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Pocono Mountain League Baseball

By‑Laws

Revised: May 13th, 2008

 

 

Article 1:  Officers

 

Section 1 - Election of Officers

 

            The officers of this League shall be: President, Vice‑President, Secretary, Treasurer, Affiliation Liaison, Player Representatives (2), and a member of each team

 

            The President, Vice‑President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Affiliation Liaison, are to be nominated and elected at the first annual meeting by open vote with nomination.

 

 

Section 2 - President

 

            The President shall preside at all meetings of the League and shall enforce the Constitution and By‑Laws and in case of a tie vote, he shall cast the deciding vote. He shall direct the calling of all meetings of the League; conduct all the business of the League when not in session, make a report for consideration at the next meeting of the representatives, and appoint pro‑tem all committees not otherwise provided for.

  

 

Section 3 - Vice‑President

 

            The Vice‑President shall preside at all meetings and conduct all business in the absence of the President, and perform such other duties as the President may direct.  In the event of the resignation of the President, the Vice‑President shall succeed to the Presidency.  At times when the Vice‑President is acting in the President's absence, baseball‑related matter shall be handled through consultation with the Board’s permission.  The Vice-President shall represent the league in all field coordination matters. The Vice‑President shall act on behalf of the league in acquiring, corresponding, and maintaining an open communication between all fields of use and the League. The Vice‑President shall present the President with all findings, issues, and reports related to use of fields.

 

Section 4 - Secretary 

            The Secretary shall keep a record of all meetings of the representatives, and perform such other duties as may develop upon him. He shall be responsible for making the league schedule

 

            The Secretary will be responsible for providing statistics to team managers and the League at an interval of every three weeks as well as immediately before the All‑Star and Playoff meetings.  This rule will be strictly enforced.  All data included on the Statistics sheet shall be included in Statistics reports. The Secretary will also keep President apprised of cancelled games not rescheduled. The Secretary will be responsible for the website

 

Section 5 ‑ Treasurer

 

            The Treasurer shall be the custodian of the funds of the League, and he shall give and take the receipts for all monies handled by him.  He shall keep all monies in the bank in a checking account.  He is responsible for providing financial reports on the All‑Star Game, League Banquet, and other special events.  He shall keep records of monies owed by team and keep the President apprised of outstanding balances.

  

Section 6 ‑ Umpire Assignor

 

            The Umpire Assignor shall be selected by vote of the team representatives.  The Umpire Assignor shall present the League with a full roster of umpires (with phone numbers) before the start of each season.  He is responsible for assignment of umpires to schedule and re‑scheduled games and for dealings with the Umpires Association.  If no Umpire Assignor is voted on the duties falls to the President or who he shall assign the additional duty...

 

 

 

 

 

Section 7 ‑ Officer Enforcement of By‑Laws

 

            The President, Vice‑President, Secretary, Treasurer, Affiliation Liaison shall have the power to enforce any violation of the By‑Laws and can take the necessary action immediately upon violation.  Officers missing more than two meetings per year will be fined $20 for each meeting missed (except in the event of unusual circumstances as verified by the President).

-______The Board shall have absolute authority as to the playing dates of all games postponed, unless the managers directly involved arrange to play the postponed game within 10 days from the date of the postponement.  The home team manager can call off a game in case of rain one hour before game time.  The manager of the home team is to communicate with the manager of the visiting team and the umpires.  The home team manager must notify the League within 48 hours, or a fine of $10 will be levied.  No scheduled game can be called off unless weather does not permit, or unless previously agreed upon by both managers and the League Board.  Agreement must be made within ten (10) days of postponement.

 

-______The Board will hear all protests and appeals regarding suspensions, fines, and any other related circumstances as they are filed. All protests or appeals must be filed with in 48 hours of occurrence and pay a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25) for the appeal to be heard. Two Board members must hear the Appeal/Protest with the President’s vote deciding in a tie. If the Appeal/Protest is from a Board member, they will not be allowed to vote on the issue. The Board’s vote is final on all cases were in the players Arbitration Committee (PAC) is not eligible to review.

 

Article 2 Representatives

 

Section 1 – Players Arbitration Committee

 

-           A Committee comprised of players will hear select appeals of their peers. The Players Arbitration Committee (PAC) will be selected of players from every team, not to exceed three (3). Each of the players selected must have a minimum of two (2) previous years in the league, not counting the current season. On any given eligible appeal one (1) member from each team (minus the appealing team) will hear the appeal and rule on the imposed infraction. Managers are not eligible to be on committee. The Committee MUST decided based on these factors, the infraction, circumstances surrounding the infraction, the PMLB By-Laws, and guidance from the President. Normal appeal procedure still remains in effect. The Committee’s decision is binding and cannot be appealed by the League or the Player.  The following infractions are NOT eligible for PAC appeal.

 

 

  1. Non-Compliance of League Rules

a.       No representation at league meetings

b.      Suspension/Fines related to Non Compliance of Stat Submittal Policy

c.       Violation of League Uniform Policy

d.      Use of In-eligible player

e.       Non-compliance of League Fine/Fee policy(s)

               i.      Forfeitures fine’s/fee‘s

             ii.      Suspensions related to non payment of fines

            iii.      Non Payment/Payment Issue involving Umpires

  1. Player Ejection related to the following conditions.

a.                               Physical contact with an Umpire

b.                              Physical altercation with Umpire, Player, or Fan

c.                               Suspension/Fine as a result of an Manager’s ejection

 

 

 

Article 3 Representatives

 

Section 1 ‑ Representatives, Roll Taking, and Fines

 

            The Representatives shall consist of a member of each team, which board shall control all matters of interest to the League.  It shall have the power to decide questions appealed to it from the different Clubs, act upon complaints and charges brought and shall settle such business as may be brought before it by such Officers of the individual Clubs.

 

            A Twenty-five ($25) dollar fine shall be imposed upon a Club for not having a Representative at a meeting and shall be paid at the next meeting.  According to Article 13, section 2, fines will be doubled if not paid at the next meeting; this doubling will be rigidly enforced.  Any team failing to have a representative at two consecutive meetings, or missing more than three meetings per year (except in the event of a game or unusual extenuating circumstances as verified by the President), will result in a fine of $100.  Failure to pay said fine shall result in suspension of further League play by that team until fine is paid, and all suspended games will be forfeited.  Any team forfeiting three League games during the season shall lose its membership.

 

            If a team is missing due to a game but its opponent comes to the meeting, the team's absence is not excused and appropriate fines will be imposed.

 

            Late arrival at league meetings (excluding teams with games):  Representatives arriving over fifteen minutes late (except in the event of unusual circumstances verified by the President) will receive a warning on the first occasion and a $5 fine on each occasion thereafter.

 

 

Section 2 – League Fees

 

-           The Treasurer before the start of the season will determine league fees.  League Fees are due and payable prior to the start of the season.  All teams must pay their league debts by no later than the start of the season or they will be unable to play until the fees are paid.  Each game missed due to failure to pay will count as a forfeit.  If a team folds while owing money to the League, the team's manager will be placed on the monies‑owed list until the balance is paid to the league. Any debts/fines incurred during the season must be paid prior the Team’s/Player’s next scheduled game. If a Manager receives a fine and does not pay the fine it will result in forfeiture of all scheduled games till fine is paid. Players are not allowed to play if fine has not been paid to the league’s treasurer. If such player is found to play while either suspended or with fines owed all games played will result in a forfeit.

 

 

Article 3:  Players

 

Section 1 ‑ Roster Eligibility

 

            Each team will maintain a minimum of 15 players with the maximum not to exceed 25. Players added and/or released after the final League meeting will be required to wait 72 hours prior to being eligible to play.

 

-______Eligibility of players is determined by their age. Players who have not reached their 17th birthday will be permitted to be placed on a club’s roster, ONLY after the league has received a signed waiver/release of liability from the player’s parent/guardian, copy of Identification that verifies age, copy of photo ID, and proof of insurance (copy).

 

 

Section 2 ‑ Roster Date

 

            Final Roster additions will be July 4th or the All-Star game, which ever is the earliest. No additions to the roster will be permitted after that date has passed.

 

Section 3 ‑ Players with Outstanding Debts

 

            If a player is dropped or quits, he cannot sign with another team until he is released from the original team and returns all uniforms, equipment, and monies owed.  After a player has returned uniforms, equipment, and monies owed, his release cannot be held up by the original team and becomes automatic.  If his status is in dispute, the President or his representative will determine his playing eligibility.  There will be a three‑day interim period after the date of the release during which the player cannot play for a new team.

 

            Outstanding debts not paid to team:  Each team will turn in at the third meeting a list of players who owe team’s money, uniforms or equipment from the previous year.  These players are not eligible to play for any team until the debt to the original team is settled.  This will give the player time to settle the debt before the season starts. If the debt is not settled, he cannot be placed onto a roster.  If the player's original team decides to take him back, they must determine whether or not to remove him from the list.  If the player disputes whether he has settled with the previous team, the managers will vote on his status. 

               

There will be a 3-day interim period starting the next calendar day after the release during which the player cannot play for another team. The release does not take effect until the Secretary has been notified via online submittal. So if a player is released ANY time on Monday, then that player is NOT eligible to play until Friday.

 

 

 

Section 4 ‑ Suspension of Players

 

            For any offense, which merits player suspension, the President shall decide the penalty for such offense.  The President will notify the team's manager of such a decision.  The player may appeal his case in most cases. See Article 2, Section 1.

 

Section 5 ‑ Ejection from Game

 

            Any player being ejected from a game must leave the ballpark and remain outside hearing distance of the ballpark.  Use of profanity or excessive throwing of Equipment of any kind is a condition for being ejected from a game and will not be tolerated.  Ejections and distance from the ballpark will be at the umpire's discretion.

 

            On the first offense, an ejected player will receive a twenty-five ($25) dollar fine and be suspended for his next scheduled game.  On the second offense, the fines and suspension will be double, fifty ($50) dollars and a 2-game suspension.  On the third offense, he will be suspended for the remainder of the season to include all playoffs or all-star games.  Both Team Managers and the Head Umpire are responsible for notifying the League of ejected players, and it is the responsibility of the Secretary to keep records of ejected players and number of offenses.  The Secretary will keep the President and League’s Board Members apprised of these ejected players and their status.

 

Section 6 ‑ Bodily Contact with Umpire

 

            Should any player, coach or manager strike, bump or shove an umpire, he is to be immediately suspended for at least 3 games (with penalty to be determined by the President).  If a second offense occurs, player will be suspended for balance of the season and face fines. The Player will be placed on probation, at a minimum, for the following season.

 

Section 7 ‑ Uniform Regulations

 

            A batter must wear a protected headpiece, with ear protection facing the pitcher, when batting.  Coaches, to coach on the bases, must be in full uniform.  Uniforms must all be team uniforms; it is preferred ‑‑ but not critical ‑‑ that they all match.  Games cannot be held up or protested due to uniforms that don’t match. Teams must be in full uniform no later then the 4th week of the League Schedule. League sanctions can be imposed for teams that are not in compliance.

 

 

Section 8 ‑ Appearances for Playoff Eligibility

 

            In order to be eligible for the play‑offs, a player must participate in one third of the team's games during the regular season.  Courtesy runner does not count as an appearance. Each Team may submit to the League a Player(s) who they request to become eligible for the playoffs using the Grandfather Clause. The Grandfather clause is for Players who, with a justified reason, isn’t able to play during the regular season but who has shown in the past to have played a minimum of 3 consecutive playoff eligible years in the league. The Board excluding the requesting Team will vote all such requests on.

 

-_____Players are considered to have played in the game by the following ways

           

a.       1 plate appearance

b.      1 Inning pitched

c.       ½ inning defensively

           

 

            If a player switches teams during the season, the first team’s stats do count toward the player’s playoff eligibility.

 

Section 9 ‑ Teams Using Ineligible Players

 

            Each playoff team should receive a list of eligible players for each playoff team from the Secretary prior to the playoffs. If the list cannot be provided due to games not received at the time of the meeting before the playoffs, final verbal confirmation of eligibility should be made at the meeting and lists should be sent to each playoff team as soon as they are available. Ineligible player rules apply throughout the entire season.

 

            If a team is determined to have used ineligible players, the team will be fined forfeit fees for all games involving said ineligible players.  The manager will be suspended both as a player and as a manager for a minimum of 6 games.  The ineligible players used must also serve a minimum of 6 game suspensions.

 

 

Article 4:  Umpires

 

Section 1: Payment of Umpires

 

            Umpires will be paid by the end of the fifth inning.  In the event of an incomplete game, umpires are paid for 1/2 fee from start of game until the completion of the fifth inning.  After the fifth inning is complete, they are paid the full amount.  If a team fails to pay after the fifth inning, the team will be warned on its first occurrence, fined $25 on its second occurrence, doubling on each successive occurrence.  The umpire must inform the Umpire Assignor, who will keep a record. 

 

            A spectator can be picked to umpire bases, if both managers agree, and he shall be compensated.  However, if a spectator acts as a co‑umpire, the official umpire shall receive his usual compensation.

 

            Any umpire who plays on a League team is prohibited from umpiring in the League, unless both teams agree to his use as an umpire.  The Umpire Assignor must notify both teams in this event prior to the game.

 

Section 2 ‑ Umpire Regulations

 

            The Umpires shall make it their business to arrive on the playing field and be dressed and prepared to begin the game 5 minutes before starting time of the game and see that the infield, foul lines and batter's box are properly marked.  He is not to start the game until any defects are corrected.  At end of game, each umpire must sign the scorebook of each team.  Umpire names should be listed on lineup card.

 

            An Umpire shall be reported to the Umpire Assignor (who will notify the Umpires Association, if applicable) if he arrives more than fifteen minutes after starting time of a scheduled ball game.  A ten ($10) dollar deduction from his fee is imposed after fifteen minutes.  If an Umpire arrives at a game before the start of a game that is rained out, he is to be compensated ten ($10) dollars. It is the Umpire’s decision to play a game in questionable weather, and solely the umpire.

 

            If both Umpires fail to show up for a game, it will be up to the Managers to decide whether or not to play the game with fans officiating.  The Umpire Assignor must be notified within 24 hours if either or both umpires fail to show up for a game.  If an Umpire does not show up for two games without a satisfactory reason, the President will remove him from the list of eligible umpires.  For any other situations involving the actions of umpires where the manager has a concern or grievance, the Umpire Assignor should be contacted within two days.

 

Section 3 ‑ Assignment of Umpires

 

            The Umpire Assignor shall be responsible for assigning all Umpires to all scheduled games.

                Teams may request certain umpires, but the Umpire Assignor has final say on which umpire calls which game. All games will have 2 umpires unless informed otherwise.

 

 

Article 5:  Scorekeepers

 

Section 1 – Forwarding Stats

 

            Each Team shall forward the official score sheet to the League to be received not later than 3 days following playing of the game. Each will ONLY submit stats to the league in two (2) following forms. 1.) Via Fax, numbers will be posted on the website. 2.) Online Stat Submittal Form (available on the League’s website). At the end of the season, all teams must submit statistics on remaining games not later than 4 days after the team's final game.  The League prior to the meeting before the playoffs must receive all statistics sheets. The first offense of this rule will constitute a warning, failure to comply with this rule a second time will result in 1 game suspension for the team’s manager. A twenty-five dollar ($25) fine will also be imposed for failing to submit the stats within the allotted time a second time. On subsequent offenses, the President will determine the penalty.

 

Section 2 ‑ Official Scorekeeper

 

            The Home Team Scorekeeper will be the official scorekeeper.  In case of a disagreement between scorekeepers on a call, the Home Team and Visiting Team Managers will confer on the situation and decide accordingly.  At the conclusion of a ball game, both Scorekeepers shall check the Scorebooks to make sure all statistics are the same (hits, runs, errors, etc.)  First and Last Name are required on both Lineup Card and Statistics Sheet.  Lineup card must also include name of manager, record of team, and names of umpires.

  

 

Section 3 ‑ Notification of Newspaper

 

            It will be the responsibility of the Winning Team to call all game results into the Pocono Record before 10 p.m. the day of the game. In the event of a night game, the results will be called in on the following day.

 

            Please note that the starting pitcher must pitch 4 innings to record a win.

 

 

Section 4 ‑ Deliberate Misreporting of a Game

 

            If, in the opinion of the President, a deliberate misreporting of a game in the newspaper has occurred, the situation will be discussed at the next League meeting.  Representatives from each team involved will be allowed to state their case.   All representatives will vote on whether the misreporting was deliberate.  If it is so determined by a 2/3 vote, the guilty team will be fined $100 for the first occurrence, $200 for the second occurrence, and suspended from the League on the third occurrence.

 

            Any deliberate and/or egregious misreporting of statistics turned into the Secretary will be dealt with according to the severity of the offense(s). The Secretary will recommend to the President what punishment fits the crime and the President will decide what is fair. The punishment can be a monetary fine ($25 a game), or if there are multiple offenses by one team during the year, the president can place that team on probation for at least one year. A condition of that probation will be that the team will have all of their home games monitored or “double-checked” by the Secretary (i.e. once the Secretary receives a home game from the team on probation, he will call the visiting team’s scorekeeper and verify ALL stats for that game).

 

 

 

 

Article 6:  Playing Rules

 

 

Section 1 ‑ Courtesy Runner

 

            A courtesy runner is permitted for the catcher when there are two outs or otherwise arranged prior to the start of the game between both Managers.

 

Section 2 ‑ Number of Players

 

            A game may start with 8 players however the 9th spot in the order will be recorded as an out until the 9th player arrives. If both managers agree prior to the start of the game the 9th spot in the order out rule does not have to be in-forced. Games can continue if team loses players due to injury, ejection, etc., and the team still has 7 or more players.

 

Section 3 ‑ Catch and Carry Rule

 

            There will be NO catch and carry rule in League play.  As long as the defensive player has two feet in play when he makes the catch, the catch is good, and any base runners may advance at their own risk.  If the defensive player should step over the out‑of‑bounds line after making the catch, the ball is still in play (the ball is not dead), and the defensive player is free to make a play.

 

Section 4 – Batting Order/Line-up restrictions

            Teams may play up to 10 players in their batting lineup. This is to include one DH, and one EH.

-           If a starting player at anytime leaves the game for any reason, he or she is allowed to re-enter.

Section 5 – Intentional Walk

           In the event that a pitcher decides to intentionally walk a batter, he must throw the 4 balls to the catcher. The catcher must reset after every pitch thrown, or it is considered a catcher's ball, and all base runners will advance one base.

 

Article 7:  Official Ball and Bat

 

Section 1 ‑ Approved Baseball

 

            The Baseball to be used in the Pocono Mountain League Baseball (PMLB) any season shall be the approved ball as decided at the last League meeting of the season.

 

Section 2 ‑ Game Balls

 

            All games must be started with at least 2 new balls per team, and the other balls must be same brand/model the League has choose and be acceptable to the Umpire‑in‑Chief before being used.

 

Section 3 – Approved Bats

 

-           The PMLB approves the following Bats for Regular and Post Season play.

 

b)a)                        Wood bats

           

 

            At no time will a player bat with a damaged or unsafe bat IE cracked severely dented, or other wise deemed unplayable by the Umpire – In – Chief.

 

 

 

 Article 8:  Games

Section 1 ‑ Schedule

 

            At the first League meeting, a determination will be made of how many teams will play in the League during the season.  A Scheduling Committee will be appointed at the first League meeting to develop alternative scenarios for schedules.  The possibility of various divisions (and their ramifications as far as the playoffs) will be examined by the Scheduling Committee.  Representatives will agree to vote in favor of one of the proposed scenarios; if they wish to make a proposal, they should volunteer to be on the Scheduling Committee.

 

 

            One open date will be saved each month for League meetings, bearing in mind the dates of the All‑Star Game and the playoffs.  Playoff and All‑Star games shall be included in the schedule.  Final League schedule must be adopted by no later than the March meeting.

 

 

            Ground rules must be in writing and available at the field prior to the start of a ball game.  A copy must be turned in to the League before the start of the season.  In the event of a protested game, the Umpires shall keep the written rules and forward them to the League President.  Lineups must be given to opposing manager and umpires prior to the start of the game.  Acting manager must be indicated on the lineup card.  Umpire name should also be indicated.  Names on lineup card should include first and last name and be clearly spelled for newspaper and statistics.

 

 

 

Section 2 ‑ Game Conditions

 

            All double headers shall be 7 innings and if conditions are unfavorable, the matter shall be left to the discretion of the Umpire‑in‑Chief. All single games will 9 innings and if conditions are unfavorable, the matter shall be left to the discretion of the Umpire‑in‑Chief.

 

Section 3 – 10 Run Mercy Rule

 

            The Mercy Rule will be defined as the following: Either Team being ahead by 10 or more runs after the completion of the 5th inning.

 

 

Section 4 ‑ Game Times

 

            All games will start at 11:00 AM.

 

            Any Schedule changes MUST be approved by the President, and MUST occur within 48 hours prior to the original scheduled game.

   

Section 5 ‑ Playoffs

 

            Playoffs will be scheduled to start 1 week after regular season is completed on closest weekend. If there are any make-up games the League will schedule as needed.  The League President is responsible for setting all playoff dates.  Any changes to the playoff dates will have to be reported to the President.  Failure to do so will result in a forfeit for the home team with all forfeit penalties applied.

 

 

First Round: Four teams make the playoffs:

 

In One‑Division League, top 4 teams by record make the playoff.

 

Round one (best 2 of 3).  The lower seeded team will be the home team for game 1and will have choice of field. The higher seeded team will be the home team for Games 2 & 3 1and will have choice of field. In case of field dispute the lowest seed has first choice in game 1; the highest seed has choice for games 2 & 3.

           

            #4 seed vs. #1 seed, #3 seed vs. #2 seed

 

Championship Round: (best 3 of 5) #4 seed/#1seed winner vs. #3 seed/ #2 seed Winner. Highest seed gets home field advantage. The higher seed will have home field on Saturday. The following Sunday, the lower seed will have two home games. If needed, the following weekend, the higher seed will have two home games to close out the series.

  

Tie‑Breaker Rules:

 

When teams are tied for any of the seeds #1 - #4 the following Tie –Breaker rules apply: (If out of division Tie-breaker rules go Total League wide, not Head – to - Head)

1.                  The winner of head-to-head games between the tied teams; ( if out of division or tied, move to tie-breaker #2)

2.                  A single game is played. Coin flip is used to decide home/away. Note – THIS GAME IS TO BE PLAYED ON THURSDAYS. NO EXCEPTIONS. IF A TEAM CANNOT PRODUCE THE PLAYERS, THEN IT IS CONSIDERED A FORFIET.

When 3 or more teams are tied for any of the seeds #3 - #4 respectively, the following Tie –Breaker rules apply:

 

1.      Normal Tie-breaker rules apply to determine the top3 tied teams.(4 or more tied)

2.      Normal Tie-breaker rules apply to determine top seed among tied teams...

3.      The remaining 2 teams will play a 1 game playoff for the remaining playoff seed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall Playoff Rules and Regulations: 

 

            The winner of the final round will be the League Champion for the year and will represent the League in any series to be played against other Leagues.

 

            In each round, playoff games postponed because of rain or darkness shall be considered a complete game if more than 4 1/2 or 5 innings, or if tied played over at original site.  There will be one day off between each playoff series.

 

            The Secretary must be kept informed of all playoff game dates, times, sites and any changes and rescheduling.  He will be responsible for having the playoff schedule submitted to the newspaper(s) and keeping media apprised of any changes.

 

            All playoff games must be played with two official Umpires, unless agreed upon by both managers.  An additional third umpire may be supplied by the league if determined appropriate.  Playoff teams can supply Umpire Assignor with a list of 5 non‑preferred umpires for their playoff games.  Assignment will be made by Umpire Assignor ‑‑ teams cannot protest if another umpire is chosen.  The team has the option to have an additional umpire for a playoff game if they are willing to pay; the decision is entirely up to the home team.

 

            There is NO MERCY rule in all playoff games. Games are still seven (7) innings long.

 

Section 6 ‑ Regular Season Dates

 

            The PMLB shall determine the start/finish of the season by the third meeting of the year (March), as a general rule the season tends to begin the 3rd weekend of April, and close the regulation season by the last weekend in August.

 

Section 7 ‑ All‑Star Game

 

            The Starting line-up of the All-Star game is to be voted on by the players. This voting will be done by a numbered balloting system. The Board will select the All-Star reserves. A player may be nominated to the All‑Star team at only one position.  The League Secretary will compile the votes by position and provide copies to each team manager so that the manager has received them several days before the League meeting.  Managers will be responsible for distributing the ballots to his team. No games will be scheduled on the weekend of the All‑Star Game (scheduled or rainouts).

 

             Each Team will have at a minimum but not limited to 1 players represented at the All-Star Game. The Board will determine at that the League Meeting if Teams will receive a higher minimum amount of players to represent their Teams at the All-Star Game.  Alternates will also be selected, one per position with two alternates for pitcher.  Alternates will be contacted at least two days before the All‑Star Game if they are needed to fill in for a player.

 

            The managers of the All‑Star Game will be the managers of the Championship Round of the preceding year.  They will pick their own assistants.  In the event that the manager(s) from the preceding year is no longer participating as a manager in the League, the Board will determine the manager(s) for the All‑Star Game. Baseballs and Umpires fees will be provided by the league for the All‑Star Game.

 

            Any person picked to be on the All‑Star Team or as a manager thereof is obligated to participate in the All‑Star Game and must be available on both the scheduled date and the rain date.  If a conflict arises, notice must be given to the all‑star team manager at least 5 days before the scheduled date of the All‑Star Game so that an alternate can be notified.  If a person selected to the All‑Star Team or as its manager does not attend and does not give notice, the President will verify his reasons for not attending.  If his reasons do not constitute an extreme emergency, he will be considered ineligible for selection to the All‑Star Team for two years and could be suspended for the next three games of the regular season.

 

            At the league meeting after the All‑Star Game, any managers of absent players should be polled as to why their players did not attend.  Players will be penalized if appropriate.

 

           

Article 9:  Protest

 

Section 1 ‑ Protest Notification

 

            In case of disputes resulting between teams on the playing field, the President must be notified within 48 hours.  The decision will be made by the President and the Board if the President cannot make the decision.  There will be no appeal.

 

            Please keep in mind that if you are protesting a play during the game, that protest must be made before the next pitch or the protest then becomes invalid.

 

 

Article 10:  Contracts

Section 1 ‑ Official Form

 

            The Pocono Mountain League Baseball contracts must be signed by every player and managers, managers must get these contracts to the Secretary in a timely manner. Personal information will NOT be posted on the website, but player bios with general player info can be posted on the website. The player’s contract shall be the official contract for this League.  All player contracts are binding for a period of 2 years or until they are released by their team. NO player can participate in a Leagues sanction game with out contracts being submitted to the League. If Teams are found to have played an ineligible player they would Violate Article 3 Section 9 of the League’s By-Laws and would be subject to fines, forfeit of game(s), suspension or ALL of the before mentioned actions. The Board’s decision will be final

 

Section 2 ‑ Turning In of Contracts

 

            Contracts must be turned in to the League Secretary by the May meeting.

 

 

 Section 3 ‑ Roster Additions or Deletions

 

            Teams releasing any players or signing new players shall present individually signed contracts to the Secretary immediately.  The expiration date for signing players shall be posted.  Contracts are valid for two seasons. In addition, Adding players will only be accepted via the Online Form on our website. This will maintain a documented record of all player movement within the league.

 

Section 4 ‑ Player Releases

 

            A player seeking release from a team must ask for a verbal release from the manager.  A signed and dated release form must be submitted by the manager to the league via its online form on the website.  A manager cannot hold up a release if the player seeking release has returned all equipment and settled any monies owed.  There will be a three‑day interim period after the date of the release during which the player cannot play for a new team (see Article 5, Section 3).

 

Article 11:  Fines and Penalties

 

Section 1 ‑ Failure to Submit Score sheets

 

            For failure to submit score sheets to the Secretary within 3 days after a game, the Club shall be fined twenty-five ($25) dollars for each offense after their first. On the teams second offense and there after, the manager will be suspended for the next scheduled game. If the fine AND the stat sheet is not submitted to the league prior to the day of the next scheduled game, that game will be forfeited. (Forfeiture rules will apply)