Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
CONSTITUTION
and
BY-LAWS
Plus Appendices
2011
Protest and Grievance Commissioner – Constitution Article (3)(A) and (B), pages 5-6. This
position was created to better handle resolution of ejections and protest and to chair the Rule
Resolution Committee.
End of Year Tournaments (Pony, Bronco, Mustang) – By-Laws Section (F) (4), page 15.
Clarification of seeding practices for the end of season tournaments.
Legal Bats – By-Laws Section (H) (29), page 19. Update to bat size specifications, to meet national
Pony Baseball/Softball association requirements.
Background Checks Policy & Procedure – Appendix A (Board Approved Policies), page 24.
Implements new guidelines and practices targeting abuse, molestation and other areas of interests
when conducting background checks and/or taking disciplinary action as a result of findings.
Signing Six (6) Members to New Franchises (Teams) - Appendix B (By-Laws Approved
Procedures); Draft Rules Section 11(A) and (B), page 41. Updates number of team members that can
be signed, providing adherence to prescribed option guidelines.
Volunteer Application Form – Appendix C (Approved Forms for Program), page 48. This new form
will be used to support revised background check policies and procedures.
Roy Gayle Teams Playing Outside Tournaments - Player Eligibility (B) (11), page 12. Any team
(only Roy Gayle league players) participating in tournament(s) outside of scheduled league play is
required to obtain pre-approval for participation, or it will be ineligible for park insurance coverage.
2012
Birthdate Change for 2012 Season – By-Laws (B)(2)(e), page 11. Placement guidelines to be
implemented when age cut-off changes to September 1 or before.
Hard-Shell Helmets on Coaches on the Field – By-Laws Section (H) (30), page 19. This new
requirement will affect the Mustang level and above.
Players in the pitching position in Shetland and Pinto – Player Eligibility (B) (10)(a), page 12.
Players shall wear a protective product to protect the heart and a face mask to protect the face.
Mouth Guards – Player Eligibility (B) (10)( b), page 12. All players shall use protective mouth
guards while in either a defensive or offensive position.
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Contents
CONSTITUTION.......................................................................................................................................
ARTICLE I: OFFICIAL NAME.....................................................................................................................
ARTICLE II: OBJECTIVE............................................................................................................................
ARTICLE III: GOVERNMENT - THE EXECUTIVE BOARD.............................................................................
ARTICLE IV: MEETINGS...........................................................................................................................
ARTICLE V: SPONSOR, MANAGER, COACH.............................................................................................
ARTICLE VI: MEMBERSHIP......................................................................................................................
ARTICLE VII: FINANCIAL POLICY.............................................................................................................
ARTICLE VIII: RULES...............................................................................................................................
ARTICLE IX: CERTIFICATE OF SANCTION................................................................................................
ARTICLE X: AMENDMENT.......................................................................................................................
BY-LAWS.................................................................................................................................................
A. AUTHORITY..........................................................................................................................
B. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY.............................................................................................................
1. Requirements..................................................................................................................
2. Age Requirements...........................................................................................................
a. Baseball Leagues.........................................................................................................
b. Girls Softball.................................................................................................................
c. “Play-up” & “Play-down”..............................................................................................
d. 2012 Rule.....................................................................................................................
3. No Fee = N0 Play.............................................................................................................
4. Maximum Number of Players..........................................................................................
5. Mandatory Play Rule........................................................................................................
a. Violations.....................................................................................................................
6. Disciplinary Action by Manager.......................................................................................
7. Practice Schedule Limitations..........................................................................................
8. High School Players.........................................................................................................
9. Last Date to Add Player...................................................................................................
10. Safety Rules – 2012 SEASON........................................................................................
a. Heart and Face Guards:...............................................................................................
b. Mouth Guards:..............................................................................................................
11. Roy Gayle Teams Playing Outside Tournaments..........................................................
C. LEAGUE STANDINGS............................................................................................................
D. CONDUCT OF PERSONNEL...................................................................................................
1. No Anger Outbursts.........................................................................................................
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2. Good Sportsmanship.......................................................................................................
3. No Smoking.....................................................................................................................
4. Ejection of Adults.............................................................................................................
5. Player Ejection.................................................................................................................
6. Official Uniforms..............................................................................................................
7. Coaches on Field.............................................................................................................
8. Removing a Player from a Team.....................................................................................
9. Discipline not related to Baseball/Softball.......................................................................
10. Managing more than One Team...................................................................................
11. Appropriate Dress for Managers and Coaches.............................................................
E. PROTESTS AND GRIEVANCES..............................................................................................
F. SCHEDULE...........................................................................................................................
1. Scheduling Guidelines.....................................................................................................
2. Scheduling Parameters (Original Schedule)....................................................................
3. Scheduling Parameters (Make-Ups).................................................................................
4. End of Year Tournaments (Pony, Bronco, Mustang)........................................................
G. GAME PROCEDURE..............................................................................................................
1. Time Limit.......................................................................................................................
2. Number of Players Needed..............................................................................................
3. Curfew.............................................................................................................................
4. Authority for Starting/Stopping........................................................................................
5. Complete Game / Suspended Game................................................................................
6. 10-Run Rule.....................................................................................................................
7. 15-Run Rule.....................................................................................................................
8. Providing Balls.................................................................................................................
9. Procedures / Time Before & Between Games..................................................................
10. Time between Innings..................................................................................................
11. Line-up Cards...............................................................................................................
12. Game Result Cards.......................................................................................................
13. Press Boxes..................................................................................................................
14. Metal Cleats.................................................................................................................
15. Catchers & Head Gear..................................................................................................
16. Batting Helmets with Face Masks.................................................................................
17. On-Deck Batter.............................................................................................................
18. Contact at Bases..........................................................................................................
19. Direct Steal of Home....................................................................................................
20. Pitching for Each League..............................................................................................
a. Baseball........................................................................................................................
b. Softball.........................................................................................................................
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21. Pitching in General.......................................................................................................
22. Pitcher Removed..........................................................................................................
23. Intentional Walk...........................................................................................................
24. Stealing Bases in Mustang...........................................................................................
25. One Foot in Batter’s Box..............................................................................................
26. One Offensive Time-Out per Inning..............................................................................
27. Field Use after a Forfeit................................................................................................
28. Infield Fly......................................................................................................................
29. Legal Bats....................................................................................................................
30. Hard-Shell Helmets on Coaches on the Field – 2012 Season........................................
31. Resuming a Suspended Game.....................................................................................
32. Pony Softball Pitching Distance....................................................................................
H. IN-HOUSE TOURNAMENT RULES..........................................................................................
I. UMPIRES..............................................................................................................................
J. PENALTIES, SUSPENSIONS, EXPULSIONS.............................................................................
K. ALL-STAR AND TRAVELING TOURNAMENT PERSONNEL.......................................................
L. MUSTANG AND MUSTANG GIRLS SOFTBALL PLACEMENT....................................................
M. DRAFT RULES..................................................................................................................
N. AMENDMENT...................................................................................................................
APPENDIX A: BOARD APPROVED POLICIES...........................................................................................
PERSONNEL POLICIES & PROCEDURES...................................................................................................
FINANCE POLICIES & PROCEDURES........................................................................................................
BACKGROUND CHECKS POLICY & PROCEDURE.......................................................................................
LIGHTENING SAFETY STANDARD.............................................................................................................
WEATHER CANCELLATION PROCEDURE..................................................................................................
SIMPLIFIED CHILD ABUSE/MOLESTATION................................................................................................
RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM...............................................................................................................
1. Background.........................................................................................................................
2. Purpose...............................................................................................................................
3. Definitions...........................................................................................................................
4. Policies on Child Abuse / Molestation..................................................................................
5. Examples of Abuse/Molestation..........................................................................................
6. Warning Signs of Abuse / Molestation.................................................................................
7. Allegations of Abuse / Molestation and Other Policy Violations...........................................
8. Volunteer Screening............................................................................................................
APPENDIX B: BY-LAWS APPROVED PROCEDURES...................................................................................
RULE EXCEPTIONS FOR SHETLAND LEAGUE...........................................................................................
RULE EXCEPTIONS FOR PINTO LEAGUE...................................................................................................
ALL STAR PLAYER (IN HOUSE) SELECTION PROCEDURES........................................................................
TOURNAMENT TRAVELING TEAM PROCEDURES......................................................................................
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GRIEVANCE STATEMENT AND INFORMATION..........................................................................................
DRAFT RULES..........................................................................................................................................
APPENDIX C: APPROVED FORMS FOR PROGRAM....................................................................................
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ROY GAYLE PONY BASEBALL/SOFTBALL INC.
CONSTITUTION
The organization will be known as the ROY GAYLE PONY BASEBALL / SOFTBALL INCORPORATED,
sanctioned by Pony Baseball, Inc. of Washington, Pennsylvania, and registered and approved as a not
for profit corporation by the state of Illinois.
ROCKFORD PONY BASEBALL, INC. shall be committed to providing organized baseball / softball
leagues to the youth of the community, 5 - 16 years of age. The mission of Rockford Pony
Baseball/Softball, Inc. shall remain constant: To encourage participating youth in their personal and
physical skill development, social interaction, and sportsmanship so that they will become mature
young adults. The Executive Board, staff, managers, coaches, umpires, parents and volunteers shall
realize that the winning of games is secondary to the attainment of athletic skills and to the
development of youth into responsible young men and women.
A. The operation of the program will be under the direct supervision of the Executive Board.
B. Executive Board Membership / Terms and Status: The Executive Board shall consist of
a minimum of twelve (12) members, the term of which shall be one (1) year, with automatic
reappointment for two (2) more terms, if Section C is complied with. Prospective Board
Members shall be brought to an Executive Board meeting and will be voted on at the next
meeting. Voting rights of a new member shall begin once Board approval is given.
C. Active Status Requirements: Every Board member must actively participate in at least 1
committee, and attend quarterly Executive Board meetings. In order to remain in good
standing, the member must attend 75% of the committee meetings and 3 out of 4 of the main
Board meetings. The 75% level of committee meeting requirements may be satisfied by
actively working on Tournament operations or in active fund raising participation (raffle, etc.).
Failure to reach the 75% level will result in forfeiture of the right to vote and/or hold office on
the Board. The Executive Board may remove a member at any time with a two-thirds (2/3)
majority vote.
D. Policy and Rules Voting Procedures: All matters of Policy (Constitution, and By-laws)
shall be reviewed in committee prior to being submitted to the full Board for action. The
Executive Board may vote to approve or deny the committee recommendations without
alteration. If the Executive Board denies, or wishes reconsideration of a change, it must vote
to return the proposal to committee, with any recommended modifications. The committee
will then reconsider the proposal and modify as recommended by the full board or table, and
allow the proposal to terminate. All rules sent back to committee must be modified and
resent to the full Executive Board by the next scheduled meeting, or the proposal will be null
and void.
E. Any Expansion Franchises added to the League shall be allowed only by a majority vote of the
Executive Board.
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a. Duties of Commissioner are to be the focal point for protest and grievances.
b. All Protest and Grievances will come to this individual from all leagues within the
Organization
1. The Rule Resolution Committee is chaired by the Protest and Grievance Commissioner,
and at least two (2) Player Agents. (No appointee may be a Manager in the league at
issue.)
2. The Umpire Committee is a standing Committee.
3. The Player Agents are a standing committee with no less than one (1) Player Agent per
league.
4. The Grievance Committee is a standing committee. The Executive Committee acts as
the Grievance Committee.
H. A Park Manager or Managers will be hired and utilized to run the day to day operations of
the Park during the season. This shall be a paid position approved by the Full Board on a
yearly basis, at the January meeting. The Executive Committee, along with selected
specialists, shall interview and hire the Park Manager/Managers. The Park Manager(s) shall
report directly to either the President or Treasurer of the Full Board, all their activities and
hours worked. They shall direct inquires and questions to the proper person or persons
concerning any issues that arise requiring a decision or discipline. The Park Manager(s) may
not be a member of the Board; however, this person shall attend meetings to help with
operational issues.
B. Elected officers will make up the Executive Committee. The Officers are President, Vice
President of Baseball, Vice President of Softball, Secretary, and Treasurer. This committee
will meet approximately one time per month for the purpose of planning the agenda for
Executive Board meetings. The Executive Committee can make decisions between Executive
Board meetings that require immediate action.
C. The Executive Board shall meet at least once a month throughout the year to conduct the
business of the leagues. Additional meetings may be called by the President at his/her
discretion, or by the direction of five (5) Executive Board members.
D. A majority of the members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum at a meeting and
a majority vote of those present shall govern, except when otherwise specifically provided.
E. "Roberts Rules of Order, Revised" shall govern the proceedings of all meetings, except where
same shall conflict with the Constitution or By-Laws of this organization.
A. Sponsors of competitive teams shall be required to furnish any uniforms and equipment for
the team. Equipment must conform to Official Pony Baseball/Softball Rules. Sponsors must
conform to the rules of the "Illinois High School Association", Pony Baseball/Softball, Inc., and
the Executive Board as to any rewards to a ROY GAYLE PONY BASEBALL/SOFTBALL, INC.
league player. The Executive Board reserves the right to reject any sponsor of a competitive
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team who does not conform to the ideals of Pony Baseball, Inc.
B. Each sponsor reserves the right to select a manager for his team who must be approved by
the Executive Board.
C. Each manager must be approved by the Executive Board and must sign the Manager’s /
Coach’s Responsibility Statement before the opening day of each season.
D. Up to four (4) coaches may be selected by a Manger at the Shetland and Pinto levels, and
three (3) coaches may be selected at the Mustang, Bronco, and Pony levels.
A. Any youth meeting the requirements as to age and residence as set forth in Pony
Baseball/Softball, Inc. Rules, shall be eligible for participation in ROY GAYLE PONY
BASEBALL/SOFTBALL, INC.
B. The Executive Board shall have the authority to suspend, dismiss, or otherwise discipline any
Member, Manager, Coach, Player, Umpire, or other person whose conduct shall be considered
as detrimental to the best interest of ROY GAYLE PONY BASEBALL/SOFTBALL, INC.
C. Each Player Agent is in charge of running his/her league. Rule interpretation, problems or
questions about the league, league tournaments, player movement, player and manager
discipline, etc. are all items that each player agent must control within the limits of this
constitution, By-Laws, and Appendices. All exceptions to these rules must be brought to the
Executive Board. Questions or assistance can be obtained from the Executive Committee.
Some issues/rules/questions should be brought to the Board for the betterment of the
program.
D. The Player Agent shall, upon evidence of misconduct of any player, notify the manager of the
affected team. On minor infractions, the Player Agent shall, at his discretion, order the player
to miss the next league game played. Matters regarding more serious action shall be
reviewed by the Executive Board.
E. Each player shall, with his/her manager, parents, or guardians, sign an official
registration/medical release committing him/her to that team.
B. Any member of ROY GAYLE PONY BASEBALL/SOFTBALL INC. cannot solicit business for
personal gain in the name of Pony Baseball/Softball.
C. No player will be required to work in more than two (2) fund-raisers on behalf of the entire
league.
D. Each team shall participate in league fundraisers to the best of their ability. Each manager is
expected to take the responsibility of distributing fund raising material, encouraging his team
members to participate as best they can, and having an organized system for collection of all
paperwork and money. The Finance Committee of the Executive Board shall meet after each
fundraiser to assess each team’s effort on that fundraiser. The manager of the team will be
suspended for two games if proper effort and organization is not evident.
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ARTICLE VIII: RULES
"Official Baseball Rules" completely revised, as released through the offices of the Commissioner of
Major League Baseball, will govern play in these leagues with the exception of variations as approved
by the Executive Board.
ROY GAYLE PONY BASEBALL/SOFTBALL INC. shall apply each year for a "Certificate of Sanction" as
provided by Pony Baseball/Softball, Inc.
ARTICLE X: AMENDMENT
This constitution, by-laws, or procedures may be amended or repealed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of
the Executive Board present at any stipulated meeting so long as written notice of such proposed
changes shall be provided to each Executive Board member at least fifteen (15) days prior to the
meeting at which the proposed changes shall be submitted to vote.
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ROY GAYLE PONY BASEBALL/SOFTBALL INC.
BY-LAWS
A. AUTHORITY
ROY GAYLE PONY BASEBALL/SOFTBALL INC. shall be governed for all baseball
events by its Constitution and By-Laws, Official Rules of Pony Baseball, Inc., and the Official
Baseball Rules as released through the offices of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball.
In case of conflict, precedence shall be established in the above order.
ROY GAYLE PONY BASEBALL/SOFTBALL INC. shall be governed for all softball
events by its Constitution and By-Laws, Official Rules of Pony Softball Inc. and the USA
Softball (ASA rules). In case of conflict, precedence shall be established in the above order.
B. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
A. Requirements
Any youth who wishes to play in the ROCKFORD PONY BASEBALL/SOFTBALL LEAGUES must:
be a legal resident of the area franchise approved by Pony Baseball, Inc. of Washington,
Pennsylvania; be of league age with a photo static copy of his/her legal certification of date of
birth in our files; have a Medical Release properly made out, signed, and in our files; not be
under suspension of any kind. If a player is released and/or re-assigned, his affidavit of re-
assignment must be approved and signed by his/her Player Agent and a copy in our files.
All rosters shall be posted for all teams in the program. This list shall be the official roster for
the team. Any player in uniform or playing in a game that is NOT on the official roster shall be
considered an ineligible player.
A player may only be added to a roster if approved by the Player Agent of the league or an
Executive Committee member. A player will NOT be covered by league insurance until the
player is officially approved.
B. Age Requirements
i.Baseball Leagues
Official League age is that age which is attained by a player prior to May 1 of the season in
question. League age for Shetland players is 5-6, Pinto players is 7-8, Mustang 9-10, Bronco
11-12, Pony 13-14, and Colt 15-16.
Any player who is 15 years old and in 8th grade at the beginning of the season may play in
the Pony League if a Colt League team is unavailable. Players in this age group on Pony
teams may not play the positions of pitcher or catcher.
All assignment exception to this rule must be addressed to Player Agents and must be
decided before the season starts.
ii.Girls Softball
Official League age is that age which is attained by a player prior to January 1 of the season in
question.
League age for Girls Mustang Softball is 8-9-10. Any 8 year old girl may choose to play either
Girls Mustang Softball or Pinto League. League age for Girls Bronco Softball is 11-12.
League age for Girls Pony Softball is 13-14.
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All assignment exception to this rule must be addressed to Player Agents and must be
decided before the season starts. NO player shall be allowed to “play up” into another
league.
A player may stay down in a lower level league instead of moving up if such request is
directed to the current league Player Agent and he/she allows this request. This provision is
written to allow players with documented disabilities to play in a league best suited to his/her
ability level.
iv.2012 Rule
C. No Fee = N0 Play
No player is eligible for league play until his/her player fee, as established by the Executive
Board, is paid.
i.Violations
First offense, manager shall be suspended from the next scheduled league game, game will
be a forfeit if offending manager's team won. Second offense, penalty will be determined by
the Rule Resolution Committee.
Any manager who tells a child NOT to attend a game, or who knowingly does not give game
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information to a player shall be suspended for five games and his team will forfeit the game in
question. He shall also be brought before the Board for possible suspension from the
program.
Failure to follow the rule will result in the Manager being suspended for 2 games or potential
removal by the Board.
ii.Mouth Guards:
All players shall use protective mouth guards while in either a defensive or
offensive position.
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K. Roy Gayle Teams Playing Outside Tournaments
Roy Gayle teams that participate in tournaments outside of Roy Gayle League activities MUST
obtain permission from the Board for such activities. The Manager of that team shall submit
the form “Outside League Tournament Play” prior to participation. The form details the
players that will be participating on the team, teams they are associated with, dates of the
tournament and any possible league interference.
It is the Board’s intent that any such team will be granted permission to play in outside
tournaments unless it affects the regular league play of our program. The form must be
submitted to obtain insurance coverage from the league for your tournament. All players
participating on the tournament team must be rostered Roy Gayle players in order for
insurance to be granted.
It should be understood that teams composed of only Roy Gayle players and receiving Board
permission will be covered by program insurance as if they were playing at Roy Gayle. Teams
using any non-Roy Gayle players will NOT be covered by park insurance.
C. LEAGUE STANDINGS
In the event there is a tie between teams in any of the Girls Softball, Mustang, Bronco, Pony, or
Colt Leagues, the following will determine the Tie Breaker:
1. Overall record by percentage
2. Head to Head
3. Coin Flip
D. CONDUCT OF PERSONNEL
A. No Anger Outbursts
All players must carry bats, headgear, and etc. back to the bench or dugout. All equipment
not in use must be kept out of the field of play. On no occasion shall equipment be thrown in
anger nor will vulgar language or gestures be tolerated. Violators shall be subject to ejection
from the game.
B. Good Sportsmanship
All personnel shall refrain from needling participating players. Good sportsmanship shall be
practiced at all times. Team managers shall be held responsible for the conduct of his/her
teams followers.
C. No Smoking
Smoking shall be prohibited on the playing fields or in the dugout area. Umpires shall give
one warning regarding a violation. Failure to comply or subsequent violations shall result in
automatic ejection.
D. Ejection of Adults
Any time that a manager, coach, or any other adult team personnel in the dugout or on the
field is ejected from a game, that team will be given a loss for that game. The game will be
played to its normal conclusion. For example, when a team manager is ejected, and his/her
teams actually wins the game as played, then both teams will be given a loss in the
standings.
Any manager, coach, player, or team personnel who are ejected from a league game for any
reason shall be automatically suspended from his/her team's next two officially scheduled
league games. Players who are ejected may appeal the second game of the suspension. The
parent of the player or the manager of the team must contact the Vice-President of Baseball
or the Vice-President of Softball by phone or an email may be sent to the Roy Gayle email
address.
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A second offense by a manager, coach, or other adult team personnel during the same
season will result in a required meeting with the Executive Committee which may choose 0, 1,
or 2 games of suspension. The person involved cannot attend any game involving the related
team until the meeting. The Executive Committee might also recommend to the full
Executive Board person be removed from the program.
Umpires must warn any manager, coach, player or adult personnel that they need to “get it
under control.” The umpire might also confine the person to the dugout for the remainder of
the game. In such circumstances, if the person leaves the dugout without permission, they
will be automatically ejected.
If fans become unruly in the opinion of the umpire or umpires, the game will be stopped for a
period of up to ten (10) minutes. The umpire(s) will ask the Managers of the Teams to get
control of the situation. The Park Manager must be called to the area if any stoppage of play
occurs. The Park Manager will handle the fan(s) with the assistance of the coaches. If the
fan(s) refuses to leave, or the Mangers or Coaches refuse to act, AND in the opinion of the
umpires and the Park Manager the situation cannot be controlled due to fan behavior, then
the game shall be declared a forfeit. Adults ejected from a game must leave the area of the
game and cannot have contact with the umpires that day, otherwise additional suspensions or
removal from the program may occur. In addition, the contact portion applies to Manages
and Coaches.
Umpires shall complete an Ejection Card immediately following the ejection. That card should
be given to the Park Manager as soon as possible.
E. Player Ejection
Players who are ejected from a game are suspended from that game and the next
scheduled/rescheduled game. The position of the player that is ejected will be an automatic
out each time that player is scheduled to bat. A player who is ejected must sit out the second
game in uniform in the dugout. Players must sit out one full game in the dugout prior to
being eligible to play. The second game of a player suspension can be appealed. The
Manager of the team or the parent must send an appeal letter within forty-eight hours (48) to
either the Roy Gayle email on the League website or deliver a handwritten appeal to the Park
Manager. The appeal will be acted upon within 48 hours after it is received. If the appeal is
granted, then the second game suspension will be dropped; if not, then the player must sit
out the next game in the dugout in uniform or be subject to additional suspensions.
F. Official Uniforms
ALL players must wear approved uniforms in order to be permitted on the playing field during
league games. Players out of uniform may not play in a league game.
Shetland & Pinto players are encouraged to wear team uniforms, but it is not required.
G. Coaches on Field
Teams may have two (2) adult coaches on the base lines so long as dugout discipline is
maintained.
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I. Discipline not related to Baseball/Softball
No Manager/Coach of any team shall discipline any player for activity not occurring during a
regular team activity (practice or game).
b. No Player Agent or Protest Committee may make a final decision that violates a
rule.
d. In the event of the playing of an ineligible or illegal player, the protest must be
made within 24 hours of scheduled starting time of the game in question to the
League Player Agent who will render a decision. That decision shall be final.
F. SCHEDULE
A. Scheduling Guidelines
All games, including league, postponed, replayed, suspended, or exhibition games, must be
scheduled through the League Scheduling Agent. Games will be re-scheduled by the
Scheduling Agent for the next available date, usually a non-holiday Sunday. Failure to play
the make-up game on the rescheduled date will result in a forfeit.
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B. Scheduling Parameters (Original Schedule)
Each team will play at least one game in every 7 day period with two being desired. No team
will play more than four games in any 7 day period. Every team will play on either Friday or
Saturday, unless the team has a bye. Scheduling Preferences will be followed as closely as
possible after the above conditions are met
Seeding within your Division shall be as of the end of the regular season as determined by the
Board. In most cases this will be once you have completed all of your regular season games.
In rare cases when rainouts prohibit the makeup of games it shall be you’re standing on a
date determined to be the end of the season by the Board.
All end of the year tournaments (except Pinto) will play by usual league rules
G. GAME PROCEDURE
A. Time Limit
The time limit for all Colt, Pony, Bronco, Mustang, and Girls Mustang Softball, Bronco Girls
Softball and Girls Pony Softball games is two (2) hours. The time limit for all Pinto games is
one and one half hours (90 minutes). The time limit for all Shetland games is one hour and 15
minutes (75 minutes). The official starting time shall be announced by the umpire in charge.
No inning may start after the time limit has expired. An inning that begins prior to the
expiration of the time limit shall be completed. NOTE: IT IS THE MANAGER’S RESPONSIBILITY
TO CONFIRM THE START TIME WITH THE UMPIRE IN CHARGE.
C. Curfew
No inning of any Pony, Bronco, Mustang, or any Girls Softball league game shall start after
10:30 PM.
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weather conditions. The decision as to stopping play once a game has begun due to weather
conditions, darkness, etc., shall be made by the Park Manager in consultation with the
Umpires.
a. Colt, Pony, Bronco, Bronco Girls Softball and Girls Pony Softball: Five (5) innings have
been completed or if the home team has scored more runs in four (4) or four and a
fraction (4+) innings than the visiting team has scored in five completed innings.
b. Mustang and Mustang Girls Softball: Four (4) innings have been completed or if the home
team has scored more runs in three (3) or three and a fraction (3+) innings than the
visiting team has scored in four completed innings.
c. When the specification for a complete game has been met and the game is called, the
final score shall be the score of the last completed inning, unless the home team is batting
and has taken the lead then the final score shall be the score at the time the game is
called. When the required number of innings has not been completed, the game will be
suspended.
d. When a game is suspended, a game card must be turned in by the Home team with the
required information on it and "Suspended" written on it. (Required information includes
score, innings, pitchers of record, and "Suspended". This card must be turned in the same
day as the suspension
F. 10-Run Rule
If a team is leading an opponent by at least 10 runs after five innings (Bronco, Pony, Bronco
Girls Softball, Pony Girls Softball or after four innings (Mustang, Mustang Girls Softball) have
been played (4 ½ or 3 ½ respectively if the home team is ahead), the game shall be
terminated and the team in the lead shall be declare the winner.
G. 15-Run Rule
If a team is leading an opponent by at least 15 runs after four innings (Bronco, Pony, Bronco
Girls Softball, Pony Girls Softball) or after three innings (Mustang, Mustang Girls Softball) have
been played (3 ½ or 2 ½ respectively if the home team is ahead), the game shall be
terminated and the team in the lead shall be declare the winner.
H. Providing Balls
The home team in the Colt, Pony and Bronco Leagues Shall furnish two (2) new Official Pony
League baseballs. The home team in Mustang and Pinto Leagues shall furnish one (1) new
Official Pony League baseball to start the game. The home team should also provide 2-3 good
used balls to start the game.
The home team in all Girls Softball leagues shall furnish one (1) new softball that conforms to
Pony League specifications (COR) to start the game. All softballs shall also have raised
seams.
In all leagues, the home team shall replace lost or damaged balls with a good used ball
acceptable to the umpire in charge.
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J. Time between Innings
A maximum of two minutes will be allowed between innings. One warning will be given to
each team before the plate umpire will begin to call strikes or balls.
K. Line-up Cards
Prior to the start of a game, teams must exchange line-up cards. The cards must have the
entire roster listed with those not present crossed out. The cards must show first initial, last
name and player number. All pitching restrictions applicable to the team must be disclosed.
The game report card shall be turned in to the Executive Park Manager Board member on
duty (same day as game) who will sign it. The game report including pitching records for both
teams will then be official. The win will not become official until the above is completed. If
the game card is not received within 24 hours after the end of the game or the League Official
is not notified with the total results (team names, score, pitching record for all pitchers used
by both teams) the winning team will be given a loss. Failure to do the above may result in a
forfeit of the game and suspension of the manager.
The manager of the losing team should sign the game report card as well, but is not required
to do so. However, it must be made clear that once the game report card has been signed by
the Executive Board member on duty the day of the game, it is official.
Game results and League standings will be updated and posted once each week (minimum)
from May 15 (latest date) until the end of the season.
M. Press Boxes
Shall be manned by authorized personnel selected by a team manager or Executive Board
Member.
N. Metal Cleats
Metal cleats will be allowed ONLY in Pony & Colt Baseball Leagues.
Q. On-Deck Batter
On-Deck Batter shall be required to stand to the back of the batter. If the batter is right-
handed, the on-deck batter shall stand in the third (3rd) base circle. If the batter is left-
handed, the on-deck batter shall stand in the first (1st) base circle.
R. Contact at Bases
Any runner involved in a play at home plate must avoid contact with the defensive player
within the catcher's domain. If runner slides, contact rule does not apply. If contact is
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accidental, the runner may be called out. If contact by the runner is flagrant, the runner shall
be automatically out and shall be ejected from the game. If contact by the defensive player is
flagrant, the defensive player shall be ejected from the game. Flagrant collisions at other
bases are subject to automatic out and ejection. Flagrant contact shall be in the judgment of
the umpire. The safety of all players is the primary intent of this rule. NOTE: This includes no
jumping or hurdling of a player to avoid contact.
i.Baseball
1. Colt pitching rules will be determined by the Executive Board prior to the start of the
season.
2. Pony, Bronco, Mustang Pitching –The table below gives an overview of the number of
pitches that will be allowed per day for each age group during the regular season.
11-12 85
9-10 75
3. Home Team will be official count. Both teams should verify the pitches per inning at
the end of each half-inning. Ignorance of the count is no excuse for breaking the rule.
Foul balls are pitches. Balls hit into play are also counted.
4. Pitchers do have the ability to finish a batter upon reaching their limit without violating
the limit.
5. Pitcher who violates the rule is an ineligible player. (The game is an automatic loss.
Team manager is suspended 1 game – pitcher cannot pitch for seven calendar days).
6. Pitch Counters need to use the official pitch count form.
7. Player may not move from the pitcher to catcher in the same game if he throws more
than 45 pitches.
8. The rest periods required during regular season are listed below.
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ii.Softball
1. A Girls Pony Softball pitcher shall not be allowed to pitch in more than seven (7)
innings per calendar day, nor more than ten (10) innings in a calendar week. The
calendar week begins on Monday at 12:01 AM. Pitching into the 4th inning constitutes
a need for a forty (40) hour rest. When a league tournament is played, the number of
innings per pitcher shall be reset to zero for the tournament itself.
2. A Girls Bronco Softball pitcher shall not be allowed to pitch in more than four (4)
innings per calendar day, nor more than seven (7) innings in a calendar week. Pitching
into the 4th inning constitutes a need for a forty (40) hour rest
3. A Girls Mustang Softball pitcher shall not be allowed to pitch in more than two (2)
innings per calendar day.
4. Pitching in games scheduled by Roy Gayle but played at other facilities shall count
toward the maximum innings counted for Pony Softball.
U. Pitching in General
Balks will be called on all pitchers without warning in Bronco, Pony, & Colt League. Umpires
should instruct pitchers as to their mistake after each balk call. Balks will be called in
Mustang, but no penalty will be assessed.
V. Pitcher Removed
During all Pony, Bronco, Mustang, Girls Mustang Softball, Girls Bronco Softball, and Girls Pony
Softball games, once a pitcher has been removed from the mound he/she is ineligible to re-
enter as a pitcher during that game.
W.Intentional Walk
A batter may only be walked by throwing four pitches outside of the strike zone. No
automatic walks are allowed.
BB.Infield Fly
The rule will be called in all leagues except Shetland and Pinto.
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CC.Legal Bats
Baseball: No bat greater than 25/8 inches in diameter or greater in length than 42
inches shall be used. Bats manufactured specifically for use in tee-ball play, shall
not be used when the ball is pitched by a player or coach. All bats must meet
specifications set forth by Pony Baseball / Softball.
I. UMPIRES
1. The selection, rejection, and suspension of all umpiring personnel shall be the responsibility of
the Umpire Committee.
2. The Umpire Committee shall keep the umpires advised as to the rules, rule changes, and
conduct expected of umpires.
3. Any umpire who has a conflict of interest may be re-assigned to another game if possible.
4. It is the Executive Board’s intent that each Bronco, Pony, & Colt League game will have two
(2) umpires and each Mustang game will have one (1) umpire.
2. Any league personnel who are penalized may request a hearing before the Executive
Committee. The request for a hearing must be in writing and must be received via an email
to the Rockford Pony Website or by the Park Manager within twenty-four (24) hours of the
penalty assessment. The Executive Committee shall schedule the hearing within seven (7)
days after the request has been properly received.
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and will be completed by May 15 of each year. These teams will be allowed to participate in
at least two tournaments picked by the Board and the Tournament Team Managers in the
2010 Season, at Board Expense
2. Roy Gayle (in-house) All-Star Team selection and selection of All-Star Managers and Coaches
will be conducted following the Rule Resolution Committee’s approved procedures.
3. Tournament Traveling Team selection and selection of Tournament Team Managers, Coaches,
and Business Managers will be conducted following approved procedures.
4. Should any All-Star or Tournament team wish to practice at the park, the manager will need
to work with the Scheduling Agent (as to which diamond can be used), who will then work
with the Building & Grounds Committee.
M. DRAFT RULES
Player drafts for all Girls Bronco Softball, Girls Pony Softball, Bronco, Pony, and Colt League teams
shall be conducted following the Rule Resolution Committee’s approved procedures.
N. AMENDMENT
These By-Laws, or any section thereof, may be amended or repealed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of
the Executive Board at any meeting so long as notice of such proposed changes is given to each
Executive Board member at least fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting at which the proposed
changes shall be submitted to vote.
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PERSONNEL POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Any person found stealing resources of any kind from the program will be permanently removed
from the program. If a majority of the Executive Committee members agree, police charges will be
filed.
Each year the Board shall set wage levels for all employees and umpires. These levels should be
approved by the Board by April 1 each year.
The Board shall maintain a salary structure for its hourly employees. (In General)
Concession Grounds
Umpires Pay & No-Shows – For all umpires, wages from the first two games of the regular season will
be held until the end of the season and paid with the last July check. In the event an umpire does
not show up for one game, he/she will be docked one game of pay. In the event an umpire does not
show for a second game, he/she will be docked another game of pay. In the event an umpire does
not show up for a third game, he/she will not be scheduled for any more games.
All employees of Rockford Pony Baseball/Softball will be at least 14 years of age. All 14 & 15 year
olds must submit a work permit before gaining employee status. No person will receive any wage of
any type until all required paperwork (e.g. tax forms) is completed and on file with the Treasurer.
24
FINANCE POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Board approval of bids shall be required for any specific job or vendors who will be paid more than
$5000 in a calendar year.
Bids must be requested from at least three vendors. Approval of bids shall be with the signature of
at least three Board members, one of which must be the President or Treasurer of the league.
Emergency items less than $250 not in the budget may be approved without Board approval by
gaining consent of at least two Executive Board members.
The program shall issue credit cards to: the Board President, Board Treasurer, Building & Grounds
chair, Head Groundskeeper, Concession manager, and any other personnel deemed in need by the
Board. Spending limits shall be fixed to the cards. Receipts for all credit purchases must be
submitted to the Treasurer.
The Roy Gayle program shall form a Player Fee scholarship fund. The total amount for the fund shall
be set by January 1 before each season. 50% of the fund shall be used for full scholarships to the
program (player fee). 50% will be used for partial scholarships of up to 50% of the league player fee.
Once the annual fund is depleted, Board approval is needed for any further grants. ($2500
recommended for 2007)
The program shall allow payment arrangements in order for parents and guardians to spread the
cost of the program over several months. At least 25% of the total fee is needed for signing up.
Payments after that will be expected on Apr 15, May 15, and June 15, with at least $20 paid on each
date.
ALL money/expense for the program and any All-Star/Tournament Team will be collected and be part
of the financial accounting of the League. All fundraisers held for the program or for these league
teams MUST be approved by the Board BEFORE any commitments for goods and/or services is made.
Individual teams may conduct fundraisers for their own support, but these fundraisers must also be
approved by the Board BEFORE any commitments for goods and/or services are made. (Approval
form on website).
Roy Gayle Pony Baseball / Softball Inc. shall make no cash payments for goods or services. All
payments will be either by check or credit card or automatic deduction from the program’s accounts.
Receipts shall be required for all reimbursements to persons acquiring goods or services for the
program.
NO outside vendors shall be allowed on Roy Gayle property or have access to its communication
system or database without Board approval. After Board approval is secured, the vendor must make
approximate payment to the program for the anticipated profit to the program. After sales are
completed, and a report is approved by the Board, a final payment will be accepted or
reimbursement will be made.
NO outside groups or individuals of any type will be allowed to solicit funds on Roy Gayle property
The Board shall maintain a list of all assets worth more than $100. A tagging and inventory system
shall be maintained.
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BACKGROUND CHECKS POLICY & PROCEDURE
• Could decide on some other punishment, or to revoke all or part of the person’s Membership
privileges for a specific period of time, subject to appeal.
A vote for disciplinary action by the Executive Committee shall then be taken and action
implemented as decided.
Background checks will be completed for all Board Members, Managers, Coaches, and other
volunteers as designated. Local background checks will be conducted on all umpires prior to
their first official game. These checks shall be completed every year. All background checks
shall be completed as quickly as possible but must be completed prior to the start of the season
or if the individual joints the team late, the check shall be conducted before that person is
allowed to act as a program volunteer for Rockford Pony Baseball/Softball.
The individual must complete the volunteer form contained within the Child Abuse and
Molestation Risk Management Program Handout. Reason for disqualification from league
activities is defined as an attachment to the Child Abuse and Molestation Risk Management
Program Handout.
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LIGHTENING SAFETY STANDARD
Once the leading edge of a thunderstorm approaches to within 10 miles, you are at immediate risk
due to the possibility of lightening strokes coming from the overhanging anvil cloud.
Many people rely on the “Flash/Bang” technique (the sound of thunder will take five seconds to
travel one mile) to measure their distance from lightening. You must be aware that, thunder can
only be heard over a distance of approximately 3 to 4 miles. By the time you hear thunder you are
already well within the reach of a lightning strike.
For this reason, Rockford Pony Baseball / Softball have purchased and are using a SkyScan lightening
detection system. This system is capable of detecting lightening up to 40 miles away. Therefore the
following response system is now in effect.
If Thunderstorms are predicted or appear to be forming the Park Manager will turn on and keep in
their possession the SkyScan detector. The detector will be set to maximum distance once
activated. No actions will be taken until the indicator shows a range of 8-20 miles. Once the 8-20
mile indicator is activated the following will be undertaken
8-20 miles all fields are alerted to be prepared to take cover in the dugouts. If the indicator
continues to indicate lightening at this distance for more than 10 minutes all
players must be pulled off the fields and placed in the dugouts.
3- 8 miles all play must be halted and players should take cover. Players should be ask to
move to their vehicles if possible, if not, shelter in the dugout away from fence.
0-3 miles Fields must be cleared and players are to take cover in vehicles if at all
possible. No one is to be near fence or on the field including coaches.
Once the games are halted they will remain so for at least 20 minutes from the last lightning strike
within the 3 to 8 mile indicator. Once lightening has moved into the 8-20 mile range and it’s
apparent the storm is moving away games can resume once the 20 minute period has elapsed.
Individuals not following the above procedures or refusing to take cover do so at their own risk. The
decision to cancel games remains within the authority of the Park Manager.
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WEATHER CANCELLATION PROCEDURE
The Executive Board shall make a decision regarding cancellation of games due to weather by 5:00
PM each weekday, by 8:00 AM on Saturdays, by 11:00 AM on Sundays. If there is no cancellation
message on the voice mail by this time, all persons should expect to come to the park and play.
All Umpires should wait until the times listed above before coming to the park.
It is still possible for games to be rained out due to weather after the times listed above.
It is hoped that all persons understand that we wish to play all games at the scheduled times, but we
want all players to play in safe conditions and we also wish to maintain our fields so that future
games are not put in jeopardy.
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SIMPLIFIED CHILD ABUSE/MOLESTATION
RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
1. Background
Child abuse/molestation in the world of youth sports has received much media
attention over the past ten (10) years. A recent Sports Illustrated article and frequent
problems within the churches and schools have heightened this awareness.
The June 9, 2003 feature article in Forbes Magazine states “the next litigation gold
rush": child sexual abuse. Never mind the church – the Boy Scouts, day care firms,
and Hollywood may be next.” This article outlines disturbing litigation trends where
nonprofit organizations like sports organizations and their directors and officers can be
targeted as “deep pockets”.
Medical professionals state that the effects of child abuse can surface decades later
and often result in suicide, violence, delinquency, drug and/or alcohol abuse, and other
forms of criminality that are child abuse related.
There have been a number of multi-million dollar verdicts against coaches and
associations for sexual abuse over the past several years and at least one child has
been killed.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this program is to reduce the liability risk and related negative
publicity, expense, and trauma to the local sports organization and of course the
children they serve. The likelihood of such can be reduced by making the environment
unsuitable for the sexual predator and/or abuser.
This program will key in on the bare essentials of education, volunteer screening,
policies, and program administration. The intent of this program is not to be all
encompassing, but instead, to provide the framework of a basic workable program that
is more likely to be implemented by a group of volunteers with limited resources and
time. The simple framework of this program will not address all contingencies that
are likely to be encountered. Therefore, the materials in the conclusion section should
be available and consulted frequently.
3. Definitions
Child Abuse: Verbal abuse (ridicule or put-downs), physical abuse (any hurting
touching or excessive exercise used as punishment), emotional
abuse (threats to perform unreasonable tasks), and sexual abuse.
Conduct Official: Single person within the league who is appointed by the board to
administer the Simplified Child Abuse/Molestation Risk Management
Program. The Conduct Official is responsible for education,
reviewing Volunteer Applications, checking references, conducting
criminal background checks, handling appeals from disqualified
29
candidates, conducting investigations on allegations of abuse, acting
as liaison to local law enforcement, etc.
Volunteer: Citizens who perform the various functions entailed in the running of
a league without pay including league officers and directors,
committee personnel, coaches, managers, umpires, scorekeepers,
concession workers, etc.
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sports organization the name of the person(s) who are authorized to pick up the child.
Such policy will help to protect against potential abductions or being thrust into the
middle of any custody dispute.
Child Abuse Prohibition: All forms of sexual, physical, verbal and emotional abuse
are prohibited.
5. Examples of Abuse/Molestation
Emotional Abuse: Yelling or making the following statements:
• You’re stupid;
• You’re an idiot;
• You’re an embarrassment;
• You’re not worth the uniform you play in; etc.
Physical Abuse: Besides the obvious examples of a coach hitting, kicking, throwing
equipment, or shaking a player, watch out for the following:
Sexual Abuse: An adult may not improperly sexualize touch by fondling instead of
hugging (with permission), kissing, or seductive stroking of various body parts. On the
other hand appropriate touching can be used when a young child needs comfort,
reassurance, and support. Appropriate touch is respectful of a person’s personal
boundaries and comfort level, public (done in font of others and not secretly), and
nurturing (not sexualized).
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6. Warning Signs of Abuse / Molestation
With some forms of abuse, there may be physical indicators (examples: with physical
abuse, bruises, welts, broken bones) or with sexual abuse venereal diseases, genital
swelling/soreness, difficulty sitting or walking, pain or itching when urinating or
defecating, stomach aches, pain/itching in genital area, and frequently unexplained
sore throats. But most often the effects of sexual abuse are less obvious. For
example, sudden shifts in behavior or attitudes when outgoing child suddenly builds a
protected, closed wall or a generally happy child becomes aggressive and angry or a
trusting child becomes fearful may be an indication of abuse. In sports, this can show
up as losing interest or wanting to drop out of sports or a sudden decline in ability or
functions.
Please note that no indicators or symptoms are absolute. Many of these could be
indicators of problems other than child abuse. However, if some of these things are
going on, consider them to be a red flag. One difficulty is that some signs are
ambiguous. Children may respond in different ways and some may show no sign at
all. Some indicators include:
• Disclosure by child. Most children won’t just come out and say they
have been abused, but instead, may hint at it.
• Observations, complaints, concerns, or allegations about league
volunteers.
• Attitudes/behaviors expressed on the part of an adult that may be
associated with inappropriate or abusive behavior (racist, poor sense of
athlete development, raging temper, extremely controlling, jealous,
hypersensitive, poor sexual boundaries, bullying, intimidating manner,
unrealistic or inappropriate training practices and risks, etc.)
• Unexplained/unlikely explanation of injuries.
• Extreme fear of a league volunteer;
• Extreme low self-esteem, self-worth;
• A child’s attachment to a coach/staff to the point of isolation from
others;
• A coach/staff with an interest beyond caring concerns, special interest in
a child (time, gifts, attention, obsession, unrealistic expectations)
• A child’s desire to drop out without a clear explanation, or without one
that makes sense;
• A child that misses a lot of practices or games with suspicious
explanations or excuses.
Despite increased sensitivity to abuse, there is still a tendency to blame the victims
instead of holding the person(s) accountable who:
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Assessing the Seriousness of the Situation: It is useful to differentiate between:
Concern: When the person just needs to be heard and have some information
clarified.
Complaint: When the person needs you to listen and may or may not want action
taken if they feel you listened.
Disclosure: When the person tells you that abuse occurred or based on their actions
gives you reason to believe abuse has occurred.
The Conduct Official must take the appropriate action depending on where the
situation falls in the above mentioned categories.
Information Gathering:
The Conduct Official must immediately report to the authorities when there is
reasonable cause to believe that physical abuse or sexual abuse has occurred. At this
point, the Conduct Official should never investigate, as this is the role of the law
enforcement authorities. Furthermore, allowing the law enforcement authorities to
investigate helps to shield the Sports Organization against potential lawsuits for
defamation of character.
Remember, the alleged violations range from inappropriate, but not illegal behavior to
clear cut child/sexual abuse and the punishment must be tailored to the violation.
Suspension: Termination: Less egregious conduct on the part of the volunteer will
result in a written reprimand. If more than two (2) written reprimands are received in
a three (3) year time period, this will result in termination of the volunteer. Slightly
more egregious conduct will result in both a written reprimand and suspension. Upon
the second suspension in a three (3) year time period, the volunteer will be
terminated.
Duty to Disclose/Immunity/Confidentiality:
All volunteers may be required by state law to report suspected cases of child/sexual
abuse. Any person(s) who makes or participates in the making of a good-faith report
of abuse/neglect, participates in the investigation, or in judicial proceedings shall in so
33
doing be provided with complete and absolute immunity from civil liability.
The identity of the Volunteer reporting a case of suspected child/sexual abuse should
Disqualification Criteria
not be revealed. All records and reports concerning investigations and their outcome
are protected by various confidentiality laws. Unauthorized disclosure of such records
was found guilty following
is a a trial,offense
possible criminal entered a guilty
which plea, entered
could subject a no
the violator contest
to fines plea accompanied
and/or by the
imprisonment.
8. Volunteer Screening
Volunteer Application and Consent/Release Form: The attached application
entitled “Volunteer Application” must be completed, signed, submitted, and processed
on an annual basis before a volunteer will be allowed to work with athletes.
ntributing to the delinquency of a minor, providing alcohol to a minor, theft – if volunteer is handling monies, etc.
All volunteers who have regular access to or repeated contact with athletes must
complete the “Volunteer Application.” This would normally include all head coaches,
assistant coaches, managers, league administrators, umpires, etc. Refusal to comply
will result in immediate dismissal from the sports organization even if the volunteer
has been allowed to participate in the past.
The Conduct Official will review all such applications, will conduct a Criminal
Background Check, may conduct a follow-up interview to clarify questions, and will
decide whether or not the candidate is disqualified based on this information.
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Check with the selected vendor (ex: Lexis Nexus, Intellicorp or SSCI) and
will search records in all current and past counties of residence of the
volunteer. This procedure is confidential and only the Conduct Official
will have access the these records. The Conduct Official will decide
whether or not the candidate is disqualified based on the findings and
the predetermined disqualification guidelines that have been set in
writing by the sports organization.
35
RULE EXCEPTIONS FOR SHETLAND LEAGUE
1. Players bat through entire batting order, even if they are not playing in the field during the
inning.
2. Base runners may advance to the next base until an outfielder gains control of the ball. If an
infielder gains control of the ball/ runners may advance at their own risk. Runner(s) cannot
advance on an overthrow.
3. All players must play at least 2 innings in the field with the exception of a shortened game.
All games will be 5 innings in length.
6. The home team supplies one new and one good used ball for each game. The home team will
also provide the hitting tee. Low impact balls are required for all games.
7. The pitcher will throw 3 pitches. If the batter fails to hit the ball, a hitting tee will be set up
and the batter will then hit off of this tee. When the tee is used, the pitching coach will stand
out of play – 3rd base side.
8. The batter can choose to hit off of the tee without being pitched to. It is encouraged that
coaches pitch to players.
9. On a 3rd pitch foul tip, the batter remains batting until he/she hits the ball or misses it. The
tee will be set up if the batter fails to hit the ball.
10. The home plate umpire will be a coach or manager from the hitting team. This coach will
assist the batter, keep the pitch count and set up the batting tee if needed.
11. The fielding team will have one manager or coach in the outfield. This coach will be
positioned behind 2nd base and between the left center and right center fielders. This coach
will instruct the fielders. Outfield coach is also the base umpire.
12. Being an instructional league, we do not keep score. Please tell your players the game is
either a tie or that everyone who plays the game is a winner. There are no losers.
36
RULE EXCEPTIONS FOR PINTO LEAGUE
1. Players bat through entire batting order even if they are not playing in the field during the
inning.
2. Base runners may advance to the next base until an outfielder gains control of the ball. If an
infielder gains control of the ball, runners may advance at their own risk. Runner(s) cannot
advance on an overthrow.
3. All players must play at least 3 innings in the field with the exception of a shortened game.
6. Pitching is from any distance up to 38 feet. Pitching shall be done by a coach or the manager.
For each at bat, a player will receive a maximum of 5 pitches. A foul ball on the 5th pitch will
continue the player’s at-bat.
7. Being an instructional league, score shall not be kept. Please tell your players the game is
either a tie or that everyone who plays the game is a winner, there are no losers.
8. The Home team supplies one new and one good used ball for each game and each ball must
have the Pony logo.
9. The Home team will supply the home plate umpire, while the Visiting team shall supply the
base umpire.
10. If necessary, one parent (in addition to coaches and manager) may be allowed in the dugout
to help maintain order.
11. All players must be 7 years old prior to August 1st of the current season to be eligible for play
in the Pinto League.
12. No defensive coach shall be allowed in the field of play while the ball is live.
37
ALL STAR PLAYER (IN HOUSE) SELECTION PROCEDURES
All-Star teams at the Mustang, Bronco, Pony, Girls Mustang Softball, Girls Bronco Softball, and Pony
Girls Softball levels shall consist of at least one player from each team, and up to 18 players. Player
selection for All-Star team participation in the Girls Softball, Mustang, Bronco, Pony, and Colt
divisions shall be done in the following manner:
Each team manager will be asked to submit names of All-Star players from the team’s older age
group to the All-Star manager or Player Agent (by June 1). After receiving nominations, the All-Star
manager, together with the Player Agent, will select the All-Star team. The Player Agent will have
final choice in the selection process. A list of players NOT selected should be maintained so that
replacement players can also be selected where needed.
All Star competitions are for exhibition purposes and to highlight the athletic skill of all players
selected to the team. All players selected shall play a minimum of 3 innings per game. No pitcher
shall pitch in more than one inning in any one game.
All games in Mustang and Girls Mustang Softball shall be six (6) innings with a 2-hour time limit and
all games in Girls Bronco Softball, Girls Pony Softball, Bronco, Pony, and Colt will be seven (7) innings
with a 2-hour time limit. The10-run and 15-run rules are in effect for all games..
The All-Star Team Manager(s) of each league/division shall be the returning manager(s) of the
previous year’s team(s) with the best won-loss percentage. If this manager refuses the assignment
or is not a manager in the league/division, the returning manager of the previous year’s team with
the next best won-loss percentage shall be named. In the event of further refusal, manager(s) shall
continue to be named on the basis of the previous year’s best won-loss percentage until a manager
accepts. The All-Star manager shall pick the All-Star team coaches (up to three) from the list of
managers and coaches from his league/division.
The All-Star Managers for each league/division shall be announced during the annual Manager’s
Meeting in March.
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TOURNAMENT TRAVELING TEAM PROCEDURES
Emphasis on the Tournament Team is contrary to regular league play. The Tournament Team's first
objective is to win, thus there is no must-play rule at this level.
The Tournament Team Manager(s) of each league/division shall be the returning Manager(s) of the
previous year’s team(s) with the best won-loss percentage. If this manager refuses the assignment
or is not a manager in the league/division, the returning manager of the previous year’s team with
the next best won-loss percentage shall be named. In the event of further refusal, managers shall
continue to be named on the basis of the previous year’s best won-loss percentage until a manager
accepts. The Tournament Team manager shall pick the Tournament Team coaches from the list of
managers and coaches from his/her league/division.
The Business Manager of the Tournament Team shall be selected by the Tournament Team Manager
from the list of managers and coaches from his/her league/division. The Business Manager shall
handle all records for the Tournament Team, arrange all travel and lodging, and will be responsible
to the Executive Committee for complete record of team expenses. The Executive Committee shall
have sole authority as to the allotment of expense money for Tournament Team.
The Tournament Team Manager for each league/division shall be established prior to the start of
league play.
Player selection from Tournament teams shall be made by the Tournament Team Manager with input
from Player Agent and other managers of that league/division.
Parents of Tournament Team Players shall sign a separate Medical Release / Registration form before
they may practice or play with the team.
Any In-house Tournament Team playoffs will be the number of innings of a regular game for that
league OR two hours, whichever comes first. Games will consist of the best two out of three, unless
time is a factor, then the playoff schedule will be determined by the Board’s Vice-President and the
League Player Agent(s).
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GRIEVANCE STATEMENT AND INFORMATION
Roy Gayle Baseball/Softball is an organization dedicated to the DEVELOPMENT of the player in ALL aspects
and winning a game is secondary to our main purpose. It is the Board’s intention to maintain control of all
games. Managers and umpires must SHARE this responsibility. Nothing that will happen in any game can
be an excuse for negative behavior, foul language, disrespect, and out-of-control behavior. Any individual
at the park who wishes to behave in this negative manner should leave the park (and perhaps the
program) immediately. We do not intend to tolerate it. It shall be the responsibility of the Board Members
at Roy Gayle Park to see to it that behavior standards shall be adhered to by all those involved with Roy
Gayle baseball.
Every Board Member, Umpire, Coach, Player, or Fan shall behave in a manner that will bring about fair play
and sportsmanship. Any person who does not follow or breaks any of the standards set forth shall have
his/her behavior brought to the attention of any Board Member. This can be done by any individual. If it is
felt that an infraction has occurred and warrants the action of the Board, the following steps need to be
taken.
A. After talking to the Park Manager and within 48 hours of the incident, a written complaint shall be
given to the Park Manager or emailed to the Roy Gayle Website. The complaint form can be
obtained from the Board Member and, when completed, needs to be returned to the President of
the Board.
B. Once the written complaint has been received by the President, he/she shall inform those accused
of the complaint and the content of the complaint.
The accused then has 48 hours to reply in writing concerning the complaint.
C. Unless an emergency exists, action on the complaint shall be taken up by the Executive Committee
within one week of the grievance reply.
D. Any action taken by the Executive Committee shall be by a simple majority vote. The Executive
Committee may decide any action to be taken, or may recommend action to the entire Board.
E. All parties involved shall be notified of all meetings and will have the right to be present at the said
meetings.
Infractions that can be brought to the attention of the Board for action
through grievance are:
B. No alcoholic beverages shall be brought onto the grounds at Roy Gayle Park.
F. No person shall behave in such a way as to reflect negatively on the baseball program. Examples –
The throwing of equipment, belittling of players or managers, using racial remarks or terminology
that might cause alarm.
After hearing or reading the complaint(s), the following action can be taken by
the Executive Committee:
B. Written Reprimand - A formal written reprimand stating that there was a consensus that an
infraction had taken place. If two (2) written reprimands are given to the same individual within the
same season, a two game suspension shall take place. This will occur the first game after
notification.
C. One or more game suspensions - This will occur if the Executive Committee feels that this action is
justified. Examples: fighting, assault, and disorderly conduct.
D. Removal from the program for the season - This shall occur if the Board agrees that the
infraction(s) is serious enough to warrant such action. Removal cannot be decided by the Executive
Committee itself; but must be referred to the full Executive Board.
All Executive Committee decisions shall be given in writing to those involved. All decisions are final. All
such decisions will contain details of how and when a person may re-enter the program.
Any parent or fan who acts in a manner as to break the rules set forth shall be barred for one or more
games (as opposed to game suspension). He/she will not be allowed to stay on the grounds at Roy Gayle.
If this action is refused, the accused person shall be subject to arrest.
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BRONCO & PONY BASEBALL
BRONCO & PONY GIRLS SOFTBALL
DRAFT RULES
FOR
ROY GAYLE PONY BASEBALL/SOFTBALL INC.
1. DRAFT DATES: There may be two draft dates for each season. The preliminary draft of players will
be held in the fall, at the close of the season (no later than October 30th). The secondary draft will
be in the spring (March) and will consist of try outs.
2. DRAFT DECISIONS: All decisions pertaining to the draft selection, automatics, placement, etc. shall
be decided by the Rule Resolution Committee at a Pre-Draft meeting. The draft shall be under the
direction of the Player Agent. Board Members shall assist the Player Agent in the different phases
of the draft.
Prior to the draft forms being distributed, a meeting will be held with parents explaining what it
means to be an automatic and what their expectations are. Automatics are signing with a team for
the entire time that the player will be in that league.
3. FALL DRAFT: The fall draft will be held for all players who completed move up forms to move up to
the next league.
4. SPRING PLACEMENT: The spring placement will be held for any players not currently within the Roy
Gayle organization or those who did not complete move up forms the previous year. This
placement will only take place if there is a need for additional players to fill team’s rosters. This
decision will be made by the league Player Agent in conjunction with the Rule Resolution
Committee.
5. SPRING PLACEMENT PROCEDURES: For any team with less than thirteen (13) players, put all older
player names in a hat (12-14). Flip coins to determine order. All teams draw names until they
reach 13. (Any team may waive this drawing and take its chances in open draft). Once all teams
have waived this drawing or are at thirteen (13) minimum, the drawing ends. All teams have the
option of having their team name placed into a hat to determine draft order. (However, if you place
your team name in the drawing and a player is available at a legal age you must select a player.)
The Draft continues until all players have been selected or all teams in the Draft having selected a
player(s) and now pass. All remaining names will then be put on a waiting list (player pool) and be
placed on teams as need arises in order from top of list. All applications to the League after the
spring placements will go to Bottom of the Player Pool List.
6. PLAYER POOL: Any player who does not go through either the fall draft or spring placement may
only be added to a team by entering the player pool as described in number sixteen (16).
7. PLAYER MOVEMENT: If an existing drafted player wishes to be removed from their present team,
they must have a waiver form signed by the existing or new manager of the team they wish to
leave. They will then be placed on the lowest finishing team from the previous season with the
greatest need for that age group. If more than one team has a need for a player, the teams will be
placed in a hat and the first team drawn has the rights to the existing player. Under no
circumstances can a player move to a team of their choosing unless extreme circumstances exist
and the rules committee and league player agent agree with the move. In order for an automatic to
leave a team, a waiver form must be complete and a detailed explanation must be submitted to
explain why such movement should be allowed since the team the player is on was picked by the
player and parents. This form and explanation must be submitted to the rules committee and the
player agent. If movement is allowed, it will be to the lowest finishing team from the prior year that
has a need for a player.
8. FALL DRAFT ORDER: The order of selection shall be determined by the position of the teams in the
won/loss column of league games of the previous season. In the event of a tie, see the "League
Standings" section of the Roy Gayle Baseball By-Laws. The last place team shall select first, next to
last shall select second, etc. Newly franchised teams shall draft last beginning in the second round.
The draft selection will be preceded by the finalization of automatic selections as determined by the
Player Agent.
9. ROSTERS: A teams roster shall consist of a maximum of fifteen (15) players with no more than
eight (8) of one age group. All Roy Gayle players signing up for the draft will be drafted or placed
first on a team. In the fall draft, teams will have the option to pass after filling to twelve (12)
players. In the event all teams are at twelve (12) players and players remain yet to be drafted, the
Player Agent may require teams to go beyond twelve (12) - Example: If ten (10) teams are drafting
and five (5) players remain to be drafted, the ten (10) teams will be put in a hat. The first five (5)
teams drawn will each need to take one of the five (5) remaining players.
10. AUTOMATICS: Every existing team has permission to sign three (3) players to their team as
Automatics. Sons/daughters of managers shall be declared an Automatic to a manager’s team.
Siblings of players who will continue on a given team shall also be declared an Automatic to a
manager’s team. These Automatics SHALL count toward the team’s quota of Automatics.
Managers attempting to sign automatics should be respectful of the player’s present team and
manager. Please wait until after a team is released by their manager to talk to any player and
his/her parents.
11. NEW FRANCHISES (TEAMS): All new franchises have two options. (Plan B must be approved by the
Rule Resolution Committee based on Number of players moving up, Number of teams, and Player
Agent recommendation.)
New franchises may only be formed if a franchise is available in the league in question. Each
league has a basic number of team slots or franchises which may be used. If none are available
then you must take over an existing team and proceed under existing rules
B. Sign six (6) players from outside Roy Gayle (even age players: 12 - 14)) and two (2) from
Roy Gayle as if an existing team.
1. Same as Plan A.
2. Same as Plan A.
3. Same as Plan A.
4. Draft as an existing team at the end of the first (1st) round before any plan A teams.
12. TEAM REPRESENTATION: Each team will be represented by the team manager and/or a designated
representative at the draft. If no representative is present, the Player Agent will appoint someone
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to do the drafting.
13. SELECTION TIME: During the first two (2) rounds of the draft each team shall be allotted one (1)
minute to make their selections. During all following rounds each team shall be allotted up to two
(2) minutes each round to make their selections.
If a selection is not made during the specified amount of time, the team representative will be
allowed one (1) minute at the end of the round to make a choice. (If at this time a selection still has
not been made, the Player Agent will assign a player from those players still eligible.)
14. CONTRACT AND DEPOSIT: Prior to the end of the current season, and no later than August 1, all
players changing leagues for the next season who wish to continue at Roy Gayle must fill out a
contract form and return it with the Board set move up fee, in order to be eligible for the draft.
Failure to return the contract and deposit by the specified date, will result in the player’s ineligibility
for the fall draft. Players will then have to wait for spring placement.
15. DRAFT PARTICIPATION: Any eligible players not participating in the fall draft will not be allowed to
sign with a team. They must enter the Spring try-outs or the player pool. (The intent of this rule is
to eliminate players not entering the draft so that they can later sign with any team they choose. It
is also intended to prevent managers and/or coaches from recruiting players already assigned to
teams.)
16. ADDING PLAYERS: A team, which must add a player after the spring placements, shall select a
player from the player pool. Any team with fewer than fifteen (15) players may request players
from the player pool. When a player is in the pool, the Player Agent will assign the player to a team
based on the number of players on the team roster. Players shall be dispensed from the player
pool in the order they entered the player pool. After June 15th, no player can be added to the
roster, unless team rosters fall below twelve (12) players.
17. Player Pool must be exhausted before ANY team is allowed to pick up players outside of Rockford
Pony Baseball with consent of the Player Agent
With the Draft automatics in place, we will no longer accept ANY “considerations” at draft time.
After the Draft trades may be made between teams for ONE WEEK ONLY. All trades must be a ONE
for ONE player trade. All trades should be trades of players from the same round of the draft. NO
trades will be approved which involve future draft picks.
Each trade shall be completed with the consent of the Player Agent. Any trade that has not been
approved by the Player Agent is VOID.
Penalty for violation of draft rules will consist of forfeiture of the first game of the season with
manager being suspended for up to the first three games of the season.
APPENDIX C: APPROVED FORMS FOR PROGRAM
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ROY GAYLE PONY BASEBALL SOFTBALL
TOURNAMENT PLAYER REGISTRATION
PARENT INFORMATION
If applicable
LEGAL GUARDIAN NAME__________________________________ PHONE _____________________ CELL PHONE ______________________
MEDICAL INFORMATION
SPECIAL NOTE: Please indicate any special needs of the player being registered that would be necessary or helpful to know in
the event of an emergency (i.e. - allergies, special medications, other conditions that are vital to medical care.)
ALLERGIES: ______________________________________________________________________________________
As the parent of a player selected for the Tournament team I understand that the main
objective of the team is to win and that player development is now secondary. I know
that not all players will play every game – in fact some players may not play at all if the
manager so chooses.
I also understand that there may be additional costs involved. Some of these may be partial
uniform, travel, food, and lodging.
Game Information
COMPLAINT FORM
COMPLAINTANT'S NAME -
COMPLAINTANT'S TEAM -
ACCUSED'S NAME -
ACCUSED'S TEAM -
WITNESSES' NAMES -
-
COMPLAINT:
Explain what has been done, prior to this complaint, to resolve the
problem:
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ACCUSEDS REPLY
REPLY TO COMPLAINT
NOTE: The League will not discriminate against any person on the
basis of race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, gender,
sexual orientation or disability.
*Please be advised that if you use LexisNexis and there is a name match in
the few states where only name match searches can be performed you
should notify volunteers that they will receive a letter directly from
LexisNexis in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act containing
information regarding all the criminal records associated with the name,
which may not necessarily be the league volunteer.
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Outside League Tournament Play
This form is to be used to detail tournament teams for outside league play. You
must submit this form prior to participation in the tournament. Failure to submit
the form or use of non-Roy Gayle rostered players will result in your team, not
being covered by Roy Gayle insurance for injury and liability.
Manager: __________________________________
1. __________________________ ____________________________
2. __________________________ ____________________________
3. __________________________ ____________________________
4. __________________________ ____________________________
5. __________________________ ____________________________
6. __________________________ ____________________________
7. __________________________ ____________________________
8. __________________________ ____________________________
9. __________________________ ____________________________
10.__________________________ ____________________________
11.__________________________ ____________________________
12.__________________________ ____________________________
13.__________________________ ____________________________
14.__________________________ ____________________________
15.__________________________ ____________________________
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