YOUTH ASSOCIATION OF NORTHEAST PENSACOLA, INC.
– BY-LAWS –
(Approved: 10 July 19)
ARTICLE I – NAME, LOCATION, AND SCOPE
ARTICLE II – VISION
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE IV – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ARTICLE V – COMMITTEES
ARTICLE VI – FISCAL YEAR
ARTICLE VII – RULES OF ORDER
ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
YOUTH ASSOCIATION OF NORTHEAST PENSACOLA, INC.
– OFFICIAL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS –
CHAPTER I – GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
1.00 – ELIGIBILITY
2.00 – OBLIGATIONS
3.00 – GENERAL PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS
4.00 – GENERAL PLAYER SELECTION PROVISIONS
5.00 – PLAYER SELECTION
6.00 – MANAGERS AND COACHES
7.00 – ALL STAR SELECTION
CHAPTER II – WEE BALL BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS
1.00 – PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
2.00 – TEAM ROSTERS
CHAPTER III – TEE BALL BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS
1.00 – PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
2.00 – PLAYER SELECTION
3.00 – TEAM ROSTERS
4.00 – GAME IN GENERAL
CHAPTER IV – 7/8 YEAR OLD BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS
1.00 – PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
2.00 – GAME IN GENERAL
CHAPTER V – 9 – 10 / 11 – 12 / 13 – 14 YEAR OLD BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS
1.00 – PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
2.00 – TEAM ROSTERS
3.00 – GAME IN GENERAL
CHAPTER VI – GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS
1.00 – PLAYING FORMAT
2.00 – PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
3.00 – TEAM ROSTERS
4.00 – GAME IN GENERAL
YOUTH ASSOCIATION OF NORTHEAST PENSACOLA, INC.
– BY-LAWS –
ARTICLE I
NAME, LOCATION, AND SCOPE
Section 1. Name.
The name of this corporation shall be YOUTH ASSOCIATION OF NORTHEAST PENSACOLA, INC. (also known herein as “YANEP,” “NEP,” or the “Corporation”).
Section 2. Location.
The Corporation shall be located in Escambia County, Florida.
Section 3. Scope.
The Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. It shall provide, without profit, youth recreation activities. The Corporation shall be operated as an independent, non-commercial, nonpolitical, and non-profit organization.
ARTICLE II
VISION
Section 1. Mission Statement
The Corporation’s mission is to enrich the community by providing leadership, training facilities, and administration for a youth baseball and softball program (also known herein as the “program”) in a manner consistent with Corporation and community values.
Section 2. Values
★ Integrity
★ Commitment
★ Teamwork
★ Sportsmanship
Section 3. Goals
A. Community.
The Corporation commits to enhancing the community by providing, without profit, youth recreation activities.
B. Stewardship.
The Corporation commits to managing and protecting its baseball and softball facilities (also known herein as the “ballpark” or “facility”) in order to enhance the quality of its youth athletic program for the future.
C. Fiscal Responsibility.
The Corporation commits to comprehensive financial planning that provides for adequate cash reserves, sound infrastructure, quality spending, and minimizing debt while operating primarily on funds raised by participants in its program and its commercial sponsors.
D. Promote Personal Safety and Property Security.
The Corporation commits to promoting the personal safety of its players and fans and the security of their ballpark.
E. Promote Development of the Youth Through a Values-Based Program.
The Corporation commits to promoting group participation, social contact, cooperation, loyalty, emotional control, discipline, desire, perseverance, and pressure adjustment through its values.
F. Seek Mutually Beneficial, Honest, and Fair Relationships.
The Corporation commits to seeking mutually beneficial, honest, and fair relationships with its
community, its government, and its customers and members.
G. Goal-Oriented Administration.
The Corporation commits to keeping its Board structure, decision guidelines, and park policies simple and fair. It will agree upon precise, clear goals for the Board, which will lead to accomplishment of its Mission. It will conduct itself in an ethical and professional manner.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Requirements.
Members shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age, be of good moral character, and include all persons who are admitted to membership. The Board of Directors (also known herein as the “Board”) may, from time to time, set any admission standards and requirements. The Board shall also set membership dues.
Section 2. Classifications.
A. Regular Members.
Any person seeking an appointed or elected board position to YANEP must have had a child, Grandchild, and or stepchild that actively participated in the previous Spring Baseball/Softball Recreational league season at YANEP. No person shall be approved to any open board position that has not met the above criteria, unless an exception is unanimously approved by the board. Any person approved must submit to a criminal background check and be in good moral standing in the community.
B. Honorary Members.
Honorary Members may be selected from outside the regular membership based on their distinguished public service. Honorary Members shall be entitled to all the privileges of the Corporation to include voting and holding office. Names of Permanent Honorary Members shall be included in these By-Laws.
Permanent Honorary Members of the Youth Association of Northeast Pensacola
★ “Tiny” Whittington – Distinguished Board Member and 11-12-year-old League Commissioner – Inducted 1998.
★ Cathy Whittington – Distinguished Association Member and noteworthy supporter of the NEP program – Inducted 1998.
★ Travis Fryman – Distinguished NEP Alumnus who achieved professional baseball fame; noteworthy supporter of the NEP program – Inducted 1998.
★ Gene Bailey – Distinguished Association Member who is a huge supporter of the NEP ball park – Inducted 2017.
Section 3. Election.
The Board may, at any regular or special meeting elect any eligible person to be a member of the Corporation by a majority vote of the Board members. If the person is an exception to the regular member criteria then he/she must be unanimously vote by the board.
ARTICLE IV
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. General.
The Board of Directors shall transact all of the business of the Corporation. It shall determine all policies and activities and, in general, assume responsibility for directing the disposition of all Corporation affairs, business, and property. Members of the Board of Directors must be members in good standing of the Corporation.
Section 2. Composition.
The Board shall consist of not less than five or more than twenty- five Officers and Directors. No individual shall hold more than one voting position on the Board. The Board may designate that a husband and wife or domestic partners, not hold separate positions on the Board, or the Board may designate that if they do hold two positions on the Board that only one of the positions be a voting position. The Board shall consist of the Officers and Directors of the Corporation.
Section 3. Quorum.
The presence of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum to transact business, except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws. The act of a majority of Directors present at a meeting, when a quorum is present, shall constitute an action of the Board of Directors.
Section 4. Removal from Office.
Any member of the Board of Directors may be removed by the Board whenever, in the judgment of the Board, the best interests of the Corporation are served. A two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors shall be required for removal of a member of the Board. Failure to attend three consecutive meetings without an excuse shall constitute cause for the removal of a Board member.
Section 5. Board Vacancies.
Any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting of the Board and the person so elected shall serve until the next Corporation election.
Section 6. Board Salaries.
No member of the Board of Directors, including any Officer, shall be paid compensation for his or her service to the Corporation, but this does not preclude the hiring of an Executive Secretary, a Manager of the Association, Treasurer or Concession Operator in which case service may be compensated. Furthermore, no member may place upon the agenda, participate in debate, or vote on any contractual or employment matter that may be reasonably considered a conflict of interest by the association with a contractor or employee.
Section 7. Meetings.
The annual meeting of the membership of the Corporation shall be held during the Opening Day ceremonies of the YOUTH ASSOCIATION OF NORTHEAST PENSACOLA, INC. during the month of March or April. An annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the general membership meeting. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be at such time and place as specified by the Board of Directors. Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called by the President or called by the President if requested in writing by any five Directors. Notice of each special meeting shall be given by the President or Secretary by telephone or otherwise to each member of the Board, not less than three days before the meeting, unless each Director waives notice thereof.
Section 8. Election of Officers and Directors.
A. Term of Office.
Members of the Board of Directors shall be elected for a period of one year, commencing on or around July 1st.
B. Election.
All Board Members shall be elected by a plurality of votes cast. All members of the Corporation are eligible to vote. All nominations must be submitted prior to set election day, no write-ins will be allowed after that date. The election shall be conducted by secret ballot except that unopposed nominees shall be declared elected. The annual election will be held during the month of May with voting days on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The President shall appoint three officials to oversee the elections. The election shall be conducted as follows: A table will be set up at the ballpark with ballots and a ballot box. A roster with all eligible voters will be at the voting table and all voters will sign off when they vote. Only parents listed on the official registration form will be eligible to vote and each parent will only be allowed one vote, regardless of the number of children registered. Ballots will be tabulated by two separate election committees to ensure that the results are uncontested. A list of the newly elected Board Members will be posted once presented to the presiding Board.
C. Eligibility for Nomination.
To be eligible for nomination, election, or appointment to any official position in the YOUTH ASSOCIATION OF NORTHEAST PENSACOLA, INC., a person shall:
(1) Be of good moral reputation,
(2) Have no known record of conviction of any felony or of any crime of
moral turpitude;
(3) Enter into no personal or business venture that can, in any way, be
considered or viewed as a conflict of interest;
(4) Not seek personal financial gain from the use of the person’s position within
the organization or through the use of the name of the YOUTH ASSOCIATION OF
NORTHEAST PENSACOLA, INC.
Section 9. Officers and Duties.
A. President of the Corporation.
The President shall preside over all regular and special meetings of the membership of the Corporation and over all meetings of the Board of Directors and enforce the provisions of these By-Laws. The duties include but are not limited to the following:
(1) Countersign all contracts, obligations, and checks authorized by the Board;
(2) Appoint all committees, unless the Board specifies otherwise;
(3) Serve as an ex officio member of all committees;
(4) Call all special meetings of the Board of Directors;
(5) Make an annual report to the Board of Directors and such other reports as he
may consider necessary;
(6) Sign all contracts and other legal documents executed on behalf of the YOUTH
ASSOCIATION OF NORTHEAST PENSACOLA, INC.;
(7) Initiate long-range strategic planning;
(8) Perform such other duties as may be placed upon him by the Board of Directors.
B. Vice President of the Corporation
The Vice President’s duties include but are not limited to the following:
(1) Assist the President in their duties;
(2) Perform the duties of the President in the absence or disability of the
President or when the office of President is vacant;
(3) Oversee satisfaction of all contracts and hiring agreed upon by the Corporation;
(4) Perform as the Chief Staff Officer of the Corporation. Specifically, it is the
primary duty of the Vice President to coordinate the staff efforts of the Board of Directors to ensure an orderly flow of business and information. He will ensure that correspondence requirements are met through coordination with the Secretary;
(5) Additionally, they shall perform such other duties as may be placed upon them by
the President or the Board of Directors.
C. Secretary of the Corporation.
The Secretary’s duties include but are not limited to the following:
(1) Keep an accurate record of all meetings of the Corporation’s membership and the Board
of Directors, and cause same to be recorded in a minute book which shall be kept as a
permanent record;
(2) Additionally, the Secretary shall be responsible for that correspondence as will
be appointed to them, from time to time, by the President or the Board of Directors.
D. Treasurer of the Corporation.
The Treasurer’s duties include but are not limited to the following:
(1) Receive and deposit in an account in the name of the YANEP, at a bank specified by the
Board, all monies paid to it; the monthly statement from the bank will be forwarded to all executive board members to maintain an oversight of the financials.
(2) Disburse by check signed by him and countersigned by the President, Vice
President or Secretary all such sums as may be authorized by the Board of Directors;
(2a) in the case of two executive board members that are married, related or in a relationship to one another, an alternate signer will be assigned. At no time, will a two check signers be in one of the above mentioned relationships.
(3) Keep an accurate record of disbursements and report to the Board at such time as the
Board may direct.
(4) Coordinate with the Finance Director to ensure expenditures and income meet the
expectations of the Board reflected in its budget, and report the extent to which these
expenditures and income meet the Board’s expectations.
(5) Additionally, they shall perform such other duties as may be placed upon them by the
President or the Board of Directors.
Section 10. Directors and Duties.
A. Director of Equipment.
The Director of Equipment’s duties include but are not limited to the following:
(1) Purchase, inventory, issue, and account for all ball-playing equipment;
(2) Additionally, they shall perform such other duties as may be placed upon them by the
President or the Board of Directors.
B. Director of Player Selection.
The Director of Player Selection’s duties include but are not limited to the following:
(1) Registration and selection of players in all leagues.
(2) Communicate with Commissioners regarding player participation and the potential impact
on the need for expansion and downsizing.
(3) Additionally, they shall perform such other duties as may be placed upon them by the
President or the Board of Directors.
C. Director of Buildings and Grounds and Safety.
The Director of Buildings and Grounds’ duties include but are not limited to the following:
(1) The maintenance, upkeep, access, and control of the buildings and grounds belonging to
the Corporation;
(2) Oversee fence sponsorship sign administration;
(3) Maintain contact with the Escambia County Parks and Recreation Department. Articulate
the Association’s needs and goals as they apply to the County. Coordinate satisfaction of
agreements and commitments between the Association and the County. Coordinate
revisions and updates to the Park’s lease agreements;
(4) Upon coordination with the Tournament Commissioner, make plans for the readiness and
availability of concessions, facilities, and equipment;
(5) Responsible for the establishment of accident, liability, property, and other insurance
policies deemed necessary for the protection of players, volunteers, spectators, and visitors of the Youth Association of Northeast Pensacola;
(6) Additionally, they shall perform such other duties as may be placed upon them by or the
Board of Directors.
D. Rules and Compliance Director.
The Rules and Compliance Director’s duties include but are not limited to the following:
(1) Manage revisions to and compliance with Corporation By-Laws and Rules;
(2) Ensure compliance with the By-Laws and Rules of Corporation franchisers;
(3) Ensure compliance with the American Disabilities Act, lease agreements, and such other
general agreements, contracts, and laws to which the Corporation is held;
(4) Serve as Parliamentarian to the Board of Directors;
(5) Be responsible for turning in retrieving background checks as well as completing forms to be turned into Parks and Recreation Department of Escambia County.
(6) Additionally, they shall perform such other duties as may be placed upon them by the
President or the Board of Directors.
E. Public Relations Director.
The Public Relations Director duties include but are not limited to the following:
(1) Plan and coordinate public relations projects and special fundraising efforts for the
Corporation;
(2) Arrange for radio, television, and newspaper advertising and coverage and roadside
advertising for tournaments and other park activities, to include player registration;
(3) Coordinate with outside agencies, businesses (vendors, restaurateurs, hoteliers),
and organizations such as the Pensacola Sports Association (PSA) to develop
attractive arrangements for NEP as host and to visiting teams;
(4) Create and provide to the Tournament Commissioner a tournament packet to be sent
to tournament participants;
(5) Arrange for publicity and external facilities and trainers for preseason coaching clinics
in addition, manager and team mom training;
(6) Additionally, they shall perform such other duties as may be placed upon them by the
President of the Board of Directors.
F. Web Master
The web-master will be in charge of updating the NEP web-site as followed:
(1) Email any registration information for the up-coming season in a timely manner.
(2) Update important information on the web site in a timely manner.
(3) Input team schedules and scores for teams in the park.
(4) Assist in anyway with the input of kids into the NEP System.
NOTE: Anything posted on social media must be approved by the President or Vice-President.
G. Fundraising Director
The Fundraising Directors duties include but are not limited to the following:
(1) Organize team-project ticket sales for the spring season.
(2) Organize and executing task to pull off a successful fundraising event.
(3) Organize special events to increase visibility of our organization.
H. Tournament Commissioner/Assistant Tournament Commissioner.
The Tournament Commissioner’s duties include but are not limited to the following:
(1) Plan and coordinate park tournaments;
(2) Coordinate with Tournament Directors in each tournament age group to ensure a
well-coordinated and consistent tournament hosting routine;
(3) Serve as the ultimate point of contact for teams and organizations desiring to
participate in NEP tournaments;
(4) Coordinate with the Public Relations Director for tournament advertising;
(5) Coordinate with the Director of Buildings and Grounds for concessions and
availability of equipment and facilities for tournaments;
(6) Direct labor for field preparation, concessions, gate, and clean up, and supervise
the handling of money;
(7) Coordinate with Tournament Directors in each tournament age group. Tournament
Directors shall be responsible to the Tournament Commissioner for the physical
execution of his tournament, to include coordination with attending teams on site and
the appointment of a protest committee. In the case of sanctioned affiliated
tournaments, a State affiliate representative will be appointed as tournament director.
In this event, the Director of Tournaments shall appoint a Tournament Coordinator
who will oversee the physical execution of the tournament in areas not already
covered by the Tournament Director. The Tournament Coordinator shall make liaison
with the Tournament Director to assure a seamless, conduct of the tournament;
(8) Additionally, they shall perform such other duties as may be placed upon them by the
President or the Board of Directors.
I. League Commissioners.
General duties of League Commissioners shall be the same for all Commissioners, regardless of the league they represent. These duties shall include responsibility for overall league management and include but are not limited to the following:
(1) Deliver managerial nominations to the Board;
(2) Direct player tryouts and help facilitate drafts;
(3) Oversee the all-star selection process, to include the coordination of affidavit verification, completion of rosters and medical waivers, and coordination of practice field usage and other tournament preparation issues as necessary;
(4) Collect team and player financial obligations collection from managers;
(5) Ensure team participation in planned playing field upkeep;
(6) Communicate with managers on pertinent park issues;
(7) Resolve minor concerns and conflicts and refer major conflicts to the Board of Directors;
(8) Process game protests;
(9) Enforce the rules and regulations under which their games are played;
(10) Communicate with the Director of Player Selection regarding player participation and the
potential impact on the need for expansion and downsizing;
(11) Schedule, coordinate, and direct preseason coaching clinics to be conducted as soon after
player selection as is practical. Coordinate with the Public Relations Director for publicity and external facilities and trainers.
(12) Ensure make up games are scheduled with teams and umpires.
Note: Commissioners may not manage a team in the league in which they are serving as Commissioner, except under special exception granted by the Board on a case-by-case basis.
Commissioner Positions are:
(1) Wee-Ball (3-4) League commissioner
(2) Tee-Ball (4-6) League Commissioner
(3) Assistant Tee Ball League Commissioner (if needed)
(4) 7-8 Year Old Baseball League Commissioner
(5) 9-10 Year Old Baseball League Commissioner
(6) 11-12 Year Old Baseball League Commissioner
(7) Girls Softball Commissioner
(8) Assistant Girls Softball Commissioner
(9) 13-14 Year Old Baseball League Commissioner
(10) 15-16 Year Old Baseball League Commissioner (when such league exists)
J. Park Duty Officer.
All Directors of Officers of the Association are empowered intervene in matters of benefit to the Association. During the ball season, two Park Duty Officers will be on duty during the hours in which games are played. Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
(1) Once the game begins, it is the umpire’s responsibility to call games due to inclement weather. Commissioners will notify teams when the rain out makeup game is rescheduled.
(2) Tour the park to ensure an orderly flow of game schedules and operation of the concession
stand.
(3) Resolve conflicts and refer matters of consequence to the Board or to the appropriate
Director or Officer for action.
(4) Count concession stand money at the end of the night and prepare the deposit. Periodically
remove large bills from the concession cash registers.
(5) Ensure all buildings are locked, lights are turned off, and property is left in an orderly
condition. Trashcans are emptied and bleachers clean.
(6) When concession stands are under contract, (4) will not apply.
Section 11. Ex Officio Members.
Ex-Officio, members are non-voting members approved by the Board of Directors with responsibilities as set forth below:
A. Former NEP Presidents.
Former NEP Presidents are standing ex-officio members of the Board of Directors, with all rights and privileges incumbent to a member of the Board. Former Presidents might be asked to participate as members of ad hoc committees, fact-finding bodies, and in other capacities that might benefit from a former President’s perspective.
ARTICLE V
COMMITTEES
Section 1.
The President or the Board of Directors as deemed necessary to promote and conduct the work of the Corporation may create standing and special committees. No committee action that obligates or binds the Board of Directors shall be undertaken without consent or authority of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VI
FISCAL YEAR
Section 1.
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be as determined by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VII
RULES OF ORDER
Section 1.
Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern procedures for the conduct of meetings not covered in these By-Laws where applicable.
ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
Section 1.
The Board of Directors upon a two-thirds majority vote may amend these By-Laws. The Board of Directors upon a two-thirds majority vote may waive the By-Laws or any portion thereof.
The Board of Directors at its meeting in Escambia County, Florida this 10th of July, 2019 adopted the foregoing by-laws.
___________________________
James Yonker, President
___________________________
Michelle Moseley
YOUTH ASSOCIATION OF NORTHEAST PENSACOLA, INC.
– OFFICIAL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS –
CHAPTER I
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
1.00 – ELIGIBILITY
1.01 – League Age.
League age is defined as the baseball player’s age on April 30th of the season with the exception of Girls Softball which has a league age consistent with that established by the USSSA, age prior to January 1st. Boys and girls shall be permitted to play up 1 age year but the decision must be made prior to the last day of registration.
Note: A “Season” for NEP shall be defined as both the fall and the spring season, with the fall season being the beginning of the new season, which ends at the end of each spring season.
1.02 – Birth Certificates.
Birth Certificates are not required until post-season play, i.e. Mid-Season Tournament or All-Star Teams.
2.00 – OBLIGATIONS
2.01 – Affiliation.
In its pursuit of its Mission, Goals, and Values, the Association organizes league play for the development of its youth. In the prosecution of that league play, the Association affiliates itself with various programs for the purposes of defining playing rules, ensuring solvency of the Association, insuring players and officials, and providing opportunities for sanctioned tournament play.
2.02 – Presence at Opening Day Ceremonies. Any team not present for opening day ceremonies shall forfeit its first game and be assessed a $25.00 fine.
The league commissioner will enforce this policy.
2.03 – Playing Expenses.
YANEP is a non-profit Corporation that raises its funds through five primary means: sponsorships, registration fee, raffle ticket money, team project obligation, and concession revenues.
Note: Funds raised by any means from any source in the name of NEP or an NEP All Star team are to be used ONLY for the purposes for which it was collected. If there are unspent or uncommitted portions of the Team Project Money (described below) or All Star money, for instance, this money must not be used for any purpose other than an expense incurred by ballplayers or their teams. These funds are NOT to be used to offset parent expenses in any form or for any reason. Remaining money must be turned over to the Treasurer to be applied to the General Fund or returned to the contributor. In the case of All Star teams, remaining money can be deposited and earmarked for that All Star team’s expenses the following year.
(a) Registration Fee.
The registration fee is a nominal fee charged to cover operating expenses not covered by other fundraising.
Note: The registration fee does not include any item of the team uniform.
(b) Refunds.
The Board will not issue any refunds after the draft day has taken place. If you have a legitimate issue, you can fill out the refund paper work and present it to the board at an assigned meeting. If a refund is issued you may encounter fees. (ie. Credit card)
(c) Team Project/ Sponsorship Obligation.
Teams are responsible for team project money of $100 per player by the assigned date set by the current board. The NEP board will provide a raffle prior to the start of the season to help with raising team project money. Any team that has not satisfied its team project obligation by the deadline shall not be entitled or authorized to play any regular season game or place players on any All-Star team.
The league commissioner will enforce this policy.
(d) Uniform Expense.
Parent(s) or guardian(s) are responsible for paying the cost of their players’ uniforms.
(e) Team Trophies.
The park purchases trophies for each league champion at the end of the season, along with wee-ball participation trophies. Some teams will purchase team “participation” trophies for their players. The cost of participation trophies will be borne by individual teams and their members.
(f) Equipment.
The park purchases practice and league game balls for each team and issues them to team managers through league Commissioners. Catchers gear is available if necessary. The Director of Equipment or league Commissioner may issue the equipment and managers will be required to return equipment immediately following the conclusion of the season. All park-issued equipment must be returned to the league Commissioner prior to All Star selection (refer section 6.14). The home team for each game is responsible for providing two game balls for the game (which the team retains after the game). The park will only pay for equipment purchased or approved for purchase by the Director of Player Selection and Equipment.
2.04 – Field Preparation and Post-Game Clean Up.
It will be the responsibility of the home team to have the playing field ready for play. It is the responsibility of the visiting team to insure that all equipment is put away if their game is the last game of the evening. It shall be the responsibility of both teams and parents to pick up the trash and garbage around the field at the end of the game. Teams with the final game of the evening have ultimate responsibility for the condition of their side of the playing field to include trash and garbage around the field, in the dugouts, and the bleachers. Teams failing to do this will automatically forfeit their next winning game.
The Park Duty Officer will enforce this policy.
2.05 – Contracts.
All contracts generated with NEP will be no more than a 1 year long due to the board changing yearly.
(a) – Concession Workers.
Concession stands are subcontracted and will be addressed on a need to approve basis. Organizations leasing NEP Park must contract with NEP and concession lessee for any food or beverage items during scheduled event.
(b) – Bathroom Cleaners.
Cleaners are subcontracted and will be addressed on a need to approve basis. Organizations leasing NEP Park must contract with NEP and bathroom cleaners during special events such as tournaments.
(c) – Field Maintenance.
Maintenance Crews are subcontracted and will be addressed on a need to approve basis. Organizations leasing NEP Park must contract with NEP and field crew during special events such as tournaments.
2.06 – Designated Team Work Day.
Any team whose workers do not participate on their designated work day shall forfeit its next winning game. The Director of Grounds will notify the league Commissioner and a team’s failure to meet its obligation.
The Commissioners will enforce this policy.
2.07 – Scorers.
It will be the responsibility of the home team to have an official scorer over the age of 16. The scorer shall maintain the scorebook and keep score at the designated area of their league. The official scorer is an official of the park and a direct representative of the President of the Park. As such, the scorer shall remain neutral in spite of his team affiliation. The scorer’s responsibilities include:
(a) If the teams change sides before three outs, the scorer shall immediately inform the umpire of
the mistake.
(b) If the game is protested or play suspended, the scorer shall make note of the exact situation
at the time of the protest or suspension, including the score, the number of outs, the position
of any runners, and the ball and strike count on the batter.
(c) The scorer shall not make any decision conflicting with affiliated official playing rules, YANEP
By-Laws or Rules and Regulations, or with an umpire’s decision.
(d) The scorer shall not call the attention of the umpire or of any member of either team to the
fact that a player is batting out of turn.
(e) The scorer shall record and keep the official time of the game and notify when the time limit
has been met. The scorer shall also record innings pitched by each pitcher in accordance
with affiliated league pitching rules. The scorer shall also ensure both managers and the
head umpire signs the scorebook once the game is complete.
Note: Failure of the home team to provide a scorekeeper will result in the forfeiture of that game by the home
team. The league Commissioner will enforce this policy.
3.00 – GENERAL PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS
3.01 – Game Postponement.
The decision to postpone games for that day shall be made by no later than 3:00pm and will be made by the President, Park Duty Officer, or the League Commissioner. In the event none of these directors or officers is present, any attending Board Member will make the decision. The primary responsibility resides with the Park Duty Officer. After commencement of games, the umpires will make the decision. Appropriate time must be allowed from the time the game is stopped before the umpires terminate the game.
3.02 – Rain Delays.
In the event of a rain delay during the first game, that game will be completed, if possible and, if necessary, the second game will be rescheduled.
3.03 – Rescheduled Games.
The league Commissioner will schedule all rescheduled games.
3.04 – Shortened Games. Games shortened by the time limit shall be regulation, regardless of the number of innings played.
3.05 – Called Games.
Games called before they become regulation must be resumed from the point of termination when the game is rescheduled by league officials, with as nearly the same line-up as possible.
3.06 – Protests.
All protests for regular league play will follow official rules for the affiliated baseball or softball league, except that the written protest will be submitted to the league Commissioner or President with a protest fee of $100.00. In order for the written protest to be filed in a timely manner, it must be filed within 48 hours and accompanied by the $100.00. Said protest fee will be refunded if the protest is found in favor of the protesting team.
(a) Protest Committee.
The protest committee will consist of the League Commissioner (unless there is a conflict) and two managers from the league to be chosen by the League Commissioner. The Commissioner may choose a manager from another league if the manager’s experience is sufficient to properly assess the protest. A protest that the protest committee has acted upon, an illegal protest, or the team manager or the acting team manager shall make an appeal of the protest committee’s decision, in writing to the Board of Directors, within 48 hours of notice of the protest committee's decision. The decision of the Board of Directors is final, unless the decision is appealable to the affiliating organization.
3.07 – Illegal Players.
Any team playing an illegal player by age, whether intentional or unintentional, shall forfeit every game in which said player played, notwithstanding the 48-hour protest rule. All other illegal substitutions or illegal players, upon the utilization of the procedure established in Rule 3.06 above will result in the forfeiture of that one game.
3.08 – Participation Rule.
All NEP recreational teams will be required to bat their entire roster during league play. The purpose of the Participation Rule is to ensure players have an opportunity to play in their teams’ games. Although enforcement of this rule might require some study of the circumstances when protested, some rules of thumb generally apply. It is understood that circumstances might arise in which a team might not satisfy the parameters of the Participation Rule although every reasonable and practical effort has been made to satisfy the rule. These circumstances might include shortened games (see 3.04 above) and regulation games called due to weather. It is also understood that a team losing a game under the mercy rule might not anticipate a shortened game and therefore not complete all substitutions. A team that wins a game under the mercy rule should make all substitutions in recognition of the scoring margin and in anticipation of the invocation of the mercy rule. Exceptions may be considered when scoring circumstances preclude a reasonable anticipation of invocation of the mercy rule as in the case when the game is won in an offensive onslaught in the bottom half of the inning. Protest committees will consider exceptions. Commissioner involvement will aid in maintaining a margin of consistency.
Note: Penalty for Violation of Participation Rule.
A winning team in violation of the participation rule will forfeit the game in question if properly protested. A losing team will forfeit its next winning game.
Note: Any manager (or coach acting as manager) found to be in violation of this rule for a second time during the course of a season shall automatically be suspended from managing any further that year unless and until reinstated by majority vote of the Board of Directors. In any case, the manager in question will not be eligible to manage or coach in any post season tournaments, unless approved by the Board of Directors.
Tournament Exception: This requirement does not apply to tournaments and games that are held outside the NEP league schedule. In such instances, tournament rules apply.
3.09 – Free Substitution Rule.
Where applicable, the Free Substitution Rule is in effect. The Free Substitution Rule stipulates that players who leave the game for substitute players may reenter the game.
3.10 – League Structure.
With the exception of the Tee Ball Baseball, Inc. and Gulf Coast Girls Softball Association affiliation, there will be one league in each age group unless sanctioning league rules dictate otherwise. This applies to regular season scheduling and standings as well as to park sanctioning.
3.11 – Determining League Champion.
The League Champion will be determined by the win/lose record of the teams. The Commissioner of each League will be responsible for maintaining an accurate record of the wins and losses of each team in their League and will inform the Board as to the winner for their League. In case of a tie the determination of the Winner may be made by a playoff game unless one team has a better head to head record or in the case of time restraints the Commissioner may with the agreement of both managers reach an agreement as to which team will be the League Champion.
3.12 – Sportsmanship.
While the Board recognizes that managers and coaches will make mistakes in their handling of situations on occasion and that the “heat of the moment” will evoke strong reactions to on-the-field conditions, the Board will not provide implicit or explicit approval of unsportsmanlike behavior. Managers can expect that the use of language which will in any manner refer or reflect upon opposing players, managers, coaches, umpires, or spectators or incite or precipitate fights or other physical confrontations will be grounds for Board action against the offending manager, coach, or player. The Board holds managers ultimately accountable for the conduct of his team’s fans and officials.
3.13 – Insurance Protection for Extra-League Play.
The Park’s insurance, to include Directors and Officers coverage, is exclusively linked to officially recognized and approved play and activities. Therefore, teams that participate in games and tournaments not sanctioned by NEP’s affiliating organizations must obtain other insurance that covers their play and activities.
3.14 – Safety.
For safety and liability reasons, no persons under the age of eighteen (18) are authorized to operate park vehicles (to include golf carts and mobile maintenance equipment) or be inside the concession stand during its operating hours. All members of the Corporation are encouraged to stop any unsafe activity they witness or bring it to the attention of the Park Duty Officer. Board Members are specifically obliged to take swift and decisive action to prevent unsafe practices and violations of these By-Laws.
3.15 - Vehicles.
No motorized vehicles are to be driven inside fenced areas. Vehicles prohibited include all types (golf carts, three and four-wheel all-terrain vehicles, motor homes, motorcycles, cars and trucks) that are not NEP or concessionaire vehicles.
Exceptions: Approval must be granted on a case-by-case basis by board of directors.
3.16 – Face Shields.
Many affiliate baseball/softball rules do not mandate the wearing of face shields on player helmets. However, baseball/softball players should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine the need for face shields. In leagues where players are allowed to steal bases “off of the pitcher” and there are pick-off plays where players often return to base head-first, there is a greater likelihood of neck injuries resulting from greater contact with the face shield. Although increased pitching distances in this age group allow for greater hitter reaction time for dangerous pitches, managers need to evaluate players on a case-by-case basis to account for those players less likely to react quickly to inside pitches, particularly in the first weeks of the season. In the case of players who might be slower to react to pitches, face shields should remain on their helmets. Any parent not wanting his/her child to remove the face shield in ANY age group exercises ultimate prerogative on the matter, just as they do with the wearing of any optional protective gear. Players wearing face shields will not be permitted to slide head first into base (unless returning to a base). (PENALTY: The player shall be called out.) The optional wear of a plastic jaw guard in lieu of the face shields by players age 9 and older is approved. Players wearing the jaw guard are permitted to slide head first into base.
3.17 – Batting Cages.
Hitters in batting cages must wear batting helmets. Children under the age of 18 are not authorized to pitch to hitters in the batting cages. No steel cleats are to be worn while in the main batting cages.
3.18 – Tournament Hosting Fee.
All tournament fees will follow the NEP Tournament Agreement. (Appendix A)
3.19 – Tournament Concession Fee.
Teams that would like to use the Park concession stand may do so with Board approval for $100 per day and $200 damage and cleaning deposit, payable in advance. Use of the concession does not include the fryer, the grill, or any of the Park’s retail inventory. The park concession stand is only available for lease after regular season and all-star games have concluded.
Note: This option is not available if NEP is leasing Concessions.
3.20 – Field Rental Fee.
All field rental fees will follow the NEP Field Rental Agreement. (Appendix B)
4.00 – GENERAL PLAYER SELECTION PROVISIONS
4.01 – Freeze Players and Assignment.
Specific provisions for player recruitment and assignment with regard to Freeze Player allowance and draft points and other issues not covered by this rule are described in the Official Rules and Regulations for each league.
(a) Freeze Player Registration.
All Freeze Players must be clearly designated on the player’s registration form at the time of registration. The manager must submit signed Freeze Player forms and a complete roster of Freeze Players to the President, Director of Player Selection, or league Commissioner or his duly authorized representative by no later than 6:00 PM the Friday before the last day of player registration. Failure of a player’s name to appear on the complete roster by the deadline will result in the player being placed in the regular draft. Once a player commits on a signed Freeze Player form for a given season, they are considered placed on that team by the Board of Directors once it is submitted to the league Commissioner or the Director of Player Selection unless they are released by mutual consent of the parent and the manager. Once a manager has obtained a signed Freeze Player form from a parent, all parties are expected to act in good faith in keeping that player on the team’s roster and the manager is expected to submit the form to the Board in a timely fashion.
4.02 – Manager’s/Coach’s/Sponsor’s Privileges or Freezes.
There shall not be other manager, coach or sponsor privileges or freezes. There shall be, however, sibling freeze in that a sibling will be placed on the same team as a rostered sibling. Each sibling will count as a freeze on that given team. (Example- triplets count as 3 freezes) Parents may request that siblings not be placed on the same team. .
4.03 – Tryouts.
Tryouts will be held for all non-frozen players at a designated time and place. These tryouts will be supervised by the league Commissioner. Tryouts are not a qualification process; rather they are a playing skills demonstration intended to assist in the player selection process.
4.04 – Draft Officials. The league Commissioner, Vice President, Director of Player Selection, or President will conduct the player draft. In any instance, the Director of Player Selection or the President will attend each draft meeting.
5.00 – PLAYER SELECTION
Note: All managers have equal opportunity in the selection of players. While some teams might not choose as many Freeze Players as is allowed here, the emphasis is placed on the uniform opportunity to select them. To further promote this emphasis, post-registration player selection places players first on teams that have the most vacancies, as explained below.
5.01 – Freeze Players.
A Tee-Ball, Baseball or softball manager may select up to six Freeze Players.
5.02 – Draft/Point System.
(a) Beginning Points – Tee-Ball, Baseball, and Softball Leagues
Each team participating in a draft will be issued a number of points and be assessed a value for Freeze Players as described in that league’s Rules and Regulations.
Note: Once all the teams have 6 players, each team will be issued 1000 points per player to be drafted. (ie. If the division will have 11 players on a team each team will get 5000 points to start the bidding.)
5.03 – Post-Registration Player Selection.
Player selection will include a tryout, and will consist of a round robin drawing as follows:
(a) Tee-Ball, Baseball and Softball Leagues - The team with the fewest players shall select a player first until he/she has the equal amount of the next lowest coach,
followed by the team with the next fewest players, and so on until team rosters an equal in
the number of 6 players. No points will be used during this selection period.
(b) Once rosters are balanced, teams will draw numbers to determine the drawing sequence to
select remaining players.
(c) When there are no more players to balance teams, the Director of Player Selection will note
the drawing sequence for the purpose of placing players who register subsequent to player
selection. New players will be placed on these teams unless shortages on other teams prove
more critical in the judgment of the Commissioner and the Director of Player Selection.
5.04 – Round Robin Draw.
Round Robin Draw shall consist of all those players not selected in the draft, those approved through the re-entry process, and those not attending tryouts. Upon agreement of ALL attending managers, the lottery format will be replaced by a round robin drawing. Drawing order for round robin draw shall be as follows:
(a) The team with the fewest players shall select a player first, followed by the team with the next
fewest players and so on. The selection shall be in the order determined by drawing. In no case shall
a team be permitted to select a player that puts the team over the maximum number of players
allowed in an age group unless there are no players to be selected in another age group. If there are
no players to be selected of the necessary age group, teams will select from remaining players
despite age.
(b) After teams are equalized, remaining players will be selected as follows:
(1) If the remaining players to be selected are equal to or are in excess of the number of
teams, each team will select a player in the order determined by previous win/loss
record in ascending order.
(2) If remaining players to be selected do not equal the number of teams, then the teams
may opt to select a player or pass in the order determined by the previous win/loss
record in ascending order. Teams must select or pass.
(3) Then, all remaining player's names will be placed on a strip of paper so that the total
number of strips of paper equals the number of teams that will select in this round.
Each team will select a strip of paper in the order determined by previous win/loss
record, in ascending order. Those teams selecting strips of paper with a player’s
name on it will add said player to his roster. All teams in this round must select.
(4) All ties in the drawing order of this section shall be resolved by a coin toss.
5.05 – Post-Draft Trades.
Immediately after draft selection, managers will have an opportunity to trade draft picks with the approval of the Commissioner, Director of Player Selection, and all managers present in the affected league. At the end of the draft meeting, team rosters are final.
6.00 – RECREATIONAL MANAGERS AND COACHES
6.01 – Approval of Managers and Assistant Coaches.
Managers and coaches are approved by the Board of Directors and serve at the preference of the Board. The ultimate responsibility of the Board is to sustain the Association; it chooses managers and coaches who it believes serve the best interests of the Association on the playing field and who pass a mandatory background check. The board does have the right to deny any person(s) a coaching and/or a manager’s position in accordance with 3.12. In this respect, managers and coaches are park officials who represent the President and the Board of Directors on the playing field. All persons interested in a managerial position must submit a written letter to the league Commissioner, or a member of the Board of Directors, if there is no league Commissioner before said request is placed before the Board of Directors for a vote of acceptance. The league Commissioner will place all requests before the Board of Directors for a vote of acceptance and in the case of where two or more persons are nominated; the league Commissioner will make a recommendation. In the case where two or more persons are nominated for the manager of one team, the person receiving a majority of the votes shall be selected. In the cases where no person receives a majority, then the person with the lowest number of votes shall be dropped from consideration and vote taken on the remaining. This shall continue until one reaches a majority vote. All letters requesting a managerial position shall be submitted by Draft Day.
6.02 – Baseline Coaches.
Base coaches on the baselines shall be:
(a) Two (2) eligible players in uniform wearing protective helmets, or
(b) One (1) eligible player in uniform wearing a protective helmet and one (1) adult team
manager or team coach presenting a neat appearance including shirt, pants and shoes
(No metal or removable cleats are allowed), or
(c) Two (2) adult team manager or coaches presenting a neat appearance, including shirt, pants
and shoes.
Note: If (b) above is chosen, the adult team manager or team coach shall choose either the first or third base coaching box at the beginning of the game and shall not change baselines during the game.
Note: At least one adult must be in the dugout at all times possibly limiting the number of adult coaches allowed to coach on the baselines. In this event, at least one, or possibly two, eligible players in uniform, wearing a protective helmet, must be used as a coach on the baseline. Both base coaching boxes must be filled at all times when a team is on offense.
6.03 – Ejections.
If, during the course of a season, a manager, coach, or player is thrown out of a game, they will be suspended for the following game. If a second or subsequent time during the same season he/she shall be automatically suspended from managing, coaching, or playing any further that year unless reinstated by the Board of Directors.
6.04 – Sanctions.
At the point that managers and coaches fail to perform their duties in a manner consistent with the Mission, Goals, and Values of the Association, the Board may convene to undertake sanctions against them, particularly with regard to violations of Rules 3.12 and 6.01 of this Chapter. Sanctions may range from warnings to suspensions to fines not to exceed $50, or combinations thereof. Any manager or coach who has been sanctioned by the Board who refuses to abide by the decision of the Board is subject to immediate and permanent suspension from all managing and coaching duties involving YANEP ball teams.
7.00 – ALL STAR SELECTION
7.01 – General.
The presumption of the Board of Directors when it approves managers and coaches for NEP teams is that those managers will fulfill their commitments to the park and to the Association through the All Star season by not only making every attempt to have their players available for All Star selection but also encouraging their participation in the tournament. There is a potential, however remote, for managers’ personal agendas and vendettas against other managers to cause them to exploit the children on their teams by keeping them off All Star teams managed by rivals. This, of course, is unethical as well as unacceptable and will not be tolerated. There is no room in this Association for managers who interfere with the opportunity for their players to participate in post-season tournament play sanctioned by the Association’s affiliated programs. The viability of this Association is directly and inextricably linked to the success of its players and teams during league play and manifested in their performance in sanctioned post-season tournaments. To undermine this effort is, understandably, a threat to the survival of the Association, which is the property of its membership. Therefore, any manager or coach perceived as having attempted to prevent their players from playing with the NEP All Star Team or taking other deliberate manipulative action to render their players ineligible or otherwise keep them from playing with the NEP All Star Team (for instance, to enable them to play in other tournaments) should expect to be denied the opportunity to manage or coach an NEP team the following season.
7.02 – All Star Team Managers.
The manager of the championship team in each league shall be entitled to manage the All Star team of his choosing in his league (World Series or Invitational World Series or other sanctioned qualifying tournament). The manager of the runner-up team shall be entitled to manage the Invitational All Star team, if any or the World Series All Star team if the championship manager declines. In the event the championship or runner-up manager declines to handle the tournament team, or if additional All Star teams are to be formed, the Board of Directors shall, upon majority vote and upon nomination by the League Commissioner, appoint an All Star manager from that league’s pool of managers and coaches. NEP requires that players on the All-Star team be only of the age they represent, for example a 9-year-old player is ineligible to play on the 10-year-old All-Star team if there are 10 Year olds available to play. (In some instances, additional All Star teams will be selected subsequent to regular All Star selection in order to place two or more All Star teams in a tournament. However, additional sanctioned All Star teams will be fielded only if the Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the League Commissioner, approves it.)
7.03 – All Star Team Coaches.
The All Star manager will select coaches from among the managers and coaches of his league.
7.04 – Fund Raising Goal Eligibility for All Star Managers.
No manager or coach of a team that has not attained its minimum fund raising goal shall be eligible to manage or coach a tournament team.
7.05 – Fund Raising Goal Eligibility for All Star Players.
A player who has not attained his minimum fund raising goal shall be eligible to play on a tournament team. No player from a team, which has not attained its team project money obligation, shall be eligible to play on a tournament team, unless specifically accepted by the Board of Directors.
7.06 – Team Composition.
All Star teams will consist of the number of players commensurate with the requirements of the affiliated leagues (consult affiliate rulebooks for details), not to exceed a maximum of thirteen players, in the case of All Star teams, until a second team is selected, if one is selected. The All Star manager will announce the number of players he will roster. All but two of those players will be approved by attending managers; the All Star manager will select two.
7.07 – Nomination.
Each manager will nominate players from any team in the league, in turn, beginning with the first place team in descending order.
7.08 – Discussion.
Managers will discuss capability of nominees.
7.09 – Voting.
Managers will then submit a ballot listing the players for whom they are casting their vote. This listing is limited to the number of players to be selected by manager’s balloting. Managers can only give 1 vote per player.
(a) Fewer Than the Required Nominees.
If less than the necessary numbers of players receive a majority vote, those receiving a majority vote are on the All Star team and additional balloting is done to determine remaining All Stars.
(b) More Than the Required Nominees. If more than the necessary numbers of players receive a majority vote, there will be a run-off balloting to determine the remaining selections.
7.10 – Manager or Proxy Appearance at All Star Selection Meeting.
Managers unable to attend All Star selections must designate a coach to ballot in his place. If a manager or a designated coach does not appear at a properly noticed All Star selection meeting, he forfeits his right to make a selection.
7.11 – Participants in the Selection Process.
The league Commissioner, Director of Player Selection, and/or the President, as well as all managers, will conduct All Star selection. No other person shall be authorized to attend with the exception of an All Star manager who is not already a team manager and as otherwise provided for above.
7.12 – Park Representation.
NEP teams participating in All Star tournaments will be known by tournament officials as “NEP” teams. Leagues with three All Star teams will be known as NEP Blue, NEP Gold, and NEP White. Leagues with two All Star teams will be known as NEP Blue and Gold. Leagues with one All Star team will be known as NEP or NEP Blue. Teams will have a standard Northeast Pensacola All Star logo across the chests of their uniforms or a 3" or larger NEP patch on the outboard sleeve or front of the jersey. NEP’s standard colors for the uniforms will be gold, royal blue and/or white, any variation of that must be approved by the board.
7.13 - Equipment Return.
Prior to or at All Star selection, any manager not returning issued equipment will not be allowed to participate in All Star selection. It is the Manager’s responsibility to return all equipment.
CHAPTER II
WEE BALL BASEBALL LEAGUE
RULES AND REGULATIONS
This league is designed as an entry level Tee Ball league that will emphasize Baseball Fundamentals and prepare these players to move into the Tee Ball League. No umpires will be used and no score kept, under rules of those affiliates.
1.00 – PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
1.01 – Playing Age. Players, age 3-4, are eligible for Wee Ball Baseball League.
2.00 – PLAYER SELECTION
2.01–Team Rosters.
Players will be assigned to teams at the completion of registration.
CHAPTER III
TEE BALL BASEBALL LEAGUE
RULES AND REGULATIONS
This league uses official playing rules of Tee Ball Baseball, Inc. For any rules not found in the Tee Ball Baseball Rule Book, refer to the official baseball rules except those excerpted by local league option contained in these By-Laws. Upon completion of the Tee Ball Baseball, Inc. season (at the conclusion of the Tee Ball Baseball, Inc. 5-6-Year-Old Tournament), the league might choose to participate in the other affiliated Tee Ball World Series Tournament under rules of those affiliates.
1.0 – PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
1.01– Playing Age. Players, age 4-6, are eligible for Tee Ball Baseball League.
1.02- T-ball age players will not be allowed to play up on age group in order to play Coach Pitch. An appeal to the Board on a case by case basis is allowed.
2.00 – PLAYER SELECTION
2.01– Rostered Players.
All rostered players will be eligible for “freeze player” or will be placed into the draft.
2.02 – Freeze Players.
Each manager may select up to six freezes.
Note: A manager must take his own child as a Freeze Player unless the manager indicates in writing that he desires his child to play on another team other than his own.
3.00 – GAME IN GENERAL
3.01 – Time Limit.
No new inning will commence after one hour and fifteen minutes has elapsed except in the case of a tie score. Tie games shall be played to a conclusion.
3.02 – Regulation Game Defined.
Games shortened by rain shall be a regulation game if four innings (three and one-half innings if home team is ahead) have been played.
3.03 – Chopped Swing/Bunt Rule.
Any player on a team using a “chopped swing or bunt” will be called out after a warning to the team.
3.04 – Strike Outs.
Tee Ball strike out rules will be strictly observed.
3.05 – Participation Rule.
Each team will bat the entire roster “bat the bench” and must play 3 defensive outs on the field. The free substitution will be in effect.
CHAPTER IV
7-8 YEAR OLD BASEBALL LEAGUE
RULES AND REGULATIONS
This league uses official playing rules of its approved affiliates. For any rules not found in affiliate rules, refer to the official baseball rules except those excerpted by local league option contained in these By-Laws. The free substitution rule is in effect as described in Chapter I, Rule 3.09.
1.00 – PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
1.01 – Playing Age.
Playing age is defined as the player’s age on April 30th of the season year.
1.02– Playing up
8-Year-old Coach Pitch players can with parent permission play up one age group to play in Minor League.
2.00 – GAME IN GENERAL
2.01 – Time Limit.
No new inning will commence after one hour and fifteen minutes has elapsed except in the case of a tie score. Tie games shall be played to a conclusion.
2.02 – Regulation Game Defined.
Games shortened by rain shall be a regulation game if four innings (three and one-half innings if home team is ahead) have been played.
2.03 – Inning Defined.
One complete inning will consist of three outs for each team.
2.04 – Mercy Rule. The mercy rule of the sanctioning body is in effect. Otherwise, the ten-run rule is in effect after 4 innings (3 if the home team is ahead).
2.05 – Participation Rule.
Each team will bat the entire roster “bat the bench” and must play 3 defensive outs on the field. The free substitution will be in effect.
CHAPTER V
9-10 / 11-12 / 13-14 YEAR OLD BASEBALL LEAGUE
RULES AND REGULATIONS
This league uses official playing rules of its approved affiliates. For any rules not found in affiliate rules, refer to the official baseball rules except those excerpted by local league option contained in these By-Laws. The free substitution rule is in effect as described in Chapter I, Rule 3.09.
1.00 – PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
1.01 – Playing Age.
Playing age is defined as the player’s age on April 30th of the season year.
1.02–
All players can with parent permission play up one age group. Example: a 10-year-old can play 11/12 league, but a 9-year-old cannot move up to the 11/12 league.
2.00 – TEAM ROSTERS
2.01 – Team Balancing.
Teams will be balanced in number of players.
3.00 – GAME IN GENERAL
3.01 – Regulation Game Defined.
Games shortened by rain shall be a regulation game if four innings (three and one-half innings if home team is ahead) have been played.
3.02 – Inning Defined.
One complete inning will consist of three outs for each team.
3.03 – Mercy Rule. The mercy rule of the sanctioning body is in effect. Otherwise, the ten-run rule is in effect after 4 innings (3 innings if the home team is ahead).
3.04 – Participation Rule.
Each team will bat the entire roster “bat the bench” and must play 3 defensive outs on the field. The free substitution will be in effect.
3.05 – Time Limit.
(a) 9 – 10-Year-Old Baseball League. No new inning shall commence after one hour and thirty
minutes has elapsed except in the case of a tie score. Tie games shall be played to a conclusion.
(b) 11 – 12-Year-Old Baseball League. No new inning shall commence after one hour and thirty
minutes has elapsed except in the case of a tie score. Tie games shall be played to a conclusion.
(c) 13 – 14-Year-Old Baseball League. No new inning shall commence after one hour and thirty
minutes has elapsed except in the case of a tie score. Tie games shall be played to a conclusion.
CHAPTER VI
GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE
RULES AND REGULATIONS
This league uses official playing rules of the Gulf Coast Girls Softball Association (GCGSA) and USSSA, except for rules excerpted at local league option in these Rules and Regulations and the NEP By-Laws.
1.00 – PLAYING FORMAT
1.01 – Playing Age.
Playing age is defined as the player’s age prior to January 1st of the current season. Girls ages 5 – 8 will play in the 8U coach pitch league. Girls age 9 and older will play fast pitch softball in their respected 10U, 12U, and 16U age groups.
2.00 – PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
2.01 – Playing Age.
Player age groups will be as follows: 8U, 10U, 12U, and 16U. A player will be allowed to play up one (1) age year group per NEP Bi-Laws. The number of players registering to play will determine the number of teams in each age group. Ages 6-17 as of Jan 1st are eligible to participate in softball at NEP. No girl who is a member of a high school softball team may NOT participate in NEP Girls Softball under the guidelines of the GCGSA.
3.00 – TEAM ROSTERS
3.01 – Team Balancing.
Teams will be balanced in number of players if possible, exceptions may occur due to the number of girls.
3.02 – Age Quotas. No team may have more than eight (8) players of any one age group. Exceptions may occur due to the number of registrants.
4.00 – GAME IN GENERAL
4.01 – Regulation Game Defined.
Games shortened by rain shall be a regulation game if five innings (four and one-half innings if home team is ahead) have been played.
4.02 – Inning Defined.
One complete inning will consist of three outs for each team.
4.03 – Mercy Rule.
The run rule is as follows: 12 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings, and 8 runs after 5 innings.
4.04 – Participation Rule.
Participation shall be governed under the guidelines of the GCGSA. You must “bat the bench” and each girl must play at least 3 defensives out.
Penalty: A winning team in violation of the participation rule will forfeit the game in question if properly protested. A losing team will forfeit its next winning game.
Exception: In the event a manager has used all of his eligible players and a player is injured, becomes ill and cannot continue, is ejected or removed from the game by an umpire or official, or is not present when a suspended game is resumed, the game shall not be forfeited. The opposing manager shall select a player from the bench who is capable of playing the position of the injured, removed or ill player, but who has already been in the game and this player shall replace the injured, removed or ill player.
4.05 – Time Limit.
No new inning will commence after 1 hour 15 minutes except in the case of a tie score. Tie games shall be played to a conclusion, using a tiebreaker rule as defined by GCGSA.