a certain position.
Individuals will be eligible to run for Officer Position and one Director’s position in the same election year, if he/she agrees to withdraw his/her name from the latter upon being elected to the former. No one will be permitted to hold two offices once the election is complete. This includes the appointed Directors versus elected Directors and current Directors running for office.
Article VI.
Committees
The following standing committees are to be appointed by the President for a period of one year, to be composed of two or more members for each committee: Women’s Auxiliary, Audit, Bylaws, Property Improvement, Sponsorship, Bylaws, and Finance.
The Audit Committee shall be responsible for auditing the corporate books of the organization at least once a year and submit a formal report to the Board of Directors.
The Bylaws Committee revises and amends the Bylaws of the organization as deemed necessary.
The Sponsorship Committee shall be responsible for procuring League sponsorships and signs along with advertisements for the League playing schedule. Also, is responsible for coordinating all social activities that are conducted by the League and shall include opening day activities, social functions, etc.
The Property Improvement Committee shall be responsible for general maintenance of the playing fields, buildings and fences and any capital investments as directed by the Board of Directors.
The Finance Committee shall consist of all Directors. The Treasurer shall prepare a budget yearly listing all anticipated revenues and expenditures to be approved by the Board of Directors. The approval of this budget shall require a simple majority vote of active Members present of the general membership.
Article VII.
Financial Policy
The Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of the organization and it shall place all income in a common treasury, directing the expenditures of same in such manner as will not give individuals or teams an advantage over any other as to equipment, etc.
The Board of Directors shall not permit the contributions of funds to individuals of teams, but shall solicit contributions for the common treasury of the organization.
This regulation is to discourage favoritism among teams in an endeavor to equalize the benefits of the organization.
Article VIII.
Playing Rules: All Leagues
The Official Playing Rules and Regulation as published by Little League Baseball,
Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for the current season, will be used by this organization.
Additionally, the following Rules will apply:
The families of League players are responsible to participate, or have someone of legal age participate, two (2) times per child during the season in the concession stand. If they do not participate, their child will have to attend a game and will not play.
All league age 11 and 12 year olds must play in the Majors, assuming there is not a safety factor involved. An 11 or 12 year old may only be reassigned to the Minors after a review with the Manager, parent and Board of Directors.
Each Major and Minor League team roster must be kept full at all times during the first 50% of games in the regular league season. When a Manager of a team loses a player during the season, he must notify the President and the Player Agent in writing. The Manager must then select a player (Majors - league age 10 year old player from the Minor League, Minors - league age 7 year old player from coach pitch after ½ season) within one week of approval from the Player Agent, or the Player
Agent will assign a player to the team. Should no individual be available, the Board will make the decision. In the last 50% of the season, no player will be brought up unless an emergency situation exists as determined by the Board.
Any player struck on the head with a ball or bat, whether at bat, as a runner, fielder or any other player in the playing area including the dugout, based on the judgment of the Umpire, shall be immediately removed from the playing field. It shall be the responsibility of the Manager, or his representative, to comply with this order. If deemed a direct blow by the Umpire, the player shall be removed from the game until such time that the player’s Manager, Umpire and player’s parents, if available, unanimously agree to, that the player may re-enter the game.
The Umpires have full authority of running the game according to Little League (900 series and the Local Rules). Safety Director has the authority to terminate play due to hazardous conditions.
Games must be started within one-half (½) hour of schedule time.
Each team must play all eligible players present at each game. Each Major and Minor
League player must play at least three (3) completed innings in the field, assuming that the game is played the full six (6) innings. A continuous batting order will be used in the Major and Minor Leagues. A player cannot sit consecutive innings in a game unless the player is injured.
In compliance with this Rule, Major League Managers must notify each other prior to the start of the game as to the name and uniform number of both eligible and ineligible players. An ineligible player is one who is absent or under disciplinary rules. A written line-up will also be provided to the Official Scorekeeper when available prior to the start of the game.
Managers of opposing teams should notify each other and the Home Plate Umpire that they have or have not complied with the substitution rule.
The Home Plate Umpire shall call violation of this Rule to the attention of the Board of Directors. The board will then take necessary disciplinary action.
For both Major and Minor League play, a Manager may pinch run for a catcher with 2 outs. Pinch runner must be the player who made the last out.
Due to inclement weather, games can only be postponed by the Safety Director or by agreement between opposing Manager/Coaches. If a disagreement results, the decision will be made by the Safety Director or the Umpire if the Safety Director is not available.
When any game is postponed, the Player Agent must be notified and he/she shall then assign an available date.
A team in any League may play no more than three (3) games in a week.
The team designated as the “Home Team” will use the third-base dugout and side of the field. Each team is responsible for bringing their equipment on and off the field.
Home team must line the field at every game. In the Majors, the home team will be responsible for taking care of the American Flag and the visiting team is responsible for operating the scoreboard and announcing the game provided there is an adult present at all times in the clubhouse during the game. The winning team in both the
Majors and Minors will post the scores, as well as any pertinent information to be used in local newspaper articles.
Only three (3) representatives, one (1) Manager and two (2) Coaches, per team, are permitted on the field during scheduled games. No one except the Managers,
Coaches, players and Umpires will be permitted on the playing field during scheduled games. On Saturday games, there is a 2 hour limit per game except during playoffs.
Catchers must wear a mask when involved in warming infield. Catchers must wear a mask and chest protector when warming pitchers, either on or off the field.
In playoff competition, regular season rules will apply.
Any player who fails to clean up after their games shall be subject to discipline by Managers, Coaches or Board of Directors.
Regular season will end on a pre-determined date (decided prior to opening day). All games (make-up) can be played but will not count in standings after that date, but the pitch counts during these will count.
Additional Playing rules per league –
T-ball - Any league age 5, 6, or 7 year olds will be eligible to play in the T-Ball League. There will be no score keeping due to the intent of the program being instructional. The team designated as the “Home Team” will use the third-base side and will be responsible for preparing the field for each game. All coaches will help when necessary. There will be continuous batting of an entire roster each inning for both teams. There will be no strikes, balls or walks called. No bunting shall be allowed. Opposing Managers or Coaches shall exchange written rosters prior to each game to facilitate year-end evaluations. All league players will hit from a “tee”. The T-Ball League shall use a League approved ball. There shall be a maximum of four (4) Coaches allowed on the playing field while their team is on defense. There will be 10 defensive players allowed on the field for each team. There will be no stealing of bases. Each game will have a two hour time limit and will consist of two complete innings. A third inning may be played at the discretion of the Managers. Each game will be considered to be an official or regulation game after one full or complete inning has been played. This is for the purpose of shortened play due to rainouts or darkness. No eligible player shall sit on the bench more than one inning during the course of each game. Managers and Coaches shall seek every opportunity to try all players at every defensive position during the course of the playing season.
Coach Pitch – League will consist of both seven (7) and some six (6) years of age players, both of whom must have played 1 year of T-ball. A coach pitch clinic will be used to evaluate a player’s eligibility, if a player is unavailable, the coach pitch commissioner can request a special evaluation. Each player will be given a maximum of 6 pitches to hit the ball. After 6 pitches, the player will be walked. Three outs per inning. Seven (7) batters are permitted to bat in each inning as long as there are not 3 outs. During the first half of the season (deemed by the schedule) a player hitting a ball in play will be entitled to one (1) base. Each runner can only advance one (1) base. During the second half of the season, the player hitting the ball can advance one (1) extra base. Runners on base can advance as well. There is no stealing. Runs will not be counted. Ten defensive players on the field during the game. Catchers must have the approved gear to catch behind the plate. A player can catch a maximum of three (3) innings per game. Each team will be allowed three (3) coaches in the field and one (1) behind the plate while their team in on the field (defense). The offensive team may have a coach to help the batter when deemed necessary and also a catcher to retrieve a miss. Offensive team coaches will be in charge of making the calls (safe, out, fair, foul). The home team will be in charge of equipment, lining the field, putting out the bases and cleaning up.
Minor League - Only three (3) runs may be scored per inning no matter how many outs there are at the time (no continuation). Only in the sixth inning will this rule be waived where there can be more than three (3) runs scored.
Bunting will be permitted; stealing is permitted on all bases, however, only one base per play. No baiting by the base runner, once player makes the move towards his previous base, he must return. Last inning must be announced prior to inning if game will not reach 6 innings. If the game exceeds the time or light runs out, revert score back to previous inning. Teams are encouraged to play with ten (10) players in the field unless one of the teams only has nine (9) players which causes the both teams to play with nine (9). No Little Leaguer under the league age of eight (8) may play in the Minor Leagues, unless necessitated by the Board of Directors, due to numbers at draft or shortages of players during the season. Any player who shows the desire to pitch will be given the opportunity.
Major League - No Little Leaguer under the league age of ten (10) may play in the Major Leagues, unless necessitated by the Board of Directors, due to numbers at draft and/or shortages during the season on a team.
Senior League - Use of Extra Player (EP) – If you begin the game with 10 players the EP must be used. The EP may be listed anywhere in the batting order. Once the EP enters the field, another player must be designated the EP.
During the month of April, games are official after 4 innings (due to darkness).
Balk warnings for 13 year olds: during month of April – 1 warning will be issued. Each team must play all eligible players present at each game. A player must play at least three (3) complete innings in the field and have one (1) at bat, assuming that the game is played the full seven (7) innings. Any player not having one (1) time at bat must start the following game and three (3) complete innings in the field. A continuous batting order will be used when played in-house.
Article IX.
Amendment
Bylaw revisions from the general membership must be submitted by November 30th to the President to be considered for the upcoming season. All revisions received after that date will not be considered for the upcoming season, but will be considered one (1) year from the current season.
The Constitution and Bylaws of this organization may be amended for the following league year at any general membership meeting by a 2/3 vote of the eligible Members present, provided that the suggested changes have been submitted in writing to, and approved by the Board of Directors and then read at two (2) consecutive regularly scheduled general membership meetings.
Article X.
Managers and Coaches and Umpires
Anyone interested in Managing shall submit the appropriate Managers form and Volunteer form (new each year) to the Board of Directors before February 1st.
Managers Forms shall state individuals’ intention along with name and signature of requested Coach, if any.
Any person requesting to coach or manage the majors should be a member in good standing with at least 5 meetings and 2 work parties.
Consideration will always be granted to a person who has coached at least 1 year in the minors over anyone requesting to coach with no experience.
Any person that is requesting to coach in the majors may be granted that request due to need of coaches even if they do not have previous coaching experience in the minors. However, their sons or daughters may not be considered a protect unless they are chosen in the draft order of a particular team by the luck of the draw, only if that team has not drafted its one protect per year if eligible to do so and doesn’t already have 2 protects existing on the team. At that time if the player will then become that teams protect.
The Board of Directors will review all applicants and select Managers to manage available teams for upcoming season along with approving those individuals who qualify to coach for the upcoming season. If two applicants are judged equally qualified for a Managing position, preferential consideration should be given based on time the individual served on Board, Umpired, Managed or Coached in the
League. If any person voting has an objection to a coach or umpire, 2/3 of the Board of Directors present at the approval meeting must vote positive for the approval.
After completion of the draft, Managers, after complying with previous paragraphs, may select their Assistant Coaches and submit the name(s) and/or application(s) for review and approval by the Board of Directors.
A temporary Manager/Coach may be assigned by an appointed Manager or Coach for two (2) games only. If this appointee is to be used continuously, he/she must be approved by the Board of Directors and volunteer form. Temporary Coaches must be registered Members of the organization.
Any individual 21 years or older may hold the title of Manager or Coach.
Any individual 18 years or older may hold the title of Umpire or Assistant Coach and perform all duties as assigned by the Umpire-in-Chief or Manager, including calling home plate duty and holding practice.
Any individual 16 years old or older may hold the title of Base Umpire in the Major and Minor League and may perform all the duties as assigned under the supervision of the Umpire-In-Chief. Potential umpires must be voted on and approved by the Board of Directors.
Article XI.
Duties and Responsibilities of Managers and Coaches
Each Manager/Coach must abide fully by the Audubon Little League Bylaws, in addition to the regulations of Little League Baseball, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
If a Manager or Coach fails to assume all mentioned duties and responsibilities, he/she shall be requested to appear before the Board of Directors to show cause why he/she should not be properly disciplined.
Managers or Coaches must attend one (1) general membership meeting per month. It is the Manager’s responsibility to ensure that his/her team is properly represented at every meeting.
Managers and Coaches must supervise clean-up of their respective side of the stands after each game.
Managers and Coaches of each team shall be responsible for uniforms, equipment, and other League property assigned to them for the League year. All League property shall be returned to the Club House for inventory by the date set by the Vice- President. Managers and Coaches of each team shall be responsible for properly taking care of the Town Fund Drive in their assigned territories which includes any follow-up collections necessary.
Managers and Coaches are to work as the nucleus of the regularly scheduled work parties in preparation of the fields and the Club House prior to and during the season. If, in the event a Manager and Coach cannot attend a scheduled work party, it is his responsibility to solicit help from the team parents. All teams must be represented at each and every work party.
Each year, in addition to any League scheduled work parties, there will be, starting with the first Saturday evening or Sunday after the playing schedule starts and every
Saturday evening or Sunday until the playing schedule ends, a scheduled work detail. It will be the responsibility of the two (2) teams (Major and Minor) playing the last scheduled game on Saturday to make sure the fields are cleaned, either Saturday evening or Sunday, all trash should be picked up and put into trash cans. In the
Minors, trash cans should be placed at the curb on Walnut Street. Teams playing on
Monday should return cans to the field. In the Majors, cans should be dumped into the dumpster, only if dumpster is full should cans be left beside the dumpster. Again, Monday teams should return cans to the field. T-ball managers have to move trash to the curb on Atlantic Ave on Tuesday evenings. On Tuesday, T-ball or Coach Pitch managers have to move the can’s back on the field.
Each Manager is responsible to have a representative at this work detail.
If necessary, and only upon request of the Field Director, will the grass be cut.
Managers and Coaches will not demonstrate, nor permit any player to act in a manner, which could possibly cause injury to themselves, or to another player. Nor will they permit poor sportsmanship in any fashion, verbal or otherwise. (See Code of
Conduct)
All Members of Audubon Little League, whether participating or as a spectator, should endeavor to see that proper decorum is maintained at all times.
Managers and Coaches must control all players in the dugout, as well as keeping all players and equipment inside the dugout.
No smoking will be permitted on the playing field at any time.
Article XII.
Tournament Teams
Any Manager, Coach or Assistant Coach of a regular season team wishing to manage a tournament team, must submit a letter of intent on or before June 1st. The letter shall state the individual’s intention along with names and signatures of requested Coach and Assistant Coach, if any. A Manager’s selection of Coaches will be approved by the Board of Directors. If two applications are judged equally qualified for a Managing position, preferential consideration shall be given based on time individual served on Board, Umpired, Managed and Coached in the League. A Board representative will be responsible for notifying all applicants of the Board’s decision.
All League players will be eligible for the appropriate tournament team provided they have completed at least 50% of their scheduled league games. All tournament team rosters must be submitted to the Board of Directors for verification only. When a tournament game is scheduled on our field, designated tournament team Manager and/or Coach will be responsible for working concession stand.
Tournament, All-star, and Fall Ball Fees
All fees as decided on by the Board of Directors for said tournaments must be paid for before any uniforms are assigned to any player selected. Failure to pay said fees will constitute a selection of a different player at that time.
Hardship cases will be considered by the Executive Board of Directors upon request of any parent and fees may be waived at that time making said player eligible to be assigned their uniform.
Audubon Little League All-Star Selection Process
The Following Age groups are Typical All-Star Teams:
9 Year Old
10 Year Old
11 Year Old
12 Year Old
13-14 Year Old
15 Year Old
The Selection Process is as Follows:
1. Potential Mangers and Coaches that meet the criteria for managing and coaching an all-star team apply to the Board for approval. Potential Manager must attend 5 little league Meetings, and attend 2 work parties.
2. The Board selects the All-Star Manger for the specific age group above. The Board also approves potential coaches. The manager will pick from the approved coaches to fill his staff. Most district tournaments require 1 manger and maximum of 2 coaches.
3. The Mangers must check the District Tournament dates and attend District tournament meetings to keep the board abreast.
4. The Board will select a date and time for the all-star selection to take place.
5. One Board member should be present to run the selection process, preferably the secretary.
The Team Selection process:
1. To keep time efficient it is recommended that the Minor All-star team (9 year Old) take place first. The Majors (10, 11, and 12) take place second.
2. Prior to the Selection meeting, managers should have done a little ground work to make sure who they are nominating will be available during the all star tournaments.
Please do so in a way that will not lead the player to any final notions of their selection.
3. At the meeting each team should be represented by one individual, preferably the manger. If the Manger cannot make it, he can pass his information to one of his
Coaches and that individual can than attend the meeting.
9 Year old Team (Minor Managers)
10, 11, and 12 Year old Teams ( Major’s Managers)
4. The All-Star manager must also attend the selection meeting.
5. With the Board Secretary or other Board representative running the meeting, each team will nominate players that will meet the All-Star caliber of play. Each team can nominate more than one player. Each team’s representative may discuss the individual statistics or other information that may help.
6. Once all the teams have nominated their players. The Board representative will review the final list. The all star manger can ask questions at this point. Once the list has been read, those players only will be voted on.
7. The Goal is to vote on the “Core 8” of the potential 12 players on the team. Each team representative will submit in writing (Ballot form) to the Secretary 8 players that they believe should be on the team. Each player on that ballot will receive one vote.
The All-Star manger will also vote. If the all-star manger is also a manger during the season, he will get two ballots (2 votes) per player.
8. The Secretary will than tally the votes, if there is a tie for the final spots of the
“Core 8”, only the players with the least amount of votes will be voted on again to fill those final spots. Example: Nominated Players one through six received 7 votes, but
Nominated Players seven, eight and nine, received 5 votes. To fill spots 7 and 8,
Nominated Players seven, eight and nine, will be voted on again only. If a tie persists, the All-Star manger will have final say.
9. Once the “Core 8” is chosen, the all-Star manger and his coaches can fill the final roster spots during the next day. This does not have to be done at the meeting.
10. Usually teams are 12 players, but coaches have taken 13 or 14 in the past.
11. The Manager will then call the players and commence practice as per the official Little League start date. (Please check rule book).
12. Practice for the 9 year old team and 10 year old team will take place at the minors.
Practice for the 11 year old team and the 12 year old team will take place on the major field. The Older age group on that field will take precedence on practice time. The 2 cages should be shared between two age groups, the older taking precedence.
Senior League All-Star Selection
The 13- 14 year old team and the 15 year old teams will be selected by the try-out process. There will be two (2) try-outs for each team. A potential player must attend at least 1 tryout to be accepted. Once try-outs are complete the Managers and coaches of each team will select their roster. The usual team is 12 players, but coaches have taken 13 or 14 in the past. The Manger will than call the players and commence practice as per the official Little League start date. (Please check rule book). Practice for the 13-14 year olds & 15-16 year olds will take place at the High School field. If Audubon Little League chooses to have a 15-16 year old All-Star team, it must abide by Senior League rules.
Article XIII.
No Game Forfeits
A short-handed team may borrow as many as two (2) players from the opposing team, if available. Team borrowed from must have at least nine (9) eligible players remaining. A player pool maybe created to eliminate forfeits. Minor League will have
7-8 year old pool created, Major League will have a 10 year old pool created, and
Senior League will have a 13 year old pool created.
Article XIV.
Rules for Selection of Awards
1. AWARDS
· MVP Award – Is presented to Nine (9), Ten (10), Eleven(11) and Twelve (12) Year Old MVP of the Major and Minor Leagues.
· Lamb Award – (Major League) and Lozanoff Award – (Minor League)
To be presented to the individual who most exemplifies a Little Leaguer on and off the playing field. In all cases, the winner must be a graduate of their respective League. Any child who wins the MVP trophy is not eligible for the Lamb or Lozanoff Award.
2. One Manager or Coach per team is eligible to vote in the respective Leagues. (One vote per team.)
3. Anyone eligible to vote must be in attendance at the voting.
4. Anyone may submit a letter recommending a certain individual or individuals.
These letters are to be read aloud prior to voting.
5. The voting is to be done on a ten (10) point system. Each voting member will award ten (10) points to his/her first choice, nine (9) points to his/her second choice, eight (8) points to his/her third choice, etc., and one (1) point to his/her tenth choice. Two players may not receive the same amount from any one person who is voting.
Only the Player Agents, President, or person purchasing trophies will know the voting results. The individual with the highest point total will be declared the winner.
In the event of any ties, duplicate trophies will be awarded.
Article XV.
League Drafts
Major League Draft
1. The Player Agent will provide a list of evaluated, age eligible 10, 11 and 12 year old candidates to all Major League Managers prior to Draft.
2. This list will be produced by having each Minor League Manager evaluate their own team and identify EACH and EVERY player for ages 9, 10 and 11, utilizing the “Player Rating Form”. Please also list any safety problems that should be identified.
The Player Agent will compile all team evaluations into one list and redistribute it to at least four (4) Minor League Managers and the All-Star Manager for final evaluation.
These lists will be compiled by the Player Agent by averaging all received assessments. Ties will be resolved by the Player Agent.
3. The draft will be an open pool of all eligible candidates in reverse order of Regular Major league standings for two rounds followed by subsequent inverse rounds.
Example:
Round 1 last to first pick
Round 2 last to first pick
Round 3 first to last pick
Round 4 last to first pick
Round 5 first to last pick
The intent of this draft is to make all teams as equally competitive league wide by allowing the last place teams several first picks but not excluding, in subsequent rounds, the higher place teams a constant last pick methodology.
4. No passes by teams will be permitted in any round until league roster is obtained.
5. 10-year old drafting will not be permitted beyond the Board approved number to fill team roster sizes, as necessary, based on registrations. This will be done by the
Player Agent and discussed prior to the start of the draft. Any 10’s signing up after the draft may be positioned to a team by the player agent depending on known talent: or will be placed on the next team in draft order.
6. When any player picked in the draft refuses to advance to the Major League, the
Major League Manager and Coach shall review the case with the Board of Directors who will decide upon the appropriate disposition of the matter. If a player is permitted to return to the Minor League, he must remain there for that season. At the time that said player advances to the Major League, he shall become a member of the team that originally drafted him, at the option of the Manager. If Manager opts to protect said player, he or she is automatically placed on that teams roster and not counted as a draft pick.
7. No cuts are allowed.
8. Protected Players –
A. “Protect” = A protect is a player whose person wants to coach and is coming from the minor leagues and rates as a 1st or 2nd round player, which will include the previous seasons Core 8 players.
B. Sibling protects automatically go to their siblings team. When the older sibling departs the team the next sibling will automatically become a protect - If when that player when entering the draft met the definition of a protect in section (A).
C. A team will be allowed 1 protect per draft from the minor league. A major league team is only allowed (2) protects that meet the criteria of (A) on its roster at any time. Those protected players as described in section (A) shall remain a protected player their entire major league years.
D. A player may be protected by a manager that is rated by rank as a 3rd round pick or lower and not count as one of the (2) protects allowed by the team. The team will give up its draft pick based on that ranking.
9. Protection is allowed for Managers and Coaches and will be assessed by the
Player Agent at determined draft round based on the individuals standing within the league evaluation. Example: a 27th ranked player in an 8-team league will be the 4th round pick for a team.
10. When you are drafted by a team, players’ rights are owned by that team even if you take a year off unless manager refuses the player.
Player Agent must be informed of protection one week in advance of draft. A protect must be Board approved when coming out of the Minor League.
A Major League team is only allowed two (2) protects on its roster at any time. The protected player shall remain a “protected player” for his entire Major league years.
The Player agent shall control a “protected Player’s list” for all major league teams.
The Protected names shall be placed on the draft forms and read aloud to the all managers prior to the draft. This list shall be finalized after the draft and given to the
Board Secretary and placed in the record at the next Board meeting.
An exception will be granted for siblings of a protected player and only if the parent is the current Manager or Coach of the team. In this case, the two siblings will be considered as one (1) protect towards this total. A player will only be eligible to be protected if his or her parent(s) are member(s) in good standing at the time of the draft as determined by the Board of Directors of Audubon Little League.
11. All 10-year olds (including those playing in the Minors) will be eligible for tournament season play provided they have agreed to make themselves eligible and fulfill his/her eligibility for the Major League Draft.
12. Player Agent assignment of players, if necessary, will be done by the “next team” in draft order for late registrations after the draft.
Minor League Draft
1. The Player Agent will provide a list of evaluated, Age eligible 8, 9 and 10 year old candidates to all Minor League Managers prior to Draft. The 10 year old list will be players who opted to stay in the Minors one more year or who were not drafted in the earlier major league draft.
2. This list will be produced by having each Minor League Manager and Coach Pitch
(and any approved 7’s)Manager evaluate their own team and identify EACH and
EVERY player for ages 8, and 9, and some potential 10’s, utilizing the “Player Rating Form”. Please also list any safety problems that should be identified.
The Player Agent will compile all team evaluations into one list and redistribute it to at least (2) Minor League Managers. And (2) Coach Pitch managers
These lists will be compiled by the Player Agent by averaging all received assessments. Ties will be resolved by the Player Agent.
3. Minor League Managers and Coaches or their selected representative must select for their team.
4. A number from 1 to X representing each team is placed in a hat or pot.
Example: If there are 6 teams, then the numbers 1 to 6 inclusive are used.
5. A Manager or his Coach selects a number from the hat or pot.
6. The team which draws the number 1 will select first - the team which draws the number 2 will select second, etc. in the following age brackets. The teams will always select in the order of their number for the complete age group.
A. No. 1 will pick first in the 8's and 10's.
B. No. 6 will pick first in the 9's and free picks.
7. Prior to selections, each age group should be divided into equal numbers to suite the numbers of teams with the remaining names (after rounds have been completed) placed in the free draft.
Example #1: If there are six (6) teams in the League and nine (9) ten year old players, there will be one 10 year old round and three remaining names at the end of the round will be placed in the Free Draft. Example #2: If there are six (6) teams in the
League and twenty-two (22) 9 year old players, there will be three (3) rounds of selections (using 18 names) and the remaining 4 names will be placed in the Free Draft.
8. No other team can select a player in any age group if his father is a Manager or
Coach of another Minor League team unless the Manager or Coach does not necessarily want his own child on his team and has submitted his request to the Board for prior approval, 7 days before the draft.
9. If a Manager and/or Coach wants his own child on the team which he manages and/or coaches, he must draft his own child in round assessed based on individual standings as determined by the Player Agent.
A Minor League team is only allowed two (2) protects on its roster for that given year.
The protected players shall remain a “protected player” for his one year on that Minor League Team. The Player agent shall control a “protected Player’s list” for all minor league teams. The Protected names shall be placed on the draft forms and read aloud to the all managers prior to the draft. This list shall be finalized after the draft and given to the Board Secretary and placed in the record at the next Board meeting.
10. All players who are eligible must be selected, even if it means some teams will have one more player than some of the other teams.
11. When new players come into the League, they will be assigned to the next team after the final pick, unless a team loses a player, then that team would get the new player.
Example: No teams lose any players and the team who picked number four (4) drafted the last player, then the number five (5) team would get the new player, etc.
10. Late sign-ups after the draft will be assigned to a team approved by the Board.
T-Ball Draft
The T-Ball League Draft will be a lottery pick draft.
Coach Pitch Draft
Draft consists of coach pitch clinic and player ratings. Ages spread equally on each team.
Senior League Draft
1. The Player Agent will provide a list of evaluated, Age eligible candidates to all Senior League Managers prior to Draft.
2. This list will be produced by having each Major League Manager evaluate their own team and identify EACH and EVERY 13 year old, utilizing the “Player Rating Form”.
Please also list any safety problems that should be identified.
The Player Agent will compile all team evaluations into one list and redistribute it to at least four (3) Major League Managers and the 12 year old All-Star Manager for final evaluation.
These lists will be compiled by the Player Agent by averaging all received assessments. Ties will be resolved by the Player Agent.
3. The draft will be an open pool of all eligible candidates in reverse order of Regular Senior league standings for two rounds followed by subsequent inverse rounds.
Example:
Round 1 last to first pick
Round 2 last to first pick
Round 3 first to last pick
Round 4 last to first pick
Round 5 first to last pick
The intent of this draft is to make all teams as equally competitive league wide by allowing the last place teams several first picks but not excluding, in subsequent rounds, the higher place teams a constant last pick methodology.
4. No passes by teams will be permitted in any round until league roster is obtained.
6. All 13 year old players must advance to the Senior League
7. No cuts are allowed.
8. Protection is allowed for Managers and Coaches and will be assessed by the
Player Agent at determined draft round based on the individuals standing within the league evaluation. Example: a 27th ranked player in an 8-team league will be the 4th round pick for a team.
Player Agent must be informed of protection one week in advance of draft.
A Senior League team is only allowed two (2) protects on its roster at any time. The protected player shall remain a “protected player” for his entire senior league years.
The Player agent shall control a “protected Player’s list” for all senior league teams.
The Protected names shall be place on the draft forms and read aloud to the all managers prior to the draft. This list shall be finalized after the draft and given to the
Board Secretary and placed in the record at the next Board meeting.
An exception will be granted for siblings of a protected player and only if the parent is the current Manager or Coach of the team. In this case, the two siblings will be considered as one (1) protect towards this total. A player will only be eligible to be protected if his or her parent(s) are member(s) in good standing at the time of the draft as determined by the Board of Directors of Audubon Little League.
9. Any parent with a child on a Senior League roster may make a written request to the Player Agent for a draftee sibling to be placed on that team. The request must be completed in the round which draftee is slotted by Player Agent and must be approved by the Board of Directors.
11. Player Agent assignment of players, if necessary, will be done by the “next team” in draft order for late registrations after the draft.
Expansion Draft
When a new team is formed in the majors or senior leagues, an expansion draft will take place. The expansion draft will take place before the regular draft.
Prior to the draft, each existing team will be allowed to protect 4 players from his team.
Expansion draft protects shall include any existing protects no matter what their ranking is or where they were taken in the draft when it applies to a manager or coaches son or daughter the previous season. A player that was a protect that is not a coach’s son or daughter doesn’t have to be protected for an expansion draft based on that managers choice.
Note: A player coming up from the minors to the majors or majors to seniors does not need to be protected during the expansion draft.
The team picking in the draft will be able to select 1 player age 12 and 1 player age 11 from each team. A maximum of 4 players from each age group will be allowed to be picked.
The expansion team will then pick first in the regular draft. At that time, rules of the regular draft will apply.
Player can only be moved 1 time during his career in the major league. Example: a player cannot be part of 3 teams in 3 years.
Dropping a Team
The team with the least number of returning players will be dropped. The players from the dropped team will go back into the draft.
Dropping a team name from the league will be based solely on seniority of that league.
A team name will be dropped also if the current sponsorship dues have not been paid as well.
Article XVI.
Little League Hall of Fame
1. Candidates must have been active member(s) for at least five (5) years
2. Coaches, Managers, Umpires, B.O.D. and Ladies Auxiliary are all eligible
3. Maximum of two (2) inductees per year
4. Candidates must be approved by 3/4 of the B.O.D. (14 total votes)
5. The current years’ inductees will be the guests of the Little League at Opening Day.
Article XVII.
Code of Conduct
Audubon Little League has a zero tolerance policy.
Each year at registration, parents of Little League players must sign a zero tolerance policy form. All coaches, umpires, Board of Directors, as well as anyone who is an active member of Audubon Little League must sign and adhere to the zero tolerance policy. No exceptions will be made.
Article XVIII.
Waiving of Fees
Any waiving of fees (hardship or other) for a player will be voted on by the Executive Board.
Article XIX.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship is based on seniority. When a team drops, the team with the least seniority will be removed or moved to a lower level. If a team is added, the sponsor with the most seniority will have the choice to move to the high level team.