Bay State Baseball Tournament
of Champions
RULES AND REGULATIONS
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.
3.0
Applicants
for BSBTOC shall either be part of, or have approval from, the existing city/town
youth baseball structure to be considered for entry.
4.0
Applicant
teams must have a home field available within the city/town borders they
represent.
5.0
Recognized
youth baseball leagues with team(s) entered in BSBTOC may not have more than
two teams in any given division in one specific round over the course of a
season of play in BSBTOC. (As defined by ‘Levels of Play’ in Section C.)
6.0
Bay State Baseball will allow
multiple towns to combine their local spring programs to form one Bay State
Baseball entry under the following conditions:
-
Towns must be
contiguous.
-
There must be a ‘lead’
town with a specific contact person(s) that spearheads all paperwork,
requests and information, and identifies fields for baseball use.
-
Towns must join forces
at any/all levels of Bay State Baseball play for that season, not
entering separate teams at other levels.
A.
Example of what is not
allowed: Town 1 and Town 2 fulfill all conditions and decide to enter
combined teams in the A Division and the B Division but enter separate Town
1 and Town 2 teams in the C Division and the 50/70 Division.
B.
Example of what is allowed:
Town 1 and Town 2 fulfill all conditions and decide to enter combined teams
in the A Division and the B Division and enter no teams in the C Division or
50/70 Division.
-
Teams must submit a
written letter of agreement signed by the local league presidents of all
towns involved in the proposed combined team(s).
-
Town combinations are
good for that season only; neither Bay State Baseball nor the towns
involved are required to repeat the combinations in subsequent seasons.
6.
All town entries are subject to review by the Board of Directors and must be
submitted to the Board by June 15 of that season.
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. No
8-year olds may be on a Bay State Baseball roster.
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 Division 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 Commissioner. 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 Commissioner. 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 Commissioner.
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 $475 for 3 Rounds of play.
A
team that is registered and is included in the game schedule for a round of
games and subsequently withdraws from the round shall forfeit its registration
fee for the round.
Each
division shall be run by a Division Commissioner who shall be appointed by the
Board of Directors. Each Division Commissioner
shall be directly responsible to the Board of Directors. Each Division Commissioner may have one or
more Assistant Commissioners.
The duties
of a Division Commissioner 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 Commissioner.
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.
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. Bay State Baseball
will provide two umpires for each game.
The home team will be responsible for payment of these umpires.
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 $50 per
umpire, per game. Should there be only one umpire working a game, he/she will
receive $70. No local league rules regarding umpire payment shall override Bay
State rules.
2.1
Bay
State Baseball will provide two umpires for each game. The home team will be responsible for payment
of these umpires. Any complaints relative
to umpires must be made to the Division Commissioner.
2.2
The
Division Commissioner must be informed immediately of any rescheduled or canceled
games in order to inform the appropriate umpire assigner.
2.3
If
no qualified umpire(s) is available by 15 minutes after the start of the
scheduled 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 Commissioner must be notified.
2.4
The
first pitch of the game constitutes the acceptance, by both teams, of the
umpires.
3.0 BASEBALLS
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 Commissioner
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 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 Commissioner 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.
6.1
- Teams must disclose their involvement with Little League/Williamsport or Cal
Ripken district/state/national tournament play as early as possible, to the
Division Commissioner and include format, dates, times and sites, whenever
possible. Efforts will be made to match teams still alive in LL/CR tournament
play in the same Bay State Baseball group, with Division Commissioner’s
recommendations taken into account.
6.2
- The minimum number of games played in a round required to be eligible for
trophy weekend inclusion shall be four.
6. 3- Should a
conflict arise due to a district/state/national tournament game, the teams must
make every effort to play the game within the timeframe of the round. If the
game cannot be played, there will be no forfeiture awarded for either team; the
game will be declared no contest.
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. Division 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 Commissioners 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 commissioner.
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 Commissioner
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 20 players
who will be eligible to play for the team at the
discretion of the coaching staff.
B.
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.
2.1 - A player is eligible to be on any
roster for which they are age-eligible but can only be listed on ONE team at any given level of play.
2.2 – A player may NOT be listed on two different
rosters at the same level of play (A, B or C Division). If the player is listed
on a team that has completed play for the season, he/she is allowed to then be
part of the roster of another team from the same spring league at the same
level.
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 Commissioner 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.
Prior to all
Bay State Baseball games, the managers and umpires should have a meeting at
home plate, requiring managers to clarify pitching eligibility for the game.
This should include pitching for both teams and eliminate any possible
violations during the game.
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 the followingseason.
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 plate appearance.
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 DivisionCommissioner, shall be dealt with immediately.
6.2
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.
6.3
If
during a game a rule violation (which is a forfeiture offense) occurs, the game
is required to end immediately at that point.
6.4
Forfeiture
violations and penalties:
Teams forfeiting games
during the Bay State schedule will be subject to the
following penalties:
|
Violation
|
On-Field Penalty
|
Financial Penalty
|
Other
|
|
Illegal Substitution
|
Forfeit Game
|
1st offense - $0
2nd + offense - $100
|
|
|
Pitching Violation
|
Forfeit Game
|
1st offense - $0
2nd offense - $100
3rd + offense - $250
|
1st offense - Manager suspended for the
following game
2nd offense - results in team barred from Trophy Weekend
|
|
Not enough players at start of game
|
Forfeit Game
|
$100 + pay umpires
|
|
|
Not enough players during game
|
Forfeit Game
|
|
|
|
Use of illegal player *
|
Forfeit Game
|
$250
|
Team barred from Trophy Weekend and TOC
|
|
No-Show with notification **
|
Forfeit Game
|
1st offense - $100
2nd + offense - $250
|
|
|
No-Show without notification *
|
Forfeit Game
|
$250
|
Team barred from Trophy Weekend and TOC
|
|
* No show and illegal player violations are
subject to appeal
** The only exception to the no-show rule is a conflict with a national
tournament game
|
6.4.1 Team forfeits the game for:
*Violation of substitution policy
* In-game pitching violations
* Not enough players
* No show with notification
6.4.2 Team forfeits the
game and the manager is suspended for the following game (or the game after the
violation is confirmed)for:
* Pitching eligibility violations
NB – A second such
violation during the season under 6.5.2 would result in the team becoming ineligible
for the trophy weekend of said round; also, the manager would be subject to
increased penalties, based on the severity of the violation.
NB – In any violation of
rule 6.5.2, the manager will be subject to the penalty (penalties) whether in
attendance at the game in question or not.
6.4.3 Team forfeits the
game, is barred from the upcoming Trophy Weekend and TOC for:
* Illegal Player
* No show without notification
Payment
for penalties can be made by credit card on the Baystatebaseball.com web site
and must be made no later than four hours before the next scheduled game to
avoid forfeiture
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 Commissionerand Board of Directors will adjudicate such
situations.
Teams
which forfeit games due to any “No Show” violation 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 in the A
and B Divisions may pitch a maximum of 9 innings each week and pitchers in the C
Division may pitch a maximum of 7 innings per 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
subsequent 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.
7.8
The Little League
rule which states a dropped third strike may allow for batter advancement will
not be utilized by Bay State Baseball at the A, B or C Division levels.
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. Catcher must be in the catcher’s box when the
pitch is delivered.
All
bats MUST be in compliance with current Little League (Williamsport) or Cal
Ripken baseball rules, be they wood, metal or composite. 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. Any unintentional stumble/trip, as deemed by the
umpire, which results in a runner entering a base headfirst shall not be
subject to this rule and its penalties.
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.
12.4 During
the Tournament of Champions round at all levels, should a game be stopped after
starting but has yet to complete an inning, the game will be suspended and the
pitchers of record will be allowed to pitch the following day (assuming they
have eligibility remaining). Stoppage of games for weather-related reasons once
the game has begun will be done by the umpire in charge; the Bay State official
in attendance will determine how long the wait to resume will be before
restarting, or suspending said game(s).
12.5 When
lightning is seen prior to the start of a game, the home team decides how long
to wait before starting; if lightning is seen during a game, it is the umpire’s
decision to suspend the game. The delay must last at least 15 minutes (or local
rule, whichever is greater) after the last lightning sighting before
restarting. Home team and umpire(s) should use best judgement in making any
decision to potentially postpone game.
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 12.1, and the score is
tied,the game shall be considered a tie game.
13.4
Tie
games, as per rule 12.1, 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, or as specified in 12.1. 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 four 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 coaching 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;)
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 Commissioner, or, if not available, a
member of the Board of Directors, to develop an acceptable written protest.
4. The Division Commissioner
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 Commissioner
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:
A. First time* - The
person shall not take part in the next scheduled game. There is no appeal.
B. Second time - The
person shall not take part in any games scheduled over the next seven
days. An appeal may be made.
C. Third time - The
person is suspended for the T of C season.
An appeal may be made.
NB* – Any
manager/coach suspended for a game must vacate the premises of said game no
later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. A violation of this will
incur the next level of penalty, a seven-day suspension. Further violation(s)
will be subject to additional penalties, to be determined by the Bay State
Board of Directors.
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 played head-to-head,
3.
Least
runs allowed 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 game (non-forfeited games only) in games between the three tied teams.
2. Most runs scored in
games between the three tied teams.
3. Least runs allowed
per game (non-forfeited games only) 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 game (non-forfeited games only) 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 game (non-forfeited games only) 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 game (non-forfeited games only) 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).
NB – For
purposes of 17.3 and 17.4, once a procedure singles a team(s) from the others,
and there are only two teams left to be separated, they are subject immediately
to the two-way tie-break process.
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
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 be
charged the appropriate 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)
NB – For
purposes of 17.3 and 17.4, once a procedure singles a team(s) from the others,
and there are only two teams left to be separated, they are subject immediately
to the two-way tie-break process.
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.
Bay State
Baseball will provide adult certified umpires for all of the games in the
Tournament of Champions, at all levels. Bay
State Baseball shall pay the T of C established umpire fee for each game
completed during the semifinal and championship games at each level only.
Prior to that (group stages at all levels), the teams will split the cost of
umpires during games. As with the regular season, all umpire fees must be paid
prior to the start of the game.
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.
- Coinflip.
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. The following
trophies will be awarded for display in their clubhouse, town hall, or wherever
the team(s) deem appropriate and must be returned before the start of the
following season; the Don Soule Cup (A Division Champion), the Lou Tompkins Cup
(A Division Runenrs-up), the Don McGowan Cup (B Division Champion) and the Tom
Wright Cup (C Division Champion).
Bay State
Baseball will provide or assign an official scorekeeper to all games played on
the final weekend of the Tournament of Champions. All substitutions, rules
interpretations and/or questions must go through the official scorekeeper.
