Bay State Baseball Tournament of Champions
RULES AND REGULATIONS
2009
Rule changes are shown in Bold.
Most changes are for
clarification purposes.
1.0
The
Bay State Baseball League Tournament of Champions (T of C) is a program of
service to youth. It strives to
establish the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play in a competitive
and demanding schedule of summer baseball games for as many children as
possible.
2.0
In
order to balance the competition the Board of Directors of the T of C has
established three basic divisions, and levels of play within each division.
The best players from a league aged 11 or 12. For clarification of the definition of league see Rule I.3.0.
The best players from a league aged 10 or 11. For clarification of the definition
of league see Rule I.3.0.
The
best players from a league aged 9 or 10.
No player defined as a 9-year old may be listed on any roster outside of
the Tom Wright C Division. For
clarification of the definition of league see Rule I.3.0.
A player’s league age is defined as
his/her calendar age as of April 30 of the current season.
Under
normal circumstances, there are three qualifying rounds of games for the A and
B Divisions and two for the C Division.
Initially,
each Division shall be subdivided geographically into leagues. A team shall play a qualifying round of games
with other teams within its league.
Weekend games during the qualifying rounds will be played at a host’s
site, to be determined by the Board of Directors. At the conclusion of the qualifying round,
the first and second place teams (and possibly third and even fourth place
teams) of a league shall advance to the trophy weekend which will also be at a
host’s site. Enough teams from each
league shall advance to the trophy weekend to create at least two four-team
districts. Teams in each district shall
play to determine a champion and a runner up for their district.
The
league arrangements for each subsequent qualifying round shall be established
based upon each team’s finish in the previous qualifying round. Every effort shall be made to ensure that
the first and second place finishers shall not compete in groups made up of
third and fourth place finishers. Teams may be placed in a lower group at the
discretion of the Commissioner.
For
A and B Divisions: Teams that enter the competition in the 2nd round
will be placed in the highest bracket of play possible (ie
- upper level). Teams that enter the competition in the 3rd round,
or play rounds 1 and 3, will be placed at a level determined by the Division
Director. Note that in both A and B play, teams MUST play at least 2 rounds to
be eligible for the Tournament of Champions.
For
the Tom Wright C Division: Teams that enter the competition in the 2nd
round will be placed in a level determined by the Division Director. Note that
in Tom Wright C Division play, teams MUST play in both rounds to be eligible
for the Tournament of Champions. In all divisions, teams that play just one
round will be placed at a level to be determined by the Division Director.
A
non-refundable registration fee for each team entering the season must be filed
with the league. This fee will be payable whether the team(s) in question
eventually play during said season or drop out prior to the start of play. The fees are $200 for 1 Round, $375 for 2
Rounds and $425 for 3 Rounds of play.
Each
team shall provide a forfeiture fee as a deposit. The deposit shall be refunded upon request if
a team or host has not forfeited a responsibility, such as a scheduled game or
host commitment, and the T of C does not incur a financial deficit for the
season. If there is a deficit, only a
percentage, if any, of the deposit may be returned.
A
team that is registered and is included in the game schedule for a round of
games and then withdraws from the round, shall forfeit its registration fee for
the round and its deposit.
Each
division shall be run by a Division Director who shall be appointed by the
Board of Directors. Each Division
Director shall be directly responsible to the Board of Directors. Each Division Director may have one or more
assistant volunteers.
The duties of a Division
Director shall include the following:
1.1 Establish
the league for the geographical qualifying round.
1.2 Establish
the schedule for each qualifying round.
1.3 Seed the
teams for each successive qualifying round.
1.4 Ensure the game results are entered in a
timely manner, ensure pitching eligibilities have not been violated and verify
league standings.
1.5 Determine
the teams which shall play on trophy weekends.
1.6 Receive
protests from the managers relating to rules interpretation, ascertain all the
details and arrive at solutions with the concurrence of the President or the
Board of Directors.
1.7 Resolve
the daily problems which are affecting the successful operation of the
division.
1.8 Arrange
for the rescheduling of all games in the event of inclement weather or any
other conditions which prevent the playing of games as scheduled and notify the
umpire-in-chief.
In order to qualify as a
host for qualifying weekend games or trophy weekend games, the host town/city
must meet the following requirements:
1.
Provide
a Tournament Director or alternate
who will be physically at the tournament site for all games.
2.
Furnish
the necessary number of playing fields to successfully complete the scheduled
weekend games (two or three fields). The
fields must be properly marked and manicured and, preferably, have outfield
fences.
3.
The
T of C will provide two adult certified umpires for each hosted qualifying
weekend game. The home team in each game
shall pay the umpires their fees before the game begins. Teams will not be reimbursed for these fees.
4.
Furnish
the name and telephone number of a person who may be contacted for any last
minute changes, especially in the event of inclement weather.
5.
Every
effort shall be made to start games no sooner than 10AM.
6.
Furnish
all weekend game results, including scores, pitchers and innings pitched to the
Division Director.
7.
Any
league or program that requests and is scheduled to host weekend games and then
reneges, shall forfeit its deposit.
1.
Provide
a Tournament Director or alternate who will be physically at the tournament
site for all games. The Tournament
Director shall be responsible for insuring that all teams abide by the rules
and adhere to all pitching eligibility rules.
2.
Furnish
the necessary number of playing fields to successfully complete the scheduled
weekend games (two or three fields). The
fields must be properly marked and manicured and have outfield fences.
3.
The
T of C will provide two adult certified umpires for each trophy weekend game.
The teams in each game shall split the umpire fees and pay them before the game
begins. Teams will not be reimbursed for
these fees.
4.
Furnish
the name and telephone number of a person who may be contacted for any last
minute changes, especially in the event of inclement weather.
5.
Every
effort shall be made to start games no sooner than 10AM.
6.
Receive
trophy delivery, provide secured storage space for trophies and an area to
conduct trophy presentations.
7.
Make
the T of C trophy presentation at the conclusion of the championship game. No other trophies or awards shall be given at
this time.
8.
Any
league or program that requests and is scheduled to host weekend games and then
reneges, shall forfeit its deposit.
2.1 The scheduled home team for each qualifying weekend game
shall have the choice of dugouts.
2.2 The following seed shall determine the home team and choice
of dugouts on a trophy weekend:
1.
team
with the best standing,
2.
if
tied after 1., team with the best won-loss record in the said round,
3.
if
tied after 2., coin toss. A coin toss
shall give the winner choice of home or away, or choice of dugouts. The loser shall have a choice of home or
away, or dugouts, based on what was selected by the winner.
For
a trophy weekend, a representative of the T of C President shall be on hand and
shall form a protest committee for each game.
Each committee shall include the President’s representative and a
representative from each of the two teams playing a game. The President’s representative shall choose
each team representative from those suggested by each team manager.
3.1
On
trophy weekends, a protest shall cause the game to be halted until the issue is
resolved by the Protest Committee.
1.1
Teams
shall play scheduled home-and-away games at their own fields when there is no
host town weekend site. The home team is
responsible for game balls and two adult, certified, mature and knowledgeable
umpires. It is strongly recommended that
no family member of a player umpire a game in which the player takes part.
1.2
Every
effort shall be made to start games no sooner than 10AM.
The home team has the
choice of dugouts.
The home team is
responsible for the condition of the field.
The field should be manicured, marked and, preferably, have an outfield
fence.
Umpire fees for Bay
State games are $45 per
umpire, per game. Should there be only one umpire working a game, he/she will
receive $65. No local league rules regarding umpire payment shall override Bay State
rules.
2.1
The
home team is responsible for two umpires for each game. Umpires should be adult, certified, mature
and knowledgeable. It is strongly recommended that no family member of a player
umpire a game in which the player takes part.
Umpires must have a Little League rule book as well as a copy of the T
of C rules on hand to settle all rule disputes.
Any complaints relative to umpires must be made to the Division
Director. T of C does NOT pay
umpire fees for scheduled weekday games.
2.2
Only
Bay State League approved umpires shall be used for T of C games.
2.3
If
no qualified umpire(s) is available by 15 minutes after the scheduled start of
the game, the respective managers have the option of re-scheduling according to
available dates or playing the game as scheduled with a mutually agreed-upon
umpire. Should the game be rescheduled, the proper Division Director must be
notified.
2.4
Minimum
umpire qualifications – (Towns with or without Bay State
umpires) Teams must notify the board/division director if a game is played with
no patched umpires. Teams which travel and face the situation still have the
option to not play the game but whether they play or not, they need to report
it to their division director. The game cannot be played ‘under protest’.
2.5
The
first pitch of a game constitutes the acceptance, by both teams, of the
umpires.
The home team is
responsible for balls (Wilson A1074 or better) for all games, INCLUDING
weekday, qualifying weekends and trophy weekends.
The home team has the
choice of dugouts.
5.1
The
home team manager is responsible for notifying the visiting team in the event
that inclement weather does not permit a game to be started. The home team should make every effort to
notify the visiting team in sufficient time to keep them from traveling unnecessarily. Once the game has started, the umpires have
control of the game and shall decide when a game should be stopped and/or
terminated.
5.2
Games
postponed in the event of inclement weather MUST be played on the first
open date on the T of C schedule. It
shall be the responsibility of the home team manager to notify the Division
Director of any postponements.
5.3
No
qualifying game in a round shall be played after the Friday night prior to a
trophy weekend. Team standings shall be
determined as per rule J.18.0 for tie-breakers.
5.4
Any
qualifying game in a round played on the Friday prior to a trophy weekend shall
be started no later than 5:45PM. If the
home team does not have a field available, the game shall be played at the
visitor’s field (or at a neutral site if both fields are not available). The scheduled home team for the game shall be
unchanged.
All
games MUST be played as scheduled with the following exceptions:
Scheduled Bay State Baseball games may only be rescheduled
to accommodate a town’s post-season playoffs, Little League Baseball (Williamsport) or Cal
Ripken tournament games. Bay
State Baseball will not
honor requests to alter the game schedule to accommodate ANY other tournaments
or league games.
A request may be made to the Division Director if a team wishes to
reschedule a game due to a conflict with a game on the same day. The request must be made as far in
advance as possible of the Bay
State scheduled game and
MUST be played on the next available day/night.
If the opponent refuses to play the team
requesting the change without an attempt to find an acceptable alternate date,
the requesting team may be charged with a forfeit, at the discretion of the
commissioner. If the rescheduled game gets rained out and cannot be played, it
will be a forfeit against the requesting team. The Bay State Baseball
philosophy in these instances is to try and play the game within the required
round timeframe, with communication between the managers and Board crucial. Any
undue attempts to obstruct this tenet will be looked upon unfavorably by the
Board and may have a determining effect on a ruling. Commissioners MUST be
notified, and approve of, any schedule change before the game can be moved.
The winning team (be it
head coach, assistant coach or person designated to do so at manager’s
direction) must enter the correct result and pitching information for both teams into the Bay State
Baseball web site within 24 hours of the completion of the game. If this
is not done, the win shall not be credited. The first time a manager/team fails
to properly enter the information into the web site within 24 hours, it shall
result in a warning. Subsequent offenses
shall result in a forfeit. Discretion
will be observed by the Division Director for extenuating circumstances.
In the
event of suspension of a game, the home team is responsible for entering
the information available for the game, up to the point of game suspension, on
the Bay State web site and to notify the
division director.
Should there be a dispute
on entered information, managers must bring said item to the notice of
the Division Director within 48 hours of the completion of the game or else the entered data shall stand as reported.
Discretion will be observed by the Division Director for extenuating
circumstances.
1.1
The
official Bay State
roster form available on the Bay
State website MUST be
completed before a team can play its first game. Each team MUST submit a player
roster containing the following:
A. The names of up to 12 regular
players that have the right to participate in any game the team plays.
B. The names of up to 8 alternate
players that will be eligible to play for the team at the discretion of the
coaching staff.
C. A listing of contact information for
players (name, address, phone number, birth date) and coaches (name, address,
phone numbers, email address).
A roster cannot contain more than 20 players in total. The
roster may be amended between rounds (but not after round 3 in the A and B
Divisions, or round 2 in the C Division) by adding or deleting players, as long
as the roster size or composition rules (see 2.0, Multiple Roster Assignments) are
not violated. Roster changes may ONLY be made by informing the Division
Commissioner of the desire to do so, and in turn the Commissioner will make the
change(s) to the listed roster.
1.2
Each
player participating in a game MUST be listed on the current player roster form.
1.3
Team
managers are required to construct rosters and player status for the season at
their discretion, but must be ready to bear full responsibility for such
actions and consequences. Bay State Baseball will not support managers engaged in internal
disputes who do not embrace Bay
State philosophies for
roster composition.
Players and parents must be informed of the status of the player at the time of
roster designation, and the implications for their summer must be made clear to
allow them to consider if this league and their status on the team will be
consistent with their expectations for the summer.
2.1 - A player is eligible to be on any roster for which
they are age-eligible but can only be listed as a regular on ONE team.
2.2 – A player may NOT be listed on two different rosters at
the same level of play (A, B or C Division).
2.3 – A player cannot be listed as an alternate for any team
from the same league or at an age-level below one for which he/she is listed as
a regular player. (ie- an 11-year old player who is
an A team regular player cannot be a B team alternate; or a 10-year old player
who is a B team regular player cannot be a C team alternate).
2.4 – A player can be listed as an alternate for any team
from the same league at an age-level above the one for which he/she is listed
as a regular player. (ie - an 11-year old player who
is a B team regular player can be an A team alternate; or a 10-year old player
who is a C team regular player can be a B team alternate). The exception is
that any 9-year old cannot be listed on any roster outside of the C Division.
3.1
Each player must have played on a
team or reside in the geographical area representing his/her local spring
league season. Residency in and border limits of each geographical area will be
reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. Exceptions to this rule have
been granted by the Board of Directors via the appeal process; exceptions are
only granted by the Board of Directors.
4.1
Any
team not submitting a roster as specified in these rules, or violating roster
regulations will, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, forfeit games
until that team complies with the rules. Penalties for violations will be
determined by the Board of Directors and may include loss of deposit fee and/or
program participation review, depending upon the severity of the violation. All decisions made by the Board of Directors
will be final.
4.2
Exceptions
to roster rules may be made at the discretion of the Division Director upon
request of the team manager, subject to approval by the BSBTC President.
Playing rules as specified
in the official Little League, Inc. rule book for the current season shall
govern the conduct of all games except as noted herein. Only 9 defensive
players allowed on the field, and only 9 spots are allowed in the batting order.
No extra hitter (EH) or designated hitter (DH) is to be used.
All players shall be
dressed in full uniform. A uniform is
defined as a team cap, shirt, pants and stockings.
Umpires are obliged to
start games on time. Teams that arrive
early for the game shall have equitable on-field warm up time not to extend
beyond the official starting time. Teams
that arrive after the official starting time shall have no on-field warm up
time and are expected to start the game as quickly as possible.
a.
Team game plans that keep players on an Official Roster from playing in any
game is unacceptable and may result in a team being disqualified from a
tournament or not invited back next season.
b.
Every player listed on a particular GAME roster and ready to play MUST play a
minimum of 3 complete innings including. at minimum, one time at bat.
1.
“Complete”
means, that players who have not played in the first three innings MUST be entered
into the opposing coach’s and/or the official scorer’s score book before the
first pitch of the fourth inning and play in the entire fourth, fifth and sixth
innings. Players must play
their three complete innings (defined as playing the top and bottom of the same
inning) during the first six innings of a game.
2.
“Complete” also means that a player entering the game for
the first time, on offense or defense, during an incomplete inning shall
complete the inning and then be required to play at least the following three
complete innings. For example, BILL
enters the game for the first time as a pinch hitter after the second inning
has started. BILL must play the
remainder of the second inning and then at least all of the third, fourth and
fifth innings. Or, JIM enters the game
for the first time as a substitute fielder (maybe as a right fielder or a
relief pitcher) after the third inning has started. Jim must play the remainder of the third
inning and then all of the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. Unless a batter is
the ‘pinch-hitter’ to start the top half of an inning they must play 3 FULL
innings in addition to the one they ‘pinch-hit’ for; should they not finish out
the full inning, it does not count as an official inning played.
3.
Should a player be removed from the
game before completing their playing requirements for injury or illness, the
opposing coach must be informed of such. Thus, if said player recovers
sufficiently later in the game, and can still fulfill his/her playing
requirements, he/she may return to the game. He/she cannot return to the game
if they would, in the course of a normal game, be unable to fulfill said
playing requirements
4.
There
will be no special or free pinch runners allowed. Once a player comes in as a pinch runner,
he/she is now officially in (or back in)
the game and must comply with the substitution rules listed herein.
5.1
Any player, be it a starter or a
substitute, may re-enter the game one time only.
5.2
A
RE-ENTERING PLAYER for a STARTING PLAYER:
A player in the starting lineup who has been removed for a substitute
for any reason may re-enter the game for another starting player, in any
position in the batting order, provided the substitute (that entered for the
starting player about to re-enter): 1) shall
have batted at least once before the re-entering player comes to bat and
2) shall have played defensively
for a minimum of 6 outs. For example, BILL is a starter and has been
removed from the lineup for the substitute ED.
The game has progressed and ED has played in the field for 6 defensive
outs but has yet to bat. His team,
however, is about to come to bat, and ED will be second up preceded by Sam, a
starter, and followed by Joe, also a starter.
The coach now has his first opportunity to put BILL back into the
lineup. BILL cannot substitute for
starter Sam, because Sam precedes ED (the substitute that entered for the
starting player about to re-enter [BILL]), and ED must bat before BILL. BILL can substitute for Joe or, except for
Sam, for any other starter in the lineup, because ED will bat once before BILL
gets up. If, on the other hand, ED bats
in an inning before he has been in the field for 6 defensive outs, BILL
is eligible to enter the game for any starter as soon as ED has his 6 defensive
outs.
5.3
A
RE-ENTERING PLAYER for a SUBSTITUTE PLAYER:
A starter or substitute may
re-enter the game after being removed for a substitute if the substitute has
played three complete innings and has fulfilled rest/batting order rules. See 4.0 SUBSTITUTIONS, 4.2, 1. and 2., for
the definition of “complete”.
6.1
A
forfeited game is a game declared ended in favor of the offended team by the
score of 6 to 0, for violation of the rules and regulations. Forfeits, as
determined by the Division Director, shall be dealt with immediately.
6.2
No
game shall be forfeited by a team due to a player being injured or removed by
an umpire if that team has no legal substitutes in accordance the substitution
rules as stated herein. Under these
conditions, the opposing coach shall pick the sub.
6.3
If
a team cannot field 9 official roster players within 15 minutes after the
designated starting time for the game, or at any time during the game for whatever reason,
a forfeit shall be declared and the offending team shall be obliged to
pay for the umpires.
6.4
If
during a game a rule violation (which is a forfeiture offense) occurs, the game
is required to end immediately at that point.
6.5
Forfeiture
violations and penalties:
Teams forfeiting games
during the Bay State schedule will be subject to the
following penalties:
A Team Forfeits the game
for:
*Violation of substitution policy
* In-game pitching violations
* Not enough players
* No show with notification
A Team Forfeits the game
and is barred from the upcoming Trophy Weekend for:
* Pitching eligibility violations
A Team Forfeits the game,
is barred from the upcoming Trophy Weekend and TOC for:
* Illegal Player
* No show without notification
Other
violations which result in forfeiture will be dealt with by the Board of
Directors on a per-case basis.
Multiple
infractions are subject to increased penalties including being barred from
trophy weekends, Tournament of Champions and removal from summer schedule
entirely. Division Director and Board of Directors will adjudicate such
situations.
Appeals
may be made for any situation, which will be acted upon by the Division
Director and the Board of Directors as soon as possible.
Teams
which forfeit games due to any “No Show” violation will lose their deposit and
are obliged to pay for umpires in any such game if said umpires are not
notified in time and are present for the game. Should the fee be outstanding at
the end of the current Bay
State season, the
offending league will be charged for said amount.
(See: K. Tournament of Champions Round; 1.2)
Pitchers,
regardless of their age, may pitch a maximum of 9 innings each week. The pitching week is Monday thru Sunday. If a pitcher pitches 3 or less innings in a
game, he/she MUST have one calendar day rest. If he/she pitches 4 or more innings in a
game, he/she MUST have 3 calendar days rest. A pitcher may pitch a maximum of 6 innings
during any game. Throwing one pitch in
an inning constitutes pitching the entire inning. A pitcher removed from pitching in a game
shall not pitch again in the game.
7.1 The Pitching Eligibility Rules
continue without change from one round of games just finished to the next round
of games about to start as well as in the second round. Under no circumstances shall a pitcher be
allowed to pitch on two consecutive days.
There is one circumstance where a pitcher may appear to be pitching on
two consecutive days - see: 12.0 OFFICIAL GAMES; 12.2.
7.2 A violation of the Pitching
Eligibility Rules constitutes a forfeit of the game in which the violation took
place.
7.3 The withdrawal of an ineligible
pitcher after that pitcher is announced, or after a warm-up pitch is delivered,
but before the player has pitched a ball to a batter, shall not be considered a
violation. The new pitcher must pitch to one batter, to completion, upon
entrance.
7.4 No player will be allowed to pitch in two separate games on the same
calendar day.
7.5 A
“Calendar day” is defined as a full day on the calendar in which a player is
ineligible to pitch. It does not mean that a player can rest for 24 hours and
then be eligible (ie – pitch in the morning on
Saturday and the afternoon/evening on Sunday). The sole exception is detailed
in 12.0 OFFICIAL GAMES; 12.2.
7.6 The LLB
pitch count program will not be implemented by Bay State Baseball.
7.7 The Little League rule which states
a player cannot move from pitcher to catcher in the same game will not be
utilized by Bay State Baseball.
A pitcher MUST be
removed from the mound on the second trip to the mound by any coach during an
inning or on the third trip to the mound by any coach during a game. A “trip” is defined in the following manner:
Any time an umpire
calls time out so that any of the coaches may confer with the pitcher either at
the mound or along the foul line.
Any time an umpire
calls time out so that any of the coaches may confer with any player who
subsequently confers with the pitcher before the pitcher delivers another
pitch.
The “automatic” intentional
walk is not allowed. If a pitcher wishes to intentionally walk a batter, he/she
must do so by pitching four pitches intentionally outside the strike zone that
are not struck at by the batter and are called “balls” by the umpire.
All
bats MUST fulfill Little League requirements, as defined in Little League
Baseball Rule 1.10, whether they are wood or metal. An illegal bat MUST be removed from the game
immediately when discovered by an umpire.
9.1
The batter using an
illegal bat shall be called out on appeal.
The opposing manager may request that the umpire inspect any bats in use
during the game.
9.2
No advancement on the
bases will be allowed and any out or outs made during a play involving an illegal
bat shall stand.
9.3
Slash bunting is not
illegal and will not be penalized by Bay State Baseball.
10.1
A
runner MUST avoid a collision with a fielder by attempting to get by the
fielder to include sliding.
10.2
If,
in the judgment of the umpire, a runner deliberately collides with a fielder,
the runner shall be ejected from the game for unsportsmanlike conduct and will
serve a one-game suspension.
10.3
Fielder
obstruction, in the opinion of the umpire, while a runner is trying to avoid a
collision is reason to call a runner safe.
10.4
Head-first
slides are not allowed, except when returning to a base, and the offending
runner shall be called out.
11.1
The
first time the mercy rule can be considered is after 3-1/2 innings.
11.2
If
at the beginning of, or at any time during, the bottom half of the 4th
or 5th inning the HOME TEAM is leading by at least 10 runs, the game
is AUTOMATICALLY ended.
11.3
If
the VISITING TEAM is leading by at least 10 runs at the end of 3-1/2, 4-1/2 or
5-1/2 innings, the game continues, and the inning is completed. If at the end of the 4th or 5th
inning the VISITING TEAM is leading by at least 10 runs, the game is
AUTOMATICALLY ended.
12.1
Games
which are shortened by either rain or darkness shall have the score revert back
to the last complete inning and declared official if at least 3-1/2 innings
have been played with the home team ahead or 4 innings if the visiting team is
ahead. The only exception to the rule
will be in the event that the home team either ties or takes the lead in the
bottom half of an inning which is not completed. In this case (where each team has had an
equal number of times at bat) the score shall not revert to the last complete
inning, but instead shall stand as played.
12.2
If
a game must be called off before the first inning can be completed, the game
shall be considered no game, as if the game had never started. All records of the game are dropped,
including pitchers and innings pitched.
The pitchers are eligible to pitch on the very same day or the very next
day.
12.3
If
a game must be called off after the completion of the first inning but before
it is an official game, the game shall resume from the point it had to stop
with teams continuing with the same batting lineup, or as close as
possible. The day-to-day pitching rules
continue without change - see: 7.0
PITCHING.
13.1
If
the score is tied after six innings, play shall continue into extra innings
until there is a winner. Local curfew rules (re; lights, start of an inning),
are to be followed.
13.2
All
playing rules MUST be followed in extra inning games including pitching
rules.
13.3
If
the umpire must call an official game, as per rule 12.0, and the score is tied, the game shall be considered a tie game.
13.4
Tie games, as per rule 12.0, shall
be considered final and the teams shall share the available points for said
game.
13.5
Trophy
Weekend or Tournament of Champions games cannot end in a tie and must be played
to conclusion, if at all possible. Games may be suspended and finished at a
later time/date if time allows. If not
possible, use tie-breakers to determine winners.
14.1
A
maximum of 4 adults shall be allowed on the bench during the game; one manager,
two coaches and a scorer.
14.2
Adult
coaches shall be allowed in the baseline coaches’ boxes. Players are also
allowed in the coaches box but must wear helmets when doing so.
15.1
HOSTED
TROPHY WEEKEND GAMES
1.
The
manager should immediately notify the home plate umpire of the protest.
2.
The
game stops. The manager should clearly explain his basis for the protest, with
the Bay State and/or Little League rule book
present to reference the claim. Failure to have a copy of either present will
not disqualify the protest but presence of such may speed resolution of
protest.
3.
The
game protest committee (see: F. HOSTED
WEEKEND GAMES, 3.0 PROTEST COMMITTEE;
page 5) resolves the protest before the game continues.
4.
The
decision is final.
15.2
WEEKDAY
GAMES - HOSTED AND UNHOSTED WEEKEND GAMES
1. The manager should immediately
notify the home plate umpire of the protest. The game stops. The manager should
clearly explain his basis for the protest, with the Bay State
and/or Little League rule book present to reference the claim. Failure to have
a copy of either present will not disqualify the protest but presence of such
may speed resolution of protest.
2. The complete and detailed status of
the game at the point of protest shall be recorded in the home team’s scorebook
and signed by the umpire. The game then continues as the umpire rules.
3. Within 48 hours, the protester should contact the Division Director, or,
if not available, a member of the Board of Directors, to develop an acceptable
written protest.
4. The Division Director shall resolve
the protest, assisted by members of the Board of Directors, if needed.
5. The decision is final.
16.1
Coaches
are responsible for the conduct of their players, parents and themselves.
16.2
There
shall be no smoking or chewing of tobacco, drinking alcohol or using unlawful
substances by anyone on the field and at the team benches.
16.3
If
a manager wants to bench a player during a game for disciplinary reasons, he
must inform the opposing manager, and he shall also inform the Division
Director before the player is eligible to play again.
16.4
If a manager, coach or player is
ejected by an umpire or T of C official, they shall leave the field immediately
and take no further part in the game. An ejected participant cannot be in sight
or hearing distance of the on-going game once ejected and he/she shall not be
in attendance at the following game(s) due to suspension (see 16.5). In the
event a player is ejected, it is required of the manager to provide responsible
supervision off-premises for the ejected player.
16.5
If
a manager, coach or player is ejected by an umpire or T of C official:
First time - The person shall not
take part in the next scheduled game. There is no appeal.
Second time - The person shall not
take part in any games scheduled over the next seven days. An appeal may be made.
Third time - The person is suspended
for the T of C season. An appeal may be
made.
16.6
No
player shall be allowed to harass opposing players or coaches. Such action shall be cause for ejection.
16.7
Any
manager or coach who repeatedly harasses umpires shall be subject to
disciplinary action by the Board of Directors.
16.8
Any
team whose parents are abusive to either the umpires, a T of C official or the
opposing team shall face disciplinary action by the Board of Directors to
include the disqualification of the team for or in the TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
ROUND.
16.9
No
disciplinary action shall be taken unless there is an open meeting of the Board
of Directors with at least a majority of the membership in attendance along
with all interested parties. Failure of
an interested party to attend a “disciplinary action meeting”, after having
been notified, shall not delay any disciplinary action which might be taken by
the board as a result of the meeting.
16.10
Any coach suspended/ejected by an
official from a game is ineligible to coach at any Bay State Baseball League
game at any level until the next contest at the same level he/she was suspended
for has/have been completed.
16.11
Processes
for reporting ejections - Both managers/coaches involved are required to report
any ejection (manager, coach, player
or spectator) to their division director and
enter it onto the Bay
State web site. The
umpire involved is required to report the ejection to the umpire-in-chief.
16.12
All
organizations shall be reviewed at the end of the season by the Board of
Directors.
When necessary, the Board of Directors shall determine and administer
any sudden death playoff or the drawing of team names to break ties. Note: where a game that becomes a forfeit
after the conclusion of play will be recorded as 6-0 but will use the runs
allowed in the game for tie-breaker purposes.
Approved Ruling: A team loses a game on the field 4-3 but is
awarded the win after a pitching violation is discovered. The game is now a win
for them but they will be charged with allowing 3 runs in 6 innings played.
17.1
1. Sudden death playoffs:
The
site shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
A
coin toss shall give the winner choice of home or away, or choice of dugouts.
The loser shall have a choice of home or away, or dugouts, based on what was selected by the winner.
A regulation game shall be played.
All pitching rules shall apply to a sudden death playoff
game and to any game that follows.
2. Drawing team names:
There
are many reasons why the Board of Directors may choose to draw team names out
of a hat to break ties. The reasoning
for drawing team names shall be explained to teams affected. There is no appeal.
17.2
TWO
WAY TIES
1. Head-to-head competition,
2. Least runs allowed per defensive
inning played head-to-head,
3. Least runs allowed per defensive
inning played in qualifying round,
4. Most runs scored in qualifying
round,
5. Sudden death playoff or drawing team
names (See: 17.1).
17.3
THREE
WAY TIES
The
three tied teams shall be ranked by the following sequence of tie-breaking
steps. Each step shall consider ALL
THREE TIED TEAMS, until otherwise noted, and each shall be used sequentially,
if necessary, to clarify the results of the preceding step(s). For example, If highest ranked team is able to be
determined as a result of Step 1, the remaining two teams are left and still
tied for the final position in the group. If highest ranked is not
identified, but a lowest ranked is then identified and eliminated, the
remaining two teams will proceed to Step 2.
A. FOUR TEAM LEAGUE:
1. Least runs allowed per defensive
inning in games between the three tied teams.
2. Most runs scored in games between
the three tied teams.
3. Least runs allowed per defensive
inning in all games in the qualifying round.
4. Most runs scored in all games in the
qualifying round.
5. If only two teams remain tied, they
shall start 17.2 TWO WAY TIES.
6. Drawing team names (See: 17.1).
B. FIVE, SIX or SEVEN TEAM LEAGUE:
1. Least runs allowed per defensive
inning in all games in the qualifying round.
2. Most runs scored in all games in the
qualifying round.
3. If only two teams remain tied, they
shall start 17.2 TWO WAY TIES.
4. Drawing team names (See: 17.1).
17.4
FOUR
WAY TIES
The
four tied teams shall be ranked by the following sequence of tie-breaking
steps. Each step shall consider ALL FOUR
TIED TEAMS, until otherwise noted, and each shall be used sequentially, if
necessary, to clarify the results of the preceding step(s). For example,
the results of Step 1 may rank the four teams with a winner, two teams
tied for second and third in the group, and a fourth ranked last in the
group, In order to identify the
second-ranked team, Step 2 must be considered, or if it is not decisive, Step
3, and so on. Note, however, that the
determination of the highest and lowest ranked teams in Step 1 is not affected
by any succeeding steps.
A. FOUR TEAM LEAGUE:
1. Least runs allowed per defensive
inning in games between the four tied teams.
2. Most runs scored in games between
the four tied teams.
3. If only three teams remain tied,
just the three tied teams shall start 17.3 THREE WAY TIES. If only two teams remain tied, just the two
tied teams shall start 17.2 TWO WAY TIES.
4. Drawing team names (See: 17.1).
B. FIVE, SIX OR SEVEN TEAM LEAGUE:
1. Least runs allowed per defensive
inning in all games in the qualifying round.
2. Most runs scored in all games in the
qualifying round.
3. If only two teams remain tied, just
the two tied teams shall start 17.2 TWO WAY TIES. If three teams remain tied, they shall
continue to step 4., because steps
already considered are the same steps in the 17.3 THREE WAY TIES, B. SIX TEAM LEAGUE.
4. Drawing team names (See: 17.1).
If poor weather interferes
with the successful conclusion of any round within the time period schedule for
that round, the established tie breaking system may be used to select teams for
the finals or to even create a champion, if necessary.
1.1
The
Board of Directors has the right to alter any or all of the following TOC
guidelines in order to, in its opinion, fairly handle unique situations.
1.2
In
all divisions:
1. Teams must play in at least two
qualifying rounds in order to qualify for the T of C championship round. There will be no exceptions made or appeals
allowed to this requirement.
2. Teams that have forfeited any games due to use of an illegal player or
no-show without notification during the season shall not qualify for the
Tournament of Champions Round. An appeal may be
made. Appeals for a forfeit must be made
immediately.
3. Teams cited for parent abuse (see:
16.0 CODE OF CONDUCT; 16.7) shall not qualify for the Tournament of Champions
Round. An appeal may be made.
1.3
Any
team which forfeits a TOC game (during the championship week competition) will
lose double their forfeiture fee and will bring their entire program’s participation
placed under review.
1.4
For
the A and B divisions, a maximum of 8 teams shall qualify for the championship
round. For the C division, a maximum of 16 teams shall qualify for the
championship round.
1.5
The Tom Wright C Division Tournament of
Champions consists of 16 teams. The 16 teams will be the top 16 in the overall
point total tabulations after completion of round 2. The 16 teams which qualify
will be split into four, four-team groups.
Each group will play a round robin (each team plays
each other) with the top two teams in each group advancing to the quarterfinal
stage. The eight remaining teams will take part in a single elimination
quarterfinal round, with the matchups as follows: A1-B2; B1-A2; C1-D2; D1-C2.
The first place group teams shall function as the home team in these games. The
semifinal matchups will be A1/B2-D1/C2 and B1/A2-C1/D2, with the home team
being the higher group finisher (or of the same, then the higher original
seed). The championship game will have the higher group finisher as the home
team, or if the same, the higher original seed.
There
are other items that go with the above which require details.
1. Ties in points
(within the top 16, or between teams tied for seed 16 or lower) will be broken
by:
A. Upper division points
in round 2.
B. Better upper division
trophy won.
C. Better round 1 trophy
won.
D. Head to head games
for the season, with fewest runs allowed the determining factor if they split.
E. Coin flip.
2.
The 16 teams which qualify for the TOC will be split into four groups by seed:
Group A – Seeds 1,8,9,16
Group B – Seeds
4,5,12,13
Group C – Seeds
2,7,10,15
Group D – Seeds 3,
6,11,14
1.6
For
the A and B Divisions, the championship round will have the eight qualified
teams split into two groups; Group A containing seeds #1,4,5 and 8; and Group
B, containing seeds #2,3,6 and 7. Each group will follow the schedule below,
and the top two finishers in each group will advance into the semifinals for
the A and B Divisions.
Tuesday: Seed
1 vs. Seed 8
Seed
2 vs. Seed 7
Seed
3 vs. Seed 6
Seed
4 vs. Seed 5
Wednesday: Seed 1 vs. Seed 5
Seed
2 vs. Seed 6
Seed
3 vs. Seed 7
Seed
4 vs. Seed 8
Thursday: Seed 1 vs. Seed 4
Seed
2 vs. Seed 3
Seed
5 vs. Seed 8
Seed
6 vs. Seed 7
* The higher seed in any given game
is designated home team.
* Ties in TOC Group play will be
decided by:
A. Head-to-head result within the group (2-way ties)
B. Fewest runs allowed in group games between the tied teams
(3-way ties)
C. Most runs scored in group games between the tied teams
(3-way ties)
D. Fewest runs allowed in TOC group play (3-way ties)
E. Most runs scored in TOC group play (3-way ties)
F. Highest seed (3-way ties)
Saturday: Group A 1st placed team vs. Group B 2nd
placed team
Group B 1st placed team vs.
Group A 2nd placed team
(In both cases, the team which finished first in its group
will be the home team)
Sunday: Semifinal
winners
(The team which finished higher in their group shall be the
home team; should both team have finished in the same position, the team with
the higher original seeding will be the home team.
1.7
If
the semifinal winners games cannot be played on the originally scheduled
Sunday, there will be no extension of the pitching week beyond the originally
scheduled Sunday game. Therefore, any games played after the originally
scheduled game on Sunday will be treated as played on that Sunday.
The T of C will provide
adult certified umpires for all of the games in the Tournament of Champions
Round, including the C division play-in round.
The T of C shall pay the T of C established umpire fee for each game
completed. Arrangements for umpire fees
must be worked out by each Division Director and home team, remembering that
the umpires shall be paid before each game begins.
Seeding
for divisions as follows:
A
and B Divisions
Teams shall accrue points over the course of the entire
season schedule, from rounds 1-3. For each victory (a tie will receive half of
the allotted point{s} for the game) and achievement teams will be awarded a
certain point total. These will be based upon achievement and level of play.
See chart below for point breakdowns.
|
Round
|
Level
|
Event
|
Points Earned
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
All
|
Each
regular win
|
1
|
|
1
|
All
|
Losing TW
Saturday
|
1
|
|
1
|
All
|
Silver
Trophy
|
3
|
|
1
|
All
|
Gold
Trophy
|
4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
Upper
|
Each
regular win
|
3
|
|
2
|
Upper
|
Losing TW
Saturday
|
2
|
|
2
|
Upper
|
Silver
Trophy
|
5
|
|
2
|
Upper
|
Gold
Trophy
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
Middle
|
Each
regular win
|
2
|
|
2
|
Middle
|
Losing TW
Saturday
|
1
|
|
2
|
Middle
|
Silver
Trophy
|
4
|
|
2
|
Middle
|
Gold
Trophy
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
Lower
|
Each
regular win
|
1
|
|
2
|
Lower
|
Losing TW
Saturday
|
1
|
|
2
|
Lower
|
Silver
Trophy
|
3
|
|
2
|
Lower
|
Gold
Trophy
|
4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
Upper
|
Each
regular win
|
5
|
|
3
|
Upper
|
Losing TW
Saturday
|
3
|
|
3
|
Upper
|
Silver
Trophy
|
7
|
|
3
|
Upper
|
Gold
Trophy
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
Middle
|
Each
regular win
|
3
|
|
3
|
Middle
|
Losing TW
Saturday
|
2
|
|
3
|
Middle
|
Silver
Trophy
|
5
|
|
3
|
Middle
|
Gold
Trophy
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
Lower
|
Each
regular win
|
1
|
|
3
|
Lower
|
Losing TW
Saturday
|
1
|
|
3
|
Lower
|
Silver
Trophy
|
3
|
|
3
|
Lower
|
Gold
Trophy
|
4
|
(TW stands for Trophy
Weekend)
At the end
of 3 rounds of play (including Trophy Weekends), point totals shall be tallied
and the top 8 teams will advance to the Tournament of Champions.
The tie-breaker for determining seeding in the A and B
Division, in the case of teams with equal point totals after 3 rounds are
complete:
- Upper
Division points in Rounds 2 and 3 (including points won in Trophy
Weekends).
- Upper
Division Trophies won, total
- One
gold ranks higher than two silvers.
- Head
to head during the season, with fewest runs allowed the determining factor
if teams split.
- Coin
flip.
Tom Wright C Division
A point system will be used to rank teams. Round 1 of the
Tom Wright C Division will use the same point system as the Upper Level A and B
Divisions use in the 2nd round.
Round 2 of the Tom Wright C Division's 2nd round will use the same point
system at all corresponding levels of the A and B Division’s 3rd
round.
At the end of 2 rounds of
play (including Trophy Weekends), point totals shall be tallied and the top 16
teams will advance to the Tournament of Champions.
|
Round
|
Level
|
Event
|
Points Earned
|
|
1
|
All
|
Each regular win
|
3
|
|
1
|
All
|
Loser TW Saturday
|
2
|
|
1
|
All
|
Silver Trophy
|
5
|
|
1
|
All
|
Gold Trophy
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
Upper
|
Each regular win
|
5
|
|
2
|
Upper
|
Loser TW Saturday
|
3
|
|
2
|
Upper
|
Silver Trophy
|
7
|
|
2
|
Upper
|
Gold Trophy
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
Middle
|
Each regular win
|
3
|
|
2
|
Middle
|
Loser TW Saturday
|
2
|
|
2
|
Middle
|
Silver Trophy
|
5
|
|
2
|
Middle
|
Gold Trophy
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
Lower
|
Each regular win
|
1
|
|
2
|
Lower
|
Loser TW Saturday
|
1
|
|
2
|
Lower
|
Silver Trophy
|
3
|
|
2
|
Lower
|
Gold Trophy
|
4
|
Only trophies and awards
officially authorized by the Bay State Tournament of Champions shall be given
out after the championship games. In addition, the Don Soule Cup will be
awarded to the A Division Champion for display in their clubhouse, town hall,
or wherever the winning team deems appropriate. The cup must be returned before
the start of the T of C round the following season. Also, the Lou Tompkins Cup
will be awarded to the A Division Runner-up for display in their clubhouse,
town hall, or wherever the runner-up team deems appropriate. The cup must be
returned before the start of the T of C round the following season. Finally,
introduced in 2004 in memory of Tom Wright, longtime Tom Wright C Division
Commissioner, the Tom Wright Memorial Cup will be awarded to the Tom Wright C
Division Champion for display in their clubhouse, town hall, or wherever the runner-up
team deems appropriate. The cup must be returned before the start of the T of C
round the following season.
